Salve tutti,
The night we have been waiting for since at least the beginning of the new year, the Oscars, finally arrived tonight. The wait was almost as long as the show that was not very exciting, since there were no surprises. James Franco and Anne Hathaway, the hosts for the evening, were cute together. Ann got some very good advice from Shirley MacLaine a two time Oscar winner, "Change your dress often." And, that she did and, boy, were they F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
One of the best moments of the night came when Jeff Bridges presented the Academy Award for the Best Actress. He won the Best Actor award last year. Jeff's introduction of each actress and her work was so warm and personal that it felt as if he was wooing each one directly from the stage. You could see the way each actress practically melted under his verbal embrace. Very classy!
Natalie Portman won the award. You remember I was very impressed with Annette Bening, but Natalie was superb in 'Black Swan' and nobody was surprised by the choice. Natalie thanked her parents for showing her the right way to live by example and I liked that very much.
Here are some DOs and DON'Ts for Oscar presenters.
Ciao for now,
Joan
Monday, February 28, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Umbria Holiday Rentals at ‘THIS OLD CONVENT’ - BETTING ON SURVIVAL - SUPPORTS "LADY LUCK'
Tickets going fast for In Living Pink 2011!!! "Lady Luck: Vegas Casino Game Night" that will feature exciting casino gaming, complete with roulette wheels, blackjack, poker, craps tables, luxury prizes, great music and delicious food. It will be an evening not to be missed! Thursday, May 19, 2011 • 7:00 p.m. at Crimson 915 Broadway at 21st Street, NYC.Top casino prizes include a one-week stay in apartment 'DIECI' at the beautiful Il Convento Mincione in Umbria, Italy!
Wow! DIECI - Honeymoon Suite at Umbria Holiday Rentals at 'THIS OLD CONVENT' (Don't miss this TripAdvisor video clip!)
Young Survival Coalition is the premier global organization dedicated to the critical issues unique to young women who are diagnosed with breast cancer. YSC offers resources and connections so women feel supported, empowered and hopeful. Through action, advocacy and awareness, YSC seeks to educate and influence the medical, research, breast cancer and legislative communities to address breast cancer in young women, and to ensure that no young woman is left to face breast cancer alone.
In addition to offering the top-prize at "Lady Luck"*, Il Convento Mincione has become a Community Partner with YSC. This means that you can enjoy a holiday in Umbria at 'This Old Convent' and benefit Young Survivor Coalition at the same time - our association is a lasting means of combining giving with getting. Go to YSC's Breast Cancer and; Community Partners Page and see how it is done!
A presto at Il Convento Mincione!
Joan
*Just one small note. This "Lady Luck" is not to be confused with "A Little Bit O' Luck" the NY Lottery guy.
Wow! DIECI - Honeymoon Suite at Umbria Holiday Rentals at 'THIS OLD CONVENT' (Don't miss this TripAdvisor video clip!)
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| 'DIECI' - Outdoor Dining on Sunset Terrace at Il Convento Mincione - Umbria |
In addition to offering the top-prize at "Lady Luck"*, Il Convento Mincione has become a Community Partner with YSC. This means that you can enjoy a holiday in Umbria at 'This Old Convent' and benefit Young Survivor Coalition at the same time - our association is a lasting means of combining giving with getting. Go to YSC's Breast Cancer and; Community Partners Page and see how it is done!
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| 'DIECI' - Deluxe Swimming Pool and California Hot Tub at Il Convento Mincione - Umbria |
By the way, the top-prize winner may claim the FREE week at any time during the 2011 season which ends on 18th of November. If you don't think you can make it to Italy this season, go to the In Living Pink Gala anyway and win for your mother or mother-in-law.A presto at Il Convento Mincione!
Joan
*Just one small note. This "Lady Luck" is not to be confused with "A Little Bit O' Luck" the NY Lottery guy.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Umbria is for Lovers and One San Valentino was Born There!
Salve Tutti,
I hope all you lovers out there have had a wonderful day expressing your love for one another. But, have you performed any miracles for your beloved today? Why do I ask?, you say.
Well, did you know that San Valentino was a native of Umbria?
And, did you know that legend has it...
The Early Medieval acta of either Saint Valentine (there was more that one and two most famous ones that) were expounded briefly in Legenda Aurea.[16] According to that version, St Valentine was persecuted as a Christian and interrogated by Roman Emperor Claudius II in person. Claudius was impressed by Valentine and had a discussion with him, attempting to get him to convert to Roman paganism in order to save his life. Valentine refused and tried to convert Claudius to Christianity instead. Because of this, he was executed. Before his execution, he is reported to have performed a miracle by healing the blind daughter of his jailer.
Since Legenda Aurea still provided no connections whatsoever with sentimental love, appropriate lore has been embroidered in modern times to portray Valentine as a priest who refused an unattested law attributed to Roman Emperor Claudius II, allegedly ordering that young men remain single. The Emperor supposedly did this to grow his army, believing that married men did not make for good soldiers. The priest Valentine, however, secretly performed marriage ceremonies for young men. When Claudius found out about this, he had Valentine arrested and thrown in jail.
There is an additional modern embellishment to The Golden Legend, provided by American Greetings to History.com, and widely repeated despite having no historical basis whatsoever. On the evening before Valentine was to be executed, he would have written the first "valentine" card himself, addressed to a young girl variously identified as his beloved,[17] as the jailer's daughter whom he had befriended and healed,[18] or both. It was a note that read "From your Valentine."[17]( For full article see reference below.)
In addition, did you know that Il Convento Mincione is a very romantic place to spend Valentine's Day and a fecund place as well!
Oh, I love that word 'fecund' (Don't you?), especially the way the Julianne Moore and Mark Ruffalo savor it in the film "The Kids are Alright." This is a great movie and I think Annette Bening will win the Oscar for Best Actress for her performance. They use actress (f.) for award shows; actor (m.) when they want to be politically correct.
I think Natalie Portman, who won the Golden Globe in that category, gave a great performance in "Black Swan" and she worked really hard to get herself into shape for the role. I should be rooting for her blindly, since she and Roney went to the same dance school, Eglevsky School of Ballet on Long Island and danced together in the Nutcracker for many years. But, there is something to say for age and experience and Annette has both.
Talking about age and experience, do you remember or did you know that The Who had a hit called, "The Kids are Alright"? Listen to the lyrics and see if they relate to the movie. Listen to the melody and tell me if you don't think they were stealing from the Beatles!!!
See you at the Oscars?
Ciao for Now,
Joan
References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentine's_Day
I hope all you lovers out there have had a wonderful day expressing your love for one another. But, have you performed any miracles for your beloved today? Why do I ask?, you say.
Well, did you know that San Valentino was a native of Umbria?
And, did you know that legend has it...
The Early Medieval acta of either Saint Valentine (there was more that one and two most famous ones that) were expounded briefly in Legenda Aurea.[16] According to that version, St Valentine was persecuted as a Christian and interrogated by Roman Emperor Claudius II in person. Claudius was impressed by Valentine and had a discussion with him, attempting to get him to convert to Roman paganism in order to save his life. Valentine refused and tried to convert Claudius to Christianity instead. Because of this, he was executed. Before his execution, he is reported to have performed a miracle by healing the blind daughter of his jailer.
Since Legenda Aurea still provided no connections whatsoever with sentimental love, appropriate lore has been embroidered in modern times to portray Valentine as a priest who refused an unattested law attributed to Roman Emperor Claudius II, allegedly ordering that young men remain single. The Emperor supposedly did this to grow his army, believing that married men did not make for good soldiers. The priest Valentine, however, secretly performed marriage ceremonies for young men. When Claudius found out about this, he had Valentine arrested and thrown in jail.
There is an additional modern embellishment to The Golden Legend, provided by American Greetings to History.com, and widely repeated despite having no historical basis whatsoever. On the evening before Valentine was to be executed, he would have written the first "valentine" card himself, addressed to a young girl variously identified as his beloved,[17] as the jailer's daughter whom he had befriended and healed,[18] or both. It was a note that read "From your Valentine."[17]( For full article see reference below.)
In addition, did you know that Il Convento Mincione is a very romantic place to spend Valentine's Day and a fecund place as well!
Oh, I love that word 'fecund' (Don't you?), especially the way the Julianne Moore and Mark Ruffalo savor it in the film "The Kids are Alright." This is a great movie and I think Annette Bening will win the Oscar for Best Actress for her performance. They use actress (f.) for award shows; actor (m.) when they want to be politically correct.
I think Natalie Portman, who won the Golden Globe in that category, gave a great performance in "Black Swan" and she worked really hard to get herself into shape for the role. I should be rooting for her blindly, since she and Roney went to the same dance school, Eglevsky School of Ballet on Long Island and danced together in the Nutcracker for many years. But, there is something to say for age and experience and Annette has both.
Talking about age and experience, do you remember or did you know that The Who had a hit called, "The Kids are Alright"? Listen to the lyrics and see if they relate to the movie. Listen to the melody and tell me if you don't think they were stealing from the Beatles!!!
See you at the Oscars?
Ciao for Now,
Joan
References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentine's_Day
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Anne Robichaud - Trip Advisor's # 1 Attraction in Assisi
Salve tutti,
My friend, Anne Robichaud, a native of Wisconsin (Go, Packers!), has lead a fascinating life in Italy. Over the past 30+ years, Anne has transitioned from tilling the soil and raising animals to creating and directing a very successful English language school in her home town of Assisi to becoming certified as an official Umbrian tour guide.
Anne is a 'treasure-trove' of information on many subjects, who gives visitors to Umbria a totally authentic experience.
The very amiable director the museum invited Silvana and I into his antique shop across the street. People are really friendly here.
Don't take my word for it. See for yourself!
Go to Anne's website www.annesitaly.com , if you want to know when to come and what to do in Umbria.
Ciao for Now,
Joan
My friend, Anne Robichaud, a native of Wisconsin (Go, Packers!), has lead a fascinating life in Italy. Over the past 30+ years, Anne has transitioned from tilling the soil and raising animals to creating and directing a very successful English language school in her home town of Assisi to becoming certified as an official Umbrian tour guide.
Anne is a 'treasure-trove' of information on many subjects, who gives visitors to Umbria a totally authentic experience.
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| Anne Robichaud in Red with Guests from USA and Silvana, Anne's best friend |
The day these pictures were taken was the last day for visitors to see how the restoration of a small alcove in the Basilica of St. Francis was progressing. Imagine standing nose to nose with Saints in Giotto's most famous works!
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| Refreshing the Work of Giotto in the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi |
These visits were scheduled for ten minute intervals. And, so after our celestial time, we went to explore another side of Assisi which is more down to earth. That side is seen in the people's art in a museum dedicated to Artisans and Tradesman.
We were invited to step inside...
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| Museum of Trades and Crafts |
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| Hand-Made Baby Carriage |
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| Painted Rocking Horse |
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| Rolling Metal Horse with Tools Displayed on Wall |
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| Parcelain Doll Seated in Toy Car Giving Praise |
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| Equality in Restriction |
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| Silvana and the Museum Director/Antique Dealer |
Don't take my word for it. See for yourself!
Go to Anne's website www.annesitaly.com , if you want to know when to come and what to do in Umbria.
Ciao for Now,
Joan
Thursday, February 3, 2011
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