Problem: Article: On the days you're not practicing practice, read some of the classic literature on kung fu and combat, such as Sun Tzu, Bruce Lee, Tak Wah Eng, David Chow and Lam Sai Wing. These will teach you about the two schools of kung fu: Shaolin. This is the oldest school of kung fu. This type is known for "external" moves and practices that strengthen muscles, ligaments and tendons. It is what most people think of when they think of kung fu. Wu Dung. This school is slightly newer and is an interpretation of the original concept of kung fu. It is known for it's "internal" moves and practices that strengthen and manipulate chi or life force. It is more about focus, zen, and internal power. In many of these moves, it is helpful to think in terms of animals this is, after all, the origin of this martial art. It may also put you in the proper mindset and allow you to tap into your potential. There is a story that says a man from New Zealand once dug a 3 feet (0.9m) deep hole and practiced jumping in and out of it. Over time he dug deeper and, little by little, he turned into a humanoid kangaroo. Not only should you think of animals when you're combating, but when you're practicing, too. Japanese samurai used meditation to enhance their fighting skills. They believed (and rightfully so) that it gave them clarity and helped them see what the right attack would be. It allowed their minds to clear and for everything to slow down. The same is still true today. Just 15 minutes or so a day of meditation may help you find inner balance and power. Think of being in a car accident. While it's happening, everything just sort of slows down. This is the state of meditation. This peaceful, zen state can be useful in fighting because everything becomes slower, allowing you to react faster. The only way to truly get in the mind of a kung fu artist is to keep practice. Alone, the moves may seem silly. You may seem like you're not getting anywhere. But if you practice every day, meditate, and are reading literature, it can become a way of life you can't believe you ever lived without. Try practicing in the air, against a punching bag, and sparring with a friend. Seek out the next challenge as you get better and better. Always fix yourself and make constant corrections. Review your source material and make sure you're doing it correctly. Otherwise, you're not truly doing kung fu.
Summary: Know the two main schools of kung fu. Think of the moves as animals. Meditate. Practice, practice, practice.

Problem: Article: You can create a pattern for the head of the riding toy by drawing the shape of the head freehand on cardboard or poster board. Optionally, enlarge, photocopy and print an illustration you want to use for a pattern. Include a long neck on the stick horse pattern. You will now have 2 identical pieces. Leave the bottom of the neck open to insert the dowel.
Summary: Make a pattern for the head. Cut out the pattern along the outlines. Fold the fabric in half. Place your pattern on the fabric and cut around it. Sew the 2 pieces together to make a head for the stick horse.

Problem: Article: This information is found on the label of a container of fish food that you would buy at a pet store or big box store. Fish can also eat small pieces of vegetables like peas or zucchini after they're cleaned and blanched. Consider creating a chart to help you keep track of when to feed your fish. This will tell you if you have dangerous levels of ammonia, nitrate, or nitrite, meaning the water needs to be changed or treated. Water testing kits are easy to use and come with a chart to refer to so it's clear what the pH level means. Follow the directions for your specific kit to help care for your tank. Purchase a water testing kit from your local pet store or online. The gravel siphon is placed into the tank overtop the gravel, sucking up the dirt and debris while cleaning the water. Because it's a siphon, it'll also be sucking out water. Unplug the filter and any other equipment before siphoning to avoid damaging themthey often don't run well when there's not enough water in the tank. Leave the fish in the tank while you're cleaning the bottom layer of the tank. As you're using the gravel siphon, watch the water level to make sure you're removing at least 25% of the water. This water will be replaced with new, fresh waterafter it's been treated with water conditioner, of course! Make sure the old water isn't colder than the current water in the tank, using a thermometer to help you test the temperature. Refer to the bottle of water conditioner to see how much you need to pour in to the bucket of new water, stirring it using a fish net. Avoid removing more than 50% of the water from the tank because this messes with the pH levels too much. After finishing the water change, plug back in the filter and any other pieces of equipment. When you open up the top of the water filter, pull the filter out to see if it's covered in dirt and grime. If so, it's time to change it. Another way to decide if it's time for a new filter is to look at the water flow. If the water has slowed down, the filter needs to be changed. Avoid changing the filter on the same day you change the water because this takes out too much beneficial bacteria.
Summary: Feed your fish the right amount for its species and weight. Test the water's pH level each week using a kit. Use a gravel siphon to clean out the tank. Change 25% of the water out each week. Change the filter when it starts looking dirty.

Problem: Article: Hold the tip of your mitt against the ground. Follow the ball as you attack it. If the ball takes a hard bounce, you can move your glove up to stop it. Keep your glove at an incline and use the heal of your wrist to stop the ball. Practice this by having someone roll or hit some balls directly at you. When the mitt is held flat on the ground, balls can roll up your arm. When the glove is held straight off the ground, it'll block balls rather than catch them. Shortstops need to be mobile. Anticipating balls and getting to them quickly is crucial. Practice shuffling to the side to get to balls not hit right at you. Hold your glove down and use your feet to get yourself into position. Add a small hop to your routine. As soon as the bat hits the ball, hop so you can get your feet moving. Catching balls in the center of your body should only be done if you don't have time to move. Keep your arm near your side. Align your arm and mitt with the ball's path after getting into position. This prevents your muscles from tensing, so you'll make less errors. Even when a ball is hit to your opposite side, you won't cross over yourself. You'll plant your back leg ahead of you and make a backhanded catch. Once the ball is in your glove, pull your arm up into your chest. This secures the ball and readies it for a throw. Rushing means you try to transition the ball to a throw before you've secured it, so it pops out of your glove. When the ball is centered, your body will feel balanced so you'll be less likely to make an errant throw. When a ball is hit hard, you won't have time to get into position. You should anticipate where the ball will go and step towards it. Plant your dominant foot ahead of you. Aim to have the ball land between your thumb and pointer finger, then push your glove against the ball to catch it. Moving too early for a ball gives the batter an indication of what pitch is coming. Instead, stay in place. Watch the pitcher deliver the ball. When the batter is about to swing, move to where you need to be. Keep the batter guessing so he doesn't get a hit.
Summary:
Keep your mitt low to field ground balls. Work on your footwork. Field balls on the mitt side of your body. Bring fielded balls up your chest. Backhand catch balls you can't get in front of. Pay attention to the pitcher to avoid tipping off the batter.