Prepare For Acting Auditions

Prepare for your next audition with these tips and wow casting directors.

Preparation is key for actors once they are given an audition. If a casting director gives you an audition that means that you probably fit the character's description and have the look they are looking for. Now, it's up to you to go into the room and knock them dead. Find out prepare for an audition in this article.

Instructions

1. If you are asked to prepare a monologue, practice the one you already know or choose a new monologue if needed. Practice alone and in front of a friend.

2. If you are given sides, a scene from the project, break them down and make choices about the character you're playing and who the person or other people in the scene are to you. Find ways to relate to the material.

3. Once you have done your work, memorize, memorize, memorize. You will look and be so much more prepared when you know the material like the back of your hand. Casting directors will appreciate it.

4. Stage a fake audition. Have a friend act like the casting director. Walk out of the room and have your friend sit down. Walk back into the room and greet the casting director (your friend). Have your friend say let me know you're ready. When you're ready, let the casting director know. Then, start the scene if your character speaks first.

Prepare Exterior Wood Window Trim To Paint

Perhaps you have decided to take on the task of painting your new windows yourself. Maybe you are looking to spruce up your house with a new coat of paint on old window trim, or you just may feel an urge to try out a new color.

Regardless of your reason for painting your exterior window trim, proper preparation can be the difference between looking beautiful for one year or one decade.

Instructions

1. Tape windows to protect them. Using painter's tape, lay the tape along the edge where the glass and the wood meet. This will protect the glass from cleaning solutions, primer, and paint through the process.

2. Wash with TSP or TSP substitute according to manufacturer directions. TSP, or trisodium phosphate, is a cleaning product found in the paint aisle of any hardware or home improvement store. In addition to cleaning the surface it will encourage bonding between the wood and the primer.

3. Scrape loose paint. Use a putty knife to scrape old paint away from the surface.

4. Sand the surface. Use a medium-grit sandpaper to sand down any remaining paint and debris. Then switch to a fine-grit sandpaper to smooth the surface.

5. Apply the primer. Begin your painting with any decorative wood that may cross the surface of the glass, then move on to the wood surrounding the edges of the glass. Finally, prime the remaining wood trim.

Mount Black & White Images

Color offers a necessary contrast when mounting images.

Mounting black and white images enhances the picture. A work of art does not look complete unless it is displayed with a professional finish. It is usual to choose a contrasting color for mounting, so the image stands out from the background. It also is standard practice to mount black and white images onto contrasting black, white or neutral grey backgrounds to create a stylish monochromatic effect. However, black and white images are effective against a wide range of color choices.

Instructions

1. Visit your local arts and crafts store to browse the color range of art mounting boards or thick card. Take a copy of your black and white image to hold up against specific colors. Match up your image against different color mounts to find which color looks most effective and makes your image stand out.

2. Purchase your card or mounting sheet.

3. Purchase a frame from a crafts or picture frames store.

4. Stick your image onto your mounting board using a glue stick. Mark in pencil, on the front of the mounting board, where the corners of your image are to be positioned. Use your image as a template and draw pencil dashes to mark the corner position. Make sure you have an equal border around the perimeter of your image by using a ruler to measure the distance from the edge of the image to the edge of the board. Drag the glue stick along the edges of the back of the image. Place a cross of glue in the center. Locate the corner pencil markings and stick your black and white image in place.

5. Cut out a frame for your image as an alternative method. This gives a more professional finish. Use a pencil and ruler to draw the image shape on to the back of the mounting board. Make it a fraction smaller, by about 1/5 of an inch on each side, so that the frame can fit over the image. Ensure there is an equal border around the image. Place the mounting board down on a wooden board or a rubber mat. Cut out the image shape with a metal ruler and sharp craft knife. Cut the edges straight and clean. Place the frame over the image to check whether is a snug fit. Stick a small dab of blue tack in the corner of the frame on the back of mounting board to keep the images temporarily in place. Turn the mounting board over. Secure the image in place with strips of masking tape along the edges of the image. Remove the blue tack a corner at a time as you attach the image.

6. Place the mounted image inside a picture frame to protect the image and add a professional finish.

Prepare A Rusty Automobile Panel For Paint

Rusty panels can easily be prepared for paint.

Automobile panels become rusted for many reasons. Scratches or scrapes that go through the paint and expose the bare metal can become rusted in less than 24 hours. Panels that have been sanded and repaired but not yet covered in paint can become covered in a layer of surface rust. Learn prepare a rusty automobile panel for paint so you can use the panel instead of buying a replacement.

Instructions

1. Sand the panel with 180 grit sandpaper to remove loose rust from the surface. Once the panel has been sanded completely, spray a moderate coat of rust remover over the rusted areas. Rust remover spray bonds the rust with the metal, creating a sandable surface. The rust turns black and dries within 30 minutes. It also prevents the rust from spreading into the metal.

2. Use 300 grit sandpaper to sand the panel until it is smooth. The rust remover spray can be used on repaired areas; sand them until they are as smooth as the rest of the panel. Wipe the panel with wax and grease remover and a microfiber towel to remove dust, wax or grease particles left behind.

3. Spray the panel with a thick coat of primer. Primer helps the paint adhere to the panel. Primer also acts as a layer of protection between the metal panel and the elements, protecting the panel from rust until it has been painted.

Prepare A Car Surface For Painting

Preparing the surface is the most important part of painting a car. From dent removal to rust repair, prep work must be done before you paint so your car will look as good as new. Here are some tips to help you prepare a car surface for painting.

Instructions

1. Fill in any dents first. If you can pull out the dent, try using a suction cup device like glass workers use. If you don't have access to that, lightly tap the dent from the backside to pop it out as much as possible. Fillers will be used to fill in the dents, and the smallest amount used is the best. Polyester filler is recommended over plastic filler. Fiberglass can be used to fill in larger dents. Apply the filler in thin coats, about 1/8 inch thick for each coat. Sand with very fine sandpaper before applying the next coat of filler. Examine the surface closely to look for any pinholes in the filler. If you see pinholes, add another coat of filler and sand the surface. Prep rust holes by sanding down to the bare metal and applying fiberglass filler. If the rust hole is too large, welding new metal to the surface is best. The metal prep work will take the longest, but is the most important part of painting your car.

2. Sand the prep work using long strokes and using increasingly finer sandpaper. Sand on an angle to prevent grooves in the car surface. Use a straight edge to judge the smoothness of the sanding and the curvature of the car. Continue to sand the prep work until the surface is totally smooth. If the rest of your car paint is in good condition, you don't need to sand it. However, if the paint job on your car is flaking or in bad shape, sand the rest of the car surface.

3. Apply a urethane primer that's considered "high build", sold at automotive specialty stores or online. High build primers don't shrink like other primers and will make your prep work and paint job look much more professional. High build primers also build up more, making it easier to sand and create even surfaces. Sand the primer after its hardened.

4. Use a sealer before painting the car. A sealer will help the new car paint adhere to the old paint and will keep the paint job looking smooth and uniform. If you're painting the whole car, apply the sealer to the whole car. Sealer can be found at automotive specialty stores or bought online.

5. Tape off all parts that you don't want to be painted and remove any decals. Tape off the glass, bumpers, door handles, etc. With the metal work done and the car prepped, you are now ready to paint.

Prepare A Canvas For Oil Painting

Once you've decided to paint with oil you will need to properly prepare your canvas. Omit this phase of your oil painting and you may find yourself regretting it when you are finished. Properly preparing a canvas for oil painting will ensure the longevity of your painting and prevent the acids in the paints and turpentine from eating through it.

Instructions

1. Decide what kind of texture you want your canvas to have. This decision will have to be made before you start applying the ground or protective coating to your canvas. It will determine the number of coats you apply. Two or three coats will provide a smooth finish. A single coat will give you a rough finish.

2. Unless you are proficient with making animal skin glue and have a kitchen that can handle the process I would recommend purchasing a water based acrylic primer to prep your canvas. This can be picked up at most decorating shops or art suppliers. After stirring your primer add a small amount of water to create a consistency slightly thicker than milk. Apply it quickly and evenly with a large brush in one direction.

3. After the first layer of ground has been applied to your canvas lightly sand it to give it a smooth finish. Then gently wipe it with a damp cloth to remove dust before you apply the second coat. Remember to apply your second coating in the opposite direction so that brush marks won't be visible. You may repeat this process one or two times.

4. After your canvas has thoroughly dried, use a sharp knife to carefully trim any fibers that are sticking out. This process of preparing your canvas for oil painting will greatly improve the quality of your painting. You are now ready to begin painting your masterpiece.

Prepare A Blueprint Solution For Sun Printing

Blueprinting (cyanotype) is an alternative photographic process that has been used to reproduce technical designs for architectural and engineering plans. You can apply this same technique to create blue and white designs on paper or fabric using the sun and two chemicals: ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferricyanide.

Instructions

1. Pour eight ounces of warm distilled water into the measuring cup and set aside.

2. Measure one-half ounce of potassium ferricyanide. Open the lightproof bag or bottle of potassium ferricyanide and pour about one-half cup of the chemical slowly into one of the cups. Place the cup on the scale and check the weight. Add more of the chemical if needed to measure one-half ounce.

3. Slowly pour the potassium ferricyanide into the measuring cup, a little at a time. Stir until the chemical dissolves.

4. Measure one ounce of potassium ferricyanide. Open the lightproof bag or bottle of ferric amonium citrate and slowly pour about one-half cup of the chemical into the remaining cup. Place the cup on the scale and check the weight. Add more of the chemical if needed to measure one ounce. Reseal the lightproof bag.

5. Add the ferric amonium citrate, a little at a time, to the potassium ferricyanide already dissolved in the measuring cup. Stir until the chemical is dissolved and the solution is thoroughly mixed. Reseal the lightproof bag.

6. Clean the work area. Wash surfaces with paper towels and water that may have come into contact with the blueprint solution. Spills may not be visible but may appear hours later when you may encounter blue stains. If you are not ready to print, store the solution in a lightproof container.

Prepare Automotive Surfaces For Rust Paint

Cars sitting up for long periods of time are more likely to have rust in hard-to-reach places.

Rust paint stops or prevents rust. Rust paint comes in handy when repainting a rusty vehicle that cannot be cleaned of all existing rust. Rust paint can also be used in cracks or crevices of a car that can't be reached to thoroughly remove the rust. Rust paint breaks down existing rust and transforms it into a sandable surface, almost like a layer of primer. Before painting, the car's surface must be prepared for rust paint to work properly.

Instructions

1. Use a wire brush to brush away loose rust from the surface. A stiff wire brush can loosen and remove large chunks of rust and most small flakes. Move the wire brush back and forth over the rust until no more rust flakes off. This leaves the area much smoother than before.

2. Sand the rusted area with 80-grit sandpaper to remove the last of the loose rust on the surface. Sand the area as smooth as possible to leave a flat surface for the rust paint. Some visible rust will remain, depending on how much rust was there to begin with.

3. Blow the rust and dust off the area using an air hose or wash it off with water. Make sure to wear eye protection if using an air hose. If washing the area with water, let the surface dry for at least two hours before applying the rust paint.

Fix Torn Paint On The Walls

Paint can wear and become torn.

Interior paint comes in water-based or latex- and oil-based paints and in a wide variety of colors. Water-based or latex paint generally dries within four hours, while oil based paint cures in about 24 hours. Regardless of the time it takes to dry, paint can become worn over time from temperature fluctuation and reactions from skin oil touching it. When paint wears out, it may tear or peel from the surface to which it was applied, and it needs to be repainted.

Instructions

1. Place a drop cloth under the damaged portion of the wall. Peel or scrape the torn or peeling paint from the wall with a putty knife or paint scraper. Do not apply too much pressure, to avoid damaging the wall itself, particularly if the wall is made of wood, is covered in drywall or is not concrete.

2. Shake the peelings off the drop cloth over a garbage container or dumpster. Reposition the drop cloth on the floor against the damaged wall.

3. Sand the entire wall with fine grit sandpaper to rid it of any protruding paint and to rough the surface for the primer and paint to adhere.

4. Prepare the wall for repainting by applying a coat of interior paint primer with a paintbrush or roller. Allow the primer to dry for a period of 12 to 48 hours or the amount of time specified on the primer can. Then apply a second coat and allow it to dry for the same amount of time. Soak the paintbrush in mineral spirits while the second coat dries to remove primer from the brush, or change the roller.

5. Apply a coat of interior paint in a color of your choosing. Let it dry for a period of four to 24 hours, following the manufacturer's suggested drying time given on the paint can. Apply a second coat after the first dries completely to cover the wall properly.

Get Rid Of Stage Fright When Singing

Banishing stage fright is easier than you might think.

Overcoming stage fright does not have to be an arduous process laced with therapy visits and motivation seminars. You have an arsenal of tips and tricks that are right at your fingertips and are easy on your wallet. Mirrors, video cameras and meditation are just a few of the tools and resources that can obliterate stage fright from your lexicon of performance anxiety. With a little time and effort, your singing gigs can be stress free and satisfying.

Instructions

1. Feel totally confident. You can feel confident by practicing your song to complete perfection and reciting affirmations such as, "I am a superb singer and my audience loves me." Writing down your affirmations for days leading up to your performance can help build your confidence while alleviating stress and anxiety.

2. Rehearse in the exact location where you will perform. Doing this will equip you with a feeling of comfort and familiarity to help ease any tension you might feel during the actual performance. Not only will rehearsing in the performance space acquaint you with the logistics of the stage, it will give you an idea of what it will feel like to sing in front of your audience. You will know the potential size of your audience, how near or far away they will be from you physically, and how your voice will travel to them.

3. Practice performing in front of a mirror. This might seem silly, but you would be surprised how much this can help you. If you don't feel good about performing in front of yourself, chances are you will not feel good about performing in front of an audience full of unfamiliar faces.

4. Video tape a rehearsal and watch it. When you watch yourself on video you see and hear your performance from the audience's perspective. You can catch and adjust any stage faux pas like awkward body language and weird facial expressions. Fine tuning your singing performance will build your confidence and give you command of the stage.

5. Rehearse for an audience. The more you sing in front of people, the more comfortable you will feel onstage. Start by performing for close friends and family, and then broaden your mock audience by extending an invitation to anyone and everyone who will listen. If you are feeling adventurous, ask them for friendly critiques and suggestions.

6. Meditate or do breathing exercises before your performance. Meditating will relax you and breathing exercises will calm you. Be sure to find a quiet space where you can be alone and undisturbed. Decide what time span works best for you. Five minutes of meditation is better than none.

7. Have fun onstage. This is probably the most important step to overcoming stage fright. Enjoy and savor every moment of the limelight. Smile and encourage audience participation when appropriate. Audiences love to watch a singer enjoying herself.

Promote A Poetry Reading

Promote a Poetry Reading

Poetry readings can take place anywhere-at bars, coffeehouses, colleges, concert venues or even in someone's garage. Regardless of the venue, promotion is a must for every poetry event. With the glut of entertainment and literary choices out there, any marketing tactic you can use to get more people in the seats to promote poetry is more than welcome.

Instructions

1. Print up flyers and invitations to promote a poetry reading. Pin up the flyers at coffeehouse bulletin boards, or hand them out community centers, college hang-outs or bookstores. Send snail-mail invitations if your budget allows it. It's a nice, literary touch.

2. Email friends and readers who belong to mailing lists for the performing poets. Check out MySpace, Yahoo and Google for poetry groups and readers in your area and sent a short but informational email to them. If you're feeling creative, use Photoshop to make a virtual flyer or email post card.

3. Place a listing in your local alternative (i.e. Village Voice) newspaper for poetry reading. If your mainstream daily paper accepts poetry listings, send one there too. These listings are free.

4. Publicize your poets by booking them as podcast, cable access or radio show guests. These new media always need more material, and you need publicity for your reading, so it's a perfect match.

5. Use the old media newspaper or magazine interview as promotion if the article will appear in print shortly before the reading. Contact college and high school newspapers in addition to more mainstream publications.

6. Promote the reading on your blog or website and have the other poets do the same. Do this as soon as you book the event and mention it occasionally up to and including the day of the reading.

Get Your Child Into Modeling & Commercials

If your kids have great looks and personalities modeling and commercial work could be a good idea.

If you have a child that has a great look and personality who enjoys attention and likes being in front of the camera, getting her into modeling and commercials is a definite option. Modeling and commercials allow your child to capitalize on her assets and good behavior and lets her start saving for college at a very young age. While it might seem overly complicated to even begin such an endeavor, approaching the process strategically can allow you to make informed decisions, creating a solid foundation of work behind your child.

Instructions

1. Look up all the talent and modeling agencies near you that have children's divisions by visiting websites like "Talent Agency Match" or "Child Models Advice." If you live in or near major cities like New York, Chicago or Los Angeles you'll have many to choose from. If you live in other parts of the country, you'll most likely have less options.

2. Call each prospective agency, asking for the name of the person in the children's division and to confirm their mailing address. Check to see if they accept online submissions.

3. Take snapshots of your child. Take one shot of your child smiling, ideally from the neck or shoulders up. Take another full body from head to toe of your child. Mail or email each of your two shots to each agency near you with a brief letter explaining that you are seeking print and commercial representation for your child and include your contact information.

4. Schedule meetings with prospective agents that respond to your child's submissions. Ask how many children they represent, why they're interested in representing your child and recent jobs that the children under them have booked. You may have offers from various agents. In that case it's best to sign with the agency you simply like best on a gut level and/or which has the most clients out and booking.

5. Ask the prospective agent to recommend headshot photographers. Examine the recommended photographers portfolios and simply select the one you and your child like best.

6. Schedule a shoot with that particular photographer. Bring several outfits both formal and casual from your child's closet to the shoot, and let the photographer pick the ones he likes best for your child. Ideally, bring clothes that have colors that pop.

7. Email your agent the online proofsheet from the session and meet with the agent to select the best pictures for your child to print off for headshots and comp cards. Ask the photographer to recommend a headshot printing place.

8. Print off 100 headshots of you and your agent's favorite shot and the the shots for your comp cards. Give your agent 20 hard copies of the photo and upload a digital image to your agent's database.

9. Attend each casting call punctually with your child well-dressed in the appropriate outfit for the gig. Rehearse reading commercial copy with your child to get him used to reading and memorizing lines quickly.

10. Ask your agent for recommendations for commercial and on-camera classes. Audit the recommended classes and choose the one your child likes best. This will help prepare your child for commercial and print auditions.

Find Walking Tours In New Orleans

Finding a walking tour in New Orleans is usually as easy as simply watching a group of people looking at the same thing and listening to to a guide. New Orleans has Voodoo tours, architecture tours, haunted house tours or history tours. If you wish to learn about New Orleans in a walking tour, let's find out what's available.

Instructions

Walkng Tours in New Orleans

1. Join Magic Tours to hear ghost stories, tales of vampires and Voodoo Legends. These tours are after dark, walking around the French Quarter's edges while looking for the living dead. Almost all houses have resident ghosts and spirits and you can discover where they live. It starts at 500 St Peter nightly at 8:00 pm. and lasts for about two hours.

2. The French Quarter History Tour visits Jackson Square and the St. Louis Cathedral, focal point of the Crescent City, the Cabildo and the Presbytere, which flank the cathedral. See the Pontalba Buildings, the oldest apartments in the United States and the prominent statue of Andrew Jackson.10:30 a.m. 7 Days a Week311 Bourbon StreetTour lasts approximately two hours.
Bring a rain coat for the rain. Bring an umbrella for the sun.

3. Take the Garden District tour. The Garden District is situated on what was once a large sugar plantation just across Canal Street from the French Quarter. The Garden District was created by Americans who came here after the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. Lafayette Cemetery is located in the "dead center" of the Garden District. No matter where one started from, this is where one ended. Tour times vary with the season, last about two hours, and end at Lafayette Cemetery across from Commander's Palace. Tour cost: $20.00 per person.

4. Take a haunted French Quarter tour. listen to the folklore and legends of New Orleans. Hear about assassinations, lynchings, duels, murders and the general mayhem that were commonplace in old New Orleans.Walk with the tour through St. Louis #1 Cemetery and the streets of the French Quarter. Learn the truth about Marie Laveau in this city where Voodoo is still practiced.Daytime and evening tours are available. All tours are by appointment. Tours last an hour and a half and are $15.00 per person. Reserve your tour by email at info@tour-new-orleans.com, or call 504-914-2039.

Polish Enamel Paint

Enamel paint is strong and resilient, which makes it ideal for projects requiring a durable paint. The paint can be a little dull without some extra attention, though. Fortunately, enamel paint is strong enough to stand up against a light polishing without chipping or tearing. Polishing dry enamel paint can help bring out the strong shine of the paint. As with any polish job, you need to work patiently to achieve the perfect gloss.

Instructions

1. Fill a bowl with warm water and a few drops of grease-busting dish soap. Cut light-grain sandpaper (1200-grit to 1600-grit) into strips 1 inch wide and 2 inches long.

2. Dip the sandpaper strips into the water. Let the strips drip for a minute and then sand the enamel paint surface. Move the sandpaper in quick circular motions over the painted surface.

3. Replace your sandpaper strip once it clogs with paint residue. Buff the painted surface with a dry microfiber cloth to remove the debris. Microfiber cloth is super soft and won't tarnish the freshly polished paint.

4. Examine the paint carefully for dips and scratches that you didn't polish away. Sand the enamel paint again in order to remove the remaining scuffs and damage. Buff the surface again to remove the debris.

Polish Car Paint

A brand new paint job may look shiny and bright, but there is a way to make it really glossy. By polishing the paint on your vehicle, it will look brighter and cleaner, and the paint will look like it has depth to it. This can also be done to cars with older, faded paint jobs to make them brighter and shiny again. Almost anyone can polish a car with the right tools and material.

Instructions

1. Park the car in the shade so the sunlight isn't shining on the surface. The sun can heat and soften the clear coat and paint, which can cause damage to the clear coat as the polisher moves over it.

2. Apply a good size amount, about six ounces, of liquid rubbing compound to the polishing pad. Make sure the pad is clean and soft before adding the compound.

3. Place the polisher against the surface of the car, turn it on, and work in small circular and back and forth motions. The compound should last long enough to polish one side of the car. Add more as necessary.

4. Polish the car so that the compound is rubbed in and the haze made by the compound disappears as you work the polisher around.

5. Remove the polishing pad and place a dry, clean buffing pad on the polisher. Work the buffing pad over the entire car, removing any lasting haze from the compound. The car should be very glossy at this point.

6. Apply a thin coat of pure carnauba wax to the car, allow it to sit for five minutes and then buff it away by hand with a cotton towel. This keeps the car looking shiny and adds a protective layer.

Polish Car Headlights

Polish Car Headlights

All too often, people wash and wax their cars, leaving their headlights pretty much as is. It's no wonder that headlights so often collect a hazy build-up that makes it hard to see at night. That can be a real safety issue and can make your nighttime driving to be difficult and dangerous. However, if you polish your car's headlights regularly, you'll be able to confidently careen down those dark roads and your car will look good doing it.

Instructions

1. Border the headlights with painter's masking tape. This will keep you from causing damage to the paint, trim or plastic around the headlights themselves.

2. Clean and dry the headlights, using soap, water and a clean cloth (preferably flannel or micro fiber).

3. Clean and dry the headlights a second time, to ensure that there aren't any dirt or sand remnants clinging to them. If there are, the polishing won't work as well.

4. Rub the headlights with 1000-grit wet/dry sandpaper that has been soaked in cold water for approximately 10 minutes. Make sure the headlights and sandpaper stay wet during this process. Rub the sandpaper in light, straight back and forth movements. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the headlight.

5. Rub the headlights with a 1500-grit wet/dry sandpaper, moving in right angles from your previous sanding.

6. Polish the headlights with a cloth (preferably flannel or micro fiber) and a polishing compound.

Polish Bird Poop Off A Car Finish

Bird poop is the top public enemy when it comes to keeping your car looking fresh and clean. With an acidity level between 3.5 and 4.5 pH, bird poop is more than unsightly. It is corrosive as well. Waiting too long to attend to that mess can lead to permanent body damage in the form of dimpling on the paint's surface. Polish the bird poop off of your car finish as soon as possible in order to prevent true damage to your car.

Instructions

1. Use soap and water to remove as much of the bird poop from your car finish as possible. Use repetitive circular motion to achieve the best results.

2. Dry the area with a cotton towel. Make note of any potential paint damage.

3. Place a minimal amount of color-matched fine polishing compound on a rag, Lightly apply it to the bird poop stain. The car polish will thin the surrounding paint and allow you to blend over the damage. Be careful not to rub too hard or for too long. Doing so may result in a drastic removal of paint.

4. Use a dry cotton towel to buff the area to a shine. Allow the area to dry.

5. Prevent future damage by washing and waxing your car on a regular basis. Wax acts as a barrier between the car finish and the bird poop. It should make removal of future stains easier.

Insert Multiple Pictures In Paint

Insert multiple pictures into Paint with a few clicks of the mouse.

Paint is any easy-to-use program that is found on many personal computers with Windows operating systems. Featuring a simple interface and a workspace that allows users to draw, insert text, shapes and images, it is ideal for making web banners and cropping and resizing photos. Many people even use paint to make homemade videos like those seen on popular video sharing websites.

Instructions

1. Open Paint on your computer. Expand the white work area by clicking on the edge and dragging.

2. Choose the pictures that you will be inserting into Paint.

3. If you are importing your pictures from the internet, click on one of them in your browser and select copy.

4. In Paint, select "Paste." The picture that you clicked will be inserted into the program. If you are importing your picture from a file on your computer, select "Paste from" and choose the image you want to include. Your picture will be inserted into the upper left hand corner of your work area.

5. Click on the image and drag it away from the left side of the screen. All pictures are inserted into the left hand corner so you need to give yourself space for your second picture.

6. Repeat steps three and four to insert your second picture. Repeat step five in addition to steps three and four, if you are inserting more than two pictures.

7. To rearrange your images once they are in your work area, click on the "Select" button and draw a box around each image one at a time. While the image is selected, drag the picture to its appropriate spot.

Make Airbrush Stencils

Stencils can be prepared at home using household or craft supplies. A stencil is a template with an outline of the positive area cut out. Paint will be transferred to your surface through the outline; the plastic area of the template forms the negative space, blocking paint in those areas. Stencils can be formed from simple images and the templates provide a sharp edge for the design. Airbrushing allows for more precise control over the paint application and is convenient for detailed work or small surfaces.

Instructions

1. Print your desired image on paper, making sure that it is a simple outline. If the desired image is not an outline or a stencil, draw an even outline above and below the lines of the main image, taking care to draw connecting tabs for the internal, negative space (see image for an example).

2. Lay the paper over the plastic sheet and align the corners as necessary. If desired, lay both pieces over a thick cardboard backing to protect your work surface and secure the sheets in place with push pins inserted into each corner.

3. Trace your outline using your craft knife, pressing gently through the paper to cut the image into your plastic sheet.

4. Remove the push pins and paper to review the cut image on the plastic template. Remove the plastic sheet and add refined cuts to the outline as needed so that the outline image can easily be removed.

5. Position your stencil template on the desired surface and secure with tape or adhesive as desired. Airbrush the exposed (open) area of your stencil.

Play The Nursery Game "Red Light Green Light One Two Three"

"Red Light, Green Light, 1, 2, 3" has long been a beloved game among young children and their parents. It combines the sneakiness of hide and seek and the action of musical chairs. It is also in a format that one person can conduct without difficulty. Once it gets going, children can carry it on by themselves, meaning they can play it for a while with minimal supervision.

Instructions

Set Up & Play

1. Line up the group so each participant has a clear path to the other side of the play area.

2. Stand at the opposite end of the participants if you're serving as the game leader.

3. Turn your back on the group and yell the words "Green Light." The kids will start to move toward you as fast as they can.

4. Yell the words "Red Light" and turn around as fast as you can. Any person you see still moving must return to the starting point.

5. Turn away from the group again and repeat the process. The player who reaches the caller first and touches him is the winner. The winner gets to be the caller for the next game.

Locate Stores For The Clapper Key Chain Finder

Many people constantly lose track of their keys.

Losing track of your keys can be a headache. Seeing this as an opportunity, several companies have begun marketing key chains that emit a loud noise when you clap your hands or whistle. Many people call them "Clapper" key chain finders, even though the company that made the original Clapper device no longer offers any key chain products. Many different stores carry various brands of these key chain finders, and you can also buy them online.

Instructions

1. Search online using terms such as "clapper key chain finder." You will find several online stores that sell a wide variety of sound-activated key chain finders. If you are looking for a local store, add your city and state to the search terms.

2. Look in your local Yellow Pages under electronics stores, novelty stores, drugstores and toy stores. Call the stores and ask employees if the stores carry sound-activated key chain finders. The downside to this approach is that many employees don't know about every item the store sells. If the store employees say they don't carry the item, ask them if they know of other stores that might sell the item.

3. Check the electronics department every time you shop at a department store, large grocery store or warehouse store.

4. Keep your eyes open for one of the finders every time you visit a gas station or convenience store. Many times these stores will carry novelty items at the register or behind the counter.

5. Ask friends, family and co-workers if they have seen any of the finders at local stores.

Play The Guitar On The Street

In order to play guitar on the street, you'll need talent, courtesy and in many cases a permit. Busking, also known as street performing, is an art, and playing guitar has its own rules apart from other performance types like juggling and caricatures. Be mindful of your location, play it loud and provide pedestrians with a thrilling show.

Instructions

1. Inquire to local government authorities, such as a city council, as to whether or not you need a permit to play guitar on the street in your area. If the answer is yes, apply for a permit and pay any necessary fee.

2. Locate a spot on the street that gets a lot of foot traffic and won't disrupt the flow of passersby. Give people room to walk by without bothering them and don't get too close to businesses.

3. Communicate with other street performers. Don't encroach on another performer's area. Wait your turn for a great busking location. Because playing guitar involves a certain noise level, be sure to be a good distance away from other performers.

4. Set up a receptacle for any money that people might want to give you. This could be an open guitar case, a hat, bottle, and so on.

5. Play guitar at a level audible to people passing by. If no one turns their head or notices you, play louder. Don't hold back; you're competing with conversations, cell phones, car horns and other noises on the street. If you are using an acoustic/electric or electric guitar, bring along a small battery-powered amplifier and plug into that.

6. Play a variety of songs in your own unique style. If the other street guitarists in your area are playing the blues, consider playing power chords and singing some modern pop songs that people passing by will be familiar with.

7. Announce yourself and involve people on the street in your performance. Consider taking requests, writing impromptu songs about strangers or starting a sing-along. Learn as many songs and riffs as possible to be able to accommodate whoever makes up your audience at any given time.

Play The Game Fascination

Fascination is a great boardwalk and amusement park game that is played at many different locations throughout the country. The object of the game is to light up five lights in a row before anyone else playing at the the same location lights up his or her own five lights in a row. Basically, it's bingo played by rolling a round ball and lighting up lights. Might sound simple, but Fascination is truly addictive.

Instructions

Play the Game Fascination

1. Find a location that has the game Fascination. This is most likely going to be a boardwalk at the beach or an amusement park. Fascination games are hosted in arcades with anywhere from 40 to 80 individual game tables. Each table has a five by five grid of holes at the end of a wooden board about 10 feet long.

2. Give the attendant any amount of cash you wish over 20 cents, and the attendant will give you tokens to play the game. Most games take one token (20 cents), but sometimes there are specials that let you play for a discounted price. These specials include 10 games for a dollar, free games, and hourlong specials for $5.

3. Grab the little rubber ball that is in the opening at the bottom of your game table and wait for the announcer to indicate the new game has begun.

4. Roll your ball toward the five-by-five grid on your playing table. The goal is to light up five lights in a row before your opponents in the room accomplish the same goal. Sometimes the announcer will turn on the four corners' option as an additional way to win.

5. Keep rolling until someone gets five lights in a row. Sometimes this can happen extremely quickly, in under a minute. Other times it could take two to four minutes.

6. Get ready for the next game of Fascination. As long as you have tokens in your token tube, you can keep playing. If you need to purchase more tokens let an attendant know and she'll give you additional tokens in exchange for cash.

Polish & Clean A Car Dashboard

To polish & clean a car dashboard is a fairly simple task. A car dashboard can make the inside look sparkling clean even if other aspects are dirty. If you desire to clean your car from top to bottom, the dashboard is the perfect place to start. In a few simple steps, you will learn polish & clean a car dashboard.

Instructions

1. Clean off your car's dashboard. Remove any trinkets, figures or decorative items. Place them aside.

2. Rub your dashboard with the first small soft cloth towel. You will want to get rid of any debris, dust or dirt that can be easily removed.

3. Spray the Windex or equivalent in a generous amount over the dashboard. Windex will be used for the sake of this article. However, any non-abrasive cleaner should work in the same manner. You do not want to use a harsh abrasive, as these can cause scratches to the dash board. Be sure to reach every area in the back as well as the front.

4. Dip the corner of the second small cloth towel in your bucket of water. You will use this towel to clean the dashboard and wipe it off as well. With the damp end of the towel, rub the Windex in. Use a circular motion and be sure to reach every area. After the dashboard has been cleaned, use the dry part of the towel to wipe off any excess water, dirt, dust or cleaner.

5. Spray the Turtle Wax or equivalent in small sections to polish the dashboard. For the sake of this article, Turtle Wax will be used. This polish can be found in most hardware, department and auto stores. You can use any polish that is safe on your dashboard. Read the back of the polish before you purchase it to be sure that it is a safe alternative.

6. Use your third towel to rub in the section that you sprayed with Turtle Wax. Remember, you want to apply the dash board polish in small sections to gain an even shine. Rub the Turtle Wax in a circular motion until it has been deeply applied.

7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 until the dashboard is polished to a perfect shine.

8. Replace all of the items that you removed from step 1.

Play Simple Chords On Your Guitar

Learn to play simple guitar chords.

You can learn to play simple guitar chords in the privacy of your home. Learn hold a guitar and where to place your fingers for simple chords for beginning guitar players. Mastering the most basic guitar chords---Em, G, G7, C and D---will help you establish the basic foundation of guitar playing, which will help you learn other chords easier. Strumming with your pick while holding down the correct strings over the correct frets starts you out in forming your first chords on the guitar.

Instructions

1. Hold the guitar in the classical position.

Hold the guitar correctly. Sit on an upright chair or stool. Place your left foot on a six-inch-high foot stool. Hold the side of the guitar over your left leg and rest it on top of your leg while the bottom of the guitar rests on the inner right thigh. The neck of the guitar should point to your left and slightly upward. Hold the guitar close to your body.

2. Learn the E minor chord.

Play the E minor chord. Use your third finger---that is, the third finger from your left thumb---to hold down the fourth string, which is the fourth string from the bottom or the third-thickest string. Hold it down between the first and second frets. (Count frets by starting at the top of the neck and counting down toward the body of the guitar.) Hold down the fifth string (the second-thickest string) between the first and second frets with your second finger. Strum all the strings with a continuous motion using a pick in your right hand. Repeat until all strings ring together. Adjust your fingers to ensure you press hard, and only touch the strings you are suppose to touch.

3. Learn the G major chord.

Play the G major chord. Hold your third finger, which is the third finger from the thumb over the first string, which is the string at the bottom of the neck (the thinnest string), between the second and third frets. Place your first finger over the fifth string between the first and second frets, and your second finger over the sixth string between the second and third frets. Holding down all three strings in the correct location, strum all six strings with a pick in your right hand.

4. Play the G7 chord.

Play the G7 chord. Hold your first finger on the first string above the first fret. Put your second finger on the fifth string between the first and second frets. Put your third finger on the sixth string between the second and third frets. Holding down all three strings in the correct location, strum all six strings with a pick in your right hand.

5. Learn the C chord.

Play the C chord. Put your first finger on the second string above the first fret. Put your second finger on the fourth string between the first and second frets. Put your third finger on the fifth string between the second and third frets. Holding down all three strings in the correct location, strum the bottom five strings with a pick in your right hand.

6. Learn the D chord.

Play the D chord. Put your second finger on the first string between the first and second frets. Put your third finger on the second string between the second and third frets. Put your first finger on the third string between the first and second frets. Holding down all three strings in the correct location, strum the bottom four strings with a pick in your right hand.

Paint A Silk Scarf

Paint a Silk Scarf

Silk scarves can brighten up a dull outfit and can be a great conversation piece. If your intention is to sell your silk paintings, there isn't a better way to display your artwork than by wearing it wherever you go. Get your creative juices flowing and start creating silk scarves for fun or money.

Instructions

1. Draw your design on your scarf with a pencil, or transfer a design to the scarf by taping your drawing on a window and tracing your design onto your silk scarf.

2. Stretch your scarf on a silk stretcher or create your own silk stretcher with stretcher bars, push pins, rubber bands and safety pins. You want your silk scarf to be suspended above the table without touching your frame.

3. Trace the outline of your design with gutta or resist.

4. Decide the color theme you will use for your scarf and prepare your paints before you begin painting.

5. Apply paint to the center of a gutta or resist areas with a paint brush. Paint spreads quickly on silk and the gutta or resist lines act like a barrier for the paint. Remember to blend colors together while the paint is still wet. Once the paint dries, it will leave a line.

6. Set the color with the method recommended on your paint label. Heat, steam, or liquid fixatives will set the paint and make is washable.

7. Wash or dry-clean your scarf and it is ready to wear or sell.

Paint 3d Murals At Home

Paint 3D wall murals at home to create a dynamic decor.

Paint 3D murals at home using trompe l'oeil methods to create a realistic sensation of depth in a small space or to add playful life to a child's bedroom. Perspective drawing can help you make your image seem 3D, while adding actual dimension in the form of texture and painted shelving can be fun and invite imaginative play in a recreation room. Take on a project that suits your skill level and have fun bringing a flat wall to life.

Instructions

1. Use the principles of perspective drawing to create a 3D template for your design. Examine the background imagery you want to use for your mural to determine the number of vanishing points you will need to bring your design to life. Determine the location of the vanishing points by placing tracing paper over the design and tracing all of the horizontal lines in the design with a ruler. Identify the points where the lines would converge if they extended to the horizon and label them as the vanishing points. Repeat this process to determine the vanishing points for vertical lines.

2. Use the vanishing point or points as markers for placing additional horizontal and vertical lines when you add elements to the foreground of your design. For instance, if you are placing a car on a street in a position where the car appears to be driving toward you, make all of the car's horizontal and vertical lines extend such that they would converge at the vanishing points if they were to extend indefinitely. Experiment with adding elements to your design by drawing them in this way on separate sheets of tracing paper on top of your background.

3. Create a final design when you are satisfied that your image looks sufficiently 3D. Stack your best tracing paper ideas to put them into position to use as a template for your final design. Transfer your final design to transparency paper with a marker.

4. Place the transparency paper containing the design on an overhead projector. Turn on the projector. Adjust the size and placement of your design on the wall by moving the projector forward and backward.

5. Trace the 3D image onto the wall with the pencil. Paint the design on the wall with latex and acrylic paints. Paint the background sections first, starting at the upper left-hand corner and working to the right and down to avoid smearing the paint. Allow the background to dry before painting over it to add details. Add shading for additional 3D effects by determining the location of the light sources in the design. Create shadows with black paint on the far side of objects in relationship to the light source. Highlight objects facing the light source with white paint.

Play Light My Fire On Piano

Jim Morrison

"Light My Fire," as performed by the psychedelic 1960s band The Doors, is a song with an emphasis on complex improvisational organ and guitar, alternating with a relatively simple verse and chorus line. If you want to imitate the song note for note, carefully written sheet music is probably your best shot. However, if you understand the fundamental musical structure of the song, you can play along almost immediately with no outside materials. With practice, this whole song can thrum from your piano, at home or on stage.

Instructions

1. Listen to the song until it is familiar. Note its structure. This will save you headaches in the future.

2. 0:00 Introduction

Play these triad chords with your left hand (specific notes in parenthesis):

G major (G, B, D), D major (D, F#, A), F major (F, A, C), Bb major (Bb, D, F), C# major (C#, F, G#), G# major (G#, C, D#), A major (A, C#, E).

Stay on the final A 4 times longer than the previous chords. Play the final A repeatedly to build up to the verse line.

With your right hand, you can either play along with sheet music or try to copy the intro recording as best you can. If you have improvisational piano talent, play around with the right hand in the context of the left-hand chords. The song has an improvisational feel from beginning to end, so give any personal flair you can.

3. 00:09 Verse:

Play these block chords with your right hand:

Am7, F#m7

The Am7 chord has the notes A, C, E, and G.

The F#m7 chord has the notes F#, A, C#, and E.

Listen to the song to hear the exact rhythm of the chords. They are played by the organ in a syncopated timing. The verse begins with the words "You know that it would be untrue."

Play the verse line 4 times.

4. 00:24 Chorus:

Play these chords with your right hand -

G major (G, B, D), A major (A, C#, E), D major (D, F#, A)

G major (G, B, D), A major (A, C#, E), D major (D, F#, A), B major (B, D#, F#)

G major (G, B, D), D major (D, F#, A), E major (E, G#, B)

The chorus line begins with "come on baby" and ends with "try to set the night on fire." The right hand tends to roll the chords and add suspended 2nds and 4ths as passing notes.

5. 00:37

Play the verse and chorus line again.

6. 1:04 Organ solo:

With your left hand, roll these chords, only including the 1st, 3rd, and 5th notes:

A minor (A, C, E), B minor (B, D, F#)

With your left hand, you will be playing the notes A, C, and E followed by a B, D and F#.

With your right hand, solo as you please in the key of E minor. The key of E minor includes the notes E, F#, G, A, B, C, D, E.

If you can't solo, either purchase sheet music of the solo or do your best to imitate it by ear. It is complex and probably spontaneously improvised on the record, so exact imitation is difficult.

7. 3:12 Guitar solo:

Continue to roll the A minor and B minor chords with your left hand.

With your right hand, alternate between the Am and Bm chords. It isn't difficult, and would be easy to copy off the record. If you have no other musicians playing with you, shorten or eliminate this section as you like. Solo behind the guitar, still in the key of Em, in the last minute or so of the section.

8. 5:23 Recapitulation:

Replay intro section.

Replay verse chords.

Replay chorus chords.

Replay verse chords

9. 6:14 Outro:

Play these final chorus chords with left and right hands after final verse:

G major (G, B, D), A major (A, C#, E), D major (D, F#, A)

G major (G, B, D), A major (A, C#, E), D major (D, F#, A)

Bb major (Bb, D, F), C major (C, E, G), D major (D, F#, A)

Bb major (Bb, D, F), C major (C, E, G), D major (D, F#, A)

Bb major (Bb, D, F), C major (C, E, G), D major (D, F#, A)

Bb major (Bb, D, F), C major (C, E, G), D major (D, F#, A)

Play intro section once more, and end on a powerful A major (A, C#, E).

Get Rid Of Hazing On Car Paint

Get Rid of Hazing on Car Paint

Over time, rubbing compound, wax and grime can build up on a car’s surface and create hazing, making the paint look dull and unattractive. Car detailing services can charge hefty fees to restore your car’s glossy finish. Fortunately, multiple products on the market allow you to get rid of hazing from the paint on your car.

Instructions

1. Use a machine polisher with an adapter. Attach the wool-polishing disc on the plate.

2. Apply rubbing compound on a small area directly on the car’s surface. Use a product like 3M Fine Cut Compound.

3. Press the wool disc against the car (over the area with compound), and turn on the machine. Spread compound with your wool disc on the polisher. Place the speed dial between 3.5 and 4. Go over the area in a figure-8 pattern from left to right, and up and down. Do this multiple times until the compound starts to dry.

4. Remove compound residue with a 50/50 solution of isopropyl alcohol and water. Dry the area with a microfiber towel. Feel the surface with your fingers and make sure it’s smooth. If the surface isn’t smooth or the haze is still present, apply the compound and repeat the procedure until you get rid of the hazing and the finish is bright.

5. Opt for Turtle Wax instead to remove hazing and obtain a shiny finish. Wash your car thoroughly and dry it completely. To remove haze or old grime, you’ll get better results if you use the paste wax. Although it requires more work, the pressure you apply to remove the wax will also remove the haze. Apply the wax in small sections using small, circular motions. Remove the wax with a soft cotton rag.

Play Karaoke Files With Virtual Dj

Use Virtual DJ to play karaoke files.

Virtual DJ music software enables you to play different audio formats such as WAV, MP3 and karaoke files. Karaoke formats such as MP3+G, OGG+G, CDG and ZIP files are supported on the Virtual DJ interface. When playing karaoke files on Virtual DJ, you must import either the audio or video graphic file of your choice. If you're looking to import a complete karaoke track that has both audio and video graphics, you must first combine the CDG video graphics with the MP3 songs in a zipped folder.

Instructions

Creating a Zip Folder

1. Turn your computer on and wait for it to load the "Start" screen. Right-click the "Start" menu, then choose "Explore." Click "New," then "Compressed (Zipped) Folder" to create a new folder.

2. Label the folder by typing in a name. Next, open the folder or location where your CDG video graphics and MP3 songs are located.

3. Highlight the selected items and drag and drop them in the compressed ZIP folder you created.

Playing the Karaoke File

4. Open the software and scroll down to the "Browser" window located at the bottom of the screen. Look to the right of the "Browser" and select the compressed folder location on the left.

5. Drag and drop the folder in the "Browser" window. The file will be indicated by an audio reel with a blue "K" icon.

6. Click to highlight the compressed folder, then press the play button on "Deck 1" to hear the MP3 song and see the CDG video graphics at the same time.

Paint Walls & Ceilings Different Colors

Good technique will help you paint walls and a ceiling professionally.

In most cases, walls and ceilings should be painted in different colors for architectural and lighting purposes. While this isn't a hard rule---and more people are painting ceilings the same color as walls these days---it is a rule that makes sense. Ceilings that are a separate color from a wall help to visually separate the space and put a solid "lid" on the room. Ceilings that are painted white can be very effective in increasing light refraction and distribution throughout the room.

Instructions

1. Remove all the furniture from the room or move it to a central position. Cover the furniture with canvas painters' tarps or thick plastic tarps. Remove any baseboards or ceiling trims with a hammer and small pry bar, or mask them with painter's tape. Remove electrical outlet and switch covers. Cover the floor with tarps.

2. Take down all draperies and art work. Remove any ceiling light covers or "bag" hanging chandeliers with a clear plastic bag or wrapping of clear plastic tarp. Make sure light bulbs don't make contact with the plastic wrapping.

3. Spackle any holes in the walls using a fast-drying spackle. Apply the spackle with a flexible metal spackle knife. Let the spackle dry and then use a sand block to remove any rough areas of spackle.

4. Patch any ceiling cracks using a spackle product especially designed for ceiling crack repair. Follow directions on the packaging. You may need to reinforce large cracks with ceiling crack repair tape. Let the patch work dry thoroughly.

5. Don a cap, long-sleeved shirt, eye protection and a nose and mouth mask before painting the ceiling with a roller applicator. Painting a ceiling with a roller assembly and a long extension pole is the fastest way to get the job done, but the roller creates a fine spray of paint droplets that can get into your eyes and hair, on your skin and can be inhaled.

6. Paint the ceiling with a high-quality primer-sealer product. If you're painting white onto white, ask your paint technician about adding disappearing tint products. Primer tints go on pink or blue, but dry white. They will help you keep track of what you've painted and what you haven't painted. Let the paint dry completely.

7. Apply the finish paint. For most rooms, choose a white, an off-white, a very light gray, or a very faint pastel color paint that will complement your wall color. It is rarely a good idea to paint a ceiling a very dark, solid color since it will make the ceiling feel much lower. This could work, however, in a room with a very tall ceiling (12 feet or more in height) to "bring the ceiling down" visually.

8. Paint the walls with primer-sealer. "Cut in" the edges of the walls, and the corners, with a sash brush, and then fill in the walls with a roller applicator. Let dry.

9. Paint the walls with your selected wall color. Cut in around the edges and corners with a brush first, and then fill in the wall with a roller applicator. Let dry.

10. Apply a second coat of paint, particularly for red paints or dark colors. Let dry.

11. Restore the electrical covers, baseboards and trim and re-dress the room. Remove the plastic from the lighting fixture and restore any light covers.

Play Banjo Songs

Playing clawhammer banjo

Banjo playing has been a part of America's musical heritage since Joel Sweeney, an American minstrel performer, brought the modern banjo to popularity in the early 1800s. Banjo is typically associated with folk and bluegrass, though it can be found in popular country and western songs as well. Playing banjo songs can be a relaxing hobby or even lead to a musical career. Because banjo is so popular and music written for the instrument comes in a variety of skill levels, you can always find a suitable song to pick and strum.

Instructions

1. Select a piece of banjo sheet music to practice. Start with something simple and traditional. "This Land is Your Land," "Oh, Susanna" and "Amazing Grace" are easy songs for beginners.

2. Learn to read banjo tablature. While there are songs written in standard music notation for the banjo, you'll find that tablature is the preferred method of reading music in the banjo world. Tablature consists of a graph featuring horizontal lines representing banjo strings. There may be four lines or five, depending upon the type of banjo the song was written for. Numbers placed on the lines tell you which string and fret you need to play a note. Learning to read banjo tablature will make it easier for you to find plenty of songs to play.

3. Play the notes according to finger markings when they are present. Since banjo often consists of finger picking, banjo music uses letters to indicate specific finger patterns. T=thumb, I=index and M=middle.

4. Learn as many chord shapes as you can on your banjo. A lot of banjo songs have chords written over the top of the tablature. If you know chords by heart, it will be quicker for you to read through a piece of music by glancing at the chords and playing them from diagrams as opposed to reading fully notated chords.