Article: If you want to make cool-looking costume staves for live action roll playing or cosplay, wooden dowels, available at any hardware store, are the perfect choice. They're already uniform and clean, available in many lengths and widths. Other options for the base of your staff include: Old broom or mop handles Broken hockey sticks Axe handles Shovel handles Curtain rods PVC pipe Red and black work best to give your wizard's staff a cool and metallic finish. It'll look like something other than what it is, which is the idea. For a cool effect, do a base wrap with black tape and then wrap red electrical tape winding down the staff, like a devious serpent or dripping blood. No staff would be complete without a gazing ball atop it. For a cool effect, look for small bouncy balls in the toys section at the store, or check out other kinds of lightweight balls that would look appropriate. Some are streaked with psychedelic colors that would be perfect for a staff. If you want to change the color, get some spray paint and paint it carefully outside, making sure you're in a well-ventilated area and have adult supervision. At the top of your staff, you might also want to hang scarves or other decorations to complete the kind of staff you want. Get creative and go crazy. To make sure you've got a good grip on your staff while you're on the battlefield, it's a good idea to fashion something to hold onto. If you've got an old football lying around, cut the seams apart and use one of the individual diamond-shaped sections to fashion a leather-like wrap-around grip that you can hold onto. Sew it together with twine for a perfect rustic-finish. Alternatively, you could get another color of electrical tape and wrap around the area several times to get a hand-shaped place to hold.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Buy dowels of the appropriate length and thickness. Wrap your staff with electrical tape. Find a crystal ball for the top of your staff. Create a handgrip from leather or electrical tape.
Article: Natural hair can sometimes struggle to get completely straight, and running the flat iron over your hair too much can cause damage. If you struggle to get your hair straight without damaging it, go for a semi-straight, wavy look instead. If you have natural hair, you should not use a flat iron with only one or two settings. Get a flat iron that allows you to customize the heat settings. Do not use a setting above 350F (177C). Check the material when buying your flat iron. Natural hair does best with a flat iron that's 100% ceramic. Ceramic materials are less likely to damage natural hair.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Don't go for perfectly straight hair if your hair won't allow it. Invest in a flat iron with custom settings. Opt for a ceramic flat iron.
Article: If you don't practice then you'll never be good. It takes a lot of hard work. Many drummers will tell you that they are self-taught. This leads some drummers to think that lessons are not necessary and they'll often avoid it altogether. We're here to tell you that, without a firm foundation, you could pick up some real bad habits that may take you years to "unlearn". Find a reputable, qualified teacher and study the foundation of drumming before you do anything else. Make sure you know how to read music and that you know the different styles of drumming. Remember that a drum kit is as good as the person playing it. A fantastic drum kit tuned and played by a beginner will sound awful, whereas a cheap no name drum kit that is tuned and played by a seasoned drummer can actually sound wonderful. That being said, sturdy hardware is no unnecessary luxury. Get a drum throne that suits your height and supports your weight, and that you can keep proper balance on. Make sure your pedals rum smoothly. And last but not least, make sure your drums and cymbals are stable on their stands. There is an old saying; "Out of Sight, Out of Mind" and it is one of the truest things ever written. You can be one of the best but if no one sees you play, you can't possibly get hired. Learn marketing techniques and get out in front. Make sure everyone in town knows who you are. Sit in on jam sessions and hand out business cards. Leave no stone unturned. One thing weightlifters understand is that progress in building a muscle really starts when you push past that point where you want to quit. The same goes for drumming too. If you'll really dedicate yourself and practice diligently, you will see a remarkable difference in your playing. Go the extra mile and don't settle for mediocrity. Warm up before every gig, play for the music (not for yourself), be on time, and act professionally. Your reputation will determine how much you work. If you don't take yourself seriously, other musicians won't take you seriously. You will learn much more playing in bands than practicing in your bedroom. Never turn down a gig and always be willing to play unfamiliar styles of music. You won't know what your style is if you only copy beats, and once you join a band you can't copy beats for your own music. Never double book yourself and if you really have to cancel a gig, make sure you recommend a reliable dep to fill in.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Practice! Take drum lessons. Have the best gear. Market yourself. Follow the "no pain, no gain," mantra. Be professional. Play with other musicians at every opportunity. Develop your own style.