Make Your Own Pepper Spray

An effective form of pepper spray can be made at home for a fraction of the cost of purchasing capsicum spray from a retailer. It can be made in small batches or the recipe can be doubled and the excess stored in a tightly capped bottle for future use. Rubber gloves should be used while handling the peppers as the capsicum juices can cause burns to sensitive skin.

Instructions

1. Slice the habanera peppers into even slices. Dry overnight in the dehydrator or on cookie sheets in the oven. If using the oven, set the temperature to the lowest possible setting.

2. Grind the dried peppers in a spice or coffee grinder. The peppers should be ground into the finest powder you can achieve with your grinder.

3. Measure out 1 cup of white vinegar. Mix the vinegar and the pepper powder in the glass jar. Put the lid on the jar and shake vigorously until the powder is evenly distributed within the jar.

4. Use the funnel and carefully pour the pepper mixture into a small spray bottle. Be sure and use a bottle that has a cap that can protect the spray head from being pushed in when the bottle is in your purse or pocket.

5. Store the remainder of the mix on a cool, dark shelf until needed. Be sure and label the jar clearly so that it isn't opened and used by accident in cooking or for other uses.

Get Your Baby In Modeling

Auditions for models of all ages are called "go-sees."

Most parents think their child is the most beautiful baby in the world. In some cases, a big-name talent agency might agree and sign their baby to a modeling contract. Brooke Shields and Jodie Foster are celebrities who began their careers as children hawking soap and suntan lotion in front of the cameras. While not all children will become famous, there are several steps to consider if you are convinced your child can make it in the competitive world of modeling.

Instructions

1. Photograph your child on the floor in front of a simple, clean background. Create a portfolio of candid shots of your baby in diapers or simple clothing. Remove props, toys, bow, extraneous attire or jewelry. Talent agents don't want to see frilly clothing, messy faces or anything distracting in the photograph, nor do they want to see professional portraits at this point, according to Jessica Hartshorn, Senior Lifestyle Editor for American Baby Magazine.

2. Select two or three color photographs for submission. Write your child's name, age, date of birth, eye and hair color and weight, as well as your telephone number on the back of each photograph.

3. Find reputable representation. Search online for an agent or manager that accepts submission, then send your child's photographs to the agencies you are interested in pursuing. Do not send money to any agent asking for payment up front. Reputable agencies never ask for money; they receive payment from contracts between you and the advertiser.

4. Be patient and persistent. Continue to send pictures out until you get an appointment to bring your child in for a meeting. Don't take rejection personally. It may take weeks to hear back from an agency if they are interested.

5. Show up to your child's casting early to reduce your stress level, which can affect your child's mood. Be courteous to everyone at the stage or studio. Agents remember pleasant, considerate parents and children.

Paint Mountain Backdrops

Mountain backdrops can be realistic or impressionistic.

Backdrops are an important part of a theatrical event. They set the scene for the action on stage and help the audience suspend their disbelief. Styles of backdrops can range from impressionistic images to highly realistic trompe l'oeil scenes. The technique of painting backdrops is similar in many ways to creating paintings on a smaller scale. Artists must consider color, scale, perspective and shading to create a mountain backdrop. Working with a photograph and a grid will make the job of creating a large-scale backdrop a lot easier.

Instructions

1. Select a mountain photograph to base your backdrop on. Draw a grid on your picture using a ruler and pencil. Divide the photograph into 1-inch boxes.

2. Cut your muslin fabric to the desired size of your backdrop. Staple or sew several pieces of fabric together if you cannot find fabric with a wide enough yardage to fit your dimensions. Tape a plastic drop cloth or sheet to the wall where you will be painting. Staple or tack your backdrop to the wall. Prime the muslin with acrylic gesso, using a large brush or small paint roller.

3. Make a grid on your backdrop to correspond to the grid on your photograph, using a tape measure and dark pencil. Be sure that both grids have the same number of boxes. Roughly sketch out the composition of the backdrop with a soft pencil, working from the grid on the photograph. Mix water with acrylic paints to do a wash of color over the entire backdrop. Block out general areas of color, but do not add any details.

4. Working from background to foreground, begin to build up layers of paint. Use large brushes to keep the painting loose and details to a minimum. Paint the sky before beginning the mountains. Follow the photograph and the grid, concentrating on capturing the general shapes and areas of lights and darks. Keep the colors in the background soft and blended to trick the eye into thinking they are further away. Use more blues and cool colors for the mountains in the far distance to recreate the way our eyes naturally perceive distant scenes. Add crisp edges, brighter color and more detail to any objects in the foreground. Assess the overall effectiveness of your backdrop by looking at it from a distance or by squinting your eyes.

5. Wash all brushes with soap and water.

Get Child Into Modeling

I want to be a model!

The wrong way to get your child into modeling is to fall for the so-called talent agent who approaches you at the mall to tell you what a beautiful child you have. This person is likely to subject you to a high-pressure sales pitch for modeling lessons or photographs that could cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars, according to the Federal Trade Commission. There are better ways to get your child into modeling.

Evaluate Your Child's Personality

A child's personality affects whether she is booked for modeling jobs as much as her looks. Kids need to be outgoing and well-mannered, and take direction well. A child also needs to speak well to the people doing the hiring and stay focused on the task. Small kids could have an advantage because they can pretend to be younger for assignments but will likely act more mature because they are older. Shy kids typically aren't picked for modeling when competing with kids who smile, laugh and display their personality.

Drive to Succeed

The child needs to want to be a model -- the parent's wishes won't suffice. A child who is pushed into modeling to please a parent usually doesn't have the inner drive that a child who truly loves to model does. This comes across in interviews. Kids need the drive to model and succeed, or they won't do well in the industry, said Patty Fleischer, owner of a New York modeling agency, in BabyCenter.

Prepare

It takes an organized, responsible and dedicated parent to get a child into modeling. A model's parent can expect to drive the child to auditions and wait around. Having enough free time to devote is essential. Your child also might be offered a modeling audition with little notice, which might require you to drop what you're doing and go.

Take Photographs

You need photographs of your child to see an agent, but you don't need to pay top dollar for them. Take your own snapshots that include headshots and a full-body pose. You typically don't need professional headshots to get a young child into modeling. Plus, you would need to change them too often as your child grows. Simply provide a photo of your child facing the camera and wearing no makeup or props, such as sunglasses or a hat.

Find an Agent

Look at websites of child models to find out which agencies they use. Check with the Better Business Bureau to determine whether the agency is reputable. You typically need to live within 200 miles of the agency to be represented. Send agencies photographs of your child along with a letter stating your intentions. Write on the back of each photograph your child's name, age, clothing size, hair color, eye color, and your name and address. Never pay the agency upfront. Modeling agencies make money after your child works by taking a percentage, usually 20 percent, of the earnings.

Get Younger Looking Eyes

Look youthful again

The secret to getting younger-looking eyes with makeup is to mimic those of a child. Say goodbye to heavy and dark makeup that weighs you down. Here are the tricks that will make the windows to your soul lighter, brighter and perhaps as innocent as they once were.

Instructions

1. Take care of the skin around your eyes so you don't get premature wrinkles, and possibly minimize the ones you already have. You can do this by, among other things, staying hydrated and applying a nightly cream made to moisturize the eye area.

2. Make sure your eyebrows are well-groomed and shaped. Unkempt eyebrows add years to a face that would otherwise appear younger. Get rid of strays outside of your natural brow line and trim hairs that are too long. Define the shape of your brows and fill in any sparse areas with a brow powder applied with feather-like strokes.

3. Start off your eye makeup routine always by making sure your skin is free from dirt and grime so as to create the freshest base for your look. Apply foundation over eyelids in order to get a clean canvas not bogged down by darkness and any other unevenness in skin tone. Include the under-eye area as well in your application for the same reasons. Afterward, pat a concealer two notches lighter than your skin tone under the eyes and gently stipple away any obvious edges.

4. Keep your makeup simple. You want to use cosmetics that improve upon your appearance but don't particularly add any color. From lash line to brow bone, smooth on a flesh tone matte eyeshadow a notch lighter than your skin tone to brighten up your eyes. Dab a highlighter onto your brow bones and the inner corners of your eyes. Blend away any hard and evident edges for as natural a look as possible.

5. Line the inner rims of your lower lash lines gently with a white eye pencil. This extends the area occupied by the whites of your eyes, so they appear rounder and more open, as a child's would. Curl eyelashes to open up your eyes even more. Apply mascara to your top lashes only. Use a brown or brown-black one so you don't get too harsh of a look as you would with black. De-clump lashes with a small eyelash comb so your eyes appear clean, your lashes naturally defined.

6. Smooth away any creasing under your eyes by patting the area lightly with your ring finger. Dust translucent powder over the under-eye concealer to set your makeup and prevent further creasing before you begin your day.

Get White Paint Off Your Car

A nice paint job can be tarnished by bumps with white-painted surfaces, even other cars.

Unintended vehicle slip-ups happen to many people, and they are often unavoidable. Whether you parked too quickly in a space cornered by brightly colored concrete pillars or the white car next to you swung its door open too forcefully, your nice paint job may encounter some unsightly streaks over the course of its life. Fortunately, you can easily remove unwanted paint with some common household items and a bit of elbow grease.

Instructions

1. Mix soap and water in the bowl.

2. Moisten the sponge with soapy water and thoroughly clean the affected area.

3. Allow the area to dry, or dry it with the towel. Keep in mind you will use this towel later, too.

4. Put the sponge and soapy water aside for later.

5. Put on the disposable gloves to protect your hands from the caustic chemical properties of acetone, the primary ingredient in nail polish remover.

6. Wrap the towel around your finger to form a point.

7. Moisten the tip of your toweled finger with nail polish remover.

8. Gently rub your finger over the thickest part of the unwanted paint.

9. Repeat steps 6 and 7 until the bulk of the paint has been removed.

10. Moisten a few cotton balls with the nail polish remover.

11. Repeat the same motion as before to remove any wide areas of thinly coated paint.

12. Dip a cotton swab into the nail polish remover, and repeat the same motion for hard-to-reach areas or especially stubborn flecks of paint.

13. Discard the towel and all cotton balls and swabs that contain nail polish remover.

14. Rewash the entire area with sponge and soapy water to remove all traces of nail polish remover.

Paint Plastic Floor Trim

Sand the baseboard to promote adhesion.

Beautify your ordinary plastic floor trim by refinishing it with paint. Before you rush into the application process, consider that unlike wood baseboards, which are porous, plastic floor trim is poorly suited for adhesion. Combat this problem by abrading the trim with sandpaper. Once the plastic is sanded, it will accept a latex base and finish coat. Use a specific type of paintbrush, or the plastic may dry with unsightly brush marks.

Instructions

1. Wash the plastic floor trim with a water-based soap, using a coarse sponge. Rinse and dry the trim, using damp rags and clean towels.

2. Scour the plastic floor trim with 180-grit sandpaper until it feels coarse. This promotes adhesion.

3. Apply masking paper to the floor immediately beneath the plastic trim, using painter's tape. Apply tape to the section of the wall directly above the baseboard.

4. Coat the plastic floor trim with latex primer, using a soft-bristled polyester paintbrush. Brush horizontally and apply gentle pressure. Wait two hours before painting.

5. Clean the soft-bristled polyester paintbrush with water.

6. Coat the plastic floor trim with gloss latex paint, using the clean soft-bristled polyester paintbrush. Brush horizontally and apply gentle pressure. Wait two hours for the trim to dry.

Paint Fabric Using Acrylic Paint

Decorate any color of fabric.

According to "Fabric Painting Basics," acrylic dries stiffer than other types of paint. This makes items less comfortable to wear. Paint items like hats and bags with acrylic paint to avoid this problem. Save T-shirts and other clothing items for when you have fabric paint. Acrylic paint does not come off in the washing machine, similar to fabric paint. Acrylic paints also generally cost less than fabric specific paints.

Instructions

1. Place the fabric item in the washing machine. Wash it as usual, but don't use any fabric softener or bleach. Dry it without dryer sheets.

2. Place a piece of cardboard in between fabric items with layers, like T-shirts or pants. Thin cardboard, like from food packages, works well.

3. Put small drops of paint onto a flat surface, like a paint palette or paper plate. Dip your painting tools into the paint and decorate the item. If you wish to use a stencil, place the stencil on the item. Tear off small two-inch pieces of masking tape. Tape the stencil to the fabric item, and then the fabric item to the flat surface underneath to keep both from moving. Remove the tape and stencil when you are done painting. When painting, do not use thick coats. Thicker coats of paint are more likely to crack or flake apart.

4. Clean out the brushes and painting surface immediately with water and soap.

5. Let the item dry for at least 24 hours; if the room is humid, it may take longer to dry. Remove the cardboard after it dries.

Get Tickets To A Las Vegas Show

Getting tickets to a Las Vegas show is easy. Getting inexpensive tickets takes a little more work.

Instructions

1. Examine your Las Vegas itinerary.

2. Note which days of the week you will be in Las Vegas.

3. Figure out whether you would like to see a comedy act, musical act, concert, variety show or magic show.

4. Read or listen to reviews of the shows you are interested in so you know what you will be seeing before you purchase tickets.

5. Call the hotel where you will be staying. Ask the concierge if any special deals exist for hotel guests, either for the show in the hotel itself or for other hotels.

6. Log on to the Internet and go to one of the Las Vegas show ticket Web sites.

7. Note that some shows - like "O" at Bellagio - are in such high demand that they will not be available through any discount means.

8. Reserve your ticket, using a credit card, over the telephone or through the Internet.

9. Get a confirmation number and be sure to have the credit card with which you purchased the tickets and ID on your person when you pick them up.

10. Pick up the tickets at the "will call" desk.

Get Tickets For Shows In Las Vegas

Get Tickets for Shows in Las Vegas

Millions of tourists mix with lucky residents in Las Vegas each year to enjoy world famous shows. Musicians, magicians, showgirls and comedians are only a few of the artists that perform regularly in Sin City. You need to get tickets for shows in Las Vegas well in advance of your trip to avoid sell outs or attending a show you do not necessarily enjoy.

Instructions

1. Call your hotel's front desk to determine any discount packages available with your room rate. Many hotels have a connection with casinos or larger businesses in the area that sponsor shows. You can save a significant amount of money by simply speaking with the hotel manager before you get show tickets.

2. Contact theaters within close proximity of your hotel to get information on upcoming shows. Smaller theaters compete with the major players in Las Vegas by offering discounts for new shows. You can also learn about reserved seating and other perks for early ticket shoppers.

3. Schedule a trip to early shows if you are bringing your family to Las Vegas. You can get tickets to comedy shows, magic acts and other family fare that will have your kids in bed by the time the sun goes down.

4. Head to late night shows to spice up your Las Vegas experience with siblings and friends. You can see topless showgirl routines, as well as adult-oriented comedy and musical acts within walking distance of your hotel on the Las Vegas Strip.

5. See the great magicians that call Las Vegas home while you are on vacation. Lance Burton provides entertaining magic shows in a theater bearing his name while Penn and Teller perform an alternative form of magic that mixes comedy, monologues and traditional sleight of hand.

6. Check out major theaters in Las Vegas for limited time performances by high profile musicians and comedians. In the past few years, Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac fame and comedian Jerry Seinfeld have done a few shows in Las Vegas. You should prepare to spend several times the cost of permanent shows on these limited engagements.

Get The Most Out Of Your Headshot Session

Get the Most out of Your Headshot Session

One of an actor's most valuable tools is his headshot. A headshot photo is essentially your calling card. It needs to be an accurate representation of you, meaning it should look like you physically and capture your persona. Headshot sessions are not cheap so you want to make sure you get the most out of your session.

Instructions

1. Talk to your agent or manager about what he wants to see come out of your session. He may have a few different "looks" he wants you to achieve such as a business professional shot in a suit or a friendly commercial shot. Make sure you are both on the same page regarding your goals for the session.

2. Map out a few different looks for the session. Don't just think about changing your shirt but about a completely different look. Brainstorm about the various roles you may audition for and aim for a photo that targets that type of role.

3. Plan the wardrobe you want to wear for each look. Don't forget to include any necessary accessories such as belts, hats and jewelry.

4. Map out how you'd like your hair and makeup to be for each different look. If you are doing your own hair and makeup for the session, practice a few days beforehand so you know exactly what you'll be doing at the shoot.

5. Make sure all your clothes are clean and wrinkle-free on the day of the shoot. Organize all your items beforehand so you don't feel rushed that morning.

6. Bring your makeup and hair items with you to the shoot. Make sure you bring a neutral facial powder to tone down shine. You should also bring eye drops in case your eyes become red and irritated.

7. Discuss exactly what you want to accomplish with the photographer. If she doesn't know your goals, she won't be able to help you reach them. The more planning you do beforehand, the better results you'll see afterwards.

8. Bring fun music with you to session. Some people tend to tighten up in front of the camera. You want your photos to be natural so aim to keep yourself loose. Music can sometimes help to do that.

9. Get plenty of sleep the night before the shoot and drink lots of water in the days preceding it. Water can help plump up the fine lines in the face, making your skin look better.

10. Vary your poses and expressions in the session. Since most photographers now use digital cameras, you don't have to worry about wasting film. Let loose and try something new. You may find your best photos happen when you take a chance.

11. Have fun! The best photos are the ones where the subject is enjoying herself. Though you want your photos to turn out right, try to let go and remember it's just a photo session. If you enjoy yourself, it'll come through on camera.

Get Tickets To Ringling Brothers Circus

Since it's founding during the Nineteenth Century, Ringling Brothers Circus has offered its customers "The Greatest Show on Earth," complete with clowns, elephants and acrobats. Here are a few ways that you can get tickets to see the Ringling Brothers Circus.

Instructions

1. Find schedules and tickets for Ringling Brothers Circus by selecting the link online at their website (see Resources below). Select your state from the drop-down menu and choose the link for the city that is closet to you. You can purchase tickets though Ticket Master (see Resources below) or order by phone.

2. Get discounted tickets. Click "Sign Up for Special Offers" on the circuse website. Choose which offers you want and hit the "Next" button. Registered customers can log in. If you're not registered, click the "New Customers Click Here" link and fill in the required information. Be sure to check your email and use promotional codes when you order your tickets.

3. Buy your tickets at the door. Generally you have to wait in line to get tickets this way. You won't have to pay the convenience or delivery charge that you may pay online, but you aren't guaranteed a seat if the show sells out. Try to get to the circus early, especially for more popular times.

4. Use Ticket Master's website to find and buy tickets online. Enter "Ringling Brothers" into the search box, press the "Search" button and select the show you want. Enter your city or zip code in the "Show Me Events Near:" box. Find the date and time you want and select the link. Review the options, click "Find Tickets" and put in the required information. Follow the "Look for Tickets" link. Buy the tickets or search for different tickets.

Proceed After Finishing Your First Script

The major reason it is challenging to proceed after finishing your first script is that, well, it's your first script and not only do you have no idea what to do, every possibility sounds like a good one because it is all so new. This tutorial will shed some light on how it is truly appropriate to proceed.

Instructions

1. Lock it in a drawer for two weeks. Seriously. Keep yourself away from it for two weeks or else you WILL make some hasty and wrong decisions.

2. After two weeks, reread it. Does some stuff seem odd, or in need of fixing? If so, and it will be so, aren't you glad you took time off from it to notice?

3. Evaluate problems, fix them and take another week off.

4. Repeat this process until there is very little to fix. The script will never be perfect, but you want to be sure that all formatting and structural problems are absent.

5. Ask yourself what you plan to do with the script. Festivals? Producers? Agents?

6. Make a list of possible people/places to send it based on your answer to Step 5.

7. Hope for the best, expect the worst and use it as a learning experience. The first script I wrote won a festival, but looking back, it's the worst thing I've ever written. The experience taught me a ton, however.

Get Swirl Marks Out Of Car Paint

Get Swirl Marks Out of Car Paint

Swirl marks in car paint can make the finish look pretty bad. These marks will usually result from contact with automated car wash brushes, bad wax jobs or buffing with a wool or terrycloth bonnet. They especially become more evident on darker colored paint and under certain lighting. Removing these marks, however, is not that difficult a job.

Instructions

1. Wash your vehicle thoroughly with car-wash solution and dry with a soft towel.

2. Make sure your vehicle is either in a garage or in the shade, and that the surface is not too hot or cold. The ideal temperature is between 50 and 80 degrees. Avoid working in high humidity.

3. Apply a small amount of swirl remover to your foam application pad and work in a circular motion. Stick to one panel at a time, or even a portion of the panel--for instance, a 12-by-12 inch section. Rub it in firmly, but don't press so hard that you leave finger marks through the foam applicator. Be careful not to lay it on too heavy; a light covering is all you want.

4. Let the compound dry to a haze. It usually takes about 5 minutes, depending on humidity and temperature. Then, using a "clean and "dry" foam applicator by hand, or a foam bonnet on a power buffer, gently remove the compound (again in circular motions) until the surface is clean and shiny.

5. Step back and determine if the swirl marks have all been removed. The compound is meant to fill in and mask the swirl marks; if the marks are deeper, you may need a second or even a third treatment.

6. Use only the foam applicator to wipe clean and remove remnants that may remain on or in crevices. The compound will take a little time to fully harden, and if you wipe your finish with anything but the foam applicator, you run the risk of creating more marks in your finish.

Make A Timeline Template With Microsoft Word

Track project progress with a timeline.

Timelines help you plan for and chart the progress of your projects. Creating a timeline in Word enables you to not only establish milestones and task assignments, but also update or modify these items as well. Making a basic chart and saving it as a Microsoft Word template can also save you time on future projects, as you will have a timeline document into which you can input specific details for each project.

Instructions

1. Start Word and open a new document. Change the page orientation so that the timeline fits onto the page better by clicking the "Page Layout" tab, then clicking "Orientation" in the Setup group and choosing "Landscape."

2. Click on the "Insert" tab and select "SmartArt" in the Illustrations group. Click "Process" in the left pane of the Choose a SmartArt Graphic window. Click on an option to preview it, then click "OK" to open the graphic you want to use.

3. Position the timeline where you want it on the page. Click on the SmartArt graphic, then click the "Format" tab under SmartArt tools. Click "Position" in the Arrange group and choose the option you want to use, such as "Position in Middle Center with Square Text Wrapping."

4. Add other basic details, such as your name in the header or footer of the page. Click the "Insert" tab and select "Header" or "Footer" to add a custom header or footer. You can also change the appearance of the graphic by clicking the timeline to select it, clicking the "Design" tab under SmartArt Tools, then choosing the design options you wish to apply, such as colors, layouts or 3-D effects.

5. Click the "File" tab, select "Save As," enter a name for the template in the "File Name" box, then choose "Word Template (.dotx)" in the "Save as Type" box.

6. Click the arrow to the left of "Microsoft Word" at the top of the left pane in the Save As window, select "Templates," then click "Save" to create your custom timeline template.

Introduce Yourself At A Beauty Pageant

The introduction at a beauty pageant, whether on stage or in the private interview, is a crucial moment for a contestant. Learn to introduce yourself properly and you can make a lasting impression on the pageant judges.

Instructions

1. Prepare your brief introduction before the pageant. A good introduction emphasizes more than your name. Compose a few sentences that state your name, where you are from and at least one other interesting fact about yourself, such as your hobbies, interests or platform.

2. Practice good posture. A straight spine and a head held high show that you are confident and prepared.

3. Stand close enough to the judges to be comfortable but do not invade their personal space. Relax as much as possible and keep your arms hanging at your sides.

4. Speak slowly, clearly and with confidence. This is easy to do when you have properly prepared for the introduction. Enunciate your words properly and speak with assurance and authority. You are, after all, talking about a subject on whom you are an expert: yourself.

5. Smile as you are speaking. A gentle smile on your face during your introduction helps make you approachable to the judges. It also portrays a confident attitude, which is something the judges are looking for in a pageant contestant.

Mask For Spray Painting

Spray painting has many benefits over traditional brushing and rolling. This painting technique can drastically speed the application process and tends to produce a slick finish free from unattractive roller bumps and brush marks. Unfortunately, spray painting tends to produce heavy paint fog and overspray that can stain nearby surfaces. Before you try to spray paint an item in or around your home, take the time to protect adjacent surfaces by masking them with the appropriate materials.

Instructions

1. Wipe unfinished surfaces, such as plastic, vinyl and metal, using a rag dampened with mineral spirits. Wait at least an hour for these surfaces to dry before applying any painter's tape.

2. Wipe painted and stained surfaces with sticky tack cloths before applying tape to them. Don't try to dust the surface with a plastic brush or cloth rags, or unseen dust particles may remain.

3. Cover surfaces you'd like to protect from spray paint, using masking paper. Hold the paper in place by attaching the edges to the surface, using a low-tack painter's tape. Press your thumb against the tape and smooth it against the surface to ensure that it is securely fastened.

4. Cover larger areas, such as countertops and furniture, using plastic drop cloths. Tape the edges of the drop cloth down if necessary.

Paint Decorative Ceilings

Homeowners sometimes neglect their ceilings during remodeling or renovation. Direct attention to your ceiling and visually expand the height of your space by adding color to the ceiling. Instead of painting the ceiling white, try adding a splash of color or a design to improve the ambiance and enhance the look of a drab room. You can paint directly on the ceiling or use painted ceiling tiles.

Instructions

Painting Patterns

1. Paint the entire ceiling the base color with a paint roller and allow it to dry.

2. Draw the desired pattern on the ceiling with a pencil. If you are working with an elaborate design, use scaffolding instead of a ladder to avoid neck strain. If you are painting patterns like blocks or circles, draw the circles or squares on a piece of cardboard and use a pair of scissors to cut out the patterns. Place the cardboard patterns on the ceiling and trace around them. Use masking tape to tape around the edges of the designs.

3. Paint the patterns the desired colors and allow it to dry. Remove the masking tape.

Painting Clouds

4. Paint the areas of the ceiling sky blue around the areas where you will paint clouds with a paintbrush. This does not have to be exact, as clouds are not perfectly shaped or uniformly sized.

5. Apply pale blue paint to form the edges of the clouds. Push the paint across the ceiling by pressing the bristles of the paintbrush against the ceiling firmly to create indistinct edges on the clouds. Avoid painting the edges of the clouds as lines, as it will look unnatural.

6. Paint the center of the blank areas white. Push the paint toward the pale blue edges, swirling the brush to give the clouds a billowing shape.

Painted Ceiling Tiles

7. Purchase paintable ceiling tiles with an attractive pattern to add dimension to the ceiling.

8. Paint the tiles in a contrasting color with a paintbrush or roller to brighten a room with neutral colors. Paint the tiles a color several shades lighter than the walls if you've used bright colors in the room.

9. Place the painted tiles on the ceiling as directed by the manufacturer's instructions included with the tiles.

Get Rid Of Birds In My Carport

Carports are popular nesting areas for swallows and other birds.

Carports protect cars from the harshest elements, such as hail, heavy rain and falling tree limbs. However, because carports are open, they can also attract birds that roost and build nests on the inside of the carport. Most car owners do not want birds around their cars messing up the car with bird droppings, and creating a general nuisance. One way to discourage the birds from roosting inside your carport is to employ various bird scaring tactics to keep the pests away.

Instructions

1. Start with the most basic scare tactic. Place a rubber fake snake or owl somewhere on your carport. This should be enough to scare away the birds at first. Move the snake or owl around every two to three days. This should deter all but the bravest birds from roosting in your carport.

2. Fill some balloons with helium and tie them to a few places under your carport. The constant movement will make the birds nervous, and they will roost elsewhere. The more movement that the balloons make the better. If the balloons are shiny, then that will yield even better results. There are even some balloons sold specifically for scaring birds away.

3. Attach foil tape over the areas of the carport where birds usually sit. This reflective tape will scare birds away because they will see their own reflections. The tape also reflects the sunlight, which will cause birds to roost somewhere else.

4. Attach bird spikes to common roosting areas if all else fails. Bird spikes do not pierce the birds, because when the birds notice the spikes they will land somewhere else. This may not work as well in a carport, because the object that they decide to rest on might be your car. Along with other scare measures, however, bird spikes can be effective in a carport.

5. Attach bird netting over areas where birds commonly sit and make nests if you do not like the idea or appearance of bird spikes. This netting can be stapled to almost any material, and is very effective at making birds find other locations to rest.

Make Elf Ears At Home

Making elf ears is easy and cheap.

Elf ears are easy and inexpensive to make. They are usually pointed at the top and are slightly larger than normal sized ears. You can choose the color of the ears to suit your taste or match your outfit. Making your own elf ears is an enjoyable activity that you can do with friends or with kids. The things you will need you probably already have at home. This means you can make the ears without buying craft materials.

Instructions

1. You can use elf ears for fancy dress or a Christmas party.

Search the Internet to find suitable pictures of elf ears. Type in "elf ears", click on "images" and you should be able to find a pair. You do need to find a pair big enough to print out onto A4 laminate paper, so that when you put them on they will be larger that your own ears.

2. Print out the elf ears, then cut them out. Place them between the sheets of an A4 piece of laminate paper. By laminating them, you make them sturdier and longer lasting.

3. Place the laminate in the laminating machine; keep the ears flat so that the laminate paper doesn't crinkle.

4. Cut out the ears again. Place an ear on one side of the hair band, with the ear facing outwards. Use a piece of sticky tape to secure the ear at the back, so that you cannot see the tape. Repeat this for the other ear.

5. Place the hair band on your head in the correct position and you now have a set of elf ears.

Get Performing Arts Internships

Internships are a great way to make a name for yourself, especially in the arts. The experience you gain in internships is invaluable to beginning a career or simply getting your foot in the door to the job of your dreams. However, landing the perfect internship can be a bit elusive. Follow some simple steps and get performing arts internships and launch your career dreams, whatever they may be.

Instructions

1. Ask your schools scholarship or internship office for help in locating an internship. Inquire with professors about various internship opportunities within the department you are interested in.

2. Check at community theaters, orchestras, ballet companies and dance studios to see if any internship opportunities are available. Check online at various job boards to see if any performing arts internships are posted.

3. Locate a Variety magazine to see any postings that have been made by major studios or check major movie studio websites for opportunities for student interns. Know that these short term internships are typically unpaid summer positions, so plan accordingly.

4. Apply for as many internships as possible, paid or unpaid. Network to working professionals in the field you are interested in and be willing to do any job to get experience. Usually you can build up to actual performances, either in a chorus or as an extra.

5. Find internships through scholarship programs, since as these opportunities are often available during the summer months. Check overseas opportunities and study abroad internship programs, since these options are often offered to performing students.

Make Sea Shell Christmas Ornaments

You can make seashell decorations and gifts.

If you live near a shoreline, you may have a sea or beach theme somewhere in your house. If so, you can decorate your Christmas tree to match that theme. You can buy bags of seashells at the craft store and make enough ornaments to decorate the entire tree--and make gifts for those on your list who love to travel to beaches.

Instructions

1. Paint a starfish gold, and sprinkle on some gold glitter while the paint is still wet. Allow the ornament to dry for about an hour, then drill a hole on one of the legs from the back. Pull a gold piece of ribbon through and tie it to hang your ornament.

2. Paint a thin, pointed shell--that looks like an icicle--white. While the paint is wet, sprinkle on some clear glitter. Let it dry for a couple of hours, then drill a hole in the top and pull a piece of white ribbon through. Tie the ribbon and hang the ornament on the tree.

3. Make Christmas trees out of a Cerith or King's Crown shell--small conchs that end in a point. Paint them green and decorate them with gold glitter as garland. Let them dry, then glue some small red and white pompoms or beads on for balls. Put a gold pompom or bead on the top for a star. Drill a hole and put in your ribbon for hanging.

4. Paint a scene on the inside of a clam or oyster shell or cut out a scene from a Christmas card and glue it to the inside of the shell. You can paint the outside or leave it natural. Paint on some glue and sprinkle glitter on it. Drill a hole and put in the ribbon.

5. Put hot glue on the ends of some greens and flower stems and push them into a small conch. Hold them in place until the glue adheres to the inside. Paint on some glue and glitter the outside. Drill a hole at the top and push the ribbon through, then tie it.

Make Yourself Cry

Want to give an Oscar worthy performance and openly weep in front of an audience?

Your audience may be seated theater guests, a director and cameraman or your family and friends.

Or you're trying to manipulate your way through a sticky situation and a few tears may get you a little mercy from the jury, angry spouse, or disappointed parent.

Whatever your motivation, here's some tips on getting your cry on. Try these different approaches alone, in front of your mirror. See which one works best for you and bring down the house!

Instructions

1. The Old Fashioned: Make yourself sad.

Basically, think sad thoughts until the tears come. The best way is to truly feel sad about what you're talking about. But if you can think about a sad thing and talk about something else, go for it.

If you can do this on cue and you can do this believably, get on the next flight to Hollywood. We need you.

2. The Chemical Approach: Put something in your eye.

Some say glycerin drops (which can be found in many theatrical supply stores), or rubbing a menthol stick under the eyes (also found at the theatrical store). Some cut onions.

This writer suggests NOT doing these. When will you discreetly drop stuff in your eye? What if you spend more time reacting to the physical discomfort? And why smell like onions the whole time?

Silliness.

3. Bored to Tears Approach: Yawn with your eyes open.

If you yawn one or two times with your eyes open, you'll tear up. Some actors let their lips quiver with the pre-yawn, cover their face with their hands for the actual yawn, and look up with tears.

This takes much practice. It's not for everyone.

4. Masochistic Approach: Hurt Yourself

Another one not suggested. Because, well, it hurts. But you can pinch yourself very hard. Nose hairs. Those hurt. If you're "lucky" enough to have nose hairs you can pluck with your fingers, hide behind a hand, pluck and tear up. If you can turn away, grab a mirror and tweezers and turn back around real fast, then you're a talent and should try a career in slight of hand magic.

Don't make yourself bruise, bleed or scar. Then it's going to be real tears and that will be so counter-productive.

5. The Hardest Method: Don't cry

As an actor, some of the best performances are watching a person hold back tears.

As a manipulator, sometimes the best method is not to cry for pity but instead face the situation with some honesty. Then if you cry it's because you did the right thing.

Make A Rifle Stock

Collection of rifles

A rifle is a popular firearm used for hunting and designed to be fired from the shoulder. The part that comes in contact with the shoulder is called a stock, but is also sometimes referred to as buttstock or shoulder stock. Rifle is a specific type of a weapon precisely because of the stock. Basically, the rifle stock provides a firm support for the firearm and therefore enhances its aim and overall performance. If you are an owner or collector of rifles, you may want to learn make custom stocks.

Instructions

1. Identify your rifle and its specific style. If you are looking to replace an old and worn-out rifle stock, you may simply copy the design. But if you want to improve the look of your rifle, you need to look up various websites that deal with stock design so you can choose an appropriate shape and size.

2. Design and plan your rifle stock to the smallest detail. Draw the design to see how it will eventually look like when finished and choose the type of the wood as well. Note that the wood you choose for the stock needs to be of highest quality, aside from being hard, resilient and strong. One of the most common types of wood used for stocks is walnut. When you have the plan and the dimensions, purchase the needed materials and gather all the tools necessary. Remember that the most important dimensions are: length of pull, drop at comb and drop at heel, cast on and cast off and pitch.

3. Choose a particular wood board such as walnut or any other type you want for your rifle stock. Check the wood on all sides to see whether there is any discoloration, knots or other damage. Also check the pattern of the wood grain, since it needs to be healthy looking and, most importantly, spread in the direction of the longer dimension. If you can't see the wood grain clearly, pour some water on the board to see it. Then quickly wipe the excess liquid with a dry clean cloth, since the wood need to be absolutely dry.

4. Make a Plexiglas template of your design and cut it with a saw. Then hold the Plexiglas against the wood board and look through it to see how the grain is directed and positioned. Since the template is transparent, you will be able to see what the best position for the stock is. Use a marker to draw around the template and mark the place for cutting the stock.

5. Cut the wood to the required length, following the edges of the marked template. Make sure to add an extra inch or two for styling and shaping. Use a power saw for this task and make sure to protect yourself and others while using it.

6. Cut the exact shape of the template by using a bandsaw. A bandsaw is a power tool that can accomplish finer and more detailed cutting, ut make sure not to cut inside the lines: that kind of extra fine work is best left for hand-held carpentry tools.

7. Shape the stock into its final form by using a chisel and sandpaper. Treat the edges and the sides with sandpaper and use a chisel to add shadow lines or whatever other elements you wish. Make sure to achieve a comfortable and ergonomic shape of the stock, which provides a secure and firm fit and a stable grip as well. Check the shape from time to time during this part of the process so you can feel it in your hands and, more importantly, on your shoulder. Check the stock against the rifle as well. Now is the time to make the final adjustments if needed. Remember, the stock needs to be firmly and seamlessly attached to the rifle when it's finished.

8. Attach the metal part/hardware that will eventually be mounted to the rifle. Use a chisel to carve the place for the metal part and then attach it with strong wood glue and leave it in a vise for a few hours to dry and harden.

9. Apply a layer of wood primer and then let it dry completely. At this point, you will be able to see the beauty of the wood grain and pattern more clearly.

10. Finish your rifle stock by applying a coat of wood gloss or wood lacquer to its surface. Use a fine, soft brush with natural fibers to apply the gloss and make sure to allow one layer to dry and harden before adding another one.

Make A Silk Screen Print Frame

Make a silk screen frame using plywood.

Silkscreen printing, sometimes called silk screening or serigraphy, can be used to make printed T-shirts, posters, artwork, clothing and other apparel. You can make custom or personalized gifts for family members and friends using silkscreens. Before starting a silkscreen project, you need to first build an exposing frame using silkscreen-making supplies. You can purchase silkscreen materials at printing shops, hardware stores and some local arts and craft shops.

Instructions

Instructions

1. Cut the 2 by 3 lumber into two 11-inch long and two 8 ½-inch pieces. The two 11-inch pieces are the sides and the 8 ½-inch pieces are the inserts.

2. Place the two inserts, one at the top and the other one at the bottom, and screw them to the two sides (11 inches) with wood screws and the electric drill. Use the proper drill bit according to the head of the wood screws. You should have an incomplete frame that is 8 1/2 by 11 inches.

3. Cut a 3-inch thick foam rubber into a piece that is long enough to fit into the well or inside of the frame. Place the rubber foam inside the well of the frame, leaving 1/2 inch of space between the foam and frame.

4. Cut another piece of plywood into two 13-inch and 10 ½-inch pieces. The two 13-inch pieces are the sides and two 10 ½-inch pieces are the top and bottom.

5. Place the frame in the center of the 10 ½-inch by 13-inch plywood. Connect the frame and plywood together by attaching clamp hinges to one end of the frame and the other to the plywood using screws and the drill. After the two are connected, the frame should lift up from the base of the plywood. The foam should be underneath the base.

6. Use the drill and screws to attach the door latch to the plywood and the eye hook to the frame. They should be opposite to the clamp hinges. The hook keeps the frame closed while using it.

7. Place the clear ¼-inch plate glass over the frame and secure the four edges with duct tape to the frame. This also protects you and other handlers from cuts or injuries.

Paint A Watercolor On Yupo

Yupo provides an unusual surface for watercolor painting.

Yupo watercolor paper isn't paper at all. It's actually a synthetic product made of polypropylene. The surface is strong, waterproof and stain resistant. Unlike traditional watercolor paper, Yupo doesn't need to be stretched. The sturdy, nonabsorbent sheet also lends itself to techniques that would strain other watercolor grounds, possibly causing tearing or other damage.

Instructions

1. Clean the Yupo surface with soap and water to remove grease and fingerprints. Tape the sheet to a drawing board.

2. Draw preliminary guidelines lightly with a pencil. Brush on diluted watercolors. Tilt the board to allow wet paint to flow and mingle. When the paint is wet, it can be wiped off completely. Partially dried paint can be lifted to any degree with paper towels. Dried paint can be scrubbed with a bristle brush to create soft-edged spots.

3. Cut sponges to useful shapes. Thicker watercolor can be dabbed on with sponges or applied with palette knives. Add textures by blotting the wet paint with sponges, crumpled plastic wrap, paper towels or paint rollers. Sprinkle wet paint with salt and allow to dry. Gently brush off salt to reveal the unusual textures left in the paint.

4. Add multiple layers of color, allowing each level to dry completely before painting on top.

Get Out Of Handcuffs Houdinistyle

Houdini was a master of escape and though he is gone, many people still idolize his escape work. One of his most memorable pastimes was escaping from handcuffs. He used an assortment of tricks to escape from the bonds, but his tricks usually involved a key. With a little practice and showmanship, you can replicate his escape feats. Remember to keep safety in mind, though. You need a quick way to escape from the cuffs if an emergency arises.

Instructions

1. Purchase a pair of handcuffs that have two keys. Keep one key and provide the other key to your assistant. Your assistant will hold on to the key in case of an emergency while you attempt to escape.

2. Choose your location for performing the trick carefully. The location should seem devoid of hiding places at first, but it needs an inconspicuous spot to hide a small key (such as a loose brick that hides a small compartment or a thick lampshade that will conceal a key). Hide your key in the room.

3. Practice inconspicuously retrieving your key from its hiding spot. You can make the retrieval look like an accident (for example, you could feign a stumble against the hiding space and deftly retrieve the key).

4. Stretch your wrists to improve dexterity while you wear the handcuffs. Retrieving the key without detection is a hard task, but it means nothing if you can't use the key while wearing the cuffs. Rotate your wrists and practice unlocking the cuffs while you wear them.

5. Ask your assistant to witness your attempt to remove the handcuffs. Your assistant will tell you if she noticed you retrieving the key so you can adjust your performance plan.

Get My Kids Into Modeling

Many parents believe that their child should be a model. Or they hear the advice, "You should get your child into modeling" often, but they don't know which steps to take to do so. In fact, it is a very difficult task, and one that should be met with patience, understanding of the industry, and caution about the industry as a whole. First and foremost, as a parent you should never leave your child unattended during any "casting" or photo shoot. In addition, you should never have to pay to have your child attend such an event.

Instructions

1. Research local child modeling agencies in your area. Typically, these types of agencies are concentrated in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Miami. Some smaller markets like Atlanta or Minneapolis may also have local agencies. Start by looking in your local Yellow Pages.

2. Call several local modeling agencies and see what their requirements are for submitting photos for review. At various times, agencies may not be soliciting new models. This is very important to know since you don't want to waste your time sending the photos if they will never be reviewed. Each agency may have special requirements for submitting the photos with the child's measurements on the back of the photo or on a separate piece of paper. Be sure to follow their directions precisely.

3. Take several photos of your child. You will want to have at least three different photos to provide to agencies--a full length body shot, a tight head shot and a medium length shot of your child posing without toys or any costumes (including hats) on.

4. Mail the three photos and your child's measurements as well as your contact information to all of the agencies you have been in touch with.

5. Wait for your child's photos to be reviewed. It is important to know that hundreds, even thousands of photos are submitted regularly to agencies. It can take a good amount of time to go through each of them.

6. Follow up with new pictures of your child as well as updated measurements and contact information six months later if you still have not heard back from any agencies. It is important to keep submitting updated photos regularly since children change so rapidly, and agencies' needs also change rapidly.

7. Arrive on time for any meetings scheduled with a potential agency. Being tardy, not showing up or rescheduling at the last minute could reflect very poorly on you and your child. Many agencies may not call you back for this very reason, out of fear that the same thing may happen if your child is booked for a modeling job.

Find Jokes

One of the most tried-and-true methods of breaking the ice is to tell a good joke. Not everyone has the same sense of humor, which is why it's worth it to look at and memorize many jokes. This way you will be sure to come up with a crowd-pleaser as the situation calls for it. Thankfully finding jokes is a a free, enjoyable process that can be done online or in your local library.

Instructions

1. Decide what kind of jokes you're interested in telling. Is there a specific occasion coming up, such as a cocktail party? You may want to learn some adult jokes that utilize bawdy humor. If you're entertaining at a child's birthday party, you'll want to stick to kid-friendly jokes. If you narrow down your search, you'll find a multitude of jokes in less time.

2. Visit a joke website. There are many websites that list thousands of jokes and are available for your perusal free of charge. One such website is Lots of Jokes, www.lotsofjokes.com. Another site is I Search jokes, www.isearchjokes.com.

3. Click on the category of jokes you want to find. Read the jokes on the page and write down the jokes you want to remember. Writing down information helps you to retain it.

4. Visit your local library. The library is chock full of joke books, especially books for children's jokes.

5. Ask the information desk to find you joke books relating to the category you're looking for. Or, utilize the library's computerized card-catalog system to find the books yourself. Two joke books to look for are "The Friar's Club Private Joke File: More than 2,000 Very Naughty Jokes From the Grand Masters of Comedy", Barry Dougherty, Lewis Black, 2006 and "The Gigantic Joke Book, Joseph Rosenbloom, 1978.

6. Check the book out of your local library to take home or read/record jokes directly from the books at the library.

Get Into The Acting & Modeling Field

Getting into acting and modeling can be an enjoyable hobby or career.

One of the largest dreams a person can have when growing up is to become a world-renowned movie star or supermodel. While only an esteemed few make it to that pinnacle, it is possible for many more to earn a respectable living from acting or modeling. To get your foot in the door, you may need to spend money and work hard for many years, but when you find yourself on stage or in front of the camera, all your efforts will have been worth it.

Instructions

1. Find a friend or acquaintance with a top-of-the-line digital camera and have him take a few simple headshots of you. A simple headshot is a picture of you, typically from the midsection and up, against a solid-colored background or a wall. You will eventually get more professional headshots, but it is best to not put out any money until you have the chance of getting some back. Pick the best one from the shoot.

2. Use a photo editing program to make the photo fit on an 8-by-10-inch sheet of photo paper. Using a text box in the program, type in your name on a white space just under the photo. This will act as your headshot in your first few gigs. Print the headshot.

3. Sign up for a modeling or acting class in your area. Ask any modeling or acting friends for recommendations or do an online search to check for those that get the best reviews. This class will teach you some of the skills you need to succeed in acting. During the class, ask your classmates and instructor for the websites and resources that they use to check for gigs in your area. They may suggest a general site like Craigslist or a specific telephone or online directory that works specifically for your city.

4. Visit the resources suggested to you by your class to search for auditions for local gigs. You are more likely to be hired for gigs that are unpaid like local community theater shows and student projects when you are just starting out. Repeat this step until you have been hired for five to 10 gigs.

5. Create a resume based on the gigs that you have been hired for. List your name, phone number, hair color, height and weight along with information about the gigs like which company you worked for, the name of the project and the role you portrayed in the gig. Bring your resume along with your headshot to all future gigs.

6. Find a reputable photography or headshot company in your area to take a professional headshot. Once again, use friend, colleague and online recommendations to find the most affordable and professional company. After you receive the headshot, visit a headshot printing company (the photographer will most likely recommend one to you) and print 50 to 100 headshots with your resume printed on the back.

7. Call any and all talent agencies in your area and ask them how new talent should submit materials. Often you will need to send a copy of your headshot and resume through the mail and you will need to wait at least a month for a reply. Before sending, make sure to check online and with friends to ensure the agencies are legitimate. The agencies may ask you to come in and audition. Do not sign with an agency if it requires money from you as it may be a scam. Sign with one or more agencies.

8. Continue to look for auditions online as your agency or agencies also look for work for you. Take more classes and network to find as many contacts as possible as you never know where your next gig might come from.

Get Into Commercials & Movie Extras

Many an actor has obtained his first big break--and even helped to pay some of his bills--by landing roles in commercials and working for scale as extras in movies and TV shows. These gigs not only foster networking opportunities with like-minded peers, but enable aspiring performers to create name and face recognition with directors and casting agencies. In addition, the proliferation of independent studios, local access programming and advertising firms have made it possible for actors to achieve celebrity without necessarily having to move to Hollywood.

Instructions

1. Have 8x10 headshots taken by a professional photographer. While a lot of actors use the same headshot for every audition they go to, it's not a bad idea to have two or three different "looks" depending on what types of acting jobs you're planning to go for.

2. Prepare a resume that is easy to read, up to date and provides all of your current contact information. If you have a website that contains photographs, videos and/or reviews of your acting work, be sure to reference it.

3. Get an agent to represent you. Agents are the intermediaries who help actors find auditions and assist casting directors and producers in locating talent who will be the best fit for specific assignments.

4. Bookmark websites such as Backstage, Actors' Pages and Auditions Movie (see Resources) and visit them regularly. These are only a handful of Internet resources that post casting notices for upcoming productions and commercials being filmed around the country. There are also numerous subscriber services that allow actors to upload their photographs and resumes for review by producers and talent agents.

5. Subscribe to trade magazines such as Variety and The Hollywood Reporter to stay abreast of who is filming what.

6. Register with your state's film commission. Every state in the U.S. has an agency that is instrumental in providing film extras, scouting locations, acquiring props (including vintage cars), arranging catering and securing permits for road closures. If there are any talent agents who live in your region, they're going to be registered with the commission, too, as a local resource for supplying actors.

7. Make yourself known at local advertising agencies that produce television and radio commercials for their clients. In addition to your headshot and resume, supply each of them with a demo tape that shows off your versatility in hawking products, services and calls to action.

Get Into Character For A Scene

Practice your acting skills.

The art of acting entails temporarily living as a different person in a different reality. When you realize this, stepping into your character's skin will become not only easier but also more believable to your audience and fellow players. For an actor, it's the situation that is dominant. In everyday life, you enter situations with the circumstances in mind, not your personality or character. The same goes for becoming a character - you must become that person with all his complexities, thoughts and idiosyncrasies.

Instructions

1. Study your character. Understand your character's physical characteristics, as well as emotional and mental state. Know the character's history by understanding the context and the time period of the story. This is how you will realize the character's intentions behind each line. Say your lines with the same thought process you believe your character has.

2. Communicate your character through his lines and body language. Every line should be rehearsed with the discovered intentions to display who your character truly is. Treat each intention as a positive. If your character is cold, more powerful emotional connections can be made with your audience if you communicate that your character is looking for warmth.

3. Play to your character's private audience - everyone has a private audience. It could be the parent she disappointed or the teacher who she wants to prove wrong. This private audience is all in the mind and may or may not ever show up in the play itself. Make it up from your own experience if necessary. Drawing on your own related emotions well help you manifest those of your character.

4. Practice characterizing the other players in the scene. Think of how your character sees and thinks of the other characters. Maybe he sees one as beneath him and the other as loveable or dangerous. Believe those feelings toward the other characters when rehearsing your lines with them. Even if you are quiet, those beliefs will show in your eyes and expressions.

Play Michael Jackson'S "Moonwalker"

Play Michael Jackson's "Moonwalker"

Michael Jackson's "Moonwalker" was a hit when it game out for the Sega Genesis. Now, you can play this game at home on your own home computer. It may seem unusual at first, but it's quite addicting. These tips and tricks will show you beat the game and have fun doing it.

Instructions

1. Select Options from the start menu. If you're a beginner, change the difficulty to Easy. There are six stages total. They each play a Michael Jackson song in the background. The goal of each level is to rescue all the children.

2. Use the arrow keys to move around the level. When you encounter obstacles, such as tables, you can either jump over them (using the C button on most versions of the game) or kick small items, like trash cans, at the enemies. The kick button (the X key) is also your attack button. When your health is good, you can shoot stars at enemies. If your health is low, you have to let the enemies get closer and kick them.

3. Use magic on boss fights. The Z button allows you to perform different moves depending on where you are standing. Jump on items such as fire hydrants and use your magic to get different effects. Hold the button down long enough and you'll force the bad guys to dance with you, normally destroying them.

4. Press the up arrow key to open doors, windows and secret hiding spots in the level. The children get harder to find as the levels go on, so look everywhere. If you rescue a child, you'll get some of your health back. Sometimes a child will cause a comet to fall from the sky. Catch it and you'll be transformed into a robot temporarily.

5. Hold down the kick button while pressing the arrow in the opposite direction Michael is facing to do his signature move: the moonwalk! Be careful: it doesn't do any damage to the bad guys, and you'll take damage if you hit them while moonwalking. This move is simply for fun and to show off your skills to your friends.

6. Try different button combinations to perform special moves and tricks. They change on each level, so make sure to try them out. For example, if you jump and kick on the stairs, sometimes Michael will slide down the banister. If there is a trash can or a chair, you can kick near it and hit the bad guys.

Know When A Guy Is About To Break Up With You

If he begins to ignore you, he may be considering breaking up.

Breaking up can be a very painful event, especially if you never see it coming. Learning to recognize the signs that foreshadow a breakup can help you to protect yourself from a surprise heartbreak. If you are dating a guy who may be considering breaking up with you, there are multiple clues that you may be able to detect. The split might still be painful, but learning to recognize the warning signs of a breakup can spare you the additional pain of being blind-sided by the termination of a relationship.

Instructions

1. Look for a sudden increase of arguments. No couple agrees all the time, but a dramatic increase in disagreements may signal trouble. This is especially true if he is initiating most of the fights.

2. Pay attention to clues that might point toward infidelity. Mysterious phone calls, secret outings, sudden changes in physical appearance and spending extra time with a woman who is "only a friend" may indicate that his interest lies elsewhere.

3. Notice a change in the way he refers to future events. If he once included you in his discussion of future happenings but suddenly ceases to do so, he may be envisioning his life without you.

4. Look for negative changes in the way he treats you and interacts with you. If your partner begins to insult you, neglect you, ignore you or withhold sex or affection, he may be planning to terminate the relationship.

5. Pay attention to any mention of needing "time alone" or the desire to "date other people." This may be what he thinks is a nice way of saying that he wants to stop seeing you.