So This Is Christmas

Merry Christmas is such an infectious feeling I like to feel that way all year around.

So if you are visiting just before Christmas, just after Christmas or even here on Christmas day I am sure you will find something of interest for you and in the spirit of Christmas.

It may be said that Christmas is no longer a celebration but this must be spoken by people that have never had trouble closing their eyes on Christmas Eve in an expectation of what maybe left for them on the carpet under the tree.

I continue to look forward to the surprise on my Grandchild's faces to this day at Christmas events.

Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

The Increasing Demand Of Gold Jewellery For Cash

By Jack Wagon

It is an inherent nature of most people to prepare themselves for rainy days. They like to save a bit on the side from their monthly or annual income. Perhaps, the main objective of every living soul is to lead a steady and smooth life. People invest their savings in valuable assets like gold, platinum, silver etc.; such kinds of investment have been the most profitable ones. One might invest in property and stocks, but these are also subject to economic downfall and mostly do not acquire the desired value.

Gold has always been an important thing in all the valuables that a person might have. In fact, it has always been one thing that has given profit over the tie. The gold prices are always increasing, and thus, you can earn profit on it every time you exchange it. Except for few times, the gold prices have not changed much. Even in the worst times of economy, gold has maintained its position and value. This is the only thing that can always be traded for its original value.

Gold is an exceptional metal that has been used as an ornament as well as an investment. In south East Asia, the dynamics of gold are altogether different. Surprisingly, the under-developed countries have a higher demand of gold to use as jewellery in the world. Gold jewellery has been passed from one generation to another not only as part of a family legacy, but also to give the future generation some kind of socio-economic security.

Due to the great rise in inflation, the prices of property and stocks are declining. Therefore, people are trading their gold for cash. At this point in time, when the gold prices are at its high, people can earn considerable profit by trading gold for cash. Many people have become jobless due to the economic crisis.

All sorts of businesses have suffered loses because of the current economic situation. People are finding it hard to meet their day to day expenses and paying off their debts. For this reason, people are selling their gold for cash so they can pay off their debts like house loans, credit card loans or business loans and to meet their other expenses.

Due to the rising inflation, banks have also increased their interest rates. This has increased the burden on common people. They are now worried about paying the loan as well as a huge amount of interest on it. So, gold jewellery is serving as a lender of last resort and, by selling it for cash, people are trying to meet their expenses and pay off their huge debts.

People want to maintain some cash in their bank accounts to show their liquidity; therefore, they are selling their jewellery to have more cash on hand. Cash has never been more important than it is these days. If the economic crisis keeps on worsening then it would become very difficult to find a buyer for gold in the market. If such a situation arises, it would become very difficult to liquidate your gold and it is quite possible that your whole investment would go to waste.

It is also becoming difficult for some people to afford the locker fees of the vaults where they keep their jewellery. They want to cut down all sorts of unwanted expenses and make the best out of what they possess.

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Chinese Government Encourages Investing In Gold And Silver

By Jack Wagon

Gold is not just a metal associated with jewellery, but is also something that consists of the attributes of currency. In addition to being a general commodity, it is also a financial commodity. Numerous investment activities in reference to gold exist basically because it is a solid investment. Gold has always been regarded as an indispensable investment tool.

Recently, it has come under observation that the Chinese government is encouraging people to invest in gold, and silver as much as possible. The idea of purchasing gold and silver is being promoted to the public on a large basis. In China, the chance for silver bullion investments was introduced just this year, being the first time for such a thing to take place.

There were strictures present in China regarding holding of precious metals in reference to investment, this restriction has now apparently been entirely relaxed. This changes the situation from what it used to be a few years ago, when strict control on the distribution of gold and silver as an investment option, existed.

Trends regarding buying of gold have been seen in the Chinese people; therefore, there is at least market stimulation because of the buying. The opinion of the Chinese economic ambassador is that the credit in the country is too loose, and a bubble in the housing market as well as the stocks seems apparent; so the Chinese are investing in gold, and silver due to all these factors. The point of view of the ambassador is that investment in valuable metals such as gold, and silver offers security from any kind of credit bubble fall.

The endorsements by the government for the people to start buying gold, and silver were also shown on the state sponsored television. The investments of the people in gold, and silver on such a large scale means that the already high prices of gold, and silver would not be allowed to go down significantly.

Through encouraging people to deal in gold and silver investments, each bank is going to have bars of both the metals in four different sizes meant for the individuals. Thus, the investments in gold can already be seen as increasing. From being regarded as the nation with the lowest per capita gold consumption, China is now going to be transformed into a nation that handles precious metal investments.

In addition to investments in gold and silver bars within China, the Chinese investors are now also able to do gold trading in London. This is made possible by swiping a Lucky Gold Card. Considering this fact it appears that the Chinese are fast getting hold of a considerable amount of gold, which is considered to be a store of wealth.

Besides gold, silver, an industrial metal regarded as a monetary metal, also amounts to a store of wealth, and is sometimes considered larger in terms of investment.

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Important Facts: Do Hair Straighteners Damage Hair

By Jo Northwood

It was unlucky that before hair straightening technology was any good, girls used to use their Mothers ironing board and iron to try and achieve straight hair. This caused more serious problems of burnt scalps more than creating fabulous hair. The outcome of the the'90s period was awful dry, brittle and broken hair that ended up worse than when your started. Maybe this is why in the'80s crimped hair was in fashion, as this was less harmful to your hair.

The required style was shiny and styled hair. So to try and obtain this, hair would need several minutes between the hair straighteners before it became more manageable. But unfortunately, the hair would then become heat damaged, dry, brittle and unmanageable.

Thank goodness time and technology has moved on. Nowadays, although hair straighteners have a hefty price tag, it is because they have the technology that supposedly styles your hair without damaging it.

This technology is ceramic heating elements, which are a lot more effective than any other irons as it reaches high temperatures very quickly. High temperatures mean the hydrogen bonds in the hair will be broken quicker (the bond that makes the hair curly), and the quicker the desired hair style will be obtained. Many hair straighteners brands say they use ionic and infra red technology which claims to seal in the moisture and natural oils of the hair. Therefore, being good for your hair.

Depending on your own hair type is the best way to decide if hair straighteners will be damaging your hair. Those who are at risk of damage are people with very wavy and thick hair. These people will need to spend more time applying the hair straighteners to break down the hydrogen bonds, therefore increasing the risk of heat damage. Information suggests to use straighteners as least as possible, reducing the risk of heat damage.

Although it is questionable whether these products work, companies have started to sell heat protection sprays. You will need to make your own judgement on whether they do anything to protect your hair from the heat of straighteners.

There are some tips you should follow to minimize the risk of your hair being damaged.

Invest in a good pair of straighteners. Yes they can be expensive, but the cheaper ones will leave your hair less than desirable. Make sure they are ceramic and use the Internet to read reviews.

Only use your hair straighteners on special occasions

Try different heat protection sprays.

To gain styled, healthy health, following the tips above will give you a great place to start.

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Essential Information About LED Television Technology

By Wayne Torres

It was not too long ago that we were arguing the case for and against LCD and plasma televisions. And though LCD TV eventually came out the victor, due to its superior all round function and practicality, its crown is now under threat. That this threat comes from its sibling the LED television, is all the more intriguing.

Cynics out there, (of which I am a fully paid up member of the club), will snort at such an announcement and claim it is nothing more than a money making exercise. And whilst this holds some water; the technology in an LED television is a step in the right direction, so should not be dismissed too readily.

To appreciate this however, it is necessary to understand where LED television technology differs from what has gone before. In the most basic of levels, LED technology is simply a progression from LCD; it uses the self same screens for a start; and works in much the same the way. The difference lies in how light is sent to the screen; with LEDs, this is done through backlighting or side lighting.

Sending light to the screen in this way allows for far greater control over the picture quality, definition and brightness. Each diode can be controlled independently, allowing for smoother flow through the image projected onto the screen. Deeper colors and blacks are the result, delivering a far truer picture that feels as if you are looking at something through the human eye.

This is all fantastic of course, but what are the downsides to LED television technology? Increased power? Short Lifespan? Surprisingly, the opposite of each of these is true. The technology use less energy and, just as importantly uses this energy well with minimal wastage, which in itself drives up how long the TV itself will last for. Indeed, estimates suggest they could go on indefinitely if looked after well.

They are also a great deal thinner than there predecessors. Whilst regular LCD TVs are very slim; at just mere inches, an LED television will be measured with a depth given in millimetres. Indeed, the leading manufacturers are producing units that are a mere 6mm in depth.

Okay, this all sounds excellent but of course, it isn't all good news. Whilst no limitations exist to the operation of an LED television, there is a limitation regards affordability. It is really no different to the large prices that LCD and most particularly plasmas were tagged with though.

The price of course is easier to swallow, when you look at the bigger picture, (no pun intended), and consider the up to forty percent saving to be made on energy costs. Though this will not sit well with some of course.

But these prices will fall as demand picks up and we really recognize the benefits of LED television technology, (and as newer technologies come on line of course!)

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