The latest exit polls show the radical leftist party Syriza in the lead with over 35% of the votes. Syriza has talked of halting austerity and renegotiating the country’s debt which stands at 175% of GDP. In addition, the right-wing Golden Dawn party could possibly take third place. Some market commentators have said that if Syriza […]
Archives for January 2015
Switzerland ranked the world’s most affordable country
In a survey of 119 countries, Switzerland ranked at the top of the Local Purchasing Power Index with a score of 147. The 2015 index was calculated recently by Numbeo the world’s largest database of user-contributed data about cities and countries. Someone in Switzerland on an average wage can buy 47% more typical goods and […]
Morning Mood
What’s the music of your morning? These days, mine is far less ‘Morning Mood’ and more ‘Ride of the Valkyries’; less sipping herbal tea as I watch the sun peer pinkly over the Alps, and more hefty contributions to the Swear Jar as I run around trying to get everybody ready and out of the […]
Foxcatcher; Durak (The Fool/L’Idiot)
Foxcatcher **** The cast of Foxcatcher deserves an ensemble acting award, especially the usually-comedic Steve Carell, playing against type here, plus Channing Tatum and Mark Ruffalo as two close brothers. The film is based on the true story of the eccentric John duPont, from the fabled industrial family, who became a patron to the 1988 […]
Quatuor 2011, Grand Cru, Domaine du Montet Bex
Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah A heavenly rich wine this blend of mainly Bordeaux varieties (apart from Syrah, its main abode being the Rhone Valley in France) perched above the salt mines in Bex. The Merlot and Cabernet Franc bring softness and fruit; the Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, tannin and stamina. Bex is […]
Solar Impulse 2 announces around world flight path
The Swiss pilots of Solar Impulse 2 unveiled the flight path they plan to take on their 35,000 kilometre around the world journey ahead of take-off from Abu Dhabi. Solar Impulse 2 will take-off from Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, in late February or early March and return by late July or early […]
Big losses for the Swiss National Bank
After the recent increase in value of the Swiss franc, foreign currencies held by the Swiss National Bank (SNB) will now be worth less in Swiss franc terms. In the case of Euros around 17% less than before. This decline in value will drive a loss. It is not possible to calculate the actual figure, however […]
How to look good on the slopes: fashion & beauty tips for winter wonderland beauties
The new ski season is in full swing again and this time it is about more than just showing off your spectacular slalom turns. This season you can also showcase your sense of style and your flair for fashion on the slopes. Let’s have a look at five fashion and beauty tips for winter wonderland […]
Here’s something 250% more expensive in Switzerland
For those British expats in Switzerland that haven’t been able to make the transition from Weetabix to Bircher muesli, buying your favourite brand of cereal across the boarder just got even cheaper after the Swiss National Bank scrapped the CHF-EUR exchange rate cap. Some price differences just leave you scratching your head. This is one […]
Swiss National Bank scraps exchange rate cap
In a surprise move the Swiss National Bank shocked the world today when it announced that it would stop managing the Swiss franc to an exchange rate of CHF 1.20 to 1.00 Euro. At the same time, it announced that it is lowering the interest rate on sight deposit account balances by 0.5 percentage points, to […]