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https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Eyeliner | How to Remove Eyeliner | To remove your eyeliner, saturate a flat cotton pad with oil-based or dual-phase makeup remover. Press the pad against your eye for 20 seconds, then wipe the eyeliner off with straight, downward strokes. For a quicker alternative, replace the saturated pad with a facial wipe designed to remove makeup. When you're finished, wash your face with whatever cleaning products you normally use. | Choose a makeup remover that works with the type of eyeliner you are wearing. Use an oil-based makeup remover to dissolve waterproof eyeliner. A dual-phase makeup remover removes most eye makeup. Cleansing water is perfect for sensitive skin or eyeliner that comes off easily, like liquid liner. Saturate a flat, cotton pad with the product. A pad is preferable to a cotton ball, which can leave behind fibers that may get stuck in your eye. If you are just trying to fix a small mistake, dip a cotton swab in the remover and squeeze out the excess liquid with a tissue. Then gently erase the mistakes. Press the pad against your eye for 20 seconds. You can wiggle the pad and add a little pressure to get between your lashes, but don't scrub. This give the makeup remover time to break down the eyeliner so it will come off quickly and easily. Wipe off the eyeliner with downward strokes. Be careful not to scrub or tug on your skin. Flip the pad over to the clean side and repeat. Follow up by washing your face with your usual cleanser. Choose a facial wipe that is alcohol- and fragrance-free. The makeup wipes designed to remove an entire face of makeup may be too harsh on the delicate skin around your eyes. Look for a wipe made specifically for use around your eyes Sensitive baby wipes can sometimes be used to cleanse your face, but they're not designed to lift off makeup. Try to stick to wipes that are specifically for makeup removal for the best results. Use the edge of the wipe to wipe along the base of your eyelashes. Wipe along the upper lid with an outward motion (from the inner corner of your eye to the outer). Then repeat underneath your lower eyelid. Change to a new tip of the wipe for each eye, to prevent transferring anything from eye to eye. Don't pull or tug the skin too much. This can cause wrinkles. Rinse and wash your face with your usual cleanser. Even if you can use the wipe to remove makeup from your entire face, removing makeup is not the same as cleaning your skin. It should be a two-step process: remove your makeup first, then follow by washing your face. Finished. Scoop a small amount of petroleum jelly onto a cotton swab. Use only a thin layer of jelly--it shouldn't be a big glob that is about to fall off the cotton swab. Make sure you are using a trusted brand of highly refined petroleum jelly. It is a byproduct of oil refining and is found in different grades of purity. If it's not properly purified it can contain harmful toxins. Run the swab along the base of your eyelashes. Wait a few seconds, then use the clean end to gently wipe away the eyeliner and petroleum jelly. Use another, clean cotton swab if you don't get all your eyeliner off with the first one. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser when you've removed the eyeliner. If you see any smears under or above your lashes, run a clean cotton swab over the area to remove the remaining makeup. If you get any petroleum jelly in your eyes, rinse with warm water. It may cause your vision to blur temporarily. Use coconut oil, olive oil, or jojoba oil to break down the eyeliner. The oils in these products will dissolve the liner so you can easily wipe it away and can also condition your lashes and moisturize the delicate skin around your eyes. Oils are the best option to remove waterproof eyeliner. The oil in waterproof eyeliner repels water, which is why it lasts so long, but also makes it hard to remove. Use your fingertips to massage the oil gently over closed eyelids. Make sure you run your finger along your lash line where you have applied the eyeliner. Wait ten seconds, then use a cotton pad to wipe the oil off with downward strokes. Never scrub your eyelid or yank on the skin. It's far too delicate, and the rough treatment will eventually show in wrinkles and fine lines. Rinse to remove traces of oil and eyeliner. The oil isn't harmful, but it may blur your vision temporarily if you get some in your eye. | Choose a makeup remover that works with the type of eyeliner you are wearing. Saturate a flat, cotton pad with the product. Press the pad against your eye for 20 seconds. Wipe off the eyeliner with downward strokes. Choose a facial wipe that is alcohol- and fragrance-free. Use the edge of the wipe to wipe along the base of your eyelashes. Rinse and wash your face with your usual cleanser. Finished. Scoop a small amount of petroleum jelly onto a cotton swab. Run the swab along the base of your eyelashes. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser when you've removed the eyeliner. Use coconut oil, olive oil, or jojoba oil to break down the eyeliner. Use your fingertips to massage the oil gently over closed eyelids. Wait ten seconds, then use a cotton pad to wipe the oil off with downward strokes. Rinse to remove traces of oil and eyeliner. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Days-in-Inventory | How to Calculate Days in Inventory | To calculate days in inventory, find the inventory turnover rate by dividing the cost of goods sold by the average inventory. Then, use the inventory rate to calculate the the days in inventory by dividing the number of days in the period by the previously calculated turnover rate. Alternatively, you can divide the average inventory by the cost of goods sold, and multiply by the number of days in the accounting period. | Learn the definition of inventory turnover ratio. Inventory turnover means how many times a business sells and replaces its inventory in a given period of time. A low turnover rate indicates unproductive assets and lower profits. The company is holding on to too much excess inventory because it is not selling fast enough. A high turnover rate may be an indication of lost sales as products may be out of stock when a customer wants to buy them. The components of the formula are cost of goods sold (COGS) and average inventory. The formula for calculating the inventory turnover ratio is C O G S / A v e r a g e I n v e n t o r y {\displaystyle COGS/AverageInventory}. Inventory can also be calculated by dividing sales by inventory. Determine the cost of goods sold. The cost of goods sold is the direct expense associated with providing a service or producing a product. For the service industry, cost of goods sold includes labor expenses, including wages, taxes and benefits. In retail or wholesale, the cost of goods sold is comprised of merchandise that was purchased from a manufacturer, plus the expenses associated with acquiring, storing, and displaying inventory items. The cost of goods sold is recorded on the income statement. It is recorded as a deduction of revenue and determines the company's gross margin. It is typically calculated with the formula B e g i n n i n g I n v e n t o r y + P u r c h a s e s − E n d i n g I n v e n t o r y = C O G S {\displaystyle BeginningInventory+Purchases-EndingInventory=COGS} For example, suppose in a 12 month period, a company has a beginning inventory of $9,000, $20,000 in purchases and an ending inventory of $3,000. Calculate the COGS with the formula $ 9 , 000 + $ 20 , 000 − $ 3 , 000 = $ 26 , 000 {\displaystyle \$9,000+\$20,000-\$3,000=\$26,000}. The COGS for that 12 month period is $26,000, and it would be recorded as an offset to revenue on the income statement. Determine the average inventory. Average inventory is the median value of inventory within an accounting period. The value of inventory may change significantly within an accounting period. Therefore, it makes sense to calculate the average inventory when comparing inventory to total sales or cost of goods sold. This calculation eliminates confusion from spikes in the inventory level. The formula for average inventory is B e g i n n i n g I n v e n t o r y + E n d i n g I n v e n t o r y / 2 {\displaystyle BeginningInventory+EndingInventory/2}. For example, suppose in a 12 month period, a company had a beginning inventory of $9,000 and an ending inventory of $3,000. Calculate the average inventory with the formula $ 9 , 000 + $ 3 , 000 / 2 = $ 6 , 000 {\displaystyle \$9,000+\$3,000/2=\$6,000}. Apply the formula to calculate the inventory turnover ratio. Once you know the COGS and the average inventory, you can calculate the inventory turnover ratio. Using the information from the above examples, in this 12 month period, the company had a COGS of $26,000 and an average inventory of $6,000. To calculate the inventory turnover ratio, you would divide the COGS by the average inventory. $ 26 , 000 / $ 6 , 000 = 4.33 {\displaystyle \$26,000/\$6,000=4.33} This company sold and replaced its inventory 4.33 times in the 12 month period. Learn the meaning of days in inventory. Once you know the inventory turnover ratio, you can use it to calculate the days in inventory. Days in inventory is the total number of days a company takes to sell its average inventory. It also determines the number of days for which the current average inventory will be sufficient. Companies use this metric to evaluate their efficiency in using their inventory. Apply the formula to calculate days in inventory. You calculate the days in inventory by dividing the number of days in the period by the inventory turnover ratio. In the example used above, the inventory turnover ratio is 4.33. Since the accounting period was a 12 month period, the number of days in the period is 365. Calculate the days in inventory with the formula 365 / 4.33 = 84.2 {\displaystyle 365/4.33=84.2}. It takes this company 84.2 days to sell its average inventory. Apply an alternate formula. If you have not calculated the inventory turnover ratio, you could simply use the cost of goods sold and the average inventory figures. You would divide the average inventory by the COGS. Then you would multiply that number by the number of days in the accounting period. In the example used above, the average inventory is $6,000, the COGS is $26,000 and the number of days in the period is 365. Calculate the days in inventory with the formula ( $ 6 , 000 / $ 26 , 000 ) ∗ 365 = 84.2 {\displaystyle (\$6,000/\$26,000)*365=84.2} You still get the same answer. It takes this company 84.2 days to sell its average inventory. Examine the cash conversion cycle. The cash conversion cycle measures the number of days it takes a company to convert its resources into cash flow. Days in inventory is the first of three parts for this calculation. The second is the days sales outstanding, which is the number of days it takes the company to collect on accounts receivable. The third part is the days payable outstanding, which states how many days it takes the company to pay its accounts payable. The cash conversion cycle follows cash as it is first turned into inventory and accounts payable, then into sales and accounts receivable, and finally back into cash again. It measures the effectiveness of the company's management. Having a quick cash conversion cycle shows that management has devised ways to reduce time wasted by the business by keeping items in inventory for a short time and getting payment for goods quickly. Doing both of these requires tightly managed and carefully planned systems. Evaluate inventory effectiveness. The number of days in inventory expresses how long a company holds on to its inventory. This clarifies how long a company's cash is tied up in its inventory. The longer a company holds on to its inventory, the more chances it has of losing money on that investment. Items in inventory can become outdated or they can expire. Also, prices can fall, which devalues the inventory. Holding inventory for a long period also educes return on investment, as excess capital is tied up in inventory during this time. Compare your company’s days in inventory with other businesses in the same industry. The number of days in inventory makes more sense as a measure of effectiveness if you compare it with that of other businesses in the same industry. Different kinds of businesses sell their inventory at different rates. Retailers who sell perishable items have a smaller number of days in inventory than a company that sells cars or furniture. Therefore, compare your days in inventory with other businesses in the same industry to determine if you are selling your inventory efficiently. You can also compare your days in inventory with your own historical inventory days calculations. This will help you identify trends, positive or negative, that might be affecting your cash conversion cycle duration. | Learn the definition of inventory turnover ratio. Determine the cost of goods sold. Determine the average inventory. Apply the formula to calculate the inventory turnover ratio. Learn the meaning of days in inventory. Apply the formula to calculate days in inventory. Apply an alternate formula. Examine the cash conversion cycle. Evaluate inventory effectiveness. Compare your company’s days in inventory with other businesses in the same industry. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Store-Apple-Cider-Vinegar | How to Store Apple Cider Vinegar | Before storing apple cider vinegar, screw the cap on tight to prevent bugs and contaminants from getting inside. Then, place the vinegar in your pantry, cupboard, or somewhere else that's out of direct sunlight in order to preserve its quality and flavor. If you prefer to keep vinegar on the counter, store it in a sterile, dark glass container to protect it from the sunlight. Additionally, choose an area away from heat sources, like the stove or the warm side of the refrigerator, since heat can also degrade the vinegar's quality. | Screw the cap on tight. Vinegar is a food that doesn't really go bad, per se. However, if you leave the cap open, bacteria and even bugs can get into it, so make sure you have the cap on tight before storage. Keep the vinegar out of direct sunlight. Stick your vinegar somewhere the sun can't reach to help it retain its quality. Your pantry or cupboard is a good place to store it. If you prefer to store the vinegar on the counter, pour it into a sterile, dark glass bottle to protect it from sunlight. Pick a cool place to store your vinegar. Vinegar is sensitive to heat, so try not to store it near the stove or the warm side of the fridge. Pick a cooler area if possible, such as in the pantry, away from any heat source. Basically, you want to store vinegar on the cool side of room temperature. Don't dilute the vinegar. The reason apple cider vinegar doesn't go bad is the acidity level keeps bad bacteria from growing. However, if you dilute it, you're decreasing the acidity level, and it won't be shelf stable. You can keep diluted apple cider vinegar in the refrigerator if you must dilute it. Don't worry about cloudiness. Vinegar naturally gets cloudy over time. However, the cloudiness doesn't mean it's gone bad. The cloudiness just comes from a naturally occurring fiber in the vinegar. However, if you don't like the look of it, you can filter out the cloudiness and keep your vinegar in the fridge to prevent cloudiness in the future. To filter out cloudiness, run the vinegar through a piece of clean muslin or even just a coffee filter. Use the expiration date as a guide, not a rule. The expiration date on apple cider vinegar mainly tells you when the vinegar is getting past its peak quality. It can be safely used for many years afterwards, so you don't need to throw it away unless you've noticed a decrease in flavor. Some manufacturers just use a bottling date, and they suggest it's at its peak for another 5 years after this date. Notice changes in the vinegar's smell. It's rare for apple cider vinegar to go bad, but you may notice a change in the smell or taste. For instance, you may notice that it doesn't smell as acidic or vinegary. While it probably hasn't gone bad, it may not be at its peak. If your vinegar smells bad, go ahead and toss it. Pay attention to changes in the vinegar's appearance. Watch for a change in color, as that could indicate a quality change. If you notice bulging sides or you hear gas escaping when you open the bottle, that's also a sign you should probably toss it. Some sediment is fine, as it's just the build of the fiber in vinegar. You can filter it out if you want. However, excessive amounts of sediment could indicate the vinegar is changing, and you should probably toss it. If you're creating homemade vinegar, you should toss the batch if you notice mold on the top during the fermentation process. Note changes in the vinegar's taste. If the vinegar just doesn't taste as strong, it's likely still fine. If it tastes off or more acidic, it may be going bad, and you should get a new bottle. | Screw the cap on tight. Keep the vinegar out of direct sunlight. Pick a cool place to store your vinegar. Don't dilute the vinegar. Don't worry about cloudiness. Use the expiration date as a guide, not a rule. Notice changes in the vinegar's smell. Pay attention to changes in the vinegar's appearance. Note changes in the vinegar's taste. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Hold-a-Pick | How to Hold a Pick | To hold a pick, pinch it between your index finger and thumb so your fingers cover half of the pick. Hold it tightly enough that it is secure, but not so tightly that it is rigid. Then, angle your wrist so the pick rests gently on a string, with the long side of the pick perpendicular to the string. Flick your wrist up and down to pick the strings, but don't do it so hard that you catch the string on the pick. | Grasp the pick in your strumming hand. Most people are most comfortable strumming and plucking a guitar with their dominant hand, while fingering specific notes and chords with their non-dominant hand. Hold the guitar, interact with it, and work out a grip that feels comfortable. Place your non-dominant "fingering hand" along the neck of the guitar, with your thumb holding the back of the neck and your fingers resting on the strings. The strings should face away from you, roughly perpendicular to the ground. Rest the body of the guitar on your knee, or use a shoulder strap to play standing up. Rest your arm on the top of the guitar--the curved ridge along the narrowest edge of the body--and swing your hand down to rest on the strings. If you're using an acoustic guitar, rest your fingers on the strings over the hold; if you're using an electric guitar, rest your fingers on the strings between the last fret and the pickup bar. Hold your pick between your thumb and index finger. Cover roughly half of the pick with your your fingers--some picks are molded with a groove to indicate where your thumb and forefinger should fit. Use a firm grip, but loose enough that you can allow the tip of the pick to bend.Don't hold the pick too loosely, or it might fly out of your hand. Find a grip that works for you. There is no "right" or "wrong" way to hold a guitar pick, but you there are certain grips that emphasize control, tone, and comfort. Consider the "O" method, the "pinch" method, and the "fist" method. Use the "O" method. Hold the pick between the pad of your thumb and the side of your index finger, and form your fingers into an elongated "O" shape. This grip balances control and tone. Use the "pinch" method. Hold the pick between the pad of your thumb and the pad of your index finger. This method may be best for those who use thinner-gauge picks and spend most of their time strumming. Use the "fist" method. Hold the pick between the first joint of your thumb (below the pad) and the side of your curled index finger, near the first joint. This method is often favored by bluegrass players, and it may be best for heavy picks. Pivot your wrist toward your guitar. The flat tip of your pick should rest gently on a string, and the long side of the pick should be as perpendicular to the string as possible. The angle of your wrist is essential to the picking process: when playing guitar, you are not really picking with your fingers, but your wrist. Flick your wrist up and down to strum and pick riffs, solos, and strings. Brush the strings, don't scoop them. Use the pick to brush the surface of the strings: not so gently that the sound is weak, but not so roughly that you're catching the string on the pick. Be firm, but gentle. Try to work with the instrument rather than imposing your will upon it. Be fluid, and don't grip your pick too hard. You need to be loose and flexible with all of your motions. If you are too rigid, your picking will sound rigid and off rhythm, too. When you strum, you may keep your wrist fairly rigid as you brush the pick across the strings. Ultimately, finger-and-wrist technique is only a tool to enable you to play fluidly. When you find a method that feels comfortable, build upon it. Strum your guitar with a loose wrist and elbow. Strums are full, multi-string sounds that form an integral part of most guitar rhythms. Hold the pick between your thumb and index finger, and rest the tip of the pick gently atop the thickest, uppermost string (usually tuned to E). Brush the tip of the pick along the strings, from thickest to thinnest, and make sure to hit every string along the way. Strum quickly to blur the notes together, and slowly to enunciate each tone; strum gently for a quieter chord, and apply more pressure for a louder sound. You can strum up-down (high, thin strings to low, thick strings) or down-up (low, thick strings to high, thin). You can strum any section of strings (say, 2-4, or open G to open E) for the desired effect. Try holding certain strings to form chords when you strum. The strum is a versatile part of any guitar player's repertoire, and the better you get, the cleaner your strums will get. Make sure to hold down strings tightly when you finger notes and chords, and don't be discouraged if your chords come out muted and sloppy at first. Build your finger strength and keep practicing. Again: thinner picks generally make for a gentler, quieter strum, and thicker picks generally generate a heavier, more powerful strum. Pluck your guitar. Sometimes, you'll want to pluck just one string at a time, whether you're playing a simple melody or just emphasizing a single note from a longer chord. Rest the tip of your pick on the string as if you were strumming, but only hit the single string. Strike the string with the pick, but sharply pull the pick away from the neck of the guitar so that you don't accidentally strike any other strings. You can keep a chord formed with your non-dominant hand on the neck of the guitar, then pick a single note--or several notes in succession--from that chord. Try maintaining chord "forms" when transitioning between strums and plucks so that you don't need to shift your non-dominant hand so dramatically. Plucking a note makes it more distinct. Especially on acoustic instruments, you may not be able to achieve the same volume or "weight" with a pluck that you can on an electric instrument. Use plucks to make space between your strums. Alternate picking up and down to gain speed, precision, and accuracy. As with strumming, you can pluck upward or downward. Try to create a flow between strokes: pluck down, strum up, strum down, pluck up. Make your playing efficient--it takes more time to strum down twice (returning up in between) than to strum down and then back up. Pick your sound. Most brands of pick are sold by thickness: they are often labeled "thin", "medium", or "thick", accompanied by a millimeter measurement. Most plastic guitar picks are available in sizes ranging anywhere from 0.4 millimeters (mm) to 3 mm. Try starting out with a medium pick, between 0.60 and 0.80 millimeters thick. Thin picks usually range from 0.40 to 0.60 mm. They are best-suited for acoustic strumming, and other situations when you want a treble-heavy tone. Thin picks are often used to fill in the rhythms and mid-range in rock, pop, and country songs; however, they lack the heft for rock rhythm and lead. Medium picks range from 0.60 to 0.80 mm. This is the most popular pick thickness: it's a good combination of stiffness and flexibility that works equally well for acoustic rhythms and powerful leads. Medium picks aren't ideal for zingy strumming nor powerful lead lines, but they are versatile. Heavier picks--really, anything thicker than 0.80 mm--generate a heavier sound. At the lower end of this range, you'll still have enough flexibility for crunchy rhythms, but you'll also have the firmness you need for full-bodied chord arpeggios and fat lead lines. At the thicker end of this range, above 1.5 mm, you'll get increasingly cleaner, mellower, warmer tones. Your sound will become deeper more bottom-heavy: the thickest picks, from 1.5 to 3 mm, are used by jazz and metal guitarists. Consider pick materials. Most cheap guitar picks are made from plastic, and this should suit your purposes at first while you pin down the basics. Don't worry if you wear down the edges of a plastic pick; just use another pick. You may also find heavier rubber or metal picks that are designed for practicing or for specific styles of playing. Consider using a metal pick for a higher-pitched sound, or a rubber pick for a thicker, heavier sound. If you aren't sure, try out a few styles of pick before you commit. You can find guitar picks at most music stores, certain music-culture boutiques, and online. Try out friends' picks and note the thickness, brand, and material. Figure out what works for you: a pick is a personal choice. Use specialized picks for certain instruments. Banjo players don't use traditional guitar picks--they use finger-picks (different from plucking with bare fingers) that clip to your fingertips to facilitate plucking. If you're using banjo finger-picks, consider visiting a banjo technique website or asking around at a music store. In general, banjo finger-picks slip over the tips of your index, middle, and ring fingers, with a sharp fingernail-like "pick" curving backward from the pad of your finger over your fingernail. Consider learning to pick with your bare fingers. Many guitarists find it easier, at first, to use a plastic pick. The tips of your fingers may grow raw if you try to pluck or strum without a pick, but you may find that finger-picking greatly improves your range and speed when playing complex melodies. If you try to play with a pick and then switch over to finger-picking later on, it may take you anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to regain the level of dexterity that you're used to. Consider starting out with finger-picking if you think that you'll switch at some point. Use the pads of your fingers to pick upward (high strings to low), and use the nails of your fingers to pick down (low strings to high). Use several fingers to strum for a fuller sound. Practice, practice, practice. If you are committed to learning to finger-pick, don't "cheat" and use a plastic pick. Take every opportunity that you can to improve your technique. Play riffs and songs slowly, all the way through, and build your speed. When you become quicker and more confident in your finger-picking practice, try plucking two strings at once--or even three. Use your fingers to develop complex melodies. | Grasp the pick in your strumming hand. Hold your pick between your thumb and index finger. Find a grip that works for you. Pivot your wrist toward your guitar. Brush the strings, don't scoop them. Strum your guitar with a loose wrist and elbow. Pluck your guitar. Alternate picking up and down to gain speed, precision, and accuracy. Pick your sound. Consider pick materials. Use specialized picks for certain instruments. Consider learning to pick with your bare fingers. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Folliculitis | How to Treat Folliculitis | If you have a mild case of folliculitis, you may be able to clear it up by gently washing the area twice a day with antibacterial soap. To relieve irritation and further speed up the healing process, put a warm saltwater compress on the affected area once in the morning and again at night. For extra germ-killing power, make a warm water compress with aluminum acetate. You can also use an oatmeal bath or lotion to relieve itching, but take care not to use it for more than a few minutes to prevent further irritation. | Wash the area periodically with antibacterial soap. Most mild cases of folliculitis will eventually go away on their own. However, it's possible to speed this process by taking good care of the infected area. Twice a day, use a gentle antibacterial soap to cleanse the infected area. Rinse and dry with a clean , dry washcloth or towel. Be sure to wash gently. Don't use a harsh soap or scrub roughly—these things can irritate the area, worsening any redness and inflammation. If you happen to have folliculitis on your face, choose an antibacterial soap that's specifically labeled for facial use. These are often gentler than run-of-the-mill antibacterial soaps. Try a simple salt-water compress. Warm compresses are rags or other absorbent materials soaked in warm liquid and held against the affected area to sooth irritation, promote drainage, and speed the healing process. Using salt water for your compress conveys an added antibacterial benefit (albeit a minor one). To create a salt-water compress, first dissolve a few spoonfuls of table salt in a cup or two of warm water. Soak a clean cotton ball or washcloth in the salt water and hold it gently against the affected area. Apply twice a day—once in the morning, once at night. Soak the area with warm water and aluminum acetate. Also known as Burow's solution, aluminum acetate is an astringent and antibacterial that is commonly used as a cheap over-the-counter treatment for a variety of minor skin conditions. Aluminum acetate can be used to kill folliculitis-causing bacteria and to reduce swelling in the infected area, lessening irritation and speeding recovery. To use Burow's solution, simply dissolve one packet in the recommended amount of warm water. Soak a clean washcloth in the aluminum acetate solution, wring it out, and then apply to the affected area gently. Hold the washcloth there, intermittently wetting the cloth in the acetate solution as needed. When done, clean out the receptacle used for the aluminum acetate and run the washcloth under cool water. Launder the washcloth in hot water and dry thoroughly to kill any bacteria or fungi on the cloth. Treat with oatmeal. Believe it or not, oatmeal has long been used as an ingredient in home remedies for skin irritations due to its anti-itching properties. Try soaking your body (or just the affected area) in a homemade oatmeal bath or covering the area with an oatmeal lotion. Enjoy the gentle soothing sensation of your oatmeal cure, but, to avoid aggravating your folliculitis further, avoid prolonged exposure to even these mild solutions. As above, be sure to use a clean towel or washcloth to gently dry the affected area. Consider using a holistic cure like vinegar. Minor skin ailments like folliculitis are easy targets for a wide variety of holistic or "natural" cures. Some practitioners swear by these types of cures, though they are often not supported by the medical establishment. If you decide to use a holistic cure, use common sense—don't do anything that's likely to aggravate your folliculitis, introduce additional bacteria to the affected area, or prevent healing. One common holistic cure involving vinegar is described below (many others can be found with a simple online search). Make a solution of two parts warm water to one part white vinegar and mix thoroughly. Soak a clean washcloth in the vinegar solution, wring out, and apply to affected area. Hold the compress in place for 5-10 minutes, intermittently wetting the cloth in the vinegar solution as needed. Don't hesitate to consult a doctor for serious cases. Usually, folliculitis amounts to nothing more than a minor (albeit painful) irritation. However, like all infections, there is always the chance that it can develop into something more serious if left unchecked. If your folliculitis doesn't seem to be improving on its own, or you develop more serious symptoms like fever or severe swelling and irritation, schedule a doctor appointment as soon as possible. It's much better to be safe than sorry—a timely doctor's visit can potentially save you lots of time and money in the long run. Usually, it's fine to see your "normal" doctor (i.e. your family/general practitioner). S/he may subsequently refer you to a dermatologist. It's also worth consulting a doctor if your folliculitis is widespread. Use hydrocortisone to ease the itch and dull the pain. Hydrocortisone is a topical cream that treats skin irritation and relieves itchiness. Try a 1% hydrocortisone cream 2 to 5 times a day (or as needed) to dull the pain. Apply the ointment directly to the affected area, gently rubbing it in with your fingers or a clean applicator. If using your hands, wash and dry your hands before applying to ointment to avoid transferring bacteria into the wound. Note that, although the hydrocortisone will dull the pain and inflammation, it will not actively fight the bacteria. Use over-the-counter painkillers/anti-inflammatories. To ease the pain and inflammation associated with folliculitis, you may want to use any one of the wide variety of over-the-counter medicines suitable for treating this condition. Cheap, common painkillers like acetaminophen and aspirin can help reduce mild cases of pain caused by folliculitis. Pain-reducing drugs with an anti-inflammatory function such as ibuprofen are also great choices, as these drugs will not only help with the pain but also temporarily ease the inflammation contributing to the pain. Teenagers and children should not take aspirin without a doctor's approval. Though most over-the-counter painkillers are very safe in small doses, heavy or prolonged use (10+ days) can sometimes lead to serious conditions like liver damage, so always follow the directions for safe use included with any medicines you purchase. Use antibiotics for serious cases. For cases of folliculitis that don't respond well to home cleaning and care, it may be necessary to treat the underlying bacterial infection with antibiotics. Topical antibiotics are available at most pharmacies and grocery stores. More powerful oral antibiotics, however, require a doctor's prescription and are usually reserved for severe cases. Use antifungals for cases caused by fungus. As noted in the introduction, some cases of folliculitis are caused not by bacteria but by a fungus. In these cases, you'll want to use an antifungal medication to treat your condition. Antifungals are available in both oral and topical form. As with antibacterials, mild antifungals are often sold over-the-counter, while stronger medications may require a prescription. Your doctor can help determine the cause of your infection and proper treatment. Have any boils or carbuncles drained by medical professionals. In particularly severe cases, folliculitis can eventually contribute to painful, pus-filled blisters and carbuncles. If you have these boils, see a doctor. While draining these boils will speed the healing process and reduce eventual scarring, you will not want to do so on your own. Attempting to lance and drain boils without the benefit of a sterile medical environment is a sure-fire way to develop a secondary infection. Don't shave the area. Folliculitis is often brought on by irritation caused by shaving or unsanitary shaving practices. If you have folliculitis on the skin under your beard or another area that you regularly shave, give that area a break from shaving. Persistent shaving can irritate the area and even spread the disease from one patch of hair to the next. If you must shave, minimize the irritation as much as possible. Try to use an electric razor, rather than a handheld razor, and shave with the grain, rather than against the grain. Ensure your razor is clean every time you shave. Don't touch the area. Fingers and hands are among the most common vectors for bacteria. This means that they carry and transmit bacteria much like an airplane carries and transmits people. Although the area may itch, sting, or smart, it's important to resist the urge to itch or pick at the infected area. Treat the area like an off-limits area—wash your hands before touching it, and try to touch it only if you're applying soap, topical medicine, or a compress. Don't wear tight clothing. The mechanical action of clothing rubbing against the skin throughout the day can cause chafing and irritation which can potentially lead to infection. Additionally, skin infections can also result if any clothing prevents air from reaching the skin. If you are prone to folliculitis, ensure that your clothing is soft and loose-fitting to minimize any potential irritation. Also try to prevent the clothing around any areas affected by folliculitis from becoming wet. Wet clothing is likely to cling to the skin, increasing the risk of irritation. If you sweat or get your clothes wet, change them as soon as possible to prevent an infection. Don't expose your skin to irritating substances. Everyone's skin is different—some people are susceptible to rashes and breakouts, while others are resilient. If you have folliculitis (or are prone to it), try to avoid coming into contact with any substances that you know to cause you irritation (especially substances you're allergic to), as the irritation can lead to an infection or sidetrack the healing process of an existing infection. You may, for instance, want to avoid certain cosmetics, oils, lotions, rubs, and so on. Don't bathe or swim in untreated water. Folliculitis is colloquially called "hot tub rash" for good reason. Swimming, bathing, or otherwise submerging yourself in a pool or hot tub that is improperly maintained is a common way to receive a folliculitis infection. Certain folliculitis-causing bacteria, like Pseudomonas aeruginosa , are easily transmitted via dirty water. If you're prone to folliculitis, you'll want to take care to ensure that you don't allow yourself to come into contact with stagnant, untreated water. Don't rely too heavily on topical steroid creams. Certain medical treatments, when used for long periods of time, can lead to an increased risk for folliculitis. Topical steroid ointments like hydrocortisone, in particular, can contribute to folliculitis infections. Paradoxically, topical hydrocortisone is itself a common treatment for mild folliculitis. If you're using hydrocortisone to treat your folliculitis, schedule a doctor's appointment if you don't notice any improvement—procrastinating and over-relying on steroid creams can cause the infection to worsen. Don't let existing wounds get infected. Hair follicles can become inflamed and infected if a nearby infection is irritated or allowed to spread. Thus, you'll want to ensure you treat any skin infections promptly and professionally. Don't let infections get out of hand—they are much easier to treat when they're small and localized than after they spread. | Wash the area periodically with antibacterial soap. Try a simple salt-water compress. Soak the area with warm water and aluminum acetate. Treat with oatmeal. Consider using a holistic cure like vinegar. Don't hesitate to consult a doctor for serious cases. Use hydrocortisone to ease the itch and dull the pain. Use over-the-counter painkillers/anti-inflammatories. Use antibiotics for serious cases. Use antifungals for cases caused by fungus. Have any boils or carbuncles drained by medical professionals. Don't shave the area. Don't touch the area. Don't wear tight clothing. Don't expose your skin to irritating substances. Don't bathe or swim in untreated water. Don't rely too heavily on topical steroid creams. Don't let existing wounds get infected. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Tutorial | How to Write a Tutorial | To write a tutorial, start by creating a title that clearly explains what you're teaching the reader, such as "How to insert page numbers in Microsoft Word.” Next, include an introductory paragraph laying out what you are writing about and why it's useful. Then, use simple, friendly language to explain each step, and include images or videos to clarify the instructions. If a step is complicated, break it down into smaller steps so it's easier for the reader to understand. Finally, reread your tutorial to correct any typos and make sure that it flows logically. | Find a problem to fix. If there is something that you are interested in or that you want to know how to do, it is likely that it is on someone else's mind too. Brainstorm some interesting topics to write about. Research existing tutorials. If you really want your tutorial to be read, it is best to pick a topic that hasn't been written about too often. Look online for existing tutorials and see what you will be competing with. Alternatively, you can use a different perspective or put a different spin on a subject that has existing tutorials. The more specific you make it, the less likely there are to be duplicates. For instance, write a tutorial about making brownies with peanut butter cups in the batter as opposed to a tutorial on making brownies. Narrow your topic. If your topic is too broad, you will find it difficult to cover everything important. Many people will lose interest because they need to wade through material that isn't relevant to what they are interested in. If you have a broad topic, try to think about a way to define it more narrowly. For example, instead of writing a tutorial on how to use Microsoft Word, write a tutorial on how to insert chapter breaks in a Word document. Keep it short and simple. Don't use big words or go off on irrelevant tangents. Be sure that the reader can quickly skim the article and get the point. For example, if you are writing a tutorial on how to clean up a stain simply say “apply dishwashing soap to rag.” Do not give the chemical name for the type of soap and go through a list of alternative soaps and why they don't work as well. Describe each step thoroughly. Don't skimp on the details. Describe each step as clearly and precisely as possible. Don't leave anything to the imagination. Write instructions in a friendly tone. Pretend that you are having a conversation with a friend. Try not to sound like you are talking down to the reader or that you believe you are smarter than them. Make your writing seem natural; like something you would say out loud when speaking to someone. Keep your audience in mind—it is likely someone trying to learn about the topic. Say something like “write useful notes in the margin” instead of “enumerate analytical and thematic observations on adjacent pieces of the text.” Avoid using technical jargon unless you are defining a term. Credit your sources. Some of the material in your tutorial may be protected by a copyright. If you use images, information, or other materials from another source, then you will need to credit that source. Otherwise you may be violating copyright laws, not to mention the ethical implications of taking credit for someone else's work, images, and/or ideas. Include images or videos. It will be a lot easier to follow your directions if you have pictures or videos that show what you are doing. Screenshots are often good illustrations. Try to have an image for each step. To take screenshots press Print screen and Ctrl. You can clean them up in a photo editing software program like Photoshop or Gimp. Some programs will allow you to write additional directions on the image. With these you can, for example, point to a particular button the reader should press. You can use programs like Camtasia or an open source program like Camstudio to make a video. If you are filming a video tutorial, show your audience more than just your face. Include some screen shots, pictures, or images of you physically performing the task that will help your viewer conceptualize the process. Provide multiple methods. It is good to list several ways to do things. That way, if people have trouble with one method, they have other options. Make it clear how to complete the given task using each method. Give examples. For less concrete topics, it can be important to give examples that will make what you are saying clearer. Don't, however, let your article become overburdened with examples so that it becomes long or bulky. If, for example, you are writing a tutorial about how to introduce yourself to new people, you could provide several examples of specific things you could say to break the ice. Explain why the subject matters. People are more likely to read your tutorial if they know what it can do for them. In the introduction, explain the benefits of learning the skill. If, for example, you are explaining a photo processing program, tell the reader some of the fun things it can do with pictures. Record video tutorials in a quiet spot. If you are doing a video tutorial, be sure to record it some place with few distractions. A basement, far removed from the sound of nearby traffic, is ideal. Speak clearly and slowly. For any audio and visual tutorials, it is important that you not speak fast. The slower that you speak, the easier it is for your viewers to understand you. Clearly enunciate your words. Write a title. The title should clearly describe what the tutorial is about. It should be brief and precise, while also avoiding “clickbait.” Consider the title “How to insert page numbers in Microsoft Word.” If you left out “Microsoft Word,” the title would not be precise enough and the reader wouldn't know which program you were working with. Consider the title “How to insert footnotes, endnote, references, and citations in Microsoft Word.” Footnotes and endnotes are all types of references and simply be labeled references. So, for a brief title, you would write “How to insert references in Microsoft Word.” Write an introduction. Write a quick paragraph in which you clearly tell the reader what you are writing about. Explain to them why this subject will be useful. Try to get them excited. It can help to include a picture of the finished product at the end of the introduction. If you give the reader some idea of what they're working toward, you're more likely to get them excited about the tutorial. Include clear steps. Each step should be clear and brief. Try to include a picture that illustrates each step. Do not leave anything to the imagination. Split up complicated steps. If you find that the step is getting overly long or complicated, ask whether it would be better to split up into two separate steps. You should be able to summarize the gist of each step in a sentence. It is better to have multiple short steps than one long one. Keep the chronological order of the steps in mind and make it clear to the reader if multiple steps should occur at the same time. Practice what you preach. After you finish, try following your own tutorial. Perform each step. Ask yourself if there was anything you needed to do to finish the project that wasn't included in the step. If so, add that step to your tutorial. Write an FAQ section. A “frequently asked questions” (FAQ) section can be a good way to add more information without interrupting the flow of your steps. Consider if there are any terms or subjects that you discuss in the tutorial that might not be obvious to all readers. If so, discuss this in the FAQ section. For example, if your task involves using a computer program the reader might not be familiar with, you can use the FAQ section to point to them where they can download the program. Ask someone to follow your tutorial and see if they have any questions at the end. If they do, include the questions and answers in the FAQ section. Follow the same outline for video tutorials. Even if you are recording a video tutorial, you need to have a draft written out. If you wing it, you will likely go off topic. As with a written tutorial, you should have an introduction and several clearly defined steps. You might want to do a conclusion, summarizing problems or explaining questions your audience might have. Think about your audience as you review the tutorial. Who is your audience? Is the tutorial meant for beginners or for advanced users? Consider what additional information your audience might need to understand your tutorial. Reread and edit your article. Even the best writer needs to read a piece several times over to catch all their errors. Try to set the article aside for a few days and then go over it again so that you can look at it with fresh eyes. Check for the basics, like spelling and grammar. Make sure the tutorial flows logically and is easy to understand. Consider having another person look at your tutorial to see if they can spot typos. They can also tell you if there is anything else you need to add to the tutorial to make it clearer. Publish your tutorial. You can publish your tutorial on your website, wikiHow, or on your blog. If you made a video tutorial you can upload it on YouTube. Keep on revising. Just because your tutorial is published doesn't mean that you are done. Once you get comments, it should be clear that there are more ways to improve on your article. Pay attention to comments and consider where you can add or subtract to the tutorial to answer readers' concerns. | Find a problem to fix. Research existing tutorials. Narrow your topic. Keep it short and simple. Describe each step thoroughly. Write instructions in a friendly tone. Credit your sources. Include images or videos. Provide multiple methods. Give examples. Explain why the subject matters. Record video tutorials in a quiet spot. Speak clearly and slowly. Write a title. Write an introduction. Include clear steps. Split up complicated steps. Practice what you preach. Write an FAQ section. Follow the same outline for video tutorials. Think about your audience as you review the tutorial. Reread and edit your article. Publish your tutorial. Keep on revising. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Throw-Darts | How to Throw Darts | To throw darts, start by standing with your dominant foot forward and angled towards the center of the dartboard to give you stability. Then, hold the barrel of the dart lightly between your thumb and fingers and raise it to your eye level. Next, tilt the tip of the dart slightly upward and use your dominant eye to aim for your target. When you're ready to throw, swing your arm forward at the elbow and snap your wrist as you release the dart for a faster and more accurate throw. After you've let go of the dart, follow through with your arm and wrist so that your fingers are pointing at the target. | Stand with your feet hip width apart behind the throw line. The throw line, also called the oche, cannot be stepped over at any time when you are throwing darts. Face the dartboard sideways with your dominant foot forward. Your feet should be facing towards the side of the room, rather than towards the throw line. If you are right-handed, your right foot will be forward, with your big toe just behind the throw line. Your left foot will be on the floor just behind your right foot. If you're left-handed, your left foot will be forward and your right foot will be behind your left foot. Your dominant hand should be forward, loose next to your dominant foot. So if you are right-handed, your right hand will be forward. If you are left-handed, your left hand will be forward. It's okay if your back heel raises a bit off the floor in this stance. Do not lift your back foot up though. Make sure you are still putting weight on it. Avoid standing with your body facing the dartboard head on, as this is not a very stable stance. Facing to the side of the dartboard will help you develop a more accurate throw. Turn your front foot towards the center of the dartboard. Draw an imaginary line from the center of the dartboard to the floor. Make sure your front foot is pointing towards the imaginary line on the floor. This will help to keep your dart throws straight and accurate. Keep your other foot turned to the side. Your body should remain turned slightly to the side, even though your front foot is angled forward. You can mark the spot on the floor with your shoe so you know where to line up your front foot every time you throw. Maintain straight shoulders and hips. Do not slouch over or roll your hips back. Keep your shoulders and hips stacked on top of each other. You want to keep your shoulders, hips, and legs straight at all times when you are throwing darts. Some dart players will lean their upper body slightly forward over the throw line to feel more comfortable in their stance and get closer to the board. You can do this as long as your legs or feet do not cross the throw line. However, leaning too far forward can compromise your stance and your throw. Hold the barrel of the dart with at least three fingers. The barrel is the raised part on the dart, closer to the center of the dart. Grip the barrel of the dart with your thumb, forefinger, and middle finger. You can then also hold it at the end of the barrel with your ring finger if you want a more stable grip. Do not hold the dart at the tip of the dart or at the flight, which is at the very back of the dart. Do not curl your fingers as you grip the dart. Instead, keep them long and open. Keep in mind a dart with a shorter barrel will usually require fewer fingers for gripping. A dart with a longer barrel may require more fingers to maintain a good grip. Keep your grip stable but not too firm. Do not grip the dart so tightly that your fingers turn white or the muscles in your fingers feel tense. Darts is a game of touch, rather than force. Your grip should be just tight enough to keep the dart in place and maintain control over it. When in doubt, go for a grip that is loose rather than firm. You can then adjust your grip so it is a bit tighter as needed. Raise the dart to eye level. Swing your front arm forward, gripping the dart with your fingers. Keep your shoulder still as you raise the dart to eye level, just to the side of your eye. Make sure your elbow is pointing at the dartboard. Your shoulder, elbow, and hand should all be aligned, forming a 90 degree angle, with your elbow slightly up. Tilt the tip of the dart slightly upward. Keep the end of the dart tilted upward slightly, towards the dartboard. Do not let the tip drop downward or to the side, as this will affect your aim. Align the tip of the dart with your target on the board. Do not aim to the right or left of your target, as this will usually lead to a poor throw. Use your dominant eye to help you aim. Your dominant eye is usually on the same side as your dominant hand. So if you are right-handed, your right eye will be the dominant one. Try looking at the board with your dominant eye open and your other eye closed to help you aim. Throw the dart with your hand and wrist. Pull your hand slightly back as you throw. Use your hand, wrist, and elbow for speed. Keep your shoulder still for support. Place more weight on your front foot as you throw the dart. Do not lean or sway to the side. Keep your body still and straight. Only your arm should be moving when you throw the dart. Your elbow may raise up slightly when you throw the dart. This is okay, as it may move upward due to the force of your throw. Snap your wrist as you release the dart. Let your wrist snap forward as you release the dart. Make sure your wrist does not snap downward, as this will cause the dart to fly downward. The wrist snap is often done by professional players to increase the acceleration of the dart. It can also result in a more accurate and consistent throw. Follow through at the end of the throw. Once you have released the dart, let your arm continue in a throwing motion so your fingers are pointing towards your target, or down at the floor. Allow your arm to hover in the air for a moment before you drop it down. This will help you maintain good form at the end of your throw. Practice once a day. A big part of being good at darts is consistency. Improve your throw by practicing darts at least once a day for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Aim at different targets on the dartboard. Challenge yourself to hit the same target in a row. The more you practice, the better your darts game will be. Participate in public games. Strike up a friendly game of darts at your local pub. Invite friends over to play darts at your house. Play against dart players of different skill levels and styles to improve your technique. Join a darts league. To get in the habit of playing darts regularly, look for a darts league in your area. Ask around at your local bar or form your own league with friends. You can then enter local darts competitions or contests and compete against others as a team. | Stand with your feet hip width apart behind the throw line. Face the dartboard sideways with your dominant foot forward. Turn your front foot towards the center of the dartboard. Maintain straight shoulders and hips. Hold the barrel of the dart with at least three fingers. Keep your grip stable but not too firm. Raise the dart to eye level. Tilt the tip of the dart slightly upward. Align the tip of the dart with your target on the board. Use your dominant eye to help you aim. Throw the dart with your hand and wrist. Snap your wrist as you release the dart. Follow through at the end of the throw. Practice once a day. Participate in public games. Join a darts league. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Show-Your-Boyfriend-that-You%27re-not-Cheating | How to Show Your Boyfriend that You're not Cheating | The best way to show your boyfriend that you're not cheating is to prove to him that you're faithful to your relationship. Take the time to discuss how he's feeling and listen to his thoughts with an open mind. Explain to him that you care too much about him to be deceitful, and work on building up his trust. You could let him look through your phone or accompany you on outings with any new friends that he might be worried about. Try to also show your boyfriend that you care about him by spending plenty of quality time together and being excited when he's around. | Discuss your boyfriend's thoughts and feelings. If you suspect your boyfriend thinks your cheating, but he hasn't said anything to you about it, ask if you can have a serious conversation with him. Tell him you think something is bothering him and ask him if he feels comfortable talking to you about it. Tell him you want to be there for him, no matter what's bothering him, and that you want to help in any way you can. Listen to what he says with an open attitude and try to limit any knee-jerk reactions or judgements. Ask him if there was a specific event or situation that occurred to make him worry you were cheating. If there was, discuss the details of the situation and have him explain why it made him think you were cheating. Explain to him your perspective of the event or situation. Further acknowledge that you can understand why he may have misinterpreted the event as an indication of cheating and ask what you can do to make sure it doesn't happen again. Discuss and agree on a course of action to make sure a misunderstanding like this never happens again. This may include you changing your behaviour towards other men, or your boyfriend promising to raise any situations that have made him uncomfortable. Promise to be more open with each other in the future. Evaluate your own actions and behaviours. Once you've had a chance to talk to your boyfriend about his thoughts, you should take a moment to evaluate the specific behaviours or actions you may have had that caused him concern. Is it possible that your actions were to blame? Were you maybe a little too flirty with another guy without thinking about it? Or were your actions completely reasonable and his reaction was irrational? Now that you have a better understanding of where your boyfriend is coming from, you need to make a decision. Is it possible that he's asking you to change your behaviour to be someone you are not? Or is what he asking completely reasonable under the circumstances (i.e. that you're not single)? If you want to make the relationship work, then make a compromise with your boyfriend and alter your actions as best you can. If you feel your boyfriend is asking too much of you, think about whether this is the sort of relationship you really want to be in. Maybe your boyfriend is too overprotective and you need someone who gives you a little more independence. Or maybe your actions depict your true feelings towards your boyfriend, and you not really happy in your relationship. Point out that you're incapable of being deceitful. Being capable of cheating on someone requires the ability to betray, lie, and be deceitful. Not a lot of people can accomplish this without some outward signs of anxiety or stress. Not to mention that some people are simply incapable of the extensive lying that would be required when cheating on someone. If your boyfriend thinks you may be cheating on him, ask him to really think about your personality. Is it really the type of personality capable of such deceit? Are you really the type of person who could lie consistently to someone's face? In many situations, your boyfriend may already know “the truth” deep down inside, but it doesn't stop him from being a little doubtful or insecure. Giving him the chance to really evaluate the logic of his suspicions may help him get rid of the doubt and insecurity he has. Ask your boyfriend to accompany you when you go out with a new friend. Have you recently becomes friends with someone new? Have you been having a lot of fun hanging out with this new friend, and possibly not spending as much time with your boyfriend? It might be this change that has him suspicious. Even though you can reassure him you're just hanging out with a friend, he might still be in doubt. Since you have nothing to hide, invite him along the next time you hang out with your friend. Show how excited you are to have your boyfriend around. Relationships where one member is cheating usually have a lot of other signs that something isn't right. One such sign is the lack of communication or excitement between the couple. If you can show your boyfriend you still love hanging out with him, that you always make plans to do things together, that you enjoy quiet time alone, and that you are able to communicate effectively, he'll realize that it would seem very unlikely you're cheating on him. Why would you spend that much time with someone you don't really care about? Why would you be that excited to see him if you preferred someone else? Point out that your sex lives haven't changed. Couples who aren't having relationship problems usually have a healthy sex life. They might try new things every now and again, but they're pretty in-tune to what their partners need and want. Sure, one or both of you may be too tired or stressed out about something else to want to have sex on a specific night, but it doesn't happen constantly. If your sex life with your boyfriend is great, and you communicate effectively about what you both want in bed, it should help your boyfriend realize you not likely cheating on him. It is possible that your boyfriend is simply insecure. Maybe he doesn't think he makes you happy in bed, or that he's done something wrong. His mind might immediately lead him to believe that you might want to seek something better elsewhere. He may need some reassurance that he's either doing the right thing in bed, or you may need to take the time to tell him what you want. Allow your boyfriend to look through your phone. Unfortunately, in today's technology-fuelled world, electronics are often the cause of misunderstandings and suspicions in relationships. It could be anything from suspicious text messages to callers with no caller IDs. If your boyfriend is worried that you may be cheating on him due to something related to your cell phone or computer, ask him to explain exactly what he saw or heard that concerned him. Chances are the specific situation had a perfectly reasonable explanation, but maybe your reaction to the situation made him suspicious. Once you know what specific situation may have caused your boyfriend concern, ask if he'd feel better if you showed him the details on your phone or computer. Would it give him a little security to see a specific text message or email? If so, consider showing him the item that caused him concern and demonstrating what really happened. This step, however, shouldn't turn into your boyfriend constantly checking everything on your phone in order to track where you've been and what you've been doing. Your phone is still your private property and he has no right to see it unless you give him permission. It's important to draw that line with your boyfriend if you do decide to show him something on your phone. And you need to respect those same boundaries with him and his phone. Ask your boyfriend if he truly feels — in his gut — that you're cheating on him. Our gut feelings or instincts usually lead us in the right direction. If we feel something is off, chances are something is off. Ask your boyfriend to take the time to seriously ask himself if he feels — in his gut — that you are cheating on him. He might have developed a suspicion or paranoia about your potential cheating and just hasn't been able to talk himself out of it, but deep down inside he knows it's not true. It's possible he just needs the time to truly think about the situation and consciously come to that realization. Fight fair. Relationships that are having problems usually include couples that fight over the smallest, most minor topic. Relationships that are doing well still argue, but the arguments never end with a complete and total meltdown of both people. As a girlfriend who is not cheating, demonstrate to your boyfriend that, while you guys fight, it's never the end of the world. If you were cheating, chances are your fights would be significantly more severe. Be calm. Cheating on someone takes a lot of energy and usually results in feelings of guilt and anxiety. If you were cheating on your boyfriend, chances are you'd be showing signs of depression, anxiety, and guilt. If you're a calm person who doesn't appear to be at all worried about your relationship, how can your boyfriend think you're cheating on him? Ask him if you've ever been upset for no reason when he's asked you something (e.g. like where you've been). If you've always given a reasonable explanation about your whereabouts, why is he worried? Ask him if you have weird and unexplained mood changes that have nothing to do with biology or obvious external events (e.g. problems with family or at work). If you've never exploded at him for reasons he can't explain, why would he think you're harbouring guilt about cheating? Take the relationship seriously. Someone who was cheating on their boyfriend wouldn't be trying to advance their current relationship. If you and your boyfriend talk about your future often, or talk about things like how you see yourselves in 20 years, you're very unlikely to be cheating on him. These aren't the types of conversations someone who is cheating would want to have. If you were cheating, these are the conversations you'd likely try to avoid or gloss over. Bring your boyfriend to family events. One of the last things a cheating girlfriend would do is invite the boyfriend she's cheating on to family events and show him off. Make sure to include your boyfriend in family events. Encourage your parents or siblings to communicate directly with him, if they want. Brag about his accomplishments to your family members. Suggest your family members friend him on Facebook. The same activities can be applied in the opposite direction. Be excited to meet his family. Develop personal relationships with members of his family (maybe his mom or sister). Tell your boyfriend your secrets. If you were cheating on your boyfriend, you'd probably stop confiding in him about all sorts of stuff. Since you're not cheating on your boyfriend, make sure you confide in your boyfriend about things that are worrying you. Tell him some secrets you have that you haven't told anyone else. Tell him about the things you truly worry about, or what frightens and scares you. Show him you trust him completely with these confidential and delicate things about yourself. Avoid comparing your boyfriend to other men. Maybe this has already happened and it's the reason why your boyfriend is suspicious. You may have meant it as a joke, but he may have taken it to heart. No one likes being compared to someone else in order to point out their imperfections. Just because someone else is [fill in any item of comparison here], doesn't mean your boyfriend has to do the same thing, say the same stuff, or be the same way. If you accidentally did this previously, apologize and promise not to do it again. Compliment your boyfriend about something every day. Everyone loves compliments! Compliments make you feel good because they demonstrate someone else was paying attention to you AND went the extra step to actually say something out loud. A compliment doesn't have to be only based on big events and activities, it can be small things like a nice shirt, an attractive hair style, a well made dinner, holding the door for someone else, and more. Take the time to compliment your boyfriend for something he's done at least once a day. Not only will it make him feel great, he'll know you're paying attention to both the big and little things he does. Show your boyfriend he's one of your top priorities. Depending on what else is going on in your life at the time (e.g. school, work, family, etc.) your boyfriend will most likely be one of your top priorities. Show him how much of a priority he is to you by taking him into account as much as you can when scheduling events and planning outings. For example, if you and your boyfriend had discussed the possibility of going to a movie on the weekend, but hadn't made firm plans, check with him before you make alternative plans. If you already have plans, but something really important for your boyfriend comes up suddenly, consider changing your plans so you can be there to support him. Reminisce about past events. Every once in a while, hang out with your boyfriend and talk about a past event that you both really enjoyed. Watch videos or look at photos from the event. Laugh and share memories from the events to remind yourselves how important you are to each other. The event can be anything from a specific vacation to a day at a theme park. | Discuss your boyfriend's thoughts and feelings. Evaluate your own actions and behaviours. Point out that you're incapable of being deceitful. Ask your boyfriend to accompany you when you go out with a new friend. Show how excited you are to have your boyfriend around. Point out that your sex lives haven't changed. Allow your boyfriend to look through your phone. Ask your boyfriend if he truly feels — in his gut — that you're cheating on him. Fight fair. Be calm. Take the relationship seriously. Bring your boyfriend to family events. Tell your boyfriend your secrets. Avoid comparing your boyfriend to other men. Compliment your boyfriend about something every day. Show your boyfriend he's one of your top priorities. Reminisce about past events. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Know-if-Your-Rabbit-is-Pregnant | How to Know if Your Rabbit is Pregnant | If you think your rabbit might be pregnant, use your fingers and hands to gently inspect the rabbit's abdomen. To get the best position, use your left hand to gently cradle the rabbit's lower body, between the hind legs and the pelvis, and gently place your thumb on the right side of her abdomen and your fingers on the left side. If there are baby rabbits, they will be about the size of a grape. Be sure to weigh your rabbit to see if she's gained weight since breeding. If you're still not sure, take your rabbit to the vet to get her palpated and inspected for signs of pregnancy. | Palpate your rabbit. Unless a female rabbit (also called a doe) is carrying a large litter, she will not show any external signs of pregnancy. That is why veterinarians and rabbit breeders palpate, or gently inspect (using the fingers or hands), the abdomen of a rabbit to determine if the rabbit is pregnant. Within two weeks of conception, you should be able to feel the young rabbits inside the mother rabbit's abdomen. But knowing how to actually feel for the fetuses without injuring them takes some skill. This is merely a general guide, and if you are not a veterinarian or experienced animal breeder you should not attempt to palpate a pregnant rabbit on your own. Do not palpate a pregnant rabbit if it's been more than 14 days since the rabbit bred. Doing so may cause damage to the developing fetuses. Gently hold the rabbit's ears and a flap of shoulder skin in your right hand. This will secure the upper portion of the rabbit's body. Use your left hand to gently cradle the rabbit's lower body, between the hind legs and the pelvis. Gently place the thumb on the right side of the abdomen and the fingers of your hand on the left side. If the doe is pregnant, you should be able to feel the developing embryos inside her abdomen. Each embryo should feel about the size of a grape. Have a veterinarian palpate your rabbit. If you're unfamiliar with how to safely palpate an animal, it's recommended that you take your rabbit to the vet. Your vet will know how to safely inspect your rabbit without harming the fetuses. Weigh your rabbit. A pregnant rabbit, much like a pregnant human, will gain weight during the pregnancy. However, that weight is not a large, noticeable difference. The best way to detect a rabbit's pregnancy by weight is to use an accurate digital scale and to compare that figure to your rabbit's weight before she became pregnant. A pregnant doe, on average, gains 0.029 kg (about 0.064 lbs) during the first week of pregnancy, and gains approximately 0.057 kg (0.126 lbs) by the end of the second week. After the second week, the doe's weight will not change noticeably. Have a vet conduct an ultrasound. An ultrasound is the best method to determine a rabbit's pregnancy, as it is 100% accurate after the first six days of gestation. Your vet can perform an ultrasound in his office to quickly and accurately determine whether your rabbit is pregnant. Learn about rabbit life cycles. Most breeds of rabbits reach sexual maturity between three and six months of age. Female rabbits can conceive as early as 12 weeks of age, though this is generally not recommended for the health and safety of the rabbit. If your rabbit is younger than 12 weeks of age, she most likely is not pregnant. However, if she falls within the three to six month age range, she may have reached sexual maturity, and there is a chance that she could be pregnant. If your rabbit is older than two to three years of age, she may be too old to conceive. In this case, your rabbit most likely is not pregnant. Understand rabbit breeding tendencies. Rabbits are capable of breeding year-round, though fertility in males tends to decrease during extreme weather in winter and summer. Rabbits are most likely to conceive during the mild weather in spring or fall, though again, a rabbit is physically capable of conceiving at any time of year. Unlike many animals that go "into heat," rabbits are induced ovulators. This means that a female rabbit's body physically prepares for conception within eight hours of meeting a male rabbit. Look for signs of a nest. Female rabbits have a hard-wired instinct to build a nest when expecting offspring. An expecting rabbit will typically line her nest with fur, and she will become protective of her nest. If your doe is building a nest, there's a chance that she may be pregnant. However, some female rabbits experience a "false pregnancy," in which the doe displays nesting behavior but is not actually pregnant. For this reason, nest building is not necessarily an accurate way to determine pregnancy, though it does suggest maternal instincts. Separate the female from all males. Once you know for certain that a doe is pregnant, it's important to keep her and all male rabbits separate. This is because a male could re-impregnate the female within mere hours after she gives birth. This can cause tremendous stress for the female, and make it impossible for the female to finish weaning her first litter before the second litter is born. Some animal experts recommend trying to find a way to allow the male and female rabbits to interact without being in the same cage or hutch. This is because it may become difficult to reintroduce the two rabbits after the female has given birth if they are not properly socialized during the separation. If at all possible, try keeping their cages next to each other or allowing them to interact through a fence. There is a chance that the male rabbit may try to mate with the female offspring he has fathered. Rabbit owners should keep the male and females completely separated to prevent this from happening. Know the gestation period. Rabbits gestate for between 31 and 33 days. If the pregnancy goes on much longer than this, it may be a false pregnancy, or the litter may have died inside the doe. Some veterinarians recommend inducing labor after 32 days to prevent the risk of complications from the litter dying inside the mother. Ensure that the doe is properly fed. If your rabbit is pregnant, it's important to ensure that she is getting enough food and water. Experts recommend gradually increasing the amount of food you give to a pregnant doe. You should also provide the doe with plenty of alfalfa hay, as this type of hay is very rich and provides the extra nutrients a pregnant or nursing doe will need. | Palpate your rabbit. Have a veterinarian palpate your rabbit. Weigh your rabbit. Have a vet conduct an ultrasound. Learn about rabbit life cycles. Understand rabbit breeding tendencies. Look for signs of a nest. Separate the female from all males. Know the gestation period. Ensure that the doe is properly fed. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-a-Venus-Flytrap | How to Grow a Venus Flytrap | To grow a Venus flytrap, plant a bulb root-side down in a glass container filled with 2 parts sphagnum moss and 1 part sand. Mist the flytrap daily with distilled water to keep the soil constantly moist, but don't get the soil so wet that it leaves standing water, or the plant will rot. Place your Venus flytrap in a windowsill or under a grow lamp to ensure it gets several hours of light each day during the growing season. Feed your plant live mealworms, spiders, or other small insects about once a month. | Buy a Venus flytrap bulb. The most common, and easiest, way to start growing a Venus flytrap is to purchase a bulb (or several bulbs) from a company that specializes in growing the plants. Search online to find a vendor from which you can mail order bulbs. You'll be able to choose from among several varieties that have differences in shape and color. You may also be able to find a nursery in your area that sells Venus flytrap bulbs. While it's less common, you can certainly grow a Venus flytrap from seed as well - bearing in mind that it could take up to 5 years for the seed to become a mature plant. Order seeds online and germinate them in deep pots filled with a seed substrate composed of sphagnum moss. Place the pots in plastic bags to keep the environment warm and moist. Once the seedlings have sprouted, you can transplant them to a more permanent growing medium. Choose a growing container. Since Venus flytraps require high humidity, a glass growing container is an excellent choice. This is especially true if you live in growing zone 7 or lower, where the winter temperature gets too cold for the Venus flytrap. If you live in growing zone 7 or lower, consider planting the Venus flytrap in a terrarium. The high sides of the terrarium will keep heat and moisture trapped in, helping the Venus flytrap thrive. Airflow is important, though, so don't plant it in a container with a lid. A fishbowl or another glass container with an opening works well. A glass pot or a regular clay pot with drainage holes both work fine if you live in a warm climate with mild winters - growing zone 8 or higher. Make a soil mixture for the Venus flytrap. This plant naturally grows in very poor soil, and gets most of its nutrients by eating insects and spiders. In order to replicate the plant's natural growing medium, make a mixture of 2/3 sphagnum moss and 1/3 sand. If you plant a Venus flytrap in regular potting soil, it won't thrive. Regular potting soil contains too many nutrients. Never add lime or fertilizer to a Venus flytrap's growing medium. If you're using a terrarium, line it with gravel and place the soil mixture on top, so that you can ensure the soil will drain adequately. Plant the bulb root side down. Dig a small hole in the soil and plant the bulb so that the top of the bulb is even with the soil. If you started your Venus flytrap from seed, plant the sprouted seedling so that the bulb is under the soil and the green stems are exposed to the air. After planting the Venus flytrap, providing the right environment and food will help it grow and thrive. Keep the soil moist. The Venus flytrap is native to Carolina boglands, where the soil is constantly wet. It's very important that the soil in your Venus flytrap's pot or terrarium be kept moist to mimic its natural habitat. That said, the Venus flytrap should not be kept in standing water; make sure the pot or terrarium drains well so that the plant doesn't rot. Use rainwater or distilled water. Tap water is usually too alkaline-heavy or contains too many minerals to use to water a Venus flytrap. An easy way to get enough water to keep conditions moist and humid is collecting rainwater for this specific purpose. Set out a container to catch the rain and store it up so you'll have some on hand whenever you need it. Otherwise, you can buy distilled water by the gallon in most grocery stores. Give the Venus flytrap adequate sunlight. During the warmer months, you can keep it either outside (as long as the temperature doesn't dip too low at night) or place it in the window in the sun. Take care to water the Venus flytrap consistently so that the sun doesn't dry out the soil, especially during the summer. If your Venus flytrap is in a glass terrarium, make sure it doesn't get burned in the sun. If the plant looks like it's wilting a little, take it out of the sunlight after a few hours every day. If you'd rather not worry about making sure it gets enough sun, you can also grow Venus flytraps using a fluorescent grow lamp. Just make sure to keep the lamp 4 to 7 inches away from the plant. Turn on the grow lamp so that it provides a regular day's worth of light, and make sure to turn it off at night. If the leaves of the Venus flytrap aren't rosy pink, it's probably not getting enough sun. Overwinter the Venus flytrap. Venus flytraps have a natural dormancy period during the winter season. It usually lasts from September or October through February or March - the natural winter of the Carolinas. During this time, the Venus flytrap should be kept at a temperature of 35 to 50 °F (2 to 10 °C), with less sunlight than it receives during the summer months. If you live in growing zone 8 or below, you can keep the Venus flytrap outside all winter, as long as temperatures rarely drop below freezing. Expose the plant to light and warmth slowly at the spring equinox. If you live in a place with a colder winter, it's necessary to take the Venus flytrap inside. Keep it in the garage, shed or unheated greenhouse where it will receive protection from frost but still get sunlight and be exposed to cold enough temperatures to facilitate a dormancy period. Let the Venus flytrap catch its food. If you keep your Venus flytrap outside, it will catch spiders and insects on its own (unless your outdoor environment is unnaturally sterile). When you see the leaves in a clasped position, the Venus flytrap has probably caught something. Feed the Venus flytrap mealworms or insects. If you want to feed the Venus flytrap - either because you're keeping it indoors or you just want to experience the excitement of watching it eat - you can use mealworms, insects or spiders that are small enough to fit in the leaf traps. Place the food inside one of the traps or release it inside the terrarium. The trap will close when the tiny hairs inside are triggered by the insect's movements. It's best to feed a Venus flytrap live bugs. The plant won't close unless it senses movement, so feeding the plant dead bugs is not a good idea. You can purchase live or dead insects from a pet store, but you could also try catching your own. For smaller Venus flytraps, black flies are a good size. For larger traps, you could try small crickets. Venus flytraps can go months without eating, but if you're keeping yours indoors you should plan to feed it about once a month for best results. Watch for the trap to reopen. Once the Venus flytrap closes over its food, it takes at least 12 hours to digest its meal. Digestive enzymes break down the soft inner fluids of the insect or spider, leaving the exoskeleton intact. After about 12 hours, the trap will open and the empty exoskeleton will blow or wash away. If a small stone or another indigestible object ends up in the trap, it will release the object after 12 hours. Don't feed it meat. You might be tempted to give the Venus flytrap a piece of ham or chicken, however, the plant does not have the right enzymes to digest animal meat. Feeding it anything besides spiders or insects could cause it to rot and die. Repot the Venus flytrap every few years. Be sure to repot in a mixture of sphagnum moss and sand. You can repot the plant at any time, except when the plant is flowering. Allow it to flower. Pinch off the smaller flower stalks and keep a strong stalk with many heads. Let the flower stem grow high above the rest of the plant. This way the insects that pollinate the flowers won't get caught in the traps. Each flower will produce a seed pod. If you choose to cut off the stalk instead of allowing the plant flower, stick the stalk in the ground to encourage it to grow. Plant the seeds of a mature plant as soon as possible. After a few years, when your Venus flytrap has matured, you can propagate it by planting the seeds it produces. Break open the seed pod to find the tiny black seeds. These seeds can be stored for up to a year in an airtight container in your refrigerator. Plant them in sphagnum moss, and keep them warm and moist until they sprout. Make sure that you keep the seeds moist by misting them several times a day. Expose the seeds to light for 13 hours per day as well. The seeds will germinate in anywhere from 5 to 30 days. After the seeds germinate, plant them on top of some peat moss or moss mixed with sand. Keep the planted seeds in a terrarium with a humid environment and a temperature of 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Try planting a leaf. Since the plants can grow from rhizomes, you could also try planting a leaf pinched off at the base to see if it sprouts. If conditions are right, the leaf will die and a tiny new plant will begin to grow. Find a healthy leaf that is outside of the rhizome and gently tug it downward. Trim off the top of the leaf and place it in good soil. Give it lots of water and light. It will take about two months to grow. Grow a new plant from tissue. This method will produce man plants quickly, but it is an advanced method that involves growing the plant in a petri dish, so only attempt it if you are comfortable with this technique. Sterilize the tissue and the container with alcohol. Place the sterilized tissue in a nutrient and vitamin enriched mixture, and leave it be until leaf growth starts. This can take anywhere from 8 to 16 weeks. Move the plant to the standard growing medium. | Buy a Venus flytrap bulb. Choose a growing container. Make a soil mixture for the Venus flytrap. Plant the bulb root side down. Keep the soil moist. Use rainwater or distilled water. Give the Venus flytrap adequate sunlight. Overwinter the Venus flytrap. Let the Venus flytrap catch its food. Feed the Venus flytrap mealworms or insects. Watch for the trap to reopen. Don't feed it meat. Repot the Venus flytrap every few years. Allow it to flower. Plant the seeds of a mature plant as soon as possible. Try planting a leaf. Grow a new plant from tissue. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Annual-Salary | How to Calculate Annual Salary | To calculate annual salary, start by figuring out how many hours you work in a week. If you work different hours every week, use the average number of hours you work. Next, multiply your hourly salary by the number of hours you work in a week. Finally, multiply that number by 52 to find your annual salary. | Determine if you are a wage earner. A wage earner is paid by the hour. If you receive a pay rate per hour multiplied by the number of hours worked per week, then you are a wage earner. Another term for this is a non-exempt employee. Your paycheck may vary from week to week depending on the number of hours you work. If you work the same number of hours each week but you are still paid by the hour, then your paycheck may be the same each week, but you are still considered a wage earner. Find out your hourly salary. If you are not sure how much you earn per hour, ask your supervisor or someone in human resources. Alternately, calculate the information from your pay stub. Locate the total gross pay on your pay stub. Gross pay is your total salary before deductions for taxes and benefits. Divide that amount by the number of hours you worked in that pay period. For example, suppose your gross pay was $190 for a week in which you worked 10 hours. Calculate $190 / 10 = $19. Your hourly salary is $19 per hour. Multiply to calculate your annual salary if you work a fixed number of hours per week. Multiply your hourly salary by the number of hours you work per week to calculate your weekly salary. Multiply this figure by 52, the number of weeks per year, to work out your annual salary. For instance, if you work 40 hours per week and you earn $19 per hour, calculate your weekly salary by multiplying 40 x $19 = $760. Then calculate your annual salary by multiplying $760 x 52 = $39,520 Average your weekly number of hours if you work a different amount each week. If you work a different number of hours each week, keep track of your weekly hours for one month. Then find the average number of hours per week you worked, and multiply to find your annual salary. For example, suppose in one month you worked 30 hours the first week, 25 hours the second week, 35 hours the third week and 40 hours the fourth week. Find the average weekly hours with the equation (30 + 25 + 35 + 40) / 4 = 32.5. If you earn $19 per hour, then calculate your annual salary with the equation (32.5 x $19) x 52 = $32,110. Keep track of your weekly hours with spreadsheet software or a time-tracking app. Some time-tracking apps are marketed to managers who have to keep track of hours for multiple employees. But individuals can also use them to manage their productivity. Add in overtime payments if applicable. An employer must pay you overtime if you work more than 40 hours per week. The rate is one and a half times your regular rate of pay. Keep track of your regular and overtime hours each week for a period of four weeks. Calculate the average number of regular and overtime hours and work out your weekly and annual regular and overtime pay. Add these together to determine your annual salary. Suppose in a four-week period, you work 50 hours, 45 hours, 42 hours and 47 hours. If anything over 40 hours is overtime, then your weekly overtime is 10 hours, 5 hours, 2 hours and 7 hours. Calculate your average weekly overtime hours with the equation (10 + 5 + 2 + 7) / 4 = 6. If you earn $19 per hour, then calculate your overtime rate with the equation $19 x 1.5 = $28.5 Calculate your average regular weekly salary with the equation $19 x 40 = $760. Calculate your average weekly overtime pay with the equation $28.5 x 6 = $171. Add these two totals to get your total weekly salary $760 + $171 = $931. Multiply to find your annual salary with the equation $931 x 52 = $48,412. Adjust for sick time, vacation or a leave of absence. If you are paid for vacation or sick time, then you do not need to adjust any of your calculations. However, if you do not get paid for these absences, then this changes the number of weeks per year for which you get paid. Suppose, for example, that you take 2 weeks of unpaid vacation time per year. Then your work year is only 50 weeks instead of 52. Use the adjusted number of weeks per year to calculate your annual salary. To get an exact number, subtract hours for days each year when you don't work (holidays, vacation days). These should only be subtracted if they are unpaid. For example, if you only missed two days per year, you would subtract $19 x 8 hours per days x 2 days, or $304, from your annual salary. Determine if you are a salaried employee. Salaried employees receive a fixed amount of gross pay in their paychecks. This amount is not linked to the number of hours worked. Their annual salary is divided by the number of pay periods per year to calculate the amount of gross pay for each pay check. This is also know as an exempt employee. If you are a salaried employee, you were likely told your total annual salary when you were hired. However, over time, raises and other changes in pay may make it confusing to know your total annual salary. Read your pay stub. Your pay stub provides a great deal of information. It lists your total earnings, or gross pay. It details any deductions, including federal, state and local taxes, and Social Security and Medicare contributions. Other deductions include health insurance premiums, retirement savings plans and flexible spending accounts. Your take home salary, or net salary, is your gross salary less all of the deductions. Find your total earnings, or gross pay, to determine your annual salary. You should still receive a pay stub even if you get direct deposit. Some companies keep pay stub information in an online database. Contact your payroll department to find out how to log in to obtain that information or to receive a hard copy of your pay stub. Verify your payroll schedule. Employers choose a payroll schedule that best suits their company and employees. The payroll schedule determines when and how often you will receive a paycheck. Knowing your payroll schedule will tell you how many paychecks to expect per year. You will need this information to calculate your annual salary from your pay stub. If you are not sure about your payroll schedule, ask your supervisor or the payroll department of your company. Monthly paychecks are paid at the end of the month. Employees receive 12 paychecks per year. Semi-monthly paychecks are paid on the 1st and 15th of the month or the 15th and 30th. Employees receive 24 paychecks per year. Biweekly paychecks are paid every two weeks, usually on Friday. Employees receive 26 paychecks per year. Weekly paychecks are paid once per week, usually on Friday. Employees receive 52 paychecks per year. Determine overtime pay. Recent changes to overtime pay laws have extended overtime protections for salaried workers. As of 2016, any salaried worker making less than $47,476 per year ($913 per week) is entitled to overtime pay at a rate of 1.5 times their usual pay rate for hours worked over 40 hours each week. If your salary is under this threshold and you work more than 40 hours per week, you can increase your expected pay by the amount of your overtime earnings. For example, a salaried employee paid $41,600 per year ($800 per week or $20 per hour) that works 45 hours (5 overtime hours) each week can expect overtime pay in the amount of 1.5 times their usual hourly pay. This would be 1.5 × $ 20 × 5 hours {\displaystyle 1.5\times \$20\times {\text{5 hours}}} , or $150, per week. Calculate your annual salary. Find your total gross earnings, before deductions, on your pay stub. Multiply this amount by the number of paychecks you receive each year to calculate your total annual salary. Suppose you are paid biweekly, and your total gross salary is $1,900. Calculate your annual salary with the equation $1,900 x 26 = $49,400. Add in bonuses if applicable. Depending on the type of company for which you work and the position you hold, you may be entitled to bonuses. Bonuses are paid at different times during the year, and they are in addition to your fixed annual salary. Different kinds of bonuses include profit sharing, rewards for achievement, sign-on bonuses, holiday bonuses and sales commissions. The amount and frequency of bonuses varies depending on how your company awards them. Add bonuses in when calculating your total annual salary. For example, suppose you earn an annual salary of $49,400 before bonuses, and your company has decided to award you a 2.5 percent profit sharing bonus. Calculate the amount of the bonus with the equation $49,400 x.025 = $1,235. Calculate total annual salary with the equation $49,400 + $1,235 = $50,635 Understand why knowing your salary information is important. You must know your annual salary in order to determine if your job is going to pay you enough to support your lifestyle. Assess your financial needs and plan your budget. Then determine if your annual salary is going to be enough to pay all of your bills and allow you to accomplish your goals. Besides knowing your annual salary, learn about other important ways you are compensated. For example, know what benefits are available to you, such as tuition reimbursement, retirement plans and health insurance. Also, find out if there is room for advancement and the potential to earn more money. Research salary information for different careers. If you aren't already established in an industry or are thinking about switching careers, use online resources to learn about the kind of salary you are likely to earn in different industries. Search for a particular job or industry. Find out about basic salary information for different positions within that industry. Learn about typical benefits packages. Compare salary averages and hourly wage rates in different locations of the country. You may also be wondering if you're being paid properly for your current work. If so, you can estimate your market value by researching compensation for similarly-experienced and employed workers in your industry and area. Use the tools mentioned above to determine whether or not you are being paid adequately. Develop realistic expectations. As you research salaries for different occupations, understand the difference between “average” and “entry level.” If you are new to an industry or just starting out in an occupation, do not expect to earn the average salary right away. Entry level salaries are typically lower than the average rate. However, your salary should increase as you gain experience. Research the potential for salary growth in your chosen industry. Choose the right job for you. You may find yourself in a position to compare the salaries of two or more jobs. Perhaps you are looking for a job, or maybe you are considering leaving your current job for something else. Naturally, the total salary offered is a major consideration. Other factors that may also be valuable to you include benefits, the potential for growth, the location and the length of your commute. Sometimes it is prudent to choose a job with a lower salary because of growth opportunities, location, or workplace culture. Determine your market value. Once you know your total annual salary and you have a realistic expectation of what you should be earning in a specific field, you can use this information to negotiate salaries in future jobs. Compare the total annual salary you currently earn with others in your field or in other industries you are considering. If your research indicates that you could be earning more, arm yourself with solid data and negotiate a better salary. Move from up from an entry-level position to something more advanced. Or, request a review of your salary based on your education level or your special skills or qualifications. Your market value is influenced by your education, experience, and other assets you bring to the table. Consider every way in which you create value for your employee when determining your market value. | Determine if you are a wage earner. Find out your hourly salary. Multiply to calculate your annual salary if you work a fixed number of hours per week. Average your weekly number of hours if you work a different amount each week. Add in overtime payments if applicable. Adjust for sick time, vacation or a leave of absence. Determine if you are a salaried employee. Read your pay stub. Verify your payroll schedule. Determine overtime pay. Calculate your annual salary. Add in bonuses if applicable. Understand why knowing your salary information is important. Research salary information for different careers. Develop realistic expectations. Choose the right job for you. Determine your market value. |
https://www.wikihow-fun.com/Dress-Like-a-Rapper | How to Dress Like a Rapper | To dress like a rapper, choose loose, comfortable, hip hop-style clothing and accessories with flashy jewelry. For example, pick a loose-fitting T-shirt or jersey, like a basketball jersey or polo shirt. You could also wear brightly-colored print or graphic T-shirts. When you're choosing your shoes, go for high tops or boots from brands like Nike, Reebok, or Timberland. If you'd rather go with high heels, pick a pair in a chrome or gold color so they stand out. To accessorize your outfit, wear a colorful bandana with a hat on top. Complete your hip hop look with some jewelry, like a gold chain or gold rings with stones in them. Alternatively, go with large hooped earrings in gold, which are a common feature of rappers' outfits. | Get a baggy t-shirt. Most hip-hop style trends involve baggy or loose clothing that is comfortable. Basketball jerseys, especially vintage ones, are very popular. Loose t-shirts with graphic prints are often featured by hip-hop designers such as Sean John and Wu Wear. Baggy polo shirts and button downs are also fashionable. Large hoodies in bright colors are very popular with rappers. People who wear these often tuck in the front of the shirt and let the back loose if they are wearing a designer belt. Wear baggy jeans. These should not be so baggy that you can't see your shoes. Make sure you let the tongues of your shoes show. Jeans like South Pole and Mecca are good for this. Jeans that are too big and baggy can be held up with a belt. Belts which are embellished with stones or designs are most popular in hip-hop fashion. Wear a jacket. There are several types of jackets that are popular in hip-hop fashion. 90's style Starter jackets are really good for an old-school hip-hop style look. Stars like 50 Cent made the Pelle Pelle style leather jacket very popular. Army fatigue jackets are also recommended by hip-hop stylists. Rappers like DMX wore these. Get a hat and bandana. Put the bandana on your head and the hat over the top of it. You can wear the brim of your hat facing forward, to the rear or to the side. Try to get a bandana in a bright color, and wear it tied like a skullcap so you can fit a hat over it. Do-rags are also popular headgear in hip-hop fashion. Wear jewelry. This is called bling or ice in hip-hop fashion. Large gold or platinum chains are popular, especially with large holy crosses. Wear rings that are gold or platinum with diamonds or stones in them for some flash. Grills are very popular among rappers. These are caps made of metal for your teeth. Getting a full grill can be very expensive. If you can't afford to cover all of your teeth with a gold grill then start with covering one or two teeth. When most individuals cover one or two teeth they usually have their initials cut out of the cap. Get some oversized sunglasses (aka stunner shades). These are very popular among rap artists. The most popular styles have square frames. Some fashionable labels are Adidas and Sean John. A lot of stunner shades have colorful sides and are studded for some "bling". Wear the right footwear. High tops and boots are the most popular types of rapper footwear. Brands like Vlados, Nike, Reebok, Adidas, Jordan and Timberland are very popular and should be the brands you choose from. Hip-hop high top sneakers are worn with the tongues out. It's very important to keep your shoes crisp and bright for hip-hop style. Wear bright colored shirts. There are many different styles of shirt that are popular in the hip-hop look for ladies. Bright colored graphic t-shirts are often worn. Colors like orange, bright blue, gold, hot pink and bright purple are very popular. Bright colored print shirts are also fashionable. Try a word print or animal print in a color that stands out. Shirt styles that are featured by female hip hop stars include crop tops that bare the midriff, bikini shirts, tank tops, and more fitted t-shirts. Whatever color you choose, most hip-hop looks for women tend to have matching accessories and pants. Wear a jacket that stands out. This look can either be fitted or baggy. Fitted leather jackets are very much in style for female hip-hop stars. These are often featured in gold or white, which are colors that will draw attention. Denim jackets are also very popular. Baggy sports jackets and bubble vests are worn by hip-hop women for a more masculine look. Choose pants or a skirt. Hip-hop fashion for women is also more versatile in this area, with many different styles of pants that are fashionable. Tight fitted jeans in the skinny leggings style are the most popular type of denim pants in hip-hop fashion for ladies. These tend to be pre-ripped or torn on the side or in the front. Harem pants, which are baggy at the hip and fitted at the ankle are also popular. These can be worn in a bright color that matches your top or in a more understated color like black, white, or camouflage. Athletic wear such as Adidas pants are also fashionable. Short denim skirts are always a good choice and are featured by many hip-hop stars such as Eve and Nicki Minaj. Accessorize with jewelry, hats, and sunglasses. Female hip-hop fashion also features "bling". The most famous hip-hop ladies wear big hoop earrings in gold. Wear 3-4 necklaces with pendants. These can be very flashy with chrome studs, diamonds or rhinestones. Even hats and sunglasses can feature some studs or rhinestones. Choose a flat brimmed hat in a bright color that matches your shirt or pants. Wear designer shades. Stunner shades are popular, but it is important that any kind of sunglasses can stand out. Buy them in a bright color or accented with jewels. Choose the right footwear. Hip-hop girls can wear sneakers or boots in similar styles as guys, but high-heeled shoes are also worn by women. In sneakers, go for high-tops. Brands like Jordans and Adidas feature bright colored and crisp looking shoes in this style. In boots, Timbaland boots are the most popular brand. For hip-hop girls, very high heels and wedges in chrome or gold, or neon colors are also fashionable. Choose a hairstyle that stands out. Many different hair colors and styles are featured by hip-hop ladies. Dye your hair in a bright color like pink, purple, or blue. Bleached or blond hair also stands out and is preferred by rap artists like Eve, Nicki Minaj, and Nyemiah Supreme. You can wear your hair straight with bangs or in braids. Wear brightly colored make-up. You will especially want your lips and eyes to stand out. Use a matte lipstick in a neon color like bright pink or purple. Bright red is also very popular. Wear thick mascara or fake lashes. You can experiment with different colored lashes. Wear a thick eyeliner and eyeshadow in a bright color like neon green, pink, blue, gold or silver. | Get a baggy t-shirt. Wear baggy jeans. Wear a jacket. Get a hat and bandana. Wear jewelry. Get some oversized sunglasses (aka stunner shades). Wear the right footwear. Wear bright colored shirts. Wear a jacket that stands out. Choose pants or a skirt. Accessorize with jewelry, hats, and sunglasses. Choose the right footwear. Wear brightly colored make-up. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Interact-With-People | How to Interact With People | To interact with people, try to be friendly and project a positive mood by smiling and making eye contact. In order to have great conversations, you should ask questions, actively listen to the other person, and make sure you don't do all the talking. If you need practice socializing, try joining a local club or volunteering to meet people with similar interests and values. Alternatively, if you struggle with social anxiety, consider joining an online community to help you get more comfortable interacting with others. | Identify your hesitancy. Why aren't you interacting with people now? Are you interacting with people but feel like you're doing it wrong? If you can identify the problem, it will go a long way towards helping you overcome it. In the meantime, try the advice below. Overcome your social anxiety. For many people, interacting with others is stressful. If you get worried about talking to people, you may want to focus on coping with your anxiety first. Believe in yourself. If you are afraid that you will fail to make friends, or that you will constantly upset people, you're going to have a very hard time interacting with others. Believe in yourself and you will find interactions getting easier and easier. Build your self-esteem. If you spend a bunch of time thinking that no one will want to talk with you because they're so much better than you are, you'll miss out on a wonderful world of interaction! Spend some time realizing how amazing you are and you'll see the world in a different light. Be confident. Lack of self-confidence can make it really hard to interact with people, often because others sense that you are not confident and that makes them nervous. Build your self-confidence or at least learn how to fake it in order to make others like you more. Practice. As with any skill (and social interaction is definitely a skill), you can get better at it by practicing. Practice your social skills by using them as much as possible. You can start by interacting with family members or even just strangers that you see, like grocers and bank tellers. Introduce yourself. When interacting with someone for the first time, it's a good idea to introduce yourself. Where in the conversation you introduce yourself, however, will depend on the individual conversation. Walking up to a stranger and introducing yourself before saying anything else makes it seem like you're selling something (or just weird). Introducing yourself when you first meet someone at a party, however, is a good idea. Especially if it's an official function, like a work party. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/97\/Interact-With-People-Step-07Bullet02.jpg\/v4-460px-Interact-With-People-Step-07Bullet02.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/97\/Interact-With-People-Step-07Bullet02.jpg\/aid62981-v4-728px-Interact-With-People-Step-07Bullet02.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Talk to strangers. If you're not interacting with people much now but you'd like to start, chances are you're going to have to talk with some strangers. It's not as bad as it sounds! Find a reason to speak up and just let things happen naturally. Who knows: maybe you'll meet a new friend! Make friends. The best people to interact with are friends and having more of them can only improve your life. For people who are shy or not that social, however, making friends can seem really hard. But with some perseverance and patience, you can make lots of friends. Just remember to be yourself and only keep friends in your life that make you a better person! Treat your friends well. As for the friends you have, treat those friends well. This will help with many interactions. Help people that are having a hard time by talking with them. Listen to them when they tell you a story about their day. You get the idea. Talk with your friends. Even when you feel like you don't really have anything to talk about, you should try to start conversations. Awkward silences can cause your friends to worry or get nervous...even make them feel ignored! Make your conversations great. Make the conversations that you do have good ones. Ask questions, really listen, and take an active role in the conversation. Don't hog the talk time and don't be too quiet either. Conversations require teamwork! Take advantage of your peers. Whether you're a student or an adult, you should have people in your life that you can interact with: peers. Your fellow students or coworkers make great people to interact with. Join an online community. Especially for people with a lot of social anxiety, online communities can be a great place to practice social interaction. You can find a fan group for a TV show or book you like or you can volunteer with sites like wikiHow! Join a local club. There are real-life clubs and groups as well. These are even better for practicing your social interactions. Most schools will have a variety of clubs, but adults can also find clubs (often through a local library or community center). Volunteer. Volunteering is a great way to meet people and also give back to your community at the same time. From soup kitchens to fundraisers, building homes to sheltering animals, there are lots of ways to help out your community and you'll get the chance to meet people with similar values! Join a religious group. Whether it's a church, temple, or other religious congregation, these places can provide a safe environment in which to meet people and interact, making new friends with similar interests and values. There is a group for almost any belief system, so give it a try. Be more social with existing friends. If you don't like the sounds of these, you can always just be more social with the friends you have. Try to throw a quiet party or start a book club. Whatever sounds good to you and is fun for your friends! Be nice. Be nice when you talk to other people. Acknowledge them and be positive in your interactions. Don't lie or talk about them behind their backs. Basically, treat them the way that you would want to be treated! Be polite. Be polite when you talk to people. Importantly, be polite to everyone. Always. Even when they're rude to you. Say things like "please" and "thank you", and let them finish speaking before you start talking. You should also be patient with them. Just like you have a hard time interacting with people, they might too (or even have other problems, like disability or mental illness). Act in a way that would make your grandmother proud and you should be set. Be humble. When you talk with people, be humble. Don't brag or spend a bunch of time talking about yourself. This makes people not like you and not want to talk with you anymore. Give everyone a chance to talk and don't try to one-up them when they tell you something. . Be friendly Be friendly when you talk to people. Don't seem disinterested or like you don't care about them. Keep eye contact, smile, listen, and project a positive mood (even if you're in a bad one). Be respectful. Be respectful to everyone you interact with. Give them a chance to talk, don't say or do anything insulting, respect their differences, and generally treat them the way that you would want to be treated. Listen. The most important part of interacting well with others is to listen to them. It's a lot less about how much you say or how you say it, and mostly down to how you respond to the things that you really hear them say. Practice your basic listening skills, as well as your ability to read between the lines, and you'll be interacting like a pro in no time! | Identify your hesitancy. Overcome your social anxiety. Believe in yourself. Build your self-esteem. Be confident. Practice. Introduce yourself. Talk to strangers. Make friends. Treat your friends well. Talk with your friends. Make your conversations great. Take advantage of your peers. Join an online community. Join a local club. Volunteer. Join a religious group. Be more social with existing friends. Be nice. Be polite. Be humble. . Be respectful. Listen. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Syllabus | How to Write a Syllabus | To write a syllabus, start by putting the course title, semester, year, and section number at the top of the page, followed by your name, the class location and meeting times, and your contact information. Next, write a course description that will give students a general idea of what the class will be about, its purpose, and the content. After the description, outline the course objectives, including what students will learn, what skills they'll develop, or what questions they'll answer. Then, list any required materials and grading policies. | Start a new document in your word processing software. Word processing software like Microsoft Word is usually the best place to create a syllabus. This is because word processing software will give you the appropriate tools you need to create and format your syllabus. If you have specific requirements for layouts, margins, and font types for your students' papers and assignments, you should use the same for your syllabus. Make sure your word processing software has the ability to save as a.pdf. This way, you'll be able to share a non-editable version of your syllabus with your students. Put your identification information at the top. The first step in creating your syllabus is to put your identification information at the top of the document. Identification information will tell students (and parents) everything they need to know about you, your office and room, and the title of the course. Type the title of your course at the top of the document. You can follow this by (next to or underneath) the semester, year, and section number of the course. Underneath the title, add your name (with title). It will appear like: Dr. James F. Clarke. Put your class location and meeting times. Insert your contact information like your office number and office hours, email address, and office phone number (if you have one). Place your room number and/or office number under your contact information. Depending on style, institutional, and regional customs, you can move information around. You can choose whether to center, align right, or align left your identification information. Write a course description. Your course description will describe your course in a way that gives students (and parents) an idea about the general content of your course. The point of a description is that someone will be able to read it and form a basic understanding of what your course covers. Your course description should be a paragraph -- about 4 to 6 sentences in length. It should introduce students to the course, its purpose, and scope, and describe who should take the class. Briefly describe the type of content your students will learn. For instance, if your class is an American history survey course, explain how they'll be learning about the period from the Civil War to the present. Consider naming some major events or themes that you'll focus on in the course. Consult your department or institution to see if they have a template course description for a given course. They'll likely have one if you're teaching a survey course that is offered frequently. Outline the course objectives. Course objectives will give students a sense of what they will accomplish while in the class. Objectives might be specific in that they'll learn a certain amount of content, or they might be general in that they'll develop skills while in the class. In order to create a course objective, ask yourself some questions about the class including: What will students learn taking this course? If students will gain specific content needed as a prerequisite for another course or program, state it here. What skills will they develop? If they'll be learning how to analyze and synthesize information, say so. What questions will they be able to answer? If your course focuses on major problems or questions in a certain field or subfield, mention those here. List any prerequisites to the course. Prerequisites are courses, content, or other qualifications a student must have to take the course for credit. If the course has any prerequisites, list them near the top of the syllabus. Include the formal name of courses that are prerequisites. Make sure to include course numbers and course IDs. If your class is a graduate level course, make sure to note whether undergraduates can take the course for some sort of credit. Consult your department for more information. List required materials. You also need to include a list of all of the materials needed for your course. While this list might include books, it could also include hardware, software, art supplies, and more. All materials that are required to take the course should be on this list. Provide students with the name, author, year, and International Standard Book Number (“ISBN”) of the textbook or other assigned texts. Don't list materials required by every class, such as notebooks, paper, or pens. A good rule of thumb is to include any materials not common to other classes, such as a scientific calculator, software, or drafting tools. If materials are expensive or hard to come by, provide a recommended source for them. Include a brief statement about the format and organization of the course. You also need to provide a statement about the format and organization of the course very close to the start of the syllabus. This statement will tell students how course content will be delivered, how and/or where the class will meet, and what is expected of students in terms of attendance. Mention how the course is taught (through lectures, labs, or online video lectures). Note what type of assignments will be given (quizzes, discussion boards, or lab assignments). In addition, be sure to note how students with learning differences can make their needs known to you, and what types of modifications may be made to their assignments to accommodate them. Depending on your style and/or the customs of your institution, you may want to include this in your course description. Describe your evaluation and grading policy. You also need to include a section on your evaluation and grading policy. This section of a syllabus tells students how the major components of the class contribute to their final grade. Many institutions have specific rules about what should be included in this section, so check with the administrator or department for guidelines on what must be included. Include your grading scale. For instance, an A equates to a 90% to 100%, a B equates to an 80% to 89%, and so on and so forth. Explain how assignments will be weighted in order to determine final grades. For instance, exams make up 40% of the total grade, the term paper makes up 30% of the grade, and projects and/or homework make up the remaining 30%. Provide a statement about any other grade policies, such as if you drop the lowest test or quiz grade. You may want to also include a definitive statement on your extra credit policy. If you don't provide extra credit, state it explicitly. Include a late, missed, or incomplete assignment policy. Immediately after the evaluation policy section, you should include a section that details your assignment policy. This will give students an idea of how late, missed, or incomplete assignments will affect them and impact their grade. Include an explicit statement about makeup exams. Make sure to address your policy about late papers. For example, some teachers or professors like to take a letter grade off per day for papers that are late. If missing a test or not completing an assignment will substantially impact a student's grade and make it impossible for them to pass, you should mention this here. Provide a course schedule. A course calendar is possibly the most important part of a good syllabus. Your calendar or schedule will outline how where the class will be, content and assignment wise, throughout the semester (or year). The calendar may provide a daily breakdown of all lecture topics. List written assignments on the day they will be assigned and on the day they are due. List the assignment dates of all readings (from the textbook, other texts, and electronic materials). List your classroom or course policies. Course policies may include rules, and behavioral and academic expectations. This section will give your students a good idea of how they need to conduct themselves while in your classroom or while engaging in coursework. Many colleges and universities have specific policies and statements that must be included in this section of the syllabus, so check with the appropriate educational institution for guidelines. Attendance Policy. Most educational institutions have a school-wide attendance policy which you may want to include in your syllabus. If the course attendance policy differs from that of the university, you should also include this information. Class Participation Policy. Describe exactly how students should participate and what their participation will mean to their grade. Classroom Etiquette. Be sure to spell out the policy on eating and drinking in class, using a cell phone or laptop during class, talking to other students while the instructor is speaking, using an electronic device to record lectures, and proper procedure for arriving late or leaving early. Inform your students about learning support services at your institution. Your institution (secondary or post-secondary) may offer learning support services to students. These support services are often intended to promote student success and may be available to students with or without disabilities. Let your students know that they do not have to have a disability to take advantage of some learning support services. If your institution has a learning resource center, mention it in your syllabus. Your institution might require you to include language about learning support services – check with your administrators. Write a syllabus change policy. One important section to include is a syllabus change policy. A syllabus change policy will let students know that you have the right to change the syllabus throughout the term of the course with advance notice given to students. Your syllabus change policy covers schedule of topics, lectures, assignments, and readings. Most institutions will require you to note that you may not make changes that substantially affect how a student will be evaluated during the course. Provide a statement about your institution’s add/drop policy, if applicable. Post-secondary institutions may require you to add language about their withdrawal or add/drop policy. The add/drop policy will let students know when they can drop the class without academic penalty. Include the last day they can drop your course without penalty. Include any other relevant information about your institution's add/drop or withdrawal policy. Consider including language about your institution's first day attendance policy. If you're at a college or university, they may require students to attend class on the first day or otherwise be dropped from the course. Address your institution’s honor code policy. Most educational institutions will require that you include a cheating or plagiarism statement that addresses their honor code policy. In this event, your institution will provide you with a copy of their honor code. They may even provide you with a boilerplate section to add to your syllabus. You may need to include the honor code in full in your syllabus. You may need to summarize the honor code in your syllabus. Outline your institution’s emergency procedures, if required. You may be required to provide students with instructions for campus-wide emergencies as well as building specific emergencies. These procedures might include: What to do in the event of a lockdown. Procedures in case there is a bomb threat. Instructions on what to do if there is a fire. Mention the institution’s policy regarding religious holidays. Federal law prohibits discrimination based on religion. As a result, many secondary and post-secondary institutions have adopted a religious observance policy that protects the ability of students to miss school for religious holidays. You may want to add language letting your students know that their right to observe religious holidays is protected. Check with your institution to see if they suggest any standardized language in this area. Let your students know that they should contact you in advance if they're going to miss class or an assignment due to religious observance. Include language so that your students know they can make up work missed due to religious observance. Address the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). Federal law requires that public institutions provide accommodations to people with disabilities. Because of this, your institution may require you to include a section in your syllabus that addresses the ADA, and explains how your institution offers accommodations. Very often, students need to register with counseling or a disability resource center. The administration or the student may present documentation from the institution to the instructor. Students should provide documentation of a recognized disability to the institution during the enrollment process or shortly thereafter. Insert a section addressing federal privacy law, if applicable. College and university instructors may want to include language explaining the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). FERPA governs the privacy of students and/or their parents, depending on age and the type of educational institution. FERPA states that instructors and others at a postsecondary institution cannot discuss a student's grades, status, or attendance with anyone without their expressed written permission. FERPA applies to any student 18 or older, or any student attending a postsecondary institution. Consider letting your students know that they have the right to waive their privacy rights if they sign a waiver. For students under the age of 18 at secondary institutions, FERPA rights lie with their parents or legal guardians. | Start a new document in your word processing software. Put your identification information at the top. Write a course description. Outline the course objectives. List any prerequisites to the course. List required materials. Include a brief statement about the format and organization of the course. Describe your evaluation and grading policy. Include a late, missed, or incomplete assignment policy. Provide a course schedule. List your classroom or course policies. Inform your students about learning support services at your institution. Write a syllabus change policy. Provide a statement about your institution’s add/drop policy, if applicable. Address your institution’s honor code policy. Outline your institution’s emergency procedures, if required. Mention the institution’s policy regarding religious holidays. Address the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). Insert a section addressing federal privacy law, if applicable. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Rotate-in-Volleyball | How to Rotate in Volleyball | To rotate during a volleyball match, figure out which position you are assigned to at the beginning of the game. When the other team serves and your team scores a point, rotate clockwise to the next position. You can move during the match after the server has made contact with the ball to get to the position that's best for your skills. Sometimes, players from the back row will rotate to the front row during play, and vice versa. Always stay alert and pay attention to your teammates. | Know the six court positions. Each team's side of the volleyball court will be filled with two rows of three players each, making for a total of six spots. Though players rotate clockwise, the positions are labeled counter-clockwise. Here they are: Position 1: The right back, where the serving player is. Position 2: The right front, just in front of the right back. Position 3: The middle front, to the left of the front right. Position 4: The left front, which is to the left of the middle front. Position 5: The left back, behind the left front. Position 6: The middle back, behind the middle front. Know your position on the team. Your court position is where you are standing on the court, which changes with every rotation; your position on the team is your set role and does not change. Here are the six positions and what they do: The setter: The setter's job is to set up the hitters so that they could hit the ball. Ideally, the setter will get possession of the ball second to set it up for the hitters; if he/she can't get to it, then he/she has to yell "help," and have someone else do it. If he/she accidentally gets it first, then he has to yell "setter out" so someone else can set it. The outside-hitter : This player hits the ball from the strong corner (front left for right handed players; front right for left-handed players). The middle-blocker : This is usually a tall, strong person on the team, who is mostly in the middle front and blocks every hit. This player also moves to form a double block with either of the outside hitters. DS : This player plays in the back row and do a lot of rolling and digging so that they keep the ball in play. If they want to come in the game, they have to make a substitution with the refs. The libero : The libero, (a position created in 1998) only plays in the back row, but can join the game as often as needed. They also wear a different jersey than the rest of the team. The libero is a good passer, good digger, and has good ball handling skills. This player often takes the place of the middle blocker when he or she rotates to the back row. Each position has a court position that is best for it. For example, middle blockers are best when they are playing in middle front. Setters are best at right front, outside hitters are best at left front, and DS and libero can be anywhere in the back row, although libero is often best at middle back. Know when to rotate. You rotate when you side-out. A side-out is when the other team has the serve, but your team wins the point. In volleyball, you rotate clockwise. If your team wins the point when the other team is serving, then the person in the front right moves to the right back, becoming the new server. If your team is serving and you win a point, you do not rotate, but stay in the same position. After serving from position 1, a player will rotate to position 6 (middle back), then to position 5 (left back), then to position 4 (left front), then to position three (middle front), then to position two (right front), before returning to position 1, the serving position. Just remember that each player only rotates one time after the team gains possession of the serve; the next time each player rotates will be after the other team wins possession of the ball and loses the point. Know when to sub out. Depending on your level of play and position, you may either stay in the game or be subbed out with another player when you reach a certain rotation. If you are a front row player (setter, outside hitter, or middle blocker), you may substitute with a back row player (DS or libero) when you get to right back, or you might be allowed to serve and then sub out. Back row players will sub with front row players when they reach left front. Know where to move during your rotations. You can move after the server makes contact with the ball to optimize your position. For example, if you're a setter who is in the left front, you can move to the right front after the server makes contact so you can be in the best location for your position. This is the same for other positions too. Middle blockers will always try to run to middle front, outside hitters will try to run to left front, and so on. Just remember that you cannot move until the ball is served. Players can move positions, but backcourt players can't move to the net to block or spike and must make all attacking actions behind the attack line. This rule is in play so skilled spikers can't dominate in all six of their court rotations. The setter can sometimes look like he's "hiding" behind the other players before a point; this is because he has to be in the correct rotation order before he can move to the net. | Know the six court positions. Know your position on the team. Know when to rotate. Know when to sub out. Know where to move during your rotations. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dog-Proof-a-Garden | How to Dog Proof a Garden | To dog proof your garden, try planting your plants densely so that your dog doesn't have room to run through rows and trample them. You can also try planting your garden in a raised bed so that your plants are on a different level than your dog's play area. Alternatively, put up some solid fencing around the perimeter of your garden to remind your pet the area is off limits. Just make sure that it's a porous enough material, like chain link, so light can still get through to your garden. | Be sure that you have adequate fencing or walls. If you intend to let your dog roam off-leash in your garden, it should be securely enclosed with sturdy, continuous fencing or walls. The barrier should be high enough to prevent your dog from jumping over it and dense enough to prevent your dog from going through it. Six feet is generally high enough for most dogs. If your dog is an exceptional vertical jumper or a good climber, go for seven or eight feet. Secure construction materials include vinyl, wood, iron, chain link, concrete, brick, and masonry. Pick the type of perimeter barrier you want according to your budget and taste. If your dog is especially crafty, they may be able to climb chain link or other fences with gaps or holes that offer potential footholds. Split-rail fences will not keep your dog in because the gaps between the poles are too big. Similarly, you also need to make sure that your dog cannot dig under the fence. If necessary, bury chicken wire just beneath the surface to provide a dig-proof layer. If you opt for a wooden fence, be sure that the lumber has not been treated with CCA. It's a chemical that's toxic to dogs. Consider limiting your dog’s visibility. If your pooch is prone to barking at or chasing after other dogs or animals, it's a good idea to install solid-paneled privacy fencing. This will prevent them from seeing beyond your garden and help keep bad behavior and excitability under wraps. If your dog is susceptible to outside temptations, don't use chain-link or picket fencing that gives them a clear view of the surrounding area. Check for any holes or gaps in the perimeter. Once your controlled barrier is in place, be sure that there are no other sneaky ways for your dog to escape. Inspect the bottom of all your fencing or walls, and check the openings under any doors or gates to be sure that your pet can't wiggle through. If your dog is a determined escape artist or prodigious digger, you may need to create an underground barrier in addition to your fence. Consider installing rebar, wire fencing, or concrete beneath your fencing to prevent your dog from tunneling out. If your dog keeps digging a hole in the same spot, you can deter them from repeat offenses by covering it with bricks or pavers, filling it with gravel, or simply putting some of their own feces in it. Get latchable gates. You want any exit from your garden to have a secure closure that your dog is unable to open. Either the latch should be so high that it's out of their reach or so tricky to work that only human fingers can open it. Remember to always keep gates firmly closed when your dog is out in the garden. Avoid growing plants that are toxic to dogs. You could build a fence around the perimeter of the toxic plants. Many common garden flowers, like Daffodils or Azaleas, are poisonous to pooches. Even vegetables and herbs that are harmless to humans, such as Parsley and Fennel, can be toxic for canines. Dogs can very easily sniff, chew, and ingest plants that are detrimental to their health if left unsupervised, so it's important to minimize their chances of being poisoned by eliminating high-risk plant species from their stomping grounds. The deadliest plants that result in the most annual poisonings for dogs include: Castor Bean, Caladium, Dumb cane, Rosary Pea, Larkspur, Foxglove, Autumn Crocus, Sago Palm, Black Locust, Yew, and Oleander. The ASPCA has an extensive alphabetical list of both those plants that are toxic and safe for dogs. Look up the status of plants that currently exist in your garden or ones that you're thinking about planting. It's best to avoid or remove species that are poisonous to your pet. Avoid growing thorny plants. Even non-toxic plants can be dangerous for dogs if they come with nasty thorns or spines. To avoid abrasions and eye injuries, keep spiky plants like cacti, yucca, or blackberries well out of your dog's reach. Keep tools and chemicals securely locked up. Protect your pooch by storing all tools (from axes to rakes) and chemicals (from fertilizers to antifreeze) in a garden shed with a latch or lock. Remember, if you've recently treated your lawn or plants with pesticides or fertilizers, you should keep your dog out of the garden altogether. Use non-toxic and/or organic options whenever possible. Minimize hazards. Take care to address any potentially dangerous features in your garden or landscaping, such as exposed wires, protruding nails, or sharp edges on your furniture or fencing. If you store your trash or recycling in your garden, be sure to keep it in bins with tightly fitting lids. If you can, store them in an out-of-reach shed. When landscaping, opt for dog-friendly materials. For instance, use mulch and cedar chips rather than sharp gravel for lining beds. Avoid using chemicals, such as slug or snail killer, which can be toxic to dogs. Take steps to keep vermin and snakes out of the garden by raking up leaves and removing debris, which provide a place for them to hide. Avoid standing water, such as bird baths or small ponds, as these can harbor dangerous blue-green algae or infections such as leptospirosis. Provide shelter and water. If you intend to leave your dog out in the garden unsupervised, it's a good idea to give them a place to escape from the elements, like the heat and rain. Either install a doghouse or be sure there's a shady area with an overhang that's accessible to your dog, like an arbor or gazebo. Ensure that your dog doesn't get dehydrated by keeping a water dish outside and filling it with fresh water each time you let them out into the garden. Keep the compost out of reach. Weeds can be toxic to dogs, so it's wise to use a covered compost bin in your garden to keep them from poking around in it. Design your garden with your dog in mind. When you're planning your outdoor space, consider your pet's traits and needs. First and foremost, they need a place to go to the bathroom and a place to run around. If you don't provide these designated areas for your dog, they'll run and relieve themselves wherever they like. Even if you don't have a large yard with lots of open space, keep in mind that your dog will at least need a path to run on. Make sure that its width is at least 3 feet. If they already have an informal route established through the garden, consider making it into a formal path. Create an easy-to-clean place where your dog can do their business. Cover it with grass, gravel or cedar chips, and train your dog to always go there when they want to relieve themselves. This is a great way to protect your lawn and plants. If you have a male dog, you might want to add a designated marking post, like a fence post or a stump, where he can regularly stake out his territory. If your dog loves digging, consider giving them a sand pile where they can act out on that love to their heart's content without ravaging your plantings. Avoid exposed dirt or soil. Many dogs like to dig, play, and lie down in cool dirt. This can not only damage your garden but also lead to serious messes once they come inside. Eliminate this possibility by covering exposed soil with hardly mulch, like bark or wood chips, and making sure paths are paved or covered with pebbles. Plant densely and wisely. The larger and closer together your plantings are, the less likely your dog is to trample over them or run through them. Don't bother with plants that are not hardy enough to withstand an occasional romp. The most practical varieties of plants for your dog-friendly garden include sturdy shrubs, hardy perennials, grasses, and trees. If you want to grow small, delicate plants, keep them safe in large pots, boxes, or hanging planters. Secure plant beds and borders. Put up low borders, barriers, and/or fencing to protect plantings. These usually don't need to be high enough to physically keep your dog out, just serve as visible reminders that encourage them to steer clear. If you choose to use fencing, be sure that it's sturdy and high enough to deter your dog from crossing it but also porous enough to let the sunlight through for your plants. For instance, you don't want to use a solid wall of railroad ties or other privacy fences as a barrier. Chain-link fences, split-rail fences, or decorative garden fencing are more appropriate. Alternatively, you can create raised beds to ensure that your plantings are on another level from your dog's play area. If your dog still has a tendency to run through your plantings or vegetable patches, make the fencing more formidable and at least four-feet high. | Be sure that you have adequate fencing or walls. Consider limiting your dog’s visibility. Check for any holes or gaps in the perimeter. Get latchable gates. Avoid growing plants that are toxic to dogs. Avoid growing thorny plants. Keep tools and chemicals securely locked up. Minimize hazards. Provide shelter and water. Keep the compost out of reach. Design your garden with your dog in mind. Avoid exposed dirt or soil. Plant densely and wisely. Secure plant beds and borders. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Someone-With-AIDS-at-Home | How to Care for Someone With AIDS at Home | If you're caring for a loved one with AIDS, work with their medical care team so that you understand their treatment needs. You may also need to be an advocate for the person or inform their care team if anything changes. Additionally, keep track of their medications and make sure you understand the dosages and potential side effects. To make sure your loved one is getting the best care, research current AIDS medications and treatments. Finally, protect their health and your own by making sure their immunizations are current, keeping sick people away, and covering any sores, rashes, or wounds that you have. | Work closely with the person’s health care team. You are one caregiver who is part of a larger team that is working to keep the person healthy and happy. It's important to talk to any medical professionals or other individuals who are also providing care for the person with AIDS. Doctors, nurses, social workers, case managers, can give you important information about the person's health and care. They can also give you tips on how best to provide care for the person. Coordinating your care with other types of treatment the person is receiving can boost his or her health and wellbeing. Get the person's permission to contact his or her healthcare team. You may need the permission in writing, but assure the person you are doing this in his or her best interests. Ask any questions you have about caring for the person. This may be things such as knowing when and how much medication to give, when you should wear protective gloves, and ways to boost his or her health. Keep the care team informed as you work with the person. You may notice things that he or she doesn't and it could be vital information to a doctor in the person's overall care. Pay attention to medications. Most people with AIDS take medication to manage the disease. These can help prolong life and fight conditions associated with AIDS. Make sure the person is taking medications and has prescription refills on time. You should also watch for side effects any medication is having. This can help the person maintain his or her health for the long term. Read the dosing instructions for every medication the person is taking. Check to see if he or she has taken the medication for the day. You can also keep a notebook of medications and the times he or she takes it to ensure that the proper dose is taken. Talk to the person about any side effects he or she may be having. If it is acceptable to the person, contact his or her doctor to discuss the side effects and ways to relieve them, including taking a different medication. Learn common AIDS medications and treatment regimens. If you are giving or watching the person's medication, it's a good idea to learn about the person's treatment. This can help ensure you are giving the person proper care and watch out for potential problems with medications or other treatments. Some of the most common medications and treatments for AIDS are: Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTI), which interrupt the virus from duplicating. NRTI drugs include: Abacavir (Ziagen, ABC), Didanosine (Videx, dideoxyinosine, ddI), Emtricitabine (Emtriva, FTC), Lamivudine (Epivir, 3TC), Stavudine (Zerit, d4T), Tenofovir (Viread, TDF), Zalcitabine (Hivid, ddC), Zidovudine (Retrovir, ZDV or AZT). Protease Inhibitors (PI), which also interrupt virus replication, but at a later step in the virus life cycle. Some PI's the person may take are: Amprenavir (Agenerase, APV), Atazanavir (Reyataz, ATV), Fosamprenavir (Lexiva, FOS), Indinavir (Crixivan, IDV), Lopinavir (Kaletra, LPV/r), Ritonavir (Norvir, RIT), Saquinavir (Fortovase, Invirase, SQV). Fusion inhibitors, a new class of drugs that prevent HIV from fusing with the inside of a cell, which keeps it from replicating. This type of drugs includes Enfuvirtide (Fuzeon or T-20). Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), which also known as the anti-HIV "cocktail." It is a combination of three or more drugs such as protease inhibitors and other anti-retroviral medications. HAART decreases the rate at which HIV replicates itself and can slow the spread of the virus in the body. Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) are drugs that block the HIV from infecting new cells by. NNRTIs such as Delavirdine (Rescriptor, DLV), Efavirenz (Sustiva, EFV), and Nevirapine (Viramune, NVP) are prescribed in combination with other retroviral drugs. Make sure the person gets regular immunizations. Someone with AIDS is vulnerable to other diseases and conditions because of his or her weakened immune system. The person with AIDS, you, and anyone else who has close contact should get regular immunizations to minimize the risk transmitting diseases like measles, polio, or tuberculosis to the individual for whom you are caring. Ask the doctor about the best immunizations for the person with AIDS. The medical professional may suggest immunizations for pneumonia and the flu. He or she may also give the person with AIDS the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Be sure that you, family members, or anyone else who is in close contact to the person with AIDS have proper immunizations as well. This includes MMR, flu, and polio. It's important that the polio vaccine be “inactivated virus” because the live culture has weakened polio virus that can give a person with AIDS polio. You and other close contacts should also be checked for tuberculosis (TB) every year. Keep sick people away. Because AIDS causes a weakened immune system, illnesses you might consider otherwise harmless can be deadly to the person with the disease. If you or anyone who has contact with the person is sick, stay away until healthy. This minimizes the risk of transmitting potentially harmful illnesses to the person. Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth if no one else can care for the person. You should also wash your hands with soap and water before you touch the individual. Be aware that chickenpox and shingles can kill someone with AIDS. Never let a person with chickenpox or shingles in the same room as a person with AIDS until at least the sores have crusted over. Anyone who has been near someone with chickenpox or shingles also shouldn't be in the same room. In this case, the person can visit again after 3 weeks. Cover open wounds and sores when caring for the person. To protect yourself as well as the person with HIV / AIDS, cover any sores and cuts you have with bandages. If you have a rash or sores on your hands, wear disposable gloves when providing care. If you have cold sores, fever blisters or any other kind of skin infection, then avoid touching the person or their things. You should also, if at all possible, stay away from the person with HIV / AIDS if you have impetigo, boils, or shingles. Emphasize a balanced, nutrient-rich diet. Healthy foods can keep a person with AIDS strong, give him or her more energy, and support the immune system. Making sure the person has plenty of healthy choices stocked in the kitchen can maintain or even boost overall health. Consider cooking together for a fun and lighthearted activity. A person with AIDS can safely cook for others unless he or she has diarrhea. Involve the person in planning his or her meals. This will give you a sense or what he or she likes and can help you pick foods at the supermarket. Incorporate plenty of fruits and vegetables for fiber and vitamins, starchy carbs for energy, protein, and some dairy products. You should also include small amounts of fats and sugars. Some excellent examples of foods for a person with AIDS are: raspberries, blueberries, spinach, bread, potatoes, lean meat, eggs, yogurt, and cheese. Stay away from foods that may have foodborne illnesses. A person with AIDS can eat almost any food he or she wants. But there are some foods that may cause foodborne illnesses that he or she should avoid. These foods include: Raw or unpasteurized milk Raw eggs and foods with raw eggs such as hollandaise sauce Uncooked or lightly cooked meats Raw fish or shellfish Encourage activity or exercise. Just as proper nutrition is important to a person with AIDS, so is getting activity or exercise. This can build muscles, keep the bones strong, and keep his or heart healthy. If the person is able, suggest doing an activity together or go to a gym or outside for some exercise. Exercise may help the person feel better and relieve the side effects of AIDS and medications. Keep in mind that everyday activities like dancing, walk to the park, playing with kids, and gardening are activities that can get the person moving. Aim for the person to get 45 minutes to an hour of activity 3-4 times a week. If the person isn't able, help him or her do whatever is possible. This might be walking in the yard for a few minutes twice a day. Consider different types of exercise such as cardio, resistance training, or flexibility training. Things like running, swimming, lifting light weights, or doing yoga can promote overall physical and mental health. Incorporate plenty of rest. Rest is something else that is also important to a person with AIDS. It helps the body recover and relax from stress, which can be harmful to the immune system. Make sure the person is getting plenty of rest during the day if he or she is tired. Allow the person to sleep for eight hours every night. Offer emotional support. A person with AIDS may be down or stressed about things such as the rest of his or her life, fulfilling goals, and maintaining contact with others. These types of concerns can harm the person's immune system. Making sure you are there to provide emotional support to the person can help him or her relax and feel confident to live an active life. Talk to the person often and make yourself available to discuss anything he or she wants. You don't have to push, but can say something like, “I care about you very much, Alex, and I want you to know that you can talk to me about anything you want anytime.” Suggest counseling as needed. In addition to your emotional support, the person for whom you're caring may require emotional support from a medical professional or social worker. These people may have special training to support AIDS patients, including individuals who may be suffering from depression. This may help the person deal with fears or stresses related to the disease. Talk about counseling if you feel the person has a problem that is better solved by a professional. Broach the subject gently. You could say, “You know Sam, I am always here to support you and talk about your feelings. But there are some things that I don't know a lot about and I wonder if maybe seeing a counselor who helps other AIDS patients could supplement my support.” Make sure to let the person's care team know about your concerns. Ask for possible references to counselors who may help. You can also locate a counselor or psychiatrist near you at services such as http://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/hiv-aids.html and http://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/issues/hiv-aids. Promote relaxation as much as possible. Surround the person with people that he or she loves. You can also be sure to invite and include the person in group activities or outings. Knowing that he or she is a part of a caring community can help relax and de-stress the person. Find things the person likes to do and help him or her do them as much as possible. This could be something like bringing books and magazines, going for a relaxing walk together to enjoy nature. Ask if the person would like to take a warm bath or get a massage. Ask the person if he or she would be interested in having a therapy dog stop by once a week or more. It may help relax or soothe the person. Just be sure that the dog is clean and the person is healthy enough to touch pets. Address drug, tobacco, or alcohol use. Smoking, drugs and alcohol are harmful to the body, especially the liver and lungs. These can increase vulnerability to infection as well as rob the body of previous vitamins. If the person uses tobacco, drugs, or alcohol, suggest that he or she quit to help maintain health and wellbeing. Keep a list of vital information in case of emergency. You also need to know whom and when to call for help or information if you are caring for someone with AIDS. Make a list of doctors, nurses, and other people you might need to contact in case of emergency. Write down phone numbers and information such as when they are available. Keep the list by the phone for easy access. Be careful with animals. Companion animals can provide comfort and joy to a person with AIDS. But animals can also carry parasites that cause infections. Cleaning up after animals for the person can minimize the risk that he or she is infected with a parasite. Clean up any animal feces for the person, including the kitty litter box. Empty, don't sift, the cat litter every day. Cat feces can cause toxoplasmosis, while reptiles can carry salmonella and birds may have the fungus cryptococcus or histoplasmosis. Make sure that you and the person with AIDS wash your hands thoroughly after handling pets or cleaning up after animals. Put on gloves when you’re in the garden. Just as coming in contact with animals and their feces can be harmful for a person with AIDS, so can being in the garden. A garden or potting soil often has germs. You and the person should wear work gloves when handling dirt. Washing your hands before and after handling dirt—even with gloves-- is also advisable. Clean the home at least weekly. Germs can be dangerous for a person with AIDS. Having regular cleaning sessions can help maintain the person's health and keep infections at bay. Clean and dust the entire home at least once every week and more often if necessary. Sanitize toilets, tubs, showers, and sinks more frequently and as needed. Use either commercial cleaners or a bleach mixture of ¼ cup bleach to 1 gallon of water (or 1 tablespoon to 1 quart water for smaller jobs). Rinse surfaces with fresh water after disinfecting them. Wash shared items regularly. You can use many of the same items a person with AIDS does including utensils and bedding. The key is to wash them regularly or as needed. This can prevent the spread of diseases to the person with AIDS and also minimize your risk of coming into contact with HIV. Recognize that a person with AIDS doesn't need separate utensils such as dishes, knives, forks, or spoons. His or her dishes also don't need special cleaning. Washing this dishes in hot water with soap or dishwasher detergent is plenty to keep everyone safe and healthy. Wash bedding or clothing in hot water at least once a week. If anything is soiled with blood, vomit, semen, vaginal fluids, urine or feces, remove them with disposable gloves. Wash immediately or as soon as you can. If you have to wait to wash the items, put them in plastic bags. Avoid sharing personal items. A person with AIDS should have his or her own razors, toothbrushes, tweezers, nail or cuticle clippers, and pierced jewelry. Anything that may have the person's blood on it shouldn't be shared because it can transmit HIV. You can also transmit infections to someone with AIDS by sharing these types of personal items. Know how you can and can’t get AIDS. Many people are scared of contracting HIV through something as simple as a hug. HIV and AIDS are transmitted by blood. Knowing the ways you cannot get AIDS can help you more confidently and sympathetically provide care to a person who has the disease at home. A well-timed hug can go a long way to helping the person feel better. HIV/ AIDS is not spread: By food or water By sharing food, dishes, or cooking utensils including cups, plates, forks and knives By touching another person, hugging, shaking hands, or holding people Inform yourself about AIDS. Get a grasp on the basics of the disease as well as any new research or information about care. Learning about AIDS can help you provide better care for the person who has the disease. Consult the websites and/ or publications from government and international organizations, AIDS support groups, and research centers. You can even sign up to receive newsletters from many of these places, which may help you stay informed on the latest and best care for the person with AIDS. Consult with a lawyer or AIDS support organization. In some cases, such as medical care or life support decisions, you may need to be legally named as the care coordinator. This may also be important if you are going to file insurance claims, apply for government aid, pay bills, or handle other business for the person with AIDS. Meet with a lawyer or an AIDS support organization to see what options are available to you and the person for whom you are caring. Let the person for whom you are caring know about any concerns about providing sufficient care without legal acknowledgement. The person can decide how much or how little to involve you in important decisions. Tell him or her you will respect any wishes he or she has. Contact local lawyers or health advocates about what options are open to both of you. Attend any meetings with the person, or, if he or she can't go, give them a selection of options from which to choose. Find AIDS support organizations in your local area using online search tools. Consult organizations, such as your local health and human services department. This can help the person with AIDS get whatever benefits to which he or she is entitled. Enroll in a home care course. If you are able and new to providing care, consider taking a course on home care for someone with AIDS. The class can help you learn the skills you need to provide care as well as how to effectively handle special situations. Inquire with your local public health department, Red Cross/ Red Crescent chapter, a visiting nurses association, or an HIV/AIDS service organization about home care courses. Ask any questions you have about how to best care for the person during your course. You can never know too much or be prepared enough. Take care of yourself. Providing care for a person with AIDS can be physically and emotionally draining. You can't take care of someone else effectively if you are sick or upset. Taking good care of yourself through things like rest and exercise can help you keep going and give the best care possible to the person with AIDS. Watch your own health. Eat a balanced diet, exercise as often as you can, and give yourself sufficient time to rest, which can help you relax. Consider joining a support group or talking to a counselor. Either of these can help you deal with your feelings about your role as caregiver. A support group or counselor can help bolster you and give you an outlet to tackle any hurdles you may encounter. Continue to live your life. Allow yourself to do things you enjoy, such as visiting friends or going out for a meal. Remember that you are not selfish for taking some time to yourself. Don't avoid anything you want to do because you feel badly for the person or guilty for leaving. In the long run, living your own life may help both you and the person for whom you are caring. Ask a family member or friend to care for the person if you need a break. Many AIDS service organizations can help with "respite care" and send someone to be with the person while you get out of the house for a while. Get medical attention if you come into contact with blood. HIV and AIDS are transmitted by blood, so if you're caring for someone with AIDS and you come into contact with their blood, you should get medical attention to make sure you don't contract the virus. Early prevention is key to preventing the spread of AIDS. You cannot contract AIDS by sharing food or water, dishes, utensils, or by hugs and handshakes, so don't stigmatize the person. Don't be afraid to touch or spend time with someone who has AIDS, but use proper caution if you come into contact with their blood. Call for help if they have a bad reaction to their medication. If you're administering AIDS medication to the person you're caring for and they have an adverse reaction like a seizure, vomiting, or loss of consciousness, contact emergency medical services immediately. Call an ambulance or bring them to the emergency room as soon as you can. If they're having side effects that are commonly associated with the medication, call their doctor to see what you should do. Some side effects, like headache or dry mouth, are not emergencies but their doctor may be able to give you ways to relieve them. Seek medical help if they take too much of their medication. Accidents happen, and you may give too much medicine to the person you're caring for, or they may take too much themselves. If they do, it could be dangerous. Call their doctor for advice and bring them to a hospital if they begin to react to the medication. Be sure to tell the doctors what medications the person may have taken too much of. Bring them to a hospital if they contract an illness. Someone with AIDS is unable to fight off sicknesses such as the common cold or the flu. If the person you're caring for starts to exhibit signs that they're sick, you need to get them medical attention immediately. Limit the person's exposure to people who have not been vaccinated or may be sick. Take note if they ate foods that are known to have foodborne illnesses such as fish, shellfish, or eggs. Contact a doctor if they injure themselves. Exercise and movement are great for people with AIDS. But if they fall or injure themselves, it could be dangerous. Call their doctor if they injure themselves to be sure you don't need to seek emergency treatment. If you bring them to a hospital for an injury, be sure to tell any medical providers that they have AIDS. | Work closely with the person’s health care team. Pay attention to medications. Learn common AIDS medications and treatment regimens. Make sure the person gets regular immunizations. Keep sick people away. Cover open wounds and sores when caring for the person. Emphasize a balanced, nutrient-rich diet. Stay away from foods that may have foodborne illnesses. Encourage activity or exercise. Incorporate plenty of rest. Offer emotional support. Suggest counseling as needed. Promote relaxation as much as possible. Address drug, tobacco, or alcohol use. Keep a list of vital information in case of emergency. Be careful with animals. Put on gloves when you’re in the garden. Clean the home at least weekly. Wash shared items regularly. Avoid sharing personal items. Know how you can and can’t get AIDS. Inform yourself about AIDS. Consult with a lawyer or AIDS support organization. Enroll in a home care course. Take care of yourself. Continue to live your life. Get medical attention if you come into contact with blood. Call for help if they have a bad reaction to their medication. Seek medical help if they take too much of their medication. Bring them to a hospital if they contract an illness. Contact a doctor if they injure themselves. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Dried-Blood-Stains-from-Fabric | How to Remove Dried Blood Stains from Fabric | To remove a blood stain from fabric, run cold water over the stain for a few minutes. Then, take a bar of soap or liquid dish soap and scrub it into the stain until it starts to lather. Rinse the soap off with cold water and repeat. If that's not working, you can also try meat tenderizer, enzymatic cleaners, white vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide. | Use this simple method primarily for linen and cotton. This method requires no special tools, but does take a significant amount of prolonged rubbing. It is especially suited to stains on natural fibres such as linen and cotton. Fabrics whose surfaces fragment into small round surface balls, known as "bobbles" or "pills," require a longer period of more gentle rubbing. These fabrics include wool and most artificial fibres. Turn the fabric so the stain is face-down. In this position, water can work at the stain from the back, pushing it outward and off the fabric. Rinsing in this position is more effective than running the water directly onto the stain. You may need to turn clothing inside out to achieve this. Flush the stain with cold water. Even an old stain typically hasn't worked its way into the fabric completely, so start by removing the loosely attached surface portions. Run cold water over the back of the fabric, so it pushes through the stain. Hold the fabric in the running water for several minutes, and the stain should be at least slightly smaller. Warning: never wash a blood stain in warm or hot water, which may cause it to bond permanently to the fibres of the fabric. Rub soap into the stain. Turn the fabric over so the stain is face-up. Rub bar soap into the stain generously, to produce a thick lather. Any soap can be used, but traditional solid block laundry soap may have a stiffer, more effective lather than milder hand soap. Grip the stained area with both hands. Roll or scrunch up two areas of fabric, on either side of the stain. Grip one in each hand to provide a good grip on the area, allowing you to rub it together. Rub the stain against itself. Turn the two handfuls of fabric so the stain is in two halves and facing each other. Rub the stained fabric against itself vigorously, or gently but quickly if the fabric is delicate. The friction you generate should slowly loosen the remaining particles of blood, which will remain in the lather rather than re-adhering to the fabric. Gloves may be worn to protect the skin from abrasion or blisters. Tight-fitting latex or nitrile gloves may provide the least hindrance to grip and dexterity. Periodically replace the water and soap and continue rubbing. If the fabric starts getting dry or losing its lather, flush the stain with fresh water and re-apply the soap. Continue rubbing each stained area in this way until it is gone. If you see no improvement after five to ten minutes, try rubbing more vigorously or move on to a different method. Use this on any fabric, but cautiously on silk and wool. Meat tenderizer powder, sold in grocery stores, can break down the proteins found in blood stains. While it is recommended by some silk experts, meat tenderizer does have the potential to break down silk and wool fibres as well. Test this method on a small corner of these fabrics first, to see if damage occurs. Wet unseasoned meat tenderizer. Put about 15 mL (1 tbsp) unseasoned meat tenderizer into a small bowl. Gradually add water while stirring until a thick paste is formed. Do not use seasoned meat tenderizer, as the seasonings may stain your fabric. Rub the paste gently into the fabric. Spread the paste on the dried blood stain and gently rub it with your fingers. Let it sit for about an hour. Rinse out the paste before washing. After the hours is up, rinse the paste out with cold water. Wash the fabric as usual, but air dry rather than using a drier, since the heat can cause remnants of the stain to set permanently. Do not use this method on wool or silk. Enzymatic cleaners break down proteins that form stains. Since blood stains bond to the fabric using proteins, enzymatic cleaners can be highly effective at removing them. However, wool and silk fibres are made from proteins, and may break apart if exposed to an enzyme product. Find an enzymatic cleaner. If you are having trouble finding a cleaning product labeled "enzymatic" or "enzyme cleaner," try a "natural" or "earth-friendly" laundry detergent or laundry pre-treatment, which often contain biodegradable enzymes. Nature's Miracle and Seventh Generation laundry detergent both fall in this category. Flush the fabric with cold running water to loosen some of the dried blood. Agitate the fabric with your fingers to help scrape off the crusted material, or scrape it off using a blunt knife. Soak the fabric in cold water and enzymatic cleaner. Dissolve about 120 mL (1/2 cup) of the cleaner in a bowl of cold water, then submerge the stained fabric. The soaking time will depend on how old the dried blood stain is, and how strong the cleaning product is. Soak at least one hour, or for as many as eight. Optionally, scrub the cleaner into the stain with a toothbrush before submerging. Wash the fabric and let dry. Wash the fabric as usual, but do not put it in the drier, which may cause the blood to permanently set. Let it air dry, then check whether the stain is still present. Use this method in sunny weather. This method uses common ingredients, but requires sunlight to finish the process. You will also need to wait for the fabric to air dry before you can tell whether the stain was successfully removed, making it slower than most other methods. Warning: lemon juice and sun are both capable of harming delicate fabrics, especially silk. Soak the stained fabric in cold water. Submerge the fabric in cold water for a few minutes. While it is soaking, gather up the other materials you will need. This includes lemon juice, salt, and a zip lock plastic bag large enough to contain the clothing. Wring the clothing gently and transfer it to a bag. Twist the clothing to remove some excess water. Untwist it and transfer it into a large, resealable plastic bag. Add lemon juice and salt. Pour about 500 mL (2 cups) lemon juice and 120 mL (1/2 cup) salt into the plastic bag and seal it. Massage the fabric. With the bag closed, press the contents together to work the lemon juice into the fabric, focusing on the stained areas. Some of the salt should dissolve, and may help rub the lemon juice into the fabric, or abrade the stain itself. Remove the fabric after ten minutes. Let the bag sit for ten minutes. Take out the fabric from the bag and squeeze out the excess lemon juice. Dry the fabric in the sun. Hang the fabric on a clothesline or clothes horse, or spread it on a flat surface and leave it to dry. Do this in a sunny area, not just in front of a heater. It may feel stiff once dry, but this should go away once the item has been washed normally. Wash the fabric with water. If the blood stain is gone, wash the fabric with water to remove all the lemon salt solution. If the blood stain remains, moisten the fabric and let it dry under the sun again. Understand the risks. The substances used in this section are powerful stain removers. However, due to their strength, they may bleach your fabric or cause permanent damage to the fibres. These methods are best used on white, non-delicate items, or as a last resort after other methods have failed. Test on a corner of the item first. Once you've acquired one of the following solutions, use a cotton ball or paper towel to dab a small amount on a corner or hidden area of the fabric. Let it sit for five to ten minutes to see whether it stains your fabric. Consider using white vinegar. Vinegar is not typically as strong as the options below, but still has the potential to harm fabric. Soak the stained fabric in white vinegar for about thirty minutes, then rub the stain with your fingers as you rinse it in cool water. Repeat if the stain is noticeably improved but still present. Try hydrogen peroxide. A 3% hydrogen peroxide solution, which is the strength it is typically sold at, can be poured directly onto the stain or applied with a cotton ball. Be aware that it will likely bleach colored fabric. Keep the fabric in a dark place for 5-10 minutes, since light breaks down hydrogen peroxide, then blot with a sponge or cloth. Test an ammonia mixture instead. Start with "household ammonia" or "ammonia hydroxide," sold as a cleaning product. Dilute this with an equal amount of water, and leave it on the stain for fifteen minutes before blotting and rinsing. If your "test corner" showed signs of damage, you may wish to soak the fabric in a much weaker solution, such as 15 ml (1 tbsp) household ammonia, 1 L (1 quart) water, and a drop of liquid handwashing detergent. Warning: ammonia may destroy the protein fibres that form silk or wool. Household ammonia is approximately 5—10% ammonia and 90–95% water. Stronger ammonia solutions are highly caustic, and should be diluted even more. | Use this simple method primarily for linen and cotton. Turn the fabric so the stain is face-down. Flush the stain with cold water. Rub soap into the stain. Grip the stained area with both hands. Rub the stain against itself. Periodically replace the water and soap and continue rubbing. Use this on any fabric, but cautiously on silk and wool. Wet unseasoned meat tenderizer. Rub the paste gently into the fabric. Rinse out the paste before washing. Do not use this method on wool or silk. Find an enzymatic cleaner. Flush the fabric with cold running water to loosen some of the dried blood. Soak the fabric in cold water and enzymatic cleaner. Wash the fabric and let dry. Use this method in sunny weather. Soak the stained fabric in cold water. Wring the clothing gently and transfer it to a bag. Add lemon juice and salt. Massage the fabric. Remove the fabric after ten minutes. Dry the fabric in the sun. Wash the fabric with water. Understand the risks. Test on a corner of the item first. Consider using white vinegar. Try hydrogen peroxide. Test an ammonia mixture instead. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Attract-Birds | How to Attract Birds | If you want to attract birds, try installing a bird feeder in your yard. Install the feeder in a safe location, approximately three feet from your house so birds don't fly into windows. The feeder should also be far enough away from tree cover to prevent squirrels from reaching it. You can use a variety of food in the feeder, including corn, suet, sunflower seeds, and millet. Make sure to clean the feeder regularly so the food remains free of disease. | Research birds in your area. Find out what types of birds live in your area or are likely to come to your property through migration. You may want to obtain a field guide to the area in order to know which birds to attract. Aim to create an environment that can support many different species. Bear in mind that you can attract different species depending on the season, as well. Choose a bird feeder. The type of feeder you choose will influence what bird species you attract. No matter what, your bird feeder should have a few essential qualities: it should be difficult for squirrels to access, it should keep food dry, and it should be easy to clean. Bird feeders need to be washed out regularly so the food inside remains free of fungi and disease. The most common types of feeders include: Tray feeders. Tray feeders are simple, flat trays that allow birds very easy access to seed. The downside is that seed is also accessible to squirrels and unprotected from the weather. House feeders. These keep the seed in a contained area and dispense it as the birds feed on a small tray at the bottom of the feeder. Window feeders. Window feeders attach to your window with suction cups, offering a full view of bird activity. They will attract birds like chickadees, finches, and some kinds of sparrows. Suet feeders. Suet feeders are designed to offer suet cakes, which attract different birds like woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees. Tube feeders. To attract hummingbirds, use a tube feeder. These dispense sugar water through a tube. Provide seed and other food. Birds will be attracted to your yard if you offer them food. However, there are certain things to keep in mind. Do you know what species you are hoping to attract? If you would like to invite a wide range of native species, it's a good idea to have more than one type of feeder and to offer a variety of food. You will inevitably bring less desirable birds – common sparrow, pigeon , or crow – but with good seed choice you can maximize your target birds. Corn is a favorite among nearly all birds but is to be used sparingly -- it will attract all sorts of animals. It is also important to be careful about the source of the corn since cheap corn can be contaminated with pesticides that are toxic to birds. Sunflower seeds are popular among all seed-eating birds, which makes them a good choice if you want a variety of species. However, the shells must be raked up frequently. Sunflower seeds will also tempt squirrels. White proso millet is a tasty treat for cardinals, quail, sparrows, doves, and crows. It is also attractive to house sparrows and other animals. Hummingbirds love to drink sugar water, meanwhile, and safflower seeds are good for attracting cardinals, chickadees, doves, sparrows, and grosbeaks. Suet, the fat around cow and sheep organs, attracts woodpeckers, nuthatches, wrens, jays, and starlings. Peanut butter makes a good winter food since it is highly nutritious. Just make sure that it doesn't contain additives. Know what foods to avoid. Birds can easily be poisoned by food that is contaminated or contains hard-to-digest ingredients. Be sure to buy high-quality seed or suet. Some cheap manufacturers of bird food cut corners, so consider springing for a more expensive brand. Here are a few foods to avoid putting out: Bread, crackers, or other processed carbohydrates do not offer birds much nutritional value and can have toxic ingredients. Bacon drippings or other meats can meanwhile contain harmful nitrates. Both may end up attracting mice and rats instead. Cheap feeds often contain “filler seeds” that are not eaten like red millet, golden millet, oats, and flax. Be sure to check the ingredients in the purchased feed. Install the feeder in a safe location. If you want the feeder to be near enough for you to view it from your house, place it within three feet of your window. Placing it further away is dangerous for birds since they are more likely to collide with a window (a situation that kills millions of birds every year). The feeder should also be far enough away from tree cover to prevent squirrels from reaching the feeder from a tree. Maintain the feeder. It is important to change the food frequently and clean the feeder with soap and water every few weeks. Otherwise, bird droppings, fungus, and bacteria can contaminate the feeder and the food, potentially sickening birds. Be particularly vigilant during wet weather, when damp food is more susceptible to mold. For the same reason, and because it attracts undesirable animals, food that has fallen to the ground should be cleared away. Provide grit. Birds lack teeth and many instead rely on an organ called a gizzard to digest food. To work properly the gizzard needs grit – bits of sand, gravel, or other small stones. You can help by offering insoluble grit (e.g. small pieces of gravel) or soluble grit (like cuttlebone, crushed oyster shell, or crushed eggshell). Eggshell serves a dual purpose by giving the birds calcium needed for egg-laying. Plant native trees, shrubs, and plants. Use a local field guide or call your local Audubon Society chapter (if you live in the United States) to find out what grows naturally in your region, and add these plants to your garden. Native trees, shrubs, and plants are more likely to attract birds than non-native trees, shrubs, and plants. A variety of native trees, shrubs, and grasses will also provide natural shelter and cover for birds. Evergreen trees and shrubs like hollies make great homes for birds over the winter. Many birds are attracted to fruit and berries, so consider planting an apple tree or planting a blueberry bush. Build a birdhouse or nesting box. Different species nest in different places, so it is a good idea to conduct research on the type of bird you wish to attract. If you plan to buy a birdhouse or build a nesting box, take note that boxes with different holes, shapes, and orientations will attract different species. Such a box can be mounted to a tree or hung from a pole. Make sure that the box is up no later than February if you are in a southerly location; if in the north, hang it in March. Make sure that your nest site has adequate ventilation and is supplied with a "baffle" and reinforcement ring at the opening. This will prevent predators from entering. Create a nesting site using natural materials. If you would like to create a more natural nesting spot, an easy way to do it is to allow your yard to grow a bit wilder. Let the grass grow in a certain spot or build a brush pile. This simulates the type of habitat where birds nest in the wild. You might alternately heap branches into a large pile or create sites under your bushes by raking mulch around the base. Consider supply nesting material such as string, hair, or other fibers, or stuff mesh bags with pieces of yarn or string, straw, pet fur, small bits of cloth, or anything else that a bird might use to nest. Don't remove dead trees unless they are a danger. Standing dead trees are important nesting and foraging spots for many species, especially woodpeckers, which eat the insects that infest dead trees. Provide a water source. Birds are attracted to the sound of dripping or moving water. You can buy a birdbath or create a shallow pond with a fountain. Make sure it is close to the ground and not made of slippery material. If you are short on time or resources, hang a water-filled container with a hole on the bottom above a dish. Try not to place the water source near trees or bushes where cats might hide. Also, make sure the water is not more than 1 inch (2.5cm) deep. Consider using a heated water source during the winter. For the sake of sanitation, find a bath that is easy to clean. Ensure that the water does not become stagnant or harbor algae. Avoid pesticides. Pesticides are harmful to birds in more ways than one. First, they kill vital sources of food for some species. Second, the chemicals in the pesticides can be dangerous for birds to ingest. In order to attract birds to your property, use natural forms of insect control instead of chemicals on your lawn, trees, and shrubs. Keep cats and other predators away. Cats, snakes, raccoons, and rats prey on songbirds or their eggs, killing millions every year. No matter how hospitable your yard may seem, having a cat prowling around will act as a disincentive. Keep your cat away from feeding, drinking, and nesting areas if you are seriously interested in attracting birds. Hole restrictors, baffles, and tube entrances are good ways to secure birdhouses. Mounting the house well above ground and using predator repellent are two added safeguards. | Research birds in your area. Choose a bird feeder. Provide seed and other food. Know what foods to avoid. Install the feeder in a safe location. Maintain the feeder. Provide grit. Plant native trees, shrubs, and plants. Build a birdhouse or nesting box. Create a nesting site using natural materials. Provide a water source. Avoid pesticides. Keep cats and other predators away. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Control-Bladder-Spasms | How to Control Bladder Spasms | To control bladder spasms naturally, strengthen your pelvic muscles with Kegel exercises. Begin by stopping the flow of urine mid-stream, and notice which muscles you use. Do the same as you imaging you're trying to prevent passing gas. To exercise these muscles, squeeze for each 3 seconds, relax for 3 seconds, and repeat between 10-15 times, 3 times a day. | Strengthen your pelvic muscles. Performing Kegel exercises, also called pelvic floor exercises, can help to strengthen your pelvic muscles, which provide support for your bladder. Men can do Kegel exercises too! To begin strengthening your pelvic floor muscles, you first need to identify the right muscles. When you urinate, use your muscles to stop the flow of urine midstream. If you can do this, you have identified one of the muscles involved with pelvic and bladder support. Do not continue to stop your urine flow, as this can increase the likelihood of developing other problems including urinary tract infections. Another way to identify the right muscles is to imagine that you are trying to prevent from passing gas in a public place. Squeezing those muscles identifies the right muscles you need to exercise to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. Talk to your doctor. Your doctor or a physical therapist can help you find other ways to properly identify the muscles you need to exercise in order to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. Once you are clear on the right muscles, take care not to contract, or squeeze, other muscles when you are doing your exercises. Contracting other muscles can put more pressure on your bladder. Also avoid holding your breath while you are doing your exercises. Do your exercises often and in different positions. If your doctor agrees that this form of exercise might help, perform your pelvic exercises three times each day, and in three different positions. Perform your exercises while lying down, sitting, and standing. Hold each squeeze for about three seconds, then relax for three seconds. Try to reach 10 to 15 repeats of the same exercise in each position. As you become more comfortable with these exercises, extend the length of the contraction. Be patient. It may take as long as two months to start seeing a difference in the frequency or severity of your bladder spasms. Remember, strengthening your pelvic muscles through exercise may only be one part of an effective treatment plan to reduce, or get rid of, your bladder spasms. Implement a process called timed voiding. Keep track of the time of day when you most often have spasms, or leak urine. Develop a schedule of times throughout the day to urinate. Maintain this schedule for a few weeks to be sure you are emptying your bladder frequently enough to avoid spasms and leakage. Gradually extend the time between voiding. This will gradually train your bladder to hold a little more urine, strengthening the muscles to prevent the spasms. Avoid drinking fluids within two hours of bedtime to help control of your bladder during the night. Monitor what you eat. Some foods can trigger bladder spasms. Pay close attention to the foods you eat, and eliminate items that seem to be triggers for you. Foods that are highly acidic, such as citrus fruits and tomatoes, and foods that are spicy have been associated with triggering bladder spasms. Chocolate and foods or beverages that contain artificial sweeteners may also trigger bladder spasms. Limit your intake of beverages that contain alcohol or caffeine. Beverages that have high levels of caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and soft drinks can lead to spasms. So can beverages that have high acid content, such as citrus fruit juices. Alcoholic beverages and those with caffeine can cause your bladder to fill quickly, leading to leakage and spasms. Beverages that contain large amounts of citrus fruits can be irritating to your bladder, and lead to bladder spasms. Try spacing out what you drink over the day, rather than drinking a large quantity in a short period of time. Avoid bubble baths. Harsh soaps and the ingredients in bubble baths have been reported to trigger bladder spasms. The ingredients in bubble bath products and soaps that contain fragrances or harsh ingredients can be irritating to your bladder, and lead to spasms. Monitor your weight. Being overweight puts added pressure on your bladder. Talk with your doctor to determine a healthy weight loss program to aid in controlling your bladder spasms. Stop smoking. In addition to being bad for your health in general, smoking irritates your bladder muscles. "Smoker's cough," a chronic cough caused by lung irritation due to smoking, can also trigger bladder spasms and can cause leaking. Talk to your doctor about smoking cessation programs. You can also refer to Quit Smoking for more tips. Ask your doctor about medications. Some medications are approved for use in helping to provide control of your bladder. Some agents work to prevent leakage, and other work to control the unwanted muscle contractions or spasms. Anticholinergics are bronchodilators, which means they work to stop certain muscles from tightening. For bladder spasms, they help reduce involuntary bladder contraction. The medications in this class include propantheline, oxybutynin, tolterodine tartrate, darifenacin, trospium, and solifenacin succinate. These medications may cause dry mouth and other side effects, include constipation, blurred vision, heartbeat irregularities, and drowsiness. Tricyclic antidepressants may be used in some cases, since they have anticholinergic aspects. The most commonly prescribed include imipramine hydrochloride and doxepin. These agents help to control the smooth muscle tissue in the bladder. Alpha blockers can be prescribed to reduce overactive bladder symptoms by decreasing bladder contractions and relaxing muscles. Common agents are prazosin and phenoxybenzamine. Work with your doctor to prevent drug interactions. All drugs have side effects and many can interact with other drugs. The interactions can be serious in many cases. By working with your doctor, your existing drug regimen will be considered as your doctor considers safely adding new agents that can help to manage your bladder spasms. Consult your doctor before trying alternative and herbal therapies. Use them only with caution. There is little to no evidence that supports the effectiveness of using herbal and alternative remedies to treat bladder spasms. Always consult your doctor before using herbal and alternative therapies as they can cause problems with your prescribed medications and existing medical conditions. Few studies in humans have been done to measure the effectiveness of alternative and herbal remedies to help control bladder problems, including spasms. Some small evidence is available for Japanese and Chinese herbs, but the results are very limited and not adequate to support recommending their use for this problem. Consider acupuncture. Several studies suggest that bladder-specific acupuncture can bring relief to people with overactive bladder and spasms. Ask your doctor for a referral to a licensed acupuncturist with knowledge of bladder conditions. Most states require acupuncturists to be licensed through the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Finding a licensed acupuncturist will help ensure that you receive appropriate care. Keep your doctor informed of alternative therapies you're trying. This way, all of your healthcare providers can work in conjunction with each other to provide you with the best possible care. Ask your doctor about electrical stimulation devices. Electrical stimulation devices, similar to a TENS unit, can sometimes be used to help stimulate the nerves or the muscles in a routine manner to prevent the sudden spasms. Usually, this form of treatment is not considered a first-line treatment option. Many of the devices require minor surgery to implant the actual device and find proper placement for the electrodes. Interventions of this type are most often used to control bladder problems that may or may not be directly related to spasms. Common use of electrical stimulation devices are for conditions such as overactive bladder syndrome, stress incontinence, and urinary urge incontinence. Consider surgery. The surgical procedure options to control your bladder spasms or related bladder problems are based on the underlying cause of the problem. Your doctor can best advise you on the risks and benefits of proceeding with a surgical procedure. Surgical interventions for bladder spasms are only recommended in people that suffer from severe detrusor muscle over-activity, meaning severe and painful episodes of bladder spasms, and in those that have not responded to other treatment options. Consider weakened muscles. The bladder is controlled by several muscle groups. Those groups include the sphincter muscles, the abdominal wall muscles, and one additional muscle that is part of the bladder itself. The most common culprit behind bladder spasms is the detrusor smooth muscle, which is the main muscle composing the bladder wall. The detrusor muscle consists of smooth muscle fibers that are part of the wall of the bladder. The detrusor muscle contracts, along with the abdominal wall muscles, to empty the contents of the bladder into the urethra. However, all of the muscle groups are involved in emptying the bladder and may be a part of the problem, so you should see your doctor for a full diagnosis. The sphincter muscle provides a tightening at the opening of the bladder to prevent urine from passing. When the brain signals the muscles that it is time to release urine from the bladder, the sphincter muscle relaxes to allow the urine flow to pass through the urethra. The urethra is the tube that connects your bladder to the outside. The muscles of the abdominal wall are in a relaxed state when the bladder is empty and as it gradually fills with urine. The abdominal wall muscles gently expand as the bladder expands. The abdominal wall muscles and the sphincter muscles work together to provide bladder control. When the brain says it is time to release urine, the abdominal wall muscles contract, or tighten, and press on the bladder to force the urine into the urethra. The muscles and the nervous system work together to effectively communicate with the brain and provide voluntary control over emptying your bladder. A problem with any of the muscles or nerves involved can contribute to bladder spasms. Be aware of possible nerve damage that can cause bladder spasms. The nerves that are built into the bladder area are part of a complex communication pathway that sends messages to, and receives messages from, the brain. Nerves that are part of the bladder and abdominal wall area tell the brain when the bladder is full and it needs to be emptied. This is translated as a feeling of pressure that lets you know it is time to release the urine stored in the bladder. Damaged nerves can send signals to the muscles to contract at the wrong time, causing spasms. Some medical conditions that interfere with nerve signals that involve bladder contraction include diabetes, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, and stroke. Other conditions that cause the nerves to be damaged are back surgery, pelvic conditions or surgery, back problems such as herniated discs, and radiation exposure. Rule out an infection. Bladder or kidney infections can cause the muscles to suddenly spasm. The irritation from the infection cues the bladder muscles to squeeze or contract, resulting in a spasm. A urinary tract infection is temporary. The bladder control problems resolve once the infection is properly treated. If you feel you may have a bladder or kidney infection, seek medical treatment as soon as possible to obtain a prescription for the appropriate antibiotic to treat the infection. Symptoms of a urinary tract infection include a strong and frequent urge to urinate, passing small amounts of urine, a burning sensation or pain when urinating, cloudy, discolored, or visible blood in the urine, strong smelling urine, and pelvic pain. Review your medications with your doctor. Some medications can cause bladder spasms. Talk to your doctor if you are taking medications for other conditions that might be contributing to your bladder spasms. Not every medication causes problems. Even the drugs that might cause problems do not cause them in every person. Do not stop or alter any of your medications. Talk with your doctor about your bladder spasms and your current medication regimen. If you are taking a drug that might be contributing to the bladder spasms, dose adjustments under the direction of your doctor might help while still providing control of your medical condition. Examples of medications that can cause bladder control problems include drugs prescribed that help you to relax, manage symptoms of anxiety, help you to sleep at night, muscle relaxers, diuretics, or medications used to treat nerve damage including conditions like fibromyalgia. Use the appropriate catheter for your condition. In many cases, the use of catheters either inserted by healthcare professionals or those that can be self-inserted, can cause bladder spasms. Your body recognizes the catheter as a foreign substance and contracts or spasms in an effort to remove it. Talk to your healthcare provider to select a catheter that is as comfortable as possible, is the proper size, and is made of materials that may be less irritating. Realize that more than one reason may be at work. In some cases, more than one possible cause of your bladder spasms may be contributing to your bladder spasms. For example, you may have weakened muscles or mildly damaged nerves but no problems with bladder spasms. Becoming overweight or drinking caffeinated beverages, combined with the weakened muscles or damaged nerves, may be enough to cause you to develop bladder spasms. Recognizing that several factors can be causing your bladder spasms can help you to work towards resolution of this problem by implementing a combination of different approaches to treatment. | Strengthen your pelvic muscles. Talk to your doctor. Do your exercises often and in different positions. Be patient. Implement a process called timed voiding. Monitor what you eat. Limit your intake of beverages that contain alcohol or caffeine. Avoid bubble baths. Monitor your weight. Stop smoking. Ask your doctor about medications. Work with your doctor to prevent drug interactions. Consult your doctor before trying alternative and herbal therapies. Consider acupuncture. Ask your doctor about electrical stimulation devices. Consider surgery. Consider weakened muscles. Be aware of possible nerve damage that can cause bladder spasms. Rule out an infection. Review your medications with your doctor. Use the appropriate catheter for your condition. Realize that more than one reason may be at work. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Anomia | How to Play Anomia | Anomia is a fun card game where you have to win cards from your opponent by answering the fastest. To set up the game, the dealer should shuffle the deck, split it in half, and place both piles face-down on the table as draw piles. To play the game, go around clockwise, and have each player take a card from the draw pile and place it in front of them. If your card matches the symbol on another player's card, you have to quickly give an example of the category on the card before the other player in what's called a face-off. For example, if the category is cities in California, you could say "San Francisco." Whoever gives a right answer first wins the other player's card and places it face down in their win pile. If the card underneath the loser's lost card matches with another player's, they have to go for a new face-off in what's called a cascade. Keep going until there are no matches on the table. If at any time you both give the right answer at the same time, someone flips a new card and both of you have to give an answer for that category to decide who wins the cards. Keep playing until the draw piles are empty. The winner is the player with the most cards in their win pile. | Choose between the red deck and the blue deck. Anomia comes with two different playing decks. The red deck is a bit more advanced than the blue deck, so it's best to start playing with the blue one. Move to the red deck if you and your friends want more of a challenge. There is also a special party version of Anomia with six decks and more categories to make things interesting. Decide with your friends which deck appeals to you the most. Shuffle the deck and split it. You should shuffle the playing deck about five or six times. Split the deck in two as evenly as possible. Place the two decks face-down on the playing table. Draw from either deck during the game. There should be two draw piles so that everyone at the table can reach one from their seat. Draw cards to see which player will go first. Each player should draw a card and throw it down on the table, face-up, without looking at it first. Watch the cards that other players flip up and look for a symbol on an opponent's card that matches your own. As soon as you do, shout out an example of the person, place, or thing on their card. Whoever does this correctly first "wins" the card away from the other player. The person who gains the most cards during this pre-game wins, and gets to keep the cards with them during the actual game. As a general rule, the person who shuffles the cards should draw the first card. Vote on whether or not to follow the "no repeats" rule. An optional rule of Anomia is that the same answer can't be repeated for different face offs. If you give an example for one opponent's card, no players can repeat that same example for the rest of the game. It's important to discuss this option or have a vote between players before the game starts. Draw and reveal a card. Pick up a card from the deck at the center of the table. Flip it upwards quickly as you place it down so everyone can see it. Don't look at your card before you put it down. According to the game instructions, the person who shuffles the cards should go first. Put the card face-up in front of you. This is the beginning of your play pile. If you draw a card and the symbol on it doesn't match the symbols on any active cards, it is the next player's turn to draw. Watch for a symbol that matches the one on your card. Going in a clockwise direction around the table, have players draw cards one-at-a-time. Keep a close eye on each card that gets flipped up on the table. Be ready to think fast! If the symbol on your card matches another player's, you now have to "face off" with your opponent. Name an example of the category on your opponent's card. As soon as you recognize your own symbol on someone else's card, read the category listed on it. Think fast and name an example of that category as fast as you can. To keep you on your toes, your opponent will be doing the same thing with your card. For instance, if your opponent's card says "Canadian city", you might yell out "Edmonton!" Collect your opponent's card if you answer first and correctly. If you blurt out a correct example of the person, place or thing on your opponent's card before they come up with one for yours, you win the "face off" round. Collect your opponent's card. Place it face down in a "win" pile next to your play pile. If you won the pre-game round, the cards you won then will also be in your "win" pile. Start a cascade round if the loser's next play card has a matching symbol. A cascade round occurs if the loser's next card has a matching symbol to any other player's. Launch into a new face-off immediately if there is a symbol match. The cascade round only ends when no cards with matching symbols are face up on the table. After all face-offs and cascades are over, resume normal game play. Place wild cards between the two play piles. Each Anomia deck has eight wild cards, each with two symbols on them. When a wild card is drawn during the game, put it in between the two draw piles. If the two wild card symbols appear on cards topping any two player's play piles, start another face-off round. If you draw a wild card, you're allowed to pick up another card after any face off rounds are done. Once a wild card is drawn, it stays in play until another wild card comes up to replace it. As game play continues, any two players with a card with the wild card's symbols must launch into a face off round. Do a tie-breaker if two players tie during a face off. In the event of a tie between you and another player, a third player should draw a card and flip it up onto the table. You and your opponent must both try to give an answer for that card. Whoever wins this tie breaker gets the loser's original card, and the tie breaker card gets shuffled back into a play deck. Count the cards in your "win" pile once the draw piles are empty. Play Anomia until the two draw piles are empty. At this point, count the cards in your "win" pile. Whoever has the most cards wins. | Choose between the red deck and the blue deck. Shuffle the deck and split it. Draw cards to see which player will go first. Vote on whether or not to follow the "no repeats" rule. Draw and reveal a card. Watch for a symbol that matches the one on your card. Name an example of the category on your opponent's card. Collect your opponent's card if you answer first and correctly. Start a cascade round if the loser's next play card has a matching symbol. Place wild cards between the two play piles. Do a tie-breaker if two players tie during a face off. Count the cards in your "win" pile once the draw piles are empty. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Sphere-Out-of-Paper | How to Make a Sphere Out of Paper | To make a sphere out of paper strips, choose a thick paper like cardstock or construction paper and cut it into 12 strips that are half an inch wide and 6 inches long. Then, use a hole puncher to punch holes at both ends of each strip. With the strips all in one stack, place a metal paper fastener into the lined-up holes at either end of the stack. With both ends secured, use your hands to carefully bend the stack into a C-shape, and then slide the strips apart so they form a sphere shape. If you want to hang your sphere, wind the end of a string around one of the metal fasteners and knot the ends to form a loop. | Cut your paper into strips. Choose a thicker paper like cardstock or construction paper for a sturdier sphere. You can also use decorative scrapbook paper or plain copy paper if you'd prefer. Use sharp scissors to cut your paper into 12 strips that are ½-inch (1.25 centimeters) wide and 6 inches (15.25 centimeters) long. Punch holes through both ends of the strips. Evenly stack the strips of paper. Punch a hole on either end of the stack using a standard hole punch. The holes should be about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) from either end. If you have difficulty punching a hole through the entire stack, separate the stack into two or three piles and punch the holes into these smaller piles. Just make sure that the holes you punch are evenly placed from stack to stack. If you decide to use decorative or printed paper instead of blank paper or blank cardstock, stack the strips so that the decorative side all faces one direction. Insert paper fasteners into the holes. With the strips all in one stack, place a metal paper fastener into the hole on either end. Flatten the "tail" of the fastener against the back of the stack. If you are using strips cut from decorative or patterned paper, position each fastener "head" against the decorated side of the paper. Form a C-shape with your stack. With both ends secured, use your hands to carefully bend the stack of strips into a C-shape without creasing any of the strips. If you're using decorative paper, remember to have the image face outward. Slide the strips away from the stack. While the stack is bent, gently pull the strips apart, spreading them into the shape of a sphere. You can adjust the pieces to overlap to make your sphere look more like a globe, or you can create spaces between the paper to make it look more like a lantern. If you want to hang your sphere, wrap the middle of a piece of thread around one of the metal fasteners. Then wind the thread several times. Knot the ends to form a loop, which you can use to hang it. You can easily flatten the sphere by sliding the paper strips back into a stack. Cut up strips of paper. Choose a thin paper like plain copy paper or newspaper. While your strips do not have to be a certain size, they should be smaller to make them easier to form into a sphere. Start with strips that are 1.5-inch (3.8 centimeters) by 3-inch (7.6 centimeters). You can cut more strips if you'd like a different size. Smaller strips will allow for a smoother surface. Blow up a round balloon. You may need to under-inflate the balloon to ensure that you get the right shape. Before you tie it, make sure that it's approximately the right size for your sphere. Make your papier-mâché paste. Pour ¼ cup (59 milliliters) of school glue into a bowl. Add ⅛ cup (30 milliliters) of water. You will need a lot of papier-mâché paste to complete your project, but you don't want to expose unused glue for long because it can start to dry. You can adapt the recipe to change the quantity by maintaining a ratio of 2 parts school glue and 1 part water. You will need to make more papier-mâché paste as you work on your sphere. Dip a strip of paper into the glue. You want the entire strip of paper to be covered in glue on both sides. Give your paper a moment to soak in the glue. More glue is better than less, as a generous coating of glue is what will help you create your papier-mâché. Your hands will get covered in glue while you work on this project, so keep a towel handy to wipe off the drying excess glue. Apply the paper strip to the balloon. It doesn't matter which direction you apply your paper strip because you will be covering the entire surface of the balloon with multiple layers. Smooth down the edges of the strip to create a flatter surface. Your paper mâché sphere will have some bumps because of the process, but you can keep it relatively smooth by carefully applying the paper. Keep your balloon in place by sitting it in a bowl while you work. This will prevent the balloon from rolling or slipping away. Continue to apply paper strips to your balloon. Dip and apply paper over the entire surface of the balloon, overlapping your paper strips to create a solid layer over the balloon. Apply two more layers of paper. Once you've fully covered your balloon with paper, repeat the process twice to add two more layers of papier-mâché. You will need three layers in order to have a stable sphere. To keep track of your layers, it's a good idea to use different types of paper for each layer. Allow your sphere to dry. It will take about 2-3 days for your sphere to fully dry. You can hang it by the end of the balloon to allow the air to better circulate. Puncture the balloon. To remove the balloon, you will need to puncture or cut near the exposed end. After you make your cut, pull out your balloon. Once the balloon is removed, you can add one more piece of paper to cover the hole if you prefer. Your final product will be a paper sphere. Alternatively, you could just remove the end of the balloon. Trace your geometric shapes. On sturdy paper, trace 20 hexagons and 12 pentagons. To make sure that they are all identical, use a template. You can either create your template by drawing the first one, or you can use a pre-made template. If you draw your own, make a template with each side measuring 2 inches (5 centimeters). You can find templates for your geometric shapes at http://gemsclub.org/yahoo_site_admin/assets/docs/buckyball2.43131957.pdf. If you want a different size sphere, change the size of your geometric shapes, making sure that all the sides are equal in length. Cut out your shapes. Use your scissors to carefully cut along the lines that you traced. The shapes need to be the same size, so make sure that you perfectly cut along the lines. Fix a hexagon onto each side of one pentagon. Lay one pentagon flat on your working surface. Line up one side of one hexagon to one side of the pentagon, and tape the edges together. Repeat the process for the other four sides of the pentagon. You will use a total of one pentagon for this step and five hexagons. The edges of the hexagons and pentagon must be side by side without any gap in between them. The sides should not overlap. If you don't have tape, you can glue on a connector piece. Use a 1-inch x 2-inch slip of paper as your connector. Add a thin strip of glue along each side of the paper, then attach it to the geometric steps. Connect the sides of the hexagons. Using your tape or connector strips, attach the hexagons to each other. Once this step is complete, you will have a shallow paper bowl. Add five more pentagons onto the bowl. Turn your pentagons so that one point is at the top. Fit this point into the crevice between two of the connected hexagons that form your bowl. Apply tape or a connector strip to the touching sides. There will be a flat hexagon side in between the pentagons. Each pentagon used in this step will lie adjacent to two different hexagons. Make sure that you tape both connecting edges in place. Wedge in five more hexagons. The space between the pentagons will look like half of a hexagon. Fit your hexagons into these spaces, attaching with tape or connector strips. Each hexagon used in this step will lie adjacent to three other edges in the structure. Tape all three edges down. Your sphere will be half complete. Build onto the structure with five more hexagons. You will notice that your bowl has nooks in the shape of a half-hexagon rather than a point, so you will add additional hexagons. Fit your hexagons into the crevices created between the last five hexagons. During this step, you should notice the sphere beginning to curve inward. You are completing the closed top portion now. Connect five more pentagons. There should be five open nooks. Slide a pentagon into each one, taping or connecting the sides in place. This time, each pentagon will have three edges that lie adjacent to other edges in the structure. Tape all three down. Add your five remaining hexagons. Slide one hexagon into each of the five nooks created by the last step. Apply your tape or a connector piece to secure the edges in place. The hexagons you just added will have edges that touch each other, so you will want to tape these down, too. Attach the final pentagon. There should be a single pentagon shape left open in your sphere at this point. Rest your remaining pentagon on this spot and tape all five sides in place. | Cut your paper into strips. Punch holes through both ends of the strips. Insert paper fasteners into the holes. Form a C-shape with your stack. Slide the strips away from the stack. Cut up strips of paper. Blow up a round balloon. Make your papier-mâché paste. Dip a strip of paper into the glue. Apply the paper strip to the balloon. Continue to apply paper strips to your balloon. Apply two more layers of paper. Allow your sphere to dry. Puncture the balloon. Trace your geometric shapes. Cut out your shapes. Fix a hexagon onto each side of one pentagon. Connect the sides of the hexagons. Add five more pentagons onto the bowl. Wedge in five more hexagons. Build onto the structure with five more hexagons. Connect five more pentagons. Add your five remaining hexagons. Attach the final pentagon. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Have-a-Long-Term-Relationship | How to Have a Long Term Relationship | The keys to maintaining a long term relationship are communication, compromise, and balancing your personal lives. You both need to be honest about your feelings and intentions to make sure you understand each other. Try to resolve any issues as soon as they arrive. No one likes relationship disputes, but if you don't address them, the issues will build over time and lead to bigger problems. It can be a challenge to fit in quality couple time when you're both busy, but it's important to prioritize doing fun things together so you can unwind and enjoy each other's company. In addition to quality couple time, you should also make time for your own hobbies, interests, and friends so you have your own lives outside of the relationship. | Start a casual relationship first. If you're single and want to settle down, it's important that you not rush things. It can take a while to meet people, let alone meet the right people for starting a long term relationship with, so try to take it slowly at first and let things progress at their own pace. This will work differently for every relationship, so work at your own pace. It's not usually a good idea to discuss things like marriage and children right off the bat when you meet someone you're interested in. For some people, especially older couples, this can work out fine, it's not always the best way to get to know someone. Your goal for the first days, weeks, and months of a relationship shouldn't be settling down, it should be getting to know the person. For this reason, it's usually best to keep long-term conversations out of it, at least for a couple of months. Pay attention to shared values and belief you have with the person. This can help to give you an idea of your compatibility. Introduce your partner to your friends and your family after a couple of months and wait until later to ask what they think about the person you're seeing. If everyone goes on and on about how happy you seem together, how good you seem to be for each other, and other compliments, take it as a good sign. Ask your friends and family about your relationship. It's true that love is often blind, and it can make us ignore obvious faults in potential long-term partners, things that your friends and family might be able to pick up on more easily. It can be helpful to get a second opinion from trusted friends and loved ones whom you trust. Remember, it's still your relationship, and these decisions are ultimately up to you. If your friends don't like your partner, that doesn't necessarily mean more than that they're incompatible, as long as you're happy together. Discuss your desires for the relationship after it has settled. If you're with someone and are thinking about committing to a long term relationship, it's important that you first discuss whether or not your partner is interested in one, and get all the cards out on the table. There are lots of different types of relationships, expectations about what a relationship means, and ideas about commitment, and the best way to learn how your partner feels is to ask. Ask your partner a simple probing question, like "How far do you see this relationship going?" Be prepared for all variety of answers. What does "long term" mean to you? A couple of months? Until the first fight? Or marriage? Kids? Think about scenarios that will help you consider your commitment. What if your partner got a job on the opposite coast? Would you want to move? Under what circumstances would you want to break up? Share your personal life goals with your partner. What do you want out of your life? Where do you want to be in ten years? What kind of a career do you envision for yourself? These kinds of things can get in the way of long-term relationships, or can at least make your compatibility with someone more challenging. Recognize incompatibility when it arises. If you want to travel extensively in the next couple years and your partner doesn't, that's something you'll need to talk about. Relationships that manipulate you into doing things that you don't want to do are not healthy. There's a difference between being ready for a long term relationship and being ready for a long term relationship with this person. A lot of times, settling down sounds nice, secure, and attractive, but is it right with this person? Right now? That's something to think about and talk about with your partner. Try going on a trip together. One good, quick way to find out whether or not your relationship has the potential to succeed is in going on a trip together. Trips can be stressful, and will force you to spend lots of time together at once, so it can be a nice way to see whether or not your relationship will stand up to the stress of it. You'll see your partner at their worst, probably. Will you still like them afterward? It doesn't have to be a big expensive trip abroad to tell you what you need to learn. Just plan a weekend trip camping to see how it goes, or go on a short weekend road trip to visit some family. Try living together, when the time is right. If you think your partner might be "the one," it can be good for a lot of couples to try living together for a while before they commit to marriage, or to a more long-term arrangement. Like going on a trip together, living together helps you to see what your partner is like when they're tired, grumpy, hungover, and other low points. If you can still love your partner when they've got the flu or a stomach bug, you've got something really special. Also, pay attention to how well you problem-solve together when you are faced with a conflict. Do you fight, or work together to find a solution? Alternatively, for some couples keeping separate spaces is one of the secrets to long-term success. It's true that it's important to have your own space. Nowhere does it say that living together is a requirement of a good relationship. Get a pet before you have a child. Some couples make the mistake of thinking that having a child together can help to revive a failing relationship. This is a serious mistake. And likewise, just because you may be ready to have a child yourself doesn't necessarily mean that it's right for you to have a child with this person at this time. Want to find out how you'll parent with a potential partner? Try getting a pet that requires "co-parenting" first. Even something as small and as low-commitment as a bird, hamster, or rabbit can help you to see your partner's level of commitment to another life and another member of your twosome. Are they willing to compromise and love, selflessly? Keep your current living situation in mind! In some cases, getting a pet together if you're not in a stable enough environment can be irresponsible and foolish. Don't get a pet unless you have the time and resources to devote to it. Be aware that having a child is a much larger commitment than having a pet. These are not equivalent experiences. It is just something you might consider trying to get an idea of your partner's nurturing skills. Commit to your partner. If, after putting your relationship to the test, you think that you've got a keeper on your hands, it might be time to commit to something serious. When you're ready, let your partner know that you're committed to the relationship and that you're willing to work on it and to try your best to keep it healthy. Every relationship will be different, so talk with your partner. Commitment may be as simple as being open about an "exclusive" arrangement, or as serious as getting engaged, depending on what you've discussed with your partner. But committing and choosing to work on your relationship, to make compromises to serve that relationship, is an important step. Generally, it's expected that a long-term relationship means that you're not seeing other people, though this is by no means true of all relationships. Don't take anything for granted. Check with your partner. Be honest with your partner. One of the most important parts of a long-term relationship has to do with honesty. If you're going to commit, you owe your partner honesty, at the least, in terms of your desires for the relationship and your happiness. If you're frustrated about something, share, and listen in return. Be willing to be vulnerable with your partner and share things you don't tell many people about. The other side of the honesty coin is being a good listener. You need to be there for your partner and be willing to listen to them open up. Make yourself available. Again, what "honesty" means will be different for every couple. Is it absolutely necessary for you to divulge the gritty details of your past to every partner, if you think it might jeopardize your relationship? Only you can answer that question. If it's keeping you from happiness, tell. If not, consider keeping it quiet. Work through the rough patches. One of the difference between short flings and long term relationships is how you negotiate fights with your partner. A fight doesn't necessarily mean that a relationship is over. It just means that you've come up against something that you're either going to work through, or come to terms with as a potential roadblock to your happiness with this person. Either way, fights are important to deal with and get past. Address problems as soon as they arise. The worst thing that can happen is ignoring warning signs when they arise to try to keep your relationship at an even keel. It's important to confront things sooner rather than later. It's important to recognize the difference between common little arguments that you can work through and serious problems that you can't. If you have a tendency to fight about the dishes, that's one thing, but if your partner constantly criticizes you, or makes you feel inferior after a conversation about dishes, that's something else. Make mutual friends. It's a common joke: your friend gets a long term partner, and then you never see them again. The longer a relationship gets, the harder it can be to make time for socializing in addition to the work necessary to maintain your relationship. To make it easier on yourself, try to do both at the same time. Make friends together and socialize as a couple. It's important to avoid situations in which you only spend time with your partner's friendship group. If your partner has lots of friends, that's great, but make new friends together. If you break up, it's tough to feel like you lost all your friends as well. Try finding couples that you enjoy hanging out with, as well as single friends whom you enjoy the company of. Set mutual goals. If you've discovered that your life goals line up with your partner, start setting mutual goals for yourselves and for your relationship. What is your ultimate ambition for your relationship and for yourself? Where do you hope to be next year? Where do you hope to be in the next five years? Figure out what you need to be doing to grow your relationship and your life together. In the early stages, this might mean things like saving money together, finishing school, securing a career, and other steps to get yourself ready for settling down more comfortably. In later stages, this might mean things like marriage and kids, starting to invest your money, and other family-oriented goals. Tell your partner you love them. Sounds obvious, right? It's good to remember that if you love your partner, you need to say so every now and then. It's very important that a burgeoning long-term relationship be built on love and trust, and you need to let both your actions and your words communicate that. Say those 3 words and say them often. Try speaking to your partner in their love language. This is the way your partner expresses and understands the emotions of love. Do things together. While it might seem easy, it's important for couples in long term relationships to make that relationship a priority, taking time out of your schedule with friends and family to do things with your partner. The longer your relationship gets, the more difficult this can become. Make the effort. You don't have to do expensive or things or go on exotic dates to keep your relationship fresh. Going out to dinner and movies is nice, but it's also great to go hiking together, or give each other massages, or spend a night gaming together. Time spent being active together is good. While it might seem unromantic, it can sometimes be necessary to schedule time to do things with your partner in a long term relationship to remain intimate with one another, and keep your emotional connection alive. Schedule weekly date nights, or monthly weekends away. Be good, giving, and game. Savage Love columnist and author Dan Savage coined the term "GGG" to refer to a quality in partners common to good long-term relationships: the trait of being "good, giving, and game." Being good means acting in a way that has your partner's best interest at heart. You have to be good to your partner at all times. Being giving means going the extra mile to make your partner happy. Give a part of yourself to your partner, sharing your interests and your life with them. Be selfless when you're with your partner. Being game means being up for things you might normally not be excited about. It's easy to be a stick in the mud about things you're inexperienced or uninterested in, but if it would make your partner happy, try to be up for it. Could be fun. Make your relationship spontaneous. It's easy for long-term relationships to become predictable very quickly. You go to work or school, you come home, you see the same friends, you go the same places, you watch the same shows. It can get boring, and that boredom can sour you on the relationship. Make the effort to keep things spontaneous. You might already know each other well, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't keep going on dates. Make the time to go out and have fun with each other. Keep your relationship fun and special. Surprise your partner every now and then by making special plans without them knowing. Even things as simple as cooking dinner or cleaning up the kitchen without being asked can score some points. It's little things that make the difference. Spend some time doing your own thing. As important as it is to keep your relationship active and alive, it's also important to spend time independent of your partner, hanging out with your own friends and indulging your own interests. Not everything needs to involve your partner. Have your own space, especially if you live together. Even if it's just your own desk or night stand, it's important to keep a little space for yourself. Have your own friends and make plans with them independently. If your partner doesn't like you to hang out with your own friends periodically, that's a problem that needs to be discussed. Both partners deserve to have their own friends and spend time with them. | Start a casual relationship first. Ask your friends and family about your relationship. Discuss your desires for the relationship after it has settled. Share your personal life goals with your partner. Try going on a trip together. Try living together, when the time is right. Get a pet before you have a child. Commit to your partner. Be honest with your partner. Work through the rough patches. Make mutual friends. Set mutual goals. Tell your partner you love them. Do things together. Be good, giving, and game. Make your relationship spontaneous. Spend some time doing your own thing. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Handle-Jealousy | How to Handle Jealousy | If you're feeling jealous, try to find the root cause of that emotion. Are you angry, afraid, or insecure? Focus on the reason for you jealousy, and practice trusting the people around you. Express your emotions with “I” statements, and apologize for your jealousy. If you're handling someone else's jealousy, draw boundaries and express when the person needs to step back. Don't be afraid to seek help or talk to a friend if you need to. | Understand the emotion of jealousy. Jealousy is a complex emotion that can include many others: fear, loss, anger, envy, sorrow, betrayal, inadequacy, and humiliation. If you are feeling jealous, understand that there are many other emotions that can occur with jealousy, but jealousy might be the emotion you notice first. Spend time thinking through your emotions. Write out how you feel. If you are a visual person, make a chart or a drawing that represents all the different emotions you feel and their connection to jealousy. Notice the way your body is registering your emotions. Fear sometimes feels like a dropping or clutching sensation in your chest and stomach, while anger often manifests itself as a burning, tight sensation in your head and arms. Tackle your feelings. Learn to question your jealousy every time that it emerges. For example, say to yourself: "Is this jealousy because I feel afraid or angry? Why am I feeling fear or anger here?" When you begin to question what makes you jealous in the moment, you can begin to take positive steps to manage the feelings constructively, without the cloud of negative emotion that typically accompanies jealousy. Get to the root of your jealousy. It can be hard to admit that you are having negative feelings, and it might be tempting to blame them on another. Avoid this by taking a compassionate look at your own jealousy. Look at all the emotions you feel within your jealousy, and think about a cause for each of them. For instance, if you feel jealous of your partner's friend, think of all the ways those emotions might fit in a sentence. You might feel fear because you don't want to lose your partner (and perhaps because you have lost a partner in the past), sorrow at the thought of the loss, a sense of betrayal because you feel your partner owes you full attention, and a sense of inadequacy because you aren't sure you're worthy of love. Write down memories that may have aggravated these feelings. For instance, you may feel fear at losing your partner because your last breakup was really painful, and you're frightened of going through a similar experience. You may feel unworthy of love because you had a neglectful parent. Choose to believe. Trust the people you love. Choose trust over distrust. Unless you have hard evidence that someone lies to you, trust. Do not go snooping for evidence, but take your loved one at his or her word. Jealousy can hurt your relationship only if you bury it and blame your feelings on others. Apologize and explain. Say something like: "I'm sorry for bothering you about your friendship with J. It's not that I don't trust you—I was just feeling insecure. Thanks for listening to me." This will often be sufficient to give both of you the space to discuss what has just taken place––recognition of your insecurities and the need to be more open together about what you're going through. Open up about your jealousy. Sharing your true feelings with your friend or partner can help you build a stronger relationship. It will also empower him or her to point out when you make unreasonable jealous demands. Though it can be vulnerable to admit to feelings of jealousy, a relationship built on honesty is going to be stronger than one built of subterfuge. Avoid passing on blame to the other person. He or she did not cause your feelings, and you alone are responsible for your behavior. Stick to "I" statements rather than saying anything that smacks of "you make me feel…" Instead of saying, "You shouldn't have done that," say, "I feel terrible when we're in a public space and I can't communicate how I feel to you." Be aware that how you perceive situations may be completely at odds with how the other person saw them. Commit to listening when your partner speaks, even if you disagree. Get help. If you have physically harmed, yelled at, berated, or stalked your partner, separate yourself from them immediately and get professional help. Ask your doctor for a referral to see a therapist or take an anger management class. Learn the difference between love and jealousy. Jealousy is not love and feeling jealousy does not mean that you are in love. Some people mistake jealousy as an act of love, when it's really an act of insecurity and/or a lack of control. People who get jealous tend to be insecure and to have feelings of shame as well. Draw boundaries with a jealous partner or friend. If your partner is acting out due to jealousy, draw lines. Do not answer questions you are not comfortable answering. Do not cancel plans with your friends, or cut off contact with someone who matters to you. Gently and firmly explain: "I will answer your questions, but only once. I will not give you the same answer over and over." "I will listen to how you feel, but I will not isolate myself from the people I love." "If you throw things or yell, I will leave the house and spend the night at my parents' house." "If you do not tell me how you feel, but you sulk or give me the silent treatment, I will tell you how that makes me feel and then I will leave the house until you call me." Don't accept abuse. Do not assume responsibility for things you did not do. It may be easier to apologize and blame yourself when you are blamed for another's behavior. However, you know your own motivations. Don't let anyone convince you into believing that you were flirting when you weren't flirting, or that you "provoked" jealousy and subsequent bad behavior. Listen calmly to your partner if he or she can use "I" statements, but do not subject yourself to a barrage of accusations. If your partner physically restrains you, hurts you, or breaks things, leave him or her. Get help. If you feel in any way threatened by a partner or other person who is jealous of you, get away from them if you can. Jealousy is the leading cause of spousal murders, and is a typical component of spousal battery. Get out of the house if your partner is physically aggressive, and call 911 or a domestic abuse hotline: 1-800-522-3304 Encourage their individuality. Jealousy between siblings is inevitable, as they will have conflicting needs and a natural worry about being treated unfairly. Explain to them that their needs are different, and that not everything can be "equal," because their strong needs will appear at different times and need different treatment. Give your children space and time that is just for them. If you can give your children separate rooms, do. Let your child pursue activities they love. Older siblings should have time alone or with friends without having to always include a younger sibling. Demonstrate that the individuality of each child matters. Devote family time to things that one child enjoys and another child doesn't. Spend one-on-one time with each child when you can. For example, if one child enjoys biking and the other does not, make time for your biker to take a spin in the park. If you have two children who need supervision at all times, get a sitter or split duties with your partner or a family friend. Make schedules. If your children often fight over whose turn it is to use a family-owned item, such as a laptop or game, make a schedule showing when each child can claim it. Similarly, if your children demonstrate jealousy of your attention, make one-on-one dates with each of them in which you participate in an activity of their choice. Teach your children to be assertive. Teach your children to state their own emotions in a straightforward, assertive way, rather than acting out or blaming others for how they feel. Explain to your children that when a sentence begins with "you," it might make matters worse. Instead, teach your kids to start sentences with "I" and explain how they are feeling. If your child expresses that he or she feels jealous, then try to find out more. For example, if one of your kids expresses jealousy towards an older sibling, then you might ask, “Why do you feel jealous?” You might learn that your child feels jealous because he or she thinks the sibling is more loved or more talented. This will give you an opportunity reassure and encourage your child. If one of your kids expresses jealousy about a sibling's talents, then encourage your child to think about his or her own talents instead of making comparisons to the sibling. If your child feels like he or she does not have any talents, then encourage your child to take up a new hobby to start taking pride in him or herself again. | Understand the emotion of jealousy. Tackle your feelings. Get to the root of your jealousy. Choose to believe. Apologize and explain. Open up about your jealousy. Get help. Learn the difference between love and jealousy. Draw boundaries with a jealous partner or friend. Don't accept abuse. Get help. Encourage their individuality. Make schedules. Teach your children to be assertive. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-Your-Girl-(Friend)-You-Love-Her-As-a-Girl | How to Tell Your Girl (Friend) You Love Her As a Girl | If you're a girl who has fallen in love with a friend who's also a girl, it can be hard to figure out what to do. Getting a sense of her feelings can help you figure out the best next step. Look for signs that she may be interested in you romantically, like if she leans toward you when you talk, mirrors your body language, or asks a lot of personal questions about your life. You can also drop some hints and try flirting with her a little to see what happens. For example, make eye contact more often, compliment her looks, or gently touch her arm while you're talking. She may be interested in you too if she's receptive to these small flirtations. If you decide to tell her how you feel, pick a quiet, private spot where you won't be interrupted. Then, try to be as direct as possible so there's no misunderstanding. For example, you might say something like “You're one of my best friends, and I think I have developed some romantic feelings for you too. It's fine if you don't feel the same way, but I felt like I should tell you.” | Consider if you’re willing to risk your friendship to reveal your feelings. This is perhaps the most important thing to consider before you tell a female friend that you like her. Revealing your feelings may cause the relationship to become awkward or even end if she doesn't feel the same way. Imagine how you'd feel about losing her friendship and if this is worse than not telling her how you feel. It's also possible that she will return your feelings and the two of you might have a rewarding romantic relationship. Look for signs that she’s interested in you romantically. Think about how she interacts with you and whether she has said or done anything to indicate that she might have feelings for you, too. Some things to watch for as evidence that a girl might like you include: Body language cues, such as smiling, leaning in towards you, and watching your mouth. Messaging you often, either just to chat with you or to make plans with you. Asking you lots of questions about yourself and showing genuine interest in you. Mirroring your body movements, such as by placing an elbow on the table in front of them when you do. Imagine how you would feel if you never got a chance to tell her. If you're on the fence about whether or not to tell her how you feel, taking the opposite perspective may help you to decide if you should say something. Try to imagine how you might feel if she moved away and you never told her how you felt. Would it feel like a missed opportunity? Would you be sad about not having told her? If so, then you may want to tell her. If the idea of not telling her makes you feel relieved, then it might be better to say nothing for now. Talk with a trustworthy friend about your feelings for the girl. Mulling over your feelings on your own is unlikely to help you decide if you should tell her. Instead, grab a trustworthy friend and tell them what you're thinking. They can offer their perspective on the situation, which might help you to decide if you should say something. For example, your friend might tell you whether or not they see you and this person together, or if your friend has ever said anything about liking you or given any signs that they might, such as by flirting with you. Drop hints and flirt with her to see what happens. If you're not quite ready to tell your friend how you feel, flirting with her might help you to decide. Try giving your friend compliments, making eye contact with her more often, and possibly even engaging in some playful teasing. For example, you could say something like, “You look amazing in that dress! I can't take my eyes off of you!” Or, you might say, “You're so sweet! I could just eat you up!” Choose a good time and place to talk with your friend. Telling someone you like them is a delicate conversation, so make sure you will have time and privacy to do it properly. Ask your friend when might be a good time for her and arrange to meet up with her at a designated place. Avoid talking with her in front of other people. Make sure that you will be alone for the conversation. Try meeting up at a café and getting a corner table if you want to meet somewhere in public, or arrange to meet up at your house or hers for more privacy. Take deep breaths to get your emotions under control. If you're nervous about telling her, take a few deep breaths before you start talking. Breathe in through your nose to the count of 5, then hold the breath for 5 seconds, and exhale through your mouth to the count of 5. This should help you to feel calm, which will make it easier to talk without getting overly emotional. Remind yourself to breathe deeply during the rest of the conversation as well. Remove any distractions so you can focus on the conversation. Sit or stand so that you are facing her, such as across from her at a table or by turning towards her on a sofa. Make eye contact with her and put away anything that might distract you during the conversation, such as your cell phone, laptop, or tablet. Remove any other distractions you can as well, such as by turning off the television. Express your feelings for her in a straightforward manner. Tell the girl that you like her directly. Don't beat around the bush or say anything mysterious. Just come right out and say it! Taking the leap will make the conversation much easier to get through. Try saying something like, “Amanda, you're one of my closest friends, and I also think I have developed some romantic feelings for you. It's totally fine if you don't feel the same way, but I wanted to tell you because I think I might regret it if I don't.” Or for an even simpler option, you could simply say, “Janice, I like you as more than a friend. I don't know if you feel the same way, but I felt like I should tell you.” Text her if you’re worried about how she might react. If you're worried about what she might say or if it just feels less scary to send her a text, it's fine to do this. Keep the text short and simple. Try to let her know how you feel in 2-3 sentences, and let her know it's okay if she doesn't feel the same way. Try to end the text so it does not require a response if she's uncomfortable responding. Plan to send the text in the afternoon or evening, not late at night or early in the morning since she may be annoyed by a text at an odd hour. Try texting her something like, “Hi Melanie. I love spending time with you and I think I might have feelings for you, too. I don't know if that's something that you're interested in exploring, but I just needed to tell you how I feel.” Or, you could text her, “Christina, I'm going out on a limb here, but I think I am falling for you. I understand if you don't feel the same way, but let me know if you do.” Listen to your friend’s response after you tell her how you feel. Give your friend a chance to respond and listen to her carefully as she does. Your friend may tell you she likes you, too, she may ask for more time to process what you've told her, or she may tell you right away that she does not like you. However she responds, listen attentively and don't interrupt her. Try nodding and keeping a neutral expression while she talks to show her that you're listening to her. Prepare for her to seem a bit shocked. Your friend may seem a little shocked right after you tell her how you feel, so try to prepare yourself for this reaction. However, keep in mind that this is a normal reaction when someone finds out that a friend likes them. It doesn't mean that she doesn't like you back, but she might not have thought of you in this way before. You could try practicing interacting with your friend after telling her you like her, such as by role playing with another friend. Have them pretend to be the girl you like and react in a few different ways to help you determine how you should respond. Make plans to do something fun with her if she says she likes you back. If after revealing your feelings to your friend, she tells you she likes you, too, make plans to do something together! Schedule your first date or just plan a casual outing together, such as to go see a movie or get coffee. Try saying something like, “Would you like to go see a movie with me on Saturday evening?” or “I'd like to hang out with you sometime this week. When are you free?” Respond graciously if your friend does not feel the same way. It's important to acknowledge that you accept your friend's decision if she doesn't return your feelings, especially if you want to preserve the friendship. Let her know that you still value her friendship and that you understand that they don't feel the same way about you. Thank her for listening to you and for being honest with you. Try saying something like, “I understand. I appreciate your honesty and I value your friendship.” Acknowledge your feelings and allow yourself to experience them. Once you're on your own, allow yourself to feel sad and even cry about being rejected by your friend. This is normal and you are allowed to feel sad. Just be careful not to dwell on these feelings for too long. For example, you could allow yourself to feel sad and cry about what happened for 1-2 days, but then make sure to get yourself out and do something fun to distract yourself. Distance yourself from your friend for a while if you need space. If your friend has told you she does not reciprocate your feelings, spending time around her can be difficult. It's okay to cancel plans you've made with her and avoid making new plans for a while. You might also reduce how often you see her by avoiding places you know she'll be. Try saying something like, “Janet, I value our friendship, but I need to work through some things before we spend time together again. I hope you understand.” | Consider if you’re willing to risk your friendship to reveal your feelings. Look for signs that she’s interested in you romantically. Imagine how you would feel if you never got a chance to tell her. Talk with a trustworthy friend about your feelings for the girl. Drop hints and flirt with her to see what happens. Choose a good time and place to talk with your friend. Take deep breaths to get your emotions under control. Remove any distractions so you can focus on the conversation. Express your feelings for her in a straightforward manner. Text her if you’re worried about how she might react. Listen to your friend’s response after you tell her how you feel. Prepare for her to seem a bit shocked. Make plans to do something fun with her if she says she likes you back. Respond graciously if your friend does not feel the same way. Acknowledge your feelings and allow yourself to experience them. Distance yourself from your friend for a while if you need space. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Burn-Letters-Into-Wood | How to Burn Letters Into Wood | To burn letters into wood, start by picking a light-colored, soft wood and sanding off any coatings. Next, use a template or draw letters freehand on the wood. Once your design is ready, decide what size and shape you'd like your lines to be as most wood burners come with a variety of tips to create different looks. After you put your starting tip on the burner, plug it in to heat it. Then, press the wood burner to the design and move consistently across the surface of the wood. | Pick out wood. Any wood surface can be wood burned. However, some are better than others. Light-colored and soft wood, such as bass, works especially well. This is because the wood burning stands out on the light color and you don't have to push very hard to make your marks. Woods with minimal grain also work best for wood burning. The grain of wood can cause the lines of wood burning to be bumpy and less precise. Wood with little grain allows you to draw smoother, more precise lines. Prepare the wood surface. When wood burning you should begin with a smooth, sanded surface. While it is possible to wood burn a rough surface, wood burning that is done on a smooth surface will be easier to complete and the design will come out more neat and clear in the end. Sand off any coatings that are on the surface you will be wood burning. Burning through paint or stain can create a lot of toxic smoke that is not good to breathe in. Use a template or draw the letters freehand on the wood. The easiest way to get your design onto your wood is to draw it right on with a pencil. This can be done freehand or by using a template or stencil to get a more exact design. It's also possible to freehand your letters with the wood burner. However, when beginning wood burning it is easier to have a pattern on the wood to follow. Transfer your design to the wood. Make a design on paper or on a computer and transfer it onto your wood surface. Begin by drawing the design on a piece of paper or by creating on a computer and then printing it out. Then place a piece of carbon paper on the wood and set the paper with the design on top of the carbon paper. By taking a pencil or stylus and tracing your design, you will transfer the design onto the surface of the wood. When placing the carbon paper on your wood, make sure the the carbon side of the paper is facing the wood. The side facing up is typically shiny in comparison. Use an image transfer wood burner tip. There is a technique in which you can transfer photocopied images onto wood using your wood burning iron. Buy an image transfer tip for your iron, which are sold specifically for this technique. Simply place the paper with the image on it face down on the wood. Then heat the backside of the paper gradually with your image transfer tip. The heat from the iron releases the ink from the photocopy and moves it onto the surface of the wood. This process can only be done with photocopies. If you have an ink jet printer, this process will not work. You need to use a special tip for your wood burning iron to do this. If your iron did not come with one of these tips, contact the manufacturer to see if there is one available. Purchase an iron. There are a wide variety of wood-burning irons available from online retailers and at craft and hobby stores. Wood burners typically come with a stand, a heat regulator, and a variety of tips. If you are new to wood burning, you may want to get a basic model, so you can figure out if you like wood burning without spending a lot of money. The price of wood burning irons can vary dramatically depending on the level of heat they can produce and what kind of heat controls they come with. You should be able to find a basic wood burner for about 40 dollars (USD). However, high quality wood burners that professionals use can cost over 200 dollars (USD). Pick a tip to use. Many wood-burning irons come with a variety of tips that can be screwed into the end of the burner. The tips typically come in a variety of sizes that you can choose from. In general, if you want to do small detailed work, use a small tip. If you want to make larger, thick letters, pick a bigger tip. In addition to large and small tips, there are differently shaped tips that make different types of lines. For instance, your wood-burning iron likely came with a tip that is teardrop shaped. This is made for shading. There are also tips that are made for drawing straight lines, which are wedge shaped and come to a point on on side. Once the iron has been heated up, use a pair of pliers to change the tip out. The pliers will save your hands from the hot iron. Consider using specialty tips. Some wood-burning irons come with specialty tips that are basically brands. These are iron tips that have designs on their surface that can be burned into wood with a simple stamping motion. In some cases, these specialty tips include letters. If you have letter tips that will work for your project, they will allow you to burn clear, quick letters onto wood. When using specialty tips to stamp letters, you will have to switch out the tip for every separate letter. Be careful when doing this and remember to use pliers, as the tips will be very hot. Heat up your iron. Plug your iron in and let it heat up for a few minutes. The instructions your iron came with will give you a general idea of how long your specific iron takes to heat up. Give your iron time to heat up before you start using it so that the lines you burn are solid and well defined. If your iron has heat controls, make sure that it is set to the heat your would like. If you want to make solid outlines, this usually requires an iron that is about 700 °F (371 °C). If you want to do some light shading, then you should set your iron to a more moderate temperature. Hold the wood burner firmly but press on the wood lightly. When wood burning it is important to have a firm grip on your iron, so that it doesn't slip out of your hands and burn you. However, you do not need to press down on the wood very hard. An iron that is properly heated should easily burn the wood with moderate force. However, you can play with the amount of pressure you use on the surface to get different effects in the wood burning. For instance, If you want a darker area of your design, pressing down harder will make the burns deeper and darker. Move consistently across the surface of the wood. As you begin burning, use a constant speed in order to keep your lines consistent. Varying your speed will make some areas of your lines thicker than others. This is because the slower you go, the more time the iron has to burn down into the wood. Getting consistent lines can take some practice. If you are worried about have smooth lines, take some time to practice your technique on a scrap piece of wood before burning on your project wood. Trace the letters. Begin the burning process by tracing the outline of your letters. Use smooth motions and don't stop moving in the middle of lines. To get smooth and consistent lines, begin and end your strokes only at the end of lines within your letters. For example, the letter O should be done in one single stroke. The letter R can be done in three strokes: the upright line, the loop at the top, and the leg on the lower right side. Adjust the temperature of your iron as you go. If you find that your lines are too light or too dark, then you may need to change the temperature of your iron. The temperature you need will vary depending on your technique and the type of wood you are using, so you may need to play around with it a little bit to get the results you want. If you have an iron that doesn't have a temperature adjustment knob, you will have less ability to fine tune the temperature. With this kind of iron, if it is not hot enough after a few strokes, you simply need to wait for the iron to heat up again before continuing your project. Fill in the letters. If your design includes thick letters, you may have to go back and fill in the centers of the letters after you have outlined them. Just use the same light pressure and smooth movement as you did with the outlines. Be sure to use a larger tip if you want to fill in large areas. Using a small tip to fill in a large area will take a long time and is likely to create inconsistencies in the color you get. Add additional details to your design. Once you have burned the letters onto your piece of wood, consider adding additional embellishments. Adding decorative swirls or little flowers can add a fun little flourish to your work. There may be specialty tips in your tip kit that you can use to stamp designs on your work. For instance, many wood burning irons come with stamping tips that have hearts or flowers on them. Try using some of these to elevate your design. | Pick out wood. Prepare the wood surface. Use a template or draw the letters freehand on the wood. Transfer your design to the wood. Use an image transfer wood burner tip. Purchase an iron. Pick a tip to use. Consider using specialty tips. Heat up your iron. Hold the wood burner firmly but press on the wood lightly. Move consistently across the surface of the wood. Trace the letters. Adjust the temperature of your iron as you go. Fill in the letters. Add additional details to your design. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Giardiasis | How to Treat Giardiasis | To treat Giardiasis, drink plenty of fluids and eat some fruits and veggies to rehydrate and replenish your electrolytes, which are lost with diarrhea and vomiting. If your symptoms last longer than a few days, go to your doctor or a walk-in clinic to be tested for Giardiasis. If you are very dehydrated, you may need to be treated with intravenous fluids to restore your body's water and electrolytes quickly. In more severe cases, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics to kill the parasites that cause the infection. | Stay close to bathrooms. The main symptoms of giardiasis are abdominal cramps and bloating, flatulence (gas) and watery foul-smelling diarrhea that may alternate with soft, greasy stools. As such, you shouldn't get too far from a bathroom because you'll need one frequently throughout the day for at least 2 weeks and maybe as long as 6 weeks while your body combats the infection. The bloating and cramps may make it difficult to walk, so don't plan on any hikes or being too active until you're back to full health. Consider postponing any holidays if you get giardiasis because you'll likely be too uncomfortable to enjoy the trip. If you're out of your house shopping or doing errands, always carry some wet wipes in case you have to use a toilet that doesn't have any toilet paper. Always wash your hands. The Giardia parasite survives outside the body within feces (poop) as spores. These hard spores can live almost anywhere for long periods of time until they get ingested via contaminated water, food or from someone's unwashed hands. The spores then hatch in your stomach or small intestine and cause infection. Washing your hands after going to the bathroom will prevent you from getting re-infected and infecting your friends and family. Be especially careful washing your hands after changing diapers or picking up pet feces. Always make a habit of washing your hands with soap and water before eating or preparing food. Rest as much as possible. While sick with the symptoms of giardiasis, resting is important because it'll allow your immune system more energy to fight off the infection. You'll likely be very tired due to the nausea, diarrhea and lack of appetite (which severely limits your eating), so taking some naps during the day shouldn't be difficult to do. Your immune system tends to kick it into "high gear" when you sleep. Some walking and light housework is fine, but take a break from the gym and other vigorous physical activities until you feel much better and stronger. Keep well hydrated. Since a primary symptom of giardiasis is moderate-to-severe diarrhea, dehydration from fluid loss is always a concern. As such, replenishing your fluids throughout the day is important, so aim for at least 64 ounces of purified water (eight 8-ounce glasses). If you're very nauseous and having trouble keeping liquids down, try taking small sips of water or sucking on ice chips. In addition to water, drinking some fresh fruit / veggie juice is important to replenish your electrolytes (mineral salts), which are lost with diarrhea and vomiting. You can add a pinch of salt and half a teaspoon of honey or one teaspoon of sugar to an eight ounce glass of fruit juice. This will make your fluid replacement even easier to tolerate. Avoid fizzy drinks and anything with alcohol or caffeine until you're feeling healthy. Symptoms of dehydration include: dry mouth, thirst, tiredness, headache, dizziness, reduced urination and increased heartbeat. Children with diarrhea are more susceptible to dehydration than adults are. Hydration is a really important part of managing mild diarrhea. If you can't intake all the hydration you need orally, you may need an IV to help replenish your fluids. If you think that you may need an IV, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Eat small bland meals. You need energy to fight off the parasitic infection and to be able to go about your day, but the nausea and abdominal cramps from giardiasis can greatly diminish your appetite. As such, ease back into eating with small meals (or snacks) spaced throughout the day. Eat bland, low-fat and easy to digest foods, such as crackers, toast, soup broth, bananas and rice. Don't eat during waves of nausea. Until you're feeling better, avoid fried foods, fatty and overly spicy foods. Avoid dairy products because you may have some degree of lactose intolerance that aggravates intestinal symptoms caused by giardiasis. Don't eat too much fresh fruit or veggies (especially cauliflower, onions and cabbage), because it can lead to even more gas, bloating and abdominal cramping. Snack on foods that can help your body get rid of parasites, such as pumpkin seeds, pomegranates, papaya, beets and carrots. Try taking herbs that kill parasites. There are a number of herbs that have anti-parasitic properties, which means they can inhibit the spread of parasites in your body or actually kill them outright. Effective examples include barberry, goldenseal, Oregon grape, anise seed, wormwood, curled mint and black walnuts. These anti-parasitic herbs are usually taken as tinctures under the tongue or diluted in some water. Taking them in capsules or using them to make herbal teas can work too. Other herbs sometimes used to kill parasites include grapefruit seed extract, fresh cloves, olive leaf extract and garlic. Some herbs used to treat intestinal parasites can interfere with certain medications, so use them only under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. Confirm a diagnosis. If the above-mentioned symptoms linger for more than a few weeks or get worse, then call your doctor or head to a walk-in clinic. While in a clinic or hospital, your doctor can confirm a diagnosis of giardiasis by taking a stool sample and looking under a microscope for parasitic spores. A stool antigen test and trichrome staining techniques are also available to diagnose Giardia. As a rule, it takes 3 different stool samples to diagnose 90% of Giardia cases. Lab technicians look for a high concentration of either spores or trophozoites. Staining might not be sufficient to identify Giardia because variable concentration levels can make people sick — some people are more sensitive to the parasite than others. Get treated for dehydration. If your diarrhea is severe and you're unable to replenish your fluids at home, you may need to get treated at a clinic or hospital for dehydration. As such, if dehydration symptoms appear (see above), call your doctor and ask for advice on where to go. The best way to replace water and electrolytes (such as sodium, potassium and calcium) is intravenously, which requires a needle to be inserted into a vein in your arm. While you're on intravenous, you can also be given glucose and various essential vitamins, which can give you more energy and reduce your mental fog. An intravenous session typically lasts a few hours, although you may need to stay overnight(s) if your dehydration and/or malnourishment is severe. You may be given some oral rehydration solution to take home — they typically contain electrolytes and glucose dissolved in water. Ask your doctor about antibiotics. Some antibiotics are effective for also killing parasites, so ask your doctor about getting prescribed one if your giardiasis lasts for much more than 2 weeks. Commonly prescribed antibiotics for giardiasis include metronidazole, tinidazole and nitazoxanide. Furazolidone and quinacrine are also effective for treating giardiasis, but no longer available in the U.S. The most common antibiotic used to combat giardiasis is metronidazole (Flagyl) — it has an efficacy rate of between 75-100%, but it often causes nausea and a metallic taste as side effects. Tinidazole (Tindamax) may work even better than metronidazole for giardiasis and it can be given in a single dose, but it also causes some side effects. Nitazoxanide (Alinia) comes as a liquid and may be easier for children to swallow and tolerate. Paromomycin and albendazole are less effective medications for giardiasis, but still sometimes used. Use anti-diarrheal medication cautiously. If your diarrhea persists for more than a few weeks, it's tempting to put a stop to it with medication, but your doctor may advise against it. Sometimes anti-diarrheal medicines can prolong the infection and make your condition worse because your body is prevented from getting rid of the parasite that's causing the diarrhea. Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons. Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medicines include loperamide ( Imodium ) and bismuth subsalicylate (Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol). Bismuth subsalicylate can also be used to treat nausea and vomiting. A stronger prescription anti-diarrheal is called Lomotil, although it must be taken as soon as you start experiencing diarrhea. | Stay close to bathrooms. Always wash your hands. Rest as much as possible. Keep well hydrated. Eat small bland meals. Try taking herbs that kill parasites. Confirm a diagnosis. Get treated for dehydration. Ask your doctor about antibiotics. Use anti-diarrheal medication cautiously. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Cage-Fighter | How to Become a Cage Fighter | To be a cage fighter, or a mixed martial arts fighter, you'll need to be skilled in at least one martial arts field and adopt a healthy lifestyle to reach peak performance. Watch videos or tournaments to decide which style best suits you, then take classes at a martial arts gym. When possible, spare with a partner to increase your speed, power, and endurance. Also, plan to do some cardio and strength training to become stronger overall. To get the most out of your training, eat a diet rich in protein, vegetables, and whole grains. Once you've practiced for at least 6 months, join a tournament to test your skills in the cage. | Decide which fighting styles you want to adopt. Cage fighters can draw on a wide variety of martial arts techniques. You might choose to specialize in one particular area, or borrow a bit from a variety of martial arts styles. For instance, you might incorporate elements from jiu-jitsu, taekwondo, karate, krav maga, or kung fu into your repertoire. Watch a few videos of different martial arts styles online to decide which ones you find most attractive. All martial arts styles have unique strengths and weaknesses, and offer unique challenges to different people. For instance, if you have wrestling experience, you might find it easy to learn jiu-jitsu, which has similar holds. You can always learn new styles later if you find that your particular mix of martial arts know-how isn't cutting it. Take classes at a martial arts gym. Once you've decide which styles you're interested in learning, you'll need to find a place nearby where you can receive training. When preparing to become a cage fighter, the best training gym is a mixed martial arts gym. However, these are exceedingly rare, so you'll likely need to join a gym that specializes in a particular combat style (like karate or taekwondo). Check online or thumb through your phone book for martial arts gyms in your area. Try to find a gym that has a few current or former cage fighters. Their experience and tips will help you become a great fighter. A good gym will be nearby and not too expensive. Enhance your training with books and videos. Nothing is as valuable for developing your fighting technique as hands-on experience and training in a gym. However, you can often gain valuable insights from books and videos, too. There are many books about cage fighting strategies and movements. Search online for cage fighter training videos, too, which can be useful for learning new moves. Browse online marketplaces for cage fighting DVDs if you want an offline video experience. The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and Bellator MMA (BMMA) are among the top cage fighting organizations. Watch some of these fights and take notes. Do some pad work. Pad work is a useful training exercise in which a partner wears large pads over their hands and moves them around while you try to punch them. These exercises can improve your reaction time and endurance. There is no right or wrong amount of time to engage in pad work, but you'll probably go for two or three rounds with your partner, and each round will probably last three to five minutes. Spar with a partner. Sparring consists of engaging in mock cage fights. You and a partner will engage each other at close to full power. Your goal in sparring is not to actually hurt your opponent but to test your speed, power, and endurance. By testing yourself regularly in this way, you'll develop the ability to hurt your opponent if you were participating in a real cage fight. To improve safety, you and your partner should wear padding on your body and head during your sparring session. Identify and develop your strengths. If you have solid punching power, focus on striking. If you have wrestling experience from high school or college, focus on improving your grappling and takedowns. Even as you identify and develop your strengths, work to improve areas you are less knowledgeable about. Avoid any deficiency in a particular area of training. Do strength training. There are many ways to improve your strength. You could use dumbbells or use a weightlifting machine. Some of the best weightlifting exercises for cage fighters include bench presses, deadlifts, and pull-ups. Lift weights every day of your training. When lifting, you should feel tired after two or three sets of 12-15 repetitions. If you're unsure of how much weight you should be lifting, start by lifting the lowest amount of weight possible, then slowly add weight in small increments. Focus equally on your arms and legs. Use the leg press and leg lifting machines to improve leg strength. Do some cardio. Cardio training will help you develop endurance. Use shadowboxing, pushups, and squats to get your heart pumping. For instance, you could shadowbox by throwing 50 jabs, 50 crosses, 50 jab-cross combos, and 25 more punches of any type. After that, start jumping rope until you've shadowboxed and jumped rope for a combined five minutes. Additionally, you could ride a bike, go running, jump rope, and go swimming. Mix these exercises up in any order and engage in each for at least 30 minutes at a time. Train 35-40 hours each week. Training regularly is the only way you'll be able to step into the cage and hurt your opponent while evading their attacks. Training at this level will enable you to become the best cage fighter you can be. When you're an up-and-coming fighter, you might need to maintain this level of training even while working full time. Divide up your time at the gym with the help of your coach or trainer. The way you should divide your time at the gym (between sparring, cardio, strength training, and so on) will vary depending on your individual needs. Consult the cage fighting trainers at your gym (or the head trainer or coach if you're not training at an MMA gym). Work with this coach or trainer to develop a workout plan that will improve your overall fitness and enable you to achieve victory in your next cage fight. Some fighters work with multiple coaches or trainers to gain exposure to a broad array of training approaches, each of which might emphasize different fighting styles or ways to improve your fitness. Adopt a diet high in protein, vegetables, and whole grains. Cage fighters rarely or never eat junk food. Focus your diet on protein sources like tofu, beans, and nuts in addition to animal protein. Vegetables like kale, spinach, eggplant, sweet potato, and beets are also healthy choices. Choose whole grain rice and bread as opposed to other varieties. The precise proportions in which you consume these foods is somewhat flexible and will vary depending on your gender, age, and activity level. Talk to a dietitian for more information about how to achieve a diet that will enable you to become a cage fighter. Buy your hand wraps, mouthpiece, and gloves. Since these pieces of equipment are used in every fight and sparring session (and since you won't want to share them with others), buy them as soon as you begin down your path to becoming a cage fighter. If you're a man, you'll also need to invest in a cup to protect your groin. Your MMA gym or martial arts training center will usually provide shin guards, headgear, and other training equipment. Join a tournament after at least six months of consistent training. Once you've practiced long and hard, you'll be ready to enter the cage. There are many cage fighting tournaments across the world. Trainers at your local MMA gym should be able to direct you to tournaments that are appropriate for your skill level. If you don't have an MMA gym nearby, run a word string like “cage fighting tournaments” through your preferred search engine. The process by which you sign up for a cage fight varies depending on the organizing authority. Generally, you'll need to provide some contact information either online or via a paper form. You'll also need to include your height and weight so that you can be matched with other fighters in the same class. Avoid cage tournaments that charge excessive entry fees. You'll probably start out at the amateur level. As you improve, you could consider becoming a professional cage fighter in a league like UFC. Review the tournament rules. Different cage fighting leagues have slightly different rules. For instance, some allow kicks to the head, but not knee strikes to the head, and vice versa. Before your fight begins, review the tournament's rule book carefully to avoid fouls or disqualifications during your fight. Most tournaments disallow eye gouging, groin strikes, clawing, pinching, biting, spitting, and other unsportsmanlike conduct. You can get a tournament rule book from the tournament's organizer. Meet the age requirements of the fight. If you're entering a youth league, your birthday will have to fall within the acceptable age range, and you'll be matched with someone near your age. If you're fighting in an adult league, you'll typically need to be at least 18 years old. There are usually no upper age limits, though some leagues do set an upper age cap at 40 years old, since older fighters tend to gradually lose power and speed. Scale back your training gradually as your fight approaches. In the week or so prior to your fight, relax your training schedule to allow your body to heal more fully. For instance, perhaps two weeks prior to the fight, you'll do 50 pushups daily instead of 60. The week before your fight, you might reduce that number again to just 40 pushups. Strategize before the fight. Before a fight, review footage of your opponent or attend one of their matches. Use your knowledge of their fighting style to gain a strategic advantage when you face them. For instance, if you know that your opponent tends to throw jab-cross-kick combos, you can be ready for the cross as soon as they throw the jab. Evaluate your opponent during the fight. If you are unable to evaluate an opponent before the fight, use your previous training and experience to determine how you might improve your advantage during a fight. For instance, if your opponent is larger than you, they're also probably slower, which means you should use quick jabs and kicks that they won't be able to block well. Get a medical evaluation after the fight. See a doctor to ensure you don't have any broken or fractured bones. The doctor should also check for signs that you suffered a concussion, and suture any cuts that you may have endured. Your doctor will let you know how long you'll need to recuperate. The amount of time you'll need to heal varies depending on the amount of damage you sustained during the fight. | Decide which fighting styles you want to adopt. Take classes at a martial arts gym. Enhance your training with books and videos. Do some pad work. Spar with a partner. Identify and develop your strengths. Do strength training. Do some cardio. Train 35-40 hours each week. Divide up your time at the gym with the help of your coach or trainer. Adopt a diet high in protein, vegetables, and whole grains. Buy your hand wraps, mouthpiece, and gloves. Join a tournament after at least six months of consistent training. Review the tournament rules. Meet the age requirements of the fight. Scale back your training gradually as your fight approaches. Strategize before the fight. Evaluate your opponent during the fight. Get a medical evaluation after the fight. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Build-and-Tune-a-Wind-Chime | How to Build and Tune a Wind Chime | To build and tune a wind chime, start by drilling holes in the platform that your chimes will be suspended from. Then, cut the chimes into different lengths so they'll produce different tones. Next, drill holes in the chimes and the pieces of wood that hang down between the chimes. After that, thread the chimes and the wood pieces, then attach them to the platform by running the threads through the holes you drilled into the platform. Finally, check to make sure the parts hang evenly and securely, and the chimes make the desired sounds. | Gather chime material. The sound the chimes will make depends on many factors, such as what the chimes are made of, how long they are, and how thick they are. The most common substances for chimes are metal tubes, pipes, and rods, which you can find at hardware stores, craft stores, or from scrap metal. Try to choose pipes that have a uniform thickness on all sides for an even tone. Pipes and tubes are the same in wind chimes. Rods are not hollow and sustain notes longer. Hard metals such as steel and aluminum produce sharper tones. Soft metals such as copper produce softer tones. Metal objects are good at producing vibrations, so non-metal chimes such as glass sound more hollow. To test out the sounds of different metal pipes such as copper or aluminum, visit a chime store or rap on the pipes with something that creates vibration, such as a piece of wood. You can also experiment with many imaginative materials for chimes such as shells or glass. Buy suspension lines. These lines, made of chain, synthetic cord, or another sturdy material, connect the base from which the chimes dangle to whatever holds the wind chime. Cords such as strong nylon are good for bearing the weight of the wind chime and can also be used when connecting the chimes and the striker. The support line material has little impact on the sound. It's how you hang the chimes that will determine sound, so choose line materials that will last. If you want to hang the chime from a hook or a tree, buy a metal ring to tie to the lines at the top of the chime. Choose a striker. Also called a clapper, the striker is the piece that fits between the chimes and bumps into them to create the vibrations that cause sound. Possible choices for strikers include redwood or hockey pucks. Strikers are often circular so that they can hit all chimes equally. Strikers can also be star-shaped. These hit all chimes at the same time with less force. The weight and material of the striker, in conjunction with the qualities of the chimes, will produce a unique sound. Purchase a suspension platform. The platform holds the chimes, letting them hang around the object that will strike them. Buy a piece big enough for your design. The piece should be bigger than the striker. Suspension platforms are often made out of wood, metal, or plastic. Choose a platform that can hold five to eight chimes at equal lengths. Choose a sail. The sail is the part that hangs from the striker. Extending lower than the chimes, it gets caught up in the wind, forcing the striker to move into the chimes. Sails are often rectangular or rounded and made of a substance that can be moved by a decent wind, such as a block of wood. The sail can be carved from wood into many artistic forms, such as animal shapes, but you may find it easier to choose a simple block of wood that you can drill into and hang from the striker with a suspension line. A small sail will be less durable, but a bigger sail will require more wind to move. Mark the base. Choose five to eight points where you will suspend your chimes. Indicate the points with a marker. This is where you'll drill holes, so the marks should indicate that the chimes are equidistant from the center with equal space between each chime. Don't forget to include a hole for where the striker will hang. Mark the other side of the base, too, to indicate where you plan on drilling holes to make the base hang from the wind chime's point of suspension if needed. Drill the holes. These should be tiny holes. Your goal is to be able to run the thread on the chimes through them. Drill a hole in the center of the platform between the holes for the chime threads, then drill a hole through the striker's center and one corner of the sail. Thread the sail and striker. Cut an appropriate length of thread. This depends on how low you want these pieces to hang. For a five-foot thread, for example, fold the thread in half, then pull it through the sail and knot it. Make a second large knot where the striker will hang about 16 inches or less above, then thread it through the striker. Try to keep the sail close to the bottom of the longest chime. The longer the sail's support line, the stronger the wind has to be to move the sail and its extra weight. Remember that wind velocity is often stronger the higher you hang the wind chime, so a sail too close to the ground also won't cause the chimes to sound as much. Secure the striker to the platform. Take the thread coming out of the top of the striker and run it through the hole you made in the center of the platform. On the top side, knot the thread securely. This thread, if you chose to make it long enough, can be used to suspend the entire chime. You can also choose to add other hanging implements such as hooks. Determine how to cut the metal. If you want a specific set of tones, now's the time to measure. Otherwise, you can plan on making the chimes as long as you wish, keeping in mind that shorter chimes produce higher-pitched tones. Many commercial chimes play a five-note pentatonic scale. The way you achieve the proper notes depends on the type of pipe you use. Cut the chimes. Measure out the desired length on the chime material, mark it, then start cutting it. To do this, you'll need to have a pipe cutter, a hacksaw, or a hand saw. For hand saws, be sure to choose a blade that is made for the kind of metal you are cutting. Your local hardware store may be able to cut the pipes for you. If you have a piano, tune the chimes by playing a note and matching the sound they make when you rap on them, then cut off more of the chime as needed. Sand the edges. Wrap the pipes in towels to protect them. Use a file or sander to wear down the sharp edges on points. If you didn't cut enough off the pipes, you can sand off the excess here. Unless you're removing significant portions of the material, which makes the pitch higher, the chime's sound won't change. Drill holes into the pipes. How you wish to make the holes depends on the material you have chosen and how you wish to hang the chimes. For copper pipes, for instance, you can drill holes into the sides in the area you wish to suspend by thread then run the thread through later. Cut the thread. Take the suspension lines you have chosen. Measure out your desired length. It's better to keep the chimes as close to the suspension platform as possible so that the chimes do not sway much, instead allowing the striker to do the work. The length of this thread, if the striker's suspension line isn't measured to compensate, changes how the striker aligns with the chimes. The striker may have problems reaching some of the chimes. Chimes that hang too low are more vulnerable in wind and move more, making the wind chime out of tune because the striker doesn't hit them evenly. Thread the chimes. How you thread depends on what kind of hole you've made. For a chime with two holes, for instance, run the thread through the holes enough so you can tie a knot. You could also choose more complicated methods, such as filling the holes with a screw that you knot the thread around or drill into end caps that you make a knot inside before gluing the caps on the chimes. Hang the chimes from the suspension platform. To do this, run the threads through the holes you made in the platform. Knot them on the other end. When you hold up the platform now, the chimes should hang with the striker between them and the sail below. To achieve balance with the platform, try distributing the weight of the chimes as equally as possible. Hang long chimes on opposite sides. Test the chime. Hold the wind chime up or find a makeshift way to hang it, such as temporarily knotting a string. Provide wind or strike the chimes to see if they provide the desired sound. Check to see if all the parts hang evenly and securely. Change the strike zone. Chances are your chimes currently are top-aligned. This means the top of all the chimes hangs from the platform and the striker hits a little below the midline of the longest chime. You can manipulate the chimes and their strings for different sounds. In a bottom-alignment, the bottoms of the chimes are all level. The strings hanging them are different lengths and the striker hits a little below the center of the shortest chime. In a center-alignment, the striker is even with the center of all the chimes. The string lengths are all different and the tops and bottoms of the chimes don't align. Install a metal hook. If you haven't run a wire through the top of the suspension platform, you can push a hook into it instead. You may need to use pliers to bend the hook over so it can latch onto the metal chain you use to hang the wind chime. Other options include running one or more of the chime and striker threads through the platform or installing a triangle of hooks to tie together for hanging the wind chime. Find an area to hang the chime. Stick the chime on a tree branch, from a metal ring or hook, or wherever else it pleases you. Find a location that provides an adequate amount of wind and keep the chime off the ground to achieve the desired sound. | Gather chime material. Buy suspension lines. Choose a striker. Purchase a suspension platform. Choose a sail. Mark the base. Drill the holes. Thread the sail and striker. Secure the striker to the platform. Determine how to cut the metal. Cut the chimes. Sand the edges. Drill holes into the pipes. Cut the thread. Thread the chimes. Hang the chimes from the suspension platform. Test the chime. Change the strike zone. Install a metal hook. Find an area to hang the chime. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Draw-an-Anime-Character | How to Draw an Anime Character | To draw an anime character, make their eyes big and exaggerated, since the eyes are always the biggest facial feature in anime. Then, draw a short, simple vertical line for the nose, and add a horizontal line under it for the mouth. Don't worry about adding details to the nose or lips, since they're the smallest and least noticeable features in anime. When you're finished drawing those, draw an oval on each side of the head for the ears, or skip the ears if your character is going to have long hair anyway. Finally, draw your character's hairstyle, like pigtails, bangs, or a bob. Avoid drawing individual strands of hair, and instead draw big, choppy sections. | Draw an oval and divide it into 4 sections. This will be the basic outline of your anime character's head. The proportions don't have to be exact, but make the oval narrower at the bottom since that will be the chin. Once you've drawn the oval, draw a horizontal line through the center of it. Then, draw a vertical line through the center of it that intersects with the horizontal line. Later, you'll use these lines as guides to draw the facial features. If you want your character to have a wider face, widen the bottom of the oval so it's just slightly narrower than the top. Or, if you want your character to have a slender face, make the bottom of the oval even narrower than the top. There's no single head shape used for all anime characters, so you can experiment until you find one you like. Draw the eyes underneath the horizontal line. Anime eyes are big and exaggerated, and they usually take up about 1/4 to 1/5 of the height of the face. To draw one, start by drawing a thick upper lash line just underneath the horizontal line you drew and on one side of the vertical line. Then, draw a semicircle coming down off the upper lash line, and draw a black pupil in the center of it. Next, draw a narrow, horizontal line underneath the circle for the lower lash line. Finally, shade in the circle around the pupil, leaving some white space so it looks like light is reflecting off of your character's eyes.Do the same thing on the other side of the vertical line to make the other eye. Sketch the eyebrows above the horizontal line. Draw a long, downward curving line for each eyebrow. Make them slightly longer than the upper lash line you drew for the eyes. Then, thicken the ends of the brows that are at the center of the face. If you're drawing a feminine anime character, make the eyebrows fairly thin. For a masculine character, thicken the eyebrows so they're more prominent on the face. Add the nose halfway between the horizontal line and the chin. Anime noses are subtle, and they're usually only defined when you're looking at a character from the side. To draw your character's nose, draw a short, simple vertical line along the center of the face at the halfway point between the horizontal line and the chin. Make the line longer if you want your character's nose to be big. Make the nose the smallest feature on your character's face. The nose will overlap with the vertical line you drew. To see it better, make it darker than the vertical line, or erase the vertical line around the nose. Masculine anime characters sometimes have noses that are more pronounced, but that's not always the case. If you want your character's nose to be more noticeable, draw a short horizontal line under the vertical line to represent the bottom of your character's nose. Also, draw a triangle-shaped shadow on the side of the nose so it looks like the light is hitting your character from the side. For certain styles of anime, like chibi , you don't even need to draw a nose at all! Draw the mouth about halfway between the nose and chin. Similar to anime noses, anime mouths are simple and subtle. To draw your character's mouth, draw a horizontal line that's about as long as the space between their eyes. Don't worry about drawing lips. Make the mouth the second smallest feature on your character's face, after the nose. Curve the line upward if you want your character to be smiling or downward if you want them to be upset. If you want your character to be smiling and showing their teeth, draw an upward curving line underneath the horizontal line you drew for their mouth. The white space between the curved line and the horizontal line should be about half as tall as the mouth is long. That space will be your character's teeth. Add the ears to the side of the head. If you want your character to have long hair that's covering their ears, skip drawing the ears. However, if your character's hair is going to be short, draw a narrow oval on each side of the head. Have the top of the ears line up with the horizontal line running through the center of the face, and have the bottoms line up with the bottom of the nose. Then, draw the flaps of the ear inside each oval. Experiment with the size of your character's ears if you want them to be bigger or smaller. Draw the hair on your character's head. The hairstyle you choose for your character is up to you, but generally, anime hair features pointed ends and distinct sections. You can draw a short, buzzed hairstyle, a medium-length style, or long, flowy hair. Whichever hairstyle you choose, avoid drawing individual strands of hair. Instead, draw big sections of hair, like 4 or 5 spikes at the ends. If your character has long hair, you could draw 2 pigtails, one at each side of the head, with spiked ends. Or, you could draw their hair pulled up with a round bun at the top. Alternatively, you could give your character bangs by drawing 3 or 4 distinct sections of hair coming down over their forehead. For a shorter hairstyle, you could draw 3 or 4 distinct sections of hair swooping to the side over your character's forehead. Or, you could draw a hairstyle without any bangs and draw a few lines running from their hairline to the back of their head so it looks like their hair is combed back. Alternatively, you could draw a chin-length bob that's divided into several thick sections. Erase the horizontal and vertical guidelines you drew. Erase them carefully so you don't remove any of the facial features by mistake. Use a small eraser so you're less likely to make mistakes. Once you erase both lines, your character's head and face are finished! Draw a stick-figure outline of your character’s body. Use straight lines for the arms, torso, and legs. Make the arms and torso similar in length, and make the legs about 1/3 longer. Then, draw triangles or ovals for the hands and feet. Make the hands about 1/5 the length of the arm, and make the feet about 1/6 the length of the legs. To get the proportions right, make your stick-figure outline about 7 times as tall as your character's head. Have the arm lines start about 1/5 of the way down the line you draw for the torso. Have the stick-figure outline of your character capture whatever pose you want them to be in. For example, if you want your character to be sitting, draw their legs so they're bent. Or, if you want your character to be waving, draw one of their arms so it's bent. Outline the general shapes of your character’s body. Drawing over the stick-figure outline you made, sketch a rough outline of your character's torso, arms, hips, and legs. Don't worry about making the outline precise yet. At this point, you just want to represent the different parts of the body with basic shapes. Draw ovals for the upper and lower arms and legs, and then draw a circle at each joint for the knees and elbows. Proportionally, make your character's upper and lower arms the same length and size. Make their upper legs thicker than their lower legs. For the torso, draw a quadrilateral (a 4-sided shape) that's wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. Eventually, the wide corners at the top will become your character's shoulders. To outline the hips, draw an oval over the point where the torso and upper legs meet. Anime characters tend to be tall and thin, but you can experiment with different heights and body shapes! Connect and refine the general shapes you drew. Trace around the outer edges of your character's body so you have one seamless outline. At this point, start refining the different parts of the body so they look more realistic, like your character's hands , shoulders, hips, and neck. When you're finished, you'll have a full, detailed outline of your character's body around the more abstract outlines you drew before. To connect and refine the legs, draw around the outer edges of each shape that makes up the legs (the ovals for the upper and lower legs, the circles for the knees, and the shapes you drew for the feet) so you have one seamless outline of each leg. Make the outline smooth (without any gaps) so the legs look realistic. For the upper body, you'd do the same with the arms and torso. Round out the corners of the torso for the shoulders, and draw 2 lines curving up away from the center of the torso for the neck. Also, connect the shape you drew for the hips to the torso and the upper legs. Erase the stick-figure outline and shapes you drew. Be careful erasing so you don't accidentally remove any of the refined, final outlines that you drew. When you're finished, you should be left with a neat, seamless outline of your character's body without any of the original guidelines you drew inside of it. Add your anime character’s clothes. Draw the clothes over the outline of your character's body. For example, for your character's shirt, draw the sleeves over their arms and the body of the shirt over their torso. Then, erase any lines that are inside of the clothes since those parts of your character's body are covered up. For example, if your character is wearing shorts, erase the outline of their upper legs that's inside of the shorts since you wouldn't be able to see that part of their legs. As you're drawing the clothes, think about where they would naturally crease and fold if someone were actually wearing them. Then, draw the creases and folds to make the clothes look more realistic. You can also look at images of clothes online to see how they crease. You can choose any kind of outfit for your anime character. Some conventional anime outfits you might consider include school uniforms, formal dresses and suits, and traditional Japanese attire. | Draw an oval and divide it into 4 sections. Draw the eyes underneath the horizontal line. Sketch the eyebrows above the horizontal line. Add the nose halfway between the horizontal line and the chin. Draw the mouth about halfway between the nose and chin. Add the ears to the side of the head. Draw the hair on your character's head. Erase the horizontal and vertical guidelines you drew. Draw a stick-figure outline of your character’s body. Outline the general shapes of your character’s body. Connect and refine the general shapes you drew. Erase the stick-figure outline and shapes you drew. Add your anime character’s clothes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Add-Rice-to-a-Crock-Pot-Recipe | How to Add Rice to a Crock Pot Recipe | To add rice to a crock pot, select the kind of rice you'd like to use, like white, brown, or wild. Next, create your meal in the crock pot and let it cook for several hours. Then, add the rice to the pot 2-3 hours before the dish has finished cooking to prevent mushiness. For white or brown rice, pour in an additional 1 1/2 cup of water or stock when you add the rice to the pot. If you're using wild rice, add 2 cups of water. Finally, let the dish cook for the remaining 2-3 hours at low heat. | Consider your recipe. While many recipes can have rice added to them, not all recipes will pair well with the addition of rice. A chicken and vegetable recipe would pair great with rice whereas an apple crisp cooked in the crock pot would not pair well with rice. Choose your rice. There are many different kinds of rice, each with its own suggested cooking time. White converted rice will cook much more quickly than brown rice. Wild rice takes the longest to cook. Add the rice to the crock pot. Unless your recipe states differently, rice should be added to the crock pot at the end of the cooking time. Rice left to cook in the crock pot for hours tends to become mushy and tasteless. Always add sufficient water or liquid to cook the rice. Follow the guidelines below. White converted rice should be added to the crock pot with about 2 hours left of cooking time; add an additional 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) of water or other liquid per 1 cup of rice to the crock pot. Cook on low heat. Brown rice should be added to the crock pot with 3 hours left of cooking time; add an additional 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) of water or other liquid per 1 cup of rice to the crock pot. Cook on low heat. Wild rice should be added to the crock pot with 3 hours left of cooking time; add an additional 2 cups (480 ml) of water or other liquid per 1 cup of wild rice to the crock pot. Cook on low heat. Prepare the rice ahead of time. Another option for adding rice to a crock pot recipe is to prepare the rice on the stove top and add it to the crock pot during the last few minutes of cooking time. Simply prepare the rice according to the directions on the package. The rice can even be made ahead of time and refrigerated until you're ready. If the rice is cold, simply add it to the crock pot with 30 minutes left of cooking time. Finished. | Consider your recipe. Choose your rice. Add the rice to the crock pot. Prepare the rice ahead of time. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.life/Cook-Beef-Tenderloin | How to Cook Beef Tenderloin | To cook beef tenderloin, salt it generously about 1 hour before cooking it. Additionally, allow the loin to come to room temperature to make it easier to cook. Next, season your meat with herbs and spices, and heat some cooking oil in a skillet. Sear the loin for 4 minutes on each side, then lay it in a roasting pan and cook for 1 hour at 425 degrees Fahrenheit. After you remove the loin from the oven, allow it to rest for 15 minutes before slicing into it. | Consider buying a whole tenderloin or tenderloin in bulk. Beef tenderloin is expensive, meaning the more that you buy, the better bang for your buck you'll get. Plus, beef tenderloin stores extremely well in the freezer, meaning any meat that you don't plan on using will keep until you next decide to treat yourself. Try storing your tenderloin in a freezer-safe vacuum pack for ideal freshness. When you're ready to defrost your tenderloin, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw slowly overnight in your refrigerator. Purchase beef tenderloin labeled "prime" or "choice" for the best quality and flavor. The USDA grades some cuts of meat, in part to ensure certain safety standards are met, and in part to ensure that the customer knows what they're buying. While the grades depend on numerous factors — including marbling (the amount of fat interspersed in the muscle), maturity, and skeletal ossification — what's important to know is that beef labeled prime or choice are the two highest grades a cut of meat can get. From highest quality to lowest, the USDA beef grades go as follows: Prime, Choice, Select, Standard, Commercial, Utility, Cutter, Canner. Utility, Cutter, and Canner, while available, are rarely sold at retail and are mostly used as processed meat. Choose your cut of tenderloin with respect to how much extra trimming you'd expect to do before cooking. Beef tenderloin comes either "peeled," "unpeeled," or as "PSMO." Each varietal requires different amounts of labor in order to prep the meat before cooking. Peeled tenderloin comes with the fat removed, but the silver skin remaining. Silver skin is the rubbery, white connective tissue that's often on red meat. Unpeeled tenderloin contains both fat and silver skin on the cut of meat. This is the least expensive cut of tenderloin, but also the hardest and most time-intensive to prepare. PSMOs stand for "peeled, silver skin removed, and side muscle on." Because the butcher has already done most of the work for the chef, there's very little prep work involved on these cuts, although they do tend to be more expensive than the rest. Trim away excess fat and the silverskin from the tenderloin. Again, if you want to make your life easier or you've never trimmed meat before, stick with PSMOs instead of buying your tenderloin unpeeled. The process of trimming can be quite tricky if you don't know what you're doing. On a PSMO tenderloin, simply cut into the fat and/or silver skin. Lift up a piece with your hands and safely begin cutting away more as you continue to lift up the flaps of fat and silver skin with your fingers. Continue until all noticeable fat and silver skin has been removed. Locate the membrane that holds the side meat (also called the "chain"). Cut the chain, which is fattier and tougher, off from the rest of the loin. Freeze and save for later. Cut off the large section attached to the main keel, also called the chateaubriand. Wrap and save for later. The chateaubriand is a great piece of meat and can be used it any number of dishes. Cut the tenderloin in half with a chef's knife for easier handling (optional). Do this especially if you've never cooked tenderloin before, or if you're only serving a few people. A whole beef tenderloin is about 6 pounds (2.72 kg), or enough for about 10 people. Place one cut portion of tenderloin in the freezer or refrigerator to cook later. Again, tenderloin keeps very well as long as you thaw it slowly in the refrigerator. Start with a long piece of butcher's twine. Butcher's twine is the best, easiest way to truss the tenderloin, although some heavy cotton cord — as used for kites — will do in a pinch. Bring your string under one side of the roast and drape the string over the top of the meat. Tie a butcher's knot. Bring both pieces of string together and loop one string under the other twice. Tighten the string, then twist the pieces of string and tie a simple overhand knot. Make sure that when you tie the butcher's knot, you leave enough rope at the end of your knot. You'll need a little bit of rope at the very end of the trussing process to tie both ends of the rope together. With the remaining string, make a large loop with your hand. Do this by taking the string around your hand and then twisting your hand. A simple loop should form. Wrap the loop under the tenderloin and tighten about an inch from the last loop. Tighten the loop by tugging on the free line while holding the loop knot in place with one hand. Make sure that the loop knots are lined up in a relatively straight line. Make another loop with your hand and continue the process of looping and tying off. Loop and tie off in the same manner, separating each loop by about an inch, until you reach the end of the roast. Flip the tenderloin over once the entire top side is trussed. Going the opposite direction with your twine you went on the top side, start feeding the twine under and then over each loop. Wrap the string under one loop, then over and under again, working down the roast in a straight line. Wrap the twine under, then over and under again, until each loop has been tied off. Finish with a butcher's knot on the top side of the tenderloin. Bring both ends of the rope together, loop one end underneath the other twice, and finish off with a simple overhead knot. Your roast is now officially trussed! Salt your tenderloin generously, at least 40 minutes to an hour in advance of cooking. Salting your meat brings moisture out to the surface, which is why you should never salt immediately before cooking, unless dry meat is your sort of thing. Salting far enough in advance fixed this problem: When you salt far enough in advance, the salt gets a chance to enter back into the cut of meat. This process is called osmosis. This process, however, takes a while, which is why you should prepare enough in advance. Allow the tenderloin to come to room temperature. If you've just bought the tenderloin, allow it to sit in a cool place on your counter. Meat that has been chilling in the refrigerator generally takes 30 minutes to an hour in order to come to room temperature. Meat that has come to room temperature takes less time to cook and generally turns out easier to cook, as the meat on the outside doesn't dry out before the meat on the inside gets a chance to cook through. Right before it's ready to start cooking, season your tenderloin with herbs and spices. What you do with your tenderloin is completely up to you. Suffice it to say that simple is often better than elaborate. Here are some different herb combinations that you can try out: Chopped garlic, fresh thyme, fresh rosemary, crushed black pepper. Coriander, cumin, clove, and nutmeg. Curry powder, dry mustard, cayenne pepper, chopped garlic. Preheat your oven to 425° F (218° C). While the oven is preheating, place a large skillet over medium-high heat on your stove. Pour a thin layer of vegetable oil in the heated skillet and wait for the oil to just start smoking. Sear each side of the roast until brown, approximately four minutes. You're not trying to fully cook the tenderloin here, just give it a nice color and begin to develop some flavors on the outside. Remove the tenderloin from the skillet when searing is finished. Lay the tenderloin in a roasting pan and insert a cooking thermometer into the tenderloin. The thermometer tip should be in the innermost portion of the meat. Cook the tenderloin in the preheated oven until the thermometer reads 125° F Fahrenheit (51.1° Celsius). This process should take a little under an hour, depending on the thickness of the tenderloin. This temperature produces a medium rare tenderloin. If you prefer your meat less well done or more well done, consult this guide: 120° F (48.8° C) = Rare 130° F (54.4° C) = Medium rare 140° F (60° C) = Medium 150° F (65.5° C) = Medium well 160° F (71.1° C) = Well done Take the beef tenderloin out of the oven and let it sit for about 15 minutes before carving. The meat will continue to cook even after taken out of the oven. But most importantly, letting the meat rest will ensure a juicier tenderloin when you finally do cut into it. Cooking meat causes its muscles to contract. This sends the juices toward the center of the meat. If you cut into the meat right after it's been removed from the oven, the juices will all run out because they're localized in one place. If you give the meat time to rest, however, the muscles relax and the juices disperse back into the whole cut of meat. Give your tenderloin at least 10 minutes of R & R for a much juicer experience. Enjoy. | Consider buying a whole tenderloin or tenderloin in bulk. Purchase beef tenderloin labeled "prime" or "choice" for the best quality and flavor. Choose your cut of tenderloin with respect to how much extra trimming you'd expect to do before cooking. Trim away excess fat and the silverskin from the tenderloin. Locate the membrane that holds the side meat (also called the "chain"). Cut off the large section attached to the main keel, also called the chateaubriand. Cut the tenderloin in half with a chef's knife for easier handling (optional). Start with a long piece of butcher's twine. Bring your string under one side of the roast and drape the string over the top of the meat. Tie a butcher's knot. With the remaining string, make a large loop with your hand. Wrap the loop under the tenderloin and tighten about an inch from the last loop. Make another loop with your hand and continue the process of looping and tying off. Flip the tenderloin over once the entire top side is trussed. Going the opposite direction with your twine you went on the top side, start feeding the twine under and then over each loop. Wrap the twine under, then over and under again, until each loop has been tied off. Finish with a butcher's knot on the top side of the tenderloin. Salt your tenderloin generously, at least 40 minutes to an hour in advance of cooking. Allow the tenderloin to come to room temperature. Right before it's ready to start cooking, season your tenderloin with herbs and spices. Preheat your oven to 425° F (218° C). While the oven is preheating, place a large skillet over medium-high heat on your stove. Sear each side of the roast until brown, approximately four minutes. Lay the tenderloin in a roasting pan and insert a cooking thermometer into the tenderloin. Cook the tenderloin in the preheated oven until the thermometer reads 125° F Fahrenheit (51.1° Celsius). Take the beef tenderloin out of the oven and let it sit for about 15 minutes before carving. Enjoy. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Mysterious-to-Attract-People | How to Be Mysterious to Attract People | The best way to be mysterious in order to attract people is to leave them with unanswered questions about yourself. Ask questions about others rather than speaking at length about yourself. Be unavailable sometimes, like by declining invitations occasionally or letting people's calls go to voicemail. Show that you are unpredictable by changing up your routine and planning creative outings. | Make eye contact. Making eye contact shows that you have confidence. Also, when you make eye contact with someone, it shows that you're interested in learning more about them. Make sure that you don't hold eye contact for too long – about two seconds is a good length – lest you come off as creepy or intimidating. Be calm. Animated people don't leave much too the imagination because they are the center of attention. To be attractively mysterious, be calm, somewhat serious, and relatively even-keeled. Be the calm at the center of the storm, no matter how lively things are around you. Learn a lot about a few things. You're mysterious and intelligent. Because you won't be talking about yourself much, you'll need to learn about some topics that you can talk about at length. Not only does this keep the conversation away from your personal story, it shows that you're passionate enough about a subject to learn it. Make sure that the topic is interesting and not polarizing. For example, presidential candidates might be interesting but they're also polarizing. Instead, the impact of farm-produced fish on the environment is interesting and likely to not be very polarizing at all. Ask questions. Asking questions is an excellent way to be mysterious and attract people and serves a few purposes. It allows you to keep the conversation away from your personal details, it shows interest in another person, and, most of all, it allows that people to talk about themselves. People will think you're especially interested in them and be flattered that you wanted to hear their story. Start off with simple questions like “where are you from originally?” or “where would you travel to if money was no object?” Listen to the answers and ask questions based on those answers, such as: “Oh, you'd like to travel to Paris? What is it about the City of Lights that you find attractive? Would you travel alone or with someone?” Make them smile. Just because you're mysterious doesn't mean that you can't be charming. Make people smile. Smiling makes people feel good and it makes people instantly feel warmer toward the person that made them smile. Don't be afraid to smile yourself, too. This shows a good-natured appreciation of life that is attractive to just about everyone. You don't have to talk to someone to make them smile. When you're making eye contact, give the other person a little smile and watch, they'll return the favor. Change the topic. Just because you're not going to spend much time talking about yourself doesn't mean that you can't direct the conversation. This works because changing topics fairly frequently shows your audience that you're not only mysterious, but that you're confident and knowledgeable about a variety of topics. Look for natural opportunities to change topics, which will come up typically in someone else's response to something. This is a great time to ask a question, which will direct the conversation in another direction. Be an alpha or a flirt. Depending on your gender, being mysterious can be a sign that you're an alpha male or a flirty female, two archetypes that are attractive to almost everyone. Mysterious people exude confidence, and that confidence can be interpreted differently depending on your gender. What is fairly universal, though, regardless of gender, is that mysterious people are quietly in control, but not flamboyant of attention seeking. This idea refers back to the psychology of attraction, which posits that attraction is physiological and psychological, and that the two inform one another. Keep some things to yourself. When talking to someone, don't tell them your life story. You're not an open book. Instead, you're mysterious and need to leave gaps in your story. That will encourage people to ask questions, think about what you've said, and fill in the gaps of your story with their imaginations. A great way to approach this idea is to only answer questions that you're asked about yourself as opposed to simply offering up information. Even when you're answering questions, give as little information as possible while still satisfying the questioner. If someone asks you about your weekend, make some vague reply such as "I met up with some friends and we did some things in town." If they question you further, just say nothing and smile mysteriously. Don’t always be available. If you're always available, you might seem eager and you certainly won't appear mysterious. Instead, you want to be available occasionally, although usually not, which will make your attentions almost seem like a reward. This applies to phone calls, texts, video chats, and get-togethers. If your phone rings, let it go to voicemail. If you receive a text or direct message, don't read it right away. If they suggest that you get together, don't enthusiastically say yes. Check your calendar first. You're mysterious when you're often unavailable. Don’t be a flashy dresser. You don't want to stand out in a crowd because of your flashy clothes, bright colors, or loud patterns. Instead, you want to keep your clothing somewhat modest, but still different from everyone around you. Darker colors are more mysterious. If people around you tend to wear jeans, for example, consider wearing boot cut jeans. If everyone wears boots, consider loafers. Think outside the box. Try to be more creative and think outside the box. Your love interest is attracted to your mysterious demeanor, and creativity is a sign of a confident, mysterious person. Creativity shows that you can be playful and disciplined and that you view the world from a unique perspective. Share that uniqueness with the object of your affection to maintain the mystery. Creativity doesn't just mean artistic. You might not have an artistic bone in your body and that's just fine. Be creative with your answers to people, your solutions to problems, or even how you spend time with your partner. For example, rather than suggesting dinner and a movie, be creative and take your partner to a place they've never been, like a state park, for a picnic and bring a book of your favorite poems to read with them. Be unpredictable. Being unpredictable lends to your mysterious demeanor. This doesn't mean that you should act of character with your love interest or confuse them. Even worse, hurt their feelings. Being unpredictable simply means defying your own routines and patterns every now and then. This will demonstrate that there are still some secrets up your sleeve and keep it interesting. For example, if you always grab a coffee on your way to work, decide to go for a jog instead one day. Or, if you always wait for your love interest to call you, surprise them with a phone call. Remember to reciprocate. Your love interest is attracted to you and perhaps you've taken your relationship to another level. Remember, you can be mysterious and still reciprocate feelings and interest. People tend to feel more attracted to those who they feel are attracted to them, so reciprocate their interest in you. For example, you can still be mysterious and bring your love interest flowers or send a simple text that says, “thinking of you.” Small gestures mean a lot, especially from a mysterious person. | Make eye contact. Be calm. Learn a lot about a few things. Ask questions. Make them smile. Change the topic. Be an alpha or a flirt. Keep some things to yourself. Don’t always be available. Don’t be a flashy dresser. Think outside the box. Be unpredictable. Remember to reciprocate. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Relationship-Work | How to Make a Relationship Work | To make a relationship work, communication is key. If something is bothering you, let your loved one know by sharing your thoughts and feelings openly so you can both resolve the issue together. For example, if you're worried that your partner isn't spending enough time with you, calmly let them know how that makes you feel. They might not even be aware that their actions are upsetting you, and talking about it gives them the opportunity to change. In addition to effective communication, try to be willing to compromise when you and your partner have disagreements. Remember that you don't have to win every fight or argument. Instead, compromise so you can both move on and focus on the good parts of your relationship, like having fun together. | Play together. Develop mutual interests with your partner to help your relationship grow or stay strong. It's important to have common interests other than your love for each other. At first, passion may be enough to keep your love going, but once your relationship matures, it's important to share common interests or activities so that your relationship stays fresh. You should work on sharing hobbies, whether you bake desserts together, go hiking together, or find a good book that you can both read. Have a couple culture project. Try watching one movie together a week, or having your own mini-book club. This can motivate you to learn new things and keep your conversations interesting. Maintain some individual passions and friends. Balancing time apart with time together promotes interdependence. Both of you need it in order to maintain your own interests, as well as to realize how grateful you are when your partner is around. Healthy relationships are secure enough so that each of you can get some space every now and then. While it's important to share passions, you should still have something that's just yours whether it's a weekly spa visit or a poker night with your friends. Find solo joy. Don't count on your partner to bring you happiness. Just as you should make sure to have your own hobbies, you should also be sure that you are happy on your own. So many people enter relationships hoping that their mates will make them happy. This is an unrealistic expectation, and only causes the relationship to suffer. Don't expect your partner to bring you happiness. Set goals and take action to reach them. Build a strong support network outside of the relationship. Do work that adds meaning to your life. Show appreciation and support for your mate. Even if you think your love is rock solid, never take your loved one for granted. No matter how busy your days are, make time away from computers, phones, and televisions to catch up on each other's days. Compliment your significant other at least once a day. For bonus points, find something new to say every time! Don't come to expect your partner's good deeds. Tell your date or partner “thanks” when they show up with flowers. Showing appreciation reinforces positive behaviors. Spice it up in the romance department. Be sure to add interest to your love life with exciting dates and love-making. It's easy to fall into a rut and think you're no longer attracted to your partner merely because the two of you never do anything new. Schedule weekly date nights where you spend time together one-on-one. These don't have to be fancy—go to a movie, have dinner in your home, or feed the ducks at the local pond. Check in with your partner often to ensure they're content in the romance department. Start by sharing your own feelings like “Our date last week was really fun! It was nice to be with you in a different way. What did you think about it?” Commit at your own pace. The biggest mistake you can make is putting your foot on the gas to catch up with all the speeding cars around you—you just may end up crashing. Let your relationship develop in its own time without trying to hurry up to some far-off finish line. Just because your best friend shacked up with her boyfriend of three weeks doesn't mean that you and your beau have to go apartment hunting ASAP. On the other hand, be wary if they delay making a commitment. Talk to them to ensure that you both have the same goals. Ask, “Could we talk about where we see our relationship going?” Share your thoughts and feelings openly. If something is bothering you, it's important to let your loved one know so you can tackle the problem together. On the flip side, your communication shouldn't exclusively revolve around discussing issues. Spend time sharing your opinions, ideas, and dreams, too. Set aside time daily to chat with your significant other. Pick the right place and time to talk, somewhere free of distractions. If discussing an issue, stick to “I” or “we” statements. These minimize any fault-finding and allow you to take ownership of your feelings. Be an active listener. The healthiest relationships are undermined when partners listen to respond rather than listening to understand. When your partner is talking, make them feel like they are the most important person in the universe. Turn to face them. Make eye contact. Nod or encourage them to continue. Rephrase what your partner said to ensure that you got the right message. It may sound like, “So, it sounds like you're saying…” Consider your partner's feelings when communicating. Validate their emotional experience by saying something like: “I can see that you're hurt.” Demonstrate honesty and trustworthiness. Although the truth is sometimes painful to hear, the only way to preserve trust and integrity in your relationship is by being honest. Admit it when you're wrong. Apologize when you make a mistake. Your partner will appreciate your truthfulness and see you as more trustworthy. Encourage your partner to do the same, but don't demand it. Oftentimes, your partner will return the honesty if they see it coming from you first. Communicate your personal boundaries. Personal boundaries define the line where your partner ends and you begin. Even though the two of you are close, you will still have different needs, wants, and limitations. Each of you should take time figuring out what your boundaries are, and then communicate them to your partner. Share your boundaries in a calm and polite manner. For example, you might say, “I have been thinking about my personal boundaries and I wanted to share them with you…” Boundaries can be any principles you want to live by. These may include making sure your partner respects your privacy, allows you time to yourself, and acknowledges your values and spiritual beliefs. Be okay with conflict, but choose your battles carefully. Many couples have a tendency to sweep problems under the rug because they fear conflict. In truth, conflict is a normal and necessary aspect that allows a relationship to grow. You and your partner are going to have disagreements. That's fine. However, your entire relationship shouldn't be marked by arguments. A healthy relationship should involve primarily positive interactions. If either partner is always complaining or nagging, your relationship could be in jeopardy. Know when to lay off on the nitpicking. Approach your partner with issues that compromise your values or the health of the relationship. Ask yourself, “Will this matter in a month, a year, or five years?” If not, let it slide. Pause before saying something you'll regret. Follow the 48-hour rule when resolving conflict. Anger can corrode communication and lead to words being exchanged that you later wish you had kept to yourself. Take time apart to cool off before rehashing an argument. Give yourself a day or two before discussing the problem with your partner. Take care of yourself emotionally during this time. You could even jot down your thoughts about the disagreement. Once you're feeling calm, bring up the issue in a courteous tone. Use “I” statements like “I was really disappointed that you flaked on my performance the other night. It was a big deal to me, and I'd hoped you'd be there.” Be willing to compromise. You shouldn't be keeping score of wins and losses because if your partner loses, so does the relationship. Don't develop a need to be right or always get your way. Learn the art of compromise. Stand up for what you believe in, but within reason. When you disagree on an issue, decide who cares about the issue the most. If it's not that important to you, give in and compromise with your partner. Remember: both people should be willing to compromise. If you're always the only one compromising, it's time to have a talk. Check-in regularly to catch small issues before they blow up. If you want to avoid having big serious talks all the time, remember that if something small ticks you off, you can tell your significant other without making a big deal about it. That way, you can avoid being passive-aggressive or having built up tension. Choose a time to sit down each week and discuss your relationship's health. Jot down any feedback, both positive and negative. Point out the positive aspects of your partner and relationship, and offer advice on how to improve the negative aspects. For example, you might say, “I noticed that you're still having trouble keeping up with your part of the housework. Is there anything I can do to help you improve in that area?" Accept your partner's differences. The worst thing you can do is view your partner through a distorted lens. Acknowledge and accept who they really are rather than your idea of them. Respect their unique background and experiences as different than your own. Keeping in mind that you have different histories and therefore different perspective can go a long way towards resolving conflict. Also, give them the benefit of the doubt always. It's easy once you've known someone for a while to start assuming what they did or didn't do. Avoid this tactic and give your partner the liberty to evolve with time like anyone else. Look forward. In order to make your relationship work, you have to drop old hurts and let the past stay in the past. Whether you are hung up on your partner's past relationships or dwelling on old arguments, this type of behavior can lead to a split. Once an issue has been resolved, take down the rearview mirror and don't bring it up again. Give issues time to resolve. For example, if your significant other has an annoying habit, don't expect it to go away overnight. This doesn't necessarily mean that you should forgive and forget everything. For example, if your significant other is abusive, you should seek help. Seek couples counseling. You and your partner may have trouble getting over disagreements. Conflict resolution is a learned skill; it doesn't come naturally. If communication and conflict resolution are shortcomings in your relationship, have the courage to get help. Professional counseling may be just what the two of you need to build healthier communication patterns and make your relationship work. | Play together. Maintain some individual passions and friends. Find solo joy. Show appreciation and support for your mate. Spice it up in the romance department. Commit at your own pace. Share your thoughts and feelings openly. Be an active listener. Demonstrate honesty and trustworthiness. Communicate your personal boundaries. Be okay with conflict, but choose your battles carefully. Pause before saying something you'll regret. Be willing to compromise. Check-in regularly to catch small issues before they blow up. Accept your partner's differences. Look forward. Seek couples counseling. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Find-the-Surface-Area-of-a-Box | How to Find the Surface Area of a Box | To find the surface area of a box, start by calculating the area of each side using the formula a = lh, where l is the length and h is the height. Once you know the area of every side, add them all together to get the surface area of the box. If the box is cylindrical, you'll need to use the formula: surface area = 2b + hc, where b is the area of the base of the box, h is the height, and c is the circumference of the base. | Add together the area of each side to get the surface area of the box. Surface area is the total area of each side. As long as you know how to find the area of a regular rectangle , which is simply the length times the height, you can find each side and add them together. However, there is also a simplified formula that will do this for you if you know the measurements of the box: S u r f a c e A r e a = 2 l w + 2 l h + 2 w h {\displaystyle SurfaceArea=2lw+2lh+2wh} l is the length of the box, or the longest side. h is the height of the box. w is the width of the box. Measure the length of the box. This is your longest side. There should be 4 identical lines equally long across the whole box. Lay the box down on its longest side to make it easier to measure. Example: The length of the box is 5 feet. Measure the height of the box, or the distance from the floor to the top. Make sure you don't measure the same side as the length. Example: The height of the box is 4 feet. Measure the width of the box. This is the side directly perpendicular (it forms a right angle, or L) with the length. Make sure you are not remeasuring the height. Example: The width of the box is 2 feet. Ensure that you didn't measure the same side twice. The easiest way to prevent this is to check that all three lines meet at some point. Find a corner and measure the three sides coming off of it -- this ensures you have the right measurements. The sides may be the same measurement. You just want to make sure you're measuring three unique sides, even if two or three of them are all identical. Input your measurements into the formula to solve the equation. Once you've got the numbers, the rest is easy. Simply input the measurements and add it all up. S u r f a c e A r e a = 2 l w + 2 l h + 2 w h {\displaystyle SurfaceArea=2lw+2lh+2wh} S u r f a c e A r e a = 2 ( 5 ) ( 2 ) + 2 ( 5 ) ( 4 ) + 2 ( 2 ) ( 4 ) {\displaystyle SurfaceArea=2(5)(2)+2(5)(4)+2(2)(4)} S u r f a c e A r e a = 20 + 40 + 16 {\displaystyle SurfaceArea=20+40+16} S u r f a c e A r e a = 76 {\displaystyle SurfaceArea=76} Express your answer in "units squared" when done. This lets people know how you measured everything, and is a crucial part of your answer. Luckily, all you need to do is use the units provided in the question. For this example, since the units were in feet, you would put "feet squared" at the end of your answer: You have a box 5 feet long, 4 feet high, and 2 feet wide, what is the total surface area? Answer: 76 f e e t 2 {\displaystyle 76feet^{2}} Break complex boxes into smaller pieces to find surface area. For example, say you had an "L" shaped box. Instead of finding everything by hand, simply think of two separate boxes, the vertical half on top and the horizontal half on the bottom. Find the surface area of both, then add them together to get the total surface area. For example, if you have a U shaped box: Say the bottom has a surface area of 12 units squared. Say both sides have a surface area of 15 units squared. The total area would be 42 units squared , since 12 + 15 + 15 = 42 {\displaystyle 12+15+15=42}. Add the area of the bases to the height times circumference to find the surface area of a cylinder. This only works with right cylinders, meaning they are not slanted. The proper formula is S u r f a c e A r e a = 2 B + h C {\displaystyle SurfaceArea=2B+hC} For example, if the area of the base is 3, the height is 5, an the circumference is 6, what is the surface area? Answer = 36 units squared. B is the area of the base. h is the height of the cylinder. C is the circumference of the base. Find the area of the base. The base is the circular end of the cylinder. It can be found with the formula A r e a = p i ∗ r 2 {\displaystyle Area=pi*r^{2}} R is the radius of the circle. Pi is the constant, rounded to 3.14 for simple problems. You can also leave it as "pi" if you do not have a calculator. Example: The radius of the base in a cylinder is 2. What is the area of the base? p i ∗ ( 2 ) 2 {\displaystyle pi*(2)^{2}} B = 4 p i {\displaystyle 4pi} Calculate the circumference if the base. The circumference is the distance around the edge of the circle. It is found with the formula C i r c u m f e r e n c e = 2 ∗ r ∗ p i {\displaystyle Circumference=2*r*pi} Continuing the previous example: 2 ∗ p i ∗ ( 2 ) {\displaystyle 2*pi*(2)} C = 4 p i {\displaystyle 4pi} Find the height of the cylinder by measuring the space between the two bases. The height of a cylinder is just another way to figure out how long it is. It is the straight line between the center of the two bases. Example: In the same cylinder, with radius 2 inches, the height is 5 inches. h = 5 {\displaystyle h=5} Input your smaller parts into the formula to find your surface area. Once you've got your base area, circumference, and height, all you need to do is plug the numbers into your formula to get the right answer. S u r f a c e A r e a = 2 B + h C {\displaystyle SurfaceArea=2B+hC} S u r f a c e A r e a = 2 ( 4 p i ) + ( 5 ) ( 4 p i ) {\displaystyle SurfaceArea=2(4pi)+(5)(4pi)} S u r f a c e A r e a = 8 p i + 20 p i {\displaystyle SurfaceArea=8pi+20pi} S u r f a c e A r e a = 28 p i {\displaystyle SurfaceArea=28pi} Express your answer in units squared. All problems of surface area need units to give them scale. Is the area in inches, or feet, for example. The units always match the units given to you in the problem. If no units are given, you should just write the phrase "units squared," or " u n i t s 2 {\displaystyle units^{2}} " In the example, the units were given as inches. So the final answer would be 28 p i {\displaystyle 28pi} i n c h e s 2 {\displaystyle inches^{2}} Try out some practice problems with rectangles. To see the answers, highlight right after the arrow: L = 10, W = 3, H = 2, → 112 units squared L = 6.2, W = 2, H = 5.4 → 113.36 units squared On a rectangular box, the top is 5x3x2, the bottom 6x2x2. → 118pi units squared Try out some practice problems with cylinders. To see the answers, highlight after the arrow: Base = 3, Height = 10, Circumference = 1.5 → 21 units squared Base = 25pi, Height = 3, Circumference = 10pi → 80pi units squared Radius = 3, height = 3 → 36pi units squared | Add together the area of each side to get the surface area of the box. Measure the length of the box. Measure the height of the box, or the distance from the floor to the top. Measure the width of the box. Ensure that you didn't measure the same side twice. Input your measurements into the formula to solve the equation. Express your answer in "units squared" when done. Break complex boxes into smaller pieces to find surface area. Add the area of the bases to the height times circumference to find the surface area of a cylinder. Find the area of the base. Calculate the circumference if the base. Find the height of the cylinder by measuring the space between the two bases. Input your smaller parts into the formula to find your surface area. Express your answer in units squared. Try out some practice problems with rectangles. Try out some practice problems with cylinders. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-an-Affordable-College-Education | How to Get an Affordable College Education | College education can be very expensive and leave you in debt, but luckily, there are many ways for you to cut costs. Try applying to in-state universities, since they typically offer much cheaper tuition fees to state residents than out-of-state students. You could also consider beginning your studies at a community college, where fees are usually cheaper. After studying for 2 years, you can transfer your credits to a four-year degree at a university. Once you choose a college, apply to all scholarships you're entitled to so you have a better chance of getting funding. Scholarships are often offered by your school, as well as outside foundations active in your field. If scholarships don't cover your costs, speak to the financial aid office at your school to see if they can offer any help. | Apply to a lot of schools. Applying to as many schools as you can will greatly increase the chances of getting a lower-cost or even a free college education. While it can get expensive to apply to dozens of colleges, you should look at the average cost to submit an application and apply to as many places as you can afford. Studies have shown that if you have a lot of colleges to choose from, you're more likely to receive more financial aid. If you're a good student, colleges will want to draw you to them. Apply to a variety of different school types. Try public universities as well as private colleges that are known to offer decent financial aid (which you can usually find information about online). Consider starting at a community college and transferring. Many students begin their collegiate studies at a two-year community college. After two years you can earn an associate's degree, then decide whether to transfer to a four-year college. You'll be able to earn a bachelor's degree in less time since you're coming in with a two-year degree and all the course credit that you took. Community college tuition is typically much cheaper than the tuition at a four-year college or university. Most colleges will let you transfer in some outside credit, but there are often restrictions. For example, you may have to have above a minimum grade in each course, and there may be a cap on how many credits you can transfer. Find out whether four-year colleges and universities in your area accept transfer credit and how much they're willing to let you transfer. Opt for in-state tuition. While you may prefer to move away from home, staying within your state can save you a lot of cash. Consider applying to state universities to take advantage of your in-state residency, or establish residency somewhere else before applying to schools in that state. Residents of a state can get tuition rates significantly cheaper than out-of-state students would get. At the University of Texas at Austin, for example, in-state tuition is almost $24,000 cheaper than out-of-state tuition. Public state universities are the most likely schools to offer deep discounts for in-state residents. If you're planning on moving out of state, either for a better school or for unrelated reasons, establish your residency at least 12 months before classes would start. Some states and schools require even longer to establish residency, so check online well in advance. Look into accelerated learning or fast-track degree programs. Some colleges and universities will help you earn your degree as quickly as possible. There are a number of ways to do this, though it will typically require more vigorous work on your part to make it happen. Some colleges will accept advanced placement credits from high school. Most schools let you opt to take summer classes, which can help shave off a semester or two from your estimated completion time. If you take heavy course loads during the regular school year, you can also trim off some of the time it would typically take to complete your studies. Apply for scholarships and grants. When you've settled on a school, you should apply for any and all scholarships and grants that you're eligible for. These can help significantly defray the cost of tuition, and may even be applicable to other expenses like books or room and board. Apply to any and all scholarships offered by the school you choose. You may also be eligible for outside scholarships from various foundations and organizations. Ask your chosen school's financial aid office for more assistance. You may find yourself disappointed with the amount of funding being offered after getting some financial aid offers from a couple of schools. If this happens, try reaching out to the financial aid offices at those schools to see if they can offer you anything better. It may not always work, but it never hurts to try petitioning for more financial aid. Write a letter to the financial aid office at any school(s) you're considering and describe your finances, family situation, and any other important factors affecting your ability to pay for college. Let the financial aid office know about any other offers you've received from other schools, and stress that you'd really prefer to attend their institution if they can offer you better funding. Don't be rude or demanding, but offer a genuine request with courtesy and sincerity. Submit your application for federal student aid. Whether you get a scholarship or not, you should still apply for federal student aid. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available online and will help determine your eligibility for additional sources of funding, such as work-study programs and student loans. Make sure you complete your FAFSA application before your chosen school's priority deadline to ensure you get the most financial aid possible. In addition to your school's deadline, you'll need to make sure you meet both state and federal deadlines for completing and submitting your FAFSA materials. Consider a public service program. Depending on your chosen career path, you may be able to knock out some or all of your student debt through public service programs. The amount of time you'll have to spend in public service may vary, depending on the program you enroll in and the type of work you'll be doing. Many teachers are able to pay off their student debt by working post-graduate teaching assignments with in-need school districts. Some law school graduates may be able to join a public service program where student debt is paid off by working as a staffer for a member of Congress. Find out more about these and other federal programs by searching online or contacting a representative of the program. Look into military service. Military service has been a long-standing means of getting an affordable college education for many individuals. You can get a tuition-free college education and living stipend in exchange for a commitment to military service, and you may be able to customize your military career to meet your professional goals. The terms and length of your service will vary, depending on the branch you enlist in and the program of study you choose. Work a paying job during the school year or between semesters. Depending on your ability to multitask, you may be able to work while you attend school full-time. However, this can easily get in the way of your studies and make it difficult to balance your time. If that's the case, you can still work during summer and winter break to make a little extra cash between semesters. Find work nearby so that you don't have to worry about commuting from school to work or vice versa. Look for jobs with flexible hours. Let your employer know up front that you're a student and that your education comes first. Ask family members for assistance. If you're really in need of money for college you can always ask other family members for assistance. Some people may be reluctant to ask for help. However, if your family is well-off it can reduce the amount of aid you're eligible for, so it may not hurt to ask your parents or grandparents about the possibility of getting some assistance. Ask tactfully and politely. Never demand money or assistance from anyone. Say something like, "You know I hate to have to ask for help, but it would really mean a lot to me if I could attend _____ to study _____ and become a _____. Is there any way you might be able to help me go to college?" Look into living off-campus. Living away from campus is usually cheaper than living in a dorm or on-campus apartment, but not always. In some high-rent cities, the on-campus options may be more affordable. The tradeoff is that you're not on campus for all the convenience and socialization that comes with living in the dorms, but you can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars by renting your own place. Assess your living options, both on-campus and off-campus, by comparing dorm costs to the average advertised rent price off-campus. Then choose the less-expensive option. You can find apartment listings online or in your local newspaper. Look around at different neighborhoods and different types of housing to get a feel for what's available in your price range. Cut down on transportation expenses. One easy way to make living off-campus a little cheaper is to find alternate ways of commuting. The biggest downside to living off-campus is the commute, so by making it cheaper (or free) to get to and from class, you can pocket that extra cash and put it towards your rent, tuition, or book expenses. Walk, bike, or take public transportation whenever possible. If you live with or near other students, ask them about carpooling together. You can take turns driving or chip in gas money to a designated carpool driver so that everyone shares transportation costs. Consider having roommates. Having roommates can help defray the cost of renting an apartment or home. However, living with other people also has its disadvantages, including a loss of privacy and a potentially noisy living situation. If you need a cheap place to live, though, splitting the cost with one or more other people may help you save. Find roommates you can trust. You'll want to know that your roommates won't throw wild parties during finals week or invite untrustworthy people into your home. If you have people you're already friends with, ask them about living together. If not, make sure you meet your potential roommates in advance and try to get to know them a little before moving in together. Save money on textbooks. Even if your tuition is paid for, you'll still have to worry about the cost of textbooks. Some books cost over $100 each and will only be used for one semester. Instead of paying out hundreds of dollars for your course texts, find ways of getting your books cheaper or even for free. Buying used textbooks is a great way to cut down on costs. You can get the same textbook for significantly less than a new book would cost - just make sure it's the most up-to-date edition that you need for class. Consider renting books instead of buying them. Some bookstores and online retailers allow you to borrow textbooks for a semester and then return them, and you can also find textbooks for rent at the school library. Complete your studies and earn a degree. It may sound obvious, but the most expensive way to get an education is to leave college without a degree. If you're going to be saddled with any kind of debt, you might as well get your money's worth by earning a degree. That degree can unlock many career opportunities for you in the future, and you'll be more likely to escape debt by landing a higher-paying job than if you don't get a degree. Talk to career counselors and other specialists on campus if you're having trouble keeping your grades up or staying in school. These professionals can help you develop and stick to a plan that leads to graduation. | Apply to a lot of schools. Consider starting at a community college and transferring. Opt for in-state tuition. Look into accelerated learning or fast-track degree programs. Apply for scholarships and grants. Ask your chosen school's financial aid office for more assistance. Submit your application for federal student aid. Consider a public service program. Look into military service. Work a paying job during the school year or between semesters. Ask family members for assistance. Look into living off-campus. Cut down on transportation expenses. Consider having roommates. Save money on textbooks. Complete your studies and earn a degree. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Evaluate-a-Dog%27s-Temperament-Before-Choosing | How to Evaluate a Dog's Temperament Before Choosing | Before you adopt a dog form a shelter or breeder, observe it from a distance at first to see how it reacts to your presence. If it seems friendly, go up to the cage and offer your hand. The dog should approach you and sniff your hand. If you notice behavior like growling or baring its teeth, this might indicate that the dog is aggressive or fearful and might be dangerous to people or other dogs. If the dog has a pleasant demeanor and responds positively to your voice and your presence, the next step is to conduct a temperament test to get a better sense of its personality. Ask the breeder or shelter staff to let you take the dog to an interaction room where you can socialize with it one on one for 30 to 60 minutes. During the test, try engaging with the dog by calling to it and playing with it, and observe how it responds to your actions. You should also look out for any aggressive behaviors, like biting or threatening barks. | Make an initial evaluation of all the dogs available for adoption. When you go to a shelter, you want to see every dog that is available before you start to single out potential pets. If you are at a shelter, go past every cage to see how each dog appears initially. Observe from a distance at first to see how the dog perceives your presence. After this initial observation, go up to the cage and offer your hand. The dog should approach you and sniff your hand. Dogs that bark loudly or lunge at your hand should be avoided. Take notes on which dogs stand out to you so you can revisit them and conduct further assessments. Observe how the dogs interact with other dogs. If you are at a breeder, you should observe how littermates interact with their siblings and their parents. Young puppies should play with their littermates and display friendly behaviors towards other dogs. In shelters, dogs may bark when other dogs bark, bare their teeth towards other dogs, or cower when other dogs approach their cage. It is very important to consider how the dog interacts with other dogs, especially if you have another dog in your home. Behaviors like growling and baring teeth are undesirable and indicate that the dog may be aggressive or extremely fearful, which causes it's own set of problems. Select a few dogs for further interactions. After making your initial observations, you should have a general idea of a few dogs that you're interested in meeting and spending time with. You can return to their cages and see how the dogs interact with you. Ideally, they should be interested in engaging with you and approach you to sniff your hand and react to the sound of your voice. Keep in mind that some dogs that are in shelters are more nervous and skittish if they have been rescued from abusive situations. They may need a little more time to become comfortable with you, but they can still be great pets. Ask about the dog’s behavior. While you'll need the opportunity to see the dog's temperament for yourself, you should talk to the breeder or shelter staff members to hear their perspectives on the dog's behavior. This outside perspective can help you to discern whether your own evaluation of the dog's temperament seems to be accurate or not. Keep in mind that the breeder has a vested interest in making sure their dog is purchased, so their assessment of the dog's behavior may be influenced. Take their assessment cautiously if they seem overly eager to ignore any bad behaviors or habits the dog seems to have. For a puppy, ask the breeder about the amount of socialization it has had to date. Ask about who has handled the pups and what kind of experiences the pups have been exposed to. The more sights, sounds, and smells the puppy has a pleasant interaction with, the more well adjusted they will be as an adult. Inquire about the dog’s family history and genetics. A reputable breeder should be able to give you a full picture about the dog's family history and genetics. Genetics can influence a dog's temperament and can also indicate whether the dog is predisposed towards certain health conditions. You may not have access to this information at a shelter, especially if the dog has been rescued. You can proceed without this information, but any information that the shelter does have available can be very helpful in your discernment process. Interact with the dog in a quiet area. Shelters are often chaotic, and dogs at shelters may have been rescued from abusive environments, be skittish, or distracted by the barking and presence of dozens of other dogs. The environment can influence a dog's temperament, so it is important to conduct temperament testing in a quiet and secure area. Ideally, you should be spending 30 to 60 minutes with the dog when you are considering adopting them. This gives the dog time to warm up to you and it also gives you more time to evaluate their temperament. Ask the shelter staff members to take you to an interaction room where you can socialize with the dog. If you are at a breeder, they should have an area where you can interact with the puppy or adult dog in a secure and quiet space. Let the dog sniff around and become comfortable in the testing area. The dog will need a few minutes to adjust to their new surroundings, especially if they have been in a cage in the shelter for extended periods of time. You're going to be looking to evaluate the dog and determine whether they have a responsive, nervous, or independent personality. A responsive dog is one that is curious, interested in engaging with you, and is responsive to your actions by matching their actions to yours. A nervous or shy dog will be hesitant to engage with you, may cower in fear, or try to avoid you. An independent dog will be aloof, won't react to anything you do, and is generally uninterested in being tested. Look out for aggressive behaviors. While your initial assessment should weed out any aggressive dogs, since you won't ask to see a dog that lunges or barks loudly when you approach, you should keep an eye out for any aggressive behaviors. These can range from barks that sound threatening to showing teeth, snapping, or biting. If you ever see any aggressive behaviors, stop the assessment immediately. Reputable shelters should identify aggressive dogs and ensure that they aren't up for adoption, but you will need to look out for these behaviors as well. Call the dog to approach you. A responsive dog will wag their tail and respond when called. They may approach you slowly, but will generally display signs that they are interested in you by wagging their tail, sniffing the air, and nudging you with their nose. A nervous dog may cower and avoid interaction, though they are still acknowledging that you are calling them. An independent dog will ignore you and continue to sniff around without paying attention to you. Test the dog’s reaction to changes in your tone of voice. Talk to the dog in a high-pitched and squeaky voice for 30 seconds. Stop speaking suddenly and become neutral. You are testing to see whether the dog is responsive to changes in your behavior. A responsive dog will stop and notice that your demeanor and voice has changed. A shy dog will continue to avoid interacting with you. An independent dog won't notice that there has been any change in your behavior and continue acting as they were while you were speaking in the different voice. Touch the dog. This part of the temperament evaluation needs to be approached cautiously because it puts you within the dog's personal space, where they can display aggressive behaviors if they feel threatened. Begin by offering the dog a treat. As they move towards you to take the treat, gently touch them on the head and pet down their back. A responsive dog will welcome your touch and enjoy being petted. A nervous dog will try to cower away from you and avoid being touched. An independent dog will try to take the treat from you and leave without engaging with you. A dog that doesn't like to be touched isn't necessarily a bad pet. They shouldn't be in homes with small children, but they can still be family members. Play with a toy. This tests how possessive the dog is over objects and whether they are interested in playing with you. Roll a toy over to the dog and see whether they pick it up and try to play with you. Excitedly play with the dog and the toy for a minute and then stop. Drop the toy and gauge the dog's reaction. A responsive dog will play with you and notice your sudden change in behavior. Nervous dogs avoid playing with you. Independent dogs won't notice your change in behavior and continue to play. Test their responsiveness to food. Give the dog a small amount of food in a bowl. Let the dog begin to eat some of the food, but before they are able to finish all of the food use a long stick or broom handle to pull the bowl away from their reach. Responsive dogs will look expectantly at you, wag their tails, and try to encourage you to let them continue to eat. A nervous dog will be too shy and afraid to eat. An independent dog will act disinterested in the food. Learn about the behavioral characteristics of various breeds. While the dog's breed can give you a general idea about the dog's disposition, it cannot give you a guarantee about what the dog will actually be like. By doing your research about different dog breeds, you can get a general idea of what to expect. Some breeds, like Golden Retrievers, are known for being lovable goofballs but not every dog within that breed fits that description. There are exceptions to every rule, and you won't know whether this dog is that exception until you have a chance to interact with it. Understand the factors that influence temperament. A dog's temperament is the general attitude that the dog displays towards people, other animals, and how they interact with others. A dog's temperament is influenced by both genetic and learned traits, as well as their environment and situational awareness. Much of a dog's behavior is hereditary and inherited, but some aspects can be modified and influenced through training. A dog's temperament can shift throughout their lifetime, though rarely will this shift be drastic. For example, a hyperactive young dog can mature into a more calm and gentle senior dog. Go to a reputable breeder or shelter. In order to evaluate a dog's temperament, you will need to be in a controlled environment. Reputable shelters will have a separate area where potential adopters can interact with dogs and get to know them. Reputable breeders will be happy to allow you to interact with their puppies in safe and controlled areas before you adopt them. If the shelter or the breeder does not allow you to interact with a dog before either purchasing or adopting them, walk away. Safety is key. The area where you interact with the dog should be safe and comfortable for all the parties involved. Know the ideal temperament for your needs. A dog's temperament is a very important factor to take into consideration when you're choosing a new pet. Their personality and behavior can fit your lifestyle, or make you incompatible. In order to choose a dog based on their temperament, you need to have a good idea of what sort of dog will work best with your lifestyle. Ask yourself what sort of pet would work best for your family and lifestyle. Do you work full time and know that you'll leave a dog alone for most of the day? A high energy or needy dog might not be right for you. Families with small children won't do well with dogs that are aggressive or aren't gentle. Be aware of your capabilities or limitations as a dog owner. For example, a fearful or anxious dog may thrive when taken under the care of an experienced owner, but if you are a first time dog owner it would be more wise to choose an easy-going, well-adjusted dog who can help you both to learn. | Make an initial evaluation of all the dogs available for adoption. Observe how the dogs interact with other dogs. Select a few dogs for further interactions. Ask about the dog’s behavior. Inquire about the dog’s family history and genetics. Interact with the dog in a quiet area. Let the dog sniff around and become comfortable in the testing area. Look out for aggressive behaviors. Call the dog to approach you. Test the dog’s reaction to changes in your tone of voice. Touch the dog. Play with a toy. Test their responsiveness to food. Learn about the behavioral characteristics of various breeds. Understand the factors that influence temperament. Go to a reputable breeder or shelter. Know the ideal temperament for your needs. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Dominatrix | How to Be a Dominatrix | To be a dominatrix, start by setting boundaries to make sure that everyone understands what's off limits. For example, you might come up with a “want, will, won't” list, which basically lists what you want, what you will do if asked, and what you won't do. Even with this list, however, people can change their minds, so make sure you have safe words or gestures to indicate that you're not ok, like “red,” or shaking your head. Once your boundaries are set, try setting up a scenario where you're in control, like a boss and an assistant, or a doctor and a patient. You can add costumes or props too, if you like. When you're ready to begin, take charge by telling your partner when to speak or how to pleasure you. | Never assume consent. Consent must be freely given. A person who is intoxicated or unconscious cannot consent. It's best to check in from time to time to make sure. Of course, with BDSM it can be trickier to ensure consent, which is why it is important to set boundaries beforehand. Set boundaries before playing the dominatrix. Talk to your partner about what's off-limits, and what could be off-limits, depending on a number of factors, including pain, pressure, and psychological discomfort. Using a “want/will/won't” list can be helpful in determining how you and your sub's desires align. A “want/will/won't” list basically lists what you want, what you will do if asked, and what you won't do. Creating a “contract” can be a fun way to list wants, wills and won'ts. Though aren't legally enforceable, they can begin a scene with the sub and set limits and boundaries within the fantasy itself. Keep the lines of communication open throughout the experience. It is important to watch the body language of your partner. While it is often common in BDSM to play the role of 'victim,' you can usually tell the difference between BDSM play and a withdrawal of consent, especially if they are gagged. Look in their eyes, check to see if their body stiffens, or if they turn away. This is a sign they might not be enjoying the play. If any of this will be part of your play, establish this beforehand. Determine a safe-word/gesture and a caution-word/gesture. To ensure consent throughout the play, determine both a safe-word and a safe-gesture, as well as a caution-word and a caution-gesture. The caution word/gesture will indicate that they are not sure or something might be wrong, whereas the safe-word would indicate a definite withdrawal of consent. Here are some tips for safe-words and caution-words. Examples of safe-words and caution-words can be “stop” and “slow,” or “red” and “yellow.” The gesture will depend on a number of things, including what body parts they can move, whether you can see their face, among other things. However, simple safe- and caution-gestures include blinking and nodding or shaking one's head. Always have safety shears at arm’s reach. Sometimes ropes become knotted or move to more dangerous places during play. This is why it is essential to have safety shears on hand if you are using rope play. Even if you never end up using them, they should help your partner relax and be in the moment, rather than worrying about possible asphyxiation. Keep water on hand. As with any strenuous exercise, staying hydrated is important. This is especially important if you or the sub is wearing heavy clothing or accessories (like leather).Water can also become part of the play, as you can tease your partner with the water before relinquishing the control of the water. Take a class. Taking a class is a great way to familiarize yourself with all the intricacies of being a dominatrix. Because so many BDSM toys have the potential to do actual harm, taking a class on rope safety or being a dominatrix can help delineate safe practices when in the dungeon. Check to see if you local sex-shop offers a course. Just make sure it's sex-positive and emphasizes safety and consent. Choose an impact toy. An impact toy is used to hit the body, usually the buttocks, in BDSM play. Impact toys can include whips, canes, and paddles. The type will depend on your partner's comfort level. There's a whole range of products in this line from the traditional Indiana Jones-style whip to soft paddles. Consider using a tickling implement. While people may not immediately consider tickling to be aligned with BDSM play, a tickler can be used similarly to a paddle, but imparting ticklish discomfort rather than direct pain. It can also be used to tease your partner when you slide it across erogenous zones like the neck or nipples. Use pinchers or nipple clamps. Pinchers can be used to impart pain or pressure on the skin. Typically they are used on the nipples. For beginners, it's best to set a ten-minute limit, as they cut off circulation to the nipple. Use anal plugs and dildos. Plugs and dildos are great for all kinds of sexual play, but can be especially fun in BDSM play. When buying a dildo or plug make sure they are non-toxic, and that you have lube that is safe to use with them. You can use water-based lube with all toys and condoms. Oil based lubes are no good if you're using condoms or if your using any latex, rubber or PVC toys. Silicone lube can't be used with silicone toys. Vibrating dildos or plugs can add extra energy to your Dominatrix play. Choose a rope that is right for you. There are a broad range of color and materials available for bondage play. From nylon to silk, you can have varying levels of comfort, security, etc., with the varying types of rope. If you are unsure what type you want or need, talk to your local sex-shop. Play safely with rope. Rope can be a dangerous tool in BDSM, as it can, if used improperly, cause nerve damage, asphyxiation, or even death. For instance, never press the rope against the front of your partner's throat. Some things to consider when using rope play: When someone is bound, you should never leave them by themselves. Avoid positions that make breathing difficult. Make sure the ropes are comfortable and allow for circulation. There should be at least a finger's-width of room between the rope and your partner's skin. Add cuffs to the play. There are cuffs for the wrists, legs, and even genitalia. They are a quicker way of restraining your partner than rope and can be safer depending on the type. They come in a lot of varieties from soft-velcro to locking metal handcuffs. Again, check with your partner to determine what type to use. Choose a gag that fits your partner. There are a few different types of gags out there, and you should talk to your partner about the best fit for them. A ball gag can create an intense sense of vulnerability as it can impede breathing somewhat and stretches the jaw in a way the body isn't used to. A bit gag is friendlier on the jaw and breathing. With any gag you choose, you should establish a safe-gesture or signal, so your partner can let you know they feel unsafe. Don't keep the gag on for longer than twenty minutes, especially if someone is new to gag play. Use a leash. A leash can be fun for the sense of control it offers to the dominatrix and the sense of being controlled it gives to the sub. In order to use a leash safely, don't pull on it sharply. Make sure the collar is fitted properly, leaving two fingers' width of room between the collar and the skin. Choose a theme. Whether you're imagining the eighteenth-century aristocratic sex dungeons of the Marquis de Sade or a futuristic sex lair, a theme can enliven the fantasy. While you may not want to change your entire bedroom for the theme, you can have props that help create the sense of fantasy you're envisioning. Wear clothing that shapes your dominatrix identity. This can include leather or brocade, a mask, a cloak, or really any thing that adds a sense of power or mystery to your play. You can work your outfit into your theme for the room or fantasy. You can choose an eighteenth-century vampire look or a steampunk goth look. It all depends on your fantasy and your identity as a dom. Choose clothing for your sub. This can be part of the play, or you can decide together what your sub will wear during play. This can include hoods, straight jackets, and even chastity belts. Just make sure your sub is comfortable with the clothing and accessories before embarking on dominatrix play. Try a blindfold. Keeping your partner in suspense is a tool you can use as a dominatrix. They will not see what is coming next. You can choose a soft silk blindfold or a leather one depending on your style. There are plenty of options available. Add furniture to your dungeon. Sex furniture or particularly BDSM furniture can add an element of intrigue to your power plays as a dominatrix. From sex swings to cages, there all kinds of furniture for you to use in your dungeon or bedroom. You can use the furniture to tweak or enhance your theme. Choose music for your fantasy. Whether Bach's creepy Toccata in D Minor or something from Mozart the Rock Opera suits your fancy, you can add a layer of sensuality, power, or creepiness through the use of music. Music can enhance emotions and sensuality as you enact your fantasy. Avoid music that distracts, though. Tell your partner when they can and cannot speak. This can be used in addition to or instead of gagging. Besides giving them permission to speak after they have had to be silent can be a way to evoke pleasure on both sides. Tell them what to say. When you tell them what to say, you can do it in character (if you're acting out a fantasy), or even use words you've previously discussed. Either way the control can be helpful in building intensity. For instance, you can say, "Tell me I'm your queen" or "Tell me exactly what you want." Tell your partner what to do. This is often seen as traditional in a domme/sub relationship, but it can be definitely add to the power dynamic. Telling your partner to kiss you or touch you can create new understandings of both your sexualities. For instance, you can say, "Kiss me on the lips." Just make sure you're not asking them to do something you know they wouldn't be comfortable with. If they use the safe word, stop the action or relinquish your request. That doesn't mean all play has to stop, just that you need to change tactics. Try offering up an alternative to your partner instead. You can say, "If you don't want to kiss me on my lips, will you offer up a kiss on the cheek as an alternative?" Construct roles in a fantasy. Role play can be a creative and fun way to increase the tension of a scene. For instance you can play any role that has a power dynamic, such as queen and subject, boss and assistant, or anything else you can think of. Adding costumes can make the fantasy more real for you and your partner. Implement punishments as part of the play. Sometimes, dominatrix will institute punishments for infractions on the part of the sub. These should be discussed thoroughly before a session, especially if you're new to BDSM. Ideally the punishments should really be fun for the sub. For instance you could use any of the impact toys as a way to punish your sub, or you can implement silence or an apology. In any case, it should not go beyond the sub's comfort zone. | Never assume consent. Set boundaries before playing the dominatrix. Keep the lines of communication open throughout the experience. Determine a safe-word/gesture and a caution-word/gesture. Always have safety shears at arm’s reach. Keep water on hand. Take a class. Choose an impact toy. Consider using a tickling implement. Use pinchers or nipple clamps. Use anal plugs and dildos. Choose a rope that is right for you. Play safely with rope. Add cuffs to the play. Choose a gag that fits your partner. Use a leash. Choose a theme. Wear clothing that shapes your dominatrix identity. Choose clothing for your sub. Add furniture to your dungeon. Choose music for your fantasy. Tell your partner when they can and cannot speak. Tell them what to say. Tell your partner what to do. Construct roles in a fantasy. Implement punishments as part of the play. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Contact-Amazon | How to Contact Amazon | If you want to contact Amazon, you can call their customer service by dialing 1-888-280-4331. Another way to contact Amazon is to use their online contact form. To do this, first visit the Contact Us page on their website. When you're on the page, answer their questions about your problem so they know what to help you with. Once you've explained your issue, choose whether you want to chat with a representative or speak to someone on the phone. If you have a simple problem, like you want to track a package, then you should use their online messenger. Alternatively, if your problem is a little more complicated, such as issues with billing, then you should choose the phone option so they can better assist you. When you select to be contacted by phone, be prepared to receive a phone call from their customer service within a few minutes. | Navigate to https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/contact-us/ first. If you have a problem with an order or Amazon product, click on this link or paste it into the search bar of your browser and hit enter to go to the page. If you aren't already logged in, type in your email and password to log into your account and gain access to the page. Select "Start chatting" if you have a simple problem, like tracking a package. To connect with an Amazon representative through a messenger service, click on the button in the box on the left side of the screen. This will bring up a chat window and connect you with Amazon's automated messaging assistant. You may be able to get help for very simple issues from Amazon's customer service chat bot. If the bot isn't able to help you, you can request to be transferred to a human representative. The chat is especially helpful for recurring problems, like streaming issues, which can require you to reconnect to the Internet or re-configure your web browser settings. Sometimes, the representative can do it for you remotely. Select your help topic from one of the options in the chat window. When you start chatting, you'll be able to choose from several possible help topics, which will appear in yellow buttons inside the chat window. These include options like, “An item I ordered,” “Managing my payment, Prime, or account,” and “Kindle, Fire, or Alexa device.” Once you select the closest option, follow the prompts to provide more information. If none of the options match what you're looking for, you can type a question, request, or description of your problem directly into the text box under the chat window. You'll also be given the opportunity to change the topic or ask another question if the option you choose isn't helpful. Ask to chat with an associate if the bot isn’t able to help you. Although you can't currently contact Amazon by phone, it's still possible to talk to a human representative through the chat feature. Just say something like, “Can you connect me with an associate?” The bot should connect you with someone who can help you within a few minutes. Sometimes, you may also have the opportunity to click a button at the bottom of the chat window that will connect you with a human representative. This button looks like an icon of a person's head wearing a headset. Email Amazon if your issue isn’t urgent. If you don't need an immediate answer, you can contact Amazon via their customer service email address at [email protected]. Send a detailed email containing as much information about your problem or question as possible. A representative should get in touch with you within the next 24-48 hours. If you live outside the U.S., the customer service email address may be different. You can request the correct address by reaching out to a representative over Amazon's customer service chat. Explain your issue and how you would like it fixed as clearly as possible. Give the representative all of the details, including when the problem arose and exactly how it happened. Then, explain to them what you think would be a reasonable solution for the problem. For example, if you got the wrong product in your order, you could say, “On October 28th, I placed an order for a red bath towel. When I received my package today, I opened it immediately to see that I got a gray bathrobe instead. I'd like to return the bathrobe and to get the towel that I ordered. Can you help me correct this?” Remember to remain calm and speak clearly. Let Amazon know exactly why you're contacting them and what you think the best solution is to the problem at hand. Keep all records, confirmation numbers, and shipping notes on hand. The more information you have, the easier it will be to resolve your dispute in an effective manner. Before starting a chat, calling, or emailing, round up all of your information on the sale and review it to make sure you have all of your facts straight. If you've needed to contact Amazon multiple times, get the name of the representative you've been talking to and the tracking number for your complaint. This can save you a lot of time when you need to contact them again. Ask politely to speak to a manager if your representative can't help you. If you're getting nowhere with the current representative, kindly ask if you can talk to their manager. In general, if you're looking for store credit or a high-priced refund, it's best to request to speak to a manager. You can try saying something like, "I'm sorry, but I think I need to talk to someone else who can more directly help me. Would you be able to transfer me to your manager?” Be kind and civil in all of your interactions. As you're talking to a representative, keep in mind that they're only a human and can normally only do so much with their power as an employee. Stay calm and collected, even if you're frustrated, and let the representative know that you really believe that they can help you. | Navigate to https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/contact-us/ first. Select "Start chatting" if you have a simple problem, like tracking a package. Select your help topic from one of the options in the chat window. Ask to chat with an associate if the bot isn’t able to help you. Email Amazon if your issue isn’t urgent. Explain your issue and how you would like it fixed as clearly as possible. Keep all records, confirmation numbers, and shipping notes on hand. Ask politely to speak to a manager if your representative can't help you. Be kind and civil in all of your interactions. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Simple-Cloth-Bag | How to Make a Simple Cloth Bag | Making your own cloth bag is a great way to recycle old materials, and it doesn't require any sewing skills. To start, choose an old t-shirt you don't mind cutting up. Turn the t-shirt inside out and cut the sleeves off along the seam. Then, cut the collar off. Use a ruler to draw a line across the bottom of your shirt. The longer you want your bag to be, the lower on the shirt you should draw the line. Starting at the bottom of the shirt, cut vertical lines to create 1-inch wide strips that stop at the line you drew. Once you've cut these, turn the shirt right side out, then tie the strips together into knots. Trim the ends off of the strips if you'd like, or leave them long so your bag has tassels. | Cut a 10 by 20 in (25 by 51 cm) rectangle out of fabric. Choose a durable fabric, such as cotton, linen, canvas, or jersey. Use a tailor's chalk or pen and a ruler to draw a 10 by 20 in (25 by 51 cm) rectangle on the back of the fabric. Cut the fabric out with fabric scissors. The fabric can be solid colored or it can have a print on it. This pattern already includes seam allowances, so you don't need to add more. You can make a bigger/smaller bag if you want to, but keep the proportions the same. Make it twice as long as it is wide. Fold 1 of the long edges down by 4 inches (10 cm) and iron it. Turn your fabric so that the back (wrong side) is facing you. Fold 1 of the 20 in (51 cm) edges down by 4 inches (10 cm). Secure it with sewing pins, then press it flat with an iron. This will make the top of your bag. Use a heat setting on your iron that is safe for your fabric. For example, if you are making a linen bag, use the linen setting on your iron. Sew 2 lines across the folded edge to create a drawstring channel. The first line needs to be 2 ⁄ 2 inches (6.4 cm) down from the top of the folded. The second line needs to be 3 ⁄ 2 inches (8.9 cm) from the fold. When you are done, you will have a 1 inch (2.5 cm) space between the 2 lines; this space will make the channel for the ribbon to go through. You can match the thread color to the fabric, or you can use a contrasting color. For example, if you are making a white bag, try red thread for a simple design. Use a straight stitch for this. If you are working with stretchy fabric, use a zigzag stitch instead. Be sure to backstitch so that the stitching doesn't come undone. This is where you reverse the sewing machine for 2 to 3 stitches. Fold your fabric in half, widthwise, with the wrong side facing out. Turn your fabric so that the front (right side) is facing you. Bring the narrow edges together to fold the fabric in half. Insert sewing pins along the bottom and side edge of the rectangle. Do not insert any sewing pins along the top or side folded edges. It does not matter how many sewing pins you use, or how close together they are. As long as they hold the fabric in place, you are good. Sew along the bag together using a 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) seam allowance. When sewing the side, skip the 1 in (2.5 cm) gap between the 2 horizontal lines you sewed earlier, or you won't be able to insert the drawstring. When you are done, remove the sewing pins. Use a straight stitch for woven fabric, and a zigzag stitch for stretchy fabric. Remember to backstitch when you start and finish sewing. You are only sewing where the pins are. Do not sew across the top or side folded edges. Turn the bag right-side-out. For a nicer finish, cut the bottom corners off as close to the stitching as possible, before you turn the bag right-side-out. You can also finish the seams with a serger or a zigzag stitch, but this is not absolutely necessary. Some fabric frays more than others. If the fabric is fraying, then you should finish the seams with a serger or a zigzag stitch. Cut a 20 in (51 cm) long piece of ribbon or string. Choose a piece of ribbon or string that is no more than ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) wide. Measure out 20 inches (51 cm), then cut it. This will make the drawstring that will open and close your bag. Match the color to your bag, or use a contrasting color. For example, if you have a blue canvas bag, a thin, white rope would look nice. If your ribbon or string is made from polyester, singe the cut ends with a flame to prevent unraveling. If your ribbon or string is not made from polyester, seal the cut ends with fabric glue or fray-check. Let the ends dry before moving on. Use a safety pin to insert the drawstring. Pin the safety pin to the end of your drawstring. Find the 1 in (2.5 cm) wide gap on the inside of your bag, then insert the safety pin. Guide the safety pin through the channel until you reach the gap again. Remove the safety pin when you are done. Close the bag by scrunching it along the drawstring. Once you have the bag closed, ie the ends of the drawstring into a bow. If you'd like, you can place a pretty bead onto each end of the ribbon; tie each end into a knot to hold the bead on. Choose a t-shirt you won't mind cutting up, and turn it inside-out. The size of the t-shirt does not matter. You can use a small shirt for a small bag, or a large shirt for a larger bag. It would be best if you use a regular t-shirt rather than a fitted one, however. The shirt can be old, but make sure that it is clean and without any holes or stains. Cut the sleeves off using the seams as a guide. If you want longer handles, fold the shirt in half first, then extend your cut below the armpits. By folding the shirt in half, you can ensure that both long handles will come out symmetrical. Try to use a good pair of fabric scissors for this. Regular scissors will still work, but they don't give you as clean of a cut. Cut the collar off. How much you cut off of the neck is up to you, but make sure that you cut the same amount off of the back as you did off of the front. Also, try to leave 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) of space between the neckline and the sleeves. This will make your handles more durable. To make your neckline more even, trace the curve using a marker and a bowl or plate first. Decide on the length of your bag, then draw a line across the shirt. How long you make your bag is up to you, but remember that your bag will stretch a little when you put things inside it. If you want your bag to be the same length as your shirt, simply make the line about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) above the hem. Use a ruler or some other straight edge to make the line as even as possible. You need this horizontal line because you will be cutting a fringe into the bottom edge of your shirt. Cut 3⁄4 to 1 in (1.9 to 2.5 cm) wide slits into the hem, stopping at the line. Make these slits about ⁄ 4 to 1 inch (1.9 to 2.5 cm) wide. Start on the left side of the shirt and finish on the right. Be sure to cut through both layers of the shirt as well as the side seams. When you are done, you'll end up with a shirt that has a tasseled bottom. If you need to, draw guidelines for the slits before you begin cutting. Turn the shirt right-side-out, then tie the tassels together. Turn your shirt right-side-out first. Take the first tassel on the front of the shirt and tie it to the first tassel on the back of the shirt into a single knot. Repeat this step for all of the tassels until you reach the other side of your shirt. Don't worry if the single knot doesn't seem very secure. The next step will resolve that. The knots and tassels will be part of your bag's final design. If you don't want them to be visible, then don't turn your shirt right-side-out. Tie the adjacent tassels together to hide the gaps. Your bag will likely have tiny gaps between the knots. You will need to hide them, or your bag won't be able to hold small items. To do this, you will need to tie the first and second tassels together, the third and forth tassels together, and so forth. Do this for both sides of the bag. Start with the front, then do the back. Trim the tassels, if desired. Depending how how short you make the bag, the tassels can be either very long or very short. If you want your tassels to be shorter, trim them down to your desired length. Don't go shorter than 1 inch (2.5 cm), however! If you are keeping the tassels on the inside of your bag, you should trim them down as well so that they don't get tangled. If you want to keep the tassels long, consider adding some pony beads onto them. Tie knots under the beads, if needed, to keep them in place. Cut a piece of fabric twice the height you want your bag to be. The fabric needs to be the same width as your desired bag, plus 1 inch (2.5 cm) for the side seam allowances. You should also add 1 inch (2.5 cm) to the overall height for the hems. For example, if you want a 6 by 12 in (15 by 30 cm) bag, your fabric should be 7 by 25 inches (18 by 64 cm). Use a sturdy fabric, such as canvas, cotton, linen or canvas. Fold the narrow edges down by 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) to make the hems. Turn your fabric so that the back (wrong) side is facing you. Fold the narrow edges down by ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm), then insert sewing pins to keep them down. Press them with an iron to make them nice and crisp. Use the right heat setting on your iron for the fabric that you are using. Sew the hems as close to the raw edge as you can. A seam allowance that is between ⁄ 8 and ⁄ 4 inch (0.32 and 0.64 cm) should be fine. Use a straight stitch for woven fabrics, and a zigzag stitch for stretchy fabrics. Be sure to backstitch when you start and finish sewing, and to remove the pins when you are done. If you don't know how to sew, you can use iron-on hem tape or fabric glue. Match the thread color to the fabric, or use a contrasting color for a more interesting effect. Fold the fabric in half, with the right sides facing in. Turn the fabric so that the front (right) side is facing you. Bring both of the hemmed edges together, then secure the raw edges with sewing pins. Leave the top, hemmed edges alone. Sew the side hems using a 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) seam allowance. Use a straight stitch for woven fabrics, and a zigzag stitch for stretchy fabrics. Backstitch when you start and finish sewing, and remember to remove the pins as you sew. If you don't know how to sew, you can use iron-on hem tape or fabric glue. For a nicer finish, go over the side seams with a serger or a zigzag stitch. Trim off the bottom corners as close to the stitching as you can to reduce bulk. Cut a long strip of fabric for the handle or shoulder strap. The strip can be whatever length you want it to be, but it needs to be twice the width, plus a 1 in (2.5 cm) seam allowance. You can cut 1 long strip to make a shoulder strap, or 2 short strips to make handles. The strap or handle does not have to match your bag. You can use a contrasting color to make your bag look more interesting. Use sturdy, woven fabric for this, like cotton, linen, or canvas. Don't use stretchy fabric. Fold the strip in half, then sew it with a 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) seam allowance. Fold the strip in half lengthwise with the right sides facing in. Secure the long edge with sewing pins, then sew along it using a ⁄ 2 in (1.3 cm) seam allowance and a straight stitch. Remove the pins as you sew and remember to backstitch. Don't iron the strip yet; you will need to turn it inside-out first. Turn the strip inside-out, the press it with an iron. Clip a safety pin to 1 of the narrow ends, put it through the length of the strip, and out the other narrow end. Remove the safety pin, then press the strip with an iron. For a nicer finish, tuck the raw edges into the narrow ends of your strip by ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm), then sew over them using a ⁄ 8 to ⁄ 4 in (0.32 to 0.64 cm) seam allowance. Turn your bag right-side-out and attach the handles. If you made a shoulder strap, attach each end to the top of each side seam. If you made handles, attach your first handle to the front of the bag, and the second handle to the back. You attach the handles by sewing or with fabric glue. For a nicer finish, attach them to the inside of the bag. If you attached the handles to the outside of the bag, consider adding a pretty button, flower, or other embellishment to the bottom of each strap or handle to hide the joint. Add a Velcro closure, if you want the bag to open and close. Cut a 1 by 1 in (2.5 by 2.5 cm) piece of Velcro. Find the center of the front and back top hem. Glue each piece of Velcro to the inside of your bag, right against the top edge of the hem. Wait until the glue dries, then press the Velcro together to close the bag. Avoid using self-adhesive Velcro. The glue will eventually come off. For best results, use fabric glue. You can use hot glue in a pinch, however. Finished! | Cut a 10 by 20 in (25 by 51 cm) rectangle out of fabric. Fold 1 of the long edges down by 4 inches (10 cm) and iron it. Sew 2 lines across the folded edge to create a drawstring channel. Fold your fabric in half, widthwise, with the wrong side facing out. Sew along the bag together using a 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) seam allowance. Turn the bag right-side-out. Cut a 20 in (51 cm) long piece of ribbon or string. Use a safety pin to insert the drawstring. Close the bag by scrunching it along the drawstring. Choose a t-shirt you won't mind cutting up, and turn it inside-out. Cut the sleeves off using the seams as a guide. Cut the collar off. Decide on the length of your bag, then draw a line across the shirt. Cut 3⁄4 to 1 in (1.9 to 2.5 cm) wide slits into the hem, stopping at the line. Turn the shirt right-side-out, then tie the tassels together. Tie the adjacent tassels together to hide the gaps. Trim the tassels, if desired. Cut a piece of fabric twice the height you want your bag to be. Fold the narrow edges down by 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) to make the hems. Sew the hems as close to the raw edge as you can. Fold the fabric in half, with the right sides facing in. Sew the side hems using a 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) seam allowance. Cut a long strip of fabric for the handle or shoulder strap. Fold the strip in half, then sew it with a 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) seam allowance. Turn the strip inside-out, the press it with an iron. Turn your bag right-side-out and attach the handles. Add a Velcro closure, if you want the bag to open and close. Finished! |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-an-Activist | How to Become an Activist | If you feel passionately about an issue and want to become an activist, start by contacting local or online organizations with a similar mission. Ask them if you can volunteer your time or donate your money to contribute to the cause. Alternatively, you can also promote your cause on social media, share news articles, and circulate online petitions to raise awareness. Be sure to stay well-informed by keeping current with any news related to your cause! | Set ambitious but realistic goals. Throughout history, individual activists have helped topple empires, liberate the oppressed, and open minds to new ideas. And today, even teens are able to improve their local neighborhoods or build social equality movements through their own efforts. If you want to achieve something, it's important to be specific about what you want to see happen and how you can really get there. A good tip for making goals is to "think global act local". Basically, you should know how you will benefit the whole world, but you should do the action in your own community. For example, if you want to reduce carbon dioxide, make a change to stop emitting too much carbon dioxide yourself. For instance, while halting human-caused climate change is a noble goal, it's too broad to be directly actionable. You can, however, advocate for tougher emissions standards for vehicles and industries in your area. Join (or start) an organization that supports your cause. If you share a passion for the same cause as many other activists, you can probably find one or many existing organizations to join. These could be anything from a student club to a national organization (like the American Civil Liberties Union or the National Organizers Alliance). Most activist organizations offer different levels of involvement. So you can do whatever you feel most comfortable with, whether that means attending meetings and demonstrations, making phone calls to your local representatives, or just donating a little money when you can. Or, you can set up your own activist organization, whether it be a recycling club at school or an anti-racism group online. It's okay to start small. Volunteer your time. One of the best ways to make a difference is to donate your time to support your passion. Reach out to organizations in your community that do work for your cause, and ask how you can help. For example, if you are interested in supporting animals in need, try volunteering at your local animal shelter or wildlife rescue. There are many ways you could help, from caring for the animals to helping with fundraising events or writing content for the web. Donate money or supplies. Most activists or charitable organizations need resources to do their work. If you can't afford to donate money to an organization that supports your cause, you may be able to donate other things they need, like clothing or canned food. Be aware that some charities are more reputable than others. If you plan to donate money or goods to support a cause, do some research before you donate. Check out your charity's rating with organizations like Charity Watch, Charity Navigator, or the BBB Wise Giving Alliance. Reach out to family and friends. Tell your family and friends about your cause, and invite them to get involved. If they are interested, share literature about your cause or just talk to them about what you have learned. If you do volunteer work, invite an interested friend or family member to volunteer with you. If you're not sure how to begin, start by coming up with a list of five friends or family members you feel you can talk to about your cause. Think about how you would feel most comfortable approaching them (e.g., over email, over the phone, or in person), and reach out to them in the way that feels right to you. Lead by example. One of the simplest and most important forms of activism is practising what you believe in, or “conscious activism.” Practising conscious activism means incorporating activism into your everyday life by living and acting in ways that directly support your cause (e.g., reducing your carbon footprint, using sustainably produced products, and so on). For example, if you are interested in minimizing animal cruelty, you can start by not using products made from animals (like fur or leather) and avoiding businesses that exploit animals (like circuses or SeaWorld). Identify and specify your passions. When you look at the world around you, what gets you excited? Fills you with hope, makes you angry? Causes you to be fearful of the future? Your passions can focus on supporting what's good (e.g., healthier menus in schools) or confronting what you see as wrong (e.g., online body-shaming of teens). Write down or type out a list of things you're passionate about, and try to be as specific as possible. For each, identify the problem, the solution, and what you can do to help. Promote your cause on social media. You can use social media to keep your friends and followers informed about the causes you support. Post informative articles, write about what you are doing to stay involved and invite your friends to attend events or donate to fundraisers for your cause. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram -- each of the above is a good place to start. Explain and provide evidence for your perspective. No matter your cause, from nuclear proliferation to gender identity and bathroom choices, you'll meet plenty of people online with differing views than yours. Some will never be persuaded no matter what evidence you provide, but others may be willing to listen to reason, thoughtful explanations. Appealing to others' emotions (“This product is harmful to our children's health!”) works best when supported by evidence (“Check out the following scientific studies…”). There is “fake news” all over the internet, so do a little digging to evaluate the evidence before sharing it. Circulate online petitions. Thanks to the internet, starting a petition no longer has to mean going door to door with a pen and clipboard. There are numerous websites and social media platforms that house petitions, including change.org and petitions.whitehouse.gov. To drum up support for a petition: Establish a clear, specific, and realistic goal — “Protect the wooded area adjacent to Veterans' Park from development.” Personalize the cause by telling your story — “I, like many kids in this area, developed an appreciation for nature by walking through those woods.” Mix online and offline efforts. Encourage friends and colleagues to share your petition both online and in person. Provide financial support if you can. It's easy to donate money online to existing organizations that focus on your cause, although you should always do some research on how such groups spend their money. You can also turn to the internet for crowdfunding options, either by utilizing websites like indiegogo.com or firstgiving.com or by using social media to encourage direct donations. If you're raising money for your local animal shelter, for instance, make sure there is a clear plan in place for using the funds. Many people won't just give money blindly without knowing what it will be used for. Read up on your cause. Before getting involved in a cause, it's important to be informed about the issues involved. Check out books related to your cause from your school or public library. Charities or other activist organizations devoted to your cause may be able to recommend some books to you. Check out their websites for reading lists. Ask teachers or professors you know who may be familiar with your cause to recommend some books. Look at websites related to your cause. Do a search to find the websites of activist or charitable organizations that support your cause. Read their summaries of the issues, read up on what they are doing to help, and look at any information they have about how you can get involved. Use the internet to read up on the topic in general, but always be aware of the sources for the information and any biases that might be apparent. Keep an eye on the news. Watch the news or browse newspapers, magazines, or online news publications for information about new developments related to your cause. If you are a member of a charitable or activist organization for your cause, then they may offer a regular newsletter or roundup of recent stories related to the cause. Keep in mind that not all sources are credible or reliable. Carefully evaluate any sources you read, especially on the internet, and be aware of the author's possible biases. Take classes on issues related to your cause. If you are in high school or college, you may be able to sign up for classes that will help you understand your cause better. For example, if you are concerned about environmental issues, an environmental science class would be a good place to start. Taking a class can not only help you become more informed about your cause, but it can also help you connect to others who are interested in the same issues. Talk to your teacher or professor outside of class to get more ideas about how to get involved or educate yourself further. If you're not in school, or if your school doesn't offer courses that are helpful to you, you might be able to find a free or affordable online course related to your cause. For example, Smith College offers a free online course on Women's Activism through the edX website. Listen to the people most affected. If you are interested in a cause that affects other people, then one of the best ways to understand how to help them is to listen to what they have to say. If you can't reach out to them in person, then try connecting to affected people and communities via social media, or read their stories in books or online. For example, if you are interested in helping with issues related to LGBT+ rights, speak to members of your local LGBT+ community about what kinds of issues matter the most to them, and what you can do to help. If your campus has a Gay-Straight Alliance club, that might be a good place to start. Talk to other activists. If you know other activists in your community who are involved in the cause you are interested in, talking to them is a great way to find out what work is already being done in your area and what you can do to help out. Try connecting with other activists in your area via social media, or attend meetings for organizations in your area. If you are in school, talk to other students or teachers who are interested in your cause. Find out if there are any student organizations on campus related to your cause. Major in a field related to activism. If you are in college or getting ready to start college, consider majoring in a field that will help you support your cause. For example, you could major in a field like organizational leadership, or you could focus on something more specific to the cause you are interested in, e.g., environmental science or women's studies. Also think about other career paths that would allow you to support your cause. For example, if you are interested in public health, you might seek a career in the medical field. Seek internships. If you're new to the workforce, internships can be a great way to begin a career as an activist. During college or just after college, look for internships related to your interests. See if your favorite grassroots organizations and non-profits offer internships. Talk to your college advisor about where to find internships related to activism. Completing one or more relevant internships can put you on the right track to becoming a career activist. Some degree programs may require you to complete an internship to graduate. Make sure you check your graduation requirements and complete an internship if it's necessary for your degree. Look for activist jobs. If you are ready to start working, look for jobs that are relevant to your interests. See if charities and grassroots organizations you believe in having any open positions that are suited to your skills. For example, if you have strong writing and editing skills, see if you can work as a copywriter for a grassroots organization. If you have skills with planning and coordinating events, look for work as a volunteer coordinator. Basically, whatever job skills you have are probably useful to some activist organization out there that supports your cause — they may need accountants, drivers, cooks, carpenters, doctors, etc. | Set ambitious but realistic goals. Join (or start) an organization that supports your cause. Volunteer your time. Donate money or supplies. Reach out to family and friends. Lead by example. Identify and specify your passions. Promote your cause on social media. Explain and provide evidence for your perspective. Circulate online petitions. Provide financial support if you can. Read up on your cause. Look at websites related to your cause. Keep an eye on the news. Take classes on issues related to your cause. Listen to the people most affected. Talk to other activists. Major in a field related to activism. Seek internships. Look for activist jobs. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Respect-Yourself | How to Respect Yourself | To respect yourself, try maintaining good posture and smiling to help yourself build confidence. You can also try thinking 3 good thoughts about yourself each hour to boost your self-esteem. Besides staying positive, treat your body with respect by eating right and exercising regularly. Keep in mind that caring for your body is for your own health, and doesn't have to revolve around your physical appearance. When it comes to other people, remember that you deserve to be treated with respect. So if someone treats you badly or calls you names, respect yourself by cutting off contact with them as soon as you can. | Get to know yourself. The more you understand about yourself , the more you'll see and appreciate how unique you really are, and the more you'll respect yourself. Discover your principles , personality, and talents. It can take a while to complete this exciting process of self-discovery, but you'll quickly see that it was worth it. Make a list of things, people, feelings and activities that are important to you. This will help you identify what you really like and need in your life. Try out different activities. This will give you a chance to see what you like and what you don't like. Try writing in a journal. Pretend that you're having a conversation with your 99-year-old self and you're asking for advice on what to focus on in your life. You can also start with the writing prompt, "What do I want to avoid writing about?" This will start an honest conversation with yourself. Spend time with yourself by pretending you're dating yourself. Try out a new restaurant that's exactly what you'd like to do. This will give you a chance to connect with your own feelings and opinions. Forgive yourself. If you want to respect yourself, then you have to be able to forgive yourself for things you've done in the past that you're not proud of. Admit what you did was wrong, apologize to others if necessary, and work on moving forward. If you're too hard on yourself for making the wrong decision or saying something hurtful, then you'll never be able to move on. Know you're human. People make mistakes. Making mistakes is the way we learn, so accept them and forgive yourself. Accept yourself. Be comfortable in your own skin, learning to love and accept the person that you are. This doesn't mean you have to think that you're perfect, but you have to learn to embrace yourself. Be happy with all of the things you love about yourself, and be okay with the parts of you that are less-than-perfect, especially the ones you can't change. Stop saying you'll love yourself if only you lost twenty pounds, and start loving the person you are right here, right now. Work on building your confidence. Achieving self-respect is difficult if you're not happy with who you are, how you look, or what you're doing. Building true confidence takes a lot of work, but doing a few simple things every day can start you on your way. Start by maintaining positive body language and good posture, smiling more, and thinking at least three good thoughts about yourself each hour. If someone compliments you, accept their statement by saying, “Thank you.” Maintain a positive attitude. A positive attitude can make or break your success in life, as well as your thoughts about who you are. Even if things aren't going your way, be confident about the fact that something good is bound to happen eventually. Be pleased with your everyday life and all that it can offer you. If you feel overly negative about everything and only imagine the worst in every situation, then you're bound to never feel good about who you are or to give yourself the respect you deserve. For example, if you applied to a job you really want, don't say, "There's no chance I'll get it. There are so many more qualified applicants." Instead, say, "It would be so exciting to get that job. Even if I don't get asked for an interview, I'm still proud of myself for applying." Stop trying to keep up with everyone. One of the reasons you may be lacking self-respect is because you feel bad that you're single while all of your friends are engaged, or that you feel inadequate that you don't make as much money as other people you know. Maintain your own standards and work on achieving the goals you want to achieve. Don't waste your time doing what you think will impress your Facebook friends or give you bragging rights. It's much more impressive to succeed at doing what you want to do instead of following the path that everyone else has taken. Cast aside your envy. Stop wishing you had what others have and work on achieving what you really want. The feelings of bitterness and resentment that come along with jealousy will only make you dislike yourself and wish you were someone else. Cast aside envy and work on what will make you happy. Believe in your choices. If you want to respect yourself, then you have to believe in the decisions you've made. You have to be firm in your beliefs and make an effort to understand yourself and to know what will really make you happy. Give yourself the reward of a decision well-made and stick to it, no matter how difficult it may be. It's okay to ask other people for advice, and this can actually help you gain a more balanced perspective, but you shouldn't spend your time doubting yourself, thinking that what you've done is all wrong, and wishing that you had done something else. Learn to handle criticism. To truly have self-respect, you have to be aware of the person you really are. If someone gives you helpful and constructive feedback, evaluate what they're telling you. You may be able to use the feedback for self-improvement. Constructive criticism can help you achieve your goal of being a better person. Your boyfriend might say that you could have been a better listener when he really needed you, or your boss might say that your report could have been written more carefully, If someone is being mean or trying to hurt you, then throw that feedback out the window. Sometimes it can be hard to tell the difference between someone who tells you something that is true in a harsh way and someone who tells you something mean in a "nice" way. Evaluate this criticism honestly and carefully. Don't let others get to you. Though it may sound impossible, your sense of self-worth and happiness should come from yourself, not from the people around you. Sure, some compliments or rewards can make you feel better, but at the end of the day, your happiness and self-satisfaction has to come from within. Don't let other people tell you who you are, make you feel small, or make you question your beliefs. If you want to respect yourself, then you have to trust that you've made the right decisions, and learn to let the haters hate. If you're always letting people change your mind or make you rethink your decisions, then people will think that you don't have strong convictions. Once you find things you really believe in, it'll be harder to let all of the negative people in your life really get to you. Treat yourself with respect. We often do things to ourselves that we would never dream of doing to someone we care about. For instance, when's the last time you called a friend ugly, told them they weren't good enough, or discouraged them from following their dreams? Whatever you believe to be respect, apply it to yourself. Don't insult or harm yourself, no matter how bad you feel. This kind of treatment is only bound to make you feel worse. Here are some other ways to treat yourself with basic respect: Don't steal from yourself, such as recklessly putting everything on credit; you're essentially taking money from your future self, because you'll have to pay up eventually. Be honest with yourself instead of being in denial about what you really want. Think for yourself by developing your own sources of knowledge and doing research, instead of just following the opinions of others. Take care of your body. When you make an effort to keep your body in good working order, you'll not only feel better physically, but you'll also feel a sense of pride. Respecting your body also means not insulting it for what it is, naturally. Make an effort to get fit and stay healthy , but don't trash yourself over the things you can't control, like your proportions. Focus on the things you can change and improve, and do it because it feels good, not because you think you're not "good enough" the way you are. This doesn't mean that going to the gym and looking amazing will automatically lead you to have high self-respect. But it does mean that if you don't put any time or care into your appearance, that you'll start to lose respect for who you are. Target areas for improvement. Respecting yourself does not mean thinking that you are perfect and that there is absolutely nothing that you need to work on and improve. It means being able to accept the things that you cannot change about yourself, while working to address the things that you need to work on. Take some time to really think about yourself and to consider the areas you'd like to work on the most; maybe you would like to improve your listening skills, or you would love to handle life's daily little stresses a lot better, or you would like to have a more balanced approach when making the people around you happy without sacrificing your own needs. Make a plan to make some headway in these departments, and soon, you'll be on your way to having more respect for yourself. Make a list of areas you'd like to improve. Take note when you make improvements, however small. It's important to write down your small and big victories. Of course, changing behaviors and the thoughts and feelings associated with those behaviors takes more than a day or two; it takes a big commitment and persistence. But taking the first steps to become a person that you respect more will make you feel more confident about who you are. Improve yourself. Improving yourself means taking the steps to try new things and to open your mind to new possibilities. Improving yourself can mean taking a yoga class, volunteering, spending more time learning lessons from the elders you care about, learning to see multiple perspectives about a situation, reading the news, and striving to learn new things. Respect others. If you want to respect yourself, then you have to start with respecting the people around you, not just the people who have more experience or are more accomplished, but all of the human beings on this earth who have not caused you harm. Of course, certain people don't deserve your respect, but you should work to treat people like you want to be treated, whether you're talking to your boss or the check-out girl at your local grocery store. Here are some basic ways to respect others: Be honest with people. Do not steal from, harm, or insult them. Listen to what they say, consider their opinion, and avoid interrupting them. Recognize when people disrespect you and take steps to stop it. A person with self-respect doesn't allow others to treat them badly, and would rather not associate with someone who is disrespectful. This might seem obvious, but there are many times when we accept being treated badly (in both big and small ways) because we believe the person doesn't know any better, or because we're not willing to let that person go, or because we're too down on ourselves to believe we deserve better. When someone doesn't give you basic respect, stand up for yourself and tell that person to treat you better. If someone continues to disrespect you, let him go. Nobody said it was easy to turn your back on someone who has clearly disrespected you, if you care about that person a lot. But once you break the bad habit of associating with someone who makes you feel terrible, you'll feel your self-respect soar. Learn to recognize a manipulative or controlling relationship. It can be hard to see when a person close to us is being disrespectful, especially if they're subtle and sneaky and it's been going on for a long time. Learn to practice nonviolent communication. When you do confront someone about their disrespectful behavior, try to stick to positive and productive communication guidelines: Don't resort to yelling or insulting the other person. These types of actions root the conversation in judgment and are not productive. Identify your feelings. Be honest about what you are feeling, taking responsibility for these emotions. Clearly state what you need or want from the situation. You might say, “I need to have a better image of myself, and I don't want to listen to negative comments about myself.” Don't rely too much on others to feel good about yourself. Many times, in dating or friendships, we might sacrifice our own needs and allow ourselves to be controlled by others because we are too afraid of losing them. You might perceive their opinions to matter much more than your own. In addition, paying attention to everyone else's needs but your own is a classic sign of low self-respect. Instead, trust your own opinions and put your own needs first. Learn that you do not need to depend on someone else for your happiness. A good place to start is to figure out what you can control and what you can't control. For example, you can't control the actions of other people (you can influence them, but not control them), and you can't control the weather. But you can control how you react to people even in bad situations, and you can control how you decide to feel. You can also take actions to improve the way you are handling different relationship situations, such as learning to be more assertive , and learning about healthy boundaries, how to enforce them, and how to stick to them. This will help you learn healthy behavior patterns that will encourage people to treat you well and increase your self-respect. Forgive others. If you want to respect yourself, then you have to learn to forgive the people who have wronged you. This doesn't mean that you have to be best friends with them, but it does mean that you should mentally forgive them and learn to move forward. If you're spending all of your time thinking about all of your grudges and resentments, then you won't be able to think clearly or to live in the present. So, do yourself the favor of forgiving people so that you can move forward. Even if someone has done you unspeakable harm, you need to work on moving on from the experience and the person. You can't let yourself wallow in anger and resentment forever. Forgiving others is a gift you give yourself, and an action you do for your own self-healing. It's okay to be angry for a little while, but if you are angry too long, the anger will interfere with your life and your happiness. Realize that when people treat you badly, it's because they don't have people in their lives treating them well, so they could be worse off than you. So, forgive them for their mistakes and transgressions for yourself, and the person who will benefit most is you Don't demean yourself. If you want to respect yourself, then you should stop demeaning yourself, especially in front of others. It's one thing to laugh at yourself, but it's another thing to say things like, "I look so fat today," or "Why would anyone want to talk to me anyway?" If you put yourself down, you are encouraging others to do the same. The next time you have a negative thought about yourself, write it down instead of saying it aloud. If you say it aloud, you'll be more likely to think it's really true. Don't let other people see you do something you'll regret later. Try to focus on doing things that will make you proud of yourself, not just things that get cheap laughs or short-term attention. Stay away from regretful behavior, such as getting too drunk and acting sloppy in public, or hooking up with someone at a bar just for the attention. Try to maintain a consistent image of yourself. It will be hard for people to respect you as the smartest guy in class if you were dancing around with a lampshade on your head at a party the night before. Deal with powerful emotions. It's okay to lose your cool from time to time, but if you're losing your cool too often and over little things, it will help your self-respect to deal with life's little stresses more efficiently. Try going for a walk to cool down, take deep breaths, and come back to the situation when you are calmer. Dealing with life's situations with a calm mind rather than when emotions are running high will help you feel more in control and better about the way you handle your daily situations, which in turn will help your self-respect. If you feel yourself getting angry, excuse yourself and go for a short walk, get some fresh air, or call someone who can help you feel grounded. You can also try meditation, writing in a journal, or talking it out with someone. Admit when you're wrong. If you truly want to respect yourself, then you have to be able to know when you've made a mistake. If you've messed up, let people know in a way that shows that you're truly sorry and that you've put enough thought into the situation to avoid doing the same thing again in the future. Taking responsibility for what you do and doing your best to make amends for it will help you move past feeling bad about making the mistake, which will help your self-respect, because you will know and be proud of the fact that you did your best even though things didn't go as perfectly as you would have hoped. Give yourself and the people around you enough respect to be able to admit that you're only human. If you learn to admit that you're wrong, people will have much more respect for you and will be able to trust you more. Spend time with the people who respect you. Being around people who make you feel terrible about yourself is guaranteed to lower your self-respect, because you'll feel bad not only because of what that person says, but deep down, you'll also be mad at yourself for letting that person hang around you. Find people who make you feel positive, good about yourself and the world, and who actually take the time to listen to you and to help you sort out your feelings. This is especially true for relationships. It will be close to impossible to have true self-respect if you're dating someone who makes you feel worthless. Stay humble. Some people think that bragging about their accomplishments will make people like them more. Doing this, however, will actually make you look insecure. If you really want people to respect you, practice modesty and humility, letting other people recognize for themselves how awesome you are. | Get to know yourself. Forgive yourself. Accept yourself. Work on building your confidence. Maintain a positive attitude. Stop trying to keep up with everyone. Cast aside your envy. Believe in your choices. Learn to handle criticism. Don't let others get to you. Treat yourself with respect. Take care of your body. Target areas for improvement. Improve yourself. Respect others. Recognize when people disrespect you and take steps to stop it. Learn to practice nonviolent communication. Don't rely too much on others to feel good about yourself. Forgive others. Don't demean yourself. Don't let other people see you do something you'll regret later. Deal with powerful emotions. Admit when you're wrong. Spend time with the people who respect you. Stay humble. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Learn-to-Speak-Japanese-in-Your-Spare-Time | How to Learn to Speak Japanese in Your Spare Time | To learn how to speak Japanese in your spare time, try downloading a language app like Duolingo on your phone so you can easily practice Japanese phrases on the go. You can also throw on some Japanese music whenever you're just hanging out at home or doing household chores, or try watching Japanese TV shows and movies in your spare time. To get better at the written language, try labeling items in your house in Japanese so you can easily learn the names of common objects. | Take advantage of online resources. A way to start speaking Japanese is by learning some basic phrases like “how are you?”, which in Japanese is “Ogenki desu ka?” There are a lot of websites that list basic phrases and give audio exercises for practicing them. On your break at work or down time at home, spend a few minutes exploring these Japanese language websites. Then try using a newly learned phrase when you see a friend. The Japanese Broadcasting Corporation (NHK), for example, offers basic Japanese lessons on their website at https://www.nhk.or.jp/lesson/english/. Download an application. If you have a smart phone, search for “learn Japanese” in your application store and you'll find a list of free applications you can use to learn Japanese. Applications are a fun tool to learn new words and phrases on the go, or even when you're relaxing in bed! If you're waiting for a ride to pick you up, take out your phone and use one of these applications to learn how to say “you're late!” in Japanese. Applications like Duolingo and Memrise also allow you to practice on the computer. Watch a Japanese TV show or movie in your free time. Sometimes when you have free time you might be in the mood to watch a movie or TV show. When that happens, try watching a Japanese movie or show with English subtitles. Watching movies and shows is a fun way to get more familiar with how sentences and specific words sound in Japanese. Netflix and Amazon Video have Japanese TV shows and movies. To find them, search for “Japanese.” Japanese shows and movies on English streaming video sites will come with English subtitles so you can understand what they are saying. Listen to Japanese music while you’re cleaning. Just like with movies, listening to Japanese music will give you exposure to how to speak the language naturally. When you're tidying up your house or doing chores, put some Japanese music on in the background so you can get used to hearing the language. If you like pop, try listening to the hit boy band Arashi. If you're into rock, try L'Arc-en-Ciel. Music and movies are also good introductions to Japanese culture. Label household objects with their Japanese names. A way of learning the Japanese words for things you use every day is to label objects you have in your house with their Japanese name. Take your fridge, for example. Write the Japanese word for it, reizōko, on a piece of paper and tape it to your fridge door. That way, every time you open it for a snack, you'll see the word and eventually remember it without looking. Look up an instructor in your area if you want to learn more. When you've finished learning how to say basic phrases and words for things in your house, you might want to learn even more Japanese. Maybe you also want to learn how to talk about a specific topic, like farming in Japan. Having a private instructor means you can make one-on-one classes that fit what you want to learn. Unlike a class at a school, a class with a private instructor can also be on your schedule. Search online for private instructors available in your area. Instructors might have different teaching experiences and rates. Choose an instructor based on your needs. Seek online instruction if your time is limited. More and more instructors are beginning to teach online. Since online instructors can be based in many different places in the world, they may operate on a different time zone. This means online instruction can occur during various times of the day, like early in the morning or late at night. Online instruction is usually through Skype, so you can learn at home in comfort. Instruction times are still limited to a particular instructor's availability. Set a regular schedule with your instructor. Learning a language takes a lot of practice. When you find an instructor you like, schedule regular sessions with them. If you have regular sessions, you'll get to know your instructor and feel more comfortable speaking with them. Join an online language exchange. A great way to pick up Japanese is by speaking it with someone who already knows the language. A lot of Japanese speakers want to speak English. You know English and want to learn Japanese. So exchange your skills! A language exchange is something you can do on your computer through Skype or a language exchange website. You can talk to someone on the weekend, after work, or maybe even during a lunch break. There are a lot of websites that connect Japanese language speakers with English language speakers. Enter “Japanese language exchange” in your search engine to find one of these websites. Find an in-person language exchange. You can also meet with a Japanese speaker in person and talk to them in your free time. To find an in-person language exchange, look on the website of your local university or community college. Often, your local universities or community colleges organize language exchanges for their students and community members. Find a local group. If you live in a city, there will definitely be more people like you who want to learn to speak Japanese. Learners often meet up together in their spare time at cafes and bars to practice speaking with one another. This is just another form of language exchange and casual settings like cafes and bars make having conversations with strangers easier. A good site to find a language meet up is https://www.meetup.com/topics/language-exchange. Talk to friends who speak Japanese. If you already know someone who can speak Japanese, meet with them over coffee and have a conversation in Japanese. Since it's someone you know, talking in Japanese won't be as scary and you'll get good practice. You can also ask your friend for tips on learning Japanese. | Take advantage of online resources. Download an application. Watch a Japanese TV show or movie in your free time. Listen to Japanese music while you’re cleaning. Label household objects with their Japanese names. Look up an instructor in your area if you want to learn more. Seek online instruction if your time is limited. Set a regular schedule with your instructor. Join an online language exchange. Find an in-person language exchange. Find a local group. Talk to friends who speak Japanese. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prepare-for-a-Race | How to Prepare for a Race | To prepare for a race, stick to a training schedule that will prepare you for your race with specific runs, gentle stretches, and cross training activities. Additionally, cross train by swimming, biking, or doing yoga to increase your flexibility and strength. You'll also need to drink plenty of water before, after, and even during your longer runs to help muscles recover. Proper nutrition will also help your training, so make sure to eat a well balanced, healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy whole grain carbohydrates. | Get the right shoes. The correct shoe will support your ankle, lock your heel into place, and give your toes enough room to wiggle around. Long-distance running shoes – anything over a 5k – are heavier because of added comfort. If you're training for a shorter race, look for lighter-weight racing shoes to increase speed. Each foot is made up differently. Experts can help you determine your unique foot characteristics to find shoes that support weaker areas. Your shoe should not just be on your foot, but part of it. Feet grow and change in small but significant ways with age, so don't presume that a 3-year-old pair will fit even if they're still in good shape. Invest in comfortable clothes. Activewear fabrics like Dri-FIT are designed to move sweat away from the body, whereas traditional cotton absorbs it. By using lightweight, sweat-resistant clothing, your endurance will grow as you stay comfortable. You don't need an entirely new wardrobe, either; just get a couple of the right products to cycle through. Carry a water bottle. If you plan to train with the water bottle in hand, opt for something smaller and with a nozzle for easier drinking on the go. If you can, plan a route that has water stations so you can refill it if you need to. Additionally, water-pack systems like those from CamelBak keep plenty of water in your reach without becoming tedious to maneuver. Plastic bottles can contain harmful chemicals, so when in doubt, opt for a stainless steel one. Write down the date of your race. Studies have found a link between writing down goals and following through with them. Make sure you do not stress yourself out too much, and try not to focus upon the crowd. Write down your race on something you will see each day, like a calendar or a sticky note on your desk. You want to prevent this goal from becoming an abstract concept for you. Develop a training schedule. The most successful training schedules incorporate consistency and variety harmoniously. The purpose of creating a schedule is to give yourself time to master a distance and then challenge yourself to raise it slowly until you've hit your distance goal. Start by determining how far you can already run. If you can do an eight to ten mile run every week, you should train for a marathon for 18-20 weeks. If you cannot, you may need to train for longer or you might consider a shorter race. Use the 10% rule when creating your schedule, which says that you should not increase your mileage by more than 10% from week to week. If you're new to running long distances, give yourself extra time to train so you don't hurt yourself. If the average 5k training program is 3 weeks, give yourself 5 or 6 weeks. If the average marathon training program is 16 to 18 weeks, give yourself 18 to 20. Hold yourself accountable. Finding someone to train with can be a huge step in manifesting your goal. If you want to train alone but still need motivation, find a friend to check in with on a weekly basis. The point is that you want to create an outside source to bolster your motivation. Fitness apps like Zombies, Run! and Fitocracy use a reward-based system for the work you do so you can see something tangible for being diligent. Remember why you made this goal in the first place. A big motivator will be finding the joy in your training. Mix up your exercise routine by cross training. Rest your running muscles from time to time by doing exercise that focuses on different muscle groups. Swimming, yoga, and pilates can keep your muscles warm while preventing possible burnout from focusing on a single activity. Gentle stretching helps soothe sore muscles, but overstretching can cause injury. Try some yoga poses, but do not do poses that are too deep. Lizard pose or inverted plank pose are great for runners. Drink lots of water. Without proper hydration, your training schedule can quickly fall off-track. Your recovery time will take longer, your muscles will burn deeper, and your drive and dedication will most likely falter. When running long distances during training, you should drink water at least every 20-30 minutes, or more if you need it. Eat a well-rounded diet. Limit the number of processed foods you eat, like candy and fast food. Instead, focus mostly on fresh foods that don't have a nutrition label – things like fruits, vegetables, and fish. Good sources of healthy complex carbohydrates include quinoa, brown rice, and whole-grain pasta. Chicken, fish, eggs, and legumes are all great sources of protein. Healthy fats consist of all kinds of nut varieties (pistachios, peanuts, almonds) as well as avocados and olive, canola, and coconut oils. Eat a snack high in carbs and protein within an hour after finishing a run to replenish energy quickly. | Get the right shoes. Invest in comfortable clothes. Carry a water bottle. Write down the date of your race. Develop a training schedule. Hold yourself accountable. Mix up your exercise routine by cross training. Drink lots of water. Eat a well-rounded diet. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Preserve-Rose-Petals | How to Preserve Rose Petals | To preserve rose petals, spread them out on a baking rack, and leave them in a warm, dark place for 10-20 days to air dry. Alternatively, you can put the petals between 2 pieces of paper, then put the paper and petals between the pages of a heavy book and set it aside for a couple of weeks. If you're looking for a faster way to dry petals, arrange them on a baking sheet, put them in a 180°F oven for 3 hours with the oven door open, then let them sit overnight. However, be aware that petals dried this way may end up somewhat discolored. | Dehydrate petals with silica gel. Silica gel, which can be purchased at most craft stores, can easily be used to preserve rose petals. You'll need a large package of silica gel and an airtight, sealable container. Place an inch of silica gel at the bottom of an airtight container. Then, add the rose petals. Add about another half inch of silica gel, completely covering the flowers. Place the lid on the container and set aside in a safe place away from pets or children. It can take anywhere from two to seven days for flowers to dry completely. At this point, they can be removed and used in crafts. Wetter, larger petals will take longer to dry than smaller, dryer ones. Dry out petals with borax and sand. Borax and sand can also be used to preserve rose petals. As silica gel can be a hazard to pets and children, you may feel safer with this method. You'll need to buy fine sand and borax powder at a local craft store. Once again, you'll also need a container. However, you'll be leaving the container uncovered so it does not need to be sealable or airtight. Sift the borax first, making sure to remove all the lumps. Then, mix the borax and sand. You should use a mixture of 2 parts borax, 1 part fine sand. Line one inch of the borax/sand mixture on the bottom of your container. Add the rose petals. Then, cover them completely with borax and sand. You'll need about half an inch. This method takes slightly longer to work than the silica gel method. You'll have to set your open container aside for 14 to 17 days before the petals dry completely. Preserve petals using cat litter. A plain, dust-free cat litter can also help preserve rose petals. You would use the same layering process as you used with silica gel. Line the bottom of an airtight, sealable container with an inch of cat litter. Then, add the rose petals. Then, add another half inch of cat litter. Seal the container and set aside for two to seven days. If you have cats, make sure to place the container out of their reach. If they see a container full of litter, they may assume it's for them and try to get into it. Place the petals in borax and white corn meal. Borax can also be mixed with white corn meal to preserve flowers. Mix the borax and corn meal with a 50/50 ratio. Then, line an inch of the mixture on the bottom of a container. Add the rose petals. Cover with another half inch. Set the container aside, uncovered, for 14 to 17 days. Dry the roses in the oven. You can also use an oven to dry out petals. This method is quicker than air drying, but may cause more discoloration. To start, heat your oven to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Arrange the petals in a layer on a cookie sheet. Make sure the petals are not touching. Place the cookie sheet in the oven. Heat the roses for at least 3 hours, keeping the oven door open the entire time. Remove the tray and set it aside in a safe place where it's unlikely to be disturbed. Leave overnight. There should be no more moisture on the flowers by morning. Iron the petals. An iron can also help dry out flowers for preservation. However, this flattens the petals significantly. If you don't want to distort the shape, you may want to try another method. To start, heat your iron to its lowest setting. Do not add water to the iron. If there is any water in the iron, empty it. Place the flowers between two sheets of absorbent paper. Use a book to flatten them slightly. Then, press the iron on top of the absorbent sheets for 10 to 15 seconds. Do not make any gliding motions. Simply press the iron down. Heat a flower press in the microwave. A microwave can also help dry out flower petals for preservation. This process is very quick, which is its main advantage. However, pressing flowers under a microwave can cause them to brown. You should buy a professional microwave flower press, which you can buy online or at a local craft store, for the best results. However, if you don't have a professional flower press you can make one by placing the petals between two ceramic tiles. From there, you can tie the tiles together with non-flammable string or twine. Place the press in the microwave. Heat it for 30 to 60 seconds at a time. Allow the press to cool off completely between sessions. Check the flowers periodically. Once they appear completely dry, you can remove them and use them for craft purposes. Air dry the roses. You can use natural heat to dry rose petals. This method can take slightly longer than others, but may require less work on your part. To preserve petals, you need to set them on a surface that allows air circulation. You can use a wire cookie rack or a window screen, for example. Set the petals across the surface, making sure they're not touching each other. Then, find a warm and dark place to set the petals aside. Choose a place out of reach of children and animals. You do not want the petals to get disturbed during the drying process. It will take 10 to 20 days for the petals to dry completely. If you're drying more petals, it will take longer. Press the petals between books. If you don't mind investing some extra time, you can press flowers between a book and set aside for a few weeks. To start, place the petals between two pieces of absorbent paper. Make sure they are not touching. Then, place the paper and petals between the pages of a heavy book. A phone book works well. Place a brick or other heavy item on top of the book to weigh it down. Once a week, replace the absorbent papers. It will take the petals a few weeks to completely dry. Purchase and use a dehydrator. A quality dehydrator, while expensive, is one of the best means to preserve petals without harming their appearance. You can purchase a dehydrator online or at a local craft shop. Set the dehydrator to its lowest heat setting and then place the petals inside. Allow the dehydrator to dry them and then remove. Consider professional freeze-drying. Professional freeze-drying can be expensive. However, the rose's color and scent will remain preserved if you use this method. If the rose petals are particularly important to you, you may want to put your money towards professional freeze drying. | Dehydrate petals with silica gel. Dry out petals with borax and sand. Preserve petals using cat litter. Place the petals in borax and white corn meal. Dry the roses in the oven. Iron the petals. Heat a flower press in the microwave. Air dry the roses. Press the petals between books. Purchase and use a dehydrator. Consider professional freeze-drying. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Avoid-Overfeeding-Your-Cat | How to Avoid Overfeeding Your Cat | You can avoid overfeeding your cat by giving it several small meals throughout the day rather than one, which will prevent it from becoming too hungry and overeating. You should also measure out each of your cat's meals so you don't accidentally give it too much food. Besides portioning its meals correctly, it's also important to feed your cat food that's made specifically for its age and lifestyle so it gets the right nutrients for its body. Additionally, make sure you're not giving your cat too many treats, as this can cause it to gain weight. | Determine how much food your cat needs. The vet should examine your cat to determine its body shape and energy needs. The vet will decide how much food your cat needs based on its ideal body weight. If your cat is overweight, you can discuss how much weight your cat needs to lose and if you need to reduce meal sizes. If you can't talk with the vet about your cat's weight, you should read the cat food package to determine the correct portion size for your cat based on age and weight. Keep in mind that some feeding recommendations on pet food are overgenerous. If your cat is overweight, then feed them the amount for the weight you want them to be rather than the amount for their current weight. Select the right food for your cat's age and lifestyle. While most commercial cat foods are developed to give balanced nutrition, they're made for different stages of your cat's life. Choose a cat food that says it meets all the health requirements established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and pick one based on your cat's life stage. Examples of ages and activity levels include: Kitten Adult Senior Pregnancy and lactation Feed your cat a mix of wet and dry food. If you'd like to change the commercial cat food you give your pet, ask for recommendations from the vet. They may recommend that you add some wet food to your cat's diet if you're currently only feeding dry food. If you'd like to feed your cat a mix of wet and dry food, avoid just adding the wet food. You'll need to reduce the amount of dry food you offer, so your cat doesn't overeat. Your cat needs about 24 to 35 calories for each pound it weighs, so take this into account when deciding what foods to offer. Limit the treats you give your cat. It's important to pay attention to all of the food you're feeding your cat, including treats. Treats are fine to occasionally give to your cat, but they shouldn't make up more than 10 to 15% of your cat's overall diet. To keep your cat a healthy weight, avoid giving these treats: Raw meat Milk Food scraps Feed your cat several small meals during the day. If your cat always has access to food in its dish, it can easily overeat. Instead of allowing your cat to graze, feed your cat at set meal times. If you have an adult cat, feed the cat a few small meals during the day. If you have a kitten, you may need to give it three smaller meals each day. Measure your cat's food for the day. If you're feeding your cat several small meals a day or if you're feeding several cats, it may be hard to remember how much food you've already given them during the day. To prevent overfeeding your cat, measure out how much food you want to give your cat for the whole day. Remember that the exact amount of food you measure out will depend on your cat's needs. Divide the daily food into several portions. Place the daily amount of food into a smaller container that you can divide up at meal and snack times. For example, if your cat can have one cup of cat food in a day, but you like to divide it into a few meals and a treat, start by measuring out one cup of food into a container. You could give your cat a little over 1/3 of a cup of the food for each meal and have some leftover for treats. If you have multiple cats, keep separate containers for each cat, since they may have different dietary needs. Use measuring cups or a food scale to portion the food. If you're in the habit of pouring food out of the bag into your cat's food bowl, start measuring the food with a cup or weighing the food on a food scale. This will ensure that you're giving your cat the recommended amount of food. Measure the food into the cup and brush the excess food off of the top, so the cup of food is level, not heaping. Or, if you have a food scale, then place the food on the scale to find the exact amount. Using a scale is much more accurate because food can settle differently in a measuring cup from day to day, but the scale will always ensure that your cat is getting the same amount of food. If your cat's food bowl has measurement lines on the side, you should still fill a separate measuring up and pour the food in. It's very easy to overfill the dish when you're pouring into it. Give your cat access to clean water. You should always have fresh water available for your cat. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will help your cat digest its food and can help it feel fuller. Remember to wash your cat's water dish frequently. If your cat eats dry food, it's even more important to offer lots of dry water. This is because dry cat food doesn't contain very much moisture. Put the food in a puzzle or cat toy. One of the best ways to keep your cat a healthy weight is to keep your cat active. Instead of setting treats at set times, challenge your cat by putting the treat into a food puzzle or cat toy. Your cat will spend time and energy to get to the food. This will also slow your cat down when it eats, since the cat will probably only be able to get a few pieces of treat at a time. | Determine how much food your cat needs. Select the right food for your cat's age and lifestyle. Feed your cat a mix of wet and dry food. Limit the treats you give your cat. Feed your cat several small meals during the day. Measure your cat's food for the day. Divide the daily food into several portions. Use measuring cups or a food scale to portion the food. Give your cat access to clean water. Put the food in a puzzle or cat toy. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Surf-Wax | How to Make Surf Wax | To make surf wax, start by heating 1 ½ cups of water in the bottom of a double boiler. If you don't have a double boiler, you can use 2 pots that are the same size by putting one on top of the other. When the water is hot and steaming, put 1 cup of beeswax and ¼ cup of coconut oil in the top of the double boiler. Then, stir constantly as the beeswax and coconut oil melt to prevent the wax from sticking to the sides of the pan. Once the mixture is smooth, you can add an essential oil, like lavender or peppermint, if you want your surf wax scented. | Heat water in a double broiler. Pour in about 1 ½ cups (354.8 ml) of water in the bottom of a double broiler. Heat on medium heat until the water is hot and steaming. You do not need to boil the water, you just need it to be hot enough to melt the beeswax through steaming. If you don't have a double broiler, you can also simply heat water in a pot on the stove, then put an equal-sized pot on top of it to create the effect of a double broiler. Place the beeswax and coconut oil in the top of the double broiler. Once the water has heated and is steaming, place 1 cup (240 ml) of beeswax and ¼ cup (60 ml) of coconut oil in the top pan of the double broiler. Place the top of the double broiler on top of the bottom pan. Melt the ingredients, stirring constantly. Once you place the beeswax and coconut oil over the bottom of the broiler, they should begin to melt. As they melt, stir the ingredients constantly so that they don't get stuck to the sides of the pan. Add in essential oils. If you want your wax to be fragrant, add a few drops of essential oils when the wax and coconut oil have melted and mixed together. Popular oils to use are lavender, peppermint, lemon or rosemary. If you prefer the subtle scent of the coconut oil, don't add any essential oil. Find a healthy conifer. Cold-water wax differs from warm-water wax because it requires the addition of tree resin. To extract tree resin, first find a conifer tree that generally looks healthy, with relatively smooth, tight bark and without many dead branches or limbs. Conifer trees are trees that grow conifers, the cone-like growths that grow on tree branches. Examples of conifers are pine, spruce, maple, and cedar trees. If you don't want to extract tree resin yourself, you can find it on eBay or other online sites. Create a flat, cleared area on the face of the tree. Once you have found a suitable tree, use a machete or a hatchet to cut downward on the bark about 3 feet from the ground. Make a rectangle that is about 10 inches long and 6 inches wide. Try to cut cleanly so that you cut out a flat area about 1 inch deep into the tree. Place a bucket under the tree. Place a bucket against the tree directly underneath where you made the rectangular indent. Use a flat piece of metal or another smooth material to make a ramp that leads from the cleared rectangle into the bucket. The ramp will catch the resin as it comes out of the tree and lead it into the bucket. Therefore, it's important that the ramp is flush against the tree and leads directly into the bucket. Cut V-shaped notches into the cleared rectangle. After you set up the bucket, use the hatchet or machete to hack into the cleared rectangle you made, forming V-shaped notches that are about half an inch from each other. It may be easier to do one side of the “V” at a time, hacking downward slashes on the left half of the rectangle and then hacking upward slashes on the other side of the rectangle. Check the bucket every day. Collecting tree resin isn't instantaneous. You may have to wait several days for enough resin to collect. Keep the bucket under the tree and check on it daily. When it looks like you have about ¼ cup of resin, remove the bucket from the tree and transfer the resin to a small bowl. It should take two to three days to collect ¼ cup (60 ml) of resin. Use a double broiler to melt ingredients and form the wax. Use the same steps used to make cold-water wax, adding in the additional ingredient of ¼ cup (60 ml) of tree resin along with the beeswax and coconut oil in the top of the double broiler. The resulting wax will have a slightly stickier consistency than warm-water wax. Pour the wax into a tin or container. Once the ingredients of the warm or cold water wax have fully mixed together, pour the wax into a container or tin large enough to fit it. Scrape the sides of the pan to be sure to get out all the wax. Use a tin or container that has a top so that the wax won't dry out. Let the surf wax harden. Before you close the container of surf wax, leave the wax out to harden for three to four hours or overnight. Leaving the container open lets the heat escape so that the wax can harden faster, and so its consistency stays the same. Use the wax or close and store the container. After the wax has hardened, it is ready for use. When you are done using the wax, place the lid on the container and store it in a cool place out of direct sunlight. | Heat water in a double broiler. Place the beeswax and coconut oil in the top of the double broiler. Melt the ingredients, stirring constantly. Add in essential oils. Find a healthy conifer. Create a flat, cleared area on the face of the tree. Place a bucket under the tree. Cut V-shaped notches into the cleared rectangle. Check the bucket every day. Use a double broiler to melt ingredients and form the wax. Pour the wax into a tin or container. Let the surf wax harden. Use the wax or close and store the container. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Manage-a-Company | How to Manage a Company | To manage a company, first review the chain of command and the company's structure. This includes learning about your responsibilities and identifying your supervisor. Take some time to assess the company's assets, debts, employees, and capital. Then, using that information, develop goals that you would like to accomplish, such as increasing sales or decreasing employee turnover. Establish metrics, such as performance evaluations or sales reports, to assess whether goals have been met. | Review the company's organization. Your first step should be to see exactly where you fit in the management of the company. Start by examining its organizational structure. The complexity of this structure will largely depend on the size of the company. As CEO, you may be in charge of several other executives and a few dozen employees or dozens of executives and thousands of employees. Look at different divisions within the company to see how operations are separated and carried out. Depending on the executive structure of the company, you might be reported to directly by all employees or by executives like the chief financial officer (CFO) and various vice presidents. Figure out who you report to. The CEO might be the founder or owner of the company, and therefore would only be responsible for reporting to other large shareholders. However, in many cases, the CEO reports to a board of directors or the owner of the company. In this way, they act as the operation hand of the board, carrying out their decisions. A CEO may also work in tandem with another executive, like a vice president or chairman, to make key business decisions. Make sure to clearly assess who you are responsible for reporting to. Determine reporting goals. When you report to the board or owner, if you are required to do so, you will report on new operational plans and/or the progress of existing plans. These might include both short-term and long-term plans. Progress must be reported at regular intervals, depending on the board requirements. In addition, the board will likely require that the CEO report to them on the financial health of the company quarterly and annually. The CEO might also be responsible for assessing the performance of subordinate executives and reporting their findings to the board. Identify manager performance goals. The CEOs duties vary between organizations as well. You may be responsible for coming up with a new direction for the company or more narrowly focus on improving a single metric. To be successful, you'll have to figure out exactly how your performance will be measured. If the board expects you to take the company in a new direction and you focus on increasing sales, you may be replaced. Ask for specific goals so that you can create a plan for reaching them and carry out that plan. Identify financial assets, needs, and limitations. The CEO must be conscious of all of the company's resources, including both capital and people. They need to know how much of each to allocate to the different departments and how to do so efficiently to reach the best results. Identify company assets like cash reserves and other liquid assets that can be used when needed. Assess the needs of the company as they apply to your plan, prioritizing the most important aspects and providing them with resources first. Successful distribution of resources requires that you clearly understand the operations and limitations of the company. Assess past performance. The first step towards instituting a new operational plan is figuring what you're starting with. Look over existing strategic, operational, and marketing plans to get a sense of the past goals of the company. Then, you can look at financial performance over preceding years by examining financial statements from those years. Look at the successes and failures of old operational plans and projects. Try to identify why they were or were not successful. Identify the strengths of the company. When implementing your own operational plan, you'll need to know what you can count on. The strengths of the company and its workers should be used to your advantage wherever possible. Worker strengths might include subject matter knowledge, a large amount of experience, a high level of skill, and commitment to the goals of the company, among others. Focus on taking advantage of your workforce's strengths to improve performance and employee wellbeing. Determine the primary weaknesses. Similarly, you have to understand your team's weaknesses so that you can work around them and make plans to solve them. Weaknesses might include poor quality, low levels of performance, excessive costs, a lack of cohesive organization, or an inability to meet schedules, among others. Look at issues with employer performance, workplace culture, employee turnover, and processes to identify weaknesses. Prioritize solving each problem. There may be a variety of problems in your workforce or organization. These can sometimes be worked around and hidden, but only for a time. To actually solve them, you will need to prioritize each issue and work to solve them one at a time. For example, you might solve cultural problems by leading by example, showing your management and employees how to promote an efficient working environment. Establish key performance metrics. Your operational plan will be meaningless if its success cannot be measured. Establish measurable and specific performance metrics so that your progress and eventual success can be tracked. These metrics must be quantifiable targets that can be reached as you work through your plan. When they are reached, the plan can be considered a success. Metrics should be bound by a certain time limit. For example, you might set an objective of raising sales by 10 percent in two years or improving employee retention by 20 percent in the next five years. Set realistic objectives. Set goals by first identifying your strategic objectives. What change do you most want to make in your organization? Your answer should be a mix of your own objectives and those of your shareholders and customers. However, these objectives should be grounded in reality. There's no way you're going to control the whole market for your product or double your sales in a year. Ground your objectives by cutting them into measurable and attainable goals. These should be actions that lead to an expected result, like training your sales team on maintaining customer relationships to increase repeat sales by 3 percent. This goal might be one aspect of the larger goal of increasing sales by 10 percent over a few years. Determine the appropriate management style. Management styles fall broadly into two categories: people-focused and process-focused. People-focused strategies rely on hiring, training, and retaining the best people, allowing them to improve processes themselves. Process-focused strategies, on the other hand, focus on creating perfect business processes first and then training existing staff on them. In most cases, effective management will incorporate both of them. However, you will likely need to focus on one in the immediate term. Your choice of one of these styles will be up to you, and will largely depend on the process and your own confidence in your abilities to increase performance using one strategy. Communicate the plan to your superiors. In your role as the middleman between the board and company, you must communicate your operational plan and research to the board. Be prepared to defend your strategy and reasoning, as the board will likely be very interested in any significant operational changes. Get their approval on the final plan before moving forward. This may end up taking several versions of the plan and going back and forth between the board and your planning team. Communicate the operational plan to your workforce. To begin implementing the operational plan, you will need to get all relevant employees on board. This is best handled in meetings where management is able to meet directly with employees and present the plan to them, addressing any questions or concerns they may have. The plan itself can be broken down into parts and presented separately in more detail to the teams that will be handling those parts. If necessary, train employees who will using a new system or equipment as part of plan implementation. Monitor results regularly. Schedule regular meetings, perhaps biweekly or monthly, to track plan implementation and success. These only have to be 30 minutes or an hour long, but should allow for departments to report on their progress. Make sure that all progress is reported in terms of your established metrics. This way, you can easily track progress across teams and departments. Correct deficiencies in the plan. After a few months of plan implementation, take a step back to review implementation success. What has gone well and what is not going so well? Look at areas where implementation has gone smoothly and those areas where it hasn't. Work to assess why these areas are not performing as strongly and reassess your strategy to work past it. Hold meetings with representatives from those departments so that you can work out solutions. | Review the company's organization. Figure out who you report to. Determine reporting goals. Identify manager performance goals. Identify financial assets, needs, and limitations. Assess past performance. Identify the strengths of the company. Determine the primary weaknesses. Prioritize solving each problem. Establish key performance metrics. Set realistic objectives. Determine the appropriate management style. Communicate the plan to your superiors. Communicate the operational plan to your workforce. Monitor results regularly. Correct deficiencies in the plan. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Start-an-Accounting-Business | How to Start an Accounting Business | To start an accounting business, begin by drafting a detailed business plan that describes the company, products and services, marketing and sales analysis, and a financial strategy. Next, choose a business structure, such as sole proprietor, corporation, or partnership, and obtain the required licenses and permits required to legally run your company. Then, find a commercial space and hire and train your employees. Finally, start marketing your business through ads and social media to find your first clients! | Identify your niche. Before you open, you need to know what kinds of services you will provide. This process is called finding your niche. It's unlikely that you'll be a “Jack of All Trades,” so identify the services you want to specialize in. If you are an experienced accountant, then think about the type of work you have enjoyed most. Do you want to work with businesses, individuals, non-profits, etc.? Do you know what type of work you don't want to do? If you have no experience, then it might take you a while to find your niche. However, you can talk with accountants who are currently practicing to get a feel for what they do. Identifying your niche will help prevent you from taking on too much work, which is a common mistake when starting a new business. Decide whether to go full-time. You might be excited to jump into your new accounting business with both feet. However, you need to realistically assess whether you can afford to start a full-time accounting business. Instead, you might choose to continue to work your day job but build your accounting business at night or on the weekends. If you are currently an accountant, then proceed cautiously. Your employer won't like that you are setting up a new business as a competitor. Consider partnering with someone. Partnering with an established accounting professional can help you get a business off the ground. Working with a partner means more industry connections and more capital. Reach out to people who have recently started their own accounting businesses and schedule a lunch. Tell them you want to start a business and ask if they are open to bringing on a partner. Choose your partners wisely. An ideal partner should complement your skills. You should also agree on where you want to take your accounting business. If you don't see eye to eye, then forming a partnership could create problems down the road. Decide whether to buy an existing business. In some ways, buying an existing accounting practice is the easiest option. You already have a built-in client list and visibility in the community. On the downside, this is usually an expensive option. Make sure that you can spread out the purchase price over several years. If you decide to go down this route, then you should thoroughly investigate the business. You want to make sure their niche aligns with your interests. Draft a business plan. Writing a business plan is a necessity if you need funding. Lenders will only extend a loan after looking at your business plan. However, writing a business plan is also a great exercise on its own because it forces you to focus on the nuts and bolts of your business. Your plan should have the following parts: Executive summary. Write this last but put it first. It's a one- or two-page summary of your entire business plan. Company description. Explain your business structure and how it fits into the accounting industry. Also identify your goals or objectives. Products and services. Describe your accounting services and anything that makes you unique. Marketing and sales analysis. You need to identify your competitors and then analyze their business, pointing out their strengths and weaknesses. Also create a profile of your ideal client. Consider age, income, education, location, etc. Organization details. If your business is large, you can provide an organization chart of departments and key employees. Also provide background information about your management team. Financial plan. You should project your finances for the next several years. Financial projections are particularly important if you need funding. Purchase necessary technology. Fortunately, accountants don't need a lot of equipment to run their business. At a minimum, you'll need the following, so budget for them: computer printer telephone fax machine copier account software (e.g., QuickBooks Pro) Find a business mentor. A mentor can answer your questions and be a sympathetic ear to bounce ideas off of. Finding a more experienced accountant to act as your mentor will benefit you, especially if you don't want to go into partnership with one. Remember that your mentor will be primarily a business mentor. They can help on the business side of things. If you also have accounting questions, you might want to get a second mentor. Decide on your business structure. Every business has a certain structure, which will determine how it is formed as well as your legal liability. Consider the following common options in the U.S.: Sole proprietor. This is the easiest type of business to form. You don't have to file anything with the state to form a sole proprietorship. Instead, you use your name and Social Security Number. Corporation. Some states have special professional corporations for accountants. You'll have to fill out articles of incorporation and file them with your state. Corporations shield you from personal liability for any debts incurred by your business. Partnership. A partnership is a business run jointly by two people. You don't have to file anything with the state to form a partnership, but you will be personally responsible for any debts incurred by another partner or the partnership. However, some states allow you to form a limited liability partnership (LLP), which shields you from business liabilities. You should draft a partnership agreement before forming. Limited liability company. Like a corporation, an LLC shields its owners form personal liability. You'll file articles of organization with your state. Obtain other licenses or permits. In many states, you must be a CPA in order to start an accounting business. However, there are other licenses or permits you may need. Contact a Small Business Development Center to check. Generally, you also need to register your business with your state and/or county. Call and check. Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN). You'll need this number if you hire employees or collect sales tax from clients. It's also a requirement to open a business account at most banks. You can get the number online by visiting here: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online. Hire employees. Your staffing needs will vary, depending on how large you are. For example, if you're going solo, you might only need a part-time receptionist. Alternately, you might want to hire other accountants to work at your firm. You need to follow many laws when hiring employees. For example, you'll have to register to pay unemployment tax at the federal and state level. You'll also need to register to collect withholding tax. You also must purchase workers' compensation insurance. Buy liability insurance. Accountants might need several different kinds of insurance. For example, you will need professional liability insurance for any errors you make. You may also need disability insurance and an umbrella liability policy to cover things like personal injuries incurred at your office. You can shop for insurance by looking online or working with an insurance broker who has experience helping accountants. Don't assume your homeowner's insurance policy will cover injuries at a home office. Some policies have business exclusions. Find appropriate commercial space. Your office needs to be accessible to the public and large enough for your needs. Some people are intimidated by searching for commercial space, so use a real estate agent if necessary. Generally, your rent will be based on the square footage of the office. Find office space that has good foot traffic. If you want a home office, then check whether your home is zoned to allow for a home business. Stop into the zoning office and check. Fund your start-up costs. A small accounting business should not be expensive to start up, especially if you are working out of a home office. However, you may need some money to get off the ground. Consider the following sources of financing: Your savings. Tap your own savings and save on costs. You won't have to pay anyone interest. Also, if your business goes belly up, you can't be sued. Business credit card. For small purchases (such as office equipment), you might be able to use a business credit card. Shop online and compare offers. Make sure to use your business credit card only for business purchases. Small business loan. Contact banks and credit unions first. If they won't lend to you, then you can seek an online lender, but do proper research because there are many online scammers. Generally, a bank will look at your personal credit history before extending a business loan. Often, you must sign a personal guaranty on the loan, which means you'll be personally responsible if your business can't make payment. Home equity loan. You can use your home as a piggy-bank, though it comes with risks. For example, you can get a home equity line of credit or a home equity loan. If you do this, then your home is collateral for the loan, and you might lose it if you default. Create a website. A website is a “must have.” People surfing the Internet can find you. Also, if someone hears about you by word of mouth, they can go online and learn more about your firm. You should spend considerable time planning your website. Look at the website of your competitors. What information is included? For example, do they list pricing information? Identify what content they provide on the site. For example, they probably provide bios of each employee. But does the website include a blog that explains accounting concepts? This is a good way to showcase your expertise to the public. Hire a professional. Though you can create your own using templates, you'll benefit from having a stylish and neat website. Distribute flyers for basic services. If you provide basic tax preparation services, then you can distribute flyers around your neighborhood. This is an inexpensive way to get your name out. Post flyers at libraries, grocery stores, gyms, and community centers. Make sure to get permission from management before posting your flyers. Your flyer should have multiple ways to contact you: phone, email, and physical address. Network with other professionals. As an accountant, your services are in demand from other professionals. Accordingly, you should raise your profile at the local Chamber of Commerce and with networking groups such as Business Network International. You can also join various accounting societies. You can also do direct mail to businesses in your area. Identify your target businesses, such as small businesses with revenues below $5 million. Then buy a list from Dun & Bradstreet or Info USA. You can then reach out to them by sending a professional flyer. Showcase your expertise. You'll draw clients if you reach them through public presentations and articles. Remember to identify your target audience, since this will influence where you give presentations. For example, if you want to reach ordinary workers, then you can give presentations at a local community center and publish short articles in your local newspaper. However, if you want to reach businesses, you can present at your local Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, or Elks Club. You should also publish articles in business journals and provide a link on your website. Remember social media. You can create Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn pages cheaply. They are a good way to interact with your clients. In fact, you can encourage clients to leave reviews at your Facebook or Twitter feed. Of course, maintaining social media accounts can be time consuming, and you need to balance the benefits with the costs. As you get more established, you can hire someone to manage your social media presence, including your website. | Identify your niche. Decide whether to go full-time. Consider partnering with someone. Decide whether to buy an existing business. Draft a business plan. Purchase necessary technology. Find a business mentor. Decide on your business structure. Obtain other licenses or permits. Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN). Hire employees. Buy liability insurance. Find appropriate commercial space. Fund your start-up costs. Create a website. Distribute flyers for basic services. Network with other professionals. Showcase your expertise. Remember social media. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Look-Up-a-Docket-Number | How to Look Up a Docket Number | To look up a docket number, first identify the location where the case is being heard, and determine whether the case is state or federal. For state cases, look on the case documents, contact the court clerk, or search the state's online records to find the docket number. Alternatively, for federal cases, look at the court documents to find the docket number. You can also use the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system, which is an online archive of federal cases, to determine the docket number. | Identify the information contained in a docket number. A docket number identifies a case as it makes its way through the court system and appeals process. If you are a defendant or party to a civil case, you'll need this number to file documents on your own behalf. If you interview an attorney to take your case, they may ask for your docket number so they can research your issues. Also, with the docket number, you can follow cases that you are interested in by tracking the documents that are filed by all parties and the court. The docket number is critical if you want to order copies of documents from the federal court archives. In most cases, criminal and civil proceedings are public record. Anyone who knows the docket number can look at the public file. Some courts, including federal court, are fully computerized and all the documents are accessible via their website. In state courts, you may have to ask to see the public file at the courthouse. Cases involving juveniles are usually not accessible to the public. In divorces, reports dealing with child custody, such as psychological evaluations, are not public record. The court clerk may not even give out a docket number for a juvenile case. Courts keep a running diary of the court's actions in the case files. These case notes can summarize appearances, court dates, arrest warrants, convictions, and sentencing. Since people may be involved in more than one issue, you'll need to know the docket number to ensure you are following the right case. Identify where the case is being heard. You need to know the state and county where the case is being heard, and whether it is a state case or federal case. Since docket numbers are assigned on a court by court basis, different courts may use the same file number for two different cases. Clerks assign docket numbers based on their court's coding procedure. A state court docket number is very different from a federal court docket number because the two systems have different coding procedures. Figure out what kind of case it is. Criminal cases, for example, have different letter codes from civil cases. While two cases may have the same date or file number, they will have different letter codes, such as CR for criminal and CV for civil. Find the docket number on the case documents. Most documents filed with the court will include the docket number, so if you have a copy of the Complaint, Answer, or a motion, there's a good chance the docket number is on one of those. The docket number will usually be in one of the upper corners of the first page. Double-check the names to be sure you have the right docket number. A person may be involved in many cases, each with its own case number. Find the docket number by contacting the court clerk where the case is being heard. This is the most straightforward way to get the case number. As long as you know the party's name and the county where the case is heard, the clerk can quickly access the docket number. The clerk can also give you basic public information such as the next hearing date. Contact the court clerk by phone or in person at the courthouse. Go to the courthouse in the county hearing the case. Even if you can't speak with the clerk, if you have the correct spelling of the defendant's name in a criminal case or at least one of the parties in a civil case, you can look up the docket number if the court has a public computer terminal. Bring a notebook, as not all courts offer printing services. If printing is available, there will likely be a charge per page. Find the docket number with the state's online search system. Many states have computerized their records. To find the docket number, you will need a minimum of the last name for one party and the court hearing the case. The more information you have, the better results you will garner in your search. Many states have dozens or hundreds of courts, so check the National Center for State Courts, which maintains a list of state court websites. Interpret the information contained in the docket number. Knowing a few simple codes, you can tell a lot about a court case by looking at the docket number. Court case numbering conventions vary by jurisdiction, but there are some similarities. If a docket number includes the code "CR" it is probably a criminal case, either a felony or misdemeanor. A "CV" code typically stands for a civil case. A "J" in the code usually means it is a juvenile case and you will have difficulty getting information about the proceeding. Juvenile cases are often confidential to protect the child's identity. A typical state court docket number will include the county, the year of filing, the case type code, and the numerical file number. Therefore a Kansas court case styled "BB-2014-CR-550" was filed in Bourbon County (BB,) in 2014, as a criminal case (CR,) and was the 550th case filed in 2014. Retrieve the docket number from a court document. If you have access to a hard copy or online digital copy of a pleading, the docket number will usually be one of the upper corners of the first page. Verify the names to make sure you have the right docket number. A person may be involved in many cases, each with its own case number. Identify which federal district court is hearing the case. If you know the city or state, you can use the federal government court locator to narrow your choices from the 94 district courts spread across 13 circuits. A map of the circuits can also help you narrow down which court you are looking for. For example, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals includes district courts in Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Kansas, and Oklahoma. The circuit website will direct you to the online sites for the district courts. Register for a PACER account. PACER, short for Public Access to Court Electronic Records, is the portal to "case and docket information online from federal appellate, district, and bankruptcy courts." PACER is the most comprehensive archive of federal court records and the quickest and easiest way to find federal docket numbers. Give PACER a trial run with the free access training site. You can run sample searches against a database created for training purposes. There is also a detailed user manual to help with questions. Select and register your billing method. Registration for PACER is free and you can conduct searches for free. Usually, a free name search will give you the docket number you need. However, you need to register a payment method in order to access the actual documents. The typical fee is $.10 per page. You can print on your own printer or save them to your hard drive. There is no charge to read judicial opinions. If you are a party to the case you will receive one free copy of each document. There is no charge to view the documents at a public courthouse terminal. You are not charged unless you print them. Decide if you need help from the PACER Service Center. If you are having trouble with the system, you can request help from the service center. You will be charged $30 for each name or or item searched. If you need copies of documents, you will be charged $.50 per page for printing and mailing. Search for your docket number using PACER. If you know the court, you can go straight to the court's website and log in to PACER there. This method will narrow your search and give fewer redundant results. If you don't know the court, you can use the nationwide search option. You can search by the defendant's last name in criminal cases or by one party's name in a civil case. If you are interested in the lawyer, you can pull up all of the lawyer's cases using the last name. Visit the clerk's office at the federal courthouse. If you do not have digital access, the court clerk at the federal courthouse can assist you in finding the docket number and viewing the physical file. Security at federal courthouses is very strict. Be prepared to show identification, go through a metal detector, and be subject to search. Federal courthouses and court clerks' offices are very busy. Be prepared to wait for a file to be retrieved. Viewing physical files at a federal courthouse is not anonymous. Be prepared to present valid photo identification and fill out a request to view the file, including your reasons. Copies of documents pulled in person are more expensive than from the online system. About one year after the case or appeal is complete, the physical file is sent to the federal archives. You cannot review a file in person at the archives, but can ask the court to order the file for a fee. You can also order copies of the file if you have all the required information, including the docket number. Understand the federal docket numbers. Court dockets are a collection of all documents and materials related to a particular court proceeding. When a case is opened, the clerk assigns it a docket number. That number will not change, even after the case is resolved. Federal docket numbers usually reference the year the case was filed, a reference number, alpha case-type codes, the location of the filing, and the initials of the judge(s) assigned to the proceeding. For example, a federal docket number might look something like: 1:15-cv-03849-ABC(DEF) The 1 refers to a specific filing location. The 15 indicates that the case was filed in 2015. The cv indicates that it is a civil proceeding. The 03849 shows that it was the 3,849th case filed during that year. The ABC represents the initials of the district judge the case was assigned to and the DEF are the initials of the magistrate judge. | Identify the information contained in a docket number. Identify where the case is being heard. Figure out what kind of case it is. Find the docket number on the case documents. Find the docket number by contacting the court clerk where the case is being heard. Go to the courthouse in the county hearing the case. Find the docket number with the state's online search system. Interpret the information contained in the docket number. Retrieve the docket number from a court document. Identify which federal district court is hearing the case. Register for a PACER account. Select and register your billing method. Decide if you need help from the PACER Service Center. Search for your docket number using PACER. Visit the clerk's office at the federal courthouse. Understand the federal docket numbers. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Console-an-Upset-Friend | How to Console an Upset Friend | To console an upset friend, the best thing you can do is just listen to what your friend has to say and offer them support if they need it. You can also show them you care with a big hug or an arm around their shoulder. Just avoid telling them how to solve their problems or acting like you know exactly how they feel since it could rub your friend the wrong way. Also, don't try to minimize their situation by telling them that the situation isn't a big deal or that they'll get over it, which could just upset them more. | Show them some love. 99% of the time your friend needs a great big hug, an arm around the shoulder, or a gentle pat on the hand. Actions speak louder than words, and they're a lot easier to get right. So just shut up and hold them -- you don't have to think of the perfect words or speech. Your friend may be too upset to start talking right away, and these little gestures can go a long way in making your friend feel less alone. If your friend is trying to wriggle away, then clearly he or she doesn't want you touching them. Be respectful of them and you're doing just fine. Just listen. Make eye contact, nod occasionally, and make very short comments when necessary. Mostly, let your friend express him or herself and get everything off his chest, even if you want to say something. You're not going to "fix" them -- period. So don't try. This isn't the time to give your opinion or to talk a lot. It's time to let your friend explain everything that has been troubling them so you can get a better sense of their worries. If your friend isn't saying much, you can say, "Do you want to talk?" or "What's up?" Either your friend wants to talk about it and needs a little prodding, or he or she is just so upset that they aren't ready to talk yet, and all you have to do is be there. You can make little comments like, "That must be so hard" or "I can't imagine what you're going through..." but don't overdo it. Don't say things like "Oh, I have been through that so many times!" Just be quiet and listen -- this isn't about you at all. Take care of the basics -- comfort, chores, errands -- for them. Maybe your friend is shivering in the rain. Get her inside and give her a blanket. Maybe she's been crying for an hour straight. Get her some tissues and some Advil. Maybe your friend is standing up telling you how upset he is while carrying a heavy backpack. Get him to sit down. If your friend is a little riled up, get him or her some chamomile tea. If your friend stayed up all night worrying, put him in bed. You get the idea -- be a bit of a nanny. Your friend may be so upset that he or she isn't looking out for his or her health or comfort. That's where you come in. Take it off their already crowded plate. Do not think that your friend will feel better if you open a bottle of wine or bring over a six pack. Alcohol is never the solution if a friend is upset-- it is literally classified as a depressant. Don't try and tell them "it's nothing to worry about" since they clearly think it is. Your friend can be upset for a variety of reasons. A serious reason: your friend just found out that his grandmother is in the hospital. A not-so-serious reason: your friend has just broken up with her boyfriend of six weeks. How angry would you be if someone tried to say, "suck it up, that's not a real problem?" They're upset because it is a real problem to them, so don't be a total jerk and try and minimize their issues. If your friend mopes about a short-term break-up for way too long, then you can deal with it later. But, in the first moments, you should be a friend, not a bully. Don't offer dumb, useless comments like, "It's not the end of the world," "You'll get over it," or "It's really not that big of a deal." Don't play psychiatrist (you're really no better than Dr. Phil.) Unless your friend turns to you and says, "What do you think I should do?" you should not jump in and tell your friend the five best courses of action, in your humble opinion. It will come off as condescending: like you think your friend's problems can be solved so easily if they're weren't such dunces. Unless your friend is looking up at you with doe eyes, saying, "I don't know what to do..." give it time before you offer any advice. To be honest, you probably don't know the best course of action either. Unless you're a trained psychiatrist or have first-hand experience, you're just as in the dark as them. You can say simple things like, "You should get some rest," or "Drink some chamomile tea and you'll feel better" just to offer your friend some minor comfort, but don't say things like, "I think you should call Bill right now and sort things out," or "I think you should apply to grad school right away." You're just making it up on the spot, whether you admit it or not. Don't say that you "get" it. This is another way to quickly annoy your friend. Unless you had once found yourself in an identical situation, you shouldn't say, "I know exactly how you feel..." because your friend will want to scream, "It's not the same!" And it's probably not the same! Take your ego out of this - it isn't about you; it is about your friend. Sure, if the friend is upset because of a serious break-up and you happened to go through one of those puppies too, you can talk about it. But don't compare your three-month relationship to your friend's three-year relationship -- admit it is different. Saying, "I can't imagine how you feel" is better than "I know exactly what you're going through..." You don't know exactly what they're going through -- you're not them! Sure, it can be comforting for your friend to know that someone else had been through the same situation and survived, but if this is the case, you have to phrase it delicately. Be more reassuring, "you're an amazing person, and you can handle this," then self-assured, "I got through this exact thing, so you can too." Leave them alone if they want private time. Not everyone who is upset wants affection or a kind ear. Some people deal better with things alone, and some people may want to be left alone after talking a problem through. Think about it -- how often have you just wanted some peace and quiet when you feel bad? Don't stick around if you're not wanted; if your friend says he or she needs some alone time, chances are he or she means it. If you think your friend is in danger of harming himself or herself, you must stick around whether they want it or not. Ask them straight-up how you can help. Maybe there's a concrete solution and you can help fix it. Sometimes, there is no good solution but a bucketful of ice cream and a bunch of really crappy movies can do the trick. Just ask -- don't feel like you need to read their mind in order to be Mr. Super-Friend. If they say nothing, then just let them be, already! They're not playing games, they want to be alone. If your friend thinks that you're doing so much for him or her and feels bad about it, remind that friend of a time when he or she was there for you when you really needed it. That's what friends are for, aren't they? Bust them up with some light humor. If your friend isn't suffering from a major loss, then you can cheer him or her up by making a small joke or acting like a goofball. If they don't respond, don't push it! But if you give it some time and start trying to cheer your friend up through laughter, it may pay off. Laughter really is the best medicine, and if you can make a joke about the situation that isn't offensive, or just poke fun at yourself to distract your friend, it'll offer some temporary relief. Obviously, if your friend is absolutely devastated, then humor is not your best bet. Distract your friend with games, events, and dates. Keep them as busy as possible. You don't have to drag your friend out to the clubs or put together an elaborate surprise party. You should come over to your friend's house with a movie and a big 'ole tub of popcorn. Go for a walk. Keeping your friend busy can take some of the pain away, even if your friend is resisting at first. They'll need some prodding, and some "fun patrolling," but that's what you're there for. Your friend may say something like, "I don't want to hang out because I'm just going to be a major downer..." and you can say, "That's ridiculous! I love hanging out with you no matter what." Your friend may be hanging out in his cave-like bedroom. Just getting him or her out of the house and into some fresh air, even if you're only walking to the coffee shop down the street, will do him good physically and mentally. Do some favors for your pal or bring them dinner. If your friend is really upset, then it's likely that he or she is neglecting his basic duties and chores. That's where you come in. If your friend is forgetting to eat, bring over some lunch or come over and cook dinner. If your friend hasn't done laundry in two months, bring over some detergent (you'll both be thankful for it). Pick up your friend's mail. If he or she is staying home from school, pick up his homework assignments. These little favors may not seem like that big of a deal when your friend is incredibly upset, but they do add up. They aren't a helpless little puppy, but they do need some coddling and support if they are particularly upset. Don't treat them like a baby, treat them like a friend who just needs an extra leg to stand on. Check in on them with regular calls, texts, and visits. Unless you and your friend have identical schedules, it's inevitable that you will be spending some time apart. But if you know your friend is really upset you can't just fly off the grid completely. No one wants to be asked "Are you okay?!?!" constantly, but they do want to see their friends and have a decent convo every once in a while. Be slicker than, "I'm just calling to see how you're doing." Make up an excuse to call, like asking if your friend has seen your brown coat, and then end up asking your friend to lunch. Or just tell them a story from your day! Again -- this is simple stuff when you really think about it -- you're just being a good friend! Just be there, even if you don't know what to do. You will rarely solve a friend's problems for him or her, or even find the best solution. Usually, your friend has to wait it out or figure it out on his or her own, even though it sucks in the meantime. What you can do most of the time is be a shoulder for your friend to cry on, a comforting voice to listen to in the middle of the night, and a source of kindness, reason, and comfort. Make an effort to clear up your schedule and to devote more time to being there for your friend. He or she will be grateful for the effort you have made to make him or her feel better. Don't give up your life for theirs. At the end of the day, this is their baggage to work through. You are there as support, not as a savior. | Show them some love. Just listen. Take care of the basics -- comfort, chores, errands -- for them. Don't try and tell them "it's nothing to worry about" since they clearly think it is. Don't play psychiatrist (you're really no better than Dr. Don't say that you "get" it. Leave them alone if they want private time. Ask them straight-up how you can help. Bust them up with some light humor. Distract your friend with games, events, and dates. Do some favors for your pal or bring them dinner. Check in on them with regular calls, texts, and visits. Just be there, even if you don't know what to do. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Constitution | How to Write a Constitution | The best way to write a constitution is to start with the preamble, followed by the name and purpose of the organization that the constitution references. Explain the organization's rules concerning membership, meetings, and holding office. Write the rules on elections, committees, and by-laws. Finish the constitution with rules regarding amendments, ratification, and interpretation. | Write the preamble. Begin your constitution with a preamble. The preamble should introduce the constitution in a few sentences. It should also state the reasons and purpose for which the group is being formed. Write the name of the group. After the preamble, write “Article 1: Name.” This article should provide the name of your group. Section 1 of Article 1 may state, for example: “The name of this [group type] shall be (insert full name), hereafter referred to as (insert a shortened name).” The shortened name may also be an acronym, and if you use an acronym, this article may say, after stating the full name of the organization, "This organization will use the name or its acronym (enter acronym) in all publicity materials and correspondence." Section 2 of Article 1 may state, for example: “The officers of (enter shortened name or acronym) shall make up the Executive Board of (enter shortened name or acronym), hereafter referred to as the 'Board.'” Write the purpose of the organization and of the executive board. This article should be Article 2 of your constitution. Write “Article 2: Purpose.” Section 1 of Article 2 should provide the purpose of the organization. You can write, for example: “The purpose of this organization shall be (enter in a few sentences the purpose of the organization).” Section 2 of Article 2 should provide the purpose of the executive board. You can write, for example: “The Board shall (enter purpose of the executive board).” Provide rules on membership. Article 3 of your constitution should provide the rules on membership of the organization. This article should provide the specific requirements of membership, the rights and responsibilities of members, and the grounds for revocation of membership. Section 1 of Article 3 can say, for example: “The general body of the organization must be comprised of at least two-thirds of (enter the group(s) to whom you wish to extend two-thirds majority membership, such as students within a specific department). The requirements of membership are (insert requirements).” Section 2 of Article 3 can say, for example: “The privileges and responsibilities of membership are (enter a list of rights and responsibilities).” Section 3 of Article 3 can say, for example: “Membership may be revoked (by whom and by what procedure) due to (list criteria).” You can also use this section of Article 3 to note any restrictions on membership of specific group(s) of people. Note, however, that in the case of university organizations, it is generally against the rules to exclude people from joining your organization on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, race, religion, or disability. This may also be true of non-university organizations, and it is in your best interest not to include in your constitution arbitrary rules that exclude certain groups from joining your organization for no legitimate reason. To make clear your nondiscrimination policy, you may write, for example, "Membership shall be open to all current students, faculty, and staff of (enter name of university), regardless of age, creed, race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, disability, national origin, or status as a veteran. This list is not exhaustive." Provide rules on meetings and procedures. Article 4 of your constitution should provide the rules on meetings and procedures for your organization. Section 1 of Article 4 can state the frequency of meetings and can designate the party who has the right to call meetings. Section 2 of this article can indicate how policy decisions will be made and how formal voting will take place for the approval of those decisions. You can write, for example, "A majority of the Board shall constitute a quorum to transact any business. A majority of those voting shall constitute an affirmative vote of the Board. Each Officer shall be entitled to one vote and the vote of the majority of the Board at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be sufficient to transact business." Provide the rules on holding office. Article 5 of your constitution should provide for how officers will be nominated and elected and the eligibility criteria for holding office. This article should also list the duties of officers, the length of their terms, and any restrictions on membership. Section 1 of Article 5 can say, for example: “The group shall have the following officers…” followed by a list of officer titles. This section should also indicate the methods of nomination and election of these offices and who is eligible to hold these offices. Section 2 of Article 5 can say, for example: “The duties of these officers shall be (list duties).” Section 3 of Article 5 should state the lengths of terms that the officers can hold and any term limits. Section 4 of Article 5 should state the group from which the president and treasurer of the group may be chosen. You can write, for example: “Only members who are undergraduate students in the College of Engineering may hold the position of president or treasurer.” This section should also state that no member can be president and treasurer at the same time. Write the rules on elections, appointments, and removal of officers. Article 6 of your constitution should provide the rules on elections, appointment procedures, and removal of members. This article should also provide the rules on interim appointments or elections in the case of a mid-term vacancy. Section 1 of Article 6 can say, for example: “Organizational elections must take place at least once per year.” This section should also provide the general rules on elections, whereas more specific election rules can be written in the group or organisation's bylaws. The general rules on elections may include, for example, rules on voting procedure. You can write, for example: "The winners of the elections for representatives shall be determined by plurality vote. No student, however, shall be elected as class representative unless he or she receives the vote of ten percent (10%) of the class from which he or she was elected." Section 2 of Article 6 should provide the general appointment procedures for appointing officers, whereas more specific appointment procedures can be written in the bylaws. Section 3 of Article 6 can say, for example: “The members of the Board may be impeached and removed (enter grounds for impeachment and removal and enter impeachment and removal procedures).” Section 4 of Article 6 can say, for example: “In the event of a mid-term vacancy of an elected officer…” followed by the procedure for electing an interim or permanent replacement officer. Write the rules on committees. Article 7 of your constitution should provide the names of committees, the duties of each committee, the rules on selection and removal of committee members, and the procedures for formation and dissolution of committees. Section 1 of Article 7 can say, for example: “The standing committees of this group shall be…” followed by a list of all standing committees. Note: a standing committee is a permanent committee whose purpose is to consider all matters that relate to a particular subject. Section 2 of Article 7 can say, for example: “The duties of each of these standing committees shall be…” followed by a list of the duties. Section 3 of Article 7 should provide the rules on how committee members will be selected and removed. Section 4 of Article 7 can say, for example: “Additional committees may be formed and dissolved by the group…” followed by the procedures for adding and removing committees. Provide for the creation of bylaws. Article 8 of your constitution should provide the rules on how the group's and executive board's bylaws will be created and amended and who has the power to do so. Note: Bylaws are rules that an group adopts to govern its internal operations and its dealings with others. These rules are intended to complement the constitution. Bylaws can be detailed rules that cannot be covered in detail in the constitution itself. Section 1 of Article 8 can say, for example: “Bylaws of the group shall be established and amended by…” followed by the procedures for creating and amending the group bylaws. Section 2 of Article 8 can say, for example: “Bylaws of the Board shall be established and amended by…” followed by the procedures for amending and creating bylaws of the executive board. Bylaws should not contradict anything in the Constitution. Generally, bylaws contain detailed provisions on such topics as membership, dues, duties of officers, the Board, committees, order of business, amendment procedures, and other specific policies and procedures necessary for the group or its operation. Write how the constitution can be amended. Article 9 of your constitution should provide the rules on amendments to the constitution. This article should state how and by whom amendments can be proposed and what percentage of vote is required for the amendment to be adopted. A common example is two-thirds of the voting membership. This article may state, for example, "Amendments to the Constitution may be proposed by two-thirds (2⁄3) vote of the Student Council or a petition signed by fifty (50) currently enrolled students." Write how the proposed constitution shall be ratified. Article 10 of your constitution should provide for how the constitution you are proposing shall be ratified. This article can say, for example: “This constitution shall be established by a vote of a (insert fraction) majority of the membership of the group.” A recommended fraction for ratification is a 3/4ths majority. Write how questions concerning the interpretation of the constitution shall be decided. You can write, in Article 11, for example: "Questions concerning the interpretation of this document shall be decided by the Board." | Write the preamble. Write the name of the group. Write the purpose of the organization and of the executive board. Provide rules on membership. Provide rules on meetings and procedures. Provide the rules on holding office. Write the rules on elections, appointments, and removal of officers. Write the rules on committees. Provide for the creation of bylaws. Write how the constitution can be amended. Write how the proposed constitution shall be ratified. Write how questions concerning the interpretation of the constitution shall be decided. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Diagnose-Chronic-Murine-Pneumonia-in-Mice | How to Diagnose Chronic Murine Pneumonia in Mice | To diagnose chronic murine pneumonia in mice, look for general signs of respiratory illness, like sneezing, difficulty breathing, a clicking noise, or discharge from the nose. If you suspect your mouse is sick, take it to your vet to confirm the diagnosis. Your vet will likely recommend waiting to see if your mouse can fight the infection on its own so it doesn't build up a resistance to the medication. However, if your mouse does need treatment, your vet may prescribe antibiotics. While caring for your ill mouse, clean and sanitize its cage to reduce airway irritants. | Look for the general signs of respiratory illness. A mouse with a respiratory infection, like chronic murine pneumonia, will usually sneeze, have difficulty breathing, and have discharge from the nose. Infected mice will also usually make a noise described as "chattering." Mouse "chattering" is usually a clicking noise. This is a good sign that the mouse has a respiratory illness, as they are usually silent otherwise. Not all mice with respiratory infections show outward symptoms. This can make spotting a pneumonia infection very hard to spot. Look for symptoms in your other mice. Chronic murine pneumonia is spread easily from mouse to mouse. It can be spread via casual contact, sexual contact, sneezing, and coughing. Keep a close eye on all your mice for symptoms if you think that one is infected. If one of your mice has the infection, it is likely that other mice it has contact with will have the infection as well. Take your mouse in for veterinary care. If you suspect that your mouse is sick, you should get it veterinary care. Your veterinarian will give the mouse an exam, including taking its vital signs and assessing its physical health. However, during the early stages of respiratory illness, mice rarely show overt symptoms. This can make it hard to spot chronic murine pneumonia in your pet. Make sure you go to a veterinarian that has experience working with mice. This will assure that your pet gets good veterinary care. Approve veterinary testing. Chronic murine pneumonia is usually diagnosed by testing the mouse's blood. If you want a specific diagnosis, you will need to pay for laboratory tests on your mouse's blood. Chronic murine pneumonia is treated similarly to other respiratory infections. This means that a specific diagnosis is not necessary, as long as your veterinarian identifies that your mouse has a respiratory infection. Treat the mouse with antibiotics. A respiratory infection, such as chronic pneumonia, can be hard to clear up completely. However, a treatment of antibiotics can keep symptoms suppressed and under control. Your veterinarian may be hesitant to prescribe antibiotics right away. Overuse of antibiotics can promote antibiotic-resistant strains of diseases. Because of this, your veterinarian may wait to see if the mouse's immune system can fight off the disease before prescribing antibiotics. Keep the mouse's home clean. If your mouse has a respiratory infection you should do all you can to keep that infection to a minimum. One of the best ways you can do this is to keep the mouse's home clean. Cleaning your mouse's home regularly will keep airway irritants to a minimum and will eliminate additional bacteria and viruses that could worsen the mouse's infection. The first step in cleaning your mouse's cage is to empty all bedding and supplies, such as containers for food and water. All used bedding should be thrown away and all supplies that will be put back in the cage should be cleaned and sanitized. The second step is to clean and sanitize the cage. Clean the cage surfaces with soap and water to get all debris off. After you have gotten all the surfaces clean, rinse the cage with hot water to get the soap off. Then wipe down or submerge the cage in a mixture of bleach and water. This mixture does not need to contain a lot of bleach. It should just be one half tablespoon of bleach to one gallon of water. Prevent the spread of infection. Keep infected mice away from uninfected mice so that the infection does not spread. This infection is very contagious, so any contact can spread the disease. Because in most cases it is impossible to completely eradicate this infection, it is a good idea to keep infected mice away from uninfected mice forever. Prevent future infection. Only bring mice into your home that are known to be of stock that are free of the disease. Even so, you should isolate mice that you bring into your home away from established colonies to be sure that the disease doesn't spread. | Look for the general signs of respiratory illness. Look for symptoms in your other mice. Take your mouse in for veterinary care. Approve veterinary testing. Treat the mouse with antibiotics. Keep the mouse's home clean. Prevent the spread of infection. Prevent future infection. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-if-an-Ingrown-Toenail-Is-Infected | How to Tell if an Ingrown Toenail Is Infected | To know if your ingrown toenail is infected, watch for green or yellow pus near your nail. The skin around your toenail may also be red or feel warm or hot if it's infected. If you have these symptoms, visit your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment. However, if your toenail isn't infected, treat it at home with some simple remedies. Soak your foot in warm water for 10 minutes 2-3 times a day. This will relieve some of the pain and clean the area. After drying off your foot, you can apply a small piece of cotton between your skin and nail to prevent it from growing into your skin further. Hold the cotton in place by wrapping your toenail in medical gauze. | Look for an increased redness around your toenail. An early symptom of an ingrown toenail is tender, red skin. However, you will see a marked increase in redness around the area if the toenail progresses to an infection. Notice if your skin feels hot. You may feel a warm to hot feeling around your toenail if it becomes infected. A throbbing pain may accompany the increase in temperature around your toenail as well. If the infection worsens or is left untreated, you may develop a fever. Watch out for green or yellow pus. Look for pus under the skin near your nail. Pus is a sure sign of an infection. A bad odor may accompany an infected toenail that is secreting pus as well. An infected ingrown toenail may look as if red skin is surrounding a light colored area of skin (whitish in color). Contact your doctor. If you have an infection, then you will need to contact your doctor. Your doctor will be able to diagnose and treat the infection. Treatment depends on severity and can consist of soaking the feet in warm water, antibiotics, or removal of the ingrown toenail if the infection is severe. Contact your doctor or podiatrist immediately if you have diabetes or AIDS, suffer from poor blood circulation, are on chemotherapy, or have a weakened immune system. Other reasons to see your doctor include persistent or chronic problems with ingrown toenails, if you have diabetes, a compromised immune system, or a condition affecting the nerves or the sensation in your feet, or if you have signs of infection, such as pus, redness, pain, or swelling. Soak your foot in warm water for 10 minutes. Add Epsom salts or a mild soap to the water; this will clean the area. Soaking your toe will relieve pain and reduce redness. It will also soften the nail and skin around the ingrown toenail. Make sure the area is thoroughly dry before proceeding to the next step. Roll a small piece of gauze or cotton between your fingers. Roll it until it forms a wick or a small roll. Then, push the skin growing over your nail down and away from your nail. Place the small cotton roll in between your skin and nail. This will keep your nail elevated, preventing it from growing further into your skin. Hold the roll in place by wrapping your toenail in medical gauze. This part may be painful but it is necessary. You may take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or Tylenol to manage your pain. You can apply a topical antibiotic such as Neosporin to further prevent an infection. Soak your toe two to three times a day. Each time your soak your foot, you will need to change out the cotton roll. Each day, try to wedge the roll a little farther in. Repeat this process until your toenail has grown past the end of your toe. It may take one to two weeks for your nail to grow out. If you do not see any improvements or if an infection develops, you may need to contact your doctor. You may need to wear sandals until your toe clears up. Do not cut your toenails too short. And try not to cut your toenails too rounded at the edges, either. Instead, cut your toenail straight across and do not cut the edges. The corners of your nail need to be visible above your skin. Buy properly fitted shoes. Shoes (and socks) that squeeze your toes together may cause your toenail to become ingrown.Make sure you can wiggle your toes in your shoes. If you cannot, either buy new shoes or pick another pair. Tight shoes like high heels and pointed-toe shoes may also cause ingrown toenails. Let your toes breathe. People who exercise frequently or play sports, especially sports where your feet and toes endure trauma like soccer and ballet, are more prone to developing an ingrown toenail. After these activities, take off your shoes and socks and let your toes breathe for one to two hours. Do this by wearing sandals or by walking barefoot afterwards. Also, by thoroughly cleaning and drying your toes and feet after strenuous, physical activities, you may be able to reduce your risk of developing an ingrown toenail. Using socks made of cotton instead of synthetic material may help your toes and feet breathe better. | Look for an increased redness around your toenail. Notice if your skin feels hot. Watch out for green or yellow pus. Contact your doctor. Soak your foot in warm water for 10 minutes. Roll a small piece of gauze or cotton between your fingers. Soak your toe two to three times a day. Do not cut your toenails too short. Buy properly fitted shoes. Let your toes breathe. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Safeguard-Plants-from-Cats | How to Safeguard Plants from Cats | To safeguard your plants from your cat, move them to an area that your cat can't reach, like high shelves, a balcony, or a sun porch. You can also try hanging your plants from the ceiling or using a tall, narrow plant stand to keep them out of your cat's reach. If your cat likes to dig in your plants, put a layer of rocks over the soil to keep your cat's paws out. An alternative to covering the dirt with rocks is to place a plastic or wire screen around your plant. Since cats are sensitive to smell, you might also be able to deter it by spraying your plants with pine, lemon, or eucalyptus oil. | Move plants to a safer location. The easiest way to keeping your plants safe is by moving them to a more secure location. Keep the plants in an area your cat can't reach or has no access, such as a bedroom. This may protect your plants from your cat's hungry mouth and fun-seeking paws. Put plants on shelves that are too high for a jumping cat. Place your plants on a balcony, sun porch, or room that your cat can't access. Close any doors or use a gate to keep the cat out of the space. Hang your plants. High shelves or closed rooms may not deter a curious cat from your plants. If your cat continues to disturb the plants, consider hanging them from the ceiling. Install hanging planters without parts on which your cat can land. These can keep your plants safe from your cat's paws and mouth. Install hanging planters near a sunny window that is far enough to keep the leaves from tempting your cat's paws. Use tall, narrow plant stands if you don't want to hang items. Make sure the stand doesn't having enough space for even an athletic cat to land. Cover dirt with rocks. Some cats love to dig in a plant's dirt. They might like the adventure of hunting for something or see it as an extra litter box. Putting a layer of rocks over dirt allows you to water a plant while keeping it safe from your cat's paws. Find rocks in your yard or local beach or buy them at a pet store. You can decide on the size, but larger rocks may work better than smaller ones your cat can move aside with its paw. Use seashells or dried wood pieces instead of rocks if you want a more decorative touch. You can also try pine cones, the scent and feel of which can also keep a cat from the plant. Place your rocks or seashells around the dirt in the planter. Try facing sharp edges of the rock upward, which can further deter your cat from walking on or digging in the plant. Set screens on plants. An alternative to covering dirt with rocks is a plastic or wire screen. Use landscape screening or cloth, wire mesh, or needlepoint “fabric” to keep your cat from digging in the dirt. Poke the screening you choose down in the plant dirt. Consider covering it with a few small rocks to hold it down and further deter your cat. Spray a cat deterrent. Some scents, such as pine or lemon, repel cats. Purchase or make your own spray that is safe for your plant and cat. Apply the spray to the plant leaves or around the pot to protect your plant from kitty's paws and mouth. Buy cat-safe deterrents at a large retailer or pet store. Read the usage instructions and spray the product on your plant. Many deterrents come in scents and tastes cats don't like. One example is bitter apple. Mix one part either lemon, lavender, or eucalyptus oil with three parts water in a spray bottle. Spritz this on the plant's leaves or around the pot every day for a couple of weeks. This can teach your cat to stay away from the plant. Reprimand your cat. Despite your best efforts, your four footed friend may still access your plants. Some cat owners physically punish their cats to deter undesirable behavior. This has little effect on the behavior and can make your kitty fear you. Using a firm, “No!,” and looking at your cat disapprovingly can keep your cat away from your plants. Stay consistent in your scolding. Cats eventually understand that, “No!” means you don't like her behavior. Give kitty its own plant. Before humans domesticated them, cats ate meats that contained pre-digested greens. Because of this, it's normal for cats to want to nibble at plants occasionally. Providing a safe plant for your cat to nibble may keep it from destroying your other plants. The following types of plants are safe for cats to eat: Cat grass Catnip Barley Sesame Rye Wheat grass Lemongrass Catmint Valerian Decorate with plants that cats don’t like. Cats are not attracted to all plants. Some types of plants are not only beautiful and purify your air, but also don't attract cats. Consider decorating with these plants and/ or placing them around other plants you don't want your cat to access. The following plants won't generally attract your four-legged friend: Aloe vera Bamboo palm Spider plant Snake plant or “Mother-In-Laws Tongue” Boston fern Make sure your cat has toys. Cats love to play, which may be why your pet bats at the leaves of plants. Your cat may sit and hit at plants out of boredom. Check that your cat has enough toys to keep it stimulated and entertained. This may distract your cat's attention for otherwise tempting greenery. Your cat may like: Toys filled with catnip Stuffed toys that squeak or chirp Plastic or paper balls Wine corks Rope Cardboard tubes from toilet paper or paper towels Remove harmful extras. Toys can stimulate your cat, but some have pieces that may harm your cat. Remove any small pieces that your cat could ingest. The following toy pieces may harm your cat: Paper clips and rubber bands Feathers Tinsel Ribbons or string Sequins or other small decorations Pins and needles | Move plants to a safer location. Hang your plants. Cover dirt with rocks. Set screens on plants. Spray a cat deterrent. Reprimand your cat. Give kitty its own plant. Decorate with plants that cats don’t like. Make sure your cat has toys. Remove harmful extras. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Catch-a-Ghost-Crab | How to Catch a Ghost Crab | If you want to catch ghost crabs, visit the beach after sunset as they're nocturnal. Also, wear dark clothing so the crabs find it harder to spot you. When you arrive, scan the beach with your flashlight for movement. Once you spot a ghost crab, which is small and sandy-colored, shine your light directly at it to make it stand still. Then, approach the crab slowly, scoop it up with your net, and put it in a bucket. At the end of your hunt, remember to release the crabs you've caught back into the wild so they can run free. | Find a beach where ghost crabs live. Ghost crabs are common shore crabs in tropical and subtropical regions throughout the world. They inhabit deep burrows in the inter-tidal zone. They are particularly popular on the Outer Banks beaches of North Carolina (and ghost crab hunting is a popular activity there), but they can be found on coastal beaches around the world. Visit the beach at night. Ghost crabs are nocturnal, so in order to see them (let alone catch them), you must visit the beach at night. Go to your beach location after the sun has set. Scan the beach. Using your flashlight, scan up and down the beach looking for movement. Ghost crabs are small, quick, and the color of sand, so it may be hard to spot them at first. But with your flashlight, you'll soon begin to see them scurry. Aim your flashlight. Once you have spotted a ghost crab, aim your flashlight right at him. Maybe you've heard the expression a “deer stuck in headlights”? Well, how about a crab stuck in a flashlight? When the light is shined on him, he will freeze. Scoop him up in your net. Keep your flashlight steady and approach him very slowly. Try not to spook him. As soon as you become close enough, scoop him up in your net. Then drop him from your net into your bucket. Congrats! You've just caught your first ghost crab. Release your crabs at the end of the night. Although this activity is often called ghost crab “hunting,” it is really more like ghost crab chasing. Be sure to release your little critters back into the wild after your fun evening of catching them. Wear dark clothing. Ghost crabs are constantly on the look out for predators. Make yourself invisible (like them) by wearing dark colored clothing. You'll also want to walk softly, and stay quiet. Choose the best time of year. You'll have the most fun catching ghost crabs if you do so during their peak season. The best time of year for catching ghost crabs is during the summer, from May to early September. Find the best beaches. Ghost crabs can be found on coastal beaches around the world, for example in Costa Rica, Hawaii, and the Atlantic coast of the United States. But the best beaches within these regions to boast ghost crabs will be quiet, secluded places, without a lot people. Look for a beach that fits this bill to see the most ghost crabs. Don't poke or prod. Although a pinch from a ghost crab won't hurt you too badly, it can hurt a little bit. You can minimize your chances of being pinched by a ghost crab, if you treat him with a little respect. Never poke or prod the crab unnecessarily. Use a five-gallon bucket. Although any bucket or small container will work, using one large bucket (that you can share as a family) ensures that your crabs will not escape as you're gathering them. Of course you will release them all at the end of the night anyway, but it is fun to get a sense of how many your captured during your hunt. Gather supplies. You'll need a one-gallon plastic jug (like a windshield-wiper fluid bottle), a cylindrical one-quart plastic bottle (like one used for rubbing alcohol), and one sheet of coarse sandpaper. You'll also need an x-acto knife, or a wood-burning tool, and you may want to use a hot glue gun. Cut the gallon jug. Cut a hole in the bottom of the plastic gallon jug the same size as the cylindrical bottle. This can be accomplished by using a sharp x-acto knife or a wood-burning tool. Cut the ends of the cylindrical bottle. Cut the top off the bottle using the x-acto knife or wood-burning tool. Then, using the x-acto knife or wood-burning tool, cut a circular hole in the bottom of the bottle, leaving just an 1/8” lip around the edge. Affix the sandpaper in the tube. Roll up your piece of sandpaper (with the smooth side out) and place into the cylinder you have created. It should stick out the bottom about 1-2 inches. You can use hot glue to secure the sandpaper, if you like. Connect the tube to the jug. Slide the cylinder (with the sandpaper) into the plastic jug, leaving only about 3 inches sticking out. Again, you can use a bit of hot glue to seal the opening, if you'd like. Remove the cap from the jug if you haven't already. This is your finished trap. Find a crab hole. During the day, go to a beach where ghost crabs are known to hang out and look for a hole. Look for a hole with damp, dark sand around it, as this will indicate that there is a crab inside. Set your trap. Slide the 3-inch cylindrical end of your trap into the crab hole and surround it with sand to secure it. Leave it overnight. In the morning, you can see if you've caught a crab! | Find a beach where ghost crabs live. Visit the beach at night. Scan the beach. Aim your flashlight. Scoop him up in your net. Release your crabs at the end of the night. Wear dark clothing. Choose the best time of year. Find the best beaches. Don't poke or prod. Use a five-gallon bucket. Gather supplies. Cut the gallon jug. Cut the ends of the cylindrical bottle. Affix the sandpaper in the tube. Connect the tube to the jug. Find a crab hole. Set your trap. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Buy-Property-in-Spain | How to Buy Property in Spain | If you want to buy a property in Spain, search for properties in the north of the country if you're on a tight budget, since they're usually cheaper. If your main concern is avoiding extreme heat, check out properties listed in eastern Spain, where the weather is cooler. You can also travel to Spain on vacation and visit different areas to get an idea of where you'd like to live. If you find a property and you're serious about buying it, you'll need to hire a property broker to manage the transaction for you or a lawyer to review legal documents. | Examine your reason for buying property in Spain. Where in Spain you want to buy property depends on whether you want the property as an investment, as a vacation home, or to live in permanently. If you're buying as an investment, look in vacation hot spots on the coasts or in large cities such as Barcelona and Madrid. These properties are likely to go up in value and will provide good rental income. For a vacation home, concentrate on apartments and villas in developments. The property management company will care for the exterior and landscaping, and plenty of neighbors means leaving the home vacant for months won't be as big of a concern. For a more permanent home, you'll want to focus on your quality of life. Look at the local infrastructure, facilities, and accessibility. If you want to be around other expats, focus on towns and cities that have thriving expat communities. Calculate your budget. Before you start looking at properties in Spain, you need to fully understand the costs of owning property in Spain so you can budget accordingly. You will have expenses beyond the price of the house. You'll pay a stamp tax of around 1 percent of the purchase price of your new home, as well as fees to brokers, attorneys, and others. Assume you'll pay between 10 and 15 percent more than the list price of the house, once you factor in taxes and fees. Don't forget the costs associated with moving your furniture and belongings to Spain, or purchasing new items for your Spanish home. If you're buying a new home, you also must pay a 10 percent VAT tax (4.5 percent in the Canaries) on the property when you close on the sale of the house. Evaluate different regions of Spain. Spain is a large country, with diverse regions that all have different things to offer for a property owner. Climate, activities, and the size of the local expat community are some factors you'll want to consider. You'll find thriving expat communities, beautiful beaches, and a mild climate along the beaches of the east coast. This includes the regions of Catalonia, Valencia, and Murcia, where prices generally are medium to high – although you can find some lower priced options in Murcia and the south coast of Valencia. Southern regions and islands are more expensive, but many of these locations have high tourist appeal, so they might work for you if you plan on renting out your Spanish property when you're not using it. The least expensive property in Spain tends to be in the northern interior, where the climate is hotter and drier on the interior and cooler on the northwest coast. Winters can be less mild than in the southeast, but the area has a lower cost of living and a more rural feel. Look at different types of Spanish property. Just as in any other country, you can buy properties in Spain that are in different states of readiness. Which you choose depends on your needs as well as your budget. There are different costs associated with different types of property. New construction ( obra nueva ) is the most expensive type of property you can buy in Spain. However, the biggest advantage is that you know exactly what you're getting, and won't incur any remodeling expenses. You also can be resale property, which essentially is an existing house that has already been sold at least once. These properties are generally safer investments, provided you understand how much you'll have to spend on repairs or remodeling. Off-plan ( sobre plano ) property has been approved for construction by local authorities, but construction is not yet completed. You may get a lower price for these properties than you would for new construction, but you run the risk that the house will never be finished. Research your favorite areas. Before you buy property in Spain, hit the internet to learn more about areas that have captured your interest. The information you need depends on your reasons for buying property in Spain. For example, if you're buying the property as an investment, you want to check out the property values in the area. If property values have been declining significantly in recent years, the area might not be a good investment. If you're looking to rent out the property when you're not there, you want to look for a well-connected area with lots of attractions and things to do. Avoid properties that are too rural or isolated, as you may have a hard time keeping them rented on a regular basis. If you want to move to Spain and live in the property permanently, research what it's like to live in that area on a daily basis. Find out about any risks, and compare the cost of living and tax rates to surrounding areas. Visit the area where you plan to buy. Spending some time on your own exploring the area around property you want to buy is crucial. Go there not as a tourist on vacation, but with an eye toward what it would be like to live there full-time. While it's important to find out what activities and entertainment are available, if you plan to live there permanently, these things shouldn't be your priority. Renting a property in the area for a few months will give you a better idea of what it's like to live there. If you want to buy property in Spain for investment purposes, you still need to look at what daily life is like in the area. You'll need to be able to tell prospective renters what the property offers for them. Hire a property broker. Once you start to get serious about buying a property in a particular area, a property broker can help you find the right property for your needs. There are several different types of brokers from which you can choose. Corredores are local brokers in rural Spain. They charge small commissions, typically around 1 percent from the buyer and the seller. If you're fluent in Spanish and looking for a rural property, a corredor may be your best bet. You also could talk to a buyer's agent, who charges an upfront fee, or foreign-based agents who also sell Spanish property. If you go with a foreign-based agent, make sure they have an active local office. In Spain, brokers' commissions are typically paid by the seller, so interview several brokers before you hire one, and keep in mind that they may not always have your best interests at heart. Talk to an attorney. Especially if you're not fluent in Spanish, a local attorney who also is fluent in your native language will be your best choice to guide you through the process of buying property and make sure you don't run afoul of any Spanish laws. For example, suppose you want to be a vacation home and rent it out short-term to other vacationers when you're not using it. Some areas in Spain don't allow short-term rentals, and fines can be as high as 30,000 euros for violating local laws. Whether you hire a lawyer in Spain or in your home country, make sure they specialize or have extensive experience in Spanish real property law ( urbanismo ). They will be able to tell you about any laws that might cause concern. Interview several attorneys and check their credentials. If you're hiring a Spanish lawyer, ask for their registration number and look it up with their local bar association ( Colegio de Abogados ). Get your Foreigner's Identity Number. If you want to conduct any business or financial transactions in Spain, including purchasing a house or opening a bank account, you'll need a Número de Identificación de Extranjero (NIE). EU citizens will automatically get one when they register, while others must first register and get a residence permit (assuming you want to stay in the country for more than three months). You may be able to apply for an NIE at the Spanish embassy in your home country. Doing it this way can take several weeks, so make sure you plan ahead. Set up your accounts. You'll need insurance and a Spanish bank account if you want to buy property in Spain. Most sellers will only accept checks drawn on Spanish banks and payable in euros. If you're receiving a pension, make sure you can get that pension paid into a Spanish bank. You may be getting your mortgage through a Spanish bank. In that case, it's usually easiest to set up your bank account at the same bank. If you're using a Spanish mortgage lender, they'll help you get property insurance. Otherwise you'll have to arrange for this yourself. Hire a translator. Even if you consider yourself fluent in Spanish, legal documents can be especially difficult. Having these documents translated into your native language so you understand the deal. Check the website of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs to find a list of accredited translators. Ideally, you want a translator who has experience with legal documents, especially real property documents. Get a full survey done. Even if the property has been surveyed fairly recently, you still want to have a fully survey done before you buy the property so you know exactly what you're getting for your money. A survey is separate from an inspection. An inspection shows you existing defects or improvements that can be made to the house and other structures. A survey simply tells you where the boundaries of your property are, as well as the locations of any underground cables or pipes. Negotiate a contract. Your broker and attorney (if you've hired one) will negotiate with the seller in an attempt to lower the price as much as possible. Other factors up for negotiation include who pays taxes, what structures or fixtures are included in the final price, and who pays for any repairs. The contract also will include deadlines for various steps of the process to be completed. There will be deadlines for you and the seller. For example, if you've not yet secured financing, the contract may specify a date by which you must have a mortgage for the property. The details included in the contract depend to some extent on the type of property you're buying. For example, if you're buying an off-plan contract, you'll be signing a payment construction contract. This contract binds the seller to complete the house under a certain schedule. Apply for a mortgage. Unless you're buying the property for cash, you'll need to finance your purchase. You can do so by taking out a home equity loan on existing property you own, setting up a mortgage in your home country, or arranging for a mortgage with a Spanish lender. The cheapest and easiest solution typically is to take out a second mortgage, or home equity line of credit, on your first home. This enables you to buy your property in Spain with cash, and you'll continue dealing with the same mortgage lender. You also might seek a mortgage from a local bank that has offices in Spain. This can be particularly helpful if you plan on spending most of your time in your home country. You also can take out a mortgage in Spain, which can simplify repayment because you don't have to worry about exchange rates or paying extra fees for international transactions. Close on the property. Once you've negotiated a sales contract and have your financing in place, you'll conclude your purchase. If you're able to do this in person, it typically will occur at a notary's office near the property. When you close on the property, you'll have to make your initial deposit, typically of around 10 percent of the total purchase price of the home. If you're not able to appear in person, you can arrange to have someone represent you as a representante verbal (verbal representative). You can later ratify the representation at a Spanish consulate office in your home country, or at the notary's office next time you visit Spain. Register the property. In Spain, the buyer is responsible for registering the transfer of ownership with the local registry office. If you used a notary for closing, they may provide this service for a fee. If you're paying the notary to register the property, make sure you understand exactly what they're going to do. They may simply notify the registry office that a transfer was made, but not complete the full registration. The cost of registration and notary services together typically ranges from 0.5 percent to 1 percent of the sale price of your property. Compute property taxes. There are several types of real and personal taxes you must pay if you are living in Spain for any length of time, or if you own property there. The amount of taxes depends on the cost of your property and the area where it's located. You must pay property ownership tax yearly. The tax is set locally, and ranges from 0.4 percent to 1.1 percent of your property's valor catastral , or the administrative value of the property. That amount is typically lower than market value. For a small country home, your taxes may be as little as 100 euros per year. However, a luxury villa in a waterfront tourist development could set you back as much as 3,000 euros a year in taxes. If you own more than 700,000 euros in worldwide assets, you may end up paying the wealth tax for any property value beyond that amount. The rate ranges from 0.2 percent to 2.5 percent, depending on the value of your assets. You also must pay personal income tax based on the valor catastral of your property. If you plan to rent out your property, you'll also pay around 25 percent of the gross income you earn from renters. Find out if you need a visa. How long you plan to stay will in many cases determine whether you need a visa. Generally, if you want to stay in Spain for more than 90 days you will need a visa. If you are a citizen of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland, you do not need a visa to live or work in Spain, regardless of how long you plan to stay. The EEA is the EU plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. If you are a citizen of Croatia, you may need a visa if you plan to work in Spain, but you won't need one simply to live in Spain. Choose the right type of visa. You will need a different type of visa depending on whether you plan to work in Spain and how long you plan to live there. If you want to retire to Spain and live in the property you've bought, you'll need a different type of visa. A resident visa to retire in Spain allows you to live in Spain without working. To qualify for one, you'll need a valid passport, proof that you have adequate financial resources, and a medical certificate from your doctor. The fee is between $38 and $160, depending on your home country. US citizens will pay $160. If you want to work, you must first get hired by a Spanish company. The company will contact the Spanish Immigration Office to get a letter of approval. To apply, you'll need that letter, a valid passport, a Police Records Certificate from your home country's law enforcement, and a medical certificate. You'll pay between $38 and $190 depending on your home country. You also may be eligible for a fast-track visa, available for investors and self-employed people. If the property you bought in Spain is worth more than $500,000, this would potentially qualify you for the fast-track visa. If you're unsure what visa you should get, talk to someone in the Spanish consulate or to an attorney who specializes in Spanish immigration law. Complete a visa application. You must complete and submit your visa application in person, either at an immigration office in Spain or at one of the consular offices abroad. You can download the application for free from the website of any Spanish consulate. #*When you submit your application, you will need the original and one copy, along with any original documents and copies that are required with your application. You may be required to have original documents translated into Spanish. You also must pay your application fee. The entire fee will be refunded if your application is denied. Apply for permanent residence. If you want to make Spain your home, you can apply for permanent residency after you've lived there continuously for five years. With permanent residency, you can stay in Spain indefinitely and enjoy the same benefits as Spanish citizens. Go to the Civil Registry nearest you to get more information and assistance on applying for permanent residence. If you decide you want to be a full citizen of Spain, you can apply for Spanish nationality after having lived there continuously for 10 years. | Examine your reason for buying property in Spain. Calculate your budget. Evaluate different regions of Spain. Look at different types of Spanish property. Research your favorite areas. Visit the area where you plan to buy. Hire a property broker. Talk to an attorney. Get your Foreigner's Identity Number. Set up your accounts. Hire a translator. Get a full survey done. Negotiate a contract. Apply for a mortgage. Close on the property. Register the property. Compute property taxes. Find out if you need a visa. Choose the right type of visa. Complete a visa application. Apply for permanent residence. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-New-Birth-Certificate | How to Get a New Birth Certificate | If you need to get a new birth certificate, check the requirements for ordering a certified copy from the state where you were born. Obtain an application from the appropriate department, either by visiting the building in person or by downloading one from the website. Fill out the application and submit it with any necessary fees, and include any required proof of your identity, including your driver's license, state ID, or passport. You may also need to submit a secondary source of identification, such as a utility or telephone bill, a recent letter from a government agency, or a checkbook. | Know where you or your family member was born. The federal government does not issue copies of birth certificates. You will need to request the certificate from the state of birth (not your current state of residence). Requirements for ordering and issuing a new birth certificate vary by state, so be sure to check before requesting. Identify an acceptable reason. Some states will require you to indicate a specific reason for your request, and you may not be able to get a copy of your birth certificate (or a family member's) without providing a valid reason. Valid reasons may include: Passport applications Driver's licenses A child's school registration Social security benefits requests Employment benefits requests Other personal identification needs, especially those of an official or legal nature Know whether you qualify to request another person's birth certificate. The federal Freedom of Information Act and its corresponding state laws govern open records requests, but only apply to public records. Birth certificates are not considered "public" under these laws. As a result, you are only entitled to receive another person's birth certificate if you have a certain type of connection to the person whose birth certificate you are requesting. These may include: Yourself, provided you are over 18 Spouse Parent Step-parent Sibling or half-sibling Son or step-son Daughter or step-daughter Grandparent Great-grandparent Power of Attorney Legal representative Note that this list varies by state. For example, in New York, you must have a court order to request a birth certificate as a spouse, child, or grandparent, but you do not need one as the individual named on the certificate or as a birth parent named on the certificate. Check the cost. The cost for a new birth certificate varies by state. Basic fees for a single certified copy range from about $5 to $40. Additional fees may apply if you request more than one copy. You may have to pay the full fee twice or you may receive a discount on the second copy, depending on state regulations. A processing fee between around $2 to $10 may apply for orders submitted online. Additional fees may also apply if you request an expedited service, special type of shipping and handling, or other special service. Gather your identification documents. You may need to present one form of primary photo identification and two forms of secondary identification that show your name and address. Accepted forms of identification can vary by state. Primary identification may include: Driver's license State-issued non-driver photo ID card US Military issued photo ID Passport Secondary identification may include : Utility bills Telephone bills Recent letter from a government agency Government-issued employee ID badge Bankbook or checkbook Credit card or credit card statement Health insurance card Traffic ticket Recent lease Determine whether you need a certified or uncertified copy. A certified copy will have a raised state seal and the state registrar's signature. It may also be printed on security paper. Only a certified copy can serve as identification for legal purposes, such as obtaining a passport or driver's license. Uncertified copies do not suffice for these purposes, and their use is generally limited to personal records, such as genealogy projects. The restrictions for requesting an uncertified copy are usually more lax, and they may cost less to obtain than certified copies. In some states, this record is available to anyone who applies for it, regardless of that person's connection to the individuals listed on the certificate. Locate the nearest office for the birth state's Division of Vital Records. You can locate the address online through the CDC website or through a phone book. If you do not have access to a phone book or consistent access to the internet, you can contact the city government and ask for the necessary contact information. Offices for a state's Division of Vital Records are usually scattered throughout the state, but you may have to visit the nearest big city in your state to find one. Worst case scenario, you will need to pay a visit to the state capital. Present your identification. Check with the state's requirements concerning acceptable identification. Make sure that you have all the required identification on hand when you visit the office. Otherwise, your request may be denied. Fill out the request form. The office should have vital records request forms on hand, including an application for birth certificate copies. Fill out the form in the office in plain sight of an office worker. Fill out the form completely and truthfully. If you do not know all of the information requested on the form, the office may still be willing to perform the search. Note, however, that searches with incomplete information may take longer and may not be successful. Pay the required fee. Pay the fee by check or money order. Many states will also accept major credit cards. Some states will not accept cash. Wait for your new birth certificate to arrive. The processing time can vary by state, but you can usually expect to receive the certificate in the mail within 10 to 12 weeks. Expedited requests may take as little as two weeks. Find the address or fax number for the birth state's Division of Vital Records. You can access the mailing address through a phone book or online. The fax number, when available, can usually be found online. If you cannot find the contact information on your own, ask the local government office for the address or fax address. Most city governments will have this information in their records. You will typically send your request to the main office, which is usually located in the state capital. Sometimes, however, you should direct your request to the nearest branch of the Vital Records office. Check with the state to determine the correct office to use. Most states will permit you to make requests by mail, but not all states will allow you to do so via fax. Print and fill out the form. Access the form from the website for the state's Division of Vital records. Print out a hard copy and fill it out neatly using black ink. Fill out the form completely and accurately. Note that many states will permit you to leave some areas blank, but you must find out which areas are allowed to be blank and which are mandatory. If you do not have access to a printer, call the office for the state's Division of Vital Records and ask for a form to be sent to your mailing address. Copy your identification documents. Mail and fax requests must still be accompanied by all the required forms of identification. Make copies and attach them to your application. Make sure that the copies are clear and complete. Include a notarized sworn statement if requested. Some states will require you to sign a sworn statement stating that the information and identification you submit is accurate. This statement must be signed in front of a notary public and bear the notary public's seal. You can usually find a notary public at a local bank branch, post office, law office, or city government office. A notary public may charge a small fee for his/her service. Send in your request form, identification, and fee. Send a check or money order along with your request form, copied identification documents, and sworn statement. Do not send cash. Make a copy of your request form in case you need to resubmit it. Wait. Processing time can vary depending on state, but your requested birth certificate should arrive in the mail within 10 to 12 weeks. Expedited requests may take as little as two weeks. Delays may occur if the information you provided is incomplete or inaccurate. Find the website for the birth state's Division of Vital Records. The CDC's website contains a list of these offices for every state and territory. This information can also be found by performing a simple internet search, or through the state government's main website. If you have difficulty finding the right website, you can call the office's phone number and ask for the web address. 48 states (excluding Vermont and Wyoming), plus Washington D.C., American Samoa, and Puerto Rico have outsourced the birth certificate ordering process to VitalChek.com. You can order your birth certificate online from VitalChek by filling out the online form and paying a service fee. Access and fill out the form. The state office may have a downloadable form that you will need to fill out, save, and send to an email address. If not, it will have a "live" form that you can fill out and submit via a secure server on the website itself. If the form requires an actual signature (not a digital copy), you should download the form, print it, fill it out completely (including the signature), then scan it back into your computer and email it. Fill out the form completely and accurately. Required fields are usually indicated on the form. Make sure that all required fields are filled out, and fill out as many optional fields as possible. Attach digital copies of your identification records. Scan copies of your required identification to attach to your request form. If sending the form via email, attach the digital identification documents as separate attachments. If sending the form via a secure server, upload the identification documents to the website using the on-screen instructions provided. Pay by credit card. When making your request online, you will need to have a valid credit card in order to pay. You will not be permitted to mail your payment in separately. Some state websites may require you to use a credit card issued by a major credit card company. Wait for your copy to arrive. The exact wait time may vary by state, but requests made online usually take significantly less time to process and be returned. Expect to see your new birth certificate within one or two months. The birth certificate will arrive by mail. Expect further delays if the information you provided is incomplete or inaccurate. Request a US birth certificate for a citizen who was born abroad. If you (or a family member) were born in another country but qualify as a US citizen, you can obtain a copy of the Consular Report of Birth Abroad from the Department of State. You can order a birth certificate by following the instructions located here. Only the individual, parent or guardian, an authorized government agency, or a person with written authorization can make the request. Obtain the FS-240 form from the State Department's website. You will need to fill out information such as the full birth name, date and place of birth, parents' information, and mailing address. The request form must be notarized. The State Department will not process forms that are not notarized. Mail the request form, a check or money order for the fee (currently $50), and a copy of your identification to the Department of State. You will receive the copy of the Consular Report of Birth Abroad by mail, or you may pay extra (currently $14.85) for overnight delivery. Request a Canadian birth certificate. To request a Canadian birth certificate, you will need to locate the website for the province or territory in which the individual was born. You can usually request a birth certificate in person at a Vital Statistics Office, online using a secure electronic ordering system, or by mail. Additional identification documents will be required, and restrictions do apply. You can usually order a new birth certificate if you are over 19 years of age and are the person listed on the certificate. You may also make the request as a legal guardian or parent of someone under the age of 19, or as a government officer. Processing fees do apply and vary by province and territory. Request a United Kingdom birth certificate. The easiest way to apply for a copy of a UK birth certificate is through the General Registrar Office website. You can also apply by post or in person at the local register office. Certificates usually cost around £9.25, but priority service certificates cost around £23.40. You can call the General Registrar Office for additional information by calling 0300-123-1837. Note that this phone number is formatted for calls within the UK. You will need to provide details about the birth on the appropriate request form. You will also need to provide your own contact information. Request an Australian birth certificate. You can apply for a birth certificate in person from a participating Australia Post outlet. You will need to provide at least three forms of identification with your application. You can request a birth certificate as the person named on the certificate or as that person's parent. Otherwise, you must provide proof of authority from the person named on the certificate. A solicitor or welfare group acting on that individual's behalf or that person's Power of Attorney may also apply. Standard cost is around $48, while urgent requests cost around $71. | Know where you or your family member was born. Identify an acceptable reason. Know whether you qualify to request another person's birth certificate. Check the cost. Gather your identification documents. Determine whether you need a certified or uncertified copy. Locate the nearest office for the birth state's Division of Vital Records. Present your identification. Fill out the request form. Pay the required fee. Wait for your new birth certificate to arrive. Find the address or fax number for the birth state's Division of Vital Records. Print and fill out the form. Copy your identification documents. Include a notarized sworn statement if requested. Send in your request form, identification, and fee. Wait. Find the website for the birth state's Division of Vital Records. Access and fill out the form. Attach digital copies of your identification records. Pay by credit card. Wait for your copy to arrive. Request a US birth certificate for a citizen who was born abroad. Request a Canadian birth certificate. Request a United Kingdom birth certificate. Request an Australian birth certificate. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cry-On-the-Spot | How to Cry On the Spot | To cry on the spot, stare at a bright light and hold your eyes open as long as you can, and try not to blink until you feel tears start to form. If that doesn't work, try thinking about something sad to make yourself cry, like a breakup or the loss of a loved one. You can also make up a sad scenario in your head instead if you don't want to think about something from your past. If you have time to grab materials, try cutting an onion since the chemicals released by the onion can cause you to tear up. You can also try applying a menthol tear stick to the skin under your eyes to cry on the spot. | Hold your eyes open as long as you can. Keeping your eyes open will dry them out and cause them to sting. Eventually, the dryness will trigger your eyes to start watering, so try not to blink until you feel tears start to form. If you're near a fan, try to stand so that the air is blowing into your eyes, which can make them water. If you can stare at a bright light, your eyes will water even faster. Rub your eyes. Close your eyes and gently rub your eyelids for about 25 seconds, then open your eyes and stare at something until the tears start rolling. This might take a little practice, but once you get the hang of it, it can work wonders. Rubbing your eyes can help redden the complexion around your eye area, too, but don't rub too hard or you could injure your eyes. Lightly place your pointer finger up to your one of your pupils. This will cause your eye to become irritated, and it may lead to tears. Be careful not to poke yourself in the eye, though. Bite the inside of your lip. A little pain can often bring tears to your eyes, and if you need to cry on command, you can use that to your advantage. This trick is especially useful if you bite your lip while you're already thinking of something sad. Try holding your breath as you bite the inside of your mouth, which could focus your senses on the pain. You can also pinch yourself hard on a sensitive part of your body, like on your thigh or in the space between your thumb and pointer finger. Apply a tear-producing substance under your eyes. Copy the Hollywood stars and gently rub a mentholated tear stick under your eyes. It may sting, but it's going to be very realistic. However, be very careful about not getting any in your eyes. You can also use eye drops to make it look like your face is tear-stained. Just place them right below the corner of your eyes so they believably run down your face. Use a cut onion. Cutting an unwashed onion is very effective in provoking tears. This method is probably best for plays though since it will be difficult to convince someone you're sincerely crying if you pull out an onion and start cutting it before the waterworks flow! If you can escape to another room, grab a few slices of onion, and take a whiff close to your face. When your eyes start to water, return to the conversation. Try forcing yourself to yawn. Yawning will make your eyes water and if you yawn enough then you will spark some tears. Try to hide your yawning with something that covers your mouth. You can also yawn without opening your mouth to make it more believable. Think about a time when you felt really emotional. If you need to cry on command, thinking of a time when you felt sad can help put you in the right frame of mind for tears. For example, it may help to think back to the loss of a loved one or a particularly bad breakup. Other emotional triggers might include losing something special to you, getting in trouble with your parents, or missing out on something you worked really hard to achieve. Imagine yourself being weak or helpless. Many people have fears that deep down they are not as strong as they like to believe. Picturing yourself as small and weak might put you in a vulnerable mindset that can lead to real tears. Once you tap into that feeling, let the helpless feeling flow out of you in the fear of tears. For example, a common exercise in acting classes is to imagine yourself as a small child whom no one cares for. Create a sad scenario using your imagination. Sometimes, thinking back on a bad experience from the past can lead to real emotions that are hard to overcome. If this is the case, try to imagine something sad that could happen hypothetically rather than thinking of something personal. For instance, you could try thinking of puppies being left on the side of the road. You want to save them all, but you can only take one. As you're holding the one puppy you got to save, you look at all of the other puppies that aren't being held. Cry happy tears if you don’t want to feel sad. Try imagining things that make your eyes fill up with happy tears, like a time someone gave you a meaningful gift, veterans being reunited with their families, or someone triumphing in the face of adversity. As long as you're not smiling, no one will be able to tell if you're crying happy or sad tears. Make a crying face. This usually involves closing your eyes and scrunching your face up a little – simply imagine yourself through the motions through remembering what your face feels like when you do actually cry. If you're not sure what it looks like, look in the mirror and pretend you're crying, then pay attention to how the muscles in your face feel. Turn the corners of your lips down a little. Try to force the inner corners of your eyebrows upwards. Wrinkle up your chin like people do right before they start bawling. This may look fake if you overdo it, so try to be subtle. Focus on your breathing. The breathing is part of what convinces people that you're upset. Start sobbing by making crying noises and take deep breaths as you do so. Breathe in constantly as if you are hyperventilating. Occasionally add a small hitch in your breathing to sound more authentic. If nobody can see you, run on the spot for several minutes to cause yourself to be out of breath. This will also help to create the blotchy complexion often associated with crying. Lower your head or cover your face to seem more realistic. Once you have the eyes tearing, the crying face and the hyper breathing going, you can add a few finishing touches, like covering your face with your hands, resting your head on a table, or hanging your head to seem like you're sad. You could also bite your lip as if you're trying hard to stop the tears. Look away, trying to pretend you're not crying to pull off a double bluff! Add a whine to your voice to sound like you’re crying. When you're crying, your vocal cords tighten. This leads to the thick or whiny sounds you make when you try to talk while you're crying. Aim to stutter your words and add in long intakes of breath to add to the effect. This is basically "mind over matter" and the more you act it out, the more your body will acquiesce to produce the effect you're after. Tune out the outside world. If you want to be able to cry on command, you need to relax, breathe, and focus on the reason you're supposed to be crying. By tuning out any distractions, you will be able to dig deeper into the emotions that you're portraying. Bury your face in your hands and laugh if you don't feel sad. It can sometimes be hard to tell if someone is laughing or crying if they do it correctly. While your face is in your hands, shake your shoulders and try to make your eyes a little red by rubbing them hard with your hands, and don't smile when you take your hands away. This works best on a stage when people are not close enough to see tears or your face in close detail. Make sure you don't make any sounds, or you could give away that you're laughing! If you do accidentally laugh out loud, try to follow it with a crying sound like a whimper or a sob, but don't overdo it. | Hold your eyes open as long as you can. Rub your eyes. Bite the inside of your lip. Apply a tear-producing substance under your eyes. Use a cut onion. Try forcing yourself to yawn. Think about a time when you felt really emotional. Imagine yourself being weak or helpless. Create a sad scenario using your imagination. Cry happy tears if you don’t want to feel sad. Make a crying face. Focus on your breathing. Lower your head or cover your face to seem more realistic. Add a whine to your voice to sound like you’re crying. Tune out the outside world. Bury your face in your hands and laugh if you don't feel sad. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Bong-from-a-Liquor-Bottle | How to Make a Bong from a Liquor Bottle | To make a bong from a liquor bottle, you'll need a drill bit, a bowl, duct tape, and a thin glass stem. Start by drilling a hole in the bottle for your stem. Stick a piece of duct tape on the area you want to drill before you start, which will stop the drill from shattering the glass. Place the stem through the hole, then attach your bowl to the stem. Remember to wash the bottle out before using your bong, since there will likely be glass dust inside from when you drilled the hole. | Choose a bottle you like. Pick a bottle with an eye-catching shape or a funky color. For the purposes of making a bong, a bottle with a wide, contoured based and a narrow neck will work best. Make sure the bottle is empty and clean before you begin drilling. Tequila and specialty liquor bottles tend to have shapes that make them ideal for converting them into bongs. Look for especially unique bottles to use if you think you might put your bong on display, or if you plan to make a bong for someone as a gift. Acquire a set of glass drill bits. Pick up a set of glass drill bits from your local hardware store. These can also be found at most superstores like Walmart and Target. A small set of 3 or 4 bits will do just fine; you're just looking to work up to a 1/2" bit to drill the right size hole for the bowl stem later on. Drill bits come in sets that include as few as 3 bits or as many as 15. A smaller set will of course be cheaper and should be all you'll need for this project, provided that the set includes a 1/2" bit, as this will accommodate most bong stems. Place a piece of duct tape where you want to drill the hole. Take a small strip of duct tape and stick it where you plan to drill the hole for your stem (somewhere in the upper third of the bottle near the middle of the base will probably work best). The tape will provide traction to hold your bit in place as you drill. Masking tape or painter's tape may also fulfill this function. Drill the hole. Drilling slowly, start with the smallest bit and work your way up to a 1/2" bit for the optimum hole size for the stem. Starting with a smaller bit and moving up gradually will prevent the glass from cracking or breaking from the force of the drill. Applying too much pressure while drilling can shatter the bottle. Go slow, and make sure you're drilling smoothly and evenly. Electric drills are dangerous tools. Care should be taken when drilling to avoid injury. Get a glass bong stem. Purchase a glass stem or set of stems to fit the hole you drilled. Check to see if you have a tobacco or "head" shop in your area, as stems are typically sold there, or buy one online and have it delivered. A bong stem sometimes includes a bowl; if not, you'll need to snag one of these too. As the hole you drilled was 1/2" in diameter, you should look for a stem with roughly the same width, and it should be long enough to reach to the midpoint of the bottle so that the bottom of the stem is partially submerged once you fill the bottle with water. Bong stems come in various diameters and lengths. You may have to do some checking to find the right fit for the bottle you're using. If you're unsure about the size, it might be smart to buy a couple different stems and see what works best. An average glass bong stem runs between $5 and $10, depending on where you look. If you do have to buy the bowl and stem separately, make sure the bowl is the appropriate size for the stem (the measurements should be displayed prominently on the package) and attach the two by sliding the bowl onto the thicker end of the stem. Fit the stem and bowl into the drilled hole. Double-check that the hole is the proper size to accommodate the stem before you remove the tape. If the hole is too small, you can move up one bit size and carefully re-drill to touch it up. The stem should insert all the way into the hole up to the bottom of the bowl. If the hole you've drilled is too large, you can constrict it a little when you seal it by fitting it with a rubber ring, or by using a slightly wider stem. Seal around the hole. Use a coat of clear silicone to seal the area around the drilled hole. Sealing the hole will cover its rough edges and improve the bong's suction. Alternatively, a rubber ring can be purchased at any smoke shop to allow removal of the steam to facilitate cleaning. Silicone sealant is flexible, non-toxic and forms a tight seal. A 2-ounce tube of liquid silicone sealant can be purchased for under $10 most places and is easy to apply. Allow the sealant to cure overnight. Give the silicone time to set up before filling or using the bong. Liquid silicone sealant usually takes between 4-6 hours to dry completely. Once the silicone dries, the hole will be water-tight when the stem is inserted to prevent spillage and keep smoke from escaping through the edges of the hole. Clean the bottle again. It's likely that glass dust or other residue might have gotten into the bottle during the drilling process. Rinse the new bong out thoroughly, including around the sealed drill hole, to make it safe to use. Glass dust is especially hazardous to breathe or ingest, and it only takes a few moments to clean your new bong. Don't skip this step. Customize your bong. If you want, you can now add some pizzazz to your bong. Apply stickers or decals, etch your name into the glass or draw on the bottle with paint pens. Personalizing your homemade bong will make it stand out even more, which is a great touch if you choose to display it or give it as a gift. Prepare the bong for use. Fill your new bong up with water past the bottom of the stem. Drawing in the smoke through the water turns the smoke you inhale to a smooth vapor and allows for a less harsh smoking experience. Place your favorite smoking product in the bowl and you're ready to go! | Choose a bottle you like. Acquire a set of glass drill bits. Place a piece of duct tape where you want to drill the hole. Drill the hole. Get a glass bong stem. Fit the stem and bowl into the drilled hole. Seal around the hole. Allow the sealant to cure overnight. Clean the bottle again. Customize your bong. Prepare the bong for use. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Country-Gravy | How to Make Country Gravy | To make a country gravy, start by melting butter in a pan. Then, mix in flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic salt. Once the ingredients are combined into a rue, cook them for 10 minutes or until the rue turns brown. Next, whisk in some milk, adding a little bit at a time so lumps don't form. Finally, cook the gravy for 2 more minutes, remove it from the heat, and serve immediately. | Heat the butter in a small saucepan. Melt 2 Tbsp (30 mL) of butter in a small to medium saucepan over medium heat. Let the butter melt completely before moving on to the next step, but try to avoid letting it boil or steam. You could also use a large skillet to make country gravy instead of a saucepan. If you were cooking meat in your skillet before you started cooking the gravy, you can use the leftover pan drippings from the cooked meat instead of or alongside the butter. Reduce the amount of butter so that the butter and pan drippings combined equal no more than about 2 Tbsp (30 mL) of fat. Vegetable oil can also be used instead of butter, but it is a little less traditional. Whisk in the flour and seasonings. Add the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic salt to the butter in the pan, quickly whisking the ingredients together into the butter until the mixture forms a smooth paste. The flour, salt, and pepper are necessary. The flour and butter combine to form a thickening agent known as a "roux," which is a vital component of the gravy. The salt and pepper are basic seasonings needed in order to provide the gravy with country-style flavor. The paprika and garlic salt are optional, however, and many basic country gravy recipes do not include them. The spices add a hint of extra flavor to the gravy without being too overpowering. Cook until lightly browned. Cook the roux over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. If you want the gravy to remain whiter, do not let the roux brown. Only brown the roux if you want something slightly deeper in color and flavor. Do not cover the pan. Slowly whisk in the milk. Add the milk a little at a time, whisking thoroughly the entire time so that lumps do not form. Adding too much milk at once will make it almost impossible to break down the lumps and create a smooth gravy. Only add about 1/4 cup (60 mL) at a time. Start with roughly 1 cup (250 mL) of milk. If you do not like how thick the gravy is, add up to an additional 1 cup (250 mL) to thin it out. Cook until thickened. Continue cooking the gravy, stirring frequently, until it bubbles and thickens. This should take another minute or two. Again, note that more milk can be added if you prefer a thinner gravy. Serve warm. Remove the thickened gravy from the heat and serve immediately. Heat the oil in a small saucepan. Pour the oil into a small to medium saucepan and heat over medium heat. Give the oil a few minutes to heat before adding any other ingredients. It needs to be sufficiently warm, yet not quite smoking. Any standard cooking oil will work, including vegetable oil, canola oil, or olive oil. You could also use margarine or butter, if desired. Skipping the butter and using oil makes this recipe vegan as well as gluten-free. Stir in the rice flour. Sprinkle the rice flour into the hot oil, stirring it in until smooth. Rice flour and oil will form a roux, much like wheat flour and butter do. You can use either sweet or regular rice flour. Both are gluten-free. Cook until lightly browned. Stir the rice flour roux constantly for two minutes or so. You do not have to let the flour brown, but doing so will lend a nutty flavor to the country gravy. Do not let the flour burn. Whisk in most of the soy milk. Gradually pour the soy milk into the roux, whisking constantly so that lumps do not form. Add the soy milk a little at a time. Pour 1/4 cup (60 mL) or so into the pan, whisk well, and repeat until 2 cups (500 mL) has been used. Bring the mixture to a light boil or simmer. You may need to increase the heat of the eye in order to do so, but do not increase it past medium-high. Add the seasonings and remaining soy milk. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and the remaining soy milk. Keep whisking until it reaches your desired thickness. If the country gravy seems a little too thin, continue heating it at a light simmer. The liquid will gradually reduce, making the gravy thicker. If you suspect that the gravy is getting too thin as you add the soy milk, you do not need to add the full remaining 1 cup (250 mL). Serve warm. Remove the country grave from the heat and use while still fresh and warm. Add sausage or bacon. Pork sausage and bacon are both fairly common to country-style gravy, but they are not necessarily a standard ingredient. Crumble roughly 1/8 lb (60 g) of sausage into the pan for every 2 cups (500 mL) country gravy you plan to prepare. Crumble 4 to 6 slices of bacon into the gravy for every 2 cups (500 mL) of country gravy. Cook the sausage or bacon first and set aside. Use the fat from the meat to help form the roux for your gravy. Make hamburger-style gravy. Cook about 1/4 lb (115 g) ground beef for every 2 cups (500 mL) of gravy you plan to prepare. Cook the hamburger first. Make sure that the beef is fully browned and fully cooked before removing it from the pan. Add about 2 Tbsp (30 mL) of the rendered fat back into the pan to serve as the fat base for your roux. Add the flour, seasonings, and milk according to standard recipe instructions. Stir the cooked, crumbled ground beef back into the country gravy just before serving. Vary the seasonings. Different seasonings can give your country gravy a slightly different taste. For a kick of heat, try adding 1/2 tsp (2.5 mL) ground cayenne pepper, 1 tsp (5 mL) chili powder, or 1/4 tsp (1.25 mL) ground white pepper per 2 cups (500 mL) of gravy. For a warmer taste, add 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, ground cloves, or ground allspice to 2 cups (500 mL) of country gravy. For a more savory taste, add 1 Tbsp (15 mL) fresh herbs like cilantro, oregano, or parsley. Sprinkle in a little cheese. Stirring in grated or shredded cheese can turn country gravy into something that can satisfy any cheese-lover at your table. Add about 1/2 cup (125 mL) grated or shredded cheese per 1 cup (250 mL) sauce. Stir the cheese in at the end, just before serving. Stir until the cheese melts completely. Try cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite type of cheese. Add onions and mushrooms. Onions and mushrooms can add a gourmet touch to a standard country gravy. Sauté 1 cup (250 mL) sliced mushrooms and 2 Tbsp (60 mL) chopped onion in butter or oil. Prepare 2 cups (500 mL) of country gravy in the same skillet or saucepan without removing the mushrooms and onions. Enjoy! | Heat the butter in a small saucepan. Whisk in the flour and seasonings. Cook until lightly browned. Slowly whisk in the milk. Cook until thickened. Serve warm. Heat the oil in a small saucepan. Stir in the rice flour. Cook until lightly browned. Whisk in most of the soy milk. Add the seasonings and remaining soy milk. Serve warm. Add sausage or bacon. Make hamburger-style gravy. Vary the seasonings. Sprinkle in a little cheese. Add onions and mushrooms. Enjoy! |
https://www.wikihow.com/Hem-Jeans | How to Hem Jeans | To create a new hem on your jeans, use a piece of chalk to mark where the new hem should end. Then, measure and draw a line ½ inch above the new hemline and ½ inch below it. Next, cut along the bottom line to get rid of the excess fabric. Then, fold the center chalk line to the top chalk line to create the new hem. Pin the hem in place to keep things neat and even, then sew the new hem with a straight stitch and gold denim thread. | Decide where to hem. Try on your jeans and decide where you would like to hem them. Generally, jeans should fall about an inch above the floor. This will prevent you from tripping and also avoid making your jeans look like they are a size too small. Feel free to alter the length to meet your personal preferences though. Mark the length you want with chalk or a pin. Fold up the bottom. Create a cuff where you want the jeans to be hemmed. Crease the fold so it lies flat and double-check that you've folded it up by the correct amount. Once you've done this on one side, measure just below the preexisting hem and use that measurement to create an equal fold on the other leg. Pin the hem in place. Place straight pins around the circumference of the pant leg to hold it in place. Check to be sure the seams line up on each pant leg as well as that they are even with each other. Sew the hem. Stitch around the circumference of the pant leg just below the stitching for the existing hem. You can use a sewing machine or do this by hand. To be clear, you will be sewing the cuff to the pant leg and later will fold it inside the leg. This will allow you to take out the hem later if you grow taller or want the pants longer at a later point in time. Unfold the hem. Tuck the excess fabric of the folded cuff up into the leg of the jeans, folding the original hem down so its outer side shows once again. This should leave you a small loop of fabric along the bottom edge of the jeans inside the leg. Try on the jeans to make sure they are at the correct length. If you don't expect to want to lengthen the jeans at any point, then you can also cut the excess fabric. Cut the excess fabric about 1 inch away from the new seam you have created. Iron the jeans. Use an iron to flatten out the hem you've created along the bottom edge. This will smooth out the loop of fabric tucked into the leg, and leave your jeans looking the perfect length with no tell-tale hemming signs. Mark your jeans where you'd like the new hem to be. The best way to do this is to put your jeans on (or have the person who will be wearing the jeans put them on) and fold the cuff under until the jeans are the length you'd like them to be. Then, use a piece of chalk to mark the spot where the new hem should end. Measure and mark two more lines. Measure ⁄ 2 in (1.3 cm) from the hem line and draw a line above it that is running parallel to the first one. Then, measure and mark another ⁄ 2 in (1.3 cm) below the original line and draw the line so it is parallel to the original one as well. Now you should have three lines total. These lines will serve as a guide for you to sew the new hem. Cut along the bottom line. Cut off the bottom of the jeans and the old hem. To do this, cut in a straight line along the bottom line that you made. Discard the material that you cut off. Fold the new hem under. Next, fold along the center chalk line to create the new hem. You may also want to pin along the new hem to hold it in place while you sew. Check to make sure that the hem is even all the way around before you sew. To get a neat edge on your hem, iron the fold first, then tap along the edge firmly with a hammer. Sew the new hem. Using some gold denim thread, or the thread color of your choice, sew around the area you pinned to hold the new hem in place. Use a straight stitch and try to keep it as even as possible. Remove the pins as you go. After you sew around both hems, your jeans will be ready to wear! Wash the jeans before you hem them. Denim will shrink a bit the first time you wash it, so it is a good idea to do a pre-wash before hemming your jeans. However, it's also a good idea to make sure your jeans are freshly washed and dried, because they'll shrink some when they're clean. Washing them first will help to ensure that you do not make the hem too short. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label for washing your jeans. Use a new needle. It is important to change your sewing machine needle after every four hours of sewing or after finishing a major project to ensure that it is sharp enough to do the job. If you have not changed the needle in a while, then put in a new needle before you begin sewing the new hem. Go slow. Denim and other bulky fabrics can be a bit harder to sew. They may get caught more easily, or not move as efficiently through the presser foot. To ensure that your stitches are even and straight, sew slowly. Start by applying very light pressure on the pedal to get the stitches started and then only increase the speed slightly if the fabric seems to be moving along well. If the fabric gets stuck, then you can always use the hand wheel to help move it along. | Decide where to hem. Fold up the bottom. Pin the hem in place. Sew the hem. Unfold the hem. Iron the jeans. Mark your jeans where you'd like the new hem to be. Measure and mark two more lines. Cut along the bottom line. Fold the new hem under. Sew the new hem. Wash the jeans before you hem them. Use a new needle. Go slow. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dress-for-Your-Body-Type | How to Dress for Your Body Type | To dress for an apple body type, where your top half is wider than your bottom, wear flared or wide pants instead of straight-leg or skinny jeans to help balance out your figure. If you have a pear body type, where your lower half is bigger than your upper body, wear straight-leg pants and tops that accentuate your shoulders. If you have an hourglass body type, wear clothes that cinch at your waist and stick with fitted clothing over loose, shapeless pieces. | Determine what type shape your body is. Pay attention to your curves. Look at how they connect your bust, waist, and hips. The body types below describe women's bodies, not a girl who has not gone through puberty. Although it is sometimes possible to determine body type prior to maturity, it is only after growing a bust, hips, and so on that it will become evident. Measure the sizes of your bust, waist, and hip. Depending on the size of each part (in inches), you can determine which shape your body is to find clothes that properly fit There is no "best" or "worst" body type. A certain type may be fashionable in your particular locale, at this period in time, but this does not mean your body type is "bad". All body types have pros and cons. Knowing your body type is about dressing to look your best. Even model's bodies fall into one of these categories. See if you have an apple body type. Generally described as "top-heavy", this is generally about 14 percent of women where the bust is three or more inches bigger than the hips. Just by looking at yourself in the mirror, you can see if you are an apple body type. Slim limbs, specifically the arms, but wide shoulders are usually a strong characteristic of this body type. Weight is concentrated around your midsection and chest, giving the appearance of a bigger bust and protruding stomach, at times. If you naturally have a smaller bust, then weight can gather around your midriff. Just below the midsection, your waistline can have little definition, thus giving rise to the “top-heavy” description of this body type. Though your top may be on the heavier side, your legs should be slimmer. Consider whether you are a "pear" type. Being the opposite of an apple body type means you are a pear body type. This one is bottom-heavy (or triangle) with about 20 percent of women having hips significantly larger than bust. You'll notice if this is your body quite quickly, as your lower body: hips, thighs, and sometimes your behind are more noticeable. Shoulders are narrower, sloping, and not as broad. Usually described as the most “curvaceous” body. It's a simple one to notice just by looking at your legs as they are sometimes noticeably wider, more muscular, and fuller compared to the rest of your body. Consider whether you're a straight/rectangular body type. About 46 percent of women are this shape where the waist is about the same as hips and bust. Your silhouette isn't as curvy as the pear or apple bodies. Instead, you'll look fairly straight up with flat shoulders. Unlike the prior two body types; the best way to determine for a rectangular type is to measure. Upon measuring, you'll notice that your waist is one to eight inches smaller than your bust. Standing straight up, you should not notice any significant curves around the waist area. Your rib cage will define most of your shape, as there will be no waist definition to add curves. Despite being rectangular, you may still have a curvy bottom (similar to a pear bottom), or a wide chest with a little bit of extra weight around the midriff. Look at whether you have an hourglass body. This is the least common with only 8 percent of women. The hip and bust measurements are usually equal, with a narrow waist. The defining characteristic of hourglass figure is a significantly defined waist with more or less proportional top and bottom. Hourglass shapes tend to be "curvy" both on top and on the bottom. You can still have an hourglass body even when: slightly fleshy upper arms, wider looking shoulders, or a slightly fuller bottom. Know that body shape is largely pre-determined, but can be modified somewhat by diet and exercise. Your genetics do determine how body fat is carried on the body, and cannot be altered. However, if you are not carrying around excessive weight, your body type will not be quite as exaggerated or obvious. Slender women look more similar to each other than obese women. You cannot "Spot Reduce". Toning a certain body part is possible--you can do core exercises to help flatten abdominal muscles. But your body will not do it in just one place. On women, the change is most dramatic around your chest, hips, and posterior, whether you want it to be or not. You cannot "Spot Increase". Muscle tone can be increased, and can cosmetically make a difference. Doing chest exercises or using skin creams will not make your bust larger. While chest exercises firm and tone up the bust line, this will not actually increase breast tissue. Certain body types have a predisposition to gain or lose weight in certain areas. For example, a woman with an hourglass figure will tend to gain or lose weight in the bust and hips, and not the waist. But a woman with an apple shape will tend to gain in the hips, and not so much in the bust--even if it is the same amount of body weight. Cardio and resistance training are most commonly used to alter body types. By knowing if you retain fat more or lose it quicker, you can create an exercise plan to cater to your bodily needs. Remember that clothes are meant to flatter your body, so take care when choosing garments. Even a model with an "ideal" body type will not look good in everything. When a designer is putting together a photoshoot or runway show, they pick the model that best shows off the clothes...models are not interchangeable. What is the ideal body type changes through history. In America during the Victorian period, the "Hourglass" was perfection, and required women to don corsets to get that look. In the 1920s, the ideal woman's body was the boyish "Rectangular" type requiring women to wear girdles and flattening larger chests. Different cultures and subcultures see different body types as ideal. An African-American woman in America may be praised for a shapely, round posterior. However, the same quality in a woman in Japan may not be. Look at your genetics. Family genes play a large role in your body type. Look at other women in your family to see a common trend. If the women in your family tend to have a certain body type, chances are good you do as well. Remember, it is not just your mother's family, but your father's as well! Dress for the apple body type. To dress successfully for the apple body, you need to direct attention away from your midriff and wear clothes to accentuate other parts. Follow your bodyline and keep details on the top and lower third of your body. With this body type, it is easy to wear shirts, blouses or dresses with slight V-necks without looking too fancy or over the top. Draw attention away from your waist and shoulders/arms (wear long sleeves), and draw attention to your bust and neck (e.g. v-necks). Choose flared pants over straight-leg or skinny pants, and to help balance out wide shoulders and/or a heavy upper body. Wear bottoms just below your hipbone to draw attention away from your midriff. Avoid dresses and belts that pinch at your waist. This will most likely accentuate curves that you may not wish to show off. Wear tops that drape over any curves if you wish. Enhancing a feature that is further away or you can cover it with dark colors. Dress for a pear body type. The trick to dressing this body type is to wear anything that adds to your shoulder and bust area. Keep attention to your upper body, by minimizing the lower half. If you're a pear body type, there are things you can do to make your hips and butt look slimmer, if you want to make their butts bigger ! Balance your top with your bottom. Try to wear tops that accentuate your shoulders a bit more. Avoid pants or tights that narrow your legs. Wearing a bra that adds to or enhances your bust should be considered. Wear straight-leg or slightly flared pants with heels. Skinny pants that hug your ankles can make your lower body take on the appearance of an upside-down triangle. Flared pants can make your legs look very thick, perhaps bowl-legged, in comparison to your upper body. Dress for a straight or rectangular body type. With this body type, you may have a long, thin body that tends to lack curves. It is sometimes referred to as a "boyish" profile. Your aim is to wear clothes that flatter your thin profile, break up, your silhouette, and create curves that move up and down from the waist area. If you have this body type, you can "pinch" in your waist to exaggerate curves. For example, add a belt to your dress. Go for ruffles and frills to add texture, volume, and femininity to your figure. For instance, a dress with a lot of embellishment at the bust will often give some "weight" there that makes that area look a bit bigger. Steer clear of menswear clothing. For example, dressing in baggy jeans and track clothes will make you look like "one of the boys", but not a potential girlfriend. Instead, opt for the skinny jeans that are made for your body type, and wear track clothing made for women at your workout session. Stock up on miniskirts and bright tights to make the most of your great legs. They will also add more shape to a straight body. Use shapewear. A rectangular body type benefits from shaping undergarments. For example, a bra that adds a cup size will balance out your angular features without much effort at all. Dress an hourglass body. Avoid anything that makes you look "boxy"! You have admirable curves, so embrace them. Use your waist as the focal point when dressing. This means to wear snug clothes and accessories around the thinnest part of your waist. Directing attention here will make your curves stand out even more. Dress to flatter your beautiful curves by following your body's outline. Tailored clothing is usually more flattering. Shapeless or drape-y clothing tends to over-focus on the bust and make hourglass shapes look heavy or pregnant. Balance your top and bottom while accentuating your waist. Draw attention to your waist with belts and dresses that pinch at the midsection. Women with curves can end up revealing too much bust. If a neckline is too deep, or is inappropriate leave those clothes on the rack. Shape your bust. If you have an hourglass shape, you probably have plenty of bust; your main concern should be to wear a supportive bra so that your chest looks perky, not droopy and saggy. Embrace V-neck dresses and tops. While many necklines work well for well-endowed women, V-necks are typically quite flattering. Just be sure you do not show more cleavage than appropriate to the situation. | Determine what type shape your body is. See if you have an apple body type. Consider whether you are a "pear" type. Consider whether you're a straight/rectangular body type. Look at whether you have an hourglass body. Know that body shape is largely pre-determined, but can be modified somewhat by diet and exercise. Look at your genetics. Dress for the apple body type. Dress for a pear body type. Dress for a straight or rectangular body type. Dress an hourglass body. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Fix-a-Hunchback | How to Fix a Hunchback | To fix a hunchback, start by visiting your doctor so they can examine you and make suggestions for treatment, like using a brace or seeing a chiropractor. Along with following your doctor's recommendations, try to keep items such as books or screens at eye-level to avoid constantly looking down. You can also try sleeping with a contoured pillow designed to hold your head and neck in proper alignment. Additionally, eat lots of foods that are high in calcium and vitamin D, like leafy greens and citrus, to maintain healthy bones. | Go see your doctor. If you notice even a small hump or rounding of your shoulders, it is a good idea to bring this up to your primary care physician during a regular check-up. You can also schedule a specific appointment to talk about your hunchback if it is painful or concerns you. At the visit, your doctor may ask you to bend forward and reach for your toes. They will then trace your spine and look for any curvature. If your doctor suspects that you may have kyphosis, then they might order a series of X-rays or a MRI scan. Work with a chiropractor or physical therapist. Your primary care doctor may refer you on to other specialists who can develop a comprehensive treatment plan for your hunchback. A chiropractor may focus on aligning your muscles with your bones through various sessions. A physical therapist can help to create an exercise program that will help to strengthen the muscles in your back and neck area. Wear an orthopedic brace. If you go to visit your orthopedist, then they may fit you for a back or neck brace. Your doctor will direct you to wear this brace for a certain period each day, often between 18-20 hours total. Or, you might be able to wear the brace just at night. Most braces are designed to be worn under clothing. Some braces are made out of harder plastic pieces, while others are primarily composed of a series of thick straps. Make sure to wear your brace as much as your doctor suggests or it won't do its job. Agree to surgery only in the most severe situations. Spinal surgery is a very serious procedure, so most doctors only recommend it to patients who need a higher level of care. To treat a hunchback, a surgeon will reposition the spine using a series of screws and rods. Most people begin physical therapy almost immediately after surgery. Most people take around 1 year to fully recover from the surgery. At that point they can resume most pre-surgery activities. Another surgical option is called kyphoplasty. This where a balloon is placed between the vertebrae (back bones) to lengthen them out. Leave it alone. If your hunchback isn't noticeable or causing any health problems, then you might want to wait to treat it medically. It may be enough to make some simple lifestyle changes. This is often the case with younger children and adolescents whose bodies are still developing. The hunchback might disappear with the growth process. Keep items at eye level. One of the main ways that you can develop a hunchback is by constantly looking down at objects instead of keeping your head straight or even glancing upwards. Make a change by positioning your cell phone at eye level when texting or browsing. Do the same thing with your e-reader or book. You can also purchase a rack or stand for your laptop to elevate it to eye level. Set an alarm to check your posture. It's really easy to forget to hold yourself perfectly upright throughout the day, especially at work. To keep yourself from slouching over the keyboard, put an alarm on your phone to go off every 30 minutes. When the alarm sounds, check your posture by straightening your spine and pulling your shoulders back. Some people find it helpful to write reminder notes around their desk, such as, “Straighten up!” Sleep with a contoured pillow. Go to your local sleep store and browse through their pillow offerings. Look for a pillow that is designed to hold your head and neck in proper alignment overnight. These pillows are often made of foam and have 2 outer ridges with a dip in the middle for your head. Be prepared for a bit of an adjustment period when transitioning from a traditional pillow to a contoured one. You may find it tough to sleep in any other position aside from on your back, at least at first. Sleeping on a firm bed can sometimes help your hunchback improve as well. Eat lots of foods with calcium and vitamin D. These two nutrients are directly responsible for the growth and maintenance of healthy bones in your body. Make a point of adding more cheese, fortified juice or cereal products, leafy greens, and citrus fruits to your diet. Take an orange to work as a midday snack or make a kale salad for lunch. You can also take a multivitamin to ensure that you are receiving enough calcium and vitamin D. However, getting nutrients from foods and vitamin D from the sun is always the better option. Push up into a bridge. This exercise is helpful because it encourages your body to go backwards instead of hunching forwards. Lie down on your back on an exercise mat with your arms down at your side. Bend your knees and place your feet flat on the mat. Press your feet and arms into the mat and lift your pelvis. Your knees should be in line with your ankle. Try to hold this position for at least 10 seconds. When you go back down, don't just drop to the mat. Slowly lower yourself by keeping your muscles flexed the entire time. Stretch with pull apart bands. Get a lightweight band and hold one side of it in each hand. Put your hands straight out in front of you and shoulder-length apart, with your hands facing down. Pull your hands apart from one another, bending your elbows only slightly, until the band touches your chest. Repeat for the rest of your reps. Because this is a fairly lightweight exercise, it's okay to do a high number of reps. Perform a crucifix stretch. This is a move that you can perform every day to strengthen the muscles in your back. Stand up and hold your arms out to your sides. Keep them at shoulder height. Rotate your wrists until your thumbs are pointing backwards. Slowly move your arms back as well. Hold your arms in place. Release and repeat. Do t-spine rotations. If you have a hunchback, then it is likely that you also have reduced spinal mobility. To boost it back up, get down on all fours on an exercise mat. Move your right hand so that it cups the back of your head. Dip your right elbow slightly under your left pectoral muscle. Then, swing it slowly upwards, moving as high as you can while keeping your other hand and knees still on the mat. To get the most benefit from this move, follow your rotating elbow with your eyes. Remember to switch sides to balance your body. Do a swim move. Lie down on an exercise mat on your stomach. Extend your arms and legs outward in front and behind you. Keep your palms facing the mat. Rest your head on the mat as well. Then, lift your head up along with your right arm and left leg. Hold them for a few seconds. Drop them down and repeat with your head, your left arm, and right leg. | Go see your doctor. Work with a chiropractor or physical therapist. Wear an orthopedic brace. Agree to surgery only in the most severe situations. Leave it alone. Keep items at eye level. Set an alarm to check your posture. Sleep with a contoured pillow. Eat lots of foods with calcium and vitamin D. Push up into a bridge. Stretch with pull apart bands. Perform a crucifix stretch. Do t-spine rotations. Do a swim move. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Spiders-As-Pets | How to Keep Spiders As Pets | If you want to keep spiders as pets, make sure you choose a spider that does well in captivity, such as a tarantula, wolf spider, jumping spider, or grass spider. Once you know what kind of spider you want, set up an aquarium or large glass jar with leaves, dirt, wood, and rocks. Additionally, add pet or moss to make the floor more comfortable, and make sure to poke holes in the lid to get the proper air flow. In order to feed your spider, provide it with insects 1-2 times per week and give it fresh water in a small bowl or bottle cap. | Learn which spiders make good pets. It is important to make sure that you choose a spider that suits your needs. For example, do you want a non-venomous spider? Do you want a large spider? Ask yourself these types of questions. You also want to choose a spider that will do well in captivity. While not all spiders make good pets, these spiders are ones to consider: Tarantulas Wolf spiders Jumping spiders Fishing spiders Grass spiders Purchase a spider. Consider buying a spider to keep as a pet. This option allows you to get the exact species that you want. You'll also be able to ask the seller for information on how to care for your new pet. You can purchase many types of spiders at pet stores. Tarantulas are a very popular option. Not all species of tarantulas are suitable for beginner keepers. Some are higher maintenance than others, and some are more likely to bite than others. There are also many reputable online sellers. Just make sure to specify whether you are planning to breed your spider(s), and how old you want it to be. If you live with your parents or roommates, make sure that everyone in the household agrees to house the spider. Hunt for spiders. You can also choose to skip the store and catch a spider in the wild. Just make sure to do your research first. You should make sure that you know how to identify the different spiders that live in your area. You also want to be certain that you know how to handle the spider you catch. Note that spiders can be infested with parasites, so catching a wild spider might not be the best option. You can look for house spiders and widow spiders in and around your house. Check window sills and cracks in walls or windows. Jumping spiders make interesting pets. Look for them in grass and bushes. A great way to find spiders is to look for their webs. Capture a spider. When you go looking for spiders, take a glass jar with you. Make sure that your jar has a lid. You should also poke holes in the lid to make sure that your spider will have air on the way to its new home. Have an adult help you with this, as you'll need to use a sharp tool. If you see a spider hanging out on a plant, you can place your jar under the spider. Gently move the leaf or branch so that the spider will drop into the jar. You should also carry a card or stiff piece of paper with you. You can use this to scoop a spider off the ground and gently place it in your jar. Buy a cage. One of the most important parts of keeping a spider as a pet is making sure that it has a safe, comfortable home. You can purchase a ready-made habitat for your spider. An aquarium that you can buy at a pet store will work just fine. Make sure that the cage is at least 2-3 times the spider's leg span. This will ensure that it has plenty of room to move around. If you have a ground-dwelling tarantula, make sure that the cage is not too tall, as the spider could fall from the ceiling, which could be fatal to the spider. Add materials to make your spider feel at home. You can place leaves, dirt, and rocks in the cage. Spiders also like to have somewhere to hide. If you have a large enough cage, you can place a small flower pot on its side in the cage. You could use a piece of wood, too. Make your own cage. If you are capturing a small spider, you might want to consider a homemade cage for your spider. You can use a glass jar. If you have a big, gallon size jar, that would be great. Ask a local restaurant if you can have one of their empty jars. Make sure to thoroughly clean the jar. Rinse it with water and mild soap and then dry with a clean cloth. You can add the same materials to your jar that you would add to an aquarium. You can also consider adding peat or moss to make a comfortable floor for your spider. Remember that air flow is important. Poke holes in the lid of the jar to make sure that your spider is getting enough air. Choose the right spot. Picking a good spot for your spider's new home is important. You want to make sure that it will be safe. Choose a stable surface such as a table or counter. You don't want your spider to accidentally get knocked to the floor. Make sure that household pets or young children won't be able to accidentally set your spider free. Most pet spiders, such as tarantulas, don't need special heating or light. The natural light in a room will be enough. Just make sure they don't get much colder than 70 degrees. Feed your spider. You can feed your spider insects. Try not to overfeed your spider as they are at a larger risk of an abdomen burst should they fall from a distance. Make sure to feed spiders about once or twice a week. If the spider's abdomen becomes crumpled, feed immediately. You can hunt for your own bugs to feed your pets. Just make sure they come from an area without pesticides. You can also purchase insects at most pet stores. Stock up on a supply of crickets to feed your spider. Make sure to firmly seal the tank (or jar) after feeding your pet. Spiders (especially tarantulas) are great at escaping. Provide water. In addition to food, you need to provide fresh water for your spider. You can use a plastic bottle cap as a water bowl if you have a small spider in a small cage. If you have room, give your spider a small bowl of water. Spiders will also drink the water off of damp webbing. But you need to make sure that your cage doesn't become damp. Spiders do not thrive in humidity. Refill your spider's water every couple of days, or more frequently, if you notice it is empty. Handle your spider carefully. If your spider is small and fragile, you should avoid handling it. But if you have a sturdier spider, such as a tarantula, you can hold it. Just remember to be careful and handle your spider properly. Carefully pick up your tarantula by the leg between your second and third fingers. Place it in the palm of your hand. It is not a good idea to let your tarantula crawl all over your body--you might lose it. Tarantulas do not need to be handled. Try to handle your pet as little as necessary. Observe your pet. Spiders are really interesting creatures. You can keep an eye on your spider so that you can get to know it better. Keep track of what it most likes to eat, when he likes to sleep, and when he is active. Try keeping a notebook near your spider's cage. You can record its habits. | Learn which spiders make good pets. Purchase a spider. Hunt for spiders. Capture a spider. Buy a cage. Make your own cage. Choose the right spot. Feed your spider. Provide water. Handle your spider carefully. Observe your pet. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Draw-a-Ribbon | How to Draw a Ribbon | To draw a ribbon, start by drawing two rounded heart shapes horizontally, with the tips pointing toward the center. Then, sketch in the tails of the ribbon below the tips, and draw lines around the heart shapes to add dimension to the bows. Next, draw an oval in the center of the bows for the knot. Finally, add details, like shading and folds in the fabric, and color in the picture. | Draw two drop shapes horizontally, the tips should be pointing to the center. Add the tails and a second set of curls. Once you draw yet another set of curls draw an oval covering the tips of all of them. Add some details, like folds. Finally use whatever color you prefer. Here, red was used. Draw two irregular shapes overlapping each other or you may just copy the accompanied illustration to help you in drawing the shapes. Then on the right and left side of the shapes, draw the bows. Draw the bows by imagining a horizontal triangle without its point. Next is to draw the ribbon’s loose ends, draw the tails by sketching an inverted “V” on their ends and overlapping the shapes over the ribbon’s bows. Add now small circles for the ribbon’s painted polka dots. Finally sketch some lines to emphasize the cloth folds on the ribbon. End you’re drawing by outlining or inking over your pencil sketch using a pen or marker. And then don't forget also to erase your penciled sketches to clean up your drawing. You can now color your drawing. Color your ribbon purple with the polka dots white but you can also deviate as with the accompanied illustration by coloring your ribbon pink and the dots green or you can color it any color you want. | Draw two drop shapes horizontally, the tips should be pointing to the center. Add the tails and a second set of curls. Once you draw yet another set of curls draw an oval covering the tips of all of them. Add some details, like folds. Finally use whatever color you prefer. Draw two irregular shapes overlapping each other or you may just copy the accompanied illustration to help you in drawing the shapes. Then on the right and left side of the shapes, draw the bows. Next is to draw the ribbon’s loose ends, draw the tails by sketching an inverted “V” on their ends and overlapping the shapes over the ribbon’s bows. Add now small circles for the ribbon’s painted polka dots. Finally sketch some lines to emphasize the cloth folds on the ribbon. End you’re drawing by outlining or inking over your pencil sketch using a pen or marker. You can now color your drawing. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Tampon-While-Swimming | How to Use a Tampon While Swimming | If you need to use a tampon while swimming, just make sure to tuck the string into the bottom of your suit. While it's unlikely that your string will pop out from your bathing suit, trim it a bit with scissors if you're worried about it. Since pantyliners don't work in the water, wear a dark-colored bathing suit with a thicker bottom to cover up any leaks. Consider wearing a pair of shorts when you get out of the pool to make you feel more secure. Otherwise, don't worry about swimming with a tampon. In fact, swimming can help relieve your cramps. | Insert your tampon as you normally would. You should be comfortable with wearing a tampon regularly before you venture into the pool. To use a tampon, just pull it out of its wrapper, find a comfortable position that allows you to position the thicker applicator half of the tampon into your vagina, and then press the thinner applicator end into the top half until it goes as far up as it can, moving the tampon further up your vagina. Once you feel that the tampon is firmly in place, gently remove the applicator. You should feel the tampon move all the way into your vagina and out of the applicator. If you don't push it back far enough, it'll come out with the applicator. Make sure you're comfortable. Walk around, sit, and just move around a bit to make sure you can't feel the tampon in your vagina. If it hurts or you can still feel it, try again or insert your finger in your vagina to push it up further. Sometimes, if the tampon cannot be further inserted your period may be coming to an end. In that case, you should avoid trying to force it if it hurts too much. Choose the right bathing suit. This is probably not the time to wear your brand new light pink or your bold white bathing suit. Pick a suit of a darker color, just in case you have any leaks. You can also go for a bathing suit with a thicker bottom so you feel less exposed. Just pick something that you're comfortable in that doesn't draw too much attention to your bottom. If you know you have less of a chance of having people see you leaking a bit, you'll be much more comfortable. Carefully tuck in the tampon string. The only thing that could happen is that the tampon string could dangle out of your underwear. Just make sure to tuck it into the bottom of your suit carefully and don't stress out about it. If you'd really like to, you can trim the string a bit with nail scissors, but don't cut it too much or you'll have a hard time getting it out. Don't wear pantyliners. Pantyliners will not work in the water. Unfortunately, you'll have nothing to keep you from leaking onto the bottom of your suit, though the water will take care of that somewhat. You can wear them to the pool only if you know there's no chance you'll be swimming or even showing your bikini bottom (the pantyliner may be visible.) Consider wearing shorts when you get out of the pool. If you want some extra protection and are nervous about getting out of the pool and sunbathing in just your bathing suit while wearing a tampon, then you can just throw on a pair of comfy denim jeans to make you feel more secure when you get out of the water. Change your tampon a bit more frequently if you want to. Though you don't have to change your tampon more frequently if you're swimming, if you feel paranoid about needing to change it, or if you feel a little uncomfortable after getting out of the water, then you can change it 2 hours or so early if you'd like to. Enjoy your swim. Don't worry so much about swimming with a tampon -- everyone does it. Enjoy your swim without worrying about leakage! Swimming will relieve your cramps, give you some exercise, and make you feel better and happier about being on your period. | Insert your tampon as you normally would. Make sure you're comfortable. Choose the right bathing suit. Carefully tuck in the tampon string. Don't wear pantyliners. Consider wearing shorts when you get out of the pool. Change your tampon a bit more frequently if you want to. Enjoy your swim. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Your-Belly-Button | How to Clean Your Belly Button | To clean your belly button, use your finger or a washcloth to rub some warm, soapy water into it, which will get rid of any dirt, grime, and lint. Alternatively, you can stir 1 teaspoon of salt into a cup of water and use that to clean your belly button, since saltwater also kills germs and can be less irritating than soap. Either way, make sure you pat your belly button dry when you're finished to prevent bacteria from growing in it. Generally, you should aim to clean your belly button whenever you shower, but you might want to clean it more if you've been sweating a lot. | Wash your belly button whenever you shower. The best time to clean your belly button is during a regular bath or shower. Make an effort to include your belly button in your daily washing routine. You may need to wash your belly button more frequently if you've been sweating a lot (e.g., after exercise or when the weather is hot). Use plain soap and water for routine washing. You don't need anything fancy to wash your navel. Warm water and gentle soap will do the trick just fine! Apply some soap and water to your fingers or a washcloth and gently rub it into your belly button to get rid of dirt, grime, and lint. When you're done, carefully rinse away all the suds. In general, the soap or cleanser you use for the rest of your body should work fine for your belly button. Use a gentle, unscented soap or bodywash if scented soaps cause drying or irritation. You can also use saltwater to gently cleanse your belly button. Mix 1 teaspoon (about 6 g) of table salt with 1 cup (240 mL) of warm water and dip a washcloth in the solution. Carefully massage the saltwater into your navel, then rinse it away with plain water. Saltwater can kill germs and loosen dirt, and you may find it less drying and irritating than soap. Deep-clean an innie with a washcloth or cotton swab. It's easy for dirt and lint to build up in a deep belly button—and it can be challenging to get it out! If you have an innie, you may need to use a washcloth or a cotton swab to get inside and do a thorough cleaning. Swab out the inside of your belly button gently with soap and water, and make sure to rinse it well afterward. Don't scrub hard—you could irritate the delicate skin in and around your belly button. Pat your belly button dry when you’re done. It's important to keep your belly button dry to prevent an overgrowth of bacteria and fungus. Once you're done washing up, use a clean, dry towel to gently dry the area in and around your belly button. If you have time, you can also let it air-dry for a few minutes before putting on clothing. You can keep moisture from building up in your belly button by dressing in cool, loose clothing when the weather is warm or any time you might break a sweat. Avoid using oils, creams, or lotions in your belly button. Don't use any creams or lotions in your belly button unless your doctor recommends it. Doing so could trap moisture inside your belly button, creating a good environment for unwanted bacteria, fungus, or yeast. You may be able to safely moisturize your belly button with a little baby oil or light moisturizing lotion if you have an outie rather than an innie. Stop using moisturizer if you experience bad odors, itching and irritation, or other signs of infection. Look for signs of infection if regular washing doesn’t work. The most common cause for unpleasant belly button odors is dirt and sweat. In most cases, washing up with a little soap and water will clear up any unwanted smells. If it doesn't, you might have an infection. Look for symptoms such as: Scaly red skin Tenderness or swelling in or around your belly button Itching Yellow or green fluid or pus leaking from your belly button Fever or general feelings of illness or fatigue See your doctor for a diagnosis if you have infection symptoms. If you think you have an infection, make an appointment with your doctor right away. They can evaluate what kind of infection you have and tell you how to treat it properly. The appropriate treatment will be different depending on whether your infection is caused by bacteria, fungus, or yeast. Don't try to guess what kind of infection you have, since using the wrong treatment could do more harm than good. Your doctor may swab your belly button to get a sample for testing. This can help them determine what's causing your infection. Use topical medications to treat a bacterial, fungal, or yeast infection. If it turns out you have an infection in your belly button, you may need to use an antibiotic or antifungal ointment or powder for a while to clear it up. Your doctor may prescribe a medication or instruct you to buy one over-the-counter. Treating the infection should also get rid of any nasty odors or discharge! Follow any other home care instructions your doctor may have, such as: Resisting the urge to scratch or pick at your infected belly button Changing and washing your bedsheets and clothing regularly to prevent reinfection Avoiding sharing towels with other people Wearing loose, comfortable clothing to help keep your belly button cool and dry Cleansing your belly button daily with a saltwater solution Ask your doctor to drain a belly button cyst if you have one. Sometimes a cyst can form in your belly button, potentially leading to swelling, pain, and bad-smelling discharge. If you have an infected cyst in your belly button, your doctor will probably drain the cyst in their office. They may also prescribe oral or topical antibiotics to help clear up the infection. Follow their home care instructions to help the cyst heal properly. Ask your doctor for detailed instructions on how to clean and care for your cyst at home. They may recommend putting a warm, dry compress over the area 3-4 times a day. If they applied a dressing, you will need to change it at least once a day until your doctor says you can stop using it. If your doctor packed the cyst with gauze, you'll need to return to have it removed after 2 days. Wash the wound with warm water once a day until it heals (usually within 5 days). If the cyst comes back, you might need to have surgery to remove it completely. For deep cysts, such as urachal cysts, the surgeon will probably make a tiny incision and remove the cyst using delicate instruments, guided by a camera. You will likely need to stay in the hospital for 2-3 days after the surgery, and should be able to return to your regular activities in about 2 weeks. Visit your doctor to get navel stones removed if necessary. If you have a deep belly button and don't clean it often enough, dirt, lint, and oils can build up inside it. Eventually, these materials can form a hardened mass, called an omphalith or navel stone. If this happens to you, make an appointment with your doctor. They can use forceps to gently pull out the stone. In many cases, navel stones don't cause any symptoms. Sometimes, however, they can cause sores and infections to develop. You can prevent navel stones by cleaning your belly button regularly with soap and water. | Wash your belly button whenever you shower. Use plain soap and water for routine washing. Deep-clean an innie with a washcloth or cotton swab. Pat your belly button dry when you’re done. Avoid using oils, creams, or lotions in your belly button. Look for signs of infection if regular washing doesn’t work. See your doctor for a diagnosis if you have infection symptoms. Use topical medications to treat a bacterial, fungal, or yeast infection. Ask your doctor to drain a belly button cyst if you have one. Visit your doctor to get navel stones removed if necessary. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Chili-Oil | How to Make Chili Oil | To make chili oil, start by heating 2 tablespoons of oil, like canola or vegetable oil, in a saucepan over medium heat. Then, add 2 teaspoons of chili flakes and 2-3 whole dried chilis to the saucepan, and stir them continuously until they start to sizzle. Next, pour about 1 more cup of oil into the saucepan, and leave it on the heat until the oil is warm to the touch but not hot. Finally, pour your chili oil into a bottle for storage. | Choose your chilies. All chilies are not created equal, so you have options when it comes to your chili oil ingredients. While Thai chilies are quite spicy, Ancho chilies will give your oil a smokier flavor. California chilies are very mild, and guajillo chilies have spice with a citrus tang. Make sure you do a bit of research before selecting the chilies you'll use for your chili oil. Select your oil. Before deciding which oil to use for this recipe, you should determine that you'll be using the chili oil for. If you're going to be cooking with it, it's great to use more neutral oils like vegetable or peanut oils. However, if you're going to be using it as a topper for dishes, you might want to select something a bit more flavorful. In this case, a great olive oil or sesame oil can add an interesting flavor. Experiment with flavors. Once you've figured out this basic recipe, don't be afraid to get creative. Try new chilies and new oils to create different types of chili oils. Once you've discovered which combinations you like most, you can officially create your own, homemade chili oil for every occasion. Heat two tablespoons (29.57 mL) of oil. For this recipe, you'll want to use a small, heavy saucepan. Set your stovetop to medium heat. For now, you'll only add this small portion of the oil to the pan. You don't need to get the oil sizzling – in fact, you definitely don't want to heat the oil this much. As soon as the oil is in the pan and the heat is turned on, you can move along to the next step. Add the chili flakes and whole chilies. Cook these in the oil, stirring continuously. Don't walk away from the pan, because it will not take long for the chilies to be ready. Once they start lightly sizzling, you're ready for the next step. If the chilies turn brown, you'll need to start over. The key is to heat them up enough so that their flavors will seep into the oil, but not to fully cook them. Pour in the rest of the oil. You'll want to leave it on the stovetop until the oil is warm, but don't get it any hotter than that. To see if the chili oil is ready, touch it with your finger. Begin touching the oil as soon as you pour it into the pan, while it is still room temperature. Touch it every thirty seconds or so after that, to avoid allowing it to get hot. As soon as it is warm to touch, remove it from the heat. If you're worried you left your oil on the stove too long and it may have gotten hot, remove it from the heat and let it sit for a bit before touching it with your fingertip. However, you really want to avoid letting it ever get hot. Remove your oil from the stovetop. As soon as you've tested the oil and have confirmed that it's thoroughly warmed, you're ready to remove the pan from heat. Let it sit as it cools down to room temperature. Pour your cooled oil into a bottle. You can purchase empty airtight bottles at most stores where kitchen supplies are sold. However, you can always clean out an empty bottle you have around the house. Repurpose an old olive oil bottle after thoroughly cleaning it with some water and dish soap. Shake your bottle of chili oil sporadically to make sure the chilies are distributed throughout the oil. Test your oil before using it. If you taste your homemade chili oil right after making it, it might taste pretty mild. However, the chilies will continue to release heat after you bottle it up. In other words, your chili oil can get gradually hotter the longer it sits! If you're pouring it into a stir-fry, make sure you do a quick taste test first. Chili oil be stored from about 9 months to one year. | Choose your chilies. Select your oil. Experiment with flavors. Heat two tablespoons (29.57 mL) of oil. Add the chili flakes and whole chilies. Pour in the rest of the oil. Remove your oil from the stovetop. Pour your cooled oil into a bottle. Test your oil before using it. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Your-Account-Back-on-MovieStarPlanet | How to Get Your Account Back on MovieStarPlanet | If you've lost your account on MovieStarPlanet after being hacked, get it back by following a few simple steps. Email MovieStarPlanet on Contact and type “I got hacked.” Then, tell them your username and your previous password. Then, ask them to tell you your password. If you prefer to get your account back without emailing, then click the question mark icon that says “Help” at the top right corner of your screen. Tap “My User,” then “Reset password” at the bottom of the page. Once you fill out your username and email, press “Ok” and wait for your new password to be sent to your email account. Use this temporary password to log into your lost account. | Never share your password. Most people get tricked into sharing their passwords and losing their account. To avoid this, never share your password. Try not to go in the café chatroom often. The café chatroom is notorious for being the home of hackers who want to steal your account. Avoid people who seem fishy. Don't friend them. They may hack you. Don't accept people who want to give you VIP. It's probably a trick and you should immediately block them. The only way people can give you VIP is by sending you a vip ticket or certificate code. Press "Forgot Password? " on the login screen. Put in your Username and your email, then MovieStarPlanet will email you. Email MovieStarPlanet on Contact. Type something like "I got hacked. I am [Username] Please tell me my password. Include any information you can about your account (for example any receipts, when you think you got hacked and your previous password) There are different staff members who could respond so if they don't help you send another email Be persistent, don't give up after 1 reply and make sure to be as clear and as detailed as possible. Click the question mark icon that says "Help" at the top right corner of your screen. Click 'My User'. At the bottom, you should see an option that says "Reset password". Once you fill in the details, press "Ok". A new password has been redirected to your email. Go to your email, copy and paste the new password, and use it to log in to your lost account. Enjoy it! | Never share your password. Try not to go in the café chatroom often. Avoid people who seem fishy. Don't accept people who want to give you VIP. Press "Forgot Password? Email MovieStarPlanet on Contact. Click the question mark icon that says "Help" at the top right corner of your screen. Click 'My User'. At the bottom, you should see an option that says "Reset password". Once you fill in the details, press "Ok". Go to your email, copy and paste the new password, and use it to log in to your lost account. Enjoy it! |
https://www.wikihow.com/Balance-Hormones | How to Balance Hormones | To balance your hormones, eat foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, like walnuts, eggs, and fish, which can improve the flow of hormones in your body. You should also eat zinc-rich foods, like peanuts, beef, and dark chocolate, to balance your sex hormones. Try to stay away from processed, fried, and sugary foods since they can disrupt your hormonal balance. In addition to eating healthy, make sure you're getting 7-9 hours of sleep every night and exercising regularly to help regulate your hormones. | Include zinc-rich foods or supplements to promote sex hormone balance. Zinc is an essential nutrient for hormonal balance, especially for balancing your sex hormones. Eat 1 to 2 servings of a zinc-rich food every day. Foods high in zinc include: Dark chocolate Peanuts Beef Veal Lamb Crab Oysters Eat foods high in omega-3 fatty acids to improve the flow of hormones. Omega-3 fatty acids create healthy cell membranes, which makes it easier for hormones to reach their destinations within the body. Some good foods to include are: Walnuts Eggs Sardines Trout Salmon Tuna Oysters Get more fiber in your diet to eliminate excess estrogen. Fiber binds itself to excess estrogen. This will help your body to clear the excess estrogen out of your system. High-fiber foods include: Beets Spinach Whole grains Raw fruit Raw vegetables Beans Nuts Seeds Broccoli Include thyroid hormone boosting foods. Iodine is also crucial for thyroid function, but most people get plenty of iodine in their diets without supplementing. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns and make sure to include the following foods in your diet: Brazil nuts, tuna, crab, and lobster to get enough selenium. Milk, eggs, salmon, and mushrooms to get enough vitamin D. Meat, dairy, and fortified cereals to meet your daily vitamin B12 requirement. Limit raw cruciferous veggies and soy to promote thyroid health. Although these foods are generally considered healthy, they may interfere with thyroid hormone production if you eat them in excess. Try to limit your intake of these foods to only 1 or 2 servings per week. Examples of cruciferous veggies and soy include: Broccoli Cauliflower Kale Brussels sprouts Tofu Soy milk Soy-based products like veggie burgers Steer clear of processed, fried, sugary, and fatty foods. These foods are more likely to disrupt your hormones and lead to a hormonal imbalance. Examples of foods to avoid include: Processed packaged foods, such as cookies, chips, and crackers Frozen foods, such as TV dinners, frozen waffles, and ice cream Fast foods, such as French fries, burgers, and pizza Avoid caffeine and alcohol to prevent female hormonal imbalances. Excessive intake of beverages that include caffeine or alcohol may affect a woman's hormonal balance, and this may contribute to infertility. Stick with decaf coffee, decaf tea, and non-alcoholic drinks instead. For example, you could exchange your morning coffee for a cup of decaf coffee or a cup of decaffeinated herbal tea, such as peppermint decaf chai. Try making yourself a non-alcoholic mocktail at your next social function, such as a glass of club soda with a splash of cranberry juice and a lime wedge. Try intermittent fasting. Intermittent fasting is abstaining from eating food for a set period of time, whether it's 1-2 days a week or not eating during the day. When you fast, it can help your circadian biology and balance your hormones. Sleep for 7 to 9 hours per night. Not getting enough sleep may also result in a hormonal imbalance, so make sure that you get plenty of sleep every night. Start going to bed a little earlier if you tend to stay up late. For example, if you normally go to bed at 11:30 pm and wake up at 6:00 am, then move your bedtime back to 10:30 to ensure that you are getting at least 7 hours. Sleep in the darkest environment you can to increase melatonin production and get the best sleep. Make a daily routine of going to bed and waking up at the same time to help stabilize your circadian rhythms and hormones. Use relaxation techniques to manage stress. Stress may also contribute to a hormonal imbalance. To ensure that your stress levels are under control, devote at least 15 minutes per day to relaxing. Some effective ways to relax include: Performing progressive muscle relaxation Doing yoga Doing a deep breathing exercise Meditating Exercise for 30 to 60 minutes 5 days per week. Regular exercise helps to regulate the hormones that control hunger, stress, and metabolism. Get into the habit of going for a walk, riding your bike, taking aerobics classes, or doing some other form of exercise that you enjoy. Even small amounts of exercise count! Try taking a brisk 10-minute walk, dancing around your living room for 10 minutes, or doing squats and jumping jacks during commercial breaks when you are watching TV. Maintain a healthy body weight. If you are overweight or obese, then this may be contributing to your hormonal imbalance. Losing weight and maintaining a healthy body weight will help to balance your hormones. Talk to your doctor before you begin a weight loss program to ensure that this is a good strategy for you. You can check your BMI with an online BMI calculator to determine if you are at a healthy weight or if you are overweight or obese. Increased sugar and processed starch intake, as well as stress, can cause you to gain weight. Do your best to eliminate sugar and carbs from your diet, and manage your stress levels. Talk to your doctor if you suspect a hormonal imbalance. Your doctor can run tests to determine if you have a hormonal imbalance and to detect nutrient deficiencies. An underlying nutrient deficiency may be to blame for your hormonal imbalance. For example, if you are deficient in iodine, then this may be affecting your thyroid. Start on an oral contraceptive. Birth control does more than simply halt reproduction. The pills contain synthetic hormones that are capable of balancing out high levels of estrogen and low levels of progesterone. Ask your doctor if this might be an appropriate treatment for you. Keep in mind that there are risks and potential side effects of taking birth control. Discuss these with your doctor before deciding if this is right for you. Go on menopausal hormone replacement therapy. Hormone replacement therapy is the prescription equivalent of over-the-counter hormone supplements. Menopausal women are occasionally treated with doses of estrogen, progesterone, or a progestin-estrogen combination. You may have the option of taking hormones in the form of pills, a patch on the skin, a cream, or an intra-uterine device. Some common side effects of hormone replacement therapy medications may include bloating, leg cramps, breast tenderness, headaches, indigestion, mood swings, depression, back pain, and vaginal bleeding. Ask your doctor about testosterone therapy. Testosterone therapy may be an option if you are male and have low testosterone. Low testosterone in men can contribute to sleep problems, weight gain, depression, and reduced libido. If you have been experiencing these symptoms, then talk to your doctor about testosterone replacement therapy. Your doctor will need to run tests to confirm that low testosterone is the issue. Keep in mind that there are risks to taking testosterone, such as enlarged prostate, sleep apnea, decreased sperm count, acne, enlarged breasts, and blood clot. Discuss these risks with your doctor before starting treatment. Ask your doctor about anti-depressants along with hormone therapy. Most antidepressants work by balancing out serotonin levels, which drop in response to low estrogen levels. Some have also proved moderately effective in reducing hot flashes in hormonally-imbalanced, menopausal women. You might consider taking an antidepressant if you are experiencing symptoms of depression as a result of your hormonal imbalance. Keep in mind that antidepressants may have other side effects. Discuss these with your doctor as you decide whether or not antidepressants are right for your situation. | Include zinc-rich foods or supplements to promote sex hormone balance. Eat foods high in omega-3 fatty acids to improve the flow of hormones. Get more fiber in your diet to eliminate excess estrogen. Include thyroid hormone boosting foods. Limit raw cruciferous veggies and soy to promote thyroid health. Steer clear of processed, fried, sugary, and fatty foods. Avoid caffeine and alcohol to prevent female hormonal imbalances. Try intermittent fasting. Sleep for 7 to 9 hours per night. Use relaxation techniques to manage stress. Exercise for 30 to 60 minutes 5 days per week. Maintain a healthy body weight. Talk to your doctor if you suspect a hormonal imbalance. Start on an oral contraceptive. Go on menopausal hormone replacement therapy. Ask your doctor about testosterone therapy. Ask your doctor about anti-depressants along with hormone therapy. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Start-Investing | How to Start Investing | To start investing, buy some undervalued stocks in companies that you're familiar with and understand. Then, hold onto the stocks until they're worth more and sell them to make a profit! Try to invest a little bit in a lot of companies as opposed to investing all of your money in one company so that you're not risking losing your whole investment. If you want to invest in something less risky than the stock market, find out if your employer matches your 401(k) contributions and invest in that so you can earn money while also saving for retirement. | Make sure you have a safety net. Holding some money in reserve is a good idea because (a) if you lose your investment you'll have something to fall back on, and (b) it will allow you to be a bolder investor, since you won't be worried about risking every penny you own. Save between three and six months' worth of expenses. Call it your emergency fund , set aside for large, unexpected expenses (job loss, medical expenses, auto accident, etc.). This money should be in cash or some other form that's very conservative and immediately available. Once you have an emergency fund established, you can start to save for your long-term goals, like buying a home, retirement, and college tuition. If your employer offers a retirement plan, this is a great vehicle for saving, because it can save on your tax bill, and your employer may contribute money to match some of your own contributions, which amounts to "free" money for you. If you don't have a retirement plan through your workplace, most employees are allowed to accumulate tax-deferred savings in a traditional IRA or a Roth IRA. If you are self-employed, you have options like a SEP-IRA or a "SIMPLE" IRA. Once you've determined the type of account(s) to set up, you can then choose specific investments to hold within them. Get current on all your insurance policies. This includes auto, health, homeowner's/renter's, disability, and life insurance. With luck you'll never need insurance, but it's nice to have in the event of disaster. Learn a little bit about stocks. This is what most people think of when they consider "investing." Put simply, a stock is a share in the ownership of a business, a publicly-held company. The stock itself is a claim on what the company owns — its assets and earnings. When you buy stock in a company, you are making yourself part-owner. If the company does well, the value of the stock will probably go up, and the company may pay you a "dividend," a reward for your investment. If the company does poorly, however, the stock will probably lose value. The value of stock comes from public perception of its worth. That means the stock price is driven by what people think it's worth, and the price at which a stock is purchased or sold is whatever the market will bear, even if the underlying value (as measured by certain fundamentals) might suggest otherwise. A stock price goes up when more people want to buy that stock than sell it. Stock prices go down when more people want to sell than buy. In order to sell stock, you have to find someone willing to buy at the listed price. In order to buy stock, you have to find someone selling their stock at a price you like. The job of a stockbroker is to pair up buyers and sellers. "Stocks" can mean a lot of different things. For example, penny stocks are stocks that trade at relatively low prices, sometimes just pennies. Various stocks are bundled into what's called an index, like the Dow Jones Industrials, which is a list of 30 high-performing stocks. An index is a useful indicator of the performance of the whole market. Familiarize yourself with bonds. Bonds are issuances of debt, similar to an IOU. When you buy a bond, you're essentially lending someone money. The borrower ("issuer") agrees to pay back the money (the "principal") when the life ("term") of the loan has expired. The issuer also agrees to pay interest on the principal at a stated rate. The interest is the whole point of the investment. The term of the bond can range from months to years, at the end of which period the borrower pays back the principal in full. Here's an example: You buy a five-year municipal bond for $10,000 with an interest rate of 2.35%. Thus, you lend the municipality $10,000. Each year the municipality pays you interest on your bond in the amount of of 2.35% of $10,000, or $235. After five years the municipality pays back your $10,000. So you've made back your principal plus a profit of $1175 in interest (5 x $235). Generally the longer the term of the bond, the higher the interest rate. If you're lending your money for a year, you probably won't get a high interest rate, because one year is a relatively short period of risk. If you're going to lend your money and not expect it back for ten years, however, you will be compensated for the higher risk you're taking, and the interest rate will be higher. This illustrates an axiom in investing: The higher the risk, the higher the return. Understand the commodities market. When you invest in something like a stock or a bond, you invest in the business represented by that security. The piece of paper you get is worthless, but what it promises is valuable. A commodity, on the other hand, is something of inherent value, something capable of satisfying a need or desire. Commodities include pork bellies (bacon), coffee beans, oil, natural gas, and potash, among many other items. The commodity itself is valuable, because people want and use it. People often trade commodities by buying and selling "futures." A future is simply an agreement to buy or sell a commodity at a certain price sometime in the future. Futures were originally used as a "hedging" technique by farmers. Here's a simple example of how it works: Farmer Joe grows avocados. The price of avocados, however, is typically volatile, meaning that it goes up and down a lot. At the beginning of the season, the wholesale price of avocados is $4 per bushel. If Farmer Joe has a bumper crop of avocados but the price of avocados drops to $2 per bushel in April at harvest, Farmer Joe may lose a lot of money. Joe, in advance of harvest as insurance against such a loss, sells a futures contract to someone. The contract stipulates that the buyer of the contract agrees to buy all of Joe's avocados at $4 per bushel in April. Now Joe has protection against a price drop. If the price of avocados goes up, he'll be fine because he can sell his avocados at the market price. If the price of avocados drops to $2, he can sell his avocados at $4 to the buyer of the contract and make more than other farmers who don't have a similar contract. The buyer of a futures contract always hopes that the price of a commodity will go up beyond the futures price he paid. That way he can lock in a lower-than-market price. The seller hopes that the price of a commodity will go down. He can buy the commodity at low (market) prices and then sell it to the buyer at a higher-than-market price. Know a bit about investing in property. Investing in real estate can be a risky but lucrative proposition. There are lots of ways you can invest in property. You can buy a house and become a landlord. You pocket the difference between what you pay on the mortgage and what the tenant pays you in rent. You can also flip homes. That means you buy a home in need of renovations, fix it up, and sell it as quickly as possible. Real estate can be a profitable vehicle for some, but it is not without substantial risk involving property maintenance and market value. Other ways of gaining exposure to real estate include collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs) and collateralized debt obligations (CDOs), which are mortgages that have been bundled into securitized instruments. These, however, are tools for sophisticated investors: their transparency and quality can vary greatly, as revealed during the 2008 downturn. Some people think that home values are guaranteed to go up. History has shown otherwise: real estate values in most areas show very modest rates of return after accounting for costs such as maintenance, taxes and insurance. As with many investments, real estate values do invariably rise if given enough time. If your time horizon is short, however, property ownership is not a guaranteed money-maker. Property acquisition and disposal can be a lengthy and unpredictable process and should be viewed as a long-term, higher-risk proposition. It is not the type of investment that is appropriate if your time horizon is short and is certainly not a guaranteed investment. Learn about mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Mutual funds and ETFs are similar investment vehicles in that each is a collection of many stocks and/or bonds (hundreds or thousands in some cases). Holding an individual security is a concentrated way of investing – the potential for gain or loss is tied to a single company – whereas holding a fund is a way to spread the risk across many companies, sectors or regions. Doing so can dampen the upside potential but also serves to protect against the downside risk. Commodities exposure is usually achieved by holding futures contracts or a fund of futures contracts. Real estate can be held directly (by owning a home or investment property) or in a real estate investment trust (REIT) or REIT fund, which holds interests in a number of residential or commercial properties. Buy undervalued assets ("buy low, sell high"). If you're talking about stocks and other assets, you want to buy when the price is low and sell when the price is high. If you buy 100 shares of stock on January 1st for $5 per share, and you sell those same shares on December 31st for $7.25, you just made $225. That may seem a paltry sum, but when you're talking about buying and selling hundreds or even thousands of shares, it can really add up. How do you tell if a stock is undervalued? You need to look at a company closely — its earnings growth, profit margins, its P/E ratio , and its dividend yield — instead of looking at just one aspect and making a decision based on a single ratio or a momentary drop in the stock's price. The price-to-earnings ratio is a common way of determining if a stock is undervalued. It simply divides a company's share price by its earnings. For example, if Company X is trading at $5 per share, with earnings of $1 per share, its price-to-earnings ratio is 5. That is to say, the company is trading at five times its earnings. The lower this figure, the more undervalued the company may be. Typical P/E ratios range between 15 and 20, although ratios outside that range are not uncommon. Use P/E ratios as only one of many indications of a stock's worth. Always compare a company to its peers. For example, assume you want to buy Company X. You can look at Company X's projected earnings growth, profit margins, and price-to-earnings ratio. You would then compare these figures to those of Company X's closest competitors. If Company X has better profit margins, better projected earnings, and a lower price-to-earnings ratio, it may be a better buy. Ask yourself some basic questions: What will the market be for this stock in the future? Will it look bleaker or better? What competitors does this company have, and what are their prospects? How will this company be able to earn money in the future? These should help you come to a better understanding of whether a company's stock is under- or over-valued. Invest in companies that you understand. Perhaps you have some basic knowledge regarding some business or industry. Why not put that to use? Invest in companies or industries that you know, because you're more likely to understand revenue models and prospects for future success. Of course, never put all your eggs in one basket: investing in only one -- or a very few -- companies can be quite risky. However, wringing value out of a single industry (whose workings you understand) will increase your chances of being successful. For example, you may hear plenty of positive news on a new technology stock. It is important to stay away until you understand the industry and how it works. The principle of investing in companies you understand was popularized by renowned investor Warren Buffett, who made billions of dollars sticking only with business models he understood and avoiding ones he did not. Avoid buying on hope and selling on fear. It's very easy and too tempting to follow the crowd when investing. We often get caught up in what other people are doing and take it for granted that they know what they're talking about. Then we buy stocks just because other people buy them or sell them when other people do. Doing this is easy. Unfortunately, it's a good way to lose money. Invest in companies that you know and believe in — and tune out the hype — and you'll be fine. When you buy a stock that everyone else has bought, you're buying something that's probably worth less than its price (which has probably risen in response to the recent demand). When the market corrects itself (drops), you could end up buying high and then selling low, just the opposite of what you want to do. Hoping that a stock will go up just because everyone else thinks it will is foolish. When you sell a stock that everyone else is selling, you're selling something that may be worth more than its price (which likely has dropped because of all the selling). When the market corrects itself (rises), you've sold low and will have to buy high if you decide you want the stock back. Fear of losses can prove to be a poor reason to dump a stock. If you sell based on fear, you may protect yourself from further declines, but you may also miss out on a rebound. Just as you did not anticipate the decline, you will not be able to predict the rebound. Stocks have historically risen over long time frames, which is why holding on to them and not over-reacting to short-term swings is important. Know the effect of interest rates on bonds. Bond prices and interest rates have an inverse relationship. When interest rates go up, bond prices go down. When interest rates go down, bond prices go up. Here's why: Interest rates on bonds normally reflect the prevailing market interest rate. Say you buy a bond with an interest rate of 3%. If interest rates on other investments then go up to 4% and you're stuck with a bond paying 3%, not many people would be willing to buy your bond from you when they can buy another bond that pays them 4% interest. For this reason, you would have to lower the price of your bond in order to sell it. The opposite situation applies when bond market rates are falling. Diversify. Diversifying your portfolio is one of the most important things that you can do, because it diminishes your risk. Think of it this way: If you were to invest $5 in each of 20 different companies, all of the companies would have to go out of business before you would lose all your money. If you invested the same $100 in just one company, only that company would have to fail for all your money to disappear. Thus, diversified investments "hedge" against each other and keep you from losing lots of money because of the poor performance of a few companies. Diversify your portfolio not only with a good mix of stocks and bonds, but go further by buying shares in companies of different sizes in different industries and in different countries. Often when one class of investment performs poorly, another class performs nicely. It is very rare to see all asset classes declining at the same time. Many believe a balanced or "moderate" portfolio is one made up of 60% stocks and 40% bonds. Thus, a more aggressive portfolio might have 80% stocks and 20% bonds, and a more conservative portfolio might have 70% bonds and 30% stocks. Some advisors will tell you that your portfolio's percentage of bonds should roughly match your age. Invest for the long run. Choosing good-quality investments can take time and effort. Not everyone can do the research and keep up with the dynamics of all the companies being considered. Many people instead employ a "buy and hold" approach of weathering the storms rather than attempting to predict and avoid market downturns. This approach works for most in the long term but requires patience and discipline. There are some, however, who choose to try their hand at being a day-trader , which involves holding stocks for a very short time (hours, even minutes). Doing so, however, does not often lead to success over the long term for the following reasons: Brokerage fees add up. Every time you buy or sell a stock, a middleman known as a broker takes a cut for connecting you with another trader. These fees can really add up if you're making a lot of trades every day, cutting into your profit and magnifying your losses. Many try to predict what the market will do and some will get lucky on occasion by making some good calls (and will claim it wasn't luck ), but research shows that this tactic does not typically succeed over the long term. The stock market rises over the long term. From 1871 to 2014, the S&P 500's compound annual growth rate was 9.77%, a rate of return many investors would find attractive. The challenge is to stay invested long-term while weathering the ups and downs in order to achieve this average: the standard deviation for this period was 19.60%, which means some years saw returns as high as 29.37% while other years experienced losses as large as 9.83%. Set your sights on the long term, not the short. If you're worried about all the dips along the way, find a graphical representation of the stock market over the years and hang it somewhere you can see whenever the market is undergoing its inevitable–and temporary–declines. Consider whether or not to short sell. This can be a "hedging" strategy, but it can also amplify your risk, so it's really suitable only for experienced investors. The basic concept is as follows: Instead of betting that the price of a security is going to increase, "shorting" is a bet that the price will drop. When you short a stock (or bond or currency), your broker actually lends you shares without your having to pay for them. Then you hope the stock's price goes down. If it does, you "cover," meaning you buy the actual shares at the current (lower) price and give them to the broker. The difference between the amount credited to you in the beginning and the amount you pay at the end is your profit. Short selling can be dangerous, however, because it's not easy to predict a drop in price. If you use shorting for the purpose of speculation, be prepared to get burned sometimes. If the stock's price were to go up instead of down, you would be forced to buy the stock at a higher price than what was credited to you initially. If, on the other hand, you use shorting as a way to hedge your losses, it can actually be a good form of insurance. This is an advanced investment strategy, and you should generally avoid it unless you are an experienced investor with extensive knowledge of markets. Remember that while a stock can only drop to zero, it can rise indefinitely, meaning that you could lose enormous sums of money through short-selling. Choose where to open your account. There are different options available: you can go to a brokerage firm (sometimes also called a wirehouse or custodian) such as Fidelity, Charles Schwab or TD Ameritrade. You can open an account on the website of one of these institutions, or visit a local branch and choose to direct the investments on your own or pay to work with a staff advisor. You can also go directly to a fund company such as Vanguard, Fidelity, or T. Rowe Price and let them be your broker. They will offer you their own funds, of course, but many fund companies (such as the three just named) offer platforms on which you can buy the funds of other companies, too. See below for additional options in finding an advisor. Always be mindful of fees and minimum-investment rules before opening an account. Brokers all charge fees per trade (ranging from $4.95 to $10 generally), and many require a minimum initial investment (ranging from $500 to much higher). Online brokers with no minimum initial-investment requirement include Capital One Investing, TD Ameritrade, First Trade, TradeKing, and OptionsHouse. If you want more help with your investing, there is a variety of ways to find financial advice: if you want someone who helps you in a non-sales environment, you can find an advisor in your area at one of the following sites: letsmakeaplan.org , www.napfa.org , and garrettplanningnetwork.com. You can also go to your local bank or financial institution. Many of these charge higher fees, however, and may require a large opening investment. Some advisors (like Certified Financial Planners™) have the ability to give advice in a number of areas such as investments, taxes and retirement planning, while others can only act on a client's instructions but not give advice, It's also important to know that not all people who work at financial institutions are bound to the "fiduciary" duty of putting a client's interests first. Before starting to work with someone, ask about their training and expertise to make sure they are the right fit for you. Invest in a Roth IRA as soon in your working career as possible. If you're earning taxable income and you're at least 18, you can establish a Roth IRA. This is a retirement account to which you can contribute up to an IRS-determined maximum each year (the latest limit is the lesser of $5,500 or the amount earned plus an additional $1,000 "catch up" contribution for those age 50 or older). This money gets invested and begins to grow. A Roth IRA can be a very effective way to save for retirement. You don't get a tax deduction on the amount you contribute to a Roth, as you would if you contributed to a traditional IRA. However, any growth on top of the contribution is tax-free and can be withdrawn without penalty after you turn age 59½ (or earlier if you meet one of the exceptions to the age 59½ rule). Investing as soon as possible in a Roth IRA is important. The earlier you begin investing, the more time your investment has to grow. If you invest just $20,000 in a Roth IRA before you're 30 years old and then stop adding any more money to it, by the time you're 72 you'll have a $1,280,000 investment (assuming a 10% rate of return). This example is merely illustrative. Don't stop investing at 30. Keep adding to your account. You will have a very comfortable retirement if you do. How can a Roth IRA grow like this? By compound interest. The return on your investment, as well as reinvested interest, dividends and capital gains, are added to your original investment such that any given rate of return will produce a larger profit through accelerated growth. If you are earning an average compound annual rate of return of 7.2%, your money will double in ten years. (This is known as "the rule of 72.") You can open a Roth IRA through most online brokers as well as through most banks. If you are using a self-directed online broker, you will simply select a Roth IRA as the type of account while you are registering. Invest in your company's 401(k). A 401(k) is a retirement-savings vehicle into which an employee can direct portions of his or her paychecks and receive a tax deduction in the year of the contributions. Many employers will match a portion of these contributions, so the employee should contribute at least enough to trigger the employer match. Consider investing mainly in stocks but also in bonds to diversify your portfolio. From 1925 to 2011, stocks outperformed bonds in every rolling 25-year period. While this may sound appealing from a return standpoint, it entails volatility, which can be worrisome. Add less-volatile bonds to your portfolio for the sake of stability and diversification. The older you get, the more appropriate it becomes to own bonds (a more conservative investment). Re-read the above discussion of diversification. Start off investing a little money in mutual funds. An index fund is a mutual fund that invests in a specific list of companies of a particular size or economic sector. Such a fund performs similarly to its index, such as the S&P 500 index or the Barclays Aggregate Bond index. Mutual funds come in different shapes and sizes. Some are actively managed, meaning there is a team of analysts and other experts employed by the fund company to research and understand a particular geographical region or economic sector. Because of this professional management, such funds generally cost more than index funds, which simply mimic an index and don't need much management. They can be bond-heavy, stock-heavy, or invest in stocks and bonds equally. They can buy and sell their securities actively, or they can be more passively managed (as in the case of index funds). Mutual funds come with fees. There may be charges (or "loads") when you buy or sell shares of the fund. The fund's "expense ratio" is expressed as a percentage of total assets and pays for overhead and management expenses. Some funds charge a lower-percentage fee for larger investments. Expense ratios generally range from as low as 0.15% (or 15 basis points, abbreviated "BPS") for index funds to as high as 2% (200 BPS) for actively managed funds. There may also be a "12b-1" fee charged to offset a fund's marketing expenses. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission states that no evidence exists that higher-fee mutual funds produce better returns than do lower-fee funds. In other words, deal with lower-fee funds. Mutual funds can be purchased through nearly any brokerage service. Even better is to purchase directly from a mutual fund company. This avoids brokerage fees. Call or write the fund company or visit their website. Opening a fund account is simple and easy. See Invest in Mutual Funds. Consider exchange-traded funds in addition to or instead of mutual funds. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are very similar to mutual funds in that they pool people's money and buy many investments. There are a few key differences: ETFs can be traded on an exchange throughout the business day just like stocks, whereas mutual funds are bought and sold only at the end of each trading day. ETFs are typically index funds and do not generate as much in the way of taxable capital gains to pass on to investors as compared with actively managed funds. ETFs and mutual funds are becoming less distinct from each other, and investors need not own both types of investment. If you like the idea of buying and selling fund shares during (rather than at the end of) the trading day, ETFs are a good choice for you. Consider using the services of a financial planner or advisor. Many planners and advisors require that their clients have an investment portfolio of at least a minimum value, sometimes $100,000 or more. This means it could be hard to find an advisor willing to work with you if your portfolio isn't well established. In that case, look for an advisor interested in helping smaller investors. How do financial planners help? Planners are professionals whose job is to invest your money for you, ensure that your money is safe, and guide you in your financial decisions. They draw from a wealth of experience at allocating resources. Most importantly, they have a financial stake in your success: the more money you make under their tutelage, the more money they make. Buck the herd instinct. The herd instinct, alluded to earlier, is the idea that just because a lot of other people are doing something, you should, too. Many successful investors have made moves that the majority thought were unwise at the time. That doesn't mean, however, that you should never seek investment advice from other people. Just be wise about choosing the people you listen to. Friends or family members with a successful background in investing can offer worthwhile advice, as can professional advisors who charge a flat fee (rather than a commission) for their help. Invest in smart opportunities when other people are scared. In 2008 as the housing crisis hit, the stock market shed thousands of points in a matter of months. A smart investor who bought stocks as the market bottomed out enjoyed a strong return when stocks rebounded. This reminds us to buy low and sell high. It takes courage to buy investments when they are becoming cheaper (in a falling market) and sell those investments when they are looking better and better (a rising market). It seems counter-intuitive, but it's how the world's most successful investors made their money. Know the players in the game. Which institutional investors think that your stock is going to drop in price and have therefore shorted it? What mutual fund managers have your stock in their fund, and what is their track record? While it helps to be independent as an investor, it's also helpful to know what respected professionals are doing. There are websites which compile recent opinions on a stock from analysts and expert investors. For example, if you are considering a purchase of Tesla shares, you can search Tesla on Stockchase. It will give you all the recent expert opinions on the stock. Re-examine your investment goals and strategies every so often. Your life and conditions in the market change all the time, so your investment strategy should change with them. Never be so committed to a stock or bond that you can't see it for what it's worth. While money and prestige may be important, never lose track of the truly important, non-material things in life: your family, friends, health, and happiness. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5d\/Start-Investing-Step-23.jpg\/v4-460px-Start-Investing-Step-23.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5d\/Start-Investing-Step-23.jpg\/aid1319046-v4-728px-Start-Investing-Step-23.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} For example, if you are very young and saving for retirement, it may be appropriate to have most of your portfolio invested in stocks or stock funds. This is because you would have a longer time horizon in which to recover from any big market crashes or declines, and you would be able to benefit from the long-term trend of markets moving higher. If you are just about to retire, however, having much less of your portfolio in stocks, and a large portion in bonds and/or cash equivalents is wise. This is because you will need the money in the short-term, and as a result you do not want to risk losing the money in a stock market crash right before you need it. | Make sure you have a safety net. Learn a little bit about stocks. Familiarize yourself with bonds. Understand the commodities market. Know a bit about investing in property. Learn about mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Buy undervalued assets ("buy low, sell high"). Invest in companies that you understand. Avoid buying on hope and selling on fear. Know the effect of interest rates on bonds. Diversify. Invest for the long run. Consider whether or not to short sell. Choose where to open your account. Invest in a Roth IRA as soon in your working career as possible. Invest in your company's 401(k). Consider investing mainly in stocks but also in bonds to diversify your portfolio. Start off investing a little money in mutual funds. Consider exchange-traded funds in addition to or instead of mutual funds. Consider using the services of a financial planner or advisor. Buck the herd instinct. Know the players in the game. Re-examine your investment goals and strategies every so often. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Decorate-a-Kitchen | How to Decorate a Kitchen | To decorate a kitchen, buy some fun fridge magnets or put a vase of fresh flowers on the counter to brighten things up. Additionally, incorporate different textures by choosing interesting curtains or a wall hanging that will add contrast and dimension. You can also add accent colors to a white or neutral kitchen with things like towels, dishes, and art work. If you want a more dramatic update, try installing some wall shelves or removing the doors from your cabinets to make your kitchen look bigger. | Declutter. If you are like many people, you may be guilty of too many details. Take an honest look at your kitchen. Is it too cluttered? You can easily sidestep this problem by taking a few things away or simply rearranging your storage system to keep the extras from view. A new kitchen may emerge just from this one step. If you have no choice but to display all of your appliances and dishware for a lack of storage, you're going to have to get some! Buy a cart, bring an extra piece in, or invest in some attractive bins and containers. Use color to make it cozy. If you stick to whites like a piece of rice, you risk ending with a kitchen that seems hospital-like and cold. Add a few accent colors that are bright and cheery to make it seem warm, lived in, and loved. Choose certain spots for your color. The seating? The lighting? An area of the countertop? In addition, do not feel pressure to stick to just one -- different hues of the same color work well together -- and remove the pressure to find the exact right tone. Add fresh flowers. Plants and flowers add lively decoration to any room and are good for the environment. Add a functional decoration to your kitchen by creating a window box with fresh herbs, or replace fresh-cut flowers in a kitchen table vase every few days to keep it looking new. Make sure they match your theme! A simplistic, neutral kitchen would benefit nicely from a simple Easter Lily or two while a kitchen with more pizzazz might look better with a bunch of carnations or daisies. What flower fits your kitchen's personality? Herbs are not grown in factories, you know. To kill two birds with one stone, grow them yourself in your kitchen window! What a cute little way to spruce up your kitchen and jazz up your meals. Jazz up your fridge magnets. For those of us that don't have a massive budget to install gold-flecked countertops lined with rubies, a fun way to spruce up your kitchen's ambiance is to spice up your fridge! There are loads of fun choices available that you can cater specifically to your personality. Sometimes it's the little things in life. Buy a whole bunch of magnetic letters and leave your roommate a nice message about how you drank the last diet Coke, or even put magnets on the back of photos from favorite vacations. If it sticks, it's a possibility. Use texture to your advantage. When you have one look going on in your kitchen (probably smooth and flat), it can look one-dimensional and blah. To add an extra zing to your cooking space, work in texture, too. Go for textured containers, textured linens, and textured wall hangings or curtains. A little bit here and there will go a long away against the smoothness of the countertops, the table, and the cabinets. Add unexpected pieces of furniture. Long gone are the days when the kitchen was just the kitchen. Now, the living room is the dining room, the kitchen is the common area, and the dining room could even be for show. While you don't have to embrace the lifestyle, consider jazzing up your kitchen with no-exactly-meant-for-the-kitchen pieces. A china cabinet, armoire, or credenza is a good way to start expanding the look of your kitchen. If you have a great piece, make it the focal point. Voila, instant theme! Add bookshelves, a bench, or other multi-purpose pieces to seal the deal. After all, this is your kitchen. Change the linens. One way to give the whole room a cohesive theme is to choose one pattern for your curtains, tablecloth, and hand towels and create a matching set of linens. The only hard part of this is committing to just one! Switch décor seasonally. Give your kitchen a celebratory feel by changing out linens, curtains, or dishes for special holidays. Rotate these items, which all complement the personality of your kitchen, with the changing seasons to add seasonal colors and elements. This has one extra (albeit teeny) benefit: with the seasons, you can give it a good cleaning. Kitchens are the rooms that get dirtiest, and if you schedule four annual overhauls, your appliances, dishware, and linens will stay good as new. Create shelving. Since your cabinets are probably stocked to the brim, you'll probably need other methods to house what's left over (the decorative doodads and the like). For this, you have two options: Floating shelves. If you have walls (and you probably do), you can install floating shelves with ease. They will also draw the eye upward, so if your kitchen is small, it will distract from the cramped-ness of the rest of the room. Cubed shelving. This is turning a wall into a series of boxes. They are artistic and utilitarian. For an added touch, decorate each box (or some of the boxes) with different types of shelf paper. Tada, kitchen innovation. Stick with an accent color. A kitchen does not need too much going on, so sticking to black and white and other neutral tones are your best bet. Nevertheless, take that monochrome look and spice it up with a specific accent color. Maybe bright yellow or bright blue? Suddenly, the eyes aren't concerned with the size and immediately focus on your great pieces. Think of accents in your art, towels, and dishware. But remember: it's an accent color. Too much of an accent color makes it an accent color no more. If you overdo it, you'll lose the effect. Stick to 4 or 5 pieces. Three words: Paint. The. Ceiling. Consider losing all your doors. Whether it's cabinets or drawers, think about removing the doors. Sure, this means everything on the inside will need to be organized, but that can easily be overcome with cute storage containers and pretty glass and textured bins. And more opportunities to show off your decorating side! The idea here is that you're opening everything up -- literally. The more open it is, the more room the eye will see. The more room the eye sees, the larger the room will seem. Use mirrors. Just because you're in a kitchen doesn't mean you can't do whatever the heck you want. And since you probably know that mirrors open rooms, why not put one in your kitchen?! It doesn't have to scream "I'm a mirror!" either -- simply place it underneath your cabinetry for a is-it-there-is-it-not-there look. Mirrors (with frames) also make for good trays. Slap some felt on the back and boom -- automatic DIY success. Paint the walls or cabinets. A room's color helps it feel warm or relaxing, so decorate your kitchen by adding a fresh coat of paint to the walls or cabinets. White is a popular choice, but you can opt for a light shade of blue or yellow if an all-white room isn't appealing. Use a variety of neutral tones. While using white, cream, and gray may seem drab, when you mix up various neutral tones, it adds depth and sophistication, while staying classic and simple. Turn boring into brilliant by just using a few shades. Add a focus. Paint three walls one color, and the fourth wall a color that pops. The eye will move to it without even realizing it. If you have a great window or area of the room that's eye-catching, amp it up with a focus color. Add a backsplash. If you are committed to white walls (either against your will or not), you may feel like your kitchen is a little lacking. Get around this by adding a backsplash -- that is a panel behind the sink or stove that protects the wall from splashes. And the panel can be any style you like! It's easiest to stick to a solid color to add an accent, but consider tiles and patterns, too. Tiles can add extra texture to an otherwise smooth wall. If you already have tile, think about buying tile stickers. A super (couldn't be easier) easy way to jazz up that backsplash in seconds. Play around with lighting. You have more options here than you probably realize. Depending on your electrical system, lighting can take on several different sources. Each one can vamp up your kitchen, rejuvenating it with life. Play around with table lamps. Those work on counters, too! It adds a homey, unexpected feel to any area. If you are feeling extra creative, make a "lamp" out of a string of Christmas lights in a clear, glass jar. Put lights in (and under) your cabinets. Not only will your pieces be lit up (and they'll look fantastic), it can serve as dim lighting when the full guns aren't necessary. In other words, romantic and functional. Get a great hanging lamp. Even if you don't have much space, a great hanging lamp with an eccentric drum shade can be so much fun you won't notice anything else. Or get several small ones for more lighting options. Go for sconces. If you don't have room for a big hanging shade or lamps on your countertops, a sconce is an easy way to go. Some are incredibly easy to attach and can provide much more light than their size would allow. Focus on one element at a time. Decorating a kitchen can become overwhelming if you try to change everything at once. Give yourself one decorating project, like painting or buying new dishes, and stay with that project until it's completed. You can move on to others later if you feel your kitchen needs more decorating. This well help you know when to stop and when (and how) to keep going. Sometimes adding a focal point or changing your dishware can put a new twist on your kitchen that may be the small tweak that it needed. Create a priority list of things you want to add/change and slowly move down it as necessary. Pick a style for your entire kitchen. The main way most people go wrong with their kitchens is in not choosing a theme. They have a vision here and a vision there (or they pick up knickknacks as they find them) and conflate them together into one hodgepodge of a kitchen. Pick a theme and you've tackled 80% of the battle. It's important that your kitchen decorating be cohesive and make the room look pulled together. Accomplish this by deciding on one theme for your kitchen and choosing decorations that match it. Some home improvement stores have entire sets of kitchen decorations based on themes like country living, French or art deco styles. Go ultra-modern. If you love sleek, shiny things, a super modern kitchen may be your style. Think in harsh angles and blacks, whites, and popping, bright colors. Most metallic, stainless steel, and geometric art pieces would adorn this kitchen. Glass, too! Do a sea theme. A common (but still classy) theme to choose is a sea theme. Whether you live on the ocean or want to bring the ocean to you, this theme is cozy and inviting. Line your shelves with seashells, sailor's gear, and scenes from the beach. Work in elements of tan, cream, and blues. What a great excuse to make a DIY project with rope, netting, and items from the beach! Opt for an earthy theme. If you are fond of dark, warm colors, an earthy, natural, woodsy theme may be more up your alley. Think of dark cabinets, wooden dishware, bowls of potpourri, cherry reds, rich mahoganies, and dark oranges. Go for a colored theme. If an outright themed design is too much for your sensibilities, just go for a color. Hues can line up a kitchen, too! Blue stools, blue dishes, blue cabinet pulls -- everything will be brought together regardless of your items' designs. Just make sure you don't get sick of it! This theme is a bit dangerous. Too much of one tone can be overkill. However, if you do not have the authority to revamp your kitchen (if renting), incorporating color as your theme may be the best way to go. | Declutter. Use color to make it cozy. Add fresh flowers. Jazz up your fridge magnets. Use texture to your advantage. Add unexpected pieces of furniture. Change the linens. Switch décor seasonally. Create shelving. Stick with an accent color. Consider losing all your doors. Use mirrors. Paint the walls or cabinets. Add a backsplash. Play around with lighting. Focus on one element at a time. Pick a style for your entire kitchen. Go ultra-modern. Do a sea theme. Opt for an earthy theme. Go for a colored theme. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Set-up-a-Rabbit-Cage | How to Set up a Rabbit Cage | To set up a rabbit cage, start by lining the bottom of the cage with a thick layer of straw, which will keep your rabbit warm and comfortable. Then, place a rabbit litter box in one of the corners so your rabbit has somewhere to relieve itself. Also, put a food dish in the cage and attach a sipper drinker to the side of the cage so your rabbit can get water when it's thirsty. Don't forget to put some toys in the cage, like a cardboard tube or a ball, so your rabbit doesn't get bored. | Choose a cage or a hutch. Cages are better suited to temporary accommodation because they don't give the rabbit the opportunity to hide. A rabbit that is constantly exposed to view on all sides will quickly feel stressed. Of course, it does help to put a hide or box into the cage so bunny can have some privacy. However, although a hutch may be better, they are heavy and cumbersome and not well suited to indoors. Traditional hutches are made from wood, with chicken wire mesh over the door so the rabbit can see out. Wood remains an excellent choice because it has good thermal properties, keeping the wind, rain, and chill out in the winter, but also providing shade in the summer. A wire cage is fine for temporary accommodation, such as when bunny spends time in the family room, but you don't trust the rabbit not to chew electrical wires. When using a wire cage, make sure the rabbit has a hide or a box, where they can go to feel safe when they need to sleep. Pick out a cage that is the right size for your rabbit. Rabbits vary widely in size from the tiny mini-lop that weighs just 1.3 kg (2 - 3 lb), to the huge Flemish giant which at up to 10 kg (22 lb). The floor area and height of the cage is going to vary depending on the breed of rabbit your select. When buying the cage, always consider the adult weight and size of the rabbit. As a rule of thumb, the cage needs to be tall enough for the rabbit to sit upright on their back legs. The length should be greater than three bunny (adult) bunny hops, and the width two (adult) bunny hops. Rabbits live in burrows and only feel truly safe and let themselves rest, if they are enclosed, and preferably in the dark. Thus, it helps if your cage has two rooms to it, one of which offers complete privacy. For two small rabbits the minimum recommended size is 150cm long by 60 cm wide, and 60 cm tall. If the rabbits are larger, this rises to at least 185 cm long by 90cm wide, by 90 cm tall. Of course, always base your calculations on the largest, rather than the smallest, rabbit. If you are bringing home a baby bunny, take into account that it will grow over the next few months, so choose a cage that can accommodate its adult size. Many "rabbit cages" sold in pet stores are actually much too small. If the pet store doesn't have a good selection, check online or get creative and make your own. Make sure your cage has a solid floor. Many rabbits suffer from a condition called pododermatitis, which is where they develop pressure sores on the back of the hind legs from sitting on hard floors or wet bedding. The wire mesh of a cage is totally unsuitable flooring and very uncomfortable for the rabbit. If your cage has a wire bottom, you will need to cover this with something, such as a piece of plywood, then cover that with bedding. Pododermatitis affects the skin overlying the bone of the hock, where it's in contact with the ground. Choose a cage with sides made of wire. A cage with wire sides and top give your rabbit plenty of airflow and it'll be quite easy to clean. However, make sure the floor is not just made of wire. Your rabbit should not be forced to sit or stand on wire meshing for long periods of time. Consider an open-top cage, like a puppy pen. This will give the rabbit more freedom to move around and will feel less confining. Just make sure it is at least 35 inches (88.9 cm) high, so the rabbit cannot jump out. If you want to create an outdoor hutch for your rabbit, the specifications are different. See How to Build a Rabbit Hutch for more information. Make sure the bottom of the cage has a urine guard. The bottom of the cage, the tray, should have high, solid sides. This is because rabbits tend to spray when they urinate. This is also useful to stop the rabbit spreading straw all over the floor. If your cage does not have a guard, and you decide to improvise and make your own, use materials such as cardboard, which won't hurt the rabbit if they chew on them. You will need to replace it often but it will not make your rabbit sick. Pick out a rabbit litter box. Purchasing a litter box and training your rabbit to use it is very important if you are having your rabbit live indoors. A triangular litter box to place in the corner of the cage or pen is very convenient. Your rabbit may not use the litter box right away, so be patient. You will need to litter box train them. Eventually, it will learn to go there every time. Purchase food bowls and a water supply for the cage. Use heavy flat-bottomed bowls for food that are difficult to tip over. Provide a hay rack but sit it as low to the ground as possible, as rabbits do not like stretching their heads up. Set up the cage in a well-ventilated area that doesn't get too hot or too cold. Don't use a dusty or dirty room such as an attic or basement, because dust aggravates the rabbit's delicate lungs. The rabbit also needs natural light. Make sure the sun does not pound them but get some diffused sunlight. Be aware that rabbits don't like loud noises or sudden movement, so setting the cage next to a tumbler dryer could cause the rabbit unnecessary stress. A spare bedroom would be a good choice, as long as you make sure to interact the rabbit on a regular basis. Make sure the rabbit will be safe from predators. Also, take care that other household pets, such as cats and dogs, cannot worry the rabbit. Rabbits are a prey species and find the close presence of carnivores very unsettling! If you have dogs, try to raise the cage off the floor. The rabbits will feel very intimidated by a dog sniffing round them on floor level. Choose a room where your rabbit can roam around. Rabbits should not stay confined in their cages all the time. You will need to let your rabbit out to get some exercise. It is easiest to put the cage in a room where you will not mind having your rabbit hop around and explore. Make sure the room is free of wires, sharp edges, small toys, and other objects that could harm your rabbit. Line the cage with bedding. A rabbit needs a thick cushion of bedding to protect their legs from sores. The bigger the rabbit, the deeper the bedding. Materials commonly used for bedding include straw, sawdust or hay. Of these, straw is best because it is springy and soft, plus in winter it holds heat. Straw is also safe if the rabbit chews it. For a regular sized bunny provide at least 5 - 6 inches of bedding, more for bigger animals. Although your rabbit may be house-trained, it's not advisable to line the cage with carpet, as this could cause a bowel obstruction if chewed. Spot clean the bedding every day, by scooping out areas soiled with urine or pellets, then replacing with clean straw. Ideally, clean the cage out completely once a week. Rabbits will chew a blanket or bed, so it's better to provide an especially deep and snuggly pile of straw within a box or hide. Fill the litter box with a layer of newspaper, nontoxic litter, and a top layer of hay. Change out the hay daily, and change the rest of the litter box weekly. Do not use cat litter, especially clumping litter, as it can be fatal to rabbits. Provide food for your rabbit. Grass is the ideal food for rabbits, and hay is an excellent substitute. Where possible, feed your rabbit on hay alone, that way their teeth will be kept in perfect order and they won't become overweight. Give a daily treat of fresh fruit or vegetables, but try to give something different every day to create a balanced diet. If you have more than one rabbit, provide one bowl for each bunny, plus a spare. Situate the bowls around the cage so that one rabbit cannot monopolize all the bowls. Provide water for your rabbit. Bowls of water can easily be tipped over or soiled with pellets, so sipper drinkers are preferable. Change the water every day so that it is always fresh. Also wash the drinker daily, and never use a drinker that is discolored by algae. For more than one rabbit, provide a drinker at either end of the cage. Put some fun toys in the cage. Toys provide enrichment and entertainment for rabbits. Provide toys for the rabbit to play with, such as cardboard tubes or cardboard boxes with holes cut in them. Some rabbits will even play with toy such as a ball with a bell inside. Rabbits love to chew so provide some sturdy branches of orchard woods (apple, pear, plum, cherry) or you can purchase commercial rabbit chews from a pet store. When choosing toys, make sure they are rabbit-safe. A good toy is a cardboard box filled with shredded paper and dry hay. Your bunny would love to dig through that. | Choose a cage or a hutch. Pick out a cage that is the right size for your rabbit. Make sure your cage has a solid floor. Choose a cage with sides made of wire. Make sure the bottom of the cage has a urine guard. Pick out a rabbit litter box. Purchase food bowls and a water supply for the cage. Set up the cage in a well-ventilated area that doesn't get too hot or too cold. Make sure the rabbit will be safe from predators. Choose a room where your rabbit can roam around. Line the cage with bedding. Fill the litter box with a layer of newspaper, nontoxic litter, and a top layer of hay. Provide food for your rabbit. Provide water for your rabbit. Put some fun toys in the cage. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Understand-What-a-Relationship-Means | How to Understand What a Relationship Means | To understand what a relationship means, try having the “define the relationship” talk with your partner. By getting your feelings our in the open, It can help you understand where you stand in a romantic relationship. For example, it's important that you and your partner are on the same page about issues like how often you see each other, how often you talk or text, and how physically intimate you want to be. You should also tell your partner when you're not comfortable with something. For instance, if you don't like it when they flirt with other people, tell them directly so they're aware of your feelings. | Decide when it is time to talk. If you've been spending a lot of time with someone and you think you might be developing romantic feelings for them, but you're not sure if they feel the same way, it may be time to have the "define the relationship" talk (which some people refer to as the DTR). This is that big milestone talk when both people decide if they are just friends or if they are more than friends--and if they're more, what they are exactly. It's often impossible to understand where you stand in a romantic relationship unless you talk it through. A DTR gets your feelings out in the open and takes you from "just friends" to "dating" or an official "couple." It might be time to have a DTR if you are considering dating other people or if you are considering getting physical (or already have). Talk to your friend in private. Having a conversation about the state of your relationship is not something to do in text messages or in a group setting. It's best to have important conversations in person so you can gauge the other person's reactions. Sometimes it is ok to have a conversation in writing, for instance if you are very shy or afraid of putting the other person on the spot. In these situations, write out your feelings in a long-hand letter instead of typing or texting it. It will allow you to really convey your feelings in a personal way while still having the advantage of being able to edit your words before you send or deliver your letter. Get your feelings out in the open. Tell the person how you feel about them, and ask them how they feel about you. It is not necessary to ask for a commitment. You can simply ask the person how they are feeling about the time you spend together, and find out if they are interested in you as more than friends. Avoid being overly dramatic or trying to be especially romantic when you tell someone how you feel for the first time. While it might be cute in a movie, it really puts someone on the spot to have you declare undying love when they thought you were just friends. It's better to be honest but a bit reserved if you think you're falling in love with them. Try saying something like, "I love how much time we spend together. Is it just me, or are there some confusing feelings going on here? I think I'm starting to like you as more than just a friend. What about you?" Give your friend time to think. If your friend was not aware that you have feelings for him or her, your DTR conversation may have come as a surprise. Give your friend time to process this information and consider their own feelings instead of making them tell you how they feel in the moment. In some situations, for instance if you've been physically affectionate with this person, it might be ok to ask them to tell you what their intentions are if things are going to continue. But if you've only been friends to this point, they will most likely need some processing time. Get to know everyone's expectations. In any relationship, every participant should know what the expectations are in order to avoid feelings of being used or neglected. If you're dating someone, it is important that both partners are on the same page when it comes to issues like how often you will see each other, how often you'll talk or text, how physically intimate you will be, and whether or not you will date other people. In marriage and work relationships, it is important to understand each person's role and responsibilities to avoid feelings of resentment or confusion. Communicate effectively and openly. Every relationship can be improved just by improving communication. Unfortunately, most people don't learn how to communicate effectively as they grow up, so it can be difficult to have important conversations or stand up for yourself if you don't make a concerted effort to learn the basics of effective communication. In a relationship, you should approach conflict and disagreement with the perspective that you are a team. Instead of viewing a disagreement as your chance to prove a point or win an argument, try to think of it as a challenge to come up with a mutually-beneficial solution. Don't sit on negative feelings for too long without expressing them to your partner. Otherwise, you could become resentful. If you find yourself angry or sad about the relationship, think about why you're feeling that way and then talk to your partner about it. Let them know how you feel and what you think could help. Balance your needs and your partner's needs. We are often taught to put other people before our own needs, and being selfless in a relationship can be a great feature. However, you should not sacrifice your own needs or happiness to satisfy someone else. You'll end up burned out and disappointed. Take time for yourself to recharge when you need to. It's ok to have a night out with just your friends, or take an evening to read by yourself when you want to. Don't be afraid to tell your partner what your needs are. Watch for signs of dysfunction. Relationships of all kinds should make you feel good about yourself and happy that you know the other person. Sometimes, though, relationships become a burden and can even affect your state of mind. If your relationship is dysfunctional, it may be time to sever ties or seek counseling. Watch for these warning signs in any relationship: One person has more power or control than the other, and demands that the other person does what he or she says or wants. This can include limiting who the other person can spend time with, how they spend money, or how physically affectionate they are. One person (or both) becomes emotionally manipulative and tries to get the other to respond by creating feelings of guilt, pity, or jealousy. One person is a giver and the other person is just a taker. For example, a friend may always expect you to drop your plans for them, get them out of a bind, or be physically affectionate with no commitment. Know that relationships mean different things to different people. As we go through life, we will meet a variety of people and will build complicated, personal relationships with them. There are various types of relationships such as friend, work, romantic, and family relationships. It is important to remember that relationships are as individual and different as the people who are a part of them. There are different expectations in every relationship. Sometimes, these expectations are made clear by talking about them, but other times they are just unspoken rules that develop as people spend time together. Learn about types of friendships. Friendships are platonic, meaning there is no sexual interest involved. These relationships fulfill our needs as humans to be around other people who we feel are similar to us and feel valued, secure, and appreciated for who we are. Some relationships are casual "acquaintances," and include people you might pass in the halls and smile at or say, "Hello." Acquaintances help you feel connected to the outside world, but they're generally people you wouldn't call up to hang out. The only expectation you have of your casual acquaintances is politeness. Other relationships are casual friends. You may have met by chance (for instance, because you are in the same class) and you may interact on a regular basis based on your shared interest or common schedule. You may chat with these people about surface-level topics, but you probably don't know much about them as individuals. More intimate friends are the people you trust and choose to be with when you have a choice. These are the people that you feel that you can be yourself around, and you don't have to worry about impressing them. Intimate friendships can require a lot of work to maintain, because you owe each other attention and time as part of your friendship. Best friends are those intimate friends who have proven to be faithful, loyal, and trustworthy; these are often relationships that have stood the test of time. Best friends feel as if they know each other inside out. Not everybody has or needs best friends, and that's ok too. Understand that good friendships are essential. Friends can range from someone you just hang out with to have fun, to someone you confide in when you're having trouble or ask for advice when you need it. True friends are an important part of life because they help you learn more about yourself, help you make good choices, and help you connect with others. True friends tell each other the truth and keep each other's best interests in mind. You can know if someone is not really your friend if they lie to please you or to trick you, or if they undermine your efforts or don't care about your successes. Friendships can take a lot of work to maintain. Try to make time every week to call or visit your friends just to stay caught up with their lives and let them know you're thinking about them. Understand that romantic relationships can be complex. Like friendships, romantic relationships can vary from casual to more intimate, depending on how well you know one another and how committed you are to one another (in other words, what expectations you have of each other). Some people enjoy dating casually and spending a lot of time with lots of different people, perhaps even becoming sexually intimate with lots of casual partners. This has the advantage of allowing you to find out what traits you like in a romantic partner, and it gives you a chance to develop your communication and other relationship skills without the pressure of commitment. Other people prefer to become very emotionally attached and committed to just one person. Eventually, most people hope to find someone they can commit to in a long-term relationship or marriage. Learn about work relationships. These are the people whom you see every day but are not necessarily close to. These relationships can be very important to your success. If you build good relationships with the people you work with or the people you're in school with, you can show that you are a team player. Try to treat everyone you work with with respect and kindness, even if they are not someone you would want to be friends with on a social basis. Your coworkers all have different life experiences that can be helpful in the workplace, so look for everyone's strengths. Sometimes work relationships overlap with romantic or friend relationships, which can often be confusing (and in the case of romantic relationships, may sometimes be against your workplace rules). Remember to stay professional whenever you are at work, and treat everyone the same. Familiarize yourself with romantic relationships. Whether it be dating or marriage, relationships like these can be complicated and hard to understand. Romantic relationships give people a chance to open their hearts to someone else, and connect on a very intimate level. This person will see the good and bad sides of you, and love you anyway. Communication is key to keeping a romantic relationship healthy and happy. Because of the intimacy of romantic relationships, they can cause a lot of pain and heartache from misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and disappointment. Choose carefully who you open your heart to, but you also have to be willing to take some risks in the name of love. Otherwise, you might miss out on a great relationship. Look for quality in any relationship. Depth and sincerity should be most important. Have a few good, solid and rewarding relationships rather than focusing on too many people, who slip in and out of your life as they please. | Decide when it is time to talk. Talk to your friend in private. Get your feelings out in the open. Give your friend time to think. Get to know everyone's expectations. Communicate effectively and openly. Balance your needs and your partner's needs. Watch for signs of dysfunction. Know that relationships mean different things to different people. Learn about types of friendships. Understand that good friendships are essential. Understand that romantic relationships can be complex. Learn about work relationships. Familiarize yourself with romantic relationships. Look for quality in any relationship. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Fake-Nails-Out-of-a-Straw | How to Make Fake Nails Out of a Straw | To make a set of fake nails out of a straw, first, split a straw open from 1 end to the other with a pair of scissors. Then, cut the straw into pieces roughly ½ inch longer than your real nails. From there, trim each piece of straw to match the width of your nails while rounding the corners to make them look more realistic. Once your fake nails are trimmed, place them underneath a heavy book for 2 to 10 minutes to make them uncurl a bit. To apply the fake nails, place some nail glue on your nail, wait for it to get tacky, then press the fake nail on. For a more temporary option, attach the fake nails with double-sided tape. | Split a straw open from 1 end to the other. Open a pair of scissors and insert 1 of the points into the end of a straw. Cut the straw open towards the other end. Use a clear straw, a white straw, or a straw that is the color you want your nails to be. Snip the straw down to the length you want your nail to be. Open the split straw and fit it over the end of your finger. Make sure that the end of the straw is resting against the bottom of your nail. Decide how long you want the fake nail to be, then cut the straw. Most fake nails are about ⁄ 4 to ⁄ 2 inch (0.64 to 1.27 cm) longer than your actual nail. Cut the straw segment to the width of your nail. Chances are, the split-open straw is too wide for your nail. Open up the split straw segment, and cut the sides down until it fits the width of your nail. Cut the top and bottom ends of the straw to suit your nail. This step requires a lot of eyeballing and measuring the straw segment against your nail, so try your best. Cut the bottom end of the straw segment to match the bottom curve of your nail. Cut the top end of the segment into the shape you desire. For example: Cut the segment straight across for a square nail. Taper the sides for a coffin nail. Snip the corners of the top for a rounded-square nail. Cut the straw into a curve for a rounded nail. The further down you start the curve, the narrower it will be. Repeat the process to cut the rest of your fake nails. At this point, it would be a good idea to label your nails L1 to L5, and R1 to R5. Write the label on the inside of the nail with a pen. L1 to L5 is for your left hand, and R1 to R5 is for your right hand; start with your thumb and finish with your pinkie. Try to make all of the nails the same length. Some straws have a crimped segment to allow for bending. Do not use this segment! Open the nails and weigh them down for 2 to 10 minutes. Even though you cut the straw open, the plastic still wants to curl into a tube. You need to flatten the plastic out a little so that it doesn't curl as much. Set a heavy book on the table, flatten the nails, then slide them under the book. Leave them there for 2 to 10 minutes. The nails won't be completely flat, which is fine. The goal here is to flatten the plastic so that it doesn't curl as much. Apply a base coat to your real nails, then let it dry. You can use any formula you want, but a 2-in-1 formula will work the best. Do all of your nails, then let the base coat dry. This will help prep your nails for the nail glue in the next step. Skip this step if you want to temporarily attach the fake nails to your real nails. Apply nail glue to your first nail, then press the matching fake nail into it. Get nail glue meant for attaching fake nails; you can find it in a beauty supply store or a drug store. Apply a dot of glue to your first nail. Wait for the glue to get tacky, then pick up the matching fake nail and press it into the glue. Apply enough glue so that when you press the fake nail down, it spreads to the edges of your nail without leaking. Leave a tiny amount of space between the fake nail and the nail bed. You don't want to cover up the cuticle. Use double-sided tape if you want a temporary option. Cut a strip of double-sided tape, and stick it over your real nail. Trim the tape down as needed to fit your nail. Next, pick up the matching fake nail, and press it down onto the tape. Be aware that this option is temporary. The nails will get knocked off easily. It is best for dress-up. Repeat the process for the rest of your nails. Work 1 nail at a time. If you are using nail glue, consider wrapping strips of scotch tape around your fingertips to hold the fake nails down as they dry. This way, you can work while the other nails are drying. Remember to take the scotch tape off when you are done. If the straws are already the color you want your nails to be, you are done! The nail glue should take about 10 to 15 minutes to dry. Apply 1 to 2 coats of white polish, if needed. Start with 1 coat of white nail polish, then let it dry. If you can still see the straw through the polish, apply a second coat, and let it dry too. This is only necessary if your straw is striped or the wrong color, then you will need to cover it up with white polish first. If your straw is clear or the right color, you can skip this step. If you don't have nail polish, you can try acrylic paint. Be aware that the paint may chip more easily than nail polish. Paint your fake nails as desired. From here, you can paint the fake nails just like you would your own nails. You can paint the nails a solid color or do some fancy nail art. You can even layer clear, glittery polish over flat nail polish for a unique effect. Use at least 2 coats of nail polish. Let each coat dry before applying the next coat. You can try using acrylic paint, but it may chip. If the straw is striped or an unnatural color, such as green, you may need to use more coats of nail polish to cover it up. Be sure to paint the underside too. Let the nail polish dry, then apply a top coat, if desired. Since these nails aren't very durable, they may break or fall off before the nail polish starts to chip. Still, a top coat will help the color last longer and prevent it from chipping. Apply 1 coat of top coat to each nail, then let it dry. If you used acrylic paint, consider using a clear, acrylic sealer. Clean up the cuticle area with nail polish remover, if needed. Dip a small brush or Q-tip into nail polish remover, then use it to wipe off any excess nail polish. Focus on the cuticle area, and be careful not to get any nail polish remover under the straw. Treat the fake nails with care. This is especially important if you secured the fake nails using double-sided tape. Because they are a DIY alternative to professional fake nails, straw nails won't be as durable. They can fall off easily, and if they get bent, the polish can flake off. Nails attached with double-sided tape may come off within a few hours. If you bump them against something, they may pop off right away. Nails attached with nail glue should last a few days. Remove the nails with acetone. Fill a small jar with acetone or nail polish remover, then set it into a bowl filled with hot water. Wait until the acetone gets warm, then dip your fingertips into it. After about 45 minutes, you should be able to pop the fake nails off. If the acetone is too harsh for you, add a few drops of baby oil or mineral oil into the solution first, before you dip your fingers into it. If you have any residue on your real fingernails, wipe it off with a cotton ball dipped into acetone. If you attached the nails with double-sided tape, you should be able to just pop them off. If the tape is stuck to your real nails, just peel it off. | Split a straw open from 1 end to the other. Snip the straw down to the length you want your nail to be. Cut the straw segment to the width of your nail. Cut the top and bottom ends of the straw to suit your nail. Repeat the process to cut the rest of your fake nails. Open the nails and weigh them down for 2 to 10 minutes. Apply a base coat to your real nails, then let it dry. Apply nail glue to your first nail, then press the matching fake nail into it. Use double-sided tape if you want a temporary option. Repeat the process for the rest of your nails. Apply 1 to 2 coats of white polish, if needed. Paint your fake nails as desired. Let the nail polish dry, then apply a top coat, if desired. Clean up the cuticle area with nail polish remover, if needed. Treat the fake nails with care. Remove the nails with acetone. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-a-Maltese-Dog | How to Care for a Maltese Dog | To care for a Maltese dog, brush its long fur every day to prevent knots and mats from forming. You can also have your Maltese professionally groomed with a shorter cut to make upkeep a little easier. Remember to bathe your dog with a mild shampoo and conditioner made for dogs at least once per month to keep its coat in good condition. This breed is prone to tear staining, so you may need to gently wipe the eye area with a damp cloth every day to remove wetness or rust-colored stains. | Determine whether the Maltese personality is right for you and your lifestyle. Maltese do like company and can bark or suffer anxiety related problems if they are left alone for long periods of time. Think about whether you can structure your day so that the Maltese is not left alone for more than 4 hours at a time. Be aware that because Maltese like to be with people, they can easily become over-dependant on human company and suffer from stress or "separation anxiety" unless trained from a young age to cope in solitude. To train the dog to do this means deliberately spending small periods of time away from the dog so that it learns to be alone. Be careful not to over pamper the dog as this can make it even more difficult for it when you're not there to fuss it. Most Maltese are friendly, outgoing, and relatively fearless but because they are small (4-7 lbs) and have delicate bones, they are easily injured. As a result, they can become fearful or aggressive. Keep an eye on them around larger animals, and show children how to hold the Maltese properly without squeezing or dropping him. If you have very young children, you might want to consider a sturdier breed like a Shih Tzu, Havanese, or Bichon. Gauge whether you can care for a Maltese properly. Be aware that the Maltese feel the cold easily. If your home is chilly or you live in a cold environment, then reconsider your choice of dog. Also be aware they have long silky coats, which needs daily grooming and will need to have their hair trimmed regularly because Maltese do not shed like most other breeds. Although this is an added expense (unless you learn to do it yourself), the upside is that the Maltese (like the Poodle) is a relatively hypoallergenic breed. Prepare to have a dog that lives well into its teens. If you can't commit to such a long term undertaking, or you expect your circumstances to change, then reconsider getting a dog , especially one that can live to be 14 or 15. Adopting a dog is a long-term commitment, not something to take lightly. Pick your specific Maltese wisely. There are thousands of Maltese breeders out there, but there are also plenty of purebreds in animal shelters. If you know someone with a Maltese ask where that person got it. Make sure that before you bring your Maltese home, that it gets along with other pets or children you may have. Make sure you see the Maltese puppy with his mother. If for whatever reason the mother is not present, walk away. This is a give away sign that the puppy is from a puppy mill and such immoral breeding programs should not be encouraged. Make sure your Maltese was socialized well as a puppy, as this helps make it become a confident outgoing adult. Maltese dogs have long flowing hair that is easily tangled and, like our own, keeps growing. If you don't want to deal with the upkeep a shorter "puppy cut" looks cute on a Maltese. You will need to have him professionally groomed maybe once every six weeks but will still need to brush his hair daily using a nice, soft brush. Remove excess hair and untangle knots while the hair is dry or with a special detangler. Bathing him first will make the tangles worse. You may need to use a comb to get to the root of any tangles and knots. Remember to gently tease them apart. Take extreme care cutting out knots, as it is all too easy to nick the skin. Bathe your Maltese with a mild shampoo and conditioner made for dogs. You may need to bathe a playful puppy once a week, while a calm, older dog will only need a monthly bath. Wash its hair like it's your own, only be very gentle! Don't forget to clean your pup's face with a washcloth. Clean around your Maltese's eyes regularly. Maltese dogs have white hair that is prone to tear staining. You will recognize this as the brown streaks down the face of a white dog. This happens when tears overspill onto the cheek and stay there for a few hours. Substances in the tear fluid oxidizes and change to that rust-colored pigment, which causes the staining. To avoid this, dry the area around your dog's eyes regularly. The amount of tear overflow varies with each individual dog and is more pronounced when they are teething. If the lower lid area or cheek are constantly wet, then wipe hourly. For dogs with less moisture from the eyes, you only need to wipe twice a day or when you spot gloop in the corner of the eye. There are various commercial products available for wiping eyes, but previously boiled water on cotton wool is perfectly sufficient. Dampen the cotton wool with the cool water and wipe away any moisture or stickiness from the eye area. Then finish with a dry piece of cotton wool to pat the area dry. Brush your dog's teeth. Many people don't do this, but it is very, very important, especially for older dogs. This will slow up tartar formation and protect your dog's dental health. Start at a young age, so the dog accepts having its teeth brushed. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste made for dogs. It can be purchased at any pet store. Be aware the Maltese are especially prone to the formation of plaque and then tartar formation. This irritates the gums leading to inflammation and infection. Ultimately this causes gum recession and the teeth to loosen, become infected, and fall out. If this is your first time, rub the gums and teeth with your finger. Adding some soft dog food can make this more pleasant. Brush your dog's teeth before bed. Alternatively speak to your vet about small-sized kibble that has a cleaning action as the dog chews. Be aware that canned food is more likely to build tartar than dry food, and speed up tartar formation. Trim your dog's nails regularly. Maltese nails should be clipped monthly so they do not overgrow and get infected. Using a regular nail clipper, slowly begin to clip the end of your dog's nails, stopping before you reach the live center of the nail. If you are uncertain how much nail to remove, invest in a lesson from the groomer or vet tech. The nail has a living center made up of blood vessels and nerves, called the quick. If you clip too much nail away you will cut the quick, which is painful for the dog and causes bleeding. If in doubt, err on the side of caution and remove the minimum amount possible. The dog may be scared and will struggle. If this is the case, try feeding the dog immediately after the nail trim so that it sees its food as a reward for good behavior. Many Maltese owners trim their dog's nails when the dog is asleep. However, you need to be very careful or it could really startle the dog awake. Check the dog's ears on a daily basis. This can be done professionally, but can also be done at home. Go into the outer ears with a Q-tip, but do not stick it into the inner ear. Just use it to clean the visible part of the ear. If there is wax of any sort, be sure to clean it out. Never put water into the dog's ears, as this softens the skin and makes it more likely to become infected. Instead, use an ear cleaner sold for the purpose. These are designed to dissolve wax and also for an excess to evaporate away, so the ear canal is not left over wet. Feed a new puppy or dog the same brand he is used to and only gradually make changes to avoid upsetting his digestion (especially important for a new puppy). The Maltese has a small stomach, so choose a premium food that is high quality. Take your vet's recommendation and also look for a food that has a named meat listed as the main ingredient. The Maltese can be prone to being a fussy eater so don't encourage this by feeding him human food as "treats". Feed him a high quality dog food and treats recommended by your vet. Always have fresh water and dry kibble available for your Maltese (unless the animal is an adult and is overweight). Maltese puppies can suffer from hypoglycemia, which can be life threatening, if food is not readily available. Make sure that your adult dog is not eating too much. It may be that you are giving the dog too much food at meal time or that you are giving too many treats. Consult with your vet if your Maltese is putting on too much weight. He or she may have a suggestions for helping the dog lose weight. Socialize your dog early. A Maltese, like all dogs, needs to be well socialized in order to become a well-rounded dog. While it is important to bond with your pup, its also important that the dog is open to meeting new people and animals. Expose your puppy to a wide variety of people and animals when it is young, so that it understands that this is a normal and enjoyable part of life. Maltese dogs that are not socialized can become either fearful or aggressive toward strangers. Walk your dog. Although Maltese are good apartment dwellers and don't require a great deal of exercise, it is important for the dog's brain, socialization, sensory system, and enjoyment to get out. Even a fifteen to twenty minute walk can be a nice break for you and your dog. Maltese are adaptable when it comes to exercise. They enjoy walks but are also happy to burn energy in a restricted space, by playing games of fetch. Teach your Maltese not to jump off your bed or couch, though, as this can cause injury. The breed is vulnerable to knee injuries (luxating patellas). Be aware that a bored Maltese may turn to barking to amuse itself. Train your Maltese. The Maltese is an intelligent dog and loves to be stimulated mentally. Like all dogs, your Maltese needs to be trained to sit, stay, and come when called, in addition to being potty trained. Use positive reinforcement when training, as opposed to punishment when the dog does something wrong. These dogs respond much better to treats and love as incentive to do the right thing. Don't be fooled by their small size, they love the mental challenge of training. Indeed, some Maltese excel at agility training, albeit on a small scale, so don't write this off as an activity for your dog. Give your Maltese love and attention. Maltese dogs are beautiful animals that deserve to be treated with love and care. Snuggle with your pup often and show it that you care for it. Take your Maltese for annual vaccinations. Your veterinarian will be able to advise you as to which diseases are prevalent in the area, and which it is necessary to vaccinate against. Some states also require all pets to be vaccinated against rabies, in which case you must comply. Take your veterinarian's advice on preventative healthcare such as heartworm, and regular worming treatments and use them regularly. Have your dog spayed or neutered but wait until he or she is at least five months old (preferably nine months). If your dog is a pet and not intended for breeding, then speak to your vet about desexing. This helps reduce antisocial behaviors, such as territory marking in the male. It also reduces the risk of certain diseases in the female, such as mammary cancer (if done before the second season) and pyometra (womb infection). Consider getting your pet microchipped. This is a permanent way of identifying the dog as yours. Should it escape or be stolen, the ID chip allows you to prove ownership, and will help someone who finds your dog locate you (vets can read the chip and find you through the registry). | Determine whether the Maltese personality is right for you and your lifestyle. Gauge whether you can care for a Maltese properly. Prepare to have a dog that lives well into its teens. Pick your specific Maltese wisely. Maltese dogs have long flowing hair that is easily tangled and, like our own, keeps growing. Bathe your Maltese with a mild shampoo and conditioner made for dogs. Clean around your Maltese's eyes regularly. Brush your dog's teeth. Trim your dog's nails regularly. Check the dog's ears on a daily basis. Feed a new puppy or dog the same brand he is used to and only gradually make changes to avoid upsetting his digestion (especially important for a new puppy). The Maltese can be prone to being a fussy eater so don't encourage this by feeding him human food as "treats". Make sure that your adult dog is not eating too much. Socialize your dog early. Walk your dog. Train your Maltese. Give your Maltese love and attention. Take your Maltese for annual vaccinations. Have your dog spayed or neutered but wait until he or she is at least five months old (preferably nine months). Consider getting your pet microchipped. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Your-Dog-to-Stop-Play-Biting | How to Get Your Dog to Stop Play Biting | To stop your dog from play biting, start by making a sharp yelping noise, or saying "No!" in a firm voice if it bites. Then, walk out of the room and ignore your dog until it calms down. If you're playing a contact game, keep your hands behind your dog's head, since holding your hands in front of its face signals to the dog that they're toys. You should also walk your dog twice a day to help it burn off energy, which will make it less likely to bite you. | Let your dog mouth your hand. To help teach your dog bite inhibition, you will have to show them that bites are painful. Let the dog play with your hand, and when they bite too hard, make a sharp yelping noise. You may also say something like “That was bad” or “No” in a stern voice. When the dog stops biting you, praise the dog. Only do this activity in brief spurts in a short period of time. You should not let the dog nip more than three times in fifteen minutes. After fifteen minutes are up, end the activity. To teach your dog that biting (even play biting) hurts you or makes you sad, you can also yelp or cry out loudly when he does it. Put the dog in time out. Once you have started teaching the dog that biting can hurt, you should start “doggy time out.” If the dog nips you or your clothing, say “ouch” sharply. Stand up abruptly and walk away out of the room. Do not play with your dog again until they have calmed down. If you do this every time they nip you, they will learn that it is unacceptable to bite or mouth you. Spray taste detergent on your hands and clothes. A taste deterrent is an edible spray that tastes bad to dogs, and it can discourage the dog from nipping you or your clothing. You can apply this spray to your clothing and skin for up to two weeks. If you do not want to put it on your bare hands, spray a pair of cotton gloves and wear those while you play with your dog. You can buy taste deterrents that are safe to use on dogs from your vet or local pet store. Some common taste deterrents include: Grannick's Bitter Apple Spray or Gel Veterinarian's Best Bitter Cherry Spray Bitter YUCK! No Chew Spray Nature's Miracle No-Chew Bitter Dog Spray Apple cider vinegar A homemade version made from cayenne pepper and petroleum jelly Hire a certified professional dog trainer. If you are having difficulty training your dog yourself, you may have to call a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT) or behaviorist. They may be able to identify what is and is not working with your training regimen, and they can train your dog according to their unique needs. You can find a CPDT through the The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers or the The Association of Professional Dog Trainers. CPDTs often offer both group classes and individual sessions. Avoid hitting the dog when they play-bite. Hitting your dog when they nip you may only cause the behavior to worsen. The dog may react defensively or aggressively towards you. They also become shy around humans or start to cower when somebody moves their hand. The best way to train a dog is by rewarding their good behavior. Ignoring the dog by walking away or giving them dog a verbal cue like “no” can also help instill good behavior in the dog. Exercise the dog. A dog that has plenty of exercise is less likely to become overexcited during play, and they are less likely to nip out of boredom. Make sure to take your dog on walks once or twice a day. Give them plenty of time outside, and consider taking them to a dog park where they can play with other dogs. Give the dog a chew toy when they start to nip. If the dog starts to mouth your hand, give them something acceptable to chew, such as a chew toy, KONG toy, or rawhide bone. Do this every time you think they are about to take someone's hand or body part into their mouth. If you are nervous about the dog nipping children as they pet the dog, you can give the dog a toy before letting the children come near the dog. Pay close attention no matter what because some dogs and puppies can get aggressive about their toys and they may act out or nip the child. Encourage non-contact play. Dogs naturally want to nip and mouth people when playing contact games like wrestling or chasing. To prevent the dog from nipping you while playing, try games where you and the dog are not touching. These games include fetch, find the toy, or tug-of-war. Arrange play dates for your dog. Proper socialization with other dogs can help teach your dog what is and is not appropriate behavior. Letting your dog play with other, non-aggressive dogs will not only teach them proper play but it will let them get out their natural nipping tendencies without injuring you. Try to find a dog that has a similar temperament to your dog and who is roughly the same size. Once they have learned how to safely play with individual dogs, you may want to take them a dog park to see how they fare with a group of unknown dogs. Avoid waving your hands around their face. When playing with the dog, try not to wave your hands or feet around their face. Doing this might signal to the dog that your limbs are toys. Instead, keep your hands behind their heads while playing. Distinguish between aggression and playfulness. Just because play is rough does not mean that dogs are hurting each other. Dogs often enjoy and benefit from wild play. Watch their body language to see if they are becoming aggressive. Sign of aggressive play include tense facial muscles, a stiff posture, ears pricked forward, tail extended back, and raised fur on their backs. Dogs may also snarl or bare their teeth at the other dog. If this occurs, you should try to separate the dogs. If the dog bows or rolls over, they are likely just playing, and you do not need to separate them. They may also crash into one another, nip, jump onto one another, lightly growl or bark, and chase each other. These are all normal behaviors. Dogs growl while playing, but if the growl suddenly drops to a lower tone, they may be becoming aggressive. Introduce dogs on neutral ground. Before you let two unfamiliar dogs run free together, put them both on a leash, and let them meet one another outside on neutral territory. Allow the dogs to sniff each other before taking them on a short walk. If the dogs are friendly towards one another, you can let them play together off the leash inside or outside. If you introduce the dogs inside your house, your dog may feel territorial over their home. Some dogs can be aggressive when they are on a leash. Pay attention to how your dog behaves when he meets new dogs. This will allow you to adapt to help your dog have positive interactions with other dogs. Hide toys when another dog is around. If your dog becomes aggressive or territorial around their toys, you may need to hide or remove these toys when another dog is present. This will prevent your dog from becoming defensive over the toys, and it may allow them to play normally with the other dog. Separate dogs in a tense situation. If the dog is demonstrating aggressive behavior or if it seems that they are about to engage in a fight, get your dog away as soon as possible. If your dog is trained to respond to commands, use a “come” command or call their name. You may be able to distract the dogs by splashing them with a little bit of water. Do not grab the dog by the collar or front of the face, or you risk being accidentally bitten. Instead, if you absolutely have to handle the dog, grab the dog by the hindquarters. Avoid tricky situations. If your dog repeatedly becomes aggressive during play, you may need to remove them from the situation when it arises. You can prevent these situations by placing the dog in a separate room if there is a strange dog in the house. You may also need to avoid dog parks. You can take your dog on a leashed walk instead or play with them in an enclosed yard. | Let your dog mouth your hand. Put the dog in time out. Spray taste detergent on your hands and clothes. Hire a certified professional dog trainer. Avoid hitting the dog when they play-bite. Exercise the dog. Give the dog a chew toy when they start to nip. Encourage non-contact play. Arrange play dates for your dog. Avoid waving your hands around their face. Distinguish between aggression and playfulness. Introduce dogs on neutral ground. Hide toys when another dog is around. Separate dogs in a tense situation. Avoid tricky situations. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-a-Horse-Trainer | How to Choose a Horse Trainer | The best way to choose a horse trainer is to get a referral from a trusted friend or your equine veterinarian. Alternatively, try searching online for the best trainers in your area. Be sure to read online reviews and examine the potential horse trainer's education, credentials, and experience. If you're looking for a particular type of training, such as jumping hurdles, make sure the trainer has expertise in that area. Ask them about their background and their history in training other horses for similar events. | Ask for a referral from other horse owners you know. One of the best ways to get recommendations for horse trainers is by asking people you already know in the equestrian world. Ask your friends and family members or any other acquaintances who have horses what trainers they use and who they would recommend to you. If you are a member of any horse showing or sporting association, you can also ask the association for recommendation for horse trainers. You may also want to ask about horse trainers at your local feed store. Request a referral from your veterinarian. Your regular equine veterinarian should be able to provide you with a list of horse trainers in your local area. They'll know which trainers are ethical and which ones produce the best behaved horses. Ask your vet for a referral for someone they trust and who fits with your specific training needs. Be sure to discuss with your vet what kind of training your horse needs. Search for a horse trainer online. Spend some time browsing the internet for horse trainers that are available in your area. Read through their website details so you can gather as much information about them as possible before you make contact. Check the trainer's qualifications, experience, and testimonials from current clients. Choose a horse trainer with adequate skills. One of the biggest problems with horse trainers is that they often expect their pupils (and the horses) to perform at a higher level than they can themselves. Pick a trainer that can perform all of the skills that you want to learn yourself. This is especially important if you are training your horse for a specific sport or showing event. The trainer needs to be well-versed in all of the moves you need your horse to learn for the event. An experienced trainer should have competed for many years in your chosen discipline, and hopefully even won a few titles. Find an affordable package. As you browse potential trainers, you should check to see what kinds of pricing packages they offer. Some trainers offer different price point options for private lessons versus group lessons, for buying multiple lessons at a time, or for housing your horse at their barn. Check all of the options to decide which works the best for your budget and your situation. Be sure to price compare several different trainers before you make a decision. You don't want to end up overpaying for the services. Find out if the trainer requires your horse to stay with them for a period of time, or if you can just trailer in your horse for the day. Boarding your horse could mean lots of additional fees. Make sure the trainer has insurance coverage. Check to make sure potential trainers are insured to cover any injuries that occur during training. At the very least, potential trainers should have care, custody, and control (CCC) insurance which will cover your horse in case of injury or death while it is in the trainer's care. You can feel free to ask trainers about their insurance policies, and even call the insurance company to make sure their policies are current. Set up interviews with potential trainers. Once you have identified a few trainers you might be interested in working with, call them to set up an in-person interview. You can ask prospective trainers to visit you at your horse's location. It might be helpful to interview several trainers in the same day, so that the experiences are fresh in your mind when you make the final decision. The interviews should only take an hour or two each, so it's totally possible to fit several in. Prepare for the interviews. Make a list of questions to ask during the interviews. Be sure to take notes during the interview so you can remember specifics about each trainer. Jot down their responses to some of your questions as well as your impression of the trainer and their responses. Ask questions like: What kind of insurance coverage do you have for the horses in your care? How often will the horse be saddled and ridden? How are the horses cooled down after a period of exercise? Can I participate in the training? Can I watch you work my horse? What methods would you use with a horse that is misbehaving? Are my training goals realistic? Introduce potential trainers to your horse. It's important to see how your horse responds to various trainers. Sometimes, there might be a compatibility issue with the trainer and the horse's personality. Give them a little time to engage with one another and observe the results. You know your horse's personality, so you will be able to tell whether the horse likes the trainer or not. Watch how the trainer treats your horse and whether your horse seems responsive to the trainer. Inquire about education and certification. Unfortunately, the United States does not require any kind of specific training or certification for a person to advertise themselves as a horse trainer. You should ask prospective trainers how they started in the field, whether or not they had an apprenticeship, and who taught them their trade. In the U.S., there are a few associations that have strict ordinances regarding certification for horse trainer status, namely the United States Dressage Federation and the United States Eventing Association. There are some universities that offer degrees in equine training and management. In other parts of the world, including Europe and Australia, horse trainers must go through rigorous training and certification in order to call themselves horse trainers and earn money under that title. Check for experience. Unless you are a novice looking for just very basic training, the horse trainer you choose should have years of professional experience. Inquire about potential trainers' levels of experience both in riding/showing and training/teaching. Ask trainers about their professional journey as a horse trainer. Ask the local leaders in your given equestrian discipline who trained them. Chances are, their trainers will be pretty skilled. Ask trainers how they got involved in the trade, how many years they have been working in the field, and what their areas of specialty are. Prospective trainers should be willing to give you contact information for some of their past or current clients so that you can inquire about their capabilities. Weigh your options. Once you have interviewed several potential horse trainers, you'll need to make your final decision. Refer to your interview notes, consider how the trainers interacted with your horse, and keep the price in mind as you finalize your decision. After the decision is made, be sure to contact the horse trainer you chose to set up training sessions. | Ask for a referral from other horse owners you know. Request a referral from your veterinarian. Search for a horse trainer online. Choose a horse trainer with adequate skills. Find an affordable package. Make sure the trainer has insurance coverage. Set up interviews with potential trainers. Prepare for the interviews. Introduce potential trainers to your horse. Inquire about education and certification. Check for experience. Weigh your options. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cheer-Up-Your-Boyfriend | How to Cheer Up Your Boyfriend | If your boyfriend is feeling down, try and do something fun that you've never tried before, like going to a new restaurant or watching a new TV show. If your boyfriend gets energy from other people, try scheduling a hangout with some of his friends. Together, you could watch one of his favorite movies, or make him his favorite meal. If nothing seems to be working, or if he moves away when you go to touch him, your boyfriend might just want some alone time. Be sure to respect that. | Spend some time with friends if you think it will help. If your boyfriend is the type of guy who just wants to be alone or to be with you when he's upset, then you probably shouldn't drag him out to a party or invite your fifty best friends over. But if he's the kind of guy who gets his energy from other people and who is always laughing and feels engaged when other people are around, then setting up a low-pressure social outing can actually make him feel better. Try to make the event alcohol-free as much as you can. Even if drinking will temporarily make your boyfriend forget his problems, it will end up making him feel worse. Alcohol is a depressant, after all. If you and your boyfriend do end up hanging out with friends when he's upset, be sensitive to his needs. If he wants to go home early, you should be respectful of that. Play a board game. Who says you're too old for Monopoly or Clue? Pick a game you both used to love when you were kids, or one that you still play sometimes, and spend a night together, or with another two or three friends, playing board games and having a fun, simple night. Make some popcorn or bring out a few snacks, like Cheez-Its or Fruit Roll-Ups, that remind you of your childhoods, and make a fun night of it. This will work best if your boyfriend isn't really competitive when it comes to games. You don't want to end up making him more upset because he keeps losing property in Monopoly. You can even go to Target or another store together and tell him to pick out any game he wants. This may seem corny, but it could cheer him up for sure! Do something he’s always wanted to do. Think about it: is there something your boyfriend has always wanted to do or try, whether it's to check out the new deep dish pizza place in town or to watch Twin Peaks? As long as it's fairly simple and doesn't require a lot of emotional energy, you can surprise him with how thoughtful you are by setting up an evening to do something that he's always wanted to do. Of course, don't push it. You don't want to make a reservation at an expensive restaurant he's been wanting to try when he's just not feeling it. But if there's a simple or low-pressure activity you two can do together, then you should try it. Get him out of the house. If your boyfriend needs to be cheered up over something that isn't super serious, then one of the best things you can do is to get him out of the house. Just being around people, breathing some fresh air, and letting the sun hit his face can have a big impact on his mood and can make him feel less alone. If he's been sitting in a dark room sulking all day, then of course he's going to be upset. But if you make him come out, even if it's just to take a quick walk, it can have a big impact on his mood. It may help to give him a short goal instead of just saying you want to go outside. Telling him you want to walk to get some coffee or to run a quick errand can make the trip outside have more of a purpose. If you're both doing something inside you can easily do outside, such as reading, then try to get him to do the same thing in a park so it doesn't feel like he's exerting too much effort. Be active together. Get your boyfriend out of the house to go hiking, running, walking, or to throw around a Frisbee or to kick around another soccer ball. It doesn't really matter what you do, but it does matter that you get your boyfriend's endorphins going and that you help him get out and about a bit more. Even hitting up the gym together for half an hour can have a major impact on his mood. If he's bummed out but not so upset that he can't leave the house, then making time for some exercise together can help cheer him up. When your boyfriend is upset, he's much more likely to stay in one place, to eat unhealthy foods, and to pay less attention to his body. Being active together can help get him out of that rut. Of course, if he seems really weak and tired, than he may not be up for much more than a walk, and you shouldn't try to force him to be too physical. Be affectionate, but only if that’s what he wants. Sex or any form of intimacy may not always make your boyfriend feel better, and he may even feel worse if you act like the only way you can make him feel better is to get intimate. Still, giving him more affection can definitely cheer him up if you go about it the right way. Hug him, give him a kiss, and put your arms around him to make him feel less alone. Squeeze his hand, put a hand on his shoulder, run your fingers through his hair, or do whatever you know will make him feel better. If your boyfriend is really sad and wants some distance, then you shouldn't force affection. Pay close attention to how he responds to your touch. If he responds positively and moves closer to you, then give him more of your loving. But if he seems to back away, then take it easy on the physical affection for now. Make him his favorite treat. Another way to cheer your boyfriend up is to surprise him with his favorite treat. This could be as simple as picking up food from his favorite Thai place, baking him brownies or presenting him with an ice cream sundae or even inviting him over to make him his favorite pasta dish. This will not only make his taste buds feel better, but it will show him how much you love and care about him. If he's alone at home, coming over with his favorite treat can also make him feel extra cheered up. Of course, if he's seriously depressed, then he may not want to eat much. But if he's just upset over a bad test grade or something that won't last, then this can be the best remedy. Have a picnic. Take your boyfriend out to the park, a nearby grassy location, or even your backyard and have a nice and simple picnic with him. Make him his favorite sandwiches, bring along some treats he likes, and prepare some soda, sparkling water, or another beverage of his choice. You don't have to make it too elaborate as long as he sees you've made an effort to make him feel better. This can make for the perfect mid-day surprise when you know he's feeling bummed. You don't need to try extra hard to make it feel romantic; it's more important that it's fun and lighthearted and that he genuinely enjoys himself. Bring some comic books, sports magazines, or something else he might like to make the picnic even more fun, or to cheer him up if he doesn't feel like talking. Watch his favorite old school movie. Invite your boyfriend over, make some popcorn and get some other movie theatre treats, like Snow Caps or M&Ms, and have him pick his favorite movie from his childhood to watch. This could be The Goonies, a Rocky movie, The Sandlot, or really anything he used to love as a kid and hasn't seen in a long time. It doesn't matter how silly it is or if he worries it may not stand the test of time; this will make watching it even more fun. Making a cozy home theatre for him can be a better option than taking him out to the movies if he doesn't feel like going on a big outing or being around too many people. Understand when he just wants some space. Of course, if your boyfriend is upset, it makes sense that you want to do everything in your power to cheer him up and make him feel better. However, sometimes the best thing you can do is just to be understanding and to give him some alone time, knowing that he'll feel better soon. You don't want to force him to do too many things or to put pressure on him to be in a good mood, or that may actually make him feel worse. Though you may think that your boyfriend can only feel better if he's around you, he may actually feel worse because he'll feel like you're trying so hard to cheer him up and he just can't do it. He may just want some time alone to sort out his feelings and you have to be okay with that. Another possibility is that your boyfriend wants your company, but he doesn't want to do too much. If that's the case and he's really too upset to do much more than eat or talk to you, then you shouldn't try to force him to do more. Talk to him about it. If your boyfriend is upset, then the best thing you can do is to have a conversation with him about his feelings. This can help him feel better by getting his feelings out there and having someone who cares about him understand what he's going through. You don't have to put the pressure on and make him talk too much in a high-pressure setting, but you should casually let him see that you're there if he wants to talk. This will help cheer him up and will help him deal with his emotions. Of course, if he gets too angry or emotional when he talks to you about it, then you can stop or take a break. He doesn't have to tell you everything all at once. When he talks to you, practice reflective listening. Hear what he really wants to say and then repeat it back to him in his own words, showing that you really care for him and understand the situation. Make sure he's done talking before you say anything and don't interrupt him or give him advice if he doesn't ask for it. Make eye contact, put away your distractions, and let him see that he has your full attention. Say you’re there for him. Make it clear that you're there to listen to what he has to say or just to provide support even if he doesn't feel like saying much. Your presence is more important than anything, so let him see that you care and that you'll be there when he needs you. Just making it clear that you care for him can cheer him up and make him see that you really do want him to feel better. This doesn't mean you have to do a million activities together, but just that you want to spend the time together. Let him know you're there for him and make this clear when you're with him in person while also telling him the same thing over the phone when you're not together. Remember that he may be feeling self-conscious about the fact that he's upset, so it's important that he knows you'll be there no matter what. Know when he doesn’t want to talk. Though talking to him and hearing what his problems are can make him feel better, sometimes he may be feeling so overwhelmed or so sad that he can barely get a word out. If this is the case, then don't force him to talk about it, ask him a million questions, or try to reassure him over and over again. Maybe he's not ready to talk about what's happened or maybe he's just grumpy about something minor and it will only make him feel worse to rehash it; whatever the case may be, you should look out for signs that he really doesn't want to talk and be understanding of that. Of course, if your boyfriend has been upset about something serious for weeks, then it's important to talk to him about opening up. You don't want him to feel worse or to let those feelings keep bottling up inside him. Don’t say everything will be okay if it won’t. If your boyfriend is upset because of his last soccer match or a botched interview, then chances are that he'll be able to recover from it pretty smoothly. But if something more serious has happened, such as a death in the family, then you should be sensitive of the fact that things really won't be better any time soon. Try to avoid any cliches like, “Your grandmother is in a better place” or “Things happen for a reason,” because this may just make your boyfriend feel more frustrated and upset. Though it's not easy to help your boyfriend when he's going through something truly challenging, the best thing you can do is to be understanding of how hard it is, even if you can't feel what he's feeling. Let him know how much you care about him. Sometimes, the best thing you can do when your boyfriend is upset is to let him know how much he means to you. Just taking the time to give him real compliments, to remind him of all of the things you love about him and all of the great qualities he possesses can help him feel that he's an amazing person who can recover from whatever has happened; praising him can be especially helpful if he's upset because of something that made him doubt himself, such as some negative comments from his boss or a failed test grade. Make sure that this comes off as sincere, and not like you're just saying nice things to cheer him up. Take some time to think about your favorite qualities of your boyfriend and to let him know how special he is and how much he means to you. You can also remind him of all the times he has been there for you and has helped you out. Show him that it's okay to be the one who needs the help, and that he's done plenty for you. Write him a letter about why you love him. Though telling your boyfriend how much you care about him through your words can make a huge impact on him, you can also write him a letter about all of the things you love about him. This can cheer him up and can make him see, in writing, how much he means to you. Having all of the things you love about him written down can also give him something he can pick up and read when he's down. You can hand him the letter, read it to him, or even mail it to him for a nice touch. You can also sneak it into his bag or one of his books. Understand that it’s not your fault. If your boyfriend is suffering from depression or has been really upset about a certain event for a long time, then the important thing is that you don't blame yourself. You may think that, if your boyfriend can't seem to cheer up, it's your fault, somehow, but you need to know that sometimes, there's nothing you can do to make someone feel better, no matter how hard you try. If your boyfriend feels like you're blaming yourself for not being able to cheer him up, then this will make him feel even worse, like he's failing not only because he can't cheer up but because he's also disappointing you in some way. Try not to let your disappointment show. Sometimes a problem is so serious that only time or professional help can make it better. Don't put that on yourself. Talk to him about seeing a therapist. If your boyfriend is really going through emotional trouble and it doesn't seem to be getting any better, then you can talk to him about potentially going to therapy. Talking to a professional can help him get a better sense of his situation and to understand which steps should be taken. He may be reluctant about therapy and it may not be for everyone, but you should at least suggest this as an option so he knows what is available to him. This may not be an easy conversation to have. However, if he's been upset, sad, or disengaged for a long time and there seems to be no way out of the woods for him, then it's time to take action. Don’t be frustrated with yourself for getting annoyed. If your boyfriend is depressed or going through a really hard time, then you may think that you're perfectly capable of being loving and supportive all the time. However, everyone's patience has a limit and nobody is perfect, so you shouldn't be mad at yourself if you find that you can't be in the supportive role 24/7. You may even feel actively annoyed with your boyfriend after a while, wondering why he can't just “cheer up” as if it's no big deal; it's perfectly natural to feel this way and you shouldn't be down on yourself because of it. It's normal that you may want your boyfriend to just be like everyone else, especially if he's been down for a while. It's important to be honest with yourself about your feelings and to give yourself space when you need it. If you're really frustrated with him for being in a bad mood, especially if it's not about anything serious, then you can talk to him about it. But if he's grieving over his father's death, then you shouldn't tell him you're annoyed with him for being so sad all the time; instead, explain that you love him but that you need some time to yourself, too. Don’t force him to do too much. If your boyfriend really is depressed, then you shouldn't try to get him to go on a weekend trip, take five yoga classes a week with you, and to meet your three best friends from college. He may be barely able to take care of himself and to talk to you, let alone to try to do a million different activities to get him out of a slump. Telling him to smile, put himself out there, or to move on won't really help unless you show a sincere interest in his problems, so you shouldn't try to get him moving out and about too much if his real problem is a deep sadness and depression that a walk in the park won't fix. Of course, if he really is depressed or deeply upset, some activity, especially some of the ones in the first section, really can make his day better. However, you have to understand that, if he's deeply sad, it'll be a struggle for him to complete even the most basic tasks, so you shouldn't ask too much of him. If he’s going through grief or depression, be patient. Though this may not be the easiest thing to hear, if your boyfriend is seriously struggling, then the best thing you can do is to offer your support and to be patient with him while he goes through what may be the most difficult time of his life. You have to be there for him, not expect him to do too much, and help him get through this difficult time. If you really love and care about him and see him in your long term future, then you have to be willing to be patient for him. Of course, everyone's patience has its limits. If you feel that you've been holding him up for months, or even years, and he's shown no sign of improving or wanting to improve, then you shouldn't feel obligated to be in that role forever. Know that the best thing you can do is to be there for him. If he's struggling through a life crisis, then you may think that taking him on picnics or making him dessert can really help break him out of his funk, but the reality is that the best thing you can do is to reassure him with your loving presence. Let him see that you're there for him and that you don't want him to go dancing, to laugh more, or to do eighty million things with you—that you love him and simply want him to feel better. You should know that your presence enough is what he needs. You don't need to jump through a million hoops to cheer him up. Give him your love and support and the rest will follow. | Spend some time with friends if you think it will help. Play a board game. Do something he’s always wanted to do. Get him out of the house. Be active together. Be affectionate, but only if that’s what he wants. Make him his favorite treat. Have a picnic. Watch his favorite old school movie. Understand when he just wants some space. Talk to him about it. Say you’re there for him. Know when he doesn’t want to talk. Don’t say everything will be okay if it won’t. Let him know how much you care about him. Write him a letter about why you love him. Understand that it’s not your fault. Talk to him about seeing a therapist. Don’t be frustrated with yourself for getting annoyed. Don’t force him to do too much. If he’s going through grief or depression, be patient. Know that the best thing you can do is to be there for him. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Buffalo-Hump | How to Get Rid of Buffalo Hump | If you've developed a buffalo hump on your back, you can try to reduce it at home by practicing yoga 3 times a week, stretching your muscles with head slides and chin tucks, or going to a physical therapist for more advice. However, if you don't notice an improvement after several weeks, talk to your doctor about the possible underlying cause, so you can figure out how to get rid of it. Although the hump might be from bad posture, your doctor may suggest diagnostic tests, such as a CT scan, MRI, or urinalysis, if they suspect a different cause, like osteoporosis or Cushing syndrome. Your doctor may also suggest you stop taking certain prescription medications to reduce your hump, or recommend surgery if your hump is causing you pain. | Visit your doctor to discuss possible underlying causes. Make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as you notice that a hump is forming. Your doctor can talk to you about your medical history and determine how to proceed. Common causes include: Poor posture Osteoporosis Cushing syndrome Prescription medications Undergo diagnostic tests, if necessary. If your doctor suspects the hump is due to something other than posture, they may order some tests to help figure out the cause. If they suspect Cushing syndrome, for instance, they might do urine or blood analysis. They might also order a bone density test or imaging, such as a CT scan, MRI, or X-ray. Discuss your prescription medications with your doctor. Certain medications, such as corticosteroids, can cause humps to form. The risk increases the longer you take the medicine. Tell your doctor about all medications that you are taking. If your doctor thinks the hump is related to your medication, they might tell you to stop taking that medication. Do not ever stop taking medication without discussing it with your doctor first. Ask questions about surgical procedures. Most people don't experience pain with a hump, but you might suffer from chronic muscle tightness or soreness. If you're in pain, or just want your hump gone, talk to your doctor about surgical options. This surgery typically takes about 45 minutes. You might go under general or local anesthesia, depending on what your doctor thinks is best. The best part is that you'll be up and moving around the same day as your surgery! Most people report a significant reduction in pain within 4-5 days. If your hump is pretty small and not painful, your doctor might not recommend surgery. Go to physical therapy to learn helpful exercises. Physical exercises can help reduce the size of your hump. Ask your doctor for a referral to a physical therapist. They will be able to guide you through a series of exercises that you can eventually perform on your own. Talk to your insurance provider about whether your plan covers physical therapy. Do yoga 3 times per week. Once study showed that taking an hour long yoga class 3 times per week for 24 weeks had a 4.4% improvement in their hump. Look into yoga classes in your area and enroll in one that is at your skill level. Even if you have never done yoga before, you can find a class that works for you. Do neck exercises with a balled up sock behind your hump. Take 2 socks, roll 1 up, and tuck it inside of the other 1. Then, sit in a high backed chair or lean against a wall. Position the balled up sock between your hump and the chair or wall. Then, do neck exercises, such as by moving your head from side to side, looking down and looking up, or doing head rolls. You can also lay on the floor or on a foam pad or roller with the sock under your hump. This will help to stretch it out, but it may be uncomfortable to do for more than a few minutes. Release tight muscles with a massage ball. In addition to, or instead of, physical therapy, you can do exercises at home to help reduce your hump. Purchase a small massage ball online or at any store that sells exercise equipment. Lie on the floor with your head resting on the massage ball. Make sure the ball is pressing into the base of your head. Gently rock your head from side to side. Spend 1 minute on the right side and 1 minute on the left side. Do this once a day, or more often if your muscles are feeling especially tight. Perform chin tucks to strengthen your muscles. Tuck your chin into your chest while either standing or sitting. Using your hand, gently pull your head down to stretch your neck. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds. Repeat this 3 times, once a day. Exercises might help reduce your hump. Keep doing them daily even after your hump is gone to help prevent it from coming back. Complete a series of head slides to loosen stiff joints. Face forward with your chin parallel to the ground. Slide your head slowly from side to side so that you can feel a stretch. Repeat this 20 times. Do a set of head slides daily. Contact your doctor if you don't see improvement after several weeks. There's no quick fix for getting rid of a hump. Understand that it could be several weeks or a few months before you see results. Each person is different, so it is difficult to say exactly how long improvement should take. If you're concerned that your routine is not working, talk to your doctor about other solutions. Practice good posture. Standing and sitting up straight might help reduce your odds of developing a hump. Make it a point to think about your posture throughout the day. If you notice yourself slumping, straighten your spine. When you are standing, keep your head high, shoulders back, and stomach in. While sitting, make sure your back forms a right angle with your thighs. Prevent obesity with regular exercise and a healthy diet. Being overweight can increase the risk of developing a hump. Talk to your doctor about whether or not you are at a healthy weight. If necessary, follow your doctor's advice to lose weight with diet and exercise. Eat a balanced diet full of plenty of fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and complex carbs. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. Increase your calcium intake if you are over 51. As you age, your risk of osteoporosis increases. Talk to your doctor about increasing the calcium in your diet. Add more calcium-rich foods to your diet, such as almonds, yogurt, and milk. Your doctor might recommend taking a daily calcium supplement. Make sure to follow the dosage instructions carefully. | Visit your doctor to discuss possible underlying causes. Undergo diagnostic tests, if necessary. Discuss your prescription medications with your doctor. Ask questions about surgical procedures. Go to physical therapy to learn helpful exercises. Do yoga 3 times per week. Do neck exercises with a balled up sock behind your hump. Release tight muscles with a massage ball. Perform chin tucks to strengthen your muscles. Complete a series of head slides to loosen stiff joints. Contact your doctor if you don't see improvement after several weeks. Practice good posture. Prevent obesity with regular exercise and a healthy diet. Increase your calcium intake if you are over 51. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grill-Baby-Back-Ribs | How to Grill Baby Back Ribs | To grill baby back ribs, start by preheating one side of your grill to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, place the ribs on the cooler side of the grill and close the grill lid. Next, let the ribs cook for about 2 1/2 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. As the ribs cook, baste them with sauce occasionally to give them flavor and prevent them from drying out. | Remove the thin membrane on the inside of the ribs. To prepare the ribs for grilling , begin by placing them on a clean, flat surface and turn them over so that the inner (convex) side faces up. Slide a sharp knife under the membrane on one end of the ribs to loosen an edge, then grab the loose corner and peel off as much of the membrane as you can. You may find it helpful to grip the membrane with a piece of dry paper towel, since it tends to be a little slippery. Rub the ribs with a cut lime. Take a lime and slice it in half. Squeeze the lime a little to release the juice as you rub the cut side over the ribs. Depending on how juicy the limes are, you may need 1 to 2 limes to cover a full rack of ribs. The lime juice will penetrate into the meat of the ribs, both tenderizing the meat and infusing it with a zesty flavor. Alternatively, you can rub a little apple cider vinegar onto your ribs (use about ⁄ 4 cup (59 mL) per 2 pounds (0.91 kg) of ribs). Massage the ribs with a seasoning rub. Using the spice combination of your choice, rub dry seasonings all over your ribs. Make sure to cover every surface thoroughly. The rub will make the meat more flavorful and will also help seal in moisture as it cooks. You can buy a pre-mixed rib rub or make your own. You can make a very basic rub by combining a tablespoon (about 17 g) of salt with 1 tablespoon (about 7 g) each of black and red pepper. For a more complex flavor, try mixing 1.5 tsp (6.25 g) of brown sugar, 1 tbsp (6.9 g) of paprika, 1.5 tsp (3 g) of fresh orange zest, 1.25 tsp (7.11 g) of salt, ¾ tsp (1.5 g) of cumin, ½ tsp (1.3 g) of ground black pepper, and ¼ tsp (0.65 g) of ground cayenne pepper. These ingredients will season 4 pounds (1.8 kg) of ribs. Wrap the ribs in plastic wrap and chill them for 8 hours. Once the ribs are infused with lime juice and spices, seal them up tightly with cling wrap. Put them in a covered baking dish and leave them in your fridge for at least 8 hours. This will give the meat plenty of time to soak up the flavors from the lime juice and spices. You can safely let fresh pork ribs chill with the rub on them for 3 to 5 days. However, the salt in the rub will eventually cause a loss of moisture and give the meat a “hammy” flavor. For the best flavor, try not to let the rub sit longer than around 12 hours. Light one side of your grill and heat it to 350–400 °F (177–204 °C). For perfect baby back ribs, the best approach is indirect heat. If you're using a gas grill, only light the burners on one side. For a charcoal grill , move the charcoal to one side or put the coals around the edges of the grill so the center is open. If your grill does not have a built-in thermometer, you can test the approximate temperature of the grill by holding the palm of your hand about 3 inches (7.6 cm) above the grate for a few seconds. If you can keep your hand there for 4 to 5 seconds before you have to pull it away, it's around the right temperature. If you're not stacking the ribs, you may wish to cook them at a lower temperature (e.g., around 300–350 °F (149–177 °C)). At that temperature, you should be able to hold your hand above the grill for 6 to 7 seconds. You can adjust the temperature of a charcoal grill by opening or closing the vents. Open vents will let in more oxygen, increasing the heat of the grill. Place the ribs on the cooler part of the grill. When you're ready to grill the ribs, remove them from their plastic wrap and lay them on the unlit side of the grill, bone-side down. Then, close the grill cover. For extra tender ribs, stack your ribs on top of each other on the cool side of the grill. Let them cook for 40 minutes, then rotate the bottom rack of ribs to the top of the stack. Repeat this process 2 more times, rotating the ribs every 40 minutes. Some barbecue chefs advise letting your meat sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before putting it on the grill so that the ribs cook more quickly and evenly. Baste the ribs with barbecue sauce as they cook. Once your ribs have been cooking for a couple of hours, brush some barbecue sauce on them. Let them cook for another 30 minutes or so, basting them occasionally. If you stacked the ribs, you will need to separate them before adding the sauce. When you do this, turn the temperature of the grill down to low-medium heat, or between 300 °F (149 °C) and 350 °F (177 °C). This is necessary because the ribs will begin to cook more quickly once they're separated. Cook the ribs until they are tender. The ribs are done when the meat is soft and separates easily from the bone. Once they're ready, take them off the grill and let them stand for about 10 minutes before serving them. Pork ribs need to be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 145 °F (63 °C) before you eat them. This should happen long before the ribs reach their optimal tenderness. Your total cooking time should be around 2.5 hours. Slice up the ribs or serve them by the rack. Each rack will contain about 10 to 13 ribs. You can either divide the cooked racks into individual ribs or serve them in larger sections. If you're serving your ribs up with sides (such as corn on the cob or potato salad ), you can plan to serve up about 3-4 ribs per person. Store any leftover ribs in a sealed container in your fridge for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, put your ribs in a freezer-safe container and freeze them for up to 6 months. To reheat your ribs, brush them with a fresh coating of barbecue sauce and wrap them well in aluminum foil. Place them in a baking dish and cook them in your oven for 30 minutes at 250 °F (121 °C). | Remove the thin membrane on the inside of the ribs. Rub the ribs with a cut lime. Massage the ribs with a seasoning rub. Wrap the ribs in plastic wrap and chill them for 8 hours. Light one side of your grill and heat it to 350–400 °F (177–204 °C). Place the ribs on the cooler part of the grill. Baste the ribs with barbecue sauce as they cook. Cook the ribs until they are tender. Slice up the ribs or serve them by the rack. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Aloe-Vera-to-Treat-Acid-Reflux | How to Use Aloe Vera to Treat Acid Reflux | You can treat acid reflux by drinking aloe vera gel or juice before meals. You'll want to drink about 2 fluid ounces of aloe vera gel or juice 20 minutes before you eat. Aloe vera can be quite strong on its own, so if you don't like the flavor, dilute it with water or herbal tea. Alternatively, you can take 1 or 2 aloe vera gel capsules before meals, although these haven't been studied specifically for acid reflux treatment. Keep in mind that taking aloe vera can give you side effects like diarrhea, stomach cramps, and skin rashes. If your symptoms don't improve after 2 weeks of taking aloe vera, visit your doctor so they can work out if something else is causing your acid reflux. | Choose aloe vera juice that doesn’t contain aloin or aloe latex. Check online, at pharmacies, or at health-food stores for an organic aloe juice so it's the best quality. Look on the label to ensure that the juice says it's for oral use rather than applied topically. Read the ingredients to make sure the juice doesn't contain any aloin, aloe latex, or artificial preservatives. Search for phrases like “latex-free” or “aloin-free” on the packaging to ensure the juice is safe to consume. You can buy aloe juice online or from your local drugstore. Avoid packages that say “whole leaf” since they may also contain aloe latex or aloin. Drink 10 ml (2.0 tsp) of your aloe juice each day. Take the aloe juice in the morning about 20 minutes before you eat. Keep taking the aloe every day to reduce your symptoms of acid reflux. You should start feeling relief within a few days, but it may take you up to 2 weeks to feel its effects. Aloe juice can have a bitter flavor. Try diluting it in a glass of water if you want to mask the flavor. Store the aloe juice in the refrigerator after you open it. After 2 weeks, throw away any that you haven't used. Stop taking aloe if you feel stomach cramps or have diarrhea. Although some people don't get them, aloe may have these side effects. If you have an upset stomach or unexplained diarrhea, stop taking aloe for a few days to see if you feel better. If you do, aloe was causing you pain. However, if you still feel symptoms, see a doctor. Aloe can act as a laxative, so be careful not to take more than a single dose. See your doctor if your symptoms don’t improve after 2 weeks. Your doctor will review your symptoms and medical history to make a diagnosis. If they think you have a more serious condition, they may do diagnostic tests, as well. Similarly, you should also see your doctor if you have the following symptoms along with your acid reflux: Persistent nausea or vomiting Painful swallowing Reduced appetite resulting in weight loss Talk to your doctor if you’re pregnant and have acid reflux. It's normal to experience acid reflux during pregnancy, so you're not alone. Fortunately, your doctor can help you choose the best treatment. Let them know that you're experiencing heartburn and how often it occurs. Track the foods or activities that may be contributing to your acid reflux so you can find relief. Don't use any treatments, including aloe vera, without first checking with your doctor. Get urgent care for chest pain or pressure with pain in your arm or jaw. While it's most likely you're safe, arm and jaw pain can also be signs of a minor heart attack. Contact your doctor and explain your symptoms to see if they recommend seeking emergency care. Try not to panic because these symptoms may be caused by several conditions. Only a doctor can diagnose what's causing yours. Then, they'll offer you treatment. Ask your doctor if a prescription treatment is right for you. If you've already tried over-the-counter or natural treatments but haven't found relief, your doctor may decide to put you on prescription medication. Your doctor may prescribe an H2 blocker or a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) to reduce your stomach acid production and help your esophagus heal. Take your medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. You can find H2 blockers and PPIs over-the-counter, as well. If you've already tried these and they didn't work, a prescription medication may help. Talk to your doctor about potential side effects, such as poor nutrient absorption. They can advise you on how to avoid problems due to side effects. In rare cases, your doctor may recommend a surgical procedure called fundoplication. During this procedure, your doctor will tighten your lower esophageal sphincter to help prevent acid from escaping. Ask your doctor about starting a GERD diet. If you still feel acid reflux and nothing else has worked, see if your doctor recommends a diet to alleviate your gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms. If they do, switch to smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day rather than eating large amounts of food. Try to limit the number of fatty, spicy, or fried foods you eat, as well as chocolate, garlic, onions, citrus, and alcohol. Keep a record of the foods you eat so you can track what foods trigger your acid reflux. | Choose aloe vera juice that doesn’t contain aloin or aloe latex. Drink 10 ml (2.0 tsp) of your aloe juice each day. Stop taking aloe if you feel stomach cramps or have diarrhea. See your doctor if your symptoms don’t improve after 2 weeks. Talk to your doctor if you’re pregnant and have acid reflux. Get urgent care for chest pain or pressure with pain in your arm or jaw. Ask your doctor if a prescription treatment is right for you. Ask your doctor about starting a GERD diet. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Act-Around-Your-Ex | How to Act Around Your Ex | It can be difficult to spend time around your ex, but you can make it less painful by keeping your conversations light and not talking about your relationship issues. One way to keep yourself emotionally distanced from your ex is to treat them as if they are a colleague. Avoid bringing up long-simmering issues you have with them since that will only make things awkward or even lead to a fight. Instead, have a respectful conversation about something basic, like sports or the weather. If you have to be around your ex at work or school, make a pledge to stay professional and keep all personal discussions with them outside the workplace. | Be patient. You're used to being emotionally and physically intimate with each other, so don't expect to establish new relationship patterns right away. Don't seek your ex out socially, especially at first. Experts recommend taking at least eight weeks without any sort of contact. Seeing your ex right after the breakup can make it more difficult to move on. Treat your ex as you would treat a colleague. Be friendly and respectful without indicating too much closeness. Keep your interactions light. Especially if you have not seen each other in a while, resist the urge to address long-simmering relationship issues. You: Hi, Dave. Did you catch the game last night? Him: I did. They need new management. You: The relief pitcher looked pretty good. Maybe he should have started. Him: Yeah, I didn't understand that decision. You: Well, good seeing you. Hopefully they make it to the post-season. If your ex brings up a contentious issue, try changing the subject to something you agree on. Him: Hi, Melanie. Did you try the pierogies? You: I did. They remind me of the ones your mom always made. Him: How would you know? You never went to visit her. You: I think we both appreciated her cooking. Him: That's true. Avoid alcohol. Emotions will already be riding high. If you're drinking, you'll be less inhibited and more likely to say something that you'll regret. Disengage from your ex online. Unfriend him on Facebook and avoid him on other forms of social media. Yes, keeping tabs on an ex online is tempting—you want to know if he is miserable without you, if he has started dating someone new, etc. Research shows that it is better to avoid this temptation, though. It's easy for these behaviors to get obsessive, turning into what psychologists call “interpersonal electronic surveillance” and the rest of us call Facebook stalking. It's also bad for your own emotional health. Like seeing your ex in person, interacting with him online can make the heartbreak last longer. If you do insist on continuing to follow your ex on social media, remember that what you are seeing is a highly selective view of his life. Don't think that you're struggling more than he is just because he doesn't post about it. Tread cautiously when trying to be friends. Many people want to stay friends after a breakup, which makes sense—you enjoyed being around your ex at one point, and he was a large part of your social life. Why shouldn't you continue to act as you did before, going to baseball games together, calling him to vent about your boss, or asking for his jacket when you get cold? Plenty of reasons, it turns out. Maintain physical and emotional distance to avoid ambiguity. Behaviors like flirting and touching can cause confusion for both of you. Limit your interactions. You shouldn't be checking in multiple times a day, or even once every day. It's fine to be friends, but your ex should not be the person you turn to first with good or bad news. You should not pursue a friendship with your ex as a guise for trying to get him back. If you want to rekindle the romance and he does not, you are better off cutting off contact entirely. Don’t let your relationship affect special occasions. With overlapping social circles, you and your ex will likely run into each other at special occasions including birthday parties, graduations, and weddings, probably for years to come. Be prepared for this inevitability. Don't ignore each other at big events, but don't sit together, either. If you're not on the best terms, you run the risk of making a scene. Plus, don't want to have to answer questions all night long about whether you two are back together. Divide up smaller events. You can both go to your friend's play, but you might not both want to go to the intimate dinner she's having afterward. No one likes to miss out on fun events, but it can be preferable to the alternative of a huge confrontation. Behave professionally at all times. Try to keep your relationship issues separate from your career or education. Ideally, you have been doing this all along, but if not you will have to have a conversation about it. You don't want fallout from a breakup to jeopardize your success at work or in school. If seeing your ex makes you emotional, consider changing up your routine to avoid her. Take your breaks at different times, and plot out different courses to the copy machine. Imagine that your boss is watching you whenever you interact with your ex. This will add extra motivation to stay professional. Communicate issues discreetly. If your ex breaks the “be professional at all times” pledge and starts discussing relationship issues with you, ask her to table the issue until later, or simply choose only to respond to professional communications. If this is absolutely impossible, make sure your discussion is taking place behind closed doors or via personal (not professional) phone or email. You: Do you have that report ready to give to the boss? Her: I do. But before we talk about that, I really need to know when you're going to give me my stuff back. You: Can we talk about that later? Her: I really need it soon. You: OK. Please call me or email me after work so we can come up with a plan. Find a buffer. If you're worried about being caught alone with your ex while you're microwaving your lunch, consider taking colleagues with you. Any awkwardness between the two of you will be less visible in a bigger group. Let the meeting happen organically. When you hear that your ex is dating someone new, resist the urge to look her up online. At the same time, accept that you will run into them eventually. Whether this is a planned or chance meeting, approach it with confidence. Face the situation head-on. You won't want to, but it's actually better for you to deal with them than it is to pretend not to see them and duck into a store when you're out for a walk. You WILL survive the situation, and once you do you will feel much more confident in your ability to move on. Know that confidence can sometimes work from the outside in. If you know you're going to be running into your ex and his new partner, wear whatever you feel most comfortable and confident in. This will make you feel more relaxed and at ease on the inside, as well. Be friendly, but not disingenuously so. You can be polite and civil without pretending that you are going to hang out regularly, which could come across as fake. You: Hi, Kate. Nice to meet you. Her: Hi, Rachel. I've heard a lot about you. You: How long have you lived in Chicago? Her: I moved here for college. You: Where did you go? Her: Northwestern. You: Me too. I wonder if we took any classes together. Be compassionate. Know that the meeting is awkward for everyone. Your ex is probably not trying to hurt you by moving on. In the meantime, his new partner probably feels that you are the one she is being compared to in terms of looks, career, personality, etc. Everyone wants to get through the interaction as calmly—and probably quickly—as possible, and in that way you are all on the same side. Learn from your reaction. It can be difficult, but seeing your ex with a new partner can be a useful guide to your own recovery. This is especially true when it comes to evaluating whether or not you are ready to start dating again. Be open, direct, and communicative with your ex. Know that you will have to interact with each other, probably a lot. Break-ups get even more complicated when children are involved. More people's emotions are at stake, and you cannot simply avoid your ex as you might wish to. Researchers believe that co-parenting is best for children. Co-parenting involves sharing both time and decision-making, which requires maintaining open and frequent communication with your ex. If it is too difficult to communicate openly and directly, consider passing a notebook back and forth that includes any important information about your children's time with you. Be respectful. As you make these arrangements, try to maintain amicability toward your ex. Shouting, name-calling, and other forms of conflict can negatively affect your children and undermine their relationship with their other parent. You: John, I know this is difficult, but I need you to tell me what time you will be picking up the kids. Him: Stop nagging. I'll pick them up after work. You: I understand that this sounds like nagging to you, but I have things I need to do tonight. Him: Fine, I'll pick them up at six. Do not try to interact with a violent or otherwise abusive ex. Take whatever action is required to protect yourself and your children. | Be patient. Treat your ex as you would treat a colleague. Avoid alcohol. Disengage from your ex online. Tread cautiously when trying to be friends. Don’t let your relationship affect special occasions. Behave professionally at all times. Communicate issues discreetly. Find a buffer. Let the meeting happen organically. Be friendly, but not disingenuously so. Be compassionate. Learn from your reaction. Be open, direct, and communicative with your ex. Be respectful. Do not try to interact with a violent or otherwise abusive ex. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Change-Your-Name-in-New-York | How to Change Your Name in New York | To change your name in New York, you'll need to get a court order. Start by filing a name change petition, which you can do online through the NY Courts website. You'll also need to gather paperwork to support your petition, such your original birth certificate or a certified copy. Then, you can submit your forms and filing fee with the local County Court or Supreme Court, unless you live in New York City—in which case, you'll need to file with the New York City Civil Court. | Complete a name change petition. To legally change your name or your child's name, you will need to complete and file a name change petition and proposed order. The name change petition can be completed either online or by filling out a hard copy of the form. In either case, keep in mind that you will still need to gather the remaining documents and file the petition in court. To complete the name change petition online, visit the following link: http://www.nycourts.gov/courts/nyc/civil/int_adultnamechange.shtml. Click on "Go to the Adult Name Change Petition Program." The program will guide you through a series of questions. To fill out the name change petition by hand, pick up a hard copy of the name change petition and proposed order at your nearest courthouse or print out online at https://www.nycourts.gov/courts/nyc/civil/forms.shtml#namechange. If you file your case in Supreme Court, you will additionally need to prepare and file a Request for Judicial Intervention to have a judge assigned to your case. Respond to all questions on the name change petition, including the reason you wish to change your name or your child's name. You will be asked additional questions, and for supporting documentation, if you or your child has ever been convicted of a crime or bankruptcy, involved in a lawsuit or if you pay child or spousal support. Print out the completed form if using the online program. Sign in front of a Public Notary. Gather the remaining paperwork. In addition to obtaining a name change order, proposed order and, if necessary, a Request for Judicial Intervention, you will need to gather the following documents: Original or certified copy of birth certificate for you or your child. If you are a parent or legal guardian seeking to change your child's name, you will need a notarized consent form signed by any other parent or legal guardian and a separate notarized consent form signed by your child if he is 14 years of age or older. If you or your child has a criminal history, you will need a certificate of disposition for each conviction. If you or your child is a victim of domestic violence and you wish to avoid the requirement that your name change be published in a newspaper, you will need an Order of Protection or other proof that you suffered domestic violence. File forms and fee. When you have the court papers and other documents ready, you will need to go to the County Court or Supreme Court of the county where you live to file them. You will also need to pay a filing fee. If you live in New York City, file your paperwork and fees with the New York City Civil Court. Locate the County Court or Supreme Court nearest you by using the court locator function at http://www.nycourts.gov/courthelp/NameChange/basics.shtml. Pay the correct filing fee: $210 for Supreme and County Courts, $65 for New York City Civil Court. If you cannot afford the filing fee, file a fee waiver to request that it be waived. Obtain a photocopy of the court order. Once you have filed the necessary paperwork with the court, a judge will decide whether to approve your petition. If your petition is approved, you will be given a photocopy of a Name Change Order signed by the judge. In some cases, a hearing is required to determine whether or not a name change request should be granted. If this is your case, the court will notify you when you need to appear in court. If there is no hearing in your case, the order will be sent to you in the mail. Publish your new name in the local newspaper. If the court approves your petition, you must notify the public by publishing your new name in a local newspaper. Contact your local newspaper to arrange for the publication of your new name within 60 days of the issuance of the order. You will need to submit the photocopy of the court order as proof of your name change. Obtain proof of publication (Affidavit of Publication) from the newspaper that published your name change and file with the County Clerk or Court Clerk (depending on where you filed your name change petition) within 90 days of the issuance of the order. If you miss either the 60 day or 90 day deadline, file a "nunc pro tunc" form with the court, asking the judge to accept your proof of publication despite your failure to comply with the deadline. Include an explanation for why you missed the deadline. If you wish to avoid the publication requirement because you believe that publication of your new name could endanger either yourself or your child, explain your reasons in the name change petition filed with the court and ask that the court "seal" the record of your name change. Obtain a certified copy of the court order. Once you have submitted proof of publication with the court, your name change is complete. At this point, you should request a certified copy of the name change order from the court. Present your court order as evidence of your name change. A certified copy of your court order will serve as proof that you legally changed your name. However, to ensure that government agencies recognize your name change, you will have to present the order at each agency and request that your name be changed. Visit your local Social Security Office Administration to notify them of your name change. This will allow you to use your new name at work so that you can continue receiving credit for all of your earnings. Take a certified copy of your court order and your birth certificate. Visit your local DMV office to change your name on your driver's license. Take your current driver's license and a certified copy of your court order. Select the right name. In New York, a person can change only his surname through marriage. To change your first or middle name you must obtain a court order. The new surname must be either: The surname of the other spouse or any former surname of either spouse, A name combining into a single surname all or a segment of the premarriage surname or any former surname of either spouse or A combination name separated by a hyphen, provided that each part of such combination surname is the premarriage surname, or any former surname, of each of the spouses. Write your new name on your application for a marriage license. A couple who marries in New York must apply for and obtain a marriage license before their marriage ceremony. Obtain an application at your nearest clerk's office or online. If you are in New York City, you can fill out the application online by visiting the website for the Office of City Clerk ( https://www1.nyc.gov/cityclerkformsonline/ ). In the section of the application titled "Personal Information," indicate you would like to change your name. Then write out your new name in the box below. Submit the application in person to your nearest town or city clerk's office. Both applicants must sign the application in the presence of the clerk. Obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate. Once your marriage ceremony is complete and the officiant has returned the completed license to the town or city clerk's office, you will receive your marriage certificate in the mail. The certificate should arrive within 15 calendar days of the date on which the officiant returns the marriage license to the clerk's office. If you have not received the certificate within 4 weeks of your marriage ceremony, contact your local clerk's office. Present your marriage certificate as evidence of your name change. Your marriage certificate will serve as proof that you legally changed your name. However, to ensure that government agencies recognize your name change, you will have to present the certificate at each agency and request that your name be changed. Visit your local Social Security Office Administration to notify them of your name change. This will allow you to use your new name at work so that you can continue receiving credit for all of your earnings. Take your marriage certificate and any identity document that shows proof of your old name. Visit your local DMV office to change your name on your driver's license. Take your current driver's license and your marriage certificate. Finalize your divorce. In order to change your name back to your former name or maiden name, a divorce judgment must be entered in your case. Include a provision in your divorce judgment that authorizes your name change. It is standard for a divorce decree to include language granting you the right to use your former or maiden name. Ask your lawyer to include this language in your divorce papers or, if you are not represented, make sure that whatever forms you file to obtain the divorce decree include some language that will allow you to change your name back to your maiden name after your divorce. If this provision was left out of your divorce decree, contact the court that handled your case to ask if it is possible to amend the document. If your request is denied, your only option for legally changing your name will be to file a name change petition. File the divorce judgment with the county clerk's office. This ensures the divorce judgment becomes part of the public record. While at the county clerk's office, ask for three certified copies of your divorce judgment. Keep one for your records and save the other two to take to the Social Security Office and DMV. Present your divorce judgment as evidence of your name change. Your divorce decree will serve as proof that you legally changed your name. However, to ensure that government agencies recognize your name change, you will have to present the decree at each agency and request that your name be changed. Visit your local Social Security Office Administration to notify them of your name change. This will allow you to use your new name at work so that you can continue receiving credit for all of your earnings. Take a certified copy of your divorce decree and your birth certificate. Visit your local DMV office to change your name on your driver's license. Take your current driver's license and a certified copy of your divorce decree. | Complete a name change petition. Gather the remaining paperwork. File forms and fee. Obtain a photocopy of the court order. Publish your new name in the local newspaper. Obtain a certified copy of the court order. Present your court order as evidence of your name change. Select the right name. Write your new name on your application for a marriage license. Obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate. Present your marriage certificate as evidence of your name change. Finalize your divorce. Include a provision in your divorce judgment that authorizes your name change. File the divorce judgment with the county clerk's office. Present your divorce judgment as evidence of your name change. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-a-Liar | How to Deal With a Liar | To deal with a liar, document instances where you catch them lying, and any evidence that proves it. Then, talk to them privately, calmly bringing up the specific lies you want to discuss and giving them a chance to explain. If they admit to lying, thank them for coming clean and end the conversation by telling them you hope it doesn't happen again. On the other hand, if they get defensive, show them any evidence you've collected that contradict their excuses. Finally, explain that if they continue to lie to you, you won't be able to trust them. | Recognize when the person is lying. If you know what to look for, it's not hard to tell when someone is lying to you. Knowing how to recognize when the person is trying to deceive you can clue you in to how serious the issue is. Get to know how the person looks and acts in a normal, non-stressful situation, and contrast this with how they act when you think they may be lying. After a while you should be able to read the person's body language well enough to have a grasp on when they're not telling the truth. Check out the way the person acts when you ask their birth date or hometown. Now compare that behavior to how the person acts when you ask a more difficult question, like whether they slept with your boyfriend or fudged numbers on a work document. If the person is telling the truth, they shouldn't show signs of stress when answering the more difficult questions. Forget what you've heard about lack of eye contact being an indication that someone is lying; in fact, many liars deliberately make eye contact because of this myth. When people lie they unconsciously exhibit other physical signs of stress. Look for these signs: A fake smile that engages only the mouth, not the eyes. A higher-pitched voice than normal. Dilated pupils. Very slow blink rate (and rapid blink rate when the lie is over). Antsy foot movements , like toe-tapping or shuffling. Face touching , like repeatedly covering the mouth, eyes or nose. Look for patterns in the person's lies. Many people lie about a few subjects that make them extremely uncomfortable - usually their past bad behavior or something that makes them embarrassed. If the person in question tends to consistently lie when asked about a certain topic, you may just want to back off and stop pressing that particular issue. However, if the person's lies seem to have no rhyme or reason, with no pattern you can make out, you've got a bigger problem on your hands. If someone lies every time you ask them about why their father is always absent, or why they never finished high school, or why they refuse to speak to a certain person, the answers to those questions might well be classified as none of your business, anyway. Unless you're in a committed relationship with someone, you aren't entitled to knowing every detail about someone's life. If, on the other, hand the person seems to tell lies just for the heck of it, even when asked questions about seemingly unimportant topics, they might be a compulsive liar. Since their lying doesn't follow a pattern, it will be a lot harder to sympathize with the person's intentions for hiding the truth. Determine whether the person's lies are harmful. It never feels good to be told a lie, but some lies are more harmful than others. Before you stage an intervention, figure out how the lies are affecting the liar, you, and other people who may be involved. Is the person merely protecting themselves from saying too much? Maybe it's not that big a deal. Is the person lying to manipulate other people? Do people make decisions based on what the person says, not realizing they've been lied to? This is a problem that needs to be addressed. Is the person lying to get away with bad behavior, like stealing, cheating or hurting someone? This behavior has a severely negative effect. See if the person gets pleasure from lying. Some people actually enjoy the act of lying more than they enjoy telling the truth. It can be like an addiction, evoking a small high each time a lie is told. Brazen liars who have gotten away with lying for a long time might start to lie as a way of life, rather than out of perceived necessity. Compulsive liars are tough to crack, since they need to treat lying like any other addiction. Look for signs the person is a pathological liar. Pathological liars tell exaggerated lies that are so far from the truth that they're often glaringly obvious. They often believe the lies they tell, and they'll tell you a completely absurd story with a poker face so earnest that you can't help but take it as truth. Pathological liars have a psychological disorder. Unfortunately, because they think they're telling the truth, you won't be able to talk them out of lying. Still, it's worth confronting them to determine whether a wake-up call will set them on the path to getting help. Document instances of lying. Write down each instance of lying that you notice, with details that explain why you believe it's a lie. Do some research so you have evidence that the person was lying, rather than just going on a hunch you have. You want to be able to show the liar that you know without a doubt that they were being deceitful. If you can collect hard evidence, such as emails or paperwork that contradicts what the person said, it'll make the confrontation that much easier. If you're relying on other people to call out the lie, try to get more than one person's word. Talk to the person privately. Confronting someone on their bad behavior in public is pretty cold, and isn't likely to help that person change. It's better to discuss the matter in private, so feelings of shame and embarrassment don't escalate the matter to a breaking point. Calmly tell the person that you believe they lied. Spell out the specific lie or lies you want to discuss. Don't call the person a liar. Again, it's better to take a gentle course at first. In most cases the person will be so embarrassed at being found out that they will stop lying. Give the liar a chance to explain the lie. Watch the person's body language carefully for more signs that they are lying. Listen to the person's excuse. If they admit to the lie and apologize, you may not need to take the confrontation much further. Discuss the matter fully and end the conversation by telling the person that you hope it doesn't happen again. Show your evidence that a lie was told. If the person gets defensive, makes excuses, or continues lying during the confrontation, it's time to bring out the evidence. Show the person the emails, papers, or other evidence you collected that definitely proves they lied to you. At this point you've cornered the liar, and they will probably either remain silent or begin to apologize. Explain that your trust has been lost. This is a difficult thing to hear, and the person in question will probably feel upset when you tell them that you no longer believe a word they say. Explain that you can't help but be hyperaware that the person might lie, and that until they demonstrate a commitment to the truth over a prolonged period of time, your trust will still be broken. Most people will be deeply embarrassed by this, and hopefully will make a commitment to you to tell the truth from now on. Compulsive liars may admit that they have an addiction, and ask you for help in stopping their bad habit. You may have to confront them over and over again before they stop lying for good; for some, it will be a never-ending battle. Pathological liars and sociopaths are not going to be swayed by a confrontation. For them, lying is an essential part of their personality. Recommend psychological treatment if necessary. Tell the person that excessive or compulsive lying is something that can be treated in therapy. Encourage the person to seek outside help before they lose everyone's trust. Eventually, liars are usually exposed - and as a consequence, they can lose their jobs, ruin relationships, and hurt their chances for living a more honest lifestyle. Understand it might take awhile for the liar to stop. People who have made a habit of lying can't usually break it right away. Don't be surprised if you catch the person in a lie again at some point in the future. Depending on your relationship to the liar, you may or may not want to continue helping them stop by repeating the cycle of gathering evidence, confronting the liar, and informing them that trust has been broken. Know you don't have the power to change another's behavior. Ultimately, you can't know what's going on in someone else's head. If a person wants to stop lying, they will have to make that commitment and stick to it. If a person doesn't want to stop, there's absolutely nothing you can do about that. Protect yourself from being harmed by the liar. Dealing with a liar can be emotionally exhausting. Just when you think trust has been restored, you might catch the person in the act again, and be forced to start all over. It's important to take time away from the person and spend time with people you know you can trust. You might also consider seeking counseling for help dealing with the mixed emotions that come with being close to a liar. Don't get wrapped up in the person's lies. Make sure you always have a firm grasp on the truth. Good liars are believable, and it's important to be able to tell the truth from fantasy. Cut the person off if it gets out of hand. Don't let yourself get too sucked in. At a certain point, you might need to cut ties and let go of a toxic relationship. After you've done everything you can, break it off and start healing. | Recognize when the person is lying. Look for patterns in the person's lies. Determine whether the person's lies are harmful. See if the person gets pleasure from lying. Look for signs the person is a pathological liar. Document instances of lying. Talk to the person privately. Give the liar a chance to explain the lie. Show your evidence that a lie was told. Explain that your trust has been lost. Recommend psychological treatment if necessary. Understand it might take awhile for the liar to stop. Know you don't have the power to change another's behavior. Protect yourself from being harmed by the liar. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Resolve-Problems-with-Your-Boyfriend | How to Resolve Problems with Your Boyfriend | Handling problems with your boyfriend can be stressful, but by staying objective and working towards a solution together, you'll both feel better afterwards. Plan a specific time for you to sit down and calmly talk it over. In the meantime, try to identify the root cause of your argument so you won't just go around in circles arguing. When you meet up, gently explain what you think the main issue is and how it makes you feel. Then, listen to your boyfriend's point of view and ask him how he thinks you can resolve the situation. That way, you can come to a compromise together and neither of you will feel ignored. Sometimes, it can really help just to hear and understand each other's perspectives. | Decide whether an issue is worth discussing. Some disagreements are important. Others, however, are fairly minor. If you disagree with your boyfriend o something, decide how much it bothers. Minor differences can sometimes be let go of, but major disagreements should be discussed. Sometimes, it can help to try to let an issue go for a few days and then see how you feel. For example, you get upset because your boyfriend went to a movie with his friends without asking you to join. Instead of immediately talking things through, wait a few days. If you find your anger fades, this may be a minor issue for you. You may be better off letting it go. However, if you still feel stung and rejected after a few days have passed, talk things out. Identify what the real issue is. If an issue keeps bothering you, there is probably more than meets the eye. Oftentimes, it's not just what your boyfriend did but how it made you feel. Small disagreements can point to problems in the dynamic of the relationship, so think about why something bothered you on a deeper level. For example, think about why you were upset your boyfriend went out without you. Is there anything missing in your relationship that made you take this slight very personally? Oftentimes, minor disagreements are the result of not feeling valued. You may sometimes feel taken for granted by your boyfriend, which is why you became so upset over a movie. You may want to talk about how and why your emotional needs are not being met. Think about what you want to communicate to your boyfriend. If you decide you want to discuss something with your boyfriend, do not go into the conversation not knowing what you want. Spend some time thinking about what you want your boyfriend to understand before attempting to talk things out. What main points do you want your boyfriend to take away? Think about what you're trying to communicate. For example, you want your boyfriend to appreciate you more. You should also think about how to best deliver that message. Spend some time planning what you're going to say. Think about what you want to get out of the conversation. Do you want your boyfriend to change some specific aspect of his personality? Do you want him to understand your perspective more? Know this before moving forward with the conversation. Plan a time to talk. It's always a good idea to plan your talk ahead of time. You should let your boyfriend know you would like to discuss something. The two of you should plan a time that works for you both. You want to pick a time when you will both be relaxed and willing to listen. Do not choose to talk just after work or school, when you're likely to be stressed, or a time when you have outside commitments. Pick a time to talk when you both have a good deal of free time and will be relaxed and willing to listen. For example, talk on a Saturday afternoon when your boyfriend does not have work and you're both relaxed. Start off with a softened approach. You do not want to launch into a confrontation sounding accusatory or angry. It's always better to start off with a soft approach. This way, your boyfriend will be more willing to listen. For example, do not begin with something like, "I don't like that you went to see that movie without even inviting me, even though you knew I wanted to see it." Instead, start by saying something nice. For example, "I'm glad you have such a strong friends group. I think that's important and it's nice to see you have fun. I want you to enjoy yourself." Then, introduce the issue by saying something like, "But I just wish I felt more included sometimes, and I was hurt that you went to see that movie without inviting me." Phrase things using "I" language. Remember, you want to resolve this issue and not just argue about it. Using statements that begin with "I" and use language like "I feel" reduces blame. You are not blaming your boyfriend or judging his behavior. You are simply stating how that behavior made you feel. Say something like, "I feel left out sometimes when you spend more time with your friends than me." This sounds less harsh than, "You spend too much time with your friends so I'm left out all the time." Listen to your boyfriend's point of view. Conflicts always involve two people. Your boyfriend likely had reasons for behaving and acting the way he did. After you have stated your case, listen to your boyfriend without interrupting. Make sure he feels heard as well. Do not try to discuss solution while your boyfriend is talking. You should listen to his perspective and attempt to understand it before you try to correct the situation. It can help to repeat what he's saying to make sure you understand. For example, "So, you feel like you want time just with your friends on occasion. Is that what you're saying?" Be reasonable about your expectations. Relationships are about compromise and mutual understanding. While your boyfriend should value your feelings and make necessary changes, you also need to make sure your expectations are reasonable. Be willing to compromise when discussing potential solutions. For example, people often squabble about how much time they should spend together. You cannot expect your boyfriend to spend all his time with you and should not ask him to do as much. However, there are reasonable requests you can make of your boyfriend. Maybe if the time you spent together was more meaningful, you would feel more valued and need less time together. You could ask him to be more present when you hang out by, say, putting away his phone and focusing on you. State the positives about your relationship. After a disagreement, try to end things on a positive note. State the things you appreciate about your boyfriend so you both leave feeling valued. End things by saying something like, "Thank you for listening. I really love you and love spending time with you, which is why I brought it up. I don't want anything to cause resentment." Accept things may be uncomfortable feelings at first. It's normal to feel awkward or uncomfortable after a disagreement. It is not possible to feel comfortable, happy, and resentment free all the time. Allow yourself to feel what you're feeling, even if it's negative, after a disagreement. It's healthier to process your emotions than push them down and ignore them. Even if you feel good about the discussion, you may still need time to let go of any angry feelings you had during your argument. Find common goals. You and your boyfriend can resolve disputes by identifying your goals for the relationship. What do you both want and how can you pursue that? Think about what you both want. You should find goals you both share. For example, you both may want to work on valuing one another more. Consider how to achieve this. You could, for example, spend more time together, turn your phones off during dates, and find other ways to make one another feel valued. Proceed with optimism. It can feel rough and uncomfortable to have a dispute. However, look at the bright side. You have taken the initiative to work things out. You have both expressed yourselves and your opinions. While things may be stressful now, your relationship may be stronger in the future. | Decide whether an issue is worth discussing. Identify what the real issue is. Think about what you want to communicate to your boyfriend. Plan a time to talk. Start off with a softened approach. Phrase things using "I" language. Listen to your boyfriend's point of view. Be reasonable about your expectations. State the positives about your relationship. Accept things may be uncomfortable feelings at first. Find common goals. Proceed with optimism. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Survive-a-Nuclear-Attack | How to Survive a Nuclear Attack | To survive a nuclear attack, seek shelter immediately and do not leave your shelter for at least 48 hours. While in your sheltered area, ration your food and water to make sure there's enough for everyone. To help reduce how much radiation you're exposed to, reinforce your walls and ceiling with dirt, tent materials, or anything else that you can easily access without exposing yourself to radiation from going outside. When you can leave your shelter, make sure to wear clothing from head to toe to avoid burns. | Make a plan. If a nuclear attack does happen, it won't be safe to venture outside for food — you should stay sheltered for at least 48 hours, preferably longer. Having food and medical supplies on-hand can put your mind at-ease, and allow you to focus on other aspects of survival. Stock up on non-perishable food. Non-perishables can last several years, whether it's in storage or in sustaining you after an attack. Choose items that contain a lot of carbohydrates, so you get more caloric bang for your buck, and store them in a cool, dry place. White rice Wheat Beans Sugar Honey Oats Pasta Powdered milk Dried fruits and vegetables Build your supply slowly. Every time you go to the grocery store, pick up one or two more items for your food storage. Eventually, you should be able to build up a multi-month supply. Make sure you have a can opener for canned items. Store water. Consider keeping a water supply in food-grade plastic containers. Clean the containers with a bleach solution, then fill them with filtered and distilled water. Aim to have one gallon per person per day. For purifying water in the event of an attack, keep basic household bleach and potassium iodide (Lugol's solution) on-hand. Get communication supplies. Being able to stay informed, as well as alerting others to your position, can be vitally valuable. Here's what you might need: A radio: Try to find one that's crank- or solar-powered. If you have to go with a battery-operated model, be sure to keep spare batteries on-hand. Consider getting an NOAA weather radio as well — this will broadcast emergency information 24 hours a day. A whistle: You can use this to signal for help. Your cell phone: Cell service may or may not be maintained, but you'll want to be ready if it is. If you can, find a solar charger for your model. Stock up on medical supplies. Having a few medical items available could be the difference between life and death if you're injured in the attack. You'll need: A basic first aid kit: You can purchase these pre-packaged, or make one yourself. You'll need sterile gauze and bandages, antibiotic ointment, latex gloves, scissors, tweezers, a thermometer and a blanket. A first aid instruction booklet: Purchase one from an organization like the Red Cross, or assemble your own with materials you print off from the internet. You should know how to bandage wounds, administer CPR, treat shock, and treat burns. Prescription medications or supplies: If you take a specific medication every day, try to make sure you have a small emergency supply built-up. Get other miscellaneous items. Round out your emergency preparedness kit with the following: A flashlight and batteries Dust masks Plastic sheeting and duct tape Garbage bags, plastic ties and wet wipes for personal sanitation A wrench and pliers, to shut off utilities such as gas and water Keep an eye on the news. A nuclear attack will unlikely come out of the blue from an enemy nation. Such an attack would likely be preceded by a deteriorating political situation. A war with conventional weapons between nations that both have nuclear weapons, if not ended swiftly, may escalate towards nuclear war; and even limited nuclear strikes in one region carry the likelihood to escalate towards an all-out nuclear war elsewhere. Many countries have a rating system to denote the imminence of attack. In the USA and Canada, for example, it may be useful to know the DEFCON ( DEF ense CON dition) level. Assess your risk and consider evacuation if a nuclear exchange is looking likely. If evacuation is not an option, then it should at least affect the kind of shelter you will construct for yourself. Learn your proximity to the following targets and plan appropriately: Airfields and naval bases, especially those known to house nuclear bombers, ballistic missile submarines, or ICBM silos. These are certain to be attacked even in a limited nuclear exchange. Commercial ports and runways over 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) long. These are likely to be attacked even in a limited nuclear exchange, and certain to be attacked in an all-out nuclear war. Centres of government. These are likely to be attacked even in a limited nuclear exchange and certain to be attacked in an all-out nuclear war. Large industrial cities and major population centres. These are likely to be attacked in the event of an all-out nuclear war. Learn about the different types of nuclear weapons. : Fission (A-Bombs) are the most basic nuclear weapon and are incorporated into the other weapon classes. This bomb's power comes from splitting heavy nuclei (plutonium and uranium) with neutrons; as the uranium or plutonium split each atom releases great amounts of energy - and more neutrons. The daughter neutrons cause an extremely fast nuclear chain reaction. Fission bombs are the only type of nuclear bomb used in war so far. This is the most likely type of bomb to be used by terrorists. Fusion (H-Bombs), using the incredible heat of a fission bomb 'spark plug', compress and heat deuterium and tritium (isotopes of hydrogen) which fuse, releasing immense amounts of energy. Fusion weapons are also known as thermonuclear weapons since high temperatures are required to fuse deuterium and tritium; such weapons are usually many hundreds of times more powerful than the bombs that destroyed Nagasaki and Hiroshima. The bulk of the US and Russian strategic arsenal are these types of bombs. Seek shelter immediately. Aside from the geopolitical warning signs, your first warnings of an imminent nuclear attack will most likely be an alarm or warning signal; if not, it will be the blast itself. The bright light from a detonation of a nuclear weapon can be seen tens of miles away from ground zero. If within the vicinity of the blast (or ground zero), your chances of survival are virtually nonexistent unless you are in a shelter that provides a very (VERY) good blast protection. If you are a few miles out, you will have about 10-15 seconds until the heat wave hits you, and maybe 20-30 seconds until the shock wave does. Under no circumstances should you look directly at the fireball. On a clear day, this can cause temporary blindness at very large distances. However, the actual damage radius is highly variable depending on the size of the bomb, the altitude of the explosion, and even the weather conditions at the time of the blast. If you can't find shelter, seek a depressed area nearby and lay face down, exposing as little skin as possible. If there is no shelter of this kind, dig as fast as possible. Even around 8 kilometers (5 miles) you will suffer third degree thermal-burns; still at 32 kilometers (20 miles) the heat can burn the skin off your body. The wind itself will peak at around 960 kilometers per hour (600mph) and will level anything or anybody caught in the open. Failing the above options, get indoors, if, and only if, you can be sure that the building will not suffer significant blast and heat damage. This will, at least, provide some protection against radiation. Whether this will be a viable option depends on the construction of the building and how close you will be to the likely ground zero of a nuclear strike. Stay well away from any windows, preferably in a room without one; even if the building does not suffer substantial damage, a nuclear explosion will blow out windows at enormous distances. For an example, one (albeit abnormally large) nuclear test in the Novaya Zemlya archipelago in Russia was known to knock out windows in Finland and Sweden. If residing in Switzerland or Finland, check if your home has an atomic shelter. If not, determine where your village/town/district atomic shelter is and know how to get there. Remember: anywhere in Switzerland, you'll be able to find an atomic shelter. When the sirens sound in Switzerland, you are advised to inform those who may not be able to hear it (e.g. the deaf ) and then listen to the National Radio Services (RSR, DRS and/or RTSI). Don't be surrounded by anything flammable or combustible. Substances like nylon or any oil based material will ignite from the heat. Remember that radiation exposure could cause large numbers of deaths. Initial (prompt) radiation. This is radiation released at the moment of detonation, and it is short-lived and travels short distances. With the large yields of modern nuclear weapons, it is thought that this will kill few who would not be killed by the blast or heat at the same distance. Residual radiation. Known as radiation fallout. If the detonation was a surface blast or the fireball hits the earth, large amounts of fallout occurs. The dust and debris kicked into the atmosphere rains down, bringing with it dangerous amounts of radiation. The fallout may rain down as contaminated black soot known as "black rain," which is very fatal and may be of extreme temperature. Fallout will contaminate anything it touches. Once you have survived the blast and the initial radiation (for now at least; radiation symptoms have an incubation period), you must find protection against the burning black soot. Know the types of radiation particles. Before we continue, we should mention the three different types: Alpha particles. These are the weakest and, during an attack, are virtually non-existent as a threat. Alpha particles will survive for only a couple inches in the air before they are absorbed by the atmosphere. They possess a minuscule threat from the exterior, however, they will be fatal if ingested or inhaled. Standard clothing will help protect you from Alpha particles. Beta particles: These are faster than Alpha particles and can penetrate further. They will travel for up to 10 meters (10 yards) before they are absorbed into the atmosphere. Exposure to beta particles is not fatal unless exposed for prolonged periods; which may cause "Beta burns," almost like painful sunburn. They pose a serious threat, however, to the eyes, should they be exposed for a prolonged period. Once again this is harmful if ingested or inhaled, and clothing will help prevent Beta burns. Gamma rays: Gamma rays are the deadliest. They can travel for nearly a mile in the air and penetrate just about any kind of shielding. Therefore gamma radiation will cause severe damage to the internal organs even as an external source. Sufficient shielding will be required. A shelter's PF against radiation will tell you how many times less a person inside the shelter will receive radiation compared to open space. For example, RPF 300 means that you will receive 300 times less radiation in the shelter than in the open. Avoid exposure to Gamma radiation. Try not to spend more than 5 minutes exposed. If you are in a rural area, try finding a cave, or a fallen log into which you can crawl. Otherwise just dig a trench to lie in, with stacked earth around you. Begin reinforcing your shelter from the inside by stacking dirt around the walls or anything else you can find. If in a trench, then create a roof, but only if materials are nearby; don't expose yourself when not necessary. Canvas from a parachute or tent will help stop fallout debris from piling on you, though it will not stop Gamma rays. It is impossible, at a very fundamental physical level, to completely shield from all radiation. It can only be reduced to a tolerable level. Use the following to help you determine the amount of material you'll need to reduce radiation penetration to 1/1000: Steel: 21 cm (0.7 feet) Rock: 70-100 cm (2-3 ft) Concrete: 66 cm (2.2 ft) Wood: 2.6 m (8.8 ft) Soil: 1 m (3.3 ft) Ice: 2 m (6.6 ft) Snow: 6 m (20-22 ft) Plan on staying in your shelter for a minimum of 48 hours (2 days). Under no circumstances leave the shelter in the first forty-eight hours. The reason for this is to avoid the "fission products" created by a nuclear blast. The most deadly of these is radioactive iodine. Fortunately, radio-iodine has a relatively short half-life of eight days (the time it takes for half to naturally decay into safer isotopes). Keep in mind that even after 8-9 days, there will still be a lot of radio-iodine around so limit your exposure. It may take up to 90 days for the amount of radio-iodine to decay to 0.1% of the initial amount. The other major products of nuclear fission are Cesium and Strontium. These have longer half lives of 30 years and 28 years respectively. They also are very well absorbed by living things and can make food products dangerous for decades. These materials can be carried by the wind thousands of miles so if think you are safe in a remote area, you are not. Ration your supplies. You will need to ration to survive, obviously; therefore you will eventually expose yourself to the radiation (unless you are in a specific shelter with food and water). Processed foods are okay to eat, so long as the container has no punctures and is relatively intact. Animals may be eaten but, they must be skinned carefully with the heart, liver and kidneys discarded. Try not to eat meat that is close to the bone, for bone marrow retains radiation. How to Eat Dove or Pigeon How to Eat Wild Rabbit Plants in a "hot zone" are edible; those with edible roots or undergrowth (such as carrots and potatoes) are highly recommended. Use an edibility test on the plants. See How to Test if a Plant Is Edible. Open water may have received fallout particles and is harmful. Water from an underground source, such as a spring or covered well, is your best bet. (Consider making a basic pit-style solar still, as described in How to Make Water in the Desert.) Use water from streams and lakes only as a last resort. Create a filter by digging a hole about 1 foot from the bank and drawing the water which seeps in. It may be cloudy or muddy so allow the sediments to sit, then boil the water to ensure safety from bacteria. If in a building, the water is usually safe. If there is no water (there most likely won't be), use the water already in the pipes by opening the faucet at the highest point of the house to let in air, then open a faucet at the lowest point of the house to drain the water. See also How to Get Emergency Drinking Water from a Water Heater. Know How to Purify Water. Wear all clothing (hats, gloves, goggles, closed sleeve shirt, etc. ), especially when outside to help prevent Beta burns. Decontaminate by shaking your clothes constantly and washing, with water, any exposed skin; settled residue will eventually cause burns. Treat radiation and thermal burns. Minor burn: Also known as a Beta burn (though it may be from other particles). Immerse Beta burns in cold water until the pain subsides (usually 5 minutes). If skin starts to blister, char or break; wash it with cold water to remove contaminants, then cover with a sterile compress to prevent infection. Do not break the blisters! If the skin does not blister, char or break; don't cover it, even if it covers a large portion of the body (almost like sunburn). Instead, wash the area and cover it with Vaseline or a solution of baking powder and water if available. But, moist (uncontaminated) earth will do. Severe burn: Known as a thermal burn, as it comes mostly from the high intensity blast heat, rather than ionizing particles, though it can be from the latter. This can be life threatening; everything becomes a factor: water loss, shock , lung damage, infection, etc. Follow these steps to treat a severe burn. Protect burns from further contamination. If clothing covers the burn area, gently cut and remove the cloth from the burn. DO NOT try to remove cloth which has stuck or fused onto the burn. DO NOT try to pull clothes over the burn. DO NOT put any ointment on the burn. Gently wash the burned area with water ONLY. Do NOT apply creams or ointments. Do NOT use a normal sterile medical dressing not specifically intended for burns. As non-adhesive burn dressings (and all other medical supplies) are likely to be in short supply, an expedient alternative is to use plastic wrap (also known as saran wrap, food wrap, and cling film), which is sterile, does not stick to burns, and is readily available. Prevent shock. Shock is the inadequate flow of blood to the vital tissues and organs. If untreated, it can be fatal. Shock results from excessive blood loss, deep burns, or reactions to the sight of a wound or blood. The signs are restlessness, thirst, pale skin and rapid heartbeat. Sweating may occur even if the skin feels cool and clammy. As it worsens, they breathe short fast gasps, with a vacant stare. To treat: maintain proper heartbeat and respiration by massaging the chest and positioning the person for adequate respiration. Loosen any constrictive clothing and reassure the person. Be firm yet gentle with self confidence. Feel free to assist people with radiation sickness, also called Radiation Syndrome. This is not contagious, and everything depends on the amount of radiation one received. Here is a condensed version of the table: Familiarize yourself with radiation units. (Gy (gray) = the SI unit used to measure the absorbed dose of ionizing radiation. 1 Gy = 100 rad. Sv (Sievert) = the SI unit of dose equivalent, 1 Sv = 100 REM. For the purpose of simplification, 1 Gy is usually equivalent to 1 Sv.) Less than 0.05 Gy: No visible symptoms. 0.05-0.5 Gy: Temporarily decreased red blood cell count. 0.5-1 Gy: Decreased production of immunity cells; susceptible to infections; nausea, headache, and vomiting may be common. This amount of radiation is usually survivable without any medical treatment. 1.5-3 Gy: 35% percent of exposed die within 30 days. (LD 35/30) Nausea, vomiting, and loss of hair all over the body. 3-4 Gy: Severe radiation poisoning, 50% fatality after 30 days (LD 50/30). Other symptoms are similar to the 2–3 Sv dose, with uncontrollable bleeding in the mouth, under the skin and in the kidneys (50% probability at 4 Sv) after the latent phase. 4-6 Gy: Acute radiation poisoning, 60% fatality after 30 days (LD 60/30). Fatality increases from 60% at 4.5 Sv to 90% at 6 Sv (unless there is intense medical care). Symptoms start half an hour to two hours after irradiation and last for up to 2 days. After that, there is a 7 to 14 day latent phase, after which generally the same symptoms appear as with 3-4 Sv irradiation, with increased intensity. Female sterility is common at this point. Convalescence takes several months to a year. The primary causes of death (in general 2 to 12 weeks after irradiation) are infections and internal bleeding. 6-10 Gy: Acute radiation poisoning, near 100% fatality after 14 days (LD 100/14). Survival depends on intense medical care. Bone marrow is nearly or completely destroyed, so a bone marrow transplant is required. Gastric and intestinal tissue are severely damaged. Symptoms start 15 to 30 minutes after irradiation and last for up to 2 days. Subsequently, there is a 5 to 10 day latent phase, after which the person dies of infection or internal bleeding. Recovery would take several years and probably never complete. Devair Alves Ferreira received a dose of approximately 7.0 Sv during the Goiânia accident and survived, partially due to his fractionated exposure. 12-20 REM: Death is 100% at this stage; symptoms appear immediately. The gastrointestinal system is completely destroyed. Uncontrollable bleeding from the mouth, under the skin and the kidneys occurs. Fatigue and general illness takes its toll. Symptoms are the same as before with increased intensity. Recovery not possible. More than 20 REM. The same symptoms set in instantly, with increased intensity, then cease for several days in the "walking ghost" phase. Suddenly, gastrointestinal cells are destroyed, with a loss of water and excessive bleeding. Death begins with delirium and insanity. When the brain can't control bodily functions like breathing or blood-circulation, one dies. No medical therapy can reverse this; medical help is for comfort only. Unfortunately, you have to accept that a person may soon die. Though harsh, don't waste rations or supplies on those dying of radiation sickness. Keep rations for the fit and healthy, should supplies be in demand. Radiation sickness is prevalent among the very young, the old or sick. Guard critical electrical equipment against EMP. A nuclear weapon detonated at a very high altitude will generate an electromagnetic pulse so powerful that it can destroy electronic and electrical devices. At the very least, unplug all devices from electrical sockets and antennas. Placing radios, flashlights in a SEALED metal container (a "Faraday cage") may protect from EMP, providing the items being protected are not in contact with the enclosure. The metal shield must surround the protected item completely - and it helps if it is grounded. The items to be protected should be insulated from the conductive shell, since the EMP field washing over the shield can still induce voltages in solid state circuit boards. A metalized "space blanket" (costing about $2.00 USD) wrapped securely around a device wrapped in newspaper or cotton may act as a Faraday shield, helpful if one is far from the blast. Another method is to wrap a cardboard box in copper or aluminum foil. Place the item in there and plug the device into the ground. Be prepared for subsequent attacks. Most likely, a nuclear attack will not be a singular event. Be prepared for another strike or strikes by enemy nations, or an invasion by the attacking party. Keep your shelter intact, unless the materials used are absolutely necessary for survival. Collect any excess clean water and food that is available. However, if the attacking nation does attack again, it will likely be in another part of the country. If all else fails, live in a cave. | Make a plan. Stock up on non-perishable food. Store water. Get communication supplies. Stock up on medical supplies. Get other miscellaneous items. Keep an eye on the news. Assess your risk and consider evacuation if a nuclear exchange is looking likely. Learn about the different types of nuclear weapons. Seek shelter immediately. Remember that radiation exposure could cause large numbers of deaths. Know the types of radiation particles. Begin reinforcing your shelter from the inside by stacking dirt around the walls or anything else you can find. Plan on staying in your shelter for a minimum of 48 hours (2 days). Ration your supplies. Wear all clothing (hats, gloves, goggles, closed sleeve shirt, etc. Treat radiation and thermal burns. Feel free to assist people with radiation sickness, also called Radiation Syndrome. Familiarize yourself with radiation units. Guard critical electrical equipment against EMP. Be prepared for subsequent attacks. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Practice-Yoga-Daily | How to Practice Yoga Daily | If you're struggling to practice yoga daily, keep your gear ready and in the same spot so it takes less effort to get started. Then, set a specific time to practice yoga each day so it becomes a habit. To avoid letting it become monotonous, mix up the difficulty and length of your practice sessions, and incorporate different asanas to keep things new and interesting. For example, try using a twist to get a balance between backbends and forward bends. | Have your yoga gear ready to go. If you want to practice yoga every day, always have your yoga gear ready to practice at home or in the studio. This can help prevent you from finding excuses to not practice daily. You will need a yoga mat and may want props such as a yoga belt, yoga block, and a large blanket or bolster at hand, too. These pieces of equipment can help improve and deepen your yoga practice as well as making it more comfortable. You can buy mats and props at sporting goods stores, yoga studios, or at online yoga retailers. You don't necessarily need special yoga clothing but try wearing something comfortable that isn't too tight. Decide when and how long you want to practice. While there is no best time to do yoga, many people like to practice at the same time every day. This can help you ensure that you practice every day. Some people like to practice yoga first thing in the morning. Not only can this energize you, but can also keep you from making excuses to not practice later in the day. Others prefer practicing in the evening to help them sleep. Some people find that keeping to a routine of the same time and the same place each day is most beneficial. Your mind and your body will associate that time and place with yoga sessions, which can serve as great internal motivation. Be sure to pick a time when you know there will be no interruptions or distractions, such as early in the morning or late at night. Even if it doesn't help you to always practice at the same time and place, make an effort to schedule specific times for your practice. Planning ahead can help you stay consistent. You can practice yoga for however long you like. It might be anything from a few rounds of sun salutations to a full 90-minute session. You might consider practicing for different lengths of time each day so that you don't burn out. Designate time for yourself every day. Set a specific time for your yoga practice every day. Make sure all that electronics are turned off or unplugged, no one is coming over, and everyone in your household is either not home or otherwise occupied. Let others know that your yoga practice should not be disturbed except in an emergency. Many yoga classes are 60-95 minutes, but you may not be able to make that much time. Even if you only have 10 minutes per day, you can still reap the benefits of yoga. If you have children, try to find someone to watch them while you do your yoga practice. You could also do yoga during their naps or even consider inviting the kids to do yoga with you! Find a comfortable place to practice. You can try yoga at home or in a professional studio. Either way, it's important to find a designated space so that you can comfortably and easily dedicate yourself to your daily practice. Make sure the place you choose to practice is peaceful and still so that no one can disturb your focus. You can try different types of studios, and yoga groups if you don't want to practice at home. Experiment with the different studios near you to find a studio and instructor that you like. You also don't have to limit yourself to one studio or instructor. Varying your yoga classes can help you establish your practice and keep it from getting boring. If you want to practice at home, make sure you've got plenty of room to move and a way to close yourself off to the outside world. Expect gradual improvement. Daily practice will start to flow through in evident changes in your life, but it won't happen immediately. Sometimes you might feel as though you're not progressing at all. Give it time and suddenly you may realize that your daily practice is beneficial and having a positive impact on the rest of your day. Don't make a huge issue out of missing a day here and there. It happens, just pick up from where you left off. Body memory is powerful, so let your body ease back into it without allowing your mind to infect it with anxiety over missed practices! Be regular, not rigorous. It is better to practice yoga every day for a few minutes than to push yourself into a long practice on an irregular basis. Do whatever asanas you like and perfect them before moving on to more difficult poses. Remind yourself that it is better that you're doing some yoga than none at all. Avoid adopting a negative mindset in which you tell yourself you "can't" do certain poses. You can, it just may take some (or a lot of) time. Practice regularly and build up poses that lead into the more difficult ones. Sequence a well-balanced daily practice. “Sequencing,” or putting together asanas that make up a yoga practice, is one of the most difficult parts of practicing yoga, especially if you are doing it at home. Set up different sequence for yourself every day based on the basic formula that most yoga classes follow to help yourself get the most benefits from the practice and keep you from getting bored. Start your practice with a short meditation and chanting exercise to calm your mind and center your thoughts. Set an intention for your practice just before you begin to practice. Move from a warmup of sun salutations to standing poses, then progress through inversions, backbends, forward bends, and end with savasana, or corpse pose. Always end your practice with a final relaxation pose. Consider having a mixture of easy and difficult sessions, as well as short and long practice times. Incorporate different asanas. You do not have to be able to do every yoga asana in existence to have an effective daily practice. Incorporating and mastering different poses from each of the 4 types of asana can help you put together a daily practice which won't get boring or routine. Make sure to start with easier asanas and move on to more difficult poses as you master basic ones. Do asanas from each type of pose in the following order: standing poses, inversions, backbends, and forward bends. Add a twisting asana to neutralize and stretch your spine between backbends and forward bends if you like. Hold each asana for 3-5 breaths. Add standing poses such as vrksasna (tree pose) or the Warrior Series, which is known as Virabhadrasana I, II, and III. As you progress, you can incorporate other standing poses, such as Utthita Trikonasana (Extended Triangle Pose) and Parivrtta Trikonasana (Revolved Triangle Pose). Add inversions, including mukha vrksasana (handstand), on a wall, until you have enough strength to hold yourself up. Gradually add forearm balance and salamba sirsasana (headstand) as your practice improves. Add backbends including salabhasana (locust pose), bhujangasana (cobra pose), or setu bandha sarvangasana (bridge pose). Work up to dhanurasana (bow pose) and urdhva dhanurasana (full wheel or upward bow). Add a twist if you need a balance between backbends and forward bends. Twists can get quite deep, so start off with simple variations such as Bharadvajasana (Bharadvaja's twist) before moving on to more difficult asanas such as ardha matsyendrasana (half lord of the fishes pose). Add forward bends such as paschimottanasana (seated forward bend), janu sirsasana (heat of the knee pose), or tarasana (star pose) and hold them each for 8-10 balanced breaths. Finish active practice with closing postures such as salamba sarvangasana (supported shoulder-stand), matsyasana (fish pose), viparita karani (legs up the wall pose). End your practice in savasana (corpse pose) and enjoy the benefits of your yoga session. Change up what you chant. If you enjoy chanting mantras before or after your yoga practice, change up which mantra you're chanting to mirror either your daily intention or how you're feeling that day. Each mantra has different vibrations and you want to find one that corresponds to your intention. Repetition of mantras can help you disconnect from stress you may feel and also help keep you focused on your intention. Some examples of powerful mantras include: Om or aum is the most basic and powerful mantra you can chant. This universal mantra will create powerful, positive vibrations in your lower abdomen. It is often combined with the mantra “Shanti,” which means peace in Sanskrit. You can repeat aum as many times as you wish for your chanting. Maha mantra, which is also called either the great mantra or Hare Krishna, can help you achieve salvation and peace of mind. Repeat the entire mantra as many times as you like. Its words are: Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. Lokah samastha sukhino bhavantu is a mantra of cooperation and compassion and means “May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all.” Repeat this mantra 3 or more times. Om namah shivaya is a mantra that reminds us of our own divinity and encourages self-confidence and compassion. It means “I bow to Shiva (the supreme deity of transformation who represents the truest, highest self).” Repeat the mantra 3 or more times. | Have your yoga gear ready to go. Decide when and how long you want to practice. Designate time for yourself every day. Find a comfortable place to practice. Expect gradual improvement. Be regular, not rigorous. Sequence a well-balanced daily practice. Incorporate different asanas. Change up what you chant. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Toprock | How to Toprock | If you'd like to learn how to toprock, start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms at your sides. Next, move your dominant foot forward and across your other leg, staying on the balls of your feet. Then, bring your leg back to where you started with a little hop before repeating the move with your other foot. Once you feel comfortable with the steps, add some arm movements, like swinging them out like you're about to hug someone. Finally, add some variations, like front and side kicks or twisting your hips. | Get into the starting position. Stand with your feet about shoulder width apart. Don't worry about your arms for the moment, just let them move naturally. Step out. When you step out, it doesn't matter which leg you decide to move first. Move your stepping leg about a foot in front of you, and put it across your other leg. Remember to step to the beat. Don't keep your feet too close together. When you take your step, think about walking in the direction you are stepping. Keep most of your weight on the foot you are stepping with. Stand on the balls of your feet when toprocking. This makes it easier to move around and change directions. Hop back. Bring your leg back to the starting position, and as you do, add a little hop with your back leg. When you return the starting position, your feet should land on the beat. Every time you step in or out, you should be on the beat. As you get better, you can vary your steps so that you land on half beats or quarter beats. Each time you return to the starting position, try varying the size of your hop. Experiment with different hops until you find a style that you like. You can even try a double hop when you return. Do two quick hops back to back before stepping out with your other leg. Step with the other side. From the starting position, step with your other leg. Do the exact same thing you did with your first step out. Take your leg and take a step out and across. Keep moving. Once you know how to step out and step back, just keep alternating sides. Add some arm movements. Arm gestures vary from dancer to dancer. The way you move your arms has a lot to do with your own personal style. The most common movement is to swing your arms out when you step. With your first step out, open your arms as if you're about to hug someone. Hop back and bring your hands together in front of your chest. Do a kick step. A kick step is a form of toprock that involves kicking your leg out in front, and stepping back and to the side. Prepare for the kick step by starting with a basic Indian step. It doesn't matter which leg you decide to kick out with. Time your kick to the beat as if you were going to step. Pick a leg, and kick straight out in front of you. Keep your toes pointed up. Bring your kicking leg back in, and cross it over your back leg. Your kicking foot should land just to the side of your back foot. Next, kick your back foot out to the side to uncross your legs. Repeat the kick step with the other leg. Add side kicks. To start your side kick, take a small step forward with your left foot, and kick your right foot out to the side. It should almost look like you're running. Bring your right foot down, and as you do, kick your left leg out in front of you. Keep your toes pointed up. Bring your left foot back to the starting position, and kick your right foot out in front of you. Next, bring your right foot back, and kick your left leg out to the side, just like you did with your right leg. When you plant your left leg back in the starting position, you will kick your right leg back out in front of you. Then, repeat the entire sequence. Do a hip twist. The hip twist starts a lot like the kick step. From your basic Indian step, kick your right leg out. Then, plant your right foot down, and swing your left leg out behind you. You can lean forward or backward depending on what is most comfortable for you. Next, keeping your upper body straight, bring your left leg around to the front by twisting your hips. Plant your left foot in front of your right foot, and at the same time, kick your back foot out a little, as if you were doing a side kick. Return your right foot to its starting position, and kick your left foot out in front of you. Then, do a quick hop and bring your left foot back, and kick your right foot in front of you. Once you feel comfortable doing hip twists, try to string together a continuous flow of twists. Make your own combinations. Toprocking is about making your own variations and combinations. Each dancer's style of toprock is unique. Once you learn a few moves, string them together in different ways to create your own style. Toprock is just the introduction to a bigger, more complex dance. From the toprock dance steps you can transition into floor rock or a power move. Vary your arms. The main job of your arms while toprocking is to echo your feet. They're like a backbeat. They should never stead the focus. As you move, keep your arms as loose as possible. Swing them around like an inflatable tube guy, or let your body move your arms naturally while you work your feet. To vary the open-cross gesture, cross your arms when you bring them back. If you're doing a small step forward, mark it by swinging just one arm in front of you. Work your hands. Toprock is footwork, but your hands can be the icing on the cupcake. Use your hands to express your attitude. Spread your fingers to project a friendly but slightly sarcastic "look at me" attitude. Lightly droop your wrists to project an attitude of arrogant ease. Swivel your wrists in different directions for a lopsided look. Hold your fingers loosely in a sign or a shape you like. | Get into the starting position. Step out. Hop back. Step with the other side. Add some arm movements. Do a kick step. Add side kicks. Do a hip twist. Make your own combinations. Vary your arms. Work your hands. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Apply-for-a-Guinness-World-Record | How to Apply for a Guinness World Record | To apply for a Guinness World Record, visit the organization's website and register for an account. Then, click on the green "Apply for a record" button, and locate the record you're applying for by typing its keyword into the search box. Once you've found the relevant record, provide the time and place where you broke the record, and give a description of how you did it. Next, choose between a standard or priority application before submitting your application form. Finally, submit your application and wait to hear from Guinness World Records. | Register for an account on the Guinness World Records website. Visit https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/account/register?ReturnUrl=%2Faccount to register. Enter your title, name, date of birth, county, country, and email. You'll also be prompted to create a password. Write down the password you make somewhere so you don't forget it later on. Check your email inbox for an activation link. The email will be from the address “[email protected].” Open the email and click on the activation link inside. You'll be brought to your personal dashboard on the Guinness World Records website. If you don't receive the email right away, check your spam folder. If you use multiple email accounts, make sure that you are logged into the one you signed up with. Click on the green “apply for a record” button on the middle of the page. You'll be brought to the record application search page. The page allows you to search through a catalog of records that you can break. Search for the record you’re applying for. Type in a key word into the search bar, then click the red “search” button. Use actual key words and not superlatives. For example, if you're trying to break the record for walking down a runway in the highest high heels, search for “high heels” instead of “highest.” If your record spans multiple topics, like high heels and walking, start with the more detailed one. In this case, it would be "high heels." Scroll through the list of breakable records and choose the one you want. Click on the blue “view record” button next to a record to see what the current record is that you'd have to break. Click the yellow “apply now” button when you're ready to choose a record. Meet the minimum requirement if you’re applying for a new record title. New record titles are records that have not yet been recognized by Guinness World Records. If you submit a new record title that meets all of the Guinness World Records standards and formatting criteria, they will establish a minimum, based on their research, that you must beat to officially have broken the new record. For example, if you're applying to break the record for the longest amount of time spent in a VR headset, Guinness World Records may do some research and say that 20 hours is an appropriate benchmark. You'll have to beat that to claim the world record. Avoid records that don’t meet the Guinness World Records formatting criteria. Every type of record, whether it has to do with food or art or extreme sports, has a specific format that needs to be followed. Guinness World Records will only accept records that follow the proper formatting. For example, the record of most food served in X amount of time is formatted so that X can be 1 hour, 8 hours, 12 hours, or 24 hours. Therefore, if you submitted an application for the record of serving the most food in 15 hours, you wouldn't be following the formatting criteria and your application would be rejected. Break a record that is measurable. Being the tallest person on Earth, eating the most hot dogs, and running the fastest mile are all records that can be measured. Things that are abstract or based on opinion are not measurable. For example, being the world's "greatest cat lover" is abstract. However, "owning the world's most cat figurines" is measurable. Break a record that is universally understandable. For example, being the fastest swimmer in the world would work as a record because most people in the world understand what swimming is. Make sure your record can be broken. If other people can't repeat your record and attempt to beat you, your record will not be accepted. Make sure your record is verifiable. You have to be able to prove that you actually broke a record. Claiming that you ate 700 marshmallows in ten minutes when you were younger isn't something that can be verified (unless you have it on tape). You'll need two witnesses (not related to you) to sign off on a form saying you successfully broke the record you attempted. Keep that in mind if you're attempting a record that is hard to replicate. Break a record that is adequately challenging. Guinness World Records doesn't recognize every achievement, just those that are universally challenging. You won't get a record for leaving your TV on for 2 years straight (even if that's the longest anyone's left their TV on for) because you didn't actually have to do anything that challenging. Make sure your record is objective. You can't break a record for being the coolest person in the world or having the best sounding voice. Only records that are objective and measurable will be accepted. Never attempt a record that is harmful to bystanders or animals. If you're putting the lives of people or animals in danger when attempting your record, your application will be rejected. Fill out the application for the record you’ve chosen. Enter the date you broke the record and the city, county, and country you broke it in. Add a detailed description of how and where you broke the record, and choose from the drop-down menu what your purpose for breaking the record was. Depending on your record, you may be prompted to enter in a measurement. For example, if you broke the record for owning the largest doll collection, you'd need to enter how many dolls you own into the measurement field. Submit your application as standard or priority. You'll be prompted to select standard or priority on the “choose an application option” page that comes up after you submit your application. A standard application is free and has a processing time of up to 12 weeks, meaning you could wait 12 weeks before you hear back from anyone. A priority application costs $800 USD (£500) and has a processing time of 5 working days. Click on the yellow “proceed” button below the option you're interested in. Wait for Guinness World Records to review your application. If you submitted a standard application, you should hear back about your record within 12 weeks. If you submitted the priority application, you should hear back within 5 working days. If your application is accepted, you'll receive an email prompting you to download the “Guidelines and Evidence Requirements” from your Guinness World Records profile. Submit the necessary evidence to prove you broke a record. Submit all of your evidence online through your Guinness World Records profile. The “Guidelines and Evidence Requirements” you downloaded on your profile will specifically lay out what you need to submit. Different types of records require different forms of evidence, but all record attempts require: A cover letter : You'll have to fill out the Guinness World Records cover letter form, explaining what record you broke and how you broke it. Two witness statements : You must have two people, not related to you in any way, witness your record attempt. They each have to sign a witness statement and submit it with your evidence. A schedule 2 form : By signing the schedule 2 form, you agree to release to Guinness World Records all of the evidence you're submitting for your record attempt. Wait to hear if your record attempt is approved. If your evidence is approved and your attempt at breaking a record is deemed a success, you'll officially be a Guinness World Records record holder! As a record-holder, you will receive an official certificate from Guinness World Records featuring your name and the record you broke. | Register for an account on the Guinness World Records website. Check your email inbox for an activation link. Click on the green “apply for a record” button on the middle of the page. Search for the record you’re applying for. Scroll through the list of breakable records and choose the one you want. Meet the minimum requirement if you’re applying for a new record title. Avoid records that don’t meet the Guinness World Records formatting criteria. Break a record that is measurable. Break a record that is universally understandable. Make sure your record can be broken. Make sure your record is verifiable. Break a record that is adequately challenging. Make sure your record is objective. Never attempt a record that is harmful to bystanders or animals. Fill out the application for the record you’ve chosen. Submit your application as standard or priority. Wait for Guinness World Records to review your application. Submit the necessary evidence to prove you broke a record. Wait to hear if your record attempt is approved. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Cloak | How to Make a Cloak | To make a cloak, start by going online and downloading a cloak pattern in the style, length, and size you want. Additionally, choose a durable fabric like cotton for the outside of the cloak, and a smooth fabric such as satin for the inside of the cloak. Once you have your fabrics, cut out your pattern pieces and pin them together according to the instructions in your pattern packet. Then, sew your pieces together and make sure to leave an 8 to 10 inch opening, since you'll be flipping the cloak inside out so that the seams are on the inside. | Choose a pattern in the style, length, and size you want. Having a pattern as your guide for making a cloak will take a lot of the guesswork, measuring, and math out of the process. You can simply follow the pattern's instructions for how much fabric to buy and use the pattern pieces to cut and sew the fabric. Look for a beginner level pattern if this is the first time you are making a cloak. You can find a pattern in a craft supply store, or you can find free patterns online. The pattern package should have a list of the items you will need to make the cloak. Use this as your guide when purchasing your fabric and notions, such as the clasp and thread. Select a durable fabric for the outside of the cloak. Cotton and broadcloth work well for the exterior of a cloak if you want it to be lightweight. If you want something heavier, then you can use wool or linen. If you plan to wear the cloak outdoors, then make sure the fabric you choose will hold up against the elements, such as a waterproof nylon or vinyl fabric. Make sure that the fabric you choose moves easily. Hold a piece in your hand and try to wave it around. If it is stiff, then it probably won't work well for a cloak. Use a smooth fabric for the inside of the cloak. Good choices for the inside of a cloak are satin and silk, but you can use any smooth fabric you like. A smooth fabric will make it easier to get the cloak on and off over your clothes. However, if you do not care about making the inside of your cloak smooth, then you can use any type of fabric you want. Silk and satin can be expensive. To save money, you can use cotton or broadcloth for the interior. They won't be as smooth, but they are much cheaper. Choose matching or contrasting colors for your cloak. The exterior fabric of the cloak will always be visible, but the interior will only be visible when you flourish the cloak, open it up, or take it off. Still, having a little pop of color on the inside of the cloak is a nice touch, or you can go with an interior fabric that will match the exterior for a more subtle look. For example, go with a black fabric for the exterior, and a black fabric on the interior for something subtle. Or, use black fabric for the outside of the cloak, and red, green, purple, or some other color for the interior for a pop of color. Pick out a clasp or other closure piece for the front clasp. Most cloaks are secured at the neck with just 1 hook clasp or some other type of closure piece. The pattern you use should specify what type of closure piece you will need to secure the cloak. Check to be sure, and then select a clasp in a design and color that you like. Try choosing a hook or other type of clasp that will compliment the fabric you are using. For example, you could use a gold hook for a black cloak with green lining. Or, you could use a purple clasp for a cloak made with teal fabric. Cut out all of the paper pattern pieces. Cut along the lines for the size cloak you want to make. If you are using a 1-size-fits-all pattern, then there will only be 1 set of lines to cut along. However, some patterns may include different length options, so make sure that you follow the instructions for the length you want. Make sure to use a pair of sharp scissors to cut out the paper pattern pieces. Lay out your fabric as instructed by the pattern. Usually, you will be instructed to fold the fabric in half so that you can cut 2 pattern pieces out at once, or so you can cut out 1 larger piece along the fold. Follow your pattern's instructions for how to lay out your fabric. Make sure that the fabric is flat with no bumps in it. If there are any wrinkles in your fabric when you lay it out, you may want to iron it before you start pinning and cutting. Pin the paper pattern pieces onto the fabric. Place the paper pattern pieces on the fabric as indicated by your pattern's instructions. Some pieces can go anywhere on the fabric, while others will need to go along the fold. This will be indicated on the paper pattern pieces with arrows and text. However, you should also check your pattern's instructions to be sure. If you are using satin or silk fabric, use ballpoint pins or paper weights to keep the pattern pieces in place. Regular pins may damage the fabric. Cut the fabric around the edges of the paper pattern pieces. Use a sharp pair of scissors to cut the fabric along the edges of the pattern pieces. Follow the edges of the pattern pieces closely to ensure that you get the proper shape and size. Try to avoid making any jagged cuts in the fabric as well. Make sure to cut out any notches that are printed on the pattern. These are important for lining up your fabric pieces to sew them together. Pin together matching fabric pieces as instructed by your pattern. You will need to pin together the edges of the interior and exterior cloak pieces so that the right sides (print or outer sides) of the fabric are facing each other. Line up any notches that you cut in the fabric and make sure that the edges of the pieces are even all the way around. Make sure that the right sides of the fabric pieces are facing each other when you pin them. This is so the seams will be hidden inside of the cloak. The hood pieces will likely have a few notches in them, so make sure to line these up carefully. Sew together individual pieces of the cloak exterior and lining. Since a cloak is such a large garment, you may have to sew a few smaller pieces together, and you will also have to sew together 4 or more pieces to create the hood. Check your pattern's instructions to be sure, and sew pieces together as instructed. The hood will likely be the most complicated part of the sewing pattern. Make sure to line up any notches and sew the hood parts together exactly as your pattern instructs you to. For example, you will sew 2 hood lining pieces together with the edges aligned and the right sides facing each other. Then, repeat this for the exterior fabric, and then sew together the edges of the exterior and lining hood pieces. Sew the lining and exterior leaving an 8 to 10 in (20 to 25 cm) opening. Sew a straight stitch 0.5 in (1.3 cm) from the raw edges of the pinned areas of your cloak and lining fabric. This will be the seam allowance for your cloak and it will make the seam more secure. The opening will allow you to invert the cloak so that the seams will be hidden. Make sure to remove the pins as you sew. Do not sew over them or you may damage your sewing machine. Invert the fabric and sew over the open area to close it. After you have finished sewing the cloak lining and exterior fabric together, pull the fabric through the opening to invert it. The right sides of the lining and exterior should now be visible. Press your fingers into the corners of the cloak to ensure that the edges of the cloak are well defined. If desired, you may iron over the seams once the cloak has been inverted. This will also help to make the edges look slightly more defined. Sew a straight stitch 0.25 in (0.64 cm) from the folded edge. Find the open area, and fold 0.5 in (1.3 cm) of the fabric into the cloak so that the raw edges are hidden. Place a few pins to hold the fabric in place, and then sew over the pinned area. This will secure the opening and finish the edges of your cloak. Pin the hood to the neckline of the cloak. Line up the seam on your hood with the seam on the back of the cloak, and place a pin to join the hood and cloak at the seam. Make sure that the right sides of the exterior fabric are facing each other and the raw edges of the hood line up with the top edge of the cloak. Then, pin the rest of the hood onto the neckline of the cloak. Place 1 pin every 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) so that they are perpendicular to the fabric. This will allow you to easily pull the pins out before you sew over each area. Sew a straight stitch 0.5 in (1.3 cm) from the hood and neck edges. To secure the hood to the neckline of the cloak sew over the areas you have just pinned. Sew all the way around to attach the 2 pieces together. When you get to the end of the hood, press down on the lever on the side of your machine to backstitch by 1 in (2.5 cm), and then release the lever to sew over the edge of the hood fabric. To finish up, snip any excess threads left after sewing the hood onto the cloak. Try on the cloak to find the ideal placement for the closure piece. Check in a mirror to locate the ideal place to attach your clasp. This should be right at the front of your neck over your collarbone. However, you can place it higher or lower depending on what is most comfortable for you. Once you have found where you want the closure, insert a straight pin into the exterior fabric on each side of the cloak where you want the clasp to be. Remove the cloak after you have identified where to place the closure piece. Pin the clasp where you inserted the straight pins. Use your thumb to mark the clasp placement when you remove a pin, and then put 1 side of the clasp on the cloak. Insert the pin you removed through the clasp to hold it on until you are ready to sew. Do this for both sides of the clasp. Sew the closure onto the cloak. Use a straight stitch to sew about 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) from the edges of the closure. Sew the closure base all the way around its edges to secure it. Then, do the same for the other side of the closure. Depending on the type of closure you are attaching, you may need to use a heavy-duty needle, so change your sewing machine needle if necessary. For example, if the closure has leather or another thick material as its base, then a heavy-duty needle will be required. | Choose a pattern in the style, length, and size you want. Select a durable fabric for the outside of the cloak. Use a smooth fabric for the inside of the cloak. Choose matching or contrasting colors for your cloak. Pick out a clasp or other closure piece for the front clasp. Cut out all of the paper pattern pieces. Lay out your fabric as instructed by the pattern. Pin the paper pattern pieces onto the fabric. Cut the fabric around the edges of the paper pattern pieces. Pin together matching fabric pieces as instructed by your pattern. Sew together individual pieces of the cloak exterior and lining. Sew the lining and exterior leaving an 8 to 10 in (20 to 25 cm) opening. Invert the fabric and sew over the open area to close it. Sew a straight stitch 0.25 in (0.64 cm) from the folded edge. Pin the hood to the neckline of the cloak. Sew a straight stitch 0.5 in (1.3 cm) from the hood and neck edges. Try on the cloak to find the ideal placement for the closure piece. Pin the clasp where you inserted the straight pins. Sew the closure onto the cloak. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Fix-a-Stuck-Zipper | How to Fix a Stuck Zipper | One way to fix a stuck zipper is by pulling the fabric of the garment away from the zipper with your hands or a pair of tweezers. Once most of the fabric is freed from the zipper, slide the zipper up and down in small, forceful movements to loosen the rest of the fabric. If there's no fabric in the zipper, but it still wont move, try rubbing the teeth of the zipper with a pencil to coat them with graphite, which will help the zipper move. | Look for fabric stuck in the zipper. Sometimes, zippers may stop working because a bit of the surrounding fabric gets caught in the teeth. Inspect the garment or accessory closely for snags, folds, tangles and other signs of a hangup. These tend to be fairly easy to correct. Snags are usually to blame when a zipper completely refuses to budge. If there are no visible obstructions in the zipper teeth, you may need to try lubricating the teeth instead. Pull the fabric away from the zipper. Once you've located the snag responsible for blocking the zipper, take hold of the fabric around the obstruction and give it a gentle tug. If the snag is especially small, using a pair of tweezers may help you get a better grip. Pull the fabric in the direction opposite the way the zipper runs and hold it. You can also try dislodging the fabric from inside the teeth with the point of a safety pin. Be careful not to wrench on the fabric too hard, or you may tear it. Work the zipper up and down. Keeping your hold on the snagged fabric, begin gently pulling the zipper tab. Try sliding it in both directions to see if the fabric releases. In most cases, constant tension, small movements and a little patience will be enough to clear the zipper teeth. If you don't have any luck freeing the fabric from the zipper, your only option will be to take it to a tailor. Prevent further obstructions. After successfully dealing with a troublesome zipper, take a few precautionary steps to make sure the problem doesn't happen again. Stitch up ragged holes, smooth out wrinkles and use a razor to cut away loose threads. When you're done, iron the fabric on both sides of the zipper to make sure it lays flat. The less fabric there is in the way of the teeth, the less likely another snag is to occur. Keep an eye out for frayed edges around the zipper tape itself. Find a pencil. Check your desk, backpack, briefcase or junk drawer for a graphite pencil. For best results, you'll want to use a traditional wooden pencil rather than one of the mechanical variety—the broader tip will make it easier to get the graphite onto the zipper. Graphite naturally makes a very effective dry lubricant. Rub the tip of the pencil along both sides of the zipper teeth. Hold the zipper together with one hand while you work. Continue rubbing until you can see the graphite being left behind on the teeth. Focus on the line where the teeth intersect, as this is where most zippers get jammed. Only apply a light amount of pressure to avoid breaking the tip of the pencil. The loose graphite particles will coat the edges of the teeth, making it easier for them to lock and unlock. Try sliding the zipper. Test the zipper a few times by pulling it with slow, smooth motions. It should be able to glide freely once you get it started. When you're finished, wash your hands and wipe off any remaining graphite with a paper towel to keep it from getting all over the surrounding fabric. Don't attempt to force the zipper. This may result in damage to the fabric or the zipper itself. Repeat until the zipper budges. If the pencil trick doesn't work right away, keep trying. There may not be enough graphite on the teeth to get the zipper moving after a single attempt. Alternate between rubbing the pencil and sliding the zipper back and forth until you see progress. If you're still encountering resistance after applying a second coating of graphite, move on to a different method. Grab a makeshift lubricant. Search your home for something you can use to reduce the friction between the slide and teeth of the zipper. This could be a bar of soap, a tube of chapstick or even a bottle of Windex—almost any type of smooth, slick substance will do the trick. Some other options include wax candles, petroleum jelly, crayons and lip balm. Since so many different improvised lubricants can be effective, you should have a solution close at hand whether you're at home, work or on the road. Apply the lubricant directly to the zipper teeth. Start with the section of teeth that are still connected and use a generous amount of lubricant. Gradually try easing the slide up and down after a few minutes. As the lubricant seeps deeper into the teeth, you should find it easier to get the zipper moving. Do your best to keep the lubricant away from the fabric itself in order to prevent staining and discoloration. Use a separate tool, such as a cotton swab, to smear on messier substances like Vaseline or olive oil. If you're using Windex, spray it over the entire zipper area, then wait a few minutes before testing the zipper. Give the zipper a try. Take hold of the zipper tab and pull on it lightly to see if it moves. Chances are, the lubricant will have worked and your zipper will now be as good as new. Otherwise, you may need to use a second application to get it zipping and unzipping consistently. Lubricants help clear the teeth of built-up dust and dirt, which is the leading cause of stuck zippers on older items. If the zipper is still uncooperative at this point, take it to an alterations shop to have it repaired or replaced. Clean the garment or accessory. If the item is washing machine-safe, throw it in with your next load of laundry. Otherwise, you can scrub the zipper and the area around it with a cloth dampened with a mild soap solution. This is a good habit to get into when it comes to keeping your zippers functional, as well. Not only will a good cleaning remove lubricant residue from the item, it will also clean any remaining debris out of the zipper, renewing it and improving its performance for many more wears. | Look for fabric stuck in the zipper. Pull the fabric away from the zipper. Work the zipper up and down. Prevent further obstructions. Find a pencil. Rub the tip of the pencil along both sides of the zipper teeth. Try sliding the zipper. Repeat until the zipper budges. Grab a makeshift lubricant. Apply the lubricant directly to the zipper teeth. Give the zipper a try. Clean the garment or accessory. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-and-Prevent-Flour-Mites | How to Get Rid of and Prevent Flour Mites | To get rid of flour mites and prevent them from coming back, throw away any infested food in your outside trash bin so they can't continue to spread, and remove and sanitize any bins, jars, or containers where the contaminated food was stored. Vacuum the pantry or cabinet thoroughly to remove any remaining mites, their eggs, and their droppings. To keep the mites from coming back, keep your food storage areas dry and cool, and store dry goods in clean, airtight containers. | Look for brown "mite dust" on the surface of your food. Flour mites have off-white bodies and are so small they are nearly invisible to the naked eye. Because of this, it is very difficult to detect mites until you have a full-blown infestation. The mites have brownish legs, and the collection of living and dead mites and their waste will appear as a brown coating or tinge. It may look a bit like sand. Rub the mite dust or some questionable flour between your fingers and check for a minty smell. When flour mites are crushed they give off a distinct minty odor. The food may also develop a sickly sweet smell or taste, even before you detect the mites. Spread some flour on a flat surface and inspect it after 15 minutes. Make the flour as smooth and level as you can before walking away. If the flour is infested with mites, the surface will be uneven due to the movement of the mites. Stick a piece of scotch tape on packages or on the pantry shelves and inspect for mites. The mites will stick to the tape and you may be able to see them with a magnifying glass. Also check the glue on box tops, the edges of sealed flour canisters. They might not be able to get inside, but they may be on the lip and get in once you open the container. Notice if you are inexplicably itchy after handling flour or other grains. Though flour mites don't bite, some people may have an allergic reaction to the allergens on the mites or their waste products. This is also known as "grocer's itch." Put severely infested foods in plastic garbage bags and put them in the trash bins outside your house. The flour mites feed on the germ in flour as well as mold, and their presence could indicate the food has gone bad. They can also pass the mold spores to other foods if they travel to another container. Don't worry if you think you may have consumed some of the mites--they are harmless to most people. In rare cases, people may have an allergic reaction to consuming flour contaminated by lice, called oral mite anaphylaxis, or pancake syndrome. A reaction usually occurs within minutes after eating the contaminated food and can cause hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, nausea, weakness, and/or collapse. Contact a doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. Freeze any dried goods that may be infested to kill the flour mites. If you have foodstuffs that show no sign of infestation or are not completely overrun with mites, storing them at temperatures below 0°F (-18°C) for four to seven days will kill any stray mites, eggs, or larva. Once the mites are dead, try sifting the dry goods or removing portions you know were infested and may contain dead mites. Remove and sanitize any bins, jars, or containers where contaminated foodstuffs were stored. You want to remove every last speck of food from these containers, depriving any surviving mites of their food. Wash the containers and lids in very hot water and make sure they are completely dry before you refill them. Thoroughly clean the pantry or cabinet where the infested goods were stored. Vacuum the shelves and walls, paying special attention to crevices. If you don't have a vacuum, try using a clean, dry brush to sweep out the area. Make sure you throw the vacuum bag in the trash bin outside immediately after cleaning. Wipe down all the surfaces, but avoid using chemical pesticides anywhere near your food or food storage. Try cleaning with a mixture of water and vinegar (1 part vinegar to 2 parts water) or natural insect repellents and safe pesticides like neem oil or orange oil (1 part oil to 10 parts water). Use a hairdryer to dry the storage area. Flour mites like damp, humid places. Keep food storage areas dry and cool. Flour mites cannot thrive in a low-humidity environment (under 65%), and you should never see an infestation if your storage area is well-ventilated. Pay attention to the placement of kettles, cookers, dryers, and stoves and make sure they are not causing moist air to collect in food storage areas. Try keeping a fan in your pantry to cool the air and dry out any moisture. Store flour, grains, cereal, and other susceptible foods in clean, airtight containers. This will keep your food fresh and dry and keep mites out. If there are any mites that survived your cleaning process, depriving them of their food source will cause them to starve and prevent them from laying eggs in your grains. Resealable plastic bags can work short-term, but mites can chew holes through them and get to your food. Try glass or thick plastic containers instead. The lifecycle of flour mites is about one month, so if you can keep everything clean and sealed up tight, any remaining mites should die off. Try to avoid combining old and new foods in the containers. Wait until you've used up all the flour in the bin, give the bin a thorough cleaning and remove any old flour stuck to the bottom, and then refill with the new flour. Buy dry goods in small portions. Though it may be a little more expensive than buying in large, bulk quantities, but if you buy smaller portions, you are less likely to have susceptible foodstuffs sitting around for long periods of time. If they sit in a humid environment for too long, they may become damp and start to mold and start another infestation of mites. Make sure you inspect all packaging before bringing dry goods home. Make sure they are not damp or damaged and that they were not stored on a damp shelf. Tape bay leaves in your containers or in the cupboard where you store food. Flour mites, cockroaches, moths, rats, weevils, and many other pests are said to hate the smell of bay leaves and will avoid your dry goods if they are present. You can put the leaves right into the container (the taste won't leech into your food) or tape them to the lid of the container or inside the pantry or cupboard. There are conflicting reports about whether to use dry or fresh bay leaves. People have reported success with both, so buy whatever is easiest for you and see how it works. Store pet food away from your other dry goods. The regulations for pet foods aren't as strict as ours, and they may be more likely to harbor pests. However extruded pet foods ( those that are dry and formed into shapes) are processed at high temperatures and have low water activity. You will be very unlucky to have a problem with these. Store these in airtight containers away from your own foodstuffs. However do separate as indicated - your pets dont want your human food contamination contamination. | Look for brown "mite dust" on the surface of your food. Rub the mite dust or some questionable flour between your fingers and check for a minty smell. Spread some flour on a flat surface and inspect it after 15 minutes. Stick a piece of scotch tape on packages or on the pantry shelves and inspect for mites. Notice if you are inexplicably itchy after handling flour or other grains. Put severely infested foods in plastic garbage bags and put them in the trash bins outside your house. Freeze any dried goods that may be infested to kill the flour mites. Remove and sanitize any bins, jars, or containers where contaminated foodstuffs were stored. Thoroughly clean the pantry or cabinet where the infested goods were stored. Keep food storage areas dry and cool. Store flour, grains, cereal, and other susceptible foods in clean, airtight containers. Buy dry goods in small portions. Tape bay leaves in your containers or in the cupboard where you store food. Store pet food away from your other dry goods. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Cavities | How to Treat Cavities | To treat cavities, you should visit your dentist, who will examine your teeth and suggest the best course of action. For example, you might receive fluoride treatment, which helps teeth restore themselves by remineralizing the tooth surface. If the cavity is deeper, your dentist might also fill your tooth with porcelain or silver amalgam to prevent further decay. Alternatively, you might get a crown, which covers your tooth with a tooth-like material. Your dentist might also perform a root canal if the cavity has penetrated deep into your tooth's pulp, which will extract the decaying pulp from inside your tooth. | Understand the signs and symptoms of cavities. It is important to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of cavities as soon as they appear. This way, you can get a head start on treating them and prevent them from becoming larger and more painful over time. If you experience one or more of the following symptoms, you may have a cavity: Experiencing tooth sensitivity or a toothache. You might also feel mild-to-sharp pain when eating cold, sweet or hot foods. You may feel pain when you bite down. You may notice dark colored pits or holes on your teeth. Teeth may break or chip and expose a dark inner surface. Bad breath or taste in your mouth, especially after meals. Some cavities (especially those at the back of the mouth or between teeth) will be invisible to the naked eye and may not cause any pain. These types of cavities can only be identified through x-rays, ultrasound or fluorescent lighting - which is why it is important to see your dentist regularly. Visit a dentist. It is recommended that you visit your dentist approximately twice a year to get check-ups on your oral health. However, if you suspect you might have a cavity don't wait around for your bi-annual appointment, make a date with your dentist immediately. During your appointment: Explain your symptoms and any signs of tooth decay you've noticed. This will help the dentist to locate the cavity. Undergo an examination. The dentist will then conduct an examination to confirm that you have a cavity. He/she will often use a sharp metal object to feel for soft spots on the surface of the teeth which indicate the presence of cavities. X-rays will also be required to confirm the depth of the cavity and to decide if a root canal is needed. Get a fluoride treatment. Fluoride treatments are used in the early stages of cavities, as fluoride can help teeth to restore themselves by remineralizing the tooth surface. The treatment consists of a gel varnish, liquid solution or foam fluoride which is used to coat the teeth and strengthen the tooth's enamel. When you undergo fluoride treatment, the dentist applies the fluoride in one of two ways: he/she will either apply the fluoride directly onto your teeth or places it into a tray that fits over your teeth. The treatment takes approximately three minutes to complete. Be very careful not to swallow any of the fluoride during the treatment. Get a filling. Fillings, which are also known as restoration treatments, are used when the tooth decay develops further into the enamel and becomes permanent. The dentist removes the cavities using a drill, or the dentist may use a laser instead of a drill. Then the dentist fills the holes using tooth-colored resin material, porcelain or silver amalgam material. Silver amalgam material may contain quantities of mercury, which some people object to based on fears over possible health risks. If this is a concern for you, consult with your dentist about the material he plans to use in your fillings. Depending on the extent of the decay, fillings may take up to two appointments to complete. Get a crown. Custom-fitted tooth coverings called crowns are another way to treat cavities. They are only necessary when the tooth decay has become particularly extensive. The crowns are made of tooth-like material attached to metal and dentists can also opt for provisional or permanent crowns, depending on the material used. A provisionary crown is made in the same appointment and it cannot be used for more than three months. Crowns are important for aesthetic reasons, gum line, and functionality. With crowns, your dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth using a drill and takes a mold of your teeth. The final model (cast) is then used to recreate the exact shape and bite of your natural tooth using a tooth-like substance such as porcelain, zirconium or even gold to make a personalized crown to replace your decayed tooth. Once the crowns are ready, the dentist uses cement to apply them to your teeth. Crowns also take more than one appointment. Undergo a root canal. A root canal may be the only option when cavities have penetrated deep into the tooth's pulp, and the inside of the tooth is decayed, infected or dead. During a root canal, the dentist will make an incision near the top of the tooth, then remove the decaying pulp from the chambers and canals inside the tooth. The tooth will then be refilled with a rubber-like material and sealing paste. Sometimes a tooth that has undergone a root canal will also need to be covered with a crown to prevent the tooth from re-fracturing. This may be done at the same time as the root canal, or several months later. If the tooth has a small amount of substance left, your dentist will choose a metal or fiber post to create the core build up that supports the crown. Consider having the tooth extracted. If the tooth cannot be saved, have it extracted. The only option for cavities that have affected the entire tooth is an extraction. Your teeth are extracted if they are badly damaged and cannot be saved using any of the other methods. Once a tooth is extracted it can leave a gap. While this is undesirable for aesthetic reasons, it may also cause other teeth to move around inside the mouth, which can cause a whole new set of problems. Therefore, you should consider getting a bridge or dental implant to fill the gap and replace your missing tooth. Brush your teeth at least twice a day. It is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day, as it prevents cavity-causing bacteria from building up on the surface of your teeth. Toothpaste that contains fluoride may strengthen your teeth, which can help you avoid getting cavities in the future. When you brush, be sure to get all of your teeth, including your molars, and brush every surface of each tooth. It's also a good idea to brush your teeth within 30 minutes after eating very sugary or acidic foods, or drinking soda - as these items can precipitate tooth decay. Remember to floss. Flossing needs to be done at least once a day, ideally before you brush your teeth at night. Flossing removes bacteria and trapped food particles from between your teeth that your toothbrush is unable to reach. Make sure to floss between each and every tooth - especially the hard to reach ones in the back - and floss gently to prevent your gums from becoming tender and swollen. Use a mouthwash. Regularly using a mouthwash can help to kill bacteria, remove plaque, prevent gum disease and protect against bad breath. Use a mouthwash that contains fluoride to help remineralize the teeth and prevent bacteria from forming acid. You can also swish with calcium and magnesium powders dissolved in water. This will help the cavity-ridden teeth in two ways: firstly, it will add minerals back into the teeth and secondly, it will help to neutralize cavity-causing acid by keeping the mouth alkaline. Have regular check ups. Seeing your dentist regularly will help you to catch cavities early. It could mean the difference between getting a simple fluoride treatment or needing a painful and expensive root canal. Regular dental visits will also help you build a relationship with your dentist. For instance, if you have an emergency problem, it will be helpful to have a dentist who already knows your teeth. A dentist or dental hygienist can also give your teeth a thorough and effective cleaning, which removes calculus, tartar, or plaque that's on your teeth. Get sealants on your teeth. If you don't already have them, sealants are a good way to protect your teeth against cavities. A sealant is a thin, plastic coating placed on top of the back teeth to prevent bacteria and plaque from collecting in the groves of the molar teeth and causing a cavity. Sealants are usually given to children as soon as their molars come in, but these sealants will only last for about ten years, so ask your dentist about having them replaced. It is important to have them checked to see if there is any chipping or discoloration that may be a sign of a new cavity. Chew sugarless gum. Some sugarless gums can actually help you to avoid cavities, as chewing them increases saliva production, helping to get rid of food particles trapped between the teeth. In addition, the extra saliva can help neutralize any acid from your food or drinks that could erode the enamel on your teeth. Get enough calcium and vitamin D. Your body needs calcium to build bones and teeth, and vitamin D in order to absorb that calcium. Eat a varied diet that includes foods rich in these nutrients, such as dairy products and leafy vegetables. Taking vitamin and mineral supplements is another option. Use products that contain CPP-ACP. This chemical has the intimidating full name "casein phosphopeptide – amorphous calcium phosphate," but all its components are found in common foods (particularly milk). There is good evidence that toothpaste, mouthwash, and sugar-free gum that contains CPP-ACP is extra effective at restoring slightly damaged tooth enamel. This is called "remineralization." CPP-ACP is most effective when you also use fluoride toothpaste, which is a good option if you have sensitive teeth. Remineralization only works if you catch the problem early. You cannot heal back advanced tooth decay with home treatments. Treat dry mouth. Saliva helps prevent tooth decay. If you have a dry mouth, it may help to suck on sugarless candy, chew sugarless gum, and drink plenty of water. If your dry mouth is severe, ask your doctor for advice. Smoking, aging, various medications, and dehydration are common causes of dry mouth. If none of these seem likely, visit a doctor for a checkup. Deal with any pain. If you are experiencing a lot of pain as a result of a cavity, don't suffer in silence. You should schedule an appointment with the dentist immediately, but while you're waiting you can reduce the pain by trying some home remedies. Dab some clove oil on the cavity-filled tooth and the surrounding gums. This can help to numb the pain and provide some relief. Take a teaspoon of pure vanilla essence and swish it around your mouth for a minute or two to relieve pain. Apply ice to the tooth. If the pain is not sensitive to cold, you can place an ice cube wrapped in a gauze next to your tooth for 5 minutes to help numb the pain. Make a compress using vodka, gin or whiskey. Alcohol can help to temporarily numb any pain you are experiencing. Try dipping a washcloth into the alcohol and holding it against the offending tooth. It might sting at first, but this will quickly subside. Gargle with salt in water. Dissolve a teaspoon of sea salt in glass of slightly warm water, take a mouthful and swish it around your mouth for a minute or two, concentrating on the area with the cavity-filled tooth. Replace the sea salt with garlic salt for another effective remedy. Swish vegetable oil in your mouth. Swish some vegetable oil around your mouth, then spit it out once it becomes foamy. This is meant to pull infection from the tooth and relieve pain. Take ibuprofen. One surefire way of temporarily relieving tooth pain is to take ibuprofen. This will reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Make sure to use ibuprofen according to the manufacturer's instructions. | Understand the signs and symptoms of cavities. Visit a dentist. Get a fluoride treatment. Get a filling. Get a crown. Undergo a root canal. Consider having the tooth extracted. Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Remember to floss. Use a mouthwash. Have regular check ups. Get sealants on your teeth. Chew sugarless gum. Get enough calcium and vitamin D. Use products that contain CPP-ACP. Treat dry mouth. Deal with any pain. Gargle with salt in water. Swish vegetable oil in your mouth. Take ibuprofen. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-People-Who-Ignore-You | How to Deal With People Who Ignore You | To deal with someone who is ignoring you, you might want to confront them about the situation so it's not weighing on your mind. Try reaching out and asking if something is wrong, and invite them to talk privately. If they agree to talk, stay calm and listen to them as they explain their side of the story so you can figure out if you did something to upset them. If they're being stubborn and refuse to talk to you, try asking a mutual friend to talk to them and find out what's going on. | Avoid jumping to conclusions. Feeling ignored is frustrating, and it's easy to assume the worst. Don't assume that the other person is being malicious or intentionally giving you the cold shoulder, however. Consider alternative reasons why they might be ignoring you. For instance: They're distracted by something else, like problems at home or work. You upset them without realizing it, and they feel hurt. They just don't "click" with you, so they prefer to spend time with other people. They're keeping a secret (like a surprise party) from you, and they're worried they'll spill it if they talk to you. They feel nervous around you for some reason (like having a crush on you or being intimidated by you). They just aren't very social, and they treat everyone this way. Reflect on your recent actions. This can be a challenge. People often don't want to admit they did something wrong, or even notice that they've done something to offend someone. Take some deep breaths and evaluate your recent interactions with them. Was there any tension? Could their feelings have been hurt? Plan for an apology if you realize you've done something wrong. Even if this person didn't behave perfectly either, it is always better to take the high road. Practice different meditating techniques if it is hard for you to reflect. If you're having trouble viewing the situation objectively, try asking someone else who knows what's going on and can give you an outside perspective. Invite them to talk privately. Sometimes the best way to get to the root of the issue is to sit down with the other person and clear the air. Send them an email or a letter asking if you can get together to chat in private at a particular time and place. Pick a quiet time to talk, when both of you are free and not distracted. Meeting in private will allow you to work out any problems between you (if there are any) without the embarrassment of a public confrontation. If you're especially nervous or think it might not go well, you can ask a 3rd party (like a mutual friend, counselor, or authority figure) to hep mediate. Be nice. If they see you making an effort, they may speak to you again. Acting rudely towards them will only create a larger, convoluted feud. Explain your feelings. Make "I" statements to say how you feel. Non-judgmentally explain the pattern, and say how it makes you feel. Here are some examples: "Lately, when the three of us hang out, you're mostly talking with Serena while I listen. I feel left out." "Mom, I've seen you play video games with my brothers a lot. I'm glad you have good relationships with them, but sometimes I feel left out. I wish we spent more time together." "Honey, lately I've noticed that after work, you go out with friends, and don't come back until late. I miss you, and I want to spend more time with you." "Are you upset with me? I noticed that you haven't been answering my calls and texts for the last 2 weeks." Hear them out. It's possible that they didn't realize that they were making you feel ignored, or that they're dealing with a problem you weren't aware of. Be willing to accept a reasonable explanation. Be willing to collaborate on a solution if it's realistic. Talk about ways that both of you can adjust so that the relationship improves. Getting things out in the open, and making an agreement, can help both of you figure out how to move forward. "If I read the same book series as you, would that give the three of us something in common to talk about? Because I would be willing to do that. It does sound like a cool series." "So, what I'm hearing is that you play more with my brothers because they invite you to play games, and if I want to spend time with you, I should ask, and you will. Is that right?" "I didn't realize that I was overwhelming you. Maybe we could set aside two date nights a week for just us, and I'll go out with friends more often too, so that I don't feel lonely as often?" "I can't change my sexuality. If you aren't okay with me being gay, that's your problem, and you don't have to spend time with me anymore." Know when to let it go. If they are unwilling to talk about it, if it's a bad time, or if it devolves into screaming or accusations, it might be time to walk away. You can revisit the topic during a better time, or re-evaluate whether the relationship is worth maintaining. "You seem pretty distracted right now. Would it be better to talk about this later today?" "I would like to have a closer relationship with you. But if that's not a priority for you, then we don't have to have this conversation." "I don't want to fight with you. Maybe we should take a break for now." "If you're going to call me names, then I'm going to leave." "Let's talk about this later, when we're both calmer." Don't take it personally. Most people come across someone who ignores them at some point in their lives. Take the power out of their rudeness by not showing that it's affecting you. Make it their problem, not yours. Recognize and accept the fact that not everyone is going to like you. Even the nicest and most popular person in the world is bound to meet people who dislike them from time to time. Focus on the road, not the wall. It's not always the easiest thing to do, but if you spend time working on your personal goals, this person's opinions and actions towards you won't matter. Think of them as a metaphorical wall that isn't necessarily in your way, but it's there. Ignore them back. If the person doesn't want to associate with you for any number of reasons, then don't associate with them. By ignoring them, you might cause them to take notice of your actions. This is also a good way of keeping your cool. Even if it is tearing you up inside, this can be an effective solution over time. Give them space and time. Some people simply need space from their friends. It might not seem justified, but a lot of people will ignore you if they feel like it. It can be the most painful and frustrating seat to be in, but just give it time. Don't force change. You can't always change someone's mood to being polite if they want to be rude. Sometimes it's the best option to let them figure out what they need to figure out on their own. Set healthy boundaries with others. Setting boundaries is tough if you're not used to doing it, but ultimately your relationships and mental health will really benefit from it. Be genuine with the people around you and let them know what you need from them and what your limits are, and you will find that it is much easier to get your needs met. Explain your boundaries clearly, and let others know what the consequences will be if those boundaries are violated. For example, if your significant other ignores you and plays on their phone whenever you go to lunch together, say something like, “I feel really ignored and unappreciated when you're on your phone so much. If you don't feel like spending quality time together, let me know, and I'll make other plans for lunch.” If others in your life aren't used to you setting boundaries with them, they might react with disappointment, surprise, or even anger at first. However, if they care about you, they should ultimately respect your boundaries. Make a set of lists. Spend time developing 3 lists: your strengths, your achievements, and things you admire about yourself. You might want to get a trusted family member to help you with this. Keep these lists in a safe place, and read them when you're feeling down. You can also collect nice things that other people have written or said about you. Maintain your hygiene. Make sure you are taking care of yourself. Pay particular attention to your hairstyle, your nail length, and your teeth. Clean your living space. You'll be surprised how much of your mental health can strengthen from a clean living situation. Focus on your room itself. You could even ask someone to help you rearrange the furniture in your room. Start a hobby. Get involved with an activity like painting, music, poetry, or dance. Working on the arts will improve your self-expression and strengthen your sense of mastery. This will translate to more positive interactions with others. Make a contribution. Participating in a volunteer organization within your community can be a very positive experience. Making a difference builds your positive opinion of yourself. Take time to work through your feelings. A lot of insecurities about other people arise from our self-esteem. Try to separate your feelings from the reality of the situation. This won't be easy because we're typically emotional beings, but try to see the circumstance from an unbiased opinion. You could try different writing exercises to help your ideas flow. Seek professional help if needed. If you are having a hard time being ignored, there are people who can help. Therapists or school guidance counselors advise people in your position all the time. If you are a student, you may want to try a school guidance counselor first because they won't cost you anything. Find new, fulfilling friendships. If your friends ignore you or don't appreciate you, it may be time to seek some new friends. Seek out supportive people who share your interests and lift you up, rather than putting you down or ignoring you. If you're not sure where to find friends, try joining a club or organization for people whose interests are similar to yours. If you have friends who consistently ignore you, put you down, or violate your boundaries, you may need to distance yourself from those people or cut ties with them altogether. Hold on to the friends and loved ones you have. The friends you had before you started being ignored are probably still your friends. If things feel awkward because you've been more involved with other friends, then just be honest with them. Do an activity that you both used to enjoy. Open up to others. Share your fears, flaws, and insecurities. Being vulnerable is a difficult feeling to experience with someone, but it can create a close bond between people. You could even go back and forth telling each other difficult things from your past. Keep multiple lines of communication open. The more avenues you have for communication, the better. It can be difficult in today's world to stay on top of all the ways we communicate. Keep a regular scan of your social media sites and your phone for your friends. Make your contact worthwhile. It is okay to call your friend just to call your friend. Try asking for serious advice or simply share something meaningful that happened to you recently. Make yourself available. If your friend is going through something, then you should make time for that person. No one likes a one-sided friendship. If you have plans, try to work around them or let your prior obligations know that something important has come up. | Avoid jumping to conclusions. Reflect on your recent actions. Invite them to talk privately. Be nice. Explain your feelings. Hear them out. Be willing to collaborate on a solution if it's realistic. Know when to let it go. Don't take it personally. Focus on the road, not the wall. Ignore them back. Give them space and time. Don't force change. Set healthy boundaries with others. Make a set of lists. Maintain your hygiene. Clean your living space. Start a hobby. Make a contribution. Take time to work through your feelings. Seek professional help if needed. Find new, fulfilling friendships. Hold on to the friends and loved ones you have. Open up to others. Keep multiple lines of communication open. Make your contact worthwhile. Make yourself available. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Create-a-Budget | How to Create a Budget | To create a budget, write down the income you bring in each month, then make a list of all of your monthly expenses. Include fixed payments, such as your mortgage or rent, flexible expenses like your groceries, and discretionary expenses like eating out or hobbies that are not necessary for your survival. If you have payments which are due periodically, such as quarterly insurance payments, calculate how much per month you need to set aside to pay those bills as well. | Write down how much money you bring in each month. Your net monthly income is the total amount of money you actually get to take home every month, after all of the deductions (taxes, health care, etc.) have been subtracted. This includes your paychecks, child support, tips, monthly bonuses, Social Security payments, alimony, and any other payments you receive on a regular basis. Write everything down and total the items up. Gross income, which is the amount you made before taxes were taken out, will also be printed on your pay stubs. Don't use your gross monthly income for this. Disregard overtime pay since that usually varies according to circumstances. Make a list of your fixed expenses for each month. Fixed expenses are expenses that you have to pay every month no matter what. These expenses may fluctuate a little from month to month, but for the most part, they stay the same. An example of a fluctuating fixed expense is your electricity bill, since that varies by month. Common fixed expenses include: Mortgage, rent, and/or property taxes Utility bills (cable, internet, cell, electricity, water, gas, etc.) Car payment/vehicle insurance Health insurance Student loan payments To calculate the average for a fluctuating expense, look at your bills from the past year, add up the monthly amounts due, and divide that total by 12. Use that average to create your budget. Use bank statements and receipts to add up flexible expenses. Flexible expenses are expenses that are necessary each month, but you have some control over how much you spend on them. Review your bank statements and receipts to figure out the average amount you spend on each flexible expense. Typical flexible expenses include: Household and grocery items Clothing and shoes Personal hygiene items Gasoline, parking, and transportation costs School supplies List all of your discretionary expenses and total them up. Discretionary expenses are non-essential expenses, like entertainment, that you have full control over. Generally, discretionary expenses are things that you want, but don't really need to survive. Non-essential expenses include things like: Entertainment like movies, concerts, books, magazines, and video/music streaming services Recreation like hobbies/hobby supplies, travel, video games, and amusement parks Gym membership Dining out, snacks, and candy Gifts Subtract your monthly expenses from your monthly income. Use a calculator to make this math easier. If the expense total is less than the income total, you are more or less on track financially. If the expense total is more than the income total, you are off-track and need to prioritize your expenses before you can do any saving. For example, if your expense total is $200 less than your income total, that means you have an extra $200 each month to put into savings or towards a long-term goal like buying a car. If your expense total is $200 more than your income total each month, you may be struggling and unable to pay some of your bills. To get back on track, start by deciding which discretionary expenses you can get rid of. Set aside money for monthly expenses to stay on top of things. Every time you get paid during the month, be sure to set aside the amount you budgeted for expenses, no exceptions. Once you've set that money aside, you can decide what to do with any that you have leftover each month. For example, if your monthly fixed expenses are $800 and you get paid twice a month, put aside $400 from each paycheck to cover the fixed expenses. Any money leftover can go towards groceries, gas, and clothes. If you get paid weekly, be sure to take a little out of each check to cover your monthly expenses. Save leftover funds after expenses for future purchases or emergencies. Look at how much money you now have left from your income after the expenses have been covered for the month. If you know you need to make a big purchase in a few months, like a car down payment or college tuition, take all or some of your leftover money and put it towards that particular goal. Once you save up the amount you need, you can spend that money and remain debt-free. Try to save at least 10% of your income each month so that you have a financial cushion for unexpected expenses, retirement, or emergencies. Open a savings account to keep this money separate from your spending money. Identify expenses that you can get rid of if your budget is off-track. Start writing down what you spend money on each day or use a budget app to help you keep track of day-to-day spending. Once you identify unnecessary expenses, you can cut those things out to get your finances back on track. The amount you spend on eating out, your morning Starbucks fix, and cinema trips can really add up. For example, spending $2.50 every morning on a cup of coffee might not seem like a big deal, but that comes out to $900 per year! Think about what you could do with $900. Review your budget each month and make any necessary adjustments. At the end of the month, compare how much you spent against what you budgeted for those expenses. If the amount you budgeted isn't lining up with the amount you actually spent for certain expenses, you may need to adjustment or get rid of some of your discretionary expenses to prepare for the coming month. For example, if you set aside $100 for groceries each month but routinely spend a little more than that, up your monthly grocery budget to $150 or $200. Then, see which non-essential expenses you can remove or reduce to balance out the grocery expenses. Be sure to account for income changes, too. For example, if you get a promotion at work, you can increase discretionary spending or up your savings goals. If your work hours are reduced, you may need to cut some discretionary expenses, like your gym membership, until you get back on your feet. Use a premade budget worksheet to help you get organized. If this is your first time creating a budget, the process can be a little overwhelming. A premade budget worksheet can help you get started because it itemizes most of the common expenses for you and walks you through the process of adding them up with a calculator. All you need to to is print out the worksheet and fill in the blanks with your monthly totals. There are many free options online that you can download and print out. Check out this free budget worksheet: https://www.consumer.gov/sites/www.consumer.gov/files/pdf-1020-make-budget-worksheet_form.pdf Another free option: https://media.gcflearnfree.org/ctassets/topics/27/mb_budget_worksheet.pdf Download a secure budget app for an easy way to track spending. There are many apps out there that can make budgeting a lot easier. For example, apps allow you to track spending in real time and you can set up alerts for bill payments. They also make it easier to catch suspicious account activity. Check with your bank to see if they offer an app that you can use. If you want to use a third-party budget app, like Mint or Pocketguard, make sure it offers safety features like: 128-bit SSL encryption Secure connection using SSL certificates Security scanning with VeriSign Firewall protection Multi-factor authentication Use a spreadsheet to get organized and prevent errors. If you don't want to use an app or prefer a more hands-on approach, a budget spreadsheet can help you stay organized and do the math for you so you don't have to spend time adding and subtracting totals with a calculator. You can create your own using a spreadsheet program like Microsoft Excel, or you can download and use a free spreadsheet template. If you want to create your own spreadsheet from scratch, you may want to look at a budget worksheet template to help you build your spreadsheet. Check out this free template to help you track expenses: https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/toughtimes/files/2011/02/Personal_Spending_Plan1.xls Another option: https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/toughtimes/files/2011/02/Monthly_Budget-ppay1.xls Buy budgeting software if you want a lot of tools at your disposal. You usually have to pay for budgeting software, but it's generally pretty affordable. Companies often charge a small monthly fee rather than 1 lump sum to use it and they provide a wealth of tools to help you with every aspect of budgeting. If you prefer doing your budget on your computer rather than using your mobile phone, software is your best bet. Most software does comes with an app, though, so you are able to manage your budget from your tablet or smartphone. Popular budgeting software companies you can check out: Quicken MoneyGuard Track spending during the month and review at the end of the month. No matter what tool you're using, it's best to write down your expenses as you pay them rather than sitting down at the end of the month with a big pile of receipts. Apps track much of this for you, but you'll still need to manually input anything you pay cash for. At the end of the month, use your worksheet, spreadsheet, app, or software to review expenses and spending habits to see if you're meeting your goals. Use the information to make budget adjustments for the next month. Don't forget to look for errors, especially if you're budgeting with paper and a pen. Consider using a budget app or software to automate your budget and reduce errors. | Write down how much money you bring in each month. Make a list of your fixed expenses for each month. Use bank statements and receipts to add up flexible expenses. List all of your discretionary expenses and total them up. Subtract your monthly expenses from your monthly income. Set aside money for monthly expenses to stay on top of things. Save leftover funds after expenses for future purchases or emergencies. Identify expenses that you can get rid of if your budget is off-track. Review your budget each month and make any necessary adjustments. Use a premade budget worksheet to help you get organized. Download a secure budget app for an easy way to track spending. Use a spreadsheet to get organized and prevent errors. Buy budgeting software if you want a lot of tools at your disposal. Track spending during the month and review at the end of the month. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Decorate-Cake-Pops | How to Decorate Cake Pops | If you want to coat cake pops, melt candy coating in the microwave for 30 seconds, stir it to avoid scorching, then microwave it for 30-second intervals until it melts. Then, dip the cake pops 1 inch into the coating and shake the cake pop to remove excess coating. Finish by sticking the cake pop in a piece of styrofoam so it stays upright while the coating hardens. | Get candy melts or candy coating made of chocolate. Look for chocolate coating that is broken into chips or pieces. They are often sold at grocery stores and baking supply shops as “candy melts,” “candy coating,” or “candy wafers.” Using candy coating, rather than just melted chocolate, will make melting them easier and quicker. Look for candy coating in a variety of colors. Most candy coating contains shortening, which helps the coating to harden smoothly on the cake pop. Use white candy coating if you plan to dye them. Get 1 pound (450 g) candy melts to coat 25 cake pops. Increase this amount for every 25 cake pops you want to coat. Melt the candy coating in the microwave for a quick, easy option. Place 1 cup (240 ml) of candy coating in a deep, microwave safe bowl. Then, microwave them for 30 seconds. Take them out and stir them with a spoon to avoid scorching. Microwave the candy coating at 30 second intervals until they melt. Always stir them between warm ups so they do not become burnt. Melt them until they are runny and smooth. You do not want them to become clumpy or sticky. Melt the candy coating on the stove top at low heat if you don't mind stirring it. Place the candy coating in a deep pan. Warm them up at low heat, stirring them constantly with a wooden spoon or a spatula. Only melt them until they appear smooth and runny when you stir them. You can also use a double broiler to melt the candy coating. Pour 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) of water in a pot and place a metal bowl on top of the pot. Bring the pot to boil and pour the candy coating in the bowl, stirring them constantly until they melt. Dye the candy coating with a candy colorant. Look for candy colorant at your local grocery store or baking supply shop. Candy colorant comes in a variety of colors and is safe to use in the candy coating. Regular food coloring can ruin the candy coating. Squeeze 1-2 drops of dye into the candy coating. Then, stir the dye in using a popsicle stick or a spoon. If you'd prefer not to dye the coating, skip this step. Let the candy coating sit for 5 minutes at room temperature. This will help to prevent cracking. Take the cake pops out of the fridge at the same time and let them rest at room temperature as well. The closer in temperature the candy coating and the cake pops are, the less likely the coating will crack or run. Dip the cake pops 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep into the candy coating. The coating should cover the entire cake ball and just touch the stick. Dip the cake pop once and then lift it up out of the coating in one smooth motion. Shake the cake pop lightly to remove excess coating. Let any excess drip back down into the bowl. Flip the cake pop so it is right side up. Then, rotate the cake pop to help the coating even out. If there is a lot of coating on the cake pop, use a toothpick to remove it, running it lightly against the cake pop. Pop any air bubbles on the coating with the sharp point of the toothpick. Allow the cake pop to harden in a piece of styrofoam. Stand the cake pop up in a block of styrofoam so it stays upright. Let it dry and harden completely. It can take 1-2 hours for the cake pop to dry. Make sure it sits at room temperature and is not touched as it dries to prevent cracking. Dip wet, coated cake pops in sprinkles. Put small sugar crystals or sanding sugar in a medium-sized bowl. Then, roll the cake pops around in the sprinkles. Shake out the cake pops to remove any excess sprinkles and stand the cake pops upright so they can dry. Another option is to take a handful of sprinkles and drop them onto the wet cake pops. This can give the cake pops a lighter sprinkle decoration. Put a bowl or plate below the cake pops so you can collect the excess sprinkles and reuse them. Add chopped nuts or candy pieces to wet, coated cake pops. Place chopped peanuts, walnuts, pecans, or cashews in a bowl. Then, take a wet cake pop and roll it around in the chopped nuts to coat it. Use your fingers to drop chopped nuts on the sides of the cake pop so it is covered. Add chopped candy pieces to the wet cake pops. Roll them around in the chopped candy so they get a nice coating. Pipe frosting onto the cake pops. Put buttercream frosting in a small piping bag with a narrow tip. Then, hold the coated cake pop in one hand and pipe the frosting onto the cake pop with the other. Spin the cake pop around in your hand as you add the frosting to make a spiral design, vertical lines, or a horizontal line design. Put a plate underneath the cake pop as you pipe on the frosting so it can catch any excess frosting or frosting that drips down. Another option is to put small dots of frosting on the cake pops for a fun design or write letters or shapes with the frosting. Frosting looks best on cake pops that have already been dipped in candy coating. Layer the cake pop in different colored coatings. Pick 2-3 different colors of candy coating. Melt them in separate bowls. Then, dip the cake pop in the first color and let it harden. Once it has dried, dip it half way into the second color and let it harden. Finally, dip it 1/4 of the way into the third color and let it dry for a layered color look. You may use white for the base color to make the other colors stand out. Try layering colors like blue, red, and white, or green, purple, and pink. Add shimmering food coloring to the cake pops. Look for shimmering food coloring at your local grocery store or baking supply shop. It usually comes in the form of a spray. Apply a few spritzes of the shimmering food coloring to give the cake pops a nice, even color. Use an iridescent shimmering food coloring for a pretty, shiny sheen to the cake pops. Shimmering food coloring looks best on cake pops that have already been dipped in candy coating. Make halloween inspired cake pops. Create ghost cake pops by shaping the cake pops in small ghost cake molds. Then, dip the cake pops in white candy coating and add eyes by piping on black frosting. Make black cat cake pops by forming the cake pops into the shape of a cat's head. Then, dip them in black candy coating and use white frosting to make whiskers, eyes, and a nose. Prepare candy corn cake pops by forming the cake pops into triangles. Layer the cake pops in white, orange, and yellow candy coloring. Create holiday cake pops. Make the cake pops festive for Christmas by dipping them in green or red candy coating. Add gold colored sprinkles to make them feel festive for a New Year's Eve party. Add white candy or nuts to the cake pops for Hanukkah. Buy sprinkles in the shape of common holiday items, such as stars, Christmas stockings, candy canes, or mistletoe. Add the sprinkles to the coated cake pops while they are still wet so the decorations can harden. Make cake pops for a baby shower. Coat the cake pops in colors that fit with the color scheme of the baby shower. Use colored sprinkles or candy on the cake pops that go with the color scheme. Light blue and yellow are popular colors for a baby shower. If you're feeling very crafty, draw a rattle or baby bows on the cake pops with frosting. Color the cake pops for a gender reveal party, using pink for a girl and blue for a boy. Decorate personalized cake pops for a birthday. Use confetti sprinkles to decorate the coated cake pops. Write the person's initials on the cake pops using frosting. Draw a symbol or image that the person likes, such as stars, hearts, or smiley faces. Use sprinkles in the shape of a heart or a star to decorate the cake pops for a birthday. | Get candy melts or candy coating made of chocolate. Melt the candy coating in the microwave for a quick, easy option. Melt the candy coating on the stove top at low heat if you don't mind stirring it. Dye the candy coating with a candy colorant. Let the candy coating sit for 5 minutes at room temperature. Dip the cake pops 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep into the candy coating. Shake the cake pop lightly to remove excess coating. Allow the cake pop to harden in a piece of styrofoam. Dip wet, coated cake pops in sprinkles. Add chopped nuts or candy pieces to wet, coated cake pops. Pipe frosting onto the cake pops. Layer the cake pop in different colored coatings. Add shimmering food coloring to the cake pops. Make halloween inspired cake pops. Create holiday cake pops. Make cake pops for a baby shower. Decorate personalized cake pops for a birthday. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Train-Your-Cat-with-Positive-Reinforcement | How to Train Your Cat with Positive Reinforcement | To train your cat with positive reinforcement, start by showing your cat the desired behavior and giving it a tasty treat. The treat will help your kitty associate the desired behavior with getting a reward. For example, if your cat uses its scratch post instead of scratching the furniture, give it a treat when it's at the post. Tasty edible treats are a good option, but you can also reward your kitty with catnip, a new toy, verbal praise, and affection. Once your cat learns the desired behavior, gradually wean it off the edible treats, since eating too many of them isn't healthy. | Give treats for good behavior. When your cat does something you want it to do, especially in the early stages of training, be sure to reward the cat with treats. This will help your cat associate the behavior it just engaged in with receiving the treat. If your cat uses the scratch post instead of scratching the furniture, give the cat a treat as it is scratching the post. If your cat stops biting you during play time, give it a treat to show that this is the kind of play you want to happen. Try to give your cats treats that are relatively healthy so that you don't encourage a weight problem in your cat. Catnip makes a great healthy treat, or you can provide a bit of fish. Look for commercially available treats that also help clean the cat's teeth, and limit the cat to one a day. Play with your cat. If your cat is behaving well and you want to reward it, spend some time playing with the cat. Cats are naturally active animals with a great hunting instinct. For indoor cats especially, playing with them is a great way to keep them active and strengthen the bond between the two of you. Try running around the house with a feather toy for your cat to chase. Or throw a ball or a toy mouse around for the cat to run after. You can also give your cat a toy with catnip inside. This is a treat for the cat, and also a fun thing you can use to play with your cat. Put your cat on your lap and pet it. Showing affection is also important in strengthening the bond between the two of you. Wean your cat off the treats. Too many treats can lead to an unhealthy, overweight cat. So it's important to transition away from treat-based rewards once your cat begins to learn the desired behavior. Switch from treats as every reward to rewarding only occasionally with treats. Instead, praise your cat when it behaves the way you want it to. Try praising your cat by saying things like, “Good kitty!” or by saying its name in a loving way. You can also pet your cat and rub it affectionately as an alternative to providing treats. Feel free to give your cat treats on occasion, just not every time once the behavior is learned. Practice repetition. One of the most important things in training any animal, cats included, is repetition of the expected behavior. They need to see consistency over time and be rewarded regularly behaving in the way you want it to. Remember to be consistent. If you want your cat to learn a new thing, you need to always show the cat that this is how you expect it to behave. Don't let it slide sometimes when you feel like it, as the cat won't be able to distinguish the difference in your expectations. If you want your cat to stop biting and scratching during playtime, you need to practice this over and over. Play with your cat often and encourage it to avoid biting or scratching each time. If the cat bites or scratches, stand up immediately and walk away. You can come back a few moments later and begin to play again. But if the cats starts biting or scratching again, walk away every time. Reward your cat immediately. When your cat performs the behavior you are trying to teach, be sure to reward it immediately. This is crucial if you want your cat to associate the positive reinforcement with the act it just committed. Waiting even a matter of moments will negate the training and confuse the cat. If you don't see your cat do the thing you are trying to teach it, wait until the cat does it again before you reward it. If you see your cat using the scratching post instead of tearing up your furniture, immediately offer it a treat. This is most effective if you give the cat a treat while it is still using the scratching post. Be patient. Your cat can't be expected to learn something new overnight. You need to give your cat some time so that it has a chance to learn the new behavior. Be patient with your cat and let it learn at its own pace, rather than trying to force it. Try not to get frustrated if it takes longer than expected. Keep working at it and your cat will get the hang of it over time. Don't pick up your cat and try to force it into new behaviors. Let the cat come to the desired behavior on its own and then reward the behavior. Trying to force your cat may scare it. If you pick your cat up and try to make it use a scratching post or play with a certain toy, the cat may feel trapped or uneasy. Let the cat find the thing on its own. Try applying catnip to the new scratching post or toy. If the cat hasn't paid any attention to the new toy after a few days, move the toy to a new location that your cat frequents. Avoid punishment after the fact. It is unlikely that your cat will know what it is being punished for if you give it a punishment for something you discover hours (or even minutes) later. This is confusing for cats and will not improve their training. For example, if you come home and find cat poop outside of the litter box, don't punish your cat for that. Only punish if you catch your cat in the act of doing whatever it is you don't want it to do. Never cause your cat pain. It can be an instinctual reaction to swat at your cat if you catch it doing something it shouldn't do. However, physically harming your cat, even in a minor way, can make your cat feel scared and unsafe. Your cat may lash out by biting, clawing, or defending itself in some other way. Causing your cat pain can also make your cat afraid of you. This isn't the kind of relationship you want with your pet. Punish by taking things away. If you must punish your cat, you should do so by taking away things that it wants. This can include things like treats, your attention, or even a favorite toy. Be sure to make it clear that you are withholding the item because of the cat's behavior and not just randomly. For example, if your cat is biting or scratching your hand when you try to play with it, simply stop playing and walk away from the cat. The cat will eventually learn that engaging in this behavior will mean an end to playtime. | Give treats for good behavior. Play with your cat. Wean your cat off the treats. Practice repetition. Reward your cat immediately. Be patient. Avoid punishment after the fact. Never cause your cat pain. Punish by taking things away. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Diamante | How to Write a Diamante | To write a diamante, which is a diamond-shaped poem that's 7 lines long, start by choosing 2 nouns that are opposites, like summer and winter or love and hate. Then, write one of them at the top of your page. Next, write 2 adjectives on the second line that describe the noun above them. For example, if the noun you're using is "summer," you could write "warm, bright" underneath it. Once you've added those 2 adjectives, write 3 verbs that relate to your first noun and end in "ing" on the third line, like "laughing, running, playing." On the fourth line, write 2 nouns that describe your first noun and 2 nouns that describe your second noun. Finish the poem by doing the same thing for your second noun, just in reverse. When you're finished, your second noun should be on the last line of your poem. | Choose 2 nouns with opposite meanings. A diamante poem begins and ends with a noun and these 2 nouns are opposites of each other. Identify the first noun you want to use (topic A) and then choose a noun that is the opposite of that noun (topic B). Some examples include: Summer and winter Love and hate Men and women Cats and dogs List 5 to 6 adjectives that describe topic A. An adjective is a descriptive word. You will only need 2 adjectives for your poem, but listing more than you will need will give you extra options to choose from. For example, if you are using summer as topic A, then you might list the words hot, sunny, humid, bright, warm, and fun. If you're using cats as topic A, then you might list furry, stealthy, independent, cute, and soft. Choose 5 to 6 gerunds that describe topic A. A gerund is an action verb that ends in –ing. Make a list of 5 or 6 of these types of words to give yourself plenty of options. For example, if you're using summer as your topic A, then you might choose words like running, playing, swimming, hiking, and laughing. If you're using cats as topic A for your poem, then you might list hunting, sleeping, snuggling, playing, and purring. List 5 to 6 adjectives that describe topic B. You will only need 2 adjectives to describe topic B, but come up with 5 to 6 words so you have plenty of options. For example, if your second topic is winter, then you might list cold, dry, festive, snowy, and windy. If your topic B is dogs, then you might list loyal, protective, energetic, playful, and affectionate. Choose 5 to 6 gerunds that describe topic B. Next, make a list of 5 or 6 gerunds for your second topic so that you will have options to choose from when you write the poem. For example, if your second topic is winter, then you might list sledding, skiing, hibernating, baking, and sleeping. If your second topic is dogs, then you might list barking, drooling, fetching, running, and playing. Make a list of 7 to 8 nouns that describe topic A and B. You will need 4 nouns total for your fourth line, but come up with as many as you can that describe both topic A and topic B. Try to come up with at least a few nouns that could apply to both topics. For example, if your diamante is about summer and winter, then the nouns could include rain, snow, sun, clouds, holidays, family, and trees. If your diamante is about cats and dogs, then you might list collar, fur, ears, whiskers, paws, treats, and toys. Choose a single noun to start the poem. Look at your list of opposite nouns and select the pair that you want to use for your poem. Decide which word will go in the first line and which will go in the last line. The word in the first line will be your first topic, or topic A. For example, if you choose summer and winter, then you might decide to place summer in the first line. Or, if you opt for cats and dogs, then you could start with cats and end with dogs. Follow the noun with 2 related adjectives in the second line. Look at your list of adjectives and choose 2 that you want to use for the second line of the poem. Opt for the 2 adjectives that best describe the topic. For example, if you started your poem with summer, then your adjectives might be warm and bright. If you started the poem with cat, then your adjectives might be stealthy and independent. Put 3 –ing verbs in the third line of the poem. The third line should include 3 verbs that describe topic A and that end with –ing. Place these in the third line of your poem. For example, if your noun is summer, then you could use laughing, running, and playing as your verbs. If your noun is cats, then you might include the words hunting, sleeping, and purring. Fill the fourth line with 4 nouns that describe topic A and B. The fourth line of a diamante is the longest in the poem, but it still only has 4 words. You can choose 4 nouns that describe both topics, or you can list 2 words that describe topic A first, and then list 2 words that describe topic B. For example, if you're using summer and winter, you could list sun, clouds, holidays, and trees in your fourth line. The first 2 nouns are more about summer whereas the second 2 nouns are more about winter. If you're using cats and dogs for your diamante topic, then you could list whiskers, paws, ears, and toys. List 3 gerunds that describe topic B. Next, choose 3 gerunds from the list you made that describe topic B. Arrange them in the fifth line in the same way that you did for topic A. For example, if topic B is winter, then you might choose sledding, skiing, and hibernating. If your second topic is dogs, then you might choose barking, drooling, and fetching. Choose 2 more adjectives to describe topic B. The sixth line only has 2 adjectives in it and these should describe topic B. Select these from the list of adjectives you made for topic B. For example, if topic B is winter, then you might use cold and dry. If your topic B is dogs, then you might choose loyal and protective. Finish your diamante with topic B. To conclude your diamante, all you have to do is write or type topic B. This should be the opposite of the noun you used for the first line of your poem. For example, if topic A is summer, then you would conclude your poem with winter. If topic A is cats, then you would conclude your poem with dogs. | Choose 2 nouns with opposite meanings. List 5 to 6 adjectives that describe topic A. Choose 5 to 6 gerunds that describe topic A. List 5 to 6 adjectives that describe topic B. Choose 5 to 6 gerunds that describe topic B. Make a list of 7 to 8 nouns that describe topic A and B. Choose a single noun to start the poem. Follow the noun with 2 related adjectives in the second line. Put 3 –ing verbs in the third line of the poem. Fill the fourth line with 4 nouns that describe topic A and B. List 3 gerunds that describe topic B. Choose 2 more adjectives to describe topic B. Finish your diamante with topic B. |
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