Italian Newsletter
Sign-up to receive daily news on Italian by email.
Italian Resources
Latest Film News
Latest news on Italian
AutosScience Proves Exotic Cars Turn Women On
A study commissioned by a phallically named insurance company proves beyond all doubt that the unbridled roar of an Italian supercar turns women on but the soft purr of a fuel-efficient econobox doesn't stimulate anyone's MPG-spot.
David Moxon subjected 40 men and women to the sounds of a Maserati, Lamborghini and Ferrari, then measured the amount of testosterone in their saliva. He found everyone had higher levels of the stuff -- a measure of their arousal -- after hearing the revving exotics, but the amount the women had was off the charts.
The econobox, however, left everyone colder than a January day in Nome.The study was commissioned by the ultra-exclusive British insurer Hiscox (we swear
we're not making this up), which was curious to know how people respond to high-end luxury cars. "We knew owners of luxury cars felt a connection with the sound of their vehicles," says Steve Langan, managing director of the insurance company. "We have now scientifically proven the physical attraction people feel when it comes to cars."
To test the theory that high-performance cars get people hot, Moxon had 40 men and women listen to recordings of the three Italian exotics and a Volkswagen Polo. Everyone had significantly more testosterone after hearing the exotics, and all of the women were turned on by the Maserati. The guys, on the other hand, were drawn to the Lamborghini.
?We saw significant peaks in the amount of
testosterone in the body, particularly in women," Maxon says, noting that even women who said they had no interest in cars were turned on. "Testosterone is
indicative of positive arousal in the human body so we can confidently
conclude from the results out today that the roar of a luxury car
engine actually does cause a primeval physiological response.?
As for the Polo? Everyone had less testosterone after listening to it. That means the acceleratus interruptus of a Prius going
all-electric in traffic is automotive equivalent of skin
flicks starring previous secretaries of state.
Don't buy it? Check out these videos of Maserati, Lamborghini and VW Polo exhaust notes and tell us how you feel afterward. Be forewarned, though -- we are not responsible for any primeval responses they cause.
Photo by Flickr user VOD Cars.
Published: Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:03:49 GMT - Source: Blog.Wired.Com - Read the articleNorth AmericaNice large sunny room w/bath available in great neighborhood (oakland hills / mills)
We have a wonderful room available for an individual. Open to short term or sublet or for a visitor, someone in transition, a commuter or an international student or faculty (there is one Italian in the house!) Long term is available for the right fit/situation.
The bedroom is 11 x 14 and has a large (8 feet) bay window (so it is sunny!) but with mini blinds & drapes, nice hardwood floors, and a large closet. The bath is sunny and has a full size tub & large vanity. Room can be furnished (w/tv)or not & includes:
-kitchen access (fully equipped)
-Comcast cable
-all utilities, garbage, elec. includes (no phone privileges)
-wi-fi
-washer/dryer/clothesline
-close to casual carpool & buses, BART, Mills College (2 miles), 6 miles from Cal, 2 miles to Merritt College, 4 miles to Laney College,
-clean, quiet, residential neighborhood, very safe
-up the street (8-10 minute walk) from Farmer Joe's Market, Peet's, Library, Banks, Post Office, Cafes
-plenty of off street parking
-beautiful landscaped garden (lots of our own tomatoes!)
-Very close to regional parks and hiking/biking trails (less then 2 miles)
-Very green home: we recycle everything, compost our food and only use natural cleaning products. Health conscious.
We are a married couple in our 40's: one educator one chef with a daughter, 15, who lives here every other week (bathroom would be shared with her when she is home). Because this is a family home, we are looking for someone who is quiet, clean, responsible, friendly yet respects others privacy. Must be a non-smoker, no heavy alcohol. No drugs. Nothing funky. Potential tenant would need to provide a copy of a driver's license and/or passport.
The house is between highway 13 and 580, closest main street in Lincoln Avenue, just below the Mormon Temple and Greek Theater.
Fees:
$750 per month
or $200 per week with everything above included. Call us at 510-530-5010 or email for more info. No pets. More photos can be sent by request
Published: Thu, 04 Sep 2008 05:43:08 GMT - Source: Sfbay.Craigslist.Org - Read the articleNorth AmericaBarcelona suite at the historic Cooperage (sonoma) $375 2bd
The historic stone Cooperage building is one of Sonoma's most distinctive buildings erected in 1911 by Italian stonemasons just one block of the main plaza.
Staying in the 900 sq. ft. Barcelona suite is like traveling abroad with an eclectic mix of decor. Renaissance antiques, oriental rugs, Mid-century modern, original art, Gourmet country kitchen, along with 46" sony hd tv, cable HBO, Blu-ray player, and Wi-Fi, add up to a wonderful mix of style and modern convenience. The suite has a large living room/ dining room , 2 air conditioned bedrooms, one with king bed and the other with queen bed, country kitchen with all utensils, large bathroom with double marble sinks and a tub/shower. The suite is in the front second floor of the historic Cooperage building with private stairway, one block from the Sonoma plaza, and looks out over the city and Depot park across the street. Depot park has horseshoe pits, The largest petanque courts in the U.S., swings for children and the Sonoma bike path runs through it. Many of our guests rent bicycles delivered to the door and tour the city and close by wineries and shops and restaurants without ever getting back in their car. A nice patio area with tables, umbrellas, and a barbecue are open in the back. The rates are $375. a night as a two bedroom, and $275. a night as a one bedroom. An elaborate continental breakfast is served to the door at 8 a.m. Your hosts, artists Claudia and Ken Wagar have their studios and gallery on the first floor and welcome to look around. For more info
go to TheCooperage Inn.com
Please inquire by calling 707-996-7054 and we will take your reservation or give you additional info or arrange to e-mail you more photos.
Published: Wed, 03 Sep 2008 03:09:15 GMT - Source: Sfbay.Craigslist.Org - Read the article
Sign-up to receive daily news on Italian by email.