How you can handle your foreign accounting in Japan

Every business prospers or suffers according to its cash flow. This is especially true for new businesses.

In most cases, it will take a new business at least a couple of years before it achieves profitability, and until that happens, the company’s owners will have to inject their own money or loans from banks or other entities.

Establishing a business

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According to SME Japan, when first setting up a foreign business in Japan, you’ll need to work with a tax accountant to establish the legal entity under which you will operate, such as a joint stock company (Kabushiki Kaisha or KK), or Godo Kaisha (GK), which is the equivalent of a limited liability company. This paperwork will be filed along with a notification of “commencement of business establishment,” at your local tax office.

Your tax accountant will also help you decide which accounting standard your company will use when it reports revenues to the Japanese government. There are four accounting standards currently acceptable in Japan:

  • Japanese GAAP (General Accepted Accounting Principles)
  • For companies listed on a stock exchange, you may also use US GAAP
  • Japan Modified International Standards (JMIS)
  • Designated IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards)

Japanese countries are gradually moving toward accepting IFRS standards over GAAP, though at the end of each year, your tax accountant will prepare your corporate tax returns in accordance with whichever standard you have chosen.

Accounting

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Your tax accountant will also set up your chart of accounts, which is a complete list of every account you have for your business. It lists assets, liabilities, equity, revenue, and expenses.

Each account will then be broken down into categories. Depending on how large your business is, there may be a dozen to a hundred categories.

Bookkeeping

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Once your accountant has set up your accounting system to ensure that you will meet all the rules and regulations, a bookkeeper can take over for the rest of the year. Your bookkeeper will handle the financial recording of your business’ day-to-day operations. For a corporation, double-entry bookkeeping is used.

Since a foreign business in Japan will file its financial documents in Japanese, it’s advised to have all your bookkeeping done in Japanese as well. It is not necessary to use a bookkeeper who speaks English, although it is certainly helpful. As long as the bookkeeper knows his or her job and your company has at least one translator, that can be sufficient.

Bookkeepers will prepare month-end financial statements, which consist of an income statement, trial balances, and a general ledger. Although these documents are prepared in Japanese, the end results of your cash flow will be understandable!

At the end of a company’s fiscal year, these statements will be given to your accountant, who will in turn prepare your annual profit and loss statement and income tax return.

Annual Tax Return

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At the end of the year, your accountant will take all your paperwork and fill out the necessary papers for your tax return.

As you can see, accounting for a foreign business in Japan can be a complex procedure. Engaging the best tax accountant is essential for your business.

Ways a rubbish removal company can help people save money

A rubbish removal company is a business that attends a home or place of business to safely and ethically dispose of waste. Waste types can include garden waste, general household items, chemical waste and items remaining after a demolition or construction.

Many people falsely assume that seeking the help of a rubbish removal company will cost them a fortune. The reality is that hiring a professional can be the safest method and can save time, energy and money. This article will further explore ways a rubbish removal company can help people save money.

It saves time which saves money

We all know that time is money and spending hours upon hours cleaning up junk in the home or business is not cost effective. Professionals can come on site and personally remove the garbage which means time and energy can be saved.

More hours can be spent making money instead of spent on cleaning, clearing, decluttering and lifting. Instead of spending time collecting the waste, lifting it into a skip or trailer (which would have to have been previously organised) and then physically be taken to the tip, items can simply and easily be picked up.

It prevents accidents which can cost money

Sorting out garbage can take a toll on the body and can sometimes even lead to injuries. A heavy item can be dropped on a foot or someone can pull out their back. Furthermore, unseen sharp objects can cause cuts that can lead to infections, and allergies can be flared due to dust, chemicals, and dirt.

Instead, an expert can bring the correct amount of team members to safely remove the items and can bring the correct equipment to do this safely. Gloves, masks, and suits can be used as well as equipment that can handle sharp metal or wood. Having to take a trip to the doctor’s office or hospital costs money, as does taking time off work. By preventing accidents when hiring a professional, money is definitely saved.

It can prevent council fines

It is easy to enough to have junk build up in the home or place of business. Especially when a loved one has passed away and the full contents of their home is inherited. Similarly, when living in a home with several people (such as share houses) the garbage can begin to pile up.

Councils can charge hefty fines when trash begins to become an eyesore in the home, or when items spill out onto the nature trip or over property boundaries. The easiest way to save on council fines is by seeking the help of a professional.

It avoids pests

Areas of junk increase the chances of attracting pests such as mice, rats, and mosquitos. These animals can spread viruses which make people sick. Furthermore, mice can cause major damage to a home which can cause costs through the teeth in the long run. An easy way to avoid this is to simply hire someone to remove the junk.

It can increase the value of a property

Nobody wants to buy or rent a property that is filled to the brim with excess items or overgrown plants here, there and everywhere.

A simple way to increase the value of a property is by reducing the amount of work a potential buyer or renter would have to do. This can be done by removing any old furniture items from garages, shed or storage areas.

Furthermore, any weeds or high maintenance plants can be removed to leave a property looking spic and span. Hiring an expert can absolutely increase the value of a house, factory or office and so will save money.

It is clear that rubbish removal is extremely beneficial. It can save time and energy and prevent accidents from happening. But it also saved money. It can save money by creating more time that can be spent at work, by saving on tip or skip hire fees and by preventing any mishaps which could lead to expensive hospital visits or time off work. Pests can be avoided, and council fines can easily be prevented. A junk-free area can also immediately increase the value of a property.

The 5 best night bars in Melbourne

Whether you’re after some Friday night after work drinks, looking for a good place to enjoy some top shelf cocktails and great food, or want to rock out into the wee hours, there’s definitely a Melbourne night bar out there for you.

Melbourne is well known for having the best food and bar scene of all the cities in Australia, and for good reason, Melbourne has some seriously impressive night bar’s!

The competition is fierce in Melbourne for top place in terms of late night drinking spots, there’s no shortage of places to visit with incredible décor, extensive drink lists, extraordinary one-of-a-kind cocktails and amazing playlists. You’ll certainly never be bored on a night out in Melbourne, there’s a huge variety of top-notch places to visit.

We’ve carefully considered some of the top Melbourne has to offer for late night bars and narrowed it down to our top 5 must-see spots to check out on your next night out.

Read our list below to find out more about Melbourne’s 5 night bars and why they’re our top choices.

List below of the 5 Top Night Bar’s in Melbourne:

No.: Night Bar: Website:
1 1806 www.1806.com.au
2 Bar Ampere www.barampere.com
3 Gin Palace www.ginpalace.com.au
4 Heartbreaker facebook.com/heartbreakerbar
5 The Kodiak Club www.thekodiak.club

1806

Address: 169 Exhibition St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: (03) 9663 7722

1806 is an experience to say the least. They take their cocktails very seriously, and you can expect to pick a bit of history when drinking at this late night bar – the name ‘1806’ was chosen because it’s the first year that the word ‘cocktail’ popped up in the world’s vernacular.

The cocktail menu carries a detailed history for each drink, broken down by each decade beginning with 1806. They have a great selection of original cocktails too. There’s a huge selection of spirits available, including 110 recent additions to the Whiskey shelf.

If you’re not a confident drink connoisseur, not to worry – the friendly and knowledgeable staff are happy to give recommendations. They do great small nibbles for when you’re hungry, including cheese plates. If you’re after something fun to do and a bit of a history lesson, they host degustation’s paring their top picks of drinks with great food.

There’s a bit of theatre in everything they do here too, maybe because the bar has been set up in a building that used to be a theatre.

If you’re looking for one of the best night bar experiences Melbourne has to offer, then 1806 is the best watering hole in Melbourne.

Bar Ampere

Best bar Melbourne
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Address: 16 Russell Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: (03) 9663 7557

Bar Ampere is certainly unique and can be best described as part industrial Parisian, and part New Orleans.

Sitting about an active substation that still supplies power to Melbourne, it’s no wonder there’s a bit of a buzz about this place.

The décor in the front is futuristic Parisian, and in the back they have what is known as the ‘swamp’ room, a room draped in green and available for special events that transforms into a nice little bar during the night. The ‘Swamp Room’ is connected to Gin Palace, so if you’re looking for a change of scene then wander on through.

They have an extensive list of spirits, including Australia’s largest selection of absinthe and amazing creative cocktails for those looking for something a bit different to the typical run of the mill drink options available at most bars.

The service is excellent at Bar Ampere, with the staff priding themselves on their knowledge and skill with their extensive drink list and fast, easy service. You won’t find an unfriendly face here!

Gin Palace

best pub in Melbourne
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Address: 10 Russell Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: (03) 9654 0533

Gin Palace has been around for 20 years, and has been topping lists of one of Melbourne’s best spots for a late night drink for all that time. Gin Palace has the largest selection of Gin on this side of the planet (over 200 kinds of gin) and is renowned for its gin cocktails. You cannot find some of the gins on offer anywhere else in Australia.

It’s namesake harks back to the old days of not-so upstanding gin den’s, which back in the 18th century were considered the height of debauchery and all things wrong with society. Gin was the drink of choice for public drunks and blamed for many social ills.

Nowadays, gin’s reputation is much better and it’s the star feature in some very upscale cocktails.

Like the speakeasy’s of old, you can find a comfortable corner to have a drink and catch up with friends and enjoy the décor at Gin Palace.

The friendly, efficient staff experts in quick bar service and offer complete table service.

Next time you’re in the mood for a gin cocktail, go and check out Gin Palace.

Heartbreaker

best pubs in Melbourne
Photo: Elevate, Pexels

Address: 234A Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: (03) 9041 0856

Heartbreaker is a little more rock n roll than some of the other entries to this list. If you’re up for a big night then go and check this late night bar out. This place is all about the party, and you can expect the drinks to flow and the music to be loud when you visit.

Heartbreaker is a dive bar done well, it serves up excellent craft beer and martini’s to have whilst you enjoy the juke box soundtrack.

They really go to a lot of trouble with their attention to detail here. The décor is old school American diner inspired, and everything down to the ice has been carefully curated (they use a boutique ice company).

If you’re hungry it’s no problem, Heartbreaker is home to some excellent New York style pizza which will satisfy any late night cravings. The 18-inch pizza’s are to die for, and they open up for lunch too.

Heartbreaker is great for a big night out if you want great drinks and loud music you should check it out. The food is excellent and it has a completely unique vibe, making it a lot of fun.

The Kodiak Club

 

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Address: 272 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Phone: (03) 9417 3733

The Kodiak Club has the distinction of being Melbourne’s one and only bourbon bar. It’s modelled after small American drinking holes, the types of places that are the lifeblood of small communities.

They have an incredible selection of cocktail, beer, wine and bourbon as well as some entertaining additions to the list, like cheap Mexican beer ($5 beer – great if you’re looking for an affordable night out!).

They serve up a menu of American bar food if you’re feeling hungry, think sticky lamb ribs and buffalo wings and big American style burgers. You can find pretzels at the bar if you feel like a snack.

The décor is warm, American style lodging and makes for an inviting space to hang out in. The atmosphere is great and very relaxed, for people who feel like enjoying good food and drink.

The staff at The Kodiak Club are friendly and great at what they do, if you’re not familiar with bourbon, ask them for their recommendations, they know a lot about their extensive selection of hard liquor.

If you want some American comfort food and late night drinks, then drop in to The Kodiak Club for a small slice of American bar culture.

Russia hacks Winter Olympics and blames North Korea

The Winter Olympics in PyeongChang were hit by a cyber-attack during the opening ceremony on February 9th. It is alleged that Russian military spies were behind the attack according to United States intelligence.

Two U.S. officials who were investigating the matter had stated that the attack was staged to put blame on North Korea. The “false-flag” operation comes at a sensitive time for all nations due to the tension between North Korea and the rest of the world.

The attack during the opening ceremony had caused disruptions to broadcast systems, their internet connection and the website for the Winter Olympics. From the attack, many people who were intending to attend the ceremony couldn’t print their tickets which left many seats empty. At the time the officials in PyeongChang were hesitant to put the blame on Russia immediately.

However the attack comes after Russia was denied access to the Winter Olympics due to their doping scandal. Any athletes from Russia who were planning on attending had to do so as an independent. If they were victorious in receiving any medals their national anthem would not be played and their uniforms were stripped of any flags. It seems that the attack was a form of retaliation from the Russian public.

The Russian military agency GRU had access to several hundreds of computers that were related to Olympics operations as of early February. Many private-sector analysts commented saying that the intelligence is correct with many of them noticing signs that Russia had targeted the ceremony. This isn’t a one off case either; this type of behaviour from Russia is consistent with them trying to interfere with the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Summer Games.

Many U.S. officials are worried that the Russians will act again and try to disrupt the closing ceremony. They stated that they will be watching the procedures closely but at the end of the day it’s not their area to act upon and is ultimately up to the Koreans. The U.S. officials also noted that they would aid in anything they can if they are requested to do so.

On top of the access to the computers, GRU operators also have been reported to hack routers in South Korea last month and installed malware during the day that Olympics started. The type of malware that was implemented could be used to collect information and commence network attacks. At this current time, officials are unaware if the attack on the opening ceremony resulted from this access.

GRU have bene known to work in retaliation before where they had access to drug test results and medical data that is confidential belonging to many athletes that participated in the 2016 Summer Games. They posted the information of many different American athletes after the majority of Russia’s track and field team was banned.

 

Why people are starting to wear diffuser bracelets

Diffusing essential oils is one of the common ways in which people absorb their beneficial properties. The process allows the oils to permeate through the air where they are absorbed through your breathing and your skin.

This process has been used in aromatherapy treatment for a long time, helping to both create a soothing environment while also cleansing the surrounding air. While they are used primarily in therapeutic and aesthetic roles, diffused essential oils have a variety of other benefits as well.

Natural, lava bead diffuser bracelets are the latest trend in essential oil diffusion and it’s easy to see why. These trendy and easy-to-use bracelets make it possible to continually receive the benefits of essential oils as long as you are wearing them.

For some people, a natural lava bead diffuser bracelet is merely a fun fashion accessory that promotes a nice aroma. For others it they can be a part of helping to achieve varying benefits that help them in a variety of different parts of their life.

Why you should use natural lava bead diffuser bracelets

Using a diffuser for essential oils allows you to access the full spectrum of benefits they provide. This is contrary to heating methods for essential oils that use wax or candle warmers.

Using heat to vaporise essential oils will actually denature the most beneficial compounds and chemicals. Using heating methods means you will normally just receive the pleasant scents of the oils without getting access to the more beneficial elements.

With the wide variety of essential oils out there, there’s almost no limit to the kinds of benefits you can receive. There are thousands of different oils that can help you in feeling confident, relaxed, uplifted, creative, motivated and energised.

Using diffuser bracelets, people can easily swap out their oils to achieve different effects. It’s no wonder that aromatherapy enthusiasts are jumping all over this new trend.

Let’s take a look at some of the major benefits of using a diffuser bracelet for your essential oils.

Can promote better sleep

Several types of essential oils are used for their beneficial effects in improving sleep patterns. In particular, these oils can enhance brain activity which influences the release of hormones that help you achieve uninterrupted sleep.

Some great oils to use to this end are sandalwood, lavender and bergamot.

Can enhance respiratory health

The inhalation of essential oils via diffusion in your bracelet can ease inflammation in respiratory systems and ease the negative effects of coughs and colds. Some great respiratory oils are tea tree, lavender, palo santo, lemon and eucalyptus.

Gets rid of bad odours

Wearing a diffuser bracelet with an odour killing essential oil means you won’t have to endure unpleasant smells, no matter where you are. Typically you’ll want to defeat odours with a pleasant smell you won’t get sick of like grapefruit, lemongrass, orange or bergamot.

Improves your mood

Being surrounded by pleasant and soothing aromas always makes you feel better and this is especially true if you lead a hectic and stressful life. Wearing a diffuser bracelet means you can get access to these pleasant aromas anywhere you are, instantly giving you a lift to your spirits.

Bergamot and lavender are both excellent oils to use while you’re out an about and need a pick-me-up.

Help with anxiety

If you need to calm down and relax, there are plenty of essential oils you can use in your diffuser bracelet to help you out. Frankincense, neroli, lavender and chamomile are great oils for this purpose.

Keep bothersome insects at bay

A lot of pesky bugs can’t stand the diffused aroma of essential oils. Plenty of oils are great to wear in your diffuser bracelet that will help you avoid gnats, mosquitoes and flies to name a few.

Great oils for insect repelling are lavender, peppermint, geranium, cedarwood and cinnamon.

Creates a lovely environment wherever you are

No matter what kind of purpose you use the oils for; they tend to create a lovely, calming environment when diffused. This is not only noticed by your nostrils but by other people as well.

Fashionable

If the all of the other amazing benefits weren’t enough to convince you, then consider how fashionable they look when worn. All natural lava bead diffuser bracelets combine style and functionality in one of the most harmonious ways you’ll ever see.

The beads that the oils are applied to are produced in a variety of colours to create different patterns. Whether you want something outlandish or minimalistic there’s certainly a bracelet perfect for you.

The electronic cigarettes trend in Australia

E-cigarettes, also known as electronic cigarettes, are battery operated devices that are meant to look and feel like a conventional cigarette or cigar. However, they are different from regular cigarettes because they do not contain any tobacco. So, if you’re a smoker or someone who is looking to get into smoking, taking up e-cigarettes is an alternative you can choose, if you don’t want to smoke regular cigarettes. It is important to note, however, that e-cigarettes should not be considered as a better alternative to conventional smoking – they’re just another option available to consumers.

Where did e-cigarettes begin?

E-cigarettes have grown significantly since their creation in 2003. Indeed, the modern battery-operating smoking device was invented by a Chinese pharmacist by the name of Hon Lik. However, the earliest idea of an e-cigarette can actually be traced back to 1963, when Herbert A. Gilbert invented a non-tobacco cigarette. Like Lik’s device, Herbert’s invention produced flavoured steam, without the harmful nicotine. Unfortunately, Herbert’s device never gained commercial traction and only prototypes were made. This is because smoking was still seen as fashionable during the time and the health effects associated with it were still relatively unknown.

To this day, most e-cigarettes are manufactured in China. Lik came up with the idea for the e-cigarette when he considered using a high frequency, electric ultrasound emitting element to vaporise liquid that contained nicotine. His initial design sought to create a vapour that delivers nicotine. Following the success of his prototype, Lik filed a patent in 2003 and, subsequently, the first electronic cigarette was manufactured in Beijing, China in 2004.

Since then, the recreational use of e-cigarettes has grown exponentially. According to the BBC, a well-established e-cigarette retailer known as Juul, has grown into a $38 billion company in the space of just over a decade. Juul now own over 70% of the US e-cigarette market.

The growth of the e-smoking culture

There has been an incredible amount of growth in the e-cigarette market. An article from the BBC outlines that the number of vapers has increased dramatically – from approximately 7 million in 2011 to 35 million in 2016. At the same time, expenditure on e-cigarettes has also grown quite substantially. The global vapour products sector is now worth over $22.6 billion, while the US market is by far and away the largest.

What is in an e-cigarette?

How e cigarette works
How e cigarette works – what is e-cig?

A generic e-cigarette consists of several key components. These include: a mouthpiece, a battery, a heating element (atomizer) and a microprocessor. The atomizer generally contains a coil that is used to vaporize the liquid, which is drawn into the coil through some sort of wicking material.

According to E-cigarette Club the battery on an e-cigarette can be charged like a regular mobile phone battery. Normally, it is a lithium-ion battery and the process of recharging is pretty simple. The battery is connected to the vaporising chamber, where the vapour is created from the atomizer.

The mouthpiece is fixed to the end of the tube. Within the mouthpiece is a small plastic cup that holds the liquid solution. The cartridge can be refilled or replaced at any time.

The liquid solution that is attached to the device does not contain any tobacco. Known as e-juice or e-liquid, the solution is made from extracting nicotine from tobacco. This extract is then combined with a base of propylene glycol. Additional flavourings are added to improve the user experience and overall taste of the vapour.

How does an e-cigarette work?

When it comes time for use, the process is pretty seamless. A fully-set up electronic cigarette will have a full tank of e-juice, a charged battery and the heating element. When the user presses down on the button, the battery will commence feeding power to the atomizer, specifically the coil. The coil is made of an incredibly thin metal, so it doesn’t take very long for it to heat up.

As the coil heats up, so too does the liquid, since it is connected via a wicking material. Almost instantaneously, the coil is surrounded by a dense cloud of vapour. The person smoking the e-cigarette, sometimes known as a vaper, can take a puff. The smoke is drawn through the air holes fitted into the mouthpiece. The vapour will leave the chamber via the mouthpiece, which will allow more liquid to evaporate, creating more dense smoke. The coil will continue creating vapour until the airflow stops.

Smoking techniques

Smoking an e-cigarette or vape is very similar to smoking a normal cigarette. It can be a little strange the first couple of times you do it. Whether you’re a seasoned vaper or someone who’s never done it before, some of these techniques can be really helpful if you’re looking to smoke in a safe manner, while also maximising your enjoyment.

Rest the e-cigarette in the side of your mouth

This smoking technique allows the flavoured smoke to pass over your taste buds more effectively. What this does is maximise your enjoyment and ensure that you truly enjoy the liquid flavours!

Slowly draw on the e-cigarette for 5 seconds

A lot of tobacco smokers will inhale quickly, since that was the generic habit when smoking regular cigarettes. However, inhaling quickly with a vaping cigarette does not work as effectively. Instead, if you’re thinking of giving it a try, consider taking long, drawn out breaths, as this will allow the atomizer to fully heat up. If the atomizer is heated up fully, you’re enhancing the amount of vapour your electronic cigarette will produce.

Exhale through the nostrils

When vaping, hold the smoke in your mouth for several seconds. After the smoke has entered your lungs, release it through your nose. This technique is proven to ensure that the benefits of your vapour are maximised.

Hold between thumb and index finger, not index and middle finger

Most traditional smokers will hold their cigarette in their dominant hand, usually between their index and middle finger. However, an e-cigarette or a vaping device can sometimes be much larger than your generic cigarette, so holding the device between your index and middle fingers during use is not viable. Instead, hold the device between your thumb and index finger, as it is much more comfortable this way!

The long vape

This method involves two key steps. Firstly, the user takes two short draws on their e-cigarette. This is to prepare the mouth and lungs for a longer, more potent draw on the device. After taking two short draws, wait a few seconds before taking a longer, slower draw on your device (generally five seconds).

E-cigarette etiquette

Girl using vape
Large clouds are frowned upon. Photo: StockSnap, Pixabay

It is important to recognise that smoking e-cigarettes needs to be treated the same way as smoking a conventional cigarette. It’s also important to understand that there is not a consensus regarding the laws surrounding the public use of electronic cigarettes or vaping devices. So, if you’re new to e-smoking or are seasoned in the field, be sure to brush up on your etiquette with the following tips. The last thing you want to be viewed as is an impolite smoker.

Research your state’s laws

As outlined earlier, most Australian states tend to have different laws regarding the use of e-cigarettes or vaping devices. For example, the NSW Parliament passed laws in early 2018 that would see e-smokers fined up to $550 for using e-cigarettes in public places. This also includes when using public transport, shopping centres, libraries, sports grounds or dining areas.  Essentially, it means that wherever smoking is banned, e-smoking is also banned.

On the other hand, South Australia has introduced even tougher regulations regarding the sale of e-cigarette devices. The Tobacco Product Regulation Amendment Bill was passed by the South Australian Parliament in mid-November 2018. The new laws make the online sale, advertising, promotion and price specials of e-cigarette products illegal.

The passing of the laws has been quite controversial, however, what is more important is that e-smokers need to recognise and understand the active laws in their states. The alternative is copping a massive fine from their respective state government or local authority.

Are electronic cigarettes safe?

Many believe that they are safe, however there is not much significant research. Many government websites have negative or neutral position bout them. Here is The Australian Government’s position on e-cigarettes.

As one of BBC shows explains how e-cigarettes have impact on our health and if they are safe.

Always ask for permission

It is pivotal that you seek permission before “lighting up.” When you’re at a friend’s house or a family gathering, be sure to ask those around you if it would okay for you to smoke on your battery-powered cigarette. If those around you are comfortable with the activity, then feel free.

Educate yourself

A lot of people are going to be curious about e-cigarettes. It makes sense, since the habit has only be around for around 15 years. As a result, it’s important to educate yourself and not come across as elitist or sanctimonious.

Just be polite and inform any individuals regarding the differences between traditional smoking and e-cigarette use. A lot of people are unaware that smoking without tobacco or nicotine is an option.

Don’t blow large clouds

After vaping for a while, a lot of people suggest that blowing large clouds can be quite enjoyable. You need to understand, however, that this isn’t going to be fun for everyone. In fact, a lot of people are going to find it rude and impolite. So, be sure to avoid blowing large clouds of smoke in the direction of people. Save the long draws for when you’re at home or in a private space.

Avoid enclosed spaces

It’s really important to be considerate of those around you. Be aware that if you’re in a small, private space with other people, it’s probably not the best time to whip out the e-cigarettes for a quick puff. The smoke produced will just build up and most likely annoy other people. Whether it’s someone’s living room or vehicle, sometimes it’s best to just wait it out for when you’re alone and not bothering anyone.

What are the advantages of using e-cigarettes?

A man smoking a no smoking sign.
Photo: PiedmontPhoto, BS

As an alternative to conventional smoking, e-cigarettes possess some advantages. So, if you’re someone considering e-cigarette smoking, check out the following.

Money saver

Making the switch to e-cigarettes could be one way to soften the blow on the wallet. The average smoker can spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars a month just on purchasing cigarettes. That doesn’t even take into consideration the costs after the point of purchase, such as smoking breaks at work or cleaning costs to have the smell removed from one’s private home or space.

On the other hand, switching to an electronic cigarette kit can save you money. Once your device has been purchased, all you have to do is purchase e-liquids and the occasional maintenance fee. In the long term, it can be far cheaper than smoking cigarettes.

More durable

Another advantage of using e-cigarettes is that they are more durable than regular cigarettes. A cigarette is temporary and perishable, meaning they will be more costly for those increasingly addicted to nicotine. An e-cigarette can be used again and again, as long as it is fully charged and equipped with a liquid cartridge.

Easier clean up

With an e-cigarette, there is no actual burning involved. This reduces the likelihood of fire hazards relating to smoking and reduces the need to have ashtrays to dispose of your cigarettes. Instead, simply switch off your device when finished and place into a bag. No need to dispose of any ash.

A wide choice of flavours

Finally, another benefit of choosing e-cigarettes over normal cigarettes is that they come with a great range of flavours and scents. Picking the right flavour for you can take some time, however, when you find the right flavour for you, it’s just a matter of choosing your desired nicotine level and then you’re good to go.

What are the disadvantages of using e-cigarettes?

While there are some benefits of using e-cigarettes, there are also many disadvantages associated with their use.

Nicotine

According to E-liquid Mate, e-cigarettes can still be fitted with nicotine solutions, which is a highly addictive drug found in conventional cigarettes. Consuming nicotine can increase the risk of alcohol use, addiction and drug abuse. In addition, nicotine has been linked to damage to the nervous system and the cardiovascular system, much of which can be attributed to it changing the user’s brain chemistry.

Can enhance regular cigarette use

Because e-cigarettes can lead to further nicotine addiction, it can actually lead some individuals back to regular cigarettes. Instead of the e-cigarette becoming an alternative, sometimes it just serves to fuel an individual’s existing nicotine addiction, which just exacerbates any existing health conditions.

Social stigma

Likewise, unfortunately a stigma has developed, which suggests that a lot of e-cigarette users are rude and impolite. This is why abiding by e-cigarette etiquette is really important in breaking down the perceived bad image of vapers and the use of e-cigarettes in public.

The smell remains

E-cigarettes still produce scented smoke that can remain long after you have stopped vaping. It can absorb into your clothing and your furniture, meaning you’ll likely need some cleaning services to ensure that your home or apartment doesn’t reek of scented smokes for a long period of time.

Faulty devices

If your device is found to be faulty or defective, it can be a pain to have it replaced. There have been some issues relating to the longevity of the lithium batteries and issues relating to the atomizer. As a result, if your device is consistently defective, it might be worth switching to a more suitable, high-quality brand. Otherwise, you could be paying some pretty hefty maintenance costs just to keep your device working. On top of this, faulty devices could become a fire hazard if not treated properly or left unattended.

Conclusion

So, what is clear is that there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing electronic cigarettes or regular cigarettes. The best answer is quit smoking both! There are many websites with great tips to help you quitting smoking, here is a good start or watch the below video.

But if you decided to keep the bad habit and you still think about them, the debate continues between conventional smoking and electronic-based smoking alternatives. There is insufficient evidence to say that one is better than the other. If you’re someone who is tired of smoking regular cigarettes, consider switching to a vaping option as a way of changing things up. Nonetheless, if you do decide to pick up e-smoking as a habit, it’s really important to consider several key things.

You need to understand how e-cigarettes work and what they are made of. Once you know how they work, you can begin practising how to use one effectively, using the techniques outlined in this article. Likewise, one also needs to be aware of current etiquette and acceptable smoking behaviours, so as to not come across as a rude or impolite smoker. Furthermore, laws surrounding e-cigarette use are changing drastically, so it’s really important that you’re up to date with all the recent laws, should you choose to pick up the habit.

5 best occasion wear shops for children

Special occasions call for the perfect garments for everyone attending including children. You don’t want to bring down the style and atmosphere of the occasion by having the children wearing something that doesn’t match the style. To make sure this clash doesn’t occur, occasion wear shops for children aim to provide a solution to your formal problem.

These stores provide high quality garments and accessories to ensure that your children are looking as suave and sophisticated as everyone else at the event. With designer clothing and couture for children becoming a growing trend, many businesses have jumped on this trend to try and provide their own variation of the service.

But with so many options on the market it can be difficult deciding which shop to go with and whether they are reliable. To make sure that you don’t have any wardrobe malfunctions for your little ones, we have scoured to internet far and wide to find only the best occasion wear shops for children in Australia.

So now all you have to do is pick your preferred store and look through the plethora of garments that they have to offer.

Top best occasion wear shops for children:

No.: Shop: Website:
1 Stellina Cute Couture www.stellinacutecouture.com.au
2 Designer Kidz www.designerkidz.com.au
3 Buckets and Spades www.bucketsandspades.com.au
4 Boden Clothing www.bodenclothing.com.au
5 Next www.next.com.au

#1 Stellina Cute Couture

If you are after a high quality and personalised service that caters to all events then Stellina Cute Couture should be your number one choice. The garments at Stellina Cute Couture are handmade and you can be sure that you will find a garment that is appropriate for the event that you have in mind. Stellina Cute Couture offers couture garments, accessories and shoes for boys and girls of all ages even into their teen years.

Dressed up children
Photo: Bones64, Pixabay

The service at Stellina Cute Couture is very personalised and tailored to the customer during every single step. To ensure everything is up to your liking before you make a purchase, Stellina Cute Couture asks that you make an appointment so that a stylist can run you through their collections and for them to fit the garments appropriately. Their styling boutique in Mosman is appointment based as the garments that they offer aren’t simply your run of the mill mass produced items. They are one of a kind and require the assistance of a professional to ensure that everything fits and matches correctly.

If you are unable to make it into the Sydney boutique for a consultation, stylists are also able to provide their services over the phone or via email. Is makes interstate and international purchase a lot easier and also ensures that the right measurements are being taken before you place your order.

The extra mile as well as the high quality products ensures that every experience you have with Stellina Cute Couture is a pleasant one. They have garnered the number one spot on our list because of their attention to detail and willingness to go the extra mile to ensure that you have a pleasant experience.

#2 Designer Kidz

Designer Kidz is the perfect one stop shopping experience for boutique and occasion wear for girls. No matter what occasion your little one is attending, you will be able to find a suitable design from the Designer Kidz’ extensive collection.

The range of garments that Designer Kidz has to choose from includes many different styles such as tutu dresses to floral shift dresses for summer afternoon events. Flower girls play a very important part in the wedding ceremony and form such Designer Kidz have the perfect lace gown to ensure that she is looking as stunning as the bride. No matter what age or size your little princess is, Designer Kidz caters from sizes 000 all the way up to 16. When browsing through their collections you will definitely be able to find something for everyone which includes toddlers to tweens.

Formal children's clothes
Photo: Bryan Schneider, Pexels

Additionally Designer Kidz are able to cater for boys as well to make sure that your little man is looking as suave as ever. You’ll be able to find something to match any occasion with suits to rompers.

Designer Kidz pride themselves on being an Australian owned business that is run by a small family. They ensure that their products are of the highest quality by sourcing the best materials from Melbourne, Australia. The range is liked by so many people nationally and internationally that the team at Designer Kidz are able to provide their boutique garments all across Australia and the globe!

#3 Buckets and Spades

Buckets and Spades was established in Port Melbourne with the goal of providing the children of Australia with the designer clothing so that they can always look their best. Buckets and Spades features collections from many well-known brands and also stocks clothing from lucrative international designers. Buckets and Spades are able to cater for many sizes of children’s occasion wear, ranging from new born garments to size 14 in both boys and girls.

Suits for children
Photo: Peterbb, Pixabay

Occasion wear isn’t complete without the addition of the appropriate shoes and accessories. Buckets and Spades also stock a wide range of designer footwear that also range in size from those who have first started to walk all the way up to a European sized 35.

If you are after quality occasion wear with high end designer names attached to them then Buckets and Spades is the perfect choice for you.

#4 Boden Clothing

While Boden Clothing is a worldwide brand that operates in several different countries, they are still able to provide their customers with high quality occasion wear for children. What now is a worldwide hit, once started as a single man making clothes out of his kitchen in the early 90’s. The range of clothes started as an eight piece menswear collection that soon grew to much more than just men’s fashion.

The collection grew to include women and children and then expanded further into providing occasion wear for the little ones as well. The mission of Boden Clothing as stated by founder Johnnie Boden is to add some colour and fun no matter where the garments are worn.

Special occasion kids clothes
Photo: Sylviebliss, Pixabay

The wide collection that Boden Clothing have to offer features occasion wear for babies, boys and girls. If you have an event in mind or just want something a little more special there is definitely an outfit to satisfy you.

#5 Next

Next is a home wares retailer that originated out of the UK but has continued to provide their high quality garments to the population of Australia. With stores and distributors located in Australia, they are able to design new and unique trends for the modern family and the events that they attend. Amongst their very impressive collection of outfits for adults, they also feature some high quality occasion wear for children.

Children's clothes
Photo: TheVirtualDenise, Pixabay

From summer parties to weddings, you can be sure that you will find an appropriate occasion outfit for your child at Next. Their extensive children’s range also caters for babies, girls and boys so no matter who’s coming along to the party, they can also look stylish and sophisticated like the grownups!

Peter Dutton calls for public child sex offender registry

Home Affairs Minister (and failed challenger for Prime Minister) Peter Dutton has urged the states and territories to support his plan for a national, public registry for child sex offenders. The details that could be included might be the offender’s name, date of birth, photo, offence committed and postcode or suburb.

The Minister’s justification for his proposal (which was considered and then rejected by then-PM Tony Abbott) is that parents should be able to see if sex offenders live nearby. He believes that a registry would help to protect children, both by letting parents know if a person convicted of sex offences lives nearby and as a deterrent.

At this stage it is unclear which specific crimes would be included in the publicised list, or if sex offender registries held by the police would simply be made public. The idea is similar to a Western Australia registry which allows people to search for dangerous and high-risk offenders who live nearby.

The registry would need the support of all states and territories as most crimes are dealt with through the state criminal codes, so they are the ones who have the information that Dutton wants to publish. So far no state or territory has taken a stance on the proposal.

It is unclear if people’s names will ever be taken off the list if they stay clean, or if there will be a limit on how far back the registry goes. Most state sex offender registry obligations expire after a number of years (varying by state and offence), but Dutton hasn’t explained if similar rules will apply.

The Labor opposition are cautious, arguing that Dutton needs to show that this registry would be effective. Crossbench Senator Derryn Hinch is in favour of the registry, although he believes that home addresses should also be included – he says that people convicted of sexually abusing children should lose their civil rights.

Public sex offender registries are common (and highly controversial) in the United States, where there have been problems with people convicted of minor crimes being included on lists alongside serial rapists. There have also been issues with vigilante attacks, and the evidence around harm prevention is mixed.

What’s the best payment gateway to use online?

Accepting mobile payments on your eCommerce app or website is a no-brainer. But with so many services available, picking the right one for your business can be a bit of a challenge. To make the decision easier, we’ve put together a list of 10 mobile app payment methods you can use.

But before we get into this, it’s important to note that not all payment methods are created equal. So while you’re looking at this list, keep in mind factors such as transaction fees, multi-currency support, reputation, terms and conditions, whether the payment method is supported on your eCommerce platform, if it accepts all types of cards, and how long the contract is.

1. Braintree

Braintree Payments
Braintree Payments. Photo: Screenshot, braintreepayments.com

When you are managing money you want to make sure a trusted brand is facilitating the process. We highly recommend Braintree as a payment gateway for ecommerce websites. Braintree is very customisable providing businesses with the technology and support to scale business online

2. Assembly Payments

Assembly Payments
Assembly Payments. Photo: Screenshot, assemblypayments.com

Assembly Payments, formerly known as a Promise Pay, is the world’s most flexible payments platform. Manage inbound and outbound payments with one of the most transparent payment gateways available.

Assembly Payments offers different tiered subscription services to use their software. Why not head over to the website and create a test account? Trial how their payment system works first hand and see if it’s the right fit for you and your business.

3. AfterPay/ZipPay

zipPay
zipPay. Photo: Screenshot, zippay.com.au

An adapted version of the ‘layby’ philosophy, these two ‘buy now, pay over time’ products from AfterPay and ZipPay have taken Australia by storm.

Generally these types of products charge a business a fee for each transaction that the business’ customer completes, with the rationale being that the customer may not have purchased if they had to pay for it all upfront.

4. Stripe

Stripe
Stripe. Photo: Screenshot, stripe.com/au

Stripe is another popular online payment method that, unlike PayPal Payments Standard, keeps your customers on-site (for free).

However, it’s not as easy to set up as PayPal and requires more web development skills to integrate. But if you’ve got the budget, you can simply hire a developer to help you out.

5. PayPal

PayPal
PayPal. Photo: Screenshot, paypal.com/au/home

PayPal is a household name, and for good reason. It’s immediately recognisable and your customers will feel safe using it. PayPal Payments Standard is easy to get started, has no set-up or termination fees, has a detailed transactions dashboard, and accepts over 25 currencies from over 200+ countries and markets.  

The only potential downside? It takes customers away from your site to complete their purchase. But if this is a big issue, it’s worth considering PayPal Payments Pro.

6. Adyen

Adyen
Adyen. Photo: Screenshot, adyen.com

Looking for a simple approach? Then Adyen is a great option, providing a single solution for payment processing through any device. It can operate with local payment methods globally to ensure that business customers are always able to complete a transaction, and in the way that is most comfortable for them.

7. eWAY

eWAY
eWAY. Photo: Screenshot, eway.com.au

eWAY is designed to provide secure and reliable payment processing to businesses internationally.

Being merchant-centric means that eWAY is dedicated to providing the best solution for the business, while still ensuring a smooth transaction process for the customer. They are also part of the Global Payments network.

8. SecurePay

SecurePay
SecurePay. Photo: Screenshot, securepay.com.au

With features including everything from Advanced Fraud Detection to Parcel Delivery, SecurePay is designed to put a business’ mind at ease when using their payment platform.\

You can choose from payment solutions designed to integrate with your online shopping cart, recurring direct debit payments, and even bill payments to go through their platform. Best of all, it’s a secure platform to give you greater peace of mind.

9. EziDebit

Ezidebit
Ezidebit. Photo: Screenshot, ezidebit.com/en-au

EziDebit is a reputable payment gateway that can scale to fit your business – no matter how big or small it is. Known for its diversity, it offers many kinds of services targeted at all kinds of business.

Its management system is easy and intuitive, aligned exclusively for eCommerce businesses, and has secure integration. EziDebit doesn’t have a fixed pricing structure, changing to suit the particular needs of the user instead.

10. Merchant Warrior

Merchant Warrior
Merchant Warrior. Photo: Screenshot, merchantwarrior.com

An Australian-based payment provider, Merchant Warrior provides everything from Credit Card & ACH (eCheck) Processing to Enhanced Security & Transaction Screening, along with 24/7 support. The key word for Merchant Warrior is exceptional, and they apply it to every facet of their payment solutions.

How choosing the right maths tutor can make a world of difference

Whether you’re seeking a tutor for yourself or your child, it is essential that you select someone who is qualified, experienced and committed to promoting independent learning and skill mastery.

It’s commonly believed that any tutor is a good tutor as long as they can teach the material. However, a tutor who is inexperienced, doesn’t know the material thoroughly or only offers their students band-aid solutions (such as doing the work for them), won’t get you far in the long-run.

That’s why it’s essential to properly assess your tutor before you employ them.

Things to consider when selecting a tutor:

Qualifications

It is important that your tutor has some kind of qualification in the field you’re seeking tutoring in. Generally, the higher the level of qualification, the better – someone with a Bachelor’s degree is probably going to know more than someone with a High School Certificate; likewise, someone with a Master’s degree may know more than someone with a Bachelor’s degree. Tutors with a degree in education are highly regarded as they are typically equipped with the skills needed to teach. It is best if your tutor has completed their degree rather than currently studying it. You may also want to look at the tutor’s assessment marks.

Experience

Tutors with at least two years’ experience are more likely to perform better, know the content, be confident with their teaching method and style, and engage students.

Reviews

Consider the tutor’s social reviews; what have other people said about their experience working with the tutor? This is the greatest source of evidence that a tutor can do their job well. Do they show up on time? Are they engaging? Flexible?

Values

It is important to employ a tutor who has good values. Look for someone who values independent learning and growth, subject mastery, flexibility, creative thinking, punctuality, and supportiveness.

Performance

Once you’ve chosen a tutor, ensure that you observe their level of skill during your first session to decide whether you want to continue their services. Look at how they teach and interact with the student.

A Star Maths

Cansu Olce
Cansu Olce, Star Maths

Cansu Olce has been tutoring mathematics and statistics to university and high school students for over 9 years. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and is passionate about helping people of all ages develop their skills and confidence in maths.

Her business, A Star Maths, is one of the top-rated mathematics tutoring businesses in Brisbane. Rather than giving students quick-fix solutions, Cansu aims to provide students with a personalised program that can give them the confidence and know-how to last a lifetime. Students receive one-on-one tutoring in a group setting, which encourages them to make friends and help each other reach self-mastery.