Airbrush Cakes

Airbrush Cakes

Okay, let's have an honesty moment. As a pastry chef, I have access to information about the latest and greatest techniques for making professional desserts. That is great, I love seeing cutting edge complicated techniques that will wow customers to complete aww. But I find the real trick is finding a way to simplify these awesome techniques so everyone in their house can have the satisfaction of creating a beautiful dessert and watching their friends enjoy it. Here is a simple way to make a fancy airbrush cake, by the way it is still cheaper then getting a professional to do it! Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Okay so there is the real way of doing this...go get a crazy expensive airbrushing kit. Make sure you get edible color dye and some vodka to thin out any thick dyes. Luster dusting is great also so your cakes can sparkle like fresh snow. Oh, and bake a great cake. Fill your airbrush gun with the amount of dye the kit instructions say. Stand about a foot away and fan the cake with color in waves so you are not shooting the dye into the icing and creating lines unless you want that. You are looking for even color not puddles.

2. Here is the way you do it if you have no trust fund. Go to the grocery store, find the Wilton section in your local hobby shop or the craft section of Walmart. Look for Wilton Color Spray. It tends to be good in almost every color. Just make sure you spray in waves and not up close or the liquid beads up and runs.

3. Start with a fresh cake with a good coating of icing in white if you want a colored cake or chocolate if you want a black cake. If you start with white for a black it ends up gray. Slowly spray like you would if you were spray painting furniture with spray paint. It is the same idea only edible, slowly back and forth. Turn the cake on a turntable or lazy susan so you have an even layer, then go back and detail out shadows by going slower in the areas you want darker. If you want lines you are going to need a darker shade of royal icing, you can't change the point of the spray on these. Get some luster dust and a cake brush and gently dust it over very cool icing and you will have the same sparkle.

Tags: Airbrush Cakes, cake with

Make A Sniper Ghillie Suit

Swiss snipers in ghillie suits

The sniper ghillie suit was adapted from an outfit that was worn by Scottish gamekeepers by the British army for sniper duty in World War I. It is a bodysuit or body netting covered in strips of cloth and twine, fashioned to resemble heavy foliage. This kind of heavy-duty camouflage is standard for snipers and has become popular with paintballers, nature watchers and hunters.

Instructions

1. Buy a one-piece jumpsuit. An olive drab mechanic jumpsuit or surplus Air Force flight suit is ideal. If you select a one-piece outfit that has a bad base color for camouflage (like navy blue), you will need to first bleach and then dye it. Jumpsuits are best because they give the maximum surface area, but even a jacket or over-alls could be adapted to fit this purpose.

2. Make sets of netting for the suit. Tie a tough cord like fishing line or nylon string into sets of squares or rectangles, and then tie these together into groups. The least complicated way to do this is to make several small nets rather than one big netting for the entire suit. There are no hard and fast rules regarding this: The netting pattern and amount of material used must be adapted to fit your choice of jumpsuit, its size and where and how much camouflage material you choose to attach in step 4.

3. Sew the netting onto the outside of the suit.

4. Attach clusters of suitably colored twine or strips of cloth to the netting by tying them on, using ordinary knots. You should consider putting more of the clusters on the back of the suit since you will probably be crawling or lying on the ground a lot, and your back will be the most exposed surface.

5. Repeat steps 1 through 3 to acquire and make a hat for the ghillie suit. A bush hat would be the best choice, since it provides a surface that covers the ears. Hoods are also good. Once again, how much netting and material you tie on depend on the choice of hat and desired level of camouflage.

6. Get the suit dirty. Roll through a mud puddle in it, or drag it down a dirt road behind your car. The dirtier it is, the more natural it looks, and the better it is.

7. Tie on twigs and/or pin on leaves or moss to the suit before each use. Materials like these add the extra touch of camouflage, but wear out quickly. They will need to be reapplied whenever you use your ghillie suit.

Tags: ghillie suit, outfit that, strips cloth, will need

Bunny Games For Kids

Bunnies are a cute way to get kids involved in games.

Easter is a great time to pull out games based on bunnies, but it isn't the only time your kids will enjoy them. Birthday parties and play dates are perfect times to pull out bunny-themed games. It is an easy way to yank your kids away from the computer and video games while involving them in outdoor activities based on bunnies.

Find the Carrots

Put bunny-ear headbands on a group of children and hand each one a basket. Place pictures of carrots, Easter eggs, stuffed bunnies and small Peter Rabbit books on a large piece of poster board. Direct the kids to find the items that are hidden in the yard. Be sure to have one of everything for each child to find.

Bunny Tag

Kids get a ton of exercise when they play bunny tag. Pick one child to be the dog chasing the other kids, who are the bunnies. The bunnies hop away from the fast-walking dog. If they are caught, they crouch down and use their arms to make bunny ears atop their head until the game is finished. The last bunny caught becomes the dog during the next round.

Bunnies on Paper

Create your own crossword puzzle and word search with online creators featuring bunnies. Hide words like bunny, carrots, acorn and hop in the word search. Use clues like "Another word for bunny" for the word rabbit and "Horses eat it" for hay. Turn it into a race by timing how long it takes kids to complete both puzzles and giving the winner a prize.

Tradition Turned Bunny

Put a twist on the traditional ring toss by replacing the stake in the ground with a piece of wood shaped like a bunny's ear or a statue of a bunny. Or play pin the nose on the rabbit by posting a large picture of a bunny on the wall and using numbered, pink, self-adhesive triangles as noses.

Bunny Board Games

Purchase a bunny board game like Bunny Hop Memory. Kids ages 4 through 6 match the color on the bottom of each bunny to a hole in a base. The twist comes as certain bunnies "hop" out of the game. Children must remember which bunnies are "hoppers." Another bunny game is Funny Bunny, which is recommended for kids 4 to 8. Gamers try to get their bunnies to the top of the carrot, but hazards along the way can make their bunnies disappear.

Tags: away from, based bunnies, like bunny, their bunnies, word search, your kids

Make Camouflage Netting

Camouflage, the art of concealment, made easy with netting.

Camouflage netting breaks up unnatural lines and shapes within a natural environment. Its main uses are in military engagements and during hunting expeditions. Camouflage netting conceals objects in a variety of environments, including desert, tundra, forest and grassland. Camouflaged netting often features strips of fabric that flutter about with the wind, giving the intruding object a three-dimensional measure of concealment.

Instructions

1. Cut the anti-rot treated shrimp net to the desired size. For instance, if you plan on wearing your net, ensure that it will completely cover your body without dragging on the ground. Military units, especially snipers, create specifically crafted garments made from camouflage netting known as "ghillie suits." If your net is to conceal a hunting blind, size the net accordingly.

2. Wash and dry your net with anti-scented laundry detergent. Strange scents are among your greatest enemies while hunting game. The used shrimping net might need two or three washes to completely remove the left-over shellfish smell.

3. Weave twigs and branches through your shrimp net. Ensure the foliage is native to the area where your net will be used. Better yet, if you plan on using your net in a specific tree or bush, find foliage from these particular plants. Rather than removing green twigs and branches from living trees, try to find your foliage on the ground.

4. Weave leaves through your homemade camouflage netting. As before, ensure the leaves complement the area of use. The leaves will flutter and wave in the breeze, making your netting seem less wall-like and more organic. Ensure that you can still see through your net from behind its camouflaged cover.

5. Leave your netting outside in the elements for several days before use. Drape the net over a fence or pole, and avoid placing it on the ground. That will speed up the decomposition of your attached foliage. Leaving your net outside allows the rope fibers to soak up the outdoor scents, while removing your own from the newly added foliage.

Tags: through your, camouflage netting, Camouflage netting, twigs branches, your from, your netting

Hunting Lease Rules

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 12.5 million people hunted throughout the U.S. in 2006. If you want to lease your land to hunters, have the proper rules in place to ensure a safe and profitable venture. Put your rules on a written lease agreement and have it signed by the lessee. Rules here are for illustration purposes only; consult an attorney to design your own.

Hunting Licenses

Licensed hunters know what types of animals can be harvested.

Hunters must have valid hunting licenses. Licensed hunters are educated on hunting laws and have taken a safety course. Licensed hunters are given tags limiting the number of animals they can harvest. Hunting laws vary from state to state; be aware of your state's laws so you know your lessees are compliant.

Firearms

Set rules regarding the safe and proper use of firearms.

Include rules on the use of firearms. The University of Tennessee suggests the following: All firearms should be unloaded during motor vehicle transport, at camp and near buildings, and during non-legal shooting hours; firearms must be in cases when not in use; no shooting across roads or property lines; and firearms should be handled as if they are loaded at all times.

Drugs and Alcohol

No one should hunt while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or prescription medication that may impair the safe use of firearms or vehicles.

Liability

Set a rule that you're not liable for accidents on your property such as snakebites.

Hunting is an inherently dangerous activity, so set a rule that you are not liable for any accidents involving firearms, falling trees, hidden ground openings, poisonous plants and animals or any other hazards.

Fees

Deposits ensure your property and equipment such as deer stands

All fees should be paid up front. Some landowners charge per acre, while others charge a flat fee per day, weekend or week. Ask for a refundable deposit to ensure the protection of your land, campsites and equipment such as deer stands.

Camping

Be sure your lessees know your campsite rules.

Set rules regarding campsite locations as well as regulations on campfires, littering and noise. The University of Tennessee says to allow open fires only on campsites; campfires must never be left unattended. Declare check-in and check-out times, insist that campsites be cleaned of any trash or equipment and predetermine the number of campers allowed.

Vehicles

Set rules on the number and types of vehicles allowed on your property, and where the vehicles can be parked and driven.

Blaze Orange

Part of safe hunting is wearing the appropriate attire.

The University of Tennessee recommends all hunters and guests wear 500 square inches of bright orange on the head and upper body during certain times. This is an important safety precaution designed to keep hunters and guests from being shot.

Pets

Lessees should be solely responsible for the pets they bring.

Many people bring dogs to help them hunt, so make sure your lessees know they're responsible for pets. Don't allow pets on neighboring property. The lessee shall be liable for any damage or injuries caused by his pet.

Tags: Licensed hunters, University Tennessee, your lessees, your property, deer stands, equipment such

Birthday Parties For Boys In Massachusetts

Encourage boys to help set up decorations for preparty excitement.

Planning any boy's celebration requires considering the birthday person's individual tastes and preferences. Consider using one theme to make decorations, cake and activities or games easier to select. Send active kids who enjoy being outdoors into the backyard for a pool party or to the park for a barbecue and hire entertainment that comes to you. If traveling to a business location for your party, check prices to find out about package deals before inviting guests. Does this Spark an idea?

Video Game Party

Boys who love video games will enjoy trying their hand at new games in the comfort of their own home or local park. Games 2U Entertainment is one such company that suits the needs of video game junkies. For $400 or so it will bring to your location all the large television screens and necessary tools for the birthday boy to engage in technological battle. Laser tag, a giant hamster ball and "booger wars" are additional applicable options. Party price includes a trained game coach to make sure participants understand games and have fun.

Martial Arts Extravaganza

A martial arts celebration suits boys who already love martial arts as well as boys who are simply active and interested in the idea of checking out the sport. Numerous area martial arts schools are available for hourly rental. Kids enjoy private instruction in karate and preplanned scheduled active games. T&P Martial Arts in Arlington, for instance, has a karate party with a short magic show, games and balloon animals.

Paintball Party

Boys that love to spend their time running around acting out scenes or ideas that they see and act out in video games will enjoy a birthday paintball party. There are paintball companies in Massachusetts that provide all necessary equipment and services required. Both indoor and outdoor fields are available for parties in any season. Wear old clothes that you don't mind getting dirty and bring a change for the ride home. Ask about private areas to enjoy cake and presents.

At-Home Celebration

To host an at-home celebration schedule activities, games and food time ahead of the big day. Numerous options for entertainment are available dependent upon your child's age and personal preferences. Whether your birthday boy is an intellect who loves magic or an active guy who enjoys sports and being active several private companies hire out personal entertainers. Pay per hour or per show rates and request special details that accommodate the birthday boy's individual taste. Costumed characters, clowns and balloon artists apply.

Tags: activities games, games will, games will enjoy, martial arts, Martial Arts, Party Boys

Camo Paint An Airsoft Gun

Airsoft is a popular war-simulation game, similar to paintball, only instead of firing paint-filled pellets at opponents, you fire small plastic BB's. Most airsoft guns come in stock colors, either black or clear. While the guns still work and can look perfectly good as is, some players prefer to camouflage paint their guns. The camo look provides both a tactical edge as well as an aesthetically appealing finish.

Instructions

1. Lay out newspaper in a well-ventilated area to prepare a spray station.

2. Tape off any portions of the gun you do not want to paint, such as scopes. Some players also like to leave the barrel unpainted, though this is a personal choice. While it is best not to aim spray down the barrel of the gun, it is not necessary to tape over the tip of the barrel.

3. Spray the entire gun with the khaki paint and allow to dry for at least an hour.

4. Turn the gun over, and spray the other side with khaki paint as well.

5. Spray one side of the gun with the dark forest green paint in an up-and-down zig-zag pattern, running from the butt of the gun to the barrel. Leave to dry.

6. Flip the gun over, and paint a similar zig-zag pattern on the other side of the gun. Leave to dry.

7. Spray the gun with the earth brown paint in several small, randomly placed patches. Repeat on the other side once dry.

8. Allow the paint to cure by leaving the gun out to dry for at least a week.

Tags: other side, khaki paint, side with, with khaki, with khaki paint, zig-zag pattern

Army Pmi Training

Soldiers receive preliminary marksmanship instruction, or PMI.

The Army acronym PMI stands for "preliminary marksmanship instruction," and is a standard block of instruction for learning and staying adept at firing weapons. Army units must have an effective PMI set up for their soldiers, based on solid strategies of initial training and sustainment training. Regular PMI will keep soldiers proficient with their issued weapons and ready to respond to the needs of the Army.

Clearing

PMI training begins with learning safely and properly clear the weapon, ensuring that the weapon is free of ammunition. This makes the weapon safe for handling in non-aggressive manners, such as when the weapon needs to be disassembled, cleaned, inspected, transported, or stored.

Cycles of Functioning

The better a soldier knows his weapon, the better he will be with it. PMI includes teaching a soldier the mechanical components of his issued weapon, and helps with an understanding of the firing process. For example, the eight cycles of functioning for the M16-/M4-series weapon are feeding, chambering, locking, firing, unlocking, extracting, ejecting, and cocking.

Modes of Fire

PMI includes teaching a soldier the different modes of fire, especially with his assigned weapon. In the case of the M16-/M4-series weapon, the standard modes of fire are semiautomatic, automatic, and burst modes. Knowing the modes of fire and when they are best used allow the soldier to make full and proper use of his weapon according to the needs of the mission.

Peer Coaching

During PMI, leaders can assess soldiers' basic marksmanship skill levels to see where their strengths and deficiencies are. Placing two soldiers of the same skill level together is called peer coaching, and allows them to be trained more efficiently.

The Four Fundamentals

The four fundamentals (steady position, aiming, breath control, and trigger squeeze) is a major portion of PMI, as they are directly related to the act of firing a weapon. These are best taught and practiced before a soldier gets on a live-fire line with a weapon and live ammunition, which makes PMI a vital element.

Firing Positions

PMI is also needed to teach and re-familiarize soldiers with the basic firing positions according to their assigned weapon. For example with the M16-/M4-series weapon, there are two basic firing positions: basic prone unsupported, and individual foxhole supported. Knowing fire from and be comfortable in a weapon's basic firing position will build a greater amount of confidence for the soldier with his weapon.

Training Devices and Exercises

PMI is also the perfect time to conduct other off-the-line training exercises, or when ammunition, time, or money supplies are limited. Dominant eye training, aiming cards, target box and paddle, and the tried & true dime/washer exercise can all be excellent additions to a quality PMI routine.

Tags: basic firing, M16- M4-series, M16- M4-series weapon, M4-series weapon, modes fire

Free Shooting Games To Play On The Computer

First person shooting (FPS) games have been a mainstay on computers and consoles for more than a decade. With the variety of freeware and open source software available online, it should come as no surprise that there are several shooting games that can be downloaded and played for free. What is surprising is that free games can be as polished and entertaining as games you have to buy.

America's Army

America's Army is one of the most popular free shooting games on the PC. The game was developed by the U.S. Army as a recruiting tool (there are various army recruitment ads during loading screens), but the game play itself is top-notch, surpassing many pay games. You can download the latest version from the official America's Army website. Games are played online with other players with the use of a variety of maps and game modes.

Combat in America's Army favors group tactics and realism. The weapons are modeled after existing weapons, and characters can be easily killed by a single stray bullet. It is therefore crucial to use cover whenever possible and only make deliberate strategic movements. If you are going to try out the game, consider downloading it with a friend so you can practice and learn together. It can be difficult to go into a new game alone, since other players already know best maneuver the maps and use the weapons to their greatest effect.

Alien Arena

Alien Arena is a free FPS computer game that focuses on death matches between teams of players battling online. Game play is much faster paced than America's Army, so it will suit players who like games like Unreal Tournament, Doom and Quake. The atmosphere is futuristic sci-fi, with a variety of fantasy weapons. The game and engine are open source, so it will probably remain free to play. If you download the game, expect to die often as you learn the mechanics. Luckily, in many game modes you will respawn on the map after a short waiting period, meaning you don't have too much downtime.

Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory

The original Wolfenstein 3D PC game was a predecessor to games such as Doom and Duke Nukem, and helped put the shooting game genre on the map. In 2003, a revamped version of the game, Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory, was released. It allows players to play one another online in a World War II setting, with teams divided between Axis and Allies. Players are able to choose from several classes, such as medics, soldiers and engineers, which have different abilities that are helpful to the team. To play, it's a good idea to choose a class few others have so as to better balance your team.

Tags: America Army, Alien Arena, Enemy Territory, game modes, games have, open source

Fun Things For Children In Baltimore

There are many historic sights in Baltimore, Maryland that are both entertaining and educational.

Baltimore, Maryland has many kid-friendly activities to choose from. The city, which is located just outside Washington, D.C., has a wide range of adventures and attractions to keep children occupied and engaged. Many local destinations provide a view of the area's rich history, along with the region's cultural diversity, which give kids a bit of education while they are having fun.

Enoch Pratt Free Library

The Enoch Pratt Free Library is the oldest existing public library, and it has nearly two million books. The library has a variety of child-friendly activities that will keep the kids entertained and allow them to gain knowledge on a wide array of subjects. The resources used include movies, traveling exhibits, live shows, games, puppet shows and craft projects. The library also has a reading program for kids to participate in during the summer months or after school.

Port Discovery Children's Museum

Port Discovery Children's Museum has three floors of exhibits, including many that change throughout the year. Each exhibit provides interactive fun for kids ages two through ten. The exhibit called Exploramora: Down at the Farm allows kids to participate in many aspects of farm life, which include milking a cow, brushing a horse tail and planting vegetables. Harvest Hill is an interactive market where kids can see how goods get to the store. Tiny's Diner lets kids cook and serve food in a mock 1950s style diner.

Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum

Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum is a historic landmark that houses the oldest railroad collection in the world. The museum provides kids with a view of railroad history and allows them to see a variety of exhibits, artifacts, locomotives and model train layouts. There are train rides that run from April through December and on weekends in January, along with special holiday rides during the Christmas season. The on-site restaurant serves a full service menu that offers hot dogs, pizzas and burgers, and there is a vending area where visitors can purchase snack foods and drinks.

Tags: along with, Baltimore Maryland, Baltimore Ohio, Baltimore Ohio Railroad, Children Museum

Ariakon Acp Paintball Pistol Information

Ariakon ACP Paintball Pistol Information

The Ariakon ACP Paintball Pistol is a top-of-the-line product that uses some of the most advanced technology in the recreational sport. The newest version of this kind of pistol is the ACP 2.0 series, a vast improvement on Ariakon's Overload pistol series. The gun is very powerful for its size and is versatile in the sense that multiple accessories may be added to further increase quality.

Size and Weight

The Ariakon ACP Paintball Pistol measures roughly 13 inches in length with a height of 7 3/4 inches. The barrel of the pistol measures 8 inches but has the capability to be adjusted to a shorter length. The total weight of the pistol is about 2.0 pounds, including a 12-gram C02 power supply.

Operation

The newest version of the Ariakon ACP Paintball Pistol comes standard as a .68 caliber. Like most pistols used in paintball, this version is a semi-automatic operation. Each magazine, which is the clip holding the paintballs, holds 10 rounds and has the ability to be quickly changed on the fly due to the Ariakon pistols' Rapid Reload Magazine System.

Shooting Capability

The ACP pistol has a total velocity of between 250 and 320 feet per second, which is about as powerful as a standard-sized semi-automatic gun. The pistol carries a maximum range of around 150 feet, but should be used primarily for shorter distance for greater accuracy. Each shot uses about .4 grams of the 12-gram C02 canister that is equipped with the pistol.

Accessory Rail

In the new 2.0 version of the pistol, a Weaver accessory rail affords the ability to have more additional options added to increase the effectiveness of the gun. Some of the attachment options are laser lights, tac lights, vertical grips, grenade launching mechanisms and bipods.

Price Range

The majority of Ariakon ACP Paintball Pistols range in price from about $120 to $150, not including additional options such as different sights or lights. Many of the additional accessories that can be attached to the pistol range from $25 to $40. This model is more reliable and efficient than past models.

Tags: Ariakon Paintball, Ariakon Paintball Pistol, Paintball Pistol, additional options, newest version, Paintball Pistol Information

Arcade Machine Games

Once an incredibly popular form of entertainment for many of America's youth, arcade machine games are now little more than a retro dream. There are collectors today who are keeping the hobby alive, but that's part of the problem; it's now only a hobby as opposed to the profitable business it once was. Despite this fact, the arcade machines on the market today still demand top dollar, and eager collectors are more than willing to pay.

Classic Arcade Games

Classical arcade machines come in all varieties, from machines that test your strength, scales that weigh you to predict your future and of course the standard arcade game cabinet. Some of the popular early arcade game titles include "Pac-Man" and "Space Invaders," though in the latter years of arcade cabinets fighting games such as "Mortal Kombat," "Virtua Fighter," "Marvel vs. Capcom," and "Killer Instinct" were amongst the most popular varities.

Pinball Machines

The first device that is truly considered to be a pinball machine is the 1931 "Whiffle Board." Manufactured by Automatic Industries, wasn't as popular as its first predecessor, "Ballyhoo." Both were coin-operated machines constructed out of plain wooden boxes, but they paved the way for all pinball machines to come. This includes such pinball games as "Humpy Dumpty" (the first pinball game to feature flippers,) "Twilight Zone," "Tales of the Arabian Nights," "Addams Family," "Big Buck Hunter," "America 1492," "Atari Pinball," "Transcontinental," "Dallas," "Titan," "Dr. Dude," "Tales from the Crypt" and many more.

Shooting Games

Arcade shooting games let you experience the action by providing you with a tangible toy gun to use, and these types of arcade machines actually date back to the late 1800's. Modern arcade shooting games allow you to aim at virtual targets on the screen and pull the trigger without having to press any other buttons. Arcade shooting games include "Mad Dog McCree," "Safari," "Stockade," "Coney Island," "Sniper," "Dynamite Joe," "Midnight Marauders," "Crossbow Shoot," "Shoot Out" and "Treasure Cove."

Driving Games

Arcade driving games allow gamers to get behind the wheel of their own virtual vehicle. Arcade driving games typically feature a number of different virtual cars to choose from, as well as different tracks and courses. Some driving games even allow you to take control of an actual steering wheel, or better yet, sit an actual driver's seat complete with rumble and motion capabilities. Some popular arcade driving games include "Cross Country Race," "Speedway," "F-1," "F-1 Super Battle," "Untouchable," "Motorama," "Indy 500," "Time Trials" and "Drive Master."

Tags: driving games, arcade machines, shooting games, Arcade driving, arcade game, Arcade shooting

Legally Buy Sell And Trade Guns

There are laws regarding buying, selling and trading firearms.

Whether you want to sell a shotgun to a local pawn shop, trade handguns with a friend or start your own business buying and selling firearms, there are laws governing these transactions. If you are unsure proceed, it is best to contact local law enforcement. Gun dealerships must acquire proper licensing and pay certain taxes to operate lawfully.

Instructions

Private Sale, Trade or Purchase

1. Determine if the gun transaction is considered a private sale or trade. In other words, be sure you are only conducting a private sale or trade between two people -- yourself and the buyer. An example of a private sale or trade is when someone purchases a rifle from you or trades a firearm with you at your yard sale. An example of a non-private trade or sale is if you were to list and sell your rifle on an online gun auction site, such as Gun Broker. You would have to ship the rifle to a licensed dealer near the buyer's place of residence, and he would only be able to pick up the rifle after he passes a background check.

2. Understand that you cannot sell or trade a gun to anyone outside of the state in which you live, unless you have first transferred the firearm to a licensed gun dealer in the buyer's/trader's state of residence. He will then be able to pick up the gun, once he passes a background check performed by the licensed dealer.

3. Know the laws for selling or trading firearms in your state, as you may trade or sell a firearm to someone in your state only if you believe that person is not restricted by law from owning a gun. For example, if you know the interested party is a convicted felon, do not sell him a gun. The National Riffle Association (NRA) lists state laws on their website.

4. Keep a bill of sale as proof you sold or traded the gun, on the off chance it ends up being used for a crime. A proper bill of sale should indicate the purchaser's name and driver's license number.

Dealer Sale, Trade or Purchase

5. Contact the ATF to determine the type of FFL (Federal Firearms License) you will need in order to trade or sell guns as a store owner. To acquire a Class 3 SOT (Special Occupation Tax) status you will first need a dealer or manufacturer FFL -- Types 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11. You also will be required to pay a yearly tax due every July 1. The Class 3 allows you to buy and sell NFA or National Firearms Act firearms, such as silencers, machine guns, shotguns and short-barreled rifles.

6. Know the law with regard to buying, selling and trading firearms in your state. If you are unsure, consult the ATF or the National Riffle Association.

7. Run background checks on everyone who wants to buy a gun from your shop. It is not only illegal not to run a background check or sell to someone who did not pass a background check, but you can lose your FFL and be prosecuted for breaking the law.

8. Send the firearm to a licensed dealer in the purchaser's state if an out-of-state buyer purchases a gun from you. Unless an out-of-state buyer is standing in your shop at the time of purchase -- and he is only purchasing a long-barreled firearm, such as a rifle -- you cannot sell a firearm to him outright. Rather, the transaction has to occur through the purchaser's local FFL dealer.

9. Keep a bound book listing each and every transaction you make in regards to the sale, trade or purchase of firearms. You will need to turn this over to the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) should you ever go out of business.

Tags: background check, licensed dealer, buying selling, selling trading, selling trading firearms

Things To Do At A Sleepover For Teenagers

Teenage sleepovers often involve makeovers.

The teenage years are times when close friendships are formed and sleepovers create fond youthful memories. Deciding what to do at sleepovers depends upon the interests and personalities of the teens. Do activities that each teen finds interesting and enjoys. Chances are a gathering of teen girls or boys who are all friends is going to end up being enjoyable no matter what activities are planned.

Themes

Follow a theme for the sleepover. An '80s theme could feature teens dressed up as Mr. T, Boy George and other '80s stars; games with '80s trivia; gummi bears, Starburst and other '80s candies; music from the B-52s and Billy Joel and movies like "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Ferris Beuller's Day Off." Plan sleepovers to watch highly-anticipated televised events together, such as the Super Bowl, MTV Awards, Teen Choice Awards, Grammy Awards or the "American Idol" finale. Predict the winners before an awards show, and give a prize to the teen with the most correct.

Crafts

Decorate flip flops with ribbon, rhinestones, silk flowers or feathers, or string colorful and decorative beads onto elastic jewelry craft wire to make necklaces and bracelets. Draw names and create scrapbook keepsakes for each other, using printed photos of the day's activities and a variety of paper, glitter, markers and other scrapbooking materials. Photograph your time swimming together, taking a trip to the mall, roller skating and doing each other's hair and makeup for makeovers or wacky makeunders.

Games

Play board games like Trivial Pursuit, Scattergories or Cranium, or create your own games with various household objects. Examples include rolling quarters down a table to land one between a fork's prongs, balancing three golf balls on top of each other or shooting rubber bands to knock over a triangle of six empty soda cans. When playing Charades or Pictionary, act out or draw words or phrases that pertain to the sleepover theme, teenage lingo or current popular songs, singers or television and movie titles. Teens also enjoy pool, ping pong, foosball, air hockey and motion gaming systems like Xbox Kinect.

Food and Drinks

Decorate cakes or cupcakes to take home after the sleepover, or set out different kinds of ice cream and toppings to make your own sundaes. Teenagers might enjoy sipping non-alcoholic takes on alcoholic drinks. A Virgin Pina Colada blends pineapple juice, coconut cream and crushed ice, while a Virgin Mimosa combines sparkling cider, orange juice and lemon juice in a sugar-rimmed glass. Serve drinks in cocktail glasses or coconut shells with straws and cocktail umbrellas.

Outdoors

Be active outdoors with basketball, baseball, water gun or balloon fights, laser tag or paintball. With the equipment's light-up features, laser tag is particularly enjoyable around dusk. Equipment can be purchased at stores for home play, or teens can play at nearby entertainment facilities. For safety reasons, wear the proper face masks, neck and chest guards and elbow and knee protectors when playing paintball. If weather permits, set up a tent in your backyard for the teens, and roast hot dogs and make S'mores over a firepit.

Tags: each other, games with, sleepover theme

Educational English Arcade Games For Middle School

Educational English Arcade Games for Middle School

The complex rules of English grammar, spelling and punctuation are enough to make anyone's head spin. Middle school students often struggle to maintain the focus necessary to learn these important rules of the English language. Teachers can help their students overcome their struggle by integrating the use of arcade style English games into their curriculum. These are a host of middle school level English games available on the Internet. By allowing students to hone their skills in an exciting, game format, teachers can effectively demonstrate that learning the rules of the English language does not have to be a boring proposition.

Tense 'Treasure Hunt'

The Tense 'Treasure Hunt', by BBC, offers students practice in verb tense identification. Students can select from three difficulty levels, each requiring participants to complete a different, verb-tense related task. As students answer questions correctly, they have the opportunity to hunt for treasure. The game features helpful pop-up information, explaining to students why their answer was wrong or right, and reminding students of the rules of verb tense.

Noun Dunk

Basketball fans will love Noun Dunk, a basketball themed game that tests students' noun identification skills. While playing the game, students are presented with words. They must decide if the featured word is a noun, and if it is a noun, what type of noun it is. If students answer correctly, a robot makes the shot. If they are incorrect, the robot misses. This game makes a great review activity, or wonderful remediation activity for a student who continues to struggle with noun identification.

Punctuation Paintball

This game, featuring three skill levels, tests students knowledge of punctuation placement. In each round, students are presented with a sentence that is missing punctuation and capitalization. Using a virtual paintball gun, students must select the correct punctuation, and shoot it into the sentence in the right places. This game does not provide much assistance to the student in placing the punctuation, forcing them to determine the correct placement independently and truly testing their skills.

8 Letters In Search of a Word

In this vocabulary building game, students are presented with eight letters, which they must combine to form as many words as possible. Students race against the time to form words, earning points for each word that they correctly identify. This vocabulary practice is a useful way to extend students' thinking and exercise their brains. Teachers could easily use this game at the start of a class to get students focused and ready to learn.

Tags: presented with, rules English, students presented, students presented with, This game, Arcade Games

Fill Up Air Tanks

Working with compressed gas such as air should be done with caution.

If you play paint ball, using air tanks instead of CO2 can save you some money. All you need is a good tank and an air compressor. With a little care and knowledge you can fill your own tanks and be ready for the game.

You need to have an air filling station for the job. This consists of a high pressure air compressor capable of producing pressure over 4,000 PSI. A few high-pressure storage tanks can be connected to the compressor in succession. A quick connect hose with a shut-off valve and pressure gauge. The gauge shows the pressure that is coming from the tank you are filling.

Instructions

1. Clean and check the air tank you wish to fill. Make sure the nozzle and shut-off valve are functioning correctly.

2. Open the valve and drain off all the air from the tank. Close the valve and shake the tank. Listen for sounds of water or particles inside the tank. If the tank sounds as if there is water or dirt inside, take it to a scuba diving shop and have the valve removed and tank cleaned before you fill it.

3. Turn on the air compressor and pressurize the tanks. Once the tanks are all at the correct pressure as shown on the gauges turn off the air compressor.

4. Connect the filler hose to the tank you wish to fill. Adjust the pressure gauge on the filler hose to the correct pressure setting for the tank.

5. Open the valve on the tank you are filling. Slowly open the valve on the filler hose. Watch the pressure gauge closely. As the pressure gets close to what you want in the tank, close the valve in the filler line to slow the filling procedure.

6. Once pressure has been reached on the tank, shut off the valve on the filler line. Close the valve on the tank you just filled with air. Disconnect the filler line. Your tank is filled.

Tags: filler hose, filler line, pressure gauge, valve filler, correct pressure

Airsoft Gun Laws In Wisconsin

Airsoft guns are largely unregulated in Wisconsin.

While many states impose regulations on gas-powered guns such as Airsoft guns and BB guns, Wisconsin has yet to designate the items as dangerous weapons or firearms as of July 2010, so there is little regulation of the guns on a statewide level. Municipal laws may ban or limit their use in public spaces, however, and Airsoft players should always seek the permission from a property owner before playing in private property. Despite the lack of regulation in Wisconsin, Airsoft players need to be aware of a few laws concerning their sport.

Blaze Orange Tips

All Airsoft guns are required to be sold with a bright, "blaze orange" tip on the end of their barrel by federal law. Because many Airsoft guns are replicas of working firearms, these blaze orange tips serve to identify their toy status, and to prevent police officers from confusing Airsoft weapons as dangerous firearms. Removing the blaze orange tip is a violation of federal law, as is painting it to match the gun barrel.

Trademarks

Because large numbers of Airsoft guns were being imported, skirting American production standards and using the name and trademarks owned by actual firearms manufacturers, the Military Toy Replica Act was proposed to make it illegal for Airsoft guns to produce guns similar to those of an actual gun manufacturer. Although the legislation didn't pass, makers of Airsoft guns must arrange a licensing agreement with firearms manufacturers to use their names on replicas. In absence of a licensing agreement, the names of firearms manufacturers must be removed from Airsoft guns before they are sold.

Gun-Free School Zone Act

Although possession of Airsoft guns is legal nearly everywhere in Wisconsin, the Gun-Free School Zone Act (Wisconsin Statute S. 948.605) prohibits possession of air guns, including Airsoft guns on school grounds or within 1,000 feet of a school. Breaking this law is a Class I felony. Private property that falls within the 1,000-foot radius of schools has an exception from this law, as are weapons stored and locked for transportation.

Tags: Airsoft guns, firearms manufacturers, Airsoft players, blaze orange, Gun-Free School, Gun-Free School Zone, licensing agreement

Make A Shooting Car On "Roblox"

Roblox is an online computer game that takes place in a massively multiplayer online (MMO) atmosphere. The game involves building your own creations and then inserting them into the game. Cars are one object that can be built. After creating a car, you can decorate or accessorize in almost any way that you like. Adding a gun to create a shooter game is one thing that can be done easily in Roblox.

Instructions

1. Log in to your Roblox account. Enter your name and password. Press "Enter."

2. Open a new map. This will display your toolbox and a base plate that is completely empty.

3. Click four wheels to select them for your car. Choose any wheels from your toolbox.

4. Select the parts of the car from your toolbox. Choose parts based on how you'd like your car to look.

5. Select the "Hinge" tool from the toolbox.

6. Click on the inside portion of the wheels. This will make a yellow peg show up on the wheel.

7. Open the "Insert" menu.

8. Insert a seat into your car. Click "Insert Object" and "Vehicle Seat."

9. Put the seat in the car. Select the "Move on Axis" tool from your toolbox. Arrange the seat so that it is on top of the car with the yellow peg facing the front of the car.

10. Put the gun on your car. Open the "Insert Menu" once again. Find a gun that you would like to use. Select the "Move on Axis" tool from your toolbox. Place the gun in any location on your car.

Tags: your toolbox, from your, from your toolbox, tool from, Axis tool, Axis tool from, Move Axis

Tank Building Games

In video games, as in reality, the tank is a large and fearsome contraption--to its enemies. There are a few different kinds of tanks, used for different things, and there are some games which allow you to build a tank of your own and either overcome an obstacle or defeat an enemy.

Tank Types

The standard tank is a metal vehicle, heavily armored. Not all of the tanks used in these games are the typical materials, such as "Bubble Tanks" which uses tanks made out of soap bubbles. These tanks roll over the leftover bubbles from enemy tanks and take on their bubbles to become larger and more powerful. "Dinowaurs" uses tanks which are actually built out of massive dinosaurs. You choose your dinosaur and its color scheme, and then choose the weapons attached to it.

Setting

Tanks in games are often seen on the ground, but that can also be just a starting point. The dinosaurs in "Dinowaurs" cross a rocky terrain to rain doom on enemy villages. "Bubble Tanks" takes place inside giant bubbles, and "Orbital Decay" takes a different approach to the concept: the tank you control is in space, with a large turret gun. You must repair the damaged spacecraft, build and upgrade weapons and drones (infantry) to keep the enemies away from your vehicle.

Puzzle Solving

Part of the tank's prowess is its ability to traverse a number of terrains. Some games focus mostly on the tank body building, testing different ways to make the vehicle cross a generated landscape. "Fantastic Contraption" and "Crazy Craft" are two such games, where you have a blank building canvas and a number of parts to construct the vehicle. "Fantastic Contraptions" have to cross a piece of land to reach a goal area. In addition, to complete some levels in "Crazy Craft," you get weapons to clear some obstacles.

Perspective

In many games, you will look at the vehicle from the top or sides, so that you can see what you have built in action. This is one variation of what is called 'third-person' perspective in gaming. There are other games which have a wider perspective, which is called pull-out or god view. "Build Castle" and "Battle Gear" are two of these games. You have to strategically build tanks and other weapons and deploy them to the correct locations on the field. "Build Castle" is a top-down perspective, and "Battle Gear" is a side-view, which you can control to see the entire battle.

Tags: Battle Gear, Bubble Tanks, Build Castle, Crazy Craft, games which, tanks used, these games

Places To Have A Thirteenth Birthday Party

Bowling lanes can be pre-booked for birthday parties.

A 13th-birthday party is a special occasion, as it marks the official shift from childhood to the teenage years. Thirteenth-birthday parties do not need to be expensive to be successful. When choosing a location for a 13th-birthday party, the party host should consider the guest of honor's personality and whether the location will accommodate her interests. Does this Spark an idea?

Bowling Alley

Host the 13th-birthday party at a bowling alley on a night when they offer cosmic bowling. Bowling is age-appropriate but not childish and therefore is an excellent activity for young teenagers. With black lights and loud music, cosmic bowling is even more exciting. Pre-book bowling lanes so you can be sure the bowling alley can accommodate all the party guests. In the party invites, suggest that the partygoers wear bright white or florescent colors in order to glow in the black light.

Paintball Arena

Paintball parties allow party goers to share in the excitement of competition. Paintball arenas are available indoors and outdoors. Party guests divide into teams and attempt to shoot their opponents with paintballs. When the paintballs hit their targets, they create a colorful splatter. These venues are used to accommodating large groups and may even have a separate room for party guests to gather and eat birthday cake. Paintball is a safe activity, as paintballs are the only ammunition used; however, participants are usually required to be over the age of ten.

At Home

You do not need to rent out a special location to create an enjoyable 13th-birthday party. Instead, you can host the party at your home, providing the food and activities yourself. Pick a theme and ask the guests to dress accordingly. For example, a 13-year-old may enjoy a decade-themed party where guests dress in clothing from an era. Activities at house parties may include dancing, watching movies and playing sports in the backyard. Sleepover parties are also exciting as they allow friends to stay up late talking, snacking and playing games while nestled cozily in their sleeping bags.

Outdoors

If you live near a body of water and the guest of honor's birthday occurs during a sunny, warm month, host the party at the beach. Bring beach chairs, a cooler of snacks and beverages, a music player and beach games such as a Frisbee or a volley ball. If the beach allows bonfires, build a bonfire and make S'mores. If you do not live near a beach, host the party at a nearby park instead.

Tags: 13th-birthday party, host party, cosmic bowling, guest honor, guests dress, live near

Buy An Airsoft Gun

Airsoft guns are toy guns or gun replicas that shoot plastic "airsoft" BB's. Airsoft BB's tend to be less dangerous than traditional metal BB's. Even at high velocity they are unlikely to penetrate someone's skin or break a window. Airsoft guns use one of three types of propulsion mechanisms: spring power, compressed gas, or electric battery power. Many of the nicer models, particularly those from Japan, China, and Taiwan, are highly accurate replicas of real firearms, making them popular among collectors, especially in countries where owning real firearms is prohibited.

Instructions

1. Research the different types of airsoft guns. The spring powered guns generally have low muzzle velocity and are usually made of cheap plastic. These guns are generally marketed as toys. Gas power is the standard for high quality airsoft pistols. These guns are powered either by compressed Carbon Dioxide or propane. Guns using this mechanism typically have medium to high muzzle velocity. They are popular among adults who enjoy serious target practice, or war games, as these guns tend to be the most accurate and have longer range. Battery powered electric guns are more popular for long guns and has the advantage of being easily designed for full-auto fire. The batteries are rechargeable, and these guns typically have a medium muzzle velocity of around 200 feet per second.

2. Decide if you are looking for a toy or a serious replica. Toy plastic guns are usually cheap and very light weight. They are usually spring powered. This make them more appropriate for children since they are less dangerous and are unlikely to be mistaken for a real gun by adults. Replica guns, which are usually gas or electric powered, tend to look and feel like real guns. They are usually made with metal parts and are close in weight to the real thing. The better examples have moving parts, may be realistically disassembled, and often have authentic manufacturer markings and serial numbers.

3. Decide where to buy your airsoft gun. This decision will largely depend on the type of airsoft gun you want. Spring guns, and some basic gas powered and electric guns may be purchased at sporting good stores. If you are looking for serious replicas, however you will have to buy them from a specialty store or website. Most of these guns must be imported from Asia and usually cost in the $100-$200 range.

4. Learn about safety. It is highly recommended that shooting goggles be worn during target practice, as ricocheting BBs can bounce back and hit you. If you intend to engage in war games, join a reputable club rather than going it alone. Also wear protective clothing as high powered BB hits can injure you, or badly sting if you are hit. Many communities have organized groups with large scale war games where safety is emphasized.

Tags: muzzle velocity, these guns, electric guns, guns generally, have medium, less dangerous, looking serious

What Are The Benefits Of Having Sport Franchises In Cities

Being home to a professional sports franchise can be a significant economic advantage for an urban area.

Several studies have been conducted regarding the impact of professional sports franchises on urban communities. While many professional franchises in the U.S. have existed for decades and grown along with their surrounding communities, newly founded or transplanted teams can have a variety of economic, logistic and cultural impacts on cities.

Economic Growth

A newly built stadium can provide significant economic growth for the communities that surround it. Consequently, some professional sports advocates justify public economic assistance for stadium construction, saying it is a civic investment. Economic growth spurred by professional sports franchises can manifest itself in a myriad of ways, including infrastructure development, and increased tourism, job creation and special events. A stadium built for a professional sports franchise can also be used as a centerpiece for hosting other events, from the Olympics to large-scale conventions.

Jobs

Sports franchises can be boons for job growth in cities. Temporary jobs that come from stadium construction and the inherent transportation projects that ensue are often among the first positive impacts a new sports team's arrival can have on a city. Those influences extend to nearby businesses, such as restaurants and shops, that sprout as a result of a team's existence. Stadiums also typically employ several thousand people, including security personnel, vendors, food service workers and cleaning and maintenance crews.

Small Business Revitalization

Job creation is one of many positive economic impacts that can result in a city that has landed a professional sports franchise. New business creation is often a staple of new stadium development, particularly when it occurs in previously uninhabited, newly created commercial districts. Such businesses typically range from lodging and private parking facilities to bars, restaurants, merchandise shops and museums.

Civic Pride

Their success on the field notwithstanding, sports franchises can boost civic pride by becoming focal points for community involvement. Today, the clubs in the four major American sports leagues routinely are involved in large scale charitable and community programs. They typically raise millions of dollars annually for area charities, hospitals and schools. Professional athletes are also capable of generating great interest---and raising money---when they attach their name to a civic cause.

Tags: professional sports, professional sports franchise, sports franchise, sports franchises, professional sports franchises

Air Tank Testing

Compressed-air tanks require periodic testing.

Compressed-air tanks have the explosive potential of a hand grenade. Care should be taken during handling ,and they should be tested before every use. Also, industry standards require extensive, periodic testing.

Day to Day

A compressed-air tank should be checked before every use. A visual inspection of the body and valve should be done, and an assessment of the seals and O-rings should be conducted by looking and listening when the valve is turned on.

Visual Inspection

Under industry standards, air cylinders are required to be visually inspected once a year. This involves checking the tank for signs of corrosion and damage, inside and out, and assessing the threads and seals. Tanks are then marked with a sticker showing the date of the inspection.

Hydrostatic Testing

Tanks are required to be hydrostatically tested every five years or anytime they are involved in something that could weaken them, for example being dropped from a height. Hydrostatic testing involves using water to pressurize the tank to many times its working pressure and seeing how close it returns to its original size and volume. To pass, the volume must return to within 10 percent of the expansion. Those that pass have the hydrostatic date of testing stamped on the neck of the tank.

Tags: before every, Compressed-air tanks, industry standards, periodic testing

Camping At Lake George New York

Lake George, New York, is home to a multitude of campsites, recreational activities and cultural events. Located between the cities Albany and Montreal, this tourist destination draws campers from Canada and all over the United States for its pristine waters and active social scene. You can find upscale dining, art events, boating, hiking and fishing. Learn more about what campsites to visit and where to go to have fun in Lake George.

Kid-Friendly Campsites

Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Paradise Pines attracts families looking for kid-friendly amenities and family-oriented activities. Next to the heart of Adirondack Park, this park has cabins, RV sites and campsites. For those who forget their toothbrush they have a store filled with basic toiletries and food items. Kids can take part in craft classes, hay rides, paintball, basketball and river tubing. Family entertainment includes ice cream socials, scavenger hunts, bingo and an outdoor theatre. Riverview Campground is a short four-minute drive from Lake George. This family-owned campsite has over 100 camp and RV sites with river views. While your kids are having fun at their playground and miniature golf facilities, you can relax on the sandy beaches or take a dip in the pool (see Resources).

Secluded Campgrounds

Many people are drawn to Lake George for its breathtaking landscape and secluded atmosphere which offers a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Ausable Chasm Campground affords bikers with 10 miles of bike paths exclusively for campers. In addition, there are three miles of maintained walking paths that wander through the natural beauty of Lake George. Other activities include panning for gem stones, horseback riding and tubing. Choose from traditional campsites or relax in either cabins or a motel (see Resources). Daggett Lake Campsites enforces a strict policy of silence at night. This campsite is perfect for those who are tired of having their vacation marred by loud neighbors. Though silent at night, this campsite has many recreational entertainment options like fishing, biking and water-skiing.

Camping Near Lake George Village

King Phillips Campground provides campers with opportunities to experience the outdoors and take a trip into Lake George Village. As the closest campground to the village, trolley rides pick up campers and drop them off within the social hub of the area. You can participate in shopping, casual or upscale dining, art shows or theatrical productions. On the campground, there is boating, bike trails and fishing. Having a little bit of everything near you is great for family members who would rather take in some of the cultural events in town (see Resources).

Tags: Lake George, cultural events, George Village, George York, having their

Fill Paintball Guns At Home

Wear protective gear when playing paintball.

The object of paintball is to retrieve the flag of your opponent and bring it back to your base camp without being "shot" by your opponents. The capsule used as ammunition in the paintball gun is made of gelatin and filled with water-soluble paint. There are a variety of colors to choose from, and properly filling your paintball gun with them is vital to your team's success.

Instructions

1. Learn the safety precautions for paintball before playing or preparing your equipment. Remember that the paintball is shot under pressure similar to a bullet and can cause serious injury when protective garments aren't worn or when shot at close range.

2. Put the paintball ammunition into the gun's cartridge. Feed the paintballs into the cartridge horizontally. Fill the cartridge to the top.

3. Hold the paintball gun in your shooting hand. Grip the pump on the gun with your other hand and pull it back as far as it will go, and then push it forward as far as it will go. This loads the paintball ammunition into the chamber of the gun, waiting for release. The back-and-forth motion required for dropping the ammunition in the chamber must be one fluid movement.

4. Adjust the velocity of the paintball ammunition with a flathead screwdriver. Make sure the chamber of the gun is empty of ammo and put the safety lock on. Use a flathead screwdriver to turn the screw clockwise to increase velocity. Turn the screw counterclockwise to decreases velocity.

Tags: paintball ammunition, ammunition into, flathead screwdriver, into cartridge, paintball ammunition into

Great Summer Camps For Kids

Great summer camps can be found in nearly every state.

Parents often are at a loss for keep their children occupied and entertained during the summer. Hundreds of summer day camps and sleep-away camps stand ready to meet the need. Many specialize, so there's a good chance of finding a great summer camp fitted to the child's interests. The abundance of choices includes camps focusing on sports, special-needs children, the environment, high-tech specialties, and the arts, as well as traditional recreational camps.

The Learning Camp

The Learning Camp offers both academics and recreation.

The Learning Camp in Vail, Colorado, focuses on children with ADD, ADHD and dyslexia. The sleep-away camp's staff includes professional children's learning specialists, special education teachers and medical staff. The full summer-camp program for 2010 includes academic tutoring to prevent the children from falling behind over the summer. According to the website, camp program schedules include morning academics, while afternoon and evening hours focus on fun and recreation.

The Learning Camp

P.O. Box 1146

Vail, CO 81658

970-524-2706

learningcamp.com

Camp Lohikan

Horseback riding is among Camp Lohikan's daily activities.

Established in 1957, Camp Lohikan in Lake Como, Pennsylvania, is a residential sleep-away wilderness camp in the Pocono Mountains that offers campers more than 65 outdoor summer activities, according to its website. The camp for children ages 6 through 15 includes 1,200 acres of mountaintop campgrounds. Among the activities listed in 2010 are sailing, windsurfing, jet skiing, fishing, horseback riding, paintball, swimming, drama, dance, and music. Camp sessions typically run from six to eight weeks, with a one-week mini-camp also available.

Camp Lohikan

343 Wallerville Road

Lake Como, PA 18437

570-798-2707

lohikan.com

iD Tech Camps

iD Tech Camps cater to kids who like computers.

For children fascinated by modern technology, iD Tech Camps offered at more than 60 colleges and universities across the U.S. and Canada offer ways to enjoy the summer while immersing themselves in technological learning. Information on each of the programs can be found at the website, internaldrive.com. An example of the offerings is the iD Tech Camp at Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ. Its page on the website for summer 2010, describes the Arizona camp as "North America's #1 summer computer camp." With a teacher-student ratio of 1-to-6, the program offers personalized instruction in video game design, flash animation, graphic design, Adobe and Microsoft, all in a day camp or overnight camp setting.

iD Tech Camps

42 West Campbell Avenue Suite 301

Campbell, CA 95008

408-871-2227

internaldrive.com

Tags: Camp Lohikan, Learning Camp, Tech Camps, Lake Como, more than

Paint With Duplicolor Paint Shop

Ensure a professional, high-gloss finish with the Duplicolor Paint Shop system

The Duplicolor Paint Shop system provides a full range of primers and refinishing products to produce professional standard paint jobs without expensive body shop work. The system is good for all vehicles, and the paint is easy to apply and fast drying. It also can be buffed to a perfect finish within hours. The Duplicolor Paint Shop system requires no hardeners and additives, and extra coats can be added at any time without further surface preparation. Special aerosol applicators are used instead of professional spray guns.

Instructions

1. Ensure the repaired panels are isolated from the rest of the vehicle by masking them out with tape and paper. Make sure the spraying temperature ranges from 60 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit and that humidity levels are below 70 percent. Avoid spraying in direct sunlight or in the late evening when conditions are cooler.

2. Clean the repaired panel with Duplicolor prep wipe soaked into a clean piece of cloth by wiping, and leave to evaporate. Take an aerosol tin of Duplicolor gray primer. Shake it for at least one minute before use, and apply two to three coats over the repaired area; let it dry for 24 hours. Rub down the primer with P600-grit abrasive paper and remove excess dust before again cleaning the panel with Duplicolor prep wipe.

3. Run a tack cloth over the entire panel to remove any traces of dust of cloth fibers. Take an aerosol tin of Duplicolor base coat and thoroughly shake it before use. Apply two to three coats of base coat to the panel, leaving a short curing time of five minutes between each one. Thoroughly check the panel after the final coat has been applied to ensure even coverage has been maintained; add an extra coat if required. Maintain a spraying distance of 6 to 8 inches at all times.

4. Leave the base coat to cure to a matte finish before taking an aerosol tin of Duplicolor clear coat and thoroughly shaking it. Apply three to four full coats of Duplicolor clear coat, leaving a short interval of five minutes between each one to allow for curing. Leave the clear coat to dry for a minimum of 24 hours before cutting and buffing. Always spray Duplicolor clear coat from a distance of 4 to 6 inches to promote good build and uniform coverage.

5. Unmask the vehicle after 24 hours and check for imperfections. Rub down grit and small runs with P1500-grit abrasive paper until the surface of the panel is completely flat and smooth. Polish back to a shine with cutting compounds as soon as imperfections have been removed.

Tags: clear coat, Duplicolor Paint, Duplicolor Paint Shop, Paint Shop, aerosol Duplicolor

Sell Paintball Guns

Paintball players often change from one gun to another as new guns hit the market or as their skills or playing preferences change. However, most players don't keep every gun they buy. The used paintball-gun market is massive and challenging, but basic guidelines can help you sell your gun at a reasonable price.

Instructions

Sell Your Paintball Gun

1. Clean and perform maintenance on your paintball gun. Just like cars, they are more likely to sell when they are and properly maintained. It's best to get it in the condition you would expect if you were buying it.

2. In a well-lit, neatly presented area, take several photos of the gun. Avoid extraneous clutter or glare in the photos. Take photos of both sides of the gun, plus some other angles, that highlight the gun's condition. Crop and resize the photos to provide the best views of the gun. Don't make pictures too small to see detail, but don't make them so large that they are slow to load or otherwise annoy potential buyers.

3. If possible, host the photos on an online photo site so you can link them to the sale listings. Once you have the photos online, you are ready to advertise your sale.

4. Be specific and truthful when advertising your paintball gun. Describe the brand and model, standard features, modifications and any extras that are included (such as barrels, tanks, hoppers, extra parts). Add the links to the photos after your description of the gun.

5. Determine your price and payment options. Find listings of the same type of gun (and condition) to research prices; if you remain in the same price range, you increase your chances of selling. You can discount the price if you want to sell it quickly.

6. Once you have completed the advertisement, look for reputable selling options online. Post to your local Craigslist page, for starters. Search for gun-specific owners' groups (for example, model98.org/for Tippmann Model 98 paintball guns). Also search for non-specific paintball groups (for example, pbnation.com) that might have sales forums. Create accounts when necessary to post to these sites, and use the same advertisement for all of them.

7. When a potential buyer contacts you, answer any additional questions. The buyer might make a counter-offer. Once you settle on a price and agree upon a payment option, wait for the payment to arrive. While waiting, pack the paintball gun for shipping (unless selling in person). Let the buyer know a firm time frame in which you will ship after receiving payment (48 hours, for example).

8. When you ship your gun, consider insuring it for the sales amount, and add some sort of delivery confirmation. Once it has shipped and you confirm that it arrived (either by communicating with the buyer or using the delivery-confirmation notice), delete your ads.

Tags: groups example, Once have, photos online, your paintball

Summer Military Schools

Individual military schools are vastly different in their goals, their educational environment and in the types of activities they offer.

Summer military schools are educational learning facilities that focus on physical training and fostering intellectual and behavioral skills. A large emphasis is placed on team building and confidence-boosting exercises, the ultimate goal being to develop leadership capabilities in students. Most summer military camps last for two to six weeks and offer a balance between classroom and outdoor activities.

Military Adventure Camp U.S. Army Cadet Corps

The Military Adventure Camp headed by the U.S. Army Cadet Corps offers a basic cadet training course over the summer, and must be taken before students can progress to more advanced programs. The program is volunteer-only, not a disciplinary camp for challenged youths. It trains youths with an interest in the military or a desire to be challenged. The U.S. Army Cadet Corps program requires students to participate in physical training, marching, attending classes, rappelling, marksmanship and martial arts. Students will learn the basics of U.S. Army drills and ceremonies, etiquette, history and rank structures.

Camden Military Academy Summer Session

Camden Military Academy offers summer sessions for boys in need of academic improvement and physical exercise. Classes are taught on weekdays with intermissions for meals and study hall, and offer outdoor activities on weekends. Outdoor activities include hiking, camping, paintball, boating, marksmanship and scuba diving. Enrollment is available for males in grades six through 12 with a two-week to five-week camp period. Students can board from five to seven days during the week.

Freedom Alliance Military Leadership Academy

The Freedom Alliance Military Leadership Academy is a summer program that offers mental and physical challenges that teach leadership principles. The program includes highlights such as military base tours, historical tours and a trip to Washington, D.C. Educational activities center on American military history and global military crisis situations to enhance critical thinking and decision-making in students. The program is available to high school students and lasts for two weeks.

United States Service Academy Preparatory and Leadership Camps

The United States Service Academy offers summer school at West Point where students undergo classroom training and activities. Students board at the historic Thayer Hotel and bunk in suites of four adjoining rooms. Activities include tours of the United States Military Academy, classroom sessions, a cadet fitness assessment and an action paintball course. During the stay there is a day field trip to New York City, where students see popular sites in the area.

Tags: Army Cadet, Army Cadet Corps, Cadet Corps, Military Academy, United States, Academy offers

Set Up Gi Molle Gear

With a lightweight MOLLE system your equipment stays put until you need it.

In 1996 the Army and Marine Corps updated their equipment carrying gear to the MOLLE system (pronounced mo'-lly), or Modular Lightweight Load carrying Equipment, which contained modern advances that made it lightweight, more versatile, and more comfortable than previous carrying systems. The MOLLE system has since become popular outside military service by paintball enthusiasts. A MOLLE pack is easy to use and reliable and its modular system of pouches, clips and cases allow the user to configure the vest to her own specific needs or to meet the requirements of the mission.

Instructions

1. Choose the MOLLE system that best fits your budget and needs. Genuine military tactical gear can costs hundreds of dollars, but it is the highest quality and most durable. Replica vests are available at online auction sites for a fraction of the cost, however the cheaper pouches are likely to fail sooner. Try using genuine military tactical pouches in conjunction with a replica vest. This offers savings on the least likely part of the system to fail while the high quality pouches stand up to the rigors of the battlefield. The replica vest also uses the PALS system, nylon straps sewn into the vest in the configuration of a ladder, in which pouch straps are interwoven so the pouch doesn't come loose until the user manually removes it.

2. Determine which hand you use to shoot. You want your equipment accessible to your free hand, so divide your vest in half down the middle and place your ammo in easy reach of your left hand if you are a right-handed shooter.

3. Load up ammo and air, or paint-balls and a spare CO2 tank on your back, so you can dive or crawl on your belly without damaging your supplies. Mounting your pouches vertically allows you to slide out equipment without increasing your profile and giving others a chance to hit you. Pouches high on your back should point up so you can reach over your shoulder and grab what you need, while pockets lower on your back should open downward so you can reach behind without too much twisting and exposing yourself.

4. Lace in an admin pouch in the front, high on your chest. This relatively flat case with zippered sides is perfect for holding maps, knives, small tools and other personal items such as a keychain and wallet so they are in your possession at all times. Hang a hydration pack high on your back so you can drink fluids while gaming and with a clip in the front of the vest you can hang the remote line so it doesn't drag on the ground. The camel-back is designed for MOLLE compatibility using the lace-up PALS system.

5. Add a medic pouch somewhere on the side of the MOLLE vest. This is a good place for a multipurpose towel as well as a small first aid kit and any other lesser-used equipment you may need. The key to the MOLLE is versatility. There are hundreds of ways to configure a vest to your precise specifications. Experiment and find out what works best for your particular needs.

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Use The S10 Respirator

The S10 respirator is an air purifying gas mask.

Avon Protection produces and distributes the S10 respirator that is a standard British Army issue gas mask suitable in nuclear biological and chemical (NBC) environments. It is NATO approved, and has been used by many armed forces across the world since its market launch in 1987. It features a butyl rubber face mask and polycarbonate eye panels that resist misting, scratches and impact. The S10 is additionally available for commercial and home use and sold directly by Avon Protection or through army surplus outlets.

Instructions

1. Use the sizing tool to determine the correct size of S10 for your face shape. Contact Avon Protection to request the appropriate sizing tool. The S10 comes in four sizes: extra small, small, medium and large. Use the sizing tool and measure from the bridge of your nose to the base of your chin, and match the measurement to the size parameter for your fit. Look in a mirror and check that your eyes are along the center line of the eye panels or slightly above.

2. Conduct a negative pressure fit and a quantitative fit to accurately assess the correct S10 respirator size for use. Contact the manufacturer to provide professional advice on the S10 test requirements to ensure your safety. Adjust the six strap harness to fit so that it comes on and off quickly.

3. Speak while wearing the S10 so that you use its communication features. It comes fitted with a sound horn so you use it to speak directly to people in close proximity. Use the built-in communications function to allow you to hear and speak via the transmitter to people outside of your voice range distance.

4. Attach the water canteen to the S10 respirator to use the protective inlet straw so that you drink fluids without having to take the mask off. In this way air contaminants do not pass into your breathing atmosphere and you remain protected while rehydrating.

5. Change the eye filters as appropriate to the external light conditions. The S10 uses the clear panel for normal lighting scenarios, and you fit dark filters into the eye pieces to adjust the light filtration to prevent glare and eye fatigue in strong light.

6. Regularly check valves for signs of aging and deterioration to maintain the S10 respirator's useful lifespan. An optimized S10 respirator lasts for a 20-year functional life as long as you use and store it to the manufacturer's guidelines, and Avon Protection provides these upon purchase. Replace component parts upon signs of wear directly from the manufacturer.

Tags: Avon Protection, sizing tool

Adjust Airport On A Proto Slg

The SLG and SLG Ultralite are appreciated by new and experienced paintball enthusiasts alike.

The Proto SLG series of paintball rifles is made up of the SLG regular and SLG Ultralite models. Both models were introduced in 2008 and are officially discontinued, but at the time of publication dealers still sell the most recent 2010 model of the SLG from their existing stocks. The SLG is a very versatile and flexible paintball marker. You can adjust different parts and features of the SLG and SLG Ultralite for your comfort and ease of use. One of the easiest parts of the rifle to adjust is its airport, where you attach your air propellant canister.

Instructions

Adjusting the Airport

1. Remove all propellant cartridges and paintballs from your rifle. Skip to Step 5 if you have a Proto SGL Ultralite paintball marker.

2. Position your Proto SGL regular model rifle so the barrel faces away from you. Insert your 3/32-inch Allen key wrench into the hexagonal, recessed head of any one of the three screws at the bottom right, top right or top left edge of the left side of your rifle grip. Turn the wrench away from you (counterclockwise) until you loosen the screw enough that you can lift it out by hand. Repeat for the two remaining screws. Pull the left grip panel upward and off the grip and set it aside along with the screws. Remove the 9-volt battery from its compartment inside the grip.

3. Insert a 3/32-inch Allen key wrench into the recessed hole of the airport release screw at the bottom of the inside of the grip, just to the left of the battery compartment. Turn the wrench counterclockwise until you can slide the airport, which is the cylindrical assembly at the outside bottom of the grip, back and forth. Select the position you desire and turn the wrench clockwise to tighten the screw and hold the airport in place.

4. Place the battery back in its compartment and reconnect it. Line up the grip panel mounting holes with the holes in the grip assembly. Insert each screw and then use your Allen key wrench to tighten it and fasten the panel back onto the grip.

5. Locate the airport adjustment screw in the hole at the bottom of the right side of the grip of your SLG Ultralite. Insert a 1/8-inch Allen key wrench into the recessed head of the screw and turn it one full turn away from you (counterclockwise). Slide the airport, which is attached to the rail on the bottom of the grip, into a comfortable position for you. Lock it in place by turning the wrench clockwise until you can no longer slide the airport.

6. Proceed to Section 2 if you need to adjust your pin depressor screw for ideal airflow with a new propellant canister.

Adjusting the Airport Pin Depressor

7. Push the gray plastic housing of the airport toward the rear of the rifle to free the airport hose. Pull the hose out of the airport.

8. Insert a 5/64-inch Allen key wrench into the airport housing so it engages the set screw inside the airport. Turn the wrench a few turns toward you to loosen the set screw.

9. Screw your air system (propellant) into the airport as far as you can so no air escapes. Turn the pin depressor screw on the left side of the airport clockwise until you hear a hissing sound that indicates air is escaping.

10. Turn your air system a half a turn away from you (counterclockwise) so the leaking stops. Start the leaking again by turning the pin depressor screw clockwise.

11. Unscrew the air system and replace the hose. Your pin depressor screw is now calibrated for proper airflow with your present air system. Repeat all steps if you need to readjust the pin depressor screw for a new air system.

Tags: Allen wrench, depressor screw, Allen wrench into, away from, wrench into, away from counterclockwise, from counterclockwise