Latest news with #Veloso
GMA Network
22-07-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
GSIS chief Veloso placed under preventive suspension by Ombudsman
The Office of the Ombudsman has placed Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) President Jose Arnulfo 'Wick' Veloso and six other officials under preventive suspension without pay for six months amid its probe on the P1.4 billion deal with Alternergy. In an Order dated July 11, the Ombudsman said it 'found sufficient grounds' to place Veloso and six other GSIS officials under a six-month preventive suspension 'considering that there is strong evidence showing their guilt' of possible grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, and violation of reasonable office rules and regulations over the P1.4 billion stock purchase from AlterEnergy Holdings Corporation. 'The [Ombudsman's Results of Investigation] expounded that the provisions [of the GSIS Investment Policy Guidelines] were contravened by the respondents because: the Perpetual Preferred Shares were not listed with the PSE (Philippine Stock Exchange) on the dates of the execution of the agreement and the payment of the subscription, the investment was non-compliant with the Minimum Market Capitalization and exceeded the Free Float Market Capitalization Cap,' the Ombudsman said. Likewise, the Ombudsman said that the P1.4 billion worth of preferred shares were purchased by GSIS without the necessary endorsement from the Assets and Liabilities Committee (ALCO) and the Risk Oversight Committee (ROC) for the approval of the Board of Trustees (BOT). 'Their continued stay in office may prejudice the investigation of the case filed against them. [The suspension order is being issued] in order to preserve documents and evidence pertaining to this case which they have control and custody; and in order to avoid respondents' commission of further malfeasance and/or misfeasance in office,' the Ombudsman said. GMA News Online has reached out to Veloso for comment but he has yet to reply as of posting time. Meanwhile, the Ombudsman said the GSIS officials can appeal the suspension, although its immediate implementation cannot be interrupted. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
Filipino Times
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Filipino Times
Palace hints at possible positive response to Mary Jane Veloso clemency appeal
Malacañang expressed optimism on Friday that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. may respond positively to the clemency appeal for convicted overseas worker Mary Jane Veloso. The appeal was formally submitted to the Palace by Veloso's parents and advocacy groups, requesting full and absolute clemency ahead of the President's State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28. Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said that Marcos has not yet received the petition but noted that any action that does not violate the law and benefits the Filipino citizen involved may merit a favorable response. Veloso, convicted of drug trafficking in Indonesia in 2010, was previously on death row before her sentence was commuted. She was transferred back to the Philippines in December 2024 and is now detained at the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong. Last year, President Marcos said clemency for Veloso was still 'far off,' but recent developments may open the door to renewed consideration.
GMA Network
04-07-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
Palace eyes ‘positive reaction' on MJ Veloso's clemency appeal
Malacañang is looking at a positive development in the appeal of the family and supporters of convicted overseas worker Mary Jane Veloso to grant her full and absolute clemency. This, as Veloso's parents, along with concerned groups, on Friday submitted a petition addressed to President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. to free Mary Jane. They were hoping for the granting of her clemency before Marcos' fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28. Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said that Marcos has yet to receive the letter. 'Kung wala naman tayong malalabag na batas at ito ay ikakabuti ng ating kababayan, makakakuha naman tayo po malamang ng positibong reaksyon dito,' Castro said in a palace briefing on Friday. (If it doesn't break any laws and will benefit her, we will probably get a positive reaction to it.) In November last year, Manila and Jakarta reached an agreement to transfer Veloso to the Philippines. She was convicted of drug trafficking in 2010 and was a death row inmate in Indonesia. Veloso finally arrived in the Philippines in December and was transferred to the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City. Marcos back then said that the possibility of granting Veloso clemency was still "far off." Indonesia said that it would respect any decision made by the Philippines, including the possibility of Veloso being given clemency. —LDF, GMA Integrated News
Hamilton Spectator
15-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Verde Announces Q1 2025 Results
(All figures are in Canadian dollars, unless stated otherwise. Average exchange rate in Q1 2025: C$1.00 = R$3.93) SINGAPORE, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Verde AgriTech Ltd (TSX: 'NPK') ('Verde' or the 'Company') announces its financial results for the period ended March 31, 2025 ('Q1 2025'). As previously disclosed on March 28, 20251, product deliveries for the first half of 2025 were significantly impacted by the severe crisis in the Brazilian agricultural sector, which led to the insolvency of some of the country's largest agricultural input suppliers and farming operations. Looking ahead to the second half of 2025, Verde is experiencing a recovery in orders as overall market credit risk declines, enabling stronger sales performance. In 2025, up to date, the Company has approved and delivered volumes equivalent to over 70% of the total delivered throughout the entire year of 2024. From January to May 2025, confirmed orders are 40% higher compared to the same period in 2024, reflecting a significant acceleration driven by increased credit approvals. 'With our installed capacity, Verde can supply around 4% of Brazil's potash demand—a modest share in a market worth over 6 billion dollars annually. This reflects not a limitation, but the scale of the opportunity ahead, which we are positioned to pursue with no need for further investment,' said Cristiano Veloso, Verde's Founder & CEO. 'We went through years of accelerated growth, which were abruptly interrupted by a major crisis. Now, we are focused on regaining our growth trajectory, with the near-term goal of at least reaching full capacity at our existing plants,' Mr. Veloso added. Q1 2025 Highlights Operational and Financial Highlights Other Highlights Subsequent Events Court Approval of Debt Renegotiation Agreement In April 2025, Verde secured court approval for its debt renegotiation agreement initially disclosed in October and November 2024. Under this restructuring plan, adherent creditors representing approximately 92% of Verde's total outstanding debt agreed to extended repayment terms of up to 126 months, an 18-month grace period on principal and interest payments, and reduced interest rates. Non-adherent creditors faced a mandatory 75% reduction in their principal obligations.7 Q1 2025 in Review Agricultural Market In Q1 2025, Brazil's agricultural sector remained impacted by the financial difficulties that have accumulated since 2022. Access to credit continued to be restricted, and many producers and distributors are still managing high debt levels arising from prior input purchases made under unfavorable market conditions. Financial restructuring remains a common feature across the sector, with a significant number of companies either undergoing judicial recovery proceedings or engaged in informal renegotiations with creditors, reflecting the long tail of the previous liquidity crisis 8. At the same time, certain indicators pointed to a gradual shift in market conditions. Potash prices, particularly potassium chloride (KCl), remained stable and showed an upward trend throughout the quarter. This variation, combined with a slowdown in new judicial recovery filings, suggests the early stages of a potential recovery in credit availability and commercial activity. Deliveries in the first half of 2025 continued to reflect the legacy of a challenging 2024. The past two years were marked by severe liquidity restrictions, high interest rates, and an increase in insolvency filings across Brazil's agricultural supply chain. These factors significantly affected payment behavior in the sector. In response, Verde adopted a more conservative commercial posture, deliberately limiting sales to clients with higher credit risk. While this decision impacted delivered volumes, it was essential to protect cash flow and maintain the Company's financial stability. Global market competition The Brazilian market remained impacted by high financing costs, with the Selic rate at 14.25% at the end of Q1 2025 and currently at 14.75%9. The persistent credit restriction continued to pressure agribusiness, hindering investments in technology and inputs, and prolonging the contraction cycle that has affected the sector in recent quarters. Projections suggest that the Selic rate, currently at 14.75%, will remain at this level through the end of 2025, before potentially declining to 12.50% in 2026. Annual inflation forecasts stand at 5.50% for 2025 and 4.50% for 202610, which may provide some relief as economic conditions begin to stabilize. Despite early signs of price recovery, the sales environment remained difficult. High levels of leverage among rural producers—aggravated by successive harvest losses and a surge in judicial recovery filings in 202411—continued to limit purchasing power in Q1 2025. Amid these challenging market conditions, Brazilian farmers faced tight working capital during the critical period for purchasing inputs like fertilizers for the upcoming planting season. In response, many farmers sought suppliers offering the most favorable payment terms and interest rates, opting to differ payments until after the harvest, typically between 9 to 12 months later. While this approach is common in the agricultural sector, it increases the risk of non-payment for suppliers, including fertilizer companies, reflecting the heightened financial pressures within the industry. Currency exchange rate Canadian dollar valuated by 11% versus Brazilian Real in Q1 2025 compared to Q1 202412. Q1 Results Conference Call The Company will host a conference call to discuss Q1 2025 results and provide an update. Subscribe using the link below and receive the conference details by email. The questions must be submitted in advance through the following link before the conference call: . The Company's financial statements and related notes for the period ended March 31, 2025 are available to the public on SEDAR at and the Company's website at . Results of Operations The following table provides information about three months ended March 31, 2025, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2024. All amounts in CAD $'000. (1) – Non GAAP measure (2) – Included in General and Administrative expenses in financial statements (3) – Included in General and Administrative expenses and Cost of Sales in financial statements (4) – Please see Summary of Interest-Bearing Loans and Borrowings notes (5) – Please see Income Tax notes External Factors Revenue and costs are affected by external factors including changes in the exchange rates between the C$ and R$ along with fluctuations in potassium chloride spot CFR Brazil, agricultural commodities prices, interest rates, among other factors. For further details, please refer to the Q1 2025 Year in Review section. Financial and operating results In Q1 2025, revenue from sales declined by 44%, accompanied by a 0.3% decrease in the average revenue per ton compared to Q1 2024. Excluding freight expenses (FOB price), the average revenue per ton fell by 11%, primarily driven by a reduction in sales of specialty products, which decreased from 7% to 3% of the sales mix. The shift reflects farmers' increasing preference for lower value-added products, as many continue to face restricted cash flows. The decline in sales price per ton and volume were the key drivers of the Company's significantly lower results compared to the previous year. Additionally, the Company continues to maintain a high level of Expected Credit Losses ('ECL'), which further impacted EBITDA negatively. The Company is actively negotiating with these clients, and if successful, the provision will be reversed. The Company reported a net loss of $3.8 million in Q1 2025, compared to a net loss of $4.8 million in Q1 2024. The year-over-year improvement was primarily driven by a $1.6 million reduction in non-cash expenses related to stock options granted by the Company compared to the previous year. Basic loss per share was -$0.07 for Q1 2025, compared to a basic loss per share of -$0.09 for Q1 2024. Production costs The average cost per ton decreased by 21% in Q1 2025, primarily due to renegotiated supplier contracts, a reduction in operational headcount, and an 11% devaluation of the Brazilian real, alongside a lower proportion of specialty product orders compared to regular products. Production costs include all direct costs from mining, processing, and the addition of other nutrients to the Product, such as Sulphur and Boron. It also includes the logistics costs from the mine to the plant and related salaries. Verde's production costs and sales price are based on the following assumptions: Sales, General and Administrative Expenses: SG&A represents a non-operating segment that includes corporate and administrative functions, essential for supporting the Company's operating segments. Sales Expenses Sales and marketing expenses cover salaries for employees, car rentals, domestic travel in Brazil, hotel accommodations, and Product promotion at marketing events. As part of the Company's sales and marketing strategy, Verde compensates its independent sales agents through commissions. Fees paid to independent sales agents fell by 38% in Q1 2025, due to a decrease in sales volume. Product delivery freight expenses Expenses decreased by 30% in Q1 2025 compared to the same period last year, due to a volume reduction presented this year. The volume sold as CIF (Cost Insurance and Freight) in Q1 2025 represented 87% of total sales, compared to 66% in Q1 2024. The Company achieved a reduction in average freight costs per ton for products sold on a CIF basis, to $27 in Q1 2025 from $29 in the comparable period of the previous year. The 6% decrease in freight costs can primarily be attributed to a reduction in the percentage of sales made to regions that are more distant from Verde's production facilities. General and Administrative Expenses General administrative expenses include general office expenses, rent, bank fees, insurance, foreign exchange variances and remuneration of executives, directors of the Board and administrative staff. General administrative decreased by 8% compared to the same period last year, due to a series of contract renegotiations with suppliers and a reduction in administrative headcount. Legal, professional and audit costs include fees along with accountancy, audit and regulatory costs. Consultancy fees encompass consultants employed in Brazil, such as accounting services, patent processes, lawyer's fees and regulatory consultants. This showed a decrease of $0.2 million compared to Q1 2024 due to expenses related to external consulting services. Allowance for expected credit losses Allowance for expected credit losses had an increase of $0.4 million, compared to the same period in 2024. The increase in the allowance for expected credit losses in Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2025 is attributed to the fact that in 2024, the agricultural sector experienced a significant rise in insolvency protection cases, directly impacting a portion of Verde's clients. As per Verde's sales policy, any outstanding customer payments overdue for more than 12 months must be provisioned. Share Based, Equity and Bonus Payments (Non-Cash Event) Share Based, Equity and Bonus Payments (Non-Cash Events) encompass expenses associated with stock options granted to employees and directors, as well as equity compensation and non-cash bonuses awarded to key management personnel. In Q1 2025, the costs associated with share-based payments decrease to $0.2 million compared to $1.8 million for the same period last year. This decrease was primarily due to a lower number of options issued in 2025 compared to the previous year. Liquidity and Cash Flows For additional details see the consolidated statements of cash flows for the quarters ended March 31, 2025, and March 31, 2024, in the quarterly financial statements. On March 31, 2025, the Company held cash of $2.5 million, a decrease of $0.7 million on the same period in 2024. In addition to cash, the Company had $7.7 million in short-term receivables, bringing the total of cash and receivables to $10.2 million in Q1 2025. Operating activities In agricultural sales, credit transactions are common due to the cyclical nature of farming income, which sees fluctuations with seasonal highs during harvests and lows during planting. This cycle necessitates that farmers have access to essential inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides ahead of their selling season. To accommodate this, credit terms are offered, allowing farmers to procure these inputs in advance and align their payments with their revenue cycle. Verde's approach to credit in the agricultural sector reflects a deep understanding of these operational nuances, resulting in a substantial portfolio of receivables. The Company's normal credit term is 30 to 120 days upon shipment, depending on the period of the year, tailored to the specific needs of each farmer, considering the crop cycle, creditworthiness, and other key factors. This strategy ensures farmers have the necessary resources for each planting season, while Verde secures its financial interests through aligned payment schedules. In Q1 2025, net cash utilized in operating activities decreased to $0.9 million, compared to $2.9 million utilized in Q1 2024. In the first quarter of 2025, the Company recorded a decrease in interest expenses compared to 2024, driven by lower interest payments on loan facilities. Cash and trade receivables decreased by 41% in Q1 2025, totaling $10.2 million, compared to $17.3 million in Q1 2024. The Company anticipates an improvement in performance from July onward and expects cash and trade receivables to be in a stronger position by year-end relative to 2024. Investing activities Cash utilized from investing activities was $0.1 million in Q1 2025, compared to $0.3 million in Q1 2024, primarily due to a reduction in capital expenditure compared to the prior year. Financing activities Cash utilized in financing activities was $0.04 million in Q1 2025, compared to $0.77 million in Q1 2024. This reduction reflects the loan renegotiation process, under which the Company did not make any principal debt repayments during Q1 2025. After the court approved the debt renegotiation agreement with its creditors on April 15, 2025, the Company secured a 75% reduction of the principal on certain debts, equivalent to approximately C$1.7 million, bringing the total restructured loan amount to C$42.4 million.13 Financial condition The Company's current assets decreased to $12.0 million in Q1 2025, compared to $19.6 million in Q1 2024. Current liabilities decreased to $2.9 million in Q1 2025, compared to $28.6 million in Q1 2024; providing a working capital surplus of $9.1 million in Q1 2025, compared to the working capital deficit of $9.0 million in Q1 2024. This improvement was primarily driven by the renegotiation of loans, extending their payment terms to the long term, which positively impacted the Company's working capital position. About Verde AgriTech Verde AgriTech is dedicated to advancing sustainable agriculture through the innovation of specialty multi-nutrient potassium fertilizers. Our mission is to increase agricultural productivity, enhance soil health, and significantly contribute to environmental sustainability. Utilizing our unique position in Brazil, we harness proprietary technologies to develop solutions that not only meet the immediate needs of farmers but also address global challenges such as food security and climate change. Our commitment to carbon capture and the production of eco-friendly fertilizers underscores our vision for a future where agriculture contributes positively to the health of our planet. For more information on how we are leading the way towards sustainable agriculture and climate change mitigation in Brazil, visit our website at . Corporate Presentation For further information on the Company, please view shareholders' deck: Company Updates Verde invites you to subscribe for updates. By signing up, you'll receive the latest news about the Company's projects, achievements, and future plans. Subscribe here: Cautionary Language and Forward-Looking Statements All Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resources estimates reported by the Company were estimated in accordance with the Canadian National Instrument 43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy, and Petroleum Definition Standards (May 10, 2014). These standards differ significantly from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Mineral Resources which are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. This document contains 'forward-looking information' within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This information and these statements, referred to herein as 'forward-looking statements' are made as of the date of this document. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect current estimates, predictions, expectations or beliefs regarding future events and include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as 'expects', 'anticipates', 'plans', 'projects', 'estimates', 'envisages', 'assumes', 'intends', 'strategy', 'goals', 'objectives' or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events or results 'may', 'could', 'would', 'might' or 'will' be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are based on Verde's or its consultants' current beliefs as well as various assumptions made by them and information currently available to them. The most significant assumptions are set forth above, but generally these assumptions include, but are not limited to: Although management considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect. Many forward-looking statements are made assuming the correctness of other forward looking statements, such as statements of net present value and internal rates of return, which are based on most of the other forward-looking statements and assumptions herein. The cost information is also prepared using current values, but the time for incurring the costs will be in the future and it is assumed costs will remain stable over the relevant period. By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and risks exist that estimates, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not be achieved or that assumptions do not reflect future experience. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements as a number of important factors could cause the actual outcomes to differ materially from the beliefs, plans, objectives, expectations, anticipations, estimates assumptions and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements. These risk factors may be generally stated as the risk that the assumptions and estimates expressed above do not occur as forecast, but specifically include, without limitation: risks related to the court approval process for the debt restructuring; risks relating to variations in the mineral content within the material identified as Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves from that predicted; variations in rates of recovery and extraction; the geotechnical characteristics of the rock mined or through which infrastructure is built differing from that predicted, the quantity of water that will need to be diverted or treated during mining operations being different from what is expected to be encountered during mining operations or post closure, or the rate of flow of the water being different; developments in world metals markets; risks relating to fluctuations in the Brazilian Real relative to the Canadian dollar; increases in the estimated capital and operating costs or unanticipated costs; difficulties attracting the necessary work force; increases in financing costs or adverse changes to the terms of available financing, if any; tax rates or royalties being greater than assumed; changes in development or mining plans due to changes in logistical, technical or other factors; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; risks relating to receipt of regulatory approvals; delays in stakeholder negotiations; changes in regulations applying to the development, operation, and closure of mining operations from what currently exists; the effects of competition in the markets in which Verde operates; operational and infrastructure risks and the additional risks described in Verde's Annual Information Form filed with SEDAR in Canada (available at ) for the year ended December 31, 2023. Verde cautions that the foregoing list of factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive. When relying on our forward-looking statements to make decisions with respect to Verde, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Verde does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by Verde or on our behalf, except as required by law. For additional information please contact: Cristiano Veloso, Chief Executive Officer and Founder Tel: +55 (31) 3245 0205; Email: investor@ | 1 Learn more at: Verde Announces Q4 & FY 2024 Results. 2 The carbon capture potential of Verde's products, through Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW), is 120 kg CO2e per ton of K Forte®. For further information, see ' Verde's Products Remove Carbon Dioxide From the Air '. 3 K Forte® is a fertilizer produced in Brazil using national raw materials. Its production process has low energy consumption from renewable sources and, consequently, a low environmental and GHG emissions footprint. Whereas the high carbon footprint of KCl results from a complex production process, involving extraction, concentration, and granulation of KCl, in addition to the long transportation distances to Brazil, given that 95% of the KCl consumed in the country is imported. 12Mt of K Forte® is equivalent to 2Mt of KCl in K2O content. Emissions avoided are calculated as the difference between the weighted average emissions for KCl suppliers to produce, deliver, and apply their product in each customer's city and the emissions determined according to K Forte®'s Life Cycle Assessment for its production, delivery, and application in each customer's city. 4 From 2018 to Q1 2025, the Company has sold 1.89 million tons of Product, which can potentially remove up to 237,106 tons of CO2. Additionally, this amount of Product could potentially prevent up to 69,059 tons of CO2 emissions. 5 Verde's Product is a salinity and chloride-free replacement for KCl fertilizers. Potassium chloride is composed of approximately 46% of chloride, which can have biocidal effects when excessively applied to soils. According to Heide Hermary (Effects of some synthetic fertilizers on the soil ecosystem, 2007), applying 1 pound of potassium chloride to the soil is equivalent to applying 1 gallon of Clorox bleach, with regard to killing soil microorganisms. Soil microorganisms play a crucial role in agriculture by capturing and storing carbon in the soil, making a significant contribution to the global fight against climate change. 6 1 ton of Product (10% K2O) has 0.1 tons of K2O, which is equivalent to 0.17 tons of potassium chloride (60% K2O), containing 0.08 tons of chloride. 7 Learn more at: 'Verde Announces Court Approval of Debt Renegotiation Agreement' 8 Source: Bankruptcies in Brazil's agribusiness expected to rise in 2025 . 9 As of March 31, Source: Brazilian Central Bank . 10 As of March 31, Source: Brazilian Central Bank . 11 Source: Requests for Judicial Recovery in Agribusiness Increased by 300% for Individual Farmers in Brazil. 12 Source: Brazilian Central Bank . 13 Learn more at: 'Verde Announces Court Approval of Debt Renegotiation Agreement'
The Guardian
08-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Everyday people: the parking wardens, estate agents and more who inspired classic songs
Last week Joe DePugh, a star high school baseball player from Freehold, New Jersey, died aged 75. It made headlines because he was the guy who 'could throw that speedball by you / Make you look like a fool, boy' in Bruce Springsteen's 1984 hit Glory Days – one of the numerous ordinary people that have proved inspirational in pop. The old crowd from the Jersey Shore still make their way into Springsteen's songs: the centrepiece ofhis huge stadium shows these last couple of years has been a solo acoustic number called Last Man Standing, which appeared in his 2020 album Letter to You. It was written following the death of George Theiss, in 2018. As a teenage boy, Theiss had been courting Springsteen's sister Virginia, but ended up instead in a band with the young Bruce – the Castiles. When Theiss died, it left Springsteen the last living member of his high school band, and he composed a requiem for his friend: 'Faded pictures in an old scrapbook / Faded pictures that somebody took / When you were hard and young and proud / Backed against the wall, running raw and loud.' It's no fun being a traffic warden. In Liverpool they've been given bodycams; in Essex there is a campaign to raise awareness of the human cost of abuse for those who give out parking tickets. So Meta Davies got away lightly when she penalised Paul McCartney. 'It was in the spring of 1967 that I ticketed Paul's car,' she said. 'He was on a meter showing excess, so I gave him a 10-shilling ticket.' After noting her unusual name, McCartney asked if he might use it in a song. When she heard the song – in which the singer 'took her home and tried to make her' – Davies admitted, 'it makes me blush.' 'For over 35 years, Sharona has held a coveted position in the upper echelon of Los Angeles area real estate,' observes Sharon Alperin's website, She gets to call it that because she was the Sharona written about by Doug Fieger of the Knack. He wrote the song about his infatuation with her – she was in her late teens, he nine years older – though they also had a relationship and she appears on the cover of the single. Fortunately, there were no recriminations – though they went their separate ways, they remained friends until his death in 2010. Back in 1962 Vinicius de Moraes would see the same girl pass by the Veloso cafe on the Ipanema beachfront in Rio all the time. She was 17-year-old Heloísa Eneida Menezes Paes Pinto, and when De Moraes and Antonio Carlos Jobim were asked to write for a musical, she became one of their subjects. She was, De Moraes said, 'a golden teenage girl, a mixture of flower and mermaid, full of light and grace, the sight of whom is also sad, in that she carries with her, on her route to the sea, the feeling of youth that fades, of the beauty that is not ours alone.' And what did she think? 'It's eternal. Whenever I listen, I remember my past, my younger days,' she told the Guardian in 2012. 'Ipanema in 1962 was a great place. You never saw aggression. Everyone wanted to fall in love.' Tom Higgenson of Plain White Ts met Delilah DiCrescenzo when she was a student at Columbia University. Besotted, he told her would write a song about her – even though she had a boyfriend – which he did. Several years later, in 2007, Hey There Delilah became a huge hit. By that time, DiCrescenzo was a star in her own right as an international athlete. The experience didn't seem to scar her: she attended the Grammys in 2008 as Higgenson's guest. The irony is that these days Higgenson doesn't have a Wikipedia page, but DiCrescenzo does. Fame is fickle. At school in south London, Mick Jones had been friends and co-conspirators with a lad called Robin Crocker. One of them went on to join the Clash, and the other went on to rob banks. On the second Clash album, Jones wrote a nostalgic reverie for his pal, and his joy on hearing of his release from prison: 'And if you're in the Crown tonight / Have a drink on me / But go easy / Step lightly / Stay free.' Croker was moved. 'Somebody once said to me it's the most outstanding heterosexual male-on-male love song, and there is a lot of truth in that,' Crocker told the Guardian in 2008. 'Unfortunately, I didn't Stay Free. I did a wages snatch in Stockholm and got banged up again.' Danny Nedelko moved to England from Ukraine, aged 15, ending up in Bristol and befriending Joe Talbot, who would co-found Idles. When Idles released their second album, Joy As an Act of Resistance, they were still a cult band, and Nedelko was their mate in an another, less successful band. By the end of that album campaign, he was the subject of lines roared by thousands of people at every Idles gig: 'My blood brother is an immigrant / A beautiful immigrant.' Fortunately, he was not disgruntled by being made a political poster boy, pronouncing himself 'very flattered and humbled'. Perhaps the most double-edged song about a real person – but that's Ray Davies' writing for you. The Kinks' staple – later recorded by the Jam – was named for a promoter in Rutland with whom the Kinks had dealings, and who had a crush on Dave Davies. Hence David Watts being 'so gay and fancy free'. But it's also homoerotic in itself, and Ray later said it was also inspired by a real-life schoolfriend, whom he wouldn't name because they were still in touch. And the envy, the desperation, to be that boy is palpable: 'And when I lie on my pillow at night / I dream I could fight like David Watts / And lead the school team to victory / Take my exams and pass the lot.'
