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How To : Change the background in a picture using Photoshop

Why do passport photos and driver's license pictures always get a bad rep? Well, other than the lighting being atrocious and the photographers being underpaid civil servants, bad photos usually result from bad backgrounds. Switch your plain white stand-in background for a mor ...more

How To : Make a torch puzzle in RPG Maker XP (RMXP)

This is a demonstration of how to do a simple switch puzzle in RPG Maker XP (RMXP) where after two torches are lit, a door opens. Part 1 of 3 - How to Make a torch puzzle in RPG Maker XP (RMXP). Part 2 of 3 - How to Make a torch puzzle in RPG Maker XP (RMXP). Part 3 of 3 - H ...more

News : Make Insulating Glass Conductive with a Blowtorch!

Have a few light bulbs and a blowtorch? Then join the folks over at Harvard in a cool science experiment on the conductivity of glass. As you well know, glass is an insulator with low conductivity and high resistivity. In the video below, they flip the switch, demonstrating ho ...more

How To : Make a Glowing Orb with a Tennis Ball & LEDs

In this article, I'll show you how to make a glowing orb. The orb is a fun, round flashlight useful for lighting your path in a magical way. Consisting simply of LEDs, a tennis ball, a battery and a switch, it's a great simple project for beginners with electronics. Here's a v ...more

News : DIY Papercraft Architecture with Lighting

This is probably the least "Mathy" thing I will ever post. In my opinion, it's impossible to have architecture that isn't mathematical in some sense, so I am posting it anyway. Two years ago, I made a papercraft version of a cathedral in Christchurch New Zealand (It was severe ...more

News : Katie's FarmVille Themed Pumpkin Patch Cow

This was done for the contest on the forums. I had great plans, but due to needing to keep the blogs up to date and some personal life complications, I didn't get as much done as I needed to in time. I carved the cow on the 24th and took this first picture, then it sat outsi ...more

How To : Design a safe kitchen

Home accidents. It's up to you to protect your family… your children… from accidents in the home. And there's one place that seems to get the most attention when dealing with safety concerns… The kitchen is one of the busiest, most accident-prone rooms in the house. Design a k ...more

How To : Hang indoor Christmas lights

A presenter from The Home Depot gives you several tips and professional secrets on how to hang your indoor Christmas lights making this tricky process a little bit easier. She takes you through the selection of lights, planning and the installation of lights. -It's easier to ...more

How To : Make healthy pasta

Thinking pasta is too heavy for your new diet? Think again. Pasta can provide a healthy meal rich in fiber and vitamins. Follow these steps to make healthier choices for your next pasta dinner. You Will Need: • Whole grain or blend pasta • Light pasta sauce • Extra virgin ...more

How To : Build a Laser Trip Wire Alarm System

Building a DIY Alarm System: The Concept So, you want to protect your property, or maybe a room, car, or even your backyard. The concept of an alarm system is to notify the "alarm administrator" that there is an intruder entering the previously designated boundaries. The trig ...more

How To : Wire a three way switch

In this video, we learn how to wire a three way switch. The arrangement should be one turning the light on, one turning it off, and the other turning back on. All of the switches should be wired coming in from the source of the power on a cord. A neutral wire should go through ...more

How To : Adjust the flame on your RV water heater

In this video, we learn how to adjust the flame on your RV water heater. First, open up the area where your gas valves are. Find the air opening to make a smaller air adjustment. The setting should be 1/4 of the way open. Snug down the locking screw when you have adjusted it p ...more

How To : Use the RPT mode on a Nikon SB-800 and SB-900

This is an Electronics video tutorial where you will learn how to use the RPT mode on a Nikon SB-800 and SB-900. Repeat mode gives a flashing strobe effect with which you can take multiple shots in one single long exposure. In Nikon SB-800, switch on the flash and select the R ...more

How To : Give a dramatic punch to an image in Photoshop

In order to add a nice contrast punch to an image using Photoshop, go to your adjustment layer and click on the black and white adjustment layer. Then go to your "blend modes" and change it to "overlay". If you find that the effect is too harsh you can adjust your opacity sett ...more

How To : Do high intensity interval training for beginners

Personal fitness coach Yuri Elkaim demonstrates how to do high intensity interval training for beginners on treadmills. Start out with a light walk on a treadmill for about three to five minutes. From a walk, do a low grade jog for 30 seconds. Then, switch to a minute and a ha ...more

HowTo : Write in Midair with LEDs

Hacked Gadgets recently featured Csaba Bleuer's LED wave display, a device that projects LED messages midair. Bleuer had also previously created a similar device that spins on a fan motor. "Csaba Bleuer sent in some pictures and a video of his new creation. It is a LED Wave D ...more

How To : Install a dimmer switch in a snap

How many handymen does it take to install a dimmer switch? None, you can do it yourself in a snap. A dimmer switch can make a room more comfortable, by allowing you to adjust the light to just the right brightness at the moment. You will need a screwdriver, a circuit tester, a ...more

News : Fluorescent Puppies You Can Turn On and Off

Always wanted a fluorescent dog but didn’t want to commit? Well, here’s your solution. Researchers at Seoul National University developed fluorescent puppies that only glow when you want them to. Just inject the special pups with doxycycline and they’ll glow like a black light ...more

How To : Choose an indoor plant

Learn how to choose an indoor plant. You don’t need a green thumb to have houseplants that flourish; you just need to know which ones will thrive in your home. You Will Need * Informed purchases * Hardy varieties Step 1. Consider your schedule Consider your schedule. If yo ...more

How To : Make Baked Mashed Potatoes with Hubert Keller

Ingredients 4 pounds Yukon gold or russet potatoes, peeled and quartered 4 cloves garlic, peeled 1 teaspoon white vinegar 2-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided 6 ounces onions, peeled, ends cut flat 8 ounces low-fat cream cheese, cut into ...more

How To : Make Chunky Gazpacho with Hubert Keller

Ingredients 2 small garlic cloves, peeled 1 small jalapeno pepper 8 scallions 2 celery stalks 1 medium bell pepper 4 tomatoes 4 cups tomato or V-8 juice 2 medium cucumbers 4 tablespoons lemon juice 2 teaspoons salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Instructions Cut jalapeño pepper ...more

How To : Buy a used or second-hand camera lens

First of all you have to search for a reputed dealer. Then ask him all necessary questions like what sort of lenses shall fit in your camera, what shall be the size of the lens to fit in your camera. If you are going to purchase it online then you have to ask whether the surfa ...more

How To : Brew a pot of Indian ginger cardamom chai

How to brew a pot of Indian Ginger-Cardamom Chai:Jean007pat shows us how to make Indian ginger-cardamom tea (chai). You will need a mug of milk, two tea-bags, a pot, ginger, shredder, strainer, pliers, cardamom, stone crusher (to crush the cardamom), sugar to taste and one and ...more

How To : Set up a generator for a home or business

This video details how to set up a generator to provide back-up power for a home or business. Generators are the ideal emergency power solution for a home or business, generators can automatically transfer the power load from the utility power line to the generator when an out ...more

How To : Use circuit bending

Circuit bending an audio device typically involves removing the rear panel of the device and connecting any two circuit locations with a "jumper" wire, sending current from one part of the circuit into another. Results are monitored through either the device's internal speaker ...more

How To : Install a Playstation 3

If you're not technologically savvy, don't stress. You probably want to jump right into the game, so check out this video on how to properly install your Playstation 3. You have dedicated yourself to the ultimate gaming experience, but are now faced with a tangle of unfamilia ...more

How To : Avoid getting a hangover

Step away from the tequila shooters and stop the morning-after agony before it starts. You Will Need * Pasta or bread * Vitamins B and C * Fruit * Water * Fruit juice * Toast WARNING: Don’t drink unless you’re of legal age. Drink responsibly, and never drink and drive. Step ...more

How To : Lower your electric bill

Many ways to help the environment are costly, but using less electricity is one measure that will save you money. Learn how to lower your electric bill with this how to video. You Will Need * Awareness of how you’re wasting electricity * Self-discipline Step 1: Turn it off G ...more

How To : Draw a cartoon of a shy guy for a Valentine's card

Learn how to create your own Valentine's Day card with Bruce Blitz. All you'll need is a paper, pencil, marker, colored chalk or pencils, and an eraser. Using your pencil, draw 2 circles, one with curved guidelines to have the face turned to the left, and one with straight gui ...more

How To : Draw a cartoon face with an angry expression

Don't be upset, all you need to create this angry expression is a piece of paper and a pen. To spice it up you can use markers and colored chalks or colored pencils. Start by loosely drawing a teardrop shape, with a pencil. Then, draw a line going across where the eyes would b ...more

How To : Transfer attributes in Houdini 9

This Houdini 9 software video series focuses on examples of when and how to use Attribute Transfer. Part 1 covers Attribute Transfer One Point: A very basic example of how to use the attribute transfer sop, by using a single point to transfer a colour attribute to a grid. Par ...more

Understanding Electricity : Nikola Tesla

Nikola Tesla In my opinion, one of the most neglected inventors of all time. The names Edison and Marconi come to mind as familiar, but Tesla? Most think of a car. Few know that Tesla is responsible for alternating current, florescent lights, radar, remote control, generators ...more

News : So You Just Bought Your First DSLR. Now What?

Moving up from a point and shoot to a digital single lens reflex camera is a big step. And actually, a DSLR can be a better buy than a new point and shoot, many of which rival the prices of entry level or used DSLRs. Keep in mind when you buy a new body, the lenses are the mos ...more

News : Minecraft, Meet Terraria

Minecraft was first released just a few years ago, but when a paradigm-shifting piece of media comes along the rest of the world is quick to take inspiration from it. The absolutely terrible XBLA knock-off FortressCraft was the first, and last month a much more interesting gam ...more

News : Alan Wake Episode 3 Gameplay & Musings

There are no spoilers in this writing, read without worry. Finished Episode 3 of Alan Wake yesterday, impressed by different reasons. I originally bought the game for the possibility of great story, dialogue, and voice acting. That part of the game has been disappointing. Wha ...more

Minecraft : Musical Wonderland

Have you ever wanted to ride a rollercoaster while listening to Lady Gaga? Or have the Star Wars theme auto-play when you enter your house? You can with Minecraft. Search Youtube for a popular song + Minecraft, and chances are there will be a video for it! Minecraft gives pla ...more

Cheat Sheet : Keyboard Shortcuts for Both Mac & Windows

If you already have your basic keyboard shortcuts under control—we're talking classics here, Control-C (copy for PC) or Command-C (copy for Mac)—it's time to load up your memory bank. There are endless shortcuts available (truly endless—since you can customize them yourself), ...more

News : *NEW AND IMPROVED* Helmet Cam

My first attempt at a helmet cam, yielded ok results, but I wanted something even better. The downside to all of this was cost, but it is very close to what I want now. Yes the camera is upside down, and yes there's a solid piece of fabric covering the view. Read on to find o ...more

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