Die Another Day is the twentieth spy film in the James Bond series. The film, produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli and directed by Lee Tamahori, marks the fortieth anniversary of the James Bond series. Pierce Brosnan stars as the fictional MI6 James Bond, alongside Halle Berry and Toby Stephens, whose characters all had to parachute during the film’s production.

Executive producer, Tony Waye and co-producer Callum McDougal employed the stunt team, to take part in a challenging scene in which James Bond and Jinx leave a Chinook helicopter in South Korea and fly undetected into North Korea. The team fulfilled the task by flying the Switchblade, a manually guided single passenger craft, designed as a rapid insertion glider going into hostile territory. The Switchblade is very effective and uses the latest stealth profile design technology. As the Switchblade arrives over the designated landing area, James and Jinx deploy parachutes to complete their landing, undetected.

The film’s villain Gustav Graves, played by Toby Stephens, parachuted into Buckingham Palace using a Union Jack parachute to collect his knighthood.

The stunt team comprised Barry Maple, Ian Marshall, Roy Charters, Julia Foxwell and Allan Hewitt. Barry Maple was also responsible for building much of the parachute equipment.

Barry Maple has worked on Tome Raider 2 and ITV’s Airline, which demonstrates his skills as a skydiving instructor.

If you wish to learn to skydive, Barry Maple offers professional holidays through www.skydiveholiday.co.uk.

Train with Skydive Holiday:

Skydive Holiday was established by British skydiving champion and James Bond stunt double Barry Maple. Barry has over twelve years experience and has achieved more than 4100 jumps. He has worked as a safety and training advisor and has coordinated the safety of skydiving instruction.

The instructors at Skydive Holidays are highly experienced. Our leading instructor, Scotty Milne, has over 10,000 jumps and is a UK examiner. Holidays are mainly located in the USA and Spain. 

We offer a range of coaching, including Freefly, formation skydiving and canopy coaching. If you wish to learn to skydive and enjoy an exhilarating, challenging holiday, please visit www.skydiveholiday.co.uk for more information.

Learn to Skydive with AFF:

Skydive Holiday organises Accelerated Freefall courses in Spain and the USA. An AFF course is a fantastic and safe way to learn to skydive.

Unlike the Static Line method of instruction, where you learn techniques on the ground and then try in the air yourself, the AFF course provides air instruction. With two instructors telling you what to do, the AFF system provides a much safer way to learn skydiving – if you should lose control, your instructors can catch you and get you back in check.

All AFF instructors must have completed 1,000 jumps before attending any training. They are therefore highly experienced in their field by the time they qualify.

Skydive Holiday provides training courses and skydiving holidays to Spain and the USA. For more information, please visit www.skydiveholiday.co.uk.

Barry Maple
http://www.articlesbase.com/extreme-sports-articles/stunt-doubles-die-another-day-748635.html

The saying goes, “The eyes are the window to the soul”. And if that holds true, are your eyes in need of a touch up or even a complete overhaul? Our facial expressions and body language convey to the world our true feelings and intentions. As we grow old, the twinkle we once possessed loses some of its glimmer and is muted by visible signs of aging around our eyes. Is is possible to regain the vibrant luster that our eyes once had? The answer to that question is…”Absolutely!”.

Let’s use an old house as an example. This aging home has magnificently, beautiful windows beckoning all visitors to take a closer look inside. But the rest of the house is in bad shape. The paint has faded and is severely weathered having cracks and chips. The wood framing around the windows is rotten. The mortar between the bricks has begun to deteriorate. This once magnificent home has fallen into distress from years of neglect.

If you haven’t guessed it already, this home represents the signs of aging on your face due to overexposure to the sun’s UV rays, poor diet, lack of exercise, and maybe even a smoking addiction. Just like a home can be renovated, you can tap into your body’s rejuvenative powers with a corrective eye cream treatment and little bit of direction.

As one ages, collagen production, a major contributor to healthy looking skin, decreases in the body. For women, this decrease in collagen production goes into free-fall during menopause. Preventing collagen loss and stimulating the production of new collagen is important in maintaining healthy looking skin. Here’s where a specially formulated corrective eye cream will prove beneficial.

As mentioned before, collagen synthesis is an essential building block in having radiantly, beautiful skin. Ascorbyl Palmitate, is a revolutionary compound created by joining Vitamin C, known for its antioxidant talents, and Palmitic Acid. Vitamin C plays a key role in stimulating your body’s production of new collagen. As your natural collagen production is sparked, it quickly brings back your skin’s softness, strength and elasticity.

Since stimulating collagen synthesis does not happen overnight, another breakthrough eye cream ingredient called Silicon Dioxide hides your fine lines, wrinkles, and crow’s feet until your body can diminish their appearance on its own. The human eye cannot actually see a wrinkle. What the eye really detects is the shadow created by the wrinkle. Silicon dioxide comes in the form of billions of microscopic 3-D crystals that refract light resulting in the disappearance of the wrinkle.

In conclusion, the best eye cream treatments are going to at least have Silicon Dioxide and Ascorbyl Palmitate as active ingredients to fight off the signs of aging. Another anti aging ingredient that would be helpful is Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, or AH3 for short. AH3 is the latest, highly recognized alternative to Botox injections sweeping the skin care industry. There is a product that contains all 3 of the aforementioned “super” ingredients and its called LifeCell. LifeCell is an all-in-one anti wrinkle cream, firming cream, 24-hour moisturizer, age-spot reducer, corrective eye cream treatment, lip-plumper and make-up base!

Stephen Cauldry
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/the-best-eye-cream-for-the-money-302196.html

The saying goes, “The eyes are the window to the soul”. And if that holds true, are your eyes in need of a touch up or even a complete overhaul? Our facial expressions and body language convey to the world our true feelings and intentions. As we grow old, the twinkle we once possessed loses some of its glimmer and is muted by visible signs of aging around our eyes. Is is possible to regain the vibrant luster that our eyes once had? The answer to that question is…”Absolutely!”.

Let’s use an old house as an example. This aging home has magnificently, beautiful windows beckoning all visitors to take a closer look inside. But the rest of the house is in bad shape. The paint has faded and is severely weathered having cracks and chips. The wood framing around the windows is rotten. The mortar between the bricks has begun to deteriorate. This once magnificent home has fallen into distress from years of neglect.

If you haven’t guessed it already, this home represents the signs of aging on your face due to overexposure to the sun’s UV rays, poor diet, lack of exercise, and maybe even a smoking addiction. Just like a home can be renovated, you can tap into your body’s rejuvenative powers with a corrective eye cream treatment and little bit of direction.

As one ages, collagen production, a major contributor to healthy looking skin, decreases in the body. For women, this decrease in collagen production goes into free-fall during menopause. Preventing collagen loss and stimulating the production of new collagen is important in maintaining healthy looking skin. Here’s where a specially formulated corrective eye cream will prove beneficial.

As mentioned before, collagen synthesis is an essential building block in having radiantly, beautiful skin. Ascorbyl Palmitate, is a revolutionary compound created by joining Vitamin C, known for its antioxidant talents, and Palmitic Acid. Vitamin C plays a key role in stimulating your body’s production of new collagen. As your natural collagen production is sparked, it quickly brings back your skin’s softness, strength and elasticity.

Since stimulating collagen synthesis does not happen overnight, another breakthrough eye cream ingredient called Silicon Dioxide hides your fine lines, wrinkles, and crow’s feet until your body can diminish their appearance on its own. The human eye cannot actually see a wrinkle. What the eye really detects is the shadow created by the wrinkle. Silicon dioxide comes in the form of billions of microscopic 3-D crystals that refract light resulting in the disappearance of the wrinkle.

In conclusion, the best eye cream treatments are going to at least have Silicon Dioxide and Ascorbyl Palmitate as active ingredients to fight off the signs of aging. Another anti aging ingredient that would be helpful is Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, or AH3 for short. AH3 is the latest, highly recognized alternative to Botox injections sweeping the skin care industry. There is a product that contains all 3 of the aforementioned “super” ingredients and its called LifeCell. LifeCell is an all-in-one anti wrinkle cream, firming cream, 24-hour moisturizer, age-spot reducer, corrective eye cream treatment, lip-plumper and make-up base!

Stephen Cauldry
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/the-best-eye-cream-for-the-money-302196.html

Think you know everything about Walt Disney World Resort and its four world-class theme parks – Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Think again! Even the biggest Disney fanatic will be amused, intrigued or surprised by some of the 50 fascinating Disney World facts listed below . . .

1. Walt Disney World encompasses 30,500 acres, making it approximately the same size as San Francisco.

2. When Disney’s Magic Kingdom first opened its doors on October 1, 1971, adult admission cost $3.50.

3. The opening day crowd at Disney’s Magic Kingdom was approximately 10,000 guests.

4. The eight “E ticket” attractions at Disney’s Magic Kingdom were Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Country Bear Jamboree, Hall of Presidents, Jungle Cruise, It’s a Small World and 20,000 Leagues under the Sea.

5. The estimated annual attendance at Disney’s Magic Kingdom is 16.2 million, followed by Epcot with 9.9 million, Disney-MGM Studios with 8.6 million and Disney’s Animal Kingdom with 8.2 million.

6. Cinderella Castle is Disney’s tallest structure at 189 feet, followed by Space Mountain at 183 feet.

7. Both the Carousel of Progress and It’s A Small World made their debut at the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair.

8. The 180-foot-tall Spaceship Earth at the entrance to Epcot weighs approximately 16 million pounds.

9. The Haunted Mansion uses state-of-the-art Omnimover vehicles called “Doom Buggies.”

10. The jolly headhunter who shows up near the end of the Jungle Cruise is known as “Trader Sam.”

11. In conjunction with the 2006 release of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men’s Chest, the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction at Disney’s Magic Kingdom was renovated to add several characters from the movie such as Jack Sparrow and Hector Barbossa.

12. The icon of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, The Tree of Life, stands 14 stories, features more than 300 animal carvings and is 50 feet wide.

13. Built in 1917, Cinderella’s Golden Carrousel in Fantasyland was once located at Olympic Park in Maplewood, New Jersey.

14. The Great Movie Ride at Disney-MGM Studios is housed in a replica of Mann’s Chinese Theater.

15. Astro Orbiter first opened in Tomorrowland in 1974 as Star Jets.

16. The Hall of Presidents had its origins as an audio-animatronic exhibition called “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln,” which premiered at the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair.

17. Originally known as the “Tropical Serenade,” the Tiki Room in Adventureland was once sponsored by Florida Citrus Growers.

18. The 60-foot-tall Swiss Family Treehouse in Adventureland weighs approximately 200 tons and is made of concrete and thousands of polyethylene leaves.

19. Cinderella Castle, the centerpiece of Disney’s Magic Kingdom, features 18 towers and 13 gargoyles.

20. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh at Fantasyland is located on the site of the former Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.

21. The “Spirits of America” statues in The American Adventure at Epcot represent Adventure, Compassion, Discovery, Freedom, Heritage, Independence, Individualism, Innovation, Knowledge, Pioneering, Self-Reliance and Tomorrow.

22. Towering four stories over DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Dino-Sue is an exact replica of the largest Tyrannosaurus Rex ever discovered.

23. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Frontierland features six trains: I.B. Hearty, I.M. Brave, I.M. Fearless, U.B. Bold, U.R. Daring and U.R. Courageous.

24. The Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster – Starring Aerosmith at Disney-MGM Studios launches you at a speed of 0 to 60 miles per hour in 2.8 seconds.

25. A swinging suspension bridge leads from Tom Sawyer Island to Fort Langhorne, which was named after Samuel Langhorne Clemens (better known as Mark Twain).

26. The replica of the Liberty Bell that can be found in the center of Liberty Square was built from the same authentic cast as the original in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

27. The exit to Haunted Mansion features crypts with humorous names inscribed such as I.M. Ready, Rustin Peese, Pearl E. Gates, Manny Festation, Dustin T. Dust and Asher T. Ashes.

28. The Walt Disney World Railroad, which serves approximately 1.5-million passengers annually, is an authentic 1928 steam-powered train.

29. The Mission: SPACE thrill ride at Epcot is so authentic that motion sickness bags are available just in case of emergency.

30. Mickey’s Toontown Fair was once known as both Mickey’s Birthdayland and Mickey’s Starland.

31. Sonny Eclipse, an “intergalactic lounge singer,” performs daily at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café in Tomorrowland.

32. In order to rank as a “Galactic Hero” at Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, you must score 900,000 to 999,999 points.

33. The audio-animatronic dog in the Carousel of Progress is named “Rover.”

34. Astronauts Scott Carpenter, Gordon Cooper and Jim Irwin were present at the grand opening of Space Mountain in 1975.

35. Stitch’s Great Escape in Tomorrowland lies at the former site of ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter, which closed in 2003.

36. One of the original attractions at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Tomorrowland Indy Speedway was once known as Grand Prix Raceway.

37. Recently renamed The Seas with Nemo & Friends, The Living Seas pavilion opened at Epcot in 1986 and was originally sponsored by United Technologies.

38. “Honey, I Shrunk the Audience,” a 3-D film at Epcot, is located in Future World at the former site of “Captain EO,” another 3-D adventure that was directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starred Michael Jackson and Anjelica Huston.

39. Legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus was the first champion at the Walt Disney World Open Invitational, which made its debut in 1971.

40. The Tomorrowland Transit Authority was originally called the WEDway People Mover (WED standing for Walter Elias Disney).

41. Disney’s Magic Kingdom, which encompasses approximately 107 acres, is itself larger than Disneyland, which only covers 80 acres in Anaheim, California.

42. The design of Main Street U.S.A. was loosely based on Walt Disney’s hometown of Marceline, Missouri.

43. The Swiss Family Treehouse is of the species Disneyodendron eximus or “Out-of-the-Ordinary Disney Tree.”

44. The 189-foot-tall water tower icon at Disney-MGM Studios is known as the “Earffel Tower.”

45. Jungle Cruise riverboats include Amazon Annie, Bomokandi Bertha, Congo Connie, Ganges Gertie, Irrawaddy Irma, Kwango Kate, Mongala Millie, Nile Nelly, Orinoco Ida, Rutshuru Ruby, Sankuru Sadie, Senegel Sal, Ucvali Lolly, Volta Val, Wamba Wanda and Zambesi Zelda.

46. Splash Mountain in Adventureland features a five-story, free-fall plunge at a 45-degree angle into a splash pool at a speed of 40 miles per hour.

47. The 8,500-acre Disney Wilderness Preserve, which lies 15 miles South of Disney World, features a Conservation Learning Center and hiking trails.

48. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is located at the former site of If You Had Wings in Tomorrowland.

49. The three “talking heads” who introduce the Country Bears Jamboree are named Buff, Max and Melvin.

50. Approximately 46 million people visit Walt Disney World – including Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Downtown Disney – annually.

Ryan Wiseman
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/50-things-you-didnt-know-about-disney-world-110072.html

We have all heard it. The real estate bubble has burst or is at the very least deflating. Homeowners in approximately two-thirds of the country are watching their home equity melt away. While bemoaning the fact your equity loss is painful, there is still time to look sensibly for housing deals and act accordingly if we begin reassessing how we view real estate.

This article is the first of a series that will provide an explanation of the phenomenon of the housing bubble, why it had to burst and perhaps most importantly, how we should now approach housing as the housing market corrects. Rest assured, the long term picture of rising property values will return as it is fundamently still your best and most important investment. However, in the meantime we need to take stock, just as we would any investment, and assess which way to go from here.

Unless you are a professional investor, most people view their home as a place to live and raise their family while paying bills using wages earned in a growing local economy. Perhaps it is time to look at your home for what it really is a commodity. And just as any commodity, whether it is common stock, pork bellies or real estate, it is subject to the same economic principles that will make its price increase one day and fall the next. The only real difference is the amount of time it will take for the housing market to respond to those factors influencing its price.

What is it that causes your home to have value? The obvious answer is and always will be how much demand is there by potential buyers of your home. Think of it a like selling art. Its selling price is determined solely by what others will pay for it. If the art looks as if it were scrawled on the back of an envelope, you will have few buyers. Conversely, if the art has mass appeal, much like the famous Currier and Ives prints seen so frequently on classic Christmas cards, then there will be more potential buyers.

The greater the number of potential buyers creates the demand (as defined in economic terms) for your home. If you are located in an area where the local economy is brisk, companies are expanding, everybody is enjoying an increasing standard of living, there will obviously be greater demand for housing in the area as more job seekers move to the community in an effort to cash-in on the local prosperity. If you are one of the lucky ones who own a home in the community, the increase in the value of your home is a direct result of its demand. You can see from this example that the value of your home is not a reflection of the construction cost, but rather demand. This is the very reason a home in Sioux City, Iowa is priced less than a home of comparable size and construction cost in Boston.

How expensive must house become before no one will buy? Let us look at an example that has existed in numerous communities in California and south Florida. We will use an an example someone who wishes to purchase a home in California. In this market it is quite common to pay in excess of $450,000 for a 1,300 square foot house. If this small house were purchased with the buyer financing 95% of the purchase price ($427,500) using a typical 30-year, 6.125% mortgage, the monthly payment for only principle and interest would be $2,453. Since most mortgage underwriting limits the maximum monthly payment the homeowner may make to 28% of gross income, the buyers combined annual household income must be not less than ($2,453 x 12) / 0.28 or $105,151 excluding taxes and insurance. And just what percentage of households in California have an income this great? Fewer than 10%! This in no way implies there are nott numerous families who wish to live in the area. It is simply that there are few families who are able to qualify for the requisite financing.

As housing prices increase, the fewer families are able to secure the necessary financing. This situation has spawned a whole group of mortgage programs designed to permit more individuals to qualify for larger mortgages allowing the purchase of these higher priced homes. Mortgage programs that have emerged vary from numerous types of adjustable rate mortgages to those that during times of higher interest rates result in payments which are less than the amount required to pay only interest. The risk of this type of mortgage is that it creates greater debt for the homeowner. Many of these mortage programs effectively cause the homeowner to gamble on creating home equity through appreciation without any debt retirement. This is a good bet when the demand by potential qualified buyers is larger than the supply of available houses in the market, but what happens if there is either an increase in mortgage rates or even worse an economic downturn in the local or national economy.

As interest rates for mortgages increase, fewer prospective buyers are able qualify for the a mortgage. As the number of qualified buyers becomes smaller, home owners must reduce the cost of their house in an effort to sell. Those who remember the when Jimmy Carter was President may also recall that the Federal Reserve Board during the 1970s caused mortgage money to be loaned at interest rates in excess of 14%. During this period many homeowners discovered that if you could sell your house it was usually at a loss. The price of housing was almost in a freefall because the number of individuals who could qualify for a mortgage was so small in relation to the large quantity of houses for sale. Supply had exceeded demand creating a buyers market. While this does not compare to the minor increases experienced recently by the mortgage industry, it does point to the reason home prices have been reduced in most overheated housing markets.

Now that you have the basic economic fundamentals of supply and demand, what do you do if you currently live in one of these formerly hot markets. The answer is very simple. TAKE THE MONEY AND RUN! In investment circles this is called profit-taking. However, remaining in the same market requires you to re-invest your profits returning to the same financial position as you were before. Hence, my recommendation is to consider seriously the advantages to relocating to a city where both housing is more affordable and it is possible to enjoy the same or better quality of life. I am not going to recommend you move to the middle of the Mohave desert, but rather to a location the value of housing is appreciating. Just as anyone with a sound investment strategy, your simple goal is to sell high, take your profits and buy low with the reasonable expectation that you will again be able to do it again.

I would like to introduce you to a little gem you should consider for your next home address. Located within a two hour drive of sandy ocean side beaches and a three hour drive of world class mountain ski resorts this metro area provides all any family could desire — plus the potential of a solid 7 percent growth on your home value rate as predicted by Veros Real Estate Solutions. This area has moderate climate with little snow each winter. So where is this little gem? Raleigh, North Carolina.

Formerly thought of as just another sleepy southern city, Raleigh North Carolina began capturing headlines because of its growth in the late 1970s. Fueled, in part, by the Research Triangle Park in conjunction with three major research universities: Duke University, NC State University and the University of North Carolina, Raleigh has grown consistently and now rates as a technical and cultural center in the region.

The US Census Bureau currently ranks Raleigh North Carolina together with the adjacent city Cary North Carolina the 10th fasting growing metropolitan area in the United States. Forbes magazine has named Raleigh North Carolina the 2nd best place for business and careers. Kiplingers Personal Finance has named the Raleigh-Durham area one of the Seven Cool Cities for Young Professionals. Rated the 3rd most educated city in the country by the US Census Bureau, Raleigh provides a wealth of talent creating what Entrepreneur magazine has called 3rd Hottest City for Entrepreneurs.

Check Raleigh, North Carolina out. Look at how much your housing dollar will buy where the advantages are many and housing is still affordable. The local multiple listing service can be accessed through a number of real estate agencies serving the Raleigh regional area — where you can discover how taking the money and running to Raleigh, North Carolina could be the smartest move you will ever make.

Tim Butler
http://www.articlesbase.com/finance-articles/time-to-change-your-real-estate-strategy-68955.html

Universal Orlando’s two world-class theme parks – Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure – each boast one-of-a-kind thrill rides such as Incredible Hulk Coaster, Dueling Dragons, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, Jurassic Park River Adventure, Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride and much more.

A diversity of thrill rides can be found in abundance at Universal’s Islands of Adventures, which features five uniquely themed islands – Jurassic Park, The Lost Continent, Marvel Super Hero Island, Seuss Landing and Toon Lagoon. Experience classic roller coasters like Incredible Hulk Coaster, which speeds you from zero to 40 miles per hour in just two seconds aboard a “gamma ray accelerator” at Marvel Super Hero Island; and Dueling Dragons, the world’s first inverted, dueling roller coasters – Ice Dragon or Fire Dragon – that reach speeds up to 55 miles per hour (“Past this point of no return, your only choice is freeze or burn!”).

In addition to Incredible Hulk Coaster, Marvel Super Hero Island is home to The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, a fascinating indoor thrill ride that features a great mix of 3-D special effects and live action as Spider-Man battles assorted villains; and Doctor Doom’s Fearfall, a “free-fall thrill ride that sends you speeding 150 feet high straight into the air and then hurls you back down just as quickly.

Universal’s Islands of Adventure also features several thrilling water-based rides (prepare to get soaked!) such as Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges, Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls and Jurassic Park River Adventure. Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges is a Toon Lagoon raft ride that spins you through some serious rapids as you wind your way around Me Ship, The Olive play area. The highlight of Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls, an exciting water flume ride also located in Toon Lagoon, is a 75-foot plummet down the falls. At Jurassic Park River Adventure, take an amazing boat ride as you try to escape from the Raptor Containment Area full of animatronic dinosaurs and shoot down 85 feet into the pool below.

Even though Universal’s Islands of Adventure is home to all the roller coasters at Universal Orlando, several not-to-be-missed thrill rides can be found at Universal Studios as well such as Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride, a state-of-the-art “psychological” thrill ride where you must battle an army of “warrior mummies” and other obstacles as you cruise through total darkness at speeds up to 45 miles per hour. Other classic thrill rides at Universal Studios include Twister . . . Ride It Out, a live action/simulated ride based on the 1996 hit movie, and Earthquake – The Big One, which allows you to experience an earth-shattering quake complete with crashing subway cars, exploding gas trucks and collapsing ceilings.

“In addition to a great variety of thrill rides and attractions, Universal Orlando boasts three world-class hotels, numerous dining opportunities and CityWalk, a spectacular entertainment complex that features some of the hottest nightlife in Orlando,” said Kyle Collins, Director of Interactive Marketing for HotelsCorp.com. “And by purchasing your tickets to Universal Studios or Universal’s Islands of Adventure before you arrive in Orlando, you and your family will enjoy incredible savings on your Orlando vacation.”

Note: Be sure to check height and medical restrictions that are listed at the entrance to each of the thrill rides at Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventures.

Ryan Wiseman
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/universal-orlando-2007-thrill-ride-guide-103817.html

1. What year did Disney’s Magic Kingdom open its doors?

A) 1955

B) 1971

C) 1975

2. What Orlando attraction is known as “The Alligator Capital of the World”?

A) Gatorland

B) Jungle Adventures

C) Holy Land Experience

3. Which Major League Baseball team plays its home games at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex during Spring Training?

A) Houston Astros

B) Atlanta Braves

C) Milwaukee Beers

4. What is the tallest structure at Disney’s Magic Kingdom?

A) Space Mountain

B) Swiss Family Treehouse

C) Cinderella Castle

5. Scenes from which 1998 Adam Sandler movie were filmed at the Citrus Bowl?

A) The Waterboy

B) Happy Gilmore

C) Deuce Bigalo: European Gigolo

6. What is the name of the new water park scheduled to open across the street from SeaWorld Orlando in the spring of 2008?

A) Seatopia

B) Aquatica

C) The Life Aquatic

7. Which PGA Tour golf tournament takes place at Bay Hill Golf Club each March?

A) Arnold Palmer Invitational

B) Arnold Jackson Invitational

C) Arnold Ziffel Invitational

8. What is the name of Disney World’s major promotional celebration that runs throughout 2007?

A) Year of a Million Dreams

B) Year of a Thousand Dreams

C) Year of 10 Dreams

9. What is Orlando’s “tallest, fastest, longest and only floorless roller coaster”?

A) Incredible Hulk Coaster

B) Kraken

C) Shamu Express

10. Which performing arts troupe will find a permanent home at Universal Orlando during the summer of 2007?

A) Cirque du Soleil

B) Milli Vanilli

C) Blue Man Group

11. What year did the Orlando Predators win the Arena Bowl championship?

A) 1965

B) 1998

C) 2000

12. What Orlando attraction is billed as the “world’s most interactive dinner show”?

A) Pirate’s Dinner Adventure

B) King Henry’s Feast

C) Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede

13. What is the tallest artificial mountain at Disney World?

A) Expedition Everest

B) Splash Mountain

C) Space Mountain

14. Which annual Orlando festival is billed as “10 Days of Theatre, Art, Music and Madness”?

A) Orlando International Fringe Festival

B) Epcot International Wine & Cheese Festival

C) Ocoee International Sailing Regatta

15. What is the fastest ride at Disney World?

A) Space Mountain

B) Test Track

C) WEDway PeopleMover

16. Which Cirque du Soleil show takes place at Downtown Disney?

A) Mystere

B) La Nouba

C) La Strada

17. Encompassing more than 500 acres, which is Disney World’s largest theme park?

A) Epcot

B) Boardwalk and Baseball

C) Disney’s Animal Kingdom

18. What is the name of the indoor interactive theme park at Downtown Disney?

A) DisneyQuest

B) DisneyInterQuest

C) Cirque du Quest

19. Name the “living, biblical history museum” that lies just off Interstate 4 in Orlando.

A) Holy Land Experience

B) Bible-o-Rama

C) Holy World

20. What is the name of the free reservation system Disney World uses for its most popular rides and attractions?

A) QUICKPASS

B) FASTPASS

C) SUNPASS

21. Which Major League Baseball team plays its home games at Osceola County Stadium in Kissimmee during Spring Training?

A) Houston Astros

B) Atlanta Braves

C) Durham Bulls

22. What year did Disney-MGM Studios open its doors?

A) 1982

B) 1989

C) 1998

23. Who is the head coach of the Orlando Magic?

A) Grant Hill

B) Brian Hill

C) Benny Hill

24. Which Orlando attraction is home to the Dr. Phillips Cinedome?

A) Orlando Museum of Art

B) Xanadu: Home of the Future

C) Orlando Science Center

25. Which is one of the seven enchanted lands that make up Disney’s Magic Kingdom?

A) Seussland

B) Copland

C) Adventureland

26. Which of the following countries is represented at Epcot’s World Showcase?

A) Bangladesh

B) Morocco

C) Algeria

27. Who was the first champion at the inaugural Walt Disney World Open Golf Invitational in 1971?

A)Jack Nicklaus

B) Tiger Woods

C) Arnold Palmer

28. What is the former name of the Astro Orbiter attraction in Tomorrowland?

A) Skyrockets in Flight

B) Star Jets

C) Mon Calamari Star Cruisers

29. Which astronaut took the first ride during the grand opening of Space Mountain in 1975?

A) Major Anthony “Tony” Nelson

B) Commander Neil Armstrong

C) Colonel Gordon Cooper

30. What is the name of Disney World’s first water park, which opened at Fort Wilderness Campground in 1976.

A) River Country

B) Splash Country

C) Wilderness Country

31. What did EPCOT originally stand for?

A) Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow

B) Experimental Polyester Clothes of Tomorrow

C) Every Pocketbook Comes Out Trashed

32. Which thrill ride can be found in the Norway Pavilion at Epcot?

A) Troll Trauma

B) Maelstrom

C) El Rio Del Norway

33. Singer Gloria Estefan owns which Downtown Disney restaurant?

A) Raglan Road Irish Pub

B) Bongos Cuban Cafe

C) Latin Quarter

34. Which is one of Disney World’s two miniature golf courses?

A) Disney’s Winter Summerland

B) Disney’s Summer Winterland

C) Disney’s Fall Springland

35. What International Drive landmark is known as “ Orlando’s only upside-down attraction”?

A) Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!

B) Skull Kingdom

C) WonderWorks

36. Which PGA golf tournament takes place at Disney World each October?

A) FUNAI Golf Classic

B) Arnold Palmer Golf Classic

C) Bushwood Golf Classic

37. Summit Plummet, the world’s fastest and tallest free-fall waterslide, can be found at which water park?

A) Disney’s Blizzard Beach

B) Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon

C) DisneyQuest

38. Which legendary rock band is associated with a thrill ride at Disney-MGM Studios?

A) Guns N’ Roses

B) Aerosmith

C) Insane Clown Posse

39. Which annual event takes place at Disney-MGM Studios?

A) Fear Factor Live Weekend

B) K-Fed Rapper Wannabe Weekend

C) ABC Super Soap Weekend

40. What is the airport code for the Orlando International Airport?

A) MCO

B) MCKY

C) ORL

41. How much does it cost to ride the I-Ride Trolley?

A) 25 cents

B) 75 cents

C) 99 cents

42. Which Kissimmee dinner show bills itself as a “Storybook Tale of Romance and Adventure”?

A) Medieval Times

B) Arabian Nights

C) Battlebots: Metal Munching Maniacs

43. What Orlando attraction gives you the opportunity to swim with bottlenose dolphins?

A) Discovery Cove

B) Wet ‘n Wild Water Park

C) Splendid China

44. Which shopping, dinning and entertainment complex in Kissimmee is home to the SkyCoaster thrill ride?

A) Celebration

B) Pointe*Kissimmee

C) Old Town

45. Who did the Orlando Magic select as its No. 1 draft pick in 2004?

A) Dwight Howard

B) Juwan Howard

C) Clint Howard

46. Which NASCAR legend offers a stock car “Driving Experience” attraction at Walt Disney World Speedway?

A) Dale Earnhardt Jr.

B) Richard Petty

C) Ricky Bobby

47. Which of the following attractions is still open on International Drive?

A) Titanic: The Experience

B) Skull Kingdom

C) Hard Rock Vault

48. Disney World is actually located in what city?

A) Orlando

B) Lake Buena Vista

C) Bithlo

49. Which Disney World theme park has more than one entrance?

A) Disney-MGM Studios

B) Disney’s Animal Kingdom

C) Epcot

50. The Living Seas Pavilion at Epcot has changed its name to honor which Disney animated character?

A) Nemo

B) Arial

C) Foghorn Leghorn

51. Which is the largest of the five islands that make up Universal’s Islands of Adventure?

A) Jurassic Park

B) Marvel Super Hero Island

C) Seuss Landing

52. What year did Epcot open its doors?

A) 1978

B) 1982

C) 1989

53. Which is not one of the characters from the Pirates of the Caribbean movies to be added to the Pirates attraction at Disney’s Magic Kingdom?

A) Captain Jack Sparrow

B) Barbossa

C) Cap’n Crunch

54. Which is one of the five “islands” at Universal’s Islands of Adventure?

A) Looney Tune Lagoon

B) Bufoon Lagoon

C) Toon Lagoon

55. The world’s first inverted, dueling roller coasters can be found at which Orlando theme park?

A) Universal’s Islands of Adventure

B) SeaWorld Orlando

C) Fun Spot Action Park

56. Mount Gushmore serves as the centerpiece of which Orlando area water park?

A) Disney’s Blizzard Beach

B) Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon

C) Wet ‘n Wild Water Park

57. Which Fantasyland attraction boasts the world’s largest seamless projection screen?

A) It’s a Small World

B) Peter Pan’s Flight

C) Mickey’s PhilharMagic

58. The theme and characters for Splash Mountain were inspired by what 1946 Disney movie?

A)Song of the South

B) Fantasia

C) Splash

59. President Richard Nixon gave his famous “I am not a crook” speech during a convention at which Disney resort in 1973?

A) Polynesian Resort

B) Contemporary Resort

C) Motel 6

60. Which science fiction writer assisted in the design of Epcot’s Spaceship Earth?

A) Ray Bradbury

B) Isaac Asimov

C) Thomas Anderson

61. Who is the actor that currently narrates the Spaceship Earth ride at Epcot?

A) Jeremy Piven

B) Jeremy Irons

C) Jeremy Shockey

62. How many ghosts reside at the Haunted Mansion?

A) 99

B) 999

C) 9,999

63. Name the body of water that lies directly in front of Disney’s Magic Kingdom.

A) Discovery Lagoon

B) Seven Seas Lagoon

C) Toon Lagoon

64. Which was not one of the original attractions when Disney’s Magic Kingdom opened in 1971?

A) Haunted Mansion

B) Jungle Cruise

C) Pirates of the Caribbean

65. Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride in Fantasyland was replaced by which attraction in the late ‘90s?

A) The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

B) If You Had Wings

C) 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

66. How much did a seven-ride attraction ticket book cost when Disney’s Magic Kingdom opened in 1971?

A) $4.75

B) $8.75

C) $67.75

67. How tall is Space Mountain?

A) 89 feet

B) 189 feet

C) 29,028 feet

68. Which of the Country Bears sings “Blood on the Saddle” during the Country Bear Jamboree?

A) Big Al

B) Mr. Big

C) Notorious B.I.G.

69. What is the name of the fort that is connected to Tom Sawyer Island by a swinging suspension bridge?

A) Fort Courage

B) Fort Longhorn

C) Fort Langhorne

70. What is the nickname of the vehicles used at The Haunted Mansion?

A) Doom Buggies

B) Creepy Carriages

C) Haunted Hearses

71. Which is not a location of one of the three Walt Disney World Railroad stations at Disney’s Magic Kingdom?

A) Frontierland

B) Adventureland

C) Mickey’s Toontown Fair

72. What is the highest rank you can achieve through accumulating points at Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin?

A) Galactic Hero

B) Starfleet Captain

C) Space Nerd

73. What is the maximum speed of the Indy cars at Tomorrowland Indy Speedway?

A) 2.5 mph

B) 7.5 mph

C) 160 mph

74. Which of the following animated films was worked on at Disney-MGM Studios?

A) Mulan

B)Treasure Planet

C)Fritz the Cat

75. What is the original name of the Tomorrowland Transit Authority?

A) Mach Go Go Go

B) Blade Runner

C) WEDway People Mover

76. The Leave a Legacy Sculpture is located near the entrance to which Disney World theme park?

A) Disney’s Magic Kingdom

B) Disney-MGM Studios

C) Epcot

77. Which Epcot attraction gives you a bird’s-eye view of California landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Disneyland?

A) Soarin’

B) Flyin’

C) Glidin’

78. Who was the original narrator of Epcot’s Spaceship Earth?

A) Walter Cronkite

B) Carl Sagan

C) Butch Patrick

79. Which of the following is one of the audio-animatronic characters that host The American Adventure at Epcot?

A) Mark Twain

B) Abraham Lincoln

C) Donald Trump

80. What is the nickname of the water tower icon at Disney-MGM Studios?

A) Eyeful Tower

B) Earffel Tower

C) Falafel Tower

81. The Rock ‘n Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith at Disney-MGM Studios reaches 0 to 60 miles per hour in how many seconds?

A) 2.8

B) 3.8

C) 23.8

82. Which thrill ride at Universal’s Islands of Adventure boasts two corkscrews, two vertical loops, a double-inverting cobra roll and a zero-g roll?

A) Dueling Dragons

B) Incredible Hulk Coaster

C) High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride

83. The Sounds Dangerous show at Disney-MGM Studios stars which TV comedian?

A) Carrot Top

B) Andrew “Dice” Clay

C) Drew Carey

84. How many stories does the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror plummet?

A) 15

B) 13

C) 2

85. Which of the following attractions is no longer open at Disney-MGM Studios?

A) Muppet Vision 3-D

B) Voyage of the Little Mermaid

C) Who Wants to be a Millionaire – Play It

86. What year did Disney’s Animal Kingdom open its doors?

A) 1989

B) 1998

C) 2000

87. Which attraction lies underneath the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom?

A) It’s Tough to be a Bug!

B) Expedition Everest

C) Kali River Rapids

88. Expedition Everest takes you on a thrilling adventure that leads to a confrontation with what mythical creature?

A)Yeti from the Himalayas

B) Yoda from The Empire Strikes Back

C) Sloth from The Goonies

89. What is the nickname of the Tyrannosaurus Rex replica that serves as the unofficial mascot of DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom?

A) Dino-Mite

B) Dino-Sue

C) Dinah-Shore

90. Surfing instruction can be arranged at the Surf Pool of which Orlando area water park?

A) Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon

B) Disney’s Blizzard Beach

C) Wet ‘n’ Wild Water Park

91. Which of the following theme restaurants is not located at Universal CityWalk?

A) NBA Café

B) Chuck E. Cheese’s

C) Hard Rock Cafe

92. A walk-through exhibit near the entrance to Universal Studios honors which legendary TV actress?

A) Lucille Ball

B) Mary Tyler Moore

C) Yasmine Bleeth

93. Which attraction at Universal Studios involves the use of “OgreVision googles”?

A) Shrek 4-D

B) Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast

C) Jaws

94. What is the name of the kiddie roller coaster located in The Lost Continent at Universal’s Islands of Adventure?

A) The Flying Spaghetti Monster

B) The Flying Dragon

C) The Flying Unicorn

95. What is the newest attraction in Seuss Landing at Universal’s Islands of Adventure?

A) Caro-Seuss-El

B) Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride

C) The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride

96. The grand opening of Walt Disney World on October 1, 1971, drew approximately how many guests?

A) 10,000

B) 20,000

C) 100,000

97. Which is one of the classic attractions at Disney’s Magic Kingdom that originally made its debut at the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair?

A) Carousel of Progress

B) Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride

C) Barnstormer at Goofy’s Wiseacre Farm

98. The Great Movie Ride at Disney-MGM Studios is housed in a replica of which famous theater?

A) Mann’s Chinese Theater

B) Apollo Theater

C) AMC Pleasure Island 24

99. Which Adventureland attraction was once sponsored by Florida Citrus Growers?

A) Pirates of the Caribbean

B) Tiki Room

C) Jungle Cruise

100. A replica of what famous icon can be found in the center of Liberty Square?

A) Declaration of Independence

B) Liberty Bell

C) Michael Jackson’s Chimp, Bubbles

101. What thrill ride at Epcot is so authentic that motion sickness bags are available just in case of emergency?

A) Mission: SPACE

B) Test Track

C) Ellen’s Energy Adventure

102. Where does “intergalactic lounge singer” Sunny Eclipse perform daily at Disney’s Magic Kingdom?

A) Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café, Tomorrowland

B) Johnny Appleseed’s Tavern, Liberty Square

C) Big Bamboo Lounge, Highway 192

103. What is the name of the audio-animatronic dog in the Carousel of Progress?

A) Rover

B) Spot

C) Triumph

104. Which of the following movies had scenes shot in Orlando?

A)Police Academy 6: City Under Siege

B)The Toxic Avenger Part III: The Last Temptation of Toxie

C) Larry the Cable Guy: Health Inspector

105. Who won the 2007 Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill Club & Lodge?

A) Tiger Woods

B) Happy Gilmore

C) Vijay Singh

106. What is the name of the one-of-a-kind “watercoaster” ride at SeaWorld Orlando?

A) Beyond Atlantis

B) Journey to Atlantis

C) Pelt a Penguin

107. Which new after-hours event did Disney’s Magic Kingdom introduce during the winter of 2007?

A) Disney’s Very Merry After Christmas Party

B) Disney’s Pirate & Princess Party

C) Disney’s It’s A Dead Man’s Party

108. Which body of water in Central Florida is the fourth-largest lake in Florida?

A) Lake Apopka

B) Lake Orlando

C) Lake Bithlo

ANSWERS:

1. B

2. A

3. B

4. C

5. A

6. B

7. A

8. A

9. B

10. C

11. C

12. A

13. A

14. A

15. B

16. B

17. C

18. A

19. A

20. B

21. A

22. B

23. B

24. C

25. C

26. B

27. A

28. B

29. C

30. A

31. A

32. B

33. B

34. A

35. C

36. A

37. A

38. B

39. C

40. A

41. B

42. B

43. A

44. C

45. A

46. B

47. A

48. B

49. C

50. A

51. A

52. B

53. C

54. C

55. A

56. A

57. C

58. A

59. B

60. A

61. B

62. B

63. B

64. C

65. A

66. A

67. B

68. A

69. C

70. A

71. B

72. A

73. B

74. A

75. C

76. C

77. A

78. A

79. A

80. B

81. B

82. B

83. C

84. B

85. C

86. B

87. A

88. A

89. B

90. A

91. B

92. A

93. A

94. C

95. C

96. A

97. A

98. A

99. B

100. B

101. A

102. A

103. A

104. C

105. C

106. B

107. B

108. A

Ryan Wiseman
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/disney-fanatic-test-your-knowledge-of-disney-world-orlando-140471.html

Many homeowners have been taken by surprise when the value of their home suddenly seemed to hit freefall. It would certainly seem as though there should be one advantage to dropping home prices; however. Many homeowners assumed that when the value of their homes fell, their property taxes would as well. This has not been the case in many areas; however.

In some cases; homeowners have been shocked to discover that not only have their property tax bills not decreased, they have actually increased in some cases. This has been quite a surprise for homeowners as they struggle to understand why they are paying more in taxes on homes that are not worth as much as they were just a year ago.

The reason for this relates to the complex manner in which property taxes are calculated in many areas. One of the biggest problems, especially in Nevada, is the fact that property tax increases were capped during the housing boom. During this time home values skyrocketed rapidly. Today, the values of homes in these same areas are falling; however, the decreases have not actually been enough to compensate for the increases of just a few years ago. Consequently, the values of homes would need to decrease sharply over a short period of time in order for property tax bills to decrease. While declining property values has certainly been a problem, they simply have not decreased enough in many areas to provide any relief from property tax bills.

As the rate of defaulted loans and foreclosures continue to soar in many locations, numerous counties have discovered that the rate of unpaid properties taxes is also on the rise. The metro Detroit area, in particular, is experiencing a record high rate of unpaid property taxes. Detroit is currently considered to be one of the worst housing markets in the United States based on the decline of housing prices and increase of foreclosures. The lack of jobs and weak economy in the greater Detroit area are considered to be the primary factors contributing to the housing crash in the area.

Even if property owners are paying their monthly mortgage payments on time they could still be at risk for losing their properties through foreclosure if they fail to pay their property taxes for three years in a row. In such situations, the county would then take control of the home and auction it off to pay the balance of taxes owed. Counties in the Detroit area are currently struggling to recoup hundreds of millions of dollars in unpaid property taxes. The issue has had significant repercussions on counties in the greater Detroit area.

Property owners who find they are behind on the property taxes can take some steps to stave off foreclosure. The first step is to begin making payments on their taxes. Many homeowners make the mistake of thinking they are doomed if they cannot pay off all of the taxes owed and thus pay nothing at all. Keep in mind that making any payment, even if you cannot pay all of the taxes, is better than paying nothing at all. If you are not able to pay all of the taxes; at least try to pay off your oldest taxes first. Remember that taxes which remain unpaid for three years consecutively places you at risk for foreclosure. Pay off the oldest taxes first to combat this risk.

You might also check with your county to determine whether you may be eligible for an extension for property taxes, which are unpaid. In some situations, the county treasurer may be able to grant you an exemption for your taxes if you are able to demonstrate extreme hardship. It is best to do this as early as possible; however, as there are commonly deadlines for the exemption applications.

In addition, check with your mortgage company or bank to find out whether they offer any type of program or loan that can provide you with the money needed to cover your taxes. It is never in the best interest of the bank to have the county take over the property, so they are often willing to work with the homeowner to avoid having this happen. Keep in mind; however, that when you do this will you will be taking on an increased debt burden.

Now what if you are faced with Foreclosure. Do you know what the first thing is that you should do? It is in your best interest to learn NOW.

Troy Foote
http://www.articlesbase.com/finance-articles/falling-home-prices-have-little-effect-on-property-taxes-487025.html

Banks and lending institutions that own real estate that was acquired through foreclosure call these properties real estate owned or REO’s. REO’s represent a liability to lenders because of the required accounting that literally “sucks” away assets of the lenders by the requirement they have substantial cash reserves to offset any potential loss when the properties are sold. This cash requirement substantially depletes the leveraged lending ability of that specific institution so REO’s are not what any lender wants. In addition, the lender faces capital loss due to a declining real estate market.

REO’s are a fact-of-life for lenders, so much so that they have extensive infra-structure to deal with these properties and have developed ways to sell them that whips investors into a buying frenzy. As always the REO is placed on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS®) at what is assumed to be fair market value (FMV) and allowed to stay at this price for 30 – 60 days. The price is next reduced by about 10% and the results are carefully watched. If there is no action, the price will be reduced at least once more by roughly 15% – 20%. Because of the data sorting capabilities of the MLS® every time the price is reduced, investors and realtors see the price changes and look more carefully at the property.

After two price reductions, if no firm acceptable offers have been tendered, the lender will “free-fall” the price as much as 30% – 40% below what it was originally offered. This pricing will almost always get plenty of interest and contracts. However, the lender and his agent stall taking an offer and tell perspective buyers to “Give us your best and final offer”. The reality is the lender is trying to play each investor/buyer against the next to get the highest bid possible. In many cases the final sales price is well over what the lender would have taken without the bidding process.

The lender will give priority to cash offers because of the speed in closing the sale, but often they will accept conventional financing if the buyer looks good credit wise and has a substantial down payment. If there is a cash offer versus a financing offer and there is less than $5,000 difference, the lender will take the cash offer. What an investor needs to know, to get his offer accepted, is to only deal directly with the listing broker. If a buyer’s agent is used representing the investor, the commission will be split between the lender’s agent and the investor’s agent. I have personally made higher offers through a buyer’s agent who originally showed me the property and had them declined for a lower offer that was submitted directly to the lender’s agent. Simple mathematics, the lender’s agent got twice the commission taking the direct offer. Don’t let this happen to you, go t o the REO agent to begin and pay your agent separate if he brings you the deal.

Another huge issue not often mentioned in REO sales is illegal structures added without permitting. These are not title issues because they are not covered by title insurance unless the code violations are open and in the public record. So a buyer of an REO can get title insurance, but actually purchase an illegally added bedroom, bathroom, etc. and have problems when he resells the property. Some counties and cities required a “re-inspection” before title can be transferred, and these issues would become apparent to a buyer. However, the vast majority do not require re-occupancy inspections and the problem may be passed on to the buyer. Lenders do not give a warranty deed but offer a buyer a limited warranty deed which only covers the period when the lender actually owned the property – further reducing the lender’s liability for deficiencies in the property.

Buying REO’s is truly the best example of “buyer beware” and the solution is to have a certified inspector look for structural problems, permit issues and illegal additions. If the buyer does his homework and is willing to assume the risks of the unknown, unseen problems, REO’s can be rewarding purchases. The best way to acquire the properties is to decide on the highest bid you are willing to pay and not to exceed this offer despite what the “friendly” agent is telling you. Even more importantly, the actual price the lender is offering is always negotiable. If the lender says “No” to your offer, just say “What will you take?” and you will almost always save yourself thousands of dollars!

Dave Dinkel
http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/dangers-of-buying-reos-just-out-of-foreclosure-525913.html

Has e-mail taken control of your life? As a small business owner, I know e-mail rules my day. The first thing I do in the morning is check my e-mail and the last thing I do before I go to sleep is check my e-mail. In between, I am monitoring my e-mail like an air-traffic controller. I’m always watching for new mail and will stop what I’m working on when I receive a notice that new mail has arrived. This is just plain sick! Do they have a 12-step program for e-mail addicts?

E-Mail Wastes Time

The need to read e-mail throughout the day has become a big time-waster for companies. Most people have two or three e-mail accounts so that double or triples the time spent checking e-mails. A survey by America Online and Opinion Research discovered that 61% of people check their personal e-mail an average of three times a day while at work. Add in the time spent reading company e-mail and you’ve quadrupled the time spent with e-mail.

E-mail has taken over our lives at home and at work because it is not just a matter of reading the e-mails; we also need to respond to the e-mails. Sure we can delete the abundance of SPAM that clogs our in-boxes, but then we are left with the e-mail that demands a response. We have to take the time to slowly read the message, understand the message and then organize our thoughts to write a reply. This takes even more time.

E-Mail Miscommunication

Here’s where things take a free-fall and really eat up your time. If someone was standing in front of you and you were having a conversation, it would be easy to say what you wanted to say. You’d watch the body language, listen to the tone of voice and quickly know what to say and how to say it. But e-mail is just words; no body language and no voice tone. It’s actually one of the most difficult methods of communication because only 7% of a message is understood from the words we use; 93% of the understanding is from body language and voice tone.

So, not only is it difficult to figure out WHAT to say in an e-mail, it’s difficult to figure out HOW to say it right and not cause a miscommunication. You have no idea what the mindset will be of the person who will be reading your e-mail. He or she could have just had an argument or an incident of road rage before arriving to work and then starts reading your e-mail. What you thought was “constructive criticism” is now interpreted as a vicious remark to them personally. You’re in trouble now.

Let me replay this situation and imagine you chose to phone this individual rather than send an e-mail. As soon as he answered the phone you would hear in his voice something was wrong and the warning bells would go off in your head. There is no way you would offer your “constructive criticism” at this point. You’d choose another time when things were calm.

With e-mail you don’t get any “do-overs.” Once that message is sent, you are doomed. If there’s a miscommunication, you are stuck trying to make things right and wasting more time!

Get A Handle on E-Mail

Compare e-mail to a garage with tools laying around. You can’t park your car in the garage and you can barely walk through the garage without tripping. But, if you hang up the tools on the walls you can easily find the tools and what was chaos is now organized. Every tool has its place and you know where to find it.

You need to look at e-mail the same way. E-mail is a tool for communication; nothing more, nothing less. It’s not the sharpest tool in the toolbox, but it usually gets the job done. However, it’s not the only tool. Take a look at your other communication tools and see if they would do a better job.

Here are some guidelines to help you make better communication choices and prevent e-mail from being such a time-waster:

*If you are angry or if you think your message will make your reader angry or upset, don’t use e-mail. Use the phone or physically meet with the person. You want the advantage of body language and voice tone.

*Be sure to include all the information your reader needs to make a decision in your e-mail reply. Think about things from their perspective and imagine what they need to know. The more information you include, the less likely there will be miscommunication.

*Set aside specific times of the day to deal with your e-mail. If you want to deal with all your e-mail at the end of the day, consider setting up an autoresponder that tells people that’s what you do and that they can expect a response at the end of the day. If it is important they can phone you.

*Only handle an e-mail once. Open it up, read it, reply and file it into a specific folder. If you wait to get back to an e-mail you may have hundreds of e-mails to look through or even worse; not be able to find the right e-mail.

E-mail is a love-hate relationship that is here to stay. Although e-mail is our primary tool for business communication, it wastes time and can cause miscommunication. On the other hand, e-mail is a quick, easy way to communicate our message and I’d bet very few of us are willing to give up our addiction to it.

Michelle Howe
http://www.articlesbase.com/email-articles/email-the-big-timewaster-79762.html