US stocks drop on weak data August 23, 2012 US stocks fell yesterday as expectations for quick stimulus action from the Federal Reserve faded and Chinese and Eurozone data pointed to a stalling global economy. Each of the 10 major S&P sectors finished in negative territory, with the economically sensitive materials sector the worst performer, down 1.7 per cent. Minutes published from the latest [...]
The NHS must look outwards if it’s to become the envy of the world August 23, 2012 THE coalition has identified the NHS as the UK’s next big export. We have some form here: internationally renowned brands like the Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea, Moorfields Eye Hospital and Great Ormond Street have foreign campuses in the Middle East – with similar tie-ins to some of our leading universities. And this outward-looking approach [...]
Life isn’t short: But we’ve learnt to squander our time like spendthrifts August 23, 2012 SUMMER’S lease is drawing to a close again. With less than a month until the autumnal equinox on 22 September, we’re running out of time to complain about the disappointing weather or attempt to cook burgers in one another’s backyards. Or, from another point of view, there’s four weeks left before the summer of 2012 [...]
New infrastructure cannot dig us from our economic hole August 23, 2012 BAD borrowing figures have increased the pressure on the government to change its course, abandon austerity and crank up new public infrastructure projects. Indeed, with a cabinet reshuffle expected in the next few weeks, a number of people have been saying that David Cameron should shuffle his chancellor, George Osborne, off to the backbenches. Neither [...]
As SSE raises its energy prices by 9 per cent, is the firm right to blame UK green policies? August 23, 2012 YES Matthew Sinclair So long as the government sticks to radical EU targets for the energy sector – particularly for a drastic increase in the use of renewable energy – domestic and industrial consumers will continue to face punishing increases in prices. Attempts to reassure investors with expensive commitments like the carbon price floor will [...]
Rapid Responses August 23, 2012 Work experience [Re: Rigour in GCSE’s is essential but we need students fit for business, yesterday] While it’s important to provide children with work experience, there must be guidelines to ensure it is meaningful. In my last year of secondary school, I was allocated a two week stint in a local supermarket, while I watched [...]
Bank on a great holiday weekend August 23, 2012 NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL 26-27 August; all day; free; Ladbroke Grove; thenottinghillcarnival.com Since Notting Hill Carnival’s debut in 1966, people have flocked to take part in this Caribbean spectacle. Buzzing crowds, live music and a mass of colourful dancers and processions will all get you in the party spirit. The main parade takes part on the [...]
Shadow Dancer is provocative, dramatic and brilliant while The Watch and The Three Stooges are unwatchable August 23, 2012 FILM THE WATCH Cert 15 | By Steve Dinneen * The canon of movies starring Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn is turning into something of a machine-gun (I count at least five). In The Watch, the lovable goofballs form a neighbourhood watch scheme. But wait, get this… They find an alien! And it eats people’s [...]
Where to drink August 23, 2012 In recent times, London has witnessed a renaissance of the private members’ club, updated dramatically from traditional gentlemans’ clubs, yet retaining much of their DNA. This Spring, Robin Birley (of Annabel’s stock) opened 5 Hertford Street in Shepherd’s Market, a beautiful bordeaux-coloured 23,000 square foot building featuring elegant dining rooms, oyster bar, terrace courtyard, cigar [...]
Newcastle can hold their own at Stamford Bridge once again August 23, 2012 FEW bosses came into the season under greater pressure than Roberto Di Matteo and the Chelsea manager has responded by steering his team to two wins from two to lead the way in the Premier League. The Italian has been helped by a forgiving start to the campaign, with Wigan away and Reading at home, [...]
