techian.com

second image:

well for applying color hover, i already explained it
lets discuss on transparent text:

1. on the background layer, create a new layer with opacity 50%
2. write the text on that layer
3. adjust the text position as you desire (hold alt key and use cursor to move, incline etc)
4. now add some blending options to the text as you like (its up to you what type of blend you want to apply)
   as for me i applied inned shadow, inner glow, outer glow & satin
5. you can also use the sharpen tool or blur tool to make the look attractive (though i did not)