“What the barbarians did not do, the Barberini did.” This Latin epigram—“Quod non fecerunt barbari, fecerunt Barberini”—has, over time, become proverbial. Nowadays it is invoked to criticize those who, under the guise of progress or authority, violate their own cultural legacy. The phrase was originally a pointed rebuke of the Barberini family, particularly Pope Urban … Read more
“I was told horse manure would do wonders for my strawberries. I tried it, but honestly, I still prefer them with a sprinkle of sugar — less earthy, more edible.” Moral of the story: always read between the lines. Especially when the advice smells a bit off.
The Arrow and the Song(Henry Wadsworth Longfellow) I shot an arrow into the air,It fell to earth, I knew not where;For, so swiftly it flew, the sightCould not follow it in its flight. I breathed a song into the air,It fell to earth, I knew not where;For who has sight so keen and strong,That it … Read more
When people think of Greece and its music, the most common image is that of men dancing in a circle to the lively and stirring rhythm of syrtaki. However, syrtaki is not a traditional folk dance with ancient roots. It was choreographed by Giorgos Provias specifically for the 1964 film Zorba the Greek, set to … Read more
Apparently, it is impolite to say ‘you are getting on my fucking tits’. So, for the sake of civility, why not go with something more ‘poetic’—like ‘you are the Monday of my life’? It is the same soul-crushing sentiment, just wrapped in metaphor. Because nothing says ‘you ruin everything’ quite like being compared to the … Read more
“De minimis non curat praetor” is a Latin legal maxim meaning “The magistrate does not concern himself with trifles.” This principle reflects the idea that the law does not bother with insignificant or minor matters. In modern legal contexts, it serves as a reminder that courts typically avoid addressing trivial issues that do not result … Read more
“Accattati un parrapicca” is a vivid Sicilian saying that literally translates to:“Buy yourself a ‘parrapicca.’ “ The word ‘parrapicca’ is a made-up, whimsical term—often imagined as a toy or gadget meant to occupy someone who is being overly chatty, meddlesome, or just plain annoying. This expression is typically used to playfully tell someone to keep … Read more
“Ci voli u ventu in chiesa, ma no astutare i cannili!”(Sicilian saying) “There needs to be fresh air in the church, but don’t blow out the candles.” It is a Sicilian metaphor about balance: the “wind” symbolizes change, renewal, or perhaps transparency, while the “candles” represent faith, tradition, or what is sacred and essential. So, … Read more