| How to Celebrate Mardi Gras Posted: 25 Feb 2020 12:00 AM PST Mardi Gras is a festival known by many names around the world, including Carnival, Fasching, and Fat Tuesday. Among Christians, this joyful holiday is an occasion to cut loose and celebrate before the more somber season of Lent begins. No matter what your beliefs or cultural background, you can celebrate Mardi Gras by eating delicious foods, dressing up in colorful attire, and attending fun parades and festivities. Whatever you choose to do, just make sure to have a good time! [Edit]Getting into the Mardi Gras Spirit - Wear purple, green, and gold to symbolize justice, faith, and power. The classic colors of Mardi Gras were first popularized by the Rex Organization, one of several secret societies, or krewes, that help define the way Mardi Gras is celebrated in the U.S.[1] Embrace the spirit of the holiday by dressing up in your flashiest purple, green, and gold clothes.
- For example, you might wear an emerald green dress with a purple shawl and gold shoes. Or, you could accessorize a suit with a purple tie, green socks, and a gold pocket square!
- The Rex Organization debuted this color scheme at their 1892 "Symbolism of Colors" parade.
- Make a colorful Mardi Gras mask. Masks and costumes are a long-standing Mardi Gras tradition, going back to medieval European Shrove Tuesday celebrations. Buy a colorful mask, or make your own and decorate it with gold, green, and purple beads, glitter, and feathers.[2]
- Print out a mask template online or buy one from a craft store, then paint it and decorate it however you like.
- Today, you can only legally wear masks in public in Louisiana on Mardi Gras!
- Decorate yourself with beads. Mardi Gras has become synonymous with colorful plastic beads, which are thrown out to revelers during parades.[3] Even if you can't attend a parade, get into the Mardi Gras spirit by putting on a few strings of shiny gold, green, and purple beads.
- You can also decorate your home with beads and Mardi Gras doubloons (fake coins).
- Listen to festive, upbeat music like zydeco, jazz, or Samba. Music is an important part of any celebration, and Mardi Gras is no exception! New Orleans has many musical genres associated with it, and you can't go wrong with listening to some classic jazz, blues, or zydeco. If you're feeling a little more international, you can listen to Mardi Gras-themed music from cultures around the world, like Brazil or Italy. [4]
- If you're hosting a party, put together an upbeat Mardi Gras playlist. You can even celebrate the rich variety of Mardi Gras traditions by including tunes from the many different countries where Mardi Gras or Carnival is celebrated.
- Have a food fight with your friends. Mardi Gras is a time to cut loose and do things you normally couldn't get away with (as long as it's all in good fun). In some countries, like Italy and Belgium, festival-goers celebrate by pelting each other with oranges.[5] If your friends are okay with it, take the opportunity to blow off some steam by flinging oranges or other food at each other.
- The biggest Fat Tuesday food fight is the annual Battle of the Oranges in Ivrea, Italy. This fun event is said to date back to the 12th century.[6]
[Edit]Eating Mardi Gras Foods - Feast on tasty po-boy sandwiches for lunch. The po-boy is a quick and easy Mardi Gras sandwich that you can make with almost any ingredients. The only rules are that you should have them on crusty, fresh-baked French bread and smother them in gravy. Fill up your sandwich with breaded shrimp, catfish, oysters, roast beef, ham and cheese, or even French fries.[7]
- Make a jambalaya. Jambalaya is a classic Mardi Gras dish that combines shrimp, chicken, sausage, rice, and veggies in a spicy sauce made with garlic, onions, and tomatoes.[8] Get together with friends and family to cook jambalaya from scratch, or purchase a ready-made rice and seasoning mix and add a few of your own fresh ingredients.
- Other popular Mardi Gras shrimp dishes include gumbo, shrimp etouffee, and shrimp and grits.
- If you love shellfish, but shrimp isn't your crustacean of choice, you could cook crab cakes or have a crawfish boil instead![9]
- Whip up some red beans and rice. Red beans and rice is an old New Orleans staple.[10] To make a quick and easy version, simmer some canned or pre-cooked red kidney beans with chicken stock along with onions, garlic, bell peppers, bay leaves, thyme, parsley, and cayenne and black pepper sautéed in oil. Throw in some smoked pork sausage and serve the mixture on top of long-grain white rice.[11]
- As an alternative to pork sausage, you can use ham hocks, bacon, or pickled pork.
- Serve a sweet king cake for dessert. This traditional Mardi Gras dessert looks like giant, colorful donut and contains a surprising secret ingredient: a tiny plastic baby. Bake your own king cake or buy a pre-made one at your local bakery. Whoever gets the piece with the baby inside wins good luck—and hosting duties for next year's Mardi Gras party![12]
- If you make your own king cake, decorate it with a sweet glaze and sprinkles in the traditional Mardi Gras colors of green, purple, and gold. Put the baby in after you bake the cake so that it doesn't melt or burn during cooking.
- According to some versions of Mardi Gras lore, the king cake traditionally had a ring or bean inside rather than a toy baby. The baby is thought to symbolize the baby Jesus, a nod to the Mardi Gras festival's religious roots.[13]
- Fry some crispy beignets for another traditional dessert option. Beignets donuts are another classic staple of New Orleans Mardi Gras cuisine. After you make your dough, let it chill in the fridge overnight before you fry it for best results. Dust the beignets with powdered sugar and serve them warm and fresh.[14]
- As an easy alternative to the classic beignet recipe, which involves yeast, eggs, sugar, flour, shortening, and evaporated milk, you can use pancake or biscuit mix. Combine the mix with enough milk to make a thick dough, then roll it out, cut it into squares, and fry it until it's golden-brown.
- Other popular dessert options include pecan pralines, Bananas Foster, and monkey bread.
- Try a festive milk punch. Milk punch is a creamy dessert drink that's reminiscent of eggnog. To make it, combine milk, sugar, bourbon, and vanilla to taste. Shake it up with crushed ice and top it off with a sprinkling of nutmeg.[15]
- Other traditional Mardi Gras cocktails include Sazerac, Vieux Carré, and mint juleps.
[Edit]Attending Parades and Festivities - Check when Mardi Gras celebrations will be happening this year. Mardi Gras takes place on the day before Ash Wednesday, in late February or early March. Since this holiday falls on a different day each year, check your calendar ahead of time to make sure you don't miss it.[16]
- In 2020, Mardi Gras will take place on February 25.
- You can easily check the date by doing an online search for "Mardi Gras date this year."
- In some areas, the Mardi Gras or Carnival season lasts for several days. For example, the Carnival festivities in Brazil last from the Friday before Ash Wednesday to the midday on Ash Wednesday.
- Search online to find parades and parties in your area. Even if you don't live in an area where Mardi Gras is a major holiday, there's a good chance that some events will be happening nearby. Go online and do a search using terms like "Mardi Gras festival near me," or check the arts and entertainment section of your local newspaper for information.
- For example, many towns and cities throughout the U.S. celebrate with parties, parades, food tasting events, and pub crawls on Mardi Gras.
- Travel to NOLA or Mobile, Alabama to attend major celebrations in the U.S. Most people in the U.S. associate Mardi Gras with New Orleans, LA. However, the first major celebrations in the U.S. took place in Mobile, AL.[17] If you live in the U.S. and want to participate in one of the country's biggest Mardi Gras festivals, make plans to travel to one of these southern cities.
- Since these celebrations are immensely popular, it's a good idea to book tickets and hotel accommodations as far in advance as popular.
- Other major celebrations around the world take place in Venice, Italy; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Basel, Switzerland; Cologne, Germany; Trinidad and Tobago; and Martinique.
- Attend a parade and catch "throws". Parades are a big part of Fat Tuesday celebrations all over the world. Whether you're traveling or celebrating in your hometown, try to attend one of these exciting events. These parades involve colorful floats with Mardi Gras "royalty" dressed in elaborate costumes. People on the floats throw treats and trinkets such as beads, cups, and plastic coins to the onlookers.[18]
- Expect big crowds and rowdy celebrations. Mardi Gras festivities are crowded, loud, and high-energy events. If you attend one of the major festivals, be prepared for lots of noise and excitement! You can make the best of the festivities by taking a few common-sense steps and precautions, such as:[19]
- Arriving a few hours early for parades in order to get a good viewing spot
- Choosing a designated meet-up spot if you're going to be meeting family or friends
- Bringing ladder box seats for kids or small adults for better viewing
- Carrying a bag to stash your throws
- Walking or taking a bike to avoid festival traffic
- Avoiding rowdier areas, such as the NOLA French Quarter, if you have kids with you
- Wearing comfy shoes
- Carrying your valuables in a front-facing belt-bag rather than in your purse or a back pocket
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
| How to Shoot Low Light Posted: 24 Feb 2020 04:00 PM PST Low light photography includes taking pictures in shaded areas during the day as well as shooting in the dark. While it may be difficult to take clear, focused pictures when you can't see much, there are a few things you can try with a DSLR or phone camera to make your photos turn out. Start by manually changing the settings on your camera so you get better exposure. If the pictures still don't turn out, try looking for special equipment to help your photos look clearer. When you take the pictures, be sure to get close to your subject and keep the camera steady. With some minor adjustments, your photographs will turn out great! [Edit]Adjusting Your Settings - Shoot in RAW format to help make images brighter when you're editing. Go into your camera's menu and look for the file format you're shooting in. Select the "RAW" option, which takes the picture without any quality degradation. When you take photos in RAW format, they may look flat at first, but you will be able to accentuate different tones and colors when you load them into editing software.[1]
- You can usually only open RAW photos in editing software, but you will be able to make adjustments to color before exporting them to a different file format.
- If you have a large memory card, you may set your camera to shoot in RAW and JPEG format so you can share the photos immediately if you want.
- Most phones don't shoot in RAW format.
- Try the HDR camera mode if you're shooting from your phone. The high-dynamic range (HDR) setting takes multiple photos and combines them to get the truest colors and most details from your image. Open the camera app on your phone and look for the HDR switch near the top or bottom of your screen. Make sure it's turned on before you start taking your photos, or else you won't notice a difference in the images.[2]
- Many phones save an HDR and a non-HDR version of your photos so you can see the difference right away.
- HDR photos will look blurry if you move or shift your phone while taking the picture.
- Set the lowest f-stop setting to increase the aperture size. Open your camera's menu and look for the section labeled "f-stop" or "aperture." Look for the lowest number listed on the menu and select it with the OK button on your camera. Usually, the lowest setting will be somewhere between f/1.8–f/3.5, but it will depend on the size of the lens you're using.[3]
- The f-stop adjusts how much light goes through your camera lens, which will make your photos look brighter.
- Reducing the f-stop will make things that further away look blurry. Take a few test pictures first so you know where the camera starts to lose focus.
- Use shutter speed matching the lens size to prevent blurry photos. Look at the lens you're using and check the focal length listed in millimeters. Open the camera settings and locate the section that lists a fraction or is labeled "Shutter speed." Look for the fraction that has a denominator that's about the same as the lens's focal length.[4]
- For example, if you're using a 30 mm focal length, use the 1/30 shutter speed to take your photos.
- The shutter speed controls how fast the camera takes the picture and is listed as fractions of a second.
- If you set the shutter speed any faster, the image may look too dark.
- If you have a tripod and you're shooting stationary subject matter, you can use the longest shutter speed to let the most light into the sensor. However, if your subject is moving, they will look blurry with a longer shutter speed.
- Adjust the white balance settings to get natural-looking colors. Look for the white balance setting in the camera menu, which is usually listed as a number followed by the letter K. If you're shooting outside in a shaded area, try to keep the white balance between 6,400–8,000 K. For indoor or night shoots, opt for a setting between 2,500–5,000 K instead. Take a few test pictures to see if colors look natural and continue making adjustments as you need.[5]
- White balance makes colors look more realistic based on the light temperature of the area you're shooting.
- Use a light meter to find the correct color temperature of where you're shooting if you don't want to experiment with multiple settings.
- If you're shooting in RAW format, you can also adjust the white balance in editing software so you don't have to worry about it before you take pictures.
- Increase your ISO setting to get more exposure. Look for the menu labeled "ISO" in the camera menu and click on it to access the options. Try turning the ISO up by 1 setting at a time before taking a test image to see how it affects the picture quality. Use the lowest ISO setting that allows you to see your subject matter without the image looking too grainy.[6]
- The ISO digitally brightens your image when you take the picture, but it may make the picture look grainy if you use too high of a setting.
- Avoid using a setting higher than 1,600 since your photos will have a lot of digital noise that you won't be able to get rid of while you're editing.
[Edit]Using Camera Equipment - Get a prime lens instead of a zoom. A prime lens has a wider aperture that allows more light to go through the lens, so your images will appear brighter. Opt for a lens that has an aperture of f/1.4 or f/1.8 so it captures the most light. Make sure the lens you buy fits the brand and model for your camera since some lenses may not be compatible. Secure the lens to your camera and use it when you take low light photographs.[7]
- You can buy prime lenses online or from specialty photography stores.
- Put the camera on a tripod if you want to take long-exposure shots. Screw the camera onto the tripod shoe, which is a small rectangular piece that attaches to the top of the tripod. Place the tripod on a flat, sturdy surface so it doesn't tip over when you're ready to set up your shot. After putting the camera on a tripod, you can set a longer shutter speed longer to allow more light to enter the lens.[8]
- Moving objects will look blurry when you shoot them with a long shutter speed.
- If you want something more portable, look for a monopod that only has 1 leg. You will have to hold the monopod steady while you're using it.
- Set up lights near your subject if you're able to. Get stand or clip lights that you can position near your subject to help illuminate them better so you don't have to make as many adjustments to your camera. Set the lights at a 45-degree angle to your subject so the light doesn't look as harsh, and try varying their distance from the subject to see how it changes. If you want to make the subject brighter, place the lights closer to your subject. For a darker composition, set the lights further away.[9]
- You can use regular lamps if you aren't able to afford photography lights.
- Try positioning lights behind or to the side of your subject to make them look more dramatic.
- Use a remote shutter so the camera doesn't shake. Plug the remote shutter into the port on the back or side of the camera. Adjust all the camera settings first and make sure the subject you're shooting is in focus. Don't touch the shutter button on top of the camera, but instead click the remote shutter to take the picture. That way, you don't accidentally bump or shift the camera and make the photo blurry.[10]
- You can buy remote shutters online or from photography stores.
- Remote shutters work best if you're using a tripod.
- If you don't have a remote shutter, you can also use the built-in timer on the camera so you don't have to press the button.
- Turn on the camera flash if you don't have any other options. You can either use the built-in flash or get an after-market flash kit made for your camera. Look for the flash setting on your camera, which is usually marked with an arrow shaped like a lightning bolt. Hold the shutter button down completely when you take the picture so the flash goes off as your camera captures the image.[11]
- Camera flash can cause red-eye or overexpose details, making them more difficult to see.
- If your camera flash makes the light too harsh, try holding a diffuser or a piece of tissue paper in front of it to make the light look softer.
- Make sure camera flash is allowed wherever you're shooting before using it.
[Edit]Taking the Pictures - Position the subject near a light source if you're able to. Look for light sources around the area where you're shooting and take a few test photos with your subject near them. If you want to make your photo look more moody, keep the lights behind or to the side of your subject to add accents. If you want to see the subject clearly, keep the light behind the camera so it illuminates them easily. That way, you won't have to adjust many settings to make the picture visible.[12]
- Experiment with different light sources since you may like how they change the composition and look of your photos.
- Light your subject while you focus the camera if it's too dark. Avoid manually focusing your camera since it can be difficult to tell if everything looks crisp. With the auto-focus feature turned on, shine a light at the subject you're shooting and let the camera adjust until it looks clear on the digital screen. Once you have everything in focus, turn off the flashlight before taking the picture.[13]
- You don't need to use a flashlight if your camera already focuses on your subject.
- Get closer to the subject rather than zooming in. Zooming can cause the image to lose quality and create digital noise, so keep your lens as zoomed out as possible. If you have a hard time capturing your subject, take a few steps closer to them and try taking the photo again. Get close enough where you can clearly see them in the photograph, and readjust the settings if you need to.[14]
- You can always crop the photo or make it smaller while you're editing.
- Brace the camera against something sturdy if you aren't using a tripod. Keep your arms as close to your body as you can while you take the picture so the camera doesn't sway as much. If the picture still turns out blurry, try leaning against a pole, tree, or another sturdy object to keep the camera level. Try to take pictures after you exhale so the camera doesn't move while you're breathing.[15]
- Read the instruction manual for your camera thoroughly so you know where to locate all of the settings.
- If you're shooting pictures or video on your phone, look for a third-party camera app since they usually let you access more features and controls.
[Edit]Warnings - Don't use camera flash if the location you're shooting forbids it, such as a museum or concert.
[Edit]References |
| How to Be More Likely to Win a Swimming Race Posted: 24 Feb 2020 08:00 AM PST If you're like most competitive swimmers, you almost certainly want to know how to improve your chances of winning races. In swimming competitions, every fraction of a second counts. Even a 0.01 second improvement can make all the difference in the world. Therefore, measures that you can take to improve your speed and endurance, adopt a healthy lifestyle, and train often can improve your odds of success. [Edit]Improving Your Performance - Keep a tight, straight position. The initial racing step of streamlining is an important factor in reducing drag. However, when the muscles get tired, swimmers usually try to skimp on keeping that tight, straight position. Make streamlining a mandatory part of your regular training routine. This way, it will become second nature whether you are training or competing. Regular practice will also allow you to improve your technique for a better shot at first place.
- Remember to kick. Whether you're breaking out or swimming underwater, kicks help to reduce drag. When breaking out, kick forcefully from the wall. This will help you to maintain the speed you gained from the initial push. When you're underwater, do dolphin kicks by extending your legs straight back, holding your feet together, and moving your legs straight up and down. The longer you can hold the kick, the more velocity you can gain.[1]
- Hold your head down and your arms at your sides. Your head and arms can reduce the drag on the rest of your body if you know how to position them. When compared to the horizontal alignment of your body, your head should be in a downward position. Keep your arms alongside your body, as opposed to above your head. You can reduce drag significantly by practicing these techniques.[2]
- Spread your fingers. Studies show that spreading your fingers just ten degrees can improve your speed by over two percent.[3] To see what a ten-degree spread looks like, hold your right hand up with your palm facing you. Do not stretch your fingers out or squeeze them together. Make sure your pinky is pointing slightly to the left.
- Practice bilateral breathing. Professional swimmers argue that bilateral breathing is a key factor in endurance. Breathe on every third stroke, as opposed to the more common breath on every second or fourth. Rather than breathing from the same side of your nose each time, alternate which side you breathe on each time.
- Lengthen and vary your strokes. How you move your arms can also affect your endurance. For the complete stroke, reach your arm as far in front of you as you comfortably can. Reach as far behind you as possible in the push phase. Alternating between forward and backward strokes will give certain muscle groups to rest while others work.[4]
- Practice some race-ending hacks. You will be tired by the end of the race, but that doesn't mean you have to fall behind. Focus on muscles you haven't used to the point of exhaustion. Experts suggest kicking more vigorously and working your back and shoulders more. Working the less fatigued muscles will shift your focus away from the muscles that are tired.[5]
[Edit]Adopting a Healthy Lifestyle - Eat healthy. Swimming can burn thousands of calories in a single practice. Ask your doctor to estimate your caloric burn by your age, weight, and height. After that, you need to replace those spent calories through the proper diet. Important nutrients swimmers need include zinc, protein, calcium, and healthy (monounsaturated) fats. [6] Whether you are an omnivore, vegetarian, or vegan, you can get the recommended daily amount. Most of your diet should consist of fresh, whole foods to avoid having to take too many supplements.
- Nuts (including peanut butter) and beans are excellent sources of healthy fats, zinc, and protein. Dark leafy greens are packed with calcium.
- If you have to eat on the go, pack some granola bars, peanut butter, trail mix, or packable fruit (bananas, citrus, apples, etc.) to stay fueled.
- The day before the competition, stick to small but frequent meals, about every two to four hours.[7]
- Avoid junk foods—anything deep fried, greasy, loaded with sugar, or containing ingredients you can't pronounce.[8]
- Stay hydrated. Believe it or not, you do sweat while swimming.[9] If you don't hydrate before you swim or replace the moisture you lose, you could get dehydrated and experience physical or mental weakness. Regular sips before and after each practice, as well as between intervals, will keep you hydrated. Don't wait until you feel thirsty.
- Get enough sleep. Sleep is just as important as physical training for all athletes. Swimmers can improve their sprinting time, reaction time, strokes, and kicks by extending their sleep periods an extra hour or two per night for up to seven weeks before the competition.[10] Go to sleep and wake up at the same times every day—even on weekends and holidays.
- If you feel tired during the day, take a nap, but keep it short. Set your alarm to go off 20 to 30 minutes after your head hits the pillow. Use caution, though. Naps should not replace the eight- to ten hours of sleep you need every night.[11]
[Edit]Training Efficiently - Talk to your coach. This is especially crucial before you've finalized your training plan. Your coach can give you advice about which strokes and events you would do well in. If you are swimming in the meet to get a qualifying time for one of the larger meets, ask your coach what the qualifying times are.
- Set goals. Figure out one long-term goal first. Then, set weekly or monthly short-term goals that will make your long-term goal easier to achieve. For example, if your long-term goal is to improve your time by the end of the season, you need to set monthly and weekly goals that will improve your speed and endurance.
- Warm up. No matter how pressed you are for time, you should never skip the warm-up. Begin by stretching, working each part of your body in the order your coach recommends. If your muscles are cold, take a short brisk walk or go for a brief swim before you stretch. Continue by power walking, jogging, or swinging your arms to raise your temperature and get your blood flowing.[12]
- Work on your flexibility. Whether you're streamlining or kicking, flexibility can work wonders in improving your speed. Stretching, which conditions your joints to absorb force, is still popular. However, coaches are increasingly recommending mobility drills, which train your joints for improved range of motion.
- Mobility exercises with a tennis ball can make your shoulders more flexible. [13]
- Lie on your back, and place a tennis ball between your spine and rear shoulder bone.
- Place your arm on the floor with your palm facing upward.
- Slowly move your arm across your body to touch the opposite hip.
- Move your arm diagonally so that your hand is overhead.
- Move the tennis ball to the other side of your spine, and repeat with the other arm.
- Training with a monofin can improve flexibility in your ankles. Start out with four to six 25-meter lengths each week. Increase your sets, distance, and time using the monofin as your ankles strengthen. Regular training allows you to track your improvement easily.
- Exercise on dry land. In addition to training in the water, you need to have a regular exercise routine. Aerobic exercises like running will help improve your endurance.[14] Resistance training and calisthenics will keep your core (abdominal and back) muscles strong enough to support the motions of your arms and legs.
- Practice with a teammate. Training with a buddy allows you to hold each other accountable for making it to practice, arriving on time, and not leaving early. Choose a teammate who you enjoy spending time with and who enjoys spending time with you. Come to a mutual agreement what days and times you plan to train in the water and on dry land. On the rare occasion when your buddy can't make it, have a back-up plan ready to keep you motivated.
- Slow down to cool down. As your training session ends, slow down your pace. Then, transition to easy strokes and kicks. Swim 200 to 800 meters to prevent lactic acid buildup in the muscles.[15]
- End with stretches. Stretching reduces muscle soreness and the risk of injury.[16] Focus on the muscles that get most use during your training. These include:[17]
- Deltoid stretch: Extend your left arm across your chest. Bring the back of your right hand to your left tricep and push back until you feel your left shoulder stretching. Repeat with the right arm.
- Trapezius stretch: Extend your arms straight ahead of you. Turn your palms outward and interlace your fingers.
- Pectoral stretch: Place your hands on the back of your hips, palms down. Try to squeeze your elbows together until you feel your chest muscles stretching.
- Hold each stretch for 30 to 40 seconds.
- Never underestimate your opponents. A smaller or seemingly weaker opponent does not guarantee that you will win. Treat all swimmers equally.
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