4 chapters across the catalog
Croatia defeated England to advance to the World Cup finals, prompting a discussion on the country's small population of 4 million and its geographic similarities to Italy. Predictions favor France to win the final match, though the potential for a major upset by the Slavic team remains. The tournament is framed against the backdrop of civil unrest in France and political instability in the United Kingdom.
Gazprom, Azerbaijan Gas, Turkey Pipeline War
A "pipeline war" is intensifying as BP and Total buy into the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), which competes with Russia's South Stream. Sabotage is suspected in a recent Caspian oil field fire, potentially orchestrated by Russia to slow down the competition. Turkey is identified as the primary geopolitical flashpoint where these competing energy interests intersect.
Robert Benmosche, the newly appointed CEO of AIG, reportedly went on a two-week vacation to his villa on the Adriatic Sea just 48 hours after taking the job. Benmosche previously served as the head of MetLife and Paine Webber. His immediate departure for vacation shortly after his appointment to the bailed-out insurance giant is noted for its audacity.
Dvorak describes his travels through the Adriatic region, noting the abundance of free-roaming chickens in Slovenia and Croatia. He explains his professional ties to the region, including writing for Bug Magazine in Croatia and attending a PC Magazine licensee launch party in Slovenia. Curry expresses interest in visiting Turkey for a future vacation.
