27th November

After a series of accidents due to a falling elevator, with one death occurred Thursday in Paris, industry professionals warn of the lack of safety devices. "The safety of elevators is not effective," denounces Herve Lasseigne, president of the Federation of Independent Experts and Control Offices lifts (Fiebca).

Voted in 2003, the modernization plan, however, elevator provides that after three deadlines (2010, 2013 and 2018), all units of residential housing and office buildings should be standard.But, faced with the often high cost of work (between 5000 and 10,000 euros per lift for the first phase and up to 30,000 euros on average for work completed before July 2013), some owners are slow to meetings of the vote easy payday loans.

The delays are such that "15% to 20% of lifts (especially condominiums)," which should have been subject to new safety standards by the end of 2010, have not yet been upgraded, according to Fiebca. "The situation is very worrying, warns Herve Lasseigne, accident, this may have consequences in terms of civil liability or criminal, for condominium corporations," he says.

The upgrades are not a guarantee of safety. The many renovated elevators are dangerous because "treatments are often incomplete."

A potential policy holder should always study their life insurance quotes carefully and all terms contained within them should be properly understood before any final decision is made.

11th November

After several days of intense negotiations, Greece finally has a new Prime Minister: Lucas Papademos. It took a meeting will still be several hours Thursday morning to get out of psychodrama and political reach a formal appointment.

The banker of 64 years, member of the Academy of Athens since 2006, will thus lead a transitional government, bringing together ministers and conservative socialists. After more than a week of political crisis, punctuated by daily twists, under pressure European and international Papademos was the only man accepted by the entire political class and the best position, given the circumstances, to become the eighth technocrat to take the reins of the executive Greece since the beginning of the twentieth century instant payday loans.Lucas Papademos has worked alongside Jean-Claude Trichet as the deputy governor of the European Central Bank, it enjoys an international reputation and credibility with creditors would be Greece.

If he is charged a lack of charisma, his discretion is unanimously recognized. It is "primarily a support person for the two major parties and Greek will reassure the markets. He is one of those who have allowed Greece to enter the euro area. So he knows the issues and mechanisms of the system. It is critical right now. Then, it is the only one able to ratify the European Agreement of 27 October, "Takis decrypts Bratsos, economic analyst.

EDF tried for spying on Greenpeace

16th October

EDF appears from Monday morning before the correctional court of Nanterre for spying in 2006, a computer anti-nuclear organization Greenpeace. The electrician, as a corporation, and the head of his security service at the time, Pascal Durieux, 64, and his assistant Pierre-François Paul, 63, are charged with complicity of "undermining a system of automated data processing. " In other words for hacking.

EDF did not directly hacked the hard drive of Yannick Jadot, director of Greenpeace campaign. The company had used a business intelligence company, Kargus Consultants, headed by Thierry Lohro. Which had sought a self-taught hacker of his knowledge, Alain Quiros. The attacker was not enough stealth since he left traces on the computer of another victim allowed the court to go back to the folder Greenpeace.

Thierry Lohro is a former agent of the DGSE. Alain Quiros occasionally worked for the Atlantic Intelligence Company, founded by the former head of the GIGN Philippe Legorjus. EDF side, Pascal Durieux against a former admiral and his assistant Pierre-Paul Francis was a police officer.

Appropriate forum for Greenpeace

Facing the judge Thomas Cassuto, the two leaders EDF – removed from office in April 2009 – have denied knowledge of the illegal means used to gather information on Greenpeace. As for the CD-ROM found in the safe of Pierre-Paul Francois at EDF 1420 containing pirated files on the computer of Yannick Jadot, MM. François Durieux, and would not have bothered to watch the content according to their testimony. Pierre-François Paul does not deny having been presented to the hacker by Thierry Lohro Quiros in a cafe near the Military Club a few months before piracy.In addition, EDF has established two contracts with Kargus Consultants, a first in 2004 in the amount of 10,000 euros per month, the second in November 2006 providing for a fee of EUR 4,664 cash advances pay day loan.40 per month for one year. Police, Thierry Lohro said the contract was payment for subsequent operation of piracy.

Yannick Jadot, target of piracy, became MEP and spokesperson Eva Joly, the Green candidate for president: the trial offers a timely media platform to Greenpeace. And the opportunity to prove nothing less than "nuclear power is incompatible with the rules of French democracy." The organization claims 8.3 million euros in damages to EDF. For his part, counsel for the energy giant, Alex Gublin, raise, according to AFP, a priority issue of constitutionality (QPC) for a retroactive application of the law.The discretion of the President of the 15th Criminal Chamber, Isabelle Prevost-Desprez, the trial could be returned, or take place over ten days of the hearing.

Of doping in cycling hacking

The investigation that led to the indictment of EDF to a computer hacking Greenpeace's original appearance in a case removed: doping the American cyclist Floyd Landis, winner – decommissioned – the Tour de France 2006. On 14 September 2006, the department's National Laboratory for Doping Detection (LNDD) of Chatenay-Malabry discovers an intrusion on one of its computers. The police investigation following the complaint of the laboratory establishes a chain of links – which passes by the renowned Pinkerton Detective Agency U.S. – between Arnie Baker, coach of the cyclist, and a certain Alain Quiros, hacker to its hours.Surrounding the yellow jersey doped sought to discredit the LNDD to strengthen his defense. Computer equipment seized from Alain Quiros, exiled in Morocco since the fall of 2006, will the investigators on the trail of other victims of the hacker. Among them, the association of small shareholders of Vivendi and Yannick Jadot, campaign director of Greenpeace.

ALSO READ:

"Espionage Greenpeace: EDF suspends two officials

Aid to poor countries remains a priority

15th October

Fight against poverty, access to clean water, education, health … Target the poorest countries of sub-Saharan Africa while engaging more in North Africa. These are the priorities declined by the French development, according to the 2011 AFD Ifop barometer, conducted in July, against a background of "Arab spring". They are 63% to support the continuation of official development assistance (ODA), despite the crisis and the context of budget restrictions. 77% of them even consider that France should have its own policy in Europe.

Tax on financial transactions

Given that France is the third largest contributor to global. "ODA accounts for 10 billion euros, or nearly 10% of global ODA, while France weighs 5% of global GDP.And the 2012 budget will not be affected by lower public spending, "said Minister of Cooperation Henri de Raincourt. Welcoming the outcome of the investigation that "incites to put development at the heart of the international agenda," the minister said that the G20 Development to be held next Friday in Paris will be a first in this proceeding with three priorities: food security, infrastructure and innovative financing.

Paris has the support of Brazil and several European partners to push the proposed tax on financial transactions, despite the opposition displayed the Anglo-Saxon countries, the United States in mind. "It will take these countries explain to their publics at the same time they lower their ODA they refuse to find new financing.This is an ethical issue, "criticizes the French minister.

If aid is important to the French, they are only 55% find it effective. They are even more severe in the result on the reduction of poverty, the fight against global warming and support for economic growth. Overall 60% believe the French budget enough, young people, however, require a greater commitment.

Respondents also believe that aid should rely more on local actors: communities, civil society organizations, entrepreneurs and NGOs …. The transfer of skills and know-how is considered very important to avoid over-reliance of the States for assistance. Finally, like other years, they want more information on funded projects, their progress and results.

The Paris Bourse out of inspiration

12th October

Markets take a breather. After four sessions chained up in a row, the CAC 40 lost 0.25% to 3153.52 points. The volumes remain thin. About 2.7 billion changed hands on the great values ​​of the Paris stock exchange. Operators have benefited from the strong performance of the last day to reap a share of profits.

Lack of energy also in other major European markets, which ended in a disorganized. In London, the FTSE fell symbolically 0.06%, while in Frankfurt the Dax was up 0.30%. Of the European indices, the Euro Stoxx 50 slipped 0.50%.

Wall Street was also on the reserve. In session, the Dow fell by 0.26% and 0.35% Nasdaq clawing. Investor caution was reinforced by the expectation of several major events.In Europe and the United States.

For specialists in Barclays stock, the markets were essentially "focused on the voting Slovakia for the ratification of the European Financial Stability Fund." Slovakia is the last of 17 countries in the euro area to decide. In order for this tool, designed to help fragile countries in the euro area to work, the votes of 17 countries in the euro area is needed.

Opening of the ball results on Wall Street

Febrile, investors have minimal response to green light by the Troika, comprising the creditors of Greece, the release "early November", a new tranche of the loan in Athens, vital for the country low interest rate personal loans.

The outgoing president of the European Central Bank, Jean-Claude Trichet, also dampened investor optimism.He said that "for three weeks, things have deteriorated, the crisis has become systemic."

The launch of the quarterly earnings season in the U.S., added to the uncertainty, while the U.S. economy is idling.

As usual the aluminum giant Alcoa will open the show of these announcements after the close of Wall Street. These publications will tell more about the economic outlook of the world's largest economy, which continue to worry the markets.

Bank stocks up

In Paris, as in the rest of Europe, however, the banking sector continued its forward march.José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso said on Wednesday that he would "proposals" concrete to the European Commission on the recapitalization of European banks.

Credit Agricole SA has gained 1.12%, BNP Paribas was up 2.96% and 5.28% Societe Generale. Operators, disoriented and obviously out of inspiration, wore special attention to the beliefs of analysts. Vallourec (-1.42%) and Aéroports de Paris (-0.85%) have seen their recommendation downgraded by JPMorgan and Essilor (-3.83%) by Morgan Stanley.

ALSO READ:

"Where is the CAC 40 index

Toshiba testing of online services for seniors

26th September

"Television will become the media on which the user will find all the services he needs, including health," said Philippe Delahaye, president of Toshiba Systems France. For nearly a year and for another six months, the Japanese tests, with the support of the General Council of Bas-Rhin, a service called Demeter and home support for elderly dependents.

The system set up involves monitoring remote computer. But not to frighten the people involved, the main unit is television, connected to the Internet. "The equipment costs about 6,000 euros full, two months' rent in a nursing home," said Philip Bell, general manager of Toshiba-Cebea, a subsidiary of Toshiba dedicated services.This includes television and home automation equipment, including a smoke detector, a wristband alarm in case of fall and appliances suitable for pathology (blood pressure, diabetes control …). Then, the service costs 200 euros per month, including Internet access.

"This allows medical personnel to perform remote controls, but also the patient to easily get in touch with family members through a videoconferencing system on the TV," said Philip Bell. Medical staff and the senior may also contact by mail, through an electronic pen. Just write on a single sheet, the text is automatically entered and the e-mail sent when the pen is rested on its base free business cards. Forms to the attention of nurses and doctors have also been developed: just check the right boxes with the electronic pen and they are added to the medical record.It also allows for monitoring of medication, food … "We found that health staff was not comfortable with a keyboard, where the idea of ​​electronic pen, said Philip Bell . We are also working to develop a speech recognition system. "

Recurring revenues

For Toshiba, the objective is to develop this service at the national level but also in other countries. Japan pays attention to the experience of Alsace. Beyond the societal issues related to aging, a new economic model that is emerging. This type of service should allow the manufacturer to generate recurring revenue through subscriptions.

"The rise of the TV connected through the development of local services," added Philippe Delahaye.Most TVs sold today by Toshiba can be connected to the Internet, or consumers do not always use this function. By bringing seniors to the technology, Toshiba is not only the population but also those around them: Health care workers, children and grandchildren.

ALSO READ:

"Toshiba aims for 2013-2014

"TV connected: tone up between manufacturers and ISPs

"The connected TV is threatening the PAF

The trend is sustainable to travel

4th September

Solidarity and ecological travel. The idea is gaining ground in the minds of many tourists. This practice has a name very trend: the "sustainable tourism". According to the definition given by the World Tourism Organization (WTO), it is a holiday that "meets the needs of present tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing opportunities for the future. "

Whether it's a humanitarian mission in Africa, a trek in the Sahara or the ascent of Kilimanjaro, this type of travel always organized around four themes, according to Yann Legendre, coordinator at Libertalia specialist stays abroad lasting. The first two are the exchange and outreach to the local economy. "Sustainable Travel, accommodation is homestay or in hotels, buy food at the local producer, operate a local bus," said he. Next is the protection of the environment.Specific example: instead of buying bottled water which may pollute the tour operator is investing in a filter pump. "We saved the purchase of 9,500 bottles last year," notes Libertalia. There remains one of the most important aspects: the local development projects. This is not a logic of love ", explained Yann Legendre. "We have identified local actors engaged in a dynamic project that we donate 30 to 60 euros per passenger," he adds.

For those who opt for sustainable tourism in the Hexagon, the basics are the same. In the villages of the network Cap France, vacationers are being such offer "kits picnic" without any packaging pollutant. They sort the waste, swim in heated pools with solar panels and eat fresh produce from local agriculture."This is a tourist friendly environment with a local proximity and social," says Jean-Michel Coeff, president of the network.

Contrary to popular belief, sustainable travel is not more expensive. "Investments are included gradually over time," says Jean-Michel Coeff. For trips abroad, the price stays is generally equivalent to those of traditional tour operators and even cheaper because the organizers did not pay any commission to providers or agencies over.

Boom offers

Since the early 2000s, the offers are multiplying on the web. Tour operators are mostly from small associative structures are already active in the sector sustainable. But the traditional tour operators are also well represented on the niche, the image of Voyageurs du Monde free credit report and score.The travel specialist tailor even claims to have adopted this approach for many years. "It's not just a fad, it is a binding approach we impose," said Frederic Lavaud, project sustainability. According to the latter, responsible tourism has become a corporate philosophy: "We have adopted a responsible for all travels. We check for instance that our partners pay their employees well. We have a corporate foundation which helps local people. In Asia, some of our destinations travelers take away the excluded villages now live a little better through these visits, "he adds. According Voyageurs du Monde, the client would become very attentive to these questions: "People are sensitive to the choice of partners and very critical if we are not in line with what we propose.This is progress. "

Libertalia confirms the trend: "Our customer base is doubling every year since 2007. There is a real awareness, a desire to return to the essence of the journey is the encounter and discovery. "

Credibility problem

Despite this enthusiasm, the trip is still a sustainable niche. According to the WTO, the 935 million tourists who took the road last year, it represents only a small portion still unencrypted. For if consciousness is actually at work, the acting out takes longer than expected. "There is still a gap between this important awareness and its translation in terms of holidays. For tourists, holiday means to live freely. People do not want to be imposed on things, "admits Jean-Michel Coeff."And for some it is a concept bobo, an ecological cult," he adds.

This credibility problem, mentioned by several tour operators, requires the industry to organize. In 2004, a group of tour operators create the Association of Tour Operators Themes (ATT). The last issue to each operator audited by the certification body AFNOR label "Acting for Responsible Tourism (ATR)." But this system is far from unanimous. "The criteria are too light and too expensive certification" portion Libertalia who prefers to make his own evaluation grid. For its part, France Cape Town in 2004 launched his own label Owl Nature. In short, it is still difficult at the moment to see clearly.

ALSO READ:

"Tourism: a good season despite the weather

Wall Street pushes the Cac 40, which drop 4%

8th August

All weekend, they multiplied the meetings and news: the political leaders of industrialized countries have mobilized to show that they had taken stock of efforts to engage to address concerns about the state of their finances. What to try to reassure markets, worried after the announcement Friday after the close of a deterioration in the rating of sovereign debt of the United States by Standard & Poor's, but also disturbed by the difficulties faced by countries the euro area to implement the solutions to the crisis in Greece. With always in sight the risk of contagion of debt to other countries.

In the wake of the Asian stock markets, down sharply this morning, the benchmark index in Paris has started his week on a further decline (-0.74%), but avoid the dreaded crash in the markets.After a brief stint in the green, he never stopped to dig its losses since mid-day. Around 16:30, while Wall Street sinks into the red, the Cac 40 falling 4.14% to 3142.99 points, its lowest level since July 2009. The nervousness and volatility are the watchwords of the meeting. It has traded more than 4.2 billion euros on the CAC to 16.30.

Even renewed concern elsewhere in Europe. In Frankfurt, the Dax and retreated more than 4%. Less for London where the FTSE 100 lost more than 3%. The Swiss stock exchange plunges 3.19% to 5007.18 points. The Milan Stock Exchange falling more than 2.5% in the wake of Wall Street

Relaxation rates in Spain and Italy

Yesterday, Angela Merkel and Nicolas Sarkozy reiterated their determination to ensure that the bailout of Greece on 21 July be adopted before the end of September.They also praised the efforts of Spain and especially those of Italy, two weak links in the euro area at present. Indeed, Rome has advanced by one year (from 2014 to 2013) the goal of return to balance its accounts. In addition, the European Central Bank (ECB) said it would implement "active" its buyback program obligations. This measure, taken and announced last week by Jean-Claude Trichet, president of the institution, had absolutely convinced investors. On the contrary … But this morning, the Italian and Spanish bond yields relaxed, investors are more confident in an intervention by the ECB on the secondary bond market in both countries. Rates in ten years Spanish and Italian are ironed on Monday under 6%.Relaxation is expected to continue, while the French Minister of Economy and Finance Baroin confirmed on Europe 1 that the ECB was ready to buy the Spanish and European debt, if investors withdrew.

American borrowing rates have, in turn, not move, indicating that the debt of the world's largest economy remains an attractive investment, against the loss of the triple A of the United States.

Next on the list?

However, uncertainty should remain in force on the European markets at the beginning of the week. The decision of Standard & Poor's in the United States continues to claim haunt the minds of the markets, despite a weekend to "digest" the news.Now that the world's largest economy, long considered one of the most reliable borrowers, is not as well marked, which could consider itself safe from degradation? In France, this concern should be limited, however, the chief economist for Europe, Standard & Poor's Jean-Michel Six, who said Saturday that the agency maintained the "AAA" of France, in a stable outlook.

The announcement of the ECB on repurchase of bonds was initially supported the euro against the dollar. At 7 o'clock this morning, the euro was worth 1.4321 dollars, against 1.4281 dollars on Friday night, after the dollar rose to 1.4370 on Sunday night.The European currency is, however, decreasing again around noon to 1.4268 dollar.

But above all concerns macroeconomic benefit to gold, which recorded a new record Monday on the market in Hong Kong, dying for the first time the maximum 1700 dollars an ounce, and benefiting fully from his safe haven status.

The sharp drop in oil

Instead, the side of the oil, oil prices continued to tumble on Monday. Result of numerous concerns about a possible global recession, prices show a sharp decline. To 13 hours, a barrel of "light sweet crude 'lost 3.64% to 83.67 dollars.

Finally, the political mobilization should remain in force throughout the day, and guide the trend in European markets as U.S.. For the side of the macroeconomic data, the news will remain low in the first day of the week.Unlike last week, no statistics across the Atlantic will not give further details Monday about the health of the U.S. economy or the risk of a possible recession in the country. In France alone were expected business surveys of the Banque de France, unveiled on Monday its growth forecast for the third quarter. For the period, the institution expects an increase of 0.2% of French GDP, the same pace as in the previous quarter.

As for values ​​to follow, business publications are scarce this week.

Battered last week after interim results affected by exposure in Greece, banking stocks were offered a nice rally this morning before falling unevenly mid-term.BNP Paribas wins again in mid-session, 1.01%, to 41.025 euros, but Credit Agricole (- 0.27% to 7.14 euros) and Societe Generale (-2.95% to 26.625 euros ) drop out. For its part, Axa sells 1.13% to 11.425 euros. The insurer CNP Assurances is however still 3.02%, to 12.265 euros, the head of the SBF 120 index increases by mid-day.

Peugeot (-7.45% to 20.745 euros) and Renault (-6.95% to 29.125 euros) recorded both the largest declines the CAC 40. The two automakers are penalized by the broker Morgan Stanley lowered its price target on the two values. Alcatel-Lucent also drop 6.66% to 2.298 euros. Technip meanwhile lost 5.97% to 58.71 euros.

The manufacturer Archos tablet that will detail its annual accounts after market, accounts 4.77% to 8.35 euros this morning before falling heavily to 6.78% to 7.43 euros.

Carmat (5.56% to 98.70 euros).The total artificial heart specialist said on Sunday evening the success of its capital increase launched from July 13 to 29. The former subsidiary of EADS has raised 29.3 million euros, which will fund the first clinical trials on humans.

GDF Suez (0.73% to 20.56 euros). The group of energy and services has sealed, according to Les Echos, a strategic Partenaris with the Chinese sovereign wealth fund CIC, which would lead to an acquisition of a 30% interest in the exploration and production arm of French.

Specialist catering Sodexo (-1.84% to 49.075 euros) announced that it has won a contract worth 766 million dollars (535 million) to provide the basics of feeding twenty Marines, the United States.

ALSO READ:

"The Asian market plunges after degradation of the United States

"Paris and Berlin are mobilizing to fight crisis

Carrefour sales penalized by France

14th July

While the ongoing wrangle with Casino in Brazil has shifted in favor of its competitor, Carrefour has released Wednesday a turnover in line with expectations. Group sales in the first half amounted to 44.6 billion euros, up 2.7% at current exchange rates (+ 2.5% at constant exchange rates) and 0.1% in comparable excluding petrol, adjusted for the calendar effect. Sales for the second quarter amounted to 22.4 billion euros, up 1.6% at current exchange rates, but down 0.2% on a comparable basis, excluding petrol and excluding the calendar effect .

While the group had mid-June, revised down its operating income to 35% in France, it now expects a decline of 23%, due "mainly to France."Lars Olofsson said that "Carrefour has set up an action plan in order to achieve the target set by the Group to grow its sales and EBIT in 2011."

Uneven performance in France

In France, the performance is mixed. Lars Olofsson deplores a "unsatisfactory performance of hypermarkets," whose sales are down 3.3% excluding petrol in the second quarter and adjusted for the calendar effect, after falling 1% in the first quarter.

However, Carrefour welcomes the performance of its stores. Carrefour Market and saw its sales grow by 1.3%. As for Carrefour Planet, "the four stores models continue to show sales growth in double digits."In Asia, growth remained at 5.3%, with an increase of 8.3% in China.

In exchange, Carrefour began declining after the announcement of these results. After losing 3% on opening, the title was eventually closed up 1.52% to 22.325 euros in the last trade. The CAC finished up 0.51%

ALSO READ:

"Casino takes advantage of Carrefour in Brazil

"Carrefour is lowering its forecasts and stock market fall

High wages: large groups deny a tax

29th June

The French Association of Private Enterprises (Afep), which includes very large groups, will this evening at dinner Xavier Bertrand. Labour Minister and his guests have something to talk about everything found: the taxation of the remuneration of top managers.

Xavier Bertrand Tuesday reiterated the government's intention, not to establish a "maximum wage", but to increase the levies on companies' pay extravagant wages "- which in his view, means" several million euros. " The idea was initiated by a part of the majority in the debate on the alleviation of the ISF and the end of the tax shield. The Left had also seen a way to feel good after a "gift to the rich" … The measure should be passed in the fall.It could take two forms: a new tax or the inability to deduct the payments of the tax base of companies. "I favor the latter possibility," the minister said Tuesday.

"Branding a category»

Neither of the two formulas, in any case not suitable for Afep. Its chairman, Maurice Levy (Publicis Groupe), found the need to "be bad enough faith to consider that there is a problem together" on the compensation of top managers of French companies instant credit reports. Based on a study Aon Hewitt, he assured that they are on average paid less than their counterparts at the head of U.S. companies, Swiss, British, Spanish or German. "It's not healthy to attack a general executive compensation. This leads to stigmatize a category, "says Maurice Levy."I'm not at all support the idea that decides what should be the compensation of one or the other, in a total abstraction of what the company," he says. As to subject executive compensation to the general meeting of shareholders, rather than the board or a special committee, the president of the Afep sees "no need to submit to such AG decision over another ", saying that there is already" in the company a democracy that works very well. " Annual reports, accessible, detailed executive compensation.

"Personally," Maurice Levy, however, sees "no objection" that the persons whose total income is high "contribute more in difficult times," as an "element of solidarity."

See also:

"Chérèque does not believe in a maximum salary