| How to Know If Pokemon Cards Are Fake Posted: 23 Jul 2016 05:00 PM PDT Many people enjoy collecting Pokémon cards. Unfortunately, there are some scam artists who will try to sell fake cards to enthusiastic collectors. However, their fakes are not as close to the real thing as they want you to think. An example of a legitimate card is one that is real to know if it is real keep reading. EditIs everything displayed as it should be? - Familiarize yourself with the Pokémon species. Sometimes the pictures on fake cards show things that aren't even Pokémon, like Digimon (or similar imitators) or animals. Be suspicious if what a card displays looks questionable, or if there appears to be a sticker on top of the card.
- Look at the attacks and HP. If the HP is anywhere over 500, or the attacks don't exist, then it's a fake for sure. Also, if it says HP 80 instead of 80 HP, it is definitely a fake card because real cards say 80 HP, not HP 80. That's only with old cards; new cards have HP 80 instead of 80HP.
- However, a few genuine cards have the variable and the attribute name inverted as a result of a printing mistake. Do not discard the card as fake without making further checks, as if the card is a genuine with a mistake, it may be valuable.
- Look for spelling mistakes, fancy borders around the Pokémon's picture, or a cup-like base holding the energy.
- Compare the energy symbol to other cards. Many fakes have energy symbols that are slightly larger, distorted, or offset from each other.
- Look at the text. On fake cards, the text is usually slightly smaller than on real cards and is usually in a different font.
- Check the weakness, resistance, and the retreat cost. The weakness/resistance's maximum damage addition/subtraction is +/-40, unless the weakness is x2. The retreat cost is no more than 4.
- Check the card box. With fake cards, the box won't have trademarks and will say something like "pre-release trading cards". It will be made from cheap cardboard, without the standard bag.
- Look at the card's spellings. Fake cards often have wrong spellings. Common mistakes among them including spelling the Pokémon names incorrectly, having no accent i.e. " ` " sign on the 'e' of 'Pokémon' , etc. You may also see the cards spelling the attacks inaccurately, and not having any energy signs under the attack for the attack description.
- If it is a first edition, look at the circular first edition stamp to the lower left of the card's picture. Sometimes (particularly for base set cards), people will stamp a card with their own 1st edition stamp. How can you tell the difference? First, a fake stamp is usually more imperfect and there are a few blotches on the stamp. Second, fake stamps come right off if you try to rub/scratch them off, very easily.
- See if the colors are faded, smudged, too dark, or just plain inaccurate (beware of Shining Pokémon, though! Those rare Pokémon are purposely the wrong color). The chances that it's a factory mistake are very slim; it's much more likely to be fake.
- Look at the back of the card. On fake cards, the blue swirling design often looks purplish. Also, sometimes the Poké Ball is upside down (on a real card, the red half is on the top).
EditSize and Weight - Inspect the card itself. A fake card usually feels thin and flimsy and you may be able to see through it if you hold it up to the light. Some fake cards, on the other hand, are too hard and look shiny. If it's the wrong size, that's also a telltale sign. Different materials will also wear differently, so on more "used" cards look for more damage to corners and unusual wear patterns. Also, fake cards often have no copyright date or the illustrator at the bottom of the card.
- Grab another card. Is the card in question the same size? Is it too pointy? Is it centered right? Is there more yellow on one side of the card than the other?
- Bend it a little. If it bends with great ease, it's a fake. The real cards are not flimsy.
- If you are certain it is a fake try making a small tear in it. Then take an old Pokémon card you don't use anymore, and make a small rip in that. Then compare the rate at which both ripped. If the fake one ripped faster, then it's without a doubt a fake.
- A quick way to test if your Pokémon card is real or fake is to take a close look at the edge of it. Real Pokémon cards have a very thin sheet of black between the cardboard. It's very thin, but up close it is easy to see the darkness between the two thin halves of the card. Fake cards won't have this.
- When buying cards, bring along some cards you know are real so you will be able to have something to compare the cards in question with.
- Unless the card is obviously fake, do not instantly assume that it is fake, inspect it first.
- Real cards usually contain an illustrator name in the bottom left corner. If they don't have an illustrator name, they are probably fake.
- Real Pokémon booster packs (and sometimes decks and other merchandise) are sometimes sold in packaged sets with a promotional card or POP (Pokémon Organized Play) 2 card promotional pack. While these are legitimate, the promotional cards and POP packs tend to be old, and may not be legal for Official play.
- Remember that this applies not only to buying cards, but also trading.
- Buy cards in the sealed decks or card packs instead of buying individual cards outside of the package.
- Small foil-covered cardboard "booster pack" boxes with random images from the Pokémon TV show are fakes, they are often found cheap at swap meets, flea markets, and street vendors. These are not the larger deck boxes that are officially sold.
- Don't use Pokémon maker websites.
- All real cards have a certain look to the back that no fake card will ever be able to copy. When you get experienced at the Pokémon TCG one glance at the back is enough to reveal the legitimacy of the card.
- Become one with Pokémon to really know whether it is fake. If you know Pokémon, then you will be able to tell if a card is fake at-a-glance!
- If you get a powerful or rare card in a relatively cheap pack, or a beginner's pack, there is a chance it could be fake. If it fits one of the criteria above, contact "Pokémon USA".
- If it shows the level number directly after the name of the Pokémon unless it's from the older sets (for example, Pikachu LV.20), it is probably a fake. Of course, if this applies to the whole pack.
- Sometimes cards in languages other than English and Japanese are fake. If the Pokémon name is anything other than as it appears in the Pokedex, for example "Webarak" instead of "Spinarak," it probably isn't the real deal.
- If you buy packaged cards that fit one of these criteria (which sometimes can happen), contact Pokémon USA".
- Getting cards that are bought in big chain stores are real.
- Don't buy cards from dollar stores or street vendors.Those shops try to get money that way.
- Cards that have thick yellow marks on edges are fake.
- Always check if the card is more blurry than the real card.
- Turn the card over so you see the back -- sometimes the colors are different. Fake cards have a light blue color while real cards have a dark blue color.
- Most ex-Pokemon cards should shine. If it doesn't, then it is fake.
- Fake cards often have a card feel on the back. Real ones feel like plastic.
- Boosters are not always safe, some people make fake booster packs.
- Energy cards are the hardest to tell if they are fake. Look closely at the symbols on the element sphere. Compare it to a card you know is real. If it's any different, even if the difference is the length of one of the star points on the Double Colourless Energy Card, it's fake for sure.
- Not all the criteria applies to fake cards. Some people are very skilled at making their fakes look real; always buy from a trusted dealer.
- On almost all Pokémon cards, the attacks don't exist, even if they are real cards - so be aware of that.
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| How to Fondant a Cake Posted: 23 Jul 2016 09:00 AM PDT So you want to fondant a cake, but you've heard it's too difficult? It may seem challenging, but it's not as hard as you might think. With a little practice and know-how, you'll be able to easily fondant a cake and and create a spectacular presentation. EditIngredients - Buttercream
- Fondant
- Powdered sugar
- Cake
EditGetting Started - Prepare your butter cream and set aside. Then measure the top and sides of your cake with a piece of string. Lay a long piece of string over the top of the cake and fold the ends down against the sides of the cake. Trim of any excess string that touches the plate. Take the string off and set it aside. You will be using it to measure the size of your fondant.[1]
- If you are doing a multi-tiered cake, measure one tier at a time.
- For any other cake, measure the greatest width across the top (this would be diagonally, from corner to corner on a square or rectangle cake) and then add twice the height.
- Cover the cake with a thin layer of buttercream using a pallet knife. The buttercream will help the fondant stick to the cake, so make sure to get the top and sides of the cake. Try to get the surface as smooth as possible, as any bumps will show. If there are any cracks or holes in the cake, be sure to fill them in using buttercream and then smoothing it down.[2]
- Consider using a cake decorating turn table to make this step easier and quicker.
- You can also use light or dark ganache or apricot jam instead of buttercream.[3]
- Put the cake into the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This will give the buttercream enough time to harden. If the buttercream is too soft, the fondant will slide right off.
- Clear a large, smooth work surface and dust it with powdered sugar. The surface must be smooth, as any imperfections will get imprinted in the fondant. Lightly dusting the surface with powdered sugar will prevent the fondant from sticking to your work surface.
- If it is humid where you live, use a mixture of one part cornstarch and one part powdered sugar. If it is very dry, then consider using a thin layer of vegetable shortening.[4]
- Allow your fondant to reach room temperature. This will make it easier to work with. You can knead it for about five minutes to make it softer and easier to work with; do not let it get too soft and sticky, however.
EditRolling and Using the Fondant - Use your hands to flatten the fondant into a rough pancake shape. Do not make it too thin yet. If you are covering a square or rectangular cake, then flatten the fondant into a square or rectangular shape.
- Roll out the fondant until it is about 1/4 to 3/8 inch (0.64 to 0.95 centimeters) thick. Make sure to turn the fondant 180° every so often while you are rolling it out. This will help keep it circular and even. Do not lift and flip the fondant over, as this may cause it to rip.
- Measure the fondant with the piece of string. Take the string you cut earlier and lay it across the fondant. The fondant should be the same size as the string or a little bit bigger; you can always trim any excess fondant off later.
- Loosely roll the fondant onto the rolling pin. Place the rolling pin at one end of the fondant, and roll it towards the opposite end, picking the fondant as you go. This will help you transfer the fondant to the cake and lessen the chances of it ripping.
- Lightly the rolling pin with powdered sugar before attempting this.
- Gently unroll the fondant over the cake. Place the rolling pin down on top of the cake, close to one of the edges, and roll it towards the other end, unwinding the fondant.
- Smooth the fondant over the cake. Start at the top first, then smooth down the sides, using your fingers. Make sure that there are no folds, wrinkles, or air bubbles.Trim off any excess fondant. You can use a knife or even a pizza cutter. Try to cut as close to the bottom of the cake as possible.
- Finish smoothing the fondant. You can give your cake a smooth, professional finish by "ironing" the surface of the fondant with a flat-sided glass or a fondant smoothing tool.
- Add shine by spraying it lightly with cooking oil mist and smoothing it over again.[6]
- Finish decorating the cake. You can leave the cake as it is, or you can add decorations to it using buttercream frosting, such as lettering, swirls, or flowers. You can also use embossed silicon gel mats to give your fondant a pattern.
- Finished.
- Keep the fondant covered when not in use so it doesn't dry out.
- For a smallish cake, use one batch of Marshmallow Fondant. For a larger or multi-tiered cake, use two or more batches. It's always better to over-estimate.
EditThings You'll Need - String
- Rolling pin
- Smooth surface to work on
- Knife or pizza cutter
- Fondant smoothing tool (optional)
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| How to Relate To an Autistic Person Posted: 23 Jul 2016 01:00 AM PDT You may know an autistic person, and want to understand this individual and become friends. This can be challenging because autism (including Asperger's and PDD-NOS) is characterized by varying degrees of social skills and communication differences. Autistic individuals have experiences that may be very different from yours, but there are still ways you can relate to each other.[1] EditLearning About Autism - Recognize the emotional challenges autistic people face. To relate to someone requires that you know where this person is coming from, so it is very helpful to learn about the challenges an autistic person faces. They may have trouble reading your emotions, or they might read your emotions but not be sure why you feel that way. In addition to this confusion, sensory issues and introversion are common, so socializing can be tiring. But the sense of a connection with you is still likely very important to them.[2] To learn more about the symptoms and challenges of being autistic, see How to Recognize the Signs of Autism.
- Learn about the social challenges. You may see in your friend a tendency to say or do things that are socially inappropriate at the time, such as saying something out loud most people have learned to keep in their heads, getting too close to someone else, or cutting in line.[3] This is because understanding social rules can be difficult for autistic people.
- It's okay to explain a social rule or tell them that an action of theirs upset you. For example, "This isn't the back of the line, so we shouldn't cut in here. I see the back of the line over there." Autistic people often have strong senses of fairness, so explaining how a social rule fits into these values may help.[4]
- Assume that they mean well. Autistic people usually do not mean to be offensive. They don't want to hurt you or anyone else; they just don't understand how to respond.
- Learn about the behaviors of autistic individuals. Autistic people tend to display a variety of atypical behaviors. For example, autistic individuals may[5]:
- Echo things someone else said. This is called 'echolalia'.
- Talk about a topic for a long period of time, without recognizing when others have lost interest.
- Speak honestly, and sometimes bluntly.
- Interject with statements that seem irrelevant to the current discussion, such as pointing out a pretty flower.
- Not respond to their own names.
- Understand the importance of routine. For many autistic individuals, routines are an important aspect of their lives. Because of this, you can better relate to an autistic person by keeping in mind that routine may matter a great deal to them; you can help this individual by making sure their routine stays on track throughout the day. [6]
- If you have become part of this person's routine and then break it, it could be very upsetting to your friend.
- Try to keep in mind their perspective as you interact with him. Keep in mind that just because you may not value routine that much, and so don't care much whether routine is deviated from or not, to them it may be a huge deal if you deviate from routine.
- Recognize the power of special interests. Special interests are similar to a passion in non-autistic people, but are even stronger for an autistic person. Your friend may engage in their special interest(s) often, and love to talk about it. See if their interest area overlaps with yours, and use it as a tool to connect.
- Some autistic people have more than one special interest at once.
- Get to know this person's strengths, differences, and challenges. Every autistic person is different, and so it's important to understand them as a unique person.[7]
- Difficulty reading tone of voice and body language is typical of autistic people, so they may need extra explanation.
- Autistic people usually have slightly different body language, including an avoidance of eye contact and frequent stimming (repetitive self-soothing behaviors). Recognize your friend's own personal "normal."
- Sensory issues (autistic individuals may have trouble coping with loud noises, or may become upset if touched without warning).
- Rid yourself of stereotypes about autistic individuals. There is a false stereotype about autism, most likely (unintentionally) propagated in part by the movie Rain Man, in which it is thought that most autistic individuals have super-human cognitive abilities (such as the ability to near instantly count how many toothpicks fell on the floor).[8]
- In fact, such autistic savants are not all that common.[9]
EditBehaving Around an Autistic Person - See both the person and the disability. On one hand, not seeing the person may lead you to introduce them as "my autistic friend," stereotype them, or treat them like a child. On the other, refusing to acknowledge the disability and not accommodating their needs is also unhelpful. Strike a balance by treating their differences as natural, and overall unremarkable.
- Don't tell people that your friend is autistic unless they have given you permission.
- If they mention a need, accommodate it without making it a big deal. They may be surprised at your graciousness, and they will likely appreciate your being understanding.[10]
- Be clear about how you feel and what you want. Autistic people may not pick up hints or cues, so it's best to directly state your feelings.[11] This helps eliminate confusion on both ends, and that way if the autistic person has upset you, they have the opportunity to make amends and learn from it.
- "I'm feeling really down about my day at work, and I need some quiet time right now. We can talk later."
- "Asking Jamal out was really difficult for me, and I was so surprised that he said yes! I can't wait for our date on Friday. Do you want to help me pick out what to wear?"
- Accept any quirks and oddities, without trying to change them. Autistic people tend to move, speak, and interact in ways that are slightly offbeat.[12] This is likely true of your friend. If so, keep in mind that it is part of who they are, and if you are going to be their friend, it's important to accept all of them.
- If something crosses your boundaries (e.g., playing with your hair in a way that bothers you), or otherwise upsets you, it's always okay to explain how you feel.
- If they state that they want to look less unusual, you might want to subtly point out when they do something strange. Explain it clearly and without condescension, the way you might tell a new driver how to merge onto a highway.
- Try introducing this person to your other friends. If your autistic friend is looking to make new friends, then they may be interested in group events. No matter how obvious or subtle their autistic traits are in social settings, you might be surprised at how accepting other people are![13]
- Watch for signs of stress, and step in to avoid a meltdown or shutdown. If an autistic person becomes overtaxed, it may end in screaming, crying, or losing the ability to speak. Your friend may not recognize stress cues on their own, so if you notice them becoming agitated, suggest that they take a break.
- Help them get to a quiet, peaceful place with less noise and movement.
- Take them away from crowds and spectators.[14]
- Ask before touching or grabbing them. For example, "I'd like to take your hand now and lead you outside." You don't want to startle or scare them.
- Avoid criticizing their behavior. They can't control themselves very well right now, and you don't want to stress them even further. If you're overwhelmed, leave.
- Ask if they would like a tight hug. Sometimes this helps.
- Let them relax for a while afterwards. They might want one-on-one time, or want to be alone.
- Respect their free will and personal space, and encourage others to do the same. The same rules of respect apply to autistic and non-autistic people: don't grab or move their hands/arms/body without permission, don't take away a toy or object they're busy with, and be considerate in your words and actions. Some people, including adults, feel that disabled people don't need to be treated like real people.
- If you see someone else being rude or mean to the autistic person, say something.
- Encourage your friend to recognize when they are being mistreated, and to stand up for themselves. This can be difficult for autistic people, especially those who have PTSD as a result of compliance therapy or other bad experiences.
- Ask questions about how you can be accommodating and helpful. Get insight on how to relate to this person by talking with them about what it is like for them in particular to live as an autistic person. You may find that they want to share and can tell you lots of useful information that will help you to relate to them better.[15]
- A broad question like "What is it like to be autistic?" is too vague, and the autistic person will probably be unable to put such a complicated thing into words. Specific questions, like "How does sensory overload feel?" or "Is there a way I can help when you get too stressed?" are more likely to result in a useful answer.
- Be sure to do so in a quiet place when you are alone so as not to draw a lot of attention to them. Be sure to speak clearly and genuinely, so the autistic person doesn't misunderstand or think you are teasing.
- Avoid stressing out when this person 'stims'. Stimming refers to self-stimulating behavior and it helps autistic individuals to stay calm or manage emotion. For example, if they start giggling and flapping their hands when they see you, it means they really like you. Try to remember that stimming often helps the person doing it, so unless it's seriously disruptive or invading your personal space, learn to accept it. Try taking deep breaths in and out if you find yourself getting annoyed at the behavior. Stimming may include behaviors such as [16]:
- Fidgeting with objects.
- Rocking.
- Flapping and fidgeting with hands.
- Bouncing.
- Head banging.
- Squealing.
- Repeatedly feeling the texture of something, such as hair.
- Make it clear that you accept them. Autistic people are routinely criticized by family members, friends, therapists, bullies, and even strangers, because they act or look different. This can make life very difficult. Work on communicating unconditional acceptance in your words and actions. Remind them that it's okay to be different, and you like them just the way they are.
- Consider communicating frequently via email, text, or IM. Some autistic people find this easier than face-to-face conversation.
- Avoid rambling about or drawing unnecessary attention to the autistic person's differences in group settings. Don't fall prey to attention-seeking or declaring that you are such an angel for tolerating the autistic person. The autistic person knows that they are different, and will feel insecure or resentful if you are constantly pointing it out.
- Consider autism as being similar to a cultural divide, rather than a deficit. Autistic people's experiences can be similar to "culture shock," or trying to interact with people who have a very different culture from them, leading to confusion and social missteps.
- Remember that every autistic person is unique. There is no one-size-fits-all approach that works, and you'll naturally learn how to best interact as you get to know them.
- Your autistic friend may take longer to "come out of their shell," or they may not do so at all. This is okay. Let them move at their own pace.
- Treat autistic people with the same kindness and respect that you do others.
- Keep the pitfalls of labeling in mind; while a common practice in many medical and educational spheres is to use people-first language ("person with autism"), many in the autistic community prefer identity-first language ("autistic person"). If in doubt, ask what the individual you're trying to relate to prefers.
- Never call this person a burden, or state that their brain is broken or wrong. Many autistic people have grown up hearing this, and hearing it from a friend can seriously damage their self-esteem.
- Don't make fun of this person, even jokingly. Many autistic individuals have had bad teasing experiences before and may have trouble reading your intentions.
- Autistic people tend to take things literally.
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