Wednesday, June 30, 2010

What is Web Hosting?

Web Hosting is an internet service or online based service that allows organizations and individuals to post their website or web content on the internet. It is often provided as part of a general internet access plan.
In other words, it is a service of providing space for the storage of information, images, files and other content onto servers which can be accessed by others through the World Wide Web sites.
This service is usually provided by a company or an institution called Internet Service Provider (ISP) or Hosting Service Provider (HSP) where they station their physical servers in a temperature controlled surroundings and permanently connected to the internet by using available data lines.
Besides providing storage space, these companies or institutions also extends their services to installation, 24/7 maintenance and repair of the internet connection.
Types Of Basic Web Hosting:
1. Shared or Virtual Web Hosting
This type of web hosting service is the most commonly used by the internet user where your domain name is registered onto one server. This server is shared in terms of resources (ie. CPU time, Operating System, RAM, applications, bandwidth) by other clients of your ISP or HSP.
Advantages
The lowest cost for registration of your domain name since your ISP or HSP host numbers of client onto one server, they are able to reduce the cost of maintaining the server and pass the saving
Suitable for small and medium websites with average traffic. Please check with your ISP or HSP terms of service for the definition of "average traffic" because different ISP or HSP has different benchmark.
Disadvantages
Not able to manage the activities of the server but still able to manage your website activities. Not able to install new software of your own choice (imposed by your ISP or HSP) since it might distract or distort their other applications which is shared by other clients.
Can not expect constant high rate of uptime for your website (such as inconsistent website). Traffic volume, database and software support restriction might be imposed by your ISP or HSP. Please check with your ISP or HSP terms of hosting service. Server instability (such as : inconsistent amount of access to the resources) due to number of users is using it. Your website is "open" for somebody to hacker in since everybody has access to the resources.
2. Virtual Private Server Web Hosting or Virtual Dedicated Server Web Hosting
This type of web hosting service is in between the shared and dedicated web hosting service. The features provided will be the same as shared or virtual web hosting service (ie. sharing the resources) however, all these features are allocated in such away so that certain percentage of these resources are for you and only for you to be used.

In other words, these allocated resources will always be available for you to be used. The percentage of the resources allocation is determined by your agreement with your ISP or HSP.
Advantages
It might not be the lowest cost for registration of your domain name however it is the most cost effective one since you are able to access to resources allocated for you and only for you to be used. More stable server activities. More secure and consistent since it is fed by the same amount of resources.
Disadvantages
Sometimes ISP or HSP advertise their storage space over than their actual server storage capability in the hope that users will not use up all their storage space.
This trick might create problem for this particular type of web hosting service because users in the realm of expectation will use resources up to the maximum available for them and a shortage of resources can cause problem for all users of that particular server.
Please make sure that your ISP or HSP guarantees the storage space availability which is already allocated for you.
3. Free Web Hosting
As the name already described itself, this type of web hosting service is free of charge. It is suitable for small site with low traffic as a test platform or an experiment.
Advantages
It is FREE.
Disadvantages
1.Limited web space and other restrictions imposed by the ISP or HSP.
2.Limited database and technical support.
3.The web site might be bombarded with banners, popups, inline ads, flash advertising and other sort of advertising campaign generated by the ISP or HSP in order to off-set the cost of maintaining the server.
4.You might not be able to use your own domain name but the one already set by your ISP or HSP which sometimes hard to type, hard to remember and not professional.
Types Of Advance Web Hosting
1. Dedicated Web Hosting
This web hosting service is exactly the opposite of the shared or virtual web hosting. It allows you to have an exclusive use of the server (ie. total 100% usage).
Advantages
With all resources (ie. CPU time, Operating System, RAM, applications and bandwidth) concentrated for you, it makes you able to:
1. Manage the activities of the server.
2. Perform complex and customized applications which require intensive and constant usage of the resources.
3. Run websites especially those with large traffic volume.
4. It have a more secure line since no one have access to the resources.
5. Install any software that suits your application.
6. Server stability (ie. consistent amount of access to the resources) because no other users is using it.
Disadvantages
With all resources (ie. CPU time, Operating System, RAM, applications and bandwidth) concentrated for your exclusive usage, it makes your set up fees and all other on going higher than those two web hosting services mentioned above.
Since this web hosting service is more sophisticated therefore, it is difficult to operate and requires the users to have higher knowledge of software application in order to manage daily basis operation of the resources of the server, server maintenance and system administration.
2. Managed Web Hosting
This web hosting service is the high end of all webs hosting service available in the market in terms of features. It is not only providing you with server and its recourses but also the daily basis operation of the resources of the server, server maintenance and system administration.
In other words, managed web hosting service is the evolution of the dedicated web hosting where the server support is provided by your ISP or HSP.
Advantages
It provides the benefits of a dedicated web hosting. You have to make sure your ISP or HSP will have their technical support staff stand by 24/7. It is a hands-off solution for you.
Disadvantages
It is the high end of all webs hosting service available in the market in terms of features, the price for this particular type of web hosting will be the most expensive to operate.
3. Server Co-Location Web Hosting
This web hosting service provides you with infrastructure where you can station your own custom build server at the ISP or HSP of your choice. The ISP or HSP will in turn connect your server into their network and data centre.
Advantages
It provides you with more flexibility and control in terms of the server operation and its resources.
Disadvantages
Since this is also another high end of all webs hosting service available in the market in terms of features, the price for this particular type of web hosting is also expensive to operate.
Requires the users to have higher knowledge of software application since your ISP or HSP only monitor and manage your system, but any problems occur will have to be dealt by the users themselves unless there are prior maintenance agreements (ie. extra costs).
3. Reseller Web Hosting
This web hosting is provided by ISP or HSP so that you can make an arrangement with them to sell their services under your own brand. It can be based on per sign-ups where you sell their hosting packages and pay them fees upon the registration of your customer's domain name or per storage space where you have already bought a chuck block of space from them and sell it to your customer. It is particularly useful if you are interested in e-commerce.
Advantages
It allows you as a user to generate an income. It is also can be offered in conjunction with web design service so your clients will have complete package of the services at a lower cost.
Disadvantages
Constantly monitor and support your client.
How To Choose The Right Web Hosting For Me?
Now, having read all the description of those web hosting services available in the market, your decision to choose one of them will depend on:
1. Budget.
2. For business or private use.
3. Traffic volume of your web site.
4. Storage space needed for your web site.
5. Level of control and security you'd prefer for your web site.
6. Level of resources allowable by your ISP or HSP to be used.
7. Number of applications or software needed to run your web

Monday, June 28, 2010

History of the Russian currency market

... On behalf of direct participants of the events

Igor G. Doronin. He graduated from the Monetary MGIMO office in 1965, worked at the Market Institute of the Ministry of Foreign Trade. He was engaged in monetary and financial problems of foreign countries and the USSR. Since 1984 he has worked in IMEMO, participated in the formulation of monetary management mechanism foreign economic relations. From 1993 to 2002 he worked at MICEX as an adviser. From 2002 to present Senior researcher IMEMO RAS.

What began with the currency market in Russia?

The beginning of change in the management of monetary and financial relations goes back to the beginning of the process of restructuring in the mid 80-ies. Then talk about the market was not. The challenge was to improve the calculations of foreign trade, enterprises interested in exporting their products to combat the "scourge of the import, move away from commodity-oriented export. And the improvement to be implemented within the planned operating system and command control systems.

The situation in foreign trade at the time it became alarmingly disturbing. Imports grew rapidly themes outpacing exports. Shops are increasingly purchased on credit. Growing public debt. Western firms have become the cup to deny credit. There was a feeling that the country is close to financial bankruptcy. You had to do something.

Initially, to encourage exports and curb imports of foreign exchange rates have been coined. Then currency allocations. But all these changes have not infringed on the principle of targets in foreign trade, which was the main factor in the imbalance in trade. They spoke only 5 - 10% of the foreign trade turnover of the USSR.

The prototype for the future of the foreign exchange market became Vneshekonom bank auctions the USSR, and the subject of trade were the relatively paltry sum of foreign currency payments, which companies can keep in their possession. This trade did not do the weather. Lion's portion of the currency has continued to transfer the state under the plan.

Is it not clear then, that for the foreign exchange market should have been to allow businesses to sell foreign exchange earnings in the market, as importers buy it on the course, which emerge on the market?

Of course, it is clear. Moreover, already in 1990 the idea of monetary exchange. But by then the moment was lost. Almost all currency received from exports was to pay off the debt the state. Trading was nothing.

And, as was found out of the situation?

In December 1991 the USSR ceased to exist. At the same time, it meant bankruptcy and its external obligations. Russia, as is known, became the legal successor of the external debt of the USSR. Under the obligation to repay the debts of the Soviet Union Russia and the West agreed to the foreign exchange market to delay repayment of external obligations of Russia. So the opportunity to trade currency.

Start of work on the formation of the Russian currency market put the Decree of the President of November 15, 1991 on the liberalization of foreign trade activities in the territory of the RSFSR. " It contains revolutionary for its time position. In particular, banks authorized to conduct foreign exchange transactions, were allowed to open foreign currency accounts to all legal and natural persons. Exchange rate to foreign currencies to emerge on the basis of supply and demand at auctions, exchanges, the interbank market, with buying and selling of currency by commercial banks and other legal entities and citizens. With this decree the Russian ruble began to possess qualities of internal convertibility, which was a prerequisite for the emergence of the domestic currency market.

Why the emergence of the foreign exchange market in Russia is linked with the Moscow Interbank Currency Exchange?

At first, the element of the foreign exchange market was a major threat. Then a lot of brokerage companies operating in various commodity exchanges are ready to serve foreign exchange operations of enterprises and organizations. If you recall, almost every shop and stall currency bought and sold, along with soda water.

The overriding need of the time was to streamline and organize the trade exchange. The creation of the Moscow Interbank Currency Exchange in January 1992 and has been organizing such a beginning. Market from the very beginning acted as an organizer of trade exchange between banks.

As a result of stock trades to determine a single official exchange rate of ruble to the dollar, on which banks are calculated in business and on which the fixed exchange rates. Clear rules for bidding on the stock exchange to ensure the transparency of the process of forming the ruble, which was needed as the Central Bank of Russia, and the banks who participated in the auction.

At that time, stock trading, without exaggeration, was a symbol of the transition to a market economy. They go ... Yes, yes, as in the theater! Tenders must be clearly be carried out not only technologically, but also a true movement of hands, brace up the phrase into the microphone, prompt a smile. It was art, which at that time owned the exchange broker Alexei Mamontov, now president of the Moscow Interbank Currency Association.

Press and television require accreditation to bid. It was in that look and what to write. All compared with western counterparts. We pride ourselves on: now we are. Traders - representatives of commercial banks were going to trade hall. In the MICEX trading system prior to bidding "upload" currency for the sale and purchase of currency for rubles. So by the beginning of the trading was well known, as proposed currency for sale and how much currency you want to buy. Typically, the demand always exceeds supply. Bring into balance the demand and supply could be due to the strengthening of the dollar. With the gradual growth of dollar traders, in consultation with the leadership of the bank (kept us on the phone) to add a currency for sale, and bids and shot. Once achieved equilibrium exchange broker said - "fixing, gentlemen." Exchange equilibrium becomes official dollar before the next auction. How significant was the difference between supply and demand, the higher the dollar rose, the longest lasted for bidding, the more arts and skills required of course a broker.

Introduced the principle of mandatory sales of export currency earnings of at Interbank Currency Exchange allowed the Central Bank of Russia to control the sale of currency by banks and ensure liquidity in the foreign exchange market.

Participation of the Central Bank in the Interbank market as a buyer and a seller allowed to smooth fluctuations in currency exchange rate to foreign currencies.

What do you think the changes have occurred in the exchange currency market since its inception?

The current market is not similar to that which existed in the early years of its establishment. First, a market characterized by high volatility. Course rublyastremitelno decline. The main reason was persistent fiscal deficits, which require significant emissions. As a result, demand for the currency is constantly exceeding supply. The Central Bank due to extremely low levels of foreign reserves had not been able to have an appreciable effect on the dynamics of the course. Memorable event in the exchange currency market have become so-called "black Tuesday" in October 1994 and August 1998, accompanied by a significant fall of the ruble to the dollar.

The situation in the market opposite to that which existed at the time - offer the currency in the market exceeds demand. Reduce inflation. Confidence in the ruble grew. New tools for embedding free ruble funds. Became more profitable to invest ruble funds in shares and bonds of companies, to keep funds in rubles in bank deposits. Increase confidence in banks.

Secondly, the current foreign exchange market more liberal. The requirement established by the compulsory sale of export proceeds in foreign currency exchange. Now it can be sold in the interbank market. Moreover, the lowered standard of compulsory sale. If earlier it was 50%, now - 30%, and in the future are invited to abandon the compulsory sale.

The third change is exchange. In fact the modern market - a powerful server, software, communication links that connect remote locations to the trading server and the people who serve this technical complex. Passed away last bazaar, where traders are banks. It replaced the server, and traders - remote workstations located in the offices of the banks-participants of the foreign exchange market. Technology has changed auctions. Instead of fixing bid being in the double auction. Exhibited cross-application for the purchase and sale and in the case of convergence rates and volumes on the purchase and sale, the transaction is automatically. Based on the weighted average rate chopping-up of transactions was determined by the official rate.

Changes in the market place not by themselves. They are the result of policy formulation in which the active participation of the former General Director of MICEX AV Zakharov and Exchange Board Chairman A. Potemkin.

How important the role of stock exchange market at the present time?

I think the stock exchange trading will retain its value for a long time. They will remain an important, unique feature of the Russian currency market. With the latest technologies we have a national stock exchange market. The MICEX trading system combines regional currency exchanges in St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Rostov-on-Don, Vladivostok, Ekaterinburg, Nizhny Novgorod, Samara in a single trading system. Stock trades are carried out simultaneously, in real time in all markets simultaneously. This is something that is not available to any Russian commercial banks. Applying the latest technology has enabled a significant speed up the calculations, minimize risk and reduce fees for ongoing operations, which expand the bidders.

Finally, the Russian interbank market perform not only trade currency, and trading floors have become universal. They are traded government securities, equities and corporate bonds. This trade is conducted simultaneously in all exchanges within a single trading session.

What are the prospects for the Russian currency market?

The market involves competition. On the currency market, competing currencies, financial institutions, trade and payment systems. Liberalization and technological progress will exacerbate competition.

However, the position of any currency in the market are determined by monetary authorities pursued fiscal and monetary policies. From it depended the credibility of the stability of the currency and its rate relative to other currencies. Competition leads to weaker currencies in the market pushed more powerful not only in international payments, but also nationally. Accordingly, changing the structure of foreign exchange turnover in the market, changing the ratio of rates quoted currencies.

Another factor in the development of the foreign exchange market is the integration of various segments of financial markets. Operations of currency exchange market is increasingly linked to the overflows of capital between countries, investments in various financial instruments. Investment companies, pension funds, insurance companies form a diversified portfolio of securities, change their structure depending on the risk, profitability, prospects for the movement of currencies, which are expressed in these instruments. The attractiveness of investment in financial instruments depends on the level of development of the domestic financial market, the quality of the market, the protection of investors' rights, as well as the stability of the currency.

Given the prevailing global trends we can say that the future of Russian foreign exchange market will depend on how reasonable and balanced would be fiscal and monetary policy of the Russian authorities how it will ensure the credibility of the Russian ruble, both domestically and abroad. Finally, it is important to the position of the ruble to the dynamics of the Russian financial market, the growth of confidence in financial institutions market, broadening the range of traded financial instruments protecting the rights of investors in the financial market.

Alien Money

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Slovenia – England : When the Lion in the wall

Temporarily England will forget Terry’ problem to concentrate on game "Final soon" with Slovenia. Only a win can help coach Capello ‘s team processed in South Africa.

After the draw ceremony of World Cup 2010, England has been happy as gold when they started "fall" into a quite gentle play with the presence of the "reference under": the U.S., Algeria and Slovenia. Many people believe that a ticket to the knockout round, even in the top of Group.

But the ball round was not held according to rules that people think. One confided extremely effective competition in qualifying (won 9 / 10 matches) suddenly disappeared, and instead the image of a frail team, play as dream sleep. For both the U.S. and Algeria flower, He fell to No. 3 in the ranked table and was at risk early to come back home immediately after the second round.

Fortunately, England has not lost the right to self-determination as France. Capello can put things back on track with its orbit tonight if they recovered their pictures, the team leads Group C with four points after two games series.

Before the "final soon" takes place, internal situation fell into a major crisis when John Terry suddenly "become certified, public criticized Capello. Fortunately, everything has been settled in sight: Terry has apologized coach, Chelsea midfielder made a mistake extremely seriously, but Capello will surely advance in order to quiet conversation focused for the match.

Entering the game tonight, Capello will not have the services of King (injury) and Carrargher (suspended), so Terry midfield pair will be Upson. In midfield, the Italian strategist who still have all the best troops, and though many players have raised their key requirements are using Joe Cole likely to face four stone courtyard in the middle of England will still be is Lennon, Lampard, Gerrard and Barry. On the public, most likely a faint Heskey played over two matches will be room for star Defoe though this game is quite similar to Rooney.

In terms of human, England completely outperformed rivals, the problem is that they have overcome the psychological pressure to play their best to correct or not. Once Rooney, Lampard, Gerrard found her, gave Slovenia is not too difficult task.
Slovenia weaker opponents, but their advantage is psychological. With four points, Slovenia just a draw is possible to go forward.

Football World Cup 2010: One World, One Universal Language, One Identity

At the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg on June 11, with the ball at his feet, Tshabalale breaks into a run and moving forward with amazing agility and speed. Mexican Defenders try their best to match him and mark him. However, he is unstoppable and moves into a far left position of the Mexican penalty box and sends a swirling left footer that flies into the net on the far side. With the ball kissing the back of the net, He breaks into a traditional dance, joined by his cheering team-mates of ‘Bafana Bafana’ along with thousands across South Africa. Switch to the next day, at Ellis Park in the same city,Veron-fondly called ‘the Witch’ is back at his best and takes a flag-kick that swirls away outside the penalty area, where there seem to be none waiting to receive. But out of the blue, Gabriel Heinze, jumps forward with a brilliant header, that sends the ball into the left corner of the Nigerian goal. That goal is enough for the Argentines to ensure victory.

Welcome to World Cup 2010. These images and countless others will follow for one entire month in South Africa, are treasures, if one can call that. Soccer at its classic best, with a feast of world-class footballers batting it out for the ultimate prize, to be crowned the champions of the planet. The wait for the last four years was intolerable. This one month will be taken over by fever, raging amongst the fanatics of the game. Millions across time-zones will cheer and join the carnival for their teams. The carnival includes all the attackers, the magicians, back-benchers, and dark-horses. As dreams, hopes, tears and madness amalgamate and sit side by side for this month, emotions run like a river in full torrent.

Every World Cup has enough myths, tales of bravery and heart-breaks to share. The History of World Cup begins in 1930, as Uruguay hosted the inaugural edition, something that was given for them being the reigning Olympic Champions. With Lucien Laurent etching his name in history as the first goal-scorer in World Cup, the tournament was a rage. Uruguay met Argentina in the final, going on to be crowned the World Champions.

Latin American dominance of the game thus began with that crowning glory. That style of play had a special touch to it, as the beauty of the game increased manifolds with teams from the region, especially Brazil and Argentina. The Latin American style is also a pleasure for the eye, having a unique charm and elegance. As every World Cup begins, Brazil and Argentina go into the tournament, having a ‘natural and sole claim’ to the crown. Most of he eye balls at the global stage, follow both these team, more than anyone else. 5-time champions Brazil and two-time winner, Argentina are rich in both the game and legends behind it. Having legacy of greats like Pele, Garrincha, Vava, Didi, Jairzinho, Zico, and Socrates, their followers seek nothing short of the crown for the 6th time. With 1994 winning captain Dunga at the helm as manager weaving the tactics, their moves are sharpened by a force having names like Kaka, Fabiano, Robinho, Maicon, and Lucio. Brazil is one of the teams that appears complete both in the defence, mid-field and up-front and is a top favourite of the bookies. Even before the kick-off, the best on paper. However, Argentina are not ready to give that status yet to their arch-rivals and are ready for the battle, A magician by the name of Diego Maradona-still capable of many a battle on field-is their coach and that perhaps is a big plus in their campaign for a third crown. Despite having an eventful qualification campaign, that saw them enter the final 32 as fourth in the region, one can only write them off at their own peril. Losses to Bolivia-something described by Maradona as “six bullets piercing the heart”-Chile and Brazil seemed to dent their hopes, but they recovered in time. But the Argentinian hopes and dreams are carried on the shoulders of a host of battle-trained players. Leading from the front as the trump card is none other than, Lionel Messi, or the “the Messiah” as Maradona calls him. The reigning FIFA World Footballer of the Year, Messi is also widely seen as the successor of the great Diego. Plying his trade for Barcelona in the Spanish league, his tremendous form is definitely the talking point. His role as the Argentine fans see, is that of a helmsman who has to take the ship through the rough seas. Apart from Messi, Argentina arrives in South Africa, with 5 other best strikers, Diego Milito-from his heroics for inter Milan taking them to the Champions League podium, Carlos Tevez from the English League, Sergio Aguro, Gonzalo Higuain and Martin Palermo. Also, they have Mascherano as captain, Walter Samuel, Angel Di Maria, Maxi Rodriguez, Heinze, and Veron to strengthen their strike force. But Maradona and his boys, have to ensure that all the prowess isn’t just restricted to being on paper. Apart from the ‘Selecao’ and ‘Albiceleste’, there are Argentine Marcelo Bielsa’s Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay-who again ride on the back of the veteran, experienced Diego Forlan. But the Dream Final everyone is looking forward on July 11, is that of the arch-rivals, Brazil and Argentina. Another history is waiting at the threshold-if either Maradona or Dunga ensure their team as world champions, then he would emulate the great Franz ‘Kaiser’ Beckenbauer

Moving on from Latin America, we come to another style matching the former, the European variety. In terms of abundance of talent, the team matching Brazil and Argentina is Spain, the reigning European champions. With stars like Casillas, Fabregas, Puyol, Iniesta, Ramos. Xavi, Xabi Alonso, Silva and Villa, jostling in one single team, the Spanish Armada is brewing with richness. Under the coaching of Vicente Del Bosque who has taken over reigns from the successful Luis Aragones, Spain have staked their claim authoritatively on the glittering trophy. Under Fabio Cappello, England had a remarkable qualification campaign. But injury to captain Rio Ferdinand has been a set-back. But under Steven Gerrard wearing the captain’s arm-band, Rooney and Crouch as strikers, Lampard, Aaron Lennon, John Terry, Ashley Cole, and Shaun-Wright Philips, the English hope to get their second title after 1966 at Wembley. Under ‘Magic Boy’ Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal to better their performance four years off. But they will definitely have to play out of their skins in their Group G games, having tough opponents, Brazil, Ivory Coast and North Korea. The French, whose qualification play-off was marred by Henry’s ‘hand-ball’ against Ireland, are in Group A with Uruguay, Mexico and hosts South Africa. Missing from their squad is the legend, Zinedine Zidane, whose ‘magic legs’ won’t be on show this time. Also not in action are Trezeguet, Barthez, and Patrick Viera. But Raymond Domench has at his disposal the strength of Malouda, Ribery, Abidal, and Anelka, hoping they would carry the flame ahead.

The reigning world champions, the ‘Azzuri’ are also under the stewardship of Marcello Lippi. Coming in the midst of ugly and corrupt scandals in their domestic league, Serie A four years before, Lippi had marshaled his troops well then leading them to their fourth championship title. However, after Roberto Donadoni failed for a brief while, making way for Lippi again, this time around, the Italians are one of the oldest in the tournament. With play maker and skipper Michael Ballack missing the action due to injury that has in fact, almost finished his World Cup career, Germany is still looking forward to bring out is lightening football. Coach Joachim Low would hope that Klose, Podolski, Schweinsteiger, and Philip Lahm would make sure Ballack is not missed and go to win their third world title. The proponets of ‘Total Football’ have always had the case of “so near, yet so far”. The Dutch who boast of legends like Cruyff, Van Basten, Rikaard and Ruud Gullit, would hope that Arjen Robben, Sneijder, Von Bommel, Dirk Kuyt, and Giovanni van Bronckhorst would make some deep in-roads in this edition. Apart from these teams, Slovenia, Slovakia, Serbia, Switzerland, Denmark, and Greece complete the European line-up. Europe also has the distinction of having the oldest and youngest managers in this edition of the World Cup-them being Otto Rehhagel of Greece and Vladmir Weiss of Slovenia respectively.

The host continent Africa, have always had the tag ‘Dark Horses’ attached to them. The African style has an all together different charm. Something that begins slowly, going on to reach an aggressive crescendo; they also have a rich legacy to safeguard. Cameroon under Roger Milla in 1990, Nigeria in 1994, Senegal in 2002, and Ghana in 2006, have been great examples of African dream runs. In South Africa, Ghana would be there, but without their star player, Michael Essien, as the Chelsea star is out wit an injury. But they would hope Asamoah Gyan and Stephen Appiah would be at their best. “The Elephants” or Ivory Coast would ride the waves under their star Didier Drogba, who has under his belt a successful league and goals with Chelsea. Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson, would also have with him Salomon Kalou, and the brothers Kolo Toure and Yaya Toure. But to negotiate their way upwards against Brazil, Portugal and North Korea would be a stiff challenge. The ‘Super Eagles’, Nigeria would also be knocking at the high doors, as the successful coach of Sweden, Lars Lagerback tries to devise ways to progress from their tough Group B, having Argentina, South Korea and Greece. Under Samuel ‘Eto’o-experienced from the Spanish and Italians leagues with Barcelona and Inter Milan-as captain and Rigobert Song, the ‘Indomitable Lions’ Cameroon, march forward hoping to emulate Milla’s legacy. But Eto’o would correct the criticisms of Milla against him. South Africa called ‘Bafana Bafana’ are the only team to escape the trials at qualification, as being the hosts. Coached by Brazilian Carlos Alberto Pereira, they would seek to make strong dents and move to the second round from Group A. The ‘Desert Foxes’ Algeria who defeated Egypt in an eventful play-off at Khartoum, complete the line-up from Africa.

From Asia, comes Australia, who changed their confederation from Oceania. Under Mark Schwazer, Bresciano, Harry Kewell and Tim Cahill, the Socceroos would hope to make good progress in the tournament. Japan have also made their presence felt from Asia along with South Korea, who would hope to re-work the magic at home eight years back when they reached the last four. North Korea makes its entry into the World Cup after 1966, where they had shocked Italy and went down fighting to Portugal, who were saved by Eusebio. Then there teams like Mexico, whose hopes hinge greatly on performances by Cuauhtemoc Blanco, Rafael Marquez and Javier Hernandez. USA would have Landon Donovan, Michael Bradley and Clint Dempsy under the managership of Bob Bradley who tries to fit into the shoes of Bob Bradley. Honduras is the other team from North-America Concacaf region. Completing the entire line-up would be New Zealand under Ricky Herbet, who was also part of their only World Cup appearance in 1982. The New Zealanders enter the final round defeating Bahrain in the Play-Offs. This effectively ended any possibility of the participation of a team from the Persian Gulf. This World Cup is marked by their absence, which has never happened so in near past. Also, this World Cup would be unique in the fact that, there would be no team making its debut in the World Cup finals. Each team has featured in either of all 18 previous editions.

I have the belief that there is no one single Group of Death in this World Cup. While without doubt, Group G having Brazil, Ivory Coast, North Korea and Portugal is the toughest. But Group B comprising Argentina, Nigeria, South Korea and Greece is also a challenge. So is Group D with the Germans, Serbs, Ghana and Australia. Even Group E comprising Netherlands, Denmark, So tough battles can be expected in the 10 venues that South Africa has brought forth for this tournament.

History and Legacy abound in World Cup along with controversies and scandals too. A host of names are legends in their own right at the global stage. Puskas, Bobby Charlton, Geoff Hurst, Vava, Didi, Pele, Garrincha, Jairzinho, Beckenbauer, Pele, Maradona, Johan Cryuff, Michel Platini, Paolo Rossi, Dino Zoff, Gerd Muller, Linekar, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Romario, Roberto Baggio, Rivaldo, Batistuta, Maldini, Cannigia…………..the list is endless. Several moments in the field have given their share of controversies, whether it be Geoff Hurst’s goal in 1966 final against West Germany at Wembley, something debated under the same breadth as Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ in 1986 quarter-final against England. Snippets and Trivia also abound in the World Cup. The tale of how after winning the 1934 World Cup winners, Italy safeguarded the Jules Rimet Cup, when their Football Association Vice-President kept its under his bed-trunk even at the height of Allied attacks in Wartime, as how the cup was stolen in 1966 and the English being saved of massive embarrassment by a dog called Pickles, which retrieved it. The World Cup has come a long way from its inception,. The trophy itself underwent change, as the Jules Rimet Cup was replaced by Silvio Gazzaniga’s sculpted piece used to this day. Franz Beckenbauer had the honour of raising it first in 1974, as the Rimet trophy was handed over to Brazil permanently, who won it thrice.

Every sport connects millions through its transcendental effect; the power to provide unbridled joy from multitude of problems for people and take their dreams as well as aspirations on top flight. Football thus makes a ‘Global Unifying Factor’. Carrying dreams, hopes and a special mania, millions welcome the World Cup world over. Despite the drives and penetration of commercialization, the essence and spirit of football still stands undiluted, tying together people like no other force. A Ball and 22 bodies running behind it is just a mirage….when the ball rolls in World Cup, the entire world runs behind it, eyes riveting towards the goal mouth. ‘Jogo Bonito’ or the Beautiful Game may be a Brazilian axiom, but its connotations are global in nature today, as it creates new meanings and adages. So whether it be in Savannah of Africa, Amazon jungles of Latin America, Prairies of North America, the Meadows of Europe, Deserts in Arabia, towns of Asia or high lands Down Under, the World united. As the whistle blew at Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg on June 11, when the sounds of Vuvuzuela resounded, as Shakira joined in chorus with ‘Waka Waka’ and various colours & jerseys, came afore, the World for One Month has a Universal Language, Universal Identity: Football!!

Sunday, June 6, 2010

The History Of Money


What money do not. Known for saying that, even from the air, in fact, not too far from the truth. At different times in different people as the money used pieces of ivory, quartz, or zhadeita, cowrie shells, drums, bird eggs, metal tableware, leather, mats, nails, tips for arrows, bulls, pigs, rice, salt, bracelets and necklaces , Coils of yarn, decorated axes - and the list is not yet full.

Historians believe that money will appear at some stage of development of society - is inevitable and the same unique process at the same time as the formation of a national language. A primitive peoples on the basis of trade was barter, you are to me - I have you, but with time in this chain suddenly cut money. Why? One of the possible and frequent responses: for convenience, required some equivalent, through which grain could be equated to the reindeer skins.

Such a theory we are all familiar, but unfortunately, it does not explain why the equivalents chosen so different, and why did one time suddenly became uncomfortable without them do. These gaps filled with other scientists who hold the view that the first money, too, is a form of barter.

In each tribe, were subjects for one reason or another, the most valuable and therefore everyone. It is on them, each would have gladly traded anything, it is them as gifts teaching priests and chiefs, and sometimes even left at the altar for the gods. The notion of the value of such items was different - in one attractive convenient storage and transportation, while others - the strength and durability, in the third - a rarity in the fourth - attributed magical properties, or simply beautiful. Over time, they and the money was destined to become.

Traces of this transformation are preserved in some places almost to the present day. Thus, until 1949, the peoples of West Africa as money used manilly - ornamental metal jewelry. Signs of wealth and riches, in the literal sense of the words were there - happy manill wore them around their necks and hands. Similarly, there were necklaces of shells with Indian tribes in North America. The value and volume, and in another case, provided the picture - natural or specially caused.

The islands of Fiji necklace made from whale teeth, and called them "tambua. Even the sound of the word reminds us to some "taboo" that far from the truth: whale teeth were used for religious activities, and access to them had only chosen. Not as compact and easy to use was the stone discs with round holes, the money served the residents of coral islands until 1960, but they were also chosen because of their supposedly sacred nature.

Some people prefer to pay in agricultural products. Even first-world banks that have appeared in the II millennium BC in Mesopotamia, in reality, were normal granary. All calculations were performed exactly grains - real or a check payable to bearer. The system seemed very easy, was formalized in the Code of Hammurabi, and over time, even spread in Egypt. While in Egypt at that time already knew how to mint coins.

Interestingly, similarly, not only grain, and tobacco settle in Virginia back in the XVII century. And on the certificates reflect the number and quality of tobacco leaves instead of the real in the future, the U.S. state of crossed nothing less in 1727

Another frequent form of primitive money, strangely enough, acted livestock. While that is strange? First, animals have specific practical value, and secondly, was used for sacrifices, and therefore has a religious value. Finally, unlike corn or tobacco, it is easy to calculate it in pieces - that he preceded the appearance of the coins.
In many languages, for example, in Welsh, to describe the concepts of "cattle" and "good" is still used the same word. However, preserved, and much more tangible proof of the theory: even in the XX century from the Kyrgyz people as a major money used horse, smaller cuts - a sheep, and very very small change - sheep's clothing.

By minting of these coins of different nations to come in a variety of ways, but mostly metallic currency artificially implanted invaders. For example, it was with the Aztecs and Maya - until the emergence of Cortez, they easily make payments using coconuts.

A first, almost simultaneously and quite independently of each other, have a coin minted in China and in Asia Minor. Initially, the Chinese, like other peoples who lived on the shores of the Indian Ocean, were used as money cowrie shells.

In drevnekitayskom language, even the icon "money" in line with the figure cockleshells. Over time, whether cowrie longer suffice, or try the first forger - but the shells began to make copper and bronze.

As Lydia is thought to punch small round pieces of metal. First printing only guarantee the purity of the material, but soon began to mean a certain weight. So there were coins, with the help of merchants and conquerors quickly spread to the territory Ionii,
Greece and Persia.

Greek coins were to taste - every town has produced their own, as a sign of independence and autonomy. However, they differed only in appearance (for example, in Athens, they portrayed sovu, a symbol of the patron of the city of Athena Pallas) - The name was also common, dram, which originally meant in the first handful of grain. This sequel "to-cash" relationship, the time had to calculate the weight, and survived in the Bible: known talent before the coins were mean measure equal to 60 pounds of gold.

But back to the Greeks. In 407 BC during the war Spartans captured the Athenian silver mines, and the Athenians come to mint bronze coins with a thin silver coating. Naturally, from these "good" coins of the population is not eager to get rid, and the city was virtually destroyed.

Chinese emperors seem to have differed somewhat greater foresight. Copper coins are quiet - peaceful minted right up to 806 of our era, has not suddenly discovered that the copper inexorably coming to an end. Then decided not to waste the metal waste, and - for the first time in history - began to issue paper bank notes.

The experiment was successful, after 150 years of printing money on paper became the norm in the Middle Kingdom. Unfortunately, all ended tragically - the terrible inflation.

For inflation, we will return, but now is talk about money, who successfully survived to the present day. The most ancient, apparently, is the pound and pensions, coins called "penny" Saxon tribes started to die even before the conquest of the Vikings.

The origin of the name enveloped in mystery. According to one version, it goes back to the name of the Saxon King Pendé, on the other - was formed in consonance with the dishes, which smelt silver (the English word pan, meaning the pan seems related word penny, as evidenced by the existence of a similar pair in the German language: pfanne - pfennig ).

With respect to £, they appeared later. In the VIII century, in Britain there dump "sterling", corresponded 1 / 240 pound weight of silver. For the convenience of calculation 240 Sterling has been called "pounds", and eventually just "pound." And so it led, and even in 1717, when the decided to bring the gold standard, the pound has not finished its uschestvovanie, he "turned" to 7,32 g of pure gold. With time and forgot about this line, but there is still a pound.

Even more than the dollar has a long history. At first he was "German" and called the thaler, an abbreviation for "Joachim-staller, a silver coin with the image of St. Joachim, which were minted in 1519 at the end of the XIX century. After the reunification of Germany, the Germans switched to the modern brand, and the dollar continued its existence through the Spanish and English colonists.

By the time the money has long been felt strongly in the New World, but for convenience, the settlers became known as the U.S., all national currencies. The Americans already had cravings for all sorts of cuts, so instead of the English piece of eight (eighth) - What is the name of the continent the Spanish peso - they decided to draw cross eight. Later, she became well-acquainted us with the icon $.

At first the U.S. had gold and silver - so decided, in 1794 the Federal Government Philadelphia. In those days, in the same coin contained 24.75 g of pure gold. By 1934, the proportion decreased to 13.71 g, and the gold standard was formally repealed. Moreover, by this time have already lived U.S. paper or, more precisely - cotton. Since 1861, they were printed on special paper from a mixture of cotton and flax.

A year later, during the Civil War, to cover unforeseen expenses Army, the Federal Government decided to print the so-called "Continental", popularly called greenbacks ( "green"). In 1862 they had released 150 million, and in 1863 - another 300 million. As gold reserves provided they were not, by the end of the war, their real value was only 1 / 1000 of face value. There is even a saying "do not, and Continental, and the treatment they were withdrawn. A word - the more so that when printing in the course of today's dollars, too, are the green ink.

Such a collapse of "green" is quite natural, because they were ordinary paper, but are subject to inflation and more stable currency. Thus, during the Punic wars, the entire budget of Rome went to the army, so it was decided to gradually reduce the content of silver in coins. However, the "little" does not have: if the 250 was it was 40%, then just twenty years later it fell to just 4%. As usual in such cases, the yield was one - the monetary reform. It's just had to hold the emperor Diokletianu.

Experience the Romans had not any for whom lesson, inflation has become quite common. At 324, she struck Egypt, where for ten years, the cost of a pound of gold jumped from 300 thousand to 2.12 billion dinars. By the way, to devalue not only metal, chased the money, but also shells. For example, at the end of the XVIII century. in Uganda, a woman could be bought for two cowrie shells, and in 1860. such a purchase would cost in the thousand. The truth is worth noting that the price has been very stable and lasted nearly a hundred years, until after the Second World War to replace the cowrie came shillings. And women, in general, to sell almost stopped ...

The most ambitious is the disruption of money fell on the history of XX century. In the 1922-23 year in Germany, payment of salaries took place twice a day - the only way an opportunity to spend the money before they are fully depreciated. Inflation has reached such a magnitude and in Hungary in the years 1944-46 - the number plates issued to the new bank notes in circulation reached 27, while the cost of one gold Peng equaled $ 130 billion of paper.



Olga Romanova
vlasti.net