Prostitutes, showgirls and now Putins’s four poster — Italian politics is another world.
Italy
Crikey Says: In bed with Vladimir Putin
Silvio Berlusconi, a man’s man
With sex tapes revealed involving Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi, an escort and “Putin’s bed”, ire has risen about his behaviour. But, while I wouldn’t vote for him, says Max Davidson, I wouldn’t mind being him.
The perils of travel writing
After writer David Farley penned a piece for the NYT about an eccentric little Italian town, he returned to find a village full of angry locals, each with their own quibble about the piece.
Silvio says: “a colossal blunder by a small newspaper”
Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi has fought back against The Guardian’s report that the country’s G8 preparation is so chaotic the group is considering expelling Italy.
Teflon Silvio rises again
Scandals with myriad women notwithstanding, Italian PM Berlusconi’s centre-right coalition had convincing wins in elections across the country. But he isn’t off the hook just yet.
Italian proescuters crash Berlusconi’s parties
Italian prosecutors are investigating whether prostitutes were hired for parties held by Silvio Berlusconi, and will interview 30 young women who have been partying with the Italian PM.
Wolff: Why I like Silvio Berlusconi
Sure Berlusconi is corrupt and ridiculous — but that’s why he’s great, says Michael Wolff: He’s a head-of-state in the most fantastic sense.
How Silvio Berlusconi denigrates politics
The ageing Lothario may find it amusing, or even perhaps daring, to act the playboy, boasting of his conquests and humiliating his wife. But politicians must have standards, says The Times editorial.
Can a teenage girl topple Berlusconi?
Silvio Berlusconi’s relationship with 18-year-old Noemi Letizia has already seen his wife file for divorce. Could it also cost him his job?
Italian judges: lawyer guilty of lying to protect Berlusconi
Premier Silvio Berlusconi says he will respond to an Italian judicial panel’s determination that a British lawyer lied in court to protect him in exchange for $600,000. The three-judge panel released a 400-page document laying out its reasons for finding British lawyer David Mills guilty of corruption.
The Italian Mafia goes green
In Australia, the Mafia (such as it is) tend to focus on drugs and armed robbery, but in Italy, they’ve turned their attentions elsewhere: windfarms.
scandal 
Berlusconi’s girlfriend calls him “Papi” — because he is!
A rumour circulating in Italy has it that the 18-year-old involved in the break-up of Berlusconi’s marriage calls him “Papi” or “Daddy” — because he really is her father.
A coffee drinker’s guide to the world
The LA Times checks out the best brews from around the globe (no, Melbourne, you aren’t in there; get over yourself).
Sinking ships and people smugglers
Meanwhile in the Mediterranean…
Biofuel from canal algae to power Venice by 2011Berlusconi: Return of the Cavalier
Overnight Italians confirmed that the era of close elections is over, decisively returning Berlusconi to power, writes Charles Richardson.
