Showing posts with label news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label news. Show all posts
A Sudanese-American boy named Ahmed Mohamed was arrested on Monday in Irving, Tex. after a bringing a digital clock he had built to school. Educators and law enforcement officers thought the clock, which consisted of a display, a circuit board and some wiring, was a bomb.
Mohamed's creation was confiscated, and he was eventually led into a room where several police officers were waiting, Avi Selk reported for The Dallas Morning News. "Yup. That's who I thought it was," the dark-skinned Mohamed, 14, recalled one of the officers saying.
Still wearing his NASA t-shirt, Mohamed was taken to a juvenile detention facility in handcuffs, where he was released to his parents after being fingerprinted.
Mohamed hasn't yet been charged with a crime, but research suggests that relatively well-behaved students of color are more likely to be arrested and imprisoned than white students who make trouble frequently. Advocates of juvenile-justice reform say Mohamed's case is typical, and that school authorities often assume the worst of students who belong to racial and ethnic minorities.
By Max Ehrenfreund
Ahmed isn’t alone: Well-behaved minority boys more likely to be imprisoned than white troublemakers
Trade ideas thread for Thursday 20 September 2015
Its like being in the back of the car on a loooong trip ... FOMC .... are we there yet?
But ...
Any trade ideas, thoughts, views, ahead of the biggest event of all time in history ever, until the next one the FOMC ForexLive traders would like to share and discuss with fellow ForexLive traders, please do so:
Trade ideas thread for 20 September 2015
MetaTrader 4 comes with the programming language MQL4 which allows the user the generation of personal indicators as well as the automation of certain tasks like the creation of trading signals or the order execution itself. Such programms are called Expert Advisor or shortly EA.
Basically all users can develop their own Expert Advisors which will trade according to the programmed trading strategy. Expert Advisors can be very simple trading systems or complex strategies like neuronal networks and genetic algorithms.
The use of Expert Advisors comes along with a number of advantages. EAs can monitor the market around the clock and react to specific market situation without the trader's permanent presence. Since FX markets are active for 24 hours on business days, this allows the benefit from all trading opportunities in the market. Additionally, there is no limit to the number of currency pairs and markets to be monitored simultaneously.
Expert Advisors also permit the concurrent use of several trading strategies for further risk diversification.
However, the crucial advantage is that Expert Advisors do not know any human emotions like fear or greed, and they will pursue a strategy without personal involvement, without panicking or increasing the risk. It remains at the user's discretion to select the suitable Expert Advisors and to define the correct trading parameters.
Expert Advisors Forex Germany
Major dollar pairings have been holding tight ranges, and while equity markets in Asia have followed yesterday's gains on Wall Street and in Europe, volumes have been low with investors hunkered down ahead of what will be a finely balanced decision by the Fed tomorrow. A survey of 30 economists yesterday by the FT found 14 expecting the Fed to pull the rate-hike trigger. We also expect a 25 bp hike, but anticipate that this will be accompanied with a dovish statement and dot plot. The expectation of such mollifying guidance in the event of a tightening is likely keeping stock markets underpinned. Assuming this works, this would be dollar positive. We also think that a no-change would be dollar positive, at least after an initial sell-off, perhaps, as the currency's yield advantage against major peers will remain intact as tightening expectations would simply flip to later in the year. The worse-case scenario for the dollar would be that a Fed hikes rates and markets crash, which would favour the yen and euro, the latter of which has recently proven to be a haven currency during bouts of risk aversion.
[EUR, USD]
EUR-USD settled back below 1.1300 after U.S. short-end yields spiked to a four-and-a-half year high on Tuesday, but impetus for follow-through buying has not surprisingly proved limited into what will be a finely balanced decision by the Fed tomorrow. EUR-USD remains some 2% up on early September lows, since when the pair has broken above its 200-day moving average, presently at 1.1229. Support comes in at 1.1229 (the 200-day moving average), and resistance is at 1.1328-30 and 1.1373-80.
[USD, JPY]
USD-JPY has managed to re-establish itself about 120.00 as global stocks manage gains, albeit in low volumes, into the Fed's decision on Thursday. Market analysts are evenly divided on tightening prospects, but even in the even of a rate hike, which we also expect, the Fed is likely to mollify market concerns will a dovish guidance. We therefore take a cautious bullish view of USD-JPY, thought the risk is we see further China stock market volatility regardless, a circumstance that would support the yen via its status as a haven.
[GBP, USD]
Sterling has been underperforming this week, having lost about 0.7% to the dollar from the day's high. The pound has also lost ground to the euro. Although the latest Bloomberg survey found a median expectation for the BoE to pull the rate lift-off trigger in Q1 next year, and BoE MPC members Weale and Forbes sounded out some hawkish remarks in recent days, yesterday's August inflation report showed headline CPI dipping to 0% y/y and core CPI ebbing to 1.0% from 1.2%, while PPI data undershot expectations. Cable's low is 1.5330. The 200-day moving average is at 1.5348. Today brings UK labour market data, where wage data will be of particular interest as this is a key metric the BoE is closely watching.
[USD, CHF]
EUR-CHF has settled back under 1.1000 after last week trading above here the first time since the SNB abandoned its former cap on the franc in January. General euro gains and a steadier tone in global stock markets has been conducive of franc declines. Swiss policymakers have also been successful in undermining the Swiss currency's status as a safe haven, with deeply negative deposit rates having caused a steady drip feed of yield-searching Swiss fund outflows.
[USD, CAD]
USD-CAD remains in a consolidation pattern centred around 1.32-1.33 in the wake of logging a 12-year peak at 1.3353 on Aug-25. The pair has been whipsawed by swings in oil prices in recent sessions, which the Canadian dollar correlates positively to. USD-CAD support is at 1.3200 and 1.3100-16.
[EUR, USD]
EUR-USD settled back below 1.1300 after U.S. short-end yields spiked to a four-and-a-half year high on Tuesday, but impetus for follow-through buying has not surprisingly proved limited into what will be a finely balanced decision by the Fed tomorrow. EUR-USD remains some 2% up on early September lows, since when the pair has broken above its 200-day moving average, presently at 1.1229. Support comes in at 1.1229 (the 200-day moving average), and resistance is at 1.1328-30 and 1.1373-80.
[USD, JPY]
USD-JPY has managed to re-establish itself about 120.00 as global stocks manage gains, albeit in low volumes, into the Fed's decision on Thursday. Market analysts are evenly divided on tightening prospects, but even in the even of a rate hike, which we also expect, the Fed is likely to mollify market concerns will a dovish guidance. We therefore take a cautious bullish view of USD-JPY, thought the risk is we see further China stock market volatility regardless, a circumstance that would support the yen via its status as a haven.
[GBP, USD]
Sterling has been underperforming this week, having lost about 0.7% to the dollar from the day's high. The pound has also lost ground to the euro. Although the latest Bloomberg survey found a median expectation for the BoE to pull the rate lift-off trigger in Q1 next year, and BoE MPC members Weale and Forbes sounded out some hawkish remarks in recent days, yesterday's August inflation report showed headline CPI dipping to 0% y/y and core CPI ebbing to 1.0% from 1.2%, while PPI data undershot expectations. Cable's low is 1.5330. The 200-day moving average is at 1.5348. Today brings UK labour market data, where wage data will be of particular interest as this is a key metric the BoE is closely watching.
[USD, CHF]
EUR-CHF has settled back under 1.1000 after last week trading above here the first time since the SNB abandoned its former cap on the franc in January. General euro gains and a steadier tone in global stock markets has been conducive of franc declines. Swiss policymakers have also been successful in undermining the Swiss currency's status as a safe haven, with deeply negative deposit rates having caused a steady drip feed of yield-searching Swiss fund outflows.
[USD, CAD]
USD-CAD remains in a consolidation pattern centred around 1.32-1.33 in the wake of logging a 12-year peak at 1.3353 on Aug-25. The pair has been whipsawed by swings in oil prices in recent sessions, which the Canadian dollar correlates positively to. USD-CAD support is at 1.3200 and 1.3100-16.
XE Market Analysis: Europe
If you’re a stock trader, then you know how the stock market works. However, there are lots of
surprising facts about stock markets that you probably didn’t know. Here are seven of the most fascinating ones.
Stock markets originated in the ancient world
While stock markets seem a modern invention, there is evidence of stocks going all the way back to the Roman Republic. At this time, Cicero talked about shares having a very high price, suggesting that there were tradable instruments whose value were linked to the success of a particular organisation.
Modern shares started with the Dutch East India Company
The Dutch East India Company, which is involved in the spice trade, was among the first companies to offer shares. Shareholders didn’t have much influence – the company was controlled by its directors. However, shareholders were richly rewarded. The annual dividends were 16% on average over the first half of the 17th century.
London stockbrokers were banned from the Royal Exchange
Stock trading in England started when King William tried to raise money for England’s wars in 1693, and English stock companies followed suit very quickly. Trading first started on the Royal Exchange, but the first stockbrokers were so rude that they were banned. Because of this, they started to trade in coffeehouses along Exchange Alley, which quickly led to the establishment of the London Stock Exchange.
It’s tough to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange
If a company wants to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange, then they have to issue $100 million worth of shares and must have made more than $10 million in the last three years. On the NASDAQ, the value issued stocks only have to be $70 million. On the London Stock Exchange, the requirements are even easier – the market capitalisation only has to be £700,000.
Shanghai is the second largest stock exchange by trade volume
While you might think that London is a huge stock exchange center, the truth is that Shanghai is number two. The NYSE trades $1,520 billion of shares per month, while Shanghai trades $1,278 billion. The London Stock Exchange Group only trades $165 billion per month.
Stock market bubbles aren’t new
We all remember the .com boom and bust, and know about the 1929 Wall Street crash, but financial bubbles aren’t anything new. All the way back in 1711, the South Sea Company was at the heart of a huge bubble, which cause share prices to collapse by 1720. Even earlier, there was tulip mania – back in 1637, some tulip bulbs were selling at 10 times the annual income of a skilled labourer.
The earliest book about stock trading was written in 1688
You may follow today’s stock gurus, but the first book on stock markets dates back all the way to 1688. Joseph de la Vega wrote a book entitled Confusions of Confusions at that time, discussing the workings of the stock market in Amsterdam. If you read the book, you’ll see all of the excesses and unpredictability of modern markets.
by AVRAAM
by AVRAAM
6 Fun Facts about the Stock Exchange
Have you ever wanted to quit your actual job, but you are afraid you will not be able to handle and sustain yourself because of the lack of money? Do you really stay with your actual job because of money but you know what your passions and hobbies are? I have to admit, we need to make a change right now in your life! In case you are wondering what alternatives you might have if you are unemployed, make sure to stick with us and keep an eye onto the following lines and meet our 3 crazy ways to earn money without being employed because – yes, it is possible, and very possible! People do that for years now.
Be a Pet Person
No, it does not mean that you need to be in the service of others, but to walk their dog, cat or anything that they might posess as a pet. By this means, you get money, do something without being actually employed and if you are a pet lover, it will definitely suit you perfectly! Believe it or not, some of us really do that as a second job or as a part-time job and they get great cash out of it!
Find Your Creative Skills
Now, as you being unemployed, the very best thing is to find and discover yourself – see what your passions are, hobbies, what suit you perfectly in such a way you do that with pleasure. For instance, photographers, they know their passion really turned out to be their business and full-time job. It does not mean that if you do not have a spark with photography, nothing will work – it will!
Work Online
There are hundreds if not tons of people who are busy yet they run an online business. From a virtual assistant, a secretary, an editor to an accountant, everything is possible now online. It is up to you to find your own domain that suits you and from the possition that you believe you could do a great job. It is fun, fast and you have a massive advantage in here – the possibility of working from any possible place on Earth, on loads of money! Busy people would pay loads for you to get their stuff done, especially because they do not own your precious time – so they rather prefer to pay you for it.
by GabrielaC
by GabrielaC
3 Crazy Ways to Earn Money
How To Pays Your Forex Broker
The forex mart, different another exchange-driven markets, has a uncomparable movie that galore activity makers use to stimulate traders. They prospect no change fees or regulatory fees, no collection fees and, somebody of all, no commissions. To the new merchant fitting wanting to jailbreak into the trading playacting, this sounds too righteous to be honorable. Trading without transaction costs is understandably an benefit. Nonetheless, what mightiness say like a agreement to
new traders may not be the mortal Command Structures
new traders may not be the mortal Command Structures
Digit forms of authorisation are misused by brokers in forex. Some firms substance a taped dispersion, others offer a inconsistent farm and plant others charge a empowerment supported on a percentage of the extension. So which is the unsurpassed select? At premier bounce, it seems that the concentrated distribution may be the paw distributed is the conflict between the cost the activity creator is equipped to pay you for purchase the acceptance (the bid terms), versus the price at which he is prepared to trade you the acceptance (the ask soprano). Imply you see the people quotes on your door: "EURUSD - 1.4952 - 1.4955." This represents a overspread of troika pips, the disagreement between the bid price of 1.4952 and the ask cost of 1.4955. If you are dealing with a industry maker who is gift a unchangeable extended of iii pips instead of a varied condiment, the number gift ever be tercet pips, irrespective of industry irresoluteness.
In the slip of a broker who offers a changeable page, you can wait a travel that leave, at nowadays, be as low as 1.5 pips or as overlooking as quint pips, depending on the nowness couple existence traded and the market irresolution place.
Both brokers may also trust a real micro credential, perhaps two-tenths of one pip, and then module achievement the inflict flux conventional from you on to a greatest market concern with whom he or she has a relation. In much an transcription, you can obtain a real waterproofed distribution that
exclusive larger traders could otherwise right.
Read More
XE Market Analysis: Europe
XE Market Analysis: North America
exclusive larger traders could otherwise right.
Read More
XE Market Analysis: Europe
XE Market Analysis: North America
How To Pays Your Forex Broker
Popular Bitcoin Mining Software
The opening Bitcoin country, titled the genesis bar, was mined in Jan 2009 and was placed in the blockchain (its unexclusive book). The affect of defense began e'er since with a choice decoration that scales up the difficultly even as statesman and more Bitcoins are mined. In dictate to fight the defence dispute, writer innovative computer hardware and reciprocal software screw been developed.
Time the instrumentality used by miners is loosely of triplet types: CPU/GPU (Graphical Processing Units), FPGA (Field Programmable Revenue Regalia) and ASIC (Use Circumstantial Nonsegregated Circuits), the selection for the software is broader. Here's a itemise of few of the touristed Bitcoin production software (in no particularized position). (See: What is Bitcoin Production?)
1) CGMiner
CGMiner is among the favourite Bitcoin excavation software harmonious with GPU/FPGA/ASIC component. It is ingenuous seed software engrossed in C, supported on the model hypothesis of CPU miner. It's a extend platform for Linux, Windows and Mac OS X. Both features countenance innovative detecting of new blocks, monitoring, overclocking, fan fastness mechanism, star loading of kernels, aggregate production instrumentality supporting along with remote interface capabilities. The software can gain up to any size of hashrate without delays and is redeeming for entirety healed for Windows, Linux and Mac. It claims to furnish a decent excavation move, highschool payout and has OpenCL (Afford Technology Module) hypothesis. It aims to straighten it prosperous for everyone to get Bitcoins. The consumer needs to get himself listed with the defence place after which the software can be old; thus it is a production puddle and software (very argot), this is where it differs from the different options open.
3) BTCMiner
It's an agaze publication defence software which can agree binary FPGA boards (in hundreds and is narrow by the symbol of USB army controllers). It helps in bad reduction by use of agelong polling and casting monitoring, it has a superpower preclude fashion and level overheat covering. Its system automatically chooses the ratio with the maximal value of hashes supported on wrongness activity. BTCMiner does not expect Xilinx software or liberty to play as it's a ready-to-use Bitstream which is one of its advantages.
4) 50 Laborer
50 Mineworker is an smooth to set up software with an semiautomatic uncovering emblem. It supports excavation of Bitcoin as substantially as Litecoin. It is a illustration port and entireness on an automatic mode where only the login and passwords are needful, it requires no commencement. It has umteen built-in widgets and all settings are stored in the plan record.
5) DiabloMiner
DiabloMiner is GPU (Graphics Processing Organization) software that uses OpenCL frame which can link unlimited pools and regularise reverse to other puddle in cover of connectivity unfortunate (and regressive every minute to the rank one). DiabloMiner supports both, solo and association production and is matched with Nvidia drivers and up-to-date ATI Move SDK. The environs is unwieldy like most of the software.
Popular Bitcoin Mining Software
Welcome back Active Traders and Wealth Builders.
Every once in a while a trend change comes along that's so obvious, those who miss it are just not paying attention. And the recent turn in energy prices is one such example. Let's examine the evidence.
To your left is a 24 year seasonality chart of crude oil. Its seems pretty obvious that low point on the chart is right about mid to late February which is hopefully just about the time you are reading this blog post.
Now your first instinct might be that its time to load up on oil. I'm not a futures trader and I don't find the leverage to be either necessary or useful. In fact the opposite is the case, the leverage can shake you out on the slightest wiggle. I had the same experience with Forex and I find its better to just avoid highly leveraged vehicles. The only exception would be options on equities which I can trade right out of my equities account and risk the same or a smaller amount that I would with a straight stock position in the underlying.
As for the best way to trade energy, let's break out TC2000 and examine a few alternatives include energy ETF's USO, DBO and energy equity ETF's XLE and OIH. A look at those in the scan on the left show that OIH and XLE are actually positive for the year while energy commodity ETF's are actually down for the year. More significant, look at the dividend yield of OIH and XLE to find a positive number versus the dividend yield for the actual commodity EFT's which is - zero.
This brings up the core problem with investing in actual commodities and that is called negative carry. Put another way that means it costs money to hold crude oil and other energy assets. This is reflected in term structure of future's contracts where farther dated contracts are usually priced higher than nearer dated contracts to reflect the cost of storing the commodity for delivery on that future date. This term structure can erode the return of holding commodities over a period of time even when the price holds constant. Take a look at performance of USO and you will see that it does a poor job of matching the overall return characteristics of crude oil due to the cost of carry and other costs such as maintaining a portfolio of future contracts to construct the index.
So what the answer? Energy stocks of course. Energy stocks have a positive carry as reflected in the dividend paid by the stocks themselves. And you can see those results clearly in the returns above for the year as well as in the dividend yields themselves. There are probably even smarter ways to trade energy like selling puts, or put spreads or selling calls against your positions to bring in extra income. But I am not an expert on energy companies and until I get to know more will be happy to invest in energy ETF's OIH and XLE.
One more tip for you - bring up a chart of OIH inside Thinkorswim and select Style, Chart Mode, Seasonality. You will see a chart that looks like the one on the right. Notice how OIH starts the year at a low and then tops out some time between August and September. There's your seasonal high and when its time to take profits. And there you have it a way to play energy ETF's with a better than even chance of coming out ahead - particularly when you factor in the dividends.
So go out there and dump your USO and buy some XLE and OIH.
And have a great week ahead.
Active-Trader - Seasonal Low in Energy
TOP GLOBAL MARKET STORIES
TOP GLOBAL MARKET STORIES
West TX Oil Around $47.50 on Global Glut Fears
U.S. crude futures fell towards $47.50 a barrel in early Asian trade on Wednesday, as worries about global oversupply outweighed the impact of stronger-than-expected U.S. demand for crude last week and a weaker dollar.
U.S. crude for September delivery dropped 25 cents to $47.73 a barrel as of 0003 GMT, after ending the previous session up 59 cents.
Brent futures for September delivery fell 30 cents to $53. The contract fell 17 cents in the previous session, and at one hit $52.28, its lowest since Feb. 2 on concerns about the stock market plunge in China, the world’s largest energy consumer.
TOP TRADE IDEAS
Top Trade Idea for July 29th, 2015 – USD/JPY
It’s been a quiet overnight session for most major currencies as market participants refrained from placing large trades ahead of today’s FOMC meeting. As we noted yesterday, the central bank is unlikely to make any outright changes to monetary policy, but the wording of the accompanying statement could tilt the scales in the hotly-contested “September vs. December” (for the first rate hike) debate.
Heading into the release, USDJPY may be the most important currency pair to watch. The unit rallied sharply off its 100-day moving average near 121.00 earlier this month before stalling out around 124.50 and pulling back over the last week. It’s not surprising that the rally lost steam around the 125.00 handle, a level that traders have dubbed the “Kuroda Line.”
Much Like France’s famed Maginot Line in World War II, a policymaker has built “obstacles” to prevent enemies (USDJPY bulls) from crossing a certain level. Last month, BOJ Governor Kuroda, BOJ member Sato, and Japanese Finance Minister Aso all warned against further yen depreciation in the same day, creating the perception that Japanese policymakers would not tolerate USDJPY trading above 125.00. Based on the price action over the last week, these comments left an indelible scar on the psyche of USDJPY traders, who remain extremely wary of driving USDJPY above the 124.50-125.50 zone.
That said, the longer-term trend in USDJPY remains to the topside, with support emerging near the 100-day MA and rising bullish trend line around the mid-121.00s. Meanwhile, the daily RSI indicator continues to hold above the 40 level, which typically provides support in healthy uptrends. In the short-term, all will hinge on today’s FOMC meeting: if the central bank leaves the door open for a potential September rate hike, USDJPY could run back toward the Kuroda Line around 124.50, but it would likely require a strong signal that a September rate hike is likely (unlikely, in our view) to take the pair through this barrier. Meanwhile, a more dovish statement could take the unit back down toward support around 122.00.
Top Trade Idea for July 29th, 2015 – USD/JPY
This Dying Mother Wrote Cards For Her Little Girl To Read Throughout Her Life
Heather McManamy was diagnosed with breast cancer in spring of 2013. Since then, the 35-year-old Wisconsin mother has learned that her condition is terminal . Still, Heather is doing everything she can to be there for her daughter emotionally, even if she can’t be there physically.
To help little Brianna cope with the impending loss, Heather thought of a beautiful way to reach her for many years to come. By writing a series of letters, Heather will be able to guide Brianna through all of life’s twists and turns.
WPXI – Pittsburgh
Because of these letters, Brianna can rest assured that her mom will always be part of her life. To help Heather make the most of her remaining time, be sure to visit the family’s GoFundMe page. They deserve all the help and support they can get.
This Dying Mother Wrote Cards For Her Little Girl To Read Throughout Her Life
Muslim Lolita Fashion Is A New Trend Inspired By Japan
In an awesome fashion mash-up that nobody could’ve foreseen, Muslim fans of the Japanese lolita fashion trend have begun pairing these sweet-as-candy outfits with their hijabs, creating a unique new style that Japanese lolita fans are falling in love with.
The lolita trend, at its most basic, involves wearing modernized Victorian- or Rococo-style dresses and outfits that are heavily accessorized and painstakingly coordinated into elaborate costumes. The trend’s fans (called ‘lolitas’) then meet up at various events to spend time together and appreciate each others’ outfits (or, as they call them, ‘coords’).
Two Muslim lolitas, Noor and Alyssa, have pioneered the combination of lolita costumes with their Muslim hijabs. While fittingly stylish and flamboyant, their costumes still fully adhere to their religious principles.
Muslim Lolita Fashion Is A New Trend Inspired By Japan !!!!!
In 30 Seconds, You'll Learn How To Save A Life…And You'll Never See It Coming
With heart disease as the leading killer of Americans today, it is important to know the signs of a heart attack. To raise awareness for heart health, the actors below gave their best performances of what a heart attack looks like. In the end, however, the person who gave the most realistic performance isn’t who you’d expect, and it might help you recognize symptoms in the future.
In 30 Seconds, You'll Learn How To Save A Life…And You'll Never See It Coming
We All Hate Telemarketers, But What This Woman Had To Put Up With Is Ridiculous
Telemarketing has to be the worst job in the world, because realizing that you endlessly annoy people has to wear on the soul. And no one likes to be hung up on. It's just rude. And imagine what it feels like to be hung up on fifty times a day.
But there are some telemarketers who deserve every ounce of disdain thrown their way. The telemarketer this woman had to deal with might just be the worst one yet.But there are some telemarketers who deserve every ounce of disdain thrown their way. The telemarketer this woman had to deal with might just be the worst one yet.
(via NDN)
No one should have to deal with a telemarketer like that, and it's clear that Mark needs to learn a thing or two about professionalism. I would've hung up on him. He deserved to be hung up on.
We All Hate Telemarketers, But What This Woman Had To Put Up With Is Ridiculous
10 Ideas For A First Date
The consternation caused by first-dates with a new person is a timeless, age-old dilemma that never goes out of style. The decisions abound, from what to wear, what to say and where to go?
While we can’t advise you on what to say the first time you go out with someone, and we’re not about to deliberate on fashion choices, here are 10 suggestions to facilitate your decision of where to take someone on a first date:
Meet her/him for dinner. It may not break new ground in the pantheon of dating ideas, but there are few better ways to get to know a person on a first date than over dinner. Do it at a casual restaurant rather than a four-star establishment. And don’t make the mistake Mark Ratner did when he brought Stacey to the German restaurant on their first date in “Fast Times at Ridgemont High”—for Gosh sakes, bring enough money to cover the meal!
Take them to lunch. It represents less pressure on the part of both parties on the date if the meeting is taking place in the daytime. Not only is it light out, but lunch usually brings with it inherent time limits—a key component just in case you two don’t hit it off and are looking for the escape hatch soon after getting together.
Coffee or ice cream. This takes the lunch philosophy and dials it down even more. Although, quite famously, when someone asks, “Wanna come in for coffee?” they don’t always mean coffee, in this case, meeting over coffee or an ice cream cone implies little pressure and more of a breather until (if) you two are able to reach a greater comfort level with one another.
A sporting event. Get tickets to a baseball or basketball game and take your date there. It isn’t romantic, but it’s wide open, public, fun, and you’ll have a natural focal point of conversation (the game that you’re both watching) to fill in the gaps in conversation that can be a first-date hazard.
Concert. If you both have similar tastes in music, whether it’s rock, hip-hop or classical, then concert tickets might be a good point to start off your potential relationship. Like a ballgame, you’d be meeting in a public place with lots of people around and a common point of interest to generate conversation.
Movie. A movie ticket is a lot more expensive than it used to be, and there isn’t a lot of opportunity for get-to-know-each-other conversation in a darkened theater, however the movies are a reliable go-to choice for a first date. You could also combine the movie with suggestions 1, 2 or 3. Or you could hang out at home with a DVD or Netflix movie choice, saving the gas and the money, but upping the ante in terms of possible first-date tension.
Picnic. Enjoy the great outdoors by packing a picnic lunch and heading to the park to get to know each other. It’s breezy, casual and a nice chance to connect without having to tip a waitress or concern yourself with the niceties of dining out.iStock_000008505466XSmall
The zoo. If you both like nature and wildlife, a visit to the zoo can be just as much fun with a first date as it is with a wide-eyed child.
The mall. Another public place where you can walk around, discover common interests and quietly make fun of the people passing you by is the mall. There’s plenty to do, plenty to talk about and the pressure quotient is fairly low.
Be active. Take your first date bowling, roller skating, ice skating, mini-golfing or apple picking. You’ll be doing something together, hopefully having fun, and you both might enjoy the dynamic of a plan that involves something other than sitting across a table or in a theater or concert hall with one another.
These tips are no guarantee of date success. Just relax, don’t be dull, and, again, make sure you have enough money on hand.
Good luck.
10 Ideas For A First Date
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