Thiamine Protects Against Kidney Damage

Between 70% and 90% of diabetics are thiamine deficient. Thiamine, also known as vitamin B1, is a cheap and readily available supplement, and researchers believe it may protect cells against the harmful effects of the high blood sugar levels found in diabetes. Diabetics often suffer damage to small blood vessels in the body, including those that supply the kidneys. When the blood supply to the kidneys is impaired, important proteins like albumin are lost from the blood into the urine. In a recent study, one-third of the diabetic patients given daily doses of thiamine for three months saw a return to normal urinary albumin excretion. More ...

Deeply or seriously thoughtful

pensive

Definition:(adjective) Deeply or seriously thoughtful.Synonyms:contemplative, meditative, musing, pondering, reflective, ruminative, brooding, broodyUsage:Emma's pensive meditations, as she walked home, were not interrupted; but on entering the parlor, she found those who must rouse her.

Dinosaur Dads Guarded Eggs

Scientists examining the remains of three medium-sized dinosaurs found with large clutches of eggs have concluded that the males were the ones to guard the nest and brood the eggs. The three types of dinosaurs—Troodon, Oviraptor, and Citipati—lived about 75 million years ago and were theropods, bipedal, carnivorous dinosaurs from which scientists believe all modern birds descended. In more than 90% of living bird species, males participate in the parental care of their young, helping incubate eggs, feed babies, and guard nests. This analysis suggests that such paternal care actually developed long before modern birds evolved from their dinosaur ancestors. More ...

Percentage of Cell-Only Households Grows in US

Nearly 18% of households in the US have no traditional telephone and rely entirely on cell phone services, up from just 13.6% of households in the beginning of 2007. The weak economy may have exacerbated the trend, perhaps prompting some customers to cancel home phone service in order to save money. The majority of households without landlines are comprised of unrelated adults, renters, and young people. While just 9% of homeowners have cell phones but no home phones, 34% of renters are living this way. The growing trend has even skewed poll results, since pollsters have traditionally interviewed only people who have landlines. More ...

The Simpsons Debuts (1989)

One of the most popular animated TV shows in US history, The Simpsons has earned its spot in pop culture history through its parodies of the "Middle American" lifestyle. The show, created by Matt Groening, is a spin-off of a series of animated shorts originally aired on The Tracey Ullman Show and is currently both the longest-running American sitcom and the longest-running American animated program. How many episodes of The Simpsons have aired since the show debuted in 1989? More...

The Mad Baron

Known as both the "Mad" and "Bloody" Baron, Baron Roman Ungern von Sternberg was a military commander who became an independent warlord after the Russian Civil War. A mystic who believed he was the reincarnation of Genghis Khan, he aimed to unite the Far-Eastern nations under one monarch. In 1921, he achieved this goal, becoming dictator of Mongolia before being captured by his own troops and executed by the Red Army. How did he trick the Chinese into abandoning Mongolia's capital city, Urga? More...

Malaria Vaccine Protects Infants

Early tests of a malaria vaccine have shown that it is more than 50% effective at preventing the deadly disease in infants and toddlers. Malaria is a tropical disease caused by a parasite that is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. The parasite travels quickly to the liver, where it replicates before moving into the bloodstream and attacking red blood cells. The vaccine is designed to attack the parasite before it can infect the liver. This is the first malaria vaccine to make it this far in the testing process, and a larger and longer running test is slated to begin early next year. More ...

First Nobel Prizes Awarded (1901)

The Nobel Prizes, named after Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel, are awarded to individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to fields including physics, chemistry, medicine, literature, and peace. Nobel is said to have been inspired to create the prizes after reading his own prematurely published obituary, which condemned his invention of dynamite. Why did Nobel choose not to create a prize for advances in the field of mathematics? More...

TV and Media Harmful to Youths' Health

After reviewing the results of 173 studies on media and health, researchers have concluded that the more media children and adolescents are exposed to, the greater the health risks they face. According to the study, the average child or adolescent spends approximately 45 hours a week watching TV and movies, listening to music, and using other forms of media. In contrast, they spend only 17 hours with their parents each week and just 30 at school. Researchers found strong evidence linking media exposure to obesity, smoking, and early sexual activity. The study also showed that drug and alcohol use and poor academic outcomes are associated with media exposure. More ...

The English Civil War

The English Civil War, which began in 1642, consisted of a series of conflicts between Parliamentarians and the Royalist supporters of King Charles I and, later, King Charles II. Ending with Parliamentary victory in 1651, the conflicts left England, Scotland, and Ireland without a monarch. After the execution of Charles I and the exile of Charles II, the monarchy was replaced with a republican commonwealth government led by Oliver Cromwell. When was Charles II restored to the throne? More...

Carmakers try to sell Congress on rescue for troubled US industry that could reach $34 billion

U.S. automakers are returning to Congress for high-stakes hearings they hope will persuade skeptical lawmakers to save their troubled industry with $34 billion in emergency aid, but a top Senate Democrat wants to hand their problem to the Federal Reserve.

Two weeks after a botched attempt on Capitol Hill, repentant leaders of General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler LLC were appealing to the Senate Banking Committee on Thursday with three separate survival plans that include massive restructuring, the ditching of corporate jets and vows by CEOs to work for $1 a year.

But they could expect a chilly reception on Capitol Hill. Even a top Democrat in charge of evaluating their aid requests made it clear he was eager to avoid voting on a bailout. Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, wrote to Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke on Wednesday asking the central bank chief whether there was anything stopping him from using his considerable lending authority to help the automakers.

And Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said it was up to the Bush administration to unilaterally rescue the Big Three with loans drawn from the $700 billion Wall Street rescue fund, since Congress was still unwilling to do so. "I just don't think we have the votes to do that now," he told The Associated Press.

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The Grammy Nominations Hit Prime Time

A concise, one-hour Grammy show, heavy on performances and with no acceptance speeches. Many of you doubtless wish that this were the format for the regular Grammy telecast in February. Dream on. But it was the winning formula for a special in which the Grammy nominations were announced, for the first time, in prime time.

The Wednesday night show on CBS, co-hosted by LL Cool J and Taylor Swift, was smartly produced. The best decision was to have the performers pay tribute to other artist's songs. Christina Aguilera stepped out of her comfort zone on a tender, jazz-shaded reading of "I Loves You, Porgy," a hit for Nina Simone. Celine Dion toned down her chest-thumping power on a surprisingly effective version of Janis Ian's poignant "At Seventeen." Taylor Swift was unimpressive on Brenda Lee's "I'm Sorry," but sounded more sure on her own current hit, "White Horse." Swift was the only performer to get to perform two songs. (Her co-host didn't perform at all.)

There were, as always, some surprises in the nominations. Leona Lewis, who has the year's #1 song with "Bleeding Love," was passed over in the Best New Artist category--though she did show up in the Record of the Year contest. Sara Bareilles, who had one of the year's biggest hits with the lilting "Love Song," also missed the cut for Best New Artist, though she rated a nomination for Song of the Year.

Kid Rock, whose "All Summer Long" was a hit on a wide range of radio formats, was passed over for a nomination for Record of the Year. A spot in that contest went instead to "Please Read The Letter," a track from the Robert Plant/Alison Krauss collaboration, Raising Sand.

Here are the nominees and surprising shut-outs in the top categories.

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A New Picture of the Early Earth

The first 700 million years of Earth’s 4.5-billion-year existence are known as the Hadean period, after Hades, or, to shed the ancient Greek name, Hell.

That name seemed to fit with the common perception that the young Earth was a hot, dry, desolate landscape interspersed with seas of magma and inhospitable for life. Even if some organism had somehow popped into existence, the old story went, surely it would soon have been extinguished in the firestorm of one of the giant meteorites that slammed into the Earth when the young solar system was still crowded with debris.

Scars on the surface of the Moon record a hail of impacts during what is called the Late Heavy Bombardment. The Earth would have received an even more intense bombardment, and the common thinking until recently was that life could not have emerged on Earth until the bombardment eased about 3.85 billion years ago.

Norman H. Sleep, a professor of geophysics at Stanford, recalled that in 1986 he submitted a paper that calculated the probability of life surviving one of the giant, early impacts. It was summarily rejected because a reviewer said that obviously nothing could have lived then.

That is no longer thought to be true.

“We thought we knew something we didn’t,” said T. Mark Harrison, a professor of geochemistry at the University of California, Los Angeles. In hindsight the evidence was just not there. And new evidence has suggested a new view of the early Earth.

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Provider SpotlightInternational College Wales Swansea

ICWS (International College Wales Swansea) is a modern and dynamic educational institution committed to providing quality educational programmes and excellent student support services in an environment that encourages students to achieve the best possible results in their studies.

Quality teaching, outstanding facilities and academic and welfare support services allow you the opportunity and freedom to challenge yourself in a university environment. You will study a university designed programme, taught by qualified lecturers, in a relaxed, friendly and supportive environment on the Swansea University campus.

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High School Musical 3: Senior Year (2008)

How lovely the American high school experience might be if it offered even a smidgen of the euphoria that spirals “High School Musical 3: Senior Year,” into a candy-colored never-never land that Peter Pan might envy. In making the leap from Disney Channel to the big screen, the third chapter of the phenomenally popular franchise crystallizes a moment in movie-musical history that is probably as evanescent as it is triumphant. If you recall all that hyperbolic talk in the ’80s about music videos spurring a full-scale revival of the movie musical — a revival that fizzled after “Footloose” and “Flashdance” — here it is (without frantic MTV-style editing). Or was. “High School Musical 4” has already been announced. But whether the franchise can continue after the major characters graduate is open to question. Quirky new characters are introduced. But are they stars?

Full Review »

Daily Cosmic Calendar

Self-centered activities are out; volunteer efforts and charity work are in. When the Moon transits through Aquarius, it is the larger spheres of influence that should grab your attention. Focus more on making vital contributions to your greater community, national movements and global initiatives that raise the consciousness of humanity. Team sports, group projects and networking on the world wide web get the nod right now. This sense of support and working in harmony with others is reinforced by a Mercury-Venus parallel (12:57AM PST). Scour the business landscape to ascertain what's happening in the investment realm as Vesta trines Pluto in earthy signs (3:21PM PST). This can be a time to make money and improve your bottom line, but make sure you double-check financial moves with one or two trusted experts. Enjoy an evening of fun and games as the Sun and Moon form a constructive, 60-degree rapport (9:46PM PST). This is magnified shortly thereafter as the Moon connects to the red planet in a similar link of 60 degrees (11:23PM PST). Rekindle your interest in exercise, gymnastics or a favorite athletic pastime. Start gearing up for Friday's Sun-Mars union in mid-Sagittarius. With each passing day between now and then, emotional mood swings can become more pronounced and -- potentially -- more volatile.

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Kate Hudson Can't Find A Boyfriend Because She Likes Women?

Kate Hudson and The Black Crowes frontman Chris Robinson were married on December 31, 2000. They have one son together - Ryder Russell - and unfortunately the couple split in August 2006. Their divorce was finalized last October. Since then, Hudson has dated a few different men - Lance Armstrong and Owen Wilson, just to name a couple. It seems like she's unlucky in love - with men, at least. Now comes word that Kate might be heading to the other team....

According to perezhilton.com, a "spirited" Kate Hudson got "very friendly" with a female model in Miami Beach at the opening of the refurbished Fontainbleau.

The source said, "She didn't care who saw them. They were being very open in public. It was quite shocking. They looked like they were having a GREAT time."

So. Kate likes to get flirty with women - doesn't mean she's heading the other way, but if she is, I hope she finds what she's looking for!

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The University of Queensland

The University of Queensland (UQ) is one of Australia’s leading teaching and research institutions internationally-renowned for its highly-awarded teaching staff, world-acclaimed researchers and superior campus facilities and services.

UQ’s longstanding reputation for quality is reinforced by affiliations with prestigious national and international groups, including the Australian Group of Eight (Go8) and Universitas 21.

UQ also consistently performs well in respected national and international rankings of university academic and research performance. In 2008, the University ranked 43rd in the world in a ranking compiled in by the prestigious Times Higher Education Supplement, additionally, UQ was ranked 10th among universities outside Europe and North America and awarded a graduate employability ranking of 38 out of all the world's univertities. At a national level, UQ was independently ranked as one of Australia’s best universities in the 2009 edition of The Good Universities Guide, where UQ was awarded the maximum five-star rating for three key performance indicators, including research grants and research intensivity and toughness to get in (St Lucia campus).

The University has more than 2,400 academic staff dedicated to teaching and research. Many are recognised internationally as leaders in their fields. Their ability and dedication is proven by the fact that UQ academics have won more Australian Awards for University Teaching than any other university.

UQ is also one of the leading research universities in Australia and leads industry collaboration and research funding. UQ researchers constantly push the boundaries of research to achieve world-acclaimed research breakthroughs including a vaccine for cervical cancer, pioneered by UQ researcher and 2006 Australian of the Year, Professor Ian Frazer. UQ’s extensive research portfolio includes over 130 research centres as well as many teaching and research sites throughout Queensland.

Today, more than 37,900 students, including 9500 international students from approximately 120 countries, study across three superb south-east Queensland campuses at St Lucia, Ipswich and Gatton. UQ St Lucia - the university’s largest campus - is situated in Brisbane, a dynamic capital city known for its excellent climate, safe environment and affordable quality of life.

Students choose from a comprehensive range of high quality programs, with more than 350 programs and over 4,000 courses available.

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Nokia 5310

Mobile music with the low price will release by Nokia.

The Nokia 5310 offers key advantages including the easily accessible, digital music player, FM radio and standard 3.5 mm connector for headphones, 2 megapixel camera with 4x digital zoom.

This phone also support for browsing XHTML, WAP 2, WML and wTCP / IP, and Bluetooth 2.0. In complete with microSD memory cards up to 4GG.

To feature music, the Nokia 5310 integrates a digital music player that also supports video playback, MP3, MP3, AAC, AAC +, eAAC and WMA.

The Nokia 5310 supports GPRS 850/1800/1900 and 900/1800/1900 up to 177.6 kbps data transfer and HSCS up to 43.2 kbps.

Not a bad phone that despite low prices because many advantages and excellence.

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata and Volkswagen GTI

For enthusiasts on a limited budget, a new VW GTI or Mazda MX-5 is tough to beat.

In addition to being wonderfully entertaining, the five-door GTI featured here is a remarkably well-rounded car. Fold the rear seats, and it’s a pint-sized minivan. Jump on the interstate, and it tracks as straight as its German heritage suggests it should. Most importantly, it’s as fun to drive as it is practical, with an eager turbo engine, a good gearbox, and a frisky chassis. If you can only have one car, the GTI is close to perfect.

The MX-5 Miata, on the other hand, exists purely for the joy of driving. Sure, it has a reasonable trunk—and pricier models can be had with a folding hardtop—but at its core, the Miata is a driver’s car. It’s wonderfully balanced, with an engine that’s willing but not overpowering, a gearbox that’s one of the best in the business, and handling that makes running an errand an enjoyable experience. There are certainly faster cars, but few are as satisfying.

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Education City Fast Facts

Education City is a unique campus that brings together education, training and learning providers in the one location.

Education City is being delivered through a joint venture arrangement between Springfield Land Corporation and Mirvac group. Mirvac joined Springfield Land Corporation in 2004, bringing its holistic development and delivery expertise. Mirvac shares SLC’s vision for quality and innovation for development and education.

The $85M first stage of Education City was opened in March 2006. Stage one includes:

* The first stage of the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) including a six storey building and 350 seat auditorium
* A multi-education provider academic and vocational training building
* A childcare facility and childcare training centre
* A retail village and
* A student accommodation village.

There are currently approximately 1,400 students studying at the Education City campus. This number is expected to grow to over 10,000 students when the development is complete.

Ultimately the student accommodation village will house 750 students. The first stage accommodates 110 students.

Eighteen hectares of land has been flagged for Education City’s growth, which will take place strategically over the next 10 to 15 years.

Education City’s programs incorporate a variety of formal and informal learning opportunities, delivered through the provision of leading edge training providers. These cater for students of all ages and backgrounds, providing multiple and flexible learning pathways.

Providers currently located in stage one of the development include USQ, Union Institute of Languages, The Bremer Institute of TAFE, St. Peters Lutheran College, Australia City College and ABC Developmental Childcare.

This first stage also includes a two storey retail and commercial building to service the student and visitor population. These services include a bar, a large eatery, a cafe and convenience store. There is also commercial office space.

Education City provides innovative partnering opportunities unique in the education industry. Education providers on campus have collaborated to develop pathway programs and unique courses. Providers are also collaborating to fill gaps in education needs that they wouldn’t have been able to fill independently.

Education providers on the campus are also able to participate in joint marketing activities, resulting in greater market impact and keeping costs to a minimum.

Education City is located in the heart of Australia’s fastest growing edge city - Greater Springfield.

Greater Springfield is a fully master planned city, located 26km from the Brisbane CBD, which includes 2,860 hectares of residential, infrastructure and office accommodation, and is designed to accommodate 65,000 people by 2020. It is positioned within a population catchment forecast to reach 500,000 people by 2025.

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2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid

2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid Summary

The 2008 Altima Hybrid is a 4-door, 5-passenger family sedan, available in one trim only, the HEV.

Upon introduction, the Altima Hybrid is equipped with a standard 2.5-liter, I4, 158-horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 35-mpg in the city and 33-mpg on the highway. A variable speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

The 2008 Altima Hybrid is a carryover from 2007.

Economic Calendar for week 4th - 8th August 2008

PLEASE NOTE - All times GMT not BST. BST is +1 Hr.

Monday Aug 4th:

EU - 08:30 - Sentix Investor Confidence.

UK - 08:30 - Construction PMI.

EU - 09.00 - PPI M/M.

US - 11.30 - Challenger Job Cuts Y/Y.

US - 12.30 - Core PCE Price Index M/M.

US - 12.30 - Personal Spending M/M.

US - 12.30 - Personal Income M/M.

US - 14.00 - Factory Orders M/M.

Tuesday August 5th:

UK - Tentative - Halifax HPI M/M.

EU - 08:00 - Services PMI.

UK - 08:30 - Manufacturing Production M/M.

UK - 08:30 - Industrial Production M/M.

UK - 08:30 - Services PMI.

EU - 09:00 - Retail Sales M/M.

US - 14:00 - ISM Non-Manufacturing Composite.

US - 18:15 - FOMC Statement

.US - 18:15 - Federal Funds Rate.

US - 23:01 - Nationwide Consumer Confidence.

US - 23:01 - NIESR GDP Estimate.

Wednesday August 6th:

UK - 09:30 - BRC Shop Price Index Y/Y.

GE - 10:00 - Factory Orders M/M.

US - 14:35 - Crude Oil Inventories.

Thursday August 7th:

GE - 06:00 - Trade Balance.

FR - 06:45 - Trade Balance.

GE - 10:00 - Industrial Production M/M.

UK - 11:00 - Official Bank Rate.

UK - Tentative - Advance GDP Price Index Q/Q.

EU - 12:30 - ECB Press Conference.

US - 12:30 - Unemployment Claims.

US - 14:00 - Pending Home Sales M/M.

US - 14:35 - Natural Gas Storage.

US - 19:00 - Consumer Credit M/M.

Friday August 8th:

FR - 06:45 - French Government Budget Balance.

US - 12:30 - Prelim Nonfarm Productivity Q/Q.

US - 12:30 - Prelim Unit Labor Costs Q/Q.

US - 14:00 - Wholesale Inventories M/M.

EU - Europe wide

FR - France

UK - United Kingdom

US - United States

GE - Germany

The week ahead.

As another volatile trading week draws to a close, it is interesting to note that almost no major stock market made any traction in either direction over the last 5 trading days. The Dow swung over 450 points from high to low and the FTSE 200 points, yet both markets closed virtually flat for the week.
It was a week of dire earnings figures with UK banks posting huge year on year profit reductions. Lloyds TSBs pre tax profits fell 70% while HBOS saw returns drop by an almost identical figure. In what will be their last report as in independent company, Alliance & Leicesters profits evaporated by an incredible 99%. In the US, Merrill Lynch was punished heavily for releasing details of a write down announcement less than a fortnight after their earnings figures. It wasnt just the banks feeling the pinch, British Airways reported an 88% slump in profits and BT saw its shares fall to their lowest level for five years.
On a positive side stocks soared on Tuesday and Wednesday, as oil fell further towards $120 on speculation that a slowing global economy will check demand. It was to be further bad news for hedge funds, who recently endured their worse month for many years, as the leveraged oil trades unwound with falling prices. Stalling oil prices were also not helping BP, as it pulled back further from previous highs. The headline results were impressive, but a significant proportion of those profits come from their Russian joint venture, which looks like it will be torn apart over the coming months.
Elsewhere the US house price collapse continues to accelerate. The S&P/Case-Schiller Index shows annual declines in prices of existing single family homes of 15.8%. With UK politicians discussing plans to help out mortgage lenders, they would be well served to use the US housing market as an advanced proxy of what could happen in the UK.Initial reactions to Fridays US Nonfarm payrolls were positive as the headline figures fell less than expected. However, on close inspection, the figures still make grim reading. The US unemployment rate increased to 5.7%, which was 0.1% above expectations, and since December 2007 463,000 jobs have been lost. Although the jobs report was the Friday's big story, GMs earnings announcements was a big drag on US and by consequence, UK indices. General Motors announced a $15.5 billion loss, which when you consider GM has a market cap of just $6.3 billion, the loss equates to around 2.5 times the net worth of the company. Next week is unlikely to bring an end to the recent volatility with some major top tier economic announcements due. On Tuesday morning we have UK manufacturing data and services PMI, followed by US ISM non-manufacturing composite early in the afternoon. On Tuesday evening, we have the big one, the US interest statement. Although a no change is largely expected, as ever it is expectations for the future that will excite. It is Europes turn on Thursday, with the release of the MPC and ECB statements. Both are again expected to be no change, but the statements and overall timbre will be analysed and re-analysed with regard to future expectations. Markets have been working themselves out of oversold territory and now it is crunch time. The recovery since the lows of July, could be the bulls last rally for the short term, unless any gains can actually be held over the next week or so. What has been impressive about the last two or three weeks is the bulls ability to rally markets in the face of dark news flows. Now the rally has stalled, there may not be enough momentum left to withstand further bleak economic headlines.Next week has the potential to be another volatile week, especially with so many top tier economic announcements due. A double touch trade returns a profit if both pre determined levels are touched within the time frame specified. A double touch trade on the FTSE 100 predicting that the 5450 and 5100 levels will be hit over the next 51 days could return 140%.

COPYRIGHT : Betonmarket

Wall Street pulls back on rise in unemployment rate, flat manufacturing activity, GM loss

Wall Street retreated again Friday after readings on jobs and manufacturing -- the first reports for the third quarter -- indicated that businesses and workers still face a tough economy. The major indexes ended a turbulent week narrowly mixed.

A massive quarterly loss at General Motors Corp. and rising oil prices also gave investors reason to trade cautiously. But the market was considerably calmer than the first four sessions of the week, when the Dow Jones industrials rose or fell by triple digits each day in response to economic data or news about the financial sector.

Friday's reports were not as poor as many analysts had anticipated, which likely accounted for the muted reaction. Nonetheless, they portrayed an economy that was still sagging as it entered the second half of the year. The Labor Department said jobs fell for the seventh straight month in July by 51,000 -- less than expected -- but that the unemployment rate rose to a greater-than-expected 5.7 percent. The report arrived after data Thursday that showed an unexpected jump in jobless claims to a five-year high.

"It reinforces the idea that we're seeing a steady, but not dramatic, decline in employment, which is likely to last for some time," said Michael Sheldon, chief market strategist at RDM Financial Group in Westport, Conn.
Meanwhile, the Institute for Supply Management said manufacturing activity was flat in July. Given Thursday's disappointing report on gross domestic product growth, Wall Street is becoming more certain that the United States is in a recession -- and one that could be prolonged. U.S. recessions since World War I have lasted about 10 months, on average, but have ranged from as little as six months to as long as 16 months, Sheldon said.

The flagging economy has sapped consumers' ability to spend freely, which in turn is hurting profits at many big companies. GM said it lost $15.5 billion in the second quarter, more than analysts predicted and the automaker's third-worst loss in its history.

There was also more bad news about construction; the Commerce Department reported that building activity declined in June. And the price of oil rose $1.02 to $125.10, retreating from an earlier gain of more than $4, but still signaling that its steep decline of recent weeks has at least temporarily been halted.

The Dow fell 51.70, or 0.45 percent, to 11,326.32. The blue-chip index ended the week down 0.39 percent.
Broader stock indicators also lost ground Friday. The Standard & Poor's 500 index fell 7.07, or 0.56 percent, to 1,260.31, and the Nasdaq composite index fell 14.59, or 0.63 percent, to 2,310.96.

Advancing issues, however, narrowly outnumbered decliners Friday on the New York Stock Exchange. Consolidated volume came to a relatively light 4.54 billion shares, down from 5.16 billion billion shares Thursday.

The S&P finished the week up 0.21 percent, and the Nasdaq finished up 0.02 percent.
Bond prices edged higher in Friday's trading. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note, which moves opposite its price, fell to 3.94 percent from 3.95 percent late Thursday. The dollar was mixed against other major currencies, while gold prices fell.

The market's performance the past few sessions shows how jumpy investors are. The Dow zigzagged up and down by hundreds of points as the market alternately agonized over the financial sector and signs of economic weakness, and then soared as investors decided things weren't really all that bad after all.
Some analysts believe that a stock market bottom may have been reached, even if an upswing isn't under way. Others, however, are more cautious and wondering if more declines are to come -- particularly after Merrill Lynch & Co. announced billions of dollars in extra credit-related declines this week.
However, most financial stocks performed well Friday, with investors are cautiously optimistic that banks and other financial services companies -- while still losing money on their hefty investments in troubled debt -- are starting to clean up their books.

Bond insurer Ambac Financial Group Inc. said it agreed to pay $850 million to settle one of its largest exposures to risky debt instruments called collateralized debt obligations. Ambac rose $1.27, or 50 percent, to $3.79, while rival MBIA Inc. rose $1.74, or 29 percent, to $7.67.
Other gainers included Dow component American International Group, up 74 cents, or 2.8 percent, at $26.79; Wachovia Corp., up $1.71, or 9.9 percent, at $18.98; and Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc., up $1.31, or 7.6 percent, at $18.65.

Shares of GM, another Dow component, gave up 84 cents, or 7.6 percent, to $10.23 after posting its quarterly loss.
Most companies' quarterly results have been surpassing Wall Street's forecasts. And beyond financial and consumer discretionary sectors, corporate earnings have been increasing.

"There is some room for optimism on the corporate profit front," Sheldon said. "But a lot will depend on consumers and energy prices for the remainder of the year."

Meanwhile, a few pharmaceutical stocks suffered sell-offs on Friday. Biogen Idec Inc. and Elan Corp. PLC fell due to safety concerns related to multiple sclerosis therapy Tysabri. Biogen dropped $19.75, or 28 percent, to $50.01, and Elan tumbled $10.12, or 50 percent, to $9.93.

The Russell 2000 index of smaller companies rose 1.64, or 0.23 percent, to 716.16.
Overseas, Japan's Nikkei stock average fell 0.14 percent. Britain's FTSE 100 fell 1.06 percent, Germany's DAX index declined 1.28 percent, and France's CAC-40 fell 1.78 percent.

The Dow Jones industrial average ended the week down 44.37, or 0.39 percent, at 11,326.32. The Standard & Poor's 500 index finished up 2.62, or 0.21 percent, at 1,260.31. The Nasdaq composite index ended the week up 0.43, or 0.02 percent, at 2,310.96.

The Russell 2000 index finished the week up 5.82, or 0.82 percent, at 716.16.
The Dow Jones Wilshire 5000 Composite Index -- a free-float weighted index that measures 5,000 U.S. based companies -- ended Friday at 12,888.21, up 51.11 points, or 0.40 percent, for the week. A year ago, the index was at 14,755.40.

New York Stock Exchange: http://www.nyse.com
Nasdaq Stock Market: http://www.nasdaq.com

By Madlen Read, AP Business Writer

Shimmering from the desert haze of Nevada like a latter-day El Dorado, Las Vegas is the most dynamic, spectacular city on earth. At the start of the twentieth century, it didn't even exist; at the start of the twenty-first, it's home to well over one million people, with enough newcomers arriving to need a new school every month.

Las Vegas is not like other cities. No city in history has so explicitly valued the needs of visitors above those of its own population. All its growth has been fueled by tourism, but the tourists haven't spoiled the "real" city; there is no real city. Las Vegas doesn't have fascinating little-known neighborhoods, and it's not a place where visitors can go off the beaten track to have more authentic experiences. Instead, the whole thing is completely self-referential; the reason Las Vegas boasts the vast majority of the world's largest hotels is that around thirty-seven million tourists each year come to see the hotels themselves.

The telephone area code for all phone numbers in the text, unless otherwise indicated, is 702.
Each of these monsters is much more than a mere hotel, and more too than the casino that invariably lies at its core. They're extraordinary places, self-contained fantasylands of high camp and genuine excitement that can stretch as much as a mile from end to end. Each holds its own flamboyant permutation of showrooms and swimming pools, luxurious guest quarters and restaurants, high-tech rides and attractions.

The casinos want you to gamble, and they'll do almost anything to lure you in; thus the huge moving walkways that pluck you from the Strip sidewalk, almost against your will, and sweep you into places like Caesars Palace. Once you're inside, on the other hand, the last thing they want is for you to leave. Whatever you came in for, you won't be able to do it without crisscrossing the casino floor innumerable times; as for finding your way out, that can be virtually impossible. The action keeps going day and night, and in this windowless – and clock-free – environment you rapidly lose track of which is which.

"Little emphasis is placed on the gambling clubs No cheap and easily parodied slogans have been adopted to publicize Las Vegas, no attempt has been made to introduce pseudo-romantic architectural themes or to give artificial glamour or gaiety."– WPA Guidebook to Nevada, 1940

Las Vegas never dares to rest on its laurels, so the basic concept of the Strip casino has been endlessly refined since the Western-themed resorts and ranches of the 1940s. In the 1950s and 1960s, when most visitors arrived by car, the casinos presented themselves as lush tropical oases at the end of the long desert drive. Once air travel took over, Las Vegas opted for Disneyesque fantasy, a process that started in the late 1960s with Caesars Palace and culminated with Excalibur and Luxor in the early 1990s.

These days, after six decades of capitalism run riot, the Strip is locked into a hyperactive craving for thrills and glamour. First-time visitors tend to expect Las Vegas to be a repository of kitsch, but the casino owners are far too canny to be sentimental about the old days. Yes, there are a few Elvis impersonators around, but what characterizes the city far more is its endless quest for novelty. Long before they lose their sparkle, yesterday's showpieces are blasted into rubble, to make way for ever more extravagant replacements. The Disney model has now been discarded in favor of more adult themes, and Las Vegas demands nothing less than entire cities. Replicas of New York, Paris, Monte Carlo and Venice now jostle for space on the Strip.

The customer is king in Las Vegas. What the visitor wants, the city provides. If you come in search of the cheapest destination in America, you'll enjoy paying rock-bottom rates for accommodation and hunting out the best buffet bargains. If it's style and opulence you're after, by contrast, you can dine in the finest restaurants, shop in the most chic stores, and watch world-class entertainment; it'll cost you, but not as much as it would anywhere else. The same guidelines apply to gambling. The Strip giants cater to those who want sophisticated high-roller heavens, where tuxedoed James Bond lookalikes toss insouciant bankrolls onto the roulette tables. Others prefer their casinos to be sinful and seedy, inhabited by hard-bitten heavy-smoking low-lifes; there is no shortage of that type of joint either, especially downtown.

On the face of it, the city is supremely democratic. However you may be dressed, however affluent or otherwise you may appear, you'll be welcomed in its stores, restaurants, and above all its casinos. The one thing you almost certainly won't get, however, is the last laugh; all that seductive deference comes at a price. It would be nice to imagine that perhaps half of your fellow visitors are skilful gamblers, raking in the profits at the tables, while the other half are losing, but the bottom line is that almost nobody's winning. In the words of Steve Wynn, who built Bellagio and the Mirage, "The only way to make money in a casino is to own one"; according to the latest figures, 85 percent of visitors gamble, and they lose an average of $665 each. On top of that, most swiftly come to see that virtually any other activity works out cheaper than gambling, so end up spending their money on all sorts of other things as well. What's so clever about Las Vegas is that it makes absolutely certain that you have such a good time that you don't mind losing a bit of money along the way; that's why they don't even call it "gambling" anymore, but "gaming."

Finally, while Las Vegas has certainly cleaned up its act since the early days of Mob domination, there's little truth in the notion that it's become a family destination. In fact, for kids, it's doesn't begin to compare to somewhere like Orlando. Several casinos have added theme parks or fun rides to fill those odd nongambling moments, but only ten percent of visitors bring children, and the crowds that cluster around the exploding volcanoes and pirate battles along the Strip remain almost exclusively adult.

Economic Calendar for week July 28th - August 1st 2008

PLEASE NOTE - All times GMT not BST. BST is +1 Hr

Monday July 28th:

UK - Tentaive - Nationwide House Prices M/M.
GE - 06:00 - Consumer Confidence.
US - 16.00 - FOMC Member Mishkin Speaks.

Tuesday July 29th:

GE - Tentative - Prelim CPI M/M.
UK - 08:30 - Mortgage Approvals.
UK - 08:30 - Net Lending to Individuals M/M.
UK - 10:00 - CBI Distributive Trades Realised.
US - 13:00 - S&P/CaseSchiller HPI Composite-20.
US - 14:00 - Consumer Confidence Index.

Wednesday July 30th:

GE - 06:00 - German Retail Sales M/M.
EU - 09:00 - Consumer Confidence.
US - 12:15 - ADP Nonfarm Employment Change.
US - 14:35 - Crude Oil Inventories.
UK - 23:01 - GfK Consumer Confidence.

Thursday July 31st:

GE - 07:55 - Unemployment Change.
EU - 09:00 - CPI Flash Estimate Y/Y.
US - 12:30 - Advance GDP Q/Q.
US - 12:30 - Advance GDP Price Index Q/Q.
US - 12:30 - Employment Cost Index.
US - 13:45 - Unemployment Claims.
US - 13:45 - Chicago Business Barometer.

Friday August 1st:

EU - 08:00 - Manufacturing PMI.
UK - 08:30 - Manufacturing PMI.
US - 12:30 - Nonfarm Employment Change.
US - 12:30 - Unemployment Rate.
US - 12:30 - Average Hourly Earnings M/M.
US - 14:00 - ISM Manufacturing Index.
US - 14:00 - ISM Manufacturing Prices.
US - 14:00 - Construction Spending M/M.

EU - Europe wide
FR - France
UK - United Kingdom
US - United States
GE - Germany


The week ahead.

Markets endured a volatile week, finishing largely flat despite dramatic 2.5%+ falls on Thursday. In the UK, banking stocks managed to build on the shift in sentiment from last week, but US financials endured further bad news, with Wachovia bank posting a record loss. The beleaguered bank produced an eye watering loss of $8.9 billion for the quarter, slashed its dividend and announced thousands of job cuts. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac reversed the gains from last week on fears of complications in the proposed bail out. There were mixed results from major US companies, with tech firms such as Amazon impressing and online DVD retailer Netflix continuing its good run of earnings reports. Apples disappointing figures caused some consternation early in the week, but the Ipod manufacturer wasnt beaten down for long. After opening the day down over $10, Apple recovered the opening losses and more, as sales of the new iphone look to be taking off.

Lower energy prices certainly helped ease the pressure on global markets last week. However, this easing has to be taken in the context of slowing demand from the US and China. Oil closed the week around $125, some $20 below its peak just few weeks ago. Natural gas has fallen even further than oil. Gas has dropped from above 13.50 to 9.737 in July alone, representing a huge 28% collapse. Other commodities have also fallen back in dramatic fashion with Corn and Wheat down at least 40% from their peak prices. Gold has dropped, but less than other commodities, falling 7% coming with $10 of $1000. These falls will be welcomed by governments and central bankers alike, but the real test for global economies, will be the lagging effect of spiraling wage demands.
At the centre of the storm, the US economy is also showing sides of further weakness, not recovery as many hoped at the beginning of this week. US initial jobless claims came in worse than expected and 95% of US metro areas experienced year on year increases in foreclosure activity. It is little wonder they are so bad with the average 30 year fixed mortgage in the US now at its highest level since 2002, despite the dramatic rate cuts from the fed earlier this year. Oil is hovering around the $125 mark, but that will be little comfort to Ford who registered an $8.7bn loss, as consumers shun their gas guzzling SUV heavy catalogue of vehicles. The buying from last week is looking increasingly like a suckers rally as traders realise that the worst may not be behind us, and may in fact may appear very soon in the future.

Next weeks first economic announcement of note is the US consumer Confidence Index. As has been the case with many announcements recently, it will be a question of how bad the figures are rather than how good. Wednesday brings US ADP Nonfarm Employment Change figures, followed by US GDP numbers on Thursday. The First Friday of the new month is always the heaviest with the arrival of US Non Farm Payroll figures.
With US Mortgage applications dropping 6.2% again recently, and profit warnings from Toyota and Ford, the US economy may not be out of the waters just yet. However, the Non Farm Payroll figure, or at least the reaction to them, has the potential to spring a surprise in either direction in the short term. Therefore a volatility trade may be the better option over the coming days. An Up or Down trade returns a profit if either of two levels are hit during the specified time period. An Up or Down trade on the Dow Jones (Wall Street) with the levels set as 11000 and 12000 could return 32% over the next 11 days.

Stocks turn mixed after disappointing tech results offset report from Citigroup

Wall Street closed out an impressive week with a mixed performance Friday after disappointing high-tech earnings punctured some of investors' enthusiasm over better-than-expected bank earnings reports. But the major indexes still ended the week with big gains, the result of rising optimism about the troubled financial sector.

The market was clearly pleased when Citigroup Inc., while reporting a second-quarter loss Friday morning, beat analysts' forecasts and joined Wells Fargo & Co. and JPMorgan Chase & Co. in delivering stronger results than the market anticipated. But investors who ecstatically sent the Dow Jones industrials soaring by more than 480 points over Wednesday and Thursday were brought back down to earth by results from Google Inc., Microsoft Corp. and Advanced Micro Devices Inc.

Google's results were lower than expected, the result of the weakening economy hurting advertising revenue, while Microsoft missed forecasts by a penny. Also, AMD's chief executive stepped down after the chip maker posted a wider-than-expected loss.

Still, the market that has hungered for good news about financial companies after a year-long credit crisis got it from Citi. The banking company reported a $2.5 billion second-quarter loss due to write-downs tied to deteriorating credit markets. The results surpassed projections, and helped to mitigate some of the market's concerns following a big loss from Merrill Lynch & Co. reported late Thursday.

It was a good sign to some analysts that the market didn't sell off sharply after two straight days of hefty gains.

"If you look at the fundamentals, not a lot of changed in the fundamentals, but you had the financial crisis come to a head," said Philip Dow, managing director of equity strategy at RBC Dain Rauscher. "This was a pivotal week that we just went through, one that perhaps marked a bottom for the financial crisis. That doesn't mean we're about to have a bull market, but maybe a break in the pronounced selling that's been going on."

More banks are among the companies reporting next week: Wachovia Corp., Washington Mutual Inc. and Bank of America Corp. And hundreds of other big corporations will also be releasing results, keeping the market on edge as investors try to determine whether an economic rebound might be in the offing.

The Dow rose 49.91, or 0.44 percent, to 11,496.57, adding on to a 483-point gain Wednesday and Thursday.

Broader stock indicators were mixed. The Standard & Poor's 500 index rose 0.36, or 0.03 percent, to 1,260.68, and the technology-focused Nasdaq composite index dropped 29.52, or 1.28 percent, to 2,282.78.

For the week, the Dow rose 3.57 percent, the Nasdaq increased 1.95 percent, and the S&P rose 1.71 percent.

Bond prices fell Friday. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note, which moves opposite its price, rose to 4.09 percent from Thursday's 4.00 percent.

The dollar was mixed against other major currencies, while gold prices fell.

Meanwhile, oil prices retreated after rising earlier in the session. A barrel of light, sweet crude fell 41 cents to settle at $128.88 on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Oil's huge pullback this week -- dropping about $16 over three days -- also fed Wall Street's big rally. Stock investors have been worried that consumers forced to pay more for necessities including fuel and food will continue to cut back on their discretionary spending, something that would further hurt a struggling economy.

While the week on Wall Street showed that a market long pummeled by bad economic news can quickly turn around, there have been many times over the past year when a huge gain quickly evaporated at the first sign of trouble. So while many investors felt that it was safe to lay down some bets this week, everyone on the street is mindful that there can be further steep losses ahead.

"Considering the strength we had in the past few days, the market is handling itself quite nice and trying to hold on to the gains," said Peter Cardillo, chief market economist at New York-based brokerage house Avalon Partners. "Investors are also positioning ahead of a barrage of earnings and economic reports due next week."

Certainly, it was a week of extremes -- the Dow had its biggest two-day percentage gain since October 2002 but it also, on Tuesday, had its first close below 11,000 in two years. And until investors get a more steady stream of good economic and corporate news, such extremes may well continue.

Google fell $52.12, or 9.8 percent, to $481.32 after it posted disappointing results late Thursday. Microsoft dropped $1.66, or 6 percent, to $25.86, while AMD fell 65 cents, or 12.3 percent, to $4.65.

Financial stocks were mixed. Merrill rose 18 cents to $30.91, after its wider-than-expected loss, while Citi added $1.38, or 7.7 percent, to $19.35 after its better-than-anticipated loss.

Honeywell International Inc. fell 20 cents to $50.66 after it reported second-quarter earnings rose 18 percent and surpassed forecasts. The aerospace company also boosted its 2008 forecast.

Mattel Inc. surged $2.38, or 13 percent, to $20.66 after the toymaker said its reported profit was cut in half, but still beat Wall Street expectations.

Israeli drugmaker Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. said Thursday it will buy rival generic drug company Barr Pharmaceuticals Inc. for more than $7 billion, in a move to expand its presence in U.S. and Eastern European markets. Teva rose $1.82, or 4.4 percent, to $42.87, while Barr shot up $6.26, or 11 percent, to $63.43.

The Russell 2000 index of smaller companies fell 3.55, or 0.51 percent, to 693.08.

Advancing issues outnumbered decliners by about 8 to 7 on the New York Stock Exchange, where consolidated volume came to 5.49 billion shares, down from an unusually heavy 7.17 billion on Thursday.

Overseas, Japan's Nikkei stock average fell 0.65 percent. Britain's FTSE 100 rose 1.70 percent, Germany's DAX index added 1.78 percent, and France's CAC-40 rose 1.74 percent.

The Dow Jones industrial average ended the week up 396.03, or 3.57 percent, at 11,496.57. The Standard & Poor's 500 index finished up 21.19, or 1.71 percent, at 1,260.68. The Nasdaq composite index ended the week up 43.70, or 1.95 percent, at 2,282.78.

The Russell 2000 index finished the week up 18.13, or 2.69 percent, at 693.08.

The Dow Jones Wilshire 5000 Composite Index -- a free-float weighted index that measures 5,000 U.S. based companies -- ended Friday at 12,850.50, up 215.07 points, or 1.70 percent, for the week. A year ago, the index was at 15,695.74.

New York Stock Exchange: http://www.nyse.com

Nasdaq Stock Market: http://www.nasdaq.com

Job Hunting in an Unsteady Economy

7 Tips for Success

Whether or not the U.S. economy has hit a recession, one thing is clear these days: Uncertainty is in the air, and it affects nearly every economic sector, including the job market.

The recent rise in the U.S. unemployment rate -- 5.5% in May -- indicates that fewer jobs are being created, but the shrinkage may not affect job-seekers in some fields, such as technology or health care. Nonetheless, experts say job seekers should pay attention to current economic conditions and expect that the job-search process may take longer.

Adjust Your Approach?

"The unemployment rate has risen, but it is not at a point that should cause job seekers to panic," says John Challenger, CEO of outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc. "There is still demand for workers. Those seeking jobs in construction or mortgage lending might have a more difficult time finding employment, but we have not seen a significant downturn in hiring in other sectors."

Alexandra Levit, author of "They Don't Teach Corporate in College," suggests job seekers may want to alter their approach due to economic uncertainties.

"Perhaps this means earning a paycheck at your current job while conducting interviews over your lunch break or doing volunteer work on the weekend that might lead to a paid gig," she says. "If you are currently unemployed, you may have to settle for a situation that's not 100% ideal in order to keep yourself afloat through the downturn."

David Bach, a workforce development specialist in San Francisco, says job seekers can "improve their competitive edge by becoming more aware of the top ongoing employers." Fields that are less affected by the evolving economy -- such as education, health care, and energy -- make an ideal focus right now, he adds.

Tips for Reaching Your Goal

Experts recommend the following actions to increase your job-search success in an uncertain economic climate.

* Tailor your presentations; don't be generic. "In developing a resume and other promotions materials, think about how your current skills and talents apply directly to the responsibilities you'll hold in the new job," says Levit.

* "Create a target list of companies," says career coach Julie Jansen, author of "You Want Me to Work with Who?" She suggests sending the list to 25 people, asking them if they can put you in touch with an employee at one of the listed companies.

* "Make yourself and your skills more visible," says Bach. He suggests posting and refreshing your resume in more places, such as online job boards, and going to job fairs.

* "Create an advisory board of smart and empathetic people and confer with them regularly about your job search," says Jansen.

* "Hone and utilize your 'elevator pitch' as often as possible," says Bach, referring to a 30-second summary of your professional assets.

* Keep your spirits high. Don't let the process overwhelm you or weigh you down. Jansen advises, "Make a list of your five favorite things to do, and do them!"

* Make an effort daily. "Do one thing each day -- like emailing a new contact or attending a networking event -- that moves your job search forward," says Levit. "Your worst enemy is inertia."

by Tom Musbach, Yahoo! HotJobs

Singapore Hotels, Vacations, Tourism

A city as small as Singapore can be toured in just three days, many would say, but to see all the highlights and get beneath the skin of this charming place definitely warrants a longer stay. A tour planned around the major districts allows one to appreciate its history, people and rich cultural diversity in an optimal period of time. Here is the best of Singapore not to be missed.

Colonial Core—Singapore's architectural goldmine. Let yourself be whisked back in time to 1819, when Sir Stamford Raffles first stepped ashore and the Union Jack was raised. Still exuding a strong air of colonialism are well restored government buildings, cathedrals and churches, and the Singapore Cricket Club, once a sports centre for the British colonists. Esplanade Park makes for a pleasant stroll, while learning about the martyrs and heroes, for whom the various memorials in the park have been built. The city's finest museums also lie nestled in and around the district including the Singapore Art Museum, Asian Civilisations Museum, Singapore Philatelic Museum and Singapore History Museum. Just at the eastern outskirts of the colonial core stands the renowned Raffles Hotel. A modest museum on the third floor retells its legend.

Singapore River—This is the very origin of Singapore's prosperity, with the Merlion (the city's tourism icon) steadfastly standing guard at the mouth of the river. Quaint bridges span the river, ranging from the elegant Anderson Bridge to the simple Ord Bridge. Boat Quay, an excellent reincarnation of Peranakan shophouses and godowns, is a pleasant place to dine alfresco, with its long slew of chic cafes, restaurants and pubs. Further upstream is Clarke Quay, yet another series of restored shophouses, where a carnival atmosphere prevails at the fall of dusk. Come Sunday, a flea market thrives here, displaying an appealing range of old treasures, curios and collectibles. Other dining and entertainment attractions along the river include the Riverside Point, Riverside Village and Robertson Quay at the uppermost end.

Financial District—Home to the towering skyscrapers that lend Singapore its distinctive skyline. Over the years, building after building has battled to be the tallest; today, three have tied for the honours—OUB Building, UOB Building and Republic Plaza, all standing at the maximum permissible height of 280 metres. At one end near the mouth of the Singapore River is The Fullerton Singapore, a hotel built in the classical architecture that once dominated the district. Further south is Clifford Pier, built in 1931 and is today the embarkation point for cruises to neighbouring islands. Another piece of old Singapore is the Lau Pa Sat Festival Market, a complete reconstruction of the first municipal market of 1894 that has been transformed into a thriving food centre—the perfect venue for relishing Asian cuisines at rock-bottom prices.

Orchard Road— Shop till you drop! Join the jostling crowds and do what young and trendy Singaporeans do best—shop, catwalk and flaunt their latest buys. Swanky malls and charming boutiques dot Singapore's prime shopping belt from end to end, while chic alfresco eateries make great spots for watching the fashion parade go by. Top stops include local department stores Robinsons and Tangs (which is a landmark in itself with the distinctive pagoda-roofed tower of the Singapore Marriott just above it), and mammoth shopping arcade Ngee Ann City for its posh boutiques and the anchor tenant, Takashimaya. Christmastime along Orchard Road is always a colourful spectacle of bright lights and exuberant decorations.

Chinatown—Once a victim of redevelopment, this ethnic enclave still holds pockets of old, dilapidated buildings where Singaporeans continue to practice age-old trades. Others have been restored to their former state, like the series of shophouses at the Tanjong Pagar Conservation Area. For an authentic taste of Chinese culture, try visiting a teahouse and the Thong Chai Medical Institute, then take a peek into a typical middle-class Chinese home in the 1920s at the Chinaman Scholar's Gallery. Crowded streets throb, especially just before Chinese New Year, when Chinese opera and lion dances add to the festivity. Do not forget to visit the eclectic mix of mosques and temples while you are here—the serene Nagore Durgha Shrine, the elaborate Sri Mariamman Temple and the grand Thian Hock Keng Temple are just a few.

Arab Street—With its top draw being the Sultan Mosque, this is the repository of culture for Singapore's Muslim community. Muslim restaurants and coffee shops line the streets, serving up mostly traditional Indian and Malay fare. During the holy month of Ramadan, even more food stalls are set up in preparation for breaking fast at dusk. Shopping here is a delight and a welcomed change from the glitzy malls of Orchard Road, with stores selling Malay, Indonesian and Middle Eastern merchandise—lots of textiles, carpets, antiques, jewellery, artefacts, basket wares and alcohol-free perfumes. Do not forget to drop by Istana Kampung Glam and take a stroll around Singapore's oldest Malay cemetery.

Little India—A riot of colour, particularly on Sundays and during major Hindu festivals, like Thaipusam and Deepavali. Awash with scents and sights of the Indian subcontinent, this is where Indian men and sari-clad women abound, and everything needed by Indian households is found. Traces of Hinduism are seen everywhere, from the embellished Veeramukaliamman Temple to pictures of Hindu deities. Mustafa Centre sells just about anything you need under one roof and is a haven for bargain hunters.

Esprit jumps on H&M's forecast-beating earnings

Shares in Hong Kong-based apparel and accessories retailer Esprit Holdings (0330.HK: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) bucked the downward trend in the broad market to gain nearly 6 percent on Thursday after rival Hennes & Mauritz AB (HMb.ST: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) beat expectations in its second-quarter earnings.

H&M's results suggest strong demand for apparels despite a lukewarm economic performance in Europe, said analysts.

At 0238 GMT, the stock was up 3.3 percent at HK$86.8 after rising as high as HK$89 at one point.
The stock has been on a downslide in recent weeks on concern over falling demand from the U.S. and Europe amid rising inflation and stagnant growth rates.

http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idINHKG16349620080619?rpc=611

Yogyakarta, Indonesia

YOGYAKARTA (pronounced "Jogjakarta" and often just shortened to "Jogja") ranks as one of the best-preserved and most attractive cities in Java, and is a major centre for the classical Javanese arts of batik, ballet, drama, music, poetry and puppet shows. At its heart is Yogya's first family, the Hamengkubuwonos, whose elegant palace lies at the centre of Yogya's quaint old city, the Kraton, itself concealed behind high castellated walls. Tourists flock here, attracted not only by the city's courtly splendour but also by the nearby temples of Prambanan and Borobudur, so there are more hotels in Yogya than anywhere else in Java and, unfortunately, a correspondingly high number of touts, pickpockets and con artists.
Yogyakarta grew out of the dying embers of the once-great Mataram dynasty. In 1752, the Mataram Empire, then based in nearby Solo, was in the throes of the Third Javanese War of Succession. The reigning susuhunan, Pakubuwono II, had been steadily losing power in the face of a rebellion by his brothers, Singasari and Mangkubumi, and the sultan's nephew, Mas Said. To try to turn the tide, Pakubuwono persuaded Mangkubumi to swap sides and defend the court, offering him control over three thousand households within the city in return. Mangkubumi agreed, but the sultan later reneged on the deal. In fury, Mangkubumi headed off to establish his own court. Thus Yogyakarta was born, and Mangkubumi crowned himself Sultan Hamengkubuwono I. He spent the next 37 years building the new capital, with the Kraton as the centrepiece and the court at Solo as the blueprint. By the time he died in 1792, his territory exceeded Solo's. After his death, however, the Yogya sultanate went into freefall and spent most of the nineteenth century concentrating on artistic pursuits rather than warmongering. In 1946, the capital of the newly declared Republic of Indonesia was moved to Yogya from Jakarta, and the Kraton became the unofficial headquarters for the republican movement. With the financial and military support of Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX, Yogya became the nerve centre for the native forces. Today, over fifty years on from the War of Independence, the royal household of Yogya continues to enjoy almost slavish devotion from its subjects and the current sultan, Hamengkubuwono X, is one of the most influential politicians in the country.

http://travel.yahoo.com

Make Money Online

There are many ways of making a residual income or just a little bit of extra cash in your pocket by using the internet.

It can be very hard to make money online, but if you have the right tools and the confidence, it can become very easy and make you very wealthy.

Making money online is a great way to live, and if you are good at it, you can get out of those 9-5 jobs that we all hate! A few ways to make money online: Online surveys -Most of these will not make you very rich, but can give you quite a bit of extra money in your pocket and all you have to do is give your personal opinion.

MLM (Multi-Level-Marketing) -These are programs you can sign up for and invite people to join and use the site product and get paid. These are kind of like pyramid schemes, which are illegal by the way, except these have other products. (some are free but others will have an initial fee or monthly fee) Affiliate Marketing -This is a great way to make money online.

You get paid to traffic people to sites and can get paid with pay-per-click or pay-per-sale using affiliate programs. Works good if you have your own website. Selling- If you have products that you can sell, using the internet is a great way! Anyone can make money online.

All your really need is a computer with access to the internet, your brain, and the initiative and confidence to accomplish success! Learn how I make Money online!!!

http://makemoneyonline-jeffehboy.blogspot.com/ Article
Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_G_Charles