Italian economy begins recovery with 0.1 percent growth

Italian economy begins recovery with 0.1 percent growth

 

[caption id="attachment_12328" align="alignnone" width="400"] (People walk in a street on 20 Thursday December 2012 The Roman in Milan, Italy (AFP/File, Tiziana Fabi))[/caption]

 

(AFP)

 

Rome — Italy's economy began a recovery in the fourth quarter of 2013 with 0.1-percent growth -- the first positive result following a two-year recession, official data from the Istat agency showed on Friday.

 

The preliminary data also showed that gross domestic product (GDP) contracted by 1.9 percent in 2013.

 

The economy showed zero growth in the third quarter, meaning the recession formally ended then.

 

Copyright © 2014 AFP. All rights reserved.

 

(Agence France-Presse, 14 Friday February 2014 The Roman)

 

Hamelin counting on skinsuit to edge short track rivals in Sochi

Hamelin counting on skinsuit to edge short track rivals in Sochi

 

Sochi (Russia) (AFP)

 

Canadian short track star Charles Hamelin will be counting on a new aerodynamic skinsuit in Sochi starting Monday.

 

Short track gets underway at the Iceberg Skating Palace with the men's 1500m final and the women's 500m heats and 3000m relay semi-finals also featuring on the first day of action.

 

Hamelin won gold in the 500m and the 5000m relay in Vancouver and is the highest-ranked male short-tracker in Sochi -- ranked top in the World Cup at 1000m and 1500m, second at 500m.

 

And the 29-year-old will be competing wearing the latest in high-tech clothing for speed skaters -- a spandex bodysuit.

 

"It is based on the aerodynamics of the fabric," he explained.

 

"We are told this suit is faster and more comfortable. Knowing that in our minds will make us faster in competition."

 

He added: "I want to be the first man to win the 500m in two Olympic Games."

 

American JR Celski, bronze medallist in the 1500m and the 5000m relay, and who set the 500m world record in 2012, is a contender for multiple medals.

 

Canada's Marianne St-Gelais and Italy's Arianna Fontana are hoping to benefit from Wang's absence to move up from their silver and bronze in the 500m in Vancouver.

 

The Dutch women -- Jorien Ter Mors, and sisters Sanne and Yara Van Kerkhof -- are also medal hopes.

 

Short track includes eight events -- 500m, 1,000m, and 1,500m individually for both men and women and the relays -- men's 5000m and women's 3000m.

 

(Agence France-Presse, 10 Monday February 2014 The Roman)

 

Panama Canal upgrade remains at standstill amid $1.6 bn cash gap

Panama Canal upgrade remains at standstill amid $1.6 bn cash gap

 

Panama City (AFP)

 

Work on expanding the Panama Canal is unlikely to resume Saturday as local officials face negotiations with foreign builders after the project was halted in a dispute over cost overruns.

 

The multi-billion-dollar plan to build larger locks on the 80-kilometer (50-mile) waterway linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans stopped Friday in a row over who will pay an additional $1.6 billion (1.2 billion euros) bill.

 

The independent Panama Canal Authority (ACP) and GUPC consortium -- a group of international builders headed by Spain's Sacry Vallehermoso -- exchanged proposals throughout the day, but without a deal.

 

"We keep open the possibility of reaching an agreement, and we are making an effort towards that goal," said ACP chief Jorge Quijano.

 

According to the builders, "talks with the ACP are ongoing and are expected to continue next week."

 

Bankers financing the 3.2 billion contract (2.3 billion euros) to expand the canal visited the worksite on Friday.

 

The project is designed to widen the canal so that massive cargo ships can pass through.

 

It is one of the world's most ambitious biggest civil engineering projects and was due to be completed next year.

 

The builders have said completion may be delayed by up to five years.

 

The consortium has accused the Panama Canal Authority of breaking off negotiations.

 

It says the authority failed in obligations to pay a $50 million bill and to help pay workers and subcontractors.

 

GUPC had offered to split the cost of finishing the dig with the Canal Authority and then let arbitrators decide who pays for the overrun.

 

The Panamanians suggest a deal could be reached if the builders commit to specific dates for stages of the job to be ready.

 

There would also be a ban on further cost overruns.

 

The GUPC claims unforseen geological difficulties have forced them to spend much more on cement than expected.

 

They say that they based their estimates on data provided by the Canal Authority that was incorrect.

 

The consortium of builders includes Italy's Impreglio, Jan de Nul from Belgium, and Panama's Constructora Urbana.

 

The original canal, built by the United States mostly with workers brought in from the Caribbean, was completed in 1914.

 

It offers a shortcut and safer journey for maritime traffic, is used by 13,000-14,000 ships each year, handling five percent of world sea trade.

 

The canal generates $960 million a year for Panama, nearly 10 percent of the country's total annual income

 

(Agence France-Presse, 8 Saturday February 2014 The Roman)

 

http://www.afp.com/en/news/topstories/panama-canal-upgrade-remains-standstill-amid-16-bn-cash-gap

 

Dubai’s Arabtec wins $6.1bn Aabar contract

Dubai’s Arabtec wins $6.1bn Aabar contract

 

[caption id="attachment_12045" align="alignnone" width="400"] (Arabtec said the deal was one of the largest ever in the region’s real estate sector and Arabtec’s biggest by value. (File photo: Reuters))[/caption]

 

Dubai-based construction firm Arabtec said it would build 37 major buildings worth 22.44 billion dirhams ($6.1 billion) for Abu Dhabi state fund Aabar in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, in a fresh sign of the dramatic recovery of local estate markets.

 

Confirming a Reuters story on Saturday, Arabtec said the deal was one of the largest ever in the region’s real estate sector and Arabtec’s biggest by value.

 

In a bourse statement on Sunday, Arabtec also quoted Aabar Properties chairman Khadem Al Qubaisi as saying Aabar would in future assign all construction work in its $20 billion real estate portfolio around the world to Arabtec.

 

That portfolio includes projects in the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Morocco, Jordan, Serbia and other countries.

 

Aabar, which also owns stakes in companies such as commodities trader Glencore (GLEN.L) and Italian bank UniCredit (CRDI.MI), holds about 22 percent of Arabtec.

 

Arabtec said it would start work this year on the new buildings, which would be mixed-use, residential and hotel towers, and that all the projects would be completed by 2020.

 

(Reuters, Dubai)

 

(Al Arabiya News, 2 Sunday February 2014 The Roman)

 

 

His Holiness Pope’s Harley sells to mystery buyer for 241,500 euros

His Holiness Pope’s Harley sells to mystery buyer for 241,500 euros

 

Paris (AFP)

 

A Harley-Davidson motorbike that briefly belonged to His Holiness Pope Francis was sold for 241,500 euros ($326,000), 16 times its highest original valuation, at an auction in Paris on Thursday.

 

The US motorbike maker gave the 1,585cc Dyna Super Glide to the pope in June to mark the brand's 110th anniversary, and while the 77-year-old never rode it, he signed it before donating it to Roman Catholic charity Caritas Roma.

 

"It's a record for a post-vintage motorbike, from the 21st century," said Bonhams France, the auction house, adding the bike was purchased by an unidentified European buyer.

 

The funds from the sale will go towards the restoration of the charity's hostel and soup kitchen based at Rome's Termini railway station.

 

A jacket that was also given to the pope by Harley-Davidson was snapped up for 57,500 euros.

 

The bike is on show at the Grand Palais in Paris -- where the auction took place -- among hundreds of other iconic vehicles such as Rolls-Royces and Cadillacs.

 

According to Bonhams, His Holiness Pope Francis has another Harley-Davidson, although the famously humble pontiff is more of a fan of buses.

 

He opted to ride one the day after his election last year instead of taking a limousine, and regularly used them in his homeland Argentina instead of taxis.

 

(Agence France-Presse, 6 Thursday February 2014 The Roman)

 

 

Old boys club at Sochi as Miller, Jamaica hit slopes

Old boys club at Sochi as Miller, Jamaica hit slopes

 

Sochi (Russia) (AFP)

 

American skier Bode Miller and Jamaican bobsleigh pilot Winston Watts, with a combined age of 82, surged into the Winter Olympics spotlight Thursday, 24 hours before the official start of the most expensive Games in history.

 

Miller, 36, began his campaign for a sixth Olympic medal by clocking the fastest time in the first men's downhill training run in Rosa Khutor, high above the Olympics' Black Sea Sochi hub.

 

The colourful American was quickest in a time of 2min 07.75 sec but warned much could still happen before Sunday's medal race.

 

"It's great to win the first training run (but) it really is going to be about who improves the most from here, who learns this course the best," he said.

 

Second fastest was Swiss sensation Patrick Kueng, just 0.03sec behind Miller's time, followed by Austria's medal hope Matthias Mayer.

 

Where Miller was smooth, the women's downhillers suffered bumps and bruises before Austria's Anna Fenninger topped the standings of their first downhill outing.

 

But that came only after a lengthy stoppage as organisers were forced to alter the configuration of the final jump.

 

The women got under way on schedule but only four runners had come down the 2.7 km course when the International Ski Federation (FIS) decided to call a halt and hold the programme again.

 

Italy's Daniela Merighetti suffered a heavy fall, and course workers were quickly on site to shave snow off the lip of the final jump.

 

"I was thrown five metres into the air. It's not the length of the jump that causes the problem so much as the height, especially as it comes after a blind bend," said the Italian, who escaped serious injury but did not take part in the re-held session.

 

Fenninger timed 1:41.73 after the re-start, finishing 0.21sec ahead of Fraenzi Aufdenblatten of Switzerland, with American veteran Julia Mancuso, the 2010 Olympic downhill silver medallist, third quickest.

 

Jamaica's Olympic bobsleigh team, destined to become the darlings of the Games, pleaded with their adoring fans to stop sending money to fund their Sochi rags-to-riches story.

 

Pilot Watts, 46, admitted that the Internet campaign to fund their trip had been such a success that he and brakeman Marvin Dixon feared they would be damned as greedy opportunists if they didn't call a halt.

 

"The donations were just coming on and on. We had to stop them. We've called a press conference to do it," said Watts after almost $80,000 poured into the empty Jamaica coffers, with $178,000 gathered in total, including from sponsors and the national federation.

 

"We just didn't want them to think that we're greedy people."

 

The fast and furious men's snowboarding slopestyle event made its Olympic debut on a course that has been widely condemned as too dangerous.

 

Reigning X-Games champion Maxence Parrot of Canada top-scored with 97.50 points although it was Britain's Billy Morgan who had the honour of becoming the first competitor in action at the 2014 Olympics.

 

Later Thursday, Russian figure skating legend Yevgeny Plushenko will battle to get nation off to a golden start in the team competition.

 

The inaugural 10-team event kicks off in the Iceberg Skating Palace with the men's short programme.

 

Canada, Russia and the United States are favourites with strong skaters in all four categories -- men, women, pairs and ice dancing.

 

(Agence France-Presse, 6 Thursday February 2014 The Roman)

 

 

Etihad in 'final' assessment for Alitalia buy

Etihad in 'final' assessment for Alitalia buy

 

Abu Dhabi (AFP)

 

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways said Sunday it has entered the final stage of an assessment whether to purchase a stake in Italy's debt-laden airline Alitalia.

 

The two carriers "have entered the final phase of a due diligence process about a possible investment by Etihad Airways in Alitalia," confirmed James Hogan, chief executive of Etihad Airways, and Gabriele Del Torchio, his Alitalia counterpart, according to a statement by Etihad.

 

The two companies and their advisors will determine during the next 30 days "how a common strategy can be developed which meets the objectives of both parties," said the statement.

 

"Any issues that may prevent the establishment of an appropriate business plan will have to be resolved to ensure the plan can be implemented to move Alitalia to sustainable profitability," it added.

 

Reports have suggested that Etihad is preparing a big investment in Alitalia, which is in debt to the tune of 1.2 billion euros ($1.6 billion).

 

In October, shareholders gave unanimous approval for a capital increase of up to 300 million euros to save Alitalia from bankruptcy.

 

The carrier is looking for a foreign partner to rescue it.

 

Etihad is expanding rapidly and has bought minor shares in several smaller carriers around the world as it competes with larger Gulf rivals Emirates and Qatar Airways.

 

Etihad owns 29 percent of Air Berlin, 40 percent of Air Seychelles, 19.9 percent of Virgin Australia and three percent of Aer Lingus.

 

In November, India's Jet Airways said it had completed the sale of a 24-percent stake to Etihad after obtaining regulatory approvals.

 

Etihad also announced in mid-November that it was acquiring 33.3 percent of Swiss carrier Darwin Airline, which it plans to rebrand as Etihad Regional.

 

That acquisition is awaiting regulatory approval.

 

(Agence France-Presse, 2 Sunday February 2014 The Roman)

Italian Prime Minister says Kuwait to invest $676 million in Italy

Italian Prime Minister says Kuwait to invest $676 million in Italy

 

[caption id="attachment_11772" align="alignnone" width="566"] (Kuwait will invest $676m in Italian companies, said Prime Minister Enrico Letta. (File photo: Reuters))[/caption]

 

Kuwait’s sovereign wealth fund will invest 500 million euros ($676 million) in Italian companies in coordination with Italy’s own strategic investment fund, Prime Minister Enrico Letta said on Tuesday.

 

The deal follows similar agreements with Qatar’s investment fund last year to invest in Italian companies operating in the fashion, food and tourism sectors and a separate deal with the Russian Direct Investment Fund.

 

Kuwait and Italy will create a company with capital of 2.5 billion euros, of which 80 percent will come from Italy’s strategic investment fund, the FSI, and the remainder from the Kuwait Investment Authority.

 

“This is an extraordinarily important development, it’s an injection of confidence in our country,” Italy’s Letta said at a news conference in Kuwait during a visit to the Gulf states to attract interest in Italy as an investment destination.

 

(Reuters, Kuwait)

 

(Al Arabiya News, 4 Tuesday February 2014 The Roman)

 

 

Flooded

Flooded

 

[caption id="attachment_11671" align="alignnone" width="400"] (Photo AFP - Vincenzo Pinto)[/caption]

 

Acqua

 

Des touristes à Venise sur la place Saint-Marc inondée.

 

Acqua

 

Tourists on St. Mark's Square in Venice flooded.

 

(AFP - Vincenzo Pinto)

 

(Agence France-Presse, 2 Sunday February 2014 The Roman)

(Translated: R.S.F. toshiki speed news press, Agence France-Presse, 3 Monday February 2014 The Roman)

 

Fiat disappoints with profits, waives dividends

Fiat disappoints with profits, waives dividends

 

Milan (AFP)

 

Italian car giant Fiat on Wednesday reported 2013 results which were below analysts expectations and said it would be waiving dividends, causing shares in the group to plummet.

 

The carmaker reported a trading profit of 931 million euros ($1.27 billion) for the fourth quarter of 2013, less than the 1.5 billion euros forecast by analysts.

 

The Turin-based company also cut its 2014 forecast more than expected, to between 3.6 to 4.0 billion euros -- down from a previous estimate of up to 5.2 billion euros.

 

Subsequently, the board of directors "has decided not to recommend a dividend payment on Fiat shares, given the company's desire to maintain a balanced level of liquidity following the acquisition of the minority stake in Chrysler Group LLC," the company said in a statement.

 

Shares were down 4.37 percent on the FTSE Mib market at midday.

 

Fiat blamed in part a profit drop on conditions in Latin America, which it said was due primarily to "input cost inflation, unfavourable production mix and lower result in Venezuela."

 

(Agence France-Presse, 29 Wednesday January 2014 The Roman)

 

The Vatican in Rome

The Vatican in Rome

 

[caption id="attachment_11510" align="alignnone" width="512"] (Photo AFP - Alberto Pizzoli)[/caption]

 

Super pape

 

Le pape François lors de son audience générale au Vatican, place Saint Pierre à Rome.

 

Super Pope

 

Pope Francis during his general audience at the Vatican, St. Peter's Square in Rome.

 

(AFP - Alberto Pizzoli)

 

(Agence France-Presse, 30 Thursday January 2014 The Roman)

(Translated: R.S.F. toshiki speed news press, Agence France-Presse, 31 Friday January 2014 The Roman)

 

Plus belle voiture de l'année : l'Alfa Romeo 4C triomphe Most beautiful car of the year: The Alfa Romeo 4C triumph

Plus belle voiture de l'année : l'Alfa Romeo 4C triomphe

 

Le Festival de l'automobile a remis ses prix sous le dôme des Invalides à Paris et révélé le choix des internautes pour la plus belle voiture 2013.

 

[caption id="attachment_11430" align="alignnone" width="400"] (La 4C a été un ouragan dans le monde de la voiture sportive car elle met une approche radicale du pilotage à la portée de (presque) toutes les bourses. Ses lignes ont été justement distinguées pour le prix de la Plus belle voiture 2013. © Alfa Roméo) (4C was a hurricane in the world of sports car because it puts a radical approach to control the scope of (almost) every budget. Lines were distinguished for just the price of the Most Beautiful Car 2013. © Alfa Roméo)[/caption]

 

AUTO-ADDICT

 

Voilà l'exemple même du classement subjectif, celui qui concerne les goûts et les couleurs de chacun et ne fait pas forcément l'unanimité.

 

Mais cela peut faire une majorité, comme on va le voir.

 

Élire la plus belle voiture de l'année relève de ce défi, répété depuis 29 ans par Rémi Depoix, l'auteur de l'idée et promoteur du Festival qu'il a porté avec la foi intacte du passionné.

 

D'une initiative privée, le Festival est devenu un événement dans le milieu automobile, mais aussi une manifestation publique qui rencontre aujourd'hui une vraie considération internationale.

 

Aux côtés de l'exposition des concept cars, qui est une manifestation en soi (voir notre article) et dont les portes s'ouvriront au grand public jusqu'à dimanche, le Festival proprement dit a réuni mardi soir aux Invalides les plus belles carrosseries de l'année, régulièrement commercialisées auprès du grand public.

 

Le jury expert réuni par Rémi Depoix et comprenant des membres venus du monde des arts, de l'architecture et de la communication - dont Étienne Gernelle, le directeur de la rédaction du Point, étroitement associé avec Auto-Addict à l'événement - a jeté les bases du classement.

 

Une voiture à l'internaute gagnant

 

Le jury s'est penché sur les nouveautés surgies dans l'année 2013 et a sélectionné, ce qui est une gageure, huit voitures dignes de figurer dans le palmarès.

 

Pour concourir, les critères d'inscription sont simples : la voiture doit avoir été commercialisée pour la première fois dans l'année en cours et afficher un prix public inférieur à 55 000 euros.

 

Le constructeur gagnant emporte une campagne d'affichage d'une valeur de 100 000 euros offerte par JCDecaux.

 

Mais surtout, un votant a été tiré au sort en fin de concours pour gagner une voiture de la marque victorieuse d'une valeur de 30 000 euros, mais pas le modèle couronné, afin de ne pas fausser les votes.

 

C'est déjà une victoire à part entière de figurer à ce stade, parmi les nommées.

 

Après de longues délibérations du jury, ont été retenues les Alfa Romeo 4C, BMW Série 4 Coupé, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Lexus IS 300 h, Mazda3, Mercedes CLA, Peugeot 308 et Renault Captur.

 

À partir de cette liste, le jury n'intervenait plus, et c'était au tour des internautes d'entrer en lice pour manifester leurs préférences.

 

Pas moins de sept mini-sites dédiés, dans six langues différentes, ont permis en deux mois à plus de 100 000 personnes dans 52 pays de choisir leur voiture préférée.

 

Une sélection intermédiaire avait éliminé les deux françaises, la Lexus et la Jeep pour ne laisser aux prises que deux berlines de grande diffusion (Mazda3 et Mercedes CLA) et deux coupés (BMW Série 4 et Alfa Romeo 4 C).

 

Aucune voiture dénuée de mérites, comme on peut le voir.

 

Mini-supercar

 

Celle qui a rassemblé le maximum de suffrages autour de la planète est finalement l'Alfa Romeo 4C, un petit coupé très performant et dont la constitution et les techniques de fabrication renvoient aux supercars.

 

Son moteur est certes plus modeste avec ses 240 ch que celui de la prestigieuse et très confidentielle 8C dont le V8 titre 200 ch de plus.

 

Mais, les votants ne s'y sont pas trompés, la 4C est la voiture qui réhabilite les valeurs de la marque au trèfle à quatre feuilles tout en restant (relativement) accessible.

 

La 4C, écrivions-nous lors de notre essai, ouvre une nouvelle ère pour Alfa Romeo.

 

Renouant avec le glorieux passé du constructeur italien, elle dépoussière son image afin de mieux préparer son redéploiement sur les marchés américains et asiatiques.

 

Conçue à Turin, mise au point à Balocco sur le site d'essai historique d'Alfa Romeo, assemblée chez Maserati à Modène, et en partie construite dans une nouvelle usine spécialisée dans la fibre de carbone récemment inaugurée près de Naples par le patron de Ferrari, Luca di Montezemolo, la 4C joue à fond la synergie du groupe Fiat pour proposer l'excellence technique au meilleur prix.

 

À partir de 51 500 euros au tarif, la 4C suscite immédiatement la passion mais n'en fait pas payer le prix.

 

(Le Point.fr - Publié le 28/01/2014 à 23:05 - Modifié le 29/01/2014 à 09:51)

 

 

Most beautiful car of the year: The Alfa Romeo 4C triumph

 

Festival of automobile gave its prices under the dome of the Invalides in Paris and found the choice of users for the most beautiful car of 2013.

 

AUTO-ADDICT

 

That is the epitome of subjective ranking, one concerning the tastes and colors of each and does not necessarily unanimity.

 

But it can make a majority, as we shall see.

 

Elect the most beautiful car of the year this challenging, repeated for 29 years by Rémi Depoix, the author of the idea and sponsor of the Festival he wore with the passionate faith intact.

 

From a private initiative, the Festival has become an event in the automotive industry, but also a public event today encounters a true international recognition.

 

Alongside the exhibition concept cars, which is an event in itself (see article) and the doors will open to the public until Sunday, the festival itself was held Tuesday evening at the Invalides most beautiful bodies of the year, regularly sold to the general public.

 

The expert panel convened by Rémi Depoix and comprising members from the world of art, architecture and communication - which Gernelle Stephen, the editor of Le Point, closely associated with Auto-Addict at the event - a laid the foundations of ranking.

 

A car to win the Internet

 

The jury considered the new arisen in 2013 and selected, which is a challenge, eight cars worthy to figure in the charts.

 

To compete, the criteria for inclusion are simple: the car must have been marketed for the first time in the current year and display a price of less than € 55,000.

 

The winner wins a display manufacturer worth 100 000 euros offered by JCDecaux campaign.

 

But above all, a voter has been drawn at the end of the contest to win a car brand victorious worth € 30,000, but not crowned model so as not to distort the votes.

 

This is a victory in its own right to appear at this stage, among the appointees.

 

After much deliberation the jury were chosen the Alfa Romeo 4C, BMW 4 Series Coupe, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Lexus IS 300 h, Mazda3, Mercedes CLA, Peugeot 308 and Renault Captur.

 

From this list, the jury not intervened, and it was the turn of the users to enter the fray to express their preferences.

 

No less than seven mini-sites dedicated in six different languages, allowed two months to more than 100,000 people in 52 countries to choose their favorite car.

 

An intermediate selection had eliminated two French, and the Lexus Jeep to leave struggling two sedans widely (Mazda3 and Mercedes CLA) and two cut (4 BMW and Alfa Romeo 4 C).

 

No car devoid of merit, as you can see.

 

Mini-supercar

 

One that has gathered the most votes around the world is finally Alfa Romeo 4C, a small high-performance coupe and whose construction and manufacturing techniques refer to supercars.

 

Its engine is certainly more modest with 240 hp than the prestigious and highly confidential 8C whose title V8 200 hp more.

 

But voters do not make a mistake, the 4C is the car that rehabilitates brand values to four-leaf clover while remaining (relatively) accessible.

 

4C, we wrote during our test, opens a new era for Alfa Romeo.

 

Reviving the glorious past of the Italian manufacturer, she dusted her image to better prepare its redeployment in the U.S. and Asian markets.

 

Designed to Turin, developed at Balocco on the historical test Alfa Romeo site meeting with Maserati in Modena, and partly built in a new factory specializing in carbon fiber recently opened near Naples by boss Ferrari, Luca di Montezemolo, 4C plays the synergy of the Fiat group to provide technical excellence at the best price.

 

From 51,500 euros costs, 4C immediately arouses passion but does not pay the price.

 

(Le Point, 28 Tuesday January 2014 The Roman)

(Translated: R.S.F. toshiki speed news press, Agence France-Presse, 29 Wednesday January 2014 The Roman)

 

The Human versus "Satan"

The Human versus "Satan"

 

“Satan” use 'The United States of America in The New Continent' in The Old Continent. 'The Statue of The Liberty' is the present from The Roman Empire The Kingdom of France to The United States of America.

 

'Liberty' is the word in Anthem of The Roman Empire The Kingdom of France 'La Marseillaise'. 'Glory' is the word in Anthem of The Roman Empire The Kingdom of France 'La Marseillaise'.

 

Shelley Duvall in the movie 'The Shining (1980)' is “Satan” ? If so, the movie 'The Shining (1980)' is a movie that is a murder against The United States of America citizen by "Satan". Man1 - Lady (- Boy) to Man2 - Lady (- Boy) (Man1 was killed).

 

Who is Stephen King ?

 

We are thinking about, this problem and The United States of America, and The Old Continent and The New Continent, We can make many Profiling about this Question.

 

Anyway, criminal is, "Mad Over Load". We named nickname for "Mad Over Load" as "AKIRA".

 

“Satan” appeared to us since before 70 years. "The Hit", "The Fall", "Satan" is an easy, "Satan" english is a kinder garden english.

 

"AKIRA" always appears in The Old Continent, but violence is to The New Continent.

 

Orion was "AKIRA" ? "AKIRA" makes Chaos. Chaos God was "AKIRA" ? Chaos God is Orion ? Chaos God is in The Kingdom of Greece Myth.

 

"AKIRA" = "Mongoloids" = "Satan". "Satan" = "Buddhist" ?

 

"蘇我馬子 (Soga Umako)" destroyed  物部守屋 (Moriya Mononobe) (A.D. 587). This is in The Kingdom of Nihon history.

 

The world is victim against "Satan".

 

There are not "Satan" in Nihon Myth. "YA-MA-TA-NO-O-RO-CHI (Eight Head Big Snake) " is in Nihon Myth. Snake is Reptiles. White Snake was a good in Nihon Myth and Nihon Legend.

 

The United States of America can have more big farms, more big industries.

 

This will be the final answer ?

 

The United States of America is west side of Trieste city of The Roman Empire The Kingdom of Italy. Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II side.

 

We are in east side of Trieste city of The Roman Empire The Kingdom of Italy. Their Royal Highness Prince Andrew side.

 

We called 'Gold Blond' policemen from west side of Trieste city of The Roman Empire The Kingdom of Italy to east side of Trieste city of The Roman Empire The Kingdom of Italy.

 

We are solving the final answer.

 

If we solve all then The Roman Empire will clearly stand again.

 

This is the largest ?

 

"Satan" crashed The Roman Empire ?

 

"Satan" must say apologize to the world. And, The world will forgive "Satan" ?

 

Be Piety.

 

We do not connect in Renaissance Faire any more, no more. We crashed many enemy between us. What happen to us, do yo think ? ex) We want to meet with our family in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Riyadh Palace, we want to meet with President Obama.

 

How about Green tea ice cream ? President Obama ?

 

 

“

 

22 Then they brought to him a demoniac who was blind and mute; and he cured him, so that the one who had been mute could speak and see. 23 All the crowds were amazed and said, ‘Can this be the Son of David?’ 24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, ‘It is only by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons, that this fellow casts out the demons.’ 25 He knew what they were thinking and said to them, ‘Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. 26 If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand? 27 If I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own exorcists cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. 28 But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you. 29 Or how can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his property, without first tying up the strong man? Then indeed the house can be plundered. 30 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. 31 Therefore I tell you, people will be forgiven for every sin and blasphemy, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32 Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.

 

The Bible Matthew 12

 

“

 

 

(Lord Of Light)

 

(Agence France-Presse Yokohama)

 

(The Kingdom of Ryukyu Palace)

 

(Text: R.S.F. toshiki speed news press, Agence France-Presse, 29 Wednesday January 2014 The Roman)

 

Seedorf's Milan suffer Italian Cup KO

Seedorf's Milan suffer Italian Cup KO

 

(AFP) Wednesday 22 January 2014

 

[caption id="attachment_11291" align="alignnone" width="400"] (© Getty Images)[/caption]

 

Clarence Seedorf's second match in charge of AC Milan ended in a 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Udinese in the Italian Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday.

 

Mario Balotelli gave Milan a sixth minute lead before they were pegged back by a 41st minute penalty converted by Colombian Luis Muriel.

 

Udinese dominated the second half and grabbed the winner in the 77th minute through Uruguayan star Nico Lopez.

 

Udinese will face either Fiorentina or Siena in the semi-finals.

 

The defeat also severed a potential European route for AC Milan who are already 30 points behind leaders Juventus in Serie A.

 

Their last hope of playing in Europe next season will depend on their progress in this season's UEFA Champions League where they face Atletico Madrid in the last-16 next month.

 

Balotelli was on target early on Wednesday when he converted a cross from Valter Birsa, preferred in midfield by Seedorf to Brazilian star Robinho.

 

But Udinese, who are just three points above the relegation zone in Serie A, won a penalty when their Swiss import Silvan Widmer was fouled by Urby Emanuelson leaving Muriel to slot home from the spot.

 

Milan keeper Christian Abbiati kept out Gabriel Silva and Muriel late on before Lopez hit the winner within a minute of coming off the bench.

 

The other semi-final will pit Roma, who beat Juventus 1-0, against either Lazio or Napoli who play on 29 January.

 

(FIFA, 22 Wednesday January 2014 The Roman)

Il giapponese del Milan, Honda ha giocato le sue prime tre gare con in panchina tre allenatori diversi e cambiando due moduli. Lui vorrebbe giocare centrale, ma Seedorf... The Japanese Milan, Honda played his first three races with three different coaches on the bench and changing two modules. He would like to play a central, but Seedorf ...

Il giapponese del Milan, Honda ha giocato le sue prime tre gare con in panchina tre allenatori diversi e cambiando due moduli. Lui vorrebbe giocare centrale, ma Seedorf...

 

[caption id="attachment_11267" align="alignnone" width="400"] (Getty Images)[/caption]

 

C'è un giapponese a Milano...

 

No non è l'inizio di una barzelletta.

 

E' la situazione che sta vivendo in questi primi giorni di Milan il nipponico Keisuke Honda.

 

Dopo lunghe vacanze natalizie nella terra del sol levante, l'ex Cska Mosca, arrivato in Italia in pompa magna è stato subito gettato nella mischia nonostante le note controversie sulla tematica del jet lag.

 

Uno scampolo di partita a Reggio Emilia con il Sassuolo con in panchina Allegri; un match intero in Coppa Italia contro lo Spezia con Tassotti come supervisore; un'ora circa con il Verona con il nuovo che avanza, Clarence Seedorf e il suo 4-2-3-1.

 

Questa sera, contro l'Udinese, Honda tirerà il fiato.

 

"Sono solo al 50 per cento, voglio dare di più - aveva detto il giapponese al termine del match contro il Verona - ma non è semplice il mio inserimento se continuo a cambiare allenatore.

 

Io e Seedorf ci capiamo molto bene, parliamo in inglese, ma adesso lui dovrà spiegarmi cosa vuole esattamente da me, devo capire il suo calcio".

 

Insomma, il caratterino non gli manca.

 

Per lui, che arriva dall'esperienza olandese e russa dove ritrmi, tattica e valore specifici degli avversari sono totalmente differenti di quelli delle squadre della Serie A, è già pronto un piano personale: psicologico e fisico.

 

Ultimo, ma non ultimissimo, c'è l'equivoco tattico: che Honda ami giocare centrale dietro una o due punte non è un mistero.

 

Il 4-2-3-1 targato Seedorf richiede ai tre fantasisti tanto movimento ma soprattutto continui scambi di posizione.

 

Toccherà a Honda adattarsi, difficile che lo faccia Clarence.

 

(Goal.com, 22 mercoledi gennaio 2014 Il Roman)

 

 

The Japanese Milan, Honda played his first three races with three different coaches on the bench and changing two modules. He would like to play a central, but Seedorf ...

 

There is a Japanese in Milan ...

 

No it is not the beginning of a joke.

 

It's the situation he is experiencing in these early days of the Japanese Keisuke Honda Milan.

 

After a long Christmas vacation in the land of the rising sun, the former CSKA Moscow, who arrived in Italy in full regalia was immediately thrown into the fray despite the known controversies on the issue of jet lag.

 

A remnant of Reggio Emilia with the game on the bench with Sassuolo Allegri, an entire match in the Italian Cup against Spezia with Tassotti as a supervisor, about an hour with the Verona with the new advances, Clarence Seedorf and his 4-2-3-1.

 

Tonight, against Udinese, Honda will pull the breath.

 

"I'm only at 50 percent, I want to give more - said the Japanese at the end of the match against Verona - but it is not easy my input if I keep changing coaches. Seedorf and I understand each other very well, we speak in English, but now he will have to explain exactly what he wants from me, I understand his football."

 

In short, the temper he lacks.

 

For him, that comes from experience where Dutch and Russian ritrmi, tactics and specific value of the opponents are totally different from those of the teams in Serie A, has already prepared a personal level : psychological and physical.

 

Last, but not very last, there is the tactical mistake : that Honda loves to play center behind one or two strikers is not a mystery.

 

The 4-2-3-1 weblog Seedorf takes three playmakers so much movement but mostly continuous exchange of position.

 

It's up to Honda fit, hard to do it Clarence.

 

http://www.goal.com/

 

(Goal.com, 22 Wednesday January 2014 The Roman)

(Text Translated: R.S.F. toshiki speed news press, Agence France-Presse, 22 Wednesday January 2013 The Roman)

Milan, Napoli & Siena into Coppa quarters

Milan, Napoli & Siena into Coppa quarters

 

(AFP) Wednesday 15 January 2014

 

[caption id="attachment_11158" align="alignnone" width="400"] (© Getty Images)[/caption]

 

Japanese international midfielder Keisuke Honda scored his first goal for AC Milan and Jose Callejon struck a double for Napoli as the Serie A giants sealed their places in the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia on Wednesday.

 

Honda's goal helped Milan see off second tier La Spezia 3-1 while Callejon's double came in Napoli's 3-1 win over Atalanta.

 

Serie B side Siena stunned Catania 4-1 to also reach the last eight of the competition, in which Lazio, Roma, Udinese, Fiorentina and Juventus won their respective ties played previously.

 

Honda made his debut for Milan in the Italian Serie A last week when he came off the bench and came close to scoring in a 4-3 defeat to Sassuolo which prompted the sacking of coach Massimiliano Allegri.

 

Caretaker coach Mauro Tassotti was in charge Wednesday at the San Siro and gave Honda his first start although new coach, Dutchman Clarence Seedorf, arrived in time to see the second half of the game.

 

Brazilian Robinho opened the scoring for the hosts on 28 minutes, with striker Giampaolo Pazzini doubling the lead three minutes later.

 

Honda struck two minutes after the restart to all but wrap up the win, with Nicola Ferrari hitting a consolation for the visitors in second-half injury time.

 

Napoli were a class above Atalanta although the the match made an ill-fated turn towards the end when protests from Atalanta led to the expulsion of veteran Colombia defender Mario Yepes.

 

Atalanta ousted by Napoli

 

Atalanta opened the scoring on 13 minutes thanks to a Giuseppe De Luca tap-in following a counter-attack, only for Callejon to level a minute later with a superb volley from a tight angle from Anthony Reveillere's cross.

 

Lorenzo Insigne, who had earlier smashed a free kick against the crossbar, put Napoli ahead in the 72nd minute in controversial circumstances.

 

Gonzalo Higuain was offside, but the intended pass for the Argentinian hit Atalanta defender Cristiano Del Grosso in the back.

 

Atalanta's defence stood still looking at the linesman but as they did so the ball bounced into Insigne's path and he turned the ball into the empty net.

 

Atalanta protested furiously, with Yepes going too far and earning a red card.

 

Callejon completed his brace shortly after when he sprung the offside trap to volley Gokhan Inler's ball past Ciro Polito.

 

Napoli will host Lazio in the quarters, Milan host Udinese.

 

Fiorentina travel to second division Siena and Serie A champions and leaders Juventus, in the plum tie of the last eight, travel to second-placed Roma.

 

(FIFA, 15 Wednesday January 2014 The Roman)

Bruxelles, Letta a Confindustria: "Io non sfascio i conti" Brussels, of Confindustria Letta: "I do not reckon shambles"

Bruxelles, Letta a Confindustria: "Io non sfascio i conti"

 

 

Lo ha detto il presidente del Consiglio Enrico Letta da Bruxelles.

"Gli imprenditori e la Confindustria dovrebbero essere i primi a sapere che tenere i conti a posto - ha aggiunto il premier - vuol dire far calare gli spread".

"Per la crescita è essenziale che i conti siano a posto", ha concluso.

(VISTA Agenzia Televisiva Parlamentare/Alexander Jakhnagiev)
GOVERNO LETTA, CONFINDUSTRIA

(Il Piccolo, 19 Giovedi Dicembre 2013 Il Romano)

 

 

Brussels, of Confindustria Letta: "I do not reckon shambles"

He said the Prime Minister Enrico Letta from Brussels.

"Entrepreneurs and the Confederation should be the first to know who keep their accounts in place - added the Prime Minister - means bring down the spreads."

"For the growth is essential that the accounts are in place," he concluded.

(VIEW Parliamentary Television Agency / Alexander Jakhnagiev)
GOVERNMENT LETTA, Confindustria

(Il Piccolo, 19 Thursday December 2013 The Roman)
(Translated: R.S.F. toshiki speed news press, Agence France-Presse, 20 Friday December 2013 The Roman)

Golden Globes : "La vie d'Adèle" en lice pour le meilleur film étranger Golden Globes: "The life of Adèle" nominated for Best Foreign Film

Golden Globes : "La vie d'Adèle" en lice pour le meilleur film étranger

 

"La vie d'Adèle" d'Abdellatif Kechiche sera en compétition aux Golden Globes dans la catégoruie "Meilleur film étranger".

 

[caption id="attachment_10700" align="alignnone" width="512"] (Léa Seydoux, Adèle Exarchopoulos et Abdellatif Kechiche obtiennent la palme d'or à Cannes le 26 mai 2013 le Roman pour 'La Vie d'Adèle' (Photographe : VALERY HACHE, AFP)) (Léa Seydoux, Adèle Exarchopoulos and Abdellatif Kechiche get the Palme d'Or at Cannes May 26, 2013 the Roman for “The life of Adèle’ (Photograph : VALERY HACHE, AFP))[/caption]

 

Un nouveau prix pour "La vie d'Adèle"?

 

Le film français d'Abdellatif Kechiche sera en lice pour le trophée du meilleur film étranger lors de la 71e cérémonie des Golden Globes.

 

La Palme d'Or, inteprétée par Léa Seydoux et Adèle Exarchopoulos, sera notamment opposée à "La grande bellezza" de l'Italien Paolo Sorrentino, et "Le passé", de l'Iranien d'Asghar Farhadi.

 

(actu, 12 jeudi décembre 2013 le Roman)

 

 

Golden Globes: "The life of Adèle" nominated for Best Foreign Film

 

"The life of Adèle" Abdellatif Kechiche will compete for the Golden Globes in category "Best Foreign Film".

 

A new award for “The life of Adèle”?

 

The French film Abdellatif Kechiche will compete for the trophy for Best Foreign Film at the 71st Golden Globes.

 

The Palme d'Or, interpreted by Léa Seydoux and Adèle Exarchopoulos will be particularly opposed to "The Big bellezza" of Italian Paolo Sorrentino and "The Past" by Iranian Asghar Farhadi.

 

(actu, 12 Thursday December 2013 The Roman)

(Translated: R.S.F. toshiki speed news press, Agence France-Presse, 12 Thursday December 2013 The Roman)

 

Italian prime minister wins confidence vote

Italian prime minister wins confidence vote

 

Calling for a "new start", Letta promises major reforms in country grappling with corruption and economic stagnation.

 

[caption id="attachment_10688" align="alignnone" width="400"] (Italy's grim economic situation has sparked countrywide protests [AP])[/caption] 

Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta has won a key confidence vote in parliament after he pledged sweeping economic and political reforms.

 

Letta's government easily won votes in both the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies on Wednesday, with the backing of a new centre-right party that split from disgraced former leader Silvio Berlusconi.

 

Calling for a "new start," Letta said his priorities for 2014 would include stimulating the economy, reducing unemployment and reforming Italy's electoral law, which many view as a contributing factor to the country's political instability.

 

"I will do everything I can," Letta vowed.

 

"I won't give in to those who say the chaos is too much and we can't do anything."

 

The confidence vote was called to confirm Letta's majority after Berlusconi pulled his Forza Italia party out of the ruling coalition last month.

 

Berlusconi has since been expelled from parliament over his conviction for tax fraud.

 

Economic woes

 

Letta told parliament that Italy had avoided reforms for 20 years and could no longer afford to do so, as countrywide protests this week underlined the bitter public mood.

 

He pledged to fight "like a lion" to tackle problems such as youth unemployment, which was running at more than 40 percent.

 

Years of recession and stagnation have shrunk the economy, while Italy grapples with rampant corruption and a discredited political system.

 

Police shut down parts of Rome on Wednesday as hundreds of protesters gathered near parliament, shouting "Thieves! Thieves!"

 

Letta said the next 18 months would be devoted to a broad package of institutional reforms aimed at creating a stable basis for economic growth, which he said should reach 1 percent in 2014 and 2 percent in 2015.

 

The targets are considered optimistic by virtually all independent forecasters.

 

(Source: Agencies)

 

(Al Jazeera, 11 Wednesday December 2013 The Roman)

 

MONACO BOUND? ROMA CAPTAIN TOTTI SEES ASM PLAY RENNES

MONACO BOUND? ROMA CAPTAIN TOTTI SEES ASM PLAY RENNES

 

AS Roma captain Francesco Totti was in France on the weekend to see AS Monaco in action.

 

Totti's presence sparked transfer talk after he was spotted in the stands seeing Monaco play Rennes.

 

ASM chief Vadim Vasilyev smiled: "A transfer of Totti here with us? No, we can not do that.

 

"I am happy to have seen him here today, but there is no negotiation between us, Roma and the player."

 

http://www.tribalfootball.com/

 

(trivial football, 2 Monday December 2013 The Roman)