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


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