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The Greater London area is full of attractions for all ages. Huge, multicultural and cosmopolitan, London’s 33 boroughs stretch over 600 square miles, making it a good thing there are nearly 20,000 licensed taxis, double-decker buses and other public transports, plus the Underground tube for getting around. London, however prim and proper in perception, is far from doddering, since a huge 47.3 percent of its 7.5 million population is aged between 16 and 44, with one in five residents from an ethnic minority. Little wonder that more than 200 languages are spoken here, with the café culture encompassing cuisines from more than 70 countries in some 6,000 restaurants and 5,000 pubs and bars. With 30-plus historic gardens and 123 historic buildings, London also has more than 200 museums, 600 cinema screens, and 108 music halls. Within an hour of London are 95 golf courses, 2,000 tennis courts, seven ice rinks, and six race courses. London has no known founder, although historic record points to King Lud of Ludgate Hill fame. Shortly after the Roman conquest of 43 AD, invaders realized the strategic significance of the river Thames running through the flat, fertile mainland. The Norman invasion of 1066 was marked by construction of the mighty Tower of London, located to protect London Bridge from raiders coming upstream. As throughout Europe, London was hard hit by the Bubonic Plague known as the Black Death, which wiped out a third of its population in 1348-49. Yet the population tripled under the Tudors, and by 1700, it had passed a half million, ranking with Paris and Naples as one of Europe’s three largest cities. When Edward VII ascended the throne in 1901, London was the largest city in the world, and it remains Europe’s largest.
Bank of England Museum Also known as the “Old Lady of Threadneedle Street Museum,” the Bank of England Museum tracks the bank’s history from 1694 to its current role as the nation’s central bank. Gold bars date from ancient times, and pikes and muskets used to defend the bank are also on display. History includes a mob attack on the Bank during the Gordon riots in 1780, and the introduction of paper money in 1797. Some documents relate to well-known customers including George Washington and the Duchess of Marlborough. In March, 2003, the museum welcomed its one-millionth visitor. Threadneedle Street. (020) 7601-5545
Banqueting House Famed for its Rubens ceiling paintings, the Banqueting House (the only remaining part of the Palace of Whitehall) was designed by Inigo Jones and commissioned by James I in 1619. Whitehall, SW1. (020) 7930-4179
British Airways London Eye The London Eye is a Ferris-wheel of sorts with 32 high-tech, glassed-in carriages, each accommodating up to 25 passengers, rotating upward and around with continuous piped-in commentary. Each air-conditioned carriage rotates on a device designed to keep everyone upright as the wheel slowly revolves. On a clear day, the panorama can stretch as far as Heathrow Airport and Windsor Castle. By night, London’s landmarks are floodlit against the darkness, showcasing the Gothic houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, the Tate Museum, and Tower Bridge along with stretches of the Thames. On the south side of the River Thames, opposite Big Ben.
British Museum Displays within the world’s oldest museum, founded in 1753 by an Act of Parliament, include the Assyrian treasures, Egyptian mummies, the Rosetta Stone, sculptures from the Parthenon, and the Portland Vase. The spectacular Great Court, opened in 2000, includes 12 of the museum’s most famed exhibits and serves as Europe’s largest indoor square. It encompasses the Reading Room, restored to former glory when readers included Marx and Lenin. Great Russell Street. (020) 7323-8000
Buckingham Palace Residence to Queen Elizabeth II, Buckingham Palace first opened to the public in 1993 to finance Windsor Castle repairs. The Edwardian façade palace dates to the early 19th century. In summer, nearly 6,000 visitors per day tour 19 state rooms, including the Throne Room, Picture Gallery and Ballroom (the largest room in the Palace) used for investitures and banquets. The extended visitor route includes a walk through the south side of the Palace garden. At the Royal Mews, the Queen’s horses and carriages, including the Coronation Coach, are displayed. The Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace is a permanent space dedicated to changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection art and treasures. Built 40 years ago on the west front out of the former private chapel’s bomb-damaged ruins, the Gallery was opened by the Queen in 2002 to receive the public daily. Buckingham Palace Road, SW1. (020) 7321-2233
Cabinet War Rooms Sir Winston Churchill, his cabinet and the chiefs of staff used this underground complex during WWII air raids. Displays include the Map Room, Trans-Atlantic Telephone Room, and Map Room, and in 2003, Churchill’s bedroom, private kitchen and dining room were added to the tour. An audio guide includes first-hand accounts of life in the War Rooms. Clive Steps, King Charles Street. (020) 7930-6961
Camden Markets Among London’s top tourist magnets drawing crowds of some 500,000 per week, Camden Markets specializes in alternative fashion, vintage, and emerging designers, funky furnishings, and international food at an array of diverse restaurants, bars, and stalls. At Camden High Street & Chalk Farm Road.
Changing of the Guard At Buckingham Palace, the Royal ceremony takes place at 11:30 a.m., lasting 40 minutes inside the palace railings. The Queen’s Guard, accompanied by a band, leaves Wellington Barracks and marches via Birdcage Walk to the Palace. The ceremony is scratched only in very wet weather. Nearest Underground stations are at Victoria, St. James Park and Green Park. A separate ceremony takes place daily near Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall, at 11 a.m., Monday through Saturday, and 1 p.m. on Sunday. The Queen’s Life Guard leaves Hyde Park Barracks and rides to Horse Guard Parades via Hyde Park Corner, Constitution Hill and The Mall. Nearest Underground stations are Embankment, Charing Cross, and Westminster.
Clarence House Clarence House, now the Prince of Wales’ official London residence, was thrown open to the public in 2003 from Aug. 16 through Oct. 17 with plans for future public access at intervals. The house was the London home of the Queen Mother until her death in 2002 and has undergone extensive refurbishment. The 2003 guided tours showed five rooms on the ground floor where official engagements are undertaken. Much of the Queen Mother’s collection of art and furniture remain, with examples of Faberge, English porcelain and silver, and works by John Piper. Tours must be pre-booked. The Mall. (020) 7766 7303
Cutty Sark Clipper Ship The last and most famous tea-clipper, breaking all records in 1885, is open for total exploration including the Lower Hold, with a collection of figureheads, and the Tween Deck, telling the story of the Cutty Sark with display of ship photos and models. Cabins have been reconstructed to show life at sea in the 1870s. King William Walk, Greenwich. (020) 8858-3445
Diana, Princess of Wales’ Memorial Fountain in Hyde Park Unveiled in July, 2004 with both the late Diana’s family and the royal family including Queen Elizabeth II present, the $6.5 million memorial to the late Princess of Wales is designed by American architect Karen Gustafson. The oval fountain of 545 blocks of Cornish granite – a ring of water likened to a miniature race course near the Serpentine Bridge — has water flowing down both sides for both agitated and calming effects. Hyde Park (London’s largest) is a 1.5 mile long and .5 mile wide haven with 350 acres of woods, grasslands, lake and gardens. Admission is free from 5 a.m. to midnight. Hyde Park. (020) 7298-2100
Dickens House Victorian London f
ound its perfect chronicler in Charles Dickens, whose home on Doughty Street survives as his museum, the site were some of Oliver Twist was written. The house offers a journey through Charles Dickens’ life during his most prosperous years. 48 Doughty Street. (020) 7405-2127
Downing House This world renowned address is home to the official residence for the Prime Minister (no. 10) and the Chancellor of the Exchequer (no. 11). 10 Downing Street.
Freud Museum After fleeing Nazi Austria in 1938, the Freud family lived in this house until the death of Ann in 1982. Within are Sigmund Freud’s antiques, Oriental rugs, research center, and, yes, the psychoanalysis couch. 20 Maresfield Gardens via Finchley Road. (020) 7435-2002
Hampton Court Palace King Henry VIII’s apartments are shown off by guides in period costumes. The tour includes the Tudor kitchens, the Chapel Royal and the legendary maze, or fountain garden. East Molesey, Surrey
Highgate Cemetery Victorian Gothic atmosphere with extensive and overgrown grounds include cypress trees and Egyptian-style catacombs. The cemetery is closed during funerals. No children under age 8 are allowed on the west side, and photography is by permit. Swain’s Lane. (020) 8340-1834
Jewish Museums The Jewish Museum in Finchley traces the history of Jewish immigration and settlement in London, including reconstructions of East End tailoring and furniture workshops. Holocaust education is a major feature, and displays include recollections from London-born survivor Leon Greenman. The Jewish Military Museum and Memorial Room illustrates British Jewry’s contribution to the armed forces of the Crown from Crimea to the present. Camden Town’s award-winning Jewish Museum in the Raymond Burton House, an elegant Victorian building, has a ceremonial art gallery illustrating Jewish religious life with objects of rarity. Jewish Museum, Finchley, 80 East End Road. (020) 8349-1143 Jewish Military Museum, Stamford Hill. (020) 8800-2844 Raymond Burton House, 129-131 Albert Street. (020) 7284-1997
Kensington Palace This Jacobean building, enlarged by William and Mary in 1702, became the residence of Queen Anne, King George I and King George II. Queen Victoria was born here and remained in residence until she was 18. Parts of the palace remain a private residence for members of today’s Royal Family. Kensington’s best known resident in recent years was Diana, Princess of Wales, who occupied apartments in the north-west part of the Palace from 1981 to 1997. The State Apartments and the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection, including dresses worn by Queen Elizabeth II and Diana, are open to the public. Kensington Gardens, W8. (0870) 751-5170
Royal Botanic Gardens Founded in 1761 and covering 288 acres, the Gardens at Kew contain living collections of more than 40,000 varieties of plants, seven spectacular glasshouses and two art galleries, along with a Japanese rock garden. Open all year, closing depends on sunset. Kew, Richmond TW9 3AB. (020) 8332-5655
London Aquarium Opposite Big Ben, the London Aquarium is the one place where visitors can come upon sizable sharks, gaze at seahorses, and meet frenzied piranhas. Touching is permitted for friendly rays, starfish and crabs. County Hall, Riverside Building, SE1 7PB. (020) 7967-8000
London Dungeon Medieval tortures heavy on bloody detail prevail at this site buried beneath paving stones of historic Southwark. London Dungeon brings more than 2,000 years of gruesome history into twisted perspective, with 2003 debuting the Great Plague’s apothecary shop remedies from minced toad and roasted viper skins to hare’s feet, bat wings and leeches. Other popular unpleasantry focuses on the Ecclesiastical Section’s rendition of Thomas Becket’s demise while in prayer at the altar, 1665′s Great Fire of London, Jack the Ripper, and the Judgment Day Execution Barge where some 2,000 victims were transported from docks, bound together, and tossed into roiling waters. Gift shop branded merchandise includes perfectly horrible clothing for all occasions and a library of revolting reference books. London, buried beneath the paving stones of 28-34 Tooley Street, SE1. (020) 0891-6000
London for Free Britain’s capital has many happily free attractions: The British Library, on Euston Road houses the Gutenberg Bible, Shakespeare’s First Folio of 1623, King John’s Magna Carta, Handel’s Messiah and original Beatles’ manuscripts. Kenwood House, a fine example of the work of architect Robert Adam, and a filming site for scenes from Notting Hill, has important paintings and neo-classical furnishings. The National Gallery is home to the Leonardo Cartoon by da Vinci and the Hay Wain by Constable. The National Portrait Gallery charts British history through portraits of eminent poets, statesmen and sportsmen. Royal portraits include the Queen and Diana, Princess of Wales. The Tate Britain in a 100-year-old classical building contains sculptures, drawings, oils, watercolors and works by William Blake. Tate Modern, in the former Bankside Power Station, showing 20th century art, is open until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. British Library, Euston Road, NW1. (020) 7412-7332 Kenwood House, Hampstead Lane NW3. (020) 8348-1286 National Gallery, Trafalgar Square. (020) 7747-2885 National Portrait Gallery, St. Martin’s Place, WC2. (020) 7306-0055 Tate Britain, Millbank, SW1. (020) 7887-8008 Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1. (020) 7887-8008
London Pass Visitors can use the London Pass for free entry into 50 top attractions including: The Alexander Fleming Laboratory Museum, Cutty Sark, Florence Nightingale Museum, Jewel Tower, Kew Gardens, London Aquarium, London Zoo, Tower of London, Windsor Castle and more. Included is a travel card for use on public transport in zones 1-6. The travel card is date-stamped, and no amendments can be made. Available on line and through travel agents.
London Zoo ZSL London Zoo has over 12000 amazing animals for you to see. The Zoo has been “bringing down the bars” to allow visitors to get closer to an astonishing 650 species of animal. Highlights include Meet the Monkeys, Butterfly Paradise and Into Africa while you can also experience an ‘Animals in Action’ display – 30 minutes of flying, foraging and leaping action with animals showing their amazing natural skills and abilities. Young visitors (or the young at heart!) can enjoy an encounter with farmyard favourites at the touch paddock in the Children’s Zoo. Two major attractions, Gorilla Kingdom and Clore Rainforest Lookout are incredibly popular – both get you closer than ever to primates of Africa and South America. Admission ranges from £12.50 to £16. Under 3 free. Regent’s Park, London NW1. (020) 7722-3333
Madame Tussaud’s Things have gotten much, much livelier at Madame Tussaud’s with the arrival of a likeness of Jennifer Lopez, whose cheeks turn pink when someone whispers in her ear. Live actors now work the room, joining visitors in celebrity gossip, even in the powder room. Visitors also can be interviewed by a reporter, or made up by a live stylist. Another new attraction is the 15-foot Hulk, inspired by the Universal Pictures film version. The Queen is on display, along with Henry VIII and all six of his wives, Queen Elizabeth I, and Diana, Princess of Wales. West End, Marylebone Road. NW1 5LR. (020) 7935-6861
Museum in Docklands Among London’s newest attractions, the Museum in Docklands Galleries explores the story of London’s river, port and people from Roman times through recent regeneration. A dozen galleries showcase artifacts, paintings, engravings, and photographs. 1 Warehouse West India Quay, Hertsmere Road. (0870) 444-3857
Museum of London Exhibits cover more than 2,000 years of London history, with highlights including the Roman gallery, a reconstructed Victorian walk with shops, Newgate Prison, the Great Fire Experience, and a display of Elizabethan jewelry. Galleries are arranged in chronological order, but are designed so visitors can start anywhere. 150 London Wall Street.
(020) 7600-3699
Natural History Museum First opening in 1881 and one of Europe’s largest museums, the Natural History Museum serves as Britain’s national museum for natural history. Displays include dinosaurs, the mammal balcony at the Blue Whale exhibit and the moonlit rainforest in the ecology gallery. Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD. (020) 7942-5011
Parliament Constructed between 1675 and 1710, this magnificent structure stands on the site of two previous cathedrals dating to 604. The whispering gallery in the main dome is so named because a whisper can be heard anywhere within the dome by pressing an ear to the wall. Open each summer, visits are by guided tour starting at Victoria Tower, proceeding through the Robing Room, Royal Gallery, Chambers of the House of Lords and House of Commons, Central Lobby, St. Stephen’s Chapel and Westminster Hall. Westminster, with an exhibition of cartoons, and the Parliamentary gift shop can be visited free of charge via the St. Stephen’s entrance. Parliament Square, Westminster. SW1A0AA. (0870) 906-3773
Pub Grub London’s 5,000 pubs and bars make it seem there’s literally one on every corner. Brew varies from “real ale” pulled from barrels to bottled lagers. Most pubs offer wines and spirits, some even exotic cocktails. Once solely for drink, most now serve food from sandwiches to banquets, with prices often cheaper than at restaurants. Among quirky establishments with historical background: The Albert, at 52 Victoria Street, near the Houses of Parliament where a division bell rings in the bar summoning MPs back to work. Samuel Johnson reportedly wrote part of his diary at The Anchor Bankside, 34 Park Street, an 18th century pub near the Globe Theatre. Bunch of Grapes, 207 Brompton Road, has original Victorian décor including “snob” screens separating gentlemen from working stiffs.
Ragged School Museum Originally a lime juice storage facility, Dr. Thomas Bernardo transformed it in 1868 to become the first and largest Ragged School in London, until 1908 when all the buildings on Copperfield were condemned. The warehouses have become a virtual classroom showcasing how Victorian children learned. 46-50 Copperfield Road London. (020) 8980-6405 Royal Courts of Justice In a Victorian Gothic building completed in 1882, the Royal Courts are the centerpiece of the British legal system. A legal costume exhibition is on the first floor overlooking the main hall where there is also a small exhibit of legal prints. Neither cameras nor children under age 14 are allowed in court. Mobile phones must be turned off. The Strand, WC2A. (020) 7947-6000
Science Museum Opening in 1868, the Science Museum has 10,000 exhibitions ranging from the Well Cathedral (1392) that still chimes on the hour to the launch pad of Apollo 10 where kids can play. Admission is free. Exhibition Road, South Kensington. (020) 7942-4455
Spencer House Built in 1756-66 for the first Earl Spencer, ancestor of Diana, Princess of Wales (1961-1997), its eight state rooms with 18th Century interiors are open to the public and furnished with antique and neo-classical interiors. Designed by John Vardy and James Stuart, these rooms were some of the first neo-classical interiors in Europe. Stuart’s gilded furniture has been returned to its original location in the Painted Room. 27 St. James’s Place. (020) 7499-8620
Taking Afternoon Tea Taking tea has been a London tradition for more than 150 years. The practice was launched by the Duchess of Bedford in 1830 when she ordered a little something to ward off pangs between lunch and dinner. By the 1840s, wafer thin slices of bread spread with chopped cucumber along with light sponge cakes and freshly brewed pots of tea were being served up with tidbits of gossip all over London. Afternoon tea became hot and haute throughout the Edwardian period (1901-1910). With the arrival of the Argentine Tango, London’s grand hotels began hosting tea dances, so entrenched by the 1920s, they continued to reign as a social event until WWII. The prospect of scones and a spot of tea remains enough to restore energy for any weary traveler. For many, tea at the Ritz Hotel’s Palm Court (jacket required for men, and early booking recommended) is the ultimate indulgence at any of three seatings. Food emporium Fortnum & Mason, in business since 1707, beckons with Traditional Tea, a Champagne Tea, or High Tea at St. James’s Tearoom. At Kensington Palace, where the gardens were a favored retreat of Diana, Princess of Wales, the Orangery was built by Queen Anne in 1705, and tea includes fresh strawberries and double cream in season. Pre-booking is essential at Brown’s Hotel, opened in 1837 by James Brown (a former valet of Lord Byron), and a favorite of Rudyard Kipling and Agatha Christie, serving sandwiches and scones on Wedgwood porcelain near a fireplace. Brown’s Hotel, Albemarle Street, Mayfair. (020) 7518-4108 Fortnum & Mason, Piccadilly, Mayfair. (020) 7734-8040 Orangery at Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens. (Booking not possible.) Ritz Hotel, Palm Court, 150 Piccadilly, Mayfair. (020) 7493-8181
Tower of London According to Shakespeare, Edward IV’s young princes and heirs were killed here by their wicked uncle, Richard III. In 1066, William the Conqueror erected the first wooden fort on this site, replaced by a stone keep, later known as the White Tower. Begun in 1078, the Tower of London is a one of the world’s most famous fortified complexes constructed over several centuries. It provided Royal families with a residence for more than five centuries, and was a prison for other Royal figures, including Lady Jane Grey. The Tower housed the Royal Mint until 1810. Armor worn by Henry VIII remains. The Tower is the storehouse of the Crown Jewels and regalia, as it has been for nearly 700 years. Also on view are the Medieval Palace, the infamous Bloody Tower, and over 90 inscriptions made by prisoners in the Beauchamp Tower. The Martin Tower has free guided tours, and the Crowns and Diamonds Exhibition. Tower Hill, EC3. (0870) 756-7070
Victoria and Albert Museum Opened in 1852, the world’s largest museum of decorative art was renamed the South Kensington Museum in 1857, and renamed again in 1899 after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Its 145 galleries, with 3,000 years worth of artifacts from many of the world’s richest cultures, include the Cast Courts, the national collection of paintings by Constable and the largest collection of Italian Renaissance sculpture outside Italy. Jewelry, metalwork, photographs, sculpture, textiles and paintings are part of the extraordinary mix. Admission is free. Cromwell Road, South Kensington. (020) 7942-2000
Waterloo Several locations in London are associated with the Waterloo campaign of 1815, regarded as the most famous of the 19th century. It culminated in the overthrow of Napoleon Bonaparte by Wellington and the end of 25 years of warfare. Wellington Arch, Hyde Park. (020) 7930-2726
Wesley’s House and Chapel John Wesley’s 18th century house is part of the chapel site, which also includes the Museum of Methodism in the crypt. The house contains many personal effects of the founder of Methodism. The museum traces the history of Methodism from the 18th century to the present. Wesley’s tomb is at the rear of the chapel. 47 City Road. (020) 7253-2260
Westminster Abbey One of the world’s most visited churches, Westminster Abbey is the scene of coronations, marriages and burials of British monarchs. Visitors can see the Grave of the Unknown Warrior, Royal Tombs and the Shrine of St. Edward the Confessor, and the Coronation Chair. Parliament Square. (020) 7222-5152
Westminster Cathedral An example of neo-Byzantine architecture and the headquarters of Britain’s Catholic Church, the 14 Stations of the Cross were beautifully sculpted by Eric Gill. Begun in 1895, Westminster Cathedral is noted for unusual architecture, mosaics and marble decorations. It was designed to be built quickly with interior décor added as funds became available. The structure, completed in 1903, has the
widest, highest nave in England. Victoria Street SW1P 1QW. (020) 7798-9055
Windsor Castle Windsor, one of the world’s largest, oldest inhabited castles, has been the home of the Royal Family for more than 900 years. Largely rebuilt by George IV, the castle covers some 13 acres. Visitors can see St. George’s Chapel and the Albert Memorial Chapel. Within the Castle complex there are many additional attractions. In the Drawings Gallery regular exhibitions of treasures from the Royal Library are mounted. Another popular feature is Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, a miniature mansion built to perfection. The 14th century St. George’s Chapel is the burial place of 10 sovereigns, home of the Order of the Garter, and the setting for many royal weddings. Nearby on the Windsor Estate is Frogmore House, an attractive country residence with strong ties to Queen Charlotte, Queen Victoria and Queen Mary. Windsor. (020) 7321-2233
Whipsnade Zoo ZSL Whipsnade Zoo is one of Europe’s largest wildlife conservation parks. The Zoo is home to more than 2,500 animals, many of which are endangered in the wild. Watch tigers, elephants, hippos and giraffes in huge outdoor enclosures. Get closer to Lions of the Serengeti, check out the cheeky chimpanzees. Drive your car round the scenic park, or hop on and off the free Safari Bus. With daily live talks, demonstrations and feeds, and beautiful picnic areas, there’s something for everyone at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo. Admission ranges from £12.50 to £16. Under 3 free. Dunstable, Bedfordshire LU6 2LF. (01582) 872171
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Music is being consumed in more ways than one and at a higher rate then every before. The MTV generation is use to not only hearing their music but seeing it as well. If they see a song that they like they can then buy that songs in multiple media forms from vinyl and CD to digital with DRM (digital rights management) and Mp3 without DRM. If they like the video and the song then they can go to Youtube and view it there until their hearts content. But the digitalization of music has done more. Not only is it easier to view videos but it easier to find and discover new music, acts and bands as well.
MySpace has built a multi-billion dollar network on the backs of up-and-coming acts and unsigned bands and their friends. Myspace and sites like this have exposed many people to new and unheard music and continue to do so at an astonishing rate each day. As a band or act it is now seen as a smart business move and cool to be associated with a brand or land a sync-license in a TV show or commercial. This twenty years before was a direct threat to your artistic vision and classified as “selling out”. But now these things are all used to innovatively expose music to the masses and making it easier to discover it.
Technology has created mega-channels of distribution. Peer-to-peer networks have opened the floodgates to obtaining free music. Furthermore, because digitized music takes of bytes instead of floor space you are now given a wider range of music to choose from at digital retailers. And of course copying CDs have never been easier and soon the CD will be wiped from that equation level just the transfer of bytes in order to obtain your music.
What this means is that music consumption is increasing. Production cost is lowering. Distribution is widening and more acts and bands are being heard. There is a need out there for making the discovery and sharing of music simpler and easier. Music is an identifier for many people and these people are getting larger and larger iPods that just simply need to be filled.
The hot Forex news that is developing at this moment refers to the fact that the yen has met an increased power over the dollar thus showing a presumed economic growth that has not been known for long. It is true that Japan has known a development at the economic level in December 2006 with 80 percent as compared to the 54.5 percent that was stated in November, but these latter months, the numbers in economic growth show a much higher development. The hot Forex news refer to the fact the Japanese economy has recovered a lot in the past months, which shows great hope for the yen as a powerful foreign currency.
The Standard Bank in London has stated that the fund Forex investments in commodities will lower, but there is good news in pension and mutual funds where Forex increase is presumed. The hot Forex news regarding the Forex interest rates in the United States of America refers to the fact that the fall in the unemployment here is determining this increase in the interest rates.
The HSBC is seeking for new Forex businesses in the United Kingdom, the prize reaching almost $5,000. This contest is named the Start-up stars and it is aiming at finding and rewarding Forex business that is at the beginning of their road in this field. Although this a contest that is destined exclusively to the businesses constructed in the UK, there are chances that this idea will be applied to other countries too.
The winner is supposed to combine creativity and a lot of skill in practicing Forex trading, which will definitely ensure a prosperous life for the company or business he/she is a part of. The participants have to be on the market for at least three years, but the rules of the competition do not require that the participants bank with HSBC. In 2006, Club Asia won the big prize, a radio station from London that, within a few years, became the commercial radio station in the UK that knew the higher success.
The hot Forex news of the moment has as the main character the dollar that has become much stronger that its rivals. This has happened due to the manufacturing report that was much stronger that it has been foresaw, which created a strong relief among those who were worried about the US economy and the Federal interest rate.
The recovery of the dollar is caused especially by the thin Forex trading during and shortly after the Labor Day. But this does not mean that the market will not focus anymore as carefully as before on the employment development. On the contrary, their focus will remain as doubtful as always.
The history of live Indian channels dates back to the 1950s. Prior to that, people relied on theatre, puppetry, music shows etc. in order to entertain themselves.
In this article, we look at the history of entertainment in India – before the advent of live Indian channels.
Dance and Music
Before live Indian Channels, people used music as a source of entertainment. Classical music was, and still continues to be a popular way of entertainment and art. Each of the Indian states has their own folk dance forms that are enjoyed and appreciated by millions. Apart from folk music, folk dances and classical dances also evolved over time, and people used music and dance to spread cultural message. Music and dance continues to be a popular form of entertainment in the present times too, and is also used by live Indian channels.
Theatre and Drama
Before the introduction of live TV, stories were narrated with the help of stage shows and street plays. They are considered to be an important part of entertainment in India, and were used to create mass awareness. Regional plays in regional languages like Marathi, Hindi, Bengali etc. were used to highlight social issues.
Puppetry in India is also quite popular, and was used in the rural areas to entertain people. Theatre and drama is still an important part of entertainment in India. Theatre groups like the National School of Drama and Sangeet Natak Akademi continue to attract theatre enthusiasts. In fact, many television actors and artistes worked with theatre groups before they joined the TV channels.
Indian Cinema
When there were no live Indian channels, viewers relied on cinemas to provide them with entertainment. Bollywood has now become one of the largest industries in the world, with over a thousand new films being churned out every year. Mainstream cinema has always been popular with cine lovers, but ‘art’ or offbeat movies have also managed to create a huge impact on viewers. Bollywood continues to dominate the Indian entertainment market, and has carved a niche itself all across the world.
Television
At present, live Indian channels have managed to beat all sources of entertainment, and are currently the main source of entertainment in India. In 1959, Doordarshan was the only channel that dominated the Indian entertainment segment, and had a fixed time of operation. The popularity of live Indian channels increased greatly with the introduction of cable TV, which was introduced in the 1990s.
The popularity of Indian channels online is at its peak today, in an age where satellite TV has allowed people to watch hundreds of channels in different languages straight from their PC. The demand for entertainment in India does not stop here, and more and more channels are coming up regularly to cater to the common man’s need to remain entertained.
With online TV and DTH services, viewers have the option to do a lot more with live Indian channels, and do not have to worry about being bored anymore.
There is no one-size-fits all solution for online forex trading. You will do your most successful online forex trading with a system that is customized to fit your needs, your style of trading and your risk comfort level. Then you need the discipline to follow your system, capital to work with and a willingness to approach each trade with energy and enthusiasm.
That being said, there are always a few things you can watch for with your online forex trading career. A few pointers that will help you steer clear of mistakes and keep you on the path to success. I`ve gathered some of these useful tips in this article. Keep them in mind for when you`re uncertain what to do, and incorporate them into your system. They will make a difference in your trades.
Online Forex Trading Tip #1 – Never add to a position that is losing. This is one of the few trade rules that you should never break. If you`re losing money on a position exit the trade, don`t add to it. This is how small losses become large losses, which leads to traders no longer trading.
Online Forex Trading Tip #2 – Always set your stop losses and decide when you will take profits before you enter a trade. Place stops that are based on market information, and not your account balance. If a “proper” stop is too expensive for you, don`t make the trade. Be sure to decide when you are going to take your profits and follow through on it. Successful traders are successful because they keep their losses small, and they take their profits often.
Online Forex Trading Tip #3 – Pay attention to the market. Exit and enter trades based on market information. Don`t wait for a price you think the currency should hit when the market has changed direction on you.
Online Forex Trading Tip #4 – There are times when, due to a lack of liquidity or excessive volatility, you should not trade at all. On a similar note, never trade when you are sick. You can`t count on yourself to be alert to the shifts of the markets, and make good decisions.
Online Forex Trading Tip #5 – Trading systems that work in an up market may not work in a down market, and a system that works for trending markets, or for range bound markets may not work in other markets. Have a system for each type of market.
Online Forex Trading Tip #6 – Up market and down market patterns are ALWAYS there, but you have to look for the dominant trends. Always select trades that move with the trends
Online Forex Trading Tip #7 – During the blow-out stage of the market, either up or down, the risk managers are usually issuing margin call position liquidation orders. They don’t generally check the screen to see what`s overbought or oversold; they just keep issuing liquidation orders. Make sure you stay out of their way.
Online Forex Trading Tip #8 – Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong about a trade, don`t make it. It`s better to be superstitious than to loose money.
Online Forex Trading Tip #9 – Rumour is king. Buy when you hear the rumour, sell when you hear the news.
Online Forex Trading Tip #10 – The first and last tick are always the most expensive. Get in the market late, and out early. And never trade in the direction of a gap, either opening or closing.
Online Forex Trading Tip #11 – When everyone else is in, it’s time for you to get out. If a stock or currency is overbought, it`s time to exit your position.
The World Wide Web contains many music podcasts, and they are distributed by podcasters who want to share their work with the world. Some of these are distributed by independent musicians, groups or individuals who enjoy creating and sharing their music but have a small fanbase. For them, a podcast means closer contact with their listeners, and the blog that usually accompanies a podcast often allows for the comments and opinions of the listeners to be shared with the musicians.
The close contact is often appreciated by the listeners, and even some become resentful when their favorite groups gain
widespread popularity and become to big. Musicians may find that the music podcast they share is a way to build a following
and gain an audience that is loyal to them.
Most of the musicians who podcast do so as independent artists who lack the sound the music industry is looking for or simply have not been noticed yet, a music podcast may build a following that attracts attention to them and gives them an entry point into the music industry.
Sometimes, a music podcast may be the chance to become a dj, and the episodes they share will contain mixes of different songs, highlighting obscure yet accomplished artists and taking their listeners on a tour every episode. These amateurs podcast merely because they enjoy the activity, as most independent podcasters do.
The online radio station involves another type of music podcast. While some radio stations have taken the leap to the internet by offering streaming connections to their current playlist, others have accepted the podcast as a way of sharing their music. Such a style is very similar to the amateur dj, but brings a level of professionalism that is not found with the amateur podcasters.
A music podcast may also be a way to sample works by more well known artists before purchasing. In order to peak interest in the songs before release, some musicians and groups will podcast their new music, or portions of the new pieces. Fans get to listen to the music and find out what they might like before purchasing the whole album. A possibility, however, is that music podcasts become subscription based, and musicians begin charging for access to the feed.
With Apple’s iTunes reaching its one billionth paid download recently, the online sale of music has proved its popularity. A
music group could conceivably offer a feed to its fans that they could pay for, and regularly update it with new songs that would be downloaded directly to the fan’s computers Although this distribution model is not yet in place, it seems to fit with the over all trend. Already, some nonmusical groups have agreed to podcast their files, on the condition that a paid subscription is bought.
A complete wedding ceremony should comprise of some entertainment besides the common band or simply a DJ. You can opt for a more unique wedding celebration that will definitely leave great impressions in the minds of your guests – having wedding entertainers. They should play the role of the host or the Master of Ceremonies (MC).
Wedding entertainers are great, especially for marriage with many guests. There is a great variety of entertainers to pick from. Here are the few examples. You can have hula dancers to blend with your beach wedding or a magician to create some magic to your marriage. To stimulate some sentimental touch, you can have quartets, pianists, harpists or pipers. Music entertainment for wedding is usually the classical and jazz music. But always ensure that the music blends along with your wedding.
Photos and video shows to reminisce the memories are quite common, while lawn games are one great entertainment for a lovely afternoon wedding. Or you may want some celebrity impersonator; perhaps inviting your favorite actor, famous athlete or a musician. If you find it uncomfortable you may seek help from your friends or family to host the wedding besides being the entertainer for the day. Including wedding entertainment during your wedding will certainly make your guests remember your special day.
It is better to pick up few entertainments, especially those that allow the involvement of your guests. Having dance instructors can help to get your relatives and friends to get into the dance floor. Or perhaps a hula dancing show can be followed by the fireworks entertainment. Another type of wedding entertainment is the conversation during the cocktail moments. You can have your loved ones to write down wishes on paper and drop them into a jar at the reception. Or any other possible ideas you might come up with.
Most of the wedding entertainers can be employed from specialized companies that offer entertainment for events, parties or weddings. Although these entertainers can lift up with celebration mood, the primary focus of the event should always be the bride and groom.
These days, cosmetic products are gaining more popularity than ever. The new century has given way to the rise of teenage celebrities – movie actors and actresses, singers, and models. More and more people are junking the newspaper and buying more fashion and celebrity gossip magazines, in the hopes of stealing the style secrets of the stars. The good news is, you don’t have to content yourself with looking at glossy covers and sighing over beautiful but expensive makeup or ogling perfect skin at a distance. If you know where to look, you can have your own loot of beauty products. You can find several discount beauty supplies everywhere – in grocery stores and supermarkets, specialty stores, malls, and even on the Internet – and they are your ticket to looking like a celebrity.
There are different beauty products that you can buy with a discount coupon or that are sold at discount prices. Hair care, skin care, nail care, and makeup are the most common beauty products that are discounted on some occasion.
Everything you need to straighten, curl, color, style, or treat your hair may be discounted. There is a wide variety of hair styling tools that you can find marked at cheap prices; these tools include ceramic hair straightening appliances or hair straightening irons, hair dryers, hairsprays, hair curlers, hair gels, waxes, pomades, styling sticks, and a whole lot of other hair care products. These discount beauty supplies are what you need to have tresses worthy of envy and praise, just like the hair styles and ‘dos of your favorite celebrities.
One of the things that people notice first in a woman is her skin. A woman’s skin should be soft, smooth, and glowing. To exude radiance, you must take in supplements that contain Vitamin E, drink plenty of water, and eat lots of vegetables and fruits. You must also have happy thoughts to keep negative elements, which will reflect on your face and give you premature wrinkles, away. While beauty that is skin deep is the best kind of beauty there is, it won’t hurt to seek help from cosmetic products to improve your skin’s texture and firmness. You can find several skin care products that will not ruin your budget. Discount beauty supplies for skin care usually include facial moisturizers, facial washes, body lotions, body creams, bubble baths, skin butters, and foot scrubs. To fight odor, buy a reliable brand of deodorant. Get your set of skin care products and get ready to have perfectly gorgeous skin from head to foot.
After showering your skin with love and care, it’s time to pay attention to your face. After washing your face with a gentle cleanser and moisturizing it with a hypo-allergenic product, try to put on light, seemingly natural makeup. Makeup is a woman’s best friend, next to diamonds, of course. Putting on makeup can help you hide blemishes and other imperfections while highlighting your assets. Discount beauty supplies for makeup include the staples in every woman’s makeup kit: foundations, lipsticks, lip glosses, and blushers.
Source: Economic Times
Indian Real Estate: Realty Check
If you are in the market to buy real estate, then you may be disheartened to learn that an average Manhattan flat is cheaper than a flat in Mumbai. Current property prices could be a sign, that prosperity which long evaded India after independence, has finally come home to roost, comparing as we the prices of Indian real estate prices with those in USA.
One may love or hate the Indian realty boom depending from which side of the fence you look at it i.e. buyer or seller, but the fact remains one cannot ignore it. Property prices have risen 30 to 50% in Indian metros over the past two years and have doubled in many suburban locations.
Investing in residential property these days will return a yield of roughly 5-6% per annum in rental terms, less than what fixed deposits and other investments may fetch you. Hence, realty investors are advised to focus on identifying locations that will not only yield good rental income, but will also appreciate in terms of capital value. Knight Frank (India), a real estate consulting firm say Mulund, Ghatkopar (E), Thane, Goregaon, Malad and Borivali in Mumbai are places to watch out for. In Delhi and the NCR region, Noida / Greater Noida, Gurgaon and Indirapuram are the prime picks, while J.P. Nagar, Banerghatta, and Hebbal among others are hot property in Bangalore. Old Mahabalipuram Road (Chennai), Rajarhat (Kolkata), Madhapur and Gachibowli (Hyderabad) are other places to look out for.
If you know your Indian cities well, you will realise the bulk of real estate action is happening in the suburbs of top metros. Construction activity, development of self-supporting infrastructure, etc. will see the realty prices in these location appreciate tremendously. Then too, many office spaces and IT parks are mushrooming across Bangalore, Delhi and the NCR region, Chennai, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad and Kolkata. Owning just 500 – 1,000-sq. ft. of residential space in the vicinity of these locations, you will be able to command any rental price from people working in these areas. Ever since a hub of industrial units including IT / ITeS opened in Noida, the cost of property in Indirapuram, Ghaziabad (which adjoins Noida) shot up dramatically.
According to a real estate expert, commercial property is the most lucrative generating 12% yield annually, while retail (malls) property could generate 8 to 9%. Whichever, way you look at it; the Indian real estate boom refuses to go away. Whether, you want to buy real estate for rental or end using purposes, you will find that in the long-term, you will be the winner, even though other investment avenues at present may yield more than the 5 – 6% of rental yields.
Land always appreciates in value and as IT / ITeS and other industrial units spring up thanks to India’s off-shoring / outsourcing boom, even rental returns from residential property in and around them will go up. If you have the patience to play the waiting game, residential or commercial property, you will get good rental returns.
This article is sponsored by: www.indiarealestateblog.com
An entertainment promotion builds upon the public’s insatiable appetite for ringtones, games, instant win sweepstakes and music download promotions. These digital promotions are being used by a growing number of companies. In fact, they are replacing conventional channels and attracting larger budgets. Businesses of every size have begun to use mobile promotions to appeal to new segments of their market. They have also used them to strengthen the loyalty of their existing customer base. The pioneers of entertainment promotion were larger businesses. They had the resources to move into markets on a wide scale. Today, promotional risk coverage has made it possible for small companies to enjoy the same advantages. Below, we’ll explain how your company can use entertainment promotions to improve customer loyalty, strengthen your brand, and lift sales.
Entertainment Promotions Fits Seamlessly With Mobile Promotions
Mobile promotions consist of ringtone and music downloads, games, and sweepstakes. They can be delivered in a number of ways, including through in-pack and on-pack distribution, digital signage, and customized cards. The promotional vehicle can be designed for brand consistency. The recipient would receive an entertainment promotion code and a web address. The landing page at the web address can be easily customized to further promote your brand, thereby making it clear that your company is offering the incentive.
When consumers arrive at your landing page to take advantage of your promotional incentive, they’ll be greeted by creative elements which heighten their loyalty to your brand. Whether they are there to play a game, register for a sweepstakes offer, or download wallpaper and songs from an upcoming blockbuster movie, your brand will be further cemented in their minds.
The Role of Digital Promotions in Entertainment Promotion Campaigns
Consumers are more open to digital promotions than ever. A growing number of people use robust mobile devices to connect to the world around them. This is good news for companies that need to reach their market while maintaining a more conservative budget. Because games, music, and other digital content are delivered online, the cost of deploying an entertainment promotion campaign is lower than pursuing traditional channels. Entertainment promotions also allow you to tap into the desire of your customer base to receive instant gratification. Not only does that lead to better brand loyalty, but it can trigger a significant lift in long-term sales.
How Entertainment Promotions Lift Sales
Customers buy from companies they trust. And once they do, they are far more likely to buy again and again. That trust is built over time through a number of different mechanisms. For many consumers, entertainment promotion incentives are one of the most powerful motivators to engage with a particular business. The promise of free mobile games, ringtones, and other digital content attracts attention and draws consumers in. Then, once the entertainment promotion incentive has been consumed, it triggers an instinct to reciprocate. That leads to brand loyalty, ultimately resulting in long-term repeat sales.
Improving Brand Loyalty with Entertainment Promotion Ideas
Lifting sales over a short period can lead to a bump in revenue. But, without brand loyalty, your customer base is transitory. It is vulnerable to your competitors. A carefully planned entertainment promotion campaign will improve that loyalty. Once a customer has enjoyed multiple positive experiences with your company, he or she is less likely to migrate to a competitor. By offering free entertainment promotion incentives, you can ensure their ongoing experience is positive. In doing so, you’ll improve customer loyalty while having a perfect promotional vehicle through which to promote your products.
Entertainment Promotion through Music Download Promotions
Music download promotions are especially effective for four main reasons. First, entertainment promotions, which offer free downloadable music to consumers, can easily tap into a rich source of new content. Second, it’s affordable and easy to deploy. Third, it caters perfectly to your customers’ attraction to instant gratification. And by directing consumers to a branded landing page and requiring them to register for the free music download, your entertainment promotion campaign can capture consumer contact information and other data.
Many companies have yet to explore the potential of adding entertainment promotions to their current marketing strategy. They are missing one of the most promising promotional channels to emerge over the last decade. Now is the time to investigate how this evolution of promotional marketing can add to your company’s bottom line.