Leupold Rifle Scopes - From The Beginning - The Evolution Of A Masterpeice

The rifle scope is obviously a great invention, and like most inventions it was born out of necessity. Most great inventions evolve from someone finding a need for something and figuring out how to make it work. The evolution of the rifle scope began when people started attaching telescopes to rifles to maximize viewing capabilities. This idea was of course very primative and did not provide the desired effect. The first verifiable use of a telescopic sight on a pistol dates back to 1834,but attempts to create a workable rifle scope were unsuccessful until 1880 when August Fielder managed to build the first telescopic sight that really actually worked. This was the predecessor of all modern day rifle scopes. In 1907 a German immigrant named Fred Leupold set up a small shop in Portland Oregon repairing survey equipment. Several years later when he met inventor John Stevens, the marvelous company named Leupold and Stevens was born and still exists today. It was around 1930 a fter a failed hunting trip, that Leupold began making his first rifle scopes. The small company survived World War I and the great depression but it was the Second World War that changed the company forever. Working with the US Army and Navy, the engineers at Leupold learned the secrets of waterproofing and durable construction that would change the world of optics forever. The engineers learned that by introducing nitrogen gases within the scope that the optics would remain clear, waterproof and fogproof... for a lifetime.

Today Leupold and Stevens is a family owned American company with 100 years of experience. Their modern day state of the art facility employs over 600 employees in Beaverton Oregon. The Leupold engineers design, machine, assemble and test all of their optics within this facility. Only the finest material known to man are used for production of their optics especially the lenses and they are of the highest grade quality that is demanded by Leu pold engineers. In addition to rifle scopes Leupold also offers a fine line of binoculars and spotting scopes as well.The products produced are made to last more than a lifetime and they are all backed by the famous Leupold Lifetime Warranty. They set all the standards that other optics manufacturers strive to achieve. Leupold optics are world renowned for their ruggedness, absolute waterproof integrity and their superior optical quality. Leupold offers a vast line of rifle scopes with both fixed and variable powers and many types of reticles. They have many different lines to chose from, sure to please any rifleman. The name Leupold is one of the most trusted, respected, and known names in the outdoor and hunting arenas worldwide.

Leupold has recently issued a counterfeit warning to its customers cautioning them to be on the lookout for counterfeit Leupold scopes that are illegally being imported from China. These fake reproductions bear many of the marks of the a genuine Leupold, making them very difficult to distinguish externally from authentic Leupold products. Recently many rifle scopes have begun to arrive at the Leupold headquarters for service. Obviously these products were not manufactured by Leupold and are not covered by the Leupold lifetime warranty. Leupold uses serial numbers on all of their optics so if one finds a suspect they can simply contact Leupold at 1-800-LEUPOLD to verify the authenticity.

To me I feel that a Leupold scope is the best scope for the money and I have many of them. I own 9 hunting rifles and they are ALL equipped with Leupolds. I personally thank Leupold for my grizzly bear and dall sheep from Alaska, my mountain lion and elk from Arizona, my black bear and mule deer from Colorado, and the 13 trophy whitetail deer from right here in Pennsylvania. Through many conditions, from rain and snow, to blizzards and fog, to tripping down mountains, and banging around on horseback, my Leupold s have NEVER let me down under any circumstances. Thanks again Leupold for a lifetime of memories!

Robert Manack writing as "Outdoorcrazy"

Enjoy your game life with Vanguard Gold

In the game world, the Vanguard Gold is a pretty popular name because it gives opportunity to the players who can make one house per account and it can be shared by all characters.

Vanguard Gold is a kind of virtual currency that is used in the games. The virtual currency comprises of silver, gold and bronze coins; each one has its own utility value in Vanguard. The techniques used for the earning of Vanguard Gold are harvesting, trading, crafting, and looting monsters. In this game, the emphasis is given on earning wealth and players enjoy their virtual richness.

Once you start playing the game, gradually you find it more interesting because it resembles with the real life story. For example, in this game, you can buy real estate (house and office) and sophisticated weapons to armor yourself. Another interesting point is -duping becomes prominent while searching the gold. Consequently, gold is dumped into the economy to unbalance the system.

In this game, when players own the plots they can select the house type according to their choices to build for Vanguard Gold. However, some of the materials and Vanguard Gold can be acquired from the housing merchant. The merchant is situated in the housing area where Vanguard Gold is filled. But it has to be designed from harvested items. Likewise, there are lots of ups and downs in this game; sometimes even players need to take the help of a high level diplomat for guild housing. Additionally, if any player is weak then the other player can provide him/her some privileges.

Moreover, Vanguard Gold is a very fashionable term for the game lovers. If you also like this game and Vanguard Gold then you can buy it online.

Carrera Sunglasses the Coolest Eyewear

Carrera Sunglasses are owned and produced by the Italian fashion house Safilo. First launched in 1956 they started out as a sports orientated product particularly for motor racing, skiing and board sports. Indeed the name Carrera originates from the Carrera Panamericana road race that ran from 1950 to 55 through Mexico.

Despite their sports heritage its Carreras range of vintage sunglasses that have made them so popular over the past few years, particularly with their aviator style. A large part of this popularity is down to the amount of A list celebrities who sport the product such as Jamie Foxx, Kanye West and David Beckham, and more recently Laday Gaga and Alicia Keys are seen wearing their Sunglasses in their latest videos with Lady G opting for Carrera Champion Sunglasses and Alicia Keys wearing Carrera Panamerika Sunglasses.

Carrera Sunglasses are available in a wide variety of Colours and Models meaning their is a style to suit all tastes and they are very competitevely priced making them affordable for all budgets.

Honda Shadow Phantom

The new 2010 Honda Phantom from Honda is their newest middleweight cruiser and can be found now at HarborSportsCycle.com. Powered by a programmed fuel injection 745cc liquid-cooled engine, the bike is the latest cruiser offering from Honda. Following a "bobber" styling look, the blacked out Honda Phantom goes to the core of riding with an elementally pure presentation.

Other features include a new handlebar shape in the "bobber" tradition, a seat height set at a low 25.7 inches, a dual shock rear suspension which features five-position spring preloaded adjustability, and 3.5 inches of wheel travel to deliver the smoothest ride possible. For more information on the Honda Shadow Phantom including additional features and accessories, visit HarborSportsCycle.com.

About HaborSportsCycle
Harbor Sports & cycle is your premier Honda Po werhouse dealer for Michigan's great Southwest and Northern Indiana. Our 17,500 sq. ft. facility means that we are dedicated to having a full line of Honda products, which include Motorcycles, ATV's, Scooters, Personal Water Craft (Aquatrax), and Power equipment.

For your convience we offer secured 10x20 outside private units complete with electric.
These units are accessible at any time you may need to access your powered machine.
Contact Habor Sports Cycle Today!

Gym Equipment Manufacturere and Supplier

Right from the beginning of our business, we are recognized for offering meticulous attention to details in every aspect of our business. In the course of continuous improvement, we have been benchmarked as one of the best in the sports industry. We have been honoured and Awarded as Number - 1 Exporter of Athletics Equipment from India by SGEPC (Sports Goods Export Promotion Council of India). All such wonderful achievements and milestones have been reached by offering the sporting goods of the best quality. Quality has forever been a source of motivation for us and our ensuring association with quality has placed us right among the leaders.

For more information visit our websites <a href='http://www.articleblast.com/http://www.vinex.com'>http://www.vinex.com</a> or <a href='http://www.articleblast.com/http://www.vinex.in'>http://www.vinex.in</a>

Recovering a pool table

Recovering a Pool Table is not an easy task as you think. The job requires some skills and a lot of dedication. You may require the help of four people to re-spread the cloth on the pool table. There are professional pool-table recovering agents offering help to refelt the pool table without affecting the quality of the fabric or damaging the table a bit.

The covering on a pool table wears out after several repeated usage, so it needs to be refurbished. It is worthless to simply clean the dust deposited on the felt because any type of cleaning done on the cloth fixed to the table will not remove the dirt completely. For this reason, many people prefer to dissemble the cloth from the table and clean it. If the cloth is still in good condition, you may refit it on the pool table; else, you may look for a new cloth that will bring a new look to your gaming room.

There are different varieties of pool table cloth available in the market. They are of different colors and textures. As more and more vendors enter into the market, you are benefited from the innumerable variety available through each of them. Pool table recovery stores are popular because they are the ultimate destination for players to solve all their problems related to installing, re-assembling, leveling or re-covering a pool table.

Why is it important to take the help of professionals to install the pool table? Well, a pool is one such game where leveling of the ground is the most important. If the floor or the table is not leveled, the game loses all its charm and meaning. Similarly, the surface of the table has to be absolutely smooth and tidy to let the balls move quickly and effortlessly. Any slight roughness on the pool table cloth will result in friction and hinder the movement of the balls. While fitting the table cloth, care has to be taken so that every sq. mm of it is perfectly aligned with the ground.

If you think it's time to give a new look to your pool table, start your search for a professional pool table recovery agent who will offer you the service at your place.

Musto Equestrian: Tina Cook on Cover of Horse & Hound Magazine

Musto-sponsored rider Tina Cook will be appearing on the front cover of prestigious equestrian magazine Horse & Hound this month.

Tina clinched double gold at this year's HSBC FEI European Eventing Championships in Fontainebleau with her 2008 Olympic double bronze medallist horse, Miner's Frolic.

Tina has won European medals at junior and young rider level before gaining her first senior team appearance in 1993, where she won individual silver. She went on to win gold medals at both the 1994 World Equestrian Games and the 1995 European Championships.

Musto has sponsored Tina for over ten years, supplying her and her team with clothing that enables her to concentrate fully on training and competing, whatever the weather.

For her Horse & Hound cover shoot, Tina will be wearing Musto's Textured Zip Through Hoody, Concealed Buttoned Shirt and Jeans.

Tina said: "As always it's great to wear Musto clothes. I love the Hoody, the faux fur lined hood makes it ideal for chilly winter days. It was especially nice to meet up with my friends Pippa and William and include my children Isabelle and Harry in the photo shoot too."

The Horse & Hound issue featuring Tina Cook is on sale now.

For more information about Musto and their range of equestrian products, visit the Musto website at http://www.musto.com/.

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Press release produced and promoted by Hit Search. Find out more about us and our services at http://www.hitsearchlimited.com. Tel: 0845 643 9289

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HSLP0101AA98

Buy Fastime 9 Stopwatch Online at Sport1912 - Sports Equipment Store UK

Key features:

· Professional level Multifunction Stopwatch with 100 Lap memory and Triple display

· Stopwatch, Stroke rate, Time, day date display.

· It has a rugged water resistant and shock resistant case.

· 1 year warranty

Stopwatch:

· Measures up to 9hrs 59mins 59 secs 99/100ths sec.

· Triple display shows: Cumulative and Lap split time to the last split

· Cumulative running time. 100 cumulative and split times can be stored in memory

· Time out (start, stop, resume) function is also included

Stroke Rate:

· Measures a sample of 3 strokes or actions and returns a frequency or rate per minute

· Press the start button to begin measuring the stroke rate

· Display counts down from 180, Press again after 3 strokes and the display shows the rate per minute

· Ideal for Swimming or Rowing

Time of day display:

· Hour, minute, seconds time of day with 12/24 hour option

· Year/Month/Day/Date

We stock a wide range of discount sports equipment for most sports and recreational activities including fishing, cricket, football, hockey, rugby, snooker, pool, swimming and racket sports amongst others. Fishing lovers can select from our wide range of fishing equipment that includes fishing lures, reels, rods, rigs & feathers. We also stock football kits, swimwear, swimming goggles, snooker & pool equipment, sportswear and a range of sports memorabilia.

Brookbank Sailing Grand Opening

Brookbank Sailing's new 9,000 square foot sailing and kayaking North London superstore was opened in grand style in December 2009.
Legendary GBR ex-Olympic sailing coach Jim Saltonstall was on hand with a well-received speech about "Championship Preparation" which was of great interest to all the sailors present getting ready to compete in 2010.

The new store is just a few minutes from Junctions 25 & 26 of the M25 in Waltham Abbey. It is only 200 metres from the entrance to the Broxbourne White Water centre currently being built for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The flagship London store is a fantastic new addition to already established stores in Perth, Warwickshire, Stockport, Carlisle and Lancaster. They stock a great range of kayaks and canoes including sit on top kayaks.

The new London store is supported by an excellent easy to use website where you can find an enviable range of canoes and kayaks.

As you would expect all the best makes and models are online as well as second hand kayaks and canoes. These used kayaks and used canoes are ideal if you are just starting out or you just want a general-purpose boat before specialising.

If you want to shoot the rapids or just want to enjoy some river play, Brookbank Sailing has the kayaks and canoes you will need. If your children are interested in this exciting sport, or you would like to encourage them to be, then you will find an excellent range of junior equipment from kayaks, clothing, helmets and paddles.
Brookbank Sailing is part of Brookbank Ltd, the largest retailer of kayaks and canoes in the UK. Brookbank's London store stocks an extensive range of clothing, hardware, ropes, spars, instruments and the Topper Sailboat range of dinghies as well as a large range of canoeing equipment.

Mark Burch (Director of Brookbank Ltd) said "This is an exciting new venture for the Brookbank group of stores and we recognise the huge opportunity for sailors in the region to access a comprehensive range of clothing and equipment with a friendly and knowledgable staff headed up by Simon Butterworth as Branch Manager."

Simon Butterworth commented, "With over a hundred sailing and yachting clubs within an hour's drive, we hope that sailors will pop into the store and we welcome everyone to access the full range of quality sailing products online. To see more information and products visit http://www.canoesandkayaks.co.uk/

Best Wedding Cakes that Makes your Wedding Celebration successful

Go with something that is more creative and that you will love showing off to your friends and family. Finding the right individual to make it is important. The overall flavoring of your wedding cake needs to be determined as well. When there are several cakes to be made and displayed the cost will increase.

Do you want an icing that is very sweet or one that is more like whipped cream? The time it takes to decorate them will also be factored in. Customized wedding cakes are available from most locations too so tell them what you have in mind and they can create it. The number of people you will have at your wedding reception will influence the size of the wedding cake you purchase. Some of them are very basic in design featuring the colors for the wedding while others are very elaborately designed. It is one of the visual elements of the wedding reception that your guests won't be able to take their eyes off of. The size and style of your wedding cake is a big decision with so many gorgeous ones out there. It is also one that they will eagerly anticipate getting a slice of at the end of the evening.

Some are only one size of cake and others have many layers with a large cake on bottom and then smaller ones on the top. Do you want white cake, chocolate cake, or a combination for your guests to have the one they like the most? For example offering a lovely tier of Wedding Cupcakes instead of a traditional cake is a great idea. There are so many choices out there that you shouldn't have to take anything less than what you would really like to have for your special occasion. You can go online and look at pictures to see what your choices are. Not only will it cost less but your guests will find it more convenient to just select a cupcake than to have to wait for a slice of cake to be offered to them. The cost of a wedding cake will depend on what you go with. Have a great time finding the wedding cake that is right for your style of reception and for your budget.

The Wedding cake you decide upon needs to be one that looks wonderful and will taste great. If you want something that is reflective of you as a couple you can steer away from the more traditional wedding cakes. The more complex the overall decorating style is the more you will pay for your wedding cake. If you aren't going through a bakery make sure you find out what the credentials are for the person that will be making the cake. You need to know that they will get it done on time and that it will look amazing when they are done with it.

You don't want to trust your wedding day cake to just anyone. Some wedding cakes also have filling between the layers so that is something you can consider as well. On the other hand, you don't want to have lots of cake left over because that is a waste of money. You want to make sure you have enough of it to go around. There are some great choices out there today that you may want to consider off the beaten path. You can also look at pictures in any give bakery to see what they have to offer.

Finding a wedding cake you love is going to take some time so doesn't put it off until the last minute.

Digital Hearing Enhancement

Sport Hearing is an innovator of high performance digital hearing enhancement and hearing protection products. The company uses the latest technologies in semiconductor circuits to design and manufacture state of the art hearing enhancement for hunting, sport ear and general hearing protection and hearing enhancement. The materials and components used in our hearing protection instruments are the same as what are used in hearing aids that cost thousands of dollars.

• Privately owned American company
• Advanced hearing protection technology
• Comprehensive product line to accommodate all hearing protection and hearing enhancement needs
• Ideal for hunting, sporting and sport ears
• Highest quality in hearing protection instruments
• Recognized as an industry leader in hearing protection
• Legendary customer service
• ISO 9001 Quality Standard

In this day of corporate conglomerates, Sport Hearing takes pride in maintaining its independence. An American privately-owned and operated company, Sport Hearing has established itself as a truly American company with loyal and satisfied clients in every region.

Our Core Competencies

• Possess in-depth knowledge of hearing aid and hearing protection industries
• Continual research & development to develop high quality hearing solutions
• Competitive pricing
• Strong customer & technical support team
• Creation of quality products fueled by passion & experience
• Extensive testing is carried out to ensure consistency, reliability and compatibility of components

Sport Hearing Protection and Hearing Enhancement is designed for active sportsmen and women who need to protect their hearing while maintain the ability to hear their quarry or conversation. It is perfect for hunting, target shooting, auto racing, concert, and industrial or professional settings. The Micro Hearing Protection device greatly reduces background noise while enhance conversation hearing in noisy environment such as noisy environment or sport events.

Sport Hearing Protection products come in three different styles:

• Micro Comfort Canal
• Micro Open Ear
• Custom Fitted.

You decide what model fits your need.

We offer four 100% Digital Hearing Protection and Hearing Enhancement circuits for you to choose.

1. The MHP Ultra is the most advanced digital hearing technology on the market. The beauty of the Ultra is that it allows you to hear very quiet sounds. It is like having power steering for your ears. You will be amazed at the clear CD quality sound of this product and the outdoor becomes alive in nature sounds. The device offers four memories for selecting different modes for specific sound environments. Hearing protection is achieved by the Ultra fast compression circuit. Noise level at 90dB or higher are instantly detected and block in a fraction of a second. The circuit is programmable and re-programmable to precisely fit your needs.
2. The MHP Ultima is the most popular hearing protection product. It offer premium clear hearing and advance compression technology for protecting your ears. The circuit is designed to automatically sense and reduce background noise and let you hear all the sounds of nature. The circuit is programmable and re-programmable to precisely fit your needs.
3. The MHP Max offers 100% digital sound enhancement and hearing protection. It can be programmed and reprogrammed to fine tune to your needs. The MHP Max is designed to protect your ear from damaging noises while it also amplifies normal conversation and outdoor sounds. This product offers you value and affordability.
4. The MHP Plus is our most affordable product. The circuit is a 100% digital, 2 Channel, 10 Band microprocessor. It is programmable to fine tune to your needs.

The line of Sport Hearing products and hunting shooting protection products, distributed through Sport Hearing LLC is perfect for virtually anyone in any noisy environment or sport - and won't encumber normal hearing! It is possible to protect your hearing while still clearly hearing those around you - even highly enhanced!

Your experience will never be the same as you hear the dear snap a twig in the distance while ensuring your ears remain protected while shooting - all the while still hearing your fellow hunters clearly!

www.sporthearing.com

Handmade Wedding Invitations for Bride & Groom

Your handmade wedding invitations argument is the best important allotment of the invitation. Of advance you appetite to booty in to annual authoritative them nice for presentation to your guests, but in all absoluteness that is accessory to accepting the capacity of your wedding day actual for your guests. The primary action of the Wedding Invitations is to acquaint guests of the date, time, abode and hosts of the wedding commemoration and it will generally additionally accommodate the area and time of the reception.

All of your guest's affairs for the day arch up to your wedding will be based on the advice you accommodate here. This includes their hotel reservations, car rentals, airplane flights to your town, and of advance area they will charge to go and at what time. It is of absolute accent to accept the capacity of your handmade wedding invitations argument correct. Adapt it several times, and ask others abutting to you to adapt it as well.

When you are proofreading, accomplish abiding to booty the time to absolutely analysis the capacity adjoins whatever addendum you accept kept. For the date, time and place, accomplish a buzz alarm to the area you've called and accomplish abiding they accept the aforementioned capacity as you. This may complete silly, but it not alone confirms it for the handmade wedding invitations text, it will additionally affirm it in your apperception as set and abate some of the accent that comes with wedding planning.

When you are adding in the argument to your Handmade Wedding Invitations for the hosts of the wedding, this may not consistently be the helpmate and groom. If the parents of one of the two are advantageous for the wedding, they are the hosts and charge to accept their name listed as such. The aforementioned goes if Uncle Harry happens to be acceptable abundant to pay for your nuptials. If this is the case that addition added than the Bride and Groom are advantageous for the wedding, the names of the bride and groom still charge to be listed as they are the accomplished acumen for the ceremony.

Often your handmade wedding invitations argument will accommodate the capacity for the area and time of your reception. The accession will chase anon afterwards the commemoration so it is accessible to get your guests directed to the accession from the ceremony. But to advance consistency, don't discount this capacity either. If you booty the time to accommodate the capacity for your wedding accession with your invitations, you will be able to leave anon and accept your pictures taken with your conjugal party. Your guests will accept them accessible and you won't accept to absorb added time at the commemoration or appoint addition to accommodate admonition if your accession happens to be at an area added than your ceremony.

If any of these details are wrong you may aback bulk your guests added money by re-arranging their plans. This is not the consequence you appetite to accomplish and can account some bad animosity on your wedding day. Even worse, they may accept to abolish on you because they may not be able to pay the added bulk to change their plans.

My absorbed is not to anguish you about your handmade wedding invitations text, but rather to let you apperceive it is absolutely that important not to carelessness it. It is actual accessible to get captivated up in designing your invitations and get this amiss if you don't booty the time to accept added than aloof you analysis the information. Once you accept all the capacity bottomward on paper, accept your approaching apron adapt it for errors, as able-bodied as your parents and friends. Getting added eyes complex actuality can absolutely advice back you accept so abundant abroad on your plate.

Manchester Quiz

Manchester is among the largest metropolitan cities in Great Britain. It came into existence during the Industrial Revolution and it is rich in heritage, culture and history. It has been inhabited from the Roman times, when Julius Agricola built a fort to the north of the city. Manchester was Britain's fourth largest port, 40 mile from the sea. In year 1894, the Manchester Ship Canal was opened to allow ships to reach Manchester and the neighboring town of Salford. The history of old Manchester is questioned in any Manchester quiz.

In year 1830, Liverpool and Manchester Railway was opened at the cost of 7, 39,183 pounds. This railway is the world's first passenger railway. A good Railway transport network was required to transport manufactured merchandise from cotton weaving, dyeing, and was essential for the textile industry. Manchester was called 'Cottonopollis' because of the cotton produced on a large scale. Questions about Manchester railways are regularly asked in Manchester quiz.

Some other questions you may come across in Manchester quiz can be related to below stated things. Manchester is also the birthplace of many famous artists. An exhibition of L. S. Lowry, who created the 'Matchstick men' is kept permanently at 'The Lowry' in Salford. Anthony Burges, the author of the famous book 'A Clockwork Orange' was a local author. Peter Mark Roget, a physician at the Manchester Infirmary, wrote the famous medical thesaurus. French Impressionist Adolphe Valette lived, taught and painted Manchester for ten years.

Modern Manchester is also known as Greater Manchester has 10 boroughs, of which Bury has the lowest population. Manchester has a resident population of about 2, 585, 800. 30.9% residents of Manchester are aged 24 and under. Manchester also has a sizeable number of ethnic minorities. According to the 1991 census, out of 2, 55,050 jobs in the Manchester district, only 96,780 were filled by Manchester residents. Some questions related the Manchester demographics are also regular in local quizzes.

Easy River Fishing Techniques

River fishing conjures up idyllic days spent outdoors. While this concept is largely true, there is another side of fishing that most people tend to take for granted: river fishing can be quite competitive. The competition does not necessarily exist with another person. It can be nature going against man, or man battling his own capabilities. It is for this reason that fishermen, whether beginners or experienced ones, benefit from the different river fishing techniques meant to increase the catch rate.

These techniques are not exclusive to a particular kind of fish. Meaning, they can work for different fish such as trout or bass. Once they have been mastered, it is easy to expect great returns from day spend out river fishing.

The first technique is called the jig because it makes use of small items such as a twister tail or a jig made out of marabou. In fact, they are so small that they weigh less than an ounce. The twister tail is usually doused with scents t hat tend to attract fish. Compared to the traditional fishing tackle, they become more enticing to the fish. The goal of the jig is to make it move with the water and mimic the natural movement of the currents.

It should bounce at the bottom with the jig just bouncing along the bottom of the river. The weight of the jig can be adjusted depending on the strength of the current. While the jig technique is usually reserved for fish such as the smallmouth bass, it actually works well for practically every kind of river fish there is.

Another river fishing technique is called the worm. In this method, a synthetic or live worm is placed on the end of a fishing pole. It is similar to the jig in the sense that the bait should be found at the bottom of the river as it flows naturally with the current. It is impor tant to make your bait and fishing equipment move naturally because if they stand out, the fish may be frightened away.

In order to do the worm technique, attach a barrel swivel at the end of the fishing line and secure to the hook. Sinkers may be placed above the barrel swivel to add weight into it and let the bait sink beneath the surface of the water. The size and weight of the sinkers can be adjusted in accordance with the depth of the water and strength of the current.

With practice and experience, either one of these river fishing techniques can make anyone into a successful fisherman.

Looking sharp at work and school

It is advisable to look your smartest whenever you at work as clients may be walking around and looking un-smart and sloppy has a negative impact on your company. Work clothes are easy to find and if you have a job that requires a uniform then there are plenty of places where you will be able to find a range of styles for a great price.

School uniforms are a nightmare for all parents as children grow up fast and invariably they will need a new pair of trousers or new skirt a few times a year. This can be very expensive and parents are always looking for ways of buying new school uniforms without breaking the bank each time. Online shops can help you with this as there are some stylish whilst affordable school uniforms available. From school jackets and blouses/shirts to ties and shoes, there will be something to suit even the fashion-conscience children out there.

As with many online stores there are some great deals to be found if you are willing to do some research first. When ordering clothes online it is important you know the sizes of the person you are buying for as they will not be able to try the item on first. There are ways of measuring first though so get yourself measured up before you order online. There is normally a returns policy but this just adds hassle to the situation and if you need the item in a rush this may not be feasible.

You often meet a lot of new people in a working environment and as such making a good impression is important. There is a wide range of deals on clothing including uniforms for work and school as well as many other things. Think fast and look sharp whilst at work or school. Dressing smartly looks better when visiting a business article.

If you are looking for specific uniforms for work or school then search online where there are a range of deals on school and nurses uniforms as well as many others.

Crappie Ice Fishing

Here is where we distinguish the professionals from the amateurs. Ice fishing can be great starting about early December thru late March. Crappies hang out in shallow water near creek channels or over large flats. Watch other ice anglers and see what they are up too, if you are not familiar with that lake.

Starting from daylight to sunset is what seems to be the best. If you have the desire to stay out longer crappie are attracted to light to finish filling your stringer. Crappi Candle is a new revolutionary fishing light concept designed to slide freely along the line without resistance. This concept allows the Crappi Candle to serve as a weight and light as one. Crappi Candle allows fish to use their keen sense of eyesight at night to locate food rather than being limited to their sense of smell and vibrations. Watch the video!

Crappi Candle Video Challenge! FOR DETAILS:

The best way to find them is to keep moving and looking, and not stopping until you find their location. Once you have found location of a few fish, it is time to drill some holes in some sort of wide circle pattern and wet a line. Reason for many holes is that crappies have a hard time being in one spot for a long time, this way you can move to pre-dug holes to stay with them.

Crappies have the ability to forage all winter long for food sources; your challenge is to figure out what they want on any day to day. Suggestion be prepared to offer them couple of di nner options, just like you they get tired of the same oh same oh.

Minnows seem to be the selection of many ice anglers. Small jig with a small float with a plain hook, or tiny ice fly.

Now days there is enough technology to determine where the vegetation is to help you locate those elusive crappie. However, as the snow covers the ice the vegetation tends to deplete. Invest in underwater camera will more than pay for it's self with increasing your limits. When you are at it the store getting your camera, get some glow jigs.

Finding the first ice crappies can be a challenge, without the right equipment.

Your best option would be small jigging mini spoon tipped with piece of minnow or tipped with a waxy minus the float, giving you the better of two worlds. The mini spoon without a slip bobber speeds up the process of getting the bait down to the fish. Then again, some days the crappies will want a slower approach, so go back to micro and waxy set up.

British Columbia Fishing Lodge

For the fishing adventure of a lifetime, you owe it to yourself to experience the unique wilderness luxury of a British Columbia fishing lodge vacation. Whether you are looking for world-class saltwater salmon fishing or incredible fly-fishing on crystal-clear mountain streams and pristine, wilderness lakes, British Columbia can offer an amazing variety of top level fishing adventures. In addition, unlike the fishing trips of by-gone days, British Columbia fishing lodges provide luxurious comfort and fine dining in the heart of one of the world's most spectacular wilderness settings.

As you probably know, the Canadian province of British Columbia, or B.C. as it is called locally, possesses one of the largest and most varied areas of pristine wilderness in the world. More than twice the size of California, it is populated by only 4.3 million people, leaving a lot of spare room for wilderness and fish! Some of the best fishing in the world is located within its boundaries. The lush, mountainous coastline is blessed with great saltwater fishing for salmon, not to mention the less glamorous, but tasty species such as halibut and cod. Inland, the literally thousands of unspoilt rivers and streams offer some of the most exciting and rewarding fishing anywhere in the world. Such species as sturgeon, steelhead, trout and char abound. The countless lakes and ponds in British Columbia are a fly fisherman's nirvana, home to such legendary fighting fish as Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Dolly Varden, Lake Char and Bass.

Yes, British Columbia does offer the angler some of the finest and most varied fishing anywhere, but it is also one of the most spectacularly scenic locations on Earth. You can fish for salmon in a one of the hundreds of lush, green wilderness fiords of the coast, with the towering mountains plunging almost vertically into the sea. Your only companions may be eagles circling high above, a bear watching silently from the trees, or a sea otter playfully investigating your boat. Perhaps you prefer fly-fishing thigh-deep in a crystalline, glacier-fed river, with the snow-frosted peaks of the Canadian Rockies in the background. Or thrilling to the adrenaline rush of a wild Kamloops Rainbow Trout rising to your fly and shattering the quiet solitude of a pristine mountain lake. In B.C. it is so easy to escape the exhausting grind of everyday life and surround yourself with the calming, rejuvenating beauty of unspoilt nature.

Basing your fishing vacation at one of the many luxurious British Columbia fishing lodges is probably the best way to fully enjoy a unique wilderness fishing experience. In times past, this sort of wilderness lodge adventure was only accessible after a lengthy and grueling journey on horseback or on foot, but nowadays it is only an easy flight or boat ride away. Luxury in the heart of the wilderness is the seemingly contradictory achievement of the typical British Columbia fishing lodge. Cozy, comfortable accommodations, luxurious amenities, excellent service and fine dining are the norm, not the exception. In addition, fishing lodges universally provide invaluable local knowledge and advice, good companionship, and, at the end of the day, a chance to expand your repertoire of fishing stories (factual or fictional)! On a British Columbia fishing lodge vacation, you can fish to your heart's content, then relax in luxurious comfort in a gorgeous and unspoilt natural setting.

Why not treat yourself to the angling vacation of a lifetime at one of British Columbia's many fine fishing lodges? Enjoy world-class fishing, clean and natural wilderness beauty, friendly and welcoming service, luxurious accommodations and fine dining. What better way to rejuvenate both your body and your soul?

Marlene Loney Owner http://www.CaverhillLodge.com

Canoes, Kayaks and Christmas

If you are a lover of canoes and kayaks, or know someone who is, you can find a whole host of Christmas presents for them at Brookbank Canoes and Kayaks. They have stores across the UK in Perth, Warwickshire, Stockport, Carlisle and Lancaster and their new London store is opening on 5th December at Lea Road in Waltham Abbey so go along there if you can, it should be a great day out.

Of course, for those of you who cannot get to the stores all their ranges are available on-line, so you can have your gifts delivered direct to your door, just click onto www.canoesandkayaks.co.uk and browse to your hearts content. If you live near Perth and are busy at work during the week and in the water at weekends you may find their late night opening a boon. The Perth store is open late every Thursday from now until Christmas.

What to buy may be a problem because the choice is vast, they stock canoes, used canoes, kayaks, used sit on top kayaks, sit on top kayaks and all the paddles, clothing, safety gear and accessories that you could possibly want. But if you are looking for a stocking filler here are a couple of great suggestions. There is a brilliant coaching DVD by Gordon Brown, this one is a little unusual because as well as eight coaching sessions aimed at beginners and intermediates that will improve you beyond measure, it also contains the story of a sea kayaking trip round the Isle of Skye. The footage is incredible both in showing the beauty of the island but also in showing the experience of the trip.

Another great stocking filler is a book by Simon Willis, published by Pesda Press, called The Scottish Sea Kayak Trail. This describes and illustrates, in beautiful detail, the 300 mile sea kayak trail from the Isle of Gigha to the Summer Islands. Not only does it show the route, flora, fauna and history but it also looks at the environmental impact of sea kayaking in the area. This one will have you planning your trip, which the book breaks down into 4 sections of holiday length or one major trip.

Regardless of your experience level you will find Brookbank Canoes and Kayaks a veritable Aladdin's cave for all your canoe and kayak needs. Look it up now and don't forget to tell your friends and family where to find your presents.

A Two in 1 Plush Hamster - Get a Pet and a Toy

Does your child like to have a pet but you do not have time for it? Zhu Zhu Pet Hamsters to the rescue. These lovely creatures are popular among children because these are the worlds very first inter-active luxurious toy hamsters. When you were a child you maybe owned a hamster.

Do you remember the fuss? Cleaning out the cage? Not remembering to give food to him or her? Or biting you because you hadn't petted your hamster for a couple of weeks? All that could be avoided with Zhu Zhu Hamsters. These critters are inter-active so they react to your kid who would simply love their cuddliness.

These adorable stuffed little guys/girls are the great gifts for kids who aren't allowed to have real live creatures. They are also for kids who are too young to have their own real live pets. Actual hamsters can be less expensive than Zhu Zhu Hamster however by giving your child his or her own inter-active toy plush pet, he or she will learn responsibility at a young age and you'll have approved the craving for a pet.

Plush pets do not only intermingle with children but they also interact w/ the things that are located in their Funhouse. The fuzzy rodents run using it. They even make talking sounds. When they are in the toilet, they make toilet flushing sounds.

These Hamster Pets function on affectionate mode. They let their owners pet them, care for them, and discipline them even. They also talk and squeak back. Another mode for the soft stuffed toys is the explore mode. They scamper, dance, and bump plus scoot around the floor to be familiar with their Hamster Habitat.

And there is not just one Zhu Zhu hamster, there are 4. Pipsqueek is cute gold guy/girl with a white swirl on his/her back. Mr. Squiggles is beige w/ a lighter brown whirl. Num Nums is grey and Chunk is white. These pets can be bought singly or in a double pack of 2.

There're carrying cases, 4 different shades of beds and blankies, an adventure ball the hamsters could play inside, a vehicle, a runner wheel just like live hamsters.

This toy is only for four years old and over. But you should still take note that the Hamster Pets code reader should be handled with care. They perform very well on hard and solid surfaces. They are not familiar w/ carpet so they might not work.

The Challenge of Crow Hunting Equipment, Optics, and Techniques

For many of us crow hunting can be as challenging and rewarding as any type of hunting that exists. To constantly fool one of the smartest birds known to man, is harder than it may seem, BUT with this information and techniques you can have a sought after edge. The crow is one of the most intelligent and well sighted birds that exist. Obviously the first thing that you must do in order to hunt this magnificent bird is to locate them. I have found In almost 40 years of crow hunting experience that a quality pair of binoculars to help locate distant crows are a must. For the money, my favorite optics are the Leupold Cascade, camo 8x42mm, which sell for around $300.00 or the Leupold Wind River Mesa, camo 10x50mm which sell for around $220.00. Another pair that I have used for many years is the Nikon Dream Season camo 8x36mm which sell for around $280.00.

All of these work very well for studying their local habits in a given region. By viewing and studying their flight p atterns you can best determine an optimal site for your decoy setup. Once this is determined you can use these "flyways" as great ambush sites, as crows relate to given flyways. During early spring when crows are nesting, and living in pairs (not groups) no real flyways exist. As summer approaches and the young leave the nest, the crows start forming groups because there is safety in large numbers. Now is when they can be patterned. As winter approaches larger flocks are formed. At night crows will group together for safety in treetops against their enemies such as the great horned owl. These concentrated areas are referred to as the "roost". Hunting a roost in fall and winter is the best.

Some people know, some don't, that crows are mortal enemies with birds of prey, such as hawks, owls, eagles etc. For this reason a good setup of decoys including an owl or hawk decoy mixed with crow decoys is preferred to fool this bird. I have found that the plastic full sized crow decoys work the best. This type of setup works very well with modern electronic calling devices with remote speakers as well as mouth calls for us more experienced crowers. My favorite calling tapes are Johnny Stewart's "Crow Fighting An Owl", "Fighting Crows", "The Crow Reveille", and finally the "Death Cry of A Crow".

After being inactive all night, crows are hungry and more aggressive in the morning, than later in the day.They are ready to eat and FIGHT. Most often, at first light, they can be lured in closer to a setup, putting them in deadly shotgun range. As the day wears on they can become more cautious and weary meaning they will come to the setup but many times they will stay high in the air and not be fooled into gun range. With mornings always being a great hunt, the crow can also be hunted during all daylight hours. Locate a flock with a good pair of binoculars, then make your move. Concealment is mandatory. From an aerial view the crow will always have the advantage. Full camo, including face mask, hat, gloves and gun camo is best.(Waving a shiny gun barrel around will most often send them on their way with no shots fired.) Once shots are fired, that location and setup are done, move on. Crows are too smart to be fooled again at that location. For diehards like me, relocate to a new area by glassing and finding more birds, make your setup, then get ready for more action.

Preferred setup sites are those that offer thick cover for human concealment without the obstruction of too many over head trees and limbs. I have hunted a roost in my state that numbers over 100,000 crows. Through my homework I know exactly where they roost. With definite known flyways I know exactly where to setup, about 1/2 mile plus away from the roost. My choice for this scenario is the thick undercover where I can normally put a large tree between me and the incoming birds, because they cannot see me til its too late and it hides my movement. A go od morning hunt for me in this area means about a 100 crows won't be coming home tonight. Sometimes semi open fields can be great setup sites if they are on a flyway.

I prefer the small popup camo, loose netted hunting blinds. There are times on very, very windy days, crows fly naturally low to the ground, (in gun range) coming to and from the roost. On these occasions no decoys are needed, one should immediately find concealment under these paths and good luck trying to keep you gun full of shells. As one wave comes and goes the next is sure to be right behind. I have had over 1 1/2 hour non stop shoots during these times. This is the exception when you do not have to get up and relocate because they will use their flyway no matter what and the crows that haven't gotten there yet have not heard the previous shots.

For me, my Remmington Model 1100, in semi automatic, is an excellent firearm choice. When the action is hot a simple pull of the trigger beats pump ac tion in my opinion. Of course I know that pumps are the choice of some hunters, and you should use what ever you are most comfortable with. Crows are not the easiest birds to knock out of the sky. 12 gauge has the power for me. Shot number 4 is my preferred BB size as it has the power to break bone at further distances giving me a 40-50+ yard advantage. Full choke works best to keep the pattern tight. A crow coming towards you is easier to down than the ones that are trying to fly away, but, the 4 shot will give you more distance as they try to escape.

The crow can be found globally and there are very high numbers of them in the US. If you have not yet experienced the thrill of a crow hunt yet do yourself a favor as it doesn't require a large investment and it is such a thrilling adventure! If at first you don't succeed, you have probably been spotted by these wise birds, learn from the experience and try again. With a good setup and proper concealment you should be ve ry successful. Always remember to check the laws, regulations, and designated seasons of your state and most of all, HAVE FUN!!! Please include the younger generation with you on your crow hunts to keep this tradition alive.

Springbok rugby coach Peter de Villiers quotes

In the relatively short time he has been coach of the South African national rugby team, the Springboks, Peter de Villiers has made a real impression on the world's media, but often for all the wrong reasons. All part of his masterplan for world domination, or simply a consistent failure to engage his brain before opening his mouth? You decide...

Peter de Villier's philosophy of coaching:
"There's little difference between winning and losing, except you feel better after winning".
I doubt the South African rugby administrators are quite so lassez faire about winning!

On narrowly winning the first test against the British and Irish Lions on 20th June, despite enjoying a healthy lead for most of the match:
"I heard the papers went mad. Sorry for them. Do they know we won the match? We've taken 12 years to beat the Lions and if we beat them by one point or 20 points it does not matter".
Perhaps he does care about winning after all.

All Black rivalry
Here's what he had to say in his pre-match interview before playing the All Blacks at Newlands in Cape Town, which the Springboks lost 19-0:
"If you look at the Bible and see how Joseph got out of the pit and ended up in the palace, but between the pit and the palace there was a moerse lot of kak."
Perhaps Peter shares some of Joseph's prophetic abilities?

And here's what he had to say on another occasion, when the Springboks managed to beat the old foe:
"We went wild, wild, wild - some of the guys went wilder than that."

Life in South Africa
"I believe life within your own country is sometimes a burden because you have to face it every day, but when you go outside your borders, you see it is actually worse."
So, not all that bad then?

"If I listened to 43 million opinions, I believe I would be lost. I'm not concerned about Ricky's form. Look, if you go to a black mechanic and he doesn't fix your car, you don't go back. If you go to a white mechanic and he doesn't fix your car, you go back and make sure he fixes the problem. What I am saying is give Ricky a chance."
Who says racism in rugby is dead? Strange attitude for the first non-white South African rugby coach to hold though...

God complex?
I firmly believe coaching the Springboks is the hardest job in world rugby because of all the off-field politics that's involved; so naturally a thick skin and oodles of self-belief are a necessity:
"If I'm the weakest link then we are bloody strong. I'm a God-given talent. I am the best I can be. I know what I am and I don't give a damn."

But Peter stops short of equating himself with Jesus Christ:
"The same people who threw their robes on the ground when Jesus rode on a donkey were the same people who crowned him and hit him with sticks, and were the same people who said afterwards how we shouldn't have done that, he's the son of God. So that's exactly what we do. You have to look at history as repeating itself. And I'm not saying that I'm God."

And sometimes no-one has a clue what he's on about:
"What we try to tell them is when you point your finger into the sky, don't concentrate on the finger because you'll miss all the heavenly glory out there. Concentrate on the heavenly glory you can bring and make yourselves so fulfilled."

Heck the summer months are gone!

But we have lifetime of memories!

The bah hum bug summer months are ending. Where fog hangs over the Lake Surface and Mother Nature with her paintbrush is creating memories of lifetime.

The crappie getting restless and are starting to move where the water tends to be warmer hanging close to shoreline structures. With cooler water temperatures, they are looking forward to fattening up for winter. Their pattern will vary in the area you live in, but this pattern will hold true from October thru beginning late November. One has the advantage as the cooler water temperatures make them more aggressive in their feeding habits.

Bottom Bumping Rigging
Me thod of where using a minnow in a vertically presentation in the exactly the right place is super deadly when done right. Use 12 lb lines, the reason being you are going to get lot of hang-ups. Tie 1/2-ounce bell sinker at the end of the line. About 18 inches above the bell sinker use No. 1 or No. 2 hook, or standard hook. (I prefer to use standout hooks that the bait shops carry).

More Action from Minnows
Hooking minnows them thru the tail if you want that extra action from your minnow which will attract more fish. In addition, other fish, he is hurt and struggling to get away with back and forth motions. This seems easy prey for the prey fish.

Hooking thru the lip, eyes are a no no.

Reason being: fish that are attract minnows head on to avoid getting the spines in their mouth. Makes sense, if they were too try to swallow the minnow tail first the fins from the minnow would impale crappie paper mouths . Think of it this way: you get a fish you grip the head first to keep the spin bones from sticking...YOU! Hooking them thru the spin, will kill the minnow quickly nothing worse than fishing with a dead minnow or wasting your expensive bait.

Check your local laws to make sure you can double up on your bumping rigging system.

The best way to present the rigging is hover over the location vertically with 7-12 foot pole. Ease the rigging in the water so the weight of the sinker does not spook the fish. Casting is not highly recommended. One should take their time to fish 100 or so yards should take anywhere from 1 hour to 11/2 hours to work. If you do 100 yards say in 30-40 minutes, you are working it too fast. Slower the better, repeat slower the better.

The Mental And Psychological Side Of Cricket

When you watch cricket on television, it can appear to be quite an easy and simple sport, but under the helmet of the batter, there is a whole different game going on inside the batters mind in an attempt to banish any possible distractions, and focus every bit of mental energy on the ball as it is released from the bowlers hand, this is the psychological side to batting.

As a batter, your aim is to score runs, stay in and help your team reach a certain particular target. To achieve this, you need to be in the correct mental state. To help reach this state of fierce concentration there are several things that you must do.

Firstly, you need to be clear your mind of any possible distractions, distractions can come in many forms; these may be concerns about the pitch, fielder's comments, being scared of the ball, fear of getting out etc. These matters need to be cleared out of the head prior to the start of the bowlers run up to allow for the stages of concentration that will soon follow, this is vital, if there are distractions floating around your mind, you are sure not to be focussing to your optimum level and are more likely to male a mistake.

Every ball requires you to concentrate at your highest possible levels, and in so you should have a strategy to help you concentrate. I was taught by a prominent cricketing figure this following method that I find extremely useful in exploiting my maximum concentration levels. Firstly, after clearing all distractions from your mind, as the bowler starts to run up, you should enter a state of fine focus, in this state, your mind should have no negative thoughts and be concentrating on the top half of the bowler, you vision should be like a television, only focussed in on the top half of the bowler as her approaches, in this period you should have constructive positive thoughts, for example I say to myself over and over "Focus, watch the ball, focus, watch the ball" etc... By doing this and saying positive statements, it stops negative thoughts entering the mind and also stops any possible distractions drifting into your thoughts.

As the bowler enters his final steps your focus level should increase to what is commonly known as a state of fierce focus, in this stage all mental powers should be focusing on the ball and the ball only, your mental screen should now just be the size of the ball. This allows your brain to compute and work out the line, length and flight of the ball and so gives you the maximum amount of time to help you get your feet and body into position as early as possible helping giving you the best possible chances of making a good decision and playing a good shot.

This should be applied to nets as well as matches as this will get you well trained and so it becomes second nature.

The Mental and Psychological side to Cricket - Bowling

As a bowler, like batting, to gain optimum results, there are certain thought processes that need to take place. Again, like batting you need to eradicate possible distractions from your mind as you prepare to bowl, such distractions include worries about the batsmen "hitting out", fear of making mistakes e.g. bowling down the leg side/a wide etc. With negative thoughts running through your mind, you are much more likely to tense up and make mistakes, your thought patterns should always remain positive.

Bowlers need a game plan (I discuss game plans in the free e-book), and they should plan their next ball as they are walking back to their mark. If you are deciding what ball you are going to ball while you run up, then you are likely to get caught in two minds and make mistakes. If you decide prior to starting your run up what type of ball you are going to bowl, e.g. slower ball, it gives you the opportunity to really focus and concentrate on how and where you want to pitch the ball. How you go about deciding where about you focus on e.g. the base of off stump, or where you want to pitch the ball is very much a personal matter which should be worked out in nets as everyone is different.

live cricket streaming

Crappie dont play fair

Live minnows and jigs of all sorts are still the best for chasing that crappie. If you are a die-hard fan of using small spinner baits for crappie, if properly presented, you will not only catch crappie, but other fish as well to make your fishing adventure more enjoyable.

If you are successful in with you are doing, stay with it. However, it is fun to experiment to add to your arsenal.

There are times the crappie doesn't play fair and all the rules of being still, not splashing, the crappie will attack spinner baits in all sorts of environments from bank fishing to pier and the boat. Spinner baits seem to trigger their hunger or protecting their nest.

Spinners create a sound of waves that they feel, then out of the corner of their eye they see the flashy lure...WOW, I'm going to get that! That's what spinners will do, trigger their instincts. Spin casting with spinners allows you to cover a larger radius of water in short period of time. Spinners tend to be heavier than jigs and will let you cast farther as opposed to jigging or whatever.

There is all kind of spinners from Safety-Pin Spinners to Horse Head Spinners.

Experiment, that's what it's all about. One thing is for sure, if your methods of attack don't catch crappie, the manufacturers caught us.

When was the last time you took someone fishing from family, friends or the neighbor kid down the street?

Qualified sailors are safer sailors

Sailing as a sporting leisure activity is becoming increasingly popular in the UK. From local inland boating clubs to open sea experiences it has never been a better time to take up sailing. Every time you take your boat out it will be different, being ruled by the elements sailing is an amazing way to get away from your stressful life and unwind.

The first thing you need to accept is that you need to learn the ropes in order to be a safe sailor. In the UK the national body for all types of boating is the RYA, they promote safe sailing and you can take RYA sailing courses that certify you at each level as competent. If you want to sail then you should get yourself qualified, in fact, in order to charter a yacht or sail as crew on larger boats you may find that it is essential to be adequately certified.

Over the winter when the evenings are dark and there is only sailing to be had during the day, if your working life permits it, or at the weekends. However, you can pursue your passion by spending the dark nights studying for a RYA course or more advanced sailing qualifications so that when the weather permits you can get out on the water knowing more than you did before.

You may find that some colleges run evening classes that are RYA approved, but the problem with night school is that they are only one night a week and if it doesn't fit with your personal timetable then attending may not be possible. Additionally, you may find that it is a long trek to the nearest college offering the courses or that the courses are too basic for your level of sailing. One solution to this is to take a home based course.

The beauty of studying at home is that you can fit it into your life when and how you choose. One company offering RYA and MCA Sailing Courses for home study is http://www.oceantraining.com/.

If you are looking for a suitable provider then we think that they could be perfect and when you consider that they provide training for the RNLI then they definitely come out top of the list. Ocean Training offer home study courses from the most basic navigation and safety right through to Yachtmaster Ocean and beyond. If you want to be a better sailor then they are a good place to start.

Light vs. Fish = Curiosity

Light vs. Fish = Curiosity
I would like to start this article by presenting my knowledge and experiences during my lifetime on this subject so you may only need to read this first paragraph to base an opinion that I may know what I am writing about or not therefore no need in wasting your time reading the whole article. I have been either fi shing or studying fish over the past 49 years and many of the fishing trips were studying while fishing. I also have a 3500-gallon pond that was constructed in 1998 to observe fish's reaction to light during low light conditions. The pond was stocked with bass, perch, minnows, and carp. The observations were done while the water was stained, murky, and clear. The lifetime fishing trips were made in both daytime and night. There were many nights fishing from docks lighted and dark from dusk to dawn. The following is my summary of fish's reactions to light as I have observed.
I have found that fish are curious when it becomes known. Some are drawn to the light because the light starts the feeding chain during darkness. First, the insects are attracted to light and fall into the water to become food for the baitfish. The baitfish's activity thus draws the attention of the active predatory fish. This is great for the angler except one problem exists. The more mature fish are lurking several feet below because they can also see the people and activity above the light. The mature fish lurking below did not reach their maturity by being aggressive in a setting that seems "Too Good to Be True". Their maturity gave them the instinct to wait below for the wounded baitfish, injured from the feeding frenzy above, for a easy meal. Over the many hours of fishing in this type setting I tried catching fish that were engaged in the feeding frenzy to no avail. I used every type bait from flies, jigs, grubs, and fresh shiners dangling them in the middle of the ball of baitfish swimming in circles underneath the light only to see the fish ignore my presentation. Conclusion to this type scenario is do not waste your time trying to catch the fish you can see because they can see you.
The observations that I studied in the control pond were si milar to those I wrote above with the exception that there was no activity by people above or around the water during the feeding frenzy around the light. I was able to use a very long pole from a hidden position to present a lively shiner or night crawler around the light with success 100% of the attempts. The conclusion that I reached in these tests are that fish are attracted to light but the surrounding activity above the water out weights the "Risk to Reward" in the fish's mind.
The years of study on Light vs. Fish drove me to develop a light that can attract fish's curiosity, below the activity above, to produce more fish to the area I am fishing rather than trying to light a large area to bring in baitfish. I wanted the light to be "personal" for my line only, away from all distractions above the water, with no concerns of another object to hang-up on while fighting hooked fish. There are submersible light s on the market today that come with long cables that allow the light to be submerged to a desired depth, but is this worth the untangling the line from the light every time a fish decides to escape using the light as if it were a branch? The design of the Crappi Candle fulfills all the needs of attracting fish curiosity to the bait or lure. The Crappi Candle serves as an external light source for unhooking fish and re-baiting out of the water. The low power consumption enables you to fish all day or night without changing the battery. The housing that conceals the light module is nearly indestructible and the light module has no wires or parts to break, and uses a gravity/friction On/Off switch to conserve battery life.

In conclusion of this article and the satisfaction that I accomplished the product that I was seeking, I enlisted help from an individual for the purpose of filming th e product underwater in a natural environment to show all my studies and observations were indeed warranted. I enlisted the help from a gentleman named Doug Stamm whom is a professional photographer and marine biologist to video fish's reaction to the light underwater in their environment. The video (you can view on website) was shot on a natural lake, after the ice had melted, and the water is still cold which is the reason for there not being a lot of fish activity. The video clearly shows that fish are very curious to light. If I can get fish curious to the light on the line then the chances of creating a strike on the bait have risen dramatically. The video was also shot during daylight hours mostly which should indicate that this light is not only effective during night but also during daylight hours. There are many fisherman that assume the light from the sun penetrates further below the surface th an it actually does. When the water is stained, it contains very small particles, which absorb and deflect light, starting at the surface, and deteriorating quickly every foot below the surface. I hope this will help many fisherman become more productive while fishing.

Garland Jones (Aka crappiman) Inventor & Designer of Crappi Candle is proud member of: http://hottopics.messageforums.net/

Die Hard Fishing Fan

Live minnows and jigs of all sorts are still the best for chasing that crappie. If you are a die-hard fan of using small spinner baits for crappie, if properly presented, you will not only catch crappie, but other fish as well to make your fishing adventure more enjoyable.

If you are successful in with you are doing, stay with it. However, it is fun to experiment to expand to your arsenal.

There are times the crappie does not play fair and all the rules of being still, not splashing, the crappie will attack spinner baits in all sorts of environments from bank fishing to pier and the boat. Spinner baits seem to trigger their hunger or protecting their nest.

Spinners create a sound of waves that they feel, and then out of the corner of their eye they see th e flashy lure...WOW, I am going to get that! That is what spinners are suppose to do is trigger their instincts. Spin casting with spinners allows you to cover a larger radius of water in short period of time. Spinners tend to be heavier than jigs and will let you cast farther as opposed to jigging or whatever.

There is all kind of spinners from Safety-Pin Spinners to Horse Head Spinners.
Experiment with ideas that are what it is all about when you are fishing. One thing is for sure, if your methods of attack do not catch crappie, then manufacturers caught us.

When was the last time you took someone fishing from family, friends or the neighbor kid down the street? Or better yet when did you take a retired person fishing?

Join our family discussion forum http://hottopics.messageforums.net/

Dr

The words bachelor party itself conjures wild images in our minds. These images include drunken men, women strippers, men with their tongues lolling out, great food and unlimited drinks isn't it? Well, now the scene is changing bit by bit and stags and their buddies are hopping onto flights for weekend getaways for their bachelor parties. They are extremely comfortable flying to different locales for their stag nights. Due to the slash in the rates of commuting, there is a rising trend of men traveling from one place to another for a memorable and exciting stag night or weekend.

These parties are where men talk about the old times and relationships and bond very well with each other. Grooms-to-be are given advices from their buddies on the pros and cons of marital life.

Going to strip bars and drinking uncontrollably at bachelors parties might be fun but is slowly becoming outdated and mundane. After all, it is the same thing that the men are doing for years together.

Grooms-to-be have now started traveling to different destinations for a rollicking weekend with close buddies. What you need to do is just decide on the destination, get into the plane, reach the destination and have the time of your life.

Cities like Barcelona, Montreal, New Orleans, Miami, Las Vegas, etc are the ultimate destinations for bachelor parties. Some of the adventurous activities that the bachelors show interest in are rock climbing, parachuting, sky diving, fishing, whitewater rafting, etc.

Las Vegas undeniably is the hottest and most happening place for stag nights. It has uncountable night bars, pubs, discotheques and most importantly strip bars. It is also home to theme parks, which have rides that are similar to a near death experience. New Orleans is again a popular place for stag parties and you can see people celebrating here.

Stags and their buddies are ever ready to travel to Barcelona for the stag do since this beautiful and picturesque place is home to raunchy and adult night clubs and also has a string of theme parks. People traveling to these places can be rest assured to have a gala time since they can indulge themselves in sports during the afternoons and have a party in the night. People who are not too much into sports can have a relaxing time at the beach and get sun tanned.

Groups that need help regarding information of different places they want to visit during the weekend can surf the internet and get as much information as possible. The tourism people of the concerned places are always ready to help and provide with the right details and help plan the ultimate bachelor party that one has been looking forward to.

Another trend that is slowly gaining pace is to pack your bags for a weekend with your close buddies, which provides one with the perfect environment to bring back old times and give way to a new life. Also, people have no qualms traveling cross country to celebrate their last days of bachelorhood.

Characteristics of Bowie Knives

Bowie knives are some of the most sought after and prized knives in the world. Their rugged good looks, impressive size and incredible durability and usability make them ideal for numerous situations, from clearing brush to personal protection. However, what actually qualifies as a Bowie knife? To answer this question, you'll have to understand a little bit about the history of this popular knife. Where did the knife get its start? What did the first versions look like?

Why is this? First, it's because of the enormous popularity of these knives. Their widespread use and popularity has spawned any number of new designs and styles based off the "traditional" knife pattern. So, what qualifies a knife as a Bowie knife?

The blade should be at least six inches long. It can exceed this length, though. You'll find Bowie knives with blades as long as twelve inches, or even longer. The blade should be at least one inch wide, though longer knives might be up to two inches in width. The blade should only have a single edge, running along the bottom of the edge. These may or may not have a Spanish Notch - an area supposedly designed to trap an enemy's knife blade, but more likely used in a utilitarian manner.

So, what qualifies a knife for true Bowie status? The blade should be at least six inches in length, though these can be twelve or more inches long, as well. The blade must also be between one and two inches in width. The point of the blade must be clipped - knives without this feature cannot be construed as a Bowie knife in any way.

Obviously, determining what is a real Bowie and what is not can be a complicated process; however, let your own preferences be your guide. If you purchase a Rambo-style knife and feel that it qualifies, then that should be good enough.

Pool Tables Buyers Guide

On Line Buyers Guide

Pool Table Edition

Thank you for taking the time to download the pool table edition of our 'on line buyer's guide' series.

The information in this guide represents a collaboration of our own experience in the world of pool tables, material from major manufactures and the valued opinions of some of the country's top pool players. Our aim is to take this combined knowledge to help you make an informed buying decision and find the perfect table to compliment your living space or commercial premises..

After a general introduction, these guides work on a 'question and answer' basis. We have tried to include all the questions we are most commonly asked, and we have thrown in a few hot tips and pieces of insider information. The answer to each question is found on a specific page, so if you are just using this guide to investigate a particular query, you can cut straight through to the relevant information.

Look out for the 'Buyer Beware' signs that crop up throughout the guide. These are invaluable tips on how to avoid getting in to difficulties when dealing with pool tables. These tips are well worth a read as they come from over 15 years experience of selling, maintaining and delivering these products.

Although this guide will help you to get closer to your perfect table, it is still invaluable to take advice relating your particular circumstances. Once you start to get an idea of where you are heading with your pool table purchase, please take the opportunity to contact a member of the Liberty Games team on 0800 612 8180. You will find our staff polite, well informed and they are full of useful tips.

Questions and Answers

1) What room size do I need to house a pool table and have good cueing room?

2) What is the difference between an American pool table and a British Pool Table?

3) What is the difference between an MDF pool table and a Slate bed?

4) What accessories come with my pool table? Is there other things you recommend

5) How is my pool table delivered? Do I need installers to help?

6) Can my pool table be re clothed? If so how much does it cost?

7) I need a coin operated table what do I need to know?

8) How long does it take to deliver my pool table?

1) What room size do I need to house a pool table?

Pool tables come in a variety of sizes, but the general range available in the UK start from 4ft in length and stretch right up to full size American tables at 9ft in Length. As a rule of thumb, (assuming a full size cue) you will need approximately 5 ft of cueing room around each edge of your chosen table. Say for example you choose a 7ft table, this has a length of 7ft and a width of 4ft. Using the 5ft rule you would need a room that is 17ft in length and 14ft in width to be able to play the table without a cue end touching the wall.

Tip: The 5ft rule gives you plenty of margin for error. When a pool table is described as '7ft in length' this refers to the overall length of the table. If your room is a little tight, remember that the actual playing surface of the table is quite a bit smaller. On a 7ft table for example the playing surface is actually more like 6ft in length. The rail and cushions on each end make up about 1 ft of the overall length. Your cue tip begins play at the join of the cushion and the play surface, so this can give you that little extra room. Below is a room size calculator, note how the different size cues help to reduce the room size needed to enjoy your table

Table Size (Feet)	Room size Using a 48" Cue	Room Size Using a 54" Cue	Room Size Using a 57" Cue
6x3 Table	13.5 x 11	14.5 x 12	15 x 12.5
7x4 Table	14.2 x 11.2	15.2 x 12.2	15.75 x 12.75
8x4.6 Table	15.2 x 11.5	16.25 x 12.75	16.75 x 14
7 American	14.9 x 11.5	15.9 x 12.5	16.4 x 12.5
8 American	15.6 x 12	16.6 x 13	17.1 x 13.5
9 American	16.6 x 12.4	17.6 x 13.4	18.1 x 13.9

Tip: if your room is a little too small for the table you are looking for, don't panic. Liberty Games can provide shorter cues, even 'baby cues' to deal with any awkward areas.

If you are unsure of the particular room size for your table, make sure you call a member of the Liberty Games staff to double check you choice.

2) What is the difference between British (UK) tables and American (USA) Tables

British pool tables come in 6ft, 7ft and occasionally 8ft sizes. British tables are played using 2" red and yellow pool balls (the cue ball is 17/8"). A league standard table in the UK is 7ft in length and 4ft in width, this size would usually be the starting point of your search should you be looking for a true British table. Where a public house has a slightly tight playing space (which may also be the case in the home environment) they choose to go for a 6ft x3ft pool table as the second choice.

British tables have evolved over the years into a broad range of designs the most common differences are found in the shape of the legs, the depth of the bodies and the overall colour and finishes of the tables. British tables can now compliment any surrounding.

Tip A 6ft table may be the most appropriate choice if a table is going upstairs or through a tight corridor because it can be stood on end and still fit through a doorway. A 7ft table on end does not always fit!

American tables are generally larger than British tables, they are commonly found in 8ft and 9ft formats, however some 7ft American pool tables can be found. American tables can also be identified by their larger pocket sizes and larger ball sizes. American pool is played using 21/4" balls. On the smaller American tables the balls can come down in size relative to the table length.

American table designs tended to be the most easy on the eye, and although British tables have caught up, there are however some timeless American designs that can be a major factor in making your decision!

3) What is the difference between an MDF pool table and a Slate bed.

In the most basic form 'MDF' or 'Slate' refers to the material that is used to build the playing surface of a pool table. Generally in a pub or commercial premises the table you would have played on will have a slate bed under the cloth. The slate creates a completely true surface and helps to add weight and stability to the table. A slate bed can be re clothed if the table experiences wear, in most cases an MDF surfaces cannot. MDF tables are built to provide a cost effective and light weight alternative to slate bed tables. Although the cost and weight is reduced on MDF tables, a number of models play to a very sound standard. Many home customers who are buying a pool table for fun appreciate both the cost reduction and the ability to move the table aside when not in use. The rule of thumb on a MDF table is not to go too cheap, you really do get what you pay for, and a slight spend increase can help establish a more solid and durable table that will last. You can usually establish from the image of the table how sturdy the build quality is. There are some flimsy designs out there on the very cheap tables so it's worth looking out for a well supported leg system and a reasonably deep body shape. A weight over 30kgs is going in the right direction. Finally it's worth checking what ball size comes with the table, some of the smaller tables do have reduced ball sizes to fit in with the smaller play surfaces. A real game of pool however should play with 2" balls to get a good game.

MDF tables will usually arrive to you in a flat pack format. It can be worth asking what the approximate build time is. In most cases you should only have to bolt on the legs of the table, but some can be more complex. (Delivery is dealt with further down) some MDF tables do have an installation option.

Slate bed tables can be considered the ultimate pool tables to have at home or in your commercial premises. If you are buying your table for use in a commercial premises, slate is really your only choice, not only are they the most durable, but they are the only tables that can be fitted with a coin mechanism! You have quite a lot of added flexibility when purchasing slate beds, not only can you choose the wood finish of your table, but you can also choose the cloth colour (useful when trying to match the colours in a room).

Very high end slate bed tables may have a hard wood body, however the more budget slate bed tables nowadays tend to be made from very high grade MDF with good quality laminates. British slate bed tables are generally made in the league size of 7ft by 4ft, however there is also a market for 6ft slate bed tables where a room size in a public house or private residence is restricted.

4) What accessories come with my pool table? Are there other items you recommend

Nearly all pool tables in every price range come with a starter pack appropriate for the table. Usually you will receive, x2 cues, x1 triangle, chalk, x1 ball set (usually red and yellows for british tables). In some cases you will be asked to choose if you would like red and yellow balls to come with your table or spots and stripes. Red and Yellow balls are the standard colour for British pool tables. Spots and Stripes however do give the advantage of being able to play both british pool or American pool rules.

It may be worth investing in some other accessories to keep your table in good condition. Most people also purchase a brush. This is used to brush away any chalk marks on the table. Usual practise is to brush with the nap of the cloth and direct any chalk/ dust into the pockets. It is also worth buying a cover for the pool table. Even a cheap plastic cover helps to add life to your table. It restricts dust settling on the cloth and helps to prevent sun bleaching if your table lives close to a window.

A cue rack is almost an essential additional piece of kit. These can cost as little as £9.99 but give you a place to put cues in an upright position. A cue rack saves your table from people leaving chalked cues on the cloth and keeps the cues safe and in good condition ready to play the next game.

Finally, there is the question of how you light the play surface of the table. In most cases, the lighting in a room is adequate to have a good game of pool. Having dedicated lighting over the table however gives a very professional look and really focuses attention on the game in hand. There are a vast number of different lamp shade designs and colours to match your chosen table style.

5) How is my pool table delivered? Do I need installers to help?

MDF tables are normally delivered in a box where the legs of the table have been removed to allow the table to be 'flat packed'. The table is usually delivered by a one or two man service depending on the size and weight of the table. 95% of MDF tables are easily installed without professional help. All you need is two people and a spanner (usually provided in the box). In general after removing the packaging, you will be instructed to turn the table upside down, bolt on the legs and then rotate the table to an upright position. Some of the larger MDF tables do show an installation option due to their weight and this service should be requested if you are at all unsure of your ability to put the table together.

Slate tables are normally delivered unboxed in 3 pieces by a professional 2 man team. The key reason for the requirement of a professional courier is the fragility and weight of the slate bed.

In 95% of cases, the table legs and slate will be transported separately from the body of the table to reduce the handling weight per piece.

Installation of these tables is not rocket science. In short, you bolt the legs on to the table (usually through the top of the table, as there is clear access without the slate bed installed) the table is then rotated to an upright position. From here you can open the top of the table (like a book) by lifting the top rail (this is the hinged section that the cushions are attached to). Once open two people then lift the pre clothed slate and locate it into pre determined spaces in the table. Once in place, the top rail is closed down and squeezes on to the slate. The top rail is latched down and secured by reaching through the base of the table (there are cut outs in the base for your hand and arm to fit in) Once together the table is levelled using the threads on the feet.

In general we would recommend paying the extra to have a 2 man team install your table. Not only do they have good experience and handling your new prize possession, but they will also level the table accurately for you at the end of the job. The installers also have good tips on how to maintain your table.

If you do decide to save the money on the installation fees, please ensure you have at least to able bodied people to help. Take your time, and call our technical help number if you are not 100% sure of your next move!

6) Can my pool table be re clothed? If so how much does it cost?

In general, only slate bed pool tables can be re clothed. It is a fairly specialist skill to cloth a table accurately so it should only be attempted by very technically minded people or pool table professionals.

Considering most slate bed tables are built to a commercial standard, those purchased for home use will last for a very long time without the need for a re cloth. A well used commercial table may need a recloth every 3-6 months.

There are two types of recloth: Slate only, or slate and cushions.

If you have had an accidental spill on the main playing surface of your table, you may only need the slate bed to be reclothed. This is a fairly simple and quick procedure, consisting of removing the current cloth, cleaning off any glue residue, then reclothing. The cushions however are more complicated. These are usually reclothed when you notice excessive wear where the cloth is stretched over the main rubber contact points.

The cost of your local pool table reclother may vary, but budget up to £195

7) I need to buy a coin operated table, what do I need to know?

Coin operated pool tables come in two main formats. The first uses a mechanical coin mechanism the second uses an electronic coin mechanism. Although electronic coin mechanisms are the more modern solution to 'coin operate' a pool table, the industry still prefers the reliability of mechanical coin mechanisms.

Electronic coin mechanisms have the benefit of allowing an entire range of coin denominations to be inserted into the pool table make up the price per play. On a mechanical mechanism, the coin slots are made in such a way that only the correct coinage can be used (for example a £1 coin). Electronic coin mechanisms also have some programmable functions such as 'happy hour' settings.

Coin operated pool tables essentially have a removable barrier which stop the balls from running through the table and out to the collection point. You will see these balls building up in a window at the side of the table whilst the game is in use. Once a coin is inserted into the mechanism, this releases the barrier and the balls are free to run through the table. Electronic systems use an electronic motor to remove the barrier, and here lies the potential problem. If for example the battery driving the tables runs out, the table will not work. If there is a power cut for a mains version, the table will not work. It is for these 'electrical' reasons that the standard 'straight six' mechanical mechanisms are still favoured by operators all over the world.

The Straight 6 coin mechanism can be set to accept many different price options. It also has the potential for 'token play'which helps to reduce any cash security issues.

Coin operated table are slightly more expensive than their freeplay counterparts, this is generally due to the more complex internal ball run systems and the robust (ball run drawer) that mounted in the side of the table.

When considering a coin operated table, the main consideration is return on investment, so it's worth looking at the most keenly priced slate bed models, but make sure they are well built enough for an extended life in a commercial premises.

8) How long does it take to deliver my pool table?

MDF pool tables are generally stocked items meaning the lead time from order to delivery is usually 7-10 days. Most MDF tables are too large to go on main stream couriers like TNT or UPS, instead they go with specialist 2 man courier teams.

Slate bed tables can take up to 4 weeks to be delivered depending on your location in the country. This lead time is made up of two parts, firstly the table must be built to you specification (this can take up to 10 days) the table is then collected and stored by a specialist 2 man delivery team. Routes around the UK are then planned at which point a specific deliver is booked in to cover your area.

If you have any further questions referring to pool tables, please don't hesitate to call us on 0800 612 8180