text:
Our retirement adventures

Jersey – August 2012

on September 12, 2012

27 July

Wasn’t it nice of the Olympic Committee to celebrate my first retirement week at home with such an extravaganza.  A wonderful show although I hope Equity exempted HM from joining the Actor’s Union!

How come there are 204 nations competing and only 196 nations in the world?

28 July

OK so we are still in July and are still in the IoM but an early morning visit from post lady means we get our passports back from getting Vietnam Visas (for later in year) and I can spend some time booking our return from Jersey via France rather than straight back to IoM.

Book a hotel for a night in Dinan that we haven’t stayed at since our Jersey living days so hope it is still as good as it was.  Will leave booking other France hotels and ferry back from France to UK until later – plenty of room and we are now flexible!

Shame poor old CAV missed out on a medal at the Olympics – hope it doesn’t mean we will do badly

30 July

Alarm at 6 and out 30 minutes later.  Forgot lunch rolls which will languish in the fridge for a week!  Playing “spider free” on I-pad  before 7am – is this what retirement’s all about?  Flic in good form at High Wycombe and I manage to help clear weeds from her parking space before darkness albeit getting stung in the process

31 July

Oh how the tables have turned, Flic up and out to work leaving us in bed.  Manage to get to House of Fraser to spend our 2 £10 vouchers and then drive to Coleford to meet up with Rob ( our caretaker for Dingle Rise ) and call in at an estate agent who advises that rental market not great at the moment but it could yield us c£650 PCM.

On to Phillip & Sylvia for two nights with them and an assortment of their grandchildren but no mobile connectivity. Win Pictonary which is a surprise as I can’t draw.

1  August

Not an inspiring day so watch some of the Olympics on Tv and help Andrea with some holiday choices with meal out at local pub.  Some mobile phones, I learn, can hold 3 sim cards which helps roaming!  Walk through fields in break from usual summer rain in weather in afternoon.

2 August

Drive to Poole uneventful and brings back memories of travel back to Jersey 12+ years ago.  Crossing not exactly smooth but boat quite empty so locate near back with no one around us who might be sick.  Leave 20 minutes early – unheard of for Condor ferries!

Managed to get to see Harry before he went to bed then off to the Raddison Blu as Mel was at Sarah & Ali’s.

3 August

Took Harry to Greve de Lecq after nursery.  Harry can walk with someone holding onto his hands – amazing for someone not even 6 months  old.  Took him down to the sea and he managed a paddle.  Lovely  Key Lime Pie ice cream – yum!

Off to Milbrook park for a play on the kiddies things.  Mel took him on the slide and a swing.

Evening meal with Jim, Laura and Kevin at Ad Lib restaurant.  Pouring with rain when we left.

4 August

An indifferent day but went to Ransoms garden centre for lunch which was surprisingly not crowded.  Harry fell asleep whilst being pushed around.  Very heavy rain shower after we got back to the hotel which probably was not appreciated by the sand racers on St Aubins beach.

Fantastic day at the Olympics – 6 GB gold medals.  Mel’s friend Debbie was at the stadium which must have been a fantastic experience, very envious.

5 August

Went to Holme grown garden centre’s cafe – good food and no trouble from the pesky seagull.  Took Mel to airport for her journey home – she was sad to leave Harry.

6 August

Morning in town then off to fetch Harry from Nursery.  Back to Greve de Lecq but no ices this time.  Harry not impressed with paddling in stream water though.

7 August

Last morning at Radisson Blu and Harry delivered to us by Ali at 8am.  Walk around harbour doesn’t send him to sleep as he is too interested in what is going on around him so go to breakfast and he is a hit with some of the waiting staff.  Clear room and now at Sarah and Ali’s until Saturday.

There is so much money floating in the harbour not being used by so many wealthy people – what a life they must lead.

What a lot of money – this is only a fraction of what lies in the water!

Walk to Five Oaks and realise that Jersey pavements are not particularly push chair friendly. Dinner at Portlet with Peter and Pam (home stay biker) who are off to St Malo tomorrow although Pam is not a good sailor.

It is just incredible how many gold medals we have in the Olympics with 4 more today.

8 August

Shorts weather day.  Completely mis judge parking in town and end up with not enough time.  Harry has dietician appointment so meet Sarah at hospital. Harry ok and likes the paddling pool afterwards.

Spend evening with “Bugger all to do club”.

9 August

Battle of Flowers day so best to avoid town.  Zoo is good option but Harry doesn’t manage to see much as it is too hot.  He likes the locusts by the meerkats though but hated the changing mat in the cafe.  Catch up with Brenda, owner of the cafe who we know from our time living here.

Called “elderly gentleman” by boy on counter when sorting out membership – how rude! (But Brenda said he had a brain the size of a gnat.

10 August

I can’t believe I queued for over 20 minutes to buy tickets for tonight’s Battle of Flowers evening parade.  No on-line booking facilities and their card machine was not working properly!

Too hot to go to beach so a paddling pool afternoon.   Evening parade is watched at a house on The Avenue 100yds from where we used to live! Deja Vu big time. ( one of Sarah’s colleagues lives there ).  Get talking to a South African also there who has been in the island for 11 years and is a lawyer in the Patent industry and who knows David Bester and the Haas brothers – small world – from a potential business arrangement.

Harry didn’t like all the noise from the floats so the ear defenders were a good idea and the bonus was that he slept through to 7am the following morning.

11 August

Move to self catering bungalow for 3 weeks.  Small and a bit old fashioned in furniture but with no washing machine or cafetier so borrow cafetier from Sarah and will do washing at Sarah’s.

Out to dinner with Laura & Jim at the Seacrest at Gorey.  Not a good impression on the decor – a bit touristy – but food good at £30 per head.

12 August

Very hot day and no Harry to look after.  Walk at Gorey for an hour, otherwise a lazy day. Watched excellent Olympics closing ceremony and marvelled in the re-run of all the gold medals won.  Team GB did us proud and I am so disappointed that we were not able to go to any of the events – but we do have Harry.

13 August

Woke up at 09:10!   Collected Harry from Nursery and he fell asleep almost immediately whilst we drove back to Sarah’s.  His smiles are infectious – magical.

14 August

Early start today to arrive for babysitting duties at 07:45!   Take Harry to Boots for a photo shoot and have to change his clothes whilst waiting in the queue; he was such a good boy and the photos we see on screen look good.

(PS.  He won the competition!)

15 August

Woke early to a rain and thunder storm, haven’t heard thunder for a long time.  Enter my fantasy teams for Trident, RBS Audit and the BATD Club but don ‘t know the PIN for BATD.

Jim cooks a couple of good curries at BATD, Kevin tells his Olympic stories.  Bob Le Brocq ( back for A level results from a holiday in Spain) has put on a lot of weight and it appears his daughter Sarah has as well although she is entered into the Jersey triathlon in September having lost 6 stone this year!

16 August

Woke early again – curtains too thin which let in morning sun!  Watch ( which I dropped on Sarah’s hard living room floor about a week ago ) will cost £345 to repair so take it elsewhere for 2nd opinion as not sure it is worth it.

Called in at St Peters garden centre for coffee with Peter and Pam en route to airport – bad move as centre now has ladies clothes.  Eventually go there three times today!

Lunch at Portlet with Ali &Toby.

Took I-pad to Sarah’s for her friend Keiran ( a computer expert ) to find out why we can’t get e-mails.  He can’t help so it is back to Manx Telecom.

17 August

Took Harry to beach at St Ouen’s.  Walked away from car after lunch only to be met with “Richard?”.  Took me a few seconds to realise who it was – Jayne Bizec from Coutts who I hadn’t seen for 12 years.  How did she recognise me in my sun glasses?

Collected John & Deirdre from airport for their brief stay with us

BBQ at Sarah’s

18 August

Lunch  in park at St Helier church.  BBQ with Harmony men at Clive Chaplin’s house.  How was I able to remember the words and internation to three songs after not singing them for 12 + years?

singing “My little …..”

Wonderful evening that brought back many memories of my time with the Harmony Men.

19 August

Fog!  I had forgotten how bad it could be with the whole island covered and airport not able to receive papers until mid day.  Walked on St Brelade’s and Ouisene beach at mid day.

Dinner at Portlet to use £35 worth of vouchers.  Miserable family on adjacent table never talked with the man giving regular disapproving glances to our table as he obviously didn’t like Harry being there and eating off the table.

20 August

Breakfast by the beach at Greve de Lecq.  (Still a lovely beach, not surpassed on any of the British Islands in my opinion.)

Greve de Lecq beach in early morning before the crowds get thereand Grosnez

Then off to Corbiere and the famous lighthouse.

21 August

Collected Harry before 8am on my own and then after breakfast we all took him to St Catherine’s for a walk by the breakwater.  Can’t believe cafe does not serve cappacino but does serve absolutely crappy coffee.  Not to be recommended for a return visit.

Afternoon with Harry at St Aubins consuming a very large ice cream avoiding the seagulls!

Curry take away from New Raj – still as good as it ever was.

22 August

Hope John & Deirdre enjoyed their stay, we took them back to airport and Sally went and bought more tops at the St Peters GC at a ridiculously low price in their sale.

Looked at Harry photos at Boots – very good and Sarah is buying a CD with them all on.

Dinner at Ransom’s GC with Laura & Jim and the off to the BATD club at the Royal.

23 August

Weather taking a turn for the worse and just miss large showers so play-time with Harry indoors.

I didn’t did it!!!

24 August

I go back to IOM this afternoon.  Wet in Jersey, dull in Oxford and in IOM.  Lots of post to look at but the three e-mails we had received headed “News about your (Lottery) ticket” revealed under £20 between 3 wins.  Rehearsals go well and Tesco visit after 11pm saw more containers of food etc than customers.

25 August

Missed big storm that Sal had in Jersey last night.  Wet day so good to watch the ‘orns beat Birmingham City live on Sky.

26 August

Good enough to mow lawn but manage to cut through cable so visit to B & Q to get an adapter to join the two ends.  Cheaper than a new mower though but a scary moment.

Rehearsals that I came back for cancelled!!!!!!!!  Computer crashes 3 times whilst on Google Maps so that might have to be replaced.

27 August

£68 single to Jersey with Flybe a good bargain.  Back only slightly late with lunch at Goose on the Green.

28 August

Back on Harry duty all day but he is a bit grumpy, teething?  He can now reach hanging toys on bouncy – he couldn’t a few weeks ago.  Favourite things today are bubbles and being pushed up hill at Greve de Lecq which was crowded today.

29 August

Into town today to see about watch.  Cost this time is £245 but will take 6 or so weeks.  Go for it as shop (near Town Hall – Hettich) says that to buy a new similar one to replace it would be about £2,000 so it is worth it.  Apple mac still not in and rain in afternoon so not much for Harry to do outside.

BATD club within walking distance of where we are staying – bonus.

30 August

Take Harry to go to the zoo but big cloud and rain so go to Holme grown instead.  Apple ready just a few minutes after I send message that it is not likely to be in before we leave – typical.  Harry loves his baby walker but thinks it is a bouncer – lovely video of him along with his first interest in plumbing.

31 August

Our last full day in Jersey, sad to leave Harry, collecting him from nursery at the usual lunchtime.  Apple mac in but their Internet not working so can’t pay for it, have to return 30 minutes later.  This could have been because of last weekend’s storm so the JEP says.   Last visit to Corbiere for this time and one last lovely Indian take-away from the New Raj.

Harry not settled for his late sleep so take him for walk in pushchair which finally sends him off to sleep.  Lots of “last” cuddles!  We won’t see him until mid October.

Can’t believe we have been here over 4 weeks and there are so many things we wanted to do but haven’t had time.

1 September

Early ferry to St Malo and wow it so crowded.  The stream of footies arriving from St Malo was never ending and must have gone on for 15 minutes.

Lunch in St Malo in a lovely Creperie frequented mainly by locals -a good sign – followed by a walk around the walls which we haven’t done for probably 13 years or so.  St Malo seemed to be quite vibrant with only a few empty shops.  Then off to Dinan to the hotel we used to stay at when we were living in Jersey – Les Alleuz.  Visit the old town and the port neither of which have changed much in the 18 or thereabouts years since we visited last.

Dinner at Hotel interesting as we were the only ones apart from a coach party of 50 French oap’s being entertained by a local accordion player.  They were having a whale of a time, dancing between courses and singing old French songs.  Maybe they were on an accordion appreciation tour!

Early night tonight as we are both very tired but hotel not as good as we recall it was, it is in need of a good re-furb so net time we may try something else.

2 September

Only ones in for breakfast with the accordion appreciation society having stolen a march on us and buggered off early.  On to Honfleur, a lovely but crowded town somewhat reminiscent of Bergen in Norway.

Sally has always had a passion for clothes (what woman hasn’t?) so we thought we would buy this!

Church magnificent and people watching is an excellent pastime.  A very arti town with many painters working.

Followed a McClaren road car back towards hotel – his acceleration was to be admired.  Dinner in hotel was a slow process but food good if a bit nouveau cuisine.  Wine and other drinks exceptionally expensive but hotel comfort level good.  Euro 25 for use of the swimming pool a bit overpriced wouldn’t you say?hotel

3 September

Breakfast back in Honfleur as cost in hotel (E21 each) too expensive.  Then off to buy the wine, coffee and other goodies before our last night ( in Calais) before we return to the Isle of Man.

4 September

Must stop at a Boulangerie for a bagette as it is the last few hours in France.  Both ferry from Calais to Dover and Liverpool to IoM only about a quarter full.  Boy are we tired and now have a few days to get ready for our next adventure more about which later.

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text:
Next Comes Famine and Hell was following close behind him.

I looked and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hell was following close behind him.

Food prices: World Bank warns millions face poverty

A Tunisian farmer harvests wheat Prices of foodstuffs such as wheat have been hit by unrest in North Africa

The World Bank has warned that rising food prices, driven partly by rising fuel costs, are pushing millions of people into extreme poverty.

World food prices are 36% above levels of a year ago, driven by problems in the Middle East and North Africa, and remain volatile, the bank said.

That has pushed 44 million people into poverty since last June.

A further 10% rise would push 10m more below the extreme poverty line of $1.25 (76p) a day, the bank said.

And it warned that a 30% cost hike in the price of staples could lead to 34 million more poor.

‘Protect the poor’

The World Bank estimates there are about 1.2 billion people living on less than $1.25 a day.

“More poor people are suffering and more people could become poor because of high and volatile food prices,” said World Bank president Robert Zoellick.

Food price changes Q1 2010 to Q1 2011

Maize 74%
Wheat 69%
Palm oil 55%
Soybeans 36%
Beef 30%
Rice -2%

“We have to put food first and protect the poor and vulnerable, who spend most of their money on food.”

Mr Zoellick was speaking before IMF and World Bank spring meetings later this week.

The gatherings will be attended by finance ministers and central bankers including Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne, and Governor of the Bank of England, Mervyn King.

The World Bank says prices of basic commodities remain close to their 2008 peak, with the prices of wheat, maize and soya all rocketing.

The only exception is rice, which has fallen slightly in price in the past year.

The bank suggests a number of measures to help alleviate the impact of high food prices on the poor.

They include encouraging food-producing countries to ease export controls, and to divert production away from biofuels production when food prices exceed certain limits..

Other recommendations include targeting social assistance and nutritional programmes to the poorest, better weather forecasting, more investments in agriculture, the adoption of new technologies – such as rice fortification to make it more nutritious, and efforts to address climate change.

It also said financial measures were needed to prevent poor countries being subject to food price volatility.

One thought on “Next Comes Famine and Hell was following close behind him.

  1. Peter you are just my kind of source, what can I say?
    [Hi Mick. Glad to be appreciated. I hope that I can find a few things to share each day, until things get back to normal here. Sorry for my slackening in the great fight for our lives. One thing I can say is that the Obama boys are not about business as usual–everything they do is in hopes of carrying-out an end run around the growing resistance. The more they tamper with People Power in the Middle East, the more fearful they become of the latent People Power in the West, waiting for our own moment of expression.–Peter]

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text:
About this Rebel

This blog is not for everybody. If the material in here is not to your taste, then I would recommend moving on to the mileu of other options on the internet. At one time, this blog was about “truth” [see old about page] but I have changed much since that was written, and this blog has changed along with me.

mirror one

It is foolish and foolhardy to pursue “truth” without stopping to properly know one’s self first and you will never get to “know” yourself, unless you are willing to brave the mirror and find out who you are.

When we got through this “waking up” process, and being our “quest for truth,” what we are essentially doing is to ask the three timeless questions every human on this planet wants the answers to. Who am I? How did I get here? Where am I going?

mirror two

However, whether by nature or programming, we tend to go about answering these questions in the wrong order, focusing on the last first. You will never find out where you came from or where you’re going if you don’t first take the time to find out who you are. Doing so requires looking deep into the mirror and breaking down each and every programmed construct of the artificial ego, and then peering into the depths of the void that is left.

Such a journey is not for everyone; it’s a scary place to go. Just try to answer “Who am I” without making references to media influences, religious dogma or state-sanctioned activities. Most, I have found, cannot. If you’re ready to strip away all the artificial layers of tradition and indoctrination, you’re at the right place.

mirror three

This is the way step inside. Come take the journey along with me. Maybe one day we’ll find out how the hell we got here, and more importantly, where we’re going.

Legal/Moral: All blog entries, and/or original sections therein, are the copyrighted (©) work of this particular “Celtic Rebel.” Reprinting or reposting the articles in their entirety, without express written consent is prohibited. Reprinting or reposting portions is permitted, however, only if said portions link, refer to or otherwise credit the source. If you wish to promote ideas I’ve put forth herein, then please give credit when credit is due. Thank you!

I am also the host of The Rebel Path podcast, which has been airing weekly since February 14, 2010. For those interested in the show: read more.

Support: There is a DONATE button to the right. I’m not asking, but “information” does have an intrinsic value to the person receiving it. If anything you’ve come across on this blog has been of “value” to you in your personal growth, and you have the means, then feel free to donate whatever sum you wish.

11 Responses to “About this Rebel”

  1. Woot woot. Fellow tripmaster meister….Here is to the rebel minds and hearts….We would never progress (in the only way that matters…with our hearts and souls) without ya…”…The Cold War now is over but the stakes are getting higher….I’m frightened of collateral damage and of friendly fire and I don’t believe we can defeat no axis of evil by putting smart bombs in the hands of dumb people….”May the dreamers and the rebels and their beautiful hearts and minds blossom and thrive in the midst of this concrete jungle of crap….Waiting for the great leap forwards…..With ya! Skep

  2. Hello! I am a new reader and I have really been enjoying your blog. I came across it after seeing your youtube video on the movie “They Live”. Which was fantastic I must say! I had written this long message but I figured you are probably a busy man so I will sum it up quickly.
    Your blog cracks me up and is very informative at the same time! I like it! Thank You! Keep up the good work!

  3. found you looking a mstar web-site looking forwqrd to your interveiw tonight..

  4. I am in the search for truth and it keeps being me to so many rebels as I am turning into myself. Right now I find it hard to talk to the people that are the closes to me just as you stated in They Lives but I still feel that God loves is guiding me to the truth. Even though I see that most of this truth is trying to lead me against my spiritual love I still believe in God it’s the world that is trying to separate us from the truth. At this point there is not much to say because I am in the learn faze but I still plan to do that as an individual because at this point any new info or old info can become a cult but my heart and spirit tells me different about what I am coming across now.

  5. very intresting.

    times are a changin.

  6. I am in.
    What happend to your Youtube channel? I wanted to watch some of your videos after a while and there is empty space left.

  7. Hey CelticRebel I just want to thank you – I’ve been following your blog/shows for a month or so now, and I was going to put off writing to you until I absorbed more content – but at the moment I am about halfway through Dont Go West – and I just had to pause it and thank you. That’s all I want to say, just thank you, thank you, thank you.

  8. You’re right Alex, the only smokers left are the cool cats. 🙂

  9. Once i heard Michael Tsarion say that the phrase “Know Thyself” is one of his favorites and it is so true .
    you Celtic Rebel are one of the last true Warrios left in this jewpig hell hole
    keep up the fight against the “bitch boys” that you like to call them haha
    and it fits them perfectly !
    by the way your co-host Alex is cool . she’s so real
    peace out

  10. James Evans Pilato’s usually very slick (if compromised) show is silent for the first time that I’ve been listening. Can’t help but wonder if this has to do with the Celt and Lee talking about James being outed last two nights. Krocks radio is silent whereas it’s usually beaming is well produced show. Strange? or just a glitch to be quickly remedied? Well it’s been five minutes now. Maybe he’ll be back on soon…. or not …

  11. What a brilliant, i-opening blog you have here, Celtic Rebel. Have only just discovered it and feel as though I have met a kindred spirit in a world of depraved insanity. Thank you for your fantastic research and hard work. And I love your writing too. It’s hilarious!

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Just a technical observation. I love various oscillators, because they help me to visualize the market internals. This weekly chart (link) shows the relationship between percentage of the S&P 500 stocks over 200 day moving average and over 50 DMA (click to zoom).

As you can see in the bull market the 200 DMA line is mostly above 50 DMA line because many stocks oscillate above and below their 50 DMA but they mostly stay above 200 DMA. In the bear market it is exactly opposite. I think you can use this chart as a definition of a bull or bear market, not a single definition, but one of the best out of many.

This chart gave you a perfect, amazing warning back in October. The 200 DMA line in freefall while 50 DMA line was making another high.

Let zoom the same chart to the daily one (link):

I don’t think I can fetch from this chart where stocks are going next week but I can clearly see that we are deeply in a bear market. Only 40% of stocks are scrambling above 200 DMA while 70% of stocks are flying above 50 DMA.

I think the well-pronounced top in the current counter-trend run will happen when the 50DMA line will start making lower highs (examples – late October and late December)

Update: I’m adding the chart from Eugen comment:

As you can see it is indeed a very good indicator during bull market. But now it is on uncharted territory


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Do you believe in miracles?

7.14pm. We have pushed back our deadline day to salvage something to next Thursday. In my mind we are in the zone whereby if anything happens… it’s a total miracle. I am facing the reality for what the situation is more and more; I have to with the clock ticking down at the rate it is.

Really something biblical needs to happen.

Speaking of which I was just in the gym and I had a phone call. Nobody phones me in the gym… nobody phones me much in general actually. I picked up…

“Hello John, its Bob Blank (made up name). How are you?”

“Good Bob. Just in the gym. Actually on a treadmill…killing myself.”

No idea who he is.

“Look, remember we spoke a couple of weeks ago. Well one of our investors wants to talk to you. We’re closing our fund this week.”

“Yeah sure. That sounds great.”

Completely lost. Not the foggiest.

“Great. Ok, he’ll probably call you this evening.”

“Thats great Bob!!!”

Anyway, there you have it. Do you believe in miracles?

Wishful thinking. But I’ll take a call from anyone just now.

John Startup

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• 617-275-2561

Black Diamond Helio 95 Carbon Skis 2017

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  • Annual Revenues up by 35.2%
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  • Crosses 50,000 employee headcount

HCL is uniquely positioned as a co-sourcing partner because of the experience it has created for its customers through continued momentum in demonstrating leadership in execution experience in our multi-service engagements.

HCL’s four pronged Blue Ocean strategy covering service innovation, pricing innovation, creation of new markets and technology disruption continues to pay rich dividends with innovative partnerships and revenue sharing business models being the highlights of this year. Commenting on the results, Vineet Nayar, CEO, HCL Technologies says, “HCL registered a YoY growth of 35.2% following a YoY growth of 42.4% last year. HCL registered a QoQ growth of 3.9%, following three successful growth quarters of 8.4 %, 7.4% and 5.2% QoQ respectively.

HCL has expanded its operating margins for the second year in a row. HCL has grown revenue ahead of manpower growth second year in a row. HCL has demonstrated global leadership in Remote Infrastructure Management (RIM) which was ranked No. 1 ahead of all global players this year by the Black Book of Outsourcing – a first in the Indian IT industry.”

Key Catalysts for Growth

  • Engineering and R&D Services, Infrastructure Services and Custom Applications witnessed accelerated growth reaffirming HCL’s dominant market position and competitiveness in these service lines respectively
  • Among the verticals, FS and Manufacturing crossed the US$ 0.5 bn mark. The fastest growth was recorded in Life Sciences, while Manufacturing and Media, Publishing & Entertainment continue to grow consistently
  • Our key geographies crossed significant milestones this year with the US revenues and Europe revenues crossing the US$ 1bn and US$ 0.5bn mark respectively

The year in perspective

The HCL strategy embodying a unique kind of disruptive innovation in its business model focusing on Value Centricity and a Blue Ocean approach to business has resulted in deepening customer relationships, creation of new markets and strategic partnerships where there is collaboration, goal alignment and substantive engagement.

Value Centricity

  • The momentum in inking transformational deals that began in 2005 continued this year with a total value of deals in excess of US$ 1 bn being signed including eight deals worth US$ 310mn this quarter
  • HCL acquired Capital Stream, Inc., a US based industry leader in lending automation solutions. This strategic acquisition is a part of HCL’s well structured M&A strategy and will enhance HCL’s ability to provide end-to-end solutions through product and multi-service delivery capability to commercial and retail financial institutions globally
  • HCL launched the SAP Revenue Recognition solution, pre-configured SAP Metals template, Auto Template for Auto ancillaries in the SMB sector and solution to avoid SAP Business Information Warehouse Slowdowns that helped customers reduce their total cost of outsourcing (TCO)

Blue Ocean

  • HCL launched Integrated Operations and Management Centre (IOMC) that integrates offerings across Global Services, Infrastructure Operations and Application Operations. It acts as a single window to deliver, manage and monitor Infrastructure Support and Application Operations giving customers increased efficiencies and enhanced business impact
  • In continuation of co-creating value with our customers and partners on a risk sharing model, HCL rolled out the Global Risk Reward Partnership (GRRP) based on the principle of a joint ownership of a product. This year HCL has initiated three new engagements under this model, including the strategic partnership with CA, and entering into newer such engagements with customers
  • HCL signed the SAP Global Services partnership based on Blue Ocean thinking to deliver joint business value through Customer Centric Ecosystem. This milestone partnership drawing upon HCL’s strengths in emerging geographies, strong domain experience, risk taking and service innovation capabilities has already started delivering results

Thought Leadership

  • HCL has been the pioneer of Remote Infrastructure Management (RIM) in India and HCL’s leadership in RIM has been recognized by various independent analyst and media firms. This year HCL’s RIM was acknowledged by Brown & Wilson Global User Survey 2008 as World’s No 1, ahead of leading global players
  • HCL pioneered the concept of co–sourcing in 2005, and moved it to the next level of an integrated service approach of Full Service Co Sourcing recently recognized by Ovum as having a clear and differentiated positioning in the applications outsourcing market. HCL has a growing emphasis on larger deals under its asset-light and consulting light ‘full service co-sourcing’ model delivered using unique service-model IPs, a first of its kind integrated service offshore transitioning model
  • HCL’s biggest differentiator has been the adoption of the Employee first philosophy that was lauded by some of the world’s most influential thought leaders as the management mantra for the next generation. Harvard Business Review and Business Week heralded HCL’s Employee First as “the radical management philosophy that will catch on with the world sooner or later”. HCL was also invited to share thoughts in some of the most respected global platforms such as WEF, MLab and INSEAD
  • HCL has conceptualized a unique collaborative platform called “Unstructure” where business and technology practitioners can contribute their thought to address the major issues and trends affecting the business of technology

Transformation @ HCL

  • HCL invited to participate in the “Future of Management” MLab Conference, headed by Prof Gary Hamel
  • HCL invited to speak at the INSEAD Leadership Summit in France that brought together global leaders from business, government, media and academia to explore the links between business, environment and society
  • HCL announced the fourth chapter of its Global Customer Meet 2008 – “Unstructure”, where some of the most noteworthy thought leaders will mentor conversations on topics that explore the trends in the business of technology. This event which is slated for 17th and 18th of November, will be held in Orlando, Florida.
  • HCL’s series of Financial Services Thought leadership event – InvesTECH@HCL successfully held in New York this quarter. The highlight of the forum in New York was an exclusive panel discussion on ‘Risk Management Strategies in a Downturn Economy’ by industry experts and practitioners. A new operating model from HCL called Run the Enterprise to help the Financial Services Institutions enhance their ongoing business performance was also showcased during the event

  • Forrester counts HCL as the leader in SAP implementation in the Forrester Wave: Australia/ New Zealand SAP implementation providers 08 report. HCL is a Leader in ANZ that leverages its offshore capabilities very well for its SAP clients and has won a number of its projects due to its capabilities implementing niche solutions
  • IDC considers HCL as a formidable opponent in Application Outsourcing in the Worldwide Application Outsourcing 2007 Service Provider Analysis. IDC believes that HCL’s transformed and modernized applications will be prime candidates for AO, further growing its business in this area. HCL’s willingness to work with clients using risk-reward or self-funding transformation contracts has made it an up-and-coming company to watch.
  • Voice & Data 100 survey ranks HCL No.1 in Network Management & Network Security Services and No. 2 in Network Integration Services
  • “Strategy + Business” magazine published by Booze Allen Hamilton, in its story on the topic of Indian companies “reverse investing” in the US, talks about HCL’s drive to engage in more complex work with clients and firmly positions HCL and its differentiated business strategy
  • The CEO Forum magazine (ANZ) appreciates HCL’s inspiring effective organizational innovation and positions Vineet Nayar as a “Change Master”

Now this is what I call Growth!!!

About theultimaterenaissance

I am an Engineer and a Management Graduate. I love writing poetry and research reports on cars. Surfing, listening to music, and Reading and writing Technical & Research papers are among my most savored hobbies.
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2 Responses to Business Growth : Re-defined

  1. Pingback: Recent Links Tagged With "defined" - JabberTags

  2. Hello Guru, what entice you to post an article. This article was extremely interesting, especially since I was searching for thoughts on this subject since last Thursday.

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New Stores Bring Hope To Town Hit By Flood And Recession – VPR Broadcast

28 Sep

Friday, 09/28/12 5:50pm

Nancy Eve Cohen

VPR/Nancy Eve Cohen
Beyond Imagination is one of two new businesses that just opened in downtown Wilmington.

When the flood hit Wilmington a year ago the local economy was already on its knees. But just this month, with the help of a local non-profit two new businesses are opening in the downtown and a once flood-damaged building was sold.

The wail of a skill saw is annoying in some places, but in Wilmington it’s like a beautiful aria. Dots, the iconic restaurant which Irene destroyed in the center of town, is getting rebuilt.

“You can see the foundation’s being poured. They’re starting to do the framing of it right now.” said Julie Lineberger from the Wilmington Fund VT.

The Fund has raised nearly $600,000 to invest in downtown businesses like Dots.

“You need the village to be economically vital and vibrant “in order to have people to come here and spend money here,” said Lineberger,

The Fund bought, fixed up and just sold a historic brick building that hugs the corner of Wilmington’s main intersection. The new owner plans to open a restaurant. The Fund also gave a grant to Beyond Imagination, a clothing boutique which is having its grand opening tonight.   Melinda Coombs is launching this store, despite the slow economy, for several reasons.

“To help the town as well as start a new business for myself, ” said Coombs. “But the main one is that I grew up in this town.”

So has her son and her granddaughter. But Coombs lost her job at another store a year ago after the downtown was nearly destroyed  by Irene.

“It’s like losing your home,” said Coombs tearing up. “The thought that you might have to go out of the area to live because the economy might not recover. The thought of that just isn’t an option for me. I love living here.”

Lenny Chapman is opening another new store in the village of Wilmington called Chapman’s In Town Antiques. He shows off a cake box from the early 1800s.

“They used to make cakes and put them in here and keep them so the mice wouldn’t get at them”

Chapman says he believes the economy is coming back. He has another antique business in a barn just down the road.

“We had a good summer out at the barn,” Chapman said. “That’s one of the reasons why we would try to open here.”

But some business owners who have been downtown a long time have a different view, such as Meg Streeter who has been a realtor here for nearly three decades. She’s also a member of Wilmington’s select-board.

“It’s really tough here, I feel.” said Streeter. “The recession has never ended here. It has never ended in the Mount Snow area.”

Eileen Ranslow, whose been selling carpet and tiling at the Wilmington Home Center for 42 years says she’s holding on, but just barely.

“The economy for the last 2 ½ years, 3 years has been non- existent” recalled Ranslow. “And then we had Irene pass through. That pretty well flattened us, We’re still doing business, but it has been very, very tough.”

The official numbers bear that out, but they also show a ray of light. Economist Richard Heaps of Northern Economic Consulting says before the flood the number of businesses in Wilmington fell by 16 percent. But he says in the past year there’s been a little shift in the right direction.

“Couple more businesses opened up, but the total employment fell and wages grew a little.  So there was a hint that Wilmington was beginning to see a turn.,” said Heaps. “And now, the recent news of a couple of businesses coming in is building on that. It’s not much, but it’s beginning to show that they’re turning the corner.”

Melinda Coombs is hoping for a domino effect as new businesses like hers attract more customers to the entire town.

“If word gets out that ‘Gosh, there are a lot of really nice shops in Wilmington. Maybe we’ll go there from Bennington or Brattleboro or other places,’ it’s just going to help everybody!”

No one here is predicting a quick turn around, but they’re planting seeds hoping a better economy will eventually take root.

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Posts Tagged ‘palace theatre;cambridge circus’

Singin’ in the Rain at the Palace Theatre

January 29, 2013

‘Singing in the Rain’ is one of my favourite musicals. A simple plot peppered with great tap and feel-good singing numbers!

So when the opportunity arose to see the stage musical, I jumped at the chance! I got tickets through lastminute.com (£22.50 for dress circle seats!) and took my friend Emily along on a Tuesday night.

The stage production was excellent. I don’t really want to describe it too much as it has its surprises, but also sticks to the film really well. Just go and see it!!! It makes you realise you… “Gotta dance!”


text: Log React Native HTTP calls on Chrome dev tools There is a workaround to log all React Native HTTP Api calls on the Chrome dev tools. Add the following code to the index files: ```javascript if (__DEV__) { GLOBAL.XMLHttpRequest = GLOBAL.originalXMLHttpRequest || GLOBAL.XMLHttpRequest; } ``` Make sure it only works for the dev enviroment checking the `__DEV__` variable. Credits: https://github.com/facebook/react-native/issues/934 gabrielreis February 28, 2017


text:
Timeshare Appraisals, Not the Way to Go

Timeshare Appraisal, Timeshare ReliefA timeshare appraisal is sort of a tricky concept. You see a timeshare is never actually officially appraised to begin with. When a timeshare is sold by a resort it never goes through an appraisal to measure how much the timeshare is worth. In fact when the resort sells a timeshare the price is inflated roughly 50% over the actual value of the timeshare. This is due to the flashy timeshare presentation you sit through and the numerous free gifts you are given just for attending. So if you are thinking about selling your timeshare you should start with a price that is at least less than half of what you paid for it.

Timeshare appraisals are definitely not worth any dollar amount that many online sites will ask for. Online appraisal services are often done by the same resale and listing companies that are taking advantage of distressed timeshare owners. A timeshare appraisal is just one more way for them to squeeze some money out of these owners who just want some timeshare relief. These owners are simply looking to get rid of their timeshares. For those who can accept not being compensated for their timeshare in return for being completely free of the timeshare obligated fees they pay each year a timeshare transfer service is the way to go. A transfer company such as Timeshare Relief can help you get out of that timeshare for good and give you the financial freedom you deserve.

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text:
Find Timeshare Relief in Underground Bunkers!

The Vivos network is composed of 20 fortified underground shelters. These are not your average shelters as they have been made into luxurious subteranian living quarters. Also unlike regular underground shelters these luxurious bunkers are available in timeshare form. Thanks to the Vivos network you can buy a little piece of a luxurious underground shelter timeshare property! For the price of $50,000 per person, and just $25,000 for the kids, you can rest assured for your post apocalyptic needs. One problem that goes unexplained is what happens when the end of the world does not happen during the week you have your stay? Not only is the usefulness of this timeshare property type in question but also the cost is fairly difficult to justify. At these prices you could get far more luxurious above ground timeshare vacations.

The bunkers are suited with a hospital, dental station, movie theater and even a computer lab. With so many accommodations you can’t help but relax and enjoy yourself as the outside worlds falls to pieces. One thing you can be sure of is that you won’t be missing all the money you spent to get your underground safe spot. Thanks to the Vivos network you can enjoy apocalyptic survival in comfort. This is just one more way in which timeshares have changed to fit the needs of modern day timeshare owners, owners who want to rest assured with the security of a fortified subterranean timeshare property.

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European Union Trademark No. 001804954 (Word) Trademark register: EUIPO Status: registration expired

Word mark

The European Union Trademark for TELEPATHY (Word) was filed on 11.08.2000 for goods and services in class(es) 9, 16 and 42 at the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). The current status of the trademark No. 001804954 TELEPATHY is 'registration expired'.

Trademark information
RegisterEuropean Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO)
Filing date11.08.2000
Registration date05.08.2002
Expiry date11.08.2010
Nice classes9, 16 and 42
OwnerCybertrust Inc.
 20147 Ashburn,, Virginia, US
 PE27 5PD St. Ives,, Cambridge, GB
Goods and Services (the trademark is registered for the following goods and services)
Class 9 : Computers; computer software; computer programmes; computer apparatus; computer hardware; computer firmware.
Class 16 : Printed matter, printed publications, instructional manuals, but not including any such goods relating to telepathy.
Class 42 : Computer software design; computer programming; consultancy and advisory services in relation to the design, development and updating of computers and the design, development, updating and maintenance of computer software; software support services; computer and computer software consultancy services; pre and post sale technical and support services for computers and computer software; post sale maintenance and consultancy services for computer software; professional advice and consultancy services relating to computers and computer software; system integration services; system support services; granting of distribution rights for software; security consultancy; information, advice and assistance relating to the foregoing.... More
tmdb is a free trademark search website of publicly available records. tmdb does not guarantee nor warrant the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of the data.


text:
Texas Crop and Weather Report — April 25

COLLEGE STATION – Texas crawfish producers are expected to have a good year as demand continues to increase in larger markets, said a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert. Dr. Todd Sink, AgriLife Extension fisheries specialist in College Station, said early reports from crawfish producers in southeast Texas indicate it will be an average to […]

Overton: Test plots and online database offer winter pasture information to producers

OVERTON – Annual ryegrass and small-grain test plots and online historical trial results provide solid winter pasture information for East Texas producers, said a Texas A&M researcher. Annual ryegrass cultivars and small grain cultivars are evaluated each year at Overton for cold tolerance, disease incidence and seasonal forage yield, said Dr. Gerald Smith, Texas A&M […]

Beef cattle producers must be vigilant to mitigate herd health risks

SAN ANTONIO – Beef cattle producers should be observant when conducting annual health vaccination protocols on their cattle, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts. Though not a statewide threat, the fever tick has resulted in some herds in far South Texas to be subject to a quarantine zone. This topic, as well as […]

Texas Crop and Weather Report — April 18

COLLEGE STATION –  Most of the state’s calf crop is on the ground and looking good amid spring conditions, said Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service beef cattle and livestock specialists. Most regions were helped by decent to good rains and warmer-than-usual winter and early spring temperatures, specialists said. Most cattle body condition scores around the […]

Small Grain Field Day April 28 near McGregor

McGREGOR – A Small Grain Field Day is set for April 28 near McGregor. Cost is $10 and includes a steak lunch provided by sponsors. An RSVP is requested by April 25 by calling the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office for McLennan County at 254-757-5180. Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. at the field […]

Bush Library Legacy of Ranching exhibit features Texas’ legendary ranches

COLLEGE STATION – The Legacy of Ranching, a comprehensive exhibit covering some of Texas’ most historic ranching operations and featuring a historical perspective of the Texas A&M University animal science department, is on display at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum through Jan. 7. The exhibit showcases the rich history of beef cattle production […]

New Texas Superstar introduced: Balsamic Blooms

COLLEGE STATION – Basil is a popular backyard herb, and the newest Texas Superstar – Balsamic Blooms basil – represents an exceptional edible plant with ornamental qualities that make it a great addition to any garden, according to horticultural experts. Balsamic Blooms is a versatile basil from new breeding lines, said Dr. Brent Pemberton, Texas […]

Texas Crop and Weather Report — April 11

FREDERICKSBURG – Warm winter weather could mean too few chill hours for much of the state’s fruit production areas, said Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts. Fruit trees, such as peaches and apples, depend on cool weather in the winter to promote proper physiological growth in the spring, said Dr. Larry Stein, AgriLife Extension horticulturist, […]

Cow Bid Estimator helping beef producers make sound buying decisions

SAN ANTONIO – A spreadsheet application can be a useful decision aid to assist beef cattle producers with future purchases and forecast profit or loss based on purchase costs. Mac Young, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service economist from Corpus Christi, gave a demonstration of the Bid Price Estimator for Beef Cows at the recent Texas […]

Texas Crop and Weather Report — April 4

SAN ANGELO – Above-average temperatures throughout late winter and early spring have Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts around the state experiencing and expecting earlier-than-usual emergence of insects, said Dr. Charles Allen, AgriLife Extension entomologist and integrated pest management coordinator, San Angelo. Allen said producers should be prepared not only for earlier-than-normal pest emergence but […]


text:
A two bedroom for rent

For rent by Edward Appiah VERIFIED 3 Sep 5:26 amDome, Accra

GH₵ 450 /month

A two bedroom house at Dome pillar 2 Aunte Mary for rent each room has its own toilet and bath tiled flooring burglar proofed sliding windows unlimited supply of water with your personal polytank and electricity meter and a nice kitchen nearly paved compound fenced and gated interested persons should contact me asap

I do not want to be contacted by telemarketers.

Street / Landmark:
Dome pillar 2
15 m²
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text:
PA Tour 2013

The Palo Alto coop tour is about 14 miles, 4 coops and pretty flat.It starts at Peers park in Palo Alto at 1899 Park Boulevard, PA CA or California Ave Cal Train Station for those wishing to train to bike to coop!

Print out the maps below by clicking on the each map individually and then printing just one map per page from your browser.

Print the cue sheet PDF below and fun!

Palo_Alto_Loop_-_9313  – Cue Sheet

Ride With GPS -on line map option

patour1 patour2


text:
Playing the gay card

Cal  Thomas
Posted: Aug 16, 2004 12:00 AM

Add "gayness" to patriotism and religion as a final refuge for scoundrels.

In a remarkable announcement last Thursday, Democratic Gov. James McGreevey said he would resign his office after the November general election because pressure associated with his homosexuality would not allow him to effectively do his job.

Disgraced black political figures have long played the race card to deflect criticism about wrongdoing. Some Republicans have wrapped themselves in the flag or religion for the same reason. Now we have a governor playing the "gay card," garnished with a little religion - a twofer in the self-justification Olympics.

McGreevey is indictable - figuratively and possibly literally - for plenty of things that have nothing to do with his sexual practices or his religion. Corruption was not invented in New Jersey, or by McGreevey, but it has found a bipartisan home there.

Start with McGreevey's reputed "lover," Golan Cipel, who claims he is not gay and was sexually harassed by the governor. McGreevey put him on the state payroll with a six-figure salary to look after homeland security, despite his having no qualifications for the job.

Cipel is an Israeli citizen and does not have the proper security clearances to access classified documents. McGreevey aides say that Cipel tried to get $50 million as a "cash settlement" from the governor, as well as his approval for a private medical college in the state.

Then there is William D. Watley. He resigned as secretary of the Commerce and Economic Growth Commission during an investigation into his former chief of staff and because of a possible conflict of interest surrounding an $11.5 million government loan (which was ultimately canceled) for construction at the church where Watley is pastor.

Roger Chugh, a McGreevey campaign aide in 2001, was appointed assistant secretary of state but resigned amid accusations that he offered special government treatment to businesses and also threatened businesses as ways of raising campaign contributions.

David D'Amiano, a Democratic fund-raiser, is another person connected to McGreevey who's been accused of such practices. He has been indicted on charges that he offered a farmer government favors in exchange for $40,000 in campaign contributions.

Both Gary Taffet, McGreevey's chief of staff, and Paul Levinsohn, the governor's chief counsel, resigned, and a federal grand jury is investigating whether their billboard company benefited financially from their government connections. Taffet has also been charged with insider trading by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

All of this has occurred during a two-and-a-half-year-old administration. But in New Jersey, it's usual business.

Taking religious refuge, McGreevey said he doesn't believe God deliberately keeps people down. He's right. People make their own choices and benefit, or not, based on their decisions.

McGreevey then performed a little theological sleight of hand. He said he believed that "God enables all things to work for the greater good." That's a reference to Romans 8:28. But McGreevey left out the rest: "to those who have been called according to his purpose."

Is McGreevey recommending adultery so more of God's purposes can be worked out? Or as the writer of Romans put it elsewhere, "Should sin abound that grace might more abound? Heaven forbid." (Romans 6:1)

McGreevey spoke of "feelings" he has had since childhood, meaning feelings for other males. We all have "feelings" or inclinations to do certain things, but we suppress them because acting on them can lead to destruction, as evidenced by the fallout from McGreevey's affair.

Gay rights activists want to sell the notion that denying same-sex urges is to deny one's "identity." As a heterosexual, my "identity" is determined by the God McGreevey misquoted and misrepresented.

What about McGreevey's current wife (a former wife left him), who stood beside him and held his hand? We have seen this "stand by your man" tableau before, most recently with Hillary Clinton, but also with Lee Hart (wife of the wanderer Gary Hart) and Effi Barry (former wife of the former Washington, D.C., mayor Marion Barry).

How sad to see these women trotted out to give their husbands moral cover for their immoral acts. They might as well be saying, "I'd like to thank my wife for standing by me and demeaning herself, because I have been a jerk with little concern for HER feelings."

New Jersey needs a political exorcism, but in a state run by a Democrat machine, who can effectively play the integrity card?


text:
After Bailout, Get Out

Dick Morris and  Eileen McGann
Posted: Jan 14, 2009 8:31 PM
After Bailout, Get Out

With both President Bush and President-elect Obama pressing the new Congress to appropriate the remaining $350 billion in authorized bailout funds, the Congress has a historic opportunity to demonstrate its preference for the free enterprise system over socialism. Congress should give Obama these funds, weapons in the war against the depression, but ought to attach an amendment prohibiting the federal government from using the leverage the funds give it -- and any equity it may acquire in these companies as a result of these funds -- to influence corporate lending, hiring, management or other practices.

The federal fire department has come to the rescue of these burning companies in the midst of their economic conflagration. The question now is whether the firefighters will go home. Or will they stay on to live in the house they have just saved from the flames, even evicting the homeowners? Will the feds now say, in effect, "We saved you, now we own you"?

The crucial difference between the approach favored by House Republicans and former Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) and the bailout that was passed in October of last year was that the Republicans contemplated using insurance and loans, not outright grants, to shore up endangered companies. One key reason for their resistance to giving away grants was the realization that the Democrats would demand that the "taxpayers get something back" for all the capital they were giving banks. Inevitably, they realized, federal aid would come with a demand for government-owned stock in the companies receiving the assistance.

Now that the feds have become stockholders in our major banks and insurance companies, the question is: What will they do with this power?

Hanging in the balance will be whether the United States continues to follow free-market economics or chooses to emulate the no-growth, government-dominated economies that prevail in Western Europe.

Will we cash in our capitalist system for a socialist democracy?

It is easy to see how socialism could start. Federal regulators might demand, with some justice, that banks limit their compensation and bonus packages to senior executives, just as they have already made manifest their displeasure at AIG's party-loving, frat-jock ways. From there, the feds could go to imposing affirmative action goals on hiring and promotion, government guidance on lending decisions, proscriptions on redlining and the like.

It is great that Citibank has agreed to work in bankruptcy courts with defaulting lenders to restructure and reduce loan payments and even to cut interest rates or forgive principal. But it is dangerous that Citi's enlightenment came not from inner virtue but from pressure by its federal government benefactors.

Even if we do not evolve into a European-style government with permanent ownership positions in key banks and insurance companies and a public sector that is not shy about issuing orders, we could go the way of Japan very easily. Tokyo needs no such formal power; a word to the wise whispered into a banker's ear by a MITI bureaucrat can achieve sudden changes in bank policy. The result of this public power over private companies has been a kind of crony capitalism that has brought economic growth to a standstill in Japan as it has in Europe. Too often the public regulators guess wrong, as when Japan told its industry to focus on mainframe computers rather than laptops.

And there is always a Blagojevich somewhere, scheming to get rich by demanding kickbacks from publicly subsidized banks and insurance companies. Political cronyism and corruption seeps into private business decisions when the door is opened by taxpayer subsidies and government stock holdings.

The solution is clear. President-elect Obama wants the $350 billion to be at his beck and call when he takes office. He's right to want it. But Congress should attach an amendment limiting the role the federal government can play in the ownership, management, policies and operations of the companies to which it pays this bailout money. We want bailouts, not a government takeover in disguise.


text:
No, Inverters Aren't 'Deserters'

Jeff Jacoby
Posted: Jul 23, 2014 2:41 PM
No, Inverters Aren't 'Deserters'

The corporate inversions just keep on coming, and the White House and its allies are calling them unpatriotic. But it's a funny sort of "patriotism" that insists American businesses put the Treasury's insatiable appetite for revenue ahead of the best interests of their customers, shareholders, and employees.

The latest inversion — the term for a corporate merger or acquisition that allows a US company to reincorporate overseas — is the largest to date: Chicago-based pharmaceutical company AbbVie is paying $55 billion to acquire Shire PLC, an Irish drug maker incorporated in the United Kingdom, but with a manufacturing and management base in Lexington. By moving its legal domicile to the UK, AbbVie expects to see a lower tax bill. The statutory corporate tax rate in Britain is just 21 percent. In the United States, it's a chart-topping 40 percent — the 35 percent federal rate plus an average of 5 percent imposed by the states. By 2016, the move should slice AbbVie's effective tax rate to 13 percent from the 22 percent it pays now, saving millions of dollars a year.

Nearly as big as the AbbVie-Shire deal was one announced last month. Medical-device giant Medtronic is acquiring Covidien, a health supplies business based in Mansfield but incorporated in Ireland, for $43 billion. The inversion will switch Medtronic's tax domicile to Ireland, which taxes corporate profits at just 12.5 percent — less than one-third the onerous US rate.

The number of inversions has been surging in recent years, putting Democrats' noses out of joint. Senator Carl Levin of Michigan is pushing legislation to impose a two-year moratorium on the transactions, which he denounces as "tax avoidance, plain and simple." Of course, tax avoidance is by definition lawful (as opposed to tax evasion, which is a crime). With America's corporate tax burden now the most punitive in the industrialized world, business executives would be derelict in their fiduciary duties if they didn't at least consider the competitive advantages of lawfully inverting.

Yet those who undertake such transactions are being blasted as un-American.

"Inverters are deserters," writes Fortune magazine's Alan Sloan in a Washington Post essay. Companies like AbbVie and Medtronic are abandoning America "to avoid paying taxes but expect to keep receiving the full benefits that being American confers, and for which everyone else is paying." Last week Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew urged Congress to "shut down this abuse of our tax system," and demanded "a new sense of economic patriotism" that won't tolerate such transactions.

This demagoguery is disgraceful. A company that structures a merger as an inversion is not deserting America, nor is it avoiding US taxes on revenue earned in the United States. Corporations that earn profits in America pay taxes in America, no matter where their legal domicile happens to be. AbbVie or Medtronic could reincorporate on one of the moons of Jupiter, and it would make no difference to IRS. As long as they keep doing business in the United States, their US income remains fully taxable.

It is only future foreign earnings — corporate profits earned abroad — that inversion protects from the IRS. Medtronic does business in scores of countries, paying taxes to those countries on income it earns within their borders. That won't change after the merger with Covidien. What will change is that Medtronic will no longer be taxed by the United States on income not earned in the United States. Unlike almost every other country, the US taxes American-domiciled businesses on their earnings anywhere on earth. As Abbott Laboratories CEO Miles White wrote recently, "It's a double whammy: the highest rate by far, and it's applied worldwide."

That's what's driving the wave of corporate inversions: Not a failure of "economic patriotism," but a predatory tax code that subjects American companies to economic pressures that foreign-based corporations are spared.

No taxpayer, individual or corporate, should be labeled unpatriotic for not paying more taxes than the law requires. "Anyone may so arrange his affairs that his taxes shall be as low as possible," wrote Judge Learned Hand, one of the most renowned jurists in American history. "He is not bound to choose that pattern which best pays the Treasury. There is not even a patriotic duty to increase one's taxes."

The way to keep US companies from re-domiciling overseas is not by cracking down, but by easing up. Lower the harsh rate, rein in the worldwide tax reach, and American businesses will have no reason to leave.


text:
Judge allows American to sue Rumsfeld over torture

AP News
Posted: Aug 03, 2011 6:01 PM
Judge allows American to sue Rumsfeld over torture

A federal judge has ruled that former Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld can be sued personally for damages by a former U.S. military contractor who says he was tortured during a nine-month imprisonment in Iraq.

The lawsuit lays out a dramatic tale of the disappearance of the then-civilian contractor, an Army veteran in his 50s whose identity is being withheld from court filings for fear of retaliation. Attorneys for the man, who speaks five languages and worked as a translator for Marines collecting intelligence in Iraq, say he was preparing to come home to the United States on annual leave when he was abducted by the U.S. military and held without justification while his family knew nothing about his whereabouts or even whether he was still alive.

The government says he was suspected of helping pass classified information to the enemy and helping anti-coalition forces get into Iraq. But he was never charged with a crime, and he says he never broke the law and was risking his life to help his country.

Court papers filed on his behalf say he was repeatedly abused while being held at Camp Cropper, a U.S. military facility near the Baghdad airport dedicated to holding "high-value" detainees, then suddenly released without explanation in August 2006. Two years later, he filed suit in U.S. District Court in Washington arguing that Rumsfeld personally approved torturous interrogation techniques on a case-by-case basis and controlled his detention without access to courts in violation of his constitutional rights.

Chicago attorney Mike Kanovitz, who is representing the plaintiff, says it appears the military wanted to keep his client behind bars so he couldn't tell anyone about an important contact he made with a leading sheik while helping collect intelligence in Iraq.

"The U.S. government wasn't ready for the rest of the world to know about it, so they basically put him on ice," Kanovitz said in a telephone interview. "If you've got unchecked power over the citizens, why not use it?"

The Obama administration has represented Rumsfeld through the Justice Department and argued that the former defense secretary cannot be sued personally for official conduct. The Justice Department also argued that a judge cannot review wartime decisions that are the constitutional responsibility of Congress and the president. And the department said the case could disclose sensitive information and distract from the war effort and that the threat of liability would impede future military decisions.

But U.S. District Judge James Gwin rejected those arguments and said U.S. citizens are protected by the Constitution at home or abroad during wartime.

"The court finds no convincing reason that United States citizens in Iraq should or must lose previously-declared substantive due process protections during prolonged detention in a conflict zone abroad," Gwin wrote in a ruling issued Tuesday.

"The stakes in holding detainees at Camp Cropper may have been high, but one purpose of the constitutional limitations on interrogation techniques and conditions of confinement even domestically is to strike a balance between government objectives and individual rights even when the stakes are high," the judge ruled.

In many other cases brought by foreign detainees, judges have dismissed torture claims made against U.S. officials for their personal involvement in decisions over prisoner treatment. But this is the second time a federal judge has allowed U.S. citizens to sue Rumsfeld personally.

U.S. District Judge Wayne R. Andersen in Illinois last year said two other Americans who worked in Iraq as contractors and were held at Camp Cropper, Donald Vance and Nathan Ertel, can pursue claims that they were tortured using Rumsfeld-approved methods after they alleged illegal activities by their company. Rumsfeld is appealing that ruling, which Gwin cited.

In May, the Supreme Court ruled unanimously that Attorney General John Ashcroft could not be personally sued for adopting a policy that led to the arrest and 16-day detention of an American Muslim who was never charged with a crime. The court sets a high bar for suing high-ranking officials, requiring that they be tied directly to a violation of constitutional rights and must have clearly understood their actions crossed that line.

The case before Gwin _ John Doe vs. Donald Rumsfeld _ involves a man who went to Iraq in December 2004 to work with an American-owned defense contracting firm. Both sides agree he was assigned to work as an Arabic translator for Marines gathering intelligence in volatile Anbar Province along the Syrian border. He says he was the first American to open direct talks with Abdul-Sattar Abu Risha, who became an important U.S. ally and later led a revolt of Sunni sheiks against al-Qaida before being killed by a bomb.

In November 2005 the translator was scheduled to fly to the United States for annual leave when Navy Criminal Investigative Service agents questioned him about his work, refusing his requests for representation by his employer, the Marines or an attorney. Documents filed by the Justice Department say he was told that he was suspected of helping provide classified information to the enemy and helping anti-coalition forces attempting to cross from Syria to Iraq.

He says he refused to answer questions because of concern about confidentiality, and the agents handcuffed and blindfolded him, kicked him in the back and threatened to shoot him if he tried to escape. Both sides say he was then transferred to an unidentified location for three days before being flown to Camp Cropper.

For his first three months at Camp Cropper he says he was held incommunicado in solitary confinement with a hole in the ground for a toilet, only rarely allowed short trips outside in the middle of the night. He says he was then moved to cells holding terrorist suspects hostile to the United States who were told about his work for the military, leading to physical attacks by his cellmates that left him in constant fear for his life.

His lawsuit claims guards tortured him by repeatedly choking him, exposing him to extreme cold and continuous artificial light, blindfolding and hooding him, waking him by banging on a door or slamming a window when he tried to sleep and blasting heavy metal or country music into his cell at "intolerably loud volumes."

The plaintiff says he always denied any wrongdoing and truthfully answered questions but interrogators continued to threaten him and accuse him of lying. Both sides say a Detainee Status Board in December 2005 determined he was a threat to the multinational forces in Iraq and authorized his continued detention, but he says he was not allowed to see most of the evidence against him and the documents the government filed with the court only say he is suspected of a crime, without providing details.

He says a month after a second Detainee Status Board hearing in July 2006, he was shackled and blindfolded and put on a military flight to Jordan with a new U.S. passport. He then returned to the United States.

He says his personal property was never returned and he was placed on a "black list" that prevents American military contracting firms from hiring him. He also says he is on a terrorist "watch" list that leads U.S. Customs officers to question him and search his belongings when he returns from international travel.

The Justice Department declined to comment on the case.

Follow Nedra Pickler's coverage of legal affairs at http://twitter.com/nedrapickler


text:
Uighur professor could face death sentence in China: lawyer

Reuters News
Posted: Feb 26, 2014 6:33 AM

By Michael Martina

BEIJING (Reuters) - A prominent ethnic Uighur economist is unlikely to receive a fair trial and could face the death penalty after being charged with separatism in China's far western Xinjiang region, his lawyer said on Wednesday.

Beijing police last month detained Ilham Tohti, a professor who has championed the rights of Xinjiang's large Muslim Uighur minority. Unrest in Xinjiang has killed more than 100 people in the past year, prompting authorities to toughen their stance.

Tohti was taken after his detention to Xinjiang's regional capital Urumqi and on Tuesday his wife was notified of the charges. His case has draw concern from the United States and Europe over human rights abuses.

"To a degree, his name has already been blackened in the court of public opinion," Tohti's lawyer Li Fangping said by telephone from Urumqi, where he said he has not been allowed to see his client after a month and a half in detention.

"We'll have to wait and see if his trial will be fair. We are not feeling very optimistic."

If found guilty, Li said, Tohti was most likely to receive a sentence between 10 years and life in prison, but China's criminal code also provides for the death sentence for separatism. With strategic border regions like Xinjiang and Tibet populated with ethnic minorities, separatism is considered a serious crime.

"It includes the possibility (of a death sentence). If there are no other violent circumstances, it should be 10 years to life," Li said.

Tohti's wife dismissed the charge as "ridiculous".

Li said he believed his client was "an extremely open and transparent person. All that he has done is in his interviews, in class lectures and in his online content."

The charge is the latest sign of the government's hardening stance on dissent in Xinjiang, gripped by periodic outbursts of violence often pitting Uighurs against ethnic Han Chinese.

Many Uighurs chafe at restrictions on their culture and religion, although the government says it grants them broad freedoms. China blames some of the violence on Islamists who want to establish an independent state called East Turkestan.

But rights groups and exiles say China exaggerates the threat to justify its firm grip on energy-rich Xinjiang, which borders ex-Soviet Central Asia, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India.

Advocates for Tohti say he has challenged the government's version of several incidents involving Uighurs. That includes what China says was its first major suicide attack, in Beijing's Tiananmen Square in October, involving militants from Xinjiang, by pointing out inconsistencies in the official accounts.

"China's accusation of so-called separatism is a political excuse to suppress Uighurs who express differing opinions," Dilxat Raxit, a spokesman for the main Uighur exile group, the World Uyghur Congress, said in an emailed statement.

Tohti, who teaches at Beijing's Minzu University which specializes in ethnic minority studies, told Reuters in November that state security agents had threatened him for speaking to foreign reporters.

"I have never associated myself with a terrorist organization or a foreign-based group," Tohti told Radio Free Asia's Uyghur Service last year in a statement he asked to have released if he was taken into custody.

"I have relied only on pen and paper to diplomatically request the human rights, legal rights, and autonomous regional rights for the Uyghurs."

The foreign ministry, the only government department which regularly answers questions from the foreign media, declined to comment directly on the case.

"I believe that China is a country with rule of law and judicial authorities will try the case in a fair and legal way," spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a press briefing on Wednesday.

(Additional reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Ron Popeski)


text:
Gay marriage foes ask Supreme Court to uphold California ban

Reuters News
Posted: Jul 31, 2012 4:25 PM
Gay marriage foes ask Supreme Court to uphold California ban

By Steve Gorman

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Gay marriage opponents asked the Supreme Court on Tuesday to uphold a California ban on same-sex matrimony that was struck down by two lower courts as a violation of the Constitution.

The request from backers of Proposition 8, the voter-approved state constitutional amendment defining marriage as exclusively between a man and a woman, comes a week after the high court was asked to review a Massachusetts case challenging the federal Defense of Marriage Act, which defines marriage the same way.

The two petitions move the politically charged issue of marriage rights for gay men and lesbians one step closer to a potential first-time review by the Supreme Court in the weeks before November's U.S. presidential election.

President Barack Obama turned gay marriage into a 2012 campaign issue in May when he came out in support of the right of same-sex couples to wed. His Republican opponent, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, disagrees.

The Supreme Court could agree to hear the California and Massachusetts cases in its next session, which begins in October, putting the court on track to issue a ruling within a year.

Alternatively, the high court could decline to hear either or both cases.

Refusing to weigh in on the fight over California's Prop 8 would keep intact lower-court rulings nullifying it but leave unresolved the broader question of whether similar gay marriage bans in other states would survive a constitutional challenge.

California, the most populous state, joined the vast majority of U.S. states in outlawing same-sex marriage in 2008 when voters passed Prop 8, overriding a state Supreme Court decision six months earlier that briefly legalized gay marriage.

The state high court, however, later ruled that 18,000 same-sex weddings officiated between May and November of 2008 would remain legal.

Gay rights advocates subsequently brought suit against Prop 8, and a San Francisco-based federal judge struck down the measure in a landmark 2010 decision that was upheld in February by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The appeals court declined to reconsider the matter in June.

However, the California measure restricting marriage to heterosexual couples remains in effect until the legal challenge to Prop 8 runs its course, barring further weddings between gay men and lesbians in the state in the meantime.

The majority opinion in February's 2-1 decision by the 9th Circuit held that California's Prop 8 ban did not further the goal of "responsible procreation," which was at the heart of the argument made by supporters of the measure.

"Proposition 8 serves no purpose, and has no effect, other than to lessen the status and human dignity of gays and lesbians in California, and to officially reclassify their relationships as inferior to those of opposite-sex couples," the court ruled.

In focusing specifically on Prop 8, the appeals court left unaddressed whether marriage is a fundamental right available to homosexual and heterosexual couples alike.

Some legal experts have predicted that the narrow ruling would lead the U.S. Supreme Court to either limit its own review to the California law or refuse to consider the case altogether.

In its petition for high-court review, Prop 8 supporters argued that the U.S. Constitution leaves the definition of marriage up to individual states to determine.

"Whether the Constitution requires California to eliminate the most longstanding, universal and fundamental institution -- marriage consisting of one man and one woman -- is a question that should be settled by the Supreme Court," said Andy Pugno, general counsel for Prop 8's defenders.

David Boies, co-counsel for Prop 8 foes, said his side opposed the petition because "gay and lesbian Californians should not have to wait any longer to marry the person they love."

But he said gay rights advocates welcome Supreme Court review of the case, adding that the petition "presents the justices with the chance to affirm our Constitution's central promises of liberty, equality and human dignity."

If the Supreme Court does take the case, the outcome could well hinge on Justice Anthony Kennedy, a Republican-appointed conservative seen as a key swing vote. He has written two important decisions that came down on the side of same-sex couples, though he has not explicitly endorsed gay marriage.

Six U.S. states and the District of Columbia have legalized gay marriage but 30 have banned it.

Last week, Massachusetts' attorney general, Martha Coakley, petitioned the Supreme Court to uphold a federal appeals court decision striking down parts of the federal Defense of Marriage Act.

The 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in May affirmed a lower-court ruling that gay and lesbian couples who were legally permitted to wed in Massachusetts had been unconstitutionally denied federal benefits because of the Defense of Marriage Act, including the right to file joint income tax returns or collect Social Security retirement benefits.

(Editing by Cynthia Johnston, Cynthia Osterman and Lisa Shumaker)


text:
Psychiatric test for suspect in NYC subway death

AP News
Posted: Dec 31, 2012 1:41 AM
Psychiatric test for suspect in NYC subway death

NEW YORK (AP) — A woman accused of shoving a man to his death in front of a subway train because she believed he was Muslim laughed and smiled during a court hearing where she was ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation.

Erika Menendez was charged Saturday night with murder as a hate crime after she told police she spontaneously pushed Sunando Sen, according to prosecutors.

"There is no reason. I just pushed him in front of the train because I thought it would be cool," she said, according to the Queens district attorney's office.

Menendez, 31, laughed so hard during her arraignment in Queens criminal court that Judge Gia Morris told her lawyer: "You're going to have to have your client stop laughing."

Defense attorney Dietrich Epperson said Menendez's behavior in court was no different from how she had been acting when he spoke to her privately, and said his client didn't really think the proceedings were funny. He represented her for the arraignment only and had no further comment. Menendez was held without bail and ordered to have a mental health exam.

Prosecutors said she pushed the 46-year-old India native to his death because she blamed "Muslims, Hindus and Egyptians" for the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

"I pushed a Muslim off the train tracks because I hate Hindus and Muslims — ever since 2001 when they put down the twin towers I've been beating them up," Menendez told police, according to the district attorney's office.

Friends and co-workers said Sen, a native of Calcutta, was Hindu. He had lived in Queens for decades and was a graphic designer and copy shop owner. Sen was standing on an elevated platform of the 7 train that travels between Manhattan and Queens when he was shoved from behind as the train entered the station.

Witnesses told police a woman had been mumbling to herself and was sitting on a bench behind Sen until the train pulled in, then shoved him from behind. She then fled.

Police released a sketch and surveillance footage of a woman running from the subway station. Menendez was arrested after a passer-by saw her on the street and thought she looked like the wanted suspect. Witnesses identified her in a lineup and she was questioned by police, when she implicated herself, according to police and prosecutors.

Angel Luis Santiago, who used to work at the Queens building where Menendez's mother and stepfather live, said he was shocked by her arrest.

"It surprised me what she did," he said. "She never acted that way."

Menendez's next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 14.

Sen was the second man to die after being pushed in front of a New York City subway train this month. Ki-Suck Han was killed in a midtown Manhattan subway station on Dec. 3. A homeless man was arrested and charged with murder in that case and is awaiting trial. He claimed he acted in self-defense.

Such subway deaths are rare, but transit officials said last week they would consider installing barriers with sliding doors on some subway platforms. Other cities including Paris and London have installed such barriers.

Associated Press Writer Karen Matthews contributed to this report.


text:
Iraq president's health improving, can now talk: doctor

Reuters News
Posted: Feb 23, 2013 3:34 AM
Iraq president's health improving, can now talk: doctor

KIRKUK, Iraq (Reuters) - Iraqi President Jalal Talabani is now able to talk, his doctor said, adding he was hopeful the Kurdish statesman would soon be fit to return to Iraq from Germany, where he has been receiving medical treatment for a stroke.

A peace-maker who often mediated among Iraq's Shi'ite, Sunni and Kurdish factions, 79-year-old Talabani was flown abroad in December in critical condition.

"I am in continuous contact with the German team treating President Talabani," said Najmaldin Karim, who is also governor of the city of Kirkuk.

"He can talk now with the people around him and started to think in a good way. I and the German team are optimistic that he will get much better and can return back to Iraq soon."

During Talabani's absence, Iraq's political crisis has intensified, with thousands of Sunni Muslims taking to the streets in protest against the Shi'ite-led government

The veteran politician often worked to ease tensions in the country's fragile power-sharing government and negotiated between Baghdad and the autonomous Kurdistan region, which are locked in feud over land and oil rights.

(Writing by Isabel Coles; Editing by Nick Macfie)


text:
I felt pretty good. The sun was shining and I’d picked up a rotisserie chicken for dinner. (Read: no cooking.) I even managed to get the groceries into my truck without breaking any glass. I bought vegetables. I was going to be on time to meet the bus!  I rock.

I slammed the hatch and rolled the cart to the “cart corral.” “Wow, I just saved some high school kid the trouble of walking across the parking lot for this cart. I probably just saved that mini-van from a cart-cident!”

I felt like a good person. And, thanks to the vegetables I’d just bought, and the fact that I was on time for a change…I felt like a good mom. Score!

Then,out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a rogue grocery-cart. Honestly, for a brief moment I considered leaving it where it was. Right behind a car. But, remembering the Great Target Cart Confrontation of 2008, (Where a lady yelled at me for being cart-negligent and told me all the bad things that can happen because of rogue carts.. oopsy.) I decided to push the cart into the cart corral. Because: I’m a good person.

“Wow. I can’t believe how inconsiderate people can be. Doesn’t anyone put things away anymore?” I mumbled to myself. Then I shoved the cart into it’s spot and looking around to see if anyone noticed what a good person, I was.

No one did.

“Harrumph.” (seriously, I “harrumphed” to myself. That’s not a good sign.)

I felt my good mood, drain out through my sandals.

As I walked back to my truck, I saw HER.  A woman walking away from her cart. Now a rogue cart- just sitting there in the middle of the parking lot! She just left it there! Doesn’t she know the danger?  Doesn’t she care? Didn’t she just see me walk 2 carts to the corral, one of which was not mine???? How inconsiderate! What an ingrate!

I thought about confronting her…but I didn’t want to Google myself and find out I was the topic of a blog post called: “The Great Cart Debacle at Holiday Market.” (Yes, I assume everyone blogs, don’t you?) I glared at her as she drove right past me.  She must be highly insensitive to glare.. because she never looked my way.

I rolled my eyes, shrugged my shoulders like a stage actress, and stomped over to right her wrong. I shoved that cart into the cart corral like it was a statement on the condition of man.

I stomped back to my truck.

Which is about the time I heard a tiny familiar, voice… “Nice. From self confident to self righteous in 3.2 seconds.” It may have been God.. or his more snarky counterpart known as my conscience.

Self Righteous?  Me? Yup.  I guess so. At least today it was just over grocery carts.. and no one was actually harmed…I hate it when I tip from self confident to self -righteous… happens so fast!

For the record:  I’m pretty sure the “Harrumph” was the actual tipping point.. but it may have been earlier..

Dear Lord- Sorry about that little fit in the grocery parking lot and thanks for talking me down… I was really teetering.. ok maybe I tipped the scale way over to self-righteous… forgive me Lord– and help me not judge others and turn what could have been a simple act of kindness into an act of self-righteousness.. help me see myself rightly and be gracious to both myself.. and others.. I love you Lord- amen.

Readers fess up: When was the last time you felt yourself go over the self-righteous tipping point? What was it over?  What could you have done differently? Or am I alone here???


text:
+44 20 3608 1267
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Apartment with a terrace and a view of the mountains, in a new residence with swimming pools and a vista point, near the beach, Tenerife

205,000 €
1,198 € /m²
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Total area: 171 m² 2 bedrooms
  • Terrace
  • Mountain view
  • Swimming pool

The apartment with an area of 171 m² is situated in a new closed residential complex with two swimming pools one of which is designed exclusively for the youngest members of the family. There is a vista point with views of Montaña Roja, La Tejita beach, gardens and Teide volcano, and a court provided for paddle tennis.

The property consists of two bedrooms, a bathroom, a hall and two terraces: 34 m² и 57 m².

The new-built complex is located close to La Tejita Beach — Medano.

We can help you to get a mortgage on favourable terms. A residence permit can be obtained with the purchase of this property. Please ask our team for more information.

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text:
SR-520 in 6 Months

So what I want to know is…

  • Will SR-520 see a traffic reduction over the 6 month phase in/test period of tolling?
  • Will SR-520 Become easier to traverse?
  • Will the tolling actually cover the percentage of the bridge fix/addition that is being done?

I’m hoping to see a reduction in traffic, know that drivers are paying a greater percentage of their cost on society (at an actual user basis instead out of the notorious general budget funds). Anyone else got an opinion on this?

My other hope is that the traffic reduction provides the possibility of actually getting across via a more dedicated and dependable time frame on the bus. Seriously, Seattle could just build a bridge dedicated to buses and it would carry an insane number of people and would only need 2 lanes.

One Comment

  1. “Just build a bridge dedicated to buses” – nice idea. It’s the “just build a bridge” part that’s hard. We’ve been working on 520, which we know is necessary b/c the approaches are going to fall down, since 1998.
    Of course, as you know, PDX is building a bridge just dedicated to transit.

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text:
Ionic Breeze (sw Joplin)

Sep 3, 2016
238 days ago

Air Purifier - great for allergery
I have 2 of these
both work perfectly

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13d - I have gallon bags (5) frozen Chicken necks. I feed these to my dogs they...