Problem: Article: Aluminum shafts are the cheapest variety available. They are also thick and strong, so they are ideal for beginners. The downside of aluminum is that it is heavy and gets cold in cool weather. If the weather doesn't affect your hands, the frigid metal might. A paddle's shaft and blades aren't always made of the same material. Take both parts into account when choosing a paddle. Aluminum paddles range between $40 and $100 USD. Carbon-fiber is the lightest variety available. This makes it the best choice for long-distance traveling and frequent paddling. You won't tire out as fast when you use this style of shaft, but they are more prone to breaking. This shaft style can be helpful if you lack strength or experience joint or shoulder problems. Carbon-fiber paddles range between $100 and $300 USD. Fiberglass shafts are mid-priced and fall between aluminum and carbon-fiber in strength. They are a good option for most situations. A big benefit is that these shafts tend to come in a variety of colors and designs. These shafts can be a suitable choice for experienced kayakers who travel to a variety of environments. Fiberglass paddles range between $50 and $200 USD. The shafts on some paddles can break apart into as many as 4 pieces. These types of paddles can quickly be stored in a backpack or kayak compartment. It's helpful to have a spare collapsible paddle if you go whitewater kayaking, since your paddles will eventually break. These paddles can cost between $100 to $300 USD. Many people find this shaft style easier to grip. Oval-shaped shafts can help you orient the paddle blades at the correct angle in the water. This leads to a more efficient stroke, which means you won't tire out as fast. You can see the shape of the shaft by looking at its ends. Standard shafts are round instead of oval, so inspect the shape to make sure you get the kind you want. These paddles can cost anywhere from $45 to $300 USD. Bent paddles can be much easier to use than regular paddles. The bends in the shaft allow you to position your hands better. In addition to putting less stress on your joints, you can paddle with more energy. Bent shafts are harder to manufacture, so they usually cost between $275 and $400 USD.
Summary: Choose an aluminum shaft for durability. Pick a carbon-fiber shaft for a lightweight paddle. Get a fiberglass shaft for customization. Buy a collapsible paddle for easier storage. Use an oval-shaped shaft for easier paddling. Choose a bent shaft for more comfortable paddling.

Problem: Article: To create beads, you will need polymer clay in colors of your choosing, a hard and flat surface, a flat blade or craft knife, and a toothpick. Once you have created your beads, you'll also need to bake them and finish them (see part three). A piece of tile or glass works well for the hard, flat surface. Instead of the toothpick, you can also use an electric drill with a one-eighth-inch drill bit to drill holes in the beads. Stick all your beads in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes. This will allow the clay to firm up, which will make it easier to punch holes in them.
Summary: Assemble your tools. Refrigerate the beads.

Problem: Article: For you, Christmas is about one thing, and one thing only: celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Maybe the joy of the season has been lost by the secular nature of our society, or maybe you've been listening to the cynical entertainers on the radio telling you there's a "war on Christmas." None of that is relevant. Christmas is in your heart and in your faith. Everything else is noise and needless negativity. A beautifully-decorated tree, topped with a shining star, is as traditional as it is symbolic. Take extra care this year that your tree is everything you remember about the Christmases that used to inspire you. Fill your house with the scents and lights of the season. Put candles in the windows (electric ones are safer than flame candles)these were used by Irish Catholics to signal it was safe for priests to come and give them their sacraments, back during the Reformation when being Catholic could result in an early and generally painful demise. There is a wealth of holiday music that will bring forth warm memories of Christmases past, chief among those is the glorious Handel's Messiah. It is a work that is filled with familiarity, soaring themes, inspiring melodies, and brilliant passages. Christmas carols are also wonderful and inspiring to listen too. It's hard to stay outside the spirit of Christmas when the spirit is flowing through you with these celebratory songs of joy. To make them even more meaningful, gather some friends and family this year, and go Christmas caroling in your neighborhood. Just stay warm, and have some hot chocolate or apple cider for when you get home! Instead of making Christmas morning a present-shredding frenzy, begin the day by reading Luke 2:1-20. You can memorize it, or you can read it alone, or share it with your family. Remembering the real reason for Christmas will do much to restore your faith in both the season, and in humanity. On the very first Christmas, the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh were given to the baby Jesus, so you know gift giving is rooted in 2,000 years of tradition. Sadly, it's become almost completely about the gold, but that's not a tradition you need to foster. Give small, meaningful gifts to those you love, whether or not you expect anything in return. Make it something meaningful, and something symbolic of your relationship and love. Christmas Eve services are special celebrations that are rich in tradition and history, and will help you be filled with love and joy. Like the Christmas eve services, you will hear the story of Christmas, and share the celebration of this season with your faithful friends, neighbors, and family. That may vary, both on your tradition, your means, and your family. If you've always lavished your Christmas dinner with a great deal of attention and preparation and fuss, but you have grown weary of it, make it simple! Tell your family in advance, so they're not expecting the Christmas goose, and get grilled cheese sandwiches instead! Make your family's favorite dinnerwhether that's grilled tofu or your famous bacon-cheeseburgers, make what they love. Even if it's not a 4-course, gut-busting meal, they will be guaranteed to love it. And you'll love the lack of stress! Take a cue from the Jews, and eschew the home-cooked Christmas feast. Go to your favorite Chinese restaurant, and please pass the soy sauce! "Merry Christmas!"
Summary: Forget the crowds. Decorate your home. Turn on the music. Read the story of Christmas. Exchange gifts. Attend Christmas church services. Make the perfect Christmas dinner. Say this to yourself, and to all:

Problem: Article: The generally accepted minimum radio control system has two channels. Each pair of units, radio transmitter and radio receiving system, operates on a discrete frequency so that several radio control units can be operated at the same time and location without conflicting with one another. The number of channels refers to the number of functions the set will control directly. The basic two-channel system allows discrete control of the steering on one channel. The second channel operates the sail control which sets the position of the sails. The actual operation of the model is by manipulating the controls of the radio transmitter unit on the shore. The skipper controls the steering and the sails on the model. The model can be sailed as if it were a full-size yacht. The distance to which we can sail our model yacht is limited by the range of the radio transmitter and receiver in the control system and by the capability of the human eye. Visibility is crucial for setting sail trim and course - and also for avoiding collisions.
Summary:
Know what to expect with radio control. Be aware that the controller will use channels. Learn how to manipulate the controls. Note that you are limited by your visibility.