Paint A Car With A Can Of Rustoleum

Rust-Oleum works best on small areas.

Rust-Oleum is a brand of spray paint that comes in 12-oz. cans. The finish material is not as durable as acrylic enamel, but it provides reliable protection on metal surfaces while inhibiting rust. While a touch-up can be performed with Rust-Oleum, it will be next to impossible to match a car's color with standard Rust-Oleum colors, obviating the need to spray the entire car. Unless, of course, the touch-up is not meant to blend.

Instructions

1. Tape off door handles, mirrors, windows and all other areas not to be painted. Use masking paper for larger areas, and be sure to tape together individual sheets of paper so that they do not separate when you spray near them.

2. Prepare the surface by sanding away any flaking or chipping paint. Fill dents and holes with body filler and then sand this with 120-grit paper when it dries. Re-sand with 150-grit and then 220-grit paper to achieve a smooth surface.

3. Prime the surface with Rust-Oleum metal primer. Shake the can well and remove the cap. Hold the can upright about 6 inches from the surface and depress the nozzle. Spray in even strokes from right to left, overlapping about half the width of the spray pattern on each pass. When you are finished, spray the area again, this time up and down as you hold the can at about a 45-degree angle. Let the primer dry.

4. Lightly sand the surface with 400-grit paper to remove dust and bumps. Apply the paint color in the same way as the primer. The goal is to leave a shiny surface of paint without drips, runs or separation when you are done.

5. Repeat step 4 as many times as it takes to get the finish you desire.

Freehand Paint On Walls

Beautiful murals can be free-hand painted on walls.

Anybody interested in a customized interior home design can free-hand paint a mural on the wall. This gives you the freedom to add any design of any size to the wall. Several considerations must be made to ensure desirable results for a free-hand paint job, most notably the design and the type of paint used. With proper preparation, a free-hand painted mural can be a relatively stress free project.

Instructions

1. Sketch a picture of your desired design with a pencil on a piece of paper. This will help determine the best look for the wall and also act as guidance when you free-hand paint on the wall. Choose a design that fits in with your current interior design.

2. Remove all furniture away from the wall. Cover the floor and any trim with plastic sheets. Secure the sheets in place with masking tape.

3. Paint one layer of satin paint on the wall. For most projects, a light neutral color is best to use, but it isn't absolutely necessary. Let the paint dry for at least four hours.

4. Select the paintbrushes needed for the job. You may need multiple sizes of large brushes for big pieces along with several small brushes to paint the fine details. Rinse the brushes in clean water and let them air dry.

5. Set out jars of acrylic paint so you have easy access to them. If you plan to mix colors together, set out glass bowls in front of the paint jars. The paint can be mixed ahead of time.

6. Examine the sketch to determine the best place to start painting. If possible, choose a large, central piece that other parts of the mural can branch off of. If this does not fit the design of your mural, start in a corner or along the edge of the wall.

7. Apply one layer of paint on the starting spot. Stand back at least 5 feet to make sure you are pleased with the results. If you need to make any changes, you may be able to remove the wet paint with a damp cloth. Apply a second coat of paint when the first coat dries.

8. Examine the sketch to choose the next spot to paint. It can be helpful to work in 3-square-foot sections at a time to make the painting seem less overwhelming. Some people find it easier to let the painting come naturally and not have a strategic plan. Experiment with both options to determine which works best for you.

9. Apply a clear, water-based varnish to the wall once it's finished and completely dry. Brush the varnish on with a cross-hatch pattern.

Form A Girl Group

When figuring out form a girl group, decide on the specifics first. Before the fun, fame and fortune you need to put forth a little effort in finding the right people to join your singing ensemble or band. Taking time in auditioning as many people as you can before making any final decisions will ensure that you weigh all your options first.

Instructions

Before the Auditions

1. Choose whether you want just a pop singing ensemble or a whole rock band. Decide what kind of music you plan on performing, as well as how many members you need to carry out your goals.

2. Decide when to hold auditions.

3. Create flyers to hang up at school and around town advertising the date, time and place of your auditions. Be very specific about what you need. (You don't want a bunch of guitar players showing up if you just need a drummer or keyboard artist.) Make sure to include your contact information if they need more information or directions.

At the Auditions

4. Buy a notebook for the big day. (Keeping detailed records is an important step of forming a girl group.) Mark down everyone's name and number individually as they come in, as well as their particular skill.

5. Take notes as they perform for you. This not only includes their skill level but also mark down who you feel would work well together.

6. Ask everyone what their schedules are like for practice and if they will be able to have time to perform in public when you get gigs.

7. Shake their hands and tell them a time frame you will be able to get back to them. Be professional because even if someone isn't your first choice, you never know when you might need a backup in the future.

After the Auditions

8. Take time to go over all your notes before making any final decisions. After deciding, call everyone back (those that made it and those that didn't) to let them know the news.

9. Plan your first practice. At the initial get-together, have more of a meeting session. Sit down with everyone and plan practice dates, songs, outfits and all of the other fun stuff that goes with starting on the road to becoming famous.

10. Have fun! After figuring out form a girl group, all that's left is the singing, dancing and fun. Good luck!

Make Money Busking

Busking is Begging With Talent

The first time I busked on a street corner, I felt kind of awkward, but as I began to play and people started dropping money in my guitar case I realized I could make money busking!

Instructions

1. Many communities have an artsy day each month set aside for city locals to visit the main street to stream in and out of the down town businesses. Many businesses will actually hire some kind of act to draw the crowd into their stores. Find one of these business you're act would compliment and ask them if you would be able to busk outside their store on this night. Some of these shops will actually pay you to do it.

2. Make sure you show up a little early to get set up and be ready to play when people start showing up. I played in front of a mosaics store and sang for a couple hours. Some people would stand and watch and throw a dollar or two in. I think people get a kick out of dropping money in an open guitar case, just for the thrill of it. We've all seen in done in the movies and so you it's expected. It doesn't matter if you play the same songs more than once, because your audience changes so much. If you can plug in to a power supply you can amplify your show and draw more attention.

3. Busking is an art and some people do it full time. The most memorable experience I had was on a crisp cold night. I played and across the street belly dancers danced in a rug store window. A man on stilts with long pants strolled up and down the side walks and a strings ensemble performed a ways down in front of an art gallery. It's the closest I've ever come to feeling like I was in the circus, but I made pretty good money that night.

Proceed With An Invention Or Idea

It's a long road from having a good idea for an invention to making money from a patented product. You must first turn your idea into a concrete invention with specifications and claims that will convince a patent examiner to approve your patent application. You then must create marketing materials and locate potential licensees. Finally, you must negotiate license agreements that will provide you with royalty income.

Instructions

1. Reduce your invention idea to specifics. You will need specifications and diagrams, as well as legal claims as to the novelty, usefulness and originality of your invention. Your legal claims should be prepared by an experienced patent attorney.

2. File an international patent application with the International Bureau in Geneva, Switzerland, which is responsible for performing preliminary patent examinations under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). The International Bureau only performs preliminary examinations and does not issue patents. However, having the International Bureau perform the preliminary examination will greatly assist your efforts to obtain multinational or worldwide patent protection.

3. As soon as the International Bureau completes its preliminary examination, file for patent protection in each country in which you desire it. The patent approval process will be expedited due to the completion of preliminary examination procedures, and your patent application filing date with the International Bureau will apply to every PCT signatory nation that you submit a patent application to (most nations in the world).

4. Create a prototype of your invention and have the manufacturer estimate the cost to mass produce it.

5. Create a multimedia marketing presentation that identifies a problem, and shows how your invention can solve the problem efficiently and cost-effectively.

6. Determine whether you want to grant one exclusive license or several non-exclusive licenses. Although you can make money either way, most inventors prefer to grant several non-exclusive licenses.

7. Search for potential licensees through trade association directories and contacts supplied by well-connected patent law firms. Give marketing presentations to these companies and offer to commence licensing negotiations.

8. Negotiate a patent license agreement, have it drafted with the assistance of an attorney and sign it together with your licensee. Be sure to negotiate a minimum monthly or quarterly royalty (regardless of sales), in order to give your licensee an extra incentive to exploit your invention.

Get People To Come To A Poetry Reading

Hold your poetry reading in a convenient location.

A poetry reading can be a magical journey through words, forms and ideas. Poets may spend weeks or months preparing for a reading, anticipating the audience's reaction to the poems. However, all of this hard work goes to waste if there aren't people at the reading. Advertising for a poetry reading can be just as important as hosting good poets and featuring good poems. The key is making the reading seem fun, accessible and convenient.

Instructions

1. Contact English professors, creative writing professors, local poets, poetry clubs, book clubs and publishing companies in the local area in order to give them information about the event. Try to talk to everyone face to face, but e-mail can suffice if your transportation and time are limited. Be sure that you give them the specific time, a list of the poets who will perform and the location of the venue.

2. Make an event using a social media website, such as Facebook. This will allow people to confirm their attendance, which helps you gauge how much advertising you still need to do. You may want to make the title a bit more generic, in order to draw a large crowd. For example, instead of calling the event a "poetry reading," you may want to call it a "poetry and art show" or "poetry and music event."

3. Post flyers in coffee shops, campus bulletin boards and popular streets. Be sure that the posters appeal to a wide audience, as some people might not be inclined to go to a poetry reading if it is their first time. You can do this by adding eccentric pictures of famous poets to make the posters flashy. Placing posters with pictures of people who will read poetry might also spark the interest of friends of the poet. If your event has other artistic aspects, such as music or film, then you should announce these as well.

4. Make announcements in classes or at poetry meetings. You can even announce your poetry reading at other poetry readings, which will already have a lot of people who like poetry in attendance.

5. Remind people on the day of your poetry reading. People may have forgotten that they agreed to attend, and so it's a good idea to let them know when the poetry reading is happening. Send e-mails, post more flyers or announce it on your Facebook page to remind people.

6. Add an incentive, such as a drawing, competition or refreshments. You can have a drawing, where a ticket holder wins a small gift card to a local coffee shop. A poetry competition may make people interested in who, among their friends, is the better poet. Refreshments are a good way to lure in poor poets and young students.

Fix Redeye In Pictures

Even the most beautifully posed photo can be ruined if the camera flash causes a red-eye effect. Red eyes in photos can render an otherwise perfect photo useless for display. Fortunately, thanks to the modern wonder of digital photography, it is fairly easy to fix photos that have been tainted with red-eye.

Instructions

1. Acquire digital photos. You can do this either by downloading them directly from your digital camera or by scanning preprinted photos to your computer.

2. Open the photos in your editing software, and save the photo as a new file name to avoid overwriting the original.

3. Zoom in on the eye you wish to fix so that you can see what you are working on better. Click on the desaturation tool, and set the strength to 100%.

4. Hold down the mouse button, and move the desaturation tool over the red area of the eye. You may have to sweep over the red part a couple of times to make sure all the red is removed.

5. Click on the burn tool, and set the strength to 50%. Run the burn tool over the pupil of the eye to darken any areas that looked washed out due to the red-eye glare.

Paint A Cloud

Create realistic-looking clouds by adding shadow and texture with multiple paint colors.

Painting a cloud may seem simple enough to do, but creating a realistic-looking cloud with a true artistic touch actually requires close observation and good technique. Clouds are not just white; they reflect the various colors in the sky. Armed with a range of paint hues and a little know-how, though, you can create everything from the cotton ball-like cumulus clouds that often accompany bright blue skies during calm weather to the stratocumulus clouds that are visible during dark, rainy weather conditions.

Instructions

Painting Cumulus Clouds

1. Create your base painting (sky) by lightly coloring the background of your paper or canvas in a raw umber paint, which is a neutral, beige color. Use a flat paint brush, which is good for filling in wide spaces, and make soft strokes.

2. Add clouds with white paint. Start by painting large misshapen circles at the very top of your paper or canvas and decrease the size as you move to the bottom of your painting. This technique will add a three-dimensional look to your artwork. Each cloud should vary in shape and texture, so use both hard and soft strokes as you paint. A round brush works well for outlining the clouds, while a filbert brush works well for blending and softening the clouds. Consider using a fan brush as well to add texture inside the clouds.

3. Add two shades of bright blue paint over the raw umber hue of the sky, using soft strokes until you reach your desired color. Use a flat brush or angular flat brush, which is sometimes called a shader.

4. Paint soft, short horizontal lines in several spots in the sky using white paint to add dimension. A bright brush is best for short, controlled strokes.

5. Toward the bottom of your painting, add soft, faint touches of a rose or purple shade of paint to create highlights. Consider using a filbert or angular flat brush.

Painting Stratocumulus Clouds

6. Create stratocumulus clouds by adding more of the rose or purple paint you used in Step 3 above to the painting you already created with a filbert or angular flat brush.

7. Add some soft strokes of grey paint to the white clouds with a filbert or bright brush.

8. Add hints of dark colors, such as dark black or burnt sienna, to different areas of the sky to create a stormy look by lightly dabbing on color with a filbert or angular flat brush.

9. Let your creativity guide you as you work with the paint to create your desired look.

Make An Airbrush Template

Make an Airbrush Template

Airbrush templates are great for all sorts of art projects. Airbrush techniques are used on cars, canvas and even interior design. Templates make airbrush painting faster, easier and cleaner. They allow you to create intricate designs with relative ease at a low cost. Airbrush templates make clean-up easy and produce professional-looking, sharp designs. With a couple of tools and a little effort, you can have interesting airbrush templates with unique designs.

Instructions

1. Search Google images for "airbrush templates." You will find a number of free templates.

2. Browse to the template you want to use and click "See full-size image."

3. Right-click on the image and select "Save image as." Save the image onto your hard drive.

4. Open the image using your image editing software.

5. Resize the image to fit the printer sheets.

6. Print the image onto the printer paper.

7. Place the plastic sheet on top of the printed image. You will be able to see the image through the plastic sheet. Trace the outlines of the image onto the plastic sheet using the ballpoint pen.

8. Using the box cutter, carefully cut around the outlines to complete the airbrush template.

Fix Butane Lighters

There are a few things you can do to fix your butane lighter before you throw it away.

Butane lighters can be seen at just about every gas station or store that you visit. These lighters are normally inexpensive, and as a result are very popular. Most people simply throw butane lighters away if they encounter a problem with them. There are a few things that you can do to try and fix your lighter before you throw it away. There are no guarantees that you can repair your lighter, but it never hurts to try.

Instructions

1. Clean out the inside of the lighter. Hold the lighter at an angle that is slightly tilted away from you face. Shut your eyes and blow into the hole from which the flame is emitted. Insert a cotton tipped applicator (such as a Q-tip) into the hole and wipe out the inside of the lighter. Make sure to clean the tip of the flame pipe, and that it is not covered with grime.

2. Examine the striker wire. Flick the starter wheel to see if the lighter produces a spark. Notice if the direction of the spark is toward the release valve. Find the small wire next to where the spark comes out from the starter wheel. Push the striker wire in slightly toward the middle of the release valve with a small screwdriver. Flick the wheel again to see if the spark now moves toward the release valve.

3. Check the flint. Flick the starter wheel to make sure that the flint sparks. Examine the wheel and see if there is dirt clogging it. Brush the side of the wheel with a small brush or a clean toothbrush. Remove any dirt around the wheel. Remove the starter wheel, if you are able to, and take out the flint and flint spring. Stretch the flint spring out slightly. (The flint will not spark if the spring is not pressing it against the wheel.) Wipe the wheel clean with a rag. Replace the spring, flint and wheel.

Fix Bird Droppings On Paint

Use care when cleaning bird droppings from painted surfaces.

Bird droppings contain bacteria and acids that can cause staining and destruction of painted surfaces. Clean bird droppings as soon as possible to minimize damage to painted surfaces. There is a different approach to cleaning the droppings whether the droppings are still wet, partially dried or fully dried. Use the correct cleaning procedure for each kind of dropping to ensure minimum damage to the paint.

Instructions

1. Put on rubber gloves and a ventilation mask while cleaning bird droppings. Bird droppings contain bacteria that can cause irritation or even illness in humans. Always take care to use proper protective gear when cleaning bird droppings, especially if there is a large buildup of droppings.

2. Wipe wet droppings with a wet cloth. Spray the area with an all-purpose cleaner to remove any remaining residue.

3. Spray partially dried bird droppings with water to soften them. Allow the water to sit for about five minutes. Spray the dropping with an all-purpose cleaner. Use the plastic scraper to scrape the droppings away from the surface. Dispose of the droppings in a trash receptacle. Spray the area with all-purpose cleaner once more and wipe clean with a damp cloth.

4. Clean dried bird droppings or large quantities of droppings with a bird-dropping enzyme cleaner. Find this solution at pet supply stores, garden stores and hardware stores. Ensure the solution is safe for use on painted surfaces. Spray the surface with the enzyme spray and then allow it to sit on the droppings for about 10 minutes. Scrape the droppings away with the plastic scraper and then wipe away any remaining residue with a damp cloth and all-purpose cleaner.

Fix Bird Droppings On Car Paint

Remove bird droppings from car paint

Car enthusiasts can spend many hours every week shining, waxing and polishing their cars, only to see the carefully cultivated look marred by the "souvenirs" of a few birds. Bird droppings contain uric acid, the same chemical composition as ammonia. If left untreated the marks left by bird droppings can ruin a car's paint.

Instructions

1. Remove the bird droppings and spray some mist on the affected area if the bird droppings haven't been on the car for more than half an hour. Rub a coat of car wax or car sealant on the affected area with a soft cloth if no stains or marks remain from the bird droppings. Purchase car wax or car sealant at an auto supply shop or an auto center.

2. Rub a scrub sponge with car wash shampoo over the area with the bird droppings if the droppings have been on the car's paint for more than half an hour. Apply a car polish and glaze with a soft cloth and finish by rubbing in car wax or sealant. The spot or stain will still be noticeable, but polishing and glazing can reduce the defect's visibility.

3. Remove a layer of the car's paint if, after wiping off the bird dropping, the car's surface exhibits signs of staining or a pitted or etched surface. Remove the paint by abrading the top coat or paint on the car with abrasive polish applied to a compounding pad fitted on a circular polisher. Once the polisher removes the pit or stain along with the top paint coat, apply a new coat of paint to that entire area of the car.

4. Purchase abrasive car polish, compounding pads and car paint at an auto supply store or an auto center. Rent a professional circular polisher from an auto supply shop or a body shop.

5. Repeat the polish, glaze and wax procedure through the years as necessary, as their effect in hiding the defect will not hide the defect from the bird droppings permanently.

Meet A Famous Person

Meet a Famous Person

Meeting a famous person can be a challenge, but it's not impossible. Celebrities are not always surrounded by paparazzi or an entourage. Sometimes they just need to get out for a while like anyone else. If any famous people are known to frequent your area, with vigilance and persistence, you can eventually pinpoint the places they are likely to show up, and find the prime moment to get close enough to them to say hello.

Instructions

1. Find out what famous people live in or frequent your area. Do research on the Internet, read fan magazines or gossip columnists, and make a list of famous people that have been spotted occasionally in your area. While this may be easy if you live in a big city like New York or Los Angeles, even in a small town you might find that there are some celebrities who have a summer home nearby, a favorite vacation spot, or family that they visit on a regular basis.

2. Ask around. Talk to your friends, relatives, restaurant waiters and bartenders at local hot spots, hair dressers or sales people at high-end clothing stores if they've ever seen any famous people in town. Name a few people on your list in casual conversation to try and find out where and when famous people may have been spotted. Take notes when you leave so you can try to look for patterns.

3. Spend time in any restaurants, shops, clubs, salons or other places if you find out famous people frequent them. Even if you don't see a celebrity on your first few visits, try to become friendly with the people who work there. Don't pester people, but if they become friendly with you, they might be willing to tell you when the best times to visit would be.

4. Volunteer or get a job at places where famous people regularly appear at your town. You might volunteer to be an usher at a concert hall or theater where celebrities regularly perform, get a job in a hotels where famous people often stay when visiting your area, or find work at a radio or television station where they may go for interviews or appearances.

5. Get to know the streets where there may be private parking or access doors for celebrities, such as stage doors at the concert hall or VIP entrances in hotels. Keep your eyes and ears open for when a famous person is coming to town, and scan local newspapers for scheduled interviews and shows. Hang around these entrances and exits on the days you expect them to show up.

6. Be patient and keep trying. Be respectful and friendly to anyone that works anywhere famous people might go. If you get too excited or look like a stalker, they may ask you to leave.

7. Be polite if you do spot a famous person and be considerate of their privacy. Approach them calmly if you can, but don't push yourself on them to forcefully. It's better to let them go on their way if they look like they are frazzled or in a hurry than to raise alarms and get yourself banned from prime celebrity hot spots.

Fix A Tear In A Leather Couch

Tears to leather furniture can generally be repaired.

Leather couches are a huge investment and one people naturally try to keep in great shape. However, once in awhile accidents happen and your couch gets a tear. While this can be an eyesore, it is not the end of the world. This is true especially if you have some skill and a willingness to fix this problem.

Instructions

1. Purchase a leather repair kit or simply a leather patch and garment glue. Leather patches will come in several different colors and textures. In order to get a good match, lift your couch up and see if there is any excess leather. Cut a swatch out and bring it to the store in order to match the correct color.

2. Place a piece of blank paper over the tear and trace its size, then draw a circle about an inch from the actual tear. This will be the pattern you will use to create a leather patch for your couch. You need at least an inch on each side of the tear so it does not come loose over time.

3. Cut your pattern out and lay it over the leather patch. Carefully cut out the patch to match the size of the paper pattern you created. It is important to follow the pattern so that your patch isn't oversized and obvious to visitors that you have had to repair your couch.

4. Apply the patch to your couch by first checking to make sure the patch will cover enough space on your couch. Next, apply a small amount of glue around the entire back of the patch. Immediately place this on the tear.

5. Let the patch dry and place a heavy nonstick object over the hole.

Fix A Small Tear From A Cat In Speaker Foam

You knew I was a cat when you brought me home.

Cats love to get into trouble, which often means damaging your things. It can be incredibly aggravating to purchase an expensive speaker, only to have kitty tear the delicate foam with its claws. If this happens, there is no need to get rid of the speaker (or the cat). You can repair the speaker yourself with a little contact cement and toilet paper. Once you paint the repair, you will hardly be able to tell there was any damage to begin with.

Instructions

1. Paint the area around the tear with contact cement.

2. Press a piece of strong toilet paper into the cement.

3. Brush on another layer of contact cement.

4. Press a second layer of toilet paper into the cement.

5. Brush on a third and final coat of cement.

6. Allow the cement to dry for several hours.

7. Tear away the excess toilet paper and glue down the loose edges with a final application of contact cement.

8. Allow the speaker to dry overnight.

9. Paint the repaired area with acrylic paint that matches the color of the speaker foam.

Make Brown With Acrylic Paint

There is a wide range of available brown colors to use in acrylic painting.

While it may be more convenient to buy a bottle of brown acrylic paint from a craft store, the normal brown does not provide the necessary depth or warmth that a custom-created brown paint supplies. In many cases, you may even start with a basic acrylic brown only to find yourself adding white for a paler tone, red or orange for an earthy shade or blue to carry a cold or muted color scheme throughout the painting project. For these types of projects and for the conservation of your budget, you may find it easier to create your own brown with the variety of acrylic paints already in your palette.

Instructions

1. Place five parts red acrylic paint in your mixing tray.

2. Add two parts yellow acrylic paint to your mixing tray.

3. Mix the two colors together with a palette knife or stir stick. Thoroughly mix the colors until you see one uniform color in the tray with no streaks of red or yellow paint.

4. Add one part blue acrylic paint in very small increments until the paint in the mixing tray is the desired shade of brown. Again, mix the colors completely until there is a uniform shade before adding any more color.

Fix A Lap Harp String

A lap harp is a Celtic instrument resembling a full-sized orchestral harp, but sized to be held on a sitting player's knees. Like all stringed instruments, the strings of a lap harp will periodically break and need to be replaced. In some cases, you can repair a broken string, but the process for restringing is similar either way. You can restring your harp in your own home.

Instructions

1. Determine if the string can be repaired or needs to be replaced. You cannot tie or glue a string back together at the middle because anything strong enough to hold it together will interfere with the vibrations. Therefore, you can only repair the string if it breaks or is frayed close to the bottom of the string, leaving enough of the string fully intact to reposition it and string it normally. If not, you will need to buy a new string of the appropriate size and restring.

2. Detach the string (or what remains of it). Using your tuning lever, unwind the harp string by turning the tuning peg counter clockwise until you can fully unwrap the string from the peg and pull it from the peg's hole. Next, reach inside and underneath the sound board (hollow portion) of the harp to grab the knotted end of the string from the other side and pull it out.

3. Reattach the string, or attach the new string. Tie a secure knot in one end (you might need to tie a double knot or attach a bead, which may be included with a new string), then thread the unknotted end of the string back up through the hole in the bottom of the soundboard. Thread it through the hole in the tuning peg, then turn the peg around a few times, pulling the string tight to overlap and wrap around its own end.

4. Tune the string by turning the tuning peg clockwise with the tuning peg. Test its pitch by comparing it to the strings an octave away, or use a piano or electric tuner.

Fix A Corrupted Hal Dll

Fix a Corrupted Hal.dll

The hardware abstraction layer (hal.dll) file enables your operating system to recognize and install hardware devices. If the hal.dll file is corrupt, you'll notice error messages, such as "Windows_root\System32\hal.dll missing or corrupt…" The causes of a hal.dll error range from missing hal.dll files to outdated device drivers. You must troubleshoot the hal.dll problem before finding a solution. Once you repair the hal.dll problem, your computer will return to normal.

Instructions

Check the BIOS order

1. Reboot your computer system. Press the "Delete" key repeatedly until the BIOS screen displays.

2. Open the "Boot" menu. Check the order of the boot sequence list. Ensure that the hard drive that contains Windows, which is usually the C drive, is the first boot sequence listed.

3. Use the arrow keys to move the hard drive with Windows on it to the top of the boot list if it is not already in that order.

Replace the File

4. Load your PC with your Windows boot disk. Launch the repair or recovery setup.

5. Open the Command Prompt tool.

6. Paste the following command into the prompt and press "Enter:"

D:\i386\hal.dl_ C:\windows\system32\hal.dll

Fix Auto Paint Runs

Fix Auto Paint Runs

Paint runs are created due to heavy applications of paint. When paint is applied too thick, it fails to adhere to the surface. You can follow a technique to prevent the paint from running in the first place. However, if you have noticed that the paint has run and has already dried, you can fix this error without the help of a professional.

Instructions

1. Use the fine grit sandpaper to sand down the paint runs. If the paint runs are large, consider using loose grit sandpaper instead. Loose grit sandpaper is designed for tougher jobs. Continue to sand the paint runs until the area is smooth and level.

2. Rinse the car to remove all sand particles. Failure to thoroughly rinse the car will cause other problems. For example, sand particles will leave little raised bumps under your new paint. If this happens, you will need to repeat these steps over in order to correct the error.

3. Allow the car to completely dry. Do not attempt to proceed until the car has dried. Applying paint or primer to a wet car can re-create paint runs.

4. Apply paint to the sanded area. Use a small touch-up brush to apply matching paint to the sanded area. A touch-up brush is normally around one inch in size. Using a small amount of paint, apply in smooth even strokes to avoid new runs. Only apply paint if sanding caused the paint to fade. Otherwise, skip this step and apply a layer of clear coat instead.

5. Apply the clear coat. If sanding required you to re-paint, allow the paint to dry. Use a clean touch-up brush to apply a thin layer of clear coat. Depending on the age of the previous paint job, you may need to apply clear coat to the entire car so that the color is even. This job will require a four-inch brush and an additional amount of clear coat.

Fire A Blow Gun

Blow guns use the power of your lungs to generate pressure inside a long hollow tube in a piece of wood. The pressure builds up behind a cotton-wrapped dart, forcing the dart out of the end of the blow gun and at the target at a high speed, allowing the dart to puncture the target. Proper firing is important, as making mistakes can lead to errant shots --or even accidental ingestion of the dart.

Instructions

1. Select a dart from your dart pouch.

2. Remove cotton from the dart pouch and press it around the body of the dart, a few inches from the back of the dart. Spin the dart with the fingers of your other hand to wrap the cotton around the dart.

3. Repeat if needed until there is a ball of cotton wrapped around the dart slightly larger than the opening of the blow gun.

4. Lick your fingers, then rub them around the exterior of the cotton ball if needed to get the ball to sit down in a tight ball shape.

5. Insert the dart into the back of the gun, with the point facing forward.

6. Bring the gun up and aim at your target with your dominant hand wrapped around the back of the gun and your non-dominant hand slightly forward with the palm turned up to add extra support.

7. Breathe in with your mouth away from the gun to avoid inhaling the dart.

8. Bring the gun to your lips, then exhale sharply to propel the dart out of the gun.

Make Psp Icons Without Photoshop Or Fireworks

Create your own icons without high-end graphics applications.

PSP icons are small image files associated with a program or process. Icons used on the PSP device are simply small bitmap files created with any graphics editing application. Neither Photoshop, Fireworks nor any other high-end graphics design program is required to create icons for the PSP device. PSP icons may be created using Microsoft Paint, a small graphics editor that is shipped with all Microsoft Windows operating systems. Using Microsoft Paint and some creativity, icons for the PSP may be quickly and efficiently created and used on the device.

Instructions

1. Click the "Start" button in Windows, and then click the "Accessories" folder to expand.

2. Click the "Paint" program link to open Microsoft Paint.

3. Click "File" and then select "New" from the top navigation bar. A palate for a new drawing will appear.

4. Draw artwork for the new icon using the Paint drawing tools.

5. Click the "File" link from the top navigation bar and then select "Save As..." to save the finished graphic.

6. Type a new name for the icon, with quotes, into the first input box in the "Save As" dialog box. Assign the graphic the ".ico" file extension. For example, type "graphic.ico" where the word "graphic" is substituted for the name of the new icon.

7. Select the "24-bit Bitmap" option from the "Save As" dropdown box.

8. Click the "Save" button. The icon is saved in bitmap format with the file extension of ".ico". The icon is now ready to use.

9. Copy the icon file to the root directory of the PSP memory stick. The icon will be utilized by the PSP when the memory stick is inserted.

Play The Banjo Fast

Learning to play fast

While there are several styles of playing the banjo, fast playing is almost exclusively associated with the five-string banjo, the traditional instrument of Bluegrass music and the three-finger picking style pioneered by banjo master Earl Scruggs. Scruggs-style banjo is that high-speed, frenetic, hill music that captures the essence of Bluegrass in such favorite tunes as "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" and "Dueling Banjos."

While fast banjo playing is impressive to see and hear, it is not as difficult as you might think and, contrary to popular belief, is not random at all, but follows a specific pattern.

Instructions

Right Hand Position and Picks

1. Place your right hand over the strings and before the bridge, the device that holds the strings up above the head of your instrument.

2. Rest the tip of your little finger on the banjo head itself.

3. Keep your ring finger clear to avoid "string buzz." If you have difficulty doing so, try resting your ring finger on the head instead of your little finger.

4. Position your thumb, index finger and middle finger close to the strings. As you practice, work to keep your fingers as close to the strings as possible without touching them.

5. Wear picks to help make the strings ring out better, improving the volume and tone of your playing.

6. Select and adjust your picks that are comfortable and remain securely on your thumb and fingers.

Right-hand Rolls

7. Ensure that your banjo is properly tuned. As you know, your banjo is tuned to an open G chord, so there is no need to use your left hand while practicing at this time.

8. Imagine the strings of your banjo having numbers associated with them. We'll start with the top or drone string. That will be the fifth string, with each string after that being numbered accordingly down to the first string at the bottom of the banjo.

9. Associate your fingers with the following identifiers. Your thumb will be "T." Your index finger "I" and your middle finger "M."

10. Practice your Rolls. The essence of three finger picking is the Roll. In this technique, strings are picked one after the other in quick succession. Here are some basic Rolls that are important to learn.

11. Practice the Scruggs Roll. To execute the Scruggs Roll, follow this pattern: 3T 2I 5T 1M. That is, pick the third string with your thumb, then the second string with your index finger, then the fifth string with your thumb again, then the first string with your middle finger. This pattern produces a full, rich series of notes that will form the foundation of many songs you will learn in the future.

12. Practice the Forward, Backward and F and B Rolls. To execute the Forward Roll, follow this pattern: 2I 1M 5T. To execute the Backward Roll, follow this pattern: 2I 5T 1M. To execute the F and B Roll, follow this pattern: 2I 5T 1M. 3T 2I 1M 5T 1M 2I 3T.

13. Continue to practice each roll repeatedly, allowing the end of each series of notes to transition into the beginning of the next. For example, practice your Scruggs Roll by playing 3T 2I 5T 1M 3T 2I 5T 1M 3T 2I 5T 1M... over and over again.

Next Steps

14. Add chords. Once you have mastered these basic rolls, try adding chords when you play rolls. Try a simple chord progression such as C G D G C G D G. You will quickly discover that what you are playing sounds like many of the songs you hear within Bluegrass, Oldtime and even Country/Western music.

15. Experiment with combining Rolls together in a continuous stream of notes. This will allow you to improvise and add a great deal of interest to your music.

16. Incorporate different effects. Using your left hand, try sliding up the fret board when you pick a string. Or, try a hammer-on, bringing your finger down on the string being picked to change the note. There are many other licks and tricks that you can learn to enhance your playing.

17.Read tablature. Tablature is a graphical way of representing the notes within a particular song played by a certain instrument. It is similar to written music, but instead of just indicating the note, it shows the string and fret to be played, depending on the instrument. There are plenty of banjo tabs out on the Internet for you to look at. For a start, try the relatively simple song "Cripple Creek."

Find The Value Of Original Disney Movies

Find the Value of Original Disney Movies

Original Disney Movies are movies that were first-edition releases on VHS. Value depends on rarity, and the rarity depends on varying factors; whether they are black and white; whether the Disney characters are in their earliest forms, the way they were first drawn by Disney cartoonists; whether the movie has double cartoon features; or whether the tape contains newsreel footage from the time period of the cartoon as a bonus feature.

Instructions

1. Regular VHS Disney movies were mass-produced, and value may range from as little as $3, $5 or $7. The "gold label" VHS movies on original Disney movies may fetch upwards of $30 depending on availability and rarity.

Original Disney movies in VHS cassettes must be in good condition and have original cover art casing. These are called "clam shell" cases, and are hard plastic, usually the original case that came with the VHS film, with original Disney art. The value will be more if the case was never opened and the original plastic shrink wrap is unbroken.

2. The best place to find these and other types of original Disney movies (and to check current market value) is Ebay. A fixed-price auction from a professional movie retailer on Ebay is a good indicator of current value on originals.

There are a multitude of listings for original Disney movies on Ebay, and it is easy to see the rarity of an original Disney movie by how long the video stays listed, or how much people are willing to bid if the video is listed in auction style format, not a fixed price.

Some auction prices for original Disney movies surpass actual value if the movie is rare, meaning a limited release amount. Sometimes original Disney movies were in black in white, before the colorization process, and these original Disney movies are popular among collectors who like the pre-"Snow White" era of colorization. (Disney films became colorized beginning in the late 1930s with "Snow White.")

3. Another place to look for values of original Disney movies would be current Disney collectible price guides and through collector clubs for Disney collectibles. Often these clubs have newsletters with updated information on market trends, and good networking groups for fellow collectors of old Disney movies.

Oil Paint Faces

Painting a human face using oil paints is challenging. The key is to measure what you see, and simplify what you paint. All faces have individual features, but all human faces follow the same basic proportions. Use charcoal to sketch in the basic forms of your subject's face and then fill in the flesh tones, shadows and highlights with oil paint. Blend the tones together while the paint is still wet to create a smooth transition from light to dark.

Instructions

1. Line pure pigments at the top of the palette and reserve the space below for blending colors.

Pour turpentine into your glass jar, filling it ¼ full. Place all the brushes into the jar. Squeeze out paint pigments onto your palette in the following order: flesh tone, white, red, yellow ochre, and blue.

2. Shadows on a face help to define its structure.

Seat your subject at least five feet away from you. Set up your light on one side of your subject so that the light casts shadows on the subject's face. Take photographs of your subject from the angle you will be painting for reference.

3. Use your charcoal pencil to sketch the shape of your subject's head. Draw the shape as an oval. Measure halfway down the oval and draw a light horizontal line. Draw each eye at the level of this line. Draw a vertical line dividing the oval in two. Draw the nose surrounding this line. Draw a simple line for the mouth.

4. Palette knives are useful for blending colors together.

Remove a brush from the jar, pressing the bristles against it to remove excess solvent. Grab some of the flesh pigment with your palette knife. Deposit it onto an open area of your palette. Grab some yellow ochre. Blend the two pigments together. Grab a small amount of blue. Mix with the previous blend.

5. Add one or two drops of linseed oil and blend until the mixture is smooth and fluid. Swirl your paint brush in the blended color and paint all the shaded areas of the face. Replace the brush in the turpentine jar.

6. Choose a new brush. Add a drop of linseed oil on top of the original flesh pigment. Load some of the original flesh pigment on to your brush. Paint all the parts of the face that are lit by the lamp. Do not paint over any of your shadow areas. Replace the brush in the jar.

7. Lips and cheeks have more red color than other areas of the face.

Choose a new brush. Grab some of the flesh pigment. Place it in an open area on your palette. Add a pea-sized amount of red. Add one drop of linseed oil. Mix the colors and oil together with the palette knife. Pick up some of this reddish-flesh tone with your brush. Paint the lower lip. Then, paint some of the color onto the cheeks. Paint right over any pigment you have already on the cheeks.

8. Grab a small amount of yellow ochre and blend it in to mixture you just used on the lips and cheeks. Use this color and paint the upper lip and eye lids.

9. Choose a new brush. Grab titanium white with your palette knife. Grab a small amount of flesh color and blend it in to the white. Use this color to paint the whites of the eye.

10. Blend blue with a small amount of red and yellow ochre. Paint the iris with this color.

11. Adding glints to the eyes makes them look real.

Use the tip of your brush handle to pick up a dab of pure white paint. Deposit a small dab of white paint on to the iris area. Repeat for the other eye.

12. Clean your palette knife with paper towel. Grab some white. Press and drag your paint-covered knife wherever you see bright highlights on the face. Paint highlights on broad areas such as the forehead.

13. Choose a clean brush. Dry the brush in a paper towel. Blend the areas where different flesh tones meet. Rub the dry brush into the canvas and make circular movements to blend the edges together.

14. Add fine details on top of your painting after it has dried.

Leave the canvas to dry for at least 24 hours. Add small details such as eyelashes on top of your dried painting.

Learn Self Hypnosis For Free

Learn Self Hypnosis for Free

Self-hypnosis is an excellent way to reduce stress, reinforce positive ideas and make healthy changes in your life. You don't need any special skills or training to learn do it. To learn the self-hypnosis process, you simply have to practice a few simple steps. If you do them every day, you'll learn hypnotize yourself and you'll be able to reap the benefits in lower stress and a more positive outlook.

Instructions

1. Choose a time and place where you will not be disturbed. Initially your self-hypnosis session should run about 30 minutes, although you can shorten or lengthen it once you learn do it. Make sure you will not be bothered during that half hour and that you have a comfortable, quiet place where you can sit or lie down with your eyes closed.

2. Close your eyes, breathe slowly and deeply, and release any thoughts, worries, or concerns that are currently in your mind. This is usually the most difficult part to learn. If you catch yourself thinking or worrying, don't judge yourself for the slip-up. Just acknowledge it and release the thoughts. In your mind, picture them flying far away.

3. Once you have reached a calm state of mind, release the tension in your body. Starting with your toes, tighten each body part, hold the tension for a few seconds, then release it. Work your way up the body until you reach the top of your head. As you release each part, visualize the tension evaporating in a cloud or imagine soothing water lapping over your body. Use an image that you see as relaxing. Continue your slow, deep breathing throughout this step and for the entire session.

4. Bring yourself down into a state of self-hypnosis by imagining that you are walking down a flight of ten stairs. Visualize a giant number 10 in your mind, and picture yourself slowly walking down. As you walk down each stair, the number changes. In your mind, repeat the words, "I am becoming more deeply relaxed with every step. My body is getting lighter and my tension is gone. I am in a state of total relaxation."

5. When you reach the bottom of the staircase, repeat positive affirmations aimed at the specific goals you wish to achieve. For example, if you want to build your confidence, repeat, "I am a capable person, and I will act with confidence today." If you want to lose weight, repeat, "I will choose the foods I put into my body today, and I will only choose healthy options and sensible portions." Repeat the affirmation five times, imaging the words glowing with positive energy.

6. When you are done with the affirmations, take a few minutes just to relax. As you did in step 2, empty your mind of thoughts and continue to breathe slowly and deeply.

7. When you feel ready, imagine yourself walking back up the staircase. Picture the numbers again, but start with ten this time and work your way backwards. As you take each step, tell yourself, "I am getting more alert and energized with each step." When you reach the top step, tell yourself, "I am awake and ready to face the rest of the day," then open your eyes.

8. Repeat this process on a daily basis. Learning self-hypnosis takes practice, so if you do it regularly, your skills will quickly grow.

Make 3d Street Paintings

Chalk is used to create highly refined, 3-D street paintings.

Contemporary artists Edgar Mueller, Julian Beever and Kurt Wenner use chalk to create hyper-realistic, 3-D street paintings. Unlike most street graffitists, the 3-D pavement artists are highly influenced by Renaissance and Mannerist painters, such as Rembrandt and Michelangelo. The chalk artists follow strict rules of perspective to create illusionistic trompe l'oel images meant to fool you into thinking you're looking at real people and objects. The chalk 3-D street paintings have a short life span, usually until the next rainfall. They are soon worn away by traffic and pedestrians.

Instructions

1. Plan the drawing for the 3-D street painting. Draw a detailed composition for the painting. Borrow images from Classical, Renaisance or old master pictures. Rework and update the images to include modern elements while painting in the style of Leonardo da Vinci or Raphael. Make a large, finished compositional drawing of the chalk painting. Use complex, three-point perspective with multiple vanishing points to make it seem like you're viewing the scene from above.

2. Estimate the size of the street painting and buy enough chalk for the job. Plan on a large-scale work of art to attract the most attention from passers-by. Scout out locations for the artwork. Look for side streets with very little traffic. Consider parking lots, plazas or anywhere there is an open expanse of level pavement. Get permission from the proper authorities before you start work to avoid being hassled by local police.

3. Use anamorphic perspective to distort your image so it appears normal when viewed from an oblique, street-level angle. Draw a grid of regular squares over your drawing. Make a second grid on the street. Tape it off in perspective so it appears to recede into the distance by making the grid squares progressively smaller. Project the drawing from the regular grid on to the anamorphic grid to elongate and stretch out the image. The image will seem distorted from most viewpoints.

4. Sweep your chosen area with a wide shop broom to remove dirt, dust and debris. Pick the vantage point where the image appears normal and set up a camera on a tripod to record and view the work in progress. Check the image periodically through the camera to keep things in proper perspective. Draw a detailed image on the grid with pencil-like chalk sticks.

5. Peel the grid tape off the pavement. Block in the backgrounds with large blocks of chalk. Define the basic shapes and forms with round chalk sticks. Start in the middle of the scene and work out to avoid smearing. Blend the chalk with your fingers or a paper blending stump for highly nuanced old master sfumato shading effects. Use high contrasts of light and shadow to make the image stand out. Add lots of accented highlights to suggest points of reflected light.

Make Decorative Ceramic Tiles

Make Decorative Ceramic Tiles

Making your own decorative ceramic tiles may seem complicated, but it is quite the opposite. With a little work and patience, you can make your own personalized tiles for less than half of the cost of purchasing them. Materials are inexpensive and if you live in an area that has clay-based soil, you can even use your own clay. These tiles can then be used to create backsplashes, countertops, or for any other decorative application.

Instructions

Make Decorative Ceramic Tiles

1. Choose the right type of clay. You want a clay that has a high amount of grog, such as Raku or any clay designed for sculpting. Grog is clay that has already been fired and ground down into small particles. Then, it is added to wet clay. Grog helps give the wet clay more stability and makes it more dense than clay without grog. You also want your clay to have a low absorption rate. Look at the package. It should say that the absorption rate after firing is 3 percent or less.

2. Roll your clay out onto the board where it will dry. Use a roller made for rolling clay, such as the Brent or North Star roller. You do not want to have to move the slab later, as this may cause it to warp. The clay should be rather dry. The thickness of the clay should be around 1/2 inch for an 8-inch square tile, which is the standard size of most handmade tiles. Roll it out, flip it over, and roll it out again.

3. Let the clay dry until it is the texture of leather. Make an 8-inch square template of wood. Cut out your tiles. If you are going to create a design on the tiles, do it before you cut it. If you cut the square first, the action of pressing the design into the tile will deform the square.

4. Dry and fire the tiles. You can dry tiles in one of two ways. First, you can place the tiles between sheets of drywall. The drywall will wick the moisture out of the clay evenly on both sides of the tile. Alternately, you can dry the tiles on racks. Just make sure both the bottom and top of the tile are drying evenly. Then, fire the tiles. You can fire them in a tile setter or in a kiln shelf that has been lightly dusted with some silica sand.

5. Paint the tiles. Use oil or epoxy paints, with a high or semi-gloss. You can paint them all one color or paint a design on them. Once painted, let them dry for at least two days; then, cover them with a coat of water-based urethane, not oil-based.

Find Rhyming Words For Poetry

Find Rhyming Words for Poetry

Writing poetry in its classic, rhyming form can be difficult. Although the thoughts and intentions may flow easily, eventually you have to rhyme a difficult word like “serene” and you sit there, stuck for hours.Poetry writers have all been there before, which is reassuring for the novice poet or rap singer. Rhyming dictionaries and other resources are abundant for the blocked artist. Need to find a rhyme for “thunder?” We can help.

Instructions

Find Rhyming Words for Poetry

1. Start at Rhymezone (see Resources below) for a quick and easy rhyming dictionary. Simply input the word you need to rhyme and out pops a bunch of choices to get you back into the writing groove. While here be sure to use the option to search for words in Shakespeare’s poems to give your work that classic touch.

2. Go to the Web site Writeexpress (see Resources below) for more options online. Choose from end rhymes, double rhymes and so on to focus your results. If you like what you see, you can download the whole rhyming dictionary for a reasonable fee.

3. Go old school and get a real book. Nothing is better than flipping through a hard copy rhyming dictionary to get you started on a poem or to solve a tricky rhyming issue. There are plenty to choose from, including "Webster’s Pocket Rhyming Dictionary" and "Essential Songwriter's Rhyming Dictionary," both available at any bookstore or through Amazon.

4. Go totally technical with the Master Writer software program. Widely used by songwriters, this software package includes a rhymed phrases dictionary and offers a “pop culture” reference guide to keep you up to date. You can get a free-trial version at their Web site (see Resources below). The price for the complete version is $289.

5. Rhyme.poetry is a Web site geared specifically for poetry writers and offers not only a nice rhyming dictionary, but plenty of other reference materials for poets as well(see Resources below). This is a good place to break your writer's block and maybe even enter a poetry contest.

Find Poetry Reading Events

Find Poetry Reading Events

Writing poetry is often a solitary pursuit and sometimes results are never shared. But for performing poets who dare to seek out poetry reading events where they can stand on a stage and reveal their insecurities to an often indifferent audience, it becomes a contact sport. If you'd like to share your work or listen to others perform, you need to know find poetry reading events in your area.

Instructions

1. Visit local writing clubs. Many of these groups center around poetry and they will be the most likely source of people wanting to perform their works in front of members of the public.

2. Check with libraries. They're often the meeting place for local and visiting writing groups and frequently the main sponsor of poetry reading events.

3. Review the classifieds section of newspapers in and around your area. Sometimes you'll see an ad from someone wanting mikes or amps. It's worth a phone call to see if they're looking for such equipment for an open mike night where poetry readings might be part of the agenda.

4. Browse event calendars online, such as the one offered on Poets.org. Sometimes venues considered part of a city's underground community are featured and events may include public poetry readings.

5. Watch for flyers posted around town by local colleges announcing poetry readings. People often have no experience with reading poetry aloud until they complete high school and sign up for their first literature class. Even though the poems are written by students, the voices are fresh and these readings will produce a good opportunity for enrichment.

6. Contact other possible forums for public poetry readings including non-denominational churches, community centers, cafes, coffee shops, bookstores, street festivals or nightclubs.

7. Research statewide online news magazines for one-time events, such as the Lloyds' eco poetry reading this past February, during which they unveiled a new outdoor space for City of London workers and visitors that used poetry to emphasize the importance of taking climate change seriously.

Get Motor Oil Stains Out Of Clothes

Get Motor Oil Stains Out of Clothes

Those who work in the automotive industry are no strangers to motor oil stains. Even the do-it-yourself types have probably seen their fair share of oil in places it shouldn't be. If changing the oil in your car proves to be a messier ordeal than you thought it'd be, there's no need to worry. Your favorite working-around-the-house clothes can be spared with less effort than you'd think; less effort than it took to make the mess, anyway.

Instructions

1. Place the garment in the bathtub or sink directly under the faucet and turn on the hot water. Allow the garment to sit under the hot running water for at least 5 minutes before checking the progress. If the stain is still visible, leave the garment in there until it's gone and launder as usual.

2. Sprinkle cornstarch all over the area and allow it to sit overnight. In the morning, the cornstarch will have absorbed the grease from out of the garment and should be ready for you to brush it away. Use a grease-cutting dish soap such as Dawn and a clean cloth to gently scrub the area clean of any residual stain and launder the clothing as usual.

3. Spray the affected area with WD-40 and gently scrub it into the stain with an old toothbrush. This will help break up the stain. Let the stain soak for at least 5 minutes before scrubbing the area again. Cover the area with a grease-cutting dish soap and scrub with the toothbrush once more. After 3 to 4 minutes, toss the garment into the wash to be laundered as usual.

4. Rub hair shampoo into the stain with a clean cloth or soft bristle brush and allow it to soak for 5 to 10 minutes before laundering.

Protect Yourself From Being "Slammed" And "Crammed"

Protect Yourself From Being "Slammed" and "Crammed"

"Slamming" is the illegal act of switching your telephone company without your permission. "Cramming" refers to the adding of unauthorized charges to your phone bill. The following steps will help you avoid slamming and cramming scams.

Instructions

Slamming

1. Read the fine print on coupons and contest-entry forms. By using them, you could be agreeing to switch your phone service or buy optional services without realizing it.

2. Be cautious about calling unfamiliar 800 numbers. Be especially wary if you are told to enter codes, leave your name or answer "yes" to prompts.

3. Consider requesting a "carrier freeze" through your local phone company. This prevents changes to your choice of long-distance carrier unless you contact the local phone company directly.

Cramming

4. Check your phone bill every month.

5. Look for unfamiliar charges.

6. Examine the recurring monthly charges as well. They may be so small that they are easy to overlook.

7. Watch for fees described as "Min. Use Fee," "Activation," "Membership Fee" or a similar phrase.

8. Follow the instructions on your statement if you find an error on your bill. You will be told to call or write to dispute the charge.

9. Keep a copy of all communications in your files.

Paint A Motorcycle With Spray Paint Cans

Traditionally, motorcycle painting is done by professional automotive painters with expensive paint guns and paint. However, it is possible to get a very similar effect using cheap spray paint cans. Spray paint cans will take longer overall, but do not require the more expensive tools that professional automotive painters use. The use of a spray clear coat will give the motorcycle a professional looking gloss.

Instructions

1. Wash away any dirt and dust present on the motorcycle parts to be painted. Dry these parts thoroughly.

2. Sand the parts with 300 grit sandpaper. Focus on removing any rust stains and scratches in the original paint.

3. Spray two coats of spray primer onto the motorcycle. Wait five to ten minutes between the two coats.

4. Wait 30 minutes for the primer to dry.

5. Sand the primer with 600 grit sandpaper. The purpose of this step is to give the primer a rough surface for the spray paint to bond.

6. Wash off the sandpaper dust from the motorcycle with water. Dry the parts thoroughly.

7. Place sheets over any part of the motorcycle that you do not want to paint. This will prevent these parts from being hit by the peripheral spray of the can.

8. Spray three to four light coats with the spray paint cans. Wait five to ten minutes between each coat. Each coat should be sufficient to create a thin layer of color over the part, but no visible liquid beads of paint should appear.

9. Wait one hour to give the paint time to dry.

10. Spray four to five light coats with the spray clear coat cans. Wait five to ten minutes between each coat.

11. Wait six hours to give the clear coat time to dry.

12. Place rubbing compound onto the clear coat. Sand off any orange peel, surface imperfections, or dirt in the clear coat with 1500 wet sandpaper.