Presidential Proclamation -- German-American Day, 2014

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

America is and always has been a Nation of immigrants, and from our earliest days, German Americans have contributed to our national identity. Germans were among the first settlers in the original 13 Colonies, bringing their talents and ideas across the ocean to a new and unfamiliar world. And today, with their descendants and all who followed in their path, we continue to perfect our Union together. On German-American Day, we recognize their distinctive identity and the ways they enrich our country.

German Americans helped build our Nation, and every day they contribute to its growth. As they teach in our schools, farm in our heartland, and serve in our Armed Forces, their German roots offer a sense of their place in the American story. From a land of poets and thinkers, they brought passion for music, science, and art, fortifying our culture and broadening our understanding of the world. Our greatest cities and our biggest advances reflect their daring spirit and diverse contributions.

As we consider our German-American history, we are also reminded that the United States and Germany are vital partners. With the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall approaching, our security and prosperity remain interwoven, and our friendship continues as we work together in pursuit of a more peaceful, stable world. On this occasion, may citizens from both sides of the Atlantic draw strength from the legacy of our Nation's earliest immigrants who boldly pushed forward in unforgiving times. May our shared past continue to inspire us as we face new challenges in our own time.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 6, 2014, as German-American Day. I encourage all Americans to learn more about the history of German Americans and reflect on the many contributions they have made to our Nation.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth.

BARACK OBAMA US Consulate General Munich

2015 Grammy Nominee for Song of the Year - Hozier

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What's the Best Way to Lose Weight? By Don Saladino

Principle One: Diet
We need to let go of the notion that eating frequently is going to cause us to gain weight. It is only when we are frequently eating the wrong foods that you will notice weight gain. By establishing some simple rules in your everyday life you will be able to allow yourself life's simple pleasures -- without giving them up.  I want you to look at your eating in a seven-day span -- and start to follow an 80/20 rule. 80 percent of the week, you're going to stick to what I'm telling you to do. And the remaining 20 percent, I want you to live your life and enjoy. 
I need you to think of your metabolism as a roaring fire -- when that fire is roaring, we can throw big logs onto it (cheat meals) which will get burned up. Now, how do we get this fire roaring? We do so by feeding it small meals throughout the day. All of these meals have to be nutritious and beneficial to the human body. Yes, we need protein. Yes, we need vegetables. And yes, we do need some carbohydrates and healthy fats. I do not believe in a no-carbohydrate diet. Carbohydrates give your body fuel and specific fiber and nutrients that your body needs for healthy digestion etc. I do not believe in a no-fat diet. Fats are used for energy also, but good fats are also needed to help burn fat. There are also many valuable components in these fats which are good for overall health and vitality, but that is for another day.

Principle Two: Exercise
Start putting in anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes a day of some good activity where you actually break a sweat. By incorporating resistance training, you will start adding muscle to your body, which will burn more energy (calories). Cardiovascular training is also a good contributor, and doing things like taking the stairs and going for walks after dinner are great additions as well.

Principle Three: Rest
This is the most overlooked principle -- and I cannot stress this enough -- rest. People just do not sleep enough. When you're not resting enough, it causes your hormone function to become out of whack. This in turn, can do things like speed up your aging process as well as contribute to weight gain and overall stress to the human body. There are so many different studies out there recommending how much sleep we should be getting per night and I find it sits anywhere between seven and nine hours. So let's say at the very minimum, keep it at seven hours. Huffington Post

Jim Kerr from Simple Minds

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Follow five golden rules to prevent dementia, says study By Rosa Silverman

Lifestyle is responsible for more than three quarters of changes in the brain, research suggests. Following four out of five golden rules for healthy living lowers the risk of developing dementia by more than a third, a study has found. Analysis by Age UK suggested that lifestyle was responsible for 76% of changes in the brain and that people could go some way to avoiding the disease by adopting or quitting certain habits. Taking regular physical exercise, eating a Mediterranean diet, not smoking, and drinking alcohol in moderation were all found to decrease the risk of developing Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. “It’s important to remember that diseases like Alzheimer’s are complex and are likely to be caused by a mixture of genetic and environmental factors, which are still not fully understood. While there are ways to reduce our risk of dementia, there is currently no sure-fire way to prevent the condition, which is why continued investment in research is vital." The Telegraph

Albert Kriemler at Akris

Albert Kriemler has spearheaded fashion design at Akris for over 30 years. During that time, his ability to combine innovation with comfortable wearability has led to a subtle, sleek and modern aesthetic that appeals to a sophisticated, cultivated woman.
Kriemler joined the family business in 1980 at the age of 20. Founded in St. Gallen in 1922 by his grandmother Alice Kriemler-Schoch, the business was developed by his parents into a solid, well-founded company with prospects for future generations. Albert and his brother Peter Kriemler, head of production and management, have gone on to establish Akris as a quintessentially high-end fashion house for women of authority, appreciated by such clients as H.S.H. Princess Charlene of Monaco.
In addition to the Akris Collection, Albert Kriemler creates the Akris Punto line and the accessories collection. Akris has been showcased on the runway in Paris since 2004.
Nowadays, says the designer, fashion "basically has to be simple because we live in times that are complicated enough as it is." Albert Kriemler loves art, architecture, music, photography, and especially the landscape around his native St. Gallen. He received the Swiss Design Award in 2008, and in 2010 he was named star honoree for fashion design by New York's Fashion Group International for his Vision, Integrity and Highest Quality. New York Times Akris Vogue Deutsch January 2015 (German)

Chef Christian Le Squer Rises to the Challenge at Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris

On October 28, 2014, Christian Le Squer took the helm in the kitchens of Four Seasons Hotel George V. The three-starred Michelin chef, who for the last twelve years resided at Pavillon Ledoyen, has brought his knowledge and expertise to the George V, as well as creating a new signature menu for Le Cinq. Travel and Tour World Four Seasons MADAME January 2015 (German)

SÀFILO: Fendi Sun

Sàfilo Group launches Fendi Eyewear and Sunwear. Featured here is a 15-piece sunglass collection. The 16-style eyeglass collection will be previewed in a later issue. Targeted to the contemporary, unequivocally feminine woman, the new line includes bold shapes and iconic detailing such as the Fendi monogram, the legendary striped “Pequin” motif and the 2jours décor. A limited edition Baguette sunglass inspired by the celebrated Fendi Baguette bag, introduced in 1997, is embellished with the Fendi monogram, which resembles the buckle on the bag. Premium materials, including Safilo’s proprietary Optyl and exclusive acetates, enhance the timeless elegance of the sunglasses. The color palette consists of refined shades contrasted with edgy colors and highlighted by an interplay of jewel-like details and shaded or mirror lenses. 

PHILOSOPHY: “We are very excited about our new Fendi collection. Our partnership has allowed us to create eyewear that perfectly reflects the Fendi spirit and heritage. Intense research on exclusive materials along with expert craftsmanship makes these sunglasses fashionable and artisanal at the same time. This strong artisanal approach gives us the innovative ‘frame within a frame’ double shape effect, for example,” says Massimo Zuccarelli, Sàfilo International creative director. 20/20mag MADAME January 2015 (German)

5 Countries Where It's Hardest To Become A Citizen By Investopedia

Obtaining permanent residency status or gaining citizenship in a foreign country may seem like a good idea for those who no longer want to live in the country where they were born or whose passport they hold. But some nations make that transition especially difficult unless you marry a citizen of that country or – in some cases – have ancestors who were citizens. In addition to marriage and ancestry, countries with high barriers to attaining citizen status may have special residency or citizenship tracks for people who fit certain categories, such as being a highly skilled professional or investing substantially in a business enterprise. But these situations don't apply to the vast majority of prospective citizens. Below, in alphabetical order, are five nations that make it especially difficult for foreigners to establish permanent residency or obtain citizenship:

 

Austria

Many EU countries have tough immigration laws, but Austria seems to have one of the lengthiest processes to become a citizen. Anyone who is not a citizen of an EU country and staying longer than six months must have a resident permit before entering the country. People who plan to stay longer than 24 months must also sign an Integration Agreement, a process designed to enhance their German-language skills and ability "to participate in the social, economic and cultural life in Austria." Permanent residents must live in the country continuously for a period of 15 to 30 years before being eligible to apply for citizenship. If approved, applicants must renounce any other citizenship.

 

Germany 

Obtaining permanent residency in Germany is difficult unless you are a citizen of another EU country. Other foreign nationals must have lived in Germany for at least five years and demonstrate competency in language, the political system and society. Applicants must also demonstrate they have an ability to earn a living and that they’ve contributed to the national pension plan, as well as having proof of accommodation. To become a citizen, applicants must have lived in the country at least eight years (seven, if they’ve passed a competency test) and renounce citizenship in any other country.

 

Japan

It takes longer to be granted a Permanent Resident visa in Japan than to become a citizen. People who want to establish permanent residency must have lived in the country for a total of 10 continuous years or more. Those who want to become a citizen of Japan must have lived in the country for five years, receive permission from the Justice Minister and complete a slew of paperwork (some have complained of unnecessary questions involving their personal lives). The process, according to the Japanese Ministry, can take six to 12 months, although those who have gone through it have reported that it can take years. If approved, applicants must be ready to renounce citizenship in other countries.

 

Switzerland

Any foreigner wanting to settle in the beauty of the Swiss Alps, or anywhere else in Switzerland, may do so for three months. To obtain a settlement, or permanent residence visa (unless you are an EU citizen), you must have lived in the country for 10 years. If you qualify for permanent residence by the length of time you have lived in the country, you also qualify to apply for citizenship, but that is not guaranteed; applicants for citizenship must also prove they are assimilated into Swiss society. What's more, all cantons and municipalities have their own rules about granting citizenship. Switzerland permits dual citizenship.

 

United States

While the United States was founded mostly by immigrants, the process for achieving permanent residency and citizenship has become even more complicated since the early 2000s and the war on terrorism. Unless a person is coming to the U.S. through family or an approved job, it is very difficult to establish permanent residency (sometimes known as receiving a green card). There are special categories for those seeking refugee or asylum status, and a lottery for others who wish to apply.

Those who have had permanent residency status for five years can begin the process of applying for citizenship by filling out the application and taking a test, which includes knowledge of history/government and English. Before becoming a citizen, people must swear an oath to the Constitution. The United States permits dual citizenship. Yahoo! Finance

Christopher Cross

Arthur's Theme

William e Kate a New York: la visita di tre giorni in America

Il principe William e la moglie Kate hanno fatto visita al Memoriale dedicato alle vittime dell’11 settembre, a New York. I reali hanno camminato per la piazza sotto la pioggia, coperti da ombrelli neri. Nell’attacco terroristico del 2001 le vittime britanniche furono 67, su un totale di oltre 2.700. Kate, vestita con un cappotto fucsia, ha sorriso prima di deporre assieme al marito un mazzo di fiori presso uno degli specchi d’acqua sorti dove un tempo c’erano le Torri gemelle (Afp) Il Corriere della Sera

Flossbach von Storch

Wealth Management and Investment Funds Philosophy Our approach

As an owner-managed company, we base every investment decision we make on our own fundamental philosophy. This means that we focus on the connections between economic, political and demographic parameters. We prize independence in both thought and action at Flossbach von Storch and this independence is crucial for sound analysis of opportunities and risks.

Our capital market experts identify relevant investment themes at an early stage and implement them effectively. We have developed special in-house company research and country rating tools at Flossbach von Storch which enable us to apply a stringent testing process to the investment opportunities we identify.

15 public funds (the first fund was launched in 1999) and more than 25 special funds, together with the ongoing management of individual mandates, highlight the substance and durability underlying our investment approach. Focus

Flossbach von Storch AGOttoplatz 1 · 50679 Cologne
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info [at] fvsag.com

Millions of Finns to enjoy tax refunds By Alex

Finland’s tax administration is to pay out more than two billion euros to the country’s taxpayers who paid too much over the course of 2013. Tax authorities in the Nordic country say that 3.3 million people are to receive refunds on taxes paid last year. The total amount to be paid out is 2.2 billion euros, which equates to an average of 658 euros per person. A lucky 711,000 taxpayers are set to enjoy a very merry Christmas, receiving more than 1,000 euros in returns – a sum that amounts to 65 per cent of what the taxman is dishing out. These refunds are likely to start being paid into bank accounts on 3 December. IceNews

A bit of Jul, fra Norge til U.S.A. By Christine Foster Meloni

The lighting of the Norwegian Christmas tree at Union Station in Washington, D.C. has been a popular holiday tradition since 1997. This year’s 32-foot tree was magnificent with its little Norwegian and American flags (300 of each), 20,000 lights, and 700 polar bear ornaments. The polar bear was chosen to remind us that this Nordic animal is under threat and to emphasize the cooperation between Norway and the U.S. on climate issues. Robert Aubry Davis, a native Washingtonian and popular radio and television personality, was the enthusiastic Master of Ceremonies. The program began with the singing of the two national anthems. Mezzo Soprano Sissel Bakken gave a stirring rendition of the Norwegian national anthem and Tenor Ben Hilgert followed with an equally powerful rendering of the Star Spangled Banner. Davis introduced Kåre R. Aas, Norway’s distinguished ambassador to the U.S., who offered warm words of welcome to those present and emphasized the friendship between Norway and the United States. He then called on Sharon D. Anderson, the Interim Secretary of the District of Columbia, to accept the tree, Norway’s gift to the people of Washington. The program concluded with the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus, who gave a gift to each child present. Before and after the ceremony, the wonderful Carolers of Greater Washington, D.C. sang Christmas songs. This is a group of trained opera singers, most of whom are of Norwegian descent. Throughout the evening, Norwegian gløgg (mulled wine) and pepperkaker (gingerbread cookies) were served. Despite the cold and rainy December night, the atmosphere was joyful and cheery. This is definitely a tradition that should be continued.
Tusen takk, Norge! The Foreigner         

Prince William and Princess Kate

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge meet Beyoncé and Jay Z. at NBA game in NYC. Love 'em. Hello! Magazine

The Malala Fund

The Malala Fund co-founders, Malala Yousafzai Nobel Peace Prize Winner 2014, and Malala's father, Ziauddin Yousafzai, U.N. Special Advisor on Global Education

 

We Amplify

the voices of the girls to keep them in the spotlight, inspire girls globally and drive action on girls’ issues by the global community.

 

We Advocate

at the international, national and local level for policy and system changes that give girls access to a high quality education at a community level.

 

We Invest

in community centered scalable solutions that provide quality education with potential for systems level change by empowering local leaders and educators.
The Malala Fund invests in early stage or small organizations that are led by local leaders. We make grants that help organizations scale their impact to lead to systems level change in the country. We believe in the power of local leaders and entrepreneurs and aim to support and amplify their work through our partnerships.
Pakistan

The Malala Fund currently funds work providing quality education and communities of support to girls who were in exploitive child domestic labor.

Nigeria

We support "safe space" projects for schoolgirls and provide mentoring and support to girls who were married young and have no opportunity to go to school.

Jordan

Informal education programs engage Syrian refugee children in Northern Jordan who have dropped out of school or are at risk of dropping out of the learning process completely.

 

Kenya

The Malala Fund works with partners to provide funding for school expansion and infrastructure so more girls can receive quality education.

 

We believe in the power of advocacy to mobilize resources at scale.

 

Our initial advocacy work also includes supporting the Global Partnership for Education replenishment of $4 billion to get all children into school, the Bring Back Our Girls campaign in Nigeria, and the launching of the youth resolution at the United Nations.

Jennifer Hudson

Let It Be ... Hope for Haiti Yahoo!

Daniel Barenboim's Chopin

Chopin's Waltz in A Minor Yahoo!

Dean Martin

Let It Snow

Madonna and children meet Malawi's president

Madonna and son, David Banda and daughter, Mercy James

The president of Malawi has met Madonna's adopted daughter and son.
President Peter Mutharika thanked the pop star on Friday for bringing her Malawi-born children Mercy and David back to their birth country. Friday's meeting was symbolic for Madonna, who had a public falling-out with former President Joyce Banda. "Thank you for welcoming me here. I was a big fan of your brother. He was very kind to us," Madonna said of Mutharika's older brother Bingu wa Mutharika. Madonna has been visiting Malawi since 2006. She funds a number of orphanages and schools in the country. On Thursday she helped open a new 50-bed pediatrics ward in the commercial capital, Blantyre, that she helped fund. CBS News Yahoo!