This catapult design project is used to teach engineering skills to children.  It builds a slightly more complex torsion catapult than the previous methods, but requires just a few additional supplies and steps.  10 standard (4.5") craft sticks 1 jumbo (6") craft stick 1 drinking straw 1 6" length of wooden dowel, with a small enough diameter to fit through the straw 1 elastic band Glue gun and glue stick 1 milk jug lid or large bottle cap Ammunition! Ping pong balls and grapes both work well with this catapult project. These will hold the dowel/straw fulcrum that will support the throwing arm.  Add a dab of glue 1/2" from the top of a craft stick, and attach another stick to it at approximately a 30 degree angle.  Create a second upright that is the mirror image of the first. Place a dab of hot glue on each of the bottom legs of the first upright, and attach a craft stick connecting the two so that the vertical portion of the upright attaches to the end of the base.  Repeat this process with the second upright.  Then use hot glue to attach one additional craft stick to the front of each of the uprights. The base should now form a rectangle with one end open, and the two uprights sticking up parallel to one another. Cut a 2" length of straw and slide the dowel through it.  Use hot glue on to attach the dowel firmly to the wedge formed at top of the each upright. First loop an elastic band around the craft stick that connects the two uprights.  Then glue the large craft stick to the straw so that about 1/2" hangs below the straw. Finally, carefully attach the other end of the rubber band near the bottom of the large craft stick.  The throwing arm should now be able to rotate freely around the dowel on the straw, and the elastic band will put tension on the throwing arm as you pull it back. To create a strong bond with the throwing arm, use a pencil or other tool to press the elastic band firmly into the hot glue, and hold it  for a few seconds until the glue cools. Do not use your fingers or you will burn yourself! Your catapult is nearly ready to go, but a few more steps will make it sturdier and easier to use!  Attach the milk jug lid to the free end of the throwing arm with a dab of hot glue. Attach one additional craft stick horizontally to connect the slanted sides of the two uprights and provide additional stability. Add additional craft sticks to the bottom of the catapult that out as needed to keep the machine stable while firing. Load a ping pong ball or grape into the milk jug lid.  Pull back the throwing arm and let fly!

Summary: Gather your supplies. Build two uprights for the catapult. Build a base to hold the uprights. Add the fulcrum to the catapult. Build the throwing arm. Add the finishing touches. Fire your catapult!


If you suspect that you have an ear infection, do not attempt the following method to unclog your ear. If you have any of the following symptoms, call a doctor immediately:  Persistent and severe pain in your ears lasting more than a few hours. Fever Vomiting or diarrhea. Yellow or green drainage from the ear.

Summary: Make sure you don't have an infection.


When you are working in a text editor—whether it's Word or your email editor—you will see a blinking vertical line amid the text on the page. When you type, the blinking line shows you where the text will appear. Pasting text works on the same principle: when you paste something into a text editor, the pasted content will appear where the vertical line is blinking. This is especially important if you are using keyboard shortcuts. If you are right-clicking and selecting "Paste", however, you can simply right-click where you want the text. The action box to Paste will appear, and the blinking line will also move to the proper location. Move your cursor and click on the spot where you want the text. Then, press Ctrl+V to place the words. The text should appear where you want it. Once you move your cursor and click where you want to paste the words, right click again and select the Paste option. The cut/copied text will appear at the blinking line. Hold your finger against the screen to select where you want the text. After a moment, a small action menu should appear with an option for "Paste". Stop holding the screen, and tap "Paste" to insert the text that you cut or copied. Make sure that your phone is open to a text editor. You should be able to edit emails in an email app or through your browser.

Summary: Left-click the spot where you want to paste the text. Paste with Ctrl+V. Paste by right-clicking in your email editor, then selecting Paste. Paste on a smartphone.


Talk to your doctor or physical therapist about stretches that can ease your back pain. Before and after each game, perform these stretches or others that target your back muscles. Doing these can ease your pain, prevent further injury, and loosen your back muscles. Not every stretch will work for every body or be optimal for certain types of back pain, but consider the following stretches:  Stretch the shoulder by holding a golf club behind your neck and shoulders. Grasp both ends of the club with your hands and rotate your torso gently from side to side from your hips for 10-20 reps.  Stretch the hips by lying down on the floor and pulling one knee to your chest. Return the leg to the floor and repeat with the opposite knee. Perform 10-20 reps.  Stretch the hamstrings by bending over touching your toes. If you can’t reach the floor, simply allow your body to hang over your legs for 10-30 seconds. Use an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables on you back 30-60 minutes before you play golf. Keep it on your back for 20 minutes and then remove it. Icing your back before a golf game can reduce swelling and inflammation that cause pain. This may allow you to fully enjoy your game with less or even no pain. Use a towel between the ice pack and your skin to help prevent frostbite.  Freeze a foam cup full of water and gently massage it into your back for 20 minutes. If your skin gets too cold or numb, remove the ice. Pop an over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve your back pain and discomfort. Some, such as naproxen sodium and ibuprofen, may even ease swelling and inflammation in your back. Following dosing instructions to keep you comfortable during your entire golf gain. Take any of the following pain meds to relieve back pain:  Aspirin Ibuprofen Naproxen sodium Acetaminophen Avoid pushing yourself too much during your golf game. Play as many holes as you are comfortable and take frequent breaks. Pay attention to signs of severe pain and stop your game to prevent further discomfort or injury.
Summary: Stretch your back and body regularly. Ice your back before your game. Take an over-the-counter pain medication. Listen to your body.