Samuel Bryant asked:


When I was younger the issue of boredom always seemed to come up. I long for those days now that my work week is 80+ hours but creativity was so important while growing up poor. One of my favorite things to do was pretend I was pitching in the major leagues and managed to situate a table on its side so that the tennis ball would either pop up or ground out to me. I spent days playing solo Monopoly and weeks creating a fully stocked video store mockup. I think the poorer a person is the more interesting their hobbies are.

 

Some very common hobbies include collecting things such as dolls, die cast cars, real cars, or weapons. Coin and stamp collecting have long been a hobby for many, especially of commemorative mints (www.coin-usa.com). Coin and paper money from around the world is collected by Trader Joes if you haven’t noticed. A lot of gold and silver coins are worth something because of the amount of the particular metal contained in it.

 

The collecting of action figures (www.herofigure.com) used to be isolated to the very young and has crept its way into the hands of middle aged men. Comic book popularity has enjoyed the same fate and has created multiple movie trilogy empires in Hollywood. I don’t know if this popularity is due to the growing infancy of adult men or the impressive quality of modern movies. Either way it looks as if the comic book genre will continue to impress.

 

A lot of collectors base their hobby on an addiction such as alcoholism. Wine collectors invest in storage units, large quantities of aging bottles, and some even build entire rooms customized with climate controlled environments for the storage and display of their wine. In college I remember seeing fraternity bedrooms outlined by old bottles of consumed Vodka as if they were little league trophies. One of the most popular social hobbies men have is a combination of beer and poker (www.queenplay.com). These events are usually shared on a regular basis with more than two people where food is consumed. This hobby can be extended to Las Vegas if the player needs a more stimulating environment.

 

Hobbies seem to differ between people depending on the geographic location. Shooting ranges are more popular here outside of Seattle and are even more popular if one visits the eastern portion of this state as opposed to the limits of the city. Hobbies differ between genders—shopping for clothes is more popular among women while playing basketball is more popular among men. Another demographic where hobbies tend to differ is in the different age groups. Gardening is very popular among the older folks while radio controlled racing is more popular amongst the young. Children spend more time swimming than they do cooking. Adults spend more time cooking than they do swimming. The same thing applies to paintball, snowboarding, skateboarding, and Saturday morning cartoons. Now that I have money I can actually buy things to entertain myself. Rather than pretending to ride a dirt bike I can actually get one.

Dean B asked:


I recently replaced a metal halide ballast kit with a high pressure sodium ballast kit. This was because my employer was out of the proper replacement, for the time being. I didn’t notice the box for the kit had HPS on it, so after I wired it all up, I put in a new bulb (MH) and it only had a warm up glow and it would go no further. I do know from past experience that the (HPS) bulbs will not work properly in the (MH) ballast either. The (HPS) kit has in it a transformer, an ignitor and a small 7uf capacitor. I have done some CSI’ing and have found that the (MH) bulb has an ignitor inside the sealed bulb. In it’s kit there is a transformer and a single 10uf capacitor. Both ballasts are 277vac, with 175watt bulbs, so what’s the difference in the two kits and or bulbs, that they are not interchangable.?

Kayla R asked:


In the book Les Misèrables by Victor Hugo, the main character, Jean Valjean, changes his identity many times to protect him self. He has three main identities: Jean Valjean, Father and Monsieur Madeleine, and Monsieur Fauchelevent. Each time his identity changes, he tries to live a more honest life.
Jean Valjean was a man who stolen a loaf of bread for his sisters family, and as a result would have to live the rest of his life labeled a convict. After being treated poorly and not being able to find a place to stay the night, Valjean has to spend the night on a bench. A woman tells him to try to Bishops house. The Bishop accepts Valjean into his house. He gives him a warm mean and a nice bed, but even the Bishop’s generosity did not stop Valjean from turning to his convict ways and stealing the Bishop’s silver. Stealing the silver was wrong, but it leads him to be a better person later on. This is when the big changes in the convict’s life begin because the Bishop challenges Valjean to make an honest man of him self.
After leaving the Bishop, Valjean enters the town of M-sur M- and saves the chief of gendarme’s children form a burning house. The people of the town gave Valjean the name Father Madeleine. Valjean never tells them that he is a convict; instead he took the opportunity to start living the kind of life he wished to. He was good-natured and treated everyone pleasantly and with respect. He became rich when he came up with the idea to substitute gum-lac for resin and to bend the metal ends of clasps together. Father Madeleine was a generous man. He donated over a million francs to the city and the poor. HE also let anyone work for him as long as they were honest. He remained a mystery to the town. Madeleine was calm and affectionate. Everyone had great respect for him and began to call him Monsieur Madeleine. After refusing to be mayor multiple times, he finally accepted the job. He always offered a helping hand and did many good deeds. He settled differences, prevented law suits, and reconciled enemies. Monsuier Madeleine saved Father Fauchelevent when his cart fell on top of him. His cart was broken, his horse was dead, and he suffered a broken knee-pan so, Madeleine bought his horse and cart and got him a place at a covenant as a gardener. At the scene of the accident, Javert had accused Madeleine of being Jean Valjean, but he apologized when he found out that authorities had captured the “real” convict. When Javert informs Monsieur Madeleine of this, he knows that he must do something because he does not want anyone to be punished for his crimes. He decides he has to go to the trial, but before he leaves one of his workers, named Fantine, gets very sick and he takes her in and cares for her. When he gets to the trial, he confesses to being the convict and leaves the courtroom. When he gets back to Fantine, she is better because she thought that he went to get her daughter, Cosette. When Javert comes in to arrest Valjean, Fantine suddenly dies. Javert take Madeleine to prison, but he escapes. While on his way to find Cosette he is captured again.
He ends up working on a large ship. He rescues someone, falls into the ocean, and is pronounced dead because his body cannot be found. He had really lived and escaped. He gets Cosette and they live in pace until Valjean’s strange hobby of dressing like a beggar and giving people money allows Javert to find him. Valjean grabs Cosette and they escape over a wall into a covenant garden. It was the same covenant Father Fauchelevent was at. Father Fauchelevent tells the head prioress that Valjean is his brother and convinces her to let Valjean and Cosette live with them. Valjean becomes Monsieur Fauchelevent. Cosette and Valjean become very close. He loved her. When Father Fauchelevent dies they leave the covenant. Cosette falls in love with a young man named Marius and Valjean is very jealous. He felt like she was being taken form him. When the French Revolution began, Marius went to fight for his beliefs. Fauchelevent was in the Nation Guard, so Valjean had to go perform his duties, but ended up giving his uniform to someone so they could escape. Valjean is supposed to kill Javert who had been captured, but instead he sets him free and tell him the truth about him self. Valjean saves Marius who is badly injured. When Marius and Cosette get married Valjean feels like he needs to tell Marius who he really is. He says, “To live, once I stole a loaf of bread; today, to live, I will not steal a name.” Marius is furious and tells Valjean that he can only see Cosette in the evenings. Eventually Valjean pulls away from her and his heart breaks. He is so sad that he does not eat or leave his bed. His body ages thirty years instantaneously. Marius finds out that Valjean was the one who had saved him at the barricade and quickly takes Cosette to go see him. When they arrive, he apologizes for everything and tells the couple that he loves them dearly. Sadly he dies in their arms.
Jean Valjean went from being a convict, to the mayor of a town, to a loving father. He spent much time trying to be honest while living a life of lies. With each identity Jean Valjean became more honest until he could not live with him self unless he told the truth.
its an essay on his different identities..and how he acts and who he is as each peroson..im a sophomore in high school..so this doesnt need to be too complex..

Pj Hall asked:


Candles bring an air of elegance and softness to any room in which they are used.  They serve many purposes from simple illumination to creating a centerpiece for a table.  Candles have been around for centuries.  No one knows just how long they have been around.  Egyptians were some of the first to use beeswax candles dating back to 3000 B.C.  There are artifacts that show that the first candles with wicks were created during the Roman period in history.  Our love for candles and the art of candle making is always developing. This is apparent in the styles of the candles that we use. 

So, you want to make candles? 

There are many types of candles to choose from when you consider candle making.  The key is to choose one type of candle to make and get that one down pat before starting another.  Start slow and build your craft.  This will give you a feel for working with wax and the equipment necessary for making candles.  With so many methods and types of candles that you can make it can get very confusing and frustrating. 

Start by working with the basic poured candle.  For this type of candle you will need the following; a dedicated pot that will be used only for melting your wax, a candy thermometer so that you can check the wax temperature, a wooden spoon or two to work with, wax, dye, and wick supplies which you can buy at your local craft store.  You may also want to purchase additives such as vybar or steric acid because these can increase the burn time of your candle. Paraffin is the most commonly used wax for candle making today and the best for a beginner to start with. 

Find containers that are functional, decorative, and safe.  Some of the best places to find containers are from thrift stores, yard sales, and your own kitchen.  Examples of containers are things such as old teacups, funny coffee mugs, good heavy glasses, and of course the Mason jar.

You have what you need, now what?

After gathering all the supplies and equipment in one place you are ready to get started. A word of caution here is to be sure that all your equipment is clean and dry.  Test your container prior to pouring hot wax into it to be sure that it will not break and can be used safely. Place a small drop of hot glue on the metal bottom of the wick then place it into the center of the container making sure to press down well. The wick can be kept in the center by wrapping a small portion of the wick around a pencil that lies on top of the container.  Make sure to secure the pencil before pouring the wax. 

Safety is important when working with heat and wax so keep a fire extinguisher handy.  And never throw water on a fire caused by wax!

Use a large pan that is approximately 1/3 full of water and bring the temperature of the water to 212° Fahrenheit. Place your pot with wax into the water. Keep the water at the same temperature while melting the wax.  Do not let the water boil away; add water as needed. Use the thermometer to test the temperature of the wax.  Follow the manufacturer’s suggested temperature for melting wax because it varies with different waxes.  Typically the best temperature for container wax is 170 - 175 degrees.  Never let the wax exceed 250 degrees! 

Once the wax has melted add the vybar or steric acid to the wax and mix well. The final step before pouring is adding color to your melted wax making sure to mix well.  You are now ready to pour your melted candle wax into your container.  Fill the container leaving approximately ¼ of headroom for the wick.  Once the candle wax has set you may then remove the pencil.  Trim the wick ¼ inch from the wax.

You have done it! You’ve made your first decorative candle and are now hooked.  You have so much to explore and lots of ideas.  As with all projects, have fun and be safe!

Ann Triune asked:


A metal detector is a useful electronic device that uses electromagnetic fields to detect metal. It is used in mining, archaeology, and hobbies such as treasure hunting. Whether you are one of the many who seek the thrill of finding treasure, or the ones who are doing excavations or digs, then you will need a metal detector to make your jobs easier. The following are buying a metal detector tips.

To get the best of your money, consider these questions before you make your purchase:

Cost

Metal detectors can be very expensive. They run for as low as $50 to more than $400, depending on its features. The more advanced models are usually the ones that cost more, so it is important to know what features you need and do not need. Besides, buying a metal detector with too many features that you will not use can be too overwhelming.

Place of Use

Like appliances and other equipment, metal detectors are also built for different uses. Metal detectors to be used on the beach will need to be waterproof, while the ones to be used to rough terrains need to be designed to withstand those places.

Length of Use

Some metal detector models do not work the same duration of hours as others. While some can run for 24 hours or longer, others do not last as long. This depends on the battery life of the device. Some run with either replaceable or rechargeable batteries, and others come with a charging kit.

Durability

Choose a metal detector the same way you would choose all your other belongings-make sure it is durable, made of strong materials, and will survive your normal usage. This way, you can save money and be contented with your choice.

Adaptability

Choose a metal detector that can be upgraded, or allows add-ons and other devices to be attached to it. Do not get one that seems like a dead end, with all its features locked and no room for improvement.

Reliability

The job of a metal detector is to find what you normally cannot. Its metal-searching scope will dig deeper than you, so it has to be precise and have accurate detection. Test the metal detector before you buy it. If it cannot detect small pieces of metal or jewelry nearby, then do not get it, even if it is cheap.

Answers Your Needs

Always get advice or a second opinion, preferably from an expert on metal detectors. Make sure the information and metal detector tips you get are helpful and updated so you will not have to regret choosing a wrong model or buying the more expensive one.

Invest on a metal detector that has most or all of the features you will need for the right price. Since metal detectors are expensive, you will definitely need one that will serve you at its best. Ask around for more metal detector tips so you can be sure of your choice.

Praire Crone asked:


I am going to make some ritual jewelry honoring the Goddess Hecate for her feast day on November 16 which incidently is my Birthday. After some research I found the following a list of stones that I want to use: Obsidian, Jet, Onyx, dark garnet and Dark Red Carnelian. I will also use some Amber. The following symbols are thought of as hers too…crossroads,keys,torches, gate ways, black dogs, black ewe lambs, cauldron, snakes all moon phases,graveyards and the three phases of women (maid, mother crone). Is there any other symbol that could be used as well? I am in the design phase of my project and working on sketches of what I want to do. My sons are hobby metal workers as my oldest is a sword and knife maker. Any suggestions?
Hey!!!I put this in R S and it ended up here???? what gives?????

Devan G asked:


I work with organs in Rock music, I am not very skilled, but I am not looking for super professionals. I mostly use samples of old organs- especially the Mellotron. I also do hobby production. Am free to work with bands, willing to join or work on your songs for free, especially in the special sounding effects. The catch is that, I WILL NOT WORK on Hip Hop/Rap, Metal of any kind, Punk/Emo/Goth and Electronica.
I strictly work with Rock, Psychedelic Rock, Progressive Rock, and that kind of genre. Basically 60’s and 70’s styles. Indie Rock is okay, like REM kind of Indie. If you do Classic Rock, then I am your man. I have tons of VST software and effects, and instruments. Here is an example of my work on a cover of Matilda Mother by Pink Floyd-
http://www.box.net/shared/6h5yofdw0g

Dakeguy asked:

Metal cutting saws, drill presses, and band saws

Jin Huang asked:


A third style, the Printed Spiral, is made only by Tesoro for use with pulse induction circuitry. It offers good sensitivity to a broader range of target sizes and improved sensitivity to less conductive targets such as fine gold chains. All searchcoils are electrostatically shielded and waterproof. There are certain features needed for certain places the device is going to be used for. If you intend to use it on the beach, the terrain wont be that rigorous. But you are going to need waterproof protection.

Hand-held Metal Detectors are designed to safeguard security-sensitive areas like schools, courtrooms, corrections facilities, sports events, businesses, nightclubs, bars and other public areas and events. They are used along with walk-through metal detectors.

Metal detectors work on the principal of electromagnetism and their effects on conductive metals. The high-powered coil of metal, called the transmitter, uses the battery power to generate a penetrating magnetic field. As the electromagnetic field enters the ground, anything metallic will become charged with magnetism.

Metal detecting for beginners

Metal detecting activity is full of excitement and is an adrenaline rush. No wonder, for anyone who easily fell in love with this hobby and is determined to get started. No one will blame you for it. As a beginner, you will need some valuable tips to get you started on your hunt for treasure. Follow these tips and you will never go wrong.

1.Identify winning spots to make your treasure hunting a success. Sure areas where you can conduct a metal detecting spree are as follows:

Backyards - to start your metal detecting session, please do not hesitate to dig up your own area; avoid the misconception that you already know your area and no interesting finds can be dug up;

Woods - this is a rich soil for treasure hunters because this is perceived to be one of the places treasures are hidden;

Parks - people converge on parks and street cleaners might clean up the whole area, but there is always the possibility that you can find something in the park;

Riverbanks - these places can also be a haven for hunters. You can also do a little researching about ship ports, ferry landings and others which can also increase your chances for having more interesting finds;

When buying a metal detector consider the price. If the metal detector offers the best features of a then expect it to be expensive. If having fewer features is all right with you, go for a less expensive one. Metal detectors can run from as low as $50 to higher than $800. The good news is that prices have never been lower for such easy to use full featured automatic detectors. A good way to view the purchase is to decide how much money you are comfortable spending.

Any place there is construction and the ground is being cleared, that is a great place to start treasure hunting. Successfull treasure hunting starts with having the right metal detector. But which type of metal detector should you get? Complete info on metal detectors and treasure hunting at http://detect-metal.info. he man of the house would have buried a cache of money someplace that could be seen from the bedroom window. Loose change could have been dropped when getting in or out of vehicles.

Some cant perform as much. This is decided by the battery life of the device you are going to purchase. Also decide if you rather have extra batteries or if you prefer to get a charging kit.

For walking speed, remember the paint rollerr analogy above. As long as you are painting the entire surface of the ground and not missing any spots, you are not walking too quickly. However, if you find that your imaginary paint is missing areas, you need to slow down your pace.

Beaches - people gather on beaches for summer fun and these places are also good for the hunters; find a quiet time to conduct your hunting spree; especially during peak season so no one can “bug you” and all your finds may remain intact since laws order a cleaning of seashores during evenings or early mornings;

2.Study and learn your entire metal detector, inside and out. Make it a habit to read and internalize the manual of your metal detector so you can master its use and maintenance for effective metal detecting. After learning it, practice the use of it and try to feel determine what your metal detector is trying to tell you.

3.It is important to do your assignment - research about metal detecting and learn the principles of its use. With the references available, you can also find some other places where you can conduct your metal detecting search or ask for the support of your neighbors by asking them to open up their backyards for you. Explain to them metal detecting as a form of a hobby as well as its practical use.

These are tips to guide you as you get started on your metal detecting spree. If you do all these, metal detecting will never be complicated for you as you learn all the skills required.

A recent study proves that hand-held metal detectors are just as accurate as x-rays in finding coins and other metallic objects swallowed by children. Schools everywhere are using metal detectors to help filter out violence. The metal detectors can very easily (for this is why they are used) detect a knife or gun. Police stations and Airports use them as well.

The basic metal detectors are easy to get used to, with less features and buttons. Find out more about bounty hunter metal detector today! It does, however, have its own downsides. Some say that the knobs of the Pro XL are quite loose and when adjusting it, you have to be careful not to hit it with your arms. It is quite sensitive and bumping it may require you to start or reset the adjustments. Some users put a rubber band around the knobs to keep them from moving or becoming loose. It is always very nice to purchase at least the second model up in the brand. You will get a few more bells and whistles and a lot more control over your detecting. Total purchase means that you will also need some accessory items such as trowels, scoops headphones and coil covers.

Jessica Deets asked:


The metal detector, as the name suggests, is a tool to detect the presence of metal.

The most often used place for metal detectors is at the airports for check-ins and in high security areas.

Whether you are carrying metallic object in your shirt or in a bag, the metal detector is going to detect it. Even when the metallic objects are lying on the ground, metal detectors can detect those too.

Metal detectors can see through non-metallic surfaces. No wonder, it can see inside your bag, and detect the metallic piece instantly.

Metal detectors don’t only find applications in security areas, but are abundantly used in treasure hunting as well and for finding lost items that consist of metal.

This wonderful application of science was invented by none other than the legendary Alexander Graham Bell. That was more than 125 years back in the year 1881. Fischer came out with a portable metal detector in the year 1931.

There have been many more modifications on the first portable detector made by Fischer. Hans Oersted was responsible for discovering electromagnetism. This happened in the year 1820.

Metal detectors work on the principle of electromagnetism. Electromagnetism is the science of studying two forces: those of electricity and magnetic in tandem with each other.

Metal detectors are supposed to be very good conductors of electricity and magnetism. Therefore it is but natural that the metal detector is affected by electromagnetism in the surrounding.

A high-powered coil generates magnetic effect with the help of power generated by the attached battery. When this electromagnetic field penetrates the ground the metals tend to get charged with magnetism.

The coil detects the electromagnetic behaviour and a signal is sent to the electronic box. The speaker attached to the electronic box beeps and the operator immediately becomes aware of the presence of metal.

Modern metal detectors work on the similar principle with more electronics added. Now you’ll find microprocessors attached inside the box. These microprocessors can indicate the presence of a metal type. It can measure the time between charging of metal and the receiving the beep that concludes the type of metal and this length of time is known as phase shift.

There are adjustments in the device when searching for a particular kind of metal. Some detectors can even tell you on a viewscreen what it is that they found.

Metal detectors have electronic boxes with a battery case on one end and a handle for the operative’s arm on the other. It has a coil made of insulated wire wound around a telescoping shaft that is inside a plastic disk. The device is held parallel to the ground due to the angle at which the disk comes out of the shaft. The electronic box is held in the hand, the power is put on and the coil end is slowly swept over the ground.

If the trace of metal is there on or buried in the ground, an electronic beep is heard when the device sweeps the ground.

Working with a metal detector is easy. With just a few hours of training a person can become very good at the skill of properly using a metal detector.