Top Gear: new Stig a she?
new Stig a she?………
Some say, he is a she! But don’t bet on Top Gear show host Jeremy Clarkson letting that little cat out of the bag when he introduces the world’s most famous television racing driver.
According to the Daily Mail, the new Stig is a woman. She is rumoured to be Sabine Schmitz, a former BMW racing driver who has featured on the show before.
Clarkson did, however, let slip that the new Stig was so tiny that his diminutive co-host Richard Hammond looked tall in comparison.
“The Stig comes up to my legs and makes Richard Hammond look like a giant. All the good racing drivers these days are very small,” joked Clarkson.
Top Gear producers decided to replace the last Stig after he revealed his identity. The BBC spent around £76 000 in a failed court attempt to stop 35-year-old Ben Collins from publishing a book about his time on the show.
But on the evidence of the new Stig’s performance, Collins is unlikely to be missed. To kickstart a new season of the popular car show, the Stig set a new circuit lap record of one minute, 15.1 seconds, driving an Ariel Atom V8.
related article: Top Gear Festival – South Africa
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Electric and hybrid cars
Battery-powered vehicles will come in a range of electric and hybrid models
in coming years, rather than come in one or two configurations.
The Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) yesterday hosted a
teleconference where battery company executives predicted how auto
electrification will take hold and how the industry will tackle the cost of
batteries.
Hybrid cars are now a familiar sight in the U.S. and many consumers are already
aware of the battery-electric Nissan Leaf and the Chevy Volt, which uses a gas
engine to run a generator that charges its batteries. Automakers are investing
in plug-in vehicles, relying largely on lithium ion batteries, in large part to
meet fleet fuel economy mandates.
As electrification spreads in transportation, automakers will develop different
configurations of electric vehicles, such as plug-in hybrids which have a bigger
battery than today’s traditional hybrids, they said.
Consumers could, for example, choose between a plug-in hybrid with a 20-mile or
40-mile electric range. Another type is a “microhybrid,” which uses start-stop
technology where a very small rechargeable battery helps move the car and is
used to power electric systems when a car is idle.
“As these vehicles come online, the fact that you can choose the type that fits
your specific needs will lead to greater adoption,” said Andy Chu, vice
president of marketing and communications at lithium ion battery company A123
Systems. “Different regions or countries may gravitate to one architecture or
another.”
Battery storage could also be used with an engine that runs on biofuels or in
conjunction with a fuel cell, added Brian Wynne, the president of the EDTA.
All-electric cars are less expensive to own and operate than internal combustion
engine-only vehicles because the fuel (electricity) costs less and maintenance
is expected to be cheaper. Also, the instant torque supplied by electric motors,
rather than the changing gears of gas engines, makes for a good driving
experience, Wynne said.
Environmentally, hybrid cars have lower carbon emissions than gasoline vehicles,
although a traditional hybrid car has slightly lower carbon emissions than a
plug-in hybrid charged from coal-derived electricity, according to a
Massachusetts Institute of Technology study released last week.
What about cost?
Pricing for the 2010 Prius start at R332 700 for the Advanced model. It may seem like a lot of money, but you get a lot for that money like an 5-year/90 000km service plan. Toyota’s standard 3 year/100 000km warranty applies with 24-hour roadside assistance available during the warranty period. The Prius has a specification sheet as long as your arm and offers an array of advanced technology that would put any German car to shame. Electric Motor-assisted Power Steering (EMPS), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronically Controlled Braking System (ECB), Vehicle Stability Control Plus (VSC+), Traction Control (TRC), Heated exterior rear view mirrors, Headlamp levelling system, Cruise Control, Electric Windows/Mirrors, Bluetooth cellphone interface with steering wheel controls, fully adjustable steering, CD changer, GPS Navigation System, hill hold function which prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards when pulling off on an uphill slope and more. Other Gee-Whiz features include Park Assist (on Exclusive model) which allows the Prius to park itself!
But even with a steep decrease in battery pack costs, batteries will remain very
expensive and represent several thousand dollars in component costs, according
to experts such as the Boston Consulting Group. Power electronics are also a
significant cost in electric vehicles
To sidestep the persistently high cost of batteries, battery companies are
seeking to develop alternative business models which would squeeze more
financial value from batteries, said Charles Gassenheimer, the CEO of Ener1,
whose subsidiary makes lithium ion batteries for the Think City and Volvo C30.
After seven to ten years, lithium ion batteries will operate at about 80 percent
of their original capacity, which will lower a car’s driving range. But even
after its life in a vehicle, a battery would still be suitable for grid storage.
Gassenheimer expects that new business models will emerge where a consumer will
lease a battery for three to five years for $100 to $150 a month. At the end of
that time, when the battery still has plenty of capacity for grid storage, it
could be repurposed and sold to utilities.
“The economic model for how you buy a car will be very different two years from
now,” he said. “To make this a real home run for consumers, we have got to get
to a model that more appropriately allocates the cost of the battery.”
Companies are now starting to explore ventures to repurpose auto batteries for a
second life. Battery recycling to recuperate valuable materials in them, such as
lithium, copper, and aluminum, is starting as well.
Real-world data
Beyond the business aspects of bringing electrification to transportation, auto
and battery makers are also concerned about customers’ experience with plug-in
vehicles and how much consumers are willing to pay to lower their oil
consumption.
Fleet buyers are good candidates to purchase alternative-fuel vehicles because
they tend to have predictable routes and will consider the operating costs.
Consumers, meanwhile, typically focus on the purchase price over ongoing costs.
There are also differences in the way electric vehicles work. The heating system
in an electric car takes up about 6 kilowatts an hour, which is a significant
draw on a battery which could be sized at 24 kilowatt-hours for an all-electric
car. Also, batteries will not perform as well in very hot or very cold
temperatures.
Fast charging systems, which operate at 480 volts, are designed to charge most
of an electric car’s battery in about 15 minutes. But the trade-off is that
fast-charging will decrease the life of the battery, said A123 Systems’ Chu, and
will likely be more expensive than slow charging.
Most importantly, 2011 will be the year where consumers will start using plug-in
vehicles, such as the Nissan Leaf, Chevy Volt, Think City, and others. That will
give the auto industry more insight into consumers’ experience and battery
makers a better idea how durable batteries are in real-world situations.
“Education around electric and hybrid vehicles is still progressing…Rather
than putting test data out or trying to verify how batteries will perform in the
lab, we will be putting product on the road,” said Mark Wagner, vice president
of government relations at battery maker Johnson Controls. “It’s a heck of a lot
easier to measure the performance of a car than a battery.”
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Green Trends and Predictions for 2011
This can serve as a guide for businesses as a place to prepare for green trends that will continue throughout the coming year.
Many industries around the world are faced with two primary energy challenges: how to efficiently provide clean, secure and affordable energy and how to minimize the impact on the environment.
Two major power-hungry segments of the economy include:
- Airline industry
- Data center industry
Traditionally, these energy hogs utilized the most energy of any other
industry in the United States and generated the largest carbon footprint.
Business owners are looking for options within these industries that are more eco-friendly
with a reduction in carbon emissions.
What to do?
Many companies that utilize a great deal of travel are looking for ways to not
only minimize their carbon footprint, but also reduce their expenses. Companies
are deploying various means of eco-friendly business models so as to reduce
the amount of air-travel they utilize. And, in order to reduce the
demand for power-hungry data centers, web masters, site designers and businesses
are moving their web sites to green
web hosting, which provides more efficiency and uses less energy than
hosting in traditional data centers.
-
Telecommuting is becoming more popular among businesses with the
use of VOIP services such as Press8
telecom. With the Press8 Hosted phone systems, companies are able to
offer their employees the option of telecommuting — an attractive option
because of high gas prices, nightly traffic jams and long commutes. Press8
phone systems offer methods to ensure employees working at home or from a
remote office location are making productive use of their time. -
Green web hosting among businesses is becoming more popular because
it presents a clear solution for a reduction in the utilization of
traditional, power-hungry data centers. Many webmasters are moving their web
sites to companies that utilize green data centers. A word of caution: many
so called “green web hosting” companies are merely web hosts that purchase
Renewable Energy Credits (REC’s) and then these companies market their
services to the Internet community as “green”. In order to be a “true” green
web hosting provider, the web host must utilize a “green data center”.
GreenHostIt, an Austin, Texas web hosting firm, offers green
web hosting for personal and business web sites and hosts its servers in
a “true” green data center.
2. Water and Wastewater
As part of a progressive replacement program, companies will continue to develop and install innovative water-saving technology and procedures. The challenge is to implement conservation measures to reduce water consumption, and thus the “water footprint” a company generates. Many strong industries within the economy are moving toward improving their wastewater treatment facilities. The investment is high but the payoff is significant.
What to do?
Companies can explore the option of updating their wastewater facilities. And
those companies that do not have the resources for a large infusion of cash to
update these facilities might consider outsourcing to treatment facilities that
already have this technology in place.Many companies are implementing reverse
osmosis systems which operate by pumping water under very high pressure through
a semi-permeable membrane. Today’s systems provide the same amount of water for
only about 35 percent of the electricity consumption.
3. LED Lighting
Commercial, Residential, Marine, and Solar — each of these industries is seeing strong movement towards “advanced lighting”. By upgrading lighting, these industries are recognizing substantial savings through alternative energy and efficient lighting. A leader in this industry is NeuTex Lighting and through their comprehensive catalog of advanced lighting products, companies and individuals are able to capitalize on significant savings in energy expenses by “going green”.
What to do?
Before building a new house, commercial building, marine operation or solar
configuration, consider speaking to your local city government about green
building practices.
- Neutex Lighting is a good source of information and their web site describes
the ever increasing group of ways that companies and individuals can be less
wasteful. - GreeningDetroit.com offers a unique directory designed to provide building
solutions, products and services, green news and environmental
responsibility options.
4. Eco-friendly automobiles
Trends in the automobile industry show strong growth in hybrid and fuel-efficient diesel engines. New product development with these types of engines is accelerating. Fuel-hogs such as large SUV’s and vans are harder to re-sell and more expensive to maintain at the fuel pumps.
What to do?
Before purchasing your next automobile, consider a hybrid or diesel powered
engine. The up-front cost is higher, but long-term savings in terms of fuel and
overall maintenance is significant.
5. Reduction in waste
Consumers have taken notice and appreciate companies that produce products packaged in eco-friendly materials.
What to do?
Reduce, reuse, and recycle. The first step in managing waste is to
reduce the amount of material used. To further cut back waste generation,
companies can work with suppliers on container return programs. By recycling
trash, companies are diligently working to decrease the amount of waste
generated. Companies world-wide are showing signs of more often utilizing
alternatives to packaging their products in materials that are harmful to the
environment — specifically plastics. Consumers notice and show their
appreciation with their wallets.
These companies are examples of cutting-edge corporations that are “going
green” to reduce, reuse, and recycle:
- Chantal Cookware, a major cookware
manufacturer, encourages recycling in the day-to-day business
operations at their facility and with their suppliers. For example, when
shipping products Chantal only uses recycled paper and air pillows rather
than cheaper Styrofoam pellets. - Thirsties, a company that manufactures modern cloth
baby diapers, boasts the use of only the best made-in-America
components in order to reduce their carbon footprint, to help support
domestic textile mills, and to ensure diapers will last wash after wash.
This company provides an excellent product that reduces the buildup of
disposable diapers in our landfills. - WexelArt frames manufacturer produces art
frames that can be re-used by simply removing the art and replacing
with new art. The frames can also be used by companies to display brochures,
promo posters, or sales and special offers. A genius product that allows
companies and individuals to reuse frames for many different purposes.
6. Improvements in the food industry
Soy growth among farms across the world is showing rapid growth in this economy. Soy foods are a source of high-quality protein and has the potential to be a key source of income for farmers.
What to do?
Many farmers and food producers are developing management plans for sustainable
growth and promoting standards and verification mechanisms which help to grow
crops that are more efficiently utilized. The soy industry is showing
significant growth because of the high nutritional components of soy. Many food
manufacturers who are not yet involved in production of soy food materials are
now exploring the options and benefits of including soy in their product line.
7. Higher use of post-consumer recycled fiber
Consumers appreciate the use of post-consumer recycled fiber in packaging and its use among responsible corporate entities is growing.
What to do?
Many companies are utilizing 10% post-consumer recycled paper. Examples include
coffee cups at your favorite coffee shop. Consumers notice and companies will
continue to explore the benefits of higher use of this renewable resource.
8. Higher use of recycled rubber materials
Used automobile tires liter landfills and are among the largest and most
problematic source of waste at landfills due to their large volumes. Tires can
be recycled for use on basketball courts, new shoe products, hot melt asphalt,
and recycled asphalt pavement – among other things. Industries that recycle
these materials and re-use them in construction are showing strong growth.
What to do?
Where there is growth, there is strong interest. Companies might consider
researching possible use of these types of materials in the construction of
their products and market them as “recycled” automobile tires. This benefits the
environment and benefits the companies that recycle them in terms of possible
economic gain.
8. Higher incidence of recycled batteries and computers
Companies are more and more often recycling old computers when they are replaced with better and faster machines. Apple recycling program, HP recycling program and Dell recycling program are among a few of the top programs that offer this service.
What to do?
Companies can utilize these services and consider advertising to their consumer
base that the company participates in programs to recycle used computers in an
effort to reduce landfill waste.
9. Clothing material trends
The fashion industry is seeing strong trends toward renewable resources such as eco-friendly bamboo. Not only is bamboo considered one of the most renewable resources in the world; it is also one of the softest materials, even more so than cotton.
What to do?
Companies that are involved in the fashion industry should take note of this
growing trend and explore the possibilities of including these items in their
product line.
- SavageDesigns – an ecologically and socially conscious clothing and design
company that is committed to increasing the health of its consumers by
providing healing clothing with nettle fibers. - Cariloha – bamboo clothing manufacturer that offers franchising
opportunities for entrepreneurs.
Green marketing for business
Along with the rise of green consumers, we see the rise of eco-labeling,
which is “green advertising”. That creates the opportunity for just about
anything to be marketed as green. It is important that the marketing strategies
that companies use are “true” and companies that market their products and
services as eco-friendly are indeed “green”. This article can help entrepreneurs
and business owners find “true green” companies and services for the growing
eco-friendly economy.
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Wonders of South Africa
The Drakensberg
It runs from Dordrecht in the Eastern Cape all the way through to Tzaneen in
Mpumalanga, but most of the 200 km range falls in KwaZulu-Natal. To the
Voortrekkers, it resembled a chain of angry, unyielding dragons. To the Zulu
nation, it is uKhahlamba, the Barrier of Spears. Mafadi Peak on the Lesotho
border, previously believed to be 3450 m high, has been definitively measured by
the Mountain Club of South Africa at 3451m. Either way, it’s the highest
mountain in the land.
Tsitsikamma Forest
Tsitsikamma Forest – magical, opulent forest of ancient Yellowwood and Stinkwood
is home to such rarities as the Cape claw less otter. Park is an 80 kilometer
long coastal strip situated along the Garden Route between Cape Town and Port
Elizabeth. The heartland of the park stretches some 5 km to sea, protecting a
wonderland of inter-tidal life, reef and deep sea fish. Dolphins frolic in the
breakers, surfing and playing for the sheer joy of life, and the gentle giant of
the ocean, the southern right whale visits here, coming inshore to breed.
The Blyde River Canyon
Situated about 25km north of Pilgrim’s Rest in Mpumalanga. Stretching for 25km,
featuring towering cliffs, terrifying rapids, and steamy tracks of subtropical
jungle, the world’s largest green canyon offers views to take your breath away.
The Cradle of Humankind
Rich in fossils, riddled with caves, it’s one of the world’s most significant
halfway stations on the road to our evolution as a species. The near-perfect skull of Mrs Ples, the area’s most famous pre-human relic, is now believed to be the skull of Mr Ples. These sites have produced abundant scientific information
on the evolution of the human being over the past 3.5 million years, his way of
life, and the animals with which he lived and on which he fed. The landscape
also preserves many features of that prehistoric period.
The Cradle of Humankind is a World Heritage Site which was chosen for the rich
diversity of fossils found in the area.
Fossils in the area have provided us with more clues to our earliest human
ancestors
The site covers an area of 47 000 hectares between Hekpoort, Broederstroom and
Lanseria
Most of the site is in Gauteng with bits that extend into the North West
Province (Sterkfontein Caves)
There are currently over 200 caves and 13 fossil sites
The site is being upgraded to accommodate disabled tourists and international
groups and school learners
Scientists have discovered that Australopithecus africanus was present in Cradle
from about 4-2 million years ago
These hominids (upright walking “apes”), were human ancestors
Homo ergaster, present around one million years ago is even more likely to be a
direct ancestor than Australopithecus having a very close resemblance to modern
man (Homo sapiens)
There are a wide range of activities offered, the best known being tours of the
caves and field trips to fossil excavation sites
The area was declared a WHS because it contains a vast treasure chest of
fossilized remains of past life forms, particularly of hominids
Due to its new status, the whole area including the caves and the fossils sites
are protected
The Karoo National Park
The Great Karoo is a vast and unforgiving landscape of which the Karoo National
Park is but a small portion. Being the largest ecosystem in South Africa, the
Karoo is home to a fascinating diversity of life, all having adapted to survive
in these harsh conditions. Karoo National Park is dominated by the lofty
Nuweveld mountains and rolling plains, where many species that originally
occurred here now occupy their former ranges. Karoo it’s the middle of nowhere,
but there’s nowhere like it on earth.
Cape Point
It’s the meeting-point of two mighty oceans and the spot where Africa ends or
begins, depending on your perspective. You can breathe the freshest air in the
world here, as it blows in straight from the Antarctic. Is about an hour’s drive
from the centre of Cape Town. Head southwest until you just can’t head southwest
anymore.
Table Mountain
You can’t really miss it. Its 1 086 m above sea level at its highest point, and
is visible from 200km out at sea. The top part of the mountain is made up of
rocks that were deposited by an ancient glacier hundreds of millions of years
ago. From Table Mountain a 50-km range reaches southward to Cape Point, forming
the backbone of the Cape Peninsula. This Mountain chain is botanist’s paradise,
with roughly 2 250 plant species, some of which are found nowhere else in the
world. There is even a patch of land, about the size of the soccer field and
known only to a handful of lepidopterists, on which the world’s only colony of
certain species of butterfly exists.
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Make Money using Forex Trading – Learn How To Trade: Forex
What is Forex Trading?Forex trading is the buying and selling of currencies.
In much the same way that you’d buy and sell stocks on the stock market, traders
exchange currencies they’ve purchased. If you’ve ever traded on the stock
market, you should have no problem getting the hang of trading Forex.
Getting started is Easy
You’ll find that it’s easier than you thought to get started. Banks and
financial institutions have been doing it for years and now with the internet
available to everyone, it’s easy for you to make money at home by trading Forex.
Because there are so many different theories behind trading Forex, it’s to your
advantage to talk with someone that knows what they’re doing and has
participated in Forex trading in the past.
If you don’t know anyone with enough experience to help you, consider signing up
for some of the online webinars and Forex workshops. They’re very helpful and
will take you through any scenario you can imagine and are available to answer
any questions you may have.
You can continue to be part of a “demo” trading
market until you’re ready to strike out on your own with real money. That’s when
you’ll see how much money you can truly make trading Forex.
Whether you’re new to
trading or you are what’s considered a “seasoned” trader, there is a lot of
money to be made trading Forex markets. Although instantly trading with real
money is not for beginners or people that have never traded before, you can
quickly learn the ropes with a little help and commitment.
What is Forex
Trading?Forex trading is the buying and selling of currencies. In much the same
way that you’d buy and sell stocks on the stock market, traders exchange
currencies they’ve purchased. If you’ve ever traded on the stock market, you
should have no problem getting the hang of trading Forex.
The purpose of Forex trading is to exchange a currency that you’ve purchased for
another with the hopes that the price of the newly purchased one will go up in
value. Whether you’re new to this or consider yourself an old pro, you’ll find
it very exciting and a lot of fun.
The value of currencies is always quoted in
pairs such as USD/JPY or GBD/USD. The reason for this is because you’re always
buying one and selling another.It is recommended, however, that until you get
the hang of what you’re doing you should set up a “demo” account where you may
be buying and selling currencies but they’re fake. By doing this, you’re
learning how it’s done and giving yourself a chance to learn more about it
without losing real money.Signing up for an AccountSigning up for an account is
very easy.
You can register for one of the training courses on the Forex web site where you
can “pretend” trade in a demo atmosphere or you can participate in their
workshops where you’ll have real experts teaching you everything you need to
know about Forex trading.
You’ll also have webinars at your disposal where you can watch demonstrations of
Forex trading, take part in discussions with beginners as well as experts in the
field. Signing up for an account is not only fun and exciting by the best way to
learn the ropes so you’ll soon be ready to begin making money trading
Forex.That’s when you’ll see how much money you can truly make trading Forex.
The purpose of Forex trading is to exchange a currency that you’ve purchased for
another with the hopes that the price of the newly purchased one will go up in
value. Whether you’re new to this or consider yourself an old pro, you’ll find
it very exciting and a lot of fun. The value of currencies is always quoted in
pairs such as USD/JPY or GBD/USD. The reason for this is because you’re always
buying one and selling another.Whether you’re new to trading or you are what’s
considered a “seasoned” trader, there is a lot of money to be made trading Forex
markets. Although instantly trading with real money is not for beginners or
people that have never traded before, you can quickly learn the ropes with a
little help and commitment.
It is recommended, however, that until you get the hang of what you’re doing you
should set up a “demo” account where you may be buying and selling currencies
but they’re fake. By doing this, you’re learning how it’s done and giving
yourself a chance to learn more about it without losing real money.
Signing up for an Account
Signing up for an account is very easy. You can register for one of the training
courses on the Forex web site where you can “pretend” trade in a demo atmosphere
or you can participate in their workshops where you’ll have real experts
teaching you everything you need to know about Forex trading.
You’ll also have
webinars at your disposal where you can watch demonstrations of Forex trading,
take part in discussions with beginners as well as experts in the field. Signing
up for an account is not only fun and exciting by the best way to learn the
ropes so you’ll soon be ready to begin making money trading Forex.
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Moses Mabhida Stadium T20 Match a Sellout
History will be made on Sunday when an audience of almost 50 000 fans attends the Standard Bank International Pro20 between the South Africa Proteas and India at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.It is being held to celebrate the 150 year anniversary of the arrival of Indians in South Africa, and includes a Standard Bank International Pro20 match as well as The New Age Friendship Celebration Concert.
Bollywood heavyweights, Sharhrukh Khan, Anil Kapoor, Shahid Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra are the headline performers at the concert. Meanwhile, a number of South African artists will also be featured.
The sell-out signs were posted late on Thursday after an unprecedented late rush for tickets. This will be the biggest crowd ever to witness a cricket match on the African continent.
Gerald Majola, CSA CEO, said: “Cricket on the African continent has reached a new high with the house-full sign going up at Moses Mabhdia Stadium in Durban for Sunday’s Standard Bank International Pro20 match between South Africa and India.
“This will be the biggest crowd yet to watch a cricket match in Africa and will be a most fitting way to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Indians in South Africa.
“This is a very emotional moment for Cricket South Africa as a host for a cricket match that will fill a major international soccer stadium for the first time. The Moses Mabhida Stadium became an icon when it hosted a semi-final match in the FIFA World Cup 2010, and now we have a sell-out crowd for this historic match against India.
“CSA would like to warmly thank the public for supporting this event in such a tremendous way and for paying this wonderful tribute to the South African Indian community with CSA.
“President Jacob Zuma will be CSA’s guest of honour and he will be honouring four South Africans and Indians for their outstanding service in furthering the relationship between South Africa and India. CSA will also be paying tribute to its fast-bowling icon, Makhaya Ntini, in this his swansong from international cricket.
“A special award will also be made to the Indian batting maestro, Sachin Tendulkar, for his outstanding and on-going service to the progress of cricket world-wide.
“All this will be CSA’s way of saying thank you to the South African Indian community for the meaningful role it has played in the unification and development of South African cricket”.
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Make Money Online Using FaceBook
Over the last few years social networking sites have become increasingly popular. Most recently FaceBook has really exploded in popularity. Because of this popularity,it is now a great place to make money. Here is how you can earn money on FaceBook.
FaceBook is just like MySpace, but for the professional. Recently adults have been joining this social network in droves. That means there are now more people to market to as well as potential leads. Simply stated, you can now tap into all these people in order to market your products and services.
One of the best ways to earn money on FaceBook is to fill-out a content rich page and then begin to join groups. There are many excellent groups on FaceBook. If you join one of these groups and become a contributing member, you can market to these people but just be careful not to overdo it. You must be willing to add value before you try to make money from your connections.
Another fantastic way to make money on FaceBook is to use your imagination and create an application. Applications are like little games or different types of functions you can add to your page to make it more interesting. These are developed by companies other than FaceBook and can be very lucrative. In fact, one company’s application is worth approximately 0 million. It simply takes your imagination and a good contact who can build your application for relatively low cost. There are plenty out there and I happen to know a really good one.
FaceBook is set-up so that the only people who can see your account are people who are associated with you. You have to live in the same area, go to the same college, work in the same place, or have some other type of connection. If you do not already have a connection then the person would have to accept you as a friend so that you can each see each others profiles.
If you join a group with other people then you are automatically associated with them. And if you provide great content to these people and become seen as an expert in that niche, then you can then begin to post links back to your site and you will get traffic to that site and you will make more sales because of it. In other words, you will earn money on FaceBook.
Now, the last thing you want to do is SPAM anyone. This will turn everyone off and it will result in you losing your account. So you need to make sure you put in the necessary effort with the contacts you make. You need to build your reputation and you also need to establish yourself as an expert. If you do these two things then you will definitely make money.
Contrary to what many think, you can earn money on FaceBook. It is just another web 2.0 tool enabling you to make money with Internet Marketing, and it is one of the best ways. Just make sure you take your time and put in the necessary effort. If you do then you will reap the benefits and explode your income.
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Best PC games of 2010
Best games in town for 2010 – 2011
We round up the best of the best in PC gaming in 2010
With 2010 drawing to a close, it is time to sit back, and take stock of all the great games we got to play this year.
To get us started, below is a list of the top rated PC games of 2010, according to Gamerankings, which takes review scores from numerous publications around the world, and aggregates them to get an average.
Gamerankings’ 10 best PC games of 2010
1. Mass Effect 2 - 94.09%
2. StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty - 92.36%
3. Sid Meier’s Civilization V - 89.82%
4. Battlefield: Bad Company 2 - 88.62%
5. Amnesia: The Dark Descent - 88.18%
6. Bioshock 2 - 87.43%
7. Just Cause 2 - 86.09%
8. Sam & Max The Devil’s Playhouse Episode 2: The Tomb of Sammun-Mak - 85.80%
9. Sam & Max The Devil’s Playhouse Episode 2: The Tomb of Sammun-Mak - 85.71%
10. Fallout: New Vegas - 85.43%
With the official stuff out of the way, below is a list of the PC games that stood out for us at MyGaming during 2010.
MyGaming’s PC picks of 2010
StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty
Without a doubt, our PC game of the year, and quite possibly game of the year goes to StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty. Not only did it deliver a memorable single player experience with a neat unit upgrade system, but the multiplayer is still a firm favourite in the MyGaming offices. If you play StarCraft II online, be sure to check out our StarCraft II social league which kicks off in January.
Battlefield: Bad Company 2
Another firm favourite was Bad Company 2, which won us over with its rich, dynamic and vast multiplayer component. Its unique classes and tactical team based gameplay made it stand out from the masses as one of the best FPS’s of 2010.
Mass Effect 2
How could we forget Mass Effect 2? It was the first game that blew us away in 2010, with its rich characters, slick gameplay, and revised RPG system. Upgrade the Normandy spaceship as you traverse the galaxy in pursuit of a team worthy of tackling a suicide mission to save humanity.
Medal of Honor
Possibly the most underrated game of the year, the PC version of Medal of Honor offers a solid, current generation, fast-paced online FPS. Not everyone’s cup of tea, but for some reason it managed to win me over, and earn a place on this list.
Call of Duty: Black Ops
Despite its rocky launch, we remain hopeful that Treyarch will get the game running properly soon. Lag and performance issues ruin what is a true online FPS gem, but when it’s working, it’s absolute bliss. A definite game of the year contender if not for the technical problems.
Sid Meier’s Civilisation V
The second PC exclusive on our list, Civ V was everything we hoped it would be. A revised combat system, as well as a new hexagonal tile set to give the long running series a welcome facelift make it the best Civ game released in a while.
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South Africa gets own NASA
South Africa launched its own Space Agency, a comprehensive Space Policy and there is talk about creating a satellite launch facility in the future.
“The space industry is now big business. It is not simply a matter of space travel, although the possibilities of space travel have excited and fascinated many of us, but it is about an industry that has enormous potential future growth.” Those were the words of Naladi Pandor, Minister of Science and Technology, speaking at launch of the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) in Midrand on 9 December 2010.
A brief history of South African space exploration
In the past South Africa had a space programme, but it was discontinued in the mid 1990s. From 2003 government began to introduce some new order into space science and exploration in an effort to avoid duplication of effort and funding.
To date South Africa has launched two satellites, SunSat and SumbandilaSat. Both had their own measures of success. SunSat was designed and built by students and the staff of the Stellenbosch University and launched by NASA in return for a NASA instrument included in the payload. The project led to the formation of SunSpace.
SumbandilaSat was a government initiative, a sort of technology pathfinder. Stellenbosch University was involved together with SunSpace. SumbandilaSat has a camera as its main payload with three university experimental payloads and an amateur radio experimental payload also on board.
SunSpace successfully built and commissioned one other satellite for an undisclosed country and developed considerable experience in satellite imaging technology and satellite RF sub systems.
In 2009, South Africa, Nigeria, Algeria and Kenya agreed to go ahead with plans to construct and launch a constellation of earth observation satellites. The idea for the project now known as African Resource and Environmental Management constellation (ARMC) was born some years before but various constraints held it up. As part of the agreement each country will launch a satellite to make up the constellation.
Currently the Cape Peninsula University of Technology is working on two satellites; a single CubeSat and a three unit CubeSat. The Amateur Radio Satellite Association (SA AMSAT) this week announced that it will build two CubeSats.
The SA National Space Strategy
With all the activity in the space environment, a national space agency for South Africa makes good sense. This will enable SA to harness the technological expertise that is being built-up and ensure that it is deployed to develop our country’s economy. The Department of Science and Technology got it right by developing a National Space Strategy before forming a Space Agency.
The National Space Strategy promotes research in astronomy, earth observation, communications, navigation and space physics. It fosters international cooperation in space-related activities. It advances scientific, engineering and technological competencies through human capital development and outreach programmes.
The three main objectives set out in the policy are:
- To capture a share in the global market for small to medium-sized space systems. Expansion of investment in “micro” satellites, building on the existing SumbandilaSat platform.
- To improve decision making by providing data through the integration of space-based systems with ground-based systems.
- To develop applications for the provision of geospatial, telecommunications, timing and positioning products and services.
In addition, the strategy provides for the implementation framework for a national space programme that will be undertaken by the National Space Agency.
It may not be a NASA, but it is a giant leap forward in keeping South Africa focussed on innovation and hi-tech developments. It if it hadn’t been for the world’s paranoia during the cold-war years, South Africa would today have been able to put its own satellites into orbit. Although the Minister announced that the facilities that were mothballed in the nineties will be re-commissioned, it will be a long time before we will be in the position to carry out our own launches.
Hans van de Groenendaal
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To-do list for 2011
APART from the odd recollection of doing a vuvuzela-fuelled diski on your neighbour’s car, for most South Africans 2010 will be a year to forget. If you weren’t among the hundreds of thousands who lost their jobs, you may be one of the 11 million who have fallen behind on debt payments.
And that prime asset, your house? Also had a pretty awful year, thanks for asking. Residential property prices flatlined in 2010, and economists don’t expect much growth next year.
The new year brings much uncertainty in the workplace and more price increases – electricity, medical aid tariffs, education and municipal bills – while banks are still stingy on extending credit for home loans or new businesses.
But it isn’t all gloom and doom. Interest rates are at their lowest levels in decades, while share prices have been rocketing. And getting your finances in shape may be easier than you think.
Make 2011 your year of living sensibly:
Recommit to budgeting
Make sure you are living on a realistic budget. When drawing up your budget, use a diary of day-to-day spending for a couple of weeks, and bank statements for at least the past six months to get a complete picture of all your spending.
Draw up a practical spending plan and build up an emergency savings fund, which will protect your budget from crises.
Settle all short-term debt
Your monthly budget has to include a systematic plan to settle your debt load, particularly credit cards, personal loans and store cards.
Start by tackling the debt with the highest interest rate first – paying off more than the minimum instalment. When the top priority debt is settled, use its whole monthly instalment to settle the debt with the next highest interest, and move down your list until you have settled all your debts.
If you have cut all nice-to-haves out of your budget and still can’t find the funds to settle your debt, talk to your creditors and try to work out better payment terms.
Consider debt counselling
If you are falling behind on debt repayments and can’t negotiate better terms with your creditors, debt counselling may be a viable option.
The debt counselling system has had a difficult year. Counsellors have drawn up new debt repayment plans for more than 200 000 people, but many creditors have been playing hardball about accepting these new terms (which may include longer repayment terms with lower instalments and/or lower interest rates). Debt counsellors then have to turn to magistrates to force creditors to accept these repayment plans. But there are massive backlogs at the courts, leaving thousands of debt-stricken people in limbo.
To make matters worse, over the past couple of months banks have been showing people under debt counselling no mercy, attaching their assets like homes and cars even if they have a court date (to approve their new repayment plan) and have been paying a part of their monthly instalments.
There is new hope, though.
A significant revamp of the debt counselling system has been announced, with a number of new rules being adopted.Also, banks have agreed to back off, agreeing not to seize the assets of some clients who are currently under debt counselling.
Review your “safe” investments
South Africans have been pouring money into fixed-interest investments in an effort to avoid the volatility on the share markets.
Unfortunately they have missed out on a huge rally in share prices, while interest rate cuts have wiped out a good chunk of their returns.
By playing it too safe, your savings may grow too slowly to beat inflation. Traditionally, shares have provided the best growth and for all its histrionics, the JSE’s All-share index has not suffered a loss for any rolling five-year period over the past century.
Make sure that your investment portfolio is diversified. If in doubt, talk to a financial planner. Get professional advice on the value of your retirement investments, and whether your current level of investment will be enough to see you through retirement.
Plan for your kids’ education.
The job market massacre has underlined how important it is to have rock solid skills that are in demand. Make sure that you are putting enough money away to secure a good tertiary education (and career options) for your child.
There are a number of savings options for parents.
One is the government-backed Fundisa Fund, which now has almost 14 000 members. It pays out an annual bonus to investors, and the investment is tax free.
However, it is not advisable to invest more than R2 400 a year in Fundisa if you have more than five to 10 years before your child will finish school. Other options include exchange-traded funds like Satrix, which give you cheap exposure to the stock market.
Reconsider your medical cover
The new year is expected to bring new movement on national health insurance (NHI), the ANC’s plan to revamp the public health sector and provide universal medical cover.
It looks like you may have to pay an NHI tax of between 3.5% and 5% of your salary from 2012. Many people, who won’t want to rely on the state system only, would remain members of medical schemes – and then have to fork out monthly membership fees too. In addition, the current tax breaks on medical scheme contributions will be phased out.
All of this means that you are likely to pay more for healthcare, and it would be advisable to start putting money away to help with the financial strain in the future.
If you can’t afford to save more, at the very least you should change your lifestyle and ensure that you avoid some of the most common – often preventable – diseases in SA, like hypertension, obesity and diabetes.
Also, take a look at the viability of your medical scheme. According to some estimates, the NHI tax may force 40% of current medical aid members to give up their membership. This could lead to the number of medical schemes to shrink from more than a hundred currently to about 30 in the next 10 years. Smaller, marginal medical schemes may be squeezed out in the process. Ditch your pricey bank
Competition is slowly creeping into the SA banking environment, with the large banks forced to up their game as low-cost competitors like Capitec, Virgin and Pick n Pay start to bite.
Although there are some pitfalls when you switch banks, it may be easier than you think and you may end up saving a lot of money and aggravation.
Find the right cover
Paying insurance premiums may not be the most exciting way to spend your money, but without proper cover your financial wellbeing can be destroyed in an instant. You should at least provide for:
Life insurance: to take care of your loved ones and settle debts (like your home loan) after your death.
Disability: to pay out if you can’t work any more.
Car and household: this is a highly competitive industry, so make sure you get the best policy on offer. Make sure you are not paying too much for your car insurance. Your car loses value every year, and while you may still pay premiums based on the original purchase price of your car, the insurer will only pay out the current market value. (The opposite is true of household insurance – while you may have insured your house contents for a set amount a couple of years ago, it may cost much more to replace your belongings now.)
Get a will
Without it, the fate of your children and assets may be decided by the authorities.
A basic will must be signed on every page by you in front of two witnesses (who won’t benefit from the will). They also need to sign the document.
You should give instructions about what should happen with your assets and appoint an executor to take care of your estate after your death. If you appoint a firm as executor, it will receive a percentage of your estate (usually about 3.5%). If you have underage children, you also have to appoint a guardian.
If there is any degree of complexity in your will, get legal help.
Helena Wasserman
