Archive for April, 2009

How To Use Game Tables To Bridge The Generation Gap

Friday, April 10th, 2009
Don Jacobson asked:


Close your eyes and imagine with me for a moment. Wait. Don’t close your eyes. (How else could you read this) Pretend that it’s Thanksgiving and all your family has gotten together. Your grandparents are there; your mom and dad, your sisters, their husbands and kids, your brother and his girlfriend, even your cousins and your favorite aunt and uncle have flown in from Cincinnati. Everyone is at your house, and all the preparations have come together. The house is beautiful, the turkey is in the oven, and you somehow managed to get the kids to clean up their rooms without shoving everything under their beds.

Dinner is a few hours away yet, and everyone is spreading out looking for things to do. Some opt for the Detroit game on TV; others head outdoors for their own version of the big game on the front lawn. But what about those who want to stay indoors and aren’t inclined to kick back and watch the game Set out a few board games, puzzles or simple crafts for those who might be interested in occupying their minds while distracting their stomachs. Another option might be showing off your new games table in the basement, garage, or spare room.

The great thing about games tables such as ping pong or air hockey tables is that almost anyone can play with one. As long as one can stand or sit and use the paddles to defend the goal, one can play. Age is not much of an obstacle. Anyone can participate. Get grandma and grandpa over to the table, and challenge them to a game with little 6-year-old Joey or Laney. Depending on the age of the grandparents, many kids this age are actually pretty equal physically when playing games such as air hockey. Not much skill is needed, just a bit of coordination.

Playing at a games table is a good way for a surly teen to be drawn into participating in the family activities. An uncle or aunt, grandparent or even one of mom or dad’s cousins could invite a teen to play a game. This can, in turn, draw the teen out a bit, making him or her more relaxed and thinking less of what else he or she would rather be doing.

Yes, it’s true, even the toughest of nuts to crack can be gotten out of their shell by getting involved in a friendly game of air hockey, table tennis, billiards or maybe foosball. This is also a great way to introduce new people to the family group. Your sister’s new boyfriend may be able to get to know your kids by playing with them at the games table. Your dad or mom might enjoy challenging this newcomer to a friendly game of air hockey; the movement of the game can help everyone relax a bit and learn more about each other.

Playing games together is a great way for members of every generation to spend time together and to get to know each other even better.



Sharon
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Installing a Stained Glass Lamp Above Pool Table

Thursday, April 9th, 2009
Andrey Sorokin asked:


As with any indoor sport you need a sufficient amount of light above a pool table. Pool table lights are often placed at the ceiling above pool table. These lights must be strong enough without hurting the eyes. This way, the players can clearly see the table, as well as the balls. Most pool table tops are deep green, and with poor lighting it is difficult to see anything but the green. Not only that, but a good light over a pool table also adds to the ambiance of the room. So much that people like to add neon lights around the perimeter of the room, in the darker areas, for an added effect.

If you want to install a stained glass lamp above your pool table, you should choose a light that has at least four 100-watt light bulbs in it. Modern lamps provide sharp looks and different colors to fit any lifestyle. You should consider height of the ceiling and room capacity when choosing the right lamp. The lamp should provide an adequate amount of light over the entire pool table. Also, the bottom of the light should hang down between 30 and 35 inches from the top of the table. Be aware that this type of lamp is usually heavy because of the thick glass and metal that frames it. You don’t want a stained glass lamp to fall down from the ceiling, do you? To avoid this possibility, you’ll need to secure the lamp in a special way, as opposed to a light weight lamp.

To start with, you’ll need to remove any existing light before you proceed. If the light you’re installing is a swag stained glass lamp that hangs from a chain on the ceiling, then you’ll only have to install a metal hook for the lamp to hang on. To do this securely, you’ll need to use a stud finder to locate a stud in the ceiling. You need to locate a stud as close as you can to the spot where you want the stained glass lamp to hang. Mark the found spot, and then use an electric drill to carefully bore a starter hole in the ceiling. Then, insert the metal hook and turn the threads into the ceiling as far as it will go. Finally, hang the swag stained glass lamp up on the hook, and run the decorative chain and wire up and out of the way.

On the other hand, if the stained glass lamp needs to be connected to an electrical box above it, then you’ll need to install it to an existing one. If no box exists, you’ll need to install one. It would be a good idea to check with your local codes and permits department before you begin. You’ll need to be aware of what the specific laws are regarding the wiring. And, be sure that the electrical box you install has a stud in the middle of the fixture. Before you start this all, make sure you read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and pictures that came with the electrical box. Then, after you shut off the power to the room you’re working in, you’ll need to cut a hole in the ceiling for the box to go in. You’ll need to run a wire, if there isn’t already one, from your breaker or fuse box to the box.

Install the stained glass lamp onto the box by attaching the fixture to the electrical box. Use a hickey, which is a metal piece with a hole in the middle of it. The hickey fits over the stud and a nut is placed on it afterwards. It helps to secure the fixture to the electrical box which is secured to the ceiling. Finally, make sure you have everything connected properly, and then turn the electric back on.



Derrick
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The Appeal of Pool Tables

Wednesday, April 1st, 2009
James Hunt asked:


Pool tables can be found in lounges, restaurants and sport clubs worldwide. Their appeal seems to be universal; people of all ages, races and countries will agree that playing pool is a fun way to pass the time. For some, playing pool is even more than that. If a person if really good at pool, they may turn it into a lucrative side job by betting. So, it’s easy to understand why the business of selling pool tables can be very lucrative. Both individuals and businesses buy pool tables often, whether it’s for a home or a bar.

When you go to purchase pool tables from a seller, you will be faced with many choices. The tables come in a few different sizes and colors and vary in price range. The nicer the table, the nicer the fabric and the higher the price. Some people like to match the fabric on the pool table to the colors in their home, but that costs extra. There are many different brands of pool tables to choose from as well. Make sure that you check around and find out which has the best reputation before you buy. The salesperson will be glad to help recommend a brand and will let you know the prices on the tables you’re considering.

Once you’ve decided on your pool tables, you can either load them up that day or have a professional bring them to you. If you don’t have the space or the desire to set it up yourself, why not just let someone bring it to you? It’s much more convenient and you won’t have to deal with the hassle of getting it to your home or business. It’s customary to tip the person that brings it to you, especially if they did a good job. Now that you have your pool table, invite people over and have a great time.



Arthur
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