       root.bullet_stroke = "none"
       root.bullet_fill   = "#fff"
       root.bullet_size   = 2
-      root.bullet_speed  = 20 / root.dt
-      root.wait          = 15
+      root.bullet_speed  = 15 / root.dt
+      root.wait          = 20
       root.fire()
       d3.select(this).transition().duration(dur).style("fill", "#006") 
       sidewinder.style("fill", "#FFF") 

    else 
      dur = 420
      @root.game_over()
      @lives.text('GAME OVER, PRESS "r" TO RESTART')
      @stop()
      return true
    inactive = @element.every (element) -> 

      how.transition().duration(dur).style("opacity", 0).remove()
      d3.timer(@progress)
    )
    
  progress: =>  # set a timer to monitor game progress
    @scoretxt.text('SCORE: ' + Gamescore.value)
    @leveltxt.text('LEVEL: ' + (@N - @initialN + 1))
