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How to Select Lenses for Creative Photography



In creative photography a photographer can use different camera lenses to create desired effects or to simplify the shooting procedure. Camera lenses establish focal length, angle and depth of field. Normal lenses, wide-angle lenses, telephoto and zoom lenses are examples of different effects that a photographer can create with adept uses of lenses.



Step1 Approach your subject with a normal lens. When the focal length of a lens is approximately the same as the diagonal of the film, the lens is considered to be normal. A normal lens, 50mm, best approximates the view of the human eye in range and size of objects. This is the lens of the purist.


Step2 Select a wide-angle lens if you want to include more of your subject in a frame. A wide-angle lens allows the photographer to be close to her subject and include more space as if she were more distant to the subject. Perspective is an issue. Size becomes distorted and distance alters. These considerations can be creatively applied and resolved with interesting effects. A wide-angle lens offers greatly enhanced depth-of-field. The photographer need not refocus as often as with a normal lens.



Step3 Use a telephoto or long lens to photograph distant objects and bring them into close examination. Telephoto lenses have extremely limited depth-of-field. A long lens works well with certain subjects such as wildlife, which are best photographed from a distance. Surroundings will blur, but that can be used to creative effect. A blur of dense brush framing a baboon has creative potential for the frame. The subject is the undisputed focal point of the shot. Generally, for 35mm cameras, 85mm to 105mm long lenses are the most useful and practical. Some longer lenses are extremely heavy.



Step4 Consider the attributes of a zoom lens, which is several lenses in one. A zoom lens has variable focal length. This means that you can adjust for close-up, wide-angle as well as distant, telephoto shots. Some zoom lenses include a macro feature. Convenience in a shifting environment is an attractive feature of the zoom lens. Some experts think that it is best to use a zoom lens that ranges from 43mm to 86mm. Lenses of greater range create a loss off sharpness

How to prevent the red-eye effect in photographs



Red-eye effect is when a person's eyes have a flash of red discoloration in a photograph. This is caused by the camera's flash hitting the eye' s retina or if the person's iris doesn't have enough time to contract before the picture is done being taken. This can easily be prevented with camera technique or corrected with computer software.


Things You’ll Need:
Camera with or without flash



Step1 If you are using a flash try to angle the flash upward so that it is not flashing directly into the person's eyes.

Step2 If there is enough light in the room to take the picture without a flash then don't use one. Not using a flash at all will eliminate the red-eye effect.

Step3 Most automated cameras have an anti-red eye function in which the camera flashes a few times before taking the picture allowing the iris to contract down before the camera finally takes a picture.



Step4 If you develop a picture that has the red-eye effect in a subject's eyes you can still take care of it. Hobby stores or online craft supply shops sell a red-eye remover marker. You simply dab the marker gently onto the affected area of the photo and let it dry

How to Begin a Weight Loss Program


You have made up your mind. You are ready to lose the extra weight once and for all. You have chosen a diet and exercise program and are raring to go. These steps will help you begin your new weight loss program, so that you lose the weight and keep it off.


Step1 Write down your reasons for losing weight. Think of every reason you can come up with. Not only will this help motivate you to begin your weight loss program, it will help keep you going down the road.
Step2 Set a small, attainable, measurable goal. If you look only at your entire goal it might be overwhelming. Set a goal such as "one month exercising at least three times each week" or "losing 10 percent of my weight."
Step3 Think about possible obstacles you are likely to encounter. Come up with ways to overcome these. Write them down, and picture yourself acting them out. By seeing it in your mind's eye, you will have an easier time putting it to practice.
Step4 Talk to people in your life who you know will be supportive. Let them know you are starting a new weight loss program, and ask them if they will help you be accountable and come to your aid when you are struggling.
Step5 Clean your kitchen. Get rid of any foods that you know might be too tempting, even if you feel like you can handle them today. Replace them with healthy options, and fill your fridge with fresh, cut up, easy-to-grab fruits and veggies

How to Fit Exercise Into Your Busy Schedule


Make a commitment - even a small one - to exercise seven days a week. Begin with 20 minutes of activity every day; this can be broken down any way you need it throughout the day.

Things You’ll Need:
Athletic Shoes
Food/exercise Journals
Athletic Gear
Free Weights Set
In-line Skates
Mountain Bikes
General Fitness Videos
Step1 Try walking, biking or skating to work. If this takes longer than your usual commute, plan ahead: Pack your briefcase and lay out your clothes the night before. Remember to have an extra set of clothes at work for a quick after-commute change, if necessary.
Step2 If an alternate commute is impossible, get off the bus a little earlier and walk the rest of the way, park at the far end of the lot or take the stairs instead of the elevator.
Step3 Make use of your lunch break. Play a quick game of racquetball, make a speedy gym visit, go for a jog or take a brisk walk (use some light hand weights for a bonus workout).
Step4 Stretch at your desk. This reduces muscle tension, gets your circulation moving and prepares you for more strenuous activity later.
Step5 Do some chores. Mow the lawn or rake the leaves for 20 minutes. Housework burns calories, and you have to get the work done anyway.
Step6 Play games with your kids. Shoot some hoops, play some hopscotch or toss a ball

How to Get Started Walking to Work

Walking to work can be the highlight of your day. If you also go to the gym or are considering a workout routine, your journey to work as a pedestrian is multi-tasking since you commute and exercise at the same time. After a stressful day, travel home on foot can wash away the day’s difficulties and deliver you home ready to relax and enjoy yourself.

Things You’ll Need:
Sunglasses
Backpack, or for very light loads, a bag with a strap you can wear across your chest or back
Hat
See a doctor (if there is any chance you aren't healthy enough to walk to work)
Walking route
Comfortable clothing (see above)
Athletic shoes (see above)
Sunscreen

Decide if You Should Walk to Work

Step1 Is your commute 2 miles or less OR can you access public
transportation within 2 miles of your home or work?
Step2 Do you want to exercise for better health, to reduce stress, to save money on gas and maintenance for a car or are you concerned about the environment and global warming?
?Step3 Are you in reasonably good health?

What You Gain by Walking to Work

Step1 Improved health: Walking can prevent heart disease, type II diabetes, breast and colon cancer.
Step2 Save time: If you are going to a gym, or plan to begin working out at a gym, you could save time every day. Let’s say you drive 2 miles to work each day, and it takes you about 15 minutes. Then you also spend an hour each day exercising (and it takes you 30 minutes to get to and from the gym). That’s 1 hour and 45 minutes that can be replaced with 40 minutes to an hour (depending on your pace) of walking. You could save an hour each day!
Step3 Reduce stress: Once you’ve made it home, all frustrations from work should be walked off.
Step4 Save the environment: Even if your commute is very short, the most polluting part of driving is the “cold start” when you start your car after it’s been sitting all night long.

Clothes for Walking to Work

Step1 Dress in comfortable, loose-fitting and breathable clothing. Underlayers of cotton or synthetic fabrics specifically designed to “wick” moisture away from your skin work best. The right one for you will depend on your level of exertion.
Step2 Depending on the weather, dress in layers so that you can remove a layer as you warm up from walking and put a layer back on if you feel cool from wind or slowing down. Unless it is very warm out, make you sure your warm layer is wool or fleece–cotton isn’t as effective for maintaining warmth.
Step3 Protect your skin and tempature by wearing a hat.
Step4 Protect your eyes from UV exposure with sunglasses.
Step5 Always wear sunscreen on your face, neck and chest if exposed. Even with a hat, you will get sun exposure on any part of your body not covered in clothing. Wearing sunscreen reduces your risks of skin cancer and unnecessary aging of the skin.

Shoes for Walking to Work
Step1 Size: Your shoes must fit well, but leave enough room so your feet can expand while walking. Most people wear shoes that are too small. Try the half to full size up, as long as they don’t feel like “clown shoes.”
Step2 Flexibility: Make sure the shoe you wear bends at the ball of your foot and that you can twist it from side to side. Your foot rolls through each step.

Step3 Heel: Walking shoes should be flat and low to the ground.
Step4 Try a well-fit pair of athletic shoes (cross trainers or running shoes, for example).

Good Posture for Walking to Work

Step1 Stand up straight.
Step2 Eyes forward, not looking down but rather 20 feet ahead.
Step3 Your shoulders should be relaxed and slightly back.
Step4 Suck in your stomach and tuck in your behind.
Step5 Roll you feet from heel to toe as you walk.
Step6 Take smaller steps at first.
Step7 Swing your bent arms opposite your step if it isn’t too tiring.

Some Guidelines for Walking to Work

Step1 Stretch before and after your walk.
Step2 Budget 30 minutes per mile when you start. You will find over time that you’ll walk faster (20 minutes per mile is your goal for optimal health benefits), but this is a good pace to expect of yourself at the beginning.
Step3 Slow down if you get out of breath. You should be able to carry on a normal conversation while walking.
Step4 Begin with 1 day per week, increasing a day each week up to 3 or 5 days per week

How to Exercise Through Walking



A regular walking regimen can help lower your blood pressure and cholesterol, increase bone density, burn calories and make your heart happy. And you already know how to do it.



Things You’ll Need:
Portable CD Players
Sunscreen
Walking Shoes
Sunglasses
Notebooks



Step1 Visit a store that sells walking shoes and try on as many as you can. Wear the socks you will wear on a walk, and pick the shoes that feel most comfortable and offer a lot of support. Aside from shoes, you can wear almost any kind of clothing that is not binding or chafing.
Step2 Walk for 5 minutes at a relaxed, easy pace.



Step3 Stretch the calf muscles, hamstrings, hip flexors and quadriceps. Also stretch your shoulders, arms and back.
Step4 Pick up the pace for the next 10 to 30 minutes. If you are a beginning exerciser, start with 10 minutes; more experienced exercisers can start with 30 minutes.



Step5 Move the arms in opposition to the legs, and swing them loosely at your sides.
Step6 Pick a pace that feels comfortable - you should be able to talk while you are walking.
Step7 Keep your head up and relax your shoulders.
Step8 Breathe deeply. If it is getting hard to talk or catch your breath, just slow down a bit.
Step9 Start with three sessions per week and work up to five days a week.
Step10 Add 5 minutes to each workout as your fitness improves. The sky's the limit: If you can walk for 90 minutes, go for it.
Step11 Stretch the major muscles at the end of each walk, particularly the calves and hamstrings

How to Secure Your Luggage for a Flight

Embark on a worry-free flight with the knowledge that the contents of your luggage - and the luggage itself - are safe.


How to Prevent Lost Luggage
Check your luggage at the counter and you're at the mercy of the airlines. Although their (permanent) luggage… More How to File a Lost Baggage Insurance Claim
Nothing ruins a vacation like an airline carrier losing your baggage. If you're going on a trip, you might hav… More How to Mark Luggage so It is Easy To Spot
Have you ever been at the airport, waiting for your luggage at the baggage claim … only to realize that… More How to Tip a Baggage Checker
Traveling is sometimes challenging, but an airport baggage checker can help you skip long lines and other poss… More How to Secure Your Luggage for a Flight
Embark on a worry-free flight with the knowledge that the contents of your luggage - and the luggage itself - … More How to Choose Carry-On Luggage
Whether you wheel it or carry it, picking carry-on luggage has become even more important since the heightened… More How to Recover Lost Luggage
It's a traveler's worst nightmare. You arrive at your destination after a long flight and are ready to enjoy y… More How to Pack Carry On Luggage
People who travel on airplanes know the advantage of having certain items on hand in their carry on luggage. … More How to Prevent Lost Luggage
Check your luggage at the counter and you're at the mercy of the airlines. Although their (permanent) luggage… More How to Choose Carry-On Luggage
Whether you wheel it or carry it, picking carry-on luggage has become even more important since the heightened… More
6 of 10More: See All Articles in this Quick Guide

Things You’ll Need:
Ribbons
Backpack Lock
Carry-on Bags
Luggage Locks
Luggage Sets
Luggage Tags
Insurance
Paper And Pencils
Backpacks

Step1 Make a list of the contents in your bags and keep it with you.
Step2 Pack a copy of your itinerary, including your destination, business address and emergency contact information, in your suitcase.
Step3 Lock your luggage.
Step4 Rip off old luggage and airline tags to avoid potential confusion.
Step5 Tag your luggage inside and out. The tags should include the following information: name, business address and telephone number.
Step6 Tie a distinctive ribbon around the handles of your luggage or decorate it in a way that provides quick identification.
Step7 Pack valuables, such as jewelry, medication, cellular phones and travel documents, in your carry-on luggage.
Step8 Remove any dangling straps that might catch and tear from all the bags you plan to check. Cinch straps of a backpack tightly so they don't get torn during transport.
Step9 Remember to get for a claim stub for every checked bag

How to Prevent Lost Luggage



Check your luggage at the counter and you're at the mercy of the airlines.
Although their (permanent) luggage loss rate is only .005 percent,
you'll want to ensure that your bags don't visit Paris without you.


How to Prevent Lost Luggage
Check your luggage at the counter and you're at the mercy of the airlines. Although their (permanent) luggage… More How to File a Lost Baggage Insurance Claim
Nothing ruins a vacation like an airline carrier losing your baggage. If you're going on a trip, you might hav… More How to Mark Luggage so It is Easy To Spot
Have you ever been at the airport, waiting for your luggage at the baggage claim … only to realize that… More How to Tip a Baggage Checker
Traveling is sometimes challenging, but an airport baggage checker can help you skip long lines and other poss… More How to Secure Your Luggage for a Flight
Embark on a worry-free flight with the knowledge that the contents of your luggage - and the luggage itself - … More How to Choose Carry-On Luggage
Whether you wheel it or carry it, picking carry-on luggage has become even more important since the heightened… More How to Recover Lost Luggage
It's a traveler's worst nightmare. You arrive at your destination after a long flight and are ready to enjoy y… More How to Pack Carry On Luggage
People who travel on airplanes know the advantage of having certain items on hand in their carry on luggage. … More How to Prevent Lost Luggage
Check your luggage at the counter and you're at the mercy of the airlines. Although their (permanent) luggage… More How to Choose Carry-On Luggage
Whether you wheel it or carry it, picking carry-on luggage has become even more important since the heightened…
Step1 Attach permanent leather or plastic tags with your name and phone number to each suitcase and keep them current. Remove old flight destination tags before leaving home.
Step2 Put your contact info on everything, including glasses cases, cameras and cell phones. If you leave anything on the plane, it's essential that it be identifiable so it can be returned to you.
Step3 Put a copy of your itinerary in your suitcase. If your bags are found while you're away, they might get home before you do.
Step4 Make sure the airport tag on your bag matches your final destination. Confirm that luggage tags and the number of checked pieces matches. Keep your tags in a very secure place--they're your receipt and proof in the event of loss.
Step5 Find a baggage agent immediately if your luggage does not arrive in the claim area. Ask if your bags arrived on an earlier flight. If they are not in the holding area, fill out the forms. Get a phone number to call in case you need to follow up and give them yours. Most airlines will provide basic amenities--toothbrush, toothpaste and razor--while you're waiting for your bag

How to Help Your Family Lose Weight


It's in the genes. According to a recent study, people are up to 75 percent more likely to have a weight problem if they have a family history of obesity. Stop this trend by joining your family in a weight loss plan.


Things You’ll Need:
Low-fat Cookbooks
Health Club Memberships
Basketball Hoops
Basketballs
Road Bikes
Skis
Children's Bicycles
Basketballs

Step1 Take a trip to the grocery store together. Let everyone choose his or her favorite nutritious foods, and remind one another to avoid the junk food aisles.
Step2 Share low-fat recipes and healthy cooking tips, and put these to good use by preparing meals together.
Step3 Serve reasonably proportioned meals on individual plates. That is, bring to the table plates that are already full as opposed to passing around dishes where family members can simply help themselves.
Step4 Take a walk together after dinner.
Step5 Turn off that television set and computer monitor and spend time together doing more active things - play some football, shoot some hoops, ride bicycles around the neighborhood.
Step6 Join a health club together - be sure to ask about family or group rates.
Step7 Indulge in your family's taste for adventure by planning the next vacation around an activity that requires movement, such as hiking, skiing, canoeing or whitewater rafting

How to Choose a Diet Low in Saturated Fat & Cholesterol



Because some fat in your diet is necessary, it's important to incorporate the good fats, or those which are saturated. However, cholesterol should be mostly avoided- but make sure you are still eating the right foods, not just avoiding some because they are have some cholesterol or fat in them.

From Quick Guide: Guide to Low Fat Diets
How to Balance Fat on the Body for Life Diet
The Body for Life Diet advises removing trans fats from the diet, correctly recognizing the dangers of hydroge… More How to Reduce Fat in Your Diet
Reducing fat in your diet doesn't mean you will face a life of tasteless dry meals and fat-free cookie boxes i… More How to Choose a Diet Low in Saturated Fat & Cholesterol
Because some fat in your diet is necessary, it's important to incorporate the good fats, or those which are sa… More How to Plan a Low Fat Diet
As heart disease reaches epidemic proportions in America, more and more individuals are adopting low fat diets… More How to Find Sample Meal Plans for the Ornish Diet
Dr. Dean Ornish's diet plan, as described in his book "Eat More, Weigh Less," is a very low fat plan. Less tha… More About the Cabbage Soup Diet
The cabbage soup diet has been around for years. It's one of the most popular crash diets, providing a structu… More How to Eat Well According to the Dean Ornish Diet
There is a popular misunderstanding that gourmet food is tasty and appealing to the eye, but unhealthy, while … More How to Customize a Diet Plan
Fad diets come and go because no one diet fits every need. There are many factors that must be considered befo… More About the Dean Ornish Diet
Dean Ornish, M.D., developed the Life Choice Diet, a low-fat ..vegetarian high-fiber diet, to improve heart heal…

Step1 Go through your pantry, fridge, freezer, and cabinets, taking out any food that may cause you to go into "food relapse." Some of these may be ice cream, cookies, or chips. Anything that is high in fat or cholesterol needs to go! You may think that it is just wasted money, but really, that food is just junk that is trash for your body.
Step2 Go to the grocery store and begin to find low-fat and low-cholesterol items that you like and can eat on a regular basis. The majority of your diet should be veggies and fruits as these provide your nutrients and keep you full so you don't get tempted to go for your danger foods. Whole grain pasta, nuts, and low-fat turkey and ground beef are also good foods that keep you full and are healthy.
Step3 Besides filling your cabinets with healthy foods, there are many things you can do in order to stay on track. Eating a large breakfast, 400 to 600 calories, will keep you full longer. A whole grain waffle with peanut butter, or whole grain cereal or bagels, are good choices.
Step4 Keeping a food journal with calorie and fat counts helps you stay on track because you have a visual record of what you are eating. For most women, the minimum calorie intake per day is 1200 and for men, it is around 1800. However, this is an estimate and varies depending on the amount of exercise or activity, age, and any relevant health conditions, such as a pregnancy or diabetes. For the most part, you should only eat 20 to 40 grams of fat per day.
Step5 As with any diet, drinking a lot of water (half your body weight in ounces is a good estimate) and maintaining a regular exercise routine will speed up your dieting efforts. Just 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, is all you need to begin to get fit and stay healthy

How to Ski


Swooshing down the slopes is a lot of fun, if you know what you're doing and are not just flying down the mountain because you never knew how to stop or turn properly.
This eHow will teach you how to enjoy a ski trip by providing the basic techniques for skiing.


Step1 Practice gliding, walking and skating in your skis on flat ground.
Step2 Stand on a gentle rise. With your skis pointed downhill, glide straight down.
Step3 Practice slowing down using the wedge or snowplow method. Stand on top of the gentle rise and glide straight down, pushing the tails of your skis outward and the points of your skis together.
Step4 Practice stopping using the wedge or snowplow. Glide downhill, creating a wedge with your skis, and turn your feet so that you apply gentle pressure using your inside edges.
Step5 Practice turning left. Glide down a gentle slope, with your ski tips pointed together in a low-angle snowplow, then gently shift your weight onto your right-hand ski.
Step6 Practice turning right. Glide down a gentle slope, with your ski tips pointed together in a low-angle snowplow, then gently shift your weight onto your left-hand ski

How to Read Your Child's Report Card




I have been a teacher since 1996 and am a parent of two school-age children--so I know about report cards. Receiving your child's report card can be a pleasant experience or it can be a traumatic one. In any case, here are tips for effectively reading a report card with your child.


Step1 Sit down and go over each grade of the report card with your child. Don't be one of those parents that goes straight to the lowest grades and only wants to discuss those grades; spend some time on each grade.
Step2 Make sure that you completely understand the school's grading scale. In my district, for instance, we grade the kids on a 5-point (1–5 scale) with "5" being the highest. However, a "3" is not a "C," which parents don't often understand. A "5" indicates that your child is doing work two years ahead of the state standards, a "4" is above grade level and a "3" is at grade level. So a "3" is actually like a "B," but parents are usually not aware of this ahead of time because they don't bother to read the attached explanation.
Step3 Reward your child for good grades. Opinions vary on this subject, but I think hard work deserves some recognition other than just a pat on the back.
Step4 Don't just tell your child to improve his or her grades. Help them to get better grades. Figure out what they might need, for instance, a quieter place to study and do homework

How to develop a good test


Tests are formal assessment instruments used to judge students’ cognitive ability in an academic discipline as well as to gather quantitative information about students’ psychomotor performance (physical skills) and affective characteristics (attitudes, emotions, interests, and values). Tests usually consist of a series of questions, statements, or tasks that are administered to a student or group of students.

Step1 WRITE OBJECTIVES AND PLAN TEST.
The development of a test that accurately measures student achievement requires careful planning. Planning for tests should start with an examination of student outcomes identified in the instructional objectives. An objective is a communication device that specifies the knowledge, skills, and attitudes expected of students at the end of an instructional unit. Objectives include three components: (1) conditions, (2) performance, and (3) criteria.

• Conditions – identify what is available to students (e.g., setting, resource materials, context, circumstances, or restrictions) when they are asked to complete the desired performance.

• Performance – specify the desired measurable and observable student outcome (e.g., what the student will be able to do).

• Criteria – specify standards (tolerance limits) or proficiency for satisfactory performance.

A table of specifications is a two-dimensional planning tool used to analyze instructional content in order to determine the percentage of instructional time the teacher should spend on objectives as well as the type and number of test items necessary to adequately measure student achievement of class content.
Step2 DEVELOP TEST ITEMS.
Test items are classified as objective or subjective. Objective test items (true or false, multiple-choice, matching, and completion) are easy-to-write and score and can sample large amounts of content; however, they are limited to facts, encourage guessing, and fail to measure higher levels of cognitive learning. Subjective test items allow students to express their thoughts and require demonstration of mastery of instructional objectives in the higher levels of the cognitive domain.
Step3 ESTABLISH TEST VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY.
Validity is the extent to which a test measures what it was intended to measure. Reliability provides an estimate of consistency of test results. All tests must be valid and reliable to accurately measure student achievement. Everything from the testing environment to student illness can affect test validity and reliability.
Step4 ASSEMBLE TEST ITEMS AND WRITE DIRECTIONS.
Test items should be assembled by type and increasing difficulty. Test items should also be checked for inconsistencies and follow a parallel format. Experienced test developers have content experts read the test for understanding and clarity prior to administration.

Clear and concise test directions must be developed so students understand how, where, and when to provide responses. Good test directions stand out from other parts of a test through use of different text font, increasing the font size, or placing the directions in a textbox.
Step5 ADMINISTER TEST.
Prior to administration, teachers should also consider the physical setting (e.g., space, lighting, ventilation, and temperature) of the testing environment. Finally, teachers should consider the psychological factors (test anxiety and pressure) that affect students by explaining the reason for the test and adequately preparing students for the test. Specifically, teachers should:

• Discuss the instructional content areas to be covered by the test as well as the format of the test.

• Discuss the parameters of the test (e.g., number and type of test items) before administration.

• Provide students with “practice” test items (and similar directions) prior to the test.

• Indicate to students that you expect them to succeed on the test and that you are available to help them.
Step6 INTERPRET TEST RESULTS AND ANALYZE TEST ITEMS.
Test results are interpreted using descriptive statistics. Descriptive statistics summarize test results through the use of measures of central tendency (mean, median, and mode) and measures of dispersion (range, percentiles/quartiles, ranks, standard deviation, and Z-scores). Measures of central tendency describe the tendency of scores to cluster together. Measures of dispersion describe the manner in which test scores are different or vary. Descriptive statistics coupled with graphic illustrations are useful in explaining test results to students, parents, and administrators.

Tests are analyzed using item analysis procedures, which provide a response profile for individual items and indicate item difficulty and item discrimination. Item difficulty indicates the percentage of students who responded correctly to a test item. Item discrimination provides an index of how an item discriminates between students who scored high and low on a test. Item difficulty and item discrimination are used to determine which test items are effective and which test items need improvement or should be discarded

How to Teach Your Child Manners

It's never too early - or too late - to teach your child about proper etiquette.


Superheroes, cartoon favorites, video game characters: They can be your friends too. When your child wears clo… More How to Speak to Children
Some adults feel uncomfortable speaking to children. They wonder what to talk about and what language to use.… More How to Teach Your Child Manners
It's never too early - or too late - to teach your child about proper etiquette.… More How to Buckle Up a Small Child
Traffic accidents are a leading cause of death for children. Take extra care in choosing and installing a chil… More How to Stop a Child From Sucking Fingers
Children who suck their fingers or hands may be trying to relieve stress and soothe themselves, but the habit … More How to Get Your Child to Start Exercising
When your children play actively, they're getting exercise as well. The suggestions below follow the recommend… More How to Help a Young Child Begin to Write
Children love to draw on everything - including your bright, white walls. So harness their talents and teach t… More How to Help Your Child to Start Eating Right
Help your child develop healthy eating habits to prevent problems such as heart disease, cancer, high blood pr… More How to Teach a Child to Tell Time
Teaching your child to tell time can be trying if you don't know the easiest steps to take. However, if you ut… More How to Teach your Child about Colors
Preschool prep for parents. Learn how to teach your child about colors to get them ready for preschool in this… More
4 of 10More: See All Articles in this Quick Guide
Things You’ll Need:
Etiquette Books
Step1 Set a good example. It's unfair to expect politeness of a child if his parents are not polite themselves.
Step2 Teach your child manners in stages, as his comprehension and skills develop. It probably won't do any good to ask a 2-year-old to stop chewing with his mouth open; he probably lacks the understanding and physical coordination to comply. But by 4 or 5 years of age, your child should have the ability to grasp the reasoning behind such a rule.
Step3 Start using words and phrases like 'please,' 'thank you,' 'excuse me,' 'I'm sorry,' and 'may I?' as early as possible around your child. Encourage your child to do the same.
Step4 Take care what language you use around children; they mimic the way adults speak.
Step5 Ask your child to address adults with a certain degree of formality - that is, Ms. Lee, Mrs. Doe, Mr. Smith - unless the adult tells them to do otherwise.
Step6 Review the other basics of etiquette with your child whenever necessary. He should learn how to shake hands, show respect for older people, behave quietly in public places, and avoid interrupting other people in conversation. He should also learn not to play with other people's belongings unless given permission

Step7 Avoid ignoring bad behavior or waiting to talk about it. Address a rule as soon as your child breaks it.
Step8 Bring up the behavior again in private so you can discuss it more thoroughly and make sure your child understands how to behave in the future.
Step9 Praise your child for good behavior

How to Eat Healthy at Work




Because many of us spend so much time at work, it's probable that you're doing a lot of eating there--but you don't have to pack on the pounds just because you're not near your fridge stocked with healthy meals. Here are some ways to eat right--right on the job!

Step1 Pack a brown bag lunch. You probably eat lunch while you're at work since it's smack-dab in the middle of the day. So instead of ordering out, try bringing a lunch with you--even if it's just once a week. Include something good like a sandwich, leftovers, a frozen meal, soup or salad.



Step2 Get a new perspective on the cafeteria. You may think your cafeteria at work is no good, but give it another look. Maybe they have a decent salad bar and you can make it better by bringing a healthy dressing with you. Consider sandwiches, which offer a diverse number of healthy food options. Skip the greasy stuff and look at other options out there.
Step3 Switch your hours. If you've got a flexible schedule, maybe you can work it so you eat breakfast at home and leave early enough to make dinner at home. You're more likely to eat better when it's not on the run. (Even if you don't prepare meals at home daily, cook so that you have leftovers.)



Step4 Stash some super snacks. Keep the munchies at bay by stocking up your desk. Snacks like peanuts, pretzels, popcorn, cut-up veggies, fruit and yogurt are great for a healthy fix that will keep you focused. You're less likely to hit the vending machine if you've got options at your fingertips

How to Enjoy Spring Cleaning





Spring cleaning can be such a major task that we often drag ourselves into doing it. Nevertheless, giving our home a thorough clean after the sludge and doldrums of winter not only ensures a healthy environment for our family, but also ensures that the house is well maintained. If we have to do spring cleaning anyway, might as well enjoy it. Here are some suggestions.


Things You’ll Need:
Online access and networking
Favorite charity
Step1 Make spring cleaning part of your fitness routine. If you go to the gym, run, jog or exercise on a regular basis, consider substituting one of your fitness regimen sessions for a spring cleaning day. Instead of sweating on the treadmill or the power machines, consider sweating on the vacuum cleaner and dust mops.
Step2 Do it with friends. Cleaning is always fun when done with people you care about. Call friends and family and make spring-cleaning day a fun get-together. Cap it with a barbeque or a home theater movie. Consider scheduling a round robin spring-cleaning arrangement with friends for more fun and enjoyment.
Step3 Share the experience online. Almost everyone participates in online social networking. Make spring cleaning fun by sharing photos of "before-after" and videos of your housekeeping experience. Post them online to inspire and entertain your friends and contacts. By keeping in mind that you will be sharing a personal experience with all of your online friends, the spring cleaning task won't be such a tedious chore anymore.
Step4 Donate to charity. Spring cleaning usually involves putting away your winter wardrobe. Why not help the underprivileged while clearing out space in your closet? While you're at it, consider donating furniture, appliances, and equipment that you've been thinking of replacing or getting rid of. Spring cleaning will be more enjoyable when you think about the people who will be happy to receive your donations.
Step5 Reward yourself. Before even starting your spring cleaning, think about what you will give yourself when you're done. It's best if you can associate the reward with your spring-cleaning efforts; for example, new attire (after you've cleaned and organized your closet), a small appliance (for successfully tidying up the kitchen and garage), a furniture upgrade (for organizing your living room and donating pieces to charity) or new curtains (after washing the windows and screens). Of course, an expensive dinner would be great too, to celebrate a job well done

How to Create Door Curtains with Records


You can make these record door curtains in an afternoon. Old 45 vinyl records are the main ingredient for this fun decorating project. Evoke some memories and style your home at the same time. Read on for instructions how to make your own unique door curtains with records.


Things You’ll Need:
old 45 vinyl records (36)
144 metal washers - size #10 (buy 2 boxes of 100)
power drill and small bit
2 x 4 scrap wood piece
large kitchen cutting board
hot glue gun and glue sticks
multi-purpose ties 7 inch and 4 inch lengths (assorted colors)
4 cup hooks
awl



Step1 Drill holes. Gather your old 45 vinyl records. Discard records that are cracked. Wipe down excess dirt or dust with a clean, dry cloth.

To start your door curtains with records, pick one record to use as your template. Place scrap wood on top of cutting board to protect work surface while drilling.

Pick up a metal washer and lay directly under the smooth border of the 45 record. Drill hole in center of washer. Repeat procedure at bottom of the record, directly across from the top hole. Use this first record as a template to easily drill the remaining records.

Step2 Glue washers in place. When all the vinyl records of your record door curtains have been drilled, you're ready to glue the metal washers in place. With your hot glue gun, run a small bead of glue around the drilled hole. Quickly lay metal washer on top so it reinforces the hole.

Step3 Multi-purpose ties. After you've glued all the metal washers in place, you're ready to design the layout of your record door curtains. Lay the records in an order pleasing to the eye. With the multi-purpose ties, begin connecting the records in order by alternating color and length of the ties by row.

Note the 45 records are 7 inches in circumference. This means for an average doorway, you should be able to hang four rows of 9 records per row for a total of 36 records.

Step4 Close up. Mark equal spots under the doorframe for the placement of the four cup hooks. Using the palm of your hand, begin a shallow starting point with the awl where each cup hook will go. One at a time, screw the cup hooks into the doorframe by hand.



Step5 Fun door curtains! Hang the four rows of records from the cup hooks. You're done! You've just completed your first set of door curtains with records; good job!

How to Give a Living Lettuce Garden as a Gift.




Give a thoughtful gift of healthy baby greens. This easy-to-make container garden will provide home grown lettuce for weeks of daily harvesting.


Things You’ll Need:
A growing container, I prefer an oblong galvanized pale with sturdy handles.
A drill with 1/4 inch bit.
Masking tape.
Good quality potting soil.
Several varieties of lettuce seedlings or starts.
A pair of clean scissors with a piece of twine or ribbon.
Step1 Once you've selected your container, at least 14 inches is ideal, you'll need to drill drainage holes. Turn the vessel upside down and use your masking tape to mark 4-6 holes (more drainage holes for a bigger pot). The masking tape will keep the drill from slipping and it will keep the container from chipping.
Step2 Use your drill with the 1/4 inch bit to drill through the masking tape. Apply firm pressure but don't put all of your weight on the drill, let the drill do the work. Then remove the masking tape from your newly made drainage holes.
Step3 Fill the container with potting soil. Pat lightly, keeping the soil level 2 inches below the rim.
Step4 Plant the plugs of your lettuce and greens 2-3 inches apart. The soil should be soft enough to dig with your fingers. Tease the roots, just a little before you plug them in. Plant right up to the edge of the container so that some of the plants will hang over as they fill in.
Step5 Water thoroughly, but not enough to saturate. Then tie the scissors onto the handle with instructions: Keep me in a sunny window or outside in a cool, sunny location. Keep soil moist but not saturated. Harvest every day, only cut away the outer leaves of each plant.

How to Maintain a Happy Relationship When Your Partner Gets Laid Off
Financial issues are some of the biggest points of contention within relationships. With our economy in recession--money worries are high in most households--and when money worries are high--the potential for relationship strain is high too. If your partner loses his or her job, you may need to cultivate some added awareness and sensitivity to ensure that your relationship doesn't head south as well. I hope these tips help you maintain happiness within your relationship when your partner gets laid off.


Step1 Have compassion. Whatever stress, worry or disorientation you may be feeling over your partner’s job loss, your partner is sure to feel ten-fold. Be compassionate of these feelings.
Step2 Speak positively. Say things like, “I believe in you,” “I know we will get through this” and “I feel optimistic.” Right now your partner needs you to be the rock and a source of inspiration. Your words hold more power than you may realize, so speak positively even if you don’t feel 100 percent optimistic about the situation.
Step3 Create a realistic plan together. Get on the same page about how the two of you will move forward. Will your partner look for a new job immediately or take time to consider what the best next move will be? How much money does he or she need to earn in order to meet your family's financial needs? How many hours per day will your partner spend looking for work? Will your partner accept any job that comes his or her way, or will he or she keep the job search confined to his or her ideal field? Will you take on extra hours at work or look for a second job? Creating a plan will help you to avoid any conflicts and resentments that may occur from mismatched expectations.
Step4 Talk frankly about spending habits and budgeting. Now is the time to get real honest about frivolous spending that happens in your household--both from your partner’s end and from your end. Now is the time to begin making positive changes in the way you manage your money.
Step5 Brainstorm creatively. Think beyond the basic job search. Are their opportunities that you are overlooking? What skills does your partner posses that go beyond what he or she might put on his resume? Can he or she cultivate these skills further and focus them toward potential work? What opportunities exist that you might be overlooking? Is there a part-time business that the two of you can start together?
Step6 Seek support from family and friends. I don’t mean financial support as much as emotional support. Find out how other couples are successfully dealing with the economic downturn. By talking openly with your community of loved ones, you and your partner will feel less stressed and less alone.
Step7 Make romance a priority. Don’t let financial burdens kill the romantic spirit of your relationship. Hug, cuddle, kiss, speak sweetly. Make kindness, love and play a priority every day

How to Protect Your Computer Against the Conficker Worm


The Conficker Worm is possibly the most dangerous worm on the net today. Rate: (43 Ratings)

From the House of Commons in the United Kingdom to servers of corporations in the United States to the average user across the globe, the Conficker Worm is attacking anything and everything in it's path, wreaking havoc and killing Internet connections, slowing corporate functions and infiltrating the most sensitive of data. April 1st of 2009 is supposed to be a payload date, which as of this article, is only two days away. So, how can you stay protected?

Things You’ll Need:
Anti-virus software
Internet Connection
Windows Updates
Anti-virus definitions

Step1 If you have a Mac or a Linux machine, breath a sigh of relief; you don't have the right code to be infected. If you're running Windows as your platform of choice, listen up, because this is critical; time is of the essence. You may experience any number of symptoms which are common like loss of Internet connection and loss of local network connection and which are less common like Automatic updates and Microsoft services being disabled.
Step2 Update your anti-virus software. Disconnect your computer from the Internet and scan your system, if you believe you are already infected. To stop the spread of the worm, see step 3. If possible, back up your data ASAP.
Step3 Disable Auto-play in Windows. For Vista: Start > Control Panel > click Play CD's or other media automatically > uncheck Use Autoplay for all media and devices. > click OK. For XP: Start > Run Enter GPEDIT.MSC >
The Group Policy dialogue box will appear. On left panel, double-click Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Double-click the Turn autoplay off option. The reason behind disabling autoplay is that Conficker can be spread through USB flash drives infected with code that starts on auto-play when the infected drive is inserted into the computer. Disabling auto-play is a good way to ensure against any malicious code automatically gaining access to your computer.
Step4 If you have the Conficker worm, DO NOT DO A SYSTEM RESTORE. Like most malware, Conficker hangs in the restore points and reactivates when you do a system restore. Utilize a decent anti-virus solution such as AVG, Avast!, or Malwarebyte's Anti-Malware. Again, disconnecting your computer from the Internet is critical to prevent the spread of the worm or the continued use of your computer by the worm for devious purposes. Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool can be used to detect and remove the Conficker worm as an option as well.
Step5 Regardless if you are on a network or a standalone computer, download the Microsoft update patch KB958644 (MS08-067) This will fix a security vulnerability that is exploited by the Conficker worm. For more information on how to exactly deploy this update across a network as well as additional information on Conficker, please visit the link in the Resources section