Monday, February 9, 2004

Strikes and More Strikes

February 9, 2004

Italy’s 155,000 public medical employees are on strike today, led, with unusual unanimity, by all 42 of their unions. The major issue is that their contracts were due to be renewed two years ago (I suppose that implies cost-of-living increases, at least), and have not been, due to disagreements between the federal and regional governments [...]

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Fearsome Flying

February 9, 2004

“Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge said yesterday that he believes security crackdowns over the Christmas holidays, including the cancellation of some passenger flights into the United States, averted a terrorist attack. But intelligence on the threat was so wispy that U.S. officials may never know for sure, he said.” By John Mintz, Washington Post Staff [...]

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Melancholy Baby

February 9, 2004

I’m no good at flirting. I just haven’t had much practice. There were times in my life when I would have liked to, but the opportunity rarely arose; I seem to give off a “don’t come near me” vibe. The year in Benares, when my female teammates were abundantly grabbed and “eve-teased” by Indian men [...]

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Dressing for Italy: Tips for Tourists

February 9, 2004

Foreign travelers to Italy sometimes ask how to to dress so as not to look out of place among the fashionable Italians. This question is hard to answer; much depends on your sex, age, and personal style. It’s easiest to start with some fashion don’ts: No track suits, sweat suits, or the like, and no [...]

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