Fuji’s Z20FD digital camera is the newest toy for adults that promises to make you cool by association. 

Offered in Jet Black, Wasabi Green, Hot Pink, and Ice Blue, the camera is chock full of new features, such as 16 scene modes, a MPEG-4 Movie mode, and a Blog Mode. 

In Dual Blog Mode, for example, images and movies are automatically resized to a smaller, Internet-friendly file size, making it easier to upload them to blogs, online-sharing sites, and send them via e-mail.  

While geared towards the young and trendy, the ultra user-friendly design and compact, sleek shape of this camera are convenient for anyone. 

Just point and shoot, and the camera takes care of the rest.  It reduces blurring, variates the intensity of the flash as needed and automatically reduces red eye.  

Bottom Line – From your teenager to your grandfather, this camera makes a fun and useful gift for any generation.

Cheers,

Tom Taraci

People are always asking for my favorite Italian restaurant in NYC.

It’s a hard question to answer, but after a return visit to Spiga last Saturday night I’d have to list it as a contender.   

Sometimes you want big and brassy; at other times you’re looking for the cozy neighborhood place.  Reminiscing of so many of the best restaurants in Italy, Spiga, an intimate, albeit, crowded space on the upper west side, has some of the most innovative but approachable Italian creations in the city.    

An appetizer of sautéed artichokes with pistachios and black olives had us licking the plate.   The same was true for homemade sea bass ravioli, with a mixed seafood ragu and saffron sauce. The wine list is well-rounded with choices from $38 and up.  We had a delicious 2003 Ceuso from Sicily, a full bodied flavorful wine with good fruit and a long finish. 

One caution, tables for four are small; order appetizers, salads and entrees and you’ll be balancing plates on your head.  Try to book for two or six and you’ll be more comfortable.  Spiga’s a great choice for anyone visiting the Museum of Natural History, the Beacon Theater or is simply looking for la realta (the real thing).

200 W 84th St
(212) 362-5506

www.spiganyc.com

Pompeii is teeming with history. 

The eruption of Mount Vesuvius during the 1st century and the subsequent annihilation of the entire city makes it one of the most tragic events to ever take place.  This moment was preserved by ash and lava and has now been uncovered to street level through archaeological digs.

One thing you should know about this Roman city is that you have to walk everywhere.  There is a parking lot for your car outside the city gates which cost just a flat fee.  You will also have to buy a ticket to get into the town, which makes it seem sort of like Disneyland.  Trust me, it is nothing like the amusement park.

Once you’ve gained entrance, a guided tour costs a relatively small amount of money or you can roam around on your own.   Pamphlets and audio guides are available if you chose that route.

Perhaps the most startling thing to see during your visit is the preserved bodies at the Archaeological Museum.  Not only is it bone-chilling to see them stuck eternally in the fetal position, but they are also very small.  Grown men measured what looks to be only 4 ft.  The House of the Vettii, along with the rich frescoes of the House of the Mysteries and ancient thermal baths are a wonder to look at.  From the inscriptions written on everything from floors to walls (the equivalent of an olden day sign and also modern day graffiti) you can see the sense of humor of the time.

For example, one that especially struck me was “Salve, lucru,” meaning ‘Welcome Money,” written on the floor of a trading company.

Another display of Pompeiian humor and one you won’t find in a guidebook is the penis shapes cut in stones and seen everywhere from streets to houses. Many say that they are meant to bring fertility, but I was told a different story by a local: Being a port town, there were many brothels and they pointed the direction towards them.  Nowadays, if you step on one, you are supposed to have luck in bed.  There is also plenty of erotic relics and paintings.

Happy travels!

Tom Taraci