BABC Houston

US embassy to move near to British intelligence headquarters

noemail@babchouston.org — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 17:00:00 GMT

The US Embassy is seeking to move from its plum Mayfair location in London to south of the river, near to the headquarters in Britain`s MI6 intelligence agency, American ambassador to Britain Robert Tuttle has revealed.

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4-Oct-08 12:00 PM

Why is American bacon different to British bacon?

noemail@babchouston.org — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 17:00:00 GMT

Just for a bit of fun.....one bloggers insight into Americans and a proper British fry-up, complete with pictures. After reading this I got a bit peckish.

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4-Oct-08 12:00 PM

British PM disappointed by US vote on bailout

noemail@babchouston.org — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:00:00 GMT

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown says he is very disappointed by the U.S. House of Representatives' rejection of a $700 billion emergency rescue for America's financial system.

Brown says in Monday night's statement that he sent a message to the White House about the importance of taking decisive action regarding the crisis.

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30-Sep-08 8:00 AM

Prime Minister Gordon Brown and President George W. Bush hold press conference after meeting (27/09/2008)

noemail@babchouston.org — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 04:45:00 GMT

UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown and US President George W. Bush held a press conference after meeting on the global economic crisis, Iraq, Afghanistan, Russian and Georgia. During the press conference, Prime Minister Brown said:

"America and Britain have always stood together and at one in times of difficulty and challenge. And I said to President Bush this afternoon that, facing global turbulence, Britain supports the financial plan, and whatever the details of it, it's the right thing to do to take us through these difficult circumstances.

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27-Sep-08 11:45 PM

Identity card design revealed (25/09/2008)

noemail@babchouston.org — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

UK Border Agency has revealed the design of the first identity cards to be issued to foreign nationals in the UK.

The UK will begin issuing ID cards, part of the UK's national identity scheme, to foreign nationals in the UK from 25 November 2008. The introduction of ID cards will provide a convenient and secure means to protect identity by locking it to one person using their fingerprints.

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27-Sep-08 11:00 PM

Hurricane Ike Embassy Update

noemail@babchouston.org — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:45:00 GMT

Our well-prepared team of consular staff in Houston have been working hard and remain in contact with local authorities in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike. Our staff are fully engaged in emergency services planning at local, state and federal level.

Curfews and requests by the authorities for the population to remain at home or in evacuation centres are in place. Public transport and office buildings remain closed. This has afffected the building our Consulate General offices are located in, which like all office buildings in downtown Houston remains closed on the advice of the local authorities, but telephone lines remain open and our staff are on duty to answer any requests for assistance from British Nationals.

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17-Sep-08 3:45 PM

Visa Alert (09-17-08)

noemail@babchouston.org — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:00:00 GMT

All biometric collection appointments for UK visa applicants have been cancelled for the foreseeable future at the Houston SE Application Support Center (ASC) because of damage sustained following Hurricane Ike. Applicants with confirmed appointments may visit any other ASC with no restrictions.

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17-Sep-08 3:00 PM

UK Ambassador Nigel Sheinwald hosts farewell tea reception for 2008 Marshall Scholars (16/09/2008)

noemail@babchouston.org — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:00:00 GMT

On 15 September, UK Ambassador to the US Nigel Sheinwald hosted a farewell tea reception for the 2008 Marshall Scholars before they depart for two years of graduate studies in the United Kingdom.

During the afternoon tea reception, the Ambassador spoke on the value of the Marshall Scholarship in building a strong understanding of the UK in future US leaders. He also highlighted the continued importance of the Marshall Scholarship as a programme promoting and strengthening the UK-US special relationship in a globalising world.

Speaking about the 2008 class of Marshall Scholars, Ambassador Nigel Sheinwald said:

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17-Sep-08 3:00 PM

From Dunbar Harder PLLC - New Documentation Requirements for Visitors to the United States

noemail@babchouston.org — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 21:00:00 GMT

Travelers planning to visit the

United States

under the Visa Waiver Program (“VWP”) soon will have to obtain a travel authorization from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) authorities prior to being authorized to board their aircraft or ship. The details of this new travel document requirement are discussed below.

I. Description of the Proposed Rule

The Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) has announced the proposed amendment of its regulations to authorize CBP to introduce an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (“ESTA”) for aliens wishing to visit the United States using the VWP. The ESTA program will gather data currently requested on Form I-94W, Arrival/Departure Record for aliens seeking admission to the United States under the VWP. This data will be evaluated by CBP to determine the eligibility of citizens and eligible nationals of VWP countries to travel to the United States and whether such travel poses a law enforcement or security risk. This determination will be made by CBP before such persons travel to the U.S. A travel determination made under ESTA will remain, with certain exceptions, valid for two years and may be used for multiple applications for admission.

CBP is introducing this measure in order to comply with section 711 of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007. The goal of the ESTA is to provide for greater efficiencies in the screening of international travelers by allowing CBP to identify subjects of potential interest before they travel to the U.S. CBP believes the introduction of ESTA will increase security and reduce traveler delays upon arrival at U.S. ports of entry.

A travel authorization issued under ESTA is not a determination of admissibility to the U.S., nor is it a determination of eligibility to receive a visa. Aliens refused a travel authorization under ESTA will not be eligible to travel to the U.S. under the VWP. Such aliens remain eligible, however, to apply for a visa at a U.S. Consulate. An alien planning to travel to the U.S. with a visa will not be required to obtain an ESTA determination.

DHS plans to publish a notice in the Federal Register in November 2008 announcing implementation of ESTA. The ESTA program will become effective on or before January 12, 2009, 60 days after publication of the notice in the Federal Register. ...........

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16-Sep-08 4:00 PM

Prime Minister Gordon Brown lays out the foundation for Britain's economic future (04/09/2008)

noemail@babchouston.org — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 09:00:00 GMT

In a speech at the Confederation of British Industry Scotland, Prime Minister Gordon Brown highlighted the Government’s plans for helping businesses and families deal with the effects of the global credit crunch, plans that include a Housing Support Package.

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11-Sep-08 4:00 AM

British Ambassador attends Marshalls Scholars reception in Denver (08/09/2008)

noemail@babchouston.org — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 23:00:00 GMT

Taking advantage of the numerous visitors to the Democratic National Convention, Bryan Leach a former Marshall Scholar and member of the Board of the Association of Marshall Scholars and Kevin Lynch, HM Consul Denver, co-hosted a reception for visiting Scholars and various VIPS.

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9-Sep-08 6:00 PM

Royal Navy helps clean up after Hurricane Gustav

noemail@babchouston.org — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 21:00:00 GMT

As well as conducting patrols around Little Cayman and Cayman Brac, Iron Duke's Lynx helicopter was made available to conduct damage assessment the morning after Hurricane Gustav hit the islands. Throughout the period, the ships were primed to provide humanitarian relief if required.

The Lynx launched with the Iron Duke's Second-in-Command, Lieutenant Commander Dean Bassett, on board. On arrival at Cayman Brac, the District Commissioner also embarked and an aerial assessment of the damage to Little Cayman and Cayman Brac was made. This proved invaluable and enabled recovery plans to be made, based upon the photographic evidence gathered during the flight.

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3-Sep-08 4:00 PM

Rig count, spot energy prices, nonresidential electricity sales updated

noemail@babchouston.org — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 21:00:00 GMT

September 2, 2008

RIG COUNT

The Baker Hughes Incorporated count of active domestic rotary rigs averaged 1,987 in August, up 10.2 percent from August '07, the firm reported this weekend. The count for the final Friday of the month stood at 2,031, the highest level since since February '85, more than 23 years ago. In the U.S. today, 80 percent of working rigs are engaged in natural gas-directed drilling.

SPOT OIL AND GAS PRICES

The Friday closing price for West Texas Intermediate crude oil on the spot market averaged $116.77/bbl in August, up 60.4 percent from August '07, but down 13.8 percent from July '08, according to data reported at CNNMoney.com. The same source reported that the average Friday close in August for Henry Hub natural gas was $8.20/MMBtu, down 27.1 percent from the prior month, but up 31.9 percent from August '07. New forecasts have reduced worldwide demand expectations for oil, and the rise of the dollar has also contributed to declining prices.

In its August Short-Term Energy Outlook, the Energy Information Administration expected WTI to average $119.09 this year and $123.58 in '09, and Henry Hub gas to average $10.04 this year and $9.01 next year. Given the extreme gyrations of prices for both thus far this year, it'll be interesting to see what the September forecast says. You'll find it here next Tuesday, September 9. WTI was trading below $110 this afternoon.

NONRESIDENTIAL ELECTRICITY SALES

Nonresidential electricity sales in the CenterPoint service area totaled 29.9 million mWh in the first seven months of '08 , up 1.9 percent from the same period last year. Nonresidential electricity usage is a rough proxy for industrial production.

Skip Kasdorf
Manager, Economic Research
Greater Houston Partnership
Research Department

3-Sep-08 4:00 PM

Public diplomacy and the New Transatlantic aAenda

noemail@babchouston.org — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 21:00:00 GMT

Terrorism, climate change and the need to sustain a vibrant international trading system will challenge the United States and Europe for many years to come. At times, these issues may test the cohesion of the transatlantic partnership itself. Nonetheless, U.S. and European leaders recognize that confronting transnational challenges effectively means confronting them together. But they must also recognise an important fact: cooperation between governments alone will not be enough.

Recognising the importance of public attitudes in achieving transatlantic goals, the British Embassy and the Center for the United States and Europe at the Brookings Institution collaborated to examine public opinion about terrorism, climate change, and trade and assess its impact on future policies.

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3-Sep-08 4:00 PM

Wales joins Olympic celebrations

noemail@babchouston.org — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:00:00 GMT

Cardiff, Swansea, and Wrexham were among those marking the success of Team GB on Sunday, including three golds and two silvers for Welsh athletes.

Local venues saw flag-raising ceremonies, and big screens allowed spectators to see the closing ceremony.

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26-Aug-08 2:00 PM

Travel Alert - West Coast - Possible LAX Service Workers Strike

noemail@babchouston.org — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:00:00 GMT

On 20 August 2008 more than 2,500 service workers at Los Angeles International Airport (KLAX/LAX) voted to authorize their union to go on strike to demand better training, proper equipment, health care benefits and higher wages. The union includes janitors, baggage handlers, wheelchair attendants, security guards and cabin cleaners. More than 200 different subcontractors and airlines employ the workers, complicating the negotiations process. The union has not yet indicated when the strike will begin; however, it is expected to significantly disrupt operations at the airport.

Information courtesy ASI Group, Inc.

21-Aug-08 12:00 PM

Continental unveils new lie-flat BusinessFirst seat

noemail@babchouston.org — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 21:15:00 GMT

CO announced details of a new 180-degree lie-flat seat for the BusinessFirst cabin on its Boeing 787, 777 and 757 aircraft. Customers will begin seeing lie-flats seats on Boeing 777 aircraft that primarily serve trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific routes in the fall of 2009, with installation on CO’s 757-200 fleet beginning in 2010 and on its Boeing 787 fleet as the aircraft are delivered to CO.

Continental's new BusinessFirst seats allow customers to lie completely flat, reclining 180-degrees and providing 6 1/2 feet (2 meters) of sleeping space in the fully extended position on its widebody aircraft. The lie-flat seat is one of the widest business-class seats in the air, measuring up to 25 inches when the adjustable armrest is positioned flush with the seat cushion, allowing customers to sleep more comfortably. Electronic "one-touch" controls enable customers to easily move the seats to pre-set upright, cradle and fully extended sleep positions and additional controls allow customers to adjust the seat back, lumbar support and leg and foot rests to the custom position most comfortable for them.

The lie-flat seats provide more individual storage space for personal items. Laptop power, headset and USB plugs are conveniently tucked above the customer's shoulder. There is additional storage under the ottoman, on a shelf under the monitor and on an amenity storage alcove that provides room for small personal items such as a book or magazine and a water bottle.

iPod connectivity will also be available at the seat, allowing each customer to view their personal videos and enjoy their music, all while the iPod is charging. BusinessFirst seats on the 787 and 777 aircraft will feature a 15.4-inch video monitor for customers to enjoy on-demand movies, music and games. Seats on the 757 aircraft will feature 10.6-inch monitors.

The new BusinessFirst seats also have a six-way adjustable head rest, an individual overhead reading light and an adjustable seat light allowing a customer to read in bed without disturbing their neighbor and a privacy shell that allows for seclusion from other travelers.

19-Aug-08 4:15 PM

British Passport Fees

noemail@babchouston.org — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 17:00:00 GMT

If it's been some time since you updated your British passport, be ready for sticker shock...........

Passport Fees as of 3/08

14-Aug-08 12:00 PM

Possible Shakespearean Theater Found in London

noemail@babchouston.org — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:15:00 GMT

Thu Aug 7, 12:25 AM ET

LONDON - The theater where "The Merchant of Venice" and "Romeo and Juliet" likely debuted and where William Shakespeare himself may have trodden the boards has likely been discovered in east London, archaeologists at the Museum of London said Wednesday.

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13-Aug-08 11:15 AM

British Embassy Sends Young US Leaders to 2008 Atlantic Youth Forum

noemail@babchouston.org — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 19:00:00 GMT

The week of August 4-8, a group of young professionals from the United States will cross the pond to participate in a week-long forum, the Atlantic Youth Forum 2008 at Wilton Park in the United Kingdom.

The Atlantic Youth Forum 2008 brings young, 18-24-year-old Americans, Canadians and Europeans together to gain insights into each other’s concerns and perceptions on key challenges facing their countries and the international community, and make lasting contacts.

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6-Aug-08 2:00 PM