Mini Golf Places In Texas

Miniature golf can be an entertaining alternative to the real game.

Miniature golf is an adolescent version of the traditional sport.. Golfers require only one club -- a putter -- as they navigate colorful obstacles and themed structures at par 2s and par 3s. Texas is home to more than 70 mini golf courses all over the state. Many of the courses offer other activities, including arcades, bumper cars and drag racing, making them ideal locations for families, teens and young adults. Most courses are located outdoors, so dress appropriate for the weather.

Embassy Miniature Golf

The Embassy Miniature Golf features Puttunia, an 18-foot-tall giraffe statue that has graced the establishment for more than 40 years. In addition to mini golf, the course offers a full-service snack bar and "Water Wars," where participants can engage in water balloon fights. The course is located in San Antonio, about 7 miles from the center of the city, and is designed in standard 18-hole fashion with obstacles and varying degrees of difficulty.

Bob O's Family Fun Center

Bob O's Family Fun Center is located in El Paso, just 5 miles from the center of the city. It offers an array of activities, including 18 holes of miniature golf, bumper boats, miniature go-karts, batting cages, indoor arcade games and a miniature train. They also have a full-service snack bar and lounge.

Mountasia Family Fun Center

The Mountasia Family Fun Center is located in North Richland Hills, just outside of Fort Worth. Family-oriented activities include 18 holes of miniature golf, go-kart racing, batting cages, bumper boats, rock wall, indoor arcade games and a snack bar. It offers family and group rates for parties and events, as well as discounts on certain holidays.

Ellen's Amusement Center

Ellen's Amusement Center is located in Cedar Hill, just outside Arlington. It offers 18 holes of miniature golf, along with batting cages, go-karts, paintball, indoor arcade games and a full-service snack bar. In operation for more than 20 years, the center offers group rates for parties and events.

Tags: Family Center, arcade games, batting cages, Center located, full-service snack, holes miniature, holes miniature golf

Assemble A Lancer Paintball Gun

You should be able to assemble your Lancer paintball gun in under 15 minutes.

The Viewloader Lancer paintball gun is a lightweight paintball gun made with an aluminum body and barrel. This model can be easily cleaned and uses a vertical feed to get paintballs into the firing chamber. Similar to all paintball guns, this model is incredibly easy to assemble, with your three basic parts including the hopper, CO2 tank and gun barrel. However, as this model is no longer being produced and somewhat hard-to-find, getting replacement parts for your Lancer paintball gun can be challenging.

Instructions

1. Screw the gun barrel into your Lancer paintball gun by hand. Just match the threads on the end of the barrel with threads on the front of your paintball gun and turn it into place.

2. Attach the hopper to your gun by loosening the nut on the top of your paintball gun with a pair of pliers to allow the hopper's small tube to fit into your gun. Once attached, use your pliers to tighten the nut.

3. Attach the O-ring to the CO2 tank. The O-ring is a half inch black, rubber circle. Place the O-ring in the first indent on the front end of your CO2 tank.

4. Screw the CO2 tank into the rear end of your paintball gun until it is held tightly in place.

Tags: Lancer paintball, your Lancer, your Lancer paintball, your paintball, front your

Make A Custom Paint Ball Uniform

Paint ball player with a custom blue uniform.

Creating a custom paint ball jersey will surely make you and your team stand out from the competition. Custom uniforms can be created by adding a number of different effects, such as team names imprinted in silkscreen lettering to adding colorful patches. The first thing that must be done is to actually pick the uniform color and type, such as long-sleeve jersey, short-sleeve jersey or full-body jersey. Once the type of uniform is selected, begin the customization.

Instructions

Custom Names

1. Purchase silkscreen letters that can be screened onto a jersey using an iron. These letters come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors in craft stores and online paint ball specialty sites.

2. Plug in the iron, heating it up on low power. If the iron is digital, place the heat setting on "Acrylics."

3. Lay the jersey down on the ironing board with the side having the letters put on it facing upward.

4. Set each letter in place on at a time. Place the letters evenly apart from one another by measuring the spaces with the ruler.

5. Press down the iron firmly on each letter for about three to five seconds. Do this periodically until the letters have "glued" down onto the jersey.

Patches

6. Purchase either silkscreen or embroidered patches from a craft store or online specialty store. The patches can be team logos, nationality flags or other names.

7. Place the patch evenly in the center of sleeves or any other location on the jersey. Use the ruler as guidance for even spacing.

8. Press the iron firmly down on the patch if the patch is made of silkscreen material. Thread a string and needle along the outer edges of the patch if the patch is made of embroidered material. Thread the entire perimeter of the patch through the patch and jersey until the patch is snug in place. Cut the remainder of the thread attached to the needle using a scissor.

Tags: each letter, iron firmly, material Thread, onto jersey, paint ball, patch made, patch patch

Mongoose Animal Information

The plural is mongooses, not mongeese.

Rudyard Kipling's "The Jungle Book" features one of the most celebrated mongooses in history, Rikki-tikki-tavi. He wrote that mongooses have a "quickness of eye and quickness of foot" that helps them attack and prevail over venomous cobras. Mongooses are non-discriminatory predators. So Kipling paints an accurately imaginative portrait of the mongoose by sharing that Rikki-tikki-tavi "preferred to be found with his teeth locked."

Description

Egyptian mongooses have long, sleek bodies and short legs. Common fur colors include brown or gray. Their fur is "grizzled" in appearance, according to National Geographic. In addition, mongooses have between 35 or 45 teeth, and the size of their bodies varies depending on species. Dwarf mongooses can grow as long as two feet, while other species are only seven inches long. The lengths of their tails vary too, and typically range from six to 20 inches.

Diet

Mongooses are carnivores and eat rats, mice and birds. They will even eat frogs. Some members of the mongoose species have tapered snouts that facilitate eating snails, beetles and worms. Others eat fish and dine on fruit. Eggs are an Egyptian mongoose's favorite delicacy.

Behavior

The mongoose is aggressive to other mongooses interested in their prey. Verna Case, Doctor of Philosophy in Zoology at Davidson College, says the dwarf mongoose will release a "feeding growl" after catching its prey. This behavior escalates should any other mongoose approach. If a mongoose gets excited, it will arch its back, bristle its hair and give an appearance of being two times larger than it actually is.

Habitats

Mongooses may lounge in treetops, burrows, logs and rock crevices. However, their preferred habitats can vary. For example, Egyptian mongooses prefer regions near water and trees---and dwarf mongooses are at home in semi-arid African brush. Mongooses are generally terrestrial (land-based) mammals. However, some of them are semi-aquatic.

Current Status

The belief that mongooses would curb the rodent population caused their introduction to the sugarcane fields of Hawaii and the West Indies during the 1800s. Unfortunately, the mongoose's carnivorous nature now threatens native species. In contrast, National Geographic reports that the mongooses themselves undergo a threat in their natural environments due to "habitat loss."

Tags: mongooses have, that mongooses, Egyptian mongooses, National Geographic

Military Camps For Teens

Military Camps for Teens

Military camps can be found all across the United States and are specifically designed for teenage boys and girls. These camps teach honor, discipline, commitment and military conduct. Rigorous and intense physical training is also part of daily life, including cardio, martial arts, chin-ups, crunches and push-ups. The goal is to teach students the importance of healthy eating and staying fit. Most camps require that teens choose to attend, however some are designed to instill discipline and respect in troubled teens.

U.S. Army Cadet Corps

The U.S. Army Cadet Corps summer program offers four different programs: basic cadet training, basic cadet and basic leader course, basic cadet and ranger school and The Army Cadet Martial Arts Program. Each program is physically and mentally demanding, teaching student's leadership, military drills, marksmanship, martial arts, survival skills and rappelling. This summer camp is geared toward 13- to 18-year-old teenagers who have an interest in joining the Army once they are of age.

U.S. Army Cadet Corps

National Cadet Training Center

Post Office Box 277

Millersburg, KY 40348

(859) 484-2110

militaryadventurecamp.org

Cedar Bridge Military Academy

Cedar Bridge Military Academy summer camp is fast paced, challenging, demanding and tough. The camp teaches discipline, self-discipline, leadership skills and aims to strengthen character. The format of the camp is strictly military-waking up at six in the morning for physical training, followed by breakfast, military drills and grooming. Students are also required to keep their boots shined and uniforms pressed to military standards. Classes in morals, ethics and leadership are also taught. Cedar Bridge accepts coed recruits who are 10 to 17 years old.

Cedar Bridge Military Academy Headquarters

984 Route 166, Suite 2

Toms River, NJ 08753

(800) 673-6207

cedarbridge.us

Marine Military Academy

The Marine Military Academy offers four-week summer sessions for boys 13 to 17 years old. During this month-long session, students study military conduct, self-discipline, teamwork, loyalty, leadership and the importance of respect. Campers also indulge in recreational activities such as soccer, football, swimming, paintball, basketball, canoeing, rock climbing, hiking, rappelling, as well as rope courses. They also have an hour or two of free time throughout the day where they can do participate in various activities and write letters to their families.

Marine Military Academy

320 North Iwo Jima Boulevard

Harlingen, TX 78550-3698

(956) 423-6006

mma-tx.org

Tags: Military Academy, Army Cadet, Cedar Bridge, Army Cadet Corps, basic cadet

Make Fake Blood Squibs For Film Television And Stage Productions

Need to get your gore on? This is a quick and simple special effects trick for making exploding packets of fake blood, commonly known as blood squibs. Use these steps to make gunshot wounds and choreographed violence more realistic in film, television and stage productions.

Instructions

1. Mix your bowl of blood. Pour clear corn syrup into a bowl and stir in drops of red food coloring until the color reaches a deep crimson.

2. Buy the cheapest sandwich bags of the poorest quality. You want the thinnest plastic sandwich bags you can find, something you can easily poke a finger through. Spoon a ladle full of the fake blood into the bottom corner of a sandwich bag. Don't spoon in too much. A squib should be about the size of a ping-pong ball.

3. Tightly tie off the corner of the sandwich bag where the blood has pooled. Tie it off so tightly, the blood bulges the plastic.

4. Cut off the unused portion of the sandwich bag, and your squib is ready for action.

5. The actor can either hold the squib and smash it against his body to spurt blood through his hand at the point of impact. The squib also can be taped to the actor's body underneath his clothes, and the actor can smash his hand against it for a less gruesome effect.

Tags: corner sandwich, fake blood, sandwich bags

Switch The Spyder Pilot To Tournament Mode

You must switch your Spyder Pilot paintball marker to the right mode to compete in ranked events.

Enabling the tournament mode on a Spyder Pilot paintball marker is mandatory when participating in ranked tournaments. While in normal mode, the Spyder Pilot paintball marker -- also known as a paintball gun -- allows you to switch to different modes which, for examples, affect the rate of fire. In tournament mode, players are only allowed to use the default semi-automatic mode, and switching to alternate modes is impossible. You can switch the Spyder Pilot to tournament mode by removing a specific jumper.

Instructions

1. Place your Spyder Pilot on a flat surface and remove the three screws on the right side of its grip by using the Allen wrench supplied by Spyder.

2. Lift the panel that protects the right side of the grip.

3. Remove the red jumper, which is to the right of the battery.

4. Replace the panel and screw the three screws in with the Allen wrench.

Tags: Spyder Pilot, paintball marker, Pilot paintball, Pilot paintball marker, Spyder Pilot paintball, your Spyder Pilot

Use Thermal Cameras For Ghost Hunting

Ghost hunting requires the proper tools.

A thermal camera is a must have tool in the arsenal of any ghost hunter. These cameras record the infrared portion of the spectrum. The thermographic camera will show variation in infrared radiation, known as an object's heat signature. Finding a heat signature in an unexpected location can be compelling proof of ghosts. Thermal cameras function in both light and darkness as they are not dependent upon the visible portion of the light spectrum, so they work well in any ghost hunting environment.

Instructions

1. Familiarize yourself with the features of your thermographic camera ahead of time. Figuring out use it during your hunt is too late. Be sure to set its sensitivity range as high as possible so you will be sure not to miss any potential evidence.

2. Research your hunting site.

For the best odds of a ghost sighting, select a location where ghosts have already been encountered. Do historical research of your site and ask locals about the ghost reports.

3. The "psychic hours" are most fruitful.

Focus your ghost hunting between the hours of 9 p.m, and 6 a.m., which are known as the "psychic hours."

4. Prevent false positives.

Clear the area of live humans to prevent false positive heat signatures.

5. Begin searching for unexpected heat variations. These variations could be increases or decreases in temperature. Cold spots can also be indicators of spirit activity.

6. Expand your search area well above the ground. Ghosts are not bound by the same physical constraints that we are. If you are indoors, pan across the ceiling and look outside windows even if you are not on the ground floor.

7. Search for signatures such as footprints or locations where walls or other objects have been touched. Follow these heat trails and attempt to track them to their source.

8. Film continuously. Do not wait until you suspect an anomaly before you search with the thermal camera. Ghost sightings could appear at any time and if you wait until paranormal event occurs it may be too late to get your camera ready.

9. If you catch a glimpse of an anomaly but then lose sight of it, slowly pan your camera 360 degrees. While panning look on the ground for prints and don't forget to look upwards above the ground.

Tags: above ground, ghost hunting, heat signature, psychic hours, thermal camera, thermographic camera

Make An "Ugly Baby" Bear

What makes us love teddy bears? Warm, fuzzy friends who comfort us when needed is one choice, but ask an Ugly Baby doll collector and they’ll tell you about how their favorite teddy bear would be one that looks like Alice Cooper, or Pin Head from the movie Hell Raiser. This eclectic group of collector and fans prefer punk rock and Gothic themes when they are in a friendly environment. "Ugly Baby" Bears mimic a theme that suits the owner, and can be constructed with much love and care. These are not your average bears though, and you will find their owners are as unique as the "Ugly Baby" Bear.

Instructions

1. Select a theme or feature that will be the basis for the alteration from regular teddy to "Ugly Baby" Bear. For collectors, the basis for most models is from the world of hard-core music or imagery collected from video or photograph. These themes will conjure up thoughts of dread and pain, though collectors see this as an expression that matches their thoughts and beliefs. If using an actual person or character as the foundation, prepare to have an image to follow during construction.

2. Start the alterations from the top to the bottom. Construct or alter the current hair patterns of the bear to match the foundation image. This can include the hair extensions, hair dye, shaved head, or regular doo.

3. Use the theme throughout construction, clothing and outerwear to match what the character represents is necessary to have a well constructed, authentic "Ugly Baby" Bear. Because these features distinguish the bears from other bears, the time it takes to get the most of their appearance is key. Construct a trench coat if needed, leather boots, and straps. You could use fabric to make an "Ugly Baby" Bear straight-jacket; it’s up to you and your bear.

4. Finish the bear by including the best accessories to complete the appearance. Add as much detail to the facial appearance with fabric paints, make-up or eyewear. The time to stop adding things to your liking is when you have included everything. Make the most from your experience building your "Ugly Baby" Bear, and you will have a reason to enjoy him forever.

Tags: Ugly Baby, Baby Bear, Ugly Baby Bear

Install A Tippmann Model 98 Paintball Gun Vertical Adapter

Tippmann did not design an easy way to attach a regulator or expansion chamber to their model 98 paintball gun. In order to attach either of these devices you need to install a vertical adapter. Installing a vertical adapter may sound tricky but actually will go in very easily.

Instructions

1. Purchase a vertical adapter kit for your Tippmann model 98 paintball gun.

2. Remove all air sources and paintballs from the gun.

3. Take off the hopper and elbow as well as the barrel.

4. Hold the cocking knob and pull the trigger. Allow the knob to slide forward slowly to un-cock the gun.

5. Use an allen wrench to remove the two screws on the bottom of the gun holding the ASA in place.

6. Unscrew the two grip screws holding the left grip and then remove the six body screws. This will allow the two body halves to slide apart.

7. Notice the two screws in the middle of the right body half near where the valve is, remove these two screws then pull the valve out from the body.

8. Unhook the braided stainless steel line from the valve using a wrench.

9. Wrap pipe sealing tape around the vertical adapters connection and screw it into the valve.

10. Place the valve with the vertical adapter connected to it into the gun, and replace the two screws that hold the valve in place.

11. Close the marker in the reverse order it was disassembled.

Tags: vertical adapter, model paintball

Make A Padded Paintball Vest

Ever since its inception, paintball has been a popular sport. Players shoot at each other with carbon dioxide powered guns, the ammo of which are small, paint-filled projectiles that splatter open on impact. The impact, though, can hurt and sometimes leaves bruises. As a result, players often wear protective vests. If you don't want to pay big prices, you can make your own vest.

Instructions

1. Get a vest. The vest should be a little large on you to leave room for padding, and it should cover all the areas you want to protect in paintball. Ideally it should cover your entire torso, but vests that go up the neck or scoop lower on the chest will work also.

2. Measure the different sections of your vest: left front, right front, back and neck (if applicable). Using your marking tool and straight edge, draw lines for the different panels on your padding material. You can use any material, but heavy cotton twill and denim work well for this, particularly in two layers for absorbing paintball impact.

3. After checking your measurements, cut out your panels of padding. Pin them to the inside of your vest to make sure they fit properly. Try your vest on, being careful not to injure yourself. Make any necessary adjustments to the panels' positioning.

4. Sew your panels into your vest. For added strength, fold over the ragged edges of your padding and stitch them so they don't unravel. If possible, try to stitch along the seams of your vest when installing your padding.

5. If you're adding a second layer of padding, repeat the previous steps. Once your vest is properly padded, try it on to make sure it fits well and that no more changes need to be made (such as padding hanging out from inside that shouldn't be).

Tags: your vest, your padding, make sure, should cover, your panels

Store Guns In Carrying Cases

Gun carry cases are designed to transport guns from one point to another by providing a durable shell around a padded lining on the inside. Gun cases feature outer shells made of materials including canvas, hard plastic, wood and aluminum. Although most cases are designed for short-term transport purposes, there are durable cases on the market which, with the proper measures, can be used for storage.

Instructions

1. Select a case which is capable of locking and provides somewhat of a seal against the elements. The case must either have a built in locking mechanism or ability for a padlock to be attached. There should also be an adequate seal against the elements which will prevent the majority of moisture from entering the case.

2. Choose a desiccant device which will fit inside the case with the gun and will not damage the firearm. Silica gel packs are an economical and effective means of controlling excess moisture. Moisture trapped inside of a storage case will eventually corrode and rust the finish of a gun. Follow manufacturers directions on use of the silica packs.

3. Apply a thin coating of multipurpose oil or gun oil to the surface of all accessible metal parts on the gun. The oil will help to remove any moisture on the metal and provide a protective barrier against moisture. This step will also remove damaging oils from finger and hand prints which will rapidly damage a stored gun.

4. Place the gun in the case along with the silica gel pack(s). Make sure there are no rough edges making contact with the gun and the silica packs do not contact the gun. Close the case and lock for safety.

5. Check the gun periodically inspecting for signs of rust or corrosion. Wipe the gun down with oil and change the silica gel packs as needed.

Tags: which will, against elements, cases designed, seal against, seal against elements

For What Are Chest Protectors Used

A chest protector is a key part of a baseball catcher's gear.

Chest protectors are integral to the safety of athletes in a variety of sports. They're typically made of lightweight foam, synthetic materials and/or plastic, and athletes either wear them under or over their uniforms. Chest protectors protect many of an athlete's vital organs from trauma during physical sports.

Baseball

During a baseball game, the catcher wears a number of pieces of protective equipment, including a chest protector. Traditionally, these pads were made of foam, but modern-day protectors are made from lightweight synthetic materials. The catcher's chest protector covers him from his collarbone to his waist, and depending on his preference, the equipment may include a cap over one or both shoulders. Baseball umpires also wear chest protectors, but wear them under their uniform shirts.

Hockey

You don't see a hockey player's check protector as the player wears this piece of equipment under his jersey. Though known as shoulder pads, this protector also covers the chest, roughly to the sternum. It's made of lightweight materials and can include plastic for extra protection. The goalie in hockey wears a large, padded chest protector to avoid sustaining injuries from pucks. This style of chest protector is also known as "body armor."

Football

Like shoulder pads in hockey, a football player's shoulder pads also protect his chest. This piece of equipment also covers down to the player's sternum, but football pads are lined with plastic to shield the player from injury during impact. Though the shoulder protection is important, the chest padding on this piece of protective gear is important for many players, specifically linemen. Upon the snap of the ball, offensive and defensive linemen push each other in the chest area, making this protector vital for preventing injury to the players' ribs and internal organs. As is the case with hockey, football players wear their padding under their uniform.

Motocross

Motocross racers use chest protectors made of durable, lightweight plastic and composite materials. Motocross racers wear this piece of equipment over their uniforms, and the protector is designed to shield the racer's internal organs and spine during a crash. This style of chest protector also contains air vents for increased ventilation, and its materials are malleable to give the racer more flexibility.

Women's Boxing

Though male boxers wear either a tank top or go shirtless during competition, women wear chest protectors under their tank tops. Depending on the athlete's preference, she may choose to wear a heavily padded boxing bra or a foam, bra-style protector. Both types of pads are important to protect her breasts during bouts. Women also wear this style of chest protector during various kinds of martial arts, including jujitsu.

Paintball

Face protection is vital during games of paintball, but many serious players also protect their torso with specialized paintball chest protectors. This style of protective gear is shaped much like a baseball catcher's padding and is typically made of lightweight, protective synthetic material. Straps hold it in place, and you can wear it above or under your clothing. An alternative chest protection method in paintball is to wear a padded shirt, which has pads sewn into pockets in the shirt.

Tags: chest protector, made lightweight, piece equipment, protector also, shoulder pads

Some Places To Have A Fourteenth Birthday Party That Are Close To Kaufman Texas

Teenagers will have a good time during a paintball-themed birthday party.

Places to celebrate your 14-year-old's birthday may be limited, since most birthday party venues cater to small children. However, you don't have to travel too far from the city nicknamed the "Red Tail Hawk Capital" to find a place to celebrate your teen's birthday. You'll find different places within about 40 minutes of Kaufman with age-appropriate activities for 14-year-olds and their friends. Does this Spark an idea?

Texas Skatium

Your 14-year-old will have a good time roller skating with friends in Texas Skatium (texasskatium.com) in Garland, Texas. Choose between the "Silver Package" or the "Gold Package." Invite up to eight children for either one-and-a-half-hour package, which includes admission and skate rental, a party host, invitations, balloon animals, face painting and goody bags. Party tables with birthday-themed table settings, ice cream sandwiches and the first round of drinks are also included. The "Gold Package" includes everything that the "Silver Package" does as well as pizza or hot dog and chips for each guest and unlimited soda. An additional fee is charged for each extra guest. You're allowed to bring a birthday cake.

Official Paintball Games of Texas Inc.

Fourteen-year-old boys and girls can play paintball on their birthdays in Official Paintball Games of Texas Inc. (officialpaintball.com) in Forney, Texas. The four-hour birthday party package requires a minimum of six players. A fee is charged for each player, and each player gets 200 paintballs and free air refills. Players are given a safety mask, but they are also available for sale. Hot dogs or nachos and chips and soda are served. Extras such as additional paintballs, chest protectors and camouflage tops may be purchased. The birthday celebrant receives a free pass for two valid on the next visit.

Celebration Station

Celebrate your 14-year-old's birthday in Mesquite, Texas, with Celebration Station (celebrationstation.com). Invite up to 10 of your child's friends in the "Birthday Celebration" or "Ultimate Celebration" and receive 90 minutes of party time, invitation and unlimited pizza and bottomless drinks. A party host will help, and each guest can play a certain number of games in the arcade. The only difference is that kids can play more games in the arcade and receive two hours of unlimited go-kart, bumper boat and other rides in the "Ultimate Celebration." Up to 10 kids can also celebrate birthdays playing two hours of paintball with 200 paintballs for each player. An extra fee is charged for food and drinks and for additional paintballs. Add-ons for all parties such as goody bags and ice cream are available for an additional charge. An additional fee is charged for each extra guest for all parties.

Museum of Nature and Science Center

Have your teen's birthday in the Museum of Nature and Science Center, located in Dallas's 277-acre Fair Park (natureandscience.org). Fourteen-year-olds may enjoy "Party Like a Paleontologist!," where up to 20 children and 20 adults can see real dinosaur fossils, learn about different extinction theories and see a glimpse of an volcanic eruption. In "IMAX to the Max!," kids will watch an an IMAX movie. In the "Out of This World Planetarium Party," they will watch a regularly scheduled show in the Planetarium and participate in a space-themed activity. A private party room, museum admission, free parking and a party host are included. You're allowed to bring cake, snacks, drinks, and party supplies. An extra fee is charged for each additional guest.

Tags: charged each, each player, party host, your teen birthday, 14-year-old birthday

Make Your Own Air Compressor Fill Station For Paintball

Paintball guns that fire automatically rely on a tank of compressed air to power the firing mechanism. You can make your own air compressor fill station by adapting a scuba tank purchased from a sports supply or fishing store. You will also need a few other supplies from the sports supply or fishing store as well as some items commonly found around the house. No extensive mechanical skills are required, but adult supervision is necessary if you are underage since silicone paste will be used when making your air compressor fill station.

Instructions

1. Stand the scuba tank on a work surface. Loosen the screw on the side of the Paintball valve adaptor with the Phillips screwdriver.

2. Slide the end of the Paintball valve adaptor closest to the screw over the end of the scuba tank's nozzle. Tighten the screw on the side of the Paintball valve adaptor with the Phillips screwdriver.

3. Apply silicone paste around the end of the Paintball valve adaptor where it covers the nozzle of the scuba tank. Let the silicone paste set for an hour.

4. Turn the valve on the scuba tank clockwise. Listen for any air escaping from the scuba tank's nozzle. Apply more silicone paste if any air is heard after turning off the air by turning the valve on the scuba tank.

5. Push the nipple of the Paintball fill tank against the nozzle at the end of the Paintball valve adapter. Slowly turn the valve on the scuba tank that is now a Paintball air compressor fill station two or three times clockwise.

6. Wait until the hissing at the end of the Paintball fill tank ceases to indicate that it is filled.

7. Turn the valve of your Paintball air compressor fill station counterclockwise until it can't be turned anymore.

8. Slowly remove the Paintball fill tank from the nozzle at the end of the Paintball valve adaptor. The Paintball fill tank is now fully charged and ready for action.

Tags: scuba tank, Paintball valve, Paintball valve adaptor, valve adaptor, compressor fill

Start A Paintball Team

Organize your fellow players to work and practice together as a team and you'll intensify the thrill of the game.

Instructions

1. Organize 5 to 15 paintballers you know and trust. Everyone should have his or her own equipment.

2. Play together and talk about organizing a team. Do you all have similar motivations and expectations?

3. Decide on a captain and a name for your team. The captain should be the most organized player, and a good leader, not necessarily the best player.

4. Seek sponsorship. Talk about what you would like from your sponsors (supplies, money, discounts, etc.) and explain to them what you will be doing in return (patronage, advertising, image). Be realistic and don't expect too much.

5. Find a home field. (See "Find a Paintball Field.") It should be somewhere local where you all like to play. Talk with the owner and see how he feels about your team calling his field "home." Offer to help referee and clean up in exchange for discounts or use of a practice field.

6. Play together as a team as much as possible, focusing on tactics and strategy. Talk before and after each game about what went right and wrong.

7. Enter a tournament and represent your sponsors well by displaying good sportsmanship whether you win or lose.

Tags: about what, Play together, together team, your sponsors, your team

Use The Weapons In Gears Of War

There are a variety of ways to waste Locusts, some of which come down to preference, some of which come down to situation. In case you were wondering which weapons to use and when, here's a little guide:

Instructions

Pistols

1. Use the pistols as a backup weapon when all other ammunition runs out. Unless you're extremely careless with your ammo, this shouldn't happen often, but it might once or twice.

2. Try using a pistol as a main weapon if you're feeling particularly hardcore. You may not live long, and you'll definitely want to switch out if a Locust closes into melee range, but it is worth a shot.

3. Use either pistol. There are two of them, a six-shooter and the snub pistol. The snub fires faster and has more ammo, but doesn't hit nearly as hard as the magnum. The magnum has few bullets, but can take a Locust down a lot faster.

4. Use Pistols for luring Berserkers into things. This way, you can both lure the Berserker and avoid wasting precious rifle ammunition.

5. Bring your pistol to bear when you need to shoot some propane tanks at night. This blows them up, keeps you alive and saves your rifle ammo.

Close-Combat Weapons

6. Use the Shotgun, Chain Grenade and the Chainsaw when enemies close into melee range.

7. Use the Shotgun on enemies closer than 3 meters. This weapon is devastating at close range. It also has a spread fire, so you'll probably still hit your target even if your aim is a little off. Be aware that it doesn't work quite so well on Insane difficulty.

8. Use your grenades as a close-combat weapon in a pinch. This can work if you don't have time to rev your Chainsaw and are desperate. Ideally, you'd fix the situation before it gets here, but sometimes it's unavoidable.

9. Rev the Chainsaw for a few seconds before you try to use it. Do this by holding B.

Rifles

10. Use the Lancer rifle as your main weapon. It does decent damage, has lots of ammo, good accuracy and reloads are plentiful. It also has the chainsaw!

11. Use the Hammerburst if you run dry on ammo for the Lancer. You'll start the game with this, the Locust answer to the Lancer. It is a decent weapon, though it lacks close-combat ability and is not fully automatic. However, most Locusts carry this weapon, so if you need one, just grab one from the nearest corpse. Finding reloads is laughably easy.

12. Keep the Sniper Rifle handy if you can. Ammunition for it is scarce, but it has the best zoom and a crazy killing power! On Casual mode, any hit is a killing blow on anything short of a Boomer, and even then, a headshot is a one-hit kill. It is semi-automatic and only holds 1 bullet at a time, but considering the power and zoom ability, it is well worth keeping around. Shooting from the hip with this bad boy is difficult, but can save you when all else fails.

The Big Guns

13. Grab the Boomshot whenever you find one! This rocket launcher has a limited number of shots and can only be found off dead Boomers, but it packs a whallop! It's got enough pep to chunk anything but another Boomer in a single shot. The best thing is to grab one if you find it, use it till it's dry, then dump it. Be careful! Firing the Boomshot too close to something can end your life quickly!

14. Hold on to the Torque Bow! It may be rare in the beginning, but later on ammo becomes plentiful! The Torque Bow can 1-shot a Boomer, plug emergence holes, and hit in close combat harder than anything save the Chainsaw! Save this weapon and save its ammo for taking down the big bags of hurt.

15. See our article on using the Hammer of Dawn for advice there.

Tags: come down, into melee, into melee range, main weapon, melee range, some which, some which come

Ion Body Cleanse

Ion body cleanses are becoming very popular, though the term "body cleanse" may be inadvertently misleading. While an ion cleanse does indeed purge the body of toxins, the entire body is not exposed to the ion solution. Rather, you place your feet in what looks like a traditional foot bath, except for the elaborate machinery attached to it. These machines can be purchased for home use, but given the price of these units, most devotees opt to go to salons and spas and pay a fee for semi-regular appointments.

How Do Ion Body Cleanses Work?

A device known as an array is set into the foot bath, as a low-level direct current is sent to the array. The metals inside the array work with salt water in the bath to generate positive and negative ions through the division of the oxygen and hydrogen in the water.

The positively or negatively charged ions attach themselves to oppositely charged particles--in this case, the body toxins--neutralize them and draw them out of the body via the process of osmosis. Osmosis is defined as the passage of particles through a membrane to a high concentration area from a low concentration area.

What Toxins Are Removed?

The toxins that are purportedly removed through an ion body cleanse include excess waste acids such as lactic acid, uric acid, acetic acid, carbonic acid, diacetic acid, hepatic acid and butyric acid. As a result of unbalanced diets, drinking and/or drug use and environmental pollutants, these acids build up in the tissues, causing a host of ailments including fatigue, colds and flu and more serious conditions such as gout.

Along with the release of excess bodily acid waste, pollutants are also released, such as heavy metals and toxic chemicals, which can easily enter the body, particularly for those living in urban, industrialized areas. While allergies are the most common complaints for those dealing on a daily basis with smog, a lifetime of outside pollutant absorption can, in some people, lead to cancer.

What Are The Health Benefits?

Purveyors of the ion body cleanse most frequently claim that through purging the body of toxins, environmental pollution, parasites and other foreign bodies by means of the foot bath, their clients experience greater overall energy and a stronger immune system. Relief from gout and arthritic discomfort has been reported by some ion body cleanse clients. Along with this come claims of deeper and more refreshing sleep, improved memory and stress reduction. Harder to verify claims include improved skin condition and improved sexual health, though better sleep in itself could be considered a basis for clearer skin and improved sexual functioning.

Tags: body cleanse, foot bath, Along with, body toxins, concentration area, improved sexual

Sleepaway Camps In Maryland

At many residential camps, campers bunk in rustic cabins.

When it comes to selecting a residential camp, the American Camp Association recommends considering factors such as the camp’s distance from your home, whether you want a co-ed camp and whether you prefer a traditional or specialty camp. You should also think about the ideal length of the camp. Many residential camps offer one- and two-week sessions, while others allow campers to stay as long as eight weeks or more. In Maryland, you’ll find several sleep-away camps throughout the state.

Echo Hill Camp

Echo Hill is a residential camp on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. Open to boys and girls ages 7 to 16, Echo Hill offers sessions of varying lengths, from two to eight weeks long. Campers select their own morning and afternoon activities, such as water skiing, tubing, sailing, fishing, kayaking, windsurfing, music, drama and paintball. Evening events include talent shows, ice cream socials, movies and bowling. Campers sleep in large platform tents with bunk beds and no electricity. Enclosed shower facilities are outdoors with no roof. All camp activities and meals are co-ed, but living and bathroom facilities are separate. Echo Hill offers buffet-style meals, including vegetarian options.

Echo Hill Camp

13655 Bloomingneck Road

Worton, MD 21678

410-348-5303

echohillcamp.com

Elks Camp Barrett

Elks Camp Barrett is a 188-acre residential camp in Crownsville, Maryland, 30 miles south of Baltimore. The camp offers separate one-week sessions for boys and girls ages 9 to 13 who live in Maryland, Delaware or the Washington, D.C., area. Local Elks lodges sponsor the camp fees for children of all backgrounds who would benefit from the camp experience. Along with six cabins and a dining hall, the camp has a large swimming pool and sports facilities. Activities include arts and crafts, hiking, archery, kickball, scavenger hunts and talent shows.

Elks Camp Barrett

P.O. Box 258

Crownsville, MD 21032

410-224-2945

mddedcelksassn.org

Sandy Hill Camp

Sandy Hill is a family-owned and operated residential camp for girls and boys entering third grade through 11th grade. The 211-acre camp overlooks the Upper Chesapeake Bay. Campers choose from one- and two-week sessions. Sandy Hill offers more than 30 instructional activities such as basketball, field hockey, dance, international cooking, beginning guitar, mountain biking and waterskiing. Campers select three of these activities to focus on each week. They can also choose a different elective each day, such as cartooning, horseback riding, canoeing, mini-golf and wearable art. One-week campers stay in rustic cabins with bunk beds and no electricity. Modern bath facilities are located nearby. Two-week campers stay in more modern buildings with bunkrooms, bathrooms, a common room and air conditioning.

Sandy Hill Camp and Retreat Center

3380 Turkey Point Road

North East, MD 21901

410-287-5554

sandyhillcamp.com

Tags: Echo Hill, Hill Camp, residential camp, Sandy Hill, Camp Barrett, campers stay, Elks Camp

Start A Sports Business

By running a sporting goods store, you will be able to supply local sports teams with equipment, including socks, cleats, baseball gloves, hockey sticks, and other products, and become involved in the sports scene. Like any other business, you need to be familiar with your product and the area in which you operate. Building relationships with the community is important to creating a sustainable business. You should also consider running a website that will update your customers on upcoming sales and contact information.

Instructions

1. Create a business plan that will stipulate how much you expect to earn and what your goals will be. The U.S. Small Business Administration, a government agency, offers online-accessible templates, strategies and other resources for small businesses. You should be as specific as possible about where your profits will come from and how much of a loss you can take in the first two years. Consider securing funds by finding a co-financier or a business loan.

2. Negotiate a deal with a wholesaler. Consult sites like Wholesale Central or Maurice's Sporting Goods. You should stock jerseys for the nearby professional NFL, NBA and MLB teams, as well as sports goods for high school and junior high players. You will need basics like cleats, gloves and socks.

3. Acquire business licenses with your local and state governments. The application requires your personal information, as well as the business details. Consider forming your business as a limited-liability corporation (LLC), in order to protect your personal assets.

4. Lease a store for your sports business. You should work with a real estate agent, particularly an agent that has experience negotiating deals for commercial and business properties. The sports business should have sufficient space for storage, offices and product display. Purchase shelves and display furniture to exhibit your products. Spaces that have been used previously as stores are particularly good investments, since they require few alterations.

5. Install any lighting fixtures or electrical work that needs to be outfitted for a sports business. Contact a contractor, electrician, plumber, and heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) professional, each of whom must be licensed by the state, bonded by the city or state, and insured. As part of your license, the building needs to pass fire inspections and other building codes. Make any changes to conform to both. The lighting and air conditioning need to be optimal.

6. Hire employees for your sports business. Employees that have a particular interest and experience as athletes are particularly valuable, as are employees who can contribute to website creation and development. You will need cashiers, warehouse employees, managers and sales staff, though a single person could fill many of these positions.

7. Hold an opening-day ceremony. Not only will this help you promote your business, but it will provide an opportunity to celebrate with your partners in this business venture.

8. Acquire business insurance to cover damages to property and employees. Contact an insurance agency, which can discuss with you the specific insurance requirements for your city and state.

Tags: sports business, business should, with your, your sports business, Acquire business, city state

What Are Industrial Flakjak Goggles

Arena Industries has two brands of specialty goggles made for industry and the military, under the Flakjak and Mozambik brand names. Both goggles feature technology and innovations created by Arena to assist with the vision and reliability of the goggles, as well as protecting the user when they have the goggles on during hazardous situations. Does this Spark an idea?

Flakjak Goggles Information

Flakjak goggles are manufactured by Arena Industries, located in Trabuco Canyon, Calif. The goggles are one of two brands made by Arena, focusing on the tactical and military markets. The goggles have been used by the armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, but are also popular with users of Airsoft toy guns and paintball hobbyists. Flakjak goggles can be purchased from the Arena Industry website for $80 (as of 2011). The goggles are also available for purchase from military surplus and other sites.

Flakjak Goggle Features

Flakjak goggles are available in four colors: black, green, tan and brown. Users can also purchase a prescription insert for those with special vision needs. Flakjak also features several features specific to Arena Industries, including OptiWide, a lens feature that expands the field of vision; the Buckle Management Retention Fastener, which features easy strap replacement; and VS Foam, a moisture wicking foam around the boundary of the goggle. Flakjak goggles are also rated for high UV protection.

Razorback Technology

Arena Industries also offers Razorback technology, which helps to eliminate fogging in the Flakjak goggle. The Razorback technology stems from vents on the goggle, which increases air flow, while removing moisture from the lens. The Razorback technology keeps air flowing at a balanced rate, while keeping out other environmental debris like dirt and sand. Standard goggles that were tested by Arena for fogging resulted in fogging up to 60 percent of the time.

Differences From Mozambik Brand

The Flakjak and Mozambik are very similar, each available in the same colors and stocked with all of the branded Arena Industries technology. The main difference between the two brands is Flakjak's ability to integrate with helmet systems, according to online reviews. The Flakjak also has a fuller design to its facepiece, especially above the nose and between the eyes.

Tags: Arena Industries, Flakjak goggles, Flakjak also, Flakjak Mozambik, goggles also, Razorback technology

Boot Camps For Troubled Kids In Wisconsin

Sometimes kids need an attitude adjustment

Kids can get rowdy and will eventually reach a defiant stage where nothing you say seems to hold any authority over them. Sometimes grounding may do the trick, but sometimes you need an extra hand in teaching discipline to your kids when they are completely out of hand. Troubled teens usually lack a sense of respect, for authority, their peers, and often, themselves. Boot camps and military schools can improve your troubled kid's attitude with team building programs.

SPRITE

SPRITE stands for support, perseverance, respect, initiative, teamwork and education. The organization started in 1978 to reintegrate adjudicated youth, ages 14 to 17, into their home communities as a pre-release program. It is a 24-day program that teaches youth pro-social behavior, independent living skills, and responsibility though activities such as community service, rock climbing, and pre-employment skill development.

Southern Oaks Girls School

Southern Oaks Girls School opened in October 1994 for delinquent female youth. The short-term re-entry program is for mentally stable girls between the ages of 13 and 17. Individualized attention is assured by keeping group capacity at 10 girls. The maximum program length is 120 days. The intensive treatment program (ITP) is for aggressive girls with mental health issues. Many of the girls in this program have histories of self harm. The Scarlet Oaks unit program is a less intense version of the ITP program. Southern Oaks Girls School is the only youth correctional institute in the country with a Girl Scouts troop.

Camp St. John's Northwestern

Camp St. John's Northwestern is a military summer program for young men ages 11 to 16. Accredited by the American Camping Association, its program focuses on developing leadership, teamwork, self-confidence, and physical endurance through activities such as paintball, rappelling, and archery.

Tags: Girls School, Oaks Girls, Oaks Girls School, Southern Oaks, Southern Oaks Girls

Reassemble A Bersa 380

The Bersa Thunder .380 is Bersa's best-selling selling model, according to the company. The weapon is chambered in .380 ACP, and has a magazine capacity of seven rounds. A total of eight rounds can be carried in the weapon if a round is chambered. In order to properly maintain the weapon, periodic maintenance is necessary. This process requires field-stripping the weapon. Once field-stripped, the Bersa .380 must be reassembled properly in order to fire.

Instructions

1. Fit the spring onto the barrel at the front. Slide the spring onto the barrel until it slips over the barrel groove. Wiggle the spring slightly to ensure that it is secure.

2. Hold the weapon with your right hand. Extend your index finger and depress the disassembly button. This is located just in front of the trigger guard.

3. Hold down the disassembly button. Line the slide-grooves up with the slide-rail. Slip the slide onto the weapon at the rear and push forward. Release the disassembly button.

4. Rack the slide a couple of times. This is to ensure that the slide pulls fully to the rear, and springs back forward. Racking is simply pulling the slide to the rear and letting it spring forward on its own power. If the slide doesn't pull back and spring forward smoothly, depress the disassembly button. Pull off the slide to ensure that it is lined up properly along the grooves.

Tags: disassembly button, ensure that, depress disassembly, depress disassembly button, onto barrel, spring forward, spring onto

The Risks Of Shooting A Gun With A Blank

Replica guns, those that shoot blanks, need to be handled as carefully as a real firearm.

While people understand the dangers that come with using regular firearms, far too many people don't realize how dangerous shooting a blank gun can be. Starter guns will commonly be used for track events to signal the start of a race, or as props in a play, but these are not toys and should be treated with the same careful attention as regular firearms.

Injury or Death

Blanks comprise of powder which can be harmless from as close as three feet away, but up close the impact can be dangerous or even deadly. While the powder from blanks disperses quickly, if pressed against an object, even the blank will cause devastating damage similar to if an actual firearm was used. On at least one recorded occasion, a student died from misuse of a blank gun being fired at point blank range, as reported by the news station ABC 4 from Salt Lake City. Firing the wrong type of blank with a blank gun also can cause serious injury.

Real Firearm Response

If someone uses a blank gun irresponsibly, shooting it in public or somewhere he shouldn't, there is always the serious issue and potential of someone using a real firearm to fire back. The police, law enforcement, or even another individual may mistake the blanks for real ammunition and fire back with a real firearm, causing injury or even death.

Criminal Charges

Carrying or showing off a blank gun in public qualifies as a crime in many areas. Local and state laws often have penalties for carrying a blank gun, and any damage or harm that happens to others as a result of even showing the blank gun can make that person criminally responsible for any injuries that occur. Criminal charges can be filed, and in some areas shooting a blank gun in public is considered a felony.

Tags: real firearm, blank public, fire back, regular firearms, shooting blank, showing blank

Christian Rv Campgrounds In Ohio

Ohio is home to several Christian RV campgrounds.

Ohio is home to several Christian camps and retreat centers. Not all accommodate RV campers, but those that do provide a family friendly atmosphere for guests who enjoy the camping experience. RV camping at Christian campgrounds is ideal for families and groups who want to vacation together but retain some independence. Some camps provide activities and Christian-based events for guests to participate in.

Heartland Conference Retreat Center's Meadowview RV Park

The Heartland Conference Retreat Center Meadowview RV Park is a place for Christian groups to host conferences, retreats and camping events. The center is located about 35 minutes north of Columbus, Ohio. The grounds provide accommodations like lodges, cabins and an RV park. Meadowview RV Park features 150 campsites, 50 of which offer full hookups. Park amenities include modern restrooms and showers, laundry facilities, a picnic area and playground. For campers who do not want to make their own meals, a dining facility is available at the center. Outdoor recreation at Heartland includes biking, hiking and exploring natural areas like Alum Creek.

Heartland Conference Retreat Center

3201 County 225

Marengo, OH 43334

740-747-0220

heartlandretreat.com

Beulah Beach Camp and Retreat Center

On the shores of Lake Erie, Beulah Beach Camp and Retreat Center is a getaway for those seeking a vacation in a Christian environment. Beulah Beach is affiliated with the Christian and Missionary Alliance. Camp events include summer camp, Family Camp, conferences and church retreats. Beulah Beach also hosts families, groups and individuals on personal vacations. The campground and RV park have 39 campsites available. The majority of sites include full hookups that include sewer. Campground amenities include modern restrooms, showers and laundry facilities. Campers are near a pool, playground and the Lake Erie beach. RV campers can rent sites by the night or on a monthly basis. Beulah Beach activities include team sports, walking trails, a ropes course, paintball and archery. Guests can attend church services at the outdoor chapel.

Beulah Beach Camp & Retreat Center

6101 W. Lake Rd.

Vermilion, OH 44089

440-967-4861

beulahbeach.org

Wanake Camp and Retreat Center

Wanake Camp and Retreat Center is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and is located southwest of Canton, Ohio. The year-round camp hosts summer camps, retreats, outdoor education programs and individual church or group events. Guests at Wanake can choose to stay in dorms, cabins, houses or in a tent or RV. Designated group camping sites are available throughout the grounds. RV amenities include six 50/30-amp electrical hookup boxes and three water hydrants. Each of the six electrical boxes can accommodate multiple RV hookups. Campers can also request a grill for their campsite.

Wanake Camp and Retreat Center

9463 Manchester Rd. SW

Beach City, OH 44608

330-756-2333

campwanake.org

Tags: Retreat Center, Beulah Beach, Camp Retreat, Camp Retreat Center, amenities include, Beach Camp, Beach Camp Retreat

Purchase Guns On Layaway

A layaway program allows you to pay off expensive purchases like guns over time without having to use your credit card. While most gun stores offer some sort of layaway program, the specific terms vary greatly from merchant to merchant. You'll need to do some shopping around to find the gun store offering the most advantageous layaway program.

Instructions

Pay for Your New Firearm Using a Layaway Program

1. Deal with a store where you've shopped before if you're not new to the world of guns. Gun store owners frequently reward repeat business with better layaway terms.

2. Check into each store's policy. The terms usually vary according to the value of the gun and your standing with the store. Expect that a first-time customer looking to buy an expensive firearm will be asked to put down a significantly larger down payment than a repeat customer looking to pay for a smaller item on layaway.

3. Review the terms of the store's layaway policy, which should be available in writing. Unless you're intimately familiar with the gun store's owner, avoid any store that doesn't offer its policy on paper.

4. Expect that your down payment will range anywhere from as little as 10 percent of the cost of the gun to as much as 25 to 40 percent. Most gun stores want the duration of the layaway plan not to exceed 90 days.

5. Remain communicative. The terms of your payment schedule will appear rigid and inflexible, but if you're having trouble meeting a payment or if you need more time to finish paying off your new gun, many stores will accommodate you. However, you should be aware of any conditions in the contract which can trigger the termination of the layaway agreement, because termination might mean that you won't be able to recover any of the money you've paid towards the gun.

Tags: layaway program, with store, customer looking, down payment, Expect that

Gun Safety Laws For Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania gun laws require only age and licensure.

Pennsylvania gun laws endeavor to make it easier for legal and honest citizens to acquire firearms, while making it difficult for unlawful or dishonest people to do the same. Guns are allowed to be carried throughout the state, including the city of Philadelphia, by anyone of legal age and licensure.

Possession

According to Pennsylvania firearm laws, 18 is the minimum age to possess a gun. The only exceptions to this rule are if a minor is under the direct supervision of a family member, legal guardian or other adult who has permission from the child's parents or legal guardian to oversee the minor's firearm handling. The minor must be involved in a lawful activity such as hunting or legal target practice.

Concealed Guns

In order to carry a concealed gun in Pennsylvania, a state license to carry firearms is required. This is required in order to transport any guns through Pennsylvania in any vehicle. In order to obtain a License to Carry Firearms (LTCF), a rigorous background check for such felonies as domestic abuse. LTCFs are valid for five years, at which point they must be reinstated.

Reciprocity

When one gains the legal ability to carry and/or use a firearm in the state of Pennsylvania, some states reciprocate the Pennsylvania recognition, including Alaska, Florida and Missouri. Other states, such as Maine and Washington, require Pennsylvanian citizens to apply for a separate gun license. Some states, including Virginia, Nevada and Rhode Island, neither recognize nor grant gun licenses to anyone outside of state citizenship.

Registration

It is, in fact, illegal for Pennsylvanian government or police agencies to keep a registry of firearms. The only exception is the Pennsylvania State Police, which keeps records of all handguns purchased within the state---though this does not register anyone bringing in handguns from out of state.

Tags: legal guardian, Pennsylvania laws

Painting Games To Play Online

If your kids are looking to get their artistic juices running, look no further than some online painting games. The simplicity of most of the games makes them easy for anyone to play, and the wide selection of colors and pictures gives way to millions of possibilities. See just how creative your kids can get mixing and matching colors to paint their favorite stars and characters.

Hannah Montana Coloring

Girls will enjoy choosing from three different pictures to paint. Each features Hannah Montana and at least one other person in concert. You'll be able to color up to five people, as well as their clothing, jewelry and any other items that are on stage. Painting is pretty easy. Just pick a color from the palette in the lower right corner, and click on the item you want to paint. One click will color the whole item, but you can color over it as many times as you like.

Stuart Little Coloring

Stuart Little coloring is a really simple game made for a younger audience. The set-up uses a crayon box of 17 colors and five different pictures. Stuart is shown doing things like skateboarding, playing soccer, driving and just posing. Each picture has color guidelines, but you can make your own color scheme too.

Mario Coloring

There is only one Mario picture available to paint, but there are more than 10 items to fill in and 60 colors to choose from. The younger users will probably be more entertained than older kids, as painting the same picture over and over can get rather boring.

Ramone's House of Body Art

There is only one car to paint in this game, but the format gives you a little bit more control than many other games. Instead of just clicking on an area and having it fill in with the color of your choice, you actually have to click and drag on an area to perform a brush stroke. If you want to simply click and fill in the lines, you can use the paint bucket function. You can also erase marks you don't like and change the width of your brush strokes.

Boowa & Kwala Finger Painting

If you're looking for something a little different, try some finger painting. Well...paw painting to be exact. You have nine different paws to choose from and three different colors. Just pick a paw design, then a color and begin painting. The colors are red, yellow and blue, but if you want to mix colors, all you have to do is click on the colors you want before you begin painting. You can even look at paintings that Boowa and Kwala have created if you need some ideas.

Tags: begin painting, Boowa Kwala, choose from, different pictures, from three, from three different

Make Your Own Paintball Gear

Paintball is a popular recreational sport. Whether it be in an arena or sport field, or in the woods, the sport demands a good bit of gear and most of it isn't cheap. Thankfully, virtually everything a paintballer might need, except for the actual gun and ammunition, can be converted from military surplus and other sporting gear.

Instructions

The Face Mask

1. Buy a hockey mask. The mask itself does not need to be very rugged to repel paintballs, so even a Jason Vorhees costume mask will do, but a real sports hockey mask would be best, as the straps will last longer.

2. Use the tape measure, drill, and coping saw to create an aperture for the safety goggles. Measure the required opening, mark it, drill holes at the corners, and saw the mask open with the coping saw.

3. Saw away the edges of the hockey mask, so that a boonie hat or skull cap can be worn in addition to the mask.

4. Paint the mask in a camouflage pattern with a flat enamel.

Battle Dress

5. Go to the Army surplus store. Buy camouflage clothing, army boots, combat webbing, a skull cap and a boonie hat.

6. Take a rag. It should either be green already, or should be dyed green. Cut it into strips with a pair of scissors, and then sew it to the boonie hat for a "ghillie suit" like effect. This can be worn for woodland paintball games. For paintball arena or sport field games, wear the skullcap instead.

7. Arrange the combat webbing and acquire whatever additional gear you might need. An arena or sport field game will only need pockets for balls and CO2 cartridges. A woodland game will need at least those, as well as a water bottle.

Tags: arena sport, arena sport field, hockey mask, sport field, combat webbing

Bachelor Weekend Ideas

Bachelor weekends are often a guy's last big hurrah with his friends before his wedding.

When planning a drawn-out bachelor party or just hanging with the guys, it can be tempting to fall back on the usual activities. Consider trying something different--radically different. You'll build memories and muscles, and just might discover a deep love for paintball or whitewater kayaking (or sweet tropical drinks).

Special Ops Weekend

A book about espionage or spy gadgets would make a good party gift for this weekend.

This is a weekend for doing the things you secretly envy the secret agents on TV doing---namely, sneaking around with a weapon, blowing stuff up and driving really fast. Fuel up with a hearty breakfast and hit the road. If it's legal in the area, go blow up some fireworks (carefully). Try a paintball fight, an afternoon at a shooting range, or a few rounds of go-kart racing. Paintball and laser tag are fun, relatively inexpensive way to get some exercise and run around like kids again.

Great Outdoors Weekend

If you bought a new tent for a weekend, do a practice run beforehand.

Even if---or, perhaps, especially if---your usual hangout routine involves takeout pizza, rental movies, and video games, and you haven't gone camping since that traumatic family vacation at age eight, there is nothing like a weekend in the great outdoors to cement the buddy bond and create a whole new batch of memories to reminisce about later.

Take stock of the budget, the natural resources of your area, and the bachelor weekend attendees' collective daredevil quotient, fitness level, and outdoor experience. If money's no object, many outfitters offer whirlwind weekend adventures centered around adrenaline activities, such as rock climbing, whitewater rafting and hang gliding. For a low-budget alternative to a fully-guided weekend trip, camp or stay in a hotel in the area and do a guided day outing on Saturday.

Tropical Getaway Weekend

A tropical getaway will help you escape the stress of an upcoming wedding.

If you can afford to jet off for a bachelor weekend in the tropics, by all means, do. But even if your budget is tiny and you live far from the coast, you can still indulge your desire for a tropical vacation. Take over someone's house for the weekend (with their knowledge, of course) and declare it "Bachelor Island." Stock the fridge, rent a stack of movies and video games, make yourselves a round of tropical-themed cocktails, and crank the heat until you're sweating. Break out of your usual food habits. Try something that's exotic. If cabin fever sets in and you end up going somewhere, wear matching Hawaiian shirts---yes, even if it's January and you live in Minnesota.

Tags: bachelor weekend, movies video, movies video games, video games

Refill Paintball Tanks

Paintball is a fast-growing sport that requires courage, bravery, and sound strategy. Players are equipped with guns powered by compressed air that shoot small balls of paint at high speeds. Operating a paintball gun requires periodically refilling its tank with compressed air. Certain sporting goods stores perform that service, but you can do yourself if you take precautions.

Instructions

Filling a Paintball Tank

1. Purchase or lease a bulk ( 20- or 40-lb.) compressed air tank from a welding supply company. You can also purchase one online.

2. Buy a compressed air fill station. The fill station attaches your smaller tank to the bulk tank. You can get fill stations from a number of paintball sites on the Internet or paintball stores in your area.

3. Attach your fill station to your bulk tank and your 20-oz tank to the other end of your fill station. Be sure to empty your small tank, which you can do by depressing the pin at the top of the tank. You can hear when your tank is empty when the hissing of the compressed air coming out of your tank stops.

4. Weigh your empty tank with your scale to ensure it is indeed empty. Reset the gauge of the scale back to zero so you can measure how much compressed air you have filled your tank with.

5. Reattach your 20-oz. tank to the fill station and fill your tank to an ounce or two under capacity.

6. Remove your tank and open the bleed valve on your fill station to remove any compressed air in the hose.

7. Weigh your tank to ensure it is at or under capacity. Make sure your tank is not overfilled, as it could burst.

Tags: your tank, fill station, tank with, your fill, your fill station, 20-oz tank

Get A Refund

Get a Refund

Sometimes, after purchasing a product or a service, you find it doesn't work, it doesn't meet all of your needs or you just don't want it anymore, so you decide you want your money back. Usually, getting a refund isn't a problem, but companies can sometimes be stubborn and refuse to return your money. If you ever find yourself in this situation, there is some sure-fire advice you can follow to help you get a refund.

1. 2

3. 4

5.

Instructions

A Word About What You Should Have Done

There are several things you should do every time you make a purchase. If you follow each of these simple rules, you will not only encounter fewer problems when trying to obtain a refund, but you may also avoid having to seek a refund in the first place.

Make sure the company is reputable. For large-ticket items (such as a washer or a car), contact the Better Business Bureau to see if the company is in good standing. Information about some companies can be found on the BBB website.

Check out the item carefully. A tip from Ralph Nader: "Don't buy something if it looks like someone smashed it with a hammer." Also be on the look-out for more subtle signs that the item may be broken. Make sure the packaging is not damaged and still has the factory seal. Ask the salesperson if the item comes with a manufacturer's warranty; if it doesn't, it may have been purchased on the gray market. Gray-market merchandise is not always held to the same standards as merchandise purchased from authorized dealers: it may be missing important items, like instructions and rebate coupons.

Ask about the refund or cancellation policy. Most states require stores to post their return policies by the cash register or print them on the receipt. Make sure you know what the policy is and stay within the time limit if you decide to return the item. Service contracts (e.g., dating services or wireless phone contracts) usually give consumers a three-day right to cancel. But make sure you read the fine print, because some companies require you to send your cancellation request in writing by certified mail.

Use a credit card when buying big-ticket items. Even if you have the cash, it is a good idea to charge very expensive items (e.g., a gym membership or electronics equipment). Even if the seller is unwilling to refund your money, you can dispute the charges with your credit card company. Your credit card company will go to bat for you with the seller--and sometimes, just to keep you happy as a customer, remove the charge from your statement even if the seller doesn't agree.

Get a receipt. You'll need it to prove you actually paid the company. Don't buy anything without getting a receipt. If you spend more than $100, you are entitled to an itemized receipt in some states. Get one.

Tags: credit card, your money, card company, credit card company, Make sure, some companies

The Advantages Of Nitrogen Air Tanks For Paintball

The game of paintball has evolved exponentially since its invention in the mid-80s. Two-ounce air tanks led to nine-, 16- and 20-ounce CO2 tanks. Today, nitrogen tanks rule the paintball field. The game of paintball relies on pressure. Pressure pushes the balls out of the gun and toward a target. Knowing this, It is no wonder players have been trying to perfect the form of pressure that fuels their markers. Nitrogen tanks have clear advantages over the outdated CO2 systems. Nitrogen is a gas in your tank, and a gas when fueling your paintball. CO2 is in liquid form in your tank, and is converted to a gas when transferred through your gun. This leads to inconsistent pressure, and problems during cold weather.

Inconsistent Pressure

Nitrogen tanks deliver the same shot every time you pull the trigger. CO2 tanks fire different rates of speed on each shot. CO2 is a liquid when it is in your tank. Joe and Larry at "Gat Splat" explain why this is a problem: "You're running and shooting, moving the gun up, down, back, forth, and as you're shooting, you may not always be getting pure gas. Some of the liquid CO2 may escape into the system as well. Then some expansion can happen in the gun, behind the bolt, which then will change the pressure." Each time you pull the trigger, you will now be getting a different pressured shot. Nitrogen is a gas when in your tank, so it cannot leak into your gun. Every time you pull the trigger, the paintball will go the speed and distance you want it to. CO2 tanks tend to under- and overshoot because the amount of pressure changes with each shot.

Weather Issues

Cold weather affects the pressure inside CO2 tanks. The colder the weather, the less pressure there is. In extreme temperatures, such as below freezing, there is not enough pressure in your CO2 tank to make it work properly. You will be firing some liquid and not enough gas. The lack of pressure in your tank will cause a loss of speed for shots. You will have to warm up your gun and tank before you can hit the field.

Tank Size

A nitrogen tank can handle more gas than CO2 can handle liquid in the same-sized tank. Nitrogen tanks allow you to get more shots per tank than CO2. Because CO2 tanks hold liquid, their storage capacity is set in stone. Nitrogen tanks have a capacity that varies. You can fill a 68-cubic-inch tank with between 3000 and 4500 pounds per square inch. A 68-cubic-inch tank is equivalent to a 20-ounce CO2 tank, which can only hold 3000 pounds per square inch. With nitrogen tanks, you can fit more air (and pressure) in the same-sized tank, giving you more shots per tank.

Tags: your tank, pull trigger, time pull, time pull trigger, 68-cubic-inch tank

Remove A Remington 700 Trigger

The Remington Model 700 is a line of bolt-action rifles designed for almost any type of shooting, from long range tactical rifles to rifles designed for harsh conditions. Remington Model 700s can be disassembled, so they can be cleaned or serviced according to the needs of the owner. While Remington suggests that all adjustments to the trigger be made through a Remington-recommended gunsmith, the procedure to remove the trigger can be completed by just about anyone.

Instructions

1. Move the switch on the right side of the bolt to the rear position, labeled "S."

2. Pull the bolt handle all the way back. Look inside the barrel to see if there is any ammunition inside. If there is, remove it according to the process required by the model of Remington 700 that you have. Some require the ammunition to be removed through the floor plate, through the ejection point or by removing a magazine.

3. Push the bolt stop release button, which is located inside the trigger guard, just in front of the trigger. Pull back on the bolt to remove it.

4. Turn the Remington 700 upside down.

5. Remove the two or three screws, depending on your exact model, located around the trigger.

6. Lift up on the stock to remove it from the receiver and trigger assembly.

7. Position the receiver in your vise with the trigger assembly pointing up. Locate the two metal pins, one near the front of the trigger and one near the rear, that connect the trigger to the receiver.

8. Place your pin push against one of these pins and gently tap it with a hammer until it pushes the pin free. Do the same thing on the other pin, and then pull up on the trigger to remove it.

Tags: front trigger, Remington Model, rifles designed, trigger assembly

The History Of Benjamin Air Rifles

The Benjamin Air Rifle Company has been in business since 1902, when it was founded in St. Louis, Mo., by Walter Benjamin. The company has passed through several changes of ownership since it was founded, acquiring the Sheridan Products company in the process. Now the company continues to manufacture its highly prized air rifles in East Bloomfield, N.Y.

Definitions

An air rifle is a gun that relies on compressed air or carbon dioxide to fire its projectile instead of using gunpowder. Because there is no explosion when the gun is fired, it is virtually silent and does not emit smoke. Meriwether Lewis carried one with him on the Lewis and Clark Expedition, using it to awe the Indians he met along the way.

The Benjamin Air Rifle Company has been manufacturing air rifles, mostly from its own patented designs, since 1902. Aficionados of both its antique and new air rifles prize them highly.

Beginnings

D.T. Fletcher self-published in 1999 the most comprehensive account of the origins of the St. Louis and Benjamin Air Rifle Companies. According to Fletcher, Walter Benjamin owned several farms in Grand Tower, Illinois, a small town about 100 miles south of St. Louis on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River. In 1898, Benjamin patented his first air rifle design, U.S. patent number 627,320. He founded the St. Louis Air Rifle Co. in 1899, but did not open offices in St. Louis until 1901, the same year he incorporated the firm. That same year, the company failed because of what Fletcher describes as intense competition by other air rifle manufacturers, "price fixing and just plain old price competition ..."

The Benjamin AIr Rifle Company

By 1902, Benjamin had bought up all the patents the St. Louis Air Rifle Company had owned and opened a new company named the Benjamin Air Rifle Company. The company was only in business until 1905, but in 1908, Benjamin and A. Wissler formed the Benjamin Air Rifle and Manufacturing Co. Benjamin continued to design air rifles, but increasingly he became interested in designing other machines, like vacuum cleaners. In the fall of 1909, the company went through a reorganization, with Wissler becoming president and secretary. Wissler died in 1926, at which point Aloys Peter Spack bought the air rifle company from Wissler's estate.

The company continued to manufacture and sell air guns, making improvements to its designs and creating new ones, into the 1970s.

Sheridan Products

The Benjamin Air Rifle Company bought out one of its competitors, Sheridan Products of Racine, Wisconsin, in 1977. In 1986, Benjamin moved all its production from St. Louis to the Racine facility.

Crosman Corporation

In 1992, Crosman Corporation, which manufactures air guns, air gun accessories, and paintball guns and accessories, bought Benjamin Sheridan in its entirety. Crosman closed the operation in Racine in 1994 and moved production of Benjamin Sheridan products to its home location in East Bloomfield, N.Y. Crosman now sells air rifles and pistols under the Benjamin and Sheridan names as well as its own.

Tags: Benjamin Rifle, Benjamin Rifle Company, Benjamin Sheridan, Rifle Company, Rifle Company

Shoot A Target With A Laser Sight

Laser sights are often used in movies and TV shows as a dramatic way to show that a person is about to be shot. The real purpose of a laser sight is to aid the person holding the gun in lining up the shot he is going to take. Aiming a laser sight properly at a target requires following a few steps precisely. This will ensure that the target is properly lit up by the laser sight so you can take an accurate shot.

Instructions

1. Turn off your laser sight. Raise your gun with the laser sight attached to it to eye level.

2. Look through your laser sight at the target, and note where you think the laser dot should appear. Fire at the target, and note where the target is hit.

3. Lower your gun, and turn the laser sight on. Raise your gun back to eye level, and look through the laser sight. Note where the laser dot is hitting the target, and compare that with where you thought the laser dot would be hitting the target.

4. Press the trigger of the gun, and fire off a round at the target. Compare that to where you hit the target when you weren't using the laser sight. Note correct for the differences when you are shooting.

5. Line up the laser dot on the target, and fire off another round while looking through the laser sight.

Tags: laser sight, hitting target, laser sight Note, laser sight Raise, Raise your, sight Note, sight Raise