| How to Win at a Claw Machine Posted: 20 Sep 2019 05:00 PM PDT Claw machines can be a lot of fun to play and even more fun to win. However, if you've ever played a claw machine before, you know how hard actually winning a prize can be sometimes! Luckily, once you know how to study claw machines and go for the best prizes, you can make it a lot more likely for you to win at claw machines. [Edit]Selecting a Good Machine - Choose a claw machine that isn't full of tightly packed prizes. In other words, go for the claw machine that people have already been playing for a while. This way, the prizes won't be packed together so tightly that they're hard to pick up with a claw.[1]
- This effectively means that you should look for prize pits that aren't more than about halfway full.
- Be on the lookout for prize pits where all the stuffed animal prizes are facing outward and look very tightly packed. The prizes in those machines will probably be very hard to pick up.
- Aim to use machines with 3-pronged claws for the best results. 3-pronged claws are generally easier to win with than 2-pronged and 4-pronged claws. Although 4-pronged claws are pretty good at picking up stuffed animals, you'll have the most luck with most prizes by using a 3-pronged claw.[2]
- 4-pronged claws are great for grabbing around the chest area of a stuffed animal. When you use this type of claw on a stuffed animal, try to maneuver the claw so that the four prongs are positioned both above and below the arms with the central part of the claw close to the neck or high chest area.
- Watch somebody play the claw machine before you to study it. As that person is playing, pay attention to how the machine operates and how difficult it is to pick up a prize with it. Count how many seconds the machine gives the player after they put their money in, as well.[3]
- For example, when the player ahead of you goes to pick up a prize, look to see how loose the grip on the claw is. If it's a very loose grip and doesn't hold on to prizes very well, you probably shouldn't play that machine, since it'll be very difficult to win.
- Another thing to pay attention to is how easy the crane is to move around. It will be useful to know ahead of time how jerky or smooth the crane moves around over the prize pit.
- Pick a prize to go for before you put your money into the machine. This way, you won't spend precious seconds trying to decide which prize you want. The best prizes to go for are the ones near the top of the pile in the center of the prize pit.[4]
- Note that rounder prizes, like baseballs and footballs, are usually more difficult to pick up than angular objects, like stuffed animals.
[Edit]Positioning the Claw - Have a friend stand on the side of the machine to help you. Ask your friend to watch from the sides and help you determine when the claw is directly over the prize you're going for. This will help you to move your claw into position as quickly as possible and save precious time.[5]
- If you don't have anyone around to help, judge the claw's position by looking at the mirror inside the claw machine. The mirror can serve as your second person.
- Spend the first 10 seconds maneuvering the claw over the prize. Begin doing this immediately after you put your money into the machine. Try to move the claw into position over the prize as closely as possible.[6]
- This is assuming you only have 15 seconds before the claw drops. If you have 30 seconds, spend about the first 20 seconds moving your claw into position.
- Be sure to look at the position of the claw from the side of the machine, as well, to be as accurate as possible in your positioning.
- Use the last 5 seconds making tiny adjustments to the claw's position. Make tiny movements to get the claw into just the right position over your prize. Have your partner on the side of the machine help you guide the claw into position.[7]
- Be very careful making your adjustments in these last 5 seconds. Don't move the claw so much that it's completely out of position for picking up the prize.
- Drop the claw when you're in the absolute best position. Be sure to press the button that lowers the claw before your time runs out. Otherwise, the machine will move the claw back into starting position and you'll have to start over.[8]
- Note that on some machines, the claw will automatically drop when time runs out, no matter where it is.
- Repeat this process to try again if you didn't get your prize. Odds are, you won't get your prize on the first try. On subsequent tries, try to move the prizes in the pit around to put the prize you want in a better position.[9]
- For example, if there's another prize on top of the prize that you want, use the claw to bump the first prize out of the way to put the prize you want in a better position.
[Edit]Avoiding Common Mistakes - Set a budget for how much money to spend on the machine. Since it will probably take you multiple tries to get the prize you want, it's easy to end up spending a lot of money on 1 claw machine. Aim to spend only a certain amount of money trying to win at the claw machine and quit trying once you've spent that much money.[10]
- For best results, your budget should not exceed the actual value of the prize. If the prize you want costs $5, for example, don't spend more than $5 trying to win it at the machine.
- Be on the lookout for machines with prizes that are too good to be true. If the prizes in the pit look very expensive, that machine is more likely to be rigged. In those instances, trying to win at that claw machine is probably just a waste of money.[11]
- For example, steer clear of prize pits where the prizes are high-end pieces of technology, like smartphones, or have money wrapped around them.
- Refrain from going after prizes that are very low or near the windows. Prizes near the windows tend to be harder to grab with the claw. Prizes that are very low, meanwhile, will be harder for the claw to get to. If possible, aim for items closer to the drop box section.[12]
- Prizes near the drop box are ideal because if the claw drops your prize, there's a better chance it will fall into the drop box.
- If a prize is very low, this also increases the likelihood that the claw will drop the prize as it's picking it up.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Save an Overwatered Plant Posted: 20 Sep 2019 09:00 AM PDT When you're trying to take good care of your plants, it's easy to overwater them. This typically happens to potted plants because the water can't drain away from the roots. Unfortunately, overwatering can drown your plants and kill them. Luckily, you may be able to save your overwatered plants before it's too late by drying out the roots. [Edit]Recognizing an Overwatered Plant - Check if the leaves are light green or yellow. When a plant is overwatered, the color of the leaves starts to change. Look to see if the green is leaving the leaves, turning them pale green or yellow. You may also notice splotches of yellow on the leaves.[1]
- This happens because the plant's normal photosynthesis processes can't happen if it's too wet. That means the plant isn't able to get nourishment.
- Notice if the plant isn't growing or has brown spots. When the roots are drowning in water, they can't supply water to the upper parts of the plant. Additionally, the plant can't get nutrients from the soil. That means it will start to wilt and die. Check to see if your plant is struggling to produce new leaves or stems or has foliage that is dying.[2]
- Since your plant can also die from not being watered enough, you might feel unsure about whether or not it's under or overwatered. If you know you've been watering the plant but it's still dying, overwatering is likely the culprit.
- Look for mold or algae at the base of the stem or the top of the soil. When there's too much water in the pot, you may see green algae or fuzzy black or white mold starting to grow on the surface of the soil or on the base of the stem. This is a sign that the plant is being overwatered.[3]
- You may see tiny spots of mold or algae, or it could be widespread. Any mold or algae is cause for concern.
- Sniff the plant to see if there's a foul, musty odor. If water sits on the roots for too long, it will start to rot them. When this happens, the roots will give off an odor of decay. Place your nose close to the top layer of the soil and sniff it to see if you detect an odor.[4]
- It's possible that you won't be able to smell root rot if it's just started or if your soil is very deep.
- Check for drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. If your pot doesn't have holes at the bottom to allow for drainage, it's likely that your plant is getting overwatered. That's because water gets trapped at the bottom of the pot. It's best to remove the plant from the pot to check it for root rot. Then, create holes in your pot or transfer the plant to a pot that has holes.[5]
- You can create holes in a plastic pot using a knife or screw driver. Use the knife or screwdriver to carefully puncture the bottom of the pot.
- If your pot is ceramic or clay, it's best not to try to make holes. You'll likely end up breaking or damaging the pot.
[Edit]Drying out the Roots - Stop watering the plant while it dries out. If you think your plant is overwatered, take a break from watering it. Otherwise, the problem will continue to get worse. Don't add more water to the pot until you're sure the roots and soil are dry.[6]
- This can take several days, so don't worry if there's a big gap between waterings.
- Bring the plant into the shade to protect the upper leaves. When a plant is overwatered, it has trouble transporting water to its upper extremities. This means that the top of the plant is vulnerable to drying out if it's left in the sun. To help preserve the plant, bring it into the shade if it's not already shaded.[7]
- You can put the plant back in the sun once it's stabilized.
- Tap the sides of the pot gently to loosen the plant and soil. Use your hand or a small shovel to gently tap the sides of the pot. Do this several times on different sides to loosen the soil and roots. This can create air pockets that will help your roots dry.[8]
- Additionally, tapping the sides of the pot will make it easier to remove your plant from the pot.
- Slide your plant out of the pot to check the roots and speed up drying. While you don't have to remove your plant from the pot, it's best to go ahead and do it. This helps your plant dry out faster and allows you to re-plant it in a pot that has better drainage. To remove it easily, use 1 hand to hold the base of the plant just above the soil. Then, slowly turn the plant over and shake the pot with your other hand until the root ball slides out.[9]
- You should be holding the plant upside down in your hand.
- Use your fingers to remove the old soil so you can see the roots. Gently break up the soil so that it will fall away from the roots. Lightly brush it away with your fingers so that the roots don't get damaged.[10]
- If the soil looks moldy or green from algae, discard it because it will contaminate your plant if you re-use it. Similarly, throw it out if it smells like decay because it likely contains root rot.
- If the soil looks fresh and clean, you may be able to re-use it. However, it's best to use fresh potting soil just to be safe.
- Prune away brown, stinky roots with pruning shears or scissors. Healthy roots are white and firm, while rotting roots will be soft and look brown or black. Use pruning shears or scissors to trim as much of the rotting roots away as possible, saving the healthy roots.[11]
- If most or all of the roots look rotten, you might not be able to save the plant. However, you can try trimming it down to the base of the roots and then replanting it.
- Trim away dead leaves and stems using pruning shears or scissors. Cut off brown and dry leaves and stems first. If you trimmed off a lot of the root system, you'll also need to prune away some of the healthy part of the plant. Begin trimming at the top and remove enough leaves and stems so that the plant is no more than twice the size of its root system.[12]
- If you're not sure how much to cut off of the plant, prune away about the same amount from the plant as your did from the roots.
[Edit]Re-Potting the Plant - Transfer your plant to a pot that has drainage holes and a tray. Look for a pot that has tiny holes on the bottom so that excess water can drain away from the plant. This prevents the water from settling around the root ball and rotting it. Get a tray to put under your pot if it doesn't come with one. The tray will catch the excess water so it doesn't stain the surface below your pot.[13]
- Some pots have a tray attached to them. If this is the case for your pot, check the inside of the pot for drainage holes, as you won't be able to remove the tray.
- Add of mulch at the bottom of the pot for drainage. While this is optional, it will help you prevent overwatering in the future. Simply layer the mulch at the bottom of the pot, estimating about a layer. Leave the mulch loose instead of packing it down.[14]
- The mulch will help the water drain out of the pot faster so it doesn't drown your roots.
- Add new potting soil around the plant if necessary. If you removed moldy or algae-covered soil or your new pot is bigger, you'll need to add fresh potting soil. Pour the new soil around the roots of your plant. Then, fill up the rest of the pot until you reach the base of the plant. Lightly pat the top of the soil to make sure the plant will stay in place.[15]
- If necessary, add a little more potting soil after you pat down around the plant. You don't want to see any exposed roots.
- Water your plant only when the top layer of soil feels dry. When you first re-pot the plant, pour water over the soil to moisten it. Then, check the soil before you water the plant again to make sure the soil feels dry, which means the plant needs water. When you water the plant, pour the water directly over the soil so that it goes to the roots.[16]
- It's best to water your plant in the morning so that the light from the sun will help dry it faster.
- Read the care instructions for your plant to make sure you're providing it with the proper amount of water. Some plants don't require as much water, so it's easy to overwater them.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Shady area
- Pot with drainage holes
- Tray for under pot
- New potting soil
- Mesh baking rack
- Spray bottle
- Small pruning shears or scissors
- Small shovel or trowel (optional)
- Mulch (optional)
- Water
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Wear a Blue Suit Posted: 20 Sep 2019 01:00 AM PDT Blue has become a very popular color choice for suits. There are many different shades of blue, making the color versatile throughout the year. You may be confused at first about what to pair with your suit, but dressing up is as simple as picking a shade of blue and selecting other clothing to match it. Pick darker colors for more formal settings and save lighter colors for informal ones. Include a tie, shoe, and accessories to complete your outfit. With proper coordination, you can wear a blue suit fashionably no matter where you're going. [Edit]Creating a Formal Outfit - Choose a midnight blue suit for special occasions. Midnight blue is a very dark color, so it's best used in place of black. Wear your midnight blue suit for solemn events like weddings and funerals. It's a little less formal but more versatile than black, meaning that it works well at any type of formal occasion. However, it's too dark to be worn often outside of those events.[1]
- Midnight blue is what you want if you're going for something slightly less serious than black. Black can feel too heavy and somber. Wear blue to bring a little bit of color to your outfit.
- Pick a white or gray shirt to match with a dark blue suit. White matches well and brightens up a dark suit. Gray is another option that can work, but go with a lighter shade to prevent the shirt from blending in too much with your suit. Choose a collared dress shirt that fits well underneath your suit jacket.[2]
- White shirts make color matching much easier. Gray requires a little bit more consideration when selecting your tie and accessories.
- White is great for formal settings. Gray is a little less formal, but it's fine for all but the most somber events.
- Put on a red or blue tie to contrast nicely with the white shirt. Select a deep, dark shade of red instead of a lighter one. Red also contrasts well with your suit, giving you some standout color without making your outfit look informal. If you're looking for an alternative, choose a blue tie that is a similar shade to your suit. Since it won't make you stand out as much, it's perfect for serious occasions where you aren't the center of attention.[3]
- If you're feeling bold, try picking a lighter shade of blue. It will stand out much more, but you can match different shades of blue without much of a problem.
- Pick a tie with a heavy texture that looks distinct from the suit you're wearing.
- Wear a pair of black or dark brown dress shoes to keep the look conservative. These shades work well for the most formal events imaginable. Save your black shoes for places with a strict dress code. If the rules aren't quite as demanding, try using a dark shade of brown instead. Be sure to choose a pair of dress shoes with rounded tips instead of pointed ones.[4]
- Brown is far more versatile than black. If you have to choose one option, go with brown so you have shoes for a variety of settings.
- Limit your outfit to a few accessories if you need them. Formal outfits do not need a lot of dress up in the way of accessories. You can wear a nice gold watch and that would be enough to complete your look. Another option is to stuff a pocket square into your front pocket if your jacket has one.[5]
- Whatever you do, don't wear a belt! It doesn't look good as part of a formal outfit. Most belts also don't match well with midnight blue.
- If you're planning on including a pocket square, match it with the color of your shirt or tie. Red and white are usually great options.
[Edit]Choosing a Semi-Formal Look - Select a true blue suit to stand out more. True blue is a little lighter than navy blue, so it will draw more attention to your suit. It's not good for formal events, but it can be worn during special occasions. Try wearing a true blue suit to a lighthearted party or business meetup, for instance. Don't wear it too often, though.[6]
- If you're looking for something more versatile, go with a navy blue suit instead. It's better for frequent usage. Don't wear a true blue suit more than once a week.
- Select a light blue or gray shirt for a nice contrast with your suit. White is always a good choice with true blue. However, since this type of suit is best for special occasions, consider wearing something lighter. Gray and light blue are both good choices. It will draw more attention to you and your suit, so make sure that is what you want when you settle on an outfit.[7]
- If you're worried about finding matching shoes and a tie, stay with a white shirt.
- You could also try putting on a printed shirt. Keep the print light so it doesn't stand out too much.
- Choose a patterned tie to stand out against a solid shirt. Look for something simple but distinct from your shirt and jacket. Try a light-colored tie, such as red or blue. Then, get one with a faint print, usually floral or stripes. Printed ties are more informal than solid ones and add some fun to your outfit.[8]
- If the event is more on the formal side of the spectrum, wear a solid tie instead. Choose a deep red color or a shade of blue that is a little lighter than your suit.
- Pick a shirt with a print if you want an eye-catching look. Stripes and floral patterns are a few examples of shirts you can wear underneath a blue suit. Prints look relatively informal, so reserve them for relatively informal events. You usually will not need to wear a tie or other accessories with the shirt.[9]
- Prints can contrast poorly with a suit, so choose them with caution. For example, don't pair a print with a pinstripe suit.
- If you're looking for a basic style that matches with most blue suits, choose a white shirt with a light print.
- Wear brown dress shoes that match the shade of your suit. For style, try wearing Derby shoes to formal events or loafers to more informal ones. The most important part is getting a medium shade of brown. Darker shades look too formal, but lighter shades look too casual. Strike a balance with a medium shade, such as burnished brown or mahogany.[10]
- Stay away from black or cream-colored shoes. They won't look right when paired with your suit.
- Include few or no accessories with your outfit. A pocket square can work, but it may also look a little too formal. Usually, a nice watch and possibly a belt are more than enough. You don't even need that much if you want your suit to do the talking.[11]
- Belts are always optional and many people think they should never be worn with a suit. If you choose to use one as an accessory, match it to the color of your shoes.
[Edit]Dressing in Business Formal - Pick navy blue for a suit that goes well with most colors. Navy blue is an everyday type of color. Although it is relatively dark, it is still light enough to make you stand out. It pairs well with both light and dark accessories, making it great for business events. You can mix and match your outfit each time you need to wear the suit.[12]
- If you have to choose one color, go with navy blue. It's versatile enough to fit in at most formal and casual events. It's also the best choice if you don't wear suits very often.
- The downside of a navy blue suit's versatility is that you have to select your outfit with care. Use darker colors for formality, but switch to lighter colors for casual settings.
- Wear a striped suit if you wish to look more informal. Every shade of blue has a pinstripe version. A pinstripe design consists of vertical stripes running down the entire suit. The stripes make the suit stand out more, so they are most common with darker shades of blue like navy. Choose a pinstripe design to add some flair to your outfit if you're used to wearing plain suits all the time.[13]
- Pinstripes come in different sizes. Since big stripes stand out so much, stick to thinner stripes to prevent your suit from becoming too informal and distracting.
- Pinstripe designs often come in handy for day to day business settings. However, you will need to choose ties and other accessories carefully to avoid any color clashes with the stripes.
- Select a light, solid dress shirt that contrasts your suit. The standard color matches apply in a business setting. White is always a good choice, and gray also goes well with the darkness of a navy suit. Try a lighter shade of blue if you're looking to add more color to your outfit.[14]
- Remember to coordinate your shirt choice with your tie. The shirt needs to be a different color than the tie.
- Pick a plain, solid tie that fits well in a business formal setting. Dark-colored ties are usually the best option for looking like a successful business person. Red or burgundy works well, but mix up your tie choices if you wear suits often. You could wear a black tie one day, then switch to a green one the next. Stay away from lighter colors that will make you stand out a little too much.[15]
- Pinstripes or other prints can work if you're careful. Don't wear these ties with a pinstriped shirt or jacket. Also, pick small, faint prints to keep your outfit spiffy.
- Select medium or dark-brown shoes to make your outfit office-ready. Since you're targeting a relatively formal outfit, stick to standard Oxfords or another formal style. A business event isn't the time to get experimental with your choice of footwear. Navy is deep but not as dark as some other suit options, so you don't need to get the blackest shoes possible. Stick to colors like burnished brown or mahogany that match well with your suit jacket.[16]
- Test the shoes out before making them a part of your outfit. Look at yourself in the mirror to see how well they match with your jacket.
- Black shoes are too formal for business settings, so you're better off sticking to brown.
- Include a watch or pocket square to spruce up your outfit. You don't really need much in the way of accessories for business formal. If you want to look classy, tuck a colored pocket square into your front suit pocket. Slap a nice silver or gold watch onto your wrist. Don't think too much about accessorizing, since too many of them will clash with your suit and shirt combination.[17]
- Never wear a belt to business formal. It looks too casual and you will probably be around people who don't think it's a good look.
[Edit]Assembling a Casual Outfit - Choose a light blue suit for casual and summer events. Very light shades of blue, including sky blue and baby blue, stand out a lot. These shades of blue should be saved for informal events where you don't mind standing out. Lighter suits tend to pair well with darker accessories that provide some color contrast.[18]
- Light blue suits are associated with summer, so many of them are made with lightweight material like linen or seersucker.
- Select a basic white shirt if you're planning on dressing brightly. Light blue suits can be very bright, so adopt white to balance out your outfit. White also pairs well with colorful ties, shoes, and accessories you may end up incorporating. It will contrast those items without any sort of contrast.[19]
- Although you can try wearing other colors, keep in mind that they may make your suit look a little too colorful. If you can, avoid wearing both a shirt and a tie that are a different color than your suit.
- White shirts are also good options if you like wearing your suit without a tie.
- Pick a pale shirt color if you want to add more color contrast. Stand out more by choosing a light blue, gray, lilac, or even pink dress shirt. These colors mix well even with darker shades of blue. They often look fashionable but not very formal, so pick colored shirts when you're not dealing with a strict dress code.[20]
- Gray shirts are the most neutral of the options available and are better for formality without a lot of color clashing. Gray shirts don't go well with bright ties or other accessories, so switch to white if you plan on using any.
- Light blue pairs well with darker blue suits. If you're wearing a light blue suit, get lilac or pink for more contrast. Keep in mind that the shirt will stand out almost as much as the suit!
- Stay away from other colors, including green and yellow. They are too similar to blue and don't pair well in large amounts.
- Wear a patterned shirt or tie if you want your outfit to be bold. Stripes and floral patterns are a few examples of what you could wear. Since you don't need to worry as much about how informal these designs look, you can let them be a little louder than normal. Make sure they complement your suit well, particularly if you go with bigger prints or wilder colors. If you're looking for something basic, stick with a light print on a standard color like white.[21]
- Prints are all about standing out. The shirt color should contrast your suit. For a tie, the color needs to contrast your shirt.
- If you're not interested in the additional flair from patterned items, wear a simple white shirt.
- Go without a tie if you're aiming for an informal look. You don't always need a tie. Going without one can be a good strategy for the most casual events, such as hangouts with friends. Wear a nice shirt, then show it off by unbuttoning your jacket.[22]
- White shirts usually work best without a tie. They tend to appear neat and fashionable, but you could try another color for a bolder look.
- Get light-colored shoes if you're creating a casual outfit. It's difficult to pull off, but you can pair cream-colored shoes with a blue suit. If you're planning on trying this, pick a light blue suit first. Complete the outfit by wearing a white shirt without a tie.[23]
- Remember that lighter colors tend to stand out more, so cream-colored shoes will make you much more visible. Save this kind of outfit for casual wear in summer.
- If cream isn't your color, pick a lighter shade of brown. It doesn't require as much work to fit into an outfit. Try a more casual style of shoe, such as brogues or monk straps.
- Match the belt to your shoes if you plan on wearing one. If you choose to wear a belt, get a shade of brown that matches your shoes. Don't wear a belt with cream-colored shoes or sneakers. The belt will make your outfit look less formal, but that isn't an issue when you know it is for a casual setting like a night out with friends.[24]
- Instead of wearing a belt, consider using suspenders instead. Suspenders hold up your pants like a belt but can be hidden underneath your jacket.
- To avoid your outfit from getting too cluttered, don't wear any other accessories. You don't need a tie or a heavy watch for a casual outfit.
- Keep in mind that watches, ties, and belts are all considered accessories. Make your outfit better by limiting the number of accessories you put on.
- The fit is always important when wearing a suit. Your clothing should rest comfortably on your body without feeling restrictive or loose.
- If you're adventurous, try wearing a blue blazer with jeans or other informal clothing.
[Edit]References |
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