Somewhere between gymnastics and martial arts is Parkour, a challenging, physical discipline requiring speed, body control, and flexibility. In this essential lesson for Parkour and freerunning novices, review two essential skills: warm ups and landings. If you want to start practicing Parkour and freerunning safely as a beginner, this lesson is a great place to start.
Assignment:
Parkour is a free-style method of exercise and exploration, in which an individual propels him- or herself through a urban landscape using only their surroundings and their own body—it requires agility and good form in order to prevent injury. In this lesson from Zoic Nation, learn how to do a parkour cat grab. Andy starts by outlining baby steps to get started with, as well as the often-injurious mistakes that people often make, before demonstrating a perfect cat grab.
Assignment:
Both a “punch” and a “plyo” are two-footed jumps in the sport of parkour. But a plyo is not a punch. In this lesson from Zoic Nation, learn how to do a plyometric jump, safely. Andy demonstrates how to step into a plyo (instead of hopping or hurdling into it) for a quiet landing on the balls of your feet, as well as how to swing your arms forward into your jump for momentum. Finally, he illustrates common mistakes that people make and shows what a well-executed plyo should look like.
Assignment:
One fundamental movement of both Parkour and Freerunning is the Vault. The Vault is a basic maneuver that you can use to safely hurdle over obstacles, including low walls, railings and fences. If you are looking for a movement that will allow you to navigate the landscape while maintaining your forward momentum, this is it! In this fun and quick lesson, you learn how to do the Speed, Reverse and Monkey Vaults.
Assignment:
Ready to learn how to do a side flip? In this lesson, teacher Christopher Tung uses stop-action footage to show you exactly how to take off and jump higher. You'll see how to position your arms to generate torque when spinning, control your tuck, and spot the ground for a smooth landing. With some practice, you'll be able to add this trick to your free running and parkour moves!
Assignment:
Mix up your style with this flirtatious play on the traditional braid. Learn how to part, braid, and pin your hair for a look so easy that you might surprise even yourself! As versatile as it is fun, this look can be paired with lace for sophisticated bridal hair - or with summer flowers for a casual style worthy of a day in the park. Keep this updo in your back pocket as a perfect fix for those bed-head bad-hair days!
For more beauty and style tips, check out the [Milkmaid Braid](http://www.pinkpistachio.com/the-milkmaid-braid) post on Pink Pistachio's blog.
Assignment:
Stir-frying is one of the simplest and most versatile methods of cooking. The technique does require planning and preparation, but each successive stir-fry you create will increase your confidence and improve your timing when it comes to cooking ingredients. In this lesson, learn what the five main components of a stir-fry are, and how they can be used to create infinite flavor combinations. Heavy on vegetables, stir-fries are some of the healthiest, quickest, and most delicious meals to make.
Assignment:
Improve your rock climbing with these helpful hints about employing your center of gravity! This lesson from Rock Climb Tips teaches you how to find the balance point in your body, which tends to be different for men and women. Learn how to position your hand and your body around holds to keep your balance, use the diagonal of your body to maximize your reach, and compensate for any loss in balance.
Assignment:
Pack a lunch that packs a punch using these reusable snack bags! Crafty Gemini teaches you how to make a sandwich bag that is easily cleaned and environmentally friendly using only basic sewing skills. All you'll need is an 18 by 7 inch piece of laminated cotton and a sewing machine. While laminated cotton has the advantage of being waterproofed and easy to wipe clean, you also can use plain old cotton fabric for this project and just toss it in the washing machine between uses.
Assignment:
There’s nothing quite like biting into a vine-ripened organic tomato—no store-bought fruit can compare! Tomatoes are not a high maintenance crop, growing quickly given adequate sun and water. But to ensure high fruit yields as well as a healthy plant, learn about pruning and diseases that affect tomatoes. In this lesson, California organic gardener Trisha teaches you when and how to prune your plant, and how to avoid common problems like cracking or leathery skin, blotchy ripening, and blight.
Assignment:
Javascript is not only one of the main languages used in contemporary web development, but it also has many non-web based applications, from.pdf files to desktop widgets. Thus, Javascript is an extremely versatile and valuable language to have command of. In this lesson, Mark from LearnToProgram.tv demonstrates how to begin coding with Javascript, as well as how to test your code using a text editor (Mark recommends Komodo Edit). Finally, learn how to use Javascript to manipulate HTML pages.
Assignment:
Inspired by the leading ladies of Mad Men? Achieve their classic cat eye look by following the beauty tips outlined in this lesson. Learn how to smoothly apply eye makeup to create a beautiful and subtle look that can be worn day or night. Spoiler alert! Use a counter or table to steady your hand as you apply your eyeliner - this will help avoid wobbly lines!
For more beauty and style tips, check out the [Cat Eye](http://www.pinkpistachio.com/the-cat-eye/) post on Pink Pistachio's blog.
Assignment:
Fondant is a great alternative to store-bought frosting. Although homemade fondant made from marshmallows can be sticky, messy, and time-consuming, it is not the only method available to yuo. With this marshmallow-free recipe from Eat Now, Cry Later, you can start decorating your cakes with fondant in no time.
Assignment:
Labor needn't be scary if you practice and prepare. This lesson from Oh Baby! Fitness can help women get ready for childbirth by teaching coordinated breathing and pushing. Learn which muscles to tense and which to relax when pushing a child during labor - how to engage the abdominals and relax the pelvic floor (push with your gut, not with your butt!). This video also includes a breathing exercise to practice controlling the right muscles.
Assignment:
Drilling through ceramic is a useful skill, whether you’re hanging decorative plates on a wall, creating a fountain from terra cotta flowerpots, making wind chimes, or creating your own project. All it takes is a drill, some diamond drill bits, and a container of water. In this video from Supergokue1, learn how to safely operate your drill to avoid injury while quickly drilling through whatever ceramic material you’re working with.
Assignment:
If you’re hitting the beach, why not hit the waves? Part 1 of 8, this lesson from Canggu Surf School introduces you to the basics of surfing. Learn about the parts of a surfboard (nose, tail, rail, deck, din, and leash), the surf break, and different kinds of tides. See how to position your body, legs, and arms on the surfboard, and get step-by-step instructions on how to paddle. You’ll also hear about some of the common problems in surfing form and how best to avoid them.
Assignment:
Painted in 1533, Hans Holbein’s “The Ambassadors” is a double portrait of two French Ambassadors, who were apparently successful in all aspects of life, evidenced by the items they are painted with. But an anamorphic skull in the bottom half of the portrait requires an entirely different perspective to view it, and not the men and their accomplishments. How and why did Holbein incorporate this skull into the painting? Amor Sciendi is here to help explain this metaphorical image.
Assignment:
Looking for a new jewelry making technique? Learn how to locker hook beautiful handmade bracelets out of yarn, ribbon, recycled silk, and fabric. In this lesson, Theresa Pulido will share tips and tricks from her most recent book on locker hooking, Locking Loops. A cross between needlework, crochet, and latch hook, locker hooking is a unique needlecraft that is equally fun for kids and adults.
Assignment:
Raphael’s painting, “The School of Athens” depicts two of the founding fathers of western philosophy, Plato and Aristotle, surrounded by other famed intellectuals from various years and countries, all in a very Roman space. It’s a visually pleasing painting, but what does it mean? What was Raphael’s purpose for creating it? In this art history lesson, learn the meaning behind “The School of Athens,” as well as the physics behind the hallmark of Roman architecture: the arch.
Assignment:
Confused about why there are electoral votes in US presidential elections? Learn about the Electoral College and the part it plays in choosing the president. In this lesson, HipHughes will explain how electoral votes work, how they are allocated, and why the media pays such close attention to the election map.
Assignment:
Want to look and feel better? Strengthen your core and expand your horizons by exploring this introductory Pilates workout! The exercises in this lesson from Sean Vigue of Motley Fitness can be performed anywhere, and include: the Pilates 100 warm-up; back and spine stretches; on-the-back movements; the sphinx pose, dart pose, and child's pose; and side bends and stretches. This lesson also shows how to improve your form and breathing - perfect for the Pilates beginner.
Assignment:
How does a law with majority support not end up getting passed? In this lesson, Hip Hughes explains what the filibuster is: where it came from, and how it is used by a Senate minority group to prevent a law from being passed. The filibuster has changed a lot since the days when Mr. Smith went to Washington; with this information, you can decide whether or not that is for the best.
Assignment:
Be the life of the party by learning how to DJ like a pro! In this introductory lesson for amateur DJs, learn about equipment and how to mix songs. DJ Mark J. explains what kind of equipment you need in order to mix songs, shows how to use mixing controls and effects, and teaches you about matching up BPM when fading one song out and another in. See how this exciting skill is done, live--you’ll want to give it a try and start a dance party with your friends!
Assignment:
Looking for a fun and interesting way to teach 4th or 5th grade students about chemistry and chemical reactions? Use this polymer bouncy ball experiment that combines sodium silicate and ethyl alcohol to create a bouncy ball kids can play with over and over, then teach them about the science and chemical reactions in play (pun intended).
Assignment:
Carving a turkey has never been so easy! Learn how to cut roast chicken, duck, or turkey for any formal occasion, including Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. This online tutorial from Rouxbe Cooking School will teach you how to carve your poultry, whether you’re carving at the table or in the kitchen. Use these tips and you’ll be able to offer guests a clean thigh, drumstick, wing, or breast at your next holiday dinner.
Assignment: