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How to Safely Hung Big Game with a Handgun

October 25, 2011 Leave a comment

By Anthony Sages

Long before the hunting season starts, safe hunters set a goal of achieving thorough knowledge of their weapon. This means much more than gaining an understanding of game laws, regulations, and which forms to fill out. It means knowing every aspect of the weapon. Anything less is irresponsible, and irresponsible hunting can prove disastrous. Switching from hunting with a rifle to hunting with a handgun presents many challenges.

For example, even choosing the correct handgun will depend on the species of game being hunted. No single weapon will provide the perfect solution for all animals. Big game hunting can be achieved with single-shot handguns, five- or six-shot revolvers, or semi-automatic handguns. Hunters need to do their homework not only on the type of game, but also on the type of shooter they are as well as how the expected weather conditions will affect the gun’s performance.

Selecting the proper caliber will also prevent unnecessarily wounding an animal, which could lead to a deadly attack. Prior to engaging in big game hunting, hunters must make sure their marksmanship is up to standard. Experienced hunters recommend practicing firing the weapon in numerous positions, regardless of how unlikely they may seem at the time. Hunters should learn to fire with both hands. In addition, be prepared for shorter shooting distances when dealing with a handgun as opposed to a rifle.

Other obvious safety issues include never pointing a gun at anything other than the target. Be aware of certain dangerous “time zones,” involving the handling of handguns. These include showing the weapon, removing the gun from its holster, and loading or unloading the gun. Extreme caution must be demonstrated at these times.

About the Author:

Anthony Sages’ hunting experience includes big game hunting in both Alaska and Africa.

Getting to Know Great Danes

October 25, 2011 Leave a comment

By Anthony Sages

For those who love them, Great Danes represent the best of the canine kingdom. Majestic in stature and mental capacity, representations of Great Danes adorn the tombs of Egyptian Pharaohs. The Romans are said to have brought them home from their conquest of Britain. By the Middle Ages, Germanic tribes developed and refined the breed. Over many centuries, the breed gained recognition as a fighting dog. In the late 1800s, Great Danes first came to America and quickly earned a reputation for viciousness.

However, by the early 1900s, breeders set out to transform the Great Dane into a “kinder, gentler” breed. Today, Great Danes earn high marks as good pets and protectors. Owners find them loyal, dependable, spirited, and fearless. Great Danes reach about 30-32 inches in height and weigh up to 120 pounds. They require a lot of room for exercise and play. As of 2009, the Guinness Book of World Records measured the tallest Great Dane at 42.25 inches from floor to shoulder. Great Danes tend to mature slowly. Owners should consult specialists regarding their Great Dane’s nutritional needs during key periods of growth.

In addition, Great Danes possess deep chests, which put them at risk for bloating. Many people may wonder how Great Danes acquired their name. The name dates back to Comte de Buffon, a French naturalist, who saw the breed while traveling through Denmark. Noting that this breed appeared thinner in Denmark, he determined that the conditions in the country made these dogs “Grand Danois.” This led to the name Great Danish Dog, and later the term Great Dane.

About the Author:

Anthony Sages holds a leadership position in the financial services industry. In addition to his appreciation for Great Danes, Anthony Sages enjoys many pursuits, including coin collecting, marathon running, and big game hunting. 

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Evolution of Video Games By Anthony Sages

August 31, 2011 Leave a comment

While video games are ubiquitous in Western culture today, few are aware that the popular form of entertainment traces its history all the way back to 1947. The earliest form of a video game was patented as an entertainment device using cathode ray tube beams to simulate missile fire at aircraft printed on a screen overlay. According to the patent application, players could turn knobs on the device to aim the beam and press a button to fire it. The screen was mounted in a cabinet, making the bulky game large and not viable for personal use.

 

Cathode-Ray Tube Amusement posted by bitmob.com

Cathode-Ray Tube Amusement posted by bitmob.com

 

During the 1950s and 1960s, mainframe computer programmers developed video games as side projects. None of the games saw commercial introduction. In 1961, developers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology created a game called Spacewar! on the DEC PDP-1 computer. The game enjoyed widespread popularity and was the precursor to many computer games coming after it, including arcade games such as Galaxy Game and Space Wars.

 

Two people playing Spacewar in the early 1960's

Two people playing Spacewar in the early 1960's posted by compmuseum.narod.ru CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW VIDEO OF GAME IN PLAY

 

In the 1970s, developers were able to create arcade video games that offered players something different than pinball. The Galaxy Game was installed in Stanford University’s student union, and it served as the first coin-operated video game. Another offshoot of Spaceware!, Computer Space, became the first mass-produced coin-operated video game. The company that created it, Nutting Associates, produced 1,500 units for commercial sale.

 

Galaxy (Computer Recreations Inc.), 1971

Galaxy (Computer Recreations Inc.), 1971 by nik.clayton All Rights Reserved

 

When Atari, Inc., released Pong in 1972, they first manufactured it for use in computer arcades. With the success of the arcade units, Atari created the home console version in 1974 and began selling it to great success in 1975. Many manufacturers followed suit, flooding the market with games similar in style and play to Pong.

 

animated atari pong

Animated Atari Pong Tee Shirt posted by coolbuzz.org

 

By the late 1970s, a new generation of console games were on the market, using interchangeable cartridges containing arcade-style games like Space Invaders. This led to the expansion of both gaming arcades and home use. The early 1980s brought an array of new styles of video games, due in large part to the growing use of personal computers in homes. During the 1980s, players could participate in action adventure games like The Legend of Zelda, maze games like Pac-Man, simulator games such as Battlezone, and many others.

 

From these earliest forms of electronic entertainment, video games have evolved into graphically rich, complex experiences that can be played on consoles, cell phones, handheld devices, computers, the Internet, and in arcades. In 2010, the video game industry earned $10.5 billion in revenue.



About the author: Anthony Sages is an executive with AXA Financial, Inc., in New York City. While he participates in many active pursuits such as extreme skiing and marathon running, he also enjoys the simple pleasures of a great video game.

Significant Events in Ronald Reagan’s Presidency By Anthony Sages

August 31, 2011 Leave a comment

The 40th President of the United States, Ronald Wilson Reagan, was elected in the 1980 presidential election. He took office in January 1981 and served two full terms, leaving office in January 1989. During his eight years, President Reagan enjoyed multiple accomplishments.

President Ronald Reagan. photo: Public Domain

 


1. Supreme Court: Ronald Reagan appointed three Supreme Court justices during his eight years as president. His first was Sandra Day O’Connor, who served the court as an Associate Justice for 25 years before retiring in 2005. He also appointed Anthony Kennedy and Antonin Scalia, as well as elevating William Rehnquist to the position of Chief Justice.

 

 

2. Cold War: President Reagan made it his personal mission to end the proliferation of nuclear weapons. With this in mind, he oversaw the end of the Cold War with the Soviet Union, pursuing diplomacy with Mikhail Gorbachev. The two signed the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty and engaged in the Strategic Arms Reduction Talks.

 

3. War on Drugs: During his second term, Reagan toughened federal laws on drugs, budgeting $1.7 billion to fund the war. His wife, Nancy Reagan, also launched the “Just Say No” campaign to reduce recreational drug use among the nation’s youth.

 

4. Reaganomics: President Reagan made the American economy a top priority during his presidency, with economic policy based on four pillars that included reduction of government spending, reduced income and capital gains taxation, decreased government regulation, and governmental control of the money supply in order to reduce inflation.

 

5. John Hinckley Junior’s Assassination Attempt: Reagan had only been President for 69 days when John Hinckley, Jr., shot him and his Press Secretary, James Brady. Reagan was the first president to survive an attempted assassination via shooting.

 

About the author: Anthony Sages is the President of AXA Financial, Inc. He lives in New York City, where he enjoys collecting modern art, yachting, big game hunting, and running marathons. Mr. Sages lists his favorite American President as Ronald Reagan.

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Top Surfing Destinations Around the World

Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa
Jeffrey’s Bay may possibly stand out as the most popular surfer destination in the world. Immortalized in the film Endless Summer, Jeffrey’s Bay boasts long, perfectly shaped waves, providing many with the surf session of a lifetime. Most popular in the winter months, between June and August, Jeffrey’s Bay has experienced rapid expansion from the influx of tourists and visiting surfers as well as a number of surf competitions, such as the well-publicized Billabong Pro, one of the most prestigious surf competitions in the industry.

Bali, Indonesia
For avid surfers, Indonesia represents the ultimate surfer’s paradise. Imagined by many as a quiet island with an abundance of un-crowded wave spots, Bali fulfills the desire for tropical escapism, cultural submergence, and a sun-filled vacation time. While many are surprised at the sheer volume in which surfers flock to this destination, others do find places of serene solitude with private beach time and solo wave sessions; it’s simply a matter of planning accordingly.

Gold Coast, Australia
Located in Queensland, Australia, situated on the Northeastern portion of the continent, the Gold Coast has long been recognized as one of the most sought after surf destinations in the world. Blessed with generous amounts of sun, sand, and scenic coastline, the Gold Coast is actually a city, with nearly 600,000 residents, making it the 6th largest city within Australia. With beaches like Surfer’s Paradise and The Spit, it’s not hard to see why the region attracts so many surfers from around the world.

About the Author:
Anthony Sages serves as the Chief Sales Officer and Divisional President for AXA Advisors, LLC. In his free time, Anthony Sages enjoys surfing, skiing, and running, which help him to remain balanced and full of energy. Anthony Sages lives in New York City and also takes advantage of travel opportunities whenever possible. He hopes to visit his dream surfing destinations in the near future.

Surfing Tips from Anthony Sages

1.    Be sure to start off with the right gear. Generally speaking, a smaller board will be harder to maneuver and stand up on when you are first learning, so find a lesson center or rental store that can provide a longer and wider surfboard for those first lessons.

2.    Consider your surf leash length. The length of your leash should be at least as long as your board. Any shorter, and you risk getting hit in the head by your board when you fall in the water.

3.    It will take a few tries to figure out the proper stance on your board. You will know when you are too far forward if the front tip of the board continues to sink under the water as you try to paddle into the wave. If you are too far back on the board, it will be difficult for you to gain speed as you paddle forward.

4.    Always paddle with one arm at a time in order to gain a constant and powerful speed. Keep paddling until you feel the wave is pushing you forward. Many individuals quit paddling too soon, and as a result, the wave passes under them. Paddle strong and hard to catch the wave.

5.    Learn the patterns of the swell to determine the best “paddle in” points. Generally you will find that you can follow the lead of other surfers, but be careful not to paddle into waves that are too powerful for your skill level.

6.    To stand up on the board, practice getting up in one swift motion, using your arm strength to lift yourself from the paddle position to your standing position. Keep low on the board with your knees bent and feather forwards or backwards for optimal placement.

About the Author:
Anthony Sages currently serves as the Divisional President and Chief Sales Officer of AXA Advisors, LLC. Committed to his career in the financial arena, Anthony Sages also finds time to enjoy a number of hobbies, including surfing, extreme skiing, and big game hunting. Anthony Sages remains a top preforming executive and believes that a well-balanced lifestyle contributes to a highly fulfilling professional and personal existence.

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Anthony Sages Discusses Classic Rock Legends: The Rolling Stones

By Anthony Sages

With a defined passion for classic rock, I enjoy several progressive rock ‘n’ roll acts. Among these bands are The Rolling Stones, an epic English rock band that once started as a blues band and found its calling in rock ‘n’ roll. Musicians Keith Richards, who played guitar and sang as well, and Mick Jagger, the lead vocalist, formed The Rolling Stones in 1961, first recording only cover songs. Other original members of The Rolling Stones are Brian Jones, who played guitar and harmonics, Geoff Bradford, who played guitar, pianist Stu Stewart, bassist Dick Taylor, and drummer Mick Avery.

The Rolling Stones gained popularity in the U.S. during the “British Invasion” period of music influence in the 1960s. After the band defined its style, The Rolling Stones wrote some of the most widely recognized rock songs. The legendary group was named as the second most successful group in the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2009, and The Rolling Stones previously received a number 10 ranking in Billboard magazine’s “The Billboard Hot 100 Top All-Time Artists.”

In 1989, The Rolling Stones were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, an act that signifies the band’s influence on contemporary music and popularity among the citizens of the U.S. Some of the most popular songs released by the band include “Sympathy for the Devil,” “Beast of Burden,” and “Brown Sugar.”

Read more about Anthony Sages

Anthony Sages .com

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