Man wanted on murder charge in Luxembourg arrested in Kingsland, police say | jacksonville.com

My Orchids. The Blues. Photo ET

Man wanted on murder charge in Luxembourg arrested in Kingsland, police say | jacksonville.com

You can run, but not hide. Even less so if you are drunk.

Luxembourg No Longer in Downgrade Danger, S&P Says

                                                             My Orchids. "Horn of Abundance". Photo ET

Luxembourg No Longer in Downgrade Danger, S&P Says

Bloomberg brought the good news. Standard & Poor's concluded that Luxembourg is no longer watched for a potential downgrade from AAA.

“Luxembourg’s strong government balance sheet, wealthy population, and stable political environment are sufficient to outweigh risks to its economy,” according to S&P.

So that was close. Hopefully a lesson to spend with circumspection in the future. But not for now, let's celebrate!

Qatar Airways confirms Cargolux stake sale

   My Orchids. "Sand Dollar". Photo ET

Yahoo reported.

This is not really news anymore, but a confirmation that finally some people did what they said they would do. And that is quite remarkable. Though everyone puts his own spin on the story, which is OK. So no one loses face.

The Luxembourg government, burned by its very poor performance in dealing with Cargolux issues so far, had to back out of the deal. It has since decreed that more secrecy should govern future actions, which is useful when you can't improve your performance. The first action though has not remained secret: the buy-back price is $117.5 million. It might be good or bad that this secret is out. It is all about what your strategy is. What is the strategy? CV needs capital right?

And if negotiations are generally kept secret, it is not always the best tactics. Hint: how easy it gets when you can object to a bad offer that the unions will have all hell break loose. But, Mr. Frieden, that objection has to be made before you sign the deal.

Current TV worth more than Cargolux !

    My Orchids ? Must be Phalaneopsis Alberto Gorii.Photo ET

A tale of two Als: Why Al Gore sold out to Al Jazeera 

Qatar owned Al Jazeera bought ramshackle "Current TV" owned among others by former Vice-President Al Gore for $ 500 million. Which is a valuation of $150 million more than another Qatari company, Qatar Airways  made for Cargolux.

Luc Frieden should get in touch with Al Gore and learn some ropes of the trade. Current TV has about 40,000 viewers on average, less than C-Span if I may guess. Or my hometown's Town Hall Public Access TV.

What are the chances of success? Quite uncertain. Al Jazeera has to get rid of a reputation of anti-Americanism first. The cultural hurdle and the recent history are real obstacles. But, good negotiations, Al Gore. And Al Jazeera, you bought the right levers.

Wal-Mart, Go Big on FCPA Compliance

My Orchids. Shine some light. Photo ET

Wal-Mart, Go Big on FCPA Compliance

A bribery case in Mexico throws the spotlight on a well-run company, that ran into a trap. It is an emerging issue for all companies, mostly these large multinational ones, who by now have to shine light into their remotest corners. Or it will be very costly. Know your partners.

Fiscal Cliff

     My Orchids. Phalaneopsis "Fiscal Cliff". Photo ET

Fiscal Cliff: Incredible reality is that it took the Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and the Second in Command Vice President Joe Biden to shoulder all by themselves the burden to avoid a crisis, for now. The two adults in the room ! Though that's only for the Senate and the White House. Let's give them the credit. Though where are the spending cuts? Hint: some think just print the money we don't have. Inflate the mountain away. Happy New Year !