Images of February

                                                        

Most trees are still without leaves, and the weather is cloudy in mid-February. In the meanwhile, the province North Rome was hit by a flood yesterday.

There was damage to crops.

The highway has now been reopened.

In this context, it seems people are more aware of flood hazards, as many small building located close to the rivers have been demolished. The photo below was taken before the flood. 

Have a nice Valentine's day!

China's increasing power

(Photo courtesy by Stefano Gazzano)

Since early 2000s China has been increasing its economic power, technological strenght, and national defense capability. Not to mention of Beijing's significant role in global politics. For example, in 2024 China showed its considerable role of being a reliable peacemaker between Saudi Arabia and Iran. 

(Photo courtesy by Stefano Gazzano)

Furthermore, China and India have recently agreed to carry out active interaction at all levels on bilateral and multilateral opportunities, powerfully built strategic communication, and enhance mutual political trust. I am so glad to hear such a great news, as in terms of international politics it means that unipolarism will not exist anymore. It's easy to see that the only country that owns military basis in more than 80 states around the world will be compelled to share its power.

(Photo courtesy by Stefano Gazzano)

The fact that Beijing is now hit by Trump tariffs on steel and aluminium leeds me to think that the US is challenging China using many tactics, including economic restrictions and military encirclement.

Sovereignity and dignity of all countries do not have to be subordinated to the hegemonic countries' investment management companies.

Pigeons on a cold morning

 

This morning, on a cold Wednesday (2°C), many pigeons stood on the power line while they were enjoying the sun.

It seems that all electrons stay in power line and out of the birds body. 

Eating seasonally

 

I like eating seasonally in winter, as I think we haven't to lose the beauty of the nature. The problem is that some veggies available at the grocery are not in season, and this may disconnect us from the roots of local and sustainable eating. Unfortunately I saw such a reliance on convenience also outside my country. For example, while I was visiting Scotland, England and Ireland I saw tomatoes, aubergines and green grapes in February at the Tesco Superstore.🍅🍇 But why we, humans, force to grow when it is not its natural time to grow ❓

Not only are in-season veggies healthier but they taste better too. In addition to this, our body specifically need vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that we can't find in veggies and fruits out of season. For example, we need Vitamin C and antioxidants in winter. Furthermore, from an environmental point of view, fruits and veggies out of season are shipped from far away. And not to mention of premature harvesting.

Have a nice month of February  ... with in-season fruits and veggies 😃

Chinese AI start-up DeepSeek

There are clouds of uncertainty over financial markets this week, as new China-based AI start-up, DeepSeek, has been showing its rapid innovation. It seems that DeepSeek can operate at a lower cost than American AI models.

On monday stocks of high-powered chip manufacturers, Nvidia and other American technology giants,  decreased due the fact that debates have been fueling over the economic and geopolitical competition between US and China in developing AI technology.

This means, in my humble opinion, that we are not yet in a unipolar world completely ruled by the 0.05% richer people.

Seen from aircraft in 1943

I've just got these two old black & white photos, which a friend of mine, Stefano, found through the web. The two aerial photographs, as seen from aircraft, were taken on the 14th of May, 1943 during an aircraft bombing on the port of Civitavecchia, 70 km north from Rome. 

Billows of smoke rose as explosions occurred in the Civitavecchia's port and its surrounding urban area.

After the WWII the old medieval castle, located close to the port, was repaired

and nowadays tourists can enjoy it. 

Playgrounds

 

There is no doubt that we can do more to improve our neighborhoods. If I were a mayor or local authority administrator, I would build more playgrounds in the town. More and more people are aware of the importance of green areas and playgrounds in neighborhoods. 

According to the Higher Institute of Environmental Protection and Research, Italy records a worrying increase in land consumption. 

Actually Italy's biggest towns, like Rome and Milan, are the most affected by overbuildings of large infrastructures, such as car parks and other paved areas. 

The last picture below shows a Christmas decoration that hasn't been removed yet.

Those colorful railway carriages could be placed in a playground, as kids would enjoy getting on and off  🚂🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃 My son saw those old railway carriages in the Milan's railway workshop.

Have a nice weekend :-)  ❄