MA3TY Rifle Scope

MA3TY 4×32 Rifle Scope Review

 

MA3TY 4x32 Rifle Scope
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As I said in the video, I don’t really think that a sub $50 optic has a place on a serious rifle used to protect your life.  Its like with radios – a wise man spends almost as much on the antenna as they do the radio.  The best equipment is worthless if you can’t connect.

That being said this 4×32 Rifle Scope does have it’s uses, not every gun you own has to be a serious self-defense weapon.  This one is a project in how cheap can I build an AR-15 and I use it to mount my golf ball launcher so I can shoot golf balls, PVC pipe caps, 5 hour energy bottles, and just about anything light, sturdy, and small enough to fit down the tube.

This scope has a4x32 reticle with and additional fiber optic iron sight above it.

The reticle is illuminated with choices for brightness and color – Red-Green-Blue.

It has a green multi-layer coated lenses, the manufacturer says it is both waterproof and shockproof,I haven’t had a chance to really test this, and I doubt a $50 scope is truly shock proof – Your mileage may vary.

This scope was easy to install, the scope mount came on the scope and it simple clamped on and tightened on my rail.  to 20mm mount fits any picatinny or weaver rail.

Mini Portable Projector

PRAVETTE Mini Portable Projector Review

 

Portable Projector
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I bought this $99 mini portable projector to use as a backup to my larger projector when I am on the road teaching.  I also figure it will come in useful for car camping trips with the family – I know you shouldn’t bring technology camping, but I have fond memories of watching movies in a campground when my dad was a park ranger.

Either way, its nice to have a small projector that I can use.

This projector is handhold size (7 x 6 X 3 inches) and lightweight(2.4 pounds).  It creates a large screen display up to 120 in. on any flat surface or wall.   With the small size and flexibility you can set it up anywhere.

This mini projector is suitable for home entertainment and children education.Also perfect for parties or camping projection in appropriate dark environment.

You can connect this HD 1080p projector directly to your home theater system; it works with a compatible TV, notebook, gaming console, DVD player or home computer.   You can also use a flashdrive or SD card directly to play back all of your favorite images, videos and audio media files directly.

Connectivity interface includes HDMI, SD card, USB port, 3.5mm headphone, AV input port, VGA port.

This digital projector featuring built-in speakers for sound, it also support to connect an external speakers for a perfect sounds.

LED light source has high brightness and long using life. Low power, low energy consumption, long lasting lamp life(50,000 hours).

Some other technical details of the PRAVETTE Home Theater Video Projector  are:

  • Native Resolution 800 x 480
  • Support 720p & 1080p
  • ±20°keystone with Manual Focus Lens
  • 1200:1 contrast ratio
  • 16::9 aspect ratio
  • 50-100 inches big screen display at the distance of 3ft-16ft
  • Support projection method: Front, Rear and Ceiling mount(Single stand mount)

All of this isn’t bad for a $100 projector. Especially one with prime shipping.

Home Key

Easy and Cheap Ways to Improve Your Home Security

Easy and Cheap Ways to Improve Your Home Security
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With so many burglaries these days, it is a smart idea to take some precautions in order to keep your home safe. Security systems have come a long way and modern ones can be very advanced and provide your home with pretty strong security. However, they can be very expensive as well.

Even though you shouldn’t save money on things like security, there are some easier and cheaper ways to improve it.

Front door

Despite the fact that most people understand the importance of locks, we still hear stories of people leaving their homes unlocked and coming back to find that a break-in had occurred and that they had been robbed. Always be careful and make sure that you didn’t forget to lock your doors, either coming in or going out. Studies show that almost a third of break-ins happen using the front door, therefore, try avoiding basic front door locks as well. There are many kinds of locks that will really improve your safety and they can be quite affordable as well.

Windows

Even if you went out just to throw out the trash or to visit your nearest neighbor, always close all your windows. A window is one of the simplest points of entry and it is used by many domestic burglars. Apart from having your windows closed, you can improve the security by installing window locks. They will provide you with extra protection and peace of mind when you are out of your house. The type of lock that you need depends upon the style and design of the window; however, there are security companies and professionals that can provide you with a great service.  

Camera

Security cameras are among the best and most effective when it comes to home security. However, they can be a bit pricey piece of equipment to own. If you want to keep an eye on what’s happening at home when you are away, but you do not want to invest in high-tech and really serious home camera systems, a Wi-Fi connected camera is worth considering. These cameras that are easy to install and use can vary in quality and endurance, but you will find that most are both cheap and effective. The placement of the camera is very important, as you want your camera to cover a big area of space and to be out of reach. To avoid additional costs, look for a cheap scaffolding rental and install the Wi-Fi camera yourself. Most cameras have the ability to detect motion and store video content, so make sure you provide it with a lot of memory space.

Alarm

Buglar alarm
Pepper Spray Burglar Alarm

The most common type of home protection is a house alarm. Security alarms have motion or sound sensors that are connected to a control unit via either hard-wire or radio-frequency signal that interacts with a response device. Most common types of sensors indicate the opening of a door or window, and they are very convenient because they can even detect smoke. Wireless ones are a less costly option, however, they require a frequent change of batteries to maintain their effectiveness.

If you want an alarm with a little more bite, the picture links to a pepper spray burglar alarm.

Lights

Use motion activated lights as a sudden spotlight can often be enough to convince a burglar to give up on his break-in attempt. If there are some areas around your house that get really dark at night, invest in motion activated lights to scare off potential robbers. You can also use lights to make it appear like you’re at home, having your TV turned on while you are away will most likely convince burglars to continue searching for a new target.  

Make it appear you’re not away

If you are leaving town for a longer period of time, it’s a good idea to notify the postal service to stop your mail delivery temporarily or to ask a friend or a neighbor to clear up your mailbox frequently. Piled up mail is a clear signal that you are away, and it will make your home a potential target. You can even have your lawn cut while you are away or ask a friend to repark your car in different positions every few days. Also, be careful on social networks, as thieves often invade households of people that have been posting vacation content on social media. The biggest fear of burglars is confronting a homeowner, so make sure your home is not an easy target for them.  

Don’t leave valuables in plain sight

This is just a repeat of what should be obvious, but do not leave your valuables like cell phone, wallet, money, jewelry, watch, laptop, iPad, briefcase, backpack, etc. in clear sight right by the entrance or by the window. This way, you are tempting the burglars, and the valuables left in clear sight will serve as an open invitation for theft.  

Reducing Lower Back Pain

An Effective Guide to Reducing Lower Back Pain

An Effective Guide to Reducing Lower Back Pain
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Lower back pain is a common issue that bothers millions around the world. A stinging pain affecting the lower back area- it is one of the worst things to suffer from.

There can be many reasons for this. It could be your wrong posture while lifting weights at the gym or due to the poorly supported old mattress you haven’t changed in a while.

The pain can vary based on the intensity and location of the issue. Fortunately, there are many options available for treating lower back pain. But before you make the doctor’s appointment, why not give these listed remedies a try at reducing lower back pain?

Home Remedies For Lower Back Pain

A Safe Option for Treating Lower Back Pain

Some of us do have the tendency to rush to the doctor in any case of lower back pain. Even if it the pain is mild. Just keep in mind that taking medications for such trivial matters can leave you with complications. So, it is always safer to try some home remedies first.

Try these home remedies to quickly get rid of back pain. Most back pains don’t linger on for more than six weeks.

1. Apply Ice or Heat

For the first two days of pain, apply a bag of frozen food or ice packs on the area of pain. Apply several times each day. Try to keep it for around twenty minutes.

After the initial two days, try applying some heat. You can use heating pads for this purpose. The frequency and duration of the application will be the same as before.

You may wonder how the whole thing works. You see applying something cold helps to numb the pain receptors at the affected area. It also helps to reduce the swelling.

Heat application, on the other hand, increases the blood circulation and oxygen flow, thus bringing relief to the affected area.

2. Wear Specialized Shoes

Depending on the structure of the foot, different designs of insoles and orthotics are available in the market. Getting the right support from shoes can reduce pressure on your lower back. Thus, it ultimately helps in reducing your lower back pain.

Consult a podiatrist to know which shoe is right for you. You don’t necessarily have to purchase a new pair of shoes. A change of insoles or orthotics may be sufficient.

3. Consider Changing Your Mattress

Mattresses play a big role in supporting your lower back. Old mattresses often sag in the middle.

Purchase mattresses suited for your back, something that provides you a nice combination of comfort and support. Use a mattress topper for added benefits if necessary.

Remember: A mattress with an age of above six years is starting to get old and inadequate.

4. Do Some Light Physical Activities

Physical activity will ensure that your muscles are in the best shape possible. It will also warm up your entire body. Regular physical activity also keeps the blood circulation on point, keeping lower back pains or headaches in check.

You don’t have to go all berserk on your first day though. You can start with some walking, cycling or yoga. And don’t forget to stretch. Especially, if you’re a desk worker. It is always wise to stand and stretch the whole body in between the long working hours.

5. Keep a Positive Mindset

It is important to think positively in case you are suffering from pain of any sorts. If you are anxious or tensed about your pain, the situation can get worse. Over-anxiety and worries can amplify the pain according to studies.

Thus, we recommend keeping the body calm and relaxed. This will definitely help you while you are trying to treat your lower back pain.

Suffering for More than Six Weeks? Seek Help from the Experts

You should consult a doctor if the pain is unbearable or if it lingers on for more than a month.

Your doctor might conduct various tests on the affected area to find out the underlying problem. Based on what has actually happened, he might give you the following recommendations:

1. Ointments and Creams

Topical medicines such as these are applied to the area of the pain instead of being swallowed or injected. These medicines can have side effects on your skin and can cause temporary discomfort.

2. Oral Medications

Your doctor can also prescribe generic drugs to alleviate the pain. If that doesn’t work, you might be prescribed drugs specialized to address muscle inflammation.

These drugs too can have a wide range of side effects including stomach problems. So, don’t take these without any doctor’s consultation.

3. Anti-inflammatory Shots

These will be prescribed only in case of emergency. These shots do provide relief but only a temporary one.

4. Consult a Physical Therapist

A physical therapist will study your body and look for any misalignment in the body structure. Active release therapy, exercises, stretches are some of the many different tools he might use to alleviate the pain.

There are other alternative approaches to treating back pain too. But make sure the one addressing your back pain issues knows what he’s doing. He should be qualified and well trained.

Some Final Words

Often times many people think that drugs or surgery are the keys to solving back pain.

But taking this route can leave you suffering from multiple side effects. It is better to try the safer options first.

Lower back pain can be irritating and troublesome but luckily has a number of solutions. There are awesome equipment on the market to help you get rid of this pain. Combine that with our tips and you can enjoy life with a painless lower back.

College Girl

4 Things to Teach Your Child before College

4 Things to Teach Your Child before College
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Last year, my son went to college. It was the most exciting year of his life. It was the most challenging year of my life.

At one point, I started feeling like a complete failure of a parent. Did I fail to prepare my son for college? I know that he’s not a kid anymore. I know that he’s a grown-up human being who’s supposed to take responsibility about his own actions. But still… I wished I’d done things a bit differently.

From my own experience, I realized it was important for teenagers to learn four things before going to college. Hopefully, I can give you some tips on things to teach your child before college.

  1. College Is Not Just a Place Where You Get Your Diploma

My son is an overachiever. I’m mentioning this as a flaw, ‘cause that’s exactly what it was.

When my son started college, most of the complaints were about studying too much. He was spending all of his free time in the library… studying. He couldn’t stand his roommates because they were making too much noise. He was only focused on classes, projects, exams, and credits.

But college is not only about the degree. It’s mostly about building interpersonal relationships.

Believe it or not, I advised my kid to take things lightly. Yes; I was the one suggesting college homework help when I realized he was spending too much time in the library. I just wanted him to find some balance between his studies and his personal life. Just as we need our work-life balance, students need their time off, too.

  1. Your Roommates Can Be Your Best Friends

My college roommates were my best friends. We shared our struggles and our joys all the time. Of course we had disagreements, but we were able to sort them out in a civilized manner. As I could understand, this was a rare case. Most students are having troubles finding common ground with their roommates.

Some of the most problems include lack of personal hygiene, messy habits, eating the other person’s food, borrowing stuff without permission, and making too much noise. My son was mostly complaining about the noise.

He told me his roommates had no idea what roommate etiquette meant. Well guess what: my son had no idea about etiquette, either. Why did someone leave a bag of chips on his bed? Why didn’t his roommate pick up the dirty socks? He turned everything into an argument instead of trying to have a civilized conversation about it.

Etiquette means leaving things in order, but it also means being as friendly as possible even when you have some remarks to share. They don’t have to argue about everything. Most people are reasonable enough to understand what they are doing wrong if you’re willing to tell them through a calm conversation.

  1. You Have to Manage Your Money

My son doesn’t cook and he absolutely hated the food in the dining hall. He was buying food every single day. He was ordering pizza most of the time. Add the desserts and soda, and there you have it – a huge amount of money being spent on unhealthy food.

As a parent, I was sorry seeing my son struggle. But I stopped sending extra money at one point. My help wasn’t teaching him how to manage his money. He had to tone his expenses down, and he managed to do that, eventually. It was a harsh lesson, but I did what I thought was the right thing to do.

  1. You Have to Manage Your Time

At college, there are four main activities to occupy your day: classes, studying/writing, partying, and sleep. It seems like too much to handle, so students are often eliminating one of these activities (it’s usually the classes or the studying part).

College students have to understand that there is time for everything. So what if the classes take most of your day? You can learn while you’re there. Just be more attentive and take your notes. Go through the notes and studying materials as soon as you get out of class, so the knowledge will stick with you. Then you’ll rest, do some more studying, and spend some time with your friends. Reserve the partying for the weekend. If you get stuck, outsource some of the writing or give up on the parties before exam week.

See? It looks so good when someone organizes your time. The problem is that you have to organize your own time, and you have to stay on track with the schedule.

Are we prepared to teach our kids how to become grown-ups? It’s a real test for parenting, and that’s an understatement.