How to Deal with College or University Rejection

It is a competitive world and as far as college admissions are concerned, a candidate has to compete in this rat race. Most students these days are concerned about the brand image and wish to get into the top universities and colleges. This has made the competition even more fierce. Students do work hard and put in all their effort to get into their college of choice. But on some occasions, no matter how much effort the student puts, destiny has its own plans. Many students who get rejected from colleges or universities find it difficult to cope with the situation and these rejections have often led to a negative outlook in students. I agree that dealing with college rejection is difficult, but it is not impossible. This Buzzle article will help you think positively about the state of affairs and help you address college rejection.

Dealing with College or University Rejection

Manage the Negative Thoughts...
It doesn't matter how strong a person is mentally, the feeling of rejection can make anyone sad and wary about the world. You should not let apprehensions kill you and instead share them with your close ones. Sharing what you have in mind will make you feel good. Don't let negative thoughts take control over you. Convince yourself that there's more to life and education than that particular college which rejected you. One should always learn from the mistakes, and use the rejection letter as a tool to improve yourself for the upcoming challenges in life. When things don't work your way, it is best to think that something better awaits in life.

Think and Plan for the Future...
Being rejected by a college means something went wrong and did not work in your stride. You thus have to stop sulking and start thinking about the future course of action. Your future steps can be reapplying to the same college or university or you can take admission to some other college. It will be helpful to take the advice of your teachers in deciding your future actions. But as a first step you should contact the college or university officials and inquire about the rejection letter. You can ask the officials the reason you were rejected and then work on that. If you think you have it in you to study and work hard, and also if you are ready to put in effort, reapplication should make a better option.

Don't Let Your Confidence Down...
Don't let the rejection hamper your confidence and self esteem. In a situation like this, think about your past achievements, be them in any field. You are a worthy person and with some effort have the ability to do better. Believe in yourself and don't let the rejection affect your frame of mind to any extent. Some thoughtless people might demotivate you and say that you did not prepare well or did not study hard, etc, etc. But more than anything else you should listen to your self belief and keep yourself motivated.

It is difficult to live with the feeling of being rejected from the college you had dreamed of studying in. But it is wrong if you let the situation hamper your self esteem and confidence. Also I would like to mention that more than the college you are studying, it is your mindset that counts for success in life. So don't take the college rejection as the end of world and maintain a positive frame of mind, strong belief in your abilities and hard work. With these qualities no one can deny you success in life. All the best and stay positive...

The List of Top Most Expensive Colleges

You grew up dreaming of studying at one of the best colleges that there has ever been, because ever since you can remember, that's all you've ever really wanted. Here's a question though... Has it ever occurred to you that some of the best colleges in the world could also be some of the most expensive colleges ever. Ok, seems reasonable, but, why the fuss? What do these colleges offer that many others don't? Here's what... Apart from some of the best education that you could ever receive, most of these colleges also offer you some of the best facilities that you could ever want when possibly living away from home. Very often, it is these additional perks that really add to to making them so expensive, thus making them part of the top most expensive colleges list. Surely you are curious by now with regards to colleges that are in fact part of this list, so how about taking a look at them now...

List of the Top Most Expensive Colleges

What follows, is a list (in random order) of the top most expensive college that there are in the United States. Take a look at which ones make it here...

(Note: The fees mentioned below are all approximate figures)

Sarah Lawrence College (Bronxville, NY)
Fees: $58,000

One of the more popular colleges for liberal arts in the US, Sarah Lawrence is also the most expensive school that one could opt to go to. It first started out as a college for women only, when it was established in 1926, but turned coeducational in 1968. Known for high academic standards as well as a student-faculty ratio of 9:1, this is almost as good as it gets when looking for the best school for independent studies.

George Washington University (Washington, DC)
Fees: $56,000

Next in the list of most expensive colleges is the George Washington University. A private, co-ed school, this one was established in 1821. Best known for its programs in political science, law, medicine, international affairs, and a lot else, there isn't a better university than this when it comes to working with hands-on experience.

Georgetown University (Washington, DC)
Fees: $57,000

The Georgetown University was founded in 1789 and is a private Jesuit university. Offering a large number of academic programs, along with an equally large number of majors as well, this university is well known for a cosmopolitan crowd that hails from countries beyond the United States.

Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN)
Fees: $56,000

Established in 1873 in Nashville, Tennessee, is the Vanderbilt University. This university is perfect for anyone that is interested in anything, right from liberal arts to education and human development. Since this school offers both, graduate, as well as professional degrees, this university is perfect for almost anybody who can afford the high fees that the place charges.

University of Chicago (Chicago, IL)
Fees: $56,000

A private research university in Chicago, this university was established in 1890, thanks to a huge donation from John D. Rockafeller, but it wasn't until two years later that the first class was held. Even though this university is known as a good one in several disciplines, it is the field of economics that it truly rules in. A pioneer in its own right, the University of Chicago is yet another one of the most expensive colleges that you will come across in the U.S.A.

New York University (Manhattan, NY)
Fees: $55,000

Who doesn't know of NYU! Established in 1831, the New York University is also yet another one of those private universities. This university is not only a non profit establishment, but also one of the largest private universities in the United States. Apart from the U.S.A., the New York University goes as far as providing study abroad facilities in places like Paris, Madrid, London, and a lot else too.

Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA)
Fees: $55,000

Carnegie Mellon is a private university in Pennsylvania that was established in 1900 by Andrew Carnegie. With a student-faculty ration of 10:1, CMU has always been known as one of the better universities when it comes to ones that are top ranking universities. With a motto that says, My heart is in the work, this university truly lives up to what it believes in. With 7 schools and colleges that offer everything from fine arts to business, or even technology, CMU is perfect for anyone that's driven in life.

Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD)
Fees: $57,000

Founded in January, 1876, Baltimore, Maryland, here you have the option of Johns Hopkins University. A popular university for both, teaching and research, JHU is one of the more prominent private universities, as also being one of the best for what they do. Think that's hard to believe? It shouldn't be, given that it is one of the only universities that has very successfully been receiving funding for research and development for 31 years, consecutively.

Boston University (Boston, MA)
Fees: $55,000

Established in 1839, the Boston University is said to be one of the largest private universities in the United States. Apart from that, what BU can also boast about is extremely impressive alumni. Nobel Prize winners, Pulitzer Prize winners, and a lot more is what makes for part of this university. What this university also offers besides campus programs is study abroad programs which range over 20 countries.

Bard College (Annandale-on-Hudson, NY)
Fees: $55,000

Moving on, we come to Bard College in New York. Founded in 1860 as St. Stephen's College, this college is essentially a liberal arts college. With as many as 500 courses offered every semester, this college has a great student-faculty ratio too. Known as one of the best colleges for liberal arts, although this is an expensive college, you can be sure that it is worth the money.

Other Expensive Colleges

That was a list of just ten colleges, but other colleges that make it to the list of the most expensive colleges in America are...

    * Barnard College (New York, NY)
    * Scripps College (Claremont, CA)
    * Tufts University (Medford, MA)
    * Bates College (Lewiston, ME)
    * Columbia University (Manhattan, NY)
    * Wesleyan University (Middletown, CT)
    * Middlebury College (Middlebury, VT)
    * Parsons the New School for Design (New York City, NY)
    * University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA)
    * Haverford College (Haverford, PA)
    * Washington University (St. Louis, MO)
    * Trinity College (Hartford, CT)
    * Harvey Mudd College (Claremont, CA)
    * St. John's College (Annapolis, MD and Santa Fe, NM)
    * Northwestern University (Evanston, IL)

Believe it or not, even this isn't the end of it. Apart from the ten that you just read about, what you see in the list above is only 15, amongst many others. Either way, you now know a little something about these colleges. So, the next time you're in doubt regarding the most expensive colleges, just take a look at the top most expensive colleges list given here, and it should make things easier for you.

Blood type and Rh

Did You Know?

Blood type and Rh How many people have it? O + 40 % O - 7 % A + 34 % A - 6 % B + 8 % B - 1 % AB + 3 % AB - 1 %

Does Your Blood Type Reveal Your Personality?

According to a Japanese institute that does research on blood types, there are certain personality traits that seem to match up with certain blood types. How do you rate?

TYPE O	You want to be a leader, and when you see something you want, you keep striving until you achieve your goal. You are a trend-setter, loyal, passionate, and self-confident. Your weaknesses include vanity and jealously and a tendency to be too competitive.
TYPE A	You like harmony, peace and organization. You work well with others, and are sensitive, patient and affectionate. Among your weaknesses are stubbornness and an inability to relax.
TYPE B	You're a rugged individualist, who's straightforward and likes to do things your own way. Creative and flexible, you adapt easily to any situation. But your insistence on being independent can sometimes go too far and become a weakne ss.
TYPE AB	Cool and controlled, you're generally well liked and always put people at ease. You're a natural entertainer who's tactful and fair. But you're standoffish, blunt, and have difficulty making decisions.

MOST IMPORTANT INFO NOW:

You Can Receive
If Your Type Is	O-	O+	B-	B+	A-	A+	AB-	AB+
AB+	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES
AB-	YES		YES		YES	YES
A+	YES	YES			YES	YES
A-	YES				YES
B+	YES	YES	YES	YES
B-	YES		YES
O+	YES	YES
O-	YES

SEND THIS INFORMATION TO EVERY ONE YOU KNOW

What Causes the Middle Class Squeeze

In earlier times, families leading a middle class lifestyle enjoyed the security of a reliable job, a secure home, proper health care facilities, education for children and a few getaways with the family, to have a good time together. People were able to maintain this lifestyle with their earnings. The middle class income range during that time was sufficient to provide a sensible living for them. But, since past few years, middle class families are facing problems in maintaining their lifestyle. Rising inflation and poor increase in earnings are adding to difficulties of the people.

The term "middle class squeeze" refers to a situation in which the income of middle class families does not suffice to keep up with rising prices or inflation. On the other hand, people falling under the high income category are not affected. This happens because the overall increase in their wages is high enough to remain unaffected by inflation. Studies reveal that the average rise in income of people that fall under 1% of top earning group, was found to be 42% whereas, people falling under the bottom 90% category, gained only 4.7%. It is clearly evident from this statistics that high income group are enjoying a significant rise in their disposable income while the middle class is getting squeezed between the soaring prices and not-so-enough disposable income.

What Causes the "Squeeze"?

There are several factors contributing towards middle class squeeze. Rise in inflation is directly affecting the prices of consumer products and services. Basic requirements like food, housing, education, energy, etc., are observing significant price rise. It is getting difficult for people to manage this price rise with their income. Let's check out the causes of middle class squeeze.

Basic Necessities

Real Estate
Home is the basic need of every individual. Rise in real estate prices lead to increased expenditure towards housing. People also find it difficult to purchase a house due to high costs of real estate, causing them to strive hard to make monetary arrangements for buying a property. Also, people owning homes tend to sell off their property to gain liquidity in order to meet basic living requirements. Statistics reveal that less number of Americans own homes now as compared to what they did during the 1970s.

Energy
Electricity, fuel and other energy products have seen a significant rise in their prices since the year 2000. The direct and indirect costs associated with rising energy prices have created much pressure on middle class people. In the year 2006, families spent $155 more on energy products as compared to what they did in 2000. This expenditure has risen even more today owing to rising inflation.

Education
Middle class families believe in education as for them, it is the only key to a secure and fulfilling life. But nowadays, the costs of education is also rising. People tend to take loans to pay college fees thus, increasing the burden of expenses.

Health Care and Insurance
The cost of health care and insurance has also seen a vast increase from what it was earlier. Increased health care costs have forced people to skip treatments in case of any health issue. The premiums to be paid for insurance policies have also increased. According to a survey, people paid around $153 towards insurance premiums which was increased to $226 per month in 2005.

Other Contributing Factors

Changes in Disposable Income
Earlier, the rise in disposable income of middle class families was enough to manage inflation. But now, the situation is different. Today, the effect of inflation on commodity prices is so high that even a significant amount of rise in the salary, leaves a person with insufficient disposable income.

Rise in Debt
It is observed that Americans are using credit cards more often to match up with their expenses due to which, a household is spending more than its total earnings. This is increasing their debt and monetary burden.

Decreasing Savings for Retirement
Increase in expenses has left middle class people with less savings. As their savings are reduced to a large extent, they have less money to manage the expenses after retirement. This reduces their retirement security.

Job Insecurity
In 2003, majority of the people who filed for bankruptcy were leading a middle class lifestyle. Job insecurity puts additional tension on the middle class as they have no other means to survive, if they lose their jobs.

All the above factors play a role in creating the middle class squeeze. The year 2011 is expected to further increase the extent of the 'squeeze' on middle class families ever since 1982 which is associated with the Falklands War. Americans believe that they are being squeezed very badly and if the inflation is not controlled, they will be soon be observing the worst economic crisis of all times.

Federal Reserve to Keep Interest Rates Low for Next Two Years

The Federal Reserve board met yesterday to come up with a plan for stemming the overwhelmingly negative economic tide that has overcome the country in the wake of a very public battle over the federal debt and a downgrading of the nation’s credit. The result was a bit shocking, as the Fed determined that it would keep interest rates low – almost at zero for the official inter-bank Fed Funds rate – for at least the next two years. For a board that rarely comments publicly on the direction of rates for more than a few months at a time, the long-term commitment to keeping money cheap was surprising.

Also interesting is that there were three dissenters among the board, the largest number of members disagreeing with an official action since 1992. The move propped up the equities markets, which had been obliterated over the course of the past several days, and also drove down the rate on short-term Treasuries. In addition to the move to keep rates so low, the Fed has also hinted that it will take further steps if necessary.

That is very thinly-veiled language that indicates that QE3 may be coming, a process by which the Fed would purchase Treasury securities or, in essence, print more money. Said Alberto Bernal, the head of emerging markets fixed-income research at Bulltick Capital Markets, "If they have to act they will. They didn’t act today because they didn’t want to send a specific message of panic." Still, the Fed did note that the growth of the U.S. economy was expected to be very slow and that unemployment, currently at 9.1% nationwide, would improve slowly as well.

What is the Gang of Six Plan

Two groups have been working the gang of six. In 2009, a group was working on 'health care reform bill' and in 2011, second group has been working on reducing the national deficit and preventing the ceiling of national debt; their proposal is called the Gang of Six plan. This plan was presented on July 19, 2011.

The Gang of Six plan is bipartisan plan that aims at solving the problem of deficit and avoiding debt ceiling. This plan has already received a nod by the current President of United States, Mr. Barak Obama.

The senators of the Gang of Six are Democrats - Dick Durbin, Kent Conrad and Mark Warner; and Republicans - Mike Crapo, Tom Coburn and Saxby Chambliss. This group is led by Mark Warner. However, the final proposal was eventually presented by only 5 senators on account of resignation of the senator, Tom Coburn. He quit because of a disagreement between him and the other senators on cutting the Social Security and Medicare. Coburn said, "The only way we get out of this problem is increasing revenues,".

Mentioned below are the three documents that were presented as a part of the Gang of Six Plan.

1. Gang of Six Summary
2. Gang of Six Slides
3. Gang of Six Charts

The plan focuses at slashing the national deficit by $3.7 trillion/ $3.6 trillion over a period of 10 years as per Congressional Budget Office's 2011 baseline or by slashing $4.65 trillion/ $4.55 trillion as per the original fiscal commission baseline. It also will aim at stabilizing the publicly-held debt by 2014 and reducing it to 70%, by 2021. Finally, the plan mentions to impose an unprecedented budget enforcement.

The Gang of Six plan has three legislative parts. The main features are mentioned below.

Part One

i. Cut deficits by $500 billion, by implementing aggressive deficit reduction down payment, immediately.

ii. Cut discretionary spending on security and non-security over 10 years.

iii. Spending money more efficiently on health care to strengthen the Medicare and Medicaid.

iv. Reforming the tax code by abolishing the $1.7 trillion Alternative Minimum Tax and reduction in marginal income tax.

v. Tightening government's budget process by imposing security and non-security firewalls and spending caps.

vi. Reforming social security for future generations by ensuring 75 year solvency.

Part Two

i. Cut deficits by $500 billion, immediately by implementing aggressive deficit reduction down payment.

ii. Imposing statutory discretionary spending caps through 2015 and implementing various budget reforms.

iii. Shifting to the chained-CPI, a more accurate measure to calculate inflation, from 2012.

iv. Repealing the Class Act.

v. Implementing policy changes such as freezing congressional pay and selling unused federal property and making unemployment insurance more effective.

vi. Implementing a comprehensive deficit reduction plan that includes discretionary, entitlement savings and tax reforms. This will require the committees to report within six months, the legislation that would attain real deficit savings in entitlement programs over 10 years.

vii. Submitting a report within six months for reforming taxes by broadening the tax base, lowering tax rates and generating economic growth, by the finance committee.

viii. In order to curb the wasteful spending by the government on programs to curb fraud and abuse, a program integrity savings of $26 billion must be achieved.

ix. Reviewing total spending on health care in 2020 to increase efficiency.

x. It has been mentioned in the plan that a expedited floor consideration should be provided for a consolidate bill meeting the instructions mentioned in the plan.

Part Three

i. Only if deficit bill has received 60 votes, a social security reform can be passed.

ii. The social security reform should ensure 75 year solvency.

iii. If a social security bill does not receive 60 votes, vitiation of the votes on deficit reduction bill can be allowed.

There are two ways to measure social security which are '75- year actuarial balance' and 'Cash flow balance'. The plan states that the social security reforms should be met by both these tests.

Even though the Gang of Six Plan has received appreciation from the President, the proposal is still being critically evaluated for changing the way inflation is being measured and the tax reforms suggested in the plan.

President Obama said, "We have a Democratic president and administration that is prepared to sign a tough package that includes both spending cuts, modifications to Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare that would strengthen those systems and allow them to move forward, and would include a revenue component,". We now have a bipartisan group of senators who agree with that balanced approach. And we’ve got the American people who agree with that balanced approach."

Create Jobs in America: Stop Building Banks

Lately, there’s been a lot of talk amongst socialist types (i.e. Warren Buffet) about letting tax cuts for the wealthy expire and closing tax loopholes for a few luxury items. They’ll give you all types of skewered statistics about wage disparities and tell you that the richest 400 Americans have accumulated as much money as half of the country. They may even get you wondering how a reasonable person could support any sort of break for these ultra wealthy folks when they’re hoarding all of the money but not creating any jobs, despite the "job creators" moniker given to them by some apparently confused politicians. These people are engaging in what is commonly called "class warfare" or, in some circles, "poor people trying not to starve to death". What they fail to realize, however, is that those jobs are right on the horizon, we just have to do two things- keep the tax cuts and stop building new banks.

This may be hard for you to comprehend if you don’t have a sophisticated economic mind like I do (which comes in very handy in my job as a truck driver), so let me explain. On August fifth The Federal Reserve reported that cash held by U.S. banks rose over eight percent to $981 billion. Shortly afterward, Bank of New York Mellon announced plans to start charging fees to clients who have too much money in their bank, a scenario that one analyst said "I've never seen (this) happen, not in 25 years". Clearly, it is getting to a point that the richest Americans are simply running out of room to store their money. "What does this mean to me, an everyday Working Joe?" you might ask. That’s a good question, Joe, and here’s the answer. When the vaults are so overstuffed with cash that the bank just can’t accept anymore, then, finally, the job creators, being encumbered by all that extra undepositable money, will do America the favor of creating some jobs.

I know what you’re thinking- "Wow, this is a dream come true. I knew trickle-down economics work and the economic policies of the last thirty years weren’t just a big scam. I should be employed again anytime now" but you need to do your part, too. You see, in a lot of places, new banks are still being built. I live in Port Charlotte, Florida, a small retirement community that no one would ever have heard of if not for Hurricane Charley, and we currently have three new banks under construction. This gives the wealthy new places to store their money, which holds them back from creating jobs. There’s an old Native American saying that goes like this- All politics is local. So go to your local zoning board meeting and tell them "I need a job. No new banks." That will solve part of the problem, but we still need to fill those existing vaults. They’re getting hard to close (one guy has to push while another person turns the lock) but until they’re completely overflowing with greenbacks- no job for you. Write your local congressperson and state senator and tell them to keep all the tax cuts and maybe make a few more.

If we all follow this simple plan banks everywhere will soon be busting at the seams with cash and America will be on the track to gainful employment for its citizens. Also, if you can, maybe just take your next unemployment check and send it to some random billionaire to speed up the process.

U.S. Deficit "Super Panel" Gets Its 6 Republican Members

The so-called "super panel" that will supposedly meet, come up with a solution to the country’s massive debt problem, and then have their suggestions put to a vote is starting to take shape more and more as of yesterday evening. The panel, officially known as the Joint Select Committee on deficit Reduction, will seek to find $1.5 trillion in budget savings over the next 10 years. While it’s likely that the panel will come up with something to save that much, one question is whether it will actually be enough. Government spending has gone awry over the past decade, and politicians seem absolutely addicted to it.

Yesterday, the six Republican members that will sit on the 12-member panel were named, with House Speaker John Boehner appointing Representatives Dave Camp, Jeb Hensarling and Fred Upton, while in the Senate Mitch McConnell chose Jon Kyl, Rob Portman and Patrick Toomey. Said McConnell when making his selections, "All three of these nominees understand the gravity of our situation and all three will bring the kind of responsibility, creativity and thoughtfulness that the moment requires."

The first three members named to the panel – Senate Democrats Max Baucus, John Kerry and Patty Murray, will be joined by three Democratic members of the House after Nancy Pelosi makes her choices. Speaking of the massive U.S. debt, Boehner said, "Our debt and deficits are a threat to our economy, and America cannot achieve long-term job growth until we take action to address this crisis. This joint committee presents an opportunity for both parties to bring to the table their best ideas, debate them on the merits, and ultimately come together to do what's best for our country."

Hadith Qudsi 29

On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: Allah (mighty and sublime be He) says:
My faithful servant's reward from Me, if I have taken to Me his best friend from amongst the inhabitants of the world and he has then borne it patiently for My sake, shall be nothing less than Paradise.

It was related by al-Bukhari.

Hadith Qudsi 30

On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: Allah (mighty and sublime be He) said:
If My servant likes to meet Me, I like to meet him; and if he dislikes to meet Me, I dislike to meet him. Prophetic explanation of this Sacred Hadith: He who likes to meet Allah, Allah likes to meet him; and he who dislikes to meet Allah, Allah dislikes to meet him. Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: O Prophet of Allah, is it because of the dislike of death, for all of us dislike death? The Prophet (pbuh) said: It is not so, but rather it is that when the believer is given news of Allah's mercy, His approval and His Paradise, he likes to meet Allah and Allah likes to meet him; but when the unbeliever is given news of Allah's punishment and His displeasure, he dislikes to meet Allah and Allah dislikes to meet him.

It was related by al-Bukhari and Malik. The Prophetic version is related by Muslim.

Hadith Qudsi 28

On the authority of Jundub ibn Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
There was amongst those before you a man who had a wound. He was in [such] anguish that he took a knife and made with it a cut in his hand, and the blood did not cease to flow till he died. Allah the Almighty said: My servant has himself forestalled Me; I have forbidden him Paradise.

It was related by al-Bukhari.

Hadith Qudsi 26

On the authority of Abu Umamah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: Allah (mighty and sublime be He) said:
Truly of those devoted to Me the one I most favour is a believer who is of meagre means and much given to prayer, who has been particular in the worship of his Lord and has obeyed Him inwardly (1), who was obscure among people and not pointed our, and whose sustenance was just sufficient to provide for him yet he bore this patiently. Then the Prophet (pbuh) rapped his hand and said: Death will have come early to him, his mourners will have been few, his estate scant.

(1) i.e. he has not been ostentatious in his obedience.

It was related by at-Tirmidhi (also by Ahmad ibn Hanbal and Ibn Majah). Its chain of authorities is sound.

Hadith Qudsi 27

On the authority of Masruq, who said:
We asked Abdullah (i.e. Ibn Masud) about this verse: And do not regard those who have been killed in the cause of Allah as dead, rather are they alive with their Lord, being provided for (Quran Chapter 3 Verse 169). He said: We asked about that and the Prophet (pbuh) said: Their souls are in the insides of green birds having lanterns suspended from the Throne, roaming freely in Paradise where they please, then taking shelter in those lanterns. So their Lord cast a glance at them (1) and said: Do you wish for anything? They said: What shall we wish for when we roam freely in Paradise where we please? And thus did He do to them three times. When they say that they would not be spared from being asked [again], they said: O Lord, we would like for You to put back our souls into our bodies so that we might fight for Your sake once again. And when He saw that they were not in need of anything they were let be.

(1) i.e. at those who had been killed in the cause of Allah.

It was related by Muslim (also by at-Tirmidhi, an-Nasa'i and Ibn Majah).

Hadith Qudsi 24

On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
If Allah has loved a servant [of His] He calls Gabriel (on whom be peace) and says: I love So-and-so, therefore love him. He (the Prophet pbuh) said: So Gabriel loves him. Then he (Gabriel) calls out in heaven, saying: Allah loves So-and-so, therefore love him. And the inhabitants of heaven love him. He (the Prophet pbuh) said: Then acceptance is established for him on earth. And if Allah has abhorred a servant [of His], He calls Gabriel and says: I abhor So-and-so, therefore abhor him. So Gabriel abhors him. Then Gabriel calls out to the inhabitants of heaven: Allah abhors So-and-so, therefore abhor him. He (the Prophet pbuh) said: So they abhor him, and abhorrence is established for him on earth.

It was related by Muslim (also by al-Bukhari, Malik, and at-Tirmidhi).

Hadith Qudsi 25

On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: Allah (mighty and sublime be He) said:
Whosoever shows enmity to someone devoted to Me, I shall be at war with him. My servant draws not near to Me with anything more loved by Me than the religious duties I have enjoined upon him, and My servant continues to draw near to Me with supererogatory works so that I shall love him. When I love him I am his hearing with which he hears, his seeing with which he sees, his hand with which he strikes and his foot with which he walks. Were he to ask [something] of Me, I would surely give it to him, and were he to ask Me for refuge, I would surely grant him it. I do not hesitate about anything as much as I hesitate about [seizing] the soul of My faithful servant: he hates death and I hate hurting him.

It was related by al-Bukhari.

Hadith Qudsi 23

On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: Allah will say on the Day of Resurrection:
Where are those who love one another through My glory? Today I shall give them shade in My shade, it being a day when there is no shade but My shade.

It was related by al-Bukhari (also by Malik).

Hadith Qudsi 20

On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
The gates of Paradise will be opened on Mondays and on Thursdays, and every servant [of Allah] who associates nothing with Allah will be forgiven, except for the man who has a grudge against his brother. [About them] it will be said: Delay these two until they are reconciled; delay these two until they are reconciled.

It was related by Muslim (also by Malik and Abu Dawud).

Hadith Qudsi 21

On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said that Allah the Almighty said:
There are three (1) whose adversary I shall be on the Day of Resurrection: a man who has given his word by Me and has broken it; a man who has sold a free man (2) and has consumed the price; and a man who has hired a workman, has exacted his due in full from him and has not given him his wage.

(1) i.e. types of men.

(2) i.e. a man who has made a slave of another and has sold him.

It was related by al-Bukhari (also by Ibn Majah and Ahmad ibn Hanbal).

Hadith Qudsi 22:
On the authority of Abu Sa'id (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
Let not any one of you belittle himself. They said: O Messenger of Allah, how can any one of us belittle himself? He said: He finds a matter concerning Allah about which he should say something, and he does not say [it], so Allah (mighty and sublime be He) says to him on the Day of Resurrection: What prevented you from saying something about such-and-such and such-and-such? He say: [It was] out of fear of people. Then He says: Rather it is I whom you should more properly fear.

It was related by Ibn Majah with a sound chain of authorities.

Hadith Qudsi 18

On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: Allah (mighty and sublime be He) will say on the Day of Resurrection:
O son of Adam, I fell ill and you visited Me not. He will say: O Lord, and how should I visit You when You are the Lord of the worlds? He will say: Did you not know that My servant So-and-so had fallen ill and you visited him not? Did you not know that had you visited him you would have found Me with him? O son of Adam, I asked you for food and you fed Me not. He will say: O Lord, and how should I feed You when You are the Lord of the worlds? He will say: Did you not know that My servant So-and-so asked you for food and you fed him not? Did you not know that had you fed him you would surely have found that (the reward for doing so) with Me? O son of Adam, I asked you to give Me to drink and you gave Me not to drink. He will say: O Lord, how should I give You to drink whin You are the Lord of the worlds? He will say: My servant So-and-so asked you to give him to drink and you gave him not to drink. Had you given him to drink you would have surely found that with Me.

It was related by Muslim.

Hadith Qudsi 19

On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: Allah (mighty and sublime be He) said:
Pride is my cloak and greatness My robe, and he who competes with Me in respect of either of them I shall cast into Hell-fire.

It was related by Abu Dawud (also by Ibn Majah and Ahmad) with sound chains of authority. This Hadith also appears in Muslim in another version.

Hadith Qudsi 16

On the authority of son of Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both), from the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), among the sayings he related from his Lord (glorified and exalted be He) is that He said:
Allah has written down the good deeds and the bad ones. Then He explained it [by saying that] he who has intended a good deed and has not done it, Allah writes it down with Himself as a full good deed, but if he has intended it and has done it, Allah writes it down with Himself as from ten good deeds to seven hundred times, or many times over. But if he has intended a bad deed and has not done it, Allah writes it down with Himself as a full good deed, but if he has intended it and has done it, Allah writes it down as one bad deed.

It was related by al-Bukhari and Muslim.

Hadith Qudsi 17

On the authority of Abu Dharr al-Ghifari (may Allah be pleased with him) from the Prophet (PBUH) is that among the sayings he relates from his Lord (may He be glorified) is that He said:
O My servants, I have forbidden oppression for Myself and have made it forbidden amongst you, so do not oppress one another. O My servants, all of you are astray except for those I have guided, so seek guidance of Me and I shall guide you, O My servants, all of you are hungry except for those I have fed, so seek food of Me and I shall feed you. O My servants, all of you are naked except for those I have clothed, so seek clothing of Me and I shall clothe you. O My servants, you sin by night and by day, and I forgive all sins, so seek forgiveness of Me and I shall forgive you. O My servants, you will not attain harming Me so as to harm Me, and will not attain benefitting Me so as to benefit Me. O My servants, were the first of you and the last of you, the human of you and the jinn of you to be as pious as the most pious heart of any one man of you, that would not increase My kingdom in anything. O My servants, were the first of you and the last of you, the human of you and the jinn of you to be as wicked as the most wicked heart of any one man of you, that would not decrease My kingdom in anything. O My servants, were the first of you and the last of you, the human of you and the jinn of you to rise up in one place and make a request of Me, and were I to give everyone what he requested, that would not decrease what I have, any more that a needle decreases the sea if put into it. O My servants, it is but your deeds that I reckon up for you and then recompense you for, so let him finds good praise Allah and let him who finds other that blame no one but himself.

It was related by Muslim (also by at-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah).

Hadith Qudsi 14

On the authority of Abu Harayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) from the Prophet (PBUH), who said:
Allah (glorified and exalted be He) has supernumerary angels who rove about seeking out gatherings in which Allah's name is being invoked: they sit with them and fold their wings round each other, fillin that which is between them and between the lowest heaven. When [the people in the gathering] depart, [the angels] ascend and rise up to heaven. He (the Prophet p.b.u.h.) said: Then Allah (mighty and sublime be He) asks them - [though] He is most knowing about them: From where have you come? And they say: We have come from some servants of Yours on Earth: they were glorifying You (Subhana llah), exalting you (Allahu akbar), witnessing that there is no god but You (La ilaha illa llah), praising You (Al-Hamdu lillah), and asking [favours] of You. He says: And what do they ask of Me? They say: They ask of You Your Paradise. He says: And have they seen My Paradise? They say: No, O Lord. He says: And how would it be were they to have seen My Paradise! They say: And they ask protection of You. He says: From what do they ask protection of Me? They say: From Your Hell-fire, O Lord. He says: And have they seen My Hell-fire? They say: NO. He says: And how would it be were they to have seen My Hell-fire: They say: And they ask for Your forgiveness. He (the Prophet p.b.u.h) said: Then He says: I have forgiven them and I have bestowed upon them what they have asked for,and I have granted them sanctuary from that from which they asked protection. He (the Prophet p.b.u.h) said: They say: O Lord, among then is So-and-so, a much sinning servant, who was merely passing by and sat down with them. He (the Prophet p.b.u.h) said: And He says: And to him [too] I have given forgiveness: he who sits with such people shall not suffer.

It was related by Muslim (also by al-Bukhari, at-Tirmidhi, and an-Nasa'i).

Hadith Qudsi 15

On the authority of Abu Harayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Prophet (PBUH) said: Allah the Almighty said:
I am as My servant thinks I am (1). I am with him when he makes mention of Me. If he makes mention of Me to himself, I make mention of him to Myself; and if he makes mention of Me in an assembly, I make mention of him in an assemble better than it. And if he draws near to Me an arm's length, I draw near to him a fathom's length. And if he comes to Me walking, I go to him at speed.

(1) Another possible rendering of the Arabic is: "I am as My servant expects Me to be". The meaning is that forgiveness and acceptance of repentance by the Almighty is subject to His servant truly believing that He is forgiving and merciful. However, not to accompany such belief with right action would be to mock the Almighty.

It was related by al-Buhkari (also by Muslim, at-Tirmidhi and Ibn-Majah).

Hadith Qudsi 12

On the authority of Abu Mas'ud al-Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of Allah (may the blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said:
A man from among those who were before you was called to account. Nothing in the way of good was found for him except that he used to have dealings with people and, being well-to-do, he would order his servants to let off the man in straitened circumstances [from repaying his debt]. He (the Prophet p.b.u.h) said that Allah said: We are worthier than you of that (of being so generous). Let him off.

It was related by Muslim (also by al-Bukhari and an-Nasa'i).

Hadith Qudsi 13

On the authority of Adiyy ibn Hatim (may Allah be pleased with him), who said:
I was with the Messenger of Allah (may the blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and there came to him two men: one of them was complaining of penury (being very poor), while the other was complaining of brigandry (robbery). The Messenger of Allah (may the blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: As for brigandry, it will be but a short time before a caravan will [be able to] go out of Mecca without a guard. As for penury, the Hour (Day of Judgement) will not arrive before one of you takes his charity around without finding anyone to accept it from him. Then (1) one of you will surely stand before Allah, there being no screed between Him and him, nor an interpreter to translate for him. Then He will say to him: Did I not bring you wealth? And he will say: Yes. Then He will say: Did I not send to you a messenger? And he will say: Yes. And he will look to his right and will see nothing but Hell-fire, then he will look to his left and will see nothing but Hell-fire, so let each of you protect himself against Hell-fire, be it with even half a date - and if he finds it not, then with a kind word.

(1) i.e. at the time of the Hour. It was related by al-Bukhari.

Hadith Qudsi 10

On the authority of Abu Harayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) from the Prophet (PBUH), who said: Allah (mighty and sublime be He) says:
Fasting is Mine and it I who give reward for it. [A man] gives up his sexual passion, his food and his drink for my sake. Fasting is like a shield, and he who fasts has two joys: a joy whin he breaks his fast and a joy when he meets his Lord. The change in the breath of the mouth of him who fasts is better in Allah's estimation than the smell of musk.

It was related by al-Bukhari (also by Muslim, Malik, at-Tirmidhi, an-Nasa'i and Ibn Majah).

Hadith Qudsi 11

On the authority of Abu Harayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) from the Prophet (PBUH), who said: Allah (mighty and sublime be He) said:
Spend (on charity), O son of Adam, and I shall spend on you.

Hadith Qudsi 8

On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) from the Prophet (PBUH), who said:
A prayer performed by someone who has not recited the Essence of the Quran (1) during it is deficient (and he repeated the word three times), incomplete. Someone said to Abu Hurayrah: [Even though] we are behind the imam? (2) He said: Recite it to yourself, for I have heard the Prophet (may the blessings and peace of Allah be up on him) say: Allah (mighty and sublime be He), had said: I have divided prayer between Myself and My servant into two halves, and My servant shall have what he has asked for. When the servant says: Al-hamdu lillahi rabbi l-alamin (3), Allah (mighty and sublime be He) says: My servant has praised Me. And when he says: Ar-rahmani r-rahim (4), Allah (mighty and sublime be He) says: My servant has extolled Me, and when he says: Maliki yawmi d-din (5), Allah says: My servant has glorified Me - and on one occasion He said: My servant has submitted to My power. And when he says: Iyyaka na budu wa iyyaka nasta in (6), He says: This is between Me and My servant, and My servant shall have what he has asked for. And when he says: Ihdina s-sirata l- mustaqim, siratal ladhina an amta alayhim ghayril-maghdubi alayhim wa la d-dallin (7), He says: This is for My servant, and My servant shall have what he has asked for.

(1) Surat al-Fatihah, the first surah (chapter) of the Qur'an.

(2) i.e. standing behind the imam (leader) listening to him reciting al-Fatihah.

(3) "Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds."

(4) "The Merciful, the Compassionate".

(5) "Master of the Day of Judgement".

(6) "It is You we worship and it is You we ask for help".

(7) "Guide us to the straight path, the path of those upon whom You have bestowed favors, not of those against whom You are angry, nor of those who are astray".

It was related by Muslim (also by Malik, at-Tirmidhi, Abu-Dawud, an-Nasa'i and Ibn Majah).

Hadith Qudsi 9

On the authority of Abu Harayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) from the Prophet (PBUH), who said: Allah (mighty and sublime be He) says:
The fist of his actions for which a servant of Allah will be held accountable on the Day of Resurrection will be his prayers. If they are in order, then he will have prospered and succeeded: and if they are wanting, then he will have failed and lost. If there is something defective in his obligatory prayers, the Lord (glorified and exalted be He) will say: See if My servant has any supererogatory prayers with which may be completed that which was defective in his obligatory prayers. Then the rest of his actions will be judged in like fashion.

It was related by at-Tirmidhi (also by Abu Dawud, an-Nasa'i, Ibn Majah and Ahmad).

Hadith Qudsi 6

On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) say:
The first of people against whom judgment will be pronounced on the Day of Resurrection will be a man who died a martyr. He will be brought and Allah will make known to him His favours and he will recognize them. [ The Almighty] will say: And what did you do about them? He will say: I fought for you until I died a martyr. He will say: You have lied - you did but fight that it might be said [of you]: He is courageous. And so it was said. Then he will be ordered to be dragged along on his face until he is cast into Hell-fire. [Another] will be a man who has studied [religious] knowledge and has taught it and who used to recite the Quran. He will be brought and Allah will make known to his His favours and he will recognize them. [The Almighty] will say: And what did you do about them? He will say: I studied [religious] knowledge and I taught it and I recited the Quran for Your sake. He will say: You have lied - you did but study [religious] knowledge that it might be said [of you]: He is learned. And you recited the Quran that it might be said [of you]: He is a reciter. And so it was said. Then he will be ordered to be dragged along on his face until he is cast into Hell-fire. [Another] will be a man whom Allah had made rich and to whom He had given all kinds of wealth. He will be brought and Allah will make known to his His favours and he will recognize them. [The Almighty] will say: And what did you do about them? He will say: I left no path [untrodden] in which You like money to be spent without spending in it for Your sake. He will say: You have lied - you did but do so that it might be said [of you]: He is open-handed. And so it was said. Then he will be ordered to be dragged along on his face until he is cast into Hell-fire.

It was related by Muslim (also by at-Tirmidhi and an-Nasa'i).

Hadith Qudsi 7

On the authority of Uqbah ibn Amir (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: I heard the messenger of Allah (PBUH) say:
Your Lord delights at a shepherd who, on the peak of a mountain crag, gives the call to prayer and prays. Then Allah (glorified and exalted be He) say: Look at this servant of Mine, he gives the call to prayer and performs the prayers; he is in awe of Me. I have forgiven My servant [his sins] and have admitted him to Paradise.

It was related by an-Nasa'i with a good chain of authorities.

Hadith Qudsi 4

On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: Allah said:
Sons of Adam inveigh against [the vicissitudes of] Time, and I am Time, in My hand is the night and the day (1).

(1) As the Almighty is the Ordainer of all things, to inveigh aginst misfortunes that are part of Time is tantamount to inveighing against Him.

It was related by al-Bukhari (also by Muslim).

Hadith Qudsi 5

On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: Allah (glorified and exalted be He) said:
I am so self-sufficient that I am in no need of having an associate. Thus he who does an action for someone else's sake as well as Mine will have that action renounced by Me to him whom he associated with Me.

It was related by Muslim (also by Ibn Majah).

Hadith Qudsi 2

On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: Allah Almighty has said:
The son of Adam denied Me and he had no right to do so. And he reviled Me and he had no right to do so. As for his denying Me, it is his saying: He will not remake me as He made me at first (1) - and the initial creation [of him] is no easier for Me than remaking him. As for his reviling Me, it is his saying: Allah has taken to Himself a son, while I am the One, the Everlasting Refuge. I begot not nor was I begotten, and there is none comparable to Me.

(1) i.e., bring me back to life after death.

It was related by al-Bukhari (also by an-Nasa'i).

Hadith Qudsi 3

On the authority of Zayd ibn Khalid al-Juhaniyy (may Allah be pleased with him), who said:
The Messenger of Allah (may the blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) led the morning prayer for us at al-Hudaybiyah following rainfall during the night. When the Prophet (may the blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) finished, he faced the people and said to them: Do you know what your Lord has said? They said: Allah and his Messenger know best. He said: This morning one of my servants became a believer in Me and one a disbeliever. As for him who said: We have been given rain by virtue of Allah and His mercy, that one is a believer in Me, a disbeliever in the stars (2); and as for him who said: We have been given rain by such-and-such a star, that one is a disbeliever in Me, a believer in the stars.

(2) The pre-Islamic Arabs believed that rain was brought about by the movement of stars. This Hadith draws attention to the fact that whatever be the direct cause of such natural phenomena as rain, it is Allah the Almighty who is the Disposer of all things.

It is related by al-Bukhari (also by Malik and an-Nasa'i).

Hadith Qudsi 1:

On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:

When Allah decreed the Creation He pledged Himself by writing in His book which is laid down with Him: My mercy prevails over my wrath.

It was related by Muslim (also by al-Bukhari, an-Nasa'i and Ibn Majah).

Paksat-1R launch in China this week

BEIJING (INP) - Paksat-1R, a Pakistani geostationary and an advanced communication satellite, is due to be launched in space from a Chinese satellite launching site in Xichang city in the second week of August, depending on weather conditions.
Paksat-1R will replace Paksat-1, which is going to complete its useful life this year.
“Paksat-1R is going to be a new symbolic development in Pakistan-China relations, as it will broaden the horizons of cooperation between the two countries,” said Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Masood Khan.
In an interview to mark the launch of Paksat-1R, the ambassador said that during Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao’s visit to Pakistan in December last year, the two governments had decided to deepen cooperation in space science and technology.
“The satellite, Paksat-1R, is a big step in that direction,” he said, adding, “It will revolutionise the use of broadband Internet, digital television broadcasting and mobile telephony. “It will spur our economy, strengthen the education and health sectors and help us with disaster preparedness and response.”
Khan held that such cooperation with China would help Pakistan move towards self-reliance.
Tracing the history of cooperation between the two countries in the realm of space science, the ambassador said that “it goes back to the 1990s, when Pakistan launched its first low earth orbit satellite Badr-1”. Since then, we had been enhancing “our cooperation” in space science and technology, he added.
“We are now looking at cooperation in remote sensing satellites. It is a long term project with many civilian uses. A remote sensing satellite will cover areas like agriculture, oceanography, disaster management and mitigation, crop monitoring, earth observation, water resources management, weather forecasting and urban planning. Such an application will have a direct positive impact on Pakistan’s socio-economic development.”
Expressing gratitude on behalf of the Pakistani nation to China for its support to Pakistan for developing its satellite industry, Khan said the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) had been establishing the necessary space technology infrastructure. “We are developing common technology platforms with China.” In the due course of time, he added, Pakistan would want to develop its spaceflight programme.
The ambassador also said that leaders and professionals of the China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC), China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) and China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) were keen to extend full cooperation to Pakistan. “They all are so positive, forthcoming and hospitable towards Pakistan. In this atmosphere, I am sure our cooperation will move from strength to strength,” Khan said.
He also said that “it is our natural aspiration that a Pakistani astronaut aboard a Chinese spacecraft flies to the space”. “This is possible because Pakistan and China enjoy relations of trust and confidence,” the ambassador added.

PAF completes production of 26 JF-17 Thunder jets: Pak official

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Air Force has completed the production of 26 JF-17 Thunder combat jets in collaboration with China during a period of two years, an official said on Tuesday.

The senior PAF official, who was briefing the public accounts committee of parliament, said while replying to a query that the air force had achieved the target set for producing the JF-17 jets in the country.

The parliamentary panel was informed that Pakistan began the serial production of the jet in collaboration with China two years ago.

The JF-17 was jointly developed by Pakistan and China. The PAF plans to induct 250 JF-17s in the coming years. Defence production secretary Shahid Iqbal told the parliamentary committee that two P-3C Orion anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft were destroyed in a recent terrorist attack on a naval airbase in Karachi and efforts were being made to replace them.

Silsila Naqshbandi

Silsila Naqshbandi

The World Economy

Great Financial Crisis? What Great Financial Crisis?

That seems to be the attitude in 2011. Which worries us at EconomyWatch.com, because we do not believe that the underlying problems have been solved. If anything, they have been exacerbated.

But first, the numbers, taken as ever from our Economic Statistics Database.

World Economic Statistics at a Glance - 2011 Forecast

World GDP (PPP): $78.092 trillion
GDP Growth Rate: 3.3%
GDP Per Capita (PPP): $11,100
GDP By Sector: Services 63.4%, Industry 30.8%, Agriculture 5.8%
Growth In Trade Volume: 6.953%
Industrial Production Growth Rate: 4.6%
Population: 6.768 billion
Population Growth Rate: 1.133%
Urban Population: 50.5%
Urbanization Rate: 1.85% (125 million people move to cities every year)
The Poor (Income below $2 per day): Approx 3.25 billion (~ 50%)
Millionaires: Approx 10 million (~ 0.15%)
Labor Force: 3.232 billion
Inflation Rate - Developed Countries: 2.5%
Inflation Rate - Developing Countries: 5.6%
Unemployment Rate: 8.8%
Investment: 23.4% of GDP
Public Debt: 58.3% of GDP

Market Value of Publicly Traded Companies: $48.85 trillion, or 62.6% of World GDP

Sources: EconomyWatch.com Economic Statistics Database, CIA World Factbook, IMF, World Bank

The World Economy in 2010 was worth $74.007 trillion in GDP terms, using the Purchasing Price Parity (PPP) method of valuation. This is expected to grow to $78.092 trillion in 2011.

The overall global economy averaged a 3.2 per cent growth rate between 2000 and 2007, suffering a slight dip in 2001 - 2002 thanks to the Dot Com Crash, but continuing to grow throughout that period. In fact 2004 - 2007 were boom years. The Emerging Markets, led by the giants of China, India, Russia and Brazil (the BRIC countries) had been posting 7 per cent - 10 per cent growth rates for years. Property and stock market booms had brought consistent growth in North America and Europe. Investment was bringing economic development to much of the Middle East and Africa, and even Japan was recovering from its deflationary 'Lost Years'.

Economic conditions within these countries play a major role in setting the economic atmosphere of less well-to-do nations and their economies. In many aspects, developing and less developed economies depend on the developed countries for their economic wellbeing.

Theories were even circulating that thanks to the growth of the developing world, we might enjoy years of unfettered growth, as new markets would go through successive growth spurts and counter the effects of slowing growth elsewhere. It was suggested that Asia was 'decoupling' from the US and able to grow under its own steam thanks to its two 'Awakening Giants'.

Sadly, that turned out to be hogwash, as deregulation allowed western banks to build up unsustainable levels of debt that brought the global economy to the brink of depression.

As the 'Sub-Prime' Crisis morphed into a fully fledged crash then global Financial Crisis, 2008 started to bomb and 2009 became the first year that the world recorded a loss in GDP since World War II. 2.031% was wiped out of the global economy - or $3.3 trillion of value.

US Economy

The United States of America (US or USA) is the largest and most important economy in the world. In 2010, The US economy was responsible for 20.218 percent of the world’s total GDP (PPP) or US$ 14.624 trillion.

Yet despite leading the world’s economy for more than a hundred years, The US economy is now facing its greatest ever challenge since World War II. This challenge has been a result of both domestic and international factors.

Domestically, the US economy’s frailties were cruelly exposed during the 2008 financial crisis. The US economy has found it harder to recover from the 2008 financial crisis, believed to be the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression, as compared to previous downturns. Consumer confidence within the country is at all time low, perpetuating the slow economic growth since 2008.

On the international front, it is increasingly likely that the US will lose its status as the world’s largest economy. According to the latest IMF forecast done in April 2011, China is expected to overtake the US by 2016. This has come as a major surprise for the global community – previous forecasts had predicted China overtaking the US by 2035 at best.

North America Economy

North America spans the northern continent of the Americas and is situated in the Northern Hemisphere. North America is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the North Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by the Caribbean Sea, and to the west by the North Pacific Ocean. North America covers an area of more than 9.5 million square miles and has a population of nearly 530 million. After Asia and Africa, North America is the third largest continent in the world. It comprises of countries like the USA, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama and Haiti.



The North American economy is a diverse one. While the US and Canada is blessed with a modern and sophisticated economic system, the economy of Mexico is still undergoing major developments in sectors like power, transportation and manufacturing.
North America Economy: USA Economic Profile

The US has the largest and the most technologically developed economy in the world, with a per capita GDP of $46,900. Business firms in the US enjoy a greater degree of flexibility compared to businesses in Japan and Western Europe in terms of innovation and expansion. The GDP-PPP of the US in 2009 was $14.25 trillion, down from $14.61 trillion in the previous year. The GDP-real growth rate contracted by 2.4% in 2009, a sharp drop from 2008 levels when the rate was +0.4%. The services sector contributes 76% to the nation’s GDP, followed by industry and agriculture at 21.9% and 1.2% respectively. The unemployment rate in the US was 9.4% in 2009, up from 5.8% in 2008.

North America Economy: Canada Economic Profile

Canada is equipped with a high tech industrial economy, and resembles the US in its market oriented economic system, production pattern and high living standards. Canada enjoyed solid economic growth from 1993-2007. Canada was affected by the 2007-08 recession. In 2009, after showing 12 years of surplus, Ottawa featured its first fiscal deficit in 2009. The Canadian banks, however, emerged from the crisis, owing to conservative lending practices and strong capitalization. Canada’s GDP-PPP in 2009 was $1.287 trillion, down from $1.319 trillion in 2008. The services sector contributes 69.6% to the nation’s GDP, followed by industry and agriculture at 28.4% and 2% respectively.

Economy of California State

Demography And Social Indicators

California Economy : California is the most populated state in the United States. It is located in the far west bordered by Oregon, Nevada, and across the Colorado River, Arizona, Mexico and the Pacific Ocean.

The state owns a more productive economy. Agriculture in the state is gradually yielding to the industry as the core of the economy. The state is considered as a major center for the United States for its motion picture, television film, and related entertainment industries, especially in Hollywood and Burbank.

Social Indicators of California Economy
The state constitutes a total geographical area of 163,696 sq mi; total acres forested 40.2 mil.The total population of the state in July 2004 was calculated at 35,893,799 in comparison to 35,484,453 in July 2003. The net change of the population for 2002-03 was 1.4%. The population density of the state was 227.5 per Sq Mi. With regards to the racial distribution (2000) there were 59.5% white, 6.7% black.

Business and Economy of California
The economy of California plays a very significant role in United States. The state's economy has a dominant force in the economy of US.

According to data given by the California Department of Finance, California's gross state product is $1.543 trillion ("accelerated estimates for 2004 were completed and released in June 2005").

Bureau of Economic Analysis, finds California's gross state product is $1.543 trillion (2004 data, revised June 2005).The GDP increased at an annual rate of 3.1% in the first quarter of 2005.Per capita personal income of the state was $33,403 in the year 2003.

Among the various sectors of the economy, the Chief industries include agriculture, tourism, apparel, electronics, telecommunication and entetainment.

The chief manufacturing goods of the state are electronic and electrical equipment, computers, industrial machinery, transportation equipments, and instruments, foods. The chief farm productsinclude milk and cream, grapes, cotton, flowers, oranges, rice, nursery products, hay, tomatoes, letuce, almonds and asparagus. The major livestock as of Jan 2004: 5.2 mil. Cattle/calves; 680,000 sheep/lambs; Jan 2003: 135,000 hogs/pigs. Energy Production In California
The electricity production (est. 2003, kwh by source): petroleum: 51 mil; Gas: 9.7 bil; Hydroelectric: 34.2 bil; Nuclear: 35.6 bil; other: 331 mil.

Tourist Attraction Of California

    * The Queen Mary, Long Beach;
    * Palomar Mountain;
    * Disneyland, Anaheim;
    * Getty Center, Los Angeles;
    * Tournament of Roses and Rose Bowl, Pasadena;
    * Universal Studios, Hollywood;
    * Long Beach Aquarium of the pacific;
    * San Diego Economy
    * San Francisco Economy
    * Los Angeles Economy
    * Golden State Museum, Sacramento;
    * Lassen and Sequoia- kings Canyon natl. parks;
    * Monterey Pensisula;

Colleges, Schools and Universities In California

    * Argosy University - San Francisco, Orange County
    * The Art Institute Online
    * The Art Institute of California - Los Angeles (Santa Monica)
    * American Inter Continental University - Los Angeles, California
    * American Inter Continental University Online
    * American Sentinel University - Online
    * Brooks College - Long Beach, California
    * Brooks College - Sunnyvale, California
    * Byrant and Stratton College - Online
    * Career Networks Institute - Orange County
    * Capella University
    * Clarita Career College - Canyon County
    * California College - San Diego
    * California Culinary Academy - San Francisco, California
    * California School of Culinary Arts - Pasadena, California
    * Central Coast College - Salinas
    * Coleman College - San Diego, San Marcos
    * College America - San Diego
    * DeVry University - Fremont, Long Beach, Pomona, West Hills
    * DeVry University Center (DVUC) - Irvine, California
    * DeVry University Center (DVUC) - San Francisco, California
    * Jones International University Online
    * Maric College - Bakersfield, Modesto, Palm Springs, Stockton, San Diego California
    * Mt Sierra College - Monrovia
    * New Horizons Computer Learning Center - Anaheim, Los Angeles
    * Northwestern College - Sacramento
          o Rancho Cucamonga
    * Redstone Aviation - Los Angeles
    * San Joaquin Valley College - Bakersfield, Fresno, Modesto, Rancho Cordova, Rancho Cucamonga, Visalia
    * South University - Online
    * University of Phoenix
          o Northern CA Campus
          o Sacramento
          o San Diego
          o Southern CA
    * University of Phoenix Online
    * University of Redlands - Burbank, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, Riverside, San Diego, Temecula, Torrance
    * Western Career College - Citrus Heights, Emeryville, Pleasant Hill, Sacramento, San Jose, San Leandro, Stockton, Walnut Creek
    * Westwood College of Technology - Anaheim, Inland Empire, Los Angeles
    * Westwood College of Technology - Online

Canada Economy

Canada is the 9th largest economy in the world based on GDP (current prices, US dollars) and the 14th largest based on GDP (PPP). Since the 2008 global financial crisis, the Canadian economy has re-emerged as one of the strongest advanced economies in the world. In 2010, Canada’s GDP growth (constant prices, national currency) stood at 3.071 percent – the highest it had been since 2004.

Prior to World War II, agriculture was the primary driver of the Canadian economy with over 60 percent of the population living in rural towns or farms. Canada had struggled to recover from the Great Depression, with Gross National Product falling by 43 percent and exports dropping by 50 percent between 1929 and 1933. By 1933, unemployment had risen to more than 25%.

World War II marked a major transformation in the Canadian economy. Manufacturing, mining and services grew rapidly to meet the demands of the war and agriculture production became more mechanised and efficient.

As a result, there was an upturn in industrial production and manufacturing in Canada. New jobs were also being created while industries benefitted from a highly trained and diversified labour force that had arisen during the war.

Today, the Canadian economy strongly resembles that of its neighbour to the south, the US. Besides having similar patterns of production and living standards, Canada has also adopted a market oriented economic system.

However unlike the US or most other advanced economies, Canada’s primary sector, namely the logging and oil industries, remains an important element to the economy.

Canada’s manufacturing industry is also highly valued by the economy – the automobile industry for example attracts major investments from US and Japanese automobile companies with multiple manufacturing plants set up in Canada.

 Canada’s economy also distinguishes itself from the US, whereby it is a net exporter of commodities while the US is a net importer. Furthermore, the Canadian banking industry is considered to be fairly conservative compared to that of the US.

Despite the differences, Canada’s economic progress is closely tied to that of the US. Following the signing of the 1989 US-Canada Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), trade and economic integration between both countries have increased significantly. The US is Canada’s largest foreign investor with heavy investments in mining, smelting, petroleum, chemicals and machinery. Often, Canadian economic policies have been adjusted in order to adapt to changes in the US economy. Historically, even a minor change in the US interest rates has had economic repercussions in Canada.
Canada’s Export, Import and Trade

Although NAFTA dramatically improved trade between the US and Canada, disputes still remain pertaing to intellectual property rights, softwood lumber, beef, tomatoes and other agricultural products.

The US is Canada’s largest and most important trade partner. In 2009, 75.02 percent of Canadian exports were directed to the US, while 51.1 percent of imports came from the US.

Commodities dominate trade between the US and Canada. In agriculture, both countries are its counterpart’s largest export market – the US imports more than half of Canada’s food products while Canada imports nearly 20 percent of the US’s food product.

The energy trade is another critical element in US-Canada trade. Canada is the US’s largest oil supplier, accounting for 16 percent of US oil imports and 14 percent of US’s natural gas consumption. Besides sharing hydropower facilities on the western borders, national electricity grids in Canada and the US are also linked with each other.

The UK and China are Canada’s next largest export partners after the US. Respectively, these countries account for 3.37 and 3.09 percent of Canada’s exports. China is also the second largest source for imports to Canada, accounting for 10.88 percent of imports. In 2010, Canada was the 10th largest exporter and 12th largest importer in the world.