Living trusts are powerful estate planning tools that can help many people. Living trusts provide certain advantages that are not available with other estate planning devices. Living trusts are a way to manage and control property during life and distribute property at death. They are not, however, a cure-all. Disciples of the living trust abound today. They tout the advantages of living trusts with the fervor of a television evangelist. Let’s separate the facts about living trusts from some of the fiction that is being advocated.
First, it is necessary to understand the nature of a living trust. Technically, living trusts are “revocable inter vivos” trusts. If a trust is “revocable,” the person who establishes the trust can change all or any part of the trust, so long as that person is competent. “Inter vivos” is Latin for “during life.” At death, the living trust becomes irrevocable. Assets owned by living trusts generally are not included as part of the probate process at death. Probate is the court proceeding by which a deceased person’s assets are gathered and distributed to his or her beneficiaries.
Fact or fiction, avoiding probate is always desirable? In a strict sense, this is fiction. Probate can be an expensive and time consuming process. However, many states have adopted the modern Uniform Probate Code that substantially streamlines the process. Also, there are some situations in which a probate proceeding may be desirable.
Fact or fiction, living trusts always save money during administration of the estate? By avoiding the probate court, living trusts may save on the associated attorney fees and court costs. However, there are still income and estate tax returns to file and legal, administrative and asset transfer work to do. This claim is not fiction, although it is hyperbole.
Fact or fiction, living trusts save on estate taxes? Fiction. Living trusts do not necessarily save federal estate taxes. Estate tax saving provisions can be incorporated into living trusts. However, those same provisions can be incorporated into a will. Therefore, living trusts do not offer any inherent tax saving advantages.
Fact or fiction, living trusts are private? This is largely fact. By avoiding the probate process, you can keep the distribution of your assets private. Also, if the trust is funded (i.e. assets have been transferred into the trust before death) the size of the estate can be kept quiet. Note, however, that some transfers, notably real estate, are always public. Note also that the probate process in many states prohibits outsiders from learning what assets are part of the estate’s inventory.
Fact or fiction, a living trust can help in the event of incapacity? Fact, provided you have either placed assets in the trust before incapacity or a device exists to place your assets into the trust in the event of incapacity. Another device, the durable power of attorney, can be used in some cases as a less expensive alternative to the living trust when planning for incapacity.
A trust is not appropriate for every individual. You should discuss the advantages of a trust with your estate planning attorney if: 1. you are the parent of minor children, 2. you desire privacy, 3. you own real property, 4. your estate is in excess of the applicable exclusion amount, and 5. you wish to avoid probate.
The living trust is an important tool that provides many advantages. Living trusts are not, and never have been, a panacea. It remains important to work with an experienced estate planning attorney and evaluate all alternatives before adopting an estate planning strategy.
This material was prepared by Raymond James for use by Kevin F. Duffy CFP® CRPC, Vice President, Investments of (Raymond James & Associates, Member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC or Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC).
Kevin joined the Financial Services Industry in 2001; he has acquired both the CFP® and the CRPC® designations. These designations are a testament to his integrity and commitment to his clients. Kevin views every client relationship as unique and develops individual solutions to address individual goals. In today’s challenging market Kevin uses his knowledge to help retirees and pre-retirees like you plan for lifetime income, while minimizing the devastating effects of market risk. When you meet Kevin, he will address some of the common financial mistakes made by investors and how to overcome them. You do not want to miss this opportunity with Mr. Duffy.
Is Mlm Is Ethical And A Acceptable Way To Generate A Living. Not only is mlm – also known as network marketing good, many affirm that it is the last chance for the little guy in america. Many websites are dedicated to show you to find a commendable and the best mlm company for you. Is there a best mlm company for you? Mlm is the notion that you have to peddle retail to be fruitful. You may sell if you want to or have to due to your particular program procedure, but in regard to making the larger sums of income, the real attainment is in building the enterprise.business. Let your come as the natural result of building the organization. The word “selling” triggers negative thoughts in the minds of about 95 % of the people. In mlm you don’t need to “sell” the products in the traditional sense of the word. However, the product does have to move or nobody gets paid. When you build an team, you are actually building a network through which to channel your product’s or services. Mlm is a viable income option – or is it just another scam? Court records for actions against mlm companies. Review of actions by the federal trade commission. Surveys of consumers in areas of intense mlm participation. Surveys of presidents of leading mlm’s and communications with other top mlm officials. Analyses of mlm companies’ reports of average incomes of distributors, as well as published financial reports. Marketing materials of mlm companies. It also allows administrators and affiliates alike to instantly view their statistics and the formation of their downline in real-time. Mlm is and how it works. How does multi-level marketing work?. How does the commission structure work? what activities would i be doing?. Is mlm legal? says who?. Is mlm even legal? if so, who has the authority to claim it’s legal? is mlm ethical and professional?. Mlm is great, because there is so little competition at the top.
This is a truly “first class analysis”. I can guess that roughly 2%-5% of the network marketers out there are “first-class”. This is can be “code of honor” of any mlm team. Mlm is far more risky than either the stock market or the job market. It even makes gambling look like a safe investment by comparison. Very few recruits will sell enough to generate residual income. Standard jobs are not rewarded fairly. In mlm, you can set your own standard for earnings. Fair? most mlm compensation plans are weighted heavily towards those who got in early or who frantically scrambled to the top of a pyramid of participants. If not legal, the program would have been shut down long ago. Mlm’s have survived legal challenges. The fact that they are still around tells you they are legitimate. Mlm is not mlm itself, but. Of the people it attracts. Network marketing is. Just a business model. , and it really amounts to “micro-franchising”. Its upside is that it has a very low cost of entry, with the potential for exceptional revenue, and there are those who achieve that. But those same things that make it attractive make it attractive to many who are not really qualified or prepared to become business owners. The salient characteristics of mlm make it attractive to people who:. Have not done well in their business or profession and have little money saved up to invest. Have no previous experience owning or running a business. Have no previous experience in . Have little or no experience developing business relationships other than that of employer/employee/co-worker. Are not satisfied with their current level of income. Have unrealistic expectations of the amount of work involved compared to the revenue realized. Don’t get me wrong?i’m not saying that there’s anything wrong with any of these things, or that this describes even a majority of network marketers?only that it describes a disproportionate number of network marketers, and that many of them never do anything about it. Mlm is the process organizations use to get their product into the marketplace. Rather than hiring a force and all the stuff that goes with it.
Add to that the fact that all you need to start is a PC and an internet connection, and you can completely understand why I say that you have to (and can allow yourself to) start thinking about simplicity, flexibility and profitability.
Learn effective ways to start a profitable business with little or no money now at: Dale Dupree
Back in the 1980’s there was no one in the world that influenced the budding Generation ‘X’ like that of Michael Jackson. Yes, there was President Ronald Regan, Bo Jackson, MTV, Boy George, Madonna and those funky heavy metal hair bands. But no one topped the power of Michael Jackson.
He was not just a star; he was phenomenon. He commanded your attention, weather you were a music fan or not. Where he went, legions of fans followed, screaming for a glimpse. The world had not seen that since the Beatles and Elvis.
Now deceased, Michael Jackson is more powerful than ever before. This story has made frontline news in all the world’s paper for 3 days straight now. No other news is seemingly is so captivating; not Jon and Kate, not US economic woes, not even the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Michaels’ death has suddenly revived his career. Yes, revived. In all likelihood, he may generate more money then he ever did alive. Already record stores, iTunes, and Amazon have experience enormous demands. Elvis, John Lennon, Jim Morrison all experienced the same.
Michael’s legacy will most likely focus on the days he produced Off the Wall and Thriller. Those two albums alone produced more hits then most musicians have in their entire careers. His music videos ‘Beat It’, ‘Billie Jean’, and ‘Thriller’ transformed music videos from a mere promotional tool to an art. It helped ignite MTV. His career in a nutshell: 2 time inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (as a solo artist and member of the Jackson 5), 13 Grammy Awards, 13 Number one singles, over 750 million albums sold worldwide, and billions of dollars generated.
The Lost Childhood As the world learned, however, was that Michael Jackson had a dark side that involved child abuse, neglect, and accusations of child molestation. You find can an entire populace of people with similar history in prison.
It wasn’t enough that Michael suffered a lost childhood. He was never allowed to be own person. His spirit was never free. Instead, his life became a tool for others to make profit of his enormous talent. His father, Joe Jackson, was not a successful man on his own by any means. He was a steel worker during the day, hardly carrying enough change in his pockets for lunch.
To his credit, however, Joe Jackson was a driven man. He played in a band and was a talented guitarist. Perhaps he had dreams playing for record label, but fell victim to the circumstances in his day: poverty, racism, and missed opportunities.
To some, growing old and not fulfilling your lifelong dream is intolerable. Joe Jackson may not have wanted any of that. So, his kids became the pawns for his success. According the Michael and his sister LaToya, Joe Jackson was a tyrant with an iron fist. He ran the household with fear, intimidation, and complete lack of concern about his children’s feelings.
In addition, Michael had to endure the challenge of being in a one-income household with ten kids. Normally with large families siblings would play and fight with each other. In the Jackson household, it seemed that band practice took precedence to growing up and living a normal childhood.
Despite the hardship, Michael was born to be an entertainer. For years the Jackson 5 played in local venues and won numerous competitions. It was not till Michael joined the band did MoTown Records take notice.
The Baton is Passed Smokey Robinson said, “Michael had the talent of someone years his age.” Which Michael at the realm, the Jackson 5 attracted television and record deals. Like many child stars, however, Michael was forced into world that God never meant for children. Michael never experienced a childhood. He was busy making money for his family and for the record labels. He was a moneymaker. Despite the claims from those who say they loved him and showed genuine concern, he was a music moneymaking machine. The self-worth was solely based on that. If he stopped producing, they stopped caring.
In 1979, the record ‘Off the Wall’ was a solo act without Michael’s tyrant father or his brothers. Quincy Jones was the man behind the project. Together, Jones and the 20 year old Jackson produced the first ever album to generate US top 10 hits including blockbuster songs like “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” and “Rock with You”.
The man was only 20!
At 20 years old most people are in college, partying, studying for college exams, or thinking of their careers. Michael remained what he was since he was 10, a money making machine. Not a man with feelings, not a man with a spirit, and a human being. He was money making machine, the darling of the media, a man with billions of dollars, yet no life.
At 24, Thriller was released. It’s the greatest album I have ever purchased. For Michael, the arrow had reached its peak and is now failing.
Energy Released – His deal with Children It’s little wonder why Michael had that special relationship with children. He wanted to be around them, especially young male boys. Why? Because he was never allowed to experience having a ‘best friend’, or play outside with friends after school, like normal kids do.
It’s just human nature to make up for lost experience. It not unusual for teenage moms, as soon as their children are grown, to dress up in sexy garbs, hang out at bars, and date younger men.
Michael’s inner demons were not demons. They were yearnings. Yearnings to have the God given right to a normal childhood.
Did he molest young boys? I’m not sure, but then I wonder why an innocent man would pay the family of one of his so-called victims $20 million to keep their mouth shut. I don’t know the details, nor will I speculate.
His Career Revived in Death In years to come there will be speculations if Michael did actually die? The same theories floated around about Elvis and Jim Morrison. Elvis and Jim Morrison made more money in death then they did alive.
Will that happen to Michael? Most likely yes.
The greatest gifts Michael left us his music. He is the ‘King of Pop’ and the greatest entertainer since Elvis and the Beatles. More important, for those who wish to live their successful through their children, look at Michael’s life and where it went.
He became a lost soul with billions of dollars. As it was mentioned in the Bible,
What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? – Matthew 16:26
Rest in Peace Michael and thanks for the music and the lessons learned.
Jim Hague is an author, lecturer, owner of Crystal Digital Images LLC, has no party affiliation and is a moderate. He is the author of ‘Abandoned Son: Roe vs. Wade is overturned.’
Smoking has become the affliction of a large magnitude of people and others seem to be joining the smoke bandwagon at an alarming rate. Smoking has become a very common sight with one out of every fifth person being a smoker. The trend of smoking has become very common among teenagers also. The problems one gets due to smoking are many, but they do not seem to encourage people to stop smoking or deter people for starting to smoke. The hazardous effects of smoking are many, but people do not seem to be paying heed; the tobacco companies seem to be the only one is reaping the rewards out of smoking.
Since tobacco was born, it has been a few companies dominate the tobacco industry. These companies control most of the production and distribution around the world. They are quick to adapt to their policies and tactics to conform to the regulations set by the government and cater to the needs of the ever-increasing number of smokers around the world.
Tobacco companies of the world
A few companies hold the tobacco production and control of tobacco; the three largest companies sell close to two thirds of the entire supply. The stagnation in demand has prompted them to explore new markets.
The government is in a predicament since the tobacco industry accounts for a vast amount of jobs, but it also has to protect the health of its citizens. The government has tried to cut down on smokers by increasing the taxes imposed on them. By increasing the taxes on tobacco products and leveling higher duties on the companies, the companies are forced to raise the prices, which indirectly reduce use; since higher priced goods will be used less often. There is not much the government can do since tobacco is not a banned product.
The large companies also diversify their business to keep abreast in the market. They use various ways the companies diversify.
By market segments: Products are usually divided into categories, from high priced premium cigarettes to low and middle class of cigarettes. Companies with big brand names sell premium high priced cigarettes but also expand in to lower class to protect them from susceptibility. A decline in of premium cigarettes will be ploughed back by the in the lower or middle brands of cigarettes.
By target group: Every cigarette has its target group. By creating a new target group, the company can raise its overall market share. Thus the need to branch out into women cigarettes and target young people.
This targeting of women and youngsters has been seen in bad light. The tobacco industry has long targeted young people with its advertising and promotional campaigns. One of the most memorable, “Joe Camel” campaign initiated by the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, helped generate public outrage against tobacco company efforts to reach young audiences and it is no longer used. The reason is obvious, most people start smoking at an early age. Getting a hold on a new segment will increase its share in the market.
Women are also a segment that the industries try to win over. Cigarettes for women are put forward as a symbol of liberation and some even shown in the light of slimming products. Manufacturers produce (long, slim) cigarettes especially for women. Perfumed or scented cigarettes with exotic flavors are targeted at women. Cigarettes usually have the word “slim” or “lights” to attract women consumers. Minorities are also a target for the tobacco industry.
Diversification by tobacco products: cigarettes companies also try to branch out into other tobacco products. For example, Imperial tobacco has decided to branch out into the roll your own segment; it dominates both the tobacco and the paper for this segment.
Diversification by non-tobacco products: food seems to be the favorite for companies seeking to diversify. R.J. Reynolds bought Nabisco (which, in turn, was later acquired by Kraft) owned by Philip Morris. Japan Tobacco derives a (small) part of its from food. Logistics and wholesaling are another favorite
Austria Tabak, wholesaling of tobacco and other products (and the operation of vending machines) makes up a large share of turnover. Over 20 per cent of Altadis’ earnings originate in its logistics division. Skandinavisk Tobakskompagni owns the largest wholesaler of consumer goods in Denmark. BAT tried financial services (but, since 1998, is a pure tobacco company).
Diversification into food and other activities makes the tobacco companies less dependent on (slow-growing) of tobacco products. However, the profit margins in these industry are usually well below those attained in tobacco processing. Producing and marketing cigarettes remain the more lucrative activity.
Incase of diversification by geographical market, OECD-based tobacco companies are keen to reduce their dependence on their stagnant home markets and establish a presence in markets where growth is above average. After having started business in many markets in Latin
America, Central and Eastern Europe, and the Central Asian republics in the 1990s, their center of attention is shifting to the Far East. All the major tobacco companies now have a presence in Poland, Russia and the Central Asian republics. Austria Tabak, which gained a presence in
Estonia when it acquired the cigarette activities of Swedish Match also has a 67 per cent market share in Guinea. The company was considering entering Asian markets when it was taken over by Gallaher in June 2001. Through this take-over and the acquisition in 2000 of Liggett-Ducat, the Moscow cigarette maker, Gallaher greatly reduced its dependence on the UK market. Similarly, Japan Tobacco became a world player when it acquired the international activities of R.J. Reynolds. Thanks to a relentless internationalization drive, Germany’s Reemtsma now sells less than one-third of its total in its home market (compared to over 60 per cent in 1991) (see also figure 6). It is now on the go in several Central and Eastern European countries and, in 1999, it acquired Cambodia’s Paradise Tobacco Company.
The government.
A predicament is generally faced by the Governments all across the world. On the one hand, tobacco-growing and processing can makes a large contribution to employment, tax revenue and foreign exchange receipts. In many developing and formerly centrally planned economies, the tobacco companies have made sizeable and most welcome investments when other investors were disinclined to do so. On the other hand, governments have the responsibility to protect the population’s health. Smoking is harmful to health and treating people for smoking-related illnesses is expensive. This can lead to heated debates within the same government as each sector defends the interests it believes it should represent.
The economic importance of tobacco growing and processing differs from country to country. At the national level, cigarette ( and import) tax can be a main source of government revenue. In Russia, cigarette tax revenue contributes around 8 per cent to the financing of the state budget.
When the government owns the industry, it receives profits in addition to tax. That is why, in so many countries, State monopolies continue to control cigarette trade and production. In China, proceeds from state-owned CNTC amounted to the equivalent of US$11,000 million in 1999. CNTC has been the Chinese State’s top revenue generator for years. Japan Tobacco earned more than US$400 million for the Japanese State in the fiscal year ending March 2000. The monopolies can also play a social function. In Italy, several of the state monopoly’s factories are to be found in areas of high unemployment.
Then there are balance of payments issues to mull over, many low-income countries rely on the export of cash crops such as tobacco to pay for the service of their foreign debt.
Tobacco exports made up close to 10 per cent of Cuba’s exports in 1997-98. In the case of
Tanzania it was 15 per cent, In Zimbabwe over 25 per cent and in Malawi tobacco exports made up two-thirds of commodity exports.
Citizens smoke. But, if they smoke domestically produced cigarettes, using homegrown tobacco or use imported cigarettes and tobaccos can make a large difference when foreign exchange is scarce. That explains why so many countries try to restrict the imports of cigarettes and encourage domestic producers to use local tobaccos, for example, by providing a favorable tax treatment to companies that use a minimum percentage of homegrown tobaccos. The cigarette companies have also been a key source of investment in the formerly centrally planned countries of Central and Eastern Europe, and Central Asia. When others were disinclined to invest, those companies saw the possibilities offered by a blend of pent-up consumer demand, outdated production facilities and the association with independence and “western style” living that so appealed to the people in these countries after many years of central planning and little consumer choice. After having lobbied successfully for the reduction of restrictions of Asian markets such as Japan and the Republic of Korea, the large tobacco companies are eagerly waiting for the opening up of the other economies (notably China) that continue to restrict imports from and/or investments by foreign tobacco companies.
Tobacco growing, processing and exports can thus make a significant involvement to national employment and national income. Yet, however important tobacco growing and processing may be at the national level, its full economic and social significance is best grasped at the micro or regional level. In some regions, tobacco is grown side by side with the crop, which is the main source of income; its contribution to overall income is modest. However, in many others, tobacco is a main source of income and employment.
Tobacco growing and tobacco processing may bring substantial economic and social benefits, but the treatment of smoking-related illness is costly. Cigarette smoking causes cancer. It is addictive. The WHO estimates that tobacco products cause around 3 million deaths per year. Cigarette smoking is the major cause of preventable mortality in developed countries. In the mid-1990s, about 25 per cent of all male deaths in developed countries were due to smoking. Among men aged 35-69 years, more than one-third of all deaths were caused by smoking. The costs of treating all these people are clearly enormous (WHO, 1997).
So far, smoking has not had the same impact on mortality among women and among people from developing countries. There is an approximate 30-40 year time lag between the onset of persistent smoking and deaths from smoking. The effects of the greater incidence of smoking between these two groups will thus be felt with a lag, but it seems reasonable to believe that its impact on them will not differ fundamentally from that on developed country males.
It may be argued that smokers willingly take a certain health risk when enjoying their smoke. They like the taste and all the other things that they associate with smoking. Nevertheless, this does not apply to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) or “second-hand smoke”.
Smoke gets in your eyes your clothes. Moreover, it gets in your lungs. Non-smokers cannot escape from smoke in badly ventilated areas. To be exposed to other people’s tobacco smoke can be a nuisance in addition to being a health risk for non-smokers.
Governments and conflicting pressures: How do they get by?
In practice, governments have opted for several strategies (which are often followed simultaneously). A recent strategy consists of seeking compensation for the costs of treating smoking-related illnesses. It has been followed with success in the United States, as we saw in section 3.4. Governments also set rules regarding the maximum content of hazardous substances in cigarettes. Most of all, however, governments try to discourage demand for what is, as the industry does not tire of telling us, essentially a legal product.
This is done in a variety of ways, with some governments applying particular vigor and others taking a more relaxed approach. Overall, however, the trend is clear: governments’ rules on smoking are becoming ever more restrictive. The use of tobacco products is being discouraged in several ways.
Limitation of the space where smoking is allowed.
This is done above all to protect non-smokers from involuntary exposure to tobacco smoke. Smoking is being prohibited in public places (particularly health care and educational facilities) and in mass transport. Legislation requires restaurants to reserve space for non-smokers.
Limitation by age group
It is prohibited to sell tobacco products to people under a certain age.
Limitations on points of .
The use of vending machines is being restricted because these cannot discriminate against to young people.
Health warnings stating that tobacco is harmful to health have become obligatory.
The warnings must be placed on packets and in ads, with the authorities prescribing the text and the minimum space allotted to the warning in the ad or on the pack. Governments sponsor education and public information programs on smoking and health.
Advertising bans. Restrictions concern the location of ads, the media used (no billboards, no ads in the printed media or in cinemas), the images presented (no young people, no cigarette packets), and the time when broadcasting is allowed (not during hours when children watch television).
The manufacturers are unhappy with these restrictions, and in particular with the ban on advertising. In their view, it is not proved that such a ban discourages demand for cigarettes (as its proponents claim). They are concerned about its effect on the value of their prime asset, the brand name.
Worldwide, the tobacco-processing industry employs hundreds of thousands of people. However, due to a combination of slow demand growth, consolidation, and higher productivity, this number is unlikely to increase by much in the near future. Fewer people are needed per unit of production. The industry is becoming less intensive in the use of labor. Tobacco growing, in contrast, gives work to millions of people. It continues to be a highly labour-intensive activity. The scope for productivity increases in tobacco growing would appear to be more limited than those in tobacco processing.
Over a million people are employed in the world tobacco industry
However, of this number a high percentage is employed in just three countries: China, India and Indonesia. The large number employed in China comes as no surprise in view of the large number of cigarettes (one-third of the world total) produced there. Still, the productivity gap with the United States is striking. China produces roughly three times as many cigarettes as the US, but it needs over nine times as many people to produce them. In the other two countries, the scope for productivity improvements would appear to be even higher.
THE SCENARIO TODAY.
The situation concerning smoking are scary, if global trends continue as they are doing today by 2030 more than 8 million people will die each year from tobacco related causes-80% in the developing regions of the World. In India per example where 120 million smoke 1 in 5 men will die for smoking. Smoking is on the decline in developed nations but is on a large-scale rise in developing or underdeveloped nations. The statistics are frightening, every eight seconds someone dies from smoking; about 15 billion cigarettes are sold daily. There are 1.1 billion smokers in the world today, and if things continue as they have, that number is expected to increase to 1.6 billion by the year 2025.
Smoking and use of tobacco products is on a decline in most developed countries. However, it is on a rampant increase in other developing countries.
In the US, there has been a decrease in the number of smokers. This can be attributed to the growing awareness of the damage smoking causes to the health of the individual. There is however a sad side to the story, smoking has increased to a drastic level in other countries and the figures are staggering.
China is home to 300 million smokers who consume upwards of 1.7 trillion cigarettes a year, or 3 million cigarettes a minute. As many as 100 million Chinese men presently under the age of 30 will die from tobacco use. There are approximately 120 million smokers in India today, and it is estimated that in the year 2010 alone, there will be close to one million tobacco-related deaths among men and women age 30 to 69 in India. Worldwide, tobacco use will kill more than 175 million people between now and the year 2030. Current tobacco-related health care costs in the United States total US $81 billion annually. Germany spends an average of US $7 billion, and Australia, US $1 billion each year on health care directly related to tobacco use. Health care costs associated with secondhand smoke total US $5 billion a year in the U.S. It is estimated that as many as 500 million people alive today will be killed by tobacco use. The statistics are chilling.
One reason for the sudden spurt in the numbers in these countries may be due to the arrival of tobacco companies. The lax stand of the governments in these countries makes it a good bet to start business. The anti smoking lobbies in these countries have not been able to combat the increase. Increased awareness has made it hard for tobacco companies to work in many countries and so the tobacco companies have shifted their sights to greener pastures.
These countries have a very small anti smoking lobby and the government restrictions o them are not so tough and the government is dependent on the revenues it earns from them. Setting up business in these countries has resulted in increased used of tobacco products.
The anti smoking lobby has been very effective in curtailing the spread and increase of smoking around the world.
Advertising related to tobacco has is banned in most countries. Warnings of the harmful effects of the product have to be printed on the packet. This statutory warning is mandatory in most countries. The WHO in its Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which came into effect on 27 February 2005 has specified that all 168 countries should ban advertisements unless their constitutions forbade them to do so.
Today, we are aware of the hazards of smoking. Even though the people are aware of the harmful effects of smoking they rarely seem to pay heed. Everyone knows that smoking causes cancer, heart diseases and can shorten the life span of an individual. It is a highly addictive habit and smokers are at a risk of losing ten years of their life.
With so many smokers around the world, tobacco companies are the only ones gaining form the increase.
Smoking Joey-Heavy Smoker –
If you are smoking-try to quit- but in the meantime-smoke for less.
Put This in Your Pipe and Smoke It – Top 5 Nicaraguan Cigars
Arnold Schwarzenegger. Tom Cruise. Mel Gibson. Harrison Ford. Sylvester Stallone.
What in the world do all of these high-octane megastars have in common? No, they’re not all starring in Mission: Testosterone, this summer’s most muscled blockbuster. But, they do share a unique bond. In fact, they share the same connection with such historically notable folks as Fidel Castro, W.C. Fields, and even King Edward VII.
How could kings, comedians, and revolutionary leaders have anything in common with the Terminator, Rambo, and Braveheart?
It’s simple: They all love a good cigar! No, actually, they all love a great cigar!
And, when it comes to great cigars, arguably there are none better today than those coming from rich soils and humid mountain hillsides of Nicaragua. Long having taken a backseat to the Cuban cigar-making dynasty, Nicaragua is making its mark on the international scene with the finest cigars found anywhere on the planet.
Just like its booming real estate market that has rebounded after natural disasters and political unrest to become one of the best places in the world to invest, the Nicaraguan cigar industry is benefiting and experiencing a renaissance as well. From the center of it cigar revolution in Esteli to Condega and all the way out to the Jalapa Valley, Nicaragua is home to the world’s best cigar makers, tobacco, and established and up-and-coming brands.
With so many great cigars to choose from, the problem for the cigar aficionado and the newbie alike becomes not “How can I find a good Nicaraguan cigar,” but where should I even start? To help you make your way through the jungle landscape of choice, let’s take a look at five all-time favorites.
5. Plasencia Organica Nesticos
Profile: small cigar, mild, but rich taste
Big things come in little packages! The world’s first 100% Certified Organic cigar, the Plasencia Organica Nesticos are pure handmade tobacco magic. These little cigars take advantage of Plansencia’s renowned three-year-aged, organically-grown Nicaraguan tobaccos and serve it up in a smoke-able size that allows you to enjoy big cigar flavor even when you don’t have a lot of time.
4. Joya de Nicaragua Antano 1970, Robusto Grande.
Profile: strong, robust, earthy, woody, big, heavy-bodied…you get the idea, this cigar ain’t messing around!
This hefty all-Nicaraguan tobacco cigar was crafted to appeal to an American clientele who could no longer puff their favorite Havanas after the Cuban revolution. Let’s just call it like it is: The Robusto Grande is a big daddy of a cigar – both in size and flavor. There’s no getting around the fact that it packs a seriously rich blow with that characteristic Nicaraguan metallic twang. If you like your cigars to knock you out with a power-packed punch, this is your choice.
Rated 90 by Cigar Aficionado, this ridiculously rich tasting cigar by Felipe Gregorio is definitely round and robust, but has a seamlessly smooth quality that makes it a definite contender. The Fat Boy’s small, but stocky size (3.5 x 55) gives it a definite “Don’t Mess with Me” attitude. When you’re feeling like a fine fatty at a reasonable rate, find yourself a Felipe II and get ready for a taste explosion.
2. Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series
Profile: medium to full-bodied, long finish, perfectly balanced.
If you want to feel like a celebrity, then you’ll want to take a pull on any cigar from the Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series. Made to celebrate their 30th anniversary, this line is crafted from only their best tobaccos and is often quite difficult to find. However, when you do get your hands on one, you’ll experience a masterful cigar from first spark to final ash tap. Despite the price, this is a must-have in your collection.
1. Perdomo Edición de Silvio
Profile: robust, delicate tones, perfection
This exquisite cigar is considered by many to be one of the best in the world bar none. With a secret blend of the finest tobaccos, this is the holy grail of cigars. And, although it is by far the most exclusive (read: expensive) cigar on my list, it’s not to be missed. So, when you start making huge profits with your Nicaraguan real estate investments, you can experience a little decadence with a Perdomo Edicion de Silvio.
As you can quickly see, the Nicaraguan cigar revolution is in full swing – a rich variety of flavors that is unmatched anywhere in the world. With its fascinating history, the Nicaraguan cigar story is one that can’t be missed. When you light up any of the above cigars, you’ll know that you’ve found a new favorite in Nicaragua.
Originally from San Diego, California, Scott Taylor is an extreme adventure-loving world traveler and international real estate expert and investor living and working in Panama City, Panama. With years of experience investing in countries around the globe, Scott has a particular affection for the land, people, and?of course?real estate of Nicaragua.
A few years ago, in 2006, the Nevada legislature imposed a public smoking ban.
The new rule doesn’t apply – as yet – to the storied casinos of Las Vegas, where smoking is still allowed on gaming floors. And of course Nevada is hardly the only recent state to impose restrictions on public smoking. Indeed, it joins over thirty states (at this writing) with such laws on the books. If you are reading this from the United States, it is likely that a similar law applies to your area: half the country’s population is currently under the jurisdiction of a public-smoking regulation of some kind.
But the idea of a smoking ban passing the Nevada legislature seems almost like a kind of spiritual defeat for cigar smokers: after all, what could more epitomize “cigar cool” than the mental image of Frank Sinatra’s Rat Pack, cigars and drinks in hand, finger-popping their ways through the floor of a Vegas casino?
It just symbolizes a fact that’s made passionate smokers’ lives a little more difficult over the past decade: in the interest of public health (and out of consideration for asthmatics and others), more and more city councils and state legislatures are choosing to ban public smoking outright, or are limiting it to certain licensed facilities.
Arguments about the effectiveness or appropriateness of these bans to one side, we can all agree that they mean that smokers have to put a little more energy into planning vacations. For a person who loves the taste of a good cigar, for whom relaxation doesn’t become meaningful until there’s a stogie involved, there’s no point in a vacation where you can’t even smoke in your hotel room. With smoking bans underway in Atlantic City (and this ban extends to casinos) and similar one-time bastions of cigar culture, frustrated cigar smokers are turning to a new option: the cruise ship.
And why not? Cruise ship vacations offer the ultimate chance to “get away from it all,” a continuous expanse of blue water, and the opportunity to meet interesting people from all over the country (and world). Few cruises are completely smoke-free, with most offering, at the very least, designated smoking areas that might include cigar bars or lounges. So it’s hard to go completely wrong – wherever you book your passage, you’ll almost always have at least some chance to smoke.
More and more luxury cruise lines don’t allow smoking in living quarters – that’s one downfall. After all, the next person using your room might be a nonsmoker, and it doesn’t make economic sense for cruise ship directors to designate permanent “smoking” and “nonsmoking” rooms; such a move would involve logistical nightmares during booking. But luxury quarters often include balconies, where smoking is sometimes still allowed.
The recent case of a cruise line headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida gives smokers an indication of what they can expect. The cruise line, according to some reports, lost millions in bookings after instituting a partial smoking ban in 2007. But compared to those bans that have caused smokers such dismay in Atlantic City and Ottawa, the Florida-based cruise line’s smoking ban doesn’t even apply to the on-ship bars and casinos.
Indeed, the cruise ship industry seems to be following the opposite track of most US states and municipalities – as they grow more restrictive toward smoking, cruise lines are growing more permissive. One completely smoke-free cruise ship line went out of business awhile ago; another once-smokeless line changed its policies to allow some smoking on the boat.
Smokers will likely want to evaluate cruise line policies prior to booking as there are has examples of ships with almost smoke-free policies. Smoking on such lines may only be permitted in two designated areas – and if you light up anywhere else, you could be kicked off the boat! (That presumably doesn’t mean you’ll be forced to walk the plank, but it’s probably not worth finding out.)
Another rule of thumb mentioned by several travel writers: if you’re looking for company as you smoke, go for a cruise line with a high number of European and Asian clientele. Citizens of many of these countries often still smoke in higher numbers than do contemporary Americans, and there is a Spain-based cruise line that currently sports the least restrictive smoking policy out there.
provides you the opportunity to build your own sampler of the finest cigars that include cigar brands like Montecristo, Romeo & Julieta, H Upmann, Macanudo, Cohiba, Partagas, Gurkha and many more. Choose from more than 1200 different cigars! Other cigar products include cigar humidors, cigar boxes, and cigar accessories like Zippo Lighters.
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Fire pits are the newest must-have garden accessory, not least because they allow you to continue outdoor living and entertaining in the colder months. Who doesn’t love that campfire atmosphere? are a great way to get that cosy campfire feeling in your own backyard and make the most of your outdoor space when the weather turns wintry. , quality garden furniture and accessories retailer, has one of the best ranges of fire pits available online, with one to suit every outdoor space.
A fire pit is such a fantastic addition to the garden, you wonder how you ever did without one. They are of course a great source of heat, allowing you to enjoy your garden or decking in autumn and winter, but you can also cook on many of them, from simple marshmallows to full meals. need not just be for the summer months; fire pits with large grills can cook up a feast. And warming yourself around an outdoor fire and cooking sausages under the stars need not just be for Bonfire Night; channel that cosy feeling as soon as the clocks go back in your own garden with a tripod Bon-Fire fire pit.
Fire pits are also a great source of ambient lighting for your outdoor area. Light up a fire pit and your guests will gravitate outside to enjoy the garden or terrace lit warmly by the fire. Even the smallest patch of lawn is elevated to chic with a few candles, some fairy lights and a crackling fire pit. And because it’s wonderfully relaxing to simply stare hypnotically into the flames, you’ll find yourself lighting your fire pit even if it’s just you and the dog there to enjoy the campfire atmosphere.
At Rawgarden.co.uk you can choose from Urban fire pits to co-ordinate with a modern and minimalist home decoration, or Steel Fireplace fire pits for a more traditional look. If you like the cooking aspect of fire pits then a grill style may be best for you, but if it’s primarily a heat and light source that you’re looking for, then the Rawgarden Reflection Fire Pit is perfect. Visit http://www.rawgarden.co.uk and stir the embers of your imagination as to how you could use a fire pit.
Rawgarden is a retailer of top-quality garden furniture and accessories; everything you could need for your outdoor area, from garden benches and gazebos to sun loungers and garden parasols.
Editor’s Note: Rawgarden ( is represented by the digital marketing specialists and SEO provider Jumping Spider Media. Please direct all press queries to Louise Byrne. Email: louise@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.
There’s definitely a good reason why so many people are buying leather living room furniture, specifically Italian furniture–this, even if one piece of them could cost you hundreds to thousands of dollars. After all, you are not just purchasing a fixture. You are buying quality, luxury, and elegance.
Defining Italian Furniture
Before you discover the benefits of purchasing leather living room furniture, you should know first what constitutes Italian leather. Now, a lot of companies proclaim themselves as manufacturers of Italian leather. It could be because their headquarters are located or registered in Italy. There’s also the possibility that the material itself came from Italy.
In truth, the authentic leather living room furniture is made up of either Ostrich or cow hide. This is also referred to as full-grain leather. The skin of these animals is composed of many layers. The outermost portion is known to be the strongest of them and filled with luster. Moreover, when you touch the skin, you would not feel any marks, blemishes, or faults that would reduce the value of the leather.
Benefits of Buying Leather Living Room Furniture
Leather has its disadvantages. However, its benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. For one, leather is considered to be the most durable material available. When a sofa is made of leather, you are assured that it never goes out of shape no matter how many times you sit on it. It is also resistant to the changes in the environment. It doesn’t accumulate any moisture, which unfortunately happens when you have a cotton-fabric sofa. Instead, leather can breathe into any type of climate.
Furthermore, during hot season such as summer or spring, the leather living room furniture can give you a sense of coolness that calms your nerves. During the winter, the leather emits hot sensations. You can attribute this to the cowhide itself, which serves as the first line of defense of the animal against the harsh environmental elements.
It’s normal for families to turn over Italian furniture to their loved ones, particularly to their children. This is because despite the passage of time, the color hardly ever changes. It has a natural ability to resist color fades, a quality that is not found in other materials used for furniture.
Italian furniture has always looked so classy. Also, unknown to many, they can be very versatile. You can build a more earthly home. Any living room that has at least one leather living room furniture pieces achieves a cozier ambiance. They can also combine with retro and other contemporary fixtures.
Do you know that you won’t have any trouble dealing with leather? This is because they are very easy to maintain. If you have darker-colored pieces, you can conveniently hide the dirt and stain. To get rid of them, you can just use a damp cloth and water. There are also special cleaning kits that you can take advantage of. If you want to bring back their shine, you can do so in a matter of minutes.
Thinking of getting yourself a ? Learn how to decorate your home with the right pieces. Shop now and browse the catalogs to check out your options at a comprehensive store.