A Good Swing Starts with a Strong Base of Support
A good golf swing starts with a strong base of support (hips, pelvis and lumbar spine). A highly conditioned base of support will provide stability throughout the swing and allow forces to be effectively transferred from the legs through the hips to the upper body to produce optimal power and control. A strong base helps protect the joints and other supporting tissues against the strong compression, shear and torsion forces that occur during the golf swing. Unfortunately, there are a number of factors that predispose the golfer to developing poor postural patterns and muscle imbalance that result in a weak base of support.
For much of our young lives we were stuck sitting in school hunched over our desk. We finish school and begin our careers. Many of us now find ourselves spending excessive time in our cars or sitting in poorly designed chairs hunched in front of a computer. Over time we are conditioned to have tight hip flexors and a lazy posture. Poor posture and muscle imbalance decrease musculoskeletal efficiency and disrupt communication within the neuromuscular system. Short tight muscles display a lower activation threshold, meaning they fire at times when they should be less active or inactive. Over activation of dominant muscles leads to decreased neural control to their opposing muscles. Simply stated, “when one muscle becomes tight and overactive its opposing muscle becomes loose and lazy.” Tight dominant hip flexors create weak and lazy hip extensors (gluteals)and set off a chain reaction of dysfunction.
Tight hip flexors pull the pelvis into a forward tilt leading to an excess curvature of the lumbar spine. As a result the muscles of the abdominal wall lengthen and weaken while the muscles of the lumbar spine get short and tight. This pattern also causes disruption in our body’s lateral stabilization system. The hip abductors (muscles that move the legs away from the center of the body) along with their opposing adductors (muscles that move the legs toward the center of the body) work to stabilize the pelvis during lateral movement. Inefficiency in this lateral stabilization system inhibits coordination and hinders proper weight shift through the golf swing. So what we are left with are weak hip extensors (gluteal muscles) that can’t drive the hips through the swing, dominant hip flexors that won’t allow the hips to open to allow a full turn, tight spinal flexors that are forced to do the work of the weak hip extensors, but are to tight to make a full rotation, and a lack of coordination needed to make consistently good ball contact. To make matters worse most golfers spending hours at the driving range reinforcing and strengthening this dysfunctional pattern. Is it any wonder the average golf score hasn’t dropped in decades?
To break this pattern of dysfunction and build a strong base of support we must first establish coordinated muscle firing among the deep stabilizing abdominal musculature, the hip flexors and extensors, hip abductors and adductors, and spinal flexors, extensors and rotators. This is accomplished through the activation and strengthening of weak and inhibited muscles, and stretching the tight and dominant muscles. Once these muscles are re-educated and coordinated muscle firing is established we can then work to build optimal strength and power.
The first step in this process is the development of the deep abdominal and pelvic musculature. This is done by mastering the abdominal brace. The abdominal brace differs from the traditional abdominal training that encourages “abdominal hollowing” a.k.a. the “draw in” maneuver. With the “draw in” maneuver we are told to pull or draw our belly buttons towards our spines. Research has shown that drawing in actually lessens abdominal activation and decreases lumbar – pelvic- hip stability. The abdominal brace is an isometric contraction of the abdominal muscles meaning the abs are neither pulled in nor pushed out. This maneuver should be the first step of every exercise as it is the foundation of lumbar, pelvic, and hip stabilization. The following exercise will allow you to master this movement and re-educate the lower abdominal wall and allow the deep pelvic stabilizers to fire efficiently.
Abdominal Brace
o Lay in a supine position (on your back) with knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
o Brace your abdominals by tightening abdominals as if you were going to take a punch in the gut.
o Return to a relaxed position and repeat.
Tips
o Control Movement is the key. While performing these exercises pay strict attention to NOT allow the use of the legs (hip flexors and /or gluteals) while contracting the abdominals. The only muscles contracting are the abdominal wall; place your hands on the belly button to feel this isolated contraction
o There should be no tension in your neck or shoulders.
Don’t limit the abdominal brace to exercise. Practicing the brace with all activity (sitting, walking, driving, golfing, etc) will help you develop the endurance your abdominals need to maintain a strong base of support as well as a healthy back.
A study presented by researchers at the American College of Sports Medicine’s 51st annual meeting showed that golfers who possess strong hip muscles have lower handicaps and longer driving distances than those with weak hip muscles. This makes sense since muscles of the hip and pelvis play a major role in stabilizing the trunk and transferring forces from the lower body through the upper body and arms during the golf swing. The ability of the hip extensors (gluteals and hamstrings) and lumbar extensors to fire in concert also allows the body to react to and counteract the rapid rotational forces of the golf swing. The problem here, as we have already discussed, is many golfers have inhibited hip extensors and tight and dominant lumbar flexors. Under the best of circumstances our spines were not designed to swing a golf club. Now we compound the issue repeatedly forcing our spinal muscles to do the job of our hip extensors to power through the swing. Spinal extensor muscles don’t have the size or strength to do this, hence the tremendous incidence of over use injury and lower back pain among golfers. So, what we need to do is quite down our lumbar extensors to allow the hip extensors to do their job.
The Bird Dog exercise progression effectively helps develop stabilization, coordination and strength of the spine. The key to this type of exercise is learning and then maintaining “neutral” spine. Neutral does not mean straight, it means allowing the natural curves to be present. This is imperative to allow the spine to function properly and movement to occur in a stress free manner. The golf club placed the length of the spine is an excellent cue that allows the golfer to feel the proper spinal positions and make necessary corrections. The club shaft should be in contact with only three points; the base of the head, the center of the back and the middle of the pelvis. Concave spaces should be seen at the neck and lower back.
Dog 1
o Position yourelf on your hands and knees with a golf club placed along your spine; make sure the rod contacts 3 points only (head-middle back-pelvis).
o Brace your abdominals and slowly raise one hand and the opposite knee just off the floor ( no more than 1/4 inch). Hold for five to ten seconds.
o Return to the start position and alternate sides.
Tips
o The club must remain in contact with all 3 contact points (head, mid back, pelvis).
Once you have mastered the Dog 1 then you can move to the next progression. Dog 2 adds the components of hip extension and shoulder flexion. This exercise is extremely effective in re-establishing efficiency in extensor chain (hip, lumbar, and cervical extensors).
Dog II
o Position yourelf on your hands and knees with a golf club placed along your spine; make sure the rod contacts 3 points only (head-middle back-pelvis).
o Brace your abdominals, slowly extend one arm (thumb up) straight out in front of you and the opposite leg behind you.
o Hold for five to ten seconds and repeat with opposite side.
Tips
o The club must remain in contact with all 3 contact points (head, mid back, pelvis).
o Do not allow your hips to rotate.
The key with Dog 2 is not to allow the lumbar extensors to fire during this movement. After mastering Dog 2 you can then further challenge the hip extensors by adding the bridge exercise. The bridge adds the resistance of body weight to the hip extension movement and further challenges (and strengthens) the deep stabilizers or the lumbar-pelvic-hip complex.
The Bridge
o Lay on your back with your arms placed at your side.
o Brace your abdominals and squeeze your gluteals (buttocks) then raise your hips into a bridge position. Pause and return to starting position.
Tips
o Your feet should remain flat.
o This movement is initiated with the hips not the spinal extensor muscle; no pressure should be felt in the lower back.
o Maintain abdominal and gluteals muscles contraction throughout the full movement.
It is important to implement a good stretching program to lengthen tight muscles as you strengthen your base of support. Aside from the already mentioned hip flexors and lumbar extensors other areas commonly tight among golfers include the muscles of the hamstrings, neck, scapular elevators (upper trapezius and levator scapulae) and shoulder internal rotators. A qualified strength and conditioning or golf fitness professional can provide you with a postural and biomechanical analysis that can provide a more detailed picture of your specific areas of need. Improving your base of support will add distance and control to your game and help prevent, reduce, and possibly eliminate golf related pain and injury.
Fun Facts About South America
DID YOU KNOWN THAT…
Brazil has many famous actresses, some of them are: Gloria Pires, Fernanda Montenegro, Florionda Bolkan, Sonia Braga, Regina Duarte, Vera Fischer, Xuxa, and Bruna Lombardi.
DID YOU KNOWN THAT…
Miss Universe pageant 1982 was held in Lima, Peru, where Karen Diane Baldwin of Canada won. The judges were: Cecely Tyson ( actress), Mario Vargas Llosa (writer), Ron Duguay (sportsman), Franco Nero (actor), Carole Bouquet (actress), Dong Kingman (painter), Ira von Furstenberg (princess), David Coperfield (illusionist), David Merrick (theatrical producer), and Gladys Zender (Miss Peru and Miss Universe 1957).
DID YOU KNOWN THAT…
Quito, Ecuador´s capital, is a city which reflects beautiful colonial architecture. It is surrounded by big mountains.
DID YOU KNOWN THAT…
“Evita” a film by British director Alan William Parker was inspired in the life of Maria Eva Duarte de Peron, who was first lady of Argentina in the past century.
DID YOU KNOWN THAT…
Oswaldo Guayasamin was one of the best painters in South America.He was born on July 6, 1919, in Quito, Ecuador.
DID YOU KNOWN THAT…
Colombia hosted the Pan American Games (1971).
DID YOU KNOWN THAT…
Gabriel Jose Garcia Marquez is one of the best writers in South America. He was born on March 6, 1928, in Aracataca, Magdalena,Colombia.Gabriel Garcia Marquez won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1982.
DID YOU KNOWN THAT…
Rosalia Arteaga Serrano de Fernandez de Cordova had an ephemeral government. She became Ecuador´s first female head of state for only two days in 1997.
DID YOU KNOWN THAT…
Brazil has had many famous athletes in the 20th century: Joao Carlos de Oliveira (track and field), Ana Mozer (volleyball), Edson Arantes do Nacimento (soccer), Djan Madruga (swimming), Maria Esther Bueno (tennis), Marcelo Ferreira (sailing), Hortencia Marcari Oliva (basketball),Gustavo Borges (swimming), Robson Caetano da Silva(track and field), Adhemar Ferreira (track and field), Marcia Fu Cunha (volleyball), Oscar Schmidt (basketball), Marcelo Negrao (volleyball), Joaquin Cruz (track and field), and Rogerio Sampaio (judo).
DID YOU KNOWN THAT…
UNESCO has declared Noel Kempff Mercado National Park (Bolivia), Rapa Nui National Park (Chile), Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary (Colombia), Galapagos Islands (Ecuador), Central Suriname Nature Reserve (Suriname) and Jesuit Missions of La Santisima Trinidad de Parana and Jesus de Tavarange (Paraguay) World Heritages Sites.
DID YOU KNOWN THAT…
The Colombian people have two idols: Shakira (singer) and Carlos Vives (singer)…
Interesting Facts About Qatar’s Sports
Did You Know…
Qatar is sometimes called the “Olympic paradise” in the world. In this Arab country you can feel the Olympic atmosphere: many children competing in athletics, tennis, football, volleyball, basketball, karate, gymnastics and judo. Cylist legend Eddy Merckx said, “Qatar as a country pushes for sport. No other country in the world is doing what Qatar is doing for sport – especially for kids. As a child, sport is a great school of life. It shows you that just talent is not enough – you also have to work very hard. If you’re a lawyer, you stay a lawyer for life. As a sportsman or sportswomen, you have to start every season at the beginning again. It’s hard to become the best, but it’s even more difficult to stay the best year after year.” Certainly, Qatar – it is about the size of Hawaii- has one of the best sporting systems outside of the industrialized world.
The Arab athlete Saif Saaeef Shaheen won the gold medal in the 3,000m steeplechase at the 2003 World Athletics Championships in Paris, France. There were celebrations for Qatar, after he won the gold medal. Saif Saaeef Shaheen wrote history for Qatar becoming the first Qatari to win a world championship in the Olympic sport.
Qatar qualified for the 2007 Handball World Championship. It was the third time that Qatar had qualified for a World Cup. Under the direction of Ekrem Jaganjac, Qatar`s national coach, the Qatari team defeated Australia 36-22. “In Qatar, there are no outstanding players, but there are many enthusiastic young ones, and I concentrate all my work on them”, said Jaganjac, who was a member of the enlarged Yugoslav team for the Summer Olympics in 1972.
Doha was scheduled to host the FIFA World Youth Championship in 1995.
Ahmed Ibraheem was the first runner to represent Qatar at an Olympic track event when he competed in the 10,000 metres and 5,000 metres at the Games of the XXIV Olympiad in Seoul (South Korea) in 1988.
The Qatari football team finished sixth at the Olympic Games in Barcelona (Spain). In the Barcelona 1992 Olympic Football Tournament 16 men`s teams competed in four rounds (preliminaries, quarter-finals, semi-finals, finals). Under the brilliant leadership Mubarak Nooralla, Qatar defeated Egypt (African champion) 1-0 in the first round. Qatar represented Asia in the quarters finals, but was eliminated by Poland, one of the best teams of Europe. The Olympic players were Ahmed Khalil Saleh, Hamad Al-Atteya, Rashid Shami Suwaid, Zamel Essa Al-Kuwari, A-Nasser Ali Al-Obaidly, Waleef Bukhit Maayof, Mubarak Nooralla, Juman Salem Johar, Mahmoud Yaseen Souf, Fahad Mohd Al-Kuwari, Adel Mulla Al-Mulla, Mohd Al Mohannadi and A-Aziz Hassan Jaloof.
Doha -the country`s capital and largest city- is one of the most modern sporting cities in the world. It has many sports facilities.The Khalifa International Stadium is the nation`s largest stadium. It is one of the most beautiful and modern stadiums in the world. Doha is also the home of the Hamad Aquatic Centre.
This Asian country organized the 1999 Handball World Junior Championship. There were 17 teams: Denmark, Sweden, Egypt, France, Yugoslavia, Spain, Russia, Greece, Tunisia, Portugal, Croatia, Qatar, Brazil, Israel, Norway, Hungary and New Zealand.
Doha hosted the Asian Games in December 2006. The opening ceremony on 1 December was held at the Khalifa International Stadium before a crowd of more than 50,000. At the 2006 Asian Games, Sheik Mohammed Bin Hamad Al -Thani, a Qatari horseman, did the honors of carrying the Olympic flame and lighting the torch. A record number of 45 countries and territories participated in the event. The Olympic village was home to 10,500 sportspeople.The competitive programme included 39 sport events: archery, athletics, badminton, baseball, basketball, bodybuilding, bowling, kayak, chess, cycling, diving, equestrian, fencing, football, golf, gymnastics, handball, field hockey, judo, kabaddi, karate, rowing, rugby, sailing, sepaktakraw, shooting, softball, squash, swimming, synchronized swimming, table tennis, triathlon, tennis, volleyball, beach volleyball, water polo, weightlifting, wushu and wrestling. These Asian Games will be remembered for its excellent organization and hospitality. The success of the Asian Games was result of the combined efforts of the Qatari government and the organizing committee (Doha Asian Games Organizing Committee). The Asian Games are the second largest international sporting event after the Summer Olympic Games.
The Qatari athlete Musa Obaid Amer finished fourth in the 3,000m steeplechase at the Olympic Games in Athens, the capital city of Greece.
Qatar won the second place at the 1981 FIFA World Youth Cup in Sydney (Australia). Qatar`s qualification for the finals was one of the greatest surprises.
Talal Mansoor made history at the 1994 Asian Games by winning three gold medals (100m, 200m and 4x400m relay).
The Asian Cup, the continent`s top football tournament, was held in Qatar in 1988.
Doha is officially bidding for the 2016 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. As chairman of the Doha Bid Committee, Hassan Ali Bin Ali said: “A lot has already changed in Qatar and in particular Doha, in the last 50 years. If we were granted the opportunity to stage the Olympics and Paralympics in 2016, it would not only allow us to further develop the city’s infrastructure but also to use the power of peaceful sporting competition to create understanding, hope and change that could unite the entire region with the rest of the world. Hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Doha would bring the Olympic flame to the Arabic-speaking world for the first time, extending the Olympic ideals to millions of new hearts and minds”.
Andres Sebastian Soria Quintana is one of the most talented footballers from Qatar. He came to Doha from Uruguay as a footballer professional and got Qatari nationality just in the time for the 2006 Asian Games. He was born on November 8, 1983 in Paysandu, Uruguay (South America). He is symbol of multiethnic Qatar.
Said Asaad is one of the greatest weightlifters in Qatari sports history. He won a bronze medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Australia. Like Mohammed Sulaiman (track and field), Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah (shooting), Jaber Salem (weightlifting), Talal Mansoor (athletics), he is one of the country`s most respected personages.
Qatar is the home of the ASPIRE Academy for Sports Excellence. It is one of the world`s leading elite sports institutions.The Academy has four departments: Sports, QESA (Quality Management ,Education and Social Affairs), IT (Information Technology) and Administration. These centers provide accommodations, coaching training facilities, Olympic studies and medical care for students from Qatar and the Third World. The Academy also participates in international sports exchanges and has signed official sports exchange agreements with Third World countries. This center is one of the most beautiful sports installations in the world. Andreas Bleicher, Sports director at ASPIRE, said: “We have always looked to position ASPIRE as an international academy whose primary focus in sports in Qatar. A major part of our approach has been to evaluate talent at on early stage and look to bring out the best in our young sportspeople. This intense, local focus has been matched by a global process of talent identification”.
The Qatari team won four gold, five silver and eight bronze medals during the Asian Games held in South Korea in 2002.
Mohammed Sulaiman became the first Qatari sportspeople to win an Olympic medal at the Olympic Games in 1992 in Barcelona, Spain. His achievement was greeted with joyful celebrations in the country. He also participated in athletics in the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta (USA). He was one of the best Arab and international runners of the 20th century.
Qatar was one of the 160 countries who participated at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, Republic of Korea. It participated in one sport: track and field. Some of the athletes were: Saad Mubarak (4x100m relay ), Talal Mansoor (100m), Faraj Marzouq (4x100m relay), Ismael Mohammed (800m), Mohammed Ahmed (1,500m), Ahmed Ibraheem (10,000m and 5,000m) and Rashid Marzouq (110m hurdles).
Mubarak Hassan Shami, one of athletics greatest performers, won a silver medal in the marathon at the IAAF World Championship in Japan in 2007.
The Qatari delegation competed in the 2007 Arab Games held in Cairo (Egypt), and won 14 gold, 13 silver and 13 bronze medals.
The Qatar Sports Club is considered one of the most beautiful and modern clubs in the world.
From 2000 to 2007, a large number of famous athletes visited Qatar. They included: Diego Armando Maradona (football), Haile Gebrselassie (track and field) and Nadia Comaneci (gymnastics).
The Qatari athlete Ibraheem Ismael was finalist in the 400m at the 1992 Olympics.
The Doha IAAF World Super Tour 2007 was the largest sports even in Qatar after the Doha Asian Games in 2006 and the FIFA World Youth Championship in 1995.
Khalfan Ibrahim Khalfan Al Khalfan is one of the most honourable athletes at present. In 2006, he was named Football Player of the Year by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). He was born on February 18, 1988 in Doha.
Hassan Ali Bin Ali (chairman of the Doha Bid Committee) is an ardent supporter of the Olympic ideal and work hard on the promotion of the Olympic movement in Qatar.
The World Table Tennis Championship took place from March 1st to 7th 2004 in Qatar.
Qatar made its Olympic debut at the Games of the XXIII Olympiad in Los Angeles (California,USA) in 1984. It qualified 27 sportspeople in three sports: athletics, football and shooting.
The Qatari basketball team, with star players such as Hashim Zaidan Zaidan, Seleem Abdulla, Daoud Mousa Daoud and Erfan Ali Saeed , beat out the powerful South Korea team to win bronze medal in the 23rd Asian Championship that were held in Doha.
The state of Qatar won 6 medals at the 1990 Asian Games in Beijing (China), which counted with the participation of 6,122 athletes from 37 countries. Overall, Qatar ranked eight, after the People`s Republic of China, South Korea, Japan, North Korea, Iran, Pakistan and Indonesia.
The 5 Best Fishing Places in the US
For a true angler, a pot-hole filled with water is a temptation. We’re willing to try out any body of water in the hopes of landing the big one. Even so, we also want a chance to fish the hottest areas with the best fishing. Following are the five locations that promise every fishing trip will be a dream for the real fishermen among us.
5) On our list of the best fishing places in the US, Montauk Point weighs in at number 5. Montauk Point is the home of New York’s oldest lighthouse. Located on Long Island, Montauk Point offers some of the best and most varied surfcasting available anywhere.
Fish caught there: Marlin, Mackerel, Sharks, Cod, Weakfish, Tuna, and Striped Bass
4) Yellowstone National Park is the second of the best fishing places in the US. This national park, located in Wyoming, is world renowned as the home of the geyser ‘Old Faithful’ and is a destination for millions of vacationing families each year. What is lesser known is that Yellowstone (and the region around it) is home to some of the greatest Trout fishing an angler could imagine. From the stocked streams within the park, to the many streams and rivers in the area containing trophy-level wild Trout, Yellowstone should be on any ‘Fishing Across America’ tour.
Fish caught there: Trout
3) Our rundown of the best fishing places in the US continues with Key West. Located in Florida, Key West is the wonderful area Ernest Hemingway (American Nobel Laureate) chose to call home in the 1930′s. Along with all the family amenities a tourist could expect, Key West boasts the kind of salt water fishing excitement that could tempt us all to pull up our roots and move there.
Fish caught there: Tarpon, Bonefish
2) The next of the best fishing places in the US is the Ozark Mountains area. Located in Missouri, the Ozark Mountains area is one of the truly relaxed vacation areas in the US. This area is one where you take things at your own pace and unwind from the day to day stresses of life. Abounding with fishable rivers, the Ozark Mountains area is somewhere an angler can hop in a canoe and discover paradise.
Fish caught there: Smallmouth Bass
1) Finally, coming in number one on our list of the best fishing places in the US is the Outer Banks. Located on the coast of North Carolina, the Outer Banks is the perfect ‘back to nature’ vacation spot for a family or a fisherman looking to pull in as many fish as he can handle. What makes the Outer Banks such a special fishing place is that it is located along migration routes for monster schools of fish. During the month of November, the Outer Banks offers what is probably the most active, exciting fishing anywhere in the world.
Fish caught there: Albacore
Every angler has a mental list of dream fishing trips. These locations, the best fishing places in the US should be on every fisherman’s list.
Mind Your Manners – Italian Etiquette
Meeting People
When meeting people for the first time it is appropriate to wait to be introduced. You will generally be introduced to the oldest person first followed by the women.
The exchange of business cards is a common practice when first meeting someone. Status is important in the Italian culture and it is common to list any titles and/or education degrees you hold on your business cards.
Physical Greetings
When greeting someone a handshake accompanied by a “Pleased to meet you” is appropriate. When departing be sure to shake everyone’s hand, a general group wave as is often done in the United States is not looked on favorably.
An “air kiss” is an appropriate greeting once you have established a relationship with someone.
Physical Space
Italians stand much closer to one another than Americans do and it is common for men to walk down the street arm and arm and also women to walk down the street arm and arm.
Eye Contact
Intense direct eye contact is common, looking away is a sign of disinterest and/or that you are behaving rude.
Good Topics of Discussion
Food, wine, soccer (the national pastime), politics (if you know what you are talking about), music, philosophy and current events.
Bad Topics of Discussion
Inquiring about private family matters, personal income, stereotypes, World War II and Vatican politics. Also the common American question “what do you do?” is considered rude and too personal.
Communication Style
Moments of silence are rare in Italy and repeated interruptions signify interest.
Whistling and winking at women is meant as a compliment and is not used in a degrading way. If a woman is interested she will acknowledge the whistlers with eye contact, if she is not she will ignore them.
Italians often gesture with their hands and one does not converse with their hands in their pockets. Italians place great importance on maintaining a “Bella Figura” (Beautiful Figure/ Image) and slouching and leaning against things is just not done.
Waiting in Line
Lines do not exist in Italy, do not be surprised if someone just walks up to the counter and is served before you, despite the fact that you were next and have been waiting in “line” for the past 20 minutes.
Walking
The evening “passeggiata” is a common occurrence in Italy. Strolling the streets, seeing who is out and catching up with friends is a nightly occurrence in Italy.
Shopping
Customer service is not as “in your face” as it is in the United States. Generally a salesclerk will ignore you until eye contact is made signaling service is required.
Public Transportation
The easiest way to catch a taxi cab is at a taxi stand.
On public transportation it is customary for the younger to give up their seats to the older and men to give up their seats to women.
Tipping
The tip is generally already included in the price at a restaurant. A standard tip for a taxi driver is 10 percent. Bellmen usually receive 1 Euro per bag.
Appropriate Dress
In general Italians dress much more formally than Americans. Italians value “quality” in their clothing and are much more likely to own 2 very nice expensive suits than 6 decent cheaper suits. Black and muted colors are common in combination with brighter colored accessories.
Italian women tend to wear more makeup than American women and also wear nylons all year round.
Meal Time
Breakfast is generally from 8 to 8:30 AM
A standard Italian breakfast is coffee (espresso is generally served after dinner) with a croissant or a couple of cookies.
Lunch is generally served from 1 to 3 PM
In the south lunch is the biggest and longest meal of the day, in the North it is often the biggest meal of the day but during the business week it does not last as long as it does on the weekend. A typical lunch includes soup, bread and olive oil, a main meal and/or soup, salad and a desert of fruit. Wine and sparkling mineral water usually accompanies the meal.
Dinner is generally served from 8 to 10 PM
If the main meal of the day was lunch, then dinner is often a light affair taken at home. If however it was not a typical dinner is quite elaborate. Formal Italian meals consist of: antipasto (such as proscuitto, bruschetta, or fruit), soup, pasta, main dish (usually meat), salad, cheese, desert, fruit and an espresso. Wine is also commonly taken with dinner.
Table Manners
The Italians do not switch their knife and fork as people do in the States. The fork remains in the left hand and the knife in the right hand.
Placing your utensils down on your plate signifies to wait staff that you are finished.
When not using your utensils your hands should be kept visible above the table.
Dishes are passed to the left.
To get a waiters attention you should make contact, waving your hand or calling out is considered to be rude.
Often times in an informal restaurant you will be seated at a table with a stranger, if this is the case conversation is not expected.
Who Pays?
In general the person who does the inviting also does the paying, although the guest is expected to protest. When a woman is seated at a table with men the men (despite a woman’s protest) will always pick up the bill.
Punctuality
The further south you go the less importance is placed on being on time. For social events being a half an hour to an hour late is common. When people are late resist the American temptation to request the reason. Lateness is generally because a person was involved in obligations that involved superiors, family or old friends (and it would have been rude to cut it short).
Due Diligence Checklists – For Commercial Real Estate Transactions
Planning to purchase or finance Commercial or Industrial Real Estate? Shopping Center? Office Building? Restaurant/Banquet property? Parking Lot? Storefront? Gas Station? Manufacturing facility? Warehouse? Logistics Terminal? Medical Building? Nursing Home? Hotel/Motel? Pharmacy? Bank facility? Sports and Entertainment Arena? Other?
A KEY to investing in commercial real estate is performing an adequate Due Diligence Investigation to assure you know all material facts to make a wise investment decision and to calculate your expected investment yield.
The following checklists are designed to help you conduct a focused and meaningful Due Diligence Investigation.
Basic Due Diligence Concepts:
Commercial Real Estate transactions are NOT similar to large home purchases.
Caveat Emptor: Let the Buyer beware.
Consumer protection laws applicable to home purchases seldom apply to commercial real estate transactions. The rule that a Buyer must examine, judge, and test for himself, applies to the purchase of commercial real estate.
Due Diligence: “Such a measure of prudence, activity, or assiduity, as is proper to be expected from, and ordinarily exercised by, a reasonable and prudent [person] under the particular circumstances; not measured by any absolute standard, but depending upon the relative facts of the special case.” Black’s Law Dictionary; West Publishing Company.
Contractual representations and warranties are NOT a substitute for Due Diligence.
Breach of representations and warranties = Litigation, time and money.
WHAT DILIGENCE IS DUE?
The scope, intensity and focus of any due diligence investigation of commercial or industrial real estate depends upon the objectives of the party for whom the investigation is conducted. These objectives may vary depending upon whether the investigation is conducted for the benefit of (i) a Strategic Buyer (or long-term lessee); (ii) a Financial Buyer; (iii) a Developer; or (iv) a Lender.
If you are a Seller, understand that to close the transaction your Buyer (and its Lender) must address all issues material to its objective – some of which require information only you, as Owner, can adequately provide.
GENERAL OBJECTIVES:
(i) A “Strategic Buyer” (or long-term lessee) is acquiring the property for its own use and must verify that the property is suitable for that intended use.
(ii) A “Financial Buyer” is acquiring the property for the expected return on investment generated by the property’s income stream, and must determine the amount, velocity and durability of the revenue stream. A sophisticated Financial Buyer will likely calculate its yield based upon discounted cash-flows rather than the must less precise capitalization rate (“cap rate”), and will need adequate financial information to do so.
(iii) A “Developer” is seeking to add value by changing the character or use of the property – usually with a short-term to intermediate-term exit strategy to dispose of the property; although, a Developer might plan to hold the property long term as Financial Buyer after development or redevelopment. The Developer must focus on whether the planned change is character or use can be accomplished in a cost-effective manner. A developer conducting due diligence will focus on issues involving market demand, access, use and finances.
(iv) A “Lender” is seeking to establish two basic lending criteria:
1. “Ability to Repay” – The ability of the property to generate sufficient revenue to repay the loan on a timely basis; and
2. “Sufficiency of Collateral” – The objective disposal value of the collateral in the event of a loan default, to assure adequate funds to repay the loan, carrying costs and costs of collection in the event forced collection becomes necessary.
The amount of diligent inquiry due to be expended (i.e. “Due Diligence”) to investigate any particular commercial or industrial real estate project is the amount of inquiry required to answer each of the following questions to the extent relevant to the objectives of the party conducting the investigation:
I. THE PROPERTY:
1. Exactly what PROPERTY does Purchaser believe it is acquiring?
(a) Land?
(b) Building?
(c) Fixtures?
(d) Other Improvements?
(e) Other Rights?
(f) The entire fee title interest including all air rights and subterranean rights?
(g) All development rights?
2. What is Purchaser’s planned use of the Property?
3. Does the physical condition of the Property permit use as planned?
(a) Commercially adequate access to public streets and ways?
(b) Sufficient parking?
(c) Structural condition of improvements?
(d) Environmental contamination?
(i) Innocent Purchaser defense vs. exemption from liability
(ii) All Appropriate Inquiry
4. Is there any legal restriction to Purchaser’s use of the Property as planned?
(a) Zoning?
(b) Private land use controls?
(c) Americans with Disabilities Act?
(d) Availability of licenses?
(i) Liquor license?
(ii) Entertainment license?
(iii) Outdoor dining license?
(iv) Drive through windows permitted?
(e) Other impediments?
5. How much does Purchaser expect to pay for the property?
6. Is there any condition on or within the Property that is likely to increase Purchaser’s effective cost to acquire or use the Property?
(a) Property owner’s assessments?
(b) Real estate tax in line with value?
(c) Special Assessment?
(d) Required user fees for necessary amenities?
(i) Drainage?
(ii) Access?
(iii) Parking?
(iv) Other?
7. Any encroachments onto the Property, or from the Property onto other lands?
8. Are there any encumbrances on the Property that will not be cleared at Closing?
(a) Easements?
(b) Covenants Running with the Land?
(c) Liens or other financial servitudes?
(d) Leases?
9. Leases?
(a) Security Deposits?
(b) Options to Extend Term?
(c) Options to Purchase?
(d) Rights of First Refusal?
(e) Rights of First Offer?
(f) Maintenance Obligations?
(g) Duty on Landlord to provide utilities?
(h) Real estate tax or CAM escrows?
(i) Delinquent rent?
(j) Pre-Paid rent?
(k) Tenant mix/use controls?
(l) Tenant exclusives?
(m) Tenant parking requirements?
(n) Automatic subordination of Lease to future mortgages?
(o) Other material Lease terms?
10. New Construction?
(a) Availability of construction permits?
(b) Utilities?
(c) NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) Permit?
(i) Phase 2 effective March 2003 – Permit required if earth is disturbed on one acre or more of land.
(ii) If applicable, Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) is required.
II. THE SELLER:
1. Who is the Seller?
(a) Individual?
(b) Trust?
(c) Partnership?
(d) Corporation?
(e) Limited Liability Company?
(f) Other legally existing entity?
2. If other than natural person, does Seller validly exist and is Seller in good standing?
3. Does the Seller own the Property?
4. Does Seller have authority to convey the Property?
(a) Board of Director Approvals?
(b) Shareholder or Member approval?
(c) Other consents?
(d) If foreign individual or entity, are any special requirements applicable?
(i) Qualification to do business in jurisdiction of Property?
(ii) Federal Tax Withholding?
(iii) US Patriot Act compliance?
5. Who has authority to bind Seller?
6. Are sale proceeds sufficient to pay off all liens?
III. THE PURCHASER:
1. Who is the Purchaser?
2. What is the Purchaser/Grantee’s exact legal name?
3. If Purchaser/Grantee is an entity, has it been validly created and is it in good standing?
(a) Articles or Incorporation – Articles of Organization
(b) Certificate of Good Standing
4. Is Purchaser/Grantee authorized to own and operate the Property and, if applicable, finance acquisition of the Property?
(a) Board of Director Approvals?
(b) Shareholder or Member approval?
(c) If foreign individual or entity, are any special requirements applicable?
(i) Qualification to do business in jurisdiction of the Property?
(ii) US Patriot Act compliance?
(iii) Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering compliance?
5. Who is authorized to bind the Purchaser/Grantee?
IV. PURCHASER FINANCING:
A. BUSINESS TERMS OF THE LOAN:
What loan terms have the Purchaser, as Borrower, and its Lender agreed to?
(a) What is the amount of the loan?
(b) What is the interest rate?
(c) What are the repayment terms?
(d) What is the collateral?
(i) Commercial real estate only?
(ii) Real estate and personal property together?
(e) First lien? A junior lien?
(f) Is it a single advance loan?
(g) A multiple advance loan?
(h) A construction loan?
(i) If it is a multiple advance loan, can the principal be re-borrowed once repaid prior to maturity of the loan; making it, in effect, a revolving line of credit?
(j) Are there reserve requirements?
(i) Interest reserves?
(ii) Repair reserves?
(iii) Real estate tax reserves?
(iv) Insurance reserves?
(v) Environmental remediation reserves?
(vi) Other reserves?
(k) Are there requirements for Borrower to open business operating accounts with the Lender? If so, is the Borrower obligated to maintain minimum compensating balances?
(l) Is the Borrower required to pledge business accounts as additional collateral?
(m) Are there early repayment fees or yield maintenance requirements (each sometimes referred to as “pre-payment penalties”)?
(n) Are there repayment blackout periods during which Borrower is not permitted to repay the loan?
(o) Is there a Loan Commitment fee or “good faith deposit” due upon Borrower’s acceptance of the Loan Commitment?
(p) Is there a loan funding fee or loan brokerage fee or other loan fee due Lender or a loan broker at closing?
(q) What are the Borrower’s expense reimbursement obligations to Lender? When are they due? What is the Borrower’s obligation to pay Lender’s expenses if the loan does not close?
B. DOCUMENTING THE COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE LOAN
Does Purchaser have all information necessary to comply with the Lender’s loan closing requirements?
Not all loan documentation requirements may be known at the outset of a transaction, although most commercial real estate loan documentation requirements are fairly typical. Some required information can be obtained only from the Seller. Production of that information to Purchaser for delivery to its lender must be required in the purchase contract.
As guidance to what a commercial real estate lender may require, the following sets forth a typical Closing Checklist for a loan secured by commercial real estate.
Commercial Real Estate Loan Closing Checklist
1. Promissory Note
2. Personal Guaranties (which may be full, partial, secured, unsecured, payment guaranties, collection guaranties or a variety of other types of guarantees as may be required by Lender).
3. Loan Agreement (often incorporated into the Promissory Note and/or Mortgage in lieu of being a separate document)
4. Mortgage [sometimes expanded to be a Mortgage, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing]
5. Assignment of Rents and Leases
6. Security Agreement
7. Financing Statement (sometimes referred to as a “UCC-1″, or “Initial Filing”)
8. Evidence of Borrower’s Existence In Good Standing; including
(a) Certified copy of organizational documents of borrowing entity (including Articles of Incorporation, if Borrower is a corporation; Articles of Organization and written Operating Agreement, if Borrower is a limited liability company; Certified copy of trust agreement with all amendments, if Borrower is a land trust or other trust; etc.)
(b) Certificate of Good Standing (if a corporation or LLC) or Certificate of Existence (if a limited partnership) or Certificate of Qualification to Transact Business (if Borrower is an entity doing business in a State other than its State of formation)
9. Evidence of Borrower’s Authority to Borrow; including
(a) a Borrower’s Certificate;
(b) Certified Resolutions
(c) Incumbency Certificate
10. Satisfactory Commitment for Title Insurance (which will typically require, for analysis by the Lender, copies of all documents of record appearing on Schedule B of the title commitment which are to remain after closing), with required commercial title insurance endorsements, often including:
(a) Affirmative Creditors Rights Endorsement (extending coverage over policy exclusion 7 and policy exclusions 3(a) and 3(d) as they relate to creditor’s rights matters)
(b) ALTA 3.1 Zoning Endorsement modified to include parking
(c) ALTA Comprehensive Endorsement 1
(d) Location Endorsement (street address)
(e) Access Endorsement (vehicular access to public streets and ways)
(f) Contiguity Endorsement (the insured land comprises a single parcel with no gaps or gores)
(g) PIN Endorsement (insuring that the identified real estate tax permanent index numbers are the only applicable PIN numbers affecting the collateral and that they relate solely to the real property comprising the collateral)
(h) Usury Endorsement (insuring that the loan does not violate any prohibitions against excessive interest charges)
(i) other title insurance endorsements applicable to protect the intended use and value of the collateral, as may be determined upon review of the Commitment for Title Insurance and Survey or arising from the existence of special issues pertaining to the transaction or the Borrower.
11. Current ALTA Survey (3 sets), [typically prepared in accordance with 2005 Minimum Standard Detail for ALTA/ACSM Land Title Surveys, certified to the lender, Buyer and the title insurer, including items 1 through 4, 6, 7(a), 7(b)(1), 8 through 11(a) and 14 from the Surveyor's "Optional Survey Responsibilities and Specifications" referred to as "Table A"].
12. Current Rent Roll
13. Certified copy of all Leases (3 sets)
14. Lessee Estoppel Certificates
15. Lessee Subordination, Non-Disturbance and Attornment Agreements [sometimes referred to simply as "SNDAs"].
16. UCC, Judgment, Pending Litigation, Bankruptcy and Tax Lien Search Report
17. Appraisal (must comply with Title XI of FIRREA (Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989, as amended)
18. Environmental Site Assessment Report (sometimes referred to as Environmental Phase I and/or Phase 2 Audit Reports)
19. Environmental Indemnity Agreement (signed by Borrower and guarantors)
20. Site Improvements Inspection Report
21. Evidence of Hazard Insurance naming Lender as the Mortgagee/Lender Loss Payee; and Liability Insurance naming Lender as an “additional insured” (sometimes listed as simply “Acord 27 and Acord 25, respectively)
22. Legal Opinion of Borrower’s Attorney
23. Credit Underwriting documents, such as signed tax returns, property operating statements, etc. as may be specified by Lender
24. Compliance Agreement (sometimes also called an Errors and Omissions Agreement), whereby the Borrower agrees to correct, after closing, errors or omissions in loan documentation.
It is useful to become familiar with the Lender’s loan documentation requirements as early in the transaction as practical. The requirements will likely be set forth with some detail in the lender’s Loan Commitment – which is typically much more detailed than most loan commitments issued in residential transactions.
Conducting the Due Diligence Investigation in a commercial real estate transaction can be time consuming and expensive in all events.
If the loan requirements cannot be satisfied, it is better to make that determination during the contractual “due diligence period” – which typically provides for a so-called “free out” – rather than at a later date when the earnest money may be at risk of forfeiture or when other liability for failure to close may attach.
CONCLUSION
Conducting an effective due diligence investigation in a commercial real estate transaction to discover all material facts and conditions affecting the Property and the transaction is of critical importance.
Unlike owner occupied residential real estate, when a house can nearly always be occupied as the purchaser’s home, commercial real estate acquired for business use or for investment is impacted by numerous factors that may affect its use and value.
The existence of these factors and their affect on a Purchaser’s ability to use the Property for its intended use and on the Purchaser’s projected investment yield can only be discovered through diligent investigation and attention to detail.
The circumstances of each transaction will determine what degree of diligence is required. The level of diligence required under the circumstances is the diligence that is due.
Exercise Due Diligence.
A White Christmas in Winter 2010-2011?
Dreaming of a White Christmas in 2010/2011! We’re not only speaking of a Dreaming of a White Christmas Christmas party here either as snow is expected this year. The weather is set to be up and down this season with little chance of snow on Christmas day, a milder November and bouts of snowfall not expected till January, hopefully making 2010/2011′s winter a milder one overall.
After a warm summer, October has finally once again arrived bringing a chillier wind, rain fall and nigh time temperatures of under 0 degrees. Now heading towards the beginning of November I’m sure you are all worrying about the months ahead after last year’s extreme cold.
Last year, we saw the heaviest snow in 18 years with temperatures dipping below the national average. The south of England saw in areas 25cm of snow, which disrupted and cancelled services, from airplanes to trains to and from major cities. Many of you ended up snuggled at home, unable to get to work – granted you got a few days off but catching up with all that work was no easy task!
In the winter of 2010/2011, we are unlikely to see a drastic repeat of last year’s extreme weather as it is going to be quite a mixed winter weather wise according to experts. The first half of November according to weather forecasters is set to be cold (just under average), quite dry and mild compared to last year. In late November, rainfall will increase and the temperature will drop low enough for snow in the northern regions and Scotland.
December as usual is expected to be cold, with temperatures nearly 2% below the average. Overall December is expected to be drier than usual, lowering the likelihood of massive bouts of snow. This will, however change in January as the levels of rain increase and the cold bout continues.
With the decreased chance of snow in the Christmas party season, it looks like there’s little chance of Christmas parties of being cancelled due to snow. But don’t forget it is still going to be chilly in December, so dress up warm!
Music Lessons for Children – How Young is Too Young?
I began playing a musical instrument late in life – in 4th grade, at the ripe old age of 9 – when my public school offered classes. I chose violin, and loved it. My teachers recognized my ability, and supported my decision to become a professional. But when I reached conservatory, what a shock! Most of the other students had begun years younger, in kindergarten or earlier. I had to practice 5 to 7 hours a day to catch up to those ‘virtuosos.’
Today, a growing body of research confirms what I sensed: There are neurological benefits to musical training from an early age, when the brain is forming. Research also associates childhood music lessons with higher grades, test scores, and self-esteem. And starting young means children have a better chance at becoming accomplished musicians, if that’s where their interests take them.
But not TOO young! Along with being a musician, I am a mother of three (including two teenagers who are pre-professional musicians, and a 6-year-old budding cellist); and I am the director and a teacher at a school that has taught music to hundreds of youngsters of all ages. Here’s what practical experience has taught me about launching children happily and successfully into the world of music.
1. ENRICH THE BABIES. Teaching an instrument to a child under 3 is an exercise in frustration. Instead, bring them to hear live music. Give them simple toy instruments, like keyboards – kids love pressing buttons. If you ever played an instrument, dust it off and start playing again, in front of them.
2. THERE IS A MAGIC NUMBER. It’s about 3 ½ . For many children, that’s the age when they can begin to concentrate long enough for instrument lessons – especially if the instrument is a piano.
3. CAN YOUR PRESCHOOLER FOCUS? If the child can focus on a task like a puzzle or shape sorter for 20 minutes, that child is probably ready. (If he doesn’t sit still for more than 20 seconds, don’t despair – he’ll get there later!)
4. START WITH PIANO LESSONS. Although violins are made in baby sizes, they are extremely difficult for most youngsters under 4 ½. Piano is so much better. The child can sit comfortably. There’s a palette in front of them – black and white keys They can concentrate on listening for high and low tones – basic ear training. And there’s gratification from the beginning: Press the key and it sounds good!
5. MAKE IT SOCIAL. The best classes for this age are like a great big playgroup, with the instrument as the focus. Children can’t wait to see their friends. If there are no classes like this in your area, consider finding another preschooler or two to join your child’s beginning lessons.
6. DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Get at least three recommendations from other parents. You and your child should meet the teacher in advance, and tour the facility (whether it’s a music school, or the instructor’s house.)
7. SEEK RECITALS. Most preschoolers love to perform for family and friends. The children dress up; they shop for a special outfit; they even get new shoes! During or after the recital, there should be a reception (We call it a “party!”) The kids will run around, eat cookies and carrots, accept congratulations, and feel great!
8. KEEP THE REWARDS FLYING. Children are very goal-oriented, so hand out a LOT of rewards, stickers and small toys. When your child gets antsy, you can say, “If you can play these three measures, you get a sticker.” It works like a miracle!
9. GOT FIVE MINUTES? While lessons require a child to focus for 30 to 45 minutes, set the bar lower for home practice. If she can only put in five minutes, that’s great. She’ll go longer as she gets older. Consistency is FAR more important than duration.
10. CREATE A ROUTINE. Pick a regular place and time of day for practice.
11. BREAK THE ROUTINE. Some nights, I create an audience of stuffed animals for my 6-year-old. On “backwards” night, she does the measures in reverse. Sometimes she serenades me in the kitchen, while I cook. The wackier, the better.
12. DON’T BUY THE INSTRUMENT. If you have a choice, rent or borrow. Reducing your investment will help you achieve the right, laid-back attitude. When parents buy a new instrument for a beginning class, it’s practically a guarantee that the kid will fail. They feel they made this big investment, so their kid had better follow through. That’s too much pressure.
13. BE POSITIVE. Always see the bright side. Praise them for trying, and for their improvement. Your approval motivates them to stick with it.
14. GIVE IT FIVE WEEKS. After five sessions, parents and children understand exactly what’s required. That’s the time to ask yourself:
- Did my child learn something?
- Will he or she practice for at least a few minutes a day?
- Did I do ok? Can I handle the investment of time and energy?
If you answered ‘yes’ to at least two of these questions, keep going with music lessons. Most of our preschoolers do move on to private lessons. Or, if they’re old enough (4 ½ minimum) some switch to a stringed instrument. The piano lessons help enormously when they face the increased complexity of holding and playing a violin, cello or guitar.
But even if your child isn’t ready to continue, you have not wasted your investment. Everything they learned in those first five weeks as will still be there when they’re mature enough to continue making music, whether in 3 months or 3 years.
© 2008, Susan Pascale, All Rights Reserved.
Dubai Lifestyle – The History of the City and Day to Day Life in Dubai
Background Information to the United Arab Emirates and Dubai: -
Dubai is one of the seven states that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE); it is located in the Middle East. The UAE borders the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf and is situated between Oman and Saudi Arabia. The United Arab Emirates was formed in 1971 by the then ‘Trucial States’ after their independence from Britain.
The UAE is governed by a Supreme Council of Rulers, the council is made up of the seven emirs and they appoint the prime minister and the cabinet for the country. Despite being ultimately ruled by the Supreme Council, as with the other six states, Dubai maintains a large degree of autonomy from the UAE when it comes to general decision making for the city’s development.
Oil was first discovered in the United Arab Emirates in the 1950s, before that the country’s economy was built on fishing and pearling, since 1962, when Abu Dhabi became the first of the emirates to begin exporting the oil, the country’s economy has been completely transformed.
Sheikh Zayed, who has been the president of the UAE since its inception, quickly understood the economic potential for the country from the oil industry. He has continued to ensure that each of the emirates benefits from the oil generated wealth, he has insisted on the reinvestment of oil revenues into the healthcare system, the education system and the general national infrastructure.
The development of the oil industry has led to a large influx of foreign workers to the UAE, in fact Dubai’s population is the fastest growing in the world and the foreign population makes up about three quarters of the entire UAE population! As a direct result of this fact the UAE is one of the most liberal countries in the Gulf, with other cultures and beliefs tolerated. Dubai has also been quick to understand the need for diversification. Oil in the region is only projected to last for about 30 years and so Dubai has successfully embarked upon a major diversification program aimed to at developing industries and commercial enterprises to take the place of oil as the predominate commodity of the state’s economy.
The climate in Dubai is sub-tropical and arid or desert like. The city enjoys almost year round sunny blue skies. Rain is infrequent and if it does fall, it falls in the winter.
Temperatures range from lows of 10°C to extreme summer highs of 48°C. The average maximum daily temperature in January is 24°C and the average maximum daily temperature in July is 41°C when humidity is very high.
About the city of Dubai
Dubai is recognised as the commercial and tourism capital of the UAE and is globally regarded as one of the most sophisticated, futuristic and cosmopolitan cities in the world, in fact Dubai is something of a phenomenon! It is an Arab Muslim society with the fastest growing foreign population in the world, and it has successfully developed harmony through ethnic diversity. It is a city with unrivalled levels of economic energy and architectural ambition, a unique city of contrasts where the most modern and architecturally stunning skyscrapers stand alongside traditional beautiful Arabic structures.
The experiences and attractions available in Dubai are many and varied. From the miles of immaculate beautiful white sandy beaches to the richly exotic Arabian heritage, from the awe inspiring majesty of the desert to the lively international bars, restaurants and nightclubs – a visitor to Dubai is guaranteed an incredible, never to be forgotten experience.
In 2003 Dubai was voted safest holiday destination in the world by Conde Nast Traveller magazine, and in fact Dubai is recognised globally as one of the safest cities in the world. Living in Dubai you will find that it is virtually crime-free with the Dubai police ensuring personal safety and security. Anyone found guilty of committing a serious crime will be severely punished. Alcohol and drug related offences are considered serious.
The economy of the city of Dubai is a mainly service-driven economy, with every business amenity from banking to telecommunications offered. International trading and industrialisation are actively encouraged through the provision of favourable taxation advantages, offshore status, specialist free trade zones etc. Recent innovative projects in the city include the foundation of Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City, bringing 21st century technology to Dubai in the world’s very first ‘Free Zone’ wholly dedicated to e-business.
Day to Day Life in Dubai
Accommodation
If you are considering moving to Dubai one of your first thoughts will no doubt be finding somewhere to live. This is not something you’ll find too tricky, there are many companies advertising rental accommodation in the classified sections of local newspapers and they offer everything from private villas to luxury apartments or even shared accommodation. Whatever your budgetary and lifestyle requirements are, the specialist relocation and housing companies will be sure to have something to assist you. If you prefer to find your accommodation privately and avoid any agency costs, many people use supermarkets notice boards to advertise or request accommodation.
In terms of which areas of the city offer the type of accommodation you are after, Jumeirah, Umm Sequiem and the Safa Park area are upmarket and offer villa-type accommodation. Satwa and Garhoud also offer villas but are slightly cheaper. Rashidiya, Mirdif and Al Quoz are mainly Arabic areas and they actually attract a lot of expats.
If you are after an apartment the most popular areas are around Bur Dubai, the Sheikh Zayed Road with cheaper flats are available in Deira, Satwa and Karama. Some of the more exclusive apartment developments offer shared gym and pool facilities together with garaged car parking and the like.
Education
If you are considering moving to Dubai with family and are interested in finding out about the education system and the availability and quality of schools, one of the best ways is to ask around! Because of the numbers of expats in Dubai there is actually a large number of primary and secondary schools from which you can to choose. Most schools are private fee paying schools and really the best way to get an idea of the reputation of a school is to ask friends, colleagues and other expats who live in Dubai. Many of the schools also have their own websites where you can learn about the curriculum they follow, after school programs etc.
When it comes to enrolling your child in the UAE there are a few restrictions you should be aware of. For example you are not allowed to change your child’s school during the academic year…unless approval is given by the Ministry of Education and the circumstances are ‘special’. This means that you have to make sure the school you choose for your child will definitely suit them. Another restriction you should be aware of is that is you move to Dubai on or after the 1st May each year you can’t enrol your child into the schooling system for that year. Instead you’ll have to enrol for the beginning of the new school year which is usually the beginning of September.
Health
Another consideration you may have if thinking about relocation to Dubai may be the state of the health care system available there. It is fair to say that Dubai has many very well equipped hospitals and surgeries. Dubai’s Department of Health and Medical Services runs Dubai, Rashid, Maktoum and Al Wasl hospitals, with Dubai Hospital one of the best medical centres in the entire Middle East. Al Wasl is a maternity and gynaecology hospital.
The Department of Health also run out patient clinics or surgeries and in addition there are a number of quality private hospitals in Dubai offering in and out patient facilities – e.g., The American and Welcare Hospitals. Overall both the private and publicly offered health care services in Dubai are first class.
Working
Working in Dubai you will enjoy a tax free salary and all shop goods can be bought at tax free prices, making it an incredibly attractive city to international workers and international companies. Job opportunities in Dubai and diverse and plentiful, particularly since the additions of the Media and Internet cities…Dubai is a city expanding its horizons at an unrivalled rate.
It is important to mention that some countries worldwide have tax laws enabling them to tax their nationals on their worldwide income. It is important to check your status with an international accountant before taking up employment in the city.
Lifestyle
Dubai has a thriving expat population who make the most of their tax free lifestyle in this amazing city of opportunity. The nightlife in the city is excellent, with cocktail bars, wine bars, themed bars and typical British or Irish pubs available, many of which offer food and entertainment as well.
High standard international cuisine is available in the city’s many restaurants and if you are looking for lively evening entertainment there are numerous night clubs around the city. Some of the clubs attract international DJs; there are also Middle Eastern, Indian and Asian nightclubs offering entertainment with singers and dancers. Dubai also welcomes international touring singing and entertainment acts which cater to all tastes and ages…from traditional theatre groups to ballet, from opera to international rock and pop bands – all are regular visitors to the United Arab Emirates.
You can be assured of an exciting pace of life in Dubai and a high standard of living.
Hong Kong Clothing Industry
Overview
Textile quotas were eliminated among WTO members at the first day of 2005 in accordance with the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (ATC). However, resistance to quota removal spread in the US and EU. Subsequently, China reached agreements with the EU and the US in June and November 2005 respectively. The China-US agreement, effective from January 2006, governs the exports of a total of 21 groups involving 34 categories of Chinese textiles and clothing products to the US during 2006-2008. The China-EU agreement, effective from June 2005, covers 10 categories of Chinese textiles and clothing exports to the EU during 2005-2007.
On the other hand, the mainland and Hong Kong agreed in October 2005 to further liberalise the mainland market for Hong Kong companies under the third phase of the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA III). Along with other products of Hong Kong origin, the mainland agreed to give all products of Hong Kong origin, including clothing items, tariff-free treatment starting from 1 January 2006. According to the stipulated procedures, products which have no existing CEPA rules of origin, will enjoy tariff-free treatment upon applications by local manufacturers and upon the CEPA rule of origins being agreed and met.
Hong Kong clothing companies are reputable for ODM and OEM production. They are able to deliver quality clothing articles in short lead time, as foreign importers and retailers request clothing suppliers to tighten up supply chain management to ensure the ordered merchandise reaching the store floor at the right time. Increasingly, Hong Kong clothing companies, the established ones in particular, have shown enthusiasm for brand promotion.
Hong Kong’s total exports of clothing rose year-on-year by 9% in the first 11 months of 2005. While Hong Kong’s re-exports of clothing rose by 20%, domestic exports fell by 14%. In the first 11 months of 2005, Hong Kong’s clothing exports to the US and EU rose by 11% and 18% respectively. While Hong Kong’s clothing exports to Japan levelled off, those to the Chinese mainland declined by 11%.
Industry Features
The clothing industry is a major manufacturing sector of Hong Kong. Its gross output is one of the highest among all manufacturing sectors, amounting to HK$35.9 billion in 2003. It is the largest manufacturing employer in Hong Kong, with 1,673 establishments hiring 28,752 workers as of June 2005. It is also the leading earner in terms of domestic exports, taking up 40% of the total in the first 11 months of 2005.
Hong Kong’s geographic boundary has never constrained the development of the forward-looking clothing industry. The majority of clothing manufacturers have set up offshore production facilities in an attempt to reduce operation costs. Relocation of production facilities offshore has however resulted in a steady decline in the number of clothing manufacturers in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong is not only a leading production centre but also a hub for clothing sourcing globally. Companies doing garment trade in Hong Kong are experienced in fabrics procurement, sales and marketing, quality control, logistic arrangements, clothing designs and international and national rules and regulations. The professionalism that they command and the combined services offered are not easily matched elsewhere. With a total of 15,190 establishments hiring 95,889 workers, they form the largest group involved in import-export trade in Hong Kong.
Performance of Hong Kong’s Exports of Clothing
Hong Kong’s total exports of clothing rose year-on-year by 9% in the first 11 months of 2005. While Hong Kong’s re-exports of clothing rose by 20%, domestic exports fell by 14%. The contrasting performance of Hong Kong’s re-exports and domestic exports was basically ascribed to the increasing relocation of garment manufacturing to the Chinese mainland, resulting from the removal of quotas under WTO’s Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (ATC). But the declining trend of domestic exports has been reversed somewhat in recent months, due to the re-imposition of quantitative restraints on mainland-made textiles and clothing by the US and EU.
Retail sales in the US held firm in the first 11 months of 2005, rising by nearly 6% from the same period in the previous year. In the first 11 months of 2005, Hong Kong’s clothing exports to the US rose year-on-year by 11%.
In the first 11 months of 2005, Hong Kong’s total clothing exports to the EU surged year-on-year by 18%. Clothing exports to major EU markets like France, Germany and Italy recorded growth rates in excess of 20%.
On the other hand, Hong Kong’s clothing exports to Japan levelled off in the first 11 months of 2005 partly due to the trend of direct shipment. On the back of the rising income however, Japanese consumers tend to resume their spending spree on premium clothing items. Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s clothing exports to the Chinese mainland dropped by 11% in the first 11 months of 2005, compared with the same period last year.
Product-wise, Hong Kong’s exports of woven wear rose by 12% in the first 11 months of 2005. While woven wear for women/girls grew by 13%, those for men/boys recorded a growth of 8% from the same period in the previous year. Knitted wear grew by 2%, with women/girls and men/boys rising by 1% and 6% respectively. While clothing accessories declined by 3%, other apparel articles, for their part, increased by 13%.
Sales Channels
Hong Kong’s clothing manufacturers have forged strong relationships with their customers. They are able to understand and cater for the preferences of very broad customer bases. Exporters also have good knowledge of international and national rules and regulations governing clothing exports, such as rules of origin, quota restrictions, tariff rates and documentation requirements. Cut, make and trim (CMT) arrangements are common although many Hong Kong manufacturers have moved to higher value-added activities such as design and brand development, quality control, logistics and material sourcing.
A few well-established local manufacturers have entered into the retailing business, either locally or in overseas markets. Many of them have retail networks in major cities around the world including Beijing, London, New York, San Francisco, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, Taipei and Tokyo. Some well-known manufacturing retailers include Baleno, Bossini, Crocodile, Episode, Esprit, G-2000, Giordano, JEANSWEST, Moiselle and U-2.
As a global sourcing hub in Asia, Hong Kong attracts a number of international trading houses and major retailers. Buyers sourcing from Hong Kong include American and European department stores (e.g. Macy’s, JCPenney, Federated, Karstadt Quelle, C & A), discount stores (e.g., Sears, Target and Carrefour), specialty chains (e.g., The Gap, The Limited) and mail order houses (e.g. Otto and Great Universal Stores). Many international premium designer labels — such as Calvin Klein, Donna Karen, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and Yves Saint Laurent — source clothes in Hong Kong through their buying offices or other intermediaries.
Hong Kong’s fashion designers have been gaining worldwide reputation for their professional expertise, sensitivity to current trends and ability to blend commercialism with innovation. Medium to high-priced fashion clothing bearing Hong Kong designer labels is being sold/have been sold in renowned department
stores overseas such as Bloomingdale’s, C & A, Harrod’s, Isetan, Macy’s, Marui, Mitsukoshi, Nieman Marcus and Seibu.
Trade fairs and exhibitions remain common places for buyers and suppliers of clothing to congregate. To establish connections and explore market opportunities, Hong Kong manufacturers and traders have involved themselves actively in international shows led by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (TDC), including the ones in Beijing, Chengdu, Dalian, Dubai, Dusseldorf, Hong Kong, Moscow, Mumbai, Paris and Tokyo. ‘Hong Kong Fashion Week’ is organised twice a year and attracts international suppliers and buyers to participate in the exhibition. Organised by TDC, ‘World Boutique, Hong Kong’ is the first independent event in Hong Kong dedicated to promoting designers’ collection and brands from around the world.
Industry Trends
Changes in retail landscape: In the US and EU, large-scale retailers are undergoing drastic restructuring and consolidation, in particular, the growing prominence of hypermarkets such as Wal-Mart. To strengthen competitiveness, Sears and Kmart have merged to form the third largest retail group in the US.
Growing importance of private labels: Private labels, in essence, have become an increasingly effective marketing tool among garment retailers. In order to differentiate as well as upgrade the image of their products, major retailers have started to put a stronger emphasis on their own labels. According to Cotton Incorporated, private labels accounted for 45% of total US apparel sales in 2003, up from 39% in 2001. In some adult apparel categories, such as skirts, private labels accounted for as high as 76% of the total sales. It is also estimated that 45% of products sold in the EU are sold under private labels. Renowned retailers such as H&M, Marks & Spencer, Orsay, Palmers, Pimkie, Springfield and Kookai have owned their private labels. As consumers desire to have private labels on everyday garments like jeans, accessories and T-shirts, the doors are also open to the supply of these clothing items to private label owners.
Growing interest in China’s domestic market: The rapid expansion of mainland’s economy has attracted great interest of Hong Kong clothing companies to explore its clothing market. A TDC survey on mainland’s garment shoppers indicates that Hong Kong brands are ranked number one by the respondents in the mid-range segment. While international brands are most preferred in the high-end segment, mainland brands dominate the low-end. In addition, the same survey finds out that in the eyes of mainland consumers, Hong Kong companies are very strong in casual wear, as they are generally of good design and quality. In essence, many mainland consumers have developed a stronger awareness of Hong Kong brands through tour to and shopping in Hong Kong. Therefore, Hong Kong’s casual wear has successfully projected a positive image to mainland consumers.
CEPA
On 18 October 2005, the mainland and Hong Kong agreed to further liberalise the mainland market for Hong Kong companies under the third phase of the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA III). Along with other products of Hong Kong origin, the mainland agreed to give all products of Hong Kong origin, including clothing items, tariff-free treatment starting from 1 January 2006. According to the stipulated procedures, products which have no existing CEPA rules of origin, will enjoy tariff-free treatment upon applications by local manufacturers and upon the CEPA rule of origins being agreed and met. But non-Hong Kong made clothing products will remain subject to tariff rates of 10-25% when entering the mainland.
The promulgated rules of origin for clothing items to benefit from CEPA’s tariff preference are basically similar to the existing rules governing Hong Kong’s exports of these products. Generally speaking, the principal manufacturing process of cut-and-sewn garment is sewing of parts into garments. If linking and/or stitching is/are required, such process/processes must also be done in Hong Kong. For piece-knitted garment, if it is manufactured from yarn, the principal process is knitting of yarn into knit-to-shape panel.
If the piece-knitted garment is manufactured from knit-to-shape-panels, the principal process is linking of knit-to-shape panels into garment. If stitching is required, it must also be done in Hong Kong.
Trade Measures Affecting Exports of Clothing
According to the ATC, textile quotas were eliminated among WTO members at the first day of 2005. However, resistance to quota removal spread in the US and EU. Particularly in the US, China-specific safeguards on 10 categories of clothing items from China were invoked. Against this background, China reached agreements with the EU and the US in June and November 2005 respectively.
The China-US agreement, effective from January 2006, governs the exports of a total of 21 groups involving 34 categories of Chinese textiles and clothing products to the US during 2006-2008. It allows an annual growth of 10-15% in 2006, 12.5-16% in 2007 and 15-17% in 2008. The China-EU agreement, effective from June 2005, provides for an annual growth of 8-12.5% in 10 categories of Chinese textiles and clothing exports to the EU during 2005-2007. In addition, both EU and US agreed to exercise restraint in invoking China-specific safeguard against Chinese textiles and clothing that are not covered in the agreements.
Product Trends
Formal Dressing: While casual wear accounts for the bulk of clothing sales, a general trend towards stricter corporate dress codes has led to a rising demand for formal dressing, particularly suits. According to a survey by Cotton Incorporated in late 2004/early 2005, 38.5% of respondents believe that people dressed too casually at work. This is a 6.5 percentage point increase over the same year-ago.
Teenager: One of the major driving forces of clothing market appears to be the teenagers in the coming years. The number of teenagers in the US expects to increase from 31.6 million in 2001 to 34.1 million in 2010. A recent survey by Teenage Research Unlimited found that teens are saving money by value shopping. While JCPenney is their favourite department store, Target and Wal-mart are their favourite hypermarkets. In addition, Old Navy is their choices among specialty apparel stores.
Silver Market: Ageing population becomes a common phenomenon in many developed countries in Europe as well as Japan and the US. Elderly people constitute a major market segment called ‘silver market’. Supported by savings, social security benefits and pensions, many elderly people have rather strong spending power. It is estimated that the age group of 65 year and above accounted for about 21% of Japan’s consumption expenditure in 2000. A survey conducted by the Japanese government also shows that people who are 60 years old and above possess almost three times the financial assets of those in the 40-50 age group. In the US, those aged at or above 65 amounted to 18.1 million in 2001, and the number is expected to swell to 26 million in 2015.
Plus-size Market: The plus-size market has been an area of growth for many years, and the trend is expected to continue in the coming future. It is estimated that 65 million women in the US wear size 14 or above. This group represents one-half of the US female population. It is reported that some renowned brands have already responded to the trend by offering merchandise of larger size; these companies include Liz Claiborne, Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger.
Easy-care Clothes: Clothes made of stain-resistant and wrinkle-free fabrics are well received in the market. It is estimated that about a quarter of apparel is now made of easy-care fabrics, and its popularity is expected to continue in the next few years. While major apparel brands like Dockers and Liz Claiborne have already marketed extensively easy-care clothes, major hypermarkets, like Wal-Mart, also offer more merchandise of such quality.
Source: Hong Kong Trade Development Council