How to Make Fabric Flowers

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• scraps of fabric
• scissors
• thread
• hand-sewing needle
• button (optional)
• fray check (optional)

Make Fabric Flowers

1. 1
   Cut two 4 inch squares of fabric, two 3 inch squares of fabric and two 2 inch squares of fabric.
   
2. 2
   Fold each square of fabric in half, then fold it in half again.
   
3. 3
   Trim the unfolded edges of the fabric into a scalloped shape. (The scallops don't have to be perfectly even to make a nice flower shape.)
   
4. 4
   Unfold the fabric, then cut slits between the scallops toward the center of the flower, without cutting the petals all the way apart. These slits will make it easier to fluff out the petals and make the flower more three-dimensional.
   
5. 5
   Place the two large flower pieces on top of each other. Pull the petals of the lower flower up through the slits between the upper petals, to make the flower petals fluffier.
   
6. 6
   Repeat step 5 with the pair of medium flower petals, and the pair of small flower petals.
   
7. 7
   Stack the flower petal pairs on top of each other, with the largest petals on the bottom and the smallest petals on the top. Make sure the petal pairs are centered.
   
8. 8
   Stitch the layers of the flower together through the center, using a few small hand stitches. Add a button to the center of the flower if you wish.
   

Euro Top Mattress Vs. Pillow Top Mattress

Mattresses come with a variety of top layers attached to them. These top layers, depending on their design, add varying amounts of cushioning to the mattress. While the construction itself may be of a totally firm mattress, the top layer can give one extra padding or the feeling of sinking into the mattress when getting into bed. Euro Tops and Pillow Tops are just two of the types of top layers available on mattresses.

Types

1. There are four primary types of mattress top layers available. The first type, known as Firm (also called Tight and Basic), generally has no additional cushioning or padding stitched onto the mattress top. There is no feeling of sinking into the material with most firm mattresses.
   
   The second type is the Plush Top. This is the softest and most cushioned of the mattress top layers available. It may be a few inches thicker than the other tops and gives the truest feeling of sinking into the material when one lowers oneself down onto it. It's extremely soft and fluffy.
   
   The third and fourth types are the Euro Top and the Pillow Top. They provide more cushioning than the Firm, and less than the Plush. The primary difference between Euro and Pillow is in the stitching, Euro tops are stitched directly to the mattress top with no additional materials or gap between the top layer and the mattress itself (reference 1).

Identification

2. You can identify the difference between Euro Top and Pillow Top mattresses by looking at the stitching and the area between the topping and the mattress frame itself. A Pillow Top topping is affixed to a layer all its own, which is attached to the mattress proper, with a gap between the two. A Euro Top mattress lacks the gap or additional material between the mattress frame and the cushioned top. A Pillow Top may appear to sit higher and be thicker than a Euro Top and may feel slightly more plush due to the added space between the two parts of the mattress (reference 1).

Size

3. Euro Top and Pillow Top mattresses come in all of the standard mattress sizes such as Twin, Full, Queen and King. A complete list of mattress sizes and dimensions can be found in the Resources section of this article.
   
   The height and thickness can affect mattress size. Plush and Pillow Top mattresses may be or at least appear to be few additional inches high and thick, while Euro Top mattresses, without the gap between mattress frame and top, are more slim-lined and may be similar in thickness to traditional Firm mattresses.

Considerations

4. When deciding between a Euro Top and Pillow Top mattress there are two things to consider, the first being how the size of the mattress is affected by what kind of top it has. While both mattress types offer similar cushioning and feel, the Pillow Top may require larger bedsheets due to the extra thickness because of the space between the mattress frame and the topping. The padding is similar with the Euro Top but it's achieved with less thickness.
   
   Also consider the aesthetics of the mattress. Pillow Top and Euro Top look slightly different due to the presence or lack of a gap and also due to the stitching. You may like one look better than the other. Also, while bedsheets will cover up these differences, the sheets could become bunched up in the gap in the Pillow Top construction.

Effects

5. One effect that is found with Pillow Top mattresses that may not be experienced with Euro Tops is that when a person lies in the middle of the mattress, the edges of the mattress may pull inward. This is due to the looser stitching of the Pillow Top design. This can contribute to the feeling of sinking into the mattress and also may make the bedsheets appear loose around the edges when in use

Animals Found in the Catskill Mountains

1. 
   A view of the Catskill Mountains
   The Catskill Mountains are located in New York, northwest of New York City and southwest of Albany. This section of the Allegheny Plateau consists of mountainous areas and forests. Rather than an actual mountain range, the Catskills are actually a dissected plateau that has eroded into sharp peaks. The Catskill Mountains are alive with many different types of wildlife.

Black Bears

2. 
   Black bears can be found in the Catskill Moutains.
   Be aware that American Black Bears are abundant in the Catskill Mountains. A male black bear averages around 300 pounds, but can sometimes grow as large as 750 pounds. Black bears are omnivores, so they eat both meat and vegetation. They commonly eat things like berries, seeds, nuts, insects, birds, fish and small animals. When it is available, black bears will also eat garbage, pet food and bird seed. Black bears generally try to stay away from humans and prefer living in the dense forests. They use dens and caves to hibernate in throughout the winter.

Bobcats

3. 
   Bobcats typically hide in caves and dens.
   Keep an eye out for the elusive bobcat, which roams the region. They spend most of their time hiding, though their tracks can be easily seen. These animals are most often spotted at dawn and dusk, when they are the most active. Bobcats are carnivorous animals, favoring foods like rabbits, rodents, birds and even deer. They frequent hiding areas like caves and rock ledges. The population of bobcats was almost erased in the 1800s when hunting them was popular. Now the population has grown back to a moderate amount.

Cougars

4. Decide whether cougars still exist in the Catskills. Cougars, also called mountain lions, pumas or panthers, were also hunted to extinction in the 1800s. The males of the species are usually around 130 pounds and they are significantly larger than bobcats. Mountain lions mostly hunt deer, but they are also known to prey on farm animals, bobcats, and small game like raccoons and rabbits. There is some controversy today over whether mountain lions still exist in the Catskills. Some people claim to have seen them recently.

Coyotes

5. 
   Coyotes can be spotted in the Catskills.
   Listen for coyotes howling in the night. Coyotes are abundant in many regions of the Catskill Mountains. They typically stay in mountains and valleys. This is because they usually chase their prey to cliff ledges and mountains tops so that they cannot escape; then they kill them. Coyotes average around 40 pounds but can grow up to 65 pounds occasionally. Coyotes have the unique ability to move to different areas, within 100 miles. This gives them the ability to adapt to changes in their habitat. In the early 1900s, the coyote population was threatened by wolves. However, the wolves were eventually hunted to extinction, allowing the coyote population to bounce back.

Snakes

6. Watch where you step, because the Catskills host two types of poisonous snakes: the Timber Rattlesnake and the Copperhead. The rattlesnake is identified by its triangle-shaped head and the distinctive rattle on its tail. They come in black, yellow and tan varieties. Timber Rattlesnakes usually grow to be 3 to 4 feet long and can live for up to 30 years.

Why Aren't Cell Phones Allowed on Planes?

Banned on airplanes, but why?

Anyone who has ever flown on a commercial flight in the United States has heard the familiar line about turning off cell phones for the duration of the flight. The question of course is why the airlines require that we do this. There are some official reasons given and then others that those in the known insist are the real reasons for the ban.

Cell Phones Can Interfere With Avionics

1. This is a fancy way of saying that if you play with your cell phone, it could crash the plane. The concern is that the signals may cause some interference with the instruments in the main cabin.

Cell Phones May Interfere With Tower to Air Communications

2. This is another common issue mentioned by the airlines as a reason why cell phones are banned. They say that the cell phone signals could cross with their radio signals and create problems communicating with the tower on the ground. In other words, if you play with your cell phone, you could crash the plane.

Crowd Control Issues

3. Some airlines have offered this reason as well, saying that when people are in a confined space for long periods with no way of getting out, there needs to be a certain social order maintained. That order can be disrupted by people using their cell phones on the plane, since it may cause tempers to flare.

Economic Considerations

4. No airline has ever officially acknowledged this as a reason for refusing to allow cell phones on airplanes, however many industry insiders say this is the main reason for the cell phone ban on airplanes. In the back of many airplane seats you can find an "air phone." This is a phone which has been approved by the airline and which is "shielded" so that it will not interfere with the instruments or with ground communication. However, since these phones are controlled by the airline, they can charge what they wish for making calls from them.

Terrorism Concerns

5. After the events of September 11, 2001, many airlines have said that offering cell service on board an aircraft is extremely dangerous since it could be used as a way for terrorists to communicate with their handlers on the ground.

How to Kill Bedbugs in Hotel Rooms for the Traveler

Bedbugs normally reside under mattresses, box springs and other bedroom furniture.

Bedbugs are small, elusive insects that are mainly found around sleeping areas that include mattresses, nightstands and box springs. When staying in hotel rooms that are infested with bedbugs, a good idea is to change rooms or hotels immediately. If you are unable to change rooms, here are some ways to make a temporary barrier against bedbugs. It is important to note that you should properly treat or replace mattresses and other sleeping items before using them.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Large garbage bags
• Small fabric steam cleaner
• Double-sided duct tape

1. 1
   Secure your luggage. Make sure your luggage is securely fastened and stored above the ground. Many hotel rooms have luggage racks that you can use. If your room has no luggage rack, place your bags on top of the bathroom counter. This will reduce the chances of bedbugs entering your clothing.
   
2. 2
   Look for signs of bedbug infestations. Light infestations can be hard to find. Pull back the bed sheets, and look to see if there are any caste shells, bloodstains, fecal spots or crushed bedbugs. If your hotel room has a heavy infestation, you may even find live bedbugs crawling over the sheets in the daytime. Don't forget to check all furniture in the room; that includes dressers, bed frame, television stand and couches. Look for any crevice that a bedbug can crawl into.
   
3. 3
   Steam clean the mattress. If you are a frequent traveler, purchasing a small fabric steam cleaner can be beneficial if you come across a hotel room that is infested with bedbugs. Bedbugs can't survive in extreme heat; therefore, by steaming the mattress, you will kill any bedbugs that are residing deep within the mattress. You can also use the steam cleaner on other pieces of furniture located in the hotel room.
   
4. 4
   Place large garbage bags over the mattress. Placing the plastic garbage bags over the mattress can serve as a temporary barrier to bedbugs. Cut open the garbage bags so they completely cover the bed, and securely fasten them to the bed frame using double-sided duct tape. Make sure that the mattress is completely encased inside the plastic.
   
5. 5
   Create a temporary barrier for the bed by wrapping each leg of the bed in double-sided duct tape. This will lessen the chance that bedbugs will crawl from the floor to the bed during the night, as they will be unable to cross the sticky barrier.
   
6. 6
   Check for bedbugs during the night. Bedbugs usually look for hosts at nighttime. Continuous checking for bedbug infestations during the night is important for your health and safety. If bedbugs are found within the night, check the immediate area to determine where the infestation is coming from.
   

How Much Fuel Does a 747 Jet Burn?

How Much Fuel Does a 747 Jet Burn?

Consumption of fuel is one of the largest costs of operating a large commercial airliner, making it a major concern to the airline industry. The weight of the fuel at the beginning of a flight adds to the consumption since the airliner will have to burn more fuel to take off, climb to cruising altitude and reach cruising speed. Fuel consumption also varies by altitude. By design, jet engines are most efficient at higher altitudes and thus burn more fuel at lower altitudes to perform the same amount of work.

Jet Fuel Facts

1. Jet fuel for commercial and private aircraft is a kerosene based fuel. In the United State, the standard fuel is Jet A. It is lighter than water and has a clear or straw colored appearance. Outside the United States, Jet A-1 is the standard jet fuel and has slightly different characteristics than Jet A. Jet A freezes at -40 F and Jet A-1 freezes at -52.6 F. Jet A and Jet A-1 are interchangeable for most purposes. Military aircraft use a JP designation and there are various types for use depending on the aircraft.

Flight Considerations

2. The amount of fuel loaded onto an aircraft is carefully calculated. Fuel must be allotted for the taxiing to the runway, take off and climb to altitude, the flight, descent and taxiing to the gate. A reserve that would allow the aircraft to change airports is added to the total fuel load. The airliner cannot be simply "filled up" as the higher weight of the aircraft would increase fuel consumption.

Boeing 747 Fuel Facts

3. The Boeing 747 is available in four basic models, the 747-100, 747-200, 747-300 and 747-400. Each of the four basic designs uses four engines which consume Jet A or Jet A-1 fuel. The 747-100 carries a maximum of 48,445 US Gallons of fuel, the 200 and 300 each carry 52,410 and the 400 carries 57,285 US Gallons. Boeing lists maximum ranges as 6,100, 7,900, 7,700, and 7,260 statute miles respectively for each 747 model. Fuel capacity is calculated in gallons, but fuel consumption and planning are calculated in pounds. Jet A and Jet A-1 weigh 6.84 pounds per gallon.

Fueling a 747

4. Typical fueling considerations in a 747-200 or 300 allow for 2,200 pounds of fuel to be used for taxi to take off. A fully loaded aircraft will use 33,000 pounds during take off and climb to cruising altitude. During the first half of the flight, the aircraft will consume an average of 28,000 pounds of fuel per hour. The aircraft lightens as it burns fuel and at the end of the trip, the fuel consumption drops to about 21,000 pounds per hour. Descending and landing consume the least fuel, around 6000 pounds. Unburdened of its fuel load, the aircraft will consume only 1000 pounds of fuel, less than half what it needed to taxi before take off. A reserve of 25,000 to 40,000 pounds is loaded to allow changing airports should it become necessary.

Fuel Burn

5. Fuel burn is affected by a number of factors. At sea level, the dense air negatively impacts the efficiency of the jet engines and at any given engine speed, they use more fuel compared to what they would use at a high altitude. Waiting in line on the taxiway to take off burns fuel that just goes to waste. At take off the engines are working the hardest, carrying the greatest load and consume the most fuel. Once cruising altitude is reached, the engines are throttled back a little and less fuel is consumed. The plane lightens as it burns fuel and therefore uses less and less as the flight progresses. Descent and approach use very little fuel. The engines are cut back to nearly idle with the aircraft in a glide.

Why Aren't Cell Phones Allowed on Planes?

Banned on airplanes, but why?

Anyone who has ever flown on a commercial flight in the United States has heard the familiar line about turning off cell phones for the duration of the flight. The question of course is why the airlines require that we do this. There are some official reasons given and then others that those in the known insist are the real reasons for the ban.

Cell Phones Can Interfere With Avionics

1. This is a fancy way of saying that if you play with your cell phone, it could crash the plane. The concern is that the signals may cause some interference with the instruments in the main cabin.

Cell Phones May Interfere With Tower to Air Communications

2. This is another common issue mentioned by the airlines as a reason why cell phones are banned. They say that the cell phone signals could cross with their radio signals and create problems communicating with the tower on the ground. In other words, if you play with your cell phone, you could crash the plane.

Crowd Control Issues

3. Some airlines have offered this reason as well, saying that when people are in a confined space for long periods with no way of getting out, there needs to be a certain social order maintained. That order can be disrupted by people using their cell phones on the plane, since it may cause tempers to flare.

Economic Considerations

4. No airline has ever officially acknowledged this as a reason for refusing to allow cell phones on airplanes, however many industry insiders say this is the main reason for the cell phone ban on airplanes. In the back of many airplane seats you can find an "air phone." This is a phone which has been approved by the airline and which is "shielded" so that it will not interfere with the instruments or with ground communication. However, since these phones are controlled by the airline, they can charge what they wish for making calls from them.

Terrorism Concerns

5. After the events of September 11, 2001, many airlines have said that offering cell service on board an aircraft is extremely dangerous since it could be used as a way for terrorists to communicate with their handlers on the ground.