I remember playing air hockey as a kid, and having a lot of fun, though I do not remember having any specific guidelines that we played by, we just went at it in fierce (but fun) competition.??? Air hockey tables had been around for less than eight years when air hockey became a competitive sport. Rules and game play are governed by the USAA (United States Air-Table-Hockey Association). For tournament play, only the 8 foot air hockey tables manufactured by Dynamo are sanctioned. Approved tables include the Photon, Pro-Style, older Blue Top, Brown Top, Purple Top or Black Top with unpainted rails.

Besides a table, the only other equipment needed are two mallets (one for each player) and a puck.??? The most common mallet looks like a sombrero, and as a kid, I would grip the top part tightly as I chased the puck around the table. But this is not how the professionals do it. In competitive play, the mallet is gripped behind the knob using just your fingertips. This allows for more wrist action so that the mallet can be moved around the table faster.

I learned that this mallet grip, and a few other things sets competitive play apart from us recreational users. I also discovered a few other helpful tips to improve my game, things that professional players do on their air hockey tables.

For basic defense, competitive players often use the triangle defense. The mallet is kept centered about 8 inches front of the goal. This means only slight movements are needed to protect the goal from straight shots, and bank shots can be prevented by quickly pulling the mallet back towards the corners of the goal.

The top air hockey players are very good on the offense with drifting. Drifting is when you control the puck on your side of the table by moving the puck in a set pattern, which allows you to knock the puck down the table in a variety of attacks. This can throw off your opponent since they do not know how you will deliver the final blow on the puck. Very slight differences in wrist movement can affect which way the puck will go. Some of the more popular drifts are the center, diamond (or circle), ??L??, and diagonal drifts.

As an example, on the diamond drift the puck is moved clockwise in a diamond shape, being contacted by the mallet twice, once at the top and once at the bottom. The reverse diamond moves the puck in the same pattern, but counter-clockwise. Both of these drifts encourage shots from several points on the table, and with only minor adjustments can utilize time delays, change-ups, and other techniques.

A final strategy used by top players on air hockey tables are shots that are organized into ??combos??. This means a group of shots which appear to be hit with the same delivery but in opposite directions. This is caused by hitting the puck at slightly different locations on the mallet. Now, I hadn’t thought of this before but it makes sense that where the puck is struck on the mallet (since it is curved) would affect the direction of the puck.

Though there are probably a lot more tips, these are enough to get started to improve my game. The next time I am around some air hockey tables, I will try the looser grip, and some drifting techniques to see if I can confuse my opponent!

Playing outside is fun, but many children get bored with traditional outdoor activities.??? To cut down on the boredom in your family, you are encouraged to think about purchasing your child an outdoor play structure. Outdoor play structures are different than most toys because they are larger in size and often come equipped with more than one activity.??? If you are interested in purchasing one of these popular play structures, you may want to take the time to familiarize yourself with what is available.

When familiarizing yourself with popular outdoor play structures, you will find that you have a number of different options.??? Perhaps, the easiest way to go about seeing what is available is to visit your local retail stores.??? Many home improvement stores, toy stores, and department stores should have a fairly large selection of play structures available. In addition to seeing what is available locally, most storefront retail locations will have displays setup. These displays may give you an idea as to what your child??s new toy will look like in your backyard.

While it is nice to view the selection of local play structures, you may also want to examine a number of different online retailers. You may not get to see product displays, but you should be provided with detailed information, including pictures. What is nice about online shopping is that most online retailers have a larger product selection, when compared to most traditional retail stores.???

Whether you shop online or at one of your local retail stores, it is likely that you will come across a number of different items that are referred to as play structures. As previously mentioned, most play structures are large in size and are often equipped with more than one activity.??? Popular play structures include, but should not limited to, swing sets, playhouses, sandboxes, and tree forts.

Sandboxes are often referred to as outdoor play structures because they are made of durable materials. Popular sandbox styles include ones that are made with plastic or wood.??? It is also important to note that sandboxes come in a wide variety of different sizes. This means that if you have a large yard or a small yard, you should be able to find a sandbox that is perfect for your child.

Tree forts are another popular backyard play structure. Unlike many other play structures, tree forts may be hard to find for sale. This is because a large number of them aren??t just big, but enormous.??? If you are able to find tree forts for sale, it is likely that only the supplies are for sale. It is rare to find a fully assembled tree fort in most, on and offline, retail stores. If your child would like to have a tree fort, but you are unable to find the supplies for sale or make one yourself, you may want to seek the assistance of a professional contractor.

Tree forts are many children??s dream toy; however, not every child can have one. If you are unable to afford the cost of a tree house or if you do not have any trees in your backyard, you may want to think about purchasing a playhouse. In a way, playhouses are similar to tree forts. The only difference is that playhouses are ground structures.??? Playhouses, like most other outdoor structures, come in a wide variety of different styles. Many of these styles are great for boy, girls, or even both.

The above mentioned play structures are ideal for small children; however, if you are looking for a structure that can be used for a long period of time, even as your child grows, you may want to look into swing sets. Swing sets often come equipped with swings, slides, teeter totters, and monkey bars. Metal swing sets are available for a reasonable price.??? For a more expensive and dependable structure, wood swing sets are also available.???

In addition to tree forts, playhouses, swing sets, and sandboxes, there are also a number of other outside play structures that are available for sale. Whether you purchase one of the ones mentioned above, another, or make your own, your child will likely be pleased with the purchase.??? So pleased, that they may never want to play inside again.???

You may have heard the terms ‘structured’ and ‘unstructured’ play and wondered–which is better for my child? That’s a bit like asking, ‘Which is better: fruits or vegetables?’ Someone who eats healthy is going to have both without even thinking about it. If you are providing plenty of playtime opportunities for your child, then both kinds of play are taking place.

Structured play has a set of rules with specific objectives. Most games fall under the category of structured play: card games, board games and classic outdoor games like red-light green-light and tag are all structured activities. Putting puzzles together is a structured activity. So is following directions to assemble a toy, model airplane or Lego theme set. Organized sports-soccer, hockey, tennis, etc.–are all examples of structured activities. Generally speaking, when your child is engaging in structured play, she is seeking the most efficient way to achieve pre-existing objectives.

Unstructured play is open ended with unlimited possibilities. Playing with blocks is unstructured play. So is coloring, drawing or painting on blank paper. Deciding how to play with a toy airplane or doll is unstructured play. Inventing games to play is unstructured activity. So is running around the playground or park. Generally speaking, when your child is engaging in unstructured play, she is in the process of establishing her own objectives.

A consideration more important than structured vs. unstructured play is to ask whether the activity holds your child’s full attention. When your child is fully engaged in an activity, she is arranging and absorbing its meaning. She is finding reward in the act of understanding. She’s enjoying figuring it out, whether the “it”–the activity–is structured or unstructured. If you make a habit of providing quality playtime to your child, she’ll make a habit of taking ownership of an activity and applying her ingenuity and creativity to their fullest. That’s a valuable habit–a lifetime learning habit that does not have its origin in structured or unstructured play, but rather in quality play.

As any parent of a child knows, children are substituting traditional dolls with their small clothing for computer generated virtual dolls. It’s only natural; just think for a moment that for them, computers, laptops, internet, control remotes, and USBs have always existed. Plastic and fabric are materials that “we”, the grown ups used to play with in the Stone Age. If you have spent time with your child while he or she uses the computer, you will be able to see that these virtual dolls are found very easily on several websites.

And yes, they can be dressed as the player wishes, and most of all, they’re free. You can forget about buying a new doll just because it has a hat that’s a different color from the one your little girl’s doll already has. That’s not bad news for your wallet, is it? Are these virtual dolls difficult to use? Not at all, all you need is a computer and a decent internet connection. And, if you have children of any age, I’m sure you have those already. Most of all, forget about taking care of the plastic dolls, the little clothes, the little shoes and hats and accessories. There won’t be any dolls on the floor to pick up after playing and no need to toss away a $25 doll because the dog decided to play with it too.

If you are a responsible father, you must be wondering if these virtual dolls are proper and adequate for your kid. They actually are. Just like you did with color blocks and color crayons when you were a small child, your child will be playing and experimenting with colors, patterns, and forms. Your kid will also be flexing her imagination, style and fashion sense. It can actually be a fun, and artistic leisure time. As with any computer, video game or TV show, you should supervise your child’s playtime, but this will give you the opportunity to interact with her and encourage her creativity, as well as to build up her self esteem.

He or she might even tell you they would like to be a stylist, fashion designer, or even a computer programmer so that they can design his or her own virtual dolls, clothes or accessories. Some people think that these dress-up games are frivolous and superfluous, with all the pretty clothing, fashion and style tone to them. This is not true. They are just being the virtual age equivalent of Barbie and other similar dolls, which you or your sisters or cousins used to play with when you were children. Besides, clothing and grooming are high aesthetic values in society, specially for women. On the other hand, would you prefer a game that’s about killing and shooting, full of blood and gore?

There’s enough violence on movies and TV as it is, and no need to further expose your child. At least dress-up games are creative, imaginative and aesthetic. You will also prefer to have your child sitting in the next room with the computer rather than exposing him or her to dangers on the street.

Looking for a unique gift for a baby or a toddler? There’s definitely no shortage of options out there! Here’s a fresh idea – why not do something good for the environment and purchase an eco-friendly toy? Eco-friendly toys, also known as green toys, are made from safe and natural materials and are available everywhere toys are sold. Below you will find some types of eco-friendly toys available and some popular manufacturers that produce them:

• Eco-Friendly Play Sets: Wonderworld makes a series of quality, educational wooden toys, specially designed and created for children ages one to five. These play sets will provide hours of entertainment for children and help keep their minds active. Choose from a play washing machine, complete with working knobs or a carpentry set, including a hammer, screwdriver and other accessories. All play sets are made of durable and natural rubber-wood.
• Eco-Friendly Stuffed Animals: Challenge and Fun Inc. produces a line of natural and organic stuffed animals, designed to encourage interaction and open-ended play in children of all ages. Challenge and Fun Inc.’s soft, stuffed toys are made with 100% organic cotton, pure wool and all dyes are certified to meet strict Oeko-Tex standards. Some of the stuffed animals feature a pull-cord music box, while others are simply cuddly soft toys designed to bring out the imagination in your child.
• Eco-Friendly Building Blocks: Kapla creates high quality building block sets made from 100% natural pine wood, produced from certified renewable forests in France. These building blocks are ideal for pre-school builders as well as for older children. These toys allow for the development of logical thinking skills, building techniques, the ability to follow instructions, hand to eye and spatial coordination and fine motor skills. With these quality Kapla sets, children can build simple towers, bridges and even whole cities!

These are just a few examples of eco-friendly toys that are out there. There are many options to choose from, just do some research before shopping and you should be fine. A couple of things to look for:

• Buy stuffed animals made from organic cotton and pure wool
• Buy natural wood toys
• Make sure that all dyes used are water-based dyes or otherwise natural or organic
• Toys made of fabric should be labeled as flame resistant or flame retardant
• Make sure painted toys are covered with a lead-free paint

There are always times when your child claims boredom.� There are also moments when you are looking for something educational, yet fun and simple to do as a family.� With little materials and even less preparation, you can easily entertain and educate your child, plus, it can be fun for everyone involved.

The whole family can play this simple game while exploring the creative side of your children.� Add a little touch and help kids learn to read.

You know those magazines that you are done reading and unsure what to do with them?� Save them.� They make a fun family game.

Sit with your children and look at the pictures.� Anything that may look interesting, cut them out and lay them in a pile.� Use as many pictures or giant words (header words in large print) as possible.� For example:� If it is a picture of a book, cut it out.� Even if it is an action, such as:� washing dishes, cut it out.� Try to get as many different pictures as possible with a lot of variety.

Now, here is where you can get elaborate or simple.� You are going to use these pictures to let your child make their own story.� So, you can get a felt storyboard or even a magnetic board.� Or, you can just use the kitchen table.� Anything flat will work.

Let your child arrange the pictures any way they wish.� They don’t need to use all of them, just as many as they want.

After they have laid out the pictures, have them make up a story.� If certain pictures don’t fit in their story, have them remove them.� If they find a different picture to add another element to their story, let them add them.

The more pictures you have, the more creativity will come from your child.�

After your child gets the hang of it, start using the larger words you cut from the magazines and have them use them as well.� They can place them under the picture or use them instead of a picture to enhance their story.

For fun, let the child arrange pictures and you make up the story.� Then, you lay out the pictures and have your child tell the story.

If the story is especially good, get out some construction paper and glue the pictures to the paper.� If your child can write, have them write out the story under the pictures.� If your child can not write, have them dictate the story to you.� They have just made their own book.� And, this will probably be their very favorite bedtime story!

This craft project is easy to use and vary, depending on the ability of your child.� You can get overly involved with them or you can teach them how to do it and use it as a quiet time activity when you need to get a project done.

Either way, this is a fun game for everyone.� It is easy to prepare, easier to use, no mess, no fuss.� And, it is fun and educational.� What more can you ask of magazines you were going to throw away?

One of the best things about Bunco is that you can easily host a Bunco Theme Party at your home without worrying about the skill level of your guests. A person can learn how to play in about 5 minutes flat.

How to Play

Bunco is a dice game played with 3 tables of four people each. At each table, set out:

3 dice

1 blank piece of paper for scorekeeping

1 Bunco scorecard for each player (buy pads or make your own)

A couple of pens

Before play begins, each player contributes $5.00.

Each Bunco game consists of 6 rounds and 3 games are usually played. In each Bunco round, all players are rolling for the same number so for example, during round one, all players are rolling 3 dice to see how many ones they can roll.

When the host rings a bell, Bunco play begins at all 3 tables. The person sitting across from you is your partner for the current round. Together you are team partners. Player one begins rolling and continues until they no longer roll ones (or whatever round you are player). Somebody keeps score at each table and records the number of dice rolled by each player.

Who Wins

Play goes around the table while the scorekeeper keeps track. Players are trying to achieve one of two things:

A Team Bunco — When team partners are the first among all tables to reach 21 and yell “Bunco!”

A Natural Bunco — When a single player rolls 3 dice that match the round currently being rolled. For example, if the group is currently rolling for ones, a player rolls 3 ones or if the group is currently rolling for fives, a player rolls 3 fives.

At the end of each round, the scorekeeper at each table announces the winning team. Your team wins the round if:

You were the first in the group to reach 21 and yelled “Bunco!” You did not quite make it to 21 but got the highest score at your table or One of you rolled a Natural Bunco

The winning teams move on to the next table while the losing team stays where they are. All players keep their scorecards with them throughout the night, recording a “Win” or a “Loss” after each round.

When 6 rounds are played, game one is finished and game two begins by rolling for ones again.

Dividing the Pot

At the end of 3 Bunco games, the host collects the Bunco scorecards and awards prizes. You can divide the pot in a number of ways but this is most common:

The person with the Most Natural Buncos gets 40%

The person with the Most Wins gets 40%

The person with the Most Losses gets 20% (this keeps people from giving up half way through)

Example:

12 People x $5.00 = $60.00

Most Naturals gets $24.00

Most Wins gets $24.00

Most Losses gets $12.00

Bunco is a great game to play at a party because it is so easy to learn and almost everybody has the tools of the game (paper, dice, bell). Also, because of how people are partnered and move from table to table, you can invite friends from different circles and be assured that by the end of the night, everybody will be fast friends.

Pick out a few appetizer and dessert recipes and invite your friends over for a Bunco theme party, one of the easiest parties to host.

Want to save money on the things you buy? Then you need to be aware of the games that retailers play. Here are two of the most common.

Reference Price Advertising

“Was $119. Now only $89!” You have seen ads like this, as well as similar signs in the stores. Regardless of whether the retailer ever expected to sell a single unit at the $119 price, you feel like you are getting a deal, and that is the point.

Some states have laws requiring that these are at least honest advertisements. This means the store must have the item for sale at the stated price for a certain amount of time before they can claim that it was the “normal” or “regular” price. Many comply by having it at that price for the absolute minimum time required. Often, they don’t actually expect to sell any at the “regular” price. It is solely there to make you feel good about the new price.

Another way some retailers use this tactic is by having many similar models of a product. For example, a furniture store might have several mattresses that are very similar. They then rotate which one is on sale, so there is always one that looks cheaper by comparison. If this appears to be the case, certainly don’t pay the regular price.

Of course you can save money in this situation by buying one of the “sale” items. But what if you like one of the ones that is at the “regular” price. Since they never expect to sell these at that price anyhow, the store manager may give you a similar discount if you ask (or insist). Otherwise, you can wait until it is that model’s “turn” to be on sale.

Price Matching Scams

Many stores have found that it costs them nothing to guarantee the lowest price. They claim that they will match any competitor’s price, and that may be true. But then again, they will only match the price on the exact same item – and they may not carry the same models as other stores. Also, they are very aware that we rarely check the prices of many other stores before buying – and almost never after buying.

Research shows that when a store advertises that it will match competitors advertised prices, we generally have the impression that they have lower prices than other stores. This impression is there even when they are one of the higher-priced stores around. Again, this is because we often just don’t check the prices at other places.

The few customers that actually compare prices and demand a reduction don’t cost the store much. Meanwhile, the store gets to sell for more than other stores to all the “average” consumers. By the way, a study done by the Consumer Literacy Consortium in 2002 found that buyers who spent 16 minutes comparing prices online save an average of $100 on a TV. Do a little comparison shopping if you want to save money.