Rania’s Book Makes the NY Times Bestseller’s List

This month, Queen Rania’s book,“The Sandwich Swap,” reached #1 on the New York Times Book Review Children’s Best Sellers Picture Books list. She took an experience out of her own life to inspire her cause for cross-cultural dialogue and as a result created Salma and Lily with a sandwich conundrum.

The book was published by Disney•Hyperion Books.

Liechtenstein’s Prince Alois Excoriates Germany’s Tax Investigation

Prince Alois of Liechtenstein excoriated the recent actions of Germany to expose tax evaders that have accounts in his country. Based on stolen data from the LGT Group, a bank owned by Liechtenstein’s royal family, several prominent businessmen have undergone closer scrutiny from their governments. Andorra and Monaco are two other countries that are considered uncooperative tax havens.

Two reputable newspapers discussed the tax haven issue when Liechtenstein came under fire recently for their banking policies. The Wall Street Journal opined that it was not right for other governments to criticise Liechtenstein for protecting their clients. The New York Times opined that Liechtenstein had no right protecting tax evaders and should cough up the necessary information when other governments request it.

What is considered ethical? Is it right to use monetary means to obtain stolen data in order to catch the tax evaders? Should tax havens be held accountable for the business dealings of their clients? Is it right to demand documents from other countries which do not disclose the banking practices of their clients?

You be the judge.

Frederik of Denmark Targets New York with Creative Nation

Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark appeared in New York City this week to promote Danish industry and design. The campaign was titled Creative Nation. Some of the events on his business agenda included the ringing of the opening bell on Wednesday at the New York Stock Exchange and a visit to the New York Times headquarters to survey Danish innovation in the building.

The prince’s trip encompassed a variety of Danish interests. Whilst in Paramus, New Jersey, Frederik engaged in scientific observation at Lundbeck Research USA, a Danish pharmaceutical company devoted to the research and treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders.

Known for his love of sailing, the prince visited the US Coast Guard operations at Fort Wadsworth in Staten Island, New York. He watched as personnel in the Vessel Traffic Service coordinated the movements of cargo and passenger vessels in the ports of New York and New Jersey.

On Friday, he recounted some of his adventures at a press conference before flying back to Denmark.

Photo: Jens Dige/DI