Latest news with #French-British
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Italy's PM, French president hold talks in Rome
ROME, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Tuesday welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron and the two leaders held bilateral talks on various issues, including trade, and relationships with the United States, according to Italian media. The French president was greeted with the guard of honour at Palazzo Chigi, and Meloni and Macron were seen shaking hands and smiling for cameras before entering the government palace. The bilateral talks were expected to help dispel recent tensions between the two countries, Ansa news agency reported. France and Italy are traditional allies, and the second and third-largest economies in the European Union (EU), respectively, but the two governments have been at odds over a number of issues, and are politically distant: Meloni leads a right-wing, nationalist cabinet, while Macron is centrist and strongly pro-European. According to Ansa, the two leaders also differ from each other in their approach to the United States, with Meloni seeking to build close ties with President Donald Trump -- and play a negotiating role between the United States and the EU on tariffs -- and Macron advocating a more independent EU's stance. On the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, both countries have vowed strong support to Kiev, but the Italian prime minister has shown skepticism toward a French-British plan to send peacekeeping troops in case of a peace deal. Meloni's office did not release any statement after the bilateral meeting with the French president on Tuesday, nor held a press conference. On Saturday, however, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani declared Macron's visit would be "an absolutely positive event between two countries that are allies and neighbours."
West Australian
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- West Australian
Laughter echoes through Geraldton as comedy roadshow delivers a night of diverse and dazzling acts
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow had the walls of Geraldton's Queens Park Theatre shaking with laughter on Thursday night, bringing an event filled with raucous belly guffaws, awkward audience interactions and a variety of comedic styles for everyone in the audience to enjoy. The evening kicked off with an engaging MC Tim Hewitt who's job it was to warm-up a slightly reserved Geraldton crowd, picking out audience members from the first few rows to bounce off. His jokes about eastern Australian culture resonated particularly well with attendees from Brisbane (there were more than you would think), eliciting hearty laughter and setting a jovial tune for the rest of the evening. The first performer Sez — a self-described 'dyslexic bisexual' — captivated the crowd from the get-go as she walked on stage armed with a guitar and a powerful voice. Her unique blend of comedy and music struck a chord with younger audience members, however, it was her story about her housemate's boyfriend and his weird, and sometimes gross, habits that had the whole audience in stitches — with many seemingly relating to her woeful tale. She had the audience singing along to her tune about online harassment with a twist, which was a standout from the evening and her ability to write, carry and perform multiple songs in a 20-minute set while also engaging with audience members was a credit to her comedic skill. Suren Jayemanne had the tough job of following what was a brilliant opening set from Sez, and he absolutely nailed it — until the end. Jayemanne introduced a humorous concept of tracking the percentage of audience laughter throughout his set, starting at around 14 per cent but aiming for a perfect score. His anecdote about council kerbside collection had the audience in stitches — not due to the joke itself, but because Geraldton does not have kerbside collection, nor yellow-top recycling bins. He expertly recovered by finishing his set, acknowledging the oversight by saying, 'I did my research about crayfish but didn't know the frequency of council rubbish would be my downfall'. With his intelligent and somewhat dry humour, Jayemanne poked fun at his Sri Lankan heritage and told a variety of dark jokes such as one about his appearance and airplanes which had the audience close to tears in the best way possible. French-British comedian Celya AB took the stage next, delivering one of the evening's standout jokes about societal perceptions of women and what they eat. Her observation that a woman eating an entire pizza would be considered a 'cool girl', whereas consuming a whole quiche alone would lead to lifelong associations with 'Lorraine' drew hearty laughter from the crowd. AB's ability to weave storytelling with dry comedy was truly a standout. To conclude the show, Japanese comedian Takashi Wakasugi took to the stage for what could only be described as the most successful set of the night. Something about his comedic take on Japanese culture and critique on Australian habits resonated deeply with all ages and had the audience applauding after each punchline. He humorously called-out Aussies who smoke casually and use an air-fryer, urging consistency with the hilarious Japanese mantra, 'be consistent, be samurai.' Wakasugi's line delivery, use of physical comedy, and stage presence truly had the audience captivated and was an excellent closing to a hilarious show with amazing international and Aussie talent. While some of the night's jokes were more tailored towards an Eastern States audience, the performers' adaptability and engaging delivery ensured that the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow was a resounding success in Geraldton.
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Looking for an aperitivo in Milan? Here are the city's best bars.
A good spritz is a moment; a great one is a memory. Aperitivo stems from the Latin aperire, which means "to open." And in Milan, you can open up to new experiences, flavors, and unexpected friendships. This pre-dinner ritual is less about sips and bites than taking your time and witnessing the city at its best. If you want to find the best spots, ask a bartender. These unsung alchemists—twisting, muddling, and doling out liquid magic—know where Milan's best-kept secrets lie. Let them be your divining rod to the city's best watering holes; a world where every cocktail is a manifesto. On the lively banks of the Naviglio Grande canal, BackDoor 43 stakes its claim as the world's smallest bar. With room for only four people at a time, this intimate hidden gem can be booked for a 90-minute souse amid apothecary relics. Then there's the alfresco twist: A tiny outdoor window which shoots open to offer takeaway cocktails, transforming the whole city into an open-air bar. Two disembodied hands offer up a negroni del marinaio, a heady mix of coffee liqueur, Bitter Fusetti, vermouth, and mezcal. A masked bartender appears at the window, scribbles our next destination on a napkin and passes it over like contraband. In NoLo—North of Loreto—a trendy, multicultural neighborhood once filled with singers and vagabonds alike, Silvano Vini e Cibi Al Banco pays homage to the eponymous song by Enzo Jannacci. Hanging green lamps illuminate paint-cracked walls and a long stainless steel bar, while a retro TV plays 70s Italian classics. Once an old bakery, head chef and owner Vladimiro Poma inherited its oven and it's now the heart of everything they do—comforting sausage ragu served with fresh baked bread, beef carpaccio with puntarelle and anchovy sauce, melt-in-the-mouth lingua in panettone with confit onions. Over their cocktail maison—dirty negroni with a dash of olive juice—Poma explains 'I wanted to do something for the people. To create a space for everyone.' Amid the city's constant notes, aperitivo here lets you savor the moment before the next adventure calls. Guided by Poma's directions, one finds Enoteca La Botte Fatale, drawn like a moth to its neon lights and lively outdoor chatter. Throngs of people spill out of this no-frills haven, where wall-to-wall shelves cradle vintages and vini sfusi ("loose wine") can be bought by the liter. Drinkers perch on wine crates outside, while the bar is flanked by monolithic tanks, making liquid itself the decor. French-British owner Thomas Ferembach celebrates natural, small-producers alongside gastronomic pop-ups. Tonight, a cheesemonger peddles his wares atop a wine barrel, delicate storico ribelle made from raw cow's milk. True aperitivo culture isn't about pristine presentation—it's messy, unpolished, and deeply communal. With a glass of inky red wine in hand, the next bar recommendation is quietly passed along. Club Giovanile is a resurrection. This former 1920s slaughterhouse exudes raw, ruin-bar grit, yet it's unmistakably Milanese in its swagger. Neon pink and deep red hues—a cheeky wink at its bloody past—are set against polished steel and exposed concrete. The place is filled with psychedelic sounds of live improvisation project Pretty/Groovy. It invites a lot of questions. 'We're purposefully vague on how we write our menus," grins general manager Kevin Ballarin. 'It's really an invitation to start a conversation'. He slides over a Porco Rosso cocktail—peated whisky, Oloroso sherry (with a nutty, raisin-like allure), and Bitter Fusetti—which hits like a bolt. Milan's SouPra district (named for South of Prada), in the shadows of Fondazione Prada, is where urban sprawl flirts with the countryside. Lubna takes its name from the iconic cyberpunk heroine, and channels her spirit into a space that's at once grounded in tradition and fearlessly experimental. You're pulled into its orbit by cool dark tones, crackling open flames, and a sweeping nearly 50-foot (15-meter) counter where you can enjoy drinks and dinner. The 16 signature cocktails are divided into four categories: Highballs, twists on classics, non-alcoholic, and grilled. You can taste the fire in your glass: Notes of charred bananas, smoked oils, and seared lemon grass. 'Our goal is style with ease,' Lorenzo Querci tells me, one of the founders of Lubna and its Michelin-starred sister-space, Moebius. 'For me, aperitivo is about finding a home outside your house'. Accordingly, the space has its own piazza, ringed by the Scaramouche art gallery and MC Magma event space. It's a place that invites people to gather, connect, and collide. Venezuelan-Italian maestro Giovanni Allario orchestrates the cocktails, serving me his own pesto-martini creation (vodka infused with pesto, bianca vermouth, a dash of balsamic vinegar and fresh basil) with Parmesan on the side. Bar Basso is a cultural institution. Famed for that 1972 happy accident which gave us the negroni Sbagliato (when Mirko Stocchetto mistakenly poured Spumante instead of gin), more than 50 years later it's still a magnet for locals, fashionistas, and tourists alike. Now run by Mirko's son, Maurizio, he's kept the same approach. 'We don't focus much on trends,' Maurizio remarks under a neon glow, 'it's the people's bar—it's a neighborhood. We keep our doors open from 9 a.m. until 2 in the morning, to serve real people.' Inside, old-school charm abounds: Wood-paneled walls and chandeliers that hang over shelves of Milanese bric-a-brac. The signature negroni Sbagliato—cocktail royalty—arrives like a sunset in an oversized chalice, designed by Mirko himself to accommodate ice cubes once cut from massive slabs. Rupert Clague is a director, producer, and writer drawn to extraordinary people in unexpected places. He's filmed with Indigenous Peruvian tribes and Vietnamese shamans, been on ride-alongs in Arizona and down a waterslide with Jeff Goldblum. Based in Paris, he's currently directing a feature documentary about transcendental pianist Lubomyr Melnyk.
National Geographic
14-04-2025
- Entertainment
- National Geographic
Milan has a secret—its hidden aperitivo bars. Here's where the locals go.
A good spritz is a moment; a great one is a memory. Aperitivo stems from the Latin aperire, which means "to open." And in Milan, you can open up to new experiences, flavors, and unexpected friendships. This pre-dinner ritual is less about sips and bites than taking your time and witnessing the city at its best. If you want to find the best spots, ask a bartender. These unsung alchemists—twisting, muddling, and doling out liquid magic—know where Milan's best-kept secrets lie. Let them be your divining rod to the city's best watering holes; a world where every cocktail is a manifesto. BackDoor 43 Only four customers at a time can fit into BackDoor 43. Photograph by BBQ Creative Agency via Backdoor43 The bar serves takeaway cocktails, like the Boulevardier. Photograph by BBQ Creative Agency via Backdoor43 On the lively banks of the Naviglio Grande canal, BackDoor 43 stakes its claim as the world's smallest bar. With room for only four people at a time, this intimate hidden gem can be booked for a 90-minute souse amid apothecary relics. Then there's the alfresco twist: A tiny outdoor window which shoots open to offer takeaway cocktails, transforming the whole city into an open-air bar. Two disembodied hands offer up a negroni del marinaio, a heady mix of coffee liqueur, Bitter Fusetti, vermouth, and mezcal. A masked bartender appears at the window, scribbles our next destination on a napkin and passes it over like contraband. Silvano Vini e Cibi Al Banco In NoLo—North of Loreto—a trendy, multicultural neighborhood once filled with singers and vagabonds alike, Silvano Vini e Cibi Al Banco pays homage to the eponymous song by Enzo Jannacci. Hanging green lamps illuminate paint-cracked walls and a long stainless steel bar, while a retro TV plays 70s Italian classics. Once an old bakery, head chef and owner Vladimiro Poma inherited its oven and it's now the heart of everything they do—comforting sausage ragu served with fresh baked bread, beef carpaccio with puntarelle and anchovy sauce, melt-in-the-mouth lingua in panettone with confit onions. Over their cocktail maison—dirty negroni with a dash of olive juice—Poma explains 'I wanted to do something for the people. To create a space for everyone.' Amid the city's constant notes, aperitivo here lets you savor the moment before the next adventure calls. Enoteca La Botte Fatale Guided by Poma's directions, one finds Enoteca La Botte Fatale, drawn like a moth to its neon lights and lively outdoor chatter. Throngs of people spill out of this no-frills haven, where wall-to-wall shelves cradle vintages and vini sfusi ("loose wine") can be bought by the liter. Drinkers perch on wine crates outside, while the bar is flanked by monolithic tanks, making liquid itself the decor. French-British owner Thomas Ferembach celebrates natural, small-producers alongside gastronomic pop-ups. Tonight, a cheesemonger peddles his wares atop a wine barrel, delicate storico ribelle made from raw cow's milk. True aperitivo culture isn't about pristine presentation—it's messy, unpolished, and deeply communal. With a glass of inky red wine in hand, the next bar recommendation is quietly passed along. Club Giovanile Milano Club Giovanile is a resurrection. This former 1920s slaughterhouse exudes raw, ruin-bar grit, yet it's unmistakably Milanese in its swagger. Neon pink and deep red hues—a cheeky wink at its bloody past—are set against polished steel and exposed concrete. The place is filled with psychedelic sounds of live improvisation project Pretty/Groovy. It invites a lot of questions. A bartender pours one of Club Giovanile's signature drinks, a "Porco Rosso." Photograph provided by Marmo Creative via Club Giovanile Milano Patrons grab a bite at Club Giovanile Milano. Photograph provided by Marmo Creative via Club Giovanile Milano The staircase connects the day bar with the evening bar. Photograph provided by Marmo Creative via Club Giovanile Milano The "Roots Rock' cocktail at Club Giovanile Milano. Photograph provided by Marmo Creative via Club Giovanile Milano 'We're purposefully vague on how we write our menus', grins general manager Kevin Ballarin. 'It's really an invitation to start a conversation'. He slides over a Porco Rosso cocktail—peated whisky, Oloroso sherry (with a nutty, raisin-like allure), and Bitter Fusetti—which hits like a bolt. Lubna At Lubna, the The 16 signature cocktails are divided into four categories. Photograph by Simona Giardullo via LUBNA The sprawling bar at Lubna, in Milan's SouPro district. Photograph by Simona Giardullo via LUBNA Milan's SouPra district (named for South of Prada), in the shadows of Fondazione Prada , is where urban sprawl flirts with the countryside. Lubna takes its name from the iconic cyberpunk heroine, and channels her spirit into a space that's at once grounded in tradition and fearlessly experimental. You're pulled into its orbit by cool dark tones, crackling open flames, and a sweeping nearly 50-foot (15-meter) counter where you can enjoy drinks and dinner. The 16 signature cocktails are divided into four categories: Highballs, twists on classics, non-alcoholic, and grilled. You can taste the fire in your glass: Notes of charred bananas, smoked oils, and seared lemon grass. 'Our goal is style with ease,' Lorenzo Querci tells me, one of the founders of Lubna and its Michelin-starred sister-space, Moebius . 'For me, aperitivo is about finding a home outside your house'. Accordingly, the space has its own piazza, ringed by the Scaramouche art gallery and MC Magma event space . It's a place that invites people to gather, connect, and collide. Venezuelan-Italian maestro Giovanni Allario orchestrates the cocktails, serving me his own pesto-martini creation (vodka infused with pesto, bianca vermouth, a dash of balsamic vinegar and fresh basil) with Parmesan on the side. Bar Basso Bar Basso is a cultural institution. Famed for that 1972 happy accident which gave us the negroni Sbagliato (when Mirko Stocchetto mistakenly poured Spumante instead of gin), more than 50 years later it's still a magnet for locals, fashionistas, and tourists alike. Now run by Mirko's son, Maurizio, he's kept the same approach. 'We don't focus much on trends,' Maurizio remarks under a neon glow, 'it's the people's bar—it's a neighborhood. We keep our doors open from 9 a.m. until 2 in the morning, to serve real people.' Inside, old-school charm abounds: Wood-paneled walls and chandeliers that hang over shelves of Milanese bric-a-brac. The signature negroni Sbagliato—cocktail royalty—arrives like a sunset in an oversized chalice, designed by Mirko himself to accommodate ice cubes once cut from massive slabs. Rupert Clague is a director, producer, and writer drawn to extraordinary people in unexpected places. He's filmed with Indigenous Peruvian tribes and Vietnamese shamans, been on ride-alongs in Arizona and down a waterslide with Jeff Goldblum. Based in Paris, he's currently directing a feature documentary about transcendental pianist Lubomyr Melnyk.
Russia Today
07-04-2025
- Business
- Russia Today
French-British firm admits it can't compete with Musk's Starlink
Kiev's European backers want to replace Elon Musk's Starlink in Ukraine but no local provider can take its place, Politico reported on Monday, citing French-British satellite operator Eutelsat. Brussels is concerned that the tech tycoon could shut down the service and disrupt Ukrainian military communications, according to the outlet. Musk, a major ally of US President Donald Trump and CEO of SpaceX, which operates Starlink, has donated more than 40,000 satellite internet terminals to Kiev since 2022. Ukrainian troops have come to depend heavily on the system in combat operations. SpaceX has also provided access to Starshield, a more secure, military-grade version of the network. While Vladimir Zelensky's government initially viewed Musk as a key supporter, the relationship soured as the tech tycoon grew more critical of Kiev's war effort. Tensions deepened after Musk denied Ukraine's request to activate Starlink over Crimea, Russia, reportedly thwarting a drone attack against Russian ships. Last month, Musk wrote on X that 'the Starlink system is the backbone of the Ukrainian army,' warning that 'their entire front line would collapse if I turned it off.' Politico reported that EU officials now view Musk's growing criticism of Ukraine as a threat to Starlink's reliability. Brussels is reportedly in talks with several companies to find alternatives, including French-British satellite operator Eutelsat. CEO Eva Berneke confirmed to the news outlet discussions over EU funding for shipping user kits to Ukraine and expanding satellite launches to boost capacity. READ MORE: Starlink is 'backbone' of Ukrainian military – Musk '[Working with Starlink] is a dependence that can be decided in the White House or Mar-a-Lago. It's good to have multiple options,' Berneke told the outlet. She acknowledged, however, that no provider is close to matching Starlink's scale. It operates around 7,000 satellites, compared to Eutelsat's 600. Depending on the scenario, Starlink offers 23 to 490 times more capacity over Ukraine. 'If we were to take over the entire connectivity capacity for Ukraine and all the citizens, we wouldn't be able to do that,' she said. European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier confirmed the initiative, telling Politico that 'discussions are indeed ongoing at [the] EU level, with the member states and with the industry.' Starlink operates through low-Earth orbit satellites, which offer high-speed, low-latency connections essential for battlefield coordination and drone warfare. Since 2019, Starlink has dominated the satellite internet market, launching more satellites than any competitor. While rivals such as Eutelsat, Amazon's Project Kuiper, and Canada's Telesat have recently stepped up investment, they remain far behind, making it unlikely the EU could offer a realistic substitute, the news outlet said.
