Starting Salaries For A Professional Basketball Player

The starting salary of an NBA player is set by the collective bargaining agreement at $473,604 for the 2010-2011 season.

A first-year National Basketball Association player doesn't need to worry about money, relatively speaking, but in other professional leagues he won't be as lucky. An NBA player in his first year of service in the league will make a minimum of $473,604 in the 2010-2011 season. In the Development League, rookie salary is about about $12,000. In Europe, the salary for rookie players under contract with teams in the Euroleague, the elite pro basketball league, is about $100,000.

NBA

As mandated by the collective bargaining agreement, an NBA rookie will make a minimum of $473,604 for the 2010-2011 season. The starting salary in 2011-2012 was agreed upon to be $490,180. The minimum an NBA player can make depends on his years of service. For example, after playing for one season, the minimum salary rises to $762,195 in 2010-2011 and $788,872 in 2011-2012. That number increases to what is referred to as the veterans minimum. After 10 years in the NBA, a player makes a minimum of $1,352,181 in 2010-2011 and $1,399,507 in 2011-2012.

NBA-DL

The National Basketball Association Development League is, essentially, a minor league for the NBA. Players here are paid very small amounts of money, much of which is often provided by the NBA. D-League salaries start at around $12,000 and hit a ceiling of $25,500. While some American players choose the D-League because it is based in the United States, other decide that it is not enough money to support themselves and instead go to Europe.

Europe

The starting salaries of players in the Euroleague, the elite professional basketball league in Europe, is around $100,000. NBA players have been known to go to Europe, and vice versa, though generally are not compensated as well. However, that has changed in recent times as Josh Childress signed a $20 million multi-year contract in 2008 and Linas Kleiza signed a $12.2 million deal in 2009. Both have since returned to the NBA, Childress now playing for the Phoenix Suns and Kleiza for the Toronto Raptors.

Comparison

In comparison to their peers, first-year NBA players earn around the same amount of money as those in Major League Baseball and the National Hockey League. In MLB, according to its collective bargaining agreement with the MLB Players Union, the minimum salary of during the 2010 season was $400,000. In the NHL, the minimum salary was $500,000 for the 2010-2011 season.

Tags: 2010-2011 season, bargaining agreement, collective bargaining, collective bargaining agreement, minimum 2010-2011, minimum salary

Customize Balloons

Customizing your balloons is a good way to add a personal feel to any party or celebration. Many companies can imprint pictures, logos, designs or phrases onto your balloons. You can also choose among a one-sided imprint, a two-sided imprint or an all-around imprint. Once you know how you want to customize your balloons, ordering them is the easy part. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Decide how you want to customize your balloons. You can have a phrase, a picture, a design or all three on your balloons. You also need to decide how many sides to imprint.

2. Decide what size and color balloons you want. Most balloons come in 10, 12 or 17 inches, as well as a wide variety of colors.

3. Decide how many balloons you want. Most companies sell packages starting at 100 balloons. If you're looking to order a large number, such as 5,000 to 10,000 balloons, expect a longer wait for production.

4. Go to your local party store with your design idea. If you're using a picture, black and white is usually better, because not many balloon companies imprint color pictures onto their balloons. If you don't have a party store close by, you can go online and find plenty of companies that customize balloons. Some even promise to ship your order out within one business day.

Tags: your balloons, balloons also, balloons have, balloons want, balloons want Most, companies imprint

Where Get Oxygen Tanks Filled

Medical grade oxygen tanks (cylinders) are usually made of aluminum and come in a variety of sizes. The cylinders store oxygen as compressed gas or liquid and dispense oxygen for human medical use through a nasal cannula or oxygen mask. If you use portable compressed medical oxygen for an extended period of time, or if you use a stationary liquid oxygen system, you will need to have your oxygen tanks refilled at some point.

Types

Home Refill Systems

The most convenient way to refill your medical oxygen tanks is to do it at home with a personal oxygen tank refill system. Although they are expensive (as of late 2009, these run $3,000 to $5,000 or more), a home refill system allows you the freedom of refilling your own oxygen tanks as needed in your own home. Some models even double as stationary oxygen concentrators to fulfill your home oxygen needs. Ask your caseworker or home medical supply representative to check with your insurance provider to find out if coverage is provided under your policy. Be sure to have your home medical supply representative go over safety procedures with you when the equipment is delivered.

Oxygen Delivery Services

Most home oxygen suppliers offer a refill and delivery service. If you use a home medical supply company to serve your oxygen needs, they will also pick up and refill your oxygen tanks and deliver them to your home. This service is generally covered by most insurance providers, but be sure to check with your caseworker, supply representative or insurance company representative to find out if you qualify for oxygen refill and home delivery benefits. Home delivery may be the most practical option for patients with limited portable oxygen needs.

Time Frame

Depending on the method and the size of the tank, refilling an oxygen tank can take anywhere from an hour to several hours if refilled with a home system. Turnaround time for home oxygen refill services will vary depending on your supplier.

Misconceptions

There is no such thing as a consumer-level public oxygen filling station. Medical oxygen tanks must be filled by a licensed oxygen supplier or by the consumer with an FDA approved home refill system.

Special Considerations

Refilling oxygen tanks while traveling can present some challenges, so planning ahead is imperative. If traveling by car, try to bring enough oxygen tanks to last through your trip. If that isn't practical, call your physician or local oxygen supplier and ask for his advice and assistance about where to have your oxygen tanks refilled while you are on the road.

Warning

Compressed oxygen tanks pose combustion and fire hazards. Always consult your home oxygen supplier for information on safely handling, refilling, storing and transporting your oxygen cylinders.

Tags: oxygen tanks, your oxygen, your home, home oxygen, your oxygen tanks

Put A Hopper On A Project Salvo Paintball Gun

Specialty paintball guns, like the project salvo, are often used by militaries for training exercises.

Installing a hopper on the Tippmann Project Salvo paintball gun is simple. The Project Salvo is a specialty paintball gun manufactured by Tippmann and branded for the U.S. Army. The gun is based off of the Tippmann 98 and has been changed to accommodate military simulation, or mil-sim, type games. The paintball gun can make use of a standard hopper for holding paint or one compatible with a cyclone-type feeding system if the cyclone is installed. It is normally not necessary to install a cyclone feeding system unless you have installed an electronic trigger, or E-trigger, on the paintball gun.

Instructions

1. Place the barrel-blocking device over the barrel and press the safety knob near the trigger on the left side of the gun.

2. Remove any paintballs or paint still in the feed elbow of the gun. This will keep the feeding operation working smoothly.

3. Insert the hopper into the feed elbow and tighten down the screw with the Allen wrench. Take care not to over-tighten the screw and break the plastic.

Tags: feed elbow, feeding system, Project Salvo

Find Out Who A Gun Is Registered To

Many guns manufactured before 1968 are untraceable.

The federal Gun Control Act of 1968 mandated that all firearms have a serial number and that everyone who buys a gun fill out federal Form 4473. The form records the name, address, driver's license information and background check information of the buyer as well as the model and serial number of the gun. Licensed gun dealers are required to keep these forms for as long as they are in business, then surrender them to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). If you are a police officer, you can trace a gun by accessing an ATF information system called "eTrace."

Instructions

1. Recover a gun you want to trace. Write down the serial number on the gun if it is available. If you are trying to trace a gun without a serial number, submit the weapon to the ATF where various techniques may be used to recover serial numbers that have been mechanically or chemically removed from legally manufactured firearms.

2. Log on to the eTrace website at https://www.atfonline.gov/etrace. Enter the manufacturer, type, caliber, barrel length and serial number of the weapon. The ATF answers critical trace requests within 24 hours

3. Print out the ATF trace response. The one-page trace response will include the manufacturer, wholesale gun dealer and retail gun dealer who sold the weapon. The trace response will also list previous trace requests for the same weapon.

4. Go to the retail gun dealer who sold the firearm to a customer. Examine the Form 4473 for that weapon. Determine the first retail customer for that weapon.

5. Interrogate the first retail owner of the weapon. Determine if he sold the weapon and if he required the buyer to complete Form 4473. The last owner of a firearm to complete Form 4473 is usually called the "registered owner."

Tags: serial number, Form 4473, trace response, complete Form, complete Form 4473, dealer sold, first retail

Connect A Soda Siphon To A Co2 Tank

Find out set up a soda siphon.

Soda siphon tubes are used to mix carbonated water with a soda syrup solution. A CO2 tank is used to carbonate the water in the bottle, before the water is siphoned out of the bottle. While the form factor of the water bottle and its CO2 holder, will vary between models and manufacturers, the principles of soda siphoning are essentially the same. Before you start siphoning carbonated water with your soda siphon, a brief overview of the process can help you gain some perspective on the procedure. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Unscrew the siphon head from the soda siphon bottle. Fill the bottle with chilled water, up to the bottle's fill line.

2. Insert the siphon tube into the bottle, plugging the bottle with the head of the tube. Replace the siphon head.

3. Insert your CO2 tube into the siphon's CO2 tube holder -- insert the CO2 cartridge into the holder, rear end first. Screw the CO2 tube and holder combination onto the CO2 port on the siphon head -- the CO2 should have exterior threading. Fully tighten the bottle and holder combination. When the bottle and holder are attached to the siphon head, CO2 is immediately release into the soda bottle.

4. Connect the soda siphon tube to the siphon adapter's, siphon arm. Push the mouth over the end of the siphon adapter.

5. Remove the CO2 and holder, and then screw the CO2 port's cap over the CO2 port. Shake the soda siphon bottle for roughly a minute, and then refrigerate the bottle for at least an hour.

Tags: siphon head, bottle holder, siphon tube, soda siphon, water bottle, bottle with, carbonated water

Make Airsoft Claymores

Airsoft is a style of mock skirmish battle that most resembles paintball or military training exercises. Participants use firearms that shoot plastic BBs with compressed air at their opponents. While airsoft rifles make up the bulk of the gear, additional weapons such as grenades and mines have become commonplace. Making a claymore need not be expensive or overly complicated as long as you have a steady hand and a good eye for where to use them.

Instructions

1. Use your knife to remove the paper covering on the end of the popper. Do not cut this covering and be sure to point the popper away from your face and body as you do so.

2. Empty the party string and other contents. Shake these out; do not try to put your knife any further in as it is likely to discharge the popper.

3. Fill the popper with BBs and replace the paper cover. This will usually be about 20 to 25 BBs.

4. Tie one end of a fishing line segment to the end of the popper's drawstring and the other to a wood staple or eyelet. Set the eyelet into the ground or wherever you wish to start your trip wire.

5. Screw the eyelet/staple into a barrier near the ground or wherever you wish to start your trip wire.

6. Using another wood staple or eyelet, hang the newly constructed mine in a tree or other solid structure. Ensure that the popper is aiming outwards towards your opponent and is not at face level.

Tags: your trip wire, ground wherever, ground wherever wish, staple eyelet, start your, start your trip

Homemade Paintball Sniper Rifle

The sniper is an important tactical component for identifying and eliminating hostile threats that are too far away for a standard paintball gun. Sniper rifles typically have barrels that are 16 to 22 inches in length and semi-automatic rates of fire. Sniper rifles on the paintball field are also larger and longer than their pistol counterparts. These rifles have a distinct advantage over regular paintball guns because you can accurately engage your target before they can engage you.

Frame Selection

Any paintball gun can be turned into a makeshift sniper rifle. Select a frame that is comfortable and the profile that you would like to use. The trigger housing is not as important as the barrel system on the rifle so choose your frame based on three factors: Price, comfort and the amount of possible upgrades. Because sniping is a specialty, you will probably have to modify the gun with aftermarket upgrades, so having a lot of choices is important.

Barrel slection

The most important part of a sniper rifle is a good barrel. The sniper barrel guides the rounds downrange by providing more stability than a standard-length barrel. This longer length results in more accuracy at greater distances. Standard length for a sniping barrel is between 14 and 22 inches. This is significantly longer than the eight- to 10-inch barrel of most paintball pistols. Another option to consider when selecting a barrel is called rifling. Rifling is a series of small holes that are cut into the barrel to dissipate noise and reduce the overall weight of the gun.

Rifle usage

A sniper rifle is an extremely effective weapon at long range, however they are difficult to use at close range due to their overall length and weight. Sniper rifles utilize sights which magnify objects when looking at them through what's known as the scope. Scopes are designed solely for usage at long distances and are useless at short distances. If you plan on engaging in both long-range and close-up battles, select sights that will allow you do both activities. Ring sights, or open sights, are a good option for this type of strategies but they do not provide magnification like a scope would.

Tags: sniper rifle, Sniper rifles, longer than

Install A Gas Spring In An Air Rifle

Air rifles fire a projectile with a blast of compressed air.

Air rifles are designed to project a pellet with compressed gas (air), usually created by the release of a cocked piston under the force of a spring. Over time the spring can lose some of its tension and power, especially if it has been left in the cocked position, leaving pressure on the spring. As some air rifles are capable of firing their projectiles at speeds of up to 1,200 feet per second, the springs are too strong to be compressed by hand. To install a new spring in an air rifle, you will need a press to compress the spring and an air gun spring kit that includes a new spring, seal and lubricant.

Instructions

1. Lay the air rifle alongside the spring press and turn the handle on the press until it opens far enough to accept the rifle, from the end of the stock to the tip of magazine cover (below the barrel).

2. Insert the rifle into the press and turn the handle of the press until the plate at the end of the shaft of the press contacts the magazine cover. Remove the screws on the side of the magazine cover with the screwdriver.

3. Turn the handle of the press counterclockwise, releasing pressure on the magazine cover, allowing the spring to expand and push the magazine cover off the rifle. Continue turning the press handle until all tension has been released from the spring.

4. Remove the rifle from the press and pull the spring, and the attached piston, out of the gun with your hand.

5. Hold the piston in one hand and the spring in the other and twist the spring free from the piston. Pry the rubber piston seal from its groove on the back of the piston with a screwdriver, using care not to gouge the piston. Apply gun cleaner to the cloth and wipe the spring and the piston.

6. Coat the new rubber piston seal with lubricant, working it in well with your fingers. Gently stretch the seal over the end of the piston, seating it into the groove. Apply lubricant to the cloth and coat the new spring. Twist the spring into the piston and apply a second coat of lubricant to the piston and rubber seal with the cloth.

7. Insert the piston and spring (piston first) back into the rifle and place the rifle in the press. Place the magazine cover over the end of the air rifle spring. Turn the handle of the press until the piston and spring are completely seated in the rifle, with the magazine cover in full contact with the end of the magazine. Inert the screws into the magazine cover and tighten with the screwdriver. Remove the gun from the press.

Tags: magazine cover, handle press, handle press until, press until, with screwdriver, from press

Sites For Children'S Birthday Parties In Virginia

The budding gymnast can perfect her moves at a gymnastics-themed birthday party.

Kids in Virginia can find plenty of ways to celebrate their birthday regardless of their interests. Parents can keep their houses clean by finding a local business to take on the task of hosting the birthday party and can find party activities from gymnastics to paintball. Consider what elements you want and find out if you can add items to the party package. Does this Spark an idea?

Virginia Aquarium

Virginia Beach's Virginia Aquarium is the ideal spot for a birthday party for the kid who loves the sea. The guest of honor and his friends can experience marine life firsthand, and parents can choose from a variety of party packages. Kids ages 3 to 12 can participate in the Marsh Animal Party, where they get up close and personal with amphibians and reptiles before going on a bird scavenger hunt. Party packages include invitations, party hats, activity booklets and an aquarium educator to oversee the party.

Richmond Olympiad Gymnastics Party

The birthday girl who dreams of becoming an Olympic gymnast will enjoy a birthday party at the Richmond Olympiad gym. Party guests can be as young as toddlers and as old as 12. Instructors will oversee gymnastics activities and games for guests. Kids participate in the activities for a full hour and then have another 45 minutes to enjoy food and drinks. Richmond Olympiad has four locations that host parties -- Trade Road, Chesterfield, Innsbrook and Hanover.

Young Chefs' Academy

Kids who love to cook will enjoy celebrating their birthday at Richmond's Young Chefs' Academy. The guest of honor and his friends will enjoy 90 minutes of hands-on cooking experience. Several themed parties are available, from the perfect pizza or perfect pasta party to the "Take Me Out to the Ballgame Party," where guests create hot dogs and baseball cupcakes. Parents can add on surprises like an ice cream bar, chef hats for each guest or goody bags as well.

Skyline Paintball

Located in Strasburg, Skyline Paintball plays host to an active birthday party for older kids who aren't afraid of getting their hands dirty. Skyline offers a number of private party packages depending on the number of guests you plan to have. Kids will wear themselves out playing paintball for two hours. Parents can add time to the package as well as extras like an ice-cream cake, which will cool the kids off after a rousing round or two of paintball.

Tags: birthday party, Richmond Olympiad, will enjoy, Chefs Academy, guest honor, guest honor friends, honor friends

Paint Chinese Symbols

Paint Chinese Symbols

The art of painting Chinese symbols is known as Chinese calligraphy. It is both a practical technique and an expression of art, which is intricate, precise, and not particularly easy to learn. Mastering Chinese calligraphy requires patience and understanding of the art. Before you will be able to properly execute a Chinese symbol, you will first have to study the seven strokes used in the calligraphy.

Instructions

1. Dip a Chinese calligraphy paintbrush into some calligraphy ink. Hold the brush in a completely vertical position, making sure your palms aren't touching the paintbrush. Begin painting the strokes of the Chinese symbol you prefer to paint, using an image as a reference. The seven strokes that are used in Chinese calligraphy are the dot, horizontal dash, left and right sweeping downward strokes, vertical line, and two kinds of sharp curves.

2. Place the tip of the brush on a piece of paper and move it a tad to the left and slightly upward to create a dot stroke. There is not just one dot position; in fact, dots used in Chinese symbols are always turned in the same direction as the rest of the symbol, so that the entire symbol looks in sync as a whole. This means that some dots will be turned inward, and some will be turned outward.

3. Swish the brush in motion that goes from left to right to create a dash. The ends of the dash should be slightly fatter than the center.

4. Execute any downstrokes by moving the paintbrush from left to right to downward. Slightly press the middle of the paintbrush toward the paper as you make the downward stroke. The top of the downward stroke should be the thickest part and should taper off to a slightly curved point. Study the image of the Chinese symbol you are trying to paint and look for any edges that are thicker than others. These edges are the ones where the stroke began, and the pointed or skinnier ends are where the stroke ends.

5. Create any hooks that the Chinese character may have by painting a sideways 'U' shape, holding the paintbrush vertically the entire time you paint.

6. Practice continually on different pieces of paper until you are confident in your skill. Allow the ink to dry, and make sure to wash the paintbrush as soon as you are finished to avoid staining it with the ink.

Tags: Chinese calligraphy, Chinese symbol, left right, downward stroke, from left, from left right

Make Invitations On Facebook

Make Invitations on Facebook

Facebook started out as a social network for college students, but has now become popular among high school students, companies, church groups, book clubs and other social groups. One option that makes Facebook so popular is the ability to quickly and simply create invitations for any kind of event. It also allows you to invite people directly through the website and keeps track of your guests' responses to the event so that you can see how many people are attending, not attending or are unsure.

Instructions

1. Log in to your Facebook account. This will take you to your home screen.

2. Click on the calendar icon labeled "Events" in the box labeled "Applications." There is also a toolbar at the bottom of the page that appears on every page within Facebook. If you click the calendar icon on this toolbar it will also take you to your Events page.

3. Click the button that says "Create an Event." This takes you to the first step of the Invitations Creation page.

4. Fill in all the required information for your event in the blanks. You must put an event name, host, event type and location. You can also choose to put a tagline for your event title, a description, the start and end time, and a contact phone number or email. When you are finished, click "Create Event."

5. Customize your invitation on the next page. You can choose to upload a picture and customize the privacy level of your event. There is an option to let guests know if they can bring friends. You can also enable or disable wall posts, video posts, photo posts and posted items by the guests. The last option on the page is "Access," which determines if the event is open, closed or secret. These options are described in detail on the page. When you are finished, click "Save."

6. Determine who you want to invite and include them in the "Guest List" on the final page. All of your Facebook friends are listed in the box on the right side under "Invite Friends." When you check the box next to a person's name he is added to the list. There is also a box where you can invite people who do not have Facebook accounts by entering their email addresses. Once you have finished your list, you can add a personal message that will be sent with the invitation. Click "Send Invitations." Your event has now been created and the invitations have been sent.

Tags: calendar icon, Create Event, finished click, Invitations Facebook, invite people

Sew On Knee Patches

Sew on Knee Patches

Fortunately, repairs like sewing on patches to the knees of trousers and pants are simple to master. You can make your clothes go that extra mile or give them a whole new look when you learn sew on knee patches. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Prepare the Patch

1. Size up the hole you need to cover in the knee of your pants. This size will help dictate the amount of fabric you will need to patch it.

2. Cut a patch at least 1 inch larger than the hole to be patched all around. If you are trying to make this as invisible a repair as possible, be sure to select a matching fabric and cut the patch so that it follows the woven or printed pattern of your pants.

3. Fuse double-sided fusible to the patch, following the manufacturer's instructions. It should be applied to the outer 1-inch edge, on whichever side of the patch you wish to affix to your pants.

Repair Your Pants

4. Remove the protective paper from the fused side of your patch. The fusible web will now be exposed and ready to apply to your pants.

5. Position the patch over or under the hole you wish to repair. Be sure to observe grain lines when positioning your patch--they should match those of the pants to which it is being applied.

6. Affix the patch with a hot iron, again following the manufacturer's instructions regarding temperature and use of steam. You must be certain that the edges are firmly affixed before proceeding.

7. Use a needle threaded with matching thread to catch the edges of the damaged area to the patch if you have applied it to the underside of your pants. If you are highly skilled at sewing, you may be able to duplicate the woven structure of the fabric to the point that your stitches will be invisible.

8. Sew decorative stitches around the patch with embroidery floss if you affix it to the right side of your pants to create a shabby chic look.

Tags: your pants, following manufacturer, following manufacturer instructions, Knee Patches, manufacturer instructions, patch with, side your

Make Airsoft Mines

Airsoft weapons enable a person to pretend to be fighting in a war without any of the risks of real combat. An airsoft "mine" will let you take out your foes while you watch in safety from a distance. You will need a few items from a party store, about an hour of time and adult supervision if you are underage. The airsoft mine will "explode" when you pull the trigger string, so expect there to be a lot of commotion when it goes off.

Instructions

1. Put the newspaper down on a table. Peel the paper off of the bottom of the party popper with the needle nosed pliers.

2. Put the party popper down on the newspaper. Use your fingers to pull out all of the streamer paper from the inside of the party popper.

3. Rub a piece of modeling clay between your palms to form a small ball. Repeat this process 29 more times to make 30 small balls in all.

4. Place the 30 small balls into the open end of the party popper. Place the paper that was removed back into the open end of the party popper. Crinkle the edges of the paper to adhere it to the sides of the party popper.

5. Tie the end of the string from the spool to the string attached to the party popper. Go into your backyard, and wedge the party popper against a tree or a lawn chair so that the cardboard end is facing up.

6. Unwind the string from the spool and hide behind a wall. Pull the string and watch the clay balls fly through the air as your airsoft "mine" explodes.

Tags: party popper, airsoft mine, airsoft mine will, from spool, into open, into open party, mine will

Gold Plate Gun Parts

Attention to detail is necessary when gold-plating guns.

Gold plating an object serves two purposes. It can be done for purely aesthetic reasons or to prevent the corrosion of metallic objects. Gun parts are often gold-plated for both these reasons. There are several methods of gold plating; some of these involve purchasing expensive equipment.

You can gold-plate gun parts at home. You will need sheets of gold leaf and certain chemicals to prepare and seal the surface. Cutting the gold leaf into smaller sections will make it easier to apply to the surface of a gun.

Instructions

Instructions

1. Disassemble your gun as per your weapon's requirements. This will break down the gun into workable parts that will be easier to manipulate.

2. Mark off the sections you want to gold plate; use masking tape. Apply a coating of gold-leaf adhesive to the desired sections with a brush. Spread the adhesive evenly to prevent puddles of liquid. Wash the brush immediately afterward with soapy water.

3. Allow the adhesive to begin drying. The adhesive will first appear a milky white, but should become clean within one hour. The gold leaf will only adhere to the surface once it becomes clear and tacky. Remove the masking tape after the adhesive has been applied.

4. Sprinkle 1/2-tsp. pumice powder onto a gilding cushion. A gilding cushion is a flat, leather cushion used for preparing gold leaf for application. Spread the powder evenly over the surface of the cushion with the back of a flat-edged gilding knife.

5. Remove a leaf from your gold-leaf book. Slide the gilding knife under the leaf and carefully lift it up. Lay the leaf out as flat as possible on the gilding cushion. Cut the leaf into workable pieces using the blade-edge of the knife.

6. Place a dab of petroleum jelly on the back of your clean, dry hand. Press a cotton ball into the jelly so a small portion is transferred. Touch the jelly-covered section of the cotton ball to a piece of gold leaf to lift it.

7. Apply the gold leaf to the tacky surface of the gun. Smooth it flat with a soft-bristled brush. Continue applying pieces of gold leaf to the gun parts, overlapping slightly where the pieces meet. Patch any tears in the gold leaf by applying a second coating of adhesive and more gold leaf.

8. Seal the gold plating by brushing on a sealer. Allow it to dry for approximately two hours. Reassemble your gun.

Tags: gold leaf, gilding cushion, cotton ball, gilding knife, gold plating

Fill A Co2 Tank

Whether you're using CO2 to keep the plants in your aquarium alive and healthy or for use in your paintball gun, it can be quite expensive to constantly replace spent CO2 tanks. Refilling these tanks can be a cost-saver, but not without first understanding refill the tank. If you are a novice, it's better to let a professional refill your tank the first time around, as this is not an easy task for just anyone.

Instructions

1. Be certain that the tank you intend to refill is completely empty. The best way to do this is to screw the CO2 tank into a disconnected air source adapter and let the tank bleed empty. If your CO2 tank is for a paintball gun, another method to empty the tank is to connect it to a paintball gun and repeatedly (and slowly) squeeze the trigger until you no longer feel a discharge of cold air from the barrel. Both methods are to make sure that the scales (see Step 3) are able to be zeroed properly later on, as well as for safety purposes.

2. Cool your empty CO2 tank by placing it in the freezer overnight. This helps condense the liquid CO2 in the tank.

3. Use a digital hanging scale to zero the CO2 tank. These scales can be purchased at most stores that deal in CO2 tanks and are often provided for use at public CO2 refill stations located at many sporting goods stores.

4. Connect your CO2 tank to the refill station. Ensure the connections are firm and sealed, to prevent any spillage.

5. Open both the cylinder valve (the one that looks like a wheel faucet) and your ball valve (the valve that looks like a handle) marked No. 1 completely to begin filling the CO2 tank. Fill the tank to between 80 percent and within a half-ounce of total capacity.

6. Close the cylinder valve and open the valve marked No. 2 to drain any liquid CO2 still in the hose.

7. Remove the CO2 tank from the refill station. Place the CO2 tank back on the hanging scale to make sure that the tank is not too heavy, which indicates that you have overfilled it. Should you overfill the tank, bleed some of the CO2 out using an air source adapter or by using the same connections to the refill station that you used to fill the tank.

Tags: refill station, your tank, cylinder valve, empty tank, hanging scale, looks like

Build A Paintball C02 Fill Station

Paintballs at the ready.

Being able to use and operate a CO2 filling staying is very helpful if you want to own a paintball business or simply fill your tank after a round of paintball. These filling stations may represent a large initial investment, but filling CO2 tanks can be extremely profitable.

Instructions

1. Choose a location suitable for your paintball CO2 filling station. Basements and garages are good spots if you are building a station for your house. If you are building one for a store, make sure that all of your equipment is behind the store counter and out of reach of customers.

2. Connect your CO2 tank refill kit to your commercial CO2 cylinder. Kits differ in options and parts, but each kit will have one hose that attaches to the CO2 cylinder and another that attaches to CO2 tanks that need to be filled. Make sure all attachments are tight and that there is no leaking.

3. Place the table near your CO2 tank and CO2 refill kit. It is very helpful to have a place where you can keep parts and components neat and within reach. Also, keep your CO2 tank fill diagram on the desk. This diagram will give you exact information on the appropriate weight of CO2 tanks before and after filling them.

4. Place the scale on the table. A scale will weigh the tank before and during the filling process. Make sure you place the scale close to the CO2 refill kit. It is important to have an accurate scale that measures weight in ounces.

Tags: your tank, your tank refill, Make sure, tank refill, that attaches

New Jersey Restrictions On Air Guns

Air guns shouldn't be treated as toys.

New Jersey legislation has strict rules and regulations in effect regarding firearms within the state. Under state definition, air guns are classified as general firearms and must be treated as such both by civilians and law enforcement, especially due to how realistic air guns can be made to look.

Definition

According to New Jersey's chapter on firearms and weapons, a firearm is defined as any hand gun, rifle, shot gun, machine gun, automatic or semi-automatic device that fires or ejects a projectile by means of any gas, vapor, flammable or explosive substance. This includes air guns, spring guns or other firearms that use compressed air to eject a bullet or similar missile. Thus, air guns fall under all restrictive use policies in place concerning firearms.

Sale of Air Guns

In order to sell an air gun, a person must be a licensed or registered retail or wholesale dealer in possession of a valid firearms purchaser identification card. The only individuals this restriction doesn't apply to are people in the military or law enforcement. To obtain a firearms purchaser ID card, you must submit an application form available from any local or state New Jersey police department or from a licensed firearms dealer.

Purchase of Air Guns

To purchase an air gun, you must be at least 18 years of age and have a New Jersey firearms ID card. You must also have no criminal record, must pass a drug test, and prove you are within the physical and mental standards required to handle a firearm. The only exceptions to these air gun purchasing restrictions is if an individual has previously suffered from a physical or mental handicap, or alcoholism, but now has a certificate or other form of proof from a doctor or psychiatrist proving that he no longer suffers from such a disability.

Handling of Air Guns

Most air guns are sold with an orange tip on the end, which indicates it is not a true gun, but one used for recreation in sports such as paintball or indoors target practice. When in possession of an air gun, it is required that the orange tip never be removed as this only increases the chance that the air gun will be mistaken for a lethal firearm and seen as a public threat. In order to transport an air gun, the owner must also be in possession of his New Jersey firearm ID card.

Tags: card must, firearms purchaser, must also, physical mental

Get Past The Tank In "Uncharted 2"

Chapter 20 in "Uncharted 2: Among Thieves," titled "Cat and Mouse," has the player chased by a tank across rooftops and through the streets of a Tibetan town. Do not try and fight the tank until you reach the end of the section because you will not be adequately equipped until that point. To get past the tank, you must move between pieces of cover in the areas where it chases you. Move quickly to avoid its weapons and you will eventually be able to confront and destroy it.

Instructions

1. Run forward and stick to the right side. Kill the few guards in the area if you encounter them, then continue forward, up the stairs. Crouch behind the stone wall while Tamzin opens the locked door. Go through the door when it is open and restock on supplies inside.

2. Vault over the wall where the window is and then run forward through the tunnel. Kill the guard at the end of the tunnel and then head left, up the stairs and kill the guard here.

3. Take cover against the wall and kill the three enemies on the rooftop. Follow Tamzin over the tall wall and follow the wooden path around to the open compound.

4. Take cover as soon as you see the tank appear in this area. Quickly move between pieces of cover when the tank is not shooting in your direction. Follow Tamzin through the street area to an area with supplies.

5. Continue down the street and take cover as necessary to avoid the tank. Kill any enemies that get in your way, but do not stay in one spot for too long. Turn left as soon as you can and go up the stairs to the balcony and the red bridge.

6. Run toward the camera when the bridge is destroyed and jump through the window at the end of the ledge. Climb the ladder in this room and jump through the gaps in the wall between buildings. Kill all enemies you encounter along the way. Approach the wood that blocks your exit and press the "Triangle" button repeatedly when the game prompts you.

7. Jump through the exit you just cleared and swing from the pipe to the wall. Vault over the wall and then jump to the window ledge and pull yourself up.

8. Follow the path forward and stick to the right side. Kill all enemies along the way. Jump down the snow-covered platforms when you reach them.

9. Follow the snowy patch around the cliff until it narrows to a thin ledge. Press up against the wall next to the ledge and continue to move right to shimmy along. Climb up onto the platform when it is wide enough to accommodate you. Jump across the rooftops ahead and then climb up through the gap in the fence.

10. Run away from the tank, around the corner to the left and up the stairs to meet Tamzin. Follow him into the building and take out the enemy inside.

11. Head through the back door and kill the enemy out here. Climb up the ladder to the roof and kill the guard at the top. Take his RPG and then jump off the roof to the left.

12. Enter the building, exit through the backdoor and then go up the stairs to the roof. Kill all enemies along the way. Jump across the rooftops and follow them until you reach a narrow corridor. Climb the ladder at the end.

13. Turn around when you reach the top of the ladder and jump up to the roof above. Take cover behind the wall here and shoot the snipers in the building opposite. Move left when they are dead and go to the zip-line in the corner.

14. Press "Triangle" when the prompt appears to travel down the zip-line into the building you just cleared. Kill any enemies remaining and then collect the RPGs in the area. Shoot the tank four times with the RPGs.

Tags: Kill enemies, across rooftops, Climb ladder, Take cover, against wall, along Jump, between pieces

Build A Knife Throwing Tripod

The three legs of a tripod must be joined properly.

A knife throwing target can consist of anything from shipping pallets to bails of hay. One common type of target is a tripod mount, which allows the target to be easily elevated to the thrower's eye level. A tripod will remain stable when impacted by the knife, and it is much more mobile than a four-legged structure because the tripod can be folded up and hauled away. Construction of this useful target stand is simple.

Instructions

1. Bolt the legs together. The legs should meet at the top of the tripod. Drill through each leg, then insert the bolt through all three. Fasten the wing nut on the bolt, leaving a few inches of "wiggle room" for the legs.

2. Attach the wood scraps to the front legs. The leg which is in between the others on the bolt will be the back leg. The other two legs will face forward. Screw a piece of scrap wood onto each of the front legs at the same height. The scraps should extend forward on the legs to make a rest for the tree trunk section. Make sure the scraps are sturdy enough and at the same height so that the trunk section will rest securely in place.

3. Rope together the legs. Insert a screw halfway into the outside of each leg. Then insert another screw one inch above each of these screws. Tie a rope around the legs so that it falls between the screws. This will ensure that your legs do not expand too wide and collapse.

4. Place the trunk section on the scraps of wood. You may tilt the tripod wider or narrower using longer or shorter pieces of rope. The trunk section should rest on the front legs at your eye level. The trunk section works as your target. It is thick, durable and will hold a properly thrown knife.

Tags: trunk section, front legs, same height, together legs

Things To Do With Kids In Victorville California

Family vacations in California conjure up images of Disneyland, Universal Studios tours and building sand castles on the beach. However, other areas of the state also offer fun activities for kids, and Victorville, California, is no exception. Victorville lies is about 100 miles north of Los Angeles in the southern section of the state, bordering both mountains and desert. Although home to fewer than 100,000 residents, Victorville affords various opportunities for family fun, according to the city's website.

Outdoors Fun

Mojave Narrows Regional Park is a beautiful site for kids to enjoy the outdoors. Children use the playground and water play areas, taking time to sit together at the picnic tables, both open and protected, for meals cooked over the barbeque grills there. The park also offers overnight camping. Kids fish all year long in the Mojave River or use the many hiking trails. Visitors can bring horses to ride or rent horses to ride on trails.

Amusements

Victorville's Scandia Family Fun Center is an outdoor amusement park with activities that older children might enjoy. Attractions include the Scandia Skyscreamer spinning pendulum that propels riders full-circle 16 stories high, bumper boats, a go-kart type of racetrack, batting cages and a miniature golf course. While some activities close due to poor weather, the center stays open year-round. Younger children can still experience activities such as the boats and raceway as long as they ride with an adult.

Animals

Although the city does not have a regular zoo, kids can visit the local petting zoo, called Critters to Go. Baby animals include sheep, goats, horses, rabbits, chicks, ducks and piglets. Under the supervision of adults, children interact directly with the animals in a clean, safe environment. Parents can book Critters to Go for children's parties to give kids a hands-on experience with animals that are typically found on a farm rather than at a California city activity.

Indoor Activities

Kids can also find fun indoor activities in Victorville. Attractions include places such as John's Incredible Pizza Company, which is a pizza parlor filled with games and activities. Besides arcade games where kids can win prizes, John's offers indoor bumper cars. Other fun indoor activities include bowling at Victorville's Victor Bowl bowling center, participate in open bowling or have a party with a group of kids.

Tags: Attractions include, horses ride, Victorville California, with animals

Use An Svd Scope

The Dragunov is based on the Kalashnikov family of guns.

The PSO-1 is the first true sniping scope produced for the SVD or "Dragunov" rifle. Some imported scopes lack the original military reticule, which was calibrated for finding man-sized targets. Russia prohibits the export of military goods, including the scope itself. Most of the "Russian" scopes in the U.S. are actually imported Belarusian copies. The Belarus-made scopes usually have the military reticule, although they lack the infra-red detector featured on the original scopes.

Instructions

1. Look at the targeting reticle. On the left is a horizontal straight line beneath an upward-curving line; this is the rangefinder. The series of inverted V-shaped lines ("chevrons") in the center is the bullet-drop compensator. The row of vertical lines with a "10" at either side is the windage elevation scale.

2. Look for a man-sized target. An object 1.5 meters high is considered "man-sized" for these optics. Move the scope so that the target fits between the horizontal and top reclining lines.

3. Fit the target into the rangefinder and find the closest number-mark on the recurving line. Multiply that number by 100; this is the distance to the target in meters. A meter is 1.11 yards, or three feet, three inches.

4. Move the gun so that the target is in the center of the windage elevation scale. Every gradation on the scale is 10 centimeters for every 100 meters from the target. At a distance of 300 meters, moving one gradation to the left would move the bullet's striking point by 30 centimeters.

5. Use the bullet-drop compensator. Bullets aren't weightless; they fall as they travel forward. So you have to aim high to hit the target. At a distance of 300 meters to 900 meters, the target should fit at the top chevron. For every 100 meters farther away than this, drop down another chevron.

Tags: bullet-drop compensator, distance meters, elevation scale, every meters, military reticule

Find A Gun Safety Course

If you plan to own a gun, it is critical that you learn properly handle and store it. Gun safety courses are offered in every state in the U.S. Some are geared to self-defense, others are geared to hunting safety. It is particularly important to learn and practice gun safety if you have children in your home.

Instructions

1. Check the National Rifle Association's (NRA) website for information on gun safety courses. The NRA is the largest gun owner membership organization in the country. It provides certification to firearm safety educators who then provide gun safety education at local shooting ranges in each of the 50 states. The NRA website includes descriptions of the courses and a lookup tool to help you locate courses in your area.

2. Contact your state's Fish and Game department to find out about the hunter education courses and other gun safety courses they offer. Fish and Game hunter education courses are open to youths and adults ages 12 and up. The hunter education courses cover gun safety and handling as well as a host of outdoor survival skills and related topics. You can find a list of Fish and Game departments by state at by visiting the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's website.

3. Locate a 4-H chapter in your area to find out if it offers youth gun safety and hunter education courses. Many 4-H chapters offer a program called Field and Stream, designed to teach youth and their parents about gun safety and hunter education. To find a 4-H chapter in your area, visit the 4-HUSA website (see Resources below) and use the 4-H State Weblinks drop-down menu to select your state.

4. Determine if police departments in your state offer firearm safety courses. Some offer elective gun safety courses to the general public. Others, such as Maryland, actually require any resident wishing to purchase a regulated firearm to take a gun safety course before they can purchase a gun. You can find out more information by contacting either your local police department or your state's public safety department.

Tags: hunter education, safety courses, education courses, hunter education courses, your state, Fish Game

Make A Rocket Out Of A Pvc Pipe

There are many different styles of model rocket available for purchase at toy and hobby stores. If you prefer not to spend a lot of money on your model rocket though, or you simply want the satisfaction of building the rocket on your own, it is possible to manufacture a rocket out of standard PVC pipe. Rockets built using PVC pipe contain a model rocket engine, which allows the rocket to launch just as a store-bought model.

Instructions

1. Start your model rocket by cutting your PVC pipe down to the size of your choice with a hacksaw. The diameter of the PVC pipe that you need depends on the size of the engine you will be placing in your rocket. If you plan to use a size A through size C engine, you can use ½-inch pipe. A size D engine will require the ¾-inch pipe. Good sizes to cut your PVC pipe are between six and 12 inches. Twelve-inch rockets will be more stable than six-inch rockets, but will not reach as high of an altitude as the shorter rockets. Once you have your pipe cut to size, sand the cut end to smooth out the surface and avoid injuries from sharp edges.

2. Create fins from the cardboard. Heavy-duty cardboard, like the type found in pizza boxes, is ideal for crafting sturdy fins. The fins of your rocket can be cut in any shape, but must be large enough to hold the rocket steady. The most effective fins will be at least one-third the length of the rocket body and three times the width of the diameter of the PVC pipe. The first fin can be drawn freehand on the cardboard, cut out, and then used as a guide to create the other rocket fins. Three or four fins will keep your rocket steady. Glue the fins to the base of the PVC pipe at equal distances around the tube. The bottom of the fins should align with the end of the pipe. This will allow your rocket to stand upright when placed on the ground.

3. Insert the rocket engine into the PVC pipe at the end that has the fins. If the engine is too small and doesn't fit the pipe exactly, wrap tape around the outside of the engine until it is exactly the same size as the interior of the pipe. Adding glue around the engine will secure it in the pipe so that it will not fall out when the rocket discharges.

4. Add a PVC end cap to the top of the rocket assembly to serve as the nose cone. The end cap can be glued on if you don't want it to fly off during the rocket's launch. Once the nose cone is in place, the rocket is ready for launch.

Tags: model rocket, your rocket, engine will, pipe that, size engine

Customize Volleyballs

Customizing a volleyball should be a creative, fun experience. You can customize a volleyball by contacting a company that will print what you want on the ball, or you can customize it yourself using paint and permanent markers. Thinking of ideas for your volleyball customization may be the most difficult part of the process. You can use your favorite idea or decide to use all of your ideas, as long as they can all fit on the volleyball.

Instructions

Customizing volleyballs

1. Purchase a white volleyball from a local sporting goods store. There are different types of volleyballs, so choose a ball that will meet your volleyball requirements. Choose a volleyball specifically made for use outside if you will be playing with it outdoors. The same goes for playing with a ball specifically made for inside use, if you will be playing with it predominantly indoors. Volleyballs also vary in hardness, so choose one that feels the most comfortable to you.

2. Contact your volleyball league to see if there are guidelines for changing the appearance of a volleyball. Your league may not allow any type of decoration on volleyballs you use during a game, so you may have to restrict customized ones to practice and recreational use.

3. Draw a sketch of your volleyball. Include any of the original markings on the ball in your sketch so you can plan precisely where you need to place added decorations. Consider using your name, number, team's name, team's mascot, team's logo, or other ideas you come up with.

4. Purchase paint from a craft store. Take your volleyball with you to the store and explain to an employee what you are trying to do. They will be able to point you in the right direction for the appropriate paint. If your volleyball is shiny, you may want to slightly sand the area where you will be applying paint with a fine grade sand paper. This will help paint stick to the surface.

5. Create or purchase stencils. You can find stencils at craft stores or online. If you want to create your own, find a design you want to stencil on your volleyball. Photo copy the image. Use a piece of tracing paper to trace the design with a fine-tipped permanent marker, breaking up the design into islands and bridges. Islands are the pieces that will be cut out and bridges will keep the whole piece together. Shade the islands so you are not confused when you cut them out. Use a craft knife to slowly and carefully cut out the islands. You will not need bridges if you plan on having only an outline or a solid design.

6. Clean your volleyball, making sure the surface you will be decorating is free from any dust, dirt or hair. Wipe your volleyball clean of any moisture. Cleaning the surface will allow for an efficient customization process, preventing you from having to make adjustments and touch-ups.

7. Attach stencils to one side of the volleyball using double-sided tape. Make sure the edges of the islands are securely attached to the ball with no space between the stencil and the ball. This will prevent paint from going outside the intended lines. Take your time painting.

8. Allow paint to dry on one side of the ball before you begin painting on the other side. If you rush through the painting process, you may accidentally smudge your work.

9. Use permanent markers to easily write on your volleyball. Make sure you also allow enough time for the marker ink to dry.

Tags: your volleyball, playing with, that will, Make sure, paint from, permanent markers

Splatter Paint Walls

Looking to add some flair to a boring room? If you're a fan of abstract visuals, splattering paint at your walls can yield exciting results while allowing you to create a completely unique design. Splatter painting is a free-form way to decorate a room without restriction. There are plenty of ways to splatter paint and no single correct way of doing it--what's fun about it is that using your own creativity and judgment is essential to the process. Here are a few methods to experiment with. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Cover the floor of the room securely with old sheets to protect it from flyaway paint. You may want to cover the ceiling, too, if you're not going to be painting it later.

2. Dip the bristles of a paintbrush into the paint and flick the paint at the wall, keeping the brush in your hand. Start by trying different brush sizes and observing the results they create when you stand at various distances from the wall, then continue with what appeals to you most. If the room is small, stand in the middle of the room and try spinning in a circle while flicking the brush. Experimentation is the key principle of splatter painting.

3. Fill balloons with paint using a funnel. Tie them up and then throw them at the walls at random. Or, if making holes in the walls isn't an issue, pin the balloons up and throw darts at them.

4. Find a squirt bottle or water gun that will spray from a long distance and fill it with paint. Test the result first on an old sheet or large canvas and apply the technique you like to the wall.

5. Dip rags or old clothes in paint and use the same flicking motion towards the walls as with the paint brush. The length of the fabric and the amount of paint you coat it in will vary what the splatters look like.

6. Experiment with different ranges and distances, color combinations, and watering down the paint to adjust the way the paint splatters. Keep in mind that the process of splatter painting is dependent on being bold, random and unrestricted.

Tags: with paint, splatter painting

Mount A Gun Case

All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), also known as quads, are powerful vehicles designed to handle difficult terrains, allowing them to navigate trails with ease. ATVs can support one or two riders, and also provide ample space for the addition of storage compartments on the vehicle to allow you bring gear with you on your. One such case is a hard gun case which can be mounted on your ATV with a mounting assembly and used to keep your firearm with you.

Instructions

1. Position the mounting assembly on the ATV where you wish it to be installed. Your gun case will be secured on the plastic at the rear of the ATV. The exact positioning of it is up to you based on personal taste, where you sit when riding, and the size and shape of your case.

2. Mark the locations where bolts will be required to secure your mounting assembly. Instructions for the assembly can assist with this, however you will be looking to mark through the holes for bolts in the assembly after you have positioned the assembly as desired.

3. Remove the assembly and drill holes for the mounting bolts.

4. Place the assembly back in place, and secure it using the mounting bolts, fastened with your socket wrench.

5. Insert the gun case into the mounting assembly.

6. Secure any clips or straps to the case if your assembly features them.

Tags: mounting assembly, mounting bolts, with your

Places To Celebrate An 18th Birthday In Va Beach

Places to Celebrate an 18th Birthday in VA Beach

Virginia Beach has something to offer to young people who want to celebrate their "Coming of Age." Turning 18 means that you are no longer an adolescent; in fact, you are taking your first steps into practical life. There's a whole range of places where you can celebrate your special day with your friends, ranging from an expensive meal in fine dining restaurants to having a picnic in the many parks lining the "Boardwalk." Does this Spark an idea?

The Birthday Meal

Depending on how much you are willing to spend, the choice of restaurant for your birthday dinner can vary from the pricey "Texas Steakhouse and Saloon" to the cheap and cheerful "Jewish Mother" where you can get an clair for $7, which can easily be shared among 2 to 3 people. There's also the 22nd street snack bar where for $25, as of May 2011, four people can have their fill.

Nightclubs and Partying

For a comprehensive tour of the best nightlife, a "Virginia Beach Food on Foot Tour" will take you around the town without your having to worry about paying entrance fees and waiting in lines outside night clubs. Social dances are held at the local Community Centers at the weekends. There's "Motor World," which is the biggest theme park of VA. Here, you and your friends can enjoy a game of miniature golf or ride roller coasters. There are even paintball wars that you can fight to build up your appetite for your birthday bash.

Festival Hopping

The Virginia Beach Street hosts a huge number of festivals throughout the year. You can take in an open air beach concert after your celebration meal. There are a host of other activities you can enjoy including magic shows, henna tattoos, juggling feats, and fire-eating shows. There are also various sporting events. If you are fond of playing sports, you can compete in the YMCA's 8-kilometer "Mudrun" race with your buddies.This is a one-day event, held by the Armed Services YMCA. Proceeds go to programs supporting military members and their families.

Resort Sports

For the more adventurous 18-year-olds, there are places like "The Tula Adventure Sports," which offers you the chance to see the waters of Lynnhaven Bay and Broad Bay in a ski boat. They also offer you paddle-board lessons and tours. You can track dolphins along the Chesapeake Bay on your birthday. The "Rudee Flippers and Whalers" will take you whale watching. The "Marina Shores Marina" has not only a fabulous environment for boaters, but it has picnic tables, charcoal grills and umbrellas for you to cook your own special birthday meal with your friends.

Tags: Virginia Beach, with your, your birthday, your friends, 18th Birthday, 18th Birthday Beach, Birthday Beach

Create A Map For Age Of Empires 3

Create a Map for Age of Empires 3

The single and multi-player game modes of Age of Empires III feature lush maps with detailed terrain, fortified encampments and challenging enemies. Age of Empires' built-in Scenario Editor allows you to create your own maps capable of doing everything the in-game maps do. The editor allows you to lay terrain, create units and group them into armies, build structures and create behavior triggers. Maps can be designed for single-player or multi-player use.

Instructions

1. Open Age of Empires III from the Start menu. Select "Help and Tools" from the main menu. Select "Scenario Editor" to launch the scenario editor. Select "New/Load Scenario" from the file menu. Fill out the prompt with information about the map you would like to create. This will include the size of the map, the number of players, the number of teams and the default terrain.

2. Use the options in the "Terrain" menu to decorate your map. "Paint Terrain" allows you to select a terrain type from the pop up palette and click anywhere on the map to place the terrain in that location. You can also drag the mouse across the map to fill terrain. "Paint Land" creates level land where there was once mountains or water. The "Water Tool" replaces land with water and adds visual effects to water that is already in place.

3. Place objects on the map using the "Objects" menu. Objects include controllable units, buildings, animals, and props. Place buildings on the map to define military bases. Place units to create armies. Add animals and props to the map to create an economy.

4. Define advanced map behaviors and conditions using the "Triggers" menu. The "Army Editor" creates groups of units that can be given commands or used to trigger events via the trigger editor. The "Group Editor" creates groups of other objects that can fulfill the same purpose. The "Trigger Editor" creates advanced behaviors by selecting a condition from the condition list and matching it with an effect from the effect list. For example, a trigger might be: if all of the enemy units are dead, declare victory for the player.

5. Select "Save" from the "File" menu. Enter a name for your new map and press "Enter." Click "Play your Scenario" in the "Scenario" menu to try out your map.

Tags: Editor creates, advanced behaviors, animals props, Create Empires, creates groups

Make Custom Jerseys

Custom jerseys add a fun way to personalize any recreational or competitive sporting activity. For use in any sporting activity, from bowling leagues to non-competitive softball leagues, designing a jersey can add a degree of personalization where you can place your own logo and artwork.

Instructions

1. Decide how much you want to design. Just a shirt can be all that you need, although you may choose to design pants and a hat, for instance, for a recreational softball league.

2. Determine a color scheme if relevant to your sporting activity. For instance, a bowling shirt would not require one, while full-fledged softball uniforms with pants and hat would differentiate players from opposing teams.

3. Create a team name for your jersey. Use a place or personal reference for you and your friends/teammates, or use the name of your sponsor.

4. Design a logo for your jersey. You are able to upload a custom creation for use on a jersey, or most custom jersey-related sites have clip art for use.

5. Order personalized jerseys for your teammates or those participating with you in your sporting activity. Matching softball uniforms or bowling shirts for your next league allow you and your friends to compete and have fun at a reasonable price.

Tags: sporting activity, name your, softball uniforms, your friends, your jersey, your sporting

Make A Tactical Business Plan

Strategies are critical, but great tactics sell the sundae

You don't need a marketing degree to understand the importance of planning when you launch or take over a business. Working from a strategic plan that creates "the big picture," you'll next move on to the tactical part of your mission: coming up with clever and inventive ways to support that big picture. It may help to replace the word tactical with "action," because that's exactly what you'll be conceiving. Use this article as a springboard for your own creative ideas. It's your business. Make it a venture that's as successful as it is your own.

Instructions

1. Begin with a clear idea of what your strategic business plan seeks to accomplish by setting measurable objectives. For example, your goal is to start a company that sells ice cream bundled with toppings in a single package. Your market is anyone who loves ice cream--and particularly those who don't want to purchase two products to make sundaes. Anticipated results of your strategic plan are to convert consumers of other ice cream brands to yours. That's your strategic plan in a nutshell and it will serve as your guide for conceiving tactical moves.

2. Draw up a time line to support your tactics. Included in this time line should be a carefully orchestrated series of actions that will introduce your product or service to the world. These types of tactical dates would appear on your time line: an official product/concept launch date, collateral roll-out schedules, special event dates, publicity efforts, retailer/distributor incentive programs and proposed marketing roll-outs for consumers and retailers. If you determine that an action needs to be taken, you must include it in your timeline to make certain it's not forgotten.

3. Establish a budget that supports or exceeds your planned tactical moves. You'll need to figure print and broadcast expenses, incentive programs, publicity costs, printing, social media and Internet advertising, event planning, and marketing administrative costs, to name a few. If it's included in your strategic business plan, then supported in your tactical business plan and scheduled for roll out by your timeline, you must create a line item in your budget to accomplish each step.

4. List the resources you need to get your tactical plan up and running. Using the example of ice cream with toppings, consider these actions: institute FSI couponing, run ads in food magazines, send samples of the new product to food critics, launch charitable give-away plans to garner PR, reward supermarket chain managers for better freezer positioning or give ice cream distributors a sales goal that makes them eligible for a prize. The people and tangibles associated with each are considered a resource and must be included in your tactical plan.

5. Launch individual tactical efforts on schedule. Timing really is everything if you hope to reap the benefits of your efforts. Again using the ice cream example, the well-organized tactical plan means retailers receive product at the same time that coupons appear in publications, buzz about an ice cream with toppings in the same package goes viral and distributors show up to stock supermarket and independent grocery freezers to qualify for an incentive. Auxiliary to all of this, having media cover your PR or charitable event in conjunction with each of these tactics puts the proverbial cherry on top of your business plan.

6. Evaluate your tactical plans as soon as it's feasible. Use the experiences--good and bad--as educational tools. You will have learned valuable lessons in achieving long- and short-term tactical goals and your payoff will be celebrating the attainment of your measurable objectives, knowing that your tactical moves made the entire business plan a red-hot success.

Tags: your tactical, your strategic, business plan, strategic plan, tactical moves

Science Games To Play

There are many ways to introduce science topics to your students. There are even more ways to make it interesting so they will want to know more. You can play board games, online games, and classroom games. Whatever you choose, the key is to spark their interest.

Khet: The Laser Game

This game, manufactured by Innovention Toys, and found on Khet.com, lets students work with lasers and mirrors to conquer the enemy's king piece. The game comes with lasers installed in the board, and an equal amount of mirrored pieces for both players to reflect the laser beam. The object is to move your mirrored pieces in ways to deflect the lasers to hit your opponent's king piece. From a scientific perspective, this game effectively teaches about the nature of light and its ability to bend and reflect.

Magnetism

Magnetism, an online game found at Surfnetkids.com, illustrates the effects that metallic and non-metallic items have on a metal ball. When played, you encounter an obstacle course made of magnets and other objects. Using the attracting and repelling nature of magnets, you must figure out get the metal ball through the magnets and into a cup. Students benefit from this game as they witness the power of magnetism. Another benefit is the development of puzzle-solving skills.

Periodic Table Elements Scavenger Hunt

This game, found on Toppartyideas.com, helps your students memorize the periodic elements. The site suggests printing a black and white and color periodic element charts. Cut out and hide the colored elements and conduct a scavenger hunt for them. Show the black and white chart and tell the students they need to find the lost colors. After finding them all, the students hold them up as you call out the name of each element. You can easily adapt this party game for the classroom. Use it to introduce the periodic table to your students. It also shows how well your students know the periodic table and the meaning of each symbol.

Tags: your students, black white, game found, king piece, metal ball

Convert A Paint Marker From Co2 To Compressed Air

A paintball gun

Converting a paintball marker from carbon dioxide (CO2) to compressed air is easier than you may think. This conversion requires minimal materials and very little time. By the end of this conversion, you will have a much better and more accurate paintball marker.

Instructions

Attaching the Compressed Air Tank

1. Before converting your paintball gun to compressed air, purchase a tank that is within your price range and is an appropriate size. Many compressed air tanks can be too large or too expensive. Once you choose your new tank, have it filled by a professional.

2. Screw the compressed air tank into the air input port on the paintball marker. This is the same area that you would screw the CO2 tank into. These ports are threaded, so make sure to not force the tank on.

3. Use a chronograph that is designed for a paintball gun to make sure it is firing at an appropriate speed. Chronographs measure the velocity of the paintball in feet per second. Often, the change from CO2 to compressed air can change the feet per second at which the marker shoots.

Tags: paintball marker, feet second, make sure, tank into

Make Cheap Paintball Bunkers

Paintball is one of the fastest-growing games in America. Players fire paint-filled plastic balls at each other with guns powered by carbon dioxide in contests featuring various scenarios. A paintball game can be as simple as Capture the Flag with two small teams or as complicated as a war reenactment with dozens of people. One aspect of most games is the paintball bunker. A bunker is a place of shelter that players use to protect themselves from being shot by the opposing team's paintballs.

Instructions

1. Select a location for your bunkers before beginning construction. This is an important consideration, as an assembled bunker will be heavy and difficult to move. Choose a fairly level location and remove any leaves, debris, or large branches from the area.

2. Construct paintball bunkers by standing two wooden pallets on their ends. Ask assistance from another person to help support the pallets, as they may be heavy. Contact local manufacturing and shipping companies to obtain free pallets. Oftentimes old or slightly damaged wooden pallets can be obtained free of charge if you are willing to haul them off-site.

3. Place a third wooden pallet upright and along the end of the first two pallets to form three sides of a box. Nail the pallets together with 3-inch or 4-inch nails and a hammer. Securely attach the pallets together so they will not easily come apart during game play.

4. Place a fourth pallet on top of the three pallets to form a roof for the bunker. This pallet should be laid flat on top of the three pallet walls to form a roof. Nail the pallet to the three support pallets with nails.

5. Construct additional bunkers as needed to complete the paintball playing field. Consider building larger bunkers or adding variety to the playing field by adding an extra pallet to one side.

Tags: form roof, pallet three, pallets form, pallets together, playing field, support pallets, wooden pallets

Make Camo Face Paint

Traditional camouflage colors are used to help mask identity.

The purpose of camouflage makeup is to conceal the wearer and make it easier for him to blend into his environment. The color of the makeup should match the wearer's camouflage clothing. Camouflage makeup can be used in military combat situations, hunting, recreational paintball games or as part of a costume.

Instructions

1. Place three containers onto the work surface. Into each container place 3 tbsp. of cornstarch and 1-1/2 tbsp. of cold cream. Mix until well combined.

2. Add 1-1/2 tbsp. of water to each container and stir.

3. Select one container and add equal amounts of red, blue and yellow food coloring and stir to create your black paint. Adjust the color as necessary by adding a little more of one of the colors for the shade you desire.

4. Mix equal portions of red and green food coloring in the second container and stir. This will create your brown paint. Experiment with adding a little more of one color to get the shade of brown you wish.

5. Add green food coloring to the third container and stir. You can add a drop of yellow or blue coloring to adjust the hue.

Tags: container stir, food coloring, adding little, adding little more, create your, each container, green food

Make Paintball Grenades

Paintball was created in the 1970's by Hayes Noel, Bob Gurnsey and Charles Gaines. When the game first came out there was only one type of weapon available, a Nelspot gun. The gun held only 10 rounds and had to be tilted in order to get the paintball ammunition into the barrel of the gun. The game has come a long way since then and now features a wide variety of different types of paintball guns and other weapons. One of the most popular new weapons to use in paintball is a paintball grenade.

Instructions

1. Take a bicycle horn and pull the bulb-shaped piece off of the horn. Remove the cap and adapter from the bulb piece.

2. Remove the glue from a glue stick container. Use warm water and soap to thoroughly clean the plastic tube.

3. Fill the plastic glue stick tube with baking soda. Snap a toothpick in half and place each piece inside the tube filled with baking soda. Place a small piece of aluminum foil over the tube and fold it all around the tube.

4. Fill the bulb from the bicycle horn with paint and vinegar. Take the glue stick tube and stick it in the opening on the bulb.

5. Turn the bottom of the glue stick to activate the grenade and then toss it at your target. Turning the stick will cause the toothpick pieces to puncture the foil, allowing the baking soda and vinegar to mix, which is what makes the grenade explode open.

Tags: glue stick, baking soda, bicycle horn, glue stick tube, stick tube, tube Fill, with baking

Build A Tippmann X7

Tippmann products are made for paintball games.

Building a Tippmann X7 means customizing the paintball weapon. The Tippmann X7 is built to be modular, so adding the accessories of your choices is as easy as using a series of push pins on the weapon. A variety of accessories to build your X7 are offered by Tippmann, including custom grips, extra ammo clips, gas lines and scopes. Build yours according to your needs and tastes.

Instructions

1. Slide the Tippman gas cartridge onto the bar brackets at the top of the weapon. Unlatch the push pins on the side of these brackets by pushing the pin up and then out the opposite side hole on the weapon. Once removed, position the gas cartridge so the holes align with the bracket holes and then slide the push pins back in, and push the lever into the down position.

2. Push the gas cartridge hose into the Tippman X7 at the ammo clip attachment nozzle. Open the nozzle by pushing the lever to the open position and place the hose over the exposed nozzle. Push the lever into the closed position to secure the gas chamber.

3. Release the push pin at the upper outside corner of the grip to change grips or to secure the grip that comes with the Tippmann X7. Slide the grip over the trigger and click into the housing. Push the pin through the holes on the grip to secure it in position.

4. Push the ammo clip up and into the ammo chamber after pushing the chamber lever down to the open position. Push the clip into the chamber with the ball chambers on the upper portion of the clip. Push the lever to close the clip in position.

5. Slide the rear sight over the mounting railing on the back of the Tippmann X7. Slide the push pin through the sight's holes onto the X7 to secure it.

Tags: position Push, push pins, ammo clip, clip into, lever into

How Paintballs Are Made

The Ingredients

Paintballs were originally designed to assist farmers in tagging cattle for identification and have since become a popular recreational activity throughout the country and the world. The balls themselves, which were first constructed from glass, are now actually constructed of food materials: a gelatin shell, food coloring and a few other edible compounds.

The Shells

The gelatin is mixed in large vats with a sweetener and food dye to give the shell its own color independent of the paint filling. When the gelatin is well mixed, it is poured into long sheets called gelatin strips, which are fed into machines that will puncture circular holes in them to form the exterior of the paintballs.

The Paint

The paint is made of polyethylene glycol colored with food coloring and thickened to the appropriate viscosity with wax. The paint is mixed separately from the shells, but is then fed into the same machine for the combination process.

Combination

The combination machine punctures round holes in the gelatin sheet, which it shapes into semi-spheres. Each of these becomes one half of one paintball shell. The two halves are filled with paint and then fused together. The balls coming out of the machine are then dried and tumbled to ensure proper shaping during the drying process.

Tags: food coloring, with paint

Group & Couple Getaways & Conferences In California

Book a conference in California.

Mix business and pleasure at conference centers in Southern California near the beach, or in Northern California's wine country. And the middle of the state offers resorts with conference centers and a wide range of activities. A spouse tagging along on a business trip will find plenty to occupy his time.

Wonder Valley Ranch Resort and Conference Center

Wonder Valley Ranch Resort and Conference Center, in the Sierra Nevada foothills of Central California, has indoor and outdoor conference space. Company retreats can include activities such as paintball or a go at the center's ropes challenge course. An equestrian center offers guided horseback rides and hayrides. Other activities include sailing, fishing and canoeing. Swim in the two pools, one with waterslides. Also find tennis, volleyball, softball, hiking and biking. Couples looking for privacy can stay in a cottage instead of the lodge.

Northwoods Resort and Conference Center

Northwoods Resort and Conference Center in Southern California has 9,000 square feet of meeting space for up to 400 attendees. The resort offers free Wi-Fi, outdoor heated pool and hot tub and a fitness center. The lake offers parasailing, jet ski rentals, paddlewheel boat tours and fishing. Go hiking or biking on nearby trails. In winter, the region gets enough snow for downhill and cross country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.

Silverado Resort and Spa

Silverado Resort and Spa in Napa Valley has a 12,000-square-foot conference center, 13 meeting rooms and a 5,160-square-foot ballroom. An outdoor area can host a reception for up to 400 people. Golf on two 18-hole, par-72 courses, swim in one of 10 outdoor pools, play tennis on one of 17 courts or rent a bike and cycle the trails. For couples looking for romance, book an outdoor treatment at the spa and stay in a room with a fireplace.

Tags: Resort Conference, Resort Conference Center, Conference Center, Wonder Valley Ranch, conference centers