Nepali Theto

TREKKING (How And When)

2009-10-27T20:27:00.000+05:30

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

2009-10-27T20:22:00.000+05:30

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.

Money matters

2009-08-24T16:15:00.001+05:30

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

2009-08-24T16:13:00.002+05:30

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.

A matter of life & debt

2009-08-24T16:13:00.001+05:30

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.

BANNING BANDHS?

2009-08-24T16:10:00.001+05:30

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!

Sex Is The Most Creative Action: Nayanghare

2009-08-24T16:09:00.001+05:30

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.

Akranta ready for release

2009-08-24T16:07:00.001+05:30

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.

भक्तपुरमा 'टोनी हेगन घर'

2009-08-24T16:01:00.001+05:30

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

2009-08-24T15:56:00.002+05:30

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.

Auto Insurance in East Freedom

2009-07-24T10:39:00.001+05:30

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

2009-07-24T10:37:00.003+05:30

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!”

2009-07-24T10:18:00.000+05:30

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.

Five Reasons to Go to Engineering School

2009-07-24T10:17:00.000+05:30

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.

Landscape Architects: Kings and Queens of the Playground and More

2009-07-24T10:07:00.001+05:30

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.

Car Loan: Make your Dream True

2009-07-24T09:51:00.001+05:30

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.

Michael Jackson

2009-07-04T09:25:00.001+05:30

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]

सङ्घीय लोकतान्त्रिक गणतन्त्र नेपाल

2009-07-02T08:22:00.002+05:30

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।

Home Equity Loan Basics: Standard Home Equity Loans

2009-06-30T19:13:00.001+05:30

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.

What Is a Home Equity Loan?

2009-06-30T19:09:00.002+05:30

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?

2009-06-30T19:02:00.002+05:30

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

2009-06-30T18:52:00.002+05:30

By Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com

Before shopping for your second home, consider how you'll pay for it so that it doesn't become a burden. Using a home equity loan is often the smartest path, because you can use otherwise untapped value in your home to your advantage without raiding assets such as bank accounts, stocks, or other savings.

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.

2. Buy property conveniently located

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

2009-06-30T18:47:00.001+05:30

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.

Online Home Equity Loans - Why is it Really Good?

2009-06-26T22:09:00.001+05:30

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

2009-06-26T22:06:00.001+05:30

It's never too late or too early to

think 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

2009-06-26T22:03:00.000+05:30


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.

Five ways to save money on auto insurance

2009-06-25T19:04:00.001+05:30

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.

Save money on auto insurance

2009-06-25T19:02:00.002+05:30

Auto insurance can take up a big chunk of the monthly budget. If you live in a part of the world where insurance is required, you definitely need to keep a policy on your vehicle. But even if insurance is optional, you might still want the protection just in case. Either way, you want to save some cash on the premiums. These tips will help you save some money on the policy.

Avoid moving violations

Accidents and moving violations increase your rates. You might get a break if you take a defensive-driving course or even a more-specialized class. Contact your insurance agent for details. In the future, you should do your very best to avoid accidents and tickets. You can prevent many wrecks by being an attentive driver, for example. And you can prevent speeding tickets by following posted limits.

Pay attention to number of drivers listed

The number of drivers on the policy can affect your rates. If your boyfriend or girlfriend drives your car, your rates will probably increase. You might be better off removing that person from the policy and keeping him or her out of your driver's seat.

Know when to renew

Don't let your insurance policy lapse. Your rates might increase if you do not have continuous coverage. And even if your insurance agent understands, you'll probably have to pay extra fees. That's a waste of money.

If you can, pay a few months, or even a year, in advance. Many insurance companies offer you a discount if you pay for three months' worth of insurance at a time, for example. And if you buy a years' worth of premiums at once, you can save even more money.

Be aware of discounts

Find out about discounts that your agent offers for various reasons. Students can qualify for discounts. Safe drivers can as well. Know what you need to do to qualify for these discounts and do your best to get them.

Remove unneeded coverage

Talk with your agent about dropping coverage that you really don't need. For example: if you live in an area with a good public-transportation system, which would enable you to get to and from work if your car was involved in an accident, do you really need the extra coverage that pays for a car rental? Probably not. It'll be cheaper to just take the bus or train for a few days.

Know that what you drive matters

Different rates apply to different vehicles. If you drive a luxury car, your rates will probably be higher than if you drive some other vehicle. Sometimes, the car's color affects the rates as well. Insurance companies have formulas that help them determine your rates.

If you're about to get another car, be sure to consult your agent first. He or she can take the variables into account and tell you what your new rates will be. This can help you choose between one car and another.

Don't be afraid to shop around for new auto insurance. Maintain the current policy while you look around to see if another company will offer you better rates. Be sure to read the fine print, though: sometimes, a seemingly-good deal has a few unpleasant surprises waiting for you.

Questions to ask before getting a new auto insurance policy

2009-06-25T19:02:00.001+05:30

You might consider getting new auto insurance for a variety of reasons. You will probably have two primary concerns: Level of protection and cost. Auto insurance tends to bring out the best and worst of people and also of the insurance industry as a whole.

Understanding the reasons behind these issues might help you ask yourself the right questions when considering new coverage.

Some important questions to ask yourself

Automobiles often play conflicting roles in our lives. They tend to evoke both love and hate in their owners. Auto insurance sometimes creates parallel feelings. Take a little time and ask yourself some questions:

Why should I look for new auto insurance? Am I unhappy with my current coverage or cost?

What should I expect from new insurance coverage: Better protection, rates, or claims processing?

What problems have I had that indicate I should get new auto insurance coverage?

What features offered by a new car insurance company might influence me to change carriers?

Should I make cost the most important factor or should I be more concerned about quality and level of protection?

Ask these and similar questions of yourself before you start an active search for new auto insurance coverage. It is seldom beneficial to switch from one car insurance company to another every six months or one year just for cost reasons.

At the same time, it is a valid consumer complaint that many auto insurance companies have not shown much loyalty to drivers. Some companies will greatly increase insurance premiums for just one accident for drivers who have previously cost them nothing over years of safe driving.

Auto insurance companies should consider their actions, premium increases, and cancellations for those drivers who have had years of safe driving records. Ask yourself how your car insurance company has handled the loyalty issue with you personally and others.

Some important questions to ask an agent or company

Once you have decided to examine your auto insurance options, create a list of questions for agents and companies. Unless you already have serious issues with your current insurer, carefully consider the reasons for your potential desire to get a new auto insurance carrier.

Once you have decided to analyze your options, consider asking agents or companies the following questions:

How financially strong are the car insurance companies you are considering?

One of the most important considerations when evaluating any insurance company is how strong they are financially. No insurance company can protect you or pay your claims if they don't have the cash reserves to meet expected payouts.

You should seldom, if ever, consider an insurance company that has serious cash flow, cash reserve, or other financial problems. They can only help you if they are there when you need them.

What are the options for deductible amounts and what is the cost for each?

Increasing your deductible is an easy – sometimes too easy – way to reduce your auto insurance cost. However, carefully consider the real world ramifications of this approach.

Should you increase your deductible from $250 to $1,000 might save you hundreds of dollars per year on your car insurance premiums. Yet, you must understand that the next loss you have will require you to pay $1,000 of real cash before you can have your vehicle repaired.

How large a discount can I expect if I give you my homeowner's or renter's insurance coverage along with my auto insurance?

Most companies will discount both insurance policies if you allow them to insure both your car(s) and your home. Ask how much your new potential company will discount both premiums.

Should I have Personal Umbrella Policy (PUP) to complement my auto insurance?

Do you have many valuable assets that might be at risk if a serious auto accident results in a large liability award for the other party? Second homes, boats, bank accounts, or investment funds may be at risk if a court awards compensation above your auto insurance liability limits. A PUP normally protects you against a large liability award in excess of your car insurance maximums.

These are some of the questions you should ask your agent or any auto insurance companies you consider when looking for new coverage. Cost is always important, but sufficient coverage and reasonable (and fast) claims procedure and payment are even more critical. As annoying as premium payments can be, fast and fair action and payment for a claim are even more important.

All about home equity loans

2009-06-25T18:44:00.001+05:30

Home equity loans are a very popular way to borrow money, but if you are a newcomer to this type of credit it is important to do some research before committing. For some, a simple definition of terms is a great place to start. So, just what is an equity loan?

A home equity loan is like any other type of application for credit; a check of your credit rating may be required even if you have made all your mortgage payments on time. Your good standing on the original loan will count in your favor, but other factors including your debt-to-income ratio may affect your eligibility for a home equity loan.

Define: Equity

Equity is a term referring to the value of your home compared to the amount you still owe on the original home loan. When you first purchase a home, your equity can be extremely low (or nonexistent) because you haven't had time to make payments to reduce the amount you owe.

New home owners may watch their property increase in value over time, depending on the local market. That increase in value also provides equity. This increased value, combined with your mortgage payments, eventually adds up to an amount you may be tempted to borrow against.

Possible perks

Home equity loans have some attractive perks. According to Kiplinger.com you may be able to deduct the interest on a home equity loan within certain limits set by the IRS. The interest on the first $100,000 of a home equity loan may be written off, effectively making your home equity loan interest-free for any amount under $100,000.

Tax laws are subject to change; before making a decision on a home equity loan based on tax implications, double check the tax code to make sure this perk applies to you and is in effect for the current tax year.

Possible uses

Once you are approved for a home equity loan, there are a lot of ways you can spend the money. Many credit experts say investing in home improvements with your home equity loan is a powerful use of the money; you increase the value of your home and avoid paying outright for that investment.

Are you considering a big-ticket purchase such as a new refrigerator/freezer or stove? Any appliance you plan to include in the sale of your home potentially increases the value. These items may not directly increase your equity, but if you consider selling the home later down the line these appliances could be viewed as an investment to make your home more attractive to a potential buyer.

Using a home equity loan to pay off credit cards or other bills is another way some home owners use their loan, but this can be a risky proposition. If your home goes down in value for any reason, you risk owing more than the home is worth with the combined weight of the original mortgage and the new loan.

Other considerations

It is important to remember that rules for home equity loans are much like any other type of credit. A home equity loan uses your house for collateral. If you fall upon hard times and wind up defaulting on the loan, you could lose the collateral; an important factor to consider before taking out a large amount of money against your property.

Another factor to keep in mind is changing interest rates. Your home equity loan rates may rise, and if your original mortgage is also on a variable interest rate, both payments could go up while your income remains the same. Those who are eligible to take the applicable tax break on the interest from the first $100,000 may not feel the sting of those increased rates, but if you are contemplating a larger amount it is important to make room in your budget for any potential increase.

A home equity loan can be used as a tool to increase the marketability of your home, a way to purchase expensive items or features for the house or as a way to generate capital for other needs such as legal expenses or other real estate investments. What you do with the money is up to you once you're approved; explore your options and make the most financially sound use of your new line of credit.

If you have a specific purpose in mind for your home equity loan but aren't sure about the risks, ask your loan officer for some advice—you may learn a great deal from the mistakes of other borrowers. Chances are your loan officer has seen plenty of good and bad uses for the loans they approve and can give you some excellent advice about your specific situation.

Things to know about Auto Insurance

2009-06-25T18:43:00.001+05:30

How auto insurance companies come up with your premium can seem like a complicated formula. In truth, it is. However, that formula is based on some very simple principles. Auto insurance premiums, like most insurance premiums are determined by what type of risk factors you, the insured, have and what level of coverage you choose. Some of your risk factors are within your control, and some are not. Having an understanding of the risk factors that determine your auto insurance quote will help you get the best coverage at the best price.

An auto insurance quote is made up of different types of coverage. Liability coverage, comprehensive coverage, and collision coverage are the three main types, but there are additional types of coverage available.

Liability coverage covers the damages you are responsible for because of an accident. Most states require all drivers to have a minimum amount of liability coverage by law.
Collision coverage covers damage to your vehicle if an accident occurs.
Comprehensive coverage covers damage to your vehicle that is not accident related.

Both collision and comprehensive coverage are optional but strongly recommended. You should never settle for the minimum auto insurance coverage required by law. The more auto insurance you buy, the cheaper it is. That means you can get significantly more insurance coverage with just a small increase in your premium.

A number of different risk factors go into determining how much you will need to pay for auto insurance. Gender, age, occupation, driving record, type of vehicle, and where you live are just some of the factors considered when obtaining auto insurance quotes. Based on past accident and theft statistics, insurance companies use these factors to determine the probability that you will file a claim. For example, if you have a clean driving record with no speeding tickets, insurance companies feel like you are less likely to have an accident. Therefore, your auto insurance quote will be lower than someone who has one or more speeding tickets. In the same turn, it costs more to insure types of vehicles that are prone to accidents and theft.

There are a number of strategies that can help you get a lower auto insurance quote. For one, you can shop around. While most companies use similar methods to determine premiums, there is a lot of competition for your business in the industry. Premiums for the same coverage can vary by hundreds of dollars from one company to another. You can also ask for discounts. Many insurance companies will reduce your auto insurance premium if you purchase another form of insurance such as homeowners insurance or life insurance from them. Likewise, if you have anti-theft devices or additional safety features on your vehicle you may also qualify for a discount. If you need to lower you premium further, consider getting a higher deductible. Paying your premium in fewer installments can also save you money.

While switching policies can help you save, it’s important to never leave a gap in your auto insurance when you do. Before you cancel an auto insurance policy, make sure you have another one activated. That way you will always be covered, and you can avoid any penalties your state might impose.

Get Multiple Auto Insurance Quotes in Just Minutes!

2009-06-25T18:38:00.000+05:30

If you find shopping for automobile insurance quotes a bit overwhelming, you’re not alone. Fortunately, Insurance Quotes.com makes it easy to get free auto insurance quotes insurance quotes anytime, from the comfort of your own home. We offer plenty of resources to guide you in your search for the right policy – along with one simple, online application that allows you to receive and compare free car insurance quotes from multiple companies. And when you receive your free auto insurance quotes from our partners, we can help you choose the best policy for you.

Whether you’re shopping for free car insurance quotes for a new car or looking for better automobile insurance quotes on your current auto insurance, let Insurance Quotes.com help you find the coverage with the top online auto insurance quotes available. Get your free car insurance quotes today – and see just how much you could save!

How to Shop Smart for Auto Insurance Quotes

2009-06-25T18:37:00.000+05:30

Because automobile insurance quotes can vary among insurers by hundreds of dollars per year, it’s important to consider the type and amount of auto insurance you need. Depending on your circumstances, you may choose any or all of the following types of auto insurance:

Liability insurance—the minimum coverage required by most states–protects you if you’re at fault in an accident resulting in injury to another and/or damage to another’s property.
Collision insurance pays for damage to your own car when you’re at fault in an accident.
Uninsured/Under insured Motorist coverage protects you when you’re involved in an accident that is not your fault and the driver at fault is uninsured or does’t carry enough insurance to compensate you for your loss.
Comprehensive coverage pays for damage to your car that is unrelated to a collision, such as theft, storm damage, fire or vandalism.

Many insurers offer premium discounts for non-smokers, low-mileage vehicles, safety or anti theft devices, or mature-driver classes. When you receive your free car insurance quotes at Insurance Quotes.com remember to ask what types of discounts each company provides.

Finally, when obtaining your online auto insurance quotes, be sure to choose a financially stable insurance company with a record of good customer service and prompt claims processing.

Finding free car insurance quotes is a lot easier than you may think with Insurance Quotes.com. We make it simple for you to obtain online auto insurance quotes anytime, from the comfort and privacy of your own home. Start shopping automobile insurance quotes with Insurance Quotes.com today!

Millions of users agree: when it comes to finding the best free car insurance quotes, Insurance Quotes.com has you covered!

Insurance Quotes

2009-06-25T18:26:00.000+05:30

How can you get multiple free insurance quotes in just minutes, right from your own computer? InsuranceQuotes.com makes it easy! We’ve packed our website with valuable tips, articles and information designed to help you find the right insurance coverage at the best possible price. Once you understand all of your options, just complete our simple online form to get competitive online insurance quotes from some of the nation’s leading providers–instantly. Millions of users agree: when it comes to saving money on auto insurance, life insurance or homeowner insurance, InsuranceQuotes.com has you covered with the best auto insurance quotes, health insurance quotes and more!

Auto Insurance Quotes

Whether you’re shopping for car insurance quotes for a new car or looking for better prices on your current auto insurance let InsuranceQuotes.com help you find the coverage you need with the top auto insurance quotes available. Get your free car insurance quotes today–and see just how much you could save!

Health Insurance Quotes

Join the millions of people who have saved up to 20% on their health insurance by shopping for health insurance quotes online with InsuranceQuotes.com. Start shopping for health insurance quotes today and find out just how much you could save on your individual or group health insurance costs!

Life Insurance Quotes

If the process of buying life insurance seems somewhat overwhelming, you can rest easy. InsuranceQuotes.com offers plenty of resources to take the mystery out of shopping for online insurance quotes of all types. Check out our library of informative articles then start shopping for free insurance quotes today!

Homeowners Insurance Quotes

Need free insurance quotes for homeowners insurance? InsuranceQuotes.com makes it easy to get competitive online insurance quotes at any time and any place–all you need is an Internet connection! When you receive your free insurance quotes, InsuranceQuotes.com can help choose the best insurer with the best rates.

Whether you need car insurance quotes, health insurance quotes, homeowners insurance quotes or life insurance quotes, InsuranceQuotes.com has you covered!

How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?

2009-06-25T18:23:00.002+05:30

If you're researching your life insurance needs, you might well be getting a lot of complicated information. It's not a simple subject.

Some financial advisors will tell you to multiply your annual income by a certain number, like 20. Others will tell you to buy only enough life insurance to replace the income you are expected to make between now and retirement. Some might recommend you buy only enough life insurance to cover your present debts.

The question "how much do I need" might not be the most useful way to approach the problem. The question you may want to ask is, "What do I want my life insurance to accomplish?" Then you can start to determine how much life insurance you'll need. Calculating your life insurance needs takes homework. It requires an individual solution, not a one-size-fits-all approach or a throwaway equation.

Why Do You Need Life Insurance?

2009-06-25T18:23:00.001+05:30

This is a specific question, not a general topic. Think about why you're considering life insurance, or why you're considering an increase in the amount of life insurance you have. The most common reason for purchasing life insurance is to replace the income of a family member that others depend on. For that need alone, it's usually acceptable to multiply your annual salary by 20 and buy that amount of term life insurance for a period that will cover you until you retire.

If you have additional debts or obligations, you can consider adding those to the amount of insurance you need. However, keep in mind that debts and obligations like mortgages usually decrease over time, while a family's need for income replacement does not. If you and your spouse both work and are financially stable, it might not be difficult for your spouse to pay off a mortgage or debts, as long as you buy enough insurance to replace your income. If you're a single parent, however, you would probably need to purchase enough coverage to pay off all debts so that they're not passed on to your children.

Top 10 Things to Know About Life Insurance

2009-06-25T17:56:00.000+05:30

Life insurance can be a great way to get protection for now and to plan for the future. After all, we want to make sure that our plans and loved ones are taken care of for as long as possible. Doing research ahead of time helps you get the best possible coverage at the right price. Here are some helpful facts and ways they can help you.

1. Shopping around can save money
As with most insurance, when it comes to life insurance, it pays to shop around because premiums can vary widely. And thanks to the Internet, it's now easier than ever. From research, to quoting, to buying a policy, there's never been so much information available. Even if you need to speak to an agent or company, shopping on the Internet first can make your discussion more efficient.

2. Having enough coverage is crucial
If you need life insurance enough to buy it, you also need to make sure you're not underinsured. It's important not to have too little coverage, because then you won't get the benefits you need. If you don't think you can afford life insurance, explore your options, because it's often cheaper than you'd expect. However, if you can't afford all the insurance you need right now, start with a smaller amount. You should be able to buy more at a similar price when you can afford it.

3. The healthier you are, the better the rates
It's true—healthy people get better rates on life insurance. You will be asked to pay a higher rate for anything that shortens your life expectancy (e.g., smoking, taking regular prescriptions, engaging in risky activities, and being overweight). Consider what small lifestyle changes you can make that will improve your health and possibly your rates.

4. Buying sooner rather than later can help
If you've been putting off purchasing life insurance because you don't want to pay the premiums, you may be doing yourself a disservice in the long run. The younger you are when you purchase life insurance, the lower your premiums will be. In addition, it's harder to get life insurance if you have some of the conditions that come with growing older.

5. It's important to regularly review your coverage
The end of one year or the beginning of the next is a good time to examine your insurance needs. Any life change signals the need for a review of your overall financial plan. When it comes to life insurance, you'll want to make sure your coverage still matches the changes you've made. Marriage, the birth of a child, and impending retirement can all have an effect on the insurance you need and the coverage amount that's appropriate.

6. There are different types of life insurance
Different types of life insurance have different characteristics and are intended to accomplish different things. For instance, term life insurance is generally designed to provide the maximum amount of protection for the smallest premium dollar, but only for a set period. On the other hand, cash value life insurance offers benefits for your entire life and an investment and savings component, although at a much higher premium cost. In the majority of cases, term life insurance is the better choice.

7. You might pay more by choosing monthly premium payments
You may not realize it, but your life insurance might cost more if you pay your premium in monthly installments. Many insurance companies offer a discount if you pay your premium annually rather than monthly. Although the overall cost and benefits of the policy are more important than getting a discount, you might get a lower price by paying annually.

8. You shouldn't rely solely on the life insurance offered by your employer
Many employers offer their employees group life insurance. However, this coverage is usually not enough to adequately meet your life insurance needs. More importantly, group life insurance policies from your employer are not portable, meaning that if you leave your job, you lose your life insurance coverage.

9. You should tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth
If you lie or omit information on a life insurance application, your life insurance company may be able to terminate your coverage. They may also be able to charge you for the higher premiums you should have been paying, or deny claims. For this reason, make sure to answer all questions fully. There are many different life insurance companies, and even if you don't qualify for the best rate from one of them, you may still be able to get a good rate from another.

10. Buying more can be cheaper
Life insurance usually costs progressively less per thousand dollars at higher coverage amounts (e.g., $250,000). That means doubling your coverage generally won't double your premium. If your life insurance needs increase, be sure to explore your options. It may not cost as much as you think to buy more coverage.

Auto Insurance

2009-06-18T20:47:00.000+05:30

Insurance, also called car insurance or vehicle insurance, is an indispensable investment which assures you mental well being and a guaranteed soft cushion in case you land in trouble with your car. For example, auto insurance schemes cover car thefts, accidents and legal liabilities in case of the latter. No matter how carefully you drive, or how well you follow traffic rules, there is always a chance that maybe someone else is not being as careful as you. In the unfortunate case of you having to encounter such an irresponsible person, there is always your car insurance to help you sail through the physical , health and monetary setbacks which may result in the event of the accident. Therefore, a car insurance is as necessary or as an airbag, according to how you think, as dispensable.

For the residents of the state of California who apply for California auto insurance, it will come as a good news that the California state legal prescription for the insurance cover under the Bodily Injury Liability is set at a minimum limit of $ 15 000 per injured person. This can be extended to a maximum limit of up to $ 30 000 per accident The minimum limit advised for the cover under the Property Damage Liability Cover is $ 5 000. This system of basic coverage is therefore commonly referred to as the 10/30/5 coverage. The California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan has advised the figures for setting minimum and maximum limits for drivers in the state of California. These are $10 000/$20 000/ $ 3000 limits.

Another valuable coverage that you might want to consider as a good option is the Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily injury coverage. This priceless coverage ensures coverage against any bodily injury that might have been caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver
. Though the California state rules do not have a mandatory requirement of this coverage, it is nevertheless a good buy.

Although the terms prescribed for cover in the state of California are more consumer friendly that those prescribed in many other states, it will come as a surprise for many people that these terms can be further improvised. That is to say, that these terms are not fixed or limited. They are not fixed by the state, and negotiations with the company may lead to a sweeter deal. However, one must do one's research properly and thoroughly to get the best deal available in the state. Surfing the net, asking people and even looking for a financial or insurance adviser may not be such a bad idea, after all, this is a subject that concerns those two most important areas of your life- your money and your family's security. Buying California car insurance does ensure peace of mind.

The average California auto insurance premium rates for the residents of California in the year 2009 is $ 1 705. Compare that with the average national annual insurance premium for car insurance, which stands at $ 1,766. The low rates should encourage you to avail one as son as possible.

Compare insurance quotes

2009-06-17T21:04:00.000+05:30

ZIP code where you park at night:

Do you currently have auto insurance? Yes No

Have you had a U.S. driver's license for more than 3 years? Yes No

Has any driver in your household had 2 or more accidents or moving violations in the last 3 years? Yes No

Shopping for auto insurance as easy as 1,2,3.

Complete our quick and easy form
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Insurance links

2009-06-17T07:29:00.000+05:30

Insurance links

Am Best offers insurance company rating information and detailed information and glossary of terms.
Insurance Information Institute is another excellent source for more detailed information and glossary of terms.
Health Insurance Quotes Comparison shop cheap online health insurance quotes.
Find Low Insurance offers low auto insurance, home Insurance, life insurance and health insurance.
SR22 Insurance Information and quotes for cheap SR22 insurance.
My life insurance Offers life & health-insurance,a wide range of insurance programs to take care of your family and protect their quality of life.

2009-06-16T18:26:00.000+05:30

You're a driver, so you know how crazy it gets on the road. Between distractions and the rush to get somewhere on time, accidents can and do happen. Fenders get bent and sometimes people get hurt. Even if you're just parked in your driveway, a tree limb can crash through your windshield or someone can steal your car. When the worst happens, auto insurance is there to protect you.

Why buy auto insurance?
Auto insurance can protect you against the financial risk associated with personal injuries and property damage caused by auto accidents, theft or vandalism.

All states require you to purchase at least a minimum amount of liability coverage. Other types of auto insurance coverage may be optional or required, depending on state regulations. If you have a car loan or lease, the lender will also generally require that you purchase coverage for the car itself.

Liability coverage
This is the state-mandated legal coverage you'll be required to have (learn more):

Bodily injury liability: Protects your assets if you are held liable for an auto accident in which other people are injured or killed.
Property damage liability: Covers repairing or replacing the autos or other property of other people.

This coverage will also pay for the legal costs associated with defending you against lawsuits related to accidents. To adequately protect your assets, you probably want to purchase much more than the minimum amount of coverage required in your state.

Collision, comprehensive, uninsured and underinsured motorist, and medical payments coverages
Although these coverages are optional in most states, it often makes sense to purchase them, unless you can afford to pay for losses yourself.

Collision: Pays to repair or replace your car if it's damaged in an accident. (Learn more.)
Comprehensive: Insures your car against damage caused by something other than an auto accident (e.g., theft, fire, flood, vandalism). It is also called other-than-collision. (Learn more.)
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: Unless you live in a "no-fault" state (where your own insurance will cover your losses), this coverage insures you against certain losses caused by other drivers with little (underinsured) or no (uninsured) auto insurance. It can cover things like lost wages as well, and provides coverage to your passengers, and those listed on your policy while riding in other cars or as pedestrians. (Learn more.)
Medical payments coverage or personal injury protection (PIP): Covers various medical and/or funeral expenses for you and your passengers, as well as those listed on your policy while riding in other cars or as pedestrians. (Learn more about: medical payments coverage and PIP coverage.)

Additional coverages
Most of these coverages are optional, relatively cheap and provide a lot of protection, although they may not be helpful in all circumstances.

Gap coverage: Pays the difference between the actual cash value of your car and the amount you owe on your loan or lease if your car is totaled in a covered accident. It is sometimes called loan/lease coverage. (Learn more.)
Towing and labor or roadside assistance: Towing and labor usually covers the cost to tow your car to a repair facility or make minor repairs after a covered accident. Roadside assistance usually covers towing, minor repairs and fuel delivery, even if there was no accident.
Rental reimbursement: Pays the cost of renting a replacement car if yours is not drivable due to a covered accident. Some auto insurance companies will send you a check for part of the allowed amount if you don't rent a replacement car. (Learn more.)

And then the insurance company pays for everything, right?
That would be nice, but it's not always true. Here are some things you'll always need to cover yourself:

Deductibles: The amount of money that you've agreed to pay out of your own pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. You can have different deductibles for different coverages and liability coverage never has a deductible.
Exclusions: Events or situations your policy specifically will not cover, such as property damage or personal injury you intentionally cause or damage to your own car due to mechanical failure or wear-and-tear.
Costs above policy limits: Any expenses that exceed the the dollar amounts listed on your policy contract for coverage you're entitled to receive.

Driving a good bargain
Many factors affect your auto insurance premium, including your age, the state in which you live, the make and model of your car, where your car is parked at night and your driving record. Although you can't do much about some of these factors, here are some things you can do to help lower your premiums:

Increase your insurance deductible.
Eliminate optional coverages if you don't need them (e.g., rental reimbursement if you have other means of transportation).
Eliminate collision and comprehensive coverage if you drive an older car that wouldn't cost much to replace and if you could afford to pay for repairs if necessary.
Ask about available auto insurance discounts (e.g., low-mileage discounts, discounts for safety or antitheft devices) for your auto insurance (if applicable in your situation).
Avoid buying a vehicle prone to theft or expensive to repair.
Drive safely to establish a good driving record.
Maintain good credit.

Shop around
It's important to shop around for auto insurance coverage. Insurance premiums for the same coverage on the same car can vary widely among different insurers. A particularly good time to investigate your alternatives is when your current insurance policy is up for renewal, but you can shop and change policies at any time. Get quotes from several reputable companies, but don't let price be your only consideration. Make sure the coverage offered by each insurer meets your needs, and find out if the insurer has a solid financial strength rating.

8 Teen Auto Insurance Mistakes

2009-06-16T18:25:00.001+05:30

Do you have a teenager who drives, or one who will soon? Then you'll probably find out that adding a teen to your car insurance policy is sort of like balancing a valuable vase on a tiger's head: it'll probably end in an accident, and it'll probably be expensive. (Lesson number one: don't balance vases on tigers.)

The bad news: you have a teenager eager to get behind the wheel – and recent RateWatch data shows that adding a teen driver to your auto insurance policy costs over $2,000 a year on average.

The good news: auto insurance rates are coming down, so this is the perfect time to shop for policy savings. It can cost even less if you manage to…

Avoid some of these common mistakes

1. Let your kid get bad grades.
Were you aware that a "good student" discount could take as much as 10–15% off the price of your car insurance policy? You are now. Some parents pay their children to maintain a B average or better; this discount will have your children paying you instead.

2. Buy a new car for your child.
All of those safety features will get you auto insurance discounts, right? They might, but it costs more to insure a new car – for you and your teen. Find a safe, used car and save on car payments and insurance.

3. Skip in-car driver training with your kid.
Let the driving school do it. Right parents? I mean, that's why you pay them the money! Not so. No matter what your state legally requires, the more time you spend in the car teaching your teenager to drive, the better.

4. Don't set a curfew.
Part of raising a child is letting them take responsibility, so there's no reason to impose limits. Well, not exactly. Even if your city doesn't have a curfew for teen drivers, you should consider it. Statistics show that teenage driving deaths rise dramatically from 9 pm to 6 am. And if you remember your own youth, you'll agree that there's no good reason for teens to plan trips past 9–10 pm.

5. Don't worry about packing the car with friends and distractions.
The most common cause of teen accidents is driver distraction – either from a car full of friends or a cell phone that's blowing up. It gets even worse with loud music, texting and taking pictures with a cell phone.

6. Speed, drink and don't wear your seatbelt.
It amounts to telling your teen the law is optional. If your child gets a ticket, restrict access to the car. If it's something serious – like a DUI – take away their driving privileges.

7. Lower your deductibles or keep them the same.
A low deductible means your auto insurance company will pay more if there's an accident. Raise it, and you could knock a lot off your premium. Dropping collision coverage on your teen's car can also save money. Just remember that you'll have to pay more for repairs in both cases, so calculate your savings before making the switch.

8. Make one of the other seven mistakes.
(Just kidding.)

8. Let your teenager drive a small, old car.
If you saw mistake number two and thought you could avoid it by getting your teen an older compact car, you're probably wrong. If it's not a safe car, you won't qualify for safety discounts.

9. You said there were only eight mistakes!
Well, I lied. That's right; I said it: I lied. I'll let you in on a little secret: there are probably way more than nine, or even ten! But do you know the biggest one of all? (Drum roll, please.) Not shopping around to compare rates! Insurance.com data shows the average difference between the highest quote for adding a teen and the lowest quote is over $2,000 a year. Failing to compare auto insurance rates can be a very expensive mistake.

How Car Insurance Rates Work?

2009-06-16T18:21:00.000+05:30

People often ask us how car insurance companies determine what rates to charge. (Well, no they don't. But we think it's important to clear up any confusion.) Many factors determine what premium rate you see when you ask for quotes. A common misconception is that rates are set by law and can't be changed. Although the methods each auto insurance company uses when setting rates are regulated by state laws, the rates themselves are not set by the state. This fact means that there will be different rates for each company. Once you understand more, you'll see why comparing rates from different companies can save you money.

How is my car insurance rate set?
Let's look at what happens when you submit an application for car insurance. First, you are sorted into an individualized group based on each piece of information in your application, as well as other sources. Once your customized group has been determined, the insurance company calls up the pricing information for that group. Finally, any discounts you qualify for are subtracted from the price, and your quote is returned. The entire process is completed by sophisticated software behind the scenes, based on information you enter online or an agent types into a computer.

Claims (70%)

Other Expenses (26%)

Profit (4%)

Where Does My Premium Go?

Here's what a car insurance company does with your premium payments:Claims Payments: About 70% of your premium dollar pays for losses and loss expenses.
Other Expenses: About 26% of your premium dollar pays for marketing, commissions and administrative expenses.
Profit: About 4%. Companies may make a profit from underwriting as well as investment income.

Why do insurance companies have such different rates?
Because each company has many different small groups and different prices for those groups, rates can vary considerably from one car insurance company to the next. Each company has its own set of claim payments and expenses, and they must set rates based on that information.

What information can affect the auto insurance rate quotes you receive?
Depending on state laws, which often restrict the type of information an insurance company may use, these factors will usually affect your rates:

Who You Are	What You've Done
Age	Had accidents
Gender	Gotten traffic tickets
Marital status	"B" average in school (for students)
Zip code	Taken a Defensive Driver course
# of years licensed	Let your policy lapse
Credit history	Filed bankruptcy
Home ownership	Filed lots of claims
Occupation
What You Drive	How Much Coverage You Want
Year	Bodily Injury and Property Damage
Make	Medical Payments
Model	UM/UIM
Hybrid?	Comprehensive and Collision
Annual mileage	Rental reimbursement
Price	Roadside assistance
Safety features

Here's the breakdown by percentage of premium for coverages on a sample car insurance policy for a sample driver:

Liability (45%)

Collision (37%)

Comprehensive (9%)

Uninsured/Underinsured
Motorist (5%)

Medical Payments (4%)

Coverages by % of Premium

Bodily Injury Liability (legally required) – 26%
Property Damage Liability (legally required) – 19%
Liability Portion Total: 45%
Collision – 37%
Comprehensive – 9%
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist – 5%
Medical Payments – 4%

Are auto insurance rates discriminatory?
Some things are always prohibited from consideration by law, such as race and religion, and others are sometimes not permitted, such as credit history, ZIP code, and the first speeding ticket. However, other factors that may seem unfair, such as age, gender and marital status are often considered. Since each company places a different weight on each factor, it's important to shop around to find the best company for your situation.

Let's see how much you've absorbed about car insurance rates and how the premiums are used. All of the answers can be found in this article, but it's more fun if you don't look! If you want to find out more about certain questions, you can click their links to read an article that explains the answer.

1. Your car insurance rate could be higher if you:

2. Your rates will always increase if you get a speeding ticket.

3. The color of your car is used to determine your rate.

4. All companies offer the same auto insurance discounts.

5. Which statement is true?

6. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is expensive and unnecessary.

7. Car insurance companies often use race and religion when setting rates.

8. Car insurance companies often use credit history when setting rates.

9. Most of your auto insurance rate is the legally-required liability portion.

10. Car insurance premiums are mostly used to give the insurance company a profit and pay for their miscellaneous expenses.

Please scroll down for the answers.Answers:

All of the above.

False

Rates can vary a lot because each company has different experiences with claims and expenses.

False

True

False

Looking for different information? Have questions or feedback? Please let us know.

Compare your auto insurance quotes

2009-06-16T18:19:00.000+05:30

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How Should You Compare Auto Insurance Quotes?

2009-06-15T08:20:00.000+05:30

Throughout the articles on our site, we strongly suggest consumers compare their current auto insurance premium with what other companies offer. There is more to choosing an insurer than picking up the phone and dialing the most recent company you saw an advertisement for, purchasing the first option that the representative suggests. Looking further into the future and the possibility of having to file a claim, everyone should realize the importance of having this cushion or protection of insurance, and getting the best coverage for the lowest price is usually the most important part of the process. However, there are other reasons why consumers should shop around for insurance quotes.

Get the Best Price
Any savvy shopper can confirm that the only way to get the best and lowest price for a product is to look around at what all of the companies are offering. Whether the consumer is comparing grocery expenses or insurance prices, they know there is more than one company offering this very same product out there. Because companies are competing to get the business of all consumers who desire the product, they will do whatever they can to take hold of the consumer and get their business to make a profit. With today’s economy on the fringe and people tightening their “money belts,” companies know the best way to lure someone in is with a low price through their radio and television advertisements, as well as these claims displayed on large billboard and magazine ads.

Getting the best price doesn’t just mean being offered the company’s lowest price available, but it means being offered the lowest price for the desired coverage from any company. Take for instance the example of Driver A, who has been with the same auto insurer for years and has seen a gradual increase in his premiums over the years for the basic coverage he carries. His friend is paying for the same coverage with another company, and he decides to check them out and gives them a call. It turns out that for the same coverage he is already paying for with his current insurer, this new insurer could save him 10%. Driver A wouldn’t have known this if he hadn’t compared his rates.

Find More Coverage
Typically all insurance companies offer the same types of coverage, but occasionally some insurance agencies provide more protection within their terms of use than other companies, or the price of their options can be less when compared to others. If drivers are basing their insurance coverage off of a certain budget amount, it would be understandable that the driver wants as much coverage for that price. To make sure this is true in that driver’s situation, she would need shop around to see what she could get from other companies with her budget.

A more specific example would be she takes her budget and makes a realistic hope to purchase the state requirements of bodily injury and property damage liabilities, as well as comprehension and collision and uninsured motorist coverage too. Auto insurance company “A” could only provide her with the state requirements and comprehensive and collision to fit in her budget, while company “B” could provide all the coverage she desires and not go over her budget. For this case, both companies had the same conditions in their terms of coverage, so it was an easy choice for her to choose which company to go with. Had the terms of coverage varied from each other — i.e. comprehensive coverage was different in company “A” compared to company “B” — this driver would have to consider which coverage she would want versus how much she was willing to pay.

Better Customer Service
This reason isn’t always the most popular when wondering why one should compare auto insurance quotes, especially since normally a driver doesn’t need to speak with any of the representatives to get an accurate quote comparison. However, the level of customer service could be a deciding factor between companies offering the same price.

When a driver has been working hard to look at all aspects of insurance carriers’ quotes, they often take other things (besides price) into consideration when making their final decision. The top carriers usually offer similar services and coverage, so it may take something else to help the driver know who to choose. A quick phone call to every insurer that provided a quote will help get a better idea of how well the customer service department works. A polite, knowledgeable staff will be better to work with when filing a future claim or when a policyholder has a question about their policy. Allow the representative to demonstrate how much they know and pay attention to their attitude towards the potential customer. Do they seem irritated by the questions? Are they hurried and trying to get the customer off of the phone? Do they speak calmly with manners?

Additional Benefits
In addition to the customer service provided, other benefits for policyholders can help in comparing car insurance rates. So many agencies have their own Websites now, where bills can be paid online and questions answered without having to speak to a person, at any time of the day or night. Also, check to see if they offer any special discounts that are applicable to the policyholder or other members of the policy, which can help keep prices low. Conveniences such as these could help a person choose which company and quote to purchase.

Knowing the financial stability of an insurer can help predict their ability to pay out any future claims. Check with A.M. Best for a third-party’s knowledge of the company’s financial situation to better choose which quote to purchase.

Student Loan Consolidation

2009-06-15T08:13:00.000+05:30

Private student loan consolidation basics:

Competitive rates make consolidation a great option that allows you to manage all your private student loans in one easy payment
No application or origination fees
You may apply for a Chase Private Consolidation Loan on your own, but having a creditworthy cosigner will reduce your interest rate
The minimum private student consolidation loan amount is $7,500 and the maximum is $150,000, based on credit eligibility
You can apply for a Chase Private Consolidation Loan any time after you graduate, as long as you are in your grace or repayment periods
Your monthly payments can be lower; however, private student loan consolidation may extend your repayment term, increasing your overall financial obligatio

Some Nature Quotes

2009-06-15T06:49:00.001+05:30

A true conservationist is a man who knows that the world is not given by his fathers but borrowed from his children.
Audobon

Nature is the art of God - LA NATURA E L'ARTE DI DIO
Dante Alighieri

Now nature is not at variance with art, nor art with nature; they being both the servants of his providence. Art is the perfection of nature. Were the world now as it was the sixth day, there were yet a chaos. Nature hath made one world, and art another. In brief, all things are artificial; for nature is the art of God.
Sir Thomas Browne, Religio Medici (sec. 16)

God gave us memory so that we might have roses in December.
J.M. Barrie

Nature always tends to act in the simplest way.
Bernoulli

The tree which moves some to tears of joy is in the eyes of others only a green thing that stands in the way. Some see nature all ridicule and deformity . . . and some scarce see nature at all. But to the eyes of the man of imagination, nature is imagination itself.
William Blake

Man is wise and constantly in quest of more wisdom; but the ultimate wisdom, which deals with beginnings, remains locked in a seed. There it lies, the simplest fact of the universe and at the same time the one which calls forth faith rather than reason.
Hal Borland "The Certainty - April 5," Sundial of the Seasons (1964)

Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.
Rachel Carlson

The peace of nature and of the innocent creatures of God seems to be secure and deep, only so long as the presence of man and his restless and unquiet spirit are not there to trouble its sanctity.
Tomas De Quincey, "Preliminary Confessions" (1821- 56)

When Nature has work to be done, she creates a genius to do it.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

To the dull mind nature is leaden; To the illumined mind the whole world burns and sparkles with light
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Nature is a mutable cloud which is always and never the same.
Ralph Waldo Emerson, "History" 1841

Nature uses only the longest threads to weave her patterns, so that each small piece of her fabric reveals the organization of the entire tapestry.
Richard Feynman

A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.
Greek Proverb

Each flower is a soul opening out to nature.
Gérard de Nerval

We do not see nature with our eyes, but with our understandings and our hearts.
William Hazlitt "On Taste" (1859)

The mountains, the forest, and the sea, render men savage; they develop the fierce, but yet do not destroy the human.
Victor Hugo

Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the wind longs to play with your hair.
Kahlil Gibran

If future generations are to remember us with gratitude rather than contempt, we must leave them more than the miracles of technology. We must leave them a glimpse of the world as it was in the beginning, not just after we got through with it.
President Lyndon B. Johnson

Our remnants of wilderness will yield bigger values to the nation's character and health than they will to its pocketbook, and to destroy them will be to admit that the latter are the only values that interest us.
Aldo Leopold, A Plea for Wilderness Hunting Grounds, Outdoor Life, November 1925. Reproduced in Aldo Leopold's Southwest, edited by David E. Brown & Neil B. Carmony, University of New Mexico Press, 1990, pg. 160-161.

In wilderness I sense the miracle of life, and behind it our scientific accomplishments fade to trivia."
Charles A. Lindbergh, Life, 22 December 1967

Forests, lakes, and rivers, clouds and winds, stars and flowers, stupendous glaciers and crystal snowflakes - every form of animate or inanimate existence, leaves its impress upon the soul of man.
Orison Swett Marden (1850-1924) Founder, Success Magazine

When one tugs at a single thing in nature; he finds it attached to the rest of the world.
John Muir

Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountain is going home; that wildness is necessity; that mountain parks and reservations are useful not only as fountains of timber and irrigating rivers, but as fountains of life.
John Muir

The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.
John Muir

As long as I live, I'll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing. I'll interpret the rocks, learn the language of flood, storm, and the avalanche. I'll acquaint myself with the glaciers and wild gardens, and get as near the heart of the world as I can.
John Muir

I do not know what I may appear to the world; but to myself I seem to have been only like a boy playing on the seashore, and diverting myself in now and then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me.
ISAAC NEWTON

The forest is the poor man's overcoat.
New England Proverb

Nobody sees a flower really; it is so small. We haven't time, and to see takes time - like to have a friend takes time.
Georgia O'Keffe

When you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it's your world for the moment. I want to give that world to someone else. Most people in the city rush around so, they have no time to look at a flower. I want them to see it whether they want to or not. .
Georgia O'Keffe

Nature is an infinite sphere of which the center is everywhere and the circumference nowhere.
Pascal

What nature requires is obtainable, and within easy reach. It is for the superfluous we sweat.
Seneca, Letters to Lucilius

It is not so much for its beauty that the forest makes a claim upon men's hearts, as for that subtle something, that quality of air that emanation from old trees, that so wonderfully changes and renews a weary spirit.
Robert Louis Stevenson

I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essentail facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.
Henry David Thoreau

"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived."
Henry David Thoreau

In wildness is the preservation of the world.
Henry David Thoreau - speech at Concord Lyceum, 23 April 1851 and subsequently, in Thoreau's essay "Walking", Atlantic Monthly, June 1862 (v.9 no. 56)

Human subtelty will never devise an invention more beautiful, more simple or more direct than does Nature, because in her inventions, nothing is lacking and nothing is superfluous.
Leonardo da Vinci

"Trees give peace to the souls of men."
Nora Waln correspondent 1895-1964

To protect what is wild is to protect what is gentle. Perhaps the wilderness we fear is the pause within our own heartbeats, the silent space that says we live only by grace. Wilderness lives by this same grace.
Terry Tempest Williams

Come forth into the light of things. Let nature be your teacher.
William Wordsworth

One impulse from a vernal wood
May teach you more of man,
Of moral evil and of good,
Than all the sages can. William Wordsworth

Wanna Get Information About Hotel Of Nepal?

2009-06-14T23:23:00.000+05:30

If u are coming Nepal and wanna stay on a good hotel then this is best for u because here is something on detail on hotels

Hotel Yak and Yeti
Hotel Yak and Yeti, is a premier five-star deluxe oasis in the heart of Kathmandu, Nepal. Modern day sophistication greets cultural heritage in the ample grounds of the 100-year-old palace and newly designed structure of the hotel. Find refuge among antique fountains, gilded temples and emerald gardens as you remain just moments away from all the shops and adventure of the Kathmandu city, located at Durbar Marg.

The hotel has total of 270 rooms divided into standard & deluxe categories. A 120-room hotel with 5 star amenities started it’s operation in 01st September, 1977. After a successful run of 12 years, the need was felt to enhance the hotel’s size and facilities.

Now an extension of 150 deluxe rooms and suites have been built (designed to harmonize with the special features of the Lal Durbar) to supplement the existing accommodation, bringing the total number of rooms available in the hotel to 270 rooms.

Along with the construction of the new (Durbar) wing, a brand new porte-cochere, lobby, a new lobby bar, shopping arcade, an atrium, a second swimming pool and two tennis courts have also been constructed, whilst the Café Restaurant has been extended and upgraded, along with the refurbishment of the existing guest room wing. Following this renovation program is the inclusion of a brand new Club Nirvana Fitness Center complete with state-of-the-art gymnasium and spa. Hotel Yak & Yeti has a comprehensive Business Centre and is the first hotel in Kathmandu offering a much sought after exclusive Executive floor and Club Shangri-La. Facilities on this floor include 24-hour butler service, a private lounge for breakfast and cocktails, a boardroom, and in-room outlets for fax machines and computers, which can be rented.

With the historic character of the hotel and the new and upgraded facilities, the Yak & Yeti will continue to be the city’s leading luxury business and leisure hotel. Although it is an ultra modern hotel, the traditional Nepali architectural features have been preserved.

Some of the display carved windows are more than 200 years old. It captures the old charm and style of Kathmandu, while providing the international quality standards of accommodation and dining facilities.

The embodiment of history, legend and tradition, the Hotel Yak and Yeti is a perfect blend of contemporary international standards and time-honored tradition. Explore Nepal's rich cultural heritage while finding solace in the luxurious comfort of this former Rana Palace.

Rest in the neo-classical Lal Durbar or Red Palace, built more than a century ago by the then Prime Minister Bir Shumshere Jung Bahadur Rana. A centerpiece of the Yak and Yeti's impressive hotel, the meticulously restored, Lal Durbar now houses two historic restaurants, banquet rooms, a grand ballroom and casino. Comfortably manicured rooms, striking Himalayan views, and its premier location make the Yak and Yeti an obvious destination for business and for travel.

Hyatt Regency Kathm

Hyatt Regency Kathmandu is a luxury 5 star city resort hotel situated 10 Km from the city centre of Kathmandu, Nepal, on the road to Boudhanath Stupa - the most holy of Tibetan Buddhist shrines outside Tibet. The hotel is 4 Km from Tribhuvan International Airport and very close to the business district and shopping areas. The Boudhanath Stupa is within ten minutes walking distance from the hotel. The hotel is also host to Club Oasis Spa, a sanctuary of calm in Kathmandu, Nepal. Introducing the timeless quality of Nepal's rich and fascinating culture represented in the arts and architecture, Hyatt Regency Kathmandu with 290 rooms is set on 37 acres of artistically landscaped grounds. The hotel is four kilometres from Tribhuvan International Airport and very close to the business district and shopping areas. The Boudhanath Stupa is within ten minutes walking distance from the hotel. The hotel offers International standards of service and accommodation to the discerning traveler.

Developed by Taragaon Regency Hotels Limited, Hyatt Regency Kathmandu is a distinct mark of fine architecture and craftsmanship. The property houses four world class outlets with a banqueting area of 13,630ft/1266m with the city's most sophisticated and technologically advanced conference and meeting facilities.

There are various dining options in the hotel: The Café, which serves Nepali, Indian and Continental cuisine, overlooks the landscaped garden and swimming pool with a view of the Boudhanath Stupa; The Terrace, set amidst the gardens, near the poolside, serves light snacks and drinks; the cosmopolitan Rox Restaurant & Bar serves traditional European cuisine – Rox is also a good place to have a drink and there is also a nightclub for after-dinner dancing..

Inspiring Boudhanath Stupa and serene garden views are yours in a 36-sq.-metre room featuring one king bed, granite bath with tub and walk-in shower, and separate work area with high-speed Internet access. Wooden flooring and Tibetan hand-woven carpeting reflect the surrounding culture, and deluxe amenities such as daily local newspaper and plush Terry robes allow for a relaxing stay.

Kathmandu offers activities such as visiting numerous Stupas, temples, National Parks, white-water rafting and Hot-air balloon rides, mountain flights. Within the Hotel guest are offered many activities including a pool, tennis courts, a spa, and nearby golf.

Nepal is a landlocked South Asian country bordered by the People’s Republic of China to the North and India to the South, East and West. The Himalayas, which hosts 8 of the world’s 10 highest mountains, including Mt. Everest, is located on the Northern region of Nepal. Nepal is approximately 56,827 square miles in area and trapezoidal in shape. It is a unique travel destination with diverse geography, from incomparable snow-capped mountain ranges to colorful valleys and plains, ancient architecture, art and culture, vivid traditional festivities, religious and spiritual symbolism are prevalent in every aspect of Nepali life and can be seen everywhere. Kathmandu is Nepal’s capital and also its largest city. Kathmandu is located in the Kathmandu Valley along with the cities of Patan and Bhaktapur.

Location
The hotel is four kilometres from Tribhuvan International Airport and very close to the business district and shopping areas. The Boudhanath Stupa is within ten minutes walking distance from the hotel.

Directions
Approximately ten minutes drive from Tribhuvan International Airport. On exiting the airport, turn right onto the ring road, right again at Pashupatinath towards Chabahil and take another right at Chabahil roundabout to Boudha.

Radisson Hotel Kathmandu
An international standard hotel in a modern design, with eight floors providing dramatic views of the surrounding mountains. This hotel is located in Lazimpat and is situated in the heart of the city adjacent to the Royal Palace and is just minutes away from all the attractions, including the exciting Thamel district-full of the city's Restaurants and Nightlife, the historic Durbar Square, Durbar Marg and many of the main temples. The hotel is 9 km or 25 minutes drive from Tribhuwan International Airport, and has 163 beautifully appointed rooms, including terrace rooms with private outdoor terrace, suites, a presidential suite, 2 exclusive floors of Plaza Club rooms with club lounge.

This Kathmandu lodging offers 160 beautifully appointed modern rooms, which include Superior Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, Club Rooms and Suites. Our Kathmandu, Nepal hotel's rooms boast high-speed Internet, mini bar, safety deposit locker, hair dryer, direct dial telephone, satellite television, iron/ironing board, automatic wake-up call and more. All rooms and suites are all fully air conditioned, as well. In short, we provide everything you need to feel at home during your Kathmandu vacation or business trip.

Whether you're here to work or to rest, we have what you need to be comfortable. Our Kathmandu hotel's amenities include a Business Center and full laundry and valet service. When it's time to relax, you, as a guest of the Radisson Hotel Kathmandu, can enjoy a rooftop swimming pool and a full-service Health Club with sauna, steam rooms and exercise facilities. It's the perfect way to stay fit during your Kathmandu, Nepal travel experience.

The Radisson Hotel Kathmandu, Nepal provides the best in flexible, well-appointed meeting and banquet space, as it can host up to 800 people. Some of our unique meeting facilities include the large exhibit center and Waterfall Garden. We are definitely the ideal location for your next meeting or event, and with the expertise of our Kathmandu, Nepal hotel's professional staff, your gathering is sure to go smoothly.

The Fun Café, our Kathmandu hotel's all-day restaurant, offers delicious menu items and themed buffets featuring both Western and Asian specialties. This Kathmandu hotel's Olive Garden, a multi-cuisine restaurant specializes in Indian, Chinese and Italian dishes, while the Splash Bar and Grill serves poolside snacks and beverages. The Corner Bar provides exotic cocktails in a relaxing atmosphere. You don't have to leave the hotel to enjoy fine dining at some of the best restaurants in Nepal.

For More Information Visit on:
www.hotelnepal.com

The Bored Jacket

2009-06-13T14:59:00.000+05:30

I wan to talk a intresting thing with you all friends.
Takkiainen is a jacket for lonely or bored people. It is designed to help the wearer to get in contact with others. Since we brush against each other every day as we move around in the city, we can use our clothes as a medium for meeting people and communicating with them. The jacket is made out of Velcro strips of different widths that have been sewn together side by side to form alternating hook and pile stripes. When these materials touch each other, they grab onto each other. The lonely user can be happily connected with other loners simply by walking around in the jacket. Even babies can be attached to their parents.

Which Auto Insurance Company is the Best?

2009-06-12T20:30:00.000+05:30

Hello friend Are you going to do your insurance? Are you thinking about which company is best for you then this is so helpful for you because there is some information for best company.

There are so many auto insurance companies out there vying for your attention, claiming they will give you the lowest possible price while providing the best service. Between the highly popular companies and the local companies, it can be a bit confusing to decide on which company is better suited for you. While everyone is trying to find the best one out there, the answer just might be that no one particular company is the best auto insurance choice for every driver. Each driver has their own list of priorities for an insurance company and expectations that they must meet before they are chosen.

Are you looking for an auto insurance company? Drivers who begin the search for their first auto insurance company or who want to change the insurer they are currently with need to know some things to look for in their next auto insurance provider. Always start off by making a list of things that are important to you; things that should be provided by the insurer to make your experience with them as pleasant as possible. If you are not sure what to look for or what additional expectations to have, read our suggestions below to help better explore your option.

Auto Insurance

2009-05-28T15:06:00.000+05:30

Hello friend, today i am writing about Auto insurance, i think this article will make some knowledge to you. I am writing about Auto-Insurance quote. These are as following Auto Insurance - Using Today's Methods

Gone are the days of calling for an appointment to go into an auto insurance provider's office for a quote. Here the agents come to YOU. Using our free tool you will get multiple auto insurance quotes tailored to you within minutes of filling out our simple short form. You can then compare them side by side to find the best prices and coverage before making your choice on an auto insurance policy.

Auto Insurance - It's The Law

Auto insurance requirements by law vary state by state. This can get confusing especially when you combine the requirements of your bank if you carry a loan on your car. Rest assured, our system and team of experts will instantly filter the results of your request to get you the right options you're looking for as well as required by law to have. Auto insurance agents will gladly answer any questions and go over each option with you to help in your decision.

Protect Your Investment!

While a car may not exactly be an investment in conventional terms, there is often a lot of money tied up in it. You must make sure your auto insurance covers you fully in the case that the unexpected happens. There are many options to consider such as rental coverage, deductible, and whether you're covered if you're at fault. All of these things can have a major impact on the cost of your auto insurance policy, yet they should still be considered.

Today on history in Nepal

2009-05-23T11:14:00.000+05:30

Today is the day when a community radio was started in nepal ehhich is first community radio in the south asian countries. this is the first radio which is devloped in south asia. This is a so important day for nepal in south asian reason . the radio is stayed in pokhara and the radio name is Radio Sagarmatha.

THE CHANGING FACE FOR CONSTRUCTION

2009-05-21T16:23:00.000+05:30

The optimum utilization of space has always been a matter of great concern for this highly commercialized world. A rapid construction on top of this would certainly save a considerable time for erection of any structure. Dry construction concept is therefore steadily gaining ground as the construction mode of choice.No doubt the most common building materials for construction in Nepal are still stone or bricks in cement mortar, iron, wood, glass and very rarely steel too. These materials however have their own merits and demerits too. The major demerits with the wet construction are the mess it create at the construction site and requirement of long lead time for curing. Besides, the traditional system of construction consumes a lot of space too.As an ideal alternative for the brick wall construction and other conventional wood based material, Fibre reinforced cement sheets have just emerged in our country. They form a readymade, sandwiched panel of two fibre- reinforced cement sheets enclosing a light weight core composed of Portland cement, binders and a mix of siliceous and micaceous material aggregate. Unfortunately no such manufacturing industry exist in Nepal, and importing it from India makes it slightly expensive material.With the use of ready made Prefab panels, a 4 roomed house can be built within 3 to 5 weeks. These panels are light – weight, and can be easily dismantled and rebuilt at new site with minimum effort. The panels are fixed at the site with pre designed steel framing, and joined with each other with tongue and groove joint which facilitates the rapid construction with minimum effort. The distributors claim that the tongue groove joint make the wall resistant to earthquake too. The wall coverage, on the other hand, with this panel is minimum, with 2 inch wall thickness. These panels are both sound and moisture proof and its high U value provide necessary insulation for the thermal comfort.

2009-05-21T16:09:00.000+05:30

1 Foundation Course2 Professional Courses3 After C. A final
1. Foundation course
Who can apply ?Those who have passed Higher Secondary Examination (10+2) or PCL or equivalent and graduates who have secured less than specified marks can apply for the Foundation Course.
One can register for Foundation Course provisionally at any time after having appeared in the Higher Secondary or PCL or equivalent examination. However, such registration will be confirmed after satisfactory proof of having passed the examination, is furnished within a period of six months from the date of provisional registration. Failure to comply with this condition will result in cancellation of provisional registration, forfeiture of fees paid and denial of credit for theoretical instructions undergone.
Registration to the Foundation CourseRegistration is open through the year. Summer Examination is held in June and winter examination is held in December every year. For appearing summer Examination the registration must be completed on or before 15th Shrawan (end of July) and for winter Examination on or before 15th Magh (end of January) of the preceding year. Application form along with the prospectus is available at the Institute at a cost of Rs. 100.00
The Fee StructureThe fee for the Foundation Course is Rs. 7,500.00 to be paid at the time of registration. It includes cost of study materials, library membership, Pre-exam test paper and subscription of newsletter.
2. Professional Courses
It is divided into two parts:
A. Intermediate
Who can apply?Passed in Foundation Course or Commerce Graduate or Master degree securing 50% in aggregate, or graduate in other subjects with Mathematics securing 60% in aggregate, or without Mathematics securing 55%, For the purpose of above criterion the term ‘graduate’ will not cover a graduate or post graduate in music, photography sculpture, fine-arts and the like.
Registration to the CA Intermediate CourseRegistration for the CA course is open throughout the year. Examination is held in summer and winter every year. For appearing summer examination the registration must be completed on or before 15th Jesth (end of May) and for winter Examination on or before 15th Mangsir (end of November). The application- form along with prospectus is available at the Institute at a cost of Rs. 150.00.
The Fee
The fee for the Intermediate is Rs. 15,000/- payable at the time of registration, which includes the cost of material, library membership, and subscription of newsletters.
B. Final
Following conditions must be fulfilled before appearing the CA Final Examination.1. Must Have passed both groups of Intermediate Examination2. Has completed the prescribed period of practical training (3 years) or has yet to serve not more than 360 days of articleship prior to the first day of the month in which Examination is held.In case of candidates appearing in the Final Examination, after completion of three years practical training, no time interval between the first appearance at the Final Exam is required.
The FeeThe fee for the Final is Rs. 10,000/- payable at the time of registration, which includes the cost of material, library membership, and subscription of newsletters.
Provision of Pre-Exam Test SchemeStudents are required to complete the Pre-exam test schemes before appearing the examination. There will be two pre-exam test. The first test is called Postal Test and the second test is called Hall test. The students are required to pass in atleast two papers (minimum one from Hall test) in each paper in order to be eligible to appear for the Examination. Pre-exam test scheme for final examination is optional.
ArticleshipDuring the period of the study the student must undergo articleship for a period of 3 years as an articled trainee under a practicing Chartered Accountant . The list of chartered Accountants eligible to provide articleship is available at the Institute. RA members are exempt for articleship.
3. After CA Final
After successful completion of CA Intermediate and Final examination, one can be a member of the Institute and use the distinctive letters of FCA or CA. By law, nobody in Nepal is permitted to use the designation of Chartered Accountant without being a member of the Institute.
On becoming a chartered Accountant one may have options for pursuing rewarding career, some of the options are:
Set up independent professional practice
Join a practicing firm of Chartered accountant
Render service in the field of capital market
Engaged in one’s own Industrial or Business undertaking
Take up suitable position in business or Industry.

History of Kathmandu

2009-05-21T15:42:00.000+05:30

Kathmandu, the modern name of the main city of the valley is said to be derived from an ancient building, which stands in the heart of the city near the durbar, Kastamandap (building of wood). Hence Kathmandu means ‘city of wood’.

Traditional Architecture typically consists of a combination of structural wooden frames and brick walls. The wooden structural frames are in most cases carved that they look more decorative then structural.

Type of wood used in construction
Sal tree from the Terai region is most popularly used for structural works as well as to craft windows and doors for it is very strong and durable wood. Apart from Sal, other species of wood used are Gwasasi, Salla, Utis, Chaap, Haldup and Sisau.

Use of wood
One of the most interesting features of this wood construction technique is the assembly of different components using special joints for each element, nearly always avoiding the use of fixing devices made from materials other than wood. This means that subsequent repair operations are relatively easy, as only the deteriorated components need to be replaced.
Roofing
Wood technology is particularly evident in roofing systems and gives the architecture its distinct Newar style of a steep roof pitch and large
overhanging eaves. The Nepali roof has an essential role to protect the building from severe monsoon rains and from often extreme exposure to sun, particularly strong at high altitudes. In general climatic conditions have influenced the overall Nepali architectural forms.

Temple roofs
Temple roofs have symmetrical pitches springing from the central point of the cell. The number of tiers varies from a minimum of two to a maximum of five. The pitches are made up of small rafters that spring from the corners in a radial arrangement. At the different levels they are supported on the walls. On the outer side there is a large overhang supported by an eaves beam which in turn is supported by carved wooden struts. All elements are joined using wooden wedges.

Domestic roofs
Domestic roofs generally have two steep pitches of about 40-50 degrees in order to make full use of the
available space. A ridge beam rests on a central pillar and on the lateral gable walls to form the structure. Two principal rafters are tied up to the central pillar, leaning against the lateral walls on a wooden wall plate which transfers the thrust to the walls. Purlins rest on the principal rafters
and then secondary rafters rest on these purlins following the slope of the roof. These extend beyond to wall to form the overhanging eaves. The wooden elements are held together using wooden wedges

BANDWIDTH, BROADBAND SPEED TEST, VOIP AND IPTV EXPLAINED

2009-05-19T19:03:00.000+05:30

BANDWIDTH, BROADBAND SPEED TEST, VOIP AND IPTV EXPLAINEDBroadband Speed Test, Bandwidth Test, Internet Speed Test, Connection Test, it doesn't matter what we call them, it's the end result and how you get there that matters. Whether you use Cable, DSL, ADSL, FIOS, T1 or Satellite as your ISP, it's important to know the bandwidth, capacity and operational status of your connection and it's just as important to get this information from a reliable source. Your results data is only as good as the provider of the results.Regardless of your provider; Comcast, Roadrunner, Bright House, Verizon, Cox, Bell South, AT&T, Charter, Earthlink, DirecWay or SkyBlue our internet speed test results and connection diagnostics will be reliable. ISPgeeks.com staff have spent 3 years testing countless servers, datacenters, speed test and performance software, connection diagnostics and bandwidth analysis software. We've packaged the perfect suite of servers, tools and diagnostics to evaluate almost any connection issue. We constantly quality monitor every server to insure that consistent results are obtained regardless of your location within the America's and United Kingdom. We proudly use the Ookla speed test engine and Visualware MCS Diagnostics, the most respected in the industry on OUR servers. To interpret those results we have some of the best minds in the broadband and technology industry (after all that's what we do in our day jobs). At ISPgeeks.com, broadband, bandwidth and tech support isn't just a hobby, it's a passion.

Quality in international education on abroad

2009-05-18T12:36:00.000+05:30

Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) is a household acronym with academic bureaucrats who set goals and try to define cost-effective approaches for our colleges and universities. Traditional approaches to quality control are being swept aside, extended, or reinvigorated as U.S. higher education is pushed towards ever higher levels of accomplishment and assessment. Unfortunately, this trend does not include international education and student and faculty exchanges. The now somewhat discredited practice of regional accreditation of higher education institutions has mostly overlooked education abroad. Evaluation depends on the willingness of the U.S. institution to organize and to pay for an on-site visit to the program or institution abroad. Few U.S. institutions have felt the need to do this.
If education abroad really is important to American colleges and universities, as more and more admissions officers claim in their undergraduate recruitment literature, the assessment of quality must also be important. Study abroad will not achieve the major recognition it should have if: 1) the colleges and universities that offer it do not see it as an integral part of their ongoing educational programs, and 2) international education is not evaluated as part of regular academic offerings instead of as an exceptional opportunity.
Efforts to evaluate the quality of education abroad have tended to focus on the smooth functioning of a program and the student's satisfaction with and academic performance in it. The main concerns of the American colleges and universities that offer study abroad programs are the health and safety of students in the program, program funding (is it sufficient to cover basic costs plus those extra facilities and services needed to assure quality?), and the effectiveness of student selection and advising.
The common practice of study abroad programs to ask students to fill out questionnaires on their experience abroad tends to focus on students' reactions to the program and their stay in the foreign country. Students are asked questions such as how satisfied they were with the academic program, the extent and quality of their interaction with the host culture, and, if a foreign language country was involved, how they would rate their proficiency in the language at the beginning and end of the program.
Responses to these kinds of questions are useful to program administrators who wish to improve a program, to strengthen student advising, and, assuming student responses are positive, to use in recruitment activities and literature. The information can also be very helpful to prospective student participants as they try to choose among education abroad options.
What is surprising is that-given tighter budgets and growing pressures for accountability and "value for money"-more U.S. colleges and universities are not demanding that programs abroad be evaluated on the basis of how they compare with home-campus academic programs. While study abroad is still not generally regarded as an integral part of the curriculum, there are some important exceptions, such as some of the Univ. of California's education abroad programs.
Concern with quality in education abroad will make a quantum leap when courses taken in study abroad programs are regarded as important as those taken on the home campus courses in fulfilling degree requirements. When that time comes, the evaluation of the quality of study abroad will take on a whole new-highly important and long overdue-dimension, and the contribution of study abroad to the quality of higher education will be better understood.

Qatar: a high-energy transformation

2009-05-18T12:20:00.000+05:30

With less than 4,500 square miles of territory to its name, the state of Qatar is only about the same size as the English county of Yorkshire. But despite its tiny size, the emirate has enormous ambition. In June, the country's capital, Doha, only narrowly failed to make the shortlist of the four cities vying to host the 2016 Olympic Games. That Doha was able to mount such a credible attempt to compete alongside Chicago, Madrid, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo speaks volumes about Qatar's audacious vision of its future, and increasingly, its ability to realise that vision. It is not only in the sporting arena that Qatar has aspirations on a global scale. The state has a robust plan to transform itself into one of the world's leading international financial and business centres. While obviously a huge task, Qatar's ambition is backed up by its enormous national wealth, rapidly advancing knowhow, and the development of first-rate infrastructure and institutions. Driving the emirate's desire to become a champion in financial services is its recognition of the importance of diversifying its economy. Beneath its limited territory lie vast reserves of natural resources. Within two years, the nation is set to become the world's largest producer of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Around a quarter of the UK's entire LNG supply will soon come from Qatar. But while oil and gas will remain central to national prosperity for decades, the authorities have astutely decided to exploit this wealth to develop interests beyond energy. The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) is a central pillar of the strategy to transform the nation's economy. Established in 2005, the QFC is responsible for attracting top blue-chip firms to the country, and is also charged with acting as watchdog so far for the firms licensed by the QFC. Its remit will be widened to cover the entire financial sector in the coming 2 years. It has already enjoyed early successes in both of its primary tasks, with business licences granted to a number of household-name players and establishing a regulatory system modelled on tried and tested models from elsewhere.

finding the best auto insuranse compony

2009-05-18T12:16:00.000+05:30

It is a fact, that each individual person will be the best judge of what is considered to be the ‘best’ and as will be discussed later, how to find the ‘cheapest’ auto insurance. Every person is unique and also is their auto insurance needs; therefore, it is very likely that the specific needs and expectations of one person will be quite different from any other person. When investigating the factors involved in finding the company that offers the best auto insurance, there are some things to keep in mind while you are searching.

Seafood and Society

2009-05-18T11:50:00.000+05:30

The importance of seafood in the human diet greatly around the world, in the united State, consumption is roughly 7 kilogram (about 15 pounds) per person per year. That amount is small compared with various other nations. While seafood consumption in many nations was once largely dependent on locally captured or cultured species, (globalization a systematic infrastructures and logistic movement) have made a variety of sea foods available throughout the world including a developed country like Nepal. The popularity of seafood has increased in recent years because it is seen as being a health-promoting food source. Many sea foods have high levels of a type of fat that is regarded as healthy by medical researchers. Salmon is an example of a fairly fatty fish that fits this category. Other species, such as halibut, are very low in fat, so they are popular with people who want to limit their daily fat intake.

dc laser hair removal washington

2009-05-14T16:26:00.000+05:30

Laser hair removal in Washington DC is quickly becoming one of the most popular cosmetic procedures for both men and women. If you are sick and tired of shaving, waxing, or tweezing unwanted hair on a daily or weekly basis, and are looking for a more permanent solution, we have exactly what you need. Many men and women are turning to the latest trend in hair removal - the laser. For those interested in our revolutionary non-invasive procedure, here are all the facts that you need to know before you go under the light. This procedure has been hyped around the globe as the permanent solution to unwanted hair removal and has shown great promise in delivering on that claim. However, before investing your valuable time and hard earned money into Laser Hair Removal treatments, we suggest you do a little research.
The effect of removing unwanted hair by laser was first discovered by dermatologists in the late 1960s. Dermatologists discovered that during treatment for skin conditions with lasers, the removal of hair in the treatment area happened to be a side effect and because of this, lasers have been studied extensively for years for their hair removal effectiveness. Many different types of lasers have since been approved by the FDA and now professional treatments for Laser Hair Removal in Washington DC are available to all interested residents.

Einstein and his driver

2009-05-14T15:58:00.000+05:30

The story is that Albert Einstein's driver used to sit at the back of the hall during each of his lectures, and after a period of time, remarked to Einstein that he should probably give the lecture himself, having heard it several times. So at the next stop on the tour, Einstein sitting at the back, in driver's uniform. The driver gave the lecture ,flawlessly. At the end , a member of the audience asked a detailed question about some of the subject matter, upon which the lecture replied,"Well,the answer to the question is quite simple I bet that my driver sitting up at the back. There, could answer it."

Global warming and tourisam

2009-05-12T14:34:00.000+05:30

most of the tourisams are based on the natural resourse. in our country nepal most of the richest persons are become rich by the use of our natural resourse because most of visitors or tourist come in nepal to take enjoy of the natural environment. that's why they follow the environmental tourisam and they become successful person, but now a days the devlop countrys are making alot polution making gadjet so that global warming is increasing, it is not efficting that country nowbut like our country nepal or others which is totaly dependent on the natuer are getting problems, tourisam rate are going down so that most of people's was lost their job many resturant, hotal, resorts are closed in these days and many are get ready to close. i think, the rate of the global warming decrease a little if take changes in your life style, leave your personal vehicle and use public vehicle in your daily life, if you use cycle that is a good choise to decrease global warming and polution and it is also good for health this is one point how can we decrease global warming. if we use any type of precaution to decrease warming a lot of persons

How we can earn money in our free time?

2009-05-11T14:30:00.000+05:30

If you are a student of high school level and you are searching part time job for incease your pocket money than this article is so effictive for you. Because i am also a high school level student and i was also search job for my pocket money but i didn't find any suitable job but now i am earning a good salary with the help of online job by utilize my free time in my daily life.now i can handle my self and i can help my parents.nowa days my parents are happy with my help. If you are also want earn money by utilizing your free time then join online job.You and your parents will become happy.

say no to drug

2009-05-10T07:07:00.000+05:30

drug is a poison which kills a person slowly,drug is a dangerous thing which has spoilt a lot of young people and not only young people, it has been deteriorating our society and the people have lost prestige, wealth, career, health, relatives. that's why, we should be far away from this drug. I would like to advise you that please donot spoil your life in to drug.because i have seen alot of person,who have lost their life and relatives.And a drug addicted boy,my freind lost his life aom days later, so that i would like to also advise to say no to smoke because smoking is the first phase of addiction of drug.