IMF Invites Civil Society Input in Governance Reform
Tips For Selecting An Accounting And Bookkeeping Service Provider For Women Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurship actually is all around
Lowongan Kerja Terkini sebagai Accounting Officer - PT. Global ...
Mobile Content Bits: MiFi, Verizon Netbooks, AT&T On SlingBox; Number Ports; Phone Database
Pre Budget Report: Labour Darling Plays Class War Trump Card
Fascist Irish Gun Chub Gets Probed, On The Telly
Social Marketing for Business Workshop this Friday, December 4th
[news] Violent Protests Against Media Social Responsibility Measures Shake Merida, Venezuela
Mérida, January 26 th 2010 (Venezuelanalysis.com) – On Monday, violent protests against the temporary suspension of cable channels that violated media social responsibility laws in Venezuela left one pro-government and one opposition student dead, more than twenty police injured, and parts of downtown Merida burnt and damaged, while peaceful protests occurred in other major cities. By James Suggett – Venezuelanalysis.com read more
A common frame of analysis for examining political reform in the Arab world is to group the region’s political actors into three groups: secular democrats, Islamists, and loyal regime supporters. This approach makes it easier to talk about the challenges secular parties face in crafting a space between the regime and popular Islamist groups; it buttresses the profile of leftist activists making great sacrifices to fight for reforms in their own countries; and it offers a convenient lens for explaining the fears more established political actors have of conservative Islamists coming to power in the advent of electoral democracy. While many of these arguments are well-founded and carry a good share of analytical gravitas, they can also perpetuate rigid political categorization that obscures a deeper understanding of regional political dynamics
The S&P downgrades make for depressing reading. I really don’t want to beat the drum again about the government over-promising in relation to what the establishment of a NAMA could deliver. Still, it’s interesting to note that the basic problems afflicting the Irish banks—loan losses, weak operating income and concerns that the banks will be undercapitalised—are pretty much the same as they were this time last year.
Standard and Poor’s have again downgraded the Irish banks. The Irish Times story about this is here . The S&P Press releases are here (need to sign up but it’s free.) The reasons for the downgrade of AIB are summarised as follows: “The negative outlook reflects our view that the quantum and timing of equity raised through recapitalization may not be sufficient to support an ‘A-’ rating, combined with our expectation of significant losses from the remaining loan book and weak operating income as a result of the challenging economic environment,” said Ms.
Caracas, January 26 th 2010 (FOCUS News Agency) – President Hugo Chavez on Monday said that Petrocaribe, Venezuela’s cut-rate regional energy alliance, will forgive quake-stricken Haiti’s debt, AFP reported. Haiti’s debt with Venezuela is USD 295 million, about one-third of its global foreign debt of USD 1 billion, according to International Monetary Fund figures
By Bart Spreister, VP/GM Digital Media Networks, Service Provider Video Technology Group It’s always gratifying to be part of a winning team, even (and perhaps especially!) as a behind-the-scenes contributor. I’m talking about the 61 st annual Technology & Engineering Emmys, put on by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences in Las Vegas, during the recent Consumer Electronics Show .
The deadline for nominating a deserving man or woman to receive the 2010 Banker’s Cup Award is Wednesday, January 27 at 4 p.m. in the Chamber lobby. One well documented nomination is all it takes
Until recently, 403(b) plans weren’t considered a “hot topic.” However, the new auditing requirements for the plans have brought up new and more questions about them. Here is some basic information about 403(b) plans: Contributions – The 2010 contribution limit is $16,500, which is the same as it was in 2009. Participants over the age of 50 can make additional contributions of up to $5,500, which are known as catch-up contributions. Employers can make matching or other employer contributions, as well. It should be noted that total contributions (employee and employer combined) cannot exceed the lesser of $49,000 or 100% of total employee compensation.
From the Daily Telegraph : US authorities are considering relaxing an import ban on the Scottish delicacy, brought about by the BSE crisis in 1989, it was reported. The meat dish contains offal, including sheep lung, which was covered by the American restriction on some imported animal products. ..
Eurozone Imbalances Weaken Trust in The Euro and Undermine Euro Area Cohesion
by Edward Hugh: Barcelona This is the conclusion drawn – rather surprisingly – not by some bank analyst, or by a Credit Ratings Agency, but by the European Commission itself, according to the contents of a report “leaked” to the German magazine Der Spiegel at the end of last week. “(The imbalances) weaken trust in the euro and endanger the cohesion of the monetary union,”
Why is National Security Being Invoked to Keep Basic Financial Information Secret?
Reuters notes : U.S. securities regulators originally treated the New York Federal Reserve’s bid to keep secret many of the details of the American International Group bailout like a request to protect matters of national security , according to emails obtained by Reuters. The national security claim may seem outlandish, but it is nothing new
[news] Venezuela Sanctions Cable Television Channels for Failure to Comply with Media Law
Caracas, January 24 th 2010 (Venezuelanalysis.com) – On Saturday, Venezuela’s National Telecommunications Commission (CONATEL) temporarily closed six national cable television channels for failure to comply with the country’s Law on Social Responsibility in Radio and Television. The media law establishes standards for child and adult programming, prohibits racist, sexist or inflammatory content and incitement to violence, places limits on commercial advertising, and requires stations to broadcast important government announcements. By Kiraz Janicke and James Suggett – Venezuelanalysis.com read more
Broker Sentenced for Fraud in Selling Auction Rate Securities Issued by CDO’s
Former Credit Suisse broker Eric Butler, who was convicted of fraud by a New York federal court jury in August, was sentenced last week to five years in federal prison. Along with former Credit Suisse colleague Julian Tzolov, Butler was accused of making misrepresentations in the sale of auction rate securities, claiming that they were backed by federally-insured student loans when in fact they were backed by high-risk collateralized debt obligations, or CDOs. Prosecutors alleged that Butler and Tzolov had switched their clients to the CDO-backed securities because they paid higher commissions
Dean Baker Truthout, January 25, 2010 See article on original website The Supreme Court ruled last week that corporations could spend as much money as they want in elections thereby making most existing restrictions on corporate election spending unconstitutional. This raises the prospect of U.S
We we be riding the Buy Local Wave to rebuild our communities? There’s a little good news on the horizon for retail small business owners. Holiday sales were up for independent business owners, says the 2010 Independent Business Survey, a national survey of over 1,800 independent businesses by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance. Up an average of 2.2%, the survey reflects a buying trend on the part of consumers who purposely sought out local retailers for their holiday shopping. The results of this survey contrast with the Commerce Department figures released last week showing an overall decline of 0.3% in December and up 1.8% in November. While the “Buy Local” trend is small but growing, many small business groups and chambers of commerce across the country are beginning to launch similar campaigns in an effort to keep consumer dollars in their own communities thereby generating spending and stimulating their local economies. The Independent Business Survey also found that independent retailers in cities with active “Buy Local” and “Think Local First” campaigns to support this economic concept reported “stronger holiday sales than those in cities without such campaigns.” To back up this claim, the survey reported an average “increase in holiday sales of 3.5% compared to 1.0% for small businesses in cities without an active Buy Local initiative,” according to survey reports
China The Biggest…Double Bill Edition (Autos & Exports)
We have seen a lot of China as the biggest in may areas, recently in gold . It has also been pushing for the top exporter (as reported here ). Now it has hit the top spot on autos and exports: Autos…China is big, and bits of it are getting ever bigger…- China the biggest… RT @billrusso: Business Week: China Ends U.S.’s Reign as Largest Auto Market http://tinyurl.com/yj9a93j 12:32 PM Jan 11th Bloomberg: “China’s 2009 vehicle sales rose 46 percent making it the world’s largest auto market, a title held by the U.S.
Briefly…Top Ten Tweets (From Google’s Searching Questions, To Poorly Made Books, Bubbles & Biggest Things)
Twitter and travelling in China do not go well together (sadly), so apologies for the delayed news here on the blog. Our round-up of news from ChinaBlogTweets is below, but the staqnd-out stories must be the throwing down of Google’s gauntlet, and China’s year-end figures that include not only great growth, but also several more “biggest” and “second biggest” nominations. Google, censorship and business sense?: This is such a big story, it needs to be looked at from several perspectives
Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce Announces 2010 Visitor Guide …
The Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that its ‘2010 Visitor Guide & Business Directory’ is underway! Chamber members have until February 12 to get their listing in the fact-filled guide. …
First Environment, Social, and Governance Index in MENA
The Borse Dubai (foreground) The Hawkamah Institute for Corporate Governance , Standard & Poor’s, and the Credit Rating and Information Services of India Ltd recently launched its Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) index initiative , the first of its kind in the Middle East & North Africa region. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is helping develop the index, which aims to encourage responsible and sustainable investment practices by measuring the environmental, social and corporate governance performance of hundreds of listed companies in the region. It aims to help about 600 listed companies in 11 countries to better understand environmentally and socially responsible investment practices, and the importance of implementing sound corporate governance
Dean Baker The Guardian Unlimited , January 25, 2010 See article on original website The Senate’s decision on approving Ben Bernanke for a second term as chair of the Federal Reserve Board is coming down to the wire and the Wall Street crew is once again pulling out all the stops. To get the 60 votes they need for Senate approval they are reaching into the treasure chest of tall tales they used to push through the TARP. They are once again telling the American people that the world will end if we don’t do exactly what they want.
Nobel Laureate Michael Spence of Stanford University’s Hoover Institution and the Commission on Growth and Development talks with EconTalk host Russ Roberts about the determinants of economic growth. Spence discusses the findings of the Commission’s recent report and how it compares to earlier attempts to uncover the sources of growth and the lack of growth such as the Washington Consensus.
China Greentech Initiative – Seeking Exceptional Candidates
What follows is a message direct from China Greentech Initiative (see our original post here ). Interesting opportunities to participate in a very interesting, and important, project! “ The China Greentech Initiative would like to thank China Business Services for encouraging its readers to download and read The China Greentech Report 2009 .
The top 5 tips weekly post is always full of hints and tips for small, home & micro business owners. Look for someone with expertise in your industry so they will already know the relevant issues
[news] Chavez Supporters and Opposition Rally in Venezuela on Anniversary of Overthrow of Dictator
Caracas January 24, 2009 (venezuelanalysis.com) – In politically polarised Venezuela, both supporters and opponents of President Hugo Chavez marched peacefully in the capital, Caracas, on Saturday to mark the anniversary of the civic-military uprising that overthrew US-backed dictator Marcos Pérez Jiménez on January 23, 1958. By Kiraz Janicke – Venezuelanalysis.com read more
Freedom’s Just Another Word For…Bechtel On the Loose
World-renowned fake NGO “Freedom Haus” released its annual fake Freedom Report this week. Once again, Bolivia has been downscaled to “partly free,” a designation it has held since earlier this decade
Hey here is something that only happens every other week or so! The news is reporting on something maddeningly crazy that Hugo Chavez has said, only when you conduct your own independent investigation involving sophisticated journalistic techniques (Google) you find out that it is all, in fact, complete bullshit. Here’s how it worked this time, pretty much exactly like it works every other time: 1
There have been various developments over the past several weeks which investors may consider relevant in allocating their resources or evaluating alternatives that are available to them. Some of the more significant developments include, but are not limited to, the following: • The markets were closed on Monday for Martin Luther King Day. • On Tuesday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average opened at 10,610 and soared 116 points
Sunday ’s Newslinks brought to you by At Ease Tees 4 More Malaysian Churches Attacked; 1 Vandalized Three more churches in Malaysia were targets of arson Sunday and another was vandalized in the latest wave of attacks on the country’s Christian minority. Ugandan Lawmaker Refuses to Withdraw Anti-Homosexuality Bill Aid Groups Urge Int’l Community to Help Sudan Keep the Peace Prison Fellowship: High Rape Rate of Juveniles Unacceptable Anglican Leader Calls for ‘Tougher Church’ Southern Baptist President’s Surgery Went ‘Great,’ Says Family Tens of Thousands Sign Petition Urging Holder to Move KSM Trial from New York (CNSNews.com) – More than 60,000 people, including members of Congress and three former presidential candidates, have signed a petition calling on Attorney General Eric Holder to move the trial of Khalid Shiekh Mohammed (or KSM) from New York City to a military tribunal
