Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with howto

How do you roll up the hood on a Burton jacket?

brownbat — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 02:32:27 -0800

How do you properly roll up the hood on a Burton ski jacket? Some Burton jackets come with a hood which can be rolled up and stowed in the neck. Does anyone know how to do this so the hood stays put?

Help me build the Enterprise!

kbanas — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:05:33 -0800

I'm building a model and I have a few questions about applying decals. I have a bit of experience with this, but could use some pointers for my specific issue. Read on! So, I'm now on my second attempt to build the 19" AMT version of the Starship Enterprise (NCC-1701). You know, this one.

I ruined the first kit but learned enough in the process that a couple months later I went out and bought it again in the hopes that I could finish the deal.

This is the fourth model I've tackled since I got into the whole scene about six months ago, just so you have a gauge for my level of technical know-how. I am not a guru by any stretch of the imagination, but I do have a little bit of experience at this point with pretty much all aspects of plastic model building.

So, my question is largely one of technique. Soon (I hope) I will finally be to the point where it's time to put decals on my Enterprise. I went out and ordered a custom set of decals from CultTVMan.com and I really want to make sure things look sharp. I have bottles of decal setter and decal softener and I have used these in the past and have been pretty pleased with the results.

However, the Enterprise is really one of the first models I've built where I want to pay really excellent attention to symmetry. For example, the "NCC - 1701" decal that goes across the saucer (see here) and the "racing stripe" that goes on the warp nacelles (see here) - I'm trying to think of how would I go about ensuring that when I apply these decals I do more than just eyeball them, because I could see that turning out really poorly.

However, all my ideas seem to involve making small guide markings on the hull of the ship with like pencil or little pieces of tape and this all seems very convoluted and I am unsure that I will have success and so I wonder - for those of you who do any kind of modeling is there any technique you've found that works particularly well?

Thanks!

Adding Discount Code to Paypal Items

terrapin — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 04:37:12 -0800

How to add discount codes to the Paypal checkout process? I helped a neighbor set up a website to sell some things. It is a basic page with a bunch of "buy now" buttons. Now my neighbor would like to offer 20% off of his wares for a few weeks for the holidays. I'd rather not have to make new buttons for each item. I noticed during the checkout process that one is prompted to enter a discount code if they have one. But I am having a great deal of difficulty finding out how I can use the feature. I assume some javascript is the way to go?

My neighbor has a fully verified account (premiere?) if that helps.
Adding a third-party shopping cart or changing from Paypal at this time are not an option.

Sites similar to Makeuseof.com

nineRED — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 06:44:08 -0800

Other helpful websites similar to MakeUseOf.com? I am a big fan of Makeuseof.com, as nearly every post on the site is of interest to me. Can you recommend other helpful sites similar in nature, featuring posts on useful/free software, reviews, tech news, how to, cool websites/apps/hacks, etc?

House-building idiot seeks construction guide for dumbasses.

bengarland — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:32:07 -0800

What is a good reference for learning to build a house? I need to get a basic grasp of things like building codes and best practices for electrical wiring, plumbing, roofing, etc. So I'm planning my own rammed earth passive solar home to build in northeast Georgia, United States. I have a basic understanding of what goes into a home and how to design a sensible floorplan.

What I don't know are the particular specifications to comply with the building code and/or just standard ("best") practices in general. I feel like there is a lot I could do on my own (since I have the time) if I just knew HOW to do it. I understand it is prudent to have a licensed electrician (for example) to inspect the electrical work and do all of the final "live" connections, but I think I can run the conduit, wire, and connect outlets and switches myself... I just need a good guide.

Is there a good resource (preferably a book(s) that are illustrated) that can answer the following types of questions?

Electrical: How do I wire an electrical panel (fuse box)? How do I run wire from the panel to an outlet or light switch? What type of conduit is required? How do I wire all the outlets in a room to a single on/off switch on the wall? How frequently (in number of feet between outlets) do you have to place outlets on a wall? When do you need a GFCI outlet? What type of wire do I need for standard 120v AC? What about 240v (such as an oven)? What is a junction box and what does it do? Etc.

Plumbing: What type of drain pipe do I use for a sink? a toilet? How is this drain pipe installed into a concrete floor (before pouring)? What type of drop does such a drain need to have? In what situations do I need a clean-out, and how is it installed? How do you install plumbing for a shower or bathbub? How do you connect pipes so they won't leak? Etc.

Roofing (metal roofs in particular): How do I attach roof beams (joists?) to a sill plate (beams similar to this)? How do I "fill in" the gaps between the sill plate and the roof (assuming I want the joists to overhang on the outside and be exposed from below)? How do I attach the metal roof to the underlayment so that it doesn't leak? How do I install rigid insulation on a roof? Is some sort of rubber membrane required for moisture control? How do I frame around clerestory windows and prevent possible leaks (a roof similar to this)? Etc.

Building code: What is required (assume Federal building code or just what is common, unless you are familiar with Georgia code in particular)? What will the inspector look for?

How can I be a good softball/baseball umpire?

CancerMan — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:14:15 -0800

In softball/baseball, what areas of responsibility do the different umpire positions have? What tips or tricks should I know when I'm umpiring on the field? In my casual softball league, players from other teams are needed to umpire games, and I may be called upon to do so. While I know the basic rules and what makes a player out or safe, my knowledge is purely from a player's perspective. All umpire experience will be learned on the field in a trial-by-fire fashion, and despite the league being casual, some players and teams are known to be overly-competitive, so I'd like to do as good a job as I can.

We have two umpires; one at home and one in the infield. I figure specific situations will determine which umpire focuses on what things, but I'm afraid I might get caught-up in trying to watch everything and miss the really important parts. What would I be responsible for as one of the two umpires?

Of course, I will be asking my teammates and other players how they do it, but I am still interested in whatever help the hive mind can offer. I know I can be confident and assertive enough to make an umpire call, but I'd hate to miss something important because I was paying attention to the wrong thing.

Thanks!

My clothes will thank you.

beandip — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 10:29:08 -0800

I am clueless in the laundry room. I know nothing about stain removal and very little about sorting, what settings to use on my washer, what needs to air-dry, how to prevent things from shrinking, etc. Teach me how to do laundry like a grownup! I am embarrassed to admit this, but when I was growing up, my mom did all the laundry for the household. In college, I would throw all my clothes in the wash together in one giant load once a week. Things would turn grey over time but at least it all got clean. If something got a noticeable stain on it, I would generally throw it out. When my bras got ratty and worn-out after a year or so of frequent use, I would go get new ones. I have lost a lot of cute clothes to shrinkage as well.

But now, I am an adult with an office job that requires nicer clothes. I can't afford to throw out a shirt just because I spill my lunch on it or splatter something on it while I'm cooking supper. I have a house with a laundry room in the basement, a washer and dryer all my own, and an enormous concrete laundry tub. I want to take the time to learn to wash things right.

So... I have a lot of questions. How should I sort - whites/lights and darks/jeans? Should I be throwing some bleach in with the whites? What gets washed on hot and what gets washed on cold? Should I be washing my bras all by themselves and hanging them up to dry? How do I prevent shrinking of new clothes? I know you are supposed to treat stains differently depending on what causes them, but I honestly have no idea what to do beyond rinsing, rubbing some extra soap on, and hoping for the best.

I feel like most of this is common sense stuff that I just never picked up on. Please help!

Old Father Hubbard.

The Whelk — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 16:49:40 -0800

Lazy Last Minute Dinner Help: So I forgot it was my turn to cook dinner and all I have in the house are some scraps of cooked meat (chicken, lamb) and a bottle of Loyd Grossman's pre-made Korma sauce. How can I jazz this up while using up the scraps in my cupboard? Preferably stuff I can add while it simmers? I was planning on making coconut rice to go with it, but I was wondering what else I could do to make it *pop* a little better than out-of-the bottle sauce? I've got scraps of onion, cucumber, some dried mushrooms, and random spices and sauces. I do have some slivered almonds, but no jalapeno.

How can I force a microSD card into my broken blackberry slot?

frenetic — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 21:16:34 -0800

What's the best way to brute-force a microSD card into my new Blackberry (that apparently has a defective slot.) microSD cards no longer click into place in the microSD slot on my Blackberry Flip 8130. I've tried multiple cards, taken it to my cell phone store, checked various forums and with RIM with no results. I've also tried using an exacto knife to enlarge the notch on the microsd card, no luck. Here's a picture of the slot:

http://www.bradsucks.net/misc/bb-microsd-slot.jpg

The card works fine if I hold it in place, but since it's not latching, the spring mechanism pushes it out and disconnects it once I let go. The slot cap isn't strong enough to keep the card in place.

Since it'd cost $200 to get it repaired, I'd be happy just forcing the card to stay in there (potentially forever). Can anyone suggest the best way? Can I break the spring mechanism? Glue the cap shut? Help!

MySQL to webpage

kewlio — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 15:25:03 -0800

What is the easiest way to share data from MySql to a web page on Windows I'm thinking something related to Windows web server IIS with some kind of plugin or asp?

What are some good resources for learning to craft old tyres into products?

Not Supplied — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 03:40:46 -0800

What are some good resources for learning to work with old tyres - crafting them into products and designs? +or could you explain the basic processes? I'd like to learn

the best way of cutting them

how to make flat bits of rubber (a heat process?)

how to make them seamlessly into one surface as in a recycled tyre hut I once saw

Any other useful processes

Any good sites for inspiration - what to make, particularly sweet designs etc.

Any help appreciated, cheers

Water Aerobics Instructional Videos?

alist — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:35:44 -0800

I recently moved to Phoenix and am lucky enough to have a swimming pool in my backyard. It's perfect for water aerobics but not so much for swimming, as one end of the pool is much shallower than the other. I'm looking for good instructional water aerobics videos. Any suggestions? I haven't found much on the web so I'm ok with buying something if it's highly recommended.

To teach traffic school -- how to?

Rash — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:11:52 -0800

How does one become a Traffic School teacher in California? I think it's a wonderful institution (which makes drivers here better) and I'd like to be a part of it. I'm an ESL teacher now but one of my inspirations to change to a teaching career was an instructor at traffic school (I've been four times now; four somewhat different experiences). What requirements are there (if any)? These operations are all private, right? So no credential's required?

Inept Brunette

Juliet Banana — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 10:31:21 -0800

I'm a girl with very fine, very straight, waist-length hair and for the past few weeks I've been abiding by a self-imposed rule where I do not wear it the same way two days in a row. I'm looking for ideas for hair-styles and, preferably, links to videos that explain how to do them. I was never one of those girls who does her best friend's hair during recess. I'm trying to catch up, now, and I'm surprised by how easy some interesting looking styles are. I'd like this to be a resource I can use whenever I get bored with my hair.

Hair Styles I'm Not Interested In: Anything that relies on mousse, a curling iron, hair spray, back combing, and/or volume. My hair is slippery and straight as a ruler and the only way I can get it to do anything complicated involves elastic bands and copious bobby pins. No bouffants, afros, pompadours, or beehives, as awesome as they are.

Hair Styles I Am Currently Getting Sick Of: Pigtails/bunches, plaids/braids, single braid, fishtail braids, looped braids, buns, and Princess Leia cinnamon buns. I need way more practice on the Lady-Gaga-Inspired Hair Bow

Hair Styles I Want To Try and Need More Instruction in How To Do:
french braids (Seriously, I'm still confused; any super-clear instructional videos?)
that fairy-tale-lookin' hairstyle all the hipster girls are rocking where you use a little braid as a headband
the Frida Kahlo
braids circling the head (my hair is too long for this)

Alright, Girlzone! How the heck do I do these hairstyles? What are some other ideas? What are your favorite You Tube channels for hair instruction videos? Are any of those MAGIC HAIR STICK DONUT RAT SCRUNCH WIZARD things actually worth it?

How to make and use green tea extract?

magnoliasouth — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 07:48:27 -0800

How can I make my own green tea extract (or concentrate)? I saw this article where they explain how to make your own "herbal" extract, but the article explains neither how to use it (e.g., such as 1 tsp per ??? what) nor what they think as herbal (does green tea count?). Concentrate would also be fine, but I want to be sure that I don't lose the nutritional value. After all that's the whole point. :P

As mentioned, I'm looking to make my own green tea extract/concentrate, but also possibly (later) other things such as valerian or whatever else tickles my fancy.

So the question is how do I do it, and once I do it, how do I use it?

How to build a false floor for use in an art gallery?

ThaBombShelterSmith — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:40:53 -0800

I need help with building a false floor. I am an artist and I am needing to build a false floor in the future in which to plant this work in what appears to be a concrete floor. Google-fu has failed me in only bringing up how to build a false floor in reference to cars to conceal stereo mods, so I am wondering if any MeFis have had any experience in building a false floor for art gallery use. Thanks in advance, and my apologies if anyone has asked this question before!

Getting Bent

lhauser — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 22:28:30 -0800

How can two people bend rebar against their throats? In addition to a video link, there's A friend has been searching the web for practical explanations about how two people can put the ends of a length of rebar against their throats and bend it (see YouTube video here. Admittedly this looks like pretty flimsy rebar, but there are other videos where the rebar looks thicker. Her pastor apparently has done this and has nothing to say about it that isn't spiritual/mystical. Does anyone have a rational explanation of how this works?

How to learn to draw trees and nature?

peripatew — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 11:19:12 -0800

Recommend the best way to self-learn to draw trees and nature. I've a recent fascination with the details of trees, plants, water, terrain, and landscapes.

I'm not interested in people or animals, but rather capturing nature via drawing. Part of my desire to learn to draw comes from a desire to learn more about local trees and plants. I want to create my own catalog of nature, to help me be still, and to take in the details.

I've ordered a few books on regional trees and plant life to help me identify and understand the trees and plants better.

BUT, what would be some good resources to help me get started with this small hobby? I don't have the time to take a class right now, but I might in the coming years. Books? Websites? I appreciate all help, and if my question is unclear please let me know.

Where is the Flickr manual?

pbh — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 19:14:45 -0800

FlickrFilter: What can I read to better understand Flickr and get more out of it? Where is the manual? Flickr seems like a really complicated place. The groups functionality seems to lead to all sorts of interesting subcultures, certain techniques seem to grow and fall in popularity and combine with one another, and the whole thing seems reasonably extensible through various APIs.

But how am I supposed to figure out what's going on? What are the rules, norms, and general patterns of behaviour on Flickr? What kinds of groups exist, and what differentiates them? Has anyone written up a tutorial on different types of groups (like critique groups, for example) or why you might join one group rather than another (e.g., why join one Canon 50mm group over another, or why join a Canon 50mm group at all?). How do I learn techniques that I've seen in photos that I like, for example, from explore? Is there something more than the technique group, preferably organised more efficiently than threaded messaging? (Are these even the right questions to be asking?)

I've seen FlickrCentral, but that seems like it's just a very large group. I've also been on Flickr for some time, so I understand the really minimal basics like uploading and sharing photos with friends.

Is there a digg-equivalent for Flickr? Do photographers just think that would be tacky? Is there a PSDTuts-equivalent for Flickr? Are there any recent general HOWTOs for Flickr culture?

(In case my objective is important, my overall goal is to get the most out of Flickr in terms of learning to take better photographs, and possibly do better post-processing.)

Taken my thinking, my means of survival

generalist — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 16:49:36 -0800

What are some good compendiums of subsistence-level skills/resources available online? I have the army survival manual and the encyclopedia of country living, etc., and I'm interested in stuff that covers the ground between them, like tips and tricks for getting by when I'm not yet stuck under a lean-to evading the marauders, but gas is rationed, food distribution systems are slow or failing, things are falling apart but not obliterated. For example, clear descriptions of basic mechanical engineering and construction for useful applications, the kind of stuff that I'd just google unless my service provider or the powerlines go down. (I've read previous responses to similar questions, and got some good stuff, but I figure there's ever more available online) Thanks in advance.

how can i remove my name from spoke.com?

kewlio — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 19:06:23 -0800

do you know how to get off spoke.com? this site is crazy evil, wtf is my info doing there :-(

Encryption 101

devilshgrin — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 10:29:06 -0800

Can you point me an easy explanation of encryption technologies? I am working at a job where I am coming more and more in contact with acronyms like SSH, SFTP, SCP, PGP, etc....

Can someone point me to a good and hopefully simple resource for learning more about these terms?

DIY Rice Milk?

kamelhoecker — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 19:12:13 -0800

The grocery store no longer supplies my regular brand of rice milk. Tips or suggestions for making my own? I've heard it was easy as just putting cooked rice in a blender or food processor. Well, I tried that with some (cooked) long grain brown rice, and it was milky, but tasted much like... well, watery rice.

Looking at the ingredients on my old brand, there is brown basmati, sunflower oil, sodium bicarbonate and enzymes (amylase, protease).

I'm going to try again with basmati for more flavor. I think the enzymes convert starch to sugar, so I imagine that also helps the flavor. (I'd like to avoid just adding sugar.) Not sure what the oil and baking soda does... maybe the oil thickens and prevents particles of rice from settling?

Anyways, clearly I've much to learn, so if anyone has any tips or techniques to get me started, it'd be much appreciated.

what do I wear to de-emphasize my shoulders?

esolo — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 21:55:37 -0800

What kind of clothing should I wear to de-emphasize my wide shoulders and muscular arms? I am a 25-year old female, and I have a very muscular upper body. I don't lift weights or anything, but my shoulders and arms have just always been defined. People in the street ask me if I am a professional swimmer. I am becoming very self-conscious of my shoulders and arms, and wondering what kind of tops would work for me. I already know that spaghetti straps are a no-no. Also, no matter where I buy tops, they are ALL too short, because I also have a long torso. So, I am constantly flashing my stomach, there is always that thin strip of skin visible between my top and my pants. Please help!

Store-bought-style baked tofu at home

acridrabbit — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 15:22:57 -0800

Store-bought-style baked tofu at home: how? I love tofu and cook it frequently, usually in stir-frys. I always freeze my tofu to improve the texture, then press it for long enough to get excess moisture out. I'm pretty happy with my typical methods, but I would love to be able to make baked tofu similar to the store-bought kind. My previous efforts have yielded tasty results, but nothing like the soft, yet very firm texture of a packaged baked tofu (like White Wave or SoyBoy). Those store-bought tofus are pretty expensive - can I mimic that style at home? (Note: I am interested in mimicking the texture, not necessarily the flavor) My googling is turning up nothing.