The Matthew Online

French dance troupe aims to redefine hip hop

By Carolyn Landry

ROME, April 30 - When people think of going to a hip hop show, visions of rap music blaring and break dance battles come to mind.  Kafig, the French modern dance company, gives the experience a new spin.

Performing last month at Teatro Palladium, Kafig’s beginning act started with three performers dressed in suits, moon-walking across the stage, gliding and doing “Matrix” like moves. Three single lamps illuminated them as they moved their bodies to a few simple beats.

Because of their eclectic dance styl e -- replete with risky stunts and humorous chatter -- the 90-minute show kept the audience transfixed. 

 

Remember these words: kiss, lock and toss

By Ruthie Kasnett

ROME, April 30 — Kiss, lock and toss. In recent months, these simple words have become a ritual of enduring love for both Roman and tourist sweethearts alike. 

And what is this new tradition of proving their undying love? Hanging a padlock on Rome’s most ancient bridge - Ponte Milvio - then tossing the key into the Tiber.       

Zen wall gazing: do try this at home

By Jeanette Pollara

Rome April 27 - Atop the city, in the midst of the hustle and bustle of Termini Station is a haven to leave all burdens behind.  This place is the Zazen Mediation center in Piazza Dante where JCU’s Zen class on Tuesday night took part in a two-hour mediation and dharma talk.

“ZaZen practice is a way to realize our body is constantly manifesting Buddha Nature,” said Dario Doshin Girolami, JCU’s Zen teacher and Reverend Zen monk at Tuesday night’s mediation. Girolami explained to everyone the importance of “dropping off body and mind” while one meditates. Also, that the mediation center is a place to relax oneself and release any tension or thoughts from the past and the future.

Mark your calendars for May 11: party!

On May 11, 45 Giri will be hosting JCU graduation after-party, writes Astrid Allard. The party will be a celebration for the class of 2007 graduates, plus a send-off for visiting students who soon will leave Rome.

 

Rome's best gelato (il gelato migliore)? Read on

By Shira Nanus

ROME, April 26 - When searching for the best gelateria in Rome, where should you go? Unfortunately, public opinion is divided, but the search is well worth the effort.

Here's how most locals put it: Some have a favorite Roman gelateria where every flavor offered is delicious. Others say that only through trial and error can you discover the best flavors, yet all to be found at different places.

Where do they agree? Whether Italian or a visiting tourist – that even the smallest taste of gelato makes your day that much better. 

The best pizza in Rome? Click here

By Rada Steinberg

ROME, April 26 - Italy and pizza go hand in hand, but where is the best pizza to be found in Rome?

Every street in Rome seems to have at least 4 pizzerie. Many are no better than mediocre, but still, eatable. After looking up many pizzere advertized as “The best in Rome!,” only a few come close.

DJ Jazzy Jeff rocks Rome's Piper Club

By Vanessa Dones

ROME, April 25 - The walls of the historic Piper Club, located in the heart of Rome, came alive with the beats of hip-hop pioneer, DJ Jazzy Jeff last Wednesday night. Jazzy, along with the rest of his entourage of friends and fellow DJs kept the crowd swaying well into the early morning.

The DJ Jazzy Jeff showcase has been a long awaited event for Rome’s party crowd, organized by a promoter well known to JCU students, Alfredo Martinez. DJ Jazzy Jeff, also known as Jeffery Townes, is most famous for being apart of the 1980s duo DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince. Together, he and friend Will Smith took home a Grammy for their hit, "Parents Just Don’t Understand". Later, Townes acted along side Smith in his sitcom, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

 

JCU grad faces hunger, disease and war in Darfur

Abeshwa Tadesse , a John Cabot University graduate (Class of 2003), works with Action Against Hunger, an international humanitarian organization in the Darfur region in Chad near the border with Sudan.  After Tadesse earned his BA in International Affairs at JCU in 2003, the multi-lingual Tadesse got his Masters in Human Development and Food Security at the Roma Tre University.

He was in Rome recently where another JCU alumnus, Fatin Al-Rawahy, interviewed him. Here's what he had to say:

(Picture at right: Tadesse in Darfur refugee camp)
 

      

Spettacolo “Visioni di Roma” Has Successful Debut

By Blair Mlnarik

Rome, April 24 – On Monday night, the students of JCU’s Italian Theater Workshop class presented “Visioni di Roma,” the culmination of their semester-long work in Italian 305. 

The original theater presentation was a combination of short monologues interspersed with music, dancing, running, with some wrestling thrown in for good measure.

Psst... some CV and interview tips for your next job

By Jamie Schwam

ROME, April 24 – Between ten and 60 seconds, that’s all.

That is the amount of time you have to impress a prospective employer with your resume, (or, curriculum vitae).

Dr. Gabriele Ghini of the international head hunting firm, Heidrick & Struggles, came to JCU to discuss what major businesses look for when searching for their prospective candidates.

Heidrick & Struggles has been around for more than 50 years specializing in senior-level positions for major corporations.  Although Ghini focuses more on top level management placement, he discussed with JCU students recently the parts of a resume you should avoid, plus the sections you should highlight to land your first big job. Then, he discussed the dreaded job interview.