Source: www.private-eye.co.uk
Wednesday 31 January 2007
Monday 29 January 2007
Sunday 28 January 2007
Banana Republic coming to this side of the pond
The struggling GAP is going to bring their Banana Republic brand to U.K. First store is gonna open next year on London's Regent's street. I say good luck to them! Unless they change their style,and colours for the fashion conscious London, they risk failing. Only time will tell. I will definitely be paying the store a visit! (they will be competing against the Swedish H&M's upmarket COS brand).
Related news link:
http://www.marketingweek.co.uk/item/54837/254/260/3
Old Gap's posts:
http://pmzara.blogspot.com/2007/01/article-on-gaps-problems-gap-in-fashion.html
http://pmzara.blogspot.com/2007/01/gap-kaputt.html
Thursday 25 January 2007
Overcrowded prisons
Update from Britain: Our Home Secretary's brain is missing and oh we only have space for 50 inmates in our prisons. Or in other words, we have some problems...
Tuesday 23 January 2007
Monday 22 January 2007
Threat to New York as centre of finance
FINANCIAL NEWS
New York is facing a threat to its position as the world’s leading financial centre, according to a report commissioned by Michael Bloomberg, the city’s mayor, and New York Senator Chuck Schumer.If current trends continue, New York could lose up to 7% of its market share, equivalent to 60,000 jobs, over the next five years. But much of that loss would be prevented if the US implemented legal and regulatory reforms, says the report by McKinsey, the consultancy.The report, to be published on Monday, says New York has also been losing out in areas such as derivatives, where Wall Street chief executives say they have been shifting business to London because of its more attractive legal and regulatory environment.
I always feel very proud when London does better than any other city in the world. Way to go!
New York is facing a threat to its position as the world’s leading financial centre, according to a report commissioned by Michael Bloomberg, the city’s mayor, and New York Senator Chuck Schumer.If current trends continue, New York could lose up to 7% of its market share, equivalent to 60,000 jobs, over the next five years. But much of that loss would be prevented if the US implemented legal and regulatory reforms, says the report by McKinsey, the consultancy.The report, to be published on Monday, says New York has also been losing out in areas such as derivatives, where Wall Street chief executives say they have been shifting business to London because of its more attractive legal and regulatory environment.
source: www.e-financialnews.com
I always feel very proud when London does better than any other city in the world. Way to go!
Sunday 21 January 2007
Cricket
Q: What is the difference between an English Test Cricketer and a smoker?
A: A smoker would never throw away his last match.
source: www.thespoof.com
A: A smoker would never throw away his last match.
source: www.thespoof.com
Hillary Clinton Vs Barack Obama
I believe this is going to be an interesting race to watch. I know there are the other candidates but personally I think the race is going to be narrowed down to these 2. Hillary has a lot going for her except for one thing that is that she supported the war in Iraq. A lot of die hard Democrats are against the war in Iraq so she has a lot of explaining to do. To be honest with you, I am also interested in hearing her reasons. Barack, on the other hand, is fairly new. He didn't vote for or against the war in Iraq because at that time he wasn't even in the Senate! He is very popular and likable. But I believe, Hillary has the money, and like it or not, it comes down to who can raise the funds.
Personally I think it should be Hillary who should get the Democratic endorsement. Why? Because at this time USA's profile and image is in tatters thanks to W. I believe, they need someone strong, experienced and charming. Hillary is all 3. Barack is an unknown figure on the international stage. He needs more experience. His time will come! Anyway, this is my opinion. Lets see what happens.
Saturday 20 January 2007
Hillary Clinton joins 2008 race
So it's confirmed. It was one of the worst kept secrets. I can't say what type of president she will be but I can say for sure that she is going to be better than W. Anyway, I really admire Hillary. I think she is a legend. If I could vote in American elections, I would vote for her. I find her strong, independent, smart and over all very likable. I would love to meet her one day.
The other contender Barack Obama may give her the run for her money. He seems rather charming and very popular. Young as well. I don't know him (as if I know Hilary!) but he gives a very good impression,so crowds are definitely gonna like him.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/6283165.stm
Friday 19 January 2007
Beckham moves to L.A
He will be making a lot of money there but not as much as reported in the media (apparently):http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/grant_wahl/01/17/beckham.qa/index.html
Thursday 18 January 2007
Return of the bird flu?
2 weeks ago I read that because of the current state of weather, we might see the return of bird flu. My advice would be to do what Boris says above. Watch out!Tuesday 16 January 2007
Monday 15 January 2007
Missing trousers!
Elin Kling - a fashion advisor from Stockholm :-) - to me it looks like she forgot her trousers at home!
Saturday 13 January 2007
Friday 12 January 2007
SWEDISH FRUIT COMPOTE
Another good recipe...try it!
http://www.recipesource.com/ethnic/europe/swedish/00/rec0003.html
Tuesday 9 January 2007
Hot and sour soup
One day I will be able to make this soup too! I love it. The best one ever is from China Town (a Chinese take away) in Windsor.
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/hot-and-sour-chicken-soup/detail.aspx
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/hot-and-sour-chicken-soup/detail.aspx
Iphone
This is going to be good. I like my gadgets :-)Source:http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/09/the-apple-iphone/
There is a sales gap at GAP
While I was reading the FT today (Financial Times), I noticed this article about the possible sale of Gap (the US clothing store). I am not going to put the link to that FT article here because it isn't available without subscription. I might scan it and put it here. I have found a free link from The San Francisco Chronicle though (at the end).
Anyway, back to the news. I am not at all surprised by this possible sale. I used to love GAP. It was sexy, colourful and nice. For the past 3 years (the last thing I bought from Gap was in 2004), I have not been impressed with the quality at all. It feels like that they try and get the big stars as the faces of their campaigns but they forget that it's not Sarah Jessica Parker or Seal that customers are going to buy. It’s the clothes! The clothes are appalling. The colours are awful. There is beige, there is very very light pink and there is more beige, more light pink, maybe a disgusting brown shade...but there is no variety. They have tops for girls. A small top that looks so well out of proportion. The jackets that just look so old fashioned. What happened? I know a lot of other people who have stopped shopping there.
The prices as well are just ridiculous. Why would I spend £25 pounds on a tank top when I can get something much better, sexier and cheaper from a more trendy shop say for example Zara or Promod?
Anyway, back to the news. I am not at all surprised by this possible sale. I used to love GAP. It was sexy, colourful and nice. For the past 3 years (the last thing I bought from Gap was in 2004), I have not been impressed with the quality at all. It feels like that they try and get the big stars as the faces of their campaigns but they forget that it's not Sarah Jessica Parker or Seal that customers are going to buy. It’s the clothes! The clothes are appalling. The colours are awful. There is beige, there is very very light pink and there is more beige, more light pink, maybe a disgusting brown shade...but there is no variety. They have tops for girls. A small top that looks so well out of proportion. The jackets that just look so old fashioned. What happened? I know a lot of other people who have stopped shopping there.
The prices as well are just ridiculous. Why would I spend £25 pounds on a tank top when I can get something much better, sexier and cheaper from a more trendy shop say for example Zara or Promod?
Struggling Gap considers sale
By James Politi andJonathan Birchall in New York
Published: January 9 2007 02:00 Last updated: January 9 2007 02:00
Gap, the largest US speciality clothing retailer and an icon of American casual style, is considering a range of options, including a sale of the company, following more than two years of slumping sales.
According to people familiar with the matter, Gap has in the past few weeks given bankers at Goldman Sachs a mandate to examine the company's strategic alternatives, raising speculation that it could be taken private in a leveraged buy-out worth more than $16bn.
Link to The San Francisco Chronicle http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2007/01/09/MNGBCNFC1T1.DTL&type=business
Monday 8 January 2007
Dumb Britian from the private eye
Anne Robinson: What is the highest mountain in Scotland, Ben… what?
Contestant: Ben Everest.
WEAKEST LINK, BBC2
source: www.private-eye.co.uk
Contestant: Ben Everest.
WEAKEST LINK, BBC2
source: www.private-eye.co.uk
Whole milk is apparently good for you!
Full fat milk is apparently good for you...well that's good, I use it for my cappuccino sometimes :-)
Link to the story: http://www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2007/1/7/155215.shtml?s=he
Thursday 4 January 2007
Food labelling
So it begins! EXCELLENT! Now I can spend even longer at my grocery store. No seriously, I think its a good idea. Always good to know what one is eating.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6228469.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6228469.stm
Time's up?
I believe that José Mourinho's days at Chelsea FC might be numbered. To me it seems that all is not too well between Mourinho and his boss Abramovich. Well, a little while ago Mourinho said in an interview that if Abramovich was to do Mourinho's job, he would probably ask for a pay out and quit. 2 weeks later Abramovic (who almost never gives interviews), gave an interview to the Observer and he was asked about his relationship with Mourinho. He said that "they did not have a friendly relationship but it was warm". Hmm ...I don't think it sounds good.
Anyway, not that I care. Although I like Michael Ballak, I am still an avid Arsenal supporter :-) I was converted last year in Jan!
Tuesday 2 January 2007
highly recommended
If you haven't seen this movie then do it now! Its one of the best movies I have seen in a long time. To read the synopsis, go here:
http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1808745378/details
OK now REALLY going to bed!! :-)
Dangerous dogs
I don't understand why anyone would want to own an ugly and dangerous dog? We have had few deaths by the dogs in this country. Some dogs aren't so cuddly in my opinion and should be kept on a tight leash and in a place where they do not pose any threat to humans. Would anyone let a panther or a cheetah walk around in a home or street? I believe some of these dogs' breeds (rottweilers and pit bulls) are very dangerous and should not be anywhere near kids or adults. Its a terrible start to the new year for this little girl's family (link below). She was only 5 year old and had just started school. Kids are innocent. They would go up to anything and be curious about it. A kid would have no idea that the dog is going to attack it. Its such a sad and terrible news. The dog even attacked her grandmother. Its just not worth it to have a pet like this.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/6223897.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6222689.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/6223897.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6222689.stm
Record numbers take extended Christmas break
Yep it was rather quiet in London today. I mean it makes perfect sense to take the 4 days off and make it a week! I should have thought of it :-/ boo!
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=425851&in_page_id=1770
Monday 1 January 2007
Stockholm
So I am going to Stockholm soon. These photos were taken last year. I wonder if I will get to see any snow there this year? :-/ I quite like the snow and all. I hate the ice though and freezing of course. But from inside a warm apartment, it all looks very nice and cozy :)
This one is for the ladies. Just coz he looks cute, he deserves a place on my blog! Its as simple as that! Its new year...thought would be nice to start the new year with someone cute :-)
I am going out. I had a very lazy day so far. Woke up late and have been watching the re-runs of Scrubs on TV...but they seem to show no sign of stopping showing Scrubs and I need some fresh air.
Just felt like posting photos of a cute guy who is very nicely dressed. I love black and white photos. They look so classy and sexy. The second last photo is one of my favourites.
Its back to work tomorrow! I am actually looking forward to it because I have relaxed enough! Although, some work will have to be done tomorrow :-/ I am still in my relaxed mode though so would take some time to wake up. Not to mention, my boss is coming down to London on Wednesday and we will have few meetings but over all this week should be quiet.
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