7th November, 2002
Notice
Board
BUSINESS WEEKLY
Artesyn
Artesyn Technologies has reported revenues of $86m for the
quarter ended last September, this compares with $109m in the
same period a year ago. Based on these figures the third quarter
loss was $55m in comparison with a net loss of $16m in the same
period last year. There is no expected increase in revenue for
the remaining quarter and all efforts will be made to ensure
profitability on the current numbers.
Artesyn has a plant in Youghal with facilities for design and
manufacturing and has been in operation for over 20 years.
Diageo
Diageo, owners of the Guinness Brewery Group,warned recently at
their AGM that the going was tough in the drinks industry at the
moment and it is likely to stay like that for a while. Beer sales
in Ireland are weak although Guinness sales of draught beer and
cider are on the increase after a period of decline. Diageo also
reported that the successful introduction of Smirnoff Ice on
draught had boosted its share of the ready-to-drink category.
Air Wales
Air Wales is now offering flights from Dublin and Cork to
Swansea, Cardiff and Plymouth. The airline uses 17-seater Beech
and Dornier aircraft,but next year it will be introducing two new
ATR 47's on these routes as well as the launch of several new
destinations. Flights start at euros 160 return and package deals
are also available including return flights and accommodation. It
is good to see more competition on these routeways and the local
service may be of benefit to supporters of the Celtic League.
Bookdeal
I called into our local bookshop,Bookdeal,recently and there was
a great diversity of titles on offer to cater for all ages and
tastes. Bookdeal, which specialises in quality secondhand books,
cd's and tapes at very reasonable prices, is located on Tramway
Lane, between the East Village and the Fingerpost. Take a look
for yourself and I'm sure you will find something appropriate to
take you over the festive period.
House Prices
The Permanent TSB House price Index says that house prices
nationally grew by 1.5% during September. House prices nationally
grew by 0.7% on average over June,July and August . This compares
with a fall of 0.2% for September of 2001. The average price paid
for a house nationally in September was Euros 197,960. The strong
figure for September shows a strong ongoing demand in the
market,particularly from investors and first time buyers, and
this in combination with low interest rates indicate that prices
will remain buoyant for the remainder of the year.
Late Payments Law
The Late Payments Law, for both the public and private sectors,
came into effect last August. This was not an aggressive
changeover like we had with the introduction of the euro and many
businesses may not be aware of it yet. I will start with an
introductory article this week and visit it from time to time as
it is likely to be a source of debate for a time to come.
The new legislation on late payment is being introduced for all
companies. It will set a 30 days credit period and impose
significant penalty interest on defaulters. The legislation,
requires all companies to pay their suppliers within 30 days of
receiving an invoice or delivery, whichever is the later. The
current average payment period in Ireland is 60 days.
Interest at a rate equal to the ECB rate (approx 3.2%) plus 7%,is
payable automatically in respect of a payment , which is late as
defined in a contract or 30 days following the date of receipt of
the invoice or the goods and services.
The interest penalty will accrue each day after the prescribed
payment date until the date of payment. There will be an
entitlement to claim reasonable compensation for all relevant
recovery costs incurred through the late payment. The legislation
will be applied equally throughout the European Community. The
notion of having all business day's credit set to an acceptable
level across the board would create a level playing field with
regard to credit for both big and small businesses.
This,in essence,is how it should operate but,as usual,there are
many wrinkles on the cloth. Next week we will look in more detail
at this landscape and in particular to the knock on effects to
small and medium sized businesses.
Humour
A man approached a very beautiful woman in a large supermarket
and said,
'I've lost my wife here in the supermarket. Can you talk to me
for a couple of minutes?'
The woman looked puzzled. 'Why talk to me?' she asked.
'Because every time I talk to a woman like you, my wife appears
out of nowhere'
Words of Wisdom
A bore is a fellow talker who can change the subject to his topic
of conversation faster than you can change it back to yours.
We would be delighted to hear from our readers at any stage in
relation to any comments,inputs or queries they may have.
Bill Daly works as part of a group of Independent Business
Consultants and specialises in Materials, Operations Management
and Executive Mentoring. Bill can be contacted at
E-Mail: bdaly@tornaservices.com
Web: www.tornaservices.com
Mob: 085 7233362
Ronnie McGinns Poetry Corner
The big news this week is that O’Flaherty’s
Bar in Parnell Place will sponsor our Christmas Poetry
Competition. So start writing your Christmas poem now, it could
be worth €100.
Our first poem this week comes from a reader in Ballyphehane who
unfortunately didn’t leave a name. Normally when we can’t
identify an author the article is left out, but in this case
because the poem is so inoffensive it was decided to let it go
through. There is a legal side to this and we do have to know the
origin of every article that is printed. So when you are sending
in a poem make sure to add your name and address. If you don’t
want it to appear in print you can always
Where have all the Grandma’s Gone?
In the dim and distant past
When life’s tempo wasn’t fast
Grandmas used to rock and knit,
Crochet, chat and baby-sit.
When the kids were in a jam,
They would always call on Gran.
In that day of gracious living,
Grandma was the gal for giving
But today she’s in the gym,
Exercising to keep slim.
She’s off touring with the bunch.
Or taking clients out to lunch
Going north to ski or curl
All her days are in a whirl
Nothing seems to stop or block her
Now that Grandma’s off the rocker.
Anon
Hello Again Hello!
The rain shot leaves fast swim the autumn gale
And rise again at the dark corners where
The streetlights make the revellers look pale
It’s jazz weekend in Cork, the buzz is there.
While running from the elements I go
And shelter in a city centre bar
The music’s wild the night is young and so
I filter through the crowd and there you are.
.
Hello again, Hello, my god it’s you
Old feelings rise and stab my memory.
The might have been’s, Oh yes I know, I know
What might have been was never meant to be
But there are golden sunsets in your eyes,
Lost years that I must not intrude upon,
We share some words and I am hypnotised,
So much to say, then suddenly your gone.
I’m just an old grey cowboy with a pen
Still riding down lost canyons of my mind
Where old ghosts come to haunt me now and then
God bless the yesterdays we left behind.
Ronnie McGinn
Send your poem or your Christmas Poem to The Poetry Corner / The
Douglas Weekly. Or you can email it to; ronniemcginn@eircom.net
If possible keep your poem to 20 lines. Choose any subject you
like, in any form you like. We look forward to hearing from you.
Ronnie McGinn
KATHY'S COSMIC COLUMN
Aries (March 21 - April 20)
Though you will interact with others both personally &
professionally, you will be feeling apprehensive. Your opinion
will be the deciding factor in a very important career decision.
This week you are going to have a very unexpected change in your
affairs. You shall derive pleasure through good friends, reading
or new groups & partnerships. Don’t worry, a new cycle
is arriving and the end of a problem is approaching.
Taurus (April 21 - May 21)
Expect a lot of positive attention this week and a chance
encounter is going to bring an unexpected blessing or profitable
gain. An idea for a new project or business venture will present
itself, but it will be a questionable endeavour. Happiness will
come through love and friendship. You shall hear from the one you
hoped would call. Your work will be well received and your
romantic life is about to take a surprising turn.
Gemini (May 22 - June 21)
A personal dilemma is going to work out much quicker and better
than anticipated. This week you are going to feel oversensitive
and lonely, you need to share your feelings and talk! Luck will
be with you in resolving problems/ arguments & attaining
whatever assistance you want or need. You can look forward to
enjoying social outings with friends. Be willing to run the risk
of failure & don’t allow yourself to be intimidated by
others!
Cancer (June 22 - July 23)
This week you are going to be very busy or get several calls for
work. Professionally; you will make many important contacts, but
will have to wait for things to unfold. Personally, you feel
weighed down with responsibilities. You will enjoy working on a
new project, job or creative idea. A new love interest & news
which you have been waiting to hear shall lift your spirits. Be
confidant & ask for help!
Leo (July 24 - August 25)
A declaration of love or affection is coming your way. All of
your friends or loved ones will be tense and their behaviour will
intensify the pressures you already feel. A little bit of
appreciation for a friend could go a long way! Expect to hear a
voice from out of your past & good news about your work. You
are going to enjoy reading, writing and developing new concepts.
Despite apparent odds, you are on a course so strong, it is
destined to succeed!
Virgo (August 24 - September 23)
You will not be willing to compromise or associate with those you
feel don’t support you. This week, you will be surprised at
the attention you shall receive from an admirer. Expect good news
concerning your business or finances. Something from your past
will arrive back into your life again. A great week is in store
for you , but swallowing your pride and admitting a fault should
benefit your life greatly.
Libra (September 24 - October 23)
This week you will be very surprised by a very successful
business or financial transaction and/or the start of a new
enterprise & also a flattering remark or proposition from an
admirer. You will have mixed emotions regarding some and be
enriched & complimented by others. You shall overcome a
“testy” situation and you are going to get a call from
a lover and loved one. Luck will be with you in turning an idea/dream
into reality. Make that call!
Scorpio (October 24 - November 22)
You will be pleasantly surprised by an unexpected business
transaction and/or a new business that will begin to show profit.
Confronted with personal loss or unfilfillment, you will turn
your attention towards business & material rewards. Expect a
very positive financial message. Luck will be with you in getting
what you want. Be honest with yourself!
Sagittarius (November 23 - December 21)
This week you will be overemotional, talk about what’s
bothering you. A problem is going to be resolved much easier and
faster than you had thought. Being in the company of others or
resolving arguments will bring both pleasure & satisfaction.
You will be upset by a communication breakdown or unsettling
conversation with another, but it shall be fixed in a happy way.
Great improvements will be made in many areas.
Capricorn (December 22 - January 20)
You are going to be caught off guard by many unexpected problems
& you will feel restricted by others. There will be many
surprising developments in your social affairs and romance will
inspire several exciting moments. A situation, which you thought
you had handled, will arise creating conflict, but don’t
worry; it will work out. Don’t be afraid to walk away or
refuse!
Aquarius (January - February 19)
You will be surprised by an unexpected call or meeting with an
old friend or potential lover - a very positive encounter. You
will experience a disappointment, but you shall withdraw from
stress rather than be hurt. The work that you normally love will
become an unbearable chore & you are going to hear very
depressing news. Your success will come through personal
ingenuity. In time your desires will be realised!
Pisces (February 20 - March 20)
Someone or something will inadvertently provide the means for you
to turn a negative situation into an extremely positive one.
Expect a very pleasant surprise concerning something you wanted
but didn’t know existed. A new discovery will bring
unexpected joy. You shall be lucky in romantic situations that
take a sudden turn for the better. Keep trying- It will happen
but not overnight!
ALICIA KEYS in the POINT on 28th OCT
By Michelle Moore
The lights go down and the audience goes wild, they are preparing
themselves for the one and only Alicia Keys! For a dramatic intro
“Rock Wit U” is played. The songstress herself Alicia
makes a grand entrance Thorough a Harlem backdrop. She is
fabulously draped in a stunning gold Dolce & Gabbana outfit.
It shimmers and shines, and everyone in the Point can see her.
Everyone from the very front of the stage to the back walls! She
sits with such ease at her keyboard, you're convinced that she
was born to play it. With a breath-taking vocal ability, she
launches into “How Come You Don't Call Me?" A popular
hit of hers written by The Artist Formerly Known As Prince. The
fans love it.
The stage presence and sense of humour go down well with the
crowd also. You can tell by the reaction they give to her every
word. Her New York attitude shines through in the interludes
between songs. She jokes and laughs. Alicia belts out her
magnificent songs, such as “A Woman's Worth", "Jane
Doe" and "Girlfriend'. Though she is not a trained
dancer, her rhythm and style are infectious.
Her stage band is very well orchestrated with instruments such as
the saxophone, keyboards, drums, DJ decks and guitars. Her
backing singers are glorious. Alicia has two keyboards and two
pianos of her own to play on. With the help from these wonderful
instruments arid brilliant musicians the songs are a complete
success. Alicia sings a fantastic version of "The Doors"
song
"I Light My Fire" with a soul twist of her own. It
would put shame on Will Young's recent single release!
A black backdrop then separates the stage band and her. It is
romantically designed with tiny, glowing lights and a massive
moon. Alicia sits at a grand piano and performs a brilliant
medley of her ballads. Songs include "Caged Bird",
'Goodbye" and "Butterflyz". Then to turn the heat
up afterwards, she is reunited with her stage band again; she
performs a raunchy, yet soulful dance routine to "Mr. Man".
Finally for a Grande Finale she performs the Grammy Winning,
world famous, smash hit "Fallin"'. The atmosphere in
the theatre is electric! Doffed around the hail an array of
lights is shone She sings it beautifully and the show is over.
Everyone in the Point that night had just witnessed the beginning
of a remarkable soul artist. Definitely a night to be remembered!
Compliments also go to the support ad DJ I Rock and Freak Nasty.
They went down a storm with the Dublin crowd. A very intelligent
choice for a starting act I think.
Alicia Keys hails from. Harlem, New York. At only 21, she has one
of the most successful debut albums of all time and a string of
hits under her belt. Alicia is the winner of 5Grammy Awards, 3
NAACP Awards, 2 American Music Awards, 2 Billboard Awards and
more. She writes and produces her own music and songs. This is
only the beginning for Miss Keys.
LOCAL ISSUES by Cllr. Deirdre Forde
By Deirdre Forde MCC
The National Roads Authority are to meet a joint committee of the
City/County Council to discuss the Kinsale Road Overpass.
This project is pivotal to the region and funding is vital. All
parties must be united with the local authority in insuring that
there is no slippage on the completion date. Traffic continues to
be a major bone of contention for the people of the wider Douglas
area with congestion affecting quality of life for all
constituents who have to leave their homes at ungodly hours to
reach their places of work or schools. It remains one of the
major problems that we as Councillors , have to sort out. I will
be emphatic in my view that the Kinsale Road Overpass is
completed thus relieving the on going problem of traffic
congestion on all routes to and from Douglas, Grange, Frankfield
and surrounding areas.
A debate has been held at Council level in relation to a motion
requesting the Minister for Justice to review the Licencing Laws
with the view of returning to the older, earlier closing times.
After much debate many Councillors were not in favour of the
motion. In my own opinion I feel that while late opening is not
entirely responsible for anti social behaviour, it does play a
role in such behaviour. I understand there is to be an inter
departmental review of the area of underage drinking and drink
related offences to be conducted between the Dept. of Health and
Children and the dept. of Justice. This multi faceted approach is
to be welcomed and I must praise the Minister for Health and
Children for his initiative on this subject.
The problems relating to excessive drinking and subsequent anti
social behaviour means that community quality of life suffers
while it also places extra demands on the Gardai to respond while
safety of the elderly and young people are also affected.
Incidentally CCTV in urban areas can greatly assist in cutting
down on anti social behaviour. However, I feel that current
proposals are too onerous on Community Associations and should be
fully funded by the Dept. of Justice where necessary.
Also under review is the possibility of Night Courts where
offenders can be brought before a Judge immediately after
committing an offence – this should also go a long way
toward solving the ongoing drink related anti social problems. It
is a very small percentage who continue to have a detrimental
affect on our lives and we must take a strong line in dealing
with these matters in the future for all our sakes.
Residents on the Rochestown Road are furious at the condition of
the road adjacent to Brookfield and Clarkes Hill. The recent poor
weather has compounded the bad state of the road with potholes
and flooding. I have raised the matter with the Area Engineer who
informs me that it is on the list for up-grading in 2003.
However, in the meantime heavy traffic and trucks are, in wet
weather, displacing large amounts of water along this stretch of
road to the point where it is splashing on to the roofs of homes
that are adjacent to and below the level of the road.
NOTICES
Carrigaline Ceili Mor
This months Ceili Mor at the Carrigaline GAA Pavilion on Saturday
next 9th November, marks six years of successfully run ceili's by
the Owenabue Valley Tradtional Group at Ireland premier dance
venue. The Four Proviences Ceili Band paying their 2nd visit to
Carrigaline will be a huge attraction to dancers from near and
far. Cead mile failte roimh cach, with rince from 9:30 pm to 1:30
am, taille € 7 including tea.
Carrigaline I C.A.
Craft Night Nov.11th – 25th Day Care Centre @ 8pm. November
starts the dance for pleasure classes @ 8pm. Bookings now being
taken for An Grianan March 31st to April 4th 2002. Enquiries to
Noreen @ 4373861 or Eleanor @ 4894771.
Cork Ursuline P.P.U
Annual Dinner will take place on Friday 15th November 2002 at the
Country Club Hotel at 8pm. All past pupils of St. Angela’s
College and Ursuline Convent Blackrock and guests are most
welcome. Tickets @ € 35 from Colette Twomey 087 6271700 or
Teresa Byrne 021 4504226 (After 6.30)
Cork Opera House
Cork Opera House are thrilled to be involved in the ESB Jazz
Series - Autumn 2002. Trumpeter Roy Hargrove performs on
Wednesday 13th November and Stefon Harris on Sunday 15th December.
CORK CITY LIBRARY PRESENTS
CONTEMPORARY CORK WRITERS
A series of readings guaranteed to brighten up the dark winter
evenings will take place in Douglas Library during the month of
November. Free of charge and open to all these hour long sessions
will introduce the public to some of the best contemporary prose
and poetry.
Musicians will join well-known Irish writers such as Patrick
Galvin, Roz Cowman, Mary Leland, Conal Creedon, Thomas MacCarthy,
Gerry Murphy and Rosemary Canavan.
The series will provide an ideal opportunity to meet and listen
to published authors read from their work.
Commencing on Thursday, 14th November there will be three
sessions each Thursday night from 7 – 8 p.m. The series
concludes on 28th November.
Thursday 14th : Patrick Galvin, Roz Cowman, Kerkov Duo
Thursday, 21st: Mary Leland, Thomas McCarthy, Gerry Murphy
Thursday, 28th: Conal Creedon, Rosemary Canavan, Niall Connolly
Supported by the Munster Literature Centre admission to the
readings is free.
OUT & ABOUT with KATHY O'DONNELL
Last Thursday evening at Kevin O’Leary
Garage was a great success. Along with viewing the Jordon Formula
1 racing car, Listening to RTEs Formula 1 racing commentator
Peter Collins and taking full advantage of the “Mini-Sweetshop”
they had set up, ( They must of heard I was coming!) I met Irish
Formula 3 racing star, Michael Keohane. This 22- year old has a
very impressive collection of awards which include : Youngest
driver to win a round of the Formula Opel Championship, Winner of
race weekend at Europa Cup in Pembrey, 6 fastest laps in 2001
& Michael was the first Irish man to win Formula 3 in twenty
years and that’s just to name a few!
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN RACING MICHAEL?
“ Well eight years ago I started go-karting in Watergrass
Hill, we bought a go-kart and started racing just for fun. I got
sucked in and developed a lot of interest for rallying. I won the
Irish Go-karting Championship in 1996, which lead to an interest
in cars. Then in 1999 I entered the Europe Championship, I was
racing on an international circuit
and won. When I started winning awards it gave me the
encouragement and determination to follow my ambition.
IS THERE MUCH HARD WORK INVOLVED?
YES! It takes a lot of hard work and sacrifice. I have a strict
diet and work out in the gym six days a week. You have to build
up your upper body strength, as the faster you drive- the harder
the car is to steer. Unfortunately I cant go out socialising with
friends much as my particular diet forbids alcohol.
WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE AMBITION?
To drive in Formula 1- That’s the last step!
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE?
To continue driving to my best ability and to make it as a
Formula 1 driver, that’s my main ambition.
DO YOU GET NERVOUS OR FIND IT INTIMIDATING RACING AGAINST
INTERNATIONAL STARS?
No, not really.
WHAT WORDS OF WISDOM WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR SUPPORTERS OR THOSE
WHO WANT TO FOLLOW IN YOUR FOOTSTEPS?
I don’t think that any one should be fazed by the industry,
we are all human beings at the end of the day. Its very hard
work, it takes a lot of discipline and sacrifice, but nothing is
impossible! Through out the years I don’t think the level of
support has changed a lot in this sport, I am very grateful for
all the support I receive, especially from the individual
supporters who have trust and faith in me, thanks a lot!
ANY FINAL WORDS MICHAEL?
I just want to thank all my supporters, sponsors and all the
people around me who helped, I really appreciate all the support
from those who believe in me.”
Thank you for taking the time out to do this interview Michael, I
wish you all the best for the future & congratulations on
your achievements so far! I have no doubt that this down- to-earth
& ambitious up and coming star will take the Formula 1
circuit by storm! And a big thank you to all the staff and
organisers from Kevin O’Leary garage who were involved in
setting up the brilliant event, I really enjoyed it!
Kathy O Donne
