Because Italy is more than a geographic expression..
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Thursday, December 24, 2015
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
The Captivating Aura Of Italian Creativity
Perusing up and down WSJ I spotted an article about a Stanford physics professor and his love for Alfa Romeo.
"...When I look at a car, I don’t just see a vehicle, but a set of values of the people who dreamed it up. The car pictured here is a 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider. I love the styling, but it’s really a car all about driving. Every aspect of the design is about performance. There was no focus group to decide where to put a ketchup holder, no gimmicks or fake wood grain.
"Italian cars in the early 1970s got a reputation for poor quality, but it’s not warranted. These cars were very sophisticated for their time, and they required knowledge and competence from the people servicing them. This competence was not commonly found at a corner gas station. It wasn’t that the cars were pieces of junk. People just didn’t know how to take care of them..."
I may be mistaken but the cost of quality steel in the 1970s from countries in Western Europe skyrocketed leaving car manufacturers in Italy with little options except to use lower-grade steel from Russia which in part explained why they rusted as one person explained to me years ago.
In any event, he gets right to the heart of what distinguishes and differentiates Italian creativity from the rest. It's hoped I can convey this message in this (poorly run) blog.
From the comments:
"As an owner of 2 Alfas and a few other Italian cars, I couldn't agree more. Every time I sit in one of these cars I marvel at the unobtrusive competence of the people who designed them. They are made for the driver to shine, not to show off the engineers' capabilities. There are no gimmicks, no complicated interfaces that seem to be there only because the engineers could do it, no superfluous features, nothing except the man-machine interaction. These cars are a pure expression of the Italian designers' credo, harkening back to Roman times and building on the humanism of the Renaissance, that man is the measure of all things and that technology should be at the service of man. It is this idea that pervades the Italian way of life, you can see it every day when you visit Rome or Florence or Bologna or Milan, and it is embodied in the cars that they make. And in the motorcycles, and the boats, and the watches, and the clothes..."
An accurate and apt description if you ask me.
Many years ago my cousin explained to me while visiting Italy that Italians don't look for comfort in cars like North Americans and Northern Europeans do. Italians want to feel the enraged sexy might of their cars. They have a passion and panache for speed and more speed. Their car culture simply reflects and mirrors this appetite for speed through cutting edge design. It's what's keeps their creative juices flowing. It reminds them they're alive.
That's why you don't see too many Italian luxury cars. They do exist among the Maserati, Lancia and even Alfa ranks, while unsurprisingly beautiful and comfortable, it's not their specialty.
****
Which got me thinking. How many truly great racing nations are there? By this, I mean countries that create the machines to feed their lust for speed.
Off the top of my head, the obvious ones that spring to mind are the United States, Great Britain, Italy, France, and Germany. Japan, Australia, Spain, Brazil, Argentina and even Canada can also been thrown into the mix. Japan is a great producer but its racing culture is not as vibrant. The others are nations that have provided talent but not necessarily the machines - by this I mean speedy boats, planes, automobiles, motorcycles and whatever else people race.
So that leaves the first six. And out of those mighty six, in my view, the U.S, G-B and Italy stand out as the biggest racing cultures.
"...When I look at a car, I don’t just see a vehicle, but a set of values of the people who dreamed it up. The car pictured here is a 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider. I love the styling, but it’s really a car all about driving. Every aspect of the design is about performance. There was no focus group to decide where to put a ketchup holder, no gimmicks or fake wood grain.
"Italian cars in the early 1970s got a reputation for poor quality, but it’s not warranted. These cars were very sophisticated for their time, and they required knowledge and competence from the people servicing them. This competence was not commonly found at a corner gas station. It wasn’t that the cars were pieces of junk. People just didn’t know how to take care of them..."
I may be mistaken but the cost of quality steel in the 1970s from countries in Western Europe skyrocketed leaving car manufacturers in Italy with little options except to use lower-grade steel from Russia which in part explained why they rusted as one person explained to me years ago.
In any event, he gets right to the heart of what distinguishes and differentiates Italian creativity from the rest. It's hoped I can convey this message in this (poorly run) blog.
From the comments:
"As an owner of 2 Alfas and a few other Italian cars, I couldn't agree more. Every time I sit in one of these cars I marvel at the unobtrusive competence of the people who designed them. They are made for the driver to shine, not to show off the engineers' capabilities. There are no gimmicks, no complicated interfaces that seem to be there only because the engineers could do it, no superfluous features, nothing except the man-machine interaction. These cars are a pure expression of the Italian designers' credo, harkening back to Roman times and building on the humanism of the Renaissance, that man is the measure of all things and that technology should be at the service of man. It is this idea that pervades the Italian way of life, you can see it every day when you visit Rome or Florence or Bologna or Milan, and it is embodied in the cars that they make. And in the motorcycles, and the boats, and the watches, and the clothes..."
An accurate and apt description if you ask me.
Many years ago my cousin explained to me while visiting Italy that Italians don't look for comfort in cars like North Americans and Northern Europeans do. Italians want to feel the enraged sexy might of their cars. They have a passion and panache for speed and more speed. Their car culture simply reflects and mirrors this appetite for speed through cutting edge design. It's what's keeps their creative juices flowing. It reminds them they're alive.
That's why you don't see too many Italian luxury cars. They do exist among the Maserati, Lancia and even Alfa ranks, while unsurprisingly beautiful and comfortable, it's not their specialty.
****
Which got me thinking. How many truly great racing nations are there? By this, I mean countries that create the machines to feed their lust for speed.
Off the top of my head, the obvious ones that spring to mind are the United States, Great Britain, Italy, France, and Germany. Japan, Australia, Spain, Brazil, Argentina and even Canada can also been thrown into the mix. Japan is a great producer but its racing culture is not as vibrant. The others are nations that have provided talent but not necessarily the machines - by this I mean speedy boats, planes, automobiles, motorcycles and whatever else people race.
So that leaves the first six. And out of those mighty six, in my view, the U.S, G-B and Italy stand out as the biggest racing cultures.
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Disaster Hits Italy's Centuries Old Olive Trees
This is sad:
"A plant germ found in Europe for the first time is killing off centuries-old olive trees in southern Italy’s Apulia region, and researchers haven’t yet figured out how far the pathogen has spread.
Scientists found xylella fastidiosa, a bacterium native to the Americas, in plants across Lecce province in Apulia’s south and are now widening their search to all the region, Anna Maria D’Onghia, head of integrated pest management at the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari, said by phone today.
The pathogen, detected last month, is linked to die-back of olive trees over 8,000 hectares (19,768 acres) near the city of Lecce, the European Food Safety Agency reported two days ago. Apulia is Italy’s largest olive growing region with production of about 11 million metric tons last year, or 36 percent of the national crop, government statistics show."
I hope Italy recovers. Or else the world will be poorer for it.
This tragedy reminds me of The Great French Wine Blight that destroyed many vineyards in France in the 19th century. So much so that part of the solution was to import vines from the United States (California); ironically the source of the problem since the insects that ruined the vineyards originated from the USA. Yes, there is an American connection to modern French wines.
"A plant germ found in Europe for the first time is killing off centuries-old olive trees in southern Italy’s Apulia region, and researchers haven’t yet figured out how far the pathogen has spread.
Scientists found xylella fastidiosa, a bacterium native to the Americas, in plants across Lecce province in Apulia’s south and are now widening their search to all the region, Anna Maria D’Onghia, head of integrated pest management at the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari, said by phone today.
The pathogen, detected last month, is linked to die-back of olive trees over 8,000 hectares (19,768 acres) near the city of Lecce, the European Food Safety Agency reported two days ago. Apulia is Italy’s largest olive growing region with production of about 11 million metric tons last year, or 36 percent of the national crop, government statistics show."
I hope Italy recovers. Or else the world will be poorer for it.
This tragedy reminds me of The Great French Wine Blight that destroyed many vineyards in France in the 19th century. So much so that part of the solution was to import vines from the United States (California); ironically the source of the problem since the insects that ruined the vineyards originated from the USA. Yes, there is an American connection to modern French wines.
Just Add To Long List Of Legendary Names: Laverda
The Laverda 1000 V6 typifies the Italian penchant for spontaneous bursts of creative genius where machines are concerned. Having been part of the rebirth of Italian motorcycles in the 1970s and eventually declining in the 1980s, Laverda is yet another iconic work of engineering intrigue born in Italy.
Not exactly known for its smoothness and must have been hard to handle, the prototype featured a monster V6 engine by way of Giulio Alfieri - more known for his work with Maserati than motorcycles - who was commissioned by Massimo and Pietro Laverda.
Not exactly known for its smoothness and must have been hard to handle, the prototype featured a monster V6 engine by way of Giulio Alfieri - more known for his work with Maserati than motorcycles - who was commissioned by Massimo and Pietro Laverda.
Monday, December 14, 2015
Pininfarina Sale In The Works
Pininfarina's legacy features well on this blog - although not nearly enough and that's my fault obviously - and it's pending sale to an Indian company caught my eye.
"Mahindra & Mahindra is close to signing a deal to buy Italian car designer Pininfarina (PNNI.MI), two sources with direct knowledge of the matter said on Friday, the latest purchase of an iconic Italian brand by an Asian company.
"...Milan-listed Pininfarina has designed cars for Ferrari, Maserati, Rolls-Royce and Cadillac. Its shares closed down nearly 10 percent on Thursday after daily MF reported that there were growing doubts over the success of the talks..."
"...Turin-based Pininfarina, which owes its name to a nickname of its founder Battista Farina, also called "Pinin" Farina, is the latest Italian industrial brand to be snapped up by an Asian buyer after China National Chemical Corp agreed to buy into tyre-maker Pirelli in a 7.3 billion euro deal in March."
It's a shame such iconic Italian brands and companies don't remain in Italian hands but if acquiring companies can ensure viability without compromising Italian jobs and/or style, then so be it. Better that instead going bankrupt.
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
A Japitalian Car For 2017: Fiat Spider
Say hello to the 2017 Fiat Spider.
Road and Track:
"...Yes, as has been promised since the newly-redesigned Miata was first conceived, the iconic roadster has spawned an Italian-badged variant. Wearing the "124 Spider" badge, first applied to a Fiat back in 1966, this new roadster shares its chassis, suspension, some body panels, and nearly all of its interior with the Miata we've grown to love."
It has the look only Italian design can provide, n'est pas?
Pic from newestcars.
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.
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