8 Jul, 2010  |  Written by Claire  |  under Uncategorized

Whether you’re a power user or a casual one, knowing which smartphone fits your budget and functionality requirements is vital. After all, you don’t want to bring a groundbreaking new iPhone 4 home only to learn that you don’t need to surf on-the-go as much as the bill thinks you should. So let’s go over some of the pros and cons of the various options to give you more information so that you can make a knowledgeable choice.

Cost:

There’s more to a smartphone than the initial price tag, and although the $199 sticker price of the iPhone 4 can seem pretty steep, it’s comparable to various Android options, including the Droid Incredible (Verizon), Evo 4G (Sprint), and Nexus One (T-Mobile). Long-term, whether one will cost more than the other including ongoing plot fees will largely depend on what kinds of mobile features you select and how much of a power user you are, but in the end, the 24 month cost for all four models falls within $500 of each other. See all of Wired’s calculations for a detailed breakdown.

That said, Android may have a leg up on Apple given that they have no strategy for prepaid cell phone plans. With Android set to be coming to Virgin Mobile USA and Cricket plans later this summer, the potential for Android to further inch out Apple could be relatively significant.

Hardware:

Let’s do a quick comparison of the most vital features of the various smartphones on the table:

Memory and storage: These range from 256MB RAM to 512MB RAM, though some lag behind with one 8GB of storage or less, where the iPhone leads with 16 and 32GB.

Processors: Most have similar processors – 1GHz is pretty common, though the Motorola Droid has only 550 MHz.

Cameras: While most now have LED flash, the iPhone 4 has only a 5 MP camera which is low compared to the 8 MP in some HTCs. That said, iPhone 4 has the cool dual camera that allows you to see and be seen simultaneously.

Video: If you’re looking for a camera with video capability, iPhone 4 is certainly leading the pack, though HTCs are close behind.

Show: By the numbers, the iPhone’s 3.5 inch show seems slightly behind 4.3 inch HTC show available on the EVO 4G, but with iPhone 4’s new Retina Show high resolution IPS screen, theirs is superior by a excellent distance.

Functionality:

But a phone is more than the hardware, too. One of the primary benefits of the iPhone has always been the combination of fantastic hardware with a fantastic iOS. Not only has this made the iPhone simple to use, but integration with features like iTunes and MobileMe have further boosted the functionality of the iPhone experience as a whole. So how do the Androids stack up?

MultiTouch: iPhone’s is still superior

Multitasking: Androids are slightly better here

Sync/Backup: Similar capabilities, though Androids will automatically get apps on new phone with Google login, making this a small simpler

App install: Simpler with an Android

Music download: Quite a bit simpler with Android

Gaming: Apple has a much wider selection, though Android will likely be more powerful in the future because of its OpenGL APIs, etc.

Internet: Quicker on the Androids

Navigation: With Androids, you’ll have free access to Google Maps Navigation with turn by turn navigation; the same is available through iPhone for a fee

So, Apple or Android? Your choice will largely depend on how you use your phone. Talk to an expert about your requirements and do more research online to find out the ideal match for your needs. But if you’re a prepaid user who’s been waiting for a smartphone like the iPhone or Android options, wait a while and you’ll soon be rewarded with access to Virgin Mobile or Cricket!

26 Jun, 2010  |  Written by Baba  |  under Uncategorized

Colon cleansing involves a process called detoxification. Detoxification is geared toward clearing out toxins in the body by means of neutralizing or transforming them, as well as clearing excess mucus and congestion in the colon. Most of the toxins that are congesting the colon come from the food we eat, drugs we use, or environmental exposure both acute and chronic.

Fats (especially oxidized fats) and cholesterol, free radicals as well as other irritating molecules act as toxins. Likewise, poor digestion, colon sluggishness and dysfunction, reduced liver function and poor waste disposal by the kidneys, respiratory tract and skin all contribute to increased toxins in the colon.

Detoxification is very important for healthy living as well as enhancing the elimination of toxins in the colon and throughout the body. Minimized intake of some chemicals from food and other sources like refined sugar, caffeine, alcohol and tobacco, as well as many drugs helps to remove toxins in the body. The process of detoxification actually calls for a lifestyle change and smart selections of food.

For detoxifying or cleansing the colon, it is also important to include probiotics in your diet in order to replenish the good bacteria in the intestines. A probiotic is an organism which contributes to the health and balance of bacteria in the intestinal tract. It’s also commonly referred to as the body’s friendly bacteria and helps in fighting illness and diseases.

A healthy intestine contains at least 85% of beneficial bacteria to prevent over colonization of disease causing organisms like salmonella and E. coli. But sadly, most people do not have the required amount of friendly bacteria in their intestine, resulting to various colon related diseases. Probiotics are also excellent immune system enhancers since they prevent unfriendly organisms from congesting the body. Probiotics also prevent overgrowth of yeast and fungus and produces substances that lower cholesterol.

Why Colon Cleansing is important?

Regular bowel movements are vital for maintaining a healthy body. Irregular bowel movements are an indication of future colon problems. This is the reason why eating a nutritious, well balanced diet is so important. The typical diet of most people today includes a great deal of refined sugar, white flour and hormone/antibiotic-filled meats. These types of foods contribute to the demise of our colons.

Colon cancer is the second deadliest cancer, causing deaths not only in the US but also in other parts of the world. This is also the reason why it is essential to have a healthy, correctly functioning colon. Colon cleansing is vital for the elimination of congestions and toxins in the intestine.

Constipation is one of the most common bowel problems faced by a great number of people. Constipation is a condition wherein there is a slow transit time for waste matter to leave the body. The transit time refers to the amount of time that toxic waste matter remains in the bowel. A long transit time will cause the toxic waste to decay, ferment and most probably be reabsorbed by the body. And the longer the body is exposed to waste the greater the possibility of contracting a disease because the stockpiled waste is a fertile breeding ground for diseases.

Disease in the colon usually starts with a toxic bowel. Infrequent or poor bowel movements over extended periods of time can be very hazardous to the body.

Natural Way of Cleansing your Colon

The natural way of colon cleansing involves a cleansing diet of some herbs that are known to kill parasites and worms, also included are digestive enzymes, probiotics, herbs that stimulate the liver, gallbladder and intestines, psyllium husk or seeds, cascara sagrada or flax seeds, or slippery elm and many more.

Herbs are good in intestinal cleansing since they get rid of pounds of foul smelling food debris that have been stocked inside the colon. The most commonly used herb is psyllium, a natural, water-soluble, gel-reducing fiber that is extracted from the husks of blond psyllium seeds.

A standard bowel cleanse should contain the following:

1. Water, juices, raw fruits and vegetables
2. Probiotics to help replenish the good bacteria in the intestines
3. Psyllium husk and/or seeds or flax seeds help absorb water and expand the colon allowing for the removal of toxins and mucus.
4. Bentonite clay is edible clay that acts as a laxative by absorbing water and then forming a gel. It binds toxins and helps to carry them out of the colon.
5. Salt water enema

However, please remember that you should consult a medical professional for advice before starting any new health regime.

23 Jun, 2010  |  Written by Baba  |  under Uncategorized

When the 30s hit, you worked to raise little Johnnie or Suzie to be a model kid. Now that your hitting the fabulous 40s, you should be coasting through life, right. Well, why are you suddenly dealing with the cosmetic double whammy of acne and wrinkles? Even your insurance company figures that you should have gotten rid of acne by the age of 25.

The number people over 30 needing acne treatments has climbed to the extent that a report published in Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology recommends raising the age for insurance coverage of the acne drug tretinoin to at least 40. The authors of the report, Drs. Steven Feldman and Alan Fleischer, add that many insurance companies refuse to pay for tretinoin prescriptions for patients older than 25.

Cosmetic Catch 22 Even if your insurance company leaves you to fend for yourself, you still have options for freeing yourself from acne and wrinkles. At first, coping with acne and wrinkles may seem like a cosmetic catch 22. Do you dry your skin with acne cleansers containing benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, and worsen your wrinkles? Or, do you smear on the moisturizer to smooth the wrinkles, but cope with the zits brought on by the extra oil or sensitivity to a new product?

There’s a smarter way to handle acne and wrinkles.

1. Interpret the acne

2. Allow your skin to improve as you use self-awareness to remove zits.

Interpret the acne

While dealing with acne and wrinkles, target the acne first because acne is an autoimmune disease. Having an autoimmune disease means that your thoughts, emotions, and/or environment are affecting you in an adverse way and require immediate attention. Thus, acne may reveal that you need to relax more, change your eating habits, reframe your interpersonal dialogue, stop dating that jerk from the office and/or make another beneficial alteration to your lifestyle.

Zits arrive on your face to report on some unpleasant activities within your body and life. Once you get feedback from these zits, you can take action to send the zits away while augmenting your health in the process.

Acne is usually an indication various hidden or overlooked health problems. Here’s a sample of the questions you should ask yourself when dealing with acne so that you can unravel the mystery behind your zits. Are you:

Regular?

About 70% of your immune system is located in your intestines. If this area is blocked with waste, your immuno-defenses are down. So, instead of waste leaving your body via the rectum, it chooses to leave through the skin. Waste leaving the skin can cause an infection that presents itself as acne.

Tense?

Tension likewise reduces the vigor of the immune system. Take a few deep breaths throughout the day to calm your body. Take a long walk in the fresh air to wind down.

Eating nutritionally?

Cases of acne have been improved with consuming foods containing zinc, essential fatty acids, vitamin A and a host of other nutrients. All of these vital nutrients are available in leafy green vegetables, fruits and olive oil.

Worried about unresolved issues?

Not resolving personal issues creates conflict and tension in the body. Again, these issues most be addressed to avoid undue stress within the body.

Exercising daily?

Exercise reduces stress and gives you an opportunity to subconsciously contemplate challenges that you may be facing. Physical activity also keeps your muscles and intestines toned, which keeps encourages regularity.

Changing pillowcase frequently?

Using a dirty pillowcase aggravates an acne condition. Your face naturally secretes oils during the night. These oils are sticky. So if you pillowcase if dirty, you are allowing your face to collect extra waste during the night, which could further clog your pores.

Moving or changing your job/career?

New demands or feelings of lose can sometimes accompany change. Transfer these emotions into something constructive by writing in a journal or envisioning how these changes are going to benefit you. Find comfort in these changes and opportunities for new beginnings.

Experiencing excessive facial hair growth and erratic periods?

Conditions such as acne, excessive facial hair, and erratic periods could indicate an androgen disorder or other underlying hormonal imbalances. Your doctor can provide you with a series of endocrine tests to ascertain your hormone levels and what corrective actions you should take. Ricardo Azziz, M.D, who serves as Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Director of the Center for Androgen-Related Disorders at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, estimates that 80 percent of women with excessive androgen levels suffer from an endocrine disorder called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Dr. Azziz adds that women with PCOS often have insulin resistance and are at increased risk for developing Type II diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.

Once the acne is under control you can move on to the wrinkles. Another reason for treating the zits first is because if you alter your lifestyle in such as way as to free yourself from acne, and you doing this in a healthy and patient fashion, you will actually lessen the number of wrinkles you have.

Health is wholeness and beauty is a reflection of robust health. You’ll never buy robust health in a jar. It is a mind, body, spirit and environmental support system that garners full-bodied health. Lets look at want you actually need from a “beauty cream”.

Face Cream Education There are five basic ingredients in any given anti-aging or anti-wrinkling cream.

1. The oil or moisturizer

2. The preservatives to keep the cream from spoiling.

3. A scent or flavor

4. A color

5. The active ingredient.

Only one of these components is essential, the oil. The preservative is only needed to keep the cream useful. Your face does not need preservation because the skin is alive. Since some people have allergies to scents and colors in cosmetics, the body says that these two ingredients are not necessary. The active ingredient is usually the latest cosmetic drug or multivitamin that is supposed to lift or dramatically reverse your age by 5-20 years.

Researchers S. Jay Olshansky, Leonard Hayflick and Bruce A. Carnes bluntly comment on the antics of cosmetic companies in their report No Truth to the Fountain of Youth, published in the June 2002 edition of Scientific American. The authors warn everyone aiming to reverse the signs of times on their face that, “… anyone purporting to offer an anti-aging product today is either mistaken or lying”.

I bet you are thinking, “Won’t that oil make acne worse?” The answer is not if you are using the right oil. Some essential oils such as bergamont, lavender, lemon, neroli, sandalwood, tea tree and ylang ylang have cleansing and antibacterial properties which help combat acne infections. Other essential oil like geranium, clary sage and orange regulate the production of oil on the face. When mixed with a carrier oil such as jojoba or camellia, these essential oils are ideal moisturizers.

Nothing that you put on your face will truly change your appearance. Creams are useful, but they are only one instrument in an orchestra of anti-aging concerts. Health starts on the inside. If you want to improve your beauty start with how you treat yourself and feed yourself. I mean not only what foods you eat but what thoughts you eat.

You may eat thoughts of the sort, “I can’t…”, “I had a stressful day”, “I’m tired of…”, “I can’t wait until…”, “I’m getting old”, “My body isn’t as healthy as it used to be”. The menu is endless. If you want to look young and healthy, you have to think young and healthy thoughts. Here’s steps to jumpstart your quest:

Start by changing your thinking. Develop your own youth model, i.e. with steps you’ll take to maintain your vitality and stick to it.

Enjoy nutritious foods. A study in the Journal of American College of Nutrition found that eating a variety of fruits and vegetables and using olive oil every day could help keep wrinkles away. The researchers found that people who ate a diet rich in green leafy vegetables, beans, olive oil, nuts and multigrain breads, while avoiding butter, red meat and sugary goodies, were less predisposed to wrinkling. Researchers believe that antioxidant vitamins, such as A, C and E, which are found in fruits and vegetables, may help protect the skin from environmental damage.

Use a gentle cleanser each day.

Steam your face everyday for 5-15 minutes, especially if your have acne. The steam removes waxy build-up on the skin while it stimulates circulation. This combo of benefits cleans to pores to reduce the possibility of acne while firming up the skin and facial muscles.

Exfoliate your skin daily.

Moisturize your face in the morning and evening with natural oils. In addition to the acne fighting oils listed above, you can mix essential oils such as frankinsense, myrrh, neroli and rose to help encourage the growth of new skin cells. You can create a moisturizer by diluting 1-3 of your favorite essential oils in a carrier oil such as jojoba or camellia oil in a ration of 1 part essential oil to 3 parts carrier oil.

Massage your face daily when you apply your facial oil.

Lie down on an incline bench for 5-20 minutes each day to let the blood flow to your head.

Wear a sunhat in the sun.

Give yourself a light skin peel once a month.

Finally, forty can still be fabulous and your beauty-plan a lot less enigmatic. Just remember the basics, interpret the messages of your zits, and educate yourself about wrinkle creams- you don’t need them.

Writer Writes for Acne, Acne Treatment, Skin care and natural Acne

South America is a continent of extremes, and there is not just one, but thousands of reasons to explore the human and natural wonders of this remarkable landmass. South America’s expansive human history is visible through some of the best preserved ruins in the world. The fusion of Spanish, Portuguese and native cultures is evident in the distinctive art, food and music of the 12 independent countries.

Though it was the last continent to be inhabited, South America has a long and delicate history of flourishing indigenous cultures before European arrival in the 16th century. Archeological sites in Peru reveal the practice of human sacrifice and other perplexing traditions by the Moche people who lived there 2000 years ago. South America’s most illustrious ancient people, the Inca, held their capital in modern day Cusco and sprinkled the Andes with remnants of their terraced farming and architecture. Machu Picchu, at 7,710 feet, is the best preserved and most breathtaking Inca town, well worth the 4 day hike along the Inca Trail (the less keen can opt for the train ride).

The Sky is the Limit
When it comes to breaking records, South America is the place to see. The massive north-south continent is spread through nearly every climate zone imaginable, which makes for very dynamic travel. The world’s highest water fall, Angels Falls, cascades over 3,200 feet in Venezuela’s Canaima National Park. The Amazon River, which winds across the north through Brazil, is the largest river in the world by volume while the Amazon Rainforest is the largest existing rainforest. Travel along the Andes, the world’s longest mountain range but make sure not to lose your way in Chile or you might end up in the driest place on earth, the Atacama Desert. Catch your breath at 3,600 meters while visiting the highest capital city of La Paz, Bolivia. Then, gather your arctic gear and head south to Ushuaia in Argentina, which is – you guessed it – the world’s southernmost city! Along the way, stop by the steppes of Patagonia, which happens to be the cleanest place on earth aside from Antarctica. South America is also home to the stunning diversity of Darwin’s Galapagos Islands (Ecuador) and the most remote island on earth, Easter Island (Chile) with its mysterious stone head sculptures and an inexplicably large population of Pacific Islanders.

South America also offers the comforts and luxuries of modern metropolitan life in any of the countries you choose to explore. Pick up the pace in Brazil’s bustling Rio de Janeiro or immerse yourself in the cosmopolitan chic of Buenos Aires, Argentina, while still gaining an appreciation for the past in these remarkable historic cities. From huge city life and resort towns to tropical rain forests and mountain peaks, there is no better place to embark on your world travels than South America, a right melting pot of culture, history and geographic phenomena.

11 Jun, 2010  |  Written by Baba  |  under Uncategorized

No Visa and No Tourist Card, up to 90 day stay – People with passports from the following countries do not need a visa to enter Panama: Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Uruguay and the UK (except for persons who were born in Hong Kong, or if the UK passport was issued in Hong Kong). Panama Tourist Card – The tourist card takes the place of a conventional visa. One can be bought at the departure airport terminal or in Panama at the Immigration area for $5.00. The tourist card is excellent for 30 days and there are provisions to apply for a 60-day extension at the sole discretion of the immigration authorities. People with passports from the following countries are eligible to buy 30 day tourist cards: Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Curacao, Ecuador, Greece, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Japan, Korea (Rep), Malta, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome & Principe, Surinam, Taiwan, Trinidad & Tobago, USA, Venezuela and Vatican City. Panama Tourist Card Extension – It is possible to obtain a 60-day extension for the tourist card. The application process includes the following: * Valid passport excellent for six months * Tourist Card and two copies of the Panama immigration stamp in your passport * Return airplane ticket or voucher that is in effect for at least the sixty-day period * Letter from Panama Citizen or Panama Resident who will sponsor you and your visit and thus assume responsibility for you. This should be notarized along with a copy of their cedula. * Economic Solvency Documentation such as bank statements, credit cards, tax returns of the tourist or the Panama person sponsoring him or her * Provide three passport-size pictures Formal Panama Embassy Issued Visa – People with passports from these countries must get a formal visa: Czech Republic, Cyprus, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Peru and Philippines may only enter Panama if they have a visa.

3 Jun, 2010  |  Written by Baba  |  under Uncategorized

Introduction – Our Law Firm gets numerous inquiries from clients around the world for second passports and second citizenships. Generally these programs require one to have a substantial sum of money that can be invested. The Panama Instant Passport program requires one to place about $175,000 in the bank in Panama for five years in return for $750.00 a month in bank interest paid monthly and a five-year passport, which includes a five-year residency. Not everyone has this much money to invest, even though they can decline to renew the program after five years and just take their money back making the program practically free. The references were taken from marriage visa, finance visa, visa information

The concerns with this program are what if the program is not available in five years? What if the program requires more money at the end of five years to renew? Will I need to present another passport to renew this passport at the end of five years or can I renew based on the Panama Passport? We do not know what the renewal requirements will be in five years. This has caused us to come up with alternative measures for those wanting to leave their home country and start all over with a new residency, citizenship, passport, driver license, bank account and Visa card. This is essentially a new start.

South American Passport Free Travel – In the European Union one can travel around the various countries based on a National Citizenship or Permanent Residency Identity Card. This eliminates the need for a passport unless one is going to travel on an airplane or out of the EU. Some air travel may be possible without a passport in the EU. What most do not know if that South America is also operating this way.

Why South America – A number of reasons. The real estate is most affordable. The medical is fantastic and cheap with insurance available for most. Hospitals may be better than what you are used to. Doctors make house calls. Dentistry is affordable for nearly all. Food is basically pure as in organic and cheap. Cars cost about the same. Governments are stable, some more than others but homeless people; people living in cars, etc are absent for the most part. A live in maid runs $120 to $250 a month. A full time driver runs $150 to $325 a month. Crime is lower than North America or Europe. Gun ownership is real simple in some countries. Prescriptions can generally be bought without a prescription with few exceptions like heavy pain and sleeping pills. Most of these countries we deal with will not tax money coming in from outside of their country. Some have some form of bank secrecy. Freedom is high; taxes are for most of you going to non-existent in the new country. These countries have criminalized businesses and the governments tend to focus on real crimes. South America by and large has poor relations with many of the high tax, privacy invasive countries. South America is even starting its own IMF and World Bank called Bank Sur, Bank of the South. Really it is already open. South America is the place to go for a fresh start. It has everything you have now and then some. You will probably live cooler and better.

Differences between The European Union and South America – Some of you may reckon well why don?t I go to the EU for a residency. Most of what the client is trying to get away from is going to be present in the EU and even more so. There is a severe loss of privacy. Bank secrecy and corporate secrecy is generally just a memory. Taxes have reached the 80% mark in some of the European countries, admittedly there are some social services available but for you in the high-income brackets this sort of taxation would be torturous. Plot on offshore income being taxed and at high rates. Plot on really invasive filing requirements. Plot on paying high VAT rates in addition to other taxes, reckon 25%. Real estate prices are going to be at least four times higher than South America and in some cases much more than that. Lawyers can run wild there since actions concerning events in one country can be collected in any of the EU countries. Forget asset protection in the EU. The cost of living is generally higher than from where you came from. Weather conditions are generally not tropical or even semi-tropical but they are excellent for snow skiing and ice-skating. Crime is present in significant levels. I do know that not all countries have all these factors in play at the same time.

Andes Community of Nations – This is essentially a trade block in South America consisting of: Bolivia, Columbia, Peru and Ecuador. These countries allow cross border travel if one has a residency ID card from any of these countries and they also extend the privilege to those holding a residency ID card from any Mercosur country including associate members. (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela).

Mercosur – Mersocur is another trade block in South America that allows those holding resident ID cards to cross borders without a passport. Mercosur consists of Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Venezuela.

South America Passport Free Travel- This means that one can travel passport free in these 10 countries – Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay, Venezuela, Bolivia, Columbia, Peru and Ecuador.

Residency Advantages – Getting a residency ID card from some of these countries is a process that requires as small as 30 days. Usually a temporary card is issued which becomes permanent in about six months. It is usually required to get a letter with the temporary card stating that the permanent card has been applied for to enable cross border travel with the temporary residency card. This is simple to obtain. Getting a Passport is generally time consuming the exception being the Panama Instant Passport Program, which requires 60 days. Many of the economic Citizenship programs take six months or longer to get a passport and the investment required is usually in excess of $350,000 and this is not money that you get back someday like the Panama Instant Passport Program.

Residency Country Time Requirements in Country- Generally it requires about 30 days initially to apply when you must remain in the country. Please bear in mind this can vary from country to country. Usually you will need to return for a few weeks to pick up the permanent residency card. You should plot on spending several weeks a year in the country until you get your passport. Down the road two to five years later.

Getting to a Passport – It can vary from country to country. The least amount of time is one has to have a permanent residency for two years and in other countries it is three years or five years. REMEMBER you can always obtain the Panama Passport, which is excellent for five years in sixty days. Then you have a five-year passport, which will carry you over until the South American country issues you a passport.

Time Spent in the Other Participating Countries – You would be allowed to stay for very long periods of time, months if not years. You would be free to come and go just by presenting your ID card. You could live in any of the other listed countries, working would be a different matter that would need to be addressed on a country by country basis with legal counsel in the country since there could be a lot of variables involved.

Banking as a Resident – Once you have your permanent residency card which takes about six months, opening a bank account in the country without being required to show your ancient country passport will not be hard at all. When the residency is temporary the bank will want a passport from somewhere. When you have your permanent resident card opening bank accounts should be simple without you needing to present your passport at the bank registering the account to a citizen of whatever country your passport is from. It helps to get a drivers license in the country which is generally a matter of just showing your existing one. You should be prepared with a local address and telephone when opening a bank account with just your residency ID.

Civil Collections in your New Country – Generally any existing civil debts should not follow you to your new country. We do always suggest banking in Panama through a Panama Private Interest Foundation or anonymous bearer share Panama Corporation. The Panama Foundation has superb asset protection features. The banks in Panama are world class, which is probably not going to be the case in the country granting you the residency. Panama has no tax treaty or civil judgment collection treaty with any other country. What would be advisable is to bank in Panama and transfer money to live on several times a year to your new resident country if you chose to reside there year round. In any event civil judgments, lawsuits etc. following you to your new residency country would be extremely unlikely. How would the creditor know where you are, you are banking with an anonymous foundation in Panama aren?t you. These countries are not tolerant of cross border civil processes.

Which Country – We work with several of the 10 countries and can vary the country to suit the needs of the client. Some clients want a country to live in cheaply, safely, with excellent food, weather and medical. Some want more of a metropolis type environment with lots of nightlife. Some seek beaches. Some want snow skiing. Talk to us; tell us what you need, that?s what we are here for.

Uruguay – This is our favorite. It is the simplest most direct way to get this residency for cross border travel. There are several simple to meet the residency requirements. You can start a business in a duty free trade zone and use yourself. You can show proof of income like bank statements, this is not retirement income just any income like self-employment income, rental house income, investment income etc. You can buy or rent a house. You can deposit money in the bank ($5000.00). Simple to qualify with several different options available.

General Requirements – You will need a police clearance letter. You will need to undergo a thorough physical in Uruguay. You will need a passport, birth certificate and marriage certificate. You will need birth certificates for minor children and spouse. You will need to be able to obtain a Visa to travel to Uruguay.

Name Changes – We do not get involved with name changes. If you really want to draw attention to yourself this is the way to do it. This is the largest red flag you can wave. Numerous agencies and governments around the world pick up name changes. If you need a name change consider applying after you have your permanent residency for some time not as a new applicant, but again we do not get involved in name changes so you would down the road need to do it yourself or retain a local attorney for help.

Police Records – If you have a police record you may be eligible to apply. It would depend on a number of variables such as the time the offense occurred, the sentence, the offense and the country. Things that would be hard to get approved would be criminal sentences with more than one year in prison, convictions for drugs, money laundering, weapons trafficking, terrorism, sexual offenses involving force or minors, and crimes of violence. Feel free to discuss this with us if you like. No one knows what will happen until the complete application is presented to the immigration authorities and a choice is made. We cannot question them for an opinion without them seeing the full application. A criminal record could result in a denial of the application.

Will You Appear Personally in the Immigration Office – The answer is yes. They will fingerprint and photograph you. They will check with Interpol. You will have a local attorney with you who speaks English and Spanish so no translation worries. Your Residency ID card will be picked up by you and the local attorney at the immigration offices. You will be posing for the photo at the immigration office. These are above board programs that all run through the immigration department of the country. It will all be done in a large official government building in the country. About issuing the Marriage Visa

Extradition Considerations – If you are under arrest, under indictment or criminal charges, out on bail or bond, or already convicted and trying to flee before reporting for sentencing these programs are NOT for you. We cannot help you at all in any way shape or form. You would fail the police records check and Interpol would flag you. This would result in you being turned over to the authorities in the country the offense was from. You would only have tourist status in the country you were applying in, since the application would not yet be approved and tourists get no special considerations under these circumstances. No UN country wants to provide safe harbor to fleeing or wanted criminals. If one country did it then many would do it and then a cross border crime wave would be the result. This does not happen.

Extradition exclusions or protections generally apply only to a citizen or permanent resident AND they must have had that status BEFORE the time the crime was committed. There are usually exemptions for drugs as well so narcotics cases may be extraditable. When the country denies extradition it usually offers to prosecute the person for the crime in his or her own country using their own justice system. This is often a farce since the other country will have to mobilize lawyers to prepare for the trail and attend it, plus bringing in witnesses and evidence to that country. Even then the courts or jury may be most reluctant to hand down a guilty verdict. In any event extradition requests are based on treaties called Mutual Legal Help Treaties between countries. So one must read the individual treaty the two countries in question have signed to start to know some of the factors that come to bear. Then comes the publicity, severity of the crime and so forth, which seem to also at times work their way into things one way or another. Some of these treaties have an element of dual criminality in them. This generally means that the crime in question must be a crime in both countries. This prevents things like religious, political and racial discrimination from being prosecuted that the person would not be subject to in their own country. Remember if the crime occurred before the residency or citizenship was granted it generally leaves the door open for extradition, but again this too is not an absolute. We do not specialize in extradition cases nor do we take them.

Costs – This is going to vary from country to country. Plot on a fee of $14,000 for Uruguay. You would have additional fees for certifying documents, photos, travel, housing, filing fees (generally nominal under $500) and so forth. These extra costs are usually not a major consideration.

29 May, 2010  |  Written by Baba  |  under Uncategorized

They say the only things in life that are certain are death and taxes.  For the sole trader, this is certainly the case, and at times it can seem like an overbearing pressure.  Thankfully, for the sole trader there are many ways in which you can minimise liability to income tax and leave more in your bank account at the end of the month.  In this article, we will look at some of the key features of tax management from the perspective of the sole trader, and some of the ways in which the sole trader can minimise the legal consequences of his operation.

As a sole trader, you are usually accountable for your profits in terms of income tax.  This can be particularly problematic, given that the structure of income tax in most jurisdictions is a honestly heavy burden on the citizen, particularly those with higher incomes.  The first thing that should be considered is incorporation.  As a corporate entity, you will be required to handle more paperwork, but ultimately it will save you money.  Corporation tax on profits is lower than income tax in the majority of situations, and dividend income carries less taxable weight than other income, for example wages and salaries.  The first thing to do, as a sole trader within the top income tax bracket, is to incorporate, which could potentially save thousands every year.

The sole trader must be aware of the fact that there are certain items that cannot be discounted from income.  In fact, certain everyday items must be declared and must give rise to tax.  For example, say a self-employed solicitor is given a bottle of fine wine by a particular client every year as thanks for his service.  This wine, although not initially apparent, will usually require declaration for tax, on the basis that it is an ongoing gift or benefit arising from employment.  It is therefore vital to watch what is included and what is ignored from your tax return.  If you are at all unsure, it is better to include an item and pay tax, rather than running the risk of neglecting to mention its existence.  Alternatively, it may be a excellent thought to consult a specialist on the particular laws of your jurisdiction, and to determine whether or not it would be possible to avoid liability.
Learn more about marriage visa :  Another vital thing to remember is that there may be certain personal capital gains liability for disposal of a primarily business asset.  As a sole trader, this means you will be liable to account for the disposal of the asset and any capital gains at market value, which can be a costly business.  Again, it is probably advisable to consult a tax lawyer or tax adviser to minimise liability on disposal and to manage your tax liability more effectively.

Tax law is a particularly intricate area of the law, and one that is in perpetual change.  This means the small business owner is required to keep one eye on tax developments to avoid being caught out, which means there is less room for focus on the core areas of business and making money.  Alternatively, the advice of a tax specialist can be invaluable in minimising overall liability and ultimately saving money from your tax bill every year.

23 May, 2010  |  Written by Baba  |  under Uncategorized

The pen drives have changed the way data is stored and transferred and thus these are the latest craze when it comes to giving promotional gifts. These are a very convenient way to secure more and more customers for the business and a convenient and simple way to place across the message of the business and the marketer.

The custom USB drives can have the name, logo and other relevant details of the company imprinted on it and these can be ordered in bulk to ensure that they are cost effective for the business. These are an brilliant way to place the name of the business in the limelight and also brand the business. These custom pen drives can store the message of the company which they want to tell the clients and customers. The receiver gets an instant access to all marketing material like presentations and materials. This is also a fantastic way of eco friendly marketing. There is no printing of catalogues needed and this avoids wastage of paper also.

The custom USB drives can be easily ordered in bulk which saves a lot of money. They come in different sizes, colours, shapes and styles and one can choose the one which represents the excellent of the company and the message they want to give to the customers. These promotional USB drives will go a long way in making a positive impact with the clients and help to increase sales and profits.

Author Check it out : Custom USB

Also, Custom USb drives, promotional USB, Pen drives, USB drives

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What keeps you up at night?

It’s a excellent question for you to question yourself once in a while.  For most eCommerce entrepreneurs one of the answers is the thought of revenue lost as potential customers abandon your web site without buying.  That’s 97.4% or so of your visitors, according to the accepted industry average conversion rate.  Are you confident that your site converts visitors into customers at the best rate possible? If so, you’re probably getting a better night’s sleep than most.

If not, you’re probably tossing and turning, thinking about ways to increase web site sales. You might reckon you have already tried every small conversion rate optimization tip or trick. Do you have a strong “Call to Action” benefit?  Have you ever tested different messaging with tools such as split A/B landing page optimization?  The web is always changing.  Unless you are sure that there is no room for improvement, its clearly time to consider how you can take your website to the next level to increase online sales with a value added promotional benefit.

1.    Bait your prospects with the right cheese.

Online shoppers are more sophisticated today. You should assume that your prospects will evaluate three to four competitors before deciding to buy. You need to stand out and provide the right bait to get your prospects to stop and buy at your site, rather than go on to a competitor.. In some cases, merchants need to find a special kind of cheese that will get the mouse to click on certain shipping options or up-sells. Getting creative in what bait you use is what will increase conversion rates if you know what type of cheese will make that mouse click.

2.    Make a value-added offer.

Sometimes you need to go beyond your product line to find a potential partner that could benefit from a cross promotion. Some gift items can be presented as bonus offerings that would bring a high perceived added value, such as. Phone cards with a volume discount.  Such an item could even be co-branded as a special value- added thank you gift.

3.    Offer free gifts that make viral marketing buzz

Reckon of a gift or promotional item that prospects will keep on them at all times such as inside their purse or wallet. Giving this item away is what makes the viral marketing buzz for increased “buzz”, brand awareness, and ultimately more Internet sales. The example of a free co-branded phone card giveaway is a fantastic way to get your customers to carry your brand at all times and increase repeat orders and referrals. Gifts like phone cards are especially effective because they are designed for repeated use. As a result, the customer will be exposed to your brand for the seven plus times experts say are necessary before a prospect is ready to convert to a sale or reorder. It’s also likely to more than carry its weight in referrals.

4.    Make a personalized benefit

Always look for ways to personalize your offer. Instead of “we” or” I”. talk to the customer individually as “you”. Make your prospects feel special, elite and make it personal in any way possible when giving away a value added benefit. Personalize your gift when possible and find a partner with whom you  could cross promote a co-branded personalized items.

5.    Give away a high perceived value item:

Offering something for FREE is always nice. But the word “free” can carry negative connotations. You always want to keep the perceived value of any gift or offer high.

Example:

Get a Free phone card with your order today

Vs.

Receive a complimentary phone card worth more than 1 hour of free calling to the U.S. and many other countries as a personal thank you gift for your order today.

Grab your prospects today, and give them an incentive to buy on your site.  Now its time for you to find your special “cheese” that will get your prospect’s mouse to click on your personalized high perceived-value benefit.

26 Apr, 2010  |  Written by Baba  |  under Uncategorized

It is the search engines that finally bring your website to the notice of the prospective customers. Hence it is better to know how these search engines really work and how they present information to the customer initiating a search.

There are basically two types of search engines. The first is by robots called crawlers or spiders.

Search Engines use spiders to index websites. When you submit your website pages to a search engine by completing their required submission page, the search engine spider will index your entire site. A ‘spider’ is an automated program that is run by the search engine system. Spider visits a web site, read the content on the actual site, the site’s Meta tags and also follow the links that the site connects. The spider then returns all that information back to a central depository, where the data is indexed. It will visit each link you have on your website and index those sites as well. Some spiders will only index a certain number of pages on your site, so don’t make a site with 500 pages!

The spider will periodically return to the sites to check for any information that has changed. The frequency with which this happens is determined by the moderators of the search engine.

A spider is nearly like a book where it contains the table of contents, the actual content and the links and references for all the websites it finds during its search, and it may index up to a million pages a day.

Example:  Excite, Lycos, AltaVista and Google.

When you question a search engine to locate information, it is really searching through the index which it has made and not really searching the Web. Different search engines produce different rankings because not every search engine uses the same algorithm to search through the indices.

One of the things that a search engine algorithm scans for is the frequency and location of keywords on a web page, but it can also detect artificial keyword stuffing or spamdexing. Then the algorithms analyze the way that pages link to other pages in the Web. By checking how pages link to each other, an engine can both determine what a page is about, if the keywords of the linked pages are similar to the keywords on the original page.

Article By : Kris

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