Offshore Internet Banking Advantages and Disadvantages

The topic of offshore internet banking is a hot one and one that is increasingly growing in popularity not only within the consumer banking community, but also the business or corporate banking sector.

The beauty of offshore online banking is that in addition to enabling you to conduct banking activities allowed by traditional and local brick and mortar businesses, it allows you more variety and flexibility in terms of your banking needs. For example, if you travel often, offshore online banking gives you the flexibility to conduct business on to go from anywhere, while ensuring that you have access to the type of currency if you need at a time you need it.

Having said that, not all banks offer online or internet banking services as this service costs the banks a significant amount of money. Programming sophisticated and secure systems require the effort of several full time computer engineers, full security and compliance departments, as well as heavy overhead to support the service on an ongoing basis.

Because there are so many variables involved in offering this service, offshore internet banking services vary from one financial institution to another. Some have better systems while others have work to do. A lot of this is predicated on the resources the bank has dedicated to this initiative, both in terms of quantity and quality.

Opening an Offshore Bank Account

Before diving further into this topic, I want to clarify that engaging in offshore internet banking is not about evading taxes. It is about mitigating risk of capital loss due to no fault of your own. So when considering a foreign jurisdiction in which to establish an offshore bank account, consider one that is politically stable and financially strong. In addition, it helps to select a jurisdiction that pays an attractive interest rate and has low to no income tax. Some of the most preferred jurisdictions over the years have been Switzerland, Cayman Islands, Singapore, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Opening a personal bank account is usually a very personal activity. With offshore internet banking however, there are ways you can get started remotely without having to show up to the bank’s local office, saving a ton of time, money and mainly frustration.

One such way is by visiting a local bank’s branch in your domicile state, or home country. Many big banks that offer internet banking have a multi-national presence. Chances are good that your selected bank has a local branch near where you live, despite being headquartered in another offshore jurisdiction.

In other cases, there are international banks that may not have local branches near where you live, but are willing and able to establish an offshore bank account for you through email, snail mail, fax and telephone. There are usually a set of documents required by banks in order to execute this process. Therefore you can still open a foreign bank account with an offshore bank without having to leave your country, but it may come with a little more effort, and sometimes the struggle involved in communicating with someone overseas.

The Advantages of Offshore Internet Banking

Here are some advantages of offshore internet banking that you should know about.

Protection from sovereign risk – as mention already above, parking funds in foreign bank accounts mitigates the risk of loss of capital resulting from freeze or confiscation of funds by Governments without any fault of your own. This risk is less of a concern in a developed economy with a solid banking infrastructure such as the United States, but it is nonetheless an inherent risk that exists.

Tax benefits – many offshore jurisdictions have low to no income tax implications on interest income, or income from business activities.

Higher Interest Rates – because many offshore banks operate with low costs, they can afford to offer higher interest rates compared to larger multi-national names. In fact, in developed economies like in Europe and North America, regulatory compliance requirements is seen by many as form of taxation on banks, thereby increasing overhead costs and lowering interest rates.

On Demand Access to Statements – offshore internet banking gives you instant access to your statements where you can view your activities on a real time basis. This includes past and pending deposits and withdrawals. You can therefore access your account balance at anytime.

Money Management – with offshore internet banking you can transfer funds between accounts across the globe instantly. Offshore banks have inventories of various currencies and can help you fulfill banking transactions in multiple countries. You can schedule automatic payments to vendors to release automatically.

There are several other advantages to offshore internet banking. You can open offshore trading accounts and establish offshore brokerage accounts to conduct trading and investment activity (there can be tax advantages to this). Conducting transactions online is not only mostly free, but also very efficient. Transaction time online is simply much less. You can also have streams of income potentially directly deposited straight into your offshore online bank account.

From a personal finance perspective, downloading banking activity from your offshore online bank account is easy and can be done instantly. Most online banking platforms are designed to feed information into financial or personal accounting software or to spreadsheets like Excel. Individuals can save a significant amount on accountant fees just by utilizing this feature. Not to mention more intimate knowledge and management of their own finances.

For those looking for anonymity, offshore online bank accounts also allow you to conduct banking anonymously as per bank secrecy guidelines.

The Disadvantages of Offshore Internet Banking

Merely establishing an offshore bank account can be a reason for the Government to put more focus on your activities. After all, many use offshore internet banking as a mechanism to conduct illegal activity and evade taxes. Some specific disadvantages of offshore internet banking as a result of conducting business through foreign bank accounts are the following:

Knowledge of Internet – There is a certain level of internet savvy required to be able to navigate your way through offshore internet banking platforms to ensure you are getting exactly what you want. This is a big reason why some elderly shy away from conducting banking online.

Deposit Timeline – Because many banks do not have the technology to be able to collect deposits remotely, you may have difficulty depositing all your proceeds. While many banks have developed electronic scanning technology, others have yet to catch up. There is no consistency to say the least.

Security / Fraud Implications – because banking is conducted online, offshore internet banking exposes you to the risk of network intrusion or breach. Because information is transferred electronically and stored in various databases, breaches can cause private and sensitive information to leak out into the wrong hands. But then again, this is no different than losing your check book if compared to traditional brick and mortar banking.

Spam Mail – offshore online banking also means that you will receive emails from the foreign bank you have your offshore bank accounts with. Internet predators recognize this as an opportunity for phishing, or fish for private and sensitive information. Many times you may see an email in your inbox from what seems like your foreign banking institution. However it is not. These are phishing emails hoping for you to login and enter your personal information such as login and password.

TIPS: Here are a few tips to avoid falling for phishing scams. First, when you receive an email from your bank, call them to verify that they sent the email. Second, instead of opening the email they sent you, visit the bank’s website directly and see if you can conduct what’s asked of you on their site by you logging in directly rather than clicking a login link in an email message.

Third, if you were to open the email and click on any link in it for whatever reason, once the link takes you to a website where you are required to enter personal information, look for security symbols such as an https URL address or a padlock on the lower right hand side corner of the web browser. There are other security measures as well that can be visible spotted. Read online for more on this topic.

Financial Security – some offshore bank locations are not very financially secure or stable. For example, during the global economic crisis of 2008, many savers lost money parked in offshore bank accounts in some destinations such as Iceland. I don’t mean to scare you by any means as this situation is rare, and in most cases those who suffer losses are compensated in some way over time. However, know that this inherent risk exists. Always look for deposit insurance. The bigger the allowance the better.

Credibility by Association – as I’ve already mentioned, offshore internet banking has negative connotations attached to it, often associated with money laundering, use of illegal monies, in-taxed monies and support of illegal causes. Offshore bank accounts at times are tied to crime rings and terrorists. What does this mean for you? Although you may engage in offshore banking legally and legitimately, understand that there will be closer scrutiny over you by the Governments.

Access Restrictions – offshore banks are in destinations far away from you, therefore more difficult and expensive to access. In many countries, communication in person is preferred to communicating over phone, email and snail mail, therefore internet banking can get a bit difficult and frustrating. I see this trend slowly changing with banks understanding the need to communicate at all levels and mediums to satisfy a global audience.

Expensive – offshore internet banking is usually more expensive to set up and administer and thus more accessible and feasible for those more affluent or high income earners. It’s not so much that it is expensive to open a foreign bank account. It is not. However, many times you will need to go through a firm that specializes in helping expatriates establish and manage foreign bank accounts. All these activities cost money.

Ten Tips for a Trouble Free Paris Taxi Experience

If you’re visiting Paris for more than a few days, you will most likely have an occasion to use a taxi. Maybe you’ll be using a taxi for your Paris Airport transfer – traveling from Charles de Gaulle or Orly airport to the Paris city center. Or maybe you’ll want to splurge for a night when you visit the Paris Opera. The Parisian taxi system is heavily regulated, so these tips will help to ensure that you’re Paris taxi experiences don’t turn into Paris taxi adventures!

    1. Know how to find an unoccupied taxi – Spotted from down the street, it’s not always easy to tell if a taxi is occupied or not. Luckily, the “Taxi” light on top of the car tells you everything you need to know. The old system (which will be phased out by July 2012) uses a white plastic sign that is either lit or unlit. IF the light is lit (yellowish light), the taxi is unoccupied and you may stop it. If the light is off, the car is occupied, the driver is on a call, or the driver’s shift has ended. The new system, beginning in 2011 uses a white plastic sign with a green light (unoccupied) or a red light (occupied).
  • Taxi Stands – In Paris, certain locations throughout the cities are set up as taxi stands. Whenever you’re ready to get a taxi, simply go to a main thoroughfare and look for a sign next to the street that says “Taxis”. On busy streets during busy hours, you may find a few people already waiting. The rule is first come, first served, so locals will not treat you kindly if you try to jump the queue. Taxis are prohibited from taking on passengers within 50m of a Taxi Stand. So if you are having problems getting a free taxi to stop for you, but they all stop at the end of the street. Take a look and see if there is a Taxi Stand close by.
  • Extra Fees – Taxis are allowed to charge you an extra fee for certain services. Pickups at train stations, airports allow a supplement of up to 1€. Each suitcase put in the trunk (over more than 5kg) maybe be charged 1€. Animals and a fourth passenger may be charged a supplement.
  • Busy Nights and Rainy Days – Be aware that the number of taxis available is regulated and is not necessarily the number that would be available in a free market. On rainy days during tourist season (April – October) in touristy areas and on weekends on the Champs-Elysees after 2AM, it may be very difficult to find an unoccupied taxi.
  • Use a radio taxi – If you are in an out-of-the way location, consider calling a taxi. You’ll pay a little bit more, but you’ll also avoid very long waits in the case of a busy night or a rainy day during tourist season. If you’re in a hotel the reception can call the taxi for you. If not, you can use a service like Taxi G7 or Taxis Bleues.
  • Pay in Cash – Most taxis don’t accept credit cards, so be prepared to pay in cash (Euros). A tip of approximately 10% is standard.
  • Avoid unlicensed taxis – Legal taxis in Paris have a TAXI sign on the roof. From time to time in touristy locations and at the airport you will be approached by people asking if you need a taxi. These offers should be declined. Legitimate taxis stay in their cars and wait for passengers at the taxi stand (including at the airport). The unlicensed taxis could charge you much more than the normal fare.
  • Write your destination address on a piece of paper – Many taxi drivers in Paris only speak French. So unless your French language skills are very good, in order to avoid misunderstandings, it’s best to write your destination address on a piece of paper and hand it to the driver
  • Know the fare system. Parisian taxis charge three different fares: A,B, and C. The A fare is the cheapest, it is valid during the daytime, inside the city limits. The ‘B’ fare is more expensive, it is valid during evening hours and on weekends inside the city limits, and at night outside the city. The ‘C’ fare is the most expensive, it is valid outside the city limits and inside the city limits at night on weekends
  • Take a ride along the river Seine late at night. Driving along the Seine while Paris sleeps is a good way to experience the City of Light. Late one night, between 3am and 5am, take advantage of the opportunity to see Paris in a new way. Ask the taxi driver to drive you along the Seine between Bastille and Place de la Concorde. You’ll be glad you did!
  • How to Buy Home Furniture You Will Love

    In the past, homeowners felt pressured to select a single decorating style and to stick to it. The goal was to present a room where all the furniture looked brand new. Today, people are more interested in conveying a sense of their own personal tastes, with rooms that look as if they were furnished over time, through careful selections.

    While the eclectic decorating style can be more satisfying, it can present its own set of challenges, too. Too many disparate elements can make a room look unorganized and chaotic. Here are a few tips on how to shop home furniture stores, whether online or in person, for furniture that you’ll love just as much when you get it home.

    Unifying Elements

    Just as a piece of music uses a repetitive drum beat or base line to establish a rhythm, a well-designed room uses repetition to establish a visual rhythm, a pattern that helps to unify the room, presenting it as a cohesive whole. Colors, materials and textures in house furniture can all be used as unifying elements.

    For example, the distinctive texture and color of leather home furniture can be used throughout the room to unify the furniture decor. A side table with pictures framed in leather, a wooden console table in the same shade as the leather, and wallpaper in varying shades of the same hue, would help unify the room by expanding the rich feel and deep color of leather throughout the room.

    Interesting Accents

    Just as music needs melody as well as rhythm, home furniture needs more that repetitive elements to make the room an interesting space. Colors, materials and textures can be used as contrasting elements, too. Elements that would play well against the weight and mass of leather house furniture include metallic lamps, to add polish and gleam, glass tables, to lighten the look, and colors like celadon or fawn, to soften the overall color palette.

    Establishing a Mood

    Music with melody and rhythm is likely to convey a specific mood. Determining what mood is wanted from a room, before shopping at home furniture stores, helps inform furniture selections. Every room has atmosphere, whether intended or not. Rooms can be invigorating or soothing. They can establish a feeling of luxury or carefree fun. With some forethought, they can surround you with the environment that best suits your own personality.

    You’re the Star

    When music is personally meaningful, the artist gets most of the glory. To ensure that your rooms best represent your personality, only purchase furniture that you love from home furniture stores. While creating a cohesive room that establishes the right environment is important, each element of the room should give you pleasure. Set the rhythm, add the melody, create a mood, then go ahead and sing.

    Cheap International Travel Insurance – How To Find The Best Plan

    When traveling abroad, one must always take in consideration good and cheap international travel insurance. Travel insurances have now become a necessity when traveling. Many travel companies and insurance companies have coincided so as to make sure they provide the customers with the superb service they truly deserve. There have been many packages that come together with the booking of travels. Several cheap travel insurance can be searched online and offline, through a visit to a well respected travel agency or insurance company. This travel insurance makes sure that a trip is well secured with the assurance that the client will not have to worry about sometimes inevitable situations. Several coverage terms are available for different companies. They key to getting a good deal is through rummaging amidst the plethora of the offers available.
    Being well informed of the availability of the offers is one good way to start a deal. Overseas travel is an adventurous risk which could lead to several uncertain situations as well. Countries have different cultures and even their medical systems are quite different from each other. A traveler may have a medical plan but having one does not assure that the international medical needs will be covered. Aside from these, basically, the two main reasons why a person must get cheap international travel insurance is the fact that sometimes, a trip is cancelled or it is delayed. When this happens, the travel insurance can take care of the expenses to be incurred. Cheap travel insurance worldwide is required for security. It will also provide the client the peace of mind he or she deserves when on the trip. Worldwide travel insurance is a must have for every traveler. An ideal plan covers the trip cancellation, medical transportation expense, baggage loss, delayed departure, curtailment, legal assistance or even overseas funeral expenses. However, carelessness will not be taken cared of by the company. The insurance can be arranged upon the time of booking the trip.
    Most travel agencies offer cheap international insurance on packages. These packages are based on the traveler’s needs and wants. The traveler is therefore always the one in charge. He or she is the one responsible of choosing the perfect plan to suit his travel.
    There are also some travel networks sites on the internet which provide information that is always easy to understand and offer rates that are within your budget. Having cheap online travel insurance can make someone smile without all the worries of unexpected expenses. A couple of them also offer a free and instant quote for the traveler to know what type of insurance he or she is most likely to avail.
    There are several types of travel insurance. There is this thing called the emergency evacuation covering the medical expenses, group travel, annual multi-trip for those who travel on a regular basis, international insurance benefits for families and many more. Global travel insurance is the best way to ensure that the trip will be hassle-free.

    New Voguish Maternity Fashion Styles

    You just found out that you are pregnant. It is a joyous occasion, but you also want to be comfortable. Check with your local retailer for maternity fashion styles that may be appealing to you. Being comfortable no longer means baggy sweatpants and over-sized shirts.

    There are several styles of maternity pants available to purchase. There are many different designs, such as, under the belly twill, full belly panel, and mid belly panels these designs seem to be the favorites. The wonderful thing about the full belly panel is in most cases this pant can be worn all through your pregnancy. The panel rolls down, and as you get further along in your pregnancy, the panel and waist is adjustable by buttons, or an elastic band.

    Whatever design you choose, you should know will be comfortable and fashionable. You have a selection of pant designs you can choose from boot-cut, straight legged, pockets, or without pockets. The choice is yours. Most maternity pants are designed for comfort, and many designers have Incorporated the latest fashion trends, which has included maternity clothing.

    If you are worried about the price, don’t be. Most clothing for expecting mothers is affordable, and many retail chains now carry a wide selection of maternity clothing. The designs have improved dramatically over the years, and fashion houses seem to understand the importance of creating clothing that not only looks great on, but feel great on.

    There is also a huge selection of stylish tops that can be purchased at competitive prices. You can display your growing belly with form fitted shirts, which can be a printed trendy pattern, or the simplicity of solid colors. A baby-doll design is also a fashionable choice, and offers several different available patterns to choose from.

    Today, the expecting mother has the option to purchase trendy clothing, and shoes that are specifically made for mothers. You no longer have to worry about swollen feet and not being able to wear your shoes. There are several designers that have created many different stylish shoes, such as tennis shoes, loafers, ballet slippers, and clogs. This gives the expecting mother choices, besides house shoes. You can purchase any of the mentioned shoes at affordable prices, and continue to wear them after you deliver your child.

    As you begin to mature in your pregnancy, undergarments play an important roll in a woman’s comfort. Many designers have created sassy undergarment collection, which still maintains the femininity most woman desire. The great thing about many of these undergarment designs is the diverse creatively that offers a feminine design, and more importantly complete comfort. You no longer how to worry about the unattractive selection you once had. Today’s expecting mother has a wide selection of color and printed undergarments to choose from.

    An expecting mother needs the comfort of baggy sweatpants and over-sized t-shirts, but thankfully today, designers have taken the time to create fashionable clothing, comfortable trendy footwear, and sophisticated, but sexy undergarments. All at reasonably affordable prices. Being pregnant doesn’t mean you have to settle for anything less than comfort, and the latest fashion trends.

    Bermuda Travel Info

    Bermuda is a very popular tourist destination is located about 600 miles east of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina and is known as the best tropical island in the Atlantic Ocean. Before you travel to Bermuda there is a lot of travel information that will be very useful in making you trip easy and enjoyable.

    Keep these travel tips in mind before you even get to Bermuda:

    An important piece of Bermuda travel info is to remember if you are flying into Bermuda you will need a passport. If you are a taking a cruise to the islands you will only need a government issued I.D. showing the status of your citizenship.

    There is plenty of good medical care available on the island should the need arise, but it is very expensive.

    Another important thing to remember is that in Bermuda, you drive on the left hand side of the road. If you are not experienced in driving on the left hand side there are taxis and bus lines that run throughout the islands.

    Bringing any kind of firearms, many types of knives, or any ammunition at all is illegal and will result in consequences by the law of Bermuda.

    Bermuda does not receive much rain and when the islands do they are usually very short rain storms.

    Bermuda is considered a sub-tropical country so make sure you bring your summer clothes and bathing suits.

    Almost every place in Bermuda will except US dollars.

    Bermuda is one hour ahead of eastern standard time.

    English is the main language of Bermuda, although many locals speak other languages also.

    Anything you will need to purchase in Bermuda will be very expensive due to high import taxes.

    When looking for accommodations, here is a little Bermuda travel information to take into consideration:

    There are many hotels, resorts, and bed and breakfasts to choose from. There are also cottages available to rent throughout the islands.

    There are no all inclusive resorts at all in Bermuda.

    While you may see people camping, it is not allowed for tourists, only natives of the islands.

    While on the islands there are many activities to enjoy:

    The beautiful blue waters and white sandy beaches are one of the main reasons people visit this beautiful group of islands.

    Some of the most popular activities include, golf, snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing. There are also many places you can charter your own boats for deep sea fishing.

    A lot of the restaurants on the islands are English. You will notice English breakfasts, teas, and dinners all over Bermuda.

    Bermuda has excellent seafood. Regional fishermen provide some very tasty and unique fish for the island.

    There is also many historical sites and tons of shopping opportunities available on the islands.

    Another very important piece of information to know while traveling to Bermuda is that there has been an increase in crimes on the islands. The crime rate is much lower than most island nations but remember to keep your eyes open all the time and always be aware of your surrounds.

    Home Furniture Safety Tips to Help Protect Your Family From Accidents and Injury

    Thousands of People are treated annually for injuries associated with furniture. The majority of these injuries and deaths are to children. Here are tips you may use to make your household environment safer for yourself and your family.
    1. Falls are a leading cause of injuries and deaths in the home. To lessen the likelihood of falls, eliminate clutter, be sure rugs have slip-resistant pads, keep electrical cords out of walkways and clean up spills immediately.
    2. Position or Place furniture in low-traffic areas such as corners and sections of the room, out of the range of mobility so that people do not accidentally run into furniture.
    3. Shelves should be strategically placed in bedroom and living room areas to limit reaching. They should be low enough to avoid using a step stool but all items should be at eye level in order to find them easily.
    4. Make sure furniture is stable and without sharp corners, if possible. This will minimize the chances of injury.
    5. Make sure that furniture surfaces are smooth and free of splinters or rough edges. Nails, screws and other joiners should be tight and unexposed.
    6. Be careful not to overload the shelves on bookcases. In some cases, it may be a good idea to secure the top portion of the unit to the wall to prevent it from tipping over, especially if children are present in the home.
    7. Use the correct size furniture to house your television. Because of their weight, especially the popular larger models, TVs can fall forward if they are not properly supported.
    8. Place TVs on lower furniture, as far back as possible. Use angle-braces or anchors to secure furniture to the wall.
    9. Make sure that lids have safety latches that prevent the top from falling freely or slamming shut on fingers or a child’s head. Lids also should not lock automatically. If you have an older chest without safety latches, it is recommended that you contact the manufacturer for a replacement latch or remove the lid.
    10. Arrange furniture so that outlets are available for lamps and appliances without the use of extension cords. If you must use an extension cord, place it on the floor against a wall where people cannot trip over it. Remove cords from under furniture or carpeting and replace damaged or frayed cords immediately.
    11. Remove rugs and runners that tend to slide. Apply double-faced adhesive carpet tape or rubber matting to the backs of rugs and runners. Purchase rugs with slip-resistant backing.
    12. Lamps or switches located close to each bed will enable you to get up at night and see where you’re going. Rearrange furniture closer to switches or move lamps closer to beds. Install night lights where possible.
    13. Never allow children under 6 years-old on the upper bunk of a Bunk bed. Bunk beds should have guardrails on each side of the top bunk, with the side against the wall or opposite the ladder running the full length of the bed.
    14. It’s a good idea to check periodically to make sure all screws, bolts, brackets and other joiners on your furniture are tight and secure.
    15. To prevent tempting your children to climb on furniture, do not place enticing objects on tops of tables, dressers or bookcases.
    16. You should not place furniture near windows where children can climb or fall out.
    When shopping for home furniture, choose quality furniture that is not only comfortable and beautiful, but safe as well.

    Gardening Tips

    Gardens come in different varieties like the plants you find in them. There are several gardening tips that can be used for all type of gardens.
    1.Mulching protects your garden topsoil from being blown away. It also provides nutrients as it decomposes and improves the appearance of your gardens. Mulching has other benefits and is one of the most recommended gardening tips by gardeners and farmers alike.
    2.Healthy plants are more disease resistant. Plants are like people, a person with a strong immune system can combat diseases. A healthy plant does the same.
    3. Pests can be eradicated by cleaning the plant with a watery solution of soap. Just make sure to rinse after. This gardening tip is best heeded for fruit bearing trees or edible plants.
    4. Using compost fertilizers are a great way to have healthy plants. It is also a great way to save money on expensive fertilizers. Non -organic fertilizers also tend to leave chemical residues that can accumulate in garden soils and harm not only the plants but the gardeners as well. They cause toxins to go to the water supplies. Another gardening tip recommended not just by farmers and gardeners but also by environmentalists.
    5. There are several plants that are only suitable for a specified climate, a certain kind of soil or can only grow with certain plants. You have to know what plant grow in the conditions you have in your area this is for you to avoid unnecessary purchases. This is a money saving gardening tip.
    6.Landscaping is a good investment which can double the value of your home. This is one gardening tip that can earn you money.
    7. Growing grass on bare ground is an easy way to make your home look better and appreciate in value. This is one gardening tip that promotes earning money while growing grass legally.
    8. Aside from looking great in your home, trees also provide some sort of protection from direct sunlight exposure and strong winds.
    9. Vines on the walls, fences and overhead structures also would offer some protection and would also look great.
    10.Flowers are beautiful, but they are also expensive. Get one that is resistant to many elements. Flowers from your local community already have developed resistance to conditions present in your area.
    11.For most gardens plants, their roots go only as deep as 6 inches. Putting fertilizer deeper than that would be a waste of money. Put them shallower as they seep down when the plants are being watered.
    12.Earthworms are important to plants. They till and aerate the soil for the roots to breathe. Non-organic fertilizers can kill them. This gardening tip dates back to the old days of gardening.
    13. Having several kinds of insects that are beneficial to your garden would be good. These insects can be encouraged to stay by having diverse plants in your garden.
    14. Spot spraying weeds with household vinegar, instead of using commercial weed-killers, can eradicate them. This is another environment friendly gardening tip.
    15. Avoid putting too much mulch on tree trunks; this would encourage unwanted pests to reside on them.
    16. Use plant varieties that are common to your area or have been taken from an area with similar conditions.
    17. Be sure to know the plants that are poisonous. If you are intent on growing them, make sure to have the necessary cure available in your household. Take note of this gardening tip, it can save your life.
    18. The best time to water plants is during mornings.
    19. Before planting a new plant in your garden, you must consider its height and size when it matures. This garden tip can help you save money in the future.
    20. Newly transplanted plants may require special attention during its first week. This is to reduce the stress and shock it got during transplantation.
    And last but not the least of the gardening tips…
    21.Plants are living entities. If you want them to grow in your garden you have to treat them as such. They need to be taken care of. They are like your pets, you look out for them. In return you get that feeling of contentment watching them thrive.
    A good way to take care of them is to consider that plants might have some feelings too.

    Flat Track Hardware Ideas – Entertainment Centers

    Flat track hardware is popping up everywhere, and its applications seem everywhere. Given its basic and simple nature, and easy installation, homeowners are using it for all different kinds of things. The most common use, of course, is as the movement system for full-sized doors separating rooms such as kitchens and dinning rooms, or living rooms and studies. Yet many other unique applications are also being seen. One application that will be highlighted today is as the cover to an entertainment center.
    Entertainment centers are most commonly set-up as shelving units designed to house a TV, DVD player, DVD’s, cable box, and some sort of stereo system. Typically these are built to be free standing units that can be placed anywhere in a room.
    Yet in some cases, especially with the advent and popularity of flat screen TVs, people have built their entertainment centers into the wall of a room. The advantage to this is that you create a unique and interesting interior design that will hardly be common among your friends. The disadvantage is that once you build into the wall, that’s the final resting place of the TV and its accompanying components. Unless of course you decide to place the TV elsewhere and replace it with a tropical fish tank, something that looks awesome if it falls within your budget!
    Returning now from our underwater tangent to the topic at hand, these in-wall entertainment systems look great and really add to the decor of the room. This is where the flat track hardware comes in. Homeowners who have built in-wall entertainment systems have used flat track hardware to slide small doors or coverings to the open wall space of the entertainment center when its not in use. This is something that we’ve noticed and are particularly pleased with.

    Are Olympic Medals a Piece of Mens and Womens Jewelry?

    Is an Olympic medal a piece of jewelry? I know it’s more substantial then say a necklace you bought at Target, but does it qualify as a piece of mens jewelry or women’s jewelry because of its resemblance to a necklace? Maybe I’m just stretching, and I doubt that any athlete would ever wear it on a daily basis, but outside of something like the hope diamond, in my opinion an Olympic medal would be just about the coolest piece of jewelry you could ever wear. Imagine walking into a party with that thing on. Who wouldn’t be impressed?
    I write this as I’m watching the Opening Ceremonies of the Paralympic games in Vancouver. Here in the US the Paralympic Games aren’t exactly “Muse-see” TV. Regardless, it’s some of the best athletes in the world excelling at what they do best. It’s essentially the same format as the Olympics with gold, silver and bronze medals with each athlete proudly representing their country. The medals vary slightly from the Olympic ones but still have the basic round design. They are impressive pieces of work which any able bodied Olympian would be proud to have.
    So back to my original point: are Olympic medals considered jewelry? Mirriam-Webster defines jewelry as “objects of precious metal often set with gems and worn for personal adornment”. That sounds pretty much like an Olympic medal. No jewels I know, but a good amount of everyday jewelry doesn’t feature gems. Furthermore, the medals can be worn for personal adornment, but like so much other jewelry throughout history they don’t need to be. If you go to a museum and look at a lot of the jewelry on display much of it was maybe worn once and then put on display for the public (like J-Lo’s dresses). So from definition sake it seems that medals would definitely be jewelry.
    The thing is that most athletes would probably not want to wear their medals as everyday wear. Besides the fact that they could lose them (by accident or by force), there are also two other factors. First, you look like a jerk wearing an Olympic medal everywhere you go. It’s like “Fine, we get it, you were the best in your field, now stop shoving it in our faces your stuck up so-and-so”. Secondly, with the weight of the gold medal on your chest they don’t exactly look comfortable. It looks like every time they would swing and hit your chest another bruise would occur.
    So, do Olympic medals count as pieces of men’s and women’s jewelry? By definition yes. But if you ask an athlete, they would probably rather just keep it in their display cases.