In modern society, it seems that all age-old descriptive titles have given way for more ‘civilized’ names. Because of political correctness, or some new-age way of correcting a long-time stereotype, things change – sometimes for better, sometimes for worse.

• Bounty Hunters now conduct Fugitive Recovery or Bail Enforcement. 
• Stewardesses spent a time being called flight attendants, but have since become known as “Flight Crew”. 
• Secretaries are now known as Administrative Assistants.
• And, of course, bodyguards are now Executive Protection Specialists or Close Protection Officers.

To some, the term ‘bodyguard‘ projects an image of a 400 pound brute gate keeper, with virtually no concept of tactic or skill, other than that of hired-muscle. But, it is a term that everyone knows. The media uses it. People searching for security use it. And it’s what some clients use on a regular basis, particularly when searching for a new security provider or casually talking (executive protection specialist can be a bit much to just roll off the tongue in a casual conversation)

I often get questions like “Why do you still use that word?” and some even have the gall to question one’s professionalism because they use it. I was recently told of a comment from a guy wanting to get into the security industry – that said he would not work with someone that referred to themselves as a “bodyguard”, or join any association that used the term in their name.

I wonder, did the guy think his statement made him sound more professional, or more in-tune to the industry – possibly hoping his words would trigger someone to hire him because of his belief of what is the ‘right term’ to use? While some may think it to be an uncivilized term, it is still at the top of the current-day terms used to describe the profession, particularly in this Google-age.

While those in the know may search for “executive protection”, “close protection”, “personal security” or the like; chances are good that most search for “bodyguard”, “celebrity bodyguard”, “vip protection” or a variation to describe the service they want, not the ‘official’ title given by someone in the industry.

It’s not what one calls themselves that defines their professionalism, or their knowledge of the job they are tasked with… it’s the way they act, the way they work and, yes, the way they provide the service that they are tasked to perform.

Michael Saad International, an international security and investigations firm, announced today that Tami Teufel has joined the company to further develop their growing portfolio of regional and national accounts within the United States to continue to promote their investigations and protective services by creating more brand awareness and client loyalty initiatives.

Michael Saad International appoints Tami Teufel as National Accounts Manager

Tami joins Michael Saad International as National Accounts Manager to provide business services to many of the top companies in America and abroad. Tami comments “I am excited to start a new challenge within Michael Saad International and look forward to working with the firm to further develop their already numerous services. I am fortunate to be joining such a respected company that prides itself on integrity and character.”

Michael Saad, CEO of the Dubai-based Corporation, said “Tami’s mass experience and industry knowledge has already made her a key addition to the Michael Saad International family. We view her allocation as a sign of our commitment to being a leading company in personal security and investigative services. I am confident that Tami will play a key role in providing and implementing high quality solutions for our clients.”

This was great!

So, based on the title, this could either be a useful book filled with valuable information, or a book filled with propaganda. I was scared to even scroll down the page, especially since the author is “Anonymous.”

However, a pleasant surprise awaited me, Anonymous: Survival Guide for Citizens in a Revolution, is filled with useful information. Much of it is the same information I follow when a hurricane is headed for my house. Stockpile non-perishable food and bottled water, get prescriptions filled in advance, buy rice.

This guide is actually intended for people who think they are ABOUT to be in a country with civil unrest, not a country that is already disrupted. The most important tid-bit of information: stay calm.

The book is broken down into different areas. First warnings signs of coming unrest. Preparations. Security.  Creating a Take-Box. General Strategies.  Additional Security Tips. How to Deal with Exceptional Situations.

This book is certainly worth a read.

The ACLU recently posted the 2010 cell phone data retention chart, which it received from the Justice Department under a Freedom of Information Act request. Included HERE is a clean copy of the report; but here is a summary of how long different American carriers keep your data lying around for law enforcement to access.

Location Tracking
data about which cell towers your phone uses.

• ATT: Forever
• Sprint  and Nextel  keep that information for 18-24 months
• Verizon stores it for 1 rolling year

“Detail” of your text
details include call history, date, time, senders phone number, and receiver’s phone number

• ATT:  post paid 5-7 years, and does not retain content information at all
• Verizon: 1 rolling year and text content for 3-5 days
• T-Mobile: pre-paid 2 years and does not keep content at all
• Sprint and Nextel keep details for 18 months “depending on the device”and content
• Virgin Mobile: detail for 60-90 days and content for 90 days

IP information
this is your session information and browsing history

• Verizon: IP session information for 1 years and browsing history for 90 days
• T-Mobile and Virgin Mobile:  Don’t store any
• Nextel and Sprint: store IP address and browsing history for 60 days
• ATT: IP session info is “only retained on non-public IPS for 72 hours, If public, not retained”

This may be information to consider the next time you enter a contract with a cell-phone provider. Privacy is NOT a right guaranteed under the US constitution or Bill of Rights; but you can use information to protect yourself.

The next time you travel by plane you may be approached to take on extra luggage. Travelers are targeted because they have fewer pieces of luggage, and then asked to take on bulky pieces as they check-in their own pieces. These items are usually electronic goods and the travelers are generally paid $5-10 per kilogram. The money is either paid after check-in or upon final delivery at ports such as Chennai, Sri Lanka and Yangon.

Between $1,000-5,000 fine and up to six months in jail if youre caught carrying another persons luggage in Singapore airport

Changi Airport is aware of the touts and is conducting “anti-touting patrols” at all four of its’ terminals. Carrying another person’s luggage is not only illegal but people caught touting in public places can be fined between $1,000-5,000 and be jailed for up to six months.

We do it for fun or for malice. We use Photoshop to put our head on top of a sexy body. But the Philippines Department of Public Works and Highways Patrol was caught Photoshoping themselves into a typhoon cleanup photo. :blush:

Typhoon Nesat struck just a few days ago and instead of going to view the damage; they used Photoshop to put themselves in. Don’t they look pensive and appear to be assessing the damage? Good job guys! But you got caught! Look closely, they seem to be floating in midair… not such a good job after all.

The chastising has begun by folks Photoshoping them into other photos.

Regardless whether you’re a celebrity or not, safety and security during flights are important. For a celebrity, however, there are considerations to remember during flight.

Critics, stalkers and angry fans can be violent when they have the chance to show how they feel with the celebrity. That is why most of VIP’s choose to have privacy in an exclusive luxurious in-flight suite. There are many Executive Services that offers this kind of privilege, you just have to be ready to pay what it takes. Celebrity or regular Joe, if you have the “dough”, why not right?

If you are wealthy enough, maybe you can charter your own jet. Some benefits of having to relax on a safe flight, is you can also talk about important matter such as business information with your partner without thinking of leaking the information to other sources.

Celebrities, Athletes, Wealthy individuals who are all VIP’s are at risk of being kidnapped, harmed, ambushed by fans and/or paparazzi… the risk doesnt deminish 30,000 feet in the air, but exclusive airplanes and flights keep them safe from these inconveniences and/or dangers more than Economy. Convenience can also be a factor as well as flexibility.

Hillary Duff turns 24 today. Happy birthday! What do you do when it’s your birthday and you’re a celebrity? Get a bodyguard before you head out the door; paparazzi are waiting.

But this paparazzo isn’t so bad. He not only remembered the special day, he got flowers for Hillary. Her security even let him pass to hand it her personally!

 Maybe he’ll get a special picture of her as a return favor, one day.

A suicide bomber and militants with hand-grenades attacked Ali’s convoy, near the southern city of Aden. At least three soldiers were killed and nine others injured. The convoy was attacked as it exited a tunnel. Major General Ali was staying in Aden during a visit to the south; where militants have already claimed three cities. The army is trying to regain the territory.

 Yemen is currently under quite a bit of upheaval; including fighting between political factions and an al-Qaeda militant group in the south.  Most recently, Saleh, left the country.