Setting the Blinds for Your Home Game
One of the most important decisions you make when planning a poker game at your house will be theor limits. If you’re going to be playing tournament-style the process is easier, as each player simply hands over a set amount of money for a designated amount of starting chips. Cash games are a little trickier.
In cash games, players are typically allowed to buy-in for however much they want, although it’s best if all the players start with roughly the same amount of chips. Once you know what the average buy-in is going to be, you can adjust the blind levels accordingly. Personally, I like to have at about 100 big blinds in my stack, which gives a little playing room and allows you to lose a couple of pots without being crippled. When divvying out the clay poker chips and determining the denominations, the small blind should be the smallest chip on the table.
Safety at the Lake
With summer in full swing, chances are you’ll be spending some time by the lake or you other local body of water. Even if you are a strong swimmer, it’s always important to have Mustang life vests with you whenever you venture too far from the shore. When the sun is blazing all day, it zaps your energy, and it may be harder to make it back to the dock or shore than you had anticipated.
Safety should always be your top priority when you around the water. Many summer fetes involve alcohol, and if you’ve had anything to drink, steer clear of the water. Alcohol and swimming simply don’t mix in any capacity.
The Uses of Radar Frequency Bands
The airwaves are chock full of information being sent from transmitters to receivers, and the purpose of this information varies greatly depending on the situation. Different frequency bands are used for drastically different purposes; these can run the gamut from surveillance to traffic control to digital television broadcasting. People of a certain age will recall the days when TV antennas picked up VHF and UHF channels.
The x-band is a short-range frequency that’s often used in an official capacity for vehicle speed detection by law enforcement. Many radar detector operates on this and other frequencies, constantly scanning for the tell-tale signs of speed traps and nearby police cruisers. While the x-band is also used for weather monitoring and air traffic control, the law enforcement usage should concern you most. And, unfortunately, the signals are monitored closely now, so you have be able to intercept transmissions on your VHF marine radio.
Catching a Fly Ball
If you’re an avid baseball fan, there is nothing more exciting than throwing on your jersey and heading down to the ballpark. Especially on a warm summer night, there’s just nothing that can beat a baseball game and the very specific kind of atmosphere that’s created by that game. And while you’re dreaming of all the snacks you’re going to purchase (hotdog and garlic fries, here I come), don’t forget to bring along your baseball glove.
Fly balls can reach any part of the stadium, even if you’re in the nosebleed bleacher section, sitting on your portable stadium seat. That’s why it’s so important to always be alert at a baseball game. Especially if you’re down low, you never know when a fouled off ball or part of a broken bat will come your way. And if you are paying attention, you might just get the thrill of catching a ball with your trusty glove!
Survival Gear Basics
It’s a beautiful, sunny December day, the snow pack is good, and you’re itching to get out snowshoeing. So you pack a couple sandwiches, some water and your cell phone. You drive to a spot you’ve never been to, but have heard is beautiful. And, it is beautiful;–spectacular in fact. The weather is nice when you set out on the snow, and the view is great. Soon, the sun is setting, and suddenly the snow gives out from under you, your right leg plunges into a deep hole, and your ankle is broken. You try your cell phone, but there’s no signal-you’ve eaten your sandwiches already, and your water bottle is almost empty.
Hundreds of people find themselves in predicaments like this every year. Many times they are able to get back or they’re found by a search party. Other times they never come back. Bringing some basic supplies could have made the difference between life and death. The following are supplies that any hiker, hunter, sportsman or scout should bring on an expedition:
1.) Plenty of food and water.
2.) Some extra clothing.
3.) A map.
4.) A compass.
5.) A flashlight and extra batteries.
6.) Sunscreen.
7.) Matches in a waterproof container.
8.) A fire starter or candle.
9.) A pocket knife or a utility tool—I always carry my Gerber Gator knife.
10.) A first-aid kit.
Improving Your Golf Swing
Most amateur golfers underestimate the power and advantage of a proper golf swing. A premium set of Callaway golf clubs may seem like the quick way to add distance to your game, but your equipment can only take you so far. In truth, a well-tailored golf swing can add significant velocity and distance to any ball that is struck. You might add more than a hundred feet to the standard ‘baseball’ swing that amateur golfers often start out using. There are dozens of ways to improve your golf swing that are practical and will show results. You might consider golf swing videos, hiring a trainer, or using a training aid. But nothing compares to practice, so after you find out how to improve your swing, make sure to put it into practice and perfect it.
The professional golfers have all spent years tightening their swings and perfecting them for the maximum distance and control. In time, any golfer can develop their swing to a level that maximizes their potential. Just remember, practice makes it perfect! If you don’t use your swing all that often, chances are you’ll be out of practice when it’s needed.
Hosting a Poker Tournament
While the poker boom may have hit its peak a couple of years ago, the game remains popular among several demographics. As such, it is an ideal theme for weekend and evening get-togethers. If you are planning to host a poker tournament in the near future, there are a few things to take care of before the players arrive:
~Procure several poker chip sets and determine the denominations and starting chip stacks prior to the arrival of the players.
~Set the blind levels and payout structure early to prevent arguments, confusion and ensure the game ends in a timely fashion. Also be sure to have a clock for monitoring the time left in each level.
~Depending on the limits you are playing, have some small bills on hand to make change for players.
Spectator Sports
If you have a child who participates in organized sports, you are certainly aware of the commitment required on the part of the athletes as well as the parents. Not only do you have to shuttle the kids to and from practice, but there are fundraisers, barbecues and other team functions, too. When it comes time for the games however, few people object to spending an afternoon or evening watching their child compete.
After raising three children—all of whom participated in multiple sports—I have learned a few tricks for making the contests more enjoyable. Firstly, always bring stadium seat cushions with you, especially if you are attending a tournament or jamboree, which can take several hours. Also be sure to arrive early so that you can inspect the venue and select a premium post.
Adjusting to a Night Dive
When I was still working the night shift, I really had it made. I would get out right around the crack of dawn, hop in my car and head to the nearby marina. A co-worker and I would take my boat out into the cove and drop the Fortress anchor it in preparation for our daily dive. It was the perfect time to break the surface of the water – just as the sun was coming up over the horizon.
As I implied before, I’ve been switched to the day shift, and that means I only get to satisfy my passion for scuba diving on rare occasions. When I do get over to the harbor, it’s already going on nightfall. That’s why I pack specialized dive lights, which are ideal for night dives. These sources of illumination also come in handy when I feel like exploring underwater caves.
Keep Your Head Down, Keep Your Score Down
For anyone who has ever taken a Callaway golf driver in hand and tried their hand at golf, they know just how frustrating the sport of golf can be. The sport requires a high level of precision in conjunction with a little bit of luck, and many people spend a lifetime trying to perfect their game. And while stars like Tiger Woods make the sport look effortless, it is far from it in reality. One of the most pivotal parts of any golf game is that crucial drive. This is the first shot you take off the tee, and the goal is both distance and accuracy.
It’s such an important part of the game that the golf market is flooded with instructors, DVDs, and videos offering golf swing tips. And while these can greatly expedite a student’s progress, there are some basic things that everyone must keep in mind for a successful drive. The most important is to always keep your head down. Even after you’ve made contact with the ball, don’t immediately look up to see where it’s gone. It can alter the trajectory of the ball. It’s human nature to want to know where the shot went, but wait a few seconds until you’ve completely followed through with your swing, and your golf score will thank you for it!