Communities

Writing
Writing
Codidact Meta
Codidact Meta
The Great Outdoors
The Great Outdoors
Photography & Video
Photography & Video
Scientific Speculation
Scientific Speculation
Cooking
Cooking
Electrical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Judaism
Judaism
Languages & Linguistics
Languages & Linguistics
Software Development
Software Development
Mathematics
Mathematics
Christianity
Christianity
Code Golf
Code Golf
Music
Music
Physics
Physics
Linux Systems
Linux Systems
Power Users
Power Users
Tabletop RPGs
Tabletop RPGs
Community Proposals
Community Proposals
tag:snake search within a tag
answers:0 unanswered questions
user:xxxx search by author id
score:0.5 posts with 0.5+ score
"snake oil" exact phrase
votes:4 posts with 4+ votes
created:<1w created < 1 week ago
post_type:xxxx type of post
Search help
Notifications
Mark all as read See all your notifications »

Activity for paparazzo‭

Type On... Excerpt Status Date
Answer A: How can I perfect my backyard ice rink?
Obvious try and keep people off the ice when it is soft. Ice resurfacer Before Zamboni 3 or 4 workers had to scrape, wash, and squeegee the ice. A thin layer of water was then added for the fresh ice. This process was extremely time consuming, and Zamboni wanted to find a more effici...
(more)
almost 8 years ago
Answer A: Is there an easy way to tell if a bee in my yard is being raised in a hive (domestic), or if it's wild (feral)?
Not clear if domesticated and beekeeper (beehive) are the same in the context of that comment. That comment did not conclude beekeeper- rather likely. My interpretation of the words is since the bees were consuming a non-natural source (hummingbird feeder) they are domesticated. The type / b...
(more)
almost 8 years ago
Answer A: Do I need a hard shell to ski in sunny weather conditions?
Since you get a lot of wind skiing you need to break the wind. And you don't need as much breath-ability. But in sunny conditions you can get away with a bit. You are not going to have a lot of speed your first time skiing. I just saw you live in Houston. If you just have a soft shell for local ...
(more)
almost 8 years ago
Answer A: Can I place a Dutch oven directly into/next to a camp fire?
You could place it on the fire but you would likely burn the contents. Putting it directly on the fire is also not stable, as the wood shifts as it burns. A tripod over a fire is useful for stability and to reduce the temperature. Coals at the edge should work. Why not just pull some coals t...
(more)
almost 8 years ago
Answer A: Screen cover for boat inspection port
Me I would just buy some regular port covers cut a hole and epoxy a screen over the top (or bottom).
(more)
almost 8 years ago
Answer A: How can I effectively clean the "bite valve" for my water bladder?
There are cleaning tablets. If you are lax on cleaning / drying that might not be the only mold. They sell a cleaning kit. instructions CLEANING WITH THE HYDRAULICS&#x2122; CLEANING TABLETS Fill reservoir with warm water, do not use boiling water. Add one cleaning tablet to ...
(more)
almost 8 years ago
Answer A: Are there plants (for instance berries) which lead to dehydration if eaten?
Yes most of what you eat consumes water for digestion - nuts, grain, beans, and meat. Most if not all vegetables. Only limited fruits have excess water over digestion. Can only hope you have enough water to consume a healthy diet. This game condition in which you only get water from food is not rea...
(more)
almost 8 years ago
Answer A: Is it unsafe to ride the chair lift with a backpack?
It is dangerous as it can hang up and it places you more forward in the chair (slip off). Lift operators fear packs. A hip pack is a much better option as there is a gap in the chair for the hip pack. I ski patrolled with a pack as I carried some rescue gear and would carry skis to areas the lift d...
(more)
almost 8 years ago
Answer A: What is the best breathing holes strategy for a quinzee?
If you have an entrance big enough to get in out it seems to me that would be more than enough ventilation even if it is partially blocked with pack(s). Think how much circulation you get in something the size of a house just by opening the door. For years in scouts for the winter camp out we wou...
(more)
almost 8 years ago
Answer A: How to keep your beer cold up to 12 hours?
Freeze a 24 oz can. It will bulge out. Put it in a freezer bag. Pack it in the middle of your sleeping bag. Wrap your sleeping bag with your insulated pad. Throw all of that in the freezer for 2-4 hours.
(more)
almost 8 years ago
Answer A: How to keep contact lenses from freezing during backpacking in cold temps?
Just sleep with the solution in your sleeping bag. Same with drinking water. During the day you may need to carry it next to your body.
(more)
almost 8 years ago
Answer A: Are there human powered generators that draw power from body movement?
I get the stated question is generate power But if you are just looking for power a battery is very weight effective. One AA battery is only 0.8 ounce. A pair (1.6 oz) on low power will last about 4 hours. The SolePower is a cool product and good answer but all set up it is about 24 oz with...
(more)
almost 8 years ago
Answer A: Are there performance differences between lead and lead-free ammunition?
The density (weight) affects ballistics. Less dense shot will slow down at a faster rate. Lead is a relatively cheap high density metal but is has negative health consequences. Tungsten is dense but it is expensive. Steel is commonly used now and is less dense than lead. Wind resistance...
(more)
almost 8 years ago
Answer A: What is the correct technique for self arrest, with an ice axe, on a snow or ice slope?
There is a bit to it. A book like Freedom of the Hills has excellent instructions with illustrations. If it is solid ice you cannot break through then this is not going to work. Practice on your own, with a group, and / or go to a school. Practice on a slope that has a slide out so you will ...
(more)
almost 8 years ago
Answer A: Do shotgun shells containing mixed shot sizes have any applications in hunting?
Mixed has had limited use. A wide range just does not make sense as you would just tear up the smaller game. Even with similar sizes would get longer shot strings (smaller slow down faster) so a moving target at a distance you are guaranteed to miss with part. If you do some pattern testing you are ...
(more)
almost 8 years ago
Answer A: Why are there separate seasons for archery and firearm hunting for deer?
They typically don't overlap. One factor is safety of not having both on the playing field at the same time. Another factor is give the archer a better chance. Deer are not stupid. They hear bang and they go into hiding and go high (if they have high ground). You can scout two weeks prior to huntin...
(more)
almost 8 years ago
Answer A: What is pelt sealing and why is it required for certain species?
From dec.ny.gov Furbearer Possession Tags &amp; Pelt Seals Pelt Sealing Purpose There are a few purposes for pelt sealing bobcat, otter, fisher and marten species: To allow the pelt to be exported from New York State, sold, or transferred. To record population and biological...
(more)
almost 8 years ago
Answer A: Stove efficiency
A 100 gram canister of Jetpower fuel boils up to 10-12 liters of water according to the web site Make it 10 grams / liter Let'd say it is twice as efficient how many liters are the break even And it is probably not twice as efficient What is the break even point? 415 + L 10 = 240 + L 20 ...
(more)
almost 8 years ago
Answer A: Sleeping outdoors without a tent in a high altitude Mt. Tapulao?
That link lists it as a 1-2 day hike. If you are slow definitely a 2 day hike. And it says night time temperature can get near freezing. Sleep under the stars is what you hope for. If it is cloudy and rainy no tent could be life threatening. Once it gets dark it is pretty hard to build any mak...
(more)
almost 8 years ago
Answer A: How far above a waterfall should you be to safely cross?
On pure math ws = water speed wd = width ss = swimmer speed us = how far upstream us = wd ws / ss In reality the moving water will inhibit swimming speed compared to still water. Double that length might not be good enough. If the water speed is slower than your swimming speed could a...
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: Correct way to wield a machete?
You may be over emphasizing the wrist Fiskars Take big swings, leading with your elbow, so the blade meets the stems and stalks at an angle and slices through them. Never reach out to one side or the other to make quick clean-up cuts in such a way that the blade is moving toward your...
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: Mountaineering with a 6-year-old kid in winter
6 is young but you said she is strong and has mountain experience. From what I read there are non-technical (walking) routes. If snow is deep it is very hard for short legs. Make sure she has water proof hiking boots. Kids are slightly more susceptible to hypothermia but the lows are in the 20's...
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: First skills to learn for mountaineering
First learn safety. Knots, harness, belay, and rescue are common. For snow travel learn self arrest with an ice ax. As far as avalanche safety only climb on glaciers / big snow fields with someone trained and experienced. Take a class or get hooked up with some experienced climbers. Then lear...
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: How can I build a board to mount climbing holds in my house?
You will need to counter sink (fostner) the nut (bottom right) on the back side (because it will be up against the wall). A drill press would be nice. Or space the board from the wall. Any solid wood thick enough. If you are not going to counter sink then you should be able to use plywood. Pract...
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: How can I prevent a fiberglass crack in my sailboat from getting worse?
The gel coat is cracked. It is appropriate to patch the gel coat. As long as the fiber glass stays wet it is just going to get softer. Take down the gel coat enough to expose some fiber glass and get a smooth edge. Get the fiber glass dried out and then seal (with gel coat).
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: How to assess the likelihood of a tree falling in a forest?
You asked about access the tree. Inspect it. Push on it. Look for bugs. Knock on it - if it sounds hollow that is not good. Try and break off limbs - if they break easy that is not good. Assuming you cannot find a spot in a clearing then look for protection like large rocks or fallen trees. If yo...
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: What is this wet/oily residue all over the rocks in my yard?
Sure looks like a high gloss sealant to me. Clean the rock up and apply a high gloss concrete/masonry sealant to the other side and I bet you get a match. Or take a wire brush to they shiny side. Hard to believe it is a natural occurrence when the rock next to it has no shine.
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: Does resoling change a climbing shoe's fit?
Not unless they did a really bad job. Shoe size starts with the sole. It would be really hard to even sew in an upper to a wrong sized sole. If you told the cobbler you want less width they could stitch in a bit but not very much. It will take a bit of time to break the sole in but not nearly as ...
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: What is the safest way to purify water?
This is an excellent article from from REI. Your choices include: Pump-style filters and purifiers Gravity-fed filters and purifiers Ultraviolet light pen purifiers Sip/squeeze bottles with in-line filtering straws Chemical tablets Boiling Boiling alone is very effective the problems that is ta...
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: What do fishing regulations mean by "no bait?"
Yes it means no bait as in absence of bait. Single as apposed to double, triple, ... hooks Fish will strike at lures / spinners. Especially if they don't have much experience with fisherman. What is not clear is if artificial bait is OK (a rubber worm). A triple hook below would not be in...
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: How to dry a BCD (Buoyancy Control Device)
Drying rate is proportional the relative humidity but in reverse. At 100% relative humidity you will not get any drying. England has as typical humidity of 70 - 90. Then on top of that the BCD in the bathroom is adding humidity. A small dehumidifier will knock out some moisture and reduce drying tim...
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: How to prevent rubber on hiking boots from degrading?
Armoral for the rubber. It "helps renew and revitalize vinyl, rubber and plastic." Armoral is a great rubber protectant. It even helps rubber that has started to dry out come back to life. Also store the boots in a dark closet. Clean the boots after use. But Armoral is not going to help the adh...
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: Why do some people stand inside the river fishing?
River banks have trees making it hard to cast. You don't have the angle to cast up (or down). Typically cast up and let the bait take a natural path. For fly fishing it is the typically the only option.
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: How much UV protection does different color linen provides?
Wiki A number of fabrics and textiles in common use today need no further UV-blocking enhancement based on their inherent fiber structure, density of weave, and dye components, especially darker colors and indigo dyes. Good examples of these fabrics contain full percentages or blends of h...
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: What are some alternatives to drilling holes in a toothbrush?
Toothpaste can weigh more than the brush There are tooth paste tablets And tooth powder of just baking soda A brush that folds into itself A rather than a bandanna a small microfiber towel You might gain some weight but can absorb more
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: Does inside vs outside make a difference in a bowline on a bight?
It is not two knots if there is only way to tie. But apparently the feeds are not symmetric. And it would be possible (but not likely) for the feeds to flop. According to this link page 7 the feeds are different. I don't paste as the link is copyrighted. Hard to describe but the load is the si...
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: Is using ultralight gear possible without sacrificing safety, comfort, or skills?
I am going to suggest your question is conflicted. If you are not willing to sacrifice comfort and even take responsible risk then you are not ultralight. If you are not willing to sacrifice comfort you are light and comfortable. To me ultralight is sacrifice comfort. And you don't necessarily ha...
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: Can a cooler (warm weather) sleeping bag be used when combined with a warmer (cold weather) under quilt for hammock camping?
So you have slept on a 20&#xB0;F (-7&#xB0;C) bag hammock 50&#xB0;F (10&#xB0;C) night just fine Want to know if 50&#xB0;F (10&#xB0;C) bag hammock 30&#xB0;F (-1&#xB0;C) under quilt 30&#xB0;F (-1&#xB0;C) night will work? If you sleep cold then no way. Over bagged by 30&#xB0;F (17&#xB0;C) y...
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: Portable ladder for sailboat?
OP added picture and it appears to have mooring cleats. Looks like there are three lift rings and some people put a mooring cleats over the top. In the picture that webbing is probably to assist getting in the boat. I would just string a rope (or better webbing) across the two lift rings / moorin...
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: Designing a sustainable and portable high-energy diet
Don't try and cram it all day long. Allocate more time for dinner. Start a big dinner as soon has you make camp. Eat the bulk at dinner when your body can relax and digest fully. Start your day with a small meal. Unless you have a lot of nuts or meaty sauce then you may be low on protein. A chees...
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: Am I packing too much for a 2-3 day hike in the forests?
But 3.5 liter is not enough and still 1/4 of the weight. Get a good filter, water treatment, or boil water. Even with a filter have some treatment. Boil is time consuming and with a bigger pot it adds weight. More fuel but it does not require much more fuel. Note the food you cook does not n...
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: When making camp in the mountains, which direction should I face my tent?
Pitch the tent flat. If not flat then most people prefer feet down hill. You may prefer feet up. Lay down and decide what you what. Most people sleep head at the opening. Across the grade you roll - not good. I like feet down hill and head at the opening so opening up hill.
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: How can I take my dog kayaking?
Get canoe. Even a two person kayak when you are paddling from just one it is not balanced. Get a river or boat tube the correct size. Get a lab they can float all day. Unless the water is cold I think most dogs would prefer a good PFD.
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: How can I tell which way is "down wind"
Local wind will vary and settle and night. If you have a storm moving in or big body of water then would will get persistent breeze. Near dusk drop some grass a few time and see it is consistent.
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: Camping stove with plane allowed fuel
If it is going to produce enough heat to cook a plane is going to have problems with it. A solid fuel is very stable and not likely to cause a problem. For sure don't cheat with a compressed gas like propane or butane that could go pissss at low pressure. A liquid fuel like white gas in a high en...
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: Safety in re-slinging old trad gear
Not following your logic here. You seem to assert if we don't have a record of the knot failing then safe to lash up old gear. There are newer designs. Hardware fatigues. The knot is not the only point of failure. Just because a water knot is still taught does not mean there is not something ...
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: What are some proven methods of training for week long backpacking trips at high altitude?
As for raw cardio stairs or stair trainer. Or running, walking, bicycle. Include some walking with a fully loaded pack to get you body used to bearing the weight. Search on "altitude training". There are altitude training masks but not everyone agrees they are effective. There are altitude trai...
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: How to safely store a propane/butane/isobutane canister in a vehicle?
Don't store them in the car. Hide them in the engine compartment or under the car. I don't even store butane in my house. Hopefully they have a pressure relief valve that they don't actually explode but I still would not store them in the vehicle. Combined with an ignition source you have a very n...
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: How would one assess the safety of a wooden bridge?
Inspect the bridge and footings. Is soil eroded behind the footing. Has the bridge shifted on the footing. Is the bridge cracked or is anything missing. With livestock cross one at a time with livestock trailing to distribute the weight. They probably just have a proper protocol that an engine...
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: How do you make an emergency water filter and purifier?
Define dirty. The question says potable. The stuff that will hurt you requires very fine filtration that I don't think is feasible using natural elements. Filters for protozoan cysts and bacteria typically filter to 0.2 microns Yes you can filter larger particulate matter (e.g. dirt) but that is no...
(more)
over 8 years ago