Fitness benches, also known as weight benches, are low to the ground and padded for comfort. They can be used for weight lifting and other exercises, such as sit-ups, and provide a natural range of motion. They are a versatile piece of equipment for home gyms and should be tested before purchase. A fitness bench […]
Race walking is a competitive sport in the Olympics and World Cup, with strict form rules and potential disqualifications. It is faster than walking and can be a good alternative for injured runners. Women’s race walking was added to the Olympics in 1992. Controversy surrounds the sport due to human error in judging violations. Race […]
Game hoists are useful for quickly field dressing large animals while hunting. There are three types: gambrel, truck-mounted, and self-contained. Gambrels are the simplest and cheapest, while truck-mounted hoists work well in areas with vehicle access. Self-contained hoists are portable and can support up to 500 pounds. All types make it easier for a single […]
Rafting is a thrilling aquatic adventure popular in the US, using specialized rafts to navigate white water rapids of varying difficulty levels. Rafters can take short trips or longer expeditions, with safety precautions and expert guidance recommended. Rafting is a great way to connect with nature. Rafting is a popular type of outdoor sport, especially […]
Baguazhang is a Chinese martial art that focuses on evasive footwork and using an attacker’s strength against them. Practitioners walk in a circle to improve footwork, and offensive techniques are limited to eight primary strikes. Advanced training includes moving in a progressively narrower space and weapons training. Chinese martial arts traditions have been passed down […]
Canyoning involves navigating steep, narrow canyons using various techniques. Technical canyoning requires specialized equipment and is more challenging. Popular canyoning sites are found in the US, with varying levels of difficulty. Canyoning can be dangerous due to obstacles, keeper holes, flash floods, and temperature-related illnesses. Proper equipment and precautions are necessary. Canyoning, called canyoneering in […]
A bitless bridle uses pressure points on the nose instead of the mouth to control a horse’s steering, slowing, and stopping. There are three traditional varieties, and they are often used on horses with mouth injuries or tooth problems, young horses, and for endurance and trail riding. The controversy over bitless bridles is left to […]
Nitrox diving is gaining popularity as it allows for longer dives and reduces the risk of decompression sickness. Nitrox is a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen, with more oxygen than air on the earth’s surface. Nitrox diving modifies the air mix to maximize bottom time and minimize surface intervals. There are two types of nitrox: […]
A hook threader is a device used to easily thread fishing line through the eye of a hook. There are various types available, but a plastic hook threader with a funnel-shaped depression is a cheap alternative. It helps those with vision problems or in low light conditions. Some designs include hook sharpeners and knot levels, […]
The inside-the-park home run, where a batter runs around the bases without hitting the ball out of play, was more common in baseball’s dead ball era due to larger stadiums. It is now rare, but can occur from odd bounces or fielding errors. Ty Cobb holds the American League record for career inside-the-park home runs. […]
Flatland fishing in the Florida Keys is a simple and accessible form of fishing that can be done without a boat. It involves casting in shallow water for bonefish, tarpon, and permit. Preparation involves wearing light clothing, sunscreen, and bringing extra fishing line, bait, and water. The fish caught may not be large, but they […]
The referee ensures that sports rules are followed during live matches. Football originally had no referee, but by 1891, an impartial approach was needed, leading to the introduction of the referee. Boxing and soccer also use referees, while other sports use umpires as the final authority. The referee is an example of a sports official […]
Sports use umpires or referees to enforce rules, make judgments, and keep score. Baseball, softball, cricket, and tennis all have umpires. In baseball and softball, umpires are referred to by their position on the field. Cricket has two umpires, and tennis has a chair umpire and line umpires. American football has an umpire who observes […]
Orienteering is a sport where participants navigate through unfamiliar terrain using a map and compass. It originated in Scandinavia during World War I and became popular in Britain in 1962. Orienteering is a mental and physical exercise suitable for all ages and is relatively inexpensive. A good whistle, pen, and map case are essential items. […]
The American Basketball Association (ABA) was a successful basketball league that merged with the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1976. The ABA introduced advances such as the 3-point line and slam dunk competition, and had high-caliber players including Julius Erving and George Gervin. Four ABA teams were absorbed by the NBA. The American Basketball Association […]
Virtual gambling involves internet wagering with fake currency that can sometimes have value within the site. Games are structured like traditional casino games and can be accessed online. Virtual gambling differs from internet gambling in that it is legal and purely for entertainment. While it can be addictive, it can also be a good way […]
Pinewood Der races involve small wooden cars racing on a track using gravity for power. They are typically for Cub Scouts but can be enjoyed by anyone. Cars must meet certain specifications and are inspected before races. Strategies for building the fastest cars include adding weight and using lubricants. Prizes are awarded for both the […]
In flop-style poker, the small blind and big blind are forced bets placed before any cards are dealt, ensuring a minimum betting pot. The player to the left of the big blind starts the betting round, and players in the blind positions have the same options as any other player. The dealer role changes after […]
The military uses a 24-hour clock system to avoid confusion and ambiguity in time notation. Hours start at 0000 and increase by 100, with minutes replacing the last 00. The military watch follows the local time zone, except for international transactions where Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) is used with the letter Z indicating the Zulu […]
A third-party administrator (TPA) processes employee benefits or insurance claims on behalf of the employer, often hired by self-insured companies or insurance companies. TPAs manage health and liability insurance claims and employee retirement accounts such as 401(k)s. A third-party administrator (TPA) is a third-party company to process employee benefits or insurance claims on behalf of […]
