Because Italy is more than a geographic expression..
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Friday, October 30, 2015
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Italian Machines Ready To Leave Innovative Imprint
The machine industry is a particularly important one in Italy. The country contributes 120 companies specializing in textile machines and represents a huge source of revenues and jobs for the sector which has been experiencing some turbulence in recent years.
That's why the international textile machine fair in Milan this year is an important one for companies. If anything it gives them a chance to diversify demand into other markets outside Europe where roughly half of its business is conducted.
"...The event is already setting records: over 1600 exhibitors will occupy a surface area of around 105,000m2. Italian machinery manufacturers will certainly play a major role, with about 450 exhibitors on hand (over 28% of the total exhibitors) and over 31,000 net m2 of surface area occupied, ACIMIT reports. "
From the ACIMIT.IT website:
That's why the international textile machine fair in Milan this year is an important one for companies. If anything it gives them a chance to diversify demand into other markets outside Europe where roughly half of its business is conducted.
"...The event is already setting records: over 1600 exhibitors will occupy a surface area of around 105,000m2. Italian machinery manufacturers will certainly play a major role, with about 450 exhibitors on hand (over 28% of the total exhibitors) and over 31,000 net m2 of surface area occupied, ACIMIT reports. "
From the ACIMIT.IT website:
The
event is already setting records: over 1600 exhibitors will occupy a
surface area of around 105,000m2. Italian machinery manufacturers will
certainly play a major role, with about 450 exhibitors on hand (over 28%
of the total exhibitors) and over 31,000 net m2 of surface area
occupied, ACIMIT reports. - See more at:
http://www.innovationintextiles.com/italian-textile-machinery-reports-growth-in-domestic-market/#sthash.5mGrL1Tn.dpuf
The
event is already setting records: over 1600 exhibitors will occupy a
surface area of around 105,000m2. Italian machinery manufacturers will
certainly play a major role, with about 450 exhibitors on hand (over 28%
of the total exhibitors) and over 31,000 net m2 of surface area
occupied, ACIMIT reports. - See more at:
http://www.innovationintextiles.com/italian-textile-machinery-reports-growth-in-domestic-market/#sthash.5mGrL1Tn.dpuf
Monday, September 28, 2015
Italian Initiative Builds 3-D Printer
"The world's largest 3-D printer is capable of building clay dwellings aimed to be used to supplement a growing global housing crisis.
Italian collective WASP -- or World's Advanced Saving Project -- presented their 40 foot high, lightweight printer named Big Delta last week during a three-day festival celebrating the feat. Unlike other large scale 3-D printers focused on building structures, this device is capable of creating an entire hut from the bottom up during one printing session. Its principal building material is mud."
I post the video from the article here because it's not only interesting but comes with a really cool song:
Italian collective WASP -- or World's Advanced Saving Project -- presented their 40 foot high, lightweight printer named Big Delta last week during a three-day festival celebrating the feat. Unlike other large scale 3-D printers focused on building structures, this device is capable of creating an entire hut from the bottom up during one printing session. Its principal building material is mud."
I post the video from the article here because it's not only interesting but comes with a really cool song:
Sunday, September 13, 2015
Consumer Electronics One Industry Italy Can Improve On
Some of you may have noticed, despite Italy's technological and scientific pedigree and manufacturing prowess, one area the country has lagged other nations is consumer electronics.
Although, interestingly, they rank ahead of France and the UK in that industry.
When you think electronics you immediately think Japan (and increasingly Korea) or the United States. Other countries
Here are some Italian tech gadgets.
Qardio is interesting for those with heart issues.
Although, interestingly, they rank ahead of France and the UK in that industry.
When you think electronics you immediately think Japan (and increasingly Korea) or the United States. Other countries
Here are some Italian tech gadgets.
Qardio is interesting for those with heart issues.
Cyclists Turned Manufacturer: Battaglin
Watched Fabio Aru win the 2015 edition of the Vuelta a Espana earlier today and glanced at past general classification winners at this Grand Tour race. I came across 1981's winner Giovanni Battaglin. Turns out after retirement he founded Battaglin Cicli.
Handsome looking bikes indeed including the retro one.
Aru, for his part, won the race (for those of you interested) riding a Specialized just like his compatriot Vincenzo Nibali did when he won the Tour de France in 2014.
Battaglin bicycles are not without its triumphs. It's a bike tailored for champions in the all to familiar and legendary Made in Italy way.
Handsome looking bikes indeed including the retro one.
Aru, for his part, won the race (for those of you interested) riding a Specialized just like his compatriot Vincenzo Nibali did when he won the Tour de France in 2014.
Battaglin bicycles are not without its triumphs. It's a bike tailored for champions in the all to familiar and legendary Made in Italy way.
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Italy Rising In Internet Of Things Network
Italy has made impressive strides in 'Internet of Things' networks but there remains room to grow.
More often than not, Italy has been a laggard for too long among its Big Three competitors in technology as well as other European nations. Hopefully, the country will somehow find its footing and do honor to a nation so often at the forefront of human advancement. Whenever there's a top list compiled, an Italian city or the country itself needs to be placed among the leaders. Not hovering or lumbering around wallowing in the lower levels.
Internet Technology is one area Italy can rejuvenate its economy and propel it out of this lethargic malaise it is experiencing.
Trento in Northern Italy is internationally recognized for its efforts on Smart Cities initiatives.
From ZDNet:
"Italy has been pioneering the use of smart electricity meters since 2001 (first country in the world).
Soon, smart metering is likely to be extended to water and gas monitoring. An early trial, promoted by the Italian Energy Authority, is currently taking place in nine cities - Turin, Reggio Emilia, Parma, Modena, Genoa, Verona, Bari, Salerno and Catania."
IoT doesn't come without significant concerns first among them security and vulnerability to hacking.
Nonetheless, it's a good start. If soccer clubs in Serie A starting to construct state of the art stadiums is any indication, maybe Italy may be finally ready to reinvigorate itself.
More often than not, Italy has been a laggard for too long among its Big Three competitors in technology as well as other European nations. Hopefully, the country will somehow find its footing and do honor to a nation so often at the forefront of human advancement. Whenever there's a top list compiled, an Italian city or the country itself needs to be placed among the leaders. Not hovering or lumbering around wallowing in the lower levels.
Internet Technology is one area Italy can rejuvenate its economy and propel it out of this lethargic malaise it is experiencing.
Trento in Northern Italy is internationally recognized for its efforts on Smart Cities initiatives.
From ZDNet:
"Italy has been pioneering the use of smart electricity meters since 2001 (first country in the world).
Soon, smart metering is likely to be extended to water and gas monitoring. An early trial, promoted by the Italian Energy Authority, is currently taking place in nine cities - Turin, Reggio Emilia, Parma, Modena, Genoa, Verona, Bari, Salerno and Catania."
IoT doesn't come without significant concerns first among them security and vulnerability to hacking.
Nonetheless, it's a good start. If soccer clubs in Serie A starting to construct state of the art stadiums is any indication, maybe Italy may be finally ready to reinvigorate itself.
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
First Non-Italian Appointed Head Of Uffizi
Finally I get back, albeit for a brief moment, I'm in the middle of training for the marathon next month (hopefully I avoid an injury) and it's zapping all of my mental and physical energy it looks like.
This article caught my eye if anything it reveals more of the recent trend of Germans being appointed to important positions within some of Italy's most cherished entities and organizations.
Its most recent is Eike Schmidt who has been hired to take over the Uffizi in Florence. Schmidt will become the first non-Italian to head the museum since its opening in 1769 and enters a critical period of cultural reforms in the country.
I know things are not all they can be in Italy economically but there's no excuse for the continued mishandling of their cultural heritage.
Schmidt's challenges will be interesting if not unique.
This article caught my eye if anything it reveals more of the recent trend of Germans being appointed to important positions within some of Italy's most cherished entities and organizations.
Its most recent is Eike Schmidt who has been hired to take over the Uffizi in Florence. Schmidt will become the first non-Italian to head the museum since its opening in 1769 and enters a critical period of cultural reforms in the country.
I know things are not all they can be in Italy economically but there's no excuse for the continued mishandling of their cultural heritage.
Schmidt's challenges will be interesting if not unique.
Friday, July 17, 2015
Bikes At The 2015 Tour de France
There are essentially three main drivetrain companies: Shimano, Campagnolo and SRAM. Shimano dominates having outfitted 17 bikes. Campagnolo has four and SRAM one.
This year, three teams (second most among nations) have opted for Italian racing bikes. All three happen to be legends in cycling.
French team Europcar uses exclusively Campagnolo for its Colnago bikes. The V1-r model was designed in collaboration with Ferrari.
Lotto NL Jumbo out of Holland opted to compete in the tour on a Bianchi (with its magnificent famous celeste colored bikes. Just like Ferrari red has become iconic, so too Bianchi's celeste ) while Pinarello represents British squad Team Sky.
Meanwhile, Canada supplied two brands for the first time in Cervelo and first time participants Argon. The United States for its part has the most manufacturers with five on the list. Other countries represented are Germany, Taiwan, France (2), Belgium, Spain, Switzerland (1).
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
Maserati's Plans: Interview With Harald Wester
"What does Maserati mean to you and what are your ambitions for the future?
I'm not with Maserati to change any of its aims.
Maserati is the symbol of Italian style, involving performance and
elegance, no one wants to change that. We only want to bring these
values to our cars more effectively."
Photovoltaic Deal In Africa For Italian Company
I'm what the Gaiantician zealots call a 'climate denier', but hey, technology is tech I suppose. I have no idea how much subsidies impact Italian business, however, I imagine it's not unlike most countries in the West.
Either way, Italian companies are carving their piece of the pie.
"On Monday, Italian independent power producer Building Energy announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the New & Renewable Energy Authority (NREA) for two 50MW solar photovoltaic plants in Benban, Upper Egypt."
At least Egypt is sunny. Iceland, less so. Thus concludes my editorial.
Either way, Italian companies are carving their piece of the pie.
"On Monday, Italian independent power producer Building Energy announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the New & Renewable Energy Authority (NREA) for two 50MW solar photovoltaic plants in Benban, Upper Egypt."
At least Egypt is sunny. Iceland, less so. Thus concludes my editorial.
Friday, June 26, 2015
Fiat Plans To Revive Alfa Romeo Brand
"...The carmaker plans to invest 5 billion euros in Alfa Romeo to boost sales more than fivefold to 400,000 vehicles in 2018 by adding eight new models and ramping up production.
The engines, to be produced at the group's Termoli factory in southern Italy, include an advanced high output four-cylinder engine developed for Alfa Romeo, the company said.
The second product will be a Ferrari-derived six-cylinder engine developed specifically for Alfa Romeo.
Fiat bought Alfa from state holding company IRI in 1986, but several attempts at reviving the brand have stalled, leaving just three models. Only 74,000 Alfa Romeos were sold in 2013."
Thursday, June 25, 2015
2015 Giro d'Italia Falls Into Spanish Hands
I'm way late on presenting even a cursory post of the 2015 Giro d'Italia but something is better than nothing I submit. Right? Right.
This year's edition of the Giro was impressively won by Spaniard Alberto Contador with a gutsy performance ahead of young rider stud Fabio Aru of Italy. Aru's team mate Mikel Landa won third spot giving Spain two riders in the top 3. It was another impressive Giro for Canadian Ryder Hesjedal.
There were some wonderful scenic routes this year as well. It was, again, an exciting race to watch.
You can read a nice report here about the race.
Some detailed statistics.
This year's edition of the Giro was impressively won by Spaniard Alberto Contador with a gutsy performance ahead of young rider stud Fabio Aru of Italy. Aru's team mate Mikel Landa won third spot giving Spain two riders in the top 3. It was another impressive Giro for Canadian Ryder Hesjedal.
There were some wonderful scenic routes this year as well. It was, again, an exciting race to watch.
You can read a nice report here about the race.
Some detailed statistics.
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