Properly Conditioned Search Results

Decoding Produce Stickers: The Hidden Meaning Behind Fruit & Vegetable Labels

Like Costco's price codes or the tags on your bread, the numerical codes printed on those sticky little fruit and vegetable labels can reveal a lot of information to us consumers. Once you understand the codes, you can look at that little label (also known as PLU, or "price look up" label) and know whether the produce you're about to buy or eat was treated with pesticides, genetically modified, both, or neither. Before we go any further with deciphering the codes on these labels, let's take a...

Your Fridge: You're Using It Wrong

When you come home from the grocery store, you probably put away every single fruit and vegetable in the bins and drawers in your refrigerator. Any fifth grader knows that fridges work to preserve food, thus everything should go in there, right? Nope!

How To: Use Facebook Chat on Your PS3

One of the greatest consoles ever to exist in the world of gaming is the PlayStation 3, which even lets you do a million different things unrelated to games. But no matter how big of PS3 fan you are, you have to admit that the internal browser is not the greatest. Far from it. While you can access most websites from the PS3, a lot of those site's functions are limited, including Facebook. After reaching over one billion users earlier this month, Facebook is undoubtedly one of the most popular...

News: Why LEGO's New Monster Fighters Screams Steampunk DIY

For those who don't know, LEGO recently came out with a new line called Monster Fighters. This set is about fighting monsters, sure, but it's about fighting classic monsters in a Steampunk universe. Just look at this promotional picture from the LEGO site: That LEGO dude (properly called a minifig) is wearing a vest, pocket watch, bowler hat, and a mean smirk. Not to mention that he has a robotic leg. You won't find the word "steampunk" anywhere in this marketing campaign, but I call Steampun...

How To: Install an Off-the-Shelf Hard Drive in an Xbox 360 (Get 10x the GB for Your Money)

Since the day of the Xbox 360 release, storage space for the device has been overpriced beyond belief. OEM 250GB HDD models still cost $110 USD! A 250GB hard drive should not destroy my wallet, Microsoft. Storage space, especially on HDDs, is cheap. You can buy a removable 2TB external for only $100 USD, so it's a little beyond my comprehension to see how they calculate their MSRP to yield such a large profit. On the other hand, Xbox 360 had very impressive hardware specs back in the day, equ...

How To: Exercise with a weighted bar

Try adding some weighted bar exercises to your workout routine to not only strengthen you arms but to increase your core and back strength as well. Use heavier weights to build larger muscles and more reps at a lighter weight for lean strong muscle.

How To: Collect oil lamps

Watch these series of antique collecting videos to find out just what qualities make these oil lamps valuable. Our antiquing expert discusses the rarity of different patterns and chimneys and how to determine the ways condition affects their value. She also tells you how to use your prize lamp safely and even the best way to display them. You may not get your three wishes, but you can still have a satisfying collection of lamps.

How To: Get tips for anchors and knots when rock climbing

In these rock and mountain climbing instructional videos, learn how to set anchors for lead and top rope climbing. Having strong anchor points is crucial to a safe and successful climb. Get professional tips and techniques on using strong rope knots to secure your climb. Learn how to rock climb with natural anchors like trees and boulders. Discover how to join anchors together for a more stable climb in unstable conditions. Watch this series and use these tricks on your next rock climbing trip.

How To: Use the vibe disc

Take a look at this video clip series and introduce yourself to the newest workout craze, The Vibe Disc! Our expert is one of the co-developers of this new piece of fitness equipment. He will take you through several of the dozens of workout possibilities of the disc and give you tips on how to get the most out of them. You'll learn how to stay safe while using the disc and ways to incorporate other equipment into the workout for conditioning for a specific sport. Check it out and have fun ge...

How To: Be safe when welding

In this welding safety video series, learn from expert welder and welding teacher Malcolm MacDonald as he gives welding safety instructions, tips, and techniques on topics including: safety equipment (gloves, helmets); protecting yourself from fumes, fires, welding smoke, electric shocks; what not to do; welding on closed vessels; welding in wet conditions; handling gas cylinders; proper ventilation; tool safety; and tripping hazards.

How To: Walkthrough Lost Planet 2 on the Xbox 360

This walkthrough will help your through the entire gameplay of Lost Planet 2 for the Xbox 360. Lost Planet 2 is the sequel to the third-person shooter Lost Planet: Extreme Conditions, and besides the Xbox 360, is also available for the PlayStation 3 and Windows. It takes place 10 years later, back on the planet E.D.N. III, which has more foliage compared to its previous white, frozen entity. To see how to defeat the game, watch this walkthrough, which provides you with all of the knowledge to...

How To: Properly tie a toga for a party

Whether you're heading to a frat party, out for Halloween or just looking for a cool way to tie your towel at the beach - this video is here to help! Learn how to tie a toga, the ancient Greek way of dressing, and be ready for whatever costume situation may arise with a quick and cheap outfit!

How To: Make traditional Turkish coffee

In this video the Los Angeles Times test kitchen will show you how to make robust and sweet Turkish coffee. People take their coffee seriously and if you would like to do this coffee justice then follow the directions to really get the Turkish coffee experience.

How To: Tandem rig a soft plastic bait

If you need some help rigging a soft plastic fishing bait, this quick video can help. Use tandem rigging to get it done. The tandem rigging is liked when short strikes become an issue. As baits get increasingly longer, the second hook becomes increasingly important. Particularly recommend is tandem rigging on longer baits, such as 14” and 18” models.

How To: Dress preppy

Preppy fashions are associated with classic and conservative style of dressing and clothing brands. Get tips on properly dressing preppy from a fashion specialist in this free fashion video series.

Write Chinese characters: stroke order

In this video series, expert Bo Feng shows you the proper stroke order for writing Chinese characters properly. The long tradition of calligraphy has developed techniques for writing that will make your characters seem more authentic. Bo teaches you the seven rules of writing Chinese characters: top to bottom, left to right, upper left to bottom right, outside to inside, horizontal before vertical, left slant before right slant, and center before wings.

How To: Do card flourishes

Whether you are a budding magician, or just a card game enthusiast looking to bone up on his skills, impress your friends and learn some of the many ways to perform card flourishes. Our expert magician will demonstrate each flourish, with step-by-step instructions and tips for properly performing them.

How To: Use a chalk line marker and tape measure

In this free instructional video series on home and construction tools, learn tips on how to use a chalk line marker and a tape measure. One will allow you to mark a straight line across a variety of surfaces; the other will tell you where that line should go. Our expert will explain some of the basic features of both tools, as well as how to properly and effective use them for any given project.

How To: Use a stair master machine

In this video series, our expert shows you how to operate the common stair step machine. Though the stair stepper has amazing potential to burn calories, it can be dangerous if not used properly. Sheila Lindsey illustrates the proper way to use the stair master machine. She also shows you how to monitor and stay within your heart rate. Shelia also gives you great advice on organizing a cardio workout routine. So, before stepping up to the challenge, learn how to get the most out of your stair...

How To: Deal with rats

The best way to keep rats out is by making it difficult and unappealing for them to come inside. Keep your house clean and free of anything that a rat might want to eat. Rats can fit through very small opening so go on the defensive and keep rats where they belong.