Archives for 2009

What are the banks doing?

February 11, 2009 By Graham Leave a Comment

You would think that the banks would be taking a careful approach after what happened to them in the last few months.

Think again.

RBS are in the news the week, having first been bailed out by the Treasury they announced larged bonuses for their managers, only to announce 2,300 job cuts a few days later. The final straw was the former chief executive, who apparently earned just over 4 million pounds in 2007, saying “sorry” for the mess that the banks are in.

So where exactly is the money coming from to sponsor the Six Nations tournament?

Maybe MP John Thurso’s idea isn’t that bad…

Filed Under: Cymeradwyo, Finance Tagged With: Banks, bonus, loan, RBS, rugby

Apartment Sales Drive Lanzarote Property Market

February 8, 2009 By Graham Leave a Comment

by Nick Ball

Demand for property for sale in Lanzarote priced above the €300,000 mark has fallen flat. According to figures recently released by one of the islands largest property portals, Lanzarote Guidebook.

An analysis of 636 property enquiries received during the first two months of this year revealed that overseas investors currently have little interest in villas and houses. And are instead opting for apartments and studios. Suggesting that recent changes in market conditions and consumer confidence are stifling demand for the more expensive properties currently on the market. Whilst investors instead turn to lower risk and lower cost options.

According to Lanzarote Guidebooks figures 83% of all enquiries received in January and February 2008 were for properties priced €300,000 or below. Whilst properties priced below €150,000 attracted 43% of all enquiries.

And demand falls as price rises – with properties priced in the €300,000 to €500,000 bracket accounting for 10% of all enquires. Whilst properties priced above the €500,000 mark proved to be of interest to just 3% of all overseas investors.

Filed Under: Accommodation, Lanzarote Tagged With: apartments, Property

Karnevalssitzung

February 4, 2009 By Graham Leave a Comment

A Karnevalssitzung is the name given to an event that takes place during the Karneval season, usually in the evening.

It takes place in a large hall and is organised by a Karnevalsverein. Although this could be anytime between 11th November and Shrove Tuesday, it is more likely to be in the last week of the season.

During the evening there are performances by dance troups, Büttenredner – a sort of comedian who comments on current, often poltical, events, and a lot of singing. The guests sit at long tables to eat and drink.

Chairing the event are the Elferrat. The word Elf, refers not only to the number eleven – the carnival number, but also to an abbreviation of the motto of the French Revolution: Egalité, Liberté, Fraternité.

To hear a simple explanation and a short discussion in German, listen to the podcast: