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Palermo Missed Out On A Great Player - Oddo

2009-01-27T22:22:00.000-05:00

Bayern Munich full back Massimo Oddo talked to Mediagol about his team-mate Ernesto Sosa, who had been close to joining Palermo, until problems with his passport halted the move. According to the World Cup winner, the Rosanero have missed out on a major player.

"Sosa is a player of absolute value," he said," he showed his talent when he played in Argentina, where he allowed his team to make a jump in quality with excellent performances, obtaining great results, and then he arrived here, in a great team like ours. Source

Fiat Cuts Profit Forecasts; No 2008 Dividend Planned

2009-01-22T18:54:00.002-05:00

Jan. 22 (Bloomberg) -- Fiat SpA, poised to take a 35 percent stake in Chrysler LLC, cut its earnings forecast and said it won’t pay a dividend after fourth-quarter profit plunged as the recession hurt sales of its Punto cars and Iveco trucks.

Fiat, Italy’s biggest manufacturer, dropped 15 percent in Milan trading, a record decline, on concern the company may have to raise capital after debt rose. Net income fell to 163 million euros ($212 million) in the quarter from 570 million euros a year earlier, the Turin-based company said in a statement. Source

Italy tries to streamline bureaucracy

2009-01-21T23:22:00.002-05:00

ROME: Italy, known for its unwieldy bureaucracy, is announcing ambitious plans to digitize government, school and law enforcement services over the next three years.

Premier Silvio Berlusconi unveiled the "E-Government 2012" measures Wednesday.

He said Italy is lagging far behind its European counterparts in reducing paperwork and bureaucracy by going online. As a result, public administration continues to run inefficiently. Continued

On Facebook, Sicilian Mafia Is a Hot Topic

2009-01-21T01:25:00.003-05:00

ROME — Your college roommate is on Facebook. So are your cousins and colleagues and friends. But guess who else may find Facebook a great way to stay in touch?

Some people in Sicily who know a few things about networking.

In recent weeks, the Italian authorities have begun investigating Facebook discussion groups devoted to convicted Mafiosi, concerned that some members might be more than fans.

At the same time, a campaign calling on Facebook to remove pro-Mafia pages has been gaining momentum, while thousands of Facebook members have joined new anti-Mafia groups. Continued

Giusy Ferreri - Novembre Video

2009-01-19T18:36:00.005-05:00

New video by Giusy Ferreri - Novembre

Giusy Ferreri is an Italian singer and songwriter. She originates from Palermo, Italy. In 2008, she came second place in the first Italian edition of the talent show X Factor

Bad Weather in Sicily and Calabria, Italy

2009-01-19T14:40:00.004-05:00

Bad weather in Sicily and Calabria, Southern Italy has resulted in damages to the agriculture, which will be a loss of tens of million euros. Consequences will be serious for the citrus sector, on cereals, greenhouse cultivations and on olive groves. More on This

Murder Trial Begins in Perugia, Italy

2009-01-18T10:00:00.003-05:00

The trial in Perugia, Italy has opened for the American college student, Amanda Knox, 21 and her former Italian boyfriend, Rafaelle Sollecito, 24. They are accused of murdering and sexually assaulting Ms. Knox's housemate, Meredith Kercher. Prosecutors contend that the pair, and a third defendant who has already been convicted, killed Ms. Kercher in 2007 when a drug-fueled sex game went bad. Contined

Sardinia, Italy

2009-01-13T21:55:00.007-05:00

The Bear's Stone. This is a beach near Palau, Sardinia in Italy.

Explore Sardinia

Hotels in Sardinia- Compare Prices

Holiday in Sardinia - Discovering the Capital CityBy [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Luca_Frau]Luca Frau
The island of Sardinia thanks to its rich and ancient past, ancestral cultures, pristine traditions, high quality food and wines and of course to its hospitable people, is a good destination for a culture holiday.
Every year a lot of tourists decide to plan an holiday in Sardinia considering only its wonderful coasts that make it one of the more suggestive islands of the Mediterranean sea. When they are spending their beach holidays there, they discover there are other features that deserve to be known.
Cagliari, the capital city, is one of the more interesting places of the whole southern Sardinia. The richness of its history, testified by several archaeological sites of the Roman era, the historical districts in the city center of the Medieval age, the seafront with its unique limestone cliff called La Sella del Diavolo (The saddle of the devil), the salt ponds with their spectacular flamingo population and declared protected areas, create an unique and fascinating ensemble.
The popular and religious traditions reach their top with the festival to honour Sant'Efisio, the Patron Saint, and every 1st May the Saint effigy is carried in procession through the streets of the city center respecting a very ancient vote.
The food tradition is based on simple recipes mostly inspired by the sea. The restaurants and taverns of the Marina district, close to the harbour, preserve and offer still today the old fishermen recipes such as "la minestra di fregola con arselle" (a soup made with a typical Sardinian pasta and clams), "la burrida" (made with local fresh fishes marinated in a nuts sauce), "lo scabecciu" (made with fried mullets marinated with tomato sauce and vinegar).
During the winter months is particularly appreciated the tasting of the sea urchins, served raw in the small taverns of the seafront with fresh white wine and home-made bread. It is a pleasant interlude during the winter walks on the sea shore.
Cagliari mostly offers to its visitors small accommodations such as mini-hotels on the seafront or nice Bed & Breakfasts in the historic districts of the city center. This kind of accommodations have a good quality, budget rates and a warm atmosphere.
Discover the capital city of Sardinia is the first step of an ideal culture tour. http://www.domus-tour.com/
Luca Frau
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Luca_Frau http://EzineArticles.com/?Holiday-in-Sardinia---Discovering-the-Capital-City&id=1779773

Air France-KLM buys stake in Alitalia

2009-01-13T21:47:00.001-05:00

ROME, Italy (CNN) -- The board of ailing Italian airline Alitalia has accepted an offer from Air France-KLM to buy 25 percent of the company and become its international partner, Alitalia announced Monday evening.
Air France-KLM, which will pay €323 million ($431 million), will be the biggest shareholder in Alitalia and will have three seats the 19-member board of directors, Alitalia said in a news conference in Rome.
Alitalia will keep its name, logo and uniforms. The airline will fly 22 fewer jets, but its 148-unit fleet will consist of younger planes, mostly from Airbus.
Passengers will be able to fly to 70 Alitalia destinations: 23 in Italy, 34 elsewhere in Europe and 13 on other continents. Continued

Italian Mafia Suspect Escapes Through Sewer Pipes

2009-01-13T21:41:00.002-05:00

ROME, Italy (CNN) -- The suspected head of an Italian mafia murder squad eluded police for a third time, and may have escaped through the sewer pipes, according to Italian media reports.
Italian police examine a sewer that may have offered an escape route for a suspected mafia boss.
Giuseppe Setola, 38, is believed to have slipped into a tunnel built under his hideout near Naples, Italy on Monday, as police closed in on him, according to Italy's state-run ANSA news agency and reports in the La Repubblica and Corriere Della Sera newspapers.
That tunnel connects to the sewer system in the nearby town of Caserta, north of Naples. Corriere published photos of anti-mafia police searching through what was described as Setola's trash-strewn bunker and the tunnel.
Anti-mafia police have been searching for Setola for months, and have already arrested his wife and two suspected members of his crew, according to the reports. Monday was the third time he avoided arrest. Continued

Sightseeing Attractions in Italy

2009-01-08T17:02:00.001-05:00

Many places you may consider going

Italy govt okay with Alitalia-Air France deal-source

2009-01-08T01:44:00.001-05:00

ROME, Jan 7 (Reuters) - The heads of the Italian consortium which has bought Alitalia on Wednesday told the goverment they preferred Air France-KLM as their foreign partner and were told that the government had nothing against it, a CAI source said.

"The meeting went well," a source at the CAI consortium said after the executives met with Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. Continued

David Beckham Plays in Rome

2009-01-06T22:58:00.003-05:00

The Roma Captain, Francesco Totti, is thrilled with the stay of David Beckham in Italy. Beckham is playing in Rome on a loan from US side LA Galaxy, to prove to them that he's still the best fit player and regain his spot in England. Continued

Nilmar Move To Palermo Back On?

2009-01-06T14:56:00.002-05:00

Reports in Italy suggest that Brazilian striker Nilmar Honorato da Silva may be close to a move to Palermo despite the club claiming to have lost interest in him.

Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini has been in negotiations with the player all year in order to bring him to Sicily, but nothing had materialized until now.

A few months ago it was reported that the president had sent sporting director Walter Sabatini to International on official business, in order to negotiate for the young Brazilian striker’s contract.

Nothing had come of those rumors and on Monday the sporting director denied any further interest in the forward, but now it looks like a deal may soon be agreed upon, with the transfer window open and clubs more willing to agree to a deal.

The denial of interest in Nilmar may have been enough to put the player into a more agreeable mood in the hope that a deal can be made before the end of the month. Continued

The World Champions Still No. 1

2007-05-16T14:06:00.000-04:00

According to FIFA, Italy has managed to hold the # 1 spot in the rankings. There were a few matches in April that affected the monthly rankings from over a four year span.

It brought Italy, the soccer world champions, to stay at the # 1 spot.

More on this story

Mt Etna -More Lava

2007-05-10T23:58:00.000-04:00

The volcano in Mount Etna, continues to register seismic tremors and lava continues to flow down the mountain. So far there aren't any threats for the residents in Catania, Sicily.

Palermo

2007-05-06T21:10:00.000-04:00

The best city you may consider visiting while vacationing in Sicily would be Palermo. Palermo has many beautiful churches and museums that attracts tourists every year. Some churches that are popular are: The Cathedral of Palermo, San Cataldo, La Martorana. Museums: Teatro Massimo, Teatro Politeama.
A building that you may want to see is Palazzo dei Normanni. Tourists are always fascinated by the architecture of this building. Quattro Canti is a small place that lies at the crossing of very ancient streets that divide the town into its quarters.
Palermo is also known very well for their famous designer boutiques. Shopping in Palermo is quite an experience, it will remind you of being on 5th Avenue in New York City or Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Some of the stores they have there are Gucci, Versace, Valentino, Armani, as well as many other stores. They have many exquisite jewelry stores.

The Cathedral of Palermo

Teatro Massimo

Teatro Politeama

My Experience Visiting Sicily

2007-05-05T23:02:00.000-04:00

Sicily is one of the best places to visit in the summer time. The temperature can reach up to as high as 110 F and it is all dry air, no humidity. I'm going to tell you about the first day I went to Sicily. The moment my plane landed at the airport ( Falcone Borsellino), also known as Punta Raisi in Palermo, I was amazed by the beautiful mountains that surrounded me. As my father was driving me and my mother to our town in San Giuseppe Jato, we drove taking the road leading to Trapani. We drove through the country side. Everywhere I looked there was farm land that went on for miles. Farming is how some Sicilians make their money. The farms grow crops of grapes that are used for making wine, and they also grow olives, tomatoes, watermelons, fig trees, etc... Getting back to my ride from the airport going to my parents hometown... When we entered San Giuseppe Jato, I was stunned to see how diverse the town looked from my home town in New York. It looked like nothing I've ever seen. Pretty much all the houses in Italy are made of cemented stone. Some houses were built many. many years ago and are lucky to be still standing. The buildings lie close together and the streets are very narrow. On every other block you will find cafe's and pizzerias. They also have many small boutiques that sell clothes. shoes, and other necessities.

Monte Jato

2007-05-05T22:08:00.000-04:00

Monte Jato lies on a mountain top in Sicily. It was founded by the Elymians or by the Sicans by early 1st century BC. Monte jato was known as the city of Iaitas in 1st century BC. In Roman times it was known as Ietas and in the Middle ages, as Giato. In mid- 6th century BC this city had influences from the Greeks. Evidence from public buildings show that this city was rich from 4th century BC and on. The Arabs, in 13th Century BC, going against Frederick the II palisaded themselves in the town causing a long siege that lasted until 1246. The city Giato was destroyed in ruins, sending its people to Lucera in Puglia. In 1971 many people from various towns helped dig up the ruins of this city.

Learn more about Monte Jato

These Photos Were taken while visiting Monte Jato.

The Theater

Bathroom

Much More To Sicily than the Mafia

2007-04-17T22:57:00.000-04:00

There is Much More to Sicily than the Mafia
Greece and Mediterranean Travel Centre’s Private Touring in Sicily
Sicily is the large island just off the toe of the boot of Italy. Unfortunately its modern reputation is rather unfairly based on its association with the Mafia rather than with the reality of an island with some of Italy’s most beautiful towns and cities, stunning scenery and unique history. If you have watched the SBS show Inspector Montalbano you would have a chance to see a lot of Sicily’s charm.
Sicily is the only part of Italy which can boast a combination of Greek, Roman and Islamic influence. Mt Etna, Europe’s largest and most active volcano is usually growling but sometimes erupts in spectacular fury. http://www.etravelblackboard.com/index.asp?id=63601&nav=9

2007-01-25T22:35:00.000-05:00

I Love Italian Wine and Food - The Sicily Region
By Levi Reiss

If you are looking for fine Italian wine and food, consider the Sicily region of southern Italy. You may find a bargain, and I hope that you’ll have fun on this fact-filled wine education tour.

Sicily is the football kicked by the Italian boot. It is an island in the Mediterranean Sea located off the southwest tip of Italy. Sicily was first inhabited about ten thousand years ago. Agriculture and animal raising date back well over four thousand years. Its rulers have included the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Germans, and Spaniards, among others. This mountainous region is prone to volcanoes and earthquakes; in 1908 an earthquake and subsequent tidal wave killed eighty thousand people in the coastal city of Messina. Sicily’s population is about five million, with an additional ten million people of Sicilian descent around the world.

Agricultural products include wheat, barley, corn, olives, citrus fruit, almonds, and, of course, grapes. Tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers are prominent in local cuisine. Sicily is Italy’s second region for organic food. Many think that the Arabs introduced pasta to Sicily, which subsequently introduced it to the rest of Italy. Cattle, mules, donkeys, and sheep are raised. Sicily claims to have invented meatballs, The seas surrounding Sicily are bountiful, favorites include sardines, tuna, and swordfish. Sicily is famous for desserts, including frozen treats made with snow from Mount Etna.

Sicilian heavy industry includes petro-chemicals, chemicals, mining, and electronics. Tourism is a major factor in the Sicilian economy. Did you know that the Valle dei Templi in Agrigento on the Mediterranean Sea has some of the finest Greek ruins on earth?

Palermo, arguably the world’s most conquered city, is Sicily’s capital with a population of a little under seven hundred thousand. It is a definite tourist destination, with its numerous historical churches, museums, theaters, and Italy’s largest botanical garden. Another urban tourist destination is Syracuse, dating back to Ancient Greece. The Greek writer Cicero described it as “The greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of them all.” Both earthquakes and World War II caused heavy damage, but many of the most interesting sites have been reconstructed.

Sicily devotes about a third of a million acres to grapevines, it ranks first among the 20 Italian regions. Its total annual wine production is about 213 million gallons, also giving it first place. If Sicily were an independent country, it would rank seventh in the world for wine production. About 54% of its wine production is red or rosé (only a bit of rosé), leaving 46% for white. The region produces 19 DOC wines. DOC stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata, which may be translated as Denomination of Controlled Origin, presumably a high-quality wine. Only a little more than 2% of Sicilian wine carries the DOC designation. Sicily is home to over three dozen major and secondary grape varieties, with more white than red varieties.

Widely grown international white grape varieties include Malvasia and to a lesser extent, Chardonnay. The best-known strictly Italian white varieties are Catarratto, Grecanico, Inzolia, and Grillo. The first three of these varieties are blended in the wine reviewed below.

Widely grown international red grape varieties include Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. The best-known strictly Italian red varieties are Nero d’Avola, Frappato, and Nerello Mascalese.

Before reviewing the Sicilian wine and cheese that we were lucky enough to purchase at a local wine store and a local Italian food store, here are a few suggestions of what to eat with indigenous wines when touring this beautiful region.
Start with Insalata di Finocchi, Arance Sanguigne de Olive; Fennel, Blood Orange, and Olive Salad.
As a second course try Pollo con Prosciutto e Melanzane Fritte; Braised Chicken with Proscuitto and Fried Eggplants.
For dessert indulge yourself with Cassata; Candied Fruit and Chocolate on Sponge Cake.

OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY While we have communicated with well over a thousand Italian wine producers and merchants to help prepare these articles, our policy is clear. All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.

Wine Reviewed
Tasca d’Almerita ‘Regaleali’ Blanco 2005 IGT Sicilia 12.5% alcohol about $13

We’ll start by quoting the marketing materials. “Made with the local grapes Inzolia, Greciano, and Catarratto, this wine is matured only in stainless steel and is not put through acid-softening malolactic fermentation. The producer chooses this approach to retain the bright fruitiness and racy crispness of the wine. Enjoy with steamed mussels, chicken or summer salads.” And now for my thoughts on the wine.

I first tasted this wine with broiled chicken burgers accompanied by a hot pepper relish, and red peppers. The wine was light, perhaps a bit intimidated by the relish. It was delicate, but not weak. When I finished my glass with the red peppers, the wine was quite fruity and sweet.

I next tried this wine with fillet of sole poached in an onion sauce, accompanied by brown rice and okra in a tomato sauce. The wine tasted light and citrusy in the presence of the fish, and was more powerful when facing the rice and the okra. I finished that meal with fresh pomegranate. The wine became sweet and acidic, but did not take on new flavors.

Isola is a Sicilian fresh cheese made from sheep’s milk. The Isola cheese was powerful, strong smelling and strong tasting, especially when you crunched into a peppercorn. Unfortunately, the cheese overpowered this relatively light wine. In contrast, when paired with an Asiago cheese from northern Italy, the wine became quite full bodied and fruity. Sometimes rules such as local wines with local cheeses are meant to be broken. I had a bit of wine left over and finished the bottle with out-of-season strawberries. They brought out the wine’s complexity and softness.

Final verdict, in spite of its low official rating, I found the wine pretty good. I would buy it again, but avoid pairing it with strong-tasting food.

Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten books on computers and the Internet, but to be honest, he would rather just drink fine Italian or other wine, accompanied by the right foods. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. His wine website is http://www.theworldwidewine.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Levi_Reiss
http://EzineArticles.com/?I-Love-Italian-Wine-and-Food---The-Sicily-Region&id=356912

2007-01-22T20:54:00.000-05:00

Buying a Holiday Home in Italy
By Rhiannon Williamson

January is traditionally the time of year when we spend most time looking at holiday brochures and planning our summer break. It’s because the weather is cold, the mood at work is subdued and all the fun of the festive season has left us wanting more excitement.

Well, what could be more exciting that looking at prospectuses and websites for holiday homes for sale in one of the most romantic and stunningly beautiful parts of the world instead - namely Italy?

Indeed, Italy has one of the top ten tourism based economies in the world according to the World Travel and Tourism Council and this fact comes as no surprise because the nation has just so much appeal. On the one hand it has 7,600 km of Mediterranean kissed coastline – that’s almost as much as Spain and France…put together! It has historic cities in abundance from Pisa to Venice, from Florence to Rome, it has a dramatically rolling rural interior, shopping, culture, art and fine cuisine in abundance…and what’s more, its property market in many areas of the country offers up affordable holiday home stock.

Sure – locations such as Umbria and Tuscany have become overpriced and overpopulated with British buyers of rural, rundown renovation projects turning these regions into highly desirable, very refined havens! But if that sort of atmosphere doesn’t take your fancy or the inflated price tags don’t fit your budget then fear not. Instead look to neighbouring regions and lesser explored areas, move a little further away from the airports serviced by cheap flight operators from across Europe and you’ll suddenly fund an abundance of diverse property stock, some of which will most certainly appeal to your tastes and finances!

Consider Abruzzo, Puglia and Molise for as much charm and beauty as Tuscany or look to the western coast especially the Amalfi coast for the most stunning locations in all of Europe. For accessible city break locations, all of the famous northern cities have good international airport links, a wealth of apartment stock and some of the best restaurants and historic sites, shopping haunts and cultural delights in the world!

If you’re worried about getting a return on your holiday home in Italy then get an apartment in a city, a coastal villa or a rural retreat offering seclusion but stunning views and you have a gold mine of an investment asset that you can let long or short term and then enjoy yourself whenever the mood takes you for a getaway in a romantic setting where the air is clear, the climate is kind, the views are stunning and the nature of the land is passionate and beautiful.

Rhiannon Williamson writes about buying property abroad and international investment property worldwide, to read more about property in Italy visit her site http://www.shelteroffshore.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rhiannon_Williamson
http://EzineArticles.com/?Buying-a-Holiday-Home-in-Italy&id=404003

Destination Italy

2006-10-09T11:50:00.000-04:00

Destination Italy
By Vivek Kuriyal

An Italian holiday destination is invariably something remarkable to look forward to. Tourists just keep getting attracted to the country which perhaps has the richest and fullest history. Many find it to be one of the most colorful and vibrant places where the food, the culture, the total ambiance and the surrounding scenery makes for an exciting and excellent holiday destination. You will feel spoiled for choice and have difficulty in picking out which one is a better tourist attraction from amongst the many attractions that Italy offers.

Apart from Rome, Florence in the centre of Italy is one place which a tourist will love to visit. People like to get a view of Brunelleschi’s dome on the Duomo but ensure that they do not miss seeing Michelangelo’s statue of David. Though Florence is an all year destination, the actual fun is to be there in summer, which is the height of the tourist season. It is considered a good idea to plan your sightseeing in Florence so as to get the most from your trip. A free town plan and a list of museum opening times and prices from the Tourist Information Office, opposite the station can be picked up to aid one in planning out his tour. Keep in mind that some museums and galleries open only in the morning, while others are closed one or two days a week.

A visitor is rarely disappointed on a tour to Italy. Every tourist is attracted to something in particular. Some like the pizza, some are taken in by the ruins, while others admire the great works of art, the hot beaches and handsome youths are a favorite with the ladies and of course, some come to taste the good wine. One point a tourist should keep in mind on Italy tours is to be open and receptive which will ensure that you will get more than you had dreamed of.

http://www.stayresitaly.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vivek_Kuriyal

Wandering Italy to consider making Rome their home

2006-10-09T11:48:00.000-04:00

By Simon Evans

MILAN, Oct 9 (Reuters) - Italian soccer officials are to consider making Rome's Olympic stadium the permanent home for their World Cup-winning team, ending the tradition of playing games around the country.

But the suggestion could cause a political row in Italy, where there are strong regional identities, while Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has already criticised the luke-warm support for the team in Rome.Click here for more on this story

Lost on Mt Etna: 17 Maltese rescued

2006-10-09T11:44:00.000-04:00

Seventeen Maltese tourists, whose age varies from 22 to 40 years, were yesterday rescued after having lost their way while on an excursion on Mount Etna, Sicily, La Repubblica reported in its on-line edition last night.

Earlier, the online edition of the daily newspaper La Sicilia reported that the Maltese nationals had themselves phoned for assistance after losing their way in the area known as Piano Vetore, 2,050 metres above sea level, on the southern side of the mountain.click here for more on this story