A wildlife reserve in southern Tuscany hosting exotic animals that once belonged to mafia owners will soon be opening its gates to the public. Tigers once pampered as cubs but dumped as adults, unruly monkeys, lions and more are guests at the Center for Rescued Wild and Exotic Animals run by the international environmental organisation WWF.
Category: News
EU wins the Nobel prize, American students react
On Friday, October 12th 2012, the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the esteemed Nobel Peace Prize to the European Union. It is interesting to see how American students reacted to the news. It is important to recall that President Barak Obama won the Noble Peace Prize in 2009. Students have been comparing the two, in an attempt to understand the logic behind the committee’s decision.
Gethsemane olive trees age discovered
For the first time, scientists have worked out the exact age of the eight remaining olive trees in Gethsemane, the garden at the foot of the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem where, according to the gospels, Jesus and his disciples are said to have prayed the night before Jesus’ crucifixion.
Watch the CBRN training in Tuscany
CBRN Exercise of police, firefighters and 118 Saturday, October 13, at Terontola (Arezzo). Under the coordination of the Prefecture of Arezzo, at the Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear exercise were around 60 units between the Fire Department, 118 staff and police.
Concordia trial begins with captain present
Francesco Schettino, the captain of the cruise liner Costa Concordia that ran aground on a Tuscan island in January killing 32 people, appeared in court Monday as hearings to decide whether to indict him and others for the shipwreck began. The judge who oversaw preliminary investigations, Valeria Montesarchio, will preside over hearings.
Cyclone Cleopatra to bring heavy storms over Tuscany
“Cleopatra”, a Mediterranean cyclone, will usher autumn into Italy. Generated by the clash between the cold air moving southwards from the Arctic to Spain and Morocco and the warm air from the Saharan hinterland, Cleopatra will become strongest between Monday evening and Tuesday morning.
Costa Concordia, captain Schettino sacked
The captain of the cruise liner Costa Concordia that ran aground on a Tuscan island in January killing 32 people was fired in July, the Costa Crociere company said Wednesday, confirming a press report. Schettino apologised in July for being “distracted” on the night of Italy’s worst maritime disaster since World War II.
Heavy rainfalls expected on Monday in Florence
The weather alert is coming to Florence. Atlantic perturbations brought rain to the Alps and the northern regions. Other perturbations will briefly pass through the north-eastern and central-souther areas of the country, bringing with them sudden storms. The city mobility commissioner, Massimo Mattei, urges people to be careful and to reduce as far as possible the movements.
High pollution lurks in most Italian cities
Most Italian cities have higher levels of pollution than regulations permit, said an environmental report released Tuesday. Airborne pollution – made up of dust, smoke and hazardous substances in liquid form – exceeded legal limits in many cities, according to 2010 data collected by researchers. That included Florence, Prato, Rome, Milan, Pescara, Naples, Palermo and Siracusa.
Medicine: dead in Pisa endocrinologist Pinchera
Aldo Pinchera, internationally renowned endocrinologist, is died last night in his home in Pisa. He died for heart problems. Professor of Endocrinology and director of the first school of specialization in Endocrinology and parts of the University of Pisa was 78 years old.