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Secret Service Agents May 4, 2010 - 11:29:18
Throughout history, people in power owe all of their power to one group in particular: those who safeguard them. Secret service agents are only the latest of the great tradition of royal guards and the like. At times, those guards closest to the kings have decided the fate of whole monarchies. He may seem to have all of the power to do what he wants outside of his throne room, but within it is a different story. Often, he has to do right by his own personal guards or face the consequences.
It was this thinking that made me ant to become a Secret Service agent. I was not the type of person you expect to have a career in law enforcement. I've always had a problem with authority, and I've never been particularly rigid in my moral views. I don't tend to see the world as a battle of good against evil, as most cops tend to. My desire to be a Secret Service Special Agent was purely motivated by selfish aims. I wanted to be near the halls of power to see how that power worked and to be a part of it.
All in all, I have found Secret Service agents to be a strange bunch and the career itself to be a pretty surprising one. I had expected the secret service agency to be pretty simple and straightforward, but there are actually layers upon layers to it. You see, Secret Service agents do more than just protect the president. They investigate leads that are deemed to compromise national security, conduct drills to improve security routines, and even handle certain types of criminal investigations. I started out to be one of the palace guards, but ended up as a full-time law enforcement official.
Still, in the end I can't really complain. Secret Service agents earn a good living. The pay is excellent – much higher than most law enforcement agencies – and the practical risk is low. Although technically a Secret Service agent is trained to dive in front of a bullet protect the president, the situation is so rare as to constitute a negligible risk. There have been very few Secret Service agents harmed as a result of an assassination attempt on the president's life. The situation is simply too rare. A Secret Service agent, you see, isn't there to respond to an assassination attempt – we are there to prevent them in the first place. At this job, we are very good.
- mrknowitall
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How to Choose a Right Timeshare Broker May 3, 2010 - 18:16:19
Finding a real estate broker is easy. They are there at every nuke and corner, online, offline and everywhere. Same is not the case with timeshare brokers. Not all real estate brokers deal with timeshare resale. They may be little more prominent in coastal states like Florida, North and South Carolina but not everywhere else. As many of us know or at least the people who tried selling their timeshare. It is not easiest of the tasks. In fact I would say it is one of the most challenging tasks. Timeshare should never be bought as an investment. It should be for your individual use and for spending the most beautiful moments of your life. But many circumstances can force timeshare owners to sell their timeshare. Timeshares doesn't even sell at their original price. They usually sell 30-50% below their original price. and leave the price alone, even selling is also difficult, it takes a lot of time to close a timeshare sale. Having learnt the above facts it is almost imperative to conclude that selecting a right broker is critical to the sale of your timeshare property.
Do your homework by researching about some good brokers near your timeshare property. Searching for timeshare brokers in the state where you live doesn't make sense because most of the brokers who deal in timeshares could found only around high vacationing places like Florida. Look for those brokers who have a good track record in handling timeshare resale. It is advised to go with big and reputable brokers as they are more likely to handle your resale professionally and responsibly. They are also less likely to play games or cheat you because of their name. Do not hesitate to ask questions related to their success in selling timeshares, their experience in selling timeshares of the timeshare resort you hold timeshares with. Also find out the average time that a timeshare property sits in the market before being sold and last but not the least the average selling price of the properties they sold. Now compare these aspects of some brokers and go with the best one.
It is not a bad idea to find out people in your development who have recently sold their timeshare units and ask them which broker they hired to resale their units. Also take inputs on broker's performance in handling the resale of your timeshare unit and did they get the best possible return on their sale.
Cost is also a factor while selecting a timeshare broker. Beware of the brokers who charge upfront fee and excessive commission. Some brokers charge as high as $500 upfront fee. While it may be a norm but you should still ask in writing to list all the services they are providing for that fee. It is generally recommended to go with the broker who doesn't charge an upfront fee. One of the reasons why brokers charge an upfront fee is many owners price their units ridiculously high and they end up sitting for a long time and eventually they never get sold. So, be careful while pricing your timeshare unit. But the brokers also can advise the owners that the unit may not sell at such an exorbitant price. Try to find about the background of the broker through better business bureau. Also ask the broker some important questions like what strategy they will be employing to sell their unit, estimated time it will take to sell the unit. The broker should be able to answer all your questions. If the broker is unwilling or unable to answer your questions they you may better look out for some other broker. Thus, a good broker who charges reasonable commission is critical for the resale of your timeshare because it is in the hands of the broker to make or break a deal and fetch a good value to your timeshare unit.
- mrknowitall
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Paintball: Sports or Not? May 3, 2010 - 18:13:57
The rising popularity of paintball games also gave rise to two opposing groups; one considering paintball as a sport while the other one dismissing it as just a pastime and a non-sporting activity. But is paintball really a sport or just a plain hobby?
Paintball is considered by enthusiasts as one of the most exciting sports in Europe and in at least 40 countries worldwide and is played by both men and women of all ages.
The reason it has been dismissed by many as a non-sport and considered a mere hobby is because of the reality that paintball started as an activity usually played during corporate gatherings. As a side activity of most company gatherings, paintball served as a pastime for corporate officials who needed to relax after tough corporate duels. However, those who have tried playing paintball have been stuck by and hooked on the game.
The reason some people see paintball as a mere hobby or pastime is because of ignorance or lack of knowledge about paintball.
Most dictionaries define a sport as an activity for individuals or groups which involves physical skill and is governed by a set of rules and is engaged in professionally. On the other hand, a pastime is seen as something participated in for exercise or for pleasure. Paintball is both.
While a glimpse of the game gives one the idea that paintball is a macho game and something which gives rise to the "Rambo" image of the male species, it is important to note that paintball is an organized sport. No one can play the game without training or without the necessary tools and accessories. Sorry to disappoint you, but paintball is not just for macho males, but also for females who want some "spice" in their lives.
Paintball is a rough game so safety is a prime concern. Paintball players are required to wear protective clothing like overalls and jackets. However, like all other sports you must follow all of the safety rules since close range shots can cause bruises and/or hurt the victim. Some game sites minimize the chances of close range shots to avoid injuries.
If you want to get into a sport which can really get your adrenaline flowing, then try paintball. It is a sport which you can play with friends or with your family.
- mrknowitall
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Which Private Jet Is Right For You and Your Business? May 2, 2010 - 19:35:57
Short-range planes:
A jet like the Citation Bravo by Cessna has more than enough room to accommodate seven passengers without people feeling trapped, flies over nearly all of mainland Europe and yet has space to stow away all of the customer's bags and cases. The jet aircraft's capacity to land on shorter runways improves the numerous of airfields it is able to take off on, allowing you a superior variety of cities to land in. The 400XP by Hawker also seats up to seven passengers and also comes with plentiful baggage area, but intended for quick, brief flights, its dart-like wing design and its formidable engines are ideal for those that must move promptly across short distances.
Mid range planes:
Customers that require to travel lengthy distances in style ought to take a look at the 750/800XP by Hawker. With room to accommodate up to 8 people and their luggage with ease, and with a journey range in excess of two thousand nautical miles, the 750/800Xp by Hawker is capable of flying from London to Moscow. To cater for these greater distance voyages, the Hawker 750/800XP has greater head-room for comfortable standing, and is totally prepared with a drinks bar.
Coming in somewhat bigger is the Falcon 2000/EX. Able to sit 10 passengers easily coming with plenty of room, its extra spacious interior has enough space to allow any passengers to relax, take a break or work in luxury. Competent at travelling for the entire duration between the trading cities of London and New York or the famous cities of Paris and Dubai, the Dassault Falcon 2000/EX is ideal for commuting from the business cities located across the earth.
Long range aircraft:
Able to fly greater distances and at a faster speed than any other Falcon plane the Dassault Falcon 7X easily seats up to fourteen passengers and its cabin styled by the world renowned Lord Norman Foster is the most quiet in its class by a distance, making certain of a refreshing experience. Capable of non-stop transatlantic journeys, the Dassault Falcon 7X was relvealed as ‘Business Jet of The Year 2009', incorporates 3 incredibly powerful jet-engines that allow it to fly holding up to 14 passengers and travel at speeds of nine hundred kilometres per hour, coming with a flight range in excess of 10,391km. Find more information on the aviation industry and berkshire hathaway online.
Last and by no means least, we have featured the G550 plane - the Earth's top selling intercontinental private business jet. Featuring a cabin that’s pressurised to heights of up to 6000ft and gets the air refreshed at intervals of 120 seconds, the Gulfstream G550 is most probably ultimate in the private aviation industry. Travelling in the region of a velocity of up to nine hundred kilometres per hour and showcasing a flight range of almost twelve thousand kilometres, the aircraft is capable of seating up to fourteen persons and their respective baggage comfortably on routes such as London to New York.
- mrknowitall
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Picking Golf Clubs to Complement Your Playing Technique May 2, 2010 - 19:33:34
If you are in the market for golf clubs, you have likely heard a bunch about how choosing the right ones can affect your game in a positive manner. You have probably heard that if you don't buy the right golf clubs, you will end up playing a terrible game every time you pick them up. However, any seasoned golfer will tell you that this is not necessarily true. You don't need to spend an insane amount of money on the nicest golf clubs possible. Not only it is a waste of money, it also has almost no benefits for golfers. There are a few things that you do need to pay attention to, but other than those you have the freedom to pick golf clubs that appeal to you aesthetically, or even better, financially.
The most important thing when picking golf clubs is to get the right length. The traditional way to determine the proper length for almost any person is to measure from their navel to the ground when they are standing straight up. This is by no means the most accurate way to do it, but it should give you a ballpark range. Once you have the basic range figured out, it's a good idea to give a few clubs some good test swings and find out what feels the best as you swing it. Stick around the range that you initially figured out, but feel free to try ones that are a bit longer or a bit shorter. The more you experiment with, the more you will be able to be sure that you are really getting what you need.
One choice that you will be faced with is the choice of graphite or steel. Graphite is often marketed as though it were some sort of amazing material that automatically beats everything else on the market. The sooner you realize that this is not true, the sooner you will be able to make a good financial decision on your golf clubs. Graphite is a decent material, but in all truth it is not for everyone. Every golfer plays at his or her best with a certain amount of flex in the shaft of the golf club. Graphite allows for a different level of flex. If you are used to playing with this level, then graphite is fine. Otherwise, the stiffer steel should be fine. Steel is also more reliable and long-lasting, so you get a longer lifespan for less money.
While golfing magazines and advertisements will usually try to tell you that the new models of golf clubs are much better and more preferable, you should understand something. They are still just long sticks with a head on the end – the same as they have been for decades. You may think that buying an older or used set of golf clubs is taking the cheap and undesirable way out, but there is nothing wrong with saving some money by going with the older models. They are usually of very high quality, and will not cost you too much at all. It's very reasonable, and will pay off for you in the end. You can find used golf clubs or older models in all sorts of venues, from auctions to the internet.
The best thing to do when in the market for golf clubs is to not get caught up in the hype surrounding the top-of-the-line golf clubs. Many golfers are excited by all of the new features and functionality, and fail to recognize that the newer golf clubs have little more to offer than older ones, besides a much higher price point. So look at it objectively and consider what your money is worth, so that you can avoid wasting an unnecessary amount. When you are a more seasoned golfer, you'll be glad that you started out at the level you belong at.
- mrknowitall
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Are Golf Balls the Most Expensive Golf Accessories of All? May 2, 2010 - 19:30:07
A golfer is always faced with a constant barrage of things that he can possibly spend his money on. These things range from the necessary things like golf clubs, to completely unnecessary things like trophy cases for hole-in-one balls. It would seem that a golfer's money could constantly be thrown away on the many things that are available for purchase. However, one of the most expensive things that a golfer has to spend money on is not what you would expect. Golf balls are perhaps the most irritating thing that a golfer buys. He seems to buy them over and over, as they disappear into bushes, lakes, or sand traps. Rates for golf balls can seem fairly ridiculous too, with some selling for over $25 for a pack of 12. If you want to save money on golf balls or even get them for free, read on for a few tips on how you can do just this.
While you are in the middle of a golf game, there are usually many opportunities to find golf balls that have been left behind by golfers before you. It isn't a good idea to constantly interrupt your game in search of golf balls, but if you happen to walk right by a cluster of bushes or a small water hazard, you might as well take a moment to look for golf balls that have been left behind. If you don't mind getting your arm wet, usually you can find multiple balls just by reaching into a water pool. Bushes and other similar obstructions are also good places to look. Other golfers may find you strange when you are rooting around for golf balls, but it is definitely worth it in the end when you don't need to pay insane amounts for golf balls every week. All you have to do is shove them into a bag you carry with you, then wash them off as soon as you get home for golf balls that are like new.
You can also buy used golf balls from many different sources, including sporting good stores in your local area. These are sold at a huge discount off of the original price, and you can usually not even tell that they have been used thanks to the cleaning processes. Usually they are not sold in matching brands or colors, so if uniformity is your thing you may be disappointed. Unless you are more than just a casual golfer, used or second-hand balls will probably work just fine. It takes a very trained hand to be able to tell the difference between a new ball and a used ball, or between an expensive ball and a cheap ball. The spin and the hardness of the balls are usually varying, but probably not enough for you to notice. Try two contrasting balls in a row and see if you notice anything, and if not then you can be happy that you are able to stick with the cheaper balls.
It may not seem like much of a money saver to get all of your golf balls for free or for a discounted rate, but the money you save will sure add up. Whether it's just a few dollars a week or whether you notice a significantly large saving, it's still money in your pocket that wouldn't have been there otherwise. Therefore, you should remember the golf ball savings techniques that have been discussed so far: first of all, you should always take whatever chance you get to search for golf balls that have been left behind by previous golfers in areas that they are likely to have lost them. Secondly, buy used golf balls from sporting good stores in order to save money. If you follow these two guidelines, you are sure to experience the benefits of being free from paying full price for golf balls.
- mrknowitall
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A Fundamental Guide To Getting The Correct Netbooks March 4, 2010 - 13:28:43
With various improvements being made in electronics every day, only a handful have proved more convenient and valuable than the launch of the netbook. The actual size of netbooks is the critical reason that makes them so useful to the usual person or enterprise. Where laptop computers are some what heavy to fit right on most laps, netbook computers boast the perfect size and portability. Possibly the best example to show this would be on a train, or passenger jet whilst going to, or from your destination. In this instance, a netbook is certainly the better hardware, usually being virtually half the size of a typical laptop.
The size of these netbooks highlights concerns with regards to their screen resolution. With such a small size, comes a small screen, so you might perhaps want to make sure you procure a specific netbook computer that has an ideal contrast ratio, and high resolution. This will save you from numerous head pains when trying to look at a presentation or a video clip. Making sure you get the highest contrast ratio for your price bracket is extremely easy, & there are a handful of websites that compares different netbook computer products to their opposition. This can provide added insight when deciding on a netbook. Find a large assortment of technology products such as; netbooks, televisions and led tvs from leading brands online.
This reviewing of netbook computer models can be great in maximizing the quality of the hardware in the product, as well as the price that you intend to spend. Internal storage space, wireless capability and the price tag are a number of the main points that you want to make sure you think about when selecting a netbook computer. With such an array of companies putting out netbooks so far this year, there are lots of different special offers around that you can catch just by doing some homework before you purchase. Making sure you get the best hardware currently available for your budget is essential, particularly in this recession. Why not take the first steps towards upgrading your mobile computing experience. Splash out on a netbook & enter into the wonderful world of convenience and portability that these computers can provide you.
- mrknowitall
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XM Satellite Radio Vs. Sirius for Your Auto Sound System Selection March 2, 2010 - 17:43:16
If you're in the market for a new auto sound system you might want to seriously take a moment and consider whether or not you would be benefited by subscribing to either Sirius or XM Satellite Radio. Both of these subscription-based services have something wonderful to offer their subscribers and both of them require specialized equipment in order to operate. This means if you are going to wish to use either service, you will need to have decided which service before you have your auto sound system installed.
It really doesn't matter which of these you choose they each have different features that will appeal to a wide variety of audiences. You will find some wonderful competition among the two not only by way of music radio but also talk radio. If you really love talk radio you really need to subscribe to one of these in order to find a treasure chest of talk radio gems. You will find everything from the mundane to the controversial. From Oprah to Howard Stern exist in the realm of satellite radio, which seems to not only be catching on but also here to stay.
It has been commented on many times that XM Satellite Radio has a strong lead when it comes to subscriptions. This is very true but you should also keep in mind that the new subscribers seem to be leaning more towards Sirius for their satellite radio rather than going with the traditional favorite. I've checked out the line up and can't see that one has much of a clearly defined lead over the other so I can't give a definitive reason for the massive new subscribers to Sirius or even the phenomenal lead that XM Satellite radio is currently enjoying. Regardless if this is something that might interest you, you really should check out each website and decide for yourself which, if either, is more appealing to you as well as whether that appeal is worth the investment and the monthly subscription fee.
I will say this however: XM Satellite Radio for the moment seems to have much better toys to offer consumers. That being said, I'm actually quite surprised that the vast number of new subscribers are going with Sirius rather than XM. Of course, being the gadget geek that I am, I am basing that surprise solely on the fact that XM seems to have much better toys. At the moment XM is offering some really cool gadgets that double not only as XM Satellite Radio receivers but also offer GPS functionality and navigation assistance and controls. Some of these devices even go one step further and play DVDs, CDs, MP3s, among other things.
Believe me, Sirius has a lot to offer its customers as well, I'm simply thrilled over select items that can be found at XM that I really haven't seen adequate competition for elsewhere. On the level of music, both seem to carry similar genres, lineups, etc. The same holds true for the Talk radio line up. The only major difference I am finding between the two are the gadgets. Even the prices are rather competitive with one another. I see only one other major difference and that is the fact that Sirius offers a lifetime membership that cost about the same as the five-year plan from XM Satellite Radio. The thing to remember however is that the lifetime membership is for the lifetime of the device not the subscriber.
I should also point out that opting for satellite radio more than likely will not eliminate your need for a new auto sound system it may however pose certain requirements for the type of sound system you will be able to choose. One thing I have noticed with both companies is that there are plenty of devices from which to choose. You will have your hands full selecting the right equipment for your auto sound system upon which to enjoy the wonderful sounds that satellite radio will bring to your ears each and every day.
- mrknowitall
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Fees Involved in Leasing March 2, 2010 - 17:41:46
Mention auto-leasing and most people will automatically assume a low-monthly payment. There is actually more than what meets the eye, and a number of fees are involved at various stages of the lease process.
At the beginning of the lease, you have to pay a refundable security deposit, typically equivalent to one monthly payment, to safeguard against non-payment and any incidental damage done to the car at the end of the lease. You are also required to pay an administrative charge, called acquisition fee. Other fees include licenses, registration, title and any state or local taxes.
During your lease, and you expected to honour your monthly payment obligations. Any failure to do so will result in late-payment charges. You have to pay any traffic tickets, emission and safety inspections and ongoing maintenance costs. Ending your lease early will result in substantial early termination charges.
At the end of the lease, expect to pay any excess mileage costs, charged at 10 to 20 p a mile. Any incidental damage done to the car, and deemed to be above normal, will result in excess tear-and-wear charges. Finally, if you choose not to purchase the vehicle, then you have to pay a disposition fee.
- mrknowitall
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