Power Kiting The First Steps

OK so you have bought yourself a 3 meter kite and a buggy and you’re itching to get out on the beach and ride the wind.

Stop there….leave the buggy at home and buy a 2 meter kite!

Although it’s tempting to go out and do it it’s not pleasant finding yourself dragged sideways a long a beach by a kite with the power of a 250cc outboard motor or even worse lifted into the air to be then smashed heavily down onto the beach smashing both yourself and the buggy in the process.

When starting out you have to learn how to use the kite. That’s where a 2 meter kite is useful. Even a child can control one in light winds and when the wind gets up it will drag a 200 lb adult along.

The basic method of starting off is to lay the kite on the ground and walk backwards into the wind extending the lines. Once fully extended with kite full of wind you give a tug and the kite takes off…..and probably so do you.

A safer initial approach:

When you have your kite down on the beach the first thing is to LEAVE IT IN THE BAG. In any sort of wind as soon as the kite is out you’re fighting with it.

Ask someone to accompany you on your first few flights.

Get them to hold the kite within the bag while you extend the lines ACROSS the wind. At 90 degrees to the wind the point of lowest power you will have much more control of the kite once it starts flying.

Check all lines are clear and ask your helper to remove the kite from the bag. Even at 90 degrees to the wind the kite will “find the wind” and inflate.

If your using a four line kite the kite actually flies on the top two lines. The bottom two are “brake line” basically when the kite is in the air if you want to de power the kite or drop it you gently haul back on the bottom lines and the kite stalls and drops.

When your ready ask your helper to release the kite and making sure that the brake lines are slack fly the kite at 45 degrees across the wind until it is directly above you.

In that the position the kite will have maximum lift and almost zero traction. Get a feel for the kite. Pull gently n the brake lines and watch how the kite starts to drop.

Ok lets move the kite:

Pull gently back on the left hand top line. The kite will start to move to the left. Pull back on the right line the kite moves back to the zenith. Try going right.

OK lets land the kite.

Fly the kite slowly at 45 degrees to the location of your helper and as you approach pull back on the brake lines. The kite will settle down to the ground.

Congratulations you can handle a power kite!

Next step a 3 meter kite ..then a 5 then…

Pool Tables – Fun For The Whole Family

Did you know that the first pool tables made an appearance in nineteenth century horse racing betting- poolrooms? Strange but true…though at that time the game was known as Billiards and tables were put up there for people to kill time between races. Because the game was set up in ‘pool rooms’, it was eventually named pool.

In those days pool tables looked a lot different from their present Avatar. They were just ordinary tables where the balls kept rolling off (Didn’t they see it coming?!) To handle this problem wooden railings of about 4-6 inches wide were added to the sides and viola! You could shoot pool like never before! Later the table went through further modifications, customizations and improved over the years to evolve into its current form. Though Pool or Billiards as it was known then, has always been seen as a “bad boys’ ” game, it is today one of the most popular sports across the globe.

If you too, are looking out for a good quality table, settle for nothing less than a solid hard wood with a slate surface. We recommend slate over veneer or wood because it levels perfectly and offers a smooth playing experience. Whether you want a standard size 8 feet X 4 feet table or a tournament 4 1/2 feet 9 feet one remember to check the quality of the surface fabric, which could be either wool or a woolen blend.

Slate tables could burn a hole in your pocket with prices starting from above $ 950 but nonslate is more affordable hovering around $350. Again this varies according to the size and the quality of wood and other materials used. To make life easier, try online auctions and stores to get a good price and no-hassle shipping. There are also always great deals going on online, so don’t rush into buying one without shopping around first.

Pool Tables: Fun For All The Family

Having your own pool table at home can be a very rewarding step for any homeowner. The pool table, along with your favorite pool accessories, will not only help you unwind, but it will also provide quality entertainment for your guests. Instead of going to a local bar or pub you can invite people at home for drinks and a game of pools. For your home use you can pick any table you like, even an antique Brunswick pool table which you will rarely see in a bar. And of course you can always use your own pool table to perfect your pool skills.

The first step to enjoying your own pool table would begin with creating a specific room for pools where you can create the perfect ambience for the game. If you don’t have the space for a separate room to house your pool table, you can place the table in the dining room or even in a basement. A little-used shed or garage can also make the perfect pool room, and with a proper lighting and décor you can create a pool room for little money.

Pool tables vary in size and design, which allows choosing the right table to suit your lifestyle and the style of your home. The most famous pool table maker, Brunswick, has several collections of pool tables, such as Casual, Classic, European, Antique, or Contemporary. Brunswick pool tables can also be custom-made in a variety of finishes.

Many people today opt for antique Brunswick pool tables, which add a stunning retro accent to any home. Brunswick has manufactured pool tables for over a hundred years, and many of their pool tables now reside in homes, museums and collections all over the world. Over 130 different Brunswick pool table models have been handed down through generations with only slight changes in wood, finish, inlay and detailing.

The value of antique Brunswick pool tables varies greatly, since every antique pool table, especially if it is made of exquisite wood and features elaborate decorative details, depends greatly on the market. Many auction houses sell antique pool tables, like any antique painting, piece of furniture, collectible automobiles or any other collectable item.

In addition to the pool table made by a reliable manufacturer, you can equip your pool room with stylish pool-related furniture and accessories such as cue racks, cues, lights, bar stools, antique-looking posters, signs and chalkboards – anything you have seen in the pub or bar around the pool table.

To keep your table in mint condition you should take good care of it. Pool balls should be regularly cleansed with a soft dry cloth. The cloth can be cleaned with dry fabric cleaner in a spray or powder form.

In a modern fast-paced world it can be hard to find time for family activities. Properly decorated, a pool room with a beautiful new or antique pool table will soon become a social center and an entertainment room for everyone in your family no matter what the weather outside is doing. You can spend more quality time with your family and friends, since playing Pools is a great way for your guests to mingle and relax. Pools’ is a classic game and a stylish and well-coordinated pool room will enhance the value of your property.

Pool Tables: Which Type Should You Choose

A pool table is a rectangular table. It has six pockets and consists of cushions bounding the playing area. The standard size of a pool table is 4 1/2 x 9. Wood is the major element in the construction of a pool table. Oak and cherry wood tables are preferred for professional pool players, while plywood or pine is recommended for other customers. The quality of wood contributes to the strength of a pool table.

Pool tables are purchased all over the world for a number of reasons. People buy pool tables for commercial purposes, for private recreation, for clubs and they are even purchased for pool competitions. These competitions can be announced at national as well as international levels.

Pool tables are available in varied shapes and styles to suit the requirements of the customers. Pool tables are inclusive of many accessories and parts, which complement to their class and quality.

The History of Pool Tables
The history of pool is quite debatable. The reason for debate is related to its origin. Some people believe it was invented in Persia, while the others believe that it was invented in England or France.

Pool was not played on tables in its earliest version. It was played on lawns. The purpose of the game was to knock over a cone-shaped object by shooting balls through a course of hoops.

The game was then played indoors on the floor. As a result of constant bending, players suffered from back pain. Then it was thought that the game should be played atop a table and this is how pool tables came into existence.

With the game shifted atop tables, another problem was faced by the players. The ball kept rolling off the tables. To solve this problem, wooden rails were attached to the edges of the pool tables, to keep the balls on the table.

In 1600’s rubber strips were added to the wooden side rails. These rubber strips acted as cushions for the balls to give them bounce, when the balls hit the edge of tables. To add to the comfort of players, a thin green wool cloth was used to cover the tables. This provided the players with precision and accuracy in their shots. The color green was used as the cloth as the games was initially played in grass.

Next the whole concept of playing pool changed. To make the game more interesting, two round holes were cut in the table ends. The purpose of the pool changed from knocking the cones over to knocking the balls into the holes. Underneath the pool tables were attached pocket size bags to prevent the ball from falling on the ground.

The pockets in the pool tables kept on evolving till the six-pocketed pool table was born.

Types of Pool Tables
Pool tables are available in many shapes, styles, sizes and colors. Generally pool tables are of three types: cost efficient style, finely hand crafted wood designs and designs of new age pools.

Cost Efficient Styles
Cost efficient tables are ordered and required for clubs, pubs and pool hall owners. These pool tables are used by club and pub owners to attract more customers to their place. Almost all public houses have pool tables today. These pool tables are cheaper than the other pool tables. These tables are readily available in the retail outlets. The material used in these pool tables is hard, but it gradually wears down.

Finely Handcrafted Wood Designs
These pool tables are in a class of their own. They are made for residential game rooms or private pool clubs. The pool tables are made to order and the purchaser gives the manufacturer the finer details of the desired pool table. The wood commonly used in these pool tables is cherry or oak. These tables have detailed cushions, corners and legs.

New Age Designs
These pool tables are especially made to suit the modern day quality and requirements. These pool tables can be made of glass, brass, wood or chrome. These tables have multicolored sides, legs and tops. Modern club and pub owners, clientele based office owners are generally the purchasers of these tables.

Pool tables are available for everyone, according to their requirements. The cost of a pool table also varies accordingly, with the cost being inclusive of the quality, class and type of the pool table.

Pool Tournament Dr. Cue Pueblo Colorado

I’m sitting in the “Classic Q” pool hall in Pueblo Colorado in between matches in this tough action pool tournament. It’s almost 4 PM and I have been here since 10:00 AM this morning.

I was lucky and drew a bye in the first round and then won my first match 5 to 1 a few minutes ago.

There is definitely some tough action in this tourney. We have several players from Colorado Springs and Denver and then of course there is Dr. Cue (Tom Rossman) from out of state.

This is the 13th annual Dr. Cue Pool Tournament. By far the biggest tournament in Pueblo and one of the bigger billiards tournaments in Colorado. I think there are 85 players this year which is one player more than last year.

The format is 8 ball BCA rules. It’s a race to 5 on the winner side of the bracket and a race to 4 on the one loss side. We flip a coin to determine the break on the first game and then it is alternating breaks after that.

With a $40 entry fee, only the toughest shooters around get in. When you get an open shot, you better get out (run the rack), because a second shot probably won’t happen. I always say, You miss, You lose.

The pool tables all have new cloth and the one I played on was extremely fast. I missed a table run on the 3rd game because the cue ball rolled to far on the ball before the 8 leaving me hooked behind the 8. I hooked myself so good on that one that there was not even a good bank angle to make a hit.

I gave up ball in hand on that one but luckily my opponent had a couple of clusters and was not able to break them out and clear the rack.

I won the flip when the match started and began the match with a break and run. My opponent had the next break and he answered with a break and run. This was a surprise because his cue ball rolled behind one of my balls and he could not see the 8 ball. He made a table length Masse shot on the 8 ball to answer my run.

This is definitely a fun pool tournament and I will be keeping you posted on the out come.

Pool Tournament Eve and Can’t Sleep

The title Pool Tournament Eve above would be more accurate if it said day instead of eve. As I type this article, 4:36 in the morning, March 1, 2008, I should be sleeping.

Tomorrow is the annual Dr Cue Tournament here in Pueblo Colorado. Billiards is pretty popular here in Pueblo. This tournament is the largest held here. Players come from all over the State of Colorado and sometimes a few other states. We have 2 BCA (Billiards Congress of America)  National Champions residing here in Pueblo along with many other players who shoot lights out.

Dr. Cue (Tom Rossman) puts on a trick shot exhibition the night before the tournament. I attended this show last night where I payed my entry fee of $40 and watched Tom put on a great show as usual.

The pool hall where this tournament is played is about 15 minutes from my house. I made it home by 10:30 PM and finally fell asleep around 11:30. Right on nice job. Get some rest before the tournament. Not.

My eyes popped open around five till two and I have not been able to get back to sleep. Thursday night wasn’t much better because I only slept about 4 hours. I am hoping that writing this post gets me tired.

I will be bringing my lap top to this tournament and plan to report on the event between my matches. I will also be bringing my video camera which is also a pretty cool digital camera. This should make for some cool reporting and hopefully some interesting and exciting content.

Between a couple of brain freeze attacks and and watching some billiards on my DVR another half hour has gone by. It is now 5 in the morning and I must be present in the pool hall by 10:00 AM. Ouch. Don’t they know that pool players are not early risers by nature?

Well maybe my plan is working. I just experienced a yawning attack. I think I will attempt to get about 3 or 4 more hours sleep time in before the big Dr Cue Pool Tournament today.

That’s it for now.

Popular Paintball Markers

These are some of the best and most popular paintball markers/guns available on the market.

Spyder Electra: This model, which is the most expensive in the Spyder series of paintball markers, costs only around $300. It features an electronic board with color access mode display, a 3-rnd Burst, 6-rnd Burst and Full Auto enhanced modes, with a rate of up to 20 BPS (ball per second) and an aero twist accuracy barrel. It also has an adjustable clamp feed and electronic safety mode. The gun operates on CO2 or compressed air.

Diablo mongoose II BBS LCD with EYES: This paintball marker is capable of semiautomatic electronic fire, up to 17 BPS. The Foregrip is equipped with an expansion chamber, and a rear velocity adjuster with tournament lock. The LCD version features Shot Counter, Game Timer and Auto Shut-off. Price is about $200.

Tipmann 98 Custom Pro E: Tipmann has paintball markers with price ranging from $150 to $300. The Tipmann 98 Custom Pro E, which costs around $230, is one of their latest products. It features five electronic firing modes – Semi Auto, Auto Response, Full Auto, 3 Shot and Turbo, a Stone-Honed barrel, fully customizable receiver, removable front grip and a 200 round hopper.

Dye DMC: Dye has some of the most expensive paintball markers with price starting from $700. The three dimensional contoured aluminum bodied DMC model costs around $1400. Owing to its patented FUSE™ bolt technology, the DMC is capable of 23 BPS rate of fire. Setting can be adjusted through the intelligent Electronic Control (IEC). It also features a tournament legal mode and reduced eye sensitivity settings.

Evil Piranha Evil Pimp: Evil Piranha paintball marker products include the Piranha EVO, Piranha SRT E-FORCE and Evil Pimp, all medium priced. The most expensive is the Electro-Pneumatic open-bolted Evil pimp that costs around $700. The main features include electronically adjustable rate of fire, twist lock Teflon bolt, tray-less trigger frame and detonator vertical regulator.

BT-16 Tactical: another product of Tipmann, the BT-16 Tactical paintball marker is built with a vertical feed system, with an M-16 style charging handle. Its main features are an adjustable front grip, dual sight/mounting rails, eternal velocity adjuster and easy filed stripping. Costs around $250 to $300.

Eclipse EGO: The EGO is an open bolt electro-pneumatic paintball marker which features LCD optical trigger, rear function buttons, menu-driven operating system, and eye indicator. Its full adjustable ROF enables it to fire at 1 to 30 BPS (with eye off), and ROF is unlimited with eye on.

Smart Parts Impulse: The marker operates on CO2 as well as compressed air or nitrogen without the need for high-pressure system. It features a two finger trigger, maximum flow regulator, and progressive rifled barrel. There is also an optional “vision” that has an ant-chop sensing eye which prevents firing if no ball is present in the breech. Costs around $450.

05 Pro Stock: This is the latest marker product from Autococker featuring an all Delron bolt, low pressure Karnivor front block, inline regulator, threaded removable feed neck and adjustable pneumatic reg. Costs around $400.

Popular Play Tents

Not too long ago, kids seldom complained playing house with some old bed sheets or garments lying around the house which would provide them with endless hours of fun. Not the children of today. They are now more demanding and will give their parents a hard time if they don’t get them something more realistic, high-tech and colorful. Worried parents, who can’t figure out what to buy for their kids, can find a very helpful remedy in play tents.

There is a wide variety of play tents available on the market so selection should be based on size (number of children the tent can accommodate), outdoor or indoor purpose, material, design and features such as water-resistant floor, mosquito mesh etc.

Pacific Play Tents: Pacific Play Tents is one of the largest play tent manufacturers. Their most popular products include “Me too” and “Find me” play tents. The two models are made from flame retardant 70 Denier nylon and have shock-corded poles for easy assembly. The “Me too” play tent has polyethylene flooring, a “T” style door with Nylon ties. The “Find me” play tent, on the other hand, has a Zipper and Velcro on the front door, and two windows that can be connected to Play Tunnels. Both the play tents cost around $25 to $30. Pacific Play Tents also have other popular products for kids such as teepee playhouses, castle playhouses, and bed tents etc.

Lucy and Michael Play Tents: Two moms decided to come up with intricately-designed, colorful play tents made from fun fabrics and sturdy pine supports, and became one of the biggest play tent manufacturers. They call their products “heirloom-quality toys” which do not come very cheap. A single product may cost you $300 to $350, so Lucy and Michael’s play tents might not be the best option if you’re planning to buy one on a low budget.

Playhut Play Tents: SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom Hideaway is a lightweight, portable tent covered with cartoon character graphics from the hit TV show, SpongeBob. Features include a flapping door and tunnel port for expandable play, with twist ‘n fold technology (patented by Playhut) for easy folding. Costs around $25 to $30. Playhut also has a SpongeBob Squarepants Play ‘N Fun tent, which is not exactly a play tent but a combination of a slumber hideaway, bean bag toss game, play tent, roll out play mat, cabana with roll-up flap door, and a crawl through tunnel port. Slightly costs higher, around $40.

Dora the Explorer Hideaway Tent: is an indoor/outdoor play tent designed for adventurous little girls built with EZ-Twist technology for ease of setting up. Made from non-woven nylon binding and steel which can be spot cleaned and air dried, it features a tunnel port for crawl-through action. Costs around $20.

Spinmaster’s Create-A-Room Adventure Zone: A Spiderman designed play tent, inflatable bed and foot pump, combined into one and specifically designed for the superhero’s fans. Poles are joined by one common elastic which allows for easy assembly and durability. Costs around $30.

Portable Infrared Saunas

Families and friends are taking portable infrared saunas with them on their vacations. As more and more people are realizing the additional benefits of the infrared one’s over the conventional saunas, the demand for these infrared saunas are increasing. And now with portable infrared saunas, who would want to opt for the non-portable options? With the increased demand for portable infrared saunas, many manufacturers are coming ahead to fill the gap in the market place. If you conduct a search you will come across many makes and models in portable infrared saunas. But we would recommend that you opt for the Soft Heat portable infrared saunas. In these items, the heat can be absorbed even 1.5” below the skin. These portable infrared saunas are also extremely effective for body weight control of the increasing obese population. Soft Heat  portable infrared saunas carry off all those deeply embedded impurities and dead cells in the body and leaves the skin sparkling clean and glowing.

Portable infrared saunas are completely hassle free. In fact, the convenience element is a strong factor that the companies market. These portable infrared saunas are ready-to-assemble and come with pre-constructed sides, base and top. Assembling the portable infrared saunas is easy and takes just a few minutes. Similarly, disassembly is also easy.

So just go ahead and find a store that offers great portable infrared saunas. Browse through the items on display to pick your portable infrared saunas. And you are ready to go on that trip. But even if you are not planning on a vacation, you can still get for yourself portable infrared saunas and place them in your backyard or in the house itself. Remember, portable infrared saunas are now easy to set up and even pack off and carry.

There are many benefits of portable infrared saunas. The heat generated by ceramic emitters relaxes and heals the muscles by affecting the blood vessels. The resultant increased blood circulation delivers the oxygen-rich blood to various parts of the body. And of course the heat from portable infrared saunas bring out the sweat through which the harmful elements of the body are eradicated.

Conventional and portable infrared saunas have been known to heal many conditions such as bursitis, Fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, severe back pain, migraine and others. Portable infrared saunas also cures acne, eczema, psoriasis and other skin ailments. Portable infrared saunas can cure stiffness and aching surprisingly quickly. Even doctors and medical practitioners have acknowledged the positive impacts of portable infrared saunas.

Portable infrared saunas are great for beauty treatment as well apart from the health benefits. These saunas improve the skin tone and elasticity and make it look younger.

Find amazing portable infrared saunas just a click away.

Power Personified – With Massive Arms

Remember when you were in High School. So many characters and personalities. Big guys, big mouths, funny guys, funny gals and many many more one of a kind kids. Here’s one I think you’ll relate to.

My first impression of Gillie was as 12 year old. He was so immense. I remember thinking that I did not want to be hit by him.
If I had Gillie on my team I knew I had an edge. A powerful advantage.

Gillie was the Paul Bunyon of my neighborhood. He had 20-22 biceps, and a neck almost as round. Weighing 220 pounds, he stood six feet one inch and had no fat on his body. Not an ounce of blubber. I had never seen any one like him in my life. He ambled when he walked. The kind of walk someone has when they know they have nothing to fear. His nickname was Mr Clean. He looked a lot like the cleaning icon. Except Gillie had  no earring.

On the baseball diamond, Gillie was awesome. His fungo shots to the outfielders in pre game warm-ups touched parts of the sky usually reserved for small engine planes. He scared the other team. He looked like Mickey Mantle, Harmon Killabrew and Ted Kluzewski all rolled into one.

Smacking a softball was where Gillie excelled. His shots were legendary. He was one of a handful that hit the ball over the right field fence. The fence was 270 – 280 feet away and climbed 40 feet high. He was the only person I ever saw that hit a ball that soared over that fence onto Goldsmith Avenue. His hits seemed to gain height as they cleared the fence.

For me, Gillie always represented strength, dedication and just being a real good guy. He never used his size and strength to put others down. It was his way of building himself up. Whether he batted right handed or lefty you would always see the outfield back up and the infield shift to much deeper positions.

Feel free to pass this on to anyone you think would enjoy reading about baseball.