Much column space was devoted to Chief of Army Staff Chhatra Man Singh Gurung’s recent visit to India. Understandably so, since the manner in which he was going to be treated was supposed to serve as a bellwether for India’s position vis-à-vis the Maoists and issues such as the integration of the two armed forces. From the evidence so far, it is likely to be a while before Prachanda and Company are rehabilitated in the eyes of the Indian establishment, and their recent outburst would hardly have endeared themselves further. But that is another story, and not the intent of this column.What went unremarked about Gurung’s visit was that this was the first time the sahibs of the Indian army were feting someone from a community that makes up a substantial proportion of Indian Gorkhas. General Gurung may have gone to India as the top Nepali soldier, but he could surely not have been unaware of how significant it was in that sense; especially not if you are a Gurung from Lamjung, which lies smack in the catchment area of Gorkha recruitment (and also if you have a brother who had served in the British army, as his official biography mentions).It must have meant something for the Indians, too. Here was a Nepali Army chief who did not have a surname that purported origins in the sands of Rajasthan and neither could he claim to be a scion of the Kathmandu elite. He was, after all, as Indian generals with Gorkha regimental backgrounds are wont to putting it, with the most genuine paternalistic warmth, a true-blooded Gorkha. For, although many other Nepali ethnicities are now represented in the Indian forces, Gurungs, together with Magars, Rais and Limbus, probably still form the bulk of Gorkhas.There is the possibility that this aspect was not commented upon because the political dimension of Gurung’s trip was much more relevant in terms of news. But for no one to even mention its historicity for reasons mentioned above can only point to plain ignorance among mainstream journalists. It is not their fault though since the Nepali state has ensured that the service of Nepalis in the British and Indian armies is not part of the national consciousness. When I was at school in the 1970s, I cannot remember a single reference to it in any of the textbooks I read, and I do not suppose the situation is any different now. There are, of course, those before us who studied the Paras Mani Pradhan textbooks then in use in Nepal and learnt about the exploits of Jamadar Gaje Ghale, VC, but that ended with the nation-building project of King Mahendra and the concurrent indigenisation of school texts.The whitewashing of Nepal’s lahure history has been quite thorough. The ‘VC’ tagged to Gaje Ghale’s name is a matter of pride to the whole lahure community but it means little to most other Nepalis. As a matter of fact, there are two different understandings in Nepal of why Gorkhalis/ Gurkhas/Gorkhas/ Nepalis have a name as brave soldiers. For most of the lahure community (and, arguably, also the rest of the world), it is by virtue of their demonstration of courage in battles for the British and receipt of 13 Victoria Crosses, and which have been detailed in numerous books, generally by their own British officers. For the non-lahure groups, however, it is because of, among others, Bal Bhadra Kunwar’s steadfast defence of the fort at Nalapani against the British, which forms part of what historian Pratyoush Onta has described as the propagation of bir history, imputing Nepal’s existence to the bravery of Nepali heroes. As many will no doubt remember, the version of the Nalapani story we studied in school did not even explicitly state who won that battle. And, it certainly did not mention that Bal Bhadra was one of the ‘original’ lahures in that he went on to Lahore after his defeat at Nalapani to fight under Ranjit Singh, and died in battle there.It is indeed a grave travesty that lahures should not find any place in the official imagination of Nepali historical and social life. It is all the more jarring considering the important contribution of lahures in the development of what currently passes for the Nepali ethos, including their role in the spread of the Nepali language all over Nepal and beyond. It took someone as perceptive as B.P. Koirala to write a story of the lahure. But, with a few exceptions, the treatment of the place of lahures in the Nepali cultural landscape has been quite cavalier, and when they do appear they are often victims of stereotyping.Since 1990, however, lahures have become more visible in the media if only because of the still-ongoing struggle of the British Gurkhas for equal pay and pensions and associated stories such as the flight of capital from towns such as Dharan and Pokhara. Thus, it was that the recent concession by the British government to allow all ex-Gurkhas residency rights in the U.K. made headline news in Nepal. And, when, soon afterwards, the architect of that victory, British actor Joanna Lumley, came to Nepal on a triumphal tour, she received access to the highest offices in Nepal. Having already consorted with the high and mighty in London (her actions on behalf of the Gurkhas was even the subject of debate in the British parliament), it probably was all in a day’s work for her, but one just wonders if those high-profile meetings were out of appreciation for what she was able to achieve for a group of Nepalis, or was it because it just seemed politic to meet her and earn some brownie points with the lahure community. I hope it is the former, but I cannot but suspect that it was not the case.
My hitcounter
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Nepal´s Supreme Leaders Wreaking Democracy
Perhaps it is in the entire history of representative (Parliamentary) democratic system Nepal could be the only one nation, which honors those political leaders who lost people´s electoral mandate from nation´s historic elections of Constituent Assembly upon the daylight of 21st century.
Why such an unfair political practice has been strained in Nepal at this point after all that suffering is a shock for those eyes to see their own electoral mandate has been decomposing by the arbitrary mandate of leaders like GP Koirala.
Far greater than this is the agony of the rest of the elected representatives of Constituent Assembly, particularly to those elected leaders of Nepali Congress party to see how leaders like GP Koirala can rail the unelected govern Nepal.
I had never understood among many previous utterances of GP Koirala when he spoke particularly on Democracy that is unique to Nepal. He said often times Nepali politics is unique and Nepalis´ political leaders are capable of resolving every political hurdles by themselves for peace, Democracy and justice.
But now I have come to understand one of his utterances clearly that the supreme leaders like GP Koirala can overrule the norms and principle of electoral Democracy by inflicting desired unique situation in the politics.
First, such an infliction took place in new Nepal with Maoist supreme leaders through the reelection of one of the supreme leaders who lost from two constituents of Constituent Assembly elections to honor him with the responsibility of Chairperson of Constitution Drafting Committee.
The sentiment perhaps was to honor communist comrade but it really violated the ethics of Democracy. Nonetheless, the uniqueness of Nepali politics (UoNP) as status quo apparently has the power to justify such violation with the whip of Nepal´s supreme leaders.
The UoNP arbitration has reelected the unelected. Consequently, the unelected- reelected has become the Prime Minister of Nepal by letting go his primary responsibilities as the chairperson of constitution drafting commission obligated during Maoist led government.
As a matter of fact, the Prime Minister under UoNP seems feeble without the pressure of other supreme leaders such as GP Koirala´s arbitration in politics – "from cabinet formation to promoting his own daughter to deputy prime minister against the majority rule of members of Central Working Committee of his own party Nepali Congress."
At this point, Nepal has no political setup for public opinion. Public opinion simply does not count to supreme leaders who advocate UoNP. It has been clear that the current politics has failed to respect people´s electoral mandate of the historic constituent elections.
Democracy for Nepali people has become hopeless. The UoNP arbitrations have made people apparently scapegoats to put up with all the adverse situations. How many innocent people were killed, tortured, jailed and displaced! How many young have had been recruited by rebels and counter rebels! How many young women and children have become the victims of human trafficking! How many hardworking family members were murdered, kidnapped, raped, and robbed by thugs! To the horror of Nepalis the reports are found in media every other day!
Life of Nepali people is in utter chaos under the status quo of UoNP and its supreme leaders should be accountable since after signing "Comprehensive Peace Accord 2006" to end ten years Maoist-insurgency that paved the safe road for Maoists to enter mainstream politics.
What could have otherwise brought Maoists to mainstream politics if there had been no 12-point Comprehensive Peace Accord between main political parties? All those involved political parties must subsequently respect and comply with the accord until peace process comes to a logical end. But this is not the UoNP arbitration but people´s voice for peace at least.
Any attempt therefore to review CPA prior to a fair resolution for integrating Maoist combatants will undermine CPN United Maoists´ commitment to mainstream politics. Even if Maoist supreme leaders agreed with the UoNP proposal to review CPA, it will be considered violation of peace-treaty.
India or other nations can be blamed for all this because Nepal´s supreme leaders are incapable puppet. But it is the UoNP status quo that lets Indian interest intrude in our nation. Therefore, it cannot be ruled out whether the proposal is free of Indian interest to undercut Maoist strength in mainstream Nepali politics.
CPN United Maoists has become one of the powerful political parties after constituent assembly elections due to their major point compliance to CPA. Maoists can play a significant role in mainstream politics if they are fully committed to multiparty democracy beyond the mindset of UoNP status quo.
Most importantly Maoists has to stop their communist gimmicks. They must play honest role in drafting new constitution. If not it is clear Maoists are part and parcel of UoNP status quo with all that obstructions for civilian supremacy.
Unfortunately, Nepal has no government that is neither fully functioning, nor the rule of law and justice at this juncture. The utter lack of political will and consensus is an omen for greater political instability, which may dismantle peace process and Democracy.
The UoNP politics of supreme leaders as status quo has created conflict and chaos in their own parties. That is way there is utter lack of political will and consensus. Nation´s hope lies on the new generation of leaderships if they can transcend themselves from the status quo of UoNP politics with their full commitment to peace, rule of law and Justice.
In my opinion, the best of all assurances is to take the responsibility of the body of legislature with authority over the legislation for scrutinizing workings of other bodies of government, particularly cabinet bills and decisions.
Those who oppose the authority of body of legislature for scrutiny in a nation like ours will encourage the government corruption and tradition of impunity. The new generation of leaderships must be open to reeducate themselves with the workings of modern Democracy that is pragmatic and most effective but by long shot less dogmatic and devoid of nonsense.
Why such an unfair political practice has been strained in Nepal at this point after all that suffering is a shock for those eyes to see their own electoral mandate has been decomposing by the arbitrary mandate of leaders like GP Koirala.
Far greater than this is the agony of the rest of the elected representatives of Constituent Assembly, particularly to those elected leaders of Nepali Congress party to see how leaders like GP Koirala can rail the unelected govern Nepal.
I had never understood among many previous utterances of GP Koirala when he spoke particularly on Democracy that is unique to Nepal. He said often times Nepali politics is unique and Nepalis´ political leaders are capable of resolving every political hurdles by themselves for peace, Democracy and justice.
But now I have come to understand one of his utterances clearly that the supreme leaders like GP Koirala can overrule the norms and principle of electoral Democracy by inflicting desired unique situation in the politics.
First, such an infliction took place in new Nepal with Maoist supreme leaders through the reelection of one of the supreme leaders who lost from two constituents of Constituent Assembly elections to honor him with the responsibility of Chairperson of Constitution Drafting Committee.
The sentiment perhaps was to honor communist comrade but it really violated the ethics of Democracy. Nonetheless, the uniqueness of Nepali politics (UoNP) as status quo apparently has the power to justify such violation with the whip of Nepal´s supreme leaders.
The UoNP arbitration has reelected the unelected. Consequently, the unelected- reelected has become the Prime Minister of Nepal by letting go his primary responsibilities as the chairperson of constitution drafting commission obligated during Maoist led government.
As a matter of fact, the Prime Minister under UoNP seems feeble without the pressure of other supreme leaders such as GP Koirala´s arbitration in politics – "from cabinet formation to promoting his own daughter to deputy prime minister against the majority rule of members of Central Working Committee of his own party Nepali Congress."
At this point, Nepal has no political setup for public opinion. Public opinion simply does not count to supreme leaders who advocate UoNP. It has been clear that the current politics has failed to respect people´s electoral mandate of the historic constituent elections.
Democracy for Nepali people has become hopeless. The UoNP arbitrations have made people apparently scapegoats to put up with all the adverse situations. How many innocent people were killed, tortured, jailed and displaced! How many young have had been recruited by rebels and counter rebels! How many young women and children have become the victims of human trafficking! How many hardworking family members were murdered, kidnapped, raped, and robbed by thugs! To the horror of Nepalis the reports are found in media every other day!
Life of Nepali people is in utter chaos under the status quo of UoNP and its supreme leaders should be accountable since after signing "Comprehensive Peace Accord 2006" to end ten years Maoist-insurgency that paved the safe road for Maoists to enter mainstream politics.
What could have otherwise brought Maoists to mainstream politics if there had been no 12-point Comprehensive Peace Accord between main political parties? All those involved political parties must subsequently respect and comply with the accord until peace process comes to a logical end. But this is not the UoNP arbitration but people´s voice for peace at least.
Any attempt therefore to review CPA prior to a fair resolution for integrating Maoist combatants will undermine CPN United Maoists´ commitment to mainstream politics. Even if Maoist supreme leaders agreed with the UoNP proposal to review CPA, it will be considered violation of peace-treaty.
India or other nations can be blamed for all this because Nepal´s supreme leaders are incapable puppet. But it is the UoNP status quo that lets Indian interest intrude in our nation. Therefore, it cannot be ruled out whether the proposal is free of Indian interest to undercut Maoist strength in mainstream Nepali politics.
CPN United Maoists has become one of the powerful political parties after constituent assembly elections due to their major point compliance to CPA. Maoists can play a significant role in mainstream politics if they are fully committed to multiparty democracy beyond the mindset of UoNP status quo.
Most importantly Maoists has to stop their communist gimmicks. They must play honest role in drafting new constitution. If not it is clear Maoists are part and parcel of UoNP status quo with all that obstructions for civilian supremacy.
Unfortunately, Nepal has no government that is neither fully functioning, nor the rule of law and justice at this juncture. The utter lack of political will and consensus is an omen for greater political instability, which may dismantle peace process and Democracy.
The UoNP politics of supreme leaders as status quo has created conflict and chaos in their own parties. That is way there is utter lack of political will and consensus. Nation´s hope lies on the new generation of leaderships if they can transcend themselves from the status quo of UoNP politics with their full commitment to peace, rule of law and Justice.
In my opinion, the best of all assurances is to take the responsibility of the body of legislature with authority over the legislation for scrutinizing workings of other bodies of government, particularly cabinet bills and decisions.
Those who oppose the authority of body of legislature for scrutiny in a nation like ours will encourage the government corruption and tradition of impunity. The new generation of leaderships must be open to reeducate themselves with the workings of modern Democracy that is pragmatic and most effective but by long shot less dogmatic and devoid of nonsense.
Exchange market in the review period
The central bank has observed three-fold increase in foreign exchange reserve in the first nine months of this fiscal year in comparison to the same period the last fiscal year.“In mid-April 2009, the gross foreign exchange reserves stood at Rs 276.05 billion, an upsurge of 29.8 per cent in comparison to the level in mid-July 2008. In the corresponding period of the previous year, such reserves had increased by 10.4 per cent,” said Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB).However, on the basis of the US dollar, gross foreign exchange reserves rose by 11.7 per cent to $3.47 billion in mid-April 2009 as against 12.1 per cent in the same period of the last fiscal year.“In the first nine months of 2008-09, NRB injected net liquidity of Rs 108.0 billion by net purchase of $1.4 billion from commercial banks through foreign exchange intervention. A net liquidity of Rs 66.0 billion had been injected through net purchase of $1 billion from commercial banks in the corresponding period the previous year. An elevated inflow of remittances necessitated such a substantial amount of intervention in the foreign exchange market in the review period,” said NRB.Workers’ remittances surged by 60.3 per cent in the first nine months of the current fiscal year in comparison to a growth of 29.6 per cent in the corresponding period the previous year, said the central bank’s report.“The current level of reserves is adequate for financing merchandise imports for over one year — 12.4 months — and merchandise and service imports for 10 months,” according to the macro-economic data based on the first nine months of this fiscal year published by the central bank.
acroeconomic situation
The first quarter of the current fiscal year saw poor export business with a fall by 16.8 per cent against an increase of 25.9 per cent in the same period last year, according to the current macroeconomic situation, based on first three month’s data of the current fiscal.
Export to India declined by 11.4 per cent against a rise of 3.2 per cent in the same period last fiscal year. Exports to other countries also plummeted by 23.2 per cent as against a rise of 70.6 per cent in the same period the preceding year.
The report attributes the decline in exports to India to the drop in exports of readymade garments, zinc sheet, footwear, thread and marble slab. “Exports to other countries fell due to decline in export of pulses, woollen carpets, readymade garments, tanned skin and readymade leather goods,” Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) said.
However, imports increased by 30.4 per cent compared with a growth of 32.8 per cent in the corresponding period of the last year. While imports from India rose by 25.2 per cent compared to a growth of 20.9 per cent, imports from other countries rose by 37 per cent compared to a growth of 51.8 per cent in the same period last fiscal. .
Overall balance of Payment (BoP) registered a deficit of Rs 19.45 billion in contrast to a surplus of Rs 7.70 billion in the same period last fiscal. “The current account also posted a deficit of Rs 11.38 billion in the first quarter of this fiscal year against a surplus of Rs 4.31 billion in the same period of the last year,” the central bank saidt. The current account deficit is attributed to expansion in trade deficit by about 48 per cent and the decline in net income by 15.6 per cent.
Under transfers, while grants fell by 21 per cent, workers’ remittances increased by just 11.1 per cent in comparison to a whopping rise of 67.3 per cent in the same period of last year.
Gross foreign exchange reserves stood at Rs 249.10 billion in mid-October 2009, a drop by 11 per cent compared to the level as at mid-July 2009. Such reserves rose by 8.5 per cent in the corresponding period last year.
“In US dollar terms, gross foreign exchange reserves declined by 5.7 per cent to $3.38 billion in mid-October 2009. In the same period last year, such reserves had gone down by 3.9 per cent. The current level of reserves is sufficient for financing merchandise imports of 8.5 months and merchandise and service imports of 7.2 months only,” the report said.
However, the budget deficit stood at Rs 90.5 million compared with a deficit of Rs 2.9 billion in the same period last year due to a high growth of revenue collection.
The total government spending increased by a whopping 35.5 per cent to Rs 39.7 billion against a decrease of 2.4 per cent in the same period last year. “Recurrent expenditure increased by 54 per cent to Rs 28.5 billion against a decrease of 13.2 per cent in the same quarter last year. Meanwhile, capital expenditure increased by 73.3 per cent to Rs 1.93 billion in contrast to a decline of 60.8 per cent in the same period last year.
Export to India declined by 11.4 per cent against a rise of 3.2 per cent in the same period last fiscal year. Exports to other countries also plummeted by 23.2 per cent as against a rise of 70.6 per cent in the same period the preceding year.
The report attributes the decline in exports to India to the drop in exports of readymade garments, zinc sheet, footwear, thread and marble slab. “Exports to other countries fell due to decline in export of pulses, woollen carpets, readymade garments, tanned skin and readymade leather goods,” Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) said.
However, imports increased by 30.4 per cent compared with a growth of 32.8 per cent in the corresponding period of the last year. While imports from India rose by 25.2 per cent compared to a growth of 20.9 per cent, imports from other countries rose by 37 per cent compared to a growth of 51.8 per cent in the same period last fiscal. .
Overall balance of Payment (BoP) registered a deficit of Rs 19.45 billion in contrast to a surplus of Rs 7.70 billion in the same period last fiscal. “The current account also posted a deficit of Rs 11.38 billion in the first quarter of this fiscal year against a surplus of Rs 4.31 billion in the same period of the last year,” the central bank saidt. The current account deficit is attributed to expansion in trade deficit by about 48 per cent and the decline in net income by 15.6 per cent.
Under transfers, while grants fell by 21 per cent, workers’ remittances increased by just 11.1 per cent in comparison to a whopping rise of 67.3 per cent in the same period of last year.
Gross foreign exchange reserves stood at Rs 249.10 billion in mid-October 2009, a drop by 11 per cent compared to the level as at mid-July 2009. Such reserves rose by 8.5 per cent in the corresponding period last year.
“In US dollar terms, gross foreign exchange reserves declined by 5.7 per cent to $3.38 billion in mid-October 2009. In the same period last year, such reserves had gone down by 3.9 per cent. The current level of reserves is sufficient for financing merchandise imports of 8.5 months and merchandise and service imports of 7.2 months only,” the report said.
However, the budget deficit stood at Rs 90.5 million compared with a deficit of Rs 2.9 billion in the same period last year due to a high growth of revenue collection.
The total government spending increased by a whopping 35.5 per cent to Rs 39.7 billion against a decrease of 2.4 per cent in the same period last year. “Recurrent expenditure increased by 54 per cent to Rs 28.5 billion against a decrease of 13.2 per cent in the same quarter last year. Meanwhile, capital expenditure increased by 73.3 per cent to Rs 1.93 billion in contrast to a decline of 60.8 per cent in the same period last year.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Nobel Peace Prize medal
The 2003 medal and the accompanying diploma were taken from a bank box in Tehran about three weeks ago, she said. The 2003 medal and the accompanying diploma were taken from a bank box in Tehran about three weeks ago, she said.
The Norwegian foreign ministry said it was "shocked", describing the confiscation as the first time national authorities had taken such action.
Ms Ebadi has criticised Iran's disputed election earlier this year and the subsequent treatment of protesters.
'Unheard of'
In Norway, where a committee chooses the annual recipient, Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said: "Such an act leaves us feeling shock and disbelief."
I will return whenever it is useful for my country
Shirin Ebadi
The ministry summoned Iran's charge d'affaires to protest about the confiscation.
Iran has not made any official comment on the issue.
The Norwegian ministry was also concerned about the alleged beating of Ms Ebadi's husband in Tehran, with Mr Stoere saying the "persecution of Dr Ebadi and her family shows that freedom of expression is under great pressure in Iran".
The Norwegian Nobel Committee's permanent secretary, Geir Lundestad, said the move was "unheard of" and "unacceptable", Associated Press reported.
The result of June's election, in which President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was re-elected, saw thousands of people protesting for several days, with hundreds arrested.
Ms Ebadi said Iranian authorities had also demanded taxes on the $1.3m she was awarded, but that the prize is exempt under local law, AP said.
She left the country the day before the 12 June election for a conference and has not returned, although she said the "threatening messages" she had received would not deter her.
"I will return whenever it is useful for my country," she said.
The Norwegian foreign ministry said it was "shocked", describing the confiscation as the first time national authorities had taken such action.
Ms Ebadi has criticised Iran's disputed election earlier this year and the subsequent treatment of protesters.
'Unheard of'
In Norway, where a committee chooses the annual recipient, Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said: "Such an act leaves us feeling shock and disbelief."
I will return whenever it is useful for my country
Shirin Ebadi
The ministry summoned Iran's charge d'affaires to protest about the confiscation.
Iran has not made any official comment on the issue.
The Norwegian ministry was also concerned about the alleged beating of Ms Ebadi's husband in Tehran, with Mr Stoere saying the "persecution of Dr Ebadi and her family shows that freedom of expression is under great pressure in Iran".
The Norwegian Nobel Committee's permanent secretary, Geir Lundestad, said the move was "unheard of" and "unacceptable", Associated Press reported.
The result of June's election, in which President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was re-elected, saw thousands of people protesting for several days, with hundreds arrested.
Ms Ebadi said Iranian authorities had also demanded taxes on the $1.3m she was awarded, but that the prize is exempt under local law, AP said.
She left the country the day before the 12 June election for a conference and has not returned, although she said the "threatening messages" she had received would not deter her.
"I will return whenever it is useful for my country," she said.
The Norwegian foreign ministry said it was "shocked", describing the confiscation as the first time national authorities had taken such action.
Ms Ebadi has criticised Iran's disputed election earlier this year and the subsequent treatment of protesters.
'Unheard of'
In Norway, where a committee chooses the annual recipient, Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said: "Such an act leaves us feeling shock and disbelief."
I will return whenever it is useful for my country
Shirin Ebadi
The ministry summoned Iran's charge d'affaires to protest about the confiscation.
Iran has not made any official comment on the issue.
The Norwegian ministry was also concerned about the alleged beating of Ms Ebadi's husband in Tehran, with Mr Stoere saying the "persecution of Dr Ebadi and her family shows that freedom of expression is under great pressure in Iran".
The Norwegian Nobel Committee's permanent secretary, Geir Lundestad, said the move was "unheard of" and "unacceptable", Associated Press reported.
The result of June's election, in which President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was re-elected, saw thousands of people protesting for several days, with hundreds arrested.
Ms Ebadi said Iranian authorities had also demanded taxes on the $1.3m she was awarded, but that the prize is exempt under local law, AP said.
She left the country the day before the 12 June election for a conference and has not returned, although she said the "threatening messages" she had received would not deter her.
"I will return whenever it is useful for my country," she said.
The Norwegian foreign ministry said it was "shocked", describing the confiscation as the first time national authorities had taken such action.
Ms Ebadi has criticised Iran's disputed election earlier this year and the subsequent treatment of protesters.
'Unheard of'
In Norway, where a committee chooses the annual recipient, Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said: "Such an act leaves us feeling shock and disbelief."
I will return whenever it is useful for my country
Shirin Ebadi
The ministry summoned Iran's charge d'affaires to protest about the confiscation.
Iran has not made any official comment on the issue.
The Norwegian ministry was also concerned about the alleged beating of Ms Ebadi's husband in Tehran, with Mr Stoere saying the "persecution of Dr Ebadi and her family shows that freedom of expression is under great pressure in Iran".
The Norwegian Nobel Committee's permanent secretary, Geir Lundestad, said the move was "unheard of" and "unacceptable", Associated Press reported.
The result of June's election, in which President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was re-elected, saw thousands of people protesting for several days, with hundreds arrested.
Ms Ebadi said Iranian authorities had also demanded taxes on the $1.3m she was awarded, but that the prize is exempt under local law, AP said.
She left the country the day before the 12 June election for a conference and has not returned, although she said the "threatening messages" she had received would not deter her.
"I will return whenever it is useful for my country," she said.
The police, as they successfully recovered the cash
While the daylight robbery at the Kantipath branch of Nabil Bank shocked many, the revelations that came by the evening - upon the recovery of the Rs.6 million cash that was looted - are no less flabbergasting.
The police, as they successfully recovered the cash and the revolver used and identified the robber in a matter of about five hours, did a laudable job but some clues they disclosed, however, point towards some loose ends too.
At a press meet organised by the Valley Crime Investigation Branch later this evening, police officials informed that the cash stacked in two briefcases and a revolver looted from a police inspector on Monday was found from the room of the robber, Niranjan Khanal of Ratanur, Dang district, at Hepali Height in Khadka Bhadrakali VDC, Ward No.7, Kathmandu. The house belonged to Yogeshwor Sharma. Of the Rs.6 million, Rs.5.93 million has been recovered.
Police said the taxi used by the robber has been found. They also said they were investigating if there were others involved in the robbery.
One interesting revelation that came from police sources is that Khanal is found to be a close relative of inspector Madan KC whose pistol was looted (lost?) on Monday night while on duty near Bishnumatipul area, Kathmandu. The robber was identified from the pictures taken by the close-circuit cameras inside the bank.
However, the police said nothing officially about the connection between the inspector and the robber or the robbery plan.
“We hope to nab the robber within a day or two,” Binod Singh, superintendent of the crime branch told reporters.
A bank official explained the incident to Nepalnews: “An armed youth posed as a Maoist approached the customer service officer, Dinesh Poudel, demanding Rs.20 million who, after communicating with the management, handed over two brief cases stacked with cash. The bargain continued for nearly 25 minutes. He got out with the cash at around 12:45 p.m.”
Surprisingly, the bank officials informed the police about the incident only half-an-hour after the robber got away.
When asked why the bank management reached to the police so late, the bank’s general manager Anil Shah told reporters, “Even after his exit, for some time, we wanted to ensure that there was no more threat to the customers present inside and the employees. We carried out a thorough check at every corner of the building so as to avoid possible threat.”
“We think it was just an armed robbery. Our policy is clear – everything is replaceable except human life,” Shah said, adding, “We made a point not to play a hero in that situation and wanted to end the drama as soon as possible without human injury.”
In the meantime, since the incident took place in the middle of the day at the heart of the city, it has raised questions over the security mechanism of the government as well as the bank’s. The robber conveniently entered into the bank with a pistol and engaged in a bargain for over 25 minutes and got out with the cash despite the presence of armed security guards at the bank.
“This can be a wake up call. This is mainly because of the lax security system at the bank. It should at least care about the safety of the deposits of the clients,” a client who was present at Nabil premises during the incident told Nepalnews. nepalnews.com Mohan Khadka/Ram Humagai Dec 14 04
The police, as they successfully recovered the cash and the revolver used and identified the robber in a matter of about five hours, did a laudable job but some clues they disclosed, however, point towards some loose ends too.
At a press meet organised by the Valley Crime Investigation Branch later this evening, police officials informed that the cash stacked in two briefcases and a revolver looted from a police inspector on Monday was found from the room of the robber, Niranjan Khanal of Ratanur, Dang district, at Hepali Height in Khadka Bhadrakali VDC, Ward No.7, Kathmandu. The house belonged to Yogeshwor Sharma. Of the Rs.6 million, Rs.5.93 million has been recovered.
Police said the taxi used by the robber has been found. They also said they were investigating if there were others involved in the robbery.
One interesting revelation that came from police sources is that Khanal is found to be a close relative of inspector Madan KC whose pistol was looted (lost?) on Monday night while on duty near Bishnumatipul area, Kathmandu. The robber was identified from the pictures taken by the close-circuit cameras inside the bank.
However, the police said nothing officially about the connection between the inspector and the robber or the robbery plan.
“We hope to nab the robber within a day or two,” Binod Singh, superintendent of the crime branch told reporters.
A bank official explained the incident to Nepalnews: “An armed youth posed as a Maoist approached the customer service officer, Dinesh Poudel, demanding Rs.20 million who, after communicating with the management, handed over two brief cases stacked with cash. The bargain continued for nearly 25 minutes. He got out with the cash at around 12:45 p.m.”
Surprisingly, the bank officials informed the police about the incident only half-an-hour after the robber got away.
When asked why the bank management reached to the police so late, the bank’s general manager Anil Shah told reporters, “Even after his exit, for some time, we wanted to ensure that there was no more threat to the customers present inside and the employees. We carried out a thorough check at every corner of the building so as to avoid possible threat.”
“We think it was just an armed robbery. Our policy is clear – everything is replaceable except human life,” Shah said, adding, “We made a point not to play a hero in that situation and wanted to end the drama as soon as possible without human injury.”
In the meantime, since the incident took place in the middle of the day at the heart of the city, it has raised questions over the security mechanism of the government as well as the bank’s. The robber conveniently entered into the bank with a pistol and engaged in a bargain for over 25 minutes and got out with the cash despite the presence of armed security guards at the bank.
“This can be a wake up call. This is mainly because of the lax security system at the bank. It should at least care about the safety of the deposits of the clients,” a client who was present at Nabil premises during the incident told Nepalnews. nepalnews.com Mohan Khadka/Ram Humagai Dec 14 04
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Both services aim to offer their customers - expected to be mainly multinational corporations, institutional investors and hedge funds - a one-stop shop for currency services.
These would include spot, or regular, trades, more sophisticated financial instruments such as options and forwards and research and analytical modelling tools.
Both services aim to offer their customers - expected to be mainly multinational corporations, institutional investors and hedge funds - a one-stop shop for currency services.
These would include spot, or regular, trades, more sophisticated financial instruments such as options and forwards and research and analytical modelling tools.
Both services aim to offer their customers - expected to be mainly multinational corporations, institutional investors and hedge funds - a one-stop shop for currency services.
These would include spot, or regular, trades, more sophisticated financial instruments such as options and forwards and research and analytical modelling tools.
Both services aim to offer their customers - expected to be mainly multinational corporations, institutional investors and hedge funds - a one-stop shop for currency services.
These would include spot, or regular, trades, more sophisticated finan
Both services aim to offer their customers - expected to be mainly multinational corporations, institutional investors and hedge funds - a one-stop shop for currency services.
These would include spot, or regular, trades, more sophisticated financial instruments such as options and forwards and research and analytical modelling tools.
Clients would have 24-hour access to the global foreign exchange market,
Both services aim to offer their customers - expected to be mainly multinational corporations, institutional investors and hedge funds - a one-stop shop for currency services.
These would include spot, or regular, trades, more sophisticated financial instruments such as options and forwards and research and analytical modelling tools.
Both services aim to offer their customers - expected to be mainly multinational corporations, institutional investors and hedge funds - a one-stop shop for currency services.
These would include spot, or regular, trades, more sophisticated financial instruments such as options and forwards and research and analytical modelling tools.
Clients would have 24-hour access to the global foreign exchange market, in
Both services aim to offer their customers - expected to be mainly multinational corporations, institutional investors and hedge funds - a one-stop shop for currency services.
These would include spot, or regular, trades, more sophisticated financial instruments such as options and forwards and research and analytical modelling tools.
Clients would have 24-hour access to the global foreign exchange market, in which transactions worth a total of about $1,500bn are conducted each day.
The Wall Street Journal said the four companies planned to launch the new venture in early 2001 and have it fully operational by the third quarter of next year.
Citigroup and Reuters declined to comment on the report. Deutsche Bank and Chase Manhattan were unavailable to comment.
which transactions worth a total of about $1,500bn are conducted each day.
The Wall Street Journal said the four companies planned to launch the new venture in early 2001 and have it fully operational by the third quarter of next year.
Citigroup and Reuters declined to comment on the report. Deutsche Bank and Chase Manhattan were unavailable to comment.
Clients would have 24-hour access to the global foreign exchange market, in which transactions worth a total of about $1,500bn are conducted each day.
The Wall Street Journal said the four companies planned to launch the new venture in early 2001 and have it fully operational by the third quarter of next year.
Citigroup and Reuters declined to comment on the report. Deutsche Bank and Chase Manhattan were unavailable to comment.
in which transactions worth a total of about $1,500bn are conducted each day.
The Wall Street Journal said the four companies planned to launch the new venture in early 2001 and have it fully operational by the third quarter of next year.
Citigroup and Reuters declined to comment on the report. Deutsche Bank and Chase Manhattan were unavailable to comment.
cial instruments such as options and forwards and research and analytical modelling tools.
Clients would have 24-hour access to the global foreign exchange market, in which transactions worth a total of about $1,500bn are conducted each day.
The Wall Street Journal said the four companies planned to launch the new venture in early 2001 and have it fully operational by the third quarter of next year.
Citigroup and Reuters declined to comment on the report. Deutsche Bank and Chase Manhattan were unavailable to comment.
The Wall Street Journal said the four companies planned to launch the new venture in early 2001 and have it fully operational by the third quarter of next year.
Citigroup and Reuters declined to comment on the report. Deutsche Bank and Chase Manhattan were unavailable to comment.
Clients would have 24-hour access to the global foreign exchange market, in which transactions worth a total of about $1,500bn are conducted each day.
The Wall Street Journal said the four companies planned to launch the new venture in early 2001 and have it fully operational by the third quarter of next year.
Citigroup and Reuters declined to comment on the report. Deutsche Bank and Chase Manhattan were unavailable to comment
TheWall Street Journal said the four companies planned to launch the new venture in early 2001 and have it fully operational by the third quarter of next year.
Citigroup and Reuters declined to comment on the report. Deutsche Bank and Chase Manhattan were unavailable to comment.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Obama will meet Monday
S. President Barack Obama will likely announce his decision on a pending buildup of U.S. troops in Afghanistan next week, the White House said Monday.
Such a decision may come as early as “sometime next week,” White House spokesman Robert Gibbs told reporters at his daily press briefing.
Meanwhile, Obama will meet Monday night with his national security team for a final time on Afghan strategy , the spokesman said.
At the meeting, the president will try to find answers to some final questions, including ones about the best exit strategy, he said.
“He still needs to know not just how we get people there, but how we get people out,” Gibbs added.
The meeting is the ninth of its kind since September when Stanley McChrystal, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan called for roughly 40,000 more troops.
Obama has since been under pressure to make a decision on troop levels and has faced criticism from Republicans who urges a quick decision andS. President Barack Obama will likely announce his decision on a pending buildup of U.S. troops in Afghanistan next week, the White House said Monday.
Such a decision may come as early as “sometime next week,” White House spokesman Robert Gibbs told reporters at his daily press briefing.
Meanwhile, Obama will meet Monday night with his national security team for a final time on Afghan strategy , the spokesman said.
At the meeting, the president will try to find answers to some final questions, including ones about the best exit strategy, he said.
“He still needs to know not just how we get people there, but how we get people out,” Gibbs added.
The meeting is the ninth of its kind since September when Stanley McChrystal, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan called for roughly 40,000 more troops.
Obama has since been under pressure to make a decision on troop levels and has faced criticism from Republicans who urges a quick decision and anti-war Democrats who oppose any troop increase.
U.S. media reports said Obama is weighing three options on the troop decision.
While each option proposes different level of troop increase, what really matters is how to fight the war under these options, analysts said. anti-war Democrats who oppose any troop increase.
U.S. media reports said Obama is weighing three options on the troop decision.
While each option proposes different level of troop increase, what really matters is how to fight the war under these options, analysts said.
Such a decision may come as early as “sometime next week,” White House spokesman Robert Gibbs told reporters at his daily press briefing.
Meanwhile, Obama will meet Monday night with his national security team for a final time on Afghan strategy , the spokesman said.
At the meeting, the president will try to find answers to some final questions, including ones about the best exit strategy, he said.
“He still needs to know not just how we get people there, but how we get people out,” Gibbs added.
The meeting is the ninth of its kind since September when Stanley McChrystal, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan called for roughly 40,000 more troops.
Obama has since been under pressure to make a decision on troop levels and has faced criticism from Republicans who urges a quick decision andS. President Barack Obama will likely announce his decision on a pending buildup of U.S. troops in Afghanistan next week, the White House said Monday.
Such a decision may come as early as “sometime next week,” White House spokesman Robert Gibbs told reporters at his daily press briefing.
Meanwhile, Obama will meet Monday night with his national security team for a final time on Afghan strategy , the spokesman said.
At the meeting, the president will try to find answers to some final questions, including ones about the best exit strategy, he said.
“He still needs to know not just how we get people there, but how we get people out,” Gibbs added.
The meeting is the ninth of its kind since September when Stanley McChrystal, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan called for roughly 40,000 more troops.
Obama has since been under pressure to make a decision on troop levels and has faced criticism from Republicans who urges a quick decision and anti-war Democrats who oppose any troop increase.
U.S. media reports said Obama is weighing three options on the troop decision.
While each option proposes different level of troop increase, what really matters is how to fight the war under these options, analysts said. anti-war Democrats who oppose any troop increase.
U.S. media reports said Obama is weighing three options on the troop decision.
While each option proposes different level of troop increase, what really matters is how to fight the war under these options, analysts said.
Magic as Mike Bibby
— The Atlanta Hawks retained top place on Monday at the weekly power rankings after their winning streak reached seven over impressive wins over the Blazers, Heat and Rockets.
The Hawks, 11-3, got four days off before Thursday’s showdown with the second placed Orlando Magic as Mike Bibby was ruled out for a sprained ankle.
Magic, also 11-3, rocketed to second from last week’s eighth attributing to their pretty good defense in last five games, who were at the best in Friday’s win in Boston.
Phoenix Suns, 11-3 either, slided one place to third, whose streak of scoring 100 plus continues, but the defense is weakening. They had a defensive rating of 110.3 in last seven games against 103.8 from the first seven. They won’t stay atop the West unless tighten it up again.
The Dallas Mavericks made stride to fourth from last week’s tenth thanks a five-game win in a row. The defending champions Los Angeles Lakers were upgraded to fifth from previous ninth with the return of Pau Gasol, who look like the champions again, trouncing the Bulls and Thunder.— The Atlanta Hawks retained top place on Monday at the weekly power rankings after their winning streak reached seven over impressive wins over the Blazers, Heat and Rockets.
The Hawks, 11-3, got four days off before Thursday’s showdown with the second placed Orlando Magic as Mike Bibby was ruled out for a sprained ankle.
Magic, also 11-3, rocketed to second from last week’s eighth attributing to their pretty good defense in last five games, who were at the best in Friday’s win in Boston.
Phoenix Suns, 11-3 either, slided one place to third, whose streak of scoring 100 plus continues, but the defense is weakening. They had a defensive rating of 110.3 in last seven games against 103.8 from the first seven. They won’t stay atop the West unless tighten it up again.
The Dallas Mavericks made stride to fourth from last week’s tenth thanks a five-game win in a row. The defending champions Los Angeles Lakers were upgraded to fifth from previous ninth with the return of Pau Gasol, who look like the champions again, trouncing the Bulls and Thunder.
From sixth to tenth, they’re the Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets, Boston Celtics, Portland Blazers and Milwaukee Bucks.
The star-depleted Houston Rockets climbed one place to reach 11th for their chemistry and toughness, which enable the average squad to alternate wins and losses for the last 11
From sixth to tenth, they’re the Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets, Boston Celtics, Portland Blazers and Milwaukee Bucks.
The star-depleted Houston Rockets climbed one place to reach 11th for their chemistry and toughness, which enable the average squad to alternate wins and losses for the last 11
The Hawks, 11-3, got four days off before Thursday’s showdown with the second placed Orlando Magic as Mike Bibby was ruled out for a sprained ankle.
Magic, also 11-3, rocketed to second from last week’s eighth attributing to their pretty good defense in last five games, who were at the best in Friday’s win in Boston.
Phoenix Suns, 11-3 either, slided one place to third, whose streak of scoring 100 plus continues, but the defense is weakening. They had a defensive rating of 110.3 in last seven games against 103.8 from the first seven. They won’t stay atop the West unless tighten it up again.
The Dallas Mavericks made stride to fourth from last week’s tenth thanks a five-game win in a row. The defending champions Los Angeles Lakers were upgraded to fifth from previous ninth with the return of Pau Gasol, who look like the champions again, trouncing the Bulls and Thunder.— The Atlanta Hawks retained top place on Monday at the weekly power rankings after their winning streak reached seven over impressive wins over the Blazers, Heat and Rockets.
The Hawks, 11-3, got four days off before Thursday’s showdown with the second placed Orlando Magic as Mike Bibby was ruled out for a sprained ankle.
Magic, also 11-3, rocketed to second from last week’s eighth attributing to their pretty good defense in last five games, who were at the best in Friday’s win in Boston.
Phoenix Suns, 11-3 either, slided one place to third, whose streak of scoring 100 plus continues, but the defense is weakening. They had a defensive rating of 110.3 in last seven games against 103.8 from the first seven. They won’t stay atop the West unless tighten it up again.
The Dallas Mavericks made stride to fourth from last week’s tenth thanks a five-game win in a row. The defending champions Los Angeles Lakers were upgraded to fifth from previous ninth with the return of Pau Gasol, who look like the champions again, trouncing the Bulls and Thunder.
From sixth to tenth, they’re the Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets, Boston Celtics, Portland Blazers and Milwaukee Bucks.
The star-depleted Houston Rockets climbed one place to reach 11th for their chemistry and toughness, which enable the average squad to alternate wins and losses for the last 11
From sixth to tenth, they’re the Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets, Boston Celtics, Portland Blazers and Milwaukee Bucks.
The star-depleted Houston Rockets climbed one place to reach 11th for their chemistry and toughness, which enable the average squad to alternate wins and losses for the last 11
Fancy galas and fundraising parties
How can Ontario’s struggling food banks find the resources they need to continue feeding the families that need their help?
Fancy galas and fundraising parties certainly are not the solution. Spence said OAFB has already established partnerships with farmers to increase the volume of food donations. Fortunately, some farmers support food banks from farm donation programs. With their help, Ontario’s food banks have begun to increase the supply of fresh, local food.
But this is not enough.
Spence urged the Canadian federal government to recognize the seriousness of the poverty situation in the country, “they have long way to go.”
The HungerCount study called on the federal government to implement a national poverty prevention strategy, increase use of the guaranteed income supplement (GIS) among low income seniors, and ensure that post-recession plans take low-income Canadians into account.
Lightman said bluntly: “I think what food banks should do is to tell the government, ‘we’re shutting down in six months from now. We are stopping. We are ending completely. We’ll throw the responsibility back to the government.’”
In his opinion, the government should raise taxes on the wealthy to raise revenue that can be used to help the needy live with dignity.
Smith suggested a different solution. He called on individual working people to donate more to charity, including food banks, rather than waiting for a government solution.
“For example, if two million working people in Toronto could save some money by, say, buying less take-out coffee each week, and donate the 10 dollars they saved to the food banks every week, 20 million dollars can be collected easily, so as to 500 million to a billion, therefore, nobody will get hungry.”
Fancy galas and fundraising parties certainly are not the solution. Spence said OAFB has already established partnerships with farmers to increase the volume of food donations. Fortunately, some farmers support food banks from farm donation programs. With their help, Ontario’s food banks have begun to increase the supply of fresh, local food.
But this is not enough.
Spence urged the Canadian federal government to recognize the seriousness of the poverty situation in the country, “they have long way to go.”
The HungerCount study called on the federal government to implement a national poverty prevention strategy, increase use of the guaranteed income supplement (GIS) among low income seniors, and ensure that post-recession plans take low-income Canadians into account.
Lightman said bluntly: “I think what food banks should do is to tell the government, ‘we’re shutting down in six months from now. We are stopping. We are ending completely. We’ll throw the responsibility back to the government.’”
In his opinion, the government should raise taxes on the wealthy to raise revenue that can be used to help the needy live with dignity.
Smith suggested a different solution. He called on individual working people to donate more to charity, including food banks, rather than waiting for a government solution.
“For example, if two million working people in Toronto could save some money by, say, buying less take-out coffee each week, and donate the 10 dollars they saved to the food banks every week, 20 million dollars can be collected easily, so as to 500 million to a billion, therefore, nobody will get hungry.”
OODF BANK USERS INCREASE EVERY WEEK
This is a major donation season for food banks, but both donations from corporations and individuals have decreased significantly due to the recession. On the other hand, however, the number of food banks users has reached a record high. If the situation persists, the OAFB’s 120 food banks might have to turn away clients because of a lack of food to distribute.
OODF BANK USERS INCREASE EVERY WEEK
The HungerCount study, released last week by Food Bank Canada, set alarms ringing on the poverty situation in Canada by striking numbers — 794,738 Canadians in March 2009 used food banks services, an increase of 17.6 percent, or 120,000 people, compared to March 2008.
It was the largest increase since 1997. Ontario saw the second highest increase in the use of food banks, with 20 percent more Ontarians turning to food banks. Alberta was first, with an increase of 61 percent. Over 350,000 Ontarians are relying on assistance from food banks to carry on their lives.
Spence told Xinhua that approximately 40 percent of those served by food banks in Ontario are children, over 20 percent are with disabilities, and 20 percent work or have recently lost their job. Among them, one third are new immigrants.
“Among them, many are new faces,” says David Smith, executive director and CEO of the Scott Mission, one of the local food banks located in downtown Toronto area. “When the recession began last year, we see a steady increase in the number of food bank users every week.”
The Scott Mission is a charity that usually focuses on the needs of the homeless, but it now also provides food to more and more people who have never relied on handouts before.
“People from all over the city, even from Mississauga (about 20 kms west of Toronto), come to our service for food, because they just couldn’t get enough food,” Smith added. The mission serves 85- 90 families every day.
According to the HungerCount survey, almost 73,000, or 9.1 percent of the total — were first-time food bank users.
RISING UNEMPLOYMENT, FOOD PRICES TO BLAME
Growing unemployment and continually increasing food prices are the major reasons behind the rising numbers of people turning to food banks, Spence told Xinhua.
In Ontario alone, over 225,000 full-time jobs have been lost over the past twelve months, thanks to the recession. Many high- paying manufacturing jobs have been lost.
However, 19 percent of households that turn to food banks for help are living on income from current or recent employment.
“Lots of people (who use Scott Mission’s food bank service) are marginally employed, with part time jobs, contracts, as such,” Smith said.
This figure should be a wake-up call to the society, said Ernie Lightman, a professor of social policy of Social Work Faculty at the Toronto University, who has 30-year experience in the field.
“That means too many jobs don’t pay well enough. Because we don ‘t have a social safety net — a support system can help these people,” he said. “For example, we are among very few developed countries that don’t have a system of child care. With such a system in place, women can go to work and support their families.”
According to a special report released by OAFB in October 2009, the price of groceries continues to rise at a rate well beyond inflation in Canada. Key items like milk, baby food, pasta and peanut butter have risen substantially since January of last year due to increased oil and fertilizer prices,
This resulted in higher operational costs for food banks. They have to stretch their budgets for food purchases and other household basics. Seventy three percent of food banks are spending more money on food in 2009, compared to 2008, and average monthly expenditures on food by Ontario’s food banks have increased by 84. 2 percent, OFAB said.
OFAB predicted that 54 percent of food banks will be over budget on food purchases in 2009. The report also discloses that one in four food banks has reduced the average amount of food distributed in their hampers.
“For example, a loaf of bread may be cut into two. Some food banks have to reduce their hamper sizes — a hamper may have 8 items instead of 10 items.”
“We run out of meat, vegetable and rice every day,” said Smith, “plus because we don’t have enough spaces and facilities to store fresh food, so we give away non perishable food — most of food in cans and packages.”
OODF BANK USERS INCREASE EVERY WEEK
The HungerCount study, released last week by Food Bank Canada, set alarms ringing on the poverty situation in Canada by striking numbers — 794,738 Canadians in March 2009 used food banks services, an increase of 17.6 percent, or 120,000 people, compared to March 2008.
It was the largest increase since 1997. Ontario saw the second highest increase in the use of food banks, with 20 percent more Ontarians turning to food banks. Alberta was first, with an increase of 61 percent. Over 350,000 Ontarians are relying on assistance from food banks to carry on their lives.
Spence told Xinhua that approximately 40 percent of those served by food banks in Ontario are children, over 20 percent are with disabilities, and 20 percent work or have recently lost their job. Among them, one third are new immigrants.
“Among them, many are new faces,” says David Smith, executive director and CEO of the Scott Mission, one of the local food banks located in downtown Toronto area. “When the recession began last year, we see a steady increase in the number of food bank users every week.”
The Scott Mission is a charity that usually focuses on the needs of the homeless, but it now also provides food to more and more people who have never relied on handouts before.
“People from all over the city, even from Mississauga (about 20 kms west of Toronto), come to our service for food, because they just couldn’t get enough food,” Smith added. The mission serves 85- 90 families every day.
According to the HungerCount survey, almost 73,000, or 9.1 percent of the total — were first-time food bank users.
RISING UNEMPLOYMENT, FOOD PRICES TO BLAME
Growing unemployment and continually increasing food prices are the major reasons behind the rising numbers of people turning to food banks, Spence told Xinhua.
In Ontario alone, over 225,000 full-time jobs have been lost over the past twelve months, thanks to the recession. Many high- paying manufacturing jobs have been lost.
However, 19 percent of households that turn to food banks for help are living on income from current or recent employment.
“Lots of people (who use Scott Mission’s food bank service) are marginally employed, with part time jobs, contracts, as such,” Smith said.
This figure should be a wake-up call to the society, said Ernie Lightman, a professor of social policy of Social Work Faculty at the Toronto University, who has 30-year experience in the field.
“That means too many jobs don’t pay well enough. Because we don ‘t have a social safety net — a support system can help these people,” he said. “For example, we are among very few developed countries that don’t have a system of child care. With such a system in place, women can go to work and support their families.”
According to a special report released by OAFB in October 2009, the price of groceries continues to rise at a rate well beyond inflation in Canada. Key items like milk, baby food, pasta and peanut butter have risen substantially since January of last year due to increased oil and fertilizer prices,
This resulted in higher operational costs for food banks. They have to stretch their budgets for food purchases and other household basics. Seventy three percent of food banks are spending more money on food in 2009, compared to 2008, and average monthly expenditures on food by Ontario’s food banks have increased by 84. 2 percent, OFAB said.
OFAB predicted that 54 percent of food banks will be over budget on food purchases in 2009. The report also discloses that one in four food banks has reduced the average amount of food distributed in their hampers.
“For example, a loaf of bread may be cut into two. Some food banks have to reduce their hamper sizes — a hamper may have 8 items instead of 10 items.”
“We run out of meat, vegetable and rice every day,” said Smith, “plus because we don’t have enough spaces and facilities to store fresh food, so we give away non perishable food — most of food in cans and packages.”
FX transactions typically involve
market is where currency trading takes place. It is where banks and other official institutions facilitate the buying and selling of foreign currencies. [1]FX transactions typically involve one party purchasing a quantity of one currency in exchange for paying a quantity of another. The foreign exchange market that we see today started evolving during the 1970s when worldover countries gradually switched to floating exchange rate from their erstwhile exchange rate regime, which remained fixed as per the Bretton Woods system till 1971.
National central banks play an important role in the foreign exchange markets. They try to control the money supply, inflation, and/or interest rates and often have official or unofficial target rates for their currencies. They can use their often substantial foreign exchange reserves to stabilize the market. Milton Friedman argued that the best stabilization strategy would be for central banks to buy when the exchange rate is too low, and to sell when the rate is too high—that is, to trade for a profit based on their more precise information. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of central bank "stabilizing speculation" is doubtful because central banks do not go bankrupt if they make large losses, like other traders would, and there is no convincing evidence that they do make a profit trading.
An exchange-traded grantor trust share represents a direct interest in a static basket of stocks selected from a particular industry. The leading example is Holding Company Depositary Receipts, or HOLDRS, a proprietary Merrill Lynch product. HOLDRS are neither index funds nor actively-managed; rather, the investor has a direct interest in specific underlying stocks. While HOLDRS have some qualities in common with ETFs, including low costs, low turnover, and tax efficiency, many observers consider HOLDRS to be a separate product from ETFs.
ETFs generally provide the easy diversification, low expense ratios, and tax efficiency of index funds, while still maintaining all the features of ordinary stock, such as limit orders, short selling, and options. Because ETFs can be economically acquired, held, and disposed of, some investors invest in ETF shares as a long-term investment for asset allocation purposes, while other investors trade ETF shares frequently to implement market timing investment strategies.[4] Among the advantages of ETFs are the following:
Exchange-traded funds (or ETFs) are open ended investment companies that can be traded at any time throughout the course of the day. Typically, ETFs try to replicate a stock market index such as the S&P 500 (e.g., SPY), but recently they are now replicating investments in the currency markets with the ETF increasing in value when the US Dollar weakens versus a specific currency, such as the Euro. Certain of these funds track the price movements of world currencies versus the US Dollar, and increase in value directly counter to the US Dollar, allowing for speculation in the US Dollar for US and US Dollar denominated investors and speculators.
The trade flow between countries illustrates the demand for goods and services, which in turn indicates demand for a country's currency to conduct trade. Surpluses and deficits in trade of goods and services reflect the competitiveness of a nation's economy. For example, trade deficits may have a negative impact on a nation's currency.
There is no unified or centrally cleared market for the majority of FX trades, and there is very little cross-border regulation. Due to the over-the-counter (OTC) nature of currency markets, there are rather a number of interconnected marketplaces, where different currencies instruments are traded. This implies that there is not a single exchange rate but rather a number of different rates (prices), depending on what bank or market maker is trading, and where it is. In practice the rates are often very close, otherwise they could be exploited by arbitrageursinstantaneously. Due to London's dominance in the market, a particular currency's quoted price is usually the London market price. A joint venture of theChicago Mercantile Exchange and Reuters, called Fxmarketspace opened in 2007 and aspired but failed to the role of a central market clearing mechanism.
There are two types of retail brokers offering the opportunity for speculative trading: retail foreign exchange brokers and market makers. Retail traders (individuals) are a small fraction of this market and may only participate indirectly through brokers or banks. Retail brokers, while largely controlled and regulated by the CFTC and NFA might be subject to foreign exchange scams.[7][8] At present, the NFA and CFTC are imposing stricter requirements, particularly in relation to the amount of Net Capitalization required of its members. As a result many of the smaller, and perhaps questionable brokers are now gone. It is not widely understood that retail brokers and market makers typically trade against their clients and frequently take the other side of their trades. This can often create a potential conflict of interest and give rise to some of the unpleasant experiences some traders have had. A move toward NDD (No Dealing Desk) and STP (Straight Through Processing) has helped to resolve some of these concerns and restore trader confidence, but caution is still advised in ensuring that all is as it is presented.
National central banks play an important role in the foreign exchange markets. They try to control the money supply, inflation, and/or interest rates and often have official or unofficial target rates for their currencies. They can use their often substantial foreign exchange reserves to stabilize the market. Milton Friedman argued that the best stabilization strategy would be for central banks to buy when the exchange rate is too low, and to sell when the rate is too high—that is, to trade for a profit based on their more precise information. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of central bank "stabilizing speculation" is doubtful because central banks do not go bankrupt if they make large losses, like other traders would, and there is no convincing evidence that they do make a profit trading.
An exchange-traded grantor trust share represents a direct interest in a static basket of stocks selected from a particular industry. The leading example is Holding Company Depositary Receipts, or HOLDRS, a proprietary Merrill Lynch product. HOLDRS are neither index funds nor actively-managed; rather, the investor has a direct interest in specific underlying stocks. While HOLDRS have some qualities in common with ETFs, including low costs, low turnover, and tax efficiency, many observers consider HOLDRS to be a separate product from ETFs.
ETFs generally provide the easy diversification, low expense ratios, and tax efficiency of index funds, while still maintaining all the features of ordinary stock, such as limit orders, short selling, and options. Because ETFs can be economically acquired, held, and disposed of, some investors invest in ETF shares as a long-term investment for asset allocation purposes, while other investors trade ETF shares frequently to implement market timing investment strategies.[4] Among the advantages of ETFs are the following:
Exchange-traded funds (or ETFs) are open ended investment companies that can be traded at any time throughout the course of the day. Typically, ETFs try to replicate a stock market index such as the S&P 500 (e.g., SPY), but recently they are now replicating investments in the currency markets with the ETF increasing in value when the US Dollar weakens versus a specific currency, such as the Euro. Certain of these funds track the price movements of world currencies versus the US Dollar, and increase in value directly counter to the US Dollar, allowing for speculation in the US Dollar for US and US Dollar denominated investors and speculators.
The trade flow between countries illustrates the demand for goods and services, which in turn indicates demand for a country's currency to conduct trade. Surpluses and deficits in trade of goods and services reflect the competitiveness of a nation's economy. For example, trade deficits may have a negative impact on a nation's currency.
There is no unified or centrally cleared market for the majority of FX trades, and there is very little cross-border regulation. Due to the over-the-counter (OTC) nature of currency markets, there are rather a number of interconnected marketplaces, where different currencies instruments are traded. This implies that there is not a single exchange rate but rather a number of different rates (prices), depending on what bank or market maker is trading, and where it is. In practice the rates are often very close, otherwise they could be exploited by arbitrageursinstantaneously. Due to London's dominance in the market, a particular currency's quoted price is usually the London market price. A joint venture of theChicago Mercantile Exchange and Reuters, called Fxmarketspace opened in 2007 and aspired but failed to the role of a central market clearing mechanism.
There are two types of retail brokers offering the opportunity for speculative trading: retail foreign exchange brokers and market makers. Retail traders (individuals) are a small fraction of this market and may only participate indirectly through brokers or banks. Retail brokers, while largely controlled and regulated by the CFTC and NFA might be subject to foreign exchange scams.[7][8] At present, the NFA and CFTC are imposing stricter requirements, particularly in relation to the amount of Net Capitalization required of its members. As a result many of the smaller, and perhaps questionable brokers are now gone. It is not widely understood that retail brokers and market makers typically trade against their clients and frequently take the other side of their trades. This can often create a potential conflict of interest and give rise to some of the unpleasant experiences some traders have had. A move toward NDD (No Dealing Desk) and STP (Straight Through Processing) has helped to resolve some of these concerns and restore trader confidence, but caution is still advised in ensuring that all is as it is presented.
Monday, November 23, 2009
improvised bombs, cleared some 14 caves
A military statement published Sunday said troops conducting clearing operations killed the militants in the last 24 hours. The military says its forces also defused 10 improvised bombs, cleared some 14 caves and arrested four suspects. Pakistani forces in South Waziristan are working to clear Taliban fighters from a region that has been a traditional stronghold of Pakistani Taliban leader Hakimullah Mehsud. The military's claims of militant casualties are not confirmed because the offensive is taking place in a remote, dangerous part of the country largely off limits to aid workers and journalists. In a separate development, on Saturday Pakistani authorities unveiled a list of more than 8,000 people, including President Asif Ali Zardari, who two years ago were granted immunity from corruption charges.The country's Minister of State for Law, Afzal Sindhu, released the names of those who were protected by a 2007 amnesty which is set to expire next week. Other top officials who faced corruption charges include Interior Minister Rehman Malik, Defense Minister Ahmed Mukhtar, and Pakistan's ambassador to the United States, Hussain Haqqani.Former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf implemented the amnesty under a plan to share power with former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, who was also accused of corruption. Ms. Bhutto was later assassinated and her husband Asif Zardari elected president. President Zardari is among several politicians who had cases withdrawn against them.Pakistan's Supreme Court said in July that the amnesty order needed parliamentary approval in order to stand and set a date of November 28 for its expiration. The government recently tried and failed to secure parliamentary approval to extend the amnesty due to resistance from opposition parties.Officials say the Supreme Court could decide to reopen cases against those on the list.
Obama welcomes Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
The flags of the United States and India are flying outside theThe flags of the United States and India are flying outside the White House as President Barack Obama prepares to host his first state visit. There will be pomp and ceremony as Mr. Obama welcomes Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.They will be rolling out the red carpet at the White House for the Indian prime minister.There will be a ceremonial welcome with full military honors, and a state dinner for 400 in a tent on the South Lawn.But there will also be substance. White House spokesman Robert Gibbs says there are plenty of key topics on the agenda."Obviously, counterterrorism is important, the economic recovery, the world economy, our relationship to them in terms of climate change," said Robert Gibbs.The visit is expected to produce concrete results on the climate change issue. On the eve of his White House visit, Prime Minister Singh told a gathering of business leaders in Washington that India and the United States are ready to sign a memorandum of understanding."We plan to sign with the U.S. government tomorrow a memorandum of understanding on energy security, clean energy and climate change," said Manmohan Singh. "This will provide a framework for pursuing bilateral cooperation in specific areas."The Indian leader made clear he considers it an honor to be chosen for the first state visit for the Obama White House."It is a great pleasure for me to be visiting Washington once again," he said. "I am looking forward to my discussions with President Obama tomorrow when my official program begins."But critics say the state dinner - with its lavish table settings and formal attire - is not appropriate at a time of rising unemployment in the United States.When asked about the criticism, spokesman Gibbs said the state dinner honors a bilateral relationship that is important to both countries."I think it's a show of respect for the value that we put on that relationship," he said. "I think India is the world's largest democracy, and I think the relationship that we have with them [the United States] and the issues that we're dealing with them are tremendously important going forward in our future."In recent weeks, the Obama administration has made overtures to Pakistan and China - India's traditional rivals. Now, analysts say, Mr. Obama might be attempting to ease any tensions in New Delhi by honoring Mr. Singh with the first state visit of his presidency. White House as President Barack Obama prepares to host his first state visit. There will be pomp and ceremony as Mr. Obama welcomes Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.They will be rolling out the red carpet at the White House for the Indian prime minister.There will be a ceremonial welcome with full military honors, and a state dinner for 400 in a tent on the South Lawn.But there will also be substance. White House spokesman Robert Gibbs says there are plenty of key topics on the agenda."Obviously, counterterrorism is important, the economic recovery, the world economy, our relationship to them in terms of climate change," said Robert Gibbs.The visit is expected to produce concrete results on the climate change issue. On the eve of his White House visit, Prime Minister Singh told a gathering of business leaders in Washington that India and the United States are ready to sign a memorandum of understanding."We plan to sign with the U.S. government tomorrow a memorandum of understanding on energy security, clean energy and climate change," said Manmohan Singh. "This will provide a framework for pursuing bilateral cooperation in specific areas."The Indian leader made clear he considers it an honor to be chosen for the first state visit for the Obama White House."It is a great pleasure for me to be visiting Washington once again," he said. "I am looking forward to my discussions with President Obama tomorrow when my official program begins."But critics say the state dinner - with its lavish table settings and formal attire - is not appropriate at a time of rising unemployment in the United States.When asked about the criticism, spokesman Gibbs said the state dinner honors a bilateral relationship that is important to both countries."I think it's a show of respect for the value that we put on that relationship," he said. "I think India is the world's largest democracy, and I think the relationship that we have with them [the United States] and the issues that we're dealing with them are tremendously important going forward in our future."In recent weeks, the Obama administration has made overtures to Pakistan and China - India's traditional rivals. Now, analysts say, Mr. Obama might be attempting to ease any tensions in New Delhi by honoring Mr. Singh with the first state visit of his presidency.
WASHINGTON
— A leading Senate Democrat said Monday his party is determined to push through a health care overhaul bill with or without Republican support because the "system is broken." "We prefer to go at it with Republicans if we can reach compromises in some areas," said Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y. "But we're not going to not pass a bill."
Schumer dueled with Republican Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison on a network morning news show in the wake of a key Senate vote Saturday night that advanced a 10-year, $959 billion health bill to full debate. Hutchison argued that "you're going to put taxes and mandates on business" that would be a drag on an economy still struggling to recover from recession.
Congressional Democrats are trying to resolve differences within their rank and file over abortion, taxes and letting the government sell health insurance as a competitor with private insurers. Those are all crucial policy questions, and House and Senate Democrats have taken conflicting approaches.
Appearing on NBC's "Today" show Monday, Schumer said, "We all know we have to give a little. ... If we don't do anything, that is the worst situation, and we have a good bill." He said lawmakers must come together because "the health care system is broken."
Schumer argued that Republican critics "haven't put any alternative on the floor."
Hutchison called it "a terrible idea at this time." She said that Republicans "have put alternatives on the floor," including individual tax credits that would not include cutting Medicare and permitting a government takeover of the health care system.
Hutchison is challenging incumbent Republican Rick Perry for Texas' governorship and is a near certain vote against any Democratic health care plan. However, Senate leaders hope to persuade moderate Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, who voted for a Democratic bill in the Finance Committee, to back final legislation.
The Democratic measures would leave 12 million or more eligible Americans uninsured. Many middle-class families who'd now be required to buy coverage would still find the premiums a stretch, even with government aid. A new federal fund to provide temporary coverage for people with health problems would quickly run out of cash.
For now, these bread-and-butter concerns take a back seat to more pressing issues for Democratic lawmakers trying to deliver on President Barack Obama's signature issue.
The House passed its health care bill 220-215 earlier this month. The Senate cleared the way Saturday for debate on legislation unveiled by Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev. The bill, a compromise between two committee-passed versions, could undergo significant changes as senators amend it during weeks of arduous debate ahead.
Both bills would require all Americans to carry health insurance, with government help to make premiums more affordable. They would ban insurance companies from denying coverage or charging more to people with health problems. They would set up new insurance markets for those who now have the hardest time finding and keeping coverage — self-employed people and small businesses. Americans insured through big employer plans would gain new consumer protections but wouldn't face major changes. Seniors would get better prescription coverage.
"For the first time, we're going to allow American consumers to be involved in a buyers' market for health insurance," said Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., one of the authors of the Senate bill. "This Congress is going to pass, and this president is going to sign, a national health care program for all Americans."
Before any signing ceremony, lawmakers must clear some tall hurdles.
On abortion funding, the House adopted strict limitations as the price for getting anti-abortion Democrats to vote for the final bill. Abortion rights supporters are backing Reid's approach in the Senate bill, which tries to preserve coverage for abortion while stipulating that federal dollars may not be used except in cases of rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother.
In the end, Reid may have to bend. Catholic bishops say they can't accept his approach because it would let federally subsidized plans cover abortion. They vow to oppose the health care bill unless, like the House, the Senate enacts stronger language. Democratic senators opposed to abortion are already threatening a battle.
On financing, the House relies mainly on an income tax hike for upper-earners to pay for expanded coverage. The Senate opted for a tax on high-cost insurance plans, a Medicare payroll tax hike on the wealthy and fees on medical industries. In polls, the House approach is more popular. The Obama administration has signaled it likes the Senate's insurance tax.
That leaves the controversy over a creating a government health plan to compete with the insurance industry. It has dominated the debate and remains unresolved.
Both House and Senate bills now provide for a government insurance plan, but Reid's bill would let states opt out. It's not clear that Reid has the votes. He may be able to get a compromise to allow a government plan only if, after a reasonable time, insurance companies fail to deliver lower premiums.
Resolving these policy issues would be a historic accomplishment for Democrats. But the bill could still leave consumers feeling a little cheated.
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Forex giants head for the net
Web-based foreign exchange trading is set to grow
The three largest players in the global currency market are teaming up with Reuters to offer foreign-exchange services over the internet to major clients, according to a report in Monday's Wall Street Journal.
The report said US banks Chase Manhattan and Citigroup and Germany's Deutsche Bank were creating a new company together with the news and financial information provider.
The move is the latest and most significant sign that big players in currency markets are turning to the internet to answer their clients' demands for faster services at lower prices.
Chase, Citigroup and Deutsche Bank together have a market share in world foreign exchange trading of almost 30%.
Other partners sought
The Wall Street Journal reported sources familiar with the deal as saying that the four founders were now seeking to include a further 50 or 60 international banks in the venture before publicly announcing its creation.
The new venture is set to compete directly with FX Alliance, an internet-based currency venture recently established by 13 other major international banks.
Boston, Goldman, Sachs Group, HSBC Holdings, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley Dean Witter and UBS Warburg - all of whom are among the world's top 10 foreign exchange traders.
"There is room for two companies - EBS and Reuters - on the interbank matching system so I don't see why there might not be room for two here," said one banker in London.
"They could end up specialising in different things but if they don't differentiate themselves like this, it will come down to prices. In the short term, Citi, Deutsche, and Chase could be very aggressive on the pricing."
One-stop shop
Both services aim to offer their customers - expected to be mainly multinational corporations, institutional investors and hedge funds - a one-stop shop for currency services.
These would include spot, or regular, trades, more sophisticated financial instruments such as options and forwards and research and analytical modelling tools.
Clients would have 24-hour access to the global foreign exchange market, in which transactions worth a total of about $1,500bn are conducted each day.
The Wall Street Journal said the four companies planned to launch the new venture in early 2001 and have it fully operational by the third quarter of next year.
Citigroup and Reuters declined to comment on the report. Deutsche Bank and Chase Manhattan were unavailable to comment.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
UK Warnings
Weather Home Weather News Photo Gallery Weatherwise About BBC Weather UK Reviews UK Warnings Monthly Outlook Climate Guides Average Conditions Sports Coast and SeaClimate ChangeSite FAQ Today's teaWeather Home Weather News Photo GaWeather Home Weather News Photo Gallery Weatherwise About BBC Weather UK Reviews UK Warnings Monthly Outlook Climate Guides Average Conditions Sports Coast and SeaClimate ChangeSite FAQ Today's teamMeet the teamFind a forecastGraphicsMore BBC Weatherllery Weatherwise About BBC Weather UK Reviews UK WarninWeather Home Weather News Photo Gallery Weatherwise About BBC Weather UK Reviews UK Warnings Monthly Outlook Climate GuidWeather Home Weather News Photo Gallery Weatherwise About BBC Weather UK Reviews UK Warnings Monthly Outlook Climate Guides Conditions SportsAverage Coast and SeaClimate ChangeSite FAQ Today's teamMeet the teamFind a forecastGraphicsMore BBC Weatheres Average Conditions Sports Coast and SeaClimate ChangeSite FAQ Today's teamMeet the teamFind a forecastGraphicsMore BBC Weathergs Monthly Outlook Climate Guides Average Conditions Sports Coast and SeaClimate ChangeSite FAQ Today's teamMeet the teamFind a forecastGraphicsMore BBC WeathermMeet the teamFind a forecastGraphicsMore BBC Weather
weather forecaster
What did you do before becoming a weather forecaster?Before I became a broadcast meteorologist I was a forecaster with the RAF - for six months of that time I was with 617 squadron known as the 'Dambusters'. Earlier I spent a few years tucked away on a small airfield making weather observations. Before I joined the Met Office I tried my hand at managing a car spares shop, training as a ship broker and spending a few months on a merchant ship. Best of all I worked part-time on a farm when I was still at school - combine machinery and animals and I am happy!
When did you become a weather forecaster?I came to the BBC Weather Centre in March 1991 and did my first live broadcast about four months later.
Why did you want to be a weather forecaster?I wanted to interest people in the weather - maybe the idea of fame and fortune also came into it!
Do you get nervous before a broadcast?Not as much as I used to. It was a good job I was sitting down for the first one because I was so nervous my legs were shaking.
Have you ever made any mistakes?Yes, but I have only once dried up - and that was a 30 second broadcast.What did you do before becoming a weather forecaster?Before I became a broadcast meteorologist I was a forecaster with the RAF - for six months of that time I was with 617 squadron known as the 'Dambusters'. Earlier I spent a few years tucked away on a small airfield making weather observations. Before I joined the Met Office I tried my hand at managing a car spares shop, training as a ship broker and spending a few months on a merchant ship. Best of all I worked part-time on a farm when I was still at school - combine machinery and animals and I am happy!
When did you become a weather forecaster?I came to the BBC Weather Centre in March 1991 and did my first live broadcast about four months later.
Why did you want to be a weather forecaster?I wanted to interest people in the weather - maybe the idea of fame and fortune also came into it!
Do you get nervous before a broadcast?Not as much as I used to. It was a good job I was sitting down for the first one because I was so nervous my legs were shaking.
Have you ever made any mistakes?Yes, but I have only once dried up - and that was a 30 second broadcast.
Is your job hard?Presenting the weather is fun, buWhat did you do before becoming a weather forecaster?Before I became a broadcast meteorologist I was a forecaster with the RAF - for six months of that time I was with 617 squadron known as the 'Dambusters'. Earlier I spent a few years tucked away on a small airfield making weather observations. Before I joined the Met Office I tried my hand at managing a car spares shop, training as a ship broker and spending a few months on a merchant ship. Best of all I worked part-time on a farm when I was still at school - combine machinery and animals and I am happy!
When did you become a weather forecaster?I came to the BBC Weather Centre in March 1991 and did my first live broadcast about four months later.
Why did you want to be a weather forecaster?I wanted to interest people in the weather - maybe the idea of fame and fortune also came into it!
Do you get nervous before a broadcast?Not as much as I used to. It was a good job I was sitting down for the first one because I was so nervous my legs were shaking.
Have you ever made any mistakes?Yes, but I have only once dried up - and that was a 30 second broadcast.What did you do before becoming a weather forecaster?Before I became a broadcast meteorologist I was a forecaster with the RAF - for six months of that time I was with 617 squadron known as the 'Dambusters'. Earlier I spent a few years tucked away on a small airfield making weather observations. Before I joined the Met Office I tried my hand at managing a car spares shop, training as a ship broker and spending a few months on a merchant ship. Best of all I worked part-time on a farm when I was still at school - combine machinery and animals and I am happy!
When did you become a weather forecaster?I came to the BBC Weather Centre in March 1991 and did my first live broadcast about four months later.
Why did you want to be a weather forecaster?I wanted to interest people in the weather - maybe the idea of fame and fortune also came into it!
Do you get nervous before a broadcast?Not as much as I used to. It was a good job I was sitting down for the first one because I was so nervous my legs were shaking.
Have you ever made any mistakes?Yes, but I have only once dried up - and that was a 30 second broadcast.What did you do before becoming a weather forecaster?Before I became a broadcast meteorologist I was a forecaster with the RAF - for six months of that time I was with 617 squadron known as the 'Dambusters'. Earlier I spent a few years tucked away on a small airfield making weather observations. Before I joined the Met Office I tried my hand at managing a car spares shop, training as a ship broker and spending a few months on a merchant ship. Best of all I worked part-time on a farm when I was still at school - combine machinery and animals and I am happy!
When did you become a weather forecaster?I came to the BBC Weather Centre in March 1991 and did my first live broadcast about four months later.
Why did you want to be a weather forecaster?I wanted to interest people in the weather - maybe the idea of fame and fortune also came into it!
Do you get nervous before a broadcast?Not as much as I used to. It was a good job I was sitting down for the first one because I was so nervous my legs were shaking.
Have you ever made any mistakes?Yes, but I have only once dried up - and that was a 30 second broadcast.
Is your job hard?Presenting the weather is fun, but preparing tWhat did you do before becoming a weather forecaster?Before I became a broadcast meteorologist I was a forecaster with the RAF - for six months of that time I was with 617 squadron known as the 'Dambusters'. Earlier I spent a few years tucked away on a small airfield making weather observations. Before I joined the Met Office I tried my hand at managing a car spares shop, training as a ship broker and spending a few months on a merchant ship. Best of all I worked part-time on a farm when I was still at school - combine machinery and animals and I am happy!
When did you become a weather forecaster?I came to the BBC Weather Centre in March 1991 and did my first live broadcast about four months later.
Why did you want to be a weather forecaster?I wanted to interest people in the weather - maybe the idea of fame and fortune also came into it!
Do you get nervous before a broadcast?Not as much as I used to. It was a good job I was sitting down for the first one because I was so nervous my legs were shaking.
Have you ever made any mistakes?Yes, but I have only once dried up - and that was a 30 second broadcast.
Is your job hard?Presenting the weather is fun, but preparing the broadcasts is hard and just about all the time between broadcasts is spent preparing the next one.
Do you enjoy your job?I enjoy it when I am doing well - you are only as good as your last performance.
Could anyone do your job?Yes, anyone can do it but only a few fortunate people are given the opportunity.he broadcasts is hard and just about all the time between broadcasts is spent preparing the next one.
Do you enjoy your job?I enjoy it when I am doing well - you are only as good as your last performance.
Could anyone do your job?Yes, anyone can do it but only a few fortunate people are given the opportunity.
Is your job hard?Presenting the weather is fun, but preparing the broadcasts is hard and just about all the time between broadcasts is spent preparing the next one.
Do you enjoy your job?I enjoy it when I am doing well - you are only as good as your last performance.
Could anyone do your job?Yes, anyone can do it but only a few fortunate people are given the opportunity.
Is your job hard?Presenting the weather is fun, but preparing the broadcasts is hard and just about all the time between broadcasts is spent preparing the next one.
Do you enjoy your job?I enjoy it when I am doing well - you are only as good as your last performance.
Could anyone do your job?Yes, anyone can do it but only a few fortunate people are given the opportunity.t preparing the broadcasts is hard and just about all the time between broadcasts is spent preparing the next one.
Do you enjoy your job?I enjoy it when I am doing well - you are only as good as your last performance.
Could anyone do your job?Yes, anyone can do it but only a few fortunate people are given the opportunity.
Is your job hard?Presenting the weather is fun, but preparing the broadcasts is hard and just about all the time between broadcasts is spent preparing the next one.
Do you enjoy your job?I enjoy it when I am doing well - you are only as good as your last performance.
Could anyone do your job?Yes, anyone can do it but only a few fortunate people are given the opportunity.
When did you become a weather forecaster?I came to the BBC Weather Centre in March 1991 and did my first live broadcast about four months later.
Why did you want to be a weather forecaster?I wanted to interest people in the weather - maybe the idea of fame and fortune also came into it!
Do you get nervous before a broadcast?Not as much as I used to. It was a good job I was sitting down for the first one because I was so nervous my legs were shaking.
Have you ever made any mistakes?Yes, but I have only once dried up - and that was a 30 second broadcast.What did you do before becoming a weather forecaster?Before I became a broadcast meteorologist I was a forecaster with the RAF - for six months of that time I was with 617 squadron known as the 'Dambusters'. Earlier I spent a few years tucked away on a small airfield making weather observations. Before I joined the Met Office I tried my hand at managing a car spares shop, training as a ship broker and spending a few months on a merchant ship. Best of all I worked part-time on a farm when I was still at school - combine machinery and animals and I am happy!
When did you become a weather forecaster?I came to the BBC Weather Centre in March 1991 and did my first live broadcast about four months later.
Why did you want to be a weather forecaster?I wanted to interest people in the weather - maybe the idea of fame and fortune also came into it!
Do you get nervous before a broadcast?Not as much as I used to. It was a good job I was sitting down for the first one because I was so nervous my legs were shaking.
Have you ever made any mistakes?Yes, but I have only once dried up - and that was a 30 second broadcast.
Is your job hard?Presenting the weather is fun, buWhat did you do before becoming a weather forecaster?Before I became a broadcast meteorologist I was a forecaster with the RAF - for six months of that time I was with 617 squadron known as the 'Dambusters'. Earlier I spent a few years tucked away on a small airfield making weather observations. Before I joined the Met Office I tried my hand at managing a car spares shop, training as a ship broker and spending a few months on a merchant ship. Best of all I worked part-time on a farm when I was still at school - combine machinery and animals and I am happy!
When did you become a weather forecaster?I came to the BBC Weather Centre in March 1991 and did my first live broadcast about four months later.
Why did you want to be a weather forecaster?I wanted to interest people in the weather - maybe the idea of fame and fortune also came into it!
Do you get nervous before a broadcast?Not as much as I used to. It was a good job I was sitting down for the first one because I was so nervous my legs were shaking.
Have you ever made any mistakes?Yes, but I have only once dried up - and that was a 30 second broadcast.What did you do before becoming a weather forecaster?Before I became a broadcast meteorologist I was a forecaster with the RAF - for six months of that time I was with 617 squadron known as the 'Dambusters'. Earlier I spent a few years tucked away on a small airfield making weather observations. Before I joined the Met Office I tried my hand at managing a car spares shop, training as a ship broker and spending a few months on a merchant ship. Best of all I worked part-time on a farm when I was still at school - combine machinery and animals and I am happy!
When did you become a weather forecaster?I came to the BBC Weather Centre in March 1991 and did my first live broadcast about four months later.
Why did you want to be a weather forecaster?I wanted to interest people in the weather - maybe the idea of fame and fortune also came into it!
Do you get nervous before a broadcast?Not as much as I used to. It was a good job I was sitting down for the first one because I was so nervous my legs were shaking.
Have you ever made any mistakes?Yes, but I have only once dried up - and that was a 30 second broadcast.What did you do before becoming a weather forecaster?Before I became a broadcast meteorologist I was a forecaster with the RAF - for six months of that time I was with 617 squadron known as the 'Dambusters'. Earlier I spent a few years tucked away on a small airfield making weather observations. Before I joined the Met Office I tried my hand at managing a car spares shop, training as a ship broker and spending a few months on a merchant ship. Best of all I worked part-time on a farm when I was still at school - combine machinery and animals and I am happy!
When did you become a weather forecaster?I came to the BBC Weather Centre in March 1991 and did my first live broadcast about four months later.
Why did you want to be a weather forecaster?I wanted to interest people in the weather - maybe the idea of fame and fortune also came into it!
Do you get nervous before a broadcast?Not as much as I used to. It was a good job I was sitting down for the first one because I was so nervous my legs were shaking.
Have you ever made any mistakes?Yes, but I have only once dried up - and that was a 30 second broadcast.
Is your job hard?Presenting the weather is fun, but preparing tWhat did you do before becoming a weather forecaster?Before I became a broadcast meteorologist I was a forecaster with the RAF - for six months of that time I was with 617 squadron known as the 'Dambusters'. Earlier I spent a few years tucked away on a small airfield making weather observations. Before I joined the Met Office I tried my hand at managing a car spares shop, training as a ship broker and spending a few months on a merchant ship. Best of all I worked part-time on a farm when I was still at school - combine machinery and animals and I am happy!
When did you become a weather forecaster?I came to the BBC Weather Centre in March 1991 and did my first live broadcast about four months later.
Why did you want to be a weather forecaster?I wanted to interest people in the weather - maybe the idea of fame and fortune also came into it!
Do you get nervous before a broadcast?Not as much as I used to. It was a good job I was sitting down for the first one because I was so nervous my legs were shaking.
Have you ever made any mistakes?Yes, but I have only once dried up - and that was a 30 second broadcast.
Is your job hard?Presenting the weather is fun, but preparing the broadcasts is hard and just about all the time between broadcasts is spent preparing the next one.
Do you enjoy your job?I enjoy it when I am doing well - you are only as good as your last performance.
Could anyone do your job?Yes, anyone can do it but only a few fortunate people are given the opportunity.he broadcasts is hard and just about all the time between broadcasts is spent preparing the next one.
Do you enjoy your job?I enjoy it when I am doing well - you are only as good as your last performance.
Could anyone do your job?Yes, anyone can do it but only a few fortunate people are given the opportunity.
Is your job hard?Presenting the weather is fun, but preparing the broadcasts is hard and just about all the time between broadcasts is spent preparing the next one.
Do you enjoy your job?I enjoy it when I am doing well - you are only as good as your last performance.
Could anyone do your job?Yes, anyone can do it but only a few fortunate people are given the opportunity.
Is your job hard?Presenting the weather is fun, but preparing the broadcasts is hard and just about all the time between broadcasts is spent preparing the next one.
Do you enjoy your job?I enjoy it when I am doing well - you are only as good as your last performance.
Could anyone do your job?Yes, anyone can do it but only a few fortunate people are given the opportunity.t preparing the broadcasts is hard and just about all the time between broadcasts is spent preparing the next one.
Do you enjoy your job?I enjoy it when I am doing well - you are only as good as your last performance.
Could anyone do your job?Yes, anyone can do it but only a few fortunate people are given the opportunity.
Is your job hard?Presenting the weather is fun, but preparing the broadcasts is hard and just about all the time between broadcasts is spent preparing the next one.
Do you enjoy your job?I enjoy it when I am doing well - you are only as good as your last performance.
Could anyone do your job?Yes, anyone can do it but only a few fortunate people are given the opportunity.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
If you think a long-term trend is developing,
You should always be aware of the amount of money in your account before placing a trade. If you think a long-term trend is developing, then you should consider whether you have enough funds to maintain your margin and withstand any movements against your position(s) that may occur. We encourage everyone who opens an account with us to ask themselves the following questions prior to entering each trade:
- How much am I willing to risk?
- What is my upside and downside potential?
- What are the market conditions? (Is the market volatile or calm?)
- What is the logic behind entering this trade?
- When can I conclude if the assumptions/logic behind the trade are/is correct or wrong?
You should always be aware of the amount of money in your account before placing a trade. If you think a long-term trend is developing, then you should consider whether you have enough funds to maintain your margin and withstand any movements against your position(s) that may occur. We encourage everyone who opens an account with us to ask themselves the following questions prior to entering each trade:
- How much am I willing to risk?
- What is my upside and downside potential?
- What are the market conditions? (Is the market volatile or calm?)
- What is the logic behind entering this trade?
- When can I conclude if the assumptions/logic behind the trade are/is correct or wrong?
You should always be aware of the amount of money in your account before placing a trade. If you think a long-term trend is developing, then you should consider whether you have enough funds to maintain your margin and withstand any movements against your position(s) that may occur. We encourage everyone who opens an account with us to ask themselves the following questions prior to entering each trade:
- How much am I willing to risk?
- What is my upside and downside potential?
- What are the market conditions? (Is the market volatile or calm?)
- What is the logic behind entering this trade?
- When can I conclude if the assumptions/logic behind the trade are/is correct or wrong?
You should always be aware of the amount of money in your account before placing a trade. If you think a long-term trend is developing, then you should consider whether you have enough funds to maintain your margin and withstand any movements against your position(s) that may occur. We encourage everyone who opens an account with us to ask themselves the following questions prior to entering each trade:
- How much am I willing to risk?
- What is my upside and downside potential?
- What are the market conditions? (Is the market volatile or calm?)
- What is the logic behind entering this trade?
- When can I conclude if the assumptions/logic behind the trade are/is correct or wrong?
You should always be aware of the amount of money in your account before placing a trade. If you think a long-term trend is developing, then you should consider whether you have enough funds to maintain your margin and withstand any movements against your position(s) that may occur. We encourage everyone who opens an account with us to ask themselves the following questions prior to entering each trade:
- How much am I willing to risk?
- What is my upside and downside potential?
- What are the market conditions? (Is the market volatile or calm?)
- What is the logic behind entering this trade?
- When can I conclude if the assumptions/logic behind the trade are/is correct or wrong?
Before entering an order, you should consider both your entry and exit points. One of the mistakes most commonly made by traders, especially new traders, is letting emotions get in the way of their strategy.
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