L'Italo-Americano

THURS DAY,   JANUARY  17,   2013  L'Italo-Americano PAGE  15 Renaissance Academies: Predecessors to Modern Social Networks Continued from page 1 The interests of the Academies covered literature, culture and the sciences and ranged over many subjects: from astronomy to theatre, from poetry to politics, from linguistics to music, and the figurative arts. Academies published in all these and many other fields. Alongside their serious debates, Academies had a more playful aspect, which was reflected in the names and devices of the Academies and their members. Membership included pioneering scientists, literary polemicists, political thinkers, and representatives of all social classes. Members of Academies used to adopt curious and amusing nicknames and pseudonyms which eventually became their identity within their groups. Finally, more than usual, Academies and their members were represented in their publications in punning illustrations, emblems, devices or just serious portraits. All the ideas and concepts you can find in an actual Facebook or Twitter profile. "As we adopt username and pictures for our Facebook and The Italian Renaissance sculpture of David by Michelangelo Twitter profile to create groups and share news, comments and ideas, members of the academies used nicknames and illustrations to establish groups to talk about daily news and share insights about the last theatre shows, poems and more", said Professor Jane Everson. And like the social networks today, many of the interactions were based on the concept of leisure and fun, she added. Within a different timeframe compared to today (although in a very quick way for that age), through their publications, academies were still able to connect members from different places such as Naples, Palermo, Venice, Siena and others. A Renaissance version of the web able to connect places with different political views and sometimes with conflicting relationships, in which letters, documents, books or any sort of works created a gigantic flow of information that circulated between regions. Colosseum reveals secret hues. 'Riot of colour' for what was thought to be just white, restorers say Continued from page 1 "They've uncovered complex decorations, floral patterns in polychrome glory including azure, ochre, pink and green," said the superintendent of the iconic Rome monument, Rossella Rea. "We've known since the 19th century that the Colosseum's white splendor was punctuated by square red plaster tiles, but we never expected to find such multi-hued decorations, a veritable riot of color," she said. Alongside this "technicolor surprise," Rea went on, the restoration team also uncovered, underneath centuries of graffiti and visitors' signatures inscribed in the ancient stonework, "symbols of ancient machismo and blood lust as well as erotica including phalluses. "The Colosseum was full of color, covered in frescoes," Rea said. Rea said the new decorations would 'hopefully be on view from next summer, joining the other new features the Colosseum has added, enhancing its timeless lustre'. The 2,000-year-old symbol of Rome, set for a 20-million-euro clean-up and restoration starting this year, recently expanded its range of tourist attractions when it opened up the underground pits where gladiators and wild beasts waited before being win- Colorful decorations and artwork were uncovered on the walls of the 2,000-year-old structure ched from darkness into the arena's cruel glare. The so-called 'hypogeum' (literally, 'under ground') was restored in a multi-million-euro project that also installed new, muted lighting effects. Rea said the hope was to have recaptured 'some of the atmosphere' of the breathless moments before the games commenced, when the armored or naked fighters and the wild animals were hauled up through 80 trap-doors. The father-and-son team - the so-called Flavian emperors built their monument to Rome's grandeur in travertine stone before giving it the marble clad- ding that amazed contemporaries - and was still its crowning glory until generations of popes picked away at it for their own architectural testaments. "Hardly any of the marble is left now," Rea said, "but that loss has been partly compensated by the discovery of these stunning pictorial remnants, a secret trove of color we never knew existed". The Colosseum or Flavian Amphitheatre (its proper name), whose construction started between 70 and 72 AD under the Emperor Vespasian and was completed in 80 AD by his son Titus, attracts some five million visitors a year. Jan. 17, Thurs.-Federated Italo-Americans of Southern California Dinner Meeting at Casa Italiana (1051 N. Broadway, L.A., 90012). Dinner 7pm RSVP $15. Meeting 8pm-9pm no cost. To also discuss and finalize statement opposing the The Native American Day bill, or AB 55 [(California could soon be the next state to do away with Columbus Day thanks to a bill proposed by Assemblymember Roger Hernandez (D-West Covina)]. For information or to rsvp for the Dinner, contact Maria Borgese (818) 846-5764, Palmie Crispie (818) 246-5749 or annpotenza@aol.com. Jan. 19, Sat.-AP ITALIAN PREP CLASSES. Registration has begun for Pre-AP and AP Italian Preparation classes at the Italian Cultural Institute in Los Angeles and at UCLA. Classes at the IIC and at UCLA begin on Saturday, January 19, 2013. To request an enrollment form call (310) 739-9350. Jan. 19, Sat.-The Garibaldina Society Annual Snowflake Ball. Cocktail Hour 6:00pm, Traditional Italian Dinner 7:00pm. Dancing to The Dennis Le Pron Band. Evening Dress: Men: Coat & Tie, Ladies: "Party" Attire. Adults only please! Reservations are required and must be received by Jan. 14, 2013. Members: $32, Guests: $37. For more information call Reservations Chairman Marie Mor (818) 249-9363. Jan. 19, Sat.: Grandsons of Italy in America Meeting at Vitello's Restaurant, 4349 Tujunga Ave., Studio City, 11:30 a.m. For info call (805) 529-9726. Jan. 19, Sat.-Grandsons of Italy in America Meeting at Victorio's Ristorante, 10901 Victory Blvd., North Hollywood, 11:30 a.m. For info call (805) 529-9726. Jan. 20, Sun.-Italian Cultural Arts Council ~ Presents ~Cinema Italiano! Film: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (1963). At the Bowers Museum 2002 N. Main Street, Santa Ana, CA 92706 (in the state-of-the art, ultra deluxe Norma Kershaw Auditorium). COST: Adults $10, Students: $5 (no need to RSVP). Parking INFO: The north and south lots cost $6. Disabled parking is free. There is free parking in a public lot on Main and Buffalo Street (a short walk across from North Lot with easy access back to museum by traffic signal) Street parking is free. SCHEDULE: Arrival: 1:302:00 pm, Reception/Refreshments. Seating in Auditorium: 1:45 pm, Program Begins: 2:00 pm. For information call (714) 567-3600. Jan. 21, Mon.- San Padre Pio Society Dinner Mtg. 6:30 pm, Casa Italiana. Una serata piacevole per stare con amici. Cost: $15.00 per person. For Reservations and information please call the president Maria: 818-241-4672 Jan. 24, Thurs.-The Garibaldina Society Pasta Platter Dinner Dance. The Garibaldina Society Women's Extension cordially invites you to the Pasta Platter Dinner Dance. Cocktails 4pm, Dinner 5pm sharp!, Dancing 6-8pm. Pasta dinner includes Salad, Pasta, Sausage, Glass of Wine & Dessert. Dancing to the music of Dennis Le Pron & The Time Machine Band. Dress Casual. $10 Members- $12 Guests. For reservations: Jean Giacomelli (626) 281-6639. Jan. 27, Sun.-POINTers (Italian Genealogy Group)-Luncheon 12:00 to 4:00pm at Raffaello Ristorante (400 S. Pacific Ave., San Pedro, CA 90731). For reservations and information call Diane at (310) 645-9442. Jan. 28, Mon.-ICF Branch #67 Polenta Dinner 6pm at Casa Italiana (1051 N. Broadway, Los Angeles, 90012). $20 per person. For reservations contact: Nick M. D'Egidio (President) (562) 947-2819, Guy Masciotra (Life Member Emeritus, Past President) (818) 848-1862, or Pat Mages (Recording Secretary) (805) 492-9658.

• Cover