A nature lover’s ultimate paradise April 15, 2012 How’ s the snorkelling?” I ask Christina as she emerges from the turquoise waters of Playa Cabo del Horno in San Cristobal. “Quite good,” she replies with a shrug. “I saw a sea turtle and a sea lion”. Christina, a rather po-faced Dane who’s been on the Galapagos a few weeks, is clearly not easily [...]
Roughing it in style in Peru July 15, 2012 OF ALL the things one might expect to find at the bottom of a steep dell in the Peruvian rainforest, the rusted iron hulk of an ancient steamboat would not be high on the list. And yet I’m looking at just that scene: decades after the boat somehow came to rest here, its old funnel [...]
A healthy dose of British ingenuity, money, patents and patience April 29, 2012 RICHARD Marsden describes his meeting with University of Southampton scientists in 2003 as one of the most memorable moments of his life. That very meeting, about a potential new medicine, could prove pivotal to the health of millions of people. If Richard hadn’t been there, the idea may never have been developed. The discussion was [...]
A healthy dose of British ingenuity, money, patents and patience April 29, 2012 RICHARD Marsden describes his meeting with University of Southampton scientists in 2003 as one of the most memorable moments of his life. That very meeting, about a potential new medicine, could prove pivotal to the health of millions of people. If Richard hadn’t been there, the idea may never have been developed. The discussion was [...]
SVG shake-up as rebels fail to win vote March 20, 2012 PRIVATE equity investor SVG Capital has faced down a shareholder revolt and will continue with plans to diversify beyond Permira, the buyout firm in which it has traditionally invested. SVG won 66 per cent backing for the change yesterday although nearly 34 per cent of the votes went against it. It also won virtually unanimous support to [...]
RAPID RESPONSES March 27, 2012 Money troubles [Re: Reform of political funding mustn’t result in taxpayers carrying the bill for parties, yesterday] Membership of the three main parties is less than that of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. It will take years for the parties to regain their base, if they ever do. In the meantime, if [...]
Like avian flu Eurozone contagion could be on us before we know it May 17, 2012 ON THURSDAY we finally saw what contagion could look like. After large deposit withdrawals from Greek lenders earlier this week, Spanish newspapers reported that one of Spain’s banks was facing similar problems, although it later denied this. Contagion was only meant to happen when Greece actually left – or was kicked out – of the [...]
Strange but good: a slice of Asia in Alicante May 13, 2012 My friend Jo and I did not feel we were en route anywhere nice one recent Friday morning. We were on an EasyJet flight to Alicante, surrounded by stags roaring for more Stella and Jack Daniels. Once in Alicante, a people carrier drove us through a parched landscape that looked a little worse for wear, [...]
Citigroup wins consent to offer credit cards in China February 6, 2012 THE CHINESE arm of Citigroup announced yesterday that it has won regulatory approval to issue credit cards in mainland China, becoming the first non-Asian bank to receive permission. Citi, which has branches in 13 cities, said it would likely launch credit card operations this year. “This approval represents a significant milestone in the continued expansion [...]
Live like a true king in Kingston July 8, 2012 THE SUN descends over Kingston town, casting a warm blood orange-hued glow over the city and dramatic dock beyond. At street level music systems crank out raga, cars beep, locals chat animatedly by beer shacks and jerk chicken stands as our car weaves masterfully through the throng of traffic. “Rush hour,” explains our driver, handing [...]