Category Archives: Carlyle Group

More Mubadala visits confirming our beliefs? A web indeed!

Investors at the Dubai Financial Market Center

Key business connections continue to suggest very real possibility that Dell’s business friend Mubadala  has suspected involvement with the  Jobing.com arena bonds. Would this explain why MSD was brought in to bail out Jerry Moyes when in trouble?

Over the past two days, we have had more visits  from Mubadala, the investment arm of Abu Dhabi.

Curiosity or a nerve struck?

The secretive in Abu Dhabi should come forward, and if responsible for the situation with the Phoenix Coyotes in Glendale, why not stand up, wave the hand, and admit it?

Perhaps we could then make some sense of the nonsensical. Maybe join more dots as Steve Scott would say.

And, interestingly enough, Mr. Scott has added (as always) tremendous insight into complimentary issues pertinent to this reporting.

One, it is believed the sports teams in Phoenix are not paying taxes, and the Goldwater group is challenging this.

This would explain why the NHL is “moving the goalposts” as Steve Scott would say. They are awaiting the “verdict”, and perhaps the outcome of the case would allow concessions.

Hard to say.

But the big question is, if we are barking up a tree with no merit, why does Mubadala continue to visit, and look at that article suggesting we believe there is evidence that points a finger at their involvement with the Jobing.com arena bonds?

Why bother?

After all, these are the big oil barons. The players with wealth that are looking to hedge the “oil bet” with alternative forms of investment, and exercise power, and influence in a quest to, in my opinion, become very influential with the politically involved in America.

The question is, did you know about them in the US? How about fellow Canadians? Ever heard of Mubadala before the Phoenix CityNorth case was exposed? I know I didn’t.

But further support for “their thinking and motives” can be explained in this comment from US News:

But the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, in particular, has also become a focus for controversy. Estimated to have as much as $900 billion in assets, the fund is one of the few places flush with cash amid a global credit crunch. It is the largest sovereign wealth fund in the world, with holdings that are about four times larger than the biggest U.S. pension fund.

Details about the true extent of its assets are scarce and its nearly impenetrable cloak of secrecy has fueled suspicions about the government’s intentions. News of sovereign wealth funds looking to purchase stakes in U.S. firms has prompted fears in some quarters that foreign investors might be seeking to quietly take over companies or to purchase influence.

Mubadala is the common link to several interests that either have a stake in the future of the Phoenix Coyotes, or did. Or, at least might be peripherally interested in aspects of the Coyotes.

We could go on, and on, and on. We have not even mentioned the Daryl Jones ties to Onex, and Rosen, where they both worked in the past.

Take both hands and intertwine your fingers. This is a metaphor for how tight this little (growing) group is.

Now ask the question.

If you had great little deals going on and Arabian investors not too interested in anybody knowing too much about their business dealings, what are the odds that any group brought in as potential owners of the Coyotes is not somehow a friend of a friend of a friend?

If George W. can set the tone, who is to stop the rest?

The perilous ramifications of the September 11 attacks on the United States are only now beginning to unfold. They will undoubtedly be felt for generations to come. This is one of many sad conclusions readers will draw from Craig Unger’s exceptional book House of Bush House of Saud: The Secret Relationship Between the World’s Two Most Powerful Dynasties. As Unger claims in this incisive study, the seeds for the “Age of Terrorism” and September 11 were planted nearly 30 years ago in what, at the time, appeared to be savvy business transactions that subsequently translated into political currency and the union between the Saudi royal family and the extended political family of George H. W. Bush. On the surface, the claim may appear to be politically driven, but as Unger (a respected investigative journalist and editor) probes–with scores of documents and sources–the political tenor of the U.S. over the last 30 years, the Iran-Iraq War, the war in Afghanistan, the birth of Al Qaeda, the dubious connection between members of the Saudi Royal family and the exportation of terror, and the personal fortunes amassed by the Bush family from companies such as Harken Energy and the Carlyle Group, he exposes the “brilliantly hidden agendas and purposefully murky corporate relationships” between these astonishingly powerful families. His evidence is persuasive and reveals a devastating story of Orwellian proportions, replete with political deception, shifting allegiances, and lethal global consequences. Unger begins his book with the remarkable story of the repatriation of 140 Saudis directly following the September 11 attacks. He ends where Richard A. Clarke begins, questioning the efficacy of the war in Iraq in the battle against terrorism. We are unquestionably facing a global security crisis unlike any before. President Bush insists that we will prevail, yet as Unger so effectively concludes, “Never before has an American president been so closely tied to a foreign power that harbors and supports our country’s mortal enemies.” –Silvana Tropea –This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Skulls and Bones c1947 (click pic)....that's George H.W. Bush to the left of the clock

Evidence to suggest that Charlie Sheen is more than just a good actor perhaps? Something tells me Sheen’s family was not part of the Skulls and Bones secret society.

And did George W. “sway the British P.M.” on Iraq policy? And it seems now the two countries are not very close anymore on the issues of Iraq.

Where is the true investigation into the events of 9/11 to prompt the invasion of Iraq?

The rich and powerful in America joining forces with the rich and powerful in the oil sands.  A tight little group.

If Mubadala is proven to be the bondholders, we might just get some level of closure to this case that has left many of us scratching our heads.

I have to add this weird little tidbit. I have recently looked at more information on 9/11 and you may still question why this ties into hockey in Glendale, Arizona. Fair enough. The bigger picture is the issue. What has shaped America and it’s infrastructure and its’ allegiances?

Freedom of speech is supposedly a right. And I remember in school that kids were taught that asking lots of questions was a “good thing”. Another principle that comes to mind is that you learn by questioning. We are taught not to take something at face value, but to question it. For in questioning comes understanding. Questioning and seeking to “prove it for yourself” is the foundation of learning.

But there is something very bizarre that has occured it would seem for Americans that have wanted to “put to bed” their concerns of 9/11.

When these folks have asked questions, and challenged what has not seemed right, instead of open dialogue and investigation to quell their issues, the poor folks have been labelled terrible things like “communists”, “radicals”, “truthers”, and the like.

“Truthers”?

Pardon my ignorance for not having heard that term until now.

Are those that oppose the need of truthers to know the truth really suggesting “truth” and the quest to “clear the name of those accused” as a bad thing?

The real problem with 9/11 and the truthers seeking that “evil” truth, is that the truth may actually become known.

And if the truth that becomes known is not what would be good for America, is it better to keep it a secret?

The truth could be as devastating as the U.S. national debt. The spawn of the New World Order?

When Bill O’Reilly was on David Letterman’s show, O’Reilly challenged Letterman by asking him, “Do you want the United States to win in Iraq?”. O’Reilly said it was an “easy question”. Letterman came back with, “It’s not easy for me because I’m thoughtful”.

Interesting choice of words. Buying the propaganda means you take government at their word, with simple, easy concepts like win or lose. Scary as heck.

But, like a kid that grows up to never have to face the ramifications of his own actions, is getting away with things going to be good for anybody? No. And neither is it for the nation of America.

America needs to clear it’s name, answer the questions that are so very important. As Charlie Sheen would put it, “get on the right side of history”.

Many so called radicals in their day were mocked, but later proved to be right.

But fear not Charlie and others, the truth always comes out in the end. And, it is not that you necessarily want to prove government is corrupt, but rather you want to get answers to those questions that linger.

And if we can get back to hockey for a moment, I hope the “”players in this game  all got together to send Jerry Moyes a thank you card, at the very least.  After all, Moyes could no longer afford to be taken advantage of by the friends of Glendale, Arizona, and the U.S..

We started out as Canadians wanting a hockey team, and wondering why an arena lease and bond could be such an obstacle. When we tugged on the string, it unravelled more than we bargained for indeed.

More on Sheen:

Secretive and controlling?

When we posted the article on Jerry Moyes being the victim of a squeeze play, there was an interesting and rather immediate reaction.

At that time, Vieste LLC, the NHL, and the City of Glendale all visited the site in short order, suggesting we struck a nerve.

When you uncork truth, does this mean the reaction is immediate, giving no credence to concern for anonymity?

Well, yesterday we posted the belief that Arabian investment from Abu Dhabi is likely involved in ownership of the Jobing.com arena bonds. We posted this information not in a willy- nilly, throw it out  there kind of way. No, we had mounting evidence and proof that Arabian investment is entrenching itself deep in the United States, with investment in Citigroup that even politicians have questioned. And, teaming up with American private corporations, it would appear Mubadala and other Arabian investors, as reported in many publications, have started a campaign of power, influence, and control.

The big problem one might have with all of this is that it is also no secret that the Arabian investors want to keep a low profile. Kind of like a hidden power play. Kind of sneaky.

Yesterday evening proved very interesting indeed, as we had visits (in short order) from the Abu Dhabi Investment Council:

23 Nov 23:14:29 IE 8.0 WinXP unknown United Arab Emirates Dubai,
United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi Investment Council (IP removed)makeiteighteh.com/2009/11/23/growing-evidence-suggests-abu-dhabi-involved-with-jobing-com-arena-bonds/
No referring link

and shortly thereafter from Mubadala themselves:

23 Nov 23:24:36 IE 7.0 WinXP unknown United Arab Emirates Abu Dhabi,
United Arab Emirates
Mubadala (IP blocked)
makeiteighteh.com/2009/11/23/growing-evidence-suggests-abu-dhabi-involved-with-jobing-com-arena-bonds/
No referring link

Could it have been a curiosity related to false belief? Possibly. Or, could it be more confirmation that we have struck a nerve, and the folks from Abu Dhabi threw caution to the wind in visiting the article of interest, with no worry or forethough of us knowing it is them?

If we are getting close to the truth, how now should we feel?

Should we be more angry than the Arabian investors, knowing that they have controlled the game of hockey, and the chance Canadians might be able to get more of it?

Who has been influenced by this power the greatest? The U.S. as a whole, the State of Arizona, the cities of Phoenix and Glendale, or the NHL itself?

Who has “jumped into bed” to the greatest degree that has affected not only the game of hockey, but might I say the taxpayers of America?

If it is true, isn’t it time the investors from Abu Dhabi come out of the closet, say hello, and work in truth?

There are a couple of sayings that come to mind.

First, “you can’t have your cake and eat it too.”

“And second, “the truth always comes out eventually.”

I like them both, and I think they both apply.

Should we start to feel sorry for the head office of the NHL, and the officials in Glendale, or should this spawn further questioning and debate?

We asked at the outset – “Who is them?” Who are the “bankers that Gary Bettman said the league and its “partners” are accountable to?

The $480,000 spot to park a car at CityNorth in Phoenix may have a close cousin to the usury bonds that have a $700 million plus Jobing.com lease break penalty.

It’s okay though, because it is the American taxpayers footing the bill for these deals, isn’t it?

Are all the powers that be accountable to foreign control?

The delay in selling the Coyotes may have more questions now. Questions related to “is it true”?

Johnny come lately

Wait folks, we have international peace talks that tend to be tied into the deals of America, and potential Arab investment in America’s infrastructure. At least that’s what appears as we delve deeper into the activities of Mubadala  (growing by leaps and bounds) and Related Companies, and the powerful in America making deals with those from Abu Dhabi. Read on…..

netanyahu and abbas together

Get along my friends!

Could this be fueling, in part, the direction of the current talks?

What got me thinking?

Someone from the John Buck Company was on the site today checking out the article on some notes on IFG.

How is John Buck (& co.) tied in with the Reinsdorf family?

Not sure, but they do have this muckety relationship.

John Buck is more tied in with Mubadala, who has interest in Related  Companies, and has much in common that way to a mutual friend of Reinsdorf, namely Dell.

Come to think of it, how exactly did MSD Capital come to the financial rescue of the Coyotes anyhow? Doesn’t that seem a little odd unto itself? And how about those strangehold loan terms?

There is a connection worth taking a longer look, so let’s…

The big boys are all teaming up with Related, and the friendship is getting tight.

 Mubadala  became  involved  with John Buck, by, in 2008, forming John Buck International.

Mubadala also has a 17% stake in ALDAR Properties, Abu Dhabi’s largest real estate development company, as well as stakes in New York-based Related Companies and has entered into a partnership with Asia’s largest real estate group, CapitaLand.

Privately-held, TJBC brings decades of expertise to John Buck International having developed over 28 million square feet of premium commercial space across the United States.

Remember, Related Companies was bought into as well by Michael Dell, and was part of the CityNorth fiasco in Phoenix.

And the intertwining gets moreso, as Mubadala is a computer component supplier of, you guessed it, Dell:

A large chunk of MSD’s real estate action occurs through Related Companies, a development firm with claims on a number of prominent properties. In 2007, MSD Capital, Goldman Sachs and Mubadala Development pumped $1.4 billion into Related. Mubadala is also a large investor in Advanced Micro Devices, one of Dell’s main chip suppliers.

But the real bacon is in land development as the computer industry takes a beating.

And not surprisingly Related started out with government projects:

Founded as Related Housing Companies in 1972 by Stephen M. Ross, the company began by developing government assisted housing developments

Government certainly continues to be a boon for developers it seems.

 We also had the City of Phoenix on the site the other day checking out why the taxpayers of Glendale deserve full disclosure of the hockey team’s impact on the city.

Okay, so Mubadala with ties to Related Companies in Phoenix’ CityNorth, and part owner of John Buck International, and checking out the situation with Reinsdorf’s IFG and Glendale?

Right….

How related to the situation is Related Companies anyhow?

How tied into the United Arab Emirates is the U.S., where Obama would not apparently make eye contact with Netanyahu, but was having a gay ol’ time with Abbas?:

Abbas and Obama

Abbas and Obama

Not so with that bloody terrorist Abbas, hatchet man for terror-master AIDS riddled pedophile Yasser Arafat.

Where is this going? No idea.

What does it have to do with hockey? No idea again.

All I know is there are an awful lot of American reasons to support the money from the Arabs when it comes to what we have just read.

Abu Dhabi and the millions of reasons to form development alliances? And according to the New York Times, it has become significant.

“Such riches, coupled with the more-aggressive stance being taken by ADIA and other sovereign funds, has raised concern that these investors will wield their wealth for political as well as financial reasons.”

….Known as ADIA (pronounced ah-DEE-ah), the fund recently formed a small team that is now buying big stakes in Western companies. This unit masterminded ADIA’s $7.5 billion investment in Citigroup, the largest U.S. bank, in November (2008). It has also taken a large position in Toll Brothers, one of America’s biggest home builders.

Even those in government have questioned some questionable power plays, especially related to Citigroup:

Several in the U.S. Congress have demanded closer scrutiny of these firms, their practices, and their tax status. Yet many of these investments, such as Abu Dhabi’s stake in Citigroup, came at crucial times, when little other financing was available, to help stabilize firms in tough financial straits.

Mubadala was also mentioned with ties to the ever growing Carlyle Group, that so many prominent U.S. names are attached to. That will definitely be worth a future look (check this Amazon.com review of an interesting book written by another guy named Craig (Unger)).

When you are a country in economic trouble as the U.S. currently is, you sure could use continuing support of those Arab rich guys that are buying into your country in a big way!

And what is the problem? Well, just like private corporations “owning” the government of states like Arizona with infrastructure, what happens when foreign interests take over those corporations? Speaking of Abu Dhabi’s spending spree (2008):

Details about the true extent of its assets are scarce and its nearly impenetrable cloak of secrecy has fueled suspicions about the government’s intentions. News of sovereign wealth funds looking to purchase stakes in U.S. firms has prompted fears in some quarters that foreign investors might be seeking to quietly take over companies or to purchase influence.

Cloak of secrecy? Sounds like the secret of who holds those arena bonds, doesn’t it?

Politics and economics at it’s finest.

Let me guess, the land development subsidies will somehow get miraculously overturned and be back on track for Related and others?

Just sayin’…….(gulp)

Could it be the infrastructure growth of America and the development in Arizona is like a loose thread? Pull it, and you start to unravel a bigger issue?

The next thing we might find out is a rich Arab guy holds the secretive Jobing.com arena bonds! The way this has played out it wouldn’t surprise me, and in fact it would lend itself to explaining why so many can’t seem to get their jobs done, including a certain judge in Glendale. The ultimate ruling could have been made in a week after the case started, and the outcome smells of politics

Politics and hockey mixing in a “different” way perhaps?

And when you have two friends of Reinsdorf both with ties to Mubadala and Related Companies, and tied in with land development subsidies, what are the odds that Reinsdorf is the favorite to assume whatever comes of the Phoenix Coyotes?

When there is lots at stake in keeping these issues hush hush, a court may be manipulated and so can others to position an asset where it needs to go.

Just seems strange that’s all. Well, doesn’t it?

Why did you have to come along Johnny? Could of saved me a whole lot of info I really didn’t want to see.