Tag: PreBlast

  • DIY – the Original DTH ShovelFlag!

    For a number of different reasons, there has been some entertaining Mumblechatter among the PAX in regard to YHC’s most superb ShovelFlag, created in preparation for our newest AO, The FORGE, starting 4/4/19. The original design seemed flimsy and labor intensive, so YHC developed a better design – stronger, lighter, and capable of lengthy extension.  For those of you interested in making your own version of the DTH Original, below are the necessary steps…

    Historical Note: YHC’s Flag soared above the United States Capitol on the day of YHC’s Graduation from the Virginia Military Institute (May 14th, 2005). Rah Va Mil!!!

    Step 1 – go to Lowes with ~$45 to purchase the following…

    Badass Shovel: ~$18

    https://m.lowes.com/pd/True-Temper-39-in-Fiberglass-Long-handle-Digging-Shovel/50223625

    Extender Rod: ~$10

    https://m.lowes.com/pd/Mr-LongArm-Twist-Lok-Steel-3-342-ft-to-6-075-ft-Telescoping-Threaded-Extension-Pole/1000524555

    Eye Bolt & Nut:  ~$1 (can be any gauge, but long enough to go through extender rod)

    https://m.lowes.com/pd/National-Hardware-5-16-in-x-3-25-in-Zinc-Plated-Steel-Plain-Eye-Bolt/1000367315

    O-Ring: ~$1

    https://m.lowes.com/pd/Blue-Hawk-Nickel-Plated-O-Ring/999971120

    Spray Paint: ~$5

    https://m.lowes.com/pd/Krylon-Professional-Gloss-Black-Spray-Paint-Actual-Net-Contents-15-oz/1000459705

    American Flag: ~$10 (if you don’t already have one…)

    https://m.lowes.com/pd/Independence-Flag-5-ft-W-x-3-ft-H-American-Flag/1197541

    DIRECTIONS:

    • Remove foam grip on Shovel & plastic grip on Extender (insert Extender into Shovel to confirm perfect fit)
    • Remove all labels (use GooGone)
    • Spray paint Shovel above blade
    • Spray paint Extender’s yellow thread-top
    • Let these items dry fully
    • Drill hole through top of Extender ~1” below plastic threaded top (drill bit should be slighter wider than gauge of EyeBolt)
    • Use manly brute strength and whatever tools on hand to slightly widen opening of Eyebolt, then hook Eye onto Flag’s top rivet hole
    • Similarly separate and widen opening of O-Ring to hook onto Flag’s lowest rivet hole, then tighten O-ring back up (if possible
    • Attach EyeBolt to top end of Extender (if desired, can use a bonding agent to lock nut securely on back end)
    • Slip O-Ring over bottom end of Extender, then extend rod & hand-tighten to keep Flag & O-Ring on Extender rod
    • Insert base of Extender into top of Shovel – only about 1” needed, otherwise difficult to remove
    • Decorate as you see fit, though traditionally an F3 sticker on the Shovel head is recommended at minimum
    • NOTE: Amazon sells excellent Vinyl stickers (white, 1-3” variety) if you would like to have words on the handle
    • Now you’re ready for all things F3! …or at the very least, joining the Breakfast Club extra credit on Saturday mornings! AYE! 

  • PreBlast – PuppyPile CANCELLED

    PuppyPile is cancelled for tomorrow.  The weather is supposed to be in the low 20’s and I don’t think that’s great for young kids.  It’s super disappointing because my 2.0 (Churchill) has been talking about it all week and even practicing some of the exercises (PLT’s and Wheelbarrows are his favorites).

    I’ll keep an eye on the weather and will get something on the books soon when it gets more tenable.  See ya in the (cold) gloom.

    Ollivander

  • Preblast – PuppyPile Jan 26

    Since I’ve messed up the date a few times, I want to confirm PuppyPile will be on Saturday January 26 at 7:05am following Dogpile.  It’s a great time for Dad’s and their kids to bond over some fun, exercise, and ET’s breakfast afterwards.  It will be my first PuppyPile Q, so suggestions are welcome!

  • PreBlast – Dogpile Extra Credit: Standing Invitation

    PreBlast – Dogpile Extra Credit: Standing Invitation

    If you’re looking to get in some extra credit Saturday mornings, join us in the ETs parking lot ready to mosey at 5:30. We’ll run over to Dogpile in time for the regularly scheduled beatdown. Shovel Flags are welcomed, if not encouraged. If you run to and fro, you’ll log just under 4 miles.

  • Breaking Bread this Weekend

    Breaking Bread this Weekend

    Hello fellas,

    I have the Q for Breaking Bread this Sunday and currently I need at least two more to help serve. I’m handing all the food just need the hands to help. If you can Hard Commit either comment here or you can reach me at 804-347-9857. I already have Bulkhead on board!

    Spit

  • December HDHH

    The idea has been batted around and announced in COTs but YHC decided to make it official by posting a Pre-Blast.

    HDHH Wednesday 12/19 at Capital Ale House in Midlothian.  5:30 pm until ?  Come share some Christmas spirit(s) and 2nd F.  No 1st F associated with this one, show up and join in the fun if you can.

    Word is this may conflict with Hardywood’s 2.0 book signing but for those of you crossing the river for that experience, you might as well make your way over for a drink.

  • Pre-Blast: Breaking Bread, Sunday, November 25 – Need YOU!

    Pre-Blast: Breaking Bread, Sunday, November 25 – Need YOU!

    Thanksgiving Quiz

    Question 1: Where was the first Thanksgiving in America held?

    Answer: Virginia.  That’s easy.  As early as 1610.  9 years before some Massachusetts Pilgrims scraped up their new Plymouth by crashing into a rock on their way home from a baahhhh.

    Question 2: What is a HIM?

    Answer: High Impact Man.  This weekend, it’s YOU!

    Question 3: Who will be a HIM for 2.5 hours on Sunday, November 25, 2018.

    Answer: You

    Question 4: What is needed?

    Answer: F3 RVA sponsors Breaking Bread one Sunday evening each month.  This month, it falls on Thanksgiving weekend. As of Tuesday, no one had signed up, so I jumped at the opportunity.

    Isn’t this a hassle on a Sunday?  Only if you let yourself think that way.

    If you have not done this, it’s not a burden – it’s a reward.  You will have the opportunity to serve dinner to roughly 12-15 people.  These are folks who incurred injuries or other medical conditions in their lives.  They found themselves homeless in the process.  The Daily Planet is their chance to recover safely and, at this time of year, in a warm, welcoming environment.  Your help pulls them through.  And, having done this 2 times already this year, I can tell you there will be no one at your family Thanksgiving tomorrow more thankful than these folks will be for your help on Sunday.

    Also, for anyone who is thinking, “But, I like to watch football on Sundays,” your prayers have been answered.  They almost ALWAYS have football going on Sundays in the fall.  EVERYONE watches.  No burdensome M’s or 2.0s to ask you to be a husband or Dad** – just you, football, and helping the homeless.

    I need ONE brother (two would be fine, but I NEED one), one HIM, to step up for Sunday.  I’ll do most of the cooking.

    Who’s in?

    Respond to the Pre-Blast or text me (804 307 6765).  Help a brother, help some homeless folks, but most of all, help yourself, F3RVA Thanksgiving-style, by lending a hand.

    **Bring your kids, if you wish.  Daily Planet recommends that they be 10 years old to attend.

  • Pre Blast – Coat Donation

    All-

    We are accepting coat and jacket donations every Saturday at Dogpile  until the end of the year.  If you have any that you can spare, we will make sure they get to a person in need this winter.  If someone is willing to collect at GridIron I will meet them and get them as well.  Any coat is acceptable, mens, women’s or kids.  Lets help keep RVA warm this winter.  Thanks for those who have donated and thanks in advance for those planning too!

    M’Duke

  • DogPile/PuppyPile – 9/29/2018

    Reminder:  PuppyPile is tomorrow at 7:05am right after DogPile!  Marv has the Q!

    Reminder:  DogPile will be Hot Potato after YHC begins.  YHC will take the first 15 minutes, then toss it to an unexpecting PAX member!  Three Q’s after YHC, 15 minutes each which includes any travel time!  Be Ready!

    Hope to see a large total attendance tomorrow morning with the nice, cool, crisp weather.

    Kubota

     

  • Sometimes all you have to do is ask (Healing Place Training Team)

    Sometimes all you have to do is ask (Healing Place Training Team)

    For a number of years the Healing Place, a residential program for men in recovery from addiction, has had a training team for the Monument Avenue 10k. This year they are trying a team for the 8k race that is attached to the Richmond Marathon. They started on Saturday, but only six of the twelve residents who had signed up showed up. Yesterday I went to their all-hands-on-deck community meeting to try to recruit a few new men and remind the others about accountability. I told them to let me know if there was anything holding them back and we would find a solution. Afterwards two men said they were interested but didn’t have shoes. “Just show up” I said, knowing I had two days to figure something out and that F3 would be the first place to turn.

    This morning I made a request for shoes at 45 Minutes of Mary hoping to score some used but still usable donations. Who else but Hardywood offers a full carton of returned shoes that have been hardly been used. All those men had to do was ask, and all I had to do was broadcast that request. T-claps for Hardywood.

    If you are interested in running with the guys, the runs are on Saturdays through November 3rd at 7:30 AM. The Healing Place is on Dinwidde Ave south of downtown in the Blackwell/Manchester area. With the team so small and other running volunteers from the community, we don’t need more than three or four F3ers.

    There were also some men who wanted to know if it was possible to put together an evening run. Let me know if you are interested.

    To summarize:

    • I think we are good on shoes
    • I’ll find out if there is a need for clothing (shorts, sweats, etc.)
    • Reply in the comments if you are interested in running after work during the week, and which evenings/times you are available