Places To Have A Kid'S Party

Savor delicious cake, no matter where you have the birthday party.

A child's birthday party at your home is not always feasible. Some birthday party themes lend themselves to specific locations. Select a theme for the party that matches the place you will host it. Consider a local park, church fellowship hall, sporting event or game facility as places to have a kid's party. Does this Spark an idea?

Local Park

A local park is ideal for outdoor-themed birthday parties. Ample space makes playing games easier than playing indoors. Kids can run and play during the birthday party. A cookout or picnic snacks are ideal birthday party food at a park. Many parks require reservations. Make reservations a month ahead of the planned party date. Check to assure there isn't a local game, such as soccer or baseball, going on during the party time.

Church Fellowship Hall

Many churches allow members to hold birthday parties, family reunions and other activities in the church fellowship hall. Check with the church's secretary to find out if birthday parties may be held in the fellowship hall. Reserve the hall for the date of the birthday party. Decorate several hours ahead of time. Ask parents of the birthday party guests to provide a small donation to the church as thanks for using the facility for the birthday party.

Game Facility

Bowling, video arcades and paintball birthday parties are popular with kids. Many such game facilities have birthday party packages. Talk to the party organizer or event planner at the facility. Often, a minimum number of guests is required. List the location and any special clothing or equipment requirements on the birthday party invitations. For example, everyone should wear socks for a bowling party, because it's part of the shoe rental requirement.

Sporting Event

Baseball, soccer, basketball, hockey and football games are great locations for a sports-themed birthday party. Specify the location of the game on the invitations. Bring face paint to match the home team's colors, and paint the kids faces prior to the game. Check with the sporting facility about hosting the birthday party in a special section during the game. If they don't allow parties during the game, have the kids go to the sporting event and then go to a nearby park or your home for birthday cake.

Tags: birthday party, birthday parties, Check with, church fellowship, during game, fellowship hall

Cabins In Cleveland Tennessee

Cherokee National Forest near Cleveland, Tennessee.

Cleveland is located in the heart of eastern Tennessee's Ocoee Region and rests in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. This national mountain range features hiking and cycling trails, as well as opportunities for camping and mountain climbing. Cleveland is also less than 20 minutes away from Chickamauga Lake, which has facilities for fishing and boating. Log cabins in the area surrounding Cleveland are only minutes away from these recreational areas.

Cherokee Inn of Polk County, Tennessee

Cherokee Inn of Polk County Tennessee lies on Greasy Creek Road in Reliance, Tennessee, approximately 30 minutes east of Cleveland. The log cabins on the grounds of Cherokee Inn of Polk County Tennessee provide king-sized or queen-sized beds and full kitchens with stoves and refrigerators. Other amenities at this resort include picnic areas with gas grills and a complimentary continental breakfast at Cherokee Inn's office building. Cherokee Inn is nestled in the heart of the Cherokee National Forest, a recreational area that has trails for hiking and horseback riding and is home to fishing facilities at McCamy Lake, which is less than 20 minutes from the resort.

Cherokee Inn of Polk County Tennessee

351 Greasy Creek Road

Reliance, TN 37369

800-716-9036

thecherokeeinn.com

Welcome Valley Village

Welcome Valley Village is less than 20 minutes east of Cleveland and is situated on Welcome Valley Road in Benton, Tennessee. The log cabin resort's close proximity to the Smoky Mountains provides guests quick access to hiking and cycling trails in Cherokee National Forest, including the 3-mile path at Benton Falls, approximately 10 minutes from Welcome Valley Village. Amenities at Welcome Valley Village include 17 acres with trails for horseback riding and nature walks, as well as docking facilities on the Ocoee River, which runs by Welcome Valley Village's grounds. There is also a picnic area with barbecue pits on the resort's grounds. The five cabins at Welcome Valley Village each include a fireplace and/or a whirlpool tub.

Welcome Valley Village

867 Welcome Valley Road

Benton, TN 37307

423-338-9499

welcomevalleyvillage.com

Horn's Creek NOC Resort

Horn's Creek NOC Resort on Hawkins Drive in Ocoee, Tennessee, is approximately 15 minutes southeast of Cleveland. This log cabin retreat rests on 300 acres of land and features its own water park, 3-acre paintball area and facilities for whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River. Horn's Creek has nine cabins, some of them with fireplaces and up to four bedrooms. The largest "bunkhouse" at this log cabin retreat can accommodate up to 52 people. Horn's Creek also has a conference center which can host corporate retreats or family reunions. The dining hall at Horn's Creek can seat approximately 500 people and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Horn's Creek dining hall can also be used to host banquets and receptions.

Horn's Creek NOC Resort

186 Hawkins Drive

Ocoee, TN 37361

423-338-1333

hornscreek.com

Tags: Welcome Valley, Horn Creek, Valley Village, Welcome Valley Village, Cherokee Polk

Buy An Automatic Weapon

Many people believe it is illegal to buy an automatic weapon. However, while the National Firearms Act has made it more difficult to purchase these weapons, if you're willing to abide by the new regulations you can still buy an automatic weapon if it was lawfully registered before May 19, 1986.

Instructions

1. Complete an ATF Form 4 (5320.4). The transferor, the one transferring or selling the automatic weapon and the transferee, the one receiving or buying the automatic weapon, must both complete sections of this form. The "Law Enforcement Certification" section must also be signed by the head of the local law enforcement, which is often the sheriff.

2. Include a 2 by 2-inch photograph of the transferee on each copy of the ATF form. This must be taken within the last year and include the transferee's address. This address cannot be a post office box.

3. Submit a fingerprint on FBI Form FD-258. This must be done by someone who is approved to take them, such as the police department. The fingerprints are accompanied by a photograph and a certificate which states that the individual seeking to obtain the automatic weapon has no justifiable reason that prevents them from obtaining an automatic weapon.

4. Check your local and state guidelines. If your area requires a permit or license to buy, receive or possess an automatic weapon you must send in a copy of the transferee's license or permit with the application and a $200 tax payment.

5. Send the completed form and proper tax payment to Bureau of ATF, P.O. Box 73201, Chicago, IL 60673. If you are approved to obtain an automatic weapon, the original form is returned to you with an approval stamped on it. If you are denied, you are refunded the tax payment.

Tags: automatic weapon, automatic weapon, automatic weapon must, obtain automatic, obtain automatic weapon

Catch A Conch

Prized for their beautiful shells and a mainstay of many seafood diets, conch are in high demand. Here are some tips on nab one of your own. If pressed for time, you can always buy a shell at a gift shop and order the conch from the local menu. Otherwise, read on. Here is catch a conch.

Instructions

1. Scout for an area in the water that is thick with beds of sea grass, as these places are ideal conch habitats. They tend to dwell in more shallow areas where the water is warmer.

2. Bait your conch trap. There is wide debate over which bait is the most effective. While many believe that horseshoe crabs make the best bait, others are concerned about the dwindling horseshoe crab population as a result of conch fishing. Loading a bait bag with crab pieces works as well.

3. Lower your conch trap into the water. Be sure that it has been cleaned of any worm-repelling chemicals that might poison the conch. To steer clear of the problem completely, choose a conch trap that is not made of wood.

4. Have some patience. Remember that the conch is related to the snail and is not known for fast movement.

5. Reel in your trap. Throw back all of the non-conch aquatic life as well as any conch that does not have a fully developed outer lip on its shell. As the conch is in dwindling supply all over, most places have made it illegal to catch juvenile conch that have not had the opportunity to breed.

Tags: conch trap, conch that, your conch, your conch trap

Army Training With Paintball Guns

Paintball is getting new recruits in gear.

No one ever said military training was safe or easy, but with the rising popularity of paintball, many organizations are teaching students and recruits about this safer form of combat. Several military organizations use paintball as a training exercise to supplement the more dangerous exercises where live ammunition is used. The safer alternative gives recruits a chance to get acclimated.

Paintball Background

Paintball has been around since the early 1980s, and these days people of all ages can participate in paintball at several public facilities. However, many paintball supplies are made with regard to military tactics and attention to detail. Both the weapons and the paintballs simulate the activity of real weapons. Some paintballs are made with regard to precision, while others carry qualities of some lethal weapons, exploding on contact or emitting powder into the air to simulate poisonous gas. Paintball guns may be designed to resemble specific guns used in battle but can never be modified to hold real ammunition.

Army Training History

In the past, the military did not have the luxury of engaging in combat training with a realistic alternative to bullets. Though training programs still incorporate training with live ammunition, some programs may choose to start off training with paintball guns--particularly while recruits are learning to work their equipment safely and effectively.

Benefits

Unfortunately, real guns have a margin of error. Particularly with those who are not used to handling them, mistakes happen. Though it rarely happens, training exercises do go wrong, resulting in injury or death. This would not be the case with paintball guns.

Disadvantages

Training with paintball guns instead of real guns diminishes the sense of danger that recruits will face when fighting with real ammunition in defense of the country. Rather than providing practical experience, working with paintball guns makes training a mere "exercise" in combat. While it's risky for new recruits to use real guns without the utmost caution, it's even riskier for them to get used to guns that don't carry the danger of real weaponry.

Current Practices

Paintball companies and the U.S. Army are working together to recruit members and plant a seed about participating in combat. Many companies flaunt the official Army logo on their web pages and make reference to actual military practices. Several basic ROTC courses use paintball to integrate the idea of combat into their training programs.

Tags: with paintball, paintball guns, real guns, training with, Army Training, live ammunition

Make A Nerf Grenade Launcher

Make a homemade nerf grenade launcher using a 1-inch wide spring 8 inches long.

A homemade Nerf grenade launcher is similar to a potato launcher without an official exploding trigger. The trigger is made from a simple item such as a paper clip. The paper clip holds the spring in place prior to release of the grenade. A plastic film case from a roll of film holds the spring in place and is the right size to shoot a bundle of Nerf grenades or bullets 1/2 by 3 inches long. Make a homemade Nerf grenade launcher in approximately 15 minutes after all supplies are gathered.

Instructions

1. Open the lid to the plastic film container. Set the lid aside. Place the 1-inch spring in the container. Compress the spring as far as it will go. Mark the top of the compressed spring on the outside of the container. Make two marks, one directly across from the other. Allow the spring to decompress and remove it from the plastic film container.

2. Cut a small hole on the mark on the outside of the film container. Place the point of the craft knife on the mark. Rotate the craft knife to drill a hole through the side of the container large enough so the wire from a large paperclip fits through the hole. Repeat the process on the second mark.

3. Open two folds on the length of a large paperclip and straighten the wire. Bend the wire so it is at a 90-degree angle just above the remaining two folds. Place the straight end of the bent paperclip through the two holes on the film container. This is the trigger to the grenade launcher.

4. Remove the paperclip trigger and place the spring inside the film container. Compress the spring and insert the paperclip trigger through the holes. Check to make sure the paperclip is at the right level to hold the spring in place. Adjust the holes if necessary.

5. Carefully remove the paperclip trigger and spring from the plastic film container. Squeeze enough hot glue to cover the bottom of the film container. Immediately replace the spring in the container. Gently push the top of the spring to sink the bottom of the spring in the hot glue. Set aside and let dry for 5 minutes.

6. Cut a 1 to 1 1/2-inch piece of duct tape. Turn the tape so the sticky side is up. Insert the tape between the first and second coil of the spring. Flip the edges of the tape up and over the top spring encasing it in duct tape. Cut any corners from the tape so the spring fits easily into the film container.

7. Compress the spring and secure with the paperclip trigger. Place the heavy-duty rubber band around the top of the film container so half is on the container and the other half is above the lid line.

8. Stack three Nerf grenades together in the form of a pyramid. Secure the Nerf grenades together with three rubber bands. Place one rubber band in the middle and one 1/4 inch from each end.

9. Stand the Nerf grenades up so they are sitting on end. Insert the end in the rubber band until it is sitting on top of the spring. Point the Nerf grenade at the desired target. Pull the pin from the side of the container. The Nerf grenades will launch.

Tags: film container, Nerf grenades, grenade launcher, paperclip trigger, plastic film

Stop Being A Noob In Games

Stop Being a Noob in Games

For gamers, calling someone a "noob" can be worse than insulting his mother. It's not just a bad spelling of "newbie"--it means someone is too stupid to learn about the game and become experienced. Some players kill noob characters for fun. Most gamers will want to avoid being this type of target.

Instructions

1. Study as many game guides as you can. You can find the guides at a bookstore or posted online by fans. Learn the basics first so you won't look like a total idiot and then build your knowledge slowly.

2. Learn the lingo of the games. Not knowing the slang is a big noob giveaway. Some of the terms are simple (gp means gold pieces, pvp is player vs player), but some games have their specific terms that can be harder.

3. Trick your character out as soon as possible. Get him some effective armor and weapons, or at least some cool-looking ones. "Noob" is essentially the gaming version of "nerd," so looking the part is half the battle.

4. Build up your experience quickly, probably at a time when few others are playing the game. This should reduce your chances of hearing that word while you work (unless the few who are playing are mostly hardcore gamers).

5. Keep the number of games you play small--one or two should be enough. The fewer you play, the less you have to learn about. And no one can call you a noob if you have no contact with them in a game.

6. Avoid any actions in the game that make you look like a noob. The biggest example is begging others for items because you got killed or scammed. Insulting or swearing at others is a big no-no too.

Tags: Being Noob, Being Noob Games, learn about, look like, Noob Games, Stop Being, Stop Being Noob

Types Of Nitrogen Cylinders

Nitrogen containers

There are two types of nitrogen: liquid and gaseous. Gaseous nitrogen makes up approximately 78 percent of the atmosphere (by volume). It is a fundamental component of all living organisms. Nitrogen gas is used to manufacture ammonia, preserve food and reduce fire hazard in aircraft fuel systems. Liquid nitrogen is used to freeze food products, preserve biological samples and living tissue, remove skin abnormalities by cryotherapy and is a coolant in vacuum pumps and superconductors. Appropriate care should be taken before handling liquid nitrogen.

Cryogenic Liquid Cylinders

Cryogenic liquid cylinders are used to hold liquid nitrogen. Liquid nitrogen is cold, nonflammable, non-corrosive, odorless and inert. Cryogenic liquid cylinders are pressure vessels that are jacketed with vacuum and insulated. They are equipped with rupture discs and safety valves that ensure that pressure does not build up. Safety valves and systems on cryogenic liquid cylinders include pressure-building regulators, liquid valves, vent valves, rupture disks, relief valves, gas valves and economizer regulators. Cryogenic liquid cylinders can contain anywhere between 80 to 450 liters of liquid nitrogen. Liquid nitrogen is withdrawn either in its liquid state (under its own pressure) or as a gas (by passing the liquid nitrogen through a vaporizer that converts it to gas). Cryogenic nitrogen cylinders are required to be stored in well-ventilated areas.

Portable Nitrogen Cylinders

Portable nitrogen cylinders are commonly filled with 99.99 percent nitrogen. Nitrogen amounts lower than 95 percent are prone to combustion due to the presence of oxygen. Portable nitrogen cylinders are used to supply nitrogen to gas machines and pressure chambers. High-pressure tubes or hoses attach these gas cylinders to gas machines. Often, portable gas cylinders are attached to each other to form a six-pack nitrogen cylinder or a 12-pack nitrogen cylinder. These multi-cylinders reduce the number of times that tanks need to be recharged or changed.

Nitrogen Dewar Containers

Nitrogen Dewar containers are typically used to hold, store and transport liquid nitrogen. Dewar containers are able to withstand high temperatures and are impact resistant and resistant to high pressures. They have insulating walls filled with urethane foam. Liquid-nitrogen Dewar containers are available in a variety of capacities and sizes, depending on their intended industrial or laboratory applications. They are made from glass, aluminum, plastic, enameled steel or stainless steel and have capacities between 100 and 8,000 liters. There are many types of nitrogen Dewar containers, including spherical Dewar flasks, insulating Dewar flasks and box-shaped Dewar flasks.

Tags: liquid nitrogen, Dewar containers, Dewar flasks, liquid cylinders, Liquid nitrogen, between liters, Cryogenic liquid

Paintball Hopper Work

A paintballing victory with friends can be very satisfying.

Paintballing is a leisure activity where teams of people compete against one another in military-style exercises. Rather than ejecting bullets, the large guns splatter paint, which indicates that a combatant has been "killed" and can no longer compete. The paintball "hopper," also known as a paintball loader, is a vital component of the paintball gun.

Function

The paintball hopper is the segment of a gun that stores paintballs. When required, the hopper feeds a paintball into the main gun chamber so it's ready to fire. The variety of hopper installed in a paintball gun can have a dramatic impact on the reliability, weight and speed of your paintball gun. A player with a lighter, more efficient hopper mechanism may not be quicker on the draw than you, but his superior equipment can leave you covered in paint and out of the game.

Gravity-Fed Paintball Hoppers

Gravity-fed hoppers are perhaps the cheapest and most commonly used type of paintball hopper. A gravity-fed hopper comes equipped with a container to hold paintballs and a feed line so they can be pushed into the firing chamber of the gun. Most gravity-fed hoppers can feed around eight paintballs a second. However, they are not as reliable and are much more likely to experience jamming compared to more advanced models, such as the force-fed hopper.

Agitating Paintball Hoppers

Agitating hoppers use an internal propeller to make the process of storing and shooting paintballs more efficient. The blades of the propeller move to prevent paint ammo from congesting the neck of the paintball gun, resulting in a smoother, quicker firing action. The propeller on some models is light activated, so the hopper agitates the ball as they pass the sensor. This means they are consistently ready for firing and not prone to jamming. Some agitating hoppers can pass paintballs at a rate of 10-12 per second and can hold up to 200 paintballs at any one time.

Force-Fed Paintball Hoppers

Force-fed hoppers are mechanized components which usually use a spring-loaded system to push paintballs into the advanced chamber area of the gun. These hopper types are common among more advanced players, where swift reloading to keep in competition with your opponents is usually a requirement. Force-fed hoppers can come with a range of advanced features, depending on the expense and brand of the paintgun hopper. Some have wireless systems which increase the loader's speed and reduces the risk of misfires, whereas others have digital displays so you can keep track of how many shots you have left.

Tags: Paintball Hoppers, Force-fed hoppers, hold paintballs, more advanced, more efficient

The Items Needed To Make A Woodsball Field

Woodsball is a type of paintball game set in the woods, hence the name. It is popular among those who prefer slower games. Players interested in creating their own woodsball field can let their imaginations run wild within their budget, but ingenuity and a few tips will help make for a good playing field.

The Field

Players should own or have permission to build and play upon a woodsball field. The size of the field is a consideration. Smaller playing areas have less open areas for players to engage in high-intensity paint fights, while larger fields have more areas for players to hide, resulting in more prolonged games.

Land with tree cover is preferred, but is unnecessary for a woodsball field. Rock formations of reasonable size can be used, as can bodies of water. The terrain should also be considered, since it can be more hazardous to play on rocky ground or fields full of holes, i.e., prairie dog habitats.

Themes

Players may decide to lay out a certain "feel" for their field. They should decide on a theme---if any---before placing bunkers or other materials. Dragon Man's Paintball Field in Colorado is rife with wrecked cars, providing a pseudo-apocalyptic or post-riot experience to the games. Popular themes for paintball scenario games (PSGs) are taken from science fiction and fantasy, though historical settings have also gained popularity, according to the World And Regional Paintball Information Guide (WARPIG.com).

Bunkers

Once a theme has been selected, players gather materials for their field. Stacked wood palletes are popular as bunkers because they can be repositioned with relative ease and do not provide complete cover due to the gaps between the palletes. Barrels, plastic or metal, are popular because players can climb inside them -- at their own risk -- to hope for a good shot.

For themed fields, oddly-shaped objects, such as car parts, can be placed to simulate crashed spaceship debris or---in more of a fantasy theme---large piles of stone and wood can simulate the ruins of a castle. The possibilities are limited only by a player's budget or access to free pieces for their field.

Scenery

In addition to sizeable pieces for players to hide in and behind, scenery also plays a part in a woodsball field. You can find abandoned pieces at a local junkyard and bring a vehicle large enough to carry several pieces, preferably with a trailer or a truck bed. Depending upon a player's other skills, such as welding or construction, pieces can be assembled to simulate whatever the player desires. For war-themed fields, scattering spent ammunition shells may help "set the mood" for a war game. For a horror setting, skeletal pieces can be purchased at costume shops or science stores. Barring a piece's availability in stores, they may be purchased online.

Safety Considerations

Players construct a woodsball field at their own risk. Setting pieces of metal or stone on a field can cause abrasions or other injuries during play. The more cluttered a field the more hazardous it is for players. Through some "field testing," players can customize their field to figure out what works and what does not. Existing structures on the field may be structurally unsound, depending on their age and damage that may have been caused. Players should proceed with caution before using such structures.

Tags: their field, woodsball field, areas players, field their, more hazardous

Activities In New York For Kids

New York, a city with abundant activities

New York abounds in activities not only for adults but for children as well. Kids can enjoy numerous outdoor pursuits and visit many educational attractions that spark their interest in the arts, science and nature. No matter what time of the year, New York has something to offer active and curious children to keep them busy and entertained.

Outdoor Recreation

New York has an endless list of outdoor recreational opportunities. Whether families choose mountains, lakes or beaches, New York's state and national parks are filled with outdoor activities for the entire family. Kids can swim in the children's wading pool, enjoy a picnic or take a walk on trails in Saratoga Spa State Park. In 16,212-acre Finger Lakes National Forest, children can walk on trails, camp, go fishing, horseback ride and view wildlife. Children will also enjoy boating, rafting and tubing in Lake George.

Saratoga Spa State Park

19 Roosevelt Drive

Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

518-584-2535

saratogaspastatepark.org

Finger Lakes National Forests Headquatrers

5218 State Route 414

Hector, NY 14841

607-546-4470

fs.fed.us/r9/forests/greenmountain/htm/fingerlakes/f_home.htm

Lake George

lakegeorge.com

Amusement Parks

Families can spend a day at the Adventure Racing Family Fun Center in Queensbury and play in the game room, challenge friends to a game of laser tag or paintball, go rock climbing, and ride indoor bumper cars and go-karts. Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course in Bolton Landing offers tree-top adventures with six courses, over 100 obstacles, zip lines, rope bridges, swings, slides, nets and ladders. In Farmingdale, kids can go on more than 30 rides in Adventureland. From April through October, Amparo Family Fun Center in Liberty lets kids enjoy six paintball fields, a paintball target range, an inflatable bounce house, a mini-golf course, a T-ball practice range, arts, crafts and birthday parties.

Adventure Racing Family Fun Center

1079 Route 9

Queensbury, NY 12804

518-798-7860

gocartslakegeorge.com

Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course

35 Westwood Forest Lane

Bolton Landing, NY 12814

518-494-7200

adirondackextreme.com

Adventureland

2245 Broadhollow Road Route 110

Farmingdale, NY 11735

631-694-6868

adventureland.us

Amparo Family Fun Center

2807 Route 52 W.

Liberty, NY 12754

845-292-2386

myspace.com/amaprofuncenter

Animals

Animal lovers can visit Adirondack Animal Land in Broadalbin to see more than 500 animals and take a safari ride. Guests view exotic animals at The Animal Farm Petting Zoo in Manorville where children can also bottle-feed baby farm animals, go on pony and train rides and enjoy shows. At the American Museum of Natural History in New York, children can learn through exhibits in the Dinosaur Hall, Hall of Biodiversity, Hall of Planet Earth, Rose Center for Earth and Space and the Hayden Planetarium.

Adirondack Animal Land

3554 State Hwy. Route 30

Broadalbin, NY 12025

518-883-5748

adirondackanimalland.com

The Animal Farm Petting Zoo

296 Wading River Road

LIE Exit 69

Manorville, NY 11949

631-878-1785

afpz.org

American Museum of Natural History

Central Park W. at 79th Street

New York, NY 10024

212-769-5100

amnh.org

Museums

The Brooklyn Children's Museum has a play area for toddlers and educational exhibits that teach children about world cultures, history and science and nature. See live animals and a collection of 30,000 historical artifacts. Children's Museum of the Arts displays children's artwork and has a performing arts venue. The museum also offers programs that introduce children to art-making tools and workshops for creating art. Children will also enjoy interactive exhibits and virtual, multisensory technology and view restored aircraft and submarines at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.

Brooklyn Children's Museum

145 Brooklyn Ave.

Brooklyn, NY 11213

718-735-4400‎

brooklynkids.org

Children's Museum of the Arts

182 Lafayette Street

New York, NY 10013

212-941-9198

cmany.org

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

Pier 86, W. 46th Street and Twelfth Ave.

New York, NY 10036

intrepidmuseum.org

Tags: Children Museum, Family Center, Adirondack Animal, Adirondack Animal Land, Adirondack Extreme, Adirondack Extreme Adventure, Adventure Course

Design Your Own New York Yankees Jersey

Designing your own jersey is a great way to show love for your team.

Designing your own baseball jersey is a great way to show off your love for your favorite team. Custom New York Yankees jerseys are especially popular as the team is one of the oldest and most successful in the sport's history. The New York Yankees are winners of 27 World Series Championships and are one of the most recognizable sports teams around the world. Yankees jerseys can be customized to include both a name and number of your choosing, which will make it look like you've made the team even though you're sitting in the stands.

Instructions

1. Open your Internet browser and log on to newyorkyankees.com, the Major League Baseball's official website for the New York Yankees.

2. Move your mouse to the top-right corner of the homepage and click the "Shop" tab.

3. Click on the "Yankees Jerseys" tab on the top left of the page.

4. Click on the link to customize your jersey.

5. Choose the type of jersey you wish to personalize. You can select from road, home, BP (batting practice), Cooperstown, St. Patrick's Day BP and women's.

6. Scroll down until you see the green "Customize" button located on the right side of the screen. A box will open up where you can customize your jersey with a name and number.

Tags: York Yankees, your jersey, customize your, customize your jersey, Designing your, great show

Grow Pumpkins In A Container

Harvest pumpkins three months after planting seeds.

Because of the sprawling nature of pumpkin vines, some city gardeners feel they can't grow the seasonal plant. However, the small varieties of pumpkins grow well in large containers and are just as popular at Halloween as their bigger relatives. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Look in a gardening catalog or online for pumpkin seeds that produce small or miniature pumpkins. Purchase seeds for one or more varieties. Sugar Pie, Small Sugar and Jack Be Little are three proven varieties. These small pumpkins can grow in containers because the pumpkin vines are strong enough to support them. Larger varieties produce fruit that the vine cannot support and are unsuitable for containers.

2. Purchase or find a container for the pumpkin garden. A plastic kiddie pool is in inexpensive container that is easy to find, although any large, well-drained container will work. Prepare the kiddie pool for the garden by punching holes in the bottom of the pool for drainage.

3. Purchase or make a trellis or two. The trellis encourages the vines to grow up, instead of sprawling out across the ground.

4. Position the container in a sunny place in the yard.

5. Prepare the soil for the pumpkin container garden. Fill the container with potting soil or garden soil amended with compost. The compost gives the pumpkin plants an extra nutrient boost during the growing season.

6. Plant the pumpkin seeds 1 inch deep in mounds, three seeds per mound. The number of mounds depends on the size of the container; mounds should be positioned 4 feet apart, so you may have room for only one mound in a small container.

7. Place the trellis behind the container or in the case of a kiddie pool container, place it inside the pool and push it through the pool bottom. If the pool is large enough, add two or three trellises and tie strings between them to give the pumpkins another supportive place to grow.

8. Water and fertilize the pumpkin plants regularly. As the plants grow, train them on the trellis and strings. Keep the bed weed free by hand pulling any weeds as you see them.

9. Avoid using insecticides. Bees pollinate the flowers to produce the pumpkins. If you must spray, do it in the evening after the blossoms have closed for the day.

10. Harvest when the pumpkin rind is hard to the touch, and the color is a deep orange (in all but the white varieties). Cut the pumpkin from the vine using pruning shears, leaving a a 2-inch stem attached to the pumpkin.

Tags: kiddie pool, bottom pool, pumpkin plants, pumpkin seeds, pumpkin vines, pumpkins grow

Information For Make Halo 3 Spartan Armor

The Halo universe is a futuristic world at war.

Master Chief Petty Officer John-117 is a fictional character from the video game trilogy "Halo." He was ranked eighth by Electronic Gaming Monthly magazine, in their Top 10 Video Game Characters, alongside other famous characters such as Lara Croft and Mario. Based in the Halo universe, Master Chief is a cybernetically enhanced super-soldier, who never removes his armor. Making your own Master Chief armor can be a demanding but rewarding project and you can make it as simple or as intricate as you wish.

Instructions

1. Download the Pepakura program, which you can find in the Resources section of this article. You will need this to print out the armor.

2. Examine pictures of the armor you are trying to create.

3. Print the armor layout onto the card stock, using the Pepakura program.

4. Cut out all the pieces that you have printed out, carefully using a craft knife. You now have flat pack armor. Fold the parts for assembly then assemble the parts using either glue or staples, though try to avoid using staples where they will be visible on the finished armor.

5. Apply a coat of aqua resin to your assembled armor, both inside and out. Aqua resin is a water based fabricating resin used for casting and molding. Allow this to dry thoroughly. If you wish, you can use a rotary tool to carve detail into the armor.

6. Spray the armor with a coat of primer and allow to dry. Once dry, apply a coat of your color of choice, such as black or very dark green. Take the helmet and cut out the visor to make it functional. You can either leave this area open or you can attach a motorcycle helmet visor for a really authentic look.

7. Break the fiberglass board into small pieces, about the size of a drink coaster. Glue these pieces onto the inside of the armor to strengthen the materials. Once in place, apply another layer of glue to the top of the fiberglass pieces and apply the foam padding.

8. Cut strips of the elastic strapping to the correct length, and glue onto the inside of the armor pieces, creating loops to slide over arms and legs, holding the armor tightly onto your body--you may find it easier to do this part with a helper--then attach the straps while wearing the armor to ensure a snug fit.

9. Wear your armor over tight fitting, black clothing, such as leggings or long johns.

Tags: Master Chief, Halo universe, helmet visor, inside armor, onto inside

Raffle Gifts For A Bachelor Party

Raffle tickets are sold to raise money for the bride and groom.

Raffle gifts at a bachelor party can help raise money to pay for the wedding. The guests at the bachelor party purchase raffle tickets in order to win a prize, so the prizes must be enticing enough that the guests want to purchase many tickets. Choose items that are desirable by men. The gifts may be vastly different from those at a bridal shower.

Grill Basket

In a play on the feminine style gift baskets full of candles, bottles of wine and candy, create a gift basket of grilling supplies appealing to men. For example, fill a cooler with grilling sauces, grill utensils, dry rubs, matchsticks and a bottle of whiskey. The cooler offers a playful and useful play off the idea of a gift basket. Add a grilling apron with a humorous image, such as a Superman insignia, to round out the gift.

Liquor

Liquor is a common idea for a man's raffle. Assemble all the various liquor bottles in a row, such as handle of whiskey, vodka, scotch and gin, with bags in front of each to collect raffle tickets. You could even add a mini keg to the row of bottles, as this will appeal to the beer drinkers of the group. Add a set of pint glasses or snifters to the collection.

Sporting Gear

Collect a variety of sports merchandise and equipment for the raffle. Include sports jerseys from the state's professional football, baseball and basketball teams. Add a new set of golf clubs or a golf bag as a big-ticket gift idea. For a less expensive option, a high quality putter or driver will also be appealing. A set of new tennis rackets or a basketball could be appealing as well.

Gift Certificates

Feature a gift certificate for a round of golf for the bachelor party raffle. You could also include a gift certificate for a basket of balls for the driving range. For the non-golfers, a gift certificate to a local bowling alley, a paintball course or even to a shooting range could be popular items. Tickets to a sports game or concert would be desirable as well.

Tags: bachelor party, gift certificate, basket grilling, gift basket, gift basket grilling

Fit Car Body Kits

Today there is a plethora of body kit options available for almost any car model on the road. Many body shops will install body kits for a nominal fee; however the do-it-yourself mechanic can save money by fitting and installing the body kit on her own. This article explains the basics of fitting car body kits as a weekend-length project.

Instructions

1. The first step to fitting the body kit is to order the correct kit for your model car. The Internet is a great resource for doing this, as often times you can find numerous web pages that offer the kit you want, and many will even have pictures of the kit installed.

2. Once the kit has arrived at your house/garage, you need to remove the old body kit if you haven't already. Most body panels are only held on with a few screws and some plastic pop rivets. Once you locate all of the points at which the kit is attached you can carefully remove the body panels.

3. Now size up the new body kit on each panel of the car. Find or drill the bolt holes that will be used to secure the body kit by having a helper hold the kit on the car for you while you center the kit and mark holes on the kit with a permanent marker. Some sanding or trimming on the body kit may be required to get it to slide into position on the car, depending on how custom the kit itself was.

4. Once the kit is trimmed so it will fit, have your helper hold the kit in place as you bolt it on. Hopefully, little to no sanding or trimming will be required at this point, but dont force a section of the body kit in place. It should easily slide on and off, and will be held in place by the bolts you place.

5. With the kit securely attached at all points, you can sand the entire car and prep it for a fresh coat of paint!

Tags: body kits, body panels, fitting body, helper hold, remove body, sanding trimming

Ideas For A Teenage Birthday Party In Atlanta

Birthday parties are important to teens.

Your teen just reminded you that his birthday is in less than a month. You haven't made arrangements for a party yet, but you know that he's expecting a birthday bash. If you live in the Atlanta area, you have many options for throwing your teen a memorable birthday party. Does this Spark an idea?

Chocolate Party

Teens are never too old for candy, and at Chamberlain's Chocolate Factory, your teen and up to 29 of her friends can make chocolate creations. Party guests can make chocolate pizza and a personalized candy bar, according to the Chamberlain's Chocolate Factory website. As of April 2010, the cost for an hour and a half session depends on the number of party guests and is $150 to $438.

Chamberlain's Chocolate Factory

6365 Spalding Drive, Suite D

Norcross, GA 30092

678-728-0100

ChamberlainsChocolate.com

Go Kart and Mini Golf Party

Malibu Norcross features attractions such as bumper boats and go karts, according to the Malibu Norcross website. Four types of parties are available at the location, including the basic Gamer party and the Ultimate party. The party type prices range from $12.99 per person to $20.99 per person, as of April 2010. Additional game play tokens and party platters cost extra.

Malibu Norcross

5400 Brook Hollow Parkway

Norcross, GA 30071

770-416-7630

MalibuGrandPrix.com

Dance Party

Dancing is a popular activity among teens, so rent a party venue in Atlanta like the event room of a hotel or a dance studio. If an emerging band goes to high school with your teen and is popular among her friends, hire them for entertainment. Talk to your teen and determine if he wants a theme for his birthday party, such as a Hawaiian luau or a Hollywood celebrity party.

Paintball Party

Paintball Atlanta is open to anyone 12 and older. Party food is not available at the facility; however, party guests can enjoy a full day of paintball war for $30 a person. Parties with more than 20 guests can play a private game of paintball, according to the Paintball Atlanta website.

Paintball Atlanta

5299 Shiloh Road

Alpharetta, GA 30005

770-594-0912

Paintball-Atlanta.com

Bowling Party

Gather your teenager and his friends at Midtown Bowl for a competitive bowling party. A catering menu is available at Midtown Bowl, offering popular foods such as barbecue pork plates and pizza. Make reservation for your party at least a day in advance, according to the Midtown Bowl website.

Midtown Bowl

1936 Piedmont Circle Northeast

Atlanta, GA 30324

404-874-5703

MidtownBowl.com

Tags: Midtown Bowl, Chamberlain Chocolate, Chamberlain Chocolate Factory, Chocolate Factory, Malibu Norcross, Paintball Atlanta, your teen

Put A Scope On A Paint Ball Gun

Do you want better accuracy and be able to eliminate some of your competition from greater distances? Then mounting a scope on your paintball gun will increase your odds for both of these tasks.

Instructions

The Steps

1. Begin by determining if you are satisfied with the barrel that you have on your paintball gun at this point in time or if you would like a longer sniper type barrel.

2. Once you have the barrel of choice that you will use for you new paintball setup, you can install the universal scope mounting kit. This kit allows the scope to be mounted to the barrel of the gun, and will be out of the way of the hopper and other attachments on the weapon.

3. Install the scope on the mounting brackets, which are already mounted on the gun barrel. The scope is equipped with two large clamp style screws. Loosen the large screws and slide the scope on the mounting brackets.

4. Tighten the clamp style screws until they are snug. You are now ready to zero the scope for accuracy.

5. Place it at around 25 yards with a 2-3 inch circle drawn in the center of the cardboard for a target. This will help you determine how the scope needs to be adjusted for your barrel.

6. Place the gun on a solid table or shooting bench and sand bags or preferably a small shooting vise to prevent the gun from moving.

7. Shoot the gun a couple of times to see where the paintballs strike the cardboard and how close the circle. While the gun is in the same spot or position remove the vertical and horizontal adjusting caps from the scope.

8. Looking through the scope adjust the vertical adjustment until it is in the center of the circle vertically. Now do the same for the horizontal adjustment.

9. Shoot the gun a couple more times to see where the paintballs strike the target after you made your adjustments.

10. Check for accuracy and either follow the steps from step 8 if necessary for more adjustment or remove the gun from the vise or sand bags and check tightness of all mounting screws.

11. Now you are ready for action and fun. Go enjoy your new long-range sniper style paintball gun.

Tags: scope mounting, clamp style, clamp style screws, mounted barrel, mounting brackets, paintballs strike, sand bags

Remove Graffiti From Stop Signs

Remove Graffiti From Stop Signs

Graffiti is illegal activity that involves spray painting and/or defacing public and private property. Offenders should not be approached, apprehended or restrained by anyone but the police; do not attempt to do so by yourself. Graffiti can mark territories, is highly related to gang activity and drug activity, and can also denote different associations. Citizens can help with the problem of graffiti in many ways because it is not something that just needs to be cleaned up it is also a social problem that must be defeated. Defacing stop signs with graffiti can prove to be dangerous. Stop signs are road signs that produce order and protection from car collisions. Cleaning graffiti can be difficult if the area is large, and/or you do not have the proper cleaning solutions. Anyone can clean up graffiti. Most large cities have neighborhood and community groups that volunteer to clean up graffiti. It is not illegal to clean up graffiti, but it is illegal to produce it.

Instructions

1. Read the label instructions on your graffiti-removal product. Mix as instructed, and/or pour it into the spray bottle.

2. Put on the rubber gloves.

3. Spray on graffiti, and wait if there is a recommended wait time on the label/instructions.

4. Scrub the graffiti with the abrasive sponge until it is removed.

Tags: clean graffiti, clean graffiti illegal, From Stop, From Stop Signs, Graffiti From, Graffiti From Stop

Birthday Party Ideas For 8 Year Old Boys

Eight-year-old boy

Eight-year-old boys are at an in-between stage. They are no longer interested in Bob the Builder, but they are not old enough for teenage-themed birthday parties. Talk with the guest of honor to come up with something that will interest him and his friends. Does this Spark an idea?

Indiana Jones

Make invitations that look like maps. List the expedition date and time and an RSVP number if you need a head count. Close the invitations using a wax seal. Cover the front with bug stickers. For an activity, hide treasures in a sand box and have the children dig for them. The treasures can be fake pieces of jewelry, bones (save your chicken or turkey bones), or old-looking coins.

Make a pinata out of a cardboard box decorated to look like a crate. Fill it with toy bugs and snakes and candy. Hang it with a rope and let the children figure out get it open. Serve a cake with a treasure chest on it or have a baker decorate it with a picture of Indiana Jones. Serve it with gummy worms and punch that looks like blood.

Olympics

Decorate invitations with the five Olympic rings. Border the invitations with flags from different countries. When each child arrives, have him pick a country to represent. Plan several games. Include an opening ceremony before the games; light a tiki torch to signify the torch used at the Olympics. Play tug-of-war, basketball shot and broad jump. Buy a bag of medals and give them to winners.

For food, make dishes from other countries, such as quesadillas from Mexico or pasta from Italy. Finish the party with a cake. Have a baker decorate it with Olympic symbols or make your own cake and write "The Cake of Champions" on it.

Karate

Appeal to sports fans by creating in the shape of a karate uniform. When the children arrive, hand each a white karate belt to signify they are beginners. Hire a karate instructor to give lessons for one hour and ask if he would be willing to give each child a coupon for one free lesson at his studio; they may agree to gain long-term customers.

When the lessons are over, have the children pain karate headbands. Take an old sheet and cut it in to long strips that can be tied around each child's head. When they are ready to eat, serve a cake that is decorated with Karate font and a picture of a hand breaking through a piece of wood. Finish the party by showing the movie "The Karate Kid."

Tags: each child, baker decorate, baker decorate with, decorate with, Finish party

Armor Shooting Games

Armor shooting games involve blasting enemies, usually other tanks or robots.

In the world of gaming, the word "armor" typically refers to two things, depending on the type of game: big tanks, and big robots, also termed "mechs." Armor, in both senses of the word, shows up in plenty of board and video games; whenever it does, players can be sure that there will be plenty of shooting to go along with it. Armor shooting games typically involve fighting against armored vehicles or controlling them to defeat enemies.

Console Games

Armor shooting games have appeared across gaming systems since the very advent of consoles. "Armor Attack," a title for Vectrex Entertainment System, puts you at the helm of an armored vehicle. You move around the very simple game screen, which is a recreation of a ruined town, on the hunt for enemy tanks, which you'll need to blast to survive. Helicopters are also a threat.

"Armored Core: Formula Front -- Extreme" for the PSP system is a mech game, which offers plenty of robot customization options. You construct a team of mechs, using hundreds of available parts, and then take them onto the battlefield against enemy machines.

App Games

Some armor shooting games are available as cell phone applications. Three dimensional World War II simulation "Armor Hero" features a firing mechanism in which players stroke their phone screen to fire off shots. In each scenario, you confront enemies in a tank, and must also battle powerful boss opponents.

"Tank Hero," a 3-D Android operating system title, features 80 levels of armor action. You guide your tank and engage with five different types of armor opponents. Control the battle using either a multi-touch function or its trackball.

P.C. Games

Computer games are often more complex than the average armor shooting title. "Armor Command" is a real-time strategy game in which players command armies of ground vehicles in a war between an alien species named the Vrass and the defenders of Earth. The game features 22 missions per side, as well as a command system which involves the use of both mouse and keyboard.

"Shogo: Mobile Armor Division" is a mech-based first-person shooter, in which you fill the role of a soldier, out to defeat a shadowy organization. Some missions take place on foot, while others involve piloting a mech. The game has a heavy anime --- a form of Japanese animation --- influence.

Board & Card Games

Board and card games tend to be designed for multiple players. "Prochorovka: Armor at Kursk," for instance, is based around a savage World War II battle between Russian and German forces. Players each control regiments of tanks, and simulate the battle by moving their units across a board of hexes.

In "Armor Supremacy," a card game, the object is to construct tanks of varying specifications, which you then use to defeat the vehicles of opponents. Players utilize cards which represent tank parts, such as hulls and guns, to put together the armor, with the game mechanics bearing similarity to the classic card game "Rummy," as noted by the Board Game Geek website.

Tags: shooting games, Armor shooting, Armor shooting games, card game, game which, mech game, tanks robots

Fix An Airsoft A15

The Airsoft A15 M4 carbine is a near perfect replica of the real weapon. You can fix an A15 that jams and won’t fire by stretching out the spring in the firing chamber. You will need to partially disassemble the A15 with tools commonly found in most households. Fixing the A15 doesn’t violate any warranties since the weapon must be disassembled for regular cleaning.

Instructions

1. Push in on the magazine release button on the right side of the A15 just above the magazine clip. Remove the magazine clip from the bottom of the A15. Push up on the safety lever on the left side of the A15’s frame to the right of the trigger guard.

2. Push in on the locking pin above the safety lever on the left side of the frame with the tip of the Phillips screwdriver. Pull the locking pin out of the right side of the frame using your fingers. Push down on the front of the barrel assembly to raise the assembly's back end up.

3. Push in on the locking pin that hinges the barrel assembly to the frame from the left side with the tip of the Phillips screwdriver. Pull the locking pin out of the right side of the frame with your fingers. Pull the barrel assembly off the frame.

4. Place the barrel assembly on a table with the front end of the barrel facing right. Pull the gearbox assembly out of the right side. Twist the gearbox assembly to separate it from the end of the barrel. Pull the gearbox assembly out of the barrel assembly. Pull the barrel out of the barrel assembly. Pull out the rod and connected gear of the gearbox assembly.

5. Insert the tip of the flat-edged jeweler’s screwdriver into the left side of the spring next to where the gear was just removed. Lift up on the tip of the flat-edged jeweler’s screwdriver to loosen the spring from the nub holding it in position inside of the gearbox assembly. Repeat this procedure on the right side of the spring. Pull the spring out with your fingers.

6. Stand the spring on the table. Press down on the top of the spring to compress it. Hold the spring down for two minutes. Release the spring.

7. Return the spring to its original position in the gearbox assembly. Place the rod and connected gear back into the gearbox assembly. Place the barrel partly into the barrel assembly. Twist the right end of the barrel back onto the right side of the gearbox assembly.

8. Place the barrel assembly back onto the A15’s frame. Reattach the locking pin at the front where the barrel assembly hinges onto the frame. Push the barrel all the way into the barrel assembly. Place the gearbox assembly back into position on the frame.

9. Push down on the barrel assembly. Reattach the locking pin above the safety lever on the frame. Insert the magazine clip back into the bottom of the A15. Push down on the safety lever.

Tags: barrel assembly, gearbox assembly, right side, assembly Place, left side, safety lever, assembly back

Clean Wood Revolver Grips

Learn clean your revolver's wooden grips.

The revolver is most notable as an iconic representation of the American western era. The old wooden and ivory grip handles on a custom, handmade frame are considered collectors items by numerous handgun enthusiasts. Throughout time, and over a revolver's life of use, the wooden grips can become fouled with powder residue and embedded with oils from the skin. Removing these oils is essential to keep the wood from becoming cracked or warped. Most older revolvers were built with two separate pieces of wood screwed into the handle, which made removing the grips easy; however, some were built with a fixed wooden grip and removing them was not an option. Cleaning your wooden grips can be done with ease whether you can remove them or not.

Instructions

1. Remove all ammunition from the revolver cylinder. Ensure that the weapon is unloaded.

2. Remove the grips--if applicable--with a plastic-tip screwdriver to avoid marring the screws, or consult your owner's manual to properly remove the grips.

3. Use a damp cloth, or lightly moisten a gun cleaning swab with water, and gently wipe the surface of the wood grip to remove powder residue. For scored grips, wrap a toothpick with a gun cleaning swab and work the swab into the scored area to remove any grit.

4. Allow the grips to dry for a few minutes or pat them dry with a towel, then apply lemon oil with a gun cleaning swab all over the surface of the wood.

5. Allow the lemon oil to soak into the wood for about an hour, then pat dry with a towel. This will keep the wood clean and prevent cracking or warping.

Tags: cleaning swab, wooden grips, built with, keep wood, powder residue, surface wood

Emf Dangers Of Hybrid Cars

According to the WHO, power lines may pose a greater EMF danger than hybrid cars.

According to Consumer Reports, there is no current standard for electromagnetic field (EMF) levels in hybrid cars. In its own independent study, Consumer Reports found that the highest levels of EMF came from a non-hybrid 2008 Chevy Cobalt, which still produced levels significantly less than home computers, hair dryers or power lines. While the World Health Organization and the National Institutes of Health have both studied EMF exposure in relation to power lines, no recent research has been conducted to specifically address possible EMF dangers in hybrid cars.

EMF Exposure in Our Daily Lives

EMF stands for electromagnetic field. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), all current EMF studies have been performed on alternating-current (AC) electricity. AC current typically comes from items plugged into a power supply other than a battery. The current is free to flow to or from a device. This flow of electricity produces the magnetic field. Common electrical devices such as cell phones, coffee makers, laptops, hairdryers and automatic doors produce low levels of EMF. Power lines, on the other hand, produce high levels of EMF. Studies performed by the National Cancer Institute, NIH and the World Health organization all agree that long-term exposure to the high levels of EMF produced by power lines may lead to childhood leukemia or other serious health problems. However, as yet, there is no conclusive evidence to say that EMF is the definitive cause.

Why Hybrid Cars?

Hybrid cars have one or more electric motors that can be used to start the automobile, provide extra power or, in the case of full hybrid automobiles, provide the sole source of power for low-speed acceleration. The electric motor produces an AC current that can run to the motor(s) for use or be reversed to store electricity in the battery. Because this is an AC system, the electric motor produces an electromagnetic field. Many hybrid car owners consider the addition of an electric motor and battery system to be the cause of increased EMF. However, Consumer Reports' findings appear to contradict this assumption, since non-hybrid vehicles produced as much as or more than hybrid vehicles.

Anecdotal Reports

Beware of personal reports and consumer blogs stating they have used at-home electromagnetic readers to record EMF exposure. Look for reports by scientific organizations that are not only trained to use these instruments but also use the best instruments available under the strictest conditions.

Bottom Line: Is Low Level EMF Dangerous?

While some hybrid car owners have reported high blood pressure or increased sleepiness when in the hybrid vehicle, there have been no conclusive studies to indicate that EMF levels produced by the car caused these symptoms. According to the World Health Organization's International EMF Project, "Despite extensive research, to date there is no evidence to conclude that exposure to low level electromagnetic fields is harmful to human health."

Tags: Consumer Reports, electric motor, electromagnetic field, hybrid cars, World Health

Get Sponsorship To Pay For Basketball Uniforms

The right type of pitch will get a sponsor's name on uniforms.

Sometimes it feels as though everybody and their brother has a hand extended in the hopes of getting a donation. Whether it's Girl Scout cookies, the cheerleader car wash, a spaghetti dinner at the VFW hall or a church pancake breakfast, folks needing financial help to keep causes and projects alive and functioning are always looking for ways to generate a buck. In your case, it's basketball uniforms for the youngest Patricks, Michaels, Kobes and Shaqs. Even if the competition for donations feels daunting, there's no reason you can't mount a successful sponsorship search --- with a little help from the parents of these basketball stars-to-be. Use the tips in this article for approaching potential sponsors and don't give up until you've made a slam-dunk. Be bold and promote your cause unabashedly when you go after those uniform funds. It won't hurt to carry around a photo of your team in their current uniforms either.

Instructions

1. Survey companies in the business of screening or embroidering children's basketball uniforms to compare pricing on their materials, styles, prices and turn-around time. Think like a suit. Your sponsor will want to know that you have done your homework and looked out for its best financial interests by comparison shopping up front.

2. Get together a committee of parents whose kids are on the team. Have each of them submit a list of companies that can be approached to underwrite your sponsorship. Have the moms and dads think about their sphere of influence to include folks with whom they do business, socialize and, in particular, the people to whom they turn for services and goods, like their carpet care professional, banker, mortgage broker, doctor, hair cutter, dentist, local government officials, etc.

3. Draft a "marketing letter" that asks for an in-person meeting with whomever is responsible for considering charitable contributions. Your letter should be friendly and direct but compelling. Your message? "Our kids are counting on your company to keep our team on the court. Be assured that your generosity will pay off in increased business when game attendees see your corporate name on our shirts." Personalize each letter and have the parent responsible for suggesting the lead sign-off at the end. If the mom or dad feels comfortable doing so, encourage him or her to add a personal note at the end of the letter. This type of personal addendum has been proven to lift response rates.

4. Use the 80/20 marketing theory to anticipate the number of positive responses you can expect. If you've mailed out 80 letters, you should be able to schedule around 20 meetings. Ask the parent responsible for the company lead to call the company and make an appointment. If possible, have that person lead the pitch meeting. Bring with you photos of the team, a complete workup of the cost of the uniforms with imprints (bring several options -- this will give the potential sponsor a chance to participate in the decision-making process) and include a list of opportunities you plan to create to further the sponsor's visibility (e.g., including its name in game programs, on signage and other collateral).

5. Get the check before you leave. If you've been warmly received but the company representative is not prepared to cut a check, this is the time to put subtle pressure on him. Understanding that the donation may have to be kicked upstairs to a higher authority for final approval, give the company a deadline by which you plan to offer the sponsorship to another interested party. Thank the company representative for his time and follow up with a thank-you letter. It won't hurt to send the letter with a photo of the team enclosed to pull at a few heartstrings after the fact.

6. Continue to solicit sponsorships until you land one. Once you do, make it your mission to do everything under the sun to acknowledge their generosity. If someone on the parent committee is comfortable writing one, send a press release out to local media announcing the company's uniform donation. Every time you send a note or a flier, include a tag line that acknowledges the company's gift. When the team has a dinner to celebrate the start or end of the season, always invite the company head. He or she may not attend, but it's the invitation that counts and if team coffers can afford the expense, a nice plaque acknowledging the sponsor's uniform gift is almost guaranteed to wind up in a prominent place on the wall of the benefactor's office.

Tags: basketball uniforms, company representative, parent responsible, whom they

Assemble An Inexpensive Cowboy Action Shooting Costume

Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS) is one of the fastest growing and arguably the most fun shooting sports around. Where else can you dress up like a cowboy and shoot real old west style six-shooters, rifles, and shotguns in a fun, friendly and competitive atmosphere? If you are just starting out in the sport you’re going to need a few things. First and foremost are the guns and leather. If you don’t already have what you need in your collection then this will be a pricey but very necessary proposition. The other thing you’ll need is to look the part and to do that you have to have a costume. If you’re in the process of saving (or spending) your money on the shooting irons then chances are you’re going to want to be a bit more frugal on your clothes, at least at first.

Instructions

1. Watch an actual CAS shooting match. You will get a good idea of what goes on and what you’ll need to have in order to participate. Introduce yourself and ask questions. You’ll find that CAS shooters are some of the friendliest people around and most will be happy to answer and offer advice. Some may even offer to let you try out their guns. If you aren’t sure if there is a club in your area you can check by visiting the website of the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS) and looking at the “Affiliated Clubs” link (see Resources below). While you’re poking around the SASS site be sure to download and read the Shooter’s and Range Officer’s Handbooks. These will explain your equipment and clothing needs, shooting categories and their requirements, as well as safety and match rules.

2. Start with a basic shooting costume. With the exception of two shooting categories, in most cases your costume can consist of a cowboy hat, long-sleeved work shirt, blue jeans and boots. If you’d like to go a little farther you can add a bandana and/or cut the belt loops off of the jeans and add suspenders. At most clubs and under most circumstances this will be all you need with regard to clothing and many shooters are happy to leave it at that. Many are not. If you’d like to take your costume beyond the basics you can without spending a fortune.

3. Spend some time looking at western movies and western pictures. Look around on the Internet. Search for websites related to CAS. Follow some of the links to clothing vendors on the SASS site. The goal is to get an idea what the cowboy clothing should look like.

4. Start at Goodwill, Salvation Army or other thrift stores. Long-sleeved banded collar shirts--that is, button up shirts that have no collar--are ideal for CAS use and usually sell for around $3 at a thrift store. If you can’t find banded collar shirts then regular dress shirts can work by carefully cutting off the collar at the seam. Look for shirts with pleated fronts. Check out the pants selection. You can’t go wrong with solid black, brown, olive or khaki. Depending on the look you’re going for, herringbone or other small patterns could work too. If you're going for the work-a-day typical cowboy look then heavier twill style work pants will look better than dress trousers. Look for vests, button-style suspenders, bandanas and sometimes you’ll even get lucky and find hats and boots.

5. Stop at discount retailers such as Wal-Mart. Comb through the clearance racks for anything you can use. If you’ve been lucky so far and have found pants and button-style suspenders then head to the sewing and fabric section and look for metal suspender buttons. Sometimes they’re called bachelor buttons. Each button is in two pieces. One side presses through the fabric of the pants and the other side secures it in place.

6. Check Internet auction sites such as eBay. You can search directly for CAS related clothing but often you’ll have better success treating it like a trip to the thrift store and looking through general sections for something that will work. This is a good source for hats, boots, vests and some other items like dusters that can be more difficult to find locally. Once you have the main costume together you can start dressing it up with some finishing items like pocket watches with chains and match safes which are also readily available on eBay.

7. Make some minor modifications. Probably the most important thing you'll want to do is to CAREFULLY cut the belt loops off of the pants then install the suspender buttons at the waist. Look at pictures for guidance and it helps to wait until you actually have the suspenders you'll be using so you'll know exactly where to place the buttons.

8. Put it all together.

9. Shoot safely and have fun!

10. HAVE FUN!

Tags: Action Shooting, banded collar, belt loops, button-style suspenders, Cowboy Action

Official Rules For Playing Farkel

Farkel is a dice game which can be played nearly anywhere.

Farkle is a dice game played with at least two players. The game is widely believed to have originated in the 14th century. There are several versions of the game, including one which is packaged in slender metallic tubes and renamed "Farkel." No matter how you spell the name of the game, the rules remain the same.

Getting Started

Getting a game of Farkel started is a simple process. Required materials include six dice, writing materials to keep score and a flat surface on which to play. Two or more people can play; however, the suggested number of players is at least three and no more than eight. To determine who begins the game, each player rolls one die; whoever receives the highest score begins the game.

Scoring

Scoring is a complex, but integral, facet to the game. Every 1 scores 100 points. Every 5 scores 50 points. Rolling three 1's scores 1,000 points; three 2's scores 200 points; three 3's scores 300 points; three 4's scores 400 points; three 5's scores 500 points; three 6's scores 600 points.

Three pairs of numbers scores 500 points; rolling four of a kind scores 1,000 points; rolling five of a kind scores three 1,500 points; rolling six of a kind scores 2,000 points and rolling a straight (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) scores 1,000 points.

Scoring can be completed in several ways, depending on the combination of dice. For example, if a player rolls a 2, 2, 2, 5, 6, 6, he can keep the three 2's and one 5 for 250 points and roll the remaining dice. She could also keep only the 5 for 50 points and roll the remaining five dice. Every time a player rolls the dice, the score is calculated separately.

Play

Each Farkle player's objective is to achieve the highest score over 10,000. To play, each player takes a turn to roll the dice. If the player scores a minimum of one point, he can take the scoring dice out of play and bank the points or continue rolling the dice. If the player does not score any points, she must pass the dice to the next player and take a "Farkle," which eliminates any points that the player has accumulated in his turn.

Occasionally, a player may score on all dice. This is called "hot dice;" the player has a choice to roll all of the dice again or bank her points and pass to the next player.

Each player must write down the points that he scored in his turn and pass the dice to the next player. The dice are passed clockwise.

Players continue until someone reaches 10,000 points, at which time the final round begins. Each player gets one more turn to score as many points as possible. Whoever has the most points at the end, wins the game.

Tags: scores points, three scores, three scores points, points three scores, points rolling, scores points three

Bb Gun Safety Tips

BB guns can be dangerous.

BB guns offer users of all ages a chance to learn about firearm responsibility. These imitation firearms fire plastic pellets at velocities typically lower than that of lethal weapons. BB guns should not be underestimated, though, as thousands of users are injured each year by failure to practice proper BB gun safety.

Consider All Guns Loaded

Users of all projectile weapons, including BB guns, should consider them loaded and ready to fire at all times. Failure to respect all weapons as potentially lethal devices results in numerous injuries every year. Users should never look into the barrel of any BB gun, even when cleaning or removing jammed pellets. Never point the weapon towards anything that you do not wish to shoot. Do not cock or prime the gun until you are ready to fire.

Engage Safeties and Unload for Transport

BB gun safeties prevent accidental firing when transporting or storing a weapon. Unload all weapons and engage the safety before attempting to run, climb or jump with a BB gun in hand. Accidentally dropping a loaded weapon might disengage the safety and cause the weapon to fire. BB guns must be unloaded prior to loading into any private or public vehicles.

Shoot Safely

Know and understand your gun thoroughly before firing. Users should understand the firing mechanism and aiming and reloading techniques for their weapon before taking it to a range or shooting area. Never fire upon a hard surface, including flat water such as lakes or ponds, as the shot can ricochet wildly. Always inspect your target area prior to shooting and keep an eye out for passers-by, wildlife and other potential dangers. Clean your weapon after each use to prevent future jams or misfires.

Tags: guns should, ready fire, Users should

Customize A Mini 14

The Mini-14 is a Ruger Mini-14 rifle that shoots a 5.56-caliber round. There are hundreds of accessories for the Ruger Mini-14. You will have to do a lot of research to find everything that you want to modify your Ruger Mini-14. Ruger offers many accessories and a lot of private companies offer other accessories that Ruger does not. You will also need a gunsmithing tool kit to remove and replace all of the screws, bolts and taper pins that hold the Ruger Mini-14 together.

Instructions

1. Replace the stock frame that came with the Ruger Mini-14 with a folding stock. Remove the screws and bolts from the stock using the gunsmithing tool kit. Remove the stock frame. replace the frame with the folding stock and replace the screws and bolts.

2. Replace the stock five-round clip with a 30-round clip.

3. Remove the stock front and rear sights by removing the taper pins. Pull the front and rear sights off of the frame. Replace with night sights.

4. Remove the stock scope by removing the screws securing the scope to the frame with the gunsmithing tool kit. Replace the stock scope with a long range scope that Ruger offers.

5. Replace the stock barrel that came with the Mini-14 with a custom barrel of your choice that Ruger has to offer.

Tags: Ruger Mini-14, Replace stock, gunsmithing tool, Remove stock, screws bolts, that Ruger

Adjust The Aci Hornet Velocity

Tune the muzzle velocity of your ACI Hornet with a replacement hammer spring.

The Air Concepts Industries Hornet is a pump-action paintball pistol well-known for the accuracy of its factory stock barrel and simplicity of operation. Unlike more expensive paintball guns, the Hornet doesn't include an adjustment screw or dial to control the CO2 pressure for each shot. If you need to tune down the muzzle velocity of your Hornet to comply with field rules, you must field strip the pistol and replace the factory standard hammer spring with a low velocity one. No tools are required, however, and the entire process takes only a few minutes.

Instructions

1. Detach the gas cylinder from the ACI Hornet, if one is present, and remove any paintballs from the ammunition feed. Point the barrel in a safe direction, or at the ground, and pull the trigger to discharge gas from the system. Never work on a loaded or charged paintball gun.

2. Hold the front of the barrel in one hand and the pistol's receiver in the other. Turn the barrel counterclockwise to unscrew it from the receiver. Pull the barrel free, and set it aside.

3. Remove the service screws that attach the pump to the receiver, by turning them counterclockwise with your fingers. The service screws are the two large, knurled screws that protrude from the sides of the flange on the pump handle.

4. Remove the knurled frame screws, located at the front and back of the trigger frame, by turning them counterclockwise with your fingers.

5. Pull the receiver assembly away from the trigger frame.

6. Unscrew the hammer/sear assembly and gas adapter from the back of the receiver, by turning it counterclockwise. Keep a firm grip on the assembly as you remove it, because it may be under pressure from the hammer spring.

7. Slide the factory stock hammer spring off the end of the hammer/sear assembly. Then slide the replacement low velocity hammer spring into place on the assembly. Apply a light coat of lubricant to the spring, then screw the assembly into the back of the receiver.

8. Reassemble the pistol by following Steps 2 to 6 in reverse order.

Tags: hammer spring, back receiver, counterclockwise with, counterclockwise with your, factory stock, hammer sear, hammer sear assembly

Basic Gun Cleaning Information

semi-automatic pistol

If neglected, guns can become caked in burnt powder and fouling. This build-up causes different problems in different designs of guns. Semi-automatic pistols can fail to load rounds or eject spent casings. Revolvers might develop stiff triggers, making them less accurate. Whatever the consequences, the solution is routine cleaning and lubrication. At the very least, lack of maintenance results in a devalued gun that isn't much fun at the range. However, for some, it can literally mean the difference between life and death.

Safety

Always verify that your gun is unloaded before cleaning. Visually and physically inspect the chamber, receiver, and magazine to ensure they are free of ammunition. Point the gun in a safe direction and dry fire it. Remove all ammunition from your work area. After you've completed a safety check, continue to observe the four universal safety rules:

1. Treat all guns as if they're loaded.

2. Never point a gun at anything you are not willing to destroy.

3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target.

4. Be sure of your target and what's behind it.

Disassembly

Most designs require at least partial disassembly prior to cleaning. This process varies depending on design. Generally, semi-automatic handguns break down into four basic parts: frame, slide, barrel and guide rod. Of these, only guide rods do not require regular cleaning. Revolvers do not usually require disassembly for routine cleaning. Shotguns usually only require barrel removal. Rifles are the most complex, often requiring users to dismantle bolt assemblies and gas impingement systems. Consult your manual for disassembly instructions specific to your firearm.

Materials

Only use products specifically designed for gun maintenance. Improvising with household cleansers or lubricants can cause damage to your gun. Guns Magazine recommends having the following items in your cleaning kit: steel-coated cleaning rods slightly longer than the length of your barrel, brass jags, a bronze-bristle and brass-core bore brush, a nylon brush, cotton patches, solvent and lubricant.

Technique

Clean your gun as soon as possible after firing it. The actual process depends on your specific model. In general, begin by applying solvent to moving parts and areas where residue builds up. The rods and patches allow you to apply solvent to the inside of the barrel. Let the solvent sit for at least a few minutes after application. Use the brushes to clean away the grime. To clean the barrel, insert the brush at the rear rather than the muzzle end whenever possible to avoid scratching the muzzle. Never change the direction of a brush when it's inside the barrel. Use dry patches to wipe away as much excess grime and solvent as possible. Check your manual for special recommendations from the manufacturer.

Lubrication

Knowing the particulars of how your gun operates will give you a good idea of where to apply lubrication. Generally, it is important to lubricate bolts, trigger assemblies, barrels, slides and places where you see contact wear. For semi-automatic pistols, use a single dab of gun grease to lubricate each rail. Some designs have gas systems, striker channels or other parts that should not be lubricated. According to Tri-State Gun Collectors, you should never oil a firing pin housing.

Warning

When you finish cleaning, perform function checks to make sure your gun and all of its safeties are working properly.

Tags: inside barrel, routine cleaning, sure your, your manual

Design Your Own Molle Pack

Carry a knife wherever you want on your MOLLE pack.

The Modular Lightweight Load Carrying Equipment packs, known as the MOLLE packs, are a creation of the United States military. MOLLE packs are as their name suggests: a modular pack system that allows you to customize the pack with side packs and gear to your needs. Design your own MOLLE system using the base level MOLLE pack which is a vest-style pack. With the nylon attachment points and straps, the pack allows for customization based on your needs.

Instructions

1. Go to an Army-Navy store and get fitted with the proper size MOLLE base vest. As a general rule, your jacket size is the size used for the MOLLE vest. For example, if you wear a 42 jacket or a size L jacket, the large sized vest is the proper size.

2. Purchase the modular pieces to customize and design your specialty MOLLE pack. For example; if you are a medic, buy the medic modular attachments for the vest.

3. Select any holsters, sheathes or gear attachment holsters needed. Options include GPS carriers, radio holsters that go across the chest, side arm attachments and knife sheathes. Consider your needs and acquire the components for the MOLLE specific to your needs.

4. Lay out the gear and vest on a bed or flat surface. Locate where you wish to access the gear on the pack. If you want your side arm near you hip on the right side, use the MOLLE straps in this location--off the vest--to attach the sidearm pieces. Place the medic pack on the lower back to relieve the shoulders from the weight. Benefits of the MOLLE vest-pack is the ability to quickly reposition the pieces in the field, should you not like your first attempt.

Tags: your needs, MOLLE pack, jacket size, MOLLE packs, proper size