JUST as Silvio Berlusconi, the Italian prime minister, was basking in the praise of his fellow leaders over his handling of the G8 summit last week, a new episode in the scandal that has haunted him for months was disclosed. A magazine reported that he had spent a weekend in a luxurious Umbrian health spa with a retinue of women, including an actress and a former showgirl who have worked for the billionaire politician's television stations. On the first day of the summit in the city of L'Aquila, which was hit by an earthquake in April, Berlusconi, 72, made a direct reference to his troubles, assuring fellow leaders: "You all know very well they are attacking me on a personal level, but rest assured, I will continue to lead my country for another four years." Prosecutors in Bari in southern Italy are investigating a businessman, Giampaolo Tarantini, on suspicion that he abetted prostitution by allegedly paying women to attend parties at Berlusconi's homes in the capital and Sardinia. Tarantini has denied all wrongdoing.
JUST as Silvio Berlusconi, the Italian prime minister, was basking in the praise of his fellow leaders over his handling of the G8 summit last week, a new episode in the scandal that has haunted him for months was disclosed.
A magazine reported that he had spent a weekend in a luxurious Umbrian health spa with a retinue of women, including an actress and a former showgirl who have worked for the billionaire politician's television stations.
On the first day of the summit in the city of L'Aquila, which was hit by an earthquake in April, Berlusconi, 72, made a direct reference to his troubles, assuring fellow leaders: "You all know very well they are attacking me on a personal level, but rest assured, I will continue to lead my country for another four years."
Prosecutors in Bari in southern Italy are investigating a businessman, Giampaolo Tarantini, on suspicion that he abetted prostitution by allegedly paying women to attend parties at Berlusconi's homes in the capital and Sardinia. Tarantini has denied all wrongdoing.
On July 14, the Indian Army will march for the first time on the Champs-Elysees of Paris, where 400 of its soldiers will take part in the Bastille Day parade, under the watchful eyes of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. India, the guests of honour for this year's parade, is sending three batallions. In uniforms inspired by those of the former British Empire, they will march to music "less militaristic" and quicker than that to be used by the French soldiers. The Indian Army made a "strong impression" during their rehearsals, according to a French officer.
On July 14, the Indian Army will march for the first time on the Champs-Elysees of Paris, where 400 of its soldiers will take part in the Bastille Day parade, under the watchful eyes of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
India, the guests of honour for this year's parade, is sending three batallions.
In uniforms inspired by those of the former British Empire, they will march to music "less militaristic" and quicker than that to be used by the French soldiers. The Indian Army made a "strong impression" during their rehearsals, according to a French officer.
The French (gossip) press says she claims to be scammed out of 650,000 euros by Christophe Rocancourt. Exciting!
To count as internationally significant, an opera company must be able to supercharge its lineup with star power. That's exactly what the Santa Fe Opera has done this summer. It not only brought back Natalie Dessay but persuaded the much-sought-after French soprano to make her first-ever appearance as Violetta in "La Traviata." In the opera world, this is big news. Even before this year's summer season opened, all 11 performances of Giuseppe Verdi's classic tragedy were sold out or virtually so. Critics were scrambling to book trips to New Mexico. So expectations were running sky-high by the time opening night came July 3. And, put simply, Dessay came through, delivering a dazzling, star-worthy performance in every respect.
That's exactly what the Santa Fe Opera has done this summer. It not only brought back Natalie Dessay but persuaded the much-sought-after French soprano to make her first-ever appearance as Violetta in "La Traviata."
In the opera world, this is big news. Even before this year's summer season opened, all 11 performances of Giuseppe Verdi's classic tragedy were sold out or virtually so. Critics were scrambling to book trips to New Mexico.
So expectations were running sky-high by the time opening night came July 3. And, put simply, Dessay came through, delivering a dazzling, star-worthy performance in every respect.
http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_12804528
Uttering expletives when you hurt yourself is a sensible policy, according to scientists who have shown swearing can help reduce pain.A study by Keele University researchers found volunteers who cursed at will could endure pain nearly 50% longer than civil-tongued peers.
Uttering expletives when you hurt yourself is a sensible policy, according to scientists who have shown swearing can help reduce pain.
A study by Keele University researchers found volunteers who cursed at will could endure pain nearly 50% longer than civil-tongued peers.
