text:
The increasing instability in Syria is leading Iraqi refugees to return home. Previously, thousands of Iraqis went to Syria to escape the growing violence in their neighborhoods. Now that trend is reversing. Exact numbers of how many have crossed the border are imprecise as of now, and there are stories spreading that Iraqis were being targeted in Syria as well. Since the situation is so fluid, none of these reports can be confirmed. What is for sure is that as the chaos spreads in Syria more Iraqis will return, but they face an uncertain future back home.
The television and newspapers have been full of reports recently about an Iraqi exodus from Syria. Iraqi Airways claimed that 10,000 people had returned from Syria to Anbar and Baghdad in July. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) repeated that number as well. The main reason for their return is the increased fighting in cities like Damascus and Aleppo. A member of Iraq's foreign affairs committee in the Iraqi parliament, and a few news stories have claimed that Iraqis are being targeted in Syria as well. One source claimed that Syrian rebels were going after Iraqis saying that they were being associated with supporters of the Syrian government. The UNHCR said that Iraqis were going after other Iraqis to settle old scores from the civil war days. A parliamentarian from the Iraqi National Movement told the press that Iraqis were being told to leave. The situation has gotten so bad in Syria that the Iraqi government has called on Iraqis to return. It has sent planes to Damascus and Aleppo to pick people up, and buses are available as well. Most Iraqis live in those two cities. When the fighting first broke out in Syria, it was away from those urban centers, so Iraqis were largely untouched. Now the rebels are directly challenging the Assad regime at its base, dragging Iraqis into the fray. There isn't enough information available yet to determine whether Iraqis are being singled out, but the violence is spreading quickly, which poses a threat to them.
Iraqis coming back to Iraq are likely to face more hardships. In Syria, if they registered with the United Nations, they could get a monthly cash stipend. The cost of living was also cheaper there, and jobs were more plentiful. In Iraq, prices are going up, there is a severe housing shortage, and jobs are not as easily available. Baghdad has also proven not up to the task of receiving such a large influx of people in such a short period of time. This was despite the fact that back in February, the Minister of Displacement and Migration stated that his ministry was ready for any emergency regarding refugees in Syria. Not only that, but Shafaq News reported that the Defense and Interior Ministries were questioning refugees heading back to Baghdad in an attempt to weed out any Baathists that might be amongst them. That has led to a large number of refugees being held in Abu Ghraib outside the capital waiting for interrogation. Living in Syria as refugees was no easy task for many Iraqis, but it might be even more difficult going back to Iraq. While the civil war is over, there are still terrorist attacks, especially now that insurgents are launching their summer offensive. In the immediate situation, Iraqis can expect little help from the authorities adjusting to life back home. The Iraqi government is notoriously inefficient, and that makes it especially ill prepared for an emergency situation like this. In the bigger picture, former refugees might find it especially hard to live in Iraq right now. Wages have gone up, driving up costs. Unemployment and underemployment are also high, especially for the young. Workers need to get a government job to make decent wages, and those are usually only offered to followers of political parties. Since many of those returning have been out of the country for several years, they will struggle to deal with all of these issues. That's also a reason why there are large numbers of Iraqis remaining in Syria, because they know about the hardships back home.
The number of Iraqis living in Syria is unclear. During the mid-2000s there were a reported 1.2 million refugees there, the largest amount of any nation. Today, only 87,741 Iraqis are registered with the U.N. At the same time, the UNHCR has recorded around 50,280 coming back from Syria from January 2011 to May 2012. That was a huge increase from previous years. From 2009-2010 for instance, only 29,135 returned. Obviously not all Iraqis have signed up with the United Nations, others have likely moved on to third countries. At the same time, there has been some controversy over how many Iraqi refugees there were in the first place. Whatever the true figure is, there are still plenty of Iraqis in Syria, and more of them are likely to want out as the rebels and government forces increasingly face off against each other across the country.
Syria has historically been a refuge for Iraqis. First, people wanting to get away from Saddam Hussein went there. Then, more and more Iraqis came as the insurgency turned into a civil war after the United States invasion. Now the situation has changed. Syria is in the midst of a growing civil conflict. As it reaches the major cities it will threaten more and more people, including Iraq's refugees. Some will try to stick it out, some will go to other countries like Lebanon or Jordan, and some will go back to Iraq. Thousands have already taken the last choice, and are flowing across the border. Now they will have to start a new life back in Iraq, where there is no promise that it will be an easy one.
The following are scenes of Iraqis coming back from Syria in July 2012
|(Shafaq News)
|(Shafaq News)
|(Getty Images)
Abdul-Zahra, Qassim, "Iraqis flee Syria in droves, some evacuated by air," Associated Press, 7/20/12
Agence France Presse, "Iraqi refugees in Syria flee home from the violence," 7/20/12
- "Iraqis back from Syria face obstacles at all turns," 7/25/12
Alsumaria News, "Iraqi government going flights between Mosul and Aleppo and Latakia Alsorretan to transport Iraqis," 7/24/12
Arango, Tim, "Despite Its Turmoil, Syria Still Looks Like an Oasis to Iraqis," New York Times, 7/28/11
Brusk, Raman, "Iraq closes borders with Syria," AK News, 7/20/12
IRIN, "IRAQ-SYRIA: Samia, "Why can't they just take us out of here?" 4/23/12
- "SYRIA: Iraqis use Syrian conflict to settle old scores," 7/13/12
Msarbat, Anwar, "Baghdad and Anbar register return of 10,000 Iraqis from Syria," AK News, 7/22/12
National Iraqi News Agency, "Baghdad International Airport receive more than 1 200 Iraqi residing in Syria," 7/20/12
- ""Iraqis forced to leave Syria", says Mohammadi," 5/13/12
Al-Rawi, Sarri, "Iraqi refugees in Syria blame Syrian rebels for their plight," Azzaman, 7/21/12
Shafaq News, "Dozens of Iraqis returning from Syria to Baghdad detained in search of "Senior Baathists,"" 7/21/12
- "Source: Iraqis in Syria are being targeted under the pretext of supporting the Syrian regime," 7/22/12
- "Source: More than 500 Iraqi families exposed to killings and kidnappings in Syria," 7/23/12
UNHCR Iraq Operation, "Monthly Statistical Update on Return – May 2012," United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, May 2012
Waleed, Khalid, "Arab Unrest Drives Iraqi Refugee Return," Institute for War & Peace Reporting, 5/23/12
- "NIQASH interview with minister of migration: EU treats iraqi deportees 'inhumanely," Niqash, 2/9/12


text: That makes perfect sense. I have no doubt the Marine was fully capable of either option. I do suspect that the aft launchers were the location the specials if they were to be carried, since it was a more secure location. Those old warheads could potentially detonate when dropped, I can see that. It is documented that a little boy subassembly was inserted after take off on the Enola Gay - for good reason. According to public information the US has no gun Assembly types in its inventory and hasn't for a long time. I would love to spend a day at that museum.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Chinese five spice is a blend of 5 spices – cinnamon, fennel, cloves, star anise, and Szechuan peppercorns. It is common in many Asian dishes, and you can easily find pre-made blends in the dried spice section of most grocery stores. This spice blend is typically used in savoury dishes, but when combined with freshly grated coconut and healthy grains like rajgira and whole wheat, it turns out to be amazing!
We got in touch with Donna George, blogger at theculinarytrail.com and freelance recipe developer and she shared the recipe of these gobsmacking golden cookies.
Makes: 13 large cookies
3/4 cup – Rajgira/ Amaranth flour
3/4 cup – Whole wheat flour
1- 1.5 teaspoons – Chinese Five Spice Powder
1 cup – Grated coconut (plus 10 tbsp for coating cookies)
100g – Butter, softened
1/2 cup – Raw cane sugar or powdered white sugar
1 tsp – Vanilla extract
1 – Egg yolk, separated
* In a large bowl, sift the flours along with the Chinese five spice powder; add grated coconut to it and keep it aside.
* In a separate mixing bowl, add the softened butter and sugar, and cream well with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
* Gently beat the egg yolk and add it to the butter and sugar mixture. Combine well.
* Lightly beat the egg white with a fork and keep aside.
* Now add the sifted flours and coconut mix to the butter and sugar mixture and combine well into a soft dough. If you find your dough too dry, add in more butter and continue to form a soft dough.
* Cling wrap your cookie dough and place it in the refrigerator. Chill for 30 – 40 mins approximately.
* Preheat your oven at 180 degree celsius.
* While the dough is chilling in the refrigerator, get your work station ready. Place the grated coconut on a flat plate. Line and grease a baking sheet. And keep your beaten egg whites ready.
* Take out your prepared cookie dough and remove the cling wrap. Form the dough into desired shapes. Dip the prepared cookies in egg whites and coat in grated coconut. Gently pat each cookie (on either side) before placing it on the baking sheet. This ensures that the cookie is coated well with the coconut. Repeat the process for all cookies.
* Bake the Chinese Five Spice Rajgira Coconut Cookies at 180 degree celsius till the cookies turn a nice golden brown. This takes approximately 25 – 30 minutes depending on the size of your cookies. Once done, take out the cookies and allow it to rest on the baking sheet for about 2 – 3 mins. Shift to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies may appear to be soft immediately after baking, but do not fret, they harden as they cool down. Store in an air-tight container.


text:
Modern Style Living Room | Folks today need something distinctive and special particularly for their living place. That is why modern houses look thus distinctive and most likely even weird. Modern houses are very distinctive within the means they appear, and it is somehow confusing to identify. However, modern style living room don't seem to be that confusing. There are several rules or identical structures governing the means modern houses are designed. Discovering those rules is kind of helpful particularly for people who need to possess mainstream modern house. It's also useful for people who need to travel a lot of distinctive construction to find something contemporary.
From outside, it is clear that modern houses are equipped with mirrors replacing the wall. This distinctive style isn't while not a reason. The huge glass windows in modern style living room are meant to save some energy by letting light coming back into the house. There is not any need to flip on the lamp anymore particularly before night comes. Secondly, those glass windows are meant to produce health for individuals inside. We all know that UV light will kill some mean bacteria, and that is only a tiny factor that may be achieved through big glasses.
In addition to glass windows, it is also possible to find flat rooftop. Even though it is known as as flat, it is possible to seek out it declining for water drainage. Modern individuals love this selection because it is practically cheaper. It's because the realm coverage for the roof is reduced by twenty fivepercent or thus. For appearance purpose, it essentially makes a house easier that truly makes the house look modern. In addition, it also looks nice particularly when seen from below. The structure appears mix quite well with surroundings because of its flat surface. modern style living room are fully nice selection that may be used for your new houses. Having those parts will build your house simply like different modern house today.
Gallery of Modern Style Living Room
Tags: #modern living room design ideas 2013 #modern living room gray #modern living room hardwood floors


text:
One of the most important things is to cleanse the intestines of parasites, fecal deposits and mucus if you want to get rid of diseases. Did you know that human body actually processes 40,000l of liquid and hundred tons of food.
Category: Healthy Tips
The Truth About Cancer And Essential Oils: What NO Oncologist Will Tell You
Nowadays, almost all scientist are aware that essential oils contain powerful agents, which can stop the spread of cancer, and cause cancer cells to close themselves down. Their disease-preventing ability is no longer doubted, especially for cancer.
Know The Herb That Is a Thousand Times, More Powerful Than Chemotherapy and Ends Cancer, Without Damaging The Organism
We know that it makes you curious to learn which herb is the one that handles this subject, we are speaking about dandelion tea treatment many diseases such as cancer and in just 2 days. It likewise stops future cancer dangers. This is healthy and medicinal. This is also simple to do. In the past, this tea was a universal remedy. Now this root cures cancer.
17 Magnesium Filled Foods That Can Lower Your Risk of Anxiety, Depression, Heart Attacks And More
Magnesium is extremely important mineral which affects biological function and optimal health, and it is the fourth most abundant one in your body. Studies have revealed over 3,750 magnesium-binding sites on human proteins.
This Simple Foot Soak Can Help Detoxify Your Body!
Nowadays we live in a society where everybody is living a fast paste life. Work, stress and the family consume each second of our time. One part of the body that suffers most are our feet. Especially women who wear high heels and uncomfortable shoes additionally aggravate their condition.
How To Instantly Stop A Headache With Salt
A few people at times experience the ill effects of amazingly exceptional, emergency headaches which cause weakening agony, and make eve the most straightforward day by day errands difficult to do.
Take Your Daily ACV Shot as a Gummy!
Apple cider vinegar is one of the healthiest things you can drink. It helps control blood sugar levels, lowers the risk of heart disease, and boosts your digestive health. While taking it alone can be quite hard to swallow, try these apple cider vinegar gummies for a treat that even the kids will love!
The Most Powerful Herb that Destroys Flu, Strep, Herpes and Candida
Another member of the labiatae (mint) family, thyme is an herb native to the Mediterranean basin and comes in many varieties. There is only one plant, thymus vulgaris, but the composition of the oil distilled from the plant shows variations in chemical components based on the location or region the plant grows in, despite being botanically identical.
The Most Potent Antibiotic That not even Doctors Can Explain
Turmeric has been one of the most recent examples of how a regular kitchen spice has been found to have secret potent abilities.
The Perfect Breakfast Combination, It Regulates Blood Sugar, Reduces Cholesterol And Melts Belly Fat Faster Than Anything Else
Having trouble deciding what to have for breakfast? You certainly want something that will kick-start the organism, give you health benefits and keep you energized throughout the day.


text:
Synonyms for depository
- cache
- repository
- storehouse
- archive
- arsenal
- bank
- bunker
- collection
- depot
- gallery
- magazine
- museum
- repertory
- safe
- store
- tomb
- vault
- warehouse
- safe-deposit box
SWAP depository IN A SENTENCE
Join our early testers! See how your sentence looks with different synonyms.
You have Blanktown, then, as the depository of Celia's fortune.
So we were, Tony,—so is every man that is the depository of a certain power.
My groom, however, thought it might be useful as a depository of barley in the stable!
She is to be the depository of all his secrets, and the recipient of all his thoughts.
A depository is a place where things are or may be put away for safe keeping.
It is not a library in the sole sense of a depository for books.
As I was about to follow, the keeper of the depository said to me: "No one is allowed to go in."
And a second question arises: Was the central temple the depository of a relic?
Heretofore it had been used by the Sharks as a depository for their ill-gotten gains.
Is it not he who ought to be the depository of all your secrets?'


text:
Nga Tawa Diocesan School
+64 6 327-6429
All students, regardless of ability, are encouraged to work towards their potential, leave the school knowing that they have achieved their very best, and be enthused with a life-long love of learning. This is achieved through positive and respectful relationships, close monitoring of classroom progress, regular reporting, set prep times, staff committed to delivering the best possible learning experiences, flexible programming, the setting of high standards, and the celebration of each other's success.
more info...
Scots College
04 388-0850
Scots College is an Independent Day and Boarding School for Boys', Years 1 to 13. Our School roll currently sits at 845 students. Scots was founded in 1916 by the Presbyterian Church. Scots is a modern learning institution with first class facilities and leading edge technology. The College has an excellent academic record which reflects an emphasis on learning and high expectations of student achievement. Scots College has recently become an International Baccalaureate World School.
more info...
King's College
+64 9 276-0600
King's College is a world-class independent secondary school catering for both boarding and day students. King's was founded by Mr Graham Bruce in 1896 to provide "the best all-round education it is possible to obtain". Throughout the years, King's has evolved to embody the education of the whole person academically, culturally, physically, socially and spiritually. King's educates boys from Year 9 and girls from Year 12 in the co-educational senior school. The current school roll is 950 students.The College is located in a magnificent park-like setting situated within easy reach of the international airport. A modern cosmopolitan learning institution, King's is equipped with first-class facilities and integrates leading-edge technology.
more info...
Saint Kentigern College
09 577-0749
Saint Kentigern College is an Independent Presbyterian day and boarding school offering the best private education to girls and boys in Years 7–13 (ages 11–18). The College is located on a large and attractive campus in the suburb of Pakuranga, 16 kilometres from the centre of Auckland, New Zealand. Our students enjoy a park-like setting bordering the waters of the Tamaki Estuary, with extensive playing fields and world class learning facilities. Our boarders enjoy some of the best boarding house 'real estate' in Auckland with superb views of the estuary and easy access to many of the College's superb facilities.
more info...
Auckland International College
+64 9 309 4480
Auckland International College (AIC) is a senior high school offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme exclusively. AIC attracts highly motivated students who aspire to top universites in New Zealand and the world. Specialist university counsellors , SAT preparation and interview coaching give students the chance to receive acceptances from the world's most prestigious universities. AIC graduates are currently studying at Oxford, Cambridge, Stanford, Princeton and Harvard universities to name just a few. Full boarding facilities are available for local and International students. A diverse mix of cultures and nationalities ensures that your international connections are made right here.
more info...
Rangi Ruru Girls' School
+64 3 983-3700
Discover the Rangi spirit. Rangi Ruru Girls' School is an independent (private) Year 7-13 day and boarding school in the northwest of Christchurch. Rangi Ruru is one of New Zealand's top performing schools for academic, cultural, creative and sporting pursuits. Founded in 1889, we are a school with a proud history, a strong pastoral care network and set of values. With a roll of 650 students, including 120 boarders, Rangi Ruru is small enough to ensure that teachers know their students well and are able to provide personalised learning, and yet large enough to offer a wide range of subjects and programmes. Inspiring, challenging and empowering... that's the Rangi spirit.
more info...
Selwyn House School
03 355 7299
Selwyn House focuses on putting the foundations in place to ensure our girls receive a remarkable education that will prepare them for the global society they will live and lead in. Every girl is encouraged to be remarkableA Selwyn House education is much more than just academic. The School encourages each girl to discover her strengths and talents and use them for personal growth and to celebrate her individual worth. Teachers are inspirational - they are focused on helping, and challenging, our students to do their best. Our school motto, 'I am, I can, I ought, I will', is as relevant today as it was when introduced at our foundation. It encourages the students to believe in themselves and to strive for what they want to achieve.
more info...
St Margaret's College
03 379 2000
We invite you to visit us and feel the St Margaret's "difference". We are proud of our school and our girls and value our school family of past and present students and parents. At St Margaret's we place a strong emphasis on a holistic education. We work in partnership with our parents and families to offer our girls the very best academic and career opportunities but also to ensure their physical, emotional and spiritual development in a caring Christian environment.
more info...
Southwell School
+64 7 855-2089
Southwell School is an Independent Private school for boys and girls from Year 1 to Year 8. Our specialist teaching and learning programme, which is exceptional in every regard, is complimented with wonderful resources and purpose built teaching spaces. Our School is situated on 35 acres of beautiful grounds, in the heart of the Waikato, and offers a nurturing caring environment that caters for boarding and day students. Southwell School seeks to lay the spiritual, moral and physical foundations upon which children can build their future lives. Southwell combines a sense of tradition and excellence with a recognition that today's education must meet the needs of tomorrow's world.
more info...
Marlborough Boys' College
03 578 0119
Dunstan High School
03 448 8595
Auckland Grammar
09 623 5400
Dilworth School
09 523 1060
Diocesan School For Girls
09 520 0221
Epsom Girls' Grammar School
09 630 5963
Mt Albert Grammar School
09 846 2044
Sacred Heart College (Auckland)
09 529 3660
St Cuthberts College
09 520 4159
St Mary's College (Ponsonby)
09 376 6568
Marlborough Girls' College
03 578 4031
St Peter's School (Cambridge)
07 827 9899
Catholic Cathedral College
03 366 6475
Christchurch Boys' High School
03 348 5003
Christchurch Girls' High School
03 348 0849
Christ's College
(03) 366-8705
Medbury School
03 351 6169
St Andrew's College (Christchurch)
03 940-2000
St Andrew's College
St Andrew's College was founded in 1917 within the Presbyterian tradition of Christian faith and enrols children and young adults from age 3 to their final year of secondary schooling.
The College has a roll of approximately 1300 and offers a friendly, family-oriented boarding environment for up to 165 students.
We are the only independent and co-educational primary to secondary school in the South Island of New Zealand, and the College campus is an attractive mixture of historic and modern buildings located on over 40 hectares in the heart of Christchurch's desirable inner suburb of Merivale.
We treasure our proud traditions and history, and staff members and students have many opportunities to pursue and celebrate our core values of truth, excellence and faith.
more info...
St Bedes College
03 352 6065
Cromwell College
03 445 1121
Dannevirke High School
06 374 8302
Dargaville High School
09 439 7229
Columba College
03 467 5188
John McGlashan College
03 467 6620
Kings High School (Dunedin)
03 455 7547
Otago Boys' High School
03 477 5527
St Hildas Collegiate
03 477 0989
Mackenzie College
03 685 8603
Feilding Agricultural High School
06 323 4029
Hato Paora College
06 328 9731
Gisborne Boys' High School
06 868 8159
Gisborne Girls' High School
06 868 6092
Gore High School
03 208 9130
St Peter's College (Gore)
03 208 9060
Greymouth High School
03 768 0472
Hamilton Boys' High School
07 855 2099
Hamilton Girls' High School
07 839 1304
Sacred Heart Girls' College (Hamilton)
07 856 7874
St Paul's Collegiate (Hamilton)
07 957-8899
Waikato Diocesan School For Girls
07 855 2038
Te Aute College
06 856 8016
Butterfly Creek
Rocket Ropes
LocknLoad Paintball
Elite International School of Beauty and Spa Therapies Ltd (Mairangi Bay)
EduSearch.co.nz 2012


text:
New all time highs for FTSE 100
New all time highs for FTSE 100
23rd February 2015
Last Friday the FTSE 100 closed above 6,900 for the first time in 15 years. Today it opened higher and pushed to 6,940 before falling back, but still held on to the hugely psychological level of 6,900. This is the first occasion that the all time high of 6,930 of 30th December 1999 has been breached.
Having struggled in the last year to hold 6,800, getting past and staying above that threshold has given impetus for the push onward to 6,900.
Today's trading really needs to remain above 6,900 for confidence to push onward to remain. Falling below during the trading session won't hurt too much, so long as it stays close and finishes above that key value at the close later today. Remaining above 6,900 may be the confidence stepping stone to move on to significant new highs.
In many ways this breakthrough was unlikely, with the uncertainty of Ukraine, Greece and China weighing against the generally upbeat UK data. And the inherent pessimism of winter in UK doesn't help. But low interest rates, lower costs generally, and now rising wages add confidence.
The UK and US economies are without doubt the world's strongest at the moment, and it seems that we'll be consolidating new all time highs in major indices reflecting that success. But before the FTSE 100 soars higher it is most likely to spend some time coming to terms with these levels. A fall back to the strong support at 6,800, a 1.4 per cent fall, is to be expected before we see it moving very much higher.
But a positive and clean election outcome may see us looking at new all time highs of 7,000 rather than a retreat to 6,500.
Fingers crossed.
There is one dampener though. The last time the FTSE 100 index was at this level was on the eve of the millennium. So in real terms to match that figure we should allow for inflation. In order to better that momentous figure, the index — using the BoE inflation figures — would today have to reach 10726.
Professors Mike Staunton, Elroy Dimson and Paul Marsh of the London Business School, part of the team that designed the FTSE 100, have predicted that there is a 50 per cent chance that it will reach 10,000 by 2022.
Peter Marshall, February 2015
Use your pension fund to avoid IHT
Use your pension fund to avoid IHT
In the last issue I pointed out that the new pension rules effectively make your pension fund the best tax shelter available in the UK. Not only does it avoid capital gains tax and income tax on rents and interest and higher rate income tax on dividends, it now also escapes inheritance tax. For many people, this creates the opportunity to revise investment strategies to minimise IHT.
The key issue is the 40% inheritance tax rate. Many people will have sufficient assets to be exposed to significant taxation at this rate. A couple, who can have combined assets of £650,000 before becoming liable to IHT, will still face a £40,000 tax bill on a £750,000 estate.
Under the old rules, where pensions had a 55% tax charge on death, it was better to keep the capital in ISAs. The new rules have changed the balance of advantage. While ISAs are exempt from income tax and capital gains tax – identical in treatment to pension funds – they do not benefit from tax relief on contributions, nor are they exempt from inheritance tax.
So, all other things being equal, most people will be better off by transferring capital from ISAs to pension funds if their estates will be liable to IHT, assuming they can get tax relief on the pension contributions.
Here is a simple example for a basic rate taxpayer.
£10,000 invested in an ISA yields 4% to produce an income of £400 net.
£10,000 invested in a pension fund attracts 20% tax relief and is boosted to £12,500. This sum yielding 4% generates an income of £500, which is subject to basic rate tax at 20% giving a net income of £400.
In income terms it is even stevens. But the capital in the pension fund is £2,500 higher, and the avoidance of IHT on £10,000 is worth £4,000.
And here is an example for a higher rate taxpayer who expects to pay basic rate tax when they withdraw income from their pension fund.
£10,000 invested in an ISA yields 4% to produce an income of £400 net.
£10,000 invested in a pension fund attracts 20% tax relief and is boosted to £12,500. This sum yielding 4% generates an income of £500, which is subject to basic rate tax at 20% giving a net income of £400.
The pension fund contribution attracts a further 20% tax relief (of the grossed up contribution, hence £12,500 at 20% = £2,500), which is received by the taxpayer.
So they now have capital in the fund of £12,500, at a net cost of £7,500; on top of which they have saved £4,000 in IHT.
In fact, the pension fund investor's position is better than this since they are entitled to withdraw 25% of the fund tax-free at any point after age 55.
So for both basic rate and higher rate taxpayers, it can make sense to recycle some existing capital held in ISAs into pensions. For higher rate taxpayers, the optimal level of contributions is that which matches the higher rate tax liability for the year.
For some people, it will also make sense to draw down capital within an estate while preserving pension funds outside the estate.
For example, someone with £250,000 each in a pension fund and ISA could draw £15,000 a year (6%) from their pension fund as income. But if their estate will be liable to IHT they would be better off drawing that sum from their ISAs and leaving the pension fund intact. Effectively the £15,000 drawn from the ISA has a net cost of £9,000 assuming it would be liable to 40% IHT on death. People currently using flexible or capped drawdown schemes will be able to alter their future income withdrawals to whatever level they like.
Perpetual tax shelter
You can nominate as many beneficiaries as you like for your pension fund. The normal method is to specify the percentage share of the fund for each beneficiary. But note that you will need to check with your pension fund provider that they have the ability to administer benefits in this way – if not, you may need to switch your fund to another provider. If you want more flexibility, you can set up a spousal by-pass trust to receive your pension fund on your death, but it will cease to qualify for income and gains tax exemptions. So for most people, keeping the capital within the tax-exempt pension vehicle will probably be preferable.
Experts' interpretations of the new rules – which will undoubtedly require more detailed guidance notes from HMRC in due course – suggest that someone nominated as a pension fund beneficiary can, on their death, leave their share to someone else, and so on in perpetuity.
Under these new rules, the pension fund can be used to provide a stream of tax-free income.
- Dependant with taxable income below their personal allowance. Typically this will be a spouse with no pension rights and only a state pension. An amount equal to the difference between the state pension and the personal income tax allowance can be drawn each year tax-free.
- Grandchildren. Each has their own income tax allowance, so if they are named as beneficiaries they (or their parents on their behalf) can withdraw up to that amount each year tax-free.
- Non-resident. Anyone non-resident in the UK for tax purposes can draw benefits tax-free.
The new rules provide substantial opportunities for tax avoidance, but given the complexity of the interaction of taxes and reliefs, I recommend obtaining professional advice. I fear that given the obvious attractions of the new rules, there may eventually be legislative changes that erode these benefits. Make hay while the sun shines.
Chris Gilchrist, January 2015
Dividend funds for the long-term
Dividend funds for the long-term
Since I last wrote about global equity income funds in May 2014 (issue 355), as my chart shows, performance has continued to be good. These funds are, in my view, ideal core holdings for most investors' portfolios.
If you have large holdings in UK equity income funds, I think you need to beware of concentration in too few dividend-paying stocks. In the financial crisis, most UK equity income funds held lots of bank stock and took a big hit. Today, some hold lots of utilities and I can see these becoming a political football in the first half of 2015.
While I believe in dividend strategies over the long term – many studies have shown that buying higher-yielding shares beats growth stocks over 15 or 20 years – I have reduced my own UK holdings of equity income funds and increased holdings of global equity income funds. I am not yet drawing income from these investments, so I am not that concerned about the short-term fluctuations in dividends caused by exchange rate movements. Until the summer, the strength of sterling meant that the dividends paid by these funds had at best been static over the previous year. However, the usual "swings and roundabouts" can be expected – and the latest recent period of strength for the dollar will translate into higher sterling dividends in due course.The historic yields are pretty good. Some other funds (like M & G Global Dividend) have much lower yields because they aim for "growth and income". I prefer equity income funds to yield over 3.5% but make an exception for the Invesco Perpetual fund because of its good record to date.
Newton Global Higher Income should be your selection if you are of a pessimistic or cautious frame of mind. Its holdings are mainly mega-cap blue chips. Its recent performance has been dull but I would expect it to do much better than its peers in bear conditions. For optimists, I would suggest Artemis Global Income where the manager prefers mid-cap stocks and is moving towards Asia. The Invesco Perpetual Global Equity Income fund has a somewhat stronger value bias and is probably in between the other two.
You may also want to consider widening your net with regional funds. I now own the JPMorgan Emerging Markets Income investment trust, which also comes in the form of an OEIC. The OEIC yields 4.4% and has 50% of its assets in Asia/Pacific. There is a huge universe of high-yielding stocks in Asian markets, and JPM data tell me that high-yielding EM stocks are at the biggest discount to growth stocks for a decade or more. I'm pretty confident I am buying cheap assets.
This valuation anomaly has pointed me to another income holding: Schroder Asian Income, yielding 3.8%. Manager Richard Sennitt has steadily outperformed the sector average over recent years.
My other dividend buy is on the other side of the planet: Standard Life Investments European Equity Income OEIC. Launched in 2009, it has produced good returns and the manager has adroitly shifted from defensive blue-chips to more cyclical stocks. The £2bn fund yields 4.1%. With the ECB committed to providing banks with oceans of cheap money, the market seems to me to be pretty strongly underwritten, provided that the recent upturn in company earnings is maintained. In the short term, political worries may dominate, but there are certainly plenty of cheap stocks in Europe.
Chris Gilchrist, December 2014


text:
This is not just a title I pulled out of my black behind. It's was not at the back of a Christmas catalogue or a Watchtower magazine. I'm a dark person. With darkness so dark the light is scared washing it away. The thoughts that run through my mind give me shivers, literally. I look at myself in the mirror, and sometimes I want to remove that person from me. But the realisation that that is truly me is what makes it even more scary. That dark person has created the angel, so that to be able to live with herself. A darkness that is you and yet it scares you is blood-chilling. When you want to run away from yourself and there is no where to run. Because as cold as it inside, it's the place you spend most of you life in - inside yourself.
Do I love? I don't know that yet. I once told an ex that sometimes I look at him and I feel nothing. That scared him. Let me explain 'nothing'. It is when you look at a stone on the sidewalk. You don't hate it, you do not fear it, you do not love it. There is no emotion. The only thing more dangerous than hate is the absence of emotion. When you love something, you want to do good things to/ with that thing...or person. When you hate it, you want to get rid, hurt, dispose of...in other words, in both of these emotions, there is the being prompted to action. Acting on something means you care about that thing to want it either in and out of your life. Not caring means it is irrelevant to you what happens to that person / object. I do not choose this state. It comes in tidal waves. When someone will say something to me and my mind goes blank as to who they are in my life, why I have them sitting next to me, talking to me. It's like coming to the realisation that you have a dead branch in your hand. The obvious reaction would not be to debate the advantages of keeping it, but to discard it.
I have this desire to save. People, mostly. I even date to save. How twisted. I hate failure. And sometimes, when a relationship end, the ex will always confuse my angst with a feeling of rejection. I do fear rejection yes, but mostly, its the feeling of failure that haunts me. Failure to keep the relationship, failure to keep the person in my life.
Back to saving.
I told someone I do not see my life past 30. That is true. I have envisioned my life since I was a kid, right until 30 years old. Beyond that darkness. I am selfless to a fault. I give too much. But I discard too. Completely close some people out.
I was a happy child. Too happy. With time, this happiness has
developed into shelves that I can only access at some points in my life.
I will access those shelves and stay there a while. Sometimes, my mind
moves those shelves. And there is a vacuum where they used to be. That
is when I grab on to the darkness. Because my mind needs to larch on to
something. I do not despise those moments, despite how much they scare
me. I draw from them, like a thirsty man drinking dirty water at a
creek. Knowing the full implications of his action, but the need to
quest his thirst being greater than his worry for disease. Quench the
thirst, even if it kills you.
And that is how this angel fell.
17 Jul 2012
4 commented:
- Unknown said...
Chic, aren't you deep?! I absolutely love the rawness in your writing, words and sentences that cuts really deep. Still, wishing you peace within yourself as you rise again.
- Wednesday, July 25, 2012
- Even Angels Fall said...
Thank you Willy!
- Wednesday, July 25, 2012
- @berbeque said...
i love the way this girl writes. Wish I could shed some light on her. Wish I can do something about life beyond 30? Keep up my angel
- Sunday, July 29, 2012
- Unknown said...
Life past 30 total darkness!!i share in this!!!wow!should have found you earlier!!!!great pieces you have!
- Wednesday, September 19, 2012
- ▼ July (9)
- ► 2011 (26)
- ► 2009 (27)
- ► 2008 (98)
- ► 2007 (16)
- ► 2006 (24)


text:
A Flower Essence is known as the living energy, life force or vibrational imprint of a flower, that is suspended in water, diluted and preserved with alcohol.
How do they work?
A brief summary of how flower essences work is mentioned on the home page. I would say that exactly how essences work is not fully known. My understanding is that by ingesting, meeting and absorbing the life force energy of a flower, the vibrational imprint of that flower impacts our own vibration and energy system. This model is based on the understanding that we are all energy beings. We are using life force soul energy to affect our own life force and soul journey.
The result of taking an essence is always positive ( there may be some feeling to process along the way). Unlike homeopathy there are no side effects. Flower essences are used to raise conciousness, they can help release guilt, unhelpful patterns/addictions, hatred and fear, open to love, stimulate self healing, develop spiritually, be still, clear trauma, clear space and so much more.. there is a flower for ever ill. Harnessing the light and harmony contained in nature's flowers enables an influence of subtle bodies which transforms the energy patterns in the body... and ultimately raises conciousness.
Essences are mainly known to assist with emotional difficulties for e.g. Bach's Rescue Remedy is quite well known for emotional shock and trauma. It is good to know that essence work on all levels. As multi - dimensional being we exist and operate on different levels and essences can and often do result in assisting with physical conditions as well.
I don't like using alcohol is there an alternative?
Yes. Only small amounts of alcohol are used. Please contact me to ask for an alternative.
If you have had a consultation and are having a bespoke, dosage essence made for you. Pls let me know that you would like an alcohol free version.
How are these essences made?
1. The Living Method
Each essence is made by attuning to and harnessing energy from the plant as a whole. It does not involve cutting or harming the plant in anyway. The result is an Integral essence that contains all aspects of the plant and one that has been regarded with the utmost Gentleness Respect and Care.
2. Organic Ingredients
All other ingredients used to complete the essence are Certified Organic.
~ High Quality Organic Cognac
~ Highland Water which runs through organic land
The only tiny exception is Elderberry Essence which was growing next to a Sacred Spring, this water was used in the original blend and it is potentised in Organic Water
~ Certified Essential Oils (in Mist and Oils). Only high grade, naturally distilled oils are used.
(No absolutes).
Largely sourced from Fragrant Earth and Materia Aromatica.
Elf Light Essences are in the process of being part of the British Flower & Vibrational Essence Association (BFVEA).
What is the difference between a Stock Concentrate bottle and a dosage bottle?
Stock Concentrates are a concentrated strength of essence. Made up of equal parts of 50% alcohol and water. Stock Bottles will last for ten years or more.
Dosage Bottles contain smaller amounts of alcohol and have a shelf life of no more than 6 weeks. Ideally they should be stored in a fridge.
Do they work? Isn't this just a Placebo effect? Do I have to believe in all this 'new age energy' stuff for it to work?
It is a common misconception that Flower Essences work by 'faith',
and sadly many large health organisations take this view. However this view is not at all accurate. Simply put, Babies, Animals and even Plants are all highly receptive to essences and often showing benefits more quickly that complex adults.
There is much evidence to show the (often profound) healing effects of essences, (these can be found via web searches). In addition, there is the work of Masaru Emo showing the possiblities of water memory. Essences work via sympathetic resonance which is a form of vibrational medicene, similar to homeopathy.
Do I need to believe in them to work?
How do I know if they are working?
The effects of essences can be powerful and sometimes subtle it can be easy to be feeling differently about things and be in a different 'place' without really knowing how we got there. This can be the case with many therapies. We look back and realise we have changed but cannot quite pinpoint the how? why ? when?...
And we don't have to know.. but following change with essences can be enlightening, interesting and empowering. Noticing and recording dreams, keeping a journal of thoughts and feelings all help towards this.
It can be particularly powerful to use essences in combine with meditation, visulisation and affirmations.
Elf Light Essences are sold in Stock Concentrate (10ml) bottles.
For emergency/acute periods you can take straight from bottle or in water
Ensure dropper/ pipette does not touch mouth
5 drops, 3 times per day for Elf Light Essences. (Frequent use is important).
Making up a dosage bottle
(for Elf Light Essences only)
Using an appropriate, sterilised bottle
Fill with alcohol 20 % and the rest with water leaving a little room for a few drops of stock essence
Add 5 drops of stock essence
Leave the essence to settle for at least 3 hours and ideally 24 hrs
Label for safe use
Is it ok to give someone else essence to help them out without them knowing?
I admit it .. I have had the fantasy of adding some essences to the uk's water system!!:) but ............................I would not do this!:)
Essences need to be an informed choice. While we may feel, understandably, that a friend might be helped by a certain essence and feel tempted to pop a few drops into their cuppa.. by doing this we have then taken away their own responsibility and personal power.
It takes time for an Elf Light Essence to be born and be available in the big wide word! Whilst the core meaning of each essence is understood almost immediately, time is taken to develop a full attunement and understanding of each essence.
Elf Light Essences


text:
Money Raised For Damaged Duanesburg Firehouse By Colonie Student
After an 8-year-old student from Forest Park Elementary School in Colonie saw that the building that housed the Duanesburg Volunteer Rescue Squad was damaged by a tornado in May, he felt like he should do something.
Logan Trembley raised money with not just one fundraiser, but with two. The one fundraiser was a 'Hat Day' at his school. That's where anyone could wear a hat to school for the day for a one dollar donation or more.
The other was a bake sale at 'Raiderfest' at Colonie Central High School. His mom, Lauren, helped him set up the bake sale, and people from the community donated the food. Scott, Logan's dad and Abigail, Logan's 11-year-old sister helped to sell the baked goods. One more thing that Logan did was empty his piggy bank, and donated it all to the rescue squad.
In the story from News 10 ABC, Logan raised a total of $570 dollars.
In the story from Spotlightnews.com, Logan mentioned that he also wanted to be a firefighter. Logan personally delivered the money at a meeting at the rescue squad. He also wanted to see the damaged structure in real life. His mom believes that the visit had made a real impact on him.


text:
- Can you give me more details about the bedrooms?
- Is there Wi-Fi internet?
- Will my mobile phone work?
- What are my options for travel to Château Ventenac?
- I will be driving down – can you help with directions?
- Is parking available?
- How do I pay for my holiday?
Can you give me more details about the bedrooms?
A description and photograph of each bedroom is provided in the Bedrooms section for Château Ventenac. If you would like to check a specific point, Julia will be pleased to provide the answer to any questions you may have – her contact details are at the bottom of this screen.
Is there Wi-Fi internet?
Château Ventenac has wireless internet access. As with any internet connection, we cannot guarantee uninterrupted service, connectivity or download speeds, since these depend on factors outside our control.
Will my mobile phone work?
Mobile phones usually work at the Château.
What are my options for travel to Château Ventenac?
Travelling to Château Ventenac is easy, with a choice of convenient airports offering budget flights from the UK and continental Europe, as well as long-haul destinations. For example, you can fly with Ryanair from many destinations to Carcassonne and Beziers. Rail connections are also very good, with high-speed TGV trains to Narbonne. Taxis from the station are about 50 euros. We're also well served by Autoroutes if you're travelling by car. More information is provided in the Travel Options & Maps section.
I will be driving down – can you help with directions?
Yes. We've provided co-ordinates for satnav as well as detailed directions from the nearby Autoroutes and Narbonne in our Directions section.
Is parking available?
Free parking is available in the courtyard of Château Ventenac.
How do I pay for my holiday?
You can pay both deposit and balance payments for Chateau Ventenac holidays with Paypal or bank transfer.
If your question is not covered above, Julia will be pleased to provide the answer to any questions you may have:
Telephone: +44 (0) 7773 206344
Email: email@example.com


text:
Middlesex, New York
Tuesday Tessa and I laze around home for most of the day before heading to Buffalo. Run a couple errands, have a late dinner, and pick Bill up from the airport at 12:45 AM. Yay!!! He's home!
The highway is much easier to navigate in the dark without the heavy rain, but I still marvel at just how pitch black it is with zero lighting. I realize that with snow and snow-removal equipment it isn't practical to have the lane reflectors we're used to on the west coast, although I'm not sure why the signs have no lights.
Wednesday we stay home and get each other caught up with our individual adventures. A very good lunch on the lake at When Pigs Fly BBQ Pit in Barcelona is about all we do on our last day in Westfield. It has been a great place to begin our three to four weeks in upstate New York.
At the recommendation of good friends Dave and Sue, we part ways with I-90 and make Hwy 20 our route for crossing the top of the state. As this is the area they've called home for years, I know we'll be seeing some beautiful country. I also figure they're tired of my whining about the toll roads.......
The nice drive through small towns and large farms brings us to our turn off just east of Lake Canandaigua. We make a right turn in the little burg of Potter, taking a narrow, well-maintained road to Flint Creek Campground. It's a bit "out-of-the-way," but I was able to get a spot over the holiday weekend with FHUs. The grass sites are very large, with nice shade trees, picnic tables, and fire rings. Even with the shade we're able to get satellite. But no cell or internet connection at all, and really lousy water pressure :-(. This does not bode well for a week's stay.
There are only two other RVs in this section with a dozen or more seasonals in the rest of the park. But a swimming pool, large play area, and events planned for the weekend, mean there are likely to be lots of families joining us.
We wake up Friday morning to nice cool temps and low humidity - heavenly!! I even have a sweatshirt on when we head out for nearby Naples.
The RSMC Cummings Nature Center is a 900 acre preserve donated to the Rochester Museum by the Cummings family. There is a small interpretive center, five miles of trails, an old saw mill, sugar shack, and pioneer cabin.
We combine the Pioneer and Haudenosaunee for just under two miles of forest trails. Some areas the roots make watching where you step the priority, but much of the way is a nice, spongy path that's great for walking.
Signs leading to the 18th century pioneer cabin share diary entries from two children who traveled west - they are not from the family who lived in this cabin, but certainly could be. The cabin itself is small and not maintained, and includes items from the era it was built.
|Telling the story of the move west using children's diary entries.
|Most entries talk of challenges with weather and work, balanced with excitement over all the new things they're experiencing. It's a very fun exhibit.
|The pioneers of today are much taller!
|Mud and grass mortar
|We both comment on how uncomfortable bras were back then.
|The plastic box throws off the step back in time.
|Whatever this is, Tessa was freaked out, and took several minutes to get close enough to get a sniff.
|Bill spied this little guy on the path.
|About the size of my thumb.
|I imagine he would be very pleased to know his work is used to educate local children on the culture of his people.
|Each painting includes information about the traditional activity shown.
|This is my favorite of the dozen pieces displayed here.
|The colors are muted except for this more vivid one of gathering plants for medicine.
|The same colors are found in the nature that surrounds his art.
|Fungi grows in shade of a log.
|Tiny mushrooms survive among the branches along the trail.
|The creek continues to trickle through the rocks.
|Another little toad crosses the foot bridge.
|A slight breeze flutters a million leaves
|Nature finds a way.
In the afternoon we return to find dozens of our new best friends have arrived. Many have large tents and extra vehicles, but the sites are so big that there's room for everyone. Surprisingly, while everyone has dogs, only three sites have children. Of course our immediate neighbors have three - and an old lab who "sings" like he's dying at regular intervals. Makes us laugh every time :-)
|The gang's all here - we're toward the back on the left.
Mennonite families drive buggies and ride bicycles alongside convertibles and tractors on the highways. Every little town has a large cemetery on the main road with markers ranging from ornate shrines to simple curved headstones. There are very few signals, and zero track homes.
|Lake Honeoye
|There are fast and fancy boats
|But there's still lots of fun to be had in smaller and slower.
|A bit windy on the dock
|Much better over here.....
|Many of the silos are already dressed up for Halloween
|Overackers Corners School, 1894
|Lake Canandaigua
|The water is so clear
|Local cemetery
|I've been craving German food, and Rheinblick in Canandaigua is wonderful.
|Hanging flowers on steroids.
|All to ourselves
The temps have been rising over the weekend and Tuesday we're once again near 90 degrees. As wonderful as it is to have the place to ourselves, we're not comfortable outdoors. We're ready for some Internet and decent water pressure as well. So although we have reservations here until Thursday we decide this will be our last night in Middlesex.
Wednesday we only travel 30 miles to Seneca Falls, New York, where there are some great places I'm looking forward to visiting!


text:
Flying internationally has never been much cozier and more luxurious when you charter for an Airbus A380. This aircraft has spacious features, plus customized facilities to make sure you'll stay well-rested and even enjoy the finest details a private airliner can offer. With its commercial version having a 500-seat capacity, the A380 has flexible interiors, with different areas … [Read more...]
Luxurious Private Flights on an Airbus A310
Going on a regional flight? One of the best charter options you can take would be to ride the Airbus A310. With its spacious cabin, luxurious in-flight features and high quality performance, you can already start on your vacation by hopping on board the aircraft. If you're however gearing up for a business deal or presentation, the Airbus A310 can also cater to your needs. You … [Read more...]
Luxurious Comforts aboard the Boeing 737-200
If you're coming from Ontario, Canada, you can now reach Iceland, Northwest Territories or Trinidad and Tobago, via the Boeing 737-200. Booking for a private flight on board this plane means you'll get to enjoy various facilities ranging from bedrooms, study areas or even lounges. Its amenities will depend on how your operator has placed an initial lay out on the plane. Thus … [Read more...]
Experience Luxury aboard the Tu134
Whether you're taking on a grand, tropical getaway or you're venturing for a business trip, the Tu134 has the complete features for you to enjoy. This Russian made plane has a space equivalent to 96 passenger seats in commercial airlines. You can only imagine what its private version can accommodate for exclusive flyers. Its interiors can have couches, divans and tables fit … [Read more...]
Cozy Rides amid Rugged Terrains on the Shorts 330
Would you like to fly on a practical yet decently cozy plane? Then the Shorts 330 is exactly what you're looking for. This military-inspired aircraft was originally introduced during 1976 and it currently has 5 variants being flown around the world. This reliable aircraft's interiors were upgraded to fit the needs of passengers for short range flights. Its space is equivalent … [Read more...]


text:
U.S. News & World Report
By Mortimer B. Zuckerman Europe stands on the edge of an abyss, its most dangerous financial crisis since the 1930s. Greece, Spain, and Italy are the closest to tumbling over, but all the others in the eurozone are roped together like Alpine climbers, ...
U.S. News & World Report
George Soros Says The Euro Will Survive
The eurozone may be in turmoil but the investing maestro says the currency will survive. As someone who exchanged some Japanese yen for the euro recently, I have been watching the latter's gyrations with more than usual interest.
The eurozone may be in turmoil but the investing maestro says the currency will survive. As someone who exchanged some Japanese yen for the euro recently, I have been watching the latter's gyrations with more than usual interest.
G7 to hold emergency euro zone talks, Spain top concern
By Allison Martell and Andreas Rinke | TORONTO/BERLIN (Reuters) - Finance chiefs of the Group of Seven leading industrialized powers will hold emergency talks on the euro zone debt crisis on Tuesday in a sign of heightened global alarm about strains in ...
G7 to hold emergency eurozone talks, Spain top concern
Canada says G7 to hold conference call on euro zone * G7 source says concern about possible Spanish bank run * Germany says up to Spain to decide if needs aid * Brazil says G20 to press Germany to stimulate economy By Allison Martell and Andreas Rinke ...
Euro zone on the brink
Washington Post
Global capital markets, now the most powerful force on earth, are rapidly losing confidence in the financial coherence of the 17-nation euro zone. A market implosion there, like that triggered by Lehman Brothers collapse in 2008, may not be far off.
Euro zone factory prices cool, give ECB room to cut
Euro zone factory prices unchanged on month as oil falls * Lower consumer price inflation also gives ECB room to cut rates By Robin Emmott BRUSSELS, June 4 (Reuters) - Euro zone factory prices unexpectedly held steady in April, marking the fourth ...
TEXT-S&P report Assesses the likelihood of Greece exiting eurozone
June 4 - Standard & Poor's Ratings Services today published a report that examines the likelihood of Greece leaving the eurozone and the potential impact of this on the creditworthiness of other sovereigns in the region (see Sovereign Rating ...
Euro zone factory prices cool, give ECB room for rate cut
(Corrects day of ECB meeting to Wednesday, not Thursday) * Euro zone factory price pressure cools as oil falls * Lower consumer inflation also gives ECB room to cut rates BRUSSELS, June 4 (Reuters) - Euro zone factory prices were unexpectedly stable in ...
Euro-Zone Producer-Price Inflation Eases
Wall Street Journal
By ILONA BILLINGTON Euro-zone producer-price inflation eased back again in April compared with a year earlier, a further sign that inflationary pressures are subsiding and giving the European Central Bank more scope to help boost growth.
S&P Says 1 in 3 Chance Greece Will Exit Eurozone
Fox Business
By Dunstan Prial Ratings service Standard & Poor's said Monday there's a one-in-three likelihood Greece will exit the eurozone in the near future. In a statement, S&P said, "we believe there is at least a one-in-three chance of Greece exiting the ...
S&P: 1-in-3 Chance Greece Leaves Euro Zone
Wall Street Journal
By Nathalie Tadena Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said there was at least a 1-in-3 chance Greece would leave the euro zone following its national elections later this month, a move that would seriously damage the country's economy and would most ...
REFILE-UPDATE 1-Greece has 1-in-3 chance of leaving euro zone-S&P
NEW YORK, June 4 (Reuters) - Credit rating agency Standard and Poor's said on Monday that it sees "at least" a one-in-three chance of Greece exiting the euro zone in the coming months, an outcome which could lead the financially fragile country to ...
Nordvig Puts Euro Zone Breakup Odds at 50-50
Washington Post
Jun. 4, 2012 - June 4 (Bloomberg) – Jens Nordvig, a managing director of currency research at Nomura Holdings Inc., talks about the European debt crisis and the prospects of Japan's government intervening to support the yen. Nordvig speaks with Betty ...
Greek Exit from the Eurozone: Neither Inevitable nor Desirable
Wall Street Pit
By Avinash Persaud Jun 4, 2012, 10:01 AM Author's Website Should Greece leave the Eurozone? This column argues that aggressive restructuring of Greek debt within the Eurozone, rather than departure, is the best option. Glance at the headlines and you ...
Euro zone on the move … too slowly?
Reuters Blogs (blog)
By Mike Peacock With Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy calling for a new euro zone fiscal authority to manage the bloc's finances and send markets a signal that EU leaders mean business about defending the euro, it is clear that the push towards ...
Eurozone Producer Prices Softer Than Expected In April
By DailyFX 06/04/12 - 03:30 AM EDT By David Schutz, Its shares are backed up by the full faith and credit of people who don't want their lights turned off. Chances are growing for a quick and dirty spike higher in both equities and Treasury yields.
Eurozone crisis: United States of Europe may be the only way to save euro
The Guardian
It is a measure of the speed at which the politics of the euro crisis is changing. Only a fortnight ago all the attention was being lavished on France's new president, François Hollande, being sworn in in Paris as Monsieur Growth and rushing off on his ...
The Guardian
China to make plans for Greek euro exit risk: sources
| BEIJING (Reuters) - The Chinese government has called on key agencies including the central bank to come up with plans to deal with the potential economic risks of a Greek withdrawal from the euro zone, three sources with knowledge of the matter told ...
CANADA FX DEBT-C$ firms on euro zone hopes, eye on BoC
Figures on Monday showing euro zone factory prices were unexpectedly stable in April from March, the fourth straight month of weakening inflation pressures, offered some hope that ECB could cut rates. At 8:06 am (1206 GMT), the Canadian dollar was at ...
'One in three' chance Greece quits eurozone: S&P
PARIS — International ratings agency Standard & Poor's said Monday there was a one in three chance that Greece will leave the eurozone in the months following June 17 polls. "We believe there is at least a one in three chance of Greece exiting the ...
One Crazy Summer: Soros Gives Germany Three Months to Fix Europe
Wall Street Journal (blog)
By Juliet Chung George Soros, the legendary hedge-fund investor, gave the nation three months to avert a breakup of the euro zone. In a speech Saturday at an economic conference in Italy, Mr. Soros implored Germany's government and Europe's central ...
Wall Street Journal (blog)
Eurozone factory prices cool, give ECB room to cut
Economic Times
BRUSSELS: Euro zone factory prices unexpectedly held steady in April, marking the fourth straight month of weakening inflation pressures and giving the European Central Bank some space to cut interest rates as the continent's economy slumps.
EU's Van Rompuy Says Euro Zone Needs More Integration
Fox Business
Mr. Van Rompuy said that while the euro zone is facing "trying times" now, the current crisis is "not nearly as bad" as that faced in 2008. He also said that developed Western nations aren't solely to blame for the current bout of global financial ...
Euro gains as investors cover bearish bets on euro zone hopes
MSN Money
The euro, which was ripe for a bounce given a record high in net speculative short positioning, was buoyed by news that France and the European Commission signal led their support for an ambitious plan to use the euro zone's permanent bailout fund to ...
French foreign minister confident of closing differences with Germany on ...
Washington Post
BERLIN — France's new foreign minister says he is confident Paris will bridge its differences with Berlin over how to resolve the eurozone debt crisis. President Francois Hollande has challenged the German government's austerity-centered approach and ...
Merkel open to idea of European banking union
Seattle Post Intelligencer
Her support as leader of the EU's biggest economy could be crucial for the concept, which aims to strengthen the eurozone and calm jittery markets. The proposal to create a Europe-wide authority overseeing and ultimately guaranteeing the banks' ...
Eurozone April Producer Price Inflation At 25-Month Low
RTT News
(RTTNews) - Mirroring easing inflationary pressures, Eurozone industrial producer price inflation fell to a 25-month low in April, giving room for the central bank to lower its interest rates below 1 percent. Pipeline inflation eased more than expected ...
RTT News
Euro-zone Galloping Towards Financial Armageddon, Greece Will Take Third World ...
The Market Oracle
Euro-zone Galloping Towards Financial Armageddon, Greece Will Take Third World Europe to Inflation Hell! Can you smell it ? There's PANIC in the Air! For instance, apparently Britain is preparing immigration controls for an anticipated flood of ...
Eurozone uncertainties offer investment opportunities
Economic Times
Markets across the world are concerned about the possibility and implications of a Greek exit from the euro zone. The dramatic turn of events was set in motion after the May 6 election in which Greece's main political parties suffered defeat, ...
Euro crisis hits DAX index hard - The Local
The stock market index DAX, which represents Germany's 30 biggest companies, felt the sting of Europe's economic fears on Monday, when it dropped blow 6000 points for the first time in five months.
The Local - Germany's news in English
The Greek Crisis, The Euro Crisis, President Obama, And The Rest ...
By Pete Spiliakos
That is all bad enough, but there is also the possibility of a crisis in the Eurozone this summer that would dampen the global (and American) economy. Obama is already trying to shift the blame for economic conditions onto the Europeans, but ...
Postmodern Conservative
Euro zone PPI flat in April By Forexpros
By Forexpros
Forexpros - Producer price inflation in the euro zone was flat in April, confounding expectations for a modest increase, official data showed on Monday. In a report, Eurostat said that its producer price index was flat in April, defying expectations ...
Forex Pros RSS News Feed | Forex News
The Eurozone: Reality Bites ~ J O S H U A P U N D I T
By Rob
What Rajoy and other fiscally unsound eurozone countries want is to spread the infection to whatever healthy financial institutions remain by forming a "banking union" in the eurozone involving a centralized system to 'recapitalize' troubled ...
By Rob
What Rajoy and other fiscally unsound eurozone countries want is to spread the infection to whatever healthy financial institutions remain by forming a "banking union" in the eurozone involving a centralized system to 'recapitalize' troubled ...
Silver to outperform gold as euro crisis reaches a climax this autumn ...
By Peter Cooper
Moreover the contagion from the eurozone sovereign debt crisis is already very evident in the global economy. The US jobs data is appalling. China is stalling whatever nonsense the official data shows. The UK, Japan and parts of Europe are ...
Cracker Squire: Euro Zone Nears Moment of Truth on Staying ...
By Sid Cottingham
As Spain's economic crisis deepens and uncertainty swirls over Greece's future in the euro zone, the guardians of the increasingly fragile European monetary union are near a moment of truth: Can they muster the will and resources to keep ...
Cracker Squire
Lucas – More Crisis EU/ Eurozone – 4 June 2012 | Lucas 2012 Infos
By lucas2012infos
In the growing crisis in the Euro zone and EU the news follows quickly. The Spanish Bankia system bank crisis grows and the capital flight over the borders is catapulting out of orbit. The Portuguese banks getting financial support from …
Lucas 2012 Infos
Oil Slightly Higher On Eurozone Hopes
By NYFP
Oil Slightly Higher On Eurozone Hopes. NYFP. Oil Slightly Higher On Eurozone ... Email/Share Page · Tweet. 06/04/12 Front month crude prices were slightly higher Monday afternoon on reports Germany may consider eurozone integration.
Eurozone producer price index for April flat m/m, +2.6% y/y | ForexLive
By Gerry Davies
Weaker than Reuter's median forecasts of +0.2%, +2.7% respectively. Does it amount to a hill of beans........NO.
Eurozone Shares Close Higher | The Sharpener
By mariana
PARIS – Shares of the euro zone climbed on Monday because the expectation of further measures by the authorities to help the troubled banking system in the region, soared in security purchases of Spanish, French and Italians, who eclipsed ...
The SharpenerThe Sharpener |...
KPMG: Possible eurozone breakup leaves businesses unprepared ...
By Rob Starr, Big4.com
By Rob Starr, Content Manager, Big4.com KPMG has talked through Eurozone crisis response plans with more than fifty Fortune 500 or equivalent companies to assess what they are doing to prepare and found that more than 75% of ...
Euro zone factory prices cool, give ECB room for rate cut – Chicago ...
By Newswires
Euro zone factory prices cool, give ECB room for rate cutChicago TribuneBRUSSELS (Reuters) -Euro zone factory prices were unexpectedly stable in April fro...
The Wall Street Examiner
Euro crisis: "Europe's common currency is its formative element ...
By Pete Baker
Or, at least, a timetable. Herman Van Rompuy told a news conference in St Petersburg, Russia that, by the next summit of EU leaders at the end of June, he and three other EU officials would present "the main building blocks for this deepened ...
Slugger O'Toole
Complete Eurocrisis Summary | ZeroHedge
Confused by the latest developments, headlines, stories, counterstories, denials, counterdenials ...
Euro zone unemployment hits record high, seen rising - Yahoo! News
From Yahoo! News: BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Euro zone unemployment has hit a record high, and job losses are likely to keep climbing as the bloc's devastating ...
Follow @ieeuuus


text:
How to Plant a Tree Fern
Picture a large fern-like plant on top of an attractive trunk and you have what is known as a tree fern. Several species are known as tree ferns, but the Australian tree fern (Dicksonia antarctica), also known as Tasmanian tree fern, hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11, is among the most common. Plant your tree fern in spring, preferably in a humid, protected and shady area of the landscape.
Water the tree fern in its container, stopping when you see the water drain out the bottom drainage hole. Do this about 12 to 24 hours before you plan to plant it in the garden.
Dig a hole that is two times as wide and deep as your tree fern's container. Toss the soil onto a tarp for easy clean up. Incorporate 25 percent additional organic matter, such as compost, into the soil. Fill the hole half-way with the amended soil so it is as deep as the container.
Hold the container at an angle to carefully remove the tree from the pot. Hold the tree at its base so you do not damage the plant. Some plastic containers can be cut open for easy removal.
Place the tree fern in the center of the hole. Check that the crown is planted at the same level as in the container, adding or removing soil from the bottom of the hole as necessary. Lightly pack soil to fill in the rest of the hole.
Water the tree fern with 1 inch of water, but do not get the crown wet to help avoid rot. Continue to water the new transplant during dry weather to keep the soil moist for the first growing season.
Things Needed
- Garden hose
- Spade
- Organic matter
- Knife or scissors
- Do not fertilize your tree fern until the second year after planting.
Photo Credits
- Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images


text:
Michael Leven
Michael Leven is President and Chief Operating Officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp and has served on the Board of Directors since 2004.
Mr. Leven is a veteran hospitality executive with nearly 50 years of experience in the business and a distinguished and well-recognized record of success. He was formerly president and chief executive officer of US Franchise Systems, Inc., the company he founded in 1995, which developed and franchised the Microtel Inns & Suites and Hawthorn Suites hotel brands.
He was previously the president and COO of Holiday Inn Worldwide, president of Days Inn of America, and president of Americana Hotels. He has also served on the board of directors of Starwood Hotels and Resorts and Hersha Hospitality Trust. Mr. Leven is a native of Boston, Massachusetts and holds a Bachelor of Arts from Tufts University and Master of Science from Boston University.