diystuffs

Top Five Tips in Photographing Your Dog

2009-08-19T17:51:00.000-07:00

Not a professional photographer? No problem. You can still take grrreat pix of your pooch - as long as you've got patience (and a camera) you can easily capture Fido's good side every time you snap a shot. We've asked professional pet photographer Mark Rogers to share a few of his secrets with you...

Other than baby photos, pictures of pets are among the most popular in any household. Unfortunately, they also tend to suffer the most from poor quality or, as we term it in the trade, snapshot-itis. You may have this problem if friends start walking away fast when you mention the latest photos of your cat or if your dog’s loving brown eyes end up glowing green like some malevolent demon in every shot you take.

Well, here are 5 surefire tips to help avoid snapshot-itis

1) Change angles

Most pet photos are taken from the perspective of a human being looking down while the pet looks up. Bor-rinnnnnng! Try something different and get down at their level or, if they’re moving, pan with them as you take the shot.

2) Stick with natural light. Turn off or cover the on-camera flash

On-camera flashes are evil. They flatten everything out, cast harsh shadows and are the source of the infamous glowing green pet eyes. If you have to use a flash go with an off-camera one and bounce the light off a ceiling or wall.

3) Stay out of direct sun and shoot in the morning or late afternoon

Contrary to popular belief, bright sunlight is not a photographers friend. It wreaks havoc with your exposure and you typically end up with lots of nasty shadows in places you don’t want them. I avoid photographing subjects outside in direct light except first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon before sunset when the light is angled low.

4) Don’t wait for the perfect moment and don’t be afraid to take lots of shots but…

Most of us are shooting digital these days so you can essentially take as many pictures as you want. With pets, unpredictability is the rule of law. You never know how a shoot is going to go. All you can do is be there and hope you catch the moment. This requires taking a lot of shots in quick sequence and culling through them later for the best one.

5) …make sure you edit yourself

Some of the most important work happens after you shoot. It sounds cliche but less is more. It’s easy to become enamored of the 100 pictures you took of Spot playing with his new ball but chances are your friends won’t feel the same way. Limit what you show people to only the very best.

Mark Rogers is a San Francisco-based professionalpet photographer. His most recent work can be seen on his Smile Like a Dog blog and you can also follow him on twitter.

How are the Beijing Olympics Medals Made?

2008-08-18T07:29:00.000-07:00

Beijing Olympics medal reverse side

Obverse Side

Selecting stones

Jade cutting

Jade polishing

Check up details

Medal mold

Bronze medal

Medal machine tool

Medal after punching

Groove machine tool

Groove checking up

Putting jade into the medal

Finiahing

How to Care for A Miniature Dachshund

2008-05-16T09:20:00.000-07:00

Dachshunds were originally bred in Germany to be courageous, tough and persistent in order to hunt badgers and also foxes and rabbits. Their small size and short legs enabled them to dig foxes, badgers, and rabbits out of their dens. Dachshund, means "Badger Dog". Dachshunds were originally larger than seen today but were bred to be smaller towards the end of the 19th century.

Things You’ll Need:

* Feed bowl
* water bowl
* collar
* dog bed
* Suitable toys

Step1
Grooming. Short haired Dachshunds will require only occasional grooming, long haired Dachshunds will require daily grooming.

A brush or grooming mitt will be needed to prevent the hair from becoming matted and to remove loose hairs. Long Haired dogs will require a stiff brush, whereas short haired dogs will require a soft brush.

Rubber Grooming Mitts fit over the hand allowing the dog to be groomed whilst firmly stroked.

Claws may require trimming from time to time with a pair of nail clippers.
Step2
The amount of food required will depend on its size and also on its age and daily exercise. Most commercially prepared dog foods will include a feed chart indicating the average food requirement by size of dog and this will act as a reasonable guide.

It is important when changing foods to do so gradually by feeding the old food with a small amount of the new food and then over a few days decreasing the amount of old food and increasing the amount of new. This should avoid any stomach upset due to change of diet and is particularly important with puppies and young dogs.
Step3
The Dachshund is very active and needs regular exercise. Early training is recommended. Long Haired Dachshunds require regular grooming and regular ear cleaning is needed for all varieties of Dachshunds.

Sexy Secret Book

2008-05-16T08:38:00.000-07:00

Make a secret book with a cool bonus feature you've never seen before! Perfect for birthdays or any sexy occasion.

Sexy Secret Book! - These bloopers are hilarious

Drumkit Setup Guide

2008-05-14T02:02:00.000-07:00

Set up your drum kit, base, snare, cymbals and all, with basic tips and tricks for beginners; learn how with tips from our expert drum instructor in this free drum kit video music lesson.

Free Online Beginner Drum Lessons : Drum Kit Setup Guide: Learn the Basic Drum Setup -- powered by ExpertVillage.com

How to Play 1-4-5 Bass Guitar Progressions

2008-05-14T00:25:00.000-07:00

Play the 1,4,5 bass guitar progressions when playing blues; learn how with tips from our professional bass guitar instructor in this free music lesson video.

Contact:

Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced Techniques : How to Play 1-4-5 Bass Guitar Progressions: Free Online Music Lessons -- powered by ExpertVillage.com

Introduction to Bass Guitar Basics

2008-05-13T23:51:00.000-07:00

In this segment we would be discussing the introductory basic to the bass guitar. We would be talking about the components of the guitar itself, the body, the head, the neck. We would be demonstrating on our 4 string base though you might own a 5 string or a 6 string we recommend learning first with the 4 string base. Well at least these 4 strings EAD and G. Whether it is 6 strings, whether it is how to tune using the electric tuner or using your ear. We would talk about proper positioning, about how to pluck the strings. We would talk about the different methods but we would go probably concentrates in using our fingers as oppose as a pick or our thumb. Those are reliable techniques to you would rather work on the harder one and the more rewarding. We would talk about notes on the top 2 strings the low E and the A string on our bass ans we would learn the natural notes on those plus a melody. By the end we would be playing Mary Had a Little Lamb and we would understand also in between where our sharps and our flats can be found. How to read base clef and how to read notes as well.

Introduction to Bass Guitar Basics -- powered by ExpertVillage.com

How to Clean a DVD Player

2008-05-11T04:08:00.000-07:00

Source: www.ehow.com

This brief walk-through will teach you a quick and efficient way to clean your dvd player, as well as tips to keep it maintained.

Things You’ll Need:

* Air Duster
* Cleaning Disc
* Q-Tips
* Rubbing Alcohol
* Screw Driver
* 3 in 1 Oil

Step1
First you will want to start by, unplugging your DVD player from the wall and tv, and move it to a more suitable working environment, like a table or desk.

Step2
Examine the outside of the DVD player, around the vents for the cooling fans, and look for any excessive dust build up, if the vent area seems to have a small quilt of dust on it, it has been way to long since you cleaned! You dont want to blow this dust with the air duster, as it will spread back into the DVD player, however, if your dust build up is light, you can begin by blowing through the machine. If you open the drawer, on some models this will allow you to blow all the way through the DVD player.

Step3
Next, you can put your cleaning disc in and relax as it plays through, however, if you had the "Quilt 'O Dust" mentioned above, your dvd player is most likely still not playing correctly. If the cleaning disc played through, you can stop here, if you had the quilt of dust, you will need to do a bit more thorough of a cleaning, continue to the next step if this is your case, otherwise.. go watch a movie!

Step4
Ok, now for the fun part, and a crash course in electronics. We will now disassemble your dvd player for a good clean. First looks around the seams of the dvd player for the screw holes, and for security tape. (There should be a piece of tape on the dvd player that would break if the dvd player's case is opened, this will VOID YOUR WARRANTY, continue only if you could care less about your warranty or its expired) Now once you have made your decision to open it up anyways... remove the screws on the bottom side, so that you are removing only the outer casing of the DVD player. Now that you see all the insides of the dvd player, start removing the heavy dust collections around your vents by hand, after you have completed this, you can go over all of the insides with the air duster, just be sure not to tilt, shake, or hold the can upside down, the liquid nitrogen that comes out can damage your electronics and your skin!

Step5
Once you have the inside blown down, you can get your rubbing alcohol and a q-tip, dip your q-tip in the alcohol, and use this to wipe down the laser, you can also use the alcohol on the rails that the laser is guided on if there is dust here as well, do not use the alcohol on any of the circuits, or the boards they are on, just the laser, the rails it rides on, and if it has small belts on it, you can clean them and around them with the alcohol.

Step6
Once this is wiped down, and you have let it dry (wont take but a minute) get your 3-1 oil, and dip another qtip in it, and lightly brush some on the rails the laser rides on for a smoother move, this may even make your dvd player run a bit quieter, you can also use this on any gears you may see that are attached to belts. Make sure not to get any on or around the laser, or on any of the circuit boards, be very careful.

Step7
Once you have done all of this, you can begin to put your DVD player back together, once its together, you can run the cleaning disc, however, this probably isnt necessary, as you just cleaned the laser with alcohol. Your DVD player should now be restored to practically new!

$40 USB Spy Telescope

2008-04-23T08:25:00.000-07:00

40$ USB Spy Telescope - Watch a funny movie here

Pro at Cooking Ep#1

2008-04-22T08:25:00.000-07:00

Mentalism Trick

2008-04-21T08:34:00.000-07:00

How to do mentalism prediction effects. Here is a great and easy mentalism prediction effect.

Easy Way to Cheat an Exam Using a Coke Bottle

2008-04-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

Make sure your professor is not going to find this video . rofl!

Easy Way to Cheat an Exam Using a Coke Bottle - The funniest videos clips are here

How to Insert a Contact Lens

2008-04-21T07:40:00.001-07:00

Source:eHow Health Editor
www.eHow.com
Inserting soft contact lenses can be exasperating for new users. Just when they think they are done, the lens pops out because it is too dry or inside out. By following a few simple steps, new users will be inserting and enjoying their contact lenses just like long time contact lens wearers.

Things You’ll Need:

* Soft contact lenses
* Contact lens case
* Contact lens solutions

Step1

Prepare the work area. Most people insert contact lenses in the bathroom. Be sure to use a cleaner to sanitize the bathroom counter or vanity. Arrange the lens case and solutions for easy reach.

Step2
Ready yourself. Push up long sleeves. Contact lens solutions can roll down the hands and arms. Wash your hands thoroughly and dry with a clean towel. Plan to spend a little time. New users typically need 5 to 10 minutes until the procedure is learned.

Step3
Open the contact lens case. Remove one lens using the index finger. Apply a few drops of rinsing solution. Balance the lens on the fingertip.

Step4
Examine the edges of the contact lens. They should point upward as if ready to cup the eye. If the edges are flat, the lens is inside out. Flip it over.

Step5
Control blinking. Raise and hold the upper eyelid using one finger from the free hand. With the other hand, extend the index finger that holds the lens. Use the middle finger next to it to draw down the lower lid.

Step6
Look directly into the contact lens. Carefully place it on the center of the eye. For an alternative method, look upward toward the ceiling. Lightly touch the lens to the white of the eye.
Step7
Remove the fingertip. Gently let go of the lower eyelid followed by the upper lid. Close the eye. Count to 5. If the lens feels dry, insert a few drops of rewetting solution. Insert the other contact lens using the same procedure.

Quick-Peel an Egg

2008-04-15T01:44:00.001-07:00

How To Get Rid of Fleas

2008-04-13T18:44:00.000-07:00

Fleas can transmit disease and cause tapeworm, so getting rid of fleas on your pet is a must for a healthy animal and a healthy home. Fleas prefer warm and humid conditions and is therefore more than a seasonal problem in some parts of the country. Follow these steps to help your pet and learn how to get rid of fleas.

Instructions:

Things You’ll Need:

* Washing machine
* Flea/tick pet shampoo
* Hot, soapy water
* Flea/tick spray or powder
* Prescription flea-control medication
* Pet flea comb
* Vacuum
* Veterinarian

Step 1:
The best way to get rid of fleas is by prevention; fleas thrive in heat and humidity (and are most active in summer and fall), so assess your pet and his environment frequently.

Step 2:
Help prevent fleas indoors by vacuuming your home thoroughly and frequently, paying close attention to corners, cracks, crevices and basements. Dispose of vacuum cleaner bags conscientiously, as adult fleas can escape. Also, choose your pet's friends wisely; avoid animals you suspect may carry fleas. Dog parks are fun, but a move-able feast for fleas!

Step 3:
Remove any fleas from your pet using a fine-toothed pet comb designed for flea removal, and drop the fleas into soapy water to drown them.

Step 4:
Wash pet bedding in hot, soapy water weekly; this is the most likely site for flea eggs and larvae.

Step 5:
Prune foliage and keep grass trimmed short to increase sunlight, as flea larvae cannot survive in hot, dry areas. Remove any piles of yard debris close to your home.

Step 6:
Bathe pets weekly, if possible, to get rid of fleas. If bathing is not an option, speak to your veterinarian about appropriate alternatives.

Step 7:
Watch your pet for signs of flea trouble: excessive scratching and biting, especially around the tail and lower back, and possibly raw patches where the animal has been biting and scratching himself. Also watch for 'flea debris' (black, granular dried blood) and fleas themselves on your pet's skin.

Step 8:
Talk to your veterinarian about various treatments for your flea-plagued pet: a flea adulticide applied monthly to the skin; a monthly pill that prevents fleas from reproducing but doesn't kill adult fleas; and multipurpose products that prevent flea reproduction and control heartworms, hookworms, whipworms and roundworms. Also consider flea collars and flea powders.

Step 9:
Look into chemical flea-treatment products to apply by hand around the environment in spray or powder form. Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation on the best product and how to use it.

How To Mount a Dashboard Camera

2008-03-29T10:37:00.000-07:00

Infrared Goggle Hack For Under $10

2008-03-27T09:23:00.000-07:00

See the world in a whole new light with this Infrared Goggle hack! Easy and cheap to make. See the Test Results at the end! This idea is from an experiment Bill Beaty did... More»

Infrared Goggle Hack For Under $10!! - The most amazing bloopers are here

Sexy Secret Book

2008-03-27T09:21:00.001-07:00

Make a secret book with a cool bonus feature you've never seen before! Perfect for birthdays or any sexy occasion.

Sexy Secret Book! - The best free videos are right here

Trigger GREEN traffic Lights

2008-03-27T09:20:00.000-07:00

How to get green traffic lights using science! Save Gas, Time & Frustration! Works great! See the Test Results!

Trigger GREEN Traffic Lights! - Watch more funny videos here

Spy Sunglasses

2008-03-27T09:18:00.000-07:00

From kipkapy:
Secretly record video and audio without anyone knowing with these stealth spy sunglasses that cost less than $40. Now you can have your very own Hidden Camera! Think... More» of the possibilities!

How To: Spy Sunglasses! - Free videos are just a click away

Protect Your Home With Laserbeams

2008-03-27T09:11:00.000-07:00

Video from Kipkay:
Here is an easy to make, low cost laserbeam security system that beats anything I have ever seen!! My inspiration for this idea is from Brad Graham & Kathy McGowan of... More» Atomic Zombie.

Protect Your Home with Laserbeams - The funniest movie is here. Find it