Swiss News back issues from June 2008:
From the editor.(Editorial)
Jun 01, 2008; ... It's Euro 2008, and the place is humming. Venues are spruced, staff have boned up on customer service, airports have been permitted to increase those noisy overnight flights. The Swiss government even lifted import regulations on potatoes so we footy fans can have our fill of French fries ....
Rule-loving Swiss will train pet owners.(NEWS)
Jun 01, 2008 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] This country's dog owners will have to take courses and pass tests if they want to keep their pets, the Swiss government announced in April. An examination on how to properly look after the dog will be introduced in September, along with a ...
Call for measles shots ahead of Euro 2008.(NEWS)
Jun 01, 2008 ... Football fans travelling to Switzerland and Austria in June should get a measles vaccine if their immunity is unclear, the World Health Organization has advised. Both host countries are experiencing measles outbreaks and health experts fear the contagious disease could spread widely during ...
Big money, small country.(NEWS)
Jun 01, 2008 ... Economic think-tank Avenir Suisse has calculated the Gross Domestic Product of the 26 Swiss cantons, and found that they equate to those of whole countries throughout the rest of the world. The country itself produces the same amount as the U.S. state of Georgia, which stands ...
Swiss forum pushes for action to combat world food crisis.(NEWS)
Jun 01, 2008 ... Former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan says severe hunger resulting from the world's food crisis could set off many more protests in developing nations. Worldwide, the cost of food has increased by about 40 per cent in the past year and the doubling and tripling of staple food ...
CS losses mount.(NEWS)
Jun 01, 2008 ... Credit Suisse bank reported its first quarterly loss in five years this April on the back of new writedowns of SFr 5.3 billion from the home-loan crisis in the United States. But the bank's chief executive, Brady Dougan, said the group had reduced its risk exposure and was well ...
Chappatte.(NEWS)(Cartoon)
Jun 01, 2008 ... SORRY I'M BUSY SAVING THE PLANET ...
A right to discriminate? Switzerland's relations with its foreign residents will be under renewed scrutiny in June as voters consider a controversial proposal that would allow local citizens to hold secret ballots to decide on passport applications.(POLITICS)
Jun 01, 2008; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] You've seen the black sheep, now it's time for the black hands. Never afraid to court controversy, the right-wing Swiss People's Party has come up with another striking--some are saying offensive--image to heap attention on its latest proposal to ...
Bring on the fans: this month, millions of football fans will find their way to Swiss and Austrian cities for the Euro 2008 football tournament. Three airports in Switzerland will serve as entry points: Zurich, Geneva and Basel. Are they prepared for the influx?(NEWS FEATURE)
Jun 01, 2008; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] '30 seconds to Heidi' a yellow sign tells passengers arriving at Zurich Airport. Football fans crowding the Skymetro to the arrival terminal hear the sound of an alphorn on the train's public address system, accompanied by cowbells and yodellers. Suddenly ...
Insuring your life: life insurance could be one of the more important purchases you make in life. In this article we will outline the requirements of a basic life insurance policy and how the right life cover can be used to protect your family or business partners if the worst should happen.(MONEY)
Jun 01, 2008; ... In the event of a tragedy, life insurance proceeds can help pay the bills, continue a family business, finance your children's education, protect your spouse's retirement plans or repay a property loan. Life insurance contracts tend to fall into two major categories: investment ...
Champs or chumps? The 2008 European football championships finally kick off on June 7 when Switzerland meet the Czech Republic in the tournament's opening match in Basel. Not content at merely being good hosts, the Swiss team have said they want to win the event. Current form suggests however that the Alpine nation will have a mountain to climb.(SPORTS)(Cover story)
Jun 01, 2008; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Switzerland coach Kobi Kuhn must surely regret the day back in 2001 when he sketched out his ambitious plans for Euro 2008, or at least wish those plans had never become public. Penned as part of his application for the job, before Switzerland even knew ...
Euro 2008 city guide: Switzerland is home to football's two biggest governing bodies, UEFA and FIFA. This had absolutely no impact on Switzerland being awarded hosting rights for the 2008 European Championship.(HUMOUR)
Jun 01, 2008; ... You may wish to note that Austria is also on board as the co-host--mainly because they've actually got a large stadium in Vienna for the final. The mascots for the championship are called Trix and Flix and, like accountants and lawyers, are a necessary evil, I suppose. ...
A booming market: auction houses are seeing record results--some say because investors put off by the sub-prime loan fiasco are shifting money into fine collectibles. Swiss News takes a closer look.(BUSINESS)
Jun 01, 2008; ... Admittedly 2007 was an exceptional year for Swiss auction houses. Koller, the largest Swiss auction house by turnover, says the year's sales of SFr 110 million were up 45 per cent from 2006. And in Sotheby's Swiss operations, annual sales of SFr 178 million were up 44 per cent on the ...
Art Basel bullish: with the international art market seemingly unfazed by the world's current financial turmoil--at least judging from the results of recent auctions in London and New York--and its financial base more solid than ever, Art Basel is looking for another strong showing when it opens its halls to the art world June 4-8.(BUSINESS)
Jun 01, 2008; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] More than 1,000 galleries--a record number--applied and some 300 were chosen to exhibit works by more than 2,000 artists of the 20th and 21st centuries at what is unquestionably the world's leading commercial showcase for contemporary and modern art. ...
This summer in Switzerland.(WHAT'S ON this month: Switzerland Tourism. MySwitzerland.com)(Calendar)
Jun 01, 2008 ... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Festivals in June Ascona 2706-06.07.2008: JazzAscona--NewOrleans jazz festival Phone: 091 791 0091 Info: www.jazzascona.ch Bad Ragaz 20-22.06.2008: 30th Quellrock open-air ...
Seeing the sights from a bike.(WHAT'S ON this month: Switzerland Tourism. MySwitzerland.com)
Jun 01, 2008; ... At five months pregnant, I decided to bike Route 5, one of the nine national bicycle routes that traverse the country. Route 5 runs from Lausanne up to Romanshorn on the Bodensee (Lake Constance), with around 350 kilometres of relatively flat, traffic-free paths. I've only made ...
Val Bavona and Robiei, Ticino.(WHAT'S ON this month: Switzerland Tourism. MySwitzerland.com)
Jun 01, 2008; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The jury's out as to which valley is the most beautiful in Ticino--though one of my personal favourites is the stunning Val Bavona. It certainly helps that you drive through another stunner--lush Valle Maggia, ever popular with walkers. The ...
Biking tours.(WHAT'S ON this month: Switzerland Tourism. MySwitzerland.com)
Jun 01, 2008; ... Summer means bike rides. Not the kind involving impatient motorists or racing to the station to catch a train. But long, leisurely bike rides around Griefensee. There is something about a sunny day ... all the happy faces, the smell of barbeques, music playing and crystal clear water, ...
Outdoor paradise in Davos.(WHAT'S ON this month: Switzerland Tourism. MySwitzerland.com)
Jun 01, 2008; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Davos is more famous for its winter season than summer but it still has a lot to offer once the snow melts. If you stay overnight you will receive the 'Davos inclusive card', which entitles you to free local bus travel, limited free train ...
Festival of English-speaking theatre in Switzerland.(WHAT'S ON this month: Switzerland Tourism. MySwitzerland.com)
Jun 01, 2008 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] June 5-7 Lorzensaal, Cham, Canton Zug For many years Switzerland's seven English-speaking theatre groups from Basel, Bern, Geneva, Lausanne, Zug and Zurich have offered stage productions to their local audiences. Now from June 5-7, ...
Forget St. Mortiz--try Sils!(WHAT'S ON this month: Switzerland Tourism. MySwitzerland.com)
Jun 01, 2008; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Though the Engadine is predominately known as the home of St. Mortitz, playground for the rich and famous, some of its greatest riches are actually in the surrounding villages that share the same breathtakingly beautiful valley. A case in point is Sils. ...
Swimming in Ticino.(WHAT'S ON this month: Switzerland Tourism. MySwitzerland.com)
Jun 01, 2008; ... Back before we had kids, my wife and I often journeyed to the Alps' southern flank to scale Ticinese granite. After a good day sweating it out on the rock, we knew of a few little-known spots to cool off with a swim--many right around the village of Osogna, north of Bellinzona. ...
Picturesque Gimmelwald.(WHAT'S ON this month: Switzerland Tourism. MySwitzerland.com)
Jun 01, 2008; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] My summer weekends are spent alternating between a sunny spot near the arboretum on Lake Zurich or en route up a mountain. One of my all-time favourite hideaways is the small farming hamlet of Gimmelwald in the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Its amazing ...
Swiss Shangri-la.(WHAT'S ON this month: Switzerland Tourism. MySwitzerland.com)
Jun 01, 2008; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Soglio is a long way from anywhere, but that's its charm. This idyllic village from another age is situated on a high, sunny plateau in the Val Bregaglia, over the Maloja Pass from the Engadine valley in Canton Graubunderr. You can get there ...
Going out this month: the Swiss guide to food and drink.
Jun 01, 2008 ... Basel Restaurant des Arts Bistro and Brasserie Barfusserplatz 6, Basel Tel. 061 273 57 37 Brasserie du Casino Offering French cuisine and a wine bar Barfusserplatz, Basel Tel. 061 225 93 96 ...
Farming rare creatures in the Emmental: up in the rolling hills of the Emmental is Biglerhusi, the Marti family's farm. But it's not just any farm--it's an organic concern dedicated to keeping old species of Swiss animals and fruit alive. Swiss News went to Landiswil in Canton Bern to see the Martis at work.(FOOD SPECIAL)
Jun 01, 2008; ... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Just a few kilometres outside the Swiss capital of Bern, the landscape flows into a series of green hills, dotted with large farmhouses--flanked by the Alps on one side and by the peaks of the Jura on the other. One of these farmhouses is Biglerhusi, home ...
What's in a label? It only took accidental purchases of non-alcoholic canned Panache and foul tasting caffeine-free coffee substitute, before I realised the importance of not shopping on autopilot in foreign countries. However, the ability to identify the contents of a package with the absence of full-colour visual aids is only the beginning of effective shopping in Switzerland.(FOOD SPECIAL)
Jun 01, 2008; ... Today, conscientious shoppers aren't simply interested in buying run-of-the-mill products. With dozens of different socio-economic and environmental causes out there, shoppers are more aware than ever of the potential impacts of a thought less purchase. As a result, the Swiss ...
The most common labels: let's explore what these labels mean, and how they compare to each other.(FOOD SPECIAL)
Jun 01, 2008 ... Important food labels Bio Suisse Organically produced food and agricultural products Products: Milk, vegetables, fruit, eggs, fish, meat, grains, etc. Criteria: * Protection of the environment * Animal friendly ...
Jazz Ascona: what a vibe! JazzAsconia is held in Ticino's chicest resort, on the shores of one of Europe's most beautiful lakes, under a canopy of stars. As venues go, it doesn't get much better than this. And then there's the music.(ART & CULTURE)
Jun 01, 2008; ... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Dedicated to the music of New Orleans, this ten-day festival is the most important jazz event of its kind outside the United States, with 300 artists, 200 concerts and 400 hours of music. It's also the only festival of its kind to collaborate directly ...
Inheritance, permits and pension planning.(LEGAL EAGLE)
Jun 01, 2008; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I am a Swiss citizen living in the United States on a G4 Visa which means we have to leave the country three months after my employment ends. I am married for the second time our 16-year-old son lives with us. I got divorced in 1992 and my three children ...
Wanna fight?(PHOTO OF THE MONTH)
Jun 01, 2008; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Switzerland's third largest canton, Valais, is a great place to escape to when the sun is shining. Close to Saas Fee is a long walk through a deserted valley called the Furggtal. The end of the walk climbs steeply to the Italian border, but my favourite ...
American Club of Zurich.(Club News)
Jun 01, 2008 ... ACZ offers its members and guests a wide range of events, from American traditions T.G.I.F. nights, to a variety of leisure, entertainment and sports events. Visitors are welcome. June 14: Hike and Herbs, alternative medicine excursion from ...
American International Club of Geneva.(Club News)
Jun 01, 2008 ... This club is a place to make friends and participate in events of a business, social, civic and charitable nature, all in a relaxed setting. There are over 1,200 male and female members. June ...
American International Women's Club of Geneva.(Club News)
Jun 01, 2008 ... This international women's club offers more than 30 activities such as language lessons, art excursions, sports, photography, children's activities, volunteer projects and much more. June 6: ...
American Women's Club of Basel.(Club News)
Jun 01, 2008 ... This club is a non-profit social and philanthropic organisation featuring a dynamic group of women with diverse interests and backgrounds. They maintains an English library with over 5,000 books. June 8: Family outing to the Swiss ...
American Women's Club of Bern.(Club News)
Jun 01, 2008 ... The AWC of Bern is a non-profit, non-political, organisation dedicated to helping American and other English-speaking women feel more informed and ...
American International Women's Club of Lausanne.(Club News)
Jun 01, 2008 ... The club is a non-profit organisation that promotes fellowship among English-speaking women. The club has over 500 members, of whom one-third is American. ...
American Women's Club of Zurich.(Club News)
Jun 01, 2008 ... AWCZ is a non-profit, volunteer organisation providing friendship and support to women with close ties to the United States. They have an English library that is open ...
Basel Childbirth Trust.(Club News)
Jun 01, 2008 ... BCT is an English-speaking, nonprofit, voluntary organisation that helps and supports expectant parents and families with young children, enabling them to make informed choices about parenting. June 4, 11, 18 & 25: Bumps & Babes meet-up at Starbucks on ...
The British Residents' Association of Switzerland.(Club News)
Jun 01, 2008 ... The BRA was founded in 1946, and aims to provide advice to its members and support their interests and enjoyment of Swiss hospitality. June 10: Queen's Birthday Celebration in Zurich at 18:00 at the Restaurant Belvoir Park. June 13: Queen's Birthday Celebration ...
Centrepoint Basel.(Club News)
Jun 01, 2008 ... Centrepoint is a community organisation that promotes sharing, Learning and having fun, in a welcoming environment. It's an ideal place to make new friends, browse the English book & DVD library, or develop your skills through volunteering. June 4, 11, ...
English Speaking Club of Bern.(Club News)(Theater review)
Jun 01, 2008 ... The ESCB operates its own club premises offering a variety of facilities--bar, pool table, darts, games, small library and function facilities. Regular club nights are Thursday & Friday from 19:00. ...
English Theatre Group of Zug.(Club News)
Jun 01, 2008 ... This group is a non-profit organisation promoting amateur musical theatre in English in the Zug area. Newcomers are always welcome. June 5-7: Festival ...
Geneva English Drama Society.(Club News)
Jun 01, 2008 ... GEDS provides a diverse theatre programme covering a variety of styles and periods. Play readings, full productions, workshops and social events are scheduled. ...
Int. Men's Club Zurich.(Club News)
Jun 01, 2008 ... IMC is a non-profit organisation for English-speaking men in the Zurich area. Activities include billiards, hiking, sailing & fishing. June 13-15: Sailing group on ...
International Women's Club of Lugano.(Club News)
Jun 01, 2008 ... The IWC of Lugano is a social club with over 200 members. Club activities include monthly meetings with guest speakers, cultural tours, lunches, dinners, golf, tennis, ...
Zug Int. Women's Club.(Club News)
Jun 01, 2008 ... ZIWC's offers support, friendship and information to area members and guests. June 10: June contact coffee June 17: Bus trip to the ...
Zurich Comedy Club.(Club News)
Jun 01, 2008 ... The ZCC meet most weeks to read, discuss, practice and perform plays. The group is 100% amateur and does not limit ...
Zurich International Women's Association.(Club News)
Jun 01, 2008 ... ZIWA has 900, and varied interest groups including Middle Eastern dance, meditation, gardening, walking and hiking, mums & tots and Brockenhaus browsing. ...
The Enchantress of Florence.(English Books)
Jun 01, 2008 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Salman Rushdie A traveller called the Mughal of Love enchants the court of Akbar. He says he's the child of a lost Mughal princess, who ...
Hold Tight.(English Books)
Jun 01, 2008 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Harlan Coben Adam becomes distant after the suicide of classmate Spencer. An anonymous message appears on his computer: "Stay quiet and all safe" A ...
Thanks for the Memories.(English Books)
Jun 01, 2008 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Cecelia Ahem Joyce remembers things she shouldn't, like Paris streets she has never visited. And every night she dreams about a little blonde girl ...
Divisadero.(English Books)
Jun 01, 2008 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Michael Ondaatje In 1970s California, a farmer and his daughters, Anna and Claire, work their land with the help of Coop, a hired hand, when a violent incident ...
Written in Bone.(English Books)
Jun 01, 2008 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Simon Beckett Dr. Hunter is on a remote island to inspect a grisly death: a body is incinerated, leaving only the feet and a hand. Local ...
Acting Up.(English Books)
Jun 01, 2008 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Melissa Nathan When journalist Jasmin is picked as Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice, she finds the play's director, heartthrob Harry, is every bit as obnoxious as she ...
Rebecca Miller: The Private Lives of Pippa Lee.(ON THE SHELF IN ZURICH)
Jun 01, 2008 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] She is the devoted wife of a brilliant man thirty years her senior, proud mother of grown-up twins, and an adored friend and neighbour. But where once she was content with this seemingly enviable world, Pippa finds her life beginning to unravel ....
Joe Dunthome: Submarine.(ON THE SHELF IN ZURICH)
Jun 01, 2008 ... Hello. I'm Oliver, the protagonist. I like to use words like protagonist and twonk. My ambitions are to find out why my father stays in bed all day, why my mother is taking surfing lessons from a hippy twonk, and to lose my virginity before it becomes legal. My parents haven't had sex in ...
Amitav Ghosh: Sea of Poppies.(ON THE SHELF IN ZURICH)
Jun 01, 2008 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] On an old slaving ship named The Ibis, fate has thrown together a truly diverse cast of Indians and Westerners. The motley crew of sailors, coolies and convicts includes a bankrupt Raja, a Chinese opium addict, a lissom French runaway and a mulatto ...