Leading a healthy lifestyle and acquiring well-shaped body has always been a major priority for men & women across the world. In addition to several modern weight-reduction techniques, the latest mobile technology has recently joined hands to curb this issue with the introduction of intelligent range of Smartphone Apps that promote fitness. Let us take a look at the most popular Smartphone Applications that have been launched in this direction:
Sports Tracker App is designed for all kinds of Smartphone & Android enabled handsets. This application displays a scoreboard with the exact time for sunrise & sunset in order to plan an outdoor workout accordingly. Sports Tracker App is accessible for free and is equipped with a camera button with which one can click his/her snaps while working out. Two of the most noticeable drawbacks of this free mobile application are:
Similar to the above mentioned mobile application, Endomondo Sports Tracker also works specifically with Android enabled High-end handsets. This app includes a wide range of sports activities like rollerblading, road cycling, skating, kayaking, biking, hiking, golfing etc. It allows you to document the exact route details, calculate metrics and keep a track of the specific amount of calories that are burnt during every session. This application not only provides vital details of one’s personal workout session but simultaneously registers the information on the Web. Endomondo Sports Tracker is one of the most prominent mobile fitness apps that keeps a tab on an individual’s live performance data and makes it viewable for everyone else. It also displays your exact geographic location to your friends who use this app .You can also choose to download the free version of this application with limited features. Those who wish to acquire an in-depth analysis of their workouts must opt for the premium version.
Those who indulge in frequent cardio workouts can benefit immensely with the Runtastic Personal Tracking Application. In addition to giving essential workout tips, the application also restricts an individual’s workout session on the basis of his/her body-type, age & additional factors. It is always favorable to use the paid version of this application, although subscribing to the free version would also help you in efficiently calculating the vital statistics. By opting for a paid version you can successfully compare your personal workout from the present & previous session. Two vital characters of this application, namely: Julia & William play an important part of explaining the workouts to the user. They also grant valuable feedback on your performance so that you can determine your physical capacity for optimum weight-loss results.
These virtual gadgets have made it easier to build & maintain a healthy body. If you have a GPS enabled Smartphone this is the right time to explore & benefit from this amazing mobile technology.
Driverless cars – that sound straight from science fiction, are only an inch away from becoming a reality. Another name for the driverless cars, autonomous cars has been a focus of research by the internet search firm Google who is now close to launching its first vehicle in Nevada, USA. The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles has cleared the Google autonomous cars which now have a valid license and will soon be seen in the public highways. The Toyota Prius which has been modified by Google will lead the way for driverless car soon. Other models on which Google is currently working on are the Audi TT and Lexus RX450h.
How does a driverless car drive?
The driverless car from Google is mounted with video cameras, radar sensors and a laser range finder to perceive other traffic on the road. The system is a combination of Google Street View and artificial intelligence that can process the inputs from the video cameras. The car has a LIDAR sensor on top, radar sensors on the front and a position sensor at the back attached to one of the rear wheels. The position sensor helps to know the position of the car on the map. The driver of an autonomous car can take control of the car anytime by applying brakes or turning the steering wheel.
The Google autonomous car has been tried and tested in the California and San Francisco. The test was a success as the car was able to cover a distance of 140,000 miles without any mishaps with the exception of a bump that came from a car behind it.
Why do we need driverless cars?
One of the most compelling reasons for a driverless car is the need for safety when driving. A majority of accidents occur due to the error or negligence of the drivers, or humans. An autonomous car, running on technology built on sensors and software has less chances of error and no chances of driving in an inebriated state. An autonomous car has a better capability of analyzing the driving conditions such as traffic, congestion or obstructions than human drivers. Another advantage of using autonomous cars is more efficient usage of energy and roadways.
Autonomous Car Licenses
The State of Nevada in the United States has been the pioneer in recognizing the viability of autonomous cars. The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles has been the first to develop procedures to issue licenses to autonomous cars. These changes in the law came into effect in March to allow self –driven cars on the road. The Department has plans to extend these licenses to people who wish to drive these autonomous cars. For now, the first Google autonomous car is issued a license plate that is red in color with an infinity sign next to the number to demarcate it from other cars.
California is the next state that has passed the legislature to allow autonomous cars on its roads and is soon to be followed by Oklahoma, Hawaii and Florida.
A recent procedure developed by scientists makes it possible to determine the genome characteristics of a unborn child without performing invasive techniques such as amniocentesis, etc. The technique is a good news for all expecting parents who have been advised to undergo procedures to determine genetic defects during the pregnancy period. Expecting parents who have a history of genetic problems on either side of the family need not worry about the risks of carrying out genome detection tests anymore.Invasive procedures carry a risk factor
Invasive procedures such as amniocentesis require the amniotic fluid for genome determination tests. Invasive procedures are painful and carry a high risk of miscarriage of about 4 percent. The new non invasive technique developed relies on the blood sample of the pregnant mother and saliva samples of the father to determine if the foetus has a chance of developing genetic defects. While invasive techniques were restricted to be carried out on cases with a high probability of the foetal genetic defects, the non invasive technique allows all expecting parents to know detailed genetic information that was previously not possible.
DNA Report
The non invasive tests are particularly useful to ascertain anomalies such as Mendelian disorders, Marfan Syndrome and other genetic problems that lead to mental retardation and other serious problems. With the full DNA information about the unborn child available as early as in the first trimester, parents have the option to decide whether to bring the pregnancy to term or not.
Moral and Ethical implications
While the non invasive technique makes testing easier, it raises a lot of questions on morality and ethics. However, it needs to be understood that brining up children born with debilitating disabilities is extremely tough for parents especially when there is no support system for them. Some may argue that the non invasive technique makes it easier for people to find a reason to abort their foetus without a strong medical basis. It is therefore unfortunate that medical procedures that are developed keeping in mind the best interests of the expecting mother and her unborn child are prone to being misused.
Medical research and law
What needs to be kept in mind here is the fact that non invasive procedures for determining the genome structure of an unborn child cuts down the risks of miscarriage while giving a full DNA report. Parents now have the chance to make a completely informed decision based on the DNA report. Such painless, risk free non invasive pre natal diagnosis tests help expecting parents to be better prepared. That such progressive medical procedures are not misused becomes the responsibility of the lawmakers of the country who need to revise the existing laws according to the advancement in technology and medical research.
Loads of stress, constant partying sessions, round the clock schedules and drinking habits can take a toll on any, including celebrities. The latest medicinal trend which is already widespread among several celebrities and is slowly yet steadily being accessed by non Hollywood individuals is that of Vitamin IV drip. It is medically established that certain conditions necessitate the delivery of vitamins in the patient’s system through the intravenous route. Yes, but this route seems to be gaining popularity among many for immunity boosting effects and so on.
Many Hollywood stars have already become the recipients of this new form of treatment that invades the vein with an energy rich drip. This growing health craze needs just a prick and the session goes on for approximately twenty to forty minutes. This vitamin infusion supposedly results in elevation and suppression of energy and stress levels respectively. However, medical experts do not completely agree and state that the ongoing ‘fad’ practice has little or nil health benefits associated with it.
On the contrary, the quick yet invasive method of intravenous infusion poses much more risks as compared to the normal route of oral ingestion. Recently, sensational music singer Rihanna uploaded her picture on a social networking site while happily receiving ‘party girl’ vitamin drip. The reason behind such route of administration was to relieve her of elevated exhaustion and strengthen her immunity. The market of celebrities includes not just her, but also Simon Cowell, diva Madonna too!
What’s in This Magic Potion?
The intravenous ‘power’ solution apparently contains either only one vitamin such as Vitamin C or is sometimes packed with various nutrients including Vitamin B12, Magnesium, and Zinc etc. Reports state that several recipients feel ‘rejuvenated and alive’ post the infusion. For example- the troublesome episode of headache after a night full of alcohol consumption at a party disappears substantially and so does the bloodshot eyes.
Prevention And Research Centre at Yale University along with its director, Dr. David Katz mentions that the human body is best designed to receive all the basic nutrients via the gastro intestinal tract. The exception to this occurs in those conditions wherein people are facing trouble in absorbing nutrients through their tract.
Limited Term Benefits
It is true that the IV route does allow the vitamins to get transported to the blood stream in no time as compared to the oral route of administration. However, the long term effects of this
vitamin drip are yet to be confirmed. Many practicing medical professionals believe that the ‘re- energised’ benefit many report can be linked to the placebo effect. This effect is a phenomenon that makes people feel ‘better than before’ after the drip session only because they strongly believe it works.
The Danger of Risks
Vitamin drip holds a possibility of causing bruises, infection, inflammation of the vein etc. Each nutrient has a recommended dose level and if the inaccurate dose is administered, there’s a risk that the imbalance can lead to unexpected cardiac attack. Many doctors fear that such infusions can encourage the habit of alcohol consumption and increase
dependence on such drips.
Real estate is defined as a property that comprises of any land area with either constructions on it, or natural resources such as crops, water etc. Similarly, real estate investment covers any of the following: purchasing, owning, managing, and sale or rental of one’s property for monetary gain. Real estate investing forms one of the most prevalent ways used by individuals to become wealthy.
Here’s How to Explore Your Gains
One can initiate by purchasing real estate such as a house, an apartment, commercial space, retail space, etc followed by renting it out. You can surely receive monetary gain from the appreciation, assuming that value of your real estate property rises while you have ownership of the property. Whilst renting a property, wouldn’t it be nice to receive a positive cash flow? That means that the rents received monthly are more than sufficient to cover all mortgages, property taxes, plus many other expenses! And the best part is that one can still be left with some profit.
Do note that while you pay down your mortgage which comes from the tenant, you will steadily earn more equity in the property. This will help you to borrow against the equity and thereby fund many investments and if needed, you can sell the property in hand and finally cash out.
Real estate investment comes with a few tax benefits too. One key role of any Government is to assist in ensuring access to housing for citizens, and thus tax laws indirectly promote real estate development plus investing. While real estate investing does need a substantial amount of money, with creativity you can do deals that don’t need tying up hordes of money and yet provide passive income. You can also work as a dealmaker of real estate and put deals together for others to execute.
Learn More about Real Estate Investment
For example, you can formulate a proposal for a brand new shopping complex, get potential tenants, and then sell off that deal to any real estate developer. End result: You receive a slice of the total revenue. This is a wise way to earn money. Many business ventures as well as organizations hold enormous wealth, all in the form of real estate. Take for example, McDonald’s- They have not only made loads via their tempting offerings but own several street corners all across the world. The Catholic Church is another supreme land owner.
Over time, your property will escalate in value leading to a proportional raise in equity enabling you to own more property against the equity!
However, this is a plan that shows positive results only over a span of time and not overnight. So, careful investment and thorough deliberation is almost mandatory so as to stay away from incurring loss instead of profit. There is no denying that this mode of passive income generation forms a decent route for many, especially those with patience. Who says it’s only ideal for retired people? No, this money can help you immensely even while you are earning.
Make wise decisions and receive real money at regular intervals.
The recent Global House Price Index study by Knight Frank brought to the fore some startling results related to the price rise of real estate across the world. While certain countries recorded high price rise, many countries witnessed a fall in the prices.
Knight Frank LLP, an international residential and commercial property consultancy based in London, together with its associate Newmark Knight Frank of New York, are one of the topmost real estate consultants in the world. The Knight Frank Global House Price Index measures the growth or decline of residential real estate properties in 53 countries across the world and is a much respected study worldwide.
According to the latest report, 58 percent of countries that were monitored by the Price Index saw a decline in the prices of residential units. While South American countries have recorded good growth in residential real estate prices, Europe seems to be in trouble with regard to the state of housing prices in its many countries.
Brazil has emerged as a clear winner with the top place in the Price Index chart with a whopping 23 percent rise in its realty prices. The economic growth of Brazil can be termed as excellent and has had the residential real estate market grow accordingly.
Estonia comes in second position at 13.9 percent while India comes in a close third with 12 percent. Housing prices in India, however, have declined by 0.9 percent in comparison to the previous quarter.
Austria, Germany, Colombia, Turkey, Russia, Iceland and Canada fill in the spots from fourth position to tenth position with a price rise index ranging from 11 percent to 6.8 percent. China on the other hand recorded a decline of 2 percent while Ireland ranked last in the index with decline of 16 percent. While some markets in the world saw favorable conditions for growth, residential markets in countries such as China bore the consequences of economic and banking conditions. The residential real estate market of China suffered due to new lending restrictions imposed on financial institutions, the subsequent difficulties in obtaining bank finance for purchasers, new taxes and laws against multiple properties.
The report noted that the Global House Price Index has recorded its lowest annual performance index since the recession in 2009. It has recorded a growth of only 0.9 percent in the year ending March 2012. Factors such as the uncertainty in countries in Europe, and the Asian governments stand to discourage speculative investments could be the cause of the dip in residential markets in countries of Europe and the Asian sub-continent respectively.
The Knight Frank Global House Price Index is compiled with the help of data provided by the governmental offices of the countries in question as well as central bank data wherever applicable. The Global House Price Index study is published worldwide and has been instrumental in providing strategic advice and property forecasts to several government agencies, real estate developers, banks and other financial institutions and international brands and corporate companies.
One of the biggest scourges to affect mankind is none other than Cancer and that too in a severe way. The number of those unfortunately afflicted with cancer continues to grow every year and it doesn’t seem like the situation is going to reverse. It’s true that cancer therapy constantly works in the favor of cancer patients but the effect of such treatment for survivors is dramatic. Some of the commonly observed consequences include poor health and esthetical problems. A business plan can be based on the above lines that render effective solutions for the above mentioned post therapy cancer effects.
Think Different
Take for instance ‘Skinchanted’ in Peekskill, USA. It is a spa which is owned and run by an oncology certified aesthetician. Even though these cancer fighting therapies such as chemotherapy, medications and ionizing radiation are life saving, they do have a harsh effect on the skin. Some of the skin changes are redness, swelling and itchiness. You too can open up a special spa that offers an array of spa treatments for cancer survivors. But to make any business work, it’s crucial for you to gain command over the services you wish to offer.
For this particular business venture, you’d need information and training in the massage techniques as well as the products for both, the patients undergoing cancer therapies or those who have been successfully treated for cancer. Kerry Kourie’s spa salon is a fine example of how a unique business niche can be established in a traditional market. This particular business holds great potential for all, including you.
If food seems to be where your interest lies, well work on it! You’d think the food industry is already blooming, so why step into it? That’s because the following idea is not based on the usual lines. It is focused on the lot that faces many food choice difficulties owing to allergies, both identified and unidentified ones. You can certainly set up your non allergic restaurant! For that, you do have to work on the following- Study all the recommendations made by the medical professionals and then create a food menu.
This special menu should consist of food options minus the major allergens (there are 11 of them) such as eggs, peanuts, hazelnuts, lactose, mustard, shellfish etc. That’s not all. To make this business more authentic to the targeted customers, you must also incorporate all the details regarding the components included and excluded. This will allow the customers to decide which dish suits their eating style more. Starting this business would ensure double profit as regular customers plus those with food allergies will visit your food joint.
Another business you can set your eyes on is the one that hovers over kids! Be it an event planning for kids’ birthday parties that involves decoration, games, food service or a special photo session, you are definitely in for profit!
Any of the above business set up plans will work, regardless of the state of the economy. If you are in for a new venture, opt for these.
Nothing affects us more than finance matters in today’s advanced age of globalization. Our monetary stance not only gets affected by the ups and downs in finance in our country, but also every significant country in the world. The latest momentous repercussion that we’re all awaiting is the upheaval in Greece that has shaken its politics and finance. Uncertainty looms large due to the impending election tomorrow. Though Greece is a small economy, perennial political paralysis could mean the country making an exit from the Europe’s currency union. Certain experts in the field of finance the world over believe that the impact will not be as huge as expected; however most worry that the financial chaos might cause shudders in the world economy.
The worst outcome could be the crisis spreading its roots to Italy, the third greatest economy in the Euro union, and Spain causing the Euro to destabilize further. The only major threat to the US finance structure is the catastrophe striking the banks in Germany and France. However, the bank stocks in the US, American Express Co., Bank of America Corp. and J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., received a considerable boost at the news of central banks globally gearing up to enter the scene in view of the current European cataclysm. They are positive about holding up the world economy if the election results in Greece cause further financial mayhem globally.
Talking about US banks, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation closed down three banks registering those as financial failures last Friday. This organization will bear the cost of around $100 million as a result of this move. The Security Exchange Bank, GA, The Farmers Bank of Lynchburg, TN and Putnam State Bank, FL were the ones that were shut with the number across US rising to 31.
Another uncertainty and the reason why the finance scenario in the US might show a sign of weakness again is the divided congress, which can preclude steep rise in taxes and unreasonable deductions in spending in the next year. The immediate consequence of such a move, alleviation in demand, could be crucial to the US finance in these times of economic fragility. Entrepreneurs will be wary of investing and hiring as planned, leading to a sluggish growth rate of the US economy. Major business houses confirm being in a harsh situation for a few months to follow due to these uncertainties hovering.
The state of affairs for small businesses looking forward to growth is even worse. There’s not much finance that they can risk in view of present financial insecurity. The world is waiting and so are we. The matters of finance have caused the global economy to shift continually every single day and we are no exception. US will have to take trade decisions with absolute prudence in the coming few months so that we don’t end up in a deeper trench, despite being aware of the harsh realities. Recognizing the need of the hour, numerous companies have started to focus on strengthening trade deals with distant, flourishing economies and being extremely conscious of wavering ones.
Forex trading is, indeed, a complicated trade. You can become a flourishing trader with huge money. Nowadays, anyone can be a good trader because of the internet. The internet is fully loaded with related information. Therefore, you can even earn money- at home- with Forex trading. You can go for it as your main source of income. How to build wealth is no longer a mystery.
By following some functional tips you can become a fine trader. Here are few guidelines that you may find useful. Every success depends on the practice you do.
Be careful while selecting a currency pair. This is a very important step for you to start trading. Keep in mind that some currency pairs are volatile in nature. Until you are not ready to handle this rollercoaster ride, don’t use it.
You should not leave the learning process until you are in Forex trading business. These hints may prove helpful for you. You should keep on finding other sources together with tips so you can get education related to Forex trade. In fact, Forex trading and gambling are similar.
Property investment is very profitable and in the current market situation, they are possibly the most risk free investments for long term. The value of real estate appreciates over time. However, the main reason that this sector is intensely popular is it usually figures in as the dream project- Buying and Building a home. Taking out home loans for this dream project is a necessary but wise decision. If buying a home in Australia, it is all the more important to consider home loans because the current statistics and market trends signify advantage for personal and home loans. Home loan comparison can help you secure the most competitive rates out of all the loan schemes that are available in the market. Some simple steps in this regards include the following.
1. Interest rates: Most definitely, the interest factor figures as the most sought after requisite for any type of loans. You might be increasingly tempted by the various offers on the block, which offer amazingly low rates of interest. However, going in on any deal without a thorough check of the seemingly hidden or undeclared aspects, is not a sound financial decision by any standards. Do your research on the bank/mortgage firm, on the current market trends and calculate the amount of money that you actually require for the project, which you are comfortable enough to repay without further indebting yourself. The rate of interest on the loan will be included in this calculation and the home loan comparison will be based on the installment size and the nature of the rate. Your rate can be flexible at a floatation mark, partially fixed or fixed; the decision depends on your requirements.
2. Duration of the home loan and related insurance costs: Home loans are a big deal. The biggest risk with the loan is that failure to repay the loan can lead to dire consequences with hefty fines and recession of the property. When you calculate your home loan estimate for comparison, figure in the duration of the loan and the size of your installments. Ideally, your investments in real estate and other investments should together amount to about 20% of your income. If your home loan repayment installments increase the limit by more than 5%, it might be a better idea to spread out the installments in affordable chunks over greater loan duration. Check with the bank/mortgage firm, whether mortgage insurance over the loan is levied to your loan amount. If you can, always buy out a mortgage repayment insurance to cover all risks related to the loan.
Evaluation of the various home loans in the market will help you weed out unnecessary gimmick offers that will be tempting but insubstantial in their worth. You will also be able to compare various other aspects such as the documentation and underwriting necessary for the loan grant. Always research the market’s rise, fall, and its influence on the bank/mortgage firm of your choice. Home loan comparison is the best way to determine different information about home loans in general and your loan of choice specifically.
When two individuals decide to get settled and get married they are often content that they will be able to make a good couple. However, once they get into the bond of marriage, they understand the reality. They get to know that it will not be just love that will be required to continue their life post wedding. There are many other issues that are to be focused upon.
The responsibilities that come after marriage, most of the times create problems in life because people tend to be a bit careless. The couple needs to be very cautious in terms of a relationship after wedding to convert the wedding into the marriage of souls.
The issues that were ignored by couples before the marriage get highlighted after marriage. In most of the cases, husband and wife start arguing and get short-tempered rather than tackling the issues. This leads to various problems in their lives. They realize that misunderstandings crop up at various issues.
Some of the issues newly married couples face in the first year of marriage pertain to the changes developing in their relation. There are family problems as the couple has to face a totally new life together. There are lots of adjustments that are made in this relation after marriage. Sometimes, you may need to be tight-lipped on your spouse’s unexpected behavior.
Some of the issues newly married couples face in the first year of marriage include financial issues. It is a very sensitive issue in a relationship after marriage. The couple has to be very cautious and their decisions should match. This is essential because the husband and the wife after getting married have to make combined decisions because it is the matter of their life. All the expenditure that has to be included in your daily living has to be very effectively considered. It has to be kept in mind that financial needs will grow after your marriage. Lack of finances can cause major trouble in your newly married life. It is very important that you both spend money in a very calculative manner. It is extremely necessary for the newly wed couples to have a room for romance in their relationship. They can also discuss all the pertinent issues in their first year of marriage in their own private room with no disturbance from others.
In-laws are among some of the issues newly married couples face in the first year of marriage. The wife may not be able to adjust in the new atmosphere in her husband’s house. This is mainly due to the behavior of in-laws that she may not be suited to. This may be because you may have married against your parents’ will. Or if it is a love marriage then the in-laws may behave indifferently leading to misunderstandings and arguments.
Some of the issues newly married couples face in the first year of marriage may determine their immaturity while deciding to get married in some people’s lives. However mostly you get a better perspective of life after you have married. Romance is compromised by fights and misunderstandings. If you are facing some of the issues newly married couples face in the first year of marriage then you need to remember that your life has changed and there are responsibilities. However, you can easily resolve these issues because they are a part of married life and everyone faces them. With time you will be able to settle the issues and rise above with to become a happily married couple.
A date could be highlighted in different modes: the worst or the best. Often we tend to note the details of romantic dates in our cubicle’s calendar, if not always. Moreover, we are reminded of them day after day through our cell phone’s alarm. The much awaited moment after all the day’s work is spending time with our special someone. So I have got here some great tips on how to make the special day unforgettable in a good way.
Familiarize the place where you want to spend the date at. You might want to find the best road to where you could get rid of the traffic or at least recognize the best time to when you could hit the road. See if the place or the features of the place suit you and your partner’s interests. If you give thought to aspects such as the type of foods they are preparing there or the kind of music they are playing, you are going to make your partner’s date even more special. Knowing beforehand will make you the leader of the night you’ve been waiting for. You will be able to concentrate on the romantic details rather than focusing on the not-so-important ones.
Prepare decent topics on which you could somehow converse with your date. Random conversations are desirable but the preparation is needed. You would not want to have silent moments because it will make you both feel awkward especially for partners who are still on their getting-to-know-more stage. Lighten up their faces by opening topics that are somehow related to their interest or your interest towards them. If the topic is between you and your partner, try to sound and look sincere as much as possible. Always mean what you say and avoid sharing unnecessary things such as your previous partner’s favorite food or movie. That is a no-no. Your date would not want to hear that. He or she might be interested in hearing your future plans or knowing why you have brought them at this specific place apart from all the places.
Think twice but think fast. You would like to make the most out of that night so do whatever your heart tells you to do, but without mistakes. How is that possible? That is by thinking logically. For an instance, your partner would be paying the bill but you don’t want him or her to think that you go out with him/ her just for getting them to pay the bill. Technically, you should be the one who is paying the bill. So, try and get the pleasure of swiping that credit card if your partner doesn’t insist, though.
Enjoy the night and feel the love. Be mesmerized on whatever your partner is making you feel. Be the person that you are whenever he or she is with you. In that way, you would feel a lot more comfortable and a lot more honest topics could be brought up in the conversation. Enjoying is what you go there for so let it be.
Formally named the Arab Republic of Egypt, Egypt is one of the most populous nations in Africa. Geographical location of Egypt makes it a transcontinental country, located, as it is, mainly in North Africa, with a portion extending into South West Asia. Egypt is a major power to reckon with in the Arab world as well as Africa.
Tourism is a major industry in Egypt given its ancient history and civilization that attract tourists from all over the world. Besides tourism, the Egyptian economy supports agriculture, service and a variety of industries.
History of Egypt
The history of Egypt is rich and colorful and extremely popular all over the world, thanks to several films that have been made on the subject. Egyptian history covers a wide time frame, ranging from prehistoric periods to the present day Egypt. The earliest Egyptians were nomads, who eventually settled down on the banks of the river Nile, where the land was extremely fertile and amenable to agriculture. The earliest rulers of Egypt were the native Pharaoh Kings who ruled the country starting from c.3150 BC. This was a time when culture and arts flourished in the country and the Great Sphinx and the Pyramids were constructed, which are a major tourist draw even today.
Following the Pharaohs, Egypt was occupied by Persians, the Greeks and finally the Ottoman Turks who brought Islam to the country.
Present-day Egypt saw a massive revolution recently, forcing dictator Hosni Mubarak to step down. The country is currently preparing for its first parliamentary elections in over three decades.
Climate in Egypt
Egypt enjoys a moderate climate. The days are warm while the nights get cooler. Along the coastal area, humidity is high. The extremes of temperature along the coast are avoided because of the steady north western winds. The rainy season in Egypt falls in winter.
Population in Egypt
The population in Egypt is concentrated along the Nile, whereas the interior areas are sparsely populated. Majority of the people living in Egypt are of Egyptian origin, while some of the other ethnic minorities include Turks, Greeks, Berbers (from Algeria). 90% of the Egyptian population follows the Islamic faith, and Christianity and Judaism are also officially recognized.
The 2012 Summer Olympic Games, the most awaited sporting event in 2012 is scheduled to start from the 27 July in London, United Kingdom. With this, London would be the first city in the world to host the games in its modern avatar three times, the first time being in 1908 and the second in 1948. London defeated Moscow, New York City, Madrid and Paris on 6 July 2005 to host the
Olympics in 2012. Officially known as the Games of the XXX Olympiad, the Games will see participation from 205 countries in 300 events from across the globe.
Majority of the sporting events of the 2012 Olympics would be held in East London. Remaining events are going to be held across London and in other parts of England, Scotland and Wales. Some of the most important Olympics venues will be:
Olympics are not complete without a mention of the mascot of the Games. For the Olympics, there are two who have the names as Wenlock and Mandeville. The mascots are digital age animations that depict two drops of steel from a steelwork factory in Bolton. While a section of the population has been critical of the design of the mascots, children between the age of 5 to 15 seem to enjoy the animation.
With less than 50 days to the start of the Olympics, the city of London is geared to give the world a great show. Security is a major issue with more than 10,000 police officers and 13,500 army personnel deployed as part of the security procedures. Over 70,000 volunteers called “Game Makers” will provide their services for free for the entire duration of the games. The opening ceremony is slated to be a spectacular event with a cast of 10,000 volunteers and 900 children. From Trafalgar Square that houses the countdown to the Olympics, to the underground painted in the colors of the Games, London seems to be gearing up for the biggest Sporting event in the world with great elan.
Recent studies have shown a link between inflammation and major diseases such as heart diseases, cancer, autoimmune disease, diabetes and others. This is an attempt to understand this link better.
What is Inflammation
Inflammation is the result of the body’s response to infection, injury and irritation. When confronted with any of the above, the body’s immune system initiates inflammation by mobilizing white blood cells to the affected area. Inflammation is characterized by heat, pain, redness, swelling and loss of function. In the short term, inflammation is important because it takes care of the infection. However, it is essential for the immune system to get back to its normal state, once the inflammatory triggers have been removed.
Chronic Inflammation
At times the inflammatory triggers do not go away, causing the immune system to be continuously active. Such inflammation called chronic inflammation has been found to be the root cause of all major diseases including coronary diseases, stroke, autoimmune conditions, diabetes, cancer and digestive conditions. By controlling and preventing inflammation, it is possible to move closer towards a cure for these major life threatening diseases.
Inflammation and Cardiac Diseases – Theory
Recent studies have shown that an active inflammatory process in the body plays an important role in contributing to cardiac diseases. Though the exact cause and effect mechanism is unknown, one theory pinpoints stress as a possible link between the two. Stress may lead to minor changes or tears in the arterial walls. Obviously this provokes an inflammatory response, bringing hordes of white blood cells and other inflammatory agents to the site. As we are constantly under stress, given our current lifestyle, the inflammation persists and eventually forms an atherosclerotic plaque that hinders blood flow to the heart and is the first step towards atherosclerosis.
Scientific Findings
It has been found that people with high levels of C-Reactive Protein (CRP), a protein associated with inflammation are at high risk of cardiac diseases. This relationship would explain the puzzling phenomenon of high incidence of heart attacks in people with stable cholesterol levels. The culprit is not cholesterol, but inflammation. Assessment of the CRP level is now an important part of the testing processes to determine cardiac health. It has also been shown that people suffering from some form of inflammatory disease such rheumatoid arthritis or asthma have greater chances of developing heart conditions over a period of time.
Inflammation and Stroke
Inflammation is one of the critical components that contribute to the formation of plaques or clots in the blood vessels. These clots can make their way to the brain and cause rupture of cranial blood vessels, which is manifested as stroke. Thus steps taken to control inflammation can go a long way to preventing stroke.
Inflammation and Autoimmune Disorder
An autoimmune disorder is one where due to unexplained reasons, the body considers a part of itself as a foreign entity and triggers an inflammatory response to destroy that part. For instance, in type I diabetes, it is the pancreatic cells producing insulin that are targeted. As inflammation decimates these cells, the affected persons are unable to produce insulin to regulate their sugar levels. Another example is rheumatoid arthritis, where inflammation in the joints causes severe pain and swelling, hindering the quality of life of affected individuals. Thus treatment modalities which seek to reduce inflammation may curb the effects of these conditions to a certain extent.
Inflammation and Diabetes
Recent research has shown that one of the complex compounds released during an inflammatory process is the TNF (Tumor Necrosis Factor), which makes the cells resistant to insulin, resulting in type II diabetes. The addition of supplements that reduce inflammation can help to make the overall diabetes management protocol more effective.
Inflammation and Cancer
Inflammation has been found to play an important role in the progression of cancer. Cancerous cells, identified as immune triggers, attract inflammatory cells, which infiltrate the tumors. These inflammatory cells release a chemical called cytokines which promotes cell growth, thus accelerating the progress of cancer.
Inflammation and Digestive disorders
Inflammation can cause a variety of chronic digestive disorders like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Ulcerative colitis is inflammation of the inner lining of the colon, causing severe lower abdominal pain and cramps. Crohn’s disease also called irritable bowel syndrome is reaction of the body’s immune system to bacteria or virus in the intestine.
Inflammation also plays a role in other major diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disorders and respiratory diseases. Curbing inflammation through lifestyle changes and supplements can help greatly in prevention and management of these diseases.
Podcasting is a relatively new method of ensuring that your content on the internet can be accessed by more people. Making a podcast is a simple process. Given below is a step by step guide on how to make a podcast.
The process involves the following steps.
1. Select Your Audio Content
There is virtually no limitation on the kind of audio content you wish to podcast. It can be an interview or a lecture. While making a podcast, select the content keeping mind what your audience would like to hear.
2. Record Your Audio
Record your content using a suitable application. Commonly used free recording software include Audacity and Garageband. Audacity can be used in Windows and Apple systems, while Garageband is exclusive for Apple. These are the basic level applications. Sophisticated applications offer features like background music, appropriate sound effects etc, which enhance the quality of your podcasts. Higher end applications like Cakewalk and Sonar provide a professional quality audio recording. Follow basics of audio recording to ensure that there are no background noises.
3. Covert the Audio to MP3 Format
MP3 is the default format for all podcasts as maximum people prefer to download and play MP3 files. Several audio editors/ file converters are available like BIAS Peak or Sony Sound Forge that can be used for the conversion. Again there are free and commercial software that you can choose from depending on your preferences and requirements. Choose an appropriate bit rate depending on your content. Ensure that you save the file with a .mp3 extension.
4. Publish Your MP3
Publish your MP3 file on the web server so that it can be found on the internet. It is recommended to organize your MP3 files into folders for easier management and quicker access.
5. RSS Feed File
The RSS feed file enables the RSS reader to find and access your podcast. The RSS feed file is an XML formatted text file that links to your MP3 file. While making a podcast, this step involves three processes
You can opt to create the RSS feed file manually, by referring to websites that offer detailed step by step
guidelines on how to do it. A blogging software like a blogger that has RSS creation feature can also be used. There are several free and commercial RSS creator applications online. Free software includes Podifier and RSS Publisher, while FeedForAll and Feeder are some examples of commercial RSS creator applications.
Once your RSS Feed File is ready, publish it to the web server just like any other content. Make sure your MP3 and RSS Feed files are in the same directory.
Validate your file using the free validator application, which points out any errors in the RSS file code that you can rectify.
Now that you are all set, publicize your podcast on your website using suitable buttons and icons.
The year 2012 has the same seasons of spring, summer, autumn and winter but double the number of fashion trends! In any season of the ongoing year, you will find many individuals wrapped in elegant fabrics and a vast color palette that ranges from vivid to soft, pastels etc. Let’s begin with colors that are a super duper hit among the US crowd. Update your look with any of the five hot hues. Come on now, get a hold of them:
First up, is the unpredictably attractive tangerine color! You’ll see this almost in every wardrobe. So, brighten up your fashion statement with this very saturated orange color. The red undertone is to die for. Not just dresses, even accessories from nail paints, bracelets and sling bags to bikinis are available in this head turner shade.
Make Place in Your Wardrobe
Of all the pastel and neutral colors gaining pace, the mint one is undoubtedly the trendiest one. This very soothing hue comes from a very delicate mix of blue and green color and exudes a light vibe. One of the advantages of opting for this frosty mint color is the fact that it pairs exceedingly well with several other choices. Take for example, the delectable combination of mint and shades of teal, yellow and pink too! Statement jewelry or even footwear like loafer looks chic with a fresh layer of ‘mintiness’ to it.
Next color is one you and others will surely lust after. Even Emily Blunt wore this bright green color at the recent SAG awards this year. Fashion analysis states that this upcoming trend must be sported as sundresses, sexy shorts to rock this season. How can pink be missed out on this year? Fashion trends are never complete without the inclusion of feminine pink and 2012 brings coral pink (that’s pink with a dash of orange) for a balanced dose of edginess and feminism. Another color you must, must, MUST consider is the citron yellow! (But only if you are not ‘neon color shy’)
This particular color can be intimidating; so handle with care. It’s almost fluorescent and simply bold. Incorporate either one citron yellow element to be on the safe side or experiment with color blocking!
2012 Fashion Report Continues
That covers the colors but there’s still more. Fashion designers are offering a lot for example animal, floral prints and geometric prints too! Of late, lace seems to be showing up almost everywhere from models at the ramp to celebrities at shows etc. Lace dresses have always been popular especially when it comes to weddings but red carpet has seen it too.
You can look sultry in a dainty dress with lace or graceful with a pleated lace skirt. You can add lace to not only blouses and skirts but handbags too. Also, high waist trousers and shorts have made a strong comeback this year. These are both comfortable to wear and look good with almost everything from biker style jackets to floral!
So, what’s your take on this? Are you up for the latest trends?
This year too, the prestigious CFDA also known as Council of Fashion Designers of America honored many of the deserving fashion designers and stars in a large scale event held at the Lincoln Center in the fashion capital of New York. This organization does not aim at any profit, whatsoever and consists of 350 plus accessory designers and stylists. The current year of 2012 held more importance for them than ever before. It was because with 2012 came the occasion of CFDA’s golden jubilee!
As it was also their 50th anniversary, the CFDA fashion awards were broadcast live on style.com. The President of this trade association, Diane von Furstenberg as well as the CEO, Steven Kolb stated that receiving an award from CFDA is one of the most coveted achievements and that too in an industry that witnesses countless fashion trends. The very special evening brought together n number of stylists, designers, celebrities- all under one roof.
Glam in Abundance!
In fact, you’ll all agree (especially those who watched it all live on their screens) that the most enthralling part of the entire function was not only to see who won the statue, right? It was also about relishing how the multitude of personalities who made their presence at the event, impressed with their design wears. Their outfits were absolutely to die for- More on that after taking a look at the highlights of the program. Here it is:
The star student event commenced with all the invitees arriving in style with Lexus RX 350 or RX 450 Hybrids. Lexus was after the official sponsor of the function. The mesmerizing lanterns and floor lamps made for a lovely backdrop at the time of arrival, plus cocktails too. The podium with its crystal encrusted body surely added dimensionality.
The opening ceremony of the fashion awards was well received by a two minute film by Zoe Cassavetes. This short film paid a humble tribute to the CFDA also known as the ‘fashion Oscars’ and its members. The red carpet was thronged with many, including: Anna Wintour, Zoe Saldana, Joan Smalls etc. Full attendance by the who’s who of the social and fashion world was noticed. Some of the VIP guests were, Alexander Wang, Deborah Lloyd, Betsey Johnson and more.
To award promising and fresh talent, Swarovski Awards were presented by Lily Collins to the following: Joseph Altuzarra was the recipient of ‘The Swarovski Award for Womenswear’ and Tabitha Simmons for excellence in accessory designing. The much known Tommy Hilfiger has cast an unforgettable impression in the fashion industry. To acknowledge his creativity and consistency, he was presented with ‘Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award’. The prestigious award for being a fashion icon went into Johnny Depp’s lap!
Now, heading to the best dressed stars that night: The ones that got it right include Zoe Saldana in a Prabal Gurung black outfit, Julianna Hough, Mary- Kate Olsen, twin Ashley Olsen (who bagged the Womenswear Designer Award of the Year) etc. And yes, colors of black and white did dominate here. Starlets were seen in gowns with plunging necklines for a bold yet classy look and floral prints too. All in all, it was a spectacular event!
Constant hair-loss can potentially lead to receding hairlines and even partial baldness which can subsequently hamper your self-confidence & appearance. There are many factors that jointly contribute towards excessive hair-fall like unhealthy eating habits, stress, medical side-effects to a certain drug, sign of ageing, hormonal imbalance, reaction to harsh chemicals etc. Although it is natural to lose a certain amount of hair on a daily basis, one must always undertake preventive measures to reduce its impact in the long run. Here are a few essential beauty tips that have proven to be highly effective in curbing hair-fall to a considerable extent:
Conventional Tips for preventing hair-loss
Rich & nutritious diet plays a very important role in enhancing the growth & texture of every strand, thereby giving you lustrous & strong hair that resists frequent breakage. It is recommended to include various food items that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin-B & iron within your daily diet. You can also consume a daily dose of medically prescribed multi-vitamins for strengthening your hair from root to tip.
Regular scalp massage has shown remarkable effects in reducing hair-fall & boosting the thickness of your hair. Perform scalp-massage at least once or twice a week with natural hair oils. A mixture of almond, coconut & castor oil in equal proportion has shown amazing results in terms of reducing the impact of hair-fall to a large extent.
Unhealthy lifestyle is also a major contributor to frequent cases of hair-loss. Excessive stress leading to unnatural sleeping patterns results in weakened hair cells thereby causing them to fall-off easily. It is therefore advised to take plenty of sleep (at least 8 hours a day) that further adds to the quality of your hair.
Drink minimum 8 glasses of water in a day. Water helps in flushing out dangerous toxins from the body and additionally helps the hair to maintain its glossy effect.
Modern Tips to curb hair-fall problems
Please Note – Wash your hair only once or twice a week with mild shampoo & conditioner. Frequent shampooing can take away the natural oils from your hair, thereby making them appear dull, dry & frizzy over a period of time.
The best way to fight hair-fall problems is to combine the above mentioned conventional & modern hair-care tips and continue the same for longer-lasting results.
Healthy & glowing skin is the first sign of youthful beauty which is favored not only by women but by men too. Nourished skin always enhances your overall appearance by adding a natural charisma to your personality. Here are 10 most effective skin-care secrets:
Flags, billboards and people are all screaming “welcome” to France from the middle of 2016 as it hosts the final stage of the 15th UEFA European (football) Championship. Being the third time the country will be hosting and organizing similar sports events within 60 years, you can be sure it is up to the task in every respect. If you want to travel to France this season to witness the 24 teams that will participate in this final round at the Stade de France, you’ve got to make use of this opportunity to get all needed information about what to do, what to see, things that can give you inspiration and other essential tips that can give you a lasting memory of the event. It will interest you to know that the country has begun real-time repairs, renovations, construction projects and other forms of preparation to ensure Paris becomes a new home for its visitors at this time. Here are some special things you can do:
This is just the tip of an iceberg; you’ve got a lot more practical experiences when you get to Paris.
Life Insurance is a form of financial security that every individual must compulsorily possess in the present era. Rarely does one come across an apt Insurance plan with suitable term coverage that fits appropriately into his/her budget. Moreover, opting for customized plans invite heavy premium payments which is not affordable by many. Term Life Insurance Plan was introduced specifically to tackle this particular dilemma faced by those belonging to the average-income group. This plan offers economically viable solutions for securing your future as well as maintaining decent financial stability in the long-run. Let us take a look at a few reasons that make Term Life Insurance plan, the most practical choice amongst all the other available options:
This plan is the cheapest life insurance policy with the advantage of personalized premium selection. Furthermore, Term Life Insurance also benefits the individual by giving him/her the flexibility to single-out the most suitable time period for the same. Therefore, you are relieved from worrying about making payments against the pre-stated terms and have the freedom to select the time frame for which you
wish to be insured. This facility makes the Term Life Insurance absolutely apt for those who wish for temporary coverage.
As compared to various insurance options that currently prevail in the market, Term Life Insurance offers extremely affordable premium which makes it easier for a large section of population to secure their family’s future at a slashed rates.
Term Life Insurance also grants you a unique prospect to secure a major property especially when the prime income source is out of the picture. This is done by letting you choose amongst a wide range of fixed coverage payments. A fixed premium rate would not only assist in better financial management but also allow you to focus on additional monetary responsibilities like your child’s education.
Easy accessibility is another advantage of Term Life Insurance. You can trace complete information regarding the different kinds of insurance policies and their individual premium rates absolutely free of cost by visiting their official webpage on the internet. Another option would be to get in touch with a certified insurance agent who would supply you with the desired information & also get you acquainted with the most viable plan that fits well in to your budget. In addition to saving a lot of time & effort, instant access to this information also prepares you for future financial commitments by introducing potential payment options that are available to you.
Term Life Insurance is equipped with several coverage options that secure many different aspects of our lifestyle For Ex- medical emergency or travel related insurance plans. You can also opt for the basic term insurance that does not follow any pre-determined clauses and plainly focuses on offering financial security to the individual for the insured term.
Buying this life insurance is not only hassle-free but also an extremely speedy process. Term life insurance no medical exam plan is the one that does not demand a host of documentation for identity proof or complex verification procedures. This can be easily bought by rightly filling & submitting a simple form on their official website.
Apart from the above mentioned factors that play a major part in the popularity of Term Life Insurance, it is also favored for providing optimum control over one’s financial security that works well with his/her lifestyle & status.
With the emergence of massive range of educational courses & subsequent developments in this direction, the cost of education has risen considerably in the past few years. College/Tuition fees & cost of civilized/Hi-tech study material is not the only expense that college goers have to endure. In addition to these overheads, one also has to incur the cost of auto insurance if he/she owns a car and frequently uses the same for commuting to college. Auto insurance bills for college students are extremely inconvenient mainly due to the fact that it causes a recurring damage to one’s finances. Aspiring students are already given a strict budget to follow, upon which hefty auto insurance makes it extremely difficult for them to manage their expensive aptly. Some insurance companies introduce timely discounts on their auto insurance plans for students but these policies come with many pre-requisites which results in benefitting only a few. There is absolutely no way of getting rid of student auto insurance bills but you can undertake a few steps in order to reduce the premiums for the same:
It is always preferable to stay on your guardian/parent’s insurance policy & simultaneously pay a sufficient amount from the total charges of auto insurance premium bill. Sharing this bill amount is the safest & most economical way of averting massive payments that may befall you if you individually apply for the same. Different states have different clauses related to auto insurance, therefore it would be extremely viable to check with your insurance company for the same and accordingly move further with it.
An individual’s auto insurance score determines his/her premium rate & a list of additional factors like age, driving history etc. On the basis of the above mentioned factors an insurance company calculates & sets a discounted payable amount as your auto insurance premium. A well-maintained driving record is one of the most crucial factors to determine your eligibility for receiving a specific discount from your insurance company. Hence it is advisable to always keep a tab about the same with your service provider & avail decent benefits in the form of slashed premium rates. For Ex- Safe Driving Discount is commonly offered by several insurance companies to those drivers who have maintained a track record of safe driving for a long time without being charged with a violation or ticket. Similarly a crash course in Defensive Driving skills is another way to avail the Safe Driving Discount on your auto insurance.
Full-time students with a decent educational record can also apply for receiving special discounts also known as the ‘Good Student Discount’ on their respective Auto insurance premiums. All you need to do is enquire with your service provider about the same and offer them a photocopy of your educational record. The ‘Good Student Discount’ on Auto-insurance generally lasts until the student completes 24 years of age.
Students who do not live within the college campus and possess a renter’s insurance can receive up to 15% discount on their auto insurance, provided both the insurance policies are (renter’s insurance & auto insurance) acquired from similar service providers.
If you drive a vehicle that is equipped with special safety systems then some insurance companies may be willing to lower their premium charges on your auto insurance.
Special auto-insurance discounts are also offered for students belonging to certain organizations/associations. You must check with your service provider for the same.
