| London: still stuck in a jam
In February 2007, the Western Extension of the London Congestion Charge was introduced. A few selected through-routes aside, people driving in many of the posher districts of West London will now have to pay the same daily charge (currently £8) as those heading into central London. Opposition to the Charge remains muted, yet the scheme has failed to make getting about the capital easier, has undermined important freedoms and revealed an utter lack of imagination about how to solve the modern problems of transport. The Congestion Charging Scheme, introduced by London mayor Ken Livingstone in February 2003, is perhaps the nearest thing to a bold political initiative in recent years - certainly as regards the capital. Compared to similar projects, the Congestion Charging Scheme represents a successful rollout of a complex organisation and advanced technology, including number plate recognition of a million cars a day.
Robust German and Still-Firm Euro-zone Economic Growth Add Up To ...
After faltering a little in January and February, German business morale recovered smartly this month, with the Ifo business sentiment index rising to 107.7 from 107.0 the month before. The current conditions index recovered to 112.4 from 111.6 while the business expectations index rose back to 103.2 from 102.6 the month before. All told, German businesses appear to be recovering more quickly than expected from the three percentage point hike in the VAT rate that took effect at the start of the year.
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AirAsia's New Worlds
Buried deep within the filing cabinets in some airline analyst and CEO offices around Asia are reports that confidently predicted low-cost carriers never would succeed in the region. The rationale was simple and, to most, convincing: Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines had similar unit costs to Ryanair and easyJet so how could a budget airline work in Asia? Fortunately for 30 million passengers (through February 2007) who enjoy the world's lowest airfares every day, AirAsia founder and CEO Tony Fernandes never saw those reports. Even if he had, he would have laughed them off, for it has been his single-minded focus on welding the Ryanair business model to Asian labor costs and work ethics that has given AirAsia extraordinary ASK costs of just 2.2 cents for its Malaysian operations.
What the Future Church May Look Like
Mostly their "evangelistic" concern is a pre-evangelism concern for how the world views loud Christians who noisily scold the world for things. They're embarrassed by the past scolding activism of the church and think the church has more confessing to do to the world than visa versa. 19. Leisurely approach to getting started in life. Most expect to get settled in life and ease into life by age 30. My denomination's ordination system (college plus two years of service then ordination) is designed for my generation not theirs. They feel rushed by such a system and many want to settle their calling by age 30 or so. 24. Woefully trained in "lfe skills." Many have never learned how to balance a checkbook or file their income taxes or make a budget. When they get their first apartment off campus they are shocked to discover that they have to pay for water.
Dollar Steady Following Drop In Consumer Confidence
Following up on yesterday's disappointing data, Tuesday's economic calendar delivered another wave of bearish numbers for the dollar. Offering a relatively market-moving mix, indicators of consumer confidence, manufacturing activity in the Richmond area and housing prices all hit the wires below their official consensuses. Despite the fundamental implications of today's economic data though, there price action against the dollar was constrained for much of the morning. Reserving its choppy behavior, EURUSD rose off of its range low at 1.3320 only to find resistance later around 1.3365. At the same time, USDCHF carved resistance out around below 1.2170 before hitting an intraday double touch low around 1.2120. Still drifting after last week's run, GBPUSD accelerated declines from the Asian session to a 1.9620 low before gradually, rising 60 points through the morning hours in New York.
International Speedway Increases Annual Dividend
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., April 5 -- International Speedway Corporation (Nasdaq Global Select Market: ISCA; OTC Bulletin Board: ISCB) ("ISC") today announced an increase in its annual dividend, the election of four members to its Board of Directors, and the approval of additional capital spending. ISC declared an annual dividend of $0.10 per share, payable on June 29, 2007, to common stockholders of record on May 31, 2007, marking the 34th consecutive year that the Company has paid a dividend to its shareholders. ISC paid an annual dividend of $0.08 per share in 2006. Separately, at the annual meeting of ISC shareholders, the following members of ISC's Board of Directors were re-elected to a three-year term: William C. France, 74; William P. Graves, 54; and, Christy F.
Allegany County in time of transition, says economic development chief
CUMBERLAND - Allegany County is in a time of transition, Economic Development Director Matt Diaz told Cumberland Rotarians at their weekly meeting held at the Holiday Inn. Since he has been working with the county, Diaz has seen a shift from a mainly industrial economy to a more diversified economy."Industrial development is still a big part of what we do," Diaz said. While industries are a large part of the economy, other types of operations, such as technology-based businesses, are becoming more visible in the area.Diaz is especially pleased with the progress occurring at Allegany Business Center at Frostburg State University. During his presentation, Diaz told the Rotarians about his department's responsibilities and highlighted some businesses.Hunter Douglas, Western Maryland Health System and ACS were among major employers mentioned by Diaz."ACS is growing in leaps and bounds," said Diaz.
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