Teambuilding With Paintballs

Paintball games promote trust and communication.

Corporate team-building exercises foster efficiency, boost morale and address issues that arise between co-workers and project supervisors. Any environment in which people work in close contact with one another is going to result in relationships both familiar and strained, and managers must learn to recognize when it's time to get the group to bond more closely to work more effectively. Team-building activities place the group members into uncharted territory, and they must relearn the fundamentals of becoming a participant in achieving a larger goal. One such team-building exercise that promotes these basics is paintball.

Problem-Solving

Paintball games present challenges that can be applied to responsibility in the corporate world, as certain team members must demonstrate leadership and delegate tasks to individuals in order to win the game. Everyone in the group can offer his ideas for his specific role in reaching the goals set out by the team, such as devising attack and defensive strategies. The objective is often to capture the other team's flag or eliminate as much of the other team as possible. Creative thinking will fuel the game plan.

Communication

Teams cannot win if they do not communicate effectively. Whether the goal of the team-building exercise is to introduce new members of the company to one another or strengthen leadership skills among the group, a paintball team has already lost if the team members cannot connect with one another cogently or properly sync up in the battlefield. Putting employees into situations in which the survival of their team depends on disseminating vital information to one another in a timely and concise manner will hone their skills of communication in the battlefield and enhance their efficiency in the boardroom.

Teamwork

Strategies and game plans are useless without a team to carry them out. Employees will learn the value of teamwork through assigned tasks that will sharpen time-management skills and test their performance under pressure. Above all, this will breed camaraderie and trust amongst them. When people learn to work in concert with one another by doing the jobs that they have been assigned, the team becomes a well-oiled machine. Paintball battles will help employees engender these skills through specific objectives such as defending the team's flag from the enemy, taking sniper positions to protect their fellow teammates and forming the frontline assault groups who will try to capture the other team's flag. The feeling of vanquishing their opponents in battle and the surge of pride and confidence that comes with it will not soon be forgotten.

Creative Thinking

Paintball games are not just limited to teams facing off in battle. There are various other mission-assignment games in which players must solve complex problems as a member of a team with primary and secondary objectives. Challenges will arise throughout the course of the assignment, and players must come up with solutions to obstacles and adversities along the way. This will train the team members to think differently and posit procedural schemes and incidental theories to successfully complete the mission. Getting your team members to think creatively and look at any problem through multiple solution systems will prepare them to do the same thing come Monday morning.

Tags: team members, other team, Paintball games, team flag, with another, capture other

Ontario Family Activities With Teens

Dog sledding, skating and combat games are some of Ontario's attractions for teens and parents alike.

Families with kids in their teenage years often struggle to find things to do together that will not only entertain mom and dad, but their hard-to-please teenage sons and daughters, too. Families in the Canadian province of Ontario are no exception, but, luckily, the area, with its array of both indoor and outdoor pursuits, provides plenty of opportunities for successful family outings.

Combat Games

These include so-called laser tag games, where players are armed with infra-red guns that fire harmless rays of light. Players try to score points for their team by shooting one another. For example, Paintball City allows both teenagers and parents to participate in an arena-based sport in which players fire paint capsules at one another. In Mississauga, families can step into the virtual cockpit of an F/A-18 fighter jet at Air Combat Zone Inc. Players are seated in a jet simulator that replicates the thrills of flying a real aircraft in a war zone.

Museums and Exhibitions

Ontario has fascinating museums and visitor centers. They house both permanent and temporary exhibitions showcasing artifacts, experiments and photography that will appeal to teens and adults alike. The Royal Ontario Museum, for example, explores natural history, with previous exhibitions examining China's Terracotta army, South African fossils and Canadian quilts. The Ontario Science Center, meanwhile, remains one of Canada's most popular attractions, according to its website, and presents science in an interactive fashion.

Winter Adventures

Thanks to Ontario's climate, opportunities for activities in the snow during the chilly winter months are plentiful. In northern Ontario, the region nicknamed "Sunset Country," adults and teenagers alike can get involved in sports such as ice fishing on a lake, or skiing on the slopes, or touring through a winter wonderland on a snowmobile or a sled pulled by dogs. After enjoying these activities, families can relax at a nearby bed-and-breakfast inn or log cabin.

Festivals and Events

Ontario hosts festivals and similar events throughout the year, but many of these cater for specific interests or hobbies. These events may otherwise feature activities that kids may like, but not teens. Exceptions include the Pakenham Frost Festival, held each January; the program includes a teen dance, live fiddle music and a sledding party. The Voyageur Winter Carnival, hosted by Fort William Historical Park, is another seasonal event; the lineup includes a Wii games tournament, skating opportunities and a chance to go dog sledding, all of which may appeal to teens.

Tags: appeal teens, that will

How Do Paintball Guns Get Made

How Do Paintball Guns Get Made?

Paintball Guns in General

Paintball guns are also known as markers. The term "markers" is used so that people won't assume the sport is violent. The first paintball markers were actually used to mark cattle. The marker uses compressed air, nitrogen or carbon dioxide to expel a plastic ball of paint.

Types of Paintball Markers

The most basic form is the pump-action marker. The player cocks the gun, just like a traditional shotgun. The semiautomatic does not need to be cocked but only fires one paintball every time the trigger is pulled. The automatic paintball marker can shoot paint balls as long as the trigger is depressed. Numerous companies make paintball markers, but all use the physics of pneumatics to construct them.

The Equipment and Parts

The trigger frame, bolt and valve are the main components of the firing mechanism. These are usually built in an aluminum body to reduce weight and cost. The other parts of the marker are the barrel and the hopper/loader. These parts can usually be changed at the consumer's will.

Assembling the Trigger

Workers at paintball factories make the the trigger frame form plastic or aluminum. The trigger is put in place to use a series of springs and levers that thrust the hammer forward. The trigger usually has a barrier around it so that only a player's finger can fit between it and the trigger itself. It is a safety precaution.

Valve and Bolt Assembly

The valve and bolt assembly is the core of the paintball marker. The bolt controls the direction of air from the tank, while the valve controls whether the marker is actually firing. These two components are so closely connected that a lot of markers are built with a combination of the component. The valve can be built into the bolt.

The Body

The body of the marker must be able to hold all the components. It's built with a handle a chamber where the bolt and valve assembly can go, as well a place for the barrel, hopper/loader and air tank to be installed.

Accesories

A single company builds the body with the components in it. It also comes with the factory barrel and hopper/loader. Different companies make air tanks, loaders, and barrels to satisfy consumer needs.

Tags: barrel hopper, barrel hopper loader, hopper loader, bolt valve, built with, companies make

Play Capture The Flag

Capture the Flag is a fun game to play on vacation.

Play Capture the Flag. Capture the Flag is played outdoors with two teams. It's best with teams of three or more players and can be played almost anytime, anywhere.

Instructions

Setup

1. Divide into two teams of three or more people.

2. Divide territories for the teams. Streets, trails, creeks and fence lines all make good border markers.

3. Agree on two items to serve as "flags." They should be brightly colored and a foot or two across.

4. Decide what happens when captured. Either choose to make players "out" for the rest of the game, converted to the team that caught them, or put in a "jail" to be rescued by their teammates.

The Game

5. Retreat by team into your territory to hide the flag. The flag must be hung at head height and be visible from 20 yards away on at least one side.

6. Split into attacker and defender groups within your team. Attackers and defenders can switch jobs as needed.

7. Attempt to sneak across the border, find and capture the enemy flag, and then race back without being caught if you are an attacker.

8. Hide around your flag or along the border and try to intercept and catch any opposing players who sneak across if you are a defender.

9. Capture enemy players by tagging them while they are on your side of the border.

10. Win by capturing the enemy flag and carrying it back to your side of the border.

Jail

11. Put captured enemy players in "jail" by picking an area with a clearly defined border to serve as the jail.

12. Rescue teammates by sneaking across the border, finding the jail, tagging your teammate, then racing back across the border.

13. Recapture players by tagging them again before they reach the border.

Tags: Capture Flag, across border, enemy flag, enemy players, Play Capture

Ways To Make Paintball Bunkers

Paint ball bunkers are an important part of the sport, because they provide cover and strategy.

Paintball bunkers can be constructed easily and inexpensively. Backyard paintball fields often require several bunkers with adequate locations to hide and lay in wait. Using inexpensive building materials, field owners can create several large number of bunkers in several styles and setups. By being creative with common items and asking around for materials, effective bunkers can be designed for just a few dollars.

Pallets

Pallets are a popular resource used to create cheap bunkers. By calling around to the various businesses in the area it may be possible to obtain a large number of the pallets at a low cost. Ensure that the pallets selected are the style that has no gaps between the slats. If gaps are present in the pallets, a paintball can make it through to the individual hiding behind it. By using fence stakes, the pallets are easily secured into different bunker shapes and styles.

Carpet

Old carpet cuttings make a great object from which to construct paintball bunkers. If you have a good run of carpet left over from a carpeting project or a friend has some old carpet, use it to wrap around simple wooden frames and staple to secure. Wood frames constructed from 2-by-4s create a sturdy base. Once covered by carpet, it provide more than enough protection from oncoming paintballs.

Grass

Grass clippings provide a cost-effective bunker that, if done correctly, costs nothing to construct. Grass clippings collected from the yard with the use of a bagger on the lawn mower works or collecting the clippings from surrounding neighbors is another source to consider. Once you have enough clippings to fill up the size of bunker wanted, build a-wire mesh cage around the area you want the bunker. Use wire to fasten the edges of the mesh together. Once the cage is constructed, fill it with the grass clippings.

Barrels

Old barrels area a common bunker material and provide a great deal of cover. Obtaining barrels at a decent price is possible by calling local factories and warehouses. Beverage bottling companies often have a surplus of barrels in which they stored syrup. Think creatively when setting up the barrels. By stacking the barrels on top of each other, deep bunkers can be created.

Tags: Grass clippings, large number

Hotels Near Fort Chaffee Arkansas

Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, is a former U.S. Army base in northwestern Arkansas, adjacent to Fort Smith. This base was under the jurisdiction of the Army until its transfer to the Arkansas National Guard in the 1990s. Hotels in nearby Fort Smith are within 15 minutes of marine wildlife exhibits and nature walks at the Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center, located on 170 acres that once belonged to Fort Chaffee.

Aspen Hotel and Suites

Aspen Hotel and Suites is in Fort Smith, a 10-minute drive from Fort Chaffee. This locally owned hotel provides complimentary shuttle service to Fort Smith International Airport, less than five minutes away. Other hotel features include an outdoor pool, two meeting rooms and courtesy passes to the Mercy Fitness Health Club, which is within five minutes of the hotel. The hotel also has an on-site gym. The Stonewall Village mall offers dining and shopping within walking distance of the hotel. Carol Ann Cross Park is a five-minute drive from the hotel and has paths for walking and bicycling along Wildcat Mountain Lake.

Hotel Pure Seasons Inn

Fort Chaffee is a 15-minute drive from the Hotel Pure Season Inn, located right off Interstate 540. This hotel is a five-minute drive from the Central Mall, which is on Rogers Avenue. Fort Smith museums are within 10 minutes of the hotel, including the Fort Smith Air Museum and Fort Smith Museum of History. Hotel Pure Season guests have access to breakfast in the hotel's atrium area, an indoor pool and whirlpool tub, meeting rooms, and RV parking spaces. Some rooms overlook the hotel's atrium area and swimming pool. The honeymoon suite has a whirlpool tub and living room area. Pets may stay for an additional fee.

Courtyard Fort Smith Downtown

Situated in western Fort Smith, the Courtyard is a 20-minute drive from Fort Chaffee. The hotel has an indoor pool area with whirlpool tub, fitness room and an on-site eatery, the Courtyard Cafe. The restaurant serves American cuisine for breakfast and dinner in a relaxed atmosphere. The four-story hotel has 138 rooms, some with living rooms and/or whirlpool tubs. Pets may stay for an additional fee. The Courtyard is one of the closest hotels to the Fort Smith Historical Site, which is less than five minutes away. This attraction has a segment of the historic Trail of Tears and the ruins of two early 19th century forts.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Van Buren

The Holiday Inn Express in Van Buren is a 20-minute drive north of Fort Chaffee. The hotel is within 10 minutes of the King Opera House in downtown Van Buren, a late 19th-century venue that still hosts theatrical performances. Restaurants and shops at Cloverleaf Plaza are five minutes from hotel. Guests have access to an indoor swimming pool area and a breakfast area near the lobby. The hotel's suites have living areas with sleeper sofas and kitchen facilities.

Tags: Fort Smith, Fort Chaffee, drive from, five minutes, Hotel Pure, within minutes

Adjust An Unsharp Mask

GIMP's filters include the "Unsharp Mask" option.

The GNU Image Manipulation Program is a free editor that can enhance your digital images. GIMP features the "Unsharp Mask" filter that sharpens slightly blurry images. Three options adjust the level of sharpening: "Radius", "Amount" and "Threshold." The "Radius" affects the pixels surrounding edges. The "Amount" affects the strength or intensity of the sharpening filter. The "Threshold" applies a minimum difference or threshold in pixel values where the sharpening occurs.

Instructions

1. Open the GIMP program. A blank image window appears.

2. Click the "File" menu. A list of commands appears.

3. Click "Open." The "Open Image" dialog window appears

4. Click to open the image file's folder location.

5. Double-click the image file. You can also just click the file once and then click the "Open" button at the bottom of the dialog window. The image appears in the image window.

6. Click the "Filters" menu. A list of filters appears.

7. Point the cursor over the "Enhance" option. A list appears to the right.

8. Click the "Unsharp Mask" option. The "Unsharp Mask" dialog box opens. You will see a "Preview" box and three slider options.

9. Click to select the check box for "Preview."

10. Click and drag the slider button for each of the three options: "Radius," "Amount" and "Threshold." "Radius" has values 0.1 to 120. For a higher resolution image, try setting a higher radius. "Amount" has values 0 to 10. Selecting a higher value will distort colors. "Threshold" has values 0 to 255. Higher threshold values allow you to keep areas with smooth tones from developing unwanted edges.

11. Preview the effect of each option in the "Preview" box. Click and drag the horizontal and vertical scroll buttons to view the effects on other areas of the image.

12. Click "OK."

Tags: Unsharp Mask, appears Click, Amount Threshold, Amount Threshold Radius, Click drag, dialog window

Horse Cave Kentucky Hotels

Have a great vacation in Horse Cave, Kentucky

Horse Cave, Kentucky, is usually teeming with tourists during the summer. They are there to visit Kentucky's substantial cave area. In fact, the word "horse" became a part of the Southern culture to depict something that was large. Around World War I, Horse Cave boasted the world's first tennis court that was air conditioned; and besides Louisville, it was the only city in Kentucky to have electricity at that time.

Country Hearth Inn Horse Cave

You'll be only a short walk away from Aunt Bee's Family Restaurant and its down-home cooking when you stay at Country Hearth Inn Horse Cave. A short distance from this hotel is the famed Kentucky Down Under where you'll enjoy Australia right in your own backyard. If it's a play you wish to see, the Kentucky Repertory Theatre in Cave City will be right up your alley. You'll start your days with a complimentary full breakfast. There is wireless Internet access in both the lobby and each room. Unwind in your room with a large color television, a coffee maker, and air conditioning both in your room and the lobby.

Country Hearth Inn Horse Cave

425 Flint Ridge Road

Horse Cave, KY 42749

270-786-2165

countryhearthhorsecave.com

Hampton Inn Horse Cave

There's a lot to do when you stay at the Hampton Inn Horse Cave. There are several golf courses nearby, horseback riding at the Jesse James Riding Stables and shopping in downtown Horse Cave. The hotel has an indoor swimming pool, a well-equipped fitness center, a Jacuzzi and a hot tub for you to enjoy. Begin each day with a free continental breakfast. For other meals, there are both fast-food and full-service restaurants in close proximity to the hotel. Unwind in your comfortable room with a television with premium cable, access to the Internet, bathroom amenities and more. For a few dollars more, you can have your own whirlpool tub.

Hampton Inn Horse Cave

750 Flint Ridge

Horse Cave, KY 42749

270-786-5000

hamptoninn.hilton.com

Park Mammoth Resort

About 13 miles from Horse Cave, Kentucky, is the 92-room full-service Park Mammoth Resort, complete with a regulation 18-hole championship golf course, an indoor swimming pool and a tennis court. For your enjoyment, there is also skeet and trap venues, archery and paintball. There is also a miniature golf course and more than three miles of walking trails. The resort has a full-service restaurant called The Lookout as well as a coffee bar and cafe. Vegetate in your comfortable room with Internet access, cable television and other amenities.

Park Mammoth Resort

US 31 W & I-65

Park City, KY 42160

270-749-4101

parkmammothresort.us

Tags: Horse Cave, Cave Kentucky, Horse Cave Kentucky, Country Hearth, Country Hearth Horse

Clean A Bb Gun

Clean a BB Gun

Keeping your BB gun clean is an essential part of making sure the gun always has accurate aim. The inside barrel of a BB gun can build up quite a bit of dirt and grime on the inside, which can cause your shot to break to a specific direction, missing your target.

Instructions

1. Place your BB gun in a vise grip. You could try cleaning it while holding it, but the process will take longer and be more difficult. Placing the gun in the vise grip will allow you to keep your hands free, so that you can get the cleaning done much faster.

2. Take a piece of fishing line and make a "pull through." This is done by taking the piece of fishing line, doubling it and tying it into a loop. Make sure the loop is longer than the barrel of the gun.

3. Open the breech of your BB gun. Take your pull through, put it through the breech and feed it through the barrel of the gun.

4. Tie a piece of string to the loop of your pull through. Again, make sure that the piece of string you are using is longer than the gun barrel. Make sure that you tie the string to the pull through at the breech end of the gun.

5. Place an old, worn-out rag under the breech to keep it from getting soaked with excess solvent. Make sure the cloth is dry and clean.

6. Wet a cotton patch with solvent and place it in the loop of the pull through. It is important to make sure that the type of solvent you are using is not flammable. If it is not, you run the risk of the gun igniting when you use it. Also, make sure not to soak the cotton too heavily with the solvent.

7. Pull the pull through through the barrel of the gun all the way to the end of the muzzle. Take the used cotton patch out of the pull through and put the pull through all the way back to the breech. Repeat the process with clean cotton patches until the barrel is clean.

Tags: pull through, sure that, clean cotton, cotton patch, fishing line, longer than, longer than barrel

How Does Ram Work In A Computer

RAM Basics

An important computer-hardware component that can greatly influence the speed of a computer is random access memory, or RAM. RAM comes in integrated circuit chips, often called modules or sticks, which are plugged directly into a computer's motherboard. A RAM module consists of many tiny capacitors and transistors that work in pairs to store data as 0's or 1's, the binary code that computers use to operate. The RAM modules store the data that processor needs to access quickly in order to carry on applications and system processes. The more programs and processes that are going on at the same time, the higher the demands on the RAM will be.

Short-Term Memory Space

A computer's RAM is strictly meant to provide short term-memory space that can be accessed as quickly as possible. Since a computer hard drive contains so much data, which must be accessed by the spinning of a physical disk, accessing the data is much slower than using a data module with no moving parts. In this way, the RAM acts as an intermediary between the hard drive and the processor; the hard drive sends data to the RAM necessary for running a given application, and the processor accesses the data saved to the RAM to run the application. As soon as a certain process stops, the data saved the RAM associated with that process is dropped, freeing it up for use toward something else. This is, in part, why closing a few applications while multitasking will speed up other applications that remain open.

RAM Quantity and Speed

Upgrading the RAM installed in a computer is often considered the cheapest and easiest way to achieve faster computing speeds. The most common way to upgrade RAM is to increase the overall amount of RAM memory space. By increasing the amount of memory available, the processor can have quick access to more data at one time, allowing it run several processes quickly. Another way to upgrade RAM is to install RAM with a higher data-transfer frequency (usually listed in Megahertz, or MHz). The faster the RAM is able to transmit the data it stores to the processor, the faster the processor will be able to run those processes. Typically, installing 2 to 4 gigabytes of RAM, which operate at the highest frequency that a given motherboard will allow, will maximize the contribution RAM can make toward increasing computing speed.

Tags: hard drive, amount memory, data saved, store data

Make Soap Markers

Soap markers, also known as soap bar stamps, are used to mark an impression on the soap and add a customized touch of personalization to the soap. You can create monogram soap by stamping your initials on it or mark your name or logo on the soap using a soap marker. It is best to make a stamp marker with a simple design that can be easily engraved onto the wood. A well engraved design will make the soap marker more effective when stamping the design on the soap.

Instructions

1. Determine what type of design you want to create with your soap marker. Choose a design with simple lines that will be easy to engrave when pressing the marker on the soap.

2. Get a sturdy piece of wood at least 2 inches thick to create a wooden block that is square shaped or rectangular shaped. Estimate the measurements based on the size of your design and the soap you will mark the design on. Cut out the wooden block using a hand saw. A block that is 3 by 3 inches or 4 by 2 inches is a suitable size for a typical soap stamp marker.

3. Sketch or print the design onto paper. Put a carbon paper sheet over the block where you will carve the design on the block of wood. Place the paper with the design facing you over the carbon paper and the block.

4. Use a pencil to trace over the design and shade in any areas to produce a carbon paper mark of the design onto the block.

5. Use a rubber stamp with a wooden handle to form the handle of the soap marker. Use permanent wood glue and press the top side of the wooden block to the base of the rubber stamp to fasten the handle to the block.

6. Use your wood carving chisel tools to carve out the wood in the areas around the carbon copied design on the block so that the design protrudes from the wood by at least 1/4 inch. Smooth the wood with the carved design using sand paper.

Tags: soap marker, block that, carbon paper, wooden block, design block, design onto

Age Requirements For An Airsoft Gun

Age Requirements for an Airsoft Gun

Airsoft guns are a type of toy gun, similar to paintball guns, that are used in outdoor shooting games and for training. Their resemblance to true firearms has prompted many countries to impose age requirements and other restrictions on their use. Age requirements differ from country to country and state to state. Some background about airsoft guns and how they work can make these age restrictions more understandable.

What is an Airsoft Gun?

An airsoft gun uses compressed air to shoot a 6 millimeter or 8 millimeter nonmetallic pellet with a lower velocity and lighter impact than a BB gun or pellet gun. Some airsoft guns are powered by a spring rather than compressed air.

History

Airsoft guns got their start in the 1970s in Japan when it was illegal to own a firearm. Manufacturers developed the airsoft guns for recreational use because they did not violate gun restrictions. The toy guns grew in popularity, and that popularity spread to neighboring countries with similar gun restrictions, including China, the Philippines, Korea and Taiwan. Airsoft guns did not become popular in the U.S. and Europe until the 1990s, and most were still made in Japan.

Age Requirements

A person must be at least 18 to purchase an airsoft gun in many countries, including the U.S., Japan and Canada. The United Kingdom allows purchase of an airsoft gun at age 17. The U.S. also requires adult supervision for children under the age of 18 while using the guns. Children in the United Kingdom between the ages of 14 and 17 can use the guns with adult supervision. In Canada, since such guns are considered replicas, the only way to buy one is through a local vender, who must have a license to import them. Japan has legalized low-velocity airsoft guns.

Outlawed Use

Because the guns closely resemble real guns, airsoft guns have been outlawed in some parts of the U.S., including New York City; Washington, D.C.; Chicago; and Detroit. New Jersey is considering legislation to ban the guns.

Safety

Air soft guns are required to have an orange plastic tip to distinguish them from the real thing. If the airsoft gun is confused with an actual firearm, the person carrying it can be injured or killed by a police officer or private citizen who misunderstands his intent. Eye protection is highly recommended.

Tags: adult supervision, airsoft guns, many countries, purchase airsoft, Requirements Airsoft

Get A Cycling Sponsorship

Cycling sponsorships allow both racing cyclists and BMX pros to compete on the national circuit.

There is nothing more rewarding than being able to make a living off of your passion. Sponsorship is what allows athletes to do what they love and improve their craft, all while making enough money to make it a full-time profession. While the road to sponsorship isn't always easy, there are steps you can take to help yourself get noticed and make money doing what you love.

Instructions

1. Get good at cycling. If you are just starting out, you have to work hard and practice until you are in the top tier in your community. Enter bike races, talk to other bicycling enthusiasts, learn all you can and apply it. Get out and practice every day until you are one of the best in your area.

2. Expand your competition area from local to regional. There is an old business saying that can apply to bicycling: If you are the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room. If you're the fastest in your county, you need to move up to state level competitions if you want to get any better.

3. Contact your favorite companies and tell them why they need their logo to be on your racing shirt. Once you start winning serious competitions on the regional, state or national level, it's time to start soliciting sponsorships.

4. Sell yourself to the company. Companies have dozens of people per month soliciting sponsorship, so you need to tell them why investing a little money in you will pay big dividends for them later on down the road. Don't tell them why you want to get sponsored, tell them why they can't afford not to sponsor you.

5. Try different methods of getting sponsored. Make a list of your times and accomplishments. Have a friend make a video of all the people cheering you on at your races. Tell them about your plans to stay in cycling for the long haul. The more exposure you can prove that you get, and the longer you can say that you're going to stay in the sport, the more the sponsors will have to pay attention to you.

6. Continue to improve. The best way to get a company's attention is to get better and climb up the standings. Once you're near the top, they won't have any choice but to listen to what you say.

7. Keep trying. The first company won't get back to you the first time you call them. Keep an open mind and don't get dead-set on your favorite company. If you're serious about getting sponsored, you may have to settle for your second or third choice. Just don't let on that they're not your favorite.

Tags: tell them, your favorite, getting sponsored, tell them they, them they

Load And Unload A 12gauge Pump Shot Gun

Always practice safety when handling any type of firearm.

The 12-gauge pump-action shotgun is a weapon used primarily at shooting ranges. The gun also is used in military activities. The distinguishing characteristic of the pump-action shotgun is its action bar, which is used to load and unload rounds into the chamber and the magazine tube. Loading and unloading rounds into the weapon is an activity that should be practiced with utmost safety.

Instructions

Loading

1. Push the safety button on the weapon into the "On" position.

2. Place the butt of the gun against your hip. Turn the weapon upside down with the magazine tube facing you.

3. Place the round flat against your fingers, holding the front and the back end between your index and pinkie finger with the round in a horizontal position. Slide the round into the magazine tube. Continue sliding rounds in until the magazine tube is full. The number of rounds held will vary depending on the model shotgun you own.

4. Turn the gun over. Hold in the action-release button, which is located either in front of or behind the trigger guard.

5. Pull the action bar back all the way. Push forward with moderate force to chamber the first round.

Unloading

6. Ensure that the safety for the weapon is in the "On" position.

7. Place the butt of the gun against your hip. Turn the weapon upside down with the magazine tube facing you.

8. Press aside the shell latch inside the shell receiver end of the magazine tube. The shell will eject. Pull the shell all the way out. Repeat this process until the magazine tube is empty.

9. Press the action-release button. Pull the action bar back to remove the shell from the chamber.

Tags: magazine tube, against your, your Turn weapon, action back, action-release button

Kid Friendly Resorts In Pennsylvania

Many resorts in Pennsylvania are kid friendly.

Pennsylvania provides opportunities for family vacations in an array of areas from Pennsylvania Dutch Country and the Susquehanna Valley to the Pocono Mountains and the Allegheny National Forest. Pennsylvania also has 51 miles for coastline along Lake Erie and is home to tourist attractions such as the 48-acre amusement park Dutch Wonderland, Hershey Park, which has been nicknamed "the sweetest place on earth" and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Mountain Dale Farm

The Mountain Dale Farm is a family run resort and working farm in the heart of McClure County and offers a country vacation for the whole family on 175 secluded wooded acres and pasture land. Children will enjoy activities such as helping to tend all the farm animals including sheep, cows, horses, ducks, geese, pigs and goats. Sightings of wildlife such as deer, bear and fox are also common. Other activities include hiking, cross-country skiing, fishing in the stocked pond, paddle boats and berry picking. Families can choose from several different accommodations that range from rooms in the farm house to private cottages featuring fully equipped kitchens, televisions and private bathrooms. Nearby attractions include Walker Lake, H & H Trail Rides and the Indian Run Golf Course.

Mountain Dale Farm

330 Hassinger Highway

McClure, PA 17841

570-658-3536

mountaindale.net

Lancaster Host Resort & Conference Center

The Lancaster Host Resort & Conference Center in Lancaster provides a family vacation. Guests can choose from activities such as 18 holes of championship golf, an indoor pool, a large outdoor pool with a water slide, a poolside grill, scheduled children's activities including arts and crafts, game rooms with ping pong and pool tables, shuffleboard, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a walking trail, two on-site restaurants and bicycle rentals. All guest rooms feature cable television, coffee makers, wireless Internet, gaming systems, alarm clocks, irons, ironing boards and hair dryers. Nearby attractions just 1 mile away from the resort include the American Music Theatre and the famous Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park.

Lancaster Host Resort & Conference Center

2300 Lincoln Highway East

Lancaster, PA 17602

717-299-5500

lancasterhost.com

Skytop Lodge

The Skytop Lodge can be found in the Pocono Mountains two hours from Philadelphia and provides an array of activities for adults and children alike. Guests can enjoy biking, hiking, kayaking, golf, sledding, skiing, rock climbing, canoeing, paintball, tennis and ice skating. Camp-in-the-clouds offers daily supervised activities for children ages 4 to 10. An extensive selection of accommodations is available from suites to private cottages. All rooms at the lodge feature cable television, wireless Internet, rustic decor, private baths, large comfortable beds, alarm clocks, hair dryer, irons and ironing boards. Families can also choose to stay in a variety of cottages all featuring fully equipped kitchens and fireplaces.

Skytop Lodge

1 Skytop Lodge

Skytop, PA 18357

570-595-7401

skytop.com

Tags: Skytop Lodge, Conference Center, Dale Farm, Host Resort, Host Resort Conference, Lancaster Host

What Rifles Are Legal In New Jersey

Transporting a loaded rifle in the open in New Jersey is a crime regardless if the rifle is legal or not.

New Jersey gun laws place restrictions on what rifles may be possessed, sold or used within its borders. This allows residents to purchase rifles with confidence knowing that the rifle received will be legal for use. Only licensed firearms dealers are permitted to sell rifles in the state. It is illegal and dangerous to purchase a rifle from someone off the street.

Colt Match Target Rifle

New Jersey places a ban on the sale and possession of all assault weapons and weapons that perform in a similar manner as those weapons specifically mentioned in state statutes. The Colt Match Target Rifle is one such weapon that resembles several banned assault rifles, including the Colt AR-15, but whose performance has been tweaked by manufacturers, making it legal to own and use in New Jersey. Owners may not make performance modifications to the firearm once it has been purchased. Doing so could be considered owning a banned assault rifle, which is a serious crime in New Jersey.

Springfield M1A Rifle

The Springfield M1A rifle is another such model that has been modified by manufacturers to be legal for sale and possession in New Jersey. Only Springfield models manufactured after 1994 possess performance measures that are not substantially identical to banned assault rifles. Springfield M1A models built before 1994 are illegal to possess or use. In order to make sure that the model you are using or about to purchase is legal, you may call in to the manufacturer with the rifle's serial number to determine a specific manufacturing date.

Rifles Purchased in State

Any rifle purchased from a lawful firearms dealer in the state of New Jersey is legal for use in the state. Firearms are registered to owners through a statewide police database when purchased, which allows law enforcement to track sales and hold dealers accountable. If any dealer encourages you to purchase a rifle without asking to see your firearms purchaser identification card or does not have a firearms identification card or permit on the premises, he is more than likely an illegal dealer and should not be purchased from. Big-box hunting/sportsman stores are all licensed dealers.

Transporting Weapons in New Jersey

Weapons purchased legally in and out of the state of New Jersey may be transported in a private conveyance so long as the weapon is kept unloaded and in a locked container such as a gun bag. If no container is available, the weapon may instead be stored in the vehicle's trunk. Ammunition for the weapon must be kept in a different location than the weapon itself. For example, if the rifle is locked in the trunk it's legal to have the ammunition in the backseat.

Tags: banned assault, assault rifles, banned assault rifles, Colt Match, Colt Match Target, identification card

Install Daz Models

Daz3D specializes in selling 3D software and content to both commercial and hobbyist users. The models it offers are 3D meshes with textures. Some are "poseable" figures that sometimes have morphs as well. One application that Daz3D offers is Daz Studio. The models that Daz3D sells can be installed to the Daz Studio application. The process for doing this is fairly straightforward.

Instructions

1. Double-click on the file you purchased from Daz3D to start the installation. In the dialog that pops up, click "Run."

2. Click "Next" in the following dialog and then click "Next" again. "Accept" the agreement and click "Next."

3. Click on the drop-down menu and choose "Daz Studio" as the target application. Click "Next." Then click "Select from a List" and choose the directory location of the version of Daz Studio (if you have more than one installed) that you want to install to.

4. Click "Next" two more times and the model will be installed to the application.

Tags: Click Next, that Daz3D

Military Birthday Game Ideas

Military Birthday Game Ideas

Put on your fatigues, grab your canteen and prepare for a military birthday party. By using games derived from the activities of the different branches of the armed forces, your party guests can find excitement by land or by sea. These military birthday party games will thrill children of virtually any age, but especially those between the ages of 6 and 12. If the weather permits, consider holding your armed forces birthday party outdoors so children can enjoy some wet, messy fun. Does this Spark an idea?

Obstacle Course

Exercise your creativity when devising this game and create a course that encourages children to test a variety of skills. Try letting kids jump across the water (small plastic wading pools), crawl under a length of twine stretched between two garden stakes, do a slalom run between cones and climb through hula hoops hanging or standing in the yard.

Hot Grenade

In this game from Kids-birthday-party-guide.com,children take turns passing around a plastic grenade (or a green water balloon if playing outside) while listening to music; it's a variation on the Hot Potato game. When the music stops, the child caught with the grenade leaves the game.

Tug of War

Assign each team the name of one of the armed forces branches, such as Army or Navy, and let them take turns trying to pull the other team across a line drawn in the middle. If playing outside (and you're OK with a mess), make a mud pit in the center of the tug-of-war area. Coolest-kid-birthday-parties.com suggests placing a small wading pool in the middle for the losing team to slide into.

Sarge Says

Play this game like Simon Says. Find an adult willing to don army apparel and play the role of the drill sergeant. Instruct kids to perform various tasks such as "Sarge says do 10 jumping jacks." When children fail to listen for the phrase "Sarge says" before acting on the instructions, send them to do a few push-ups.

Grenade Toss

Arrange children into pairs and give a bucket to one child per pair and 10 green water balloons, the "grenades" to the other. Let them toss the water balloons at each other and catch them in the bucket. At the end of the game, give children a point for each water balloon caught in the bucket (even broken ones).

Airplane Race

In a nod to the Air Force, give children supplies to make paper airplanes and decorate them with an array of stickers, markers and colored pencils. Race them against each other to see whose flies the farthest.

Backpack Relay

Purchase or borrow one backpack for each team of children to play this game. Make a pile for each team with a variety of army-related items, such as a water canteen, mess kit (plate and eating utensils), food and a compass. Arrange children into teams. Each person on each team must take turns putting on the backpack, running to the pile of items, putting an item inside the backpack and returning to the team to allow the next child to take a turn. The team that fills their backpack first wins.

Tags: each team, this game, armed forces, birthday party, take turns

Use Birchwood Casey Stock Sealer

Use Birchwood Casey stock sealer as part of the process when finishing a stock.

Many gun enthusiasts who collect guns, hunt or shoot often find themselves taking on a gun stock refinishing project. After the wood is initially prepared by sanding, it is necessary to seal the wood with a product such as Birchwood Casey Tru Oil sealer. Sealing the wood is especially valuable when the gun will be exposed to extremes in temperatures or conditions. Sealing the wood also helps bring out the natural beauty of wood before staining.

Instructions

1. Clean any remaining sanding dust or fibers from a steel wool pad used during the surface preparation process. Wipe the wood stock with a damp cloth or a tack cloth to remove dust and fibers. Allow the stock to dry if a damp cloth was used before proceeding.

2. Open a bottle of Birchwood Casey Tru Oil stock sealer. Pour a small amount of the sealer on a clean rag.

3. Apply a thin coat of sealer to the wood stock. Wipe the sealer onto the stock following the direction of the wood grain.

4. Continue applying the Birchwood sealer to the stock until it is covered with a light coat. Allow the rifle stock to dry before continuing.

5. Apply a second light coat of Birchwood sealer based on personal preference. Allow the second coat to dry thoroughly overnight before applying a stain finish.

Tags: Birchwood Casey, Birchwood Casey stock, Birchwood sealer, Casey stock, Casey stock sealer, damp cloth

Sell Used Snowboards

An old snowboard can still be ideal for a newcomer

Selling your snowboard can be sentimental as you may have had it for many years and have great memories with it. However, it is an opportunity to pass your board on to someone who will be able to appreciate it more at a significantly lower cost and recover some of the money you spent on it. Selling your board requires some knowledge on the proper outlets and ways to go about the process. Learn some tips to maximize your cash intake from selling the board.

Instructions

1. Figure out the value of the board. Remember what the original cost was. Look on the Internet for similar boards and see what they cost. Since they are used they come in a variety of conditions, so don't just look at the dollar number of the board but look carefully at what condition they are in to give you an idea of what you might get for it. Take it into a shop and ask a sales associate what they think it may be worth. Even if they don't sell that particular model, they are in the industry of selling snowboards and will have valuable advice.

2. Fix the board up for maximum buying potential. Clean off any half-ripped stickers and clean any dirt or stains. If the board needs repair, consider the cost first. Many buyers are OK with buying a board with damage and prefer it over a more expensive used board as that is what they expect. The better shape the board is in the more money you can ask for it. Fixes like cleaning rust and minor base damage are cheap and easy and can likely result in a net gain.

3. Advertise the board. Use the traditional Internet outlets such as Ebay and Craigslist. Try advertising in classifieds sections of local papers in both online and print versions. There will likely be less competition in these as many buyers flock to the main used gear outlets. Always ask your local snowboard shop if they buy used gear. There are also specific gear trading sites such as boardresale.com and eatmyboard.com that offer free classified ad space for advertising your board.

Tags: what they, your board, Selling your, they used, used gear

Play Paint Ball Gun Games

There are numerous styles of paintball games you can play.

Paintball is a battlefield-style game played with a special gun that fires a paint-filled ball by means of compressed air. A paintball can be fired at speeds averaging between 200 and 300 feet per second, thus creating a velocity that can pack quite a punch on opposing players, who wear protective gear. Most paintball enthusiasts have teams of friends they play with often, and many make up their own rules. Two common of paintball games are Capture the Flag and Speed.

Instructions

Capture the Flag

1. Advance through the designated terrain toward the enemy fort, or headquarters. All players start in their own safe territory.

2. Attack any opposing player by firing at the head or chest to make a kill. Some rules may vary, but typically a head or chest shot is a kill, and limb or leg shots require three hits to qualify as a kill. If all players from one team are killed before the flag is retrieved then the game is over.

3. Retrieve the flag from the enemy fort without getting killed, and return safely to your home fort. Then mount the flag next to your team's flag.

Speed

4. Advance onto the field when the horn sounds, and take a position behind a barricade.

5. Move from your team's barricade to the next available team barricade each time the horn sounds. Rules may vary, but your team will likely have color-coded barricades that you can hide behind. The idea is to stay quickly seek cover of the barricades as you move around the field. Opponents will be moving behind their own barricades, as well, and you could end up face to face with an opposing player if you make the wrong move when changing barricade position.

6. Kill all opposing players as quickly as possible by shooting in the head or chest. Limb shots may or may not be counted depending on specific rules. The first team to lose all players loses the game.

Tags: head chest, your team, Capture Flag, enemy fort, horn sounds, opposing player, opposing players

Fill Paintball Nitro Tanks

Fill Paintball Nitro Tanks

Paintballing is a fun and exciting game. It allows you to safely shoot your friends while still practicing survival tactics in a fast-paced environment. The only downside to the sport, besides the welts, would perhaps be the expense incurred with constantly buying new paintballs and reloading your paintball gun's nitro tanks. Both, however, are necessary to enjoy the sport. Filling the nitrogen tanks on your gun can be an easy task, but one that should be handled with care and safety.

Instructions

1. Stand the SCUBA tank upright, with its base on the floor. Make sure that the tank's nozzle is completely shut off and turned tight.

2. Thread your nitrogen tank fill station's male (threaded) end into the female hole of the SCUBA tank's nozzle. A fill station is a device that should come with a gauge and outputs that allow you to connect the SCUBA tank with your gun's smaller nitrogen tank. While screwing the device into place, make sure that you thread carefully and smoothly. If you have to force it, there is a chance that some threading has gone bad, or that there is something blocking the threads. Wipe down both pieces' threads with a wet rag, removing any debris, and try again.

3. Make sure the bleed valve on the fill station is closed, then attach the paintball gun's tank to the fill station. The gun's tank should simply be a nipple-like extension that you can slide into the fill station's female quick-disconnect slot. Depending on the type of the station, you may have to pull back a metal covering on the female disconnect slot to allow the tank's nipple to slide in. Do so if need be, and then slide the metal covering back into place.

4. Determine the pressure rating of the gun's nitrogen tank. This will be written on the side of the tank, and is very important to not exceed. Problems of overfilling range from simple jams in the gun, to more serious popping and exploding of parts. Always be wary of the gun's nitrogen tank's pressure rating.

5. Slowly open the SCUBA tank's pressure valve, keeping an eye on the gun tank's pressure gauge. The gun tank's pressure rating will determine how much nitrogen to put into the tank. If both the SCUBA tank and the gun tank rate at 3K, then slowly open the SCUBA tank's valve and listen for the hissing to stop. If the tank on the gun is rated lower (as will be likely) than the SCUBA tank, then shut off the SCUBA tank's valve as soon as the gun-tank's pressure has reached its recommended level.

6. Close the SCUBA tank's pressure valve completely when the gun's pressure has been reached. Make sure that the hissing has stopped before moving on. If you still hear hissing, feel free to use the wrench to tighten the valve as necessary (never over tighten, though).

7. Open the fill station's "bleed valve," usually located on the underside of the device. This will get rid of excess pressure that has built up inside the device, and anywhere else. It is a safety measure that should always be followed.

8. Disconnect the gun from the fill station (possibly by sliding the metal covering mentioned in step 3 back, depending on the type of fill station). The nipple of the gun tank should slide out.

9. Cap the nipple with the attached plastic covering to keep it dirt and dust free, and set the tank and gun aside.

10. Disconnect the fill station from the SCUBA tank, and set both of them in a safe area. SCUBA tanks should be chained to the wall if possible, to keep them from falling over. Once everything is secure and in a safe area, you are ready to play.

Tags: SCUBA tank, fill station, tank pressure, nitrogen tank, metal covering

Paint Cotton Balls

You can use painted cotton balls as a kid's craft material.

When you are making crafts with children, it is helpful to use craft materials that are simple to manipulate, and pleasing to handle. For example, basic cotton balls can be used as a material to construct any manner of craft pictures, such as snowmen, clouds and flowers. Although the cotton balls can be used in their plain white state, they can also be painted with watercolor paints to make them useful in a colored form as well.

Instructions

1. Insert a toothpick into a cotton ball.

2. Insert the other side of the toothpick into a piece of florist foam.

3. Dilute 1/4 tsp. of watercolor paint in a bowl with 2 tbsp. of water. Select any color you prefer.

4. Wet a watercolor paintbrush. Dip it into the diluted watercolor paint.

5. Tap the watercolor-filled paintbrush onto the outside surface of the cotton ball. Saturate the ball with the diluted watercolor paint.

6. Allow the watercolor paint to dry completely.

Tags: watercolor paint, cotton balls, balls used, cotton ball, cotton balls used, diluted watercolor

Homemade Helmet Cam

The Helmet Cam offers a unique angle on the action

Homemade helmet cams have always been seen on extreme sports videos and various other crude show productions, as they seem to give the most realistic point-of-view perspective of any event. As technology becomes better and smaller the helmet camera will undoubtedly improve, but even now rudimentary helmet cams that work can be made right at home, assuming you have the right equipment and know-construct such a thing.

The Camera

The first thing you're obviously going to need is a camera of some kind that can fit on or inside a helmet. While taping or securing a small camcorder to the top of the helmet is certainly an option, it will most likely be hard to protect that camera from collisions and will be awkward to wear, as having an extra couple pounds on top of the helmet on top of your head is an awkward thing to have to deal with. Small digital video cameras like the RCA Small Wonder or the Sony GC-1 are both options, though the picture quality may be a little downgraded and the camera is an odd shape for a helmet. You can also just measure the screw-hole in the bottom of your camera, which most cameras come with, and match that up to a nut, washer and bolt that you can screw into place.

The Helmet

Most helmets have holes in the top of them to allow the heat coming off the head to aerate, however it's important to have a hole that's exactly the same size as the bolt you will be pushing through it, so that the camera doesn't wobble around continuously while you are moving. So you may need to find a heavy-duty bike or motorcycle helmet and with a power drill bit that matches the size of your bolt, drill a hole in the top of the helmet. Try putting the helmet on at this point with the bolt sewn through and secured by the nut. If it's uncomfortable, add some padding below it for the top of your head.

Assembly

Once the hole is drilled in the top of the helmet, attach the camera to the top of the helmet by screwing it onto the exposed threads of the bolt. Make sure it is secure on there and on the right part of your head so that the camera doesn't make the helmet top heavy. A battery will be attached or installed in the camera itself and should run fine this way. If your camera is still to big or top heavy on the top of the helmet, try installing it on the side of the helmet at eye level by using gaffers tape or strong vice clips which can hold the camera body in place without harming the camera itself or snapping off and hitting you in the face if you trip or fall while wearing the helmet cam.

Tags: that camera, your head, camera doesn, camera itself, helmet cams

Be An Airsoft Sniper & A Spotter

Fire your Airsoft gun while remaining hidden from your oponnents.

Created by manufacturers to replicate the designs of real firearms, the Airsoft gun uses small plastic pellets as ammunition. Although the pellets may sting on impact, the bullets are nonlethal and generally used for recreation. According to The Airsoft Gun, Japanese gun enthusiasts created the earliest models of these nonlethal weapons in the late 1970s. Practice sniping and spotting techniques to master your Airsoft gun.

Instructions

1. Carry your Airsoft sniping supplies to an outdoor location that features flat terrain. Place an assembled cardboard box onto the ground.

2. Rest three to five plastic cups upside down onto the top of the cardboard box. Walk 30 to 40 steps away from your target practice station. Lower your Airsoft sniper rifle onto the ground beside you.

3. Place your right knee onto the ground while keeping your left foot flat. Stretch your left leg to form a 90 degree angle. Reverse this sniper shooting stance if you have a dominant left hand.

4. Lift the butt of your Airsoft gun to your shoulder. Place the forefinger of your dominant hand around the trigger.

5. Place your eye over the your sniper rifle scope. Pull the trigger slowly while aiming for the first cup. Attempt to hit the cup in one shot. Repeat the shooting process with the remaining two cups.

6. Reset your cups onto the cardboard box to continue your target practice training. Practice until you can knock down the cups in three shots.

7. Lay with your stomach against the ground to practice another vital shooting stance. Use your elbows to stabilize your Airsoft gun as you practice in the laying position.

8. Perform the duties of a spotter for your teammate during a battle. Utilize a pair of binoculars to spot any of your approaching opponents.

9. Inform your shooter about the movements of your rival team members. Make sure that your opponents have not spotted your sniping position. Tell your shooter to take the shot as your opponents walk into range. Abandon your position after making a few successful shots.

Tags: your Airsoft, onto ground, from your, onto cardboard, Place your, shooting stance

Full Face Mask Vs Standard Goggles For Scuba

You have options for scuba masks .

Scuba divers have a couple of options when considering types of masks to wear for their dives. While all masks for scuba diving will need to cover the diver's nose to assist in equalization of pressure, some masks cover only the diver's eyes and nose while others offer full face coverage. The most common used are masks that cover only the diver's face and nose, but the full face mask is used in some situations.

Standard Scuba Mask Description

A standard scuba mask covers the diver's eyes and nose. This mask allows for visibility and allows the diver to clear their sinuses when operating underwater. A separate regulator is placed in the divers mouth for breathing and it is not attached to the mask. Mask styles, size, color and features such as a nose valve or purge valve to clear water are common options, but the basic function will remain the same. This is the most commonly used setup for scuba divers.

Full Face Mask Description

Full face mask scuba equipment differs from traditional masks in that it covers a diver's full face. These masks typically will have a regulator built into them and not require the diver to hold it in their mouth as with a traditional mask and regulator setup. Full face masks will seal around the diver's face edges and have a strap behind the diver's head to hold it in place. A larger clear viewing window is on the front of these masks.

Mask Protection

Standard scuba masks only protect the diver's eye and nose area from surrounding water. Full face mask scuba equipment offers a diver greater protection from the water. These masks are commonly used when diving in contaminated water. Some divers prefer to use these masks for better face coverage in cold water to keep less of their face exposed.

Air Usage

Standard scuba masks do not affect air usage since divers use a separate regulator which the hold in their mouth while diving. Full face mask scuba equipment constantly feeds air to the diver's mask creating a positive pressure air flow into the mask. This not only feeds air to the diver, but also keeps the pressure in the mask strong enough to force any leaking at mask seals from entering into the mask. This eliminates the need to purge the mask in most cases. The negative is that the diver's air usage will typically be at a higher rate than traditional on demand regulator equipment, thus decreasing the time a diver can breathe off of equivalent air tank sizes.

Training Requirements

Most divers train with standard scuba masks, which are relatively simple to use. Changing to using a full-face mask is something that a diver will typically encounter only if they seek diving operations in unique environments. With most scuba certification agencies, specialized training when using full face mask scuba equipment is not required, but it is certainly recommended. Full face mask scuba equipment is less easily removed and replaced with backup equipment than traditional regulators and masks when under water. Divers should train with this equipment before using it in difficult operational conditions.

Tags: face mask, face mask scuba, mask scuba, mask scuba equipment, scuba equipment, scuba masks, Full face

Find The Price On A Collectible Toy Gun

Among collectors, there's a market for the toy guns of yesteryear. Mint examples in original packaging, guns that flash and spark with a pull of the trigger, replicas of weapons flourished by TV characters and brightly enameled tinplate ray guns made by Japanese firms such as Daiya and Matsuda in the 1960s are all extremely collectible.

Instructions

1. Inspect your toy gun. Look for a maker's name. Assess it for chipped paint and missing parts. Poor condition and lack of original packaging can lessen a collector's interest in a toy. Unusual functions, alluring design or a tie-in to a cult TV series have the opposite effect. Make notes on all of these points before proceeding with your research.

2. Visit your local library. If there are no books specifically on toy collecting, look for a recent price guide on antiques, collectibles or toys. Search under such sections as toys, films and TV tie-ins. These guidebooks collate prices over a given period.

3. Browse auction results by typing "toy gun auction" in an online search engine. This should bring up a list of recent or current auctions with toy guns for sale. Narrow the search region and date. Items will have a broad price range, such as $80 to $120. Past auctions will record a "hammer price"--the sum paid for the item on the day of the sale. This provides the most current price.

4. Perform a search of online auction sites by typing "vintage toy gun" into the sites' search engines. Break down the results by category. Look for a toy gun identical to your own. Use the site's tracking tools to follow the item until it's sold.

Tags: original packaging

Throw An Awesome Thirteenth Birthday Party

A thirteenth birthday party marks the movement of your son or daughter from childhood to youth. While this age still craves the fun and creativity of more traditional parties, they will definitely have an opinion on what is cool and what isn't. When you sit down with your 13-year-old, talk about who should be invited, what kind of party it will be, where it will be held and most important, the budget for the party. Involving your child in the party planning will show that you feel he is old enough to take on more of a grown-up role in the process. Here are some awesome thirteenth birthday party ideas that will please both parents and kids. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Host a craft party for a 13-year-old girl and her friends. Pick whatever craft style she's into, from beading to scrapbooking. Whatever her preference, organize the party around that activity. Incorporate the craft into a theme, such as a '60s party for tie dying T-shirts or a spa night with homemade lotions and soaps.

2. Allow boys to indulge their inner monster with a monster movie party. Have the birthday boy and his friends prepare for an afternoon of gore. Find someone from the local theater community to come do stage makeup (fake scars, third eyes) or just provide face makeup for the party. Give the boys plenty of props, costumes and a video camera. Let the boys put together a monster movie while you prepare snacks. When it's finished, pass the popcorn and let them enjoy their creation. You can let this evolve into a monster movie marathon as well for an ideal 13-year-old boy's party.

3. Indulge in an extreme adventure party. Thirteen-year-olds are usually game to try anything, so head to the closest laser tag arena, rock climbing wall, ice skating rink, paintball field or water park. The kids will get plenty of thrills and the party theme can be built around the activity. Perfect for all girls, all boys or a co-ed party, an adventure locale will usually be able to accommodate birthday groups with enough advanced notice.

4. Head to the mall for a scavenger hunt party. This is another good co-ed party theme for kids who want to play games that are not too childish. Give each team a list of scavenger hunt items that can be found at the mall, such as a coffee sleeve from the coffee shop, a picture of the group in front of a mannequin wearing something red and a free cosmetic sample. Teams race around the mall (respectfully) to complete the list. The first team to finish gets a prize, and everyone gets treated to a movie to wrap up the party.

5. Keep it simple. Not all 13-year-olds want a big party with a theme and lots of guests. Listen to your child and evaluate her true wants. Perhaps she just wants a few friends to come over for a playoff game barbecue or she thinks it would be fun for her two best friends to come over for a slumber party. At 13, children are sure of what they like and don't like, so follow your child's cues and keep it small and intimate if that's what is desired. Small parties can also include more expensive outings, such as a dress-up fancy dinner and ride in a limo or getting tickets to a sporting event.

Tags: monster movie, your child, co-ed party, come over, friends come, friends come over

Airbrushing A Paintball Mask

A custom paintball mask design allows you to wear a unique mask into the field.

Paintball is a recreational sport where players attempt to eliminate each other by shooting paint pellets at each other from gas-powered guns. Although the paint pellets are designed to avoid injuries to players, some safety equipment is still required to ensure the players' safety. A paintball mask protects the eyes and throat of players, which are most susceptible to damage from the paint pellets. Airbrushing a paintball mask allows for a custom design to be sprayed onto a mask to create an eye-catching, one-of-a-kind mask.

Instructions

1. Cover any parts of the mask you do not wish to paint but cannot remove, including the lenses of the goggles, using paper and masking tape.

2. Spray the entire mask with the base color for your design. Black and white are ideal base colors. Even if using a solid color backing such as red, a base of white applied first will allow for a brighter, truer-to-color background when next sprayed with the colored paint.

3. Dry the mask faster using a blow-dryer on low to keep fresh air passing over the paint.

4. Apply multiple layers of base color, if needed, until the color is even across the entire mask.

5. Spray the outline of any advanced shapes you wish to add to your design. For example, when making a skull design, spray an outline of the eyes and nose of the skull.

6. Add detail to the design by filling in the basic outline and "building up" by applying the base color of each shape, and then adding the detailing colors over the base.

7. Spray using light applications of paint to provide fading colors. You can always apply a second fine coat over an area to darken an application.

8. Apply a clear finish over the mask to protect the details of the new paint job. A clear glossy finish or a clear matte both are effective for sealing a mask.

Tags: base color, paint pellets, paintball mask, each other, entire mask

Swat Police Training

Intense training lies ahead for SWAT team hopefuls.

The need for a more specialized branch of many metro police departments led to the formation of the Special Weapons And Tactics division, better known by the acronym of SWAT. These SWAT teams are comprised of volunteers from within their respective departments and are chosen from a rather deep pool of applicants. Qualifying officers that are selected are then subjected to specialized training that includes the use and understanding of advanced weaponry and counter-terrorism measures, laborious training that must be passed in order for the SWAT member to be allowed into the field.

Firearms

SWAT weapons vary from lethal to non-lethal and are used for close quarters combat, the exception being SWAT snipers who use H&K or Remington .50 caliber rifles to disable, disarm or ultimately terminate a threatening individual. SWAT members are trained to use common sidearms such as Glock pistols and MP5s, as well as tactical shotguns and carbine rifles. Target accuracy is stressed during training. SWAT members are also taught to use small explosives for breaching purposes.

Non-Lethals

SWAT team members are well-versed during training in several non-lethal takedown weapons to subdue, disable or render a threat unconscious. Besides rubber bullets and beanbag rounds, pepper spray-filled paintball rounds, pepper spray canisters, flash-bang grenades, teargas canisters and Taser usage are all taught during training.

Shooting

Besides stationary accuracy training (target practice), recruits fire on moving targets. SWAT recruits are taught accurate shooting while they are on the move. Familiarity with the various firearms are taught in conjunction with rapid loading/reloading techniques. Usually, paintballs are used for training purposes and drills until live fire is introduced into tactical situation teaching.

Tactics

Hostage situations are one of the many reasons SWAT teams are summoned, so training revolves around breach a well-fortified room or premises. Room clearing, the act of taking down hostage takers and freeing the hostage, is stressed through both lethal and non-lethal tactics. Dynamic entry methods and forcefully gaining entrance into homes or businesses (such as narcotic raids) are part of the tactical curriculum.

Team Building

The obstacle course not only stresses the recruit's physical conditioning but introduces team-building components, as the SWAT members must learn to support each other during the running of the obstacle course. All skills are then put to the test during practicals that each recruit must pass in order to named to their respective SWAT team.

Tags: during training, SWAT members, SWAT team, lethal non-lethal, obstacle course, rounds pepper, SWAT teams

Make My Airsoft Gun Quiet

Use a water bottle cap to silence your Airsoft gun.

Airsoft guns shoot 6mm pellets called BBs. The sound can be quite loud depending on your model of Airsoft gun. There are three different types of Airsoft guns. They are automatic electric guns (AEG), gas-powered or spring-powered. With a plastic dummy silencer, you can quiet an Airsoft gun with a few other household materials, such as tape, cotton balls and a water bottle.

Instructions

1. Cut the top off the water bottle, starting at the base of the bottle opener where the cap attaches to the mouthpiece. Unscrew the squirt cap so you just have the plastic mouthpiece.

2. Remove any plastic pieces left over from the cap and then sand down the mouthpiece until it's smooth with sandpaper.

3. Wrap tape around the end piece of your Airsoft gun's barrel, then fit your bottle cap tightly on the end. You may have to wrap the tape several times depending on the size of the bottle cap.

4. Clear out the squirt cap from any obstructions and use the box cutter to create a larger circle at the end of the bottle cap. Water bottle caps often have little flaps to keep water from spilling out of the top. Cut these out with a pair of scissors. Your BB pellets need to pass through the top of the squirt cap without any plastic in the way.

5. Cut off the end of the fake silencer and remove the inner tube from the outer tube. Using an electric drill, drill 10 holes on both sides of the inner tube, making sure the holes line up across from each another. Sand down the outside of the inner tube to remove any excess plastic.

6. Wrap sandpaper around the pencil and sand inside the inner tubes until no excess plastic is left.

7. Wrap the cotton balls around the inner tube, covering all the holes, then twist the inner tube back inside the outer tube, pushing the inner tube inside, being careful to keep the cotton in place.

8. Push the squirt cap inside the silencer end with the squirt side inverted. Make sure the cap is on straight, then tape the two together with black tape. Attach the cap side of the silencer onto your Airsoft gun.

Tags: inner tube, your Airsoft, Airsoft guns, cotton balls, excess plastic

Holiday Activities Around Baltimore Maryland

Baltimore's 34th street offers an impressive collection of light displays.

If you're looking for a way to get in the holiday mood in Baltimore, you don't need to look far. The city hosts a large variety of events throughout the holiday season. Whether you want to catch a Christmas flick, go shopping for some artsy gifts or take the family to see some breathtaking lights, Baltimore has it all. Does this Spark an idea?

Mayor's Annual Christmas Parade

Each year early in December, Baltimore welcomes the holiday season with a Christmas parade. About 25,000 people attend to watch the 2.5-mile parade with approximately 160 marching groups and, of course, Santa Clause. The parade features the Baltimore Marching Ravens, a fleet of motorcycles, marching bands, floats and dancers. The parade also features "Miss Yuletide" and "Junior Miss Yuletide", beauty contest winners. The parade is held mid-afternoon in the Medfield-Hampden neighborhood.

Shopping

If you're looking to get out and find some crafty holiday goods, Baltimore has numerous options. The Holiday Artist Market is an indoor arts and crafts fair with local and regional artists selling their work. It takes place during the "Frosty Friday" in downtown Frederick. Frosty the Snowman typically drops in, and holiday entertainment is provided. The Charm City Craft Mafia sponsors "Holiday Heap" held at St. John's Church. Local vendors offer novel gifts.

Go See the Lights

Baltimore offers several enticing options to see some eye-catching Christmas lights. Miracle on 34th Street runs from November 24 through New Year's Eve. It includes an entire street of private homes bedecked in Christmas lights. It's located in Hampden, and there's not cost. Simply get in line behind the other cars driving through and enjoy the lights. You might also want to park nearby and walk around the neighborhood instead. Instead of a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, stroll down to the lighting of The Washington Monument the first week of December. Entertainment includes fireworks, hot cocoa and other beverages and, of course, the lighting. Little Italy also holds a tree-lighting ceremony. It's also held the first week in December. Santa pays a visit, as do carolers. Feast on roasted chestnuts, cookies and apple cider while you watch the tree trimming and lighting.

Holiday Entertainment

If you'd like to get out and about for some holiday-themed shows, catch the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra's Christmas show. They play highlights from Handel's Messiah, The Nutcracker and other carols. The Baltimore School of the Arts, Ballet Theatre of Maryland, The Moscow Ballet and Weinberg Center for the Arts produce "The Nutcracker" each year. You can also catch special screenings around town of films like "A Christmas Carol" and "White Christmas".

Celebrating Other Holidays

If you're interested in activities for holidays other than Christmas, check out the Hands-on-Holidays Chanukah Party thrown by the Park Heights Jewish Community Center. Cost is $8 per family and $5 for members as of 2010. Festivities include crafts and Chanukah songs and food. Morgan State University's New Student Center holds a Kwanzaa Celebration for kids in kindergarten through high school to learn about this holiday. It includes a theater performance, music, holiday feast and cultural stations.

Tags: Christmas lights, first week, first week December, holiday season, Miss Yuletide, week December

Build A Rubber Band Gatling Gun

Ammunition for the rubber band gatling gun

Probably not long after the first rubber band was made in the early 19th century, someone hooked it over a finger and launched it at a coworker. Hand-launched elastic projectiles lack the accuracy and range of those fired from a rigid launcher, but rigid launchers have always been more difficult to reload, and thus suffered from low rates-of-fire. The application of Dr. Richard Gatling's innovation to the field of rubber band munitions allows both higher rates of fire and greater range and accuracy than hand-launched elastics.

Instructions

Preparing the Cylinder

1. Draw a circle, 2.5 inches in diameter, with the compass on a sheet of paper. Using the compass and straightedge, divide the circle's circumference into eight equal sections. Then place the end of your 2.5 inch dowel over the circle on the paper and carefully mark off the dowel's circumference into those same eight equal sections. With the straight edge, draw a line across the end of the dowel connecting each pair of opposite markings; they should all cross at the center of the dowel.

2. Cut a groove, 3/8 of an inch wide and 1/4 of an inch deep, down the length of the dowel at each of the marks. The ridges left between the grooves will be the barrels of your gatling gun, and the entire dowel is the cylinder.

3. Drill a hole, 3/8 of an inch in diameter, in the exact center of the dowel -- you marked this in step 1 -- and parallel to the dowel, about an inch deep, with the drill press. Change the bit to 1/8 of an inch diameter, and drill a second hole into the side of the dowel, about two inches from the end you drilled the first hole in, in the middle of one of the barrels and an inch deep or so.

4. Sand the entire dowel to round all the sharp edges left from your cuts. Be careful not to round the ends of a barrel so much that you cannot leave several elastic bands stretched over it securely without slipping off.

5. Cut a length of 3/8 inch dowel, approximately two to three inches long, and glue it into the hole you drilled in Step 3. This is the spindle.

6. Apply some glue to the small hole you drilled in the side of one barrel, and use a toothpick or stiff wire to force the end of the nylon cord as deep into the hole as possible.

The Crank Assembly

7. Drill a hole, approximately two inches in diameter, through the middle of a section of 2 x 4. Drill a second hole, perpendicular to the first and slightly larger than 3/8 inch in diameter, through the edge of the 2 x 4 so that the second hole passes through the sides of the first. With the same bit, drill a third hole, perpendicular to the other two, about an inch deep, to accept the spindle. While you have the drill press out, drill a 3/8 diameter hole through each end of the wooden slat.

8. Cut a four-inch length of 3/8 inch dowel, and try inserting it through the second hole in the 2 x 4 block. Don't force it; it should be able to spin freely. If it doesn't you will need to widen the hole until it does. Once you are satisfied with the size of the holes, take the dowel back out of the block for now.

9. Glue the four-inch dowel into one hole at one end of the slat. Just push the dowel into the hole so the end is flush with the other side; you don't want it to protrude all the way out. Then glue a smaller -- two inches or so -- length of 3/8 inch dowel into the hold at the other end of the slat, but from the other side. This will form a crank, with the small dowel as the handle and the longer dowel as the shaft.

10. Sand the block, and the crank.

11. Insert the shaft of the crank back into the 2 x 4 block, and glue the other end of the string -- the end that's not attached to the cylinder assembly -- to the shaft, as close as you can to the side with the crank handle without accidentally gluing the shaft to the block. Remember, you want the crank to be able to turn when you are done.

Assembling and Loading the Weapon

12. Wrap the string tightly once around the cylinder, and stretch an elastic over the string on each barrel. Keep wrapping the string and adding elastics until there is just enough slack left to fit the spindle into the hole on the block.

13. Mount the spindle in the receiver hole on the 2 x 4 block. If there is enough slack, you may be able to load another rubber band onto the cylinder. Once you have loaded as many rubber bands as you can fit, gently turn the crank to take up any remaining slack.

14. Turn the crank. This will pull in string from the cylinder, releasing a rubber band from the first barrel and rotating the cylinder. It will keep firing elastics as long as you crank, until it runs out of ammunition.

Tags: into hole, inch deep, inch dowel, second hole, dowel into, hole block, inch diameter

Make Semiauto Airsoft Guns Into Fullauto

Make Semi-Auto Airsoft Guns Into Full-Auto

Electric operated airsoft guns do not shoot any faster than those that must be cocked manually between each shot. You can adapt an electric operated airsoft gun so that it will fire automatically. You will only need a few hardware tools and less than an hour to remove the two limiter brackets from beneath the sliding panel that slows the reloading process of the airsoft gun. The airsoft gun will now be able to fire repeatedly once the trigger is depressed.

Instructions

1. Push down the magazine release lever on the left side of the airsoft gun's handle. Pull out the magazine that holds the BB's from out of the bottom of the gun's handle. Place the magazine aside for later.

2. Pull back on the sliding panel on the top of the gun to cock the firing mechanism. Aim the barrel of the gun at the bottom of the trash can. Press the trigger to verify that there is no BB inside of the airsoft gun.

3. Put the newspaper down on the table. Put the airsoft gun down on the newspaper on its right side with the barrel facing to the left.

4. Remove the two screws from the side of the airsoft gun using the Phillips screwdriver. Remove the two screws from the handle using the Phillips screwdriver. Remove the screw from the top edge of the barrel and from the back edge of the hammer using the Phillips screwdriver.

5. Insert the tip of the utility knife beneath the gun stock. Wiggle the tip to loosen the gun stock. Remove the gun stock with your fingers.

6. Turn the airsoft gun over to the other side. Remove the screws and the gun stock in the similar fashion as was just done.

7. Remove the single screw that is at the top of the gun at the very back, just in front of the hammer with the Phillips screwdriver.

8. Pull off the sliding panel from the top of the gun. Place the sliding panel aside.

9. Push the thin, black metal limiter plate that is now revealed at the top side of the airsoft gun towards the barrel using the tip of the utility knife. Continue pushing until the thin, black metal plate falls off of the airsoft gun.

10. Repeat this procedure with the thin, black metal limiter plate on the other side of the gun.

11. Reattach the sliding panel to the top of the airsoft gun.

12. Reattach the two parts of the airsoft gun back together. Reattach the gun stocks to both sides. Reassemble the screws.

13. Reinsert the magazine into the gun's handle until it clicks into position.

Tags: sliding panel, Phillips screwdriver, black metal, Remove screws, side airsoft