Make A Paintball Splatter Effect

Create a piece of art by splattering acrylic paint.

You can make a piece of modern art by creating a paintball splatter effect with acrylic paints. When a paintball hits a surface, it creates a large blotch and splatter effect. You can re-create this effect for a piece of art by combining a few different splatter techniques. To make abstract art, you will create a graffiti effect that you can use as the main design or as the background in your art piece. Create bright colors and a variety of textures using a rainbow of paint colors and a few different techniques. Splatter painting is messy but enjoyable for all ages.

Instructions

1. Place a drop cloth down on the ground in the area where you will be painting. You will be placing your canvas or paper on a wall. This project is messy, so make sure to cover the area and several feet around the painting area, using several drop cloths if necessary.

2. Place an artist's canvas or a large piece of paper flat against the wall. For a permanent piece of art, use a canvas, and for a kid's art project, use less expensive pieces of large paper. Prop the artist's canvas on the ground against the wall, or hang it on the wall if desired. Attach the paper to the wall with pieces of painter's tape or push pins.

3. Place the opening of a balloon over a small funnel, and pour acrylic paint to fill the balloon about halfway. Carefully tie the balloon opening closed into a knot. Use small balloons for a smaller paintball effect, or you can use a variety of sizes of medium and large-sized balloons, if desired.

4. Throw the balloon at the canvas in the area where you want the paintball splatter effect. Use some force when throwing the balloon for the best effect. Allow the paint to dry for about 15 minutes, and then continue to throw as many balloons as you would like to create additional paintball effects. Allow drying for about 15 minutes in between.

5. Create additional splattering effects using a toothbrush. This will add texture and color to your piece. Dip the toothbrush into the paint, hold the brush with one hand and place the pointer finger of the other hand on top of the brush, flicking the brush to create a small textured splatter. Allow drying for 15 minutes.

6. Place the canvas or paper flat on the ground. Dip a paintbrush into paint and then allow the paints to drip around the splatter area. This will create more splattering effect, if desired. Allow drying.

Tags: Allow drying, splatter effect, about minutes, acrylic paint, against wall

About Sports Eyeglasses

About Sports Eyeglasses

Over 40,000 people injure their eyes each year because of sports- and recreational-related activities, reports the American Academy of Ophthalmology. In most cases there would be no eye damage if individuals wore the proper vision protection. The organization Prevent Blindness America states that up to 90 percent of these eye injuries would not occur. The worst injuries come from basketball and baseball. Next are water and racket sports.

Significance

The No. 1 cause of an eye injury in sports is a scratch from a fingernail. By accident, people scrape the cornea, which causes mild pain. More damage occurs from blunt injuries, or when a heavier object, such as a squash ball, racket or arm hit the eye with force. If the eye is not hit too hard, then the person gets a black eye. Or, a hemorrhage may occur on the eye's white outer coat. Neither of these injuries is serious enough to threaten permanent damage. However, no one knows for sure until the eye is checked by a professional that there is not further damage than can be seen. An appointment should be made with a vision specialist. it is accidents such as these that have made it either mandatory or highly recommended to wear sports glasses.

Individuals know that there is serious damage to their eyes when they lose part of their sight or their vision is blurry. Or, they may see a lot of blood when looking in their eye. If the eye is painful or feels like there is a foreign object obscuring vision, this could be a sign of a tear in the eye structure or something caught in the eye. Although you should go to the emergency room as soon as a serious eye injury occurs; caring for the eye promptly will often limit the amount of damage. It is recommended that the eye immediately be covered. Even the bottom of a paper cup placed over the eye will be better than nothing.

Features

Because of all these injuries, eye wear designed specifically for sporting activities is growing quickly in vision industry. Although professional athletes were the first to wear protective eye wear, there is increased awareness of the importance of all sports participants wearing eye protection. Many coaches, caregivers and players recognize that not only are their eyes safer, but they can also see better and thus play better. Several years ago, when children started wearing the strange-looking goggles and other eye protective eye wear, they felt awkward. Today, however, many kids are wearing these types of glasses.

Types

It is important to remember that regular glasses for near- or farsightedness are not appropriate for playing sports. They not only will not protect the eye, they may shatter and cause even more damage. A number of different types of sports goggles are produced in varied shapes and sizes. There are some that are manufactured for racket sports, others for basketball and soccer. There are also those made especially for the football, hockey and baseball helmets. The helmet can still be worn at the same time as the glasses.

Prevention/Solution

The strongest material for the lenses is called polycarbonate. This material resists breaking under impact. It protects the eyes well when hit by a blunt item. In addition, polycarbonate can be made with ultraviolet protection and be resistant to scratching. Polycarbonate or other types of resistant plastic are also used for the frames. Different designs of frames are used for the wide variety of sports. Many have rubber padding in protective areas. When they are hit, they do not cause injury to the head.

Some of these glasses have a special shape, so they wrap around the face. These are useful for biking, sailing and hang gliding. They also keep a person's contact lenses from falling out.

Potential

Many collision sports, such as football and hockey, require that the eyes are completely covered. In ice hockey, it is the damage from the puck rather than a physical collision with another player that is most dangerous. When all players began to wear standardized face masks in Canadian ice hockey, there was a decrease by more than 65 percent in the number of eye injuries. The National Eye Trauma System identifies patterns in eye damage to track what type of injuries occur and the proper eye wear needed.

Tags: their eyes, these injuries, About Sports, About Sports Eyeglasses, cause injury

Design Your Own Airsoft Gun

Design Your Own Airsoft Gun

Many toy guns use a spring to fire a projectile from the barrel. You can build your own gun that uses a balloon to provide the "springing" action. A few hardware and household parts are needed, along with adult supervision if you are a child. Building your own gun will give you a sense of accomplishment and show you how the basic mechanism for firing a projectile from a toy gun has not changed over the years.

Instructions

1. Cut the tube end off from the party balloon with scissors.

2. Stretch the open end of the balloon over one end of the toilet paper tube. Use masking tape to hold the end of the balloon over the toilet paper tube.

3. Apply hot glue around the end of the balloon so that it is now adhered to the toilet paper tube.

4. Insert a NERF dart into the open end of the toilet paper tube.

5. Hold the toilet paper tube with your left hand. Grab the NERF dart that is inside of the party balloon with your right hand (reverse this if you are left-handed). Pull back on the NERF dart so that the party balloon stretches.

6. Aim the airsoft you have made at a target. Release the NERF dart to cause the party balloon to spring back and fire the dart at the target.

Tags: paper tube, toilet paper, toilet paper tube, NERF dart, party balloon, balloon over

Gun Grip Safety

Gun Grip Safety

Some firearms are designed to discharge with a minimal amount of pull on the trigger. This helps shooters improve accuracy by minimizing unwanted movement when squeezing the trigger. While it is possible to inadvertently discharge any firearm, weapons with lesser trigger resistance are particularly prone to going off accidentally. Grip safeties reduce this risk. Manufacturers situate these safeties so that, when the shooter's hand wraps firmly around the back of the handle, the safety disengages and enables the weapon to fire.

Function

Different firearms employ grip safeties in different ways. The M-1911 pistol design uses a grip safety to block the trigger. According to the M-1911 Pistol Organization, when the weapon is in the cocked position, a catch called the "sear" holds the hammer back. When the trigger moves rearward, it pushes the sear out of the hammer's way, allowing it to fall on the firing pin and discharge the weapon. The grip safety includes a catch that remains inside the weapon and a spring-loaded butt that protrudes from the handle. The catch blocks the rear motion of the trigger to prevent it from moving the sear. The spring keeps the safety on until the shooter depresses it. Other designs prevent operation of the firing pin or the hammer, rather than the trigger.

Benefits

Grip safeties disengage as a natural consequence of the shooter holding the weapon in a firing position. As such, operation of this type of safety does not add a step; this reduces the time needed to draw the weapon and fire. Grip safeties also minimize the risk of the weapon accidentally discharging due to the trigger catching on objects unintentionally.

History

In 1906, the U.S. Army conducted a series of firearm tests in order to select a standard-issue, large-caliber semiautomatic pistol. Up to that point, the Army used the M1892 .38 caliber revolver. On March 29, 1911, the Army adopted Colt's .45 caliber pistol, invented by John Browning. The firearm was the first of its kind: a semiautomatic pistol that included both a thumb-activated safety and a grip safety. The manufacturer named the pistol after the year it went into service, calling it the Model 1911.

Types

The standard grip safety is known as the A1 style. It runs from about halfway up the back of the handle to the top of the handle, then curves to a slight outward protrusion. Ducktail grip safeties extend and widen this protrusion to cover the web of the hand, where the thumb meets the forefinger. This helps prevent the hammer from nipping the web of the hand. Beaver tails are similar to ducktails, except they include an upward curve at the top of the handle. This design is more ergonomic and allows shooters to grip the weapon higher, reducing how much the weapon flips upward when fired.

Warning

A firearm with a grip safety can still fire even if the shooter is not holding the handle. Anything that can depress the safety can disable it and allow the weapon to discharge.

Tags: grip safety, back handle, Grip safeties, grip safety, pistol that, semiautomatic pistol

Shoot An Invert Mini

A paintball player takes aim.

Shooting the Invert Mini is similar to shooting any other electronic paintball marker. However, the Invert Mini does have a few procedures that are unique to the marker. This marker shoots just like a top quality paintball marker but costs half the price.

Instructions

1. Screw the compressed air tank on the back of the gun. This pressurizes the gun and is the propellant that fires the paintball.

2. Place the loader on the top of the marker and secure it tightly.

3. Fill the loader with paintballs. Turn the loader on if it is an electronic loader.

4. Turn the mini on by pushing the on/off button for one second. The light will go from green to red. When the light turns red, let go and the light should now be blinking green. This means your marker is ready to shoot.

5. Aim the marker at a target and pull the trigger. For increased rate of fire, experienced paintballers pull the trigger by alternating between their index and middle fingers.

Tags: Invert Mini, paintball marker, pull trigger

How Much Money A Year Does A Professional Paintballer Make

While most people consider paintball as a recreational activity with few professional aspects, this is not necessary true. In the United States there are professional paintball players that work at various levels in different leagues, competing against one another. These players not only work with sponsors to help advertise various products, but gather to participate in tournaments and other events that offer earned wages.

Compensation Levels

Compensation levels for professional paintballers depends largely on the type of league where the player is active. In the early 2000s, paintball was in a growth phase, and interest in the potential of professional games was high. While the recession of 2007 to 2009 dampened interested, professionals at the highest levels still make significant wages. Pro players are part of teams that play at national levels and receive most of their compensation from sponsors.

Average Salary

According to Simple Hired, professional paintball player salaries depend largely on location, as well as on experience. In 2011, in California, a professional player was able to make as much as $65,000 a year. In New York, a player made only $46,000 a year. In Massachusetts a player made $47,000, depending on the opportunities available.

Prizes

Professional players participate in tournaments where the first price is often a cash award. These cash awards can be as high as $20,000 and count as extra compensation for the players. While this amount may seem like a lot of money, the award is typically split among all members of the team, which means that only a fraction of it will go to individual players. This can lower the impact of prize money.

Schedules

Professional paintball players tend to move from game to game and from event to event across the United States. Sponsors may pay for some transportation, but in many cases players must find their own way to their destinations in order to play. This hectic schedule can be a source of significant costs for the player and should be considered as a balance to any salary that the player might make.

Tags: paintball players, participate tournaments, player made, United States

History Of Spalding Golf Clubs

The hickory shaft golf club used a light-weight hickory in lieu of steel.

Albert Goodwill (A.G.) Spalding, a pitcher for the Boston Red Stockings, was the first professional ever to win 200 games. Spalding led Boston to four consecutive National Association titles before coming to Chicago by contract in 1876. After he stopped pitching in the 1877 baseball season, Spalding became a full-time businessman, producing and promoting sporting goods. Hickory Golfers calls Spalding one of the all-time best American golf club makers to look for, especially for the driver.

The Man

In 1877, A.G. Spalding opened a sporting goods business using an $800 loan he got from his mother, and started manufacturing baseballs. Spalding paid the National League to use his balls, so that he might advertise them as the "official" league ball. Spalding and his company went on to create golf clubs, tennis rackets, and basketballs.

Beginning Years

Steel golf clubs strengthened power and precision.

In 1900, Spalding opened golf club factories in London and in Fife, Scotland. The factories manufactured forged iron heads--clubs made of pounded steel and a small inset--which the company sold in the U.K. and the United States. Spalding clubs were sold widely across America, bringing in big profits.

Materials

Apart from forged steel clubs, Spalding launched several kinds of "hickory-shafted" models made of hickory wood in lieu of steel. This club and others experimented with how materials could improve distance and precision for both professional and novice players.

Types

In 1910, the Spalding company introduced the aluminum fairway clubs series. From 1910 to 1919, the Gold Medal series, made of aluminum bronze, sold widely. The "Cran Cleek" club became a Spalding top seller. Cleek denotes a head shape with a shallow inset and little tapering from the club shaft to the head.

1920s and 30s

The A.G. Spalding & Brothers company used the process of "drop forging" to manufacture metal club heads. Other clubmakers, like the Scottish club maker Carruthers, used traditional methods to shape metal heads with an anvil and forge. Like Henry Ford's assembly-line Model Ts, Spalding workers used mechanical hammers to create the heads, drill sockets, and fit the shaft into the head, and polish them en masse. The company experimented throughout the 1920s and 1930s with both hickory and steel shapes and weights.

Spalding Trivia

According to the papers of Edwin L. Parker, the president of A.G. Spalding and Brothers, Inc. in the 1960s, Parker periodically provided fomer president Dwight Eisenhower with Spalding golf clubs and golf balls for the president's personal use.

In February 1968, while using a golf ball manufactured by Spalding, Eisenhower hit a hole-in-one at the El Dorado Country Club in Palm Desert, California. Eisenhower's staff later sent the ball to Parker as a souvenir.

Tags: golf club, golf clubs, lieu steel, sold widely, Spalding Brothers

Make A Paintball Gun Stand

A paintball gun stand is a convenient method of storing and displaying a paintball gun or marker. It is also a means of storage that allows for the air tank to remain attached to the gun. A stand prevents the paintball gun from lying on a surface where there is the possibility of damage. This stand may be assembled with or without pvc cement. The advantage of not using cement is the ability to disassemble and more easily transport the stand from site to site.

Instructions

1. Lay out the pieces and dry fit them together. Dry fitting is the process of connecting pieces to check for fit prior to the final assemble. Begin by forming a U shape with a 1-foot piece of pipe, two elbows and two 2-inch pieces of pipe.

2. Attach a T connector to both of the 2-inch pieces of pipe and insert a 1-foot piece of pipe into the opposite side of the T to the 2-inch piece.

3. Attach another T connector to the 1-foot piece and insert another 1-foot piece on the opposite side.

4. Continue to form the base by attaching an elbow to both of the exposed 1-foot sections. To complete the base, insert a 3-1/2-inch piece of pipe into both elbows and connect the base with a T connector.

5. Angle the four assembled T connectors upward at the midpoint of the stand where the four T connectors are opposite one another, and insert a 5-inch piece of pipe into each T. Attach an elbow onto each 5-inch piece of pipe and then insert a one foot piece of pipe between the elbows on the side. At this point there should be two upright pieces of pipe with an elbow on each side of the stand.

6. Connect the uprights together, on both sides, by inserting a 1-foot section of pipe into the elbows. There should now be two complete upside down U shaped uprights on both sides of the frame. Angle the uprights in toward one another at about 45 degrees. This will be the support for the air tank.

7. Insert a 1-foot piece of pipe into the T connector at the front of the stand base and place another T on top of the extended pipe. Turn the T on top so that it is in alignment toward the back of the stand.

8. Insert the barrel of the gun into the elevated T and allow the air tank to rest on the upright supports.

Tags: piece pipe, 1-foot piece, pipe into, piece pipe into, 1-foot piece pipe, pieces pipe

Training Needed To Become An Army Sniper

Training to be a sniper involves much more than shooting.

Marksmanship is essential to sniper training. Every Army sniper must be an outstanding shot. However, there are a number of other skills that are important for a sniper. The ability to move undetected into a position of observation and remain there for up to a week is also vital. Communicating relevant information, watching positions and people, ordering indirect fire missions or aircraft bombing or strafing runs, and remaining concealed are all much needed skills. Of course, hitting a specific target with a sniper rifle is also part of the package. Lastly, the ability to leave the "hide sight" and return to a safe place is critical. These are all skills that are needed in the training of an army sniper.

Entering Sniper School

Physical fitness is important to the sniper.

Snipers have to meet a number of criteria just to enter the Army Sniper School. They must be volunteers, have vision that is 20/20 or correctable to that, must score 70 percent or higher on the Army Physical Fitness Test, must be able to capable of working in adverse conditions alone for long periods of time, and they must pass psychological evaluation tests, among other requirements.

Training to Observe

Observation is an essential sniper skill.

Army Sniper School lasts five weeks and grows more intense with each week. An emphasis is placed on physical training and being able to work with limited amounts of rest. Observation skills are an important need of the sniper. Once inside a hide sight, the sniper becomes extremely familiar with their surroundings. After a period of time, the sniper understands what is normal activity for that area and what is out of the ordinary. Information regarding observations is relayed back to base, so good communication skills are needed. Direct action, such as firing on a target, is always a possibility.

Camouflage

The sniper is trained to be invisible in rural or urban terrain.

Camouflage is essential to the successful sniper. The type of camouflage varies greatly depending on the terrain where the sniper needs to be concealed. In rural terrain, snipers wear camouflage suits known as "ghillie suits." The ghillie suit is adorned with local leaves, plants, branches, and other things that will allow the sniper to slowly stalk into position. In urban terrain camouflage is entirely different. The sniper would want to blend in with the local surroundings without being noticed or sneak into position under the cover of darkness. The army trains each sniper to adapt to a particular environment.

Calling in Fire Missions

The sniper can destroy targets that would not be harmed by a bullet.

Calling in fire missions from artillery, mortars, or aircraft is another type of training that adds to the value of a sniper. When a target is acquired, the sniper can call in a location to base where other weapons can be used. This allows the sniper to remain concealed but destroy a much larger enemy force than he could do with only a rifle. This skill is needed and valuable.

The Rifle

Sniper training is comprehensive.

The basic army sniper rifle is a bolt-action .308 caliber. Every sniper is an expert shot with this weapon and the additional marksmanship training received is extensive. Many shots are fired down-range with this weapon before a sniper candidate sees his first action. The rifle is equipped with a 10 x 42 Leupold telescopic sight and has a range of 800 meters. Accurate fire with a rifle is important for a sniper, but his duties involve much more training than simply marksmanship. A wide variety of skills is needed to become a sniper.

Tags: important sniper, into position, Sniper School, Army Sniper, Army Sniper School

Make A Paintball Course

Paintball courses attract a wide range of participants.

If you long for the sight of shadowy figures, virtually unidentifiable behind their paintball vests and tactical paintball gear as they run from cover to cover with one goal in mind—to grab the other team’s flag--you may have paintball fever. With so few courses out there, making your own is a good idea if you have the correct location and adequate support. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Locate a suitable piece of property. You may not have to purchase acreage if you know a landowner who will allow you to erect a paintball course for private use. If you live in an urban area, scout the old warehouse district for an abandoned building that an owner may let you lease cheaply or free in exchange for cleaning and policing the building.

2. Consult your local zoning board for information on getting a permit. Private not-for-profit courses often need no permit as long as you don’t make money. You can still charge fees, but keep them in an account used only for expenses. Consider appointing a treasurer to oversee the account.

3. Plan your course around existing trees, bushes and terrain. The best courses are ones that simulate warfare in a natural environment. In paintball, the more challenging the course, the better. Put some thought and effort into this stage of development.

4. Establish bunkers for opposing teams and provide a place for the team flag, benches for resting, hooks to hang paintball vests and tactical paintball gear and a drawing board to plan the team’s strategy. In a warehouse, obstacles and course development should follow an "espionage" design with bunkers on opposite ends.

5. Recruit assistance from avid paintballers in establishing a course. The more ideas you have to choose from, the better your course will be. Consider forming a committee to oversee the design.

6. Get your federal tax ID number if you will be selling paintball markers, paintball vests or tactical paintball gear. A course that offers members and participants gear and equipment may be highly profitable, but you will need to register your name with the IRS and receive a number that identifies you as a business owner.

7. Hand out business cards or fliers advertising your new paintball course at paintball competitions, or ask sports retailers if you can pin up a flier on their bulletin board.

8. Make sure you have a signed liability waiver from every paintball participant to reduce your liability if an injury occurs. Consult an attorney if you need help making a waiver. Require that all participants use safety paintball vests and tactical paintball gear when competing.

Tags: paintball gear, paintball vests, paintball vests tactical, tactical paintball, tactical paintball gear

Military Summer Camps For Kids

Military summer camps help kids learn leadership skills.

Summer provides children with a much-needed break from being cooped up indoors at school, and with all that energy balled up inside, why not let them enjoy exerting their energy while learning great outdoor and leadership skills at military camp? Many military academies offer great summer programs for kids interested in a military future or those who just want to be challenged outdoors with new skills. If you're child expresses interest in these areas, consider the following camps that will equip your child with necessary challenges and skills that will shape the leader they will become.

Marine Military Academy Summer Camp

Marine Military Academy Summer Camp provides boys the opportunity to be learn invaluable skills and challenges that will turn them from boys to young men. Throughout July, boys age 12-18 experience the "Carpe Diem" philosophy of the camp as they experience an authentic look at the traditions of the Marine Corps. Every camper learns the importance of the foundation of teamwork: trust and mutual respect. These traits come into play during activities such as the mud course, paintball competition, rifle range, boxing matches and the challenging "Iron Man" activity which combines 8-10 courses together into one giant challenge of strength, perseverance and determination. Retired marines and qualified coaches train campers in companies of 60-75, which split into platoons of 30-35 each led by a drill sergeant. At the end of the month, each camper leaves with confidence in themselves as they've grown as a team member and individual.

Marine Military Academy Summer Camp

320 Iwo Jima Blvd

Harlingen, TX 78550

(956) 423-6006

www.summer-camp-mma.com

The U.S. Army Cadet Corps' Military Adventure Camp

The U.S. Army Cadet Corps offers a state-of-the-art coed program during the summer to encourage U.S. Army Career Exploration. Only young adults seriously considering a career in the Army will be accepted. These young people, ranging from 13-18 years old, have the opportunity to participate in Basic Cadet Training (BCT) or the Basic Leader Course (BLC), but only if they have passed the BCT and have the title "Cadet." The BCT course lasts two weeks and provides campers activities in rappelling, martial arts, marksmanship and a confidence course as well as learning history, rank structures and U.S. Army drill and ceremonies. Those who graduate from BCT who wish to continue growing have the chance to spend two to three intense weeks in the BLC. Here, each cadet will learn skills in leadership, risk management, procedures in leading a troop, field training, self defense and team-building activities. Along with these two courses, the Corps also offers Cadet Ranger School and a TACMAP Course during the summer.

The U.S. Army Cadet Corps' Military Adventure Camp

Millersburg, KY, USA

Phone: (859) 484-2110

http://www.militaryadventurecamp.org

Oak Ridge Military Academy Summer Program

For a more traditional camp experience that still holds to its military structure, Oak Ridge has what you need. Oak Ridge Military Academy allows kids age 5-18 to enjoy either a summer day camp program or overnight camp experience. The Leadership Adventure camp, offered in three separate two-week sessions, challenges kids from 6th to12th grade to learn leadership skill through adventure, fitness and other activities including team sports, obstacles courses and marksmanship. The day camp allows kids to jump right into the fun, with sports activities in swimming, martial arts, archery and more as well as the chance to experience hiking and wilderness skills for older day campers.

Oak Ridge Military Academy

2317 Oak Ridge Road

Oak Ridge, NC 27310

(336) 643-4131

http://www.oakridgemilitary.com

Tags: Military Academy, Academy Summer, Military Academy Summer, Academy Summer Camp, Army Cadet, Army Cadet Corps

Youth Football Camps In Michigan

Youth Football Camps in Michigan

Youth football camps in Michigan offer highly trained staffs. Presented by the state's two major college football powerhouses--University of Michigan and Michigan State--and the NFL's Detroit Lions, the camps teach young, aspiring athletes the fundementals of the game under the watchful eye of some the state's leading coaches.

Detroit Lions Youth Football Camp

The Detroit Lions Youth Football Camps uses an overall approach for positive impact both on and off the field. They offer basic, as well as specialty day camps throughout the year, and conduct a several camps around Michigan during the summer. Cost range from $159 for the fundamentals camp to $89 for the fundamental mini-camp and $75 for the specialty position academy.

Detroit Lions Youth Football Camp

2000 Brush St., Suite 200

Detroit, MI 48226

(313) 262-2248

lions.clubs.nfl.com/youth-programs/youth-football.html

Michigan State University Youth Football Camp

The Michigan State University Football Camp is directed by MSU coaching staff with guest college and high school coaches. Basic fundamentals are taught in an intense but positive atmosphere. Cost is $325 for overnight and $250 for commuters. Commuter camp is open to those entering third through eighth grades. Resident campers must be 12 to 18 years old.

Michigan State University

Sports Camp Office

402 Jenison Fieldhouse

East Lansing MI 48824

(517) 355-1647

sportscamp.msu.edu

University Of Michigan Youth Football Camp

The Rich Rodriguez Michigan Football Camp is supported by Michigan football coaching and support staff as well as outstanding high school coaches. The focus is on increasing knowledge of basic football fundamentals and improving beginning level skills. Cost is $300; $135 for commuters. Students must be entering the sixth through the eighth grade in the coming fall.

University of Michigan

1200 South State St.

AnnArbor, MI 48109

(734) 647-1232

michiganfootballcamp.com

Tags: Youth Football, Football Camp, Detroit Lions, Youth Football Camp, Detroit Lions Youth, Football Camps, Lions Youth

Make Homemade Stun Guns

Stun guns are an excellent way to protect yourself. Just the sight of a stun gun is enough to send some attackers running. These are potentially life-saving devices, but they often come with a hefty price tag. If you are on a budget and want to protect yourself, you can make your own homemade stun gun for just a few dollars.

Instructions

1. Disassemble the camera. Be sure not to break any part of the outside or inside of the camera. Remove the battery to avoid getting shocked.

2. Look for the small light bulb. Carefully remove it and discard it if you have no other use for it.

3. Look for the two pieces of copper protruding on either side of where the light bulb had been. Solder a 3-inch piece of black wire to one of the copper pieces. Solder a 3-inch piece of red wire to the other copper piece. Reinsert the battery.

4. Drill two small holes on the left side of the camera face. Carefully stick the two wires through the holes and reassemble the camera. You may need to use glue to hold it all together.

5. Press the button on the camera that you would normally use to take a picture. You will notice a small arc of electricity coming from the protruding wires. To use the stun gun, press the wires against an attacker's skin and press the button.

Tags: 3-inch piece, light bulb, protect yourself, Solder 3-inch, Solder 3-inch piece

Obtain An Automatic Gun License

A Class 3 firearms owner can easily pay as much in ammo purchases each year as he paid for the weapon.

In 1934 Congress passed the National Firearms Act controlling the sales, purchase, and ownership of automatic firearms. Otherwise known as Tommy guns, or machine guns, these firearms would continue to fire with only one pull on the trigger. Most guns at the time required a separate pull of the trigger each time a round was fired. Automatic firearms were deemed "Class 3" weapons.

All transfers of Class 3 weapons must go through a special type of firearms dealer, who must obtain a specific Class 3 sales license from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and pay a special occupational tax each year. The buyer must also obtain permission from the ATF and be registered to purchase the firearm.

Instructions

1. Select the weapon that you want to purchase from the dealer. Each legal Class 3 weapon in the nation has already been individually registered with the Federal government and the specific registration number must be provided with the paperwork.

2. Assist the dealer in filling out the ATF Form 4 paperwork asking for your name and address.

3. Take the Form 4 to the local sheriff, chief of police or district attorney and have them sign the back of the form. They will complete a background check on you before signing the form. You must be 21 or older, a U.S. citizen, and have no history of drug abuse and no felony convictions.

4. Mail two copies of the Form 4 to the ATF along with two completed fingerprint cards, three passport-sized photographs of you, and a $200 check for the Federal Excise Tax. The mailing address is on the Form 4.

5. Wait approximately six months for the ATF to return the approval for the purchase.

Tags: Class weapons, each year, pull trigger

Remove Stains From Stucco

Stucco is a hardy building material, but it is prone to staining and getting dingy over time. While you can simply whitewash over the stains, if you do not remove them they will ultimately reappear in time. Fortunately, removing stains of all types from stucco is a relatively simple, although potentially time-consuming process. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Spray down the plants around the house and the walls themselves. Use the garden hose. This will rinse any dirt and hanging debris off the stucco and protect the plants from the cleaning chemicals you are about to use.

2. Cover plants adjacent to the house with tarps. Household bleach can kill plants, so covering them will keep them safe from splatter.

3. Mix the bleach with water in the pump sprayer. Use the concentration recommended by the manufacturer for cleaning. It will be slightly different for each brand depending on how the bleach was made and bottled.

4. Spray down the stucco. Start at the top and work all the way down. Once you have treated the entire area, return to the top and re-spray it. Then you can scrub off stains using the scrub brush or the bristle broom. The bleach will lighten stains, kill mold and mildew and get the stucco ready for a new coat of paint, should you decide to go that route.

5. Rinse down the wall. Use the garden hose and lots of water. Bleach is essentially a "green" cleaner, so as long as you dilute it sufficiently during the rinsing down process you should not incur damage to your vegetation.

Tags: garden hose, Spray down

Set Up An Airsoft War

Airsoft is an extreme sport similar to paintball in which players fire small plastic pellets from air-powered pistols and rifles at one another in simulated combat. Airsoft battles typically take place on a large field that is marked with safe zones and littered with barriers and other items that break the line of sight. Airsoft teams use cover and tactics to win "wars," series of battles that determine an overall champion until the next tournament.

Instructions

1. Determine the rules of engagement. Many organizations publish their rules for airsoft battles and wars for all players to use. These include rules of fair play as well as variants such as "knife kills" or other tactics. Some common rule sets are linked below.

2. Set the number of battles. A war may be a brief "best two out of three" affair on a weekend or an ongoing campaign. Decide how many battles will be waged and how many losses will eliminate a team from the war.

3. Choose a victory condition for each battle. These will range from last-man-standing "deathmatch" battles to capturing and holding specific objectives. Varying your victory conditions will make the games less predictable and more enjoyable for all involved.

4. Distribute the rules and war information to all teams. Make sure everyone understands the war setup and is willing to abide by the decision of the tournament organizers.

5. Announce the prizes for victory prior to the beginning of the tournament. Prizes may be simple bragging rights among players, or trophies that change hands after each battle.

Tags: each battle

Make A Paintball Field

Paintballing is an exciting pastime for young people. It offers outdoor physical activity and social interaction. It's also a great way to earn some extra cash. If you can build your own paintball field where there's high demand for the game, you can host your own matches and charge others to participate.

Instructions

1. Walk around the area you find for your paintball field to look for advantages and disadvantages for both teams, like a large boulder or hill on one side of the area. If there's a boulder on only one side of the field, consider making a man-made bunker for the other side to offer the same benefit to both teams.

2. Clear the field of debris and fill any holes. Make sure you remove all garbage, large sticks, logs and tree stumps. You customers will be running through your paintball field and you need to minimize the possibility for serious injury.

3. Determine where to put your facilities. You need a station where games can start and players can pay, get drinks and use the restroom. If you're just starting out and are only making one field, you can use a portable toilet for a season or two. After that, your players may start to grumble about real bathrooms.

4. Mark your boundaries clearly. Yellow caution tape placed 3 feet above the ground for safety works well for this. Use aluminum signs with vinyl lettering as they clean well and look more professional than spray-painted plywood.

5. Add bunkers and trenches to your paintball field. You can make bunkers from sandbags, logs, hay stacks or barrels. Dig the trenches 3 feet deep, and make them long enough to hold two or more people. You should have an even amount of bunkers and trenches on both sides of the field so no team has an advantage.

Tags: your paintball, your paintball field, paintball field, both teams, bunkers trenches

"Greg Hastings' Tournament Paintball Max'D" Cheats For The Xbox

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Greg Hastings' Tournament Paintball MAX'D" brings paintball to the Xbox.

"Greg Hastings' Tournament Paintball MAX'D" for the Xbox recreates the fun of paintball in a first-person shooter. The game features a Career Mode with 29 different tournaments plus an online multiplayer option to accommodate as many as 14 players. Knowing a few cheats and tips can help you achieve victory and unlock certain in-game bonuses.

Arcade Mode

When playing in Arcade Mode, you can unlock three cheats if you max out your character's stats and then achieve a certain number of experience points. Earning 10 experience points unlocks extra logos, earning 20 experience points unlocks Slow Motion Mode and earning 30 experience points unlocks God Mode. To use the cheats, go to the "My Character" menu and select "White." From there you'll be able to toggle cheats on or off.

Unlock Characters

If you place in the top three in all tournaments during single-player mode you'll unlock all of the game's characters. If that's too much work, you can employ a cheat to unlock the Pro player of your choice. To do so, go to the "My Character" menu and hold the left analog stick to the left while tapping the "Y" button. This cheat only works in single-player mode.

Duck Walk

Pressing down during the game makes your character crouch, but a simple trick allows you to walk around in the same position: once crouched, press "Left" and "Right" at the same time and hold them for one second. If done properly, your character should remain crouched and fire a shot. Release "Right" but keep "Left" held down and then press "Up." You'll now be able to walk around in a crouched position yet see as though you're standing.

Quick Dive

During matches, dive on the ground or behind obstacles to avoid incoming paintballs; even a moment's hesitation can prove disastrous. If you're using a controller with a turbo feature, you can perform a trick that lets you dive faster than normal by turning on turbo, holding "Left" and then pressing "B" for quick dives.

Achievements

Claiming victory in the game's final six tournaments earns you special rewards: winning the 24th tournament earns bronze goggles, winning the 25th tournament wins the silver goggles, winning the 26th tournament wins the gold goggles, winning the 27th tournament earns you a bronze marker (which is the sport's term for gun), winning the 28th tournament claims the silver marker and winning the 29th tournament captures the gold marker.

Tags: experience points, experience points unlocks, goggles winning, Greg Hastings, Greg Hastings Tournament, Hastings Tournament

Nascar Rumble Games

Rumble through a race-car style game.

Many NASCAR-theme games have been released on video game consoles since 1985. The games involve a classic arcade game format of quick-start racing with little RPG style development, such as in other "NASCAR" games or racing games such as the "Gran Turismo" series. Players collect power-ups and cars to help them along the way.

NASCAR Rumble

"NASCAR Rumble" is a game for the PlayStation, released by developer Electronic Arts in 2000. The track-style racing game involves a series of races against several opponents in stock-cars. The game was affiliated with the NASCAR Series and inspired by the culture of stock-car racing, but not the continuous round circuits that are synonymous with NASCAR and dramatized in such films as "Days of Thunder" and "Talladega Nights." The game includes 18 different courses across six different locations, and collectable "power-ups" to help the players along the way.

Rumble Racing

"Rumble Racing" is an unofficial sequel to the game released by Electronic Arts on the PlayStation 2 format. It was released in 2001, and did not carry the name of the NASCAR racing series because Electronic Arts did not acquire the licensing rights to use the brand name. "Rumble Racing" has three car classes, a racing track full of shortcuts, track battles and a championship mode where you unlock tracks and new cars.

Bonus Modes, Hidden Cars and Cheat Codes

To unlock Pro Mode in "NASCAR Rumble," complete the six main series and the EA cup in Rookie Mode. To unlock Elite Mode, complete the six main series and the EA cup in Pro Mode.

Hidden car "Wrench" symbols can be found in "NASCAR Rumble," including the Chicken Truck in the chicken hut on "Fowl Play"; the Hotrod off the blocked off-ramp on "Night Flight"; and the Sprint Car on the left turn at the final shortcut on "Dog Tired."

To unlock all cars and locations in "NASCAR Rumble," enter C9P5AU8NAA as a password. To unlock the Elite class, enter KMZWA8AWAA as a password. This will unlock everything in Elite mode, and also unlock the hidden FMV sequence.

Tags: Electronic Arts, NASCAR Rumble, Rumble Racing, complete main, complete main series, main series, NASCAR Rumble

Make A Paintball Base

Scenario paintball is increasing in popularity. Scenario paintball games normally run 12 to 24 hours and follow a storyline. There may be tanks, demolition, engineers, medics, missions and even spies. In order to properly organize the teams, you need to have a good base. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Choose a good location. Location is crucial to the success of a paintball team. A good base should be located near the team's insertion point (where the team enters and re-enters the game). This will ensure that the players have to go by the base so that missions can be formed and other information given.

2. Provide barriers to your base. This can mean anything from picking a spot that has trees in front of it, to building bunkers in front of the base, to even building a fence around your base. You want to be sure that your base is secure, so that the other side is not able to capture it easily.

3. Plan for a small, secure area. There needs to be a part of your base that is just the right size for your radio control person, the general, and maybe one or two other people to hide in case the base comes under attack. The best base I've seen actually had a small second floor that protected these players.

4. Ensure that there's a place where the team can come together. This can be within the actual base or just near it. When forming missions or holding team meetings, you will want somewhere that your players can gather without being in the wide open. They should be able to quickly run and start defending the base.

5. Build the base. It doesn't have to be pretty or fancy to do the trick. The best aspect is that, as long as your follow the directions above, your base doesn't have to be a certain shape, size or height. You can build it to suit the field you are playing on.

Tags: your base, base doesn, base doesn have, base that, doesn have, good base, Scenario paintball

Find Out How Many Paintballs You Shoot Per Second

Paintballing is a very popular extreme sport.

Paintball is a sport enjoyed by millions of people across the world. Invented in 1974 and popularized as a sport in the early 1980's, this extreme sport is enjoyed by both beginner-level players and full-time professional players. Europe even has the Millennium Series, its own professional tournament league. Making paintballing calculations, such as rounds fired per second or bullet drop, is similar to standard gun calculations but with a much lower muzzle velocity and different round mass and weight.

Instructions

1. Load your pressurized paintball gun's hopper with enough paintballs to get an accurate calculation. The fastest paintball guns in the world shoot in excess of 30 rounds per second, so load around 90 to 100 rounds. Note how many rounds are loaded into the paintball gun.

2. A stopwatch can be used to calculate rounds fired per second.

Have a helper hold and operate the stopwatch behind you at a safe distance. The helper should perform a countdown such as "three, two, one" to be sure you fire your paintball gun at exactly the same time the stopwatch is started.

3. Fire your paintball gun as rapidly as you can. If the gun is an automatic, simply hold down the trigger. The helper should yell "one, two, three" in unison with the stopwatch time, then stop the stopwatch at exactly three seconds. Cease firing the paintball gun when the helper counts out the third second.

4. Empty the paintball gun hopper and count the remaining rounds.

5. Subtract the number of remaining rounds from the number of rounds originally loaded into the gun's hopper. This will give you the number of rounds fired in three seconds. Divide this number by 3 to find the number of rounds fired per second. For example, if 100 rounds were loaded and 70 remain, then 30 rounds were fired. Dividing 30 by 3 gives us 10 rounds fired per second. This test can be repeated multiple times to find a good average rounds per second for your gun.

Tags: rounds fired, fired second, rounds fired second, number rounds, extreme sport

Make A Homemade Tippmann A5 Case

A guitar case is ideal to protect a Tippmann A-5.

A dependable case for a Tippmann A-5 is essential to prevent damage to your prized paintball gun. Costing upwards of $179, the Tippmann A-5 is an expensive paintball-firing weapon that resembles a real machine gun. Keeping your paintball gun in a case or bag with accessories may result in a scratched, chipped or cracked surface. Fortunately, making a basic homemade case to keep your Tippmann A-5 safe and sound is possible with a few household items.

Instructions

1. Clean the inside of a 3"x15"x22" hard case with prefabricated locks with a damp cotton cloth.

2. Place the case atop a 3-inch piece of eggshell foam. Trace the outline of the case with a marker. Remove the case and cut out the 15"x22" foam shape with a pair of scissors.

3. Place the case atop a 1-inch piece of eggshell foam. Trace the outline of the case with a marker. Again, remove the case and cut out the foam shape with a pair of scissors.

4. Lather the underside of the 3-inch eggshell foam piece with permanent epoxy. Fit the 3-inch piece down into the bottom of the case. Repeat with the 1-inch eggshell foam piece on the underside of the case lid.

5. Lay the Tippmann A-5 inside the case atop the 3-inch foam padding. Pull the 1-inch foam padded lid down atop the Tippmann A-5. Lock the case shut.

Tags: case with, eggshell foam, case atop, 3-inch piece, atop 3-inch, case atop 3-inch, case foam

Gun Games To Play On The Wii

The Wii Zapper is an accessory for the Nintendo Wii console that allows players to hold their Wii remote like a gun to blast items or enemies on the screen. Most gun games also allow players to simply hold their Wii remote in normal fashion to shoot at the screen. There are several popular choices for shooting games to play on the Wii.

"Link's Crossbow Training"

Technically not a "gun" game, the principle here is the same. You fire Link's crossbow at targets, and the more you hit, the higher you score. The levels, which return players to many of the same environments found in the "Legend of Zelda" series, offer a variety of gameplay.

"Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles"

This game allows players to return to the world of the undead in "Resident Evil." You shoot at zombies and other mutant enemies as you are taken through locations from prior games. The game is what is known as an "on rails" shooter, in that you move through different locations, but have no control over the movement. Instead, you fire at targets as the game scrolls automatically.

"House of the Dead 2 and 3 Return"

These original arcade shooters come packaged together in a single Wii disc. You again battle zombies, but this time you get six different gameplay modes, including time attack and arcade mode. Two players can play cooperatively.

"Ultimate Duck Hunting"

This hunting game includes brand name guns, camo and decoys you can unlock with high scores. You can hunt ducks with your Wii Zapper in a variety of environments.

"Call of Duty: World at War"

This game continues the popular "Call of Duty" series. You control American and Russian soldiers fighting on the Pacific front against Japanese and German forces. The Wii verson allows players to use the Wii Zapper to fire at targets to earn marksmanship scores.

Tags: allows players, Call Duty, fire targets, hold their, hold their remote, Resident Evil

Make A New Orleans Hand Grenade Cocktail

If you'd like to recreate a night of carousing on Bourbon Street, throw a Mardi Gras party or just enjoy some New Orleans-style fun at home, you can make a hand grenade cocktail yourself with ingredients found at any liquor store. So grab some Mardi Gras beads, put on some party music and let the good times roll, or "laissez les bons temps rouler," as they say in the French Quarter. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Fill shaker with ice. Pour in rum, gin, vodka, melon liqueur and everclear. Add sugar to taste.

2. Shake the mixture until thoroughly combined.

3. Fill highball glass with ice.

4. Strain cocktail mixture into the highball glass. Enjoy!

Tags: highball glass, Mardi Gras

Camping In The Catskill Mountains

The beautiful Catskill Mountains in New York state are a great getaway for campers looking for hiking, swimming, fishing and all manner of outdoor recreation. Travel to this area is easy because of its proximity to the New York City airport co-terminals and Albany. For many in the Northeast, it is simple to drive into the range for a scenic weekend retreat.

Campgrounds

Campground range from rustic tent areas with fire pits to famous resorts perched high on the mountain sides. For those looking to "rough it" during the summer and fall months, Trails.com hosts a large list of campgrounds available in the Catskills with the ability to search by amenities. Many beautiful waterfalls and springs are featured on these maps. A more luxurious stay may be had at any of the area resorts, especially favored by winter sportsmen, such as the Catskills Adventure Resort or Wolff's Maple Breeze Resort. Lodgings such as these feature safe camping, hotel and ski lodge rooms, and even discounts for activities.

Activities

Lovers of nature can find adventure year round in the Catskills. Summer fishing, swimming, and hiking are complemented by more extreme sports such as rock climbing and glider plane rides. Many golf courses in the hills are available when the snow has melted from the mountains. During the winter, skiers and snowboarders come from across the world to test the powder and enjoy the lodge activities. For families with children, Balliwick Ranch and Discovery Zoo is open year round offering trail rides, zoo animals, and horse shows. Balliwick also has a five-acre outdoors paintball zone for woodsballers looking for a new environment to test their skills.

Weather and gear

Spring and summer travelers are advised to pack light as the many hiking trails and fishing areas throughout the mountain range are often off the beaten path. Rainstorms and high winds may appear suddenly, especially in the higher elevations, and it is always wise to bring a parka or light raincoat even if the forecast is clear. The area regularly sees sub-zero temperatures from early winter until late spring and the thawing period can be dangerous for rock climbers or spelunkers. As always, bring safety gear for your favorite activities.

Tags: Catskill Mountains, year round

Determine Which Airsoft Bb Is The Best

All airsoft BBs are not made the same.

Because there are so many variables in airsoft play, guns and personal preferences, there isn't a type of airsoft BB that's the best for everyone. Choosing the right airsoft BB for your game is a matter of weighing factors and projecting your use--and knowing what your tactics and battle plans involve. Before you stock up on BBs that poorly fit your needs, consider the options available to players.

Instructions

1. Price BBs. Airsoft equipment can be pricey, and ammunition is no exception. Choosing a high grade of BB that's too expensive for you to be able to equip yourself properly will lead to ammo shortages on the battlefield, and, eventually a loss.

2. Match your ammunition to your weapon. Because they have a slower barrel velocity, spring-loaded and pump-action guns need lighter BB weights to reach their maximum target distance. Guns that use compressed gas can fire heavier BBs because there's more force behind each shot.

3. Load your weapon with heavyweight ammunition for long-distance targeting. While BB weight might not be a consideration for indoor close-quarters games, snipers and other tactical-based players may prefer heavier weights because they're more accurate when firing over long distances.

4. Inspect BBs for manufacturing quality. The more expensive and better crafted Airsoft BBs on the market are more uniform in shape and don't feature visible seams. Any irregularity in a BB will make it fire less accurately, so finding uniform BBs is essential to consistently hitting your target.

Tags: your weapon

Attach Burlap To A Ghillie Suit

A sniper's position can be exposed without the aid of a ghillie suit.

Ghillie suits are still used today by military snipers for camouflage, and the suits are almost always made by hand while in the field. The components of a makeshift ghillie suit can be devised from many materials but usually include the shell---typically a lightweight camouflage jacket---and a thin rope netting which burlap and jute is then attached to. When placed on top of the suit, the burlap and jute help natural foliage to stay in place. Attaching burlap to the netting is a lengthy process and should be done with precision for the suit to be used effectively.

Instructions

1. Cut the burlap or jute into 18-inch to 2-foot long strands. If using old burlap sacs, make the strands about a half-inch thick. If using jute, use single strands. You'll need about 25 pounds of fabric for the suit.

2. Place fabric die into four plastic containers. Mix up powdered die or use liquid die; either one is fine. You'll need light green, dark green, dark brown and black. These colors are standard with most forested regions. Let the environment dictate which color scheme you choose.

3. Bundle your burlap or jute into five equal portions. Set aside one portion that you won't dye, and place the other four bundles into the buckets of dye and let them soak for about an hour, or the designated time specified by the dye instructions that you purchased.

4. Remove the bundles and allow them to dry in the sun for a few hours. Drape the strands across coat hangers and spread them out to make grabbing individual strands easier in the next step.

5. Tie the burlap or jute onto individual netting squares starting at the bottom of the suit. Work from right to left, then up to the next row of netting squares, eventually finishing at the hood. Tie a secure overhand knot in the burlap on the center of each netting square. Start with the plain burlap or jute first, then black, brown, dark green and light green at the top. Fill in the spaces as you work, until you are satisfied with your coverage.

Tags: burlap jute, burlap jute into, dark green, ghillie suit, green dark, jute into

Put On Bike Protective Gear

Specially designed gear will protect you if you crash.

Protective gear is a must for anybody who rides a bike. All bicyclists should wear a helmet, but other layers of protective gear can be added, depending on the risk involved. A mountain biker will want more protection than someone out for a spin around the neighborhood. Just remember, it's better to have too much protection than not enough. Many companies produce a wide range of gear and apparel, including some with molded, polyethylene panels on the chest, shoulders, back and elbows.

Instructions

1. Assemble all of your protective gear. The exact items will depend on the type of riding you plan to do and how it fits when you ride. For examples, check out a few of the many companies that specialize in protective gear, including: Bohn Body Armor, SixSixOne, O'Neal MX, Chain Reaction Cycles.com, Azonic and XSportsProtective.com and Azonic Cycling.

2. Start by putting on protective underwear; this will act as your base.There are many companies that offer fully armored long johns constructed from tight fitting Lycra/Meryl fabric. They are designed to hold padding close to your lower body, hips and tail bone for a more secure fit.

3. Put on your protective outer pants or shorts. Some riders just wear padded pants. You can also provide padding for the calves and shins by adding plastic shin and knee guards that attach securely and easily to your legs with Velcro straps. These are hidden under your pants.

4. Add your protective undershirt. This is worn underneath the jersey, close to the body, to offer upper arm and elbow protection. Slip your chest protector over your protective undershirt. This will help shield you from injuries to your chest, back and shoulders or collar bone, including damage from flying rocks and dirt. Wear your jersey on top (some riders prefer to wear the chest protector over the jersey).

5. Put on your helmet, making sure it fits properly. It should be snug, but comfortable. Secure the strap so it will protect you if you fall. Next add gloves with appropriate padding. These can prevent pain and injuries from road shock, and protect your hands from road rash, scrapes and bruises. Some gloves also have carbon-fiber knuckles and forefingers for added protection.

Tags: your protective, protective gear, your protective undershirt, chest protector, chest protector over, companies that, from road

Make An Airsoft Trip Mine

An airsoft weapon refers to any homemade device that can shoot a projectile. You can make an airsoft-type trip mine that will propel a "mine" at an enemy from the ground. You will need a few household supplies as well as some specific items from a hardware store. Your airsoft-type trip mine will work in a similar fashion to that of the real thing, but will not be deadly or dangerous.

Instructions

1. Place bonding glue around the rim of the PVC cap. Place the PVC cap on one end of the PVC pipe. Let the bonding glue set for an hour.

2. Measure 4 inches in from the capped end of the PVC pipe. Drill a hole in the side of the PVC pipe at the 4 inch mark.

3. Measure the length of the cork. Cut through the cork at the halfway mark with the utility knife. Discard one of the cut halves of the cork.

4. Insert the spring in the open end of the PVC pipe. Insert the cork into the open end of the PVC pipe.

5. Push the cork and spring in towards the capped end of the PVC pipe with the tip of the flat-edged screwdriver. Keep pushing until the cork goes past the hole drilled in the side of the PVC pipe.

6. Place the nail into the hole in the side of the PVC pipe.

7. Apply bonding glue to one end of the 45 degree angle PVC pipe. Place the end of the 45 degree angle PVC pipe on the open end of the PVC pipe. Let the bonding glue set for two hours.

8. Go outside in your backyard. Lay the PVC pipe on the ground next to a tree. Rotate the PVC pipe so that the free end of the 45 degree angle PVC pipe is facing up. Conceal the PVC pipe with some leaves. Trail the string over to the tree. Tie the string around the tree.

9. Hide behind the tree. Wait for an enemy to walk through the string and pull the trigger out of the trip mine. Watch as the cork "mine" flies out from your airsoft-type trip mine and at the enemy.

Tags: bonding glue, trip mine, airsoft-type trip, airsoft-type trip mine, angle pipe, degree angle

Refill A Squadbuster With Orange Paint

Fill your grenade with paint.

Squadbuster paintball grenades are made of a long tube with two "bubbles." If you have finished a grenade, you can refill it to avoid purchasing a new grenade. You need all of the original parts of the grenade, including the BBs and the orange grenade cover. Some paintball players prefer to use a paint solution of equal parts paint and water while other players prefer to use pure paint for their grenades.

Instructions

1. Clamp the long tube in the center using the surgical tubing clamp.

2. Open the lid of the spray bottle and fill it with orange paint. Remove the tip from the nozzle of the spray bottle. Push one end of the tube onto the nozzle.

3. Pull the trigger of the spray bottle to fill the tube. There should be a large bubble in the tube. Continue pulling the trigger until the bubble is about the size of your hand.

4. Pinch the tube in front of the bottle and pull the tube off the nozzle.

5. Push the BB into the tube, on the side with the bubble.

6. Repeat the filling process on the other side of the tube. Pull the tube off the nozzle and bend the tube, so that the bubbles are parallel to each other.

7. Place the cap on the ends of the tube, so that it covers both tubes. Push the cap until it is tight. Remove the clamp and slide the grenade grips onto the grenade.

Tags: spray bottle, bottle fill, long tube, players prefer, spray bottle fill, tube nozzle

Build Your Own Holiday Package

Travel websites allow you to build your own holiday travel packages.

During the holiday season, travel in the United States increases. You might be visiting your family and friends back home, or taking a romantic vacation somewhere warm and tropical or cold and holiday-like. Whatever your reason for travel during the holidays, travel websites allow you to book complete holiday packages, which include everything-- your flight, your hotel, your rental car and even holiday activities. By building your own package, you get to choose every last detail yourself.

Instructions

1. Select a travel website such as Expedia.com, Travelocity.com or Orbitz.com. (See References.) Each offers you a number of vacation packages to choose from.

2. Visit the travel website of your choice. Choose the link for "Vacation Packages" and click on it.

3. Check the boxes indicating your travel needs, such as flights, hotels and rental cars or any combination.

4. Enter your departure and destination cities and choose your travel dates. The holiday season typically consists of days around Thanksgiving, Christmas and the New Year. But you can book your holiday travel for any holiday throughout the year.

5. Choose the number of hotel rooms you'd like to book and the number of travelers in your party by age. Depending on the travel website you are using, you might be asked to enter the age of any children younger than 18 in the party. Click "Search."

6. Browse the list of holiday vacation packages offered. Choose from specific flights, hotels and rental car types. Select your favorites from the list to build your package.

7. Review and confirm your holiday vacation package before you submit your personal information, payment information and itinerary.

Tags: travel website, flights hotels, flights hotels rental, holiday season, holiday travel, holiday vacation, hotels rental

Maintain A Paintball Gun

Paintball guns, commonly called "markers," are the main weaponry used in mock battles on paintball fields and other recreational grounds. Markers fire gelatinous balls of paint that enable participants to clearly tell where they have been hit and how many "kills" should be recorded. These weapons fill a variety of forms and functions on the paintball course. All paintball markers should be regularly cleaned, as careful maintenance enables the gun to last longer and perform better over time.

Instructions

1. Remove the tank from the weapon. Paintball markers should never be worked on with the compressed-air canister in place.

2. Clear away any paint or dirt from the exterior of the gun with a damp sponge. Use warm water and wipe away from the bolt and barrel to ensure that no debris gets into these parts.

3. Visually inspect the barrel. If the barrel has debris or paintballs jammed inside, these will need to be flushed.

4. Flush the barrel with warm water. Run the water into the barrel and allow it to soak until the debris rinses free. Paintballs break down in water and should roll out or dissolve.

5. Dry the gun with a soft cotton towel. Pay close attention to the bolt and barrel to ensure that water does not remain on these parts. Take care not to dislodge the O-rings, which hold the tank in place.

6. Replace any O-rings which show obvious signs of wear or damage. Damaged rings will not hold air correctly and could lead to a catastrophic failure, injuring the gun or its user, if they do not seal properly.

7. Add two to three drops of oil to all moving parts. This includes the bolt, hammer and any auto-feed system. Keep the oil away from the rings and any other rubber parts as it may damage these.

8. Attach the tank and fire three shots. Shooting the marker moves the oil into the parts, lubricating them for storage or future use.

Tags: away from, barrel ensure, barrel ensure that, bolt barrel, bolt barrel ensure, ensure that

Make A Marshmallow Bazooka

Marshmallow bazookas are one of the popular do-it-yourself toys of childhood.

Launching marshmallows is a popular pastime for adolescents. Children spend many hours in the backyard creating marshmallow bazookas and targets for practice and games. In addition to providing hours of fun, making a marshmallow bazooka allows a child to express his creativity in the design and decoration of the bazooka and develops hand-eye coordination when aiming at the targets. Building marshmallow bazookas is a fun idea for a birthday party activity or a casual play afternoon.

Instructions

1. Measure and cut the PVC pipe into two 7-inch pieces and six 3-inch pieces with a pipe cutter or hacksaw. Cut the pipe as straight as possible so that the pieces will connect properly to the fittings.

2. Connect one 7-inch long pipe to one of the arms of a T-fitting. Connect 3-inch pieces to each of the other openings in the T-fitting. The 7-inch and 3-inch pipes that are in line are part of the barrel of the bazooka. The 3-inch pipe that is perpendicular to the barrel is one handle of the marshmallow gun.

3. Connect another T-fitting to the 3-inch piece that is in a straight line with the 7-inch piece to extend the barrel of the marshmallow bazooka. Point the top of the T in the opposite direction from the first T-fitting. Connect 3-inch pipes to each of the open slots in this second T-fitting. This second T-fitting will later form the mouthpiece.

4. Connect the third T-fitting to the barrel of the marshmallow bazooka. Connect a 3-inch pipe at the opening that is perpendicular to the barrel to form the second handle and connect a 7-inch piece to the remaining opening. This 7-inch piece rests on your shoulder when using the marshmallow bazooka.

5. Place end caps over the end of the barrel that rests on your shoulder and both handle pieces. To increase the air pressure within the marshmallow bazooka, fill the handles and the barrel portion that rests on your shoulder with tissue.

6. Connect an elbow to the 3-inch PVC that points in the opposite direction from the handles (from Step 3). Attach the final 3-inch pipe to the elbow so that it is pointing away from the open end of the barrel. This is the mouthpiece.

Tags: marshmallow bazooka, 3-inch pipe, 7-inch piece, Connect 3-inch, rests your

Tools For Business Scenario Planning

Some companies use scenario planning to analyze possible product or service changes. For instance, ABC company might use scenario planning before accepting foreign currencies in its U.S. restaurants. Scenario planning can allow businesses to anticipate different market constraints or restrictions. Scenario planning will vary based on type of business and long-term goals, but generally should evaluate "what would happen if [fill in the blank] occurs." The best scenario plans will include thorough analysis to best prepare the business.

Basics

Scenario planning requires businesses to consider the impact that decisions will make. The decisions might relate to introducing new products or services, such as a fast-food company's product extension into specialty coffee drinks. Another example refers to international expansion, such as if a U.S. company wants to begin foreign operations. Some businesses might refer to scenario planning as contingency planning, given that its plan provides resources and alternatives in the event that an emergency arises or something goes wrong.

Analysis

There are several analytical tools that can be used for scenario planning. A simple method involves a SWOT analysis, which refers to strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. For instance, if a small business wants to expand into a new location, it should assess its strengths, which might include its marketing strategy or brand. Next, it must consider weaknesses, such as low capital to finance a new location or small sales growth. Then, the opportunities behind expansion should be analyzed, including differences in opening at one location versus another (e.g., in the same city or a different one). Lastly, the business should evaluate threats, such as existing competitors.

Emergency

Scenario planning might include establishing ways to maintain business operations in the event of a disaster or emergency. For instance, if your business were flooded, your scenario plan should describe how data would be retrieved. If your business operates on proprietary software, then your plan should consider restore all programs. The plan might specify procedures to contact employees or authorities, such as if a thief breaks into the office and steals expensive equipment. Contingency planning must be updated continuously; a plan designed in 1995 likely will be ineffective.

Tags: might include, plan should, Scenario planning, scenario planning, scenario planning, should evaluate, your business

Color War Game Ideas For Camp

Arm wrestling can be used as a color war game.

Color wars is a game played at summer camps in which the players are divided into teams, each of which is represented by a specific color. The teams compete against each other in a variety of games, tasks and challenges. Color wars can go on for a number of days and the team with the most points when all competitions are finished is the winner.

Flag Capture

One idea for a color war game is to capture the other team's flag. Each team should have a captain who helps plan strategies for finding the flag. The teams can make up lists of clues and maps that will lead seekers in the right direction. The teams can also set up false clues and booby-traps. The first team to capture the other team's flag is the winner.

Sports

Sporting competitions such as baseball, basketball, softball, soccer, tennis, Frisbee, horseshoes, arm wrestling and even disc throws can all be used for color war challenges. The winning team of each event gets a point for their team in the color war competition. Other games to consider are archery, skeet shooting, rock climbing and the ropes challenge course.

Races

Races are another option for a color war game. Races can include swimming, bicycles, relay races, three-legged races, sack-races, 50-yard and 500-yard dashes and one- and five-mile races. The team that wins each race will receive a point for the color war completion.

Scavenger Hunts

Scavenger hunts can be an exciting and challenging activity for a color war game. Each team gets a list of several items they must find and the team to complete their list first is the winner. Items can include a variety of things that can be found all around camp such as acorns, pine cones, bird feathers, bird nests, sunglasses, swim goggles, camp brochures, colored socks, band-aids and even specific types of leaves or bugs.

Tags: color game, capture other, capture other team, Color wars, Each team, other team, other team flag

Repair A Graco Xr9

Troubleshooting the Graco Magnum XR9 can be done in a few simple steps.

If you are like most, you may not have the time or the talent to spend the time painting your home or things in and around your home. The Graco, Inc. Magnum XR9 airless sprayer, model No. 232750, is the product of choice for many contract painters who need to paint small and medium jobs several times a month. It can operate with 100-percent acrylics and is useful for even very heavy coatings. Graco, Inc. notes that it is 23-percent more powerful than the Magnum XR7. If the device malfunctions, troubleshooting and repair are not complicated. Many times, the cause of the problem is the pump. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Check the Pressure of the Pump

1. If the pump cycles but does not build up pressure, there could be several causes. The first is that the pump may not be primed. To fix, prime the pump. If this does not solve the problem, you may request a pump repair kit, No. 243229, which consists of a control board. Graco's customer service can be reached by dialing 1-800-690-2894. Graco has a two-year warranty for the Magnum XR9 from the date of purchase.

2. Check the motor. The motor or control may be damaged. If the motor does not operate, ensure the power switch is on and the sprayer is plugged in. If the motor is still not working, paint may be frozen or hardened in the pump. Unplug the unit. If paint is frozen, do not start the unit until the paint has had a chance to thaw. Failure to do this may permanently damage the motor. After thawed, turn off the power switch. Place the sprayer in warm water for several hours. Then, plug in the unit and turn it on. Slowly increase the pressure until the motor starts. If the paint is hardened, replace the pump packings and remove all residue from the valves.

3. Check the electrical outlet. It may not be providing power. The circuit breaker may need to be reset. If this does not fix the problem, check the extension cord for damage. If it is damaged, contact your local dealer for a replacement cord.

4. Check if the sprayer's electric cord is damaged. Any broken insulation or wires can be replaced by getting a new electric cord.

Fix a Pump that Will Not Prime

5. Observe if the spray-prime drain/valve is in the "Spray" position. If it is, you will need to change the spray-prime drain/valve position to the "Prime/Drain" position, pointing downward.

6. Check that the inlet screen is not clogged and that the suction tube is immersed. If a clog is present, clean the debris off the inlet screen and make sure the suction tube is at the bottom of the paint pail.

7. Check to see if the balls in the check valves are stuck or if the check valves are damaged. If the balls are stuck, clean or replace the check valves. Do not place the check valves in water. If further help is needed, call customer service for a pump repair kit, No. 243229.

8. Inspect the suction tube. Sometimes, the suction tube may be leaking. If this is the case, tighten the suction tube connection and check for cracks or leaks.

9. Check to see if the spray gun has ceased spraying. A clog may be present in the sprayer and can be unclogged. More information on unclogging a spray tip can be found in the operations manual, No. 309226L.

Tags: suction tube, check valves, clog present, customer service, drain valve

Install An Ion Drop Forward

Drop forwards make paintball guns easier to handle.

A drop forward is a small device made to give a paintball gun easier handling and firing. The drop forward cradles the air bladder, typically on the top of the gun, so that the center of gravity shifts on the gun and lowers the air bladder for better viewing for sighting. There are different forms of drop forwards. Ion Paintball Guns are made by SmartParts, and the drop forward made for the guns is a simple device that requires a single tool for installation.

Instructions

1. Disconnect the air hose leading to the air tank on the top of the Ion gun. Bleed the excess air from the tank and pull off the top of the gun.

2. Unscrew the CO2 cap on the Ion top using a small screwdriver.

3. Slide the drop-down sleeve over the CO2 screw hole and screw into position. Place the air tank over the drop down.

4. Push the air tank forward, setting the angle to your liking. Tighten further on the CO2 screw.

5. Pump the air tank, load the gun and play paintball.

Tags: drop forward