The Guardian of Our Climate
February 10, 2009 by Pegagus Pendrean · Leave a Comment
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SCIENCEsuisse is an introduction to the fascinating world of science, focusing on Switzerland’s role as a centre for international research.
The series, directed by leading Swiss filmmakers, profiles 25 outstanding researchers from a wide range of disciplines. We find out which projects top researchers are working on and what scientists are pondering in the 21st century.
The series was produced by the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) in collaboration with the Swiss National Science Foundation.
Episode 2 The Guardian of Our Climate, Read more
Zurich Hits Rich Foreigners
February 10, 2009 by Pegagus Pendrean · Leave a Comment
What’s wealth got to do with it? Tina Turner, like other wealthy foreigners, lives in canton Zurich where she may soon pay more in taxes (Reuters)
I have just read an interesting article entitled Zurich Hits Rich Foreigners, like Tina, in the pocket.
Controversial tax breaks for foreigners, particularly the lump sum tax, regularly make the headlines in Switzerland and abroad. There are 137 people who are granted lump sum taxation in canton Zurich – the most populous Swiss region which includes the city of Zurich.
Voters in canton Zurich decided last Sunday on a proposal by the political left to scrap the flat tax rate for wealthy foreigners. Consequently, Canton Zurich has closed its doors to wealthy foreigners who benefit from tax breaks after voters decided to end the “unequal” practice on Sunday. Some 52.9 per cent of the electorate – or 216,000 people – backed an initiative from the leftwing Alternative List political group to end “tax privileges for foreign millionaires”.
The move may prompt rich individuals already living in Zurich to take their homes and income elsewhere. However, experts do not believe Zurich would suffer as much as other cantons, such as Geneva or Valais, that rely more heavily on such tax receipts to fund services.
Interesting? Then click on Zurich Hits Rich Foreigners, like Tina, in the pocket…to read the full article.
Geneva
February 9, 2009 by Pegagus Pendrean · Leave a Comment
Geneva is Switzerland’s most international city. The city of Geneva is French-speaking and lies in the bay where the river Rhone leaves Lake Geneva and is embedded between nearby Alpine peaks and the hilly terrain of the Jura mountains. Geneva the “capital of peace”, with its humanitarian traditions and cosmopolitan flair, is also the European seat of the United Nations and headquarters of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent.
The symbol of Geneva, often referred to as the «world’s smallest metropolis» is the “Jet d’eau” – a fountain with a 140-metre-high water jet at the periphery of Lake Geneva. Besides being a congress city, Geneva is also a centre for culture and history, for trade fairs and exhibitions.
The «Horloge Fleuri», the large flower clock in the “Jardin Anglais” (English Garden), is a world-renowned symbol of the Geneva watch industry.
Most of the large hotels and many restaurants are situated on the right-hand shore of the lake. The old town, the heart of Geneva with the shopping and business quarter, holds sway over the left-hand shore. It is dominated by St. Peter’s Cathedral, however the actual centre of the old town is the Place du Bourg-de-Four, which is the oldest square in the city. Quays, lakeside promenades, countless parks, lively side streets in the old town and elegant shops invite guests to stroll. One of the best-maintained streets is the Grand-Rue, where Jean-Jacques Rousseau was born. The «mouettes», a type of water taxi, enable crossings to be made from one lakeshore to the other, while larger vessels invite visitors to enjoy cruises on Lake Geneva.
Culturally, this city on the westernmost fringe of Switzerland has much to offer. International artists perform in the Grand Théâtre and Geneva Opera House, and an extremely diverse range of museums such as the “Musée international de l’horlogerie”, a watch museum with a collection of jewellery watches and musical clocks, and the International Museum of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, which provides an insight into the work of these humanitarian organisations, invite city guests to visit them.
A rewarding excursion destination is Mont Salève, which is situated in neighbouring France. The cableway lifts visitors to an altitude of 1100 metres in less than five minutes, giving rise to outstanding vistas across the city of Geneva, Lake Geneva, the chain of Alps, the Jura and Montblanc.
Highlights
- Jet d’eau – visible from afar, the 140-metre-high water jet is the ‘landmark’ of Geneva.
- St. Pierre Cathedral – the north tower of the three-naved basilica in the old town of Geneva offers up a unique vista over the city and lake.
- Palace of the United Nations – on passing through the paled gate of the Palace of the UNO, visitors enter international territory.
- International Museum of the Red Cross – the birthplace of the International Red Cross houses the only museum dedicated to the history and work of this organisation.
- Cruises on Lake Geneva – from the cruise boats, visitors can marvel at the unique scenery of castles and magnificent residences set against wonderful landscape and mountain panoramas.
How to get there
- Public Transport: Direct train connections. The ride from to airport to Geneva City takes 6 minutes.
- By car: Direct connection to the national and international motorway network.
- Other/Air: International Airport Geneva, 10 minutes by car from the center of the city.
How To Beat Recession
February 7, 2009 by Pegagus Pendrean · Leave a Comment
Economically speaking… A recession is defined as “a negative real economic growth for two or more successive quarters in a year”. Recessions lead to significant job cuts as consumers stop spending, so recessions see a decrease in economic activity. Read more
