• Electric cars fall into two categories – plug-in hybrids and full-electric vehicles. Strictly speaking, the term ‘electric car’ applies to the latter. Full-electric cars are solely dependent on an array of large rechargeable batteries. Once the batteries run out, the car cannot move any more, The Nissan Leaf is a full electric car. Plug-in hybrids are part powered by batteries (albeit smaller ones) and partly powered by a gasoline engine. The gasoline engine kicks in when the batteries run out or if great thrust is required e.g. if you are overtaking. The Chevy Volt is a hybrid.
• There are three levels of electric car charging – Level 1 charging occurs via an ordinary domestic power outlet. It is the slowest with each hour of charging to generating only 5 miles of driving. Level 2 charging utilizes wall mounted equipment specifically designed for charging electric cars. It is more effective than level 1 delivering 15 to 30 miles for each hour of charging. DC fast charging is the highest level and uses industrial standard electric charging. It takes about half an hour for DC charging to produce 80 miles of driving. Not all electric cars support DC fast charging.
• A cheap electric car is suitable for intraday driving. Cross country road trips are currently not feasible. – This is for several reasons. First, it takes a substantial amount of level 2 charging to chalk up significant driving mileage. Second, electric car charging stations (similar to gas stations) are virtually non-existent. While the US federal government is driving an aggressive plan to have over 1000 electric car charging stations put up over the next 2 to 3 years mainly in the West Coast, it will take a couple of decades before electric car charging stations are at par with gas stations.

But as much as most people would want to play their part in conserving the environment by driving electric cars 2011, it boils down to functionality.

For the switch to electric vehicles to make sense, it would have to deliver on the ‘conveniences’ that the general population has become accustomed to when driving gasoline powered cars. Two factors that have been a rallying point among electric car sceptics are speed and distance. How fast and far can a cheap electric car go?

The top speed of an electric car is determined by the transmission gearing and the voltage injected into the motor. On the lower speed range are the NEVs (Neighbourhood Electric Vehicles) that peak at just 25 mph. Majority of electric cars fall in the midrange having an average maximum speed of 55 to 65mph. Higher performance electric cars can do 90 mph or more.

As far as driving range per single charge goes, this is dependent on several factors. The factors can be split into two broad categories – vehicle factors and driving conditions. Curb weight, battery type and battery pack voltage are the most significant vehicle factors.

The cheap electric car with the longest range usually has a large battery pack and a relatively low curb weight. That said, the size of the battery pack and its effect on vehicle range is a delicate balance – if the battery pack is too large, then it increase the car’s curb weigh t thus reducing the range.

Examples of driving conditions that affect driving distance include weather, terrain, incline, traffic and driving style. Cold weather can pull down driving range substantially but its effect can be tempered if the vehicle is driven every day. Hilly routes and roads with poor traction will diminish how far an electric car can be driven before it needs a recharge.    Just like it reduces the mileage covered by a gasoline engine, stop-go traffic consumes more electric power than smooth flowing traffic.

A basic and cheap electric car powered by at least 96 Volts of lead acid 6V batteries could deliver up to 80 miles under ideal driving conditions. This has however improved with newer models powered with the lead acid 8V batteries. Recent electric cars can do 200 miles or more without requiring a recharge.

No air pollution – The combustion fumes from gasoline powered engines are one of the biggest pollutants of the environment. Although remarkable progress has been made over the years to ensure that less toxic waste is released into the atmosphere from gasoline car exhausts, it has been unable to achieve pollutant free fumes. There is no such problem with a cheap electric car because there is no combustion.

Conserve global oil resources – Oil is a vital energy resource that contributes to many aspects of the global economy. A cheap electric car does not use gasoline and has no need for engine oil change as is the case with gasoline engines. By buying a cheap electric car, you will be playing your part in ensuring future generations still have the option of using petroleum energy even though it would be preferable that humanity move away from fossil fuels to cleaner energy.

Utilize surplus electric power – To a large extent, most developed countries such as the US have a substantial surplus of electric power. Some studies have indicated that the surplus in the US is so large that millions of electric cars can be recharged overnight every day with no need to invest in expanding power generation capacity.

Gas is expensive – There is one thing constant about the price movement of gasoline – it is always going up. Of course there have been occasions where gas prices have appeared to decline but this has often been temporary with the price going back up shortly after. Since gasoline like other fossil fuels is a finite resource that takes millions of years to form, it is safe to say that future price will continue the upward trend. One research has shown that a cheap electric car costs a penny per driving mile compared to 10 cents for gasoline engines.

Less moving parts – The absence of a gasoline engine means electric cars 2011 have less moving parts than gas powered vehicles. Less moving parts means less friction thus less visits to the mechanic and lower maintenance costs overall.

Reduce national trade deficit – Most countries in the world are net oil importers. In fact, oil is the single largest import by value in many countries. By cutting down on gasoline in favour of electric cars, a nation can substantially reduce the trade deficit and overreliance on foreign fossil fuels.

• Do not use harsh scrubs – In the heat of the moment, you may be tempted to pick up a brush and scrub away the blackheads and breakouts. While this may have some success in ordinary skin, it is likely to only worsen the burning and redness in dry skin and sensitive skins. Sensitive skins need a more genteel approach. Avoid scrubs, gritty cleansers, coarse washcloths and abrasive exfoliants.
• Gradually introduce new treatment techniques – If you have sensitive skin, it takes time to determine what type of treatment techniques will work for your skin. You will have to try out new products cautiously e.g. applying a tiny amount on a spot on your arm to see your skin’s reaction. If there is no reaction, apply it to the areas affected by acne but restrict this to just 2-3 times each week. If this goes well, increase the frequency slowly to 4, 5 and then daily.
• Avoid using multiple treatment products simultaneously – Whereas it is understandable that you would want to do all you can to permanently get rid of your acne, combining several different treatment alternatives may have the opposite effect if you have sensitive or dry skin. Using medicated moisturizer, acne cleanser and prescription treatment at the same time may be overkill. Identify and stick to one type of medication and stick to that only changing if there is no improvement and/or the doctor instructs you to do so.
• Exercise caution when using leave-on skin treatment – Leave-on skin medication such as benzoyl peroxide and Retin-A are harmless for ordinary skin but may be detrimental if allowed to set for too long on sensitive and dry skin. Test and grow your skin’s tolerance level by initially leaving such treatment on for just 10 minutes. Increase the time before washing to 20 minutes, 30 minutes and longer if your skin does not react within the previous timeframe.
• Consult a dermatologist – If in doubt, always talk to the experts. You do not necessarily have to experiment on your own with different treatment alternatives to determine which ones will work with your sensitive and dry skin.

• Use powder cosmetics – Powder cosmetics remove unattractive shine, have very little preservative and do not contain the ingredients that are notorious for causing irritation on sensitive skins.
• Steer clear of waterproof cosmetics – Waterproof cosmetics have their place e.g. mascara is works well for those tearful moments. However, the solvents used to clean waterproof cosmetics simultaneously get rid of sebum. Sebum is an oily discharge from the skin’s sebaceous glands that serves as a protective barrier and natural cleansing agent for the skin. Its removal leaves sensitive skins vulnerable to infection and irritation.
• Get rid of old cosmetics – Regularly check the expiry date of all items in your make up closet. Any item that is close to or past its expiry date should be discarded.  Not only may the quality of the product have deteriorated but it may also have become contaminated. Makeup sponges and brushes should also be washed routinely to prevent the accumulation of germs and dirt.
• Use black – A number of dermatologists are of the opinion that black eyeliner and mascara colorants are the least likely to trigger an allergic reaction on sensitive skins.
• Care when applying nail polish – If you have sensitive skins, avoid the use of nail polish. But if you must apply it, take extra care not to allow it to touch your skin before it dries because this can trigger a rash.
• Use silicone based foundation – While powder make up is the most ideal for sensitive skins, silicone base foundation ought to be used in the event that skin cream has to be applied. Silicone has a low likelihood of causing skin irritation.

• Inflammatory skin diseases – These type of skin diseases are characterized by swelling and reddening of skin. Inflammatory conditions include acne, psoriasis, eczema, diaper rash and ingrown hairs. Majority can be treated or managed by over-the-counter drugs though some like psoriasis require the intervention of a doctor.
• Viral type of skin diseases – Viral skin ailments are the result of contact with the body fluids of an infected person. Measles, chicken pox, cold sores, herpes and genital warts are examples of viral disease. The infection will often be accompanied by nausea, headache, fever and other flu-like symptoms. Though viral disease is technically incurable, many viral skin diseases may diminish on their own over time.
• Bacterial type of skin diseases –Like viral diseases, majority of bacteria skin diseases are transmitted through contact with an infected person. But unlike viral disease where transmission is via fluids, bacterial diseases can be passed on simply by skin contact. Bacterial skin diseases include cellulitis, boils, impetigo and scarlet fever. Treatment is by antibiotics.
• Fungal type of skin diseases – Candida, athlete’s foot and ringworm are all fungal skin ailments. Infection is not necessarily the result of contact with an infected person – fungal diseases are more often contracted from contact or proximity to a surface with fungal growth. Moist and warm areas such as saunas, bathrooms and gyms are high risk locations for contracting fungal disease. Infections are itchy and the skin becomes red and flaky. Over the counter medication can treat virtually all fungal illnesses.
• Skin cancer – The most dangerous type of skin diseases, skin cancer comes in various forms each of varying severity. Basal cell carcinoma affects cells on the surface of the skin, squamous cell carcinoma attacks the layer below the skin surface while melanoma, (the deadliest) affects all layers and grows fast.
• Birthmarks – Birthmarks are mostly harmless congenital moles that are in some quarters considered a mark of beauty. However, birthmarks make this list because they are in essence the result of a skin abnormality. Some birthmarks such as hemangiomas are extensive covering large portions of the skin. Even then, the negative effects of such extensive marks have more to do with the psychological feelings of unattractiveness in the mind of the affected person.

• Acne – Acne is the most prevalent type of skin diseases predominantly affecting young adults and adolescents – 85% of this demographic experiences acne at some point. Past this age bracket and into middle age, acne is more common among women than men. Acne may be the outward sign of an underlying medical condition especially if conventional acne treatment does not bear fruit.
• Dermatitis – Often confused with acne because of symptom similarity, dermatitis is a broad class of skin rashes. The most common form is eczema (atopic dermatitis) with recent studies showing it is a growing problem among children. Seborrheic dermatitis is a rash on the hair-covered parts of the face very similar to razor bumps. Ordinary dandruff shampoo can effectively control seborrheic dermatitis.
• Hives – Hives are a rash-like outbreak due to an allergic reaction triggering the release of histamine. Ordinary hives are easily treatable but hives lasting more than 6 months require extensive diagnosis to establish the root cause.
• Psoriasis – A type of skin diseases that has many potential causes including changes in the immune system, topical infection and stress. Psoriasis is usually lifelong but there is a wide range of medication nowadays that can make its effects less pronounced.
• Warts – Skin ailment caused by HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) that is mainly sexually transmitted. There are many forms of treatment. HPV infection increases the likelihood of cervical cancer.
• Skin cancer – A potentially life threatening skin condition, skin cancers range from the slow growth basal cell carcinoma types to the more aggressive melanoma types.
• Fungal skin diseases – Majority of fungal type of skin diseases are the result of dermatophytes, the same fungi responsible for nail infections. A fungal skin infection is sometimes the side effect of the treatment used to manage another ailment. Just like bacteria, the human body has a certain degree of fungi. Antibiotics and chemotherapy can affect this balance. A weakened immune system also increases the likelihood of catching a fungal skin infection.

• The Kiwi vine (Atinida kolomikta) – Loved for its distinct, heart-shaped look, the Kiwi Vine’s flowers are small but with a slight scent. Female climbing vine plants produce grape-shaped berries but male plants usually have a better visual appeal.
• Chocolate Vine (Akebia Quinata) – The Chocolate vine blooms in April producing brown-purple, spicy scented blossoms that hang downwards like pendants. The foliage is impressive with oblong leaves grouped in sets of 5. This set of 5 is why the chocolate vine is also referred to as the ‘5 Leafs of Akebia’. One of the vine’s key strengths is its fast rate of growth.
• Climbing Snapdragon (Asarina) – Climbing vine plants that produce lots of flowers in red, lavender, pink and blue.
• Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) – Native American climbing plant that is a magnet for butterflies and humming birds. An excellent adapter to both warm and cold weather, they are much thicker than most other vines thus requiring strong support. The Trumpet vine is not the fastest grower and it may take a couple of years for flowering to start. Regular pruning is necessary to ensure consistent flowering.
• Cup and Saucer vine (Cobacea scandens) – Delicate and scented climbing plants that gently cling to support using their tendrils.
• Climbing hydrangea (hydrangea petiolaris) – Like the trumpet vine, the hydrangea petiolaris is a slow bloomer. It is a deciduous plant that uses its aerial roots to cling to support. It has a bulky stem and needs a strong support such as a wall, firm fence or large tree.
• Morning Glory (Ipomoea tricolor) – Anyone who had the opportunity to grow up in a home with a garden will quickly recognise the morning glory. It climbs and twirls around anything it comes across. The flowers of the Morning Glory instinctively close in the heat of the afternoon – hence the name.
• Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) – Tender evergreen climbing plants that can survive heat or cold, they are loved for their exotic looking and complex flowers.

Climbing plants are usually grown from cuttings and/or seeds. Not all cuttings have the same chance of successful growth. The best cuttings are those taken from a young plant and especial from a stem or branch that has yet to harden (a state that some gardeners refer to as ‘semi-hardwood). The cut should be made just below a node as this is where the roots for the new plant are more likely to sprout from. If seeds are used, fresh and ripe seeds form the climbing plants.

The soil where the cuttings or seeds will be planted must be prepared before cultivation. The best ground for climbing plant growth is well drained and rich in bio-matter. Not all gardens will be fortunate to have such soil. However, you do not have to ‘import’ soil – even clay and sandy soils can be worked to make them ideal for plant growth. Clay soils may be fortified with gypsum while sandy soils can be made more conducive by adding some compost or any other form of organic matter.

Climbing plants require support especially at their initial growth phase. Lattice, wire mesh, arches, pergolas, fences and walls have traditionally provided very effective support. Tree trunks and shrubs if available can work just as well too.

When choosing climbing plants for a garden, you must factor the garden soil type as well as the climactic conditions. Plants that may work well in tropical locations may struggle in temperate climatic zones.

Unless you can get the same from a willing neighbour, friend or relative, only buy climbing plant seeds and cuttings from reputable nurseries. Visit several nurseries to get a clear picture of what it will cost and compare different climbers.

Sometimes it may be better to purchase the climbing plants as opposed to simply getting cuttings from friends and relatives especially if you want to have the best climbing plants in your garden. Buying will cost you but if they are quality climbing vine plants, the payoff will be worth it.

Couch pillows come in a diverse range of styles, textures and fillings. The best pillows are those that blend in with and accentuate the design, material and colours used for the couch. Pillows that would work well on a leather couch may not be as suitable for an identical coloured fabric couch. For fabric couches, the best pillows will often be those of a colour, design and fabric that is consistent with the drapery of the living room or lounge.

Some couch pillows are sewn-sealed but majority have a zipped opening to make cover replacement, cleaning and repair that much easier. When a zip is present on a couch pillow, it ought to be hidden from view. Custom hand-sewn couch pillows are worth considering if you want to achieve a unique design.

Custom couch pillows may be marginally more expensive than similar off-the-shelf alternatives but if you go for an appropriate design, the payoff is well worth it. Pillows may be elaborately decorated with embroidery, beads and/or sequins.  Quilted pillows have a three dimensional effect and would sit well with a strong country décor theme.

The quality of the pillow’s fabric is a factor one cannot afford to ignore. Quality is dependent on three main factors – workmanship, the thread count and the type of material used. To be sure that the workmanship is up to par, inspect the pillows prior to purchase.

Make sure there are no loose stitches as these will reduce the pillow’s usable life and lead to additional repair works earlier than necessary. A high thread count makes for sturdier and more resilient pillows. Low thread count will rip fast especially of the couch where the pillows will be used is heavily used.

Certain materials such as silk have an air of luxury and would probably look great in certain setting. But silk couch pillows may be too delicate and expensive to use on for a couch that has above average use.