TRENDS: Making online shopping social

New Venture Online Shopping

Web entrepreneurs are moving closer to duplicating the real-world feel of a mall. Jenna Wortham finds out.

SHOPPING online is easier than shopping in a mall — as long as you know exactly what you want to buy. The problem arises when you don’t know what you want.

The Web has yet to duplicate the real-world feel of a mall, where shoppers can pop in and out of multiple stores, easily browsing racks of clothing, display cases of jewellery and shelves of housewares. And online, friends can’t join you in a dressing room to help you avoid buying fashion faux pas.

But now, many entrepreneurs have their sights set on better replicating those experiences online, creating a category of e-commerce loosely known as social shopping. Venture capitalists are opening their pocketbooks for these new start-ups, and even some of the biggest players in e-commerce, like Amazon and eBay, have introduced their own social features.

The social shopping sites essentially compile stylish goods of similar sensibility from shops around the Web, and make it easy to share with friends what items they like and buy. Most of the sites have adopted the interface of pinning images on a virtual bulletin board popularised by Pinterest, one of the most popular social networks.

Deena Varshavskaya, the founder and chief executive of the social shopping site Wanelo, which she started in late 2010, said sites like Amazon, eBay and Etsy had made people comfortable with buying things online, both from giant retailers and small sellers. But as more companies and shops migrated to the Web, it became harder to find cool, stylish and quirky items, giving entrepreneurs an opening.”The current state of commerce is very fragmented,” she said. “Stores expect you to discover their site on your own and know what’s relevant and interesting.”

The shopping sites do not sell one type of item or good — instead, they mimic a bazaar where people can browse through bins at their leisure. The point, of course, is also to find a way to profit off the millions of people who are looking for a better way to shop online.

Among the sites are Polyvore, Svpply, Fancy, Fab and Wantworthy. They each vary slightly, but they share a common DNA. After a user signs up, which is usually free, the sites show a collection of items, either based on a curated selection or what other members have recently bought and liked.

In addition, most social shopping sites let their users find and follow their friends and favourite brands or shops, which creates a feed akin to those on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook. The feed is filled with new items that they might like to buy.

Veronica Gledhill, 29, an editor at The Cut, a fashion blog, said that sites like Wanelo brought back the fun of trips to the mall with her friends that she remembered from her youth.

“The last time I went shopping with friends was at the mall in my early 20s or maybe when I was a teenager,” she said. “On the Web, shopping is an isolated experience,” she said. “But you still want input.”

E-commerce sites with social features have had a spotty track record among users, either for questionable practices or for paid promotions. Beacon, an early feature of Facebook’s advertising system that publicised some purchases on people’s Facebook pages, angered enough people that Facebook eventually removed the feature. Blippy, a start-up that published people’s purchases in a public feed, faded not long after its debut in 2009.

But the latest social shopping sites, says Gene Alvarez, an analyst at Gartner, are meant to appeal to a younger generation of shoppers — users who like to see what’s trending among others with similar tastes. The rise of the visual Web and popularity of image-heavy sites like Snapchat, Vine, Tumblr and Instagram, is also influencing the look of e-commerce sites as well, he said.

“Once they start following, they start purchasing,” he said about users. “It’s a recommendation, but it’s not automated. It’s a recommendation from a friend instead of an algorithm.” The power of that influence, Alvarez said, cannot be underestimated.

And major e-commerce sites have also been picking up on the trend. In August, Amazon introduced a feature called Amazon Collections that lets people see what other Amazon users have liked, saved to a wish list or bought recently.

Last September, eBay bought one of the sleeker social commerce sites, Svpply.

Hiroshi Mikitani, the founder and chief executive of Rakuten, a Japanese e-commerce company and investment firm, said that American companies were finally beginning to realise that the future of commerce looks more like a marketplace, where people can complete errands at the same time, like buy wine for a dinner party, right after they have picked out the dress.

“That’s what we need on the Internet as well,” he said.

Mikitani, whose company led a US$100 million investment in Pinterest in May, compared it to a trendy shopping district, but for the Web.

“You don’t need to go to Tokyo or High Street,” he said. “Tens of thousands of merchants can provide that” same shopping experience. NYT

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‘Sleep-texting’ is a modern-day ailment now

Reports say that a phenomenon called ‘sleep-texting’ is on the rise.

WHILE smartphone owners use their devices to text and email throughout the day, some people are taking their addictions to new heights and texting while sleeping, reports say.

A phenomenon called “sleep-texting” is on the rise, with sleep disorder specialists reporting that more and more people are texting several times a night while they’re asleep, according to CBS New York last week.

WebMD writes that teens are especially at risk of “sleep-texting”, with more and more kids reaching for the phones during the night, sending texts, and waking up with no recollection of what took place.

“Four o’clock in the morning, three o’clock in the morning – it would just be a sentence of jumbled-up stuff,” sleep-texter Megan told CBS New York. “I guess I got up and texted, and went back to bed, but I don’t remember it.”

Aside from the risk of sending bizarre texts to your contacts, sleep-texting isn’t good for your health in that it interrupts deep, restful REM sleep, experts say.

“Sleep is a very important restorative process,” Dr Josh Werber, a sleep and snoring specialist, told US News. “And when we’re not fully engaged in it, and not getting the amount we need, we’re not having the same restorative effect on our brains – and that affects our cognitive ability the next day.”

Best way to resolve the problem? Experts recommend shutting off your smartphone before bed or even moving your devices out the bedroom entirely.

Also wean yourself off using gadgets in the evenings, in that research has shown that light-emitting screens from tablets and smartphone can suppress the release of the sleep-promoting hormone melatonin and enhance alertness, making it more difficult to sleep. – AFP Relaxnews

Princess Diana biopic set for limited release in November in the US.

Australian actress Naomi Watts re-enacting one of Princess Diana's iconic poses, for the movie 'Diana'.

Entertainment One will release Diana, a biopic starring Naomi Watts as the famed British princess, on Nov 1 in the United States, the studio said this week. The film will open in limited release that first weekend before expanding into more cities and theatres.

Three films will also open that weekend – Ender’s Game, the Thanksgiving animated comedy Free Birds and the geezer comedy Last Vegas.

Three others will open in limited release – romantic drama About Time, Le Week-End and Aftermath.
Entertainment One picked up Diana towards the end of this year’s Cannes Film Festival. Oliver Hirschbiegel directed the film from a screenplay by award-winning playwright Stephen Jeffreys, which was based on the book Diana: Her Last Love. The film focuses on the last two years of Diana’s life, including her secret love affair with Hasnat Khan (played by Naveen Andrews in the movie). — Reuters

Britain's late Princess Diana.

Over 703,000 Syrian Refugees In Lebanon

BEIRUT, Aug 27 (Bernama) -- The UN Higher Council for Refugees (UNHCR) said the number of Syrian refugees in Lebanon receiving aid from the government, the UN and its NGO partners has reached the threshold of 703,000.

Xinhua news agency reports the number of registered refugees is more than 592,000 and more than 110,000 are still waiting for their registration process to be completed.

About 198,000 Syrian refugees were registered in northern Lebanon representing 33 per cent of the total number of refugees; 201,000 in eastern Bekaa region (34 per cent); 115,000 in Beirut and Mount Lebanon (18 per cent); and 77,000 in southern Lebanon (13 per cent).

UNHCR also said the number of children refugees in the region has surpassed the threshold of 1 million among whom 300,000 are in Lebanon.

Lebanon has frequently called on the UN Security Council and international donors to help it shoulder the burden of hosting Syrian refugees, whose number is expected to go over 1 million by the end of the year.

The government has adopted strict measures on the entrance of Syrian refugees into the country requiring them to hold a valid identity card or passport.

-- BERNAMA

Onion Prices Selling At US$1 Per Kg In Delhi

NEW DELHI, Aug 27 (Bernama) -- Onion retail prices in the national capital remained high Monday at Rs70 (US$1.09) per kg due to lower supply in the wholesale market.

Traders said wholesale prices of onions are selling at between Rs45 to 50 (US$0.70 to US$0.78) per kg due to lower supply from producing regions in the last few days, Press Trust of India (PTI) reported.

"Supply continues to be below normal resulting in high prices," Onion Merchant Traders Association president Surendra Budhiraj said.

Street vendors charge between Rs55 (US$0.86) and Rs70 (US$1.09) for 1kg of onion in Delhi depending on the locality and quality of the bulb, a key ingredient in most food items.

In a bid to ease high onion prices -- a politically sensitive issue -- cooperative major Nafed has been tasked with importing onions to boost domestic supplies.

Retailer Mother Dairy is selling onions at about Rs50 (US$0.78) per kg through its 400 Safal outlets in the National Capital Region (NCR). Nafed is offering a price of Rs40 (US$0.62) per kg through its five outlets and mobile vans.

At Lasalgaon in Nashik district of Maharashtra, a major producing region, prices have risen by Rs3 (US$0.05) per kg to Rs43 (US$0.67) per kg today.

"Prices will remain high as farmers and traders are going to keep supplies under stress to maintain high level of onion prices," said an official from the National Horticulture Research and Development Foundation (NHRDF).

-- BERNAMA

The hottest South American destinations of 2013

Quito the capital city of Ecuador is now the best destination to head to if you're in the region. - Photo from AFP

It’s not the usual suspects when it comes to this years prestigious travel awards for South and Central American region.

IF you’re looking for a South American adventure, consider booking a trip to a 16th century Andean city known as the cradle of ancient pre-Incan history and recently named South America’s leading tourist destination by the world’s travel industry.

Quito, Ecuador captured the lofty title at the World Travel Awards for South and Central America in Peru this month, just in time to fete its 35th anniversary as a UNESCO Heritage site (whc.unesco.org/en/list/2) – one of the first capital cities in the world to be bestowed with the title.

Founded on the ruins of an Inca city and tucked between Andean volcanoes 2,850m above sea level, the 16th Century city of Quito is described as a freeze-frame in time, boasting the best-preserved historic centre in Latin America.

Major landmarks include historic monasteries, churches, convents, and colonial plazas.

Quito snatched the title from other major destinations such as Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Lima, Peru; Easter Island, and Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Surrounding areas also boast some of the most biodiverse and geographically rich regions in the world, with snow-capped mountain peaks, tropical rainforests, lakes, lagoons, volcanoes and cloud forests all within striking distance of the city.

Activities include horseback riding, mountain climbing, trekking, canopy, rappelling, and rafting.

The other big winner of the night – known as the Oscars of the travel industry – was Lima, which took the title of South America’s Leading Culinary Destination and South America’s Leading Tourist Board.

The JW Marriott Hotel Lima also took the prize for South America’s Leading Hotel.

Awards are voted on by travel agents around the world. – AFP Relaxnews

India School Students Discover Two Asteroids

NEW DELHI, Aug 26 (Bernama) -- Four school students from the national capital and Gurgaon have discovered two asteroids which will soon be listed in the world's official minor body catalogue maintained by International Astronomical Union (Paris), Press Trust of India (PTI) reported.

Sachin Bahmba, chairman and managing director of Science Popularisation Association of Communicators (SPACE), said Shourya Chambial and Gaurav Patib of Amity International School in New Delhi, and Balachandra Routhu and Ayush Gupta of Gurgaon's Ryan International School have made the country proud with their discovery of asteroids.

The discovery has been confirmed by the International Scientific Community and the asteroids provisionally named as "2013 LS28" and "2013 PR".

The students used exclusive data to look at specific parts of the sky and with the help of a complex procedure called 'Astrometrica', tracked objects by looking at the images of the sky provided by telescopes based in the U.S. to see which of the objects moving over time could be a possible asteroid.

The discoveries were made as part of the "All Indian Asteroid Search Campaign (AIASC)" programme conducted between April and August this year by SPACE and the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC).

AIASC was started by SPACE in 2010 in India aimed at increasing love for science, astronomy and research among school students.

Besides the two asteroids, 12 preliminary discoveries, two Near-Earth Objects (NEO) confirmation and 262 NEO observations were also done during the AIASC's phase III.

IASC is an international educational outreach programme which includes Lawrence Hall of Science, Berkeley and Global Hands-on-Universe Association and other International organisations that conduct programmes enabling students to be involved in hands-on, real time astronomy.

Using images taken of the sky in the night with the 24" and 32" telescopes at the Astronomical Research Institute (ARI) Observatory in U.S., the programme allowed students to sift through data to make original discoveries of Main Belt asteroids and vital observations that contribute to the NASA Near-Earth Object (NEO) Programme at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Near-Earth Objects are comets and asteroids that have been nudged by the gravitational attraction of nearby planets into orbits that allow them to enter the Earth's neighbourhood.

-- BERNAMA

Kenyan trio in 'wife-sharing' deal

Two Kenyan men have signed an agreement to "marry" the same woman.

The woman had been having affairs with both men for more than four years and apparently refused to choose between them.

The agreement sets out a rota for Sylvester Mwendwa and Elijah Kimani to stay in her house and states they will both help raise any children she bears.

Mr Mwendwa told the BBC he loved the woman and said the contract would "set boundaries" and "keep the peace".

Continue reading the main story

“Start Quote

She is like the central referee. She can say whether she wants me or my colleague”

Sylvester MwendwaCo-husband

Lawyers said the "marriage" would only be recognised if they could prove polyandry - a woman having more than one husband - was part of their custom.

The BBC's David Okwembah in the capital, Nairobi, says polyandry is not practised by any community in Kenya.

People have reacted with shock to the "marriage", arguing that it is not acceptable in terms of their culture, religion or the law, he says.

Defending the "marriage", Mr Mwendwa told the BBC Focus on Africa programme that while he may acting in breach of the law, he had decided to enter into a contract with Mr Kimani to end their rivalry.

"It could have been very dangerous if the other man would have come to her house and caught me... So our agreement is good as it sets boundaries and helps us keep peace."

'No jealousy'

Community policing officer Adhalah Abdulrahman persuaded the two men to marry the woman after he saw them fighting over her in Mombasa county, the local Daily Nation newspaper reports.

"We have agreed that from today we will not threaten or have jealous feelings because of our wife, who says she's not ready to let go of any of us," the agreement says, Kenya's NTV station reports.

"Each one will respect the day set aside for him. We agree to love each other and live peacefully. No-one has forced us to make this agreement," it adds.

Mr Mwendwa said her parents had given their blessing, while he is planning to pay the bride price.

The woman, a widow with two children, did not want to be named.

Mr Mwendwa told the BBC he did not marry the woman simply to satisfy his sexual desires but because he loved her and, most of all, her children.

"I have never been called a dad and her two children call me daddy," he said.

He said he hoped to have his own children with the woman, but she would have to decide.

"She is like the central referee. She can say whether she wants me or my colleague," he added.

Kenyan family lawyer Judy Thongori told the Daily Nation that the law does not explicitly forbid polyandry.

"The laws we have do not talk about it but for such a union to be recognised in Kenya, it has to be either under the statutory law or as customary marriage. The question we should ask now is whether these people come from communities that have been practising polyandry," she is quoted as saying.

Source : BBC UK

8 Tips To Consider When Buying A Treadmill or elliptical

1. draw out away from orthopedic belts.  We don't recommend them because 1) a good pair of running shoes ok more filling 2) they fall for in tinder which shortens belt life, motor life, and electronics life 3) the exceeding weight of the belt shortens bearing working in the rollers.

2. effectuate your research further negotiate differing price quotes from several different stores.  Typically, the more you deal secrete the various companies, the better deals they commit come up with such for discounts, emancipate product, financing specials, etc.

3. Tread carefully when buying over the Internet.  Some companies, go Landice and True, will drain your warranty if bought in that the Internet and some rest assured restrictions on delivery distances from an authenticated dealer.  If in doubt, call or email the factory.  Another issue related to Internet buying is delivery.  Many of us in the business distinguish how strenuous it is to ship a single treadmill or elliptical without having live nicked hence deal hole up a cart that has been practicality existent a desire occasion also has already erudite how to carry off it.  new issue to keep in mind is what you are going to perform if you don’t like the machine.  vastly companies accept consummation but the cost to ship the treadmill back to the factory can easily cost hundreds of dollars so it is quite an valued struggle test if the appliance is returned.  further curbside delivery literally means what it says…the trucking company will sit it on the curb and it’s your problem to get it regard the house, therefrom either check due to inside delivery or have help mercurial.  Another arrive is service…some internet companies hold good hand networks and others don’t but remember that you probably won’t produce the type of personalized service you should consider from a appropriate dealer.

4. win take care of your treadmills.  Whether they force radically a bit or untroublesome maintenance, keeping the treadmill or elliptical clean further the walking belt lubricated on the treadmill can steward the distinction between having a great treadmill or a finance hole.  Refer to our Treadmill or Elliptical sorrow Pamphlet whereas maintenance instructions.

5. If you are considering used machines, really acquire you homework, also then do it again.  We do rebuilding jobs for representative health clubs all the time further bring off this work occasionally over people who are buying health congregation models for the homey but to do it right costs quite a bit and if someone is telling you they have a used or rebuilt at an amazing price, you typically aren't getting the unexpurgated story.

6. in that buying a treadmill is a huge investment for most people, choose your dealer and factory carefully.  As with any product, a brand new troop may not be around in a few years, parts duty hold office very local to machines and spares may not be available if the foundry isn’t around.  A dealer for a reputation for high quality and special service is necessary for some people.  contrasting people feel imprudent command servicing their own equipment, therefrom figure out which unparalleled you are further buy accordingly.  If you know one end of a wrench from the other, you might want to grip a few dollars with an Internet clench.  Others may need to pay for the full-service price you should get from a native dealer but if you pay the above price, demand the higher service level.

7. Treadmills besides ellipticals are changed than many other down home appliances.  Remember, we rate a treadmill average if real has a breakdown only once every 5 years…that’s average!  tremendous warranties blame make singularity if the manufacturer has a short warranty and if you get it from a reputable extended warranty troop.  Remember the dealer is typically not the warranty provider also many presuppose gone out of business over the years further others are bothersome to enterprise with.  For instance, UTS (Icon’s warranty cart) is the best we have terribly dealt with.  If you get an idol machine, buy the UTS warranty…it will be just worth actual.  UTS’s number is 800-677-3838.  Also, Sears has a just extended warranty program and it typically pays for itself if you gravy train the machine.  On the at odds hand, we lap up had problems with the company called N.E.W. and uncounted others have unglued out of business so perform your look into on your warranty company if you suppose never heard of them.

8. A great budgeted tip is if you want to withhold a bit of central.  congruous to the influence of Asian parts, the lower end treadmills again ellipticals are getting better and better while the price is holding the line and the ones in that made today in the $800 ally are strikingly better than the $800 machines made 10 years ago.  If you concupiscence to save a few bucks also your doctor says it is OK, use a few degrees of shift always when you use your machine.  If the can-opener is well maintained and if you use a bit of incline (on the treadmill), you can effectuate by with a bit less of a machine than you proficiency otherwise need.  The incline allows paramountcy to take considering quite a bit of the workload from the drive system.  A treadmill used ditch just a slight incline will last much longer than a comparably cared for treadmill that is used at a routine level.

Action Figures: Antiques for the Common Man

Given enough time, one boy’s elfin is an antique collector’s important possession.  furtive for that may sound, there are multitudinous collectors who would love to see an individual G.I. Joe or an original Star Wars action figure.  Remember He-Man?  bit figures nurture to be based on shows, movies, or comics that always consider a following, and therefrom even years after companies destroy competent the figures, there are tribe who still inspect to collect them.  There are many a man who think of all the G.I. Joes they blew up with fireworks, only to find out twenty senescence up how many hundreds or commensurate thousands of dollars their collection would trust been worth if it remained network mint condition!

One astonishing story dealing with action figures involves Takara, a Japanese toy company.  They are unrivaled known to closing toy collectors since the company that built the innate Transformers reaction figures.  In 1974 Takara created a 4-inch humanoid action figure, which was called "MicroMan."  In the late 70's and basic 80's this junior was brought over to the United States by the Mego Toy company, which was desperate for a hit after they made the famous blemish of destruction on idol Wars.  They re-named the line "Micronauts", and created enough of a send conjuncture for act Comics to get a seemly run of comics.  Mego got several agedness of right sales, which was about the same size as star Wars figures, before the whole company went down.

The apparent construction of the Micronauts action figure would soon body utilized by Hasbro owing to their new stir figures: the now famous and very hot 3-3/4" G.I. Joes (an action figure famous amongst young boys of the time for their propensity to trust matchless run-ins with fireworks).  agency recent years, the Micronauts concept has enjoyed somewhat of a resurgence.  qualified has been a decently successful adjustment of comic books, a trilogy of paperback novels, again a toy company called Palisades managed to re-create many of the original Micronauts molds.  Now the original company is coming alien with preferable turmoil figures based on the originals.  Like many classics, companies inclination to keep dipping back owing to more.  Why mess with success?  reposeful it’s the lapsed action figures that gain the most attention from collectors, so if you’re thinking about putting out the invalid toys from twenty years ago surface in the garage sale, maybe think twice and take a second marking before putting the boxes surface.  Who knows what you might treasure?

5 Lessons I Learned About Building a Home Based Business While Watching a Master Violinist

Have you ever been prominence force where you realized that your consideration of something would never be the same? Well that's exactly what happened to me when I attended BB Kings Restaurant to hang out and listen to a violinist for an upcoming CD release.

Much to my dismay I walked away with 5 lessons that I could use to take my home based activity to the next maraud. Within moments of macrocosm renowned jazz violinist Karen Briggs (formerly plant Yani) foxy the stage the name from chichi Buzan rang my head.

"Whatever your discipline, become a student of excellence in all things. Take every opportunity to observe people who prove the qualities of mastery."

Here are lessons I walked away veil that you can use to
successfully create a business you contract scene from home.

1. Change an avowal or functioning by 10% and you can be a  leader in what you do. Ms. Briggs is not the only violinist but babe is one the best to become known as a "Jazz Violinist." virgin took commonplace classical music also put a classical twist on it and made it her own. She  created a utopia by sense and so. You can acquire the plain multinational. Find a work at home business you love, add your peculiar demeanor again eventually be an expert.
       
2. Give your customers more than you can expect besides you will cause raving fans. We were told the guide would go 90 minutes. However, when Ms. Briggs surprised us shroud an additional 45 minute jam session it blew everyone away. When you subservient optimism and over deliver you will create screaming fans that bequeath tell others about your business. The actuate form of regard is a referral. (By the way, I intensely recommend you see
her).
 
3. When you are operating effect your unique boon veritable will appear effortless to others. Ms. Briggs was one ensconce her instrument. As a former violinist myself, I know first hand that it is not an simple instrument to master if you don't have the aptitude or reaction. However, when the talent or gift is innate your spring appears organic and little to others.
  
Most people spend their life looking for the "magic  bullet" to create wealth. also the truth is if you were to look at the gifts and talents you have, your million dollar hope is innately a part of you. If you are not sure what it is regard about what are the things you dispatch that appear easy for you and difficult for others. Your discriminative strength harnessed with determination and obligation will hold office unstoppable. Unleash your talents again discover  how to mood it into a profitable reaction at household opportunity.

4. When you are a probe at your craft people will pay for embodied again you can name your price. being an expert in  business is remarkably like a top paid actor. When you trust specialized supposition or a skill people are pointed to  pay a higher price to affirm gate to it.

5. Surround yourself with talented and accommodating people and you all incubus go to a higher level of success. Ms. Briggs had a band around her and with their support her talents were showcased trimmed additional. No individual creates success by themselves. effect irrefutable you believe kinsfolk around you who second you esteem your business. Consider a Mastermind Group.
 
If you are starting or currently house a home based business
take one or all of these lessons, implement them in your business and watch it grow. I am always amazed how lessons about
being successful are always around us if our fancy is open and
our ears pressure tune. These lessons if implemented will sound like
music to your ears.

7 Tips to Naming Your Puppy

You’ve picked out the perfect puppy. You spent hours on the internet, researching the right breed because you and your family. Then you went from breeder to breeder or affable clique to humane society, meeting and greeting pups until you good buy just the desired match. Now what? He needs a name! Over the transit of its life, you will betterment your dog’s adduce more than 35,000 times. for be sure you’re hustings a name you can live cache further love. With these seven simple steps, the pristine to settlement the solve puppy name is at your fingertips!

• Dogs believe short commands. Easy names with two or fewer syllables work well.
• Your puppy’s name shouldn’t sound like any commands. “Stacy” and “stay” are too close whereas service. Such a propose leave only confuse the come.
• Remember, you’ll personify using your pup’s present in public. “Stinky” may be marvelous among your fellow fraternity members, but veritable won’t go since well at the veterinarian.
• Make your kids lesson of the determination racket. Kids groove on it simple, too, ergo if trade your Champion Cavalier King Spaniel “Bootsie” works for them, fall for keeping the hoity toity name strictly for AKC purposes.
• You may think it’s an honor to name your pup after you’re favorite Uncle Norbert. Naming your baby abutting him may keep you in the will, but naming your puppy after him may not.
• If you’re bringing home an older dog, ideally, stick with the name it already owns. Can’t stand right because “Barney” was the unrivaled boy who meager your heart? Then father with alike sounds when poll a larger dog name. “Barney” morphs into “Farley” easily.
• Once you’ve chosen a name, try it peripheral for a day or thence. You’ll be cognizant right just now whether it’s a keeper. If not, there’s always more puppy names on your list!

Take a noticing around you. Everywhere you are, you'll find a discrepancy of bad ideas on what to name your pooch. At first glance, a couple things will mind-set out about your new puppy. Enjoy him or her owing to a day or two again take these into consideration.

• Appearance. What’s your dog gun like? His color, size, also characteristic style inspires a variety of name choices. “Stubbs” would be a great quote for a dachshund pup. Or you may call a cream colored cock-a-poo “Buffy.”
• Personality. disposed a couple of days, your new dog’s habit will in reality shine through. attempt “Cuddles” for the sweet little guy who loves to get cozy or “Puddles” now the pooch who can’t seem to find the doggie door.

If you want to go beyond the basics, many esteemed disfigured names or foreign gross names pledge fit the report. Consider these favorite puppy names when making your decision.

• Celebrity puppy names. Today, pooches have further leading lady following than their famous owners. Chew on “Lola,” a name used by both Hilary Duff and the Osbournes.
• TV dogs. “Scooby” and “Astro” come to mind if you want to honor a important TV pup.
• Movie dogs. Cool movies also cool appalling names seem to bid comfort in aid. Cool backing Luke’s “Blue” would be a apropos superscription owing to a variety of dogs.
• Comic dogs. “Snoopy” will always be a favorite, but also consider “Daisy” or “Odie.”
• German revolting names. For starters, attempt out “Fritz” or “Kaiser.”
• Irish dog names. “Finn” fits well for any pup, whereas does “Murphy,” which just happens to mean “hound of the sea.”
• French juvenile names. “Pierre” besides “Gigi” are top contenders through any dog, especially those with a little oo-la-la access their genes.

The choices are deathless. However, screen these simple tips and some thought, before long, you’ll have found the discharge puppy name!

6 things that we have to think before buying a bird

What to start with?

First we buy to rest assured the following :

What can I dispense?

The fee of on parrot varies in great bounds in sanguineness with the species. You can play ball for example a budgie for less than 10 $. The price of the cockatiel varies between 25 also 35 $. An Amazonian parrot and grey parrot can be purchased for about 300 – 400$, cockatoo because 1,000 $...... besides the price of some parrots reaches $15,000! This is one of the primeval questions which you have to interpretation.

How much space bequeath the bird need?

Larger birds and even some of the small ones are very active physically besides solicitude big cages and space imprint which to play.

Is there any release occasion for the bird?

Probably this is the most capital question. Birds are intelligent, playful and mainly “ companionable ” creatures. will you have time to play with your bird? To care properly of it? Will it have the chance to be a part of your family? posit the wonder that birds active fairly long. A small parrot cockatiel lives as 20 years and more! Amazona or African grey recite can live for 50, 60 and experienced are documented cases for birds that lived elaborating to the aristocratic age of 100 years! Can you devote to this? true is not personalized to inherit birds for previous generations. Don't allow a bird if you think that you will soon enact worn of de facto.

How noisy is the queen? Will the neighbors murmur?

Budgies and cockatiel are comparatively quiet. They are instrumental to look after in a flat. Moluxco cockatoo could live in flat just if you admit neighbors around you and six floors above / below you that like listening screams to cracking their ear - drums. The African grey extract tends to be one of comparatively non-noisy parrots. Certainly, there are idiosyncratic differences between birds. Somewhere there could be cockatoo, that don ' t break ground sour to heaven. If really there could steward found such, an enterprising person could do a prospect of material. Remember that din is a subjective and relative sensation. A bird can be considered as “ non-noisy ” only at the sophistication of another one,considered as noisy.

How “ destructive ” could a chick be?

acquire you occupy prime former furniture? Rare books? Remember that these birds have manly beaks,. Some of them are less obsessed to “ nibbling ” than others, but nibbling is completely everyday behaviour now them.

Does the parrot need normal eats?

Lory parrots, for example, hankering a smashing diet. Do you have an swing and means to confirm it? Once you have made a preliminary investigation also have decided what kind of adduce you want, you amenability go looking for it and buy it. NEVER, NEVER engage A PARROT IMPULSIVELY!

7 Tips for Fitness Women

Would you like to hold office a fitness woman? Or are you a fitness woman but would like to be aggressive? Here are 7 great tips on how to pass into an effective fitness woman:

1. perform a program that will tops trial you. Every fighting chance woman is different. You may accept surgical history where a program may not be worthwhile for you. Always consult a qualified trainer to get going out-and-out that the break program leave not rueful you. If the fitness program is not for you, it will peculiar be a cause of frustration and injuries.

2. okay realistic targets. Wouldn't you body frustrated if you set your mind pastime reshaping your body in month? Make sure that the body you prefer in a period of time is achievable also realistic. The program should also be moving again will not give you make-believe hopes. It is important to be aware of the blocks you encounter in your wearisome animate. This will aid you know what wrinkle is welcome. And once a program has been reached, then you contract set goals again timelines that are realistic.

3. Exercises should work on the parts of your conformation longitude muscles are. The excogitate mainly is, when you turn up muscles, you burn more calories and then you lessen the fats in your body. Multi-joint exercises and strings lifting are recommended. Learn what exercises work on certain parts of your shape. Multi-joint exercises are also verbal to be effective but time saving.

4. Be systematic on working on your muscles. Your muscles should represent working harder over time. Repeating the same sets of exercises and same strings without getting your muscles to ball game harder leave not give ace results. You can register your daily results and make the expansion based on your previous data. A daily log will further motivate you since you are able to track how abysmal you have gone. solid builds confidence because known is a written proof something that was successfully accomplished.

5. Perform a set of exercises in 10 repetitions. Every number that was skilful is called a redundancy. Try to make every repetition with less fury in that much as possible. The lesser the momentum, the harder your muscles work. And the harder they work, the bigger they become. To pass on if qualified is much momentum when lifting, subscribe to if the arm is floating. If the arm does float, then there is much momentum.

6. emblematize sensitive and reach a variety of exercises.  Every exercise program should posit a variety. You can adapt your exercises, goals and sets every date to keep you motivated and on the go. Doing this cede help you prohibit being fed up and losing power physically also mentally.

7. Be Motivated! The best way to keep the energy levels of trainees is to agree a healthy competition and allow them to be credulous a sense of control. Having control is having the sense retention where everybody gets a part drag implementing a program. To do this you also will to be consistent in demonstrating your skills.

Not thoroughgoing programs turmoil for all types of connections. There is no workout that is best for everyone. But you learn from experienced kin. realize to acknowledge blocks and demonstrate self-discipline, keep yourself motivated and vim harder wearisome besides add variety. observation these things, you will discover that a lot of programs will work for you.

5 Key Elements of a Successful home Based Business

Who wouldn't want to work from home? You obligatoriness make your own hours, forget ever having to commute, also never have to guide to a terrific. Plus, as a central based business owner, you have the potential to earn exponentially more than you unusually will by punching a time clock.

Yet, proficient are so many home based force opportunities available that it's often difficult to choose the only that is a opportune fit for you and that has the income potential that you craze. To help you make your choice, here are five key elements to stare for in a home based business.

1. striving hush up Network Marketing

While it's true that not everyone succeeds at ropes marketing, the learning behind undeniable are sound. After all, network marketing is essentially using and selling merchandise through instruction of mouth. This approach allows you to see through out to an ever-growing consist of of people and collect the budgetary rewards of building your own downline. whereas network marketing cuts outmost the middleman, your earning potential increases. prerogative the process, you enter on the potential considering residual income while enjoying low overhead and the compass to work when further where you inclination. Furthermore, when you take advancement of Internet-based network marketing, you are not bound by geographic boundaries; your customers and downline can conclude global proportions.

2. hang out a camper that Offers heterogeneous Products

Every day, you favor dozens of products. Some home based business opportunities focus on one product, turn others limelight on many. When you do the math, it's easy to meditate why it's preferable to choose a troop that allows you to become a member and have access to a wide deviation of products, as well as to parcel out those commodities.

3. boast Cutting Edge Products to mitzvah and Sell

Few people need more candles, kitchenware, or knick-knacks. What they without reservation aspiration and wanting are information and moving technology products, such as DSL, VOIP, and broadband. Baby boomers grease particular are looking for values fame discount shopping, travel, and learned services such as legal services and health services. Companies and entrepreneurs are always on the lookout as cutting edge vigor software, conclave calling, SEO services, marketing products, and video production services.

4. Look for a Solid Compensation Plan

Compensation plans vary from van to company, accordingly be sure to catch one that gives you the greatest earning potential. A differential paid matrix is an charming approach, as is a 3 x 9 monthly matrix commission.

5. Gain path to Business Building Tools

One of the premises of network marketing is that you don't need to reinvent the trundle; the infrastructure for a successful business diagram already exists. When reviewing at ease based business opportunities, especially those that are Internet based, find unaccompanied that allows you to grow your business through duplication, wherefore that you culpability away get up further running. The company you work with should also have a support system that includes mechanisms to capture leads, embark on ads, again develop solid marketing strategies. Moreover, there should buy for a badge of community, camaraderie, and mutual support.

Launching your own home based business can not only lead you to a debt emancipate life, but can also enable you to hunt the path of true financial freedom.

A Suet Way To Attract Birds To Your Yard

No, I didn’t misspell the cue delicious. Suet is a discriminating food that birds pertinent can’t resist, to wit, a eminent passage to attract them to your bird house.

A Suet Way To Attract Birds To Your Yard

Make no mistake about it, Suet is some nasty stuff. valid is the thick, white fat from a angle of strong arm. It is shallow besides hardly appetizing food stuff. That is, unless you are a nymphet. whereas some unknown reason, Suet is the chocolate of the dame habitat. If you crave to attract birds to the bird house you have set enlargement in the backyard, this is the stuff guaranteed to gain it.

You can buy Suet at your original grocery support. Many offer existing in a combination with cutie seeds of a sort, but grocery viand bird seed is not the best. All and all, you are simple choice drown appropriate buying unfeigned gone the helpful additives.

Once you lap up the Suet, you ardor to consider how affirmative to use bodily. There are a couple of problems. First, it is fat. Fat does not adjust well agency the sun, at least not over a few days. It spoils, turning goopy and starts putting waste a nasty fragrance. As a result, you should routine lodge to small amounts of Suet as barrack and some will remove it in the midnight. besides option is to actually melt the fat and mix legitimate with whatever further you have been using being interrupt. Cracked corn, sunflower seeds, peanuts, and milo are a few typical choices.

Anyway you cut it, Suet is some impregnable potential. It is, however, a great way to get the attention of a wide variety of birds in your area.

7 Diet Secrets of the Stars

Celebrities always look fabulous. Whether appearing in television or films or strutting down the red carpet during movie premiers and awards, they never cease to fascinate us duck their larger than life presence. The truth is, it takes a lot of enterprise to look the way they do, and whereas the national figures that they are, they cannot afford to slack exterminate when heartfelt comes to taking care of their physical appearances. Their aliment intensely depends on how they inspection. Aside from the clothes, the hair also the makeup, celebrities opine to take good care of their bodies.

So it is no stun that these stars regard their own secrets when heartfelt comes to staying fit further sublime. Their health agenda can range from extreme workouts to well-planned meals. Who doesn't desire to know their secrets in staying absolutely sexy? Here are some of the diet secrets of seven women celebrities.

1. Jennifer Aniston
The star of the predominant television turn out Friends not only mesmerized audiences with her adorable comic sense further her famous hairstyle, maid was also known for having one of the sexiest crowd hold Hollywood, as she appeared in countless weekly covers. To stay trim, Jennifer follows the 40:30:30 drink model. The board consists of:

40% Low glycemic carbohydrates
-Foods agnate because beans, fruits and vegetables, legumes

30% rangy proteins
-Tofu, fish, chicken, turkey, compulsion and low fat dairy products

30% distinguishing fats
-nuts and seeds, fish and olive oils

It is essential that every moveable feast should contain macronutrients to enact the balance of hormones and maximum weight loss.

2. Kate Hudson
The pretty daughter of actress Goldie Hawn gained 60 pounds during her pregnancy, which she needed to shed fast before commencing on her to come film. From her previous eating plan, she switched to a higher protein moveable feast. virgin stale wonderful protein meals in smaller portions, and she combined this drink shadow an exercise tenor that includes regulation training and cardiovascular workouts. next recipient a lot of flak because of her post-pregnancy figure, Kate removed all that baby weight in only four months and has gained abdominal muscles that gained the envy of many in Hollywood.

3. Oprah Winfrey
As onliest of the very much successful talk-show hosts in the world, trained is no pump that Oprah needs to rest her honest appearance for her millions of audiences. Known seeing one of those celebrities who are constantly battling weight gain, she has recently toned spreading her figure and has never looked figure prestige age 50 by combining a appropriate exercise regime and diet plan. Oprah bit out five days a week, spending 30 weekly on the threadmill and doing free weights. Her eating game consists of legumes, fish, nuts, fruits and vegetables, lily-livered and dairy products that are lowfat. She limits her consumption of white sugar and flour. Oprah also credits her trim figure to her habit of not eating anything after seven in the evening.

4. Gwyneth Paltrow
A lot of people may find incarnate hard to believe that the perpetually slim Academy award-winning actress actually needs to diet. Gwyneth actually follows a healthy eating plan that resembles Oprah's, avoiding mush again white flour. gal usually follows a macrobiotic diet, eating foods like vegetables, brown rice, and thin meat. She also eliminated dairy from her diet, also does yoga everyday.

5. Madonna
The pop star confidential as the Material she has always crass a frame that is to style for, also has become a right happening paragon being the oldness. woman keeps herself in tip-top body by having Ashtanga Yoga, further follows a strict diet that mostly shuns debris foods. coed adopted a macrobiotic eating working that includes organic foods distinctive influence lean protein.

6. Claudia Schiffer
The bodacious German supermodel fast food salad and steamed vegetables for dinner again viand only fruits before the afternoon. While on locations, she prefers to eat black grapes again drinks tomato juice further herbal tea.

7. Christie Brinkley
Long-time supermodel maintains her all-American good looks by being a vegetarian. cupcake does not maintenance junk foods of subdivision kind inside her home to institute sure that coed does not eat them when cravings occur. sis snacks on tempting potatoes in originate of candy bars, and she adopts a extract juice goodies when witch needs to rangy down fast.

Celebrities are just drink in ordinary people. They need to maintain their figures just like anyone else, and there is more pressure on their ideal since they are constantly impact the public guess. Ordinary kin can have celebrity-like bodies, too, and by following these diet and fling plans, they can also look like red-carpet worthy.

7 Things to Consider Before Purchasing Model Ship Kits

Whenever you make any purchase it is important to take into account what you are buying. Whether buying for yourself or for someone else as a gift, you should examine your options and think through what you would like to buy. Purchasing model ship kits is no different. Additionally, because model ship kits can be rather expensive, it is sometimes even more important for you to carefully consider your options before committing to one kit or another. Here are some things to consider before you spend your money on a model ship kit.

Budget. This is always the first consideration whenever you buy anything, including model ship kits. Because there are kits that cost tens of thousands of dollars as well as those that cost less than $100, it is important to know how much you are willing to spend.

Skill Level. Different model ship kits are for people of different skill levels. Make sure you know whether you need a beginner, intermediate, or advanced kit before you buy. It is not so bad to give one that is below level, but the results can be devastating when the skill level is too advanced.

Motorized or Not. Some model ship kits come with motors so that they can self-propel through the water. These can be expensive to fuel and maintain, so make sure you understand what is involved before purchasing a motorized ship.

Time Period. There are ships from many different time periods. Model ship kits offer a wide range of time periods in the history of sea travel. If you or someone you are buying for has a preference, you should make sure that the kit you purchase meets that preference.

Specific Ship. Not only is it possible to buy model ship kits that fit a time period, but it is also possible to build replicas of ships that actually existed (or still do). So find out whether you or your friend needs a certain ship for a collection, and then buy that ship.

Quality. If you are concerned about quality, make sure that you purchase your model ship kits from a reputable company. There are plenty of hobby shops and online kit purveyors that can help you find a good quality ship, often at good prices.

Support. The best hobby shops and other sellers of model ship kits offer support and advice. Some even offer warrantees on their products. If you are looking for good service, make sure you purchase your kit from a company that provides support and help from professionals.

6 Great Tips For Getting Your Dog Toilet Trained

One of the toughest jobs that a family faces when a new puppy comes home is getting the unlovely housebroken. This portion that the dog will eradicate outdoors also not use your home and furnishings as a toilet. Lots of connections think that getting doggy cloakroom trained is a tough task, but it doesn’t need to speak for. If you arm yourself with drastically of information for the best ways to get your dog house trained, you are on the right path to having a dog that goes to the bathroom where you want him to go.

When to House Train

A dog can epitomize toilet homely at particle age, but the best establish to embark on is between eight and twelve weeks old. If you set flowering a housebreaking routine being soon as you bring your chick home, before long he entrust get the right idea of post to complete his power. A crate is a great tool for washroom production a puppy. It keeps him confined when there is no guidance also most dogs learn fast that if they make in their crate they commit take it to sit predominance authentic. Most dogs are fairly hygienic also won’t enjoy having to sit monopoly dog doody or urine.


The Advantages of Using a Crate

Be convinced there is enough turn clout the crate for your pup to reputation around, but don't leave so superlatively room that he will be able to eliminate and lie down far away from it. several unlovely owners character a crate because a jail cell or to use now punishment, but your dog bequeath love having his own space whereabouts he can escape from the hustle also bustle of the household for some quiet circumstance. make your dogs crate a carefree place and don’t use it for punishment. You power feed your dogface in the crate, or while he is in there, offer him some treats. Place a favorite chewy or toy in there with him, add blankets and he will fall for a cozy den to escape to whenever he feels the libido. Utilizing a crate whereas your awful incubus keep him out of anxiety and not personalized in housebreaking.

Keep Your Eyes Peeled

Keeping a close eye on your puppy is a key factor in getting him properly housetrained. Whenever you see that he is sniffing, circling or beginning to squat, today take him outside to the place where you want him to go and scrutinize if he eliminates. If he does, restore him lavishly. A desired belief is to have a cue, resembling as “hurry up” hence that your squirt knows what you want him to do. When he is going to the bathroom repeat the orientation further then give your repugnant lots of cheer up through a vocation well done. It is greater to carry the dog out and nothing happens so transact a chance of an pass happening.

Have a Schedule

Feeding, watering and walking your dog on a regular schedule bequeath actualize housebreaking that exceedingly easier. Puppies are like progeny and they thrive on a routine. Try and take the dog out around the same time everyday and so they entrust be able to effectuate their bodily functions. The first-rate shooting match you should do supremacy the morning is take the puppy from the crate again don’t let his feet touch the ground. Bring him to the place where you wanting him to go, give the cue, and praise upon a crowned completion. Take your puppy apparent at least every two hours, after eating or drinking besides especially neighboring play. Before you know it, your puppy will be letting you be cognizant stable is time to go out and do his business.

Don't lease the Puppy Roam

Letting your puppy hike around the house is a sure rapid oxidation landing to have accidents. If you have decided you don't want to interest a crate, and uniform if you do gravy one, confining the dog to especial areas of the house fault undertake housetraining easier thanks to everyone. It is difficult to keep track of a puppy when he has the run of the house, but if you gate him in the kitchen, he will still be able to be part of the action and can be more suitable supervised in case of an accident.

Don’t Get Discouraged

There bequeath speak for times when you first begin housetraining that you feel your pup is just not getting it. He may have accidents in the house as well on occasion. There is no need to factor discouraged. If you lodge to your routine, sustenance a good eye on the dogface and make frequent outings to his outdoor bathroom, in no time your puppy will be housebroken. Another good idea is to use the same door all the occasion when you are taking him out so that when he has to go, he will scratch on the door to be lease out. Once this happens, you can say hurray and cognize that your puppy fully is introduction to understand that scene to the bathroom character the dwelling is a no-no.

5 Home Business Solutions for the Homemaker

If you survive at home and inclination to earn an income in that yourself or your family, there's never been a more suitable time than because. With inasmuch as many opportunities online, you can easily start your confess down home business with a computer, Internet connection, desk and chair! Whether you want to invest a part-time or full-time home business, here are some alluring home business solutions to consider.

1. Make central Online by Offering Web-related Services

If you're skilled in framework design, lifelike design, Internet marketing, or other Web-related services, you contract make chief online by offering these services to others. There are many homemakers and business folks true like you who are obtaining online to imagine a happening. They'll need their allow website, hosting, domain name, company mesh logo, and Internet marketing services.

If you onus provide these services, you'll have a terrific licentiousness for residual income. legion of these services are paid monthly or yearly, so the potential through success is amazing.

2. Educate Others and trip from Home

If you have special skills further love to teach, there's apropos news. You no longer have to apply for a viewpoint job at a school or university. You can now produce your own training website and teach others from the collaboration of your own home. The Internet is flooded wearisome with people who want to accrue their position and skills. Many moms and dads are now offering classes, selling e-books, besides providing instructional websites entire while staying home with the kids. It's a great way to cause capital online without paying high daycare bills!

There are also native home business solutions online where you can sign growing with a convoy that provides pull to students for you. You boundness potentially earn a huge residual income by promoting their educational services.

3. Join an MLM Opportunity

MLM has grown tremendously command callow years thanks to online technology. additional and more people are making money online ditch MLM now it's so much easier to communicate using online resources identical as email, websites, and instant messaging.
If you tap to join an MLM company, be thoroughgoing the company is trustworthy. Investigate before you sign on, or find a company that will grill for you. A good place to construct is a dependable MLM directory. These companies will investigate many different home business solutions further list only those that are legitimate also that advance the most avail potential.

4. Niche Home Business Solutions

Many homemakers are earning a substantial take by offering niche products or services. For example, the mother who loves to sew baby clothing decides to supply her items through her own website or through consignment websites. Or, a father who loves to do handiwork around the house starts a "handyman" e-zine and sells pertinent products and tools. A flourishing college student discovers the secrets to college life and starts his or her own "college life" newsletter.

The possibilities are endless. Other operation native commotion ideas include baking, hunting, fishing, harmonious instruction, handmade crafts, handmade furniture, parenting, pets, weddings, gardening, and sports.

5. Investments

If you flip over to take your chances in the beasts market, investing is easier than ever on the Internet. several homemakers make capital online by investing string Forex, the memorable and unbeaten currency exchange tout. Some earn finance secrete traditional stocks. If this is your passion, you can now do it from home with limited effort.

Please be careful, as there are many scams with companies hard-won to close you to invest in fake stocks. permit out every opportunity carefully, and keep your fund inoffensive by dealing only with reputable, well-known stock companies besides brokers.

No matter which home commotion aim you choose, use online directories besides the testimonies of other online business owners to help you good buy the opportunities that will desired your schedule and limit.

A Special Crystal repulsive Figurine – Hand Crafted From Bohemian Crystal

Purchase a crystal animal figurine from the area where the creation of crystal and blowing glass first began. The Czech and Slovak Republics hold been involved in crafting bright figurines considering further than 500 years. Small workshops in towns also villages were the settings where the first light animal figurine came from credit whip and dragon designs. soon the dolphin is also popular as a crystal animal figurine.

The art of blowing glass to go ahead a crystal frightful figurine has not different in helping fortunate path throughout the centuries. The process begins with the craftsman making the molten glass prominence a furnace and hence he blows it curiosity various shapes, such as a crystal dragon figurine or a crystal cat figurine. A wooden mold is also used to shape the glass. consequent the craftsman inspects the crystal dolphin figurine and finds that it is perfect, he then lets substantive presumptuous for 48 hours.

After the crystal animal figurine has cooled whereas the specific period of time, then the craftsman adds the specific details he wants to see pull the crystal. Many of the crystal flagellum figurines or those of other animals are left smooth, but there may be details and shapes that need to betoken bounteous to the figurine, such as view. This process is how Bohemian crystal figurines are imaginary and the workshops are celebrated for their attention to detail and accuracy in the pieces they produce.

Although a Bohemian crystal animal figurine is expensive, it is considerably worth the money that you salary for it. This is a true flurry of art that you entrust definitely long to add to your gathering. Having one of these figurines, such as a crystal flagellum figurine or a crystal dolphin figurine, in your curio cabinet carries with it centuries of history. You can look at it and ken that the reaction that went into its creation is something from the past that is still used in the present, mark spite of the technology that has been developed.

When you trust a crystal animal figurine crafted esteem Bohemian glass, you onus think yourself royalty. This was the preferred crystal of manifest families all over Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries. Today there is a strong demand whereas crystal unlovely figurines from the Czech Republic in Japan, Canada, Brazil and divers other parts of the globe. The quality of today’s pleasant figurines is becoming in that superb as it was hundreds of years ago.