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Aluminum baseball bats are Usually preferred to wooden bats due to their light weight and high power (note: pro players are allowed to use wood bats only). Lighter bats are usually preferable to heavier bats as they allow the hitter to create sufficient speed to put some “oomph” into it (although there are restrictions about bat weights at most levels). Additionally, aluminum bats can supply more “pop” of the baseball off the bat, and are much more stable (therefore cost effective) than wooden bats. Bats today are becoming increasingly high tech and costly

College baseball bats are more high-tech than the bats that the pros use. The pros, you see, are behind the times with their baseball bats. Their wood relics have been out of style for years. Wood makes for baseball bats that are heavier, less long lasting, and less functional than their counterparts made from aluminum.

Today’s best baseball bats are to be found in the college ranks. They’re made of military grade aluminum provided by corporations like Alcoa and Kaiser. And these companies keep working on this aircraft aluminum to make it stronger, thinner, lighter, and more stable.

These aluminum alloys go by their corporate trade names or numbers, and customarily by brand names too. You can sometimes find that the same trade name is marketed by different bat makers by unlike brand names.

If you want to see if your college baseball bats are made from one of these advanced alloys, simply look at the bat. Customarily, manufacturers are so proud of the fact that they’ll advertise it in big bold letters on the bat. Then again, if you’re bat is -11 or lighter, it is required by law not to state what kind of alloy is used in its assembly. In any case, these lighter bats probably do not contain the stronger newer alloys. To make weight, the producer possibly used a lighter alloy for the thinner walls of the bat.

If you want to be able to know accurately what is in your college baseball bats, look for the grade number on them. For instance, a grade number of 7046 means that the bat is fabricated with standard aircraft aluminum, a material fit for many budget bats.

The grade 7050 means the aluminum alloy contains an amount of copper, which makes it one-third stronger than 7046. Other numbers and grades, of course, designate other alloy blends and dissimilar strengths.

Baseball bats are measured using their length to weight ratio, a negative number that represents how many ounces a bat weighs compared to it’s length in inches. For example, a 32 inch bat that weighs 28 ounces is a - 4. The largest ratio is in the range of -12 (for little league bats), while college and high school bats are restricted to a - 3. These restrictions are for safety reasons - a college or high school player swinging a very light bat (- 4 +) would simply have too much power and could pose a danger to other players on the field. Make sure to check the regulations of your league before buying a baseball bat!

About the Author

William Smith lives in Florida with his wife and three cats. William writes frequently on many subjects that may be of interest to all. Discover all the joys and secrets of baseball at Baseball’s Holy Grail

When choosing a baseball bat it helps to have some kind of rough baseball bats buying guide to help you find you way through the maze of products that are available on the market these days. When buying a baseball bat there are a number of factors that you should take into consideration, before you make your purchase. These factors include level of play and whether you are playing with friends, in an amateur league or in competitive tournament, size of the batter, the price you are prepared to pay and naturally, the comfort factor.

Aluminum baseball bats tend to be the bats that are preferred by players, over the wooden bat options. This tends to be because aluminum bats are lighter in weight and have extra strength. Lighter bats allow the hitter to generate enough speed to put some extra energy into their swing, and they can provide more “pop” of the baseball off the bat, and are much more durable than wooden bats.

The comfort level a player feels while holding and swinging the baseball bat, is by far the most important factor for a potential bat buyer. Just as is the case when buying any piece of sports equipment, the more comfortable you are the better. When choosing a baseball bat you should take a few swings with the bat and try to picture yourself in a game. If you are choosing a bat for someone else ? say, a child - then take this piece of advice from our baseball bats buying guide - make sure they can swing the bat without struggling. If it is too big or too heavy it will make it hard for them to score and this can quickly mean they lose interest in the game.

Of course having the right size bat is also vital to having a great game. In general, taller players should use longer bats. Here is a table to help you work out which bat is right for you according to your height.

Age Bat Length
5-7 24″ - 26″
8-9 26″-28″
10-11 28″-30″
11-12 30″-32″
13-14 31″-32″
15-16 32″-33″
17+ 34″

Weight also has an influence on the size of the bat that is optimal for each player. This table offers the recommended bat weight to correspond with your weight.

Player Weight (lbs.) Best Bat Weight (oz.)
100 22
140 24
180 26
220 28
240 30
280 32

About the Author: You can avail of free baseball equipment, by participating in our promotional offers. Check out how you can acquire free baseball gear right now.

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Back in the day …

I used to deal in baseball cards, and some memorabilia in the mid to late 1980’s. Through an old client I had the opportunity to sell a very rare piece of baseball lore. The piece that I was fondest of was a rare document signed by Harry Wright. A founding father of the game. The document was a contract of some player that was signed by Harry Wright, the manager, circa 1870. It was written on Cincinnati Red Stocking’s letterhead.

I was impressed. I was so excited to be entrusted with this rare artifact. I remember saying to myself. “Oh my god. You have got to be kidding.” I was astonished. I was in awe. I felt like I was let into a special group.

I sold the piece in the range of $10,000 - $12,000 if memory serves me. But selling the piece did not compare to the dreams I had about the contract.

Imagine, what it must have been like 130 years ago on the ball field. The baggy uniforms, and the teeny gloves for the players. The pitchers, hurling both games of a double header was common practice and a home run was a rarity. Boy has the game changed.

Handling that document made the early times of baseball real for me. I visualized those men playing in those old ballparks. I felt like I was part of that time. I was having a dream. I was there, back in the late 1800’s sitting in the stands. Smiling and watching baseball - Back in the day.

Handling this artifact was like punching a time clock and never punching out. I was in baseball memorabiliaville.

I can see why some people are so zealous about baseball memorabilia. Their baseball fantasy made a lot more sense to me after I sold this Harry Wright piece.

About the Author

Aron Wallad has been a baseball lover for over 45 years. You will love his honesty and his passion.. You will be touched by the heartwarming stories. The unusual statistics will amaze you and the quotes will make you laugh..

Go here right now to join his ezine http://www.baseballsprideandjoy.com

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The game of wiffle ball is lots of fun, and teaches many skills that are valuable in baseball and softball. Kids play it because it’s fun and can be played anywhere. You can play in your backyard, in the street, in a field, on a baseball diamond, and even the beach. The wiffle ball itself is lightweight and won’t break any windows, and won’t hurt children if a pitch hits them. The wiffle ball bat is lightweight and can be handled by children of nearly any age.

Children that play wiffle ball are actually building their self-confidence. As a pitcher, the wiffle ball will spin, curve, and wiggle in almost any direction. As a hitter, a child gains confidence in swinging the wiffle ball bat and hearing the crack of the bat hitting the ball. All of these confidence-building skills will help when the child plays baseball or softball. You can find books and videos to learn baseball and softball by visiting http://www.2PlayBall.com and you can also learn by doing: so play ball and enjoy the game as you learn more and become better.

Wiffle-ball baseball pitching mechanics and technique: A pitcher in the game of wiffle ball can throw the ball with spins and curves, depending on the type of pitching grip. Holding the ball differently will cause the ball to be a curveball, slider, sinker, floater, fastball, or any other kind of pitch. Thanks to the lightweight nature of the wiffle ball, a young player can try different stances and pitching mechanics and techniques. A pitcher can throw side-arm or overhead. The pitcher can even switch and use their non-preferred throwing arm. A right-handed pitcher could try pitching left-handed, and a left-handed pitcher could choose to try being a right-handed pitcher. The simple grip of the ball and the lightweight wiffle ball can allow this experimentation.

Wiffle-ball baseball hitting mechanics and technique freedom: A child who is up at bat with a wiffle ball bat can swing the bat much faster that he/she could with a much heavier bat. This new-found baseball swing freedom can increase a child’s confidence and boost batting mechanics and technique. A right-handed baseball hitter could tryout a left-handed baseball hitting stance. Or, a left-handed baseball hitter could tryout a right-handed baseball hitting stance. A child could become a switch hitter!

Baseball fielding mechanics and technique: The wiffle ball is not only a tricky ball to hit, it is also very tricky to field. When the wiffle ball is hit in the air, it can spin off the bat and thus fly in a surprising fashion. Once the wiffle ball hits the ground, it will react to any tiny tree branch or pebble on the ground. These quick bounces and direction changes are excellent for practicing fielding techniques for youth baseball players. The child is required to keep their eye on the ball at all times, and they must quickly react to any sudden change in direction. The quick bounce of a wiffle ball hit on the ground will keep a child light on their feet and give them lighting-fast hand reflexes for fielding techniques.

Backyard baseball fun anytime: A game of wiffle ball builds many skills and coordination for baseball players of all ages. It’s easy, it’s fun, and it can be played anywhere!

About the Author

Mike S. has been a baseball fan for nearly 30 years. As a child he enjoyed playing catch with very old, well worn baseball gloves. He now plays ball with friends and teaches his family and kids how to play ball. You can read more of his articles at http://www.2PlayBall.com and he also writes for http://www.TeachMeSports.com Mike hopes that his passion for writing about baseball will help everyone more thoroughly enjoy the game.

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Superior equipment - No one said you shouldn’t use quality equipment like swinging nets, pitching machines and just plan old getting outside and throwing the ball about. At times, the best thing for a player is getting to know his team.

The skills for the pastime are met and honed as never before with the gear accessible to make it happen for your team, whether minor league or pro.

Baseball training nets are an outstanding way to ensure your team has the equipment handy to make practice productive, when most of the team is in a scrimmage, you’ve got the rest of the players at the nets, and practicing with one another. No down time, no time lost. Along with appropriate rest and proper eating habits, the best teams carry on with the kind of gear they need to get the job done, and done right.

Baseball training nets are accommodating all kind of needs on the practice field. They include baseball batting practice nets, baseball pitching nets, softball pitching nets and other nets that may work for your team. For instance, if you have a little league team that could make shift with another type of practice net, then double the use and perhaps save money by using another assortment of the nets.

Just as significant as having the proper hydration on the field for players, that means good water supplies and supplemental types of sport drinks to keep the players strong, a ball club can benefit by the investment of quality baseball training nets.

While the price is a bit high for the better baseball training nets, up to $350, it will help the team by investing in the types of training nets that are weather resistant, that have wheels for easy mobility, which is another time saving component, and that will ensure the investment is maximized by affording extended wear and tear. A little more money on a higher quality baseball training net is going to be a better value in the long run plus the safety issue of quality nets can’t be measured in dollars.

Training for baseball doesn’t stop after the season is over. The best time to get prepared for the next season is during the off-season, not training camps, and not a few weeks before the opening game. It takes time to build muscle strength, coordination and skillfulness. Many of these things can be done at home and even indoors.

About the Author

William Smith lives in Florida with his wife and three cats. William writes frequently on many subjects that may be of interest to all. Discover all the joys and secrets of baseball at Baseball’s Holy Grail

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Training for baseball doesn’t stop after the season is over. The best time to get ready for the next season is during the off season, not training camps, and not a few weeks before the opening game. It takes time to build muscle strength, coordination and skill. Many of these things can be done at home and even indoors. Here are 5 tips for what you should be doing during your baseball off season this year.

Tips To Start Your Off-Season

* Strength Training - The key to being able to hit a home run comes not only from coordination and skill but from the right muscle build. While it is important to keep in shape it is also important to weight train. Get in a cardio workout but also getting in some toning of the arms, shoulders, legs, and back. While you don’t need to look like a professional wrestler, building some muscle tone can really do well to improve your overall game.

* Knowledge Is Power - This old saying is true here in baseball training too. If you are a pitcher, learn how to hold the ball. If you are a catcher, learn the necessary calls and know them well. Develop a new understanding of the game. What plays will improve the team? What skills, then, do you need to have to do just that? Learn through DVD’s as well as through just watching successful pitchers, batters and outfielders play.

* Work On Your Stance And Swing - The ball is coming at you. Do you hold your shoulders right? Do you swing at the right angle? Do you follow through as you should? If you don’t, now is the time. Learn how to do this through coaching videos or through working with a trainer. But, learn.

* Eat Right - You know that your diet is important. Instead of trying to lose twenty winter pounds in the spring, just don’t put them on. Overall your body will be in better shape and you’ll be able to work most effectively on those muscles.

* Excellent equipment - No one said you shouldn’t use quality equipment like swinging nets, pitching machines and just plan old getting outside and throwing the ball around. Sometimes, the best thing for a player is getting to know his team.

About the Author

On http://www.1-stop-baseball.com/ you will find more about softball fastpitch gloves & baseball team uniforms.

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Until 2001, almost all wood baseball bats were made from the identical northern white ash that bats had been made from for over 100 years. That year, brought Barry Bonds, his incredible 73 home runs and an exceedingly quick switch in the wood bat market. Bonds’ record smashing season brought attention to the reality that he was using one of a kind maple baseball bats

Hard Rock Maple Baseball Bats are the hitters preference for having a bat that is less likely to separate or break. Maple is a hardwood, which instantly in itself gives the upper hand of having a thicker, more compact baseball bat.

With all baseball bats, you want the maker to be choosing the best quality wood source obtainable. Merely finding a hard rock maple baseball bat is not going to inevitably guarantee that it is positively going to be the item that gets you on base by being more stable and less likely to divide or crack. Trees do not grow in compliance with a future as a baseball bat.

Hard rock maple baseball bats need to be crafted from wood billets that have completely straight grain systems. Maple trees do not always grow uncurved . Choosing the source is exceedingly critical for a producer of hard rock maple baseball bats, since any tree, maple or otherwise, do not always grow straight.

It may only be through knowledge that you will figure which producer is taking care to use only carefully selected billets for making their hard rock maple baseball bats. The standards in size for hard rock maple baseball bats will be across the board comparable as you look from manufacturer to manufacturer.

Generally, you will find a weighty head bat, the medium to light, medium even distribution, and small, very light versions are accessible in similar dimensions as these: 29/32 inches, 2 5/8 inch thin; 15/16 inches thin and 2 3/8; 1 inch medium 2 1/2 inch; 13/16 inch thin 2 3/16 inch.

Hard rock maple baseball bats Customarily will be accessible in a number of colors, including black cherry, black, blue, red, green, walnut and natural, where the finish is left off the handle, or completely natural.

For years bat makers were powerless to make baseball bats from maple due to the elevated moisture volume of the wood - despite the high strength it was simply too heavy to make into a baseball bat. In the late 90’s technology came to the rescue and high tech wood kilns now remove enough moisture from the wood to make high quality, high strength maple baseball bats.

About the Author

William Smith lives in Florida with his wife and three cats. William writes frequently on many subjects that may be of interest to all. Discover all the joys and secrets of baseball at Baseball’s Holy Grail

Golfers wear them and so do Brownies. Every Hollywood director since Steven Spielberg did Jaws considers it part of their work wardrobe. Its a US import which has become an integral part of British society. And this year it has a special birthday. The baseball cap is fifty.

Up until 1954, it was up to individual baseball players to choose a hat to keep the sun out their eyes. Some went for straw boaters, others preferred jockey caps. There was no consistency amongst players, let alone teams. So, in 1954, a hat company called New Era came up with the standard issue cap known as the 59Fifty. This brought uniformity to the game and fifty years on, its still the official cap of Major League Baseball.

In the late 70s and early 80s the American public became interested in wearing the caps worn by their favourite team and the big names in the game. The trend took hold and the baseball cap eventually made its way into every part of American society, including Hollywood and most importantly, the music scene.

In 1994, New York film maker Spike Lee asked the cap manufacturers to make him a fitted Yankees cap in ‘unofficial’ colours. At first they thought it was a strange request whod want a cap that’s not identical to the Pros? But Spike got what he wanted, people noticed, and demand for hats like his took off making Spike Lee the founder of the fitted fashion cap.

Ian Spencer of UK based cap specialists, Capitate.co.uk said The baseball cap made its way to the UK a while ago, but the last 4 years has seen extraordinary growth, largely due to the increasing number of homes with satellite TV. Through MTV, artists like Limp Bizkits Fred Durst helped introduce the UK to the New York Yankees cap. This was around the time when the British public were keen to show their solidarity with New York after the 9/11 tragedy.

Baseball caps continue to grow in popularity and the music industry retains its influence over whats hot. Usher is currently doing his bit for the Atlanta Braves while Britney flys the flag for the Birmingham Barons. Hats off to the baseball cap.

Ian Spencer is the Managing Director of Capitate.co.uk and is the UK specialist in authentic baseball caps and trucker hats. Ian grew up in Canada, spent a number of years in the US, and now lives and works in Scotland.

Preparing for your Prom Night ian PartridgePreparing for Prom Night

Preparing for prom night should begin months ahead of time.

Getting a date comes first. Girls without steady boyfriends spend more time finding a date than do the boys. The best strategies involve becoming a part of a particular group and building a particular friendship with prom night in mind.

Boys and girls each have their respective areas to prepare. Sometimes it’s difficult just to get the boys to rent their tuxedo, but they also need to arrange for the limousine rental, cover all costs, and make the arrangements for the night-such as a group activity or a romantic dinner before.

For girls, preparing for prom night is more intense. Make a to do list for the prom. Make another just for your hair. Select dress, jewelry, and hairstyle in that order, coordinating everything. If you need a hair stylist, begin asking for recommendations in advance. If you have one already, make a special appointment three months ahead to discuss your prom hairstyle.

Six weeks ahead, book an appointment with your stylist no less than four hours before the limo arrives. Try a complete dress rehearsal with hair, dress, and jewelry a month before your prom. Finally, on the day before collect all your essentials in one place. Does your hairdryer work? Do you need more gel?

These are the essential steps when preparing for prom night. Finally, don’t forget that you and your date will exchange corsage and boutonnire. Buy it the day before, keep it refrigerated, and please try not be nervous when you pin it on.

Ian Partridge lauched a website called http://www.promhair.uswhich includes more resources and links relating to prom night

Prom Night and the Prom Dateian PartridgeHow to get a prom date

Getting the right prom date is often the result of careful planning.

Girls typically work harder at getting a prom date than do boys. They seem to know intuitively how to get a prom date: planning months in advance, spending time with the right guy, and hanging out in the right group. These, the most successful methods, work best with advance planning.

Guys need to face their fears: Will you risk rejection by asking the person you are most attracted to, or play it safe by asking someone else? For you, how to get a prom date includes deciding what you want and what you are willing to risk. Then, ask-but don’t wait until prom week.

If you did wait until prom week, you may still find a prom date. If you have a girlfriend or boyfriend, you should already know how to get a prom date-but you should have asked before now. The next easiest approach is to ask a good friend. After that, asking someone in a lower grade is a safe bet for guys, because junior girls often make it a top priority to go to prom with a senior. Asking someone in another school works, too, since it feels risk-free all around.

If prom week is upon you and you are still wondering how to get a prom date, try asking your cousin, or your brother or sister. Admittedly this is a last choice, but it has a long tradition going back to the earliest of proms.

Ian Partridge lauched a website called http://www.promhair.uswhich includes more resources and links relating to prom night

Prom Nightian Partridgerom hairstyles

A large part of any girl’s prom is the prom hairstyle she chooses. The most popular prom hairstyles are subject to change each year. This year feminine, wavy styles are popular, but edgy styles will also fit the bill.

Today’s most popular prom hairstyles are luscious curls or waves. Multiple layers around the face, fresh curls, and shoulder length hair combine into an ideal of the feminine the mirrors the style of leading pop divas. Similar but less finished, soft twists combine those curls with styles that are half up / half down. Bangs are also in, especially large or sultry bangs swept to one side.

In spite of the emphasis on curls, straight hair still has its place among the popular prom hairstyles. Straight hairstyles that are textured or have a sleek mirror-shine are especially popular.

More daring styles include shoulder length bobs reminiscent of the late ’70s; the mullet is also in, combining cropped sections with longer tresses. Also popular is the extremely short cut worn by actress Alyssa Milano.

Always have a fallback style in case your hair refuses your chosen prom hairstyle. The popular French braid is an example of a style that can add class and control to any bad hair day.

The right accessory can make the difference between attractive and stunning. Bejeweled hair sticks or vintage hair combs are popular. Whatever you choose, be certain the hairstyle is consistent with the dress you have chosen, as well as with your jewelry.

Ian Partridge lauched a website called http://www.promhair.uswhich includes more resources and links relating to prom night

sustainable land plccharacter11Sustainable Land Plc is an established company, with many years experience in land investments and identifying land for sale. Our experienced teams of professionals allow us to acquire land in strategically placed regions of the country, where the opportunity for development is required, and widely identified by national house builders.

The land (land for sale) we acquire has been identified by the Government as areas where there is a need to establish more sustainable communities. Sustainable Land Plc recognizes the demand for housing that has been outlined by the government, and seeks to satisfy this need for future sustainable housing.

Sustainable Land Plc is an established company, with many years experience in land investments and identifying land for sale.

Press Release

A New Tool for Back to School

A new website lets teachers post their students’ grades online in real-time.

Sacramento, CA August 4, 2004 — As the back-to-school season nears, Engrade, an innovative provider of online tools for teachers, announced today the launch of its website http://www.engrade.com. Engrades new website is a free service that allows teachers to post students grades online and allows parents and students to view those grades online in real-time by logging in to their Engrade account.

With this new service, Engrade seeks to give teachers a tool to keep parents and students continually informed of their grades, attendance, and upcoming assignments.

Thanks to educational sponsors, Engrade is a free service. And because Engrades technology is web-based it does not require any installations all of Engrades service are available through their website.

In the past, teachers only method of grade reporting was to periodically print paper reports. Both teachers and students found this to be problematic because those paper reports became out of date as soon as a new assignment was graded so students and their parents never knew exactly how they were performing in class and experienced long delays before seeing their corrected assignment scores.

Now, Engrades new online reporting tools will solve those problems by continually updating students online grade reports as soon as teachers enter new assignments into Engrades website allowing students and parents to be constantly aware of their class grade and assignment scores.

We feel that Engrade will really help students - and their parents - get a better idea of how they are performing in their classes and increase student-parent participation, said Brian Holt, President and Founder of Engrade.

In addition to online grades, Engrade provides teachers with the option of posting attendance records and upcoming assignment due dates online.

Using Engrades online attendance reports, parents can see their students real-time attendance reports from work or from home and teachers can notify the parents of absent students instantly via e-mail.

With Engrades assignment calendar, teachers can post a list of upcoming assignments for students and parents to see when they log in, making the old excuse of I forgot that was due today, obsolete.

Engrades new website seeks to reshape the way grades, attendance, and assignments are reported, increasing students and parents participation and improving student performance.

For more information about using Engrade in your classroom, visit their website at: http://www.engrade.com/

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Press Release

L. Robert Lance Blevins “Titles of the Wrong Kind” Makes its Dbut

L. Robert Lance Blevins Titles of the Wrong Kind seeks the answer to a striking question:How does a child feel when practically raised by his grandparents, blessed with the trait of slow learning and branded a retard? This new and inspirational work based on a true story is guaranteed to captivate readers of all genres.

July 26, 2004 — With the release of a truly inspirational work based on a true story, readers of all genres will be able to find a common connection amongst themselves as they become even more captivated while turning the pages of a truly moving and inspirational story which offers readers everything; love, deception, greed, teasing, frustration and success.

L. Robert Lance Blevins’ “Titles of the Wrong Kind” is getting lots of attention as it allows parents and school administrators alike to gain a valuable insight into how some of the children in the special education system actually feel about their parents; as well as the “system” that encompasses their lives.

Made possible by telling the story of the “system” from the child’s own vantage point and not that of the PhD or Administrator, a most valuable new insight into the “system,” as well as the feelings and thoughts of a child are able to be realized.

Whether you are connected to the special education system or not, this book is truly a must have for any serious reader. Written by a person who spent a good portion of his life in the special education system and then went on to realize success as well as an induction into the National Register’s Who’s Who in Executives and Professionals, this book promises to be a absolute success!

“Titles of the Wrong Kind” is now available for purchase through all major online book stores including http://www.amazon.com, http://www.barnesandnoble.com and others.

This new release can also be ordered through your local book store, or at http://www.blevinsbooks.com.

Title: Titles of the Wrong Kind
ISBN: 1-4137-2406-X

Media Information:

Who’s Who Verification:
631-422-1400

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Press Release

Hellboy HingeHead Now Appearing on Hinges Everywhere

Collectible figure stands atop your door hinge and easily becomes “unhinged” to stand on its own base or roam room to room!

Santa Barbara, CA July 21, 2004 — HingeHeads Hardware today announced their licensing relationship with Dark Horse Comics, Inc. and Mike Mignola, author & creator of the Hellboy comic hero. HingeHeads is proud to release a limited collectors edition of the Hellboy HingeHead; an artistic handcrafted, made in the USA, decorative hardware finial. This exclusive finial fits on the top of your door hinge pins to personalize your interior doors or use as a freestanding item alone or in “communities” throughout your living spaces!

Custom crafted by the artisans at HingeHeads, this new concept for home decor is inspired by Mike Mignola’s original Comic Book series “Hellboy.” Made of high quality “lead-free” pewter, the Hellboy HingeHead stands 2 tall and comes in an OxFire finish. A two-sided adapter and putty are included to fit the common U.S. Industry Standard hinge sizes. For display only, a clear vial tube and graphic insert is provided as part of the packaging for use as a display stand.

Distributed through Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc. and Things From Another World, HingeHeads now offers this limited edition in the ever-popular Hellboy lineage.

HingeHeads Product Line
In addition to the Hellboy HingeHead, the company offers customers the ability to select from over 150 individual designs or order custom designs for personal, business or special events including (non-profit) organization activities.

About Us
HH Hardware/HingeHeads design and sell expressive home, garden and lifestyle dcor. Our goal is to enhance and lend expression to our spaces, places and faces. HingeHeads currently holds 3 Design and Utility patents with 4 more pending.

Copyright Information
HingeHeads is a trademark of HH Hardware, LLC. Mike Mignolas Hellboy 2004 Michael Mignola. Dark Horse Deluxe is a trademark of Dark Horse Comics, Inc. All Rights Reserved. All other trademarks and copyrights belong to their respective holders.

Contact Information
For Retailers interested in carrying the custom Hellboy HingeHead, HotHeads, original HingeHeads or our official Red Hat Society products, please contact us by calling: 800.783.3013 (Toll Free) or visit our website: www.hingeheads.com

For business development or press inquiries, contact:
Cynthia Johnston
800.783.3013 (Toll Free)

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Press Release

SpiderMan Movie and Comic Book Figure Toys with Danger in the Amazing SpiderMan Collectibles Sculpture Figures from HamiltonAction.com

SpiderMan toys, action figures and comic books collectors are in for the Ultimate SpiderMan collectible as Marvel Comics’ Spider-Man comes to life in a new First Edition sculpture exclusively from HamiltonAction! Created by Diamond Select Toys, the Amazing Spider-Man collectible statue combines bold hand-painted artistry with gleaming, crystal clear resin to create a truly unique Spider Man collectible that’s certain to become a “must-have” for every Spidey comic book fan!

July 22, 2004 — SpiderMan movie and comic book figure, the Amazing Spider-Man, comes alive in a new limited edition SpiderMan collectibles sculpture figures from HamiltonAction.com.

The Amazing Spider-Man collection is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for fans of Spiderman and Marvel Comics. SpiderMan, the alter-ego of mild mannered Peter Parker, has entertained fans with his comic book adventures since the original Spider-Man comics debuted in the comic Amazing Fantasy in 1962 by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko.

Now, Spider-Man is captured in vivid hand painted, handcrafted detail, and gleaming, glass-like resin. Perched high above the city and clinging to a skyscraper, this Spider-Man figure captures all the action of the Marvel comic books.

Available for the issue price of $39.95, the new “Amazing Spider-Man” collector statue from HamiltonAction.com features revolutionary design. This hand-painted sculpture is combined with dazzling crystalline to create the first-ever Spider-Man sculpture of its kind. Sculptures are limited to 95 casting days, are hand numbered and include a matching numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

This exclusive, limited-edition SpiderMan collectible is available only through HamiltonAction.com and only while supplies last. According to Steve Milo, Director of E-Commerce Business Development for HamiltonAction.com, SpiderMan Collectors shouldnt wait, as this SpiderMan limited statue will be gone before you can blink!

About HamiltonAction.com

Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, HamiltonAction.com develops an innovative array of products that will satisfy the increasing demand for collectibles inspired by some of todays hottest television and big screen entertainment including Family Guy, Marvel Comics, The Simpsons, and more. HamiltonAction.com is a subsidiary of The Hamilton Collection, an established direct mail company that has proudly provided sought after collectibles to millions of collectors for more than 30 years.

To learn more about the new “The Amazing Spider-Man” statue and other products offered by HamiltonAction.com, check out the company’s web site at www.hamiltonactionfigures.com/spiderman/spiderman_44892.asp

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Press Release

Storming Robots Learning Center, Helping to Build a Generation with Robotics Science as Part of Its Culture

Storming Robots Robotics Learning Center is the first learning center in New Jersey offering multi-disciplinary Robotics programs for youth, as well as the LEGO MINDSTORMS Center provides hands-on LEGO robots workshops. Its programs aim to inspire children’s interests in robotics and science technologies by developing their intellect in fundamental engineering concepts, mathematics, strategic thinking, and problem solving.

Branchburg, NJ July 17, 2004 — Storming Robots, the first learning center in New Jersey offering multi-disciplinary Robotics programs for youth as well as the LEGO MINDSTORMS Center provides hands-on LEGO robots workshops. The majority of exercises utilize the popular Lego, Mindstorm and Robotics Kits as learning tools. Its programs aim to inspire children’s interests in science technologies by developing their intellect in fundamental engineering concepts, technology, mathematics, strategic thinking, and problem solving.

Be Fascinated by Your Own Built LEGO Robot

The popularity of LEGO among children is undisputable. Do you remember the wonderful feeling of completing your own LEGO construction with your own hands? It is even more fun programming your LEGO Robots to move on command. However, don’t think it is a trivial task. It requires planning, problem solving, analysis and programming. Under proper instruction, children further develop their applied mathematics skill, fundamental engineering concepts, strategic thinking, and programming knowledge.

Children learn robotics by integrating basic mechanics, mathematics, design and programming.

Learning Tools include LEGO MINDSTORMS components, graphics user interface (GUI) programming languages such as RCX Code and ROBOLAB, along with other LEGO accessories. The MINDSTORMS’ core comprises of various sensors along with a main building block housing an autonomous LEGO microprocessor named RCX which communicates to a PC through its Infra-Red port. You may think the LEGO Robotics Kit was created for entertainment value only but don’t underestimate the benefit and intricacy of these tools. These robotics devices are much more than meet the eye. The same components are used at the college level and for PHD robotics classes.

Sponsoring a Robotics Youth Club and Robots Tournament

In order to promote awareness of science in robotics, Storming Robots is sponsoring a Robotics Youth Club for children aged between 9 and 15. Children will periodically meet at the Storming Robotics center. The center provides all software, computers, and LEGO MINDSTORMS Robotics components for members to conduct their robotics activities and exploration. Membership is free, but the major requirements for participation are enthusiasm, interests in math and science, thirst for challenges, and respect for others. If interested, you may signup online at http://www.storming-robots.com . Because the first year enrollment is limited to 8 - 16 children, an assessment may be given as part of the membership enrollment process.

Members will participate in the annual FIRST LEGO League Robots Tournament as well. The FIRST LEGO League is an internationally known robotics program for children. Annual tournaments allow teams to conduct hands-on robotics design and authentic scientific research. For those with higher aptitudes in math and other science areas, Storming Robots will also make available other related contests, such as the National Continental Math League Contest.

Multidisciplinary Robotics Classes and LEGO Workshop for Youth

LEGO Robotics activities integrate LEGO construction with fundamental engineering concepts and strategic thinking. Most challenges involve a team of two to four members. At the end of most programs, children create an open-solution project by building their own robots, programming it and making a short presentation of their invention. For the more comprehensive programs, parents are invited to watch these presentations.

Storming Robots offer robotics programs which addresses the National Science, Math and Technology Standards.

Storming Robots utilizes robotics curriculum developed by the renowned robotics institutions as its guidelines. These institutions include: the Robotics Academy (a division of the National Robotics Engineering Consortium from the Carnegie Mellon University) and the Tufts University Engineering Continuous Education. These programs address the National Science, Math and Technology Standards. Storming Robots also participates in various related communities to include educational events which focus on software and educational program development involving LEGO RCX (the brain of the robotics kits).

See Some LEGO Bots…

Storming Robots has posted some of its simple robots in its activities page. Click to view some of the activities and programs currently available. Note all bots are made from scratch, i.e. starting from a couple of LEGO bricks.
You may also visit http://mindstorms.lego.com/eng/inventions/default.asp to look at some inventions.

To sign up, the children need to be aged 8 or over. You may sign up online at www.storming-robots.com or email to classes@storming-robots.com. Note that each class size is limited to 8 children, while workshop is limited to 16.

The tentative Opening Date will be October 15th of 2004. If interested, you may sign up in advance and receive 25% off your first month class and workshop fees. Check the Storming Robots program site for possible early classes in August and September of 2004. All robotics challenges have open-ended solutions. The challenge is only limited to how far the child is capable to reach.

Cool experiences, Indeed!

Contact Information:

Elizabeth Mabrey
908-534-9996
pr@storming-robots.com
STORMING ROBOTS

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Press Release

Kids Start Off on the Right Foot with Shoe Clues !

Mom Inventors, Inc. launches innovative new product that helps kids put the Right Shoe on the Right Foot!

WALNUT CREEK, CA April 26, 2004–Mom Inventors, Inc., a Walnut Creek, CA based company announces that it will unveil its newest, Mom Invented product at The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) Tradeshow in Dallas, Texas on May 2, 2004. The international JPMA show is the worlds largest juvenile products tradeshow.

Shoe Clues are fun and durable stickers that teach children to put the right shoe on the right foot! Shoe Clues feature three pairs of stickers in a colorful package. On each pair of stickers is a lovable animal that, when properly placed in the heel of a childs shoes, will be looking at the other. Children quickly see that if the animals are looking in opposite directions, their shoes will be on the wrong feet.

The Shoe Clues packaging boasts the tagline I Can Do It Myself! because children are trying to master new skills daily. A simple task like putting on shoes can be frustrating when a proud child gets dressed all by herself only to be told, your shoes are on the wrong feet, says Tamara Monosoff, CEO of Mom Inventors, Inc. Shoe Clues is a fun tool that helps children put their shoes on successfully and builds confidence!

We are looking forward to showing Shoe Clues to buyers from the nations most respected childrens products retailers, says Monosoff. There is nothing like it on the market today and we have received enthusiastic responses from retailers and consumers who have previewed the product.

We love Shoe Clues! We think this will be one of the hottest new products on the market says, Adena Surabian, President, www.safeandsecurebaby.com. With Shoe Clues, not only does my three-year-old proudly put her shoes on the right feet but she eagerly shows her friends the fun stickers in her shoes!

Shoe Clues will be sold where kids toys, games, clothing, and shoes are sold. Shoe Clues are patent pending and trademarked.

Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) - The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, Inc. (JPMA) is a national trade organization representing 95% of the $6.02 billion industry. JPMA has grown to include more than 400 companies in the United States, Canada and Mexico. These companies manufacture and/or import infant products (856-638-0420).

Safe & Secure Baby - At www.safeandsecurebaby.com, we are passionate about providing parents, grandparents, and other care providers with the knowledge, products, and services needed to improve the safety of children everywhere (888-801-BABY.).

Mom Inventors, Inc. Established by a mother and inventor in early 2003, Mom Inventors, Inc. is founded on the principle that many of the best and most unique ideas come directly from their target market Moms. In addition to developing its own brand of Mom Invented products, Mom Inventors, Inc., licenses products, as well as assists and supports other mom inventors in taking their product ideas to market (866-376-1122).

Tamara Monosoff holds a doctorate of education and is a former member of the Clinton White House staff.

ORDER DESK:   866-376-1122
IDEAL FOR:   Children 2+ years old and Up

PRESS CONTACT:               
Tamara Monosoff, CEO            
Mom Inventors, Inc.
125 Grover Lane          
Walnut Creek, CA 94596          
925-932-6674 Office   
925-457-8998 Cell            
925-280-8224 FAX
tmonosoff@mominventors.com         
www.mominventors.com

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Press Release

Whether you just want to play the sports enough so you can hit a home run or are determined that your son gets the opportunity to enter the major league. You could do a lot better by investing in baseball equipment that trains you for this.

As a little leaguer coach or just looking to bond with your son by coaching him on specifics of baseball, you can use baseball equipment that trains you for this job.

Why not try this baseball training equipment? The baseball Instructional DVDs & VHS videos would train you to pitch by learning the 30 common pitching mistakes to avoid. Or you could try baseball hitting videos that will take you from basic skills through advanced hitting drills and techniques. There are video training baseball equipment that would give you baseball workouts to increase you power and performance on the playing field. These kinds of training baseball equipment are worth investing on, as you can replay these until you get the training basics right.

Another baseball equipment you could utilize to increase your swinging prowess to a better speed are such products as a training bat. This baseball equipment usually has a properly weighted bat and resistance weights in the form of rings to ensure you train at just the right weight. As you build up strength, you can swing through the strike zone at higher and higher rates of speed.

Some other baseball equipment may not exactly qualify as baseball equipment but these magazines, training manuals and even training sessions with a professional are constructive steps to getting your baseball skills up to swing. Whether you want to go professional or just get one or two home runs. The use of baseball equipment to train you into improving is always a wise investment.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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Aluminum baseball bats are Usually preferred to wooden bats due to their light weight and high power (note: pro players are allowed to use wood bats only). Lighter bats are usually preferable to heavier bats as they allow the hitter to create sufficient speed to put some “oomph” into it (although there are restrictions about bat weights at most levels). Additionally, aluminum bats can supply more “pop” of the baseball off the bat, and are much more stable (therefore cost effective) than wooden bats. Bats today are becoming increasingly high tech and costly

College baseball bats are more high-tech than the bats that the pros use. The pros, you see, are behind the times with their baseball bats. Their wood relics have been out of style for years. Wood makes for baseball bats that are heavier, less long lasting, and less functional than their counterparts made from aluminum.

Today’s best baseball bats are to be found in the college ranks. They’re made of military grade aluminum provided by corporations like Alcoa and Kaiser. And these companies keep working on this aircraft aluminum to make it stronger, thinner, lighter, and more stable.

These aluminum alloys go by their corporate trade names or numbers, and customarily by brand names too. You can sometimes find that the same trade name is marketed by different bat makers by unlike brand names.

If you want to see if your college baseball bats are made from one of these advanced alloys, simply look at the bat. Customarily, manufacturers are so proud of the fact that they’ll advertise it in big bold letters on the bat. Then again, if you’re bat is -11 or lighter, it is required by law not to state what kind of alloy is used in its assembly. In any case, these lighter bats probably do not contain the stronger newer alloys. To make weight, the producer possibly used a lighter alloy for the thinner walls of the bat.

If you want to be able to know accurately what is in your college baseball bats, look for the grade number on them. For instance, a grade number of 7046 means that the bat is fabricated with standard aircraft aluminum, a material fit for many budget bats.

The grade 7050 means the aluminum alloy contains an amount of copper, which makes it one-third stronger than 7046. Other numbers and grades, of course, designate other alloy blends and dissimilar strengths.

Baseball bats are measured using their length to weight ratio, a negative number that represents how many ounces a bat weighs compared to it’s length in inches. For example, a 32 inch bat that weighs 28 ounces is a - 4. The largest ratio is in the range of -12 (for little league bats), while college and high school bats are restricted to a - 3. These restrictions are for safety reasons - a college or high school player swinging a very light bat (- 4 +) would simply have too much power and could pose a danger to other players on the field. Make sure to check the regulations of your league before buying a baseball bat!

About the Author

William Smith lives in Florida with his wife and three cats. William writes frequently on many subjects that may be of interest to all. Discover all the joys and secrets of baseball at Baseball’s Holy Grail