Hi-tech ways to capture enough sunlight per day every day to power everything in a home or business hasn't been discovered yet. The current cost of solar panels can run into thousands of pounds, which would require the panels to produce electricity for years without maintenance in order to see a return on investment.
Many people use solar panels, which can be placed on a side of a roof to attract sunlight during the day to heat a small number of rooms and water. Solar panels can be purchased at a number of locations throughout the UK, as well as online. Panels do a great job of helping families and businesses to conserve energy. Hopefully, solar panels will become a part of daily life, in order to prevent the disappearance of natural resources and to maintain energy conservation. In the recent 2006 Budget announcement by Gorden Brown, millions of pounds have been allocated to helping homes and businesses take advantage of renewable energy and the benefits that it brings. This is a welcoming strategy by the government. More and more homes are also attaching mini-wind turbines to their homes to boost the electricity generated by solar panels, British Gas (Centrica) have recently been looking for volunteers to pilot this with.
Developing countries with sunny climates such as Africa are the perfect place to take advantage of this renewable energy especially in rural areas that are not connected to the national grid for electricity. There needs to be a commitment from the G8 and other government around the world in providing funds to achieve this.
in Environmental
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Cheap Flight To Poland
Cheap Flight to Poland: Helpful Tips When Travelling to Poland
In the past all foreign tourists were forced to exchange certain amount of money every time they were crossing the boarder according to the official (poor) course - not anymore! People from Western Europe and the USA were also forced to pay higher rates in the hotels than people from Eastern Europe - not anymore either. In spite of the fact that Polish "zloty" (Polish currency) is interchangeable into dollars (there is not anymore "official" and "inofficial" exchange course). Poland is still a relatively cheap country for the foreigner from the Western Europe and the USA.
There are some precautions that you need to take into account before your travel to Poland:
Better use public transportation than rent a car. Car insurance is very expensive, one of the reason, many cars, especially the expensive western brands are stolen by car "Mafia's". Besides, the road system is poor, there is not enough highways and freeways in the country. Traffic on the streets of many towns is also high (lack of beltways) and it makes driving inconvenient and expensive (gas price is high compared to the USA). Polish police can also take advantage of naïve and "rich" foreign tourists and they are first to get tickets. Public transportation system is cheap and comfortable. It includes trains, buses, airplanes (between some cities) and city transportation system like trams, buses, metro (Warsaw) and of course taxis. Be careful with the taxi. Some taxi drivers may charge you higher rate especially if you are at the airport, Warsaw airport is the worst. I know that the police tried to solve that problem but I am not sure whether they did. For instance the best way of transportation between Krakow and Warsaw is an express train, but the best transportation system between the Warsaw and Wroclaw (Breslau) is to take an airplane.<
Do not do any money transactions on the streets. There are money exchange offices (kantors) almost everywhere and they do not charge a fee for a transaction and are safe to exchange the money. Some locals want to take an advantage of the foreigner. Do not try to look too much as a wealthy foreign tourist with expensive cameras hanging from your shoulder and do not speak your language too loud because you would be exposing yourself to either a thief or someone trying to do some questionable deals.
in Aviation
In the past all foreign tourists were forced to exchange certain amount of money every time they were crossing the boarder according to the official (poor) course - not anymore! People from Western Europe and the USA were also forced to pay higher rates in the hotels than people from Eastern Europe - not anymore either. In spite of the fact that Polish "zloty" (Polish currency) is interchangeable into dollars (there is not anymore "official" and "inofficial" exchange course). Poland is still a relatively cheap country for the foreigner from the Western Europe and the USA.
There are some precautions that you need to take into account before your travel to Poland:
Better use public transportation than rent a car. Car insurance is very expensive, one of the reason, many cars, especially the expensive western brands are stolen by car "Mafia's". Besides, the road system is poor, there is not enough highways and freeways in the country. Traffic on the streets of many towns is also high (lack of beltways) and it makes driving inconvenient and expensive (gas price is high compared to the USA). Polish police can also take advantage of naïve and "rich" foreign tourists and they are first to get tickets. Public transportation system is cheap and comfortable. It includes trains, buses, airplanes (between some cities) and city transportation system like trams, buses, metro (Warsaw) and of course taxis. Be careful with the taxi. Some taxi drivers may charge you higher rate especially if you are at the airport, Warsaw airport is the worst. I know that the police tried to solve that problem but I am not sure whether they did. For instance the best way of transportation between Krakow and Warsaw is an express train, but the best transportation system between the Warsaw and Wroclaw (Breslau) is to take an airplane.<
Do not do any money transactions on the streets. There are money exchange offices (kantors) almost everywhere and they do not charge a fee for a transaction and are safe to exchange the money. Some locals want to take an advantage of the foreigner. Do not try to look too much as a wealthy foreign tourist with expensive cameras hanging from your shoulder and do not speak your language too loud because you would be exposing yourself to either a thief or someone trying to do some questionable deals.
in Aviation
Let us take stock of a few harsh facts that are part and parcel of life, not only Melyssa's or mine, but everyone's.
a) The human potential for greatness – great learning and nobility, and great accomplishments – is matched only by the human potential for the reverse. Yes, humans can be and sometimes are monstrously poor-spirited, narrow-minded, and black-hearted, among other despicable traits. These traits may involve genetic or environmental factors that predispose to them, but ultimately they are the fault of the individuals who give free rein to them. The unfortunate thing is, these individuals are a source of suffering not only to themselves but also to those who are at their mercy. Among their victims are children, women, and elderly or disabled people. Actually, even the strongest of men can suffer as a result of falling prey to them. Yet, the others are more vulnerable – especially children who often make the dreadful mistake of blaming themselves for the abuse or neglect to which they are subjected.
b) As a rule, people are neither great nor bad in the extreme. They are relatively friendly and helpful – if you treat them fairly – and they lead decent though imperfect lives. Having said this, they have minds of their own, which may not be in keeping with yours. A man may fall in love with a woman who doesn't care a whit about him, and vice versa. A job seeker may hope for employment at some outfit, where in his opinion he belongs, and have his application turned down by an employer who sees things in a different light. These two examples count among an infinity of possible ones that testify to the same truth: Other people's wishes and yours often differ and you must then (out of respect) compromise or abstain from doing as you please.
c) On a positive note, there is some degree of harmony between nature's purpose and that of humans. As harsh as our life is on earth, we can subsist or even thrive. Yet, this harmony does not alter the fact that both purposes are distinct, always in danger of being opposite. Just think about the amount of resourcefulness and adaptability we must show to indeed thrive. At best the harmony is labored and confined within narrow limits. Think also about the number of times nature's purpose and that of humans clash, as demonstrated by all manner of nuisances, illnesses, and disasters. In short, the relationship we have with nature is like the relationship some people have with wild animals they have tamed. These animals are pleasant pets provided their needs are catered for. Still, they can turn against their owners for no apparent reason, except that they are fundamentally wild.
As I pointed out earlier, wisdom starts with a willingness to tackle the harsh reality of life head-on. It is the reverse of ignorance, and hence is exclusive of the illusory bliss that accompanies this ignorance. If happiness is possible through wisdom, it is achieved with the full knowledge and acceptance of the harsh reality in question. By acceptance I do not mean a passive resignation toward the status quo in all its harshness. I mean a brave readiness to turn our situation – possibly bad in a number of respects – to good account. And this includes bettering what we are able to better, while making do with everything else.
Easier said than done, of course. But then happiness is not about what is easy; it is about what is good and right and can only be accomplished through a great deal of meritorious effort. To make or not to make this effort is the question, which sums up human freedom. And surely nobody in their right mind would forever take the easy option that leads to unworthiness and unhappiness!
in Humanities
b) As a rule, people are neither great nor bad in the extreme. They are relatively friendly and helpful – if you treat them fairly – and they lead decent though imperfect lives. Having said this, they have minds of their own, which may not be in keeping with yours. A man may fall in love with a woman who doesn't care a whit about him, and vice versa. A job seeker may hope for employment at some outfit, where in his opinion he belongs, and have his application turned down by an employer who sees things in a different light. These two examples count among an infinity of possible ones that testify to the same truth: Other people's wishes and yours often differ and you must then (out of respect) compromise or abstain from doing as you please.
c) On a positive note, there is some degree of harmony between nature's purpose and that of humans. As harsh as our life is on earth, we can subsist or even thrive. Yet, this harmony does not alter the fact that both purposes are distinct, always in danger of being opposite. Just think about the amount of resourcefulness and adaptability we must show to indeed thrive. At best the harmony is labored and confined within narrow limits. Think also about the number of times nature's purpose and that of humans clash, as demonstrated by all manner of nuisances, illnesses, and disasters. In short, the relationship we have with nature is like the relationship some people have with wild animals they have tamed. These animals are pleasant pets provided their needs are catered for. Still, they can turn against their owners for no apparent reason, except that they are fundamentally wild.
As I pointed out earlier, wisdom starts with a willingness to tackle the harsh reality of life head-on. It is the reverse of ignorance, and hence is exclusive of the illusory bliss that accompanies this ignorance. If happiness is possible through wisdom, it is achieved with the full knowledge and acceptance of the harsh reality in question. By acceptance I do not mean a passive resignation toward the status quo in all its harshness. I mean a brave readiness to turn our situation – possibly bad in a number of respects – to good account. And this includes bettering what we are able to better, while making do with everything else.
Easier said than done, of course. But then happiness is not about what is easy; it is about what is good and right and can only be accomplished through a great deal of meritorious effort. To make or not to make this effort is the question, which sums up human freedom. And surely nobody in their right mind would forever take the easy option that leads to unworthiness and unhappiness!
in Humanities
Suffering
Since wisdom is the art of coping with suffering, it starts with a willingness to tackle it head-on:
a) Such is the harshness of our condition that we suffer, sometimes greatly or worse, insuperably.
b) Such is the richness of our nature that we can learn to live happily, or at least serenely, within the limits of this condition. This entails us either pursuing goals that are not only desirable or honorable, but also attainable, or resigning ourselves to the inevitable.
Admittedly, a great many suffer whose suffering is all the more problematic as their wisdom is still largely in the making. I remember my own past as a young unhappy and suicidal man who composed dark poems. My negative attitude compounded my difficult situation, and I lacked the awareness of my ability to improve both. Today, I feel deeply connected with those who live in the limbo of gloom. Even if my words only reach one of them, they will not have been written in vain.
I have recently come across some dark poetry, reminiscent of mine in my young days. The author – Melyssa G. Sprott – is a young talented woman whose youth has been poisoned by abuse and other hardships. Her suffering and her talent have inspired me to feature some of her work and respond to it. Note that my responding to it in a positive manner testifies to my being help-minded, but note also that my responses are written in a spirit of humbleness. I don't claim to provide a remedy; I just try my best to give some useful insights.
a) Such is the harshness of our condition that we suffer, sometimes greatly or worse, insuperably.
b) Such is the richness of our nature that we can learn to live happily, or at least serenely, within the limits of this condition. This entails us either pursuing goals that are not only desirable or honorable, but also attainable, or resigning ourselves to the inevitable.
Admittedly, a great many suffer whose suffering is all the more problematic as their wisdom is still largely in the making. I remember my own past as a young unhappy and suicidal man who composed dark poems. My negative attitude compounded my difficult situation, and I lacked the awareness of my ability to improve both. Today, I feel deeply connected with those who live in the limbo of gloom. Even if my words only reach one of them, they will not have been written in vain.
I have recently come across some dark poetry, reminiscent of mine in my young days. The author – Melyssa G. Sprott – is a young talented woman whose youth has been poisoned by abuse and other hardships. Her suffering and her talent have inspired me to feature some of her work and respond to it. Note that my responding to it in a positive manner testifies to my being help-minded, but note also that my responses are written in a spirit of humbleness. I don't claim to provide a remedy; I just try my best to give some useful insights.
Police Flashlights: Tactical Light Used By Professionals
Ever since the concept was first introduced in or around the 1930's, the use of tactical flashlights to aid the police and military in identifying targets before firing has saved countless lives and made the jobs of soldiers and officers much easier. Though now commonplace, when the use of these lights was first introduced it was a major tactical innovation. In the years since, tactical lighting has evolved greatly and now a variety of bulb, battery, and case technologies allow for one-handed or hands-free lighting in a number of greatly differing tactical situations.
Police Use
The original innovators of the tactical flashlight were police departments who needed an easy way to correctly identify suspects in low-light situations while still being able to fire a gun if necessary. Specialized tactical flashlights were developed that could easily be held along with a firearm, allowing officers to see clearly whatever the gun was pointed at. As tactical gear has improved over the years so have these lights; the majority of police-issue tactical flashlights make use of LED's to allow them an unprecedented bulb life with minimal battery usage, while using custom-designed cases which are resilient against damage and that can be physically attached to the gun itself so as to allow the officer to either have a free hand or to use both hands on the firearm.
Military Use
Much like the police force, the military has a great need for specialized tactical lighting that won't interfere with a soldier's duties. Military tactical flashlights can come in a variety of styles, some of which are similar to those which are used by police officers while others are designed with specific uses in mind. Many military tactical flashlights can be attached to clothing instead of firearms, allowing soldiers a wider view of the area while keeping their hands free to handle their gun or other weapons. Most of these lights will have specialized filters or in some cases specialized bulbs which will allow them to illuminate an area for night vision or infrared goggles without giving away their position by the bright light.
Sportsmen and Other Outdoorsmen
Tactical flashlights and similar tactical gear aren't just used by soldiers and police officers, of course. Many hunters, sportsmen, and other outdoorsmen will make use of this same equipment when hunting early in the mornings, letting them maneuver through wooded areas without having to carry a larger flashlight or lantern. This can be especially useful when setting up a deer stand or establishing a hunting location in low-light situations, as they will be able to have their hands free to work while still ensuring that they have enough light to see what they are doing. A number of these dedicated sportsmen will use light filters or specialized bulbs similar to those which are used by soldiers to keep from spooking wildlife; the light is changed to a shade which won't be noticeable by deer or other animals that they may be hunting. These tactical lights can also help to prevent potential legal problems that could be caused by larger lights, as their smaller size makes them nearly impossible to use for illegally spotlighting game in order to stun it.
in Hunting
Police Use
The original innovators of the tactical flashlight were police departments who needed an easy way to correctly identify suspects in low-light situations while still being able to fire a gun if necessary. Specialized tactical flashlights were developed that could easily be held along with a firearm, allowing officers to see clearly whatever the gun was pointed at. As tactical gear has improved over the years so have these lights; the majority of police-issue tactical flashlights make use of LED's to allow them an unprecedented bulb life with minimal battery usage, while using custom-designed cases which are resilient against damage and that can be physically attached to the gun itself so as to allow the officer to either have a free hand or to use both hands on the firearm.
Military Use
Much like the police force, the military has a great need for specialized tactical lighting that won't interfere with a soldier's duties. Military tactical flashlights can come in a variety of styles, some of which are similar to those which are used by police officers while others are designed with specific uses in mind. Many military tactical flashlights can be attached to clothing instead of firearms, allowing soldiers a wider view of the area while keeping their hands free to handle their gun or other weapons. Most of these lights will have specialized filters or in some cases specialized bulbs which will allow them to illuminate an area for night vision or infrared goggles without giving away their position by the bright light.
Sportsmen and Other Outdoorsmen
Tactical flashlights and similar tactical gear aren't just used by soldiers and police officers, of course. Many hunters, sportsmen, and other outdoorsmen will make use of this same equipment when hunting early in the mornings, letting them maneuver through wooded areas without having to carry a larger flashlight or lantern. This can be especially useful when setting up a deer stand or establishing a hunting location in low-light situations, as they will be able to have their hands free to work while still ensuring that they have enough light to see what they are doing. A number of these dedicated sportsmen will use light filters or specialized bulbs similar to those which are used by soldiers to keep from spooking wildlife; the light is changed to a shade which won't be noticeable by deer or other animals that they may be hunting. These tactical lights can also help to prevent potential legal problems that could be caused by larger lights, as their smaller size makes them nearly impossible to use for illegally spotlighting game in order to stun it.
in Hunting
So You Want To Become A Futures Day Trader
You wake up one morning with a really BAD idea – you have decided to start making your living by becoming a futures day trader. BUT how can this be such a bad idea, don't people get rich day trading futures? Where did that idea come from? Did you see one of those 'work' for 10 minutes a day and make $4200, 'get rich quick never lose' hype system ads? Or did you visit a chatroom, and the 'resident guru' made it all sound so easy? Maybe, the title of this article should have been – How To Die A Painful Death Chasing A Carrot.
Get real. IF systems like that really were available, or if day trading really was that easy, wouldn't everyone be a rich day trader instead of being a statistic in the 90 percent of all day traders fail club? IF you can't be truly realistic regarding this, truly believing and understanding the odds against you THEN you do not have a chance. You would really be best off 'giving up' on this idea about day trading, and save yourself a lot of pain and money.
Over the last nine years, I have known and worked with many traders, and over this time have seen the unrealistic expectations, and problems with their approach towards trading, where people who possibly had a chance to be successful were actually done before they started. I have thought about writing a book about this. The book would not be about how to day trade, but instead, it would be about how to learn how to day trade – the key word being learning NOT trade.
It Can't Just Be About The Money
How can learning any new skill start with a total focus on the end result, instead of how you plan to achieve that result. That would be no different than trying to put the roof on a house before you built the walls, or expecting to receive your college degree the day that you begin classes. Talk about unrealistic expectations – these are impossibilities – as are any get rich quick trading schemes. Yet many come into day trading as what I refer to as a job replacement 'trader', this is a 'trader' who tells me the following: I know I need to spend the time making a trading plan and 'properly' paper trading it before I start trading real money, but I can't, I just got laid off from my job and need to trade now to make some money. There is another statistic for the 90 percent club.
When I meet a new trader who has some interest in what I am doing, this is probably the most frequently asked question: how long is it going to take me to be profitable with your method? This 'trader' has never traded real money yet, or has been losing at whatever 'trading' that they have done, yet what they want to know is how long will take to be profitable with a new method. My answer to questions like these is to first ask my own question: what are you planning to do to learn this method, how can you possibly become profitable with any method before you learn it? I can remember one specific 'trader' that I talked to 2-3 times before joining our group. In the conversations this trader told me how many thousands of dollars he had spent on trading systems, methods, and trading groups – it was almost like he was 'bragging' about it? He never learned how to trade, and he had never traded profitably. BUT once again the same question came up – how long is it going to take? I told the 'trader' my thoughts regarding this, while also saying that if this was the major concern that they would probably never learn it, and they really shouldn't join the group. The 'trader' assured me that this time it would be different BUT it wasn't – they never studied the training materials, but I would get an email every couple of days asking me when I thought they should start trading real money. And there is another statistic for the 90 percent club.
Trading just can't be about the money, especially from the beginning, but really at any point in your trading career. Trading is about the process; that process being learning a method and the related trade setups, the creation of what I refer to as a base setup plan. Does it seem logical, that you actually need 'something' to trade before you get rich trading it? After this is done, start paper trading this plan in order to gain enough screen time and repetition that you can make adjustments – learning your mistakes and misreads that you make in real time execution. Accomplish this, and then begin to keep profitability records of your paper trading, first trading for profitability, and then trading for proficiency where you concern yourself with the percentage of profit potential you are gaining, not simply whether you make a profit.
How long is this going to take to do? Who knows, but there sure aren't any shortcuts. Actually, it probably won't ever happen. Paper trading to a proficient level really is a very difficult thing to accomplish, as 'traders' aren't willing to work hard enough, and with the necessary commitment, as there is no financial reward from paper trading. Furthermore, since there is also no financial risk, paper trading is quite often turned into a game and becomes of a waste of time, and creation of bad habits that become to hard to change. But skip the process altogether, because you want to start making all of that money that caused you to decide to become a day trader to begin with AND – another statistic for the 90 percent club
Introduction To Trading Psychology
I would guess that most everyone has had experience with some kind of real time performance stress before. Maybe it was a college final, or maybe it was related to athletics, maybe you had to give a speech, or maybe you were in a theatrical performance. Whatever the case may be, for myself, as well as anyone else I remember talking to, nothing was even similar to the 'feelings' that were 'brought on' by day trading real money real time. My background included athletics, and I can remember pitching in a state final baseball game, and I can remember last second free-throws in tournament basketball games – it was a piece of cake when compared to starting to trade real money. Nothing can prepare you for risking your money on an unknown outcome, of which you have no physical control, while watching price bars that all of a sudden have seemed to start 'ticking' at the speed of light – with your heart racing and the inability to sit still and the dry mouth and the sweaty palms and the feeling like you are going to puke – etc etc etc. Doesn't that sound like fun – I will bet that get rich trading scheme didn't mention any of this?
IF you are going to get through these emotions known as trading psychology, and all the different fears and forms that it can take on, it is going to be involved with your preparation, repetition, and understanding of that base setup plan, along with the knowledge that you have been able to paper trade it proficiently. No, it's not the same as real money, and you will still have to become used to executing real time BUT at least you do have the confidence in knowing that what you are going to trade does work, and on a level in excess of simple profitability. It will take time for these emotions to leave you, and maybe some never will, but that is all right. It is not necessary to eliminate all emotion to be able to profitably trade, it is necessary to control them, and being able to have the self trust that although you can't 'know' what is going to happen, you can 'know' what you are doing and that you will act as closely as possible to the intended 'plan'. Does going through a learning process that includes paper trading still sound like a waste of time? No problem – there is still plenty of room in the 90 percent club.
Work Ethic And The Fear Of Failure
Again I am thinking about that question – how long is it going to take to profitably trade your method? I don't know, are you really going to work your hardest? The fear of failure can take on many manifestations. What I have seen quite frequently, is how this fear is related to the 'traders' sense of self esteem and self worth – that failing at this, failing at anything, will make them 'less' of a person, and they can't risk allowing this to happen. Consequently, they never work their hardest at learning to trade. They won't put it all on the line, they always hold something back. Why? Because by doing this there will always be a 'built in' excuse for failing – IF I had really tried my hardest THEN I am sure that I could have done it. The result is obviously the same, but at least they don't have to blame themselves or take a 'hit' on that precious ego. Is failing at learning to do something, and being a failure really the same thing? In my way of thinking, trying your very hardest and not being able to do something is just the way it goes some times. We aren't going to be able to do everything we try, no matter how hard we work at it. Failure on the other hand is what I described – failing because you didn't 'step up' and try your hardest, instead you 'held back' trying to protect yourself. You want to learn to day trade, check your ego at the door before you start – or you too can join the 90 percent club.
Do You Still Want To Make Your Living Day Trading?
Have I talked you out of becoming a day trader – do you still think this is a great 'get rich quick' way of making your living? Although it wasn't my intentions to change anyone's mind, if this is what has happened, then I am glad. Yes, trading can be 'lucrative', and yes, you can get 'rich' trading, but you have such a long road to travel before this can occur. Many people 'say' they know this, but they don't really 'believe' it. They think that they will be different, they think that they will be the one that 'bucks' these odds BUT then they won't go about it differently. If nothing else, it should be very clear, that if 90% of all day traders lose, then to have a chance at being successful, you obviously are going to have to approach this differently than the vast majority does. Go for it BUT focus on the process, have reasonable expectations of what is really involved, and then do what is necessary to learn how to trade – that 90% club is far too big.
in Currency Trading
Get real. IF systems like that really were available, or if day trading really was that easy, wouldn't everyone be a rich day trader instead of being a statistic in the 90 percent of all day traders fail club? IF you can't be truly realistic regarding this, truly believing and understanding the odds against you THEN you do not have a chance. You would really be best off 'giving up' on this idea about day trading, and save yourself a lot of pain and money.
Over the last nine years, I have known and worked with many traders, and over this time have seen the unrealistic expectations, and problems with their approach towards trading, where people who possibly had a chance to be successful were actually done before they started. I have thought about writing a book about this. The book would not be about how to day trade, but instead, it would be about how to learn how to day trade – the key word being learning NOT trade.
It Can't Just Be About The Money
How can learning any new skill start with a total focus on the end result, instead of how you plan to achieve that result. That would be no different than trying to put the roof on a house before you built the walls, or expecting to receive your college degree the day that you begin classes. Talk about unrealistic expectations – these are impossibilities – as are any get rich quick trading schemes. Yet many come into day trading as what I refer to as a job replacement 'trader', this is a 'trader' who tells me the following: I know I need to spend the time making a trading plan and 'properly' paper trading it before I start trading real money, but I can't, I just got laid off from my job and need to trade now to make some money. There is another statistic for the 90 percent club.
When I meet a new trader who has some interest in what I am doing, this is probably the most frequently asked question: how long is it going to take me to be profitable with your method? This 'trader' has never traded real money yet, or has been losing at whatever 'trading' that they have done, yet what they want to know is how long will take to be profitable with a new method. My answer to questions like these is to first ask my own question: what are you planning to do to learn this method, how can you possibly become profitable with any method before you learn it? I can remember one specific 'trader' that I talked to 2-3 times before joining our group. In the conversations this trader told me how many thousands of dollars he had spent on trading systems, methods, and trading groups – it was almost like he was 'bragging' about it? He never learned how to trade, and he had never traded profitably. BUT once again the same question came up – how long is it going to take? I told the 'trader' my thoughts regarding this, while also saying that if this was the major concern that they would probably never learn it, and they really shouldn't join the group. The 'trader' assured me that this time it would be different BUT it wasn't – they never studied the training materials, but I would get an email every couple of days asking me when I thought they should start trading real money. And there is another statistic for the 90 percent club.
Trading just can't be about the money, especially from the beginning, but really at any point in your trading career. Trading is about the process; that process being learning a method and the related trade setups, the creation of what I refer to as a base setup plan. Does it seem logical, that you actually need 'something' to trade before you get rich trading it? After this is done, start paper trading this plan in order to gain enough screen time and repetition that you can make adjustments – learning your mistakes and misreads that you make in real time execution. Accomplish this, and then begin to keep profitability records of your paper trading, first trading for profitability, and then trading for proficiency where you concern yourself with the percentage of profit potential you are gaining, not simply whether you make a profit.
How long is this going to take to do? Who knows, but there sure aren't any shortcuts. Actually, it probably won't ever happen. Paper trading to a proficient level really is a very difficult thing to accomplish, as 'traders' aren't willing to work hard enough, and with the necessary commitment, as there is no financial reward from paper trading. Furthermore, since there is also no financial risk, paper trading is quite often turned into a game and becomes of a waste of time, and creation of bad habits that become to hard to change. But skip the process altogether, because you want to start making all of that money that caused you to decide to become a day trader to begin with AND – another statistic for the 90 percent club
Introduction To Trading Psychology
I would guess that most everyone has had experience with some kind of real time performance stress before. Maybe it was a college final, or maybe it was related to athletics, maybe you had to give a speech, or maybe you were in a theatrical performance. Whatever the case may be, for myself, as well as anyone else I remember talking to, nothing was even similar to the 'feelings' that were 'brought on' by day trading real money real time. My background included athletics, and I can remember pitching in a state final baseball game, and I can remember last second free-throws in tournament basketball games – it was a piece of cake when compared to starting to trade real money. Nothing can prepare you for risking your money on an unknown outcome, of which you have no physical control, while watching price bars that all of a sudden have seemed to start 'ticking' at the speed of light – with your heart racing and the inability to sit still and the dry mouth and the sweaty palms and the feeling like you are going to puke – etc etc etc. Doesn't that sound like fun – I will bet that get rich trading scheme didn't mention any of this?
IF you are going to get through these emotions known as trading psychology, and all the different fears and forms that it can take on, it is going to be involved with your preparation, repetition, and understanding of that base setup plan, along with the knowledge that you have been able to paper trade it proficiently. No, it's not the same as real money, and you will still have to become used to executing real time BUT at least you do have the confidence in knowing that what you are going to trade does work, and on a level in excess of simple profitability. It will take time for these emotions to leave you, and maybe some never will, but that is all right. It is not necessary to eliminate all emotion to be able to profitably trade, it is necessary to control them, and being able to have the self trust that although you can't 'know' what is going to happen, you can 'know' what you are doing and that you will act as closely as possible to the intended 'plan'. Does going through a learning process that includes paper trading still sound like a waste of time? No problem – there is still plenty of room in the 90 percent club.
Work Ethic And The Fear Of Failure
Again I am thinking about that question – how long is it going to take to profitably trade your method? I don't know, are you really going to work your hardest? The fear of failure can take on many manifestations. What I have seen quite frequently, is how this fear is related to the 'traders' sense of self esteem and self worth – that failing at this, failing at anything, will make them 'less' of a person, and they can't risk allowing this to happen. Consequently, they never work their hardest at learning to trade. They won't put it all on the line, they always hold something back. Why? Because by doing this there will always be a 'built in' excuse for failing – IF I had really tried my hardest THEN I am sure that I could have done it. The result is obviously the same, but at least they don't have to blame themselves or take a 'hit' on that precious ego. Is failing at learning to do something, and being a failure really the same thing? In my way of thinking, trying your very hardest and not being able to do something is just the way it goes some times. We aren't going to be able to do everything we try, no matter how hard we work at it. Failure on the other hand is what I described – failing because you didn't 'step up' and try your hardest, instead you 'held back' trying to protect yourself. You want to learn to day trade, check your ego at the door before you start – or you too can join the 90 percent club.
Do You Still Want To Make Your Living Day Trading?
Have I talked you out of becoming a day trader – do you still think this is a great 'get rich quick' way of making your living? Although it wasn't my intentions to change anyone's mind, if this is what has happened, then I am glad. Yes, trading can be 'lucrative', and yes, you can get 'rich' trading, but you have such a long road to travel before this can occur. Many people 'say' they know this, but they don't really 'believe' it. They think that they will be different, they think that they will be the one that 'bucks' these odds BUT then they won't go about it differently. If nothing else, it should be very clear, that if 90% of all day traders lose, then to have a chance at being successful, you obviously are going to have to approach this differently than the vast majority does. Go for it BUT focus on the process, have reasonable expectations of what is really involved, and then do what is necessary to learn how to trade – that 90% club is far too big.
in Currency Trading
How to Learn Great Storytelling to Increase Your Conversions
Stories are so important to good copywriting. It's one of the aspects of copywriting that can't be done in a cookie cutter style and therefore isn't answered by some of the sales letter software available on the market.
Please do not misconstrue that last statement to mean that I don't think that sales letter software is practical. It's very practical. It also needs some personal embellishments and that's where good storytelling is invaluable.
Storytelling draws the reader into the sales letter where they'll learn all of the practical facts about your product. They'll learn why your product solves their problem. They'll learn the benefits of purchasing from you and not your competitor. You will be personal to them because they know more about you through your story.
How can you become a great storyteller? Your first project would be to pay attention to other good storytellers. Analyze how the stories are told. Watch others tell stories.
Do you have a friend who tells great stories? Ask them to tell you a few. Analyze how they are telling them instead of getting caught up in the story itself.
Read good books and good sales letters. Watch for the story within the story in books. You won't have the advantage of 100 pages to tell your story and sell your product so you want to look for the story within a story in the books
Watch good movies. Compare and contrast movies whose story is told well with others whose story is told badly. What is different?
Look at comic strips. These are comedians on paper who are forced to tell their story and punch line in just a couple of panels. Compare how the different comic strips are written and tell their story.
Listen to comedians. They tell great stories. Whether you enjoy the story line or not, Everybody Loves Raymond and Seinfeld, are great examples of well-told short stories.
Read your competitors web pages or sign up for their ezines. "Listen" to their stories and how they weave in personal items.
These bits of personality that shine through make the writer more personable. They make it easier for the customer to take out their wallet and spend their money. After all, they are purchasing from someone who seems to understand exactly where they, the customer, is coming from. This product seems to answer all the questions and problems they've been having – because it did it for the creator and other customers.
in Book Marketing
Please do not misconstrue that last statement to mean that I don't think that sales letter software is practical. It's very practical. It also needs some personal embellishments and that's where good storytelling is invaluable.
Storytelling draws the reader into the sales letter where they'll learn all of the practical facts about your product. They'll learn why your product solves their problem. They'll learn the benefits of purchasing from you and not your competitor. You will be personal to them because they know more about you through your story.
How can you become a great storyteller? Your first project would be to pay attention to other good storytellers. Analyze how the stories are told. Watch others tell stories.
Do you have a friend who tells great stories? Ask them to tell you a few. Analyze how they are telling them instead of getting caught up in the story itself.
Read good books and good sales letters. Watch for the story within the story in books. You won't have the advantage of 100 pages to tell your story and sell your product so you want to look for the story within a story in the books
Watch good movies. Compare and contrast movies whose story is told well with others whose story is told badly. What is different?
Look at comic strips. These are comedians on paper who are forced to tell their story and punch line in just a couple of panels. Compare how the different comic strips are written and tell their story.
Listen to comedians. They tell great stories. Whether you enjoy the story line or not, Everybody Loves Raymond and Seinfeld, are great examples of well-told short stories.
Read your competitors web pages or sign up for their ezines. "Listen" to their stories and how they weave in personal items.
These bits of personality that shine through make the writer more personable. They make it easier for the customer to take out their wallet and spend their money. After all, they are purchasing from someone who seems to understand exactly where they, the customer, is coming from. This product seems to answer all the questions and problems they've been having – because it did it for the creator and other customers.
in Book Marketing
Hunting Wild Turkey: More Than Just a Wild Goose Chase
Turkey hunting is one of the most enjoyable and the fastest growing forms of hunting today. The most successful turkey hunters use different techniques just to locate a bird. Many techniques are applied and each turkey hunter would swear by their methods.
There are certain truths though that most hunters will agree upon. Some of them are obvious enough, like, being in a camouflage helps hunters stay hidden within gun range. Or movement is the supreme enemy of the turkey hunters. Much more than this, practicing makes your skills as a turkey hunter better. And the excitement of the turkey hunt will hone the hunter's alertness.
Like any sport, there are certain rules and regulations one must follow, here are some rules you need to remember:
• You will need a turkey hunting permit and a small game hunting license - it is required when hunting wild turkeys. You can only buy one turkey permit each year. If you have filled your limit, you may call for another turkey hunter but you can never bring any fire arm or even a bow.
• Using rifles and hand guns are not allowed. You can only hunt using your bow and arrow, shot guns with shot sizes no larger than number two or smaller than number eight. These are the only weapons for catching wild turkeys.
• And you must fill out the tag which only comes with your permit and attach it to the turkey you shoot straight away.
• Do not disturb hen turkeys or their nests.
• Searching with a dog during spring is not permitted. But you may hunt with it during the fall season.
• You must not use any intensifying device to locate or hunt turkeys during open seasons
Here are also some tips for a successful and safe turkey hunting season:
• If you will leave your gear and your turkey with another person, make sure to leave the following information for emergency purposes.
1. your name
2. your phone number
3. your address
4. your license hunting number
5. your turkey permit number
6. the 3rd party's name
7. the 3rd party's address
8. if necessary, your veterinarian's name too
9. his or her contact number
• Look for signs of recent wild turkey activities. Locate appropriate calling locations. These signs includes tracks and droppings. Droppings offer positive data that wild turkeys are located in that area. It also indicates the bird's sex. For gobblers, they have j-shaped, elongated droppings and hair-like feathers known as the beard extended from the breast. The beard is normally three to ten inches long. Most of them have spurs on the lower legs. Beard and spur length tend to increase with age. Some hens also have the beard but only 10 percent of their population contain it. Their head in general are dull gray-blue color, with pink and red coloration. Their breast feathers have a buff or white tip giving the hen it's attractive and eye catching color.
• Turkeys possess a strong sense of hearing and sharp vision. You should remain unmoving while calling them. A camouflage outfit is also recommended in this kind of hunting hobby. Even hunters wrap their shotguns in camouflage to prevent gun barrel from being detected through their shiny metal.
in Hunting
There are certain truths though that most hunters will agree upon. Some of them are obvious enough, like, being in a camouflage helps hunters stay hidden within gun range. Or movement is the supreme enemy of the turkey hunters. Much more than this, practicing makes your skills as a turkey hunter better. And the excitement of the turkey hunt will hone the hunter's alertness.
Like any sport, there are certain rules and regulations one must follow, here are some rules you need to remember:
• You will need a turkey hunting permit and a small game hunting license - it is required when hunting wild turkeys. You can only buy one turkey permit each year. If you have filled your limit, you may call for another turkey hunter but you can never bring any fire arm or even a bow.
• Using rifles and hand guns are not allowed. You can only hunt using your bow and arrow, shot guns with shot sizes no larger than number two or smaller than number eight. These are the only weapons for catching wild turkeys.
• And you must fill out the tag which only comes with your permit and attach it to the turkey you shoot straight away.
• Do not disturb hen turkeys or their nests.
• Searching with a dog during spring is not permitted. But you may hunt with it during the fall season.
• You must not use any intensifying device to locate or hunt turkeys during open seasons
Here are also some tips for a successful and safe turkey hunting season:
• If you will leave your gear and your turkey with another person, make sure to leave the following information for emergency purposes.
1. your name
2. your phone number
3. your address
4. your license hunting number
5. your turkey permit number
6. the 3rd party's name
7. the 3rd party's address
8. if necessary, your veterinarian's name too
9. his or her contact number
• Look for signs of recent wild turkey activities. Locate appropriate calling locations. These signs includes tracks and droppings. Droppings offer positive data that wild turkeys are located in that area. It also indicates the bird's sex. For gobblers, they have j-shaped, elongated droppings and hair-like feathers known as the beard extended from the breast. The beard is normally three to ten inches long. Most of them have spurs on the lower legs. Beard and spur length tend to increase with age. Some hens also have the beard but only 10 percent of their population contain it. Their head in general are dull gray-blue color, with pink and red coloration. Their breast feathers have a buff or white tip giving the hen it's attractive and eye catching color.
• Turkeys possess a strong sense of hearing and sharp vision. You should remain unmoving while calling them. A camouflage outfit is also recommended in this kind of hunting hobby. Even hunters wrap their shotguns in camouflage to prevent gun barrel from being detected through their shiny metal.
in Hunting
5 Ways You Can be Prepared When Facing a Job Loss
Are rumors circulating throughout your workplace that there may be downsizing, a lay-off or merger? Are you scared and don't know what to do? These 5 tips can help you feel more in control of your financial situation:
1. Take a long, hard look at your monthly bills. Are in up to your neck in debt? Now is the time to tighten your belt and try to get a handle on the interest rates you are currently paying. Can you pay down some of your debt right away? Transfer to another, lower rate credit card? Should you refinance your mortgage or home equity loan? Now would be the time to take care of this, not after you've received your pink slip.
2. What can you trim in your monthly budget? Stop buying those lattes every morning and save about $80 in one month. Rent a DVD instead of going to the movies. You are the only one who can decide what you can and cannot live without, but these are two good examples of the latter. Cut back on your dining out and you'll see more green in your wallet right now, when you need it the most.
3. Be more aware as you pull out your wallet for every day expenses and decide if you really need to buy that item. Now is not the time for a shopping spree to cheer you up. Instead, make an effort to be more aware of where your money goes every day, every week.
4. With gas prices sky-rocketing, should you consider buying a hybrid car, or at least one that gets better mileage? Do it now, while you're still employed. See if the dealership offers any customer incentives such as a rebate or lowered interest rate on the loan.
5. Do you know what benefits at work you are entitled to? Take the time now to ask the Human Resources department what benefits you're currently enrolled in. If you have health insurance, be sure to get any physicals or medical tests now to make use of this benefit. Take advantage of any dental or vision coverage you may have- get those eyeglasses or contact lenses updated now or schedule a visit for a check-up at the dentist. Those co-pays are a whole lot cheaper than paying full-price later.
Being aware of the situation, planning and taking action makes you feel more in control of your life. Sure, you can't do anything about being laid-off and in most cases, (unless you committed gross misconduct on the job) it's not your fault. It's a management decision that will probably wind up changing your life for the better. See this as a new opportunity, not as a loss, and your positive attitude will help you find a new job soon. Good luck!
in Careers
1. Take a long, hard look at your monthly bills. Are in up to your neck in debt? Now is the time to tighten your belt and try to get a handle on the interest rates you are currently paying. Can you pay down some of your debt right away? Transfer to another, lower rate credit card? Should you refinance your mortgage or home equity loan? Now would be the time to take care of this, not after you've received your pink slip.
2. What can you trim in your monthly budget? Stop buying those lattes every morning and save about $80 in one month. Rent a DVD instead of going to the movies. You are the only one who can decide what you can and cannot live without, but these are two good examples of the latter. Cut back on your dining out and you'll see more green in your wallet right now, when you need it the most.
3. Be more aware as you pull out your wallet for every day expenses and decide if you really need to buy that item. Now is not the time for a shopping spree to cheer you up. Instead, make an effort to be more aware of where your money goes every day, every week.
4. With gas prices sky-rocketing, should you consider buying a hybrid car, or at least one that gets better mileage? Do it now, while you're still employed. See if the dealership offers any customer incentives such as a rebate or lowered interest rate on the loan.
5. Do you know what benefits at work you are entitled to? Take the time now to ask the Human Resources department what benefits you're currently enrolled in. If you have health insurance, be sure to get any physicals or medical tests now to make use of this benefit. Take advantage of any dental or vision coverage you may have- get those eyeglasses or contact lenses updated now or schedule a visit for a check-up at the dentist. Those co-pays are a whole lot cheaper than paying full-price later.
Being aware of the situation, planning and taking action makes you feel more in control of your life. Sure, you can't do anything about being laid-off and in most cases, (unless you committed gross misconduct on the job) it's not your fault. It's a management decision that will probably wind up changing your life for the better. See this as a new opportunity, not as a loss, and your positive attitude will help you find a new job soon. Good luck!
in Careers
Providenciales Island Part Of The Turks And Caicos Islands In The Caribbean
Providenciales Island is known to all as Provo, and is less than ninety minutes flying time from Miami, and is part of the Turks and Caicos Islands, being only a short hop from the International Airport, although it has its own direct flights from the USA.. It has an almost perfect temperature for a holiday destination being around 83 degrees Fahrenheit on average with about 35 inches of rain per annum. The hottest months are September and October, but the constant easterly trade winds offset the heat at this time of year which can rise to 95F and keep things reasonably cool.
The Turks and Caicos islands are located in Eastern Standard Time, and are around nine hours flying time from London, and are a totally different world from many other Caribbean Islands.
It is worth hiring a car if you are going to Providenciales, and also make sure you get an up to date map. You can pick a map up at the Tourist Information Stand just to the left of the baggage arrivals. A car, even a small one will enable you to get to many of the beaches and restaurants on the island, and be in control of when you want to go, and when you want to leave.
Be aware that car rental isn't cheap but will be worth every dollar.
It is also sensible to bring with you some snorkelling equipment because the undersea sights at Providenciales are just superb, and it would be less than sensible not to take the time to swim amongst the marine life.
You will easily find on the map two good places which are Coral Gardens and Smith's Reef.
The Coral Gardens can be easily found on the map, just off Lower Bight Road on Penn's Road.
Park in front of the resort and walk down. The reef is protected and cordoned off with buoys, but go round the buoys and you will see a huge number of fish, and perhaps even a reef shark, but certainly parrot fish, and very often sea turtles to swim with.
The water is deeper at Smith's Reef and it is quite a lot harder to get to. Drive towards Turtle Cove and follw the road the Yacht Club Resort and Sharkbite Restaurant[Well worth a visit]. Go left at the T junction and after parking, walk away from the marina until you see the rock cairn. Swim out to the second and larger reef, and watch out for boats, which perhaps spoils Smith's Reef..
The real beauty of your own car of course is the independence it gives you, and you should visit the beautiful beach at Sapadillo Bay off Chalk Sound Road. It is worth driving right down the road just to see the huge houses, as well as the stunning views.
Take the car to the southwest point of Providenciales Island.. Here you will find a very isolated and empty but beautiful beach. It takes a little finding, just head towards the Blue Hills, and stay on the main road going past Da Conch Shack, then pass a school on the right until you reach a major road to the left. By this time you will be praising the new map you bought at the airport!! Stay on that new road until the end, and there you will see three tracks. With a decent car you can take the left hand one, and this leads to the beach. If you walk along the beach around the corner until you get to a cave to explore and you will pass a rock absolutely covered with pelicans.
There are a lot more things to see and do on Providenciales Island, superb hotels especially on Grace Bay, and there are many who feel that this part of the Turks and Caicos is as good as the Caribbean gets.
For more information go to http://www.caribbean-vacationspots.com
in Vacations
The Turks and Caicos islands are located in Eastern Standard Time, and are around nine hours flying time from London, and are a totally different world from many other Caribbean Islands.
It is worth hiring a car if you are going to Providenciales, and also make sure you get an up to date map. You can pick a map up at the Tourist Information Stand just to the left of the baggage arrivals. A car, even a small one will enable you to get to many of the beaches and restaurants on the island, and be in control of when you want to go, and when you want to leave.
Be aware that car rental isn't cheap but will be worth every dollar.
It is also sensible to bring with you some snorkelling equipment because the undersea sights at Providenciales are just superb, and it would be less than sensible not to take the time to swim amongst the marine life.
You will easily find on the map two good places which are Coral Gardens and Smith's Reef.
The Coral Gardens can be easily found on the map, just off Lower Bight Road on Penn's Road.
Park in front of the resort and walk down. The reef is protected and cordoned off with buoys, but go round the buoys and you will see a huge number of fish, and perhaps even a reef shark, but certainly parrot fish, and very often sea turtles to swim with.
The water is deeper at Smith's Reef and it is quite a lot harder to get to. Drive towards Turtle Cove and follw the road the Yacht Club Resort and Sharkbite Restaurant[Well worth a visit]. Go left at the T junction and after parking, walk away from the marina until you see the rock cairn. Swim out to the second and larger reef, and watch out for boats, which perhaps spoils Smith's Reef..
The real beauty of your own car of course is the independence it gives you, and you should visit the beautiful beach at Sapadillo Bay off Chalk Sound Road. It is worth driving right down the road just to see the huge houses, as well as the stunning views.
Take the car to the southwest point of Providenciales Island.. Here you will find a very isolated and empty but beautiful beach. It takes a little finding, just head towards the Blue Hills, and stay on the main road going past Da Conch Shack, then pass a school on the right until you reach a major road to the left. By this time you will be praising the new map you bought at the airport!! Stay on that new road until the end, and there you will see three tracks. With a decent car you can take the left hand one, and this leads to the beach. If you walk along the beach around the corner until you get to a cave to explore and you will pass a rock absolutely covered with pelicans.
There are a lot more things to see and do on Providenciales Island, superb hotels especially on Grace Bay, and there are many who feel that this part of the Turks and Caicos is as good as the Caribbean gets.
For more information go to http://www.caribbean-vacationspots.com
in Vacations
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)