You're Cooking Your Rice Uncovered
If you're cooking your rice without a lid on, it won't get the appropriate amount of heat and steam to properly cook. Don't be a fool, cook rice with the lid on.
You're Cooking Pancakes Too Hot
Pancakes are one of those great mystery foods that nobody really knows if they're cooking them correctly. A good rule of thumb is to start at a low heat and bring it up from there. Your first pancake will never be perfect, but your second one can be.