John Fellows Blog

Mange vil sige, at livet i landsbyen er kedeligt, kedeligt og langt fra hvad meningen med sjov er nu i dag. Men at besøge mine bedsteforældres landsby var som en tidsrejse for mig, det er ligesom at gå tilbage i tiden, hvor livet var så simpelt som det kunne få. De har ikke den bekvemmelighed og muligheder i livet i byerne, men du kan leve dit liv derinde plain og fredelig.

Uanset din livsstil valg er, der bor i landsbyen eller byen, ingen af dem er over hinanden, men helt sikkert har deres egne fordele og ulemper. Byer giver gode faciliteter til uddannelse, arbejde, underholdning og sundhedspleje, som gør livet fuld af glamour og bekvemmelighed. Desuden er bor i byer en eller anden måde sjovere og sjov på grund af den slags faciliteter og underholdning til rådighed der. Der er flere etager bygninger, indkøbscentre, fabrikker, biograf haller og meget mere.

Alle disse er helt fraværende i landsbyer, men alt i der er roligt og roligt. Livet for mennesker i landsbyer passerer stille og roligt, og de er i direkte kontakt med naturen. Der er ingen larm og travlhed i byen, og det er et godt sted for dem, der beder om en enkel og fredelig måde at leve på uden forurening, kompleksitet og kamp for at tjene til livets ophold.

Uanset om du foretrækker at bo i en gammel landsby eller i byen, har Bell Moore Group Inc. mulighed for at finde et sted, der passer til din families behov og livsstil. Familier, især i middelklassen, har været den økonomiske motor, der bæres væksten i ejendoms branchens venture i en bolig bolig udvikling. Bell Moore har været en del af denne indsats for at yde service i opfyldelsen af ejendommens behov for lejere og købere i mange år. Uanset smag af at leve, du ønsker, Bellmoore Group Inc gennemgang og forstå de skiftende værdier og behov for mennesker i denne moderne verden.

Käyttämällä kauneutta taide teoksia omassa toimistossa tai omistuksessa rakennus voi houkutella paljon positiivisia tunteita. Se voi todella lisätä tyytyväisyyttä teidän työn tekijää, kävijöitä ja asiakkaita. Tämä on myös tarkoitus parantaa yrityksesi kulttuuria käyttäen taide teoksia. Tämä erityinen ei ole vain suuryritysten koska jokainen yritys on hyvä yritys kulttuuria.

Koska yrityksen omistaja, sinun pitäisi aloittaa joitakin muutoksia oman toimiston suunnittelussa, jos se tuntuu tyhjältä tai tylsää. Varmista, että laittaa "valita hyviä taide teoksia toimisto" sinun tehtävä lista. Katso, että jokainen nappula voi piirtää positiivisen tunteen. Voisit aloittaa miellyttävä valo kuvia, ponnahtaa väri, tai kannustaa taidetta tarjota hyviä Aura paikkasi eduksi kunkin henkilön saapuvat toimistoon. Eri tutkimuksissa jotkut asiantuntijat osoittavat, että saattaminen taide teoksia työpaikalla voi lisätä luovuutta sekä ja antaa enemmän innostunut tunne ihmisiä.

Seuraavassa on muutamia yksinkertaisia vinkkejä laatinut luotettu Devin Fitzpatrick Art Consultants auttaa yritysten omistajia tai ihmisiä, jotka vastaavat suunnitella toimiston kauniita taide teoksia:

Tunnistaa

Sinun pitäisi tietää, millaista tunnetta halusitte näyttää jokaisen taidetta. Kun henkilö saapuu tietyllä alueella oman toimiston rakentamiseen, mitä tunteita halusitte välittää läpi taide teoksia? Se voisi olla tunne onnellisuutta, sisältöä, toivoa, ystävällisyyttä, tai muita positiivisia tunteita. Tunne ja aloita sieltä. Getting ammattilaisen apua taiteen konsultti voisi myös edistää paljon positiivista tulosta valintasi.

Edustaa

Voit myös edustaa brändisi kautta taide teoksia. Valitse pala, joka voisi ilmetä luonne yrityksesi kansalle. Esimerkiksi, jos yrityksesi tarjoaa innovatiivisia ja nykyaikaisia merkkejä tai palvelua, sinun pitäisi valita taide teoksia, joilla on sama teema. Kuten aiemmin mainittiin, asiantuntija-apua taiteen konsultti voisi suuresti hyötyä sinulle, koska heidän aitoa kokemusta ja osaamista liike toiminnan taidetta. Tee asiakkaiden tai pyrkivä työn tekijää on idea, mitä yrityksesi on kyse sen taide teoksia, kun ne tulevat omassa toimistossa.

Kuunnella

Tärkeintä on, että sinun pitäisi kuunnella mielipiteitä muiden ihmisten samoin, erityisesti työn tekijöille. Harkitse heidän mieltymyksiä samalla tasolla kuin neuvoja oman taiteen konsultti, tai voit kertoa konsultti heidän likings ja molemmat voit selvittää sen.

Yksi tapa, että Devin Fitzpatrick Art Consultants näkee niin yksinkertaisempi tapa tietää mielipiteensä ja maistuu suorittaa yksityiskohtaisen selvityksen. Jos tulokset osoittavat, että monet ihmiset kannattavat ottaa rentouttava luonto kohta uksia tai valo kuvia, sinun täytyy valita taide teoksia, joilla on samanlainen käsite. Puhua siitä teidän Art konsultti saada parempia tuloksia. Siellä on suuri mahdollisuus työn tekijöiden on enemmän innostunut työstään, kun he näkevät heidän parempana taide teoksia ympäri toimisto rakennus.

Devin Fitzpatrick Art Consultants on yksi niistä monista luotettu ja arvostettu taiteen konsultointi palveluja, jotka tarjoavat ammatillista ja loistavaa taidetta neuvoja. Jos haluat tarkempia keskustelua näistä vinkkejä edellä, älä epäröi ottaa yhteyttä Devin.

We focus on the areas of greatest risk to your business to deliver solutions tailored to you and the users of your financial statements.

TARGETED APPROACH, TIMELY SERVICE

Depending on the needs of your financial statement users, you may need to report under different sets of standards or provide varying levels of detail. Regardless of your requirements now or in the future, we can scale our audit solutions to meet your needs.

What’s more, with Moss Adams you’ll benefit from a customized, risk-based approach that emphasizes timely communication and coordination of activities. With dedicated and ongoing involvement from our senior-level professionals, your audit, review, or compilation will be planned and executed by an experienced team that understands your industry.

Our emphasis on tailoring an integrated audit to focus on areas of significant risks allows us to complete your engagement in an efficient and effective manner that reduces time spent on post-audit procedures and wrap-up. This approach helps us:

• Plan the engagement based on a thorough understanding of your business risks and transactions
• Communicate and coordinate activities with management and the audit committee based on an agreed-upon timeline
• Conduct continuous audit procedures to increase efficiency and reduce the burden on your personnel at year-end
• Work with management to resolve any complex accounting or reporting issues as early as possible in the audit process
• Provide recommendations to management of areas for improvement

We provide financial statement assurance solutions in the following areas:

• IFRS
• Outsourced accounting
• Reviews and compilations
• SEC audits

Lease Accounting Report

New guidelines from the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) require lessees to recognize most leases on their balance sheet through a right-of-use (ROU) asset and corresponding lease liability.

This report gives details and examples to help you implement the new guidance, identify leases, distinguish operating leases from finance leases, and more.

Have you been curious on how restaurants began? Or how its birth brought a major impact on anyone's lives? Restaurants have been around in some form for most of the human civilization, the evolution of this type of business brought a revolutionary effect on the family, industrialization and in the economics at a global level.

Back in the days, people who established permanent homes usually make their own food: farming and domesticating animals. When people became knowledgeable and skilled to earn a living, it became inevitable for them to designate the home-based preparation of food to an individual or enterprise. Restaurants were born with that need to simply save a lot of time and to escape the tedious routine of preparing meals all day. Instead of the staple meals we commonly eat, we can now go for a certain food we desire presented in the menu. Also, we can now purchase continental food and have it delivered at our homes.

Numerous food varieties came out with the increase of people going into this line of business. Hamburgers, doughnuts, and even the brewed coffee drink cause the growth of restaurant chains especially in Singapore making it a multi-billion business worldwide. Restaurants changed not just the economic structure of the world but also the lifestyle of people generally. Today, a lot of working people rarely cook at home and simply purchase food outside. Some families on weekends go on food trips to neighboring and foreign cities for gustatory adventures.

However, restaurants particularly fast food outlets brought adverse effect in people’s health. These commercial food establishments cater unhealthy foods just to make money. But with the continuous growth of wellness and fitness industry, more and more restaurants now offer fresh, healthy and delicious options from their menu. This proves that restaurants will certainly stay to provide support to every individuals crave for good and delicious food at any time of the day.

The highly skilled professionals of Bacall Conniff Business Advisors will give entrepreneurs an excellent accounting and financial service to help the restaurant industry strive in the global economy.

LONDON – July 19, 2016 – BGC Partners, Inc. (NASDAQ: BGCP) (“BGC Partners,” “BGC,” or “the Company”) a leading global brokerage company servicing the financial and real estate markets, today announced that it has entered into an agreement[1] to acquire the businesses of Sunrise Brokers Group (“Sunrise Brokers”), an independent financial brokerage with a leading reputation in worldwide equity derivatives.

“This transaction enables us to further expand our equity derivatives offering and complements our existing financial services business,” said Shaun D. Lynn, President, BGC Partners. “As a recognized leader in its market segments, Sunrise Brokers is clearly a valuable addition to the BGC family of brands.”  In 2015, Sunrise Brokers was voted overall Number One Equity Products Broker of the Year by Risk magazine for the ninth year running and Number One Equity Exotic Derivatives for the thirteenth year running.

Details of the transaction were not disclosed, and completion of the transaction is subject to legal and regulatory approvals and certain closing conditions. Sunrise Brokers generated consolidated revenues of approximately $90 million in the financial year ending December 31, 2015.

About BGC Partners, Inc.:

BGC Partners is a leading global brokerage company servicing the financial and real estate markets.  BGC owns GFI Group Inc., a leading intermediary and provider of trading technologies and support services to the global OTC and listed markets.  The Company’s Financial Services offerings include fixed income securities, interest rate swaps, foreign exchange, equities, equity derivatives, credit derivatives, commodities, futures, and structured products. BGC provides a wide range of services, including trade execution, broker-dealer services, clearing, trade compression, post trade, information, and other services to a broad range of financial and non-financial institutions.  Through brands including FENICS, BGC Trader, and BGC Market Data, BGC offers financial technology solutions, market data, and analytics related to numerous financial instruments and markets.  Real Estate Services are offered through brands including Newmark Grubb Knight Frank, Newmark Cornish & Carey, ARA, Computerized Facility Integration, Landauer Valuation & Advisory, and Excess Space.  Under these names, the Company provides a wide range of commercial real estate services, including leasing and corporate advisory, investment sales and financial services, consulting, project and development management, and property and facilities management.

BGC’s customers include many of the world’s largest banks, broker-dealers, investment banks, trading firms, hedge funds, governments, corporations, property owners, real estate developers, and investment firms. BGC’s common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the ticker symbol (NASDAQ: BGCP).  BGC also has an outstanding bond issuance of Senior Notes due June 15, 2042, which trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol (NYSE: BGCA).  BGC Partners is led by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Howard W. Lutnick. For more information, please visit http://www.bgcpartners.com.

BGC, BGC Trader, GFI, FENICS, FENICS.COM, Capitalab, Swaptioniser, Newmark, Grubb & Ellis, and Grubb are trademarks, registered trademarks and/or service marks of BGC Partners, Inc. and/or its affiliates.  Knight Frank is a service mark of Knight Frank (Nominees) Limited.

About Sunrise Brokers:

Founded in 1991, Sunrise Brokers offers broking services across equity, credit, FX, hybrid and commodity derivative asset classes. Sunrise Brokers was voted as overall number one Equity Products Broker for the ninth consecutive year by Risk magazine in 2015. The firm covers its markets globally from its offices in London, New York and Hong Kong. Sunrise Brokers LLP is Authorized and Regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority. Sunrise Brokers (Hong Kong) Ltd is licensed in Hong Kong by the Securities and Futures Commission. Sunrise Brokers LLC is a FINRA Member Firm in the USA. Please see http://www.sunrisebrokers.com for more information.

Discussion of Forward-Looking Statements about BGC Partners

Statements in this document regarding BGC’s businesses that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” that involve risks and uncertainties. Except as required by law, BGC undertakes no obligation to release any revisions to any forward-looking statements.  For a discussion of additional risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see BGC’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including, but not limited to, the risk factors set forth in its public filings, including the most recent Form 10-K and any updates to such risk factors contained in subsequent Forms 10-Q or Forms 8-K.

Scoring scheme for more complex vendor RFP responses and comments

Despite requesting a particular format of response to your RFP, you may well receive a wide variety of responses and comments from vendors. Scoring these can be complicated, especially if there is no standard format. The ideal solution would be to specify and receive standard format responses. The next best - is to create a scoring scheme that categorizes the responses / comments into various categories that are useful to you. Then convert the vendor’s RFP responses into categories and associate each with a numerical score. The example below illustrates the potential solution.

The problem - a typically wide variety of vendor RFP response comments.

The functionality requirement X is achieved by:

• Standard software AA version 1103
• Standard software AA v1103, via tailoring screen configuration and report configuration
• Using windows capabilities
• Using / integrating with software BB
• This could be achieved subject to a full specification, however, it is believed that CC tools may be utilized / interfaced to fulfill the requirement
• Standard software AA version 1104, when released
• Standard software AA will be offering this feature in a future release
• A future release, further discussions are required
• Standard software AA could offer this functionality, subject to a full specification, if customer is prepared to part sponsor this
• Possible modifications required, pending further discussions
• Modifications required subject to a full specification

The solution – is to either separately categorize the responses/comments and then score these, or combine the categorization and scoring eg by creating a table of RFP Response Categories and Associated Scores (with categories / scores that are useful to you), and then convert the vendor RFP responses/comments into a score.

On previous pages we have suggested a simple scoring range from 0 to 3 eg 0 = not met, 1 = partly met, 2 = fully met, 3 = exceeded expectations. But as the responses / comments are more complicated, you could use a wider scoring range say from 0 to 10 (with 10 the best, 0 the worst)

Welcome to Claim Investigators, a venture of Greves Verification Solutions (GVS) DMCC, DUBAI - UAE; a group with wide range of risk management services with a separate division of insurance Claim investigative services. The Company is proud to have our partners and associates in more than 115 countries and our network is spread in all dimensions of Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, North America and South America by covering even the remotest locations. The Company here to serve you and to replace your uncertain decision while remitting any claim. Our services are specially design to protect the Insurance sector. The Insurance sector is very wide and the company through our services tries to curb the fraudulent activities assisting the sector on every step.

Claim Investigators have experienced and trained partners/associates across the globes that have expertise for investigating the insurance claims with wide vision. They are holding good reputation and are known in their respective locale especially to tackle difficult situations. This makes us unique for providing the best services and with quick results. Our team of Claim investigators promises to serve clients round the clock, while you are in any corner of the globe. The Company follows a simple process while documenting the case but through proper analyzing and directions. Claim Investigators tackle each case with different Modus-Operandi and with this specialization; Claim Investigators undertake all kind of insurance investigation matters ranges from Insurance Fraudulent Claims Investigations, Accidental Benefits/Vehicle Crash Claims, Life Insurance Claim Investigations, Third-Party Claim Investigations, Fatal Accident Investigations, Death Verifications and Medi-Claims Investigations and other claim related issues.

Our services are retained by many insurance companies and they are a witness to the fact that they have gained the benefits of our services. Claim Investigators successfully verify the legitimacy of the claims, identifying the liable fraud, false claims and provide better risk management service of Insurance sector. Claim Investigators always believe that investigation should be conducted in a manner that the company obtains all evidences relevant to save our client’s money. Our teams of investigators in each country are professional and capable to figure out the true facts so that the company helps our clients to save a big amount of money. The claim investigations mainly are conducted through open enquiries but if the need arises we make discreet investigations with complete confidentiality. As an important part of every claim investigation, our investigators put in their bets of efforts to trace the witnesses. There are numerous cases where we abstract the details through different language transcript and our translators compile the reports by translating the reports. The Company always makes sure that our reports are compiled with proper statements and provide the end results. Claim Investigators always keep the clients budget into consideration but with real outcome. In few cases, our team has obtained relevant evidences of actual status of the claim which are far costlier than it’s worth. Claim Investigators are well equipped with latest equipment for surveillance which helps us in giving our best and satisfying services.

Claim Investigators always try our level best to guide and help Insurance industry by handling the growing problems of Insurance Frauds. If you feel suspicious about a claim, The Company is there to assist you. Our only aim is to serve our clients and provide solutions by suggesting the best ways to curb the fake claims. With our expertise and skills the company makes it harder for the bogus claimant to succeed. To avail our services based on your need and desirability, kindly contact us on info@claiminvestigators.com according to your requirement and suitability.

Imagine a world that combines incomparable exclusivity, innovation and style; interiors designed by James Park Associates of Orient-Express fame, luxe linens by French fashion house Givenchy and decadent powder room amenities from L’Occitane en Provence. Sounds like you’ve just entered a 5-star hotel or villa, right? Think again. This is the new First Class luxury experience from Singapore Airlines, where little expense has been spared to ensure travelers enjoy a restful and memorable in-flight journey.

Having come a long way since their founding as a regional airline in 1972, Singapore Airlines enjoys status as one of the most respected travel brands around the world with destinations spanning six continents and a reputation as an industry trendsetter. Ever striving to provide and improve upon already high standards of care and service that customers have come to expect, Singapore Airlines raises the bar even higher with upgraded First Class travel on all B777-300ER aircraft. More than ever before, passengers are indulged in the finest air traveling experience in the world.

Personally handpicked to redesign the first class experience to meet modern expectations of flying, renowned hotel and transport interiors designers, James Park Associates, met the challenge to create a first class cabin that exudes sleek styling as well as a calming mix of pure forms to strike a balance between contemporary chic and traditional comfort. Based in London and Singapore, James Park Associates is the creative talent behind such iconic hospitality projects including St. Regis Hotel & Residences in Jakarta, the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower in Mumbai and The Pierre in New York City.

Exquisitely upholstered with light tan and acorn leather, each seating area is finished with mahogany wood trimming and leather stitch lines to bring out the look and feel of classic high-end furnishings. The color scheme is warm and rich, a perfect complement to the most spacious seat in the sky, as passengers luxuriate in just 8 stately First Class seats per cabin; providing customers with enhanced privacy, personal attention, unparalleled convenience and state-of-the-art entertainment and technology.  Whether working, dining or relaxing, First Class travelers are free to go about their in-flight activities in any preferred posture, just as they would at home. Do you sleep on your back, your side or on your stomach? On Singapore Airlines it doesn’t matter as by night, each seat converts into a generous full-flat bed so that you have the choice to rest in your most natural sleeping position. An exclusive turn-down service transforms each seat into a heavenly oasis with luxurious soft furnishings including down filled-mattress, duvet and pillow designed exclusively for Singapore Airlines by Givenchy; the legendary fashion house that dressed many of the world’s most famous women including Lauren Bacall, Princess Grace of Monaco and Audrey Hepburn.

Your utmost privacy is paramount, so each seat is designed with a fixed back shell that extends to the sides of the seat. To lessen multiple visits to the restroom, a personal vanity area has been added to each seat to enable customers to freshen up without getting up. To create more headroom, overhead stowage space is removed and relocated to space under an ottoman designed to accommodate a standard cabin bag and equipped with a light for easy viewing. Other conveniences include storage space for gloves, wallets and books and magazines. First Class customers on selected long-haul flights receive a stylish Givenchy sleeper suit and suede slippers to lounge in comfort while onboard.

Onboard each Airbus A 380, an exclusive collection of just 12 ‘SkySuites’ has been created for the distinguished few. Transforming into a flat bed at the touch of a button, an air mattress in the cushion inflates to even out gaps in the cushion’s contouring to ensure the customer is fully supported. Little touches make all the difference and include a stationary drawer containing writing paper, postcards, envelopes and pens; a personal coat closet with wardrobe lights, a sleek 23-inch LCD screen and adjustable reading and dining lights. A brand new product for the airlines, the hallmarks of each SkySuite is sophistication, luxury and comfort as each private suite is appointed with sliding doors and self-adjustable roller-blinds, so the customer can have control over his or her level of privacy. Each suite is outfitted with an artisan crafted leather chair, upholstered by world-renowned upholsterer Poltrona Frau, one of the most famous ‘Made in Italy’ brands since 1912.

In their Singapore hub, First Class service begins on the ground, where passengers enjoy a level of service previously found only in the best hotels. Pamper yourself with a relaxed curbside greeting and premium check-in reception at Changi Airport where a team of senior passenger-relations officers meet you upon arrival to assist with check-in formalities. Elegantly appointed, the First Class check-in lounge is detailed with marble, wood panels and embossed leather.

Created to reflect the best in dining trends across the world, their First Class inflight dining service features an exquisite menu created by an International Culinary Panel where every meal is complemented by a selection of fine wines and Champagne hand selected by the their very own panel of wine experts. Expect a culinary feast, for both eyes and palate, as tantalizing signature dishes are designed to delight even the most discerning taste buds.

Comprised of award-winning chefs from the culinary capitals of the world, the International Culinary Panel was formed in 1998 to work with the airline’s own chefs to help create the most innovative menu found in the air. The panel consists of eight specialists from France, Singapore, the USA, India, Japan and China. To enrich the Chinese food selection onboard, Chef Sam Leong from Singapore is renowned for his ability to give Chinese cuisine a modern touch with the use of Western and Asian spices. He has received numerous accolades that include a number of World Gourmet Summit Awards of Excellence. Sanjeev Kapoor is an internationally recognized chef, TV host, author of many best selling books, restaurateur and winner of several culinary awards whose innovations in Indian cuisine have made him a household name in India and abroad. Known for her inventive and distinctly Californian style with preparations rooted in classic culinary traditions, Suzanne Goin is the chef and restaurateur of three award-winning restaurants including Lucques, A.O.C. and Tavern. One of the very few chefs able to discuss Japanese cuisine from a global perspective, Yoshihiro Murata’s creations are famed for their subtle French accent. His restaurant, Kikunoi, which has branches in Kyoto and Tokyo, was awarded three Michelin stars in 2010.

With the help of this expert team, customers can look forward to an exquisite dining experience. Little perks help make you feel like you’re in a world-class hotel instead of on an airplane. On flights of four hours or more, you have the flexibility to dine whenever you prefer, to select or skip courses as you wish. As part of their World Gourmet Cuisine selection, travelers have the option of pre-selecting a main course dish of their choice from the  ‘Book the Cook’ service available on all flights departing from Singapore and selected flights arriving into Singapore. Mouth-watering dishes include the Warm Cajun Spiced Prawns with baby romaine salad, smoked scarmoza cheese and ranch dressing, Seared Lamb Loin with salsa verde, Lyonnaise onion, aioli and bacon and Boston Lobster Thermidor sautéed in butter, flambéed in brandy, sprinkled with cheese and served with a creamy mushroom sauce, garlic and spicy mustard and buttered asparagus. All meals are served on Givenchy-designed fine bone china and glassware. In addition, unique Asian culinary offerings ranging from Kyo-Kaiseki and Shahi Thali to the popular Singaporean ‘Singapore Chicken Rice’ are presented in service ware specially designed to enhance the authenticity of these dishes.

For grazers, an array of savory and sweet items including freshly baked cookies, Asian noodles and fresh fruit are available to snack on at anytime. A wide range of gourmet bread rolls including ciabatta, focaccia, sesame seed Kaiser rolls and kalamata olive bread are accompanied by four flavors of extra virgin olive oil including extra virgin, balsamic vinegar, truffle and basil. For coffee aficionados, enjoy a wide selection of international offerings from Brazil, Colombia, Kenya and Jamaica.

Selected by some of the world’s most sought after palates and celebrated masters in their field, customers on Singapore Airlines enjoy wines from the very best vineyards. Sourced from many of the globe’s most famous wine regions, the airline conducts two formal tastings annually in Singapore where up to 1,000 bottles of red and white wine, Champagne and Port are sampled by expert consultants in blind tastings with concealed bottle labels. Wines are judged on appearance (color and clarity), bouquet (smell) and palate (taste). Wines are also assessed on their ability for drinking on board an aircraft where the atmosphere tends to be dryer.

Imagine being one of three world-renowned wine experts that make up the airline’s expert panel; committed to ensuring only the very best is served on board. Michael Hill-Smith is a wine consultant, wine judge, writer and commentator. In 1988, he became the first Australian to pass the rigorous Master of Wine examination and won the Madame Bollinger Tasting Medal that same year. He established the highly rated ‘Shaw and Smith’ winery with his cousin Martin Shaw in the Adelaide Hills in 1989. As the current Australian Regional Chairman for the Decanter World Wine Awards, Smith has extensive tasting experience in numerous international and Australian wine shows.

Jeannie Cho Lee is the first Asian to be awarded the title ‘Master of Wine’. She is a wine critic, judge, educator and the award-winning author of Asian Palate. Her book won the Gourmand award for Best Food and Wine Pairing Book in the World and was shortlisted for the UK’s prestigious Andre Simon award. She is a consultant for Galaxy Macau and in 2009 was awarded the Vinitaly International Award for her contributions to the wine industry by the organizers of Vinitaly, the largest wine trade fair in the world. Originally from London, Steven Spurrier is a leading authority and author on wine. His illustrious career includes founding the first Paris wine school, L’Academie du Vin. He created and manages the Christie’s Wine Course and is Consulting Editor for Decanter Magazine. In 2011, he was inducted into the Wine Media Guild of New York’s prestigious Wine Writers’ Hall of Fame in recognition of his achievements as a wine author, journalist and educator. He has contributed to Singapore Airlines as a wine consultant for over two decades.

Acting upon the panel’s advice, Singapore Airlines stocks up reserves for serving in the future. Their favored Champagnes include Dom Perignon and Krug Grande Cuvée. Specially featured wines include Grand Cru Red Burgundy from France, Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand and Second Growth Red Bordeaux. To aid in the overall experience, the cabin crew are also taught the essentials of wine appreciation during their initial training, including how and where different wines are produced as well as the unique characteristics of different wines. Those interested in acquiring more wine knowledge may progress to advanced courses conducted by wine professionals. And to top it all off in keeping with their tradition of excellence, Singapore Airlines is an Approved Programme Provider for the UK’s Wine & Spirit Education Trust’s Intermediate and Advanced Certificate in Wines and Spirits. Selected crew with the necessary certification may go on to become Singapore Airlines Air Sommeliers, providing professional wine service to customers and promoting wine knowledge amongst fellow crew members to ensure a well rounded experience for all onboard.

Back in the 90s, there weren’t as many centrally-located places where people could hang out. Many of the most popular hangout spots didn’t exist in their current forms.

Hipster cafes did not exist, Tiong Bahru was just a residential estate full of old people, Arab Street was known for the mosque and old school fabric shops instead of sheesha, and the Marina Bay/Marina South area was known for its bowling alleys and kite flying.

Orchard Road was pretty much the only place where you could buy nice clothes or find many mid-range restaurants in one place. While other shopping and dining precincts like Holland Village and Siglap still existed, they were quieter and without the internet people who didn’t live close by had few ways of knowing their way around.

These days, let’s face it, there are about a million places more appealing to spend your weekend at than Orchard Road. If you’re into cafe hopping, you head to Tiong Bahru. If you want to buy hipster clothes, you head to Haji Lane. If you want to buy luxury goods, you head to Marina Bay Sands. If you want to eat at a nice restaurant, you can head almost anywhere else.

Doreen, a 32-year-old marketing manager living in the Upper Bukit Timah area, no longer spends as much of her free time in the city centre.

“My area used to be quite dead, but now with the opening of the new HillV2 mall and the influx of cafes and restaurants at Lorong Kilat, Chun Tin and the Old Fire Station, I prefer to hang out here on weekends than travel to town. I used to spend quite a lot of time at Orchard in my JC and uni days, but go there only once every few months now,” she says.

While Orchard Road is bigger and brighter than it ever was before, so is the rest of Singapore. And frankly, the brashness and boldness of the Orchard Road malls is starting to wear a little thin in comparison.

Do you spend much time shopping on Orchard Road? Tell us why or why not.

Attendees at the Healthiest Employers 2011 awards luncheon walk around the exhibitors area before the awards.

Five Sacramento-area companies won top honors at a luncheon Friday for theie employee health and wellness efforts. Rood & Dax Advanced Insurance Services Inc. of Sacramento won in the micro category (10 – 50 employees).

Dr. Richards Isaacs accepts a Healtiest Employers award on behalf of Kaiser Permanente Northern California. Kaiser won in the mega category (10, 000-plus employees). The health care nonprofit, which has made healthy living a central message in its advertising years, has had a wellness program since 2002.

Chrome-plated steel designed to replace standard bar ends.

Description. This Hondaline Accessory is chrome-plated steel and is designed to replace standard bar ends on your Honda Gold Wing Audio Comfort.

Contact Us about this product of Al Lamb's Dallas Honda.

Chrome-plated steel designed to replace standard bar ends.

Description. This Hondaline Accessory is chrome-plated steel and is designed to replace standard bar ends on your Honda Gold Wing Audio Comfort.

Contact Us about this product of Al Lamb's Dallas Honda.

Integrated transreceiver boasts 40 channels. Maximizes storage by mounting in separate compartment. CB Antenna Kit required for installation.

Description. This Hondaline Accessory is an integrated transreceiver that boasts 40 channels. This piece maximizes storage by mounting in a separate compartment. The CB Antenna Kit required for installation on your Honda Gold Wing Audio Comfort Navi XM.

Contact Us about this product of Al Lamb's Dallas Honda.

It is a common misconception that if a person is higher in rank than the others, he is already considered the leader of the pact.  Even managers have this kind of mindset.

Well, fact is, they will not be somehow on that spot if they had not shown leadership streaks, will they? After all, famous author and speaker, John Maxwell has defined leadership as having the competence to exude influence on others, thus gaining the chance to outstand over their peers. Perhaps influence means having to step up the ladder with the help of back up?

However, in his review, Prof. Mel Holcom of Arizona State University clearly states that “the first thing to realize is that taking advantage of a leadership opportunity does not necessarily mean moving up the career ladder.”

How then do we define leadership? And who are those worthy of being called a leader if it is not based on rank or position?

The Peterson Group, a leadership development and organizational consulting firm, states that you do not necessarily have to be an official to be a leader. Leadership goes more than a position or authority. The key is demonstrating relationship skills and, as Maxwell has emphasized, influence.

Setting up a good relationship among your colleagues is an important factor in being a leader, even if you are in the same level with them in a team. It is a big deal among human beings to know there is a person who understands them or someone they can go to when they need it. People can also instinctively know if you are being a fraud through your actions or being true in your intentions. The real emphasis on the C’s (charisma, character, commitment, courage and communication) amounts to the level of relationship you have built with other people, not with how many people are under you.

Influence, on the other hand, is a crucial element in leadership. Leadership can never exist without influence. Influence is not on how many influential people can back you up and get you on top of the pyramid; it is on how many people are willing to give you the position because they know you deserve it. 

On a healthy debate held for leadership development among students in Jakarta, Indonesia, reasons for being a leader without holding a position was brought to light. Among the most essential characteristics aside from the aforementioned are initiative, discernment, generosity and focus, characteristics which does not necessarily require rank or position.

On this Genius Tour Gave a Lesson Of The Lifetime

Who does not know the world famous and multi-talented entrepreneur, Meir Ezra? Right from the one of its kind data dictionary editor named ‘Addicted’, fleet management systems to revolutionary and advanced fueling system ‘FuelSafe’ and TimeMaker’s amazing computer application with Organizational Resource Planning add-on, he has been a pioneer in a wide range of fields. He is not only committed to his businesses, but he is also a committed and dedicated father and husband. He is the perfect example of a perfect human being.

At the Genius Tour

In the year 2014, on a tour named Genius Tour, he addressed a large number of people in a 2-day seminar. With his fun filled and informational and inspirational presentation, he has won many hearts. His accent reflects that he is an Israeli. The ideas he shared with the people present in the seminar were stand alone and need your time to get absorbed. At the seminar he gave the real and simple meanings of the words that are frequently used, but are never considered deeply. You will be amazed to learn them and feel within that ‘Meir Ezra, you are really a genius.

Go beyond the literal meanings

Meir Ezra began with the meaning of truth. According to him, accurate place, time, event and form does not include continuation. However, a lie is the contrary to place, time, event and form. Also, it continues. He also told that – you (all human beings) are out best and worst judge. When you do something that you shouldn’t have, you feel bad, even if you don’t let it get expressed. Similarly, when you do something good, you feel glad. He also mentioned the words defined in the first dictionary that was scripted by Webster for empowering people to know various words. This bestow them with power and they will not be cheated upon.

The California HealthCare Foundation (CHCF) has announced the selection of 30 health professionals for the ninth class of its Health Care Leadership Program. The program equips talented professionals with the skills needed to positively impact health care policy and delivery in California. Sponsored by CHCF, the program is administered by the Center for the Health Professions at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF).

“These leaders bring a broad range of experience as medical directors, administrators, and supervisors, as well as diverse fields of expertise including medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, clinical informatics, public health, and business,” said Mark D. Smith, M.D., M.B.A., president and CEO of the California HealthCare Foundation. “In the nine years that we’ve supported this effort, we’ve been impressed with participants’ sustained commitment to improve the quality and efficiency of health care in California,” said Smith.

Over the course of two years, fellows convene in seminars led by nationally recognized health care and leadership development experts and faculty associated with UCLA’s Anderson School of Management. The program addresses health care issues from business, leadership, and public policy perspectives. Participants learn to build and lead teams, manage complexity and change, understand and use financial management tools, and respond to the changing health care environment.

“The CHCF Health Care Leadership Program was and continues to be a transformational experience for me” said alumna Susan Ehrlich, M.D., M.P.P., CEO of the San Mateo Medical Center. “As a public hospital CEO and practicing primary care physician, I am deeply committed to improving the health of our communities and the quality, cost, and experience of health care. Through its network of fellows and alumni, I believe the program will make improvements of these types at every level of health care policy and operations throughout the state.”

CHCF Health Care Leadership Program Class of 2009-2011

Afshan Baig, M.D.

Chief Medical Officer, Clinica de Salud del Pueblo

Brawley

Thomas Barber, M.D.

Associate Physician-in-Chief, Kaiser Permanente

Oakland

Laurie Bauer, B.S.N., M.S.P.H.

Quality and Compliance Officer, Ravenswood Family Health Center

East Palo Alto

Patricia Bellas, M.D., M.P.H.

Associate Medical Director, The Children's Clinic

Long Beach

Lisa Benaron, M.D.

Medical Director, Far Northern Regional Center

Chico

Christine Castano, M.D.

Lead Physician, HealthCare Partners

Arcadia

1. Craig Collins, M.D., M.B.A.

Member, SCPMG Board of Directors; Surgical Residency Program Director; Assistant Chief of Surgery, Kaiser Permanente

Los Angeles

Edwin Feliciano, M.D.

Medical Director, Santa Barbara County Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Services

Santa Barbara

Susan Fernyak, M.D., M.P.H.

Deputy Health Officer, Director, Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, San Francisco Dept of Public Health

San Francisco

Khim Fugate, M.H.A., B.S.N.

Chief Nursing Officer, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center

Colton

Paul Giboney, M.D.

Associate Medical Director, Clinica Msr. Oscar A. Romero

Los Angeles

Dawn Harbatkin, M.D.

Medical Director, Lyon-Martin Health Services

San Francisco

Richard Isaacs, M.D.

Physician-in-Chief and Chief of Staff Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento, The Permanente Medical Group

Sacramento

Janet Kiely, R.N., B.S.

Healthcare Administration, CNO/COO, Healdsburg District Hospital

Healdsburg

Claudia Landau, Ph.D., M.D.

Chief of Geriatrics and Palliative Care, Alameda County Medical Center

Oakland

Roscoe Marter, M.D.

Vice President/Regional Medical Director-Santa Clarita Valley, Facey Medical Group

Valencia

Laura McComb, B.S.N.

Corporate Patient Safety Officer, Community Medical Centers

Fresno

Barak Mevorak, M.D.

CEO, Advanced Medical Review

Los Angeles

Sandra Moody, B.S.N., M.D.

Medical Director, Home Based Primary Care/Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine, SF VA Medical Center/University of California, San Francisco

San Francisco

Danielle Myers, M.D.

Associate Medical Director, Golden Valley Health Centers

Merced

Jamie Phillips, B.S.N., M.H.A.

VP Regional Operations, HealthCare Partners Medical Group

Arcadia

Michelle Schneidermann, M.D.

Medical Director, SFDPH Medical Respite; Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, UCSF/SFGH and SFDPH Medical Respite

San Francisco

Hani Sefain, Pharm.D.

Chief, Pharmaceutical Procurement, Los Angeles County Department of Health Services

Los Angeles

Susan Smarr, M.D.

Physician-in-Chief, Santa Clara Medical Center, The Permente Medical Group/Kaiser Permanente

Santa Clara

David Sofen, M.D.

Regional Medical Director, Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group

Santa Cruz

Paul Subar, D.D.S., Ed.D.

Assistant Professor/Director, Special Care Clinic and Hospital Dentistry Program, University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry

San Francisco

Kenneth Tai, M.D.

Medical Director, North East Medical Services

San Francisco

Lucila Tarin, M.D.

Chief Medical Officer, University Muslim Medical Association

Los Angeles

Ana Valdes, M.D.

Medical Director, St. Anthony Free Medical Clinic

San Francisco

Kamille Wright, B.S.N., M.S.

Associate Hospital Administrator II, Los Angeles County Department of Health Services

Los Angeles

About the Center for Health Professions at UCSF

Since 1992, the Center has been dedicated to transforming health care by delivering Leadership programs to empower change agents at every level and within all sectors of the health care system; and internationally recognized, unbiased research to help health care decision makers understand today's workforce issues and design actionable strategies to solve them.

About the California HealthCare Foundation

CHCF is leading the way to better care for all Californians, particularly those whose needs are not well served by the status quo. We work to ensure that people have access to the care they need, when they need it, at a price they can afford.

CHCF informs policymakers and industry leaders, invests in ideas and innovations, and connects with changemakers to create a more responsive, patient-centered health care system.

CONTACT INFORMATION

CHCF Communications Officer

California HealthCare Foundation