I was driving on the highway the other day behind a truck that had a bumper sticker on it. As I read the bumper sticker it gave me the idea for this article. The bumper sticker read: "If you ain't a Buckeye fan, you ain't s**t." Well, I have no idea who the Buckeyes are and it really isn't important, because what struck me was how often we say things that we don't really mean and, more than that, what it actually means for us in terms of what we attract to ourselves in life.
In this particular example, the assumption must be from what it says that if you are a Buckeye fan then you are s**t. I'm pretty sure that's not the meaning that was intended, but if you think about it, that's exactly what it's saying.
Being aware of what you say is particularly important when you think about the Law of Attraction, the principle that what you focus on is what you attract. This includes what you say. So, for example, if you frequently exclaim that someone is "a pain in the neck" (or some other body part) if you started to develop neck problems you probably would not associate it with your statement. But the Law of Attraction would tell you that this is exactly what's happening - you develop the neck problem as a result of what you habitually say.
I play tennis and it's a wonderful sport. It can also be very frustrating when you hit a shot that doesn't go where you want it to go, particularly if that means your opponent wins the point. Go out onto any public tennis courts and I can just about guarantee that you will hear people shouting things like: "you idiot", "how could you be so stupid", "what a pathetic serve" and so on. These are all things that people are shouting at themselves, not at their opponents. I must admit to being somewhat guilty of this myself from time to time, but now when I do it, I at least stop and cancel out what I just said.
If you think about it and just listen to people you'll hear them saying things all the time that reinforce just what they don't want in their lives. Things like:
· I can't afford it
· I always end up in the longest line
· Nobody ever listens to me
· The economy is so bad, everything's a struggle right now
· I hate being bored
· I hate being stuck in traffic
· So and so is better than me
· And so on...
In just the same way that we need to monitor our thoughts, to be aware of what we're focusing on and putting energy towards, we also need to be aware of what we say. We often say things without even realizing just what we're saying.
I was once a member of a mastermind group that met twice a month. The purpose of the group being to help the members grow both personally and professionally. We became aware of the fact that each of us had a tendency to be negative about ourselves in certain areas and would say things that were not helping us achieve what we wanted. So we instituted a fine. We each had our own statements or things that we needed to avoid saying, and each time we were caught saying it, we had to pay $1. It worked very well because it really helped to make us aware of what we were saying and how frequently we were saying it. We used the money we collected to go out to lunch - and of course, some members ended up contributing a lot more to the lunch than others!
If you like a challenge, then try this. You may have to ask someone else to monitor you - someone you spend a lot of time with, because it can be difficult to notice it yourself. The goal is just to be aware of when you say something that you really don't mean and that is really not helpful to you. Once you're aware of it, then you can change it. If you catch yourself saying something that you really didn't want to say, then you can always say 'cancel' afterwards, or change what you said to a more positive statement. For example, instead of saying "I can't afford it" you can say "I choose to spend my money on other things right now", or something similar.
2009/04/19
Paradise Or Hell?
What would you do if you could travel to ANY place in your mind? Where would you end up? Hopefully, it'd be some place sane and safe, a place of some type of tranquility. I know what some people think, and if the place they'd image instantiates right then and there, they'd be in one LOONY place. lol. . .Thank goodness that doesn't happen though, or does it?
On your average day, what would you say your thoughts correlate? I mean what's the main drive behind your thoughts. Is it financial worries?? Financial blessings?? Thoughts of anger? Happiness? Are you tired of working that 9-5 job and need a vacation?? Or is that as close to a vacation that you're getting this year? You could already be in that place you think of most. If in your mind you're thinking, "My GOODNESS!! This job is SO stressful. It's just Hell on Earth," and that's your constant. I'm here to tell you. You're at that instantiated place in your mind. It's come to reality and you didn't even see it appear before you, probably because it's been walking right alongside you. It's in GREAT company, so why should it go elsewhere? Or should I say, why shouldn't YOU go any place else? It's like I've said about our mentality, it's got to change before anything else will. And that's a point I DO drive home.
Don't think you're going to instantiate the beaches of the Bahamas when you're mindset is the slums of Kingston, Jamaica. Harshly put, but you DO see the picture. Sometimes you need to just go away, just get away from it all to clear your mind and come back renewed. However, if your "friend" is tagging along with you, you may as well have stayed at your "Hell on Earth" job or situation. Because you being on "vacation" and your mindset still on everything that's negative and wrong in your life, guess what. "Nothing changes, if nothing changes." You're still in "Hell". It just looks better. Yet, the problem is right there with you on the "beach,"chilling and sipping on whatever you're sipping on--probably a double of it.
Periodically throughout the day, you should take a few minutes for yourself, and take your mind away. Take it on a vacation to wherever you want to go. HOWEVER, leave everything else behind. Go by yourself; you don't need any "sipping buddies." Like the lyrics said in the past, "Free your mind and the rest will follow." If you REALLY want to free your mind, physically get yourself out from the troublesome environment. . .even if it's a LITERAL vacation. Once you're away from the stress and the pests. . .take yourself to "paradise,"while being in paradise, physically. The experience will help greatly.
On your average day, what would you say your thoughts correlate? I mean what's the main drive behind your thoughts. Is it financial worries?? Financial blessings?? Thoughts of anger? Happiness? Are you tired of working that 9-5 job and need a vacation?? Or is that as close to a vacation that you're getting this year? You could already be in that place you think of most. If in your mind you're thinking, "My GOODNESS!! This job is SO stressful. It's just Hell on Earth," and that's your constant. I'm here to tell you. You're at that instantiated place in your mind. It's come to reality and you didn't even see it appear before you, probably because it's been walking right alongside you. It's in GREAT company, so why should it go elsewhere? Or should I say, why shouldn't YOU go any place else? It's like I've said about our mentality, it's got to change before anything else will. And that's a point I DO drive home.
Don't think you're going to instantiate the beaches of the Bahamas when you're mindset is the slums of Kingston, Jamaica. Harshly put, but you DO see the picture. Sometimes you need to just go away, just get away from it all to clear your mind and come back renewed. However, if your "friend" is tagging along with you, you may as well have stayed at your "Hell on Earth" job or situation. Because you being on "vacation" and your mindset still on everything that's negative and wrong in your life, guess what. "Nothing changes, if nothing changes." You're still in "Hell". It just looks better. Yet, the problem is right there with you on the "beach,"chilling and sipping on whatever you're sipping on--probably a double of it.
Periodically throughout the day, you should take a few minutes for yourself, and take your mind away. Take it on a vacation to wherever you want to go. HOWEVER, leave everything else behind. Go by yourself; you don't need any "sipping buddies." Like the lyrics said in the past, "Free your mind and the rest will follow." If you REALLY want to free your mind, physically get yourself out from the troublesome environment. . .even if it's a LITERAL vacation. Once you're away from the stress and the pests. . .take yourself to "paradise,"while being in paradise, physically. The experience will help greatly.
The Law of Attraction and the Economy
Every day that you turn on the news, you will constantly hear stories about how bad the economy is and you hear so many scare tactics that keep viewers tuned in as well as in a constant state of panic when it comes to their money. You have to be able to allow yourself to get past all of these negative images if you want to be able to allow the law of attraction to really work.
Remember for one that a lot of people are making a lot of money off of the bad economy. They are getting higher ratings for their television and radio programs and many of them have endorsement deals that are contingent on a bad economy. So, they want to keep the confidence factor low so that you keep tuning in and buying their products. ( A talk show or T.V. show host that makes high six figures does not relate to a guy making $ 30,000 a year no matter how much they say that they do.)
THE LAW OF ATTRACTION IS ABOUT YOU TAKING CONTROL...
If you want the law of attraction to go to work for you so that you begin to attract what it is that you want, you have to stay away from the media messages. They are not without bias. You have to take control of how you feel and the decision that you make.
Learn how to master the law of attraction and you can become the captain of your own ship and dictate in what direction that your life will lead.
Remember for one that a lot of people are making a lot of money off of the bad economy. They are getting higher ratings for their television and radio programs and many of them have endorsement deals that are contingent on a bad economy. So, they want to keep the confidence factor low so that you keep tuning in and buying their products. ( A talk show or T.V. show host that makes high six figures does not relate to a guy making $ 30,000 a year no matter how much they say that they do.)
THE LAW OF ATTRACTION IS ABOUT YOU TAKING CONTROL...
If you want the law of attraction to go to work for you so that you begin to attract what it is that you want, you have to stay away from the media messages. They are not without bias. You have to take control of how you feel and the decision that you make.
Learn how to master the law of attraction and you can become the captain of your own ship and dictate in what direction that your life will lead.
2009/04/11
Asian Nations of Economic Success by Globalization
The brightness of the glittering Twin Towers of Malaysia, the one time tallest buildings of the world is telling many success stories of Malaysia and how it has been transformed into one of the Asia's wealthiest nations.
The serene beauty of the sky-high towers with a celestial background of shining stars in a clear dark night in the far distance, propelled my thoughts back into the good old Malaysia where, while Dr. Mahathir Mohamad was criticising the western capitalism, how cleverly he applied the open economic strategies which made Malaysia to trade all over the world and its entrepreneurs to become international players.
Dr. Mahathir's open economic strategy with a clear vision and a mission triggered my memories back into my effort "Strategic Post-Conflict Economic Development Initiative" as an awareness program to transform into Sri Lanka's war-ravaged economy into one of the South Asia's best. Dr. Mahathir's strategies are well reflected in his macro - economic strategies by adopting the open economic policies with the realization in mind that the world trend of Globalization and Liberalization is irreversible. We are living in an era of Globalization & Liberalization, a deeply imbedded neo-classical economic thought and its applications everywhere in the globe.
This overwhelming tide of G&L is reinforced and accelerated by the wide spread of Boeing and Airbus jets, Information Technology and the better and efficient shipping facilities which made the entire world into much smaller and less distant than ever.
The current Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong once said far back in the late nineties when he was the deputy Prime Minister, "It is better to embrace globalization and liberalization proactively, at our own pace, than face the prospect of one day being swept away by the floodwaters of competition."
His realization of embracing the globalization and liberalization might have been inherited into him by the strategies of former Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Kuan Yew who in his long tenure, changed Singapore from a sleepy colonial outpost to a prosperous high-tech enclave and applied better open economic policies to make use of the Globalization and Liberalization in Singapore's favour.
Now Singapore's per capita GNP is higher than that of its erstwhile colonizer, Great Britain. It has the world's busiest port and is the third-largest oil refiner and a major center for global manufacturing and service industries. And this move from poverty to plenty has taken place within one generation. In 1965 Singapore ranked economically with Chile, Argentina and Mexico but today its per capita GNP is four or five times of theirs.
Lee Kuan Yew managed this miraculous transformation in Singapore's economy while maintaining tight political control over the country. Malaysia and Singapore better managed their economies in Southeast Asia than any other countries in facing the new trends of Globalization and Liberalization.
Dr. Mahathir's strategies have eventually made Malaysia into a Southeast Asian economic superpower with number of megastar Malaysian entrepreneurs.
Tan Sri Ananthakrishnan, who owns the Twin Towers of Malaysia and several other conglomerates is a role model for many Malaysian entrepreneurs who have given real meaning to the present day Malaysia by transforming Malaysia into one of the Asia's wealthiest nations. Tan Sri Anantha krishnan, a Jaffna origin Malaysian who had a humble beginning as a smalltime bookmaker in Australia and later as a polished dealmaker with a degree from Harvard Business School, became a sophisticated oil trader with connections to many of the Asia's political and petroleum industry elite with interests in oil and gas fields in the United States.
Tan Sri Anandakrishnan later went further into orbit, with the successful launching of MEASAT - 1, the Malaysia's maiden telecommunication satellite. Tan Sri Ananda krishnan's success provides a compelling testimony to Dr. Mahathir's economic policies and their successful implementations.
Though, today, Dr Mahathir stepped down from power, Malaysia boasts a diversified and modern economy, which weathered the Asian financial crisis in1997-98 better than many of its peers. Malaysia's success has been by diversifying away from the export of palm oil and rubber to the assembly of electronics with the steady provision of political stability by the resolved ethnic divisions by Dr. Mahathir.
Dr. Mahathir's keen stewardship of the economy has spawned in various projects and the latest was the Multimedia Super Corridor - a "knowledge-based economy master plan" to upgrade the Malaysia's electronics industry into a hi-tech application industry. The knowledge-based economy master plan which encourages the new trend of Business and Knowledge Process Outsourcing is a new dimension of Globalization.
Southeast Asia first experienced a new and different wave of Globalization from Japan by the transferring their locations to more labour - intensive and resource - intensive Asian countries so that Japan could continue to form the international cooperation. By this Japanese initiative of Global - localization most of the Asian countries are generally favourable towards the Globalization trend. The born-again WTO from the old GATT is permanently positioned to look after the liberalization.
The trend of Globalization and Liberalization is indisputably irreversible. Therefore, it is really a great challenge to developing countries. Singapore and Malaysia are successful in tackling the Globalization and Liberalization because they were well - prepared.
The serene beauty of the sky-high towers with a celestial background of shining stars in a clear dark night in the far distance, propelled my thoughts back into the good old Malaysia where, while Dr. Mahathir Mohamad was criticising the western capitalism, how cleverly he applied the open economic strategies which made Malaysia to trade all over the world and its entrepreneurs to become international players.
Dr. Mahathir's open economic strategy with a clear vision and a mission triggered my memories back into my effort "Strategic Post-Conflict Economic Development Initiative" as an awareness program to transform into Sri Lanka's war-ravaged economy into one of the South Asia's best. Dr. Mahathir's strategies are well reflected in his macro - economic strategies by adopting the open economic policies with the realization in mind that the world trend of Globalization and Liberalization is irreversible. We are living in an era of Globalization & Liberalization, a deeply imbedded neo-classical economic thought and its applications everywhere in the globe.
This overwhelming tide of G&L is reinforced and accelerated by the wide spread of Boeing and Airbus jets, Information Technology and the better and efficient shipping facilities which made the entire world into much smaller and less distant than ever.
The current Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong once said far back in the late nineties when he was the deputy Prime Minister, "It is better to embrace globalization and liberalization proactively, at our own pace, than face the prospect of one day being swept away by the floodwaters of competition."
His realization of embracing the globalization and liberalization might have been inherited into him by the strategies of former Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Kuan Yew who in his long tenure, changed Singapore from a sleepy colonial outpost to a prosperous high-tech enclave and applied better open economic policies to make use of the Globalization and Liberalization in Singapore's favour.
Now Singapore's per capita GNP is higher than that of its erstwhile colonizer, Great Britain. It has the world's busiest port and is the third-largest oil refiner and a major center for global manufacturing and service industries. And this move from poverty to plenty has taken place within one generation. In 1965 Singapore ranked economically with Chile, Argentina and Mexico but today its per capita GNP is four or five times of theirs.
Lee Kuan Yew managed this miraculous transformation in Singapore's economy while maintaining tight political control over the country. Malaysia and Singapore better managed their economies in Southeast Asia than any other countries in facing the new trends of Globalization and Liberalization.
Dr. Mahathir's strategies have eventually made Malaysia into a Southeast Asian economic superpower with number of megastar Malaysian entrepreneurs.
Tan Sri Ananthakrishnan, who owns the Twin Towers of Malaysia and several other conglomerates is a role model for many Malaysian entrepreneurs who have given real meaning to the present day Malaysia by transforming Malaysia into one of the Asia's wealthiest nations. Tan Sri Anantha krishnan, a Jaffna origin Malaysian who had a humble beginning as a smalltime bookmaker in Australia and later as a polished dealmaker with a degree from Harvard Business School, became a sophisticated oil trader with connections to many of the Asia's political and petroleum industry elite with interests in oil and gas fields in the United States.
Tan Sri Anandakrishnan later went further into orbit, with the successful launching of MEASAT - 1, the Malaysia's maiden telecommunication satellite. Tan Sri Ananda krishnan's success provides a compelling testimony to Dr. Mahathir's economic policies and their successful implementations.
Though, today, Dr Mahathir stepped down from power, Malaysia boasts a diversified and modern economy, which weathered the Asian financial crisis in1997-98 better than many of its peers. Malaysia's success has been by diversifying away from the export of palm oil and rubber to the assembly of electronics with the steady provision of political stability by the resolved ethnic divisions by Dr. Mahathir.
Dr. Mahathir's keen stewardship of the economy has spawned in various projects and the latest was the Multimedia Super Corridor - a "knowledge-based economy master plan" to upgrade the Malaysia's electronics industry into a hi-tech application industry. The knowledge-based economy master plan which encourages the new trend of Business and Knowledge Process Outsourcing is a new dimension of Globalization.
Southeast Asia first experienced a new and different wave of Globalization from Japan by the transferring their locations to more labour - intensive and resource - intensive Asian countries so that Japan could continue to form the international cooperation. By this Japanese initiative of Global - localization most of the Asian countries are generally favourable towards the Globalization trend. The born-again WTO from the old GATT is permanently positioned to look after the liberalization.
The trend of Globalization and Liberalization is indisputably irreversible. Therefore, it is really a great challenge to developing countries. Singapore and Malaysia are successful in tackling the Globalization and Liberalization because they were well - prepared.
2009/04/10
Asian Economic Tigers Becomes Asian Kitten
Anyone follows the global economic trend closely could vividly recall the robustness and ecstasy on South East Asian's 1990s economic boom. During that short interval, if we track the economic growth from 1980s to current, the countries, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea, Indonesia are believed to be main players in the world economy, as these countries were magnet of foreign investments from across the world, mostly technology, engineering and electrical. They were called "Asian Tigers".
This pour in of foreign investments were mainly due to the protection given by the local governments to attract investments, low labor cost, and other local factors. They were combined with technology euphoria at that time, particularly fueled by digital technology. The belief was that every company should leverage on technology which could digitize information, because the demand and future are so unlimited. That was premised under the assumption that every piece of information, movie, news, and any other information can be digitized. So the scramble by world manufacturers to set up plants to be part of the production chain was deemed to be profitable. As Asian countries has the lowest cost of production, companies who wanted to remain competitive would throng here. This sets up the foundation of the linkages of industry in the host countries.
The presence of the foreign manufacturers coincide with the export orientation policy advocated by the host governments, as it was believed the foreigners could help to seed and upgrade the local players. Thus, many of the local companies were set up and be part of this production chain. And to further increase the competitiveness, government concessions were given out to the local companies, but with strong collaboration with the more capable foreign partners. Many of these concessions were farmed out to foreign firms, and local players who were blamed to be less capable were simply secondary producers, or merely low cost supporters to the flagship companies. Thus, subsequently created the worry of "technologyless industrialization" which the problem became very obvious and enhanced in the recent world economic downturn. As what investor Warren Buffet said, "when the water tide is receded, those without pants are caught revealed".
Another worry faced by the local manufacturers now are the hedging of the foreign manufacturers. China, since 2003, has become the world magnet in parallel with India, as two most attractive low cost destination to the world economy. The set up of industrial estates in Dalian, Shenzen, Kuantong, Shanghai and others, were crowded with foreign investors, due to the accessibility to the mass market, low cost, and most importantly linkages. However, the instability and trade surplus due to the exchange rate Yuan Vs USD, caused concern; US might constrain trade with China. Low quality control, which caused the recent call backs of toys, pet foods and etc, also make foreigners distanced, or at best reluctant to put all investment in China. Through these reasons, many manufacturers are still remain in other Asian countries, or partly set up their plants in China but still maintain the technology and development or high end chain in South East Asia. The last reason is the main concern to the inventors and the flagship companies as the lack of intellectual property rights in China have caused much preservations.
So the question is now will the current trend of manufacturing growth sustainable? This becomes very worrying in the recent development; the slow down of demand from US and developed countries in Europe, the emergence of other competitive countries such as Russia, Brazil, Vietnam, and Cambodia. As these countries could offer low cost production, high quality labor, agglomeration benefits (the presence of big players such as Intel, Motorola and Samsung in these countries), the challenge faced by the Asian Tigers (or Kittens, as the robustness of growth is not that magnificent compare to decades ago) are tremendous.
This pour in of foreign investments were mainly due to the protection given by the local governments to attract investments, low labor cost, and other local factors. They were combined with technology euphoria at that time, particularly fueled by digital technology. The belief was that every company should leverage on technology which could digitize information, because the demand and future are so unlimited. That was premised under the assumption that every piece of information, movie, news, and any other information can be digitized. So the scramble by world manufacturers to set up plants to be part of the production chain was deemed to be profitable. As Asian countries has the lowest cost of production, companies who wanted to remain competitive would throng here. This sets up the foundation of the linkages of industry in the host countries.
The presence of the foreign manufacturers coincide with the export orientation policy advocated by the host governments, as it was believed the foreigners could help to seed and upgrade the local players. Thus, many of the local companies were set up and be part of this production chain. And to further increase the competitiveness, government concessions were given out to the local companies, but with strong collaboration with the more capable foreign partners. Many of these concessions were farmed out to foreign firms, and local players who were blamed to be less capable were simply secondary producers, or merely low cost supporters to the flagship companies. Thus, subsequently created the worry of "technologyless industrialization" which the problem became very obvious and enhanced in the recent world economic downturn. As what investor Warren Buffet said, "when the water tide is receded, those without pants are caught revealed".
Another worry faced by the local manufacturers now are the hedging of the foreign manufacturers. China, since 2003, has become the world magnet in parallel with India, as two most attractive low cost destination to the world economy. The set up of industrial estates in Dalian, Shenzen, Kuantong, Shanghai and others, were crowded with foreign investors, due to the accessibility to the mass market, low cost, and most importantly linkages. However, the instability and trade surplus due to the exchange rate Yuan Vs USD, caused concern; US might constrain trade with China. Low quality control, which caused the recent call backs of toys, pet foods and etc, also make foreigners distanced, or at best reluctant to put all investment in China. Through these reasons, many manufacturers are still remain in other Asian countries, or partly set up their plants in China but still maintain the technology and development or high end chain in South East Asia. The last reason is the main concern to the inventors and the flagship companies as the lack of intellectual property rights in China have caused much preservations.
So the question is now will the current trend of manufacturing growth sustainable? This becomes very worrying in the recent development; the slow down of demand from US and developed countries in Europe, the emergence of other competitive countries such as Russia, Brazil, Vietnam, and Cambodia. As these countries could offer low cost production, high quality labor, agglomeration benefits (the presence of big players such as Intel, Motorola and Samsung in these countries), the challenge faced by the Asian Tigers (or Kittens, as the robustness of growth is not that magnificent compare to decades ago) are tremendous.
5 Tips to Weather the Current Economic Downturn in Asia
Take our heads out of the sands and confess that times are harsh. People especially in Malaysia are also feeling the heat of current economic recession. There are innumerable people who are less affected by a weak economy and among them are people who work at freelance markets. Working as a freelancer will not make you rich over night, but will improve your financial situation and shrinkage of wallets.
Right now is actually the just right time to begin working in Malaysia freelance market as it is the current trend. Here are few tips, signifying the value of freelance jobs in current economic downturn in Asia.
1) More Malaysian companies are outsourcing their jobs as an of use method to cut back their overhead expenses. Not only that but, wobbly economic conditions push entrepreneurs to outsource their full or part-time jobs.
2) Starting to online freelance jobs is not as complicated as people imagine.
At the outset, you should congregate the correct information. Evidently, your main tool is going to be your PC as you will be working online. Additionally, you have to have a high speed Internet connection. This high speed internet access is going to be very useful in order to save time and to work more proficiently.
3) There are many financial benefits working as a freelancer. You are sitting in the comforts of your home and saving on gas and tax benefits. Yes, working in freelance market place won't get you closer to wealth but will minimize the effects of Current economical shrinkage.
4) Smart people, wealthy people, people who are seldom affected by a frail economy look for opportunities that will produce a recurring, long term income, while they sleep, while they are on vacation even when they retire. And freelance markets have all these features. However, these types of freelance jobs do not build themselves overnight. They take some initial endeavor to set up feedbacks from your clients.
5) If writing is a skill of yours there are many freelance websites that'll pay you for your articles. The financial situation for many Malaysian is getting bleak. But you can turn around this if you're working as a freelancer. As you are making money and are saving money as well on transportation and taxes, your financial situation will significantly perk up.
The bottom line is, online freelance jobs are a novel trend and the number of opportunities is on the rise relentlessly. Freelance jobs are one of the best ways to earn passive income in this economic down turn in Asia. You can discover numerous different online freelance jobs available, including graphic design, SEO jobs, translation jobs, content writing and copywriting jobs, website design and data entry jobs. There are growingly and the freelance market is awash with new work opportunities.
Right now is actually the just right time to begin working in Malaysia freelance market as it is the current trend. Here are few tips, signifying the value of freelance jobs in current economic downturn in Asia.
1) More Malaysian companies are outsourcing their jobs as an of use method to cut back their overhead expenses. Not only that but, wobbly economic conditions push entrepreneurs to outsource their full or part-time jobs.
2) Starting to online freelance jobs is not as complicated as people imagine.
At the outset, you should congregate the correct information. Evidently, your main tool is going to be your PC as you will be working online. Additionally, you have to have a high speed Internet connection. This high speed internet access is going to be very useful in order to save time and to work more proficiently.
3) There are many financial benefits working as a freelancer. You are sitting in the comforts of your home and saving on gas and tax benefits. Yes, working in freelance market place won't get you closer to wealth but will minimize the effects of Current economical shrinkage.
4) Smart people, wealthy people, people who are seldom affected by a frail economy look for opportunities that will produce a recurring, long term income, while they sleep, while they are on vacation even when they retire. And freelance markets have all these features. However, these types of freelance jobs do not build themselves overnight. They take some initial endeavor to set up feedbacks from your clients.
5) If writing is a skill of yours there are many freelance websites that'll pay you for your articles. The financial situation for many Malaysian is getting bleak. But you can turn around this if you're working as a freelancer. As you are making money and are saving money as well on transportation and taxes, your financial situation will significantly perk up.
The bottom line is, online freelance jobs are a novel trend and the number of opportunities is on the rise relentlessly. Freelance jobs are one of the best ways to earn passive income in this economic down turn in Asia. You can discover numerous different online freelance jobs available, including graphic design, SEO jobs, translation jobs, content writing and copywriting jobs, website design and data entry jobs. There are growingly and the freelance market is awash with new work opportunities.
2009/04/09
Catholic Europe in Vogue?
Are the Europeans about to restore the power and influence of their respective Royals? In Rome's mind, only an IMPERIAL RESTORATION can save mankind! That explains why the present pontiff has proclaimed that he's on a mission from God to unite Europe from the Atlantic to the Urals. How? By remodeling Europe after the grand design of the "Holy Roman Empire."
Recently, the Roman Catholic cardinal Alfons Maria Stickler from Austria, an advisor to the pope, reflected this position when interviewed by the German newspaper Schwabische Zeitung. When asked what ails our society, Stickler responded: "The principles that were once personified in the aristocracy of the past are now gone...The unconditional willingness to fight for the doctrines of the Holy Roman Church..." Will such a romantic view blind Europe? Will nostalgia for Europe's Catholic past soon sweep them off their feet?
Cardinal Stickler, speaking loftily of Europe's aristocrats, praised them as "loyal and devoted to the pope, politically neither right or left, only guided to realize the will of the pope and the Catholic honor...Aggressive Catholicism...only these aristocrats can save the world from moral decay."
The Vatican's working out a deal with ten European kings, with seductive offers of restoring them to political life upon their now dormant thrones, in exchange for their allegiance to the pope. Will Archduke Karl von Habsburg claim his "divine right" to the Austro-Hungarian throne? He is the heir to the "Holy Roman Empire." Will the pope soon call upon him to serve as a figurehead, an emperor of sorts, over the United Kingdoms of Europe?
What crisis will coerce Europe to hastily accept the pope's indecent proposal to recreate the continent in his image? Yeltsin's death? An economic collapse? An Islamic threat? Surely GERMANY stands ready to defend "Western Christian civilization," even if means starting World War III!
Recently, the Roman Catholic cardinal Alfons Maria Stickler from Austria, an advisor to the pope, reflected this position when interviewed by the German newspaper Schwabische Zeitung. When asked what ails our society, Stickler responded: "The principles that were once personified in the aristocracy of the past are now gone...The unconditional willingness to fight for the doctrines of the Holy Roman Church..." Will such a romantic view blind Europe? Will nostalgia for Europe's Catholic past soon sweep them off their feet?
Cardinal Stickler, speaking loftily of Europe's aristocrats, praised them as "loyal and devoted to the pope, politically neither right or left, only guided to realize the will of the pope and the Catholic honor...Aggressive Catholicism...only these aristocrats can save the world from moral decay."
The Vatican's working out a deal with ten European kings, with seductive offers of restoring them to political life upon their now dormant thrones, in exchange for their allegiance to the pope. Will Archduke Karl von Habsburg claim his "divine right" to the Austro-Hungarian throne? He is the heir to the "Holy Roman Empire." Will the pope soon call upon him to serve as a figurehead, an emperor of sorts, over the United Kingdoms of Europe?
What crisis will coerce Europe to hastily accept the pope's indecent proposal to recreate the continent in his image? Yeltsin's death? An economic collapse? An Islamic threat? Surely GERMANY stands ready to defend "Western Christian civilization," even if means starting World War III!
2009 Czech Property Forecast Part 2
Will this change in the near future?
Certainly Czech Republic is an economy based largely on exports. As the world economy slows, so will exports. Already companies in Czech Republic are reporting cuts in production, in particular in the automotive industry but also glass makers and some textile companies. This will definitely have an impact on unemployment in 2009 but should not get out of hand.
Overall Economic Health
The Czech economy grew by a record 6.6 percent in 2007.
Second-quarter growth figures in 2008 for the Czech Republic were revised up to 4.6%, year on year, from a previous estimate of 4.5%, which is below the 6.8% growth in the previous quarter. Expectations for the final two quarters are also for contraction in GDP. Expectations for 2008 as a whole are for around 5% GDP.
This may be better than their Western neighbours--the euro zone's economy most recently contracted by 0.2%, quarter on quarter--but is still a sign that the east is not invulnerable to the problems plaguing Western economies, which have been hit by a storm of financial market losses, and soaring food and fuel bills
The forecast for 2009 will most likely be reduced in November 2008 from the current 3.6% said Tuma from the Czech central bank (CNB), as reported on Oct. 12th, 2008. Projections range between 3.1 and 3.3%.
"Our great advantage, however, is that last year (2007) we were at the peak of the economic cycle and reckoned with slowdown this year and what will happen will be a greater slowdown (than expected)," said Tuma.
Although we can see a declining trend through the last three years, it certainly is a lot healthier than the recessions that are either in full bloom in Western countries or are just on the horizon.
On a side note, few people know that before WWII and the subsequent events until 1990, Czech Republic was one of the top 6 industrial powers of the world, surpassing economically countries such as Japan, Italy and Spain. The country was once on par with France and this shows, perhaps, where it aspires.
Rents/Housing Prices
If we look at the relationship between property prices and rent, it continues to appear favourable in most parts of the country while Prague, Brno and now Ostrava have declined overall. Although basing property prices on earning potential is not always a reliable indicator as the credit market, transaction costs and risk premiums all would justify housing price fluctuating differently from rents.
Looking at different areas, we can see Prague having only a small increase in rents while property prices have risen again. This has pushed the gross rental yields to between 3 and 5%. In Brno the situation is similar with property price increases through 2005 to 2007 not being matched by rental rates increases. Current gross rental yields are also in the range of 4 to 6% with the highest being in small studio flats. Outlying cities such as Zlin and Olomouc have slightly higher yields of 5 to 7% because of having more moderated property price growths.
Our expectations for 2009 are that rents will start to rise. This due to less active home-buying as well as a reverse migration trend as Central Europeans who have been living and making better money in Western economies return closer to home as these economies slow.
In view of the above we expect gross rental yields to increase in 2009 in the major centers such as Prague, Brno and Ostrava at least 1 to 2%.
Accession into the EURO
There is much anticipation as to what will happen to the property prices once Czech Republic joins the EURO currency. This date had originally been targeted as 2010 but recent statements show that the state proposed budget contains conditions that might delay Czech Republic meeting the Maastricht criteria until 2012 or 2013.
In other countries this move to the EURO has resulted in an immediate price gain, however, much of the price gain is considered to be already priced into the Czech market.
Regarding any exchange gains, the current exchange rate stands at around 24.5 CZK for 1 EURO. The gain of the CZK has exceeded even the most optimistic predictions including previous Prime Minister Jiri Paroubek who, in 2007, predicted a rate of 25 CZK/1 EURO when Czech Republic joined the EURO around 2012.
Will the trend continue or can we expect the exchange to remain stable?
GDP growth and inflation internally vs European neighbours indicates a continued overall upward trend in the value of the CZK although not to the extent that we have seen in 2007/2008.
There is now considerable pressure from the export driven economy to halt the appreciation of the CZK against the currencies of importing companies. It is our prediction that the global slowdown and resultant contraction of the Czech economy will prevent the CZK from making further big gains.
Other Factors
A major factor which helped create real estate bubbles in Western countries was speculation by investors. Outside of Prague, investment from foreigners is very, very limited, making up only a fraction of the overall market.
Czechs typically have not invested in real estate besides their own living residence. Although 2007 saw a growing trend of Czech professionals and companies buying investment property overall it was very limited and is not a contributor to the rise in housing prices. Had the days of easy credit continued for a couple more years, we most certainly would have seen a much further acceptance of this type of investment and more potential for a collapse on the market.
Conclusion
Because of all the above factors, our professional opinion is that 2009 will be a year of property growth that does not exceed 6 to 9% overall. Prague and Brno in general we expect to see stagnant or only slight growths of 3 to 5%. Smaller centers which have not seen explosive growth such as Olomouc and Zlin we expect to see continuation of the last few years growth rate in the range of 10 to 12%. Ostrava growth should fall somewhere in the middle.
On a very positive side, in terms of rent we expect 2009 to break the trend of stagnation in recent years. Less buyers overall with a still healthy job market as well as reverse migration should see an increase in rental yields in all centers but particularly the major centers with a less export-centric and more diversified economy such as Prague and Brno. Expect gross rental yields to creep up at least 1 to 2% in these areas.
Certainly Czech Republic is an economy based largely on exports. As the world economy slows, so will exports. Already companies in Czech Republic are reporting cuts in production, in particular in the automotive industry but also glass makers and some textile companies. This will definitely have an impact on unemployment in 2009 but should not get out of hand.
Overall Economic Health
The Czech economy grew by a record 6.6 percent in 2007.
Second-quarter growth figures in 2008 for the Czech Republic were revised up to 4.6%, year on year, from a previous estimate of 4.5%, which is below the 6.8% growth in the previous quarter. Expectations for the final two quarters are also for contraction in GDP. Expectations for 2008 as a whole are for around 5% GDP.
This may be better than their Western neighbours--the euro zone's economy most recently contracted by 0.2%, quarter on quarter--but is still a sign that the east is not invulnerable to the problems plaguing Western economies, which have been hit by a storm of financial market losses, and soaring food and fuel bills
The forecast for 2009 will most likely be reduced in November 2008 from the current 3.6% said Tuma from the Czech central bank (CNB), as reported on Oct. 12th, 2008. Projections range between 3.1 and 3.3%.
"Our great advantage, however, is that last year (2007) we were at the peak of the economic cycle and reckoned with slowdown this year and what will happen will be a greater slowdown (than expected)," said Tuma.
Although we can see a declining trend through the last three years, it certainly is a lot healthier than the recessions that are either in full bloom in Western countries or are just on the horizon.
On a side note, few people know that before WWII and the subsequent events until 1990, Czech Republic was one of the top 6 industrial powers of the world, surpassing economically countries such as Japan, Italy and Spain. The country was once on par with France and this shows, perhaps, where it aspires.
Rents/Housing Prices
If we look at the relationship between property prices and rent, it continues to appear favourable in most parts of the country while Prague, Brno and now Ostrava have declined overall. Although basing property prices on earning potential is not always a reliable indicator as the credit market, transaction costs and risk premiums all would justify housing price fluctuating differently from rents.
Looking at different areas, we can see Prague having only a small increase in rents while property prices have risen again. This has pushed the gross rental yields to between 3 and 5%. In Brno the situation is similar with property price increases through 2005 to 2007 not being matched by rental rates increases. Current gross rental yields are also in the range of 4 to 6% with the highest being in small studio flats. Outlying cities such as Zlin and Olomouc have slightly higher yields of 5 to 7% because of having more moderated property price growths.
Our expectations for 2009 are that rents will start to rise. This due to less active home-buying as well as a reverse migration trend as Central Europeans who have been living and making better money in Western economies return closer to home as these economies slow.
In view of the above we expect gross rental yields to increase in 2009 in the major centers such as Prague, Brno and Ostrava at least 1 to 2%.
Accession into the EURO
There is much anticipation as to what will happen to the property prices once Czech Republic joins the EURO currency. This date had originally been targeted as 2010 but recent statements show that the state proposed budget contains conditions that might delay Czech Republic meeting the Maastricht criteria until 2012 or 2013.
In other countries this move to the EURO has resulted in an immediate price gain, however, much of the price gain is considered to be already priced into the Czech market.
Regarding any exchange gains, the current exchange rate stands at around 24.5 CZK for 1 EURO. The gain of the CZK has exceeded even the most optimistic predictions including previous Prime Minister Jiri Paroubek who, in 2007, predicted a rate of 25 CZK/1 EURO when Czech Republic joined the EURO around 2012.
Will the trend continue or can we expect the exchange to remain stable?
GDP growth and inflation internally vs European neighbours indicates a continued overall upward trend in the value of the CZK although not to the extent that we have seen in 2007/2008.
There is now considerable pressure from the export driven economy to halt the appreciation of the CZK against the currencies of importing companies. It is our prediction that the global slowdown and resultant contraction of the Czech economy will prevent the CZK from making further big gains.
Other Factors
A major factor which helped create real estate bubbles in Western countries was speculation by investors. Outside of Prague, investment from foreigners is very, very limited, making up only a fraction of the overall market.
Czechs typically have not invested in real estate besides their own living residence. Although 2007 saw a growing trend of Czech professionals and companies buying investment property overall it was very limited and is not a contributor to the rise in housing prices. Had the days of easy credit continued for a couple more years, we most certainly would have seen a much further acceptance of this type of investment and more potential for a collapse on the market.
Conclusion
Because of all the above factors, our professional opinion is that 2009 will be a year of property growth that does not exceed 6 to 9% overall. Prague and Brno in general we expect to see stagnant or only slight growths of 3 to 5%. Smaller centers which have not seen explosive growth such as Olomouc and Zlin we expect to see continuation of the last few years growth rate in the range of 10 to 12%. Ostrava growth should fall somewhere in the middle.
On a very positive side, in terms of rent we expect 2009 to break the trend of stagnation in recent years. Less buyers overall with a still healthy job market as well as reverse migration should see an increase in rental yields in all centers but particularly the major centers with a less export-centric and more diversified economy such as Prague and Brno. Expect gross rental yields to creep up at least 1 to 2% in these areas.
2009 Czech Property Forecast Part 1
There are many factors to consider regarding where the property market will go in Czech Republic in 2009. The ones that we feel are most relevant and are discussed in this report are the US housing market, the global credit crisis, Czech wages versus housing prices, the overall health of the Czech economy, rents versus housing prices and accession to the EURO.
Short of time and only want to read the final analysis? The final subheading has our conclusions on how we feel the Czech housing market will be affected.
Let's get started.
US Housing Market
With the US housing market in a tailspin will Europe's follow course as it has in history?
Over the past 10 years housing markets in both the eight major European countries and the US have largely moved in sync. Europe's housing market largely followed the US one with a lag of about 2 years.
Starting in 2007 and continuing through 2008 to date this does seem to be the case as we have seen a similar downturn on the property markets in the UK, Spain and Ireland.
In these countries the news just seems to get bleaker and bleaker. For example, Former MPC member Charles Goodhart warned July 11th, 2008 that with the economy looking 'dire', Britain is now facing a recession.
Professor Goodhart, now at the London School of Economics, said: 'Output is going to fall, unemployment is going to rise, possibly quite sharply. It's a horrible situation. The British economy is getting into quite a recession. I remember when the Queen had an "annus horribilis," and this is the annus horribilis for the MPC. The third quarter will show no growth, maybe even a marginal reduction in output,' he said in an interview with Bloomberg Television. 'I think it will last rather longer than is going to be comfortable. The situation looks dire.'
The same day the Telegraph also printed the quote from Michael Saunders of Citigroup who said: "The housing market is probably not even close to the bottom, and sizeable further declines in house prices are likely, not necessarily every month, in the rest of this year and in 2009. In turn, plenty more weakness lies ahead for the overall economy as well."
However, to judge Europe as a whole would be an erroneous thing to do because within Europe lies multiple market situations including availability and cost of credit, currency strengths/weaknesses, migration among EU member nations, investment and consumer mentality of residents, etc. Already we have seen how housing markets in Spain, the UK and Ireland have performed very differently than markets of central Europe.
Global Credit Crisis
When the American banks started major write-downs in 2007, no one expected that the event would balloon into what we see today. The economic system is purging itself from the era of easy credit and in the end things will return to a more balanced credit attitude. In the US a report in 2004 put the average household debt at $79 000 USD. More than ¾ of all households had some sort of debt and 40% had more than $50 000 USD. In the second ½ of 2007, debt servicing in the US hit an all-time high as households were putting 14% of their disposable income to service debt.
"We are going to have to cut back," said Dean Baker of the Center for Economic and Policy Research, a Washington, D.C. think-tank. "We've really been living beyond our means."
In Czech Republic, the level of household credit is nothing compared to the figures in the US or those from Western Europe, who are also at much better levels than the US. The ratio of Czech household debt to gross domestic product increased by seven percentage points to 29 percent in 2007, according to the Czech National Bank (CNB). However, this is well below the ratio in the euro zone, which is 61 percent. By the end of March, household debt totalled 756.14 billion Kc ($47.4 billion), an amount that could well top 900 billion Kc by 2008's end, according to GE Money Bank.
So the delay in Czech consumers adopting the Western credit mentality may just be their saving factor as the credit crisis hits Europe.
At present, only some banks have changed lending procedures in response to the credit crisis. Other banks such as Raiffeisen have not tightened their requirements, resulting in a 20% increase in lending year-on-year to the end of August 2008. Hypotecnà banka, reported an 11% year-on-year increase in the volume of mortgages in July and August 2008. This is very surprising considering that 2007 was a boom real estate year because of the increase in VAT rates which took effect in January 1, 2008.
Zdenek Tuma from the Czech central bank said in an interview October 12, 2008 regarding why he feels the Czech banks are in such good condition in spite of the global credit crisis: "The main reason is that Czech banks were quite recently cleansed (of bad assets) so they started with sound balance sheets a few years ago,"
"They had very good profit opportunities at home and were not looking for profits elsewhere. That is why we are convinced that Czech banks are all right," said Tuma.
Czech Wages/Housing Prices
One indicator whether housing is in for more growth or a correction is the difference in earning power versus price appreciation as this affects affordability.
While the average wages of Europeans grew by 8 percent, the wages of Czechs increased by 41 percent in the past seven years.
The average wage in Q2, 2008 was CZK 23,182, which is CZK 1,718 higher (8.0%) when compared with the same period of 2007. As indicated by wage increase, unemployment was reported to be 5.3 in September 2008, much better than neighbours and other European countries. For example, Spain reported the highest rate in Europe of 11.2 percent. Unemployment in Slovakia was at 10 percent in August, according to Eurostat data.
With healthy statistics in both wage growth and unemployment levels, it is a good indicator for continued strength in the housing sector at the present.
Short of time and only want to read the final analysis? The final subheading has our conclusions on how we feel the Czech housing market will be affected.
Let's get started.
US Housing Market
With the US housing market in a tailspin will Europe's follow course as it has in history?
Over the past 10 years housing markets in both the eight major European countries and the US have largely moved in sync. Europe's housing market largely followed the US one with a lag of about 2 years.
Starting in 2007 and continuing through 2008 to date this does seem to be the case as we have seen a similar downturn on the property markets in the UK, Spain and Ireland.
In these countries the news just seems to get bleaker and bleaker. For example, Former MPC member Charles Goodhart warned July 11th, 2008 that with the economy looking 'dire', Britain is now facing a recession.
Professor Goodhart, now at the London School of Economics, said: 'Output is going to fall, unemployment is going to rise, possibly quite sharply. It's a horrible situation. The British economy is getting into quite a recession. I remember when the Queen had an "annus horribilis," and this is the annus horribilis for the MPC. The third quarter will show no growth, maybe even a marginal reduction in output,' he said in an interview with Bloomberg Television. 'I think it will last rather longer than is going to be comfortable. The situation looks dire.'
The same day the Telegraph also printed the quote from Michael Saunders of Citigroup who said: "The housing market is probably not even close to the bottom, and sizeable further declines in house prices are likely, not necessarily every month, in the rest of this year and in 2009. In turn, plenty more weakness lies ahead for the overall economy as well."
However, to judge Europe as a whole would be an erroneous thing to do because within Europe lies multiple market situations including availability and cost of credit, currency strengths/weaknesses, migration among EU member nations, investment and consumer mentality of residents, etc. Already we have seen how housing markets in Spain, the UK and Ireland have performed very differently than markets of central Europe.
Global Credit Crisis
When the American banks started major write-downs in 2007, no one expected that the event would balloon into what we see today. The economic system is purging itself from the era of easy credit and in the end things will return to a more balanced credit attitude. In the US a report in 2004 put the average household debt at $79 000 USD. More than ¾ of all households had some sort of debt and 40% had more than $50 000 USD. In the second ½ of 2007, debt servicing in the US hit an all-time high as households were putting 14% of their disposable income to service debt.
"We are going to have to cut back," said Dean Baker of the Center for Economic and Policy Research, a Washington, D.C. think-tank. "We've really been living beyond our means."
In Czech Republic, the level of household credit is nothing compared to the figures in the US or those from Western Europe, who are also at much better levels than the US. The ratio of Czech household debt to gross domestic product increased by seven percentage points to 29 percent in 2007, according to the Czech National Bank (CNB). However, this is well below the ratio in the euro zone, which is 61 percent. By the end of March, household debt totalled 756.14 billion Kc ($47.4 billion), an amount that could well top 900 billion Kc by 2008's end, according to GE Money Bank.
So the delay in Czech consumers adopting the Western credit mentality may just be their saving factor as the credit crisis hits Europe.
At present, only some banks have changed lending procedures in response to the credit crisis. Other banks such as Raiffeisen have not tightened their requirements, resulting in a 20% increase in lending year-on-year to the end of August 2008. Hypotecnà banka, reported an 11% year-on-year increase in the volume of mortgages in July and August 2008. This is very surprising considering that 2007 was a boom real estate year because of the increase in VAT rates which took effect in January 1, 2008.
Zdenek Tuma from the Czech central bank said in an interview October 12, 2008 regarding why he feels the Czech banks are in such good condition in spite of the global credit crisis: "The main reason is that Czech banks were quite recently cleansed (of bad assets) so they started with sound balance sheets a few years ago,"
"They had very good profit opportunities at home and were not looking for profits elsewhere. That is why we are convinced that Czech banks are all right," said Tuma.
Czech Wages/Housing Prices
One indicator whether housing is in for more growth or a correction is the difference in earning power versus price appreciation as this affects affordability.
While the average wages of Europeans grew by 8 percent, the wages of Czechs increased by 41 percent in the past seven years.
The average wage in Q2, 2008 was CZK 23,182, which is CZK 1,718 higher (8.0%) when compared with the same period of 2007. As indicated by wage increase, unemployment was reported to be 5.3 in September 2008, much better than neighbours and other European countries. For example, Spain reported the highest rate in Europe of 11.2 percent. Unemployment in Slovakia was at 10 percent in August, according to Eurostat data.
With healthy statistics in both wage growth and unemployment levels, it is a good indicator for continued strength in the housing sector at the present.
How Global Financial Crisis is Affecting Rugby Football in Europe
While every rugby team aims to crown their season with some sort of silverware to mark their success, more and more teams are becoming wary when it comes to signing new players. This is due to the high transfer fees demanded for players.
Continental Glory
As a result of this, club coaches are making do with what they have, even at the expense of continental glory. Rugby clubs in Europe seem to be more concerned with maintaining their top flight status in their domestic rugby leagues and less concerned with concurring the continent. And can you blame them? To win a continental trophy like the Heineken Cup requires a team to have depth in the squad. To attain this depth, a team needs to have a few big name signings on their team sheet.
Euro 700 000 Spending
To have such players a club has to splash out about Euro 700 000. But with the cash crunch starting to bite hard on the sport in Europe, few clubs if any are willing to spend such an amount on one player.
Negative BalanceSheet
The situation is the same across the board. Big clubs are also crying out for cash injection; with many barely been able to remain liquid. Many have reported negative results in their end year results.
Financial Plea
In the UK, Wasps reported a 2.8 million loss; while Bath and Newcastle were lucky that their benefactors were willing to dip into their pockets to assist them. Others like Bristol are finding it difficult to even meet their players wage demands and have resulted to making public plea for funding.
Salary Caps
If will be interesting to see what will happen at the start of the next season if the current situation prevails. According to the games Chief Executive in the UK - Mark McCafferty, there are two ways of dealing with the crisis. One is to drop from the top flight rugby. This will leave a total of 10 teams which will share the revenues generated. The revenues are set to grow in 2010 when the new broadcasting deal commences. Should this happen, then there will be no need of reducing the salary cap.
Conversely, however, the salary cap is not likely to be raised as that would not reflect a true picture. In addition raising the cap would only do more harm to clubs with less liquidity. News that Italians will be bidding to have 4 teams representing them in the Magners League during the 2010/11 season is no doubt good news to the Celts. The three nations Scotland, Ireland and Wales seem to have little option but to let the Italians in given the size of the Italian market and the revenue potential it holds. France clubs will be faced with an interesting challenge given the fact are less restricted when it comes to spending. Clubs like Toulouse and Stade Francais, however, will definitely be shy to splash their money during the new season.
Continental Glory
As a result of this, club coaches are making do with what they have, even at the expense of continental glory. Rugby clubs in Europe seem to be more concerned with maintaining their top flight status in their domestic rugby leagues and less concerned with concurring the continent. And can you blame them? To win a continental trophy like the Heineken Cup requires a team to have depth in the squad. To attain this depth, a team needs to have a few big name signings on their team sheet.
Euro 700 000 Spending
To have such players a club has to splash out about Euro 700 000. But with the cash crunch starting to bite hard on the sport in Europe, few clubs if any are willing to spend such an amount on one player.
Negative BalanceSheet
The situation is the same across the board. Big clubs are also crying out for cash injection; with many barely been able to remain liquid. Many have reported negative results in their end year results.
Financial Plea
In the UK, Wasps reported a 2.8 million loss; while Bath and Newcastle were lucky that their benefactors were willing to dip into their pockets to assist them. Others like Bristol are finding it difficult to even meet their players wage demands and have resulted to making public plea for funding.
Salary Caps
If will be interesting to see what will happen at the start of the next season if the current situation prevails. According to the games Chief Executive in the UK - Mark McCafferty, there are two ways of dealing with the crisis. One is to drop from the top flight rugby. This will leave a total of 10 teams which will share the revenues generated. The revenues are set to grow in 2010 when the new broadcasting deal commences. Should this happen, then there will be no need of reducing the salary cap.
Conversely, however, the salary cap is not likely to be raised as that would not reflect a true picture. In addition raising the cap would only do more harm to clubs with less liquidity. News that Italians will be bidding to have 4 teams representing them in the Magners League during the 2010/11 season is no doubt good news to the Celts. The three nations Scotland, Ireland and Wales seem to have little option but to let the Italians in given the size of the Italian market and the revenue potential it holds. France clubs will be faced with an interesting challenge given the fact are less restricted when it comes to spending. Clubs like Toulouse and Stade Francais, however, will definitely be shy to splash their money during the new season.
2009/04/08
What's the Point of Being a Billionaire?
It's possible there are as many as a thousand billionaires around the world. To be a billionaire in itself is not a bad thing. In fact it might even be a good thing to be a billionaire. Certainly society regards it as something worth aspiring to. But I would like to ask the question: what's the point of being a billionaire? I can understand somebody wanting to be a millionaire, because to own a decent house these days, a car, a yacht and have a little bit left over probably costs about a million. But why would anyone need a thousand times that amount?
I imagine most billionaires own many successful businesses employing perhaps hundreds of thousands of people. This is wonderful. I can certainly understand the enormous achievement of doing this, and what a boon it is to society to have so many people usefully employed. The bit I need enlightening on is why a single individual needs to retain so much of the overall profit and asset value of his own business. In other words, and I ask this in all seriousness, what does he need the money for? Presumably billionaires own many properties around the world, but you can do this with a lot less than a billion pounds. You can buy a two bedroom apartment in Scotland for only £50,000 and one on the Costa del Sol in Spain for around £150,000. How many would a billion pounds buy you? And in any case why do you need so many properties? Why not just stay in the most luxurious hotels for as long as you want and save on maintenance?
I guess billionaires own lots of nice clothes. Perhaps they have shoes that cost a lot more than 10 euros a pair which is what I pay. Perhaps female billionaires like to buy handbags. But even the best designer label handbag is under £3,000. What a snip!
Perhaps billionaires like to eat well. My favourite meal is a three course lunch available at my local beachside restaurant and costs 12 euros. My calculator refuses to tell me how many lunches I could buy for a billion euros.
Of course billionaires need to get around the world fast so a private jet is essential. These apparently can be rented for less that $5000 dollars an hour (see Morten Hansen's article) so a billion dollars buys you a lot of flying time. I'm still not getting it. Can someone help me out?
In the event of nobody being able to come up with a suitable answer to this question I would like to propose the following strategy: can every billionaire in the world give away all the money that they don't really need to live on? Let's assume a million pounds is enough to help you scrape by for this year. Someone who has only one billion dollars can overnight create 999 millionaires. Imagine that! Multiply that by a thousand billionaires and that's almost a million new millionaires! You could be one of them. We could organize competitions to see who is entitled to have the money. And of course some billionaires have a lot more than just one billion, some have as much as fifty billion. How many new millionaires is that? I don't know, maths was never my strong point.
I imagine most billionaires own many successful businesses employing perhaps hundreds of thousands of people. This is wonderful. I can certainly understand the enormous achievement of doing this, and what a boon it is to society to have so many people usefully employed. The bit I need enlightening on is why a single individual needs to retain so much of the overall profit and asset value of his own business. In other words, and I ask this in all seriousness, what does he need the money for? Presumably billionaires own many properties around the world, but you can do this with a lot less than a billion pounds. You can buy a two bedroom apartment in Scotland for only £50,000 and one on the Costa del Sol in Spain for around £150,000. How many would a billion pounds buy you? And in any case why do you need so many properties? Why not just stay in the most luxurious hotels for as long as you want and save on maintenance?
I guess billionaires own lots of nice clothes. Perhaps they have shoes that cost a lot more than 10 euros a pair which is what I pay. Perhaps female billionaires like to buy handbags. But even the best designer label handbag is under £3,000. What a snip!
Perhaps billionaires like to eat well. My favourite meal is a three course lunch available at my local beachside restaurant and costs 12 euros. My calculator refuses to tell me how many lunches I could buy for a billion euros.
Of course billionaires need to get around the world fast so a private jet is essential. These apparently can be rented for less that $5000 dollars an hour (see Morten Hansen's article) so a billion dollars buys you a lot of flying time. I'm still not getting it. Can someone help me out?
In the event of nobody being able to come up with a suitable answer to this question I would like to propose the following strategy: can every billionaire in the world give away all the money that they don't really need to live on? Let's assume a million pounds is enough to help you scrape by for this year. Someone who has only one billion dollars can overnight create 999 millionaires. Imagine that! Multiply that by a thousand billionaires and that's almost a million new millionaires! You could be one of them. We could organize competitions to see who is entitled to have the money. And of course some billionaires have a lot more than just one billion, some have as much as fifty billion. How many new millionaires is that? I don't know, maths was never my strong point.
Facts You Should Know Before Hiring an International Mover
Hiring an international moving company is not as simple as employing the first one you talk to or the one that offers the cheapest price for their services. The international moving company that you will hire will be in charge of all of your possessions until they are delivered into your home in your new country or to the destination port if that is the service you choose. It is very important to hire the right international moving company so your personal belongings will be handled with the utmost care that they deserve.
Here are some things that you should be aware of before you hire an international mover. Ask about the types of services they provide. Is the service door to door or door to port? Door to Door Service means the international mover will pick your belongings up at your home in the US, load them into the container, transport your belongings overseas, clear customs and deliver your belongings into your new home.
Door to Port Service means the international mover will pick up your belongings at your home in the US, load them into the container, transport your belongings overseas and you will then need to clear customs and arrange to pick your belongings up at the terminal warehouse and deliver them to your new home. Can they provide packing? Of course, this will be an additional cost. What is the cost? If the international mover packs for you, does the price include materials and labor? Some companies will tell you packing services are included, but then they will charge you for the packing materials and the costs can be quite high. Can you pack yourself? Do they offer insurance? This coverage is generally offered through a third party.
International movers are not insurance companies. What kind of insurance coverage is available? If you pack yourself, you will be able to insure your shipment but the coverage will be for total loss not damages. An insurance company will only insure your shipment for damages if it is professionally packed. What is the cost of the insurance? Door to door or door to port insurance is always an extra cost. In international shipping, there is no such thing as basic coverage. Do you need to fill out insurance paperwork? If you do not, you are not going to get door to door or door to port coverage. Can they provide storage, if that is your need?
Check out the international moving company that you intend to hire. Do they have the proper license to ship your belongings overseas? If yes, then legally they can ship your belongings. If no, or if they say they are "using a company" with a license, they and the "other" company are not operating legally and if there is an issue, you will have no recourse. How long have they been in the business? Are they affiliated with associations and organizations in their industry? Have they delivered shipments to your new destination country? Do they do local, long distance and international shipments? A company that specializes in international shipments ONLY would be your best choice.
Compare prices, but make sure you are comparing the same type of services and the same volume. You may get a quote from a company that is much less than another. Investigate the reason why. The reason could be the volume each company is quoting is completely different. Another reason could be because one is quoting door to door service, one is quoting door to port service or even port to port service. Are they including and excluding the same services. In other words: are you comparing apples to apples? Don't just look at the price and assume that everything else in the quote is the same. Price is important, but it is not the only factor one should use in choosing your international mover. Everyone is concerned about costs and getting the best value for their money. Compare, ask questions and remember if it sounds too good to be true, often times it is.
Here are some things that you should be aware of before you hire an international mover. Ask about the types of services they provide. Is the service door to door or door to port? Door to Door Service means the international mover will pick your belongings up at your home in the US, load them into the container, transport your belongings overseas, clear customs and deliver your belongings into your new home.
Door to Port Service means the international mover will pick up your belongings at your home in the US, load them into the container, transport your belongings overseas and you will then need to clear customs and arrange to pick your belongings up at the terminal warehouse and deliver them to your new home. Can they provide packing? Of course, this will be an additional cost. What is the cost? If the international mover packs for you, does the price include materials and labor? Some companies will tell you packing services are included, but then they will charge you for the packing materials and the costs can be quite high. Can you pack yourself? Do they offer insurance? This coverage is generally offered through a third party.
International movers are not insurance companies. What kind of insurance coverage is available? If you pack yourself, you will be able to insure your shipment but the coverage will be for total loss not damages. An insurance company will only insure your shipment for damages if it is professionally packed. What is the cost of the insurance? Door to door or door to port insurance is always an extra cost. In international shipping, there is no such thing as basic coverage. Do you need to fill out insurance paperwork? If you do not, you are not going to get door to door or door to port coverage. Can they provide storage, if that is your need?
Check out the international moving company that you intend to hire. Do they have the proper license to ship your belongings overseas? If yes, then legally they can ship your belongings. If no, or if they say they are "using a company" with a license, they and the "other" company are not operating legally and if there is an issue, you will have no recourse. How long have they been in the business? Are they affiliated with associations and organizations in their industry? Have they delivered shipments to your new destination country? Do they do local, long distance and international shipments? A company that specializes in international shipments ONLY would be your best choice.
Compare prices, but make sure you are comparing the same type of services and the same volume. You may get a quote from a company that is much less than another. Investigate the reason why. The reason could be the volume each company is quoting is completely different. Another reason could be because one is quoting door to door service, one is quoting door to port service or even port to port service. Are they including and excluding the same services. In other words: are you comparing apples to apples? Don't just look at the price and assume that everything else in the quote is the same. Price is important, but it is not the only factor one should use in choosing your international mover. Everyone is concerned about costs and getting the best value for their money. Compare, ask questions and remember if it sounds too good to be true, often times it is.
Experience the Magic of Mumbai
Mumbai - formerly Bombay - is a city that is built on a long, thin strip of island that lies just off the west coast of Maharashtra, western India. Mumbai is the business and financial centre of the country and has an eclectic mix of old and new, where glittering skyscrapers and designer boutiques intertwine with grand colonial structures and relics.
Mumbai's prominent location on the trade routes of the Indian Ocean means foreigners have been visiting the area since the arrival of Ptolemy in 150 AD. Portuguese and British influences are evident and Mumbai continues to thrive as one of the world's largest stock exchanges and busiest ports.
One of Mumbai's main commercial centres lies to the north in the area of Fort where Victorian Gothic buildings act as a reminder of the city's European roots. Indeed, if you fancy catching a cricket match then head to Oval Maidan or Azad Maidan; alternatively swing by the city's largest mosque - the Jama Masjid - which was built on Abdul Rehman Street in 1770.
What's more, if you are interested in a spot of shopping, point yourself in the direction of Crawford Market where the main bazaar quarter unfolds. The opposite end of the island is the most popular with tourists and is therefore brimming over with hotels, shops, cafes and restaurants. If you want a shopping experience combined with fresh air then head for the Apollo Bunder, an open seafront area lined with street sellers, stalls and buskers.
Another key attraction in this area is the Indo-Saracenic Prince of Wales Museum, which houses one of India's most extensive historic collections. Just next door in the Cowasji Jehangir Public Hall is the National Gallery of Modern Art where you can catch a slice of culture before heading on your way.
Chowpatty beach lines the south western tip of the island and is a long standing favourite spot for a breath of sea air. The beach is scattered with stalls where you can treat yourself to a head massage or an authentic Indian treat.
Chowpatty is lit up quite spectacularly at night and makes an essential sight to see on a trip to Mumbai. If you're lucky enough to be in the area during August and September you will get a chance to sample Ganesh Chaturthi, an annual festival where models of Ganesh - the elephant-headed god of good fortune - are paraded through the city streets and then immersed into the sea.
Another popular Mumbai beach is Juhu which lies about 20km north of the city centre. With a slightly different feel to Chowpatty you will find some of the best hotels, restaurants and clubs here with plenty of street entertainment to feast your eyes on too.
So, when considering the time of year to take your flights to Mumbai you can account for any local events or festivals that take place. Indeed, with there being so much to see and do, that way you can choose the flights that fit perfectly into your travel plans.
Mumbai's prominent location on the trade routes of the Indian Ocean means foreigners have been visiting the area since the arrival of Ptolemy in 150 AD. Portuguese and British influences are evident and Mumbai continues to thrive as one of the world's largest stock exchanges and busiest ports.
One of Mumbai's main commercial centres lies to the north in the area of Fort where Victorian Gothic buildings act as a reminder of the city's European roots. Indeed, if you fancy catching a cricket match then head to Oval Maidan or Azad Maidan; alternatively swing by the city's largest mosque - the Jama Masjid - which was built on Abdul Rehman Street in 1770.
What's more, if you are interested in a spot of shopping, point yourself in the direction of Crawford Market where the main bazaar quarter unfolds. The opposite end of the island is the most popular with tourists and is therefore brimming over with hotels, shops, cafes and restaurants. If you want a shopping experience combined with fresh air then head for the Apollo Bunder, an open seafront area lined with street sellers, stalls and buskers.
Another key attraction in this area is the Indo-Saracenic Prince of Wales Museum, which houses one of India's most extensive historic collections. Just next door in the Cowasji Jehangir Public Hall is the National Gallery of Modern Art where you can catch a slice of culture before heading on your way.
Chowpatty beach lines the south western tip of the island and is a long standing favourite spot for a breath of sea air. The beach is scattered with stalls where you can treat yourself to a head massage or an authentic Indian treat.
Chowpatty is lit up quite spectacularly at night and makes an essential sight to see on a trip to Mumbai. If you're lucky enough to be in the area during August and September you will get a chance to sample Ganesh Chaturthi, an annual festival where models of Ganesh - the elephant-headed god of good fortune - are paraded through the city streets and then immersed into the sea.
Another popular Mumbai beach is Juhu which lies about 20km north of the city centre. With a slightly different feel to Chowpatty you will find some of the best hotels, restaurants and clubs here with plenty of street entertainment to feast your eyes on too.
So, when considering the time of year to take your flights to Mumbai you can account for any local events or festivals that take place. Indeed, with there being so much to see and do, that way you can choose the flights that fit perfectly into your travel plans.
How to File For Unemployment Benefits
Filing for unemployment benefits can be confusing. First step to take when you get your pink slip is to find out when your last day is, and if you will be receiving a severance package. If you had insurance with your company, you are can sign up for COBRA insurance, which you will be responsible for payments. If you are unable to afford that, there are other options. Ask for a letter of termination from your employer, along with a letter of reference. You will need these for any state benefits you may be eligible for and for resumes.
Your state unemployment office can show you how to collect unemployment. Doing it online is the easiest and quickest. If you have lost internet service at home, the library is a great alternative. Failure to do this step in a timely manner may result in delays of your payouts. You will then have to file a claim EVERY week that you are unemployed. Remember this is just a blurp in your life, and these people are here to help you and give you the assistance you need to get through this time.
Follow instructions from the unemployment office in detail, failing to do this may again keep you from getting a check that week. You will also have to visit the unemployment office to "check in" occasionally. Utilize the resources that the unemployment office has on hand and online for job listings.
Calling your mortgage lender after filing for unemployment, immediately alerts them to your situation. This allows them to work with you in helping you keep your home, which today is in the best interest of your bank and your family. It allows them to work with you to help you manage your payments. This is most likely your biggest debt obligation.
Call your automotive lender also to see if they have any arrangements they can make with you until you get another job.
Have a family meeting with all members of your family and discuss the implications of your unemployment status. Take stock of assets, savings and cash on hand. If you have high schoolers, help them understand that they may have to get a job to help out. This helps them in the long run understand rent, phones, ets. And yes, they may have to give up cellular phones during this time. Sign up for the free lunch program at school for the kids, and also at your family services for food stamps, Medicaid services and other services available.
Your state unemployment office can show you how to collect unemployment. Doing it online is the easiest and quickest. If you have lost internet service at home, the library is a great alternative. Failure to do this step in a timely manner may result in delays of your payouts. You will then have to file a claim EVERY week that you are unemployed. Remember this is just a blurp in your life, and these people are here to help you and give you the assistance you need to get through this time.
Follow instructions from the unemployment office in detail, failing to do this may again keep you from getting a check that week. You will also have to visit the unemployment office to "check in" occasionally. Utilize the resources that the unemployment office has on hand and online for job listings.
Calling your mortgage lender after filing for unemployment, immediately alerts them to your situation. This allows them to work with you in helping you keep your home, which today is in the best interest of your bank and your family. It allows them to work with you to help you manage your payments. This is most likely your biggest debt obligation.
Call your automotive lender also to see if they have any arrangements they can make with you until you get another job.
Have a family meeting with all members of your family and discuss the implications of your unemployment status. Take stock of assets, savings and cash on hand. If you have high schoolers, help them understand that they may have to get a job to help out. This helps them in the long run understand rent, phones, ets. And yes, they may have to give up cellular phones during this time. Sign up for the free lunch program at school for the kids, and also at your family services for food stamps, Medicaid services and other services available.
How to Buy a Hamburger in the Future
As the world is in turmoil with large financial institution failing, money supplies in many countries being inflated enormously, and with governments going bankrupt over night, we could find safety in hamburgers? Yes, hamburgers.In 1964 you could go to a popular hamburger drive inn, park you car and order a .15 cent hamburger. They sold a lot of them back then, as they do still today. Of course the hamburgers have increased in price more than .15 cents, or did they?
Taking the challenge to buy a hamburger for .15 cents would seem to be difficult nowadays. Driving up to the drive thru and looking at the menu one can see the cheapest hamburger on the menu is for a $1.00. However being lucky one could pull out a dime and a nickel and find the dime to be dated 1961 and the nickel dated 1942. What would the dates have to do with buying a hamburger for .15 cents?
Silver was used in coins up to 1964, after that, the government stopped issuing coins made of silver or severely reduced the silver content, in regards to the 1965-70 Kennedy Half Dollar (40% silver) and the 1971-1976 Eisenhower Dollar (40% silver).
Silver is real money, it has a store of value, whereas currency issued by governments does not have a store of value. Paper currencies are only as good as the paper they are printed on and the backing of the issuer; it cost no more to print a $100 bill than a $1.00 bill. When the issuer devalues the currency by printing or digitizing enormous amounts of currency then it becomes worth less. One could compare currency to dirt. Dirt isn't worth much, it can be found anywhere, but gold or silver is of value because of its rarity, history as money, and industrial uses.
Taking the silver dime and nickel to a local coin shop, one can exchange .15 cents worth of silver and receive in return $1.20 in current currency. That would be enough to buy a hamburger and pay the tax. The formula used by coin shops to purchase silver varies with the spot price of silver; today it paid eight times face value, or in other words 8 X .15 = $1.20.
Of course you can find a silver coin in your change now and then. However, the moral of the story is as paper currencies continue to be devalued the wonderful future of a $1.00 hamburger may well be in jeopardy. Having something that will be a store of value will surely keep that hamburger within your budget in the future.
A Simple Guide For Moving Overseas
Moving from one country to another can be quite scary and nerve-wracking. But, just like moving across town or across the country, this can be handled easily with proper preparation and an expert international mover.Think about your choice of movers. If you're relocating due to business, your company may have an international mover they would prefer you to use. Your company may even pay for most or all of the costs. If this is not the case, look for a mover as soon as possible. This part can be more complicated than a local move so don't wait until the last minute to begin preparations. An unlicensed international mover can spell disaster.
A local or long distance mover is just that, a local or long distance mover and they can be very good at what they do, but they cannot legally transport your belongings overseas. For this, you must use a licensed international mover.
International moves require careful consideration regarding packing. Your possessions will be traveling on land, on sea and then on land again. There are a lot of steps to get your prized possessions from your home in the US to your home in your new destination country. For this reason you will want to take extra care in packing your items with many layers of protection. Everyone has a budget when moving, so discuss packing with your international moving company. They can pack your belongings for an additional cost or provide tips for you to pack yourself.
Before you move, think about what you're going to take, what you are going to need and how long you are going to be in your destination country. Is this a permanent or temporary move? If you take your household appliances, will you be able to use them in your destination country? Will you need an adapter to run your electrical appliances? Depending on the length of time you plan to live in your destination country, you may want to consider storing items that you cannot use, or do not need, and only take personal effects and items that will give you pleasure and keep you from being homesick. If this is a temporary move, research what it would cost to rent versus purchase items in your destination country or maybe rent a furnished residence. If your move is permanent, then you may want to take everything with you.
Check with customs to see what you can and cannot bring into your destination country. This will also help you to determine what you will bring. Normal customs clearance is generally included in your quote. This means there is a customs clearance agent that will facilitate your paperwork. It does not mean that duties and taxes are paid by the international moving company. Check to see what documents, duties or taxes you may be required to produce and or pay, if any. You may be exempt from duties and taxes depending on your status for entering the country. Each situation is individual and unique. It is your responsibility to have the proper documentation available. You should contact the consulate or embassy for the latest updates in regulations and requirements.
Once you know what you are taking, it is important to make a list. The international moving company will ask you to complete an item list. It is important to know what you are taking so the total volume can be estimated in order to provide you with a quote. The internet is a great tool and the item lists can generally be found on an international moving company website. They are usually very easy to use and once you enter the quantity of the items you are taking, the volume can be calculated automatically with the click of your mouse. International movers quote their moves in volume. Local and Long Distance movers quote in weight.
Once you have determined the volume, decided if you will pack or have the international moving company pack, the next item to consider is insurance. Insurance in optional but it is always recommended. Discuss the coverage types that are available. Loss and damage coverage is only issued if the packing is done by the carrier. You can still insure your shipment if you pack yourself but the coverage will be for loss only.
There is not one company anywhere in the world that owns or has offices in every city in the US, owns the ships and has offices in every city in every country in the world outside of the US. An international moving company networks and works regularly with agents who are trusted, licensed and insured in every location. Once your shipment is ready to ship overseas, your international moving company will advise you the shipping details for your shipment and the agent that will be handling your shipment in your destination country.
Enjoy, prepare, research, have fun in your new adventure and good luck with your international move.
Best Sea World Orlando Discount Coupons
If you've decided to go to Sea World Orlando for your vacation, that means you have allotted sufficient time to tour all of Sea World. You've also probably prepared yourself with emergency snacks and whatnot in your bag to maximize the time that you're going to shows and rides and lessen the time worrying about emergency situations. But have you prepared your discount coupons for Sea World?You can't be too sure or too prepared when going to Sea World Orlando unless you have the discount coupons. They should be the top priority when you pack the essential things for your trip. If you really want to experience everything there is, the discount coupons are your best friends. You can watch shows, eat at fine restaurants, get cute merchandises and souvenirs, without having to spend too much money on them. The best Sea World Orlando discount coupons should let you experience the park for a lot less. That's the mark of a coupon that works.
However, if it's your first time visiting Sea World Orlando and you just want to see the best attractions that won't waste your time, there is an alternative way for you to do so, still using the discount coupons of course. There is called a Four-hour tour in Sea World Orlando that lets you see the best attractions and shows in just four hours, just enough time to see everything, eat your heart out, but without letting yourself get too stressed with all the hustle and bustle of the park.
This way works better if you don't know any strategies in finding your way through there especially if it's peak season and there are a lot of tourists and park goers. You can save time on running around deciding which direction you should go to, and you can save money by using the Sea World discount coupons.
Of course, the most important thing to remember and to achieve, whether it's your first time or the nth time to go to Sea World Orlando, is to have fun. It is your primary purpose in going so you shouldn't compromise your enjoyment if other things get in the way. For instance, if you think that getting the discount coupons will pose more trouble for you, well, then don't get them. However, I assure you that you will get better deals using the discount coupons, and you are going to save time, money, and effort in the long run, so I really encourage you get them. Just make sure you enjoy your visit to Sea World Orlando too!
Who Needs to Be a Millionaire?
We tend to take it for granted that it's a good thing to be a millionaire. There is even a song and a popular quiz show called "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" Certainly, there's no harm in it. And it must be very nice to be able to go out and literally buy nearly anything you want. Very few things cost more than a million pounds. My favourite thing is a Strawberry Cream bun and a cup of coffee available on the Avenida de Mijas in Fuengirola for 2 euros. Imagine how many of those I could buy with a million pounds! And I know, these days, mansions cost the earth. Perhaps a million might not even be enough for the house of your dreams. But ask yourself this? Do you really need to live somewhere that has 58 rooms? That's like moving into a hotel and asking all the other guests to leave. How lonely would that be? Imagine the fun you would have in the bar after dinner - dah, none! So why bother. Settle into a nice two up two down in a quiet village near Stratford upon Avon and save yourself about £800,000.
If you are a millionaire, I want you to start being honest with yourself. Is there really anything your gas guzzling four by four can do that I can't do in my Peugeot 307. Oh come on! When was the last time you went up Kilimanjaro? Think about it, these days a little runabout like my Peugeot, secondhand of course, will cost you around £5000, never mind the cheaper running costs. You've just saved yourself £50,000 at least. You know it makes sense. If you can continue to save money in this way, you would be surprised to learn that it is easy to get by with less than a £100,000 in the bank. I know it's hard to believe, but some people manage it.
And think of all the perks! You no longer need as much insurance or so many accountants. You can sack the cleaner (who's nicking your jewellery anyway) because your house will be small enough for you to clean yourself (it's easy once you've tried it a couple of times). Also, take your own kids to school instead of paying for taxis. That way you can learn their names.
I don't know how many millionaires there are in the world but there must be ten million at least. Perhaps even a hundred million. I want to make a proposal. See if every millionaire tried to get by on just £100,000 and gave the rest away, in £100,000 lots, imagine how many happy people they would create. You could be one of them. We can organise a soccer tournament to decide who gets the money! For those millionaires who struggle psychologically with this, we can arrange free trauma therapy. After all, this is a civilised world we live in.
If you are a millionaire, I want you to start being honest with yourself. Is there really anything your gas guzzling four by four can do that I can't do in my Peugeot 307. Oh come on! When was the last time you went up Kilimanjaro? Think about it, these days a little runabout like my Peugeot, secondhand of course, will cost you around £5000, never mind the cheaper running costs. You've just saved yourself £50,000 at least. You know it makes sense. If you can continue to save money in this way, you would be surprised to learn that it is easy to get by with less than a £100,000 in the bank. I know it's hard to believe, but some people manage it.
And think of all the perks! You no longer need as much insurance or so many accountants. You can sack the cleaner (who's nicking your jewellery anyway) because your house will be small enough for you to clean yourself (it's easy once you've tried it a couple of times). Also, take your own kids to school instead of paying for taxis. That way you can learn their names.
I don't know how many millionaires there are in the world but there must be ten million at least. Perhaps even a hundred million. I want to make a proposal. See if every millionaire tried to get by on just £100,000 and gave the rest away, in £100,000 lots, imagine how many happy people they would create. You could be one of them. We can organise a soccer tournament to decide who gets the money! For those millionaires who struggle psychologically with this, we can arrange free trauma therapy. After all, this is a civilised world we live in.
Subprime America Infects Asia And Europe Part 2
Globalization has been a wealth builder, perhaps unequally so, but nonetheless wealth has been created. Soon, however, another darker side of globalization is about to manifest. Risk as well as money move quickly across global highways recently built and made possible by a one world financial marketplace, and that risk is now about to become apparent.
Global currency flows move swiftly and quickly and turn on a dime. The Asian liquidity crisis of 1997 was a recent manifestation of this phenomena; the next crisis will be the US. The subprime losses suffered by the buying of America’s bad debts may be the final straw in the diversion of foreign moneys away from America.
By selling foreign investors its bad debt, America has shot itself in the foot. Because America is now the world’s #1 debtor, because America needs over $1 trillion in foreign investment capital each year to pay its bills—and because it was foreign investors that were primarily burned by Wall Street’s subprime CDOs, the flow of foreign capital to the US may soon be going elsewhere.
In April 2007, a Merrill Lynch survey showed 38% of global money managers believed the best prospects for corporate profits were now in the eurozone, 42% believed the worst prospects were in the US.
Today, the word “de-couple” is increasingly heard where global markets are discussed. No longer referring to freight trains or dogs in delicto flagrante, de-coupling refers to the distancing, i.e. de-coupling, of global economies from the US, to wit, the increasingly perceived expeditious act or art of separating still-healthy economies from the slowing US economic engine.
While it is true the US has been the driver of the global economy, it is no longer. The sobriquet “has been” is literally correct in this instance. The US share of global economic growth so far in 2007 is 10%, a figure analogous to Barry Bonds batting .134.
Global capital flows, like tsunamis, are not something to be taken lightly. If the flow of foreign money to the US slows, the US dollar will collapse and the US will be forced to raise interest rates to continue attracting foreign capital. And, if US interest rates are raised, the US economy will collapse. Greenspan might call this a conundrum. Other people might call it and Greenspan something else.
Whose feet?
Whose fire?
America apparently cares little what happens to the primarily foreign investors and institutions who bought its subprime loans. On April 24th, Bloomberg reported the head of the US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Sheila Blair, testified before a congressional committee, ``We should hold the servicers' and the investors' feet to the fire on this…We did not have good market discipline with investors buying all these mortgages.''
It is highly doubtful Ms. Blair will exhibit the same attitude should the flow of foreign moneys upon which Mr. and Ms. Average America depend go elsewhere. Thailand’s economy went into apoplectic shock and its currency and stock market fell by 50% in 1997 when international currency flows suddenly changed direction. America may soon be in for the same.
And if America falters and falls, the consequences of such will be felt around the world. Today, afternoon tea and scotch flow freely in The City as does dim sum in Hong Kong and Shanghai and sushi in Tokyo around their respective bourses. Soon, however, the risks that have lain dormant beneath globalization’s foundation are about to erupt and a reordering of the world’s financial geography is about to ensue.
It’s spring 2007 and the sun is shining in the US, backyard BBQs are being cleaned in anticipation of summer’s use. A severe financial crisis, however, is in the offing; a crisis as unexpected as the Golden State Warriors’ last minute streak to the NBA playoffs.
An unexpected financial crisis, however, will be much more consequential than Don Nelson’s magical resurrection of the Warriors’ NBA hopes. There, at least, the Warriors had a chance. But because most don’t know a financial crisis is coming, they will have little chance of survival. This summer, America’s subprime CDOs are coming home to roost, and not just to the US.
Global currency flows move swiftly and quickly and turn on a dime. The Asian liquidity crisis of 1997 was a recent manifestation of this phenomena; the next crisis will be the US. The subprime losses suffered by the buying of America’s bad debts may be the final straw in the diversion of foreign moneys away from America.
By selling foreign investors its bad debt, America has shot itself in the foot. Because America is now the world’s #1 debtor, because America needs over $1 trillion in foreign investment capital each year to pay its bills—and because it was foreign investors that were primarily burned by Wall Street’s subprime CDOs, the flow of foreign capital to the US may soon be going elsewhere.
In April 2007, a Merrill Lynch survey showed 38% of global money managers believed the best prospects for corporate profits were now in the eurozone, 42% believed the worst prospects were in the US.
Today, the word “de-couple” is increasingly heard where global markets are discussed. No longer referring to freight trains or dogs in delicto flagrante, de-coupling refers to the distancing, i.e. de-coupling, of global economies from the US, to wit, the increasingly perceived expeditious act or art of separating still-healthy economies from the slowing US economic engine.
While it is true the US has been the driver of the global economy, it is no longer. The sobriquet “has been” is literally correct in this instance. The US share of global economic growth so far in 2007 is 10%, a figure analogous to Barry Bonds batting .134.
Global capital flows, like tsunamis, are not something to be taken lightly. If the flow of foreign money to the US slows, the US dollar will collapse and the US will be forced to raise interest rates to continue attracting foreign capital. And, if US interest rates are raised, the US economy will collapse. Greenspan might call this a conundrum. Other people might call it and Greenspan something else.
Whose feet?
Whose fire?
America apparently cares little what happens to the primarily foreign investors and institutions who bought its subprime loans. On April 24th, Bloomberg reported the head of the US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Sheila Blair, testified before a congressional committee, ``We should hold the servicers' and the investors' feet to the fire on this…We did not have good market discipline with investors buying all these mortgages.''
It is highly doubtful Ms. Blair will exhibit the same attitude should the flow of foreign moneys upon which Mr. and Ms. Average America depend go elsewhere. Thailand’s economy went into apoplectic shock and its currency and stock market fell by 50% in 1997 when international currency flows suddenly changed direction. America may soon be in for the same.
And if America falters and falls, the consequences of such will be felt around the world. Today, afternoon tea and scotch flow freely in The City as does dim sum in Hong Kong and Shanghai and sushi in Tokyo around their respective bourses. Soon, however, the risks that have lain dormant beneath globalization’s foundation are about to erupt and a reordering of the world’s financial geography is about to ensue.
It’s spring 2007 and the sun is shining in the US, backyard BBQs are being cleaned in anticipation of summer’s use. A severe financial crisis, however, is in the offing; a crisis as unexpected as the Golden State Warriors’ last minute streak to the NBA playoffs.
An unexpected financial crisis, however, will be much more consequential than Don Nelson’s magical resurrection of the Warriors’ NBA hopes. There, at least, the Warriors had a chance. But because most don’t know a financial crisis is coming, they will have little chance of survival. This summer, America’s subprime CDOs are coming home to roost, and not just to the US.
Subprime America Infects Asia And Europe Part 1
As the US real estate market collapses, questions about subprime mortgages and those unable to pay are in the news. These are not inconsequential questions. Over $1.5 trillion of subprime—don’t ask, don’t tell—mortgages were issued and are now beginning to default.
As the defaults mount, the consequences will spread to countries and institutions far beyond the shores of the US and the desks of the originating lenders—for the majority of America’s subprime loans are owned by investors, banks, insurance companies, and pension funds in Europe and in Asia.
Why Would Anybody Do Such A Thing?
It retrospect, it wasn’t a good idea, to wit, to loan $1.5 trillion without asking applicants how much money they had or how much money they made. It seems improbable that bankers (remember those thin-lipped disapproving loan officers) would loan money under those conditions. But they did and this is why:
One year after the collapse of the US stock market in 2000, the NASDAQ dropped 80% and the US government feared a deflationary depression—a no money no demand depression like the 1930s—could happen.
So in 2001 the US government took quick and decisive action—in retrospect stupid and short-sighted—and flooded the US with money to prevent a depression from developing; but, in the process they created a real estate bubble and, as the bubble deflates, those who can’t pay their bills, aren’t.
Banks aren’t in business to loan money to those who can’t repay them and they knew that customers who “took advantage” of subprime mortgages were at high risk of default. So the banks sold their subprime loans.
Now, who would buy a “subprime”, e.g. substandard, loan? Who would buy a subprime steak, a subprime car, a subprime house, a subprime dating service? This is where the genius of Wall Street came into play.
To sell these soon-to-explode debt bombs, Wall Street cleverly bundled them with higher rated AAA debt and gave them a new name, CDOs, collateralized debt obligations, and sold trillions of dollars of 30% subprime but AAA rated CDOs to unsuspecting buyers.
Even if you don’t know what a CDO is, CDO sounds a lot better than subprime or substandard. That was the genius of Wall Street. It was a way for Wall Street to sell shaky debt before the fenders fell off. And it worked, at least for Wall Street.
These debt bombs are now embedded far across the global financial landscape, the majority bought by European and Asian investors and institutions seeking downstream revenues; but instead of downstream revenues, they will be absorbing unexpected and significant losses.
Fully 50% of the 2006 earning of HSBC, The Hong Kong Shanghai Banking Corporation, the world’s third largest bank, were wiped out by the subprime losses of its US subsidiary. AXA, a French insurance company and CommerzBank, a German Financial Services company were also major buyers of Wall Street’s subprime AAA rated debt and will suffer the consequences for so doing.
But it was not only European and Asian banks, insurance companies, and hedge funds and pension funds that will suffer, wealthy Japanese investors may suffer the greatest losses of all. It is believed that the highest-yielding but riskiest tranches (risk level) of the subprime CDOs were bought by wealthy individual Japanese investors.
The head of structured finance research at Nomura Securities, Mark Adelson, said these investors did not fully understand the risk they were taking, depending instead upon the ratings given by credit agencies such as Moody’s or the advice of those managing the security.
"A partial understanding of it is often no better than no understanding," Adelson said. "The devil is in the details; if you understand it vaguely, you can get your lights punched out."
As the defaults mount, the consequences will spread to countries and institutions far beyond the shores of the US and the desks of the originating lenders—for the majority of America’s subprime loans are owned by investors, banks, insurance companies, and pension funds in Europe and in Asia.
Why Would Anybody Do Such A Thing?
It retrospect, it wasn’t a good idea, to wit, to loan $1.5 trillion without asking applicants how much money they had or how much money they made. It seems improbable that bankers (remember those thin-lipped disapproving loan officers) would loan money under those conditions. But they did and this is why:
One year after the collapse of the US stock market in 2000, the NASDAQ dropped 80% and the US government feared a deflationary depression—a no money no demand depression like the 1930s—could happen.
So in 2001 the US government took quick and decisive action—in retrospect stupid and short-sighted—and flooded the US with money to prevent a depression from developing; but, in the process they created a real estate bubble and, as the bubble deflates, those who can’t pay their bills, aren’t.
Banks aren’t in business to loan money to those who can’t repay them and they knew that customers who “took advantage” of subprime mortgages were at high risk of default. So the banks sold their subprime loans.
Now, who would buy a “subprime”, e.g. substandard, loan? Who would buy a subprime steak, a subprime car, a subprime house, a subprime dating service? This is where the genius of Wall Street came into play.
To sell these soon-to-explode debt bombs, Wall Street cleverly bundled them with higher rated AAA debt and gave them a new name, CDOs, collateralized debt obligations, and sold trillions of dollars of 30% subprime but AAA rated CDOs to unsuspecting buyers.
Even if you don’t know what a CDO is, CDO sounds a lot better than subprime or substandard. That was the genius of Wall Street. It was a way for Wall Street to sell shaky debt before the fenders fell off. And it worked, at least for Wall Street.
These debt bombs are now embedded far across the global financial landscape, the majority bought by European and Asian investors and institutions seeking downstream revenues; but instead of downstream revenues, they will be absorbing unexpected and significant losses.
Fully 50% of the 2006 earning of HSBC, The Hong Kong Shanghai Banking Corporation, the world’s third largest bank, were wiped out by the subprime losses of its US subsidiary. AXA, a French insurance company and CommerzBank, a German Financial Services company were also major buyers of Wall Street’s subprime AAA rated debt and will suffer the consequences for so doing.
But it was not only European and Asian banks, insurance companies, and hedge funds and pension funds that will suffer, wealthy Japanese investors may suffer the greatest losses of all. It is believed that the highest-yielding but riskiest tranches (risk level) of the subprime CDOs were bought by wealthy individual Japanese investors.
The head of structured finance research at Nomura Securities, Mark Adelson, said these investors did not fully understand the risk they were taking, depending instead upon the ratings given by credit agencies such as Moody’s or the advice of those managing the security.
"A partial understanding of it is often no better than no understanding," Adelson said. "The devil is in the details; if you understand it vaguely, you can get your lights punched out."
Picking up and Moving to Europe
As the global economy truly becomes global, moving overseas is more and more common. Europe is at the top of many peoples’ list.
With dozens of affluent, English-speaking countries to live in, moving to Europe is a common and desirable move. Many American transplants live in most large European cities, making it easy to find an American community to fall back on when you need a taste of home. The kind nature of most Europeans is making it increasingly easier to fit in to the European culture. The most popular European destinations include London, the United Kingdom and Denmark. Depending upon your living expectations, there is sure to be a European city to fit you and your families needs.
Whether you are looking for the big city lights or a grassy countryside as your European relocation dream, there is a European destination for you. London offers the best of both worlds- the big city and suburbia. Since London is highly commercialized, modern amenities are readily available including Internet access and easy, inexpensive travel to other nearby countries. English is the primary language spoke in London, making it simple to communicate with others. Jobs are abundant and the economy is relatively stable while the culture and community are safe.
The housing market in European countries and cities vary greatly. Depending on the location and desirability, housing can be very costly. In some small towns such as Dublin or other places in Ireland, many families will take you in for a fraction of the cost of typical housing. Germany offers many housing options and is in the heart of Europe. High commercialization and sophistication makes Germany an attractive place to relocate to in Europe. Depending on your career path, most major cities offer several job options.
Hiring a moving company to transfer all of your belongings overseas can be costly. Do your research ahead of time and find a company that will help you from start to finish. This includes helping you to pack as well as transporting your goods all the way to your final destination. Instead of hiring out separate companies, such as a shipping company in America to transfer your goods by boat and a moving company to pick them up in Europe, hire an all-in-one service. This will prevent any errors or troublesome miscommunications.
With so many appealing places to live in Europe, it is best to find a place that best fits the desires and needs of your family. Most places offer fairly easy access to other locations in Europe. The culture is full and diverse in most European destinations, making your relocation a fun adventure in moving for all.
With dozens of affluent, English-speaking countries to live in, moving to Europe is a common and desirable move. Many American transplants live in most large European cities, making it easy to find an American community to fall back on when you need a taste of home. The kind nature of most Europeans is making it increasingly easier to fit in to the European culture. The most popular European destinations include London, the United Kingdom and Denmark. Depending upon your living expectations, there is sure to be a European city to fit you and your families needs.
Whether you are looking for the big city lights or a grassy countryside as your European relocation dream, there is a European destination for you. London offers the best of both worlds- the big city and suburbia. Since London is highly commercialized, modern amenities are readily available including Internet access and easy, inexpensive travel to other nearby countries. English is the primary language spoke in London, making it simple to communicate with others. Jobs are abundant and the economy is relatively stable while the culture and community are safe.
The housing market in European countries and cities vary greatly. Depending on the location and desirability, housing can be very costly. In some small towns such as Dublin or other places in Ireland, many families will take you in for a fraction of the cost of typical housing. Germany offers many housing options and is in the heart of Europe. High commercialization and sophistication makes Germany an attractive place to relocate to in Europe. Depending on your career path, most major cities offer several job options.
Hiring a moving company to transfer all of your belongings overseas can be costly. Do your research ahead of time and find a company that will help you from start to finish. This includes helping you to pack as well as transporting your goods all the way to your final destination. Instead of hiring out separate companies, such as a shipping company in America to transfer your goods by boat and a moving company to pick them up in Europe, hire an all-in-one service. This will prevent any errors or troublesome miscommunications.
With so many appealing places to live in Europe, it is best to find a place that best fits the desires and needs of your family. Most places offer fairly easy access to other locations in Europe. The culture is full and diverse in most European destinations, making your relocation a fun adventure in moving for all.
10 Best Places to Live in Europe
Europe has been the center of Western Civilization since time immemorial. One of the most beautiful places on the earth, Europe has grandeur of its own. Travelers from all over the globe love to visit Europe at least once in their lifetime. If visiting this place could be so exciting, simply imagine the charm of being a resident of this wonderful continent. The Swiss city of Zurich has come up with a list of the best places to live in Europe compiled by Forbes.com. This list was based on an annual survey conducted by Mercer Consulting based on the quality of living worldwide.
1. Zurich, Switzerland
The most cherished destination on earth is Zurich with a population of 376,815. The place is also known as the commercial, financial and cultural hub of the country. Located at the northwestern part of Lake Zurich, close to the River Limmat, this city is considered as the paradise of earth. The splendid Zurich boasts of over 2,000 bars and restaurants along with a magnificent view of the Alps and Lake Zurich. The beautiful scenic views and excellent living standard of Zurich entitle the place with a nickname of "City of Best Quality Life."
2. Vienna, Austria
The hub of Austria's political, cultural and economic activities, the capital city offers excellent education and infrastructure. Added in the UNESCO World Heritage List, Vienna is the largest city of Austria. The exemplary lifestyle of Vienna bags it the second position among the top ten places to live in Europe.
3. Geneva, Switzerland
Popularly known as the city of 'Unfading Beauty', Geneva is located between the Lake Geneva and Mount Saleve. The stunning rose gardens of this city are famous all over the globe. Due to the heavy presence of U.N. agencies and organizations, this small city is all set to go global with private banking facilities, hospitals and international schools. Geneva ranks third among the best living places of Europe.
4. Dusseldorf, Germany
Located on the bank of River Rhine, Dusseldorf is among one of the gracious cities of Germany. The city has built up its infrastructure and international transport connections and has an abundance of consumer goods and is considered the fashion and shopping capital of Germany. This top notch city has a thriving economy with some of Germany's largest companies and important centre for banking. Dusseldorf also serves as the headquarters for many of the Ruhr's businesses. It is also among one of the richest cities in Germany and is famed for being the hometown of the supermodel, Claudia Shiffer.
5. Munich, Germany
With a population of 1.3 million, Munich is the fun city of Germany. The laid back attitude and easy going life of Munich can spoil anyone. Well known for its annual beer festival, the city also enjoys a flourishing economy, driven by the information technology, biotechnology and publishing sectors.
6. Frankfurt, Germany
Frankfurt is one of the most modern towns of Germany is well known for it skyscrapers, international airport and as the financial capital of Europe. This financial hub has some excellent hospital, shops, and booming economy. One of the wealthiest cities in the European Union, it is among one of the superb and exotic holiday destinations.
7. Bern, Switzerland
Bern is among the most charming towns of Switzerland. Located on the banks of River Aare, the city promises a lot of attraction and surprises to the visitors. This German-speaking part of Switzerland is one among the safest cities. Surrounded by densely wooded areas and mountains, Bern is not a crowded city. The city lacks in nightlife but it does have excellent medical facilities.
8. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is among the largest city in Denmark with a population of over 1 million. It is also known as the cultural center for the country featuring art, music, theater and design. Though the standard of living is pricey here but the party never stops for those who are looking for a swinging time. Education and medical facilities are excellent in the city but the congestion drags it down to its overall ranking.
9. Amsterdam, Netherlands
May be many of us would like to live in Amsterdam because of the red light districts and liberal policy on drug use. On the other side, Amsterdam is culturally rich and music is an essential thing that reflects in its daily life style of Amsterdam people. Fun loving and merry-making is the USP of people here. The city has some best canals, parks and museums, and the best selection of international schools in Europe. However the ranking of the city is dragged down due to lack of city center housing and air pollution.
10. Brussels, Belgium
Brussels is among the most beautiful Belgium cities. It has a wonderful cultural life, especially with its numerous theaters and cinemas. This administrative center of European Union is well connected with rest of the Europe with excellent transportation system. Brussels is an accessible, bustling, business and political hub that also manages to retain a strong sense of history and culture. The education system of the city is highly appreciated. However, the heavy traffic and air pollution is the major drawback of the city.
1. Zurich, Switzerland
The most cherished destination on earth is Zurich with a population of 376,815. The place is also known as the commercial, financial and cultural hub of the country. Located at the northwestern part of Lake Zurich, close to the River Limmat, this city is considered as the paradise of earth. The splendid Zurich boasts of over 2,000 bars and restaurants along with a magnificent view of the Alps and Lake Zurich. The beautiful scenic views and excellent living standard of Zurich entitle the place with a nickname of "City of Best Quality Life."
2. Vienna, Austria
The hub of Austria's political, cultural and economic activities, the capital city offers excellent education and infrastructure. Added in the UNESCO World Heritage List, Vienna is the largest city of Austria. The exemplary lifestyle of Vienna bags it the second position among the top ten places to live in Europe.
3. Geneva, Switzerland
Popularly known as the city of 'Unfading Beauty', Geneva is located between the Lake Geneva and Mount Saleve. The stunning rose gardens of this city are famous all over the globe. Due to the heavy presence of U.N. agencies and organizations, this small city is all set to go global with private banking facilities, hospitals and international schools. Geneva ranks third among the best living places of Europe.
4. Dusseldorf, Germany
Located on the bank of River Rhine, Dusseldorf is among one of the gracious cities of Germany. The city has built up its infrastructure and international transport connections and has an abundance of consumer goods and is considered the fashion and shopping capital of Germany. This top notch city has a thriving economy with some of Germany's largest companies and important centre for banking. Dusseldorf also serves as the headquarters for many of the Ruhr's businesses. It is also among one of the richest cities in Germany and is famed for being the hometown of the supermodel, Claudia Shiffer.
5. Munich, Germany
With a population of 1.3 million, Munich is the fun city of Germany. The laid back attitude and easy going life of Munich can spoil anyone. Well known for its annual beer festival, the city also enjoys a flourishing economy, driven by the information technology, biotechnology and publishing sectors.
6. Frankfurt, Germany
Frankfurt is one of the most modern towns of Germany is well known for it skyscrapers, international airport and as the financial capital of Europe. This financial hub has some excellent hospital, shops, and booming economy. One of the wealthiest cities in the European Union, it is among one of the superb and exotic holiday destinations.
7. Bern, Switzerland
Bern is among the most charming towns of Switzerland. Located on the banks of River Aare, the city promises a lot of attraction and surprises to the visitors. This German-speaking part of Switzerland is one among the safest cities. Surrounded by densely wooded areas and mountains, Bern is not a crowded city. The city lacks in nightlife but it does have excellent medical facilities.
8. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is among the largest city in Denmark with a population of over 1 million. It is also known as the cultural center for the country featuring art, music, theater and design. Though the standard of living is pricey here but the party never stops for those who are looking for a swinging time. Education and medical facilities are excellent in the city but the congestion drags it down to its overall ranking.
9. Amsterdam, Netherlands
May be many of us would like to live in Amsterdam because of the red light districts and liberal policy on drug use. On the other side, Amsterdam is culturally rich and music is an essential thing that reflects in its daily life style of Amsterdam people. Fun loving and merry-making is the USP of people here. The city has some best canals, parks and museums, and the best selection of international schools in Europe. However the ranking of the city is dragged down due to lack of city center housing and air pollution.
10. Brussels, Belgium
Brussels is among the most beautiful Belgium cities. It has a wonderful cultural life, especially with its numerous theaters and cinemas. This administrative center of European Union is well connected with rest of the Europe with excellent transportation system. Brussels is an accessible, bustling, business and political hub that also manages to retain a strong sense of history and culture. The education system of the city is highly appreciated. However, the heavy traffic and air pollution is the major drawback of the city.
The Sleeping Giant Awakens
Only a hundred years or so ago from the sweat shops of the Industrial Revolution to the cotton fields of the USA we relied on human misery to produce goods at cheap prices and to dump those goods on countries around the globe. Do you think they will have any second thoughts about repaying the favour?
China with its sweat shops has no other option at the moment than to let its huge population and cheap labour give it a foothold in the world economy. There is no way they will pay their workers a decent wage or health benefits etc but in time as they become more established and learn from Hong Kong they will introduce these higher standards of living. There is only so much to go around and this will have a side effect on the economies of Europe and USA.
The USA is already suffering from high imports as is most of Europe and the UK. We don't make things like we used to because we cannot compete. Things will not get better but in time they will get much worse. The UK has to be part of Europe to avoid being sidelined in the future as a small and insignificant country, which against China with its huge population is hardly surprising. The USA, whilst a superpower at present will see its mighty industrial base eroded by China and it will become dependent upon China.
The reason why China will continue to dump on America and Europe is simple. Whilst we pursue our relentless quest for material goods at a cheap price, and whilst importers continue to bring in Chinese goods in large quantities, the bandwagon will continue. One morning we will all wake up and it will be too late.
Now consider this. Europe and USA spends billions in supporting third world countries and massive charities help feed the poor in many nations around the world. As our resources and spending power dwindles and China's population benefits and its wealth grows, do you think that the same level of support will come from the Chinese?
It's a changing world and both Europe and the USA better have a contingency plan!
I really don't think we can object to China trying to muscle in on the global economy in a big way. After all, Europe and USA have capitalised the world's economy in a big way for decades and also rigged it to make sure their companies and trading barriers etc have been protected.
Perhaps now we see the wind of change, the decline of old established economies making way for the new world. It's no good having a go at China, its only trying to do its best for its people. They are going to be the worlds driving economy in a few years time and they will be the most influential and leading country within 50 years. Have no doubt. Nothing that Europe or USA can do to stop this.
There is a new world order coming. You can batten down the hatches and shout as loud as you like but its going to happen. Take a few moments to look ahead - how about 2038. What would the news be like then?
New York Times
China sends troop to quell unress in the Ukraine
China, the world's leading superpower today sent troops into the Ukraine in an effort to contain unrest in the region. The President of the USA in an effort to better relations with the Peoples Republic, offered to support China by contributing a military force that would represent around 20 per cent of the 200,000 troops that China would deploy. Europe as the worlds second largest economy was asked to send its own contingent of rapid deployment divisions.
Meanwhile the Chinese stock market outperformed all expectations as the RMB rose to a new level against the ECU.
Chinese Premier Ying Tso Chang speaking from the Kremlin in Chinese controlled Russia, announced a new council of leaders for the development of trade between Russian and Europe.
Chinese Language is now the most popular choice for schools throughout Europe and reports indicate that English will soon cease to be the most influential and most used language in years to come.
China with its sweat shops has no other option at the moment than to let its huge population and cheap labour give it a foothold in the world economy. There is no way they will pay their workers a decent wage or health benefits etc but in time as they become more established and learn from Hong Kong they will introduce these higher standards of living. There is only so much to go around and this will have a side effect on the economies of Europe and USA.
The USA is already suffering from high imports as is most of Europe and the UK. We don't make things like we used to because we cannot compete. Things will not get better but in time they will get much worse. The UK has to be part of Europe to avoid being sidelined in the future as a small and insignificant country, which against China with its huge population is hardly surprising. The USA, whilst a superpower at present will see its mighty industrial base eroded by China and it will become dependent upon China.
The reason why China will continue to dump on America and Europe is simple. Whilst we pursue our relentless quest for material goods at a cheap price, and whilst importers continue to bring in Chinese goods in large quantities, the bandwagon will continue. One morning we will all wake up and it will be too late.
Now consider this. Europe and USA spends billions in supporting third world countries and massive charities help feed the poor in many nations around the world. As our resources and spending power dwindles and China's population benefits and its wealth grows, do you think that the same level of support will come from the Chinese?
It's a changing world and both Europe and the USA better have a contingency plan!
I really don't think we can object to China trying to muscle in on the global economy in a big way. After all, Europe and USA have capitalised the world's economy in a big way for decades and also rigged it to make sure their companies and trading barriers etc have been protected.
Perhaps now we see the wind of change, the decline of old established economies making way for the new world. It's no good having a go at China, its only trying to do its best for its people. They are going to be the worlds driving economy in a few years time and they will be the most influential and leading country within 50 years. Have no doubt. Nothing that Europe or USA can do to stop this.
There is a new world order coming. You can batten down the hatches and shout as loud as you like but its going to happen. Take a few moments to look ahead - how about 2038. What would the news be like then?
New York Times
China sends troop to quell unress in the Ukraine
China, the world's leading superpower today sent troops into the Ukraine in an effort to contain unrest in the region. The President of the USA in an effort to better relations with the Peoples Republic, offered to support China by contributing a military force that would represent around 20 per cent of the 200,000 troops that China would deploy. Europe as the worlds second largest economy was asked to send its own contingent of rapid deployment divisions.
Meanwhile the Chinese stock market outperformed all expectations as the RMB rose to a new level against the ECU.
Chinese Premier Ying Tso Chang speaking from the Kremlin in Chinese controlled Russia, announced a new council of leaders for the development of trade between Russian and Europe.
Chinese Language is now the most popular choice for schools throughout Europe and reports indicate that English will soon cease to be the most influential and most used language in years to come.
2009/04/07
Get Tough During Tough Times
We all know that we are in very tough economic times. It is affecting everyone of us, either personally or through someone we immediately know. You do not have to reach far to touch the current crisis. The President has a lot of planes to land as he said in an interview with Jim Leher. It will not be easy. While he is trying to do that let us begin landing our own planes...
With the recent events of the AIG bonuses, the attitude of the American public has grown more bitter and concerned as to the real benefit of all this bailout money and how it is going to affect all of us taxpayers. People are getting restless and weary!
In the world of economics, a recession is a general slowdown in the economy of a country over a sustained period of time. Such things measured as employment, investment spending, capacity utilization, household incomes and other business profits all fall during recessions, as well as stocks.
The current recession is seeing private consumption fall for the first time in nearly 20 years. This indicates the depth and severity of the current recession. Consumer confidence is at an all time low, and any recovery will take some time. Consumers in the U.S. have been hard hit by the current recession, with the value of their houses dropping and retirement destroyed on the stock market. Not only have consumers watched their wealth dwindle away, but, they are also now fearing for their jobs as unemployment rises.
Unemployment rates are increasing everyday. The current range is between 3 and 9% across the country(USA). So, while the President of the USA visits foreign nations in order to promote a unified rally against the current economic crisis, we at home must continually look for ways of coping with our own economic crisis. Sometimes that means an extra job, more hours on the current job, if permissible. Most, like mine are going to 4-day work weeks in order to prevent more lay-offs.
Something can be done if we keep our eyes and our ears opened, and begin to be aware of what is happening around us. Do not take anything for granted. Understand the current situation, and what it means to you and how it will affect you and has, then, search for a resource, of both information and revenue to get to where you want to go.
It is hard to see people losing their homes and 401k retirement plans. Friends, family, who have worked so long, so hard. We are aimed at doing something to help, and to do so immediately, - even if it is just a prayer, or a kind word in your direction.
With the recent events of the AIG bonuses, the attitude of the American public has grown more bitter and concerned as to the real benefit of all this bailout money and how it is going to affect all of us taxpayers. People are getting restless and weary!
In the world of economics, a recession is a general slowdown in the economy of a country over a sustained period of time. Such things measured as employment, investment spending, capacity utilization, household incomes and other business profits all fall during recessions, as well as stocks.
The current recession is seeing private consumption fall for the first time in nearly 20 years. This indicates the depth and severity of the current recession. Consumer confidence is at an all time low, and any recovery will take some time. Consumers in the U.S. have been hard hit by the current recession, with the value of their houses dropping and retirement destroyed on the stock market. Not only have consumers watched their wealth dwindle away, but, they are also now fearing for their jobs as unemployment rises.
Unemployment rates are increasing everyday. The current range is between 3 and 9% across the country(USA). So, while the President of the USA visits foreign nations in order to promote a unified rally against the current economic crisis, we at home must continually look for ways of coping with our own economic crisis. Sometimes that means an extra job, more hours on the current job, if permissible. Most, like mine are going to 4-day work weeks in order to prevent more lay-offs.
Something can be done if we keep our eyes and our ears opened, and begin to be aware of what is happening around us. Do not take anything for granted. Understand the current situation, and what it means to you and how it will affect you and has, then, search for a resource, of both information and revenue to get to where you want to go.
It is hard to see people losing their homes and 401k retirement plans. Friends, family, who have worked so long, so hard. We are aimed at doing something to help, and to do so immediately, - even if it is just a prayer, or a kind word in your direction.
Going Abroad is Becoming Easier With Time
Traveling abroad is something everyone should try to do at some point. Getting to know foreign cultures is one of the most wonderful learning experiences. Although it can be expensive, if you keep your eye out for travel brochures or presentation folders, you can find trip deals and packages. There are so many ways to travel: cruises planned and guided tours, or simply visiting a place on your own. Whichever you choose, you will not regret it. Traveling outside of your country opens up a new view of the world. It is important to know how other people live.
Going on a ship cruise is a great way to experience a luxury vacation and new cultures. They last on average for a span of anywhere from one to two weeks. During this time you live on the cruise ship, excluding one to two days you spend on each island you visit. When looking at cruises,. Make sure to investigate all the islands you will be stopping at. It is my personal opinion that the less touristy stops are better. At places like this you have a chance to experience local traditions. Never eliminate cruises from your possible travel future; you will become worldly and tan!
If you get sea sick, guided tours are also a magnificent experience. On most tours, you cover a vast amount of area in a week to two weeks, hitting important land marks and travel spots. The planned tours spend lots of time making sure the visitors will experience local culture, see famous or memorable landmarks, and have a wonderful experience. Once trip that get great reviews is a trip along the Amalfi coast of Italy. This takes tourists to all the famous spots on Italy's west coast, including Sicily and Pompeii. Tours such as this are so great, because you are taken by people who know the country so well. They are not generic and tourist-only areas, allowing you to really experience the country.
Lastly, immersing yourself in a culture on your own can be a thrilling experience. I would advise doing research before you leave, so you know what to expect in the terms of lodging, transportation and economy of the area. By going to a country individually, you have the possibility to explore small things that tour guides skip over. You may find yourself a local farmers market or flea market that has tons of trinkets and foods of the culture. If going on a tour, such an experience might not be possible. You also have an advantage because you can spend however much time you want in a certain attraction. If the statues aren't your style, you could go to an art museum that day as well.
Learning about the world in history class and actually experiencing it are two very different things. It is a very life-changing experience to be among a new way of life. Traveling is worth the missing work and spending money, because the experiences are priceless. You can always save up and take a summer or winter vacation as a treat to yourself. Cruises and guided tours are great ideas for those who don't think they could handle going to a new country alone. However, for the brave, traveling individually can be quite a thrill!
Going on a ship cruise is a great way to experience a luxury vacation and new cultures. They last on average for a span of anywhere from one to two weeks. During this time you live on the cruise ship, excluding one to two days you spend on each island you visit. When looking at cruises,. Make sure to investigate all the islands you will be stopping at. It is my personal opinion that the less touristy stops are better. At places like this you have a chance to experience local traditions. Never eliminate cruises from your possible travel future; you will become worldly and tan!
If you get sea sick, guided tours are also a magnificent experience. On most tours, you cover a vast amount of area in a week to two weeks, hitting important land marks and travel spots. The planned tours spend lots of time making sure the visitors will experience local culture, see famous or memorable landmarks, and have a wonderful experience. Once trip that get great reviews is a trip along the Amalfi coast of Italy. This takes tourists to all the famous spots on Italy's west coast, including Sicily and Pompeii. Tours such as this are so great, because you are taken by people who know the country so well. They are not generic and tourist-only areas, allowing you to really experience the country.
Lastly, immersing yourself in a culture on your own can be a thrilling experience. I would advise doing research before you leave, so you know what to expect in the terms of lodging, transportation and economy of the area. By going to a country individually, you have the possibility to explore small things that tour guides skip over. You may find yourself a local farmers market or flea market that has tons of trinkets and foods of the culture. If going on a tour, such an experience might not be possible. You also have an advantage because you can spend however much time you want in a certain attraction. If the statues aren't your style, you could go to an art museum that day as well.
Learning about the world in history class and actually experiencing it are two very different things. It is a very life-changing experience to be among a new way of life. Traveling is worth the missing work and spending money, because the experiences are priceless. You can always save up and take a summer or winter vacation as a treat to yourself. Cruises and guided tours are great ideas for those who don't think they could handle going to a new country alone. However, for the brave, traveling individually can be quite a thrill!
Enjoy the Secret of Rome
Rome is a great place to go if you want to combine fun with culture.
It's not renowned for its nightlife, and it's not the place to go if you want to recreate the excesses of your last Ibiza soiree.
But Rome offers you a young man's lifestyle and a refined, sophisticated man's interest.
• Rome is awash with ancient architecture: you can visit the Colosseum, Roman forum, the Pantheon, Trajan's Column, Trajan's Market, the Catacombs, the Arch of Constantine, the Baths of Caracalla and many others,
• Chill in large, bustling outdoor spaces like the Trevi Fountain, the Piazza Novona, Piazza del Popolo, Spanish Steps, St Peter's Square or Rome's large peripheral parks and gardens,
• All these sites stay open as late as 10pm, so if you've been out the previous evening until the small hours, you don't need to leave your lodgings until after lunch for a full day's site-seeing,
• Rome is connected by a big, cheap, underground metro. Don't bother with car hire; you can get wherever you want quickly and cheaply without the worries relating to drinking and Italian drivers,
• There's a beach; it's a half hour train away, but it has good quality sand and there are some swanky smart cocktail bars on the seafront. Why not get away from the city bustle for a day!
• Rome is thriving at night. There are tonnes of people out at 2am and it's still really warm (you'll be in short sleeves). Warm enough, in fact, to find an all-night ice-cream vendor, of which there are loads,
• The city centre is teeming with bars; you'll be able to find one to suit every taste and mood, especially romantic,
• The coffee is unlike anything you'll have in the UK. Cappuccino was invented here, and our imitations are nothing as good as The Real Thing,
• Food and drink - fine outdoor dining in the big open spaces of the Piazzas, or go down a backstreet for an authentic Italian experience: five courses with Italian lager, house wine and lemon liquor (Limoncello) will be delicious and affordable. Italian food is very different here from your average chain in the UK,
• Experience Serie A football at A.S. Roma or S.S. Lazio at the Stadio Olympico; arguably the finest football stadium in the world. The season starts in August,
• Go to indoor and outdoor concerts and theatre: from Opera to English language films,
• Have a suit made by a fine Italian tailor, or browse masses of upmarket fashion boutiques,
• Hire an apartment in Rome and don't forget to bring some sexy lingerie sexy lingerie Instead of a hotel, hire an apartment in the city centre. They come enormous and expensive, decked in oil paintings and make for an unforgettable Italian experience. A great pad to take the random friends you acquire back to, after another late night experience.
By Paul Bowers, I write about fashion or lifestyle issues and in particular about swimwear, corsets, stockings, pyjamas, designer lingerie and womens shoes. I am especially interested in new brands or cutting edge, innovative new designers from France and Italy.
It's not renowned for its nightlife, and it's not the place to go if you want to recreate the excesses of your last Ibiza soiree.
But Rome offers you a young man's lifestyle and a refined, sophisticated man's interest.
• Rome is awash with ancient architecture: you can visit the Colosseum, Roman forum, the Pantheon, Trajan's Column, Trajan's Market, the Catacombs, the Arch of Constantine, the Baths of Caracalla and many others,
• Chill in large, bustling outdoor spaces like the Trevi Fountain, the Piazza Novona, Piazza del Popolo, Spanish Steps, St Peter's Square or Rome's large peripheral parks and gardens,
• All these sites stay open as late as 10pm, so if you've been out the previous evening until the small hours, you don't need to leave your lodgings until after lunch for a full day's site-seeing,
• Rome is connected by a big, cheap, underground metro. Don't bother with car hire; you can get wherever you want quickly and cheaply without the worries relating to drinking and Italian drivers,
• There's a beach; it's a half hour train away, but it has good quality sand and there are some swanky smart cocktail bars on the seafront. Why not get away from the city bustle for a day!
• Rome is thriving at night. There are tonnes of people out at 2am and it's still really warm (you'll be in short sleeves). Warm enough, in fact, to find an all-night ice-cream vendor, of which there are loads,
• The city centre is teeming with bars; you'll be able to find one to suit every taste and mood, especially romantic,
• The coffee is unlike anything you'll have in the UK. Cappuccino was invented here, and our imitations are nothing as good as The Real Thing,
• Food and drink - fine outdoor dining in the big open spaces of the Piazzas, or go down a backstreet for an authentic Italian experience: five courses with Italian lager, house wine and lemon liquor (Limoncello) will be delicious and affordable. Italian food is very different here from your average chain in the UK,
• Experience Serie A football at A.S. Roma or S.S. Lazio at the Stadio Olympico; arguably the finest football stadium in the world. The season starts in August,
• Go to indoor and outdoor concerts and theatre: from Opera to English language films,
• Have a suit made by a fine Italian tailor, or browse masses of upmarket fashion boutiques,
• Hire an apartment in Rome and don't forget to bring some sexy lingerie sexy lingerie Instead of a hotel, hire an apartment in the city centre. They come enormous and expensive, decked in oil paintings and make for an unforgettable Italian experience. A great pad to take the random friends you acquire back to, after another late night experience.
By Paul Bowers, I write about fashion or lifestyle issues and in particular about swimwear, corsets, stockings, pyjamas, designer lingerie and womens shoes. I am especially interested in new brands or cutting edge, innovative new designers from France and Italy.
Top Australian Winter Sun Holiday Destinations
Top 5 Australian Winter Sun Holiday Destinations
Over the past few years, travelling has gotten more and more advanced. You book your flights online. You choose your destinations from the thousands available. More and more people are now looking for unusual destinations because travelling to far off places isn't the hard part anymore. Also, many tourists like to travel to places which aren't the usual travelling destinations. On an average Europe, Americas, Caribbean and Mediterranean are the tourist hotspots, but now tourists love to venture to far off destinations.
Australia is one such destination that if you are a tourist looking for the perfect holiday destination, then Australia is the perfect country for you. Just bear in mind that if you're headed to Melbourne, Sydney or Perth, it'll be winters. If you think that Australia has much less to offer than the other continents, you need to go there and look at it yourself. Queenland's Gold Coast will spoil you completely.
The Gold Coast boasts beaches with five star hotels, beach side apartments, miles and miles of the greenest golf courses. With temperatures ranging from 9-21 degrees, even the mildly cold weather won't be able to keep you inside for long. Popularly known as Australia's favourite playground, the Gold Coast would be far from a disappointment.
Darwin, perched on a peninsula, is another spectacular destination. It's the capital of the Northern Territory. If you're in mood for some adventures, then book your flight right now. Darwin has a large harbour, twice the size of Sydney. Crocodiles, snakes and the trademark red earth are all there in surroundings of Australia. This would be your time to check out the iconic natural wonders of the great country.
If you are a history buff, then you can check out Darwin's World War II history at the preserved sites including the ammunition bunkers, oil tunnels and air strips.
Cairns is a winter sun playground in the far north of Queensland. Full of different tours, activities and attractions, Cairns is one place you'll never get bored of. Just like the typical north Queensland, Cairns has a balmy temperature and low rainfall. Your tour to Cairns will not be complete without a tour to the Great Barrier Reef or the Daintree Rainforest.
The Whitney Islands are a group of 74 lush green islands. The temperature hovers between 17 -26 degrees even in winters. The 10 deluxe resorts on eight of its islands, Whitney Islands will not let the tourists get bored. You can spend your day doing water sports or scuba diving, or better yet, go for a hike in Whitney's deep and lush forests.
The climate of Broome does not feature summer or winter. It's simple there, either wet season or the dry season. While in Broome, don't forget to explore the amazing Kimberly Region, Mitchell Falls, and the Bungle Bungles, which are just some of the highlights of the great Western Australia. If you're in Broome, a must-see sight is the Staircase to the Moon. On a cloudless night, you can see the reflection of the moon in the mud flats which makes it look like a stairway.
Over the past few years, travelling has gotten more and more advanced. You book your flights online. You choose your destinations from the thousands available. More and more people are now looking for unusual destinations because travelling to far off places isn't the hard part anymore. Also, many tourists like to travel to places which aren't the usual travelling destinations. On an average Europe, Americas, Caribbean and Mediterranean are the tourist hotspots, but now tourists love to venture to far off destinations.
Australia is one such destination that if you are a tourist looking for the perfect holiday destination, then Australia is the perfect country for you. Just bear in mind that if you're headed to Melbourne, Sydney or Perth, it'll be winters. If you think that Australia has much less to offer than the other continents, you need to go there and look at it yourself. Queenland's Gold Coast will spoil you completely.
The Gold Coast boasts beaches with five star hotels, beach side apartments, miles and miles of the greenest golf courses. With temperatures ranging from 9-21 degrees, even the mildly cold weather won't be able to keep you inside for long. Popularly known as Australia's favourite playground, the Gold Coast would be far from a disappointment.
Darwin, perched on a peninsula, is another spectacular destination. It's the capital of the Northern Territory. If you're in mood for some adventures, then book your flight right now. Darwin has a large harbour, twice the size of Sydney. Crocodiles, snakes and the trademark red earth are all there in surroundings of Australia. This would be your time to check out the iconic natural wonders of the great country.
If you are a history buff, then you can check out Darwin's World War II history at the preserved sites including the ammunition bunkers, oil tunnels and air strips.
Cairns is a winter sun playground in the far north of Queensland. Full of different tours, activities and attractions, Cairns is one place you'll never get bored of. Just like the typical north Queensland, Cairns has a balmy temperature and low rainfall. Your tour to Cairns will not be complete without a tour to the Great Barrier Reef or the Daintree Rainforest.
The Whitney Islands are a group of 74 lush green islands. The temperature hovers between 17 -26 degrees even in winters. The 10 deluxe resorts on eight of its islands, Whitney Islands will not let the tourists get bored. You can spend your day doing water sports or scuba diving, or better yet, go for a hike in Whitney's deep and lush forests.
The climate of Broome does not feature summer or winter. It's simple there, either wet season or the dry season. While in Broome, don't forget to explore the amazing Kimberly Region, Mitchell Falls, and the Bungle Bungles, which are just some of the highlights of the great Western Australia. If you're in Broome, a must-see sight is the Staircase to the Moon. On a cloudless night, you can see the reflection of the moon in the mud flats which makes it look like a stairway.
The Romance of Romania
Despite a rough political passage in the preceding decades, Romania today offers the visitors the charm of naturally endowed interesting spots coupled with great hospitality. From what is referred to as "Transylvanian Alps", the tourist has the choice of Black Sea Beaches as well.
While history-inclined would find their meat in some of the relics of Early Roman and subsequent Byzantine Empire heritage sites, the present dispersion of population in Romania is such that the rural charm overwhelms. Nearly fifty percent of the population still has the rural foundations and, having preserved their rural heritage, give the world the delights of folklore and a dozen other diversities of engrossing pastoral atmosphere.
Apart from Alpine climbing, Romania is studded with natural thermal spas. While the former will whet the appetite of rugged work of the conscious tourists for the passion of mountaineering, the latter are a perennial source for physical relief. The contrast is striking but satisfying to the respective hunters of delight. In the recent years a number of casinos have come up to cater to those with risky instincts to satisfy their goals.
Danube Delta, Carpati Mountains and Prahova Valley are some other attractions besides of course the capital city of Bucharest. The mountains and valleys are still the preserves of natural settings and one is lost in the pristine silence of the nature as opposed to many mechanical aberrations elsewhere. The whole range of valleys and mountain peaks are a solace to nature lovers who are totally immersed in the peaceful atmosphere. There are Dracula tours in Transylvania while walking and trekking tours to many places of incredible natural splendor are also arranged economically and in an organized manner by a number of agencies.
The diverse rural cultures in such areas like Maramures, Bucovina, Crisana, Banat, Oltenia and Muntenia are a source of inspiration to rural living and admiration for natural habitations. You have almost all varieties of travel here, cars, trains, buses, etc. Thousands of cheap hotel deals abound throughout Romania to take care of the visitors according to their tastes and budgets. One is equally impressed with the delights of the palate and wine in Romania. The tourist will be surprised at the plethora of festivals and folklore abounding in the place. There are no shortages of castles or historical monuments either.
Though many of the millions of tourists right now are from neighboring areas it will just be a question of time before people from all over the globe make it a bee-hive for tourism. For it has the charm and potential for such an attraction.
While history-inclined would find their meat in some of the relics of Early Roman and subsequent Byzantine Empire heritage sites, the present dispersion of population in Romania is such that the rural charm overwhelms. Nearly fifty percent of the population still has the rural foundations and, having preserved their rural heritage, give the world the delights of folklore and a dozen other diversities of engrossing pastoral atmosphere.
Apart from Alpine climbing, Romania is studded with natural thermal spas. While the former will whet the appetite of rugged work of the conscious tourists for the passion of mountaineering, the latter are a perennial source for physical relief. The contrast is striking but satisfying to the respective hunters of delight. In the recent years a number of casinos have come up to cater to those with risky instincts to satisfy their goals.
Danube Delta, Carpati Mountains and Prahova Valley are some other attractions besides of course the capital city of Bucharest. The mountains and valleys are still the preserves of natural settings and one is lost in the pristine silence of the nature as opposed to many mechanical aberrations elsewhere. The whole range of valleys and mountain peaks are a solace to nature lovers who are totally immersed in the peaceful atmosphere. There are Dracula tours in Transylvania while walking and trekking tours to many places of incredible natural splendor are also arranged economically and in an organized manner by a number of agencies.
The diverse rural cultures in such areas like Maramures, Bucovina, Crisana, Banat, Oltenia and Muntenia are a source of inspiration to rural living and admiration for natural habitations. You have almost all varieties of travel here, cars, trains, buses, etc. Thousands of cheap hotel deals abound throughout Romania to take care of the visitors according to their tastes and budgets. One is equally impressed with the delights of the palate and wine in Romania. The tourist will be surprised at the plethora of festivals and folklore abounding in the place. There are no shortages of castles or historical monuments either.
Though many of the millions of tourists right now are from neighboring areas it will just be a question of time before people from all over the globe make it a bee-hive for tourism. For it has the charm and potential for such an attraction.
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