China

(source)

China takes first place as the worlds largest exporter of goods, clocking in at $1.20 trillion. The Asian nation specializes in electrical equipment and machinery, power generating equipment, apparel, and iron and steel. China is infamous for having permissive workplace standards and employment laws. Because of this, and also because the American dollar buys much more Chinese labor than it does American labor, clothing companies find they can save a great deal of money by manufacturing in China. This explains why much of the United State’s clothing imports come from the country. China’s top trade partner is the Unites States, followed by Japan and Hong Kong.

Germany

(source)

Exporting $1.12 trillion worth of goods, Germany ranks as the second largest exporter in the world. Exports make up a substantial part of Germany’s economic backbone, accounting for one third of the country’s annual output. Recently, Marketwatch reported that German exports have risen 5.1% in February of this year. Marketwatch quotes Simon Junker, an analyst at Commerzbank AG, who believes German exports will continue to trend upward over the next several months. “German exports will likely continue to grow in coming months, judging by rising foreign orders and companies’ improved export expectations.” he says. Germany’s top export is mechanical engineering, holding 20% of the world market for this service.

United States

(source)

The United States of America ranks the third largest exporter in the world with $1.05 trillion worth of exports leaving the country in 2009. America specializes in exporting capital goods such as engines, boilers and factory components. Recently, CSMonitor reported on President Barack Obama’s plan to increase worldwide demand for American exports. “For the first time, the United States of America is launching a single, comprehensive strategy to promote American exports,” Obama told an annual Import-Export conference. “Ninety-five percent of the world’s customers and the world’s fastest-growing markets are outside our borders. We need to compete for those customers, because other nations are. We need to up our game.”

Japan

(source)

Japan exported $581 billion worth of goods last year, earning them the number four spot on this list. This East Asian nation specializes in passenger cars and car parts, computer accessories, video equipment and industrial machinery. The BBC reported on Japan’s recent growth of exports, proclaiming it to be the first growth in the last 15 months.”Exports hit 5.4 trillion yen ($60 billion), up 12.1% on a year ago. Shipments to Asia rose by almost a third,” claims the BBC, adding that China has overtaken the United States as Japans largest export partner. Shortly after the BBC report, The Journal of Commerce reported that Japanese exports have surged 45.3% in February of this year, the third straight month in a row.

Netherlands

(source)

The Netherlands isn’t very far behind Japan, exporting about $499 billion worth of goods in 2009. Petroleum products are the biggest export from the Netherlands, shipping over $4.2 billion worth to the United States annually. Agricultural products are another big export from the Netherlands, and the farming and agriculture industry employs 4% of the nations workforce. The Netherlands exports a quarter of the worlds tomatoes and a third of its chili peppers.

France

(source)

France places sixth on the list with $475 billion worth of exports in 2009. Machinery, transportation equipment, and aircraft are among for France’s top exports, followed closely by plastics and pharmaceuticals. France’s top trade partners are Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom. In late 2009, Vox reported that French exports were experiencing a decline that “has been even fiercer than that during the Great Depression.” Vox comments that this drop is is associated with “a sharp deterioration of demand and activity worldwide.”

Italy

(source)

Italy’s exported $405 billion worth of goods in 2009 earning it the number seven place on our list. Italy specializes in producing medicinal, dental and pharmaceutical preparations. The country also supplies the bulk of the world’s Kiwifruit, exporting over 450,000 tons each year. In addition, Italy exports more wine than any other country on earth, over 1,790 tons annually. Recent government figures show that a large sale of fighter jets to Saudi Arabia caused Italy’s arms exports to rise 61% in 2009. DefenseNews reports that Italy’s arms exports rose to $4.9 billion euros in 2009, up from $3 billion in 2008.

Belgium

(source)

Despite being one of the smallest nations in the European Union, Belgium ranks as the 8th biggest exporter in the world. The country exported $370 billion worth of goods in 2009, including diamonds, one of country’s most valuable exports. The United States is large importer of Belgian diamonds, buying $3.2 billion worth of these precious stones in 2008. Belgium has few natural resources, and thus must import many raw materials and a semi-finished goods for further manufacturing. It is for this reason that the country relies heavily on industry and service, which account for about 80% of its total exports.

South Korea

(source)

Taking the ninth place on our list is South Korea, exporting $364 billion worth of good in 2009. The country’s biggest major trade partners are China, The United States, Japan, and Hong Kong. The Asian nation’s economy relies heavily on several key exports, including automobiles, computers, and microprocessors. EconomyWatch.com reports that South Korea has experienced tremendous economic prosperity in the last several years, allowing it to export such high-end goods. “The north-Asian nation was once relatively poor with an unremarkable GDP after World War II,” they remark, “but its quick industrialization, most notably since the 1960s, led to its huge exports.”

United Kingdom

(source)

Clocking in at number ten on our list is the United Kingdom, doing $351 billion worth of exports in 2009. IndexMundi reports that the UK’s top exports include manufactured goods, fuels, chemicals, food, beverages and tobacco. Recent reports show that the UK’s top trade partner is the United States, accounting for 13.9% of its overall exports. Following the US was Germany at 11.5%, and the Netherlands at 75%. The UK owes 41.2% of its GDP to total international trade, which clocked in at $1.1 trillion in 2008.

Interesting fact:
Nearly all countries throughout the world participate in a coding system that uses what is called harmonized tariff codes. These are 8-10 multi-digit numbers that were developed to help administer import and export regulations.  3ceonline.com has innovated a software that automates all harmonized tariff codes, which has revolutionized the way exporters code their goods.

]]> http://heralddaily.com/2010/02/09/world-cup-winners/feed/ 1 http://heralddaily.com/2010/01/26/how-to-convince-your-girlfriend-to-swallow-swords/ http://heralddaily.com/2010/01/26/how-to-convince-your-girlfriend-to-swallow-swords/#comments Tue, 26 Jan 2010 22:28:30 +0000 Tyler S. http://heralddaily.com/?p=290

Having an attractive, faithful girlfriend is not enough for some men. Whether he wants his significant other to play golf or tennis with them, or maybe just love football as much as he does. But what about the fringe? That’s right, the guy that wants to date a sword-swallower. The thing about sword-swallowing, however, is that not that many women want to do it willingly. Below are 15 fool-proof tips for convincing your girlfriend to swallow swords, if this just happens to be your bag:

Make helpful suggestions to show your support.

source

Offer ways she can desensitize her gag reflex. Casually work bulimia into the conversation. “Babe, I know you’ve been just puzzled by this riddle of recent weight gain. Why don’t we just give purging a try?”

Get down to her level to make her believe you’re equals.

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“If you agree, I’ll stop saying Uma is so hot even if she looks a little like she is missing a chromosome. I know how you insist on proving that being a Special Ed teacher is a real job.”

Make her think what you are presenting is amazing by simply altering the intonation in your voice.

source

“If you’re not catching on quickly, I’ll send you off to circus camp! You’re always talking about wanting to travel more. You can finally take that road trip you always wanted!”

Let her have her way. Just this once. Make her feel useful by letting her cook you a meal.

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“Once you get really good at sword swallowing, I’ll finally have a reason to cut down on my World of Warcraft hours besides your request for being a more ‘present partner’.”

Lead her to believe you will reward her if she performs to your liking.

source

“Once we start seeing those purging results, I’ll consider leaving the lights on.”

Make her feel as comfortable as possible. Let her know you have her best interest at heart.

source

“I’ll make sure you and Gary Busey are in the safest of hands while traveling with the circus.”

Show her how she can pull her weight.

source

“When we’re low on cash, I’ll just farm you out to the Bunny Ranch for a few days. You know how you love animals.”

Inspire her by comparing her to other women.

source

“Honey, you’re being a baby. The longest sword a chick ever put away was 27.5”. Open your mouth as wide as you can, just like every other morning when I ask you to lift your tongue after you claim you’ve swallowed your birth control pill.”

Find out what her currency is and wildly mislead her.

source

“You’ll be accepted into the Sword Swallowing Association International. We’ll get you a passport and everything.”

Share why you can’t do it with her, then reluctantly offer guidance.

source

“If I ever go to prison, I don’t want word to get out that I don’t have a gag reflex. It makes the most sense for you to be the one. But I’ll consider helping you out if you really want me to.”

Let her know that it’s the most practical trade to learn considering your options.

source

“Because no matter how much I want her to, Lara Croft, my blow up doll won’t survive another sword swallowing.”

Enthusiasm is contagious. If she sees your excitement, she will match it, no matter what.

source

“Yes, it’s highly dangerous, but it’ll be worth it.”

Make her aware that she is capable by making irrelevant connections to her past experience.

source

“Natasha Veroschkca was a sword swallowing belly dancer, honey. Belly dancer. Don’t you see? Belly dancers have rhythm. I don’t think it’s a coincidence you played handbells two and a half months of the year in middle school. That doesn’t just happen. You two are cut from the same talented cloth.”

Gain control by putting her down. Always present two positives with the negative.

source

“It makes you appear well-read. Shakespeare wrote about sword swallowers – Let’s face it, you could use the smarty points, Sweetie.”

Speak her language. Offer her something she really wants in order to get her head in the game.

source

“If you take sword swallowing lessons, I’ll stop cheating on you with the Booth Babe from ComicCon ‘06.”

If you are looking for a good place to get started, there are swords for sale at swords.com

Loudest Burp

(source)

A British man named Paul Hunn took center stage on The New Paul O’Grady Show with the hopes of making his mark in history. In September of 2008, he stood before a live studio audience and released a world record burp that registered at 107.1 decibels. Though it was a crowning achievement heard around the world, Hunn may be waiting a while for his official knighthood.

Longest Ear Hair

(source)

As we age, hair patterns shift and we find growth in newer and stranger places. Anthony Victor from Madurai, India has fully embraced the unsightly hair pouring from his inner ears and has been cultivating the lovely locks to record lengths. As of August of 2007, Victor holds the Guinness record for longest documented ear hair, boasting a lofty measurement of 7.12 inches at its longest point.

Heaviest Kidney Stone

(source)

Equated only to childbirth, kidney stones are calcified demons that are infamous for making grown men cry. Resembling something closer to a boulder, Wazir Muhammand of Sindh, Pakistan holds the undesirable record for the heaviest kidney stone ever recorded. Because Muhammand was unable to organically pass the common obstruction, doctors surgically removed the uncommonly sized stone that weighed in at 21.87 ounces.

Most Cockroaches Eaten

(source)

Guinness has been pressured to abstain from acknowledging records of gluttony (for sake of health) but anyone can appreciate creepy-crawly consumption. On the set of a popular British television show in 2001, Ken Edwards ate 36 cockroaches in one minute. Though Edwards’ own mother might not claim him at this point, he can sleep at night knowing that he’s eaten more prehistoric bugs than any other on the planet.

Biggest Tumor

(source)

Though the 34 year-old patient remains unnamed, Guinness Records acknowledges the largest tumor to ever be removed from a human to be an astonishing 303 pounds. Measuring 3 feet across, the tumor was removed from the woman’s ovary at Stanford University Medical Center and was later wheeled out on a stretcher. Amazingly, the patient made a full recovery and is now a few hundreds of pounds lighter than before.

Largest Callus Collection

(source)

Everyone has had their fair share of calluses in life but it’s a rare breed of record breakers that maintains a collection. Florence Franklin of Peoria, IL set the current record as of 1992 when she revealed over 200 pounds of shaved skin in her callus collection. Proud of her achievements, she claims that she has accumulated some admirers that have had a few of the larger pieces autographed.

Youngest Dentures

(source)

In a culture where most magazine covers celebrate pearly-white smiles and movie star grins, leave it to Guinness to commemorate a lack of dental hygiene. While most three year-olds are still growing their baby teeth, Daniel Sanchez-Ruiz of the UK is the youngest person to ever be issued a full set of dentures. At a mere age of 3 years and 301 days, he was acknowledged for his oral achievements in February of 2005.

Longest Tapeworm

(source)

One of the more gruesome records known to us is in regards to the longest tapeworm ever found in a human. In September of 1991, doctors orally extracted a 37-foot tapeworm from Sally Mae Wallace of Great Grits, MS. If ever there were a record worth avoiding, playing host to the world’s largest parasite would certainly be a worthy candidate.

Longest Maggot Bath

(source)

To each their own; some records unavoidably find you (tapeworms) and some are sought. Joining the league of extraordinary Brits is Christine Martin – a woman that willingly bathed in maggots for an hour and a half. Though she etched her name in the record books in 2002, it will be a long while before anyone works up the nerve to breach her bathing achievement.

Most Body Piercings

(source)

Many world records are a one-time achievement but some are concerted efforts that become a lifestyle. As of 2001, a Scotish woman named Elaine Davidson broke her own previous record for the most body piercings on an individual. Boasting a total of 720 piercings, Davidson has 192 fixtures on her face alone and a concrete niche in the book of undesirable records.

Most Cow Brains Eaten

(source)

Hotdogs are one thing but brain-eating contests are surely another. In February of 2002, Takeru Kobayashi set an appalling record for most cow brains eaten in 15 minutes – 57 cow brains that amounted 17.7 pounds in total. Though it’s true when they say, “records are meant to be broken,” surely, some records should never be set in the first place.

Extreme Eyeball Popping

(source)

You’ve seen it in horror films and circus sideshows but you wouldn’t know it was a real skill until Guinness World Records are involved. In November of 2007, US citizen Kim Goodman set the record for eyeball popping in Istanbul, Turkey where she was able to project her eyeballs .47 inches beyond her natural eye sockets. A far cry from an Olympic athlete, mothers are sure to hide their children when her talents are showcased.

Smallest Waist

(source)

At the next tent over, you’ll find a woman with a world record but, as a result, a horribly disproportioned torso. As a proud owner of over 100 corsets, Cathie Jung holds the current world record for the smallest waist on a living person. At an astonishing and mere 15 inches, this New England resident is a harsh example of the vintage hourglass figure.

Heaviest Man

(source)

The World’s Heaviest Man isn’t the most desirable title but, in the end, someone needs to carry the burden and own the role. At a massive 980 pounds, Paul Mason of the UK officially owns the rank of the heaviest man alive. Permanently bed ridden and entertained mostly by his Play Station, let this be a lesson that some records are better left alone.

Longest Flatulence

(source)

And finally, the whopper on everyone’s mind is the matter of longest sustained flatulence. Of course, it is widely known that Bernard Clemmens of London has a recorded gaseous release that was held for 2 minutes and 43 seconds in front of witnesses. Though this is unsubstantiated by Guinness World Records, bloggers and enthusiasts web-wide maintain the urban legend to be factual and true.

Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Yuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit

(source)

Though it has been truncated for everyday conversation, the official name of Bangkok, Thailand is the 167-letter title seen above. While the shorter translation equates roughly to the jeweled city of the god Indra, the longer version is a proud display of history. TRANSLATION: “The great city of angels, the supreme unconquerable land of the great immortal divinity (Indra), the royal capital of nine noble gems, the pleasant city with plenty of grand royal palaces and divine paradises for the reincarnated deity.”

Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipuk
akapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu

(source)

Located near Porangahau, the 85-letter mammoth above is the name of a 1,000-foot hill in New Zealand. Shortened to Taumata for common-speak, the word was derived from the Maori language and is the longest place-name in any English speaking country. TRANSLATION: “The brow of the hill where Tamatea, with the bony knees, slid and climbed mountains. The great traveler sat and played on the flute to his beloved.”

The Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu (Chinese Taipei)

(source)

In an effort to be accepted by the World Trade Organization (without overtly offending its motherland China), Taiwan was forced to craft a very definite, yet politically correct, title. Now officially known as the string of words above, the region managed to name itself in a deliberate fashion that defined their role in Asian commerce – it only took 68 letters to get their point across.

Gorsafawddachaidraigddanheddogled dollonpenrhynareurdraethceredigion

(source)

Not to be outdone, the Fairbourne Steam Railway in Gwynedd, Wales compiled a 67-letter name that would rival the regional record. In pure competition with Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, the railway now boasts the longest title in all of Wales. TRANSLATION: “The Mawddach station and its dragon teeth at the Northern Penrhyn Road, on the golden beach of Cardigan Bay.”

Al Jumahiriyah al Arabiyah al Libiyah ash Shabiyah al Ishtirakiyah al Uzma

(source)

Known to the English language as simply Libya, this African name is a bit more long-winded in its native tongue. Conceived in the late 70s as a response to the change in government structure toward “people’s power,” the phrase stems from an Arabic term that is roughly translated as “state of the masses.” Consisting of 63 letters in total, Libya’s official name is the longest of any sovereign country in the world.

Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllanty
siliogogogoch

(source)

What use to be the longest place-name in all of Wales was this 58-word tongue twister known to locals as Llanfairpwll. The first twenty letters are said to be true to the original word but the following 38 were allegedly added during a 19^th century publicity stunt. TRANSLATION: “Saint Mary’s Church in the hollow of white hazel near a rapid whirlpool and the Church of Saint Tysilio near the red cave.”

El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles de la Porciúncula

(source)

Though we commonly abbreviate it to simply “LA,” the City of Angels technically boasts the longest name in the entire United States. Consisting of 57 letters, the original name of Los Angeles has a bit more to it than commonly known. TRANSLATION: “The town of our lady the queen of the angels of the little portion.”

The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

(source)

A little known bit of trivia is the fact that the smallest state in the US has the longest official name on the books. Spanning 45 letters, the original name comes from the merger of two early colonies: Providence Plantations and Rhode Island. Though the name is officially the full title above, you’re most likely to have only heard it referred to as Rhode Island – if at all.

Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubun
agungamaugg Lake

(source)

There is a lake near Webster, Massachusetts that has a most unique 45-letter name. Officially named in the 1920s after a social push for boundary fishing, its origin is an Indian dialogue that roughly translates: “You fish on your side, I’ll fish on mine, and no one fishes in the middle.”

Tweebuffelsmeteenskootmorsdoodgeskietfontein

(source)

West of Pretoria in South Africa is a farm that has a 44-character name. Literally translated to mean, “two buffalos shot dead using one shot fountain,” this bizarre name was derived from the Afrikaan dialect and is commonly used in advertising to describe small rural towns.

Villa Real de la Santa Fé de San Francisco de Asis

(source)

The capital of New Mexico is referred to in short as Santa Fe but that’s a far cry from its actual name. Spanning a 40-letter phrase, the original name is one of the longer location names in the world. Derived from a Spanish description, it literally means the “Royal city of the holy faith of St. Francis of Assisi.”

Pekwachnamaykoskwaskwaypinwanik Lake

(source)

Manitoba Canada has over 100,000 lakes but none of them compare in namesake to this one. Derived from a Cree Indian phrase, this stream of letters literally means “where the wild trout are caught by fishing with hooks.” Boasting 31 letters in total, this lake has the longest name in all of Canada.

Mamungkukumpurangkuntjunya Hill

(source)

Joining the ranks of long-winded Australian names is a second hill. Although it’s made up of half of the letters, this 30-character name is beyond a mouthful. Located in South Australia, the name is derived from the regional Pitjantjatjara language and roughly translates to mean, “Where the devil urinates.”

Muckanaghederdauhaulia

(source)

What is thought to be the longest port name in the world, this town in County Galway, Ireland is another tongue twister. It’s a small peninsula that jets into Camus Bay and consists of 22 letters. Derived from the Irish phrase “Muiceanach idir Dhá Sháile,” it means something along the elegant lines of “pig-marsh between two salt waters.”

Lake Cadibarrawirracanna

(source)

Finally, the Australians make another appearance with this long-winded name for a salt lake in the south-central portion of the continent. Spanning 19 letters (not including lake), this is one of the more poetic concoctions and translates to literally mean, “stars dancing on water” in the local Aboriginal dialect.

Dual cantilever provides ultimate stability in this television wall mount. Convenient universal craftsmanship gives the option of hosting a 32″ to 60″ televison. You can buy Cheetah Television wall mounts online here.

Specs:

• Arms built-in rotation adjustment to ensure a level display
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Cheetah Mounts LCD Tilt Arm Wall Mount

Fully articulating LCD arm that tilts and swivels at an incredible price. Free your surface space by wall-mounting and enjoy complete flexibility in positioning your display. You can buy Cheetah Television wall mounts online here.

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• Molded aluminum arms
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• All installation hardware included
• Holds up to 44 lbs and up to 32″ Displays

Cheetah Mounts Plasma/LCD Tilt Wall Mount

The Cheetah is one of the finest of tilt wall mounts for 32-63″ displays. Offering ultimate security, this is a very solid mount weighing over 17 lbs. This is a top of the line, guaranteed, no-hassle mount. You can buy Cheetah Television wall mounts online here.

Specs:

• Dual chrome crossbars for side-to-side adjustment
• 17 lbs total weight – a very solid mount
• 2.5mm wall plate
• Dual locking bars
• Extra-large dual tilt adjustment knobs
• Extra-thick textured powder coat paint
• Universal design to fit 99+% of today’s displays
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Cheetah Mounts Tilt Wall Mount

This wall mount holds up to 160lbs and offers a tilt up to 15 degrees for your precise viewing. Complete with a free level to ensure even mounting. You can buy Cheetah Television wall mounts online here.

Specs:

• Universal design fits virtually any 32-55″ display
• 0-15 degree tilt adjustment,
• 1.9″ profile
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Cheetah Mounts Universal Tilt Wall Mount

The Universal Tilt wall mount is designed for televisions 32″ to 55″. Holding up to 150lbs, this mount is both durable and sleek with a 1.9″ profile. You can buy Cheetah Television wall mounts online here.

Specs:

• Slimmest profile available in a 15 degree tilt mount – Only 1.9″
• Fully adjustable 0-15 degree tilt angle
• Universal design fits virtually all 32″-55″ models
• Sturdy construction holds up to 150lbs
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Cheetah Mounts Plasma/LCD Articulating Wall Mount

Heavy duty dual-arm wall mount supports any flat screen Plasma or LCD screen up to 180lbs. This mount has a 27.25″ reach when you want to extend the dual arms for a closer view. You can buy Cheetah Television wall mounts online here.

Specs:

• A very substantial mount weighing 40 lbs!
• Truly universal design supports virtually any display from 32-63″
• Dual arms extend display up to 27.25″ away from the wall
• A full 180 degrees of side-to-side swivel motion of the wall arms
• 15 degrees of up or down tilt with four easy to tighten screen tilt locking knobs
• The nested wall arms also fold inside each other when pushed flat to give the mount a very slim 4 3/4″ profile
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• The 1/8mm thick steel wall plate also has a large center cable pass-through hole so that cables and cords can be fished into the wall interior for a clean installation look

Cheetah Mounts Professional Articulating Arm LCD TV Wall Mount

Professional and elegant design wall mount featuring a smooth gliding movement comes in three top quality powder coat colors. Unsightly cords may be concealed using the accent pieces for a streamlined look. You can buy Cheetah Television wall mounts online here.

Specs:

• 18″ wide wall plate uses two studs to support display
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Cheetah Mounts Articulating Arm Tilting Wall Mount

Stunning pieces of engineering, these cantilever mounts are the most flexible mounts for flat panel displays. Offers maximum adjustability, including horizontal extension, 180 degree of lateral rotation. You can buy Cheetah Television wall mounts online here.

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Cheetah Mounts Plasma/LCD Articulating Wall Mount

The articulating arm mount features a flat profile of 4.5″ from the wall to the back of your display. Full extension of 21″from wall along with a +/-15 degrees of tilt. You can buy Cheetah Television wall mounts online here.

Specs:

• Covers hole patterns 28.5″ Horizontal by 19″ Vertical and Up to VESA 600 x 400mm
• Extends to 21″ and collapses to less than 4.5″ from wall
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• All installation hardware included

This elegant sword is designed specifically for Taiji (T’ai Chi) practitioners. The flattened-diamond blade section produces a blade that is moderately stiff, while still allowing for some flexibility. The sword has a fully tempered high-carbon steel blade, perfect for everyday practice. You can buy this Paul Chen Practical T’ai Chi Sword, 28″ online here.

Specs:

• Blade length: 28“
• Handle length: 6 1/3”
• Overall length: 34 1/2“
• Weight: 1lb 3oz
• Point of Balance: 4″
• Width at Guard: 1.09″
• Width at Tip: .75″
• Thickness at Guard: .21″
• Thickness at Tip: .11″

Paul Chen – Red Zatoichi Sword

This sleek stick sword is named after Zatoichi, the legendary blind Samurai. The Red Zatoichi features a carbon steel with etched temper line blade. The red-lacquered hardwood scabbard and handle sets this sword apart. You can buy this Paul Chen Red Zatoichi Sword online here.

Specs:

• Overall length: 32 1/2″
• Blade length: 22″
• Handle length: 9 1/2″
• Weight: 1lb. 3 oz.
• Point of Balance: 5 1/2″
• Width at Guard: .96″
• Width at Tip: .70″
• Thickness at Guard: .25″
• Thickness at Tip: .17″

Paul Chen – Practical Plus Elite Katana

The dependable Practical Plus Elite Katana is an economical cutting sword. The traditionally crafted fittings are decorated in a Japanese Dogwood theme, displaying a dragon menuki and the Tsuba features an iron sunburst design. You can buy this Paul Cheng Practical Plus Elite Katana Sword online here.

Specs:

• Overall length: 40 ½”
• Blade length: 28 ½”
• Handle length: 11 ½”
• Weight: 2 lbs. 7 oz.
• Point of Balance: 5 1/2″
• Width at Guard: 1.39″
• Width at Tip: 1.03″
• Thickness at Guard: .26″
• Thickness at Tip: .16″
• Sori: 3/4″

Paul Chen – Musashi Iaito, 29″

This sword is named after famous Japanese swordmaster, Miyamoto Musashi. The Musashi Iaito offers a two-sword style with a Daito and Wakizashi, complete with a leather wrapped over ray skin Tsuba. You can buy this Paul Chen Musashi Iaito, 29″ Sword online here.

Specs:

• Blade length: 29”
• Handle length: 10 ½”
• Overall length: 40 ½”
• Weight: 2lb
• Point of Balance: 5″
• Width at Guard: 1.19″
• Width at Tip: .88″
• Thickness at Guard: .25″
• Thickness at Tip: .18″
• Sori: 3/4″

Paul Chen – Kami Tanto

Paul Chen’s hand-forged and folded steel blade make the Kami a top-of-the-line piece. Saya are deeply lacquered in red with a black ring carved at the mouth. Tsuba is made from hardened blackened copper, with silver and gold detailing. You can buy this Paul Chen Kami Tanto Sword online here.

Specs:

• Overall length: 15″
• Blade length: 9 1/2″
• Handle length: 4 1/2″
• Weight: 10 oz.
• Thickness at Guard: .260″
• Weight in box: 2 lbs. 7 oz.
• Box height: 16 3/4″
• Box width: 3 3/4″

Damascus Jian

This gorgeous, traditional Chinese-style motif with a hand-forged, meticulously finished Damascus steel blade sets this Damascus Jian sword apart. This well-balanced weapon is of heirloom quality with matching rosewood grip and scabbard with solid bronze fittings. You can buy the Damascus Jian Sword online here.

Specs:

• Overall length: 37 1/4″
• Blade length: 28 1/4″
• Handle length: 6 1/2″
• Weight: 1lb. 11 oz.
• Point of Balance: 5.16″
• Width at Guard: 1.07″
• Width at Tip: .69″
• Thickness at Guard: .37″
• Thickness at Tip: .17″

Scottish Claymore (Antiqued)

The Scottish Claymore is an authentically styled, fully functional sword. Distinctive sloping quillons terminating in quatrefoils and a high-collared quillon block with langets following the blade fuller make this a classic Claymore design. You can buy this Scottish Claymore (Antiqued) Sword online here.

Specs:

• Overall length: 59 3/4“
• Blade length: 41“
• Handle length: 14”
• Weight: 4 lbs. 14 oz.
• Point of Balance: 7″
• Point of Percussion: 31″
• Width at Guard: 1.78″
• Width at Tip: 1.28″
• Thickness at Guard: .24″
• Thickness at Tip: .16″

Hand-and-a-Half Sword

Hand-and-a-Half Sword is crafted after a sword thought to be that of Albrecht II of Austria and represents the pinnacle of beauty and balance in medieval swords. Commonly known as “longsword” for the longer grip, this Hand-and-a-Half Sword earned the title for the versitility it provides in using either one-handed or two-handed. You can buy this Hand-and-a-Half Sword online here.

Specs:

• Overall length: 44 1/2″
• Blade length: 34 3/4″
• Handle length: 10″
• Weight: 3 lbs. 4 oz.
• Point of Balance: 5 1/2″
• Point of Percussion: 21 1/2″
• Width at Guard: 2″
• Width at Tip: .9″
• Thickness at Guard: .24″
• Thickness at Tip: .20″
• Box height: 49 1/4″
• Box width: 8 1/4″

1860 U.S. Heavy Calvary Saber

Designed after the sabers the Federal Calvary used during the American Civil War, this was a superior weapon. The 36″ blade provided optimal reach, while the substantial weight offered soldiers ample leverage to easily crush bones and sever limbs with a single blow. You can buy this 1860 U.S. Heavy Calvary Saber Sword online here.

Specs:

• Overall: 41 1/2″
• Blade: 36″
• Thick: 1/3″
• Weight: 42.9oz.
• Steel: 1055 Carbon

Imperial Series Wakizashi

The Imperial Series Wakizashi weapon features a 21″ blade made from 1060 carbon steel. This high-end Japanese battle sword is known for it’s classic, elegant lines. You can buy the Imperial Series Wakizashi Sword online here.

Specs:

Butterfly Swords

Usually, Butterfly Swords come in pairs which are cleverly nested together, appearing to be one sword not two. When they are drawn, they can be quickly separated and wielded in both hands to make wickedly effective chops, slashes and thrusts.  You can buy these Butterfly Swords online here.

Specs:

• Overall Length: 20-1/4″
• Blade Length: 15″
• Thickness: 1/5″
• Weight: 37.1 oz.
• Steel: 1050 High Carbon Steel

United Yoru Dragon Forged Katana 1060 Carbon

Translated as “black dragon” in Japanese, this sword is aptly named “United Yoru Dragon Forged 1060 Carbon”. Hardwood handle is wrapped in stingray skin and black leather, providing high-quality elegance. Complete with hand-forged 29 7/8″ steel blade and heavy blood groove. You can buy this United Yoru Dragon Forged Katana 1060 Carbon Sword online here.

Specs:

• 41 1/4″ overall
• 29 7/8″ blade

James Bond

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Without debate, the world’s most well known double agent is Bond, James Bond. Agent 007 was created by novelist Ian Fleming in 1952 as a fictional part of the Secretive Intelligence Service stationed in London. Equipped with all sorts of nifty gadgets and a sleek black tuxedo, Bond leads a double life and prefers his martinis shaken, not stirred.

Mata Hari

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A Dutch courtesan and exotic dancer, Mata Hari made the history books as an infamous double agent during World War II. Known as agent H-21, she transported knowledge that she acquired (as a courtesan for French military officials) across borders and is thought to be responsible for the death of 50,000 French soldiers. Whether she was actually blameworthy is widely debated; however, she was found guilty in Paris and sentenced to death by firing squad.

Aldrich Ames

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Wisconsin native, Aldrich Ames is CIA counter-intelligence officer that was convicted of disclosing information to the Soviet Union for roughly a decade. Between 1985 and his conviction in 1994, he is known to have leaked over 100 secret missions and revealed the identity of roughly 30 western spies. In exchange for his services, he was paid $4.6 million by the Soviets and consequently awarded life in prison by the United States.

Mathilde Carré

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A French Resistance agent during WWII, Mathilde Carré is a rare triple-agent that attempted to deceive most of Western Europe. Known as The Cat, she started as an agent for the Franco-Polish Interallié espionage unit until the Germans captured her and put her to work against the Brits where she failed again. Her journal states that all she wanted was a “good meal and a man” – she got 20 years alone in a French prison instead.

Harold James Nicholson

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Another CIA officer gone awry, Harold James Nicholson began selling secrets to the Russian KGB in the wake of Aldrich Ames – he thought he could do better. Upon failing a standardized polygraph, he confessed to revealing US intelligence to the Russians in exchange for $180,000 in total, making him one of the highest-ranking CIA official ever convicted of espionage. In all, his plea saved him the death penalty and landed him 23.5 years in prison.

Ronald Pelton

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Equipped with a photographic memory and debt up to his neck, NSA analyst Ronald Pelton waltzed into a Russian embassy and divulged US secrets in exchange for cash. He informed the KGB of the Navy’s intent to install underwater cables to track Soviet submarines. Because very few people new about this plan, all were interrogated and Pelton confessed to espionage. Like the moles before him, he was sentenced to three consecutive life sentences in starting in 1986.

Jonathan Pollard

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In 1984, Anti-Terrorism analyst Jonathan Pollard began passing classified documents to an Israeli Air Force veteran in exchange for jewelry, $10,000 cash a $1,500 retainer for future information. He disclosed details about America’s electronic surveillance network and one million other documents to Israel and South Africa, making it one of the most destructive security breaches in US history. He was sentenced to life in prison in 1987; not for the money but in the name of his Jewish ancestry.

George Trofimoff

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Chief of the United States Army Element, George Trofimoff joined the espionage train and sold classified information to his childhood friend in the KGB from 1969 to 1994. In his 25 years of treason, he was compensated $250,000 and was even given a Russian award for “bravery and self-sacrifice in the defense of the socialist homeland.” In 2001 he was sentenced to life in prison for a crime against a country he did not claim as his.

Kim Philby

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Harold Russell (aka. Kim Philby and M.I.6) was of high rank in the British Intelligence Service before he began peddling classified information to the KGB. Though he did a few bits of spying on his own, he is most notably recognized as the Alpha member in the spy ring known as the Cambridge Five. The majority of the information he passed to the Russians was encoded within love letters that were sent to a fictitious lover in France; however, his letters were eventually intercepted when the not-so-discreet mailing address turned out to be the Russian embassy in Paris.

Benedict Arnold

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A key figure in American history, Benedict Arnold was a respected general during the American Revolutionary War. However, while commander of West Point, he became progressively more disgruntled with the US alliance with France and began to sabotage his post by revealing troop locations and deliberately depleting necessary supplies – all with the intention of ensuring a successful British takeover. When the siege failed and his confidantes turned him in, Arnold fled to England and engraved his name in the books as America’s first traitor.

Maxwell Smart

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Rounding off the list of famous double agents is a satire of the original. Maxwell Smart (Agent 86) is a fictional character that was developed for television during the spy craze initiated by James Bond. Working with his sidekick Agent 99, the duo exercised their powers of espionage for a secretive counter-intelligence until called CONTROL. Though never as smooth as Bond himself, Maxwell Smart had his successes through general dumb luck and a little help from 99.