That small window where the hillsides turn white with narcissus (often referred to in English as a white daffodil) is now upon us. The name of this flower comes from the narcissistic youth of Greek mythology, Narkissos. This poisonous plant can be used to make medicine for whooping cough, colds, and asthma. It is also sometimes used […]
Archives for 2015
Montreux festival legend BB King leaves us
Riley B. King, known to most as B.B. King, has passed away at 89. The American blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist was a regular at the Jazz Festival in Montreux, Switzerland. The son of sharecroppers Albert and Nora Ella King he was born on September 16, 1925 near the town of Itta Bena, Mississippi but […]
Swiss based Nepalese stand together during the Lausanne Carnaval
The 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Nepal on 25th of April at 11.56 a.m. local time had its epicenter in Gorkha. The one that struck on 12th of May at 12.50 local time had a magnitude of 7.3 and was centred southeast of Kodari (Sindhupalchowk District), 76 km northeast of Kathmandu. These two earthquakes created […]
Switzerland could now lead the world on whistleblowing rules
The Swiss government was on track to pass whistleblowing legislation that could have harmed whistleblowers, however on 5 May 2015 something extraordinary occurred. Dr. Yasmine Motarjemi and Alison Glick explain how Switzerland now has a chance to lead the world on the rules surrounding whistleblowing. On 5 May 2015 the Swiss National Council referred the […]
Switzerland leads the world of large family businesses
The University of St. Gallen in Switzerland recently compiled a list of the 500 largest family businesses around the world. There are some surprising companies in the list. Household names and some you might have never heard of. The United States is the clear winner based on total number (101) and combined revenue (US$2 trillion) […]
Switzerland: heavy drinking linked to education among women
On 12 May 2015 the OECD released its report on OECD alcohol consumption. Over the last 20 years alcohol consumption has declined slightly in the OECD, however this total masks growth trends among women and young people. It appears that men are on average consuming less. Wealthier, better educated people also drink more than average […]
The United Nations is too old and afraid to solve the world’s problems
The United Nations (UN) will turn 70 in October 2015. It has surely delivered enormously to humanity since it began in 1915. However, is it well positioned to take on the world’s current and future challenges? In an article published on 12 May 2015, Ian Richards, President of the Coordination Committee of International Staff Unions […]
What flying does to your skin and tips to avoid it
With around a quarter of the Swiss population being foreign and most Swiss families going on holiday abroad at least once a year it is safe to say that most Swiss residents are airport regulars and seasoned flyers. Today we are sharing some make-up and skin care tips for all the traveling beauties out there. […]
Crédit Agricole 2015 Swiss (Tennis) Open in Gstaad, Switzerland
July 25 – August 2, 2015 The quirky ATP tennis tournament known as ‘Wimbledon of the Alps’ celebrates its 100th anniversary with a packed side programme of events, including a ‘legends’ exhibition match on Sunday July 26 and the transformation of the entire village to a state of 1915 chic. Recent years have seen home […]
How costly Switzerland leverages business brain power to help society
Establishing a new business in Switzerland is fairly expensive, with it’s formalities and high legal costs. Yet, once underway, Swiss businesses benefit from a coherent and uncomplicated operating environment. Many new businesses are also eligible for a range of subsidies and incentives that are offered at national, cantonal and even communal level. Last week, a […]
