Because Italy is more than a geographic expression..

Alessi S.P.A. US

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Weaponry

The Villar-Perosa was arguably the first submachine gun having made its entrance as an immobile weapon created  during WWI in 1915. It was created by Bethel Abiel Revelli.

Another gun manufacturer, Franchi focuses on shotguns.

Franchi is currently a subdivision within the Benelli group.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Grand Prix Moto Stats

Being a little bit of a stats geek, I took a look at how Italian motorcycle teams have done at the MotoGP world championships. They stack up pretty well:

MV Agusta: Most capped Italian bike
In terms of drivers, Italy leads all nations (combining 500cc, 350cc, 2/250cc, 125cc, 80cc/50cc) with 75 total wins. Great Britain is next closest with 44 and Spain at 32. Japan, who do well in constructors, have only eight winners.

In constructors, Japan has won 118 titles between Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha and Suzuki. Italy is second with 91 titles won by MV Augusta, Moto Guzzi, Aprilia, Ducati, Gilera, Mondial, Benelli, Minarelli, Morbidelli, MBA, Bimota, Motul Bultaco.

Constructors is essentially a two-country battle between Japan and Italy. Germany is third with 13 titles (incidentally with no driver winners) and Spain with 11.

Italy is working on a 75/91 ratio.
Japan 8/118.
Great Britain 44/7.
Spain 32/11.
United States 17/2.

Aprilia Still Kicking It

Aprilia Mana X

Aprilia website here.

Modern Furniture Design

Neat post looking at kithen concepts by Lucrezia by Caesar.

Cancer Research Breakthroughs

Dr. Antonio Giordano is leading the way in searching for cures for heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Video at Redorbit.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Made In Italy, Not China

I was talking with my cousin who was in town for a week. He's from Calabria and currently resides in France while maintaining a residence in Rome as well.

We were talking about, well, European life and society. Lotsa interesting tidbits too numerous and intricate to name and recount here. One thing that was interesting was France's unbelievable interventionism. He owns a counter-restaurant in a Parisian market where, among other things, he has to pay 500 euros (a year I believe; could be month) to operate a radio.

Sometimes I wonder how far behind North America is.

The other issue we discussed was the Italian consumer. Apparently, in Italy, Italians do not touch 'Made in China' products. To them, that's a line they will not cross. Which, I suppose, in part, explains why SME's and artisans continue to thrive as viable businesses in Italy since they have resisted the temptation to "outsource" their brands and manufacturing to China. Italians have spent centuries mastering their arts and luxury products. They're not about to let that disappear it looks like.