How to Make Fabric Flowers

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• scraps of fabric
• scissors
• thread
• hand-sewing needle
• button (optional)
• fray check (optional)

Make Fabric Flowers

1. 1
   Cut two 4 inch squares of fabric, two 3 inch squares of fabric and two 2 inch squares of fabric.
   
2. 2
   Fold each square of fabric in half, then fold it in half again.
   
3. 3
   Trim the unfolded edges of the fabric into a scalloped shape. (The scallops don't have to be perfectly even to make a nice flower shape.)
   
4. 4
   Unfold the fabric, then cut slits between the scallops toward the center of the flower, without cutting the petals all the way apart. These slits will make it easier to fluff out the petals and make the flower more three-dimensional.
   
5. 5
   Place the two large flower pieces on top of each other. Pull the petals of the lower flower up through the slits between the upper petals, to make the flower petals fluffier.
   
6. 6
   Repeat step 5 with the pair of medium flower petals, and the pair of small flower petals.
   
7. 7
   Stack the flower petal pairs on top of each other, with the largest petals on the bottom and the smallest petals on the top. Make sure the petal pairs are centered.
   
8. 8
   Stitch the layers of the flower together through the center, using a few small hand stitches. Add a button to the center of the flower if you wish.
   

Euro Top Mattress Vs. Pillow Top Mattress

Mattresses come with a variety of top layers attached to them. These top layers, depending on their design, add varying amounts of cushioning to the mattress. While the construction itself may be of a totally firm mattress, the top layer can give one extra padding or the feeling of sinking into the mattress when getting into bed. Euro Tops and Pillow Tops are just two of the types of top layers available on mattresses.

Types

1. There are four primary types of mattress top layers available. The first type, known as Firm (also called Tight and Basic), generally has no additional cushioning or padding stitched onto the mattress top. There is no feeling of sinking into the material with most firm mattresses.
   
   The second type is the Plush Top. This is the softest and most cushioned of the mattress top layers available. It may be a few inches thicker than the other tops and gives the truest feeling of sinking into the material when one lowers oneself down onto it. It's extremely soft and fluffy.
   
   The third and fourth types are the Euro Top and the Pillow Top. They provide more cushioning than the Firm, and less than the Plush. The primary difference between Euro and Pillow is in the stitching, Euro tops are stitched directly to the mattress top with no additional materials or gap between the top layer and the mattress itself (reference 1).

Identification

2. You can identify the difference between Euro Top and Pillow Top mattresses by looking at the stitching and the area between the topping and the mattress frame itself. A Pillow Top topping is affixed to a layer all its own, which is attached to the mattress proper, with a gap between the two. A Euro Top mattress lacks the gap or additional material between the mattress frame and the cushioned top. A Pillow Top may appear to sit higher and be thicker than a Euro Top and may feel slightly more plush due to the added space between the two parts of the mattress (reference 1).

Size

3. Euro Top and Pillow Top mattresses come in all of the standard mattress sizes such as Twin, Full, Queen and King. A complete list of mattress sizes and dimensions can be found in the Resources section of this article.
   
   The height and thickness can affect mattress size. Plush and Pillow Top mattresses may be or at least appear to be few additional inches high and thick, while Euro Top mattresses, without the gap between mattress frame and top, are more slim-lined and may be similar in thickness to traditional Firm mattresses.

Considerations

4. When deciding between a Euro Top and Pillow Top mattress there are two things to consider, the first being how the size of the mattress is affected by what kind of top it has. While both mattress types offer similar cushioning and feel, the Pillow Top may require larger bedsheets due to the extra thickness because of the space between the mattress frame and the topping. The padding is similar with the Euro Top but it's achieved with less thickness.
   
   Also consider the aesthetics of the mattress. Pillow Top and Euro Top look slightly different due to the presence or lack of a gap and also due to the stitching. You may like one look better than the other. Also, while bedsheets will cover up these differences, the sheets could become bunched up in the gap in the Pillow Top construction.

Effects

5. One effect that is found with Pillow Top mattresses that may not be experienced with Euro Tops is that when a person lies in the middle of the mattress, the edges of the mattress may pull inward. This is due to the looser stitching of the Pillow Top design. This can contribute to the feeling of sinking into the mattress and also may make the bedsheets appear loose around the edges when in use

Animals Found in the Catskill Mountains

1. 
   A view of the Catskill Mountains
   The Catskill Mountains are located in New York, northwest of New York City and southwest of Albany. This section of the Allegheny Plateau consists of mountainous areas and forests. Rather than an actual mountain range, the Catskills are actually a dissected plateau that has eroded into sharp peaks. The Catskill Mountains are alive with many different types of wildlife.

Black Bears

2. 
   Black bears can be found in the Catskill Moutains.
   Be aware that American Black Bears are abundant in the Catskill Mountains. A male black bear averages around 300 pounds, but can sometimes grow as large as 750 pounds. Black bears are omnivores, so they eat both meat and vegetation. They commonly eat things like berries, seeds, nuts, insects, birds, fish and small animals. When it is available, black bears will also eat garbage, pet food and bird seed. Black bears generally try to stay away from humans and prefer living in the dense forests. They use dens and caves to hibernate in throughout the winter.

Bobcats

3. 
   Bobcats typically hide in caves and dens.
   Keep an eye out for the elusive bobcat, which roams the region. They spend most of their time hiding, though their tracks can be easily seen. These animals are most often spotted at dawn and dusk, when they are the most active. Bobcats are carnivorous animals, favoring foods like rabbits, rodents, birds and even deer. They frequent hiding areas like caves and rock ledges. The population of bobcats was almost erased in the 1800s when hunting them was popular. Now the population has grown back to a moderate amount.

Cougars

4. Decide whether cougars still exist in the Catskills. Cougars, also called mountain lions, pumas or panthers, were also hunted to extinction in the 1800s. The males of the species are usually around 130 pounds and they are significantly larger than bobcats. Mountain lions mostly hunt deer, but they are also known to prey on farm animals, bobcats, and small game like raccoons and rabbits. There is some controversy today over whether mountain lions still exist in the Catskills. Some people claim to have seen them recently.

Coyotes

5. 
   Coyotes can be spotted in the Catskills.
   Listen for coyotes howling in the night. Coyotes are abundant in many regions of the Catskill Mountains. They typically stay in mountains and valleys. This is because they usually chase their prey to cliff ledges and mountains tops so that they cannot escape; then they kill them. Coyotes average around 40 pounds but can grow up to 65 pounds occasionally. Coyotes have the unique ability to move to different areas, within 100 miles. This gives them the ability to adapt to changes in their habitat. In the early 1900s, the coyote population was threatened by wolves. However, the wolves were eventually hunted to extinction, allowing the coyote population to bounce back.

Snakes

6. Watch where you step, because the Catskills host two types of poisonous snakes: the Timber Rattlesnake and the Copperhead. The rattlesnake is identified by its triangle-shaped head and the distinctive rattle on its tail. They come in black, yellow and tan varieties. Timber Rattlesnakes usually grow to be 3 to 4 feet long and can live for up to 30 years.

Why Aren't Cell Phones Allowed on Planes?

Banned on airplanes, but why?

Anyone who has ever flown on a commercial flight in the United States has heard the familiar line about turning off cell phones for the duration of the flight. The question of course is why the airlines require that we do this. There are some official reasons given and then others that those in the known insist are the real reasons for the ban.

Cell Phones Can Interfere With Avionics

1. This is a fancy way of saying that if you play with your cell phone, it could crash the plane. The concern is that the signals may cause some interference with the instruments in the main cabin.

Cell Phones May Interfere With Tower to Air Communications

2. This is another common issue mentioned by the airlines as a reason why cell phones are banned. They say that the cell phone signals could cross with their radio signals and create problems communicating with the tower on the ground. In other words, if you play with your cell phone, you could crash the plane.

Crowd Control Issues

3. Some airlines have offered this reason as well, saying that when people are in a confined space for long periods with no way of getting out, there needs to be a certain social order maintained. That order can be disrupted by people using their cell phones on the plane, since it may cause tempers to flare.

Economic Considerations

4. No airline has ever officially acknowledged this as a reason for refusing to allow cell phones on airplanes, however many industry insiders say this is the main reason for the cell phone ban on airplanes. In the back of many airplane seats you can find an "air phone." This is a phone which has been approved by the airline and which is "shielded" so that it will not interfere with the instruments or with ground communication. However, since these phones are controlled by the airline, they can charge what they wish for making calls from them.

Terrorism Concerns

5. After the events of September 11, 2001, many airlines have said that offering cell service on board an aircraft is extremely dangerous since it could be used as a way for terrorists to communicate with their handlers on the ground.

How to Kill Bedbugs in Hotel Rooms for the Traveler

Bedbugs normally reside under mattresses, box springs and other bedroom furniture.

Bedbugs are small, elusive insects that are mainly found around sleeping areas that include mattresses, nightstands and box springs. When staying in hotel rooms that are infested with bedbugs, a good idea is to change rooms or hotels immediately. If you are unable to change rooms, here are some ways to make a temporary barrier against bedbugs. It is important to note that you should properly treat or replace mattresses and other sleeping items before using them.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Large garbage bags
• Small fabric steam cleaner
• Double-sided duct tape

1. 1
   Secure your luggage. Make sure your luggage is securely fastened and stored above the ground. Many hotel rooms have luggage racks that you can use. If your room has no luggage rack, place your bags on top of the bathroom counter. This will reduce the chances of bedbugs entering your clothing.
   
2. 2
   Look for signs of bedbug infestations. Light infestations can be hard to find. Pull back the bed sheets, and look to see if there are any caste shells, bloodstains, fecal spots or crushed bedbugs. If your hotel room has a heavy infestation, you may even find live bedbugs crawling over the sheets in the daytime. Don't forget to check all furniture in the room; that includes dressers, bed frame, television stand and couches. Look for any crevice that a bedbug can crawl into.
   
3. 3
   Steam clean the mattress. If you are a frequent traveler, purchasing a small fabric steam cleaner can be beneficial if you come across a hotel room that is infested with bedbugs. Bedbugs can't survive in extreme heat; therefore, by steaming the mattress, you will kill any bedbugs that are residing deep within the mattress. You can also use the steam cleaner on other pieces of furniture located in the hotel room.
   
4. 4
   Place large garbage bags over the mattress. Placing the plastic garbage bags over the mattress can serve as a temporary barrier to bedbugs. Cut open the garbage bags so they completely cover the bed, and securely fasten them to the bed frame using double-sided duct tape. Make sure that the mattress is completely encased inside the plastic.
   
5. 5
   Create a temporary barrier for the bed by wrapping each leg of the bed in double-sided duct tape. This will lessen the chance that bedbugs will crawl from the floor to the bed during the night, as they will be unable to cross the sticky barrier.
   
6. 6
   Check for bedbugs during the night. Bedbugs usually look for hosts at nighttime. Continuous checking for bedbug infestations during the night is important for your health and safety. If bedbugs are found within the night, check the immediate area to determine where the infestation is coming from.
   

How Much Fuel Does a 747 Jet Burn?

How Much Fuel Does a 747 Jet Burn?

Consumption of fuel is one of the largest costs of operating a large commercial airliner, making it a major concern to the airline industry. The weight of the fuel at the beginning of a flight adds to the consumption since the airliner will have to burn more fuel to take off, climb to cruising altitude and reach cruising speed. Fuel consumption also varies by altitude. By design, jet engines are most efficient at higher altitudes and thus burn more fuel at lower altitudes to perform the same amount of work.

Jet Fuel Facts

1. Jet fuel for commercial and private aircraft is a kerosene based fuel. In the United State, the standard fuel is Jet A. It is lighter than water and has a clear or straw colored appearance. Outside the United States, Jet A-1 is the standard jet fuel and has slightly different characteristics than Jet A. Jet A freezes at -40 F and Jet A-1 freezes at -52.6 F. Jet A and Jet A-1 are interchangeable for most purposes. Military aircraft use a JP designation and there are various types for use depending on the aircraft.

Flight Considerations

2. The amount of fuel loaded onto an aircraft is carefully calculated. Fuel must be allotted for the taxiing to the runway, take off and climb to altitude, the flight, descent and taxiing to the gate. A reserve that would allow the aircraft to change airports is added to the total fuel load. The airliner cannot be simply "filled up" as the higher weight of the aircraft would increase fuel consumption.

Boeing 747 Fuel Facts

3. The Boeing 747 is available in four basic models, the 747-100, 747-200, 747-300 and 747-400. Each of the four basic designs uses four engines which consume Jet A or Jet A-1 fuel. The 747-100 carries a maximum of 48,445 US Gallons of fuel, the 200 and 300 each carry 52,410 and the 400 carries 57,285 US Gallons. Boeing lists maximum ranges as 6,100, 7,900, 7,700, and 7,260 statute miles respectively for each 747 model. Fuel capacity is calculated in gallons, but fuel consumption and planning are calculated in pounds. Jet A and Jet A-1 weigh 6.84 pounds per gallon.

Fueling a 747

4. Typical fueling considerations in a 747-200 or 300 allow for 2,200 pounds of fuel to be used for taxi to take off. A fully loaded aircraft will use 33,000 pounds during take off and climb to cruising altitude. During the first half of the flight, the aircraft will consume an average of 28,000 pounds of fuel per hour. The aircraft lightens as it burns fuel and at the end of the trip, the fuel consumption drops to about 21,000 pounds per hour. Descending and landing consume the least fuel, around 6000 pounds. Unburdened of its fuel load, the aircraft will consume only 1000 pounds of fuel, less than half what it needed to taxi before take off. A reserve of 25,000 to 40,000 pounds is loaded to allow changing airports should it become necessary.

Fuel Burn

5. Fuel burn is affected by a number of factors. At sea level, the dense air negatively impacts the efficiency of the jet engines and at any given engine speed, they use more fuel compared to what they would use at a high altitude. Waiting in line on the taxiway to take off burns fuel that just goes to waste. At take off the engines are working the hardest, carrying the greatest load and consume the most fuel. Once cruising altitude is reached, the engines are throttled back a little and less fuel is consumed. The plane lightens as it burns fuel and therefore uses less and less as the flight progresses. Descent and approach use very little fuel. The engines are cut back to nearly idle with the aircraft in a glide.

Why Aren't Cell Phones Allowed on Planes?

Banned on airplanes, but why?

Anyone who has ever flown on a commercial flight in the United States has heard the familiar line about turning off cell phones for the duration of the flight. The question of course is why the airlines require that we do this. There are some official reasons given and then others that those in the known insist are the real reasons for the ban.

Cell Phones Can Interfere With Avionics

1. This is a fancy way of saying that if you play with your cell phone, it could crash the plane. The concern is that the signals may cause some interference with the instruments in the main cabin.

Cell Phones May Interfere With Tower to Air Communications

2. This is another common issue mentioned by the airlines as a reason why cell phones are banned. They say that the cell phone signals could cross with their radio signals and create problems communicating with the tower on the ground. In other words, if you play with your cell phone, you could crash the plane.

Crowd Control Issues

3. Some airlines have offered this reason as well, saying that when people are in a confined space for long periods with no way of getting out, there needs to be a certain social order maintained. That order can be disrupted by people using their cell phones on the plane, since it may cause tempers to flare.

Economic Considerations

4. No airline has ever officially acknowledged this as a reason for refusing to allow cell phones on airplanes, however many industry insiders say this is the main reason for the cell phone ban on airplanes. In the back of many airplane seats you can find an "air phone." This is a phone which has been approved by the airline and which is "shielded" so that it will not interfere with the instruments or with ground communication. However, since these phones are controlled by the airline, they can charge what they wish for making calls from them.

Terrorism Concerns

5. After the events of September 11, 2001, many airlines have said that offering cell service on board an aircraft is extremely dangerous since it could be used as a way for terrorists to communicate with their handlers on the ground.

What Is a Seven Star Hotel?

In recent years, three hotels around the world have claimed to be seven star hotels. Seven star hotels are largely created as marketing hype, as the hotels hope to attract visitors from around the world.

Seven Star Hotels

1. The United States operates under a five star hotel system. The worldwide travel industry does not have a regulated system, so three hotels currently hold the seven star distinction.

Town House Galleria

2. The Town House Galleria was the first seven star hotel. It is located in Milan, Italy.

The Burj Al Arab

3. The Burj Al Arab is located on an artificial island in Dubai. It is connected to the mainland of Dubai by a private bridge.

Emirates Palace

4. The Emirates Palace is located in Abu Dhabi of the United Arab Emirates. According to "The New York Times," the Emirates Palace is the most expensive hotel ever built.

Future Seven Star Hotels

5. There are currently several seven star hotels under construction, including one in both India and Iran, and several in the Philippines.

How to get to Downtown Washington, D.C., from Baltimore-Washington International Airport

Flights to Baltimore-Washington International Airport are less expensive because it's 33 miles from downtown Washington, D.C.

Many visitors to Washington choose to arrive at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) because flights are often cheaper than those to the area's other two major airports. BWI is 33 miles to downtown Washington. It's a 25- to 45-minute drive with some public transportation available.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Map of Washington, D.C.
• Metro map
• Cash

1. 1
   Take a Metrobus to the Metro subway for the least expensive way to get to Washington. Go to the airport's arrivals (lower) level and look for one of two bus stops for the BWI Express bus (No. B30). The bus runs nonstop to and from the Greenbelt Metro station on the Green Line. Buses pick up approximately every 40 minutes. Pickup hours from BWI are from 6:58 a.m. weekdays and 9:38 a.m. weekends until 10:48 p.m. daily. The cost is $3 each way, as of 2008.
   
2. 2
   When you arrive at the Greenbelt Metro station, proceed inside and purchase a fare card for $1 and change. Take any train. Many tourists stay in hotels near the Gallery Place-Chinatown station, which also connects to the Red and Yellow Lines. If you're staying in a hotel along the Orange or Blue Lines, take your subway to Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter and follow the signs to transfer to another line.
   
3. 3
   Take the MARC train. MARC is a Maryland local train that connects BWI Airport with Union Station in Washington. Take a free BWI Airport shuttle to the BWI Airport Rail Station. Trains depart Monday through Friday nearly hourly; no weekend service and limited holiday service. Service is from 4:40 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. The trip takes 35 to 40 minutes. The cost is $6 each way.
   
4. 4
   If you arrive on a weekend and cannot take the MARC train, take Amtrak. Service from the BWI Rail Station starts at 6:23 a.m. and ends at 11:48 p.m. weekdays and 11:51 p.m. weekends. The trip is 30 minutes to Union Station. Fares run from $12 each way.
   
5. 5
   Take a taxi. Fares will run approximately $65 to downtown Washington. Taxi stands are immediately outside the arrivals terminal. Follow the signs for ground transportation.
   
6. 6
   Take a shuttle service. SuperShuttle and other shuttle services can ferry you into the city for less than the cost of a taxi. Make a reservation in advance.
   
7. 7
   Hire a private car service. Arrangements should be made in advance. Confirm your reservation before boarding your flight to Washington.
   

Adult-Only Vacations in the United States

1. 
   Couples looking to get away can find several U.S.-based adult-only resorts.
   For couples looking to get away, vacations to a far-flung tropical destination may be out of the question. Instead of a distant locale, over-18 guests have several locations within the U.S. to choose from. Whether for fun or a special occasion, adult-only locations provide a more romantic and laid-back feel while giving a space away from younger visitors. Clothing is often optional and most provide all-inclusive packages that make most meals, drinks and activities free of charge.

Little Palm Island Resort and Spa

2. Just a few hours to the south of Miami at the heart of Little Torch Key, Little Palm Island caters to guests age 16 and older. A well-known Florida Keys destination accessible only by seaplane or boat, the resort specializes in romantic getaways and honeymooners. The resort offers guests its own private beach access, several on-site restaurants and 24-hour concierge desk to organize special outings, tours and activities. Each luxurious suite features its own king-size bed with butterfly netting, private balcony and spa-style bathroom. Designer furnishings, water views and high thread-count linens are also standard. For a special week, Little Palm offers the Romance Package. Complete with private oceanview bungalow, paid airport transfers and welcome bottle of champagne are included, as well as $200 in spa credits and one free snorkel outing.
   
   Little Palm Island Resort and Spa
   28500 Overseas Highway
   Mile Marker 28.5
   Little Torch Key, FL 33042
   800-343-8567
   littlepalmisland.com

Halekulani

3. Hosting visitors of Waikiki Beach for nearly 100 years, Halekulani is the only property in the state with a AAA Five Diamond award for both accommodations and dining. Guests can choose from a selection of rooms and suites, all of which include deep soaking tubs, marble countertops, flat-screen television, complimentary high-speed Internet and MP3 docking station. Guests looking to make their vacation more romantic can choose the Romance Remembered package, which includes upgraded accommodations, welcome basket, daily buffet breakfast and complimentary admission to several nearby art galleries and other venues. Guests can engage in a variety of water and land-based sports including swimming, snorkeling and kayaking as well as golf, tennis, biking and hiking. Nearby, the Pearl Harbor Memorial, Diamond Head Beach and whale watching are available.
   
   Halekulani
   2199 Kalia Road
   Honolulu, HI 96815
   808-923-2311
   halekulani.com/

Mandalay Bay

4. Well-equipped for an array of adult-oriented parties, Mandalay Bay caters primarily to singles and bachelor or bachelorette parties. Home to top-end rooms and suites as well as gourmet restaurants, a selection of on-site bars and a private poker room, Mandalay also welcomes live entertainment at the House of Blues and the Forty Deuce burlesque girls. Party participants or couples can choose the Ultimate Upgrade Package, which includes discounts on room upgrades, limo service to and from the airport, no-cost entry into on-site venues and preferred seating at premium hotel restaurants, all available to guests age 18 or older. All rooms include pillow-top mattresses, luxurious linens and flat-screen television with premium channels. Suites offer more space, separate living and sleeping quarters and upgraded amenities and some have whirlpool-style tubs.
   
   Mandalay Bay
   3950 Las Vegas Boulevard South
   Las Vegas, NV 89119
   877-632-7800
   mandalaybay.com/

How to Call Italy From the United States

Instructions

1. 1
   Determine what time it is in Italy. Italy is 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, which means it's 6 hours later in Italy than it is on the East Coast of the United States, and 9 hours later than it is on the West Coast.
   
2. 2
   Dial 011, the international access code.
   
3. 3
   Dial 39, the Italian country code.
   
4. 4
   Dial the city code, including the initial 0. Italy is almost the only country for which you don't drop the 0 from the city code when dialing from the United States, and this method of calling is new in 1999, so don't be surprised if you see out-of-date instructions to drop the 0.
   
5. 5
   Dial the remaining digits.
   

How to Call France From the United States

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• French Phrase Books
• Telephone Calling Cards
• Telephones
• Travel Guides
• Clocks
• Maps

1. 1
   Determine what time it is in France. France is 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, which means it is 6 hours later in France than it is on the East Coast of the United States, and 9 hours later than it is on the West Coast.
   
2. 2
   Dial 011, the international access code.
   
3. 3
   Dial 33, the French country code.
   
4. 4
   Remove the 0 from the beginning of the 10-digit phone number. (All French telephone numbers begin with 01, 02, 03, 04 or 05.)
   
5. 5
   Dial the remaining nine digits.
   

Is There an Underground Volcano Near Cape Hatteras, North Carolina?

There are no underground volcanoes in Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. The New England seaboard is free of igneous volcanic activity. However, there may be mud volcanoes in the Cape Hatteras area.

Types of Volcanoes

1. The igneous volcano--what most people think of when they hear the word "volcano"--is a vent in the earth's crust from which magma, ash, and gases explode. The "mud volcano" is different: methane gas forms a slurry of water and mud, and its eruption is generally much less violent and at a much lower temperature than that of an igneous volcano.

Geography

2. The majority of North American igneous volcanoes are located along the Pacific coast, in the Pacific Ring of Fire. The Ring of Fire traces the western edge of the North American tectonic plate. North Carolina is located well away from the edge of this plate, and has no igneous volcanoes.

Speculation

3. Mud volcanoes can develop wherever there there is sediment containing gas hydrates, especially methane. As the eastern coast of North America has many areas of such sediment, it is possible that mud volcanoes may appear in the vicinity of Cape Hatteras.

Crochet Cord Instructions

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Yarn
• Crochet hook

Chain Stitch Cord

1. 1
   Tie a slip knot in the yarn, leaving a 3-inch tail.
   
2. 2
   Put your crochet hook through the slip knot and tighten the knot loosely.
   
3. 3
   Hold the short tail of the yarn and use the hook to pull a bit of the long piece of yarn through the slip knot, dropping it off. You will now have a new loop of yarn on the hook.
   
4. 4
   Grab the yarn with the hook again and pull it through the new loop. Repeat this to form a chain of stitches. This is a chain stitch cord. It is used whenever you need a narrow cord. For example to lace up slippers.
   
5. 5
   Chain stitch until your cord is the desired length. Cut the yarn a few inches from the last loop and draw it through the last loop. Pull it tight to finish the cord.
   

Slip Stitch Cord

6. 1
   Make a chain stitch cord the length you desire the finished slip stitch cord to be. Leave one loop on the hook. Do not cut the yarn.
   
7. 2
   Turn the chain over so the stitches that look like a chain are on the underside. This side has a single row of raised stitches.
   
8. 3
   Put your hook underneath the closest stitch of yarn.
   
9. 4
   Grab the yarn with your hook and pull a loop through. You now have two loops on your hook.
   
10. 5
    Pull the loop closest to the hook through the other loop. This is called a "slip stitch."
    
11. 6
    Put your hook under the next stitch and repeat the two previous steps until you reach the end of the cord.
    
12. 7
    Finish the cord by cutting the yarn a few inches from the last loop and pulling the yarn through the last loop. Pull the yarn tight. This is a slip stitch cord.
    

Camel Crochet Instructions

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Size G crochet hook
• Light-worsted yarn in a light color
• Scissors

1. 1
   Make a slip knot with your yarn. Slip your hook into the knot and tighten the knot around the throat of the hook. Make 30 chains for your foundation chain, which is a practice skein only.
   
2. 2
   Begin a single crochet stitch. Instead of slipping the hook under the top loops--the V at the top--insert it under the horizontal bar under these top loops.
   
3. 3
   Continue your single crochet by slipping the hook under the horizontal bar of each chain until you finish the row.
   
4. 4
   Continue crocheting by slipping your hook under each horizontal bar of the stitches for row one. Continue until you have completed row five.
   

How to Verify a Phone Number on Google Voice

Instructions

1. 1
   Sign up for a Google Voice account. Go to google.com/voice to create a new account. If you already have a Google Gmail account and live in the United States, you have access to the Google Voice feature.
   
2. 2
   Click the Settings link at the top right-hand side of the page once you have signed into Google Voice. The first visible tab after clicking Settings is entitled "Phones."
   
3. 3
   Add a phone number. If you are new to Google Voice you must add a phone number before you can use the time-saving multi-phone ring feature. It doesn't make a difference if it's a land line or a mobile phone. To add a phone, click the "Add phone" link and insert the name for the phone (such as "my cell phone") and type in the phone number. Make sure to select the phone type (Mobile, Work, Home or Gizmo), select your text preference and click "Save."
   
4. 4
   Verify your phone number. Once you add a phone number you must confirm that it is actually your phone number. Google Voice will display a two-digit code that you must use to verify your phone. You must also have access to the phone to verify it. You cannot verify your home phone if you're at work, because you have to answer the phone to insert the verification number.
   
5. 5
   Click "Connect" to verify the phone. Once you click connect, Google Voice will call the phone number and instruct you to insert the code. Once you insert the code your phone is successfully verified.
   

How to Set up Multiple Voicemails With Google Voice

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• computer with internet
• google voice account

1. 1
   
   Call Widgets
   LOG INTO YOUR ACCOUNT-
   Log into your Google Voice account. Next click "settings" in upper right, and then "Call Widgets". Now click "add new widget".
   
2. 2
   
   Record New Voicemail
   CREATE NEW VOICEMAIL-
   You will want to name your voicemail. It could be the name of the business, or type of message (vacation). You choose where the phone call goes: home, mobile, or directly to voicemail.
   
   Now click "Record New" to record your voicemail. In google voice fashion, your phone will ring and you will record your message.
   
3. 3
   
   Embed Code for voicemail
   INSERT WIDGET-
   Now save changes. You now have the html code to add into your blog or website. When you paste the html code into your website, people can call you toll free by using your google voice.
   
4. 4
   USE WIDGET-
   Now, when someone clicks on the google voice widget, they will be prompted to enter their phone number. Google voice will call the number they entered and when they answer, their phone will dial you (either home, cell, or voicemail - what ever you indicated in step 2). It will be toll-free for both parties (as long as it's in the US). If you have several business', you can have them connect directly with your voicemail of that business.
   

Cub Scout Cake Decorating Ideas(vbanswerbank)

Cub Scouts can learn about baking by making their own cakes for Blue and Gold banquets..

Cub Scouts offers young boys an organization through which they engage in a variety of activities. Camping, pinewood derby, Blue and Gold banquets and community service projects help Cub Scouts learn about the world around them and have fun. These activities provide inspiration for Cub Scout cake decorating ideas that can be used to bake a celebratory cake for the annual Blue and Gold banquet in February.

Make a Wolf Head Cake

1. Create a wolf's head cake similar to the Cub Scout Wolf logo. This can be done with an animal head-shaped cake pan and a single cupcake. After baking the cake and the cupcake, remove the ears from the animal and move them higher up on the head to resemble a wolf. The cupcake is placed just below the chin of the animal cake to serve as a mouth. Frost the entire cake with gray icing to hide the joints between the moved ears and the cupcake and cake. The wolf cake should be made for older Cub Scouts who are at the Wolf level.

Use Matching Color Themes

2. Bake a simple cake and decorate it with blue and gold icing. This cake fits wells with the scouting colors thematic of the annual Blue and Gold banquet. Other images from Cub Scouts, such as the logo, pinewood derby car or camping supplies, can be incorporated into the blue and gold-themed cake.

Pinewood Derby Cake

3. Use a car-shaped cake pan to make a cake for the annual pinewood derby. The most popular of all the forms of derbies held by Cub Scouts, the pinewood derby is an event for both parents and scouts. Bake a cake in a well-greased and floured car-shaped pan. Let cool and turn out onto a surface to decorate as desired. The cake can reflect the colors used by the Cub Scout on his real pinewood derby car design, if desired.

Camping-Themed Cake

4. On a rectangular cake, frost the top with green icing for grass. Lay a piece of fruit leather cut into an uneven circle on top of the cake to create a small pond or lake. Break a full graham cracker sheet in half and place the two halves on top of the cake to create a triangle for a tent. Icing applied to the graham crackers helps them to stick together. Upside-down ice cream cones covered in green icing create evergreen trees at the "campsite."

Camel Crochet Instructions(vbanswerbank)

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Size G crochet hook
• Light-worsted yarn in a light color
• Scissors

1. 1
   Make a slip knot with your yarn. Slip your hook into the knot and tighten the knot around the throat of the hook. Make 30 chains for your foundation chain, which is a practice skein only.
   
2. 2
   Begin a single crochet stitch. Instead of slipping the hook under the top loops--the V at the top--insert it under the horizontal bar under these top loops.
   
3. 3
   Continue your single crochet by slipping the hook under the horizontal bar of each chain until you finish the row.
   
4. 4
   Continue crocheting by slipping your hook under each horizontal bar of the stitches for row one. Continue until you have completed row five.
   

Program to convert temperature from centigrade to Fahrenheit using vertical scroll bar which is scrolling automatically on every interval of timer control.

Dim i As Boolean
Private Sub Form_Load()
t = False
End Sub
Private Sub Timer1_Timer()
If VScroll1.Value <= 40 Then
t = False
End If
VScroll1.Value = VScroll1.Value + 1
If VScroll1.Value >= 100 Then
t = True
End If
If t = True Then
VScroll1.Value = VScroll1.Value - 2
End If
End Sub

Private Sub VScroll1_Change()
Text1.Text = VScroll1.Value & "C"
Text2.Text = ((9 * VScroll1.Value) + 100) / 5 & "F"
End Sub

Program to convert temperature from centigrade to Fahrenheit using vertical scroll bar which is scrolling automatically on every interval of timer control.

Dim i As Boolean
Private Sub Form_Load()
t = False
End Sub
Private Sub Timer1_Timer()
If VScroll1.Value <= 40 Then
t = False
End If
VScroll1.Value = VScroll1.Value + 1
If VScroll1.Value >= 100 Then
t = True
End If
If t = True Then
VScroll1.Value = VScroll1.Value - 2
End If
End Sub

Private Sub VScroll1_Change()
Text1.Text = VScroll1.Value & "C"
Text2.Text = ((9 * VScroll1.Value) + 100) / 5 & "F"
End Sub

Program to select files from different directories which are stored on different drives.

Private Sub Dir1_Change()
File1.Path = Dir1.Path
End Sub

Private Sub Drive1_Change()
Dir1.Path = Drive1.Drive
End Sub

Private Sub File1_Click()
File1.FileName = File1.Path
End Sub
Private Sub form_load()
WindowState = 2
End Sub

A program in visual basic Using select case to change a picture in picture box as soon as we click on list box items..

Private Sub Form_Load()
List1.AddItem "Water lilies"
List1.AddItem "Sunset"
List1.AddItem "Blue hills"
End Sub

Private Sub List1_Click()
a = List1.ListIndex
Select Case a
Case 0
Image1.Picture = LoadPicture("C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\My Pictures\
Sample Pictures\Water Lilies.jpg")
Case 1
Image1.Picture = LoadPicture("C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\My Pictures\
Sample Pictures\Sunset.jpg")
Case 2
Image1.Picture = LoadPicture("C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\My Pictures\
Sample Pictures\Blue hills.jpg")
Case Else
MsgBox "Select any item from listbox!"
End Select
End Sub

Program in visual basic to calculate the sum of the elements of array.

Option Base 1
Dim a() As Integer
Dim i As Integer
Dim sum, s As Integer
Private Sub Command1_Click()
s = Val(Text1.Text)
ReDim a(s) As Integer
sum = 0
For i = 1 To s
a(i) = InputBox("enter the value")
sum = sum + a(i)
Next i
Text2.Text = sum
End Sub

program in visual basic to prepare invoice of hotel.

Private Sub Combo1_Click()
If Combo1.Text = "DOSA" Then
Text5.Text = 45
ElseIf Combo1.Text = "SAMBHAR-WADA" Then
Text5.Text = 50
Else: Combo1.Text = "SAMOSA"
Text5.Text = 20
End If
End Sub


Private Sub Command1_Click()
Text4.Text = Val(Text3.Text) + Val(Text7.Text)
Text8.Text = Val(Text4.Text) * 0.05
Text2.Text = Val(Text4.Text) + Val(Text8.Text)
End Sub

Private Sub Command2_Click()
End
End Sub

Private Sub Form_Load()
List1.AddItem "DELUX"
List1.AddItem "AC"
List1.AddItem "AC SUIT"

Combo1.AddItem "DOSA"
Combo1.AddItem "SAMBHAR-WADA"
Combo1.AddItem "SAMOSA"
End Sub
Private Sub List1_Click()
If List1.Text = "DELUX" Then
Text3.Text = 500
ElseIf List1.Text = "AC" Then
Text3.Text = 1000
ElseIf List1.Text = "AC SUIT" Then
Text3.Text = 2000
Else: MsgBox "Please select room type"
End If
End Sub
Private Sub Text7_GotFocus()
Text7.Text = Val(Text5.Text) * Val(Text6.Text)
End Sub

program in visual basic to calculate Income Tax on yearly earning of a person.

Private Sub Command1_Click()
Dim q As Integer
Dim dis, totamt, r, payment As Single
q = Val(Text1.Text)
r = Val(Text3.Text)
totamt = q * r
Text4.Text = totamt
If (totamt < 500) Then
dis = 0
Text5.Text = dis
payamt = totamt - dis
Text6.Text = payment
ElseIf (totamt > 500) And (totamt <= 800) Then
dis = totamt * 0.12
Text5.Text = dis
dis = totamt - dis
Text6.Text = payment
ElseIf (totamt > 800) And (totamt <= 1500) Then
dis = totamt * 0.15
payment = totamt - dis
Text5.Text = dis
Text6.Text = payment
Else
dis = totamt * 0.2
payment = totamt - dis
Text5.Text = dis
Text6.Text = payment
End If
End Sub

Program in visual basic using common dialog control and menu editor to design following menu.

Private Sub close_Click()
Text1.Text = ""
Close #1
End Sub

Private Sub OP_Click()
CommonDialog1.ShowOpen
Open CommonDialog1.FileName For Input As #1
Text1.Text = Input(LOF(1), #1)
Close #1
End Sub

Private Sub SV_Click()
CommonDialog1.ShowSave
Open CommonDialog1.FileName For Output As #1
Print #1, Text1.Text
Close #1
End Sub

Private Sub SVS_Click()
CommonDialog1.ShowSave
Open CommonDialog1.FileName For Output As #1
Print #1, Text1.Text
End Sub

A a program in visual basic to calculate Income Tax on yearly earning of a person..

Dim hra, da As Single
Dim basic, gross, intax, ann, net As Single
Private Sub Command1_Click()
basic = Val(Text3.Text)
If (basic <= 5000) Then
hra = basic * 0.1
da = basic * 0.12
Text4.Text = hra
Text5.Text = da
gross = basic + hra + da
Text6.Text = gross
ann = gross * 12
Text7.Text = ann
ElseIf (basic >= 5000) And (basic <= 8000) Then
hra = basic * 0.12
da = basic * 0.15
Text3.Text = hra
Text5.Text = da
gross = basic + hra + da
Text6.Text = gross
ann = gross * 12
Text7.Text = ann
Else
hra = basic * 0.12
da = basic * 0.15
Text4.Text = hra
Text5.Text = da
gross = basic + hra + da
Text6.Text = gross
ann = gross * 12
Text7.Text = ann
End If
End Sub

Private Sub Command2_Click()
If ann <= 50000 Then
intax = 0
Text8.Text = intax
ElseIf ann >= 50001 And ann <= 60000 Then
intax = ann * 0.1
Text8.Text = intax
ElseIf ann >= 60001 And ann <= 150000 Then
intax = ann * 0.2
Text8.Text = intax
Else
intax = ann * 0.3
Text8.Text = intax
End If
End Sub

Private Sub Command3_Click()
net = ann - intax
Text9.Text = net
End Sub

Private Sub Command4_Click()
End
End Sub

A program in visual basic to find factorial of a number using function.

Private Sub Command1_Click()
Dim j, i as Integer
i = CInt(Text1.Text)
Label2.Caption = facts(i)
End Sub
Private Function facts(i)
F = 1
For j = 1 To i
F = F * j
facts = F
Next j
End Function

Use of the ProgressBar Control

'using the progressbar
'make a new form with a progressbar and a timer
'put thew folowing code in the events

Private sub Form_Load()
Me.Show
Timer1.Interval = 1000
Timer1.Enabled = True

End Sub

Private sub Timer1_Timer()

PauseTime = 5 ' set duration.
ProgressBar1.Max = ((PauseTime + 1) * Timer1.Interval)

start = timer ' set start time.
do While timer < start + PauseTime
ProgressBar1.Value = ProgressBar1.Value + 10
DoEvents ' Yield to other processes.
Loop
Finish = timer ' set end time.
TotalTime = Finish - start ' Calculate total time.
MsgBox "Paused for " & TotalTime & " seconds"
Timer1.Enabled = False
End Sub