Thứ Năm, 14 tháng 4, 2011

Trong "cơn khát" USD

Nhân viên kế toán của một Cty kinh doanh du lịch lữ hành có trụ sở tại trung tâm TPHCM kể, mỗi lần có tour đi nước ngoài, thay vì mừng thì cả sếp lẫn nhân viên đều lo ngay ngáy, vì không tìm mua được USD với giá mềm, nên khả năng lỗ là rất cao.

Theo quy định, các giao dịch (trường hợp này là mua bán tour) dù chào bán bằng USD nhưng khi thanh toán phải quy ra tiền Việt, theo tỷ giá chính thức của ngân hàng tại thời điểm ký hợp đồng. Do giá USD trong các ngân hàng luôn thấp hơn thị trường tự do nên các ngân hàng thường từ chối bán USD cho doanh nghiệp. Vì vậy, nếu giá trị hợp đồng/đơn hàng càng lớn thì khả năng không có lãi và thậm chí lỗ của DN càng cao. Đó cũng là lý do khiến DN vừa mừng vừa lo khi có đơn hàng ở thời điểm giá USD sốt.

Để giảm bớt rủi ro thua lỗ, nhiều doanh nghiệp phải "đi đêm" với một số cán bộ ngân hàng. Nhân viên kế toán vừa nêu trên cũng cho biết, Cty của chị đã nhiều lần lót tay cho một số vị có chức trách của ngân hàng để được mua USD.

(Ảnh minh họa)

Tình trạng doanh nghiệp khát USD phục vụ xuất nhập khẩu phổ biến từ nhiều năm qua. Mỗi khi ngoại tệ này lên cơn sốt thì doanh nghiệp trong nước cũng lên cơn co giật theo. Cơn sốt USD của doanh nghiệp vô tình biến quyền danh chính (được kinh doanh USD) thành quyền lực dưới gầm bàn để hưởng lợi riêng của một nhóm người?

Trong khi đó, doanh nghiệp khát USD đến mức, cứ có hội nghị, hội thảo liên quan xuất khẩu là kêu gào các bộ ngành,các ngân hàng tìm cách tháo gỡ. Hội nghị giao ban xuất khẩu những tháng cuối năm do Bộ Công Thương tổ chức hôm 26-10 là một điển hình.

Khi nền kinh tế ngày càng phụ thuộc xuất khẩu thì nhu cầu mua USD ngày càng lớn của doanh nghiệp là bình thường. Nhưng, khan USD như hiện nay là bất thường và không những doanh nghiệp không được lợi mà Nhà nước cũng chịu thiệt.

Doanh nghiệp thiệt vì không đủ phương tiện (đồng USD) để phát huy năng lực và đem ngoại tệ trở về. Điều đó cũng đồng nghĩa Nhà nước thiệt vì ngoài thất thu ngoại tệ còn thất thu thuế.

Chưa kể, khi đồng ngoại tệ được lưu thông nhiều ngoài thị trường tự do, xu hướng đô la hóa trong các giao dịch sẽ nổi lên làm ảnh hưởng không nhỏ uy tín, sức mạnh của đồng nội tệ.

Thứ Hai, 12 tháng 10, 2009

The Endless Appeal Of Puzzle Games

Truth be told, no video game can be as appealing as a puzzle game, or have such a wide reach of popularity. Racing games come close, but they falter on one point. Racing games are not much preferred by the older generation. And they are not exactly relaxing, are they? Puzzle games, on the other hand, help in relaxing. After a hard day, you could park yourself in front of the computer and play a good puzzle game such as Bomberman, Bubble Shooter or even the perennially popularity card games, and you will certainly feel the tiredness coursing out through you. But is that the only cause why they are so favor down the generations? Exactly it is not so!



One of the foremost contributions in the success of the puzzle games all over the globe has been by the game download sites on the Internet. Sites that allow you to download games wouldn't work at all if there were no puzzle games on them. Let us try to know this. They do not have extremely high-end graphics (some of them may have, but they are exceptions to the rule, not the rule itself). Due to their simplistic designing, they carry less MBs. Less MBs means better download speeds. Better download speeds means lower failure levels of the buyers. This puts the all perspective into place. The beginning draw for this games is definitely the fact that the file sizes are small and the downloads are too simple.



But then there is other thing. A very important factor, in fact! puzzle games are extremely addictive. They may seem simple, but they are so very riveting. How many times, when playing these games have you become angry because you could not put a block into site, or could not shoot a bubble pattern with the same color, or could not get up on a ledge because you weren't able to solve a problem? Many times, no doubt! But have you given up? Never, I am sure! That's what.



Even if game download sites offer sixty-minute demos of their games, they are almost sure that you will return back as an efficient customer too. So, they become a good bet for the game download sites.



The genre could be larger than the other genres too, but most online game sites vouches for the fact that their puzzle games do much better than their action or adventure games. And that's a fact for all game download sites all over the globe.



Simplicity, availability and extreme playability, these are three main reasons for the success of puzzle games in the world today. They have captivated generations of gamers, and there's certainly no indication of them fizzling out in the future.

Thứ Sáu, 9 tháng 10, 2009

Cluehunt The Next Generation Online Game

The Cluehunt Online Quiz Game is a kind of weekly observational quiz game, which requires the players to provide the answers to five questions per day starting from Monday. As a matter of fact, the site of the game was planned in 2005 as the makers sought to provide the thrills of online gaming to the people in a different flavor.



There are many online games but few of them challenge the intellect of the users to a high level. The game was conceived to offer benefits to both the consumers and the companies. While one plays Cluehunt he gets exposed to the participating companies and their marketing. What one needs to do is remember the marketing of the companies to win the game and take home the cash. A player can gain from playing Cluehunt because these companies offer special rebates to him. However, it is not mandatory for a player to purchase anything or reveal his personal data.



One can be assured of not getting any irritating marketing spam while he plays this weekly observational quiz game. The registration information given by a user is not handed over to any other company. Apart from the emails sent by Cluehunt.com, the players will not get any other emails. These emails are meant for informing the users about cash prizes that they get for a week. Usually, the prizes are sent by the PayPal account of Cluehunt.



The players who have played the game know that Cluehunt is expanding its range constantly. The benefit of expanding is that, more companies get enlisted with it as the site keeps growing. As more people play for fun, the prospects of them winning prizes grows. The participating companies often give special offers to the members of the website. Since new companies keep coming to the website the players can expect to get special offers and new prizes. The variety of the prizes is alluring enough for the players to come back to the site.



People who are still skeptical about joining the league of players at the website Cluehunt.com can interact with the team to resolve their doubts. One should go through the terms and conditions of the game before playing it. If a user is found to violate the norms of the game, the management will terminate his access to the site instantly. One is not allowed to send junk and spam emails while playing in this site.



One needs to be aged over 18 years for playing this game and the members need to ensure that they log in regularly. In case a member does not log in for 3 months, the management can terminate his membership. One requires speed for taking home the goodies and the key rule is one must find the answers in the quickest time. Being an online game, one can play it whenever he likes. However, it does not have provision for playing as a team and each member is treated as a single entity.

Thứ Sáu, 2 tháng 10, 2009

I Love French Wine and Food - A Red Cotes du Rhone

If you are in the mood for fine French wine and food, consider the Rhone Valley region of southeastern France. You may even find a bargain, and I am sure that you'll enjoy yourself on this fact-filled wine education tour in which we review a local red Cotes du Rhone.



Among France's eleven wine-growing regions the Rhone Valley ranks second in acreage. This region stretches about 125 miles (200 kilometers) along the Rhone River. This region is really two separate areas, the north and the south whose wines differ a lot. The northern Rhone Valley is quite narrow. The major red grape variety is Syrah, while the major white variety is Viognier. The southern Rhone Valley produces about 95% of the Rhone Valley wines. This region strongly believes in blending grapes in their wines. For example the famous Châteauneuf-Du-Pape AOC wine may be made from up to thirteen different grape varieties. The better wines are clearly defined as coming from the northern or the southern part of the Rhone valley. Subsequent articles will review several of these wines.



Historians believe that Avignon was originally settled by the Celts. It was a flourishing city in the time of the Ancient Romans. But it is best known as the home of seven popes between 1309 and 1377. Who would have thought that when Pope Clement V chose this southern French city for the site of his Papacy, it was ruled by the King of Sicily, albeit through the house of Anjou, in the opposite corner of France? Avignon and the surrounding area remained more or less papal property until the French Revolution. The major tourist site is the Palais des Papes (Papal Palace), which unfortunately is missing many of its original furnishings. But there is a lot more to see including several churches and museums, the beautiful hilltop garden Rocher des Doms (Rock of the Domes), the opera house, the Clocktower Square, and of course the Pont-St.-Benezet (St.-Benezet Bridge) made famous by a children's song Sur le pont d'Avignon (On the Avignon bridge). Parts of this bridge are said to date back to the Twelfth Century. And you're only a little more than ten miles (less than twenty kilometers) from the village of Châteauneuf-Du-Pape.



Before reviewing the Cotes du Rhone wine and imported cheeses that we were lucky enough to purchase at a local wine store and a local Italian food store, here are a few suggestions of what to eat with indigenous wines when touring this beautiful region. Start with Fois Gras de Canard (Duck Liver Pate). For your second course savor Caillette (Pork-Liver Meat Loaf). And as dessert indulge yourself with Sorbet (Sherbert) and fresh fruit.



OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.



Wine Reviewed Reserve Perrin Cotes du Rhone P2004 13% about $12



Let's start by quoting the marketing materials. Roaming Rhone. This wine will transport you to the South of France. Five generations of Perrin winemaking culminate here as you breathe in aromas of candied cherries, plum, spice, and earthy tones. There's volumes of juicy cherry flavors surrounded by good ripe tannins on the medium-bodied palate. Gourmets can savor it with chicken or lamb tajine.



Most of the wines that we have reviewed are made from a single grape variety. This wine, like most of the wines in the southern Rhone Valley, is a blend, in this case 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre, and 10% Cinsault.



My first meal consisted of rib steak and fried potatoes. The steak was marinated in a homemade ketchup and horseradish mustard sauce. By accident too much mustard fell into the sauce, but I didn't want to throw it out and start over again. No problem, this wine rose to the challenge easily and wasn't in the least overwhelmed by all that horseradish. I still tasted dark fruits and spices.



My next meal involved slow cooked ribs and potatoes. The wine was very round and full. While it wasn't complex it was quite pleasant. In addition to the above components I tasted a bit of tar. When the food was gone the wine tasted peppery. I liked it.



Once again I went to beef, this time a slow cooked beef stew. The wine was a bit chewy. It was powerful and mouth-filling.



The first cheese was a French Saint-Aubin, a soft cow's milk cheese traditionally packed in a wooden box. This cheese has a creamy brie-like texture and a stronger taste. Unlike many other wines, this Cotes du Rhone retained its fruit when paired with the Saint-Aubin.



I next tried the wine with an Italian Bel Paese, a mild buttery cheese suggested to accompany fruity wines or to be eaten alone as a snack or a dessert. This combination was even better; the wine became rounder. Only a few precious sips remained in the bottle. Instead of slicing off a bit more cheese, I tried it with a slice of mint chocolate cake. Unfortunately the combination was no success, the cake denatured the wine a bit. But, as you may know, I do not blame a wine for my unusual unorthodox food pairing attempts that come up short.



Final verdict. I found this wine to be a real winner, especially in light of its moderate price. I'll be buying it again, but not before tasting several other wines from both the north and the south of the Rhone Valley.

Thứ Bảy, 12 tháng 9, 2009

Summer Ideas with Wine

So summer is here, and there is always a dilemma of what to drink on a hot summer's day. Yes, a cold lager is refreshing, but sometimes it's nice to have something different, and lager is a bit much fattening liquid. Wine is perfect for a summer's day. In this article, we will cover some great summer wines, and also give you a few ideas of how to serve it to make it extra special.



The first thing that comes to mind when talking about wines to drink in the summer is Sauvignon Blanc. This crisp, dry wine is perfect for summer drinking, just make sure you chill it well to get the optimum out of it. When looking for a Sauvignon Blanc, look for one that comes from New Zealand, as this white wine offers something a little more special. These wines are the best types of wine created from this grape, and the most applauded ones are the ones from the Cloudy Bay or Marlborough areas of New Zealand.



But what if you're not too keen on dry white wine?



There are some really good German sweet white wines which, when chilled, are refreshing and add something completely different to the norm.



Also, a Portuguese friend of mine keeps her red wine in the fridge too. She doesn't like white wine, and swears by a chilled red wine instead, which is great in the Algarve, where the temperatures get quite high.



For those of us not quite ready to chill our red wine, there is a middle ground. There are some spectacular ros

Thứ Tư, 9 tháng 9, 2009

Some Tips On Looking For The Best Culinary School Chicago-Kent Offer

It has been said by many pet food becomes tastier under cold weather conditions. If this is true, then the most delicious bit dishes can surely be found in Chicago, dubbed as the Windy City. Indeed, the state of Illinois, and the city of Chicago, in particular, has been the home of culinary connoisseurs, given the diversity of delicacies offered in this place. This has inspired quite a number of its residents to take up some cuisine lessons, and the search for the best culinary school Chicago hosts has commenced.



If you were one of the people looking for the best culinary school Chicago-Kent offer, here are the top three choices, you should he considering.



Cooking and hospitality Institute of Chicago

361 West Chestnut

Chicago, IL 60610.



The cooking and hospitality Institute of Chicago is a well renowned school. Not only does it offer some unique programs and a decent preparation of distinctly unique European delicacies, the center also teaches the basics and techniques that can be employed in proper catering. This was borne from the institute's commitment to excellence in molding its students to be great chefs and well-rounded restauranteurs. Financial aid is available for students who will qualify.



Kendall College

900 N. North Branch St.

Chicago, IL 60622.



Kendall College actually offers to culinary schools Chicago can be proud of: The Les Roches school of Hotel management, which offers a BA degree; and the school of culinary arts, which offers degrees in BA in culinary arts. A ass culinary arts, AAS accredited program, AAA is baking and pastry and a culinary certificate program. Both have a variety of programs that would greatly help hopeful chefs hone their craft. This college boasts the entire city of Chicago as their laboratory, the schools. In this college put a premium on a fully immersive or experience to allow the student to acquaint himself with the intricacies of the culinary profession through some opportunities for practical applications. Financial aid in the form of loans, grants, scholarships and work are available for qualified students as well.



Washburne Culinary Institute

Kennedy -- King College

6800 S. Wentworth Ave.

Chicago, IL 60621

(773) 602-5000.



One new culinary school, Chicago is quite proud of, the Washburne culinary Institute is part of the Kennedy King College. It offers advanced certificates and full degrees for the culinary arts, which can be completed within 48 weeks and 80 weeks respectively. The Washburne culinary Institute is committed to premium culinary education at a very reasonable price. It aims to arm its students with the knowledge and skills necessary for them to be competitive in the food industry financial aid is likewise available for qualified students.

Thứ Sáu, 4 tháng 9, 2009

Put That Steak Knife to Work on a Mouth Watering Rib Eye Steak - Rosemary and Basil Recipe

The wife and I sat down to one of the best rib eye steaks that I think I have ever cooked on the grill. I hate to brag, but they came out excellent. The only thing you need for this recipe is a good set of kitchen knives to include a good set of steak knives, a grill, a couple of rib eye steaks and a few ingredients.



You do not want to have to sharpen your steak knife after cutting your steak. So, you will want to make sure that your rib eye steaks are at room temperature before throwing them on the grill. The reason for this is that a cold or partially frozen steak will be a bit tough in cooked on the grill before reaching room temperature.



Now, put your steak knives and rib eyes aside and grab a piece of tin foil. You should fold the tin foil, doubling it, and make sure that the piece is about ten by ten inches. Take a garlic clove and remove the paper outer protection from the bulb. Do not break the bulb up. Just set that in the middle of your foil. Arrange the foil around the bulb in the form of a cup. Sprinkle basil and rosemary over the garlic and then add some oil; I prefer olive oil.



You may want to use your steak knife to spread the garlic clove open a little bit, but do not break it apart. Just allow the oil to get inside of it. Once this is completed, wrap the clove up completely and set it on the grill. You will need to cook this clove for about thirty minutes. You can cook it while you cook your steaks.



Now, prepare your rib eye steaks. You will not need to cut your steak or trim any fat with your steak knife. I leave my steaks the way they come before grilling due to the fact that the grill will melt down some of the fat.



I season my steaks with salt and pepper for this recipe as the garlic will provide a lot of the seasoning flavor. You have two choices when it comes to cooking your steaks and I do both not preferring one to the other. You can sear you rib eyes by pan searing them in hot oil on each side four about forty five seconds, or you can throw them straight onto the grill without searing.



May I suggest a couple of corn on the cobs to go with your meal? I love grilled corn on the cob. There are a dozen ways to make it, but I like to keep it simple. I wash of the corn leaving the husk on it and throw it on the grill just like that. I leave the husk on to protect the kernels from burning or drying out while cooking.



You may want to take your steak knife and cut the end of the corn off where it was attached to the plant. That is up to you but if you have a small grill and need the room, it may be a good idea.



Throw the corn on the grill with your garlic in foil. Now the corn will need to cook for only about fifteen to twenty minutes. Ensure that you have a pair of thick glow to pick the corn up and remove the husk when it is done. You can check the corn every now and then by pulling back the husk near the top and penetrating one of the kernels with your steak knife. If it is full of fluid, then it is ready.



Put you steak knife aside and throw your steaks on the grill. They will need to cook for about ten to fifteen minutes for medium rare; which has the most flavor in my humble opinion. Or you can cook them an additional five minutes or so for medium and well done.



It is fine if the flames grow and lick your steaks a bit. This will not hurt them and in fact will add a bit more flavor to the meat. It will also give your steaks those nifty looking grill marks. If things get out of control and your grill starts to look like a blazing inferno, squirt the flames lightly with a water filled squirt bottle. Once everything is done, remove it all from the grill.



Take your steak knife and cut into one of the rib eyes and check to ensure that it is cooked to your liking by observation. Then, open the foil up and remove the garlic. You will want to use a fork to mash the garlic cloves into the steak. Remove any of the papery coverings that come off on your steaks. Then, pour the oil and spices over your steaks that remain in the foil.



Wear your thick gloves to remove the husk from the corn. Butter them up real good and slap them on your plate next to your steaks and pick your favorite side item to add to the plate. Sit down with your significant other, your favorite steak knife and dig in.