World Habitat Day The United Nations’ (UN) World Habitat Day is annually celebrated on the first Monday of October to reflect on the state of human settlements and people’s right to sufficient shelter. It also aims to remind people that they are responsible for the habitat of future next generations. With the human population of the world growing at ever increasing rates and space at a premium, the United Nations created Habitat Day to promote awareness of the importance of ensuring that … [Read more...]
Teaching Manners to Your Kids, 15 Blogs to Help!
September 23, 2013 by
A few decades ago, children were expected to be seen and not heard. They were taught to be polite and always exhibit good manners. As the years have passed, however, it seems these values have become less important. Are these ideas old fashioned now? Not according to these 15 blogs. Using proper manners is a sign of respect, and a way for children to show that they care about other people’s feelings. Kids aren’t born knowing good manners, though. They have to be taught them, usually from a … [Read more...]
Lorre White, ‘China, Shopping is a Man’s World’
September 20, 2013 by
Women have traditionally been known as the big shoppers in luxury retail. But China is no traditional market. Men account for about 55 percent of China’s luxury goods market, much higher than the 40 percent global average, according to research firm CLSA. Furthermore, Chinese men are not only outspending Chinese women on luxury goods — 7 billion yuan ($1.1 billion) in 2010 versus 2.8 billion yuan according to Bain — they outspend them in many categories, reports China … [Read more...]
UNCONSCIOUS NO MORE – September 28
September 18, 2013 by
UNCONSCIOUS NO MORE The Convergence of Indigenous and Jungian Perspectives When: September 28th, 2013 from 1:00 – 5:00 pm Where: The Peace Lounge (7th Floor) of OISE, Cost: $65 (Tickets can be purchased Eventbrite.) This event is part of an ongoing dialogue series entitled, "Unconscious No More" that explores transformative paradigms that are emerging (and re-emerging) in human consciousness to create more life-affirming realities for the planet. This event follows a similar … [Read more...]
Thailand to Scrap Luxury-Goods Tax to Lure China Travelers
September 17, 2013 by
Thailand to Scrap Luxury-Goods Tax to Lure China Travelers Thailand’s government said it will scrap import duties on luxury watches, clothes and cosmetics to help the country compete with Hong Kong and Singapore for wealthy travelers from markets including China. The duty on some luxury goods will be cut to zero from 30 percent by the end of the year, Permanent Secretary for Finance Areepong Bhoocha-Oom told reporters in Chonburi province. Thailand’s SET Index jumped 3.6 percent, as Minor … [Read more...]
Syria: A brighter tomorrow -Take Action!
September 17, 2013 by
Syrian children may feel little hope today, but this week we have a powerful chance to help save their future. A staggering 6 million Syrians have fled the fighting, many of them children. In many wars, they become a 'lost generation' that knows guns more than books, and never get a chance to build a better life. But this time, there's an exciting plan to change that. Inspiring 16-year old campaigner Malala Yousafzai and UN Education Envoy Gordon Brown are teaming up with our community to … [Read more...]
Children are Children – STOP this madness, Syria – Take Action!
September 14, 2013 by
First Syrian Refugees Land in Germany 'Is Hanover Near the Sea?' Some are injured, some are traumatized, but all have been forced to flee. A million Syrians have left their country because of the civil war. Germany has agreed to offer temporary asylum to 5,000, and the first refugees took off for Hanover on Wednesday. Departing from Beirut: Some 107 refugees from Syria flew from Lebanon to Germany on Wednesday. Sisters Noura and Nada lost most of their family in a rocket attack. Their … [Read more...]
SYRIA: A DISASTER FOR WOMEN
September 14, 2013 by
PETER BIRO/INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE Syria: It's a problem, a political conundrum—and a disaster for women and children, who make up the bulk of the 2 million people who have fled the country. Even when they arrive in camps in neighboring countries, female refugees find little security; instead they're often subjected to rape and sexual harassment. Shelter, water, medical care—all are in short supply in the camps. Fortunately, many international nonprofits are helping bridge that gap. … [Read more...]
Can Luxury be found in Virginia Beach?, Lorre White
September 14, 2013 by
Can Luxury be found in Virginia Beach? It had been a long time since life had called me back to the shores of Virginia with its wide soft sandy beaches and it's shallow gentile shores great for wave jumping. Virginia is a beautiful state and it's coastal region is magnificent. Each destination must be judged individually for its unique personality. Often business, family, or events cause us to travel to destinations for other reasons than a luxury quest. Mine did, so here is some notes … [Read more...]
Can diplomacy work with Syria?
September 12, 2013 by
International responses to the apparent use of chemical weapons in Syria continue to evolve rapidly. US plans for military intervention are on hold for now as various parties consider a Russian-led proposal-below to place Syria's chemical arsenal under international supervision. My team of Middle East, US and Russia analysts has been covering the Syrian crisis extensively, and we caution that while any non-military route is to be welcomed in principle - given the grave implications of … [Read more...]
IRAN Surprises Herself and the World, Brookings Essay
September 12, 2013 by
Suzanne Maloney is an expert on Iranian politics, energy and economic reform in the Middle East, and U.S. policy toward the region. Prior to her position as a senior fellow with the Saban Center for Middle East Policy at Brookings, she was a member of the State Department’s policy planning staff; a Middle East advisor at ExxonMobil Corporation; and director of a Council on Foreign Relations task force on America’s Iran policy. Author of Iran’s Long Reach and contributor to such works as Which … [Read more...]
How to Communicate with Your Child’s Teacher
September 11, 2013 by
With school having just started, you can expect that there’s going to be a certain amount of chaos going on, from getting school supplies to enrolling in extracurricular activities to dealing with your child’s emotions about returning to school. Another hurdle that many parents face is worrying about their child’s new teacher. To a certain degree, your child’s success in the school year will be dependent on the relationship you as a parent have with her teacher. Here are a few tips … [Read more...]
Swiss Accounts No Longer Safe for Tax Dodge
September 10, 2013 by
Secret Swiss Accounts Said No Longer Safe for Tax Dodging Fourteen firms, including Credit Suisse Group AG, the second-largest Swiss bank; HSBC Holdings Plc, the largest European bank; and Julius Baer Group Ltd., Switzerland’s third- largest wealth manager, are under criminal investigation. On Aug. 29, the U.S. announced a program for other Swiss banks to avoid charges. Taxpayers who still believe they can hide secret Swiss bank accounts from the Internal Revenue Service are “beyond … [Read more...]
