The Easiest Way to Solve a Rubik's Cube: With Step-by-Step PicturesBy Mark WipflerHow to Solve a Rubik's Cube the Easy WaySolving a Rubik's Cube may seem to be impossible. In fact most people give up on it after playing with it for only a few minutes and never pick it up again, while others are willing to tame the beast no matter how long it takes.To solve a Rubik's Cube, there's no need for super long algorithms or any other complicated stuff. If you can remember a phone number, then you can solve a Rubik's Cube. It's that easy!Here is the secret that most people do not know:You cannot solve the Cube without knowing the basic solution method. You can find the method from a friend who has already solved the Cube, from tutorials on the web such as this one, or from the instruction manual that comes with the Cube - though the manual can be confusing for first-time users. There are a few things that you have to learn, though they are not difficult.For instance, you may think that the way to solve the Cube is to doone side at a time. This is not true. As a matter of fact, that strategy is almost impossible and would require very long computer generated algorithms that would overwhelm even the most experienced Cubers.For beginners, theLayer by Layermethod is the best and most common way to solve the Cube. There are other methods that are more advanced, but they are used for Speed Cubing (the art of solving the Cube in the fastest time possible rather than just solving it). The first step in the Layer by Layer method is done by picking a color (most common is the white side, which has the white center dot) to make the "White Cross". Then comes inserting the corners to complete the first layer, then fixing the edge pieces in the 2nd layer to complete it, and then completing the last layer.I'll explain each step in an easy-to-understand way with pictures and video to demonstrate the basic solution. If you are prepared to spend some time, even if it's only 10 to 20 minutes at a time, you will shortly be solving the Cube faster than you could ever have imagined. Don't give up if you get anything wrong in any of the steps: you can always start over, no matter how bad the mistake.Get To Know Your CubeBefore getting started on the Layer by Layer method, it's important to go over the Rubik's Cube and familiarize ourselves with its parts and features.On each side, the Cube has 3 kinds of parts:1. The center dot that never moves2. The 4 corner pieces3. The 4 edge pieces in between the corner pieces.You can find all of these parts labelled in the diagram below.

Rubik's Cube Diagram: corner pieces have three visible sides while edge pieces have two visible sides.In total, there are: 6 Center dots, that are each one color 12 edge pieces, which have 2 colors each 8 corner pieces, which have 3 colors eachThere are 20 pieces that can be moved around, while the 6 center dots always remain in place.Rubik's Cube Notations

Rubik's Cube Diagram: here are all the sides of the cube labelled.Since every Cube will look different, these instructions will use a set of notations that make it easy to label and refer to the different sides. Standard notation for the Cube is UP, DOWN, RIGHT, LEFT, FACE, and BACK, or U, D, R, L, F, B for short. The above picture helpfully labels all the different sides. Remember, though, that the notations are all relative and are determined based on the Cube's orientation (so if you flipped the Cube upside down, white would no longer be UP, it would be DOWN.)

Helpful Hint: Color PairingsIn American models, the following color pairs are always opposite of each other. Green and Blue Orange and Red White and YellowTake the following quiz to see if you can use your knowledge of color pairings to figure out the colors of the un-pictured sides in the above diagram.

view quiz statisticsHow to Read Rubik's Cube NotationsRubik's Cube instructions will tell you to rotate different sides. So, when the instructions tell you to move UP, it means to turn the UP side clockwise 90 degrees (1/4 the way around the top of the Cube).The picture below shows you how the Cube should look after moving UP once.Another way to look at it is to imagine you are looking at the top of the Cube and you want to turn a hand on a clock from 12 o'clock to 3 o'clock, so you would turn the top layer to the right one time.

Rubik's Cube Instructions: Move the UP side clockwise, 90 degrees.To move RIGHT, then you would imagine your looking at the RIGHT side (blue) and do the same, turn it clockwise one time.FACE is the same. Just turn the red side to the right one time.For example, the notations F U R, would instruct you to turn the FACE side clockwise 90 degrees, then the UP side clockwise 90 degrees, and finally the RIGHT side clockwise 90 degrees.A Few More NotationsIf you need to move a side counter-clockwise, that's called INVERT and is denoted with an apostrophe. So F' means you should move the FACE side counter-clockwise 90 degrees.If you need to rotate a side more than once, then it would be twice. So, F2 means you should turn the FACE side clockwise 180 degrees, (Turning the FACE 3 times is the same as doing an F' move, so there really is only 3 moves for all faces, either F, F', or F2).

Step 1: Make the Daisy Cross

Rubik's Cube: The Daisy CrossTurn the Cube so that yellow is now the TOP side. Then, find the white edge pieces and put them on the TOP layer.Using the picture below as an example, you would want to turn the left-hand side cube R and the right-hand side Cube F to place the white edge pieces where the "X" is drawn.When you're finished the TOP side should look like the Cube above, with a kind of daisy flower pattern.

Rubik's Cube: to make the "daisy cross" place the white edge pieces on the TOP layer.Making the Daisy Cross: Helpful HintsThis can often be the most difficult step since there is no formula to get the white edge pieces where you need them, but there are a few common scenarios a Cuber is likely to face.1. If you go to put a white edge on top, and there is another white edge piece where the "X" is, do a U or U' until a spot is open to put the white edge in.2. If the white edge piece is on the DOWN layer or if the piece is in the right position but the white sticker is on the wrong side, do a F or F' to orient it. CAUTION: You should double-check the U layer first, because you may need to turn it so as to avoid displacing any white edge pieces that are already in their correct position.Step 2: Make the White Cross

Rubik's Cube: line up the edge pieces with their matching center pieces.

Rubik's Cube: then turn that side 180 degrees to put the white piece on the white side.

Rubik's Cube: the completed white cross. All the edge pieces should be connected to their matching center piece.To make the white cross, look for a white edge that is lined up with one of the middle layer centers.If you do not see an edge connected to a center dot, rotate the top layer until one is. In the picture above, the UP layer is turned once counter-clockwise so that the red edge piece is connected to the red center piece.Again using the above picture as a reference, you would then place the white edge piece on the white side by moving 2R in either directions. That transfers the white edge to the white side while keeping the edge piece connected to the red centerDo the same thing for the 3 other edges.

Step 3: Fill in the White CornersNow that you have the white cross, it's time to put in the corners to complete the first layer.Like the edge pieces, the corner pieces have to match up with the sides corresponding to its other two colors.So, on the yellow layer, look for a corner piece that has a white sticker, then rotate that layer until that corner piece is directly opposite the spot that it belongs in on the top layer. In the picture below, you know that the white pieces are in their proper place because the other two colors match the center pieces on both sides.Once you have the corner piece opposite the spot it belongs in, you will be confronted with one of the three cases below. Perform the sequence of moves appropriate to your particular case.HINT: you should make sure that the corner you're trying to move the white piece into doesn't already have a white piece in it. If there's already a white corner piece there, rotate the white layer until that corner opens up.Repeat for the remaining corner pieces.

Rubik's Cube: the three cases you'll encounter when filling in the white corners.Special CasesYou might find that the white corner piece is already in the correct spot, but it's twisted the wrong way. In that case, you want to put the white piece on the yellow layer. To do that, orient the Cube so that the twisted white piece is on the RIGHT side. Then make the following moves: R' D' R D.Once the white corner piece is on the yellow layer, you can rotate that layer until you arrive at one of the cases above.Step 3: Complete the 2nd LayerFor this step, turn the Cube so that the white side is to the left, and yellow is to the right. This orientation makes it easier to complete the two algorithms that fix the second layer.As in the picture below, line up an edge piece with its corresponding center piece. You can do this by turning the right side until the edge piece is connected to its center dot.Remember to keep the white side to the left and yellow to the right while doing this.

Fix the corners to work on the second layerNow look to see where that edge piece belongs. In the picture above, that edge piece has orange and green, so it belongs in the top layer, between the orange and green center dots. So, we need to move that edge piece counter-clockwise. To do so, make the following moves:R' U' R U then R F R' F'In the picture below is the opposite case. The edge piece needs to be moved clockwise. To do so, make the following moves:R D R' D' then R' F' R F

In this Cube, the edge piece needs to be moved clockwise.Troubleshooting: Special Case 1Sometimes, as in the following picture, the edge piece is in the right spot, but it's flipped incorrectly. When that happens, you should perform the "counter clockwise" algorithm from above. That should rotate the edge piece into the yellow layer, while keeping the white corner piece in place.Once you've done that, you spin the yellow layer around until the edge piece is lined up with its matching center piece. Then do the same algorithm again to get it in the correct position.

Troubleshooting: Special Case 2Another special case is illustrated in the picture below. In this scenario, you'll have a piece on the opposite side of the Cube from where it is supposed to be. (Remember, green is always opposite blue). This is an easy fix. Orient your Cube like the picture below and make the following moves:U2 R2 U2 R2 U2*U2 means to turn the UP layer twice (180 Degrees).In some cases, both of the edge pieces on the UP face will be in the opposite spot of where they belong, but have no fear! The same algorithm fixes the both of them at the same time!

The picture below shows what the Cube looks like when the first two layers have been solved.Now, we move on to the last layer: the yellow side.

Step 4: The Yellow CrossThe goal of this step is to make a yellow cross on the yellow side. If you already have a yellow cross, you can skip down to the next section.For this step, orient the Cube so that the yellow center dot is on the top, and white is on the bottom.In order to get the yellow cross, you will have to use an algorithm and perhaps repeat it a few times. For right now, don't worry about whether the edge pieces line up with their appropriate center pieces - we'll get to that later.At this stage, you should have one of the three cases shown below. In all three cases, you will make the same sequence of moves. Just orient the Cube so that it matches the picture and do the following:F R U R' U' F'For right now, don't worry about the corner pieces. We'll get to them later. For now, just focus on the edge pieces.Case #1

Case #1In this case, the yellow center dot does not have any other yellow stickers connected to it.In this instance, do F R U R' U' F' and it will give you a little "L" of yellow pieces. Then you can rotate the Cube around so that it matches Case #2.Don't worry if the rest of the Cube gets messed up while you're doing the algorithm - it will return to normal once you're finished.Case #2: The Little "L"

Here you can see the little "L" of yellow pieces on the top left corner of the UP side.In this picture, 2 of the yellow edge pieces are facing up. Do the F R U R' U' F' algorithm, and it should give you a line of yellow pieces. Then, rotate the Cube so that it matches Case #3Case #3: The Line

Here, you can see the "Line," where the center dot has two yellow pieces connected to it. Once you arrive at this stage, you should do the F R U F' U' F' algorithm one more time, and you should end up with a yellow cross on the top layer, as in the picture below.

Step 5: Finish the Yellow LayersNow that you have the yellow cross, it's time to complete the yellow side (UP side). You still do not have to worry about either lining up the top edge pieces with the appropriate center dots or placing the top corner pieces. All you have to do right now is get all the yellow stickers facing up. If all of the yellow stickers are already facing up, you can skip down to the next section.This step only takes 2 algorithms (one is the mirror of the other) to complete, though you may have to repeat them a few times.Keep in mind that the pictures below show you the UP side of the Cube, so be sure that you've oriented the Cube so that yellow is UP.Once you've oriented your Cube, it should look like one of the seven pictures below, which are called the Seven Sunes (and nope, that's not a typo!). Notice the placement of the yellow stickers on the corner pieces. Some of them may be on top or on the sides.If you have trouble reading diagram, then click on it to enlarge.

After moving all the yellow stickers to the top, your Cube should look like the one below. The rest of the stickers are jumbled up. Take note of the "headlights" - the two blue squares sandwiched around a red square - that will be important later. In the next section, the stickers on the 4 corner pieces on the top layer will be put in their proper places.

Step 6: Fix the 4 Corners on TopIts time to fix the positions of the 4 corner pieces on the top layer. In the following section, we will fix the positions of the 4 edge pieces in the top layer, which will solve the Cube!Your first step is to find a pair of "headlights." If there aren't any, hold the Cube so that the white side is in the FACE position and the yellow side is in the BACK position, and do the following sequence of moves:(U2, R2)(U, L, U') R2 (U, L', U)Once you've made a pair of headlights, orient the Cube so that the white side is in the FACE position and the yellow side is in the BACK position, and the pair of headlights is on top, as in the picture below. Then, repeat the same algorithm as above, which should result in 4 pairs of headlights.

Next, reorient the Cube so that yellow is on top and white is on bottom. Look around to make sure there are 4 sets of headlights, as in the picture below. Now its on to fixing the last 4 edge pieces.In some cases, the Cube will be solved at this point. It's pure luck, but it does happen! More likely, your Cube should look something like the picture below. For now, don't worry about whether the edge pieces line up with the center piece - that will all be fixed in the final step.

Step 7: Fix the Edge Pieces on TopYou're almost done - just one last step! Now we need to get the edge pieces into their correct positions.There are 4 possible configurations of the edge pieces at this point, though a single sequence can account for all of them. You may have to repeat it a few times, though.All you have to do is look for one side where, as in the picture below, the three pieces in the top yellow layer bordering it are in the correct place. Put that side into the FACE position.

If there isn't a solved side, then do the sequence below from any side and check afterwards to see if you can find a side that's completely solved. If there still isn't one, continue to do the sequence until there is, and then move UP to match that side with the bottom two layers of the same colors.Once you have a solved side perform the sequence below. If the Cube is still not solved, do it again and it should be solved!(R', U, R') (U', R', U', R') (U, R, U, R2)

http://www.think69.com/20-amazing-scientific-reasons-behind-hindu-traditions20 Amazing Scientific Reasons Behind Hindu TraditionsBYA.D OCTOBER 22, 201483.4kSHARESFacebookTwitter

1.Joining Both Palms Together To Greet

In Hindu culture, people greet each other by joining their palms termed as Namaskar. The general reason behind this tradition is that greeting by joining both the palms means respect. However, scientifically speaking, joining both hands ensures joining the tips of all the fingers together; which are denoted to the pressure points of eyes, ears, and mind. Pressing them together is said to activate the pressure points which helps us remember that person for a long time. And, no germs since we dont make any physical contact!2.Why Do Indian Women Wear Toe Ring

imagecourtesyWearing toe rings is not just the significance of married women but there is science behind it. Normally toe rings are worn on the second toe. A particular nerve from the second toe connects the uterus and passes to heart. Wearing toe ring on this finger strengthens the uterus. It will keep it healthy by regulating the blood flow to it and menstrual cycle will be regularized. As Silver is a good conductor, it also absorbs polar energies from the earth and passes it to the body.3.Throwing Coins Into A River

The general reasoning given for this act is that it brings Good Luck. However, scientifically speaking, in the ancient times, most of the currency used was made of copper unlike the stainless steel coins of today. Copper is a vital metal very useful to the human body. Throwing coins in the river was one way our fore-fathers ensured we intake sufficient copper as part of the water as rivers were the only source of drinking water. Making it a custom ensured that all of us follow the practice.4.Applying Tilak/KumKum On The Forehead

On the forehead, between the two eyebrows, is a spot that is considered as a major nerve point in human body since ancient times. The Tilak is believed to prevent the loss of energy, the red kumkum between the eyebrows is said to retain energy in the human body and control the various levels of concentration. While applying kumkum the points on the mid-brow region and Adnya-chakra are automatically pressed. This also facilitates the blood supply to the face muscles.5.Why Do Temples Have Bells

People who are visiting the temple should and will Ring the bell before entering the inner sanctum (Garbhagudi or Garbha Gruha or womb-chamber) where the main idol is placed. According to Agama Sastra, the bell is used to give sound for keeping evil forces away and the ring of the bell is pleasant to God. However, the scientific reason behind bells is that their ring clears our mind and helps us stay sharp and keep our full concentration on devotional purpose. These bells are made in such a way that when they produce a sound it creates a unity in the Left and Right parts of our brains. The moment we ring the bell, it produces a sharp and enduring sound which lasts for minimum of 7 seconds in echo mode. The duration of echo is good enough to activate all the seven healing centres in our body. This results in emptying our brain from all negative thoughts.

6. Why WeStart With Spice & End With Sweet:

Our ancestors have stressed on the fact that our meals should be started off with something spicy and sweet dishes should be taken towards the end. The significance of this eating practice is that while spicy things activate the digestive juices and acids and ensure that the digestion process goes on smoothly and efficiently, sweets or carbohydrates pulls down the digestive process. Hence, sweets were always recommended to be taken as a last item.7. Why Do WeApplying Mehendi/Henna On The Hand And Feet

Besides lending color to the hands, mehndi is a very powerful medicinal herb. Weddings are stressful, and often, the stress causes headaches and fevers. As the wedding day approaches, the excitement mixed with nervous anticipation can take its toll on the bride and groom. Application of mehndi can prevent too much stress because it cools the body and keeps the nerves from becoming tense. This is the reason why mehndi is applied on the hands and feet, which house nerve endings in the body.8.Sitting On The Floor & Eating

This tradition is not just about sitting on floor and eating, it is regarding sitting in the Sukhasan position and then eating. Sukhasan is the position we normally use for Yoga asanas. When you sit on the floor, you usually sit cross legged Insukhasanaor a halfpadmasana(half lotus),which are poses that instantly bring a sense of calm and help in digestion, it is believed toautomatically trigger the signals to your brain to prepare the stomachfor digestion.9.Why You Should Not To Sleep With Your Head Towards North

Myth is that it invites ghost or death but science says that it is because human body has its own magnetic field (Also known as hearts magnetic field, because the flow of blood) and Earth is a giant magnet. When we sleep with head towards north, our bodys magnetic field become completely asymmetrical to the Earths Magnetic field. That cause problems related to blood pressure and our heart needs to work harder in order to overcome this asymmetry of Magnetic fields. Apart from this another reason is that Our body have significant amount of iron in our blood. When we sleep in this position, iron from the whole body starts to congregate in brain. This can cause headache, Alzheimers Disease, Cognitive Decline, Parkinson disease and brain degeneration.10. Why We PierceEar

Piercing the ears has a great importance in Indian ethos. Indian physicians and philosophers believe that piercing the ears helps in the development of intellect, power of thinking and decision making faculties. Talkativeness fritters away life energy. Ear piercing helps in speech-restraint. It helps to reduce impertinent behavior and the ear-channels become free from disorders. This idea appeals to the Western world as well, and so they are getting their ears pierced to wear fancy earrings as a mark of fashion.11.Surya Namaskar

Hindus have a tradition of paying regards to Sun God early in the morning by their water offering ritual. It was mainly because looking at Sun rays through water or directly at that time of the day is good for eyes and also by waking up to follow this routine, we become prone to a morning lifestyle and mornings are proven to be the most effective part of the day.

12.Choti On The Male Head

Sushrut rishi, the foremost surgeon of Ayurveda, describes the master sensitive spot on the head as Adhipati Marma, where there is a nexus of all nerves. The shikha protects this spot. Below, in the brain, occurs the Brahmarandhra, where the sushumn (nerve) arrives from the lower part of the body. In Yog, Brahmarandhra is the highest, seventh chakra, with the thousand-petalled lotus. It is the centre of wisdom. The knotted shikh helps boost this centre and conserve its subtle energy known as ojas.13.Why Do We Fast

The underlying principle behind fasting is to be found in Ayurveda. This ancient Indian medical system sees the basic cause of many diseases as the accumulation of toxic materials in the digestive system. Regular cleansing of toxic materials keeps one healthy. By fasting, the digestive organs get rest and all body mechanisms are cleansed and corrected. A complete fast is good for heath, and the occasional intake of warm lemon juice during the period of fasting prevents the flatulence. Since the human body, as explained by Ayurveda, is composed of 80% liquid and 20% solid, like the earth, the gravitational force of the moon affects the fluid contents of the body. It causes emotional imbalances in the body, making some people tense, irritable and violent. Fasting acts as antidote, for it lowers the acid content in the body which helps people to retain their sanity. Research suggests there are major health benefits to caloric restriction like reduced risks of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, immune disorders etc.14.The Scientific Explanation Of Touching Feet (Charan Sparsh)

Usually, the person of whose feet you are touching is either old or pious. When they accept your respect which came from your reduced ego (and is called your shraddha) their hearts emit positive thoughts and energy (which is called their karuna) which reaches you through their hands and toes. In essence, the completed circuit enables flow of energy and increases cosmic energy, switching on a quick connect between two minds and hearts. To an extent, the same is achieved through handshakes and hugs. The nerves that start from our brain spread across all your body. These nerves or wires end in the fingertips of your hand and feet. When you join the fingertips of your hand to those of their opposite feet, a circuit is immediately formed and the energies of two bodies are connected. Your fingers and palms become the receptor of energy and the feet of other person become the giver of energy.

15.Why Married Women ApplySindoor Or Vermillion

It is interesting to note that that the application of sindoor by married women carries a physiological significance. This is so because Sindoor is prepared by mixing turmeric-lime and the metal mercury. Due to its intrinsic properties, mercury, besides controlling blood pressure also activates sexual drive. This also explains why Sindoor is prohibited for the widows. For best results, Sindoor should be applied right upto the pituitary gland where all our feelings are centered. Mercury is also known for removing stress and strain.16.Why Do We Worship Peepal Tree

Peepal tree is almost useless for an ordinary person, except for its shadow. Peepal does not a have a delicious fruit, its wood is not strong enough for any purpose then why should a common villager or person worship it or even care for it? Our ancestors knew that Peepal is one of the very few trees (or probably the only tree) which produces oxygen even at night. So in order to save this tree because of its unique property they related it to God/religion.17.Why Do We Worship Tulsi Plant

Hindu religion has bestowed Tulsi, with the status of mother. Also known as Sacred or Holy Basil, Tulsi, has been recognized as a religious and spiritual devout in many parts of the world. The vedic sages knew the benefits of Tulsi and that is why they personified it as a Goddess and gave a clear message to the entire community that it needs to be taken care of by the people, literate or illiterate. We try to protect it because it is like Sanjeevani for the mankind. Tulsi has great medicinal properties. It is a remarkable antibiotic. Taking Tulsi everyday in tea or otherwise increases immunity and help the drinker prevent diseases, stabilize his or her health condition, balance his or her body system and most important of all, prolong his or her life. Keeping Tulsi plant at home prevents insects and mosquitoes from entering the house. It is said that snakes do not dare to go near a Tulsi plant. Maybe that is why ancient people would grow lots of Tulsi near their houses.18.Why Do We Worship Idol

Hinduism propagates idol worship more than any other religion. Researchers say that this was initiated for the purpose of increasing concentration during prayers. According to psychiatrists, a man will shape his thoughts as per what he sees. If you have 3 different objects in front of you, your thinking will change according to the object you are viewing. Similarly, in ancient India, idol worship was established so that when people view idols it is easy for them to concentrate to gain spiritual energy and meditate without mental diversion19.Why Do Indian Women Wear Bangles

Normally the wrist portion is in constant activation on any human. Also the pulse beat in this portion is mostly checked for all sorts of ailments. The Bangles used by women are normally in the wrist part of ones hand and its constant friction increases the blood circulation level. Further more the electricity passing out through outer skin is again reverted to ones own body because of the ring shaped bangles, which has no ends to pass the energy outside but to send it back to the body.

20. Why Should We Visit Temple?

Temples are located strategically at a place where the positive energy is abundantly available from the magnetic and electric wave distributions of north/south pole thrust. The main idol is placed in the core center of the temple, known as *Garbhagriha* or *Moolasthanam*. In fact, the temple structure is built after the idol has been placed. This *Moolasthanam* is where earths magnetic waves are found to be maximum. We know that there are some copper plates, inscribed with Vedic scripts, buried beneath the Main Idol. What are they really? No, they are not Gods / priests flash cards when they forget the *shlokas*. The copper plate absorbs earths magnetic waves and radiates it to the surroundings. Thus a person regularly visiting a temple and walking clockwise around the Main Idol receives the beamed magnetic waves and his body absorbs it. This is a very slow process and a regular visit will let him absorb more of this positive energy. Scientifically, it is the positive energy that we all require to have a healthy life.