Milan shuts down for a month of summer holidays despite economic turmoil

Milan shuts down for August despite economic turmoil. Photo by Antonia Scott

Despite news reports and market speculation that Italy's economy is at risk and a six per cent market plumet, its main commercial hub, the fashion capital of the world, Milan, has shut down for the summer.

For the entire month of August businesses of all types, services, retail, construction and manufacturing, to name just a few, shut up shop and head off on holidays.

While there are, no doubt, businesses one can do without for a month, the first Monday of August caused a mini panic when my fridge was empty and I found my fresh food markets, my butcher, baker and fishmonger and my local supermarket were all closed.

After a quick lap or two of my neighbourhood I managed to find a supermarket open 15 minutes away. Presumably, this particular supermarket is the only one open in my zone for the month of August. While my five minute shopping trip has now turned into a half hour outing at least we have food.

An Austrian friend has said that August is better now than three years ago. He tells of his first year in August when he exited the Metro into a normally crowded piazza on his way to work to experience a Will Smith in I am Legend experience - he was the only single sole in sight. In a thick Austrian accent, which no doubt made him sound more Arnie than Will, he had yelled "Fuck'n'hell it's the end of the world and I'm the last man left."

While the Duomo and main tourist areas are still open, if you want to get a real feel for the Milan lifestyle and culture I'd avoid travelling here in August. On the other hand if you don't like crowds Milan is all yours.

England should call 9pm curfew to stop senseless riots

Photo from BBC. Framed by Antonia Scott.

It seems four nights of senseless destruction throughout England, the violent loss of businesses and homes and the deaths of four people, have seized the public with fear but done little to shock the authorities into proper action.

Once again we watch footage of kids running rampage throughout cities with police powerless to do more than cattle drive them from one street to another.

While we've missed the three strikes zero tolerance stance perhaps we can stretch it to four strikes and put an end to all the raids?

The police should be strengthened by the military and a severe 9pm curfew is needed for children aged 16 and under. 

Those under the age of 16 caught out should be taken into custody. Their parents then questioned about why their sons or daughters were hanging around late into the evening and then the parents should be charged appropriately.

A similar scheme was brought up in 2008 following a bought of teenage stabbings as part of a Youth Crime Action Plan. It was rejected by critics at the time but perhaps it can be actioned now as an emergency response approach.

 

Unlike the youth unrest that broke out at the end of 2010, brought on by students protesting the rise in university admission fees, the hooliganism we have witnessed over the past four nights has no ideological or political purpose. The vandals are simple criminals: thieves, arsonists, and now even murderers and deserve a no tolerancy approach.

Though no doubt, these activities bring to light the unhealthy underbelly of English youth culture.  No longer hidden behind school gates in some of English most deprived areas, English youth gang activity has now hit the international stage. Following this rioting serious action needs to be undertaken to identify and treat the source of this youth gang culture and eradicate it from the nation once and for all.

Please note I've noted English not UK as I'm not aware of the same behaviour being rife in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland where so far these riots have not occurred.