Mitty-me
I built the battleships Bismarck and Tirpitz, and sank them both. My part in a larger cause.
Urn
There are recovered antiquities, like Greek urns, and real artifacts, such as Naples.
Tears
Crying has less to do with showing feelings than public confusion about to behave when embarrassed.
The Name of the World
Michael Reed's life is falling apart (he's over 50, after all); cometh a younger woman. Johnson saves this from the maudlin.
The Big Lebowski
Among the most absurdly funny films made since 1950. The Dude rules.
American Zoology 101
With the start of the 2008 presidential election campaign, Italians are again turning to the United States for a show.
Brown sugar, red whip
Top of the list for improving my Italian parenting: Making Chocolate chip cookies.
Charlie Wilson’s War
Though well-intentioned, Nichols' liberal cautionary tale constantly trips over itself.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Steve Martin and John Candy makes John Hughes' comic road movie a masterpiece.
Zia
Rome 1985: An year-end cocktail party, an important man, and a presence that can come to harm.
La Faute à Fidel! (Blame it on Fidel!)
When in doubt about the history of your life, blame your parents.