Topic: Rome (Italy)

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Silvio Berlusconi must face 'Heartstealer' trial

Judges in Milan do not excuse former Italian prime-minister Silvio Berlusconi, charged with paying for sex with underage dancer, from court despite upcoming Italian election. Prostitution charge had become known as the tycoon's 'Bunga Bunga' moment. Berlusconi denies wrong-doing.
Technocrat Mario Monti enters Italy scrum, faces Berlusconi

The rest of Europe likes and respects the competant Mario Monti. But to take the reins in Italy, he's changing tone and getting tougher.
Italians, backed by the Catholic Church, aim to stop Sunday shopping

A law that deregulates store hours in Italy, allowing businesses to operate on Sundays in order to stimulate economic growth, has fueled opposition since its inception a year ago.
Global News Blog End of the world on 12/21/12? Not just yet, says the Vatican's top astronomer. (+video)

The director of the Vatican Observatory dismissed talk of a Mayan doomsday on Dec. 21, 2012, saying that the end of the Earth, if it happens, is billions of years away.
The Watchers

While some parts of Stephen Alford's book are repetitive, his study of life during Queen Elizabeth I's reign is a thought-provoking read.
11 best books of December, according to Amazon's editors

Looking for a holiday read for yourself or a gift for a voracious reader? These are the best new titles this month, hand-picked by Amazon's editors. Amazon’s editorial director of books and Kindle Sara Nelson tells us why they were chosen.
The pope joins the twitterverse as @pontifex

The Vatican is trying to reach out to an increasingly Internet-savvy audience and has already established a presence on YouTube and Facebook.
Italy votes in center-left primary, moves closer to choosing next prime minister

The next general election in Italy, in the spring, will determine who will lead the country as it struggles to recover from recession and high unemployment. On Sunday, Italy held a primary runoff for center-left candidates.
Walkable City

This timely, important book should be required reading for city planners – and anyone simply hoping for a more walkable downtown.
The Lost Battles

A fascinating, daring look at Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo Buonarotti, and the artistic rivalry that shook the Renaissance.
Top Picks: Oliver Stone's US history, a three-CD Creedence Clearwater Revival compilation, and more

CeeLo Green celebrates the holidays with a new CD, the History Channel explores the story of humanity, and more top picks.
Et tu Fluffy? Rome weighs evicting cat shelter.

Tucked into a corner of the Largo Argentina temple square in Rome, the cat sanctuary provides food and sterilization to hundreds of homeless cats. But critics say it besmirches the ruins.
Opinion What if neither Mitt Romney nor President Obama wins on Nov. 6?

What if we wake up on Wednesday, and find out that in several states the outcome is in doubt, and neither President Obama nor Mitt Romney is the clear winner? America could be heading for court battles that will make Florida in 2000 look like a tussle at the local PTA.
Glittering Images

Camille Paglia's willingness to go out on a limb with her artistic opinions makes 'Glittering Images' a lively read.
Energy Voices Biofuels and food shortage: Are government mandates making it worse?

The diversion of grains into fuel has exacerbated the food shortages caused by extreme weather, Finley writes. Now some countries are taking action.
Backchannels Earthquake predictions and a triumph of scientific illiteracy in an Italian court (+video)

An Italian court sentenced scientists to jail time for not having a functioning crystal ball ahead of the 2009 earthquake in L'Aquila. The arguments of science and reason fell on deaf ears.
George McGovern: A war hero who fought for peace

Former US Senator George McGovern was a war hero who inspired many in his opposition to the Vietnam War. Always a proud liberal, he was crushed in his 1972 challenge to Richard Nixon.
Raising the Costa Concordia, the biggest sea salvage operation ever (+video)

As its captain waits to hear whether he will face charges after capsizing, the Costa Concordia still lies off Giglio Island. Now, hundreds of workers are preparing to float the wreckage.
Horizons Herman Melville books: Remembering the author of 'Moby Dick'

Google today honors Herman Melville books, such as his novel 'Moby Dick,' which was published 161 years ago today.
Europe's independence seekers: Scotland, Catalonia, and now ... Venice

Activists in Venice and northeastern Italy want to restore independence to the region, which had been a republic for more than 1,000 years before falling to Napoleon in 1797.
Stir It Up! A delicious fall dessert: baked apples

Baked apples stuffed with brown sugar, spices, candied ginger, and toasted pecans are a perfect seasonal treat. They're even better when topped with vanilla ice cream.
Global News Blog No more paninis on the piazza? Rome bars tourists from eating at historical sites

Thinking of emulating Audrey Hepburn in the 1953 romantic comedy 'Roman Holiday' by eating a gelato on the Spanish Steps? Think again. It could prove to be a very expensive ice cream.
New world requires new strategies

Democracy and digitalization make urgent demands. How, and how fast, can the US adjust?
Euro crisis spurs Italy's 'big baby' boom: grown children living with parents

New research says that a third of adult Italians – and more than 60 percent of young adults – live with their parents. Experts say that hard economic times have exacerbated the cultural phenom.
Opinion A sure-fire place to cut the US defense budget

The US Department of Defense has said that the air-defense program known as MEADS will never be operational. Yet Defense Secretary Leon Panetta insists that Congress reinsert $400 million in the defense budget for the program. Amazingly, Congress is falling for his line.