The rules of some death taxes vary according to the state in which the testator resided. Although the federal estate tax has been dubbed the death tax, this phrase is also commonly used to designate the state inheritance tax in those states that impose it.

What Are Death Taxes?

The term death tax is used to refer to an inheritance tax or an estate tax. More specifically, a death tax is one that is imposed an individual’s property when it is transferred to the inheritors of the estate upon his death. The Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, calls this tax the federal estate tax and defines it as “a tax on your right to transfer property at your death.”

The origination of this particular phrase, death tax, dates back to a time when it was created as a negative connotation for the federal estate tax. The tax itself might be determined on the value of the property or it might be based on the relationship of the inheritor to the decedent.

What is the Federal Estate Tax Imposed Upon?

In general, every item or asset that the decedent held an interest in becomes part of his gross estate. Therefore, the tax is imposed on all of his assets. In particular, the federal estate tax is imposed on the following types of property: personal property, business assets, and investments. Personal property includes such items as primary homes, vacation homes, motor vehicles, boats, furniture, paintings, and similar types of items. Business assets include business buildings, land, machinery, inventory, and other business assets. Investments include such items as bonds, stocks, and life insurance.

What Percentage Does the Federal Estate Tax Impose?

Although it was slated to drop to 0% for 2010, the Federal Estate Tax is currently set at 45% as determined by the budget plans set by President Obama. This means that anything over the initial $3.5 million dollars inherited from a deceased person is taxed at 45%. For a married couple this value increases to $7 million. In the past, this percentage had been set at 55%, but the amount that could be inherited tax free had been set at $2 million during 2006 to 2008. Unfortunately, due to the current state of the economy, the Federal Estate Tax is not going to be repealed or decreased.

What Is an Inheritance Tax?

The inheritance tax, a state tax, is imposed upon the individual who has the privilege of being the heir to the property or assets of a deceased individual. Only a handful of states currently exercise the right to impose this tax. These states include: Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Nebraska, Maryland, Kentucky, Iowa, and Indiana. Each state has its own set of guidelines regarding the inheritance tax and the percentages charged.

It is interesting to note that while Oregon and Tennessee label their tax as an inheritance tax, it actually follows the guidelines of an estate tax. Hence, they are not included in this list since that tax collects upon the value of the property being transferred rather than on the individual who inherits the property.

What Is an Estate Tax?

An estate tax is imposed by either the federal or the state government. It is enforced upon the right to transfer the property of a deceased person upon the heirs of the estate. A number of states also charge an estate tax that is in addition to the federal estate tax. These states include: Washington, Vermont, Tennessee, Rhode Island, Oregon, Oklahoma, Ohio, North Carolina, New York, New Jersey, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Kansas, Illinois, Delaware, and Connecticut.

Anyone who has read the brilliant Harry Potter books of J K Rowling will know about her fictional ‘characters’ the Dementors. For the few of you who haven’t yet been entranced and engrossed in the pages of the stories, I will briefly explain. These are ghoul-like, hooded characters created by evil whose function and ability is, slowly but irrevocably, to remove any positive emotions, feelings and memories from anyone they are in contact with. Eventually the soul is taken until the person, now totally desolate, dies a miserable death.

Harry Potter had encounters with these ‘beings’ and the only reason he survived their attacks was his innate, inner goodness, his resilience and his unconscious link to a power of good. The power came to his aid when his situation was dire and it was far stronger than the evil force of the Dementors. That inner link was through the ever enduring love of his dead parents, on another plane of existence, who, when dying, had put Harry’s safety before their own.

Now, why do I mention fictional characters?

Many stories are metaphors of life – what is and what could be. To me, the Harry Potter books are no exception. Some clerical members of the Christian Church have been known to criticise these books – why? Because they mention magic. Yet, in my understanding, these books are about the triumph of good over evil and give the message that love can be a powerful force – even from beyond the grave. Is that not, in effect, the same truth that the Christian Church attempts to portray? Have they forgotten their own ‘magical’ stories – of ‘a few loaves and fishes feeding 5000 people?’ of ‘water being turned into wine?’

But, I digress.

I trained as a Doctor and was, for 35 yrs, a psychiatrist. Though I have retired from all medical practice, those years of work, interest and caring for other people have left a legacy. It is one that I cannot deny. I have knowledge – from experience, study, work, and my own life, which means I cannot shut my eyes to many of the actions of young people, nor can I remain ‘silent’ – though, now, my written words have to speak for me! Ill people are no longer my responsibility to diagnose or treat, yet I still care. Prevention was, and is always, preferable to cure.

I have written, in other articles, of my concerns about the excessive alcohol intake, let alone drug taking, of many teenagers. I have written a poetry book especially for them, aimed to strengthen their awareness and ability to, not only enjoy but also to withstand peer pressure, and to understand the consequences of actions etc. It is called ‘Choice for Teenagers’ and is on sale from my websites. Many poems are metaphorical stories in rhyming verse. Go to my website – see the bio box at the end of this article for information and details – or just remember my name and ‘Google’! £1 from the sale of each of my three poetry books for children is given to a children’s charity.

How do I link my concern for teenagers who drink excessively or take drugs with the fictional Harry Potter?

Well – he was a teenager, battling with strong forces that he did not understand and without earthly parental support.

But, I am thinking more about the role of the ‘Dementors’.

Imagine if parents could see a ‘sinister, hooded, ghostly figure’ hovering around their teenager and/or their teenage friends, when they are drinking excessively or taking non-prescribed drugs – yet, at the same time, knowing that, because of inexperience and lack of knowledge, the teenagers could not see this figure.

What the parents should see is ‘despair and damage personified’ – waiting. Waiting for a chance to put an attachment to their teenager, through which it could, after a period of normality, gradually and insidiously draw out all the enthusiasm, health, ambition, learning, caring, intelligence and emotion that the teenager possessed. What would they do?

Go to the help of their teenager? Take their child away from the situation? Attack directly? Panic? Call the police or a doctor? Ban the teenager from going to that place? Tell what they saw to warn their child?

One thing is certain. They would do something if they cared. I, rightly or wrongly, still believe that most parents do love and care for their children in their teens despite, in very many cases, an apparent lack of ability or wish to intervene in excessive and potentially damaging behaviours.

Alcohol, while it remains in the bottle, is an innocuous liquid. Only when it has intimate inner contact and reaction with human cells, in particular the brain and liver, does it have its effect, which, if in excess becomes dangerous – in proportion to the amount used.

The immediate or long term effects are hidden from an ‘obvious’ view to teenagers.

Harry Potter had no choice when or if he had contact with the Dementors in the story.

In real life, the element of human choice is necessary for any action. The brain has to choose to ‘tell’ the hand to carry the alcohol to the mouth, not one time but many, before the ‘attachment’ or a dependence is final. But, once that happens, the alcohol, like the fictional Dementor, governs the brain so that choice is lost and the movement takes on an automatic quality that is difficult to stop.

Excessive alcohol or drugs – not taken for medicinal purposes or in prescribed doses and frequency – have the same effects, in the end, as J K Rowling’s  fictional ‘Dementors’.

If only all parents could just ‘see’ what I ‘see’ when teenagers drink excessively or take drugs – a ghoul like, hooded figure, waiting to attach itself to their teenagers. Once properly attached the teenagers must fight for their physical and mental health, emotions, future ambitions, careers, attachment to family and, in the extreme, their lives. This present day ‘real not fictional Dementor’ gradually drains anything meaningful from their minds and in the end (it is well named) dementia can result. If parents used their imagination in this way, I think they would do everything in their power, earlier rather than later, to prevent these consequences happening to their loved ones.

Harry Potter lost his parents, yet, they were ‘watching over’ him and able to send a power against evil to help in time of dire need. His father also left him an external aid – a ‘cloak of invisibility’ – to be used when he needed protection or in situations that could be dangerous, though it apparently had no power against the Dementors who could see through that cloak.

Parents have not only the opportunity, but the obligation, to give their children and teenagers an inner source of strength against negative forces in life that can arrive and strike with stealth. They (or a consistent key figure for children like Harry, without a living parent) can provide an inner bond – by showing love, caring, interest and giving time throughout the developing years. They carry this around with them, like a ‘cloak of invisibility’, ready to be used when necessary. But, that bond can be over-ridden in a teenager by excessive alcohol intake.

The bond that is formed through the developing years is something that money can’t buy and an ever present earthly link which helps to keep them safe from forces that would and could destroy them. It is a bond that may become dented, permanently or temporarily by events and actions, but never broken.

It is not fool-proof, due to that human factor of ‘choice’. Teenagers tend to think they are old enough to make their own choices. That concept, if true for everything, would make life easier for them and their parents. Unfortunately, despite advances in many areas of our lives, technology, science etc, the maturing and learning processes needed by humans are still necessary during those crucial years. There have been no new ‘softwares’ or ‘virus checkers’ for the human mind.

But, without a strong bond internally and support externally day by day – a teenager who drinks excessively or takes drugs may, sadly, succumb to the subtle powers of the present day non-fictional  Dementors.

Dealing with the death of a pet can be incredibly tough. Many domesticated animals can live for over a decade and during that time become an important part of the family. Equally, you become part of your animalâ??s pack and they probably show you a lot of love and affection in return for the care you give them.

Whenever we get a new pet, we are aware that the chances are that we will outlive it. However, for most people that doesnâ??t make the loss any less difficult. Losing a pet, whether suddenly or after a long illness, is like losing a relationship â?? you might miss the familiarity of having them around, the daily routine you had with them and all their little quirks.

Everyone copes with loss and grief in different ways. One of the most important things is to accept your feelings, whatever they might be, and not to dismiss them with the idea that your pet was just an animal. If it was an integrated part of your family, then it was like a family member. It doesnâ??t matter that it couldnâ??t talk to you or communicate in the same way as people; there was still an emotional bond that existed between you.

If you are grieving the loss of a pet, there are a few things you can bear in mind to help yourself through the process. The first is that there is nothing wrong with what you are feeling. If you try and ignore them then you are not going to help yourself. Secondly, there is no right way to mourn the loss of a pet. If you need time alone, thatâ??s what you need. Some people need to talk about it as well, while some people try and busy themselves with other things to cope with the loss. Everyone is different and the right way to mourn your pet depends on whatever is right for you.

There are specialists pet counselors that exist. If you are finding the loss of your pet difficult to cope with, or simply donâ??t feel like you have anyone to talk to, it might be worth researching whether there is a professional you can talk to in your area. Some people, especially those without pets, may not understand the kind of bond that exists between an animal and its owner. If you want to talk to friends of relatives, try and talk to those you know will understand your loss and will be there to support you.

Guilt is a very common emotional reaction to the death of a loved pet. The questions â??what if…?â?? is one that many people are plagued by. Ultimately, there is nothing you can do to change the situation â?? you did the best you could at the time and what happened is a sad tragedy.

Losing a pet is incredibly difficult but given time and a proper grieving process, you will be able to move on with fond memories of your pet. Perhaps the time will even come when you will consider getting another pet in the future. For now, however, it is important to listen to your needs and accept your grief.

Aging is a series of biological changes that follow a natural progression from birth through maturity to old age and death. For most people, advancing age is characterized by graying or thinning hair, loss of height, wrinkling of the skin, and decreased muscular strength. Still, an active lifestyle, including both exercise and sound nutrition, can contribute greatly to achieving a long and productive life. Genetics (inherited physical characteristics) also appears to play a role in the process of aging and death. People whose parents or grandparents live to old age seem to have a better chance of living long lives themselves.

Great strides have been made in increasing the average life expectancy in humans in many developed countries. This is due largely to the elimination of many diseases of early childhood and young adulthood and to the advanced methods of treating diseases that in the past would have resulted in early death. However, the maximum potential life span of humans appears to remain the same—about 85 years—regardless of efforts to expand it.

Every species has a different normal life span. In most species, death occurs not long after the reproductive phase of life ends. This is obviously not the case for humans. However, women do experience physical changes when they are past their childbearing years. Levels of the hormone estrogen begin to fall, which results in the gradual cessation, or stopping, of menstruation (Hormones are chemicals produced by the body that regulate various bodily functions and Menstruation is the monthly shedding of the lining of the uterus [womb] in nonpregnant females.) After menopause (when menstruation ceases and childbearing is no longer possible), women produce less facial skin oil (which leads to wrinkling) and are at greater risk of developing osteoporosis (brittle bones). Men continue to produce nearly the same levels of facial oils and are thus less prone to early wrinkling. As we age, our cells become less efficient and our bodies become less able to carry out their normal functions. Muscles lose strength, hearing and vision become less acute, reflex times slow down, lung capacity decreases, and the heart’s ability to pump blood may be affected. In addition, the immune system weakens, making it less able to fight infection and disease.

No single theory on how and why people age is able to account for all aspects of aging, but most take one of two approaches: (1) that humans are genetically programmed to age and die, and (2) that natural wear and tear causes aging and eventual death. Arguments in favor of genetic programming cite hormonal control and/or limited cell division (reproduction) as the mechanisms involved in the aging process. One hormonal approach focuses on the hypothalamus (at the base of the forebrain), which controls the production of growth hormones (which influence growth and development) in the pituitary gland. It is thought that—possibly due to the action of a hormonal clock—the hypothalamus either slows down normal hormonal function or that it becomes more error-prone with time, leading to physiological aging. Repeated experiments have shown that human cells grown in tissue culture in the laboratory will divide only about 50 times before they die. (Exceptions are cancer cells, which have unlimited growth, and brain and muscle cells, which do not divide after birth). This suggests a genetic clock that limits how many time cells can divide. It is thought that as cell division decreases, as it does in older people, the functioning of the body also begins to slow down, resulting in aging and eventual death.

The wear-and-tear theory of aging and death suggests that genes (the molecules that carry instructions for passing on specific traits from one generation to another) are altered by random mutations (changes in form) that accumulate over time, gradually leading to aging and disease. Environmental agents, such as X- rays, ultraviolet radiation, and chemical toxins, can contribute to this mutation process. All cells have the ability to repair damaged DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecular basis of heredity), but when these repair mechanisms fail, mutations can accumulate. This failure is also thought to be a factor in the development of cancer. Two other factors are thought to contribute to aging: (1) protein damage from cross linkages and (2) the presence of free radicals in the body. Cross linkages are faulty bonds that can form in proteins, such as collagen. Collagen is a major component of connective tissue, which provides support to organs and elasticity to blood vessels. Cross-linkage in collagen molecules changes the shape and function of an organ’s collagen supports and decreases vessel elasticity. Free radicals are normal chemical by products resulting from the body’s use of oxygen. However, the buildup of free radicals, often the result of environmental abuses, can alter cellular function, causing damage. Antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, block the action of free radicals and are therefore thought to retard aging.

Diseases associated with aging include cancer, cardiovascular (or heart) disease, diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. Diabetes is usually characterized by decreased production of insulin. (Insulin is a hormone essential to the metabolism of carbohydrates, sugars, and starches.) Alzheimer’s is a degenerative disease of the brain cells that causes progressive loss of memory and concentration, as well as impaired learning and judgment. It primarily affects people over 65 years of age. Parkinson’s is a crippling disease in which the muscles become increasingly rigid, movement—such as walking—is difficult, and involuntary tremors (shakiness) develop.

Death is marked by the end of blood circulation, the end of oxygen transport to organs and tissues, the end of brain function, and overall organ failure. The diagnosis of death can occur legally when breathing and heartbeat have stopped and when the pupils are unresponsive to light. Although Alzheimer’s disease and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) receive much attention in the press, the two major causes of death world wide are heart disease and cancer. Other causes of death include stroke, accidents, infectious diseases, murder, suicide, and euthanasia (ending a hopelessly sick person’s life for reasons of mercy). Loss of life cans also result from genetic diseases, bacterial and viral infections, drug abuse, and alcoholism.

We all have grown up hearing phrases like “Love is Blind”, “Love knows no boundaries, no distance, no fear”, “All is fair in love and war”, “True love never dies” and the like. Moreover, fed on tales of lovers like Romeo-Juliet, Laila-Majnu, Heer-Ranjha, and Shireen-Farhad, we had started believing that love is the panacea for all humanly woes. Love had seemed to be all about Utopian existence, till reality dawned upon us. The punishment that Rizwanur Rahman was subjected to for having fallen in love and marrying the girl of his choice, shook us out of our slumber, and screamed out loud – Love is not a fairytale.

Rizwanur fell in love, married his beloved, was tortured by the police, even separated forcefully from the girl he loved, and eventually died. Or killed? As Rizwanur’s death becomes more and more of a mystery, with a new twist being added to the tale with each passing day, Headlines India decides to meet Rizwanur’s family, and present their version.

Rizwanur’s brother, Rukbanur welcomes Headlines India reporter to his small Tiljala Lane residence. The house seems to be shrouded in an ominous silence, with members of the family, including children, going about their routine work in a mechanical manner. That they have lost a member of the family is evident in the expressions their faces bear. Yet, they show an emotional strength which indicates they are ready to fight for justice. Justice for what they call in unanimity “A sequential, well-planned murder”.

Describing his younger brother Rizwanur as “extremely sensitive, mature and helpful”, Rukbanur Rahman feels the media reports of “ex-girlfriends” are only tarnishing the image of the deceased youth. He asserts, “We say Rizwanur was equally close to all his friends, colleagues and students, irrespective of their gender. Then why are only girls being dragged into the picture as his ex-girlfriends?”

Rukbanur is full of resentment as he reminisces the untimely death of his brother, and appears visibly annoyed over the exaggeration of the issue by the media. “We have already faced a lot. Just think, we have lost a member of our family. Then there are reports of me joining politics, and reports of our family demanding money from the Todis for separating Rizwanur and his wife. How far-reaching can the imagination of people be?”, he says pointing out that he and his family are terribly upset over these reports which are tarnishing their reputation.

“We have always demanded a CBI probe into the matter. Didn’t we know that the CBI would find out the truth, and we would be nailed by the CBI if we had demanded money, or had been at fault? It is a logical question which has to be answered logically”, argues Rukbanur. “We had feared this from the day Rizwanur married Priyanka”, says Rukbanur, going down memory lane, “When he came and told me that he had married this girl, I asked him whether Priyanka would be able to adjust in our house. I also tried to make him understand that once the initial gush of romance is over, there might be problems in their relationship, given the huge difference in our social and communal status. But Rizwanur was confident of the girl he had married, and so we also accepted her as the daughter-in-law of the house”. He pauses for a moment before adding, “But somewhere deep down, I knew Ashok Todi would not sit still”.

Rukbanur goes on to reveal how comfortable Priyanka had been in their house. “She is a very adjusting girl, and shared a good relationship with all members of the family. We really liked her during the nine days between August 31 and September 8 that she stayed at our house”.

He adds, “Rizwanur brought Priyanka here after they registered their marriage. We asked her to call her father, and ask him to come to our house. Ashok Todi came along with his brother Pradip and cousin Anil Saraogi, and tried his best to dissuade Priyanka from staying at our place. But Priyanka did not relent. So they went back, and then started the series of threats”.

A copy of letter written by Rizwanur and Priyanka which the couple sent to cops demanding security

Rukbanur states that the couple had even written to the cops, requesting security as they feared Ashok Todi might go to any extent to harm them. He even shows Headlines India a copy of the letter signed by Rizwanur and Priyanka, stating that they were scared about their safety as they feared Ashok Todi might cause threat to their lives.

“Rizwanur told me about the threats he was receiving, and was worried that Priyanka might be taken away from him. Krishnendu Das (former sub-inspector of Kolkata Police’s Anti Rowdy Squad) and Sadhan Sinha (Officer-in-charge of the same section) came to our house and tried to convince the couple to break their marriage. They also said that Rizwanur and Priyanka had been summoned by Ajoy Kumar and Gyanwant Singh (former Deputy Commissioners of Detective Department and Headquarters respectively). Then Javed Khan (Trinamool MLA) also came”, states Rukbanur.

Rukbanur also recollects how scared Priyanka had been during the entire episode, and used to say that once she was taken away from Rizwanur, they would never be able to meet again, and threat to Rizwanur’s life would increase.

Rukbanur continues, “Rizwanur and Priyanka went to Lalbazar, and were threatened by the senior police officers. I was waiting outside, and I could hear Gyanwant Singh yelling at Priyanka, saying she must return to her parents’ house. Ajoy Kumar told me that they would arrest my brother if Priyanka was not sent back to her parents’ house. I showed him the marriage certificate and age-proof documents of Rizwanur and Priyanka, but he said that there was a question mark on the authenticity of the marriage certificate”. Rukbanur presents the certificate before Headlines India, on which a stamp print clearly says “Certified to be True Copy”. He goes on, “Both the DCs ordered Priyanka to return home, and she kept on saying that she wanted to stay at her in-laws’ place. To this Ajoy Kumar said that she had no option but to return to Todi House. When we protested, they pushed us inside a cell and locked us up”. He pauses for a moment and sighs “Just imagine!”

“Then Anil Saraogi came to us and said that Ashok Todi was very critical, and he needed to take Priyanka back. He also promised that Priyanka would be allowed to return to her husband after seven days. He signed two bonds – one stating that Priyanka would come back after seven days, and the other stating that Rizwanur’s safety would be ensured by them. However, we never received a copy of the second bond. We should have understood then only….”, laments Rukbanur.

“Priyanka was taken away on September 8. She kept in touch with Rizwanur till September 11, but after that her phone was taken away from her and she was not allowed to talk to any of us. Rizwanur was terribly upset over this, but he wanted to bring her back at any cost. He decided to get in touch with Association for Protection of Democratic Rights (ADPR), and was ready to fight. But he could not live long enough to bring back his wife, or fulfill his dreams”, says Rukbanur.

He adds, “But I know he could not have committed suicide. He was so full of life, so brave… I spoke to him on the night of September 20, and he said we would meet ADPR at 11 o’clock the next day. How could he kill himself when he was so ready to fight for justice?”

So, what about the text messages from Rizwanur’s phone that indicate suicide? Rukbanur answers, “Rizwanur was an English Honours graduate from St. Xavier’s College. He always used English in his text messages. The text messages that are being written about were in Hindi. I cannot believe Rizwanur could have sent them”.

And why did Rizwanur spend his last few days away from home? “That’s because he was receiving threats to his life. Even Priyanka had called him and told him that he should be cautious as her father might hire goons to harm him. Rizwanur had told me that he would stay at undisclosed locations”, clarifies Rukbanur.

“It is a well-planned murder. We know that”, stresses Rukbanur, pointing out that the Todis have changed their statements many times since the CBI probe started. “That’s because they are wrong”, says Rukbanur.

Despite the blow that the Rahman family has received, they have faith in the CBI. “They are very co-operating, and they understand our situation. This is the reason why we are also co-operating with them. We will go to them even if they call us ten times. We have faith in them, and we know we will get justice”, says Rukbanur. He is however upset over some sections of the media blowing things out of proportion.

“They are adding new links to the case every day. These links do not even exist. These new reports are also making the case more complicated and confusing for the CBI. I just want to request our friends from the media to let the CBI do its work in peace”, signs off Rukbanur, as he gets ready to face the CBI for a fresh round of interrogation.

Finally, a look on some of the grey areas found by the Headlines India

After interacting with Rukbanur Rahman, Headlines India meets a source in Apollo Hospital, where Ashok Todi was admitted when Priyanka was taken away from Rizwanur, citing her father’s “critical condition”. The source, on conditions of anonymity, reveals that Ashok Todi was admitted in the hospital, but was not in a critical condition. (According to sources, this is exactly what Priyanka had told the CBI during interrogation).

Moreover, forensic expert revealed to Headlines India that the position, in which Rizwanur’s body was found, is not the position in which bodies are found after an accident or suicide. Rizwanur’s body lay on the railway tracks with his back on the ground, legs stretched straight and his hands folded on his chest. The back of his head was seriously injured but there was not even a trace of blood on his white shirt.

So, do all the links Headlines India has received point towards murder? But, it is wise to wait for the CBI to submit its final report than to jump to any hurried conclusion, as the last word has not been heard yet on the unfortunate incident.

For More Interesting Write-ups By This Author Or More News From India Visit http://www.headlinesindia.com/

It might not reigned as number one but being at the no. 3 makes a difference from new Bond actor Daniel Craig as he got laurels among top Bond actors in the recent list of Best Bond movies ranked by MSN. Known as â??Rating the Spy Gameâ?, this list is queued from the best to the worst films ever. Leading the list is Sean Connery’s From Russia With Love followed by his another Bond movie Goldfinger. Meanwhile, Casino Royale noted as second best-selling Bond film as of 2007.

Rumors circling Hollywood that he is now rehearsing for his stunts for his next Bond film Bond 22. He says that this particular Bond film will be on a new perspective and fresh storyline as it won’t be based on a novel as far as Casino Royale is concern. For Bond afficionados like me, expect more death-defying stunts, gizmos and gadgets to envy about and not to mention those hot girls that fires up every 007 Agent. This hot actor confirmed that he won’t be doing four more movies under MGM in the recent Golden Compass event. Much more to say, whatever will be the outcome of Bond 22 will predict the three more sequels under his name.

More on Daniel, before he became Agent 007, he was first seen in BBC’s Our Friends in the North subjects him to do more projects with the network including a full-frontal nude shot for the Biopic Love is the Devil: Study for a Portrait of Francis Bacon. He conquered Hollywood audience via Lara Croft: Tomb Raider portraying as Angelina Jolie’s rival and love interest. Then comes another Hollywood flick Road to Perdition along with Tom Hanks followed by movies such as Layer Cake, Sword of Honour, Sylvia and Munich. After his breakthrough performance as Bond, he engaged in The Invasion along with Nicole Kidman and they did another movie, this time Bill Pullman’s adaptation of The Golden Compass. Apart from Bond 22, he is set to be in Flashbacks of a Fool, Defiance and I Lucifer all set for 2008.

In Antiquorum Rolex auction, one Rolex Submariner attracted me more than Daytona Paul Newman and other expensive Patek Philippe, after all, I am a fan of James Bond, and have been quite addictive to the exciting history of Submariner. Please keep patient and read the following story.

Generally watches in a movie attract worldwide attention, and even forming a trend that the combined sales of movie and watches. In 007, the handsome James Bond used his wristwatch to dissolute the risk to do with a matter of life and death, so that the wristwatch became so important in the movie. The portable watch becomes a weapon to the FBI. Regardless of from the reality or movie effect point of view, it seems to be very natural. Actually the original author of 007 Ian Fleming used to describe the Rolex Oyster Perpetual used by James Bond being used as side arms in his novel “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” in 1963.

In the movie of 007, the watch was really a faithful assistant to Bond and it appeared many times in the movie. You must know what the latest 007 CIA wore in the movie is the Seamaster of Omega(Die Another Day, acted by Pierce Brosnan); then do you know before Ian Fleming described the watch brand in 007, what is the first watch seen in the movie of 007? The answer is: Rolex Submariner.

Creator of 007 James Bond: Ian FlemingWhy is Rolex Submariner? First talk about something off topic. In 1953, famous climbers Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay first climbed on the top of Everest. But maybe you do not know that several months after human beings climbing up on Everest, Auguste and Jean Piccard, the father and son explorer also dived up to 3,150m under the sea, creating a new record in the world. With the record made the father and brother, there was a watch star being created in the world of watch, which was Rolex Submariner. The submariner developed by Rolex that year was with their submariner Trieste diving up to 600m deep, and became famous with the media report. The next year, Rolex launched its Submariner formally in the Basel exhibition hall. On 21st, Oct of 1954, CBS played a black and white movie “Casino Royale”(acted by Barry Nelson) which lasted 50 minutes, which was the first time that 007 CIA first shown on the screen, what he wore was just the Rolex Submariner launched just one year ago. So it was reasonable to give up Oyster Perpetual and wear Submariner, regardless of from advertisement or reality point of view.

Rolex Submariner James Bond 6536/1 Antiquorum 2003Another reason why James Bond wore the Submariner maybe: Bond’s background in the Original article was a commander of British Royal Navy, the interesting thing is the author of 007 Ian Fleming was a commander of British Royal Navy, and he even worked at CIA during the second world war. And in the real world, it was indeed after a series strict test, British Royal Navy last chose Submariner as their watch. Then later, the navy of France, Canada and Australia also chose Submariner in succession.

Rolex Submariner Ref. 6204The first Submariner (model number: 6204) used in 007, later was called as Submariner James Bond specially, different from today’s Submariner: it did not have crown guards or shoulders, and the head, bezel and hands were also quite different. The next year after Submariner had a change, then Benz hands and 0 to 15 minute markers on the bezel appeared. In several years after that, Submariner launched 5504, 6538, 5508 and 6200 in succession.

Submariner British Army Ref. 5517In 1962, the first movie of 007 CIA, Dr.No finally appeared, and what Sean Connery wore was still Submariner (Ref.6538 or 5508?). It is said that Rolex did not want to give a Submariner to Sean Connery as a gift, so the director Albert Broccoli had to give his own Submariner which had replaced the bezel with NATO to Sean Connery to wear in the movie. Just because of this famous story, today there are also a lot of watch lovers changing their original Submariners’ steel bezel into NATO cloth bezel. Later, in several 007 movies including “From Russia with love” of 1963”Goldfinger”of 1964, “Thunderball” of 1965 and even “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” of 1969, what 007 wore were all Submariner. But in “You only live twice” of 1967 and “Diamond are forever” of 1971, scenes of 007 wearing watch did not appear.

In the 007 movie of Live and let die of 1973, Roger Moore, who acted James Bond wore Submariner Ref. 5513 again. In the movie, the Submariner had amazing functions and could change into super magnet, and its rotating case could also change into a small electrical saw. With the popularity of Quartz and electrical watches, Bonds seemed to keep pace with the science and technology and wore another Pulsar Time Computer Quartz LED in the movie. In “The man with the golden gun” of 1974, Roger Moore wore a Submariner and smoked a Cigar, which became a typical scene in many 007 and Submariner lovers’ mind.

The next watches worn by 007 may make today’s mechanical watch lovers especially Submariner owners so crazy. Seiko Quartz LC Chronograph worn in “The Spy Who Love Me”of 1977, Seiko LCD Digital worn in “Moonraker” of 1979, Seiko Quartz Analog/Digital Alarm Chronograph worn in “For Your Eyes Only”of 1981, Seiko Sports 100 LCD & Seiko TV watch with LCD screen worn in ”Octopussy” of 1983, Seiko worn in “A View To A Kill” of 1985, and the watch worn in “Living Daylights”of 1987 was not clear, but in “Licence To Kill” of 1989, it is believed that Rolex Submariner were worn again and it seemed to follow the recovery of mechanical watches.

In 1995, Pierce Brosnan became the actor again in the new movie. In the movie of  “GoldenEye”, Omega went off with Rolex’s business, so handsome Bond had a new watch- Seamaster Professional Quartz, which saved Bond’s life in the movie. What war worn in “World Is Not Enough” was Omega Seamaster Professional Chronometer, which could changed into hook. From then on, since people can only memorize short-term things and marketing done by watch producers, Omega Seamaster has replaced Rolex Submariner and become Bond’s typical watch. Omega especially launched a new limited edition Seamaster James Bond for the movie “Die Another Day” in 2002.

Omega Seamaster James Bond 2002 Limited EditionIn a word, no matter if you wear Rolex Submariner or Omega Seamaster or even Seiko as the best partner of James Bond, I hope you can enjoy this article, and if you just wear these editions of James Bond watch, then I hope the legend it owns can bring you happiness.

A Powerful IRA & Retirement Plan Investing Tool: Life Settlement Bonds

Now I would like to talk to you about another legal guaranteed tool in the area of life settlements. Warren Buffet, the richest man in the United States, is a huge proponent. A big chunk of his investment strategy is in life settlements. Now, what is a life settlement? A life settlement is when an individual sells his life insurance policy in exchange for cash now. Who would sell a life insurance policy? Let’s say that in your younger years you set up a precious metal IRA, real estate IRA, or other IRA investments and you bought a million dollar insurance policy because you had a nice little job and if something were to happen to you, your wife and your family would be unprotected, so you went out and bought a million dollar policy. Well, the kids are now married and out of the house, they have their own families, and in this particular example, your wife predeceases you. If she dies before you, you begin to cash out IRA, and so you have this million dollar policy. The kids don’t need it. The reason why you bought it originally was to protect your wife, and now she has passed away.

So you think wouldn’t it be better for you to utilize that $15,000 premium on other things? You then have two options. One is to let it expire, stop making the payments on the premiums to limit your IRA withdrawal schedule and that’s, of course, what the insurance company counts on. You stop paying the premium; they already collected a whole bunch of premium – for free. But, you went to do your tax return, or talked to a lawyer or financial planner, and they tell you they can sell your policy. There is this thing called a settlement market, a life settlement market.

Obviously, there is a market out there and someone will buy your policy. They take over paying the premiums and, let’s say on a million dollar policy, at age 77, you know how many years you’ve got left, they figure out that for the million dollar death benefit, they can pay you $300,000, it’s just a number out of the air, but there is a market for it. So of course it makes sense for you to sell because you no longer need it and you can certainly use the $300,000 to do whatever it is you want to do at this stage of life. You don’t need the policy. The kids are all great, they all have their own families and are doing well; the reason why you bought the policy no longer exists, and so selling it makes a lot of sense.

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Quantum of Solace is expected to be one of the most popular movies of 2008 and Quantum of Solace Ringtones are already some of the hottest ringtones in the world. Quantum of Solace is the 22nd James Bond film by EON Productions, released in the United Kingdom on October 31st and in North America on November 14th. The direct sequel to the 2006 film Casino Royale, it is directed by Marc Forster, and features Daniel Craig’s second performance as James Bond. In the film, Bond battles Dominic Greene (Mathieu Amalric), a member of the Quantum organisation posing as an environmentalist, who intends to stage a coup d’état in Bolivia to take control of its water supply. Bond seeks revenge for the death of Vesper Lynd, and is assisted by Camille Montes (Olga Kurylenko).

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Producer Michael G. Wilson created the film’s plot while Casino Royale was shooting. Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, Paul Haggis and Joshua Zetumer contributed to the script. The title was chosen from a 1960 short story in Ian Fleming’s For Your Eyes Only, though the film does not contain any elements of the original story. Location filming took place in Panama, Chile, Italy and Austria, while interior sets were built and filmed at Pinewood Studios. Forster aimed to make a modern film that also featured classic cinema motifs: an antique aeroplane was used for a dogfight sequence, and Dennis Gassner’s set designs are reminiscent of Ken Adam’s work on several early Bond films. Taking a course away from the usual Bond villains, Forster rejected any grotesque appearance for the character Dominic Greene to emphasize the hidden and secret nature of the film’s (and society’s) modern day corporate villains. To get the Quantum of Solace Theme Ringtone for your phone, click on the link below and sign up now!

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Bonding in walls is the method of laying blocks one by one to form a structure. Before a house owner commences building, the procedure of erection is important to avoid weak buildings. This can lead to collapsing of the house leading to injuries and even death. The safety of the dwelling relies on the construction processes and measures taken in the operation. This ensures cracks don’t occur in the building and the structural stability is achieved.

All blocks in bonding of walls should be done such the no vertical joints in any one course. This joints are atleast one hundred millimeters of the similar joint in the above and below courses. This ensures a strong upright structure. Its important hat pieces for braking the course are also not less than one hundred millimeters. The way to cut them is have all edges straight so that the mortar joints are equal. Ensure plumbness of every block used.

When bonding walls at intersections and right angles, alternate courses, are carried through the full thickness of the wall. This means that walls of two hundred millimeters thick should have all pieces not less than this dimension above or below each course. Its advisable for walls less than two hundred millimeters to be strengthened by hoop iron. It is laid in between mortar joints of each alternate course to give achieve strength.

In bonding of walls, all perpends, reveals, quoins and other angles must be built truly square. All joints should not exceed ten and fifteen millimeters for brick and blockwork respectively. They should also be flushed up and grouted as work proceeds. For key pointing, mortar is raked out and fresh grouting done as desired using a round steel bar not exceeding ten millimeters. wetting of bricks and blocks should be done during and after building.