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The jute weave is a strong coarse fiber used to make a burlap. It usually comes from India and its neighboring countries. Jute fused with yarns of other fiber is the main composition of its warp (vertical weave) and weft (horizontal weave). This weave is then laminated to a paper backing to come up with a variety of finished products.

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Check out this article in the Global Property Guide: Most Expensive Cities In 2008. This should come in really handy if you’re planning to invest in a flat or a condo. Not surprisingly, London and New York are the top two placers in the race for the most expensive property values. Moscow comes in a close third.

Of course, common sense will always tell us that the most expensive properties are found in the more highly urbanized areas, usually the cities that are centers of government, fashion or business. Not only are the prices of real estate high in these areas, cost of living is usually sky-high as well.

Of course, for those who can cheerfully afford it, owning a flat or a condo in these areas will surely elevate their prestige, and dare I say it, self-worth. Chances are your investment is also secure since these areas are already well-established and property values are less likely to fluctuate.

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A dockominium is the water-based version of a condominium; rather than owning an apartment in a building, one owns a boat slip on the water. The term is a portmanteau of “dock” and “condominium.” In addition to the exclusive right to use the boat slip, ownership also provides one with the right to use the common elements of the marina, much the same as one would have the right to use the common areas in a residential condominium development. Additionally a unit owner may use, rent or sell their unit at any time, subject to association approval.
Similar to a condominium, a management company manages the common areas and provides all required services such as maintenance, security, insurance, bookkeeping, legal and overall management and supervision of the dockominium facility. A monthly fee is charged to cover these expenses. Typically, water is included, while electricity and cable, etc. are billed separately via the management association. Real estate taxes are separately assessed by the municipality and are the responsibility of the unit owner.

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Positioned as San Francisco’s first LEEDcertified condo, Arterra in Mission Bay is a three-building complex with an open courtyard. It has one- or two-storey homes of one to three bedrooms, Energy Star-rated home appliances, efficient lighting and insulation, water conserving features, a façade made of environment-friendly Trespa. Many of the materials, such as cork and bamboo, are renewable. Floor areas range from 600 square feet to 1,240 square feet.Furnishings and fixtures are luxurious, and many homes have floor-to-ceiling window walls and balconies. Amenities include a wellness center, concierge, community lounge and rooftop sundeck. Visit www.arterrasf.com.

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Danish furniture chain BoConcept has an interesting marketing strategy: selling coffee tables by talking about coffee. And why not, if that’s what it’s really for? Drop by their website and learn how to make frappe, macchiato, cappuccino, espresso, caffe latte and green tea. While you’re at it, see their sleek, minimalist coffee tables from $199 to $949, all at 20% off until June 15th. You can also create a customized coffee table in a range of tabletops in different sizes, surfaces from white lacquer to brushed steel, and legs in various designs and heights. We smell Scandinavian design a-brewing.

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