" Yves Manoover - 06:13pm Mar 7, 2001 An earlier post made a case for acquiring solid German skills in about a year through reading Swiss newspapers. Granted, the newspaper approach is one that takes a lot of effort. So, what''s the reward? All right, we''ll pass over literature, history, philosophy, psychology, music, natural history, theater, mathematics, and other important German contributions that become accessible after a little effort to learn the language ... and simply look at the practical aspect of how expat living in Switzerland is enhanced by being able to decipher a Swiss paper. Nothing fancy, just a few bullet points gleaned from time to time from the Tagi, NZZ, a few magazines. Some of these gleanings will have a ""so what"" quality. Fair enough. The response is that at least they add context and background knowledge for understanding the country. Something an intelligent interplanetary drop-in could use to get his bearings straight, for instance. That''s a comparison in many cases not too far from the truth, I''d bet. Jump in when an idea hits. Maybe in the process the Switzerland board will grow some wings. There''s added value in a board that stores useful bits of collective wisdom and experience, rather than simply stirring only when the infrequent question appears. The latter is too passive a model, oder? Yves "

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" Tagi, 5 March Zug voters by 2/3 majority go for new Stadtbahn, to be built in 2 stages. First stage goes in operation by 2004. In stage 1, Baar-Cham-Rotkreuz and Zug-Walchwil-Arth Goldau to be in Viertelstundetakt. Stage 2 won''t be for another 10 years, consisting essentially of new light-rail lines going into Wohn- and Industriegebiete. In Zug (city) area, population has doubled over last 40 years, while num. of jobs tripled, which is why there''s pressure on their transportation sector. (If I remember right, Zug city has pop. of about 24,000; Zug Kanton has pop. of 100,000.) Kanton Basel dissolves inheritance and gift taxes by 83% favorable vote. It''s the 19th Kanton to do so since 1997. (Why can''t USA do the same?) Tagi, 6 March 700,000 people estimated will file tax return for tax year 2000 in Kanton Zurich. There are 171 communities in Zurich; 145 of them lowered their tax rates last year. If you move to a different Kanton in 2001, you''ll only have to file a return in the Kanton you moved to. (Used to be, you had to file in both Kantons). Also new: your taxes will be paid using the tax rate of the new Kanton, retroactive to January 1 2001, as if you''d been there the entire year. (Ahem, big tax planning opportunity here ...). McDonald''s to have grand opening in Rümlang in two weeks for its very first Grand Arch hotel worldwide. 211 rooms, 428 beds. (McD restaurant connected to it of course; with 135 seats, the biggest McD restaurant in CH). Hotel built in 13 months for 26 mill francs. Overlooks a runway. Shuttlebus to airport. Double and family room to cost between 174 and 189 francs. Yves "

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" NZZ, Tues. 27 March 2001, p.47 • Need a Handy, watch, umbrella, walkman, or sunglasses? Or maybe a persian rug or Rolei-Kamera? In March of every year the Zurich Fundbüro does a lost & found sale to clear out its overflowing storage area. 28,000 items. This year''s sale is on 28 (today) & 30 March 2001, at the Fundbüro on Zähringerstrasse (near ZH Hauptbahnhof; continue east over bridge, will be tiny street, the third one on your left). The article claims there''s often some good stuff there (""oft begehrten Stücke""), so if you''re down near the Hauptbahnhof today or Friday, it might be worth checking out. NZZ 27 March 2001, p. 17 • National library in Berne (Hallwylstrasse 15) reopens after 2 years of renovations. 125 modern work areas, new cafeteria. Open M T TH F S, 9 to 6; W 9 to 8. Yves "

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