Category Archives: English

Who Invented the Telephone?

Posted on June 20, 2019 by babbityjean

American school children are taught that is was Alexander Graham Bell.  In fact, it was Antonio Meucci.  He was an interesting and prolific inventor who, unfortunately, had a tragic life. Meucci was born in Florence in 1808.  He attended the … Continue reading →

Posted in English, Firenze, Foto, Immigrazione, Italia, Italoamericani, Storia | 1 Comment

Carpaccio times 2

Posted on June 13, 2019 by babbityjean

Carpaccio is an antipasto that frequently appears on Italian menus, as well as in other cuisines.  In its traditional form, it is very thinly sliced raw beef drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice, and seasoned with salt and pepper.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Arte, Cucina italiana, English, Italia, Storia, Venezia | 1 Comment

The Nun of Monza

Posted on June 6, 2019 by babbityjean

In I Promessi Sposi, Alessandro Manzoni calls her “Gertrude.”  Her given name at birth was Marianna de Leyva but she assumed her mother’s name, Virginia Maria, when she became a nun.  The story of her life — full of sex, scandal, power, … Continue reading →

Posted in English, Film, Foto, Italia, Libri, Storia, Vaticano | 2 Comments