½ûÂþÌìÌÃ

Have you checked the "certificato di agibilita"? Perhaps the Comune has already allocated a complete address.

For your numero civico, you must contact your local Comune. Actually, once a building is completed and becomes habitable, it is compulsory to obtain a numero civico.  Regarding your telephone connection, no idea. Perhaps someone with experience on new connections may advise.

I would agree with you Steve, in that the so called "financial experts" haven't got a clue. Otherwise, we would not be in the mess we are in and that would apply to most economies. Oh yes! Brazil is doing very well after decades of stagnation and highway robbery, but then, Brazil is an extremely rich country that was mismanaged for a very long time.  Personally, I am very much against personal debt and, as it is your case, I have not purchased anything on credit for such a number of years now that I can't remember. My philosophy has always been, if I can't pay for it, I can't afford it. I think that the last time we had a mortgage was some 30 years ago. Consequently, after working very hard, we are not rich, but we can confortably live the rest of our lives, providing that the "financial experts" will not create such a crisis that will but the whole world upside down. On the other hand, I do agree that companies may need money to expand and to invest on renewal of infrastructure, necessary to their survival; however, this should also be done with care and this is the area where governments should help, as this assistance should normally guarantee that the economy will progress. My worry is that, in the case of the ½ûÂþÌìÌà government, the public debt is gone to finance the overspending of the state itself, which simply has become a monster. Add to this the phantom of corruption, which is always there, and there is a huge problem with very difficult resolution. I do not think that blaming the Euro or the EU is the answer. And I am not completely sure about whether the UK made the right decision by maintaining the pound. Time will tell. I further agree with you in that the EU cannot compete with emerging markets when it comes to manufacturing as our costs are high and perhaps it would be wise to concentrate on high technology and quality goods. And should write QUALITY in capitals. Here, I would give you a recent example of something that happened in Spain, which is the largest producer of toys in the world. Some years ago, one of the largest firms in the sector transferred its production to China because of labor costs. They had so many problems with quality and safety, something vital when you are dealing with children, that their costs escalated dramatically instead of going down. They had their quality control headquarters in Spain and they were forced to send back so many toys that the savings evaporated and they could no longer trust their Chinese providers. Consequently, they reopened their factories in Spain. Perhaps, this will happen in many other countries and production areas as well. One example for Italy is the total loss of their once buoyant textile industry. And like this, many other industries. There is still hope, but we need reform. And quite possibly new financial advisers who are not punters and know what they are talking about. Also, banks that follow a code of ethics... if that word is still in use.

Sir TK, look at the original text and its contradictions:   The difference is the French, Germans, British all bought stuff on credit, which made their economies grow. The ½ûÂþÌìÌÃs didn't buy on credit so they could only achieve economic survival through Government spending on things that people may or may not have chosen for themselves. Of course the Government had no money to pay for that spending, so they borrowed it. Hence Italy has huge Government borrowing because the people wouldn't borrow for themselves i.e. live on credit, whereas people in other European countries did - and continue to do so. As I asked earlier, would it be a good thing for ½ûÂþÌìÌÃs to launch themselves into personal debt? I still think no. Which probably means Italy is out of kilter with Europe, and should probably not be part of it. Similar to UK really, though UK still try to pretend it's in their best interests. Sorry, but it sounds more like a sophism than a real argument. You clearly say that the cause of Italy's problem is the limited personal borrowing which has then to be compensated by government borrowing. Yes, you suspect that ½ûÂþÌìÌÃs will not agree to get personal loans, but this will still be the cause of their woes according to your earlier reasoning. Then, you say that it "probably" means that Italy is out of kilter with Europe, and that it should withdraw from the EU. Followed by a statement indicating that the UK (which has a high level of personal debt according to your own earlier statement) is in a similar predicament (although it would appear as it is for different causes) and should also withdraw. Difficult to follow in any language.

Maggi, I would advise you to check with your neighbours to find out which is the best operator in your area. Some have quite a few problems. In general, TIM coverage is good.

Yes, Maggi. I certainly know Debra. She is a friendly, wonderful person who does a lot to promote Bagni di Lucca and Italyin general through her great blog. I guessed that you may knew her as well. Perhaps we shall meet some day. Good luck with your future plans!

SirTk, I am not "shooting from the hip!. Simply stating my opinion. I cannot see the advantage of copying bad examples. ½ûÂþÌìÌÃs take a more conservative approach than other nations and try not to get burdened by personal debt. A huge public debt is what they have to endure courtesy of their governments. Taking up credits will only make the banks richer. Other macroeconomic reforms are needed. As I said before, austerity alone is a recipe for disasters.

And why would it be healthier or wiser to live on credit? It does not make much sense. Credit may be necessary for certain companies or individuals to develop projects but it is dangerous to buy on credit things that you can't really afford.

Cyprus is a special case and their economy cannot be compared with other countries. On the other hand, the public debt of some countries, such as Italy or Spain is becoming a real burden. Italy has a low level of personal debt according to EU statistics But in the long run, people, no matter how indebted they privately are will have to pay the public debt through increased taxes, charges, etc. It is as simple as that.

SirTK, without trying to excuse the actions of the small percentage of paedophile priests in the Catholic Church, I invite you to have a look at some statistics on child sexual abuse It is relevant to realize that the majority of child abuse cases occur in their own homes and it is perpetrated by parents and family members or minors under the age of 18. It would also be important to point out that the Catholic Church, or any other Church or Educational Institution does not condone or encourage this despicable behaviour. On the other hand, paedophiles seem to try to hide under the umbrella of these institutions as they provide easy targets for them because of the abundance of children and adolescents. It has also been pointed out that the percentage of paedophiles in the Catholic Church is not higher than what you will find in other churches, schools, sport clubs or anywhere these people will find easy targets. Yes, the Church was slow in reacting when accusations started and they should have done things in a different way. Mistakes were made; however, attitudes have changed and every effort is being made so that all this will not happen again.  Brain-washing can only be successful amongst uneducated people. And that applies to any type of brain-washing, whether political, religious or any other kind. If the person is educated and well-informed, brain-washing is not effective. There is a tendency nowadays to look at headlines and forget about contents. This is what keeps journalists and the media busy and wealthy. Headlines really sell and scandal is the best headline. The priest or nun who silently works in hospitals, missions, schools, welfare agencies will not get a headline and they are the large majority. I also think that this thread has already attracted too many questions and answers and replies that had very little to do with its title. A discussion about Religion should be the topic for another thread; however, I would be reluctant to start it. As far as I am concerned, this thread is finished. And this is final, at least for myself.