Cooking classes at Tin Fish

The miserable economy. The never-ending winter. The constant parade of corrupt officials.
What you need is a break. A getaway. A holiday.
How does one glorious night away from it all sound? We'd like to help you make that escape.
Enter the SouthtownStar's Cook For My Getaway Sweepstakes and you could win a prize package worth more than $1,500. It includes an overnight stay at the fabulous Lynfred Winery in Roselle, where Colin Turner, executive chef at Tin Fish restaurant in Tinley Park, will prepare a sumptuous dinner for two. The services of Andres Basso, wine maker at Lynfred Winery, are also included.
Then, our winner and guest retire to one of the the winery's elegant bed and breakfast suites, each appointed in the opulent style of a different country. Will you choose Italian sophistication or French charm? German elegance or American luxury?
That's not all, the grand prize winner also gets to attend his choice of V.I.P. cooking classes at Tin Fish.
There are lots of runner-up prizes, too. Gift certificates to Tin Fish. Wine baskets courtesy of Lynfred Winery. Gift cards for the movies.

For futher details visit as : www.southtownstar.com/lifestyles/lifefood/1591913,052809cookgetaway.article

Most saturated in terms of real estate

The Assocham Business Barometer report is based on a survey of 25 real estate firms conducted between May 15 and May 25.
The survey report said a whopping 92 percent of chief executives considered affordable housing to kindle demand in the real estate sector, with about 84 percent saying this segment had been least impacted by falling demand.
It said while the luxury housing segment witnessed a demand contraction of over 50 percent, special economic zones (SEZs) by about 40-50 percent, retail space between 30-40 percent and commercial space by 20-30 percent, affordable housing was the most resilient segment seeing a contraction of 10 percent or less.
The chief executives called for sought single-window clearances for all schemes under affordable housing, as is done with SEZ proposals, to bridge the shortfall of about 2.6 crore dwelling units at the earliest.
About 76 percent of the respondents said the stimulus given to the sector through fiscal and monetary measures was inadequate.
Of all policy measures, 64 percent of respondents were of the view that the central bank’s move to allow banks to restructure loans to developers has been the most successful in improving liquidity for the real estate sector.
Additionally, 60 percent said a resurgent stock market would be the most prominent source of finance for the sector, while 28 percent thought bank credit was the most viable option.
Hefty funds raised through the qualified institutional placement route in the stock market (exceeding Rs.8,000 crore) along with debt restructuring would allow the developers to address their liquidity concerns.
Mumbai has been ranked as the most saturated in terms of real estate assets followed by Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad.

For further details visit as : www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/14920.htm

Looking for truly valuable books

The second 50 years of Illinois' largest annual used book sale is set kick off its 10 days of bibliophile-heaven June 5 in the parking lot at Westfield Old Orchard in Skokie.
For decades, the Brandeis Book Sale brought book lovers and even collectors from the region and outside the area to Skokie's shopping center in search of great deals on used books all underneath large yellow tents. Some came simply looking to compile a summer of good reads; others came looking for truly valuable books, special ones for their personal or professional collections.
When Brandeis finally walked away from the book sale a few years ago, book lovers feared that the last chapter of the sale had been written and the epilogue was all but over.
But then came the Little City Foundation in 2007 to take over the sale, not so much to write a sequel to the Brandeis chapters but to put its own stamp on what Brandeis began so many years ago. The large tents remain, and under those tents are still thousands of books of all genres. And Little City, recognizing the changing times, has increased its offerings of comic books, DVDs, CDs and even vinyl records for nostalgia buffs.
"The used book sale has had a loyal following since it was founded as the Brandeis Book Sale more than half a century ago," said Little City Executive Director Shawn Jeffers.
This year's sale is scheduled from June 5-14. Opening night hours are 5 to 10 p.m. The sale is then open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. June 6, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 7, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 8 to June 11, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. June 12 and June 13 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 14.
While many businesses have been hurting because of the ailing economy, book sale planners believe that that won't be the case here."In this economy, people don't have as much money," said Little City Used Book Sale Marketing Manager Julie Schmaus. "I think they're looking to find bargains and save money, and the book sale is where they can do that."

For futher details visit as : www.pioneerlocal.com/wilmette/news/1592835,skokie-lcbooksale-0522209-s1.article

Tata Motors launched a range of trucks comprising multi-axle

Auto maker Tata Motors today launched a range of trucks comprising multi-axle, tractor trailers, tippers, mixers and special application vehicles.
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Besides India, the range will also be gradually introduced in South Korea, South Africa, the SAARC countries and the Middle East, Tata Motors said in a statement.
"The developing infrastructure in India makes it possible for transporters to reap the benefits of trucks with higher power, speed and carrying capacity. The new range from Tata Motors will meet those needs and will help us penetrate international market more effectively and competitively," Tata Sons and Tata Motors Chairman Ratan Tata said.
The project has been jointly developed by Tata Motors and its two subsidiaries -- Tata Daewoo Commercials Vehicle Co (South Korea) and Tata Motor European Technical Centre (UK).
The company has harnessed the best of the inputs in technology -- in styling, engines, transmission, suspension, chassis, chassis frames, fabrication and dyes from partners based in countries like Italy, Germany, Sweden, the US, Japan and South Korea, the statement added.

For futher details visit as : www.business-standard.com/india/news/tata-motors-unveils-rangetrucks/63040/on

Panama treaty are nothing

If unions like the Teamsters and the AFL-CIO were honest, they’d admit that their real agenda isn’t taxes, labor laws or a need for a “new framework,” whatever that is. They’d just admit they’re against free trade no matter what.
Their unending objections to the Panama treaty are nothing but a bid to kill the pact through delays. They’ve been pretty successful at this so far, putting the deal on hold for two years.
The administration, however, has moved swiftly to get the pact done by July 1, extending a good-faith bid to labor so an acceptable outcome can be reached for all. Panama is doing its part by making concessions that stretch the definitional limits of free trade.
But instead of working with the president, Big Labor only presents new demands. The AFL-CIO’s congressional testimony reflects this.
The new gripes? We now learn that overtime rates for canal-zone workers are “only” 25% instead of a Detroit-like 75%, that Panama’s nationality law conflicts with U.N. standards and that free trade is the reason for the U.S. trade deficit. Worst of all: the pact was negotiated under George Bush.
The new objections are pretty contorted in the face of facts. Panama’s best-paying jobs, for example, are in the canal zone, where few workers want unions. The U.S. has a $4.2 billion surplus with Panama that will rise as it does in all free trade countries. And the pact was negotiated by U.S. Trade Representative pros, not Bush.
But that isn’t stopping the Teamsters’ James Hoffa. Fresh from losing as many as 44,000 American jobs over the Mexican truck shutout, he claims the Panama pact will increase unemployment. It’s the opposite: Three months ago, 20,000 Caterpillar workers were laid off as the U.S. economy tanked.
Caterpillar will need to rehire those union workers if it wins new contracts for earthmovers. There’s a $4 billion Panama Canal expansion going on with contracts up for bids. Without the pact, Caterpillar equipment is subject to 20% tariffs. Nonunion Chinese workers could easily get this work while UAW workers stand in unemployment lines.

For futher visit as : www.truthabouttrade.org/content/view/13987/54/lang,en

Emirates and Mauritius to perform ‘yagnas’

Restrained from going abroad for his alleged role in a clutch of criminal cases, including Lakhu Bhai Pathak cheating case involving former prime minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, Chandraswami will be going abroad after a gap of 14 years.
The spiritual guru had been seeking permission to go abroad to Britain, United Arab Emirates and Mauritius to perform ‘yagnas’ (special prayers) at the residences of some of his disciples.
The apex court allowed Chandraswami to go abroad after dismissing the Enforcement Directorate’s objection to the rulings of a trial court and the Delhi High Court subsequently, which had allowed him to go abroad.
Chandraswami faces prosecution by the Enforcement Directorate in 11 cases of allegedly violating the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA).
The directorate challenged the trial court’s order granting him permission to travel abroad. The Delhi High Court too eventually allowed him to go abroad, dismissing the directorate’s fears that he might not come back to face trial.
Allowing Chandraswami’s plea to go abroad, the high court had asked him to pledge Rs.1 million per case as surety.
The Supreme Court subsequently on Feb 12 had suspended the high court order, which the apex court restored Thursday with a slight modification.
On Tuesday, the Enforcement Directorate counsel Wasim Ahmed Qadri, while opposing Chandraswami’s plea, had told the court that he is also suspected to have a role in funding the assassination of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi in May 1991.
This prompted the court to ask him: “If he has funded the assassination, then why did you not proceed against him?”
Earlier on Feb 26, appearing for the Enforcement Directorate, Additional Solicitor General Gopal Subramanian had told an apex court judge B.N. Agrawal that Chandraswami owes penalty to the tune of Rs.80 million for violation of various foreign exchange control laws.

For Further details : www.thaindian.com/newsportal/uncategorized/apex-court-allows-chandraswami-to-travel-abroad_100197888.html

Samsung India deputy MD R Zutshi

"Indian consumers are evolving rapidly in their lifestyle. Since the craving for healthcare products is growing, LG India wishes to be a pioneer in the healthcare white goods segment. Water and air pollution can be identified as potential categories for new health products in India. Our air purifiers will hit the market by Diwali," LG Electronics India MD Moon B. Shin told ET.
LG India recently launched a portfolio of home appliances which are targeted at health-conscious consumers. These include microwave ovens with a health menu, refrigerator which can preserve vitamin C in vegetables up to 70%, washing machines with steam technology that eliminates allergens, mites and residual detergent.
Similarly, Samsung has rolled out laptops with anti-bacterial keyboards, washing machines that remove bacteria and bio-ceramic enamel cavity in microwave oven which preserves food nutrition. The company’s India R&D team has developed a technology — for which it has applied a patent — that preserves food in refrigerator during a power cut.
"Given the growing health consciousness in Indian consumers, we want to introduce technologies that are health friendly and offers a value to consumers beyond their mere functionality. Through advertising, we will aggressively communicate the consumer benefit of these new technologies," said Samsung India deputy MD R Zutshi.
Philips India plans to develop a portfolio of products in areas like home healthcare and consumer lifestyle. "We have developed water purifiers specifically for India and rolling out a new line of nutrition-oriented small appliances like juicer. We will drive a lot of initiatives on the retail level to solidify our health proposition," Philips Electronics India MD & CEO Murali Sivaraman said.
Godrej Appliances head (marketing and sales) Kamal Nandi said the company’s water purifier will launched pan-India in six months. "We have adopted the direct selling model for healthcare products. The water purifiers are currently sold in few markets like Mumbai. We are working on a slew of other health products," he said.
The size of healthcare white goods market in India is estimated at Rs 1,500-1,800 crore. The market is highly fragmented and is emerging to be the next big opportunity for the big companies.

For further details : economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News-By-Industry/Cons-Products/Durables/Health-bug-bites-consumer-electronics-makers/articleshow/4588126.cms

Health care reform will be finalized this year

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- If President Obama has his way, health care reform will be finalized this year. Key Senate and House committees are planning to mark up legislation in June, and the House is aiming to vote on the issue by August.
And while the specifics of how to fix the nation's health care system are far from final, the debate over how to pull it off will turn on a key question: How to pay for it.
The total cost of overhauling health care is estimated at over $1 trillion, and the administration has made it clear that it doesn't want the overhaul to add to the already giant federal budget deficit.
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont., one of the leading legislative players on the issue, last week laid out the likely elements in any health reform package. He also identified some of the main options for how to pay for it.
A system overhaul will guarantee coverage for most of the 47 million people currently uninsured, Baucus said at a Kaiser Family Foundation forum. And there's a good chance that a government-funded public health plan option will be added to the mix of plans offered by private insurers, Baucus said.
The final legislation is also expected to lay out requirements for minimum benefits; prohibitions against denying someone coverage due to a pre-existing condition; and guarantees for affordable, quality health care, he said.
House Ways and Means Chairman Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., another key player, echoed what Baucus outlined at a National Coalition on Health Care conference on Wednesday.
In terms of reimbursing doctors and hospitals, the focus for insurers is likely to shift from paying for the volume of services provided to reimbursements based on positive health our outcomes.

further details : money.cnn.com/2009/05/28/news/emy/health_reform_payfor_options/?postversion=2009052804cono

ealth care reform will be finalized this yea

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- If President Obama has his way, health care reform will be finalized this year. Key Senate and House committees are planning to mark up legislation in June, and the House is aiming to vote on the issue by August.
And while the specifics of how to fix the nation's health care system are far from final, the debate over how to pull it off will turn on a key question: How to pay for it.
The total cost of overhauling health care is estimated at over $1 trillion, and the administration has made it clear that it doesn't want the overhaul to add to the already giant federal budget deficit.
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont., one of the leading legislative players on the issue, last week laid out the likely elements in any health reform package. He also identified some of the main options for how to pay for it.
A system overhaul will guarantee coverage for most of the 47 million people currently uninsured, Baucus said at a Kaiser Family Foundation forum. And there's a good chance that a government-funded public health plan option will be added to the mix of plans offered by private insurers, Baucus said.
The final legislation is also expected to lay out requirements for minimum benefits; prohibitions against denying someone coverage due to a pre-existing condition; and guarantees for affordable, quality health care, he said.
House Ways and Means Chairman Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., another key player, echoed what Baucus outlined at a National Coalition on Health Care conference on Wednesday.
In terms of reimbursing doctors and hospitals, the focus for insurers is likely to shift from paying for the volume of services provided to reimbursements based on positive health outcomes.

After opening higher, the market soon slipped

The key benchmark indices extended gains in afternoon trade today led by a rally in metal, capital goods and oil & gas stocks.
The BSE 30-share Sensex was up 194 points at 14,304 and the Nifty rose 57 points to 4,333.
The market was volatile as traders rolled over positions from May 2009 contracts to June 2009 contracts in the futures & options (F&O) segment ahead of expiry of May 2009 contracts today, 28 May 2009. After opening higher, the market soon slipped into the red before bouncing back.
The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was strong. On BSE, 1553 shares rose as compared with 972 that fell. A total of 55 shares remained unchanged.
The BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.16% and the BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.75%. Both the indices underperformed the Sensex.
From the 30 share Sensex pack, 21 stocks rose and rest fell.
India's largest private sector firm by market capitalisation and oil refiner Reliance Industries (RIL) rose 2.14% to Rs 2,234.10 on reports it has struck gas in two nearby blocks (D3 and D9), with estimates putting the natural gas reserves at 20 trillion cubic feet (tcf). But the stock came off the day's high of Rs 2,245. Hardy Oil & Gas Plc has 10% stake each in the two blocks where RIL is the operator with 90% interest
Analysts expect strong growth in RIL's bottom line in coming quarters from sale of gas which it started pumping last month from its deep-sea field off the east coast.
India's largest oil exploration firm by revenue Oil & Natural Gas Corp rose 0.46% extending yesterday's sharp surge triggered by a newspaper report that the government may double the price of natural gas. The government may double the administered price of natural gas to $4.2 per million British thermal units. The increase will benefit ONGC and Oil India which sell the fuel at prices fixed by the government, according to the report.

Further details : profit.ndtv.com/2009/05/28132400/Metals-capital-goods-lead-Sen.html