Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Fancy Plaques

Labroarte Ceramiche plaque, LivornoThis “Labroarte Ceramica” (Labronic Art Ceramics) plaque is an interesting starting point for a post just because of that “Labro” prefix. We have already seen that “Labronic” is a more emphatic form used for a library or an academy, while “Livornese” is for everyday use.
The four towers shown in the plaque are quite important in the history of Livorno. From left to right: the “Torre del Marzocco” (Marzocco tower), the “Mastio di Matilde” (Matilda's Keep), the “Torre della Meloria” (Meloria tower) and the “Fanale dei Pisani” (Pisans' Beacon). These are the last still standing of many more.Hairdresser for man and woman, plaque, LivornoNot far, another fancy sign: “Hairdresser for man and woman - Donati Sabrina's - No lunch pause”.Plaque: Mood, weather and money could affect the opening hours of this shop, LivornoLast but not least this funny disclaimer: “Mood, weather and money could affect the opening hours of this shop! Excuse me”.

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26 comments:

  1. stromsjoNovember 25, 2009 at 12:03 AM

    I like that disclaimer. Finally, truth in advertising! :)

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  2. Luis GomezNovember 25, 2009 at 1:50 AM

    These are so pretty.

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  3. brattcatNovember 25, 2009 at 2:41 AM

    Thanks for the translations, VP. I'll have to remember that last one on the days when I can't drag myself to my desk, and on the days when I can't drag myself away from it. Now I know there is at least one kindred spirit out there. I also love the four towers and appreciate having their names. I wish I knew more of the history of how they got those names.

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  4. HildaNovember 25, 2009 at 4:49 AM

    Such beautiful and artistic ceramic plaques! I think I want the last one on my office door too! What's 'office' in Italian? :)

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  5. cieldequimperNovember 25, 2009 at 8:31 AM

    The last one is too funny! The first one is beautiful and the second one, lol, that's *almost* my name! ;-)
    I was introduced to MC by my mother and Giuseppe (DS). At first I preferred tenors and then suddenly I had a revelation. The problem now is that I compare every singer to her and no one comes near, apart from maybe la Cecilia who in my point of view also has an expressive voice per se. I didn't know there were widowers when she lived Avenue Georges Mandel, I went there just to see where she had ended in sadness.

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  6. tapirgalNovember 25, 2009 at 9:17 AM

    The first one really is beautiful, and charming with the towers. The last, as Ciel said, funny. Thanks for these.

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  7. Bhavesh ChhatbarNovember 25, 2009 at 11:59 AM

    Amazing!

    Garden Lizard

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  8. Cezar and LéiaNovember 25, 2009 at 12:26 PM

    Dear friend,
    I'm double happy now!First because this post is really cool and I loved it. Also because I could try how's my Italian...in fact I can read, "almost read"( LOL )it's nice, but the real difficult thing is trying to speak! LOL no way! :)
    However, I'm happy that you help us with some translation!Thanks!
    The last one is my favourite!Such a nice one! :)
    Hugs
    Léia

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  9. B SQUAREDNovember 25, 2009 at 2:03 PM

    What's not to like. Beauty and honesty.

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  10. GunnNovember 25, 2009 at 4:50 PM

    Pretty, and the last one is my favorite! ;-)

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  11. HalcyonNovember 25, 2009 at 5:00 PM

    Funny! I enjoy all of these plaques. Some people have a good sense of humor.

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  12. VPNovember 25, 2009 at 5:36 PM

    @ brattcat - After the bridges we'll see the towers, but I need some more photos.
    @ Hilda - The Italian for office is not so different: ufficio.
    @ ciel - The 'vedovi' was a mocking definition often used at the time...
    One of the best opera ever recorded is the Tosca directed by de Sabata, with MC & GdS. An 'r' too much?

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  13. jooNovember 25, 2009 at 5:36 PM

    Those plaques are wonderful - I couldn't choose my favourite this time!

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  14. VPNovember 25, 2009 at 5:39 PM

    @ Léia - I'll try post every funny plaque or sign I find. I'm glad you can 'almost' red them...

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  15. Rob SiemannNovember 25, 2009 at 6:59 PM

    Very nice, very fancy. I think I'd actually fancy one like that!
    Congrats to your 100th follower, my friend!

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  16. FioNovember 25, 2009 at 7:54 PM

    Questa l'ultima mi piace di piu' ;-)

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  17. cieldequimperNovember 25, 2009 at 8:33 PM

    Yes, 1953. I avoid any Callas after 1957 with one exception: the 1958 Traviata in Lisbon. What her voice had already lost she makes up for with her drama talent.

    No, not an "r" too much! ;-)

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  18. UnknownNovember 25, 2009 at 9:02 PM

    Glad I could read (and understand it! Lol!) what's written on the third plaque without translation. Very funny! Nice theme set again!

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  19. TinsieNovember 25, 2009 at 10:20 PM

    Cool post! I like plaques and often photograph them myself. LOL @ the last one hehe!

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  20. IlseNovember 26, 2009 at 12:02 AM

    I just love the ceramics one finds in Italy. Almost every town seems to have their own styles & designs. Could become a consuming passion.

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  21. AnonymousNovember 26, 2009 at 12:08 AM

    I want one of those plaques that declare mood, money and weather are reasons for not working!

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  22. TussyNovember 26, 2009 at 1:27 AM

    They are so pretty!

    You Got A Posty
    All Little Things I Like

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  23. PJNovember 26, 2009 at 4:07 AM

    That last one is just a hoot! Everything is very artistic and thoughtful, such a nice touch.

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  24. AndreeaNovember 26, 2009 at 6:23 AM

    The last one is pretty funny, I should make myself one.

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  25. AnonymousNovember 27, 2009 at 1:25 AM

    It is so nice when people care to bring something pretty in their lives.

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  26. CopenhagenNovember 29, 2009 at 11:13 PM

    Once again the tiles are one of the best art forms in history.

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