Create Splatter Paint In Illustrator

You can produce a paint splatter effect in Adobe Illustrator by using the Artistic Styles feature.

Adobe Illustrator provides a powerful tool for creating digital art. With the pencil tool and Artistic Styles feature, you easily make dynamic patterns and textures. Paint splatter is one Illustrator technique that you can use over and over again. You can even make splatter effects and brushes for Photoshop to treat other digital images.

Instructions

1. Open Adobe Illustrator and create a new document. The size and background color are up to you. For desktop wallpaper, choose the size of your screen.

2. Select the rectangle tool in the tool panel on the left side of your screen. Drag a rectangle to cover your document. You may want to zoom out of your document to see your rectangle better.

3. Click the color fill box in the tool panel twice and change the color to one of your choosing.

4. Select the pencil tool. While holding your mouse down, draw wavy lines over the document. At the top of your window, click "Window," then "Brush Libraries" and finally "Artistic Samples." The box opens on the right portion of your screen.

5. Click your pencil line once to select it, then hover your pointer over "Artistic Styles" to see different names. Find the style "Splash" and click it to apply to your pencil line.

6. Double-click the color fill box and change the splash to a darker version of your original color, then click "Okay" to close the dialogue box.

7. Select the pencil tool again and draw more lines. The lines should mimic the style and color of the first.

8. Create as many paint splatters as you like in various sizes and colors.

Tags: Adobe Illustrator, Artistic Styles, pencil tool, your screen, Artistic Styles feature, color fill, document your

Get The Terrorist Gun In "Metal Gear Solid 2"

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Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty," developed for the PlayStation 2 by Konami in 2001, is an action game that focuses on stealth and cunning. In "Metal Gear Solid 2," you must sneak around an offshore facility and fight off the terrorist group, The Sons of Liberty. At one point in the game, you gather together a disguise so you can impersonate one of the terrorists and you must use the terrorists' weapon of choice as well, the AK rifle. The AK is found in Strut F, the warehouse.

Instructions

1. Exit Strut E, the heliport after receiving the new battle dress uniform, or BDU, from the ninja, Mr. X, and head through the parcel room to strut F, the warehouse.

2. Enter the warehouse and go downstairs right away. Take out the guard who is patrolling the area and drag his body into the cargo room, which is behind the level 2 doors that he is guarding.

3. Grab the AK that is in the northwest corner of the cargo room where you are hiding the body. This is the last piece of your disguise that you need. Remember that the disguise will only work while you are in the core.

Tags: Gear Solid, Metal Gear, Metal Gear Solid, cargo room, Sons Liberty

Mount A Red Dot Mr1 Scope

Mount a red dot scope to your MR1.

The MR1 model is notorious for having very little room on the upper receiver for scope mounting. The mounting system requires that the rail be 13 mm in length with a 3/8-inch dovetail. Most mounting systems require at least 20 mm of rail length. As of late 2010, RAP4 was the only mount functional for the MR1.

Instructions

1. Attach the RAP4 mount to the rail. Align the rail with the opening in the bottom of the mount and slide the mount onto the rail.

2. Tighten the mounting screws located on either side of the mount and discern whether an offset is needed.

3. Offset the sight clamps to the right or left, if your carbon dioxide tank is located over the center of the gun, by inserting the small black spacers into the spacing ports. Again, tighten the ports using the screw on the side of the port.

4. Insert, after the mounting system is installed, your red dot optic of choice into the clamps and close them. The sight will be secure and also ready for immediate replacement, if necessary.

Tags: mounting system, rail length

Be Stealthy In Forests

Finding wildlife in a forest can be tricky. Some common animals may be easy to spot. However others are wary of humans and run away to hide when they hear you coming. Moving with stealth in a forest is the best way to spot some animals and birds before they spot you. Read on to learn be stealthy in forests.

Instructions

1. Choose clothing that is made of natural material. Select fabrics such as cotton or wool instead.

2. Wear clothing in shades of brown or olive green. Locate clothing appropriate for the season, or consider buying clothing with forest camouflage patterns already printed on it.

3. Select soft-soled shoes and rounded edges. Make less of an impact on objects under your feet. Moccasins may be appropriate for summer use, or rubber-soled shoes may work best if the weather is cold or damp.

4. Walk where the ground is relatively clear of sticks and leaves. Refrain from pushing through areas of thick vegetation, bushes or trees. Use man-made or game trails if they are available.

5. Observe your environment as you walk. If you see an animal or bird, stop moving until you're certain your visibility is obscured. Make all movements slowly to not attract attention.

6. Speak softly when you must talk. When traveling with a partner or group, agree on some hand signs you can make to indicate which direction you are going, or to warn others if you spot an animal or bird.

Tags: animal bird

Laboratory Co2 Gas Tank Sizes

CO2 can be placed in a variety of differently sized gas tanks.

Laboratories experiment with a variety of substances, especially plant life, which requires specific gasses. CO2 is a common gas that laboratories use. It is stored in gas tanks of differing sizes based on the laboratory's application needs.

Function

CO2 (carbon dioxide) is one of the most common gasses found in the air we breathe, and is produced by living organisms. This type of gas can be stored in its pure form in strong, cylindrical gas tanks, which are used to power air tools or extinguish fires.

Considerations

Laboratories use CO2 in a variety of enclosed experiments, so the gas tank sizes can differ based on how much gas is needed on a daily basis. Typically, a large tank that houses a volume of 200 cubic feet of CO2 can be used to supply one laboratory. For individual laboratory technician use, a small, portable tank that houses 27 cubic inches of gas is generally sufficient.

Warning

It's important to make sure that every tank, regardless of size, is clearly labeled with the type of compressed gas inside. This will prevent accidental use of the wrong gas, as well as aid emergency personnel if a leak occurs.

Tags: tank that, tank that houses, that houses

Night Clubs In Oman

Muscat boasts the best nightlife in Oman.

Being a Muslim country, Oman has a limited nightlife as a result of Islamic cultural beliefs. Most of the clubs are in big luxury hotels, with the largest concentration in the city of Muscat. Nightlife in Oman consists of getting a drink at a bar and then dancing the night away at one of the nearby clubs. Although the nighttime scene is equivalent to any other major city, there is a level of cultural respect to not get too rowdy that visitors should take note of.

Copacabana

Located in the Al Qurum area of Muscat, this popular night club is part of the elegant Grand Hyatt Hotel. Inspired after the lively carnival atmosphere in Rio de Janeiro, the club's interior reflects the Brazilian beach vibe. Exotic drinks are served at the bar, along with beer. African, Arabic and Indian music is played, along with Western dance music, such as R&B and hip hop. The club is open from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Saturday to Thursday, where Thursday night is the club's most popular night. Although the club can become quite crowded, its guests are known to keep a strong sense of discipline, so that the crowd never gets out of control. There is also security in the club. The dress code is smart casual. It is closed during Ramadan.

Copacabana

Grand Hyatt Muscat

Shatti Al Qurm, P.O. Box 951

Muscat, Sultanate of Oman 133

(011) +968 24 64 1234

muscat.grand.hyatt.com

Club Safari

Located in the Grand Hyatt as well, this club boasts three-levels, with each floor providing a different atmosphere. The Habana Cafe game room is on the ground floor and is complete with wide-screen televisions and a few pool tables. The Safari Pub is on the middle level where the dance floor is, set to a backdrop of African artifacts decorating the interior and a live band that plays Sunday through Friday. A full bar is available on this floor. The Rooftop Grill House on the top floor offers an open-air dining experience with a full buffet and a la carte options. This restaurant is closed May to September. The Habana Cafe and Safari Pub are open 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. daily.

Club Safari

Grand Hyatt Muscat

Shatti Al Qurm, P.O. Box 951

Muscat, Sultanate of Oman 133

(011) +968 24 64 1234

muscat.grand.hyatt.com

Saba Nightclub

Tucked away in the Sheraton Oman Hotel in Muscat, this night club includes the Saba Discotheque that holds live shows by local bands and dance groups. There is also an in-house DJ that spins on most nights. Check out the special event calendar on the weekends.

Saba Nightclub

Sheraton Oman Hotel

Ruwi, P.O. Box 3260

Muscat, Sultanate of Oman 112

(011) +968 24 77 2772

Tags: Grand Hyatt, Muscat Sultanate, Muscat Sultanate Oman, night club, Sultanate Oman

About Canaan Valley Lodge

About Canaan valley lodge

Canaan Valley Resort and Conference Center in rural Davis, W.V., lies in the highest mountain valley area on the East Coast. The 250 guest rooms and suites found in the lodge provide beautiful views of the surrounding Allegheny Mountains. Visitors can participate in activities or just enjoy the solitude of Canaan Valley.

Accommodations

Rooms in the Canaan Valley Lodge feature cable television, telephone with voice mail, high-speed Internet access, complimentary coffee and tea, toiletries, an AM/FM clock radio, hairdryer, iron and ironing board and heat/air conditioning that is controlled from the room.

Amenities

Canaan Valley features a popular ski area with 37 slopes of varying difficulties. Free shuttle transportation to the ski area is offered from the lodge. The resort also features a heated indoor pool, outdoor pool, whirlpool spa and fitness center. Outdoor trails are available for hiking or biking, as is a T 18-hole championship golf course.

Programs for Kids

Another special feature of Canaan Valley Lodge that you do not expect to find in a small, rural area are specialized children's programs. Some of these include Saturday night movies, Young People for Parks walks, dances for teenagers and summer entertainment including magicians, singers, and dancers.

Winter Activities

There is something to do year-round at Canaan Valley Lodge. In the winter, visitors have their pick of activities, including ice skating, skiing, snow boarding, snow tubing, snowshoeing, air boarding and more. Visitors in the winter also enjoy the lodge's indoor lap pool, fitness room, sauna and whirlpool spa.

Summer Activities

Summertime is the perfect time in the Allegheny Mountains, where temperatures usually remain comfortable. Visitors enjoy biking, golfing, basketball, hiking, biking, hay rides, wall climbing, kayaking, horseshoe pits, nature programs, paintball, the outdoor pool, sand volleyball courts, soccer, tennis and more. Fishing, horseback riding, whitewater rafting and other exciting activities are also available nearby.

Rates

Rates at Canaan Valley Lodge are fairly reasonable for a mountain resort. During the peak season (June through October), rooms range from $101 per night midweek to $189 per night on the weekend. Off-season, those numbers change to $91 and $169. Expect to pay more during holidays.

Tags: Canaan Valley, Canaan Valley Lodge, Canaan Valley, Valley Lodge, About Canaan

Prevent Rust In A Gun Barrel

Cleaning your gun barrel avoids rust buildup and improves the accuracy of your gun.

Cleaning your shotgun, pistol or rifle after regular use is imperative to preventing rust from building up inside your gun barrel. Otherwise, you can risk serious rust buildup, and if you go long enough without cleaning the barrel, you can ruin the gun entirely. Rust can gather inside the gun barrel due to burnt gunpowder and metal fouling. Even if you have a stainless-steel barrel, your gun will still require regular cleaning to avoid rust.

Instructions

1. Pour bore solvent directly onto the bronze brush. Bore solvent and a bronze brush are commonly available at sporting goods stores that carry firearms, and they can be purchased separately or as part of a gun-cleaning kit.

2. Attach the bronze brush to your gun-cleaning rod. Insert the cleaning rod with the bronze-brush end first into the gun barrel, ideally in the same direction that the bullet travels. Work the gun cleaning rod back and forth along the gun barrel at least three or four times.

3. Replace the bronze brush with a clean patch and pour the bore solvent onto the patch. Run the clean patch to your gun barrel several times in the same manner you used with the bronze brush.

4. Place your gun in a safe, dry area when not in use. Moisture-laden environments can promote rust.

Tags: bronze brush, your barrel, bore solvent, clean patch, Cleaning your

Military Hiding & Stealth Techniques

Camouflage is an old-fashioned but still useful method of stealth.

Stealth is a time-honored military tactic. Even with today's methods of modern warfare, it's still important for soldiers in battle to maintain an element of surprise, sneaking up on enemies in preparation for attack and hiding as a defensive maneuver. The military uses both high- and low-tech means of stealth. Does this Spark an idea?

Camouflage

Camouflage is a time-tested tactic. By wearing clothing that mimics a soldier's surroundings, the soldier can blend in and virtually disappear. Camouflage is tailored to the specific natural or man-made landscape of battle: shades of green and brown for forested locations, grays, tans, and khakis for desert and all-black for nighttime missions. Military equipment, such as tanks and firearms, are similarly camouflaged.

Movement

Soldiers employ special modes of movement that disguise their motion and prevent the enemy from spotting them. One stealth movement technique is the low crawl, in which the soldiers lies flat on the ground and drags his body forward. This technique minimizes tell-tale shadows and hides the soldier from enemy fire overhead. The high crawl and rush offers stealth balanced by quicker movement. By propelling himself by thrusts of the knee and elbow, the soldier can hurriedly rush from one concealed position to another without rising to a full, upright position.

Stealth Technology

The military employs high-tech stealth methods to conceal its equipment. For example, stealth aircraft utilize radar deterrence that make it extremely difficult to pick up on the location and movement of fighter jets and bombers. Modern aircraft are also made with innovative angular designs that deflect radar waves. Other stealth technologies involve minimizing noise from aircraft or vehicles to allow for a less detectable approach.

Communication

In stealth situations, radio or electronic communications may not be an option. Enemy soldiers can intercept the electronic signals or overhear human voices. Instead, soldiers can employ stealthy modes of communication that involve imitating bird or animal calls or hand signals. These techniques allow for exchanging information in the heat of battle without vocal signaling that reveals a soldier's position.

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Take A Gun Away From An Attacker

Take a Gun Away From an Attacker

If you ever find yourself with a gun in your face, you may be forced to disarm your attacker. The following steps will show you accomplish this challenging task.

Instructions

1. Remain calm when faced with an attacker. Breathe slowly and deeply so you can think with a level head.

2. Look your attacker in the eyes and try not to show fear.

3. Turn your shoulders so they are diagonal to your attacker, with your right side away from the attacker if you are right-handed. Reverse if you are left-handed.

4. Balance your weight so that it is equal on both legs and your knees are slightly bent. Don't tense your body.

5. Grab hold of the barrel of the gun with your dominant hand and quickly pull to the side so that if the gun goes off, the bullet will not hit you. Pull it downward and hold it there. Do not grab the attacker's hands or the handle of the gun.

6. Punch the attacker in the face to stun him into giving up the gun or kick him in the groin or the knees.

7. Place your other hand underneath the weapon and wrap your fingers over the back where the hammer is while keeping your other hand on the barrel. Quickly twist the gun all the way around to break the attacker's finger on the trigger. Take the gun from the attacker's hand.

8. Back up quickly to keep distance between yourself and the attacker once you have the gun.

Tags: with your, your attacker, Away From Attacker, from attacker, other hand

Children'S Birthday Parties In Virginia Beach

There are various venues equipped for princess parties.

Determining where to have your child's birthday party in Virginia Beach, Virginia, can be a stressful task. Keep in mind your child's age and interests when planning her birthday party. You will also want to make sure that you plan her birthday in advance so that the venue of your choice can accommodate your party. Does this Spark an idea?

JW Tumbles

JW Tumbles is a children's gym for children from four months up to nine years of age. The Famous Party package includes two instructors for your party, balloons, invitations, set-up and clean-up and a program designed for your child and up to 14 of her friends. If you are a member of the gym, the package costs $249 for a two-hour party, while non-members pay $285, as of February 2011. The Deluxe Party package includes everything in the Famous Party package and pizza and juice for each child and party decorations. The price for this package is $325 for members and $360 for non-members, as of February 2011.

Motor World

Motor World features 11 go-kart tracks, two paintball fields, inflatables and mini golf. They have two party packages to choose from, depending on your child's preferences and age. The go-kart package requires a minimum of ten children and can be a five-ride or two-hour package. It includes one hour in the party area, pizza, drinks, and paper products. The paintball package requires a minimum of ten people and includes rental equipment, field fee, 500 rounds per player, pizza, drinks and paper products.

Little Arabian Princess Parties

This venue will treat your children as princes and princesses for their party. Typically a venue for girls' parties, they are equipped for boys as guests. Each child will receive a tiara or crown, with the birthday girl receiving a special one. Your party package will include an art craft of your choice, a belly dance performance and lessons for the children, games, princess story time, a princess parade, cake, party favors and paper products. There is an eight-child maximum for the party, and two adults are needed to assist.

Glamour Shots

Glamour Shots offer parties geared towards teens, but accommodations can be made for younger children. The entire studio will be reserved for your party with a minimum of four girls. You are free to bring your own food, cake, decorations and music into the studio. Each child will have a makeover and will get two wardrobe changes. There will be group shots taken, as well as individual photos of each girl. They will receive an 8x10 photo as their party favor, with the birthday girl getting an 8x10, two 5x7s and eight wallets. Parents and grandparents will be allowed to have photos taken with the birthday girl, and additional prints can be purchased.

Tags: your child, birthday girl, package includes, paper products, with birthday, with birthday girl

Military Camps In Arizona

Arizona military camp helps young boys get on the right track in life.

Many children each year go off to summer camp to enrich their lives and spend time growing away from their families. Different types of camps offer different advantages to young campers. Reality Ranch, an all-boy military camp at Fort Thomas in Arizona, is the ideal camp for boys who have behavioral issues or who need help raising their self-esteem.

A Typical Day

A day at Reality Ranch begins just like most days in the military. The boys awake early and participate in physical conditioning first thing in the morning. Some days focus on aerobics, and others focus on calisthenics. The boys are served with three meals a day. In between the meals, the boys take part in activities and classes that vary each day to offer variety. Group formations take place throughout the day to make sure all the boys are present and to make announcements and give instructions.

Classes

Part of the Reality Ranch program includes taking classes to better the lives of the boys. The classes a young man takes are tailored toward his needs and activities he wishes to learn. Anger and stress management helps the boys learn to deal with the stresses of life and express their anger in a healthy way. The boys also learn about the codes of conduct used in the military, military drill maneuvers, military customs and traditions and the phonetic alphabet as used in the military. Confidence building, ways to deal with peer pressure, social skills and goal setting are also taught to the boys.

Recreational Activities

Military camps such as Reality Ranch are not just work. The boys also get to participate in recreational activities throughout the summer. Reality Ranch houses its own paintball course for the boys to enjoy. Occasionally, the boys will pack a lunch and spend their entire day on the paintball course, having fun and working on their teamwork. The boys are also taken on a trip to the Grand Canyon during the course of the camp. The boys are typically taken out to a restaurant during this trip. However, failure to behave properly results in the loss of the privilege to eat in the restaurant.

Behavioral Expectations

Given the difficulties that many of the boys sent to military camp have, Reality Ranch has specific behavioral expectations for the boys. Bullying, teasing and taunting other boys is not tolerated. All of the boys are expected to act in a respectful manner of everyone at camp, including the other boys. Failure to meet expectations results in losing out on a privilege, such as an excursion, or performing an additional task, such as push-ups or writing an essay. If the unruly behavior becomes excessive and cannot be corrected, the recruit may be forced to leave the camp to ensure the safety and enjoyment of the other campers.

Tags: Reality Ranch, boys also, military camp, camp boys, deal with, other boys, paintball course

Become Popular At Summer Camp

Being popular at summer camp will make the entire experience so much more worthwhile and memorable. You'll leave with friends that you want to keep in touch with year around. You'll also look forward to returning next summer. Follow these steps to learn how.

Instructions

1. Pack appropriately. You're going to outside in the wilderness, so make sure you have a backpack full of comfortable, but trendy duds. For the girls, do capris and shorts, a pair of jeans, lightweight tops, tanks and a cute bathing suit to attract the guys. For the guys, some cool t-shirts and shorts will work.

2. Bring all the products you need to stay nice and clean. No one with bad hygiene will be popular at summer camp. Pack what you need for your hair and body, and take as many showers as you can.

3. Opt for comfortable but cute shoes. Flats or Vans would work well in the wilderness; try flip-flops for the pool.

4. Be upbeat and introduce yourself to people. The best way to be popular at camp is to meet as many people as possible. Ask people to do things with you. Be interested and interesting.

5. Set trends. Don't try to mimic how other popular people act. That comes across as desperate. Instead, try to be better than they are. If a popular girl is preppy and giggly, act cool, calm and collected.

6. Flirt a little, if you're over the age of 14. Treat guys the same way you treat girls, by being friendly and interesting.

Tags: popular summer, summer camp

Build A Ghillie Suit

Ghillie suit

Ghillie suits are most often used by hunters as camouflage to keep prey from spotting them while hunting. This article will teach you to make your own ghillie suit.

Instructions

Making the Ghillie Suit

1. Cut your burlap into five sections of approximately equal length.

2. Prepare your dyes. Choose one color as the base color, which should be the predominant color in the environment in which you are going to wear the suit.

3. Dye two sections of your burlap your base color and one section each of the other colors. Hang to dry.

4. Lay the BDU jacket out on your work surface. Stretch the netting over the jacket, then cut the netting so that it is half again as wide as the back of the jacket. (This will allow it to wrap around and attach to the front of the jacket.) Cut the nettting around the sleeves of the jacket so that there are flaps 3 inches long that will go around the sleeves and over the shoulder to the front of the chest. Cut out a square area for the neck.

5. Pin the netting in place on the front and back of the jacket. Sew a few of the knots to the fabric for extra hold, then, using the Shoe Goo or Goop, glue the knots on the perimeter of the back of the jacket to the fabric, including the sleeves and around the collar. Let the glue dry completely (30 to 60 minutes).

6. Flip the jacket over and glue down the perimeter of the front the same way. Let the glue dry completely.

7. Lay the BDU pants out on your work surface. Cut two panels of netting wide enough to go around each of the legs from back to front and from thigh to just above the ankle. Do not put netting on the inside of the leg, as that will create bulk and make walking difficult, or over the rear of the pants, because that part will be covered by the jacket.

8. Pin the fabric around the legs and sew a few knots down as a guide. Make sure you don't sew the top pockets closed. Glue down the knots on the perimeter of the back of the pant legs. Let the glue dry, then do the same on the front.

9. Cut a long piece of netting that will sit on top of the BDU cap and drape over your shoulders on all sides and in the back. The netting should hang 1 to 2 inches over the bill of the cap. Pin the netting to the top of the cap, sew down a couple of knots, and drape the net over the bill of the cap. Glue the knots around the perimeter of the top of the cap and let the glue dry completely.

10. Spray splotches or stripes onto some pieces of the burlap and let dry. Cut all the burlap into 1-inch strips. Cut half the strips 18 inches long and the other half 24 inches long. Working first with the predominant color, fold a strip in half. Place the loop of the strip under a horizontal strand of one square of the netting and pull the ends through, forming a knot around the netting. Next place another strip or two of burlap on the bottom horizontal strand of the square of netting. Move on and do the same with the vertical strands of the square, until each side of the square has one or two burlap strips knotted on it. Alternate randomly between the 18-inch strips and the 24-inch strips and alternate between colors, placing only one or two strips between each knot of netting. Do not make a pattern. Continue doing this until all the netting on jacket, pants, and cap is covered with burlap strips of varying colors and lengths.

11. Using cans of olive drab and tan spray paint, lightly spray splotches on the suit, breaking up any patterns that might have formed. Shred areas of the burlap into individual strands using a large-toothed comb. Cut 36-inch lengths of jute cord and thin black, tan or olive green rope and knot them the same way as the burlap in random places all over the suit. Fray the rope and the jute cord. Add bits of twigs, dried leaves and grasses that would be found in the environment.

Tags: back jacket, burlap into, glue completely, inches long, that will

About Co2 Paintball Tanks

About CO2 Paintball Tanks

Paintball is an exciting and simple game about survival. It has gained increasing popularity as both game and sport.

Paintball has evolved as a result of the technological advances made in the equipment used to play it. New accessories and gun mechanisms are brought to the marketplace on a regular basis. At the core of paintball strategy and tactic is the gun. The key to success is the accuracy and speed with which the actual paintballs can be propelled from the gun. It is necessary, then, to fully comprehend the nature of the propulsion originating from a carbon dioxide (CO2) paintball tank.

History

The guns used by the pioneers of paintball were crude and rustic, at best. There was no research and development. There were no scientists in laboratories building technologically-advanced products around paintball trends. Paintball guns, like the other supplies and equipment used in the game, were born of the same mother...necessity.

The game literally advanced faster than supplies and equipment could be developed to support it. So, you could get away with making a paintball gun from PVC pipe and a few other materials.

Times have changed, and paintball has become a game based in the scientific application of its proprietary toys. Foremost among these is the gun with its CO2 paintball tank.

Function

The CO2 paintball tank has one purpose: to get the paintball to its intended target as quickly and as accurately as possible, shooter aim notwithstanding. The CO2 paintball tank is designed to use the force of expanding gases to create paintball propulsion.

Significance

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is an incombustible gas that has no color or odor. It is made up of oxygen and carbon. One of CO2's most popular uses is to "fizzify" beverages. CO2 is also used for dry ice and fire extinguishers.

CO2's usefulness to the game of paintball has to do with the force of the gas that is released when it expands from a liquid into a gaseous state. CO2 paintball tanks are the power source for shooting the paintballs out of the gun's barrel.

Warning

Anything under pressure, such as CO2 paintball tanks, can be potentially hazardous if not used properly, or if the users are not properly protected. The paintball industry has gone to great lengths to ensure that the players are in the safest possible environment. This includes the mandatory wearing of paintball goggles. Your eyes are frequently exposed during the game, and use of the wrong type of goggle could cause a catastrophic eye injury. Your naked eyes, or improperly protected ones, were not designed to absorb the overwhelming impact of paintball shot out of a gun fueled by a CO2 paintball tank. At a speed of approximately 270 mph, wearing the mandated gear will be a requirement of playing the game.

Types

Paintball air tank technology continues to undergo somewhat of a transformation. Many, if not most, fields are considering the conversion from CO2 paintball tanks to those fueled by nitrogen. The change was brought on by economic and environmental concerns expressed throughout the industry. Early air tank systems proved to be cost-prohibitive in many instances. As the industry has advanced, efforts have been made to minimize cost and to mitigate further damage to the environment caused by CO2 paintball tanks. Players are now able to buy a steel nitrogen container and connect it to just about any gun that would have usually required a CO2 paintball tank. The newer nitrogen tanks come with pre-set regulators and are much more affordable.

CO2 paintball tanks have served a significant purpose in the growth of the game of paintball. However, the emerging trend indicates that nitrogen will be the new force behind your paintball gun.

Tags: paintball tank, paintball tanks, About Paintball, About Paintball Tanks, equipment used, game paintball

New Jersey Skip Tracer Laws

Skip tracing may involve a little bit of spy work.

Skip tracing is the process of finding people who have seemingly vanished, "skipped out," for various reasons. Among the reasons are people that owe debts, are being sought by the government, people that are missing, and people sought for legal matters. The person looking for them is called a skip tracer.

Federal Vs. State

The breadth of areas skip tracing covers means a variety of laws are involved on the federal and state level. In general, just looking for someone is not illegal, however where actions impact a person's personal information or their physical body, greater restrictions will apply. The Fair Credit Reporting Act creates federal regulations that control the ability of others to access private information such as social security numbers. A person's physical body is generally only placed in harm's way by bounty hunters (who are generally looking for people who have violated their bail agreements).

Bounty Hunting

New Jersey laws do not say much about many areas of routine, or non-invasive skip tracing. However, bounty hunting, which falls into the skip tracing category, has received a great deal of attention. A number of false arrests, assaults on misidentified persons and a lack of regulation or rules in the area motivated law makers to enact legislation directed at bounty hunting.

Features

The New Jersey Bounty Hunting Licensing Act requires bounty hunters and those desiring to run or operate such enterprises adhere to certain state-imposed rules and regulations. Bounty hunters and businesses must answer directly to law enforcement officials. There are also minimum standards; they must be 25 years or older and have about five years of experience in a related field. After successful application to the state, the bounty hunter, will receive an official state identification card.

Tags: skip tracing, Bounty Hunting, people have, people that, physical body

Use An Airsoft Gun

Airsoft guns are becoming more popular by the day. They are being used as film props, as an alternative to paintball and they also allow collectors to own models of weapons that are otherwise not available to the public. There are three types of airsoft gun, all of which fire 6mm plastic BBs. There are spring guns that need to be reloaded after each shot, electric guns that fire both semiautomatic and full automatic and gas-powered guns that also fire semiautomatic and full automatic.

Instructions

Spring guns

1. Engage the safety on your airsoft gun. The location of the safety varies from model to model and from type to type. Refer to the manual included with the airsoft gun to find the safety on your airsoft gun.

2. Eject the magazine. The location of the ejection button/switch/lever varies from gun to gun. Again, refer to your manual for location.

3. Load BBs into the magazine. This action is similar to loading a live firearm magazine. Loading is usually done by placing BBs, one at a time, into the small opening on the top of the magazine.

4. Insert the magazine into the spring-powered airsoft gun.

5. Pull the slide/charging handle to chamber a BB and prepare the gun to fire.

6. Aim at your target and pull the trigger. Pull the slide/charging handle to chamber the next round. This process must be repeated after every shot.

Electric guns

7. Plug the battery charger into an outlet and connect the battery to the charger. Allow the battery to charge for four to six hours.

8. Remove the battery from the charger and plug it into the gun. The location of the connector on the gun varies. In many rifles, the battery is plugged in and stored in the stock of the rifle.

9. Load the magazine using the methods mentioned in section 1.

10. Place your airsoft gun safety lock on safe.

11. Insert the magazine into the airsoft gun and follow the steps listed above in section 1, steps 5-8. The advantage of a battery-powered gun is you can fire a round every time you pull the trigger. Not all electric guns require you to manually chamber a round. It does so automatically when you pull the trigger.

Gas-Powered Airsoft guns

12. Remove the magazine from your airsoft gun.

13. Insert the propellant canister tip into the port on the magazine and press to charge the magazine with gas.

14. Load the magazine with BBs.

15. Place the airsoft gun safety lock on safe.

16. Insert the magazine into the airsoft gun.

17.Chamber a round. It is not always necessary to manually chamber a round because the action of pulling the trigger will chamber a round after the first shot. Of course, if you pull the trigger to chamber a round, do so with the airsoft gun pointed in a safe direction.

18. Take aim at your target. Take the weapon off of safe. On many gas-powered guns, you can select between semiautomatic and fully automatic fire.

19. Pull the trigger.

Tags: your airsoft, chamber round, guns that, Insert magazine, Insert magazine into, magazine into

Buy A Tattoo Gun

A tattoo gun is used to push tattoo ink into a person's skin to create permanent body art. This piece of equipment is a key element to being a successful tattoo artist. Before purchasing a tattoo gun, do some research to ensure you're getting a great machine for the right price.

Instructions

1. Learn tattoo gun metals. Learning which metals make the best machines is important so you won't purchase a machine that may break during tattooing because it's made of a weak metal. A tattoo gun should be made of a high quality metal, such as iron, copper or brass to ensure durability.

2. Decide what type of tattoo gun you want. If you're just starting out, you may want to consider buying a separate tattoo liner and tattoo shader. Although you can buy a single machine that will do both, they tend to be more powerful and require more adjustments, or tuning.

3. Shop around at tattoo supply companies. Once you've decided what type of gun you want and the best metals to look for, you'll want to find a tattoo supply company. Look through their catalogs, do some price comparisons, read any feedback available on each specific company and tattoo gun and never be afraid to ask questions.

4. Peruse tattoo magazines. If you need help finding tattoo supply companies, many of them will advertisement in various tattoo publications. Here you will find their contact information and website address, if available.

5. Shop on eBay. You can usually find all sorts of tattooing supplies on eBay including tattoo guns. A newbie relies on the person selling the equipment to know what they're talking about. If they're truly professional, they should have a website or professional catalog they can mail you and be able to answer any questions you may have.

6. Compare prices. You can find tattoo guns as low as $50 or as high as several hundred dollars. The old adage "you get what you pay for" is definitely true when it comes to tattoo machines. Although you don't have to buy the top of the line, most expensive model available, you most likely won't get the performance you want out of a lower end model either. Try looking in the middle somewhere.

7. Talk to other tattoo artists. Many artists develop a preference other the years for everything from what brand of ink they like to who they feel sells the best tattoo guns.

8. Think about your own preferences. There are tons of different types and styles of tattoo guns available including those with fancy designs covering the electromagnetic coils. You may even end up purchasing more than one tattoo gun before you find one that completely fits your needs.

9. Check the warranty. Even high quality machines sometimes have problems.

Tags: tattoo guns, tattoo supply, find tattoo, high quality, machine that, supply companies, tattoo supply companies

Defog Goggles

Prevent your goggles from fogging up by investing in a pair of fog-free or thermal lens goggles.

Participating in a sport or activity while wearing foggy goggles can endanger your health and the overall well-being of others. Fog forms when water vapor in warm, moist air condenses to create tiny water droplets on a smooth, cool surface. Instead of letting light through, the droplets tend to scatter light in different directions and as a result the goggles become blurry and hinders vision. Consider trying a variety of different methods to ensure your goggles remain defogged and in good working condition.

Instructions

1. Rub the goggles down with toothpaste. The toothpaste will remove the manufacturer's film from the goggles and help prevent them from fogging up. Squeeze out a small dab of toothpaste on each lens. Take a clean rag and gently rub the toothpaste in a circular motion until each lens is evenly covered. Let the toothpaste sit or soak onto the lens for a few minutes. Wipe the toothpaste from the goggles with another clean rag.

2. Spit on the goggle lens. Your saliva will defog the goggles and prevent them from becoming foggy. Wipe the goggles clean or run them through tap water before replacing them on your face.

3. Spray a store-brand defogger on the goggles. Defoggers are devices used to clear condensation or fog from window surfaces. You can purchase a defogger from automotive stores. Re-spray the defogger on a regular or as needed basis for lasting success.

4. Place a few band aids along the interior perimeter of the goggles. Band aids contain Polychloroprene, a chemical that helps increase air pressure inside goggles. Increased air pressure will prevent your goggles from fogging up.

5. Invest in a quality pair of fog-free or thermal lens goggles. A thermal lens is essentially a double paned lens and helps prevent goggles from becoming foggy.

Tags: from fogging, goggles from, thermal lens, your goggles, becoming foggy, each lens, fog-free thermal

Use A Piranha Gti

Shortly after the first official paintball game on June 27, 1981, David Freeman and Jeff Perlmutter founded PMI, one of the first companies devoted exclusively to manufacturing paintball supplies. PMI's early markers, or guns, were small and fired paintballs quite slowly. Over the years, the company improved its markers. A discontinued PMI model, the Piranha GTI marker, is only available used. This model is fairly simple to use and can be upgraded with different barrels and hoppers. It features a walkable trigger and is capable of more than 10 shots per second.

Instructions

1. Insert the barrel into the marker (gun) and turn it clockwise. Keep turning until the barrel is securely attached.

2. Insert the barrel plug into the barrel. This piece of safety equipment is essential anytime you are not wearing protective gear.

3. Locate the cocking knob at the rear of the marker. Pull it back until it locks. Do not release the knob until it locks. Early release of the knob can make the marker shoot.

4. Find the safety slide on the left side of the marker. Move it to "off."

5. Squeeze the trigger.

6. Cock the Piranha again and attach the air source, either CO2 or N2. First, fit the O-ring tightly on the end of the tank. Then, twist the tank onto the marker. Do not attempt to attach the air source without cocking the marker. Failure to do so can cause the marker to shoot.

7. Put on your goggles, remove the barrel plug and squeeze the trigger to test the functioning of the marker.

8. Move your safety slightly forward to the semi-automatic position.

9. Attach the hopper to the top of the marker. Your paintballs are now loaded.

10. Aim at your target and pull the trigger to shoot the paintballs.

Tags: attach source, barrel plug, Insert barrel, marker Move, marker shoot, release knob

Avoid Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Avoid Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a nerve disorder in the hand that causes pain, numbness and tingling. It is caused by repetitive motion of the hands, such as computer use. Although it affects both sexes, it is especially common among women between the ages of 30 and 60.

Instructions

1. Set up your work space with adjustable screens, keyboards and work surfaces to eliminate extra strain to the wrists and hands. Position your keyboard so that it is at elbow level. Your forearms, wrists and hands should be in a straight line parallel to the floor as you type.

2. Use a wrist pad with your keyboard. A wrist pad is a cushioned support that rests under your wrists, runs the length of your keyboard and takes the stress off your wrists by raising them to the level of the keyboard.

3. Exercise before and after work. Try the following: Stand and extend both arms out from your chest with palms facing out and fingers pointing up. Hold for a count of five. Straighten your wrists and relax fingers, then make a tight fist with each hand. Bend your wrists down and count to five. Repeat these stretches ten times for each session.

4. Take short breaks every hour at work. During your break, stand up, breathe in slowly and deeply, allow your arms to hang loosely, and shake for a couple of seconds. This will prevent buildup of muscle tension.

5. Sit up straight in your chair while working, and remember to tap keys lightly as you type.

6. Break up repetitive types of work with other duties throughout the day so your hands and eyes get a break.

Tags: your wrists, your keyboard, Avoid Carpal, Avoid Carpal Tunnel, Carpal Tunnel, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Enjoy Zion National Park With The Kids

The sheer magnificence of Zion National Park is apt to be fascinating to kids, and with a little hiking around they'll be even more amazed at what the park has to offer. The amusements offered here are mostly natural, so kids who love the outdoors will be right at home.

Instructions

1. See Related eHow "Enjoy Zion National Park" for general information about the park and about the activities available there. Many of these are appropriate for children as well as adults.

2. Consider staying at an all-inclusive resort such as the Zion Ponderosa Ranch. Located on the east rim of the park, the resort offers a kids' camp, wagon rides, go-carts, guided all-terrain vehicle tours and horse and pony rides - as well as paintball games.

3. Let kids participate in the Junior Ranger program, which runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day. They can pick up a newspaper at the visitor center, complete the required activities and then receive a patch and certificate.

4. Drive the main road. This provides a good overview of the park, and kids can get a look at the geological formations and the stunning landscape. Stop at pullouts and see the sights.

5. Do some hiking. Choose easy trails that kids can handle. These include the Lower Emerald Pool waterfall, the Riverside walk, the Weeping Rock trail and the Canyon Overlook trail.

6. Visit the Zion Canyon Theatre, which shows films in a wide-screen format. Kids will love having the sensation of dangling from cliffs, seeing the canyon from the air and learning of the park's hidden treasures.

Tags: National Park, Zion National, Zion National Park, Enjoy Zion, Enjoy Zion National

Attach A Stock To An A5

Attaching a stock to your marker can improve your accuracy

A stock improves the way your paintball marker looks and usually makes it more functional. Stocks increase your accuracy by allowing the marker to rest securely against your shoulder, and they can help the marker feel more balanced in your hands. There are multiple kinds of stocks available for an A-5 marker, but most follow a simple installation process using a a few household tools.

Instructions

1. Remove the plate on the very rear of your A-5 by pushing out the two retaining pins. Keep one hand over the plate and slide it out slowly. Place the plate and pins to the side.

2. Position the stock adapter in place of the rear plate and press the pins back into their holes. Your stock adapter may require rubber shims to keep all the joints tight.

3. Slide the stock into the stock adapter and screw it in place with an Allen wrench.

4. Some stocks require the CO2 adapter to be removed from the bottom of the rear grip. Remove the CO2 adapter and install any CO2 passage components provided with the stock after covering the threads with Teflon tape.

5. Install the front grip of your stock over the CO2 adapters if applicable. Some stocks install over the manufacturers front grip, and others require the front grip to be removed. The front stock you are installing will screw or clip into place.

Tags: front grip, stock adapter, Some stocks, your accuracy

Cabins On The Ocoee River In Tennessee

Go whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.

The Ocoee River, in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains in southeast Tennessee, is known for world-class whitewater rafting on Class III or IV rapids. As the most popular whitewater river in the U.S., more than 300,000 people rafted down the Ocoee in 2009. On the border of the Cherokee National Forest, the area also features hiking and biking. Visitors who come to this area to enjoy these activities find cabins that offer comfortable accommodations.

Welcome Valley Village

Welcome Valley Village is located less than an hour's drive from Chattanooga, Tennessee, and just two miles outside of the Cherokee National Forest near the whitewater outfitters on the Ocoee River. Spend your day on the Ocoee rafting, tubing or fishing, or opt to go horseback or mountain bike riding and hiking in the the National Forest. After an activity-filled day in the clear mountain air, you will enjoy coming "home" to one of Welcome Valley Village's five log cabins. Placed on their 17-acre property to utilize the breathtaking views of river, creek or woods, the cabins feature large porches, fireplaces and whirlpool baths. Firewood is provided in winter months. All the cabins are completely equipped with full kitchens, TVs with DVD players, grills, linens, towels, central heat and air conditioning; guests have to bring only one item: themselves. Cabins can sleep a couple comfortably, or a large family of eight to nine people can stay.

Welcome Valley Village

867 Welcome Valley Rd.

Benton, TN 37307

423-338-9499

800-542-8567

welcomevalleyvillage.com

Adventures Unlimited Resort

Adventures Unlimited Resort bills itself as a "full-service" establishment that offers not only world-class guided whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River but also first-class cabin lodging as well. Their larger cabins feature three bedrooms, a bathroom, den, fully equipped kitchen, breakfast room and central heat and air. Everything is supplied: bed and bath linens, cooking utensils, pots and pans, bathroom, den, fully equipped kitchen and a breakfast room. Or, opt to stay in their one-bedroom bungalow that accommodates up to four people. After a thrilling day on the water, you can relax in a rocking chair on your cabin's wide front porch and enjoy the clear mountain air and picturesque views. Although these cabins offer all the comforts of a fine hotel room, visitors will find no TVs or telephones, so they can truly "get away from it all." Pets are not allowed in the cabins. Adventures Unlimited Resort also offers a campground and RV park.

Adventures Unlimited Resort

522 Highway 64

Ocoee, TN 37361

800-662-0667

adventuresunlimited.net

Horn's Creek Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) Resort

Large groups will find Horn's Creek Resort the perfect mountain getaway in Ocoee, Tennessee. The Resort covers 300 acres next to the Cherokee National Forest and bills itself as a "non-denominational organization" that specializes in large groups. Activities at the resort include the typical whitewater rafting and tubing on the Ocoee with their affiliate, the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Horn's Creek Resort offers a multitude of activities right on the property that include a water park with a 193-foot water slide, a wave pool and a lazy river. Additionally, Horn's Creek offers a ropes and a paintball course. Horn's Creek's nine cabins are large and can accommodate from 14 to 48 people. In addition, the Resort offers a bunkhouse complex with three bunkhouses that can sleep from 20 to 52 visitors. The dining hall can seat almost 500 people with chef-prepared cuisine, or the kitchen will pack lunches for you to take on your Ocoee River adventures. In addition, the resort offers three large pavilions for social activities or family gatherings.

Horn's Creek Nantahala Outdoor Center

186 Hawkins Dr.

Ocoee, TN 37361

800-864-2856

hornscreek.com

Tags: Horn Creek, Ocoee River, Welcome Valley, Adventures Unlimited, Adventures Unlimited Resort, National Forest, Unlimited Resort

Things To Do In Cairo New York

Cairo is located near the Catskill Mountains.

Located just south of the Catskill Mountains of upstate New York, Cairo is surrounded by breathtaking views of nature and protected wildlife. Cairo is a treat for fans of forested and mountainous locations, as well as those interested in cities steeped in historical significance. There are many things to do in and around Cairo.

The Town

Cairo boasts historic buildings that date back to the 1800s. The town has main street shopping, a town hall, and a public library. The Mohican Trail and the Schoharie Turnpike are near the city. An Apple Festival is held in October. Travelers can contact the Cairo Historical Society for information on events and points of historical interest.

Outdoor Activities

In and around Cairo, nature enthusiasts can rent a cabin or apartment and take in the beauty of endless forests. Visitors only need to travel 5 miles southwest of Cairo to visit Catskill Park. Catskill Park features hiking trails, rivers, creeks, waterfalls and opportunities to see wildlife such as wildcats, bobcats, minks and black bears. Other activities include trout fishing, camping and skiing during the winter. Seven miles south of Cairo, the Bailiwick Ranch & Catskill has horseback trails, a zoo, and a paintball park. The Greene County tourism website contains information on area national parks.

Lodging and Entertainment

Five miles southwest of Cairo, the Blackhead Mountain Lodge and Country Club offers a beautiful forest setting in which to golf, dine and hike. The lodge is located in the scenic Catskill Mountains. It features a five-star restaurant with a European environment, golf tournaments and lessons, conference rooms and luxurious rooming accommodations. The Freehold Country Pub, situated five miles north of Cairo, holds regular events such as karaoke, live music and pool tournaments. Check the Greene County tourism website for more information on areas of interest.

Tags: Catskill Mountains, around Cairo, Catskill Park, County tourism, County tourism website

Sell A Gun Legally

Because of federal restrictions on who may own a firearm and the requirement in some states that firearms be registered or gun owners licensed, those who want to sell their firearms often worry about legally do so. In most states, the laws regarding buying and selling firearms are considerably laxer when the transaction takes place between two individuals.

Instructions

1. Find a federally licensed firearm dealer to sell your gun for you. Many gun shops offer this service for a fee and will complete the background checks on prospective buyers for you. You can also find firearm dealers on the Internet who will send you a kit to mail your gun to them for sale.

2. Learn the laws in your state. As a private owner, you may be able to legally sell your gun without a background check or waiting period. The website for the state police should have the information you need.

3. Arrange for table space at a gun show. Gun shows ensure that many prospective buyers will have a chance to consider buying your gun. Most states allow private owners to sell their guns at gun shows without meeting the requirements imposed on licensed firearms dealers.

4. Notify your local law enforcement agency or a federally licensed firearms dealer that you have sold your gun and who you sold it to (if required by your state). You will probably have to pay a fee to do this, but if you don't, and the gun is later used in a crime, the police may consider you a suspect. Also, failure to notify law enforcement of the sale of a registered firearm is a violation of the law in most states.

Tags: federally licensed, licensed firearms, most states, prospective buyers, sell their, sell your

Teen Summer Camps In Florida

Teens become enriched and empowered by learning overcome challenges.

Teens can experience educational and fun activities at some of Florida's premier summer camps. From the Giant Campus' Livewire program, which allows teens to learn about technology, to the YMCA's Indian Camp, which fosters adolescent and teen self-esteem, all strive to help teens learn, grow and broaden their horizons. Most of all, teens can develop their sense of self-worth through fun, interactive, enriching experiences.

Livewire

Livewire camp at Disney World, sponsored by Giant Campus, runs weekly from July 6 through July 26 (during 2010) for teens ages 14 to 18. The camp educates teens on new, innovative technology programs which include special effects and magic, computer graphics, animation, and sport and gaming activities. Campers are given park VIP passes and a chance to experience Disney World's water parks and roller coasters, arcades and shopping. Meals are included in the camp package.

Giant Campus/Livewire Camp

3131 Elliott Av.

Suite 790

Seattle, WA 98121

(888) 904.2267

giantcampus.com

SeaWorld Adventure Camp

The SeaWorld Adventure camp is located in Orlando, Florida, and is a residential camp for teens and college-aged youth. The summer camp offers one full week of animal interaction and education at the SeaWorld Park in Orlando. Teens are educated on the career responsibilities that go along with working with animals. Teens also have the ability to partake in classroom experiments, learning from animal experts. The camp includes animal and water shows, animal attractions and SeaWorld rides. Other, separate camps such as career camp programs begin in early June up until mid-August. Tuition for each camp varies from $850 to $2,800.

SeaWorld Orlando

7007 SeaWorld Dr.

Orlando, FL 32821

(888) 800-5447

seaworld.org/adventure-camps

YMCA Teen Camp at Indian Springs

The YMCA Camp at Indian Springs is located in Crawfordville, Florida. YMCA camp has traditional residential camping programs for teens aged 14 to 18. Activities include horseback riding lessons, paintball and skateboarding. The camp focuses on building self-esteem in teens through teamwork-based activities. It strives to improve discipline through special activities such as archery, or through cultivating teens' artistic talents. One-week sessions are $536 as of summer 2010.

YMCA Teen Camp

2387 Bloxham Cut-Off RD.

Crawfordville, FL 32327

(850) 926-3361

Camp Kennedy Space Center

Camp Kennedy Space Center is a week-long summer day camp in March to mid-August for 8th graders and high school freshmen. The Kennedy Space Camp teaches students about motion-based space simulations and creates daily programs on team-building space exploration activities. Activities are taught by trained and certified teachers and educators. Tuition for 2010 summer camp is $295.

Camp Kennedy Space Center

John F. Kennedy Space Center

Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899

(321) 867-5000

kennedyspacecenter.com

Tags: Kennedy Space, Kennedy Space Center, Space Center, Camp Kennedy, Camp Kennedy Space, Giant Campus, summer camp

Free Places To Go In North California

San Francisco is the largest city in Northern California.

If you ask a Californian to tell you the difference between northern California and southern California, he may tell you that that they are like two different states. He might even say they are two different countries, given their regional and cultural differences. In Northern California, visitors will find the state capital, the storied, romantic city of San Francisco, giant redwood trees, copious vats of wine and a climate more in line with the Pacific Northwest than that of the southwest or southern California.

Haight-Ashbury

Haight-Ashbury is in the northern part of San Francisco.

Haight-Ashbury is the motherland for the hippie culture that was born out of the turbulent 1960s. "Make love, not war," was the slogan of a generation disenchanted by their parents' choices and the war raging in Vietnam, and nowhere was it more prevalent than in the Haight. A stroll through the hilly streets lined with Victorian homes and businesses gives you a glimpse into the flower-power past with its eclectic shops, burrito stands and numerous places to get tattooed or pierced. For a full-frontal hippie experience, don't forget to take a photo of the sign at the corner of Haight and Ashbury and check out the Grateful Dead house at 710 Ashbury St.

Muir Woods National Monument

The redwood trees are some of the world's tallest.

Tree huggers unite at the Muir Woods National monument in Mill Valley, California. Just 12 miles north of San Francisco is a 559-acre area that has protected the antiquated growth of the Coast Redwood tree since 1908. This coastal monument is open only for day-trippers as camping is not allowed. Hiking is a primary activity here and if you are feeling philanthropic, consider volunteering to clean the beaches of debris. If you've brought the whole family, ask a bystander to take the classic Muir Woods photo of all of you trying to reach fully around the base of a tree, holding hands with arms outstretched. In 2011, entrance fees are waived on the following days: January 15-17,Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday; April 16-24, National Park Week; June 21, first day of summer; September 24, Public Lands Day; November 11, Veterans Day. Otherwise, the entrance fee is just $5 per adult and children 15 years of age and under are free.

Hope Valley

Cross-country skiing can burn approximately 500 calories per hour.

If you miss outdoor exercise when winter weather rolls around, Hope Valley is a good solution. Located in South Lake Tahoe, cross-country skiers or snowshoe enthusiasts can get their endorphin fix and take advantage of the 60 miles of marked trails that are free to the public. Typically open Thanksgiving to Easter when enough snow allows, Hope Valley is nestled in the High Sierras among beautiful aspens and not far from where the Donner Party tragedy happened in the mid 1800s. Onsite is a yurt where visitors can purchase lessons or rent equipment and donations are warmly accepted.

Redding Sundial Bridge

About two hours south of the Oregon border is the Redding sundial bridge--one of two U.S. bridges designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. This cable-stayed bridge is not only designed for pedestrians to cross the Sacramento River, at one end a 217-foot-high sundial points due north and accurately tells time, with the shadow moving approximately one foot per minute. Pedestrians cross the 700-foot-long bridge to get exercise and to enjoy the view of the river below through the glass walkway.

Tags: Hope Valley, Muir Woods, Muir Woods National, Northern California, redwood trees

Fill Up A Co2 Tank At Home

Playing paintball requires a fair amount of regular CO2 tank refills.

Gas-powered devices such as paintball guns and keg systems require pressurized CO2 in order for them to work properly. The tanks containing this pressurized gas come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and need to be refilled regularly. There are a number of places you can get a CO2 tank filled up at; however, if you are going to be using a lot of CO2, it might be a wise investment to get your own fill up station for your home.

Instructions

1. Purchase a 50-lb. CO2 tank with a siphon tube, a scale that can weight up to 5 lbs., a fill station with a dual valve to allow you to fill up and empty tanks. Bulk CO2 tanks and the rest of the equipment can be purchased online or ordered through paintball retailers.

2. Secure the 50-lb. tank somewhere secure like a basement corner or attached to a workbench. Place the small plastic ring that came with your fill station between the tank nozzle and the fill station.

3. Check the hydrotest date on the tank you wish to fill up to make sure it hasn't expired.

4. Empty the tank you're filling by attaching the siphon tube to it, loosening the release valve on the dual fill station and opening the valve on the tank you wish to empty.

5. Place the empty tank on the scale and zero the scale so you can figure out how much gas you're putting into the tank.

6. Chill the tank before filling it by putting about 1 or 2 oz. in the tank and then letting it out by opening the purge valve. This preps your tank so that you can safely get the most gas in there.

7. Fill your tank by opening the valve on the bulk tank. Make sure you don't actually fill your tank to capacity as this could be dangerous. Instead, fill it to about an ounce or two short of its maximum capacity, which should be labeled on the side.

Tags: fill station, your tank, 50-lb tank, opening valve, siphon tube

Fun Birthday Ideas For A 14 Year Old

Plan a fun birthday celebration for your teen's 14th birthday.

Turning 14 isn't considered a milestone, although it's still an important birthday. By her 14th birthday, your teen is probably more comfortable in her role as a teen, and trying more and more to be an adult. Avoid planning an outlandishly childish birthday celebration for her, or you'll run the risk of embarrassing her (unless she requests such as party, of course). Give her some freedom to recognize her new maturity. Does this Spark an idea?

Grown-Up Party

Plan a grown-up inspired party for your teen to act grown up with his friends for a day. This could include a casino theme, nightclub theme or Hollywood-style party complete with paparazzi. Serve mixed drinks (sans the alcohol, of course) and set up casino games or other entertainment for the teens. Host the party at home, at a nightclub or another after-hours spot.

Dress-Up Party

Plan a dress-up party with your teen, if she enjoys dressing up. The party can consist of a formal masquerade, scary costumes or even a specific theme such as pirates, aliens or the Renaissance period. Request on the invitations that guests dress in your particular theme, and decorate your party space to transport your guests to wherever you want them to be.

Outing

Outings can help your teen feel older and more mature, if he's given the freedom to venture out on his own, within reason. Take your teen and a few of his closest friends to a nice restaurant and let them sit by themselves. Plan a movie outing, allowing the teens to see a different movie than you. Let the teens go to a theme park, concert or sports event by themselves. Designate a spot for them to meet you, and have your teen text you at certain intervals to check in.

Activities

Spa parties, scrapbooking, ceramics and beading are some activities that can be enjoyed in your home or at professional establishments. Pack in a few different activities to keep the teens occupied all night for a sleepover. Go-kart racing, paintball wars and camping out are activities that might interest your teen, as well. Plan her birthday celebration around something that she enjoys and she'll have fun for her 14th birthday.

Themed Parties

Backyard barbecues, pool parties, luaus, scavenger hunts, reality TV shows or almost anything you can think of could serve as a theme for the party. The teens could each put on a show based on your theme, from musical numbers, plays or even a runway show. Encourage the teens to work together and utilize each other's strengths.

Tags: your teen, 14th birthday, birthday celebration, activities that, Party Plan

Install Jtrim On Steel Buildings

The edges of metal siding installed on pole barns and metal sided buildings are covered by J-trim.

J-trim installs on steel-sided buildings, such as pole barns and commercial buildings, as the finish trim to steel siding. Similar to J-channel used with vinyl siding, J-trim is nailed to the building's framing at the top edge, and along any interior corner seams to hide the raw edges of the siding. When complete, the J-trim neatly finishes off the siding, covering any cut, raw or sharp edges to prevent damage from water penetration. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Attach the J-trim along the line that will form the upper edge of the metal siding. The metal siding will slide into the J-trim, so install the channel with the opening of the "J" facing the direction of the siding. Install the trim by nail the longer side of the "J" to the framing lumber with the washer head metal siding nails.

2. Nail the J-trim horizontally along both sides of any interior corners. At an interior corner, the siding will slide into the trim to hide the rough cut edge.

3. Nail the J-trim to the outer and inner edge of the soffit area. The pieces of metal soffit will lay into the J-trim, and cover the open area of the soffit. Nail the J-trim so that the open areas of the "J" point toward one another.

4. Slide a piece of trim, which is then installed under or lower than another piece into the piece which is above it. The upper trim must cover the joint so that water can't drip down into, and behind the trim.

5. Install any joints in the trim so that the pieces of trim overlap one another by 1/2 inch. Lower pieces should slide into the upper pieces, and horizontal runs should also overlap so that no water can penetrate the molding.

6. After the J-trim is installed, the metal siding is installed as described above, hiding all but the bottom edge inside J-trim and outside corner molding around the building's perimeter.

Tags: metal siding, Nail J-trim, slide into, interior corner, into J-trim, metal siding installed, pole barns

Airsoft Guns Safety Tips

Airsoft Gun in Action

Airsoft guns are firearm replicas manufactured and used solely for recreation. They propel 6mm plastic pellets at muzzle velocities from 100 to 850 feet per second with either compressed gas or a spring-driven piston. Although the guns are generally considered safe, accidents can occur, so keep a few tips in mind to prevent injuries.

Firing an Airsoft Gun Safely

The pellets used in Airsoft guns are too light and fired too slowly to penetrate skin, although they can cause bruises or welts, so wear loose clothing that covers all areas of the body (such as long pants and long-sleeved shirts). This should also include protective chest and neck padding, and padded gloves.

Like all projectiles, airsoft pellets can be fired into the eyes and cause blindness, so gun handlers should always wear proper goggles. Regular glasses and sunglasses don't provide enough protection, so you'll need special goggles specifically designed for such purposes which wrap around the sides of the face, or a helmet with goggles attached. Also, whenever shooting any firearm, it's wise to use ear protection to prevent hearing loss.

Never use any firearm while you've been drinking or taking drugs or even if you're sleep-deprived or affected by medications that cause excessive drowsiness.

Using Airsoft Guns Around Others

Always point guns in a safe direction away from other people, keeping the safety on until ready to use (and the barrel plugged), and don't touch the trigger until you're ready to shoot, to prevent accidental discharges. Keep the gun empty when not in use in a protective case and always keep these and other guns away from children. Always know your target and keep an eye on all areas around and beyond it to look for people and animals who might be in harm's way.

Airsoft guns have an orange tip to distinguish them from deadly weapons, and it's a federal offense to remove this tip. Never wave an Airsoft gun around in any public place other than designated Airsoft sports facilities (even with the orange tip still attached), as this can frighten other people and lead to your arrest.

Never point an airsoft gun at any other person (even in competitive and sporting events) without their consent first and never point them at animals or pets.

Tags: Airsoft guns, Airsoft Guns, away from, other people, until ready

Official Paintball Tournament Rules

Paintballs are not allowed to be covered, hardened or altered in any way prior to or during game play.

Paintball is a fast-paced sport requiring skill, agility, marksmanship and teamwork. There are paintball teams across the United States of America, as well as in other countries. The American Paintball League is the official authority on paintball and makes a rulebook available to the public that details all rules for tournament play. The main idea behind these rules is maintaining safety and ensuring fun for all participants.

Equipment and Supplies

Each player is only allowed to carry one marker, which is the "gun" and one barrel for the marker during each game, and these both must be inspected beforehand. There are no fully automatic markers allowed, only semi-auto and pump. Any player using a full-auto marker will immediately be disqualified. Each player and spectator must wear goggles, and all players must wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt or jacket. All paintballs must be purchased from the American Paintball League(APL).

Teams

The teams are broken down by their classification: Pro, amateur, novice and rookie. A pro team is considered any team with more than one member who has participated in a "pro" division tournament. An amateur team may only have 7 members and is allowed one pro player. Novice teams are allowed one amateur player and are limited to 7 members. For pro, amateur and novice teams, only 5 members can be on the field at one time. A rookie team is allowed one novice player, but is only allowed 5 members, only 3 of which may be on the field at one time.

Elimination and Marking

Any player who goes out of bounds--or causes any of his equipment, his marker or part of his body go out of bounds--is immediately eliminated. Altering the terrain or features or climbing on any terrain or features results in elimination. Any mark or combined marks from a single paintball splat larger than a quarter results in the marked player's elimination. Deliberately hiding, concealing or removing a paint mark counts as an infraction and may result in elimination.

Miscellaneous Rules

Paint checks may be called by an active player to see if her own or another's markings are adequate for elimination. At the end of a game, a signal whistle will be blown by an official or referee. Any player who signals end of game will be penalized. Unsportsmanlike conduct, such as cursing at or insulting other players, will incur penalties during scoring and may result in elimination.

Tags: amateur novice, American Paintball, American Paintball League, Each player, field time, must wear, only allowed

Replace A Nerf Titan Pressure Gauge

Toy guns that shoot projectiles are kept from being dangerous, thanks to the popularity of Nerf-brand weapons. The Nerf-brand line of guns and rifles fire soft, safe foam projectiles only -- these are unable to cause any damage under the normal play conditions that children use with them. The pressure gauge on the Nerf-brand Titan rifle can break during use -- this renders the Titan unusable because the manufacturer does not provide replacement parts or repairs once the warranty has expired. You can replace the pressure gauge with a working unit yourself. You will need a few tools and a pressure gauge taken out from one of the Nerf-brand rifles since parts are not sold to the public. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Place the Titan on a table with the barrel facing to the left. Remove the screws from above and below the tip of the barrel -- the Phillips screwdriver is used to do this.

2. Remove the screws from around the trigger guard and at the bottom of the gun butt. Repeat this procedure, only with the screws at the top middle edge and the back top and bottom edges.

3. Pull the cover plate off the side of the Titan with your fingers. Place the cover plate aside.

4. Pull the clamp out of the groove at the top back edge of the bottom plate. Grip the pressure gauge by the end that was beneath the clamp. Lift the end of the pressure gauge up as you pull it off the bottom plate.

5. Stand the pressure gauge on the end that does not have the plastic tube sticking out. Pull the clamp off from around the end of the pressure gauge where the tube is located. Place the clamp aside. Unscrew the single screw beneath the clamp with the Phillips screwdriver -- if the Phillips screwdriver keeps slipping, use a Phillips jeweler's screwdriver instead.

6. Pull the clamp off from around the end of the pressure gauge where the tube is located. Place the clamp aside. Unscrew the single screw beneath the clamp with the Phillips screwdriver -- if the Phillips screwdriver keeps slipping, use a Phillips jeweler's screwdriver instead.

7. Stand the replacement pressure gauge on the table with the end that has the plastic tube sticking up. Inspect the tube to see if it has any kinks or holes in it -- if it does, remove the tube by following the procedure that was just done with the original pressure gauge, remove the tube and replace it with the one that was taken out earlier.

8. Place the replacement pressure gauge into the bottom plate of the Titan in the same position as that of the original pressure gauge. Place the clamp back into the groove so that it holds the end of the pressure gauge done as it did earlier. Place the cover plate back on the Titan and reattach the screws.

Tags: pressure gauge, Phillips screwdriver, beneath clamp, bottom plate, cover plate, from around, Place clamp

The Proper Disposal Of Paintball Co2 Tanks

A paintball gun gets its power from an attached, compressed carbon dioxide tank that propels the paintballs accurately through the air. These tanks can be dangerous because of the amount of pressure inside them. If you're done playing paintball, or if you're just getting ready to buy a new tank, take precautions when disposing of your old tank, especially if it still has compressed CO2 in it. Releasing the pressure too quickly --- by puncturing or crushing the tank --- can turn it into a projectile that can cause injury or death.

Empty

The first step to disposing any carbon dioxide tank is to empty it. Because the contents of a CO2 tank are under so much pressure, they can cause serious injury or death if the pressure is released too quickly --- like when the tank is punctured or crushed. There are two ways to empty the tank. First, attach it to your gun without any paintballs and fire the gun repeatedly until there is no more CO2 left in the tank. If for some reason your gun isn't available, you can also manually discharge the tank by compressing the trigger at the top of the tank. Use caution when doing this because exposure to a large amount of compressed gas can cause frostbite or other injuries. Use a pair of gloves and a screwdriver or other long-handled tool to hold the trigger down while in a well-ventilated area.

Recycle

Once the tank is empty, you can recycle it with the rest of your recyclable materials.

Trash

If you don't have access to a recycling facility, you can throw the empty tank away. Once it is empty, it no longer poses a threat.

Refill

If you decide you're not quite ready to get rid of your CO2 tank, you can take it to an authorized store to have it refilled.

Resell

You can also try to resell your tank once it is empty. Your local paintball supply store might be able to help you find a buyer or might even buy it back from you directly.

Tags: your tank, carbon dioxide, carbon dioxide tank, dioxide tank, empty tank, injury death, tank empty