FOREX-Dollar hits 27-mo high vs yen on US rate view
By John Parry
NEW YORK, Nov 25 (Reuters) - The dollar rose to a new 27-month high against the yen in holiday-thinned trade on Friday, bolstered by the market's return to the view that rising U.S. interest rates will give the greenback a lift for some time yet.
The dollar also rose against the euro.
These gains showed the U.S. currency "has continued to recover from Tuesday's minutes of the November 1 Fed meeting which introduced some uncertainty into the longer term outlook for U.S. interest rates and triggered the notion the Fed may be less aggressive (in raising interest rates)" said Alex Beuzelin, foreign exchange market analyst with Ruesch International in Washington DC.
The central bank's minutes from its Nov 1 meeting revealed some policy-makers were concerned about the risk of going too far with the Fed's rate-rise campaign.
"But the market has digested those minutes and the reality remains that in the near term the Federal Reserve will continue to outpace its central bank counterparts in Europe and in Japan, which means the dollar's rate advantage will get better," Beuzelin added.
In 2005, the dollar has rallied as rising U.S. interest rates and yields have burnished the appeal of dollar-denominated deposits to foreign investors.
Midmorning in New York, the dollar gained against the yen to new 27-month highs at 119.69 yen, up 0.6 percent from late Thursday, according to Reuters data. The euro traded at $1.1733, down 0.4 percent.
Against the Swiss franc, the dollar traded up 0.3 percent at 1.3186 francs. Earlier, the Swiss currency rallied against the euro and dollar after stronger-than-expected Swiss data.
The moves took place in thin trading conditions, U.S.-based traders said, with desks having only skeleton staffing in the wake of Thursday's U.S. Thanksgiving holiday. With little U.S. economic data to speak of, major currencies were rangebound as analysts braced for next week's array of potentially market moving U.S. economic reports.
Next week brings a data on gross domestic product for the third quarter, the core PCE price index -- an inflation gauge the Fed watches closely -- the Institute for Supply Management November manufacturing report and the November non-farm payrolls report, for which economists' median forecast is a rise of 210,000 jobs.
The currency market has high expectations for the jobs report, ISM manufacturing survey and inflation data, "which all point towards continued strength in the economy and favor the U.S. dollar," said Tim Mazanec, director and senior currency strategist with Investors Bank & Trust in Boston.
The U.S. Federal Reserve's credit-tightening campaign, with expectations for further increases, has helped drive the dollar up more than 15 percent against the euro and yen this year.
The Federal Reserve is expected to raise rates next month to 4.25 percent from the current 4 percent, while the European Central Bank is seen increasing its refi rate by 25 basis points to 2.25 percent next Thursday.
The yen was also knocked against the dollar in thin post-Thanksgiving trade as mixed Japanese inflation data cemented expectations that interest rates in Japan won't rise soon.
"The yen remains the weakest link due to the benign rate outlook in Japan," said Niels Christensen, senior currency strategist at Societe Generale in Paris.
China disappointed offshore investors with a one-year, $6 billion currency swap that priced the yuan at a weaker level than had been expected in the one-year forward markets.
(Additional reporting by Veronica Brown in London)
Friday, November 25, 2005
Sunday, October 02, 2005
Forex weekly review and outlook
Forex weekly review and outlook
ForexTV.com Commentary, News, & Analysis. |
| FOREX WEEKLY REVIEW AND OUTLOOK |
| Oct 02 2005 09:10 am |
EUR/USD
EUR/USD's decline was just contained above cluster support of 1.1964/70 (with 61.8% projection 1.2582 to 1.2098 from 1.2269 at 1.1970) last Tuesday and turned into volatile sideway trading since then. Even though the downside momentum of the fall from 1.2269 is not convincing, EUR/USD is still trading well below 4 hours 55 EMA and the short term falling trend line. Overall short term trend is still downwards As discussed before the fall from 1.2582 is treated as either (i) resumption of medium term down trend from 1.3668; OR (ii) a falling leg of wide
range consolidation pattern from 1.1873. In either case, the immediate question is how far this fall will go.
At this point, the fall from 1.2582 is still expected to continue as long as cluster resistance of 1.2119/23 (50% retracement of 1.2269 to 1.1976 and 23.6% retracement of 1.2582 to 1.1976 at 1.2119) holds. But weakness could only be confirmed by firm breaking of 1.1964/70 cluster support. In such case, further decline towards 1.1873 low should follow. But, the real test lies in cluster projection target at 1.1759 (1.1759 being Apr 04 low, 50% projection of
1.3483 to 1.1873 from 1.2582 at 1.1777, 100% projection of 1.2582 to 1.2098 from
1.2269 at 1.1785). Strong rebound above this level could mark the end of the
fall from 1.2582 and bring another leg of consolidation pattern from 1.1873.
Decisive break of 1.1759 will add much credence to the scenario that medium term
fall from 1.3668 has resumed.
On the upside, break above 1.2119/23 resistance will indicate the whole fall from 1.2582 has possibly finished and opens up a few short term bullish scenarios. But in any case, EUR/USD should head towards next cluster resistance at 1.2269 (50% retracement of 1.2582 to 1.1976 at 1.2279) first.
Stay tuned with our daily and mid-day newsletters
GBP/USD
Even though, crawling lower to as low as 1.7565 last week, cable's fall is still contained above 78.6% retracement of 1.7271 to 1.8498 at 1.7530. From a bigger picture, since we're treating the fall from 1.8498 as resumption of medium term down trend from 1.9554, further decline to cluster support of 1.7271 (161.8% projection of 1.8498 to 1.7959 from 1.8146 at 1.7274) is still being expected in the coming week(s). However, the question is, whether a corrective rebound will happen in the near term first.
Zooming in the the near term picture. Even though, cable is cable is still trading well below falling trend line and 4 hours 55 EMA, downside momentum is not convincing as bullish convergence is displayed in 4 hours MACD. Further consolidative trading is favored and cable could recover towards cluster resistance of 1.7797 resistance (with 38.2% retracement of 1.8146 to 1.7565 at 1.7787 and 23.6% retracement of 1.8498 to 1.7565 at 1.7785). Break above this level will indicate the fall from 1.8498 could have finished and opens up a few near term bullish scenarios. But in any case, break of 1.7797 will push cable towards next cluster resistance of (with 61.8% retracement of 1.8146 to 1.7566 at 1.7924 and 38.2% retracement of 1.8498 to 1.7565 at 1.7921).
Firm break of 1.7530 will signal down trend resumption for 1.7271.
Stay tuned with our daily and mid-day newsletters
USD/CHF
Similar to EUR/USD, USD/CHF's rally was limited at 1.2996, slightly below 61.8% projection of 1.2239 to 1.2825 from 1.2654 at 1.3016 last Tuesday and turned into sideway trading since then. This rally from 1.2239 is either resumption of medium term up trend from 1.1288 or forming a wide range consolidation pattern from 1.3079. But in either case, further rally should push USD/CHF for retest of 1.3079 resistance.
Zooming into near term picture, USD/CHF is still trading well above the rising trend line. As long as cluster support of 1.2825 (with 50% retracement of 1.2654 to 1.2996 at 1.2825, 23.6% retracement of 1.2239 to 1.2996 at 1.2817) holds, further rally is still in favor. But since upside momentum is not convincing, a break of 1.3016 is needed to confirm underlying strength.
A break below 1.2825 cluster support will signal a top should have been made at 1.2996 and opens up a few bearish scenarios. But in any case USD/CHF should fall towards 1.2654 support first.
Also, the key medium term resistance level lies in 1.3226 cluster resistance (1.3226 being Apr 04 high, 61.8% projection of 1.1481 to 1.3079 from 1.2239 at 1.3227 and 100% projection of 1.2239 to 1.2825 from 1.2654 at 1.3240). Any strong bouncing off from this level will indicate USD/CHF could still be bounded within wide range consolidation mentioned above and bring deep retreat to below 1.2654 level. On the other hand, firm break above 1.3226 will add much credence to the scenario that USD/CHF is in resumption of up trend from 1.1288.
Stay tuned with our daily and mid-day newsletters
USD/JPY
USD/JPY did rose to as high as 113.68 last week as expected, just slightly below mentioned 113.74 resistance. As discussed before, the rally from 108.75 is either resumption of the rise form 101.65 or part of wide range consolidation pattern from 113.74. But in either case, the first target of 113.74 is nearly met.
For the coming week(s) close attention will be paid to how USD/JPY react around 113.74 to 114.87 (with 114.90 being May 04 high and 50% projection of 101.65 to 113.74 from 108.75 at 114.80). Any sell off from this level could mark the end of the rise from 108.75 and bring deep correction. Meanwhile, firm break above 114.87 will add much credence that up trend from 101.65 has resumed.
Zooming into near term picture, breaking of cluster support of 112.66 support will at least turn near turn up trend into sideway consolidation and risk further pull back to 112.09 support. However a firm break below 1.2209 strongly suggest that the rise from 108.75 has ended and risk will significantly increase for a much deeper decline.
Stay tuned with our daily and mid-day newsletters
Monday, September 05, 2005
FOREX-Dollar falls as US growth
LONDON, Sept 5 (Reuters) - The dollar hit its lowest levels in nearly four months on Monday on worries that the Federal Reserve may pause in its dollar-supportive monetary tightening as the United States counts the cost of Hurricane Katrina. The yen rose both against the dollar and euro, taking heart from buyoant Tokyo stocks which hit 4-year highs and data showing Japanese firms boosted capital spending in the second quarter. In relatively thin trading due to the U.S. Labour Day holiday, investors sold dollars as surging gasoline prices and uncertainty about how deeply Katrina has affected the economy fanned talk the Fed might not raise interest rates at its Sept. 20 meeting from the current 3.5 percent. "People are unwinding growth expectations and interest rate expectations," said Naeem Wahid, currency strategist at HBOS Treasury Services. "The market was pricing in Fed funds rate at 4.25 percent by the year end at one point, now it has been pushed back to 3.75 percent. The dollar will struggle in this environment." By 0940 GMT, the dollar had fallen 1 percent on the day to to 108.77 yen, a 2-1/2 month low. Against the euro it stood at $1.2556, holding close to Friday's 3-month low of $1.2589. It hit a four-month low versus sterling at $1.8499 and a 3-1/2 month low of 1.2241 Swiss francs. The dollar hit its lowest level since May 18 against a basket of major currencies. The euro showed little reaction to data showing growth in the euro zone service sector eased in August, with high oil prices putting pressure on margins. FED PAUSE? The big question for investors is how the Fed will respond to Katrina's impact. U.S. Treasury Secretary John Snow said on Friday that Katrina could slow U.S. economic growth for a quarter or so, though it would not have a lasting impact. Some economists said that it would take evidence of a severe downturn in the economy for the Fed to take an extended break in its credit tightening cycle that started in June 2004, given their stated concerns about inflation pressures. The Fed has raised its funds rate 10 straight times to 3.50 percent, helping propel the dollar higher during the first half of the year. "The market is increasingly seeing a risk that the Fed pauses in its rate cycle -- not only that but also the peak in the interest cycle will be considerably lower," said Adam Cole, senior currency
strategist at Royal Bank of Canada. The market will keep an eye on upcoming data on U.S. retail sales, jobless claims and consumer confidence, as well as reaction from Fed officials who are due to speak this week, for clues about the hurricane's impact on policy. "I personally think they would raise rates (this month). Inflation could be also a problem so the key to this would be Fed speakers this week," said Wahid at HBOS.
Monday, August 29, 2005
Latest Happenings
Software send out contamination alert
29/08/2005 - Next time the phone rings, it could by your software alerting you about a contamination problem on the line or in the lab.
The software is from Centrus International, which has developed a rapid alert system to connect its microbial testing equipment with food safety managers or lab workers.
The connectivity allows food, meat, dairy, beverage and nutraceutical processors to make faster, better-informed decisions regarding product safety and release, stated Dominique Sorgeloos, Centrus' managing director of business operations.
“In food microbial testing, speed is all-important,” Sorgeloos stated in a press release. “Soleris Connectivity software speeds the flow of vital test results from the laboratory to key decision makers, allowing them to make fast choices in real time that ensure product safety and quality.”
The company developed its Soleris Connectivity software for use with its rapid optical system. The software system provides secure, real-time test results and data to an unlimited number of approved network users.
It can be adapted to interface with specific laboratory information management systems. The system can also be programmed to send contamination alarms securely through traditional and cellular phone systems.
The software features automated system control, data analysis and automatic contamination detection. Test results can be sent to additional designated workstations on networks inside and outside the lab or testing area.
The information can be sent using a secure supervisor workstation, speeding the distribution of information to an unlimited number of designated viewers.
The system can be integrated with existing information systems, allowing labs to incorporate test results with their own proprietary data and operating systems, Centrus stated.
Test results can be monitored from remote locations connected through any existing communication line, including by telephone or mobile phones, giving managers the ability to receive results and analysis from any test site on the network.
In addition, the software can send alarms through traditional and cellular phone lines when a sample tests positive for contamination.
Other features include a manual backup function, an ability to transfer data files and reports to a supervisor station and a hardware security device to ensure lab results are accessible only through designated secure-access workstations.
29/08/2005 - Next time the phone rings, it could by your software alerting you about a contamination problem on the line or in the lab.
The software is from Centrus International, which has developed a rapid alert system to connect its microbial testing equipment with food safety managers or lab workers.
The connectivity allows food, meat, dairy, beverage and nutraceutical processors to make faster, better-informed decisions regarding product safety and release, stated Dominique Sorgeloos, Centrus' managing director of business operations.
“In food microbial testing, speed is all-important,” Sorgeloos stated in a press release. “Soleris Connectivity software speeds the flow of vital test results from the laboratory to key decision makers, allowing them to make fast choices in real time that ensure product safety and quality.”
The company developed its Soleris Connectivity software for use with its rapid optical system. The software system provides secure, real-time test results and data to an unlimited number of approved network users.
It can be adapted to interface with specific laboratory information management systems. The system can also be programmed to send contamination alarms securely through traditional and cellular phone systems.
The software features automated system control, data analysis and automatic contamination detection. Test results can be sent to additional designated workstations on networks inside and outside the lab or testing area.
The information can be sent using a secure supervisor workstation, speeding the distribution of information to an unlimited number of designated viewers.
The system can be integrated with existing information systems, allowing labs to incorporate test results with their own proprietary data and operating systems, Centrus stated.
Test results can be monitored from remote locations connected through any existing communication line, including by telephone or mobile phones, giving managers the ability to receive results and analysis from any test site on the network.
In addition, the software can send alarms through traditional and cellular phone lines when a sample tests positive for contamination.
Other features include a manual backup function, an ability to transfer data files and reports to a supervisor station and a hardware security device to ensure lab results are accessible only through designated secure-access workstations.
Sunday, August 21, 2005
Pentax *ist DS2 Digital Camera Announced
Pentax *ist DS2 Digital Camera Announced
Pentax *ist DS2 D-SLR introduction : Pentax introduces the new Pentax *ist DS2 digital SLR camera.
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Forex
FOREX-Dollar falls broadly ahead of retail sales
LONDON, Aug 11 (Reuters) - The dollar fell to its lowest levels against the euro and Swiss franc in about two months on Thursday, extending a recent decline, while the yen jumped on strong gains in Tokyo stocks and fading political worries. U.S. retail sales data later in the session is expected to show strong growth but the upbeat forecasts failed to boost the dollar as investors appeared keen to take profits on this year's 10-percent rally.
"We are just seeing continued dollar consolidation," said Jeremy Stretch, currency strategist at Rabobank in London.
"The market has become accustomed to strong U.S. data across the board and much of the good news is priced in so dollar longs are getting frustrated."
At 1200 GMT the dollar traded 0.2 percent down on the day at $1.2408 per euro, after hitting $1.2431, its lowest level since the end of May. It also fell to 1.2503 Swiss francs, a low from June 8.
Euro zone data showed the bloc's economy growing at a slightly faster than expected pace of 1.2 percent on the year in the second quarter.
Against the yen, the dollar fell to 110.12 yen, a three-week low, before regaining some ground to 110.40.
Meanwhile, the Norwegian crown eased slightly versus the dollar and euro after the country's central bank kept interest rates at 2 percent but appeared less hawkish than some analysts had expected.
DOLLAR DATA
Analysts said the dollar was unlikely to benefit sustainably from strong retail sales data because investors have grown accustomed to upbeat economic figures from the U.S. There were also concerns about U.S. trade figures due on Friday.
"It is difficult to see this release providing much reprieve for the dollar. In fact, as the market's attention turns towards structural issues, it is the June trade balance data, due for release tomorrow, which will grab the focus," UBS analysts said in a note.
The Japanese currency was bolstered by Tokyo stocks which hit four-year highs on optimism about Japan's economy amid buying by foreign investors.
It reversed losses made following Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's called for an election after losing a parliamentary vote on privatising the postal system.
Public opinion polls showed on Wednesday Koizumi's support rating had risen since he called the election for Sept. 11 to seek a new mandate for reforms.
Even before this week's rally, foreign investors bought a net 495.0 billion yen ($4.47 billion) of Japanese stocks in the week ended Aug. 6, taking their net purchases this calendar year to 5.27 trillion yen.
The yield on two-year Japanese government bonds hit an 11-month high while yen money market futures fell as speculation swelled that the Bank of Japan would end its zero interest rate policy early next year.
After upbeat machinery orders data this week, investors are looking ahead to Japan's gross domestic product figures for the April-June quarter on Friday for evidence of robust growth.
Talk that Japanese investors were preparing to repatriate coupon payments on U.S. Treasuries also helped the yen, traders said.
Analysts have estimated that $5 billion of the $24.7 billion in coupons to be issued on Aug. 15 will go to Japanese investors. Barclays Capital said coupon-related sales of dollars for yen could total $900 million a day between Friday and next Tuesday.
"The yen is trading a bit better on the back of fundamentals," said Stretch. "There are signs of foreign investors coming back to Japan again and the market has been very short yen for a considerable period."
A Reuters poll showed economists expect Japan's economy to have grown 0.5 percent quarter-on-quarter in April-June for an annualised pace of 2.0 percent. The economy expanded at an annualised 4.9 percent in January-March, its fastest in a year. "You see a lot of selling pressure in dollar/yen... People are not only taking off positions in dollar/yen but also in dollar/Swiss and euro/dollar, so you have a spill-over effect," said Hans-Guenter Redeker, chief foreign exchange strategist at BNP Paribas in London.
U.S. retail sales are expected to rise 2.2 percent in July from the previous month and 0.6 percent with auto sales excluded.
Source:Reuters
LONDON, Aug 11 (Reuters) - The dollar fell to its lowest levels against the euro and Swiss franc in about two months on Thursday, extending a recent decline, while the yen jumped on strong gains in Tokyo stocks and fading political worries. U.S. retail sales data later in the session is expected to show strong growth but the upbeat forecasts failed to boost the dollar as investors appeared keen to take profits on this year's 10-percent rally.
"We are just seeing continued dollar consolidation," said Jeremy Stretch, currency strategist at Rabobank in London.
"The market has become accustomed to strong U.S. data across the board and much of the good news is priced in so dollar longs are getting frustrated."
At 1200 GMT the dollar traded 0.2 percent down on the day at $1.2408 per euro, after hitting $1.2431, its lowest level since the end of May. It also fell to 1.2503 Swiss francs, a low from June 8.
Euro zone data showed the bloc's economy growing at a slightly faster than expected pace of 1.2 percent on the year in the second quarter.
Against the yen, the dollar fell to 110.12 yen, a three-week low, before regaining some ground to 110.40.
Meanwhile, the Norwegian crown eased slightly versus the dollar and euro after the country's central bank kept interest rates at 2 percent but appeared less hawkish than some analysts had expected.
DOLLAR DATA
Analysts said the dollar was unlikely to benefit sustainably from strong retail sales data because investors have grown accustomed to upbeat economic figures from the U.S. There were also concerns about U.S. trade figures due on Friday.
"It is difficult to see this release providing much reprieve for the dollar. In fact, as the market's attention turns towards structural issues, it is the June trade balance data, due for release tomorrow, which will grab the focus," UBS analysts said in a note.
The Japanese currency was bolstered by Tokyo stocks which hit four-year highs on optimism about Japan's economy amid buying by foreign investors.
It reversed losses made following Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's called for an election after losing a parliamentary vote on privatising the postal system.
Public opinion polls showed on Wednesday Koizumi's support rating had risen since he called the election for Sept. 11 to seek a new mandate for reforms.
Even before this week's rally, foreign investors bought a net 495.0 billion yen ($4.47 billion) of Japanese stocks in the week ended Aug. 6, taking their net purchases this calendar year to 5.27 trillion yen.
The yield on two-year Japanese government bonds hit an 11-month high while yen money market futures fell as speculation swelled that the Bank of Japan would end its zero interest rate policy early next year.
After upbeat machinery orders data this week, investors are looking ahead to Japan's gross domestic product figures for the April-June quarter on Friday for evidence of robust growth.
Talk that Japanese investors were preparing to repatriate coupon payments on U.S. Treasuries also helped the yen, traders said.
Analysts have estimated that $5 billion of the $24.7 billion in coupons to be issued on Aug. 15 will go to Japanese investors. Barclays Capital said coupon-related sales of dollars for yen could total $900 million a day between Friday and next Tuesday.
"The yen is trading a bit better on the back of fundamentals," said Stretch. "There are signs of foreign investors coming back to Japan again and the market has been very short yen for a considerable period."
A Reuters poll showed economists expect Japan's economy to have grown 0.5 percent quarter-on-quarter in April-June for an annualised pace of 2.0 percent. The economy expanded at an annualised 4.9 percent in January-March, its fastest in a year. "You see a lot of selling pressure in dollar/yen... People are not only taking off positions in dollar/yen but also in dollar/Swiss and euro/dollar, so you have a spill-over effect," said Hans-Guenter Redeker, chief foreign exchange strategist at BNP Paribas in London.
U.S. retail sales are expected to rise 2.2 percent in July from the previous month and 0.6 percent with auto sales excluded.
Source:Reuters
Friday, August 05, 2005
FOREX Basics
FOREX Basics.
What is it?
On the FOREX exchange you can buy and sell currencies. For example, you might buy Japanese yens (by exchanging them to the dollars you had), then, after yen / dollar ratio goes up, you sell yens and buy dollars again. At the end of this operation you are going to have more dollars, then you had at the beginning.
The FOREX market has much higher liquidity, then the stock market, as much more money are being exchanged. Also, it does not have "exchange places", like stock market does. FOREX is spread between banks all over the world, and as the result, it is open 24 hours, during the business week.
Unlike stocks, FOREX trades are performed with high leverage, usually it is 100. It means that by investing $1000 you can control $100,000, and increase potential profits accordingly. Some brokers provide also so called mini-FOREX, where the size of minimum deposit equals $100. It makes possible for individuals to enter this market easily.
Important note: Trader software comes with indicators, that are configured to assume margin (leverage) equal 1 stock operations and 100 for FOREX.
The name convention. In FOREX, the name of a "symbol" is composed of two parts - one for first currency, and another for the second currency. For example, the symbol usdjpy stands for US dollars (usd) to Japanese yen (jpy).
As with stocks, you can apply tools of the technical analysis to FOREX charts. Trader's indexes can be optimized for FOREX "symbols", allowing you to find winning strategy.
Monday, July 25, 2005
Cord Blood
Cord Blood
Q: Where can I donate cord blood?
A: If you are interested, or someone you know is interested, in donating cord blood, look for a Cord Blood Bank or collecting hospital within or close to your community. There are only a small number of cord blood banks in the United States, so donation to a local bank is not possible in many areas.
If there is not an NMDP Cord Blood Bank in your community, refer to the Non-NMDP Cord Blood Bank list on this Web site or contact any major university hospital or medical center in your state to see if they accept cord blood donations.
Q: Why isn't there a cord blood bank or collecting hospital in my area?
A: Cord blood donation is currently not possible in many communities. Many communities do not have the technical and financial resources needed to establish and operate a public cord blood bank. Although cord blood banks are developing throughout the United States, the annual number of births far exceeds the expected need for cord blood storage.
Q: Does it cost me anything to donate cord blood?
A: There is no cost for donating. Unrelated donor cord blood banks will take care of the procedure and cover the cost of processing and storing your baby's cord blood unit. However, parents also have the option of storing cord blood exclusively for use within their own family for a fee. Several banks in the United States will collect and store cord blood reserved for private use. A list of these banks is available at www.parentsguidecordblood.com.
Q: Are there any risks to donating cord blood?
A: Donating cord blood is medically safe. Donating poses no health risks to you or your baby. Donating does not affect your baby or your birth experience because the cord blood is collected after your baby is born. If you or your baby experience any complications during delivery, your doctor will not collect the cord blood.
Q: I have been approached, or contacted, by a self-storage program about storing my child's cord blood. Should I store the cord or donate it?
A: Donating your child's cord blood or storing it for private use is a personal decision that only you can make. If you have a child with leukemia or other disease that may be treatable by transplant and you are pregnant, talk with your oncologist or pediatrician about saving your baby's cord blood. For more information see the Non-NMDP Cord Blood Bank list.
Families may feel a great deal of pressure from the promotions and advertisements they receive from the for-profit private storage cord blood banks. The NMDP agrees with the policy statement of The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued in 1999:
AAP's second recommendation follows:
"Given the difficulty of making an accurate
estimate of the need for autologous [donation
from self] transplantation and the ready
availability of allogeneic [donation from
sibling or unrelated person] transplantation,
private storage of cord blood as "biological
insurance" is unwise. However, banking should
be considered if there is a family member with
a current or potential need to
undergo a stem cell transplantation."
(Words in italics added by the NMDP.)
Q: What will happen to my child's cord blood if I donate it?
A: After the baby's birth, the umbilical cord is clamped, breaking the link between the baby and the placenta. The small amount of blood remaining in the placenta and umbilical cord, typically three to five fluid ounces, is drained and taken to a cord blood bank where the unit is processed and samples are sent for tests. To be stored, the cord blood unit must meet these standards:
- The unit must be large enough.
- The maternal and family health history must meet eligibility guidelines.
- Tests of the cord blood unit and the mother's blood sample must show no signs of infection or other possible problems.
If the unit meets these standards, it is frozen and stored in a liquid nitrogen freezer. The cord blood unit is then listed on the NMDP's Registry, where it will be searched for a matching recipient and then transplanted.
Q: Who has access to the donated cord blood?
A: Once the donated cord blood is processed and stored at the Cord Blood Bank, it is listed on the NMDP Registry and available to patients all over the world who are searching for a match. The cord blood can be transplanted into any patient whose doctor selects the cord as a match for that patient.
Remember that donating cord blood to a public bank is different than storing the cord blood for your family's private use. The donated cord blood is not reserved for your family. Also, some donated cord blood units cannot be stored. Some units are too small or have other factors that make them unsuitable for storage in a public bank.
Q: How long can cord blood be stored before it expires?
A: Studies have shown good cord blood cell recovery after up to ten years of storage (Clin Exp Immunol 1997; 107, Suppl 1). Studies are ongoing to determine the storage life of cord blood units.
Q: How soon should I notify the cord blood bank in my area or my doctor about donating my child's umbilical cord blood?
A: It is recommended that someone who is interested in donating contact the cord blood bank by the 34th week of pregnancy.
Q:Why is there a need for women from all racial and ethnic groups to donate their baby's cord blood?
A: Because the tissue traits that are used to match a cord blood unit with a patient are inherited, a patient's most likely match will be cord blood donated by someone of the same heritage. American Indian and Alaska Native, Asian, Black and African American, Hispanic and Latino, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander, and multiple-race patients face a greater challenge in finding a match than White patients.
NMDP cord blood banks are working in local communities to increase the racial and ethnic diversity of NMDP cord blood listings. From 2001 to 2003, the likelihood of finding a matched cord blood unit has grown at least twofold for patients from all racial and ethnic groups. Still, some patients are unable to find a match because of the rarity of their tissue traits. Some tissue traits are more likely to be found among people of a particular racial or ethnic heritage. That is why a pressing need remains for more cord blood donations from American Indian and Alaska Native, Asian, Black and African American, Hispanic and Latino, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander, and multiple-race donors.
Q: Is cord blood donation confidential?
A: Identifying information is never exchanged between a cord blood donor and cord blood transplant recipient. The identity of the cord blood donor is kept confidential at the cord blood bank.
Q: How does the National Marrow Donor Program support cord blood donation?
A: The NMDP has developed a central Registry of cord blood units that physicians may search. In addition, several mechanisms exist for physicians to search cord blood banks not currently participating with The NMDP. Physicians can obtain additional information from the NMDP Office of Patient Advocacy at 1 (888) 999-6743. Outside the United States, call 1 (612) 627-8140.
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma:Mesothelioma What is the mesothelium?The mesothelium has different names, depending on itslocation in the body. The peritoneum is the mesothelialtissue that covers most of the organs in the abdominalcavity. The pleura is the membrane that surrounds thelungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity.The pericardium covers and protects the heart. Themesothelial tissue surrounding the male internalreproductive organs is called the tunica vaginalis testis.The tunica serosa uteri coversthe internal reproductive organs in women. What is mesothelioma?Mesothelioma (cancer of the mesothelium) is a diseaseinwhich cells of the mesothelium become abnormaland divide without control or order. They can invadeand damage nearby tissues and organs. Cancer cellscan also metastasize (spread) from their original site toother parts of the body. Most cases of mesotheliomabegin in the pleura or peritoneum. How common is mesothelioma?Although reported incidence rates have increased inthe past 20 years, mesothelioma is still a relativelyrare cancer. About 2,000 new cases of mesotheliomaare diagnosed in the United States each year.Mesothelioma occurs more often in men than in womenand risk increases with age,but this disease can appearin either men or women at any age. What are the risk factors for mesothelioma?Working with asbestos is the major risk factor formesothelioma. A history of asbestos exposure at workis reported in about 70 percent to 80 percent of allcases. However, mesothelioma has been reported insome individuals without any known exposureto asbestos. Asbestos is the name of a group of minerals that occurnaturally as masses of strong, flexible fibers that canbe separated into thin threads and woven. Asbestos hasbeen widely used in many industrial products, includingcement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products,textiles, and insulation. If tinyasbestos particles float in the air, especially during themanufacturing process, they may be inhaled or swallowed,and can cause serious health problems. In addition tomesothelioma, exposure to asbestos increases the risk oflung cancer, asbestosis (a noncancerous, chronic lungailment), and other cancers, such as those of the larynxand kidney. Smoking does not appear to increase the risk ofmesothelioma. However, the combination of smoking andasbestos exposure significantly increases a person's riskof developing cancer of the air passageways in the lung.Who is at increased risk for developing mesothelioma?Asbestos has been mined and used commercially since thelate 1800s. Its use greatly increased during World War II.Since the early 1940s, millions of American workers havebeen exposed to asbestos dust. Initially, the risksassociated with asbestosexposure were not known. However, an increased risk ofdeveloping mesothelioma was later found among shipyardworkers, people who work in asbestos mines and mills,producers of asbestos products, workers in the heatingand construction industries, and other tradespeople.Today, the U.S. Occupational Safety and HealthAdministration.(OSHA) sets limits for acceptable levelsof asbestos exposure in the workplace. People who workwith asbestos wear personal protective equipment tolower their risk of exposure. The risk of asbestos-related disease increases with heavierexposure to asbestos and longer exposure time. However,some individuals with only brief exposures havedeveloped mesothelioma. On the other hand,not all workers who are heavily exposed developasbestos-related diseases. There is some evidence that family members and othersliving with asbestos workers have an increased risk ofdeveloping mesothelioma, and possibly other asbestos-related diseases. This risk may be the result of exposureto asbestos dust brought home on the clothing and hairof asbestos workers. To reduce the chance of exposingfamily members to asbestos fibers, asbestos workers areusually required to shower and change their clothingbefore leaving the workplace. What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 30 to50 years after exposure to asbestos. Shortness of breathand pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid inthe pleura are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma.Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weightloss and abdominal pain and swelling due to a buildup offluid in the abdomen. Other symptoms of peritonealmesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, bloodclotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever. If the cancerhas spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts ofthe body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face. These symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or byother, less serious conditions. It is important to see a doctorabout any of these symptoms. Only a doctor can make adiagnosis. How is mesothelioma diagnosed?Diagnosing mesothelioma is often difficult, because thesymptoms are similar to those of a number of otherconditions. Diagnosis begins with a review of the patient'smedical history, including any history of asbestos exposure.A complete physical examination may be performed,including x-rays of the chest or abdomen and lung functiontests. A CT (or CAT) scan or an MRI may also be useful.A CT scan is a series of detailed pictures of areas insidethe body created by a computer linked to an x-raymachine. In an MRI, a powerful magnet linked to acomputer is used to make detailed pictures of areas insidethe body. These pictures are viewed on a monitor and canalso be printed. A biopsy is needed to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma.In a biopsy, a surgeon or a medical oncologist (a doctorwho specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer)removes a sample of tissue for examination under amicroscope by a pathologist. A biopsy may be done indifferent ways, depending on where the abnormal areais located. If the cancer is in the chest, the doctor mayperform a thoracoscopy. In this procedure, the doctormakes a small cut through the chest wall and puts a thin,lighted tube called a thoracoscope into the chest betweentwo ribs. Thoracoscopy allows the doctor to look inside thechest and obtain tissue samples. If the cancer is in theabdomen, the doctor may perform a peritoneoscopy. Toobtain tissue for examination, the doctor makes a smallopening in the abdomen and inserts a special instrumentcalled a peritoneoscope into the abdominal cavity. Ifthese procedures do not yield enough tissue, moreextensive diagnostic surgery may be necessary. If the diagnosis is mesothelioma, the doctor will want tolearn the stage (or extent) of the disease. Staging involvesmore tests in a careful attempt to find out whether thecancer has spread and, if so, to which parts of the body.Knowing the stage of the disease helps the doctor plantreatment. Mesothelioma is described as localized if the cancer isfound only on the membrane surface where itoriginated. It is classified as advanced if it has spreadbeyond the original membrane surface to other parts ofthe body, such as the lymph nodes, lungs, chest wall,or abdominal organs.How is mesothelioma treated?Treatment for mesothelioma depends on the location ofthe cancer, the stage of the disease, and the patient'sage and general health. Standard treatment optionsinclude surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.Sometimes, these treatments are combined. Surgery is a common treatment for mesothelioma.The doctor may remove part of the lining of the chestor abdomen and some of the tissue around it. Forcancer of the pleura (pleural mesothelioma), a lung maybe removed in an operation called a pneumonectomy.Sometimes part of the diaphragm, the muscle below thelungs that helps with breathing, is also removed. Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy, involvesthe use of high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrinktumors. Radiation therapy affects the cancer cells only inthe treated area. The radiation may come from a machine(external radiation) or from putting materials thatproduce radiation through thin plastic tubes into the areawhere the cancer cells are found (internal radiationtherapy). Chemotherapy is the use of anticancer drugs to killcancer cells throughout the body. Most drugs used totreat mesothelioma are given by injection into a vein(intravenous, or IV). Doctors are also studying theeffectiveness of putting chemotherapy directly intothe chest or abdomen (intracavitary chemotherapy). To relieve symptoms and control pain, the doctor mayuse a needle or a thin tube to drain fluid that has builtup in the chest or abdomen. The procedure for removingfluid from the chest is called thoracentesis. Removal of fluidfrom the abdomen is called paracentesis. Drugs may begiven through a tube in the chest to prevent more fluidfrom accumulating. Radiation therapy and surgery mayalso be helpful in relieving symptoms. Are new treatments for mesothelioma being studied?
Sources of National Cancer Institute Information |
Forex Trading
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Monday, July 18, 2005
Forex News
Global News / Markets
China hives up forex
BEIJING: China's foreign exchange reserves has zoomed to a record $711 billion in the first half of this year, according to statistics released by the Chinese central bank.
The People's Bank of China said that the country's foreign exchange reserve surged to $711 billion by the end of June, representing a year-on-year increase of 51.1 per cent.
The apex bank said that the foreign exchange reserve increased by $101 billion in the first six months of this year, $33.7 billion more than the same period of last year.
In the January-June period, the Chinese currency, yuan, was pegged at $8.2765, remaining the same level as that at the end of last year. By the end of 2004, China's foreign exchange reserves reached $609.9 billion.
China is the world's second largest ho lder of forex reserves after Japan. - PTI
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
FOREX-Dollar rebounds after US trade report
FOREX-Dollar rebounds after US trade report
NEW YORK, July 13 (Reuters) - The dollar rallied on Wednesday, extending gains after a U.S. trade report showed a narrower deficit than expected, easing concerns about the country's external financing problems.
The U.S. trade gap narrowed to $55.35 billion in May, lower than economists' forecast for a $57 billion shortfall. The trade deficit with China, however, swelled 7.1 percent in May to $15.8 billion.
"The indication was for major U.S. ports showing an improvement in exports rather than imports. We also had lower oil prices for April and May, which helped," said Aziz McMahon, senior foreign exchange strategist, at ABN Amro in New York.
The wide trade deficit was a key factor that pushed the dollar into a 30-percent decline against the euro over three years through the end of 2004, but rising U.S. interest rates have fueled a dollar rally in 2005.
"Together with data later in the day on the federal budget, it seems that the structural picture is turning a little bit more positive for the dollar," McMahon said.
The Federal Budget, due this afternoon, is expected to show a surplus of $23.0 billion in June.
In early trade, the euro fell against the dollar to $1.2130, down 0.9 percent from late Tuesday. The dollar traded 0.9 percent higher against the yen at 111.83 yen and was up more than 1 percent against the Swiss franc at 1.2853 francs.
Sterling, meanwhile, dropped more than 1 percent as well to $1.7601.
Some analysts, however, expressed caution about the report. Brian Taylor, managing director of foreign exchange trading at Manufacturers and Traders Bank in Buffalo, New York said that the "market is definitely forward looking and oil prices have since risen." U.S. oil futures hit a record above $62 last week on weather and supply concerns.
So far this year, the dollar has shaken off concerns about structural weakness in the U.S. economy, such as the current account deficit, and gained some 10 percent versus the euro as investors have sought to benefit from rising U.S. interest rates.
The dollar's rally over the last few months, which brought it to 14-month highs versus the euro, has wobbled in the last few days on investor worries about recent weak jobs data and the market grew cautious ahead of the trade numbers.
But traders said it was unclear whether rising U.S. interest rates would continue to give the dollar support or whether worries about structural imbalances would regain the upper hand.
U.S. June retail sales and inflation data will be closely watched on Thursday. (Additional reporting by John Parry)
Source:http://today.reuters.co.uk
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NEW YORK, July 13 (Reuters) - The dollar rallied on Wednesday, extending gains after a U.S. trade report showed a narrower deficit than expected, easing concerns about the country's external financing problems.
The U.S. trade gap narrowed to $55.35 billion in May, lower than economists' forecast for a $57 billion shortfall. The trade deficit with China, however, swelled 7.1 percent in May to $15.8 billion.
"The indication was for major U.S. ports showing an improvement in exports rather than imports. We also had lower oil prices for April and May, which helped," said Aziz McMahon, senior foreign exchange strategist, at ABN Amro in New York.
The wide trade deficit was a key factor that pushed the dollar into a 30-percent decline against the euro over three years through the end of 2004, but rising U.S. interest rates have fueled a dollar rally in 2005.
"Together with data later in the day on the federal budget, it seems that the structural picture is turning a little bit more positive for the dollar," McMahon said.
The Federal Budget, due this afternoon, is expected to show a surplus of $23.0 billion in June.
In early trade, the euro fell against the dollar to $1.2130, down 0.9 percent from late Tuesday. The dollar traded 0.9 percent higher against the yen at 111.83 yen and was up more than 1 percent against the Swiss franc at 1.2853 francs.
Sterling, meanwhile, dropped more than 1 percent as well to $1.7601.
Some analysts, however, expressed caution about the report. Brian Taylor, managing director of foreign exchange trading at Manufacturers and Traders Bank in Buffalo, New York said that the "market is definitely forward looking and oil prices have since risen." U.S. oil futures hit a record above $62 last week on weather and supply concerns.
So far this year, the dollar has shaken off concerns about structural weakness in the U.S. economy, such as the current account deficit, and gained some 10 percent versus the euro as investors have sought to benefit from rising U.S. interest rates.
The dollar's rally over the last few months, which brought it to 14-month highs versus the euro, has wobbled in the last few days on investor worries about recent weak jobs data and the market grew cautious ahead of the trade numbers.
But traders said it was unclear whether rising U.S. interest rates would continue to give the dollar support or whether worries about structural imbalances would regain the upper hand.
U.S. June retail sales and inflation data will be closely watched on Thursday. (Additional reporting by John Parry)
Source:http://today.reuters.co.uk
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Saturday, July 09, 2005
Forex
Forex - US dollar up vs euro, flat vs yen in Asian trade ahead of US jobs data
07.08.2005, 04:47 AM
SINGAPORE (AFX) - The US dollar firmed against the euro in late afternoon trade here with the market shrugging off a short-lived downward blip in the greenback in the wake of yesterday's London bombings with players now focused on tonight's US June non-farm payroll data, dealers said
The bombs killed more than 30 people and brought the city's transport system to a halt early in the London session. It also rattled global financial markets with one of the blasts taking place in the heart of London's financial district. 'The initial reaction in the currency markets was for sterling and the US dollar to weaken, while the Swiss franc firmed across the board on safe-haven buying,' UBS told its clients in a morning note.
The dollar regained some composure in New York trading time and continued to rebound when Asian markets opened, although sterling remained under pressure. With no sign of any follow up bombings, Asian markets shifted their attention to the key US nonfarm payrolls data due tonight, with most expecting a strong increase in jobs.
'We think the dollar is broadly in recovery mode and yesterday's events could add momentum to its rise, though non-farm payrolls data tonight will be key to moves next week,' UBS said.
Non-farm payrolls are expected to rise 195,000 after the soft 78,000 gain in May which pulled the second quarter average below the first quarter despite a strong April gain, according to a Market News International survey of economists.
Sterling remained under pressure in Asia but has held remarkably well despite concerns of what how the blasts would affect the UK economy. The blasts happened just before the Bank of England announced it was keeping its benchmark interest rate unchanged.
'The terrorist attacks on London will quite obviously be in the media limelight for several more days,' said Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi's Singapore-based economist Wong Keng Siong. 'The key issue to note, however, is that the overall infrastructure at the world's largest financial center remains intact,' he said.
'Despite the human tragedy, therefore, the economic impact is likely to be fairly limited.' Singapore 3.05 pm (0705 GMT) Tokyo 1.05 pm (0405 GMT)
US dollar yen 112.31 unchanged
sfr 1.3023 up from 1.2984
Euro usd 1.1913 down from 1.1934
stg 0.6842 down from 0.6850
yen 133.77 down from 134.11
sfr 1.5512 up from 1.5499
Sterling usd 1.7406 down from 1.7417
yen 195.42 down from 195.65
sfr 2.2663 up from 2.2619
Australian dollar usd 0.7378 up from 0.7376
stg 0.4238 up from 0.4233
yen 82.860 down from 83.880
Source:http://www.forbes.com
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07.08.2005, 04:47 AM
SINGAPORE (AFX) - The US dollar firmed against the euro in late afternoon trade here with the market shrugging off a short-lived downward blip in the greenback in the wake of yesterday's London bombings with players now focused on tonight's US June non-farm payroll data, dealers said
The bombs killed more than 30 people and brought the city's transport system to a halt early in the London session. It also rattled global financial markets with one of the blasts taking place in the heart of London's financial district. 'The initial reaction in the currency markets was for sterling and the US dollar to weaken, while the Swiss franc firmed across the board on safe-haven buying,' UBS told its clients in a morning note.
The dollar regained some composure in New York trading time and continued to rebound when Asian markets opened, although sterling remained under pressure. With no sign of any follow up bombings, Asian markets shifted their attention to the key US nonfarm payrolls data due tonight, with most expecting a strong increase in jobs.
'We think the dollar is broadly in recovery mode and yesterday's events could add momentum to its rise, though non-farm payrolls data tonight will be key to moves next week,' UBS said.
Non-farm payrolls are expected to rise 195,000 after the soft 78,000 gain in May which pulled the second quarter average below the first quarter despite a strong April gain, according to a Market News International survey of economists.
Sterling remained under pressure in Asia but has held remarkably well despite concerns of what how the blasts would affect the UK economy. The blasts happened just before the Bank of England announced it was keeping its benchmark interest rate unchanged.
'The terrorist attacks on London will quite obviously be in the media limelight for several more days,' said Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi's Singapore-based economist Wong Keng Siong. 'The key issue to note, however, is that the overall infrastructure at the world's largest financial center remains intact,' he said.
'Despite the human tragedy, therefore, the economic impact is likely to be fairly limited.' Singapore 3.05 pm (0705 GMT) Tokyo 1.05 pm (0405 GMT)
US dollar yen 112.31 unchanged
sfr 1.3023 up from 1.2984
Euro usd 1.1913 down from 1.1934
stg 0.6842 down from 0.6850
yen 133.77 down from 134.11
sfr 1.5512 up from 1.5499
Sterling usd 1.7406 down from 1.7417
yen 195.42 down from 195.65
sfr 2.2663 up from 2.2619
Australian dollar usd 0.7378 up from 0.7376
stg 0.4238 up from 0.4233
yen 82.860 down from 83.880
Source:http://www.forbes.com
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Forex reserves fall by over $1 b
Forex reserves fall by over $1 b
Mumbai , July 9
THE country's foreign exchange reserves declined in excess of $1 billion on account of currency revaluation. Forex reserves have shrunk for the second week in a row.
For the week ended July 1, forex reserves fell by $1.447 billion to touch $137.443 billion, according to the Reserve Bank of India's Weekly Statistical Supplement. In the earlier week, the total reserves were at $138.890 million. In the last two weeks alone, reserves have fallen by $2.123 billion.
The decline in reserves was mainly due to the huge dip in foreign currency assets, which fell by $1.516 billion to touch $131.426. Foreign currency assets expressed in US dollar terms include the effect of appreciation/depreciation of non-US currencies (such as euro, sterling, yen) held in reserves.
This fall was partly offset by gold, which increased by $77 million to touch $4.453 billion. Special Drawing Rights were unchanged at $4 million. The country's reserve tranche position in the IMF fell by $8 million to touch $1.560 billion, the WSS said.
The week under review saw an inflow of $515 million into the country's equity market.
Currency revaluation was the only reason for the decrease in reserves, said a chief dealer with a private bank.
The week in question saw a significant fall in all non-dollar currencies. According to another bank official, inflows of dollars into the country have been matching outflows. As the RBI has shifted a significant part of the reserves to euro, any change in the value of the euro would have an impact on the reserves, he said.
About the movement of the rupee in the coming week, he said the rupee was likely to trade along the levels of 43.60.
Source:http://www.thehindubusinessline.com
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Mumbai , July 9
THE country's foreign exchange reserves declined in excess of $1 billion on account of currency revaluation. Forex reserves have shrunk for the second week in a row.
For the week ended July 1, forex reserves fell by $1.447 billion to touch $137.443 billion, according to the Reserve Bank of India's Weekly Statistical Supplement. In the earlier week, the total reserves were at $138.890 million. In the last two weeks alone, reserves have fallen by $2.123 billion.
The decline in reserves was mainly due to the huge dip in foreign currency assets, which fell by $1.516 billion to touch $131.426. Foreign currency assets expressed in US dollar terms include the effect of appreciation/depreciation of non-US currencies (such as euro, sterling, yen) held in reserves.
This fall was partly offset by gold, which increased by $77 million to touch $4.453 billion. Special Drawing Rights were unchanged at $4 million. The country's reserve tranche position in the IMF fell by $8 million to touch $1.560 billion, the WSS said.
The week under review saw an inflow of $515 million into the country's equity market.
Currency revaluation was the only reason for the decrease in reserves, said a chief dealer with a private bank.
The week in question saw a significant fall in all non-dollar currencies. According to another bank official, inflows of dollars into the country have been matching outflows. As the RBI has shifted a significant part of the reserves to euro, any change in the value of the euro would have an impact on the reserves, he said.
About the movement of the rupee in the coming week, he said the rupee was likely to trade along the levels of 43.60.
Source:http://www.thehindubusinessline.com
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Friday, July 08, 2005
War of The Worlds:Movie Review
"No one would have believed in the early years of the twenty-first century that our world was being watched by intelligences greater than ours"...
"We always thought they would come in peace...but we never know... "
With this Steven Spielberg takes us to the adventurous journey of alien invasion.
Back 1982 when Speilberg gave us all time classic blockbuster E.T.(Extra territorial).It seems only few days back it had released but it had been 23 years old still charming in our mind.
Comes 2005 and here again spielberg brings another alien movie.But...but this time the aliens are not for friendship,not for war but for total extermination of human beings.H.G.Wells 1898 novel had been turned into visual stunner by Steven Spielberg
Ray Ferrier (Tom Cruise) is an average blue-collar worker living in a cluttered house with a job that probably allows him to barely meet his mortgage payments. He rushes home from work one morning to greet his kids - 10-year old Rachel (Dakota Fanning) and her 16-year old brother, Robbie (Justin Chatwin) - who are being dropped off by his ex-wife, Mary Ann (Miranda Otto), for a weekend visit.
Ray doesn't have the best relationship with his offspring, and his deficiencies as a father are immediately apparent. But this isn't a normal day. Before it has ended, bizarre lightning storms have caused gigantic alien tripods to explode from beneath the ground and entire towns are being leveled.
Ray grabs his kids and takes them on a frantic roadtrip to find their mother. But, in a world where nothing can stop the mechanical monsters and humans are turning on humans for basic necessities, where can safety be found?
Tom Cruise yet again gives a knockout performance.Dakota Fanning is outstanding as Cruise's daughter.Tim Robbins is excellent in his small but significant role.
The only negative aspect of the movie is its ending.The ending is a total letdown especially if we consider its a 'spielberg' movie.However the movie takes you to the ride of breathtaking devastation and destruction by the aliens."Techno maestro" Speilberg proves that no one can beat him when it comes to special effects.
Fabulous,shocking and stupendous words should be used for such type of special effects.For every destruction there is new technique,for every devastation there is new style.Best ever special effects for such kind of movie.Cracking of buildings,shattering of earth and nervous gasps can make your blood chilling even in this summer.
So get ready this summer for joycoaster ride and breathtaking adventure never seen before in an alien movie.
H.G.Wells would be very pleased.his novel had been turned into visual stunner.
One of the best alien invasion movie
We always thought they would come in peace...but we never know
For more latest happenings keep visiting my site
"We always thought they would come in peace...but we never know... "
With this Steven Spielberg takes us to the adventurous journey of alien invasion.
Back 1982 when Speilberg gave us all time classic blockbuster E.T.(Extra territorial).It seems only few days back it had released but it had been 23 years old still charming in our mind.
Comes 2005 and here again spielberg brings another alien movie.But...but this time the aliens are not for friendship,not for war but for total extermination of human beings.H.G.Wells 1898 novel had been turned into visual stunner by Steven Spielberg
Ray Ferrier (Tom Cruise) is an average blue-collar worker living in a cluttered house with a job that probably allows him to barely meet his mortgage payments. He rushes home from work one morning to greet his kids - 10-year old Rachel (Dakota Fanning) and her 16-year old brother, Robbie (Justin Chatwin) - who are being dropped off by his ex-wife, Mary Ann (Miranda Otto), for a weekend visit.
Ray doesn't have the best relationship with his offspring, and his deficiencies as a father are immediately apparent. But this isn't a normal day. Before it has ended, bizarre lightning storms have caused gigantic alien tripods to explode from beneath the ground and entire towns are being leveled.
Ray grabs his kids and takes them on a frantic roadtrip to find their mother. But, in a world where nothing can stop the mechanical monsters and humans are turning on humans for basic necessities, where can safety be found?
Tom Cruise yet again gives a knockout performance.Dakota Fanning is outstanding as Cruise's daughter.Tim Robbins is excellent in his small but significant role.
The only negative aspect of the movie is its ending.The ending is a total letdown especially if we consider its a 'spielberg' movie.However the movie takes you to the ride of breathtaking devastation and destruction by the aliens."Techno maestro" Speilberg proves that no one can beat him when it comes to special effects.
Fabulous,shocking and stupendous words should be used for such type of special effects.For every destruction there is new technique,for every devastation there is new style.Best ever special effects for such kind of movie.Cracking of buildings,shattering of earth and nervous gasps can make your blood chilling even in this summer.
So get ready this summer for joycoaster ride and breathtaking adventure never seen before in an alien movie.
H.G.Wells would be very pleased.his novel had been turned into visual stunner.
One of the best alien invasion movie
We always thought they would come in peace...but we never know
For more latest happenings keep visiting my site
Friday, July 01, 2005
Forex - Dollar firmer
Forex - Dollar firmer after FOMC confirms US rate hikes to continue
07.01.2005, 05:43 AM
LONDON (AFX) - The dollar was firmer against major currencies after last night's Federal Reserve Open Market Committee raised US interest rates to 3.25 pct and confirmed that monetary tightening will continue to rise at a measured pace.
The rate hike was fully expected, but the dollar rallied on the back of the accompanying statement which removed fears that the Fed could soon take a pause in raising rates.
'The 25 basis point rate hike at the FOMC meeting yesterday was no surprise nor was the repeat of the 'measured' pace comment, but some had looked for signs that the Fed is close to ending its rate hike cycle,' said CALYON analyst Mitul Kotecha.
He said the dollar is likely to find further support from the Fed statement, sufficient to push the euro below 1.20 usd in the coming days, due to favourable US interest rate spreads -- given that the next moves in the euro zone and the UK are set to be down.
'The Fed revealed no signs of being close to putting the brakes on further rate hikes in the months ahead,' he said. The dollar rose across the board, with the yen unable to benefit from an upbeat Tankan report which showed widespread improvement in Japanese business sentiment.
The euro also failed to capitalise on a survey showing an improvement in manufacturing sector activity in June. The purchasing managers' index for the 12-nation single currency zone rose to 49.9 in June from 48.7 in May, still showing a contraction but well above analysts' expectations for a more modest rise to 49.0.
Meanwhile, the pound remained weak after a string of very disappointing data over the past few days intensified speculation that the Bank of England will cut interest rates as soon as August.
'Sterling has remained under pressure as the weakness in UK data persists,' said HBOS currency analyst Steve Pearson.
Short sterling contracts indicate that the market has fully discounted two rate cuts this year, with a third now partially priced-in, whilst the spread between UK and euro zone short-term interest rates continues to narrow, he added.
Yesterday saw a sharp and unexpected downgrade in UK first quarter GDP and a weak consumer sentiment survey add to the negative sentiment prompted after Wednesday's dismal retail sales survey from the Confederation of British Industry.
Today will see the release of the latest purchasing managers index on UK manufacturing activity.
Given that the latest German IFO and Japanese Tankan surveys have begun to show some signs of improvement, however, there is a good chance the UK report could beat expectations and prompt a slight rebound for sterling, Pearson said.
Source:http://www.forbes.com/
For more latest happenings keep visiting my site
07.01.2005, 05:43 AM
LONDON (AFX) - The dollar was firmer against major currencies after last night's Federal Reserve Open Market Committee raised US interest rates to 3.25 pct and confirmed that monetary tightening will continue to rise at a measured pace.
The rate hike was fully expected, but the dollar rallied on the back of the accompanying statement which removed fears that the Fed could soon take a pause in raising rates.
'The 25 basis point rate hike at the FOMC meeting yesterday was no surprise nor was the repeat of the 'measured' pace comment, but some had looked for signs that the Fed is close to ending its rate hike cycle,' said CALYON analyst Mitul Kotecha.
He said the dollar is likely to find further support from the Fed statement, sufficient to push the euro below 1.20 usd in the coming days, due to favourable US interest rate spreads -- given that the next moves in the euro zone and the UK are set to be down.
'The Fed revealed no signs of being close to putting the brakes on further rate hikes in the months ahead,' he said. The dollar rose across the board, with the yen unable to benefit from an upbeat Tankan report which showed widespread improvement in Japanese business sentiment.
The euro also failed to capitalise on a survey showing an improvement in manufacturing sector activity in June. The purchasing managers' index for the 12-nation single currency zone rose to 49.9 in June from 48.7 in May, still showing a contraction but well above analysts' expectations for a more modest rise to 49.0.
Meanwhile, the pound remained weak after a string of very disappointing data over the past few days intensified speculation that the Bank of England will cut interest rates as soon as August.
'Sterling has remained under pressure as the weakness in UK data persists,' said HBOS currency analyst Steve Pearson.
Short sterling contracts indicate that the market has fully discounted two rate cuts this year, with a third now partially priced-in, whilst the spread between UK and euro zone short-term interest rates continues to narrow, he added.
Yesterday saw a sharp and unexpected downgrade in UK first quarter GDP and a weak consumer sentiment survey add to the negative sentiment prompted after Wednesday's dismal retail sales survey from the Confederation of British Industry.
Today will see the release of the latest purchasing managers index on UK manufacturing activity.
Given that the latest German IFO and Japanese Tankan surveys have begun to show some signs of improvement, however, there is a good chance the UK report could beat expectations and prompt a slight rebound for sterling, Pearson said.
Source:http://www.forbes.com/
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Monday, June 27, 2005
Mesothelioma And Asbestos Cancer
What is Asbestos Cancer?
Asbestos is the name for a group of naturally occurring silicate minerals that can be separated into fibers. The fibers are strong, durable, and resistant to heat and fire. They are also long, thin and flexible, so that they can even be woven into cloth.
Because of these qualities, asbestos has been used in thousands of consumer, industrial, maritime, automotive, scientific and building products. During the twentieth century, some 30 million tons of asbestos were used in industrial sites, homes, schools, shipyards and commercial buildings in the United States.
There are several types of asbestos fibers, of which three have been used for commercial applications: (1) Chrysotile, or white asbestos, comes mainly from Canada, and has been very widely used in the US. It is white-gray in color and found in serpentine rock. (2) Amosite, or brown asbestos, comes from southern Africa. (3) Crocidolite, or blue asbestos, comes from southern Africa and Australia.
Amosite and crocidolite are called amphiboles. This term refers to the nature of their geologic formation.
Other asbestos fibers that have not been used commercially are tremolite, actinolite and anthophyllite, although they are sometimes contaminants in asbestos-containing products. It should be noted that there are non-fibrous, or non-asbestiform, variants of tremolite, anthophylite and actinolite, which do not have the adverse health consequences that result from exposure to commercial forms of asbestos.
Here are some additional "Facts About Asbestos".
What are asbestos-containing products?What is common to many asbestos-containing products is that they were (are) used to contain heat (i.e. thermal insulation.) It is impossible to list all of the products that have, at one time or another, contained asbestos. Some of the more common asbestos-containing products are pipe-covering, insulating cement, insulating block, asbestos cloth, gaskets, packing materials, thermal seals, refractory and boiler insulation materials, transite board, asbestos cement pipe, fireproofing spray, joint compound, vinyl floor tile, ceiling tile, mastics, adhesives, coatings, acoustical textures, duct insulation for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, roofing products, insulated electrical wire and panels, and brake and clutch assemblies.
Some of these products contained a very high proportion of asbestos, while others contained small amounts.
Why is asbestos still a problem?Asbestos is still a problem because a great deal of it has been used in the United States and elsewhere, because many asbestos-containing products remain in buildings, ships, industrial facilities and other environments where the fibers can become airborne, and because of the serious human health hazards of inhaling asbestos fibers.
Many Americans believe that use of asbestos in products was banned years ago. The fact is that asbestos-containing products are still being imported and sold in this country, continuing to endanger people who may come in contact with such products. A majority of these products are imported from Canada and Mexico, two countries where asbestos is still used; further, not all imported asbestos-containing products are clearly labeled with proper content information. (Sources: U.S. Geological Survey, Mineral Commodity Summaries 2003, and "Asbestos Strategies")
In an August 2003 report, the EPA's Office of Inspector General reiterates that asbestos is still a product very much around us: a survey in the mid-1980s found that, on average, 20% of all buildings in the United States contain asbestos. Further, this latest report confirms that asbestos containing material is still allowed in pipeline wrap, asbestos-cement corrugated sheet, asbestos-cement flat sheet, roofing felt, millboard, vinyl-asbestos floor tile, asbestos-cement shingle, and roof coatings. (Rept. #2003-P-00012).
A 2004 report by the Environmental Working Group provides a timely evalution of the asbestos-related disease epidemic in America - a "public health tragedy caused by asbestos." This report documents the history of asbestos use and provides analysis and statistics to inform the political debate currently being waged to resolve the problem.
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Thursday, June 23, 2005
Freeing Society From Drugs
Drugs have been part of our culture since the midpoint of the last century. Even more broadly popularized in the 1960s by music and mass media, today drugs invade all aspects of society. The problem has many faces—from the corporate CEO addicted to cocaine, to the housewife who cannot get through a day without the pills she takes for depression; from the college student dancing wildly for three days straight during an ecstasy-fueled rave, to the third grader addicted to Ritalin.
It is likely that nearly everyone knows a friend, relative or co-worker who has been affected by drugs.
Yet remarkably, amid this sea of chemical solutions to the problems of living, one group has remained 100 percent drug-free*—members of the churches of Scientology. Scientologists use neither street drugs nor any of the dangerous mind-altering pharmaceuticals pushed as a solution to everything from depression to being overweight.
...........................
Drugs not only threaten one physically but spiritually.
........................... To Scientologists, the reason is simple: drugs not only threaten one physically but spiritually.
Scientology is based on the research and writings of author and humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard, who spent more than a half-century researching basic truths about the mind and spirit. The goal of the Scientology religion is to enable all people to achieve greater awareness and true spiritual freedom.
Mr. Hubbard discovered drugs to be a primary impediment to spiritual progress. Drugs make people less aware, shut them off from the fruits of observation, destroy education, shatter families and result in a myriad of disabilities. And even long after an individual has stopped taking drugs, he can continue to be adversely affected by them, for drug residuals remain in the body and can continue to trigger negative emotional reactions for many, many years.
Fortunately, Mr. Hubbard developed a way which can fully free the individual from the debilitating spiritual effects of drug use, and today millions of Scientologists around the world attest to the workability of his methods.
Deeply concerned about the drug problem and its destructive societal effects, the Church and its members have worked for five decades to help resolve the problem by providing to all who seek them the real and workable solutions developed by Mr. Hubbard.
This site provides information on the many different anti-drug programs which are run by or supported by the churches of Scientology and their members.
We hope you will find the information presented here helpful. If you wish to know more, you are always welcome at any Church of Scientology
Recognizing that we are all involved in the war on drugs, and that it can really only be won on a one on one basis, the Church of Scientology International has created this web site, featuring an on-line copy of the booklet Freeing Society from Drugs.
This free Scientology booklet provides vital information on the underlying causes of the drug problem and effective programs to help prevent and check the spread of this epidemic.
The Church of Scientology International and Scientology churches in countries around the world publish and distribute booklets that lay out the real effects of commonly used drugs. Popular with educators, parents and kids, these booklets speak to youth, presenting the real facts about heroin, cocaine, marijuana and ecstasy to answer their questions and help them make their own decisions about what they are going to do with their lives.
To get copies of these booklets, contact the public affairs director of your local church of Scientology or mailto:info@thinkclearly.org. We also welcome you to contact us about providing drug-education and prevention lectures, setting up chapters of the Drug-Free Marshals or to work with us in any capacity to help eliminate this epidemic.
for more info visit http://www.drugsalvage.org/
For more latest happenings keep visiting my site
It is likely that nearly everyone knows a friend, relative or co-worker who has been affected by drugs.
Yet remarkably, amid this sea of chemical solutions to the problems of living, one group has remained 100 percent drug-free*—members of the churches of Scientology. Scientologists use neither street drugs nor any of the dangerous mind-altering pharmaceuticals pushed as a solution to everything from depression to being overweight.
...........................
Drugs not only threaten one physically but spiritually.
........................... To Scientologists, the reason is simple: drugs not only threaten one physically but spiritually.
Scientology is based on the research and writings of author and humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard, who spent more than a half-century researching basic truths about the mind and spirit. The goal of the Scientology religion is to enable all people to achieve greater awareness and true spiritual freedom.
Mr. Hubbard discovered drugs to be a primary impediment to spiritual progress. Drugs make people less aware, shut them off from the fruits of observation, destroy education, shatter families and result in a myriad of disabilities. And even long after an individual has stopped taking drugs, he can continue to be adversely affected by them, for drug residuals remain in the body and can continue to trigger negative emotional reactions for many, many years.
Fortunately, Mr. Hubbard developed a way which can fully free the individual from the debilitating spiritual effects of drug use, and today millions of Scientologists around the world attest to the workability of his methods.
Deeply concerned about the drug problem and its destructive societal effects, the Church and its members have worked for five decades to help resolve the problem by providing to all who seek them the real and workable solutions developed by Mr. Hubbard.
This site provides information on the many different anti-drug programs which are run by or supported by the churches of Scientology and their members.
We hope you will find the information presented here helpful. If you wish to know more, you are always welcome at any Church of Scientology
Recognizing that we are all involved in the war on drugs, and that it can really only be won on a one on one basis, the Church of Scientology International has created this web site, featuring an on-line copy of the booklet Freeing Society from Drugs.
This free Scientology booklet provides vital information on the underlying causes of the drug problem and effective programs to help prevent and check the spread of this epidemic.
The Church of Scientology International and Scientology churches in countries around the world publish and distribute booklets that lay out the real effects of commonly used drugs. Popular with educators, parents and kids, these booklets speak to youth, presenting the real facts about heroin, cocaine, marijuana and ecstasy to answer their questions and help them make their own decisions about what they are going to do with their lives.
To get copies of these booklets, contact the public affairs director of your local church of Scientology or mailto:info@thinkclearly.org. We also welcome you to contact us about providing drug-education and prevention lectures, setting up chapters of the Drug-Free Marshals or to work with us in any capacity to help eliminate this epidemic.
for more info visit http://www.drugsalvage.org/
For more latest happenings keep visiting my site
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