| Top of the flops - 10 pointers to a downturn in 2008
Crowds of British shoppers swanning through New York, flashing their credit cards and exploiting the might of sterling, have been a potent symbol of Britain's economic prowess over the past year. But with the feelgood factor rapidly evaporating as the days of plentiful cheap credit draw to a close, a sharp reassessment of the UK's economic prospects could put sterling under severe pressure in 2008. From around 3 per cent in 2007, GDP growth in the UK is expected to slip to 2 per cent at best this year. The pound's decline has so far been masked by its relative strength against the sickly dollar. But it actually peaked against the greenback in November, and has been declining against the euro since the summer. David Bloom, chief currency strategist at HSBC, says sterling is 'set to take a pounding' in the next 12 months.
Wall Street to Alberta: Don't be ‘so stupid'
Implement higher royalty rates, but only do it on NEW projects. For example, say for all projects beginning in 2008, you pay x new rate, otherwise, you are on the old rate system. I know that gives early movers a little bit of an advantage, but they can consider that their reward for investing in the province when no one else would.
2. Regarding cries that the new rate is unfair, boo hoo hoo, etc, I wouldn't worry too much about it. There isn't that many sources of oil left in this world in capitalist countries, so if they want to play ball, they have to pay for it. Besides, it's not like Alberta is asking for an obscene amount of money, they are asking for a recovery rate that is even less than California currently gets.
So in conclusion, the Alberta government can/should/will change the rules, but I agree with Wall Street and everyone else in that changing the rules after one has already invested is just plain wrong, and it fosters a very negative image to investors about the business climate of the province.
In the papers 26 November
Alphyra is planning to merge with Cardpoint to form a new company called Payzone, which will be listed on the stock market. The Irish Independent notes that ThirdForce and Care UK have been named as the winners of two top e-learning awards at the third annual e-Learning Awards in London. ThirdForce's development of e-learning materials for regulatory compliance and training management was singled out for awards, including the category of achieving the most tangible return on investment from an e-learning project. The Financial Times says the UK government will put renewed pressure on telecoms companies to invest in ultra-fast broadband networks, warning that the UK economy could suffer if they do not.
Fire expert: Fatal blaze was accident, not arson 6:00 PM
CONCORD, N.C. – Federal investigators made a series of critical mistakes when determining a January 2006 fire that killed two children was deliberately set, a private fire investigator said Monday. John Lentini, a Florida-based analyst hired by defense attorneys, testified in the trial of Lisa Greene. Greene, 42, is charged with one count of first-degree arson and two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of her 10-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter. .
Charming Shoppes launches Lane Bryant catalog, folds Regalia
Charming Shoppes Inc. has launched a Lane Bryant catalog, Web site and loyalty program and folded the Regalia catalog among other initiatives intended to support its multichannel strategy on a long-term basis. However, in the short term, the company said there are continuing challenges in the apparel industry such as slowing traffic levels during October, particularly at Lane Bryant stores. As a result, Charming Shoppes plans to be more aggressive in its marketing efforts. The company intends to give customers more reasons to shop at its stores by increasing direct mail advertising to each of its brands throughout the holiday season and by adding cable TV ads for Lane Bryant during the Thanksgiving holiday. Charming Shoppes operates 2,378 stores under the brands Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug, Fashion Bug Plus, Catherines Plus Sizes, Lane Bryant Outlet and Petite Sophisticate Outlet.
Fake loan company scams local victims and real Alliance Lending ...
Beware if the loan broker hesitates to tell you the physical location of the company. Refuse to do business until you have obtained and verified its physical address or location.Obtain the company's number in the phone book or from directory assistance, and call to make sure you're dealing with the company you think you are.If the broker claims to have connections to established financial institutions, ask which lender the company deals with, and ask for the physical address of the lender. If you think you've been victimized by an advance fee loan scam, you may file a complaint with the BBB at www.bbb.org. .
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