Paint A Camo Pattern

Paint your own camo patterns with ease.

What we know and recognize as camouflage today originated in France during World War I. After forming the camouflage division in the French Army, artists were recruited to help develop these often intricate and life-saving patterns. Camouflage can be found not only in a military context but in tons of everyday applications as well, including hunters wanting to make their weapons discrete and model makers wanting to perfect paint their models.

Instructions

1. Paint the entire surface with the lightest color paint you intend to use. Depending on how dark you want your camouflage print to be, this will likely be either khaki or olive green. If you are painting a very large surface such as a wall, it is easier to use a roller brush or a large paintbrush. Allow this coat of paint to dry fully before moving on. Rinse your brush thoroughly before using it to apply the next color.

2. Apply the next darkest paint color to the wall. The next darkest paint should be either olive green or brown. Prior to painting the wall, use your pencil to sketch out the areas that you will paint. These areas should be free-form blobs. Do not place the blobs next to each other as that will disrupt the pattern you are in the process of creating. Allow this coat of paint to dry fully before moving on. Rinse your brush thoroughly before using it to apply the next color.

3. Apply the next darkest paint color, either brown or black, to the wall. Sketch the areas that you want to paint with your pencil. For these blobs, place them close to or directly next to the lighter blobs. Remember to not let blobs of the same color touch one another, so as not to distort the pattern. Allow this coat of paint to dry fully before moving on. Rinse your brush thoroughly.

4. Apply your last paint color to the wall. You should be down to black paint if you started with the khaki color. If you started with olive green, you have completed the major painting process. Follow the same process you used to paint the lighter colors of your camouflage pattern. Allow this coat of paint to dry fully, and rinse your brush thoroughly.

5. Review and touch up your painting. Step back and look at the entire camouflage pattern. Look for any holes or huge patches of color that may exist. Fill in these holes with the color that looks best given the other colors located in the area. If any of the blobs have dripped, fix these areas as well by painting over the area where the paint dripped.

Tags: Allow this, Allow this coat, brush thoroughly, coat paint, coat paint fully, paint fully

Ambush Marketing Ideas

Effective ambush marketing ideas must be unexpected.

According to the website Brand Channel, ambush marketing ideas are generally used to capture attention from a competitor that has paid for association with an event. As such, ambush marketing ideas have no contractual limitations and can be highly effective, as long as the marketer understands and appeals to the interests of his audience.

Creative Language

Some of the best ambush marketing ideas come from creative use of language. For example, when a marketer cannot formally use the name of an event where it is marketing because of contractual stipulations, cleverly turning that hindrance into an advantage can lead to an effective ambush marketing presence. According to Brand Channel, the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City saw successful ambush marketing ideas by Schirf, a local brewery. Barred from advertising at the event or using any references to the terms "Olympics" due to the Games' sponsorship with Anheuser-Busch, it instead marketed itself as the "The Unofficial Beer" and used the term "Games" instead of "Olympics" on delivery trucks which were present throughout the vicinity of the Olympics on their standard delivery rounds. This approach allowed for a clear brand presence, without the financial obligation of a formal sponsorship.

Branded Accessories

Ambush marketing ideas often can be carried out with relevant promotional items that consumers will actively use at a given event, to essentially create the "buzz" for your brand as they are in use. Brand Channel reports that in 1996, Nike was not a sponsor of the Atlanta Olympic Games, but was able to create the impression that it was by distributing branded "swoosh" banners for fans to wave while at the Games. Nike's logo is called a "swoosh."

Branded Samples

Effective ambush marketing ideas also can be based on standard product samples that are presented in a clever way to both generate interest and detract from the presence of the competitor. Procter & Gamble created a buzz for its Pringles brand at the 2009 Wimbledon tennis tournament, an event where non-sponsor products are not allowed within the venue. Its ambush marketing idea solved the problem by distributing 24,000 Pringles cans outside the stadium in packaging that resembled tennis ball cans, but marked "These are not tennis balls" to make a noticeable presence at the tournament.

Tags: ambush marketing, marketing ideas, ambush marketing ideas, Brand Channel, ambush marketing ideas, Effective ambush marketing

Atv Trails In California

California is a great place to ATV.

California offers many option for riding your ATV, from desert to coastal to urban you have your pick. Check with each riding place for their safety requirements. Several places are family favorites for peewee riding as well as experienced riders.

408 MX

Try out your skill at this park.

Located in downtown San Jose, at the San Jose County Fairgrounds, this is an oasis for dirt bikes. The track is operated by an experienced northern California racer, Ralph Davies. The track is set up for both beginners and experts. The jumps included safe and comfortable short landings. 408 MX occasionally offers beginner and first time rider schools.

Practice is Sunday from 9 am -3 pm, Tuesdays 2pm -8pm, Thursdays 2pm-8 pm and Saturdays 9am-2pm. There is a fee per day. This track is a closed circuit.

408 MX

2554 Monterey Hwy

San Jose, CA 96111

408-595-0901

408mx.com

Argyll Motocross Park, Argyll Park

Family fun is shared at this motocross park.

This motocross park has a track that is adobe clay and silt soil. The track features 50 foot and 70 foot doubles. With a concession stand and a peewee track this works for both experienced and new riders. The park is open Thursday from noon to dark, Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm and Sunday from 9am to 4 pm.

Argyll Park

4975 Rio Dixon Rd

Dixon, CA 95620

925-308-4814

argyllmx.com

Barona Oaks MX

Ride around these oak trees.

Minutes from San Diego this track offers a main and pee wee track. Open practice is held Wednesday through Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm. You can choose to camp here over night for a fee. There is a fee for the mini track and the older track. Barona Oaks offers club membership. On Wednesdays, there is a Mini's only practice from 2pm to 5 pm.

The main track is over a mile long as it winds around oak trees. Built on the side of a hill it provides challenge and fun for your ATV ride. The track changes every two weeks to freshen the layout and keep it well groomed.

Baron Oaks MX

1800 Wildcat Canyon RD

Lakeside CA 92040

619-838-1920

baronaoaksmx.com

Big Bear Lake

Try out some dusty ATV riding in Joshua Tree.

High in the desert there is six miles of ATV trails and 62 miles of jeep trails. The Trails are dusty with loose rocks. The Joshua Tree Trail is smooth, fast and has many berms. You need an Adventure Pass to camp or ride here. You can purchase this pass at Lucerne Valley Market or local ranger stations. Enjoy beautiful scenery.

Arrowhead Ranger Station

28104 Highway 18

Skyforest, CA 92385

909-382-2782

fs.fed.us

Tags: Sunday from, Argyll Park, Barona Oaks, experienced riders, Joshua Tree, main track, motocross park

The History Of Guatemalan Masks

Mask have been, and still are, used by many cultures around the world.

Guatemala shares much of its history with its neighbor to the north, Mexico. Both have used masks in cultural activities stretching back to the early Mayan period. Even today, masks are popular in Guatemalan culture and are often sold as souvenirs to tourists.

First Masks

The earliest masks from the Mayan civilization, and the earliest in Guatemala, have been found near the sites of Uaxactún, El Mirador, Cival, Tikal and Nakbé, according to research found at authenticmaya.com. The masks seem to depict the sun and earth.

Funeral masks

According to the author of "Masks: Faces of Culture," John Nunley, funeral masks were placed alongside the deceased in Guatemala as early as 1500 B.C., and often depicted gods associated with the underworld.

Rain Dance

The Palo Volador masquerade, dating back to before European contact in Mexico and Guatemala, was preformed before the rainy season. In Guatemala, monkey masks were worn and hung on poles that "descended from the sky" like rain.

Cross-dressing

Baile de la Conquista of Guatemala, much like ceremonies around the world, often includes men masked as women. According to Nunley, the masks represent fertility and are meant to help crops prosper.

Influence

Colores Del Pueblo, a website dedicated to Hispanic culture and heritage, explains that while religious themes originated in the pre-Hispanic past, some of the most well known dances today represent religious stories with saints and devils, and are a reflection of Spanish influence.

Tags: around world, have been, masks were

Ideas For A 16yearold'S Birthday Party

Luau Party

A luau party and access to a private pool bring a taste of the tropics to a summer birthday party for a 16-year-old. Decorate the pool area in leis, colorful balloons, faux palm trees, seashells, fish bowls, coconuts and pineapples. Play party games such as the limbo, have hula dancing and hula hoop contests, and enjoy time swimming in the pool. Have a pineapple upside-down cake as the sweet 16 birthday cake and non-alcoholic pina coladas for the drinks, complete with umbrellas.

Movie Marathon Slumber Party

A movie marathon slumber party will be a treat for 16-year-old boys or girls. Decorate the party area with movie posters and celebrity posters. If possible, post pictures of favorite celebrities when they were 16. Rent a popcorn machine from a local party supply store and set it up in the area where the movies will be shown. A photo 16th-birthday cake with your teen's favorite actor or actress can be ordered from a local bakery. Serve sliced fruits or vegetables with plenty of dipping sauce. Clear the area of all furniture except the equipment to run and view the movies to allow plenty of room for the teens to lay out sleeping bags. Pre-rent movies for the night that star your teen's favorite actor or actress.

Music Party

Music parties are fun to host and to be a part of. Make a play list of your teen's favorite music. Get the birthday teen to help you pick out which songs to put on the list, but try to include the oldie "Sixteen Candles." Decorate the party area in music notes (16th notes are particularly appropriate), posters of the music artists and colorful lights. Move furniture out of the main room to give plenty of room to dance. Rent a karaoke machine and let the party guests take turns singing for the group. You can even digitally record everyone singing the karaoke songs and play them back for all to enjoy. This is particularly suited for co-ed 16th-birthday parties.

Mall Party

A mall party is a very simple 16-year-old's birthday party. All the guests arrive at the mall for a scavenger hunt. The kids will have to find 16 specific items in stores and take a picture of them with their cell phone. They then send the picture back to the party host. You can have the kids work as a group. If the store owners won't permit a picture to be taken, have the teens write down the store name and price of the item on a notepad, or text the information to the host. Time how long it takes to find everything. The kids don't have to buy the items. At the end of the party, have the kids meet together to eat at a central location, where you can have cake and presents.

Football Birthday Party

A football 16-year-old's birthday party is ideal during football season for teen football fans of both genders. Decorate the party area with balloons and crepe paper that are the colors for your teen's favorite team. Hang posters of favorite team football players, and try to find a jersey with the number 16 on it. Football team key chains make a timely favor for this party, since many of the teens will be excited about their driving permits or licenses. Order or bake a birthday cake in the shape of a football or football helmet. Set up the party to occur during the actual football game.

Tags: your teen favorite, teen favorite, your teen, Decorate party, Decorate party area

Overnight Summer Camps For Kids

Overnight summer camps for kids can consist of more than a week in the woods with campfires, crafts and singing. Choose a summer camp that is tailored to your child's interests or special learning needs. Such camps help deepen the child's base of knowledge while preparing the child for future learning experiences.

Emagination Computer Camps

Technology-loving children between the ages of 8 and 17 can participate in two-week overnight programs with the Emagination Computer Camps. Each day at camp includes three technology sessions that include learning to build remote-control cars and robots, designing computer games and setting up computer systems. The fourth session of the day includes physical activity through throwing footballs or playing capture the flag. Night activities include open gaming sessions, free computer lab time and opportunities for socialization.

Emagination Camps are held at the suburban college campuses of Mercer University in Georgia, Lake Forest College in Illinois, Bentley University in Massachusetts and Rosemont College in Pennsylvania.

Camp Buckskin

Located in Minnesota, Camp Buckskin runs an overnight summer camp tailored toward kids with special needs such as learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD or Asperger's. The camp accepts children between the ages of 6 and 18. On every weekday, campers go through six learning activities designed to teach social skills, teamwork and problem solving. The tasks are non-competitive to take pressure off the campers. The camp staff informs parents of the child's progress and provides tips to continue the learning process after camp has ended.

Young Actors Camp

The Young Actors Camp in Hollywood, California, is an overnight camp that gives children a chance to experience the film and television industries. Students take acting classes and participate in workshops with talent agents, Disney television and film stars, and other industry professionals. The camp accepts children between the ages of 8 and 18. Teenage campers older than 16 can earn college credits for the classes in the camp.

The Whale Camp

The Whale Camp based on Grand Manan Island in Canada teaches campers about marine biology in an interactive, natural environment. The camp offers one-, two- and three-week camps with the three-week camp considered the full experience. Students spend time at sea, observing and collecting data on whales and other marine animals. Other daytime activities include kayak trips, sensory exercises and learning experiences on various types of ecology. Evenings wrap up with games on the islands beaches. The Whale Camp accepts children between the ages of 10 and 17.

Tags: between ages, children between, children between ages, accepts children, accepts children between

Hydrostatic Testing Regulations

Compressed gas tanks must be hydrostatically tested periodically

Compressed gas tanks are required periodically to be hydrostatically tested to ensure that they can safely hold their designated pressure. During the process the tanks are filled with water, then sealed and immersed in a water-filled hydrochamber. This chamber is sealed and the tank is then pressurized to much greater than its working pressure.

The tank expands, pushing water from the hydrochamber into a measuring device called a burette. It is then depressurized and a further reading is taken from the burette to see what water has remained due to the tank expansion. The difference between the two volume readings is noted and the expansion calculated. To pass the test, the tank must meet certain requirements.

Pressurization Levels During Testing

A tank's working pressure is the pressure to which a tank is normally filled. In a hydrostatic test it must be filled to 1 2/3 of its working pressure. This is to establish that the tank is capable of holding pressures much greater than it is normally required to. For example, a tank which has a working pressure of 300 bar would be pressurized to 500 bar. This pressure must be held for at least 30 seconds before depressurization to allow for full expansion of the tank walls.

Expansion Limits

The acceptable expansion of the tank following depressurization is to within 10 percent of the expansion of the tank, when pressurized. An example of this is a 10 liter tank that expands by one liter during hydrostatic testing. To pass a test its expansion following depressurization cannot be more than 0.1 liters. Any more than this and the metal is deemed to be not resilient enough and fails the test.

Recording

The dates of the hydrostatic test must be stamped on the neck of the air tank. This is so users of the tank can see if the cylinder is currently acceptable to use and when the next test is due.

Periodic Testing

Tanks must be hydrostatically tested every five years. They can be required to be tested sooner if dropped from a height, exposed to heat damage, painted with inappropriate substances, or anything that could affect the structural integrity of the tank.

Tags: working pressure, expansion tank, hydrostatically tested, Compressed tanks, following depressurization

Why Do People Wear Turbans

People wear turbans for different reasons

Turbans are a common sight in several cultures, but not all turbans have the same meaning. Some cultures wear turbans strictly for functional purposes while others wear them for their significance. No one knows the exact origin of the turban, but they have been around for at least 3,000 years, according to the Sikh Times website. Assyrian carvings from that era clearly depict kings wearing the headdresses.

Definition

Turbans are head coverings that consist of a long piece of cloth wound around the top of the head. Turbans often measure up to 12 feet long, according to the Sikh Ttimes website, and stay in place because of the tautness with which its wound or a chin strap. The word "turban" most likely stemmed from the word "dulband," the site said. Dulband is a Persian word that gave rise to the English word tulip and the Spanish word torbandalo, which means hammerhead shark.

Function

One of the main reasons people wear turbans is for protection, especially in desert climates. Turbans keep hair neat, clean and held in place. They keep desert dust from blowing into people's faces. They also add a protective layer against the wind, heat and relentless desert sun. Some nomadic tribes have also worn turbans to keep their true identities secret.

Significance

Some cultures wear turbans for other reasons. Men who follow the Sikh religion, which originated in India and Pakistan, never cut their hair as a sign of respect for God and His creation. The turban protects their lengthy locks and sometimes even their beards if they grow the latter long enough to twist and tuck up beneath the headdress. Other Indian men also wear turbans to denote their religion, or to broadcast their caste or class. Turbans in Turkey often showcase a man's status or wealth.

Styles

Turban styles vary from region to region. The Sikh turbans are simple cloths wound round the head with a prominent front fold above the forehead. Muslim men often wrap turbans around their caps, known as kalansuwa. Afghan men often favor longer turbans that leave a tail hanging down the back. The turbans of Iran are usually black or white and wound flat and round against the top of the head. Indian turbans can be some of the most elaborate, covered with gems, jewels and embroidery. Some of the simplest turbans are those worn by African desert dwellers that swaddle the cloths about their heads and face for protection.

Misconceptions

Turbans are not a surefire sign that someone is a member of a certain cultural group, nor does every member of said groups always wear a turban. One of the most hazardous misconceptions of late, according to both the Real Sikhism and Sikh Times websites, is the thought that everyone who wears a turban must be a terrorist. This thought stems from the fact that some Islamic extremists do wear turbans---but so do a lot of other people. The sites note that thinking everyone who wears a turban is a terrorist is roughly the equivalent of saying everyone who wears a baseball cap or shoes must be a bank robber.

Tags: everyone wears, wear turbans, according Sikh, cultures wear, cultures wear turbans

Get Stealth Camo In "Metal Gear Solid 3"

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater was released for the PlayStation 2 console in early 2005. The game is filled with dozens of secret items and modes that you can unlock by performing certain feats. Stealth camouflage is an item in the game that makes your character invisible to enemies. There are two ways to obtain stealth camouflage in Metal Gear Solid 3, both of which take some time and perseverance.

Instructions

1. Track down and activate all of the 64 Kerotan frogs. Kerotan frogs are small green frogs that are scattered throughout the game in various locations. The frogs don't move, and are activated when jostled or shot. You will know that they have been activated when they jump and make a noise. An "Item Unlocked" message will pop up when you've activated all of them.

2. Clear through the entire game without sounding any red alerts. This is the alternative way of obtaining stealth camouflage, if you have trouble finding all the Kerotan frogs. There are a number of unavoidable low-level yellow and orange alerts that will be sounded as you progress through the game, but you cannot sound any red alerts if you want to get the camouflage. An "Item Unlocked" message will pop up when you've successfully cleared the game without tripping any red alerts.

3. Start a new game using the same save file. The stealth camouflage will appear as an item in your backpack. Equip it by putting it into your item slot. If you want to remove the camouflage at any point, just take it out of the item slot.

Tags: Gear Solid, Kerotan frogs, Metal Gear, Metal Gear Solid, activated when, game without, item slot

Start An Indoor Baseball Business

Start a profitable indoor baseball business.

Starting an indoor baseball business can be quite profitable. After all, in much of the United States most people can't play baseball outside for 6 months of the year because of the weather. Starting an indoor baseball business can fill that void for youth, high school, collegiate, and adult baseball players who want to keep their skills sharp in the off season.

Instructions

Company Set-up

1. Form a corporation or LLC. Forming a corporation or LLC will allow you keep a separate set of business books aside from your personal balance sheet. This will allow you to do such things as limit your personal liability should someone get injured in the indoor baseball business, as well as take advantage of tax deductions that are available to businesses, but not to individuals. One such tax advantage is that businesses are allowed to either depreciate the value of equipment over time for a smaller tax deduction each year, or it can deduct the full price of the equipment for a larger tax deduction in the year the equipment was purchased. Go to the website for the Secretary of State in your state and follow the steps to incorporate.

2. Obtain a business license. Certain counties, cities and towns will require a business license before you open your doors. Contact the local government office and see what's require in order to obtain the license. The U.S. Government has set-up a website to help you learn what permits and websites you need to open your indoor baseball business based on it's location. Visit Business.gov for more information.

3. Purchase insurance for your indoor baseball company. Find a company that specializes in insuring sports-themed business. Owning an indoor baseball business exposes the liability for players to be injured while training in your facility and you want to make sure that your business is covered for those unfortunate occurrences.

Indoor Baseball

4. Lease a large space. In order to operate a indoor baseball business you are going to need a fairly large space. From batting cages to pitching mounds, all of it will take up a large amount of room. Look for a place, such as an old warehouse, to lease to meet these requirements. Using a commercial real estate agent will help you narrow your search as well.

5. Buy indoor baseball equipment. From batting cages to pitching machines you're going to need some heavy-duty equipment that will stand the test of time. Use a baseball supply store that deals in professional grade equipment. Seek to lease the equipment first if the rates are decent in order to keep your start-up costs low.

6. Advertise your indoor baseball business. From local magazines to radio, find your audience and let them know your open for business. For instance advertising with a radio spot during local baseball team broadcasts, go to minor league parks and hand out fliers. Hiring an advertising agency that specializes in sports branding can also be helpful to let people know you're ready for business.

7. Reach out to the baseball community. Because you are opening an indoor baseball business, be sure you have a presence in the local baseball community. Whether it be sponsoring a part of Little League opening day, or donating some free gear to the local high school baseball team, weave yourself into the baseball community and grow your business.

Tags: indoor baseball, baseball business, indoor baseball business, baseball business, indoor baseball, indoor baseball business

Remove Paint From A Harleydavidson

Paint removal from a Harley-Davidson motorcycle is the most important part of a custom paint job. If you do not remove the old paint correctly, the new paint will not adhere to the surface, and may peel, chip or blister.

Instructions

1. Remove the pieces from the motorcycle that you want to paint using the ratchet set. Typically, the fenders, headlight housing, side covers, gas tank and the tail piece are the only parts of the motorcycle that require paint.

2. Place the pieces in a well-ventilated area, or outdoors, onto newspaper or a tarp. Always wear rubber gloves and protective eyewear when working with chemicals.

3. Brush the paint stripper onto the metal. Do not use a back-and-forth motion, which can hinder its effectiveness. Don't paint over seams in the metal; the stripper can accumulate there and damage future coats of paint.

4. Scrape away the paint and stripper. Rub some paint stripper neutralizer over the surface of the metal, or rinse the pieces with water to remove all traces of the chemical stripper.

5. Sand the seams and any remaining paint with automotive sandpaper on an orbital sander. Wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling paint dust. Continue to sand until all traces of paint are gone. Sand any hard-to-reach areas by hand with a sanding block.

Tags: paint stripper, motorcycle that

Sweet 16 Party Ideas For A Boy

Boys can have 16th birthday parties that create lifetime memories

Sweet 16 birthday parties are normally reserved for girls. When a girl turns 16, it symbolizes the beginning of her path to womanhood. However, boys are no different in that turning 16 is a momentous occasion. While they may be very different in nature, a boy's Sweet 16 party can help him start off on the right foot to manhood. Turning 16 for a boy probably will not involve getting a facial and spa treatment or hanging out at the mall. A 16th birthday for a boy, though, should be just as special. Does this Spark an idea?

Paintball Party

Have your active teenager's party at a paintball range. If it has a facility for parties, you can have pizza, cake and ice cream there before or after the boys play. If there is not a party room, plan for the boys to play paintball for an hour or two and then come back to your house for food, cake and presents. There might not be anything sweet about shooting each other with paintball pellets, but the boys will have something to tell their friends after it is over.

Scavenger Hunt

A scavenger hunt starts at your home with food and drinks so the boys will have plenty of fuel. Depending on how many birthday guests there are, the boys can get in one or two vehicles to follow the scavenger hunt clues. Plan the scavenger hunt stops at places the boys like to frequent such as the mall, video game store and sporting goods store. At each stop, leave a present for the birthday boy and a clue to direct the group to the next location. After the hunt is over and all of the boys are back at your house, have cake and ice cream and give the scavenger hunt participants a small present like gift cards.

Play Ball

Plan a party at a professional sports stadium. Even if you do not live in a city with a professional sports franchise, a day-trip birthday party can be entertaining. Take your teen and his friends to the stadium for a game, treat them to whatever concessions they want and buy them a souvenir from the home team. After the game, take the boys for ice cream on the way home. A gift for this type of 16th birthday party that is sure to please the birthday boy is an autographed piece of memorabilia from his favorite player.

Tags: 16th birthday, back your, back your house, birthday parties, birthday party, boys play, boys will

Write A Resume To Get Sponsorships

If you are seeking a sponsorship, you will need a resume that is tailored to the industry or sport in which you work. It must state relevant experience, accomplishments and awards, and information that will help the potential sponsor learn more about you as the person with whom their products will be connected. A sponsorship resume is a little different from an employment-seeking resume, as it includes 3 pages of information: a cover letter or proposal, an experience page and a personal page.

Instructions

1. Your cover letter or proposal is your introduction. The most important part of this page is an explanation of what the sponsor stands to gain from sponsoring you. This may highlight projected expenses that must be covered, as well as a brief summary of past experience and a list of future projects in which the sponsor would have the opportunity to be involved with you. Mention something personal about the company (e.g, "Your wild berry energy drink always keeps me energized throughout my trial runs") and express your excitement about potentially serving as its representative.

2. The experience page includes a list of competitions, workshops or camps in which you have participated. List the name, city and state of each event, as well as your role as either a competitor, coach or official. Structure it in reverse chronological order, with the most recent event listed first.

3. Your important accomplishments should be cited on the experience page. This would include significant wins, awards, certifications, past sponsorships, press coverage or paid public appearances. This shows the potential sponsor your visibility and high level of accomplishment in specific areas.

4. Your personal page includes your contact information, physical statistics (e.g., age, height, weight, if relevant to your sport or activity) and web page address if you have one. You may also choose to include a high-resolution picture of yourself, although this is optional.

5. At the bottom of the personal page, list your future plans and any scheduled events to which you are already committed. Also note any new projects in which you will be involved that relate to your sport or area of expertise. Put this list in reverse chronological order. This informs your potential sponsors of upcoming advertising opportunities.

Tags: experience page, personal page, chronological order, cover letter, cover letter proposal

Determine The Power Of An Airsoft Gun

Airsoft players often rely on very precise measurements.

Airsoft guns are used in fast-paced battles against other combatants. Each player uses airsoft weaponry, which is defined by its ability to fire small plastic pellets, and wears suitable protective gear. Airsoft guns are most commonly rated on their velocity, measured in feet per second (or FPS), though the power of the weapon is also a concern. The power of the weapon is determined by combining the velocity and the weight of the weapon through a relatively simple formula.

Instructions

1. Measure the speed of your shots with a chronograph. The instructions for each chronograph will vary, but most measure velocity at the airsoft weapon's muzzle.

2. Convert the FPS rating of the velocity to meters per second. Multiply the FPS value by 0.3048 to get your meters per second.

3. Multiply the weight of your airsoft pellets, in grams, by .001 to get their weight in kilograms. Ammunition packages will state the weight; the most common airsoft projectile weight is .2 grams.

4. Divide the mass in kilograms by two and multiply the velocity in meters with itself, which is the same as raising it to the second power exponentially. The final number is the rating of the weapon's power in Joules.

Tags: Airsoft guns, meters second, meters second Multiply, power weapon, second Multiply, velocity meters

Problems With The Proto Slg

A paintball player

The Dye Proto SLG is a paintball gun made with aluminum and composite materials. The SLG has a self-closing valve and a two-piece bolt system, allowing the marker to operate well. In previous versions, the Proto did not have a clamping feedback and also featured a rollback problem. However, these issues seem to be fixed with the release of the Proto SLG 2009 model. You can contact Dye or consult your manual for specific troubleshooting issues, and you may be able to replace your gun if you find it to be inoperable.

Rollback

The Proto SLG 08 has an issue with rollback. The Proto SLG has a system based on an eye that detects the paintball as it sits in the chamber before you fire. The gun does not shoot if the marker does not detect the ball. When the bolt inside the SLG is a few millimeters away from where it should be, you will shoot fine until your marker goes up. The ball then slides back and the eyes no longer detect the paintball. The next ball then jams into the chamber when you shoot, causing the balls to break or jam inside the chamber.

Hosing Blows Off Marker

After using the Proto SLG, the hosing may blow off the marker even while the gun is still gassed up. You may be able to fix the issue by putting your empire switch on the gun, but you might also have to fix the air port.

Feedneck Is Too Small

The Proto SLG 08 does not come with a clamping feedneck. Instead, the Proto SLG has an O-ring system, which is too small to put on an Evo 3 paintball loader. You can remove the O-rings and tape the bottom of your hopper so that it fits to your gun. The stock barrel provides precision for speedball but can be really loud, so you may need to buy a new barrel for the Proto SLG.

Other Issues

The trigger can be stiff, so you may need to remove the trigger spring. The air source adapter on the gun is not the on/off kind, so you may have to upgrade your gun if you prefer an on/off ASA.

Jamming balls or chopping paint means you may need to clean and lubricate the bolt inside the ball chamber. Dye provides a small amount of lubricant, but you can pick up more at your paintball supply store.

Bad configuration boards are another issue. This problem occurred in a small batch of Proto SLG by Dye. Once the gun is put together and you try to put the gun into configuration mode, you receive no action or the gun just turns on fire mode. For this problem, contact Dye to replace your gun.

Tags: ball then, bolt inside, replace your

Design A Cycling Jersey

A custom cycling jersey can give a cyclist a professional look.

With so many cycling clothing companies taking on custom work, it's easier than ever to design a one-of-a-kind cycling jersey. Most suppliers have in-house designers and a streamlined process, so cyclists don't need to have fully developed jersey ideas to begin. Minimum orders (often at least 10) make custom jerseys an appropriate option for a team of racers, a group of friends who ride for exercise or an energetic cyclist who wants to make sure there's always a clean jersey on hand.

Instructions

1. Research online designers/suppliers of custom cycling jerseys. If you have a few favorite biking clothing brands, visit their websites to find out if they offer custom or semi-custom jerseys. Most companies need about six weeks to produce finalized custom designs, so plan in advance.

2. Select a company to make your custom cycling shirt.

3. Choose the type of jersey and fabric you want. Remember the season you're dressing for (long sleeve or short?) and take a look at the supplier's seasonal options. Consider front zipper lengths (half-way or all the way down), pocket depth and locations and the material's wickability (ability to pull sweat away from the skin).

4. Choose the jersey's colors. The supplier's design department will likely have hundreds of color combination suggestions; if you have time, ask them to send you samples to make sure the colors are the same as what you see on the computer. If its catalog doesn't include the colors you want, ask them to match some samples (which you'll have to mail to them). Most companies have one price point for two colors, another for three colors and a third price point for four or more colors.

5. Choose your artwork and font style. As with colors, the company's design department can help you execute your ideas if you can't draw them freehand or make a computer file of your work using design software. If you're lacking in ideas, most companies have catalogs of basic artwork they can customize for you. Keep the font consistent on all parts of the jersey for a straightforward design.

6. Choose artwork and word placement (i.e. team name, slogans). Work with the company's designers to come up with the best overall layout unless you already have concrete ideas. The main artwork is usually put on the front or back of the jersey, or both. Across the shoulders and chest are the two most noticeable places for words (i.e. team name); down the side panels or long sleeves are the second most prominent spots. Neckbands and armbands are a good place to print something small, like a personal good luck phrase.

7. Authorize the final design once you're happy with it. The manufacturing of finalized custom design work will oblige you to pay a non-refundable deposit of anywhere from 50 to 100 percent of the total. Most company's have a minimum order of 10 jerseys.

Tags: custom cycling, companies have, cycling jersey, design department, finalized custom, make sure

Fun Things To Do In Livingston County Michigan

Horseback riding is one thing you can do in Livingston County.

Livingston County in Michigan is within one hour of Detroit and is part of the Detroit-Warren-Livonia metro area. It is known for its many lakes -- more than 50 of them -- and its roughly 20,000 acres of parks. With Livingston County's wide range of activities and attractions, from outdoor recreation to performing arts, people of all ages are likely to find something of interest in the county.

Visit a Park

Livingston County is home to thousands of acres of parks where you can enjoy outdoor recreational activities. One park is the 4,481-acre Kensington Metropark. Located in Milford, Mich., it offers activities that include horseback riding, biking and hiking on trails, playing golf and disk golf or enjoying a picnic. The 1,200-acre Kent Lake is a place for swimming, fishing and boating, and you may also take a tour of the lake. The lake is open year-round, so you can try ice fishing, ice skating, tobogganing and sledding in the winter.

Play Paintball

Pinckney, Michigan, is home to Hell Survivors Paintball Playfield, a complex of more than 180 acres that has nine playing fields, including the Thunderdome Speedball Arena. It is hosts major events each year, such as Tippmann World Challenge and Monster Game. Games take place every Saturday and Sunday from April through November. You can schedule private games by reservation, and on-site camping for RV and tent campers is available. Playing and rental fees apply, but you can play for free on your birthday weekend.

Enjoy Performing Arts

If you enjoy musicals and comedies, attend a performance by the Hartland Players, Livingston Players and Community Theatre of Howell. Children can experience the performing arts through the Children's Cultural Series in the Brighton Center for the Performing Arts and children's plays produced by the Hartland Players and Pinckney Players, who perform at the Jane Tasch Performing Arts Theater of Pinckney.

Attend an Event

The Fowlerville Family Fair, celebrating its 125th year in 2011, is held each year in July. The six-day fair features a small-animal barn, pig races, a band, a spelling bee, bingo, a parade, carnival rides, food vendors and a demolition derby. Children under 5 are admitted free of charge. On certain days, seniors, children 12 and under, honor roll students and veterans, current military personnel and government officials can enter for free.

Tags: Livingston County, Performing Arts, acres parks, County Michigan, each year

Win At Woodsball

© Yahoo!

Paintball is a sport that is growing in popularity every year. With tournaments, professional leagues and courses spread across the country, paintball combines the strategy of paramilitary operations with the competitive spirit of sports. Woodsball is a variation of paintball popular with amateur players. Unlike speedball which is played on a small, regulation court with blow-up obstacles, woodsball is played in the heart of nature, against both the opponent and the elements. However, the time-consuming, intensely-tactical essence of woodsball is the very thing that makes it so appealing and rewarding.

Instructions

1. Ensure that your equipment is working properly. While the paintball marker is the typical weapon of choice, there are other paint devices that can be used in woodsball, including paint grenades and tripods. Before playing, you should always check your weapons and your equipment, making sure everything is clean, unbroken and safe.

2. Follow all safety procedures. Woodsball can be a dangerous sport if it is not played correctly. All players are required to wear certain pieces of equipment, including helmets and goggles. Before any matches, both teams must also meet with the referee to go over safety rules, course specifications and any special circumstances.

3. Decide on the game. Woodsball is paintball played in the woods. However, there are numerous variations popular with players, including elimination, king of the hill and capture the flag. Before play commences, both teams must decide on the style of game, otherwise the ensuing free-for-all will not very fun.

4. Adopt a team strategy. Once you know the name of the game, you must plan a strategy. Woodsball especially is a sport of tactics and cooperation. Within the team, certain players will take on certain roles, all working toward a specific goal: to win, but to win a certain way.

5. Communicate. Meeting at the beginning to form a strategy is not enough. You must communicate with your team during the entire match. As players get eliminated, or as the terrain gets the best of your team, things will change, and plans may need to be updated. Communication, whether through signals or code words, is essential to winning in woodsball. Otherwise, a game can quickly become every man for himself.

6. Learn the terrain. As you play, memorize the terrain. If you find a good hiding spot, stake it out and tell your team about it. Hills, ditches, fallen trees and piles of leaves can all mean the difference between winning and losing. The environment can be extra teammate, but it can also quickly become the enemy.

7. Remain patient. Speedball is simply that: fast. The course is small, the goal is evident, and players are eliminated quickly. Woodsball, on the other hand, is strictly a game of strategy, teamwork and, above all, patience. Some plans are complicated and take awhile to unfold, and some goals can take hours to complete. The team is only as strong as its weakest players and as such, it takes a lot of patience and a lot of self-restraint to continue following the plan.

Tags: your team, both teams, both teams must, players eliminated, popular with

Teenage Kids Party Games

Teen parties offer the chance to advance the bonds of friendship.

Party games for a teen party must marry the sophistication of the modern teen with the desire for entertainment they demand. Whether you challenge them physically or intellectually, teen party games can help form bonds and break the ice among teen party goers as well as provide some structure to an hours-long celebration.

Wii

Be it "Guitar Hero," bowling, tennis, ping pong, cow racing or boxing, the Wii gaming system offers many teen-friendly interactive and multiplayer games that will kick your teen party into high gear. Break party guests into teams and use multiple controllers to keep guests involved. Teams with the highest point scores can win a video or game rental gift card.

Paintball

Paintball is an active game many teens love and can be played at an arena or on your own land if you have enough equipment. Let guests know to wear multiple layers of old clothing and meet at a paintball arena to rent safety gear and paintball equipment. Players than break into teams and try to "take out" the other teams players while taking cover and formulating attack plans. Active and tons of fun, teams can bond over their common enemy and exhaust themselves before heading out for pizza and cake.

Murder Mystery

Murder mystery companies and boxed game makers have created special murder mysteries with the teenager in mind. These are less intense than adult murder mysteries and with popular themes. Contact a murder mystery group to organize and run the game for you, or pick up a kit and do it yourself. Let guests know to dress in costumes and plan your snacks to reflect the theme of the game.

Karaoke Talent Show

Hold your own "America's Got Talent" show by using a karaoke machine and your guests' own talent, or lack thereof. Select a panel of three judges, and have other guests compete for points for talent and entertainment value. Shy guests can pair up to do a duet, or open the game up to other talents besides singing to include hula hooping, juggling, dancing or joke telling. Whatever the guests decide to do, party goers will laugh and bond over the talent show. The guest with the highest points score wins a CD or iTunes gift card.

Sticker Swipe

Get a set of 10 matching stickers for every person attending the party. Each person's sticker should be different. At the beginning of the party, give each teen an index card, and attach their 10 stickers to their backs. The game is that each teen must sneak a sticker off of each guest's back until they have one from each person on their index card. The first teen to get all the stickers wins a prize.

Tags: teen party, bond over, each teen, gift card, guests know

Great Couples Vacations

Get to know each other again with a couples vacation.

A couple's vacation should be full of romance and fun. Many resorts specialize in vacations that are strictly for adults. They offer many restaurants and activities for couples to enjoy, so they can eave everything behind but each other and find some time to fall in love again.

Cove Haven Resort

This all-inclusive couples resort is located on a cove of Lake Wallenpaupack neark Lakeville, Pennsylvania. Guests of Cove Haven can enjoy the Colosseum Restaurant, Spooner's Cafe and Parrot Lookout Lounge, which has a view of a mountain lake. Guests have access to the Sports Palace, which has indoor tennis, ice skating, miniature golf and racquetball courts. They also have access to the Harbourside Health Club and Spa, which has workout equipment, whirlpools and an indoor pool. For entertainment, couples can enjoy the Champagne Palace, a nightclub with live entertainment. During the week there are Theme Nights such as Romance Night, Tropical Beach Night and Mardi Gras. Some of the off-property activities offered are a trip to The Crossings Outlets, paintball, horseback riding and mountain biking. Trips to New York City are offered as well. The trip includes concierge planning, transportation to the nearest bus station, two bus tickets and a travel guide.

Cove Haven Resort

Pennsylvania 590

Lakeville, PA 18438

570-226-4506

covepoconoresorts.com

Sandals, Halycon Beach

Located in St. Lucia, this couples-only resort does not have any buildings higher than the palm trees. All guests can enjoy the accommodations at all Sandals resorts in St. Lucia. This includes complimentary transportation to Sandals Regency La Toc and Sandals Grande St Lucian. When spending time at Halycon Beach, couples can relax at one of the three lagoon bars and have a beverage at one of the two "swim-up" pool bars. There are four restaurants and seven bars on the grounds. All weddings at Halycon Beach include a consultant, bouquet and boutonniere, wedding cake, wedding photo, honeymoon dinner, breakfast in bed and a copy of your marriage license. When looking to leave the grounds, there are catamaran cruises, dolphin and whale watching, deep-sea fishing and sunset cruises.

Sandals, Halycon Beach

PO GM910 Choc Bay

Castries St Lucia, West Indies

888-SANDALS

sandals.com

Sun Palace

Located in Cancun, the Sun Palace is the first couples-only resort in Cancun. This 252-room resort is just 15 miles away from the airport. Guests can enjoy golf all year long at the Moon Spa Golf Club, located a few minutes away. There are five restaurants and three bars on the grounds, but all patrons have access to 43 restaurants within Mexico. Bottles of wine are unlimited and snacks, coffee and tea are always available in snack bars. Room service is available 24 hours a day. When relaxing in your room, Sun Palace offers free Internet-access and free telephone calls to Mexico, The United States and Canada. Couples can enjoy entertainment day and night. There are parties, contests, singers and live performances.

Sun Palace

Boulevard Kukulcan Km 20

Cancun Quintana Roo 77500

01-998-881-6100

palaceresorts.com

Couples Tower Isle

Located in Jamaica, this all-inclusive resort covers 19 acres of land. It has 226 rooms and suites. All guests can enjoy six restaurants, four bars and a private island. Couples can enjoy horseback riding, glass-bottom boat tours, shopping excursions, catamaran cruises and unlimited golf. Guests can also relax at the Spa and Salon for an additional fee. Activities such as beach volleyball, nature walks and tarot card readings are scheduled throughout the day.

Couples Tower Isle

PO BOX 330 Tower Isle

St-Mary, Jamaica, WI

876-975-4271

couples.com

Tags: Halycon Beach, Cove Haven, have access, Tower Isle, bars grounds

Places In Baltimore With Paintballing Activities

A paintball player ready to fire.

Similar to the popular game, Capture the Flag, Paintball is a high energy sport in which teams go head to head on the battlefield, firing paintballs at one another until all members of one team are eliminated. The paintballs are actually medium sized capsules filled with water soluble paint which burst upon contact, signifying that player is out until the next game begins. Paintball fields are sprouting up across the country as the popularity of the game is increasing, and the Baltimore region is no different.

Route 40 Paintball Park

Route 40 Paintball Park, located 13 miles northeast of Baltimore, opened in 2000 by a former professional paintball player. With four tournament sizes and diverse fields, Route 40 Paintball Park caters to individual players, teams, and group functions. They offer equipment rentals and supervise field activity with safety certified and trained referees.

Route 40 Paintball Park

11011 Pulaski Highway

White Marsh, MD 21162

410-335-7622

route40paintball.com

Outdoor Adventures Paintball Sports Rosedale

Seven miles east of downtown Baltimore, Outdoor Adventures Paintball Sports Rosedale has been in operation since 1988 and hosted over 200,000 paintballers. With five different wooden fields to choose from and one netted field, the Outdoor Adventures Paintball crew matches up individuals by skill level ensuring everyone has a fair match. Equipment rentals and repair services are available as well as the ability to rent a field for a party or group setting.

Outdoor Adventures Paintball Sports

800 Batavia Farm Rd

Rosedale, MD 21237

410-437-7492

oapaintball.com

Paintball Sports and Supply

Paintball Sports and Supply, located 17 miles south of Baltimore, is the home of Baltimore's Team Xcavators who compete in area paintball tournaments. Having recently opened a new field, Paintball Sports and Supply is open to all ages and talent levels of individuals looking to indulge in their interest of paintball. The store offers repair and equipment rentals as well as placing a strong emphasis educating customers and paintballers on the sport.

Paintball Sports and Supply

3020 Mountain Road

Pasadena, MD 21122

410-439-0039

paintballsportsandsupply.com

Tags: Paintball Sports, Adventures Paintball, Outdoor Adventures, Outdoor Adventures Paintball, Paintball Park, Paintball Sports Supply

Repair A Paintball Gun

A paintball gun that has a problem needs to be repaired.

Paintball guns are available from many manufacturers, such as Spyder. When your paintball gun begins to have problems, you will need to troubleshoot the gun and make any repairs that are necessary. Problems that you can have with your paintball gun include low air pressure and paintball velocity that is too slow. These types of problems can lead to a decrease in performance of the paintball gun.

Instructions

Low Air Pressure

1. Find the regulator gauge on the gun and locate the adjustment screw. The Adjustment screw is next to the regulator gauge.

2. Insert the Allen wrench into the screw. Turn the screw counterclockwise to raise the regulator pressure.

3. Take a practice shot with the gun to test the adjustment. Repeat step two until you are satisfied with the air pressure.

Slow Paintball Velocity

4. Find the velocity adjustment screw on the paint gun. One location for the screw is near the trigger.

5. Turn the velocity screw clockwise, by hand, to increase the velocity of the paintball.

6. Take a practice shot with the gun to test the adjustment. Repeat step two until you are satisfied with the velocity of the paintball.

7. Insert the Allen wrench into the top of the adjustment screw and turn it clockwise to lock the screw in place.

Tags: adjustment Repeat, adjustment Repeat step, adjustment screw, Allen wrench, Allen wrench into, Insert Allen, Insert Allen wrench

Clean A Browning Auto 5

Keeping a shotgun clean helps maintain the weapon.

The Browning Auto 5, a semi-automatic shotgun with a five-round capacity, was developed by John Browning and first manufactured in the early years of the 20th century. The Auto 5 was continuously produced until 1998, and it was manufactured in 12-, 16- and 20-gauge models. It's known for its squared top at the back of the receiver (it's sometimes referred to as "humpbacked").

Instructions

1. Verify the gun is unloaded. Check the magazine and chamber for ammunition.

2. Remove the barrel from the gun. Open the bolt by pulling it towards the back of the gun and locking it in place. Push the barrel towards the back of the gun and unscrew the cap at the top of the magazine. Remove the gun forearm first and then slide the barrel forward off the gun.

3. Clean the barrel and the receiver with gun oil. Wipe the interior of the barrel using a oil-soaked rag on a small shaft or gun cleaning rod. Wipe all portions of the receiver while keeping the bolt locked open. Releasing the bolt when the barrel is not in place can damage the gun. Clean any accumulated lead with a brass brush on the cleaning rod.

4. Replace the forearm and barrel. Cycle the breech forward and wipe any exposed surfaces in the breech bolt.

Tags: Browning Auto, towards back

Make Uniforms

A player in uniform

Many professionals wear uniforms. A uniform can be a suit and tie or a simple shirt with straight leg pants. The purpose of a uniform is to create a look that unites the entire group of people. They are practical because they cost less than street clothes. Uniforms have a basic pattern, and the fabrics move with the person wearing them. Doctors, nurses, police, bus drivers, mechanics and athletes wear uniforms.

Instructions

1. Sketch the uniform on paper. Adjust the size and location of the embellishments. Add the school’s colors and mascot, and a student’s name and player number. The body of the shirt should fit the player’s body closely without extra fullness. Go to uniform manufacturers' websites to look at samples to make your designing easier.

2. Choose fabrics that move with the players. Use a contrasting single color for the player's number. Use one color for the body of the shirt. Use a basic T-shirt pattern to sew uniforms for players, coaches and the cheerleaders.

3. Wash and dry the fabric without fabric softener. Starch, then press the fabric. Lay the cloth flat, on a large table. Pin the pattern pieces according to the pattern layout directions. Mark the darts and pleats with a washable pen. Cut out the pattern with scissors following the thick, black cutting line.

4. Sew pieces together using a 5/8-inch seam allowance and a straight stitch. Use a stitch length of 2.0; this will stand up to the stress of the players. Press the seams open. Ask players to put on their uniforms so you can check the fit. Make any needed adjustments.

5. Embellish with the school logo and mascot. Embroider the student’s names and numbers.

Tags: body shirt, move with, player number, wear uniforms

Affordable Boy'S 16th Birthday Party Ideas

Celebrate 16 with a budget-friendly party.

Turning 16 is a huge milestone in a young man's life. Girls are often gifted with a sweet 16 party, and young men deserve a special celebration for this coming-of-age birthday, as well. Consult with your teen, and keep his likes and interests in mind when planning to ensure a successful event. Keeping the party within a reasonable budget is manageable if you stick to a plan. Does this Spark an idea?

Scavenger Hunt

A scavenger hunt is a budget-friendly and fun way to celebrate turning 16. It is especially exciting for a group that is outgoing and enjoys getting a little silly. Gather the teens at a local mall or downtown area and divide them into groups. You can split them into two large teams or smaller groups, whatever works for your crowd. Present them with a list of things to find or do and set a time limit. Items on the list could include things like: "Take a picture with a security guard," "Collect a piece of foreign money" and "Collect three free samples." Send along a digital camera so they can document their successes. When time is up, all the participants must meet at a designated place. A local ice-cream shop or pizza place would be a good place to gather. Treat them to a snack as the lists are compared. Award a small prize to the team that crosses off the most items on the list.

Paintball Party

Let boys be boys with a paintball party that will burn off some energy and put their critical thinking skills to use forming strategies. Parents may have to sign waivers before their kids can participate, so keep this in mind when planning. Many paintball places have packages available for private parties, which are usually reasonably priced. Some will have pavilions where you can host a BBQ after the match. If not, plan a BBQ at home with a military theme, to feed the hungry troops. Keep it budget-friendly by serving easy lunch foods such as chips, hot dogs and hamburgers, and cupcakes instead of cake.

Surf Party

A surf party is a great idea for a teen who loves the outdoors and hanging with friends. If you have a pool, this is the perfect place to host the party. If not, you can inquire with friends and neighbors, or rent a local clubhouse, community or recreation center. Look around at a few different places to find the best deal. If the timing is right, consider hosting the party on a weekday that is also a school (not national) holiday for a better price. Instruct guests to come ready for water fun, and provide a volleyball net for competitive pool play. A limbo contest is also an easy, inexpensive and fun activity. Serve theme foods such as fish fingers and fresh fruit, buffet style, for the teens to munch on throughout the party. Play festive surf music to set the vibe.

Tags: foods such, mind when, mind when planning, them into, when planning, with friends

Make A Cheap Airsoft Pistol Better

Airsoft pistols come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Airsoft weapons fire plastic pellets and are designed for mock combat against other airsoft players. These guns use a variety of firing mechanisms and range in price from $10 to over a thousand. The price of the gun often reflects its value, as "cheap" weaponry is commonly made of inexpensive plastic and has trouble withstanding the rigors of pitched airsoft battles. These guns often lack the accuracy of their more expensive counterparts. Minor adjustments can be made that can increase the lifespan and utility of the imitation firearm.

Instructions

1. Wrap the barrel and grip of the airsoft pistol with at least one layer of duct tape. More layers can be used for increased stability, but will also increase the weight of the weapon and make it more difficult to aim. This reinforces the weapon and will make it last longer.

2. Paint over the solid components of the firearm with an enamel-based paint. Enamel paints harden as they dry and will become a "second skin" for the weapon, giving it a longer lifespan. Avoid getting the paint into any working parts or screw holes and do not paint over the orange tip if your gun has one.

3. Swab one color of gun sight paint on the rear sight of the weapon. Each of the sighting tabs should be marked. Green is the traditional color for the rear sight.

4. Paint the forward sight with a different color. Painted gun sights will increase your accuracy when using the weapon. Red is the most common color for forward sights.

Tags: rear sight, These guns

Parts Of A Smartboard

Wondering about the components of a SMART Board?

SMART Boards are a technology developed by SMART. SMART Boards serve primarily as the 21st century replacement for chalk boards and white boards. The technology allows users to present information that is rich in graphics and sound using touch-screen control methods. There are several models of SMART Boards, with various features and price points designed to support different needs, but all use a basic series of parts to function.

SMART Board Surface

As in a standard white board, the SMART Board surface is the primary area of interaction between the user and the device. It is designed to be touch sensitive, allowing one to two people to manipulate controls or objects on the board surface simultaneously. The SMART Board surface also interprets a series of gestures that control the way objects on the board behave, such as moving two fingers closer together to zoom out from a graphic object.

Physical Tools Palette

Most models of SMART Boards have a "Multiuser Pen Tray," which is a palette of plastic writing tools. The "pens" do not have actual ink but are used to interact with the whiteboard surface digitally. They come in colors such as red, blue and green an sit in a tray attached to the whiteboard surface. The tray uses sensors so it can detect when a particular color is picked up and will replicate the chosen color and operation on the whiteboard surface. The tools palette also includes an eraser to remove marks made by pens or fingers.

Multimedia

SMART Boards employ an array of multimedia devices. The primary device is the system's projector (some models are not shipped with projectors but require one nonetheless) which is used to display images on the whiteboard surface from a computer. The projector hangs directly over the whiteboard surface. Often sold as an accessory, you can also attach speakers to the sides of the SMART Board surface and enjoy stereo sound for games and presentations as well as a mic, which can be used for web conferencing. Some higher-end SMART Boards use rear projection systems similar to those used in TVs.

Connection Ports

SMART Boards are not stand-alone devices. A SMART Board is essentially an input/ouput device for a computer. Like a mouse and keyboard, it allows you to manipulate information in a computer and view what's happening as you would on a monitor. Likewise, serial or USB cables (depending on your computer's ports) connect the ports of your SMART Board to a computer and VGA cables are used to connect the Board's ports to a projector.

Tags: SMART Board, SMART Boards, whiteboard surface, Board surface, models SMART

About Spyder Paintball Guns

Spyder is a trusted name in paintball gun manufacturing. They have been manufacturing paintball guns since the early 1990s, and produce some of the most popular semi-automatic and electronic guns on the market. Here's a company overview and a look at some of their guns.

Time Frame

Spyder was founded by Arthur Chang in 1993, and Chang still serves as CEO. Within a few years, they were producing some of the most popular guns on the market and quickly became a standard name in the sport. They continue to make popular performance guns and serve as a leader in the paintball market. In addition to manufacturing guns, Spyder also sells accessories and paintball clothing. The company also sponsors a variety of league play around the world.

Features

Spyder's paintball gun line is divided into four individual series. The flagship Classic Series features some of Spyder's highest-performance guns. The RS Series is designated by its use of Synergy Engineered Technology which regulates air flow to prevent breakage of paintballs. The VS Series is aimed at reducing weight while increasing stability of fire. The MR Series features guns with rugged construction, and customization options designed specifically for scenario play.

Types

Altogether, Spyder incorporates 16 different paintball guns in its four lines. Guns are further divided among semi-automatic and e-markers (electronic guns). The Classic Series E-markers include the Electra, Pilot and Pilot ACS. The Classic Series Semi-Auto features the Xtra, Sonix and Victor. The RS Series features the RS and the RSX. The VS Series features the VS 1, 2 and 3. The MR Series includes the MR1, the E-MR1, MR2, MR2 with EYE and the MR3.

Benefits

Spyder uses the latest in technology to ensure that its guns are accurate, efficient, lightweight and high-performing. Guns that include EYE technology utilize small lasers to ensure that a ball is properly loaded before the bolt moves forward to prevent chopping of the paintball. EYE is included on various guns including the Pilot, Electra and MR2 with EYE. Spyder's e-markers allow you to quickly switch between firing modes. Firing modes vary by gun but include (semi-auto, burst and full auto) or (semi-auto, Ramp PSP and Ramp Millennium). Many Spyder e-markers include the high-end Tadao Technology circuit board that allows for seamless electronic operation.

Identification

Spyder offers a wide range of guns that appeal to paintball players of all kinds. From inexpensive semi-automatics under $100 to high-end, performance e-markers with all Spyder's latest design features, the line is an excellent place to look for your first or newest paintball gun.

Tags: Series features, Classic Series, electronic guns, ensure that, features Series

Remove Anodizing

Many car parts are anodized to form a protective coating. The anodizing may be any color, and a lot of people prefer the look of bare metal. Anodizing can be difficult to remove without etching the bare metal or turning it black. Some chemicals that can do the job may be dangerous to use, and are better left to experts. Those who choose to remove anodizing themselves can choose a safer method.

Instructions

1. Clean your anodized part with denatured alcohol. Hang the part with a straightened paper clip in a plastic container that can be disposed of. Make sure the part isn't touching the bottom of the container and cover the part with Greased Lightning cleaner.

2. Attach a binder clip to attach the paper clip to the container. Keep the part in the Greased Lightning for 3 to ten minutes, checking the part often to make sure it doesn't turn black. Rinse completely with water. Clean black areas with a Scotch Brite pad.

3. Scrub the anodized part with a toothbrush and dish soap. Place the part in a glass oven dish, in the sink. Open windows and turn on exhaust fans.

4. Spray Easy Off Heavy Duty Original Oven Cleaner on the part. Let it sit for 3 minutes, then rinse with water and scrub with a toothbrush. Repeat if necessary.

5. Polish the part if desired to add shine.

Tags: part with, anodized part, anodized part with, bare metal, Greased Lightning, paper clip

Construct An Airsoft Fort

Build your own airsoft fort to create a more realistic airsoft battle experience. A fort gives you shelter from enemy fire and can can be used as a headquarters. Airsoft forts are simple, inexpensive and add a new element to the game.

Instructions

1. Find a good area for your airsoft fort. Pick an area that has a clear field of view over the battlefield.

2. Clear away any leaves, sticks and brush from the area where your fort will be built.

3. Mark out the size of your fort on the ground. The bigger the fort the more materials and work you will need to finish it. A good size is 10 feet wide by five feet long, with the widest part being parallel to the battlefield.

4. Use the shovel to dig out the entire area of the fort to a depth of three feet. Save the dirt for use in the sandbags.

5. Dig out a ramp leading from the back of the fort for an entrance/exit.

6. Fill the sandbags with the dirt you dug up. Use the sandbags to line the edge of the fort. Stack them two to three feet high around the front and sides of your fort. This will give you a total height of five to six feet from the floor of the fort to the top of the sandbags.

7. Arrange the sandbags to provide holes from which to observe and fire.

8. Place the cammie netting or large tarp over the sandbags and use the rope and stakes to make it taut so it does not sag into the fort. If your fort is too large to keep the roof from sagging, you may need to prop up the middle with a large branch or pole.

9. Camouflage the outside of your fort with sticks, leaves and dirt so it blends in with the surrounding area. If you use anything green, however, you will need to replace it every couple of days as the leaves wither and turn brown.

Tags: your fort, dirt sandbags, five feet, three feet, will need, your airsoft, your airsoft fort

Make Pyro Smoke

Smoke bombs offer a safer alternative to real bombs.

Pyro smoke bombs allow you to enjoy the effects of a smoke screen without the danger of large fires. These little bombs give off tons of smoke, obscuring you from view during games of capture the flag and advanced hide-'n-seek. Though you can purchase smoke bombs in many parts of North America and Europe, you can save your money for essentials by making pyro smoke at home. You can also use these "bombs" as part of a science demonstration for older children and college students.

Instructions

1. Saw a wrapping paper tube --- the thick, sturdy kind --- into as many 5- or 6-inch pieces as you can. For instance, if you have a 30 inch tube, saw it into five 6-inch pieces or six 5-inch pieces. Each piece will become a pyro smoke bomb.

2. Cut a circle of cardboard for each tube piece, snipping them 1 inch in diameter larger than the openings of the tubes. For instance, if the tubes measure 1 inch in diameter, each circle must measure 2 inches in diameter.

3. Snip 1/2-inch wide, 3/4-inch long fringes into the edge of each circle. Place one circle over one end of each tube, smear the fringes with glue, and press them against the body of the tube. Allow the tubes to dry overnight.

4. Measure out exactly 6 oz. of potassium nitrate, 4 oz. of white table sugar and 3 oz. of paraffin flakes for your first smoke bomb. It's extremely important to measure the weights perfectly.

5. Add the sugar and potassium nitrate to one disposable cup and the paraffin flakes to another. Melt the paraffin flakes in the microwave and add the sugar-potassium nitrate blend a little at a time to the melted wax. Stir constantly with a plastic spoon to keep the wax from cooling too quickly.

6. Quickly spoon the mix into a cardboard tube. When the tube is halfway full, slip a fuse into it. Pack the rest of the mix around the fuse.

7. Wrap the top of the tube with an aluminum foil square, poking a hole into the center of the foil for the fuse. Fold the edges of the square down around the top of the cardboard tube.

Tags: paraffin flakes, 6-inch pieces, cardboard tube, each circle, each tube

Survive F E A R 2

Survive F.E.A.R. 2

Whether or not you played the first F.E.A.R., F.E.A.R. 2 is a nightmarishly intense game that is sure to rattle you to your foundations and have you looking over your shoulder for days. Even on Easy difficulty, the game is a challenge. Here are some tips to get you through alive.

Instructions

1. Use cover. There are lots of objects in the game that can be used to stop bullets. Tables, medical carts, chairs, stretchers. Getting near them and looking at them allows you to flip them, kick them, rotate them or slide behind them. Cover can and will save your life.

2. Use all the weapons at your disposal. Even the lowly pistol has it's uses. It is highly accurate and can kill with a single head shot. Ammunition is also plentiful for the pistol, so when all else runs dry, use it. Each weapon is useful in certain situations. The SMG is useful at medium range, the shotgun at close range. Keeping your different options in mind can save you a lot of trouble.

3. Grab Armor whenever you can. While you can store up to three Medkits at one time, you can only have one suit of armor. Armor negates the need to constantly refill on health and saves you a lot of hurt from powerful weapon attacks. Keep your armor safe! Stay behind walls, use cover and keep your enemy far away from you. Armor is an extremely valuable commodity.

4. Cook your grenades before you throw them. By holding the Throw Grenade button for a few seconds, you decrease the time the enemy has to get away from it. A timer with white marks will appear on the screen. Throw the grenade on the third or fourth tick, before it hits red. If the timer hits red, the grenade will explode in your hand. Also note that your character throws grenades from his left hand. This can be hazardous if you have a wall in front of you on your left (watch in horror as the grenade bounces off the wall and lands at your feet.)

5. Use your Reflex. At a certain point in the story, you will gain access to the Reflex ability. This allows you to slow time for a few seconds and gain the upper hand when you are being overwhelmed. This also highlights enemies for you, allowing you to shoot them with ease. Your Reflex takes several seconds to recharge, so use it wisely. Reflex is also extremely valuable for attacking very fast enemies.

Tags: away from, enemy away, enemy away from, extremely valuable, game that

Customize A Golf Gt Car

Customize a Golf GT Car

The Volkswagen Golf GT, launched in 2005, is positioned just below the Golf GTI in the Volkswagen lineup, though the GT is not available to North American enthusiasts. The GT comes with two motors, a 1.4-liter twincharger and the 2.0-liter turbo diesel. For enthusiasts that can purchase the Golf GT, this can be a great basis for a custom car. Following is an overview of the steps that can be taken to customize a Golf GT, though it does not cover specific instructions for each modification.

Instructions

1. Install a lower suspension and performance shocks. Since the Golf GT is built on the same platform as the more performance oriented GTI, there are a lot of suspension upgrades available for the GT. Eibach and Bilstein are two such companies (see Resources).

2. Install larger wheels and tires. A stock GT has relatively small wheels, so installing a larger diameter set of alloys will fill out the wheel arches and complement the lower ride height that you gave your Golf in Step 1. Larger wheels will also allow you to fit lower profile and wider tires for better handling.

3. Replace the steering wheel and shift knob. A smaller, leather-wrapped steering wheel will make your interior not only look better but make your Golf more fun to drive. You can also install an aftermarket shift knob or even put on the optional factory shift knob from a GTI that is modeled after a golf ball. Another nice addition to the GT's interior is a set of custom floor mats with the VW logo on them.

4. Upgrade the exterior with a different front air dam or even a full body kit. Most custom cars have some type of exterior modifications, and the rakish styling of the fifth generation Golf takes well to some well-chosen improvements in this area. A nice looking front air dam is really all this car needs to look its best.

5. Modify the motor for more horsepower. The Golf GT's engines have more power potential, so start by installing a cold air intake, which will get more fresh, cold air to the motor and help it produce more horsepower. Follow this modification with a more free-flowing exhaust that will also add more power to the engine thanks to larger diameter, more free-flowing tubing.

6. Increase the braking ability. With more power comes the need for more stopping ability. Start by installing performance oriented brake pads and braided steel brake lines. Better brake pads will decrease stopping distances while braided steel brake lines will provide a more firm, confidence inspiring pedal feel. The ultimate upgrade is a big brake kit from a company like Brembo (see Resources), which will dramatically improve braking with larger rotors, beefier calipers and larger brake pads.

Tags: brake pads, more power, shift knob, braided steel, braided steel brake

Problems With The Bob Long Defiant 2

The Bob Long Defiant 2 paintball marker is the little brother of the Bob Long Intimidator, a professional-grade paintball team marker. The Defiant 2 offered some significant upgrades from the first generation Defiant, but it never really gained widespread popularity in the hands of paintball players. The marker entered the market at a time when other manufacturers were building comparable electronic paintball markers that retailed for much less.

Board Design

The Defiant 2 solved a major problem that hindered the original Defiant. The circuit board in the Defiant 2 was redesigned and made interchangeable with that of the Intimidator 2k5 marker. However, the board was a lower quality, with less programming options than the boards in the Intimidator markers. The owner also had to disassemble the marker's grip frame to program the board by flipping dipswitches. This complicated the marker, and as a result, the marker was often passed over for others that were easier to program, adjust and use.

Firing Engine

One of the most important parts of an electronic paintball marker is the firing engine, in particular the weight of the internal ram. This part slides back and forth during the firing cycle. Larger rams are heavier, which causes increased vibration and recoil in the marker. The Defiant 2 featured a ram that was more than twice the weight of the Intimidator and other electronic markers. As a result, the Defiant 2 was just a little slower and less precise than competitive markers.

Market Placement

The Bob Long Defiant 2 was introduced in 2005, the same year Bob Long introduced the 2k5 Alias Intimidator. The marker was priced $100.00 to $125.00 less than its bigger brother was, but at the same time, a company called Smart Parts was gaining market share with its electro-pneumatic Ion paintball maker. The 2K5 Alias Intimidator retailed in the neighborhood of $550 and the Defiant 2 was around $120 less. However, the Ion from Smart Parts retailed for $325. This different in price put the Defiant 2 at a marketing disadvantage. Players wanting to save money purchased the Ion, and those sold on the Bob Long gun design and reputation were willing to pay a bit more for the tournament quality Alias.

Limited Options

One of the signatures of the Bob Long 2K5 Alias Intimidator line was the number of colors and body styles available. Within a year, the 2K5 Alias platform marker evolved into the Ripper, the Dragon and professional team versions for the Russian Legion and Naughty Dogs. All of these markers had interchangeable parts, custom colors, upgradeable boards and high performance firing engines. Like NASCAR drivers who love their favorite driver, or football fans that live for their teams, paintball players who were willing to pay in the neighborhood of $500 for a paintball marker wanted the gun that their favorite team used, or wanted to be able to upgrade the marker to meet their personal specifications. The Defiant 2 offered neither of these options.

Performance

Designed by Bob Long, the Defiant 2 marker was and still is a reliable paintball marker. The equipment is solid, and performs well under normal conditions. Bob Long began designing paintball markers when the industry was young, introducing the first Intimidator markers in 2000 as electronic markers first made their introduction into the sport. The Defiant 2 markers does not have any significant performance issues. The problems that limited its success in the market revolve around market placement, price and customization options.

Tags: Long Defiant, paintball marker, Alias Intimidator, Defiant offered, electronic markers