Italy Doing Its Thing

Article from CNN "10 things Italy does better than anywhere else."

Having been three times, I can vouch for these.

Interesting fact presented in the article about sports cars. Ferrari has sold just 7000 cars yet it has rendered them $3 billion in revenues.

Now that's bang for buck.

Legend Of Ferrari

The continuing story of Ferrari and its immense contribution to automobile technology - and folklore.

Quintana Wins Giro d'Italia; Exploring The Tech Side Of Giro

The Giro d'Italia wrapped up yesterday with Nairo Quintana of Colombia winning its 97th edition. Countryman Rigoberto Uran took second spot while Italian young star Fabio Aru finished third overall. Another Italian, Domenico Pozzovino was one of several riders thought to be favorites to win (including the Colombians) rounded up the top five.

Defending champion Ryder Hesjedal of Canada came in ninth capping yet another excellent result at Giro. Especially considering a crash for his Garmin-Sharp team early in the race in Belfast had him in 165th position. Remarkable.

It was a strong showing for French riders as well with Pierre Rolland taking 4th and Nacer Bouhanni winning three stages as well as the points classification.

Other pre-race favorites were Rafal Majka of Poland and Australian stud Cadel Evans each earning the sixth and eighth spots respectively.

While the riders are the stars of cycling, it's always cool to consider the equipment. Notably the bicycles of Giro d'Italia and accessories.

RCUK website looked at the tech side of Giro. Some Italian brands featured were Bianchi, Vittoria tyres and Cento1AIR. Liked the California rim maker Bontrager pic.

Meanwhile, you can get a glimpse of Pinarello (alongside bikes like Belgian manufacturer Ridley - a bike I considered purchasing - and Shimano, SRM, Cannondale, Look,Trek, Speedplay pedals and Specialized) and Prologo saddles at Road CC.

As you can tell, American bikes and parts are well represented. More bikes though not necessarily Italian.

Still more tech sightings over at cyclingtips. Scott had a nice one.

Not featured were Colnago and one of many sponsors Selle Italia.

Last but not least, Campagnolo introduced a prototype group.

Doing Business In Italy Tips

Planning to do business in Italy?

Here are a couple of tips from Worldbusinessculture.com:

Just remember, Italians don't think like Americans, Canadians, Britons and Australians or any other people who hail from Northern climates.

It's not just about business with them.

Here's my personal perception on the difference between Italians and hyperboreans. If you have an issue with the family, the Mediterranean thinking is you attend to your family first for if your family life is weak, your work life will be weaker. Family matters are paramount. Whereas to "Anglo-Saxon" thinking, the company comes above all else as a sign of "dedication."

The latter is a principal reason why I left to start my own business. I didn't want to feel guilty whenever I had to take of family stuff. To me, my family comes first. A business will always be around. You only have one shot at raising a family properly.

Years ago during my times as a financial advisor my boss (who was of Scottish heritage) presented me with a hypothetical situation. Knowing my wife had severe allergies he asked what I would do if she called with an episode. The question immediately left me uneasy but I still answered "I would go attend to her since it could be life threatening." He wasn't crazy about the answer. This in a steady, mature book of business that could easily absorb my leaving for half a day.

My fate was sealed that day and looked to move on. The clash of values was too much for me to take.

Racing At The Nardo Ring

What is the Nardo Ring? Read a bit about it here.

Legend, Mercedes And Mille Miglia

Mercedes at Mille Miglia. 

Mercedes-Benz won the Mille Miglia (1927-1957) twice with the last one being in 1955 (with one of the drivers being Briton Sterling Moss) two years before the race was banned. Since 1977 it was renamed Mille Miglia Storia where pre-1957 cars are paraded through its legendary route. 

The Roots Of Italy's Engineering Heritage

Imagine how much more the Italian republics could have accomplished had the event of the Black Death not happened.

Floating Solar Panels In Northern Italy

Living Under The Tyrrhenian Sea

This story dates back to 2007 but worth a look over.

"Three men and three women have just spent two weeks living in pods 30 feet under the Tyrrhenian Sea.

They set a record for undersea habitation, but it was more than a stunt.

"It's an unusual possibility to perform medical examinations," says Annamaria D'Amore, the project's head doctor.

A team of twenty doctors monitored the divers 24 hours a day urine, heart rates, cognitive and psychological changes, even their breath to assess the effects of prolonged immersion.

But science aside, pretty much everyone here cheerfully admits being inspired by the Jules Verne classic "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea."

Lamborghini Huracan Official Video; Interview With Stefano Mazzetti

Video interview with Stefano Mazzetti head of Powertrain and Electronics Department of Lamborghini:



I came across the above clip while searching for the latest news on the Lamborghini Huracan:

Beretta Factory: 500 Years Of History

Aside from the actual manufacturing of guns, it always remains interesting to me how Italy has managed to maintain some of its companies in the hands of the same family for generations. A remarkable reality given today's global economy. Moreover, it has held out outsourcing - where possible - longer than its brethren in the G7.

Auto Italia From Brooklands Museum

Brooklands Museum showcases Italian cars.

Top 100 Italian Brands

Not surprisingly, Ferrari tops the list followed by Prada and Armani, Gucci, Martini, Bulgari, Dolce & Gabbana, Barilla, Chicco and Gruppo Generali round out the top 10. Of these, five are from the fashion industry.

Other familiar names to North Americans on the list include Benetton, Lamborghini, Ducati, Aprilia, Diesel, Pirelli, Versace, Nutella, San Pellegrino, Lavazza, Fiat, Ferrero, Alfa-Romeo, Moschino, Valentino, Ariston, Fila, Illy, Lancia, Maserati, Santal, San Benedetto, Jacuzzi, Ferragamo, De Longhi, Cinzano, Peroni, Fendi, Campari, Lotto, Agip, Di Saronno, Diadora, Birra Moretti, Luxardo, Tic-Tac, Nordica, Cerruti, Kappa, Juventus, Caffarel, Beretta, Inter Milan, Perugina.

See the full list here.

A couple of interesting notes. Aprilia ranks ahead of Ducati while Moto Guzzi or Vespa (Piaggio) make the list. De Cecco pasta is not on the list. Among the soccer clubs ranked AC Milan is absent while Juventus, AS Roma and Internazionale Milano are represented.

Nonetheless, quite the number of global brands spread across several industries.

Aprilia Versus Lamborghini

It's 'face-off' Sunday I guess!

MotoGP: Rossi Versus Biaggi Rivalry