user: Old-style top-loading washers use 40 to 45 gallons (150 to 170 L) per load, but you can cut that in half by using high-efficiency top-loading washers or front-loaders. Not only do these machines use much less water, but they also get your clothes cleaner. Front-loaders use much less water and energy than top-loaders, so do some research beforehand to pick out which washing machine you think would be best. Don’t just throw some socks and two shirts in the washing machine - put a full load of laundry in so that you’ll be sure to not waste water.  While you want the washing machine to be full, don't overload it. If you put too many clothes in there you'll strain the machine and your clothes won't get as clean.  When washing your clothes, use the economy mode - this will save you both water and electricity! It takes water to create energy, and energy is needed to heat up your water. By choosing to wash your clothes in cold water, you'll save water and energy. Using cold water prevents stains from setting and colors from bleeding as well. This may not be possible to do with all of your clothes, but try to hang-dry as many dresses, shirts, pants, etc. as possible. The dryer uses lots of energy, which in turn uses lots of water to help create that energy. Many items of clothing, such as jeans and sweaters, don’t need to be washed every time you wear them. Try to be aware of which items of clothing are truly dirty and which could be worn again. This will not only save water, but will save wear and tear on your clothes!  It’s normal to wear pajamas two or three times before having to wash them, especially if you shower before going to bed. Do change socks and underwear daily, but wear slacks, jeans, and skirts more than once between washings. When wearing a sweatshirt or sweater over another shirt, you only need to wash the innermost layer regularly. Hang towels on a rack to air dry after you shower, and use them multiple times between washings.
++++++++++
One-sentence summary -- Replace your washing machine with a high-efficiency washer. Make sure you’re washing a full load of laundry. Use cold water instead of warm water. Dry your clean clothes on a drying rack. Do less laundry.


Once you've got your measurement, roll out your tape measure to the right length. Place the body of the measure at the side of the tile and the hook at the start of the pencil line you marked. With 1 hand on the body of the measure and the other holding the hook, drag the hook in a quick, fluid motion along the length of the tile.  If you're using a wood tile or a tile of another material, use a pencil to mark the score on the tile with a ruler. You may want to cut your tiles about 0.125 inches (0.32 cm) shorter than the measurements taken from your ceiling grid. This will ensure that the tile does not fit so tightly in the grid that it is hard to install. Place your knife's edge at the start of the tile. Hold the tile in place by grabbing the side firmly with your free hand. Use your hip to hold the corner of the tile in place, well away from the path of the blade. Push the blade into the tile and drag it along the line in a rapid motion. Use a saw to cut your wood tile, a buzz saw for tin tiles, and either a jigsaw or non-melt blade to cut through plastic. This time, push your knife further into the tile and use plenty of pressure as you drag it back across the material. Make sure you keep plenty of downward pressure on the knife to cut through the deeper layers of the ceiling tile. Don't use a sawing motion. You may rip the tile and damage it beyond repair in that spot. Continue with the cutting process, each time forcing your knife deeper into the tile and pulling back in a smooth motion. Keep cutting until you reach the work surface or the tiles come apart without you pulling. Don't try to pull the 2 parts of tile apart with your hands. Wait until they are completely separated by the cutting action.
++++++++++
One-sentence summary -- Score the width of the tile with the hook of a tape measure. Make your first pass along the line with a sharp utility knife. Cut the tile again with the utility knife making a deeper incision. Keep cutting the tile, making deeper and deeper passes each time.


It is important that you can see how the trick appears to your audience, so you can get a feel the angle at which you need to hold your thumbs so they are partially hidden. This means your left thumb is resting against the side of your hand that is pointed to the sky, and the back of your hand is facing your audience. Imagine where your audience will be standing (preferably directly in front of you), and be careful not to angle your hand so they can see behind your palm. Your thumb should be bent at a 90° angle, with only the bottom half (the half below your knuckle) visible to someone standing directly in front of you. It should appear as though you have one very long thumb--the left thumb providing the part below the knuckle, and your right hand making up the part above the knuckle, or the part with the nail. This covers the one area where it is obvious that people are seeing two bent thumbs held together, instead just your left thumb lying flat against the side of your hand. Your index and middle fingers will naturally move with your thumb. It will look like the tip of your left thumb has detached and you are pulling it apart. You may find you have to adjust the angle of at which you bend your thumbs for it to look convincing. If you are left handed, the trick is exactly the same, just reverse it so your right thumb is the bottom of the thumb and your left thumb makes the tip.
++++++++++
One-sentence summary --


assistant: Stand in front of a mirror to practice. Hold your left hand out with the palm facing you. Bend your left thumb back toward your body. Bend your right thumb at a 90° angle and lay it on the side of your left hand so that the knuckles of your thumbs are touching. Curl the index and middle fingers of your right hand over your thumb knuckles where they touch. Slide your right thumb to the right, along the length of your left hand. Practice this movement until it feels comfortable and fluid.