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What Is Polyvinyl Chloride?

Polyvinyl chloride (also called PVC) is a type of plastic. Many people are actually familiar with it. Nearly all homes are fitted with PVC pipes. It is also used to make anything from water bottles to wall pipes, window frames to wall panels, credit cards to cling film, pens to credit cards. Even...

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In Law, What Is a Pro Per?

Propria Persona is a Latin phrase that translates to for one’s self, but is abbreviated to Pro Per. This Latin phrase can also reference another Latin phrase, Pro Se, which similarly translates to for oneself. Both Latin phrases are used to describe a litigant who wishes to represent one’s self at...

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What Is Velvet?

Velvet is a kind of fabric. It tends to be associated with luxury and sophistication, because (traditionally) it was a very rare and expensive material used only by the rich for special occasions or for fine décor. It was the favored fabric of royalty and was prized not only because of Its beauty...

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U. S. Motorcycle Fatalities Decrease for the First Time Since 1997

According to a recent study by the Governor's Highway Safety Association, motorcycle rider fatalities decreased by approximately 10% in 2009, the first such drop since 1997. Although the study did not document the cause of the reduction, participants speculated that the weakened U.S. economy has...

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What Is the World Record for the Highest Parachute Jump?

The world record for the highest parachute jump belongs to Colonel Joe Kittinger (USAF, retired), who jumped from a helium balloon at 102,800 feet (over 19 miles) as part of the the U.S. Air Force's Project Excelsior. The purpose of the jump was to test pressure suit design, and to verify that...

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How to Prepare for a Career as a Gunsmith

Interested in pursuing a career as a gunsmith? We've put together these five steps to help you prepare. These tips are summarized from the article How To Become A Gunsmith which you can read for more detail. High school students interested in becoming a gunsmith may prepare with courses like:...

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What Is a Concealed Weapon?

A concealed weapon is any kind of weapon that can harm people and is carried secretly in public. The weapon such as a handgun may be hidden under a person’s shoes, clothing, luggage or vehicle. In the United States, laws on concealed weapon vary from state to state. However, it is common for each...

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What Does “Concealment” Means?

Concealment is the act of hiding something from public view. The thing being hidden can be kept under clothing, inside a bag or vehicle. Basically, there are three types of concealment. In the military, this is referred to as camouflage or CCD wherein the object or person is not easily seen as is...

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What Is Citronella?

Citronella refers to a group of plants, which could either be trees or shrubs that grow in tropical parts of the world. This plant yields an oil - citronella oil - which is valued for its many different properties. The most common use of citronella oil is to repel insects, especially mosquitoes....

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What Is a Forstner Bit?

A Forstner bit is a type of drill bit that is employed when making furniture or other woodworks. A Forstner bit is usually costs more than the standard twist bits. But despite the higher price, Forstner bits have qualities that make them a better choice for furniture makers. Benjamin Forstner, a...