Tuesday, October 27, 2009
TREKKING (How And When)
Most of the trek routes in the Everest region have tea houses along the way. The routes to Everest Base Camp and Gokyo valley are perfect for teahouse treks. The trail in from Jiri is also endowed with many conveniently located teahouses although no match to their counterparts to the north where standards are high. Places like Namche Bazaar even have cyber cafes and regular pubs. The Annapurna region is comparable to the Everest region but not so the Kanchenjunga region, where camping treks are the only option. Other trekking routes will almost certainly require the use of tents and a support team to carry the food and equipment.
Trekking
Trekking is by far Nepal’s biggest attraction. Pioneered by Col. Jimmy Roberts in the early 1960s, most tourists embark on some trek or the other and many do multiple treks before heading back home. Some arrive each year to do a different trek each time. A trek is also the best means of seeing the country and to understand its people. Walking through emerald rice fields; through rhododendron forests; crossing streams, camping out on a hilltop in the wilderness with towering mountains in the background, make trekking an unforgettable experience.
One can also do pony treks in some remote places, which is equally enthralling for visitors. Pony treks are offered mostly in western region of Pokhara, Dolpo and Lo Manthang (Mustang).
The two most popular treks are the Everest Base Camp Trek and the Around Annapurna also known as the Annapurna Circuit as it goes right around the Annapurna range. There are many different treks offered in the Everest and Annapurna regions. Other popular regions are the Langtang valley, Helambu, Makalu, Manaslu, Kanchenjunga and the Arun Valley. Another popular destination in the Everest region is the Gokyo valley.
One can also do pony treks in some remote places, which is equally enthralling for visitors. Pony treks are offered mostly in western region of Pokhara, Dolpo and Lo Manthang (Mustang).
The two most popular treks are the Everest Base Camp Trek and the Around Annapurna also known as the Annapurna Circuit as it goes right around the Annapurna range. There are many different treks offered in the Everest and Annapurna regions. Other popular regions are the Langtang valley, Helambu, Makalu, Manaslu, Kanchenjunga and the Arun Valley. Another popular destination in the Everest region is the Gokyo valley.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Money matters
The government’s fiscal and monetary policies have recently been made public through the budget speech and Nepal Rastra Bank’s (NRB) policy announcement. Needless to emphasise, there should be close coordination between the two to achieve the overall objectives. The regional distribution of financial services has no real rural distributional decomposition and shows a skewed distributional pattern thus: eastern region 18.4 percent, central region 49.5 percent, western region 19.8, mid-western region 7.5 and far western region 4.6 percent. Moreover, the monetary policy has ignored the coming financial federalism and inclusive financial services with a rural vision with the exception of ritual recitation of microfinance, which will essentially be an important part of the emerging fiscal federalism within the framework of federal states.
The objectives of the monetary policy as specified in the NRB Act, 2002 remain as the bottom line to (i) Contain stability in domestic prices and balance of payments (ii) Secure financial stability and (iii) Support economic growth.
To achieve these objectives, NRB on the basis of relative controllability and predictability has opted for narrow money (M1) and broad money (M2) as the intermediate targets. In other words, the pass through effect of the monetary policy on the final objectives is transmitted through the intermediate targets.
The monetary policy document basically includes major policy stance, management of foreign exchange, external sector reform, financial sector regulation and supervision and the status of implementation of the previous year’s policy, among others. With minor exceptions a few times, major objectives like the growth rate and inflation are exactly the same in the fiscal and monetary policies and the monetary aggregates are estimated arithmetically to support the growth rate and inflation giving due computational role to income velocity.
Obviously, stability in inflation is difficult to attain through monetary policy alone since prices in Nepal closely move in line with Indian prices due to an open border, fixed exchange rate and India being a major trade partner as well as the various non-monetary phenomena related domestic prices and supply constraints. One can easily argue that Nepal would have to face a much higher double digit price rise had Indian prices not declined so sharply in recent months. It is equally important in the case of stability in the balance of payments for which the fiscal policy should strongly support through reasonable fiscal deficit, particularly government domestic borrowing. Similarly, the monetary policy can support the fiscal policy through financial services for economic growth where key factors like infrastructure and private sector-led growth are not sufficiently developed.
The trade-off between flexible and tight monetary policy stance in order to support the slow economic activity, impulsive financial stability, unstable price movements and risky enough external sector stability makes it difficult to achieve the multiple objectives resulting in a secure cushion concept of a cautious policy stance. However, there is no practice of making accountable on the basis of target/policy performance which would have commonly been taken as an acid test of the policy makers for the successful trading off among various objectives..
Obviously, there are some noticeable targeted policy plans in the current year’s monetary policy that include (i) Export import price indices (XMIP) to measure trade competitiveness (ii) Study of Nepal’s macroeconomic modelling under the TA of the Asian Development Bank (iii) Study of the identification of Indian currency in circulation in Nepal and (iv) Compilation of broad monetary surveys including development banks and finance companies. However, there are some structural and policy weaknesses in trading off and guiding the future direction in the monetary policy.
Nevertheless, a cautious tight monetary policy has been followed from last year. Moreover, it has been further tightened this year by reintroducing the statutory liquidity ratio (SLR) of 8 percent, 3 percent and 2 percent of the total domestic currency deposit for A, B and C category banks/institutions including the directed deprived sector credit programme of 3 percent, 2 percent and 1.5 percent of the total loans respectively. As such, the SLR itself, which is to be compulsorily invested in government securities, will block more than Rs. 40 billion of banks and finance companies at a relatively lower return by the end of the year unless there is a compensatory special SLR bond with a higher coupon rate.
In other words, such directed liquidity ratio and credit programme will help to reciprocate more than an equal impact on the increase in financial intermediation costs of banks and financial institutions leading to further concentration of credit in highly lucrative sectors and also a psychic discouraging impact on small depositors in particular and selective preference to big depositors in general. As a result, the spread rate, which is known as financial intermediation cost, could be unexpectedly larger since banks/institutions are free to maintain it.
The refinance/bank rate facility, which has remained an effective instrument in most of similarly placed economies, has virtually remained ineffective, though officially termed as an indicator of policy stance for the last many years in Nepal.
It is an open secret that illegal circulation of Indian currency within Nepal is a sensitive currency sovereignty issue. In the absence of a broad based empirically validated survey regarding the magnitude of the circulation of Indian currency in Nepal, it is obvious that the demand for Nepalese currency/money is overtly underestimated. As such, the money supply based on the demand for money neither reflects an accurate picture nor a sound base for the estimation of the impact on inflation and economic growth. One can hope that the proposed study will identify the size of the Indian currency in circulation and make use as a proxy for the estimation of monetary aggregates, where the monetary policy alone could not tap the Indian currency to banking channel. Presently, the estimation of monetary aggregates is underestimated, that is why it cannot accurately help to stabilize the price level.
Due to economic efficiency India could bear a higher interest rate which is difficult for Nepal to maintain. It is a very critical issue, though untouched in the policy papers, that until and unless economic activities can be retained and sustained, a higher interest rate will not be feasible in Nepal leaving more than enough room for capital flight to India due mainly to the interest rate differential.
Looking at the increasing size of both the number of financial institutions and their volume of transactions of many types of deposit money, the time is overdue to incorporate them in the monetary aggregates. Similarly, looking at the stronger relationship of monetary aggregates with income and prices, the savings deposit based on its withdrawal limit has to be segregated both in the narrow and broad money for ensuring their accuracy. Savings deposit based on its withdrawal limit is just like a semi-demand deposit which needs to be split into both narrow and broad money to ensure the accuracy of the measurement of narrow money.
In an inflation targeting country, the central bankers are known as price controllers. As such, to be on safe side and build up greater confidence, NRB has to be more transparent in expressing the limited impact of the money supply on the price level. For this, the core inflation, basically known as monetary phenomenon related prices, out of the overhead inflation should be identified so that the price stability target can be met more accurately. Similarly, NRB should convince the concerned authorities and hand over the job of collecting and processing the price data to uphold the theoretical ethic from the probability of manipulation for the sake of justifying targeted objective.
The mandatory book write-off policy for defaulted loans of banks and financial institutions should be followed by some mechanism like the establishment of Asset Management Company to ensure the recovery of defaulted loans as per international practice. However, in Nepal, the problem banks mainly Rastriya Banijya Bank and Nepal Bank Ltd. have gained the opportunity to transfer more than Rs. 27 billion to the write-off account as a sleepy gain of recuperation on the level of non-performing assets (NPA) without the support of a backup mechanism for recovery efforts.
Stop teasing
Gone are the days when women’s interests and desires used to be swept under the carpet. However, women’s activities still arouse unending criticism in the media. The other day, a man, the so-called Supreme Being, first sex, whom I bump into occasionally at social gatherings, told me in bewilderment, “Women nowadays are crowing cock-a-doodle-doo a lot, but do they have anything to say about their expenses and offensiveness at Teej functions?” I was taken aback to hear that. I couldn’t understand the rationale behind such attacks. Teej functions of elite women are hitting the news headlines. The men are harping on the same string that women have become spendthrifts, irresponsible and carefree.
I have also been regularly invited to Teej functions organized at my relatives and some organizations. But as usual, I had to turn down many invitations because of my problems and lack of interest. We had to organize a function last Tuesday at our home. Among our invitees were my sisters-in-law, cousins, sisters and some other relatives.
We feasted, danced, enjoyed and shared. It came out to be a implausible caring and sharing gathering. But at around 2:30 p.m., the dancing and feasting mass dispersed. I was so surprised to see that and kept pulling them back to the dance floor. But they were busy somewhere. Later, I discovered that they’re worried about their children. Some of them went to fetch their children from school, others were stuck to their mobile phones making sure their children were safely back home and yet others were packing stuff to feed their children.
There’re so many festive events for men which they enjoy to every extent. They can go to any lengths to get their desires fulfilled. Teej is a women’s fest when they fast for the good health and prosperity their husbands, but criticisms have soared to the skies. Dasain also didn’t bring the tradition of playing cards and drinking. As I remember, flying kites was our only tradition. They celebrate, but they know the limit, they don’t switch off their mobiles and go out of contact. They don’t keep their families waiting for dinner. The poor don’t only miss Teej, they miss other festivals like Dasain and Tihar too. The gap between the haves and have-nots is not produced by culture and tradition; it’s a result of unending corruption, political instability, lack of visionary policymakers and other circumstances. I attended some Teej functions, and I found the same care and sense of responsibility among the women.
In the editorial published in The Kathmandu Post on Aug. 18, an emerging worrisome trend has been discussed. It is said that women now have stopped dancing to special Teej songs of blissful wedlock and long lives for their husbands, but they’re dancing to songs demanding the right to elope (poyla janna paun). For your kind information, despite the troubles, I attended a number of the so-called lavish Teej feasts, but nowhere did I find women dancing to such songs. The songs being played were the usual “Teej ko rahara.., maiti…”. Before commenting on any issue, practical studies and observation are necessary. Truth is distorted, twisted and exaggerated in fun TV programmes like Tito Satya. Men don’t have to worry that their wives are fasting and feasting with the wish to elope.
Some organizations are hell-bent on throwing a spanner into talent exhibition contests which have provided a good platform for our intelligent girls. For a fine example, our Miss Nepal Sugarika K.C. is very talented and she is contributing to society in her own way. So far as I know about these contests, our girls don’t come onstage in bikinis. Then what is wrong with stepping on to the stage to express and perform what they have within themselves?
Women also need moments of joy. They also need celebrations. They need sharing and caring. But the money collected for such functions can also be used to help poor and needy women. So far as lavish Teej festivals being held at big hotels are concerned, the elite, whether they’re men or women, have already set the trend to organize occasional events at cosy and expensive venues. This is not unnatural or strange.
There will always be arguments as everything has merits and demerits, but we have to be committed to conserving culture and tradition without hampering others’ rights. We shouldn’t cause a sense of victimization among others. As Gopal Siwakoti said, we have all been happily engaged in a blame game. It’s true that we’ve to look a bit inwards and see what the lack is within ourselves. There’s a huge gap between words and deeds. If such views continue to go ahead, the battle of the sexes is bound to soar in the long run. We’ve still not liberated ourselves with old stereotypes. Can we show the guts and grit to redefine our cultural practices and stop the cat and dog brawls among ourselves? Society has undergone a sea change, but we’re still engaged in a blame game. And if women also come out of the mindset they are so entrenched in, they can make a difference; and they should stop prattling about jewelry, clothes and stuffs. Most of us have the wrong concept that the sole aim of education is to equip ourselves with qualifications to get a good job. But we’ve to learn to use it to choose between right and wrong.
I have also been regularly invited to Teej functions organized at my relatives and some organizations. But as usual, I had to turn down many invitations because of my problems and lack of interest. We had to organize a function last Tuesday at our home. Among our invitees were my sisters-in-law, cousins, sisters and some other relatives.
We feasted, danced, enjoyed and shared. It came out to be a implausible caring and sharing gathering. But at around 2:30 p.m., the dancing and feasting mass dispersed. I was so surprised to see that and kept pulling them back to the dance floor. But they were busy somewhere. Later, I discovered that they’re worried about their children. Some of them went to fetch their children from school, others were stuck to their mobile phones making sure their children were safely back home and yet others were packing stuff to feed their children.
There’re so many festive events for men which they enjoy to every extent. They can go to any lengths to get their desires fulfilled. Teej is a women’s fest when they fast for the good health and prosperity their husbands, but criticisms have soared to the skies. Dasain also didn’t bring the tradition of playing cards and drinking. As I remember, flying kites was our only tradition. They celebrate, but they know the limit, they don’t switch off their mobiles and go out of contact. They don’t keep their families waiting for dinner. The poor don’t only miss Teej, they miss other festivals like Dasain and Tihar too. The gap between the haves and have-nots is not produced by culture and tradition; it’s a result of unending corruption, political instability, lack of visionary policymakers and other circumstances. I attended some Teej functions, and I found the same care and sense of responsibility among the women.
In the editorial published in The Kathmandu Post on Aug. 18, an emerging worrisome trend has been discussed. It is said that women now have stopped dancing to special Teej songs of blissful wedlock and long lives for their husbands, but they’re dancing to songs demanding the right to elope (poyla janna paun). For your kind information, despite the troubles, I attended a number of the so-called lavish Teej feasts, but nowhere did I find women dancing to such songs. The songs being played were the usual “Teej ko rahara.., maiti…”. Before commenting on any issue, practical studies and observation are necessary. Truth is distorted, twisted and exaggerated in fun TV programmes like Tito Satya. Men don’t have to worry that their wives are fasting and feasting with the wish to elope.
Some organizations are hell-bent on throwing a spanner into talent exhibition contests which have provided a good platform for our intelligent girls. For a fine example, our Miss Nepal Sugarika K.C. is very talented and she is contributing to society in her own way. So far as I know about these contests, our girls don’t come onstage in bikinis. Then what is wrong with stepping on to the stage to express and perform what they have within themselves?
Women also need moments of joy. They also need celebrations. They need sharing and caring. But the money collected for such functions can also be used to help poor and needy women. So far as lavish Teej festivals being held at big hotels are concerned, the elite, whether they’re men or women, have already set the trend to organize occasional events at cosy and expensive venues. This is not unnatural or strange.
There will always be arguments as everything has merits and demerits, but we have to be committed to conserving culture and tradition without hampering others’ rights. We shouldn’t cause a sense of victimization among others. As Gopal Siwakoti said, we have all been happily engaged in a blame game. It’s true that we’ve to look a bit inwards and see what the lack is within ourselves. There’s a huge gap between words and deeds. If such views continue to go ahead, the battle of the sexes is bound to soar in the long run. We’ve still not liberated ourselves with old stereotypes. Can we show the guts and grit to redefine our cultural practices and stop the cat and dog brawls among ourselves? Society has undergone a sea change, but we’re still engaged in a blame game. And if women also come out of the mindset they are so entrenched in, they can make a difference; and they should stop prattling about jewelry, clothes and stuffs. Most of us have the wrong concept that the sole aim of education is to equip ourselves with qualifications to get a good job. But we’ve to learn to use it to choose between right and wrong.
A matter of life & debt
The year 2008 will be remembered as the first global financial crisis of the 21st century -- a once-in-a-lifetime crisis. Mortgage-backed securities and subprime borrowers in the US economy have been blamed for the current economic turmoil. Although high default rates and a sharp rise in delinquency have been held responsible for the havoc, the world still needs empirical evidence to correctly diagnose the matter.
In the United Kingdom, falling output has been blamed for the credit crunch, plummeting housing prices and rising energy costs. The way the British economy has contracted for the first time in 16 years indicates that the recession will inevitably continue, a period marked by a decline in trade and the economy, reduced profits for companies and closure of factories. It is almost certain that the economic downturn will last longer than expected. Usually, a recession lasts from six to 18 months if fiscal and monetary stimulus plans are put in place to offer loans at lower interest rates.
As mortgage-backed assets have lost their value, it is anticipated that banks and financial institutions in the world are likely to lose US$ 1 trillion from the credit crunch. There has been a dramatic decline in US housing prices for the first time since the 1930s. Big lenders are dangerously exposed to the high-risk loans market. The predicament is now spreading to emerging markets -- Russia, South Korea and Brazil. Some think a “hard landing” in the emerging markets may become the “second epicentre” of the global crisis. Not all banks are able to write off losses from bad loans. So there is a need for transparency to assess how bad the emergency is.
The causes and consequences of the global economic meltdown and potential corrective measures have become the priority agenda for discussion at global forums. The present crisis is the culmination of financial, exchange rate, business and human crises. The IMF's recommendations have brought disastrous results in many developing economies as they advocated premature capital liberalisation. As the world's most powerful financial markets are in chaos and symptoms of disintegration of the emerging economies have been noticed, many believe that the possibility of a global recession has been heightened. The IMF's special fund worth US$ 260 billion should be enough to rescue smaller nations. However, if the contagion spreads, the existing resources will be inadequate.
Argentina has nationalised 10 private pension funds by controlling almost US$ 30 billion worth of investments. In Brazil, government-owned institutions have been asked to purchase shares in private financial institutions. The Canadian government has earmarked US$ 21 billion for asset swaps. In Mexico, US$ 3.92 billion has been offered in loan guarantees for debt refinancing. Australia cut the interest rate by one percent and China by 0.27 percentage point. Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and other countries have made immediate stimulus plans. Thanks to globalisation, not a single country has been left unaffected.
Nepal has a comfortable level of foreign currency reserves. Since the country's economy is integrated with India's, how badly Nepal will suffer depends on the performance of India's contingency plans. Instances of foreign institutional investors withdrawing foreign reserves from the Indian capital market have occurred. However, the recent rise in share values on the New York Stock Exchange presents a ray of hope. The Reserve Bank of India's standard regulation and meticulous supervision have been successful in maintaining capital adequacy requirements by prohibiting financial institutions from exceeding the given limits of exposure to the stock market.
In Nepal, the banking sector has made impressive progress. The interest rate spread is comparable to that in neighbouring countries. Banks are holding more funds than they are required to. The foreign exchange reserve presently stands at Rs. 177 billion, and the cash reserve of the commercial banks with Nepal Rastra Bank amounts to Rs. 24 billion.
Nepal is not directly connected to the troubled financial institutions abroad. From this perspective, there is no immediate threat to Nepal's financial regime. The closer the link, the grater the possibility of being affected. In terms of merchandise trade, about 80 percent of Nepal's readymade garments are exported to the US. Germany is the largest market for Nepal's carpets. This means that delayed financial recovery in these countries can have a negative impact on Nepal's export trade.
The crisis will also have a significant impact on the country's tourism sector. The US accounts for 5.9 percent and Europe for 25.7 percent of the total tourist arrivals in Nepal. Besides resulting in a fall in tourist arrivals, the credit crunch in these countries will certainly affect export trade, foreign investment and overseas development assistance.
Because of shrinking demand, there has been a massive slide in commodity prices on the global market. This translates into easy and cost effective access to industrial raw materials which can support the manufacturing sector and control inflation. The depreciation of the Nepali rupee against the US dollar should have a positive impact on exports, remittances and also tourism. But depreciation is also expected to increase the budget deficit by Rs. 1.9 billion in additional debt servicing burdens.
There is no record of the level of investments made by Nepali investors in India's capital markets with money borrowed from Nepal's financial institutions. India's share market index has declined by six thousand points between October 2007 and October 2008. The losers, if there are any, could default on repayments to Nepali banks.
Countries have different priorities. Victims of the global crisis are now working on limiting the damage than investigating its cause. In my opinion, Nepal's policymakers should now get ready to assess the loan portfolios of commercial banks. A rough estimate shows that real estate lending makes up about 10 percent of total lending. However, it is frightening to see that some banks with adequate liquidity have lent a significant portion of their money to real estate businesses. For example, the average loan exposure of the top three banks in terms of investment in real estate stands at almost 31 percent of their total lending volume. The authorities need to look into this seriously.
Remittances have increased by 42.5 percent this year and reached approximately Rs. 142 billion. It contributes 17.4 per cent of the GDP. The government should design and establish a special support fund to rescue overseas workers who could be displaced if there is a crisis in the countries where they are employed. This should be the approach in an inclusive democracy.
In the United Kingdom, falling output has been blamed for the credit crunch, plummeting housing prices and rising energy costs. The way the British economy has contracted for the first time in 16 years indicates that the recession will inevitably continue, a period marked by a decline in trade and the economy, reduced profits for companies and closure of factories. It is almost certain that the economic downturn will last longer than expected. Usually, a recession lasts from six to 18 months if fiscal and monetary stimulus plans are put in place to offer loans at lower interest rates.
As mortgage-backed assets have lost their value, it is anticipated that banks and financial institutions in the world are likely to lose US$ 1 trillion from the credit crunch. There has been a dramatic decline in US housing prices for the first time since the 1930s. Big lenders are dangerously exposed to the high-risk loans market. The predicament is now spreading to emerging markets -- Russia, South Korea and Brazil. Some think a “hard landing” in the emerging markets may become the “second epicentre” of the global crisis. Not all banks are able to write off losses from bad loans. So there is a need for transparency to assess how bad the emergency is.
The causes and consequences of the global economic meltdown and potential corrective measures have become the priority agenda for discussion at global forums. The present crisis is the culmination of financial, exchange rate, business and human crises. The IMF's recommendations have brought disastrous results in many developing economies as they advocated premature capital liberalisation. As the world's most powerful financial markets are in chaos and symptoms of disintegration of the emerging economies have been noticed, many believe that the possibility of a global recession has been heightened. The IMF's special fund worth US$ 260 billion should be enough to rescue smaller nations. However, if the contagion spreads, the existing resources will be inadequate.
Argentina has nationalised 10 private pension funds by controlling almost US$ 30 billion worth of investments. In Brazil, government-owned institutions have been asked to purchase shares in private financial institutions. The Canadian government has earmarked US$ 21 billion for asset swaps. In Mexico, US$ 3.92 billion has been offered in loan guarantees for debt refinancing. Australia cut the interest rate by one percent and China by 0.27 percentage point. Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and other countries have made immediate stimulus plans. Thanks to globalisation, not a single country has been left unaffected.
Nepal has a comfortable level of foreign currency reserves. Since the country's economy is integrated with India's, how badly Nepal will suffer depends on the performance of India's contingency plans. Instances of foreign institutional investors withdrawing foreign reserves from the Indian capital market have occurred. However, the recent rise in share values on the New York Stock Exchange presents a ray of hope. The Reserve Bank of India's standard regulation and meticulous supervision have been successful in maintaining capital adequacy requirements by prohibiting financial institutions from exceeding the given limits of exposure to the stock market.
In Nepal, the banking sector has made impressive progress. The interest rate spread is comparable to that in neighbouring countries. Banks are holding more funds than they are required to. The foreign exchange reserve presently stands at Rs. 177 billion, and the cash reserve of the commercial banks with Nepal Rastra Bank amounts to Rs. 24 billion.
Nepal is not directly connected to the troubled financial institutions abroad. From this perspective, there is no immediate threat to Nepal's financial regime. The closer the link, the grater the possibility of being affected. In terms of merchandise trade, about 80 percent of Nepal's readymade garments are exported to the US. Germany is the largest market for Nepal's carpets. This means that delayed financial recovery in these countries can have a negative impact on Nepal's export trade.
The crisis will also have a significant impact on the country's tourism sector. The US accounts for 5.9 percent and Europe for 25.7 percent of the total tourist arrivals in Nepal. Besides resulting in a fall in tourist arrivals, the credit crunch in these countries will certainly affect export trade, foreign investment and overseas development assistance.
Because of shrinking demand, there has been a massive slide in commodity prices on the global market. This translates into easy and cost effective access to industrial raw materials which can support the manufacturing sector and control inflation. The depreciation of the Nepali rupee against the US dollar should have a positive impact on exports, remittances and also tourism. But depreciation is also expected to increase the budget deficit by Rs. 1.9 billion in additional debt servicing burdens.
There is no record of the level of investments made by Nepali investors in India's capital markets with money borrowed from Nepal's financial institutions. India's share market index has declined by six thousand points between October 2007 and October 2008. The losers, if there are any, could default on repayments to Nepali banks.
Countries have different priorities. Victims of the global crisis are now working on limiting the damage than investigating its cause. In my opinion, Nepal's policymakers should now get ready to assess the loan portfolios of commercial banks. A rough estimate shows that real estate lending makes up about 10 percent of total lending. However, it is frightening to see that some banks with adequate liquidity have lent a significant portion of their money to real estate businesses. For example, the average loan exposure of the top three banks in terms of investment in real estate stands at almost 31 percent of their total lending volume. The authorities need to look into this seriously.
Remittances have increased by 42.5 percent this year and reached approximately Rs. 142 billion. It contributes 17.4 per cent of the GDP. The government should design and establish a special support fund to rescue overseas workers who could be displaced if there is a crisis in the countries where they are employed. This should be the approach in an inclusive democracy.
BANNING BANDHS?
Nepal’s political parties both in power and in the opposition have after long last come to an agreement of sorts that frequently called Nepal Bandhs by some political party or the other have proved to be a nuisance and moreover, a harassment that the general public have patiently borne for more than a decade. They have therefore, in principle agreed to ban bandhs as a form of street agitation. Why this sudden concern for the hardships that the people face and have faced almost on a daily basis for the last decade? The answer is not hard to find. The spate of recent Nepal bandhs has not only doubly obstructed traffic in several parts of the country but also the functioning of the government and the overall state machinery as well.
However, the million-rupee question is whether such a law can really be formed or accepted by the general populace, as it would certainly go against democratic norms and values. Even if such a provision is made, whether in the constitution or elsewhere, would the political party/parties in power in the future have the political will to implement it and take stern action against the political parties or other groups defying the ban as a form of protest to fulfill certain demands? The moot question arises from the fact that bandhs and chakka jams in this country, at least till now, seem to be the only means effective enough to have demands fulfilled. The political parties whether in power or in the opposition know this very well and so do other groups.
Lest we forget, it was the major political parties, the Nepali Congress, UML and Maoists who pioneered this ‘effective’ and ‘ingenious’ form of agitation in the country’s not so distant/democratic past. In a way, it is a fact that bandhs are by default an effective means of making the government sit up, listen and fulfill demands made by the agitators by using the plight and difficulties of people at such times and holding them to ransom.
The callers of bandhs, whether political parties or other such groups, without mincing words have this to say: "though we are in principle against bandhs, holding up traffic and causing difficulties and hardships to the people at large, we are compelled to resort to such tactics and forms of protest as it is the only language those in power understand. Sad to say, but it is the only way to make them listen and seriously look into our demands." As a recent chakka jam supporter put it: "If we agitate peacefully and in non-violent fashion, the government will not pay heed and just ignore us and our demands as well. In fact, they will just dismiss our protest/demands as ‘democratic rights of groups and individuals’ and turn the other way. This has happened in the past and is bound to happen again if we resort to peaceful and non-violent means."
In a way, the argument does carry some weight in the sense that peaceful demands in the past have not proved fruitful. Only when people are held to ransom and used as human shields do those in power sit up, listen, call the agitators to the negotiating table and come to an understanding by fulfilling at least some of the demands. This has been the trend if not a strategy employed especially, by political parties, their sister wings/organizations, whether by students or labour unions and other politically affiliated groups to exert pressure on governments. Against such a backdrop, it is somewhat hard to imagine that just by passing a law against bandhs and chakka jams that political parties/agitating groups in the opposition will be cowed into reverence and meekly resort to non-violence and peaceful means in future to achieve their ends.
Moreover, if such a law against bandhs is to be formed and come into effect, there should also be some kind of requirement, condition or guarantee on the part of the political parties or government(s) in power that a non-violent protest will be looked into with equal and immediate urgency. Whether the major political parties, the architects of bandhs in this god-forsaken country will be ready to fulfill this part of the obligation on their part is a question that is making the rounds. "If they do so for now as part of the deal, and turn the other way when the crunch comes, which is quite likely, would it not compel us the agitators in turn to resort to violence and start the cycle of bandhs/chakka jams/ and holding the people to ransom begin all over again" put in a bandh supporter?
Though these are hypothetical questions and possible scenarios as of now, should there be a law passed against bandhs/chakka jams, the fast eroding reputation, and double standards of major political parties, their petty bickering, one-upmanship, indulgence in power politics etc. will almost certainly bring it to naught the moment it comes into effect. Before passing such a law, those striding the corridors of power as of now ought to realize that the crippling culture of bandhs that this unfortunate country experiences and has experienced almost on a daily basis is not only an outrage to humanity but a direct outcome of the failure and non-performance of successive democratic governments that this country has seen to date.
It might be somewhat naïve on the part of those in power to think that a law banning bandhs and hoping against hope that disgruntled, determined and violent groups taking to the streets to fulfill just demands will in future suddenly turn docile and readily comply. It will as a matter of fact be tantamount to or as wishful as the disillusioned people of Nepal asking, if not pleading with politicians/ leaders of political parties to perform and deliver for once, give the people a better deal, bring in peace and ban bad governance once and for all!
However, the million-rupee question is whether such a law can really be formed or accepted by the general populace, as it would certainly go against democratic norms and values. Even if such a provision is made, whether in the constitution or elsewhere, would the political party/parties in power in the future have the political will to implement it and take stern action against the political parties or other groups defying the ban as a form of protest to fulfill certain demands? The moot question arises from the fact that bandhs and chakka jams in this country, at least till now, seem to be the only means effective enough to have demands fulfilled. The political parties whether in power or in the opposition know this very well and so do other groups.
Lest we forget, it was the major political parties, the Nepali Congress, UML and Maoists who pioneered this ‘effective’ and ‘ingenious’ form of agitation in the country’s not so distant/democratic past. In a way, it is a fact that bandhs are by default an effective means of making the government sit up, listen and fulfill demands made by the agitators by using the plight and difficulties of people at such times and holding them to ransom.
The callers of bandhs, whether political parties or other such groups, without mincing words have this to say: "though we are in principle against bandhs, holding up traffic and causing difficulties and hardships to the people at large, we are compelled to resort to such tactics and forms of protest as it is the only language those in power understand. Sad to say, but it is the only way to make them listen and seriously look into our demands." As a recent chakka jam supporter put it: "If we agitate peacefully and in non-violent fashion, the government will not pay heed and just ignore us and our demands as well. In fact, they will just dismiss our protest/demands as ‘democratic rights of groups and individuals’ and turn the other way. This has happened in the past and is bound to happen again if we resort to peaceful and non-violent means."
In a way, the argument does carry some weight in the sense that peaceful demands in the past have not proved fruitful. Only when people are held to ransom and used as human shields do those in power sit up, listen, call the agitators to the negotiating table and come to an understanding by fulfilling at least some of the demands. This has been the trend if not a strategy employed especially, by political parties, their sister wings/organizations, whether by students or labour unions and other politically affiliated groups to exert pressure on governments. Against such a backdrop, it is somewhat hard to imagine that just by passing a law against bandhs and chakka jams that political parties/agitating groups in the opposition will be cowed into reverence and meekly resort to non-violence and peaceful means in future to achieve their ends.
Moreover, if such a law against bandhs is to be formed and come into effect, there should also be some kind of requirement, condition or guarantee on the part of the political parties or government(s) in power that a non-violent protest will be looked into with equal and immediate urgency. Whether the major political parties, the architects of bandhs in this god-forsaken country will be ready to fulfill this part of the obligation on their part is a question that is making the rounds. "If they do so for now as part of the deal, and turn the other way when the crunch comes, which is quite likely, would it not compel us the agitators in turn to resort to violence and start the cycle of bandhs/chakka jams/ and holding the people to ransom begin all over again" put in a bandh supporter?
Though these are hypothetical questions and possible scenarios as of now, should there be a law passed against bandhs/chakka jams, the fast eroding reputation, and double standards of major political parties, their petty bickering, one-upmanship, indulgence in power politics etc. will almost certainly bring it to naught the moment it comes into effect. Before passing such a law, those striding the corridors of power as of now ought to realize that the crippling culture of bandhs that this unfortunate country experiences and has experienced almost on a daily basis is not only an outrage to humanity but a direct outcome of the failure and non-performance of successive democratic governments that this country has seen to date.
It might be somewhat naïve on the part of those in power to think that a law banning bandhs and hoping against hope that disgruntled, determined and violent groups taking to the streets to fulfill just demands will in future suddenly turn docile and readily comply. It will as a matter of fact be tantamount to or as wishful as the disillusioned people of Nepal asking, if not pleading with politicians/ leaders of political parties to perform and deliver for once, give the people a better deal, bring in peace and ban bad governance once and for all!
Sex Is The Most Creative Action: Nayanghare
Laxmi Prasad Devkota and Shankar Lamichhane were pioneers in Nepali essay writing. They experimented and popularised personal essays. Yubaraj Nayanghare followed their footprints. But he has carved out his own niche in the field with his own distinct style. He has shown his craftsmanship in playing with words. His use of marvellous language and original words, short yet figurative sentences and analytical approach have made him the powerful essayist among his contemporaries.
He talked to The Rising Nepal and revealed his tastes and preferences.
Why do you write?
I think it is my duty. By writing, I am serving to language and nation.
What inspires you for writing?
Social and political anomalies push me for writing.
How do you define literature?
Any melodious line or remark that touches the heart of the readers is literature. It should combine the elements of philosophy, art and music.
What kind of relationship is there between life and literature?
Their relationship is like a nail and meat in human body. It makes people more cultured and rational. Now literature has been started to be used to treat the psychiatric patients. Upon hearing a good piece of literature, a patient recovers from the disease.
Why are you attracted to travelogue writing?
Many people visit many places but they forget about them. People have their right to be informed about the country. As a writer, I inform them about the places I visit through my works.
What thing do you think is lacking in Nepali literature?
There is not sufficient writing on zonal or regional themes. For example, no one has written a biography of a shepherd living in the hill or a Mushahar in Terai.
What is sex?
Sex is the life’s the most fertile, the most delicious and the most creative action.
Which part of women most attracts man?
All but I think lips are more erotic.
Is there necessary for literature for having elements of sex?
Yes. But it should be presented in an artistic way. There should not be vulgarity.
Who is your favourite Nepali writer?
There are many. If I have to choose one, I choose Krishna Dharabasi. I appreciate his experimental style, new subject matters and the use of mellifluous and simple language.
Who is your most liked political leader?
B.P. Koirala. I like both his philosophy and literature.
How do you feel seeing the plight of the country?
It makes me painful, stoical and dreary. I feel disgusting seeing our politicians.
Anything else to comment?
I visited some countries but none is beautiful than Nepal. Except politics, everything is fine here.
He talked to The Rising Nepal and revealed his tastes and preferences.
Why do you write?
I think it is my duty. By writing, I am serving to language and nation.
What inspires you for writing?
Social and political anomalies push me for writing.
How do you define literature?
Any melodious line or remark that touches the heart of the readers is literature. It should combine the elements of philosophy, art and music.
What kind of relationship is there between life and literature?
Their relationship is like a nail and meat in human body. It makes people more cultured and rational. Now literature has been started to be used to treat the psychiatric patients. Upon hearing a good piece of literature, a patient recovers from the disease.
Why are you attracted to travelogue writing?
Many people visit many places but they forget about them. People have their right to be informed about the country. As a writer, I inform them about the places I visit through my works.
What thing do you think is lacking in Nepali literature?
There is not sufficient writing on zonal or regional themes. For example, no one has written a biography of a shepherd living in the hill or a Mushahar in Terai.
What is sex?
Sex is the life’s the most fertile, the most delicious and the most creative action.
Which part of women most attracts man?
All but I think lips are more erotic.
Is there necessary for literature for having elements of sex?
Yes. But it should be presented in an artistic way. There should not be vulgarity.
Who is your favourite Nepali writer?
There are many. If I have to choose one, I choose Krishna Dharabasi. I appreciate his experimental style, new subject matters and the use of mellifluous and simple language.
Who is your most liked political leader?
B.P. Koirala. I like both his philosophy and literature.
How do you feel seeing the plight of the country?
It makes me painful, stoical and dreary. I feel disgusting seeing our politicians.
Anything else to comment?
I visited some countries but none is beautiful than Nepal. Except politics, everything is fine here.
Akranta ready for release
Akranta, a short film based on the decade long people’s war and its affect in the development of society and the country as a whole, is ready for screening.
"With this, we have tried to portray how the people’s war affected the nation’s development. Moreover, this venture also has touched the issues like the problem of border encroachment, foreign interference to the nation and the aftermath of the war in the mental and physical state of the people," said Jibesh Yonjan, the flick’s writer and director.
He further informed that the film has also tried to expose why there is a need of secured border.
"We have used few actors and less dialogue as we wanted to unearth the bitter truth through pictures," said producer Jeevan Ale.
Kabita Ale, Desbhakta Khanal, Ganesh Lama and Apsara Karki are the lead actors in the movie presented by Filmoliv Pvt. Ltd. Similarly, Suman Tandukar and Subah Shreshta ‘Prayas’are men behind cinematography and art direction respectively.
"With this, we have tried to portray how the people’s war affected the nation’s development. Moreover, this venture also has touched the issues like the problem of border encroachment, foreign interference to the nation and the aftermath of the war in the mental and physical state of the people," said Jibesh Yonjan, the flick’s writer and director.
He further informed that the film has also tried to expose why there is a need of secured border.
"We have used few actors and less dialogue as we wanted to unearth the bitter truth through pictures," said producer Jeevan Ale.
Kabita Ale, Desbhakta Khanal, Ganesh Lama and Apsara Karki are the lead actors in the movie presented by Filmoliv Pvt. Ltd. Similarly, Suman Tandukar and Subah Shreshta ‘Prayas’are men behind cinematography and art direction respectively.
भक्तपुरमा 'टोनी हेगन घर'
भक्तपुरको दत्तात्रय नजिकै कुखुराको खोरलाई नमुना घर बनाएर युनेस्को एवार्ड पाएका भक्तपुरे ठिटो रवीन्द्र पुरीले भक्तपुरकै गछेँटोलमा रहेको पुरानो सिमेन्टको घरलाई परम्परागत शैलीमा निर्माण गरी 'टोनी हेगन घर' तयार गर्ने कार्य सम्पन्न भएको छ । झन्डै ५० वर्ष नेपालमा बसेर ठूलो योगदान पुर्याएका भूगर्भविद् स्विस नागरिक टोनी हेगनको प्रेरणाबाट भक्तपुरको सम्पदा जोगाउन निर्माण गरिएको टोनी हागन घरको हागन फाउन्डेसनका अध्यक्ष डा. नोवलकिशोर राईले हालै उद्घाटन गर्नुभएको थियो ।
नेपालको प्राकृतिक, भौगोलिक एवं सांस्कृतिक सम्पदाको अध्ययन गरेका हागनले सन् १९६० मा भक्तपुरमा घुम्दा सांस्कृतिक सम्पदाभित्र बनेको सिमेन्टको घर देखेर आˆनो विश्व चर्चित नेपाल पुस्तकमा यो सुन्दर सहरमा क्रङ्क्रिटको प्रवेश भएको छ भन्नेबारेमा लेखेपछि यही घर अहिले टोनी हागन घर बनेको हो ।
भक्तपुरको कलात्मक सम्पदालाई जोगाउन वर्षौंदेखि लागि परेका पुरीले टोनी हागनको नेपाल पुस्तक पढ्दा यो घरको बारेमा लेखेको देखेपछि यो घरलाई परम्परागत शैलीमा नयाँ जीवन दिन लागी परेको पुरी बताउँछन् । गछेँटोलमा रहेको सिमेन्टको पाँचतले घरलाई परम्परागत शैलीमा टोनी हागन घर बनाउन नौ वर्षअघि उनले १४ लाख ५० हजार रुपियाँमा यो घर किनेको बताउनुहुन्छ ।
त्यसपछि भने करिब ४० लाख रुपियाँको लागतमा डेढ वर्ष लगाएर भक्तपुरको गछेँटोलमा परम्परागत शैलीमा नयाँ घर बनाइएको हो ।
पुरीका अनुसार यो घरको सिमेन्टको सबै पत्र उप्काइयो, सिमेन्टबाट बनेको बार्दली भत्काइयो, जस्ताको छानो झिकियो र कलात्मक शैलीमा बनाइयो ।
घरको उचाइ अलिकति बढाएर ढुङ्गा र काठको कलात्मक शैलीमा घर निर्माण गर्नुका साथै किराले खान लागेको काठमा आलसको तेल दल्ने र नयाँ काठबाट बार्दली र भि"mगटीको छानो राखियो ।
पुरी भन्छन, "टोनी हेगनकै प्रेरणाले यो घरलाई परम्परागत शैलीमा बनाएँ, म हेगनलाई यो घर देखाएर सरप्राइज दिन चाहन्थेँ तर उहाँ बित्नुभयो, टोनी हेगनको चिन्तालाई सम्बोधन गरे पनि उहाँलाई यो घर देखाउने इच्छा अधुरै रहृयो ।" नगरपालिकामा नक्सा पास गर्नेदेखि लिएर अनेक कारणले चाहेर पनि यो घर चाँडै निर्माण गर्न नपाएकोमा उहाँ दुःखेसो गर्नुहुन्छ ।
भक्तपुर, पनौती, कीर्तिपुरजस्ता सांस्कृतिक, सम्पदा र परम्परागत सहरलाई जोगाउने अभियानमा जुट्नुभएका पुरीको घर उद्घाटन गर्दा घरलाई देखेर स्वीट्जरल्यान्डका राजदूत फोमस गास, अमेरिकी, जर्मनीलगायतका विभिन्न राष्ट्रका दूतावासका प्रतिनिधि मख्ख परेका थिए । उहाँहरूले घरको भुइँतल्लादेखि माथिसम्मको बाहिरी आकृति र भित्री परम्परागत सजावट देखेर प्रशंसा गरेका थिए ।
टोनी हेगन हाउसको तल्लो तल्लामा पुराना शैलीको मूर्तिको ग्यालरी बनाउने बताउँदै पुरीले फल्याट सिस्टममा रहेका घरका अरू तल्लाहरू भने 'रोयल होटलकी रानी' उपनामले चिनिएकी श्रीमती इङ्गर -स्व. बोरीस लिसान मिचकी श्रीमती) र अन्य परिवार भाडामा बस्ने
TELESCOPE MAKING
A telescope is a unique astronomical instrument that has been invented cleverly to observe and study remote objects. Its invention was subjected to sequence of events that cannot be assigned to an exact time or place. There are several written references to telescopic gadgets in ancient times, but no solid evidence as to their construction and use could be determined and verified. After the Phoenicians with enterprising maritime trading culture that spread across the Mediterranean had discovered glass around 3500 BC, while cooking on sand, it took about five thousand years for glass to be shaped into lens for the telescope. Historically since avid spectacle (eyeglass) maker Hans Lippershey (1570-1619) had probably assembled the first practically functioning telescope, he is often credited with its invention. He had allegedly applied for patent for exclusive manufacturing of telescopes in 1608, but was denied, based on the argument that the devices were already known to other parties. However, Lippershey was hired as telescope maker to the State of Zeeland which is now a province in Holland.
The telescope was introduced to astronomy in 1609 by the great Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei (1564-1642). He became the first man to peer at the stars, phases of planet Venus and moon’s craters and watched four awesomely fascinating large moons of Jupiter along with arcane rings of Saturn. He revealed the sunspots and many other breath-taking entities of our universe. Galileo’s telescope was similar to a pair of opera glasses which applied an arrangement of glass lenses to magnify objects. It provided limited magnification of up to thirty times within uneasily narrow field of view. Galileo’s support for Copernicus’ heliocentric postulation prompted serious conflict with Catholic Church and caused him troubles. In 1704, the famous British genius astronomer Sir Issac Newton (1643-1727) improved the design and utilized telescopes intensively for astronomical purposes. He introduced innovative concept in telescope design whereby instead of glass lenses, a curved mirror was exploited to gather light and reflect it back to a point of focus. This reflecting mirror acted like a light-collecting bucket (bigger the bucket, the more light could be accumulated). The reflector telescope opened the door for magnifying heavenly images millions of times. He produced the first reflecting telescope which is dubbed as Newtonian reflector. Telescope making has evolved as an extraordinary discipline ever since.
The application of achromatic lens in 1733 partially corrected color aberrations (focusing failure) present in the simple lens and enabled the construction of shorter and more functional refracting telescopes. In reflecting telescopes, though not limited by the color problems as seen in refractors, the mirrors were improved by silver or aluminum coating. Refractor telescope can possess huge sizes like the one at Yerkes Observatory, Wisconsin, USA (circa 102 centimeter lens diameter with 19.4 meters focal length). The biggest reflecting telescopes currently boast of objectives surpassing ten meters like the modern Gran Telescopio Canaris (10.4 meters) in Canary Islands, Spain and the Large Binocular Telescope (11.7 meters) in Arizona, USA. In catadioptric telescopes mirrors are combined with lenses to form captivating images.
Telescopes can be classified under distinct categories with respect to their operation in peculiar electromagnetic radiation. Optical and radio telescopes are extensively used in astronomy. High energy particle telescopes and gravitational wave telescopes carry out specialized observational assignments. Except terrestrial telescopes operating in broad wavelength range, National Aeronautics and. Space Administration (NASA), Russian Federal Space Agency (RKA), European Space Agency (ESA), Canadian Space Agency (CSA) have been exploring universe through different types of space telescopes. Compton Gamma Ray (already decommissioned) and Chandra X-Ray telescope, Spitzer Space Telescope and Hubble Space Telescope (HST) are NASA’s vital missions in the history of space telescope. HST is marvelously versatile iconic and comparatively expensive space telescope which has been divulging secrets and mysteries of universe since 1990. James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is being designated as the successor to HST. JWST would scrutinize space in infrared spectrum. ESA has also ambitiously lifted-off Hershel Space Observatory and Planck Telescope into space.
Besides the sophisticated telescopes for astronomers, homemade telescopes have contributed substantially for the betterment of astronomy activities. The advent of amateurs in building telescopes for their own enjoyment and education has come into prominence in the 20th century. The types of telescopes that they build vary widely from very modest to beguiling ones including refractors, Schmidt Cassegrains and Maksutovs.
The most important components of telescope are the optics, primary and secondary mirrors. When building a telescope its mirror has to be painstakingly ground and polished to an extremely accurate shape (usually paraboloid) although telescopes with high focal ratios could adhere to spherical mirrors.
Telescopes can offer the perplex beauty and fascination of our cosmos. They could couple us together with those queer celestial bodies that are lying eons of light-years away and connect us to their mind-boggling movements. Telescope making could emphatically stress the significance in creating awareness in astronomy in our society. Additionally telescopes help us to satisfy our personal interest for logical information on baffling phenomena and conundrums that are related to our evolution of life on earth. Since people around the globe are celebrating the International Year of Astronomy 2009 with the slogan the universe is yours to discover, we too could attempt to comprehend our puzzling universe and our Solar System through our own handmade telescopes.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Auto Insurance in East Freedom
Whether you're looking for health insurance in East Freedom, or auto insurance in East Freedom, PrimeQuote can provide you with a free East Freedom quote. Our goal is to provide you with 5 competitive auto insurance quotes, from companies licensed to sell automobile insurance in East Freedom. Most of these quotes will come to you via e-mail within minutes. PrimeQuote (r) works with hundreds of partner companies around the United States, some of whom can issue auto insurance policies in East Freedom. We provide quotes on a range of insurance products, including auto insurance, health insurance, renters insurance, and so on. Because PrimeQuote (r) is a consumer service, not an insurance company, your auto-insurance quotes will come from several competing companies. This allows you to pursue the policy that best meets your needs. So let's get started finding the perfect East Freedom auto insurance policy for you! While it is helpful to have your current insurance documents available, it is not necessary.
An indivisual Development plan
Assessment. First, identify your current skills, knowledge, abilities, and interests. A previous article in this series (5) describes the needs assessment process.Goals. Identify the new skills, knowledge, and experiences you would like to acquire and have. Do these goals match your personal and career interests? Are your goals in agreement with your organization's goals, mission and vision?Learning purpose. Identify the gap between the current situation and the desired outcome. This will produce a statement of purpose that should clarify why you want to learn something, and what specific skills, knowledge and abilities you wish to develop.Learning objective(s). Identify what skills, knowledge, and abilities are to be acquired or enhanced. Remember that this is only a plan, not a rigid promise; your plan can and should be revised as your goals change and as learning occurs.
Racer Boy: Rallycrossing, “Let’s get dirty, Baby!”
So, you watched Travis Pastrana in his Subaru at the X Games and now you’re convinced that you can get your Mom’s Outback at least six feet off the ground if you were just given a dirt jump and the chance. Well, it’s time to put down your PS3 game controller, turn off MotorStorm, and borrow a helmet. Rallycross is the closest thing you’re probably going to get to the X games without any money or talent.
Rallycross is similar to the more popular autocross, based on the fact that there is one car out on the course at a time racing against the clock. The course is delineated by cones in a large empty area. The important difference is that Rallycross is a race on dirt. Yes, you and your car will get dirty. The other main difference between the two sports is your autocross time is based on your single fastest lap around the track (like qualifying), whereas Rallycross is set up like a stage rally. Each lap is a separate stage, and each stage counts toward your total and final time.
As a total newb, I made the mistake of blowing a muddy corner at a Rallycross and sliding off the racecourse. I had to go into reverse (once I finally found it, Goddamn Volkswagen!) to get back on the track. I lost a crap load of time farting with the tranny, but since I was a seasoned autocrosser, I really didn’t care. “I’ll get ‘em on the next lap,” I said -wrong! That was when I learned the all important lesson about Rallycross, every lap/stage counts. Just like in the bigs, like in the WRC.
racer_boy_rallycross_1
THE COST
Rallycross is done on the dirt which is appropriate because the sport is dirt cheap. You’re looking at about $25-40 per day of racing for entry fees. You need to supply the car; almost any car will work (except for you guys who cut the springs out of your Civics after watching the Fast and the Furious). Cars with standard street ride height seem to fair the best. If your car is in the weeds, there is always the rental route. Some guys like to rent-a-wreck and then pull an L.A.P.D. on the rental cars -which means “beat and release.” Like most activities with a car you need a state issued driver’s license and a helmet (M2000 is good to go). Rallycross clubs are sort of on the ground floor these days so loaner helmets aren’t easy to find. Grab that helmet your uncle bought for his Harley but never uses. If your uncle is being a dick about the helmet, then I/O Port Racing Supplies can get you a heck of a deal on an inexpensive one (www.ioportracing.com).
SANCTIONING BODIES
FRX, Formula Rally X (www.formularallyx.com), NASA, National Auto Sport Association (www.nasaproracing.com), SCCA, Sports Car Club of America (www.scca.com) all hold similar versions of Rallycross. The rules between each club are pretty much the same. Some clubs have more classes (SCCA) and some clubs will really work with you so you can get any car into some type of class no matter what hunk o’ junk you show up in (FRX). Formula Rally X is the only club that doesn’t require a membership to participate, however if you are a NASA member you get an entry fee discount (racing coupons, yay!).
THE HIGH
If you want to feel some adrenaline, just slide a car sideways at about forty-five miles per hour while kicking up a rooster tail of dirt behind you. It’s awesome. Rallycross is all about sliding. Rallycross courses are designed for drifting front wheel drive, yes I said it, front wheel drive cars, around corners. The pressure of getting around a twisty dirt track with almost no traction as fast as possible without making any bonehead mistakes (like sliding off the course like me) gets your blood flowing. It’s racing, it’s dirty, it’s a good time.
racer_boy_rallycross_2
CAR WEAR
With one car on track at a time and nothing hard to hit other than some orange cones, the car wear is pretty limited. However, the amount of car wear at a Rallycross is directly dependant on your right foot and the chemical balance in your brain which measures the “I want to win at all costs” factor versus the “this car has to get me to work tomorrow” factor. I’ve seen cars at Rallycrosses upside down. I’ve seen oil pans ripped out from under the cars. I’ve seen numbers of tires pulled off their beads. This is off road people. Ruts, and dips, and rocks can do bad things to the undercarriage of a car. Lesson here, take it easy and leave the red Monte Carlo Rally Limited Edition Mini Cooper S at home. Bring the Rabbit (and two spare tires).
YOUR DAY
Because the tracks are set up with cones, the tracks are always changing, which means on your first lap you don’t know where to turn left, or is it right? Get there early and walk the course. Some clubs will do a low speed parade lap around the track while driving the cars. Just like autocrossing, half your day is racing and the other half is working (chasing knocked over cones). When you work a Rallycross course you get the joy of eating dust as each car goes by. Go ahead and invest (about $2) in one of those dust masks for painting houses. Everyone working the course at a Rallycross looks like their trying to fend off SARS or the Swine Flu.
You are going to get between 3 to 5 shots at the course (depending on the club or the event). Go fast, but don’t go too fast, remember every lap counts so any off course blunders will haunt you and keep you far from the trophy table. You won’t have much time between runs to re-bead your tires (but I’ve seen guys miraculously pull it off with a little compressed air and a jack). Stay off the cones, at some events they are worth a 5 second penalty added to your overall time.
You will be running with guys in your class, similarly modified vehicles classed based on two wheel drive or four wheel drive. Which ever class you’re in, try to avoid going on track right after the water truck, although sometimes it can’t be avoided. The water truck is a necessary evil at a Rallycross. It keeps the dust down, but it makes the course as slippery as snot.
THE PEOPLE
These guys and gals like their rally racing. Rallycross brings a mix of people from the rally side of things, the autocrossing community, even Baja 1000 teams, all with a single love for sliding in the dirt and kicking up dust.
The guys from Formula Rally X also like their Micro Brew. After a recent event, the entire crew of competitors took over a Mexican restaurant and the beers and bench racing flowed for hours. I’ve noticed that Rallycrossers relish their dirt. If a Rallycrosser was a character from Peanuts, he’d be Pig Pen. They don’t spend much time keeping their cars clean (for good reason) and the fleet of Rallycross cars are a little rattier than that of road race cars or autocross cars. However, Rallycross cars still look new compared to any Hobby Stock dirt track roundy-round racer.
racer_boy_rallycross_3
GLORY
I’ve never been to an event where they hand out trophies. Each club has point systems for championships and NASA/FRX combined their national championship this year. SCCA has a national championship as well. But as far as glory goes, you won’t be standing on a podium showering Miss November in champagne here.
OH, YOU WANT TO WIN, DO YA?
This is a relatively new sport. It’s one that hasn’t had each class taken over by some rich guy who can afford a new Porsche every year to easily win the national championship. Anyone could rise up and be the man in this world of racing.
Like most motorsports, tires is the name of the game. They actually divide some of the classes up based on the tires you use. Purpose built rally racing tires put cars in the “rally” classes. There is a ton of debate over which is the hot tire for the “stock” car classes, and the measurement between tread blocks has to meet a certain minimum to be considered legal for the class. There is no real proven formula (car/tire) to winning at Rallycross. The dirt and lack of traction is a great equalizer.
But the guys who win swear the whole thing is done by left foot braking. If you’re anything like me, your left leg is a clutch leg, and any attempt to use the clutch leg on the brake pedal only results in stopping way too fast and throwing a passenger through the windshield. Go-Karters with their fancy European left foot braking skills would probably do well here.
racer-boy-guage-rallycross
RACER BOY GAUGE
Let’s review the Racer Boy gauge cluster and see what we got:
Fuel gauge is just an eighth of a tank shy of full because you still have money in your bank account. The racing is inexpensive.
The tachometer is at 5,500 RPMs because this racing is a lot of fun. Sliding cars sideways in the dirt brings a smile to everyone’s face.
The Speedometer is around 53 mph because the racing is safe. There is nothing to hit except cones. You can hit yourself if you’d like, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Cars do very, very occasionally end up with the shiny side down.
The volts gauge is low because this is low impact racing. You drive your street car to the event, punish it, and then wash the mud off using a quarter machine (word of advice, the pay and wash guys don’t like it when you leave thirty pounds of mud in the washing bays, so… hit them late at night when nobody is around). Before you know it you’re back home and behind the computer posting/bragging on dirtyimpreza.com in no time.
The mileage is at around 5,000 miles. Rallycross isn’t that hard on your car, but then again, it can be tough on the undercarriage and suspension. You’ll probably rack up 5,000 miles worth of wear in about 5 miles worth of driving.
So, hit the links, find a race close by and head to the track. You can get dirty too.
Rallycross is similar to the more popular autocross, based on the fact that there is one car out on the course at a time racing against the clock. The course is delineated by cones in a large empty area. The important difference is that Rallycross is a race on dirt. Yes, you and your car will get dirty. The other main difference between the two sports is your autocross time is based on your single fastest lap around the track (like qualifying), whereas Rallycross is set up like a stage rally. Each lap is a separate stage, and each stage counts toward your total and final time.
As a total newb, I made the mistake of blowing a muddy corner at a Rallycross and sliding off the racecourse. I had to go into reverse (once I finally found it, Goddamn Volkswagen!) to get back on the track. I lost a crap load of time farting with the tranny, but since I was a seasoned autocrosser, I really didn’t care. “I’ll get ‘em on the next lap,” I said -wrong! That was when I learned the all important lesson about Rallycross, every lap/stage counts. Just like in the bigs, like in the WRC.
racer_boy_rallycross_1
THE COST
Rallycross is done on the dirt which is appropriate because the sport is dirt cheap. You’re looking at about $25-40 per day of racing for entry fees. You need to supply the car; almost any car will work (except for you guys who cut the springs out of your Civics after watching the Fast and the Furious). Cars with standard street ride height seem to fair the best. If your car is in the weeds, there is always the rental route. Some guys like to rent-a-wreck and then pull an L.A.P.D. on the rental cars -which means “beat and release.” Like most activities with a car you need a state issued driver’s license and a helmet (M2000 is good to go). Rallycross clubs are sort of on the ground floor these days so loaner helmets aren’t easy to find. Grab that helmet your uncle bought for his Harley but never uses. If your uncle is being a dick about the helmet, then I/O Port Racing Supplies can get you a heck of a deal on an inexpensive one (www.ioportracing.com).
SANCTIONING BODIES
FRX, Formula Rally X (www.formularallyx.com), NASA, National Auto Sport Association (www.nasaproracing.com), SCCA, Sports Car Club of America (www.scca.com) all hold similar versions of Rallycross. The rules between each club are pretty much the same. Some clubs have more classes (SCCA) and some clubs will really work with you so you can get any car into some type of class no matter what hunk o’ junk you show up in (FRX). Formula Rally X is the only club that doesn’t require a membership to participate, however if you are a NASA member you get an entry fee discount (racing coupons, yay!).
THE HIGH
If you want to feel some adrenaline, just slide a car sideways at about forty-five miles per hour while kicking up a rooster tail of dirt behind you. It’s awesome. Rallycross is all about sliding. Rallycross courses are designed for drifting front wheel drive, yes I said it, front wheel drive cars, around corners. The pressure of getting around a twisty dirt track with almost no traction as fast as possible without making any bonehead mistakes (like sliding off the course like me) gets your blood flowing. It’s racing, it’s dirty, it’s a good time.
racer_boy_rallycross_2
CAR WEAR
With one car on track at a time and nothing hard to hit other than some orange cones, the car wear is pretty limited. However, the amount of car wear at a Rallycross is directly dependant on your right foot and the chemical balance in your brain which measures the “I want to win at all costs” factor versus the “this car has to get me to work tomorrow” factor. I’ve seen cars at Rallycrosses upside down. I’ve seen oil pans ripped out from under the cars. I’ve seen numbers of tires pulled off their beads. This is off road people. Ruts, and dips, and rocks can do bad things to the undercarriage of a car. Lesson here, take it easy and leave the red Monte Carlo Rally Limited Edition Mini Cooper S at home. Bring the Rabbit (and two spare tires).
YOUR DAY
Because the tracks are set up with cones, the tracks are always changing, which means on your first lap you don’t know where to turn left, or is it right? Get there early and walk the course. Some clubs will do a low speed parade lap around the track while driving the cars. Just like autocrossing, half your day is racing and the other half is working (chasing knocked over cones). When you work a Rallycross course you get the joy of eating dust as each car goes by. Go ahead and invest (about $2) in one of those dust masks for painting houses. Everyone working the course at a Rallycross looks like their trying to fend off SARS or the Swine Flu.
You are going to get between 3 to 5 shots at the course (depending on the club or the event). Go fast, but don’t go too fast, remember every lap counts so any off course blunders will haunt you and keep you far from the trophy table. You won’t have much time between runs to re-bead your tires (but I’ve seen guys miraculously pull it off with a little compressed air and a jack). Stay off the cones, at some events they are worth a 5 second penalty added to your overall time.
You will be running with guys in your class, similarly modified vehicles classed based on two wheel drive or four wheel drive. Which ever class you’re in, try to avoid going on track right after the water truck, although sometimes it can’t be avoided. The water truck is a necessary evil at a Rallycross. It keeps the dust down, but it makes the course as slippery as snot.
THE PEOPLE
These guys and gals like their rally racing. Rallycross brings a mix of people from the rally side of things, the autocrossing community, even Baja 1000 teams, all with a single love for sliding in the dirt and kicking up dust.
The guys from Formula Rally X also like their Micro Brew. After a recent event, the entire crew of competitors took over a Mexican restaurant and the beers and bench racing flowed for hours. I’ve noticed that Rallycrossers relish their dirt. If a Rallycrosser was a character from Peanuts, he’d be Pig Pen. They don’t spend much time keeping their cars clean (for good reason) and the fleet of Rallycross cars are a little rattier than that of road race cars or autocross cars. However, Rallycross cars still look new compared to any Hobby Stock dirt track roundy-round racer.
racer_boy_rallycross_3
GLORY
I’ve never been to an event where they hand out trophies. Each club has point systems for championships and NASA/FRX combined their national championship this year. SCCA has a national championship as well. But as far as glory goes, you won’t be standing on a podium showering Miss November in champagne here.
OH, YOU WANT TO WIN, DO YA?
This is a relatively new sport. It’s one that hasn’t had each class taken over by some rich guy who can afford a new Porsche every year to easily win the national championship. Anyone could rise up and be the man in this world of racing.
Like most motorsports, tires is the name of the game. They actually divide some of the classes up based on the tires you use. Purpose built rally racing tires put cars in the “rally” classes. There is a ton of debate over which is the hot tire for the “stock” car classes, and the measurement between tread blocks has to meet a certain minimum to be considered legal for the class. There is no real proven formula (car/tire) to winning at Rallycross. The dirt and lack of traction is a great equalizer.
But the guys who win swear the whole thing is done by left foot braking. If you’re anything like me, your left leg is a clutch leg, and any attempt to use the clutch leg on the brake pedal only results in stopping way too fast and throwing a passenger through the windshield. Go-Karters with their fancy European left foot braking skills would probably do well here.
racer-boy-guage-rallycross
RACER BOY GAUGE
Let’s review the Racer Boy gauge cluster and see what we got:
Fuel gauge is just an eighth of a tank shy of full because you still have money in your bank account. The racing is inexpensive.
The tachometer is at 5,500 RPMs because this racing is a lot of fun. Sliding cars sideways in the dirt brings a smile to everyone’s face.
The Speedometer is around 53 mph because the racing is safe. There is nothing to hit except cones. You can hit yourself if you’d like, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Cars do very, very occasionally end up with the shiny side down.
The volts gauge is low because this is low impact racing. You drive your street car to the event, punish it, and then wash the mud off using a quarter machine (word of advice, the pay and wash guys don’t like it when you leave thirty pounds of mud in the washing bays, so… hit them late at night when nobody is around). Before you know it you’re back home and behind the computer posting/bragging on dirtyimpreza.com in no time.
The mileage is at around 5,000 miles. Rallycross isn’t that hard on your car, but then again, it can be tough on the undercarriage and suspension. You’ll probably rack up 5,000 miles worth of wear in about 5 miles worth of driving.
So, hit the links, find a race close by and head to the track. You can get dirty too.
Five Reasons to Go to Engineering School
Working as an engineer allows you to envision, build, and perfect the tools and products that make life easier. For the technically-minded, becoming an engineer means working on interesting projects and ideas, and collaborating with like-minded people to achieve a common goal. If this sounds like heaven to you, you'll want to start with a college degree in engineering.
Here are five great reasons to enter engineering school:
* Education is essential. Unlike many careers with entry-level options for uneducated workers, hiring managers for engineering jobs typically prefer or require education at the bachelor's level. Engineering school fulfills these requirements, helping graduates take one step closer to a career in the industry.
* Earning potential. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that starting salaries for engineers are among the highest of all college graduates. Graduating from an engineering school can help make these high starting wages possible.
* Wide possibilities. The field of engineering is actually composed of many specializations. Engineering schools prepare students focusing in electrical, computer, civil, chemical, biomedical, and aerospace engineering--to name a few.
* Even more earning potential. The BLS provides estimates for engineers coming into the field with bachelor's, master's, and PhD degrees, and a rising salary is often linked to education. Mechanical engineers with bachelor's degrees earned $54,128 in 2007; with master's degrees, $62,798; and with PhDs, $72,763.
* Working on the edge. In making the products we use every day, mechanical engineers see current technology. Biomedical engineers have the satisfaction of saving lives. Workers in the industry take satisfaction in the fact that engineers serve a vital role in our society.
Working as an engineer means investing your time in a career with stability, growth potential, and increasing value.
Here are five great reasons to enter engineering school:
* Education is essential. Unlike many careers with entry-level options for uneducated workers, hiring managers for engineering jobs typically prefer or require education at the bachelor's level. Engineering school fulfills these requirements, helping graduates take one step closer to a career in the industry.
* Earning potential. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that starting salaries for engineers are among the highest of all college graduates. Graduating from an engineering school can help make these high starting wages possible.
* Wide possibilities. The field of engineering is actually composed of many specializations. Engineering schools prepare students focusing in electrical, computer, civil, chemical, biomedical, and aerospace engineering--to name a few.
* Even more earning potential. The BLS provides estimates for engineers coming into the field with bachelor's, master's, and PhD degrees, and a rising salary is often linked to education. Mechanical engineers with bachelor's degrees earned $54,128 in 2007; with master's degrees, $62,798; and with PhDs, $72,763.
* Working on the edge. In making the products we use every day, mechanical engineers see current technology. Biomedical engineers have the satisfaction of saving lives. Workers in the industry take satisfaction in the fact that engineers serve a vital role in our society.
Working as an engineer means investing your time in a career with stability, growth potential, and increasing value.
Landscape Architects: Kings and Queens of the Playground and More
Architectural landscaping is used in local parks, playgrounds, residential areas, shopping centers, college campuses, and other public and private areas.
Landscape architects work closely with groups such as city planners, real estate development firms, government agencies, surveyors, and engineers. In concert with these individuals, landscape architects plan and design the layout and placement of roads, walkways, shrubbery, trees, buildings, and flowers. They are also responsible for adding decorative features such as fountains, lighting, and other aesthetic elements.
Online architecture landscape degree programs offer bachelor's or master's degrees for those whose schedules require that they take classes online.
Architecture Landscape Online Degrees and Coursework
If you are considering a career as a landscape architect, the job prerequisite is usually a bachelor's degree. You can choose from two types of undergraduate degrees--a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) or a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture (BSLA).
You can expect typical coursework to cover subjects such as:
* Landscape graphics
* Gardens, parks, and urban open spaces
* Principles of planning and design
* Computer assisted design methods and uses
* Construction technology
* Environmental design and analysis
* Planting design and applications
Forty-nine states require landscape architects to be licensed. Each state varies in its licensing requirements so a thorough check for your state's requirements is prudent.
Projection for Landscape Architecture Jobs
Jobs in landscape architecture are expected to increase 16 percent in the next eight years. The number of available jobs will vary due to economic conditions, different regions of the country, and intense competition for open positions. Those who are well prepared in using computer assisted design (CAD) software and possess strong communication skills have the best opportunities for jobs. In 2007, the median annual earnings for a landscape architect were $57,580.
Landscape architects work closely with groups such as city planners, real estate development firms, government agencies, surveyors, and engineers. In concert with these individuals, landscape architects plan and design the layout and placement of roads, walkways, shrubbery, trees, buildings, and flowers. They are also responsible for adding decorative features such as fountains, lighting, and other aesthetic elements.
Online architecture landscape degree programs offer bachelor's or master's degrees for those whose schedules require that they take classes online.
Architecture Landscape Online Degrees and Coursework
If you are considering a career as a landscape architect, the job prerequisite is usually a bachelor's degree. You can choose from two types of undergraduate degrees--a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) or a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture (BSLA).
You can expect typical coursework to cover subjects such as:
* Landscape graphics
* Gardens, parks, and urban open spaces
* Principles of planning and design
* Computer assisted design methods and uses
* Construction technology
* Environmental design and analysis
* Planting design and applications
Forty-nine states require landscape architects to be licensed. Each state varies in its licensing requirements so a thorough check for your state's requirements is prudent.
Projection for Landscape Architecture Jobs
Jobs in landscape architecture are expected to increase 16 percent in the next eight years. The number of available jobs will vary due to economic conditions, different regions of the country, and intense competition for open positions. Those who are well prepared in using computer assisted design (CAD) software and possess strong communication skills have the best opportunities for jobs. In 2007, the median annual earnings for a landscape architect were $57,580.
Car Loan: Make your Dream True
Today every one wishes to live a comfortable life. Moreover, car is one of them that make life comfortable. If you haven’t a car you have to face many problems in the daily routine. In another hand if you a car life is smooth for you. But now you have the best option for getting the car and that is car loan. If you wish to reach your office at the right time and moreover you want to go on a long drive car will the best option for you.
Nevertheless, many persons cannot buy car due to financial problems. Car loan is a suitable alternative for a large number of people in UK, US and even all over the world. Now the rates of cars have sky- high cost.
If you have any doubt about repayment than do not upset in loan world search on, internet and you will find many lenders who are ready to provide car loans on long-term process different lenders have different terms. Car loan can fulfill your desire to own a car particularly when your budget is dwindling.
When any new car launches in market than you thinks, it must be in your garage.
Moreover, you try to buy it but the cash become a problem. Doesn’t mind fill up an online application form. And the cash will be in you source.
Finding car loan is easy as well as tricky. The terms and condition are flexible as lenders try to provide the car loan with in few hours.
You can get cash according to car rates. Car loans are generally easily approved for the homeowners. As the Car Loan is a secured loan. Interest rates of car loan are different as depend on the lenders. Easy monthly installment facility is an added advantage of car loans. Car loans can save your money also decide the car models and its budget. Choose the best deal and drive home your dream car. Car loans mean best car with easy repayment periods. Repayment process and terms are easy for car loans.
If you credit record is good than many lenders or companies. In other hand if your credit record is not good than you have to face problems. For that situation, you can apply for bad credit car loans.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Michael Jackson
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Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American recording artist, entertainer and businessman. The seventh child of the Jackson family, he made his debut as an entertainer in 1968 as a member of The Jackson 5. He then began a solo career in 1971 while still a member of the group, and that successful career led to him being dubbed the "King of Pop"[1] in subsequent years. Jackson's 1982 album Thriller remains the world's best-selling album of all time,[2] and four of his other solo studio albums are among the world's best-selling records: Off the Wall (1979), Bad (1987), Dangerous (1991) and HIStory (1995).
In the early 1980s, he became a dominant figure in American popular music and culture. He was the first African American entertainer to amass a strong crossover following on MTV. The popularity of his music videos airing on MTV, such as "Beat It", "Billie Jean" and "Thriller"—widely credited with transforming the music video from a promotional tool into an art form—helped bring the relatively new channel to fame. Videos such as "Black or White" and "Scream" made Jackson an enduring staple on MTV in the 1990s. With stage performances and music videos, Jackson popularized a number of physically complicated dance techniques, such as the robot and the moonwalk. His distinctive musical sound and vocal style influenced many hip hop, pop music and contemporary R&B artists across several generations.
Jackson donated and raised millions of dollars for beneficial causes through his Heal the World Foundation, charity singles, and support of 39 charities. Other aspects of his personal life, including his often changing appearances and eccentric behavior, generated significant controversy that damaged his public image. Though he was accused of child sexual abuse in 1993, the criminal investigation was closed due to lack of evidence and Jackson was not charged. The singer had experienced health concerns since the early 1990s along with conflicting reports regarding the state of his finances since the late 1990s. Jackson married twice and fathered three children, actions which caused further controversy. In 2005, during People v. Jackson, Jackson was tried and acquitted of different sexual abuse allegations and several other charges.
One of the few artists to have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, his other achievements include multiple Guinness World Records—including one for "Most Successful Entertainer of All Time"—thirteen Grammy Awards, thirteen number one singles in his solo career, and the sale of 750 million records worldwide.[3] At the time of his death, Jackson was preparing for This Is It, a series of 50 concerts that would have been held at The O2 arena in London at the beginning of July 13, 2009.[4]
Thursday, July 2, 2009
सङ्घीय लोकतान्त्रिक गणतन्त्र नेपाल
सङ्घीय लोकतान्त्रिक गणतन्त्र नेपाल एक दक्षिण एशियाली भूपरिवेष्ठित हिमाली राष्ट्र हो। यसको भौगोलिक अक्षांश २६ डिग्री २२ मिनेट देखि ३० डिग्री २७ मिनेट उत्तर र ८० डिग्री ४ मिनेट देखि ८८ डिग्री १२ मिनेट पूर्वी देशान्तर सम्म फैलिएको छ। यसको कूल क्षेत्रफल १,४७,१८१ वर्ग कि.मि छ। यो क्षेत्रफल पृथ्वीको कूल क्षेत्रफलको ०.०३% र एशिया महादेशको ०.३% पर्दछ। लण्डन स्थित ग्रीनवीच मिनटाइम भन्दा पूर्वतर्फ रहेकोले गौरीशंकर हिमालको नजिक भएर जाने ८६ डिग्री १५ मिनेट पूर्वी देशान्तरलाई आधार मानी नेपालको प्रामाणिक समय ५ घण्टा ४५ मिनेट आगाडि मानिएको छ। नेपालको पूर्वी सीमाना मेची नदीदेखि पश्चिमी सीमाना महाकाली नदीसम्मको कूल लम्वाई ८८५ कि.मि छ। उत्तर देखि दक्षिणको चौडाई भने एकनाशको छैन। पूर्वी भाग भन्दा पश्चिमी भाग केही चौडा छ। त्यस्तै मध्य भाग भने केही खुम्चिएको छ। यसमा अधिकतम चौडाई २४१ कि.मि र न्युनतम चौडाई १४५ कि.मि रहेको छ। यसर्थ नेपालको सरदर चौडाई १९३ कि.मि रहेको छ। नेपालको उत्तरमा चीनको स्वशासित क्षेत्र तिब्बत पर्दछ भने दक्षिण, पूर्व र पश्चिममा भारत पर्दछ। नेपालका ८०% भन्दा बढी नागरिक हिन्दू धर्म मान्दछन्। यो प्रतिशत भारतको भन्दा बढी छ, अतः नेपाल विश्वकै सबै भन्दा बढी प्रतिशत हिन्दू धर्मावलम्बी हुने राष्ट्र पनि हो। एउटा सानो क्षेत्रको लागि नेपालको भौगोलिक विविधता निकै उल्लेखनीय छ। यहाँ तराईका उष्ण फाँट देखि चिसा हिमालयका श्रृंखलाहरु अवस्थित छन्। संसारका सबै भन्दा उच्च १४ हिमश्रृंखलामध्ये ८ नेपालमा पर्दछन् जसमध्ये संसारको सर्वोच्च शिखर सगरमाथा (नेपाल र चीनको सीमानामा पर्ने) पनि एक हो। नेपालको प्रमुख सहर एवं राजधानी काठमाडौं हो। काठमाडौं, ललितपुर र भक्तपुर शहरहरुलाई काठमाडौं उपत्यका भनेर चिनिन्छ । अन्य प्रमुख सहरहरुमा भरतपुर, बिराटनगर, भैरहवा, वीरगञ्ज, जनकपुर, पोखरा, नेपालगञ्ज, धनगढी र महेन्द्रनगर पर्दछन्। नेपाल भन्ने शब्दको उत्त्पत्तिको बारेमा ठोस प्रमाण केही छैन, तर एक प्रसिद्ध विश्वास अनुसार यो शब्द ने मुनि तथा पाल (ओडार) मिलेर बनेको हो।
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Home Equity Loan Basics: Standard Home Equity Loans
A brief introduction to standard home equity loans, including their specifications and benefits.
A standard home equity loan is also referred to as a term loan or a closed loan, meaning the borrower is given a lump sum from the lender. The term and the interest rate for this type of loan are usually fixed.
Like many other loans, standard home equity loans are paid in monthly installments and the borrower is not entitled to any additional money once the lump sum has been received. The nature of this loan is very similar to a first mortgage because the homeowner is able to know the amount of payments that are due in advance.
Standard Home Equity Loan Benefits
Some benefits of home equity loans include unchanging rates and tax advantages. Borrowers can deduct up to $100,000 worth of interest payments from their federal tax returns. With these advantages, this type of loan seems very appealing.
Standard home equity loans work best for homeowners who need money for large expenses such as home improvements, weddings or consolidating bills. If you know exactly how much money you need, this loan could be the loan you're looking for, but if you think the amount you need may change, look into a home equity line of credit.
A standard home equity loan is also referred to as a term loan or a closed loan, meaning the borrower is given a lump sum from the lender. The term and the interest rate for this type of loan are usually fixed.
Like many other loans, standard home equity loans are paid in monthly installments and the borrower is not entitled to any additional money once the lump sum has been received. The nature of this loan is very similar to a first mortgage because the homeowner is able to know the amount of payments that are due in advance.
Standard Home Equity Loan Benefits
Some benefits of home equity loans include unchanging rates and tax advantages. Borrowers can deduct up to $100,000 worth of interest payments from their federal tax returns. With these advantages, this type of loan seems very appealing.
Standard home equity loans work best for homeowners who need money for large expenses such as home improvements, weddings or consolidating bills. If you know exactly how much money you need, this loan could be the loan you're looking for, but if you think the amount you need may change, look into a home equity line of credit.
What Is a Home Equity Loan?
A home equity loan can be both useful and dangerous. It is important to know what a home equity loan is and what types are available before commiting to such a loan.
There are a number of reasons you may consider taking out a loan - such as paying for a child's education, compensating for a lost job or simply investing in a new business or property. If you are looking for a little extra money and you own a home, you could consider taking out a home equity loan.
Home Equity Loan Basics
A home equity loan, sometimes called a 'second mortgage,' is a type of loan given to homeowners. In exchange for the money, the homeowner's home is offered as collateral. The home's equity is based upon how much the home is worth and how much of the home is already paid for. To calculate your home's equity, subtract the mortgage from the home's current value.
Types of Home Equity Loans
The text shown above is a simple definition of home equity loans, but there are actually several types of home equity loans from which you can choose.
The most popular is the standard home equity loan. This loan is also known as a term or closed-end loan or second mortgage installment loan. Like a traditional loan, you are given a lump sum of money and assessed a fix interest rate. You then make payments on a monthly schedule until the loan is paid off. Once the loan has been paid, you regain complete ownership of your house.
A second type of home equity loan is called a home equity line of credit. This type of loan, just as with other lines of credit, offers you an amount and places it in an account from which you can draw money as needed. While you are only responsible for paying interest on the amount actually withdrawn, the interest rate is flexible, meaning it can fluctuate. A fixed rate is often preferred because you know before accepting money the exact amount you'll be expected to repay. A flexible rate does not offer the same security.
A third option, cash out refinancing, is not precisely a home equity loan, but does allow you to borrow against your home's value. In this scenario you actually take out a new home mortgage that is worth more your home's value. Your payments will then increase, with some of the money going toward paying off the actual home and the rest toward the home equity-like loan.
Before You Consider a Home Equity Loan
As with all types of financing, home-equity loans can be dangerous, but necessary. It is important for you to never bite off more than you can chew. Before accepting a loan, you should truly evaluate whether the purchase is worth the risk. If it is, you should be certain that you can afford the payments. Failure to pay on the loan may result in foreclosure.
Why Home Equity Lone Is Popular?
Home Equity Loan - An extremely popular and efficient way to borrow is using the roof over one's head as collateral for sizable amounts of credit. To define a few terms, equity is the difference between your home's appraised - or fair market - value and your outstanding mortgage balance. A loan refers to the amount of money you borrowed from a lender providing you with the mortgage. So basically, the idea with home equity loans is to borrow against your home's equity as a very effective way to get some things you need at a good price.
Why Home Equity Loans are popular
To be sure, borrowing against the value of a home has become increasingly popular. Why, you ask. There are two key reasons for this surge: low interest rates and tax deductibility.
The tax changes that occurred in 1986 have eliminated deductions for most consumer purchases. As a way to get around these changes in tax, consumers began borrowing up on their home value in order to make purchases. Home equity loans thus became a method adopted by homeowners to buy goods and still get a deduction.
For instance, let's say that you bought your home for $95,000 and made a 20 percent down payment of $19,000. To pay the remaining $76,000, you then took a first mortgage. On the day you closed on your home, you automatically had 20 percent equity. As you pay off the principal, you gain equity and your home grows in value.
Now, let's say that you have paid $12,000 toward the principal and your property. Remember that you property was valued at $95,000 when you bought it. Now, since you have made the payment on your principal, your $95,000-home is now worth $115,000. Your beginning equity ($19,000), plus the principal you have paid ($12,000) and the increase in your property value ($20,000) gives you $51,000 in equity.
Home Equity Loans: Equity as a Valuable Asset
Banks and borrowers both benefit from home equity loans. The reason for this is that equity is a valuable asset to have. You can put it to use without having to sell your home. And because most people's domicile is their biggest asset, lenders regard home equity loans as secure. For that reason, interest rates for home equity loans are lower than for other loans.
Who are the best borrowers of Home Equity Loans?
Earlier in the article, we have made mention that home equity loans are beneficial to both the lender and the borrower. However, like all things, home equity loans also have their downsides. The disadvantage to home equity loans is that if you default on the loan, the lender could foreclose on your home. For this reason, home equity loans are statistically most suited to stable, middle-aged borrowers.
Tips for buying a second home
By Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com
Here are four ideas to help guide your decision:
1. Leverage equity
If you've accumulated equity in your home, don't just sit on it. Put it to work by borrowing against it while home equity loan rates are still attractively priced. You can also use a home equity line of credit (HELOC). Banks typically charge more interest for those loans, but you avoid many closing costs and still may be eligible for tax deductions of interest and other expenses.
Buy a second home that you'll definitely use, not one so far away that you'll never visit it. Location becomes especially important if you use the property as a rental for extra income, because it will be easier to check on tenants and perform routine maintenance.
3. Consider a fixer-upper
Rather than buying someone else's idea of a dream vacation home, consider creating your own. A less-than-perfect property can quickly pay for itself if you use home improvement loans to update it, and you'll have the satisfaction of remodeling or upgrading your second home to suit yourself.
4. Mix business with pleasure
Many investors combine their use of a second home as a vacation getaway with an occasional lease or rental. Not only will you make money by leasing, you'll save money by not paying for lodging at vacation time.
If you act now, while the buyer's market is still hot and overextended sellers are desperate, you can possibly acquire an undervalued second home at a discounted price. By using a home equity loan to finance it, you'll leverage your money in two ways. The existing value in your primary home can help acquire a long-term investment with built-in profit (and holiday pleasure) potential.
Shop Smart and Save the Disappointments
If you decide to just go out on your own shopping for a vehicle you may end up disappointed and having an overall bad experience. This article will guide help you make the process much easier and stress free.When first arriving at the dealership you will most likely be greeted by a sale person. If you are wanting to browse the lot for a minute let the sales person know that you just want to look around for a minute. Once you have looked around find your sales person that first approached you and tell him or her that you would like to get qualified. Get qualified before you test drive any vehicle, this will save you lots of time and disappointment.
After your sales person completes your application with you he or she will take it to the sales manager or F&I department. The finance department will then run a credit report and fax your information out to several lending institutions. The lenders will then fax back an approval or denial letter. If you get say 2 approvals the dealership will typically go with the one that has the lowest interest rate.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Online Home Equity Loans - Why is it Really Good?
Home owners are given the privilege to get loans with lower interest and good payment terms. This is through online home equity loans. This type of loan is great when a financial need arises and urgency is needed. A home owner can get a pretty large amount because this type of loan is secured against the Home Equity (HE).HE loans that part of the property which the home owner can truly say he owns. It is computed as the difference when the amount of the remaining unpaid mortgage after all payments are made is deducted from the market value of the house. Banks acknowledges the ownership of the homeowner and the value of his property. This is why they are willing to accept it as security for online HE loans.
HE loans are special not only because it fetches a good amount of loan and offered with a low interest. The best thing many people want from it is its tax deductibility option. Homeowners who transact with banks for HE loans are advised to talk with a tax lawyer for this option to be accepted.
This fact is so accepted by homeowners that many of them have already spent the money they got from the loan for home improvement. This has a double purpose because home improvement increases the market value of their home which raises the home equity as a result. As the value of the home equity increase so is the amount of money they could borrow from the bank.
Now that you know choosing the right financial institution for getting online home equity loans is not that easy as some companies advertise. We on our site, Instant-online-home-equity-loans.com, guide you to take informed decision. You can also find home equity loan calculators on the site!
Life Insurance's importance
It's never too late or too early tothink about protecting your family's financial future.
Life insurance is protection against financial loss resulting from death. It is an insurance company's promise to pay your beneficiary a specific amount of money when you die in exchange for timely payment of premiums.
Why do I need life insurance?
Although you may not think about it, your ability to earn income is a significant asset and life insurance helps replace lost income in the event of your premature death. Here are some reasons people buy life insurance.
The death benefit may be used:
- To replace income the family would need to maintain their standard of living after the death of a wage earner.
- To pay off a mortgage loan and other personal and business debts or to create a rent fund.
- To create a fund for children's education.
- To pay final expenses, such as funeral costs and taxes.
- To create a family emergency fund or a fund for a family member with special needs.
How much life insurance do I need?
The State Farm Life Insurance Needs Calculator provides a quick way to get an estimate of the cash needs you may have at death. Cash needs that exceed your available assets can be covered by life insurance.
Auto Insurance
| The Basics | |
 | |
| So you’re the new kid in town, looking to put a fresh set of wheels on the road - or maybe just the same old set in a brand new neighborhood. Either way, state law requires that you insure your vehicle before hitting the highway. |
| Before purchasing a car, whether it be new or used, you should understand that sticker price, cost of repair and incidence of theft all factor into your premium amount. When seeking auto insurance, gather recommendations from friends and neighbors, contact the state insurance department about any company complaints and always solicit at least three price quote comparisons. Many insurers offer discounts if your car has features that reduce risk of injury (such as air bags and anti-lock brakes) or theft (anti-theft locks and alarms). Low mileage, safe driver records and long time customer discounts can save you money, as can insuring with the same company that underwrites your home. Finally, you might consider dropping collision and comprehensive coverage on “Old Betsy”. Experts believe it’s darn foolish to insure a car worth less than ten times the amount paid to cover it. |
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Five ways to save money on auto insurance
Face reality - Auto insurance is not cheap
Have you noticed the volume of TV and print advertising devoted to saving money on your auto insurance? The amazing amount of money spent by major insurance companies, trying to convince you that their programs can save you large sums compared to their competition, is driven by the fact that auto insurance is actually quite expensive.
As the number of drivers and automobiles increases, the volume of traffic accidents continues to rise, also. Combine the number of incidents with the current cost of automobiles, and the result is expensive insurance coverage. All insurance companies are trying to "tweak" their coverage to bring a value added component since it is difficult to simply cut premium costs.
For example, Allstate currently offers "accident forgiveness", allowing you to have an accident and not be subject to a huge premium increase or termination of coverage. While this is certainly a wonderful, valuable, and potentially important feature, in periods of personal economic turmoil, you may find that you're unable to afford the premiums for this car insurance coverage.
Here are some ways to save money that may allow you to take advantage of some of the newer value added car insurance programs.
1. Shop. Shop. Shop.
Many people assume that, because most states set insurance rate maximums, all companies simply charge the maximum to make the most money. This assumption forgets the magic word, "competition". Insurance companies are constantly balancing the combination of maximizing income, recent and projected losses, need for profit and funds to put into reserves (for losses), and competition efforts. This balancing act often results in different premiums for similar coverage, with or without value added privileges.
2. Consider higher deductible options.
Premiums can take a welcome nosedive if you increase your car insurance deductible amounts. For example, changing a $500 deductible to a $1,000 level might save you 15% to 30% or more on collision and comprehensive coverage. Investigate this option as your accomplishing tip #1. But – consider this money savings method carefully.
Can you afford a higher deductible in the event of an accident? Do your potential premium savings on your auto insurance coverage provide the relief you need in light of the higher deductible clause?
3. Consider purchasing multiple policies from your insurance company.
Many insurance companies offer reasonable discounts if you cover both your auto and home with them. This feature, sometimes combined with your years of loyalty to one company, can result in excellent savings for BOTH insurance coverages. Once again, shop around as the level of savings can vary from company to company.
4. Compare projected insurance costs before you buy that new car.
Many people assume that their auto insurance premiums involve only the cost of their vehicle. However, there are other equally important components of car insurance premium calculations. The reliability of the vehicle, the cost to repair the car, the number of incidents and losses incurred, and the general profiles of typical drivers all influence the cost of insurance.
For a moment, eliminate the sticker price difference and compare a Corvette and a Corolla. Just consider the cost to repair a fiberglass-bodied Corvette versus the standard steel Corolla. Get an insurance quote when you compare makes of autos and consider the premium difference as part of your buying decision.
5. Maintain a good credit report.
Many car insurance companies not only request a credit report, but also will discount some premiums for customers with good credit. As you might imagine, those with poor credit scores typically pay more than standard auto insurance rates.
You may question the relationship between credit scores and insurance, but the companies believe that good credit customers are more responsible than those with credit issues. Saving money on auto insurance premiums is another benefit of maintaining a good credit score.
Other considerations
Along with these five primary ways to save money on your car insurance premiums, there are a few other things you can do. Consider reducing insurance on any older cars in your garage.
For example, many experts recommend that you eliminate collision and comprehensive coverage once the value of your older vehicle equals less than ten times your insurance premium for covering it. If an older car costs you $700 per year for collision insurance but it's worth only $3,500, consider removing this coverage and keeping liability and uninsured motorist protection only.
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