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Place your bets What a gem! Swiss–US tensions A luxury new casino Diamonds set record How will Obama’s second term opens in Neuchâtel prices at Geneva impact Swiss banks? auctions 3 5 12
Geneva civil servants on strike In protest at planned cuts in 2013, around 1,000 civil servants took to the streets of Geneva on Thursday.
SWISS returns Amy Macdonald concert illness to Geneva Amy Macdonald’s concert planned for next week in Geneva is in doubt Cointrin to regain its status as SWISS Chief Executive Harry Geneva management will have after the Scottish singer suffered a an international hub Hohmeister said the carrier “wants to greater autonomy to adapt services in seizure. be the airline for the whole of Switzer- ight and on the ground. For example, In response to increasing international land, not just Zurich”. He added that onboard catering will focus on Avalanche danger rises air tra c, Swiss International Air Lines SWISS wants “to stress our ongoing products and specialities of the region. commitment to our Geneva base”. In an apparent reference to competi- decided this month to further expand 135cm of snow fell last week and e news will likely be greeted tion from easyJet, which has increased its presence in Suisse Romande by police warn that a further 20-30cm favourably by expats and Swiss living in its ight destinations from Geneva, hiring more French-speaking employ- is expected. “Ski on the piste. The French Switzerland who for years were Hohmeister said SWISS “has no ees and creating a new unit with 160 avalanche risk is too high to go off cabin crew and 90 pilots. forced to go through Zurich when intention of launching a price war”. travelling internationally. piste.”
The soul of sculpture
DISCLAIMER This 0 edition of Le News is a prototype purely for illustrative purposes. The information within should not be taken as factual. This prototype is given to you on condition that it is not made public and it must be destroyed or returned on our request. No responsibility or liability is accepted by Le News or any person for any errors, omissions or misstatements. 2 is Week in Switzerland
Health insurance premiums are to Some 50,000 signatures each have rise by 1.5 percent on average next been collected for referendums year – the second-lowest increase against the government’s tax since 1996. Although children’s accords with Germany, the United premiums will fall by 1.4 percent, Kingdom and Austria. If there are those for young adults will rise by an enough valid signatures, referen- average 2.9 percent. Health Minister dums on the tax agreements will be Alain Berset regretted the increase held. e campaign was launched but said families would bene t from by a cross-party group including the lower children’s premiums. the Young Socialists and the Young Swiss People’s Party.
Swiss President Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf has attended the 67th United Nations General A worker who allegedly stole data Assembly where she called on the from the Federal Intelligence Security Council to refer the situation Service apparently wanted to sell it in Syria to the International Criminal abroad, the O ce of the Attorney Court. General said, referring to “a serious case of economic espionage”. According to the Swiss Economic Federal Prosecutor Michael Institute (KOF), the outlook for the Lauber said the data leak had Swiss economy remains positive. e possibly endangered Switzerland’s advert KOF economic barometer reached security. 1.67 points in September, continuing the positive trend of recent months, e number of foreign workers in albeit with decelerating pace. Switzerland rose in the second Three Cli s Bay quarter of the year to 1.36 million. Swansea, Wales e number of Swiss employed persons was constant at 3.40 million. At the end of November there were 170,000 people without a job in Switzerland – 8,000 more relax than in the same period last year. and what about you?
14 destinations to the UK leaving from Geneva starting at ree members of a Swiss family have been sentenced for breaking the law on war materiel. Friedrich Tinner and his sons Urs and Marco were involved in a nuclear smug- gling ring, illegally supplying centrifuge components to the Libyans. All three received condition- A work said to be an earlier version al jail terms. e men, who admitted of the Mona Lisa painting by their guilt, had struck a deal with the Leonardo da Vinci has been O ce of the Attorney General, unveiled in Geneva. e Mona Lisa thereby shortening the legal process. Foundation said 35 years of research had proved the work’s LARGE SPACES authenticity. e painting shows La Pharma group Merck Serono has Joconde looking visibly younger easyJet.com found a solution for 500 of its than in the masterpiece which employees in Geneva, where it is hangs in the Louvre. fi à » cutting 1,250 jobs. A further 750 â à employees are still looking for work. LE NEWS 27 DECEMBER 2012 3 Regional easyJet continues upwards
GENEVA Despite Europe’s economic crisis, Editor’s comment easyJet is maintaining its growth course, bringing Restricting lobbyists' rights jobs and investment to the region. hen the cabinet announced on Friday that it had adopted an ordinance restricting the Low cost airline easyJet has rights of lobbyists, many Swiss just shrugged announced the arrival of its Wtheir shoulders in mild accord or lack of interest. However, 13th aircraft in Geneva, the this belies the seriousness of debate in the corridors of the launch of its 58th route and Federal Palace. increased ight frequency for e Cabinet’s decision that only journalists working for 20 destinations. According to mainstream or general media organisations can have the economic institute BAK- access to the Federal Palace Media Centre is sensible given BASEL, the company generates that lobbying under the pretence of being a journalist is CHF 1.4 billion a year in The new A320 represents a potential of 250,000 extra passengers and just one subterfuge that some lobbyists have repeatedly economic bene ts for the Lake some 35 direct jobs. employed to allow them to meet politicians. Lobbyists will Geneva region. It has also now have to be accredited to access the centre. generated 1,800 direct and easyJet’s target for 2013 is to in the region. With the new ere is a role for lobbyists in the Swiss legislative system indirect jobs in Geneva, Vaud, sell 60 million seats on ights A320 operational from Decem- as they tend to focus on complex issues and frequently are and neighbouring France. to and from Switzerland. ber, easyJet's investment in masters of their subject. However, their access to parlia- Also operating out of Basel According to easyJet's North Geneva totals CHF 650 million. mentarians should be carefully regulated and transparent and Zurich, easyJet is the European sales manager, Placing Geneva rmly on the to avoid them having disproportionate and unaccountable second largest airline in omas Haagensen, " e European map, the carrier has in uence. is is what the cabinet’s decision seeks to Switzerland. is year the prospects are positive and we increased access to the city by achieve, however, there are profound aspects to this issue company has really taken o , still have a strong growth 30 percent in 15 years. Today which remain to be addressed. with a ten percent increase in potential in Switzerland." accessibility equals that of e Swiss parliament, like some other parliaments, relies passenger numbers, which Such con dence is re ected large cities such as London and upon part-time politicians to serve as the people’s equates to 5.5 million in in the airline’s total investment Brussels. representatives. Defenders of these civic minded folk Geneva alone. assert that they remain in touch with the electorate and bring to their work a broad range of expertise and experience that is vital to the democratic process. is may indeed be so, and we only need to look at countries Geneva to Place your bets where a degree in law or politics is viewed as a tacit re-submit 2013 NEUCHÂTEL A new casino in Neuchâtel has opened after several prerequisite for political success to see how dislocated months of renovation. It is expected to attract around 430 visitors legislatures can become from societies. But how does a budget a day, with annual revenue reaching CHF 22.5 million. Owners part-time politician who spends months every year Kongress + Kursaal Bern AG say that it will be donating a portion GENEVA Having had its rst running a business or holding down a job stay abreast of of the pro ts to a foundation which supports cultural, sporting, draft budget rejected, the city uid economic, social, military, diplomatic, commercial social and tourist events. Support will also be given to Neuchat- of Geneva has submitted a new and technological developments? Lobbyists here have el’s Passage eatre and the canton's tourism association. argued (with disarming candour) that they are able to budget proposal for 2013 to the ATS brief and indeed educate parliamentarians better than the Geneva cantonal parliament. political parties and the civil service. If this is the case is sees the de cit reduced to then the pro-lobbying lobbyists must, clearly and openly CHF 191 million from CHF 278 demonstrate that the brie ngs and information they give million, thanks to a CHF 99 to parliamentarians are objective and accurate. If million improvement in tax lobbyists cannot demonstrate this, then they are in e ect income. e budget also arguing that they should still be able to work even if they envisages CHF 25 million in are brie ng and in uencing politicians inaccurately savings, with cuts hitting and/or subjectively. And neither of these is acceptable. mainly the health and social Unchecked, lobbying can become a conduit for political, services sectors. social and commercial extremism. More worryingly ATS perhaps, it can cement vested interests into the legislative IMPRESSUM Subscribe to Le Audience: (REMP Mach 2012-2) Direction Commerciale Classified advertising: process in a manner that undermines democracy. 00,000 lecteurs Ventes et marketing: Jayne Marbella All lobbying activity in Switzerland should be recorded for News today. Direction éditoriale: Jeremy Daniel Ahlers 021 334 5008; McTeague 021 334 5998 classifi[email protected] the public record. If lobbyists seek to in uence parliamen- It’s free and will be Éditeur: Le News SA, [email protected] www.lenews/classifieds delivered to you for free. Av Chauderon 21, 1001 Lausanne tarians then they seek to sway representatives elected by Directeur: Jeremy McTeague, Indications de participations the people. e people therefore have the right to know COO: Daniel Ahlers; CFO: Phillip importantes www.lenews.ch Judd Selon article 322 CPS: how and on what grounds their representatives are being Tel: +41 21 334 5000 [email protected] Jeremy McTeague Mixed Sources in uenced. Tel: +41 21 334 5211 Daniel Ahlers Product group from well-managed Fax: +41 21 334 5111 Une publication de LeNews SA Phillip Judd forests and other controlled sources www.fsc.org Cert no.SCS-COC-00867 Design: Edwin Allan © Tous les droits sont réservés ©1996 Forest Stewardship Council No need to wait to play
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Guilty verdict in Record prices at diamond massage murder case auctions GENEVA Two separate jewel auctions saw record LAUSANNE A 20-year-old e man has been ordered to pay prices set last week. man has been sentenced to 18 CHF 100,000 to the victim’s husband and two children. After the sentence years for killing a prostitute in On Tuesday at Christie’s the 76-carat Archduke Joseph Lausanne last year. had been delivered, the guilty man’s legal team said they were "relieved" at Diamond fetched almost $21.5 million, a record the clemency of the sentence. price per carat for a crystal clear colourless he court in Yverdon-les-Bains diamond. On Wednesday a 10.48-carat heard how the man had gone to teardrop-shaped deep blue diamond Ta massage parlour one night in April went under Sotheby’s hammer for 2011 with the intention of robbing a “Prosecutor may $10.86 million, setting another record 45-year-old prostitute. As he had no price per carat for a deep blue money to pay, she refused to have sex appeal decision” diamond. with him. Humiliated, he strangled e blue stone is likely to be recut by the victim, trussed her up and hit her its new owner, luxury jeweller Laurence several times before stabbing her However, the public prosecutor, Graf, to showcase its splendour. Jeweller twice in the nape of the neck. He then who had demanded lifelong imprison- Mark Emanuel told Reuters: "It is an sexually abused her when she was ment, may appeal against the decision extremely rare ten-carat deep blue probably already dead. After search- claiming that the defendant’s cooper- briolette that can be recut to a seven-carat ing the apartment, the man stole CHF ation and remorse during the investi- vivid blue." e Archduke Joseph Diamond, 2,000. Found guilty of murder, the gation, which the judge commented on the other hand, is to be donated by the apprentice mechanic was also found “had appeared entirely genuine”, had anonymous new owner to the state guilty of theft and of disturbing the clearly in uenced the court’s museum in New Delhi in northern peace of the dead. decision. India. ATS
CFF delivers big Rain – insurance improvement claims pour in
BERNE e Swiss Federal Railways’ LAUSANNE In just one weekend, new “Horaire Romandie 2013” will 114 claims totalling over CHF 1 199 make thousands of commuters happy million were made for rain damage. as more seats and faster long-distance Amadio Santa Croce of the Vaud services came into e ect on 9 Decem- cantonal insurance oce, ECA, told ber. Le News: “Most of the claims were Mondeo A new half-hourly service between related to ooded cellars, car parks TV Cabinet Geneva and Lausanne will see 13 new and basements.” double-decker trains introduced on Last Saturday, the re services this route, increasing seats by were called out no fewer than 350 one-third. Passengers will also bene t times across the canton of Vaud. from a saving of 11 minutes on the SWISSINFO journey between Valais and Geneva. ATS
Dolls to charm at the Musée d’Art Brut LAUSANNE An exhibition at the di erent poses, all 15 Musée d’Art Brut sheds light on the uncannily lifelike private life of American artist Morton dolls were found Bartlett. A photographer and graphic only after the ATTRACTIVE. ADVANTAGEOUS P ster combines quality and low prices. designer, Bartlett secretly created artist died aged plaster dolls and their clothing. 83. e unusual Explaining Bartlett’s odd pastime, exhibition in New York gallery owner Marion Harris Lausanne told Le News: “ e body of work runs from 23 served as his surrogate family, making November to up for a lack of real relatives.” 14 April 2013. Wrapped in boxes along with 200 photographs of the dolls striking 6 27 DECEMBER 2012 LE NEWS National Swiss Society Olympic bid endangered? A vote to reject a tourism tax in canton Grisons could impact Switzerland’s bid to host the 2022 Winter Olym- pics in St. Moritz.
vote to reject a tourism tax in in March 2013 when voters will have canton Grisons could impact their say on whether the bid should go A Switzerland’s bid to host the ahead. e cost of staging the event is 2022 Winter Olympics in St. Moritz. estimated at CHF 4.5 billion, while e proposed cantonal levy to costs associated with putting together nance tourism was defeated in a the bid are expected to amount to plebiscite by over 31,000 votes, with CHF 60 million. AÏDA AGIC NOEL just 16,000 approving it. e tax was e Swiss bid provides for all events expected to bring in more than CHF to take place in the area of Davos and 60 million a year from the communes St. Moritz with "ice events" in Davos Sprint down the aisle that depend most heavily on tourism. and "snow events" in St. Moritz. As In other words, the more a rm Davos has a strong tradition in bene ted from tourism, the higher its cross-country skiing and snowboard, before New Year tax bill would have been. it could also be the venue for those e organisers decided during a competitions. A new law will stop future married couples opting for a session in December 2011 to go Switzerland faces sti competition double-barrelled surname. As a result, registry offices can’t cope forward with "St. Moritz 2022" as the in its bid to host the games from with the number of people wanting to say “I do” before 2013. ocial corporate name of the bid. France, Germany, Norway, Romania, In Switzerland, Brad Pitt and Angelina common name, just as much as to be ere will be a cantonal referendum Spain and Ukraine. Jolie would not be free to legally call able to keep their unmarried name,” SWISSINFO themselves “Pitt Jolie” or “Jolie Pitt” says Christian Zeller from the Geneva after 1 January 2013 when a new law Registry Oce. banning double names will enter into Symbolically, family unity is weaker, Swiss say no to EU Women to work force. Left-wing parties in parliament according to Sylvie Mermod, a one more year? proposed the new law last year, psychologist in Lausanne who deals Twelve years ago 33% of Swiss voters arguing it was a step further towards with family planning. What will approved joining the EU. Now e government has launched gender equality. happen in the future? “Although it is research shows only one in nine do. another attempt to reform the Why? “It is most often considered hard to predict, I don’t think men are Even in Romandie, joining has country’s old-age pension scheme discriminatory by women that both ready to give up their names. Women dropped out of favour. It is not just and has proposed delaying the age of partners cannot keep their own will therefore choose their husbands’, about cost, the coolness is also due to women’s retirement from 64 to 65. name,” says Green Party parliamen- just like before,” adds the psychologist. the drastic democratic reform in Another proposal to ensure the tarian Antonio Hodgers. “ is new In Anglo-American law there is Switzerland that will be needed to integrity of the state pension is to law allows each person to keep his or freedom of choice and the majority of comply with EU rules. use an increase in value-added tax. her name, or to change it.” European countries allow the use of SWISSINFO Interior Minister Alain Berset Far from nding this progressive, the double name. Indeed in Britain claimed, “ ere are no plans to lower many couples are trying to get there is not a law governing names. pension payments…” adding that married before the law changes. “I People are able to choose whatever Better conditions for “…reform is crucial for citizens to nd it absurd,” says Clea Bouchat they wish to be called. ey need to asylum seekers know that the state pension system Schumacher, a young lawyer and a register a name change by deed poll is solid.” newly-wed. “It’s one thing to be able to but that's the only limitation. Has A review into speeding up asylum e draft bill will not be debated both keep our names, but it’s another Switzerland taken a step backwards? procedures concluded that more until 2014, after which the constitu- to have a di erent one than our Not according to Antonio Hodgers, as space and coordination is needed. tional amendment will be voted on. children, as then we will have to the new law will still allow couples to “Accommodation was adequate” but If successful, reforms would only choose one for them!” choose to double their names separat- the National Commission for the come into force by 2020. e old age As a consequence of this legal ed by a hyphen in daily use. Prevention of Torture said it was “very pension scheme, funded jointly by change some couples have decided to Although Switzerland is far from concerned” about facilities at Geneva employers, employees and taxes, was move their wedding date, originally having its Brangelinas, it can still have airport where “conditions resembled a launched in 1948. Since then it has scheduled for 2013, to 2012. “We are its Eveline Widmer-Schlumpfs or prison”. undergone at least ten reforms. nding it hard to cope. It is very Micheline Calmy-Reys. ATS ATS important for a couple to have a
Be an air traffic controller and watch over safety distances. Apply now for training on www.skyguide.ch LE NEWS 27 DECEMBER 2012 7 Swiss Society Vote on street begging After the success of an initiative to stamp out street begging, Lausanne wants to define begging areas and help children return to school in their own country.
“Put an end to professional begging,” was the title of the people’s initiative submitted by the Liberal-Radical party this year. e text that Lausanne will vote on next week aims to ban professional begging. “Begging is a professional, organised activity. People position themselves in strate- gic locations and their occupation is to beg on behalf of a third party,” says Mathieu Blanc, president of the Initiative Committee. “We want to end th i s .” ere are about 50 beggars in Lausanne, according to the police. “ ey are not criminals and our duty is to nd a solution,” says Oscar Tosato, director of Social Cohesion Issues in Lausanne. His department launched a counter-project in June to tighten the rules governing begging: it is forbidden to beg with children, youngsters under 18 are to be o the streets and beggars must not ask for Children begging in the streets of Suisse romande are of Roma origin. FRANÇOIS STRUZIK money in areas such as near cash machines or post oces. " ey are suggest is a sustainable alternative. I have the nal word – next Friday. that was closed down earlier this year mostly from Romania and of Roma don’t think turning beggars into “Behind many of the beggars in the in Annemasse. origin. We want to nance projects for outlaws will solve anything.” region are Romanian trackers However, Geneva-based Mesem- their children in Romania, enrol them pulling strings,” says Christophe Suret rom, an organisation that defends in schools and help their families by “They are not all part of a of the Lausanne police. Roma rights, warns people not to providing micro-credits," adds the Families wanting to migrate often generalise: “Not all Roma people are socialist councillor. network” pay a third party and then nd linked to the ma a,” says Dina " e Roma’s poverty and the themselves tied with a rising debt. To Bazarbachi, its president. We know discrimination against them is For the Liberal-Radical party, the pay back what they owe, they send these people and we must not despise terrible. I cannot blame them for counter-project will not end the children to beg or steal, as was the them just because of what they are moving here," Tosato adds. “What we organised crime. e City Council will case with the Roma ma a network going through." thisweekin…
1624 Gaspard Bauhin, the Swiss botanist who invented the system to classify 1941 The Japanese attack Pearl Harbour. plants, dies. 1805 Napoleon is victorious at Austerlitz against the Austrian-Russian coalition. 1955 Rosa Louise McCauley Parks is arrested for civil disobedience when she refuses to give up her bus seat to a white passenger in Alabama. 1835 Mark Twain, American author and philosopher, is born. 1967 In South Africa, Professor Christiaan Barnard performs the first human heart transplant. 1874 Winston Churchill, British prime minister, statesman and Nobel prize 1970 Nina Ricci, the celebrated French designer, dies. winner, is born. 1900 Oscar Wilde, Irish author, playwright and wit, is born. 1975 Dahomey adopts the name République populaire du Bénin. 1931 Canada gains its legislative independence from the UK (Statute of 1988 Benazir Bhutto is named prime minister of Pakistan. Westminster). 8 27 DECEMBER 2012 LE NEWS Swiss Business & Economy
UBS lowers Swiss growth Swiss housing market back in “risk zone” forecast again to 0.9% after 20 years e country’s biggest bank has cut its growth forecast for next year from 1.4 to The UBS Swiss Real Estate Geneva, Lausanne and Zurich along hold mortgage debt is showing no 0.9 percent, citing a “gloomier” economic Bubble Index has entered the with low-tax locations like Zug and signs of abating” and the reversal of outlook. “risk zone” for the first time Davos remain at most risk from a that “could trigger a price correction”. Lowering its forecast to 1.1 percent for since 1991, putting pressure on residential property bubble as a drop e SNB imposed a ceiling of 2012 from its September estimate of 1.3 the Swiss National Bank (SNB) in vacancies is pushing rent levels CHF–1.20 to the euro in September percent, UBS now expects in ation in higher in these areas, UBS said. About 2011. is, combined with rate cuts by to take measures to halt the 50,000 people a year migrate to the European Central Bank, has 2013 to be 0.6 percent, half its previous country’s property boom. Switzerland, where unemployment is prevented Switzerland from tighten- estimate. lower and income higher than in most ing monetary policy to avert a proper- e UBS forecast is among the most he index rose to 1.02 points in of Europe. ty bubble. e SNB, which according pessimistic. e SNB, the State Secretari- the three months to September “Although population growth to the rules would have to request a at for Economic A airs, KOF, Credit T from 0.82 points in the continues to favour price increases, capital bu er for the government to Suisse and BAKBASEL all predict growth previous quarter, UBS said in a the high price level is increasingly act, won’t make such an application of 1.2 to 1.5 percent. statement. A reading above 1.0 dependent on demand for property as before next year, Central Bank indicates risk. SNB Vice Chairman an investment, and low interest rates,” president omas Jordan said in Jean-Pierre Danthine said last month UBS economists Matthias Holzhey August. Richemont sales growth that he was “uneasy” about the Swiss and Claudio Saputelli said. “ e slows to 7% property market. continued strong increase in house- Luxury goods group Richemont said sales growth slowed to seven percent in December from 12 percent in the rst half of the year due to a drop in revenue Swiss unemployment rose to 2.9% in December in its Asian markets. Unemployment increased for Meanwhile, a report by the Federal e situation only remains favour- Strong sales growth over the summer the first time in six months in Institute of Technology Zurich able in the construction and nancial and favourable exchange rates helped December, suggesting that (ETHZ) said Swiss companies were industries. However, insurance net pro t soar 52 percent to €1.08 billion, companies are cutting jobs to “more sceptical” about business companies are relatively optimistic the company said. Sales rose by 21 weather a deepening European developments for the coming six while the banking sector is “split” in months than they had been in July. its evaluation of the situation, KOF percent to €5.1 billion. economic slump. Richemont has named Cartier chief, e Swiss economy “continues to be said. Bernard Fornas, as CEO from next April, caught between positive domestic e outlook for the hotel and e jobless rate rose to 2.9 percent demand and the negative in uences catering industries remains poor, and to steer the company through a dip in from 2.8 percent in the previous of international developments”, the the industrial sector sees develop- the luxury goods market. month, the State Secretariat for Swiss Economic Institute (KOF) ment as “barely satisfactory”. e rate Economic A airs in Bern said. at’s concluded in a separate report in its of incoming orders for industrial French fashion house Lacoste the highest since March 2011 and the December business tendency survey. companies is “far more lethargic” bought by Maus Frères fourth consecutive monthly gain. e report is based on data received than last year. e economy is faltering as the euro from more than 6,500 companies. Maus Frères, the Swiss family-held area’s scal crisis and a fall in global group, has bought Lacoste in a deal growth erode export demand, forcing which values the sportswear rm at €1 companies to cut costs. UBS, Credit Key figures billion. Suisse, chemical company Lonza, and e acquisition, which follows a Gaba, the maker of Elmex toothpaste, Lacoste family feud, aims to ensure the are among several companies that 2.9% 4.5% have announced sweeping job cuts in longevity of the Lacoste brand. Current jobless rate The rate in January 2010 recent weeks. e number of job openings fell by 44 to 15,726 in December, the report showed. Some 178,532 people were 178,532 +3.1% looking for a job, 7,665 more than in People currently looking for a Employed foreigners in 2nd the previous month. job in Switzerland Qtr 2012
MONTHS OF ENGLISH OFFERED Until 31 August www.wallstreetenglish.ch *valable pour toute inscription à un cours standard 2012-2013 LE NEWS 27 DECEMBER 2012 9 Business Comment How coaching drives excellence
Superior people management needed was a sustainable competitive is increasingly being recog- edge. We couldn’t change our product nised as the way to deliver – what we needed to change was how competitive advantage, and we lead. You can be ecient with the way to make great processes, but not with people. People need to be ful lled.” businesses into brand leaders. Bannon headed up a major coach- New research at Toyota leads ing drive within the organisation after the way. he experienced the e ects rst hand through a course at the Centre for Harvard Business Review recently Coaching at the University of Cape reported on how corporate coaching Town’s Graduate School of Business contributed to Sears’ brand turna- (GSB). round; the International Personnel As Janine Everson, director of the Management Association has shown Centre for Coaching, explains, that coaching increased its internal “Success is only as sustainable as your productivity by 64 percent; and a sta satisfaction. ere’s a reason recent survey by Manchester Inc. of sports teams invest in the best coach- 100 top companies found that corpo- es. You can have a team of highly rate coaching provided an average skilled individuals but unless they’re nancial return of almost 600 percent aided in working together eciently and managing constructive con ict micro-manage sta . is had the on the original investment. and happily, they’re unlikely to win situations and e ectively dealing with knock-on e ect of decreasing absen- Coaching is increasingly important championships. e corporate world internal requests and external teeism and even had such practical in the executive’s arsenal as evidenced is no di erent: coaches take your delivery promises. What they soon applications as decreasing the in a recent Hay Group study that performance to the next level.” found, though, was that the bene ts lead-time in the service and parts found that up to 40 percent of Fortune “Ultimately, what we nd time and went far beyond these outcomes. departments. 500 companies utilise Executive time again is that it is this ‘soft-skill’ Employee satisfaction was markedly As Everson notes, “In our experi- Coaching as a standard tool for approach that is the key ingredient higher with a decrease in oce ence, employees tend to improve their leadership development. that turns good companies into great tension and a notably lowered con dence. At a professional level, we companies and great companies into incidence of con ict. ere was also typically see a culture of personal Power to transform brand leaders.” evidence of swifter, calmer resolution empowerment coming from engaged At the heart of coaching’s success is its of minor con icts and disagreements and motivated employees. Changing transformative power with people. Decide on goals through open dialogue, as opposed to the work culture may begin with the “We started searching for innovative Having a clear idea of the desired misunderstandings and increasing individual, but it ends with the team.” ways to improve productivity and sta outcomes is also essential to success. tensions resulting from unresolved satisfaction,” said Hylton Bannon, Toyota planned to accomplish a issues. then head of Toyota Tsusho Corpora- constructive utilisation of leadership Management reported that building tion in Johannesburg. “ e company conversations through the giving and an environment of personal empower- was already successful; what we receiving of feedback, understanding ment meant they no longer had to
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across the region LE NEWS 27 DECEMBER 2012 11 Money Matters
Foreign reserves Taxing times challenge wo things in life are certain: guidelines provide detailed informa- pension; contributions are listed on Swiss National Bank (SNB) Governing death and taxes. If you are tion on this and you really don’t need the salary certi cate) Board member Fritz Zurbrügg says T domiciled or resident in an accountant to judge what you can • Medical expenses (insurance managing the central bank’s foreign Switzerland you have to pay tax here, and cannot claim. premiums, out-of-pocket expenses) currency reserves of CHF 424.4 billion and every year your completed tax Taxable income is only arrived at • List of professional expenses ($448 billion) is a “major challenge”. return must be submitted. Tax laws after the authorised deductions have • Records of completion of “ e SNB takes care to ensure that and tax rates vary from canton to been made (see below). In addition, a continuing education its investments do not disrupt the canton. wealth tax (0.5 percent) is levied on • Receipts for donations to charities markets,” Zurbrügg said. “We are Married couples complete a joint the value of your assets (property, • For homeowners: property tax, aware that the huge amounts we have tax return – both spouses are required cash, shares etc.) less any debts and debt interest, renovation, work etc. under management could impact to sign it. Tax returns must be the admissible social deductions. signi cantly on market prices.” completed and sent to the authorities One of the best tips to facilitate e SNB, under the stewardship of in Vaud and Geneva within 30 days of preparing your Swiss tax return is to President omas Jordan, has been you receiving the forms from the tax gather together the following forced to pile up unprecedented oce. Applications to the cantonal documents throughout the year – Some deductables currency holdings to defend a franc tax authorities for an extension are well before you receive your tax ceiling of 1.20 per euro introduced last almost always granted. If you don’t return: Expenses incurred in earning income year. While reserves fell in December, respect the 30-day deadline expect a (production costs) they still amount to almost 70 percent reminder setting a new deadline. Do • Salary certi cate of the country’s gross domestic not wait until the last minute to send Bank statements from the bank or AVS, pension, health and life • insurance contributions, donations product. o your tax return – sending it in early the post oce e franc has weakened about 0.4 will make the nal assessment availa- Securities records to charities and interest payments • on private debts percent versus the euro over the past ble sooner and ensure more accurate • Payments into a third pillar 3a three months after the European tax rate calculations. pension fund (voluntary pension) Deductions for childcare outside the Central Bank pledged to buy govern- Check carefully to see what deduc- • Speci c payments into a second family and for dependants requiring ment bonds of distressed nations in tions you are eligible to claim – the pillar 2 pension fund (occupational support. tandem with the region’s rescue fund.
Middle class squeezed THE IMPOSSIBLE BECOMES Switzerland’s middle class has never enjoyed as much income POSSIBLE as it does today, but the richest CHF 26’590.– and poorest sections of the population have seen theirs increase more substantially, a study by Avenir Suisse said.
Sixty to 80 percent of the population While lower-income categories are considered middle class, and bene t from state intervention, much while they are not especially wealthy, of the middle class is not nancially they do not face major nancial better o . In families where both problems. A couple without children parents work, for example, fees for with a revenue of between CHF 67,000 crèches are means-tested. Once all and CHF 150,000 belongs to this costs including taxes are paid, up to category, as does a couple with 90 percent of the second family children and income of between CHF income is gone, encouraging many 94,000 and CHF 210,000. women to stay out of the job market Ë Over the past 20 years, real income and hindering upward mobility, for the Swiss middle class has Avenir Suisse said. CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY increased six to eight percent, more e think tank suggests replacing than in most other countries. For the means-tested social policies and û ë wealthiest, revenue growth has risen subsidies with a “user pays” system, in by up to 15 percent, while for lower order to ease the nancial burden on ë income households it is around ten the middle class. It rejects higher percent. As a result, large sections of taxes for the rich, however, saying the Le constructeur the middle class are “dissatis ed” with wealthy would leave Switzerland if the RoutCitroëne de Prilly • 1023 Crissier (Suisse) SA, Lausanne-Crissier branch à votre service Tél.: 021 631 91 91 their situation and fear slipping economic environment were no Routewww.citroen-lausanne.ch de Prilly – 1023 Crissier – Tél. 021 631 91 91 – www.citroen-lausanne.ch further behind. longer favourable. Yverdon - Garage Apollo-Rouge - Tél. 024 445 12 12 • Morges - Garage Central - Tél. 021 801 23 26 Servion - Garage de Servion - Tél. 021 903 24 58 12 27 DECEMBER 2012 LE NEWS Insight Will Obama’s second term resolve Swiss-US bank tensions?
The Swiss banking industry has political sectors clearly preferred the transfer of client names. been having a rough ride Romney, who apparently had Few however expect the otherwise recently in its dealings with the squirreled away millions of dollars in good relations between the two US and the EU. a UBS account which he closed in countries to change. On the night of 2007. Obama's re-election, Swiss Foreign Switzerland has sought to negotiate Minister Didier Burkhalter told Swiss fter failing to reach a tax a solution to the crisis in which 11 public radio RTS that Switzerland agreement with Germany in banks – including Credit Suisse and "will establish a solid relationship late November which would A Julius Bär – have been accused by US with the new [Obama] team”. have imposed a withholding tax on authorities of having helped Ameri- Speaking at an election night party accounts held by Germans in Swiss can clients evade taxes. According to for expats in Berne, US Ambassador banks, Berne now turns to resolving a US law passed in 2010, known as Donald Beyer said he is con dent an its long-standing banking dispute FACTA (Foreign Account Tax Compli- accord will be adopted. “ e next test with Washington. ance Act), Switzerland must turn over will be the tax accord between Berne e re-election of US President to Washington the names of and Washington and how the US Barack Obama on 6 November delinquent taxpayers and ne the Congress will vote”, he said. prompted mixed reactions in Switzer- banks involved. e concern of many others, includ- land where the banking dispute In its e ort to stem withdrawals by ing Martin Naville, director of the between Washington and Berne customers concerned about a widen- Swiss-American Chamber of looms as the single issue in bilateral ing hunt for tax dodgers, Berne has Commerce, is that “the bank issue relations for the near future. asked that the threat of prosecution must be tackled before it spills over to While the Swiss public may largely against the 11 banks be dropped in the rest of trade”. have favoured Barack Obama over exchange for the payment of nes and Mitt Romney, the banking and
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Switzerland should defend its Interview with Bastien Maupassant of Econometrica Suisse, banking sector from US pressure a Bern-based think tank.
We deplore the weakness of the Swiss became lazy and it noticed. Federal Council in the face of the resulted in this In Switzerland prepaid tax deposits “warlike attitude” of the United States madness. But we bring in CHF 700 million a year, a small and others on the banking crisis. When shouldn’t go to the percentage of tax revenue for the a government such as ours can turn opposite extreme country but it would not be a good idea over lists of holders of so-called fraudu- whereby opening an to eliminate it. Secondly, these people lent accounts to judicial authorities account in Switzerland consume a lot, which generates VAT on from other countries to protect the becomes so complicat- services, cars, housing etc. ose who interests of private companies, some of ed, di cult and even receive special tax treatment are often them foreign such as HSBC, it is indeed dangerous that it will well-educated and wealthy and it’s “serious”. “Discriminatory?” Yes, in the discourage everyone. estimated that their wealth through sense that our economic partners, the Especially as Swiss direct investment in Switzerland US and the EU put pressures on banking know-how has amounts to several billion francs a year. Switzerland that are not applied to Bastien Maupassant ourished for two I believe Switzerland has a nancial them. stash away money, even undeclared hundred years and developed future. ere is widespread agreement criminal money, very eectively by renowned expertise. that ultimately it is one of the most “Berne should become the completely avoiding Switzerland. Berne should become the leader in serious nancial markets in the world – leader in these negotiations England has approximately 300,000 these negotiations that it once was. certainly more honest than many people who are eligible for special tax Why not negotiate with our main others – with its banks properly and that it once was” treatment while in Switzerland we are competitors and try to agree on a securely funded. Even the loss of bank criticized for having 5,000. en there’s strategy, rather than allowing everyone secrecy does not worry me too much, e United States is creating huge the royal family of Qatar which is to beat up on Switzerland? I heard a precisely because of the greater problems for Switzerland by question- exempt from taxation on its invest- French parliamentarian say, “if we can problems in the world. Obviously I do ing bank secrecy, while anyone can ments in France. Obviously it’s bad that ’bend’ Switzerland, we can bend not rejoice. Switzerland is not a happy open a company in the state of we have dirty money in Switzerland others.” e Federal Council has given island in the middle of an ocean of Delaware without even mentioning the and we need to do more to clean up our up ghting the major issues that aect tears, but seriousness and professional- source of the money. Today one can act but this also applies to others. taxation or the protection of privacy ism will always be rewarded. Perhaps during the good times we and our neighbours have clearly 14 In Pro le Daniel Rossellat An interview with the Mayor of Nyon and President of the Paléo Festival. by Catherine Nelson-Pollard
aniel Rossellat, a well known name in Switzerland and D beyond its borders, gave this interview in late December 2012, the day before he was due to y out to Côte d’Ivoire. I asked him what he expected to nd there. “I’m going for the meeting of the Association of Francophone Mayors. Nyon is well known in the French-speaking world and has a good reputation due to its festivals. is association is an interesting platform for exchange and dialogue.” Turning to his role as President of Paléo I was interested to learn about his travels to hear new music. “In the last twelve months, I’ve been COURTESY DANIEL ROSSELLAT to Nashville to the Bonnaroo Festival, to the Montreal Jazz Festival and the will be to have kept the soul and the Quebec Summer Festival, as well as character of the town while creating visiting Lebanon, Jordan, Israel and infrastructure that meets the needs of Palestine to hear music for the Village the growing population. Combining Technology du Monde area of Paléo for 2012. is these two requirements is a constant autumn I went to Madagascar, challenge.” Mozambique and South Africa and Finally, to round o our conversa- Smart gets smarter tion I asked him how expatriates can soon I’ll be going to Zanzibar, to do No need to turn to your smartphone EPFL start-up company Lemoptix to get the most out of their time in Nyon. some research for the next festival.” to look at your diary, read a tweet or develop a high-de nition micro-pro- “Whether you are single, married, And what musical tastes does a squint at a map. All this information, jector that will t discreetly into an with or without children, try to join a president of a music festival have and much more, will soon be club such as a sports club: it’s a good himself? “When I was 15 or 16 I was displayed on the lenses of your way to meet locals. If you can’t do that, already listening to an eclectic mix of “augmented” glasses via a mini then keep things “local” as much as music, but I didn’t have an extensive projector embedded in the frames. you can, go to concerts or arts events knowledge. Over the years I have e applications envisioned for this in the area and eat in local restau- discovered a lot about classical music, eagerly awaited invention are numer- rants. If you are here for a xed time and I continue to listen to rock, folk, ous – support for the deaf and hard of then explore the area. When the time pop and world music. I’ve also got to hearing, games, GPS, teaching comes to leave you will do so having appreciate a lot of styles and some enhancement and a myriad other got to know a little bit about this part music fusions that are still not well types of augmented reality applica- of Switzerland.” known over here.” tions. In his role of Mayor of Nyon I asked A team at the Federal Institute of is is an extract of a longer interview him to outline his personal vision for Technology Lausanne (EPFL) had to arm of the glasses. e projector on www.livinginnyon.com Nyon in 10-20 years’ time. “ e ideal overcome a number of technological sends images and information to the challenges, the most formidable of specially treated glasses lens via which was to nd a way to allow users holography. e resulting hologram is to simultaneously see the information projected onto the lenses in such a displayed on the lenses as well as see way that the image is re ected in the through them. direction of the eye, while the lenses “ is technology has many advan- still appear transparent. e user can tages,” says Professor Christophe therefore still see normally through Moser. “It provides high-de nition, the glasses. precise images. And unlike other It will be between two and ve years models of the same kind, it conserves before the technology is perfected and the entire eld of vision and allows us the glasses are available in shops. So to use existing eyeglass designs.” keep an eye out! e team is working closely with ©2013 GOOGLE MAPS LE NEWS 27 DECEMBER 2012 15 Allons-y: Lifestyle: books
royalty and some of the world’s most Winter – it’s all about après ski fashionable women. To celebrate the brand’s fifteenth The skiing in Switzerland is pretty breath away. Indeed, every room anniversary, Jimmy Choo has much perfect, that’s a given. So your comes with an Alpine view. The produced a sumptuous limited- destination of choice should come outdoor thermal pool that seemingly edition coffee table book, Jimmy down to the quality of the après ski. laps onto the mountainside is the Choo XV by Tamara Mellon, which If partying is what you’re after, look perfect antidote to a day’s skiing or focuses on the 15 most iconic shoes no further than Verbier, a resort hard spa-ing. Dining at the Cambrian from the company’s past and reflects worshipped by the British. is to be charmed by an exceptional on what has made them so success- Boutiques, restaurants and nightlife fusion of traditional local recipes ful. have made the town one of Europe’s spiced up with subtle Asian ingredi- “Around the office, we refer to the most exciting and sought-after ents that are just in perfect harmony shoe styles as ‘she’, endowing them destinations. The Nevaï, a boutique with the surroundings. And that’s with a personality, life and story all of hotel in the centre of town, is one of not even to mention the stunning their own,” says Tamara Mellon, OBE its important trendsetters and a must breakfast. and Jimmy Choo founder. “Each of for any lover of elegance. Surround- the thousands of shoes that we have ed by über-luxurious décor, you can Both hotels are members of the created has its own story.” eat, drink and join with the in-crowd Design Hotels group and bookings Jimmy Choo XV The book contains stunning image- in style. Ideal for that special week- can be made through Jimmy Choo ry from leading fashion photogra- end. www.designhotels.com Published by Rizzoli, New York phers such as Mario Testino and Terry If your priority is more chill than 00 800 37 46 83 57 CHF 75.- Richardson, editorial from the thrill, The Cambrian is for you. world’s top fashion magazines, Entering this divine retreat in From the moment a pair of Jimmy paparazzi Adelboden is a lesson in measured Choos first stepped out on to the red shots from the red carpet and serenity. The iconic furniture and carpet, the luxurious footwear and original design studio sketches, all general design scheme that screams accessories brand has been favoured wrapped up in a deluxe snakeskin urban chic combine with a surround- by Hollywood stars, pop divas, presentation sleeve. ing mountain scape that takes your
“The delicate stitches of Christian Dior’s couture are reminiscent of ǾWe’re Vaudoise. a spider’s web, mirroring nature, and these photographs capture And our dream the silhouettes like flower buds came trueǿ about to bloom,” American artist Jeff Koons writes in the book’s foreword.
The delicate stitches of Chris- tian Dior’s couture are remi- niscent of a spider’s web, mirroring nature, and these photographs capture the silhouettes like flower Dior Couture buds about to bloom Patrick Demarchelier Published by Rizzoli, New York Demarchelier, who has shot editori- CHF 105.- als for the likes of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, captures more than Dior Couture, with stunning 100 gowns, suits and coats from the photography by Patrick entire span of Christian Dior haute Demarchelier, is a gorgeous couture through to recent creations Fix your rate 7 months You too, become Vaudoise must-have book chronicling the glory by Galliano. His images are as in advance, no extra fees Benefit from the advantage of having days of the Parisian fashion house a unique partner for your financing classically composed and true to the established by Christian effortless elegance that Dior strove and assurances. Our solutions adapt to your needs and enable you to Dior shortly after World War II. save on fiscality. Contact the agency close to where you are. so unerringly to achieve. Dior, one of the legendary Dior Couture, published by Rizzoli, couturiers, is famous for revolutionis- Wherever you are serves as testament to the label that ing the world of haute couture with rewrote the fashion rule book. the launch in 1947 of his first collec- tion of hour-glass silhouettes, christened the “New Look”. 16 27 DECEMBER 2012 LE NEWS Local Community Groups & Associations
Vevey Ski club Geneva Family Planning and Geneva ASK – All Special Kids Over 50 and still enjoy a hard day’s Sexual Health ASK is a new Geneva-based CLUBS AND GROUPS skiing? Our club offers older skiers The Geneva University Hospitals network for families with special the challenge of off-piste with the has a family planning centre that needs children. It provides Nyon CinéClub reliability of guides. Annual offers consultations and advice free information relating to special Offers a selection of great interna- membership of CHF 300 for 12 of charge (in French). English by needs issues through monthly tional films on Mondays at 20.00. weekends. Transport provided from appointment support meetings and thematic This not-for-profit club is open to Vevey, Lausanne and Montreux 47 Bd de la Cluse, 1205 Geneva workshops. The group focuses on suggestions for possible screenings Bernard Smythe Tel: +41 (0)22 372 5500 helping English speaking children. in its two theatres. Tel: +41 (0)21 087 5112 www.ask.ch
5 rue Neuve, CH-1260 Nyon Helpline Mental Health: La [email protected] main tendue Morges Women's Support HELP AND SUPPORT The Swiss equivalent of the Groups Lausanne Terriers FC Samaritans, providing help and Solidarité Femmes provides help A club for young soccer enthusiasts GROUPS support to those in need. Listeners and support for women and their (boys and girls). Started to provide are available 24/7 in English and children suffering from domestic talented players with a high level Geneva Alcoholics Anonymous now in Spanish and Portuguese. violence. It is opening a help centre of instruction in English to enable Meetings are now going to be held Tel: 143 in Morges in March and plans to them to play in good local teams or offer consultations in English. in English in the Geneva area. in college teams on their return to Tel (24/7): +41 (0)22 797 1010 There are also daily meetings held Helpline Parents' and their home countries . in a number of other languages: Children's Support Groups: SOS Tel: +41 (0)21 323 3343 French, German and Spanish. Enfants Blonay Play Team [email protected] AA Geneva has just launched an Available 24/7 for children and An informal group for lonely senior English-speaking contact and adolescents in need. citizens in the region. helpline for general information Lausanne Scots Kirk Business Tel: 147 or +41 (0)22 312 1112 www.blonaymates.ch Tel: +41 (0)22 328 9286 Network
This new group helps professionals keep up to date with current Geneva Narcotics Anonymous business practices and to expand (Narcotiques Anonymes) has an their networks. Meetings are held English-speaking meeting that in English on the third Thursday of takes place on Tuesdays from each month. 20:00 to 21:00 Tel: +41 (0)21 323 3343 Maison de L'Ancre, 34 rue de Lausanne, Geneva
Tel (24/7): 0840 12 1212 Cossonay Cricket Club Meets for practice every Thursday evening in the village. Matches Geneva HIV/Aids: Groupe SIDA played throughout the summer This group is one of the best Tel: +41 (0)21 334 5990 known providers of support and [email protected] advice to those whose lives are affected by HIV/AIDS. In French.
Starting in Lausanne in January Geneva Amateur Soccer Club every Thursday at 18.00, Fondation A multilingual club for people Top Women Roveriaz, av Roveriaz 21b, serious about playing good Lausanne. football. Three men’s teams and 17 rue Pierre-Fatio, 1204 Geneva two women’s Tel: +41 (0)22 700 1500 Kevin Montreux Tel: +41 (0)22 674 5230 Trousers Men membres@geneve_foot.ch Helpline Cancer Support The English Speaking Cancer
Association is a group offering Lausanne Le petit théâtre emotional support, practical help Amateur dramatics in French. Five and information to cancer patients, productions per year. New their families and carers in the members welcome. Seeking players Geneva and Vaud area. They also for Moby Dick in March 2013 hold information and discussion Place de la Cathédrale 12, 1005 evenings. Lausanne www.ESCA.ch Tel: +41 (0)21 087 5112 Tel: +41 (0)79 531 5511 Number 1 shop dedicated to clothes and [email protected] accessories as well as lifestyle products with unbeatable prices. Membership is free and without New Groups and Associations obligations to purchase. Any group that wishes to raise its profile is welcome to submit an entry for free to Le News on a first come first served basis. Only entries from charities and not for profit organisations will be accepted. www.fashionfriends.ch Entries must be no more than 50 words long and they must not fundraise, sell or promote events. Priority will be given to new organisations. LE NEWS 27 DECEMBER 2012 17 Travel Plugged in Romance and more in Verona
So dated!
he trick to having a great first think up a few conversation starters date is to work your hardest to before you even leave home. For T make it a success (while coolly interesting ideas, scan the local paper, making it look like you're not trying investigate reviews of the film or play too much). Yet no matter how magical that you are about to see; or bone up a first date may seem to an outsider, on trivia about your date's interests. for the couple involved every detail has likely been agonized over and COOL NOT CRAZY carefully planned. If you have a first date coming up, be sure to follow When you are looking fabulous, these tips to make it so fantastic that having fun and spouting out you'll be begged for a second! witticisms left and right, the chances are good that your date will be LUIGI STRANO impressed. It is easy to get carried DRESS TO KILL away on this high, so don’t get he Italian city of Verona is sculpture on Piazza Bra. Visit the Dressing for a first date must meet a burned, be cool not crazy. It is entirely famous for being the inspira- Mercatino di Natale – Christmas variety of criteria including looking OK not to do anything you are uncom- T tion behind William Shake- market – in the heart of the medieval good, communicating who you are fortable with or feel that you might speare’s star-crossed lovers, Romeo city to sample local wines and and being comfortable. A first date is regret in the morning. So avoid: and Juliet. But there is so much more traditional Veronese delicacies such not the time to try out a new “look”. showing off too loudly; gossiping to this fabled city of romance than the as savoury sausages and mountain Remember that your date wants to be about friends or foes; or thoughtlessly Bard’s tragic tale of thwarted love and cheese. with the “you” that s/he has come to violating your own rules on things like revenge. Verona, a UNESCO heritage Verona has a number of gourmet know. Also, know what your plans are drinking, smoking and sex. site in the northern region of Veneto, and ne dining establishments, such so that you don't show up dressed for When you’re on a first date, you o ers a rich palette of attractions as the Michelin-starred Il Desco. La clubbing if you are going bowling. want it to work and that will happen if from opera to architecture and art, Fontania, another Michelin-starred Speaking of plans, do plan for your you show that you have the and is a paradise for gourmands as option, is just around the corner from first date so that you don't waste time confidence to do only what you are well as those who like their travels the arena. is 200-year-old osteria wondering where you should go and comfortable doing. Be yourself and steeped in history. specialises in traditional fare with a what you should do (a sure-fire recipe have fun. If you can manage both of Enjoy the winter theatre season at modern twist. Al Pompiere near the for ruin). Many successful first dates these, then undoubtedly you will be the Teatro Dante and Il Grande Casa di Giulietta is known for its include fun activities where you can well on your way to the end of first Teatro. Check out Sunday matinee specialty meats and regional cuisine. both talk and talk (and talk). dates and the start of a real relation- performances during the internation- Lovers of Italian fashion houses will Sometimes when all you desperately ship. al classical and contemporary music not be disappointed. Luxurious want to do is be funny and smart, you festival at Sala Ma eina del Teatro clothing and accessories boutiques, get tongue-tied. Easily solved! Just Filarmonico. For dance, live shows including Gucci, Roberto Cavalli and and classical music concerts, try the Fiorucci, line Verona’s most fashion- newly renovated Teatro Ristori. able shopping streets, the pedestri- Verona also o ers year-round jazz an-only Via Mazzini and Via Cappello. concerts and ballet at the Roman For vintage buys, try Cecile on Via COOL IN SITES eatre and Shakespearean plays in Salvatore Corte Reggia 9 and Corso Italian at other venues. Sant’ Anastasia for antique shops. THEUSELESSWEB.COM CAMCORDERINFO.COM At Christmas, craftsmen from all For a romantic splash out, stay at Presented with a big “TAKE ME TO If you fancy yourself as a bit of an over the world decorate Verona's the luxury boutique hotel, Il Sogno di ANOTHER USELESS WEBSITE PLEASE” independent film-maker then you are ancient open-air amphitheatre with Giulietta, which is conveniently button, this website is all you need to going to need some decent kit to play intricate re-creations of the nativity located inside the courtyard of the spend hours doing absolutely nothing, with, and www.camcorderinfo.com scene. e exhibition includes the palace where lovers come to marvel at with a few laughs now and then. provides all the information you need. gigantic illuminated Star Comet Juliet's mythical balcony. 18 27 DECEMBER 2012 LE NEWS Classi ed & Local Ads LE LAW Montreux Xmas market. eligible men. Please Tel. 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Dear Editor, Dear Editor, FR I am writing on behalf of Action Rail, a I wonder if readers realise that housing Assister /a.sis.te/ voluntary organisation based in Montreux developers are sitting on land that already EN Assist /əˈsɪst/ that lobbies for better rail services. has planning permission and waiting for Assister à means to attend something: J'ai assisté à la conférence - I We have recently become aware of approval on more profitable greenfield sites, problems on the Lausanne to Montreux line instead. attended (went to) the conference. and other local rail services caused by New research published by the Centrale To assist means to help or aid someone or something: I assisted the extensive cancellations, leading to gaps in des autorisations de construire (CAC) in woman into the building - J'ai aidé la dame à entrer dans l'immeuble. the timetable. CFF has advised that these Canton Vaud reveals that more than half of have been due to “staff shortages”. 1,200 new homes which have already Our group considers these to be received planning permission are being FR Sensible /sɑ.sibl/ unacceptable, given that passengers are shelved and have not actually been built paying hundreds of francs a year for the yet! (18 November 2012). The housing EN Sensible /ˈsensəbl/ services of the company – which also planning application for 109 dwellings on Sensible in French means sensitive, as in He’s a sensitive soul. receives significant support from the the old factory site in Renens is a case in Sensible in English would be translated as raisonnable: Be sensible! Sois Department for Transport. point. There should be sufficient staff to enable The chairman, Michel Sapperelli, said: raisonnable! the timetable to run as advertised. “We need to reform the planning system as We would like to compile a “dossier”, it is clear that unlocking demand caused by which will be sent to CFF’s Chief Executive greedy speculation, not increasing housing and to the State Transport authority supply, is the fastest way to solve the outlining the company’s poor performance, shortage in the housing market today.” and detailing the problems that are being Why concrete over our valuable green experienced by passengers on a personal fields, when we do not have to? What has Recipe level (for example lateness at work). happened to common sense? To assist us with this, we would like to – Laurent Braun hear from Le News readers who use the Geneva to Montreux line regularly and have Dear Editor, been delayed. Their stories about the Your article last week about the delay to knock-on effects would be very helpful. the launch of the XR37 tablet was in fact If your readers can help us in this project wrong. Wazoo does not purposely hold please can they contact us by emailing back stock to artificially create demand and [email protected] “hype” as described by your reporter. We – Lars Nielsen, Action Rail are first and foremost a customer-focused organisation. – Wolfgang Meier, Wazoo Suisse SA
eLeCtRosAnne oPeninG PARtY JeUDi 6 sePteMBRe 2012 - MADCLUB 23 h00 – 05 h00
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BURAkA soM sis teMA ni Gh t enChUf ADA - Pt - Live Rösti for the ravenous Y
B Rösti is a traditional Swiss dish – very like the hash browns that are popular in North America. It can be bought in packets in just about any grocer in Switzerland, but home-made is truly delicious.
Ingredients Heat a non-stick frying pan, add the • 2 large potatoes (Maris pipers are lard and when the fat is at a hot ideal) frying temperature, add the potato • 20g lard (cooking fat to fry in) to form a big omelette. Be careful • Seasoning to taste not to put in too much potato: it must not be too thick or it will not Method cook properly and may become a bit Ros Ann e Peel and cut the potatoes in half. stodgy. Cook until a golden brown t Boil fast for five minutes, cool in cold (8 - 10 minutes). Turn the rösti over water for a minute and then drain. and cook the other side. Leave to one side for five minutes to Buraka som sistema continue cooling to make them Serving tips easier to handle. Grate the potatoes Rösti can be kept warm for about MAD CLUB eLe C with an ordinary coarse grater and half an hour, but it becomes quite RoUte De Genève 23 season with a little salt and pepper. sticky in the middle and the edges 1002 LAUsAnne www.MADCLUB.Ch One can also add ½ a fried onion to dry out into a crust if left too long. the grated potato mixture. Infos : www.eLeCtRosAnne.Ch Tickets : www.stA RtiCket.Ch For easy metric conversions visit our website www.lenews.ch 20 27 DECEMBER 2012 LE NEWS Puzzles QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS alcohol (4,9) 1 Poker-faced (7) 4 Wrestling hold (6) 8 Inspire with love (7) 5 Team game involving a paper 9 Army officer (7) chase (4,3,6) 10 Frankenstein author (7) 6 Hat (for cricketer?) (6) 11 Eager (anag) (5) 7 Entreated (6) 13 Name of St Petersburg from 1924 12 Hindu spiritual teacher (4) to 1991 (9) 14 Declare solemnly to be true (4) 15 Tolerate, endure (3,2,4) 15 Buff up – foreign language (6) 16 Part of the body between the head and abdomen (6) LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION 17 Denied (anag) (6) 18 Unconventional (5) 19 Put forward for discussion (5) 20 Standing (5) 21 Large cat (7) 22 Elevate to the aristocracy (7) 23 Take aback (7) 24 Comedown (of ancestry?) (7)
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Free online estimates LE NEWS 27 DECEMBER 2012 21 Regional Events
Adapting Your CV to the Puppet Show: C’est quoi ça? Pub Crawl in Nyon Sinbad the Sailor Pantomime The IWCN (International Swiss Job Market: Viva Un ornithorynque – Fun for the Family Women’s Club of Nyon) Big Coaching & Consulting 30 January Charity Bazaar Workshop Sunday 18 February 11.00 and Friday 23, Saturday 24, 15.00 If you are new to the area and Sunday 25 January Saturday 24 January Thursday 8 March 2013 would like to let the club know from 10.00 to 16.00 Thursday 15 March 2013 Ideal for ages 4 and over. you will be going, so you can It’s the end of the pantomime from 19.00 to 21.00 meet and chat to a friendly face, season (oh yes it is!) for the This bi-annual event is a great Location then send an email to Geneva Amateur Operatic opportunity for expats to meet A two part career workshop Théâtre de marionnettes de prangins.international.club@ Society’s production of Sinbad over a bite to eat at the bistro, hosted in Geneva guiding Lausanne gmail.com. the Sailor. and to buy second hand English delegates through the steps to Suitable for children of all ages. books, toys, home-made jams, create an impressive CV to meet Price Programme gifts and presents etc. There’s a Swiss standards and open the CHF 12.- 18.30 Cactus Jack Location tombola too with lots of prizes. door to career opportunities. 21.00 Bar de la Gare Aula du College de Saussure, Contact 21.30 Les Brasseurs Petit Lancy, Geneva Location Location 021 343 4355 22.00 Le Cesar Salle Communale, Nyon Geneva ww.theatremarionettes.ch 22.30 Braxton’s Price 21.00 Le Grand Café Tickets starting at CHF 30.- Price 21.30 Quai 23 on www.theatreinenglish.ch CHF 95.- 22.00 Fisherman’s Pub.
Contact 076 559 6711 www.vivacoaching.ch
FILM REVIEWS 2012 ARGO Action drama, R Certificate 2012 DR SEUSS' THE LORAX Ben Affleck’s certainty of touch in Animation, U Certificate Argo is astonishing, in that it harks back to a bygone age – yes, the glorious seventies – when storytellers Voices by Zac Efron, Ed Helms, Taylor were all powerful in the industry, Swift, Danny DeVito, Betty White. before films had to have numbers on the end of them, preferably not the The Lorax is one of the better Seuss number one, to secure any kind of adaptations, as brightly coloured, light distribution deal. producer scouting for locations in the and fluffy as candy floss, filled with As well as directing himself and Middle East. As if... but it really cute creatures, songs and even an co-stars John Goodman, Bryan happened. The race to get them safely environmental message. Cranston and Tate Donovan, Affleck is beyond the reaches of their Iranian Ted lives in Thneedville, a walled central to the screen action in this scouts is properly tense, and I learned town where everything is plastic and so-bizarre-it's-actually-true tale. He more about the recent political history used to be, angering a little orange man-made, to the point where plays Tony Mendez, a CIA agent of Iran in the first five minutes than in fuzzy guy called The Lorax who spoke residents have to buy their fresh air charged with bringing home safely six 20 years of watching the news. for the trees and animals and tried to from local business bigwig O’Hare. But Americans trapped in Iran, immediate- If Argo’s success once again proves save them. Ted is in love with neighbour Audrey ly after the revolution of 1979. As well there is a market for movies without Adults will probably find the songs a who dreams of seeing a real tree, so as the hostages everyone knew about accompanying computer wizardry, bit twee, but kids will love the look of he decides to travel outside Thneed- trapped in the US Embassy, there were and encourages more films not this movie (the trees look like big fuzzy ville to the wasteland beyond that’s six officials who got out of the franchises to fill the screen, then Ben lollipops), the humour (the little wood- the home of the Once-ler, the one building but were left cowering under Affleck can only be congratulated on land critters are a lot like the minions creature who can tell Ted what the brave protection of the Canadian an extremely impressive creative from Despicable Me in terms of comic happened to the trees and how to Ambassador. achievement, never mind the era. relief) and the sheer glossiness of it all. bring them back. The Once-ler tells How the CIA got them out is the Ted of a man who began cutting stuff of dramatic adventure, with down the candy-coloured forest that On DVD and Blu-Ray 12 January Mendez masquerading as a film In cinemas from 4 January 22 27 DECEMBER 2012 LE NEWS TV/Radio Reviews
ENTER TAINMENT FRIDAY, 21.00 ESPACE 2 FRIDAY, 21.30
Why Poverty? Stealing Africa Espace JazzZ with François Lindemann & Friends
Zambia has huge copper reserves that ties giant Glencore is paying tax in Public concert from Studio 15 at Radio Télévision Suisse in Lausanne. Renowned jazz are making commodities companies like Switzerland rather than in Africa, where pianist, François Lindemann playing with trumpeter, Jimmy Ferris and Malian Glencore rich, yet Zambia itself is one of the copper mines that generate the saxophonist Fort Fortuna, for the first time in 5 years. Expect cool trad jazz spiced with the world’s poorest countries. Why is the company's wealth are located. As a west African notes. money – mainly in the form of tax result, the Swiss village of Ruschlikon has revenue – bypassing Zambia and more money than it needs, while in heading straight into the coffers of Zambia, 60 percent of the population cantons in Switzerland? lives on less than $1 a day and 80 DEU X SATURDAY, 22.30 This week the Why Poverty? team ably percent are unemployed. led by Christoffer Guldbrandsen investigates how the CEO of commodi-
SUNDAY, 20.30 The Dark Ages: An Age of Light
Waldemar Januszczak (photo) lurks in the androgynous young man to why we can recesses of Roman catacombs, jabbing refer to Xmas and not be blasphemous. Doomsday Preppers: Armageddon Addicts? excitedly at cryptic symbols. He’s a man At times dogmatic – “Art never lies!” – on a mission. He wants to rehabilitate at times chummy – “The mosaic-lovers People who prepare for the worst are just In reality, it was about extreme hobby- the reputation of art during the Dark among you…” – Januszczak is never looking for a purpose, says Jack Seale in ists. Mike, a former soldier, feared Ages. anything less than illuminating, and his his weekly TV review adverse weather having been deeply He starts with early Christian art, and sure-footed direction perfectly matches People need hobbies. Men need affected by Hurricane Katrina. "They highlights a fascinating array of subjects, the subject matter, with a pleasing mix of hobbies. Lonely men need hobbies. expected somebody to come and save from why the first representations of light and shade. Preppers USA: Surviving Armageddon them," he said, choking up, "and nobody Jesus were of a blond, fresh-faced, was ostensibly about "preppers": did." Mike lives in England, a country crackpots who think law and order are that’s not vulnerable to 100mph tropical about to be splintered by war, rioting or storms nor does it lie below sea-level natural disaster, so they've dedicated protected against the sea flooding by UN MONDAY, 18.15 their lives to anticipating catastrophe. dykes.
L' épicerie fine de Guy Martin
Ten chefs enter the kitchen, where among this week’s invention test dishes. Monica Galetti and Guy Martin challenge Monica Galetti greets one pudding with them to make a dish using ingredients a lot of head nodding and mmmm-ing from a selection of beef mince, wild followed by “This tastes wonderful. I’d mushrooms, an aubergine, red wine, love Michel to try this!” while another pears, brioche and almonds. They each excites guest Bertrand Reymond so much have just one hour to hold their nerve he announces he doesn’t just want to and show their creativity to the judges. eat it, he wants to bathe in it. Thankfully There are some real highs and lows he doesn’t do any such thing. LE NEWS 27 DECEMBER 2012 23 TV/Radio Reviews
DEU X TUESDAY, 19.45 WEDNESDAY, 22.30
Falcón Worthing Smyth Plus
Falcón is a moodily melodramatic Emilia Fox and Kerry Fox (no relation) and How much more of this self-assured His clearly uncomfortable trip into the adaptation of Robert Wilson’s thriller. It Bernard Hill are the least likely Spaniards vapid commentary can even vaguely wilds of rural New Jersey to meet with a casts stubbly Marton Csokas as Spanish you’ll ever see. Its a reliance on the informed people watch. Worthing is, as group of soon-to-be dispossessed detective Javier Falcón, a troubled guy twisted, sadistic violence (sliced eyelid, usual, surrounded by his sycophantic farmers who are being foreclosed on by who never sleeps. He stalks the streets at anyone?) has become a modern crime gang of hopelessly unqualified, over local banks is no more than by rote night and is, of course, irresistible to cliché. coiffured and super waxed side kicking programming – an increasing trend at women. What’s his secret? Possibly that Throw in some grisly bullfighting yes people. With all the sincerity of a CNN. The only redeeming feature of this he’s forever necking a bottle of agua sin scenes (we are in Spain, after all) and game show host, billionaire’s progeny apologist fest was watching Smyth try to gas. Falcón feels like a gratuitous Smyth examines how poverty could be appear unconcerned for his patent shoes But while it’s high on atmosphere and stomach-turner, an exercise in style over eliminated if only the rich were more as he picked his way through the Seville looks a treat, the two-part Falcón substance. socially aware and responsible. farmyard. story falls foul of some bizarre casting –
ON DISPLAY MUSEUMS Jewels from the Silk Road Baur Foundation – This private collection China to the Caucasus” features some 200 presents 9,000 exquisite works of art acquired pieces from the Ghysels Collection. The What if it wasn’t by Swiss collector Alfred Baur (1865-1951). exhibition leads the visitor on a journey from Housed in an elegant late 19th-century China to the Caucasus, via Mongolia, Tibet, townhouse, the permanent exhibition includes Nepal, Northern India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, just the beef Chinese imperial ceramics, jade and snuff and Central Asia. These pieces of exceptional bottles from the 10th to the 19th centuries as quality reveal peoples, civilisations, and cultures well as Japanese prints. The biggest collection from now vanished worlds. that burned ? of Far Eastern Art open to the public in Switzerland, the Baur is currently staging a Exhibition runs until March 2013. temporary exhibition of precious jewellery from Open Tues-Sun 14:00-18:00 the Silk Road. 8 rue Munier-Romilly, 1206 Geneva “Jewellery from the Roof of the World – From www.collections-baur.ch
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Torc, bracelets and rings from Pakistan. Silver, glass and vermillion 24 27 DECEMBER 2012 LE NEWS Weather
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