cptgaio

Alright about the island (which I've never really loved much), less so about the pendulum, which from a purely writing quality perspective I find superior even to the name (though it's clear it has decidedly wordy parts). Baudolino is pure fun, seasoned with the usual learned references. The mysterious flame, on the other hand, disappointed me quite a bit.

serious, not sertio...

"that in Italy 75% of people haven't understood, according to my findings" Miiiii, you're better than Mannheimer, Franci! ;-)
Great interview, classic questions but with intriguing turns. I know little about his groups except for a few festivals where they've played and where I happened to be, but I've never paid much attention because I've never really liked the genre. Anyway, speaking of another topic that came up in the comments, I think Sanremo for Agnelli is a natural evolution that starts from "Quello che non c'e'" onwards and before judging I would still wait to hear the song. Maybe Agnelli will bring a destabilizing piece on the sertio...I don't believe it much, but hoping costs nothing.

If you happen to be in Vicenza, maybe let your uncle here know, so I can come say hello, is it February 21st?

I like it a little less than "Amore del Tropico" but it's a great record.

days, not circles...

@Valerio: for the most part, Psycho has answered you (thanks for stopping by Psy!) about Eco's cultural importance: I won't get into the political issue because I have very precise (and therefore very subjective) ideas on the topic (let's just say that if I have the political orientation I do, it's also because he was one of my "bad" teachers) but I don't want to spark a political discussion because there are already too many heated ones on these pages nowadays. Regarding factual knowledge, it depends on how you see it; I've always taken it as something useful to provide prompts and then allow personal research to unfold freely. All in all, I think I also fall into the category (certainly of very low rank compared to others or even to Eco) of those who have a factual-didactic approach, but I’m not ashamed of it at all because 1) I do it on purpose because I enjoy giving the incipit and then seeing what happens with people, and 2) because I know deep down that I go well beyond mere didacticism and I don't worry too much if others don't notice; it’s enough for me that the message I want to convey gets through (the use of a not very varied vocabulary also serves that purpose—the certainty that my words reach anyone with the same meaning I intended). Of course, if someone wishes to delve deeper, I certainly won’t hold back. I think that someone like Eco should always be listened to because among thousands of notions, there’s always a profound, unified thought. Bye.
@Algol: you’re welcome, let’s hope!

Well, the issues raised:
@Alia/Martina: they have already replied to you both literally and paraphrasing, anyway a (modest) paraphrase, I had included it in the review as well (twice, albeit in different forms). @Sfascia: we have also talked about many things concerning her... but only in positive terms! @Dream, Algol (I’ll get back to you on the Hammers) and Defender who mentioned the movie: I have to say that (maybe because I’ve always loved Annaud) the film (which I saw after reading the book) has always been very dear to me and despite changing a couple of things from the book, I’ve always considered it an excellent adaptation for two main reasons: the first is that the screenwriter made the right choice, that is, he chose to take the book on only one level of reading, the mystery plot (the historical and theological issues are mentioned but certainly in a quick manner), and so from that point of view there is a good respect for the book; the second is the gothic atmospheres that Annaud recreates quite well (then there’s also that Connery to mention, but that’s a matter of taste...).
@Algol: it’s a West Ham jersey that I have supported since I was 13-14 years old, and without beating around the bush, it’s about the Maiden, if you want to know more just say it, and I’ll make an autobiographical post ;-) By the way, I see quite a bit of disheartenment among the Neapolitan brothers: guys, you’re fifth in the ranking... what are you complaining about? :-)
@Giacomo: feel free to tell me what you disagree with, as I always enjoy comparing different points of view, and maybe I made some huge blunders.
I hope I haven’t skipped any pending issues. Thanks again to everyone for stopping by!

So, thank you all for stopping by and in such numbers (I'm not used to this for my writings!). I will respond in the next comment regarding the questions raised, but first, I would like to say to Fusillo that at first I had only seen his 5...only later did I realize he had placed the spade ace first...b........irichino ;-).

Mmm, I think Valerio doesn't want to make peace with me... what a shame. Two things: I don't think it's right to call Eco a baron (I believe his story and conduct prove otherwise) and also, you could have spared us the final closing with the gun. Well, it doesn't matter, now I'll respond to everyone else (just think, Valerio, how much I care about you: I've reserved a comment just for you!)