Elon Musk Told ‘Not to Interfere’ in Migrant Policy by Italy’s President | BBC News

Nov 15, 2024 | Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella has told Elon Musk “not to interfere” in the country’s politics, after the billionaire waded into a debate over Rome's migrant policy.

Mr Musk commented on a ruling by Italian judges that curbed Italy's controversial deal with Albania over processing migrants, writing on X that this decision was “unacceptable”, and that these judges “need to go”.

In an unusual move, President Sergio Mattarella indirectly responded to Musk in a statement.



Democracy has turned toxic! I wonder why? – © Mark Alexander

Becoming Il Duce: Mussolini's Fascist Revolution | Full Documentary | Episode 1

May 25, 2024 | In the fall of 1922, former teacher and journalist Benito Mussolini had only recently been elected to parliament when he seized power. His legal coup d’état, which began on 24 October in Naples, was a masterstroke. Standing before 40,000 Fascist party members, he issued an ultimatum to the fragile Italian parliamentary monarchy: “Either they hand us the power, or we will descend on Rome!” The militants, wearing black shirts and armed with clubs, headed for the capital. Following on from this legendary march on Rome, Mussolini headed up a totalitarian regime that lasted two decades.

The first episode of this portrait of Il Duce will explore how Mussolini took power and consolidated it until the Second Italo-Ethiopian War in the mid-1930s. He was a populist leader in terms of how he spoke to the Italian people, and a dictator in terms of how he exerted his power. He came from the extreme left but governed from the extreme right. Mussolini invented the new ideology of fascism and was helped in his mission by the business community who wanted an end to left-wing rule. Despite his brutality, he sought to please the Italian people, promising them a return to the grandeur of Rome. He enjoyed undeniable success for several years, both at home and abroad, until his inevitable downfall.

Documentary: Mussolini, The First Fascist – Episode 1: The Word and the Cosh (2021)
Direction: Serge de Sampigny
Production: Histodoc

Tiny House with Erotic Frescoes Uncovered in Pompeii

THE GUARDIAN: Paintings include one depicting a scantily clad Phaedra, mythological queen of Athens, and her stepson Hippolytus

A tiny house featuring erotic frescoes is the latest discovery in the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Pompeii. Experts say the exquisitely decorated abode, called the House of Phaedra after the mythological queen of Athens, sheds light on the changing architectural styles in the first century AD but is also further proof that the residents of Pompeii had an appetite for sensual art.

The vividly coloured wall paintings include one depicting a sexual encounter between a satyr and a nymph on a bed and one of a scantily clad Phaedra and her stepson Hippolytus, whom, according to Greek legend, she accused of rape after he spurned her advances. Another fresco features gods presumed to be Venus and Adonis. » | Angela Giuffrida in Rome | Friday, October 25, 2024

Italy’s “Disgusting” New Law Makes It Virtually Impossible for LGBTQ+ Couples to Have Kids

LGBTQ NATION: The move is part of far-right Prime Minister Georgia Meloni's quest to purge gay parents from the country.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni
In Italy on Wednesday, the Italian Senate pushed forward the West’s most restrictive ban on international surrogacy, making it a crime punishable by prison time for Italians to use surrogates in another country. The move closes the door on same-sex couples’ last, best option to start a family in the country.

The far-right government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had already banned both surrogacy and domestic or international adoption by same-sex couples in Italy.

The legislation amending existing Italian law would classify surrogacy as a universal crime transcending borders and impose a two-year prison sentence and a million-euro fine for defying it. The law also criminalizes work by Italian doctors, nurses and technicians in foreign fertility clinics that provide surrogacy services. » | Greg Owen | Wednesday, October 16, 2024

What can people expect from a far-right government except dark times? Fascism is as fascism does. – © Mark Alexander

Italy Criminalizes Surrogacy From Abroad, a Blow to Gay and Infertile Couples

THE NEW YORK TIMES: The new law was pushed by the party of Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s conservative prime minister.

A protest organized by families and L.G.B.T.Q. associations to support surrogacy in Rome in April. | Andreas Solaro/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
Italy passed a law on Wednesday that criminalizes seeking surrogacy abroad, a move the country’s conservative government said would protect women’s dignity, while critics see it as yet another crackdown by the government on L.G.B.T. families, as the law will make it virtually impossible for gay fathers to have children.

Surrogacy is already illegal in Italy. But the government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has vowed to broaden the ban to punish Italians who seek it in countries where it is legal, like in parts of the United States.

Analysts saw the legislation as a way for Ms. Meloni to assert her conservative credentials and appeal to her political base, which disproportionately opposes surrogacy and adoption by gay couples. Italy, home to the Vatican, already ranks low in Europe when it comes to civil liberties, and Italian critics say that by imposing further restrictions on gay families, Ms. Meloni has taken a particularly hard line.

Even before it passed, the law had plunged gay families into panic. Now, they feel even more in danger, since under the new law they could be subject to prison sentences and large fines if they seek a surrogate birth abroad. » | Emma Bubola, Reporting from Rome | Wednesday, October 16, 2024

The population of Italy is in steep decline. More people are dying there than there are babies being born. So, I would have thought that Georgia Meloni would be grateful for any babies being born to Italian families, straight or gay, by natural means or through surrogacy.

No doubt for a devout, upstanding lady such as Georgia Meloni, for a person of such high morals, it must be extremely difficult to countenance babies being born in surrogacy to rainbow families, but as the old saying goes, beggars cannot be choosers.

This is a sad day for all Italian gays who dream of bringing up a family. This is a mean, unnecessary law which punishes innocent, well-intentioned, loving people — people who could give a warm, kind and loving home to truly wanted children. We know that children born in surrogacy are wanted because surrogacy is an extremely expensive route to parenthood.

With all this extreme right garbage going on both sides of the Atlantic, it is difficult not to conclude that we in the West are hurtling towards very dark times. Each passing day seems to bring more news redolent of Europe in the 1930s! These are troubling times indeed. — © Mark Alexander

Vatican Sent Italian Children Born Out of Wedlock to America as Orphans; New Book Uncovers Program

Oct 14, 2024 | For decades, unwed mothers in Italy were pressured to give up children born out of wedlock. Thousands were sent to America. Now some families are reuniting and looking for answers.

Italian Deputy Minister Questions Giorgia Meloni Being Labelled a Fascist

Oct 4, 2024 | Italy's Deputy Minister for Enterprises Valentino Valentini has critiqued mainstream media for labelling Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni a far-right fascist, claiming Ms Meloni has “proved” the term “does not apply”.

“That was the corner where most of the mainstream media tried to place Meloni,” Mr Valentini told Sky News host Danica De Giorgio.

“Firstly, because she was an unknown figure and secondly because she comes from the right.

“Meloni has proved the term fascist does not apply.”

El Pastificio de Nicola: Immigrant Cuisine: Oxtail Stew and Green Tagliatelle

Sep 29, 2024 | In this video, Andrés presents a special recipe: Oxtail Stew with Green Tagliatelle. Inspired by an unpublished recipe from Doña Petrona, this culinary fusion combines the Galician tradition of oxtail stew with the Italian freshness of green tagliatelle. This dish is not only a delight for the palate but also a tribute to the rich cultural heritage of Galician and Italian immigrants who arrived in Argentina in the 19th century. Join Andrés to discover the secrets of this delicious recipe and enjoy a unique gastronomic experience!

Please click here for the full recipe and then click on ‘more’.

Nb: The language of the subtitles can be changed. – Mark

Storm Boris Batters Italy after Wreaking Havoc in Central Europe | BBC News

Sep 20, 2024 | Storm Boris is battering the north-east and central regions of Italy, days after causing widespread flooding in central Europe.

More than 1,000 residents in the north-eastern region of Emilia Romagna have been evacuated, while towns in the central region of Marche reported serious flooding and disruption.

The European Union said it will provide €10bn (£8.4bn) to help affected countries. Strong winds and rains have swept across Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania and Austria, killing at least 23 people.

Sicily Yacht Sinking: Who Are the Missing and Rescued?

BBC: A rescue mission is under way off the coast of Sicily after the British-flagged luxury yacht Bayesian sank during freak weather early on Monday morning.

The vessel's cook - understood to be Recaldo Thomas - has died and his body has been recovered, according to Sicily's civil protection agency.

Some 15 people have been rescued from the boat, while six remain missing.

Specialist divers from the Italian fire brigade resumed their search early on Tuesday morning. » | Ian Aikman, BBC News; Seher Asaf, BBC News | Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Related here

Little Hope’ UK Tech Boss Mike Lynch Has Survived after Yacht Lost in Storm

Aug 19, 2024 | “I think the rescuers have conceded that the six people who are still missing may well be entombed in the luxury yacht.” Rescuers think that the six missing people, including the British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch, are likely to be “trapped inside” the sunk yacht off Sicily, says Tom Kington, The Times’ Italy correspondent.

Related article here.

Britons and Americans among Missing after Yacht Sinks off Sicily in Storm

THE GUARDIAN: Fifteen rescued from sailing boat, one body found and six people missing as divers try to reach sunken hull

Four Britons, two Americans and a Canadian person are missing after a super yacht with 22 people onboard sank off the coast of Sicily during bad weather.

Fifteen people were rescued from the 56-metre sailing boat Bayesian by coastguard patrol boats and firefighters, including a one-year-old child.

One body was found near the wreck, but six others were unaccounted for, said Luca Cari, a spokesperson for the Italian fire rescue service.

A spokesperson for the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said: “We are in contact with the local authorities following an incident in Sicily, and stand ready to provide consular support to British nationals affected.” » | Lorenzo Tondo in Palermo and Jamie Grierson | Agencies contributed to this report | Monday, August 19, 2024

‘It’s a Proper Jungle’: Rome’s Rat and Snake Infestation Blamed on Waste Problems

THE GUARDIAN: Pest control expert says warmer winters help creatures such as oriental hornets, snakes and rats thrive in the city

A Rome zoologist says the Italian capital has become “a proper jungle” amid a surge in the presence of snakes, oriental hornets, seagulls and rats owing to a combination of high temperatures and the city’s persistent problem with rubbish.

Andrea Lunerti, who is well known in Rome for capturing dangerous animals, said he had been inundated with calls this summer, especially reports of snake sightings.

“There are many more sightings of snakes than there used to be,” Lunerti said. “The snake population grew exponentially during the winter because the temperature was so warm. They wouldn’t have survived if it had been cold. Then they come to the city from their natural environment because there is a lot of food waste, and where there is food waste there are rats – their main prey.”

The most common type of snake found in Rome is the green whip snake, although Lunerti has captured four vipers too. » | Angela Giuffrida in Rome | Friday, August 16, 2024

WIKIPEDIA: Green whip snake »

Whiskey, Rum, Wine, Bars | 60 Minutes Full Episodes

Jul 13, 2024 | From 2015, Bob Simon’s visit to the Scottish island of Islay to look at its many famous whiskey distilleries. From 2017, Sharyn Alfonsi’s report on the feud behind the two versions of Havana Club Rum. From 2008, Morley Safer’s profile of a family that has been in the wine business for 600 years. From 2022, Lesley Stahl’s story on the effects of climate change taking root in the wine industry. From 2023, Alfonsi’s look at how Georgian monks preserve their centuries-old winemaking techniques while researchers restore ancient grape varieties. From 2009, Safer’s investigation of the anti-aging properties of red wine. And also from 2022, Jon Wertheim’s report on the future of English pubs after their decline from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meloni Condemns Fascist Nostalgia Amid Scandal in Her Party’s Youth Wing

THE NEW YORK TIMES: A news report used a hidden camera to show members of the youth arm of Brothers of Italy glorifying fascism.

The news report was a blow to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has sought to cast herself as a modern, pragmatic leader of Italy, saying again and again that fascism belonged to history. | Riccardo Antimiani/EPA, via Shutterstock
Italy’s prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, urged leaders of her political party on Tuesday to reject antisemitism, racism and nostalgia for totalitarian regimes after an Italian news outlet caught on a hidden camera members of the youth section of her party glorifying fascism.

“I am angry and saddened by how we were represented by the behavior of some youth of our movement,” Ms. Meloni wrote in an email, seen by The New York Times, to directors of her party, Brothers of Italy.

The news report, which came out in two episodes last month, was filmed by a journalist with the Italian news outlet Fanpage.it who pretended to be an activist with National Youth, the youth arm of Brothers of Italy.

The report said the hidden camera showed members of the movement doing fascist salutes, praising the Italian fascist dictator Benito Mussolini, instructing others to spread stickers with fascist slogans and defining themselves as fascists. People identified by the report as members of the youth group were filmed while shouting, “Sieg heil,” an expression adopted by the Nazis. Other people identified as members of the youth wing were filmed as they made racist and antisemitic comments. » | Emma Bubola, Reporting from Rome | Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Seven Dead after Storms Lash France, Switzerland and Italy

THE GUARDIAN: Three people died when tree crushed car they were travelling in, while torrential rains triggered landslides

Ferocious storms and torrential rains that lashed France, Switzerland and Italy this weekend have left seven people dead, local authorities said.

Three people in their 70s and 80s died in France’s north-eastern Aube region on Saturday when a tree crushed the car in which they were travelling during fierce winds, the local authority told Agence France-Presse. A fourth passenger was in critical care, it added.

In neighbouring Switzerland, four people have died and another is missing, according to local police. Three were killed after torrential rains triggered a landslide in the south-east, police in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino said. » | Agence France-Presse | Sunday, June 30, 2024

The Beauty of the Amalfi Coast, Italy | #shorts

Romantic, serene and heavenly.

Italy According to Giorgia Meloni: No Country for Non-traditional Families

Jul 21, 2023 | On a cruisade for the defense of traditional families, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni wants to make surrogacy carried out abroad by Italian couples a crime, after stepping up restrictions on homosexual couples' already limited rights to parenthood.

Read more about this story here.

Islamic Culture Not Compatible with European Values: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni | Reupload

Dec 18, 2023 | Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni may have just touched a raw nerve with a loaded comment about Islam at a far-right gathering in her country. According to various media reports, Meloni's potentially explosive observation came at a political event held by the far-right Brothers of Italy in Rome, where she reportedly said that "there is no place for Islamic culture in Europe".

On this matter, Giorgia Meloni is absolutely right, and she should be respected for having the courage to state this hard fact: Islamic culture and Western culture are totally and utterly immiscible. This combination will never work. One culture will win out in the end; and it will be the culture that is the stronger and the culture that gives birth to the most babies. Enough said! Western governments can pass all the laws they want to shut their citizens up, but those laws won’t change a thing. Facts are facts. Moreover, Islam is a proselytizing religion which will get its own way by fair means or foul. – © Mark Alexander

How Life Is Changing for Italy's Gay Families – BBC News | Reupload

Sep 24, 2023 | Italy’s government is planning to criminalise people who travel abroad to have children via surrogacy, which is already banned in the country. While the majority of Italians who seek surrogacy abroad are believed to be heterosexual, many same-sex parents fear the new law is targeting LGBT families by making it harder for them to have children.

A recent Ipsos poll shows that 45% of Italians oppose the idea of surrogacy, but 45% were also in favour of granting legal recognition for children born via surrogacy.


In a country so short of babies, one would think that the government of such a country would be glad to get all the babies they can get, in order to swell the birthrate! – © Mark Alexander