| How to Enjoy the Super Bowl when You're Not a Football Fan Posted: 01 Feb 2019 12:00 AM PST The Super Bowl, played between the top 2 NFL teams in the U.S., is held every February and is a huge event all across America. If you're not a big American football fan, though, you might be feeling disinterested or even left out of all the celebration. By learning to enjoy Super Bowl Sunday in your own way, you can look forward to the game just as much as the biggest fans out there. EditEnjoying the Food and Friends - Head to a party for the full Super Bowl experience. Just because you don't like football doesn't mean you should keep yourself from the festivities! If your friends or family are throwing a Super Bowl party, you can go just to talk to the other guests and eat some great snacks.
- If you don't know anyone throwing a party, host one yourself! Invite over a few friends and ask each person to bring an appetizer for a low-key party.
- Bring treats or an appetizer to share. Easy finger foods like chips and dip or cookies are the best dishes to bring along to a Super Bowl party. You can even bring the ingredients to the party and make it there, lessening the time you have to spend in front of the TV. Some great snack options include:[1]
- Guacamole and a bag of tortilla chips.
- A veggie platter with carrots, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, and ranch dip.
- Hummus with baked pita chips.
- Football-shaped sugar cookies or cupcakes.
- Spend lots of time in front of the food spread. If you're not interested in the game, don't force yourself to crowd around the TV with the diehards--unless you're eager to learn! There will be plenty of people hanging out in the back by the food and drinks that you can talk to instead.
- If there's no one else near you for a second, you can still look occupied by simply eating what's on your plate, or turning around for more food.
- Talk to other people who aren't into football. There are bound to be some other people at the party who aren't into the game either, whether they're disinterested in the sport like you are or simply aren't fans of the teams playing. They're likely to hang out near the back or around the food. You can chat with them about the game, the food, the commercials--or anything else that's going on in their life!
- For example, you can say something general like, "This game is crazy so far." Depending on their answer, you'll be able to tell if they're not a big football fan at all, or just don't like either of these teams.
- If you know they're not into football, make casual conversation about whatever you want. You could say something simple, like, "How's your week been going?" or mention something about the party, like "These quesadillas are so good. Have you tried them?"
- Sit on the outer edge of the couch to make quick getaways. If you want to get comfy during the long game, try to pick a seat on the outer edge of the viewing area. This will make it possible for you to easily get up if you get bored. If you choose a seat in the middle of the couch, you might get caught up in a conversation or feel stuck between a few big fans who are talking across from you.[2]
- If you do end up sitting in a good viewing spot, try to pay attention to the game. It could annoy other guests if you have a prime seat for watching the game but you're on your phone the whole time!
EditEntertaining Yourself with Commercials and Games - Play Pick-a-Player to have someone to root for in the game. Write the names of the key players on both teams on small slips of paper, one player per slip, then mix them around in a bowl. Ask everyone to contribute $1-$5 to play and pass around the bowl, asking each person to pick one slip of paper. The person who draws the MVP of the game (announced during the post-game celebration) wins the pot![3]
- Look up the key players online before the game, or ask a friend who is familiar with the teams.
- It's best to draw names before the game starts, but since your guests are picking at random, it's okay to get a late start too.
- Have a game of Pass the Cup to get invested in each play. Ask one guest to start by putting a dollar (or any amount you want) into an empty cup and saying a football play, like "field goal." If the next play is not a field goal, they pass the cup to the next person, who contributes the same amount of money and again passes it on if a field goal isn't kicked. The person holding the cup when the play is made gets the money![4]
- The winner of that round gets to start the game again by choosing the next play, such as "touchdown," "interception," or "first down," and putting in the first dollar.
- Don't worry if you're not familiar with many football terms. Everyone else will be watching the game closely and will definitely let you know when the named play happens!
- If you don't want to play with money, you can use candy, chips, or even fake coins.
- Tune in for every commercial break for funny advertisements. For a lot of people, football fans included, Super Bowl ads are the best part of the game. If you're just can't get into the game, or any party games to do with it, just relax and chat with other guests until the commercials come on. There are lots of time outs and breaks during football games, so you'll never have to wait long.
- Play Super Bowl ad bingo to make commercials even more interesting. Look online for a "Super Bowl ad bingo" card and print out one for each of the guests before the game. When the commercials come on, watch closely and mark off any squares you can. Get a small prize, like a cupcake, or have each guest contribute a dollar for the winner.[5]
- You can also make your own bingo boards. Watch some Super Bowl ads from the last few years to get an idea of some popular themes. For example, there could be squares for "puppies," "car crashes," and "a character crying."
- Make sure that the squares are arranged differently on each board so that everyone doesn't hit bingo at the same time!
- Enjoy the halftime show for mid-game entertainment. The Super Bowl halftime show is a huge performance, usually starring pop and rock stars that everyone has heard of and can enjoy. Grab a snack as the first half winds down and get a good seat around the TV--other guests often use this time for a bathroom break, so there should be plenty of room for you!
- Keep your eyes peeled for the performer to bring other stars onstage to sing with.
- Tune in for the Puppy Bowl before the game. If you're looking for something to do before the game, turn on Animal Planet for the ever-popular Puppy Bowl. It features adorable puppies rolling around on a mini football field, as well as a "kitty halftime show" and a human "referee" to calm things down. The show is cute and funny, and a great way to perk up your mood before the game.[6]
- Look up basic football rules if you're unfamiliar with the game. If you don't know the rules of football but want to follow some of what's going on, quickly look up a few basic points on your phone. You won't be an expert right away, but at least you'll be able to understand some of the big plays. This can also keep you entertained and focused on the game! Set a goal to understand the major points before the end of the fourth quarter.[7]
- For example, you'll want to know that the most important player on the team is the quarterback, who throws passes down the field or hands it off to the running back.
- The aim of the game is to get the ball into the endzone to score a touchdown, earning 6 points. A team can also kick the ball between 2 upright posts, scoring a field goal and getting 3 points.
- Know a few key players from each team. Listen to the announcers and pick up on the players they talk about the most, who will also be on the screen most often. You can also use your phone or computer to quickly look up the most important players on either team. You can focus on these players when they're on the field, giving you something to concentrate on when the rest of the field gets confusing.[8]
- You can also mention these players in conversation to show your working knowledge of the game. Keep your comments vague, like "Johnson is all over the field today," or "No one can catch Simmons!"
- The key offensive players will probably be the quarterbacks from both teams, the running backs, and a wide receiver or tight end.
- From the defensive side, key players are often linebackers, cornerbacks, or safeties.
- Ask a good friend questions about the game. If you don't mind owning up to the fact that you don't know much about football, you can just ask a friend or another guest to explain a few key points to you. Ask someone who's not too invested in the game and who won't mind taking their eyes off the screen for a few minutes to explain different points to you.
- Don't be nervous or embarrassed to ask for some pointers. Your friend will probably be excited to share their knowledge and help you get enthusiastic about the game.
- Watch how other people react and copy them to blend in. If you don't want to learn the complicated rules but would rather not stick out at a party full of football experts, just pick a team to cheer for. Look around the party to see who's wearing that team's colors, then simply copy their reactions to different plays.
- Avoid cheering too hard, or people might ask you questions about the game that you won't know how to answer. Keep your reactions relaxed and slightly indifferent, like you're just a casual fan.
- For example, if your team scores a touchdown, just smile and clap. Avoid jumping up and down or yelling anything about the actual play.
- If someone does ask you why you're pulling for a certain team, just say, "I don't care much either way, but I just wanted to cheer for someone."
- If you don't want to watch the game at all, invite other friends who aren't football fans to an anti-Super Bowl party. If you aren't a big football fan, chances are that some of your friends aren't either. A few days before the game, tell them you're hosting a party for people who don't want to watch the Super Bowl, and invite them to bring over food or games to play. Getting together with friends will help you avoid feeling left out of Super Bowl celebrations, and you'll have a better time than you would at a Super Bowl party!
EditSources and Citations EditQuick Summary
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
| How to Choose Cold Weather Fitness Clothing Posted: 31 Jan 2019 04:00 PM PST It is always important to protect yourself against the cold, even when you're exercising. During cold weather, make sure that you are wearing the right layers made out of material that both wicks away moisture and insulates your body. You should also choose clothing that protects your head, hands, and face. You may even decide that you need winter-specific footwear. The key is to pick layers that you can remove and add as you need. EditPicking the Right Layers - Choose a light base layer. The layer closest to your skin should be a moisture-wicking material that will keep you dry as you sweat. It should also be form fitting to help insulate your body. Avoid cotton, as it can become damp from your sweat. Instead, look for shirts that are made of:
- Wool
- Polyester
- Wool/Polyester mix[1]
- Polypropylene[2]
- Wear fleece over the base layer. The middle layer can be a pullover sweater, a front-zipping jacket, or a vest. It should be warm and insulating while still allowing your body to breathe. Fleece is a good middle layer as it is warm and soft like wool but much lighter.[3]
- If you live in an area that is extremely cold, you may decide to wear wool. Be aware that it is much heavier, and it may be more burdensome as you exercise.
- Find a breathable outer coat. The outermost layer should be a waterproof coat. You may want to look for one that has zipper vents, which you can open to air out your armpits. Unless you live in an extremely cold area, you may only need a light shell or a raincoat for this layer.[4] Some good materials for the outer layer include:
- Pick long pants or tights. You should not wear shorts during the wintertime. Although you can warm up through exercise, it may not be sufficient to prevent cold related conditions like hypothermia. Wear long pants, leggings, exercise tights, or yoga pants when exercising outside.
- If it is dry outside, you might choose a polyester blend or cotton for your pants.
- If it is wet or snowy, you might opt for a waterproof bottom.
- If you run, you may want to look for thermal running tights.
- Select reflective gear. As it can get dark early in winter, you want to make sure that you are visible to motorists as you exercise. When buying fitness clothing, look for outer layers that have reflective coloring, such as metallic orange or silver.[5]
- If you cannot find reflective winter clothing, you can also look for clip-on LED lights or reflective arm bands, belts, and shoe clips.
EditProtecting Your Head and Hands - Buy a hat or headband. Headgear can keep your ears and head warm as you exercise outside. When looking for good hats and headbands, find a material that is thick and insulated. Both hats and headbands should pull over and cover your ears.[6]
- If you get a knit hat, make sure that it is lined on the inside.
- Layer your gloves. Try finding thin glove liners that you can wear under thicker gloves. When your hands get too warm, take off the heavier gloves, and just wear the glove liners.[7]
- Glove liners are often made out of thin, insulating materials. Some may be made out of natural materials, like wool, while others made be a mix of synthetic materials, like Thermasilk, spandex, and nylon.
- Your outer gloves can be something heavier, such as knitted wool. You can even wear fingerless hand warmers over the glove liners if that is more comfortable.
- Find a helmet for winter sports. If you are skiing, snowboarding, or biking, make sure that you have adequate head protection. A good helmet will prevent injury in case you slip or fall.[8]
- A good helmet will be snug but not too tight. Be sure to try on helmets before purchasing. If you will wear the helmet with goggles, bring the goggles to try on with it.
- Look for a helmet that has an insulated layer on the inside and a hard outer casing. This lining should cover your ears to protect them from cold wind.
- Some winter helmets will have vents or adjustable plugs to prevent your scalp from sweating.[9]
- Search for a ski mask. Ski masks—also known a face liners or balaclavas-- provide extra protection against extremely low temperatures. These resemble hoods that pull over your head. They will often cover your mouth, chin, and forehead against strong wind and cold temperatures. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, ski masks may be useful for those hiking or biking at high altitudes.
- Seek out thermal socks. If your feet get cold while exercising, you may want to find warmer socks. Thermal socks are a great choice as they keep your feet warm and dry through all types of cold weather.
- Thermal socks tend to be made out of wool. If you have a wool sensitivity, look for a pair made out of synthetic materials.[10]
- If you decide to wear thinner socks, you can layer an extra pair over the first pair for the same effect. This may be uncomfortable for running.
- Go up a size. Thermal socks are extremely thick, and you may find that your foot is cramped inside your normal exercise shoe. You may want to find a winter shoe that is one half size to one full size larger than your normal shoe. When shopping for shoes, try wearing a pair of thermal socks to see how they fit in the shoe.[11]
- Look for good traction. If you live somewhere where there is snow and ice, you will need to find a shoe with good traction. This may help prevent falls during cold weather. When looking for a winter shoe, check the bottom to see what type of traction there is.[12]
- A good shoe for snow or ice will have traction on the bottom of the shoe that resembles studs or cleats.
- If you enjoy hiking in high, snowy altitudes, you may want to look for snow cleats or crampons.
- Consider waterproof shoes. If snow and ice are an issue for you, you may want to find a shoe that is waterproof. A waterproof shoe is generally more expensive. The material is heavier and less flexible, but it can keep your feet warm and dry in snowy conditions. Water can still enter the shoe through the sock.[13] If you do not have much snow or rain in your area, you may not need a waterproof shoe.
- If your hands are cold while exercising, try placing chemical heat packs inside your gloves.
- Layers can be removed when you are too warm and added when you are too hot. You may find that you do not need them as you are moving. Once you have stopped or slowed down, you may want to add them back on.
- If the temperatures are low or if it wet and windy, you may be at risk for hypothermia. Make sure that your body is completely covered, including your hands and ears. Even with waterproof gear, you should not exercise when it is raining in low temperatures.[14]
EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
| How to Cook Spaghetti in the Microwave Posted: 31 Jan 2019 08:00 AM PST If you're cooking out of a dorm or small kitchen, you can still make delicious meals. Decide if you'd like to microwave the noodles using tap water or boiling water and oil. Once you've microwaved the noodles, serve them with your favorite jarred pasta sauce. Keep in mind that you can also microwave a hearty meat sauce that's great with spaghetti. EditIngredients EditMicrowaving Pasta Serving size varies EditFor the Pasta - 10.5 ounces (300 g) of uncooked spaghetti noodles
- of vegetable oil, optional
- Boiling water as needed
Makes 4 servings EditFor the Premade Sauce Serving size varies EditFor the Meat Sauce - 1 onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, chopped
- 1 carrot, diced
- of lean ground beef
- 1 14-ounce (411 g) can of chopped tomatoes
- of boiling water
- 1 beef stock cube or 1 teaspoon (2.5 g) of powdered bouillon
- 1 teaspoon (2 g) of dried oregano
- Black pepper, to taste
Makes 4 servings EditMicrowaving Pasta - Break up the spaghetti noodles and place them in a bowl. Get out as much spaghetti as you'd like to cook in the microwave. Then break the noodles into halves or thirds and put them in a microwave-safe bowl.[1]
- Pour enough water to cover the noodles by . You can use room temperature water or just run water from the tap into the bowl. It's important that the noodles are completely submerged.[2]
- The noodles will double or triple in size as they cook which is why they need to be covered with the water.
- Microwave the pasta for 3 minutes longer than the package instructs. Put the bowl in the microwave and read the pasta cooking instructions. Set the timer for 3 minutes longer than the manufacturer's recommendations.[3]
- For example, if the package says to boil the noodles for 9 minutes, you'll need to microwave them for 12 minutes.
- Drain and use the cooked pasta. Carefully remove the hot bowl from the microwave. Set a colander in the sink and slowly pour the hot pasta into it so the water drains into the sink. Then top the cooked pasta with your favorite sauce.[4]
- Refrigerate leftover cooked pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 to 5 days.
EditCooking the Pasta Using Boiling Water - Break the dry spaghetti noodles and put them in a bowl. Get out 10.5 ounces (300 g) of uncooked spaghetti noodles and break them into thirds. They should easily fit into a microwave-safe bowl without sticking out.[5]
- Coat the pasta with oil and pour in boiling water. Add of vegetable oil to the dry noodles and stir until they're all coated. Then pour in enough boiling water to cover the noodles by at least .[6]
- Mixing the noodles with oil will prevent them from clumping together as they cook in the microwave.
- Microwave the spaghetti for 8 minutes. Put a lid on the dish or cover it with plastic wrap. Set the dish in the microwave and heat the pasta on full power for 8 minutes. Stop and stir the noodles once they're halfway cooked.[7]
- Use caution when you stir the spaghetti since the dish will be hot.
- Remove the spaghetti and let it sit for 2 minutes. Once the spaghetti has rested for a few minutes, test a few noodles to see if they're as soft as you like. If they're too firm for you, return the noodles to the microwave and cook them for 2 more minutes.[8]
- Drain and serve the spaghetti with sauce. Set a colander in the sink and slowly pour the cooked spaghetti into it. The hot water should drain into the sink. Then serve the hot spaghetti with your choice of sauce.
- To store leftover spaghetti noodles, put them in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 to 5 days.
EditMicrowaving Premade Sauce - Pour a jar of pasta sauce into a large bowl. Choose a microwave-safe bowl that's large enough to contain any splatters from the sauce. If you want to microwave a smaller portion, just pour as much as you need into the bowl.[9]
- Microwave the sauce in 30-second increments. Put the bowl of pasta sauce in the microwave and use LOW power to heat the sauce. Stop and stir the sauce every 30 seconds as it heats.[10]
- Keep in mind that it will take 2 to 3 minutes to heat a full jar of pasta sauce while a single portion might only take 1 minute.
- Spread the hot sauce over your cooked noodles. Once the pasta sauce is as hot as you'd like, remove it from the microwave and spoon it over cooked spaghetti noodles. Serve the sauce and noodles while they're hot.[11]
EditCooking Meat Sauce in the Microwave - Chop 1 onion, 1 garlic clove, and 1 carrot. Peel the produce and set them on a cutting board. Then use a sharp knife to chop the onion into pieces and mince the garlic clove. Dice the carrot into pea-sized pieces and transfer everything to a large microwave-safe bowl.[12]
- If you're short on time, buy a package of ready-cut onions and carrots to use.
- Mix of lean ground beef with the veggies in the bowl. Mix the meat into the chopped vegetables as you break it into smaller pieces. This will help the beef cook evenly.[13]
- Cover the bowl and microwave the mixture for 3 minutes. Lay a piece of plastic wrap over the bowl with the meat and vegetables. Then cut a slit in the plastic wrap so steam can escape. Microwave the meat and vegetables for 3 minutes using high power.[14]
- If you don't want to use plastic wrap and the bowl has a lid, set the lid on the bowl so it's slightly askew and steam can escape.
- Use caution when handling the dish since it will become very hot.
- Microwave the meat mixture for 3 more minutes. Keep the mixture covered and microwave it until the meat is no longer pink. To ensure it's finished cooking, insert a meat thermometer into the center of the dish. The meat should reach .[15]
- If the meat is still slightly pink or hasn't reached , cover and microwave it for 1 more minute before checking it again.
- Drain off any visible grease from the bowl once the meat has finished cooking.
- Stir in the tomatoes, water, stock, and oregano. Open a 14-ounce (411 g) can of chopped tomatoes and add it to the bowl with the meat and vegetables. Stir in of boiling water, 1 teaspoon (2 g) of dried oregano, and 1 beef stock cube or 1 teaspoon (2.5 g) of powdered bouillon.[16]
- Microwave the meat sauce for 7 minutes. Lay the plastic wrap or lid back on the bowl and heat the sauce on full power. The sauce should begin to bubble and become fragrant.[17]
- Taste the sauce and stir in ground pepper according to your taste. It's safe to taste the sauce since the meat is already cooked.
- Microwave the sauce for 10 more minutes before serving. Remove the lid and stir the sauce well. Then set the lid or wrap back on the bowl and heat the sauce for 10 more minutes. Stir it at the halfway point so the sauce cooks evenly. Carefully remove the sauce from the microwave and spoon it over the cooked spaghetti.[18]
- Cover and refrigerate leftover meat sauce for up to 3 or 4 days.
EditThings You'll Need EditMicrowaving Pasta - Microwave-safe bowl
- Colander
EditCooking the Pasta Using Boiling Water - Microwave-safe bowl
- Lid or plastic wrap
- Spoon
- Colander
EditMicrowaving Premade Sauce - Large microwave-safe bowl
- Spoon
EditCooking Meat Sauce in the Microwave - Measuring cups and spoons
- Large microwave-safe bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Fork
- Plastic wrap or a paper towel
- To help pasta heat evenly in the microwave, don't put it on a plate in a circular mound. Instead, make a hole in the middle, so it's in the shape of a donut or ring. This helps it heat faster, and more evenly.[19]
- For gluten-free spaghetti, skip the pasta noodles and cook spaghetti squash in the microwave instead.
EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
Nenhum comentário:
Postar um comentário