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Showing posts with the label italy

The Real Story Behind 'The Alto Knights': Robert De Niro’s New Mafia Masterpiece

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Throughout his acting career, Robert DeNiro has taken on roles such as a godfather, an Irishman, and a good fellow. Currently, he is portraying a couple of wise guys. In “The Alto Knights,” DeNiro plays not one, but two notorious gangsters: Vito Genovese and Frank Costello, two Mafia bosses who ascended to prominence together and eventually turned into virtual archenemies within the New York City criminal underworld. Based on the work of Nicholas Pileggi, who authored " Wiseguy: Life in a Mafia Family" —the inspiration behind the classic gangster movie "Goodfellas"—this Barry Levinson-directed film (known for directing " Rain Man") offers a meticulously detailed account of the complex relationship between Costello and Genovese. The narrative delves into their power dynamics, culminating in an assassination attempt that severely tests the previously strong bond shared by these influential mob leaders. In the movie, Costello, dubbed ...

King Charles Pens Letter to Pope Francis: Italy and Vatican Trip Confirmed Amid Health Concerns

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King Charles III and Queen Camilla are making a visit to Italy and the Vatican during the same week as their 20th wedding anniversary celebration. King Charles has penned a letter to Pope Francis for his recovery amid his health worries As arrangements for the monarch's trip to the Vatican and Italy are finalized. The King, 76, and Queen Camilla , aged 77, plan to tour Rome and Ravenna in Italy along with Vatican City over four days, from April 7 to 10. This same week also marks another significant event: their 20th anniversary. th The wedding anniversary falls on April 9. The official overseas journey of the royals is proceeding as planned notwithstanding the Pope’s medical issues. According to an insider from the palace, they remain hopeful and prayerful that Pope Francis' well-being will allow the tour to continue. It is understood that this sentiment will also be shared by the royal pair, insiders indicate. Aides at the palace have dubbed this j...

Tens of Thousands Rally for Europe in Rome as EU Rearmament Raises Concerns

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MILAN (AP) — Thousands of Italians participated in a pro-European demonstration in central Rome on Saturday, holding up blue flags. European Union Flags serve as a symbol of support and unity amid a European initiative for rearming which splits the nation. The initiative, backed by most of the center-left opposition parties even though they have varying stances, was initiated by Italian journalist Michele Serra towards the end of February. It began with an editorial published in the Italian daily newspaper La Repubblica entitled "Let’s Say Something European." I aimed to orchestrate a significant gathering of people advocating for Europe, its cohesion, and liberty, without displaying any political party banners—only flying European flags," stated Serra as he introduced the rallying cry: "In this place, we build Europe, or else we perish. This initiative came into being as a reaction to U.S. President Donald Trump His disruptive policies led to an un...

Discover the Charms of the Amalfi Coast Alternative: Less Crowds, Equal Beauty

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While the Amalfi Coast is famous for its lemons, nearby Cilento boasts an abundance of eggplants, artichokes, and zucchinis. It also produces white figs—soft and delectably sweet. These were generously shared with my kids by a friendly farmer during our wait in a hilltop village, where we observed mourners passing through after a funeral procession. Though the Cilento region While perhaps not globally renowned, the health advantages of following a Mediterranean diet are indeed well-established. In the 1960s, the concept that ingredients like olive oil, close-knit family structures, and — let’s admit it — even moderate consumption of red wine could contribute positively to one's wellbeing was explored in an area named Cilento. There, an American researcher named Ancel Keys resided in a village called Pioppi—now home to a modest museum—and investigated local culinary practices and customs. The inhabitants of this region were particularly noted for their longevity and relative...

Secret Passages Hidden in Da Vinci's Sketches Unveiled Under Milan’s Medieval Fortress

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Beneath Sforza Castle In Milan, researchers have uncovered a network of hidden passageways that were formerly illustrated by the Renaissance polymath and artist. Leonardo da Vinci and crossed by a widower burdened by sorrow. The tunnels were discovered by experts from the Polytechnic University of Milan, who used ground-penetrating radar and laser scanners to map the 15th-century stronghold’s subterranean structures. The imaging revealed cavities and passageways positioned just a foot or two below the ground. "The objective is to generate a digital twin of the Sforza Castle, a virtual replica that depicts both the present state of the fortress and enables exploration into history by uncovering old structures that have since become invisible," explains Franco Guzzetti , a geomatics researcher at the Milan Polytechnic University, as stated statement . The construction of Sforza commenced in 1358 by the workforce, yet the fortress met its demise due to politi...

Which European Country Is Most (or Least) Family-Friendly? Five Writers Weigh In

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Many different measures can be used to evaluate, weigh, and gauge our home continent; these include concrete figures such as Russia being its largest nation (which is clear) and Vatican City being the smallest. Monaco stands out for having the highest population density whereas Iceland has one of the lowest densities, provided you consider Greenland as part of Denmark. politically speaking, it is ). However, some aspects are more challenging to measure precisely. For instance, which nation crafts the finest wines (relax, France; it’s merely a query)? Or, which boasts the most exceptional traditional cooking (once again, France, there’s no reason to get agitated — we’re all aware that "cuisine" comes from you, and although this might indeed showcase your undisputed talent for culinary arts, let’s maintain composure). What about the least tangible concept—family-friendly atmosphere? Does Germany feel more at ease concerning this aspect compared to other places? d...

This Chic Italian Gem Birthed a Beloved Cheese—and Escapes the Crowds

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All you need to know for organizing your visit to Parma, Italy, can be found here. Parmigiano-Reggiano stands out as one of the globe’s most renowned and cherished cheeses; however, few travelers initially consider its origin when they plan their trips to Italy. This oversight is truly regrettable. Even after residing in Rome for half a decade and making numerous visits prior to that, it was quite some time before I ventured to Parma. Once I arrived, though, I understood just how remarkable this destination had been all along. Nestled within the region of Emilia-Romagna, approximately sixty minutes away from Bologna, Parma finds itself right in the middle of Italy’s culinary paradise known as the Food Valley. Indeed, it has earned recognition from UNESCO as a City of Gastronomic Creativity. Parmesan heritage dates back to ancient Roman times; however, it reached an apex upon becoming part of the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza in 1545. During the reigns of the Farnese du...