1. For those of you who remember WDP’s “Heaven” at events back in the day, the NPPL is teaming up with Angel Paintball Sports to bring Heaven back…I’m just hoping whoever the model is for the promo material is there, and someone gets LOTS of pictures of her…
2. SoBe Paintball’s John Navarro ordered my “Charge” Ego Ten…I’m told by Minions that Gerry Bates was in the ’special’ room at Eclipse USA doing the various incantations and rituals that are done with all of the South Beach Pimps’ guns, as stated in our sponsorship contract. Stay tuned for the review in SHM.
3. This week I had to stop at Paintballers, Inc. in Tampa to pick up some batteries for this weekend, and they happened to have a Charge Ego 10 on the wall…I had to be drug out of the shop kicking and screaming.
4. Speaking of which, the newest Shooting Hot Magazine went live Monday! Http://www.shootinghotmagazine.com
5. The SPPL opened its’ season in Nevada. Idaho team Nasty Habitz won.
6. This weekend Bill “Firebug” Meister brings Hogwarts’ School of Witchcraft to life at LCP. I’ll be there…shouldn’t you?
7. Kingman re-signs as a Major Sponsor with the NPPL for 2010.
8. Valken Sports and local shop Renegade Paintball are stepping up to vend and support NOCER Productions’ Holy Grail at Old River this year. Check out the particulars at http://www.nocerproductions.com
9. Enter to win a BT Omega: http://www.btpaintball.com/LP/Omega/index.html Tell ‘em The Ford Report sent you…
10. TechPB has signed a sponsorship deal with XSV for 2010. I’m told that Kitty’s English accent made Telford melt in his shoes…after that, easy deal to make.
11. So does this mean that the 6′5” Mike Phillips is going to be their new snake guy? Don’t laugh…he’s evil playing snake side.
12. PBNation signs on as a Master Sponsor of the PSP.
13. So did Planet Eclipse!
14. The homies over at Ultimate Airball have released their new ‘Rapid Up” Speed Valve to speed up the process of filling or emptying your bunkers.
15. TechT releases their Ifit Barrel kit: http://www.techtpaintball.com/iFIT.html
16. Special Ops Paintball has released their new Dagger vest.
17. Man, Australia has a serious Political Correctness problem: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8548800.stm
18. DYE releases Ton Tons, Nexus, and Bullets Private Label guns.
19. DYE Officially signs Naughty Dogs to a multi-year agreement.
20. Hey, did you notice the new advertisers in this month’s SHM? Shouldn’t your ad be in there too?
21. Blue says: “BLUE and DEUCE along with 6 other BLUE’S CREW members are flying out to Southern California to play the WEST COAST CASTLE CONQUEST at Giant Paintball in Alpine this Saturday, 3/6/10. West coast ballers, don’t miss this chance to experience PURE PAINTBALL INSANITY in your area.”
22. Wyrm says: “EMR Paintball Park brings you MARCH MELTDOWN – March 27/28, 2010 “The Battle for Azzyroth: INSURRECTION” a 7 Hour Scenario produced by Jason “Wyrm” Rossow of EMR PAINTBALL PARK and DRAGN’Z LAIR PRODUCTIONS! Pre-Registration ends 3/12/10. Entry is ONLY $20 if Pre-paid by 3/12/10 for the entire weekend of play or $30 at the event. For game information or registration, please visit http://www.emrpaintball.com/meltdown.shtml .
23. Bill Bussler informs me that Tippmann has launched an Iphone App that locates fields and stores for you.
24. The photos from the RPL’s first event are now available.
25. The NPPL has changed the venue for their pre-event throwdown/NPPL PRO Ref training weekend to Jungle Island Paintball, rather than Camp Pendleton. It happens this weekend, so if you’re out in SoCal, get on over there!
26. The NPPL has also released the team list for HB.
27. Scottsdale Elevation has their PL Ego Ten…
28. IYAOYAS Tough Guy Dale “Rattpack” Surratt recently got some good news from his doctor. There was a possibility of heart issues, but as it turns out his ticker is strong and healthy.
29. Josh Davey shares the link to the 5^th installment of his “Roamin’” series: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WVEQzjxTIM
30. Frank Connell is pondering buying a Porsche Boxster. He really needs to buy a C5 ‘Vette and allow me to take good care of it for him. Just sayin’.
31. Dynasty will be shooting CP barrels for the 2010 season.
32. DraXxus becomes a PSP Master Sponsor for 2010.
33. The NPPL is now issuing Press Credentials for HB. Contact Chris Iaquinta at chris@nppl.com to get yours if you’re a media type.
34. European Minions confirm that Millenium Series Max’s Masters 2010 will be held in Bitburg, Germany May 21st-23^rd.
35. They also confirm that Offenbach Comin’ At Ya will have support from Pro Players Tim Montressor and Ryan Moorhead .
36. Blue chimes in again: “CASTLE CONQUEST XXIX at EMR Paintball Park on the east coast is coming up April 24th and the Bunkhouses are already filling up so if you want room in a bunkhouse, get your registrations in soon. Check it out at http://emrpaintball.com/conquest.shtml . See you either on the West Coast or the East Coast for this great game.”
37. KEE Action Sports dropped me a line to make sure I knew about MPP Games’ “Ia Drang-War of Wills” going on March 27^th and 28^th at Paintball Charleston. Get the info at http://www.mppgames.com
38. Ken from SPO Gear sent me this cool story about a guy faceplanting loader-first and not destroying his hopper…Versa Shell keeping it together! Http://www.spogear.com
39. The RPL announces Event #2 in Vegas, baby!
40. The Pump Division for HB is sold out.
41. The guys over at ProPaintball.com must have top notch minions…they managed to get Connell to come off with a picture of the Avalanche EgoX : http://www.propaintball.com/2010/02/avalanche-egox/
42. PaintballX3 has another new site: http://www.tech.paintballx3.com/
43. Hater Paintball releases the Vici: http://www.vicipaintball.com/
44. Team Bad Karma is spooling up for their annual game: http://www.teambadkarma.com/
45. Luis “Luigi The Beast” Carmona is an experienced video editor and all around good guy to have on your team. He’s on the market, so if you’re looking for a top notch video guy with major network experience, hit me up at dale@thefordreport.com and I’ll send you his Resume`.
46. Team All Russians and Manchester Method are going to be playing in the European SPL league for 2010.
47. My Sainted Mother turns 69 years old Monday. Contrary to popular belief, I wasn’t hatched.

Valken President and CEO, Gino Postorivo said “Valken is truly becoming a global paintball force and we look forward to meeting our European customers, establishing new partnerships and making Valken products available in the European marketplace”. “I, along with members of the U.S. Valken team, will be in attendance at each of the Millennium Series events and we are very happy to become a partner with MEPS”, added Postorivo.

Valken is seeking 1 major distributor in each respective European marketplace to solidify a foundation for their ever-expanding distribution network. Please send dealer requests to info@valken.com.

The 2010Millennium European Paintball Series venues are; Malaga Spain, Bitburg Germany, London England and Paris France. Teams scheduled for competition will come from as many as 30 countries. For more information on the Millennium European Paintball Series, please visit www.millennium-series.com.

Valken Sports is the exclusive distributor for Redemption, Crusade, Fate, Exile, V-Tac, Sly and Worthington branded products. Go to www.valkenpaintball.com for more details.

Regarding the acquisition, Jayson Neilson said “The SPPL is the premier Woodsball League in the world. There are many imitators but they will never be able to match the sportsmanship, fair play, and overall fun and simplicity of our 3 flag format. With events in five different countries and fields all across the US requesting local SPPL affiliates it is critical that my replacement not only be qualified to continue on with my vision but to grow that vision and take the SPPL to new heights.”

He went on to add “It is my opinion that there is no other person in the paintball industry more qualified to take over the SPPL than Billy Smith. Over the past six years that I’ve had the privilege to know and work with him, I have become a huge fan. He is one of the few individuals in this industry that really ‘gets’ the players. He works tirelessly to provide them with the best venues and experiences possible.

If you’ve ever had the opportunity to attend any of his events or meet him, then you know what I’m talking about. He is truly an amazing asset to the SPPL and the players should be excited for what’s next. Not only will he be able continue my vision for the SPPL, he’ll be able to add to it in so many more ways than I have ever been able to do.”

The 2010 season will continue with the same rules, venues and events that Mr. Nielson has scheduled. Mr. Smith will be at the SoCal event scheduled for March 27th-28^th at Camp Pendelton near San Diego, California.

For more information, check out www.playsppl.com .

Paul Counsell, Undergrounds Vice president said, “Valken is poised to set new standards within the paintball community and as one of Canada’s largest independent distributors, Underground Productz is looking towards a strong future along with Valken”. “We are truly excited about our new partnership with Valken; with their product lineup, we have become a one-stop-shop for all of our Canadian customers”, added Dale Jorgensen, Underground Productz’ Chief Operating Officer.

Valken President and CEO, Gino Postorivo stated, “We are extremely impressed with Underground Productz’ marketing efforts, distribution capability and excellent rapport within the Canadian paintball community”. “We look forward to getting those customers the most heavily requested and highest quality gear in their hands, as soon as possible”, added Postorivo.

Underground Productz is a full-service, one-stop-shop paintball outlet, centrally located between Detroit MI, Buffalo NY and Ontario, Canada. For more information, visit www.undergroundproductz.com.

Valken Sports is the exclusive distributor of V-Tac, Redemption, Crusade, Fate, Exile, Worthington and Sly branded paintball products. See www.valkenpaintball.com for more details or call (866) 812-2760 to locate a Valken dealer near you.

1. Comedy Gold: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuvQuLYzsp0
2. ProCaps Direct expands their customer service team: http://thefordreport.com/2010/02/procaps-direct-expands-customer-service-operations/
3. Former Redz International Strongman Carmen Borgia joins the Valken team: http://thefordreport.com/2010/02/carmen-borgia-joins-the-valken-team/
4. Hopefully Carmen’s system is ready for a steady diet of Shark, Bear, and Lion….
5. DYE rolls out their limited edition Black and Gold NT: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwTZsH10xdM
6. Groovy!
7. S-Thunder is coming…. http://www.s-thunder.com/en/
8. Help out a paintballer in need: http://thefordreport.com/2010/02/a-call-to-action/
9. If you register for PSP Phoenix by March 1 your team’s name will go on the official shirt.
10. The Tippmann Carver One arrived this week for review.
11. Tough Chrono has secured distribution in Europe: http://thefordreport.com/2010/02/tough-chrono-names-paintball-de-exclusive-european-distributor/
12. DYE has signed Pro Team Naughty Dogs to a multi-year agreement.
13. There’s also a Ton Ton limited edition NT available for $1950.
14. The SLS from Planet is going for $1750.
15. OUCH!
16. Pev and Melissa just had a baby boy!! Mason Lewis Peverill arrived 11:31 am 7 lbs 15oz.
17. Planet Eclipse has signed on for a Master Sponsorship for the 2010 season with the PSP.
18. Select DYE products experienced a price increase on the 22^nd.
19. Valerie Evans of the NPPL has released information about hotel discounts for Huntington Beach.
20. Pev’s Tournament Series (PTS) has announced $53,000 in cash prizes for the 2010 season.
21. The NPPL has also released the field layouts for HB. Check it out at www.nppl.com
22. Andy Potter chimes in: “This week will be the premiere of the DXS Corner in Shooting Hot Magazine written by none other than Andy Potter. This monthly column will feature new products, new fields, and the inside scoop on what is going on within Procaps. Be sure to check it out!”
23. Camp Blanding is currently closed to paintball events. I’m looking into specific reasons and the like, and will report my findings on www.thefordreport.com
24. Team IYAOYAS hardcase Terry “Tblack” Black is now a certified Planet Eclipse technician.
25. For a little Gulf Coast Florida flava: http://www.gatorpaintball.com/html/index.php
26. American Airlines is offering discounts to PSP attendees.
27. The guys over at Pro Paintball broke the news on Team Vicious’ new gun for 2010: http://www.propaintball.com/2010/02/vicious-2010-team-guns/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+propaintballcom+%28ProPaintball.com!%29
28. Win some goodies in the D-Day Video contest! http://ddaycommonwealth.com/index.php?option=com_jfusion&Itemid=2&jfile=viewtopic.php&f=34&p=11254#p11253
29. The guys over at ANS have lost their minds, at least for the next 6 days: http://www.ansgear.com/Paintball_Sale_Gear_All_Your_Discounted_Paintball_Gear_s/531.htm
30. Valken is supporting the MSXL, for those of you in the midwest: http://thefordreport.com/2010/02/valken-to-support-the-msxl/
31. Next weekend starts our first “Hell Month” for me and The Tiny Blonde Goddess, as we head off to Georgia for the annual “Harry Pottier” game. After that is NOCER’s Holy Grail game, followed by my 40^th birthday. Donations to the Corvette fund to assist me in fully enjoying my mid-life crisis would be most appreciated.

From information for new players to News from Across the Pond, Andy Potter’s goodness and Blue’s Crew Corner, this month’s issue has it all!

We’re also proud to welcome new advertisers Valken Sports, Sacred Art Tattoo, Guru Gun Stands, and Planet Eclipse to those who want their products in your face!  Don’t forget to check out “Pimpalicious 2010″ on the back cover!

Check it out now at http://www.shootinghotmagazine.com

The Camp Blanding MOUT training site is mainly used to train soldiers to function in an urban environment. However, the government has opened up the facility for use to paintball game producers and airsoft event producers.

A game promoter who was inquiring about having an event at Camp Blanding later this year received notice today from Camp Blanding officials that Camp Blanding was closed to public events until further notice, due to increased military operations going on. A contributing factor to this decision has been cited that it has taken too long to clean up the facility after a paintball event.

The construction of the buildings on the Blanding MOUT facility make them susceptible to staining, since the concrete blocks that make up the construction of the facility aren’t sealed, and the wood timbers used in the construction of various parts of the roofs are extremely dry, and are prone to soaking up liquids introduced to them.

We contacted Camp Blanding MOUT facility NCOIC SFC Scott Hall today to inquire about the reasons for the closing of the facility, but he referred us to the civilian liaison for scheduling events at Camp Blanding and declined to comment any further. Calls to the official in question haven’t been returned as yet.

In another conversation with SFC Hall, the NCOIC confirmed that the facility is still not cleaned up and does not meet the standards for clearance 4 days after the end of the event. Typically a game producer is given 2 days to fully clean the facility. It’s not known at this time when or if the facility will meet the standards for clearance. We understand that a contractor is in the process of being hired to pressure wash the facility.

From previous experience at Camp Blanding, we know that the government prefers that specific colors of paintballs and their fill be used on the facility to prevent staining damage to either the buildings or the surrounding forest. However, it’s not been verified that there’s a clause in the contract for promoter’s paint specifications. However, the custom has been to use a “Blanding Ball” formulated with a gray shell and a very runny, gray or off-white fill.

More as it develops, if any further information develops.

UPDATE: Below is an email exchange that SFC Hall shared with me.  In it Mr. Pinson responds to a player’s concerns about Blanding being shut off to the paintball world:

—–Original Message—–

From: Stefan D [email address redacted ]

Sent: Wednesday, February 24, 2010 5:13 PM

To: Pinson, Richard S Mr NGFL

Subject: Recent blanding game

Mr. Pinson,

I attended the weekend paintball event at the MOUT site at Camp Blanding. I heard a terrible rumor in the paintball forums that due to the type of paint used by the event producer, Joe Moffo, the Military has decided to ban paintball events at this site permanently. Is this true? I guarantee had we known the paint chosen flew in the face of military specifications given to Mr. Moffo then we as a paintball community would have burned it in a bonfire in front of his registration building.

-Stefan [full name redacted]

Team [team name redacted]

—–Original Message—–

From: Pinson, Richard S Mr NGFL

Sent: Thursday, February 25, 2010 12:03 PM

To: Stefan

Cc: Delance, William F MSG NGFL; Hall, James S SFC NGFL

Subject: RE: Recent blanding game (UNCLASSIFIED)

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED

Caveats: NONE

Currently all paintball activities are cancelled at the MOUT Site. We are reviewing paint specifications and required clean-up time for the events. We will provide additional information at a later date.

Richard Pinson Jr

CBJTS-SAC

Office: [ phone number redacted ]

Cell: [phone number redacted]

UPDATE 3/1/2010

We just received word from SFC Scott Hall, NCOIC Camp Blanding MOUT that the site has been officially cleared for military use as of around 3PM today.

Valken will be on hand with their newest lines including Redemption, Crusade, and Fate.

Players and spectators will also be able to preview and purchase the new V-TAC Scenario line.

V-Tac patterns include ACU, Marpat, Tiger Stripe, and Woodland. All clothing and accessories will be available at special pricing.

Redemption, Valken’s newest tournament paint, will be made available at special, event pricing of $40.00 per case.

MSXL series owner, Darin Tapp said, “We are extremely proud to establish this new relationship with Valken and look forward to shooting the Redemption paint.

The MSXL prides itself on staying ahead of the curve and with Valken’s innovation, we feel confident that this partnership will not only benefit the players, but the MSXL series as a whole”, added Tapp.

The MXSL is an official PSP support league.

Series Sponsors: Valken, Trade My Gun, and Planet Eclipse.
Media Sponsors, PB Nation, Reflex Photography and ISPY Photography.

Registration:http://www.paintball-players.org/cgi…h+XBall+League

MSXL Dates and Venues:
March 27&28 @ PB Asylum, Louisville KY, http://www.pbasylum.com/
May 1&2 @ Proving Grounds, Indianapolis IN, http://www.pgpaintball.net/
June 5&6 @ Paintball Plex, LaOtto IN, http://paintballplex.com/
July 10&11 @ Cedar Hill Farm, Hernando MS, http://www.cedarhfarm.com/
Aug 7&8 @ The Break, Collinsville IL, http://thebreakpaintball.com/Welcome.html
Sept 4&5, Series Championship @ AXPS, Owensboro KY, http://axpspaintball.net/

1. Jeff Stein and his merry band of killers are at the birth of a storm: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-_RqDAdBy0&feature=player_embedded
2. Minions ‘having a little talk’ with Frank Connell report that the field layouts for HB will be available tomorrow, and he noted that 60 teams have already signed up since registration opened Monday the 15^th. The beatings will continue as long as they’re productive.
3. The PSP has named Gary Baum to be their Media Liaison.
4. They also think you should be vending at their Phoenix event March 18th-21^st. I’m thinking if Camille and Co. would fly me out, I’d be willing to arrange an introduction between Camille and my wife’s Chihuahua, Lord Humongous.
5. Blue says: “EMR Paintball Park is now giving a $5.00 Per Paintball Case Discount off of the Cash Price if prepaid for by the Pre-Reg Date for each event. This price applies to both Prepaid Charges via PayPal/Credit Cards and Checks or Money Orders and to all quantity discounts. E-mail EMR@EMRPaintball.com with any questions.
6. If you’re in the south and want a chance to shoot the ever-living-snot out of South Beach Pimps, your best bet is to come to NOCER Productions’ “Holy Grail VIII: In Your Midst” March 27^th and 28^th, 2010. http://thefordreport.com/2010/02/nocer-productions-presents-quest-for-the-holy-grail-in-your-midst/
7. But make sure you hit up LCP’s “Harry Pottier and the Order of the Phoenix” March 6^th and 7^th, 2010. Hey, if my broke self can make both of these events, I know you guys can! http://thefordreport.com/2010/02/harry-pottier-v-the-order-of-the-phoenix/
8. Paul Forcier says: “David Foster won a free G3 by playing the Get Outside photography scavenger hunt on Catshack Reports www.catshackreports.com
9. Pro Team Dynasty sign Glen Takemoto
10. GI MilSim has secured Paintball Distribution based in France: http://gimilsim.com/press-releases/205-gi-milsim-welcomes-paintball-distribution-to-the-family
11. Blue and Duece kicked in the door to my office to make sure I put this in the Ford Report: “The guaranteed Defender’s Spots for Spring CASTLE CONQUEST coming to EMR on April 24th is now full. Any players that wish to defend need to get their pre-regs in immediately and they will be put on a waiting list. Leading the Defenders is Team WILDCARDS and they are joined by Divine Wrath, Diesel, Freaks of Nature, Misdirected Hostilities, PBNation, S.F. Wicked Wombats, Shame, Suny Oswego, and Tanks Raiders. Check out PURE PAINTBALL INSANITY at www.EMRPaintball.com .”
12. Brutes.
13. TechPB and Living Legends 3 have teamed up for a special promotion for TechPB members who are going to LL3: http://www.techpb.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=79163
14. Since the door was already off the hinges, Brian Barno dropped this tidbit on me: “Procaps Direct has hired Eric Johnson as a customer service representative in the ongoing process to provide world class customer service. Eric has been involved in the paintball industry both in field and retail stores and is an experienced marker technician. He has organized regional and local tournaments and has served as a referee in tournament play. Eric holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design and is an exhibiting artist.”
15. Bauder Extreme Design have signed on to sponsor Indianapolis Mutiny for the 2010 season.
16. Meanwhile, the GFOA (Georgia Field Owner’s Association) have signed on with Valken Sports for the 2010 season.
17. Local Tampa Bay Company 7^th Element has been on a roll lately, introducing a whole bunch of full featured boards and such for just about all of the major guns out there.
18. Somehow paintballers managed to get their hands on Tiberius-manufactured Pepperball Technologies SA-8 LTL (Less Than Lethal) pistols have got into the hands of paintball players. Eric Bratten wants everyone to understand that these are NOT suitable for use in Paintball. Contact Eric at eric@tiberiusarms.com if you have any questions.
19. Registration is closing for RPL Oceanside.
20. I’ve been told that the UWL event I was going to be competing in with the TechPB Mech Infantry this coming weekend has been postponed. I think I’ll head up to Old River and spar with fellow South Beach Pimps Magic Man and Cooter.
21. When I get home on Sunday I’ll tune into the NPPL video webcast at 5PM PST at www.nppl.com
22. GTF Paintball in NorFla is having a charity game to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project on April 24^th and 25^th, 2010. Great field, great charity…sign up today! Www.gtfpaintball.com
23. The wildmen over at Spec Ops are having some beastmode specials on gear bundles.
24. Pro Player Nicky Cuba has signed with team Infamous.
25. The NPPL is having a PRO Ref Clinic at Camp Pendleton Paintball Park March 5^th and 6^th, 2010.
26. Florida team Palm Beach Vipers sign with Sly Equipment for 2010.
27. Team Bad Karma is gearing up for their annual scenario game: http://www.teambadkarma.com/
28. If you play at Cousins Paintball, every time you play in February, you get a free admission pass for March.
29. There’s a rumor that the Portland Naughty Dogs have signed a multi-year deal with DYE.
30. ANS Gear is on a tear, carrying the new Sly Profit mask, the Goblin Paintball Launcher, and the line of goodies from Inspire Paintball.
31. Ryan Moorhead signs with Edmonton Impact.