Investing in sports cards can be both fun and profitable. Everyone enjoys some form of sports and there is a collector in all of us. People have an affinity for searching out, locating, and gathering things which appeal to them, and this universal aspect of human nature applies quite nicely to the hobby of collecting sports cards. Basically anything you can imagine can be collected; there is no end to what our imaginations can dream up. Often when people are involved in a particular activity such as a sport or a hobby group, they will tend to seek out items from within that particular genre.
People like to be able to use their pre-existing knowledge about the hobby or sport and apply it from an authority stand point while actively locating cards and assessing the value of them when they are interested in adding something to their collection or selling, or even trading the cards. When people are knowledgeable they feel a very strong sense of ability, and other people involved in the same interests will often have a mutual respect for such individuals. There are many opportunities both online and offline to become involved in a community of collectors who share an interest in a particular subject. These communities can offer a great deal of experienced resources for the novice as well.
There is such a wide variety of sports cards which can be focused on when you are collecting sports cards for investment purposes. Things can be grouped into age or era if you are interested in vintage or antique items. These are often the hardest to find and replace due to the scarcity and limited quantity of them. Since collecting is basically representative of the past, it can often remind us of much earlier times and how things were different at those times. For these reasons you can find many sports cards which are offered as commemorative items for certain events in history and these can be great investment as they are often only released in limited quantities.
Focusing on one particular team or sports figure can be a great way to pay tribute to them. This approach to investing in sports cards could follow an entire career of an individual or it could span the complete history of a team. When a sports figure has not been around for a very long time it presents an opportunity to start early in their career and possibly acquire items at a much lower cost then what they may become. With a newer athlete you could focus on all of the rookie cards you can find because you never know what they might accomplish in the future.
Investing in sports cards and collecting sports memorabilia can offer a great way to relax and something to take your mind off of the daily rat race. It does involve some studying and learning but much of this can be done with a very hands-on approach to learning once you actually have accumulated several sports cards of your own. You can create something enjoyable and something to be proud of. Often the items within a collection are worth much more than they would be if parted out individually because a portion of the value of a collection is the time and effort that it took to acquire such a large group of highly related items within a particular genre.
Responsive Community Governance and the Role of the Nigerian People
Now that the traditional noise-making jamboree preceding what is regarded as elections in this clime had been concluded, and also after the “re-insult” (results) had been unleashed on us, there is a justified need for us to once again appraise our existence as a people.
It beats all reasonable imaginations to discover that after 48 shameful years of supposed independence, Nigerian politicians during the just concluded Local Government polls, could still tour our streets with their shameless clichéd campaign promises of “Good roads, portable water, free health care, free education …”, which in places like America and Europe, are read only in history books.
It even baffles one the more to learn that a particular chairmanship aspirant unapologetically goofed during his own version of the noise-making carnival. The candidate reportedly shouted to the high heavens, his intention to make sure that public power supply in his constituency get more regular than it was, if eventually elected.
He obviously did not know or perhaps “have forgotten” that the subject of power was not a responsibility for the local government! This is a very good indication that the politician in question is a total ignoramus who was warming up to take the people of his local government through another round of failure, coloured by embezzlement and people destructive shenanigans.
Come to think of it, to promise good roads, portable water and so forth after almost 50 years of independence, certainly smacks of stagnancy of the highest order. The most painful part is that most of these candidates were gunning for a second term in the same office, and yet they still maintained the gut to think that electorates are blind fools without any good memory.
Audaciously, they still promise good roads, as if those bad roads had just sprung up from the ground some days earlier; as if they have not taken note of the roads before the campaigns. I can bet with any valuable article that, in another four year’s time, these people would still come back to promise “good roads!” Hmn, Jesus wept!
It is high time the electorates devised means to hold political office holders more responsible. The fact must not be forgotten that the people possess the greatest power in any societal set up. This is because; the population of people holding elective posts is only minuscule, compared to the number of people being ruled. Consequently, one expects the populace to play a very significant role in the way and manner the society is governed and the management of public resources.
From time to time, the people should always demand for stewardship reports from their political leaders. If that of the Federal and State Governments cannot be obtained directly, the one from the local government especially from the councilors should be demanded for, at regular intervals. People in the grassroots should organize themselves into independent community associations, through which a general meet of all residents in a particular ward, for an instance, could be summoned, during which the elected councilors could be made read out his progress so far (or otherwise) in office. Rooms should be created for a question – and – answer forum during those meets. The councilors should not just be allowed to sit in office, receive allowances and feed fat on public funds.
If only this could be sustained in each ward of a local government for a period of time, I am cocksure that in no time, such initiative would be duplicated statewide, and nationwide.
However, the people should always refuse to be bamboozled by doctored stewardship reports, as most politicians (being their trademark) would go any length to make people believe what is not. Past experiences have demonstrated the enormous tendencies of Nigerian politicians to lie and cover up the same lie with another. The people should always take the initiative to investigate every “achievement” claimed by their political representatives, at every point in time.
These people (the elected office holders) are not ghosts, they live in our midst and we know them inside-out. So, monitoring them should come as easy as we want such to be. All forms of I-don’t-care tendencies must be eschewed for the good of our society.
The rationale for the establishment of Local Government in the administration of the Nigerian society is hinged on the necessity to bring governance closer to the people. It is to ascertain that the presence of government is maximally felt at the grassroots, such that the people can effectively participate in the process.
But how much of this commendable intention has been achieved in the contemporary order of things? Hardly do people outside partisan politics recognize their representatives at the Local Government levels not to talk of having a good understanding of the way their resources (at least, allocations from the Federal Coffers) are being managed.
In the stead of carrying people along in Local Government administration, some smart, selected few in the guise of politics would rather grow pot bellies, feeding fat at the expense of the entire community, thus, the object of bringing governance closer to the people gets out rightly defeated. Painful still, these anointed few, in an obvious intoxication, assume to themselves unnecessary importance. Imagine, an ordinary chairman elect in one of LCDA’S in Alimosho hardly waited for the results to be announced before changing his mobile phone number! Even Mr Babatunde Fashola, the amiable governor of Lagos still maintains his old number, till date. It is quite obvious from this, that a gulf certainly separates the enlightened from the rustic illiterates.
Who blames them, anyway, when they know that no-one would hold them responsible for their actions and deliberate inactions, for as long as they can play the good-boy to their respective political godfathers, whose investments must be recouped before anything else?
Sampling people’s opinion, I came to the realization that supposed upright and the ordinary Nigerians are not eager to participate in anything political. The belief is that politics is a dirty game for dirty people. The only thing a common, average Nigerian would rather do is to grudgingly complain behind a closed door where the presumed ‘tormentor’ or the larger society cannot categorically hear him.
I think since politics is a dirty game for dirty people, the clean ones need not complain. Afterall, it is a matter of picking the nose with the right finger, like the Yorubas would day. More seriously, it is high time we made the so-called politicians realize that we are not morons whose lives could be toyed with, by any individual or group of individuals. Their campaigns, since the second republic have always centered on good roads, water supply, improved health care delivery and so forth yet, decades after, the mirage still remained.
Nigerians, as a matter of fact should defocus on the central government and make the nearest tier work at all costs for the good of our respective communities. After all, Nigeria claims to practice federalism. When our community governance delivers the best for us, as a people, then, little would be expected from the central government, only as compliments.
Every individual and groups should wake up to this responsibility. We should think of means to make local politicians more responsive and responsible. They should always be kept on their feet by the consciousness of our vigilance and spotlight on them. To make our ‘ leaders’ more responsible, all hands must be on deck.
PS: This Piece was written in October 2008, a week after the conclusion of the Lagos Local Council Polls
Revealed – Incredible Custom Paint Designs on Cars – Auto Spray Painting Paint
Custom paint designs on cars are more plentiful than the sands of the sea. From pink police cruiser paint schemes, to elaborate dessert backdrops complete with sand, cacti, and pale red sunsets, the plethora of custom paint designs on cars are as wild as the wildest imaginations. But, when it comes to the most popular of the last year or even the last five years, there are a few paint schemes that have pulled away from the rest of the pack.
Los Angeles, the mecca of elaborate paint designs, has produced some cutting edge custom paint works that have been trend setting for the rest of the country. First, the tried and true graphic flames, without a doubt, continue to change the landscape of the custom paint designs on cars. The longevity of the flame can be attributed to its flexibility of use, as well as, its beautiful twisting, sharp red and yellow cascades of heat.
The LA designers have added sculls, angry dogs, hellish riders, and even heavenly artwork to the flame in order to change its landscape while keeping with the basic, awe inspiring flame.
The classic racing stripe is another of the most popular custom paint designs on cars. Although it would be difficult to pin this design on any one place, it should be noted that the Cunningham Racing Team began using the racing stripe in 1951. It was originally intended to serve as a guide on the racetrack or to distinguish the different racing teams; however, the racing stripe has evolved into intricate designs upon some of the world’s most common cars such as the MiniCooper, The Mustang, and the Camaro. Inspiring many boys and men, young and old, the racing stripe will be hanging around for many more years to come.
Finally, one of the most sought after custom designs of the past and present is the skeleton. It is the one design that can be implemented into any other paint scheme, particularly the racing stripe and the flame. Designs of the past have included a racing stripe flame, a skeleton riding a motorcycle with a racing stripe flame, and a skeleton with flames spraying from two over sized eye sockets.
There is no limit to the many combinations of custom paint designs on cars that the car industry may use. But, one thing is for sure, the flame, racing stripe, and skeleton are all considered some of the most popular custom paint designs on cars.
Role-playing isn’t just a fun activity for kids anymore as most of us well know. Costumes and the ability to say “let’s pretend” can play a very big role in a rich, full adult life as well. However, once we’re all grown up, quite a few of us find it enjoyable to use our imaginations to spice up our sex lives or add a sense of flirtation to special occasions. For that reason, sexy costumes are something quite a few of us can appreciate.
Spice up your sex life
Sensual lingerie or role-play based intimate apparel are wonderful ways to add a sense of mystery, fun, and spice to a marriage or long-term relationship. It allows us to experience something new, different, and fun while we enjoy quality time with the partner we’ve come to know and love over the years – the best of both worlds for sure! They’re simple and often inexpensive.
Many people enjoy introducing such things into their lives, so there’s no shortage of new ideas and choices out there. Talk to your partner and explore your fantasies with one another! Then surprise one another by using costume play to initiate something magical at the end of a long, hard day.
Make Halloween spicy
Halloween is no longer just a holiday for kids! It’s also a chance for adults to get together, cut loose, and have a little fun as well. Sexy Halloween costumes have gotten more and more popular over the years to the point where it’s practically become tradition to dress sexy for the occasion. Go semi-traditional by putting a sexy spin on an old favorite – a sexy vampire, sexy witch, or sexy fairy tale character for instance. Revisit the old childhood question “what do you want to be when you grow up” by dressing as a naughty nurse, fireman, or police officer. The sky’s the limit when it comes to Halloween and anyone who keeps with the trends knows that sexy is where it’s at these days!
Add flare to any day that needs it
And who says it needs to be a special occasion to make things a little bit sexier! It’s always a good time to surprise your partner unannounced by serving dinner in a sexy get-up. Artistic types may want to play around with staging pin-up shoots of themselves for fun, expression, or to create a special gift for their paramour. Whatever your pleasure, costumes that leave little to the imagination are a terrific way to add magic to your life. Try one on for size today and find out for yourself!