This is why not much has been happening on Blog from Italy recently.  The flu assault started on Tuesday, worsened on Wednesday, and its effects seem to be lessening slightly (I’m writing this).

The wee one; he’s six; seemed bright and breezy enough today, but still has a temperature which goes up and down.  He fell asleep this afternoon when he ran out of energy, and he seems to have lost his voracious appetite.  Last night he hardly slept a wink as a result of coughing all the time, which probably explains the snooze this afternoon.

Other half seems weak but is bearing up fairly well, as usual – she’s a real trooper in these situations, I have to say.

I slept pretty much all day yesterday, and, just for good measure, vomited too.  Then there is that blasted cough.  All in all, not good.  And things taste funny to me too.

It’s looks as though we are not alone by any means. 

Flu Hits Milan

Yep, this flu seems to have hit plenty of people here in Milan.  It also seems to have struck a little earlier than usual too which is odd.

Plenty of classes at my son’s primary school here in Milan have been reduced from the normal 25 to 12 or even fewer kids.   A colleague of mine says that the situation in his daughter’s primarly school, in another part of Milan, is very similar, or worse.  Some classes, he told me, were down to 2 or 3 pupils out of the normal 25.

There is even talk of closing schools, which happens automatically when attendance levels fall below 50% in Italy.

There have been other deaths attributed to the swine flu virus In Italy, but unless a test is taken, it’s impossible to know whether someone has been hit by the H1N1 virus or merely some other pesky strain of flu virus.  All flu viruses, not just the Swine Flu variety, do cause deaths.

Italian’s Told not to Besiege Hospitals

Ferruccio Fazio, Italy’s junior health minister is telling worried Italians not to besiege hospitals.  This is good advice as it will not take many cases to overload Italy’s casualty departments, particularly in some parts of the south of the country.

Hopefully everyone will pay heed to minister Fazio’s plea, but worried parents, will be worried parents…

Our Symptoms:

Me:

• Sweating
• Headache
• Backache – mainly back tenderness (bronchitis?)
• Tiredness
• Loss of appetite
• Cough
• Blocked nose
• Catarrh
• Up and down temperature (higher than my ‘normal’ 35.3°C)

Young one and other half:

More or less the same as me, but no backache.

Normal service on Blog from Italy will be resumed once the invader has been beaten!

Over and out.

Blue Asbestos

Italy was something of a late adopter when it came to the use of asbestos, being some 10 years behind countries such as the United States and Great Britain.  Not only was Italy an asbestos producer, it also imported substantial amounts of asbestos from Canada, Australia and South Africa.

As a consequence of the large scale production and use of asbestos in Italy, incidences of mesothelioma have increased, and will continue to do so for some time to come.  This means that mesothelioma lawyers do exist in Italy, although finding them may not be too easy.

There is the chance that Italy’s mesothelioma lawyers do not speak English, although judging by the body of information available on this subject in English, it is likely that many of Italy’s mesothelioma lawyers will have studied documentation in the language.

In the following post you will find a suggestion as to how to find mesothelioma lawyers in Italy, plus the names of two leading Italian lawyers who have dealt with mesothelioma litigation.

A study carried out by the Occupational Health Department of La Sapienza university in Rome revealed that deaths from mesothelioma in Italy were likely to double, reaching some 9000 cases in 2018.  In 1999 in Italy, 5000 people died as a result of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer affecting lungs and the abdominal cavity which is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos.  Asbestos related illnesses include mesothelioma, as well as asbestosis, pleural plaques, and lung tumors.

Alas, it is not only Italians who may be at risk of mesothelioma and other asbestos related illnesses.

Have You Worked in At Risk Environment in Italy?

If you have worked Italy, you may be at risk of mesothelioma or asbestosis and other asbestos related illnesses.   It is likely that some foreign employees found themselves working in environments in which asbestos was used in Italy, and this includes, would you believe, teachers.

Here is a short list of work environments in which asbestos was employed in Italy – it has been taken from the ISPESL website:

• The production of asbestos cement related products – often for the construction trade

• The manufacture of textiles containing asbestos used in the ship building  (Monfalcone), railroad maintenance, and building construction industries in Italy.

ISPESL “is a technical-scientific body in the National Health Service and reports to the Ministry of Health as regards all aspects of occupational safety, health and prevention.”  Part of the ISPESL body includes the Registro nazionale dei mesoteliomi – Italy’s National Mesothelioma Registry, a body which records all incidences of mesothelioma in Italy.

Information in English for Mesothelioma lawyers

Mesothelioma lawyers from outside of Italy researching cases concerning ex-employees of Italian companies which were involved in the production and use of asbestos and asbestos related products, will find a substantial ammount of information on the ISPESL in English.  Simply change the site language to English and carry out a search – in English.

Mesothelioma patients may also be interested in the ISPESL site too.

Another source of information could be AIRTUM, Associazione Italiana Registri Tumori – the Italian Tumor Registry, which, incidentally, is about to publish a report entitled: Italian Cancer Figures – Report 2009.  This report will contain information on mesothelioma cases in Italy, and could be of use to both mesothelioma lawyers and mesothelioma patients alike.

Looking for Mesothelioma Lawyers in Italy

One thing which can be tried is, for example, to find Pennsylvania mesothelioma lawyers, if you are in Pennsylvania that is, and then ask them to connect with Italian mesothelioma lawyers.  One Italian law firm which is likely to have good international connections is the NCTM practice.

There are other English speaking lawyers and law firms in Italy, but always ensure before instructing a lawyer to act on your behalf that he or she has has direct experience of Mesothelioma litigation.

Two Italian Mesothelioma Lawyers

Two mesothelioma lawyers in Italy are Amedeo Zamboni who acted on behalf of the families of the deceased in the Monfalcone shipyard case and Annamaria Marin. Zamboni and his law firm will have in depth information on mesothelioma and asbestos cases in Italy.

Both Zamboni and Marin were involved with the Italian Asbestos Exposure Association.  The Associations’ website does have a little in English, so it is possible that communication in English is possible.  This Italian asbestos association can be contacted here:

ASSOCIAZIONE ESPOSTI AMIANTO – link to AEA website
Via dei Carracci 2
20149 MILANO
telephone 02-498.4678 – fax 02-480.14680

The Association should be able to put foreign mesothelioma lawyers in touch with Italian lawyers specialising in this subject.

Another list of lawyers specialising in mesothelioma is here: hg.org – Law firms -Asbestos-Mesothelioma – Italy

If anyone reading this has any other useful names or resources, then add them via a comment, and this page will be updated.

Sources and further reading:

Amianto Mai Più – Asbestos No More – in Italian

Mesotheliomaweb.org – US mesothelioma resource site with information for mesothelioma patients and details on recent cases.

Mesothelioma – Wikipedia

I PROCESSI ALL’AMIANTO – Progress in Asbestos Cases in Italy 14 April 2002 Update – RAI 3 Report Television Documentary – in Italian

ISPESL - Italian National Institute for Occupational Safety and Prevention  – in English

Brunello Cucinelli Cashmere

Brunello Cucinelli’s philosophy of ethical capitalism is an example of capitalism at its best, or neo-capitalism, as some may refer to it.  Brunello Cucinelli, the man behind the company, is also very good at what he does, with his cashmere fashion company being highly profitable, and he is a keen exponent of ‘Made in Italy’.

Brunello Cucinelli’s company is weathering the current economic crisis exceptionally well.  Not only did Brunello Cucinelli manage to increase profits, but the cashmere company further bucked the Italian trend by taking on 15 more staff.

It will perhaps come as no surprise to hear that Brunello Cucinelli has attained some recognition for his entrepreneurial prowess.

2009 Olivetti Entrepreneur

Cucinelli was named 2009 Olivetti Entrepreneur.  It sounds as though he whole heartedly deserves this accolade.

Human Capital is King from Cucinelli

The concept of ‘human capital’ is very much at the forefront of Cucinelli’s philosophy, as he believes that by treating human capital in a dignified fashion, everyone can benefit.

Cucinelli Breathes New Life into Solomeo

Cucinelli’s concept of human capital goes beyond the walls of his premises.  It was his company which effectively resurrected the charming hillside town of Solomeo in the Italian region of Umbria.

Solomeo is where the Brunello Cucinelli has its headquarters, and where the company’s 500 staff are employed.

Cucinelli Believes in Meritocracy

Cucinelli believes in treating his staff well, and pays some of them 40% more than levels dictated by Italian national wage agreements, and he rewards good workmanship and productivity.

Yes, Cucinelli values his employees, which is nice to hear in these times of crisis – and remember that Cucinelli has proved that by treating your staff well, your company can prosper.  This is something people I have always admired, such as Robert Owen, the Cadbury’s and the Italian Crespi’s knew well.

Brunello Cucinelli Epitomises Made in Italy

I suspect that Brunello Cucinelli would be the first to admit that his company’s cashmere clothing is not for the masses, but then cashmere has never come cheap.

What Cucinelli’s fine products do; they look lovely – classic elegance; is epitomise what the Made in Italy brand stands for – fine craftsmanship and timeless sophistication.

Go visit the Brunello Cucinelli website and learn a little more about this Italian entrepreneur who should be known the world over for the example he is setting.

The Brunello Cucinelli Fall/Winter Collection brochure (.pdf) contains some stunning photographs too, and not only of the company’s gorgeous cashmere creations.

Christmas is a coming, so if you wish to treat either the lady or man in your life to something a little special, Brunello Cucinelli is a name you should certainly have on the tip of your tongue.

Oh, and yes, I love cashmere.

I wonder if Brunello Cucinelli knows another admirable Italian entrepreneur in the Italian region of Umbria, wine producer, Lorenzo Fasola Bologna?

Just in case you were wondering, I found out about Brunello Cucinelli via my favourite Italian documentary program, Report, which is broadcast on Italy’s RAI 3 channel.  And nobody paid me to write this – I just like writing about Good Italian Things.

Accidents Do Happen in Italy

The numbers worry Italian car manufacturer Fiat, so, along with the Fiat dealers association, the Italian car manufacturer is promoting in an initiative designed to underline the importance of taking safety measures to keep Italian children safe in cars.

The Fiat instigated car safety initiative, which is now in its second year, is called BimbiSicuramente.  ‘Bimbi’ is Italian for small children, and ‘Sicuramente’ means ’surely’, ’securely’ and ’safely’ in Italian.  Putting the two Italian words together creates an effective combination of related meanings which should help get the message across -and save a few young lives.

What’s the problem in Italy?

Hypersonic Velocities

If you have visited Italy, you may have noticed that quite a number of Italian drivers do tend to whiz around at hypersonic velocities, ignore bothersome things like traffic lights (Naples), and seem to exhibit a certain reluctance to use those funny things called brakes.

The Italian police and road safety experts acknowledge that excessive speed is one of the leading causes of car crashes in Italy.

Compared to the rest of Europe, accident levels and fatalities, are high in Italy.  And children between the ages of 5 and 14 are dying.

650 Accidents Every Day in Italy

An average of 650 road accidents occur daily in Italy.  As a result around 16 people die every day on Italy’s roads.  Some of these people are, sadly, children.  In fact, annually, 100 Italian children are killed in road accidents in Italy and over 10,750 Italian kids suffer car-accident related injuries.  This equates to around 30 children being injured each and every day of the year in Italy.

Two out of three Italians, it appears, pay scant attention to the safety of their little ones while shuttling them around in cars.

While Italian parents may well put on their seat belts, they tend to assume that children travelling in rear seats will be safe without any form of restraint.  This is not true.  If a car stops suddenly, there is a huge risk that an unrestrained child will be catapulted through the front windscreen -watch this video to see what can happen: Crash Test without child seat.

Use the Right Car Seat for Kids

The lack of attention to the safety of children in cars on the part Italy’s generally doting parents is down to their not appreciating the safety measures which need to be taken.  It is this situation Fiat wants to redress by using its network of car dealers to help Italian parents understand how they can prevent their children from being injured, or worse, dying in car accidents.

Simply using the right kind of car seat for children can significantly reduce the chances of injury in an accident situation – and this is clearly pointed out on the BimbiSicuramente website.

9th and the 15th of November, 2009

Between the 9th and the 15th of November Italian parents and their children are being encouraged to visit Fiat and Fiat car dealers around Italy, and to listen to the car safety advice offered.  Children will receive a few goodies too.

According to Fiat, the aim of this campaign is not to sell more Fiat cars.  However if people do end up buying safer cars as a result, then this will be no bad thing, especially if it saves children’s lives or prevents injuries.

Fiat Helps Italian Roads Become Safer

Indirectly, this Fiat initiative may also help make Italian roads a become safer for one and all, not only for Italy’s children.  This is yet another good reason for giving Fiat a pat on the back for its efforts, and definitely qualifies as being a Good Italian Thing.

If you’d like to know more, and know some Italian (or want to practice) here are some BimbiSicuramente links for you:

BimbiSicuramente website

BimbiSicuramente Facebook page

BimbiSicuramente Quiz on Facebook ‘What kind of a driver are you?’ Quiz – in Italian.

As you will see from the photograph, it’s one colourful place this week.  Might resurrect a few happy holiday memories, which is no bad thing seeing as winter is fast approaching.

It sure is one pretty place too.

Can you guess where it is in Italy, and the name of the town shown?  Italians can feel free to have a go too – as long as they are not from the area!  But – I’d like to see how well non-Italian know the delights Italy has to offer, so, if my Italian readers can restrain themselves – many thanks.

Read on for the postcard photo.

Can You Guess Where this Glorious Seaside Town Can Be Found in Italy?

Can you Guess the Location and the Name of the Town in Italy?

Answers, as usual, on a comment.  Lovely photo too.

I’ll reveal who took this photograph as soon as the answer has been given, or when I give the answer, whichever comes first.  The answer will appear on Saturday, if nobody has guessed by then, that is.

A clue will be given on Friday, if nobody has managed to come up with the right answer. There is no prize – as this is just for fun.

I have to say that I would not mind living in this place at all.

Happy guessing, and here’s to next year’s summer!  Cheers.