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2010-01-08T07:03:00.000-08:00

South Africa to market the 'Big Seven'

2009-07-07T20:11:00.000-07:00

South Africa is well known among tourists in search of the "Big Five" wild animals: the buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and rhino. Two more could soon be added to the marketers' "Big" list, however – and you won't find them on land.

Briefing journalists in Cape Town ahead of her budget vote speech in Parliament last week, Water and Environmental Affairs Minister Buyelwa Sonjica said that South Africa offered tourists some of the best whale watching in the world, as well as shark cage diving in places like Gansbaai in the Western Cape.

Sonjica said South Africa's waters were populated with significant numbers of marine mammals, including whales, as well large ocean predators such as the shark.

"We will be marketing these animals – sharks and whales – to the whole world," she said. "We will add these two species to the Big Five and have a resultant Big Seven."

Though she did not specify which shark and whale species, Sonjica was presumably referring to the famous great white shark and the southern right whale, plentiful off South Africa's coastline and smaller only than the blue whale.

Sonjica said this year had been declared the Year of the Shark, and October would be declared Marine Month to focus on the significance of the country's sea and marine life.

Marine conservation

Sonjica pointed out that declining fish stocks was a global phenomenon, with approximately 25% of the world's marine fish stocks being considered over-exploited.

"This requires innovative management strategies if we want to ensure sustainability of our marine living resources," she said. "A government-wide intervention is required in the coastal communities to address coastal poverty and alternative livelihood opportunities in light of declining fish stocks."

She added that it was important for the government to pursue its programmes of protecting the country's marine life, given that there was already a decline of the stocks of some of the species, including the shark.

Environmental courts

Sonjica said many environmental crimes were committed by organised crime syndicates, and warned that the government would not take a soft stance on perpetrators.

As the justice department could not adequately deal with environmental crime, environmental courts would be set up to see that criminals were not only caught but also prosecuted.

She added that partnerships with security institutions such as South African Police Service, the National Prosecuting Authority, the Asset Forfeiture Unit and the Department of Defence were crucial to deal effectively with environmental crimes.

Zambian airline takes to SA skies

2009-07-07T20:10:00.000-07:00

Zambezi Airlines has taken to the local skies, promising travellers value for money on flights between Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport and Lusaka, Ndola, Kitwe and Livingstone in Zambia.

Attending launch of the airline's new routes in Johannesburg earlier this month, Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele the new flights would open doors to increased tourism and business between countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

"This development has come to fruition on the connection between Zambia and South Africa and the SADC region as a whole," Ndebele said. "Its operation is going to increase people-to-people, business-to-business and government-to-government relations."

World-class operation

Zambezi Airlines chairman Morris Jangulo said the airline's vision was to operate a world-class operation safely, reliably and efficiently, and maximise business opportunities between the two countries and the rest of the SADC region.

Jangulo cautioned, however, that apart from the global economic recession being experienced by most countries, the airline will not be immune to challenges of fluctuating oil prices and airports infrastructure challenges, adding that the 2010 Fifa World Cup was a litmus test for the aviation industry in Africa and the whole world.

Airlift strategy

According to a statement by the Department of Transport, the South African government approved its Airlift Strategy in July 2006, with the aim of liberalising local skies. Since then, there has been a 40% increase in air traffic frequencies being granted within the various bilateral air services agreements that South Africa has with other countries.

"Such an increase in air traffic frequency capacity is only viable when operators show confidence in the market and continue to operate flights to entry points," Ndebele said. "In this regard, I must applaud the new entrant to our country, Zambezi Airlines."

Free skies

Ndebele said that sought-after Zambian destinations such as Lusaka, Ndola, Livingstone and Mfuwe had opened up over recent years, with South African carriers currently operating 58 flights to these destinations each week.

"The introduction of a Zambian designated airline into Johannesburg clearly demonstrates that there remains a continuing demand in air travel between South Africa and Zambia," he said. "South Africa is as much your home as it is ours."

Ndebele said it was necessary to encourage the further liberalisation of the skies, as this would lead to the introduction of more flights between countries.

At the same time, he said, "we must ensure that the safety and security integrity of the industry is maintained, and continues to meet the requirements for the safe and orderly development of international civil aviation."

The Ride to Rhodes experience

2009-07-07T20:09:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, 20 June 2009, the town of Rhodes, located in the southern Drakensberg in South Africa's Eastern Cape province, welcomed a group of tired but exhilarated Freedom Challenge cyclists after a 500-kilometre ride that started in Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal a week before.

The Ride to Rhodes is an annual six-day race that takes adrenalin-seekers on a rugged but awesomely beautiful mountain biking trail from Pietermaritzburg to Rhodes.

The day the cyclists arrived in Rhodes was wintry, with snow on the mountain; the local pub's roaring fire was a happy welcome to the battered and bruised but happy group of men and women. All dressed in their bright red Freedom Challenge jerseys, they laughed together as they shared stories of their recent adventure.

Experience of a lifetime

Two of the older adventurers, Gavin Greig and Rodney Milford, had an experience of a lifetime.

At one point, on the ride from Centocow to Ntsikeni Nature Reserve, they fell far behind and by midnight, after 19 hours of cycling, with the temperature having dropped to minus-three, they just couldn't go on.

A tiny mud hut presented itself, and they knocked on the door. It was opened warily by a nervous lady, but when she saw their plight she welcomed them into her tiny home.

Two children were sleeping in the kitchen and she in her bedroom. She immediately made them tea and went to sleep with her children in the kitchen, giving up her bed for the tired and weary men. They were overcome by her generosity, and collapsed into bed and slept until morning.

They woke to the smell of mealiepap (maize porridge) that she had made for their breakfast. It was an act of incredible kindness, and one has to wonder how many would, without question, allow two complete strangers into their home at midnight and give up their bed for them!

Chatting in the pub after finishing the ride, Milford said: "The fast pace of today's city life means we don't take enough time to be truly human. That old woman's act of kindness really affected me, because I know how rarely such generosity occurs in our 'normal' lives."

Stunning scenery

The Freedom Challenge trail takes the cyclists off-road through some of the most stunning scenery one can see anywhere, never mind in South Africa. The route includes a quick stop at the Centocow Mission Station.

Founded in 1892 by the Trappist monk Abbot Francis Pfanner, Centocow treated the famed watercolour artist Gerard Bhengu for tuberculosis when he was a young boy. Dr Max Kohler, who practiced at Centocow from 1925 to 1935, was responsible for discovering Bhengu and encouraging him to paint.

While the Ride to Rhodes route is 500 kilometres in distance, it is a particularly testing 500 kilometres, with many tortuous climbs that seem never-ending, winding up and up on slippery tracks and stony dirt roads. However, the fantastic views at the top of each mountain are more than reward for the huge effort and determination needed to ascend each challenging peak.

The highest pass in South Africa

Naude's Nek, the final climb before Rhodes, is without doubt the ultimate mountain climb for cyclists. As the highest pass in South Africa, the ride up is precarious, as is speeding down the dirt road on the other side that winds its way into Rhodes.

The vast views are indescribably beautiful, but the riders must keep their eyes on the trail or face potentially disastrous consequences.

The challenge is, at times, enough to make cause many a gut check, but afterwards those who have conquered it speak about the "soul" of the ride. It's more than just a race – it's a journey into South Africa, its far-flung places and people, as well a unique personal challenge.

Carine Reyneke, a business analyst and first-time rider in the Ride to Rhodes, commented afterwards: "It's the people, the craziness of us all, and coming together for a short period of time to experience something few cyclists ever have the opportunity to share. I will definitely be back again."

Knysna Oyster Festival warms up winter

2009-07-07T20:07:00.000-07:00

The Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival, a celebration of sport and the good life, has established itself as one of the most popular annual events in the Western Cape. It is into its 26th year and was officially opened on Wednesday evening by the Executive Mayor of Knysna, Eleanore Bouw-Spies.

The festival activities kick into action on Thursday evening with the holding of Miss Pearl Pageant. It runs until 12 July.

According to the organisers, the number of oysters consumed during the festival will number an astonishing 200 000. There will be more than 100 events taking place and an attendance of about 65 000 is expected.

Sporting drawcards

The festival's two main sporting events, the Pick n Pay Cape Times Knysna Forest Marathon and the Pick 'n Pay Weekend Argus Rotary Knysna Cycle Tour, will give participants the unique opportunity to run and cycle through the ancient indigenous forests that have made Knysna famous.

The first Oyster Festival took place in 1983 and was the brainchild of the late Dick Ginsberg, a local businessman. He and Rose Smith, from the then Knysna Publicity Office, organised the Knysna Winter Festival, which featured a marathon, rugby, golf, squash, and bowls.

The purpose of the festival was to attract people to Knysna during the quiet winter period.

The South African Navy

The Navy was involved almost from the start and in 1984 the Chief of the Navy, Vice Admiral A P Putter visited Knysna, together with a navy minesweeper and a number of crew. In 1988, the Freedom of Entry into the municipality of Knysna was conferred on the Navy.

In 2008, the 25th anniversary of the festival included a visit by the Navy, headed by the Chief Director of Maritime Strategy Rear Admiral B Teuteberg and two minesweepers.

The minesweepers will again enter through the famous Knysna Heads in 2009 to honour a long-standing tradition of participation in the Oyster Festival. In addition, the Navy's internationally acclaimed 40-odd-piece band will entertain festival-goers during the street parade and live concert at the Waterfront.

Cycling

In 1985, cycling races were added to the festival's programme. Since that time they have grown into the Pick 'n Pay Weekend Argus Rotary Cycle Tour, featuring a two-day programme of mountain and road bike events - the biggest of its kind in South Africa.

On Friday, 3 July, thousands of cyclists will pour into Knysna to register for the Cycle Tour's full weekend of events.

The next weekend, Saturday, 11 July, the Pick 'n Pay Cape Times Forest Marathon or Half Marathon take place. They are both popular drawcards for runners from all over South Africa.

The Due South Xterra, a duathlon format run-bike-run event, with the start and finish at the spectacular Field of Dreams at the Pezula Private Estates, happens on Thursday, 9 July.

There will be a full or lite version of both events. The full version will comprise a three-kilometre trail run, followed by 25 kilometres by mountain bike, and another three-kilometre run. The breakdown of the lite version will be 3-12-3.

For those inclined towards less strenuous sports than marathon events, there's a full programme of adventure and soft sports for the whole family to participate in, including paddling, golf, bowls, soccer, night biking and angling.

Oysters

Oysters are, of course, a huge component of the festival and the Knysna Oyster Company, which opened in Knysna in 1949, has been involved in the festival for many years as a major participant and sponsor.

Oysters will be available at excellent prices throughout the festival, served hot or cold, garnished or naked, at 30 different Tabasco Oyster Hot Spots in Knysna.

Other traditional favourites of the festival include the Oyster Mardi Gras (previously the Oyster Cooking Competition), the Oyster Eating Competition, the Waitron Race and the Bowls Tournament.

Opening

Wednesday evening's well-attended function in the Heineken Pavilion at Loerie Park brought together sponsors, municipal officials, Knysna Tourism board members, media and events managers to celebrate the start of one of South Africa's most popular and enduring festivals, which has been called "the Best 10 Days of your Winter".

Welcoming the guests, Knysna Tourism CEO Shaun van Eck said that he was thankful to the naming sponsors, Pick 'n Pay, for renewing their sponsorship agreement with the festival and to all the other sponsors who had come on board to make the event a success.

"The town is extremely grateful for the continued support of Pick 'n Pay in these difficult economic times. Generally, in a recession festivals and major sporting events suffer because sponsorships are withdrawn, so we are delighted that Pick 'n Pay has been unfailing in its support for the Oyster Festival."

Mayor Bouw-Spies said: "The growth of the festival over the last 26 years has been extraordinary and on behalf of Knysna I want to convey my thanks to all the people who have been involved in making it happen. You will be part of Knysna's history."

A wide variety of events

Among the many events on offer are the very popular oyster-eating competition and the Pick 'n Pay Oyster & Wine Mardi Gras – a fabulous evening of oysters and wine tasting.

Wine and whisky form a big part of the celebrations and both will flow at the Wade Bales Wine Festival and the Knysna Whisky and Jazz Festival.

Children are also well catered for. The Pick n Pay Young Oyster Festival children’s programme includes youth theatre, puppet shows, creative art workshops and a children's cooking course, while the Knysna Sports Fair will give kids the opportunity to try their hand at a variety of sports, free of charge.

About Knysna

Knysna is one of the Garden Route's best known travel destinations and offers wonderful natural beauty, including beaches, lakes, and forests.

It received international recognition in 2008 when it was named as one of the Top 100 Destinations in the World and one of the Top 25 in Africa by the Trip Advisor, 2008 Travellers' Choice Destinations Awards.

Brazil, football the winners in Africa

2009-07-07T20:06:00.001-07:00

If the quality of the football that has been on display in South Africa over the past two weeks is anything to go by, the world is in for an absolute feast when the World Cup arrives in Africa for the first time in 2010.

The 2009 Fifa Confederations Cup has seen goals galore, upsets aplenty, and some stunning reversals – and the final day did not disappoint, producing 10 goals and two comebacks, as Brazil and Spain turned the tables on the USA and South Africa respectively.

An action-packed tournament got the final it deserved at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg on Sunday, as Brazil and the USA served up a five-goal thriller that ended in the South Americans' favour, courtesy of captain Lucio's 84th-minute header.

When the final whistle blew, Brazil had won the tournament for the third time since its inception in 1992, becoming the first team to defend the title – they won it in Germany in 2005 – while Dunga had become the first person to win the tournament as both player and coach.

Yet it was the North American underdogs who had looked the most likely to take the honours at half-time, having raced into a two-goal lead thanks to Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan.

However, the five-time World Cup winners grabbed a vital lifeline just moments into the second period through Luis Fabiano, who subsequently took his tally to five goals in five games with the 74th-minute equaliser that set up his skipper's grandstand finish.

In the play-off for third place, any fans who left Rustenburg's Royal Bafokeng Stadium early would have kicked themselves after a match which failed to ignite until South Africa stung Spain into action through Katlego Mphela's 73rd-minute opener.

With Bafana Bafana all but ready to occupy the final place on the podium, two goals in a minute from Spain's Daniel Guiza spun the scoreline on its head. First, the Fenerbahce forward levelled the score at 1-1 with a crisp right-footed finish.

Then, moments later, Guiza collected the ball just inside the box in the right-hand channel before sending a inch-perfect lob spinning high beyond the reach of the Bafana Bafana keeper Itumeleng Khune and in off the inside of the far post.

Though tempted to give full credit to the former Mallorca poacher for an opportunistic strike, could Guiza's pinpoint chip really have been a mis-hit cross?

Bafana, and Mphela, weren't finished, however. Handed a lifeline deep into injury time after a foul by Liverpool winger Albert Riera, Mphela stepped up to fire home a guided-missile of a free-kick from fully 35 yards which even a keeper of the calibre of Real Madrid's Iker Casillas could do nothing about.

Clear chances came and went for South Africa in the first period of extra time before Xabi Alonso's 107th-minute free kick eluded everybody to find the back of the net and clinch third spot for Spain at South Africa 2009.

South Africa's Cup flows over

2009-07-07T20:04:00.000-07:00

The 2009 Fifa Confederations Cup drew to a close at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg on Sunday night in a ceremony filled with music, colour, light and dance. But the passion reflected in the photos of fans, beamed onto a giant sphere floating above the pitch, was not staged.

The photographs, of the fans that filled South Africa's four host stadiums during Fifa's "Festival of Continental Champions", reflected a nation that came together in a tournament that has given the country many reasons to smile.

As Nelson Mandela watched his great-granddaughter Zenani bringing the Fifa Confederations Cup trophy out onto the pitch following a thrilling final between Brazil and the USA, no doubt he was smiling too.

For over the past two weeks South Africa has shown the world, once again, what it is capable of.

It has also shown that the opportunity South Africa has been given to host the 2010 Fifa World Cup is about more than stadiums, pitches, roads and airports.

It's about people, and working together for a common goal. It is about reasons to smile and cry and make some very loud noise. It is about the joy that comes from being part of 14 days of thrilling football.

"I have loved this tournament," said 12-year-old Zenani, granddaughter of Nelson Mandela's youngest daughter, Zindzi. "It has been so much fun – and Bafana Bafana have been playing, like, wow!"

As the stadium went dark on Sunday night, and the vuvuzelas went quiet, the melodic sounds of Africa filled the air. The voices of 150 choir members and the beats of 150 drummers bid the fans and the watching world goodbye.

But for the country, and the continent, this was just the beginning. In less than a year's time, South Africa and Africa will welcome 32 teams, hundreds of thousands of fans and millions of television viewers back for the big one, the 2010 Fifa World Cup – and the drama, and the celebrations, will begin in earnest!

Fifa gives Zuma his ref's certificate

2009-07-07T20:03:00.000-07:00

In the unlikely event of an injury to a referee during the 2010 Fifa World Cup, South Africa has a ready replacement – in President Jacob Zuma, who's just been given a special award by Fifa for refereeing on Robben Island during his years as a political prisoner.

Zuma refereed for the Makana Football Association, which ran a soccer league for political prisoners on Robben Island, between 1965 and 1973.

Fifa president Sepp Blatter conferred the special award on Zuma on Sunday, the final day of the 2009 Fifa Confederations Cup.

"It is a historical moment for Fifa to have a former referee of Robben Island in Mr Jacob Zuma," Blatter said. "As such, we have decided that you are an International Referee, and that is why we have prepared a special certificate for you."

"Thank you so much, I appreciate it," Zuma replied. "This brings back memories of my young days, when I could still play and referee!"

For years on Robben Island, political prisoners had to fight for the right to play football, with men secretly playing the game in their cells with balls made of pieces of paper, cardboard and rags tied together with string.

The island's authorities finally gave in, granting inmates the right to play football in 1965. The prisoners then built their own goals, and would swap their drab prison garb to play in the colours of their teams on Saturdays.

The Makana FA was formed in 1966. It was a football association which adhered strictly to Fifa's statutes and laws of the game. On 18 July 2007, Makana FA became the first Fifa honorary member association.

Among the best players on the island were the likes of Kgalema Motlanthe, currently Deputy President of South Africa. Dikgang Moseneke, now a Constitutional Court judge, was on Makana FA's disciplinary committee.

Drogba, kids tackle xenophobia

2009-07-07T20:02:00.001-07:00

The stadium could hardly have been more rustic and the goalposts had simply been planted between their rugby equivalents, but the atmosphere was worthy of Ellis Park itself during Bafana Bafana's recent outings.

Welcome to the sports field of Jeppe Boys High School in Johannesburg, where the Youth African Soccer Cup, devised to help South African children discover other African countries and their cultures, took place on the weekend.

Mini-African Nations Cup

A mini-African Nations Cup on a local scale, the competition brought together schools from various Johannesburg townships to defend the colours of 19 African countries – and the presence of special guest and project ambassador Didier Drogba ensured the day was as noisy as it was unforgettable.

The passion emanating from the stands was impressive to behold, with flags, excited cries, crowd chants and, of course, the inevitable vuvuzelas offering the full South African football experience.

Naturally, the spectacle itself contained no Fernando Torres, Kaka or Teko Modise, but the players aged 15 or below lacked none of the hunger of their elders, and in some cases their technical skills were barely lagging those of their heroes.

"In addition to the extraordinary atmosphere, the level is very good," Drogba told Fifa.com. "I'd have loved to put my boots on and played with them, but the most important thing wasn't to play; it was the reasons behind the initiative."

African Diaspora Forum

The project was launched by the African Diaspora Forum in response to the tragic events that unfolded in South Africa last year, when tensions spilled over between locals and foreign residents, resulting in the deaths of over 60 people in Alexandra township in east Johannesburg.

That prompted the African Diaspora Forum, an organisation representing 30 foreign-resident associations, to mount a campaign against xenophobia in South Africa – and what better way to lead the fight than by educating youngster via their favourite activity?

Not only did each team take to the field to defend the colours of a continental neighbour, they had already spent months learning about that country at school. It was therefore no surprise to see South African youngsters recite the Tanzanian or Nigerian national anthems to perfection before their matches kicked off.

A midfielder for the school from Troyville, Nelo was representing Tanzania for the day and, despite being just 11, he was keenly aware of being involved in much more than a mere football tournament.

'Today, I feel Ivorian'

"My parents are Ivorian and came to South Africa 15 years ago," Nelo explained, moments before his side won the final in their age category against Nigeria. "They were very moved by what happened last year. Today, I feel Ivorian and South African, and I've discovered a third culture. I feel Tanzanian, and I'm very proud to represent this country."

Nelo clearly had much more to share on the subject, but he suddenly fell mysteriously silent, before bolting off towards the school entrance with hundreds of his peers.

A rumour had swept through the venue that Didier Drogba was present, and the whole school quickly sizzled with euphoria. Matches had to be interrupted and an informal press conference was staged in the centre circle as the Elephants' captain stepped on to the pitch to greet the young protagonists.

Having long been involved in promoting national reconciliation within his own country, the Chelsea striker rarely misses the chance to add his encouragement to events of this type.

"What these children are doing is fantastic," he said, impressed by how seriously the youngsters were clearly taking the tournament. "It's through knowledge and study that these children will succeed in changing mentalities and do away with xenophobia."

Coming together of cultures

Hanging on her idol's every word, and with South African and Cameroonian flags painted on either cheek, Marcy provided perhaps the perfect symbol of the coming together of cultures so crucial in the struggle against xenophobia.

"I'm happy to have discovered a new country and its culture," Marcy said. "For now, it's only been through football and what we've learnt at school, but one day I hope to be able to visit Abidjan."

In all the excitement, Marcy seemed to have mixed Yaounde up with the former Ivorian capital, but it was easy to understand such oversights on a day charged with emotion and spent in the presence of Côte d'Ivoire's most famous face.

What mattered most was that the intended message had been conveyed. By opening their eyes to other cultures, these children have started to close the door on xenophobia.

2010 dress-rehearsal 'a success'

2009-07-07T20:01:00.001-07:00

Exceptional hospitality, world-class stadiums, watertight security, passionate fans, pulsating football, and a major step-up in the national team's performance – the Confederations Cup bodes well for a successful World Cup, says Fifa, although there are some "challenges to be addressed" ahead of 2010.

Addressing the media in Johannesburg on Monday, the day after the final match of the 2009 Confederations Cup, Fifa president Sepp Blatter said South Africa had done an "exceptional job" on the World Cup warmup event.

He said the hospitality, the stadiums and the reception by South Africans was wonderful, but emphasised that adequate accommodation, transport, crowd control outside the stadium, and a few other logistics remained a challenge.

Crowds only 2% short of Germany 2005

Blatter noted that 584 894 people had filled the stadiums for the tournament only 2% lower than the previous Confederations Cup in Germany in 2005.

For this, Blatter gave South Africa a rating of 7.5 points, saying the country had the potential to score 10 points next year. "For now you are like students at college," Blatter quipped. "You are not at university yet, but next year you may go up."

"The South African government has shown great commitment, and ... we will work with them and the LOC to ensure that South Africa and Africa deliver a flourishing World Cup which will leave a great legacy."

Fans 'kept the tournament abuzz'

Blatter, who convinced Fifa's board in 1998 that the 2010 World Cup had to be staged in Africa, said the football displayed during Confederations Cup was magnificent, adding that South African fans had kept the tournament abuzz.

"I want to thank the South Africa population, and not forgetting the volunteers who have done a wonderful job throughout the tournament.

"This competition was not only about football, but it has lifted the spirit of South Africa, and I'm looking forward to the 2010 Fifa World Cup."

Bafana 'could be contenders'

Blatter also complimented Bafana Bafana for their improvement during the tournament, adding that next year he expected the national side to be a competitor among the giants.

"They are a good team, with quality players with great talent," Blatter said. "Tactically they were brilliant, and now they have to combine these abilities and start scoring goals."

Beach Bafana eye World Cup berth

2009-07-07T19:59:00.000-07:00

Bafana Bafana's showing in the Confederations Cup – they came close to upsetting heavyweights Spain and Brazil last week – has given South Africa's "Beach Bafana" hope ahead of this week's Africa qualifiers for the 2009 Fifa Beach Soccer World Cup.

The beach soccer qualifying tournament, which kicks off in Durban on Wednesday and wraps up on Sunday, sees nine teams competing for the two places reserved for African teams at the World Cup finals in Dubai in November.

The "Beach Boys" are determined to copy the example set by their field compatriots and surprise a few teams this week, and earn themselves a trip to take on the world's best in Dubai.

"The way the field soccer team performed at the Confederations Cup has motivated us and made us determined to do as well as they did," South African beach soccer team coach Lindani Shezi said on Monday.

Emulating Bafana Bafana

"We have spoken about how good the Bafana Bafana were against Brazil and Spain, and we want to show that we are as good as them by qualifying for the finals in Dubai."

The task awaiting the beach soccer team is anything but easy, however. The format means one loss at any stage before the tournament final will likely mean an end to qualifying hopes; the nine teams are broken into three pools of three, with the top team from each pool, plus the best second-placed finisher (determined by points, then goal difference, then goal average) qualifying for Saturday's crucial semi-finals.

The two semi-final winners will represent Africa at the Fifa Beach Soccer World Cup 2009 Final in Dubai.

Heading the race for one of those all important qualifying spots are the defending champions Senegal. Last year they were magnificent in sweeping all before them and eventually defeating Cameroon in the final. The early indications are that Senegal will take up where they left off in 2008 and will be the team to beat once again.

Cameroon absent

Their task has been made significantly easier because Cameroon will not be attempting to qualify this year after the private promoters (and funders) of beach soccer in Cameroon and the national soccer federation could not come to an agreement regarding the team's participation.

Senegal is pooled with Mozambique and Libya in Group B and it is difficult to see how the two beach soccer minnows would be able to upset the favourites.

Senegal's likely semi-final opponents from Group C are Nigeria, who are still seething after they were knocked out of the tournament last year following a sudden-death penalty shootout against Cameroon.

This year Nigeria are grouped with Egypt and Mauritius, and although the island nation is unlikely to provide anything other than shooting practice, Nigeria will have to be careful that lightning does not strike twice with the tricky Egyptian side capable of beating anyone on their day.

Toughest group

Group A sees the home side South African facing the tough task of beating Côte d'Ivoire, who lost out to Senegal in the semi-finals last year. Morocco is perceived as the weakest side in the group, but in reality the North Africans have a chance of causing an upset and sneaking into the second round from what is probably the most competitive pool.

Entrance for matches is free, but only 2 000 spectators will be allowed into the purpose-built stadium at a time.

2009 marks the fourth year that Durban is hosts the African World Cup qualifier and while the attendance figures of 2 000 at beach soccer are nothing like the numbers expected for the next year's Fifa World Cup, there will be shortage of atmosphere in the compact, purpose-built arena once the qualifying tournament kicks off.

Apart from the local support, Durban has sizeable populations of Nigerians, Ivorians, Mozambicans and Senegalese. When players from those countries take to the field, they will feel very much at home.

Action packed

Beach soccer is packed with action. Matches are divided into three periods of 12 minutes and there is a shot on goal every 90 seconds on average.

Even when the players are taking a break, the action in Durban will continue with dancers, musicians and DJs set to entertain the crowds and ensure there are no dull moments.

And a glance northwards up the coast will reveal the impressive, imposing presence of the Moses Mabhida Stadium, which is nearing completion for the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

THE DRAW

Group A

A1 South Africa
A2 Côte d'Ivoire
A3 Morocco

Group B

B1 Senegal
B2 Mozambique
B3 Lybia

Group C

C1 Nigeria
C2 Egypt
C3 Mauritius

Wednesday, 1 July

12:30 - C3 Mauritius vs C1 Nigeria

13:45 - B3 Libya vs B1 Senegal

15:00 - A3 Morocco vs A1 South Africa

Thursday, 2 July

12:30 - C2 Egypt vs C3 Mauritius

13:45 - B2 Mozambique vs B3 Libya

15:00 - A2 Côte d'Ivoire vs A3 Morocco

Friday, 3 July

12:30 - C1 Nigeria vs C2 Egypt

13:45 - B1 Senegal vs B2 Mozambique

15:00 - A1 South Africa vs A2 Côte d'Ivoire

Saturday, 4 July

12:30 Play-off 5th/6th - 2nd Group X vs 2nd Group X

13:45 Semi final 1 - 1st of Group B vs 1st of Group C

15:00 Semi final 2 - 1st of Group A vs 2nd of Group X

Sunday, 5 July

12:30 Kick Off vs. Gagasi 99.5

13:45 Play-off 3rd/4th Loser Semi final 1 vs Loser Semi final 2

15:00 Final Winner Semi final 1 v Winner Semi final 2

Insurance for students

2009-07-07T06:23:00.000-07:00

The college students of today have many thoughts in their mind. They worry about assignments, examinations, finding a job and hanging out with their friends among other things. Their lifeline is the car that they drive.Individuals below 25 years of age pay the highest auto insurance rates and premiums. Students who are attending college in the rural areas normally pay less than those who live in a larger city. Living near your school or job could also help you to get a discount on your car insurance. Another way to lower your insurance rates is to find a car that is featured with safety measures such as airbags, a car alarm system, and a good stability system. Driving carefully is also one of the important part of low insurance rates for your car. It's a good idea to compare companies to secure the best rates. Finding a perfect insurance agent is highly beneficial for the students to find a rate that is affordable. Insuring your car doesn't have to be a financial nightmare, if you take care of these steps to find and secure a good rate.

Auto Insurance for Female

2009-07-07T06:22:00.000-07:00

What would you think first, when you hear about a woman driver? Most men's opinion of women drivers is rather scornful; male drivers look down upon female ones.However, while men are being irritated by poor driving of their women-friends, women-coworkers, wives, sisters, and so on.

Statistics and some research data prove that male drivers are involved in many more accidents than female ones, due to safer and more careful driving of the latter. The statistic quantities are not favorable for men – 80-95% car-accidents and other auto-related incidents fall on men, not women. Hence, there are fewer accidents involving injuries and deaths, and less damage to vehicles due to women drivers. Moreover, women do not commit so many motor crimes as men do, and are likely to pass their driving exam at one push. So, who is more competent in driving then?

Thus, due to fewer accidents, women make fewer claims on an auto insurance products cover, which is undoubtedly advantageous for insurance companies. Insurers offer special deals for women because they can afford all those discounts and reductions. More and more insurance carriers offer products designed specially for a female audience, because they feel safe and sure of their women insurants.

Nowadays, women can largely cut their car insurance expenditures, and not because they are women, but because they are different, more prudential drivers.Still, there are some pitfalls even for women. Beware of all the hidden charges and additional costs. Anyway, you should find around for a good insurance provider, that offers a good bargain, and then just compare the "special deals", independent of whether you are a man or a woman.

SAFE DRIVE

2009-07-07T06:21:00.000-07:00

Guardian advise us to look to both sides before crossing the

street. But they never give interest for us to buy a car that
would keep us safe while drivingin the street.
Thus while buying cars we must consider the safety factor too.
The 2009 Audi Q7,got the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration highest crash-test ratings of five stars.It
has got driver and passenger head restraint protection
whiplash,at front side airbags for chest and pelvis
protection.It also has got energy-absorbing padding under
the instrument panel to protect feet and legs.
we must consider the safety factor too.

The other safe models of 2009 include the Volvo XC90,the
Mitsubishi Outlander,the Mercedes-Benz M Class
and the Saturn Vue.

In the crash tests done by the Insurance Institute,
none of the small cars secured top marks, but some did well.
Overall,smaller cars have made a milestone improvement,
according to the IIHS. As they are getting more popular with
rising gas prices,automakers have improved their safety
largely.
The safe small cars to be recommended are
SUZUKI SX4
TOYOTA MATRIX PONTAIC VIBE
FORD FOCUS
CHEVROLET HHR

DRIVING TIPS FOR TEEN DRIVER

2009-07-07T05:52:00.000-07:00

The current statistics about teenage drivers aren't

satisfactory. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway

safety (IIHS),teen drivers get into accidents almost six time

more often than drivers between the age-group of 30 and 59.The
car insurance premium are so high for this age group.

We must remember that, the higher the risk, the higher the
cost of insurance premiums.Make this your guiding principle as
you go for insurance.

Here are some suggestions to help teen to get lower premiums
and keep your teenager's license free of violations:

1.Help teen learn and follow laws: The best way to lower car
insurance costs for teens is to encourage them to keep their
driving records clean. Make safe driving a family goal.Parents
should know what the laws are and encourage their sons and
daughters to follow them.

2.Be an Example: Do you break the hight speed limit and
tailgate? Do you yell at other drivers when you go behind the
wheels?If you do these things, how can you expect your children
act properly? We must remember, actions speak louder than words.

3. Talk to your teen about beverage and drugs: This is a
difficult subject to deal with teenagers, who think they have
everything under their control. But the consequences of saying
nothing to them can be like a sucide.

4. Ride with teenagers: Let your son or daughter take full
control over the steering while you sit back and relax
in the passenger seat. If you get them doing something wrong
that breaks rules and regulations or seems unsafe,point out
this in a friendly way.If they are doing a great job at driving,
praise them.

5. Enroll them at driver training courses: Take your teen
to the driver training center to ensure good driving and learn
all the traffic rules. Discounts are available for teens who

Christmas in Hawaii

2009-07-07T05:50:00.000-07:00

Christmas in Hawaii is unlike any place else.

Santa in the sun.

Hawaiian Nativity Scene
Windward Mall - Kaneohe, Hawaii

TITLE

2009-07-07T05:49:00.000-07:00

Horses on Parade | Rochester, N.Y. -June, 2001

Reflectorius Maximus (by Cathy Calderwood) and Rochester Falls

150 colorful, creative and humorous life-size horses are currently displayed throughout the greater Rochester area. "Horses on Parade" is a community art project. Businesses sponsor the horses - they purchase the unpainted horse forms and commission an artist to paint it. The finished horses are installed throughout the city and are later sold as fund-raiser. Word has it that the businesses become quite attached to their animals and frequently opt to purchase them.

This fundraising concept started in Zurich, Switzerland and has spread throughout the world. Cows, chickens, pigs and mermaids are examples of some of the themes.

The author of Color Matters attended the meeting of the International Color Association in Rochester, N.Y. in June of 2001. Nine of these colorful horses are presented in this section.

The Colors of Connecticut

2009-07-07T05:47:00.000-07:00

The Quiet Corner - North Eastern Connecticut

Roseland

Hampton

The Colors of Washington D.C.

2009-07-07T05:45:00.000-07:00

The White House

The Washington Monument

The Capitol

The Vietnam War Memorial

In Memoriam

THE COLORS OF HAWAIi

2009-07-07T05:44:00.000-07:00

Lava flow from Kilauea Volacano

Color Matters in Mexico

2009-07-07T05:42:00.000-07:00

Tlaquepaque*, Jalisco, Mexico
(Tlaquepaque is pronounced TLAH - KAY- PAH- KAY)

No vanilla buildings here!
The colors of Mexican architecture are a feast for the eyes.

Casa Fuerte Staff

Contrasts

Big gun, blue shirt agaainst a sunny yellow wall

Street vendor and dolls.

The Colors of Amsterdam

2009-07-07T05:40:00.000-07:00

Amsterdam, a city unlike any other. Built on the marshy flood plains of the River Amstel, adjoining the Zuider Zee, the city is a lived-in museum of 17th century architecture. Home of the Dutch Masters, Rembrandt, Frans Hals, Vermeer, Jan Steen and many others, the Rijksmuseum, the Stedeljik, and Vincent van Gogh Museums house impressive collections. These photographs are the result of an all too brief visit to Amsterdam and its outskirts.

Store front - Amsterdam

The wooden shoe, a symbol of Holland....like the hula dancer of Hawaii?

Street Scene - Amsterdam

The Colors of Finland Rovaniemi in the Arctic Circle and Tampere

2009-07-07T05:37:00.000-07:00

The author of Color Matters traveled to northern Finland in search of the Aurora Borealis! Instead of this phenomenon, temperatures dropped to a record breaking minus 55 Celsius (minus 67 Fahrenheit) on January 28, 1999. The headlines reported " -55 ASTETTA pilasi unelmaloman"

It's amazing that a standard 35mm camera functioned! Fortunately it recorded the amazing colors of this beautiful country in the midst of winter.

Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi, Finland
January 29, 1999

A vertical rainbow in Tampere (southern Finland)

On the left hand side of the image, right above the trees, you can see a vertical rainbow, shooting upwards into the icy blue sky. The sun is on the right hand side. Since Finland is so far North of the equator, days are very short during the winter. The sun doesn't rise very high in the sky. But when the sky is clear, sometimes the light creates this "arc" effect.

Cultural History as Key to Color - The Lahore Fort and Badshahi Mosque

2009-07-07T05:35:00.000-07:00

The historical landscape of any place in the world serves as an essential key to colors – to meaningful colors in a culture. This was the focus of the color workshop for 2^nd year Visual Communications students at BNU in Lahore, Pakistan.

The project began with a field trip to the Lahore Fort and the Badshahi Mosque (whose estimated date of initial construction is the 11^th century – long before the Gothic cathedrals of the Western world). The assignment required that each student take approximately ten sets of photographs. Each set required a panoramic shot of any building on the 48 acres of the Fort and Mosque and 4-5 close up shots of the same structure. (A possible total of 50 or more images.) A concentrated focus on the colors and textures was the primary issue.

Of note is the fact that most of the students had visited the Fort and Mosque several times during elementary school and high school field trips. In spite or this, the experience of observing the colors of these significant historical buildings from near and far was an invaluable experience.

Next, the students submitted their photos for a review. The results of this survey were to be presented in a well-designed collage, triptych, or any organized composition.

Finally, here are two examples of the final results of this survey of the historical colors of the Lahore Fort and Badshahi Mosque.

Individual perceptions varied. Some students tuned in to the muted salmon orange hues of the masonry; others to the cobalt blues of the tiles. The compositions also included a range of designs, such as a collage of multiple images in random sizes and simplified triptychs.

From Hunza to Fairy meadows

2009-07-07T05:33:00.000-07:00

Day 01 On arrival at Sost from the China. Meet upon arrival after customs and immigration drive to Gulmit. This is a very scenic drive there are numerous photostops for taking the views of snow capped Karakorum mountains reaching over 7 thousand meters. Overnight at hotel
Day 02 Full day in Gulmit. Gulmit was a small kingdom in the past you will see village life of this quint little area surrounded by gigantic mountains. You can have shourt walks in the villages and mingle with the local people. Overnight at hotel
Day 03 Drive to Karimabad the central Hunza the highlight of your trip breath taking views of Rakaposhi Ultar and Golden peak will let you wonder in this nature's wonder of the world. Here the heights and magnitude of things are redefined and every thing elsewhere in the world seems so small. Overnight at Baltit Inn hotel
Day 04 Early morning watch the sunrise over the mountains from your hotel later have a healthy breakfast with the Hunza appricots and delicious honney and all things organic and pure in this pure land of longetivity. Optional Jeep Excursion to Nagar valley Overnight at hotel.
Day 05 Morning after breakfast drive to Gilgit. Gilgit is the only big city in the circumference of 500 kilometers. This in it self is a big pride for this friendly city. You will have a look at the bazaar and watch an old bridge built in 1880s by the British. Overnight at Serena hotel
Day 06 Drive to 80 Kilometers south of Gilgit on Karakorum highway withness the point where the three high mountain ranges meet at Raikot Take Jeeps to Tato and walk to the fairy meadows which regarded one of the most beautiful point of Pakistan. You can see Nanga parbat with a contrast of lush Green meadows Overnight at camp
Day 07 Full day in Fairy meadows optional full day walk to Biyal cam Overnight at hotel
Day 08 Walk down to Tato take Jeep to Hunza Overnight at Baltit Inn hotel
Day 09 Morning drive to Sost later continue to China

Mountain Kingdoms of Hunza Valley

2009-07-07T05:32:00.000-07:00

Day 01 On arrival at Sost from the China. Meet upon arrival after customs and immigration drive to Gulmit. This is a very scenic drive there are numerous photo stops for taking the views of snow capped Karakorum mountains reaching over 7 thousand meters. Overnight at hotel
Day 02 Full day in Gulmit. Gulmit was a small kingdom in the past you will see village life of this quaint little area surrounded by gigantic mountains. You can have short walks in the villages and mingle with the local people. Overnight at hotel
Day 03 Drive to Karimabad the central Hunza the highlight of your trip breath taking views of Rakaposhi Ultar and Golden peak will let you wonder in this nature's wonder of the world. Here the heights and magnitude of things are redefined and every thing elsewhere in the world seems so small. Overnight at Baltit Inn hotel
Day 04 Early morning watch the sunrise over the mountains from your hotel later have a healthy breakfast with the Hunza apricots and delicious honey and all things organic and pure in this pure land of longetivity. Optional Jeep Excursion to Nagar valley Overnight at hotel.
Day 05 Full day Excursion to Gilgit the only big city in the circumference of 500 kilometers. This in it self is a big pride for this friendly city. You will have a look at the bazaar and watch an old bridge built in 1880s by the British. Evening return to Hunza Overnight at hotel
Day 06 Morning drive to Sost later continue to China

Visit Pakistan from China.

2009-07-07T05:24:00.000-07:00

The Silk road was the most popular tour in the past but due to the odds in our country the foreign companies have stopped advertising Pakistan. But The Silk road destination in Pakistan is still the most peaceful place in the world. The only difference today is that tourist have to come from China to Pakistan over the Khunjerab pass and return to China after visiting the high mountains of Karakorums and Himalayas. Travel & Culture is pleased to offer following options for the tours. Please feel free to should you require a custom tour.

Peep in the Hunza Valley

cultural

2009-07-07T05:22:00.000-07:00

Pakistan offers a fascinating array of places and activities for the cultural enthusiasts. Participants of our cultural programs explore the important places and get a comprehensive and historical glimpse of the numerous ethnic, religious and socio-political events that have brought about the Pakistan we see today. Whatever your cultural fascination, you'll find it here. Be it Buddhist, Kashmiri and Mughal art, ancient and lost civilizations, remnants of the great wars, tribal customs and living, carpet weaving and pottery making, historic forts and museum artefacts, you're sure to capture the essence and spirit of bygone eras on any one of our numerous cultural tours.

The region which form the present Pakistan attracted Alexander the great from Macedonia in 326 B.C., with whom the influence of Greek culture came to this part of the world. During the 2nd century B.C., Buddhism was adopted as the state religion which prevailed until 10th century A.D. During this time Taxila, Swat, and Charsaddah became three important centres for culture, trade, and learning. It was from these centres that a unique art of sculpture originated to known as Gandhara Art all over the world.

Pakistan had been a seat of world’s leading Civilizations from the time immemorial. The Cultural Heritages of Pakistan is spread over the centuries summarized in the following periods: Indus Civilization, Gandhara Civilization, Sikh period, and Islamic period.

Gandhara Art in Taxila and Swat valley, Moenjodaro & Harappa – the Indus Civilization, Mughal monuments in Lahore, Khyber Pass, Karaokoram Highway, Hunza & Baltistan valleys, Kalash (Kafiristan) and scores of other cultural and historical sites can be seen in our cultural tour programmes.

Trekking

2009-07-07T05:21:00.000-07:00

Trekking is at the core activities of Mountain Travels. The base camps of the loftiest peaks of the world including K-2 (8611m), Nanga Parbat (8125m), Mashebrum (7821m), Tirich Mir (7708m) and many more. These loftiest peaks dominate the mountainous landscape of the Northern Areas of Pakistan.

World class trekking services are available with MTP. The prospective trekkers need only carry the most necessary of daypack items while porters and cooks carry the items [food, and other equipment]. This particularly enables the trekkers to photograph the awful sceneries, the formidable flora and fauna of the high rise mountains, meet with the local villagers during
the trip, and so on.

Our treks operate normally during the summer. Nonetheless, trekking in the off-summer season like spring blossom and autumn foliage treks in Baltistan, Gilgit, Hunza, Diamir and Chitral valleys.

Mountain

2009-07-07T05:02:00.000-07:00

Mountain climbers demand the very best when selecting local high altitude guides and porters. We are immensely proud to offer Pakistan’s best porters and guides for these customized expeditions. Majority of our porters and guides have had the pleasure and distinction of working with world’s renowned climbers including Reinhold Messner, Hanz Kammerlander, Douglas Scott, Peter Habler and Renato Casarotto, to name a few.
In addition to our standard programs and packages offered throughout the year, we are also pleased to offer customized tours, treks, expeditions and safaris to suit individual or pre-formed group requirements. This is ideally suited to those who wish to experience elements of some or all of our adventure programs. We have tailored packages for a wealth of clients including professional photographers, media crews, climbing expeditions, school groups and corporations. Whatever your preferences are, we look forward to working with you on the program of your choice and the trip of a lifetime!

The north-eastern frontiers of Pakistan also referred to as Bam-e-Duniya Persian word for “Roof of the world”. The continental collision of the three great mountain ranges, the Himalaya, the Karakoram, and the Hindukush in the north of Pakistan gave birth to the thickest cluster of the highest peaks and largest glaciers on Earth. For many, these ranges meant untamed beauty, spiritual inspiration, mysterious legends, high adventure, and personal challenge. To all, it has meant the highest mountain ranges on Earth. All these mountain ranges stretches over 4000 km in length, and it contains all of the world’s 14 peaks over 8000 metres with as many as 5 peaks are in Pakistan in addition to 29 over 7500 metres and 108 over 7000 metres. Tourists find inspiration and renewal among the soaring peaks; every year around 80 plus mountaineering expeditions climb and explore these greatest concentration of lofty peaks on earth.

These mountains offer “rock climbing”, “ice climbing”, and other sports adventures like “skiing” etc. Trango towers and few other peaks are especially famous for rock-climbing.

Rock Climbing:
Pakistan though known for high-altitude climbing yet equally offers rock climbing adventures. Trango Towers also known as “Trango group of mountains” in Baltoro region is famous for rock climbing. Besides, Kondus sub-valley in Khaplu region, Tsaraqsa sub-valley in Hushe, Nangma sub-valley in Kande also offers good opportunities for rock climbers. There are other numerous unnamed and unexplored sites in the Karakoram, Himalaya, and Hindukush ranges fit and ideal for rock climbing.

Ice Climbing:
There are plenty of explored and unexplored ice-climbing sites in the Karakoram, Himalaya, and Hindukush ranges in the north of Pakistan. Tourists interested in ice climbing both in summer and winter can enjoy this sports as per their choices.

Travel info on South Africa

2009-07-07T04:56:00.000-07:00

South Africa is a large, diverse and incredibly beautiful country. The size of France and Spain combined, it varies from the picturesque Garden Route towns of the Western Cape to the raw stretch of subtropical coast in northern KwaZulu-Natal. It’s also one of the great cultural meeting points of the African continent, a fact obscured by years of enforced racial segregation, but now manifest in the big cities. Yet South Africa is also something of an enigma; it has the best travel facilities on the African continent, but also the most difficult surface to scratch. After so long as an international pariah, the “rainbow nation” is still struggling to find its identity.

Many visitors are pleasantly surprised by South Africa’s excellent infrastructure , which draws favourable comparison with countries such as Australia or the United States. Good air links and bus networks, excellent roads and a growing number of first-class B&Bs and guesthouses make South Africa a perfect touring country and – with the dramatic slide of the rand in 2001 – a cheap one too for visitors. For those on a budget, rapidly mushrooming backpacker hostels and backpacker buses provide an efficient means of exploring.

However, as a visitor, you’ll have to make an effort to meet members of the country’s African majority on equal terms. Apartheid may be dead, but its heritage continues to shape South Africa in a very physical way. The country was organized for the benefit of whites, so it’s easy to get a very white-orientated experience of Africa. Nowhere is this more in evidence than in the layout of towns and cities, where African areas – often desperately poor – are usually tucked out of sight.

Some visitors are surprised to discover that South Africa’s population doesn’t reduce simply to black and white. The country’s majority group are Africans (77 percent of the population); whites make up 11 percent, followed by coloureds (9 percent) – the descendants of white settlers, slaves and Africans, who speak English and Afrikaans and comprise the majority in the Western Cape. Indians (3 percent), most of whom live in KwaZulu-Natal, came to South Africa at the beginning of the twentieth century as indentured labourers.

Crime isn’t the indiscriminate phenomenon that press reports suggest, but it is an issue. Really, it’s a question of perspective – taking care but not becoming paranoid. Statistically, the odds of becoming a victim are highest in downtown Johannesburg, where violent crime is a daily reality. Other cities present a reduced risk – similar to, say, some parts of the United States; many country areas are safe by any standards.

FIFA World Cup in South Africa 2010

2009-07-07T04:53:00.000-07:00

Soccer fans around the world are gearing up for the World Cup in South Africa 2010. Held in 10 different stadiums across the country, this will mark the first time that the FIFA World Cup has ever been hosted in an African country. The World Cup is the biggest sporting event in the world, and to soccer fans it is the most important event too. People are already booking flights, buying tickets and making hotel arrangements so that they don’t have to miss a minute of the action. South Africa will be hosting the month long event until one of the 32 teams is declared the champion. Since this is the first time that the tournament has ever been in Africa, there are sure to be a lot of surprises in store.

With the first game kicking off on 11th June 2010, there is already less than a year to apply for tickets and make your arrangements for South Africa 2010. Cities across South Africa are bustling with excitement as new stadiums are built for the event and existing stadiums are renovated and made ready for the scores of soccer fans that will be streaming into the country. The oldest and most established of the field’s is Loftus, in Tshwane/Pretoria. This stadium has also been host to the 2009 Confederate Cup. There are about 30 hotels in the area for fans that are hoping to stay near this venue.

New fields are being built in Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Nelspruit and Gauteng in honor of the World Cup being in South Africa 2010.

Cape Town Soccer Stadium, in the suburb of Greenpoint.

The three major airports in South Africa are in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban. Coincidentally, many of the matches are being held in stadiums that are in or around these general areas. Hotels, Guest Houses & Bed and Breakfast establishments are sure to book quickly though, so it may be easier to get accommodations closer to one of the stadiums that are further away from the major airports.

South Africa is a huge change from other countries that have hosted the World Cup in the recent history. Information about South Africa such as where to stay and how to get there can be found on the internet. You may want to browse www.stayinsa.co.za for recommendations for accommodation in South Africa and you will definitely need to register now for tickets. Whatever you do though, do it soon, there is less than a year! Even if you just go to tailgate, South Africa 2010 is guaranteed to be a great time!

ICICI Bank slashes benchmark lending rate by 50 bps

2009-06-23T06:32:00.000-07:00

New Delhi: The country's largest private sector lender, ICICI Bank, today slashed its benchmark lending rate by 50 basis points to 15.75 per cent, a move that would benefit the bank's home, auto, consumer and corporate loan borrowers.

The benchmark advance rate (I-BAR) will be reduced by 50 basis points to 15.75 per cent effective from tomorrow, ICICI Bank said in a statement.

The bank has also reduced the floating reference rate (FRR) applicable to floating rate retail loans, including floating rate home loan, by 50 basis points from June 5, it said.

The revised (FRR) will be 12.75 per cent against existing 13.25 per cent, it said.

All the existing floating rate customers to benefit from the cut, the statement added.

Source: PTI

Benchmark Lending

2009-06-23T06:29:00.002-07:00

Benchmark Lending is the interest rate the banks pay when they borrow money. That's right; your bank borrows money, too. They must have a certain amount of money on reserve, and when they don't they borrow money over a very short term (such as one night).

Subscribe to the blog to stay up-to-date with Benchmark Lending deals, announcements, coupons or other news.

Benchmark Lending is a full service mortgage broker dedicated to finding the best mortgage loan program and mortgage rate for you.

So the floor isn't the lowest you can go. There's something under the "floor". The rate known as "prime" has been the popular benchmark for lending in Canada.

This is primarily designed to help people recover from predatory lending. Whether you have been victimized by predatory lending or just here to acquire more information about lending then this site is for you.

Taking a cue from the series of moves by RBI, banks pared rates. Public sector banks cut their benchmark prime lending rates up to 200 basis points, and private banks 50 basis points. The decline in deposit rates has been steeper with some banks lowering rates over 200 basis points for certain maturities.

years that means the experience quality of them. Benchmark Lending group which has provided much needed finances to get new homes or refinance the existing homes to many families for over ten years. They provide calculated offers that suit the client?s need and flexibility to bear it.

Benchmark Lending provides loans and banking solutions for you Benchmark Lending Group.

ICICI Bank, India?s second-largest lender, did not indicate whether it will cut rates. However, Joint MD & CFO Chanda Kochhar said: ?These measures will accelerate the move to a lower interest rate regime across the system.?

Last night in America, the American people chose socialism. They chose to have the government be the answer to everything. They chose to have the government take money from one group of people and give it to another.

The banking system is headed towards a cheaper rate regime. We will cut benchmark lending rates in two tranches. We may cut our rates at least 50 basis points in the first tranche in eight to ten days and further cuts will be made in the next tranche with a 15-day lag.

The problem is not of availability of credit but demand. Credit is available for viable proposals,?

Why Freedom Loan From Benchmark Lending Is The Most Popular

2009-06-23T06:29:00.001-07:00

When you think of mortgages that enable thousands of people to acquire homes every year, you are thinking of the Benchmark Lending group which has provided much needed finances to get new homes or refinance the existing homes to many families for over ten years. They offer tailor made mortgages to suit the needs of customers ensuring that you can afford it. They make this happen by considering the cash flow of every customer. They also consider the repayment period, investment opportunities and your equity plans. The Benchmark lending group was founded by Barney Aldridge in 1995 as a primary mortgage lending bank and it continues to grow. Customers can expect no hassles and there are no middlemen. The headquarters are located in Northern California and their culture is to provide a good service with dedication and passion.

When you need to apply for a loan, the company assures you that the process is easy and, you do not have to worry about complications. You will have a loan officer guide you through the whole process briefing you on all vital issues on credit until you have a satisfactory end. At Benchmark lending group, the management consists of people who have mastered the industry and proved that they can deliver what it takes to progress the business. It consists of the President who is the Chief Executive officer. His name is Jason Ehrlicher and he began as a loan officer in the company and years have seen him become capable and able to lead owing to his rich experience and dedication to the company since it began.

The others in the management team include the Director of Human Resources, Vice President of Sales and the Sales Manager. The first kind of loan they offer is the Fixed Rate Loan where the rate does not change and one can get a loan to repay in 10, 15, 20 and 30 years. People who go for such a loan must be planning to keep their house for more than 10 years and, for those who do not plan to use their home equity for the period of the loan. The other kind of mortgage the Benchmark Lending group offer is the adjustable rate mortgage. This loan is for people who plan to keep their house for up to 10 years or less. The duration for this kind of mortgage is usually 3, 5, 7 and 10 years.

A freedom loan from Benchmark Lending is the most popular because it is an adjustable loan that enables you to choose from 4 different payment methods according to your convenience every month. The loan is tailor made for people who do not have a regular or stable cash flow and for people who want to make other investments. Another loan suitable for people with fluctuating incomes is the Better Half loan and, it will help people with unstable monthly income realize their dream of owning a home. There are very many other options to choose from and, you can even apply online on their site. There are other resources that you will find very helpful. Before you take any mortgage, it is good to consider your income and your flexibility and ability to repay given the many options of repayments. Get a good system that will help you realize your dream for a good home.

Peter Gitundu Is A Web Administrator And Has Been Researching And Reporting On Mortgages For Years. You Can Post Pour Views About Benchmark Lending On My Blog Here Benchmark Lending Feel Free To Read My Other Articles On Benchmark Lending Here Benchmark Lending

benchmark lending

2009-06-23T06:23:00.000-07:00

Benchmarking

Process benchmarking: an application to lending products

Benchmarking techniques evolved from Xerox’s pioneering visit to Japan in the late 1970s. However, the application of the benchmarking concept to the banking industry did not take place until the late 1990s. Process benchmarking, in particular, is a tool that helps FIs to cut costs, improve productivity and integrate business processes. Although process benchmarking involves divulging what may be considered as sensitive or confidential information, forming de facto benchmarking partnerships with competitors allows participating institutions to compare cost and output advantages and disadvantages, when performing key processes involved in lending operations. This paper presents an application of process benchmarking to lending operations across Australia to highlight differences in costs involved in seemingly identical value chains.

Primary Pulmonary Hypertension, PPH

2009-06-23T06:19:00.000-07:00

Primary pulmonary hypertension or PPH occurs when blood pressure in the pulmonary artery or the major blood vessel connecting the right heart ventricle and the lungs is higher than normal (The lungs are responsible for supplying the blood with oxygen and ridding the blood of carbon dioxide). Primary pulmonary hypertension arises for no apparent reason and is therefore synonymously known as idiopathic pulmonary hypertension or unexplained pulmonary hypertension. Primary pulmonary hypertension causes have been shown to include use of the diet drugs Fen Phen, Redux (dexfenfluramine) and Pondimin (fenfluramine). A higher pulmonary artery blood pressure causes the heart to work much harder to pump sufficient quantities of blood into the lungs. Over time, the heart muscles weaken and eventually may fail.

Primary pulmonary hypertension is a relatively rare lung disorder with an estimated 500 to 1,000 new cases being diagnosed each year in the United States. The greatest number of PPH cases are reported in women from ages 20 to 40, but men, women and children of all ages can develop this disease. In the calendar year 2000, there were 163,000 hospital discharges in which one of the diagnoses was primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH). There is no cure for primary pulmonary hypertension, but treatments can provide great benefits to PPH patients.

Hypertension and the Cardiovascular System

The heart pumps blood from the right ventricle into the lungs through the pulmonary artery. The lungs then supply oxygen to the blood and capture carbon dioxide and other waste materials to be eliminated during exhalation. The blood then flows back to the heart, where the left ventricle pumps it throughout the body. The pumping action of the heart generates the blood flow; blood pressure is generated by resistance to this blood flow. If there is high resistance to this blood flow, then blood pressure rises. Hypertension is a medical term meaning that the blood pressure is higher than normal or that the resistance to blood flow is causing the blood pressure to be at an elevated state.

Pulmonary Hypertension

The normal pressure in the pulmonary artery is between 14 and 18 mm Hg. For patients with pulmonary hypertension, the pressure is normally about 30 to 50% higher or 25 to 30 mmHg. This high pressure has been linked to certain changes in the small blood vessels in the lungs. As the resistance to blood flow in these small vessels increases, it is harder for blood to flow through them and so the blood "backs up." This action causes the blood pressure in the pulmonary artery, which feeds these small lung vessels, to increase. PPH has also been shown to result from narrowing of the pulmonary artery. As this large artery narrows, the force required to pump blood through the artery increases and thus the pressure in the artery increases.

Deaths from Primary Pulmonary Hypertension

Primary pulmonary hypertension has no cure. If left untreated, the right side of the heart becomes overworked and eventually fails, leading to death. One study showed that 30% of untreated PPH patients died within 3 years of diagnosis. New treatments for PPH, developed during the 1990's, have helped to relieve the symptoms and improve the quality of life of PPH patients.

Egg credit card

2009-06-23T06:18:00.000-07:00

Egg's increase in rates follows consecutive cuts in interest rates by the Bank of England Photo: GETTY

Credit card provider Egg has written to customers saying that their rates will increase from March 6.

It also issued an ultimatum to borrowers to accept the rate or their card will be suspended, meaning they will no longer be able to spend on the card. The rate increase each customer receives depends on their risk profile. Those who are considered at greater risk of defaulting on loan repayments will receive a larger increase.

Egg's decision follows consecutive cuts in interest rates by the Bank of England, which has cut the Bank Rate from 5 per cent at the beginning of October last year to its current level of just 1 per cent, the lowest since the bank was founded in 1694.

And it comes in the wake of a Government crackdown last year on credit card companies that fail to pass on interest rate cuts.

Almost 31 million Britons own a credit card, according to Apacs, the payments industry body – and 3.7 of those are failing to cope with paying off their debt, while one million have borrowed too much money and can't keep up with mortgage repayments, according to research produced by Axa at that time.

Egg closed 161,000 accounts last year after it found the risk profile of the customers had "deteriorated considerably", according to the credit card provider's spokesman.

Peter Harrison, credit card expert at moneysupermarket.com, said: "This is yet another public relations disaster for Egg. It is sorely testing the loyalty of its customers – and its actions clearly fly in the face of the Government's recent directive to credit card companies."

Gareth Thomas, consumer affairs minister, told The Daily Telegraph: "I am disappointed that Egg is increasing its prices, even if four fifths of its customers are unaffected. "However, I welcome the fact that they are complying with the principles agreed with Government last year. These new protections mean consumers can pay down their debts at their existing rates."

Citigroup bought Egg, the internet and telephone credit card and loans business, from Prudential in 2007.

Teresa La Thangue, a spokesman for Egg, confirmed that 550,329 customers will see an increase in rates, with an average increase of 4.39 per cent and the highest increase of 5 per cent.

She said: "It is business as usual and the Egg Card remains competitively priced."

A further 120,431 Egg accounts will see a reduction in their rates.

A spokesman for Apacs said: "If a customer's interest rate goes up they will be given sufficient time to close their account or be offered an alternative product, where available, and customers will not have their interest rate increased due to risk-based re-pricing in the first year of taking out a card."

Wisconsin Lemon Law

2009-06-23T06:16:00.000-07:00

The Notification Letter to Manufacturer is available in PDF format. Click the above link to View or Right Click the link to Save the File to your computer.

If the motor vehicle you buy or lease in Wisconsin turns out to be a lemon, the manufacturer has to replace it free or refund the price (minus a reasonable amount for mileage).

What is a Lemon?

A new vehicle, no more than a year old and still under warranty, is a lemon if it has a serious defect the dealer can't fix in four tries, or if it has one or many defects that prevent you from using it for 30 days or more (the 30 days need not be consecutive).

What is a defect?

A defect covered by the Lemon Law must seriously affect the use, value or safety of your vehicle and must be covered by the warranty. An irritating rattle may not be "serious" enough to make your car a lemon. Stalling probably is.

What vehicles are covered?

The law covers any new car, truck, motorcycle or motor home you buy or lease in Wisconsin, even if you register the vehicle in another state. It also covers a demonstrator or executive vehicle, but does not cover other used vehicles. The law also does not cover mopeds or trailers.

How long are you covered?

The Lemon Law includes no deadline for filing a Lemon Law suit; a court would decide if your case were too old. Some attorneys maintain that the limit would be six or seven years after purchase; however, some attorneys may be reluctant to handle cases over four years old.

Is my vehicle a lemon?

Your vehicle is a lemon if all of the following statements are true:

You bought or leased a vehicle in Wisconsin.
The vehicle is a car, truck, motorcycle or motor home.
The vehicle developed a defect or defects during its first year and before the warranty expired.
The defect seriously harms the vehicle's use, value or safety.
One of the following happened during the vehicle's first year and before the warranty expired:

The dealer failed four times to fix the same defect; OR
The vehicle was out of service for 30 days or more due or more defects

What should a lemon owner do?

Get a repair order for every repair visit, even if the shop doesn't diagnose the problem or attempt a repair. A repair order should show the problem you report, and the dates your car is in the shop.
Keep purchase contracts, warranties, and repair orders to prove you have a lemon. Don't keep repair orders in your car where they may get lost.
We suggest you use WisDot's Motor Vehicle Lemon Law Notice Form to ask the manufacturer for a refund or replacement vehicle. Send the form to the manufacturer at the address in your owners manual. Your refund should include the full purchase price, sales tax, any finance charge, and collateral costs (for example, repairs, towing, alternative transportation), minus the mileage deduction allowed by law. If you get a replacement vehicle, the manufacturer should refund your collateral costs and charge nothing for mileage.
If you return to the manufacturer a vehicle that has missing equipment or unrepaired damage beyond normal wear and tear, a manufacturer may want to negotiate a damage deduction. You should not be responsible for paying for normal wear and tear, such as minor dents, scratches, pitted glass, soiled carpets, minor stains or tears. Feel free to have the damage appraised at a location you choose, or to have it repaired rather than paying a deduction.
If you don't get a refund or replacement by writing the manufacturer, consider using your manufacturer's arbitration program. If your manufacturer has a program certified by WisDOT, you must use it before you can sue under the Lemon Law. If your manufacturer's program is not certified, you do not have to use it. However, if you do use it, you might get a decision you like. You can reject any decision you don't like. See the list of arbitration programs listed below.
Talk to an attorney if the manufacturer doesn't help you. A court may need to decide if your vehicle is a lemon and what settlement you deserve. If you sue the manufacturer and win, you could get double the vehicle purchase price, plus other costs and attorney fees. To find an attorney who handles Lemon Law cases, contact the State Bar of Wisconsin Attorney Referral Service toll-free at (800) 362-9082, or at (608) 257-4666. Or visit WisBar Lawyer Referral and Information Service.

Who can I call for help?

Wisconsin Department of Transportation's Dealer Section licenses and regulates dealers and manufacturers and helps resolve disputes about vehicle sales and warranties. Contact the Dealer Section if you have a complaint against a dealer or manufacturer.

The Dealer Section won't resolve your Lemon Law complaint for you, but it will give you more information about using your Lemon Law rights.

Dealer Section
Wisconsin Department of Transportation
P. O. Box 7909
Madison, Wisconsin 53707-7909
(608) 266-1425

Wisconsin's lemon law

2009-06-23T06:14:00.000-07:00

Wisconsin's lemon law

If the motor vehicle you buy or lease turns out to be a "lemon," the manufacturer has to replace it free or refund the price (minus a reasonable amount for mileage).

What is a "lemon"?

A new vehicle - no more than a year old and still under warranty - is a "lemon" if

It has a serious defect the dealer can't fix in four tries, or
It has one or many defects that prevent you from using it for 30 days or more (the 30 days need not be consecutive)

What is a defect?

What vehicles are covered?

The law covers any new car, truck, motorcycle or motor home (does not include mopeds, semi-trailers, trailers or non-motorized RVs) you buy or lease, even if you register the vehicle in another state. It also covers a demonstrator or executive vehicle.

How long are you covered?

The lemon law includes no deadline for filing a lemon law suit; a court would decide if your case were too old.

Is your vehicle a lemon?

Your vehicle is a lemon if all of the following statements are true:

You bought or leased a new vehicle.
The vehicle is a car, truck, motorcycle or motor home.
The vehicle developed a defect or defects during its first year and before the warranty expired.
The defect seriously harms the vehicle's use, value or safety.
One of the following happened during the vehicle's first year and before the warranty expired:
- The dealer failed four times to fix the same defect; OR
- The vehicle was out of service for 30 days or more due to defects

What should a lemon owner do?

Get a repair order for every repair visit, even if the shop doesn't diagnose the problem or attempt a repair. A repair order should show the problem you report, and the dates your car is in the shop.
Keep purchase contracts, warranties, and repair orders to prove you have a lemon. Don't keep repair orders in your car where they may get lost.
We strongly urge you to use the Wisconsin Department of Transportation's (WisDOT) Motor Vehicle Lemon Law Notice form to ask the manufacturer for a refund or replacement vehicle. The Lemon Law Notice includes important language required under the lemon law. Send the form to the manufacturer at the address in your owners manual. The manufacturer has 30 days to respond. Your refund should include the full purchase price, sales tax, any finance charge, and collateral costs (for example, repairs, towing, alternative transportation), minus the mileage deduction allowed by law. If you get a replacement vehicle, the manufacturer should refund your collateral costs and charge nothing for mileage.
If you return to the manufacturer a vehicle that has missing equipment or unrepaired damage beyond normal wear and tear, a manufacturer may want to negotiate a damage deduction. You should not be responsible for paying for normal wear and tear, such as minor dents, scratches, pitted glass, soiled carpets, minor stains or tears. Feel free to have the damage appraised at a location you choose, or to have it repaired rather than paying a deduction.
If you don't get a refund or replacement by writing the manufacturer, consider using your manufacturer's arbitration program. If your manufacturer has a program certified by WisDOT, you must use it before you can sue under the Lemon Law. If your manufacturer's program is not certified, you do not have to use it. However, if you do use it, you might get a decision you like. You can reject any decision you don't like. See the list of arbitration programs listed below.
Talk to an attorney if the manufacturer doesn't help you. A court may need to decide if your vehicle is a lemon and what settlement you deserve. If you sue the manufacturer and win, you could get double the vehicle purchase price, plus other costs and attorney fees. To find an attorney who handles Lemon Law cases, contact the State Bar of Wisconsin Attorney Referral Service toll-free at (800) 362-9082, or at (608) 257-4666 or WisBar Lawyer Referral and Information Service.

Who can you call for help?

WisDOT's Dealer & Agent Section licenses and regulates dealers and manufacturers and helps resolve disputes about vehicle sales and warranties. Contact the Dealer & Agent Section if you have a complaint against a dealer or manufacturer.

The Dealer & Agent Section won't resolve your Lemon Law complaint for you, but it will give you more information about exercising your rights under the Lemon Law.

U.S. DOT auto safety hotline

If you own a car or truck that you feel has a safety defect you should report the problem to the Hotline at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).

The U.S. DOT Auto Safety Hotline specializes in gathering information about safety problems in motor vehicles and equipment and is your chance to help identify these problems which sometimes lead to recalls. The Hotline can be dialed toll free at (888) DASH-2-DOT or (888) 327-4236 or you can now file your vehicle safety defect report online.

Need a speaker?

WisDOT's Dealer & Agent Section (608) 266-1425 or dealers.dmv@dot.state.wi.us has speakers for your class or meeting. It's free! Please give us four weeks' notice.

Topics include:

The lemon law
Wise car buying

Manufacturer arbitration programs:

Arbitration is an informal way to resolve your complaint without going to court. Arbitrators - often volunteers from the community - decide your case based on information you and the manufacturer provide. If your manufacturer has an arbitration program certified by WisDOT, you must use it before suing under the Lemon Law. If it is not certified, you do not have to use it. In either case, arbitration is free, you don't need a lawyer, and you don't have to accept a decision you don't like. Please call the toll-free number for the program's current procedures.

Certified by the State of Wisconsin:

BBB Auto Line
Better Business Bureau Auto Line
4200 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22203-1838
(800) 955-5100

(Certified for: Audi, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Hyundai, Isuzu, Kia, Mazda, Volkswagen)
(Non-certified for: Acura, AM General, General Motors (including Saturn and Saab), Geo, Honda, Infiniti, Nissan, Subaru)

National Center for Dispute Settlement
22500 Metropolitan Parkway, Suite 200,
Clinton Township, MI 48035
(800) 777-8119

(Non-certified for: Lexus, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Suzuki)

Consumer Arbitration Program for Recreation Vehicles (CAP-RV)
DeMars & Associates Ltd.
P.O. Box 1424
Waukesha, WI 53187-1424
(800) 279-5343

(Certified for: Coachmen)
CAP-Motor Program
(Certified for: Porsche)
(Non-certified for: Big Dog Motorcycles)

If you have questions:

E-mail: dealers.dmv@dot.state.wi.us
Call: (608) 266-1425
FAX: (608) 267-0323
Write to the address below:

Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Dealer & Agent Section
4802 Sheboygan Avenue, Room 201
P.O. Box 7909
Madison, WI 53707-7909

2009-06-23T06:12:00.002-07:00

Egg Money signals end of interest on credit balances

Bank acts after customers play system to the full

Mike Naylor
The Guardian, Saturday 25 April 2009
Article history

Egg Money credit card holders are to lose one of their most valuable benefits after the internet-based bank said it is scrapping credit interest.

From 15 May, Egg Money's 150,000 MasterCard customers will no longer get 4% on their credit balances. The company, owned by US bank Citi, is also increasing cash withdrawal charges on Visa cards.

A number of Egg customers have been using their MasterCard as a savings bank. Cardholders were overpaying their credit card bills, by as much as £5,000, to get a 4% return on their credit balance.

At 4%, Egg was paying far more than most savings accounts.

But Egg's latest move risks alienating yet more customers only a couple of months after it raised interest rates for up to 500,000 cardholders by as much as 7%.

The minimum charge for cash machine withdrawals on Egg Visa cards is going up by almost 67% – from £3 to £5 – from 28 May, another deterrent for those customers who want to borrow cash on a credit card.

The transaction fee of 3% remains the same. Most credit cards charge a minimum £2.50 or £3 to take cash from a machine.

Egg Visa and Egg Money both charge 16.9% for borrowing. However, Egg Money cardholders get 1% cashback on all purchases (up to a maximum rebate of £200 per year) which means it remains a good bet for those people who pay off their credit card bill in full each month.

A spokeswoman for Egg defended the removal of credit interest.

She said: "Few Egg Money cardholders keep a meaningful positive balance on their card and most chose the card because of cashback, which they will continue to receive, plus the additional [provision of] insurances."

Pulmonary Hypertension (cont.)

2009-06-23T06:12:00.001-07:00

What is the prognosis for pulmonary hypertension?

Generally, the prognosis of pulmonary varies depending on the underlying condition that is causing it. For primary pulmonary hypertension, the overall prognosis depends on the severity and whether treatment was instituted. The statistics show a survival of about 3 years in primary pulmonary hypertension without any therapy. Some of the other factors may indicate even poorer prognosis which include severe symptoms, age of onset greater than 45 years, evidence of right sided heart failure, and failure to respond to treatment. For patients with primary pulmonary hypertension who get started on treatment and respond to it, the prognosis is better. Studies are underway to determine optimal treatment regimens.

References:

1. Harrison's principles of Internal Medicine; 14th edition, 1998

2. Simonneau, G, Galie, N, Rubin, LJ, et al. Clinical classification of pulmonary hypertension. J Am Coll Cardiol 2004; 43:5S.

Pulmonary Hypertension (cont.)

2009-06-23T06:07:00.000-07:00

What is the treatment for pulmonary hypertension?

The treatment for pulmonary hypertension depends on the underlying cause.

If left sided heart failure is the primary problem, then adequate treatment of the left heart failure by a cardiologist is the main stray of treatment.

In cases where hypoxia (low oxygen levels) due to any chronic lung disease, such as COPD, is the cause, then providing oxygen and appropriately treating the underlying lung disease by a lung doctor (pulmonologist) is the first step in treatment.

In conditions, such as scleroderma, which often can cause pulmonary hypertension, a rheumatologist is involved in the treatment program.

Anticoagulation (thinning the blood) may be a treatment option if the main underlying cause is thought to be recurrent blood clot (chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension). As indicated in previous section, referral to a specialty center may be warranted for a possible surgical removal of blood clot (thromboendarterectomy).

For patients with primary pulmonary hypertension (those with no underlying cause), more advanced therapy may be attempted. These drugs have complex mechanisms, but in general they work by dilating (opening up) the pulmonary arteries and, therefore, by reducing the pressure in these blood vessels.

Some of the most commonly used drugs prescribed to treat pulmonary hypertension include:

epoprostenol (Flolan),
bosentan (Tracleer),
intravenous treprostinil (Remodulin),
inhaled iloprost (Ventavis),
sildenafil (Viagra, Revatio),
calcium channel blockers (such as nifedipine),
sitaxsentan (Thelin) - not FDA approved in the U.S., and
ambrisentan (Letairis).

These more advanced therapies can also be used for secondary pulmonary hypertension that may be too severe and not adequately controlled by the usual treatment of the underlying condition.

It is worth mentioning that regardless of the cause of pulmonary hypertension, supplemental oxygen and diuretics (water pills) may play an important role in relieving the symptoms of pulmonary hypertension of any cause. Therefore, they may be prescribed by the physician treating pulmonary hypertension.

Low oxygen in the atmosphere causes low blood oxygen levels and aggravates pulmonary hypertension. Therefore, patients with pulmonary hypertension may benefit from breathing supplemental oxygen, especially during air travel or traveling to high altitude destinations.

Despite advances in various treatments, there is no cure for pulmonary hypertension.

Pulmonary Hypertension (cont.)

2009-06-23T06:05:00.000-07:00

What are the signs and symptoms of pulmonary hypertension?

Many people with pulmonary hypertension may have no symptoms at all, especially if the disease is mild or in early stages.

Pulmonary hypertension symptoms may include:

The most common symptoms of pulmonary hypertension is shortness of breath that worsens with activity.
Other common complaints are cough, fatigue, dizziness, and lethargy.
With the advancement of the condition and ensuing right heart failure, shortness of breath may get worse and retention of fluid in the body may increase (due to failure of the heart to pump blood forward) resulting in swelling the legs.
People may also complain of chest pain and angina.

Signs of pulmonary hypertension may include:

A rapid breathing, hypoxia (low oxygen level in the blood), and swelling in the legs.
In severe pulmonary hypertension, the doctor may hear louder than normal components of heart sounds when he or she listens to the heart with a stethoscope (auscultation).
The doctor may also feel elevation of the chest wall when the heart pumps and this may indicate enlargement of the right side of the heart suggestive of pulmonary hypertension (right ventricular heave).

How is pulmonary hypertension diagnosed?

The first step in diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension is to clinically suspect it. This may be done as part of an evaluation of another disease that can lead to pulmonary hypertension (such as scleroderma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or based on patients and signs and symptoms as described above.

Many tests, such as echocardiogram, may be performed that be give us clues to the possibility of pulmonary hypertension. But the gold standard (the best test available) is right heart catheterization. This test entails inserting a catheter through the groin into the femoral vein, a large vein in the lower body (or under the collar bone or in the upper arm into the subclavian vein, a large vein in the upper body) and advancing it to the right side of the heart. The catheter is connected to a device that can monitor and measure blood pressure in the right side of the heart and pulmonary arteries.

During right heart catheterization, response to certain medication to treat pulmonary hypertension can be assessed. This is done by administering medications for pulmonary hypertension while the patients still has the catheter placed in heart. Then pulmonary blood pressure is monitored and the response to treatment is compared to no treatment. This can give the physicians a clue as to if an individual is a candidate for a certain therapy and also what dosage of the medicine may be appropriate.

Pulmonary hypertension is defined as the mean pulmonary artery blood pressure greater than 25 millimeter of mercury (mmHg) measured by right heart catheterization. The pressures can be much higher than 25 mmHg in some people. Therefore, the pulmonary hypertension can be labeled as mild, moderate, or severe based on the pressures. Mean arterial pressure is two-thirds of the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure (systolic is the upper number and diastolic is the lower number in measuring blood pressure). As explained above, the pulmonary blood pressure is much lower than the systemic blood pressure.

What tests other than right heart catheterization may be used in diagnosing pulmonary hypertension?

Other tests available for diagnosing pulmonary hypertension include electrocardiogram (ECG), chest x-ray, and echocardiogram. An ECG may show some abnormalities that may be suggestive of right heart failure. Chest x-ray may also show enlargement of the chambers of the right heart. And echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) shows ultrasound images of the heart and can detect evidence of right heart failure and pressures in the pulmonary artery can be estimated. These tests, in the right clinical setting, are very useful in diagnosing pulmonary hypertension.

Other tests may be useful in evaluating the conditions leading to secondary pulmonary hypertension. For example, a ventilation-perfusion scan (V/Q scan) can detect blood clots in the pulmonary arteries suggesting chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. A pulmonary function test can be useful in diagnosing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Pulmonary Hypertension (cont.)

2009-06-23T06:04:00.000-07:00

What causes primary pulmonary hypertension?

Primary pulmonary hypertension has no identifiable underlying cause. Primary pulmonary hypertension is also referred to as idiopathic pulmonary hypertension.

Primary pulmonary hypertension is an unusually aggressive and often fatal form of pulmonary hypertension that commonly affects young people. Whereas it is known that the arterial obstruction is caused by a building up of the smooth muscle cells that line the arteries, the underlying cause of the disease has long been a mystery.

A genetic cause of the familial form of primary pulmonary hypertension has been discovered. It is caused by mutations in a gene called BMPR2. BMPR2 encodes a receptor (a transforming growth factor beta type II receptor) that sits on the surface of cells and binds molecules of the TGF-beta superfamily. Binding triggers conformational changes that are shunted down into the cell's interior where a series of biochemical reactions occur, ultimately affecting the cell's behavior. The mutations block this process. This discovery may provide a means of genetic diagnosis and a potential target for the therapy of people with familial (and possibly also sporadic) primary pulmonary hypertension.

How common is pulmonary hypertension?

There are no clear statistical data on the prevalence of this condition. This may be due to the fact that many other diseases may cause or contribute to pulmonary hypertension. Often, these other conditions may be more readily diagnosed and treated without detecting pulmonary hypertension. Therefore, the data on prevalence of pulmonary hypertension may be obscured.

Pulmonary Hypertension (cont.)

2009-06-23T06:03:00.000-07:00

What are primary and secondary pulmonary hypertension?

In the conventional classification, pulmonary hypertension, which is also called pulmonary arterial hypertension, is divided into two main categories; 1) primary pulmonary hypertension (not caused by any other disease or condition); and 2) secondary pulmonary hypertension (caused by another underlying condition). Secondary pulmonary hypertension is much more common than primary pulmonary hypertension.

A newer classification of this condition is based on the main underlying cause of pulmonary hypertension. This system classifies the condition based on whether it is due to:

left sided heart disease,
lung disease,
blood clots,
constriction of arteries due to any reasons (including primary pulmonary hypertension), and
obstruction from outside of blood vessel (for example from diseases of the chest wall compressing the blood vessels).

What causes pulmonary hypertension?

Pulmonary hypertension can be caused by diseases of the heart and the lungs, such as:

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
emphysema,
failure of the left heart ventricle,
recurrent pulmonary embolism (blood clots traveling from the legs or pelvic veins obstructing the pulmonary arteries or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension), or
underlying diseases such as scleroderma.

Other conditions that may cause pulmonary hypertension include:

dermatomyositis,
systemic lupus erythematosus,
sarcoidosis,
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and
advanced liver disease (porto-pulmonary hypertension).

Pulmonary hypertension can also be caused by chronic low blood oxygen levels as in some patients with sleep apnea or other long-standing (chronic) lung disease.

Again, pulmonary hypertension caused by these other illnesses can also be referred to as secondary pulmonary hypertension.

When pulmonary hypertension occurs without underlying heart and lung disease or other illnesses, it is called primary pulmonary hypertension. Primary pulmonary hypertension is more common in younger people and more in females than in males.

Recently this condition has been rarely reported with the use of anti-obesity drugs such as dexfenfluramine (Redux) and Fen/Phen. These medications have seen been removed from the market. Some street drugs such as, cocaine and methamphetamines can cause severe pulmonary hypertension.

What are pulmonary arteries?

2009-06-23T06:01:00.000-07:00

The human body has two major sets of blood vessels that distribute blood from the heart to the body. One set pumps blood from the right heart to the lungs and the other from the left heart to the rest of the body.

The portion of the circulation that distributes oxygen-rich blood from the left side of the heart, throughout the body, is referred to as the systemic circulation.
The blood then returns from the body to the right side of the heart and passes through the lungs to replenish oxygen.
It then returns to the left side of the heart for another round through the systemic circulation.
The portion of the circulation that distributes the blood from the right side of the heart to the lungs is referred to as the pulmonary (lung) circulation.
The pulmonary arteries are the major blood vessels that carry blood from the right side of the heart to the lungs.

The left ventricle of the heart pumps oxygenated blood (blood that has been reloaded with oxygen in the lungs) from the lungs into the systemic circulation. When a doctor or a nurse measures the blood pressure on a person's arm, he/she is measuring the pressures in the systemic circulation. When these pressures are abnormally high, the person is diagnosed as having high blood pressure (hypertension).

What is pulmonary hypertension?

The right ventricle pumps blood returning from the body into the pulmonary arteries to the lungs to receive oxygen. The pressures in the lung arteries (pulmonary arteries) are normally significantly lower than the pressures in the systemic circulation. When pressure in the pulmonary circulation becomes abnormally elevated, it is referred to as pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary artery hypertension, or PAH.

Pulmonary hypertension generally results from constriction, or stiffening, of the pulmonary arteries that supply blood to the lungs. Consequently, it becomes more difficult for the heart to pump blood forward through the lungs. This stress on the heart leads to enlargement of the right heart and eventually fluid can build up in the liver and other tissues, such as the in the legs.

Pulmonary Hypertension, Primary

2009-06-23T05:54:00.000-07:00

Introduction

Background

Primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) is a rare disease characterized by elevated pulmonary artery pressure with no apparent cause. PPH is also termed precapillary pulmonary hypertension or, more recently, idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH). The diagnosis is usually made after excluding other known causes of pulmonary hypertension. Dresdale and colleagues first reported a hemodynamic account of IPAH in 1951. For additional resources, please visit Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of IPAH is poorly understood. An insult (eg, hormonal, mechanical, other) to the endothelium may occur, possibly in the setting of increased susceptibility to pulmonary vascular injury (ie, multiple hit theory), resulting in a cascade of events characterized by vascular scarring, endothelial dysfunction, and intimal and medial (smooth muscle) proliferation. At least 15-20% of patients with IPAH have a familial form, which has only recently been characterized. Some cases may be related to sporadic genetic defects. The most common genetic defect in these cases is related to the BMPR-II gene.

Early in the disease, as the pulmonary artery pressure increases because of increasing right ventricle work, thrombotic pulmonary arteriopathy occurs. Thrombotic pulmonary arteriopathy is characterized by in situ thrombosis of small muscular arteries of the pulmonary vasculature. In later stages, as the pulmonary pressure continues to rise, plexogenic pulmonary arteriopathy develops. This is characterized by a remodeling of the pulmonary vasculature with intimal fibrosis and replacement of normal endothelial structure.

Associated conditions

IPAH can be associated with portal hypertension (sometimes called portopulmonary hypertension), suggesting that patients with shunting of splanchnic blood, with or without liver disease, have a higher risk of developing PPH. Additionally, exposure of the pulmonary circulation to substances in the splanchnic circulation that normally are detoxified via the liver may contribute to the development of pulmonary hypertension. More research is necessary to better understand this relationship.

Patients with connective tissue diseases, namely the CREST (calcinosis cutis, Raynaud phenomenon, esophageal motility disorder, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia) variant of scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus, and mixed connective tissue disease, are also predisposed to developing IPAH-like disease. This is now termed associated PAH, or APAH. However, the pathophysiologic nature of this predisposition is unclear. In the past, most experts used the term secondary pulmonary arterial hypertension for these diseases, indicating that, similar to IPAH, the process involves the precapillary circulation but is somehow caused by the underlying disease.

Other associations with IPAH include exposure to anorexigens and other alpha-adrenergic stimulants (eg, cocaine, amphetamines) and HIV seropositivity. How these associated conditions predispose to or cause PPH remains unknown.

In most cases of APAH, such as in connective tissue disease, the incidence of pulmonary hypertension is higher (>10% in some studies) than for IPAH, which has an incidence of 1-2 cases per million per year (see below).

Frequency

United States

IPAH is responsible for approximately 125-150 deaths per year and has an incidence rate of approximately 1-3 cases per million population per year. The incidence and prevalence of IPAH are considerably higher than those for pure IPAH.

International

The worldwide incidence of IPAH approximates that observed in the United States.

Mortality/Morbidity

IPAH has no cure. Untreated, IPAH leads to right-sided heart failure and death. The overall survival rate in one study was approximately 30% at 3 years. Prior to the 1990s, therapeutic options were limited. The recent emergence of prostacyclin analogues, endothelin receptor antagonists, and other novel drug therapies has greatly improved the outlook for patients with IPAH and IPAH-like diseases. In one study, the use of long-term prostacyclin agents resulted in a 5-year mortality rate greater than 65%. With newer therapies, perhaps in combination, these figures are expected to further improve.

Race

No racial predilection is recognized.

Sex

IPAH occurs at a female-to-male ratio ranging from 2-9:1, depending on the treatment center sampled; however, the reasons for this female predilection remain unknown.

Age

Typically, younger women of childbearing age develop IPAH. However, it can also affect women in their fifth and sixth decades of life or older.

Clinical

History

The average time from symptom onset to diagnosis has been reported to be approximately 2 years. Despite recent attempts at increasing the awareness of PAH, especially APAH, this delay in diagnosis has not changed appreciably in recent years.

Early symptoms are nonspecific. Often, neither the patient nor physician recognizes the presence of the disease, which leads to delays in diagnosis. Complicating matters, PPH requires an extensive workup in an attempt to elucidate an identifiable cause of the elevated pulmonary artery pressure.
The most common symptoms reported in a national prospective study are as follows:
- Dyspnea is present in 60%.
- Weakness is present in 19%.
- Recurrent syncope is present in 13%.
- Women are more likely to be symptomatic than men.

Physical

Physical findings in persons with PAH can be quite variable.

Physical examination of the cardiovascular system often reveals the following findings:
- The pulmonic component of the second heart sound is usually increased, which may demonstrate fixed or paradoxic splitting in the presence of severe right ventricular dysfunction. Occasionally, the second heart sound may be palpable.
- Pulmonic regurgitation (Graham Steell murmur) may also be apparent.
- A murmur of tricuspid regurgitation can be present, and a right ventricular lift (heave) may be noted.
- Jugular venous pulsations may be elevated in the presence of volume overload, right ventricular failure, or both. Large V waves are often present because of the commonly present severe tricuspid regurgitation.
Other findings may include (1) hepatomegaly with palpable pulsations of the liver and (2) an abnormal abdominal-jugular reflex. Ascites is not uncommonly present in untreated patients or in patients with worsening decompensated right heart failure.
Lung examination findings are usually normal.
Extremity examination may reveal pitting edema of varying degrees. Patients who are bedridden may have presacral edema.

Causes

The strict definition of IPAH is pulmonary hypertension with no known cause. However, associations have been recognized (eg, liver cirrhosis, stimulant abuse, HIV infection; see Associated conditions in Pathophysiology).

Insurance Companies on the Internet

2009-06-23T05:50:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the IIIN Directory of Insurance Companies on the Internet.
This directory connects you to the web sites of over one thousand insurance companies.
Use the navigational links below to browse this directory by insurance specialty.

Some Types of insurance

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(1) Life Insurance
(2) Auto insurance
(3) Home insurance
(4) Health Insurance
(5) Property Insurance

History of insurance

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In some sense we can say that insurance appears simultaneously with the appearance of human society.
We know of two types of economies in human societies: money economies
(with markets, money, financial instruments and so on) and non-money or natural economies (without money, markets, financial instruments and so on).
The second type is a more ancient form than the first.
In such an economy and community, we can see insurance in the form of people helping each other. For example, if a house burns down, the members of the community help build a new one. Should the same thing happen to one's neighbour, the other neighbours must help. Otherwise, neighbours will not receive help in the future.
This type of insurance has survived to the present day in
some countries where modern money economy with its financial instruments is not widespread (for example countries in the territory of the former Soviet Union).

Insurance

2009-06-23T05:45:00.000-07:00

Insurance in law and economics is a form of risk management primarily used to hedge against the risk of a contingent loss.

Insurance is defined as the equitable transfer of the risk of a loss

from one entity to another, in exchange for a premium, and can be thought of as a guaranteed small loss to prevent a large, possibly devastating loss. An insurer is a company selling the insurance an insured is the person or entity buying the insurance.

The insurance rate is a factor used to determine the amount to be charged for a certain amount of insurance coverage, called the premium.

Easy ways to make comparison for auto insurance companies

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There are numerous auto insurance companies we can choose out there. The best things we should do is make a survey before take any decision. You should know what to look for when taking information for each insurance company. After you really satisfied then just go ahead. We will help you in this by list down 3 ways for you to get the info.
The first one is the easiest ways. If you have internet connection then that would be easy for you to compare auto insurance companies. Nowadays every insurance company should have a website so you can go there check their rates, compare and make a decision.
Secondly is by calling each companies by yourself. You can get the number from any directories. Yellow pages is one one the good example. Ask them for their rates or anything that you can do to improve your premium . By doing this you can get the answer right a way.
The third one is by check them all. List down all the info you get. Please ensure you check all of the companies very well. By checking around you will end up with find an excellent premium. That surely will surprised you. Exactly!
What are you waiting for. Go and check by yourself now!

How much your spend for car Insurance?

2009-06-23T05:41:00.000-07:00

In todays economy we need to save our money as much as we can.

One of the thing that sometimes burden us is car insurance.

Do you know we can lower the rates of our auto insurance?

Actually many insurance companies offer discounts or some kind which is varies greatly in both value and in stability.

To look for it is not so hard because there are many reputable discount auto insurance companies that will do a great job and stand by their policies.
The best idea to get the lower rates is by you compare quotes from several different car insurance companies online. Lastly, make your decision!

What Is a Yahoo Domain?

2009-06-22T21:35:00.000-07:00

The well-known Internet portal Yahoo! has joined the domain name business. The company now offers domain name registration services through its Yahoo! Small Business division. This sector of Yahoo is devoted to helping entrepreneurs get their businesses up and running by providing assistance like recruiting services, marketing tools and web hosting. The next reasonable step is to offer branded Yahoo domain registration. It’s another tool which will help business establish an online presence.

PC Magazine reviewed Yahoo Domains and gave it the highly-coveted Editor’s Choice Award. The published review states that “domain registration through Yahoo! Small Business is the easiest.” The statement reflects the level of service that one receives through a Yahoo Domain. It offers great features like domain forwarding, email forwarding, control panel with DNS management, and the most popular top-level domains. Knowledgeable customer service is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week and the call is toll-free. In addition to this, one to five-year registration plans are available.

Yahoo! Domains also makes upgrading very easy for those who want to expand to other Yahoo! services. Customers may upgrade to receive a personal custom mailbox or business mail package which reflects the domain name. Users may also transfer their Yahoo! domain from another web host to Yahoo! Web Hosting. If the customer needs help creating an online store, they may summon the help of Merchant Solutions which is a program that will help them manage online sales.

PC Magazine said that a Yahoo Domain was the easiest. It is quite possible to claim that the service is one of the cheapest. It offers all of the aforementioned features for only $4.98 per year at the time of this writing. With so many wonderful features at such a low price, it is hard to overlook an offer like this one.

Domain Name Registration

2009-06-22T21:31:00.000-07:00

Your domain name is the conduit to your website. It is the identity you give your web pages that allow surfers and customers to find you and engage in commerce with you. A catchy, memorable domain name will be your biggest asset in promoting your online enterprise.

Since the rise of the internet in the early nineties web masters and entrepreneurs have scrambled to transform the world wide web into a medium for commerce. Registering every possible product as a domain name from Toys.com and Books.com to CreditCards.com and 90DaysSameAsCash.com these savvy web masters have used up most of the valuable descriptive names and phrases.

If you are one of the lucky few to discover a virgin name then you will need an understanding of the Domain Name Registration process.

Domain Names are entries in a master data base called a registry. The domain name registry is used by computers to find other computers on the internet by cross referencing their locations or IP numbers. With the domain name registration you are entering data that relates your contact information and your host computer's IP numbers to a human friendly name that web surfers can use to find your website.

Although a once daunting task, domain name registration has become a matter of filling out online forms and entering payment information. You need to choose a registrar; registrars are the middle men responsible for tracking and maintaining the domain registry and collecting your money. There has been explosive growth in the domain name registration business since the US government deregulated the industry in 1999. Choose your registrar judiciously since he will be intrusted to safe guard your domain name.

NameSeek serves to simplify name selection and domain name registration. We have cataloged and evaluated some of the finest domain names on the internet and made them available to everyone. All NameSeek names are preregisterd so you can skip the domain name registration process all together. NameSeek names are rich in keywords and colorful phrases and are selected for maximum impact and imagery.

When your name matters most, get the best! Get it from NameSeek.

How To Choose A Domain Name

2009-06-22T21:25:00.000-07:00

Your Domain Name is the doorway to your website. A good name makes your site inviting and easy to find and will encourage visitors to return again. Follow these guidelines and tips for choosing a Domain name that entices visitors and bolsters your online success.

Your number one goal is to choose a domain name that helps people find your site, your products and your services. Always keep this in mind.
Your Domain Name should describe the goods or service you offer. BobsPlace.com would be a poor choice if you are selling antique dining tables. A much better domain would be AntiqueDiningTables.com. Choose an unique brand name only if you are willing to invest the capitol and time to promote brand awareness.
Your domain name should match the business you are in which should match your site name. If your company offers auto cad services then the best domain name would be AutoCadServices.com And your website's name could be "Auto Cad Services".
Choose a name that is memorable. Refer to number one goal. If visitors and clients can't remember the name of your site then your chances of retaining business is nill.
Choose a domain name that is easily readable. CoinsExchange.com can be read two ways but don't make it any more confusing than that. Avoid acronyms, initials and abreviations; they make your domain name too cryptic.
Keep the domain name short. Short makes the domain more memorable and it gives users less chance to mistype when entering the name into their browser. CarSub.com is a great name!
Use keywords in your domain name. Keywords not only excite the search engines but also paint an image in your customers mind about what to expect from your site. A user searching for bottle brushes will know they hit pay dirt with BottleBrushes.com
Always choose dot.com as a top level domain. Surfers will consistently type .com in their browser before any other TLD. If your competitor has .com and you have .biz, you lose.
Limit your domain to two words if you can. Three words or more becomes unwieldy and awkward to remember. An exception would be a common, everyday phrase. 90DaysSameAsCash.com works well but see our next tip.
Hyphens and numbers are a no-no. Imagine telling someone your domain name and then reminding them to use a hyphen between this word and that word and, oh yea, don't spell the numbers. It just leads to confusion. The only exception is a common phrase like 90DaysSameAsCash.com.
Try not to use "and" or "the" in your domain name unless you have to and never use "the" as the first word in the name. If a surfer forgets the "the" you have lost another one to the competition.
Don't wait too long to decide on your name. The internet is full of tales of lost opportunity and the big one that got away. NameSeek offers free domain parking while you work on hosting.
Buy the name first then develop the site. Establishing your identity is a function of site development so you need your identity first. You can take advantage of NameSeek's free domain parking as you develop.
If there is a singular and a plural version of your name, get both. Also go for common misspellings; don't lose plurals and misspellings to your competition. You can have many domain names that all refresh visitors to one site.
Avoid profanity in your domain name even if you seek an adult site. Some search engines may decide to ban a purely tasteless or vulgar name but profanity is also tacky and unprofessional.

Fortunately NameSeek has done the hard work for you. These are the same guidelines we use when selecting domain names to broker. Our inventory of high quality domains are rigorously screened for content and value. All you have to do is choose.

What Is a Yahoo Domain?

2009-06-22T21:24:00.000-07:00

Choosing a Domain Name

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Domain names, like yahoo.com, give customers an easy way to remember how to find you.

Yahoo! Store can automatically register and transfer domain names, and forward emails for .com, .net, and .org domains. We can also provide name service and hosting for other types of domain names such as country code top level domains (ccTLD), but because other naming authorities do not have automated registration processes, you must register for ccTLD domain names yourself.

Yahoo! Store also provides email forwarding for domain names you register through your Store account.

Domain registration is $35 per year to register a new domain. Domain transfers are $10 per year.

What makes a good domain name?
A good domain name should be easy to remember, easy to spell, and preferably short. The name of your company is always a good choice. If your desired domain name is already taken, you can search if the .net or .org variation is available. You may also use hyphens to create unique domain names.

What characters are allowed?
.Com, .net, and .org domain names must meet these requirements: They cannot exceed 67 characters, including the characters in the suffix (63 characters plus the 4 character .xyz). Only letters, numbers, or hyphens are permitted. A domain name may not begin or end with a hyphen. These requirements are not set by Yahoo!. They are part of the regulatory standards that .com, .net and .org domain names must follow.

What's the difference between http://yahoo.com and http://www.yahoo.com?
Not a lot. By default, Yahoo! Store makes both URLs work. You can advertise whichever one you like the best.

Do I need to put the http:// on?
Probably not. Most web sites just advertise www.widgetdesigns.com. The www. is a good enough clue to people that it's a web address, so you don't need to say it. All popular browsers let you simply type www.widgetdesigns.com into the URL window.

Should I get a lot of domain names?
You may register and own an unlimited number of domain names. In addition to .com, many people register the .net and .org variations of their primary domain name. Each domain name costs $35.00 per year. If you already own a domain name, you can transfer it for $10.00 per year.

Who owns the domain name I register?
If you register a domain name through Yahoo! Store, you may designate the Registrant (owner) and Administrator. Yahoo! is only listed as the technical contact and nameservers. As the Registrant, you have final authority and responsibility regarding the use of your domain name. For more information, refer to the Yahoo! Store Domain Service Agreement.

How can I change my domain name?
Changing a domain name associated with a Yahoo! Store is not possible. You can, however, register a new domain name then keep or cancel the old one.

What is the public domain name database?
A public domain name database (also known as Whois) contains contact information for all domain names. There are many registrars that register .com, .net and, .org domain names. Each of these registrars maintain their own public domain database

Yahoo! Store registers your domain name through Internet Names Worldwide (Melbourne IT)*, an ICANN Accredited registrar.
The personal contact information you provide as the Registrant and Administrative contact is used to register your domain name. As required by the Internet's governing organization (ICANN), this information will be made publicly available. For more information, refer to the Yahoo! Store Domain Service Agreement.

Records of all domain names registered by the registrar, Internet Names Worldwide, are maintained in their public domain domain database. The information includes Registrant, Administrator, technical contact, and nameserver information as well as record creation, update, and expiration dates. This information is available through many publicly accessible interfaces. You'll find a list of whois resources in Yahoo!'s directory.

How do I update my contact information in the public domain database?
The personal information you provided in your order was used to register your domain name. As required by ICANN, the Internet governance organization, this information was made publicly available. If you would like to change or update this contact information, please contact customer care.

Please note: If you registered your domain name through Yahoo! Store before March 21, 2001, your domain name's registrar is Network Solutions. Update your contact information by going to the Manage It section at Network Solutions.

What is the difference between .com, .net, and .org domain names?
Originally, the three letter suffix after the dot in domain names indicates whether the domain name was used for commercial (.COM), network (.NET), or non-profit (.ORG) purposes.

Although there are guidelines, anyone may register these regardless of the intended use.

.Net and .org suffixes are good alternatives if the domain names you want in .com is already taken.

Cancelling your Yahoo! Store
Once you cancel your Yahoo! Store, you will be responsible for all future domain registration and renewal fees. Your domain name will remain registered to you unless you either contact the registrar, Melbourne IT to delete the domain name or you stop paying the domain renewal fees.

*If you registered your domain name through Yahoo! Store before March 21, 2001, your domain name’s registrar is Network Solutions.

DUI Lawyer, Newport Beach?

2009-06-22T20:59:00.000-07:00

According to some recent research I have carried out "DUI lawyer Newport beach" is the hottest paying keyword as of the end of January 2008. This was interesting for two reasons. While I knew what a lawyer or attorney was and is I had no idea what DUI was or why it was such an issue at the beach of Newport.

I was about to find out. It seems that DUI is what we call drink driving in the UK or Driving Under the Influence. It does not take a genius to guess that Newport beach is the place where most people pay the most money to deal with such charges.

That "DUI lawyer Newport beach" is the top best paying keyword at the moment says a lot. Most of it not so good.

A little more research shows me that Newport Beach is a city in California and that it has a total customer base of 84,218 people (2007). Maybe all this drinking is because Nicolas Cage lives there because there is nothing that indicates such a massive surge in click prices. The only answer must be two or more highly competitive keyword bidders doing very well from it all.

Is there something about this part of Newport that lends itself to drinks cars and policemen? I don't know. What it means to us bloggers is a lot of cash being given out for a single topic.

Sadly, unless you live in Newport or the Newport area writing about DUI lawyers really is not going to help you too much. Perhaps "dui lawyer torrance" might serve you better although how you get that into a normal article is beyond me. It pays almost as well as the first keyword, apparently with "dui lawyer seattle" and "seattle dui lawyer" trailing somewhat.

It almost makes me want to start a blawg (law blog) or general DUI USA blog but for one small thing - it is a dull and boring topic. Let's be honest, it is not that interesting. Unless you happen to have gotten a fine and ban for your party lifestyle.

Field Sobriety Tests

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When a person is stopped for DUI, and law enforcement has reason to believe that the person was operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, law enforcement will ask the person perform field sobriety tests. A field sobriety test is a coordination/agility test that allows law enforcement to gauge if a person is impaired by drugs and/or alcohol. It is believed that if a person is impaired by drugs and/or alcohol, his/her coordination will be impacted, which will result in poor performance of the field sobriety tests. While the person performs the field sobriety test, it is up to law enforcement to make the final judgment as to whether or not the person passes or fails each test.

What most people do not know is that field sobriety tests are consensual. This means that a person has the legal right to refuse to perform the field sobriety tests. If the person decides to consent to the field sobriety tests, he/she will usually be asked to perform a series of three coordination tests. The three standardized field sobriety tests that are approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are the horizontal gaze nystagmus test, the walk and turn test, and the one leg stand test.

It is important for people to remember that field sobriety tests are not fool proof, or 100% accurate. There are a variety of factors that could cause a person to fail the field sobriety tests, such as:

poor lighting conditions
poor weather conditions
slippery roads
wearing high heels
poor instruction by law enforcement
medical conditions

Orange County DUI Defense Lawyers
Coffey & Coffey – Attorneys at Law

If you have been charged with driving under the influence in Orange County, you will need to hire an attorney who can protect your constitutional rights and defend you both in and out of court. At Coffey & Coffey, our experienced DUI attorneys have helped countless clients throughout Orange County and surrounding areas fight their DUI charges. We are skilled attorneys who strive to provide each of our clients with exceptional legal representation and advice.

The DUI lawyers at Coffey & Coffey represent clients in Orange County, including Fullerton, Santa Ana, Laguna Niguel, Westminster, and Newport Beach.

Breath & Blood Tests

2009-06-22T20:57:00.000-07:00

When a person is stopped for DUI, and law enforcement has reason to believe that the person was operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, law enforcement will ask the person to consent to a breath alcohol test. The breath alcohol test is used to determine the person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC). A person’s BAC result reveals the amount of alcohol he/she has in his/her blood stream. If a person’s BAC is 0.08% or higher, he/she is considered intoxicated according to California law, and he/she can be arrested for driving under the influence.

What most people do not know is that the breath alcohol test is consensual. This means that a person has the legal right to refuse to take the breath test. If the person does not consent to a breath alcohol test, he/she will be served with a Notice of Suspension by law enforcement, and his/her driver’s license will automatically be suspended. Additionally, if the person is found guilty of DUI, he/she may be subject to enhanced legal penalties.

It is important for people to remember that blood alcohol testing is not fool proof, or 100% accurate. There are a variety of factors that could cause a person’s blood alcohol test results to be inaccurate, such as:

eating prior to taking the test
using mouth wash prior to taking the test
certain medical conditions
improper administration of the blood alcohol test
administration of the blood alcohol test by an uncertified individual
defective blood alcohol test equipment

Orange County DUI Defense Lawyers
Coffey & Coffey – Attorneys at Law

The DUI lawyers at Coffey & Coffey represent clients in Orange County, including Fullerton, Santa Ana, Laguna Niguel, Westminster, and Newport Beach

Felony DUI

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In the state of California, a person can be charged with felony DUI if he/she caused extensive bodily injury or bodily harm to another person while operating a motor vehicle impaired:

“Any person who, while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, or under the combined influence of intoxicating liquor and any drug, drives a vehicle and when so driving does any act forbidden by law or neglects any duty imposed by law in the driving of such vehicle, which act or neglect proximately causes bodily injury to any person other than himself, is guilty of a felony,” California Vehicle Code Section 23153.

A person may also be charged with felony DUI if he/she has prior DUI convictions. People who are convicted of a felony face severe legal penalties, as felonies are typically punishable with a year or more jail time. Additionally, people who are convicted of a felony DUI may have to pay extensive monetary fines, have their driver’s license suspended, and attend court ordered drug and alcohol treatment programs.

When a person has been charged with DUI, especially felony DUI, he/she needs to obtain the services of a reliable DUI defense attorney. If convicted of felony DUI, the person will suffer adverse consequences for the rest of his/her life. For this reason, it is important for the person to invest in his/her defense and hire a knowledgeable DUI lawyer.

Orange County DUI Defense Lawyers
Coffey & Coffey – Attorneys at Law

The DUI lawyers at Coffey & Coffey represent clients in Orange County, including Fullerton, Santa Ana, Laguna Niguel, Westminster, and Newport Beach.

Drugs & DUI Arrests

2009-06-22T20:56:00.001-07:00

In the state of California, the DUI and drug arrest process begins when law enforcement notices erratic driving behaviors that constitute a traffic stop. Erratic driving behaviors include excessive speeding, ignoring traffic signs, swerving, weaving in and out of traffic lanes, failure to signal, and sudden stops.

Once law enforcement makes a traffic stop, they will examine the driver and the driver’s behavior to see if the driver displays signs of drug/alcohol induced impairment. Typical signs of drug and/or alcohol related impairment include slurring words, inability to answer questions, blood shot eyes, and open containers within the driver’s vehicle. If law enforcement notices signs of drug and/or alcohol impairment, they will ask the person to submit to a breath alcohol test and field sobriety tests.

If the person consents to the breath alcohol test, and his/her blood alcohol concentration is 0.08% or higher, he/she can be arrested for DUI. Additionally, if the person fails his/her field sobriety tests, law enforcement can arrest him/her for DUI.

When a person is placed under arrest for DUI, he/she will be read his/her Miranda Rights. The Miranda Rights inform the person of his/her right to remain silent, right to an attorney, and right to have an attorney appointed to him/her. The person will also be served with a Notice of Suspension at the time of his/her her arrest. The Notice informs the person of his/her right to schedule an Administrative Hearing with the California Department of Motor Vehicles to contest the suspension of his/her driving privileges.

After the person has been placed under arrest, he/she will be escorted to the district police station. While under police custody, the person will be asked to take a blood alcohol test and will also be booked for DUI charges. At this time, it is advisable that the person obtain the services of a skilled DUI defense attorney.

Orange County DUI Defense Lawyers
Coffey & Coffey – Attorneys at Law

The DUI lawyers at Coffey & Coffey represent clients in Orange County, including Fullerton, Santa Ana, Laguna Niguel, Westminster, and Newport Beach.

DUI Penalties

2009-06-22T20:55:00.001-07:00

People who are convicted of driving under the influence in California face severe legal penalties that will adversely impact their quality of life for years to come. Below is a standard list of legal penalties people face after a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd DUI conviction:

First DUI Offense

jail time (up to 6 months)
fines (up to $1,000)
community service
probation
DUI School
driver’s license suspension

Second DUI Offense

jail time (up to a year)
fines (up to $1,000)
community service
probation
DUI School
driver’s license suspension
vehicle impoundment

Third DUI Offense

jail time (up to a year)
fines (up to $2,000)
community service
probation
DUI School
driver’s license suspension
vehicle impoundment

Additionally, a person who has been convicted of DUI may receive an enhanced sentence if he/she caused a car accident, caused another person bodily injury, had a passenger below the age of 14 in his/her vehicle, drove 20 mph or greater over the speed limit, had a BAC of 0.15% or higher, or has a prior DUI conviction.

Orange County DUI Defense Lawyers
Coffey & Coffey – Attorneys at Law

The DUI lawyers at Coffey & Coffey represent clients in Orange County, including Fullerton, Santa Ana, Laguna Niguel, Westminster, and Newport Beach.

DUI Process

2009-06-22T20:54:00.001-07:00

DUI Law
In the state of California, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs and/or alcohol. It is also illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher. If a person drives while impaired by drugs and/or alcohol, or drives with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher, he/she can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI) by California law enforcement.

DUI Arrest
Law enforcement may make a DUI arrest they have sufficient probable cause. If law enforcement has reason to suspect DUI, such as noticing open containers in a person’s vehicle, they make legitimately make a DUI arrest. Additionally, law enforcement may make a DUI arrest if the person’s breath alcohol test results are 0.08% or higher, or if the person fails his/her field sobriety tests.

Once a person is placed under arrest for DUI, he/she will be served with a Notice of Suspension from law enforcement. This Notice will inform the person of his/her right to schedule an Administrative Hearing with the California Department of Motor Vehicles to contest the suspension of his/her driver’s license. From the time of his/her arrest, the person only has 10 days to schedule his/her DMV Hearing, or his/her driving privileges will automatically be suspended.

Hiring a DUI Attorney
After a person has been arrested for DUI, it is important that he/she retain the services of a qualified DUI defense attorney. Without the help of a DUI lawyer, people stand little chance of successfully fighting their DUI charges and preserving their driving privileges. By hiring a DUI defense lawyer, people can be assured that their case is handled by an experienced professional who understands California DUI law and the criminal process.

Orange County DUI Defense Lawyers
Coffey & Coffey – Attorneys at Law

The DUI lawyers at Coffey & Coffey represent clients in Orange County, including Fullerton, Santa Ana, Laguna Niguel, Westminster, and Newport Beach.

DMV Hearings

2009-06-22T20:53:00.000-07:00

After a person has been arrested for driving under the influence, he/she will be served with a Notice of Suspension by California law enforcement. The Notice informs the person of his/her right to request an Administrative Hearing with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to avoid the suspension of his/her driver’s license. From the time of his/her arrest, the person only has 10 days to schedule his/her Administrative Hearing with the DMV. If the person does not schedule his/her DMV hearing, his/her driving privileges will be suspended for a set period of time as ordained by the California DMV.

It is imperative that people schedule their Administrative Hearings with the DMV within 10 days of their arrests if they want to preserve their California driver’s license and driving privileges.

Once the person schedules his/her DMV hearing, he/she will be provided with a date, time, and location for the hearing. At the DMV hearing, the person will meet with a DMV representative who will serve as both the prosecutor and the judge. The DMV representative will present evidence against the person and argue that the person’s driving privileges should be suspended. The DMV representative will also make the final ruling as to whether or not the person will retain his/her license.

Due to the fact that the DMV representative serves a dual purpose, it is always to the person’s advantage to retain the services of a DUI defense attorney. A DUI defense attorney can represent the person throughout his/her DMV hearing, present counter evidence, and challenge any evidence that is presented by the DMV representative. Most importantly, a DUI lawyer can help preserve the person’s driving privileges and quality of life.

Orange County DUI Defense Lawyers
Coffey & Coffey – Attorneys at Law

The DUI lawyers at Coffey & Coffey represent clients in Orange County, including Fullerton, Santa Ana, Laguna Niguel, Westminster, and Newport Beach.

DUI Criminal Case

2009-06-22T20:50:00.000-07:00

The DUI criminal case process begins once a person has been placed under arrest for driving under influence. A person can be placed under arrest for DUI if law enforcement has sufficient probable cause that the person was operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs and/or alcohol. Open containers, a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher, and/or failure of field sobriety tests are all grounds for sufficient probable cause and can lead to the person’s arrest.

Once the person has been placed under arrest, he/she will be escorted to the district police station. While under police custody, the person will be asked to take a blood alcohol test and will also be booked for DUI charges. Within 48-72 hours of the person’s arrest, the person must be arraigned. During the arraignment, the person will enter a plea of “guilty”, “not guilty”, or “no contest”. The person will be read his/her rights and the judge will inform the person of all pending criminal charges.

Prior to the arraignment, it is advisable that the person seek representation from an experienced DUI defense attorney. A DUI lawyer can guide the person throughout the DUI criminal process and defend the person in court. A DUI defense attorney can also negotiate with prosecutors after the arraignment to have the person’s criminal charges reduced and/or dismissed.

After the arraignment, both the defendant and the prosecutor may submit pre-trial motions. Pre-trial motions can be submitted to suppress evidence, for the discovery of evidence, and to dismiss the case entirely. At this time, both the prosecutor and defendant’s lawyer can further negotiate, and come to a mutually agreed upon outcome. If the prosecutor and defendant’s lawyer do not come to an agreement, the case will proceed to trial. However, the majority of DUI cases do not proceed to trial.

Orange County DUI Defense Lawyers
Coffey & Coffey – Attorneys at Law

The DUI lawyers at Coffey & Coffey represent clients in Orange County, including Fullerton, Santa Ana, Laguna Niguel, Westminster, and Newport Beach.

DUI Overview

2009-06-22T20:48:00.000-07:00

In the state of California, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs and/or alcohol. It is also illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher. If a person drives while impaired by drugs and/or alcohol, or drives with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher, he/she can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI) by California law enforcement.

Each year, nearly 200,000 people are arrested for DUI in California. The mistake that many of these people make is taking their DUI charges too lightly. If a person is convicted of DUI, he/she may have to spend time in jail, pay large fines, and attend DUI School. Additionally, people who have been charged with DUI stand to lose their driving privileges. With the consequences being so risky, people cannot afford to take their DUI charges lightly.

Once a person has been charged with DUI, he/she needs to make sure that his/her rights are preserved and that he/she receives direction from a qualified DUI defense attorney. A DUI defense attorney can review the person’s situation and provide the person with valuable legal insight that could positively impact the outcome of the person’s case. If you have been charged with DUI, do not hesitate to seek legal representation from a skilled DUI lawyer.

Orange County DUI Defense Lawyers
Coffey & Coffey – Attorneys at Law

The DUI lawyers at Coffey & Coffey represent clients in Orange County, including Fullerton, Santa Ana, Laguna Niguel, Westminster, and Newport Beach.

Using Trend Lines During Technical Analysis

2009-06-20T06:40:00.002-07:00

Trading Forex trend lines are regarded as the most common element of technical analysis used in Forex. Trend lines are however, also regarded as one of the most underutilized forms of technical analysis.

Trend lines can simply be defined as indicators of momentum in the foreign exchange market.

Foreign exchange trend lines indicate the change in share price over a given time frame and may be used as an alarm to indicate sharp acceleration or deceleration of trends in the market. Trend lines thus incorporate the direction and speed of a trading price. FX trading trend lines can also aid as visual indicators of price patterns during times of concentrations in price. A lot can be deducted from this fairly simple graphic method. Profitable entry and exit points, good position on protective stops and emerging trends are a few. Trend lines are invaluable in forecasting trend reversal (indicating a reverse direction in market price).

What is the difference between FX trading trend lines and other momentum based indicators?

Other momentum based foreign exchange trend lines are constructed by means of formulas and the use of computers and computer software. Forex trend lines are solely created from the human brain and are visual indicators, meant to be used as quick reference charts.

How to draw Forex tend lines:

Draw trend lines through the lows of an increasing trend and draw trend lines through the highs of decreasing trends.

Draw trend lines are drawn through long term closing price indicators.

Normal or logarithmic charts may be used to draw trend lines.

Foreign exchange currency trend lines are only valuable if placed through at least 3 troughs (decreasing market trends) or at least 3 peaks (increasing market trends).

Foreign exchange currency trend lines are not useful if they intersect through currency movement charts.

Two or more points are needed to construct a trend line.

The more points obtained, will increase the accuracy of the deduced support and resistance levels indicated by the line.

A trend line break does not automatically indicate a change in trend movement.

Use at least two points to draw the trend line and a third to confirm the validity of the line.

It is common for any quantity of secondary and smaller trends to form within the scope of the main trend that is plotted.

Types of Trading Forex Trend Lines

Trend lines can appear in three major forms:

Ascending trend – showing a incline in the forex market trend

Descending trend – showing a decline in the forex market trend

Reversal trend – showing that the forex trend has started moving in the opposite direction

These reversal trend lines are characterized by broken trend lines. A trend line is identified as broken as soon as a full length bar body appears on the opposite side of the line.

Trading Forex trend lines are unable to be used to predict levels of support and resistance. The reason is that support and resistance never run at an angle. Support and resistance direction will only move horizontally.

Article Source - http://www.studyforex.com/trend-lines.html

Support and Resistance in Technical Analysis

2009-06-20T06:40:00.001-07:00

Support and resistance analysis forms part of technical analysis and dictates that price movement will tend to stop and reverse at predefined price levels.Support and resistance analysis defines major junction points where variations in supply and demand meet. Let’s take a deeper look into elements of support and resistance trading.

What is “Support”?

Support level is defined as the price level at which point the demand level is strong enough to stop the trading price from declining further. When prices reach this support level it is more likely to bounce off this level, than to break through this level.

The support level indicates the point at which the trading price becomes cheaper and traders become more interested in buying, giving way to a support level where sellers become less interested in selling.

When prices reach the support level it is proved that the increase in demand will outweigh the supply and prices will be stopped from falling below the level of support. When prices decline below the level of support, there is an indication of new willingness to sell. This may also be the case if there is a new unwillingness to buy.

Once the level of support breaks, the cycle will repeat from the start – A decrease in price will awake new interest in buying and a new level of unwillingness to sell -giving way to a new level of support This will form the new lower-level support level.

Support trading can usually be found below the current price, but it is not impossible to trade at or very near support. Support levels are not always easy to identify due to various factors. Price movement is by nature volatile and prices may briefly dip through the support level, before returning upwards. Predicting the point, at which a price is considered to be breaking through the support line, comes with experience and research. Some will only consider this breakpoint if the price closes 1/8 below the current established support level.

What is “Resistance” and “Resistance Level”?

Resistance level is defined as the level at which selling is considered strong enough to hamper the price from increasing any further. The level of resistance theory defines that as a price moves towards resistance, sellers become more willing to sell, and buyers in turn become more unwilling to buy. When the price reaches the level of resistance, supply will outweigh demand and the price will be prevented rising through the resistance level. A break above the resistance level predicts a new willingness to buy and a new lack of interest in selling.

Resistance will not always be strong enough to hold and a breakout might not always be able to break. The bulls must win the bears over before a breakout can be formed. Once the current resistance level has been broken through, the process will repeat and a new higher level of resistance is establishes.

We hope you have found our article on support and resistance trading interesting and that you will now be more confident about support and resistance analysis. Feel free to browse our website for more informative articles on support and resistance trading.

Article Source - http://www.studyforex.com/support-and-resistance.html

Choosing a Great Foreign Exchange System

2009-06-20T06:39:00.001-07:00

Foreign exchange systems have experienced a vast variety of changes over the years and new communications technology has made the efficiency and speed of Foreign exchange systems accessible to the masses.

Many people do not see the importance of implementing a good FX trading system. The difference in making a significant profit on the Forex trading market and running a loss on the Forex trade market can be directly related to the type of Foreign exchange system that you are using.

This FX trading system will allow you to keep up with the market (direct link to Forex market), manage your risks better and most importantly: make better trading profits. The forex system will be your eyes and ears while the Forex trade market runs day and night 24/7 and 365.
A currency foreign exchange system can be defined as any system that forms an automated trading platform through which forex investors can make investment in the foreign currency exchange market. All that is required for a currency foreign exchange system to be implemented is access to a personal computer and access to the internet. These currency foreign exchange systems are software-based programs which can either be purchased or downloaded. Once you sign on to these Foreign exchange systems you are directly connected to perpetual trading world of the global forex market, where you can buy or sell forex currencies.

An advanced online forex trading system empowers you with flexibility and ease of training. New forex investor can first open a demo account, where you trade with forex currency virtually, while building on your trading experience. These FX trading systems allows new users to test the functionality and efficiency of the selected forex system. The FX trading system may aid you on your way with online tutorials and practice runs.

Once you feel experienced enough you may open a mini account with your foreign exchange system. You can use these small amounts to start speculating with strategies that were taught.

How do you go about selecting a good FX trading system?

Make sure that your service provider is underwritten by a standard Forex regulatory authority. All trading through your FX trading system should be transparent at all times and terms and conditions should be clearly stated. Your forex foreign exchange system should offer good “spreads”, generally 2-3 pips for all major forex currencies. Your currency foreign exchange system should offer automated execution features, supply charting tools and use technical indicators.

The system should be based on proved fundamental and technical analysis methods. It is vital to do research on your future FX trading system. Ask for past performances records, historical and risk management features. An ideal forex foreign exchange system should have auto-trading features, allowing your trades to succeed even when you are not available. Multiple leverage ratios should be offered by your Foreign exchange systems, these should include 50:1, 100:1, 200:1 and 250:1 leverage ratios. The FX trading system should provide you facility of margin trading.An ideal forex foreign exchange system should have simple software to help you with your trading requirements.

Article Source - http://www.studyforex.com/foreign-exchange-system.html

Opening an Online Forex Account

2009-06-20T06:38:00.002-07:00

Welcome to our section on opening an online account. Although we are sure that you are raring to go and open a forex account, we urge you to first read through this section before doing so.

Opening an online account is much the same as opening an equity account, although with forex account opening, you are required to sign something called a margin agreement. This forex exchange registration agreement says that the brokerage now has the full right to interfere with your forex trades to protect its interests as you are as of now trading with borrowed money. Once you have taken care of opening an online foreign currency exchange account, simply make sure that you fund your account, and then you will be ready to trade.

There are other topics and questions to consider when opening an online Forex account like; How to succeed at Forex account registration, how to Complete Forex account Confirmation, How to Score the Most Forex Complementary Services, Which Forex Charting package is the best for you? , which Forex News feeds you should keep an eye on? , Why You Should Use Forex Paper Trading, What You Should Know about Forex Micro Accounts, and guides on; currency trading software, Forex Account Activation.

With all this useful general and inside information we are sure you will benefit from secure, successful and satisfying foreign exchange trading experience.

Article Source - http://www.studyforex.com/opening-an-online-account.html

Forex Account Registration

2009-06-20T06:38:00.001-07:00

Signing up for a forex account and opening an online account is much the same as opening an equity account. The only big difference is that, for forex account registration, you are required to sign something called a margin agreement. This forex exchange registration agreement says that the brokerage now has the full right to interfere with your forex trades to protect its interests as you are as of now trading with borrowed money. Once you sign up for forex registration, simply make sure that you fund your account, and then you will be ready to trade.

Make sure you take time to consider your forex registration before you register a forex account. You want to ensure that your FX registration is with a reputable brokerage. You wouldn’t just open an account at any bank and this also counts for your foreign exchange registration.

After your foreign currency exchange registration, you need to define your own basic forex strategy. Fundamental analysis and technical analysis are the 2 basic strategy genres in the foreign exchange market – as is the case with the equity markets. Keep in mind that technical analysis is by far the most used strategy by individual foreign exchange traders.

Technical analysts, like their counterparts in the equity markets, like to analyze price trends. The only main difference between technical analysis in forex, and equities technical analysis, is the time frame. Keep in mind that forex markets are always open 24 hours a day. This means that some technical analysist types need to factor in time and modify strategies to work with the 24-hour a day forex market.

Now, if you think it's tricky to value a company, try valuing a whole country! Forex fundamental analysis is often very complex, and it's normally used only to predict long-term trends. Some traders, however, do trade short term fundamental analysis strictly on news releases. There are various fundamental indicators of currency values released at various times.

Keep in mind that these reports and news releases are not the only fundamental factors to watch. There are also several meetings you should keep an eye on, as you can catch commentary and quotes that can affect markets just as much (if not more) as any report. These forex meetings are often called to discuss inflation, interest rates, and other issues that could affect currency valuations.

By simply examining the commentary and reading the reports, this helps forex fundamental analysts to gain a better grasp of longer term market trends and allow short-term forex traders to profit from happenings that are out of the ordinary.

Article Source - http://www.studyforex.com/registration.html

How to Complete Forex account Confirmation

2009-06-20T06:37:00.002-07:00

After you have spent some time learning about the Forex market advantages, you will probably want to begin the trading process as soon as possible. To fully get to know the Forex trading market you will 1st have to learn how to go about opening your own online Forex account. All your currency transactions will then take place in this account.

Before confirming a forex account, you obviously have to first complete another few steps. To open an account, you have to complete 4 basic steps. Firstly, you have to decide on which account type you want to choose. Secondly, you have to register on the forex website of your choice, as well as enter you personal details.

Thirdly, you need to activate your account and go about confirming a forex account. Lastly, download the Forex trade software of your choice, which will allow you to begin trading.
OK, so now we are on our way to foreign currency exchange account confirmation. Start by choosing a type of Forex trade account that suits your needs. You will see that you will have various account types to choose from, depending on which Forex trading sites you use. If you find the best trading site for your needs, choosing a forex account type and FX account confirmation will be very simple.

One of the key variances between FX Trading account varieties is the size or volume of the actual account. You will find FX trading accounts on the one hand and FX mini accounts on the other, and they all vary in size. Trading account sizes can be anything from twenty-five dollars to ten thousand dollars. The FX account size determines which type of investments you will be able to trade with. Create the forex account based on how much money you have available and remember to confirm a forex account.

Before you do FX account confirmation, during opening, you will be required to input some personal details that will include sensitive credit card details, which will enable you to do real cash transactions. Some websites offer free forex trading and free forex confirmation, which does not ask you to input your bank account details, but you will then only open a demo, and not a long term, account.

You can do most Forex trading registration and foreign currency exchange account confirmations online, even though you are some companies still ask you to register via fax. Luckily this does not happen very often and usually only happens when you confirm a forex account with some small Forex trade websites.

Because forex accounts deal with real money, and security is of the utmost importance, you will have to verify your email address and other personal details, through a couple of necessary steps. Make sure you are sure that you know what the forex website is offering, before you even think of signing the terms and conditions, after which you will go through to the forex confirmation step. You must be dead certain that you know what conditions they offer and what this mean in plain simple English.

Article Source - http://www.studyforex.com/confirmation.html

How to Score the Most Forex Complementary Services

2009-06-20T06:37:00.001-07:00

While its true that there’s no such thing as a 'no strings attached' free lunch, its good to know that there are still some foreign currency exchange complementary services doing the rounds.

Some brokerage firms' Forex complementary services include standing orders. The key benefits of having a standing order as a complementary service are that the market is monitored on your behalf. You just pick your desired exchange rate and your order will be automatically processed if the forex market reaches your chosen rate. The good thing about this kind of FX complementary service is that you will also not be under any obligation to make a definite purchase if the market doesn't really reach your desired rate.

A standing order enables you to capitalize on positive exchange rates when you are not able to personally monitor the market and or do a transaction. Some brokerage firm representatives can assist you in deciding on a rate that is appropriate for current market conditions. Standing Orders is one of the best complementary services to have and it can monitor the market 24 hours a day for mostly up to 14 weeks, after which you must choose whether to renew your Standing Order if the market hasn't reached your specified rate. Most firms also offer you the chance to cancel your standing order if it hasn't already been executed should you change your mind about your currency needs.

Another one of the great Forex complementary services is when your broker provides you with free, real-time streaming quotes. It’s great that web brokers are now being able to offer this complementary service as it is something that was once only really available through expensive full-service firms.

When we are looking at foreign exchange complementary services, we should note that you are more likely to get these free services at full service brokers, although the internet has made it easier for discount brokers to also offer freebies. When you choose to use a discount broker, you should be able to make your own decisions, and be of the opinion that saving on trading cost is more important than added FX complementary services. Full-service brokers are typically better for novices as they offer personalized investment advice, as well as investment research reports that were produced by their company.

Remember not to overlook discount brokers as more of them are starting to provide research reports on various types of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other investments, and others are even making some research reports available to their clients as one of their free services.
If you can get some bundled foreign currency exchange complementary services for the same price or slightly more, then all the better!

Article Source - http://www.studyforex.com/complementary-services.html

Your Currency Trading Software Programs

2009-06-20T06:36:00.001-07:00

These days, there are so many forex software programs available; it’s hard to know what to choose. We've read up and tried all the Forex programs for you and came up with a list of the top forex trading software online.

NeoTicker is one of the trading software programs that provide real-time analysis and direct order routing with flexibility and power enhancement to what data brokers and vendors offer. This forex software is supported by the following data vendors and brokerages: eSignal, RealTick, myTrack, Ninja Trader, Interactive Brokers, DTN IQFeed, QuoteSpeed, FXCM, MB Trading, QCharts , EFX Group, Open E Cry, DTN Satellite, etc.

A Forex trading software package really worth mentioning is TradeStation, which was designed to help you find forex trading strategies, and to not just place random trades. This award-winning program trading software lets you back-test your trading thoughts before you trade. Furthermore, it then harnesses your PC's power to monitor the markets and instantly send your forex orders to the marketplace. This FX software also offers deep-discount commissions and the ability to back-test and fully-automate your own options, equities, futures, or forex trading strategies.

eSignal is another award-winning foreign exchange software package with real-time global market quotes, news and fundamentals, as well as decision support, charting and all the professional forex tools that institutions and individual investors demand, delivered directly to your PC via the Internet.

Fap Turbo robot is another favorite currency trading software that seems to tick all the boxes. This FX software is affordable, easy to install, and comes with a money back guarantee. This foreign exchange software has been tested extensively and works automatically for you, which means that it will save you a lot of time and effort.

As with any great currency trading software, the idea behind using FapTurbo isn't just about money. It's also about trading comfortably, in what little time you have, and being free to do the other things that you enjoy, while making another forex income stream.

Our program trading software list won’t be complete without mentioning QuoteTracker. You probably know that there’s much more to a quote than a number and a ticker symbol. This trading software will help you track up to six hundred symbols with a big range of charts and more than a hundred technical indicators. This forex software system will help you spot potential forex opportunities using streaming option chains. You will be able to research fifteen years of historical data, track all the streaming Level II quotes and then chart up to twenty days of intraday data. Furthermore, this trading software allows you to place trades and monitor forex transactions in real time, all from one simple-to-use program.

Article Source - http://www.studyforex.com/trading-software-programs.html

Which Forex Charting Package Is the Best for You?

2009-06-20T06:35:00.003-07:00

eSignal is one of a few brilliant forex charting packages around today. It’s an easy to use forex charting package that contains many commonly used features along with an exclusive aesthetic graphical interface. We give this forex charting package a rating of eight out of ten.

Pro Real Trend is tool can be used by investors of all levels of experience to analyze the current market trends by displaying analysis and trends on a simple to understand linear format. We give these FX charting packaged a rating of eight out of ten.

Ninja Trader is a trading tool that allows investors to deal in equities, forex, or futures through over a 100 brokerages from around the world. We give this forex charting package a rating of eight out of ten.

Equis Charts MetaStock Pro is great for all types of investors as it comes with various trading solutions including the brand new RMO trading system, Fibonacci projection, customizable time scales, and dynamic trend integration. We give this forex charting package a rating of seven out of ten.

MarketDelta has an exclusive Footprint Chart functionality and offers investors the ability to this see inside the charts. We give these foreign exchange charting packages a rating of seven out of ten.

QuoteTracker from Medved Charts is a multifunctional forex trading tool which allows users to trade stocks, indices, options, bonds, futures, forex, and more. It offers excellent real-time charting, and trading options through Scottrade, Interactive Brokers, and Ameritrade. We give this forex charting package a rating of seven out of ten.

Aspen Graphics Forex Charts gives users a simple and intuitive user interface, as well as loads more. It gives investors with the ability to see charts in any a variety of time frames to help in trend analysis. It also offers you the ability to simply customized all forex indicators. We give this forex charting package a rating of seven out of ten.

eSignal Live Charts is a commercial charting tool that provides browser based real-time forex charting for over 20 different trends. We give these FX charting packaged a rating of seven out of ten.

Wave59 Modern Charting Package has Astrology Indicators on board and employs an exclusive combo of techniques to predict composite cycles and genetic algorithms. We give these foreign exchange charting packages a rating of seven out of ten.

FXTrek Intellicharts allows investors to program alerts to be sent to their email or cell phones, it has more than 5 dz time scales, and with 2 separate data providers it allows traders to combine various indicators. We give this forex charting package a rating of seven out of ten.

Article Source - http://www.studyforex.com/charting-packages.html

Forex News Feeds, which Ones Should You Keep an Eye on?

2009-06-20T06:35:00.001-07:00

If you want to continue to be a successful trader, forex news feeds will most likely have to be part of your life. After opening an online foreign currency exchange account, the real work begins: staying in the know.

Popular forex news feeds include:

AFX News, Bloomberg, Reuters Trade, The News, Dow Jones Newswires, 4Cast, Informa Global Markets, MarketNews International, Forex & Futures Radio, IFR Markets, Need to Know News, and the free forex news site, NewsStrike.

One of our favorite FX news sites is Dow Jones Newswires For Investment and Advice Professionals. This website allows you to access info and news that helps you build a better business and to boost relationships with your customers.

Thomson Financial News is another great FX news site that will provide you with the news, insight and analysis you need to make the top decisions for your business and your clients.

The website brings together Thomson Financial's market expertise and proprietary content with financial news cover from reporters and analysts around the world. It helps you generate new and fresh investment ideas, gain refreshing market perspectives and boost your overall performance.

4CAST is the fastest growing forex news provider of up-to-the-second market analysis streams into central banks, dealing rooms, and market participants. They provide around the clock strategic, fundamental, political and technical analysis. They even claim that ninety percent of the world's best financial institutions subscribe to 4CAST.

If you are a user of 4CASTWEB, you can log on to 4CAST online and could also request some info or a free trial of 1 of their products. You might also want to take a look at their market coverage. If you need help using the 4CAST site, their help desk will be more than happy to answer your queries.

For Financial institutions is a great foreign exchange news site that provides forward-looking analysis, market-focused news, and unique business insight to your organization.
For some extra insight, use Marketing Communications & Corporate Intelligence Integrate Dow Jones Newswires solutions on your site to bring authorative and timely info supporting online financial activities.

Any good FX news site will have a risk disclosure statement to remind you that forex trade carries a high level of risk. Before investing in forex you should carefully consider your experience level, investment objectives, and risk appetite. You could at any time sustain a loss of some (or all) of your investment and should therefore not invest funds that you can't afford to lose. Be aware of all the forex trading risks, and get advice from an independent financial advisor if you have any queries or doubts.

Article Source - http://www.studyforex.com/news-feeds.html

Forex Paper Trading

2009-06-20T06:33:00.000-07:00

When opening an online account, especially your first micro Forex trade account, and decide to begin trading forex, your 1st few forex trades will more often than not be simple paper trades. You will be doing foreign exchange paper trading for awhile after forex account opening because you will need time to orientate yourself and get to know the market itself and exactly how to utilize the different trading tools available to you. Don’t worry, sooner or later, you will be ready to move on and to put your virtual stock trading days behind you. The question is whether this is really a good idea?

Some of the top Foreign exchange brokers, some of whom have traded forex for years; have discovered that it can be very helpful to continue paper trading from time to time. It can of course also be very profitable.

Paper trading is especially helpful whenever you have a ‘losing trade spell’ because a losing trade will always affect you negatively and you will often feel a strong, sometimes subconscious, urge to win back the funds you've just lost RIGHT NOW.

Instead of making irresponsible decisions, you can do a trade by simply running the trade on paper. To do this, you will study the market indicators, then open your position, then set a personal stop loss order, and lastly track your trade. You will move your trading stop loss as time goes by, before you close the position. You will know that the time has come to close your position by interpreting the forex market indicators.

You may gain money or lose money during forex paper trading but, since it’s only on written paper, this does not matter. What's important is that it has helped you to clear your mind and has assisted you in putting your last losing trade behind you. Furthermore, this FX paper trading can even be positive when you have another losing trade because you have not really lost any cash.

Consider doing another paper trade until you have a positive experience that will help put you in just the best positive frame of mind to open a fresh trading position and track your trade.
Paper trading is without doubt the highest recommended educational forex tool and the time and effort you spend on it is well worth it! Novice traders sometimes lose a lot of their funds because of incorrect order usage; for instance, using a forex limit order instead of a forex stop order, or purchasing a put option to close a long call option instead of rather correctly selling a call option. It is always best to first sharpen your forex trading skills in a paper trading account.

Article Source - http://www.studyforex.com/paper-trading.html

Opening A Forex Micro Account

2009-06-20T06:32:00.000-07:00

Mini Forex accounts is another term for a Forex brokerage micro account, which allows the client to take part in trading Forex with a much smaller account when compared to the “normal” Forex accounts.

The FX mini account is made possible due to the fractional trading sizes, with 1 mini Forex lot being a fraction of 1 actual lot in the interbank foreign exchange market. Because of this, the account size and margin requirement can be fractional in size as well.

Trading with Forex micro accounts can be a great learning curve. Because the Forex trades placed with FX micro accounts are placed outside of the interbank foreign exchange market, due to their size, the market maker for the mini trading account lots is normally the same brokerage firm that you have the mini Forex account with.

Luckily, because the Forex brokerage can hedge risk safely in the interbank market, they can normally also offer comparative market prices and comparative spreads compared to the actual Forex markets. So if you are considering FX account opening, why not open a micro account?
However, you will find variations in rollover rates. Mini Forex and Forex rollover rates are paid to or subtracted from a Forex account held overnight, which will affect your trading performance. This means it usually pays off to compare FX micro accounts to find the top rates on overnight positions, in addition to the top competitive spreads.

If you open a micro account, make sure to look at the mini forex trading accounts providers. With the rise of the Internet, the popularity of Mini forex trading accounts has skyrocketed. In fact, many investment stock traders seem keen to spread their trading risk by taking some positions on the forex market with forex mini accounts.

There are quite a few providers available for open mini account possibilities. These providers differ in, for example, trading spreads, overnight rates, and max leverage rules, which means that you should take all the time you need when comparing the various offers. In addition to comparing the Forex mini trading accounts, compare the other trading platforms available. There is a difference in the simplicity of use and interface design between mini Forex and other trading platforms.

The choice of a Forex mini trading platform may, in fact, affect your trading returns, so choose one that you’re comfortable with. Remember that you have to have the ability to use the Forex platform quickly and correctly.

Article Source - http://www.studyforex.com/micro-accounts.html

The Difference between Equity Volume and Forex Volume

2009-06-20T06:31:00.000-07:00

Forex volume measures the “total worth” of a market move. If a currency pair has a strong price move, the perceived strength of that particular move depends on the volume amount for that period.

On the other hand, moves backed by higher volume forex are more important. By monitoring foreign exchange volume, an investor should not be left behind on NB market moves. The important moves will normally come on a spike when there’s more volume than usual. FX volume can help an investor prepare for trend breakout. Investors should also be able to ID periods where there is consolidation and calm ranges as they will have lower volume.

Forex volume figures are significant because when a great amount of trades take place in a certain period, it means there are several sellers and buyers that set this price. This means that the session close will be correct because a consensus was reached between the investors that are selling and buying. If foreign exchange volume was indeed low, the trade price was set by less organizations and individuals and may not be a true representation of what it’s really worth.

Forex Volume based indicators varies from equities volume based indicators. Every equities share traded is considered one volume, so selling hundred shares, and then someone buying those hundred shares counts as hundred in equities volume. On the other hand, the Forex market is decentralized and it’s impossible to track of all the amounts of contracts on any given day. That is why foreign exchange volume is measured by counting how many price changes or ticks there are during the session. There must be a set amount of signed contracts to move the price 1 way or another, and every tick represents this number. This means that you can still measure volume, although it’s done in a bit of a beat around the bush way, when compared to equities.

Forex Volume should not be used as primary evidence, but rather as corroborative trend evidence.
FX Volume can be utilized to confirm price changes. If, at the start of a trend, there isn’t a pick up in volume activity, this could indicate a weak trend that does not have enough commitment.
If there is a pick-up in the amount of volume forex, this could mean that a price change may be nearing. The movement direction during this forex volume increase can possibly indicate some upcoming action.

Article Source - http://www.studyforex.com/volume.html

Forex Education

2009-06-20T06:30:00.000-07:00

Learn Forex

Unless your broker or signal provider is calling the shots for you, a certain amount of bona fide forex training is in order. From formal schooling to online education and learn-at-home courses, sorting through the various forex training alternatives can be more confusing than the subject of forex itself.

Regardless of where you are in your forex career, make sure you stay abreast of current trends and changes as they apply to forex trading techniques, signals, pips, spreads, and more. As a well-educated forex trader, I still seek counsel from my favorite signal providers just to stay one step ahead. For many, one source of forex education is not enough, as different services offer varying degrees of information about the forex market. Make sure your forex education is both well rounded and from reputable trainers.

Before turning over your last paycheck to pay for forex training, do as much research as possible. Study reviews and ask people in forums for advice. Obtain the industry basics through free forex training, including guides and online videos , such as those offered on Forex Justice. Once you have acquired enough information so you can speak intelligently about forex currency trading, consider the breadth of forex training opportunities that await you.

Online forex courses come in two flavors: free and pay. Free forex education can range from the bare-boned basics (forex terms and definitions) to more elaborate forex schooling that advanced traders and professionals would need. Pay forex education includes courses offered by forex websites and training available from your signal provider. The variety and costs depend on the degree of forex training needed, the duration, materials (if any), and support provided. Understanding upfront what your pay forex training includes is the best way to avoid false expectations and inadequate education.

After getting a grip on how the forex market works, you can advance to learning the types of charts needed to make good trading decisions. Charts are useful for technical analyses and teach you to apply historical price actions to your market predictions. Using forex charts to identify trends is paramount to learning when to buy and sell currency pairs.

Your forex education will enable you to interpret various reports and graphs that incorporate Japanese candlestick patterns, Fibonacci ratios, the Elliot Wave Theory, and other important formulas. You’ll learn how to measure the market’s volatility with Bollinger Bands. You’ll acquire an appreciation for charting patterns and how they can spot big movements before they happen. You’ll see why leading and lagging indicators play a part in forex signals. You’ll understand why these tools are instrumental in assisting traders gage where the market is headed and which currency pairs to buy or sell. Best of all, you’ll speak the language of forex and reap the benefits this exciting industry has to offer.

To begin trading forex currencies, all you need is a reliable computer with a high-speed Internet connection, a good knowledgebase, and, of course, a few hundred dollars or more. Start your education the smart way by reading forex reviews , a good way to avoid traps, spot scams, and invest in worthwhile forex training courses.

Article Source - http://www.forexjustice.com/forex_training.html

Forex Software

2009-06-20T06:29:00.000-07:00

Beware of the Dog

It’s easy to get sucked into the forex trading market with slick software pitches that promise you the moon and the stars. Don’t fall for the hype, like I did. I learned the hard way that profitable forex currency trading doesn’t happen overnight. It takes years of training, skill, and endurance to penetrate the forex market. All of my professional forex trading associates will agree when I tell you that a forex software package is not the silver bullet to your trading success. The longer you work in the forex market, the better you become at making intelligent forex decisions and identifying the scores of software scams thinly veiled as legitimate forex trading tools.

Forex Justice is your electronic software patrol. My passion to stamp out the scammers combined with personal, behind-the-scenes forex experience is the force that powers these pages. Follow my advice below before you checkout any forex software. You’ll be surprised how quickly you can determine the appropriateness of a forex software system under consideration.

Forex Software – A Buyer’s Guide

1. Take off your blinders. Don’t believe everything you read. Websites and advertisements are worded a certain, compelling way for a good reason – to make a sale. You’re kidding yourself if you think these software sellers have one iota of a conscience. They don’t and will sleep perfectly fine at night regardless of the number of people they’ve financially burned in any given day.

2. Research, research, research! Before turning over your money, become an expert. This means you have to do some work. There are plenty of review sites and forums out there that offer so-called “unbiased” opinions. But, remember point one – don’t repeat my early mistakes; scrutinize everything you read. To be an expert means you must study reviews, ask questions in forums, and download free trials prior to making your final decision. When it comes to purchasing forex software, there is no such thing as doing too much homework.

3. Know Good from Evil. There are three types of forex software and they range in both price and options. If I were you, I would consider both your budget and level of experience before purchasing. One type of forex software gives you more information and data but may be too overwhelming for beginners, while a second type of forex software allows visibility of trading activity and helps you make smarter decisions. A third type of forex software is designed for the most advanced forex trader and may not be appropriate for your level or frequency of trading. My goal is to help you understand the difference and make the most cost-effective forex software investment decision.

Types of Forex Software

1. Trading Platform – Often inherent in your broker’s Forex system, this software is an all-in-one solution. It gives the trader a wealth of information and basic tools, without a lot of guidance. Great for those who can trade without advice; a beginner might not know what to do with all of the information. With trading platform software, guesswork and luck may help the novice.

2. Signal Software – Inviting more involvement from the forex investor, signal software requires a certain degree of experience on your part. Signal software permits you to witness spread changes and make decisions based on those variances. I would not recommend this type of forex software for the beginner as it is better suited for the more advanced forex trader.

3. Charting Applications – Useful for trend analyses and predictions, forex-charting software is appropriate for the more experienced forex investor. Data streams and features generate alerts on buy and sell recommendations. Forex charting application software can be set up for automated transactions, hence, eliminating the need for human intervention. Newcomers beware - this type of forex software requires a great deal of foresight to be used properly.

With forex software, the most important point I can emphasize is that your needs will change as your level of expertise grows. For example, I still use one of the original types of forex software I purchased years ago, but now I understand the complex tools and can take full advantage of the features. Additionally, I have more than one type of forex software in my collection because they all offer something unique.

Forex software is available in many forms: CDs, downloads, and interactive, Web-based programs. Whichever forex software you choose, make sure its credentials support its claims. Forex software needs to be more than functional. It must ultimately deliver the expected results you are anticipating!

Remember to read forex reviews and learn what others are saying about forex software before you buy.

Article Source - http://www.forexjustice.com/forex_software.html

Forex Brokers

2009-06-20T06:28:00.001-07:00

How They Earn a Living

The traditional definition of a forex broker is one who puts buyers and sellers together for a commission or fee. Many forex brokers make their money by charging you a spread, the difference between the buying and selling prices for a currency pair.

Spreads greatly impact your forex returns and vary depending on the type of account you open. As buying low and transacting high is the trader’s goal, a wider spread means you have to pay more when you buy and wind up with less when you sell. In some cases, your broker gets the difference, which is added onto the price of the trade. Spreads often narrow or widen depending on market liquidity and other factors. You can learn a lot by watching the video tutorial on spreads located on our forex guide page.

Pips (Percentage in Points) are the smallest price unit of a forex currency, which is quoted to the fourth decimal point. Spreads, one of the primary costs of your forex trading, are measured in pips and the slightest variances can make a big difference. The Forex Justice reviews will help you determine which forex brokers offer the best spreads and pips

I have worked with many different types of forex brokers and have witnessed the haphazard ways in which clients’ investments were distributed. In many cases, the trading transaction would go into a ‘bucket’, and never actually execute. My heart would go out to the scores of clients who had quit their day jobs, anticipating income from trading forex, only to learn their profits had disappeared due to some alleged violation. In reality, there was no profit to deliver since the buy/sell trade never happened and the broker had to come up with an excuse. These types of brokers operate in what’s commonly known in the forex industry as a “bucket shop.”

From Electronic Communication Networks (ECNs) to retail forex companies, the type of forex broker chosen is a factor in the timeliness and return on your investment. ECNs do not trade against you and act as an Interbank broker in the free market by connecting the major banks and brokerages with individual forex traders. The spreads may be smaller but you know upfront what you’re paying for the service – either a flat fee or commission.

Retail forex companies are glorified bucket shops and are often referred to as market makers, since they essentially create their own trading markets. Spreads are arbitrarily decided, trades are made against you, and profits are distributed at the broker’s discretion. Retail forex companies are attractive to newcomers and those short on cash because they don’t require large investments. If you don’t mind running the risk of having your profits disappear on a whim, then retail forex companies are a good place to learn the ins and outs of forex trading. They allow you to demo trade on their platforms until you know what you’re doing and give you unusually high leverage.

Of the two types of brokers, a forex ECN broker is the more legitimate. They provide a place where banks, traders, and multiple market makers can enter competing bids and offers around the spread amount. Unlike a dealing desk, bank quotes are consolidated and orders are matched to the best bid/offer price on which traders are permitted to trade. Although minimum trade requirements are often higher and leverage is lower, prices are not manipulated, profits can be more stable, and trades are passed to a real trader, the Interbank.

When honestly executed, forex spreads can be a valid indicator of what’s happening with your trade. After years of mistakes and believing everything I was told, I now know to look for the red flags, such as reverse pips, rejected transactions, tight spreads, and delayed executions. These are common strategies used to deceive many forex traders.

The best advice I can give you when selecting a forex broker is to read forex reviews . Learn what others are saying about forex brokers before you make a decision.

Article Source - http://www.forexjustice.com/forex_broker.html

Forex and Financial Market Update

2009-06-20T06:25:00.000-07:00

Crude breaks $60, sends high-yielding markets surging:

Once again crude led the charge in today's trading to the benefit of higher-risk, higher-yielding markets. As forecasted last night in the update, today would be the day crude breaks the $60 level and we saw this play out as crude sliced through $60 and settled above $62, gaining almost 3.25% on the day. Consequently the dollar took a nasty beating across the board, especially to the higher-yielding pound sterling and euro. The dollar lost 1% today on the USD Index and put in it's worst performance against the euro since this January.

But the real news of the day is the shocking and confusing messages sent by the Fed via the FOMC Meeting Minutes...

Fed shakes up markets with mixed messages:

I wasn't expecting too much of a reaction to the FOMC minutes unless they said something unforeseen or shocking and sure enough, we got an unforeseen message that the markets were not expecting and which came as a shock... The first message the Fed gave to the markets was abundantly clear -- keep selling the US dollar. And that's exactly what the markets did as soon as the minutes were digested by participants, which only took about 90-seconds as the message was obvious. The Fed said they saw the potential need to monetize more government debt. In other words, the Fed said they may expand their forced currency devaluation through quantitative easing (buying US Treasuries).Why this came as such a shock is because the last time we heard from the Fed on this issue, they clearly told the markets that their $300 billion program to buy Treasuries would be enough to meet their objective and now the markets are hearing otherwise.

Confusing rhetoric from Fed--

That rhetoric about further monetizing debt hammered the dollar in the FX market but the Fed's other rhetoric rocked the equities market, sending the S&P 500 futures back down to the 900 level and causing a sell-off on the S&P 500 cash market and on the Dow.

For at least the past month everything we've been hearing from the Fed about the US economy has been upbeat, positive, hopeful, and optimistic. Some of the FOMC members, including Bernanke, have even hinted the economy has bottomed and is in recovery mode with brighter days ahead. Well, the Fed completely contradicted all of their recent rhetoric in today's FOMC report and that's exactly why Wall St. freaked out into the close...

Here are some of the contradictory messages in the FOMC report:

Deeper recession in 2009; slowed rebound in 2010
GDP to decline 1.3-2% in 2009, grow 2-3% in 2010
Unemployment rate at 9% or higher through 2010
Raises Q4 2010 jobless rate forecast to 9%-9.5% from a prior forecast of 8%-8.3%
Raises Q4 2009 jobless forecast to 9.2%-9.6% from a prior forecast of 8.5%-8.8%
Fed agreed to hold decision on more securities buys to see how economy, financial conditions evolve

This is exactly opposite from what the Fed has been telling the markets in their recent speeches, especially the stuff about buying more bonds. It's like some kind of bipolar Jekyll and Hyde Fed we're dealing with now. So which Fed are we supposed to believe? The euphoric Fed that's been smoking their green shoots in a waterbong or the Fed that's painting a dismal picture of the US economy in order to justify future stimulus plans and forced devaluation of the dollar?

Which Fed do you believe?

I'm inclined to go with the latter. It's obvious the Fed wants the dollar to die and this is one of the main reasons why I've been telling traders in these updates not to buy the dollar against the majors. I'm even further convinced the Fed wants to see the dollar brutalized in the near-term. A strong dollar does the Fed and US economy no good right now. If the Fed or Treasury truly believed in a strong dollar like they sometimes say they do, their actions don't match their words at all, and it is their actions which carry more weight in my book.

Plus, by further monetizing debt it will help keep interest rates low and money cheap. That's another thing the Fed wants right now because low rates and cheap money acts as a catalyst to re-inflate the bubble which burst last year. The Fed doesn't want rates to rise because that could slow growth and recovery, especially in the housing market.

You have to keep in mind that the Fed are nothing more than price-fixers and price manipulators. The Fed doesn't actually do anything useful or proactive, their policies are which cause booms and busts and busts and booms... the Fed is their own cause and effect machine... the Fed is both the arsonist and firefighter. Nobody can fight the Fed, so if they want to monetize more debt to drive down interest rates and devalue the dollar, that's exactly what will happen. Bottom line, I think the Fed's monetary policy should always be a part of any traders game plan, especially in the FX market.

Thursday trading:

Other than crude touching new 6-month highs and the FOMC rattling the markets, it was pretty much a status quo trading day... tomorrow is a huge fundamental day starting with French, German, and Eurozone manufacturing data which comes out between 0300 EST and 0400 EST. I don't really have a forecast for all that PMI data because I'm not sure it even matters right now, the euro clearly remains tightly correlated to crude and the S&P 500, so I'll continue taking my cue from those markets. I'll repeat this yet again -- crude is the center of the universe right now and so goes crude, so goes the markets...

Big US data includes Initial Claims, Philly Fed Index, and another Geithner testimony at 1000 EST. Here again, I'm not nearly as concerned about the fundamentals tomorrow as I am with following crude and Wall St. The dollar is really in a tough place right now and I can sense a growing tide of anti-dollar sentiment which is exactly what Bernanke and the Fed wants.

So as far as trading goes, I maintain my bias to buy the majors against the dollar and yen and to only short the majors against the dollar and yen when they show some exhaustion and a high probability trade opportunity. The euro and especially the pound sterling have come up a long way this week but I wouldn't count either of them out, they still have plenty of more room to keep running as long as crude continues moving north, that is the key to it all.

I see crude hitting potential resistance between the $63 and $64 levels but should it sustain a break there, I see even higher gains to come in the short-term for crude and it's correlated markets. Besides the consumer I can't think of anybody else that would actually want or need crude lower. Market participants are starved for yields and forward looking returns, this is why they pour out of the dollar and yen and pile into the EUR, GBP, AUD, NZD, CAD, and CHF. While the current market sentiment and risk appetite prevails, I think the best trading strategy is to continue buying the dips and avoiding the USD.

It's possible some of the majors see a bit of retracement after today's strong upside gains, keep an eye on the market between the 1930 EST and 2030 EST time frames tonight and then again between 0000 EST and 0300 EST. Any dip that occurs between 2000 EST and 2230 EST tonight would probably be seen as a new buying opportunity by market participants.

Don't forget there are bank holidays in Switzerland, Germany, and France tomorrow, so the markets will ill-liquid leading to a heightened chance for volatility. As always, practice smart risk and money management in your trading, stick to those 0.5% entries and keep your usable margin above 96% and you'll be well positioned to avoid getting hurt during this chaotic and volatile times.

Key levels will be posted in the morning.

-David

The Benefits of a Forex Broker

2009-06-20T06:24:00.000-07:00

As a trader who has been involved in forex, you may be aware of forex brokers. But do you really understand the work of a forex broker? Basically, a forex broker is responsible for helping not only traders and companies, but also persons engaged in the market of forex. The help of the forex broker can range from information dissemination to company or individual representation. In exchange for the service they render, forex brokers collect a certain fee. Among the services that forex brokers can render may include general guidance, updated quotes or news flash. There are various ways by which brokers render advice. Some brokers us their hands-on experience and knowledge. There are others who depend on forex software to give the information.

There have been a few benefits and fresh benefits given to forex brokers and the market of forex since the dawn of the Internet. As such, the independent broker can provide superior availability to the market, which was unlikely a few years back.

There has been a vast expansion from then on of forex brokers, which all the more makes it tougher to decide particularly for novice traders. It is recommended then to list as many brokers as possible. This can facilitate the process of searching for the respected and trustworthy broker.

In case you cannot find any referral, it is your option now to conduct your own research. You should check out the volume of trade they are conducting as well as the number of their previous or current customers. Naturally, you would also delve into the forex broker's track record. The most important consideration in looking for your own investigation is a forex broker who has been seasoned by vast experience after many years and can provide the correct insight and advice on forex trading. Likewise, you should find out the types of services and what amenities they offer.

Finally, in making the decision if you would like to utilize a forex broker or not, you should carefully consider all the benefits as well as the drawbacks. The choice of a forex broker is a matter of personal choice but takes into consideration the referrals and suggestions when searching, or at the minimum the thorough research on your end. After all, the choice of the appropriate forex broker will matter and will determine whether or not you will succeed or fail in the foreign exchange market.

Article Source - http://www.fx-quote.com/benefits-forex-broker.html

Qualities of Winning Forex Traders

2009-06-20T06:23:00.001-07:00

Trading in foreign exchange is just one of the most profitable trading accessible although some may not be fit for forex trading. Many factors play a role aside from the hazard of losing money. Only a few people are cut for forex trading. Here are the important qualities possessed by highly successful forex traders.

1. Ability to Accept Risk

A few people will say that forex trading is not that risky which is obviously not the case with forex. A lot of money can be lost through forex trading and you must be prepared for that eventuality.

2. Confidence

Highly successful forex traders are confident with their understanding and in their abilities to make successful trades. They never hesitate and make quick judgments.

3. Discipline

Winning forex traders introduce some sort of trading strategies that is effective and sticks to it no matter what. They rarely depart from it and avoid trading "on the fly".

4. Ability to Take Defeats

Losing money in forex trading can happen to anyone in the business, even to the best forex trader in the world. This is what forex trading is all about. However, successful traders know how to accept failures and recover from it.

5. Perseverance

Smart forex traders stick to their system and waits for the proper time to offer themselves. There is no need to have available positions always. You can let one or two days slip by without placing any trade. If you do the business just for the sake of trading, there is a possibility of unfavorable results instead of positive ones.

6. Accepting Your Shortcomings

Nobody is perfect. You will commit errors and there may be cases when you analysis is remote. Do not persist in trades that are already considered gone because you do not acknowledge your mistakes. Eat your pride and minimize your losses. There are other opportunities that will come your way.

7. Know Your Financial Restrictions

Do not make a mistake of over-leveraging. Do not trade with money that you cannot gamble to lose. There could be grave repercussions. If this entails starting with a minimal investment then let it be.

8. Knowing When to Quit

The secret to forex trading is not only knowing the entry point but also knowing the exit point. Trading extended periods can have unfavorable results in the long run. If your instincts tells you that its time to exit, and then do so.

These qualities are important to become a successful forex trader notwithstanding the stage you are currently in.

Atricle Source - http://www.fx-quote.com/qualities-winning-forex.html

Guaranteed Winning Forex System - A Review By Robert D Goldstein

2009-06-20T06:22:00.000-07:00

There are many black box software makers that say they have created a guaranteed winning forex system which is a type of mechanical trading system. Let’s take a look at a few of them.

The term mechanical trading system simply means that all decisions are made for you. In this way, you do not have to research, train or read countless documents on technical analysis or the like. You simply spend the time you have trading.

In describing the best form of Forex trading systems, experts clearly delineate that it is important to understand the logic behind the system. If the system fails to meet this expectation, it is not a viable system to use. In fact, where there is no logic in these systems is typically called a black box system.

There is a theory among Forex traders that trading systems in this medium often fail the trader because there is no logic and therefore create a lack of confidence. This can all lead to potential loss.

As with all of the other currency trading systems recommendations, if you truly want to use a mechanical system, it behooves you to do your homework to ensure you are trading with a company that yields positive results.

Another term associated with Forex trading systems is technical analysis. This is primarily used in manual trading systems. This allows a trader to manually develop a strategy based upon what has happened to a particular currency in the past, and can therefore gauge how it might react in the future. Many Forex users claim this knowledge is most beneficial in determining the strength and/or weakness of a particular currency.

Within the technical analysis method, a trader may use the ability to look at the current movement of the currency price. In addition, a trader who uses this system can ascertain if there are any patterns that are significant and consistent. Also having the ability to access chart patterns allows the trader to recognize the ebb and flow of the pattern to better strategize his plan.

Other systems used among traders who prefer technical analysis are: the relative strength index, stochastic indicator, moving average convergence divergence of MACD, the Fibonacci number theory, Gann numbers, waves, gaps and trends.

While there has been much discussion on whether the use of mechanical systems as opposed to manual Forex trading systems is best, the jury still seems to be out on this one.

Forex trading systems requires one to become fully engaged in every aspect of a system to determine its efficacy. Whether one decides to use mechanical systems, or prefers to use a manual system wherein the results prove to be a tried and true method of Forex trading, the outcome seems to favor manual systems.

Most Forex traders will agree, however, that having the proper strategy when conducting currency trading is essential. Understanding the terms indicated herein will be of tremendous help to you in knowing when to buy and sell, or not to trade at all.

They also recommend learning as much as you can about the different currency trading systems at workshops or via training so that you can decide which will benefit you the most. Over and over again, the word “technique” crops up in many of the Forex trading systems and analysis discussions.

Establishing the perfect strategy involves perfecting your own technique. Most Forex traders begin by using the 30-day free trial offer from some of the online trading companies so they can test out their own theories and find the one that works best.

It seems that while there is no perfect guaranteed winning forex system, once you have decided upon the method of choice to engage in Forex trading, you will be well on your way to understanding currency trading systems in how they operate and how you can use them to your full advantage.

Robert D.Goldstein London UK has also written other well-written and helpful articles related to the many guaranteed winning forex system type of products that are available in the Forex market to find out more go to http://www.forexsearchengine.net/Site-Map.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_D_Goldstein

Super Forex System - Before You Begin Super Forex System Ideas By Peter Ville

2009-06-20T06:16:00.000-07:00

Forex market means a marketplace where foreign exchange or foreign currency is traded against each other, in order to make a profit from such a trade. Forex trend following can be very profitable and you can pile up huge gains but you need to have the mental discipline and confidence to follow the trends. Big profits are made trend following the currencies and if you learn to have the discipline to hold trends, take dips in open equity and take calculated risks at the right time, you will enjoy currency trading success and have the opportunity to enjoy some great profit potential.

Super forex market system is a challenging game where 95% of traders lose money consistently. So, how can you make money in this market? It is not an impossible mission. You simply need to do the opposite of what these 95% of traders are doing. You have to trade like a professional if you expect to make money on super forex system. You need to know when you should buy, when you should sell and when you should stay on the sidelines. Some of the pros used skills and brain, but nowadays newbies tops the market because they use a system. It will show you how you can trade just a few minutes a day and enjoy life as the 5% of successful traders actually do.

It makes sense to know the factors which affect the ups and downs of the forex currency trading market. Government policies and bank policies along with natural disasters etc. of each country affect the trade value of their currency in the forex market. Study these trends carefully so that you know what you are doing and why.

Trading in the super forex currency trading market often requires that you deal via a forex broker. It makes sense to ensure that the broker is a registered broker. A good forex broker will often always be affiliated with a bank. Nowadays, it can be dealt with a system. The super forex system.

Another thing that makes for a major point of consideration before one enters the forex trade scenario is to consider the term for which one is entering the forex currency trading market. For example, are you looking for a quick buck as a day trader, or are you looking to stay in the market as a long term or short term investor? Considering these options along with the funds available at your disposal for these speculative purposes will also help you with your decision.

Have a plan ready for your forex trading because having a strategy will help you choose better. A super forex system is a great idea to be used as a strategy. Manual trading may take a while in analyzing and questioning but a system do not require a trader to thing and ask, it automatically tell you to enter or not in a span of time in the market knowing the value of the exchange stocks.

Thus, armed with the right information and the right medium of trade, you should be well on your way to becoming a hotshot forex trader.

The Super Forex System purpose is not simply to make you money. It is to completely change your lifestyle. It is to transform you in a talented trader that can make money in any kind of market. For more information and complete tips about super forex system please visit: Super Forex System Great Secrets

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Ville

U.S. Non-Farm Employment Change Data to Dominate USD Trading

2009-06-20T06:14:00.000-07:00

Today's U.S. Non-Farm Employment Change data release is set to dominate the trading between the Dollar and its major currency pairs. A number of other factors are also likely to impact the forex market today, such as European Central Bank Chairman Jean-Claude Trichet's speech at 7:50 GMT, and the U.S. Unemployment Rate publication at 12.30 GMT. The results of today's data are likely to determine the USD's bullishness going into next week's trading.

USD - USD Awaits Today's Non Farm Employment and Unemployment Figures

The Dollar was down against the EUR Thursday after the European Central Bank's (ECB) decision to keep the main Interest Rate at 1.0%. The Dollar Index also slipped to 79.446 from 79.499 on Thursday.

Dampening demand for the Dollar in recent weeks has helped the U.S. stock market rise and global Oil prices jump to near $70 a barrel. Higher stocks have encouraged traders to take their positions out of the Dollar which is a major funding currency. Risk appetite among investors is improving which reduces demand for the Dollar. The USD is considered a safe-haven currency, a key to the currency's strength during the financial crisis.

The recent influx of positive economic news from the U.S, Europe and China reduced the desire for the safety of the greenback and pushed traders towards riskier, higher yielding currencies. The Dollar fell against the EUR., but rose against the Pound and JPY. The GBP/USD rate finished lower by nearly 140 pips at 1.6128.Against the EUR, the USD lost 30 pips to close at 1.4198.

Overall there was little volatility in the market yesterday, ahead of the much anticipated May Non-Farm Employment Change and Unemployment Rate reports to be released today at 12:30 GMT. Positive news may help reverse some of the Dollar'srecent losses.

EUR - EUR recovers on Trichet's speech

The EUR recovered from a one-week low against the USD Thursday. However, trading remained inside a narrow range, staying roughly within the $1.40-$1.43 range. The EUR/USD rate closed at $1.4198 from $1.4168 on Thursday. Additionally, the EUR/JPY finished trading at 137.39 Yen from 136.22 Yen. These results show the EUR recovered after a climb in U.S stocks and a relatively optimistic speech by the European Central Bank's (ECB) President Jean-Claude Trichet. He stated that he believes the region's economic performance will improve later this year.

The European Central Bank decided Thursday against cutting its main Interest Rate, maintaining it at 1.0%. Although low, this rate is still higher than the Federal Reserve's key rate, which is in a range between 0% and 0.25%. This means that yields on the EUR based assets remain more attractive than those denominated in the USD. The ECB's reluctance to ease monetary policy further gives way to further strengthening of the EUR.

Traders should pay close attention to the U.S Non-Farm Employment Change and U.S Unemployment Rate reports to be released today at 12:30 GMT, as well as the GBP PPI Input to be released at 8:30 GMT.

JPY - JPY Plummets as Safe-Haven Status Comes Under Threat

Japan's currency declined Thursday versus 15 of the 16 most traded currencies. The USD/JPY rate closed at 96.74 Yen per USD from 96.15 Yen yesterday, and at 137.29 Yen per EUR from 136.22 Yen on Thursday. The fundamentals in Japan are quite poor. Furthermore, the yields are extremely low and many Japanese investors are opting to buy higher yielding assets oversees while selling the Yen, therefore devaluing the Japanese currency further.

The release of the U.S Non-Farm Employment Change report today may put further downward pressure on the Yen, and it is likely to continue its losses against the USD and EUR. This is increasingly likely, as the expectation is that employers in the U.S. cut fewer jobs last month as the deterioration of the labor market slowed.

Crude Oil - Oil Rallies Towards the $70 Price Level

Crude Oil rose dramatically on Thursday, rising to a seven-month high. Crude Oil prices rose to $69.22 yesterday, an increase of more than $3 a barrel. Crude prices quickly recovered from Wednesday's steep losses and resumed the march toward $70 a barrel. The rally followed a forecast made by a Goldman Sachs analyst stating that “As the financial crisis eases, an energy shortage lies ahead”. The bank set a 12-month price target of $90 a barrel, up from $70.

Expectations of a quick economic recovery dominate long-term prospects for Oil trading. Oil prices recovered very quickly from a Department of Energy report showing a surprise increase in U.S. Crude Oil inventories on Wednesday. The release of the Unemployment Rate data today may put some strain on Oil prices as the rate is expected to rise. However, as optimism seems to be the leading force in the markets, rising equities and a weakening Dollar may prove to have a greater affect on Oil prices than the unemployment results.

Article Source - U.S. Non-Farm Employment Change Data to Dominate USD Trading

Article Source - http://forex-news-help.blogspot.com/2009/06/us-non-farm-employment-change-data-to.html

Currency Trading Tips - What You Should Expect From a Good Money Making Forex Trading System By Daniel S.

2009-06-20T06:13:00.000-07:00

Every successful business has it's own business model, a system which helps the business to generate profits. It goes the same for forex trading. To be a successful forex trader, you need to have a forex trading system in place to help you generate consistent profits from the forex market. Below are 4 major reasons why it can help you to make money consistently in forex:

1. Eliminates Emotions - Being able to control your emotions in forex trading is not easy. I understand because I've been through that when I was a greenhorn in the forex market. There is fear of entering a trade even when you see a trend in the currency pairs. So what you actually need is forex system trading, which are able to provide buy and sell signals. So you only have to follow those signals and carry out your trading without worrying too much, provided that the system is trustworthy.

2. Improves Consistency - For every forex trading system, there is a set of rules to follow before reacting to the buy or sell signals, e.g. avoiding trading before news releases etc. The rules are for you to follow and not break it. By sticking to the rules of a winning system, it only helps you profit consistently in your forex trading because you are doing the routine stuffs every time you trade.

3. Able To Detect Trend - Like what I have mentioned in my ebook, 'Trend is your best friend in forex trading'. Many people do not make money consistently in forex because they may not know when is the starting and ending of a trend without using forex system trading. A technical trading system should have some indicators like moving average(MA), moving average convergence divergence(MACD) to help detect trendiness.

4. Determine Stop Loss And Profit Target - A good trading system has a fixed stop loss and profit target (may depend on risk to reward ratio or based on certain technical indicators). Fixed stop loss will help you to be consistent and not changing your stop loss every time. Risk to reward ratio must be at least 1:2, which means if you risk 30 pips, your profit targeting will be 60 pips. This is to have a healthy trading strategy, which lead to consistent profits.

If you plan to trade forex as your career, a trading system will certainly help you more than can imagine. The only challenge is that you may have to search one that matches your personality in order to meet your expectations. You can start off with a simple one which I have provided in my ebook for free, and I'm sure you will like it and find it useful.

To learn more forex tips and discover a time tested, simple but proven trading system, download my 56-page "Forex Trading To Riches" ebook free at http://www.forextradingpower.com

The author, Daniel S, is the owner of http://www.ForexTradingPower.com where he provides premium forex tips and resources.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_S.

How to Find a Forex Broker Dealer. By Kenneth Langlet

2009-06-20T06:12:00.000-07:00

You can find a Forex broker dealer online or offline. The only Forex broker dealers you will find in your own areas will be banks and large companies who offer foreign investing. Most smaller dealers and brokers are not going to offer foreign investing, as they don’t have the best connections to do so. A Forex broker investor can be found online, easier than offline.

To find a Forex broker dealer online you want to use the links on this page to take you to well known brokers or you can also use the links on this page to search the web to find additional broker of Forex trades. Brokers of Forex trading will be interested in telling you all about where you can invest money now, tomorrow and where the hottest investments are. We advise you to investigate and learn about any company where your are planning on working with a broker of foreign exchange before putting your hard earned money out there.

You need to realize there are a number of companies, those who are Forex broker dealers, who are going to involve you in a scam. Don’t be alarmed, because this could also happen with brokers dealing in stocks, and in other hometown investments as well, but you should be aware of it. Forex broker dealers who are involved in scams will ultimately try to push you into making decisions faster and to making your investments without giving you the ample time to learn about where your money is going or what your possible rates of return are. Forex broker dealers who are going to take the time to explain what is going on, and how it will happen are more often honest Forex broker dealers you might want to consider doing business with.

Forex broker dealer is a person who will be your main contact in the firm or in the company; you are going to invest your money through. Most all-stock trades do ‘go through’ a company or a broker so the trade can take place. The same principles of the stock trade in your country will apply to the Forex trading systems, but the Forex broker dealer is going to make the transactions happen on a worldwide system. The worldwide system involves the name Forex, which stands for foreign exchange and trade. The trade of currency and stocks worldwide is going to present you with many more options about where you can invest money and how you can invest money to build your person wealth.

Kenneth Langlet is an independent writer and owner of the website http://www.brokers-and-traders.com/ where you can get more information about Forex broker.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kenneth_Langlet

Online Forex Broker. By Tamil Selvi

2009-06-20T06:11:00.000-07:00

Foreign exchange the widest term in the market through a mediator is known as forex broker. It is like the stock broker, where the agent gives some suggestion on forex trading strategies. It helps to improve client forex trading performance on technical analysis and research approaches design. Financial institutions play a vital role in the forex market by their high volume, large value forex currency transactions. Forex speculator enjoys 24 hour access to the market through a forex broker.

The aim of the forex traders to use the currency of US dollar to purchase another British Pound currency. They hope to sell their pounds at a higher rate than their purchase price. Secure web connections make forex traders possible to work from home where access to news and technical advice. The needs will influence the choice of forex broker in the market. Online forex brokerage known as houses, provide detailed research, advice and simulators to the forex market to learn how to use trading tools.

The experienced online forex trader catered other broking houses in depth but less focus on forex trading based on the assumption with the forex market. Online forex broker is a firm facilitates retail trading through Internet technologies. There are many online brokers to offer demo accounts for potential forex traders to practice trading. Forex broker list includes investment banks with dealing rooms, commercial banks and online brokerage.

A few brokerage services are not directly accessible for all customers. To trade in the financial market, you must use a forex broker. Forex broker make suggestions to make exchanging foreign currency. Some forex brokers supply technical analysis to their clients and offer tips to improve their success as forex traders. Forex broker is a banking institution in the market to buy large amounts of a certain currency. Forex brokers are geared toward the experience online forex trader.

They provide some information and run a demo on different online forex brokers before they go with it. Before you go with online forex trading you have to set up an account, which is known as forex broker. Once you start your search for the broker you feel overwhelmed by the number who offers their services online. A forex broker is an individual, buys and sells by the trader according to their decisions. Brokers earn money by charging a commission or fee for their services rendered.

In United States a broker should be registered as a Futures Commission Merchant and with the commodity Futures Trading Commission. It will ensure the peace of mind that you protect against any case of fraud and abusive trade practices. A perfect broker must able to tell how much slippage can be estimated in normal and volatile markets.

Tamil Selvi is a Copywriter of http://www.1world-forex.com. She written many articles in various topics.For more information visit: http://www.1world-forex.com.contact her at tamil@searchenginegenie.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tamil_Selvi

Forex Trading - Moving Average

2009-06-20T06:10:00.002-07:00

What is Moving Average?

Moving average is one of the most popular and easy to use tools available for doing technical analysis. It means the average price of a currency over a specified time period (the most common being 20, 30, 50, 100 and 200 days), used in order to spot pricing trends by flattening out large fluctuations. Moving average data is used to create charts that show whether a currency’s price is trending up or down. They can be used to track daily, weekly, or monthly patterns. Each new day's (or week's or month's) numbers are added to the average and the oldest numbers are dropped, thus, the average "moves" over time. In general, the shorter the time frame used, the more volatile the prices will appear, so, for example, 20 day moving average lines tend to move up and down more than 200 day moving average lines. There are four different types of moving averages: Simple (also referred to as Arithmetic), Exponential, Smoothed and Linear Weighted. Moving averages may be calculated for any sequential data set, including opening and closing prices, highest and lowest prices, trading volume or any other indicators. It is often the case when double moving averages are used.

The only thing where moving averages of different types diverge considerably from each other is when weight coefficients, which are assigned to the latest data, are different. In case we are talking of simple moving average, all prices of the time period in question are equal in value. Exponential and Linear Weighted Moving Averages attach more value to the latest prices. The most common way to interpreting the price moving average is to compare its dynamics to the price action. When the instrument price rises above its moving average, a buy signal appears, if the price falls below its moving average, what we have is a sell signal. This trading system, which is based on the moving average, is not designed to provide entrance into the market right in its lowest point, and its exit right on the peak. It allows acting according to the following trend: to buy soon after the prices reach the bottom, and to sell soon after the prices have reached their peak. Moving averages may also be applied to indicators. That is where the interpretation of indicator moving averages is similar to the interpretation of price moving averages: if the indicator rises above its moving average, that means that the ascending indicator movement is likely to continue: if the indicator falls below its moving average, this means that it is likely to continue going downward.

Simple Moving Average (SMA)

Simple Moving Average is the simplest type of moving averages. Basically, SMA is calculated by adding the last number in the period from the closing price, and then dividing that number with a period. Let me explain in example, if you select SMA 5 on a 1 hour graph, add the closing prices for the last 5 hours, and then divide that number by 5. If you select SMA 5 on a 30 minute graph, you will add the closing prices for the past 150 minutes (30*5), and then divide that number by 5. In the same way you can calculate SMA for any time period.

Most of the trading platforms will make all these calculations for you. The reason why I am bothering you with this component of technical analysis is because it is extremely important to understand how to calculate the moving average. If you understand how every moving average is calculated, you can make your own decision, which type is the best for you.

Like any other indicator, SMA works with a delay. Because you observe the average price, you are actually looking at the "forecast" of future prices, not the concrete future. Here's an example of how moving averages reduce the price activity:

On the previous chart you can see 3 different SMA. As you can see, the bigger period SMA you take, the more it stays behind the more prices. You probably noticed that the 62 SMA is much further away from current prices then 30 and 5 SMA. This is because with 62 SMA you are adding closing prices from the last 62 periods and dividing it with 62. The higher the number of periods that you are using, the slower is reaction to the movement of prices. SMA on this graph shows the overall sentiment in the market in a given period. Instead of just looking at the current price on the market, moving averages provide a broader view, and give us the general prediction of prices in the future.

SMA = SUM (CLOSE, N)/N ; Where:

N = number of calculation periods

Exponential Moving Average (EMA)

Although SMA is an excellent tool, one major problem is associated with it: SMA is very sensitive to sudden jumps (spikes). By looking at the next example you will better understand what I mean:Suppose that we draw a 5 SMA on the daily chart of EUR / USD and the closing prices for the last 5 days are as follows: 1st day - 1.2345, 2nd day - 1.2350, 3rd day - 1.2360, 4th day - 1.2365, 5th day - 1.2370. SMA would be calculated as: (1.2345+1.2350+1.2360+1.2365+1.2370)/5 = 1.2358. But what if the 2nd day price was 1.2300? SMA result would be much lower and you get the impression that the price is going down, when in reality, 2nd day may perhaps have been only one remote event (for example, reduction of the interest rate).

What I am trying to indicate is that the SMA may sometimes be too simple. If there was only a way to filter the jumps so that we do not get the wrong picture and make the most out of moving averages. It exists and is called the Exponential Moving Average (EMA).

EMA is a type of moving average that is similar to Simple Moving Average, except that more weight is given to the latest data. The Exponential Moving Average is also known as "Exponentially Weighted Moving Average". This type of moving average reacts faster to recent price changes than a Simple Moving Average. In our example above, EMA would put more weight on the 3rd-5th day, which means that jump on the 2nd would have a lesser value and would not influence so much on the moving average. It would put more emphasis on what traders are doing right now. While trading, it is more important to see what merchants are doing right now, not what they were doing last week or last month.

EMA = (CLOSE(i)*P)+(EMA(i-1)*(100-P)) ; Where:

CLOSE(i) = the price of the current period closure

EMA(i-1) = Exponentially Moving Average of the previous period closure

P = the percentage of using the price value

Smoothed Moving Average (SMMA)

A Smoothed Moving Average is sort of a cross between a Simple Moving Average and an Exponential Moving Average, only with a longer period applied. The Smoothed Moving Average gives the recent prices an equal weighting to the historic ones. The calculation does not refer to a fixed period, but rather takes all available data series into account. This is achieved by subtracting yesterday’s Smoothed Moving Average from today’s price. Adding this result to yesterday’s Smoothed Moving Average, results in today’s moving average.

In a Simple Moving Average, the price data have an equal weight in the computation of the average. Also, in a Simple Moving Average, the oldest price data are removed from the moving average as a new price is added to the computation. The Smoothed Moving Average uses a longer period to determine the average, assigning a weight to the price data as the average is calculated. Thus, the oldest price data points in the Smoothed Moving Average are never removed, but they have only a minimal impact on the moving average, which is similar to how an Exponential Moving Average places more weight on the more recent data.

The first value of this smoothed moving average is calculated as the simple moving average (SMA):

SUM1 = SUM(CLOSE, N)

SMMA1 = SUM1/N

The second and succeeding moving averages are calculated according to this formula:

SMMA(i) = (SUM1-SMMA1+CLOSE(i))/N ; Where:

SUM1 = the total sum of closing prices for N periods

SMMA1 = the smoothed moving average of the first bar

SMMA(i) = the smoothed moving average of the current bar (except for the first one)

CLOSE(i) = the current closing price

N = the smoothing period

SMA versus EMA

If you want a moving average which will match the movement of prices quite quickly, then the EMA with a short period (eg. 3, 5, 8) is the best choice for you. This may help to ''hunt down'' the trend in the early stage, which will result in higher profits. Specifically, the earlier you have caught the trend, the more you can ''ride'' through it, and you can make more money. The pitfall is that while using this type of moving average you can get a false signal which you won’t recognize and lose your investment. Since the moving average quickly matches the price, you can even think that a new trend is forming, but in fact it is just an abrupt jump, which returns to the starting position (spike).

With SMA the situation is completely opposite. If you want the moving average to respond more precisely and slowly to the price changes, then the longer period SMA is the best choice for you. Although slow responding to the price changes will save you from many possible pitfalls, the smaller SMA may also result in too much delay and missing of a good trade.

Uses for Moving Averages

There are many uses for moving averages, but three basic uses stand out:

1. Trend identification/confirmation

2. Support and Resistance level identification/confirmation

3. Trading Systems

Which is better?

Which moving average you use will depend on your trading and investing style and preferences. The Simple Moving Average obviously has a lag, but the Exponential Moving Average may be prone to quicker breaks. Some traders prefer to use Exponential Moving Averages for shorter time periods to capture changes quicker, while others prefer Simple Moving Averages over long time periods to identify long-term trend changes. In addition, much will depend on the individual security in question. Moving average type and length of time will depend greatly on the individual security and how it has reacted in the past.

The initial thought for some is that greater sensitivity and quicker signals are bound to be beneficial. This is not always true and brings up a great dilemma for the technical analyst: the tradeoff between sensitivity and reliability. The more sensitive an indicator is, the more signals that will be given. These signals may prove timely, but with increased sensitivity comes an increase in false signals. The less sensitive an indicator is, the fewer signals that will be given. However, less sensitivity leads to fewer and more reliable signals. Sometimes these signals can be late as well.

For moving averages, the same dilemma applies. Shorter moving averages will be more sensitive and generate more signals. The EMA, which is generally more sensitive than the SMA, will also be likely to generate more signals. However, there will also be an increase in the number of false signals and whipsaws. Longer moving averages will move slower and generate fewer signals. These signals will likely prove more reliable, but they also may come late. Each investor or trader should experiment with different moving average lengths and types to examine the trade-off between sensitivity and signal reliability.

Trend-Following Indicator

Moving averages smooth out a data series and make it easier to identify the direction of the trend. Because past price data is used to form moving averages, they are considered lagging, or trend following, indicators. Moving averages will not predict a change in trend, but rather follow behind the current trend. Therefore, they are best suited for trend identification and trend following purposes, not for prediction.

When to Use

Because moving averages follow the trend, they work best when a currency is trending and are ineffective when a currency moves in a trading range. With this in mind, investors and traders should first identify currencies that display some trending characteristics before attempting to analyze with moving averages. This process does not have to be a scientific examination. Usually, a simple visual assessment of the price chart can determine if a security exhibits characteristics of trend.

In its simplest form, a currency’s price can be doing only one of three things: trending up, trending down or trading in a range. An uptrend is established when a currency forms a series of higher highs and higher lows. A downtrend is established when a currency forms a series of lower lows and lower highs. A trading range is established if a currency cannot establish an uptrend or downtrend. If a security is in a trading range, an uptrend is started when the upper boundary of the range is broken and a downtrend begins when the lower boundary is broken.

Once a currency has been deemed to have enough characteristics of trend, the next task will be to select the number of moving average periods and type of moving average. The number of periods used in a moving average will vary according to the currency's volatility, trendiness and personal preferences. The more volatility there is, the more smoothing that will be required and hence the longer the moving average. There is no one set length, but some of the more popular lengths include 21, 50, 89, 150 and 200 days as well as 10, 30 and 40 weeks. Short-term traders may look for evidence of 2-3 week trends with a 21-day moving average, while longer-term investors may look for evidence of 3-4 month trends with a 40-week moving average. Trial and error is usually the best means for finding the best length. If there are too many breaks, lengthen the moving average to decrease its sensitivity. If the moving average is slow to react, shorten the moving average to increase its sensitivity. In addition, you may want to try using both Simple and Exponential Moving Averages. Exponential Moving Averages are usually best for short-term situations that require a responsive moving average. Simple Moving Averages work well for longer-term situations that do not require a lot of sensitivity.

Conclusions

Moving averages can be effective tools to identify and confirm trend, identify support and resistance levels, and develop trading systems. However, traders and investors should learn to identify currencies that are suitable for analysis with moving averages and how this analysis should be applied. Usually, an assessment can be made with a visual examination of the price chart, but sometimes it will require a more detailed approach.

The advantages of using moving averages need to be weighed against the disadvantages. Moving averages are trend following, or lagging, indicators that will always be a step behind. This is not necessarily a bad thing though. After all, the trend is your friend and it is best to trade in the direction of the trend. Moving averages will help ensure that a trader is in line with the current trend. However, markets, currencies spend a great deal of time in trading ranges, which render moving averages ineffective. Once in a trend, moving averages will keep you in, but also give late signals. Don't expect to get out at the top and in at the bottom using moving averages. As with most tools of technical analysis, moving averages should not be used on their own, but in conjunction with other tools that complement them. Using moving averages to confirm other indicators and analysis can greatly enhance technical analysis.

Article source:-http://forex-news-help.blogspot.com/2009/04/forex-trading-moving-average.html

Forex Trading - Bollinger Bands

2009-06-20T06:10:00.001-07:00

Bollinger Bands are a tool of technical analysis which was invented by John Bollinger in the 1980s. Having evolved from the concept of trading bands, Bollinger Bands are an indicator that allows users to compare volatility and relative price levels over a period time. Basically, this tool provides a relative definition of high and low. By definition prices are high at the upper band and low at the lower band. This definition can aid in rigorous pattern recognition and is useful in comparing price action to the action of indicators to arrive at systematic trading decisions. When the market is calm, the Bollinger Band lines get closer together and when the market was changing Bollinger Band line expand. The indicator consists of three bands designed to encompass the majority of a security's price action:

1. A simple moving average in the middle

2. An upper band (SMA plus 2 standard deviations)

3. A lower band (SMA minus 2 standard deviations)

Standard deviation is a statistical unit of measure that provides a good assessment of a price plot's volatility. Using the standard deviation ensures that the bands will react quickly to price movements and reflect periods of high and low volatility. Sharp price increases (or decreases), and hence volatility, will lead to a widening of the bands.

For easier understanding, see the following chart: when the price was calm, Bollinger Band lines were close to one another, but when the price jumped up, Bollinger Band lines are spread. The same would happen if the price fell.

Calculation

Upper = Average + 2*SD = X + 2*σ

Middle = Average = X

Lower = Average - 2*SD = X - 2*σ

Bollinger Bounce

The first thing you should know about Bollinger Band is that prices strive to return to the center of the Bollinger Bands. On the following chart you can see that the price has returned back towards the middle of Bollinger Bands.

What you just saw was a classic Bollinger Bounce. The reason why this “bounce” occurs is that Bollinger Band lines act like a level of support and resistance. The larger time period that you observe in the graph (H1, H4, D1), the stronger the Bollinger Bands get. Most traders developed systems that rely on the “jumps”. This strategy is best used when the market is in the range (ranging market) and while there is no clear trend.

Bollinger Squeeze

When the Bollinger Band lines get close together, it usually means that a break out will appear. If the candlesticks start to break out above the upper Bollinger Band line it is customary that the upward trend will continue, same thing is true for the downward trend.

If you look at the chart above you can see the Bollinger Band lines shrinking. Price is just beginning to penetrate upper Bollinger Bands lines and continues to go up. This is the way a typical Bollinger Squeeze works. This strategy is designed to catch a trend as soon as possible. This situation does not happen every day, but you can probably encounter it several times a week if you observe a 15 minute chart.

Interpretation

The use of Bollinger Bands varies wildly among traders. Some traders buy when price touches the lower Bollinger Band and exit when price touches the moving average in the center of the bands. Other traders buy when price breaks above the upper Bollinger Band or sell when price falls below the lower Bollinger Band.

When the bands lie close together a period of low volatility in stock price is indicated. When they are far apart a period of high volatility in price is indicated. When the bands have only a slight slope and lie approximately parallel for an extended time the price of a stock will be found to oscillate up and down between the bands as though in a channel.

As always, traders are inclined to use Bollinger Bands with other indicators to see if there is confirmation. In particular, the use of an oscillator like Bollinger Bands will often be coupled with a non-oscillator indicator like chart patterns or a trend line. If these indicators confirm the recommendation of the Bollinger Bands, the trader will have greater evidence that what the Bands forecast is correct.

Conclusion

Even though Bollinger Bands can help generate buy and sell signals, they are not designed to determine the future direction of a currency. The Bollinger Bands were designed to augment other analysis techniques and indicators. By themselves, Bollinger Bands serve two primary functions:

- To identify periods of high and low volatility

- To identify periods when prices are at extreme, and possibly unsustainable, levels

As stated above, currencies can fluctuate between periods of high volatility and low volatility. Being able to identify a period of low volatility can serve as an alert to monitor the price action of a currency. Other aspects of technical analysis, such as momentum, moving averages and retracements, can then be employed to help determine the direction of the potential breakout.

Remember that buy and sell signals are not given when prices reach the upper or lower Bollinger Bands. Such levels merely indicate that prices are high or low on a relative basis. A currency can become overbought or oversold for an extended period of time. Knowing whether or not prices are high or low on a relative basis can enhance our interpretation of other indicators, and it can assist with timing issues in trading.

Article source:-http://forex-news-help.blogspot.com/2009/04/bollinger-bands.html

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The Colors of Finland Rovaniemi in the Arctic Circle and Tampere

Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi, Finland January 29, 1999

Cultural History as Key to Color - The Lahore Fort and Badshahi Mosque

From Hunza to Fairy meadows

Mountain Kingdoms of Hunza Valley

Visit Pakistan from China.

Peep in the Hunza Valley

cultural

Trekking

Mountain

Travel info on South Africa

FIFA World Cup in South Africa 2010

ICICI Bank slashes benchmark lending rate by 50 bps

Benchmark Lending

Why Freedom Loan From Benchmark Lending Is The Most Popular

benchmark lending

Benchmarking

Primary Pulmonary Hypertension, PPH

Hypertension and the Cardiovascular System

Pulmonary Hypertension

Deaths from Primary Pulmonary Hypertension

Egg credit card

Wisconsin Lemon Law

What is a Lemon?

What is a defect?

What vehicles are covered?

How long are you covered?

Is my vehicle a lemon?

What should a lemon owner do?

Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi, Finland
January 29, 1999