A Quick Primer On Pepper Spray And Consumer Defense Sprays

Posted on February 22, 2009
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Do you know what a Self Defense Spray made from?
There are three types of chemicals used in self defense sprays. The first couple are types of tear gas and are called CS and CN. These man made chemicals are irritants to the mucous membranes (eyes, nose, throat, and lung). In large quantities, they cause heavy flow of tears and produce mucus and some choking. Tear gas has been used by police for many years for crowd control.

The third and perhaps most common chemical today is OC (Oleoresin Capsicum), commonly known as defense spray.  OC is an inflammatory agent made from hot cayenne and other peppers. Upon contact to the sensitive mucous membranes, it causes an intense burning sensation, temporary blindness, restricted breathing and disorientation. Pepper Spray is a hot selling product available to the consumer.

What is the difference between pepper spray and tear gas?

You can’t fight thru the pain of tear gas. It will blind and choke you if it contacts the mucous membranes. Tear gas however isn’t as effective for intoxicated, crazy, super tough attackers.

Tear Gas isn’t effective on wild animals or dogs, pepper spray is. Tear Gas disburses fumes and you don’t have to nail the attacker in the eyes. Pepper Spray does not emit fumes, and it will not deteriorate with age, but it must be sprayed in the eyes or inhaled directly to be effective. Tear Gas takes take longer to be effective, anywhere from 10-20seconds, while the effects of pepper spray are almost instantaneous. Pepper Spray can be washed off with soap and water. Tear Gas takes longer to wear off and the chemical residue can last for days.

Recently, manufacturers have begun to combine the chemicals together to make a super potent spray with the characteristics of each chemical. Called Mace Triple Action, this formulation is super dependable when you need it. They even add in UV dye, so the bad guy can be easily identified by the police.

What are the benefits and limitations of pepper spray?

Pepper spray is an excellent self-defense product. It is used by nearly every law enforcement agency throughout the country. It is non-lethal and extremely effective when sprayed in the facial area and eyes. It put a safe distance between your and an attacker and gives you plenty of time to escape and seek help. Because pepper spray does not cause any long lasting discomfort or injury to the attacker, people are more likely to use it without hesitation. Acting quickly can often keep you from serious injuries and save your life. Pepper spray is very inexpensive, and is not typically restricted by law. A permit is not usually required to carry them. Even so, you should still be aware of its limitations. Pepper Spray may take a few seconds to disable and attacker, so that assailant may be able to take your canister away from you, before the effects of the spray kick in. That means your own weapon may be used against you. Also, wind and rain may reduce its range and effectiveness. You may get spray-back when sprayed against strong wind.

How do I measure the effectiveness of pepper spray?

Pepper Spray is rated in two ways: OC% and SHU rating. The % you see listed on the package (10%, 15%, etc.) explains how much OC is in the container relative to the other ingredients (propellant, dyes, etc.). However, this percentage cannot always be used to compare the “hotness” of different pepper sprays, and there are mixtures of various potencies of OC. The hotness of OC is directly related to the amount of the capsaicin in the OC, which varies significantly from manufacturer to manufacturer. The amount of capsaicin in OC is rated in Scoville Heat Units (SHU). To compare the hotness of two different pepper sprays, SHU rating is more important. The more capsaicin content the OC has, the hotter & more effective the spray will be. Two million SHU will be sufficient to stop an attack.

Will pepper spray expire? How often should I replace my pepper spray?

Most sprays have an expiration date stamped on the side of the canister. OC will not degrade over time, but the propellant may, and then the unit may not spray as far as expected, if at all. To make sure that propellant does not go bad, you should test your spray every 90 days. Every time you perform a test, you reduce the contents of the canister. If you are using a key chain model and you test regularly you may need to replace the unit every year months.

How long for the spray to work, and how long will the effect last?

It can take 3-5 seconds for pepper spray to take effect, and the effects can last anywhere from 15 minutes to about 80 minutes depending on concentration, which will give you plenty of time to escape an attacker and call the police.

The UV Dye, a harmless additive used to assist authorities in catching the attacker, will generally wear off in about a week.

When should I use pepper spray?

Use pepper spray if you feel threatened or your life is in danger. And use it only in defense of people, not property. Always maintain situational awareness and remember that its a crime to use self-defense sprays in an offensive manner.

What should I get: foam, spray, gel, fogger?
It just depends on your specific application and preference. Mace brand gels and foams are preferred by many as they are really hard to wipe off. It just spreads and burns! The spray is actually a stream of liquid, and is easier to aim into the eyes and mouth. The fogger is good for crowd control.

How should I store & carry pepper spray?
Store your defensive spray in a safe place at room temperature. Keep it away from children. Do not leave it in a hot place during summer because high temperatures may cause the seals to leak.

Think in advance how you whenever possible, and keep it in the same place. You can put it in a loose outer pocket of a jacket or inside a pants pocket, or in a purse with an open pocket. Try a few different carrying methods and find good accessible locations for you. Practice and make sure you can draw it quickly in an emergency situation. The keychain pepper sprays are very convenient, and you are more likely to carry them with you all the time because of its convenience.

How do I use pepper spray?

It is very important that you get comfortable with and practice with the specific spray you are going to carry. Study the canister, the nozzle, and the dispenser. Take your canister to an open field, make sure the wind, if any, is at your back, and fire it for about two seconds. How far will it spray? Is the spray a stream or a foggy mist? How did it react to the wind? Can you spray it into the eyes of an attacker?

In an emergency situation, make sure you have distance between you and the attacker. Don’t get within their reach. Don’t threaten an attacker with your spray. Fire 2 or 3 second bursts directly into the eyes of the attacker. If it is not working, give them another two seconds. The small pocket or purse size will give you between about 10 seconds of continual fire. Once the threat is stopped, run immediately and call the police. If your spray contains UV dye, tell the police that. It can help the police to identify your attacker.

Is Pepper Spray Legal in my state?

Pepper spray is LEGAL in every state in the union. However, some states and cities have specific rules pertaining to the purchase, possession and use of defense sprays. Please check with your local law enforcement agency for any regulations your state may have.

Is there anyplace where I cannot carry pepper spray?
Yes. Don’t attempt to carry any pepper spray on an airplane or in carry-on luggage or in the passenger area. The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) allows one defense spray (up to 4 oz) per traveler in your checked luggage only.

Mental Arithmetic Tricks To Impress Others

Posted on February 13, 2009
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Mental Arithmetic Tricks to Surprise Others

While putting together a divisibility part for my web site that deals with mental arithmetic exercises, I came across some interesting facts about numbers that, to someone who does not understand these things, would seem like mental arithmetic magic.

In case you don’t know, the divisibility of a number refers to whether a number can be evenly divided by another. For example, 24 is divisible by 2 but 11 is not as it leaves a remainder.

Here are some mental arithmetic magic tricks I have found that you can use to surprise your family.

1. if a number is divisible by 3 then so are the numbers based on mixing up the digits of the original number. For example, consider 123 which can be evenly divided by by 3. Then 132, 213, 231, 312 and 321 (which are obtained by mixing up the digits 1, 2 and 3 that make up 123) are all divisible by 3. This is called a permutation of the digits of a number. Check it for yourself!

2. to make up a number that is divisible by 4, make up a number and tag on the end any 2 digit number divisible by 4. For example, I make up the number 111111111, and now I tag 16 (which is divisible by 4) on the end to get 11111111116. This number is divisible by 4. Check it for yourself!

An interesting trick follows on from this one. The following numbers can all be evenly divided by 4: 116, 1116, 11116, 111116, and so on . . . Not what you would expect!

3. if a number is divisible by 6, then any shuffle of its digits will give you a new number divisible by 6 as long as the last digit is even. For example, 1272 is divisible by 6. Permutations of its digits while keeping the last digit even gives me 2172, 2712, 1722, 7122, 7212 which can all be evenly divided by 6. Check it for yourself!

4. to make up a number that is divisible by 8, the process is very much like point 2. above. Make up a number and tag on the end any 3 digit number divisible by 8. For example, I make up the number 777777, and now I tag 016 (which is divisible by 8) on the end to get 777777016. This number is divisible by 8. Check it it for yourself!

Another interesting trick follows on from this one. The following numbers can all be evenly divided by 8: 1016, 11016, 111016, and so on . . . Again, not what you would expect!

5. if a number is divisible by 9 then so are the numbers based on mixing up the digits of the original number. For example, consider 189 which is divisible by 9. Then so are 198, 819, 891, 918 and 981. Check it it for yourself!

6. if a number is divisible by 11, then permutations of its odd digits and/or its even digits will give you a new number also divisible by 11. For example, consider 154 which is divisible by 11. Then so is 451 (obtained by swapping its first and third digits). Another example, consider 1122 which is divisible by 11. Then so is 1221 (obtained by swapping its second and fourth digits). Check it it for yourself!

7. if a number is divisible by 12, then any permutations of its digits (except for the last 2) will give you new numbers also divisible by 12. For example, 14652 is divisible by 12. Then so are 16452, 41652, 46152, 61452 and 64152. Check it it for yourself!

You would have to agree that such tricks do look like arithmetic magic which you can do in your head. In case you are wondering ‘why is it so?’ The trick lies in the test that determines whether a number is divisible by another.

Feel free to join my web site to understand how these tricks work. Membership is unconditionally free.

Motorcycling Charity Ride

Posted on February 4, 2009
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MotoZania the motorcycle social network motorcycle social network site is dedicated to helping promote motorcycle charity rides. Today we would like to encourage you to check out Broc Glover’s Breathe Easy Ride Against Cystic Fibrosis.

Broc Glover’s Breathe Easy Ride Against Cystic Fibrosis invites all street-legal motorcycles for a ride in solidarity against cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic disease that steals the breath of over 70,000 children and young adults around the world.

The Breathe Easy Ride was inaugurated in 2008 by American Motorcycle Association Hall-of-Fame motocross champion, Broc Glover, shortly after his 6-year-old son, Dayne, was diagnosed with the cruel and life-shortening disease. In its first year, the Breathe Easy Ride exceeded all expectations in raising both funds and awareness plus proved, once again, that the motorcycle community is unmatched in its compassion.

The 2009 event will again see hundreds of registered riders, as well as, many of motorcycling’s most recognized legends, start from Old Town Temecula and follow a scenic 100-mile route through San Diego and Riverside counties’ most beautiful roads. New this year is a limited-entry, dual-sport ride, guided by AMA Hall of Fame off-roader Scot Harden.

All proceeds benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s on-going mission to find a cure or control for cystic fibrosis.

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide). A defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections; and obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food.

In the 1950s, few children with cystic fibrosis lived to attend elementary school. Today, advances in research and medical treatments have further enhanced and extended life for children and adults with CF. Many people with the disease can now expect to live into their 30s, 40s and beyond.

Statistics
About 1,000 new cases of cystic fibrosis are diagnosed each year.
More than 70% of patients are diagnosed by age two.
More than 40% of the CF patient population is age 18 or older.
The predicted median age of survival for a person with CF is more than 37 years.

The Broc Glover’s Breathe Easy Ride is the only event of its kind, bringing together the who’s who of the motorcycle world in a show of solidarity against cystic fibrosis.
Becoming a sponsor of the Breathe Easy Ride will connect you directly with hundred of event participants, as well as, thousands of nation-wide supporters that are driven to this web site. It has been proven that participants will patronize businesses that have a presence at events that support non-profits and their causes, and that the goodwill associated with those businesses that are long-lasting.

Making Sure You Get The Authentic Item When Buying Signed Items

Posted on February 2, 2009
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If you want to make sure that the sporting item that you are buying is the genuine article, don’t buy it without photographic proof that the item has genuinely been signed by the sports star in question. Ideally, all signed items that you buy will come with a photograph of the person as they signed it, along with details of the individual serial number of the signing, the date and venue of the signing event and even what pen was used for the signing.

The safest and most reputable method for obtaining genuine signed items is quite obviously by approaching the sporting star yourself and asking for the signature personally. But this is very hard to do, as these people are busy and quite often not wanting to be disturbed when they are just about to compete, or have just finished competing, which is when most approaches are made.

The next method is to buy signed items from well known and well established, licensed companies and their authorised distributors. These companies have entered into contracts with the sporting stars who will be paid to sign items exclusively for the one company for the duration of the contract. The licensed company is then able to provide security features such as certification, numbering and even registered tamper proofs holograms for the signed items. They can also send an official company witness along to a private autographing event to, or may turn the autographing event itself into a publicity opportunity. Professional representatives of the sporting star may also attend the autographing events to add to the levels of security. This means that signed items that is well authenticated can become a good investment for the future.

When buying signed items, there are various methods of producing non genuine goods that should be watched out for. The first example is the autopen, which is a mechanical device set up to sign flat items. These can be spotted by the fact that the autographs all turn out the same, although sometimes the pens are swapped to make them appear different on first glance. The lines of the autographs are also of an even thickness as the pen is held perfectly vertical, not at an angle as most people hold a pen.

Another trick is to just copy the original signed item and send that. Study the autograph carefully and check that it is over the printed item and not part of the card that has been printed with it. On a glossy photograph, you would expect the writing to be above the level of the gloss, not under it.

There are many more ways to detect fraudulent autographs. The best way to ensure a genuine signed item is to approach reputable sellers.

Decorating with Oopsy Daisy Wall Art

Posted on December 14, 2008
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The latest trend in baby nursery decorating is having real art on the walls. In the past, this was only possible for the rich, but the world market has since made art available for everyone. Oopsy Daisy is one company that takes advantage of this world market by employing artists from all over the globe to produce their original canvas baby art. Prints are produced on stretched canvas and come in an attractive frame. Oopsy Daisy themes range from baby favorites such as abstract shapes to cozy scenes such as farm life, zoos, butterflies, and hundreds more. My personal advice is to decorate the nursery first and leave the art for last, so you can match the colors of the room with the art. Of course, some of you may know your colors from the get-go, in which case it’s never too early to start browsing themes of kids art.

Edible Wedding Favors

Posted on November 21, 2008
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Some of the newest trends in wedding favors are those that guests can drink or eat. types of edible wedding favors available in a wide price range, and, of course, it is also possible to make your own. It would be most unusual to find a wedding reception where most of the guest list do not like chocolate candy and by slipping a personalized wrapper over the candy bars from the store can make edible wedding favors that are unique token of your wedding day.

Traditionally, the original wedding favors were sugar cubes in metal boxes, given by the rich and powerful as a show of status and wealth, as sugar was expensive at the time. Gradually the tradition changed to include five candy-covered almonds in a cloth bag,as a symbol of the bittersweet nature of marriage. This giving of edible wedding favors was popular hundreds of years ago and the tradition of offering sweets and treats is beginning to be popular once again.

But, in the western society, couples are aiming to be different and find the most unique items they can as a token of their wedding day for their guests. Making their own edible wedding favors can be something as simple as candy kisses in a small bag or as elaborate as iced cookies with the couple’s name written in icing on the top.

Add Personal Details To Edible Favors
While placing a bunch of miniature candy bars on the tables may seem a bit tacky, they will be better received if the wrapper has the couple’s wedding details on a customized wrapper. There are companies online that sell these wrappers to make your own edible wedding favors. They simply slip over the ones you can buy in most department or grocery stores.

They are even available if you want to use the full-sized candy bars and can be made of virtually any color of paper and printing to fit into the color theme for the wedding. Although guests will unwrap the candy to eat it, they may decide to save the outer wrapper from edible wedding favors as a wedding keepsake.

One caution when choosing edible wedding favors is to avoid perishable food items. It is also good to think about the environment of the wedding when choosing the type of edible wedding favors to place on the tables. Wedding receptions being held outdoors or in a tropical climates may not be the ideal place for chocolate or other candies or foods that can be ruined by the heat.

Why Western Themed Weddings Are Popular

Posted on November 8, 2008
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Western Weddings Can be Local!

The two of you might have decided that a Western wedding would be the best idea for the both of you, but that does not mean that you have to trek West to have one! After all, your family and friends will want to be at the wedding, and a destination wedding is much more expensive for everyone.

Thus, it is important to note that a Western wedding can be planned in you hometown area. The first thing that you need to do is figure out what kind of wedding you wish – are you and your fiancé going to have a ceremony of a particular religious affiliation, or will it be a non-denomination ceremony?

When you have the ceremony sorted out, you can turn your attention to working out how to decorate for your Western wedding! To add to that overall western atmosphere, it would be a great idea to hold the reception in a local barn – many such places are available for hire for just such occasions!

Once the barn has been chosen, the next step is to think about the Western wedding decorations that you would like. A popular such decoration is corn husks, which can be tied together and placed throughout the barn.

Another idea is to think of Western colors, and incoroporate those into the usual wedding decorations. For instance, the tablecloths can be brown, and the favors, instead of wedding bells, could be two cowboy boots tied together!

Of course, one of the main decorations of the reception is the wedding cake. So, why not have the top of the cake be a cowboy and a cowgirl, with the cowgirl roping the cowboy? This is just on of the many ideas that you can incoroporate into your Western wedding reception. I’m sure you can think of many more.

And, you can have your emcee dress up in a cowboy outfit instead of the usual tuxedo. Read this wedding mc article for help picking the right person for this important role, and to ensure they know what is expected of them.

Bissell Vacuum Carpet Cleaners Reviewed

Posted on November 8, 2008
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When shopping for a vacuum cleaner, it can be easy to get distracted by the bells and whistles of a fancy upright, but how often do you get a quality machine? The Bissell has many exciting extra features, all the while providing a vacuum cleaner that really does its job well.

Why Bissell? Bissell makes a great vacuum cleaner for those looking for great cleaning power in a compact design. They even have Vacuum Cleaners that fold so compactly that it is easily stored nearly anywhere. These vacuum cleaners are perfect for homes with limited storage space, or any home that wants a compact cleaner with a lot of cleaning power.

Bissell suction power is also fantastic. The vacuum’s design is supposed to streamline the air path to provide maximum suction. What does this translate to? Bissell picks up even deeply imbedded particles in your carpet. The brushroll does a fantastic job of working the carpet fibers to remove dirt and debris. When coming with a bifolding handle, the Vacuum Cleaner folds up to be smaller than a standard clothes basket, making storage space easy to find.

With its light weight models, it is a dream vacuum for homes that don’t enjoy toting a bulky vacuum to different sections of the home. If you’re looking for a vacuum cleaner with tools and wands, you’ll need a vacuum other than the Bissell. However, the lack of outrageous tools makes this vacuum a sleek compact machine perfect for those who would never need or use those outrageous attachments anyway.

Bissell has been cleaning up messes around the world since the invention of the carpet sweeper in 1876. Sweepers led to vacuum cleaners, and vacuum cleaners led to innovations like deep cleaners, on-board heaters and micro-filtration technology. These advancements have kept homes clean and have kept Bissell one of the most sought after brands in the industry for years.

Premium or basic, lots of attached accessories or none, bagless or vacuums with bags, upright, canister or stick vacuums, big and versatile or small and convenient, Bissell has a complete line of powerful vacuum cleaners for every carpet and upholstery cleaning need imaginable.

Great Ecommerce Internet Solutions For Your Business Success

Posted on October 17, 2008
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Ecommerce Solutions for Business Success

There was a time when “brick and mortar” companies were the way of business, with staffs of people who handled everything from balancing the books and writing payroll checks to ordering supplies and tracking inventory. Today’s ecommerce businesses can complete most of these tasks through an automated approach that includes Ecommerce Internet Solutions for business that can do almost everything except shake the customer’s hand and offer a hot cup of coffee. However, the right ecommerce Internet solutions for business will make all the difference in the success of your company. We have some tips to help you understand exactly what ecommerce Internet solutions for business are and why you need them for your website.

Inventory and Ordering

Your inventory is one of your most valuable assets, which is why it needs to be tracked, monitored and updated effectively for maximum sales potential. A proper inventory tracking system will also prevent waste and loss from occurring, which can protect your profit margin by a significant degree. It is also important to know which part of your inventory is selling best so you can adjust your ordering procedures accordingly. The right ecommerce Internet solutions for business will help you automate your inventory tracking system to make the most of your business sales. It will also allow you to adjust orders as necessary to make room for better selling items. These ecommerce Internet solutions for business will make it much easier for your staff to keep up with this area of your company.

Money Handling and Security

Because the Internet has made the world a much smaller place, your company needs to be prepared to handle sales from across the globe. With the right Ecommerce Solutions for business, you will be able to perform multicurrency localization with a simple click of the mouse, so your sales will never suffer because a potential customer does not happen to live in your country. Security is another big issue with money matters, since customers that don’t feel comfortable providing personal information on your website will not be customers for very long. Ecommerce Internet solutions for business should include security features that customers have come to expect in the virtual world of business. Finally, you need ecommerce Internet solutions for business that will make payment quick and easy, thus increasing your sales potential.

Navigation for Shopping Ease

When a customer discovers your website, the first thing he will probably do is browse through your goods to see if anything interests him. This “window shopping” needs to be easy to navigate, with important information like product descriptions and pricing easy to find. Categorization of your products is another feature of a simple to navigate site. There are ecommerce Internet solutions for business that will increase the efficiency of your customer’s shopping experience which will increase sales and repeat business.

Your business will only be as successful as the website that supports it, so make your site the best it can be with the right ecommerce Internet solutions for business that will give your company a leg up on customer friendliness and maximum sales potential.

Theme Weddings Are A Great Way To Celebrate Your Wedding Vows!

Posted on October 16, 2008
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You have recently become engaged, and once the excitement has subsided a little, the next step is to begin planning the wedding! You have so many different options at your disposalwhen it comes to organizing your wedding, but one way to make it especially memorable for everyone involved is to have a theme wedding!

Holiday Weddings Make for Wonderful Theme Weddings
Say, for example, that you and your fiancé love the holiday season, and Christmas in particular. Thus, why not celebrate both the holiday season and each other by having a Christmas-themed wedding! It is important to note that it’s best not have the wedding ceremony on Christmas or Christmas Eve, since loved ones might have other plans.

So, it makes sense to have your Christmas-themed wedding a week or two before Christmas. Now, the next step is thinking about a unique way to arrive at the wedding. If, for example, that time of the years is always snowy, consider arriving in a sleigh! The sleigh can be decorated with red and gold ribbons for a festive look.

The same can be done for the wedding decorations. Christmas is a holiday that lends itself well to lgorgeous decorations, so it will certainly be easy to decorate the reception area for the themed wedding! For example, if you are having the reception in one large room, get four Christmas trees, and place one in each corner. You could decorate each of the trees with white wedding ornaments.

Another thing you will need to think about is how the bridesmaids and groomsmen should look. It is essential that they each match in some way. An interesting idea is to have the groomsmen wear red velvet vests under their black tuxedos and ties, and the bridesmaids wear red velvet dresses.

Naturally, you will have to consider the overall climate in your area, since velvet can tend to be very hot. Also, if there is not any snow on the ground, then you would have to rethink the sleigh idea. Therefore, you need to have a plan B available, and that can easily be done with the proper research.

For more information on themed weddings in general, begin by going to your local bookstore and getting various wedding planner magazines. These magazines will be very helpful to you, as they can provide links to websites that you might not have found otherwise.

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