Category Archives: Fun Activities

Tips for Better Baking

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Bake the cakes to your best and give your guests a pleasant surprise!

Bake the cakes to your best and give your guests a pleasant surprise!

Cake is considered to be the most complicated item among the culinary dishes. Preparing the dough for the cake, setting the right temperature for the oven, using the right raising agents and even more really drive us crazy. Also, as we prepare cakes only during parties, we tend to forget some basic and simple things that are vital for the best baking. Hereafter, if you are about to bake just go through this blog so that you would not miss any of the minute things.

Speaking of ingredients, baking includes flour, raising agents, sugar, eggs and fats. Pick up the right flour and agents as they vary from cakes to cookies. Use parchment paper and not the wax paper to shield your cookie sheets and dough from excess heat. As a matter of fact, parchment paper smoothes the progress of baking too. Depending upon the item that you are about to bake take the right number of eggs and the major binding agents involved in your baking recipe.

For cookies, use heavy gauge aluminum sheets as they would be very reflective towards heat and save your cookies from being over-burnt. There is definitely a difference between baking powder and baking soda so use them in the right proportion without confusing them. If you are doing your cake or cookies for the first time, never hesitate to ask for the assistance of a kitchen expert and learn more from them. Keeping these points in mind, your baking will be a success!

Interested in learning how to cook? Got some skills to share? Check out the cooking classes and instructors on HeyKiki and find the perfect class for you, in your neighborhood. If you’re interested in cultivating your taste in good company, log in and connect. You can even create your own profile.

If cooking isn’t your thing, but you’re interested in building community, the opportunities are endless. Whether it’s tennis or punk rope, cinematography or palmistry, you can find the perfect practice buddy today.

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Piano Spotlight: Electronic Music

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An easy mode to produce music!

An easy mode to produce music!

Electronic music refers to the music produced by making use of electronic musical devices such as Theremin, sound synthesizer, computer or a piano. The sound produced by an electronic musical device is different from that produced from an electro-mechanical device. Earlier the electronic music was linked completely with the Western Art music. However, the electronic music technology became within the reach of common people by the end of 1960s so it became very much popular. In the present day, electronic music covers a wide range of musical forms from experimental art music to electronic dance music.

The music produced on an electronic piano is worth mentioning here because it is one device which is used extensively for all kinds of music production. An electronic piano is a keyboard instrument which is designed to reproduce the resonance of a piano by making use of analog circuits. The tones in an electronic piano are produced through oscillators and the sound is electrified by a pickup and then improved with the help of an internal or external amplifier.

The electronic pianos are portable and easy to handle and hence it is easy to produce electronic music at any time and any place. Most of the work is done on a keyboard on an electronic piano; therefore one can easily operate it and produce music instantly.

If you’d like to get more into piano, we can help! If you’re in the New York City area, check out the piano classes and instructors on HeyKiki and find the perfect piano training for you. If you’re looking for someone in the NYC area to train with, we have piano buddies on HeyKiki just waiting to connect with you!

If you’d like to learn another sport or activity other than piano, we have other instructors and classes in your area on HeyKiki too.
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How to Cook Vegetables the Right Way

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Cooking the healthy way!

Cooking the healthy way!

Not only getting fresh and seasonal vegetables is important but it is also important to cook them the right way so that the nutrients including minerals, vitamins, iron, calcium etc. contained in them are preserved. If the vegetables are not cooked in the right way then the nutrients contained in them get destroyed and we don’t get them properly in our diet. Here are some tips to cook the vegetables in a manner so as to preserve all the nutrients contained in them.

Limit the water- The amount of water used to cook vegetables must be limited so as to retain all the nutrients. The best way to cook vegetables in which water is used in minimal quantity is steaming and microwaving. So vegetables such as potatoes, green beans, asparagus can be micro-waved or steamed to have the maximum benefits.

Use a little fat- The fat content in the vegetables should not be completely done away with. It is because many nutrients contained in vegetables such as Vitamin D and K, beta carotene are soluble only in fats and can be digested by consuming some fats. So you can use some amount of flavorful vinaigrette or saute to cook vegetables

Add citrus- You can also add some quantity of Vitamin C to the cooked food. The Vitamin C is present in Citrus fruits and vegetables which help in providing spades. These spades react with iron present in vegetables such as broccoli, spinach and kale chemically. This helps in easy absorption of iron-rich vegetables. For citrus content, orange, lemon, grapefruit juice can be used to be added to the iron-rich foods.

Interested in learning how to cook? Got some skills to share? Check out the cooking classes and instructors on HeyKiki and find the perfect class for you, in your neighborhood. If you’re interested in cultivating your taste in good company, log in and connect. You can even create your own profile.

If cooking isn’t your thing, but you’re interested in building community, the opportunities are endless. Whether it’s tennis or punk rope, cinematography or palmistry, you can find the perfect practice buddy today.

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Dancers: How and Why of Water

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Speaking about the diet that dancers have to follow, different dieticians might have diverse opinions regarding the intake of food. But when it comes to hydration level, all of them have a common stand that compared to other fluids, water is highly vital for dancers. Some might be of the wrong notion that since dance is similar to exercise, intake of water frequently during the course of dance or soon after dance classes are over is not advisable. But in reality, the loss of water is more while dancing and so, an appropriate amount of fluids should be taken in regularly to match with this dehydration.

For any common man, drinking water is very effective as the more you drink the healthier you are. As water is also required to maintain temperature and regulate circulation and have a balance in the salt content of our body, unquestionably water has to be taken in right levels by a dancer. It would be right if a dancer drinks nine bottles of water per day. Drinking has no specific timings but however, it is advisable to share these nine bottles all over your day by drinking more before practice sessions, taking little sips in the mid of the rehearsals and towards the end drinking slightly less than consumed before session.

The more you drink the better you feel!

The more you drink the better you feel!

Rather than waiting until you get thirsty, as a dancer, it is advisable to set a timer in your mind to take frequent sips every now and then to maintain water content in your body. Staying hydrated gives more energy and such a dancer would not lose energy very soon. Also, the other known benefits of water do follow. So instead of opting for coffee and other soft drinks, it is best advised for dancers to take water as the former is more concentrated and could hurt our digestive system.

If you’re in the New York City area, check out the dance classes and tutors on HeyKiki.  We can assist in finding the perfect choreography tutoring for you.

If you’d like to learn another sport or activity other than dance, we have other instructors and classes in your area on HeyKiki too.

 

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Spotlight: Ohuokhai Dance

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The Ohuokhai dance refers to the dance which was performed to the tune of song in a circle by the Sakha people. These Sakha people were cattle-breeders and worshippers of Sun. In the Ohuokhai dance three forms of art dancing, poetry and singing are combined. The Ohuokhai dance is a salutation to the sun and symbolizes the start of the summer season and a new life circle.

The dance is performed by making a circle. The dancers are arm in arm and hand in hand. Then the dancers produce flowing, refined movements with their legs, arms, feet and bodies. The lyric of the song is improvised by the leading singer and the same is replicated by others. The lead singer is also expert in poetry as well. The poetic improvisation of  is symbolic of one of the richest and most ancient genres of Sakha folklore.

The song of the Ohuokhai passes through a number of types of music such as walking tunes and operas. One specific singing technique of vocal cord vibration is Kylyhakh. An extra ordinary national Sakha coloring is provided by this technique which is quite praised by the professionals in throat singing. A significant role is played by the Ohuokhai in the progression of the arts related to music and choreography.

A way of worship through arts!

A way of worship through arts!

If you’re in the New York City area, check out the dance classes and tutors on HeyKiki.  We can assist in finding the perfect choreography tutoring for you.

If you’d like to learn another sport or activity other than dance, we have other instructors and classes in your area on HeyKiki too.
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Spotlight: Barynya Dance

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Dance is an integral part of culture. Without dance, any function or social gathering is incomplete. Various dance forms exist at Russia, including Barynya, Khorovod, Troika and many more. Each dance form has some characteristics of its own. The Barynya dance is quite famous and popular in Russia.

Barynya Dance refers to the rapid folk dance and music of Russia. The word Barynya was used often to refer to a woman of privilege. The meaning of the word barin is landlord in feminine form. (Or landlady.) The name Barynya is used by various folkloric dance groups of Russia. There is fluctuation of feverish dancing and chastushkas in Barynya Dance. The word chastushka means a conventional folk poem which is mostly in the form of a lampoon. It is combined with energetic dance in Barynya dance.

There was a renouncement of Barynya, Barynya, Sudarynya-Barynya in the chastushkas of Barynya. There was no distinct choreography in this dance form. There are elements of conventional Russian knee bending in the dance. There are various attractive and sophisticated editions of the dance.

High kicks and dazzling costumes!

High kicks and dazzling costumes!

If you’re in the New York City area, check out the dance classes and tutors on HeyKiki.  We can assist in finding the perfect choreography tutoring for you.

If you’d like to learn another sport or activity other than dance, we have other instructors and classes in your area on HeyKiki too.
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Boxing 2012: Biggest Losers

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Winning and losing are indispensable components of any sport. And the same is true for boxing as well. The year 2012 witnessed some of the most shocking losses in the records of boxing.

Manny Pacquiao- This formerly unbeatable boxer had to suffer defeat at the hands of Juan Manuel Marquez. He was knocked down viciously in the sixth round of the fight which took place in Las Vegas. Therefore, the next fight between the two boxing legends is sure to take place in 2013. It is noteworthy that Marquez has bagged seven titles in four different weight categories- three at 126 lbs, two at 135 lbs, one at 130 lbs and one at 140 lbs. On the other hand, Pacquiao is the leading eminent boxer from Philippines and is referred to as the pound-for-pound boxer in the world of boxing.

Manny Pacquiao

Manny Pacquiao

Amir Khan – The excellent young boxer Amir Khan of Roach was knocked down by Danny Garcia on 14th July, 2012. Khan was expected to win this fight for sure. This fight took place in the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. At present, he is the champion of WBC, Ring Magazine and WBA Super Light Welterweight. On the other hand, Amir Iqbal Khan is an expert boxer from Britain. He is an ex-world champion for two times plus ex- combined WBA Super and IBF Light Welterweight champion. He has the credit of being the youngest Olympics boxing medalist from Britain who bagged silver medal at the Athens Olympics in 2004 at the age of 17.

Amir Khan

Amir Khan

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If you’re in the New York City area, check out the boxing classes and instructors on HeyKiki and find the perfect boxing training for you. If you’re looking for someone in the NYC area to train with, we have boxing training buddies on HeyKiki just waiting to connect with you!

If you’d like to learn another sport or activity other than boxing, we have other instructors and classes in your area on HeyKiki too.

Remembering Dancing Legend Jeni Legon

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Our history always has its golden pages that are decorated by great people who have contributed something worthwhile to this world. In that aspect, it is really a commendable point to have engraved the history of Jeni Legon and let the generations of today get to know her. Jeni Legon is an American dancer, dance instructor, and actress. She was an African-American tap dancer. Born in Chicago in 1916, as a humble daughter of a railway porter, she set her career in the field of music at the tender age of 13. She got her first job in musical theater and later on, she auditioned for the chorus line of band leader Count Basie and hence made her entry into the music field.

A celebrated person in the field of dance

A celebrated person in the field of dance

In Hollywood she was put into the limelight when she appeared in her first film, Hooray for Love in 1935, as dancing partner to Bill Robinson. Though Jeni was a good dancer, her voice too was beautiful and her appearance in the movies brought her a great name as to be one of the first the first African-American women to enter the silver screen and get the rare opportunity of dancing with the popular figures of that time! Though she might have left the screen, she did not retire from the dance field. As she settled at Vancouver, she was a great teacher of tap and point until old age. This splendid dancer went away from us and now remains in the history of dance and singing since December 7th, 2012. Though she is no more with us, her love for tap and point dance is still cherished by us.

If you’re in the New York City area, check out the dance classes and tutors on HeyKiki.  We can assist in finding the perfect choreography tutoring for you.

If you’d like to learn another sport or activity other than dance, we have other instructors and classes in your area on HeyKiki too.

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Boxing and Prohibition

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No one could ever forget the Prohibition Era in the history of United States. The Prohibition Era placed a national ban on the manufacture, sale and transportation of alcohol during the period 1920 to 1933. One notable boxer of this time who managed to be the ‘World Heavyweight Championship’ from 1919 to 1926 was Jack Dempsey. Some other boxers of this time who are worth mentioning are Henry Armstrong, Joe Louis, Max Schmeling, James. J. Braddock, Jess Willard and Georges Carpentier. Jack Dempsey was the greatest cultural icon of that time. His aggressive punching style is one that makes him unique in the field of boxing. No doubt that he is rated as the seventh among the top 100 punchers of the world.

Jack Dempsey-The all-rounder Boxer of the Prohibition Era!

Jack Dempsey-The all-rounder Boxer of the Prohibition Era!

As he was named the World Heavyweight Championship for the period, he could be said to be very closely related to the Prohibition Era, though he had no connection with the national ban placed on this period. Yet another boxer who was great during this time was Billy Miske. Though Billy Miske was not widely appreciated and honored in his boxing career, he is entitled to receive all the fame as he has lost only to the leading champions of that time like Jack Dillon, Battling Levinsky and Georges Carpentier. Georges Carpentier is a notable boxing champ who was nicknamed ‘Orchid man.’ Some of the legendary matches that took place during this Prohibition Era include the World Light-weight championship on February 10th, 1922, World Feather-weight Championship held on June 2nd, 1923 and many more that brought fame and glory to many boxers.

If you’re in the New York City area, check out the boxing classes and instructors on HeyKiki and find the perfect boxing training for you. If you’re looking for someone in the NYC area to train with, we have boxing training buddies on HeyKiki just waiting to connect with you!

If you’d like to learn another sport or activity other than boxing, we have other instructors and classes in your area on HeyKiki too.

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Acclaimed SAT Tutor to Release His Self-Study Plan

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Anthony James Green is known to be the most excellent SAT tutor in the New York City. He is the originator of Test Prep Authority, producer of Vivid Vocab which is an extremely well-admired SAT vocabulary software. He’s also the writer of four books on the subject of SAT prep and the co-producer of Every College Question Answered. With all these achievements, he is ruling the SAT Prep World. He resides in downtown Manhattan and offers one-on-one SAT prep services on a full-time basis. He is always tutoring students as well as other tutors, or in the development of products related to SAT prep.

A mastermind in SAT prep!

A mastermind in SAT prep!

Keeping in view that fact that the SAT courses offered in regular classrooms are often unable to bring the desired outcomes, this renowned SAT expert is going to release publicly his Self-Study program for students. It is for the first time that this program will be made openly available since its foundation. It is a 90-day program, and can help students to improve their scores up to 400 points. It will be launched on Jan. 3, 2013. According to James, the SAT courses offered in classrooms are not sufficiently effective and they generally improve scores of the students by only 40-70 points.

In his self-study program, all instructions are given for the students for each of the 90 days about what to do and how to do it. The students are also given a method to analyze their own performance, as well as strong and weak points. The ways to divide various areas which need attention according to individual needs of the students are also given in the program. By following this 90 day program, students can get a great score without any extra tutoring.

If you’re interested in either becoming a tutor or finding one, we can help! If you’re in the New York City area, check out the classes and tutors on HeyKiki and find the perfect tutoring for you. If you’re looking for someone in the NYC area to learn with, we have study buddies on HeyKiki just waiting to connect with you!

If you’d like to learn another sport or activity other than tutoring, we have other instructors and classes in your area on HeyKiki too.