The word 'novel' carries, for me, a weight as ominous, all-consuming and unforgiving as any Job encountered.

But Italy can only have any real influence on world affairs if it carries weight in Europe.

The hardships that I encountered in the past will help me succeed in the future.

Every job carries occupational hazards.

I know it sounds strange to say, but the very technologies that have made traveling easier for most people - GPS, automated ticket machines, online schedules and ticketing, boarding passes you can print out at home - have actually made things harder for me.

But the more you get into this, the more ominous you see it.