Banking 2010

With all of the bank failures and the refocus on our economy, I cant help but try to project where the banking industry is headed in the year ahead. The trend of bank closings leads me to believe that we are going to see a "super league" of banks emerge: Goldman Sachs, Chase, JP Morgan and Deutsche Bank. These are the "too big to fail" titans that every one is talking about. I also think Barclays will make a comeback and join them. I see private equity coming to an end and shifting towards older models of funding that were considered safer investment/funding options. Private wealth managers will overtake "supermarket banks" and it will offer private banking opportunities for the Swiss bank market, despite no let up from the American led campaign to undo Swiss confidentiality. The financial crisis has jump started corporate bonds to help companies refinance.
Governments will hedge against inflation.
Pension funds will hedge against longevity (very important in planning for an aging population).
Sensible risk management.

A Lesson From Haiti.

A man is walking along and falls into a pit.
A doctor walks by and the man yells up to him, "Please, can you help me?!"
The doctor writes a prescription and throws it into the pit and moves on.
A priest walks by and the man yells up to him, "Hey, can you help me?!"
The priest writes a prayer and throws it into the pit with the man and moves on.
Finally, a friend walks by and the man calls up from the pit, "Friend, can you help me?"
The friend jumps down into the pit and the man says, "What are you doing?! Now we are both here!"
And the friend says,
"Yes, my friend. I've been here before and I know the way out."
 

Heaven

(n.): (1) a place somehow high above the clouds, yet deep inside your soul; (2)  a place of complete peace, of total and utter happiness; (3) a place that is greater than the sum of everything you will ever be or could ever imagine to be; (4) a place we all want to get to, but just not yet........

Seychelles

Zil Pasyon

Felicite, Seychelles
Zil Pasyon (Creole for ‘Island of Passion’) is the cutting edge vision of the Londonbased, eco-friendly architect Richard Hywel Evans. Access is via a helicopter—which could prove a nuisance after a 10-hour flight, but the Zil team have negotiated its own WiFi-d mini ‘departure lounge’ just a few yards from the main airport, and the helicopter is one of few in the world with air-conditioning. And what it loses in convenience, it gains in castaway points. Just one end of this island of wild agave, mango trees and vanilla orchards is going to be tamed by the development, which, in the brochure’s language, will result in ‘paradise remastered’. Even the developers have stopped short of describing the 28 properties as ‘villas’.

Instead, these extraordinary structures, where ceilings are made of swimming pools, which are surgically placed on Jurassic boulders, are referred to as HQs. One could imagine oneself adopting a playboy persona and hiding out here in some style, surrounded by all the Bond girls.

‘We didn’t want to do another ‘colonial’ design that you can find on any island all over the world. Nor did we want a cartoon version of Creole,’ says architect Richard Hywel Evans. ‘The design-conscious people who are likely to be attracted to Zil are the types who collect villas like they collect art.’

‘This resort is designed to attract those who aspire to the island life, but want that certain comfort of knowing civilization isn’t far off. Here, you’re earthed but unplugged,’ says Jenni Beggs, MD of Per Aquum residences, the hotel brand behind the resort. Although sun, sea and seclusion are the main draws, Zil houses are big statement features. Owners will be able to indulge in a welter of à la carte services, including private dinner parties in the cave wine cellar, overlooked by the original poster of the Rolling Stones 1968 album Beggars Banquet. Properties are for sale on a 99-year lease and start from £1.9 million.
FYI
Seychelles has no income tax.
Allows free movement of capital.
IMF program.
100% employment on the island.
Offers tax advantages for national residency.
Projecting a 10-12% appreciation.
Shared ownership program with Sunseeker yachts.

Polo

Polo In The Snow

St Moritz, Switzerland
January 28-January 31, 2010

Online Fashion Treasure Hunt

Off the beaten path for the best kept fashion secrets...
This is prized knowledge.
You must be special to be following my blog so here is my gift to you.
Wishing You Happy Holidays filled with love.

Ilene

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farfetch the absolute best way to click through some of Europe's best fashion shops.
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Tequila Tasting & Margarita Party

It's time to rethink tequila. And-lucky for us-learning to do so is incredibly fun. Throwing a tequila tasting and margarita party is a great way to acquaint your guests with premium tequilas.

Essentials

White Wine Glasses or Shot Glasses
The traditional glass for tasting tequila is called a "caballito", but a good quality white wine glass may be better for savoring the nuanced character of good tequila. A shot glass can also be used for a casual alternative.

Margarita glasses
Large bowled thick glasses are essential for enjoying the true margarita experience.

Pitchers
Accomodate large batches of margaritas. I recommend using one pitcher for each type of margarita being served.

Ice Bucket
Keep plenty of ice available for margaritas on the rocks.

Juice Reamer
Used to extract fresh juice from citrus fruits, like Persian limes.

Garnish Bowls
Small bowls for holding garnishes, and it allows guests to serve themselves.

Plates and Napkins
Have stacks of cocktail plates and napkins available for appetizers and tapas.

Tequila has nuances like fine wine, but a bottle of tequila goes far, making it an affordable way to entertain-especially when you consider the natural accompaniments like chips, salsa, guacamole and ceviche. You'll be surprised by all the characteristics of tequila there are to talk about: appearance, aroma, color, taste and finish.

Pottery Barn Party Planning