HowToDoThings.com Recent Activities & Past Times Articles

How To Make a Cloud in a Bottle

teen — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:26:53 -0500

Looking up in the sky you can see clouds of various shapes and sizes. These ethereal shapes are often difficult to understand. Bring the mystery down to earth by creating your own cloud in a bottle. Just follow these simple steps to create clouds at home.

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How To Calculate the Distance from Lightning

niko — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:03:13 -0500

Thunder and lightning are fascinating phenomena, from time immemorial to the time Benjamin Franklin decided to conduct his experiments with a kite. Elementary studies let us know that light and sound travel through air or other media at different speeds, which is why you often hear the sound of thunder after you actually see the lightning. Lightning occurs on account of the creation and discharge of electrical energy between areas of opposite conductance. This can happen between clouds, within a cloud or from the cloud to the ground. Rapid heating and cooling of air during lightning cause shock waves which we hear as thunder.

How does one find out where exactly lightning is striking? How near or far from you is this happening? If you're interested in knowing, then read on...

CALCULATING THE DISTANCE

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How To Smoke a Cigar

rk12m — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:43:09 -0500

How To Make a Paper Hat

Cassandra — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 20:00:21 -0500

Are you looking for some rainy day fun with the kids? Have you tried crafts but find your supplies limited? These tips can help. For a quick, fun activity that requires items you already have around the house, try to make a paper hat.

Materials:
Full sheet of newspaper/newsprint
Decorations – such as paint, stickers
Tall, empty glass

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How To See in the Dark

marcalex — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 21:41:16 -0500

If you’ve ever been stuck on the sofa or in the shower during a sudden power outage, you’ve likely wished to see in the dark. Whatever your reason, there are ways to improve your vision. Follow these steps and you will be able to see in the dark.

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How To Hallucinate Naturally

Brian263 — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 17:05:36 -0500

Maybe it’s the end of the month and you’re running low on drug money, or maybe you’re afraid of becoming another in the distinguished line of acid casualties.

Fact is, there’s an ever-growing list of reasons not to meddle in the world of narcotics – bad for your health, bad for the environment, possibly a boon to more dastardly worldwide crime… And yet, there’s also an ever-growing list of reasons why we all want to escape reality from time to time, isn’t there?

You’re here for some good, clean hallucinatory fun without ingesting any substances, legal or illegal. And I’m your pusherman.

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How To Clean a Penny

Cassandra — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 23:51:07 -0500

If pennies are forming communities under your sofa cushions or in the bottom of your kids' pockets, it may be time to do something about it. Any mom who has ever emptied a child’s sticky pockets has likely come across some clumps of gooey and oxidized pennies.

Instead of throwing the mess out (since pennies can’t buy much anyway), save them by cleaning them. With a few basic household items, you can have clean pennies in a few moments.

Materials:

Dirty pennies (sticky is optional)
Water
2 tablespoons vinegar
1-2 teaspoons of salt
Empty cup
Paper towels

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How To Macrame

3100 Caldera Blvd — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 13:04:35 -0500

Macrame was huge in the 60's and 70's. All sorts of things were made from macrame knots including jewelry, vests, plant hangers, and even small tables. Now it isn't nearly as popular, but some of the things made with it are coming back. Jewelry is one that is definitely working its way back into society. Here we will cover set up and two of the most basic of knots. There is a host of other types of knots, but most projects will have the majority (if not all of their knots) using these two types.

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How To Collect Autographs

Alex44k — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 18:33:14 -0500

There are many different ways to collect autographs -- through the mail, at card shows, or purchasing autographs online or at stores. The most enjoyable, however, is collecting autographs in person. Another dimension is added when you collect in person; not only do you get guaranteed authenticity, but memories are formed that could last a lifetime.

Getting an autograph in person:

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How To Make a Braided Leather Bracelet

3100 Caldera Blvd — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 18:25:14 -0600

There are several options in making a braided leather bracelet. I will include variations of the basic design to give you some ideas, while providing directions for the most professional and lovely bracelet options. You can also add beads, charms, dangles, and other accents to the basic form and have a lovely bracelet that is fantastic to look at!

To make the fanciest version you will need the following materials:

Leather thongs

String or strips

Super glue

18 or 20 gauge wire in a color that appeals to you

2 cones (depending on the size of your leather you will want to have corresponding cones, but remember that there will be three strands of leather)

A clasp of your choice

The only tools you will need are scissors, wire cutters, and a pair of pliers of your choice.

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How To Make Drop Earrings

3100 Caldera Blvd — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 12:30:31 -0600

Drop earrings are a great project for anyone who is creating beaded jewelry. They are simple, easy to do, and inexpensive. Additionally a girl can never have enough great earrings. They also make great gifts, and are great to add to your collection if you are selling your jewelry.

A basic pair of earrings can be made with three simple steps.

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How To Levitate

ralexander — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 10:41:34 -0600

A good levitation gives any magician a very visual and mindblowing tool to wow an audience. The levitation technique described here is commonly known as the Balducci Levitation. While there are many different techniques on the market, the Balducci Levitation is the easiest and one of the most visually amazing techniques. Here are the steps required to perform a successful Balducci Levitation:

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How To Decide If You Should Enroll Yourself and Your Dog in Search and Rescue Training

harryoakes — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 23:08:02 -0600

Almost every day over the last 22 years, I've received a telephone call or email from someone interested in joining K-9 Search and Rescue. They want to know who to contact in their home area. What's involved in training a K-9 for SAR (search and rescue) work. And what's the cost in time and money going to be.

My normal response is as follows:

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How To Care For a Fine Watch

nickbarr20 — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 11:57:33 -0600

Many people become very attached to their watches. People often spend many thousands of dollars on them, and we often wear them as a bit of a symbol of the type of person we are. Importantly, we often keep them for many years, with some watches passed from generation to generation. Therefore, it is important to take care and attention to ensure the longevity of your watch’s lifespan.

Just like a car, a watch is an instrument with fine mechanical parts and does require regular servicing. While full servicing should be carried-out by a professional, there are many things that you can do yourself to make sure your watch provides enjoyment for many years to come.

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How To Choose a Fine Pen

nickbarr20 — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 13:39:58 -0600

For many of us guys, the pen we use around the office is the ultimate symbol of success and, like the car we drive, it says a lot about who we are. This has made buying a fine pen as a gift an increasingly popular choice over the past few years. But buying gifts for guys isn't easy, and pens are no different. You have to decide fountain pen vs. rollerball vs. ballpoint, and then there are so many brands out there from which to choose. I hope that this article helps to provide some answers to these questions and results in you buying a pen that your man will adore and keep forever.

Select a type: Fountain Pen, Ballpoint Pen or Rollerball Pen

This is the first decision to make. The situation in which he will be using the pen will decide the answer.

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How To Juggle Using Three Balls

Amadeus — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 15:38:52 -0600

Juggling is quite easy once you practice for a while. In this article you'll learn how to juggle using three balls. But before you start with three, you must practice with one and then two. It doesn't matter if you are right-handed or left-handed, you will have to practice with both to juggle. You'll need three balls that are about the same size and weight of an orange. You can start practicing with oranges or tennis balls.

First with one ball. Throw the ball up, a little bit above your head and catch it with the other hand. Throw it again with the second hand, at the same height, and catch it with the first hand. Just practice for a while, until you get used to the height you'll throw and the weight of the balls.

Now two balls. Start with two balls in one hand. Throw the first ball and when it is at the highest point, throw the second. Be careful so you don't have them crashing in air.

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How To Buy a Cigar as a Gift

FrankHadley — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 13:47:18 -0600

The world of cigars can take a lifetime to understand, so it only makes sense that looking at this world from the outside can be overwhelming. If your man smokes cigars, buying him the perfect gift can be quite the challenge. The key to being successful in this hunt for the great cigar gift is to know the exact tastes of whom you are buying for. Cigars aren’t jeans; it takes much more than finding the right size for them to fit right.

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How To Set Up a Group Motorcycle Ride

pawppawp — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 16:28:56 -0600

I've been a motorcyclist for many years now, belonging to several bike clubs (Vulcan Riders and Owners Association/Bikers for Christ). During that time, I've enjoyed the camaraderie and excitement of group riding, whether it's six bikes or 160. I've also been involved in the planning of several group rides, including several charity rides that attract bikers from outlying communities. The primary consideration is always the safety of the riders, and there's a lot you can do to lower the odds of an accident. There are also many logistical issues that must be ironed out to ensure the ride goes smoothly and provides the most enjoyment for each biker and rider. Here are a few tips for planning your next group motorcycle-riding event.

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How To Prevent a Dog From Crawling Under a Chain-Link Fence

george_gilbert — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 13:18:29 -0500

Chain-link fences are not much of a barrier to a determined puppy. While puppies may be too small to jump over even 4-foot fences, getting under a chain link fence usually is no problem. Chain link fences, because of how they are made, bend easily. It normally doesn't take a curious puppy very long to discover this quick escape route. A friend of ours showed us how to keep our new Doberman puppy at home. The solution is amazingly simple.

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How To Be a Pirate Wench

Angel — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 18:14:48 -0500

While your pirate heaves ho, you’ll be heaving your bosom. Here are a few tips on how to let your inner wench seize the day:

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How To Collect Comic Books

comicwriter07 — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 15:17:11 -0500

Comic books have come a long way since the days when they were simply seen as frivolous forms of childish entertainment. Today, legions of people of all ages and walks of life enjoy comics for their engaging characters, sophisticated and relevant stories, and realistic art. Let’s not forget that they also hold their own as highly valuable, sought-after collectibles. The combined value of the first appearances of Batman, Captain America, Spider-Man, and Superman could buy you a million-dollar home in the Hollywood Hills! If you are interested in collecting comic books, here are some things to consider:

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How To Make Maple Syrup

kitsolutions — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 10:05:22 -0500

Very little equipment is necessary to make maple syrup. Much of the equipment you may already have on hand and most of the rest can be purchased at your local store. Maple syrup equipment supply stores will carry some of the items that are unique to making maple syrup such as spiles (spouts), hydrometers, and finishing filters. You can also find a variety of online shopping sites that carry all the equipment you will need.

Necessary Equipment

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How To Store Scrapbooks

afriedl — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 08:30:51 -0500

You spend a lot of time and money preserving your memories and your family heritage in a scrapbook. The last thing you want is for them to be damaged because of the way they were stored! Take the time to store them properly and you'll be sure they'll stay nice for generations.

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How To Ride a Mechanical Bull

Brian263 — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 19:52:47 -0500

That last buck was a close one, almost sending you flying through the air. But this bull has no sympathy for you or anyone else. Your free arm flailing wildly, you’ve finally started to figure out the rhythm of the beast. Your friends are laughing and strangers are taking interest. Maybe it’s time to try level 2…

Mechanical bulls have enjoyed a resurgence of popularity in recent years. If you’ve never ridden a mechanical bull before, here are five reasons (among many others) to give it a shot.

Somebody needs to break the ice.

You dream of riding real bulls someday.

John Travolta / that “Sex and the City” woman / Madonna.

You recently discovered the joys of cowboy boots and hats.

You have lots of faith in your chiropractor.

And here’s a quick ‘n dirty set of rules for riding the mechanical bull.

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How To Choose a Calligraphy Pen

Carrie122 — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 14:04:00 -0600

Calligraphy pens come in a huge array of sizes, shapes, weights and prices. It can be difficult to know just which pen is right for you, especially if you're a beginner to calligraphy and fountain pens in general. Here are a few tips to help guide you to a pen that will feel comfortable and work well in your hand.

The best way to choose a calligraphy pen is to test drive a few different brands and sizes. Find a reputable dealer and try them out. Art supply shops usually have a good variety of calligraphy pens, and will allow you to try before you buy. There are some specialized pen shops out there, but they can be tough to find especially if you don't live in a major city.

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How To Play Table Tennis

Brian263 — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 17:22:00 -0600

The rules of table tennis will be different for a college table tennis tournament than they are in your basement during a raucous house party. For one thing, official games of table tennis don't involve beer bottles. Additionally, hitting the ball off the wall is against the rules (I know, I'm taking the fun out of it)... and the ball has to be completely spherical, too (the dented, warped ball you trampled won't work, I'm afraid). How you play table tennis in your basement is your business. The following are official rules for playing table tennis.

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How To Collect Hallmark Ornaments

Tonya249 — Sat, 21 Oct 2006 11:32:00 -0500

Hallmark Keepsake ornaments are one of the most collectible mementos of the holiday season. The Hallmark company first began producing Keepsake ornaments about thirty years ago. The first ornaments were simple glass balls. Since then, they have added several series and many individual ornaments.

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How To Buy Police Equipment

Staff468 — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 15:02:00 -0500

Looking for badges, uniforms, firearms, holsters and other police accessories? Maybe you're in the market for a reliable handgun, or perhaps your hobby is to collect vintage police equipment and memorabilia like old police sticks, pea whistles and ceremonial garb. Who knows, you could even be a police chief looking for the best deals for top-notch police equipment to buy in bulk for your department. Only you know why you're seeking to buy police equipment, but we know how you can find and buy it.

If you're a civilian who's not affiliated with a police department, but you'd like to buy police equipment, the following steps will help.

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How To Use a Telescope

Staff468 — Tue, 26 Sep 2006 09:59:00 -0500

Sure, you've seen plenty of pictures on the Internet or on television of the moon's heavily cratered surface, Jupiter's massive red spot, and Saturn's dazzling rings, but seeing these through a telescope gives you a whole new perspective of the universe and a greater appreciation for its' many wonders.

Before learning how to use a telescope, familiarize yourself with the type of telescope you purchased.

Telescope types: There are three types of telescopes: a reflector telescope (also known as a Newtonian), which uses a large mirror at the back of the telescope to gather light; a refracting telescope, which uses a lens at the front of the telescope to gather light; and a catadioptrics telescope, which is a hybrid of the two. Refractor telescopes are the most commonly used, although both refractors and reflectors provide excellent images.

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How To Buy the Buffalo Gold Coin

Staff468 — Fri, 08 Sep 2006 13:58:00 -0500

American Buffalo gold coins are new to the gold coin scene - this is the first year they've been produced and made available to the public. Like their American Eagle gold coin brethren (bet you didn't know a buffalo could be related to an eagle), these Buffalo gold coins carry a U.S. Governmental guarantee as to the quality and quantity of gold in each coin. This ensures that the Buffalo gold bullion will be recognized in markets around the world and won't be hard to buy and sell from dealers.

But unlike the 22 karat American Eagle gold coin, about eight percent of which is other metal, the Buffalo gold coin is pure 24 karat gold. 99.99 percent of every coin is guaranteed gold! The price of these coins is based on the price of gold and a slight addition in price to account for the process of making the coin.

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How To Buy a Gold American Eagle Coin

Staff468 — Thu, 07 Sep 2006 17:09:00 -0500

Here's an interesting fact taken from the U.S. Mint's website: all the gold mined in the world would only amount to a cube whose sides measure 20 yards! A one-ounce gold American Eagle coin is precious, indeed.

All gold American Eagle coins are 22 karat gold; a small amount of other metal is added to make the coin less malleable. You can be sure that the gold was mined in the United States.

You have 4 size options when buying gold American Eagle coins - 1/10 ounce, 1/4 ounce, 1/2 ounce and 1 ounce. The smaller sizes cost less, of course. But there are also two general kinds of gold American Eagle coin -- proof and bullion.

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How To Sell Model Trains

Terry306 — Wed, 24 May 2006 14:22:00 -0500

The hobby of model railroading began in the late 1800s with clockwork mechanism trains made in Germany. These trains were large, made of metal, and brought years of enjoyment to children throughout Europe and, eventually, North America. However, it wasn't until the period just after World War II that the hobby we know today took to the tracks. In the late 1940s and early 1950s most people who bought toy trains purchased Lionel, American Flyer or other larger-scale models. These ran on AC current and typically had three-rail track. In addition, they were big. It wasn't long, however, before the hobbyists started looking for more realistic trains that would fit in smaller spaces. Beginning the 1950s and continuing into the 1980s, there was an explosion of scales in model railroading. Modelers could choose from diminutive Z-scale to gargantuan G.

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How To Learn About Geneology and Family History

Ashtyn198 — Sun, 21 May 2006 18:10:00 -0500

Learning about genealogy opens the door to a rich history. From a practical perspective, it can also provide you with an enriched medical history dating back several generations.

There are many places you can visit to research genealogy and to develop your family tree. The following article is a guide you can use in your quest.

Ask relatives. One of the easiest ways to gain information on your family history is by asking your relatives. Most of your older relatives love telling stories about their younger years, their relatives and the family history. You can be sure they will invite you in for some cookies and tea or hot chocolate as they recall their favorite tales from the family lore. Aside from stories, they may also possess important heirlooms or documents that can help to unravel a family's history.

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How To Value Antiquarian Books

Robin103 — Thu, 11 May 2006 18:13:00 -0500

Antiquarian, or old books, can often be a difficult thing to value. There is no one book or association that has a list of old books and their exact worth. There is not even a consensus on how old a book has to be to be considered antiquarian.

If you have an old book and you are curious about its value, here are some ways you may be able to determine it.

Not all old books are valuable. What makes a book valuable is the fact that it is desirable to collectors. The first and quickest way to see what a book is selling for is to check out its selling price on websites like Alibris or BookFinder.

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How To Learn Glass Blowing

Carrie122 — Wed, 26 Apr 2006 13:26:00 -0500

Glass blowing as an art form has been around for centuries. While modern conveniences have simplified the procedure somewhat, glass blowing is still done in much the same way now as it was in the first century. Popular blown glass items include beads, platters, bowls, vases, lamp shades, and decorative pieces. Once you've learned the basic technique, you'll enjoy experimenting to create individual, one-of-a-kind pieces.

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How To Create a Family Tree

Carrie122 — Sun, 16 Apr 2006 10:46:00 -0500

Making a family tree can be a terrific learning experience, and is always a good way to find out more about your ancestry and family history. Family trees can be simple or very involved, depending on how much time you want to spend on it and how readily available the information is. Digging around for missing links in your family tree will uncover all kinds of neat and interesting facts about your ancestors.

While there are quite a few online tools that will allow you to create a family tree, creating one by hand is by far the most fun and satisfying method. Here are some tips to get started.

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How To Pick Lottery Numbers

Brian197 — Thu, 13 Apr 2006 22:45:00 -0500

Picking lottery numbers can seem like a complicated and stressful affair if you think of the millions of dollars at stake. Nothing seems quite so stunning as cashing in your one dollar lottery ticket for a multimillion-dollar check. But considering that the lottery itself is random and that no strategy can be informed by any observable pattern or data, you shouldn't worry too much! The only strategy that increases your chances of winning is increase the number of tickets you buy. How you pick your lottery numbers is strictly a matter of personal preference.

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