Common Ideas Search Results

How To: Use a multimeter to test common household appliances

If you're doing any sort of electrical work at home, a multimeter is an invaluable tool to have. But as invaluable as it is to have a volt/ohm meter, it is obviously even more invaluable still to know how to use one. And, with this electrician's how-to, you'll learn how to do just that. For more information, and to get started using and reading multimeters yourself, watch this free video guide.

How To: Troubleshoot problems in Ubuntu Linux

Ubuntu comes with pre-installed tools that can help solve problems you may encounter when using Ubuntu Linux. This video tutorial shows how to identify and address common problems in Ubuntu Linux. Such tools discussed include the system monitor, the log file viewer and the network tools.

How To: Construct a door for a debris hut

If you ever get lost in the wilderness, with no shelter you'll be happy that you watched this video beforehand. From Maine Primitive Skills School instructor Mike Douglas shows how to build a door to a shelter made out of debris as well as troubleshoots common problems. Don't lose to the wilderness... beat it with your own survival skills!

How To: Build a 19th century arc light

While it is common knowledge that Thomas Edison created the first light bulb, he was not the first to create a means of creating artificial light. That distinction goes to a man by the name of Humphrey Davy who created a means to light up a room called an arc light. The following video will give you a detailed step by step procedure for creating your own 19th century arc light using materials that can often be found right around the home.

How To: Find the volume of a rectangular prism easily

Finding the volume of a rectangular prism is something you will need to master to pass geometry. You may also use this equation in some science classes. This tutorial will show you exactly how to find the volume of a common rectangular prism. The video also offers two different examples and step by step instructions. Follow along with this video and you will soon have this concept down pat.

How To: Make a toga and laurel wreath

Two guys from the YES magazine project crew provide a simple and very cleanly humorous way to make a toga and laurel wreath out of simple and common art supplies and household items. Some of the materials required include: some laurel leaves, some green tissue paper, a bit of red ribbon, scissors, and some cloth (which should be purple if possible). As they explain this simple process, they never fail to display a few silly antics that can amuse the average viewer.

How To: Teach your man to dance

Does your man run every time he sees a dance floor? It's common. Luckily, YourTango put together this advice video on how to get your man out on the dance floor with you! By enrolling in a class, sparking up a low-key dance session in your living room, or implementing small trade-offs, you might just see a change of your heart from your better half in no time at all!

How To: Prevent athlete’s foot

There’s fungus among us, and it’s not just around athletes. Here’s how to prevent one of the most common skin problems. You will need rubber sandals, a towel, foot drying powder, breathable socks, leather or cotton canvas shoes, and an extra pair of sneakers (optional). Did you know? Roughly 70% of people in the U.S. have battled athlete's foot at one time or another.

How To: Play a B flat chord on the ukulele

This video tutorial will get you started playing B flat barre chords on the ukulele. In it, you'll find a number of tips and techniques for fretting the B flat chord and be advised of common pitfalls. For more information, and to get started playing B flat chords on your own uke at home, watch this helpful video guide.

How To: Ride in a group of bicycles

The riding style demonstrated in this how-to video is very common to take, is legal, and encouraged. If the road is too narrow or there is too much traffic, it might be safer to ride single file to make room for other vehicles. Watch this video cycling tutorial and learn how to ride in a group of bicycles.

How To: Give an intradermal injection in nursing

Studying to be a nurse? Then follow along with this nursing how-to video to learn how to administer an intradermal injection. This injection technique is very common in nursing. Watch and observe the nursing student as she shows you the proper protocol for an intradermal injection. Before starting always make sure to check the doctor's orders and have all your equipment handy.

How To: Discontinue an IV line in nursing

Studying to be a nurse? Then a very common procedure in nursing involves removing a saline lock or an IV line. This procedure is also called DC IV, or discontinue an IV. Follow along in this nursing how-to video to learn the proper protocol for discontinuing an IV line. Before DCing the IV always double check the doctor's orders and have your materials handy.

How To: Tie a Bowline Knot for boaters

The boaters at BoatUS know that the bowline knot can be one of the hardest knots for new boat owners to learn. In this instructional knot tying video, Matt and Ann demonstrate how to tie a bowline and talk about its common uses. Know your knots and learn how to tie a bowline knot with this boating tutorial video.

How To: Change desktop icons in Microsoft Windows Vista

One of the most common positives one hears about Windows Vista is that it's pretty. Indeed, Windows Vista has new icons, a new theme and it does look nice. But what if you want to add even more pizazz to your desktop? In this video tutorial, you'll learn how to change any desktop (shortcut) icon. For more information, and to get started changing icons on your own desktop, take a look!

How To: Prepare a fresh avocado and mango salsa

In this cooking how-to video Chef Mario makes a sweet n' spicy mango salsa with inexpensive, common ingredients. Follow along and learn how to prepare this modern twist on the old salsa recipe. All you need for this fresh salsa recipe is: mango, red pepper, tomato, cilantro, lime juice and avocado.

How To: Bend a carrot

Check out this instructional science video that demonstrates how to bend a carrot. From the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry's teacher curriculum, "No Hassle Messy Science with a Wow", this is an activity using common vegetables. Learn how to bend a carrot by watching the step by step instructions outlined in this science tutorial video.

How To: Use the Quick Access Toolbar in AutoCAD 2009

Heidi Hewett demos AutoCAD 2009 and shows you how to use the Quick Access Toolbar. The Quick Acces Toolbar starts in the top right corner of the AutoCAD 2009 interface and contains the most common tools like new, open, save, plot, redo and undo. Learn how to use the quick access toolbar and how to customize the toolbar to include the tools you use most in AutoCAD 2009.

How To: Chromakey in After Effects

This video editing software tutorial shows you how to remove green screen backgrounds using the chromakey tool in After Effects. Removing backgrounds from footage is a common function in After Effects. It allows you to put your subjects in new scenes, movies, effects and backgrounds. Learn how to chromakey in this After Effects CS3 tutorial.

How To: Make a homemade fish aquarium filter

This is a short video of a DIY filter for a small aquarium. It works off the same concept as a sponge filter, but could be built to use and common HOB filter. You will need a Cool Whip container, a PVC pipe, silicone, airline and a pump. Watch this video pet care tutorial and learn how to make an aquarium filter at home for your pet fish.

How To: Use the move tool in Google SketchUp

Take a look at this instructional video and learn how to use the move tool in Google SketchUp. The move tool is actually several tools combined into one. The move tool functions as an auto fold and an array tool as well. This tutorial covers how move is an auto-selecting tool, how to pre-select objects for more control, moving objects with precision, and some common problems.