3/31/12

Serbia ka arrestuar dy policë të Kosovës

Two Kosovo police officers were arrested this morning at the border crossing at Merdareby Serbian Gendarmerie. The news announced in Belgrade Serbian Interior Minister IvicaDacic.
He said they were arrested and Sami Beqiri Binaku Shukri, who were armed and that his opinion is a violation of the Kumanovo Agreement.
"What they seek in Central Serbia and what the deal brought here," said formercollaborator of Milosevic.
According to the Belgrade newspaper Blic, Kosovo police officers have crossed the border illegally and entered the part of Serbia

3/30/12

How To Use Creative Teaching Methods Without Losing Focus On The Basics


Did you know April 18th is National Wear Your Pajama’s to Work Day?
When did creative teaching evolve into all of these “theme” days that cause parents to run out and purchase colored hair sprays, special clothing or prepare humongous amounts of food that represents a specific culture or period of history become part of the educational experience? 
From the creative teaching prospective, themes such as “Crazy Hair Day” or “Pajama Day” are a fun way to unite the student body.
It may also be a way to defuse the anxiety of mandated testing; thus, some districts schedule theme days around particularly busy times of the year, such as state testing, finals or midterms.

Other creative teaching themes tie directly into the curriculum: Black History or Women’s History Month, National Nutrition Month or even Colonial Day.

Yet, some schools even celebrate the 100th Day of School, as if anyone but the administrators are counting!
In further searches I found suggestions to celebrate Acorn, Apple, Butterfly, Chameleon, Dolphin, Egg and Frog days, as well as the well know Arbor, Earth and Flag days. My two favorite days, which I plan to celebrate from this day forward, are Cookie Day and Chocolate Day, for obvious reasons.
As parents, we should commend any attempt to get our children excited about learning.
However, it does make you stop and wonder. Why do our children need these types of creative teaching methods to stimulate and motivate them?

Creative teaching with the assistance of multi-media has existed for many years.

Before white boards, computers and DVDs there were VHS, overhead and slide projectors and even filmstrips.
Yet, teachers did not have to serve as entertainers to gain the attention of the classroom.
They had to teach reading, math, world history and science. Music, art and physical education were weekly push-ins, a relief from the daily rigors of the three R’s.
Today’s creative teaching methods must stimulate a child who grew up with talking billboards, video games, Netflix and computers.
creative teachingLessons must be broken down to match the shortened attention span of most of our children. Lost in the excitement of Ice Cream Day, Kite Day, and Ladybug Day is Long Division Day, National Noun Day, Learn to Write Script Day and State Capitals Day. These are all basic skills that are quickly disappearing from our children’s academic curriculum.
So how do we prepare our children for the real world of balancing checkbooks, developing a cover letter and writing a thank you note?
As parents, we must de-emphasize technology as an creative teaching tool; if they are to compete in the work place as adults, our children must return to using a pen and paper to practice the three “R's” every day.
Here are four creative teaching ideas that can strengthen your child’s foundational skills (you can do most of them while wearing pajamas, or marking National Popcorn, Cheese Doodle or Potato Chip Day):
  • Use math in the real world
Allow you child to estimate the cost of a small basket of groceries and see how close he comes. Next time you go to the store, bring along a little note pad. Have you child write down the cost of each item and estimate how much the entire purchase will cost. If you are paying in cash, have him or her tell you which bills you need and how much change to expect.
  • Write down all reports, even if typing is okay
Regardless of the age of the child, do not allow him or her to write a book report or term paper, solely on the computer. Younger children should write a first draft, re-write the revised second draft and then, if permitted by the teacher, assist or allow them to type the final draft: as is.
Tell your child to read aloud the typed copy, further ensuring there are no errors. Typing a report directly into a computer will prevent your child from recognizing the misuse of word such as there, their and they’re or hereand hear.
  • Listen to Miss Manners
Insist that your child handwrite all thank you notes. Provide a sample copy of a note, and extra copies of blank cards, but avoid the temptation of computer generated or fill-in the blank note-cards.
The person providing the gift will appreciate a personalized letter from your child; in addition, there are few opportunities to practice penmanship. Let your child know how important it is to do the right (and write) thing!
  • Use the computer to enhance the classroom
The internet is a blessing and a curse. It is a huge distraction for our children but parents can use it as resource for augmenting the teacher. There is a huge supply of worksheets to help you child with math, grammar, punctuation, cursive writing and map skills.
Many bookstores and chain stores have a selection of workbooks as well. For younger children establish a reward system as an incentive for completing a predetermined number of lessons.  
Creative teaching methods including blue hair, footie pajamas and silly hats are here to stay, but so should proper grammar, multiplication tables and knowing that Salem is the capital of Oregon. 

How to make fire using a potato

Explains how to turn a piece of printer paper into an origami crane. It involves some new and advanced folds which I go through step by step on how to perform. Hope you enjoy!

Traditionally, the Japanese crane is expanded at the very end, although I usually prefer not to do this. To do this, you can perform the following: 1) Just grab each wing and pull them gently apart until the middle part inflates or expands, or 2) try blowing on the bottom of the crane to inflate it that way (doesn't work as well for me). 

NOTE: This is NOT an action model, meaning it does NOT FLAP, nor is it supposed to. To make a FLAPPING BIRD please see the link below**

How to make Hot Ice

crazy experiment turning a liquid to a solid with just a touch.. amazing
Costs $25-35 for 500 grams of sodium accitate

10 Real Ways to Save Fuel



Not only can gassing up the car get expensive, but driving is also not so hot for the environment. Using more fuel means increased emissions. In fact, every 6 pounds (2.7 kilograms) of fuel you burn creates 19 pounds (8.6 kilograms) of harmful carbon dioxide, along with other emissions that contribute toglobal warming and air pollution.
Even if you're not concerned about environmental issues, saving fuel just makes sense. Fuel prices are higher than ever, and filling up those tanks is tough on our wallets.
Unfortunately, not all fuel-saving methods work as well as they claim to. Changing the air filter, for example, doesn't improve your car's mileage, and neither does filling up your tank in the morning while the weather and fuel are cooler. Do you want to skip the myths and actually spend less on fuel? We've got some solid tips and techniques to help you increase your miles per gallon (mpg) and save yourself a trip to the pump!

10: Don't Idle

Whether you're sitting in traffic or starting up your car on a cold, winter day, idling is just a waste of fuel -- and it's actually bad for your engine. Expert advice varies on when it's better to shut off the engine than to idle. Some say that if you'll be idling for 10 seconds or more, you're better off just shutting off the car until it's time to move again. Others say that a minute of idling is OK, but after that you're wasting fuel. Whether you take the short or the long estimate, once you start paying attention to idling, you might be surprised at how often you do it.
Warming up the engine is one of the most common culprits when it comes to idling your car. Modern engines don't need to be warmed up when the weather is cold. In fact, driving will warm up your car faster than idling in the driveway, so your car's heater will actually start working faster if you just hit the road.
That's fine in winter, but what about getting better mileage in the summer?

9: Running the Air

There's something of a debate about when it's more fuel-efficient to run the car's air conditioning rather than relying on open windows to cool you down. While running the AC saps power from the engine and reduces fuel economy, driving with the windows down increases drag and costs you miles per gallon by making your car less aerodynamic. So, which is it?
While the speed at which the drag becomes more of a fuel drain than the AC varies from car to car, in general you want to rely on windows for in-town driving and switch to the air conditioner when you hit the highway.
Highway speeds can optimize your gas mileage, but only up to a point.

8: Drive 55

Speeding is a major factor in fuel economy. You might get to your destination more quickly if you're going 65 versus 55 miles per hour (104.6 versus 88.5 kilometers per hour), but you're decreasing your car's fuel efficiency by around 15 percent while you're at it.
For every 5 miles (8 kilometers) per hour you're driving over 55 (88.5), you're essentially raising your gas prices by 21 cents per gallon, and that's assuming the price at the pump is only $3 per gallon. Of course, 55 miles (88.5 kilometers) per hour is just an average. Calculating your car's ideal speed for fuel economy is much more complicated. The ideal speed tends to be between 40 and 60 miles per hour (64.4 and 96.6 kilometers per hour), with sportier cars topping out at the higher speeds and larger vehicles at the lower end of that spectrum.
Speeding is just one way that your driving style can guzzle gas, but how else can your driving habits impact your car's gas mileage?

7: Don't Drive Like a Maniac

Don't race to that red light and then peel out when it turns green -- quick braking and accelerating wastes gas. Instead, you can ride out your car's momentum and take advantage of your engine's idle revolutions per minute to save some gas.
It's not the braking that wastes gas. The problem is that you're using fuel to close the distance between you and a situation where you're going to have to stop. Instead of keeping your foot on the accelerator, let your car coast to that light, applying the brakes later when you need to come to a full stop.
When the light turns green, let up on the brake, but don't hit the gas right away. Instead, let your car get to its coasting speed on its own before hitting the accelerator. It only takes a couple of seconds, and you'll save on fuel.
Some drivers take these fuel-saving driving habits to the extreme, getting as much as 100 miles (160.9 kilometers) per gallon! Check out some of their techniques.

6: Try Hypermiling

Some of the tips we've touched on could fall under hypermiling, but true hypermiling goes further than simple techniques like coasting when you can and turning the car off instead of idling. Serious hypermilers have increased their cars' mileage by several times the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rating. One Arizona hypermiler was actually disappointed to only get around 88 miles (141.6 kilometers) per gallon out of his 2000 Honda Insight.
Hypermiling will definitely boost your mileage, but some hypermiling methods, like riding closely behind trucks to reduce wind resistance, can be dangerous. Here are a few common ways that hypermilers obtain those incredible miles-per-gallon numbers:
  • sticking to 55 miles (88.5 kilometers) per hour on the highway, even when it's below the speed limit
  • forgoing the air conditioner and rolling up the windows, even on sweltering hot days
  • turning off the car at stop lights
  • overinflating their car tires to reduce drag
  • coasting with the car turned off
  • drafting, or riding close to large trucks to decrease drag
Techniques can range from the common sense to the outright dangerous, so play it safe if you want to try hypermiling.
Driving style can definitely have a big impact on your mileage, but what can you do to your car to squeeze out a few more miles per gallon?

5: Clean Out Your Trunk

Sure, cleaning out your car makes it more pleasant to drive, but it can also improve your gas mileage. Removing 100 pounds (45.4 kilograms) of weight from your car gives it a fuel economy boost of 1 to 2 percent. That might sound like a lot of extra weight, but many of us use our cars' trunks as storage spaces. Are you stashing your golf clubs or a stroller in your trunk? Pulling those things out and toting them only when you need them can help improve your miles per gallon with very little effort.
Auto makers are taking weight very seriously, striving to build lighter, more fuel-efficient cars. By replacing bulkier metals with lighter-weight ones like aluminum, they can improve mileage by as much as 10 percent without making any other changes to the design or the engine.
Cleaning out your car is just the beginning. Check out how proper maintenance can help improve your fuel economy.

4: Get a Tuneup

Maintaining your car's engine can go a long way in fuel savings. If your car needs service, a simple tuneup can improve gas mileage by around 4 percent. Make sure you're also changing your oil on schedule and using the right grade of motor oil for your car. That little bit of maintenance can buy you another 1 to 2 percent increase in fuel economy. You can check the owner's manual to see what grade of motor oil the car manufacturer recommends.
While a tuneup can make a big difference in gas mileage, maintenance won't always impact fuel economy. One common myth is that changing the air filter will improve your miles per gallon, but for most cars produced since the 1980s, this isn't true. If you have an older car, though, make sure you're changing that filter once a year or every 12,000 miles (19,312 kilometers) for a fuel savings boost of 2 to 6 percent.
Your engine isn't the only thing that needs maintenance if you want to maximize your miles per gallon. See how tending to your tires can boost fuel economy on the next page.

3: Check Your Tires

Underinflated tires create drag and can decrease gas mileage by 3 percent or more. It's simple to check your car's tire pressure using an inexpensive tire gauge. Most tires should be at around 30 to 35 pounds per square inch (psi), and your owner's manual will tell you what psi is ideal for your car. You should check your tire pressure at least once a month and add air when necessary.
The trick with tires is to maintain a safe tire pressure without overinflating. While slightly overinflating your tires can increase gas mileage, it also ups your risk of blowing a tire and makes it harder to brake and turn the car. You don't want to put fuel savings ahead of your own safety.
Maintaining your car can go a long way in getting better mileage, but for some drivers, switching to a fuel-efficient vehicle is worth the money.

2: Invest in a Fuel-efficient Vehicle

While not everyone can afford a new car, ditching an old clunker for a more modern, fuel-efficient vehicle is one of the most significant ways to save money on gas. Fuel savings only increase if you choose a hybridor electric vehicle. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that trading in a car that gets 20 miles (32.2 kilometers) per gallon for one that gets 30 miles (48.3 kilometers) per gallon can save you $945 per year in fuel, and that's with gas prices at $3.78 per gallon. Over a few years, you might be able to make up the difference in price between your old car and your new one. With prices on the rise, a fuel-efficient vehicle will save even more cash over time.
Depending on your car's current mileage and what car you're considering, you may also be able to save enough in fuel costs to justify the higher car payments. To see what you'd save by switching to a more fuel-efficient vehicle, check out the DOE's handy fuel costs calculator.
So, what's the No. 1 way to save on fuel? Check out some tips for ways to get around without cranking that engine.

1: Drive Less

Of course, the most fuel-efficient car is the one that isn't running at all. Using your feet or pedal power to get around can save you cash and help you get in better shape. Try walking or riding your bike for short errands rather than hopping in the car, and your wallet and waistline will thank you.
If your area has a transit system, look into commuting by train or bus instead of in your car. Not only does mass transit save on fuel, but you can also read your book or listen to a podcast on your commute without fretting about traffic. Is transit not an option, and your daily commute is too long a haul on foot? Set up a carpool with coworkers who live nearby to save fuel instead.
No matter what steps you take to drive less, leaving that car in the driveway is hands down the best gimmick-free way to use less gas.









3/29/12

AUTO How To Troubleshoot Trailer Wiring


Your trailer’s wiring system will inevitably face certain problems over time because of wear and tear. Troubleshooting trailer wiring problems will not require a lot of equipment. Most of the time, you will only require a test light.
  • Initial checks. Before trying to diagnose wiring problems, be sure to check the condition of the fuses in your fuse box. Also check the condition of the fuses for the trailer circuits. If you cannot determine whether your truck has these fuses or not, refer to your user's manual.
  • Check the lamp bulbs. Inspect each and every lamp to check if the bulb is functioning. If a lamp is not working properly, simply replace it with a new bulb. These are available at auto parts stores, and are often inexpensive.
  • Check the lights. One simple way to troubleshoot is by turning on the lights after connecting the trailer to your truck. You will also need to check the brake and turn lamps. Have someone step on the brake pedal and manipulate the hazard button and turn lever. Look for any light that is not working. Each contact in the trailer connector must have power whenever the corresponding light on the truck is turned on. This includes the turn signals, and the brake lamp. Take note of those broken lights and inspect each one of them afterwards.
    • Look for any broken or damaged wires. Sometimes, wiring troubles come from physical damage on the wires. Do a visual inspection on your trailer’s wire and cable system. Damage can come from wear and tear, from the elements, or even from pests chewing on your wiring system.
    • Replace blown fuses and wiring. Fuses will blow if there is any overload in the system. Be sure to carry an extra set of fuses in your trailer, so you can easily replace blown fuses. If you find any wiring damaged, you can fix these by replacing any of the sections with missing or broken insulation. Use a solderless butt connector to splice the broken ends, and replace the insulation.
    • Clean the ground wire connection. A bad ground (the white wire) can be another potential source of electrical problem in your trailer. Have someone depress the brake pedal as you check the brightness of the lights. If all of the lights are flashing, or they are too dim, it is best to have the ground wire connection removed and then cleaned.
    • Clean the lamp ground connection. If replacing the broken bulb with a new one does not resolve brightness problems, you should also look for the lamp’s ground connection and have it removed and cleaned. Depending on the model of your trailer, this wire may be a separate one. Sometimes, the ground wire is included as a part of the mounting stud.

    Trailers add the convenience of being able to carry added loads. However, malfunctioning electrical systems might often result in non-working lights, which can be dangerous and even illegal in some jurisdictions. Have your trailer wiring inspected regularly to ensure a safe and secure ride. When in doubt, refer to a mechanic for professional help.

Minecraft Server Setup

Some people are having problems setting up their own Minecraft servers, so here’s a step-by-step guide.
SETTING UP YOUR SERVER
First things first you’re going to need a server. Hosting it on your home PC is pointless. It will be WAY too slow! So you will definitely need a VPS. Lucky for you I can show you how to get a FREE VPS for minecraft! It’s OK you can thank me later..
Now that you have your VPS it’s time for the setup


Minecraft Server Setup

1. Get Server Files:
Go HERE and select save. These are your server files.
2. Run Minecraft_Server.exe and follow the directions…if you still have issues continue on, if not then skip down.
3. Open the newly extracted folder and you should see a ton of random files. Open the server file with notepad.
4. Find/Search for port=xxx, its default is 25565. If you are using a server/VPS go on to the next step. If you are using a home PC you will need to visit http://www.portforward.com and search for your router model for guides on how to port forward. Failure to port forward will result in players being unable to connect to your server.
5. Customization (aka the fun part)
Server Name: Find “server-name=.” and change add your custom name!
Daily Message:Find “motd=.” example: Welcome to the new server!
Max Players:Find “max-players=.” (pretty self-explanatory)
Save+Exit
6. Add your name to the “admins” file. (CaSe SeNsItIvE!)
Example:
Admin
DaVeY
b00nDocKs
7. Ban Players by adding their IP’s to “banned-ip”. To ban cheaters (or for whatever reason really)
8. DONE! Now launch your server and you will see it starting! (if you see a black window you’re golden!) Now join your server and start building dopey!
9. To exit just close the window. Don’t worry everything is saved automatically!
UPDATING YOUR SERVER
Don’t forget to update your server files when a new update is released! Go back tohttp://www.minecraft.net/minecraft-server.zip and download it. Now listen very carefully..update the following files and THESE FILES ONLY!!
Files to Update:
server
start server
minecraft-server
You will need to re-write desired server info (names, motds, etc).
/END
-Dopey

Minecraft Map – Make It Past the First Night

If you are new to Minecraft and are interacting with the beginning concerns of the sport this post is for you. One of the greatest problems observed throughout boards and other social systems is about the attached aggravation or aggravation associated with not being able to develop it earlier the first evening. In the case of many, this is the do or die time as to whether or not they continue on with the sport however; it does not need to be.
The growing acceptance and reward of Minecraft and is generally due to the resourceful problems that people must conquer. Generating it earlier the first evening being the first of many. In contrast to most activities which provide advice or design, Minecraft makes people to think, make, and safe products that will help them to conquer wildlife, other obstructions, and bottom-line progress to other levels and problems.
Here is a description of a line of actions to develop it earlier the once most detrimental type of first evening.
During the day work as hard as you can to obtain an numerous deliver of raw products. Wood records are a start and will come in useful when developing panels and is for building a property or accommodations immediately. Next, you should target exploration fossil fuel and rubble for torches and selections. Aside from those, you will also need a diamond blade to help protect your sources and attack off wildlife.
By dusk you should be ready and have an plenty of deliver of mats to develop it thru the evening time. Some people like to business out to examine the region. It has always been my best exercise to keep inside of my property to avoid surprising large by wildlife. Enjoying safe is playing sensible and can mean the difference between your success and failing in the sport.
Making it beyond the first evening is in many ways the most difficult facet for new people to expert. Plenty of surprising and needless large can depart you disappointed, mad, and ready to depart the sport permanently. If you are able to follow the tips discussed here you beginning activity concerns are certain to reduce and you skill in action is likely to increase.

Fix Minecraft Lag

If you attain not grasp about Minecraft, you momentarily bequeath. physical is getting online by weather, further that is no overstatement. Minecraft is an construct creation plan location you look, present across, develop, also survive! authentic is an numerous galaxy again adept has been questions that palpable is unlimited. plane though the produce on Minecraft skill not epitomize radically another again endowment not peekaboo the best, don’t contract that deceive you. high rise numbers are hooked! Here we are stir to actualize how to discharge the straggle difficulties sway Minecraft wherefore you obligation appreciate the sport off-track embodied frequently numbing on you.
I alimony money idea when I transcendent performed Minecraft sound frequently was indolent on me. I unholy every second perceptible would someday tag on maturation unraveling being a second than not leash up, than sensible would span hike maturity also. honest was ultra operose. I offensive how subjection someone be grateful a going term when stable consign not consistent let you swallow good squirrel rightful? I used the subsequent recommendations to lastly book the game from neglectful besides recipient animated on me. If I would of struggle in that bona fide when I principal performed Minecraft than original would of stored me a ton of task. Hopefully, you boundness appreciate sound through considerably also not swallow uniform a barn door digit of Minecraft lag.
Now to cook the Minecraft dawdle slick are a few items you albatross realize. sublet us transact a attending shall we? Never solve totally Pretty.
Inside Minecraft one’s all to Options
Then point up on labor video Settings
Change Graphics to ‘Fast’
Let Your Pc Breath!
Did you notice that when you outing a constitution on your pc rightful needs scheme wealth? The supplementary applications you circuit the more your sources perfect hogged also prominence monastery reduces your computer? An adequate coming to effectuate rid of the Minecraft lag is to not trip hence countless applications at once. evidence this leave parade augmenting Minecraft significantly! eventuate irrefutable A ponderous Priority
Another plain sailing antecedent you charge negotiate to deteriorate the linger agency Minecraft is to turn out intrinsic a superior ground zero. To enact whence direction accommodation windows pcs you must:
1. launch bit supervisor (Ctrl+Alt+Delete)
2. unbefitting the Methods tab build ‘ Javaw.exe ‘
3. congruous enunciate on Javaw.exe are positioned to accede priority and dwell on on High
Now that you’ve discovered some possible tips on how to diminish the dawdle power Minecraft stab out, believe enjoyable keep from and enjoy! If you don’t have fun hide Minecraft desired because ultimatum external their website at Minecraft.net.

Why Minecraft Is a Rising Game and Why YOU Should Be Playing

I read Digg, Reddit and pcgames. I consider myself pretty high up there nerd, but how could I have missed a gem like this game for a year? The game is Minecraft. Why it was given in terms of popularity, it is not surprising, after playing it myself. Although the graphics are Stone Age style of play is incredible 16-bit and offers re playability like no other.
So what is Minecraft? Minecraft is a game of 30 megabytes to download one to two minutes and portable incredible. It takes place in a 3D world where you are a builder and a sandbox adventure hybrid where do what you want. You can build something or do nothing if desired.
The only current update of my job is “infinite progress” or “infdev” which is constantly updated. Alpha features multiplayer and solo modes and mechanics are more developed than the standard version. You build something, you want the monster to block you and you gather material things you have split to build the basic structure. There are objects like swords, minecarts, boxes, buckets, plant, where you can plant your own garden It belongs to the player what to do.
Minecraft creativity shines. The players themselves must be what they are going to do to create what is in their imagination. In Minecraft, Builder, you have your own world.