Domestic violence 03

Although many people fail to see the warning signs, the issue of domestic violence is a major one in our country and all across the world. Countless women are battered and killed by their husbands and boyfriends on a daily basis. And I do mean literally ever day! Now, you may stop to ask yourself how this could be. It's simply really; no one is helping these women in their desperate time of need. While it sounds utterly awful when you say it out loud, it's true nonetheless. The same goes for numerous children. The key to assist in preventing and dealing with domestic violence is often keeping an eye out for the warning signs. Stop for a moment and think about the women and children you know. Is it possible they are being abused in any way?

When it comes to issues such as domestic violence, child abuse and spousal abuse, far too many individuals purposely choose to turn the other cheek. This actually assists the abusers and feeds the problem, hence making the situation worse. If there's one thing everyone should know in regards to domestic violence, it's that most abusers will redundantly tell the women and/or children being abused that they deserve it. The victims are taught not to tell. This is why so many kids and women alike suffer with domestic violence issues, but never have the courage to seek out help. But, as a friend or acquaintance it is your job also to sense such things and see what's right in front of your face. The reality is that most abuse it tough to hide, and if you know someone who is being abused, then you should get them help whether they request you to or not. This goes double for children, who have very little power to protect themselves in the first place. It's your duty as a human being to speak out and get them the help they deserve.

Naturally domestic violence and any sort of home abuse is tough to swallow. There are some things people can do to get a better grasp on domestic violence and how to deal with certain violent situations. A great place to begin is with Gavin De Becker's book entitled "Protecting the Gift." This will fill you in on how violent people function and think, and what the best ways to deal with domestic violence are. Get involved with violence prevention today.

Walks

Let's Go For A Walk!

Why should dogs have all the fun? Many indoor cats would love to go outside and

enjoy the sun but it is often far too dangerous to let them simply wander about as they

please. Busy roads, large dogs and careless people are hazards many of us don't want our

cats exposed to. So why not teach him to walk on a leash?

But cats don't walk on leashes! That's the sentiment many people have when the

idea is first introduced. It's true that some cats will absolutely have nothing to do with the

whole business. They apparently think it is entirely beneath them to be seen out of doors

on a leash. What would the neighbors think! Fortunately, there are other cats willing to

entertain the idea and some who actually come to like their walks. There really isn't any

way of knowing which way your cat will turn out unless you try. Let's get started.

The first thing you will need is a properly fitting harness and a light weight leash.

It doesn't need to be fancy, just sturdy and well made. Trying to teach your cat with only

a collar is not a good idea. Pressure around their necks seems to make some cats freeze.

You want to teach him to move forward, not lock in place. The second thing you will

need is a bag of treats. Preferably something he really likes but doesn't often get. The

third thing you will need is lots and lots of patience.

Begin training inside your home. Do not take him outside until he is walking

freely and comfortably along with you on his leash. Place the harness on your cat and let

him get accustomed to it. If your cat is particularly timid, you might want to leave the

harness where he can investigate it and get used to seeing it first before you put it on him.

Leave the harness on him for ten to fifteen minutes a day for the first few days. After that

the period can be raised to fifteen to twenty minutes. Give him one or two treats during

the time he is wearing the harness so that he associates it with good things. When he is

fully comfortable with the harness, add the leash in the same manner, allowing him to

drag it around for a slowly increasing period over several days. Don't forget the treats.

By now, your cat is comfortable wearing both harness and leash. Pick up the end

of the leash and just hold it. Don't try to lead him anywhere. Follow him around if he

moves. Do this exercise for a few minutes a day until he is comfortable with it. Now

comes the big step, teaching him to follow where you lead. Place your cat to your left

side, your leash should be in your left hand. Let your arm hang relaxed at your side. Take

a treat in your right hand. Turn toward your cat and show him the treat. Now take a

couple of step forward, continuing to show the treat. If he follows you, take a couple of

more steps. If he follows to your new position, give him his treat and praise. If he is

reluctant to move forward, place the treat closer to him. Praise him if he takes a step

forward and give him the treat. If he doesn't want to move forward no matter what you

do, don't drag him. Pick him up and take him somewhere else to take his harness off. Do

not give him a treat since he didn't do as you asked. Here is where patience comes in.

Keep repeating the lesson every day, asking him to move farther each time.

When your cat is walking freely on leash with you all over the house, take him

into your back yard and walk him around in it. If he freezes and refuses to move, don't

panic. Reassure him he is safe and take him back inside. Try again tomorrow. If he tries

to take off on his own you can easily check him with your leash. Once he is comfortable

in the yard you can start taking him farther. Before long you will be able to take nice

walks wherever you choose.

Is this depression or am i just sad

Do you know the difference between being depressed or just being sad?

Most people don’t. However, this matters because perhaps the best way to avoid health complications arising from depression is to deal with it in its early stages.

It is normal to feel sad from time to time. Sadness is a natural reaction to something upsetting which has happened. Depression on the other hand is more extreme. It is more of an emotional or mental illness which has a lot more symptoms than sadness and can, if not treated lead to suicide.

One huge difference between sadness and depression is that a person experiencing feelings which they find disconcerting can reasonably tell you what it is that is causing their unhappiness, however a person suffering from depression may not necessarily be able to do so.

When one is sad, we tend to know that things will get better over time; on the other hand, a person going through depression may not see an end to his or her problem and may consequently think things are or will get worse.

This may lead to a depression that could last for a long length of time. With the negative feelings being so intense and overpowering, depression is oft times something one just can’t snap out of, at least not without assistance or taking exact measures to match or overwhelm its hold on a person.

Though it is safe to say anyone going through depression experiences sadness, but not every sad person is necessarily depressed, both emotional hindrances might need to be addressed and catered to the same or very similar ways.

However, since depression is usually more burdensome than just a state of sadness, one needs to be able to distinguish between the two to determine the amount of effort that may need to be done to correct either state of these negative emotions.

In order to be able to attack depression-advisably in its earlier stages-below are its symptoms in no specific order.

1. Irritability and mood swings.

2. Hopelessness and extreme pessimism (a negative outlook on life)

3. Loss of energy, extreme fatigue and tiredness.

4. Loss of interest in hobbies, having a good appearance and even associates and loved ones.

5. Extreme feelings of helplessness and no self worth.

6. Suicidal thoughts (in extreme cases)

7. Insomnia (lack of) or excessive sleep.

8. Inexplicable weight loss or gain thereof, triggered by eating disorders.

Though not a conclusive list as characteristics vary by patient, these symptoms of depression listed above are the most common ones.

If you happen to experience any of these symptoms, the first step, in my opinion and based on research will be to look within and ask why this may be occurring. Thoroughly assess your situation to see what it is that could be triggering these symptoms of depression within you. Could it be a failure at something or the loss of something or someone of importance?

If you go over the problem carefully, you would be able to target the cause and consequently solve it. Remember, the mind is the most powerful force on the earth, He who can control it can control all things my friend.

I will also mention that for both sadness (a symptom of depression obviously) and for the emotional disorder-depression-which we have now characterized for the purposes of distinguishing between the two, some steps you can take on your own for help will be engaging in some form of physical activity such as exercise or other hobbies.

This step exercises the motor centers of the brain, making the blood flow away from the emotional activity center; consequently one becomes more receptive to positive thoughts.

In addition to this tip, an observance of nature will show us that when animals are frightened or angered, they abstain from eating until after the passage of some time. Moreover, it is true that under stressful circumstances many civilized people refrain from eating and find in truth that they lack the desire for food, but it is also too often that most of us will eat large meals under these circumstances.

Now, worry, fear, anxiety, excitement, hurry, heated arguments at meals: all prevent the secretion of the digestive enzymes of the body and hinder not only digestion, but the whole nutrition process.

This considered, perhaps the last thing you may want to do while dealing with depression or sadness-be it its causes or symptoms is to eat excessively, I may go as far as to say to even eat at all.

It is also advised that at this crucial stage of emotional encumbrance, try and seek out the company of uplifting friends, relatives and associates. As much as possible, purposely surround yourself with uplifting and positive elements like your favorite DVD comedies, books, sitcoms and things of that nature.

So if you are unsure if you are truly depressed or just sad, take heart, neither of these negative emotions can overpower you-if you take charge and overcome them. It may not always be easy and you may need help, however, the desire to be-little their effects over you will be the first step towards success.

In Friendship,

Foras Aje

You re being forced to make higher payments

Consumers already burdened by higher energy costs are being saddled with another drain on their finances : higher minimum credit card payments.

The higher minimum credit card payments are the result of January 2003 guidelines issued by the Federal Reserve, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Office of Thrift Supervision. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, or OCC, regulates national banks and is concerned that many cardholders have credit card debts that will take decades to pay back. To prevent this problem, these regulatory agencies proposed that, by the end of 2005, credit card issuers establish reasonable periods for paying back balances, such as a seven - to ten-year payback or amortization period

Card issuers were supposed to adopt the raised minimum payments by the end of 2003. The federal regulatory agencies acted after years of seeing credit card issuers lower minimum payments because of "competitive pressures and a desire to preserve outstanding balances." Credit card lending consistently yields greater profits for large bank issuers than other services, Federal Reserve data show. But these profits could decrease if consumers pay off debt faster or default on payments, leading to debt write-offs.

The agencies expressed alarm that some banks were setting minimum credit card payments at levels that did not even cover interest. These were seen as predatory lending practices targeting low-income and financially naive consumers. The result was predictable: consumer debt load surged. Consumers were being encouraged to accumulate debts they could not service, resulting in high levels of default and bankruptcy.

Before the new government guidelines were issued, many banks required only 2% of outstanding balance to be paid off each month. For example, take the case of a credit card with $10,000 of debt and an 18% interest rate. Almost 58 years would pass before this debt was completely paid off, assuming the cardholder stuck to the minimum payment each month, according to Bankrate. com's credit card calculator. Total interest paid during that time would be almost three times the original debt, or $28,931. Now, the same cardholder paying 4% of outstanding balance each month would pay back the debt in a more reasonable 15 years and would pay only $5,916 in interest.

In recent years, banks have also raised the charges for cash advances, late payments or spending over the credit limit, helping push more consumers further into debt. These latest changes target credit card holders who don't pay their bills in full at the end of each month. A 2005 survey by the American Bankers Association (ABA) showed that 43% of consumers carry a balance on their cards.

Nearly three years after regulators said minimum monthly payments should let cardholders pay off debt in a "reasonable period of time," most banks finally acted. The majority of the top 10 credit card issuers raised their minimum payments in 2005, in most cases, during the last quarter.

Regulators encouraged banks to adjust their minimum payments by the end of 2005. The banks' delayed response to the January 2003 guidelines caused consumers to be hit with higher credit card bills during the 2005 Christmas season. The increase was combined with a new bankruptcy law which has made it more difficult to erase debt with a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. More consumers are now allowed to declare only Chapter 13, which forces them to repay their debts on a fixed schedule.

Banks say the delay was caused by the time it took to update systems in accordance with the regulators' instructions. "These are not simple changes," stated Alan Elias, a spokesman for Washington Mutual. Still, most banks were in compliance at the end of 2005.

Contrary to some rumors, regulators did not require minimum payments to be raised by a fixed amount. However, they said payments should cover fees and finance charges, plus 1% of principal. Some card holders are seeing their minimum payment double, to 4% of the balance from 2%. On a $10,000 balance, payment could rise from $200 to $400.

In the long run, the change is healthy for consumers, since it forces them to pay off credit cards more quickly. Until now, some of the banks charged minimums which did not even cover the interest owed, so debt would just keep growing, resulting in more indebtedness by consumers. But initially, consumers not prepared for the higher payments can experience financial hardship, especially those with lower incomes.

Free annual credit report from all 3 reporting agencies

Anyone who wishes to apply for a credit card, mortgage loan, car loan or debt consolidation loan needs to be familiar with his/her credit report and the information contained inside. So, just what is included in a credit report? The answer is an entire listing of an individual’s payment history for the past 7 years, current debt load and any public record information, such as judgements, bankruptcy and/or foreclosures. These factors, along with a debt to income ratio, combine to create a FICO score. This is a number that potential lenders use to calculate the interest rate that will be paid during the life of the loan, which is usually determined by any determinable credit risk.

Most consumers are surprised to learn that they are permitted to request a free copy of their credit report, every 12 months, from each of the three major credit reporting agencies. These include Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. These are the three agencies that respond to credit report requests from banks and other potential lenders. They supply the credit report, which is used to determine whether or not a loan is approved, the amount of any loan granted and an interest rate. While the credit reporting agencies are not involved in the actual credit decision, they are the ones who provide the information that leads to that decision.

These days, many businesses promise to provide a free credit report, but there is almost always a

subscription requirement or paid service that must be honored before the individual can receive their free credit report. One website, however, is much different. Once every 12 months, consumers may visit http://www. AnnualCreditReport. com and request instant online access to their free credit report from each of the three previously mentioned credit reporting agencies.

Upon viewing each credit report, which may be slightly different from each of the reporting agencies, individuals will be able to review every entry and confirm their accuracy. If anything is determined to be incorrect, including an account balance, status or payment history, the consumer has a right to dispute that information with the credit reporting agency directly. At the time that a dispute is lodged, the agency will launch an investigation to determine whether or not the entry needs correcting.

At any time during the year, if an applicant is denied credit, he/she has a right to receive a free copy of the credit report from the agency who supplied the information to the denying lender. The lender must supply the name, address and telephone number of the credit reporting agency that supplied the applicant’s credit report. Within 60 days of the notice of denial for credit, the applicant may request a free copy of his/her credit report. A final consideration recommended to all consumers is that, in order to prevent identity theft or any type of fraud, a credit report should be monitored every six months.

Automated forex trading system

The Realm of Automated Forex Trading System

Just how important is an automated system to the Forex trading system?

Before we answer that question, let us first determine how large Forex trading market is. From there, we will know the importance of automated systems for the Forex market.

It is true that the Forex market is the largest market around the world not just in terms of average daily turnover and average revenue per trader. It is also the largest market in terms of participants.

You name it, we’ve got it. Take a look at the following:

BANKS - they are not just for saving money and lending capital to entrepreneurs, but they are one of the major players in Forex market. Banks cater both to large quantity of speculative trading and daily commercial turnover. Well-established banks can trade billions of dollars worth of foreign currencies everyday. Some of the trades are undertaken on behalf of their clients, but most are through proprietary desks.

COMMERCIAL COMPANIES - these commercial companies trade small quantities of foreign currencies compared to larger banks and their trades produce small and short-term impact on the market rates. However, the trade flows from transactions made by commercial companies are essential factors with regards to the long-term direction of the exchange rate of a certain currency.

CENTRAL BANKS - central banks play an important function in the Forex market. They have the control over the supply of different currency, inflation, and interest rate. In addition, they have also official target rates for the currencies that they are handling. They are responsible for stabilizing the Forex market through the use of foreign exchange reserves. Their intervention in the market is enough to stabilize a certain currency.

INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT FIRMS - these firms commonly manage huge accounts on behalf of their clients such as endowments and pension funds. They are using the Forex market to facilitate transactions, specifically in foreign securities. For example, an investment manager bearing an international equity portfolio needs to purchase and sell several pairs of foreign currencies to pay for foreign securities purchases.

RETAIL FX BROKERS - they handle a fraction of the total volume of Forex market. A single retail Forex broker estimates retail volume of between 25 to 50 billion dollars each day, which is estimated to be at 2% of the total market volume.

SPECULATORS - these are individuals who purchase and sell foreign currencies and profit through fluctuations on its price as opposed to popular methods such as interest and dividends. They perform the important role of transferring the risk to individuals who do not wish to bear it.

In Forex market alone, there are already six major players partaking on the $1.8 trillion worth of daily turnover. With a large number of Forex players, there is really a need in switching from manual to automated Forex trading system.

Among the aforementioned major Forex players, the automated trading system is of great advantage to the speculators. Since they focus on the price fluctuations of various foreign currencies in order to profit, the real time data analysis will help them determine trades that will give advantage to them.

There are several automated Forex trading systems available in the market. There are also automated Forex systems that are offered for free or as part of their trading account acquired from their Forex brokers or agents. Such complimentary system packages are typically elementary trading system. Thus, if you are looking for more features, you can avail of it through additional payments.

There are two types of automated Forex trading system. These are discussed in the following:

Desktop-based system - all Forex-related data are stored on your desktop’s hard drive. This system is unpopular to Forex traders because all data are susceptible to computer virus contamination and other security problems. Worse, when the computer malfunctions, all essential information might be lost and cannot be retrieved (unless you have some back-up files of your own). However, it is little expensive compared to the other types of automated trading system.

Web-based system - the security of your Forex account and other data are provided by your web-based provider. These are hosted on secured servers. It is also convenient in the sense that there will be no software required and it is universally compatible with your Internet browser.

You may also try different automated trading system demos first so that you will be able to determine the automated Forex trading system that suits your personal preference and needs.

Even if you are just a small-time Forex player, it will be to your advantage if you will use an automated Forex trading system for your future trades.

Direct satellite tv

What is direct satellite TV? This is satellite broadcasting you can achieve through the use of satellite dishes. Before satellite television became popular in the market during the early 1990's, satellite dishes were costly metal equipments that occupy a large space of the home yard. In early times, those die hard TV fanatics would endure all these hassles and avail these expensive equipments just to set up their own dish. Satellite TV was far more complex to obtain than regular broadcast and cable TV in the earlier days.

Nowadays, most household in the US have compact satellite dishes rested on their rooftops. We could also notice that most of the rustic areas that can't be reached by cable companies have satellite dishes. Many satellite TV companies are enticing more customers every single day with movies, game events, and daily news from all over the world which guarantees high quality picture and audio.

Satellite TV provides a lot of solutions to cable and regular broadcast TV dilemmas. With the continuous development of satellite TV, it is becoming the popular option of numerous TV viewers.

Satellite TV is not like the usual TV broadcast. It’s using a wireless system to hand over TV programming straight to a consumer's home. Both satellite and broadcast stations transport programming through radio signal.

Broadcast stations utilize a strong antenna to transport radio waves into the surrounding field. Consumers can obtain the signal through a smaller antenna. The primary boundary of TV broadcast is range. Radio signals that are employed for TV broadcast beam a straight line from the broadcast antenna. To be able to pick up this signal, you must be in the scope of the beamed signal of the antenna. Little obstructions such as trees or low buildings are fine but huge obstructions such as land mass will mirror the radio waves.

If the land mass is flat then you would receive the TV broadcast even if its miles far from the source. But due to the shape of the land mass of the Earth the signal breaks out. Another problem that occurs with TV broadcast is it the signal becomes distorted. If you want to have a clear signal like what you can have with cable tv then you must be situated pretty near the broadcast antenna and there must not be any obstructions in sight.

What did satellite TV came up with to solve these problems about range and distortion? The problem is solved through transporting broadcast signals coming from satellites revolving around the planet. Because the satellites are high above the sky, then a lot of viewers are in the scope of the signal. Satellite TV systems transport and picks up radio signals with the use of specialized antennas known as satellite dishes.

When you avail of a satellite TV, you are on your way to viewing TV programs with much clarity and gives out 100% digital-quality broadcast and audio on each channel. Don’t be fooled by so called digital cables because they still broadcast analog channels.