cypryan06

Forex

2008-03-25T03:53:00.000-07:00

FOREX.com is a division of GAIN Capital Group, a dedicated partner to professional FX traders and fund managers worldwide. Institutional services include IB programs, white label solutions, and asset management. Individual forex traders can take advantage of the market expertise and financial strength of GAIN Capital Group and access an institutional FX trading platform, FOREXTrader, along with our powerful real-time forex charts, professional forex market research, and suite of advanced forex trading tools. For traders new to the currency trading, FOREX.com offers forex training programs, forex minis, and information about trading the foreign currency market.
The high degree of leverage available can work against you as well as for you. Before deciding to invest in Forex you should carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite and other circumstances. The possibility exists that you could sustain a loss of some or all of your investment and therefore you should not invest money that you cannot afford to lose. You may be liable for losses that exceed the amount of margin that you post.
Trading in Forex is not suitable for many members of the public. You should carefully consider whether trading is appropriate for you in light of your experience, objectives, financial resources and other relevant circumstances. In light of the risks, you should undertake such transactions only if you (the "Customer") understand the nature of the trading into which you are about to engage and the extent of your exposure to risk.
1. Trading Is Very Speculative and Risky.
Forex is highly speculative and is suitable only for those Customers who (a) understand and are willing to assume the economic, legal and other risks involved, and (b) are financially able to assume losses significantly in excess of margin or deposits. Forex is not an appropriate investment for retirement funds. Customer represents warrants and agrees that Customer understands these risks; that Customer is willing and able, financially and otherwise, to assume the risks of Forex and that loss of Customer’s entire account balance will not change Customer’s life style.
2. High Leverage And Low Margin Can Lead To Quick Losses.
The high leverage and low margin associated with Forex can result in significant losses due to price changes in Foreign Exchange Contracts and Cross Currency Contracts. The amount of initial margin may be small relative to the value of the foreign currency so that transactions are 'leveraged' or 'geared'. A relatively small market movement may have a proportionately larger impact on the funds you have deposited or will have to deposit: this may work against you as well as for you. You may sustain a total loss of initial margin funds and any additional funds deposited with the firm to maintain your position. If the market moves against your position or margin levels are increased, you may be called upon to pay substantial additional funds on short notice to maintain your position. If you fail to comply with a request for additional funds within the time prescribed, your position may be liquidated at a loss and you will be liable for any resulting deficit. Customers must maintain the minimum margin requirement on their open positions at all times. It is the customer's responsibility to monitor his/her account balance. We have the right to liquidate any or all open positions whenever the minimum margin requirement is not maintained.
The high degree of leverage that is obtainable in the trading of off-exchange foreign currency transactions can work against you as well as for you. Leverage can lead to large losses as well as gains.
3 Risk-reducing Orders Or Strategies.
The placing of certain orders (e.g., "stop-loss" orders, where permitted under local law, or "stop-limit" orders), which are intended to limit losses to certain amounts, may not be effective because market conditions may make it impossible to execute such orders. Strategies using combinations of positions, such as "spread" and "straddle" positions, may be as risky as taking simple "long" or "short" positions.
4 Options - Variable Degree Of Risk.
Transactions in foreign currency options carry a high degree of risk. Purchasers and sellers of foreign currency options should familiarize themselves with the type of option (i.e., put or call) which they contemplate trading and the associated risks. You should calculate the extent to which the value of the options must increase for your position to become profitable, taking into account the premium and all transaction costs.
The purchaser of options may offset or exercise the options or allow the options to expire depending on the nature and type of option purchased. The exercise of an option will always result in a cash settlement. In some instances, the purchaser may acquire a spot position with associated liabilities for margin. If the purchased options expire worthless, you will suffer a total loss of your investment, which will consist of the option premium plus transaction costs. If you are contemplating purchasing deep-out-of-the-money options, you should be aware that the chance of such options becoming profitable ordinarily is remote. Selling ("writing" or "granting") an option generally entails considerably greater risk than purchasing options. Although the premium received by the seller is fixed, the seller may sustain a loss well in excess of that amount. The seller will be liable for additional margin to maintain the position if the market moves unfavorably. The seller will also be exposed to the risk of the purchaser exercising the option and the seller will be obligated to either settle the option in cash or to acquire or deliver the underlying interest. In some instances, the seller may acquire a spot position with associated liabilities for margin. If the option is "covered" by the seller holding a corresponding position in the underlying currency or another option, the risk may be reduced. If the option is not covered, the risk of loss can be unlimited. The purchaser is still subject to the risk of losing the premium and transaction costs. When the option is exercised or expires, the purchaser is responsible for any unpaid premium outstanding at that time.
5. Prices, Margin And Valuations Are Set By Us And May Be Different From Prices Reported Elsewhere.
We will provide prices to be used in trading, valuation of Customer positions and determination of margin requirements. Prices reported by us may vary from prices available to banks and other participants in what is known as the interbank market. We will exercise considerable discretion in setting and collecting margin. We are authorized to convert funds in Customer’s account for margin into and from such foreign currency at a rate of exchange determined by us in our sole discretion on the basis of then-prevailing money market rates.
6. One Click Trading And Immediate Execution.
We offer also on our automated order entry system immediate transmission of Customer’s order once Customer enters the notional amount and clicks “Buy/Sell.” There is no “second look” before transmission, and Market Orders cannot be cancelled. This feature may be different from other trading systems. Customer agrees that by using our order-entry system, Customer agrees to the one-click system and accepts the risk of this immediate transmission feature.
7. Telephone Orders And Immediate Execution.
Market Orders executed through our Trading Desk are completed when we say “deal” or “done.” At that point Customer has bought or sold and cannot cancel the Market Order. By placing Market Orders through our Trading Desk, Customer agrees to such immediate execution and accepts the risk of this immediate execution feature.
8. Market Recommendations Are Informational, Customer Makes Independent Decisions, And We Are Not An Adviser Or A Fiduciary To Customer.
The market recommendations that we provide do not constitute an offer to buy or sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, any Foreign Exchange Contracts or Cross Currency Contracts. Each decision by Customer to enter into a Contract or other transaction with us and each decision whether a Contract or other transaction is appropriate or proper for Customer is an independent decision by Customer. We are not acting as an advisor or serving as a fiduciary to Customer. Customer agrees that we have no fiduciary duty to Customer and no liability in connection with and is not responsible for any liabilities, claims, damages, costs and expenses, including attorneys’ fees, incurred in connection with Customer following our trading recommendations or taking or not taking any action based upon any recommendation or information provided by us.
9. Recommendations Are Based On Personal Judgments And Are Not Guaranteed.
Our market recommendations are based solely on the judgment of our personnel. These market recommendations may or may not be consistent with the market positions or intentions of Ava Financial Ltd., Avafx Inc., its affiliates and employees. Our market recommendations are based upon information believed to be reliable, but we cannot and do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness thereof or represent that following such recommendations will reduce or eliminate the risk inherent in Forex.
10. There is no Central Market or Clearinghouse Guarantee of Payment.
Forex trading with us is not conducted on a regulated market or exchange. Each Contract is a contract directly between us and the Customer. There is no clearinghouse and no guarantee by any other party of our payment obligations to the Customer. Customer must look only to us for performance on all Contracts in Customer’s account and for return of any margin or collateral. Our insolvency or a default by us could cause Customer to lose the value of its account and to suffer additional losses from open positions.
11. No Guarantees Of Profit.
There are no guarantees of profit or freedom from loss in Forex. Customer has received no such guarantees from us or from any of our representatives. Customer is aware of the risks inherent in Forex and is financially able to bear such risks and withstand any losses incurred.
12. Commission, Conversions and Other Charges.
Before you begin to trade, you should obtain a clear explanation of all commission, fees and other charges for which you will be liable. You should be aware that profit and loss in foreign currency-denominated contracts (whether they are traded in your own or another jurisdiction) will be affected by fluctuations in currency rates where there is a need to convert from the currency denomination of the contract to another currency. These charges will affect your net profit (if any) or increase your loss.
We are compensated through the difference between the buy amd sell price
13. Transactions in Other Jurisdictions.
Transactions on markets in other jurisdictions, including markets formally linked to a domestic market, may expose you to additional risk. Such markets may be subject to regulation, which may offer different or diminished investor protection. Before you trade you should enquire about any rules relevant to your particular transactions. Your local regulatory authority will be unable to compel the enforcement of the rules of regulatory authorities or markets in other jurisdictions where your transactions have been effected.
14. Password Protection.
You are obligated to keep passwords secret and ensure that third parties do not obtain access to your online account. You will be liable for trades executed by means of your password even if such use may be wrongful.
15. Customer May Not Be Able To Close Open Positions.
Due to market conditions or other circumstances we may be unable to close out Customer’s position at the level specified by Customer, and Customer agrees that we will bear no liability for failure to do so.
16. Trading Ahead And Along.
Our personnel and affiliates and various other parties may execute orders at the same or better prices ahead of a Customer Order.
17. Third Party Agents.
In the event that Customer grants trading authority or control over Customer’s account to a third party (the “Trading Agent”), whether on a discretionary or non-discretionary basis, We shall in no way be responsible for reviewing Customer’s choice of such Trading Agent or for making any recommendations with respect thereto. We make no representations or warranties concerning any Trading Agent; we shall not be responsible for any loss to Customer occasioned by the actions of the Trading Agent; and we do not, by implication or otherwise, endorse or approve of the operating methods of the Trading Agent. If Customer gives the Trading Agent authority to exercise any of its rights over its account, Customer does so at Customer’s risk. Even though the undersigned grants authority to Trading Agent, Customer should be diligent and closely scrutinize all account activity.
18. Internet Trading.
There are risks associated with utilizing an Internet-based deal execution trading system including, but not limited to, the failure of hardware, software and Internet connection. Since we do not control signal power, its reception or routing via Internet, configuration of Customer’s equipment or reliability of its connection, we shall not be liable for any claims, losses, damages, loss of profits, special or consequential damages, cost of procurement of substitute goods or services, costs or expenses, including attorneys’ fees, caused, directly or indirectly, by any breakdown or failure of any transmission or communication system or computer facility or trading software, whether belonging to us, Customer, any market, or any settlement or clearing system when Customer trades online (via Internet). In addition, we are not responsible for the breach of any Internet security with respect to your Account. We have no liability or duty of indemnification related to unusable data, lost or corrupt Customer transactions or data, by whatever means, in whatever form, resulting in part or in whole from third-party software or networking goods or services or from internet related problems or from actions or events outside of our control.
19. Telephone Orders.
We are not responsible for disruption, failure or malfunction of telephone lines.
20. Quoting Errors.
Should a quoting error occur due to a mistype of a quote or a misquote given by telephone and/or electronic means (including responses to Customer requests), we are not liable for any resulting errors in account balances and reserve the right to make necessary corrections or adjustments on the account involved. Any dispute arising from such quoting errors will be resolved on the basis of the fair market value, as determined by us, in our sole discretion, of the relevant currency at the time such an error occurred. In cases where the prevailing market represents prices different from the prices we have posted on our screen, we will attempt, on a best efforts basis, to execute trades on or close to the prevailing market prices. These prevailing market prices will be the prices, which are ultimately reflected on the customer statements. This may or may not adversely affect customer realized and unrealized gains and losses.
21. Creditor Priority in Bankruptcy.
You should familiarize yourself with the protections accorded money or other property you deposit for domestic and foreign transactions, particularly in the event of a firm insolvency or bankruptcy. The extent to which you may recover your money or property may be governed by specific legislation or local rules. In some, but not all, jurisdictions, property, which has been specifically identifiable as your own, will be pro-rated in the same manner as cash for purposes of distribution in the event of a shortfall.
22. Local Laws.
This site is not intended for use by any person in any country where such use would be contrary to local law or regulation. It is the responsibility of visitors to this Web site to ascertain the terms of and comply with any local law or regulation to which they or the trades they undertake are subject.
Secondary Risk Disclosure: High Risk Investment
In addition to standard industry disclosures contained in this Agreement, you should be aware that margined currency trading is one of the riskiest forms of investment available in the financial markets and is only suitable for sophisticated individuals and institutions. An account with us permits you to trade foreign currencies on a highly leveraged basis (up to approximately 100 times your account equity or as otherwise permitted by applicable regulation). An initial deposit of $1,000 may enable the trader to take a maximum position with $100,000 notional market value. The funds in an account trading at maximum leverage can be completely lost, if the position(s) held in the account has a two percent swing in value. Given the possibility of losing an entire investment, speculation in the foreign exchange market should only be conducted with risk capital funds that if lost will not significantly affect your personal or institution's financial well being.
If you have pursued only conservative forms of investment in the past, you may wish to study currency trading further before continuing an investment of this nature. You must realize that you could sustain a total loss of all funds you deposit with your broker as initial margin as well as substantial amounts of capital, when trading currencies or currency options, should the market go against your investment. You must also realize that the limited risk in buying options means you could lose the entire option investment should the option expire worthless. If you wish to continue with your investment, you acknowledge that the funds you have committed are purely risk capital and loss of your investment will not jeopardize your style of living nor will it detract from your future retirement program. Additionally, you fully understand the nature and risks of currency and currency options investments, and

Dacia Sandero . Noua Dacia

2008-03-07T08:13:00.000-08:00

Anii 2008-2009 vor deschide un nou capitol in istoria Dacia prin lansarea primului hatchback veritabil al marcii si a primului crossover-SUV, posibil cu tractiune 4x4. Pentru a marca acest eveniment si a evidentia schimbarea marcii, Sandero este primul model care va purta noua sigla Dacia. Prezentata la Salonul Auto de la Geneva, o data cu lansarea Sandero, sigla noua va fi montata initial doar pe acest model. Vechile sigle vor fi inlocuite treptat si la celelalte masini Dacia care urmeaza sa fie produse. Pe noua sigla a companiei este inscriptionat, cu albastru, numele Dacia in partea superioara. Forma siglei este apropiata de cea a literei „U“ si are un aspect cromat. Actuala emblema Dacia seamana cu un scut, iar numele companiei este inscriptionat cu litere cromate pe fond

Noutatile propuse pe Sandero, autoturism in doua volume si cinci usi, atit in termeni de design, cit si de tehnologie, sint imprumutate de la Renault Clio. Pentru prima data in istoria marcii Dacia se poate vorbi de design cu adevarat, chiar daca este imprumutat. In cazul Sandero s-a renuntat la liniile colturoase prezente pe Logan. Exteriorul lui Sandero este mai rotunjit si mai modern. Scopul acestei operatiuni: atragerea unui numar cit mai mare de clienti tineri, de 18-25 de ani, tocmai pentru a demonta ideea ca Logan este o masina pentru pensionari. Sandero in sine este o premiera pentru Dacia, fiind primul hatchback veritabil al companiei. O alta premiera o constituie posibilitatea echiparii optionale a autovehiculului cu un sistem de asistenta la frinarea de urgenta, care permite reducerea cu pina la 20% a distantei de frinare. In plus, pentru locurile laterale din spate, Sandero va beneficia de sistemul de fixare ISOFIX pentru copii.
Dacia a lansat marti, la Salonul Auto de la Geneva, modelul Sandero, derivat din Renault Sandero, care este produs in Brazilia. Investitia totala pentru dezvoltarea si fabricarea Dacia Sandero in Europa se ridica la 147 de milioane de euro. Dacia va incepe productia noului model Sandero in luna mai, masina urmind sa fie lansata pe piata romaneasca in luna iunie. Oficialii companiei au declarat ca pretul de achizitie nu va depasi 9.500 de euro pentru cea mai echipata versiune, cu motor diesel de 1,5 litri si 85 de cai-putere.
Sub bagheta francezilor de la Renault, Dacia s-a internationalizat si a capatat un nou statut: acela de „masina nationala“ nu doar in Romania, dar si in alte state precum Maroc, unde este cea mai bine vinduta marca. In termeni de vinzari, intre 1999 si 2007, Dacia a comercializat un milion de autovehicule, adica jumatate din totalul inregistrat in 30 de ani. Din 1968, momentul aparitiei primei Dacii 1110, construita sub licenta Renault R8, si pina in 1998 inclusiv, vinzarile de masini ale marcii romanesti s-au situat la doua milioane de unitati

Intel Core 2 Extreme Processor QX9650 Review

2008-02-15T03:19:00.000-08:00

It has been a long time in the making, but the Intel Core 2 Extreme Processor QX9650 has finally arrived! The Intel QX9650 has been talked about for many months, so it shouldn't be anything new to you, but the embargo on the performance numbers has finally lifted. If you want to purchase one of these you'll still have to wait till the official launch date of November 12th, 2007. Intel hasn't said a word about pricing, but we are hopeful that it will launch at the same price as the Intel QX6850, which was $999.

The Intel QX9650 has a 3.0 GHz core frequency, a 12MB chunk of L2 cache, was built on the 45nm process and features a new SSE4 instruction set. Since the clock frequency hasn't changed the significant differences is the extra 4MB of cache and the fact it was done on the 45nm process. It is the world’s first 45nm, high-K metal gate lead-free desktop processor. If you are already a bit lost please feel free to go back and reference some of our previous articles on Intel's 45nm processors. It's interesting to see that Intel previewed us a 45nm Yorkfield at 3.33GHz in April of 2007 and now six months later they are releasing the same part at just 3.00GHz. That might just go to show how much overclocking potential one of these processors might have

Built on the state-of-the-art Intel 45nm manufacturing process, this quad-core Intel Core 2 Extreme processor is designed to deliver outstanding capabilities on both today’s and tomorrow’s workloads. Intel is using the element Hafnium and other materials to “reinvent” parts of the now 60-year old transistor, meaning this launch is a big step forward for processor design technology. This is also the first mass production 45nm desktop processor that Intel has brought to market and boy is it small. With a die size of just 214mm2 and 820 million transistors it is smaller than both a penny and it's predecessor the QX6850, as it had a die size of 286mm2 with 582 million transistors. The TDP rating (Thermal Design Power) for the chip hasn't changed even though the L2 cache size has increased. The Intel QX9650 processor will have a TDP of 130W, which means cooling requirements have not changed. All you need to upgrade to one of these new 45nm processors is make sure you have (or get) a motherboard and chipset capable of supporting the newer 45nm processors, which means Intel P35 Express and Intel X38 Express based desktop motherboards.

Intel Core 2 Extreme Processor QX9650 Specifications:

3.0 GHz, 1333 FSB, quad-core
45nm high-K metal gate transistor technology
12MB L2 cache
SSE4 instructions
820M transistors
Total Die Size - 214mm2
LGA775 socket, 130W TDP, “C-step”
Overspeed protection removed
Supported by either Intel P35 or Intel X38 chipsets
MSRP - $999

Testing Procedure:

All testing was done on a fresh install of Windows Vista Ultimate 64-Bit with all of the NVIDIA GeForce HotFixes installed. . All benchmarks were completed on the desktop with no other software programs running. The memory modules were run in dual channel mode at 800MHz 4-4-4-12 2T on both the AMD and Intel motherboards. The memory on the Intel and AMD test platforms with DDR2 memory was run with Corsair PC2-8888C4 memory running 4GB. The Gigabyte X38DQ6 Motherboard was updated from BIOS version F4 that came on it to F5H. The DFI LANPARTY UT NF590 SLI-M2R/G motherboard was updated to the 2007/05/30 BIOS version, which included support for the AMD A64 X2 6400+ black edition processor. NVIDIA Forceware 169.01 beta drivers were used on the XFX GeForce 8800 Ultra graphics card.

Intel Test Platform

Component Brand/Model

Processor Intel Core 2 Duo E6750, QX6850, QX9650

Motherboard Gigabyte X38DQ6

Memory Corsair PC2-8500 4GB

Video Card XFX GeForce 8800 Ultra

Hard Drive Western Digital SATA 250Gb

Cooling Corsair Nautilus 500

Power Supply Corsair HX620W

Operating System Windows Vista Ultimate

Here is the AMD Scoket AM2 Test platform:

AMD AM2Test Platform

Component Brand/Model

Processor AMD A64 X2 6400+

Motherboard DFI LANPARTY UT NF590 SLI-M2R/G

Memory Corsair PC2-8500 4GB

Video Card XFX GeForce 8800 Ultra

Hard Drive Western Digital SATA 250Gb

Cooling Corsair Hautiles 500

Power Supply Corsair HX620W

Operating System Windows Vista Ultimate

NVIDIA nForce® 780i SLI™

2008-02-14T10:22:00.000-08:00

NVIDIA nForce® 780i SLI™ media and communications processors (MCPs) are the foundation for the world's ultimate gaming PC. Maximize your rig's performance with 3-way SLI technology, achieve ultimate control with the real time component monitoring and tuning features the first platform designed for ESA-certified components, and experience phenomenal DirectX® 10 gaming with the best platform for GeForce GPUs.

Maximize Your Rig's PerformanceGet as much as 2.8x the performance of a single card configuration with support for 3-way NVIDIA® SLI™ technology. Play the latest DirectX® 10 games at mind-blowing frame rates and resolutions for an unmatched gaming experience.

Achieve Ultimate Control Real-time component monitoring and tuning features give you complete control over your PC. Maximize your PC's performance through an immersive, all-in-one, 3D system monitor application.

Spectacular DirectX 10 Gaming ExperienceUp your game by pairing NVIDIA nForce 780i SLI with three NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTX or GeForce 8800 Ultra graphics cards and experience next generation DirectX® 10 games the way they're meant to be played.

NVIDIA SLI Ready
True 3 x16 graphics3-way SLI technology support with three NVIDIA GeForce 8800 Ultra or GeForce 8800 GTX graphics cardsSLI technology support with two identical SLI Ready graphics cards
System Performance Tools
ESA certified motherboardNVIDIA Control PanelNVIDIA System Monitor
Expansion Slots
PCI Express 2.0 support62 lanes, 12 links: 3 x16* or 4 x8, 1 x16, 1 x8, 6 x1 *2 x16 are PCI Express Gen 2.0, 1 x16 is PCI Express Gen 1.0Up to 5 PCI Slots
CPU
Intel Socket LGA775Full support for Intel Penryn (Yorkfield & Wolfdale), Core 2 Extreme, Core 2 Quad, Core 2 Duo, Pentium
Front Side Bus
1333/1066/800/533
Memory
Dual channel memory architectureDDR2 1200(EPP1.0)/800/667/533
Storage
NVIDIA MediaSheild™ TechnologyUp to 6 Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s drivesUp to 2 PATA drives (Ultra DMA 133/100/66/33)RAID configurations 0, 1, 0+1, 5
Networking
Dual native Gigabit Ethernet connectionsNVIDIA FirstPacket™ technologyNVIDIA DualNet® technology
USB
Up to 10 USB 2.0 ports
Audio
HDA (Azalia)

Mesaje Pentru Valentine's Day

2008-02-12T03:22:00.000-08:00

Mesaje pentu Valentine's Day

Nu-mi trebuie o zi anume ca sa-mi deschid inima, nu-mi trebuie soare pe cer ca sa-ti vad zambetul, nu-mi trebuie luna ca sa fiu fericita... ESTI DE AJUNS TU! Te am aici, in suflet si cand imi lipseste ceva trebuie doar sa ma gandesc la tine! Pentru ca impreuna, doua jumatati, avem....TOT!

one day the moon sed 2 me, if ur lover makes u cry why dont you leave ur
lover.. i looked at the moon n replied would u every leave ur sky?

Tu esti soarele ce ma trezeste de dimineata, esti aerul ce-l respir, esti motivul pentru care zambesc si de aceea, daca tu n-ai fi inima mi s-ar stinge, sufletul mi s-ar raci, iar eu n-as mai fi decat o amintire care suspina dupa dorul tau!

Daca-n lume mai exista,
Spatii goale printre randuri
Ce cuprind a ta privire
Si-ale mele triste ganduri
Prin aceste spatii goale
Vin mereu ca sa-ti vorbesc
Ca din toate-n asta lume
Doar pe TINE te iubesc!

When u feel alone just look at the spaces between ur fingers remeber that
in those spaces u can c my fingers locked with urs 4ever!!!

From blogbelea.blogspot.com

The Alaska Travel Experts

2007-12-19T11:22:00.000-08:00

It is time to plan your 2008 vacation to Alaska, and once again Alaska Tour & Travel is here to help with an extensive list of exciting Alaska vacation packages -- all easily customized to meet your specific needs. Alaska cruises are more popular then ever, and we also have a great selection of pre and post cruise tour packages designed to connect will all the major cruise lines. Or you can create the perfect vacation from scratch by choosing from our individual hotel, day tour, and transportation options.
More than ever, our team of life-long Alaskans is dedicated to creating the perfect Alaska vacation adventure that matches your interests, schedule and budget. Call Alaska Tour & Travel today at 800-208-0200, or fill out an online reservation request... we'll be happy to answer your questions and help you set up the Alaska vacation of a lifetime
Alaska Tour & Travel is the largest custom vacation packaging company in Alaska. Since 1995 we have helped more than 100,000 visitors plan their Alaska vacations - each trip customized to meet their individual needs. We choose and inspect each of our suppliers carefully, utilizing only the most reputable firms in the industry. Alaska Tour & Travel represents top Alaska tourism suppliers offering Alaska lodging choices such as the Denali Bluffs Hotel, and popular day trip operators like Kenai Fjords Tours. And no other travel company in Alaska sells more independent Alaska Railroad trips, or offers lower rail prices.
For those who want to travel though Alaska with an experienced local guide we have number of fully escorted vacation packages to choose from. Perfect for a land only vacation or a pre or post cruise land tour.
And remember... there are no markups built into any Alaska Tour & Travel package -- not true with many of our competitors. Even better, you will be spared the time-consuming effort of confirming arrangements with each individual operator. Check out what our past customers are saying about our products, service and value.
Be sure to visit our web specials page and check out our FREE transportation offers to Denali Park and Seward. You will also find other super deals on lodging, tours and transportation like a FREE UPGRADE to a Private Dome Railcar on the train trip between Anchorage and Denali Park.

Audi A5

2007-12-18T08:42:00.000-08:00

Pe langa faptul ca arata rapitor de frumos, A5-ul va avea sub capota si niste motorizari de top - un V6 TDI de 3.0 litri, un V8 FSI si un V6 FSI de 3.2 litri. Toate modelele in afara de echiparea de baza vor avea tractiune quattro. Audi va pune la dispozitie si o cutie manuala in 6 viteze, multitronicul CVT sau cutia de viteze cu dublu ambreiaj S-tonic.

Noul A5 este prima masina dezvoltata pe noua platforma modulara a celor de la Audi, platforma care va fi utilizata si pentru urmatoarea generatie a limuzinelor A4 si A6, precum si pentru noul model A8.

Audi R8 - Primul Audi care va prinde peste 300 km/h

2007-12-14T02:16:00.000-08:00

Noul Audi R8, propulsat de un V8 cu 420 de cai va fi capabil sa ajunga la o viteza maxima de 310km/h, comparabila cu a principalului sau rival, Porsche 911. Avand in vedere competitia, Audi a declarat ca ar fi "imposibil" sa vinda o masina precum R8. Audi R8 va concura cu Porsche 911 - Carrera şi Turbo, precum şi cu modelele similare ale mărcilor Aston Martin, Ferrari şi Maseratiul cu un limitator de viteza.

Audi A4

2007-12-14T02:09:00.000-08:00

Lungimea masinii este de 4.7 metri, insa principalele elemente care s-au schimbat sunt proportiile, impinse catre sportivitate. Astfel, distanta dintre botul masinii si rotile fata s-a scurtat dramatic, puntea fata fiind mutata cu 154 milimetri spre inainte. Ampatamentul se mareste la 2808 milimetri, spatiul interior fiind mai mare cu 20 de milimetri, in timp ce in spate spatiul pentru genunchi creste cu 36 de mm la 908 mm.Confortul a fost imbunatatit, comenzile ergonomice au fost plasate si mai ergonomic, iar cele patru niveluri de echipare: Attraction, Ambition, Ambiente si S-line ofera cate ceva oricarui doritor

Audi A6

2007-12-14T01:27:00.001-08:00

Chiar daca se afla in competitie directa cu BMW Seria 5, modelul A6 reprezinta un pas important in directia limuzinelor de lux. Principalul avantaj al acestui model, o "regula" in cazul tuturor creatiilor celor de la Audi, este calitatea finisajelor. De asemenea, se respecta si “regula” unui numar mare de propulsoare la dispozitie: nu mai putin de sase motorizari dintre care jumatate diesel. Cei care opteaza pentru mai mult spatiu prin alegerea lui A6 Avant nu vor fi dezamagiti. Designul elegant si dinamic si paleta de propulsoare puternice se completeaza cu multiplele posibilitati de configurare a spatiului de incarcare, rezultand o masina eleganta dar practica in acelasi timp.

Audi A8

2007-12-14T01:24:00.000-08:00

Limuzina de lux a celor de la Audi este modelul care deschide drumul tuturor noutatilor tehnologice dezvoltate de constructorul german. Tocmai de aceea, desi arata aproape ca modelul pe care l-a inlocuit in 2003, Audi A8 dispune de o structura interna a caroseriei de ultima generatie, de un sistem de suspensie revolutionar, de sistemul MMI (Multimedia interface), faruri adaptive si de posibilitatea de acces in masina pe baza amprentei digitale. Pe langa toate acestea, deja clasicul sistem de tractiune integrala quattro si cele cinci propulsoare aflate la dispozitia fiecarui client intregesc tabloul de prezentare al modelului german

BMW Seria 5

2007-12-13T10:58:00.001-08:00

Seria 5 este una dintre cele mai populare modele in clasa sa, segment dominat de masinile germane (aici intrand si cunoscutele Mercedes Clasa E si Audi A6). Avand in vedere nivelul concurentei, BMW a considerat ca cea mai potrivita arma impotriva “inamicilor” este reprezentata de ultimele descoperiri in materie de tehnica. Astfel, BMW Seria 5 a fost prima masina din lume care a dispus de un sistem de directie activa, beneficiind in plus de suspensia Dynamic Drive, de display-uri futuriste in interior, de pneuri run-flat sau de faruri adaptive. Cronologic, este al treilea model care a abordat noua directie de design BMW, dupa Seria 7 si Z4. In plus, versiunea Touring, desi arata ca un break obisnuit, va multumi deopotriva si iubitorii masinilor sport.

BMW Seria 3

2007-12-13T10:52:00.000-08:00

Seria 3 este intr-adevar complexa: Patru variante de caroserie (sedan, cabrio, coupe si touring) care satisfac cele mai diverse gusturi. Una dintre cele mai bune masini ca tinuta de drum din clasa sa, Seria 3 dispune de un raport intre tractiunea anterioara si posterioara care determina o distributie ideala a greutatii fata/spate, rezultatul direct fiind o stabilitate perfecta. In plus, sistemul de directie activa disponibil pe versiunile propulsate de motoare cu sase cilindri este ajutorul perfect la rularea cu viteze ridicate. Gama completa de propulsoare intregeste imaginea modelului german.

BMW Seria 7

2007-12-13T10:49:00.001-08:00

A patra generatie a Seriei 7, aparuta in 2002, a fost recunoscuta ca o masina superba care nu a facut nici un compromis in ceea ce priveste confortul si refinamentul, insa a existat tot timpul o obiectie majora: era o aparitie destul de neobisnuita datorita designului sau. Au existat la acea vreme chiar voci din mass-media care au cerut demisia sefului de design, Chris Bangle. Trei ani mai tarziu, noua Serie 7 este mai putin controversata, mai ales datorita faptului ca opinia publica s-a obisnuit cu actuala linie stilistica BMW

BMW M6

2007-12-13T10:39:00.001-08:00

A fost lansat acum un an, la Salonul Auto de la Geneva. Avand in vedere faptul ca cei de la BMW au prognozat vanzarea a circa 300 de exemplare pe an, exclusivitatea este garantata. Coupe-ul german dispune de performante de exceptie, motorul V10 de 5 litri dezvoltand 500 CP la 7750 rpm, rezultatul direct fiind o acceleratie de la 0 la 100 km/h in 4.6 secunde. BMW M6 este dotat cu o cutie de viteze secventiala cu sapte trepte, din cauza cuplului enorm dezvoltat la o turatie foarte ridicata (520 Nm/6100 rpm).

BMW Seria 6 Cabrio ,Poze, Deralii BMW Serie 6 Cabrio

2007-12-13T10:04:00.000-08:00

Cu un design interesant - este foarte posibil ca unii sa nu aprecieze noile linii dinamice ale bavarezilor – Seria 6 se remarca mai ales pentru clientii fideli ai marcii. Unul dintre avantajele sale este reprezentat de tinuta de drum, considerata excelenta de multi, indiferent de suprafata de rulare. Multitudinea de optiuni in privinta reglajului volanului si al scaunelor sau pozitionarea orientata catre sofer a tuturor comenzilor de pe bord face ca viata in habitaclul unui Seria 6 sa fie extrem de placuta. Pentru cei care iubesc senzatiile tari in aer liber, varianta cabrio a Seriei 6 este cea mai buna alegere. Aceasta versiune dispune de un propulsor V8 de 4.4 litri care dezvolta 258 CP.

Mourinho 'would consider' England

2007-12-05T02:00:00.001-08:00

Former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho would consider becoming England manager if the Football Association approached him, says his personal advisor.
Eladio Parames says Mourinho has had no contact with the FA and would not go looking for it, but would take an offer of a job seriously if it came along.
"It would be an honour," said Parames. "He likes English football, the people, the country and the players.
"It's something he'd consider but he's not trying to get the FA's attention."
Jose's problem would never be money
Jose Mourinho's advisor
Parames told the Associated Press: "He's not waving his hands in the air, but if he's approached, he'll reply."
Mourinho, who left his job at Chelsea in September, has been heavily linked with the England post since Steve McClaren was sacked on 22 November.
On Sunday, the FA was reported to be considering offering Mourinho £6m a year to take the job, though Parames says the financial aspect is not important to the Portuguese coach.
"If he were approached he'd consider it, discuss it, negotiate, present his own ideas," said Parames.
"Jose's problem would never be money. If he's approached, invited, there will be positive and negative things for him to consider and he'll weigh up the pros and cons."
BBC Sport's Jonathan Legard told Radio 5 Live the consultation process to find the new England manager was "well under way", with FA development director Sir Trevor Brooking helping FA chief executive Brian Barwick.
606: DEBATE
I have my doubts that Mourinho would like the job, though I would take him at a shot
Sciatika
"As much as the Mourinho fanclub bats its eyelids at the FA, Barwick will stick to his guns, tune in to respected football opinion and take his time," said Legard.
"I'm told ideally the FA would welcome an appointment before their planned friendly in February, but the priority remains the best man, a 'world-class manager', not the timing."
Barwick has already canvassed the thoughts of England captain John Terry, Wales boss John Toshack, Uefa chief Michel Platini and German legend Franz Beckenbauer.
He will also consult Steven Gerrard, Arsene Wenger, Sir Bobby Charlton, Sir Bobby Robson and Sir Alex Ferguson.
Mourinho won two Premier League titles, one FA Cup and two Carling Cups during his three-year spell at Stamford Bridge.
In his previous job, he won the Champions League as manager of Portuguese side FC Porto.

Davis Cup success a career pinnacle for Bryans

2007-12-05T01:30:00.001-08:00

PORTLAND, Oregon, Dec 3 (Reuters) - Simply being part of a United States Davis Cup team was a dream come true for the Bryan brothers, Bob and Mike.
Victory in this year's final against holders Russia to give the U.S. their first success in the prestigious competition since 1995 was the crowning moment of the twins' glittering careers.
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"This ranks at the very top," Bob Bryan told Reuters in an interview after the Americans had clinched the three-day tie 4-1 at a near-capacity Memorial Coliseum.
"I would clean out my whole trophy case to put the Davis Cup trophy in there. I would give away all the titles and everything for this one title."
The dominant Bryan brothers have won 44 ATP titles together, including five grand slams, and ended 2007 as the world's number one doubles team for the third successive year.
Left-hander Bob was clearly pleased "just to be kind of considered in the same league as (Pete) Sampras, (Andre) Agassi and those guys.
"This team is carving out its own niche in U.S. tennis history and we needed to do this to be up there with those guys."
Twelve years earlier, tennis great Sampras had led the Americans to their previous triumph in the team competition, also against Russia on clay in Moscow.
CHEST-BUMPING BROTHERS
In Portland, the crowd-pleasing, chest-bumping Bryan brothers crushed Russians Nikolay Davydenko and Igor Andreev 7-6 6-4 6-2 to give the Americans an unbeatable 3-0 lead in the best-of-five match final.
For right-hander Mike, Davis Cup success is as good as it gets for a doubles player.
"The singles guys, they play on television every week, they are always on the big stage," he said.
"For doubles, Davis Cup is the biggest stage in tennis. A whole day is devoted to it and it's on television to an international audience. Right when I turned pro, I knew that's where we wanted to be, on the U.S. team.
"We can die happy right now," the 29-year-old added with a laugh.
U.S. Davis Cup regulars since 2003 and battle-hardened in the grand slam arena, the Bryan brothers had never before experienced such a high level of pressure and expectation.
"I got a lot more nervous for our doubles match than for any grand slam final," Bob Bryan said. "It's tough being like the 'gimme' point for our team. In our own mind, we know it's a 'gimme' if we play up to our level.
HANDLING PRESSURE
"But it's the anticipation of doing it, putting your body on the court, being healthy and actually executing. That's what makes you nervous, the question of whether you can actually execute."
Mike drew on memories of their first grand slam final together to help him handle the pressure at Memorial Coliseum.
"When I was on the court, I was actually thinking about the French Open in '03 because that was an enormous amount of pressure and very similar," he said.
"When we got up in the French Open, I could feel my legs start getting wobbly, I could feel the nerves start hitting you and it's hard to focus when that amount of pressure is on. You start looking at people in the crowd.
"So I was thinking: 'Stay focused like the French Open, because there we kept moving our feet and staying energised. There's nothing like the pressure of winning your first grand slam and then the Davis Cup is an absolute horror, I thought."
The Bryans have lost just one doubles match out of 14 in the Davis Cup since making their debut against Slovakia in a World Group playoff in 2003.

Australian Open has strongest field in history

2007-12-05T01:29:00.001-08:00

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) -- The Australian Open will have the strongest field in the tournament's 103-year history -- all top-ranked 100 men and 99 of the top 100 women in January.
Three-time champion Roger Federer heads the men's draw, while top-ranked Justine Henin -- the 2004 champion -- will be the women's No. 1 seed.
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Following Wednesday's release of the first entry lists, the only omission from the top 100 women was Russia's Vera Dushevina, ranked 44th, who was forced to withdraw because of a right-foot injury.
Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said he was thrilled with the strength of the lineup for the Jan. 14-27 tournament.
"At this stage, it's the strongest field in the event's history and we're sure this will equate to one of the most exciting tournaments yet," he said.
The men's field will be completed by 16 qualifiers and eight wild cards, while the women's field has 12 qualifiers and eight wild cards.
The women's field has five former champions in Henin, the Williams sisters -- Venus and defending champion Serena -- Amelie Mauresmo and Lindsay Davenport. The men's field includes three past winners -- Federer, Thomas Johansson and Marat Safin.

A composite course that tells the story of 2007

2007-12-05T01:27:00.001-08:00

NEW YORK (AP) -- A golf scorecard doesn't have room for stories, only numbers.
This scorecard will be different. It comes from an imaginary golf course, a composite of PGA Tour sites designed to review some of the key players, issues and best moments of 2007.
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No. 1: Augusta National.
"Sure is beautiful, isn't it?" Arnold Palmer said softly before he hunched over the ball, waggled the driver and swung from the heels. With that, the King became the honorary starter at the Masters. It was a low hook that only went about 200 yards and settled in the left rough. The applause seemed endless.
No. 2: The Gallery at Dove Mountain
Tiger Woods was going for his eighth consecutive PGA Tour victory, and such was the frenzy that some projected him breaking Byron Nelson's record of 11 in a row at the Masters. That was before he drew Nick O'Hern in the third round of the Accenture Match Play Championship. When O'Hern made a 12-foot par putt to win in 20 holes, the second-longest winning streak in tour history was over.
No. 3: Torrey Pines (North Course)
Brandt Snedeker was 10 under through 11 holes when he hit wedge to 3 feet. The birdie would put him at 11 under, meaning he would need only two birdies over the last six holes to shoot 59. He missed the putt, and didn't make another birdie until his final hole for a 61.
No. 4: TPC Boston
Phil Mickelson's most gratifying win this year came at the Deutsche Bank Championship, when he played three rounds with Woods. No hole was more pivotal than the 298-yard fourth. After both drove into a greenside bunker in the first round, Mickelson holed his for eagle and Woods took two to get out and made double bogey. In the final round, Mickelson made a 15-foot birdie from the fringe, while Woods drove the green and three-putted for par.
No. 5: PGA National
After Mark Wilson hit his tee shot on this par 3 in the second round of the Honda Classic, his caddie casually mentioned to Camilo Villegas that Wilson hit an 18-degree hybrid. Wilson called for an official and penalized himself two shots for a violation of the rule on advice. Those two shots nearly proved costly. He wound up in a playoff, which he won for his first PGA Tour victory. And he reminded everyone why golf stands alone among sports in integrity

Despite changes, Masters will still get a smallish gathering

2007-12-05T01:26:00.001-08:00

NEW YORK (AP) -- Augusta National won't have to worry about overcrowding at the Masters. Despite changing its criteria, it appears the field for next year's tournament will not top 100 players, which is what the club wants.
With an overhaul of the PGA Tour schedule and format, the Masters revamped its qualifying this year to invite winners of PGA Tour events that get full FedEx Cup points, those who qualified for the Tour Championship at the end of the FedEx Cup season, and those who finished in the top 30 on the PGA Tour money list.
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The Masters will be played April 10-13 and the field will not be set until the Shell Houston Open the previous week. But here's how it's shaping up after the first year of the new criteria:
Twenty-two players already have qualified by finishing in the top 30, making the Tour Championship field or winning. Camilo Villegas, who would not have qualified for the Masters under the old system, was the only player at East Lake who did not finish in the top 30 on the money list.
Nick Watney (New Orleans), Brian Bateman (Buick Open) and Jonathan Byrd (John Deere) only qualified by winning tournaments. And only one player, Steve Flesch, was added to the field in the top 30 category through the money earned during the Fall Finish.
Under the previous criteria of top 40 on the money list, 23 players would have qualified. The five players who finished inside the top 40 were Justin Leonard, Carl Pettersson, Ken Duke, Sean O'Hair and Henrik Stenson.
Stenson will qualify as top 50 in the world ranking at the end of 2007. There are two weeks left of worldwide events that get ranking points, and among those on the bubble are Anders Hansen (No. 49), Rod Pampling (No. 52) and Bradley Dredge (No. 53). If there are no changes, 11 players will be added to the Masters field by the end of the month.
Going into the 2008 season, about 85 players will have qualified. The only spots up for grabs until April will be winners from 14 tournaments and anyone who gets into the top 50 by the end of March.
So for the field to be more than 100, different players would have to win every week who aren't already eligible. And that's about as likely as Martha Burk being invited to the club for peach cobbler.
The Masters had 97 players compete last year, and no fewer than 92 players over the last five years.
TIGER CLUBS: Tiger Woods was in south Florida on Monday to promote new products from Nike, with most of the attention on the driver. But that led to a question about what additional clubs Woods takes to a tournament, particularly irons.
He brings a backup putter, wedges, fairway woods and a driver -- but no irons.
"I don't really foresee myself breaking any irons," Woods said

Early favorites for '08

2007-12-05T01:23:00.000-08:00

Is it too early to start looking at next year's favorites? Naah. So let's get to it.
1. Jimmie Johnson: After blowing away the field – including a stout Jeff Gordon – Johnson has to be the favorite going into 2008.
Going for him: Momentum and the best crew chief in the business.
Going against him: History. Only one driver (Cale Yarborough) has ever won back-to-back-to-back championships. Johnson will be trying to do something Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon couldn't even do.
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2. Jeff Gordon: Gordon didn't just prove that he's still a championship contender in 2007. He showed that he still has the fire. Couple that with another year under crew chief Steve Letarte's belt and Gordon will be in the hunt.
Going for him: Maturity of his team and an entire offseason to think about how his teammate swiped away a championship that in any other year would have been his.
Going against him: Knowing that at very near his best he couldn't beat Johnson.
3. Kurt Busch: In the final 19 races of the season, Busch posted 15 finishes of 12th or better. That shows he and his team are finally starting to get each other.
Going for him: Year One at Penske was all about introducing one another; Year Two was about figuring out what works; Year Three will be about taking both of those things, putting them together and going for the championship.
Going against him: Sam Hornish Jr. could prove to be more of a distraction than anything, expecially if Busch has to give up his top-35 status.
4. Matt Kenseth: Only one driver was better than Kenseth in the final five races of '07 and he took home the Nextel Cup. If Roush Fenway Racing can catch up in its Car of Tomorrow program, Kenseth will be an all-around threat.
Going for him: Knowing that he challenged for the title despite his team spending very little time testing the CoT.
Going against him: Who knows how far behind Roush is with its CoT program? While they're trying to catch up to Hendrick, Hendrick will keep moving forward. Also, Kenseth will be without Robbie Reiser, the only crew chief he's ever known.
5. Martin Truex Jr.: By the end of the season, Truex started showing a consistency that had been lacking through most of the season. If not for some bad luck – like running into the back of Denny Hamlin's sputtering car – Truex would have finished much higher.
Going for him: No more Dale Earnhadt Jr., meaning Truex will be the primary focus at Dale Earnhardt Inc.
Going against him: Dale Earnhardt Inc. Can they be a top-notch team on the same level as Hendrick? They haven't proven it yet.
Others to look for: Tony Stewart, Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch – everyone knows what they're capable of, but what everyone doesn't know is how those capabilities will be impacted by a switch to Toyota. &hellip Dale Earnhardt Jr.– Will definitely get back to victory lane, but it’s too much of a leap to think Junior will walk into the Hendrick garage and immediately challenge Johnson and Gordon. &hellip Carl Edwards – Getting back to victory lane made all the difference in the world. &hellip Clint Bowyer – The ultimate wild card because we don't know which Bowyer will show up. Will it be the Bowyer we saw during the first part of the Chase or the second? &hellip Ryan Newman – Started to show glimpses of his old form toward the end of the season, but it will take more than glimpses to challenge for a championship.

Texas agency responds to Vasquez death

2007-12-05T01:22:00.000-08:00

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations announced Monday that its review of an Oct. 20 mixed martial arts show in which a fighter was seriously injured and later died showed the event was conducted in compliance with all regulating procedures.
The aftermath of the Oct. 20 Renegades Extreme Fighting Championship show at the Toyota Center in Houston culminated in tragedy on Friday with the death of 35-year-old fighter Sammy Vasquez.
Vasquez, a Houston native, had been hospitalized since being knocked out by Vince Libardi in a featherweight match on the show. He underwent two operations to relieve clotting in his brain, suffered a major stroke on Nov. 9 and had been in a medically induced coma for nearly a month before his death.
The regulating body said Monday that it began its investigation immediately after the show and, despite the outcome, found no wrongdoing.
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"From the pre-fight review conducted by the referee, to the actions of the physician on duty and the emergency medical technicians, everyone involved with the Oct. 20 card conducted themselves accordingly and adhered to all procedures," said Bill Kuntz, the department's executive director.
"We want to commend the ringside officials who presided over this event for their professionalism and quick actions," he said. "The referee immediately stopped the fight when he saw that Sammy was hurt. The doctors and paramedics worked quickly to give Sammy the medical attention he needed and to get him to the hospital."
The cause of death has not been released, but if it was determined to be fight-related, it would be the first mixed martial arts death in North America in the 14-year history of the sport.
The department reviewed a video recording of the Vasquez vs. Libari match and interviewed ringside personnel, including the department staff members at the show, the referee, the physician and emergency medical technicians.
"Our thoughts and prayers remain with the family of Sammy Vasquez during this very difficult time," Kuntz said. "Texas and the mixed martial arts community have lost a true fighter."
Steve Bruno of the department said on Monday that he didn't know if any changes in the way Texas governs MMA competition would be made, and said rumors that the state was considering outlawing the sport were untrue. The next major event in Texas is scheduled for Mark Cuban’s HDNet Fights show on Dec. 15 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.

Milwaukee 87, LA Clippers 78

2007-12-04T23:23:00.001-08:00

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The last time the Milwaukee Bucks played the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center, Elton Brand and Shaun Livingston were healthy and Michael Redd was sidelined with a knee injury.
This time, the cast was on the other foot.
Redd scored 10 of his 25 points in the final 3:36, Andrew Bogut had 19 points and 12 rebounds, and the Bucks rallied from a 15-point second-quarter deficit to beat the Clippers 87-78 Tuesday night.
Corey Maggette scored 20 points and Chris Kaman added 13 points and 11 rebounds for the Clippers, who were buried by a game-ending 14-4 run after Tim Thomas' 3-pointer gave them their last lead at 74-73 with 4 minutes left. Redd fueled the Bucks' late rally with a pair of 3-pointers and two driving layups.
"I'm a competitor, and I know my responsibilities is to get the ball and make things happen at the end of the game," Redd said. "I love that challenge. Tonight was special because we won on the road and came back from a large deficit."

Detroit 106, Atlanta 95

2007-12-04T23:22:00.001-08:00

ATLANTA (AP) -- The Detroit Pistons are playing like a dominant team, even when the final score is deceptively close.
The Pistons led by 26 after a lopsided third quarter and coasted to their fourth straight victory, beating the Atlanta Hawks 106-95 on Tuesday night.
The Pistons won with balance, with seven players scoring in double figures, led by Tayshaun Prince's 23.
"It was good, man," said Chauncey Billups, who had 10 points and 10 assists. "We got a lot of guys rolling."
Detroit won with a strong inside presence, taking a 10-0 advantage in offensive rebounds in the first half. I was really impressed with the job we did on the glass," said Pistons coach Flip Saunders, adding he considered offensive rebounds "the Hawks' forte."
The Pistons also won with defense, blocking 10 shots and shutting down the Hawks' top scorer, Joe Johnson, who had only five points. Johnson's scoring average dropped a full point from 21.7 to 20.7. It was the low total for Johnson since he had five at Memphis on April 2, 2006.
Johnson called the Pistons "a great team" but added he also had a bad game.
"I'll give them credit, maybe a little bit of both," Johnson said. "It's just tough fighting against double teams."
The Hawks couldn't come close to matching the Pistons' scoring depth. When Johnson was shut down, the Hawks had no backup plan. Josh Smith was held to 13 points, four below his average.
"Our main core guys, they just didn't have it tonight," Hawks coach Mike Woodson said. "There are nights like that in the NBA. I just hope we don't have many more nights like that."
Saunders credited Richard Hamilton with leading the defensive effort on Johnson.

Red Sox, Twins working on Santana terms

2007-12-04T23:09:00.000-08:00

By JIMMY GOLEN, AP Sports WriterDecember 4, 2007
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- The best team in baseball is getting closer to acquiring the best pitcher on the market.
The World Series champion Red Sox are working on a deal to acquire two-time Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana from Minnesota for a package that could include left-hander Jon Lester or outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury. Twins general manager Bill Smith wouldn't discuss the talks. Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein has also declined to comment on Santana, saying generally that "a lot of the rumors out there are just that."
"It takes two teams to make a trade," he told Boston-area reporters. "I know there's a lot of speculation that we're close to something big. Until we reach an agreement, then we're not that close."
If the teams agree to the players, the Red Sox would try to work out a contract extension with Santana, a 28-year-old lefty who is eligible for free agency after the 2008 season.
"We have no payroll constraints. Our issues aren't payroll right now," Twins general manager Bill Smith said. "Some of it is more length. Length of contract is an issue. Some things around groundbreaking issues. I'd just as soon leave it at that."
The New York Yankees had also been pursuing Santana before setting a Monday night deadline and pulling out of the negotiations.
Probably.

Sid the Kid is coming to town

2007-12-04T23:06:00.000-08:00

The heck with Santa, he shows up every year. It's Sid the Kid who is finally coming to town.
That's what ravenous hockey fans are saying in Western Canada this week as the Pittsburgh Penguins visit Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver over a four-day stretch starting Wednesday night in northern Alberta. It's the first trip to each city in Sidney Crosby's NHL career.
The weather is positively frigid, but this will be one hot ticket.
"Everyone wants to see this kid," Flames general manager Darryl Sutter said. "They want to see the stars. It's the same when (Alexander) Ovechkin came in last year." It's taken nearly one-third of the way into Crosby's third NHL season to finally complete the 30-city circuit. These are the final three stops the 20-year-old native of Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia has to make to give everyone around the league an opportunity to witness him live.
"It's always nice to go to a new place, it's nice to play someone new," Crosby said by phone. "It feels like your first year again."
Crosby will be in demand this week. Canada's TSN is airing Wednesday's game from Edmonton, Saturday's contest in Vancouver is the second half of Hockey Night in Canada and Rogers Sportsnet is following the tour day-by-day. It might remind him a bit of his first day of training camp three years ago when 11 Canadian media outlets were on hand to record his every move.
"I'd never complain about the attention – ever," said Crosby, already 186 games into a superstar's career. "I feel very fortunate to be doing what I love to do. Not everyone gets that chance every day.
"This is just part of it, and it comes down to managing my time to make sure I concentrate on my passion, which is the hockey."
Surprisingly, despite his high profile status as a junior star and national team member, Crosby had not appeared in any of these three buildings before reaching the NHL.