Find The Meaning In A Poem

Poetry is one of the oldest forms of expression, yet many people shy away from reading this genre because they fail to understand it. Poetry can soothe a broken heart, provide a melody to a love affair or even entwine historical facts. Follow these simple tips, and you will be able to find the meaning in a poem in no time.

Instructions

1. Read through the entire poem. Before trying to take apart the poem, just take a minute to read it as the poet intended. Listen to how the words flow together. You may even want to read it out aloud in order to really hear the "sounds" of the poem.

2. Read each sentence by itself. Sometimes a sentence will flow over onto the next line. Instead of looking at it as the poem is written, read each sentence individually. You may be able to start piecing ideas together.

3. Consider the deeper meaning. Just as we use slang today to express different thoughts and ideas, so do poets use different expressions or words to mean different things. Don't take everything at face value. Ask yourself what else the phrase could mean.

4. Understand the poet. Take some time to read a little about the poet in order to understand what kind of poetry they liked to write. If they seemed to be a romantic, then their poem may have more to do with love. If they seem to indulge in historical facts, they may have been trying to be satirical. You may also want to read some of their other poems just to get an idea of what kind of topics are common in their works.

5. Identify the time period. Poets tend to write about things that are happening around them. If they were alive during the World War II era, they may be writing about a whole different subject than if they were to write about our world as it is now. Knowing a little more about when the poem was written can definitely assist you in truly learning the meaning of the poem. You will be rewarded for your efforts.

Learn Proper English Pronunciation

"Proper English Pronunciation" takes more than one form. There is formal or traditional English pronunciation--sometimes called "The Queen's English"--which not even everyone in England speaks. There is English spoken by the other people of the world, including Americans, with their native accents. And there is the legacy of English pronunciation in territories once under British rule. English is now a universal language, and there is a generally recognized standard of correct pronunciation through which we can understand one another. Whether your goal is to learn to speak English better or to master the Queen's English, there are simple tools you can use to achieve your goal.

Instructions

English As She Is Spoken

1. To learn about formal and less formal English pronunciation, start by watching the 1964 Warner Brothers film, "My Fair Lady." In this film, a phonetics expert, Professor Henry Higgins (Rex Harrison) accepts a wager challenge to teach a Cockney flower seller, Eliza Doolittle (Audrey Hepburn) to speak "proper" English or "The Queen's English." The sharp wit of the lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner, created a defining film about proper English pronunciation and the many variations, even among native English speakers.

2. Listen to English speakers, especially broadcasters who speak "The Queen's English." Some sources claim that the formality of the Queen's English is less stated now; however, it remains the official standard of spoken English. In parallel, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is the channel of choice for proper English pronunciation. Listen to their broadcasts for lessons in correct English pronunciation and clear enunciation. In my opinion, here in the United States, Brian Williams, Anchor of NBC Nightly News, and Christiane Amanpour, Chief International Correspondent at CNN, stand out among broadcasters for their English pronunciation and clear enunciation.

3. Learn or improve English pronunciation by listening to audiotapes. These are English-language teaching tapes of the "repeat after me" school, and they come with written textbooks so that you can read and listen simultaneously to the audio lessons. They allow learners to "pronounce along" and thus familiarize themselves with English words, phrases and sentences. You can progress at your own pace by listening to it as much or as little as you want. Audiotapes are widely available in stores and online. At some websites, customers can listen to test tapes before deciding whether or not to buy (see Resources).

4. Practice speaking English with someone who speaks well, and don't be afraid of making mistakes, because conversing in English is the most active and direct way to master proper pronunciation. Some English speakers give conversation classes for a fee, as is a common practice in many foreign countries. If you happen to be fluent in a language other than English, make a deal to teach that language in exchange for lessons in English.

5. Read aloud speeches or English literature to improve pronunciation and gain a general command of English. This activity requires that you listen to yourself as you speak. You can also arrange group reading sessions with like-minded friends or acquaintances so that everyone benefits and can help one another with the correct pronunciation. The more you read aloud, the more confidence you will build in public speaking and the more your English pronunciation is likely to improve.

6. Take part in an English-language study program in another country. Study abroad programs are conducted all over the world and offer you the opportunity to experience a new culture and meet new people (see Resources).

Learn Portrait Painting

Learn Portrait Painting

Portrait painting is a difficult task for any artist--especially a beginning artist. When learning do portraits, an artist must train himself to paint exactly what he sees and to do that by looking at his subject objectively. The best way to learn to paint a portrait is by painting a portrait, then painting another and another until you become a skilled portrait artist.

Instructions

1. Draw from photographs of people--and do this over and over again. This activity will help you familiarize yourself with the proportions of the body, posture and musculature. These drawings should range from quick sketches to lengthy studies. Photographs are often better than live subjects because they never move and the lighting conditions never change. Use photographs that are large, high resolution and detailed.

2. Choose your painting medium. Ideally, this will be a medium with which you are already familiar. The most common media are watercolor, acrylic and oil paint. Watercolor is a translucent medium that can be difficult to control and is not usually recommended for beginning portrait artists. Acrylic paint is a fast-drying, opaque medium. The quick drying time of acrylic paint is a disadvantage when it comes to blending skin tones. Oil paint is a slow-drying medium that looks similar to acrylic paint.

3. Select your painting surface. If you are using acrylic or oil paints, you may want to paint on canvas board instead of canvas while you are still learning, because canvas board is less expensive.

4. Set up your materials and draw a basic outline of the facial features--meaning, an outline of the face, hair, eyes, nose and mouth, but no fine details--on your painting surface. Use a standard No. 2 pencil with eraser, and draw lightly.

5. Paint a thin wash of the appropriate colors on the painting surface. Do not paint any details or shadows at this time--just quickly lay down the groundwork for the rest of the painting.

6. Paint some details (using a medium-sized paint brush), and smooth the paint you just put down. If you are working with oil paint, you may want to give the painting surface time to dry before proceeding.

7. Paint finer details, using a smaller brush.

8. Step away from your painting and return to it after you have forgotten exactly what you painted. This may take several hours or days. When you return to the canvas, compare it to the photograph and look for errors. Make corrections as necessary.

9. Repeat steps 4 through 8 for every painting, and paint portraits often. Practice as much as possible.

Learn Hypnotism For Free

As the world expands its boundaries in search of alternative health and therapy options, hypnosis gains its footing as a viable technique used throughout the field of medicine. Similarly, in an age where wireless technology has asserted itself as an everyday learning tool, society now has at its fingertips the map to roads otherwise less traveled. The merger of these two factors presents both an informative and a cost-effective result, allowing the teachings of the art of hypnosis to be readily available to those willing to do the research.

Instructions

1. Find a quiet and comfortable place to sit that is free of distractions.

2. Identify a spot directly in front of you to focus your eyes upon. This allows the mind to settle and gives your consciousness the opportunity to drift into the state of hypnosis.

3. Take deep breaths while sitting and continue to focus on your identified spot. Deep breathing allows the body to relax, which is essential to achieving the desired goal.

4. Refrain from eating a heavy meal prior to hypnosis. This may cause difficulty in achieving the feeling of letting go, and it may interfere with the deep breathing process.

5. Tell yourself how long you wish to be "under." Do not be discouraged if you go over or under the desired time. The goal is to set what is called an "internal clock," with 15 minutes being the average time.

6. Imagine anything that will allow you to count down, usually from 10 to 1. A staircase leading to a door, for example, could be used, leading you to a deeper state of hypnosis. At this point, it is important to make note of what you see and experience. The five senses should be your guide for taking in your surroundings.

7. Count up from 1 to 5 when you are ready to come out of the hypnosis state. Do not rush this process and allow your body to reintegrate at a comfortable rate. Make sure to journal your experiences and go back to them periodically. Interesting discoveries can be made about yourself while using this technique, which may assist you in everyday life.

Learn Hypnotism

Hypnosis creates an altered state of mind, and can be used for many different purposes. While many people are most familiar with stage hypnotism, in which a professional hypnotist performs impressive or comedic acts of hypnotism on willing volunteers, hypnotism can also be used by therapists to promote positive thinking and goal setting. Many people have found self-hypnotism useful for losing weight and overcoming unhealthy habits. Doctors have even relied on hypnosis for hundreds of years, and still use it today for patients who are unable or unwilling to be put under general anesthesia.

Instructions

1. Determine the type of hypnotism you want to learn. Stage hypnotism is the type of hypnotism you should learn if you would like to be a performer who hypnotizes volunteers for entertainment. Look for courses in hypnotherapy if you are a practicing therapist or counselor interested in incorporating hypnosis as a self-help technique. If you are a doctor seeking out natural alternatives to anesthesia, find medical seminars or training opportunities in hypnosis.

2. Learn hypnosis with courses and seminars offered online or by professional hypnotists. Many professional hypnotists offer training workshops for corporate environments, tailoring hypnotism techniques to a business's goal setting or operational needs. Others offer summer or weekend classes in stage hypnotism, often through local community theater groups or performing arts organizations.

3. Obtain skills in hypnotherapy or medical hypnosis at professional conferences. Professional counseling or medical conferences often host qualified presenters in special interest topics like hypnotherapy and medical hypnosis, which give conference attendees basic knowledge of performing hypnosis and resources for learning more. Some general practitioner medical degrees also include coursework in medical hypnotism and hypnotherapy for treating anxiety, depression and other disorders.

4. Learn techniques for self-hypnosis online. Many people have found the concepts of hypnosis to be useful for treating problems with both mental and physical health, and a variety of online resources exist to help you learn hypnotism for use on yourself. Self-hypnosis techniques typically involve extensive practice controlling one's thoughts and emotional responses to various external factors in an effort to overcome intense fears or desires.

5. Practice hypnotism techniques on yourself and others, regardless of the type of hypnotism you are learning. Because hypnotism can create drastically different effects for different people, becoming an effective hypnotist of any type requires practice and familiarity with a variety of contexts and possible outcomes.

Learn Hypnosis Over The Internet

Hypnosis Training Online

The Internet is an an excellent source for people wanting to learn hypnosis. The American Psychological Association describes hypnosis as a cooperative interaction in which the participants responds to the suggestions of the hypnotist. Anyone wanting to assist others with sleepwalking, overeating or smoking, for example, can use hypnosis to guide his respondents against the behaviors of concern.

Instructions

1. Contact the National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH). The NGH website (see References below) lists certified instructor, offers NGH teleseminars and provides other links related to hypnotism.

2. Use a professional online hypnosis training program. As with any distance-learning program, confirm that live courses are available (versus a prerecorded lecture or simulation of the hypnosis process) and that a live instructor is present during lectures and technique training to offer immediate feedback and adjustments. Hypnosis Center and Learn Hypnosis Now both offer fee-based online courses.

3. Use Helpmewithhypnosis.com ("Help Me with Hypnosis"). This website offers forums, tips and advice, as well as links related to Hypnosis Therapy, Hypnosis Training, Hypnosis Weight Loss, Learn Hypnosis, Medical Hypnosis, Self Hypnosis and Stop Smoking Hypnosis. All training and educational materials available through the website are free and provide detailed instruction.

4. Use eZines and eBooks. The Hypnosis Organization offers hypnosis eZines and podcasts as well as Live Hypnosis Training, news and research articles and hypnosis scripts. All materials are marked as "free" or priced on the website. The Shareware Connection website (see Resources below) offers fee-based Hypnosis eBooks with free excerpts for download. All eBooks listed on the website include detailed product information.

5. Access free hypnosis videos on YouTube.com. Instructional videos from certified industry professionals are available for download, with topics ranging from conversational hypnosis and deep hypnotic trance to preventing hypnosis accidents and mistakes.

Go to the YouTube website and type in "Hypnosis Training Video" or "Hypnosis." (See Resources.)

Paint With Epsom Salt

Dissolve Epsom salt in water to create a paint that dries to look like sparkling snowflakes. This popular winter craft takes advantage of the beautiful crystalline structure of Epsom salt to represent falling snow. Add an artistic touch to holiday cards or a family scrapbook by applying touches of the Epsom salt paint. With a few drops of food coloring the paint will take on a whole new appearance.

Instructions

1. Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan on the stove at medium high heat.

2. Turn off the stove and pour in the Epsom salt. Stir the two ingredients together with a wooden spoon.

3. Add five to seven drops of food coloring when the liquid has cooled if you want colored paint.

4. Apply the paint to construction paper with a paintbrush in small amounts. Try not to over saturate the paper and cause tearing.

5. Work with the paint as you would water colors. Rinse the brush under running water for a color change. In two or three hours your art will dry and have a sparkling coat of crystallized Epsom salt paint on its surface.

Grow Longer Hair The Natural Way

It can be frustrating to try to grow long hair these days. The more you treat it, the more frazzled and damaged your hair seems to become. And it can cost a lot of money to buy products that don't seem to help your hair grow much.

But if you learn to protect your hair from the things that damage it, you can grow much longer hair (and fuller and more beautiful hair) without the fancy products. Plus if you do decide to use those products, they can help your hair grow longer much more easily if your hair is healthy.

Instructions

1. Nutrition. You can't grow longer hair if your hair is not healthy. Your hair and nails are both dependent on a good diet. Iron, in particular, is necessary for long healthy hair. Next time your doctor orders a blood test for cholesterol, ask about tests for iron too, just to be sure you don't have a deficiency.

In the meantime, eat a healthy diet. Don't worry about iron supplements unless your doctor orders them. They can upset your stomach, and all you need for healthy hair is to make sure you aren't deficient. You can get plenty of iron with red meat, leafy green veggies and eggs.

2. If you want to grow long hair, you should protect it from the elements. Keep it out of the wind and sun. Sun in particular can not only dry your hair out, but the UV rays do damage to hair just like they do to skin.

Cover your hair with a scarf, or roll it up under a hat, and keep it that way when you don't need to show it off. You'd be surprised how much this little trick by itself will help you grow your hair long. And it will keep the longer hair out of your way once you have it too.

3. Don't use a blow dryer. The heat and abrasion of a blow dryer can do a lot of damage to your hair. If you feel you must use it, use it on the lowest heat setting.

As your hair gets longer, you may find it takes a very long time to dry. You may want to start washing it in the evening, so that it has overnight to dry.

4. Don't wash your hair too often. The best conditioner for your hair is its natural oils. You'll have to figure out for yourself how often is necessary, based on the oiliness of your scalp and other conditions, but pause to consider whether you need to wash the hair as often as you do.

Your hair will not only be healthier, but if you let it get a little dirtier before washing, it will be like you gave it a special oil treatment, and it will be fuller and bouncier when you do wash it. You can plan for that special day when you want your hair to be really at its best. (And besides, you're covering it up with a scarf or hat on the days when it doesn't matter anyway, right?)

5. Use a gentle shampoo. Shampoos have detergents in them that are designed to strip the oils out of your hair. This is necessary to get your hair really clean, but it also dries your hair out and damaged it.

Look for baby shampoos or those that advertise themselves as "non-detergent". If the soap is too gentle, you may find it leaves a little residue. You can get rid of that by either using a regular shampoo once in a while, or you can just use a baking soda rinse before washing once in awhile. (Don't do this too often - soda is basically like a detergent. It strips the oils out.)

6. The one commercial product that might do you some good in growing longer hair is a conditioner. Conditioners basically replace the oils stripped out by shampoo.

7. Trim your hair as it grows. While it doesn't actually get your hair to grow faster, if you trim the longest hairs, it will give the hair a fuller appearance, which makes it more obvious that your hair has grown. It also helps you to control split ends.

Learn Faux Wood Painting Techniques

Each wood has its own grain characteristics.

Graining, or making walls and items imitate the look of natural wood, looks intricate and difficult but is actually quite easy. You can use this technique on less expensive woods to give them a richer and exotic feel. Look at samples of the type of wood you are trying to mimic to achieve the correct wood grain characteristics.

Instructions

1. Paint a base coat of solvent based paint on the wall or item you want to give a faux wood finish to and let dry. Drying times vary based on temperature and humidity.

2. Start at the top and work your way to the bottom brushing glaze onto the wall or item. You want your brush marks to be visible as you begin to create a graining effect.

3. Wait a couple of minutes, and then, while the glaze is tacky, with a dry graining brush or regular paintbrush lightly drag your brush over the glaze, creating a grain pattern.

4. Look at the piece of wood you’ve chosen to imitate then with the graining comb, rubber rocker or bristle grainer reproduce the characteristics of the wood you are copying. Some have a rippled look, others long waves.

Make A Eucalyptus Leaf Wreath Wall Hanging

The Eucalyptus Leaf Wreath has a simple but rich flare reflected by the bold and subtle colors of the eucalyptus leaves.

Instructions

1. Format the gauge wire into a heart shape and fasten securely with soft wire such as medium size bead stringing wire using a crafts scissors. Please note that the quantity of the eucalyptus leaf required is determined by the size heart shaped wreath you want to make.

2. Select the eucalyptus leaf and align the eucalyptus leaf around the heart shaped gauge wire to determine the number of leaves required.

3. Fasten the eucalyptus leaf to the gauge wire using the starting from the v shaped base point (bottom point) of the heart overlaying the leaves over the gauge wire. The base of the leaves should face the bottom portion of the heart. The leaves should be in single file but may overlap where they are connected in order to sufficiently cover the wire.

4. Make two small size bows to grace the corresponding mid side of the hearts. The bows should complement the heart size selected. Make a larger bow to place at the center of the upper v shape of the heart piece.

5. Attach the smaller bows to the sides of the heart and the larger bow to upper v portion of the heart using hot glue gun. Attach the rose buds to the center of the glued bows using hot glue gun.

6. Attach the hook to the flat wall side of the eucalyptus leaf wreath with the hook facing away from the wreath. Secure the hook with the medium sized bead stringing wire.

7. Trim odd leaves that do not complement the wreath and fasten frail leaves in order to accentuate the heart shape of the wreath. Situate the eucalyptus leaf wreath wall hanging at a place of your choice and hang it on the walls.

Learn Conversational Hypnotism

You can hypnotize someone without her awareness through conversation.

Conversational hypnotism is a method of covert hypnotism, which is hypnotizing an individual without his awareness of it through a seemingly innocent conversation. This method of hypnotism was pioneered by Dr. Milton Erickson and is a powerful tool that is also controversial because it can be abused. Many salesman consciously and unconsciously use some of the methods of conversational hypnotism when pitching products. However, this method of hypnotism can also be used to help individuals break negative habitual behaviors.

Instructions

1. Locate a certified hypnotist in your area who specializes in covert hypnotism and offers lessons. Conversational hypnotism classes are taught in group settings as well as in individual training. Your best bet in finding a hypnotism class covering conversational hypnotism will be through colleges and universities. Contact the higher-education institutions in your area to inquire about hypnotism courses. Conversational hypnotism is also called black ops hypnotism and underground hypnotism.

2. Take self-study courses through online offerings, CDs and books to learn conversational hypnotism. The self-study courses most recommended by the International Conversational Hypnosis Society are "The Art of Covert Hypnosis" by Steven Peliari and "Power of Conversational Hypnosis" by Clifford Mee and Igor Ledochowski. Reviews of these self-study courses suggest that they surpass the effectiveness of learning conversational hypnotism in classroom settings. These courses are offered on CD, accompanied by a course book. Others are strictly online-based, where the lessons are delivered to your email.

3. Practice using the techniques you have learned from the teaching of a certified hypnotist or through your self-study courses. Keep a record where you write down the name of your subject and the behavior and choices you are planning to elicit from a subject through conversation. Of course, you cannot tell the individual that you are attempting to hypnotize her, as that will defeat your purpose. After your attempts, record whether you failed or succeeded along with the methods you utilized. This should assist you in mastering conversational hypnotism.

Learn Brush Strokes For Acrylic Paint

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Learning brush strokes requires more practice than talent.

Acrylic paint offers versatility to the artist. It can be highly viscous for thick, impasto textures, or you can water it down for the delicate effect of a wash. Paintbrushes of different sizes and shapes add even more possibilities to the broad range of effects. These choices can overwhelm the beginning painter. It helps to think of talent not as the ability to paint, but the ability to come up with ideas. How you handle the paint boils down to simple, learned skills. Like any skill, learning brushstrokes happens through patience and practice.

Instructions

1. Choose a brush that suits your personality. If you like a lot of control, start with a small, round brush from size three to six. If you prefer serendipity and experiments, begin with a larger paintbrush of any shape.

2. Load your paintbrush by touching the bristles to the middle of the dollop of paint on your pallet, then drag out from the center with light pressure. Flip the brush over and repeat on the other side. Continue to do this until the paint is consistent about two-thirds up the length of the bristles. You may need to moisten with water during this process to improve the flow of the paint.

3. Paint lines, shapes, and textures with this paintbrush until you know it like you know your best friend. See what it does when you add more water, less water. See what happens when you use more pressure, less pressure or varied pressure across one stroke. Try painting with two colors on the same brush. Avoid painting specific things like a face or a flower until you understand how the brush works.

4. Make notes when you find strokes you like. Practice them until you can repeat the effect without concentrating.

5. Choose a simple object for your first painting. A ball or a box work well. As you work, notice which brushstrokes best serve flat surfaces, curved spaces, textures or other features of the object.

6. Continue painting with your first paintbrush until you feel ready to take on a new one. Then, repeat the previous strokes with a brush of different size or shape. You will find that flat and chiseled brushes can create much straighter lines than round ones if turned on their sides. Filberts and rounds work well for soft effects. Each paintbrush has its own personality. The best way to learn different brushstrokes is to take the time to get to know them individually.

Learn Basic Tap Dance Steps

Learn Basic Tap Dance Steps

Tap dancing appears to be fairly complicated. It all starts with a series of basic steps linked together. Add timing, fluidity and creativity, and it looks masterful.

Instructions

1. Put on your tap shoes and some cool music.

2. Start by tapping your toe to the beat. Do this faster and faster to build strength.

3. Brush the ball of one foot forward and then back to shuffle.

4. Step back on the ball of your right foot and step on your left (or vice versa) to do the ball change.

5. Brush forward with the ball of your foot and step on the ball of it for the flap.

6. Do a cramproll by jumping up and landing with your feet. Do this in the following order: Land first on the ball of your right foot, then the ball of your left foot, followed by your right heel and, finally, your left heel.

7. Step with your right foot and touch your left toe behind it for the step toe.

8. Learn the stomp. It's similar to stepping, but you hit your foot on the ground to stomp and then lift it off (placing no weight on the foot when you stomp).

9. Perform the shuffle hop. Do the basic shuffle with your right foot and, leaving your right foot in the air, jump up.

Learn Acrylic Painting Perspective And Shading

Learn Acrylic Painting Perspective and Shading

Painting perspective with acrylics can help you create a more realistic picture if you follow the steps to give the painting depth. When you learn the basics you can create distance in your pictures. Before you pick up the paintbrush, practice a few things with paper and pencil. Learning the basics that way helps you create perspective with acrylic paints.

Instructions

1. Draw a line along the horizon at the upper part of the page. Use a ruler so that you know that the line is straight.

2. Create a square below the horizon line. Place the square to one side of the paper. The size of the square doesn't matter, but if you make it too small, it's difficult to draw and shade as you go further back. Make it down to one corner so you have room to show more perspective.

3. Place a dot on the horizon line. If you put your square to the left of the page make the dot to the right of the square on the line. Draw a line from the two upper corners of the square to the dot on the line with the ruler. You also need to draw a line from the bottom corner. Use the corner that doesn't force the line through the middle of the box.

4. Draw the entire first box by choosing a point on the line from the corner of the box to the line on the horizon. Draw a line parallel to the horizon to connect to the line from the other corner to the horizon. At this point, you should only use the ruler in an up and down fashion or straight across when you create the perspective for the picture.

5. Drop a line down from the end of the last line that you created on the lines to the horizon to finish the first box.

6. Draw two lines as you just did but do it further down on the lines to the horizon. Continue this down the line to create more boxes. If you need to see the second box, drop a line from the inside corner to the top of the first box line and one up from the bottom dropped down. Erase the line in between the boxes.

7. Color the drawing and use monochromatic tones to enhance the illusion when you paint the acrylic and want to show perspective. Paint the front edge of the first box with a dark shade. Continue to lighten the shade on the front of each box as you get closer to the horizon. Remember, things get smaller and lighter as they get further away. This creates the illusion of depth and distance.

Overcome Stage Fright

Overcome Stage Fright

All performers suffer from nerves to some degree. This problem is, in part, the consequence of a sensitive and artistic temperament. You don't have to let the situation control you. Here are some tips on how you can walk on that stage with confidence.

Instructions

1. Review the performance skills you have practiced and learned.

2. Prepare all your work thoroughly. Knowing your job will greatly reduce your anxiety.

3. Double-check that you have the correct printed editions of all your music.

4. Put yourself in control of everything within your sphere of influence. For instance, check out your performance space (see "Prepare for a Singing Performance" in the Related eHows).

5. Avoid being rushed or distracted on the day of your performance.

6. Practice your relaxation skills before performing (see "Prepare Your Body For Singing" in the Related eHows).

7. Take an imaginary journey through your performance from beginning to end, soothing your mind during the quiet time before your entry.

8. Use deep breathing to calm your body (see "Do Breathing Exercises" in the Related eHows).

9. Offer yourself as the medium through which the composer's or playwright's spirit and intention will flow.

10. Be generous and eager to share your gift.

11. Make your performance a celebration, not a trial.

Integrate A Monet Art Lesson Into Other Subjects

A Monet painting

Claude Monet was an influential French painter during the late 19th and early 20th century. He is most widely known for his impressionist works. Impressionist paintings feature visible brush strokes and a strong attention to the interplay of light and dark. His images features soft lines which give an almost dream-like appearance to the painting. During his prolific career, Monet created an impressive body of work, from landscapes to portraits. Monet's works are commonly studied in art classes, but their study can effectively extend into core subjects as well. By integrating Monet's art into their classes, core subject teachers can teach their students to appreciate this significant artist.

Instructions

Science: "Water Lilies"

1. Monet is widely known for his numerous water lily paintings. Look at any of the paintings in Monet's series of water lily images. In these works, Monet captured the beauty of lush water lilies floating upon a reflective pond.

2. Study actual water lilies. The water lily is an interesting plant because, unlike many types of vegetation, it does not lay roots into the ground. It instead extends its root structure into the water and leaches nutrients from the liquid. Discuss how water lilies differ from other plant forms in their root structure and tolerance to water.

3. Create a class water lily garden by filling a fish tank with water and floating some water lilies on the surface, allowing your students to inspect the majestic plants daily.

4. Ask students to create their own images of water lilies by copying Monet's style.

Social Studies: "The Houses of Parliament, London"

5. Look at any of Monet's House of Parliament works. In 1871 Monet created a series of paintings of the London area, several of which feature the British House of Parliment. The most famous of these paintings is the rich "House of Parliament, London." This image shows the outline of the House of Parliament set against the backdrop of a golden sunset.

6. Provide students with a modern day photograph of the actual houses of the Parliament and ask students how well they think Monet captured the subject.

7. Discuss the British system of government and how it parallels the American system, with which U.S. students are more familiar. Compare the houses of Parliament to the United States Capitol, which serves a similar function.

Math: "Rouen Cathedral"

8. View any of the Rouen Cathedral paintings that Monet created. The Rouen Cathedral was a popular subject in Monet's work during the early 1890s. During this time, he created more than a dozen images of this opulent French cathedral. The facade of the Rouen Cathedral contains repeated geometric patterns which could easily be integrated into a math lesson.

9. Seek geometric patterns and repetition schemes within Monet's painting of the Rouen Cathedral.

10. Ask students to list any geometric shapes that they can find within the design of the structure.

11. Talk about the methods of finding the perimeter and area for each shape you locate.

English: "Woman with a Parasol"

12. Look at "Woman with a Parasol." In this painting, Monet captured the image of a woman standing alone on a rise in a meadow. The wind blows her dress and her figure creates a shadow across the grass. What this solitary woman is thinking is a quandary.

13. Discuss what the woman in the painting may potentially be feeling and thinking.

14. Create a web of student ideas on the board.

15. Instruct students to write an emotive poem from the woman's point of view.

16. Post the poems around the picture in your classroom.

Paint Seashells For Decor

Seashells add a nautical feel to your home's decor

Seashells are one of nature's most beautiful products. Seashells come in all shapes and sizes and add a beach feel to the d cor of your home. You can use them to accent picture frames or simply display them anywhere in your home to create an elegant, natural sculpture. Whatever purpose they will serve, paint over them to create a look that better complements the colors of your space.

Instructions

1. Soak your seashells in a solution of equal parts water and bleach. Leave the seashells in the solution until the scaly covering outside of the seashells is gone. Soaking the seashells allows dirt, sand and debris to come off the seashells and settle at the bottom of the bucket. Take your seashells out of the bucket and brush them with a soft bristle tooth brush. Rinse them off and leave them out to dry in the sun.

2. Lay out newspaper sheets on flat work surface. Place your dried seashells on top of the newspapers. Paint the surface of the seashells in white acrylic paint. The white paint will act as a primer for the rest of your colors and help create a smoother surface for your paints. The white paint must dry completely before you can continue on to the next step.

3. Paint the seashells the colors and designs of your choice. Seal the paint onto the seashells using a clear paint sealer when the paint has totally dried.

Learn The Moonwalk

Michael Jackson

The moonwalk is a classic dance that will be immortalized forever in the late Michael Jackson's music videos. While Jackson was quick to point out that he didn't invent the move, he will always be remembered for it. This move is sure to get you attention on the dance floor.

Instructions

The Moonwalk

1. Put your feet together and stand up perfectly straight.

2. Lift your right heel and touch the toes of your right foot to the ground, keeping your left heel and foot completely flat on the ground about a foot in front of your right.

3. Using your right foot, push your left foot back. Keep your right heel up and your left foot flat as you move your left foot back.

4. Push your foot back and move your head slightly forward to give the appearance your head is being left behind.

5. Swing your arms as if you're moving forward at the same time you are moving backward. Your right arm should go forward as your left foot moves back.

6. Lift your left heel and touch the toes of your left foot to the ground while putting your right heel flat on the ground.

7. Push your right foot back, using your left foot. Keep your left heel up and your right foot flat on the ground as you move your right foot back.

8. Move your head forward as you did when you moved your left foot back.

9. Swing your left arm forward as you move your right leg back.

10. Continue to alternate between your right and left feet and continue the head and arm motions as you moonwalk to some great Michael Jackson hits.

Paint A Small Portrait Using Oil Paint

Explore your creativity and bring out the artist in you.

Explore your creativity and bring out your inner artist. Painting isn't only for professionals and can become an enjoyable hobby for everyone. Use photos, a collage, or draw your own creation using a charcoal pencil to get your creative juices flowing. You'll find it challenging at first, but like riding a bike, the more you do it the more enjoyable it becomes.

Instructions

1. Don't complicate your sketch with fine details.

Save time by planning your composition. Make a line drawing of your subject in your sketchpad using your charcoal pencil. If you're not good at drawing, tracing is OK, or you can make a collage using photos, copies or magazines. Keep your sketch simple and focus on bigger details such as the shapes of your figures and the spaces between them.

2. Make a grid to help you focus on one section at a time.

Use a ruler to draw a grid over your sketch. Using light pressure, make a proportional grid on the canvas with your charcoal pencil. Transfer your sketch onto your canvas, focusing more on individual sections than the complete picture. Look at the shapes around your figure (negative space) and use those shapes to help you render your lines better. Draw lightly and if you make a mistake wipe it off with a damp cloth.

3. Adding too much paint to your palette can be wasteful.

Add a dime-size drop of each color onto your palette. Mineral spirits (paint thinner) will make them easier to mix and dry faster. Use your palette knife to get your paint to a workable consistency. Avoid making paint too runny and mixing too many colors together that will result in muddy browns.

You may also use linseed oil to thin and mix paint, but this slows drying time from hours to days. Keep in mind that you want the lower layers to dry quickly.

4. Oil paintings need drying time between layers.

Paint thinly onto your canvas in the first layer. Carefully avoid blurring your sketch, which will darken your brush. Wipe off your brush when you pick up charcoal. Use different brushes for each color. Mistakes can be wiped off with paper towels. Allow the first layer to dry before continuing.

5. Portraits don't have to be photorealistic---be playful.

Add finer detail with each new layer. Having a dry layer beneath makes it possible for you to carefully wipe out mistakes as they happen. Avoid rubbing too hard or you'll mar the surface. Use less mineral spirits in your paint with each additional layer. Continue to add layers until you're happy with your painting.

Know If A Guy Is Avoiding You

There are many signs that your boyfriend is avoiding you.

Anytime someone in your life is avoiding you, it can hurt your feelings. But when this someone is a guy that you are in a relationship with, the heartache can be quite painful and can take a toll on your emotions. A guy that is into his girlfriend will have frequent communication with her on a daily, if not weekly, basis. Determining whether your boyfriend is avoiding you can help you decide whether or not to salvage or break off the relationship.

Instructions

1. Note if he has not been interested in doing things together, such as going to the movies or going out to dinner on the weekend, classic "date night" time. Guys usually want to be with their girlfriends as much as they can, even when they are busy with other things in life. If he's making excuses anytime you ask him to hang out, he has a reason for avoiding you. He may be losing interest in the relationship.

2. Notice if he fails to follow through on plans. If your boyfriend does agree to go on a date but backs out at the last minute because of excuses such as a family emergency or work meeting, this is a sign he is avoiding you. If he was actually interested, he would be eager to spend time with you.

3. Listen for excuses as to why he finds it impossible to contact you. These may include that he can't call you back because of weird issues with his cell phone, he can't access his voice mail, his email won't let him sign in and he does not know access it, or you are no longer allowed to call him at work when this was not an issue before. These excuses are his way of telling you that he is avoiding you.

4. Note if he always wants to hang out with his friends. Although a guy in a relationship should still maintain his friendships, he should make time for his girlfriend. If your boyfriend prefers to hang out with his friends instead of being with you, it is another hint that he is avoiding you.

5. Observe if the phone call pattern has changed. Most couples have set a certain time of the day, such as after work or before bed, when they communicate on the phone. If your boyfriend has not called you on these particular days like in the past, something is up.

6. Call him. If he's not picking up his cell phone, leave a brief message on his voice mail saying you are concerned about his lack of contact. Ask him if something is bothering him. Ask that he call you back. If he does not call you, this shows that he is disregarding your feelings. If he wanted to speak to you, you would hear from him.

7. Email him on Facebook, if he has a Facebook account. Ask him why he has not contacted you. Tell him that you miss him, and ask if you did something to upset him. Check your boyfriend's Facebook profile and see if there is any evidence that he has been on Facebook, such as having posted a status message or having posted on a friend's wall. If he does not email you, then he may be avoiding you.

Know A Car Has Original Paint

know if a car has original paint is not an exact science but with a few tips and tricks of the trade, you can come to a pretty firm conclusion either way. Boasting that the vehicle has its original coloring job not only raises the coolness factor of a classic but it can raise its value as well.

Instructions

1. Pop the hood and the trunk. These can be one of the most commonly replaced parts on a vehicle. Everything from hail damage and other forces of nature to fender benders can cause damage. If the color underneath doesn't match the color on top, the owner might have repainted the whole body to get a seamless match. However, it could mean that he just had them color matched or else re-painted the whole body with a matching color. A little further investigation is needed before deciding one way or the other.

2. Find the "cowl" tag. While you got the hood open, one trick on know a car has original paint is to find this tag. Many older models have it. It is usually located on the area between the hood and the windshield on the firewall on the driver's side right at the top. If it is on your vehicle, it should list the paint code. If your ride does not have it, there are other places you can look for the same information.

3. See if the driver's side door jamb has a tag as well. This should have the paint code too. However, this is also a part of a vehicle that is commonly replaced due to damage so it isn't a sure way of know if a car has original paint. So, even if your vehicle does have the tag, check the VIN number against the one on your dash to make sure that they match.

4. Call the dealership with the VIN number on the vehicle. Make note of the vehicle identification number off the dashboard tag and call a dealership. If you give them this information, they should be able to tell you the color code of what the vehicle was first painted off the line.

5. Look under the dash. Removing a small piece of the dash in a vehicle to see what's underneath can be a great way for know a car has original paint. Especially on older vehicles, the metal parts may be painted. If they are, they should match the body. If they don't, it's a good sign that the vehicle has been repainted at least once in its lifetime.

6. Look closely at the trimmings of the vehicle. Thoroughly examine the edges of any of the body trim and rubber around the doors and windows. Even the best body man may get slight bits of over-spray onto these areas when painting a vehicle. A vehicle is painted on the assembly line before any of these trimmings are added on, so if there's over-spray, you can bet that there was a coloring job done at some point after the vehicle was first painted. This trick is the best way to check if a car has original paint.

Knit A Mobius Scarf With Designs

Mobius scarves are popular winter accessories.

A Mobius scarf can be one of the most versatile and functional pieces in your wardrobe. Simply put, it is a rectangular scarf that has been knitted in a loop and twisted in the middle to create a hoop. It sits right below your chin and can provide much needed warmth to your neck area. Mobius scarves with plain knits are great projects for beginners. You may spice up your scarf with your favorite knitting patterns or designs or simply use shaded yarn or different color combinations for interesting color patterns.

Instructions

1. Choose a yarn that you like. Bulky yarns are great for beginners because they are easy to hold and you can see the pattern clearly. You can use any worsted or bulky wool for the basket weave pattern described in this article.

2. Select the right needle size so that you are able to hold and move the needle comfortably while knitting. The needle size also depends on the type of yarn. You can use a U.S. size 9 to 11 needle for bulky yarns or a size 6 to 9 for worsted or thin yarn. The needle should be at least 45 inches in length.

3. Make a slip knot with one end of the yarn, place it on the needle then move it to the center of the cable. Loop the needle so that the left needle is on top of the slip knot. Hold the slip knot and the needle together with your right hand. Use your left hand to put tension on the yarn and cable of the circular needle. Place the stitches on the needle and the cable alternately by passing the needle under the cable and over the yarn followed by passing the yarn only over the needle. Repeat the pattern until you have the required number of stitches, which will vary with the size of the Mobius and your pattern.

4. Bring the right needle next to the left one so that the cable forms a uniform circle. Spread the stitches evenly on the cable. Make sure that all of the stitches are parallel to each other by placing the needle on a flat surface. Then twist the stitches one time.

5. Knit and purl your stitches, according to your pattern. For a basket weave pattern, knit all the stitches in one row. In the second row, knit five stitches, purl three and knit five until the end of the row. Purl five, knit three and purl five in the third row. The fourth row is similar to the second row, and the fifth row is similar to the first row. For the sixth row, knit one stitch, purl three, knit one and purl three until the end of the row. The seventh row is purl one, knit three, purl five and knit three. The eighth row is similar to the sixth row. Repeat the pattern of eight rows until you reach the desired width for a beautiful basket design.

6. Bind off the scarf with a knit stitch. The binding of a Mobius scarf should be loose. This will give the scarf flexibility and mobility. You can use a bigger needle for the loose bind off.

Kill Murai At The End Of "Ninja Gaiden Sigma"

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Ninja Gaiden Sigma" is an action game for the PlayStation 3, in which the player takes control of Ryu Hayabusa, a powerful ninja who must go on a journey to kill his clan leader, Murai. While the player fights Murai several times throughout the game, he transforms himself into a monster, called "Fiend Murai." While this boss appears tricky, he is much easier to beat than the player might expect.

Instructions

1. Roll out of the way when he performs his forward strike attack. You will know he is about to perform this attack because he will raise his sword over his head before attacking. After rolling out of the way, hit Murai with the flying swallow attack.

2. Roll out of the way of Murai's forward dive, which he will telegraph by performing a backflip and retaliate with the flying swallow attack. This also applies to his slice, which he telegraphs by performing a front flip.

3. Roll and jump to avoid Murai's shuriken attack. This also applies to his dragon maneuver, which he telegraphs by appearing to summon a large beast. After the Dragon maneuver, you can retaliate with a flying swallow attack.

4. Hit Murai with a combo after every swallow attack, as he will be momentarily stunned after you perform the maneuver. After this, perform backward rolls to keep Murai from attacking you with a combo.

5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 until Murai's life bar is completely depleted, indicating his defeat.

Keep Your Vocal Chords Properly Rested

Keeping your vocal chords rested requires attention to your lifestyle.

Vocalists must take extreme care of their voice to prevent vocal damage and ensure the voice has plenty of rest. Taking care of your voice requires a strong commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Learning about the conditions which will harm your voice makes eliminating harmful habits feasible. Remember that you only have one voice; if you damage your instrument, you can't simply go out and buy another. For this reason, proper care and rest must be a part of every vocalist's routine.

Instructions

1. Find one day a week to initiate a day of vocal rest. This means no talking, singing or any noise whatsoever. Professional vocalists will use this rest period to let the vocal chords heal.

2. Drink plenty of liquids such as tea with honey. The warm tea will help to lubricate your throat and warm it for singing. The honey will help to soothe and coat your vocal chords, making them more responsive and less prone to injury.

3. Warm up properly before any vocal exercise, concert or practice routine. A proper warm-up will head off a lot of potential damage. Buzz the first five notes of a major scale with your lips to warm up your voice and then sing scales at a medium volume.

4. Avoid smoking and drinking, as both of these activities will dry out your vocal chords, making them less pliable and more susceptible to vocal damage. Find ways to avoid breathing in heavily polluted areas.

5. Drink water instead of coughing or attempting to clear your throat. When you clear your throat the vocal cords rub together causing irritation. Blow your nose often when you are sick.

6. Avoid screaming, yelling and crying as much as possible. All of these activities will strain your vocal chords and cause your voice to weaken.

Mix Auto Paint

Mix Auto Paint

Mixing auto paint can reduce the high cost by extending the paint. Adding a reducer will result in thinner paint, but it will work sufficiently to paint any automobile. The process outlined in this article will show you properly mix auto paint for use on small or large painting jobs. It is designed to be used with a spray gun for applying the mixed paint.

Instructions

1. Purchase auto paint that most closely matches the color of your vehicle. If you know the specific color, go to the auto paint store and request the color.

2. Pour the auto paint into the metal mixing can. Estimate the amount needed. Remember it's better to make too little rather than too much.

3. Mix in an equal amount of reducer. If you are using 12 ounces of auto paint, for example, you'll mix in 12 ounces of reducer.

4. Combine the mixture thoroughly with the paint stirrer. The paint must be completely mixed with the reducer before moving forward.

5. Use a funnel to pour the mixed auto paint into a paint gun. You're now ready to paint the vehicle. Mix more paint if needed to refill the gun and complete the job.

Keep Conversations Interesting

A conversation is a good opportunity to bond with someone.

A good conversation is key to starting or maintaining all sorts of relationships, be it in the areas of friendship, romance or business. But stimulating conversations can last a short time as the two parties quickly run out of things to talk about and end up sitting in awkward silence. For those struggling to figure out keep that interesting conversation from running aground, there are a few methods you can implement to maximize your chances at connecting with another person.

Instructions

1. Talk about a shared experience or acquaintance. If you're meeting someone at a friend's birthday party, talk about how you know the person and some of your memories. Focus on the positives about the person or the event you're at; it's good to avoid being negative during a first encounter.

2. Don't talk about yourself, and stop talking when you get cues that the person is bored by what you are saying. Invite the other person to talk by asking questions and generally showing an interest in what that person has to say.

3. Ask open-ended questions to avoid getting "yes" or "no" answers. A question like "What keeps you busy?" allows a person to focus on something that drives him, be it his business, volunteer work or a hobby. This is much better than asking someone what he does for a living, which can derail the conversation when he gives you a quick answer.

4. Ask about publications she subscribes to, books she reads or websites she visits in her spare time. This allows her to expand on her interests and gives you an opportunity to share some of yours. Be curious and ask questions -- without being too probing. Provide some details of your own so it doesn't feel like an interrogation.

5. Keep the conversation short. Don't let it drag on; leave the person wanting more. If he enjoyed the conversation, however short it was, he may want to have another chat sometime down the road.

Keep Birds Off My Car

Keep Birds Off My Car

Birds are often attracted to the shiny finish of vehicles and they will happily use a car as a resting place. Unfortunately, birds can quickly become pests because they leave behind droppings, which can quickly damage the paint on a car if it is not washed off thoroughly. Keeping birds off of a car is often a trial and error process, in which some methods will work better than others. Most methods to keep birds off of a car require very little investment and effort.

Instructions

1. Place brightly colored fake rubber snakes on the vehicle in order to scare away birds. Snakes are a natural enemy of birds. Be sure to remove the fake snakes before driving.

2. Hang CDs in the carport or general parking area. Birds are afraid of the shiny reflection from CDs and they will avoid the car if it is parked underneath the CDs. Simply thread CDs through some fishing line or a thin rope, and secure the CDs with knots. Hang the line across the parking area. For best results hang multiple lines of CDs above the car.

3. Cover the vehicle with a car cover. The birds are less likely to be attracted to this cover, and they will land elsewhere.

4. Install a visual bird deterrent which will frighten birds and prevent them from landing on a vehicle. Deterrents include replicas of owls, coyotes or fox. These can be purchased from some online and mass retailers, as well as from certain catalog companies.

Paint With Epsom Salts

Skilled artists can create interesting color and texture patterns using epsom salt paints.

Magnesium sulfate, commonly called Epsom salt, is used for a number of common applications. It is most commonly used medically, as a saline laxative, or as a bath salt. However, Epsom salts have a number of other uses. One such use is as an art medium. This is often done as a craft for schoolchildren, as the paint is simple to make and use.

Instructions

1. Measure two cups of water and pour it into a saucepan. Place the pan over heat and bring the water to a boil. Lower the heat to medium, to keep the water simmering.

2. Measure out two cups of Epsom salt and pour them into the boiling water. Stir the salt and water mixture until the Epsom salt is completely dissolved. If you wish to make colored salt paint, add six to 10 drops of food coloring.

3. Remove the mixture from heat, pour it into a separate container and allow it to cool.

4. Dip your paintbrushes and paint as if you were using watercolors. Epsom salt paint is best used on paper, especially construction paper, as it is most adhesive and visible on this surface. After painting, allow the paint to dry and the crystals to form.

Keep A Gratitude Journal

A gratitude journal is a way to consciously call attention to the things for which we are thankful each day. By focusing on gratitude, we become aware of those things and thus create a shift in our thinking to the positive. The following suggestions can help start a gratitude journal and a whole new outlook on life.

Instructions

1. Choose a blank notebook or journal to write in every night. Consider a spiral-bound journal that opens flat for ease in writing. Select lined or unlined paper. Keep this notebook next to the bed with a pen readily available.

2. Look for things during the day for which you are grateful. Make mental notes throughout the day. Notice how the gratitude journal shifts the focus to a more positive outlook.

3. Write five thing you're grateful for each night before bedtime. Review the day and include anything, however small or great, that was a source of gratitude that day, e.g., a baby's smile, a flower in bloom, or the smell of a newly cut lawn. Make the list personal. Write a few words about the five benefits or blessings. Be brief and increase the length as time progresses.

4. Begin looking everyday for the positive angle in all things. View obstacles as opportunities to appreciate.

5. Focus on the wonderful things in life to attract similar encounters in the course of the day. Use positive energy as a magnet to draw even more positive energy. Note these attractions in the gratitude journal.

6. Personalize the gratitude journal. Expand it with clippings, photos, quotes or verses from magazines or other sources.

Paint An Oil Portrait From A Photo

Oil painting is simple with the right tools.

Portraits have been a staple in the painter's oeuvre for hundreds of years. Though oil painting may seem like a complicated process, even beginners can create accurate portraits in oil paint from photographs using a few simple techniques. For best results, use well-lit digital photographs and high-quality artist-grade oil paints.

Instructions

1. Use photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop to crop your image to the proportions of your substrate and print it out. For instance, if your canvas is 24-by-36 inches, your photograph might measure 6-by-9 inches when printed. It is easier to work from larger, high-resolution photographs, but it is not necessary to print your image larger than a standard sheet of 8.5-by-11-inch paper.

2. Use a ruler and a colored pen to draw a grid of .5-inch squares on your photograph starting at the upper left-hand corner. Determine the size ratio between your canvas and your image by dividing the dimensions of the canvas by the dimensions of your image. Multiply this number by .5, and draw a grid of squares on your canvas using this figure, again starting at the upper left-hand corner. In the above example, the canvas is four times larger than the photograph and thus the grid should be composed of 2-inch squares.

3. Sketch your image from the photograph on the canvas using a runny mixture of solvent and oil paint in a neutral tone. Use the grid to accurately align the contours of your image -- each square on your photograph corresponds with a larger one on your painting. Use a medium-sized brush and try to be as detailed as possible without obscuring the grid underneath. Let your sketch dry. This can take a day or more, depending on how thin your paint mixture was. Generally, the more solvent is used, the faster it will dry.

4. Mix the colors you will use in the painting on a paper or glass palette. To achieve skin tones, mix earth tones such as burnt umber, yellow ochre, raw umber and burnt sienna with varying amounts of white and a small amount of cadmium red, using a palette knife. You will need at least three tones to render the skin: one base color, for general areas; one dark tone, for shadows; and one lighter tone for highlights. Mix other colors for the background, clothing and other portions of the image. Clean your brush by dipping it in a small container of solvent.

5. Use a medium-sized brush to block in all the regions of color in the image. Use a chunky square tipped brush for a more painterly image, or blend areas using softer round tipped brushes and add detail using finer brushes. You can continue to work on the image while the paint is still wet, or you can add detail in layers, waiting several days between sessions. When you are finished, set the painting in a cool, dry area and let it dry for several days. If you have applied paint very thickly, it could take up to a week to dry completely.

Interview A Poet On Poetic Techniques

Prepare so both you and the poet can relax during the interview.

Poets are just like everyone else. Some are good-natured and some are curmudgeonly; some shy and others gregarious. Most are smart and imaginative -- but their interesting, imaginative natures may not show in an interview unless you know talk shop with them. Through intelligent, well-informed questioning, you will let the poet know that you have enough knowledge to carry on an interesting conversation on the subject all poets love: poetry.

Instructions

1. Give yourself a steady footing. Review poetic techniques before the interview. Refresh yourself on symbolism and metaphor, basic sound devices such as types of rhyme, the differences and similarities between free verse and formal verse, and what a poet means by imagery. None of these may actually crop up in your discussion with the poet, but your thinking about poetry will be more well-informed.

2. Review the poet's work and background. You should be familiar with her work before attempting to interview her. And, as with any other interview subject, if you know something about her background, you'll be less likely to waste time on obvious questions, such as "Where are you from?" Instead, you can ask, "How does your hometown of Detroit inform your work?"

3. Use one of the poet's poems to launch a discussion after you have introduced yourself and broken the ice for a minute or two. You might ask how the symbolism of the poem developed, how the poet makes line break choices, or some other aspect of the poem that stands out. Make sure you have a copy of the poem with you. Poets don't have all their poems memorized, so many poets will appreciate having a hard copy to review.

4. Prepare a list of questions you can weave into the discussion. You might ask how the poet goes about writing a poem from start to finish, whether he works from a preconceived idea or from spontaneous invention, and whether he believes poems are products of pure inspiration. Sometimes it's productive to ask a poet who her influences are and whether the influences inspire emulation or whether the influence works in another less tangible way, such as in creating a mood or as a model of ways to think about poetics. The revision process is as often at least as creative as the initial composing, so ask the poet what his revision process entails.

5. Ask how the poet establishes voice and manipulates language. The poet's approach to language and voice is rich with discussion possibilities, but it can be a tough issue to broach, because for many people it's difficult to articulate. To help guide the discussion, first examine the poet's work for a dialectical approach, which suggests an argument. Many successful poems argue with themselves. For example, in one stanza, the speaker voices a place in the world, whether it be literal or psychic, and in the next stanza defies it or questions it. Sometimes the argument is evident in language that argues with itself. The poet may describe terrible things in lovely terms and lovely things in terms of the terrible. For example, tracer fire may streak across the sky like falling stars, or in a poem about flowers, a gardener may stab at the soil, turning it up to face winter's chill.

Paint Your Frames

Use a shellac primer on stained frames.

A glossy paint can add color and beauty to ordinary picture frames. Unfortunately, most every type of picture frame is poorly suited for paint. If you try to add a painted finish to a bare picture frame, peeling will follow. You can paint your frames if you properly prepare them beforehand. Learn the appropriate way to condition your frame based on its composition. Apply the primer base and enamel finish, using techniques that encourage a flawless finish free from ugly brushstrokes.

Instructions

1. Wash the frame with soap, using a sponge. Rinse the frame with rags. Don't skip this critical step; even unseen dust particles keep primer from sticking. Let wooden frames dry for six hours -- let metal, plastic, fiberglass and vinyl frames dry for one hour.

2. Scour vinyl, plastic and fiberglass frames with sandpaper until they feel rough. Sand varnished wood frames until they look dull. Don't sand bare wood or metal frames.

3. Remove the glass from the frame. Cover any part of the frame you'd prefer unfinished, using tape. Set the frame on a thick drop cloth.

4. Coat the frame with spray primer. Use the proper type of primer for the specific type of frame you are working on. Acrylic spray primer is suited for bare wood and abraded plastic, vinyl and fiberglass frames. Shellac spray primer is required for stained frames. If the frame is metal, use an etching primer.

5. Let the frame dry for two hours. Paint it as you primed it. Use a durable enamel. Remove all tape before the enamel dries or peeling could result.

Interview Someone Famous

After a lot of lobbying, you've finally scored that interview with the famous person who intrigues you so. You'll be given only a short amount of time, maybe 15 minutes, so you have to make that count.

Instructions

interview someone famous

1. Do as much background research on the person as you possibly can. Don't just read new stories, read old ones, too. Those are the ones in which the person likely was more open and sharing with information. Your public library probably has Nexis or a similar publication search. Use it. Feel like you know the person intimately before the interview begins.

2. Be prepared with your equipment. Find out how long exactly you will get to talk, and tape the interview, being prepared to go that long, with new batteries and a fresh tape, etc. There might come a time when you are silently thinking to yourself, I can't believe I'm doing this. Don't worry about getting lost at that moment, your recorder will back you up. A recording also gives you a chance to go back and listen more carefully at what the person said, each and every word.

3. Be relaxed. Don't cram right before the interview. Do your background work ahead of time. Get in comfortable clothes. Give yourself at least 10 or 15 minutes beforehand just to breath and get in a casual state of mind, like you interview this famous of a person every day.

4. Don't spend a whole lot of time warming the person up. Most interview veterans don't want to chit-chat about the weather, or hear what a big fan you are. Remember, you only have 15 minutes or so. Thanks that person for the time, and then get started.

5. Toss a little softball to get started. Have them retell an anecdote that you feel might fit in your piece, only probe for details that other people missed. Help them realize that you have done your homework. It's not so much about the question at this point. This is where you establish your authority. This is where the person realizes that you need to be taken seriously.

6. Ask abstract, provocative questions. If your question can be answered yes or no, skip it. Try to get the person to break out into the open field of their mind. Find out what really makes them tick.

7. Go ahead and slip in a bizarre one. You can always use the preface, "a friend of mine really, really wanted me to ask," because I am right now telling you to ask it. I'm not talking super freaky strange sort of question, but more like one you might ask the person after a couple of beers.

8. Don't forget to get what you need. If your publication and your story has a certain purpose, get that information first. Play around later. Sometimes, particularly if you ask a tough question, your interview could end at any moment. You don't want to be stuck holding the bag.

9. Transcribe your tape right after the interview, when the ideas and context and connotations are fresh in your mind. You'll have the recording later, but you might not remember that your person winked at you when saying blank, or one part of the conversation connects to another. In your notes, signal to yourself those points.