Notebook

Economists Alberto Alesina and Andrea Ichino write about "homemade" Italy.

It's not yet clear whether Gianfranco Fini is Italy's new hope or just another flavor.

Italy is a country that systematically keeps merit at bay, at it's own risk.

What causes cancer? Indigestion. And is that Pippo Baudo giving another speech? Now, go buy me a P2.

The Berlusconi sex scandals have less to do with sex than beating the system.

Italian family life is the sit-com that keeps on giving.

Get married! Be happy! But if it's happening in Italy, listen up.

According to Roger Abravanel, Italy's tendency toward "social demerit" runs deep.

A new book sharpens the focus on Italian identity.

Imagine what you will, but you can't turn Italy into a Dr. Seuss fable.

My son's doing just fine in America, thank you. And no, I won't wear black...

Italians trivialize offense to justify a passive-aggressive outlook on life itself.