| How to Clean a Sharpening Stone Posted: 09 Sep 2021 05:00 PM PDT Cleaning your sharpening stone regularly will ensure that it works well and doesn't get clogged. You can easily flush out any metal fillings that embed themselves in the stone with honing oil. You can also remove oil and dirt from an older sharpening stone with WD-40 and steel wool. Make sure to flatten your sharpening stone at least every 10 sharpening sessions to keep it even and to remove stubborn, embedded metal fillings. [Edit]Flushing out Mineral Filings - Rub a quarter-size amount of honing oil onto your stone. Honing oil is a mineral oil that is commonly used in machine shops to carry away metal flecks from stone.[1] Apply honing oil to your sharpening stone with your finger or a soft toothbrush in small, circular motions. Continue rubbing until you see metal flecks rise up from the pores of the stone.[2]
- Honing oil can also be used to provide lubrication during the sharpening process.
- Purchase honing oil in hardware stores or online.
- Use honing oil to flush out your sharpening stone whenever you see metal flecks embedded in the surface, as they may reduce its effectiveness.
- Wipe away the metal flecks with a damp cloth or paper towel. Wet a clean cloth or paper towel and wring it out. Gently wipe the surface of the sharpening stone with it. Be sure to remove all the metal filings that emerged from the stone.[3]
- Rinse the stone thoroughly under running water and dry it. Washing the sharpening stone will remove any remaining metal filings and debris from your stone. Run the stone under warm water for 1-2 minutes to ensure that it is clean. Dry the stone with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel. [4]
- Do not use soap or anything other than water to clean it.
[Edit]Removing Dirt and Grime - Coat your sharpening stone with a layer of WD-40. WD-40 is a specially-formulated oil spray with numerous uses, such as penetrating tough surfaces. Spray WD-40 onto the surface of your sharpening stone. Make sure that the surface is entirely coated.[5]
- Be sure to use this spray in a well-ventilated area.
- Scour the surface gently with a piece of fine steel wool to remove grime. To break up tough, caked on oil or debris, you will need to use an abrasive tool like steel wool. Rub a piece of 0000 grade steel wool over the surface of your stone. Continue until you see oil and debris start to come off of the surface.[6]
- This method will apply mostly to older sharpening stones that have not been used frequently.
- Wipe the surface of your sharpening stone with a damp cloth or paper towel. After scouring the stone, remove the remaining dirt, oil, and WD-40. Wet a clean cloth or paper towel and wring it out. Wipe down the stone thoroughly.[7]
- Repeat the process if any dirt or grease remains on the stone.
- Scour your sharpening stone whenever oil, grease, or dirt begin to build up on the surface and dull its effectiveness.
[Edit]Flattening Your Sharpening Stone - Rub the stone over a flattening plate to remove metal filings. Some sharpening stones will come with their own flattening plate, a tool used to even out their surface. Moisten your sharpening stone thoroughly with water or oil. Gently drag the flattening plate back and forth over the surface of the stone until it looks even and no embedded metal filings are visible.[8]
- If you are flattening a synthetic sharpening stone, which is usually grittier and coarser than natural stones, wet it with honing oil rather than water.[9]
- If your sharpening stone did not come with a flattening plate, you can purchase a silicon-carbide flattening plate at a hardware store or online.
- Sand away metal filings if you don't have a flattening plate. Adhere a self-adhesive piece of 100-grit wet-dry sandpaper to a flat surface like a small, thick piece of glass. Wet your sharpening stone with oil or water and rub it over the sandpaper. Sand the stone until it looks flat and you see no sign of metal filings embedded in it.[10]
- To hold the stone in place while you flatten it, consider placing a rubber mat underneath the small, flat surface you are sanding on.
- You will not be able to flatten your stone properly if you sand it while it is dry.
- Use 400-grit sandpaper to remove any large scratches that may collect debris. Wet your sharpening stone with oil or water. Run a piece of 400-grit sandpaper over it firmly to remove large grooves or scratches. This should in turn remove any filings or debris lodged in the grooves and prevent any other buildup.[11]
- Flatten your sharpening stone at least every 10 uses. After prolonged use, sharpening stones will begin to hollow out in the middle. This may result in rounding the edges of your tools when you sharpen them. Avoid this by flattening your sharpening stone after 10 sharpening sessions, or more often if you wish.[12]
- To avoid any dishing out of your sharpening stone, flatten it for 15 seconds before each use.
[Edit]References |
| How to Cook Black Quinoa Posted: 09 Sep 2021 09:00 AM PDT If you're trying to replace carbs with more nutritious foods, make a batch of black quinoa. This type of quinoa has a sweeter, earthier flavor than white quinoa, which makes it great to eat with your favorite vegetables or dressings. For the best texture, cook black quinoa on the stove until it's tender or microwave it if you're in a hurry. [Edit]Ingredients - 1 cup (170 g) of black quinoa
- of water or broth
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) of salt
Makes 3 cups of quinoa [Edit]Simmering on the Stovetop - Rinse 1 cup (170 g) of black quinoa. Put the dry quinoa into a fine mesh strainer and hold it under cold running water. Rinse the quinoa for 10 to 20 seconds and let the water drain out.[1]
- While you may be tempted to skip this step, rinsing the quinoa will remove its naturally bitter coating.
- Put the quinoa into a pan with of water and salt. Dump the rinsed quinoa into a medium-sized saucepan and pour in of cold water. Then add 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) of salt.
- For extra flavor, substitute vegetable or chicken broth for the water.
- Bring the water to a boil. Turn the burner on to high and leave the saucepan uncovered as the water heats. Keep heating the quinoa in the water until the water begins to boil vigorously.[2]
- Cover and simmer the quinoa for 20 minutes. Turn the burner down to low and put the lid on the saucepan. Then, leave the quinoa to simmer until it's absorbed the water and become tender.
- Resist the urge to lift off the lid and check the quinoa as it simmers since this will release steam and increase the cooking time.
- Keep in mind that black quinoa takes about 5 to 6 minutes longer to cook than white quinoa.
- Drain the cooked quinoa. Turn off the burner and set a fine mesh strainer in the sink. Carefully spoon the quinoa into the strainer so excess water drains into the sink.[3]
- Draining the quinoa will give it a fluffy texture that's not gummy or sticky.
- Put the quinoa back in the pan and let it rest for 15 minutes. Spoon the drained quinoa back into the saucepan and put the lid on it. Leave the quinoa for 15 minutes so it finishes cooking and dries out.[4]
- You can prepare dressing or other ingredients to serve with the quinoa while it rests.
- Fluff the quinoa with a fork before you serve it. Remove the lid and use a fork to toss the quinoa gently. Then, mix in any dressing you like and serve it with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables, chickpeas, or herbs. For a heartier meal, eat the black quinoa with seafood, a roast, or kebabs.[5]
- Refrigerate leftover black quinoa in an airtight container for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the quinoa for up to 2 months and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
[Edit]Microwaving Black Quinoa - Rinse 1 cup (170 g) of black quinoa. Place the uncooked black quinoa into a fine mesh strainer and hold it under cold running water to rinse the quinoa for 10 to 20 seconds. Then, let the water drain out.[6]
- It's important to rinse the quinoa because this will remove the natural bitter coating.
- Place the quinoa in a microwave-safe bowl with water and salt. Transfer the black quinoa to a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl and pour in of water along with 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) of salt.[7]
- To add flavor, use vegetable or chicken broth instead of water.
- Cover the bowl and microwave the quinoa for 6 minutes. Put a microwave-safe lid on the bowl and put it in the microwave. Then, heat the quinoa on high power for 6 minutes.[8]
- Since the quinoa needs time to steam as it cooks, avoid lifting up the lid to check it as it heats.
- Stir the quinoa and microwave it for 4 more minutes. Carefully remove the lid and stir the quinoa. About 1/2 of the water should be absorbed by this point. Then, put the lid back on and heat the quinoa for 4 more minutes or until it's tender.[9]
- Fluff the quinoa with a fork and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Wear oven mitts to take the bowl out of the microwave and remove the lid. Use a fork to fluff the quinoa and then put the lid back on. Leave the quinoa to sit for 5 to 10 minutes so all of the water is absorbed.[10]
- If there's still liquid visible at the bottom of the bowl, microwave the quinoa in 30-second increments until it's absorbed.
- Serve the black quinoa. You can stir seasonings or dressings of your choice into the fluffy quinoa and serve it with your meal. Keep in mind that quinoa makes a great replacement for starchy foods, such as rice or noodles.
- To store leftover quinoa, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- If you're unsure if you'll like the flavor of black quinoa, try making a mix of quinoa. You can often buy a tri-color blend of quinoa that includes white, black, and red quinoa.
- Mix black bean quinoa with black beans and avocado for a quick salad.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Simmering on the Stovetop - Measuring cups and spoons
- Fine mesh strainer
- Medium-sized saucepan with lid
- Spoon
- Fork
[Edit]Microwaving Black Quinoa - Measuring cups and spoons
- Fine mesh strainer
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Lid or plate
- Fork
- Spoon
- Microwave
[Edit]References |
| How to Stop Being Shy when You Dance Posted: 09 Sep 2021 01:00 AM PDT Does the very thought of dancing make you break out in a nervous sweat? If so, you're not alone. It can be tough to face your fears on the dance floor, but don't worry. There are tons of ways to build your confidence, both physically and mentally. We've put together a few tips and suggestions to help get you on your way. [Edit]Dance in a dark space. - Build your dancing confidence at home in baby steps. You don't have to face your fears all at once.[1] Believe it or not, some people find it easier to dance in a dark space instead of a well-lit area.[2] Try dancing in a dimly-lit area of your own home and see if that helps.
- Always dance in an open area without any tripping hazards.
[Edit]Learn new dance steps. - Hit the dance floor with your own dance moves. You might whip out some classics, like the Dougie, Grapevine, or Electric Slide. Or, change things up with the Woah, 2 Step, or Biz Markie.[3] If a popular Tiktok song comes on, like "Say So" by Doja Cat, "Cannibal" by Kesha, "Attention" by Todrick Hall, or "Rule the World" by Liz, show off your best Tiktok dance moves.[4]
- Knowing a variety of dance moves can help you feel a little more confident, even if no one else is hitting the dance floor.
[Edit]Mimic other dancers. - Find some other people who are really jamming out to the music. Hang out nearby and try to mimic them on the dance floor. You do not have to imitate them exactly—just recreate their joy, whether they're jumping up and down or just swaying to the music. Who knows; after seeing your moves, they might invite you to join them![5]
- For instance, if a group of dancers are rocking out to a high-energy song, you might bounce up and down or rock your head to the music.
[Edit]Approach a partner. - You might not feel as shy if you're dancing with someone else. For a direct approach, introduce yourself and ask the other person if they'd like to join you on the dance floor. If you'd like to take a more subtle route, try making eye contact and gesturing for them to join you.[6]
- You can always break the ice with a compliment first, or ask a question like "Have you been dancing for a while?" or "What's your favorite dance move?"
[Edit]Enter a dance circle. - At parties and clubs, people sometimes form "circles" to show off their moves. If you notice a dance circle popping up, make your way to the center and show everyone what you're made of. Even if you mess up, no one will remember or care afterward.[7]
[Edit]Focus on having fun. - Remind yourself that there's no "wrong" way to dance. Dancing is all about expressing yourself in a fun, physical way. It's okay if your dance moves aren't music video caliber. That doesn't mean you can't have fun! Focus on dancing for yourself, and not to please anyone else in the room.[8]
[Edit]Pretend that you're a confident dancer. - Your fake confidence might transform into real confidence. Imagine that you're an actor in a movie and you're playing the role of a star dancer. Try embracing that confidence and bravado in your dance moves, even if you aren't feeling all that confident. Sometimes, you just have to fake it at first![9]
[Edit]Put your anxious thoughts in perspective. - Ask yourself if your dancing insecurities really matter in the long run. Negative, anxious thoughts can really throw you for a loop, especially if you're getting ready to dance. Analyze these thoughts individually, and try to view them in a positive, realistic light. As you challenge your dancing fears and insecurities, you may realize that there's nothing to worry about.[10]
- Challenge a thought like "What if I mess up and look like an idiot?" with "Anyone who judges me on my dancing isn't worth having as a friend."
- Fight a thought like "What if I trip while I dance?" with "I won't be the first to slip up during a dance, and I definitely won't be the last."
[Edit]Remind yourself that no one is watching. - Relax, let loose, and do your own thing on the dance floor. Assuming that other people are watching or judging you is a really common worry, especially when you're dancing. Don't worry. The people around you are most likely preoccupied and not paying any attention to what you're doing.[11]
[Edit]Don't compare yourself to other dancers. - Focus on your own skills and capabilities. Whether you're at a party or school dance, it's easy to compare yourself to other dancers nearby. Try not to focus on what other people are capable of; instead, acknowledge that you're your own person, and that you'll grow and improve at your own pace.[12]
- If you'd really like to improve your dance skills, consider signing up for a class. A supportive teacher can help show you the ropes.[13] Plus, a learning environment is a great way to get over shyness while dancing.[14]
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
No comments:
Post a Comment