Berlusconi the ringmaster produces another dazzling spectacle

Amid the culinary riches of a G8 banquet was talk of global poverty. Paola Totaro reports from L'Aquila.

Welcome to Silvio's G8, with bonus earth tremors

L'AQUILA, Italy: There was a fleet of white golf buggies, resplendent with the turtle logo of the sapphire island playground of Sardinia, a phalanx of topiary in terracotta pots shaped into leafy G8s, acres of freshly laid Astroturf, temporary outdoor cafes complete with white wicker furniture and even an earthquake simulator for the really brave.