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https://www.wikihow.com/Bleed-a-Master-Cylinder | How to Bleed a Master Cylinder | To bleed a master cylinder, start by lifting up the car with a jack so you can work underneath it. Next, have a helper slowly pump the brake pedal several times before keeping it held down. While the brake pedal is down, detach the hoses from the brakes to the master cylinder and let the brake fluid drain into a container. Finally, reattach the hoses so that air doesn't get in and have your helper release the brake pedal. | Gather your supplies. Bleeding from the bench is much easier than bleeding using the pump method, which takes a very long time and may not work. It is also much less expensive than taking your master cylinder into a mechanic, who will quickly (and expensively) do it with vacuum pumps. It is also necessary if you are installing a new master cylinder. To bleed your master cylinder from the bench, gather the following supplies: Your master cylinder with bleed kit. Fresh brake fluid. A workbench or table with a fixed vise. If you have neither of these, it will be more cost-effective to go to the next method, which does not require a specialized workspace. A wooden or plastic dowel. Make sure this is strong, because you don't want it to snap while you're working. Remove your master cylinder from the packaging. Set aside the bleed kit that comes with the cylinder, as you will need it later. If the new part didn't come with a reservoir, be sure to remove the one from the old part. Mount your master cylinder in the vise. Steadiness is key when bleeding your master cylinder in this way. Before doing anything else, mount your master cylinder in the vise on your workbench or table, and make sure it is level. Hold the master cylinder by its flared mount, and make sure it is level. This way, the air will leave properly, and it will fill with brake fluid evenly without gaps. It needs to be firmly secured, but not so tight you crush or damage cast aluminum parts. Make sure the plastic fittings are not crushed or blocked when putting the cylinder in the vise. If your table does not have a pre-installed vise clamp, you can buy a separate vise that clamps on to the table if you do not have one pre-installed. If you like the appearance of this table, it might be best not to use it, as vise clamps leave a mark on wood or metal. If you have no other usable tables, wedge a rag in between the vise clamps to avoid leaving a mark. This may not work, so proceed at your own risk. Prepare the bleeding kit. This should come with your master cylinder, and consists of two rubber hoses and two plastic threaded inserts. The inserts will be threaded on one side, and the other will be a smooth adapter for taking the hose. Check the color of your hose, too. If you have opaque hose, you might want to replace it with clear hose, because then you can see the air bubbles passing through the fluid more easily. You can also opt not to use the bleeding kit, as it isn't necessary. However, this guide will assume that you are using the bleeding kit. Screw the inserts into the outputs of your cylinder. These are located on the side of the cylinder past the flared mount. Install these into the bosses (the threaded holes) without cross threading them. Make sure they are finger tight. Insert the rubber hoses. Once you have attached the inserts into the cylinder, you can attach the rubber hoses to these inserts. Place the ends of the rubber hoses into a container. This container will be used for catching the excess brake fluid, so make sure you don't mind that it gets dirty. Consider attaching the hoses to the container in some way. Once you begin pumping, they will begin flailing about and spray blake fluid everywhere if they are not anchored down in some way. An old coffee can works especially well for this, as does any cylindrical container with a wide, flared opening. Fill the attached reservoir with brake fluid. If your reservoir runs out of brake fluid at any time during your bleed, you'll have to start from the beginning. You should only put clean brake fluid that is less than two years old into the reservoir. Make sure it's in between the "max" and "min" marks and covers the ends of the hoses. Brake fluid is very hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture and will degrade, and this damages the seals. Do not reuse brake fluid Begin pumping the master cylinder. Make sure you do this slowly to avoid allowing air into the apparatus, or allowing the wooden dowel to snap. Don't bottom out the piston, otherwise this might allow the entrance of air. You have to pinch the rubber hoses closed each and every time you release pressure on the cylinder. Push in the cylinder and pinch the hoses. This will compress the brake fluid, so it will shoot out when you release the hoses. This also prevents air from entering the master cylinder by not providing a vacuum for it to fill. Release the hoses and let the brake fluid out of the master cylinder, then immediately pinch the hoses again. Repeat this until there is no more air in the fluid. You will know you're finished pumping when there are no more air bubbles rising in the reservoir or present in the container of spent brake fluid. Remove the master cylinder from the vise with the bleeding kit still attached. Begin installing the master cylinder in your vehicle. When installing it in the vehicle, keep it level and remove the bleeding kit as you install the lines. If you did this right, you shouldn't need to bleed the entire system, but you may want to to flush the system of old fluid. Remove the inserts and hoses, then place the caps on your master cylinder. These should have come with the cylinder, and will prevent leakage. Replace the cap on the master cylinder's reservoir. Otherwise brake fluid will leak out from the reservoir. Test the brakes before returning the vehicle to service. You need to make sure that your brakes actually work before you begin driving your car. If you've done it right, the brakes should feel clean and crisp when you pump them. If you've done it wrong, the brakes will feel "squishy" when you pump them from your car, indicating there is still air in the master cylinder. If the break pedal feels soft after installing the master cylinder, follow the instructions for the method on bleeding the master cylinder from the car, or this guide on bleeding brake lines. Gather your supplies. Unlike with bleeding a separate or new master cylinder, you can do this without gathering new parts or equipment. You will need: A brake bleed screwdriver or wrench. You will have to loosen the screws that hold the hoses in place in order to bleed the master cylinder. Pliers. You will need these to pinch the hose attached to your master cylinder in between pumps WD-40 or other water-displacing solvent. Your brake bleed screw may be caked with oil or other contaminants and be difficult to unscrew. You'll use the WD-40 to remove this material and allow yourself to loosen the screw. A helper. He or she will pump your brakes while you fiddle with the hoses and screws underneath your car. Jack up the car. This will allow you to get underneath it to work with the master cylinder. Immobilize the car by blocking the wheels, and make sure it won't roll by parking it on a flat surface. Place a container or jar underneath the master cylinder's bleeder nozzle or the place for the hose attachment. This container will be used for catching the excess brake fluid, so make sure you don't mind that it gets dirty. Consider attaching the hoses to the container in some way. Once you begin pumping, they will begin flailing about and spray blake fluid everywhere if they are not anchored down in some way. An old coffee can works especially well for this, as does any cylindrical container with a wide, flared opening. Ask your helper to slowly pump your brake pedal several times. Have him or her indicate to you what he or she is doing by calling out "down" when pressing the brake pedal and "up" when letting it go. Have your helper press and hold down the brake pedal. Now you will begin doing some work on the master cylinder. Detach the hoses connecting the brakes and the master cylinder. This isolates your master cylinder and keeps you from bleeding your brakes as well. You're trying to bleed your master cylinder, and not your brakes, so you don't want to affect the latter by messing with the former. Likely, brake fluid will instantly fly out. This is why you want to have a container attached. Before your helper releases the pedal, make sure you have the hoses back on. Examine the brake fluid. If there is air in the fluid, you will see air bubbles in what was discharged. This is also why it is important to have a container or jar, because without collecting the fluid, you will have no idea whether there is fluid in the brakes or not. Reattach the hoses to the master cylinder. Failing to do so will allow air back in to the cylinder. Have your helper release the pedal. Repeat until the air is out of the master cylinder. Don't forget to continue topping up the master cylinder with brake fluid. Otherwise, you may introduce air into it and have to begin again. | Gather your supplies. Remove your master cylinder from the packaging. Mount your master cylinder in the vise. Prepare the bleeding kit. Screw the inserts into the outputs of your cylinder. Insert the rubber hoses. Place the ends of the rubber hoses into a container. Fill the attached reservoir with brake fluid. Begin pumping the master cylinder. Push in the cylinder and pinch the hoses. Release the hoses and let the brake fluid out of the master cylinder, then immediately pinch the hoses again. Repeat this until there is no more air in the fluid. Remove the master cylinder from the vise with the bleeding kit still attached. Begin installing the master cylinder in your vehicle. Remove the inserts and hoses, then place the caps on your master cylinder. Replace the cap on the master cylinder's reservoir. Test the brakes before returning the vehicle to service. Gather your supplies. Jack up the car. Place a container or jar underneath the master cylinder's bleeder nozzle or the place for the hose attachment. Ask your helper to slowly pump your brake pedal several times. Have your helper press and hold down the brake pedal. Detach the hoses connecting the brakes and the master cylinder. Examine the brake fluid. Reattach the hoses to the master cylinder. Have your helper release the pedal. Repeat until the air is out of the master cylinder. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-More-REM-Sleep | How to Get More REM Sleep | To get more REM sleep, stick to a consistent sleep schedule to ensure you are getting enough sleep each night. In addition, try to turn off all of your electronics a few hours before bed so the blue light doesn't keep you up late. If you still don't feel rested, you should try to get 30 minutes of exercise 5 to 6 hours before bed. Finally, for the best sleep possible, keep your bedroom dark, cool, and quiet as well by using window shades and earplugs if necessary. | Understand the stages of sleep. There are four stages of sleep, with the fourth and final stage being REM sleep. In order to get more REM sleep, you need to gradually allow your mind and body to go through the first three stages of sleep. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule and healthy sleep habits will help you do this. Stage N1: This is when you are transitioning into sleep and lasts about five minutes. Your eyes will move slower under your eyelids, and your muscle activity will slow down but you can be easily awakened by a noise or a sound. Stage N2: This is the first stage of true sleep and lasts 10–25 minutes. Your eye movement will stop completely, your heart rate will slow and your body temperature will decrease. Stage N3: This is the beginning of deep sleep, during which you are hard to wake up and if you are woken up, you will often feel groggy or disoriented for a few minutes. In this stage, your brain waves are very slow and blood flow is directed away from your brain to your muscles, which restores physical energy in your body. Stage N4: The final stage of sleep is REM sleep, or dream sleeping. This occurs about 70 to 90 minutes after falling asleep. You will likely experience rapid eye movement, shallow breathing, and your heart rate and blood pressure may increase. During this stage, your arms and legs are also paralyzed. Keep in mind that during the night, your sleep follows a pattern, moving back and forth between deep sleep and REM sleep. Each cycle lasts about 90 minutes and repeats four to six times during the night. As the night progresses, the amount of time you spend in each stage changes. Most deep sleep occurs in the first half of the night. Later in the night your REM sleep stages become longer. Maintain a regular sleep schedule. Create a sleep schedule where you wake up and go to sleep at the same time everyday, even on weekends or days off. Sleep requirements vary from person to person, but on average, you should be getting between seven and nine hours of sleep. Having a regular sleep schedule will allow you to experience REM sleep more often, as you will cycle between the stages of sleep several times throughout the night during a full seven to nine hour sleep Some people think getting just one less hour of sleep won't affect their daily functioning or that they can make up for lack of sleep on the weekend or a day off, but unfortunately it doesn't work that way. Any changes or shifts in your regular sleep schedule will only have a negative effect on your sleeping habits and could lead to less deep sleep or REM sleep. It's a myth that your body adjusts quickly to different sleep schedules. While most people can reset their biological clock, this can only be done by timed cues, and even then, only by one to two hours per day at best. Keep in mind it can take more than a week for your body's internal clock to adjust to traveling across several time zones or to switching to the night shift. Turn off all electronics and distractions a few hours before bed. Shut off your television, smartphone, tablet, and computer or, even better, keep all electronics out of your bedroom completely. The type of light these screens emit can stimulate your brain, suppress the production of melatonin (which encourages REM sleep), and interfere with your body's internal clock. Another option is to shut down your computer on a schedule. This will automatically sleep your machine and prevent you from working on your computer too late or too close to your bedtime. There are sleep features on both PCs and Macs that you can activate. As well, if you want your computer to be ready to go in the morning, once you wake up, you can schedule a startup time too. Keep your bedroom dark, cool, and quiet. Use heavy curtains or shades to block the light from windows. Cover any electronic displays, like tvs or computers so the light does not glow in the room. You can also use a sleep mask to cover your eyes and create a dark space that will help you sleep. If you have difficulty sleeping due to loud noises outside your window or a loud sleep partner, consider investing in good earplugs, or a noise machine. Don’t consume caffeine or alcohol four to six hours before your bedtime. About half the caffeine you consume at 7 pm is still in your body at 11 pm. Caffeine is a known stimulant that can suppress your REM sleep and can be found in coffee, chocolate, soft drinks, non-herbal teas, diet drugs, and some pain relievers. Limit how many cups of coffee you have several hours before bed, or try to eliminate caffeine from your diet all together. Alcohol also prevents deep sleep and REM sleep. It will keep you in the lighter stages of sleep, causing you to possibly wake up easily and have a harder time falling back asleep. Avoid consuming alcohol several hours before bed to improve your chances of having REM sleep. Try to go to bed sleep 30 minutes earlier than usual. Your REM sleep stages are longer in the morning, so try to prolong your REM sleep by adding an extra 30 minutes of sleep. Adjust your bedtime so you go to sleep 30 minutes earlier than usual and then maintain this adjustment in your sleep schedule by doing this every night. Always be consistent with adjustments to your sleep schedule, as you will need to get enough of each stage of sleep, especially deep sleep, to improve your REM sleep. If you do not get enough deep sleep at night, your body may try to make up for it the next night, thereby reducing the amount of REM sleep you experience. Ask your doctor about melatonin for improved REM sleep. Recent studies have shown that taking melatonin supplements, about 3 mg a day, can increase your REM sleep and help you stay in the REM stage of your sleep cycling for a longer period of time. Your doctor can recommend a melatonin supplement, usually in pill form, as well as the prescribed dosage for your body type. Melatonin is also recommended for the elderly and people who work late shifts at night, as it can help to normalize your sleep cycle and be beneficial for your health overall. Be wary of over-the-counter medications that can lead to suppressed REM sleep. Many of the side effects of these drugs can have adverse effects on your sleep patterns and daytime alertness. Common medications that can disturb your REM sleep include: Nasal decongestants. Aspirin and other headache medications. Pain relievers that contain caffeine. Cold and allergy medications containing an antihistamine. Certain diet pills and antidepressants. If you are taking any of these medications, try to reduce your dosage. Or research alternative methods to treat these issues so you can stop taking these over-the-counter medications. Commit to exercising at least 20 to 30 minutes a day. Daily exercise is proven to help people sleep and can help you stay in the REM stage of sleep longer. But a workout too close to bedtime might interfere with your sleep schedule. Try to get daily exercise about five to six hours before bedtime. | Understand the stages of sleep. Maintain a regular sleep schedule. Turn off all electronics and distractions a few hours before bed. Keep your bedroom dark, cool, and quiet. Don’t consume caffeine or alcohol four to six hours before your bedtime. Try to go to bed sleep 30 minutes earlier than usual. Ask your doctor about melatonin for improved REM sleep. Be wary of over-the-counter medications that can lead to suppressed REM sleep. Commit to exercising at least 20 to 30 minutes a day. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Productivity | How to Calculate Productivity | To calculate productivity, start by multiplying the number of people in the workforce by the average number of hours they worked during a given time period. For example, if there are 100 million people in a country that work 40 hours a week, there would be 4 billion total productive hours. Then, divide the country's gross domestic product for that time period by the productive hours. If, for example, a country's GDP is $100 billion and the productive hours are 4 billion, the productivity is $25 per hour. | Determine the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The GDP of a country is the measure of goods and services produced within a specific time period. You'll need that number to calculate productivity based on GDP. You usually won't have to calculate the number yourself (that would be very difficult). Instead, you can find the number already calculated for you. You should be able to find the GDP of most countries online. Start by Googling the country's name plus "GDP". You can also find the GDP of many countries at the World Bank website. Make sure you find the right GDP for the time period that you're measuring (e.g., for a quarter or a year). Keep in mind that the GDP number for the target country, even if it's released for a quarter, might be given as an annualized number. In that case, divide the annualized number by four to get the quarterly number. Calculate the number of total productive hours for a country. Basically, you're calculating the number of so-called "man-hours" worked to produce products and services. For any country, find the number of people in the workforce for the given period and multiply it by the average number of hours worked. For example, if the average number of hours worked is 40 and there are 100 million people in the country, then the total productive hours is 40 x 100,000,000 or 4,000,000,000. In the United States, you can find the key statistics on the website of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Labor productivity for other countries can be found by searching online for relevant economic research. Calculate productivity. Just divide the GDP by the total productive hours. The result will give you the productivity for that country. For example, if the country's GDP is $100 billion and the productive hours are 4 billion, then the productivity is $100 billion / 4 billion or $25 of output per hour worked. Get the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The GDP measures a nation's total economic activity in terms of the goods and services produced. You'll need that number to calculate productivity based on GDP. Fortunately, the GDP is a figure that's already calculated for you and delivered by one of the country's agencies. The GDP for many countries is available online. Google the country's name plus "GDP". You can also find the GDP of many countries at the World Bank website. Find the GDP figure for the time period that you're measuring (e.g., for a quarter or a year). If the quarterly GDP figure is released as an annualized number (as is the case in the United States), divide it by four if you want a quarterly measurement. Find the number of employed people in the country. To calculate worker productivity, you'll need to find the number of people who are employed in the country. In the United States, you can find the key statistics on the website of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For other countries, you'll have to Google around. Calculate individual worker productivity. Just divide the GDP by the total number of people employed. The result will give you the labor productivity for that country. For example, if the country's GDP is $100 billion and the total number of people employed is 100 million, then the worker productivity is 100 billion / 100 million or 1,000 units of output produced per person employed. Use your calculated worker productivity. Worker productivity can be used to estimate how much an increase in population or employment can affect GDP. Multiply worker productivity by the increase in the number of workers to estimate how much GDP will be affected by the new workers. | Determine the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Calculate the number of total productive hours for a country. Calculate productivity. Get the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Find the number of employed people in the country. Calculate individual worker productivity. Use your calculated worker productivity. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Kohl%27s-Cash | How to Use Kohl's Cash | Kohl's cash is a reward system where you earn credit for shopping in Kohl's stores and online. You can only earn Kohl's cash during promotional periods, but these come around quite often. Keep an eye on the website or follow Kohl's on social media so you don't miss one. You'll earn 10 dollars of Kohl's cash for every 50 dollars you spend, whether it's online or in-store. Clearance items and items on sale usually don't count towards Kohl's cash. If you shop in-store, you'll receive a gift certificate. If you shop online, you'll receive an email with a code for your Kohl's cash. To redeem your Kohl's cash, just give your certificate to the cashier or enter your code online when you check out. | Look for Kohl’s Cash promotional periods. You can only earn Kohl's Cash during certain promotional periods, although these usually happen frequently. To find out when Kohl's is running a promotion, check its website, look for flyers in the mail, or look for advertisements in Kohl's stores. Make the required purchases at Kohl’s. To earn Kohl's Cash rewards, you typically have to make purchases in a Kohl's store or through its website that total over a certain dollar amount. You can earn $10 in Kohl's Cash for every $50 you spend in store or online. The rewards keep stacking up. For instance, with this promotion, if you spend $53 dollars, you can get $10 in Kohl's Cash. If you spend $102, you can get $20 dollars in Kohl's Cash. There are usually some restrictions on the purchases that count toward earning Kohl's Cash. For instance, sale and clearance products will probably not count toward the purchase amount threshold you need to meet or exceed in order to earn the rewards. Kohls may round purchases of at least $48 dollars up to $50 so that you can still earn the $10 in Kohl's Cash. Ask a cashier for details. Receive your Kohl’s Cash rewards. If you are shopping in a brick-and-mortar Kohl's store, the cashier can just hand you certificates for the Kohl's Cash you have earned. If you are shopping online, your Kohl's Cash will be sent to you at the email address you used during the checkout process. If you use the Kohl's app, the email you receive will provide instructions on how to add the Kohl's Cash you have earned to your wallet, if you want to. Have your Kohl’s Cash ready to use in-store or online. You will need to hang onto your Kohl's cash, whether you received it as a physical certificate, an email, or an entry in your Kohl's app Wallet. You'll need to show your Kohl's Cash to a cashier or enter a unique code online if you want to use the rewards. Keep the physical certificates in a safe place if you plan on using them. If you have an emailed Kohl's Cash certificate, you can show the barcode to a cashier or print the certificate out. Kohl's Cash stored via the Kohl's app should show up automatically, but double-check your app to make sure it's there before attempting to use it. Make purchases at Kohl’s. To use your Kohl's Cash, you'll have to return to a Kohl's store or shop on its website. The Kohl's Cash amount you have will be applied to the total amount of your purchase, reducing it overall. For instance, if you buy $67 worth of merchandise at a Kohl's store and have $10 in Kohl's Cash, your total will be reduced to $57! If you are shopping in a brick-and-mortar store, make sure to let the cashier know you want to use your Kohl's Cash. If you are shopping on Kohls.com and want to use your Kohl's Cash, you will have to enter the 15-digit code and 4-digit PIN printed on the rewards certificate or email when prompted to during the checkout process. If you are shopping from the Kohl's App, any Kohl's Cash you have stored there will be applied automatically to your purchase. Check your Kohl’s Cash balance. You don't have to use all of your Kohl's Cash at once. To find out your remaining balance, go to the bottom of the Kohls.com website and look for the "My Account" tab. Click on "Gift Card Balance and Kohl's Cash Balance" and follow the prompts. Your Kohl's Cash balance will also be stated on your Kohl's App account, if you use it. Combine Kohl’s Cash with discounts. Kohl's Cash isn't actually cash, but it isn't as restricted as many coupons are, either. This means that you can typically use it in combination with sales, coupons, and other discounts that are available. Reap the savings! However, certain brands or items may be excluded for various reasons. Check with Kohl's customer service if you ever have a question about what the final price of an item will be. Kohl's Cash will be applied first to your order, before any other discounts. For instance, imagine you are shopping during a promotion to get 10% off your total purchase. If your initial total is $70 and you have $10 in Kohl's Cash, your final total will be $54 ($70-$10 = $60; 10% x $60 = $6; $60-$6 = $54). Return purchases if needed. You are allowed to return purchases made using Kohl's Cash. You will be refunded the cost you paid for the returned item (that is, the store price minus any discounts you received), and given a new Kohl's Cash certificate that must be used within 30 days. You can also return purchases you made that earned Kohl's Cash. However, your Kohl's Cash balance will be reduced by a corresponding amount. If you return an item you purchased that earned Kohl's Cash, and you have already used the Kohl's Cash, then the refund you receive for the returned item will be reduced by the amount of Kohl's Cash that you earned and used. For instance, imagine you bought a coffee maker for $65, and you earned $10 in Kohl's Cash. You use that Kohl's Cash on a future purchase of a $32 shirt to bring its cost down to $22. If you decide to return the coffee maker, you will only receive $55 (the original price minus the $10 in Kohl's Cash you already used on the shirt). Use your Kohl’s Cash before it expires. Kohl's Cash that you receive as a certificate or electronically will have a stated expiration date. If you don't use the rewards by that date, unfortunately the Kohl's Cash will no longer be valid. | Look for Kohl’s Cash promotional periods. Make the required purchases at Kohl’s. Receive your Kohl’s Cash rewards. Have your Kohl’s Cash ready to use in-store or online. Make purchases at Kohl’s. Check your Kohl’s Cash balance. Combine Kohl’s Cash with discounts. Return purchases if needed. Use your Kohl’s Cash before it expires. |
https://www.wikihow.health/Go-on-a-Detox-Diet | How to Go on a Detox Diet | Before going on a detox diet, talk to your doctor so you're aware of the potential risks, such as fatigue, headaches, or diarrhea. Additionally, keep in mind that the weight you lose during this detox will likely be gained back afterwards. If you want to go on a short detox, consider going on a juice diet, which involves drinking juice made from a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. You should only stay on a juice diet for 3 days, since you'll be missing out on some important proteins. For a more intense detox, try the master cleanse, which requires you to drink lemon juice, grade B maple syrup, and cayenne pepper for 10 days. Then, gradually reintroduce solid foods over the next several days, beginning with fruits and vegetables. | Consult with a doctor. It is important that a trained medical professional advise you as to what plan would best fit your needs. You might have certain underlying conditions that would make a detox diet problematic for you. Perhaps weight loss shouldn't even be your priority. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for a healthy life. A registered dietitian is also a good resource for getting information on a diet program that will work well for you. Registered Dietitians are experts with training and certification in nutrition. If you have diabetes and are insulin-dependent, do not follow a detox diet without approval from your healthcare provider first. Choose a juice diet for a popular option. Juice diets are one of the most popular types of detox programs. Drinking juice allows you to take in nutrients even as you limit your consumption of hard foods. Part of the purpose of a juice diet is to consume a wide variety of nutrients. Be sure to research juice recipes that incorporate a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. On a juice diet you will not receive some important nutrients, like protein. You should refrain from staying on a pure juice diet for more than three days. For longer fasts, you should consider a regimen that incorporates other nutrients. Because fruits have a high sugar content, juice diets are not a great way to lose weight. But a short juice diet might help you get a lot of nutrients that you would otherwise be short on. Try the Master Cleanse for a more intense detox. The Master Cleanse is a 10-day-long all liquid detox. The basis is a combination of lemon juice, grade B maple syrup, and cayenne pepper. The lemon juice provides vitamins, the syrup provides calories, and the cayenne pepper flushes out your system. Additionally, the diet recommends that you consume either laxative tea or a combination of sea salt and water. Both will function to flush out your system. After the initial 10 days are over, you will want to gradually return to eating solid foods. Begin with juice and fruit, eventually moving on to raw fruits and vegetables. You want to refrain from eating meat or dairy until your system becomes acclimated to food. Medical professionals suggest that weight lost during the Master Cleanse will typically return. Opt for a detox with solid foods if you want to consume more nutrients. There are a variety of diets that claim to detox you by eliminating certain processed and unhealthy foods from your diet. Typically they involved the consumption of juice, protein shakes, and some solid foods like raw fruits and vegetables. This is sometimes the best option when you want to detox, especially if you want to conserve muscle mass. This allows you to get more whole foods, protein, and nutrients. Examples include “The Fast Track One Day Diet,” “Dr. Joshi's Holistic Detox,” and the “Three Day Fruit Flush Diet.” This diets are more likely to be healthy in the long term than juice diets and the Master Cleanse, but because they vary so much, so too do their merits. Do research into any plan that you decide to follow and be conscious of the credibility of sources. Go on an elimination diet to determine if you have food allergies or sensitivities. If you suspect you are allergic or sensitive to certain foods, cut them out of your diet. Typically, people choose to eliminate foods like dairy, shellfish, nuts, eggs, and wheat. Avoid eating these foods for 1-2 weeks, then slowly reintroduce them back into your diet to see if you have any symptoms, like upset stomach, rash, and so on. Try an anti-inflammatory diet if you suffer from a chronic illness. Some chronic illnesses, like Alzheimer's, cancer, and heart disease, may be caused by inflammation. Going on an anti-inflammatory diet can provide symptomatic relief for many conditions. Aim to eat foods that do not contribute to inflammation, such as whole grains, healthy fats, and vegetable proteins. Avoid processed foods and saturated fats. Know what to expect. Detoxing can produce several unpleasant side effects. You probably won't be surprised to find that it will make you hungry. You may also, however, experience fatigue, and possibly headaches, diarrhea, and flatulence. Refrain from intoxicating substances. Without any food in your system, even alcohol and caffeine can have a harmful effect. You should certainly avoid recreational drugs. Consult your doctor about how prescription medications will affect you during a fast. Take it easy. Doctors warn that you should never try to exercise during a cleanse. Because you will likely be fatigued, you should have easy recreation available. Have some books or movies around to keep you busy. Have a tongue scraper available. When fasting it is common to develop a coated tongue, which is a layer of bacteria on the tongue that causes discoloration and bad breath. A tongue scraper can help fix the situation. A good brushing of the tongue can also help. Reintroduce solid foods slowly. Your system might have difficulty dealing with solid foods after a detox. For the first couple days stick to small portions of vegetables, soups, and nuts. Introduce fruit and then light proteins like fish, cheese, and eggs after 4 or 5 days. Chew slowly whenever you eat. Detox diets double as an elimination diet, so use this to your advantage by slowly reintroducing foods, so that you can determine how each type of food impacts your body. You might find that when you reintroduce dairy, for instance, you are more prone to stomachaches. | Consult with a doctor. Choose a juice diet for a popular option. Try the Master Cleanse for a more intense detox. Opt for a detox with solid foods if you want to consume more nutrients. Go on an elimination diet to determine if you have food allergies or sensitivities. Try an anti-inflammatory diet if you suffer from a chronic illness. Know what to expect. Refrain from intoxicating substances. Take it easy. Have a tongue scraper available. Reintroduce solid foods slowly. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Read-a-Capacitor | How to Read a Capacitor | To read a large capacitor, first find the capacitance value, which will be a number or a number range most commonly followed by µF, M, or FD. Then look for a tolerance value, typically listed as a percentage. Next, check the voltage rating, which is usually listed as a number followed by the letters V, VDC, VDCW, or WV. Finally, see if your capacitor is polarized by looking for plus or minus signs next to its terminals, which indicate that it is. | Know the units of measurement. The base unit of capacitance is the farad (F). This value is much too large for ordinary circuits, so household capacitors are labeled with one of the following units: 1 µF , uF , or mF = 1 microfarad = 10 farads. (Careful — in other contexts, mF is the official abbreviation for millifarads, or 10 farads.) 1 nF = 1 nanofarad = 10 farads. 1 pF , mmF , or uuF = 1 picofarad = 1 micromicrofarad = 10 farads. Read the capacitance value. Most large capacitors have a capacitance value written on the side. Slight variations are common, so look for the value that most closely matches the units above. You may need to adjust for the following: Ignore capital letters in the units. For example, "MF" is just a variation on "mf." (It is definitely not a megafarad, even though this is the official SI abbreviation.) Don't get thrown by "fd." This is just another abbreviation for farad. For example, "mmfd" is the same as "mmf." Beware single-letter markings such as "475m," usually found on smaller capacitors. See below for instructions. Look for a tolerance value. Some capacitors list a tolerance, or the maximum expected range in capacitance compared to its listed value. This isn't important in all circuits, but you may need to pay attention to this if you require a precise capacitor value. For example, a capacitor labeled "6000uF +50%/-70%" could actually have a capacitance as high as 6000uF + (6000 * 0.5) = 9000uF, or as low as 6000 uF - (6000uF * 0.7) = 1800uF. If there is no percentage listed, look for a single letter after the capacitance value or on its own line. This may be code for a tolerance value, described below. Check the voltage rating. If there is room on the body of the capacitor, the manufacturer usually lists voltage as a number followed by a V, VDC, VDCW, or WV (for "Working Voltage"). This is the maximum voltage the capacitor is designed to handle. 1 kV = 1,000 volts. See below if you suspect your capacitor uses a code for voltage (a single letter or one digit and one letter). If there is no symbol at all, reserve the cap for low-voltage circuits only. If you are building an AC circuit, look for a capacitor rated specifically for VAC. Do not use a DC capacitor unless you have an in-depth knowledge of how to convert the voltage rating, and how to use that type of capacitor safely in AC applications. Look for a + or - sign. If you see one of these next to a terminal, the capacitor is polarized. Make sure to connect the capacitor's + end to the positive side of the circuit, or the capacitor could eventually cause a short or even explode. If there is no + or -, you can orient the capacitor either way. Some capacitors use a colored bar or a ring-shaped depression to show polarity. Traditionally, this mark designates the - end on an aluminum electrolytic capacitor (which are usually shaped like tin cans). On tantalum electrolytic capacitors (which are very small), this mark designates the + end. (Disregard the bar if it contradicts a + or - sign, or if it is on a non-electrolytic capacitor.) Write down the first two digits of the capacitance. Older capacitors are less predictable, but almost all modern examples use the EIA standard code when the capacitor is too small to write out the capacitance in full. To start, write down the first two digits, then decide what to do next based on your code: If your code starts with exactly two digits followed by a letter (e.g. 44M), the first two digits are the full capacitance code. Skip down to finding units. If one of the first two characters is a letter, skip down to letter systems. If the first three characters are all numbers, continue to the next step. Use the third digit as a zero multiplier. The three-digit capacitance code works as follows: If the third digit is 0 through 6, add that many zeroes to the end of the number. (For example, 453 → 45 x 10 → 45,000.) If the third digit is 8, multiply by 0.01. (e.g. 278 → 27 x 0.01 → 0.27) If the third digit is 9, multiply by 0.1. (e.g. 309 → 30 x 0.1 → 3.0) Work out the capacitance units from context . The smallest capacitors (made from ceramic, film, or tantalum) use units of picofarads (pF), equal to 10 farads. Larger capacitors (the cylindrical aluminum electrolyte type or the double-layer type) use units of microfarads (uF or µF), equal to 10 farads. A capacitor may overrule this by adding a unit after it (p for picofarad, n for nanofarad, or u for microfarad). However, if there is only one letter after the code, this is usually the tolerance code , not the unit. (P and N are uncommon tolerance codes, but they do exist.) Read codes that contain letters instead . If your code includes a letter as one of the first two characters, there are three possibilities: If the letter is an R, replace it with a decimal point to get the capacitance in pF. For example, 4R1 means a capacitance of 4.1pF. If the letter is p, n, or u, this tells you the units (pico-, nano-, or microfarad). Replace this letter with a decimal point. For example, n61 means 0.61 nF, and 5u2 means 5.2 uF. A code like "1A253" is actually two codes. 1A tells you the voltage , and 253 tells you the capacitance as described above. Read the tolerance code on ceramic capacitors. Ceramic capacitors, which are usually tiny "pancakes" with two pins, typically list the tolerance value as one letter immediately after the three-digit capacitance value. This letter represents the tolerance of the capacitor, meaning how close the actual value of the capacitor can be expected to be to the indicated value of the capacitor. If precision is important in your circuit, translate this code as follows: {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/85\/Read-a-Capacitor-Step-10-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Read-a-Capacitor-Step-10-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/85\/Read-a-Capacitor-Step-10-Version-3.jpg\/aid1365464-v4-728px-Read-a-Capacitor-Step-10-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"410","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>"} B = ± 0.1 pF. C = ± 0.25 pF. D = ± 0.5 pF for capacitors rated below 10 pF, or ± 0.5% for capacitors above 10 pF. F = ± 1 pF or ± 1% (same system as D above). G = ± 2 pF or ± 2% (see above). J = ± 5%. K = ± 10%. M = ± 20%. Z = +80% / -20% (If you see no tolerance listed, assume this as the worst case scenario. ) Read letter-number-letter tolerance values. Many types of capacitors represent the tolerance with a more detailed three-symbol system. Interpret this as follows: The first symbol shows minimum temperature. Z = 10ºC, Y = -30ºC, X = -55ºC. The second symbol shows maximum temperature. 2 = 45ºC, 4 = 65ºC, 5 = 85ºC, 6 = 105ºC, 7 = 125ºC. The third symbol shows variation in capacitance across this temperature range. This ranges from the most precise, A = ±1.0%, to the least precise, V = +22.0%/-82%. R , one of the most common symbols, represents a variation of ±15%. Interpret voltage codes . You can look up the EIA voltage chart for a full list, but most capacitors use one of the following common codes for maximum voltage (values given for DC capacitors only): 0J = 6.3V 1A = 10V 1C = 16V 1E = 25V 1H = 50V 2A = 100V 2D = 200V 2E = 250V One letter codes are abbreviations of one of the common values above. If multiple values could apply (such as 1A or 2A), you'll need to work it out from context. For an estimate of other, less common codes, look at the first digit. 0 covers values less than ten; 1 goes from ten to 99; 2 goes from 100 to 999; and so on. Look up other systems. Old capacitors or capacitors made for specialist use may use different systems. These are not included in this article, but you can use this hints to guide your further research: If the capacitor has one long code beginning with "CM" or "DM," look up the U.S. military capacitor chart. If there is no code but a series of colored bands or dots, look up the capacitor color code. | Know the units of measurement. Read the capacitance value. Look for a tolerance value. Check the voltage rating. Look for a + or - sign. Write down the first two digits of the capacitance. Use the third digit as a zero multiplier. Work out the capacitance units from context Read codes that contain letters instead Read the tolerance code on ceramic capacitors. Read letter-number-letter tolerance values. Interpret voltage codes Look up other systems. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Natural-Face-Cleansers | How to Make Natural Face Cleansers | To make a natural face cleanser, mix 1/2 a teaspoon of raw honey with some warm water and then wash your face with it. You can also use 2 teaspoons of castor oil mixed with 1 teaspoon of a carrier oil, like argan or jojoba oil. If you want to make a natural cleanser that will exfoliate your skin, mix ground oats, almond meal, and water in a container and then massage it into your face. You can experiment substituting the water with milk, lemon juice, or witch hazel too. | Consider using honey to clean your face. Honey is a natural exfoliant, so it helps get rid of dead skin cells without the harsh, abrasiveness of salt and sugar scrubs. It also makes a great moisturizer, and leaves your face feeling soft and smooth. Lastly, honey is also a natural antiseptic. This means that it not only helps remove toxins from your skin, but it also helps kill any acne-causing bacteria. Honey is suitable for all skin types. Honey is not suitable for removing make up. You may want to consider using oil to clean your face instead. To learn how to make an oil-based cleanser, refer to the section in this article on using oil to clean your face. Protect your hair and clothes. Because honey can get very drippy, sticky, and messy, it would be best to drape a towel over the front of your chest and pull your hair back into a ponytail. If you have short hair, you can simply clip it back using bobby pins or wear a shower cap. Dampen your face with water. Lean over the skin and splash warm water onto your skin. This will help dissolve the honey, making it easier to spread across your face. Pour some honey onto your palm. You will need about ½ teaspoon of raw honey. Gently swirl your finger around in the honey to soften and warm it. If the honey is too thick, you can add a few drops of warm water to dissolve it and make it easier to manage. Massage the honey into your skin. Spread the honey between your fingers, and then gently rub it into your skin using circular motions. Be sure to avoid the sensitive areas around the eyes. Wash the honey off using warm water. Splash some warm water onto your face, and gently massage your skin with your fingers until you get all of the honey off. If you have blackheads and want some deep-pore cleansing, then leave the honey on for five to ten minutes before rinsing it off. Dry your face. Use a soft, clean towel, and gently pat your face dry. Do not rub your face with the towel, or you will risk irritating your skin. Consider following up with some moisturizer and toner. The moisturizer will help lock in the moisture, and the toner will help rebalance the natural pH of your skin as well as tighten the pores. Find a small bowl or bottle. You will be mixing two different types of oils, so you will need something to hold them. Pour in the castor oil. How much castor oil will depend on your skin type. Here is how much castor oil you will need to use, based on your skin type: If you have oily skin, use 2 teaspoons of castor oil. If you have normal skin, you will need 1 ½ teaspoon of castor oil. If you have dry or aging skin, use 1 teaspoon of castor oil. Choose your carrier oil and pour it in. Castor oil on its own is very drying, even for oily skin, and will need to be diluted with a carrier oil. Here is a list of oils you can use, based on skin type: If you have oily skin, add 1 teaspoon of any of the following oils: Argan, grapeseed, jojoba, sunflower seed, sweet almond, and tamanu. If you have normal skin, add 1 ½ teaspoons of any of the following oils: Argan, apricot kernel, grapeseed, jojoba, sunflower seed, sweet almond, and tamanu. If you have dry or aging skin, add 2 teaspoons of any of the following oils: Argan, apricot kernel, avocado, grapeseed, jojoba, sunflower seed, sweet almond, and tamanu. Use your oil cleanser to clean your face. The best time to use this cleanser is just before bedtime. Simply massage the cleanser into your skin, then cover your face with a soft towel soaked in hot water. Wait one minute, then take the towel off. Wipe your face with the towel. Rinse the towel and place it over your face for another minute. Keep doing this until most of the oil is gone. You may get a few breakouts and pimples after using this cleanser; this is only a reaction to a new treatment that will eventually going away. Use your oil cleanser to remove makeup. To clean off makeup, simply put a few drops of the oil onto a cotton ball or cotton round. Then, wipe your face with it. Rinse your face using warm water, then follow up with moisturizer and toner. Gather your ingredients. In this facial cleaner, you will be using oatmeal and almond meal, to cleanse your face. Almond meal will help exfoliate away dead skin cells while the oatmeal will act as a natural cleanser. Here is what you will need to make this cleanser: ½ cups (40 grams) finely-ground oats ½ cups (60 grams) finely-ground almond meal Liquid of choice (ie: water, milk, lemon juice, witch hazel, etc). Jar Find a suitable container. You won't be using all of the ground oats and almonds at once; instead, you will be mixing only a small amount with some liquid whenever you go to wash your face. For this reason, you will need a container, such as a jar, to store your ground oats and almonds. Consider decorating the jar by adding a label or tying some twine around the neck. Combine the oats and almond meal. Measure out ½ cup (40 grams) of ground oats and ½ cup (60 grams) of almond meal, and pour both into a jar. Close the jar tightly and shake it to combine the two ingredients. If you cannot find any ground almonds or oats, you can make your own by grinding them using a blender, coffee grinder, or food processor. Be sure to grind each ingredient separately. Consider adding some exfoliators and essential oils. These ingredients are not vital, but they can make your cleanser feel more luxurious and exfoliating. Herbs and essential oils will also give the cleanser a nice fragrance. Here are some suggestions of what you can add, based on skin type: If you have oily skin, add: 2 tablespoons of fine sea salt, 2 tablespoons of finely-ground dried peppermint, and 5 drops rosemary essential oil (optional). If you have dry skin, add 2 tablespoons of powdered milk, 2 tablespoons of finely-ground dried calendula, and 5 drops Roman chamomile essential oil (optional). If you have combination skin, add 2 tablespoons cornmeal, 2 tablespoons finely-ground dried chamomile, and 5 drops lavender essential oil (optional). Choose your liquid. In order to use this facial cleanser, you will need to add some liquid to it. Here are some suggestions of what you can use for the liquid based on skin type: If you have oily skin, use lemon juice, rose water, plain water, or witch hazel. If you have normal skin, use glycerin, honey, rose water, peppermint tea, or plain water. If you have dry skin, use milk, cream or yogurt. Use your facial cleanser. Dampen your face with warm water. Measure out two teaspoons of your facial cleanser and add just enough of your liquid to turn it into a paste. You can mix the paste in the palm of your hand using your fingers, or you can mix it in a small bowl using a spoon. Massage the cleanser into you face. Use gentle, circular motions, and be sure to avoid the sensitive areas around your eyes. The circular motion will help the ground almond exfoliate your skin. Rinse your face using cool water. Gently massage your face to get rid of any excess cleanser. The cool water will help close an tighten your pores. Dry your face. Using a soft, clean towel, gently pat your face dry. Do not rub your skin, or you will risk agitating it. Consider following up with some moisturizer and toner. The moisturizer will help replenish your skin, and the toner will help tighten your pores as well as restore the pH balance. Store your cleanser. You have made enough cleanser to last you several washes. Be sure to keep the lid on it when you are not using it. Store it in a cool, dry location. Make an apple-based cleanser for dry skin. Put all of the ingredients into a blender or food processor and combine until smooth. Spread this onto a damp face and leave it on for five minutes before washing it off using lukewarm water. Here is what you will need to make this facial cleanser: 2 apple slices, peeled ½ cup (125 grams) plain yogurt ½ tablespoon olive oil ½ tablespoon honey Make a honey-lemon cleanser for oily skin. Put all of the ingredients into a bowl and stir them together with a fork or spoon. Massage the mixture onto a damp face and leave it on for 30 seconds before washing it off using lukewarm water. Here is what you will need to make this cleanser: ½ cup (50 grams) rolled oats ¼ cup (60 milliliters) fresh lemon juice ¼ cup (60 milliliters) water ½ tablespoon honey Make a cucumber-based cleanser for normal skin. Put all of the ingredients into a blender or food processor and blend until everything is smooth. Spread the mixture onto a damp face and leave it on for five minutes before washing it off using lukewarm water. Here is what you will need to make this cleanser: ½ cup (125 grams) plain yogurt ½ medium cucumber, diced 5 medium mint leaves, chopped Use plain yogurt to clean your face. You can use yogurt on its own to cleanse your face, or you could mix 1 tablespoon of yogurt and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. The lemon juice will not only give the yogurt a pleasant scent, but it will also act as an astringent; lemon juice is especially beneficial for drying skin. Simply spread the yogurt onto a damp face, taking care to avoid the areas around the eyes, and rinse off using warm water. You can also add 1-2 drops of essential of essential oil to give the yogurt a nicer smell. Consider oils such as vanilla or lavender. If you choose to use lemon, stay out of the sun; lemon juice makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Keep in mind that yogurt may lighten your skin. If you are proud of your tan, you may want to keep this in mind. Make a restoring, papaya-based cleanser. Mix everything in a food processor until you get a smooth consistency. Spread the mixture onto a damp face, and rinse it off using lukewarm water. Here is what you will need to make this cleanser: 1 large aloe vera leaf, peeled 1 small papaya slice, peeled 1 tablespoon honey 1 teaspoon plain yogurt. Making a stimulating facial cleanser. Put all the ingredients into a food processor and blend until smooth. Spread the mixture onto a damp face, and rinse off using lukewarm water. You can freeze any leftovers for up to one month. Here is what you will need to make this cleanser: 1 ripe tomato 2 tablespoons milk 2 tablespoons fresh orange, lemon, or line juice | Consider using honey to clean your face. Protect your hair and clothes. Dampen your face with water. Pour some honey onto your palm. Massage the honey into your skin. Wash the honey off using warm water. Dry your face. Consider following up with some moisturizer and toner. Find a small bowl or bottle. Pour in the castor oil. Choose your carrier oil and pour it in. Use your oil cleanser to clean your face. Use your oil cleanser to remove makeup. Gather your ingredients. Find a suitable container. Combine the oats and almond meal. Consider adding some exfoliators and essential oils. Choose your liquid. Use your facial cleanser. Massage the cleanser into you face. Rinse your face using cool water. Dry your face. Consider following up with some moisturizer and toner. Store your cleanser. Make an apple-based cleanser for dry skin. Make a honey-lemon cleanser for oily skin. Make a cucumber-based cleanser for normal skin. Use plain yogurt to clean your face. Make a restoring, papaya-based cleanser. Making a stimulating facial cleanser. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Flirt-Without-Being-Annoying | How to Flirt Without Being Annoying | Flirting is fun, and if you choose subtle ways to go about it, you can avoid being annoying! One of the simplest ways to flirt over text is to let your humor shine through. For instance, you could text them a fun, silly greeting or send a few fun emojis. If you want to keep the conversation going, make sure to ask open-ended questions like “How was your day?” or “What have you been up to this weekend?” If you don't hear from them for a while, take a break from texting them so you don't seem desperate. If you're flirting face to face, make eye contact and smile, which will go a long way! Don't make eye contact for too long though, since this can come off as creepy. | Choose words that aren't too suggestive or flirtatious. Aim to be polite and respectful of the other person, showing that you're keen to get to know him or her better. For instance, you could use common references to start a conversation: instead of saying "Hi, how are you," you could say it like Joey from Friends, "How you doin'?" This shows you have a sense of humor and are on the same wavelength as the other person Prefer open-ended questions to those with simple one-word answers. You want to keep the conversation going, and the best way to do that is to keep the other person talking. However, don't get too personal during your initial conversations. Doing so will make you appear creepy. Examples of suitable things to ask include: "How was your day?" "So, what are your favorite hobbies?" "Where do you like to go on the weekends?" Mind your spelling and grammar. This isn't 2005 when you were texting your friends in the code designed for your flip-phone's numeric keypad. You probably have a smartphone now, or at least a slider with a full keyboard. Type out full words and use proper punctuation. Disregarding grammar and using chat-speak makes you look childish. Another faux-pas is using too many emoticons. Use those smiley faces and winks sparingly. Avoid overtly-sexual humor. A little innuendo is fine and even desirable in some cases. However, draw the line at any joke that makes outright references to sexual acts, especially in the context of your love-interest. Of course, racial and ethnic jokes are never okay. Also, do we even have to say it? No nude pictures, please. Don't blow up your love interest's phone. If you haven't heard from your love-interest in a few minutes to a few hours, don't send him or her text after text asking if he or she received your message. Behavior such as this is a big red flag for someone who is desperate, has no life, or worse, is a creepy stalker waiting to happen. Not to mention, it is very annoying to the other person. Make eye contact. Eye contact is very important in human-to-human interaction, but it has an added element when it comes to partner selection. When you meet your crush's eyes, you are demonstrating that you're into him or her without being obvious about it. Here are some ways not to do it: Avoid staring at the other person's body. It can be considered as "sexing", which isn't really comfortable for some people. A lingering glance is okay, though. Avoid staring into the eyes without a break. That's plain creepy! Start an easy conversation. It doesn't need to be long at first, and it definitely shouldn't be complicated or make your partner feel uncomfortable. Here are some tips: Don't make "you" the main topic of conversation. Your partner will think that you're arrogant and just a bit boring. Get him or her talking about him or herself. Not only will you learn about the other person, he or she will also enjoy the conversation and want to continue talking. Avoid talking about personal or touchy things, especially money, faith, and politics. Money is a general turn-off (especially boasting or acting desperate) while beliefs can be navigated a little later on, when you're both feeling a little more certain about one another. Know when to back off. Nothing is more annoying that having someone that you're not interested in keep pursuing you. Watch the other person's body language for clues on how he or she is feeling about you. Some signals are deliberate while others are done instinctively, almost without the other person knowing it. If the person you're flirting with is a woman and she puts her purse between you and her or grips it tightly, she's sending you a signal that she's not interested in you. Another signal is the direction of the body. If his or her body faces away from you, even if it's just the angle of his or her legs, it's time to move on. He or she may also come right out and tell you that he or she is not interested. If this happens, then politely leave. | Choose words that aren't too suggestive or flirtatious. Prefer open-ended questions to those with simple one-word answers. Mind your spelling and grammar. Avoid overtly-sexual humor. Don't blow up your love interest's phone. Make eye contact. Start an easy conversation. Know when to back off. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-an-Environmental-Scientist | How to Become an Environmental Scientist | To become an environmental scientist, start by taking relevant courses in high school, such as biology, chemistry, and calculus, to get a head start as you continue your eduction. Next, search online to find universities that offer a Bachelor's degree in environmental science, or a related field like geosciences or engineering. Then, apply for internship opportunities that include working with computer modeling and data analysis. Additionally, consider going to graduate school to give you an advantage when it comes time to apply jobs. | Take relevant high school courses. You'll need at least a bachelor's degree (and may need a master's as well) to work as an environmental scientist, but you can get a head start on your career path by taking relevant courses in high school. Some relevant high school courses to take include: laboratory sciences (biology, chemistry, and physics) earth science, environmental science, or geology (if available at your school) mathematics (algebra, geometry, trigonometry, precalculus, and calculus) statistics and computer science Apply to an accredited college. Most entry-level jobs in environmental science require you to have earned a minimum of a bachelor's degree. Some schools offer a generalized environmental science degree, but most employers will accept a degree in any science-related field. Look for programs in either environmental science, or in a scientific field like biology, chemistry, geosciences, or engineering. Search online for four-year college programs. You can search by program or by location, if where you study is an important factor. Take an internship. Internships are not necessarily a requirement to graduate or become an environmental scientist, but they provide you with invaluable experience and industry contacts. You can find internships online or by talking to professors and guidance counselors at your school. The Student Conservation Association (SCA) provides many internship opportunities in all areas of environmental studies. Look for internship opportunities that include working with computer modeling, data analysis , and geographic information systems (GIS). Having experience in these areas of study will help qualify you for many additional jobs, and may give you an advantage when it comes time to apply for jobs. Earn a bachelor's degree. Whether you major in environmental science or a scientific field, it's important to do well in your studies. Some employers require a master's or doctoral degree, in which case your grades and GPA may affect your eligibility. Make sure you've studied hard, done your best, and pursued any opportunities available outside the classroom. Consider getting a graduate degree. For many entry-level jobs, you'll only need a bachelor's degree and some amount of relevant experience. However, if you want to advance at your job or become better-qualified for other positions, you may need to earn a master's degree. If you want to teach science classes at either the high school or college levels, you will absolutely need a master's degree, and if you want to perform university research you may need a PhD. You can learn about master's and doctoral programs in your area or in other parts of the country by searching online. As you research various graduate school programs, look for statistics like graduation rate, job placement rate, and publications by alumni. Be aware that a master's degree in Biology or Environmental Science will generally take two to three years, and a doctoral degree will take considerably longer. However, the number of job opportunities, potential for advancement, and potential for a higher salary that accompany a graduate degree may make the time and money spent on a master's degree or PhD worth it. Choose a field to work in. There are six primary career paths within environmental science, though of course there are many other related options, depending on your degree. Each career path involves many individual jobs in a variety of settings. The main career paths are: agriculture - involves studying the science of sustainable agriculture and the impact it has on the environment. Common jobs within this career path include agronomist, range manager, and horticulturalist. earth science - involves studying and preserving some specialized aspect of an ecosystem. Common jobs within this career path include hydrologist, soil scientist, and climatologist. education - involves teaching science and environmental courses to students. While a high school teacher or college professor may be the first jobs that come to mind, there are numerous other possible jobs within this field, including park ranger/interpretive ranger, and environmental law enforcement officer. life science - typically involves studying living organisms and their roles within an ecosystem. Common jobs within this path include ecologist, wildlife biologist, and forester. physical science - involves studying specific aspects of an ecosystem and ensuring the health and sustainability of that ecosystem. Common jobs include water quality analyst, natural resource manager, and environmental compliance inspector. planning and surveying - involves the study of landscapes and ecosystems to determine a sustainable way to build or work within that ecosystem. Common jobs include urban planner, surveyor/cartographer, and turf scientist. Determine an ideal type of employer. Depending on the career path and job you're most interested in, you have many options as far as which employers to work for. There are many opportunities at all levels of employment for someone with a degree and experience in environmental science, including: private sector - working as a consultant, researcher, or outdoor laborer. public sector - working for government agencies, including the Department of Interior or Department of Agriculture, as well as state or city agencies like colleges and universities. non-profit organizations - working for environmental advocacy groups like the Environmental Defense Fund, Clean Water Action, Student Conservation Association, or the Sierra Club. Talk to working professionals. One of the best ways to choose a career path is by talking to people who work across a variety of environmental fields. You should begin with talking to your professors (both current and former) and internship coordinators. However, you can expand outward and talk with researchers, park rangers/environmental law enforcement officers, private environmental consultants, and non-profit organization workers. This will give you a broader understanding of what specific jobs are available, and the pros and cons of those job options. If you don't currently know anyone in an environmental field, find someone working in a relevant field near you and reach out to that person. Send a polite, professional email explaining that you're a student or recent graduate trying to gain a better understanding of what career options are available within the environmental field. Or try asking your professors if they have any contacts they can put you in touch with. Write a strong resume. Your resume is the first thing a potential employer sees when you apply to a position. It can make or break your chances of getting an interview, so it's important to write a strong, compelling resume that will highlight your best strengths and achievements. Put your name and contact information at the top of the page. It should be perfectly clear to an employer who is applying for the job and how to contact that person. List your education first, in reverse-chronological order (most recent degree first). If you scored well and/or earned any honors (such as graduating cum laude, etc.), list those honors and your impressive GPA under the degree you earned. Include relevant skills and experience to illustrate that you've succeeded in similar endeavors in the past. This helps show an employer that you are capable of meeting the desired skills for that position. If you're fresh out of school and don't have very much experience yet, you may want to include a section on relevant coursework to show the extent of your studies and how that knowledge would translate well to your new career. Detail your work experience in reverse-chronological order. You may want to list relevant work experience first, then have a separate section for additional work experience. Compose a curriculum vitae. A curriculum vitae (CV) is essentially a resume for working in academia. It highlights your academic accomplishments, including any relevant work experience. If you want to work in academia, either as a professor or as a researcher, you will most likely need to compose a CV instead of a resume. Include your name and contact information at the top, just as you would for a resume. Mention your specific area(s) of academic interest. List your education history, including degrees (both earned and in-progress), schools/institutions, major or concentration, and year of graduation. These should be listed in reverse-chronological order. List any awards you've earned, either academic or professional, in reverse-chronological order. You should also include any grants you were awarded and any honors you graduated with. Include the dates of those awards/grants/honors and any relevant information that a prospective employer may need to know about each award. Detail your publication and presentation history. List any published articles, essays, or books, and any presentations you've given at conferences. If there are a lot of both presentations and publications, you can create a separate section for each. Include a section on employment history, listed in reverse-chronological order. You can also include any relevant volunteer work, laboratory or field experiences, and teaching experience, or compose separate sections for each type of work experience if you have an extensive record in each category. List any professional or scholarly organizations with which you are a member. Include a section for your list of references. This should include any individuals who will be writing letters of recommendation for you, but may include other employers or long-term coworkers as well. Be sure to include each reference's contact information, and make sure it's okay for you to name that person as a reference by checking with him/her ahead of time. Ask for reference letters. Not every job requires an actual reference letter, but most jobs will ask for a list of references. It's important that you choose carefully when compiling your list of references, as these individuals will have to speak to both your work ethic and your talents/skills. If you've participated in any internships, ask your internship leader/supervisor if he or she would be willing to provide you with a job reference. Talk to former employers or coworkers from relevant jobs you've worked in the past. Just be sure that you choose employers with whom you ended on good terms. If you're fresh out of college, reach out to your favorite professors or teaching assistants. You want someone who can speak to your interest and dedication to the field of environmental studies, so be sure that your teacher/TA will remember you and is willing to provide you with a professional reference. Apply to environmental jobs. There are many places to search for environmental science jobs. You may want to begin by asking your professors and current/former coworkers if they know of any professional openings that you might be qualified for. If you don't have any network contacts, that's okay - simply search online. You can typically search for jobs based on location, job title/career path, agency/employer, salary, or education/experience requirements. Look into placement programs for recent graduates. Some prestigious placement programs include Environmental Career Programs (through the Environmental Protection Agency), the Presidential Management Fellow Program, and the Pathways Program. Search through career-specific job sites. Some websites to consider include EcoEmploy, Earthworks, Green Dream Jobs, and Greenbiz. Follow the application requirements closely, including the deadline for applying. Be sure that your application includes all supplemental materials requested by the employer. Give a good interview. If your resume and application materials impress an employer, you may be called back for an interview. This is your chance to make a good impression, and you'll want to conduct yourself professionally and competently. Dress appropriately. Women should wear a business suit or a professional-looking skirt and blouse with minimal jewelry and cosmetics. Men should wear a two-piece matching suit and tie, with well-groomed hair and facial hair (if relevant - if you do not have facial hair, be sure to be clean-shaved for your interview). Research the company before the interview. Know what the company does, what your job would entail, and memorize the interviewer's or interviewers' name(s). Be sure to address the interviewer by the proper title (Dr./Mr./Ms.) and his/her last name (for example, Doctor Ramos). Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Arriving late shows a careless or disrespectful attitude. If you are running late for reasons outside your control (traffic or a car accident, for example), call the office and let the interviewer or his/her secretary know that you will be late due to unforeseen circumstances. You'll want to apologize for any delays both on the phone and in person when you arrive. Bring at least one extra resume to the interview. Be confident and avoid using poor language, slang terms, or pause words like "uh" or "um". Highlight your achievements and accomplishments, but don't brag. Be honest about your academic and professional background. If you're unsure about some aspect of your work experience and the interviewer asks about it, be polite but direct - say something like, "I'm honestly not sure about that. When I worked in that department, my job primarily focused on _____." Illustrate the research you've done on the organization you're interviewing with by relating your answers to some aspect of that organization. If the interviewer asks if you've got any questions at the end, you can cater your question(s) to some aspect of the business to show you've taken a serious interest in working for their organization. | Take relevant high school courses. Apply to an accredited college. Take an internship. Earn a bachelor's degree. Consider getting a graduate degree. Choose a field to work in. Determine an ideal type of employer. Talk to working professionals. Write a strong resume. Compose a curriculum vitae. Ask for reference letters. Apply to environmental jobs. Give a good interview. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Hair-Removal-Wax-at-Home | How to Make Hair Removal Wax at Home | To make hair removal wax at home, start by adding 1 cup of granulated sugar to a saucepan. Then, heat the sugar over medium-high heat until it begins to caramelize, swirling it around in the pan occasionally but not stirring it. Next, add 1 cup of honey and 1/2 cup of lemon juice to the pan and stir everything together with a spoon. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of water. Finally, let the wax cool slightly before using it. | Melt the sugar. In a medium-heavy saucepan, add the sugar and cook over medium-high heat, without stirring—just an occasional swirl of the pan—until the sugar begins to caramelize. This will smell delicious! Stir in the honey and lemon juice with a wooden spoon. Be careful: the sugar will be very foamy, and very hot. Continue stirring until the mixture has melted and has the consistency of pancake batter. If the mixture is too thick, add water 1 tablespoon at a time until you have the right consistency. Let the wax cool slightly before you use it. If you want to use it later, let it cool, then refrigerate it. Check the length of the hair that you want to remove. Your hair should ideally be between 1/8-inch and 1/4-inch (3 mm and 6 mm) long. If your hair is too short, then the wax won't pull the hair out by the roots. If your hair is too long, you may experience a little bit of discomfort. Prepare your strips of fabric. If you don't have strips already, you can cut up or tear up a cotton or linen shirt. To fix frayed edges, sew around the edges of your strips with a sewing machine. Dust the area with baby powder before applying the wax. Baby powder or cornstarch will absorb body oils and moisture, allowing the wax to stick to the hair (not your skin), making the process much less painful. Apply the wax. Using a wooden tongue depressor or a spatula, apply your homemade wax where desired. Apply the wax in the direction of hair growth. Press the fabric into the wax. Take a strip of cloth, place it on the wax, and smooth it in with the direction of hair growth. Let the wax cool completely. Pull lightly on the bottom edge of your fabric strip to see if it sticks well enough. Remove the strip. Hold your skin taut by pulling at it from a point underneath the edge of your fabric strip and pull the strip off against the direction of hair growth. Do this very quickly. Do not pull it off at a 90° angle, but in a more shallow angle. Store any leftover wax in the refrigerator. It should keep for a couple of weeks in the refrigerator, or a couple months in the freezer. | Melt the sugar. Stir in the honey and lemon juice with a wooden spoon. Let the wax cool slightly before you use it. Check the length of the hair that you want to remove. Prepare your strips of fabric. Dust the area with baby powder before applying the wax. Apply the wax. Press the fabric into the wax. Let the wax cool completely. Remove the strip. Store any leftover wax in the refrigerator. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clear-Your-Throat | How to Clear Your Throat | To clear your throat, drink water or tea with a teaspoon of honey or lemon juice in it. In order to keep your throat clear, make sure to drink at least 8 glasses a day of room temperature water or warm beverages. Additionally, spicy foods can loosen phlegm, so try some chile, peppers, wasabi, or horseradish. Alternatively, if you want to use over-the-counter products, a mucus-thinning medication like Mucinex can help reduce phlegm that causes throat irritation. | Stay hydrated. If you have a lot of mucus in your throat, hydration can help. Liquid can help soften mucus, making it easier to expel from the body. Avoid cold beverages whenever possible. Instead, opt for room temperature water or warm beverages, such as coffee, and tea. Try to drink about eight glasses of water daily. If you're struggling with a sore throat, you may want to increase your water intake slightly. Seltzer water may help with a scratchy throat. Try to stay away from fruit juices and soda, which are acidic. The added sugar can cause additional throat irritation. If you want something other than water to drink, go for sports drinks or fresh squeezed juices that use only natural sugar. There is a belief that milk and dairy products increase phlegm production, but there is no scientific evidence that this is true. They may cause the phlegm to be thicker and more irritating to your throat, but frozen dairy products can also be soothing and a good source of calories when you may not be eating because it is difficult to swallow. Try honey and lemon. Honey and lemon both help soothe the throat. Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey to a glass of ice water or tea. Not only can this help clear phlegm, it may also ease any pain or irritation you are experiencing. Eat spicy foods. Spicy foods can sometimes result in phlegm loosening. This can make it easier to remove via blowing your nose, coughing, and sneezing. Chile, peppers, wasabi, horseradish, and other spicy foods can help clear your throat. Drink herbal teas. Some people find herbal teas help soothe the throat. Try a variety of teas and see if you notice any effect on your throat. Chamomile, ginger, and lemon teas are most frequently cited as helping with congestion. Some people find green tea is soothing for your throat. Try adding honey or lemon to green tea for added effect. Choose healthy foods for your voice. Certain foods are good for the voice and help promote a clear throat. Whole grains, fruit, and vegetables contain vitamins A, E, and C which help keep the throat free of mucus. If you have a sore or strained throat, try eating softer foods until the irritation clears. Take mucus-thinning medication. Mucus thinning medications like guaifenesin (Mucinex) can help reduce phlegm that causes coughing and throat irritation. If you're looking to clear your throat, look for such medications at your local supermarket or pharmacy. Take the meds as directed on the container. If you're concerned about over-the-counter medication interacting with any prescription meds you're on, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Use saline nasal sprays. Saline sprays and nasal drips can be purchased over-the-counter at your local drug store. They tend to be fairly effective in clearing out phlegm and other irritants that cause throat irritation. If you're using a spray or drops, use as directed on the container. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if you have any additional questions. If you're using a nasal irrigation system that requires squirting water into the nose, always use sterile water. Microorganism found in tap water can get into the brain through the nose, causing health problems and even death. Try over-the-counter pain medications if your throat is sore. Over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can ease pain caused by a sore throat. This can reduce symptoms like coughing and wheezing, which can make a clogged throat worse. As always, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about the medication. Quit smoking. If you smoke, you should make an effort to quit. Smoking is bad for your overall health. It can make you more susceptible to throat infections such as bronchitis and strep throat. It can also cause overall damage to the throat and vocal cords, resulting in discomfort and congestion. Talk to your doctor about quitting smoking. Smoking also predisposes a person to carcinogens which can lead cancer. Invest in a humidifier. Oftentimes, a dry environment can result in throat irritation. Consider purchasing a humidifier if you live in a dry area. Turning a humidifier on during the day or overnight can increase moisture in your home, reducing throat irritation. Avoid straining your voice. If you're prone to frequent throat irritation, evaluate how you speak. Straining your voice can cause a sore throat, resulting in the build up of phlegm. If you have throat irritation, try to avoid coughing. Too much coughing can actually make an infection worse. If necessary, take over-the-counter cough suppressants or lozenges to ease irritation that leads to coughing. Avoid screaming, shouting, or cheering. If you work in a field that requires you to talk loudly, make an effort to rest your voice at the end of the day. Speak softly and try not to raise your voice. Do not clear your throat too often. Coughing, wheezing, and otherwise attempting to clear your throat can sometimes provide momentary relief. However, if you engage in these behaviors too frequently when you have a sore throat this can cause irritation. This could potentially increase the duration of symptoms. If you feel tempted to clear your throat, consider purchasing over-the-counter cough drops or lozenges at the drugstore to provide some relief. Avoid alcohol and caffeine. Alcohol and caffeine can both increase dehydration, leading to a dry and irritated throat. Try to avoid drinking caffeinated beverages or alcohol in excess. For men, limit your alcohol intake to two drinks a night. For women, try to stay around one drink. Seek medical help. A sore or congested throat is not usually a medical concern and should clear up on its own. However, if you remain congested for more than two weeks see your doctor to rule out an underlying medical condition. Keep in mind that a sore throat and congestion are two separate symptoms that can result in worsening of each individual symptom. Congestion refers to nasal areas and sinus swelling increasing stuffy sensation, while a sore throat refers to pain in the throat. Post nasal drip and cough can worsen sore throats. | Stay hydrated. Try honey and lemon. Eat spicy foods. Drink herbal teas. Choose healthy foods for your voice. Take mucus-thinning medication. Use saline nasal sprays. Try over-the-counter pain medications if your throat is sore. Quit smoking. Invest in a humidifier. Avoid straining your voice. Do not clear your throat too often. Avoid alcohol and caffeine. Seek medical help. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Conclusion-Paragraph | How to Start a Conclusion Paragraph | To start a conclusion paragraph, signal that you're at the end of the essay by linking the first and final paragraphs with a quote, anecdote, or reference. For example, if you started your essay talking about a dog named Sam, then return to Sam in your conclusion. Next, rephrase your thesis to return the reader to your main idea. Then, provide a quick summary or overview of your argument. Additionally, propose a plan of action to help solve the problem. Finally, leave an impression by explaining your topic's significance. | Revise your thesis statement. One of the most important components of an effective conclusion is a well-written thesis statement. Before you can draft your final paragraph, you need to make sure that your argument is coherent and polished. Spend some time editing and polishing your thesis statement. Make sure that your thesis is not vague. For example, don't just say, "This is a paper about the death penalty." Instead, try being clear and specific. You might write, "The death penalty costs America millions of dollars per year, and as such, is one of the major expenditures in our penal system. This paper will examine why the justice system in the United States needs significant reforms." This is also the time to make sure that your essay is organized the way you want and that you've supported your thesis with strong evidence and analysis. You can't write a successful conclusion until you've organized your essay in a way that makes sense. Re-write your thesis statement. Your conclusion should re-state your main points. A major part of a good conclusion is a reiteration of your argument. Take care to clearly state your argument again in the conclusion. Do not just copy and paste your thesis statement. Put it in different words. For example, maybe your thesis statement is, "The Cold War significantly changed American foreign policy. It caused many policymakers to grow accustomed to having a defined enemy. This made for a somewhat confused foreign policy in the 1990s, after the fall of the Soviet Union." You will want to rephrase it in the conclusion. Try saying, "As demonstrated by looking at the foreign policy actions of President Bush and Clinton, the post-Cold War foreign policy suffered from a lack of coherent action. Use specific examples. Your conclusion should remind your reader what they have learned. Take care to remind them why your argument is strong. By using specific examples, you will be strengthening the argument you've worked hard to lay out. You might consider providing a useful anecdote in your conclusion. For example, if you are writing about the plight of the polar bears, offer a story about the polar bear at the San Diego Zoo. Summarize your main points. Your paper should be organized in a way that clearly explains the main components of your argument. For example, maybe your paper on the Civil War addresses the causes and the impact on the economy and politics. Make sure that your conclusion reminds your readers of each part of your paper. Try to synthesize. This means taking the analysis further than just simply summarizing your points. Your conclusion is a great place to not only summarize, but to draw connections. Tell your reader how your different points connect. For example, you can point out that the Civil War affected both the economy and politics, and that the two were intertwined. Leave a lasting impression. Your conclusion is your final chance to make a powerful impression on your reader. Make sure to include all of the necessary components in your conclusion. You will want to review it carefully after writing a draft. Make sure that you have clearly stated your argument. Your reader should not be confused about your point. Review your main points. Have you included all of them in your conclusion? Does your conclusion explain why your topic is significant? Remember, it is your last chance to convince your reader that your research is important. Make the importance clear. You can state, "This research is significant because it illustrates connections between 19th century literature and the feminists of today." Establish a sense of closure. You want your reader to know that they have reached the end of your paper. The wording and content of your conclusion paragraph should make this clear. There are a few ways that you can establish a sense of closure. Try connecting the last paragraph to the first. For example, if your introduction talked about a dog named Sam, finish your paper by referring once again to Sam. Linking the first and last paragraphs is a good way of ending your paper. It "bookends" your topic. You can also finish your essay with a quote or fact that you referenced earlier in the essay. This provides a nice sense of closure for your reader. Propose a plan of action. A conclusion is not just a place to emphasize your points that you have already made. You should also use it as a space to point out necessary "next steps". You can tell your reader about what should be done to solve the problem. Talking about next steps makes it clear to your reader that you are concluding your essay. Maybe you are writing a paper about the obesity epidemic in America. Your conclusion is a great place to offer some solutions. For example, you could say, "Clearly, there is a need for a greater focus on physical activity at a young age." Or you could say, "More research should be done to help learn to effectively treat the negative side effects of obesity." You can also use your conclusion to point to broader themes. For example, your paper about the Freedom Rides in 1961 could indicate some broader points about the Civil Rights movement. Use simple language. What ever device you use to start your conclusion, you should focus on your word choice. Make your point clear and concise. You want your argument to be clear and to the point. There is no need to try to use big words or flowery prose in your conclusion. Try to avoid using a long sentence to start your conclusion. You want to grab your reader's attention and keep it. There is no need to say, "And so, as we have effectively demonstrated through the use of complicated evidence..." Instead, just say, "It is clear we need change." Try writing the first sentence of your conclusion using only one syllable words. This will enhance the drama of your paper. Provide context. Context is information that helps your reader fully understand your argument. You may have made your points clear, but you need to do more than that. Context will tell your reader why your topic-0-and argument--is important. Clearly stating the importance of your argument is a good way to start your conclusion. Your reader will understand exactly what you are trying to say. You can say, "This research is important because it could help save the lives of animals." That is a direct, declarative statement. Context can help you explain why a topic is important. For example, your conclusion could begin with a statement such as, "As this essay is being written, there are blank amount of youths incarcerated in the United States." Be creative. Your reader will likely know that they have reached the end of the essay. Generally, that is obvious simply because they are out of pages to read. Don't feel the need to state the obvious. Avoid saying, "In conclusion". There are other, more interesting, ways to start your conclusion. Try saying, "As the research has demonstrated." You can also just introduce your final points by saying, "Finally..." You can also indicate that your reader is at the conclusion by saying, "To review..." or "We can see..." You can also write, "It is clear...". Try a few different options to see what works best for your particular paper. Pay attention to transitions. Transitions are the sentences that connect the different pieces of your paper. There should be clear transitions between your introduction, each of your body paragraphs, and your conclusion. When you edit, make sure that your transitions are well-written. There are several words you can use to indicate that you are transitioning to the next part of your paper. You want your reader to know when you have reached your conclusion. In addition to saying, "In conclusion....", there are other choices you can make. For example, you would try, "Finally,..." or "As this paper demonstrates...". Make sure to transition between each main point. You can use words such as, "In comparison", "Next", or "A different approach" to illustrate your are shifting topics. Edit carefully. You have put a lot of hard work into your conclusion, and your paper as a whole. You wouldn't want your efforts to be marred by shoddy editing. Take time to thoroughly edit your paper before submitting it. Look for spelling and grammatical errors. Use spell check to help you. Edit for content. Read each sentence of your paper to make sure that it makes sense and helps get your point across. Don't be afraid to make cuts. If you find a paragraph that doesn't add to your argument, get rid of it. Read out loud. This is an excellent way to catch errors that you didn't notice while reading. Get some feedback. Sometimes it can be difficult to be objective about your own writing. Ask someone else to read your paper for you. A friend, classmate, or family member might be willing to offer some input. Be open to constructive criticism. Don't take it personally if your friend offers some helpful pointers. Explain the assignment. You can say, "This paper is supposed to be an assessment of the public school system in Indiana. Are my points clear?" Ask your reader to pay careful attention to your conclusion. They might spot holes that you didn't see. Check off the requirements. After you have edited, make it is time to give your paper a final look. You want to take time to make sure that you have fulfilled all of the requirements. For example, if the guidelines state it should be 5-7 pages, make sure that it is. Format the paper as specified. If it is supposed to be written in 12 point Times New Roman, verify that that is the font you used. Submit the paper as specified. If your teacher asks you to submit both an electronic copy and a hard copy, follow those instructions. | Revise your thesis statement. Re-write your thesis statement. Use specific examples. Summarize your main points. Leave a lasting impression. Establish a sense of closure. Propose a plan of action. Use simple language. Provide context. Be creative. Pay attention to transitions. Edit carefully. Get some feedback. Check off the requirements. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stand-Correctly | How to Stand Correctly | To stand correctly, make sure your feet are hip-width apart and your toes are pointing forward. You should also shift your weight onto the balls of your feet to prevent leg, hip, and back problems. Make sure to maintain a very slight bend in your knees while standing to avoid increasing stress on your joints. Additionally, hang your arms at your sides with loose shoulders with your knuckles facing out. Also, keep your chin parallel to the floor and your earlobes in line with your shoulders to avoid neck problems. | Start with your feet. They should be hip-distance apart. If they are crossed, uncross them and try to keep them aligned with your hips. Keeping one foot slightly forward of the other can help relieve pressure from your lower back muscles. Keep your feet pointed forward, not out to the sides. Move your body weight to the balls of your feet. If your weight was on the outside of your feet, you are pronated. If your weight was previously on the inside of your feet, you are supinated. Pronation and supination are common problems. However, they can result in ankle, leg, hip and back problems in the future. If it is very hard to move the weight to the balls of your feet, you can consult a podiatrist to get custom orthotics. They can help correct your posture. Don’t lock your knees. There should be a very slight, almost imperceptible, bend in them. Locking your knees increases stress on your joints. Adjust the curvature of your spine. Your lower back should have a slight curve to it. Some people may have too much of a curve in their lower back, called “hyperlordosis,” which is often caused by weak core muscles or excessive abdominal weight. Other people may stand with their pelvis tucked too far in, causing the lower back to be straight instead of maintaining its natural curve. This is called a “flat back” and is also unhealthy. It can be caused by sitting for too long in one position or by tightness in your core muscles. If you are prone to low back pain, try contracting your abdominal muscles a little. Imagine you have a corset that is pulling your stomach muscles in and upward. Your back will be supported. Don't tilt your pelvis; use your abs to support your body. It may take time to develop postural muscles in your legs, belly, back and shoulders. Keep with it for several months to get pain-relieving results. Shrug your shoulders and let your arms drop. Your arms should hang at your sides without too much tension. If your shoulders rise toward your ears, make an effort to drop them. Check your shoulders for “roundness. ” Sometimes people stand with rounded shoulders, which can lead to shoulder and neck pain. An easy way to check whether your shoulders are rounded or not is to stand in front of a mirror. Let your arms drop to your sides and hang naturally. If your knuckles face the front, your shoulders may be more rounded than is healthy. Focus on pulling your shoulders back just a bit to counteract this roundedness. You can improve your muscle balance and reduce rounded shoulders by strengthening your upper back and core muscles. Pinch your shoulder blades together about an inch (2. 5cm). People who work at computers can become hunched. Practice pinching your shoulder blades together to counteract the effects of computer work. Don't overcorrect by pulling your shoulder blades too far back. This can create a hinge effect at your lower back that can cause pain. Keep your head even. Try to avoid slumping forward. If your head slumps forward or down, bring it back so that your chin is parallel to the floor. Make sure that your head does not list to one side or the other. Keep your earlobes parallel to your shoulders. Be sure not to overcorrect by hinging your head up, either. Your eyes should look straight ahead, not up to the ceiling or down to the floor. Imagine a string attached to the top of your head that is pulling you toward the ceiling. Your neck and head should be straight and upright. Check your posture with the wall test. Your spine has three natural curves that create places where your back should touch the wall first if you're standing properly. Stand against a vertical wall with your heels 2-4” from the wall. Make sure the back of your head, shoulder blades, and buttocks touch the wall. The back of your head should touch the wall due to the cervical curve. The back of your upper shoulders should touch the wall due to the thoracic curve. Your buttocks should touch the wall due to the lumbar curve. You should be able to slide your hand in between the wall and your lower back curve. If you can't, your back may be too flat. If the gap is much thicker than your hand, tighten your abs to flatten your back slightly until it touches your hand. If you touch at other places, adjust your standing posture so that these three points hit the wall at once. Walk around for a few minutes to stretch your muscles. This is especially important after a day of sitting. If you can do stretching exercises such as yoga regularly, this can help develop flexibility in your muscles and improve posture. Balance on one leg while standing in front of a mirror. Try to keep your body completely straight, instead of listing to one side. Hold this position for 30 seconds, then repeat on the other side. Work on improving your balance. Better balance increases strength and improves your posture. It can also reduce your risk of injury. Stand on one foot and bring the opposite foot directly behind you about four inches. Bring it forward again, keeping it in line with your hip the whole time. Repeat 10-15 times on both sides. Stand on one foot. Lift one leg out to the side and hold the position for 1-5 seconds. Lower your leg. Repeat 10-15 times on both sides. Do wall squats. Wall squats can help strengthen your buttock muscles, which will help you stand correctly. Stand with your back against the wall. Your toes should be hip-width apart with toes slightly out. Slide your back down the wall and bend your knees. When your thighs are parallel to the ground, slide your back up the wall. Repeat 10 to 20 times. You can put an exercise ball between the wall and your lower back to help you keep your balance if you're just beginning. Try doing it with a chair instead of a wall when you feel stronger. Lower yourself down without the help of the wall. When your buttocks brush the chair during the squat, straighten your legs. Place a broom handle or foam roller in front of you and slightly to the right. Place your right hand atop the handle to use for stability. Lean forward and lift your right leg, trying to keep your body aligned the entire time. Repeat on the opposite side, taking 10 seconds to complete the exercise. As you get stronger, your trunk should become perpendicular to your standing leg. Avoid exercises that have you bend from your waist. Bending forward from the waist is bad for your posture and can also cause harm if you have osteoporosis. Toe touches, sit ups, and abdominal crunches should be avoided unless they are done under the supervision of a physical therapist or physician. Do planks. Plank exercises are excellent for strengthening your core muscles. Without a strong core, your body has to work hard to stand correctly, and may overuse some muscles and not use others. Plank exercises can help correct an excessive curve in your lower back, a flat back, uneven hips, and rounded shoulders. Lie on your stomach. Raise your body up so that your weight is resting on your toes and forearms. Press your palms together and keep your forearms planted firmly on the floor. Align your shoulders so that they are directly above your elbows. Look at the floor, keeping your head neutral. Contract your abdominal muscles to form your body in a straight line from your head to your toes. Make sure that your lower back doesn't sink or arch up while you're planking. Do side-lying leg raises. These exercises can help correct poor posture by strengthening your buttocks and lower back muscles. If these muscles are weak, you may have an improper arch or curve to your spine. Lie on one side. Prop your head up with one arm. Bend the knee that is on the ground to a 90 degree angle. Keep your hips level, not pushed too far forward or back. Contract your abdominal muscles and keep them tight as you perform the exercise. Keeping the top leg straight, lift it as far as you can without tilting your hips backward. You should feel your buttock muscles contract as you lift your leg. Slowly lower the leg to the ground. Repeat 8-10 times, then switch to the other side. Do back extensions. Weak back muscles can lead to a flat back and rounded shoulders. Back extensions can help strengthen these muscles and keep you standing correctly. The “cobra pose” in yoga can also help strengthen these muscles. Lie on your stomach. Bend your elbows and bring your arms to your side so that your head is resting on your hands. Using your forearms, press your upper body up from the ground. Keep your shoulders, back, and neck long as you arch backward. Don't bend your neck backwards: keep it in line with your spine. Inhale, feeling your abdominal muscles stretch slightly. Hold your breath for 5 seconds, then slowly lower yourself to the floor again. Practice good posture. Standing for long periods of time can have similar effects to sitting for long periods of time. If you have weak muscles, such as the abdominal and glute muscles, your other muscles will get tighter. There has to be a balance. Avoid leaning on one leg. Shifting your weight from one hip to another is bad for your posture. If your buttock and core muscles are weak, you may tend to stand with more of your weight on one leg to use your lower back and hips to balance you. Stand with your weight distributed evenly between your legs. If your buttocks and core muscles are weak, do exercises to strengthen them such as planks, side-lying leg raises , and bridges. You can also squeeze your butt muscles while standing to make sure the glute muscles don't get weak. Do this several times a day. Alternate between sitting and standing. If possible, alternate the two positions every 30 minutes, for maximum benefit. Standing all day can have adverse affects on your health, just like sitting, because your joints are supporting you all day. Ideally, find a sit-stand workstation that can be used when sitting or standing. See if you can get an adjustable-height desk. They are made in desktop models that start at $200 and full-desk models that start at $900. People who are handy with do-it-yourself projects may find that they can create an adjustable height desk. Even placing your monitor, keyboard, and other work tools on elevated boxes can provide a more ergonomic workstation. Your standing desk should have your screen 20” to 28” from your eyes and allow you to hold your elbows at a 90-degree angle. You can also use a footstool to take pressure off your back. Stand with one leg slightly bent, and the other leg on a small stool. Make sure you alternate legs every 15 to 20 minutes. Buy a cushioned mat to stand on. A small gel mat works well to give your feet extra support. Wear supportive shoes. Don't stand at work in heels or flat shoes without arch supports. Add arch supports to your shoes if they don't have them already. Start with short, 10-minute, periods of standing. As you develop your postural muscles you can increase these periods. Standing too long too soon can result in a backache. Learn to break up your workday with standing activities and sitting activities. Standing while answering email, calling or doing research is advantageous because you are likely to do it for 30 minutes and move on. Typing and activities that require honed motor skills are easier to do when sitting. Substitute walking around for standing if your work doesn’t support an adjustable height desk. Get up and walk around every 30 minutes to ensure that you are getting the exercise and stretching your body needs. | Start with your feet. Move your body weight to the balls of your feet. Don’t lock your knees. Adjust the curvature of your spine. Shrug your shoulders and let your arms drop. Check your shoulders for “roundness. Pinch your shoulder blades together about an inch (2. Keep your head even. Check your posture with the wall test. Walk around for a few minutes to stretch your muscles. Balance on one leg while standing in front of a mirror. Work on improving your balance. Do wall squats. Place a broom handle or foam roller in front of you and slightly to the right. Avoid exercises that have you bend from your waist. Do planks. Do side-lying leg raises. Do back extensions. Practice good posture. Alternate between sitting and standing. See if you can get an adjustable-height desk. Buy a cushioned mat to stand on. Wear supportive shoes. Start with short, 10-minute, periods of standing. Learn to break up your workday with standing activities and sitting activities. Substitute walking around for standing if your work doesn’t support an adjustable height desk. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-the-Panpipe-or-Pan-Flute | How to Play the Panpipe or Pan Flute | The panpipe or pan flute is a fun and unique instrument to play. Hold your panpipe with both hands with the longest pipe on your right. To play a note, make a slight smile, purse your lips, and blow down the top of the pipes. Each pipe corresponds to a different musical note. You can make different sounds by pronouncing different letters like T, B, P, and D. To bend notes, tilt the flute away from your body and back while blowing a note. You can also flutter your tongue while playing a note to make a cool, trilling sound. | Sit or stand in an upright, relaxed position. Hold your body upright and stand tall. If you decide to sit, make sure your back is straight so that you will be able to hold the flute in front of your body comfortably. Keep your body relaxed. Hold the pan flute with both hands. Hold the long tube end of the flute in a handshake grip with your right hand. Position the flute vertically so that the tubes are parallel to your body. Use your left hand to gently hold the end of the flute with the short tubes. The pan flute is typically curved. Position the flute's curve toward your body. Keep the pan flute horizontally aligned with your head. So if your head tilts one way or the other, the flute should also tilt to remain aligned with your head. Relax your arms. Keep your arms relaxed as you hold the pan flute. This will allow you to easily move it back and forth so that you can blow into different tubes. Form the correct embouchure. Your embouchure is the positioning and shaping of your mouth and lips in order to control your airflow when you play a pan flute. To form your embouchure, first make a slight smile and purse your lips a bit. Make a small opening between your lips. Position the pan flute against your bottom lip and direct air into the pipe's tube, just like you would if you blew into a bottle. Move the bottom of the flute slightly away from your or closer to you to adjust the direction of the air flow into the tube. Adjust the position of the tube's top higher or lower depending on your mouth and lips to produce a good quality sound. Tighten up your lips/embouchure when you are playing the higher notes (shorter tubes). Relax your embouchure when you play lower notes (longer tubes). Blow air into the pan flute. Once your body is positioned correctly, you are ready to play the flute. Blow a steady, strong stream of air through your embouchure into one of the pan flute's tubes. Make minor adjustments to your embouchure and the flute's positioning so that you achieve the sound you want. Pronounce different letters to make different sounds. When you blow air into the flute, you can alter the resulting sound by moving your tongue to pronounce different consonant letter sounds. The primary letter sound you use when playing a pan flute is a T sound. You can also make B, P, or D sounds to subtly change the pan flute sound. Play half-notes on your pan flute. A musical scale has full notes (such as C, B, A) and half-notes (such as C sharp, E flat, and so on). The tubes on a pan flute produce full notes, but you can use different playing techniques to achieve half-notes and therefore expand the repertoire of music you can play. To play half-notes, try one of these techniques: Tilt the flute : Tilt the bottom of the pan flute away from you so that your lower lip covers part of the tube opening. Draw the flute down slightly against your lip at the same time. Retract your jaw : You can also retract your jaw to play half-notes. Pull your chin backwards while directing air into one of the tubes. Bend notes on your pan flute. Bending notes are a way to add musicality and depth to your playing. A bent note is one sound that starts as a flat note sound and moves upward to land on the correct note, or a sharp note sound and moves downward to land on the correct note. To bend a note: Tilt flute away from your body to bend a note downward. Keep the airflow constant. Play staccato notes. Staccato notes are short, almost sharp sounding notes. These are helpful especially when you are playing fast music. To play a staccato note, pronounce a sharp T sound, bringing your tongue to touch the back of your front teeth quickly. Create a vibrato sound. A vibrato is a wavering sound that adds dimension to your playing. Change the strength of the air flow into a tube from strong to weak over and over to add a vibrato, or wavering, sound. , You can also get a vibrato sound by moving the pan flute towards and away from your mouth just a slight distance. Do this quickly while keeping the air flow consistent and strong. Flutter your tongue while you play. Fluttering your tongue will create a trilling sound when you play. To do this, vibrate your tongue like a purr or a rolling R. Maintain a strong stream of air across the tube of the pipe. Practice playing scales. A musical scale is a set of notes that ascend in order. They can vary depending on the key in which you play. A common scale starts with C and goes up to the next C (C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C). Play each note as a separate, clean note. Practice different techniques while moving up and down the musical scale, working on staccato sounds and vibrato sounds. Practice a scale with half-notes. On each tube, play the regular note and then play the half note by tilting the flute toward or away from your body. Practice playing simple songs. Simple songs such as “Mary Had a Little Lamb” will help you learn how to move between different notes and practice different techniques. Playing on a panpipe with 8 pipes, imagine every pipe is numbered 1 to 8. With the pipe up to your mouth, imagine each pipe has a number. The longest pipe is number 1, with each successive pipe as 2, 3, and so on. The shortest pipe is number 8. Play “Mary Had a Little Lamb” by blowing into the pipe that corresponds to each number: 3, 2, 1, 2, 3, 3, 3, 2, 2, 2, 3, 5, 5, 3, 2, 1, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 2, 2, 3, 2, 1 Practice frequently. The most surefire way to improve your technique is to practice playing the pan flute frequently. Playing for 30-60 minutes every day will help you grow accustomed to shaping your embouchure Practice in front of a mirror. Use a mirror to observe your technique as you play. Pay attention to the shape of your mouth as you play. Practice changing your embouchure to see what different tones this produces. Play with a group of pan flutists. A good way to improve how you play the pan flute is to play with a group of people who also play. You can learn techniques from other people and they can give you feedback on your technique. Clean your pan flute after playing. When you play your pan flute, some moisture can build up inside the tubes. After you have finished playing, swab the inside of each tube with a damp soft cloth. Allow the flute to dry before putting it away. Store your pan flute in a padded case. Once the flute is dried after playing, store it in a cloth padded case. The cloth should be decently breathable so that any residual moisture can escape. Storing the pan flute in a case will keep it from being exposed to dust and potential damage. Protect your pan flute from sudden temperature changes. Wood instruments are highly susceptible to changes in temperature and humidity. Try to keep your pan flute in a consistent temperature environment. Don't leave it in a hot car, for example. Smooth the mouthpieces. Periodically, the mouthpieces of the pan flute might become rough from frequent playing. Use a tuning rod to smooth down the mouthpieces. Rub a tuning rod across the top of the tubes; this will help smooth down any fibers that are standing up. Repair any cracks in the tubes. Cracks and hairline fractures can alter or compromise the sound of a pan flute. Check your flute periodically for cracks or fractures. Patch them up with adhesive tape for a quick fix. Use beeswax to seal up the crack for a long-term repair. Alternately, take the pan flute to a musical instrument repair shop for professional repair. | Sit or stand in an upright, relaxed position. Hold the pan flute with both hands. Relax your arms. Form the correct embouchure. Blow air into the pan flute. Pronounce different letters to make different sounds. Play half-notes on your pan flute. Bend notes on your pan flute. Play staccato notes. Create a vibrato sound. Flutter your tongue while you play. Practice playing scales. Practice playing simple songs. Practice frequently. Practice in front of a mirror. Play with a group of pan flutists. Clean your pan flute after playing. Store your pan flute in a padded case. Protect your pan flute from sudden temperature changes. Smooth the mouthpieces. Repair any cracks in the tubes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Induce-a-Fever | How to Induce a Fever | If you need to induce a fever, first speak with your doctor to make sure it's a good idea. Once your doctor approves it, you can increase your body temperature at home in a variety of ways. For example, take an overheating bath by drinking 1 or 2 cups of hot herbal tea, then submerging yourself in a hot bath for a half hour. Just make sure you get out if you start to feel faint or lightheaded. Besides taking a bath, you can exercise to increase your body temperature. Try doing a tough workout on a hot day or wearing an extra layer of clothing to make it harder for your body to cool down. You can also induce a fever by adding a quarter teaspoon of cayenne to your food each day. Alternatively, eat a serving of brown rice, which will make your digestive system work harder and increase your body temperature in the process. | Speak to your doctor. If you decide that you want to try to induce a fever the first thing you should do is speak to a medical professional. Make an appointment to see your doctor and ask her about how to induce a fever. Your doctor will advise on the potential benefits and dangers of artificially inducing a fever and what your options are. Sometimes drugs induce a fever when they are taken, but this generally is considered an adverse response akin to an allergic reaction. Immunizations, such as diphtheria and tetanus, may induce a fever. The drugs work by increasing metabolism or evoking an immune response. Drug-induced fevers can cause other symptoms as well. Doctors who do use this option might use Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), a tuberculosis vaccine. If your doctor advises you not to try to induce a fever you should listen to her. Do not attempt to induce a fever against your doctor's advice. Use a medical sauna or hyperthermia unit. Look for a medical centre or centre of alternative medicine that actively uses fever therapy. These sources will usually be equipped with an infrared sauna unit, also known as a hyperthermia unit. Follow the instructions provided at the centre when using this unit to induce a fever. Usually, you will be instructed to warm yourself internally before using the unit. You might be asked to drink ginger root tea or to take ginger root and cayenne pepper capsules. Before entering the unit, you will undress and cover the skin in an herbal formula, often containing ginger. Wrap yourself in towels then enter the unit. A standard session lasts for 60 minutes, but if you are not demonstrating any negative reaction, your session may last for two to three hours. You will need to drink water during the process, especially if undergoing a longer session. If you do not sweat within the first 10 minutes or otherwise experience a negative reaction, the session will end early. After a successful session, you'll undergo a warm to cool shower to close your pores. Cut down on fever-reducing drugs. As the debates about the potential benefits of fevers continues, some doctors are advising that people limit their use of fever-reducing drugs, such as aspirin. By using these drugs with discretion you will enable a moderate fever to run its course which can prompt your body's own immunological defences to activate. The endogenous pyrogen hormone will travel to the brain and prompt a rise in your body's temperature. Rapid muscle contractions may also be triggered, which will produce heat. Nerves may constrict outlying blood vessels, resulting in a reduction of heat lost to the environment. Body tissues may be broken down to produce heat. The sensation of coldness can prompt you on put on extra layers of clothes or drink hot fluids which will help to raise your temperature. Prepare a Schlenz bath at home. Also known as an "overheating bath," this centuries-old technique works by stimulating the body's natural immunological response. You can take a bath at a professional Schlenz centre, but the process is simple enough to do at home. Before the bath, drink one or two cups of hot herbal tea, such as ginger, lemon balm, peppermint, elder, or goldenrod tea. If you have a weak heart, add several drops of Crataegisan to the tea to reduce the potential risk brought about by the hot bath. Fill the bathtub with hot water. Keep the temperature between 97 and 98°F (36 and 37°C). Submerge your entire body. If you cannot fit your entire body into the tub, bend your knees so that you head is submerged. Make sure that your nose and mouth remain out of the water so that you can breathe without any problems. You should not allow the water temperature to drop during the process. Add more hot water, as needed, to maintain the heat. Allow the water to reach a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) with each addition. Remain in the bath for about half an hour. Have another person help you out of the water if you feel faint or dizzy getting out. Try an alternate form of bath therapy. Aside from the traditional Schlenz bath, there are other hot bath therapies you can use to induce a fever. One technique, which has been claimed to have cancer-fighting qualities, requires you to draw a hot bath, making the water as hot as you can comfortably stand. Do not scorch yourself. Mix in 2-1/4 lbs (1000 g) Epsom salts. Soak as much of your body as possible in the bath. Stay in there for a full 20 to 25 minutes, adding more hot water as needed to maintain a constant source of heat. Sip on ginger root tea during the bath to heat the body from the inside as you heat your body from the outside using the bath water. Be careful when getting out of the bath. If you feel faint or dizzy, ask for someone else's assistance. Dry off naturally instead of drying yourself with a towel. Spread a sheet of plastic over your bed to protect it from getting wet and lie down, covering yourself with as many blankets as possible. Stay there for three to eight hours. You will sweat a lot and should stay in bed until the fever breaks. Usually, the fever will go away after six to eight hours. You can repeat this once a week for as many as six to eight weeks. Try g-tummo meditation. A specific kind of meditation associated with Tibetan monks has been cited as a way to increase body temperature and potentially induce a fever. Scientific analysis has shown that g-tummo meditation can help raise body temperature to the temperature zone of a slight or moderate fever. The rise in body temperature has been observed during the Forceful Breath vase breathing element of the meditation, and the length of time the temperature can be sustained appears to depend on the neurocognitive element (meditative visualisation) of the meditation. Find an expert instructor and ask him or her to guide you through the practice. The Forceful Breath vase breathing technique can be practised at home to help to regulate your body temperature. Vase breathing is essentially breathing in clean air and then exhaling around 85% of that air. This breathing helps create a vase shape in your lower abdomen. It can be coupled with visualisation, such as picturing flames travelling up your spine. Exercise to increase body temperature. Exercise and strenuous physical activity increase your core body temperature. Doing a tough workout on a hot day, or wearing layers of clothing will make it harder for your body to cool down and lose heat. Your core temperature could rise by a few degrees. You should take care when exercising or you could induce a number of heat-related illnesses, including heat cramps and heat exhaustion. Some athletes, wrestlers for instance, wear extra layers of clothes even plastic bags and do cardiovascular activities like running and lifting. These athletes also go into the sauna with this apparel on in order to elevate their body temperatures and lose water weight while flushing out their systems. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated. Be aware of symptoms of heat-illnesses such as dizziness, nausea, heart rhythm problems, and visual problems. If you experience any of these symptoms stop immediately, cool down and recover. Serve yourself some brown rice. A side of brown rice with every meal, or at least with every dinner, can cause your body temperature to rise within a matter of days. As a complex carbohydrate, brown rice gives your digestive system a challenge. The extra work your system uses in the digestive process heats you up inside. Note that other whole grains, like quinoa and buckwheat, can also have a similar effect. Eat ice cream. Eating one serving of ice cream each day can gradually cause your core temperature to increase over a span of several weeks. The shock of cold your system receives forces it to heat up to prevent your temperature from dropping. Additionally, foods that contain fat, protein, and carbohydrates heat up the body more as your digestive system processes them. Fat moves especially slow through your digestive system, forcing your body to warm up as it works more. Use cayenne pepper. Add as little as 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) of cayenne pepper to your food each day. If the heat is too much to handle in one sitting, spread it out by only adding a dash of cayenne pepper to your food at each meal. Cayenne pepper contains an especially hot compound known as capsaicin. This compound is responsible for the initial burst of heat you experience when eating cayenne pepper, but this burst of heat is not responsible for the change in body temperature. The digestive process your body undergoes when processing capsaicin is what causes the spike in your temperature. While it is not certain, jalapeno and habanero peppers may have a similar effect. Consume more coconut oil. Coconut oil is a medium chain triglyceride (MCT) that aids in elevating core body temperature and metabolism. MCTs are known to increase metabolism and enhance weight loss. Instead of being stored as fat it is converted to energy, thereby increasing body temperature. This may be beneficial to people that have low thyroid function. Further, coconut oil may have antiviral properties and may help people with diabetes stabilize their blood glucose. Eat more peanuts. Peanut are a good source of protein and fatty acids. Peanuts also have a lot of niacin. Niacin is a B vitamin that is responsible for respiration and metabolism at the cellular level. When consumed, niacin causes a flushing that leads to an elevation in temperature. Peanuts also have antioxidant properties and can rev up a sluggish circulatory system. Get more ginger into your diet. Eating a thumb-sized piece of raw ginger can give your body temperature a quick spike. If eating it does not appeal to you, though, you could also make a tea by boiling the same sized piece in water for five to 10 minutes. Ginger increases digestive activity, thereby increasing body temperature. Other root vegetables may help somewhat, as well. If ginger does not appeal to you, try carrots, beets, or sweet potatoes. | Speak to your doctor. Use a medical sauna or hyperthermia unit. Cut down on fever-reducing drugs. Prepare a Schlenz bath at home. Try an alternate form of bath therapy. Try g-tummo meditation. Exercise to increase body temperature. Serve yourself some brown rice. Eat ice cream. Use cayenne pepper. Consume more coconut oil. Eat more peanuts. Get more ginger into your diet. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Your-Dog-to-Eat-Dry-Food | How to Get Your Dog to Eat Dry Food | To get your dog to eat dry food, start by picking a food that has meat as the first ingredient. If your dog is used to you handing it human food, then try offering the kibble by hand to begin. You can also add a small amount of meat broth, cottage cheese, a bit of hard-boiled egg, or a tablespoon of pureed banana or pumpkin to the dry food to entice a picky eater. Additionally, cut out treats, only feed the dog twice daily at the same time, and set a time limit to get it used to a regular eating pattern. | Take your dog to the veterinarian. There are two main reasons a dog may be a picky eater. The first reason is that your dog may be sick. The second reason is that your dog is a picky eater because he has often had the luxury of wet food or human food. To find out the cause of your dog's picky eating, you will need to take him to the veterinarian for a checkup. If your dog is well, then he may be a picky eater due to conditioning. In this case, you will need to work with your dog to change his habits. Consider when the picky eating started. Be sure to tell your veterinarian when the picky eating started. A dog that is sick may become a picky eater overnight. You may notice that your dog only nibbles at his food or that he is not eating at all. This may be because he is nauseated or has lost his appetite. Medical conditions such as heart, kidney or liver disease, digestive problems, tumors, or dental problems can all be a cause of picky eating. Be aware that many problems may result from picky eating habits. Even if your dog is healthy, being picky eater may cause health and behavior problems ranging from mild to severe and even life-threatening. These problems may include: Obesity Pancreatitis Nutrient deficiencies Difficulty treating a chronic disease later in life Diarrhea Behavioral problems, such as begging Understand the importance of feeding your dog a high quality dog food. Dog food is formulated to meet all the nutritional needs of dogs. Dogs have different requirements than humans for fat and protein and particularly for minerals and vitamins. They cannot thrive for long on human food. Dry dog food helps to remove some of the bacteria and plaque that collects daily on your dog's teeth. Nutrients in dog food, like calcium, help to build strong teeth and bones. Make sure that meat is the main ingredient in your dog’s food. The most desirable ingredient in dry dog food is meat. Examine the ingredient labels on a few brands of dry dog food. If meat (not meat by-product) is the first ingredient (or the first two or three) there is a good chance that it will be a better tasting dry food. Steer clear of any dog food that lists corn as a top ingredient. Adjust your dog’s food slowly. If you are trying to switch your dog from one brand of food to another, begin by mixing a small amount of the new food in with the old food. Over the a course of one to two weeks feed more and more of the new food and less and less of the old food until it is only eating the new food. Mix wet food with human food. If your dog is hooked on human foods, then you can start the conversion to dry food by giving your dog wet food that is the same brand as the dry food that you want him to eat. Mix some of the wet food in with the human food that your dog likes to eat. Then, reduce the amount of human food and increase the wet food over the course of a week or two until you aren't feeding any human food. After your dog is eating the wet food, then start mixing in dry kibble with the wet food over a two week period gradually feeding less and less wet food until the dog is only eating dry food. Provide small amounts of human food to keep your dog happy. If the picky eater is just not able to break the human food habit you can add a small amount of meat broth (can be warmed) or a tablespoon of pureed banana or pumpkin to the dry food. You can also add cottage cheese or a little bit of a hard-boiled egg. Just remember that human food should not be more than 10% of the total daily food fed to your dog. Cut out treats. While you are making the switch to dry food, stop feeding your dog treats all together. You should also only feed your dog twice a day until your dog is regularly eating dry dog food. After the dog is regularly eating dry food you can begin giving treats again, but never use human food as treats or the dog may relapse. It is especially important to be consistent with your dog. Make sure that everyone in your household is aware of the rules and does not break them. Place a time limit on feeding times. Having a regular schedule for your dog's mealtimes and taking the food away when meal time is over will encourage your dog to eat when the food is offered. It is a good idea to put food out at the same times each day and to leave the food out for your dog for 15 minutes. After this time, pick the food up and discard any leftovers. Then, feed your dog again in 12 hours and follow the same protocol. Do not give your dog anything to eat between mealtimes. If after 2 days your dog still refuses to eat give him a little of the food he is used to eating (about ½ the normal amount). Then, try again. You may also want to doctor up the dry food with a small amount of human food (no more than 10%) to increase the chances that your dog will eat. Try hand feeding. You can also try hand feeding your dog. Sit with your dog and place a few pieces of kibble in your hand. Then, offer it to your dog to see if he will eat it. If your dog is used to you handing him human food, then he may accept the kibble from your hand as well. | Take your dog to the veterinarian. Consider when the picky eating started. Be aware that many problems may result from picky eating habits. Understand the importance of feeding your dog a high quality dog food. Make sure that meat is the main ingredient in your dog’s food. Adjust your dog’s food slowly. Mix wet food with human food. Provide small amounts of human food to keep your dog happy. Cut out treats. Place a time limit on feeding times. Try hand feeding. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Fish-(for-Beginners) | How to Fish (for Beginners) | To fish, head out at dawn or dusk, which are peak feeding times for fish. When you get to the water, bait your hook with live, dead, or fake bait. You can also add sinkers to your line to drop your bait deeper in the water or a bobber to make your line more visible. When your line is ready, unlock it and swing your rod through the air in an arc, letting go of the line at the peak of the arc. Then, wait. If you don't catch anything after 15 minutes, try recasting your line in another spot for some better luck! | Research areas for fishing. There are plenty of fish in the sea, but finding the right area could mean more specific catches, better catching probability, or even a friendlier community to help enjoy the trip. For people who live on the coast, saltwater fishing is an easy pick for them. They will probably already have several popular sites around them. Generally the most popular among them would be a great place to start as it would have the most community built around it as well as contain a probable good fish population. For the more landlocked areas, finding a spot may just involve asking around with locals or at fishing shops of any kind. People who regularly fish tend to be very friendly and eager to show what they know to beginners. Investigate good times to go fishing. After you've found a place, the timing should be accounted for as well. For example, plenty of people tend to fish around dawn or dusk as these are peak feeding times for fish. Make sure you have the permissions needed. Localized fishing licenses are required in order to fish and take your catch home. These licenses can be obtained from the local Department of Fish and Wildlife centers However, many more private or commercial fishing areas exist where admission is charged in order to enter and fish. These such places include that permission within their cost, making them cheaper than a license for occasional trips. Grab the right reel and rod for you. As long as the line is medium in length and flexible, it should do fine for beginners. For now, these details shouldn't concern you too much until you enjoy the sport, are familiar with it, and are ready to invest in better equipment. For now, the basics will do just fine. Prices will vary, but getting the rod from a regular big-box retailer would probably do you much more than going to a specialty store. Try to get a bundle that comes with its own reel and tackle box as you can use these to learn which tools you want to use continuously. Prepare your bait. As for bait, live, fake, and dead bait are all options for you to buy. These are all fine for now as you will eventually learn how to use other tools to catch your own bait later. In addition, it is useful to get over any squeamishness on dead bait before you move on to live bait. If you are going to be using live bait, be aware of the need to contain them in some sort of storage and keep them alive by either cycling water within the storage or using an air pump to pump oxygen back into the water. Otherwise, the bait will die in several minutes. Prepare your line. Preparing your line with the appropriate bait and tools can take some time to learn as different items have different uses and knowing which to use takes some familiarity with their effects on the line. Tying the knots in lines may require some certain special kinds of knots. A basic one that is useful to learn as well as easy is the J knot, which can be best learned with a short supplemental video tutorial search. Sinkers, or weights, are used to give the line more inertia against currents in order to sop your hook from just floating on the surface. Bobbers are used for visibly seeing your line and any potential bites tugging down on it. Baiting a hook may not be the most pleasant task, but bait should usually be hooked several times for security. However, it should look natural as animals would not aim for dead looking fish and like to only bite live-looking bait. Cast the line. For both the main types of reels, the technique is the same. Both reels have a locked and released phase for its line. The general technique is to unlock the line and hold it with your fingers and then swing your rod in an arc, letting go of the line at the peak of the arc. The momentum should cause the hook (if it's heavy enough) to fly. As it sinks, the line should be locked as to not let the string fall loose around the real or to let a fish just walk away with your hook. Wait for a fish. Patience is a well-known attribute to fishing, but is a bit exaggerated. Don't be impatient with your rod, after about leaving it for about 15 minutes, it is a good idea to take it out and recast it. It may need to be baited again, so leaving it in longer than that could be a waste of time. Getting used to how tugs feel will take some time as smaller fish tugs may act differently, but be the same strength as the waves or the wind on your sinker or line. When you feel a tug, your first instinct should be pulling your rod upwards, pushing the hook further into the catch. This functions as to secure the hook in the fish. Reeling in the line should not just be done with only the reel. The reel may not be strong enough to pull in the larger fish. Appropriate reeling requires the fisherman to pull back the rod and reel in the slack created by the pull. Doing this repeatedly ensures the fight to pull on the rod itself and not the small reel. Decide what to do with your fish. Once a fish is caught, what to do with it is only somewhat up to you. Releasing it back is always an option, but in order to keep the catch, some further identification is required. There are size and species regulations that should be explained to you as you get your license that require you to release some fish depending on their age (determined by size) and species. If you are keeping the fish, the appropriate containers should be accounted for. | Research areas for fishing. Investigate good times to go fishing. Make sure you have the permissions needed. Grab the right reel and rod for you. Prepare your bait. Prepare your line. Cast the line. Wait for a fish. Decide what to do with your fish. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Convert-a-Salt-Water-Pool-to-Chlorine | How to Convert a Salt Water Pool to Chlorine | To convert a salt water pool to chlorine, start by turning off the pool pump and unscrewing the salt cell to remove it from the pipe near the control panel. Once the salt cell is taken off, get a new PVC pipe that is the same diameter as the existing pipes and use a hacksaw to fit it in the space where the salt cell was placed. Then, brush primer and PVC cement on the new and existing pipes, as well as 2 straight fittings that will connect the pipes. After setting all the pieces in place, wait 2 hours for the glue to dry. Next, drain half of the water from the pool and replace it with fresh water from a garden hose. Finish by filling a floating plastic chlorine container with the necessary amount of chlorine tablet for your pool size. | Wear gloves and goggles for safety. Wear a pair of latex or nitrile gloves to keep your hands clean while handling the salt cell and PVC pipes. Also put on protective eye goggles to shield your eyes when cutting PVC pipe. Turn off the pool pump. Use the electronic controls attached to the pool's plumbing system. Press the “off” button to stop the pump. Unscrew the salt cell to remove it. The salt cell is a cylinder, usually colored white, on a pipe near the control panel. It attaches to the pipe through a pair of plastic PVC rings called unions. Turn the unions counterclockwise by hand until you can pull them off the salt cell. Then, lift the cell off of the pipes. Use a tape measure to determine what size PVC pipe you need. You will need to replace the salt cell with new pipe before you can activate the pump again. Measure the space between existing pipes where the salt cell used to be. Also note the diameter of the existing pipes by measuring across their openings. Get a new pipe that is the same diameter as the existing pipes. It will fit into any fittings already attached to the old pipes. You will also need 2 straight fittings to connect the new PVC pipe to the old ones. Cut a new PVC pipe to size. Dry-fit the pipe and the connectors where your salt cell used to be. If the pipe is too long, place it in a vise set on a flat workbench. Use a hacksaw to cut the pipe to size. Some stores may cut the pipe for you if you give them your measurements. Brush primer onto the new and existing pipes. Wipe down the pipe ends with a clean cloth. Use the brush included with the purple primer to paint about 3 in (7.6 cm) along the ends of each fitting. Coat the inner end of each fitting as well as the outer portions both the new and existing pipes. Then, wait about 10 seconds for the primer to dry. Spread PVC cement over the primed areas on the pipes. Take the cap off the PVC cement bottle to uncover the brush. Spread a thin, even layer of cement over the outer ends of the fittings. Also coat the inside portion of the pipes. Spread the cement about 3 in (7.6 cm) as well, covering all of the primer. Place the fittings on the existing pipes. Set a fitting in each existing pipe. Push the fittings as far as you can to ensure they glue in place. Situate them so the other opening points outwards towards the opposite pipe. Set the new pipe in place. Move the pipe to the open space in the plumbing system. Slide the new pipe into the fitting of the lower pipe. Give the pipe a quarter twist to the right to lock it in place. Then, pull the uppermost pipe back and slide the new pipe into its fitting. Wait 2 hours for the glue to dry. Avoid activating the pump again until the glue has settled. After about 2 hours, you can drain the pool and add chemicals to convert it to chlorine. Drain half of the water from the pool. Change the pump's settings to reverse so the water pumps out. If you don't have a pre-installed pump, rent or purchase a vacuum pump from a pool supply store. Put the inlet hose in the water, then put the outlet hose near a container or drain. This takes out a lot of salt and makes the chemical levels a little easier to balance later. You can also try opening the pool's drain if it has one or taking apart the pool until you can turn over the liner. Shut off the pump and refill the pool with fresh water. Hook up a garden hose to a nearby water spout and use it to replace the water. Continue filling the pool until the water level is about ⅓ of the way up the skimmer, which is the rectangular opening near the pipes. Depending on the size of your pool, this can take a few hours. Use a kit to test the water’s chemical levels. Testing strips are the most common option sold by pool supply stores. Scoop some water out of the pool with a cup, then hold the strip in the sample for about 15 seconds. The strip will change colors to indicate the levels of several chemicals within the water. Compare the strip's colors to the chart included with the test kit. Liquid test kits are also available. You squeeze a droplet of dye into the sample, which changes color depending on the chemical it detects. Digital water testers are also available. For these, you dip the end of the device into the sample. Activate the device to get the test results. Avoid adding chlorine if the cyanuric acid level is above 70 ppm. A normal cyanuric acid reading is between 20 and 30 ppm. If yours is around 70 ppm or higher, wait 2 or 3 days before testing the pool again. Most chlorine tablets include cyanuric acid, so adding them now could end up damaging the pool by making the water too acidic. Acid eats away at the pipes and pool liner. The pH and other chemicals should still be at safe levels. If you are concerned about them, keep everyone out of the pool until you finish converting it. Fill a floating container with chlorine tablets and place it in the water. Purchase chlorine tablets from a pool supply store along with a plastic floating container. Once the pool's acid level is around 30 ppm or lower, add the tablets to the container according to the manufacturer's instructions. Push the container below the water's surface, then let it float so the tablets dissolve. The number of chlorine tablets you need depends on the size of your pool. Add 1 tablet for every 5,000 US gal (19,000 L) of water your pool holds. You may also purchase a chlorinator. It attaches to the pool's pipes and automatically disperses any chlorine you place inside it. Avoid adding the tablets directly to the pool. They can damage the pool's pipes and liner. Test the pool water at least once a week. Continue using your pool testing kit. Collect a new sample to perform a fresh test every time. With chlorine pools, you have to test the water every week in order to monitor and adjust the chemical levels. When converting your pool, it can be helpful to test the water every couple of days until the chemical levels stabilize. The ideal pool pH level is between 7.2 and 7.8. Keep the chlorine level between 1 and 3 ppm. Make sure the cyanuric acid level is between 20 and 30 ppm. Refill the floating container after the chlorine tablets dissolve. You will usually need to add a couple of tablets every week. Check the container daily to see how many tablets are left. Add more as needed to keep your water sterilized. The chlorine level should stay between 1 and 3 ppm. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid using more than the recommended number of tablets. Add shock to the pool once a week to sterilize the water. Purchase a bag of non-chlorinated shock from a pool supply store. In a well-ventilated area, mix the shock into a bucket of pool water. Add about 1 lb (0.45 kg) of shock for every 10,000 US gal (38,000 L) your pool holds. Non-chlorinated shock is the best choice since it won't raise your pool's cyanuric acid level, which may be high after switching from salt water. Adjust the pH level with muriatic acid. Salt water pools tend to have a high pH level. To bring your pool's pH down after converting it to chlorine, get muriatic acid from a pool supply store. You will need to add ⁄ 4 US gal (0.95 L), possibly more for pools that hold more than 10,000 US gal (38,000 L) of water. Pour it into the water according to the instructions on the label. The pH level should read between 7.2 and 7.8 on your testing kit. Avoid using soda ash or baking soda. These products raise the pH. They are only useful later on if you lower the pH too much. Mix and add the chemicals to the water separately. Mix the chemicals 1 at a time, all in separate buckets. Read the manufacturer's instructions to figure out what ratio of chemical product and pool water to mix. Then, dump the chemical directly into the pool to disperse. Wash out the buckets after using them. Use an online tool such as http://www.poolcalculator.com to figure the amount of chemicals to add. Run the pool’s pump for at least 30 minutes after adding chemicals. The pump keeps the water moving in your pool, which helps disperse the chemicals. After you are done adding your chemicals and tablets, turn the pump on. Let it run for at least half an hour before getting into the water. | Wear gloves and goggles for safety. Turn off the pool pump. Unscrew the salt cell to remove it. Use a tape measure to determine what size PVC pipe you need. Cut a new PVC pipe to size. Brush primer onto the new and existing pipes. Spread PVC cement over the primed areas on the pipes. Place the fittings on the existing pipes. Set the new pipe in place. Wait 2 hours for the glue to dry. Drain half of the water from the pool. Shut off the pump and refill the pool with fresh water. Use a kit to test the water’s chemical levels. Avoid adding chlorine if the cyanuric acid level is above 70 ppm. Fill a floating container with chlorine tablets and place it in the water. Test the pool water at least once a week. Refill the floating container after the chlorine tablets dissolve. Add shock to the pool once a week to sterilize the water. Adjust the pH level with muriatic acid. Mix and add the chemicals to the water separately. Run the pool’s pump for at least 30 minutes after adding chemicals. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Kill-a-Hornet-Nest | How to Kill a Hornet Nest | To kill a hornet nest, put on protective clothing, including long sleeves, pants, and a hood or scarf wrapped around your head to protect yourself from stings. In addition, you should keep your children or pets inside so they don't get stung or become exposed to harmful chemicals. Scout out the nest during the day, then return at night when most of the hornets will be inside of the nest, and spray it with an insecticidal dust formula. Leave the area immediately after you've dusted the nest, and repeat the treatment if you see any hornets returning after 2 days. | See a doctor to determine if you're allergic to hornets. If you haven't been stung by a hornet before, schedule an allergy test with your primary doctor before you try to take down the nest. They will test to see if you have any severe reactions to hornet venom. If your doctor confirms you aren't allergic, you can consider removing the nest on your own. If you are allergic to hornets, do not take down the nest yourself. Call a professional exterminator or ask someone else to take it down for you. Determine what kind of hornets you're dealing with. Hornets build their nests the same way, but some species are more aggressive than others. Look at the appearance of each hornet to determine what type you're dealing with. Bald-faced hornets are the most common hornets in North America. The hornet's body is mostly black with white markings on their abdomen and head. Their nests are usually found at least 3 feet (0.91 m) off the ground and are primarily gray in color. European hornets are common hornets in North America and Europe. Their bodies are yellow and red, and they can grow up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length. Their nests are usually in a hollow tree or wall void 6 feet (1.8 m) off the ground. Asian giant hornets are the largest hornet species that are primarily found in Asia and are extremely aggressive. Their bodies are orange and brown and can grow up to 2 inches (5.1 cm) in length. The Asian giant hornets' nests are usually underground or in tree cavities. Plan to kill the nest at sunset. Attack the nest when right at sunset or at night so most of the colony is inside. Hornets are less active at night and there will be less of a chance that you'll get stung when you try to remove it. Wear protective clothing to prevent stings. Wear long sleeves and pants to keep hornets out of your clothes. Wrap a scarf around your head or tighten a hood around your face to protect your neck. Cover your face with safety goggles and a facemask. Tuck your pant legs into your socks or boots and wear thick gloves to protect your hands. Wear a beekeeping suit if you have access to one. These will protect you the best from hornet stings. Keep pets and children inside when you kill the nest. The chemicals in the insecticides could harm animals or children, so make sure they are inside and the windows are closed. This also helps prevent them from being stung by any angry hornets when you attack the nest. Plan a route to get away from the nest. When you spray a hornet's nest, the colony will start to swarm and come out of the entrance. Find a path leading back indoors so you can immediately flee once you apply the insecticide. Make sure there are no tripping hazards in the direction you plan on running. Call an exterminator if the nest is in a hard to reach place. If the nest is on a high branch or near your roof, don't attempt climbing up to reach the nest. Call a professional service and let them know about the hornet problem you're having. They will have more experience and be able to handle the nest. Don't stand on a ladder to remove the nest. If you fall off the ladder, you could hurt yourself and get stung. Purchase an insecticidal dust formula. Insecticidal dust coats the hornets in a water-repellent killer that prevents them from flying. The chemicals are then absorbed into their bodies to kill them in a short amount of time. Find an insecticidal dust meant for hornets or wasp control. Insecticidal dust is typically sold with a hand duster and can be purchased at your local yard care or gardening store. Locate the entrance hole on the bottom of the nest during the day. Look for a hole near the bottom of the nest that hornets are entering and exiting. This should be the only entrance on the nest and will be the area you want to focus on when you apply the dust. See if you can find another area on the nest where hornets are entering and exiting. This may indicate a second hole that you should spray. Place the end of the duster near the entrance of the nest at night. Once the sun has set, relocate the entrance again using a flashlight. Don't forget to wear your protective gear in case the hornets sting. Aim the duster directly at the hole. Don't aim your flashlight directly at the entrance hole or else you could disturb the hornets inside. Squeeze the duster's bulb to coat the hornets. Use the bulb on the end of the duster to make the dust come out. Spray the outside of the entrance hole first before putting the tip inside. The dust will coat the hornets and the inside of the nest so it's more difficult for the hornets to move around. Once you've spread the dust, leave the area to prevent any stings. Some hornets will escape before they're covered in dust but they will return to the nest eventually. Dust the hornets again if you notice activity after 2 days. Revisit the nest after a few days to see if there are still any hornets entering or exiting. If some of the hornets are still active, do another dust treatment to kill any that survived. The dust usually works within 24 hours. Buy an insecticide made for hornet removal. Look for aerosol cans with a powerful spray that shoots between 20–30 feet (6.1–9.1 m). Many of these insecticides will kill the hornets on contact so hornets that return to the nest will still die. Insecticides can be bought at your local yard care or gardening store. Aim the insecticide at the entrance of the hornet's nest. Stand at least 10 feet (3.0 m) back from the nest so hornets are less likely to sting you. Make sure the nozzle is pointed at the hole in the bottom of the hornet's nest since this is the main entrance and exit. Remember to wear your protective clothing and to spray the insecticide after sunset when most of the hornets will be dormant. Spray the insecticide at the entrance for at least 10 seconds. Keep the insecticide pointed at the entrance hole while you spray. Coat the entire opening of the nest so hornets entering or exiting will die on contact. Once the hole is saturated, coat the rest of the nest before getting to a safe place. The hornets will start to swarm as soon as the nest is under attack. Focus on the entrance to prevent hornets from flying near you. Wait 24 hours to see if any hornets survived and respray. Come back to the hornet nest the next day to see if there's any activity. If you notice hornets still swarming around the nest, apply another round of the insecticide to completely saturate the nest. Wait 2-3 days after you apply an insecticide. Let the insecticide of your choice settle inside the nest so most, if not all, of the hornets die. After a few days, look for any activity around the nest. If there are no hornets flying around the nest, it's safe to remove. If you still notice hornets around the nest, use another application of your insecticide to kill them. Put a garbage bag underneath the nest. Lay an open heavy-duty garbage bag directly underneath the nest so it falls inside when you remove it. If you want to, place the garbage bag in a bin so it's held open. Use a thick garbage bag meant for yard work if you can. Use a scraper to remove the nest so it falls in the bag. Make sure the scraper has a handle long enough to reach the nest. Work around the edges of the nest to loosen it from the surface it's built on. Once the nest is loose, it should fall directly into the garbage bag below it. Scrapers can be purchased at your local hardware or homecare store. If the nest is hanging from a branch, use a pair of pruners to cut it off. Tie the garbage bag tight so any surviving hornets can't escape. Make a knot in the garbage bag so the hornets are trapped inside. Once the bag is sealed, throw it directly in an outdoor trash bin. Thick plastic bags are too thick for the hornets to bite through. | See a doctor to determine if you're allergic to hornets. Determine what kind of hornets you're dealing with. Plan to kill the nest at sunset. Wear protective clothing to prevent stings. Keep pets and children inside when you kill the nest. Plan a route to get away from the nest. Call an exterminator if the nest is in a hard to reach place. Purchase an insecticidal dust formula. Locate the entrance hole on the bottom of the nest during the day. Place the end of the duster near the entrance of the nest at night. Squeeze the duster's bulb to coat the hornets. Dust the hornets again if you notice activity after 2 days. Buy an insecticide made for hornet removal. Aim the insecticide at the entrance of the hornet's nest. Spray the insecticide at the entrance for at least 10 seconds. Wait 24 hours to see if any hornets survived and respray. Wait 2-3 days after you apply an insecticide. Put a garbage bag underneath the nest. Use a scraper to remove the nest so it falls in the bag. Tie the garbage bag tight so any surviving hornets can't escape. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Fix-a-Wheelbarrow-Tire-(tubeless) | How to Fix a Wheelbarrow Tire (tubeless) | To fix a wheelbarrow tire, you'll need to remove the tire, then locate and fix the leak. Turn your wheelbarrow upside down and remove the tire to make the job easier. Then, pump it up using an air compressor or pump. Listen to the tire so you can locate the spot where air is leaking from. Once you find the leak, you'll need to repair it using a tire plug kit, which you can buy from an auto parts store. The kit includes a small rubber plug, which you'll push into the hole with an applicator. After the plug is in place, seal it by applying rubber concrete with a brush. | Turn your wheelbarrow upside down to make things easy. Take your wheelbarrow and carefully tilt it over until the tray is flat on the ground. This will stabilize your wheelbarrow while you remove the tire from the wheelbarrow's frame. If you aren't sure if your tire has a tube or not, look at the air valve sticking out of the center of the wheel. If the valve is fixed tight into the frame of the wheel, your tire is tubeless. The repair process for a tube tire is a little different, so check to be sure that your tire is tubeless before proceeding. Remove the nut in the center of the wheel with 2 wrenches. Take 2 wrenches and use the rotating nut in the center of each tool to adjust the jaws. Match the jaws to the size of the nuts in the center of the wheel. Use your nondominant hand to grip one of the nuts with a wrench. Hold this nut in place while you rotate the nut on the opposite side of the axle with your wrench by turning it counterclockwise. Continue turning the nut until you can remove both sides by hand. You can use 2 sets of channel locks instead of wrenches if you prefer. Slide the wheel out of the wheelbarrow and set it aside. Set the nuts on a stable work surface or stuff them in your pocket to avoid losing them. Then, lift the wheel out of the frame to detach it from your wheelbarrow. Place the wheelbarrow flat on a stable work surface. Fill the tire with air using a compressor or pump. To figure out where your leak is coming from, get an air compressor or a high-quality air pump. Remove the cap on the air valve and fill the tire with air until the rubber is taut and firm. If you have a custom psi gauge on the compressor, set it to 25-30 psi based on your tire's pressure restrictions. The maximum tire pressure is listed on the side of the tire. If you can't find a pressure limitation, assume that your tire can hold a maximum pressure of 25 psi to stay on the safe side. If you can, get an air compressor to do this. Using an air pump to fill a wheelbarrow tire can be quite a pain. If you have to use an air pump, enlist a friend or family member to pump for you while you work on the tire. Rotate the tire while listening carefully for the leak. With your tire filled, slowly and quietly rotate the tire to listen for a leak. Use your ear to identify the area where air is escaping. Once you narrow down the area, inspect the tire visually to see if you can spot a tear or rip. If you can't find one, run your hand over the surface to feel for air escaping to find the gap. If the tire deflates before you have an opportunity to find the leak, refill the tire with air and continue searching. It may take a few tries before you can find the leak. If there is no leak and your tire is deflated, the problem is the bead of your tire. Spray your tire with soapy water if you can’t find the leak. If you really can't find the leak but definitely hear air escaping, grab an empty spray bottle. Fill the bottle with water and add a few squirts of dish soap. Shake the bottle up and liberally spray every external surface of your wheel. Then, inspect your wheel and look for bubbles. The hole or tear will be at the location where you see the soapy water bubbling up. It really doesn't matter how much soap you use so long as it's bubbly. If you have a tear that is longer or wider than 1 in (2.5 cm), you're better off simply replacing the tire. Even if you repair a large tear in the tire, it's extremely likely to reopen in the future. A new tire will cost $15-50 depending on the size and brand. Get a tire plug kit with a reamer, applicator, and rubber plug. A tire plug kit is a small set of tools that you can purchase together to fill minor leaks in a tire. It includes a rubber plug, a reamer, and an applicator. The reamer is designed to make the hole round, and the applicator is a small metal pole with a loop at the end. Buy a tire plug kit online or at your local auto parts store. Insert the sharp end of the reamer into the hole to make it round. Hold the tire upright on the rubber and brace it with your nondominant hand. Then, force the pointy end of the reamer through the hole to enlarge it. Slide it in 1–3 in (2.5–7.6 cm) to smooth down the edges of the hole. This will create a hole with an equal amount of resistance on each side. Do not remove the reamer once you insert it. If you can't get the reamer into the hole because the tire is too deflated, fill the tire with your air compressor or pump before doing this. If you don't have a reamer, you can force the head of a nail or screwdriver through the opening of the hole and hold it in place. Thread the rubber plug through the opening on the applicator and pull it through. The applicator is a metal rod with an oval-shaped opening at one end. Take your rubber plug and pinch it at the end. Force the pinched end into the opening at the end of the applicator. Once the rubber is poking out of the other side, use a pair of pliers to grip the rubber and pull it all the way through. Continue pulling the rubber through the applicator until you reach the middle of the rubber plug. The applicator has a small 0.25–0.5 in (0.64–1.27 cm) gap at the end of the oval-shaped opening. The applicator is used to force the rubber plug into the opening before pulling the applicator out. If you don't have an applicator, simply grip the middle of the plug with a pair of thin pliers. Use a compressor or air pump to fill the tire to 25-30 psi. With the reamer sticking in your tire, remove the valve cap on the air valve. Insert your compressor or pump and fill the tire with air. Continue filling the tire until the rubber is tight and the pressure is between 25-30 psi. Reattach the cap by turning it clockwise until it won't move any further to close it. Don't worry if a little air escapes while you're holding the reamer in place. It's okay if a little air gets out. Coat the rubber plug in rubber cement with a brush. Take a bottle of rubber cement and open the cap. Use the built-in brush or grab a clean 1–2 in (2.5–5.1 cm) natural paint brush. Dip the brush into the rubber cement and liberally coat each portion of the rubber plug with the rubber cement. If you want to keep your work surface clean, put a towel underneath the plug as you apply the cement to catch drips. Remove the reamer and force the applicator through the hole. Keep the tire still by bracing it against your body or setting it on its side. Then, pull the reamer out of the hole. As soon as you can, stick the applicator through the center of the hole. Push it in so that the rubber plug folds in half. Continue to push the plug into the tire until roughly half of the plug is sticking out the top of the tire. This can be kind of awkward to do without an extra set of hands. If you can, ask a friend or family member to hold the tire for you while you do this. Be prepared to use a little force to shove the plug through the hole. The rubber plug is bigger than the hole you made with the reamer, so this can be a little tough. Lift the applicator out to leave the rubber plug in the hole. Once the plug is roughly halfway in the tire, pull the applicator up to release the plug. The tension from the hole will hold the plug in place as it slides out of the thin opening at the end of your applicator. If you accidentally push too hard and shove the plug entirely into the tire, lift it out through the hole slowly to catch it in place and pinch the plug while you slide the applicator out. Clip the excess rubber with a pair of snips or wire cutters. Tor remove the excess rubber, grab a pair of snips or wire cutters. Clip the rubber near the base of the tire to cut the excess length off. If your rubber is softer, feel free to use scissors instead. Give the rubber cement 12-24 hours to completely dry. When the cement is dry, refill the tire with air if necessary. You can pour tire sealant over the plug if you're worried about it sliding out. This shouldn't be necessary if the hole is adequately sealed. Reattach the wheel by placing it in the frame of the wheelbarrow and tightening the nuts. Tie a rope or nylon ratchet strap around the center of the tread. If the problem is with the bead where the tire meets the rim, grab a nylon ratchet strap or length of rope. Take the strap and wrap it around the exterior circumference of the tire. Close the clip to attach the strap to the tire. If you're using rope, wrap it around the center of the tire and tie it in a knot at the top. While it isn't a popular option, you may be able to use a bungee cord instead of a rope if you don't have anything else. A nylon strap will be easier to use than a rope, but most people don't have a ratchet strap small enough to fit a wheelbarrow's tire. Tighten the rope or strap until the tire can’t be tightened further. To tighten a ratchet strap, lift the handle on the clip upwards and force it back down to tighten the nylon. Repeat this process until you can't tighten it further. If you're using a rope, slide the handle of a hammer under the rope and twist the head of the hammer in either direction to tighten it. You can use any tool with a firm handle instead of a hammer. A wrench, channel locks, or socket wrench will also do the job. Use an air compressor or pump to fill the tire up to 25-30 psi. With the strap or rope tightened, remove the cap on the air valve. Insert the tip of your air compressor or air pump and fill the tire. Continue adding air until the tire is entirely filled. You should see the bead of the tire pushing into the rim until it's completely tight. If the bead gets stretched out, it won't adhere to the rim. Filling it with air while you're holding the exterior edge down with the strap or rope forces the air to press on the bead. This will cause the bead to reshape around the rim which should fix your dysfunctional tire. Remove the strap or rope and reattach your tire. Wait 20-30 seconds to give the bead time to stick to the rim. Then, remove the nylon strap by unclipping it or loosening it and sliding it off. If you're using a rope, turn your hammer in the opposite direction to loosen the rope and undo the knot. Roll your tire back and forth to ensure that it is rolling properly. If the rim looks even and taut against the bead but the tire is still a little soft, fill it up with air to ensure that you didn't create a leak with your hammer or nylon strap. Put your tire back on the wheelbarrow by tightening the nuts around the center of the wheel with a wrench. | Turn your wheelbarrow upside down to make things easy. Remove the nut in the center of the wheel with 2 wrenches. Slide the wheel out of the wheelbarrow and set it aside. Fill the tire with air using a compressor or pump. Rotate the tire while listening carefully for the leak. Spray your tire with soapy water if you can’t find the leak. Get a tire plug kit with a reamer, applicator, and rubber plug. Insert the sharp end of the reamer into the hole to make it round. Thread the rubber plug through the opening on the applicator and pull it through. Use a compressor or air pump to fill the tire to 25-30 psi. Coat the rubber plug in rubber cement with a brush. Remove the reamer and force the applicator through the hole. Lift the applicator out to leave the rubber plug in the hole. Clip the excess rubber with a pair of snips or wire cutters. Tie a rope or nylon ratchet strap around the center of the tread. Tighten the rope or strap until the tire can’t be tightened further. Use an air compressor or pump to fill the tire up to 25-30 psi. Remove the strap or rope and reattach your tire. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Register-for-the-SAT | How to Register for the SAT | To register for the SAT, you can either fill out an application online via the College Board website or mail in a paper application that you pick up from your school's guidance office. If you register online, you will need to create a free profile at https://sat.collegeboard.org , then select a test date and enroll in the test. If you mail in your application, make sure you get it in the mail before the registration for your chosen test date. Either way, you will need to pay the registration fee, which is $43 for the basic test or $54.50 for the SAT with Essay. | Create an SAT plan if you are in your freshman year. If you are in your first year of high school, you can start to prepare yourself for the SAT by creating an SAT plan. This could be an outline of high school courses you will need to take to get into college, according to the course levels offered at your high school, and when you plan to take your SAT in your junior or senior year. During your freshman year, you can start to think about taking SAT Subject Tests in your sophomore year, which are hour long tests that focus on specific subject areas. The SAT Subject Tests will allow you to distinguish yourself when you get to the college admission process in your senior year and provide a more complete picture of your academic background. There are 20 SAT Subject Tests given in five subject areas: English, history, languages, math, and science. Take SAT Subject Tests if you are in your sophomore year. If you are taking any courses that relate to the SAT Subject Tests in your second year of high school, you should consider taking the SAT Subject Tests. You should plan to take the applicable SAT Subject Test once you have finished a class in a certain subject as the subject material will be fresh in your mind. You can access free practice questions for the SAT Subject Tests here: https://sat.collegeboard.org/practice/sat-subject-test-preparation. You can also download a free booklet to help you prepare for the SAT Subject Tests here: http://media.collegeboard.com/digitalServices/pdf/sat/sat-getting-ready-sat-subject-tests-2015.pdf. Consider taking the SAT in the spring of your junior year. Most high school students take the SAT twice, once in their junior year and once in their senior year. Taking the SAT twice will allow you to improve upon your initial score and give you a better chance at a high overall SAT score. You should take the SAT in the spring of your junior year so you have time to prepare for the SAT during the first half of the school year. You can take the SAT or up to three SAT Subject Tests on one test day. If you decide to take both types of tests, you will need to do so on different days. If you feel your initial scores on the SAT in your junior year are high, you can send them to colleges you are interested in attending and to scholarship programs. This can be seen as a sign of interest and may qualify you for campus visits programs and information sessions in your area. You may also be considered for scholarships and funding through certain college admission programs. Plan on taking the SAT again in your senior year to improve your scores. If you are not satisfied with your junior year SAT scores, you can plan to take the SAT a second time. Most seniors do this at the beginning of the senior year. Often, students who take the SAT more than once can improve their score. You can access the My SAT Online Score Report online to determine your strengths and the areas you need to improve on for the SAT. You can also decide if you want to take the SAT Subject Tests again in your senior year to improve your scores for these tests. Once you complete your SAT a second time, and earn scores you are happy with, you should send your SAT scores to colleges and universities by December or January to ensure you meet the application deadlines. Make sure you register three to four weeks before the test date. The SAT is offered seven Saturdays a year. If you cannot attend a Saturday test date due to religious reasons, there are also Sunday test dates available. Most registration deadlines for the SAT are set three to four weeks before the test date. There are also late registration deadlines, which are usually two to three weeks before the test dates. The current SAT registration schedule for the U.S. is available here: http://studypoint.com/ed/sat-test-dates/. However, dates can shift every year so check the schedule and choose a date during the year you would like to take the SAT. Choose online registration or mail in registration. Online registration is quick and easy. You can register online via the College Board website. You will need to create a free profile, state where you would like to take the test in the U.S., select a test date, and enroll in the test date. If you would like to register by mail, you must get an SAT Paper Registration Guide from your school's guidance office. You will then need to complete the guide and mail it in before the registration deadline for your chosen test date. Pay the registration fee. When you register online for the SAT, the only option for payment of the registration fee is via credit card. The basic SAT registration fee is $43. If you are planning on taking the SAT with Essay, the fee is $54.50. If you end up doing late registration for a test date, there is an additional fee of $28. If you are registering by mail, you can pay by check. There is financial assistance available for students who cannot afford the registration fee in the form of a registration fee waiver. More information about the SAT fee waiver application can be found on the College Board website: https://sat.collegeboard.org/register/sat-fee-waivers. Take the SAT on your chosen test date. Once you have paid the registration fee and received a receipt with your SAT test date, you should then prepare to take the SAT on the chosen date. Make sure you show up for your test date. If you miss your test date without letting the SAT registration program know, you may need to re register and pay another registration fee to take the SAT at another date. | Create an SAT plan if you are in your freshman year. Take SAT Subject Tests if you are in your sophomore year. Consider taking the SAT in the spring of your junior year. Plan on taking the SAT again in your senior year to improve your scores. Make sure you register three to four weeks before the test date. Choose online registration or mail in registration. Pay the registration fee. Take the SAT on your chosen test date. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Boy-in-Elementary-School | How to Get a Boy in Elementary School | Having a boyfriend in elementary school can be great fun. If you like a boy, play with him and talk to him to get to know him better. Ask him things like what TV shows he likes, if he likes any sports, and if he has any pets. Try to be nice to him and treat him like you're best friends. You can also sit next to him, but give him space to play with his friends sometimes too. Take your time and enjoy getting to know him! | Make sure to be friends with the boy you like. If you aren't, hang around him a lot, talk to him, sit by him. Friendship should always come first if you want to be with him in school, especially elementary. People this young would be surprised if they found out you liked a boy that you hardly knew. Get to know him well. What are his interests, what does he like doing and what things do you have in common with him? Find those things out. Then you can start to do things that he likes. Maybe play a sport that he likes. Or get him a present on his birthday. It wouldn't seem that suspicious if you were already friends. Get to know his friends more. If you don't know his friends, make more effort to get to know them. Maybe the person you like hangs out with his friends a lot, so try to join in the group, even if you're a little shy you might be the only girl there. Be his best friend. Don't know how? Just let him be your best friend how you'd do it for your girl best friend. Hang out with him the most, partner up for projects. Maybe if he has a sibling who your friends with as well, go to his house. Don't steal him though. That's not how you do it. Be nice and be thoughtful. Try to stay as calm as you can if you get into an argument or disagreement with him. The last thing you'll want is first thinking of him as your crush, and then an enemy. Don't call him stupid or ugly or anything mean. Show him you're there for him but don't baby him. Don't let people make fun of him. Stand up for him and let him see that you really mean your friendship with him. Show him that you're brave. Some boys find this feeling nice. Allow the friendship to blossom properly. That means, give it time. Even if it progresses no further than friendship, at least you have a good friend in the making. After all, you're both still really young and there is a lot of life ahead of both of you. Be interested in the sports that he does. If he is playing basketball in PE, then tell him he did a good job. If you like the sport, join in and suggest you play together, either for practice or for real. Show off your athletic ability because you are good at it and enjoy it. Don't show off just to impress him; you're too smart for that. Stand next to him in line and sit next to him at assemblies. Not all the time. He'll think you're weird. But sometimes. Talk together. Talk about things you have in common, things you both like doing and things that happen at school. Keep it light and friendly. Avoid interrupting his time spent with friends. Find out when he is happy to spend time together and let him know when you're free too, and when you'd rather spend time with your girlfriends. Continue to aim to do well in school. You could even study together, and help each other to learn the things you're both best at. Do not ask him out. Seek first to be really good friends. If you want something more, give it a lot of time. You are both very young and it's a lot more fun to spend time together as friends, learning more about one another and having fun than making things awfully serious and complicated. The moment you get serious, the fun stops and the worries start. Avoid love letters or telling your secret to others. These sorts of actions might cause him to not like you or to find you silly. Keep your romantic interest close to your heart. Don't tell him you like him until you are either moving or going to a new school or until you are in at least grade 5. The awkwardness of learning that you have feelings for him might ruin your friendship! Chill and take it all in your stride. You're in elementary school. You have the rest of your life for romance. Don't rush it. | Make sure to be friends with the boy you like. Get to know him well. Get to know his friends more. Be his best friend. Be nice and be thoughtful. Don't let people make fun of him. Allow the friendship to blossom properly. Be interested in the sports that he does. Stand next to him in line and sit next to him at assemblies. Talk together. Avoid interrupting his time spent with friends. Continue to aim to do well in school. Do not ask him out. Avoid love letters or telling your secret to others. Keep your romantic interest close to your heart. Chill and take it all in your stride. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stand-Up-Straight | How to Stand Up Straight | To stand up straight, stand up against a wall with the back of your head, shoulder blades and buttocks touching the wall. Then, move away from the wall while maintaining your posture. Once your body begins to slouch, return to the wall to reestablish your posture. Throughout the day, practice good posture habits like holding your cell phone at eye level and taking note of your posture any time you pass a mirror or window. | Back up against a wall. If you can find a spot of floor and wall that are flat and roughly perpendicular, you can easily assess your current posture and reset your body into proper alignment. Stand facing away from the wall, and slowly back up until you are standing in solid contact with it (but not leaning against it). Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, flat on the floor beneath you, and a few inches off the wall. Notice what touches the wall. Ideally, you want three contact points between your body and the wall: the back of your head, your shoulder blades, and your buttocks. If you have poor standing posture, you may find that your mid-back (perhaps along with your buttocks) touches the wall first. Although less common, some people lean back too far instead of slouching forward, in which case your head alone may touch the wall first. If you are not making contact with your head, shoulder blades, and buttocks, reorient your upper body without moving your feet so that you are in a proper standing position. Step away and hold your positioning. Once you get a feel for standing up straight against the wall, try walking away while maintaining your proper upper-body posture. Before long, your body will want to revert to its former, familiar positioning. Try to focus on how proper positioning feels so that you can maintain it as long as possible. Once you feel the “slouch” returning, go back against the wall to re-establish your posture. Remind yourself of the benefits. It is not a complicated process for most people to improve their posture, but it does take time and effort. It can be tempting to just go back to your familiar “hunch,” but keep in mind why it is well worth it to make the change. Although you may think of slouching as being more relaxed, it actually makes your muscles work harder, robbing energy from you in the process. It also makes it harder to breathe deeply and fully, which further reduces energy levels. The pressure placed on the vertebrae due to poor posture can lead to pinched nerves, stiffness, decreased flexibility and mobility, and even reduced sensation in the extremities. Good posture makes your muscles more limber; relaxes tension in your neck, shoulders, and back (which can reduce your stress level); and can even boost your mood and psyche. Studies indicate that people with good posture are on average more confident and energetic, and have better memory skills. Practice good posture habits. Nowadays, whether we're working, relaxing, or even walking around, we tend to be hunched over a glowing screen. Not surprisingly, this helps to instill poor posture habits. With active awareness and some simple changes, you can instill good habits instead. Focus on holding your cell phone at eye level when using it, instead of slouching over to look at it. This simple adjustment can do wonders for your posture. Take note of your posture any time you stand in front of a mirror or pass a reflective window. Remaining vigilant will help you retrain your body. When you have the option of standing or sitting, choose to stand. The human body is built for standing up, and standing is better for muscle development and overall health. Also, many bad posture habits are ingrained while sitting. When you do sit, focus on keeping your feet flat on the floor and your back flat against an upright, sturdy chair. Place your computer or other screens at eye level, and desk high enough that your elbows can rest on it while extended straight ahead. Exercise with shoulder-blade pumps. Achieving good posture isn't just about good habits and proper positioning; you also need to strengthen the muscles that keep you in alignment. Stronger shoulder muscles, for instance, can make it easier to fend off your tendency to slouch. Bend your arms and hold them in front of you, at shoulder level and parallel to the floor. Squeeze your shoulder blades together. Don't bring them together by pulling your outstretched arms apart. Instead, let your shoulder retraction pull your arms further apart. Focus on using the muscles in your upper back. Hold each squeeze for one or two seconds, then release and repeat for two minutes. Do this exercise at least once, or up to several times per day. Try chin tucks and drops. It may sound odd at first, but one of the best ways to strengthen your neck muscles is to do exercises that focus on moving your chin. Once you try them, though, you'll quickly notice how they stretch and utilize your neck muscles. For a sitting chin tuck, sit upright in a chair with your head in a neutral (proper upright seating) position. Tuck your chin inward, as if trying to retract it, without dropping it downward. Use a hand as a guide (but only push gently) if necessary. You should feel your neck muscles tense and release along with the maneuver. Hold for one or two seconds, release, and repeat for two minutes. To do a reclined chin tuck, lie flat on the floor on your back. Place your arms at your sides and bend your knees so that your feet are flat on the floor. Tuck your chin in (straight down toward the floor, not towards your chest) while keeping the back of your head on the floor. Hold, release, and repeat. For a traditional chin drop, sit upright in a chair with your feet flat on the floor and your hands resting on your thighs. Rotate your head downward so that your chin touches your chest (or comes as close as you can do comfortably). Try to relax your neck muscles as they stretch out. Make sure not to “round” your shoulders forward as you tuck your chin downward. Hold the position for thirty seconds, then release and repeat several more times. You can add greater stretching to a chin drop by placing one hand behind your head and gently pressing downward as you tuck your chin. Don't press too hard, and stop if you feel unusual pain (that is, more than the typical “burn” from stretching your neck muscles). Strengthen your pectorals. Developing more muscle tone in the pectorals not only makes a guy look better with his shirt off, but it also helps men and women retain proper posture by keeping the shoulders from slouching forward. Stand facing a corner. Lift your arms to shoulder-height (parallel with the floor) with your arms bent at the elbow, so that one of your elbows and forearms rests on each of the two intersecting walls. Adjust your distance from the wall if necessary so that you are neither leaning in nor away from the wall in this starting position. While keeping your forearms and elbows against the walls, begin to lean forward until you feel a pulling sensation in your pecs. Hold this position for thirty seconds, return to the starting position, and repeat several times per session and one or more times per day. | Back up against a wall. Notice what touches the wall. Step away and hold your positioning. Remind yourself of the benefits. Practice good posture habits. Exercise with shoulder-blade pumps. Try chin tucks and drops. Strengthen your pectorals. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Open-an-Auto-Body-Shop | How to Open an Auto Body Shop | If you're thinking about opening an auto body shop, there are a few things to consider. Choose between a full-service shop or one that specializes in one type of service. If you want to minimize the work it takes to build your brand and customer base, consider opening a franchise auto body shop. Once you know what kind of shop you want, work out your budget and write a business plan for it. Look for a location that's easily accessible from a main road and has little to no competition nearby. You'll also need to hire some friendly and experienced staff to help you run the shop. Don't forget to license your shop and register with your state's DMV before you start operating. | Start working on a business plan. One of the best ways to ensure a small business will be successful is planning ahead. Even if you're fully capable of top notch auto body work, starting a business requires substantial research, analysis, and consideration. In short, have a thorough business plan in place before committing to opening a business of your own. Start by writing a detailed company description. For instance, address whether you'll have a full-service shop of specialize in one service. Will it cater to a specific clientele, such as Japanese cars, or provide service to any type of vehicle? A well-developed business plan will help at every step of the process. In particular, you'll benefit from more favorable lease agreements, credit lines, conversations with potential vendors, funding opportunities, and even operational practices. Don't think of a business plan as a tool to help you run a business. Instead, develop your plan as a way to decide whether you can move forward opening an auto body repair shop in a particular area. Get guidance writing your business plan from the SBA. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the best source of assistance in starting your own business. In particular, the SBA provides instructions and formatting guidelines to help you write a business plan. These materials are available for free online. The SBA will also be able to notify you of other helpful organizations that might have more specific advice regarding the auto repair industry. The SBA can also link you with local organizations, individuals, and resources to help plan, finance, and open a business. Further, the SBA may be able to link you with a successful business professional that is willing to donate their time to help a small business. If this opportunity is available, ask about working with someone who has experience working with auto shops. Get local business advice. Particularly if you do not have experience starting small businesses, you're going to need a good amount of guidance. For instance, do you know how to construct a profit and loss statement, balance sheet, and other financial statement? If not, you'll need to hire, befriend, or otherwise acquire the assistance of an account. You'll likely also need a lawyer to determine the best structure of your business. Finally, bankers see plenty of business plans – you can likely find one that's willing to look at yours and provide feedback free of charge. While other auto-body repair shops may not want to help the competition, contact other local businesses that work on automobiles in a different capacity. For instance, parts stores or junkyards will likely know a lot about the local automotive community, including potential customers. Particularly if the ownership of your business will be shared, or you'll be taking out loans to cover start-up costs, make sure to talk to both a lawyer and a financial professional while crafting your business plan. Get advice directly from a local government office. There are often city, county, and state-level small business centers that are tasked with the enforcement of business regulations. Auto body shops require various special licenses and permits, and these offices can tell you what you will need and help you get it. The SBA can help link you up with local offices that can inform you of the regulations you'll need to meet. Auto-repair shops must have permits to do business, as well as specific permits to perform particular types of jobs, such as paint-removal and painting. It's helpful to know about any pertinent regulations during the planning phase, to incorporate any potential costs or other issues associated with meeting these requirements. Specify your expected revenue for the first few years. Aside from knowing where business will come from, you also need to know how much – and how fast – the business can be expected to grow. Be able to articulate where, specifically, money will come from, as well as what operational expenses will be. For instance, initial and recurring costs must be recorded, as well as a loan repayment plan, and the level of profits that are expected each month or quarter. Forecast these figures for the first three years after opening. Decide on the prices your shop will charge for specific services. These can be used alongside your anticipated customer projections to determine revenue estimates. Establish a “break-even” point. This is the point at which the business will be generating revenue, as opposed to spending money as it gets up and running. It may take longer to “break even” than you initially realize. Determine the amount of funding you’ll need. Simply stated, you need to know how much money you'll need to open the business and maintain operations until your shop starts generating revenue. If you intend to borrow money by way of a loan, it is especially important to determine a concrete dollar amount to ask for. Unfortunately, there's no ballpark number, since differences in location, equipment, and shop size can cause start-up costs for auto body repair shops to fluctuate considerably. This is partly why is so important to develop a solid business plan, as it is the best way to accurately estimate your start-up costs. Know that SBA-insured loans are one of the best sources of funding for a small business. This is another reason you should follow the SBA's guidelines when developing your business plan. Over-estimate equipment and materials expenses. Equipment expenses are commonly underestimated. While you may be able to save money buying used equipment, there is a greater chance of unforeseen costs associated with maintaining older equipment. A good rule of thumb: estimate your initial equipment and inventory expenses and increase the number by thirty percent. While this may seem like a huge amount of money, it's far better to wind up spending less than expected than it is to wind up needing to borrow more. For example, if you estimate needing $100,000 dollars' worth of equipment to open the shop, plan to secure funding for $130,000 dollars' worth of equipment. Make a detailed list of all the equipment you'll need and its cost. This should include everything: lifts, wheel balancers, hoists, paint guns, paint mask, and the decorations in the reception area. If you intend to lease some equipment, consider a SBA-backed loan, which may offer you a low interest loan with no down payment to pay for equipment. Be willing to invest in the best location you can find. In simplest terms, plan to open an auto body shop in the best location you can afford. In particular, you want a location that is easily accessible from major roads. Ensure any location you're considering is zoned for commercial use. Taking out a slightly larger loan to help finance a business in a location where it is more likely to succeed may even allow for you to negotiate a lower interest rate. Consider opening an auto body franchise location. You have the option of franchising your business as opposed to opening and running your own business from the ground up. The main benefit of franchising is a considerable reduction in the likelihood that your business fails. This relative advantage is based on multiple factors, including name recognition, large scale marketing, and "tried-and-true" managerial and operational procedures. To find out about franchising options in your areas, contact the corporate offices for the auto body repair "chains" that are popular in your state. Be sure to contact them all, and be aware that they may be willing to meet or beat another franchise's offer. Seek the advice of an account and/or lawyer regarding any specific legal or financial questions you have. Of course, there are costs associated with franchising. The bottom line is that you'll make a smaller portion of what your shop pulls in, though this depends on your specific franchising agreement. On the other hand, you may also avoid costs that may be incurred if you open a business on your own and make errors that a franchising agreement may have prevented. Conduct formal market analysis. Assess whether a market exists for the type of business you hope to open. In the most basic sense, a comprehensive business plan helps identify potential issues before they arise. In particular, ensure that there's actually business to get! Specific statistics to look out for include the number, age, and types of vehicles in the area you're considering. Additionally, find out what insurance companies are commonly used in the area, and how many similar businesses you'd be competing with. Develop relationships with paint and parts companies. Large businesses that you may want to work with can offer you a wealth of knowledge, and potentially even assist you. Often, these companies will make business development consultants available to potential new partners. Some may even be willing to help with your business plan, as your success would potentially lead to further business for them. Further, they may help you with marketing. They will have access to marketing data, and will be up-to-date on new technologies and marketing practices. You can also likely find quick assistance from business partners regarding layout and design of your marketing materials. Establish positive relationships with specific employees at suppliers. This will likely help ensure the supply channels you will rely on once your business is open run smoothly. Specify your marketing intentions. Marketing plans are some of the most important features of a solid business plan. The options are endless: consider flyers, print ads in local publications, and online advertising. When writing about the services and products you'll provide, describe them as though whomever is reading them knows nothing about auto body repair. In particular, outline how what you offer will be different from what competitors already offer. Reach out to the local auto-restoration community. People who frequently work on classic or antique cars will often work with auto body shops. You can even offer people who are active in these communities discounts, knowing that they may valuable sources of recurring business. Contact auto insurance representatives. It may prove to be extremely lucrative to be on insurance companies' “recommended repair facility” lists. Often, people will ask their insurance companies who to go to for service, particularly when they anticipate their insurance company paying for some or all of the service. By developing good relationships with those companies directly, you'll bring in additional customers. Feel free to be direct. Ask insurance company representatives how you can get on the recommended repair facilities list. Interview and hire employees. While experience is highly valuable, it's also vital that your employees are trustworthy and polite. Personable service leads to happier customers, better reviews, and more business. More simply, friendly, happy employees lead to happy customers. Hire accordingly. Include detailed estimates of anticipated labor costs in your business plan as well. For instance, employer-paid taxes and benefits will likely lead to high labor costs than you would foresee based only on the going hourly rate for auto techs. Register your auto body shop. You'll need to register your business with the city, state and federal government. Since specific registration requirements will vary, contact your state's DMV for information on the requirements in your area. Plan to prove that you have ownership or permission to use the facilities where your shop is located, as well as proof of the appropriate zoning. Further, you'll need proof of an official business name, as well as proof of worker's compensation insurance. Ensure that your business will meet body shop regulations. Your shop will be generating hazardous wastes that will affect both air and water quality near your facility. Accordingly, you must demonstrate that you are consistently meeting both state and federal regulations. The regulations you'll need to meet depend on what services you offer at your shop, as well as it's location and proximity to municipal facilities. Find your state's guide to environmental compliance for auto repair shops on the Environmental Protection Agency website. | Start working on a business plan. Get guidance writing your business plan from the SBA. Get local business advice. Get advice directly from a local government office. Specify your expected revenue for the first few years. Determine the amount of funding you’ll need. Over-estimate equipment and materials expenses. Be willing to invest in the best location you can find. Consider opening an auto body franchise location. Conduct formal market analysis. Develop relationships with paint and parts companies. Specify your marketing intentions. Contact auto insurance representatives. Interview and hire employees. Register your auto body shop. Ensure that your business will meet body shop regulations. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-a-Smoke-Alarm | How to Stop a Smoke Alarm | To stop a smoke alarm, press and hold the reset button in the middle of the alarm. If you don't know which box triggered the alarm, hold the reset button on all of them. If that doesn't work, you'll need to disconnect its power source. For a hardwired alarm, turn off the main circuit breaker in your house. Or, if your alarm is battery-powered, gently pull it away from the wall and remove its batteries to silence it. You may need to twist it counterclockwise for it to come off. | Press and hold the reset button on your smoke alarm. The reset button is usually in the center of the alarm or somewhere on the front. If you don't see a button, feel around the sides of your alarm with your fingers to see if the button is there. When you find it, press and hold it down until the alarm stops. If your smoke alarm is up high and you can't reach it, carefully stand on a sturdy chair to push the button. If there's anyone else with you, have them spot you while you're on the chair. Take your smoke alarm down if the alarm noise doesn’t stop. Grab hold of the smoke alarm and gently pull it away from the wall. You may need to turn the alarm counterclockwise for it to come off. Once it's slightly off the wall, reach your hand behind to feel for any wiring. If there are wires, unclip the connector that's connecting the wiring in the alarm to the wiring on the wall. Remove the batteries from your smoke alarm. There may be a battery cover over the batteries. If so, look for a plastic latch on one of the edges of the cover. Press it in with your finger and lift the battery cover off the smoke alarm. Once the cover is off, pull the batteries out from the smoke alarm. The alarm should stop going off. If you can't get the cover off with your finger, try using a flathead screwdriver to pry it off. Wrap your alarm in a blanket to muffle the noise if the batteries won’t come out. If your smoke alarm has a lithium battery, you may not be able to remove it. Put your blanket-wrapped alarm under a couch cushion or in your freezer until it stops going off. Press and hold the reset button on each smoke alarm in your house. Hardwired smoke alarms are all connected, so you'll need to try resetting them all to figure out which one is causing the alarm to go off. Look for a reset button in the center of the alarms, or somewhere else on the front or sides. Press and hold the button on each smoke alarm, one at a time, until the alarm goes off. Turn your circuit breaker off and back on if the alarm noise doesn’t stop. Locate the service panel in your house. Service panels usually look like gray boxes on the wall, and they're sometimes in the garage or basement. Once you find the panel, open the door to the panel and look for the main breaker switch. If it's not labeled, look for a switch that's bigger than the rest and that's at the top of the panel. When you find it, flip the switch to the off position and then flip it back on. The alarm should stop going off. Take down your smoke alarms if the alarm doesn’t stop. One at a time, pull each alarm away from the wall or ceiling. Reach behind each alarm and unclasp the connector that's connecting the wiring in the alarm to the wiring in the walls. If you can't reach the alarms, stand on a sturdy chair to take them down. Ask someone to spot you while you are up on the chair. Remove any backup batteries in your smoke alarms. Some hardwired smoke alarms have backup batteries in them. Look for a battery cover with a plastic latch on one side. Use your finger or a screwdriver to push the latch in and lift the battery cover up from the alarm. Pull out the batteries inside. Replace the batteries in your smoke alarm. If your smoke alarm is making a chirping noise, it may mean the batteries are almost dead. To switch out the batteries, remove your smoke alarm from the wall or ceiling. If your smoke alarm has a battery cover, remove it by pressing the plastic latch on the side of the cover in and lifting up the cover. Then, take out the old batteries and insert brand new ones. You may need to press and hold the reset button on your smoke alarm after you change the batteries. Clean out your smoke alarm with a vacuum and hose attachment. Sometimes accumulated dust and dead bugs inside smoke alarms can cause them to chirp. Remove your smoke alarm from the wall or ceiling. Vacuum over the vents and openings on your smoke alarm to remove any build up inside. When you're finished, reset your smoke alarm by pressing and holding the reset button. Change the temperature settings in your house. If your smoke alarm only chirps at certain times, like in the middle of the night or during the day when you're at work, it may be responding to dramatic temperature fluctuations in your house. Adjust your thermostat so the temperature is more consistent throughout the day and see if that makes the chirping stop. | Press and hold the reset button on your smoke alarm. Take your smoke alarm down if the alarm noise doesn’t stop. Remove the batteries from your smoke alarm. Wrap your alarm in a blanket to muffle the noise if the batteries won’t come out. Press and hold the reset button on each smoke alarm in your house. Turn your circuit breaker off and back on if the alarm noise doesn’t stop. Take down your smoke alarms if the alarm doesn’t stop. Remove any backup batteries in your smoke alarms. Replace the batteries in your smoke alarm. Clean out your smoke alarm with a vacuum and hose attachment. Change the temperature settings in your house. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-a-Tarantula | How to Care for a Tarantula | To care for a tarantula, feed it live prey less than half its size, like crickets and cockroaches. Alternatively, try serving dead food in the form of thawed baby mice or half-inch pieces of raw beef. Feed young tarantulas every two or three days and juveniles (between 1.5 and 2 inches) once or twice weekly. For adult tarantulas, ask the pet store for species-specific feeding information, since diets can differ. Remember to wait five days after molting before feeding, since a tarantula's body is open to attack by its prey. | Get a 10-gallon (37 litres) locking terrarium. Tarantulas are escape artists, so make sure the top of the terrarium locks tight! I would put a brick or two on the lid just in case. Although 10 gallons (37 liters) is the ideal size for keeping a single tarantula, you can get away with a 5-gallon (18 liter) tank. Never keep two tarantulas in the same cage, because they are territorial cannibals. One of them will eat the other. Adapt a small fish tank. Since fish tanks have feeding holes, you'll have to seal the holes in the top to prevent the tarantula from escaping. You can use aquarium silicone sealer to seal the feeding holes. Make sure you leave two small holes in the top for ventilation, which should be a maximum of 5/32'' (4 millimeters). If you are worried about the tarantula escaping through the top of the tank, you can place a rock on the lid. If you are housing tree-dwelling tarantulas, you'll want to place the tank vertically. You would start it horizontally and if they like living up high make it vertical. Any extra vertical room poses a threat to burrowing species because they are more susceptible to injuries from falling, unlike arboreal species. Spread a thin layer of substrate on the bottom of your tank. You'll need 1-3 inches (2.54-7.62 cm) of sterilized bedding on the bottom of the terrarium. Although there are many suitable substrates, you could put down a 2 centimeter layer of vermiculite, and then add a thin layer of cocoa fiber. There are many substrates to choose from, such as coconut fiber, reptile bark, sphagnum moss, peat moss, sterilized potting soil, and vermiculite. If you choose peat moss, you need to sterilize it. Put it in the microwave for ten minutes in order to kill parasitic mites. If you don't have a microwave use the oven on a mid heat. Since some species will dig into the substrate, you might need up to 5 inches (12.7 centimeters) of substrate. Make a broken pot shelter for a daytime hiding spot. Since tarantulas are nocturnal, you'll need to make a shelter for them to hide from the daylight and get some sleep! You can make a shelter by cutting a ceramic or plastic pot in half. Bury the broken pot in the sand to create a little hiding place. The entranceway should be just large enough for your tarantula to get inside and the interior should be nice and dark. A great hiding place is a hollowed log. Pick a hollowed log that is already dried out, since a wet log could lead to mold issues in the terrarium. You should avoid inserting any sharp objects into the terrarium, since your tarantula could injure itself. Add bamboo and silk plants for tree-dwelling tarantulas. In contrast to burrowing tarantulas, which like to hide out in the substrate, tree-dwelling tarantulas live in grasses and trees. You can recreate this habitat by adding bamboo, branches, and silk plants to the tank. The tarantulas will make their webs in the branches. Tree-dwelling tarantulas have slightly longer legs, which include more surface area for climbing. Ground dwelling species should be discouraged from climbing, since they could easily fall and injure themselves. Remember, the more you put in, the more you will have to clean. A piece of store bought driftwood might be appreciated. Monitor the temperature range. You can put a thermostat on the side of the tank to check the temperature. Since tarantulas normally live in a tropical or subtropical environment, you'll need to maintain a tank temperature of between 22 and 30 Celsius (71 and 86 Fahrenheit). Avoid placing your tank near a sunny window, since the tank could easily overheat. If the tank is located in a centrally heated room that is within the ideal temperature range, you won't need to heat it. Heat one half of the tank. If the tank falls below the ideal temperature range, you can use a hot rock or an electric heat-mat to heat it. In either case, you should only heat one half of the tank, so that your spider can self regulate its temperature by moving to the warm or cool side of the tank. You should avoid letting the tank temperature exceed 30 Celsius (86 Fahrenheit). If you turn the heat off in the spring or autumn, you will need to use the heat mat during those months. If you maintain a cooler temperature during the winter months, you should use a heat-mat. Use a plant mister to maintain a 50% humidity level in the tank. Use a plant mister to spray the tank and keep the humidity levels up. You can put a humidity gauge on the side of the tank. Check it regularly to make sure the humidity doesn't drop too far, which can be dangerous for tarantulas when they moult. Check the contents of the tank to make sure there is no mold. Serve live prey less than half the size of the tarantula. The mainstay of the tarantula diet is crickets, which you can purchase from a good pet store or online. You can also feed them mealworms, beetles, locusts, cockroaches, and earthworms. Whatever live prey you choose, it should be less than half the size of the tarantula you are feeding. Although live food is preferable, you can also serve dead food such as thawed baby mice or 1 centimeter (1/2'') pieces of raw beef. Don't serve them prey items that are larger than the size of their abdomens. Tarantulas are opportunists, so they may be able to subdue small lizards, snakes, and mice. Roaches have to be ordered online and a colony started to ensure a constant supply. Serve an appropriate number of prey per meal. The number of live prey you serve your tarantula will depend on the size of the prey. For instance, you could offer your tarantula a meal of two small insects or one larger insect, depending on your preference and the availability of feed. For younger tarantulas, you should just give them one prey at a time. However, adult tarantulas can handle multiple prey at once, which they will attack one at a time and then ball up into a meal of food and silk called a bolus. Since they are nocturnal animals, you'll want to feed them at night. Feed young tarantulas more frequently. You should feed your tarantula a diet that is suited to their age. Very young tarantulas or “slings” require food every two or three days. Once the tarantula becomes a juvenile or reaches between 1.5 and 2 inches (25.4 and 76.2 millimeters), you can feed them one live insect, once or twice per week. Feed adult tarantulas a diet that is suited to their species. Once they reach adulthood, tarantulas don't need the same number of meals as juveniles. However, since the size and number of meals varies a lot depending on the species, you should ask the pet store for species-specific feeding information. Feed an adult Grammostola porteri or rosea tarantula four to five crickets per month. Feed an adult Theraphosa or Pamphobeteus tarantula four or five crickets twice per week. Feed tropical tarantulas larger and more frequent meals, including Therophosa, Phormictopus, Pamphobeteus, Acanthoscurria, and Nhandu tarantulas. Feed an adult Pamphobeteus five crickets and one cockroach per week. Don’t feed a tarantula when it is molting. If your tarantula is lying on its back and looks comatose, it is probably molting. During the molting process, your tarantula regenerates internal organs and sheds its skin. At this time, you shouldn't give it any live prey, which could easily injure your tarantula. Five days after molting, it is safe to feed them again. Don't confuse molting with death. A dead tarantula will not lie on its back. If your tarantula is very sick or dying, it will do a death curl. It will curl its legs underneath itself in an awkward position. Remove food waste after your tarantula has eaten. Take out any remaining live prey after your tarantula has finished eating, since these prey could bother your tarantula when it is resting. You'll also want to remove any food waste, such as discarded bits of crickets in their water bowl. Provide fresh, chlorine-free water in a water dish. You can use a recycled plastic container, a plastic plant container or a water dish from a pet store. Put the container on the bottom of the terrarium, and add a rock so that live prey can escape. Otherwise, the crickets you feed your tarantula could drown and foul the water. If you are adding a water dish for a tree-dwelling tarantula, you should place it about two thirds of the way up the side of the tank so that it is convenient for your tarantula. Put it close to the door of the terrarium, so you can fill it up. You can glue it to the side of the tank with an aquarium silicone sealant. You can give your tarantula bottled water or water that has been filtered to remove chlorine. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/Care-for-a-Tarantula-Step-16.jpg\/v4-460px-Care-for-a-Tarantula-Step-16.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/Care-for-a-Tarantula-Step-16.jpg\/aid28059-v4-728px-Care-for-a-Tarantula-Step-16.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>"} Watch your tarantula. Since you aren't advised to touch your tarantula, the best way to play with it is to watch it hang out in the terrarium. You'll get to see it dig into the substrate and, if it is a tree-dwelling species, climb up into the foliage. It can also be interesting to watch your spider kill and eat its prey. Avoid handling your tarantula, especially while it’s molting. Tarantulas become very vulnerable during their molting period, as they shed their exoskeletons in order to grow. A short fall can easily burst the tarantula's abdomen and lead to death, so you should avoid taking them out of their terrariums in general, and avoid disturbing them at all while they're molting. In addition, a tarantula bite can cause swelling and allergic reactions, which should be additional incentive not to handle them. Young tarantulas molt once per month, while adult tarantulas will molt every year or two. During this time, don't alter the tank or feed it live prey. It's normal for your tarantula to lie on its back during molting. If you decide to handle your tarantula, you need to exercise extreme caution. Hold it on the palm of your hand and keep your hand at a very low height. Recognize raised front legs and fangs as signs of aggression. Since a tarantula bite can cause swelling and allergic reactions, you should learn to recognize when they are about to bite. If you see them raise their front legs and show their fangs, you know they are getting ready to bite! A tarantula bite will cause swelling, redness, and mild pain. If bitten by a tarantula, you may experience nausea and fever. If you are bitten by your tarantula, call a medical doctor as soon as you can. | Get a 10-gallon (37 litres) locking terrarium. Adapt a small fish tank. Spread a thin layer of substrate on the bottom of your tank. Make a broken pot shelter for a daytime hiding spot. Add bamboo and silk plants for tree-dwelling tarantulas. Monitor the temperature range. Heat one half of the tank. Use a plant mister to maintain a 50% humidity level in the tank. Serve live prey less than half the size of the tarantula. Serve an appropriate number of prey per meal. Feed young tarantulas more frequently. Feed adult tarantulas a diet that is suited to their species. Don’t feed a tarantula when it is molting. Remove food waste after your tarantula has eaten. Provide fresh, chlorine-free water in a water dish. Watch your tarantula. Avoid handling your tarantula, especially while it’s molting. Recognize raised front legs and fangs as signs of aggression. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Bridge-for-a-Song | How to Write a Bridge for a Song | To write a bridge that grabs your listeners' attention, write something that is musically and lyrically unique from the rest of your song. Try restating the themes of your song in a new way or changing the chord progression to add some contrast. Another way to help your bridge stand out is to change keys entirely from the rest of the song or sing the bridge in a different vocal range. As you work on composing your song, try putting the bridge in different spots to get varied effects. For example, put it in the middle to get your audience's energy up or near the end to finish on a high energy note. | Restate the themes of your song in a new way. In order to restate the themes of your song, first you need to know what they are. They could be love, loss, heartbreak, hardship, rebellion, or any other number of themes. Once you've identified your themes, you can write about them in a way that you have done before in the other sections of your song. The theme may depend on what genre of song you're interested in writing. Mimic bridges from songs in the same genre to which your track belongs. Different musical genres have specific classic features and may use the bridge differently. The bridge in a rock song, for example, might focus on an instrumental solo, a country song might sing a soothing lullaby, or a pop song might sing a bridge in a higher vocal range. Once you pick a genre, you can search online to find examples of bridges from famous songs in that genre and information about what bridges in the genre sound like. Put your bridge in different parts of your song. One of the most common structures for popular songs today is Verse/Chorus/Verse/Chorus/Bridge/Chorus, where the bridge is used to break up the monotony of repeating the chorus twice. But, you can feel free to experiment with different structures based on your songwriting needs. For example, Coldplay's song “Fix You” uses the structure Verse/Verse/Chorus/Verse/Bridge/Bridge/Chorus. Placing the bridge in different parts of your song can change the emotional impact. If the bridge is near the end, for example, it could help the song end on a high energy note. Meanwhile, if the bridge is near the middle, it can help the song get your audience's energy up and then allow them to cool down as the song progresses. Regardless of where the bridge goes, it needs to blend in with the rest of your song. If it's before the last verse, it should cool down toward a calmer tone. If the bridge is before a chorus, you can use it to amp up your audience and create a high energy feel. Change the chord progression during your bridge. A good way to establish the contrast between your bridge and the rest of your song is to change the order in which you play the chords accompanying your lyrics. You can also consider adding in a new chord in the same key. The chorus of Roy Orbison's song “Pretty Woman,” for example, has a chord progression of “D minor/G major/C major/A minor, while the bridge is F sharp minor/D minor/E major. Change the key during your bridge. A good way to make your bridge stand out is to change keys entirely from the rest of your song. This will heighten the contrast in a major way and really grab your audience's attention. Bryan Adams' “Summer of '69,” for example, changes from the key of D major in the verses and chorus to the key of F major in the bridge. Sing your bridge in a different vocal range. Play around with singing the lyrics to your bridge an octave higher or lower than the rest of your song. This will add a surprising new layer to your music that your audience will definitely remember because it sticks out so much. In the bridge for his song “Grace,” for example, Jeff Buckley sings notes that are considerably higher than in the rest of the song. Remember to sing a higher octave with your head voice (you'll feel the vibration in your cheekbones) and a lower one with your chest voice (you'll feel the vibrations in your chest). Feature an instrumental solo in your bridge. If you're particularly good at playing a specific instrument like the guitar, piano, drums, or saxophone, you can use your bridge to show off a bit. This will also give you a break from singing and the rest of your band (if you have one) from playing. To write a solo, start by playing around with different scales in your song's key and combine that scale with your melody. The Van Halen song “Hot for Teacher,” for example, features a well-known guitar solo. Come up with a hook for your bridge. Just like your chorus, your bridge should have a catchy hook that sticks in your audience's mind. If you came up with several different hooks while writing your chorus, you can probably use one of the hooks you didn't use in your chorus to form the foundation of your bridge. The hook in the bridge for the Tommy Tutone song “Jenny (867-5309),” for example, is “I got it/I got it/I got your number on the wall.” Quick rule of thumb for writing hooks: if a lyrical or melodic phrase sticks in your head and won't leave, it will probably stick in your audience's heads too. Use your lyrics to restate your chorus in a new way. Your bridge should be like a second chorus of sorts. It's not as specific as your verses, but it deepens the emotional impact of your song. Try to think of lyrics that deal with the themes of your song in a vague, but emotionally raw way. The bridge of The Police's “Every Breath You Take,” for example, describes the author's emotional state: “I feel so cold and I long for your embrace/I keep crying baby, baby, please.” Use a different lyrical rhythm for your bridge. Writing a bridge is all about emphasizing contrast. In addition to writing lyrics that restate your themes in a new way, you should consider singing those lyrics in a new rhythm that sets your bridge apart from your verses and chorus. In the bridge for his song “Ain't No Sunshine,” for example, Bill Withers switches from singing to chanting “I know” 26 times. The Beatles' song “A Day in the Life” is particularly effective at changing the rhythm in its bridge (“Woke up/got out of bed”), while also changing the music from a smooth melody to a grating cacophony. | Restate the themes of your song in a new way. Mimic bridges from songs in the same genre to which your track belongs. Put your bridge in different parts of your song. Change the chord progression during your bridge. Change the key during your bridge. Sing your bridge in a different vocal range. Feature an instrumental solo in your bridge. Come up with a hook for your bridge. Use your lyrics to restate your chorus in a new way. Use a different lyrical rhythm for your bridge. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Naturally-Manage-Diabetes-in-Cats | How to Naturally Manage Diabetes in Cats | To naturally manage your cat's diabetes, cut down on the amount of calories you feed your cat if its diabetes is weight-related, since losing weight may help reduce diabetic symptoms. You could also try feeding it multiple small meals throughout the day, which will help stabilize its blood sugar levels. After trying these steps, talk to a vet trained in Chinese medicine to get recommendations for a herbal cat food formula if its symptoms have not improved. Once you start using the formula, get your cat's blood sugar levels regularly tested by a vet to make sure the treatment is effective. If your cat takes medication, ask whether this could be causing the diabetes, since certain medications can lead to diabetes developing. In these cases, you can make the condition clear up by stopping the medication. | Help your cat lose weight. In many cases, diabetes symptoms can be minimized through weight loss. Consult with your veterinarian about the best way to achieve weight loss safely, however, the basic principle will be to feed your cat fewer calories over the course of the day. Not all cases of diabetes in cats are weight related. If your cat is not overweight but has developed the condition the cause could be genetic or due to a medication it is on. Feed your cat a specialized diet. Your veterinarian may suggest a specific cat food that will help your cat lose weight. In many cases, putting your cat on a diet formula will help it to lose weight. These specialized diets are similar to ordinary cat food, they are just formulated to give your cat fewer calories. The vet may also suggest decreasing the amount of food you feed your cat every day. Increase your cat's activity level. Weight loss can also be increased by increasing your cats physical activity. Play with your cat often, encouraging it to run around, pounce, and generally move its body. You can also give your cat toys that it enjoys playing with and chasing after. Feed a healthy diet. It is recommended that a cat be fed a diet that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. If at all possible, the carbohydrates that your cat does eat should be complex carbohydrates only, so that sugars are broken down and digested very slowly. Look for commercial cat foods that are high in protein, such as animal protein, and low in carbohydrates, such as grains. If you want to give your cat a very specific diet, you can make its food at home. However, this kind of diet can also be accomplished with a commercial raw diet, which is usually only available at a natural pet store or from an online supplier. Feed small meals throughout the day. In order to keep your cat's blood sugar level stable it's a good idea to feed multiple small meals over the course of the day. Instead of feeding your cat one large meal, which will make its blood sugar spike, spreading the food out over the day keeps the cat's blood sugar at a more even level. If you are not home to feed your cat during the day, try purchasing a timed feeder for your cat that will give it small meals throughout the day. Determine the cause of your cat’s diabetes. Talk to your veterinarian about the medications that your cat is on and if they could be causing the diabetes. Certain medications, such as glucocorticoids, can cause diabetes to develop. The good news is that once the use of the medication that is causing the diabetes is suspended, the condition usually clears up on its own. Use alternative medicine to treat your cat. Many people who treat their cat's diabetes naturally are proponents of the use of Chinese herbal formulas or other natural supplements, including a variety of natural herbs. Consult with a veterinarian that is trained in traditional Chinese medicine or in another type of natural medicine in order to get a formula that is right for your cat. Homeopathy, an alternative type of medicine, has also been used to treat diabetes in cats. Trained homeopathic practitioners can treat your cat with homeopathy. Acupuncture can also be used on a cat with diabetes. Contact a trained veterinary acupuncturist if you would like to use this treatment. The effectiveness of these alternative veterinary therapies is up for debate. Some argue that they have been proven effective, while others argue that there is more research needed to prove that they can help with diabetes. As with other veterinary procedures, it is best to get a trained professional to implement these treatments. Test your cat's blood sugar. Even if you decide to avoid giving your cat traditional medication for its diabetes, you should test its blood sugar regularly to make sure it is improving with you natural treatment. This blood sugar testing can be done by a veterinarian or by you at home, with proper training. Discuss the possibility of home glucose testing with your veterinarian. This can be a very accurate and cost effective way of testing your cat. Testing your cat's blood sugar at home requires you to take a small blood sample, basically a pin prick, and to put it into a blood sugar meter. This is a simple process but you may be met with some resistance from your cat. Discuss the need for insulin with a veterinarian. If your cat is severely diabetic it will benefit from insulin therapy. Your cat's pancreas is not producing enough insulin and so giving your cat some will help it process sugar more effectively. Discuss your concerns about treatment with insulin with your veterinarian. They may be able to assuage your fears. Even if they can't, having a conversation about your options can't hurt. Insulin needs to be given in the correct dosage, otherwise it could cause your cat's blood sugar to drop to a dangerously low level. Be sure to follow the directions of a veterinarian if you do decide to give your cat insulin. Consider the use of hypoglycemic medications. These medications will lower your cat's blood sugar. However, they are not usually prescribed. Consider using them if your veterinarian suggests them, as this means that your cat's condition is serious and needs extreme treatment. Consider combining various types of treatment. Just because you decide to put your cat on insulin that doesn't mean that you shouldn't work on changing its lifestyle or that you can't also use natural medicine practices also. With enough lifestyle changes you may be able to decrease your cat's need for insulin so much that it no longer needs the medication. In a case like this, the insulin only served as a temporary solution that helped your cat until the disease was under control. However, if you decide to wean your cat off of insulin, it should be done under the care of a veterinarian. Extreme changes to insulin levels can be dangerous for your cat. | Help your cat lose weight. Feed your cat a specialized diet. Increase your cat's activity level. Feed a healthy diet. Feed small meals throughout the day. Determine the cause of your cat’s diabetes. Use alternative medicine to treat your cat. Test your cat's blood sugar. Discuss the need for insulin with a veterinarian. Consider the use of hypoglycemic medications. Consider combining various types of treatment. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Hair-Color-from-Bleeding | How to Prevent Hair Color from Bleeding | To prevent your hair dye from bleeding, wear a shower cap when you take a shower to stop your hair getting wet, since washing your hair too often will cause the dye to bleed. Try to restrict yourself to washing your hair 2 or 3 times a week. When you wash your hair, use the coolest water possible, because hot water opens the cuticles in your hair, which will encourage your color to fade. Always try to use a shampoo designed for color-treated hair, which will wear the dye off less. If you're going to be in the sun for a long time, apply hair sunscreen to prevent the dye from bleaching. Remember to go for a top-up of your color every 4 to 6 weeks to keep it looking good. | Use conditioner to keep color dyes from bleeding onto lighter hair. During the dyeing process, coat lighter hair in conditioner to protect it. The conditioner will act as a shield when you rinse the dye itself out, lessening the unwanted contact that the dye has with your hair. Another option is to cover the dyed sections with foil or plastic. Then, rinse the darkest sections of your hair first to prevent them from bleeding onto the lighter sections. Wash and then wait 48 hours before shampooing your hair again after getting it dyed. You will need to shampoo and condition your hair right after dyeing it to get the dye residue out of your hair, but then wait 48 hours to wash it again. Washing it too much too early can dislodge the coloring agents. Though it wouldn't affect the vividness of your dyed hair too much, those colors can easily find their way into the parts of your hair where you don't want them. You can use warm water to wash your hair, just make sure it is not hot. Hot water opens up the cuticles in your hair and lets some of the dye out; run-off here will be particularly noticeable when you're trying to keep the colors in your hair separate from one another. Wear a shower cap or pin your hair up out the way to protect it on days you don't want to wash your hair. Shampoo with color-safe shampoo. You'll want to use shampoo that's designed for color-treated hair, to better keep all your colors from bleeding. If your hair's getting too dirty with fewer shampoos from fewer showers, try out a dry shampoo to keep your hair clean in those interim periods. Or, you can also try rinsing and conditioning your hair to get rid of excess oils and dirt between shampoos. Shower less. Water is the primary culprit in color's bleeding and fading. While you need not swear off showers altogether (please don't, actually), regular washing causes the dye to fade. If you usually shower every day, try transitioning to every other day. Or: wear a shower cap to protect your color on the days you're only washing your body. To supplement this strategy, you can try adding a shower filter specially designed to cut down on mineral content in your water. Minerals like iron and lime are particularly harsh on dyes. This advice will be especially relevant if you're looking to stretch out the timeline on your semi-permanent and demi-permanent hair dyes, as they're intended to wash out around 12 and 24 shampoos, but keep in mind that this is just an estimate. Wash with the coolest water you can handle. Warm water isn't going to be the end of your hair color, but hot showers will only expedite the color's fading. Heat and steam opens the cuticles of your hair and allows the dye to seep out more easily. Shampoo less often, and with color-safe shampoo. You'll want to use shampoo that's specifically marketed for color-treated hair. You should also shampoo less often, as all scrubbing and water will have a negative effect on your hair color. If your hair's getting too dirty with fewer shampoos from fewer showers, try out a dry shampoo to keep your hair clean in those interim periods. Use hair sunscreen. Spritz some hair sunscreen onto your damp hair to better protect your color when you're out at the beach, or going to be in the sun for extended periods of time. UV rays continue to penetrate and bleach hair, whether it's dyed or not. Focus on the crown of your head with the sunscreen, as it receives the most sunlight. You could also look for a shampoo and/or conditioner that contains sunscreen, which is common in color-safe products. Apply a color glaze. Celebrity stylists suggest using a color glaze product in between dyeing sessions. Glaze will boost the brightness and gloss of your hair, combatting the natural color fade that occurs over time. Go for a touch-up every 4 to 6 weeks. Waiting for your color to go away completely before dyeing it again will mean that you are starting over every time you dye it. Instead, get your hair touched up regularly to keep it vibrant. A visit to the salon once every 4 to 6 weeks should be sufficient. Take good care of your hair. Healthy hair looks better and holds onto color better than damaged hair. Get your hair trimmed regularly, avoid using heat styling tools too often, and avoid changing the color of your hair too much. Wear hats or scarves while you’re outside. As mentioned above, UV rays will bleach your hair and affect your hair color. Cover your head while you're out and about to keep the color consistent, especially when your hair has been freshly dyed. | Use conditioner to keep color dyes from bleeding onto lighter hair. Wash and then wait 48 hours before shampooing your hair again after getting it dyed. Shampoo with color-safe shampoo. Shower less. Wash with the coolest water you can handle. Shampoo less often, and with color-safe shampoo. Use hair sunscreen. Apply a color glaze. Go for a touch-up every 4 to 6 weeks. Take good care of your hair. Wear hats or scarves while you’re outside. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Vision-Problems-in-Senior-Cats | How to Treat Vision Problems in Senior Cats | To treat visual problems in your senior cat, take it to the vet right away to check for any underlying medical problems. If your vet finds an infection, they may prescribe eye drops, which you'll need to administer at home. Alternatively, they may recommend medication to delay the onset of conditions, like cataracts and glaucoma. When you return home, keep your cat inside if its vision is failing so it's less likely to get lost. You should also make sure it can find where its food and water bowls are. If it can't find them, bring it to its food and touch its paw against the bowl to show it. | Take your cat to the vet at least once a year. Annual vet exams are essential to maintaining the health of your senior cat. Some vision problems are associated with underlying conditions, like high blood pressure or hyperthyroidism, and only proper veterinary care can deal with these conditions. Others, like glaucoma, progress gradually and subtly, making it difficult to spot them when you check your cat's eyes on your own. An older cat should have check-ups at least every 6 months. Get your cat examined as soon as you notice any signs of vision problems. You should check your senior cat's eyes on a weekly or biweekly basis. As a general rule, you should not have a “wait and see” attitude when it comes to cat eye problems. Bringing your cat to the vet at the first sign of vision problems could spare it significant pain and save its vision. Discuss appropriate medications with the vet. The vet will most likely prescribe eye drops to treat infections or relieve the symptoms of glaucoma. It can be a frustrating process, but you'll have to hold the cat down, open its eyelid, hold the dropper just above the eye (without touching it) to administer the medication, then keep the cat still for several minutes. Ask the vet to show you firsthand how to give your cat eye drops or if they have any tips. The main cause of vision problems in older cats is high blood pressure. The vet will test for high blood pressure and will likely run a blood test to check for other underlying issues. The vet will also examine the back of the eye -- the retina -- to look for signs of hemorrhage or separation of the retina. The vet may prescribe oral medications to treat high blood pressure, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and other underlying causes of vision problems. Make sure you administer any medication as directed by the vet. Ask about treating cataracts or having them removed. There are medications that can delay cataract-related blindness. Cataracts can also result from high blood pressure or diabetes, so ask the vet if they recommend treatment for these conditions. If a cataract has completely blocked light from passing through the lens, the vet might recommend surgery. Cataract surgery is usually more common in kittens and in mature cats under age 10. If you're considering surgery for your senior cat, ask the vet, “Is my cat a qualified candidate for lens replacement? Do the risks and costs make surgery a less desirable option?” It might be preferable to take steps to make your senior cat more comfortable instead of taking on the risks and expenses associated with surgery. Keep your cat inside if its vision is failing. You should stop letting your indoor/outdoor cat go outside if you notice signs that it's losing its vision. All cats, especially those with vision and other health problems, are safer indoors. A cat with poor eyesight will have a harder time steering clear of threats like cars and other animals. Make sure you cat can access its food and water. Cats typically adapt well to vision loss by relying on their hearing, smell, and whiskers to navigate their surroundings. You should make sure it knows where its food and water bowls are located. If necessary, bring it to its food and hold its paw to feel where the bowls are set. Be sure to keep its food and water in one spot. Don't change the location of your senior cat's food and water. Keep a litter box on each of your home’s floors. If your senior cat is blind or has poor eyesight, it's best to keep it on one floor, as stairs can pose an injury risk. If your cat does move around multiple floors, keep a litter box upstairs and downstairs to prevent accidents. Senior cats often develop arthritis, so consider using litter boxes with shorter sides for easier access. Make sure your cat knows where its litter boxes are located and keep them in those locations. Avoid switching around your furniture. Other senses, whiskers, and memory will help your blind or vision impaired cat move around your house. However, you should do your best to make sure its environment is consistent. Avoid changing around your furniture or introducing new obstacles to your cat's surroundings. Use sound to avoid startling your cat. It's easy to accidentally sneak up on a blind or visually impaired cat, so you should take steps to avoid startling it. When you approach it, call its name so it knows you're coming. Only pick it up if it knows that you're nearby and you are already interacting with it. Look for signs of gradual blindness or vision loss. Observe your cat when it's walking around your home. Look for aimless wandering, bumping into objects, and trouble finding its food and water bowls. See if it has any trouble following its toys, like a feather on a fishing pole, during playtime. These could indicate gradual blindness or vision loss. Having it examined by a vet will give you an accurate diagnosis. Cats adapt well to vision loss as they age, but you should take steps to make sure it can easily access it food, water, toys, and litter box. Check the eyes regularly for cloudiness and enlargement. Look for cloudiness in one or both eyes, with or without enlargement. These signs could indicate that your cat has glaucoma. Glaucoma isn't one specific disease, but a condition caused by blocked drainage ducts and fluid buildup that puts pressure on the optic nerve. Symptoms usually develop gradually, so they can be hard to spot. If you do notice any enlargement in one or both eyes, you should bring your cat the vet immediately. Checking your cat's eyes regularly at home, calling the vet at the first sign of any problems, and getting annual vet exams are the best ways to diagnose and treat glaucoma and other vision problems. Glaucoma can be painful and cause blindness, but there are medications that can relieve the pain and reduce fluid pressure. Check your cat’s eyes regularly for opaque haziness. Point a flashlight indirectly at your cat's eyes and check for opaque or milky haziness in the irises, or colored parts. Whitish, milky haziness is a sign that a cataract is developing on the lens, blocking light from reaching the retina. A bluish-white haze, rather than milky and opaque, is due to lenticular sclerosis, which is when the lens starts to lose moisture. This is a normal part of aging that typically appears in cats over age 10 and rarely requires treatment. Cataracts are less common in cats than in dogs or humans, but you should bring your cat to the vet if you spot any abnormalities. Look for dilated pupils and changes in night vision. Notice if your cat's pupils are always widely dilated and if it seems hesitant to enter a dark room. These could point to retinal atrophy or detachment. These conditions result from degeneration of the retina or of the tissue that holds it in place. Retinal atrophy and detachment are usually associated with high blood pressure, kidney disease, or an overactive thyroid gland. Seeing a vet promptly is vital to treating both the retinal disorder and the underlying condition that causes it. Check for redness, crustiness, and discharges. Cats' eyes are prone to a number of treatable infections , and an older cat's weaker immune system can make them more vulnerable. Check for signs of infection like redness, crusty buildup, discharges, and swollen third eyelids. Take note if you see your cat repeatedly pawing or scratching at its eyes. Infections like conjunctivitis and keratitis are usually treated with eyedrops. Complications don't often develop, especially with prompt treatment. Uveitis, or infection of the middle area of the eye, is more serious and usually leads to gradual blindness. Signs of uveitis include eye enlargement and swollen third eyelids. Prevent eye infections by vaccinating your cat. Eye infections are often associated with germs like feline immunodeficiency virus and feline herpesvirus. Getting your cat vaccinated when it's young is vital to preventing vision problems and other health issues later in life. Even if you have a mature cat, talk to its vet about getting it vaccinated. Prevent your cat from becoming obese. Feeding your cat a healthy diet can help prevent kidney and heart conditions that can cause or worsen vision problems. If your cat gains weight, consider feeding it twice a day instead of leaving food out. Make sure treats account for less than 10 percent of its daily calories. Make sure your cat doesn't become underweight. Losing too much weight can also put stress on the kidneys and other organs. If your senior cat is underweight, you might have to switch its food to a higher calorie variety, like food marked for kittens. Talk to its vet about the healthiest ways to help your cat gain weight. | Take your cat to the vet at least once a year. Get your cat examined as soon as you notice any signs of vision problems. Discuss appropriate medications with the vet. Ask about treating cataracts or having them removed. Keep your cat inside if its vision is failing. Make sure you cat can access its food and water. Keep a litter box on each of your home’s floors. Avoid switching around your furniture. Use sound to avoid startling your cat. Look for signs of gradual blindness or vision loss. Check the eyes regularly for cloudiness and enlargement. Check your cat’s eyes regularly for opaque haziness. Look for dilated pupils and changes in night vision. Check for redness, crustiness, and discharges. Prevent eye infections by vaccinating your cat. Prevent your cat from becoming obese. Make sure your cat doesn't become underweight. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Inline-Skate | How to Inline Skate | Inline skating, also known as rollerblading, is a fun way to spend some time outside. Before you start, make sure your skates fit properly and you have protective gear, like a helmet, knee pads, and pants and long sleeves, which will protect your skin if you fall. Find an unused flat, dry concrete area to practice on, like a parking lot or walking path. Start by taking small steps, and focus on keeping your weight directly above the skates so you don't slip. When you feel more comfortable, take small diagonal steps to get moving faster. As you get going, practice using your brake pads, which are located on the heel of the skate. To stop, put one foot in front of the other and pull the heel of your back foot down while leaning back very slightly. | Get fitted for a pair of skates. At most sporting goods stores, you should be able to match your shoe size to an appropriate pair of skates. Inline skates should fit quite snugly, with your heel up against the back of the skate, supporting your ankles upright without becoming uncomfortable. It's important to avoid skates that are loose in any way, which can result in broken or sprained ankles quite easily. Inline skates come in different types: multi-use, speed skates, street and stunt skates, and specialty cross-training skates. Basic multi-use skates are fine when you're just starting out. Try on different pairs to see which feel the best. Stand up in the skate. Your heels should fit firm and not be sliding in the boot and you should be able to wiggle your toes. Check that the inner liner is thick and has extra padding around the toe for comfort. . Buy an appropriate helmet Never inline skate without wearing a helmet to help protect your head from falls. Add some reflective tape and it'll also alert drivers to your presence when it's poor visibility. Get a helmet with a safety standard mark on it. Helmets should be Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) certified for use in skating, and should fit snugly on the head. Get a helmet with an adjustable chin strap, and tighten the strap so the helmet won't rock on the head. Get additional safety gear. You might see people skating without any safety gear whatsoever, but it's important to use the some basic safety equipment when you're first starting out. It's inexpensive and will help to keep your from costly and serious injuries. You'll want to get: Wrist guards. Standard guards will cover the top area of your hand. Some wrist guards also have a "skid pad" that covers the palm of your hand. Elbow pads. Fitting around the area of your elbow, these protect the fragile elbow region from falls. Knee pads. Ensure that these fit snugly around the knees and can be secured fast to prevent movement while you're skating. Wear appropriate protective clothing when you skate. Wear long sleeves and comfortable clothes when you skate, to protect yourself from scrapes. Since inline skating is a workout, wear clothes that breathe well and choose clothes that move easily and aren't too heavy to help keep yourself cool. Always wear protective gear. Just because you get better at skating doesn't mean you're invincible. You'll still trip over a stick or a pebble eventually. You'll still fall. Protective gear is important to prevent breakages and other problems from falls on hard surfaces. Don't try to be tough and go without them, or you risk serious injury. Find a flat and dry concrete area to practice skating. Empty parking lots, walking paths, and other flat even concrete areas are great for practicing your skating. Make sure that skating is permitted so that you won't be in anyone's way. Look for unused parking lots. Check out businesses on the weekends for big open spaces that are perfect for practicing. Look in your local parks. Pathways and play areas might be suitable for inline skating. Just be sure it's not forbidden and that you won't be in the way of other park users. Special skate parks are common in many areas, but avoid going to a skate-park when you're first starting out. These are great when you're experienced, but can be a little intimidating and fast-paced when you're first starting out. Practice standing and balancing on your skates. Stand near a wall or other support for this exercise in the "ready position," with your feet approximately 6-10 in. (15-25 cm.) apart, with your knees bent and pushed forward in a V-position. Another way to stand up is to start with knees on the floor and the rest of your body upright. Then, keeping one foot kneeled down, bring the other foot forward such that the skate is on the floor (keep the skate in a diagonal position). Keeping your palms on the floor to form a diamond or triangle shape, repeat the previous step with the other foot. Then place your palms on your knees and slowly stand up without completely straightening out your knees. Lean forward slightly from your waist and put your arms out in front of you to hold your balance. Look straight ahead. Practice balancing in this position initially to get a feel for the position and the skates. Keep your feet shoulder width apart and your knees flexed slightly to keep yourself balanced and stable. Initially, you might like to try getting used to the feeling of your skates by walking around a bit on the grass. Then, return to a smooth surface and adopt the ready position. Take small steps to get comfortable. When you first start skating, it'll feel a little like you're just walking on a slippery pair of shoes. Learning to keep your weight on top of the skates is the best way to learn. Take small steps before you push off too hard and really get rolling, or your feet will slip out from under you. As you practice, try going a little faster each time to encourage your sense of balance with movement. Keep your speed moderate. You'll probably find your feet moving further apart as you try to maintain your balance. Stay balanced and go with it, and practice bringing your feet back closer together. Try the v-walk which is taking small step with one foot by placing it in a diagonal and repeating the same with the other foot such that they form a v again. However, don't join them such that the skates bang into each other and knock you over. Once you master this, increase the pace and step size bit by bit, without losing balance, and you will begin skating. Push off when you start feeling comfortable. When you take a step forward with one foot, push off with the other and glide forward on your set foot. Bring your push-off foot forward after the step and shift your weight to it. Then pushing off with your other foot. Keep alternating feet. You're skating. Learn to balance on each leg as you glide. Transfer the weight from your back foot to your front foot as you do the push and glide movement. Do this really slowly to begin with, until it begins to feel normal. Practice skating on one foot only after a while. The more comfortable you are on each foot independently, the better a skater you'll be. Glide on the left foot, then on the right foot, in turns, and have the non-gliding foot off the ground to get extra comfortable. Learn to stop using the brake pad. While some beginners like to stop by crashing into something, there are a variety of different ways to stop once you've gotten started that don't involve slamming into a wall. You'll become more comfortable on your skates if you can learn to stop comfortably. Most inline skates are fitted with brake pads at the back. To stop, put one foot in front of the other and lift the toe of the front foot while leaning backward, to help the heel brake rub on the ground to slow you down. Go slowly to practice. When you get more comfortable on your skates, you can turn your ankles in or out to form a V shape, or putting one skate perpendicular to the other to make a T-shape. This is a technique commonly used on ice skates, allowing you to use the wheels like brakes that slow you down. Lean forward, shifting the weight to the forward foot by bending your forward knee. Place the back foot such that the knee is straightened out and the skate wheels are sliding against the ground, almost flat on the ground. Increase the pressure on the back foot by flicking it and locking the foot firmly in that position to make a smooth stop Start practicing this method once you are an intermediate skater. Practice by keeping the foot without the braking pad as the back foot and once you master this brake, the braking pad can be removed and you can practice with the other foot too. Use brake pads after slowing down using other methods if you were going at very high speeds. Otherwise the pads could get damaged very easily. Learn to fall properly. When you fall, bend your knees, put out your arms, and fall forward to catch your weight on your wrist-guards and glide to a stop. If you do it right you should fall right on your knee pads and other pads, and you'll be able to get back up and try again. Every skater falls eventually. Usually, it'll happen not when you're first starting out but can occur when you get a little comfortable and cocky. It's important to always wear your protective pads to keep yourself as safe as possible. Go slowly. It's important to skate at a moderate speed, even as you get more and more comfortable. It's fun to go fast, of course, but it's important to stay aware of obstacles that might be in your way to keep yourself as safe as possible. Be alert. It's your responsibility as a skater to be alert for others around you, not the other way around. Show other users of walkways, parks, and the like that your skating doesn't threaten their enjoyment either. Things to bear in mind include: Always keep an eye out for pedestrians, strollers, young children, people who haven't noticed your presence, bicycle riders and any sudden changes around you. Keep practicing. Once you're comfortable with balance, gliding along and stopping, you can start to learn more advanced elements of inline skating, such as making turns and then getting ready for ramps, racing, grinding and even competing. | Get fitted for a pair of skates. . Get additional safety gear. Wear appropriate protective clothing when you skate. Always wear protective gear. Find a flat and dry concrete area to practice skating. Practice standing and balancing on your skates. Take small steps to get comfortable. Push off when you start feeling comfortable. Learn to stop using the brake pad. Learn to fall properly. Go slowly. Be alert. Keep practicing. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-an-Argumentative-Essay | How to Write an Argumentative Essay | To write an argumentative essay, select a debatable topic that you have a strong opinion about. Your job is to convince the reader that your view on the subject is the best one, so choose a topic you can investigate and support with research. Open the essay with a concise thesis that asserts your viewpoint, then sum up all aspects of the issue, including your opinion and counterarguments. Pull quotes from reputable sources to support your stance, and end by restating your thesis and reasserting your main points. | Understand the purpose of an argumentative essay. The purpose of this type of essay is to fully investigate an issue or topic. This involves extensive research covering all aspects of the topic and gathering information on all involved points of view. Argumentative essays also provide your audience with a well-rounded summary of the issue at hand, but clearly indicate what your own point of view is and why this view is the best option over others. Understand the methodology of an argumentative essay. To prepare yourself to write an argumentative essay, it is crucial for you to fully immerse yourself in the subject material. The effectiveness of this type of essay depends on the author's ability to parse through the various facets of the topic and lead the reader toward an obvious and logical conclusion. To this end, you must familiarize yourself with all opinions about the topic so that you can also outline the viewpoints that oppose your own view (counterarguments). Understand the desired outcome of an argumentative essay. In the end, the main reason someone chooses to write an argumentative essay (other than the fact that their professor told them to!) is to attempt to sway another person or group of people in their opinion on a subject. Make sure you have your desired outcome in mind as you move forward in the writing process. Choose something that fits the format. Remember that an argumentative essay will argue in support of a particular view in a debatable issue. As such, it is important that you do not choose a topic that is not arguable. For example, writing an argumentative essay on the fact that exercise is good for you would be undesirable because it would be difficult to find contradicting views on the topic; everyone agrees that exercise is good for people. Pick an issue that is interesting to you. You'll be spending a lot of time researching and writing this paper. So it is important for you to choose a topic that you find interesting from the start. Avoid choosing a topic that has been overdone, or, on the other hand, one that is too obscure (since supporting evidence may be more difficult to find). Test your argument. Find a peer (preferably one that holds an oppositional view) to discuss your argument with. This process will help you refine your thinking and develop new ideas to support your judgment. Try a debate-style conversation in which you each bring up aspects of the controversy and attempt to explain your view on the topic. Keep your audience in mind. An important aspect of writing an argumentative essay is understanding your audience. Are you writing the paper for a class, in which case your audience is your professor and your classmates? Or perhaps you are writing it for a presentation to a larger group of people. Regardless, you must think about where your audience is coming from in order to lead them to your desired outcome. People's backgrounds and experiences often influence how they will react to views different from their own, so it is helpful for you to be knowledgeable about these factors. You also use different language when addressing different groups of people. For example, you would speak to the pastor at your church differently than you might speak in a casual setting with your best friend. It is important to be mindful of these distinctions when considering your audience. Understand the rhetorical situation. It is essential that you understand all of the factors in the situation surrounding your issue. All rhetorical situations contain five basic elements: the text (in your case, the essay), the author (in this case, you), the audience, the purpose or purposes of the communication, and the setting. Rhetorical situations usually involve employing language that is intended to persuade someone toward a particular view or belief. That is why rhetoric is important in an argumentative essay. These types of essays aim to convince the reader that the author's view on the subject is the most correct one. Create a catchy title. Developing a creative, original title is a fantastic opportunity to hook your reader into wanting to read more of your paper before they even get to the introduction. A good title will act as a "preview" for what your paper will be about. Many titles for academic papers come in two parts, separated by a colon. The first part is often a catchy hook that involves a pun on your topic or an impactful quote, and the second part is usually a sentence that sums up or provides details about your argument. Come up with a thesis statement. Your thesis statement will be a concise idea that sums up your view on the issue. The thesis usually appears at the end of the introduction paragraph. Having this idea in mind early on in the reading process will help guide your reader through the rest of the paper. A good thesis statement is concise and clear. It tells the reader what the point of the paper is and why it's important. The thesis must make a claim of some sort. This can be a claim of value (describing the worth of how we view a certain thing), a claim of definition (arguing that the way we define a term or idea needs to be altered in some way), a claim of cause and effect (claiming that one event or thing caused another event or thing), or a claim about policy solutions (arguing that the way we do things needs to be changed for some reason). Here is an example of a strong thesis statement: Excessive meat consumption in America is the leading cause of pollution today, and, thus, is a significant influence on global warming. This thesis makes a claim (specifically a cause and effect claim) about a debatable topic with a narrow enough focus to create an interesting, manageable argumentative essay. Here is an example of a weak thesis statement: Pollution is a problem in the world today. This is not a debatable issue; few people would argue that pollution is not a problem. The topic is also too broad. You can't write a paper on every single aspect of pollution. Avoid the standard three-part thesis often taught to beginning writers. This format is constricting and limits the shape your ideas can take to being contained in three basic body paragraphs. Without the three-part thesis statement, your ideas can expand more freely and incorporate ideas that might not fit exactly into the three parts. An example of a three-part thesis statement might look something like this: Global warming is caused by industrial pollution, automobile exhaust fumes, and waste dumping in the oceans. In this case, you would expect to find three body paragraphs: one about industrial pollution, one about car exhaust fumes, and one about trash in the ocean. Any other causes of pollution would not fit anywhere in this essay, which restricts the meaning and the message of the paper. Changing the thesis to avoid this form will make for a much more functional essay that is written at a more advanced level. A more effective thesis would be something like this: Due to increasing global temperatures and rising ocean levels, global warming has become an issue that needs to be acknowledged by a wider audience in order to begin reversing the effects. Write an introduction. This section should briefly explain the essay topic and include relevant background information to familiarize the reader with the topic. As previously mentioned, your thesis statement should appear at the end of the introduction. Write the body of the paper. Carefully present information that supports both your argument and opposition. Acknowledge evidence that supports the opposition, but utilize powerful evidence to assert your claim. There are many different ways to organize your argument, but the most important thing is that you cover all aspects of the issue. Leaving out information simply because it contradicts your thesis idea is unethical as it does not provide an accurate portrayal of the issue. Be sure to include counterarguments (those ideas that are at odds with your own view), but explain to your reader why your own viewpoint is more logical and accurate, perhaps because the opposing view is based on outdated information, etc. Avoid implicating opposing views as wrong because it could alienate your readers. Write a conclusion. The aim of this section is to reassert your argument and persuade the audience to support your claim. Try to connect the essay topic to the interests and values of the audience. Be sure to review your main points and restate your thesis. But make sure not to introduce any new information in the conclusion so that you can effectively wrap up what you've already said. Often, it is helpful to end with a look forward to further research that could be done on the topic in light of what you have said in your paper. Do your research. Go to the library and look up books on the subject. Or look up information from reliable sources on the internet. It is important to find sources that cover all views of the issue since the point of this kind of essay is to provide a well-rounded overview of all aspects of the topic. Collecting evidence and information that supports both your argument and the opposing view will strengthen your essay. Ask a reference librarian for assistance in finding reputable, useful sources for your argument. They will probably be happy to help you. Pick sources that are reputable and provide accurate, up-to-date information. The best research acknowledges the foundational work on a given subject, but also interrogates innovations in the field and divergences from the status quo. You do this by looking at sources that are both old (these provide the foundation of the topic) and new (these provide current trends in thought on an issue). Choose quotes that support your points. In order to make your work more credible, it is important to incorporate quotes from sources that are considered scholarly. Scholarly sources should be written by experts in the field (i.e. use a quote from someone with a PhD in environmental science if you are writing an argumentative paper on the dangers of global warming) or published in scholarly, peer-reviewed outlets. This means that sources are fact-checked by a panel of experts before they are approved for publication. It is important to remember that anyone can write things on the internet without any kind of publication standards for accuracy, so using blogs and many websites is not a good idea in an academic paper. Cite your sources. When you use quotes in a paper, you must cite them properly. If you don't cite your sources, this is a form of plagiarism because you are not giving credit to the people whose ideas you are using in your paper. Citing sources involves writing quotation marks (") around the verbatim quotes and then including a parenthetical in-text citation at the end of the quote that refers to a source listed on the Bibliography or Works Cited page at the end of your paper. There are several different formatting methods that are used in different fields. For example, in English departments they use MLA formatting and in history departments they usually implement Chicago style formatting. Take a step back. Often, it's possible to get so wrapped up in your own writing that it's easy to skip over obvious errors and mistakes. Take a break from writing for at least a few hours. Sometimes leaving your work for a couple of days can be incredibly beneficial as well. Looking at your work with fresh eyes will allow you to see the errors you previously overlooked because you were so involved in the writing that you could only see what you meant to say rather than what you actually said. Look for grammar issues. Problems with grammar can make your paper look sloppy and unprofessional. Here are some of the most common grammar mistakes: Sentence fragments. Fragments are incomplete phrases that cannot stand alone as a sentence because they are missing either a verb, a noun, or a complete thought. Parallelism. Errors in parallelism occur when words or groups of words do not appear in the same format or structure within a sentence. Subject-verb agreement. Errors with subject-verb agreement happen when an incorrect verb form is used with a particular subject. For example, he know instead of he knows. Check for problems with formatting or quote incorporation. Formatting quotes properly allows your reader to easily find the information you are referencing. It also adds to your credibility as an author. | Understand the purpose of an argumentative essay. Understand the methodology of an argumentative essay. Understand the desired outcome of an argumentative essay. Choose something that fits the format. Pick an issue that is interesting to you. Test your argument. Keep your audience in mind. Understand the rhetorical situation. Create a catchy title. Come up with a thesis statement. Avoid the standard three-part thesis often taught to beginning writers. Write an introduction. Write the body of the paper. Write a conclusion. Do your research. Pick sources that are reputable and provide accurate, up-to-date information. Choose quotes that support your points. Cite your sources. Take a step back. Look for grammar issues. Check for problems with formatting or quote incorporation. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Diagnose-Feline-Stomatitis | How to Diagnose Feline Stomatitis | Your cat may have feline stomatitis if you notice that it is hesitant to eat food or not eating as usual, since stomatitis causes irritation that makes eating painful. As a side effect of not eating, your cat may suddenly lose weight or display signs of dehydration like sunken eyes or cold paws. You should weigh your cat so you can compare its weight to a previous reading. Since stomatitis causes inflammation at the back of the mouth, try to inspect your cat's gums to see if they are red and inflamed. To do this, enlist a friend to hold your cat while you open its mouth. If your cat is displaying symptoms of feline stomatitis, contact your vet so they prescribe treatment. | Pay attention to signs of oral pain. Stomatitis causes pain and irritation at the back of the mouth. If your cat has stomatitis, it may be hesitant to eat its food, when it usually loves chowing down. If your cat is not eating as usual, then you should be suspicious that it may have a health problem that needs to be addressed. It may also paw at its face, attempting to get at the pain. Look for signs of weight loss and dehydration. The pain caused by stomatitis often causes cats to shy away from their food. If your cat has suddenly lost weight or shows signs of dehydration , which includes a loss of elasticity of the skin, sunken eyes, and cold paws, it may be due to a stomatitis infection in the mouth. Weight loss and dehydration can be signs of a variety of illnesses. Whatever the cause, they are symptoms that needs to be investigated by a veterinarian. Inspect your cat's gums. Cats with stomatitis have red, inflamed gums. It can be hard to see, as this inflammation usually occurs at the back of the mouth. If you are intent on looking, get the help of another person to hold the cat while you open the cat's mouth. If you notice the other symptoms of stomatitis you may want to leave the mouth inspection to a veterinarian, especially if your cat does not like you to get too close. In advanced cases of stomatitis, the infection will spread from the infected tooth around the mouth. Ulcers may develop around the mouth and blood may be visible in the cat's saliva. While inspecting your cat's gums, take a moment to assess its breath as well. An infection in your cat's mouth can make your cat's breath very bad. A breath that smells different than usual can be an additional indicator of a stomatitis infection. Take risk factors into consideration. Cats with certain immune diseases, in particular feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV), are more likely to get stomatitis. There is still more research needed to make it clear how the two diseases are connected, but there is a connection in rates of infection nonetheless. If your cat has FIV then it is a good idea to keep on the look out for stomatitis and other opportunistic infections that are related to your cat's autoimmune disease. Take your cat to its veterinarian. If you believe that your cat has the symptoms of stomatitis, then contact your veterinary office to get an appointment. Whether or not your cat's illness ends up being stomatitis, a cat that is having issues with eating and weight retention needs to be looked at by a veterinarian. If you let your cat's symptoms persist, the infection could advance so much that the cat is unable to eat or drink at all due to the pain. This could get so bad that it could threaten the cat's life. Tell the veterinarian about your cat's symptoms. Keep a record of your cat's symptoms, including what they are and when you first noticed them. Giving your veterinarian as much information as possible will help the vet to narrow down his or her diagnosis. Giving your veterinarian a correct accounting of your cat's symptoms is important. Include changes in its physical appearance, its bodily functions, as well as changes in behavior. Agree to veterinary testing. The only way to positively diagnose stomatitis is to do a biopsy of the affected tissue. The veterinarian will collect a small sample of affected tissue and the tissue will be assessed by the veterinarian or in a lab. This testing will allow the veterinarian to confirm if the infection is due to an overreaction of the cat's own immune system. The veterinarian may also test your cat for FIV or FeLV, as stomatitis is often associated with these infections. Give your cat medication. Anti-inflammatory therapies are usually prescribed for cats with stomatitis. These may eliminate the infection or they may simply reduce the symptoms temporarily. The effectiveness depends on the cat and the level of infection that it is suffering from. Medications used include both systemic antibiotics or immunosuppressive medications. Follow your veterinarian's directions for the medication, including how long to give them to your cat. Consider teeth removal as an option. If anti-inflammatory and antibiotic therapies don't work for your cat's infection, then the veterinarian may suggest removing some or all of the cat's teeth. This is an extreme treatment and should be undertaken only if all other treatment options have proved unsuccessful. Removing the cat's teeth should only be done after other treatments are attempted. If your veterinarian suggests doing it before any other treatments, consider getting a second opinion. After your cat's teeth are removed it will need to be cared for at home while it recovers. You will need to give it antibiotics and pain killers for a week or two after surgery. After recovery the cat may need some adjustment to its diet but should be fine otherwise. For instance, if all of your cat's teeth have been removed, it will likely need to eat wet food instead of dry food. Otherwise, it should regain weight and have a better quality of life than it would have with an infected mouth. Investigate the newest treatments. There is a new therapy for stomatitis that uses the cat's own stem cells to treat the infection. Cats that have had all other types of treatment, including all of their teeth removed, are the only animals that are eligible for this new treatment. You will have to find one of the few veterinary schools and veterinary hospitals that is performing this procedure to have your cat treated. Stem cell therapy requires that your cats own stem cells are harvested and then they are given back to the cat through an IV. This therapy has been shown to improve the health and quality of life of about seventy percent of study participants. However, the procedure is still in developmental stages. | Pay attention to signs of oral pain. Look for signs of weight loss and dehydration. Inspect your cat's gums. Take risk factors into consideration. Take your cat to its veterinarian. Tell the veterinarian about your cat's symptoms. Agree to veterinary testing. Give your cat medication. Consider teeth removal as an option. Investigate the newest treatments. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Guacamole-Fresh | How to Keep Guacamole Fresh | To keep guacamole fresh, start by transferring it to a small bowl. The less extra space, the better. Then, pour some lime juice or olive oil over the top of the guacamole to protect it from the air so it doesn't turn brown. After that, just cover the top of the bowl with plastic wrap and put the guacamole in the fridge until you're ready to eat it! | Transfer the guacamole to the smallest bowl it will fit in. Try to leave no more than ½ inch (1.27 centimeters) of space between the guacamole and the bowl's rim. Smooth out the surface of the guacamole with a spoon, making it as flat as possible. This will make it easier to spread the sour cream on top—and scrape the sour cream off later. Spread a thin layer of sour cream over the surface of the guacamole. Keep adding the sour cream until you can't see the guacamole anymore. The sour cream will create a "seal" between the guacamole the air and keep it from turning brown. Wrap a sheet of plastic wrap over the sour cream. Smooth it out until it is pressed flat against the sour cream. Wrap the excess plastic wrap against the sides of the bowl to improve the seal. This will help keep the sour cream itself fresh. Store the guacamole in the fridge until you are ready to eat it. It will taste better if you eat it later that day, but the guacamole can stay fresh for up to three days. When you are ready to eat the guacamole, scrape the soul cream off, or stir it in for a creamier dip. Transfer the guacamole into a container with a tight-fitting lid. Make sure that there is about 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) of space between the guacamole and the rim of the container. Try to pack the guacamole as tightly as you can so that there are no air bubbles. Smooth the surface of the guacamole. You can use the bowl of a spoon or a spatula. Make sure that there are no bumps, ridges, or ripples. Add about ½ inch of lukewarm water. The water will create a perfect seal between the guacamole and oxygen, which is what causes this tasty dip to brown. Don't worry, the water won't soak into the guacamole. Avocadoes have a very high fat content, which helps them repel water. Cover the container with the lid, and put it into the fridge. The guacamole will be good for up to three days. Pour the water out when you are ready to use the guacamole. If you need to, give the guacamole a quick stir. This will help blend in any excess moisture into the rest of the guacamole. Transfer the guacamole to the smallest bowl it will fit in. Try to leave no more than ½ inch (1.27 centimeters) of space between the guacamole and the bowl's rim. Smooth out the surface of the guacamole with a spoon, making it as flat as possible. This will make it easier to spread the sour cream on top—and scrape the sour cream off later. Consider sprinkling some lime juice, lemon juice, or olive oil over the surface of the guacamole. This will help give you an additional barrier between the air (which turns guacamole brown) and the guacamole. It will also give your guacamole extra flavor. Smooth a sheet of plastic wrap over the guacamole. Place a sheet of plastic wrap over the bowl. Using your fingers, smooth the plastic down until it is pressing against the entire surface of the guacamole. The plastic wrap will create a sort of seal between the air and the guacamole. Wrap the excess plastic wrap over the edges of the bowl. If you want, you can place a tight-fitting lid over the bowl. You can also wrap a rubber band around the sides of the bowl to secure the plastic wrap. Store the guacamole in the fridge until you are ready to eat it. It will taste the best if you eat it the same day, but guacamole can last for up to three or four days in the fridge. | Transfer the guacamole to the smallest bowl it will fit in. Smooth out the surface of the guacamole with a spoon, making it as flat as possible. Spread a thin layer of sour cream over the surface of the guacamole. Wrap a sheet of plastic wrap over the sour cream. Store the guacamole in the fridge until you are ready to eat it. Transfer the guacamole into a container with a tight-fitting lid. Smooth the surface of the guacamole. Add about ½ inch of lukewarm water. Cover the container with the lid, and put it into the fridge. Pour the water out when you are ready to use the guacamole. Transfer the guacamole to the smallest bowl it will fit in. Smooth out the surface of the guacamole with a spoon, making it as flat as possible. Consider sprinkling some lime juice, lemon juice, or olive oil over the surface of the guacamole. Smooth a sheet of plastic wrap over the guacamole. Wrap the excess plastic wrap over the edges of the bowl. Store the guacamole in the fridge until you are ready to eat it. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-a-King-Size-Comforter-at-Home | How to Wash a King Size Comforter at Home | To wash your king-sized comforter at home, all you need to do is follow the washing instructions on the tag. If you can put it in the washer, bundle it together by bringing its 4 corners into the middle, which will make it easier to fit into the machine. Add 2 to 3 tennis balls to your machine, which will fluff up your comforter as it washes. Add a cap of laundry detergent and set your machine to a delicate cycle. If your comforter can't be machine washed, wash it in a bathtub with detergent and cool water instead. After the wash is complete, dry your comforter on a low heat setting. | Review the care instructions on the tag. If your comforter needs to be hand-washed or laundered at a particular water temperature, this information will be listed on the tag. If not, your comforter is safe to wash in your washing machine and dryer. Gather the 4 corners of your comforter so it's easy to put in the washer. Pick up your comforter by the corners and bundle together the blanket. Most washing machines can easily fit a king-size comforter, as long as you load it into your washer by itself. If your comforter does not fit into the machine easily, you should wash it by hand. If your comforter is made out of a delicate material such as lace, you should hand-wash your comforter instead. Throw 1-3 tennis balls in the washing machine with your comforter. Tennis balls help fluff your comforter up as it washes, and they also keep the load balanced. Simply toss them in your washer after you put the comforter inside. Use new, clean tennis balls. Pour 1 cap full of laundry detergent into the appropriate slot. Most washing machines have a detergent slot towards the top left or middle of the machine. Locate your slot, pour all-purpose detergent into the included cap, and pour the detergent from the cap to the slot. Select the delicate wash setting and press “Start. ” When washing your king-size comforter, always use the “delicate” setting to prevent damaging the fabric. The wash settings are typically located towards the right of the machine, along with the “Start” button. Place the comforter in your dryer after the wash cycle is complete. Most washers take 45-60 minutes to complete a delicate wash cycle. Once the cycle has finished, open the top of the machine, take out your comforter, and put the damp comforter inside your dryer. Most king-size comforters can easily fit in the dryer, as long as you don't add other items. Put the tennis balls inside the dryer to help maintain its shape. Once your comforter is inside the dryer, throw the tennis balls in as well. The tennis balls cut down on drying time and help maintain the shape of your comforter. Use the same tennis balls you used to wash your comforter. Dry your comforter on a low heat setting. Before you press “Start,” adjust the heat setting to the lowest option. An average dry cycle on a low heat setting takes 60-80 minutes. Using a high heat setting can damage your comforter or warp its shape. Fill up your bathtub with warm water and add your detergent. If your comforter is delicate or will not fit in your machine, the best way to wash it at home is in your bathtub. Use a bathtub stopper to seal the drain, and fill your tub about two thirds of the way full with warm water. Then, fill up the cap of your detergent and pour it into the water. Before you start, ensure your bathtub is clean. 1 cap full of detergent is plenty to wash your comforter. Submerge the comforter in the water for at least 5 minutes. Put your comforter into the sudsy water, and push it down so it is completely covered. Let your comforter absorb the soapy water for several minutes for a thorough clean. You can swish around the water as it soaks if you'd like. If you want, you can use a soft-bristled scrub brush to scrub the comforter. This is not required, however. Push the comforter to the back of the tub and drain the soapy water. After your comforter soaks for awhile, move it away from the drain using your hands and remove the drain stopper. Let the soapy water go down the drain so you can get fresh water. If your comforter slides towards the drain, hold it toward the back of the tub with your hands. Soak your comforter in fresh water for 5 minutes. Once the soapy water is gone, replace the drain stopper and fill the tub about halfway full of cool water. Let the comforter soak as the tub fills back up. Leave your comforter in the clean water for 3-5 minutes. This washes off any remaining soap from your comforter. Empty the tub and wring out any excess water from your comforter. When your comforter is completely rinsed, remove the drain stopper once again and let the cool water drain away. Then, use your hands to wring out the comforter. You can leave it in the tub and press against the comforter to remove the majority of the water, then pick up the comforter and wring it out with your hands. Place your comforter on a line outside or banister so it can air-dry. Once you wring out your comforter, it is ready to dry. Drape it across a clothing line or an outdoor banister for best results. Leave your comforter to dry for 1-3 hours. If the banister is dirty, cover it with a clean sheet before laying the comforter over it. If you don't have a clothesline or a banister available, you can drape the comforter over your stairway. If you'd like, you can flip the comforter over halfway through the drying period. | Review the care instructions on the tag. Gather the 4 corners of your comforter so it's easy to put in the washer. Throw 1-3 tennis balls in the washing machine with your comforter. Pour 1 cap full of laundry detergent into the appropriate slot. Select the delicate wash setting and press “Start. Place the comforter in your dryer after the wash cycle is complete. Put the tennis balls inside the dryer to help maintain its shape. Dry your comforter on a low heat setting. Fill up your bathtub with warm water and add your detergent. Submerge the comforter in the water for at least 5 minutes. Push the comforter to the back of the tub and drain the soapy water. Soak your comforter in fresh water for 5 minutes. Empty the tub and wring out any excess water from your comforter. Place your comforter on a line outside or banister so it can air-dry. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Install-an-Outdoor-Motion-Sensor-Light | How to Install an Outdoor Motion Sensor Light | Installing an outdoor motion sensor light can help you feel safer at home, and the process just requires connecting the wires and screwing the bulb and fixture into place. Before you start, turn the power off in your circuit box so you don't risk shocking yourself. Start by mounting the adjustable crosspiece from the light package to your electrical box. Once it's screwed in, place the rubber gasket around the outside edge of the new fixture. To connect the wiring, use wire caps to connect the wires of the same color. Once this is done, you can push the wiring into the electrical box and screw in the light assembly and the bulb. Once you've ensured it works, place a thin line of silicone caulk around the edge of the fixture to seal it up. | Turn off the power to the light. Since most outdoor motion sensor lighting is installed in place of a current porch light, you will need to begin the project by removing the old light. Before you even touch the light, you want to go to your home's electrical box and cut off the power to the existing light. Test that the power is indeed off by turning on the light switch to the light to make sure it stays off. Unscrew the existing light. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding the existing light in place. Don't pull too hard away from the wall since the light is still connected by the electrical wiring in place. To be doubly safe, have a wire tester handy and test the wires connected to the old light to ensure no power is running to them before you actually touch them. Remove the wire connections. You will see three separate wires attached to the light. There will be a white wire (the neutral wire), a green or copper wire (the ground wire), and a black or red wire (the hot wire). Disconnect all three wires from the current light after testing to make sure they aren't receiving any power. Occasionally, especially on older homes, the hot wire may be a color other than black or red such as yellow. Check the current electrical box. If the current light fixture is especially old, you may want to use having the light off as an excuse to change out the electrical box housing the wiring. This is especially true is you see any evidence of moisture or degraded seals around the box. The box will simply be screwed into place, and you can remove it and feed the same wiring into a new box before screwing it back into place. Mount the adjustable crosspiece from the light package to the electrical box. The motion sensor light kit you purchase will come with a small crosspiece bracket with several different holes, allowing you to attach it to electrical boxes of different sizes. Line up the bracket according to the electrical box you have installed and screw the bracket into place. Place the rubber gasket that comes with the light around the outside edge of the new fixture. The new light package will include a rubber gasket that fits tightly against the base of the fixture where it attaches to the wall. Slip this gasket over the wiring on the light and into place. It doesn't have to be perfectly aligned just yet; you just need the gasket in place before you connect the wiring on the light to the electrical box, otherwise you'll have to disconnect it again. Connect the wiring with a wire cap. You have to make sure you connect the wiring properly. That means connecting the neutral (white) wires together and the hot (black/red/yellow) wires together. Use a wire cap over the connected wires to help hold them together, and then use electrical tape around the bottom of the wire cap to help keep it in place. There will be a small colored screw inside the light fixture near where the other two wires exit the casing. You will tighten the copper ground wire down around this screw by simply loosening the screw, looping the ground wire over it, and tightening the screw back down to make constant contact with the wire. Screw the light assembly into the electrical box bracket with the gasket in place. Once the wiring is all connected and taped off, you can simply push the wiring into the electrical box to give yourself more room to fit the light assembly on the wall. Your particular setup will likely have one or two screws that you use to attach the light to the cross bracket that you already attached. Make sure the rubber gasket is properly aligned on the back of the fixture, hold it against the wall, and screw it into place. Screw in the bulbs. Once you have the assembly properly in place, you are ready to screw in the bulbs that came with it. You can always choose a different type of bulb as well if you don't prefer what your system comes with. Seal the fixture. After you have restored the power to the light and ensured that it works, you will want to seal the light fixture where it attaches to the wall plate. Use a silicone caulk around the casing where it attaches to the wall. This will help ensure that no moisture can get inside the casing and short out the light. Turn the power back on to the fixture. Now that you've installed the fixture, you're ready to test it. The first thing you need to do is go back to your breaker box and turn the power back on to the fixture. Walk in front of the sensor. With the power to the light restored, walk in front of the sensor to ensure that the light comes on. Once you're certain the light comes on, this is the point where you should seal the fixture around the wall with the silicone caulking. Then you can worry about adjusting the settings. Adjust the angle of the lights. This step is likely easier to do at dusk or in the early evening. Most motion sensor lights consist of two separate lamps that you can easily swivel and position how you want. Turn the lamps until you have a spread of light around the area that satisfies you. Adjust the angle of the sensor. The sensor for most models of motion sensor lights is on a pivot that allows you to angle the sensor toward a specific location such as your driveway or a gate. The sensor will have a rather wide field of view, so you can angle it toward multiple spaces at once in many cases. Adjust the sensitivity. Depending on your model of light, it may come with a switch or a knob to adjust the sensitivity of the sensor. The higher you tune the sensitivity, the more objects will cause the sensor to switch on the light. On some lights, especially ones that can be seen from bedroom windows, you probably don't want the light switching on every time the wind shakes a rosebush, so adjust the sensitivity based on your needs. If there's a specific corner you want the sensor to stop reacting to—such as a dog's dog run beside the house—you can place a small piece of electrical tape on that corner of the sensor to stop it from receiving the data. Just make sure you don't tape further over than you intended. You can test it by placing the tape and walking beside it to see where the sensor's field of vision picks back up and adjust accordingly. Set the timing. Most motion sensor lights also have a time setting beside the sensitivity setting, allowing you to determine how long the light stays on when the sensor trips it. This setting is typically just a switch that changes the increment, so set it to your preference. | Turn off the power to the light. Unscrew the existing light. Remove the wire connections. Check the current electrical box. Mount the adjustable crosspiece from the light package to the electrical box. Place the rubber gasket that comes with the light around the outside edge of the new fixture. Connect the wiring with a wire cap. Screw the light assembly into the electrical box bracket with the gasket in place. Screw in the bulbs. Seal the fixture. Turn the power back on to the fixture. Walk in front of the sensor. Adjust the angle of the lights. Adjust the angle of the sensor. Adjust the sensitivity. Set the timing. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Understand-British-Terms | How to Understand British Terms | Whether it's for work or for play, it's useful to understand British terms. Be aware that certain foods are called by different names. For example, “chips” are thick fries, “crips” are potato chips, and “biscuits” are cookies. When it comes to buildings, a “lift” is an elevator, and a “flat” is an apartment. You'll want to learn quite a few new terms for vehicles, like “boot” is the trunk of a car, “bonnet” is the hood of a car, and a “lorry” is a truck. To avoid embarrassing yourself, you should know that a “bum” is a person's bottom, a “fag” is a cigarette,” and a “rubber” is an eraser. When you're talking about clothing, “trainers” are sneakers and “Wellingtons” are rubber waterproof boots. | Be aware that certain foodstuffs are called by different names: Chips are thick fries, and french fries are the thin fries. A chippie (or chippy ) is a shop that sells food such as fish and chips (fries). Crisps are potato chips. A biscuit is a cookie. A British person would only call chocolate-chip biscuits a cookie. Scones are a baked item made of firm dough. They are neither soft like bread or crisp like a cookie or a biscuit but are somewhere in between, a bit like the shortcake in strawberry shortcake, or American biscuits, except sweet. They are eaten topped, or cut in half and filled, with butter and/or cream and jam. May or may not contain raisins or sultanas. Jelly is a gelatin dessert (Jello), the type given with ice cream in hospital; fruit preserves are jam or in fact, preserves. Minced beef is ground beef, but mincemeat is a mixture of dried fruit, fat (suet) and alcohol used to fill mince pies at Christmas. Traditionally it contained meat, but very rarely does now. Cornflour is corn starch, used for thickening sauces. It is not flour for use as an alternative to wheat flour. Spring onions are green onions. Fresh cilantro is known as coriander. The spice coriander is the same in both countries. Learn the different terms for parts of a building: The ground floor is the same as the American first floor. In a lift (elevator) the button for the ground floor has a capital G on it. The first floor is the one above this, and other numbers follow as normal. A lift is an elevator. A flat is the general term for an apartment. A bedsit is a one-room flat (efficiency apartment) that serves as a bedroom and a living area. Learn these terms for when you are on the move: The boot is the trunk of the car. A trunk in Britain is a kind of old-fashioned large suitcase. The wing is the fender of the car. The bonnet is the hood of the car. The windscreen is the windshield as goes for the wipers. However, a trunk call , is a long-distance (on a trunk-line ) phone call but the term is not associated with automobiles at all as one might be lead to believe. Trunk call is not used in modern British English. A roundabout is a traffic circle or rotary it is also a revolving device in children's playgrounds. The colours of traffic lights are called red, amber (not yellow) and green. Amber lights up during both sequences; red through green and green through red. A lorry is a truck (not a pick-up truck ). They are the larger type that carry goods, up to the size of a semi. The sidewalk is called the pavement or the footpath (unpaved walkway). Petrol is gasoline (e.g., "Can we stop at the petrol station?"). The petrol station can also be known as the garage even if it doesn't fix or store cars. Avoid embarrassment of not understanding these differences: A bum is a derrière/posterior/bottom not a homeless person. The word used for homeless person wondering the country is tramp (Not at all the same as a gypsy). Other than that they are known as homeless people. Spell and pronounce ass as arse , bearing in mind that an ass may also be four-legged or even a more derogatory synonym for a two-legged twit. Do not call your bum your fanny. In the UK, a fanny is a word meaning the female, external genitalia (vulva)! Hence bum bag not fanny pack! A fag is a cigarette. (The British are well aware of the American meaning.) While thanks to American culture, faggot is considered a derogatory term for gay people (avoid in polite company), an archaic UK use for fagot/faggot can mean "a cigarette, bundle of firewood, or "a bundle of anything", though this is an obscure and outdated usage. Faggots are an a traditional dish of meatballs made of chopped meat. The loo , bog , lavvy or just toilet is the American English "bathroom" (e.g. "Where's the loo?"), though if you say you're going to the bathroom, people will understand the idea. WC for water closet, and "public conveniences" are terms only seen on signs for public restrooms as at a rest area. A rubber is a pencil eraser, not a condom, though in the UK the latter is still sometimes referred to as a rubber Johnny. For some reason. " I'm stuffed " means "I'm full". The word stuffed can also be interpreted in a negative or insulting manner depending on context (e.g. "Get stuffed." is a bit more polite than "F**k off.", having roughly the same meaning). Remember when throwing something away that: Rubbish is garbage or trash and goes in the rubbish bin if it is inside, or a wheely bin" or dustbin if you mean the large outdoors receptacle. Rubbish can also be referring to nonsensical talk or ideas. A trash bag is called a bin liner or bin bag. Use these terms when talking about clothing: Trainers are sneakers, Wellingtons (Wellington boots, wellies, welly boots, boots) are calf-length rubber (or plastic) waterproof boots for rainy weather and have nothing to do with beef. They are named after the Duke of Wellington. Pants in England are worn underneath your trousers or jeans, just like American underwear. While the Brits may understand what you mean, due to the influence of American culture from cinema and television, they will likely find the mental image this conjures amusing and may call you out on it, also called knickers (for women). Tights, are pantyhose with two legs, stockings is the term used for pantyhose that are two separate garments, just like socks. A vest is a sleeveless undergarment worn on one's top half. Study the terms that may cause confusion: The phrases " taking the mickey ", " extracting the Michael " and " taking the piss " mean making fun of , mocking or teasing. The phrase " on your knees " means to show respect, beg, or even plead (rarely used except as a joke; very old-fashioned) To ring up is to call on the phone (e.g. "I'll ring you up later"). A "pushchair" or baby buggy is a baby stroller/pushchair. A "pram" (orig. perambulator) is the kind of thing you don't see much anymore - a small cot with a fold up shade, on large wheels for very young babies who can't sit up. A trolley is a shopping cart used for shopping in large shops such as supermarkets. A dummy (short for "dummy teat") is a pacifier. A lolly is a contraction of iced lolly , a popsicle. It can also be referring to a lollipop. A mobile or mobile phone is a cellphone. A bodge job or botch job as in "you've really botched that" is a poor job (or repair) that just about works, or fails. A brolly is short for an umbrella. Going on holiday is going on vacation. A torch is a flashlight. Maths is the shortened mass noun for mathematics, same as American "math". Washing-up liquid is dish detergent (hand washed, not dishwasher). An aerial is a TV or radio antenna. Anti-clockwise is counter-clockwise. The phone or toilet is engaged means that the phone line or bathroom is busy. Punt in the UK refers to a flat-bottomed boat with a square-cut bow, designed for use in small rivers or other shallow water. Punting refers to boating in a punt. In America, especially in American Football, a punt is when you clear the ball down the field. That was the joke used on Emma Watson by David Letterman ("Here, we do that on 4th and long"). The English equivalent is a drop kick, but the mechanics are different. A punt in rugby is a kick in which the ball is hit BEFORE touching the ground. It's also, far less often, slang for 'a bet' or a gamble, as in "I took a punt on it not raining tonight", "I had a punt on a horse race". Football is soccer. The American game is called American football, and is viewed as a second-rate version of rugby. Hockey is field hockey. "Ice hockey" is the other one, American hockey. Fit is used as attractive/sexy, amongst the young, though also means healthy or in shape. "She's well fit!" Mental is used to say something or someone is out of the ordinary/something different/mad, but not necessarily in a negative context, e.g.: "The girl I met last night was completely mental". Drunk, " I'm going to get absolutely hammered tonight. " " He's mullered. " " You're off your face. " " sh*t-faced " (not polite) trollied pissed mean drunk. According to the stand-up comedian Michael McIntyre, "You can take any word in the English language and use it to mean drunk. As in: 'Did you have a drink last night?' / 'You joking? I was utterly gazebo'd!'" A bit squiffy or tipsy is a little drunk. Annoyed would be described as pissed off. " Piss off " is another term for "go away" " All right? "/" Y'right? " and " Hi " are used as "hello". Mate is a casual term used as "friend", like "bud/dy". F**k is used in a wide range of expressions. Do not use it, if you are trying to make a good impression unless a lot of people are saying it -- and it appears as if it's being accepted there. Even then, limit the crude/rude words, especially when you are among strangers. | Be aware that certain foodstuffs are called by different names: Learn the different terms for parts of a building: Learn these terms for when you are on the move: Avoid embarrassment of not understanding these differences: Remember when throwing something away that: Use these terms when talking about clothing: Study the terms that may cause confusion: Hockey |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-a-Cold-or-the-Flu | How to Prevent a Cold or the Flu | If you're trying to prevent getting a cold or the flu, wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer if you don't have a way to wash your hands. Stay away from crowded spaces whenever possible to minimize your exposure to germs. If someone in your home is sick, disinfect the surfaces in shared areas like the kitchen, bathroom, and living room, as well as any door handles the sick person might have touched. | Wash your hands. One of the easiest and most effective measures to prevent colds and the flu is by washing your hands thoroughly and frequently. This reduces the proliferation of bacteria and the cold or flu virus from common spaces or surfaces. Make sure you wet your hands before applying soap to your hands. Scrub your hands vigorously for 20 seconds, making sure to get under your nails, between your fingers, and the front and back of your hands. Rinse your hands under running water and dry them on a clean towel. Rub on a hand sanitizer if you can't locate any soap and water. Cover your nose and mouth. Put your hand or tissue over both your nose and mouth whenever you cough or sneeze. Covering sneezes and coughs minimizes the risk of spreading your germs and the viruses. Consider coughing or sneezing into the crook of your elbow, which may help avoid contaminating your hands and spreading germs to others. Throw away the used tissue immediately and then wash your hands. You may also want to wash your hands after coughing or sneezing into them. Steer clear of crowds. The cold and flu are very contagious and generally spread where crowds of people congregate. Steering clear of crowds or packed spaces may minimize your risk of contracting either virus. Wash your hands after touching surfaces in crowded places. Door handles (especially restroom door handles), for example, are surfaces on which cold and flu viruses can linger. If you feel ill, stay home for at least a day to reduce your risk of spreading your cold or flu to others, or making your case worse by catching something else. Avoid touching your face, especially your mouth, nose, and eyes. Choose a daycare for your child that has clear policies on keeping sick children at home and exhibits good hygiene practices. Sanitize shared spaces. The cold and flu viruses can spread easily on shared surfaces and spaces, especially in bathrooms and kitchens. Disinfecting these areas can help prevent the cold and flu viruses from spreading.. Focus cleaning on common spaces such as the toilet, bathroom sink, kitchen counters, and the kitchen sink. Disinfect door handles, too. Use any type of surface disinfectant available commercially, though you may want one that provides broad protection against different strains of viruses, germs, and bacteria such as Lysol. Clean the places you use the most often. These include your bedroom, kitchen, dining room, sitting room and bathrooms. Maintain good oral health. A lack of proper oral hygiene can make it easier for microbes to enter the body. Get vaccinated. Although there is no cure for the flu, you can get vaccinated against the virus every year. This can strengthen your immunity against the condition during cold and flu season. Speak to your doctor about whether getting the flu vaccination is a good option for you. You must get the flu vaccine every year. Your vaccine from the previous year does not carry over into the new flu season. Anyone from the ages of six months to those over 65 years of age can receive a flu vaccine. (Over 65 can take Pneumococcal vaccine (Pneumovax) as well, which will vaccinate against Pneumonia.) Be aware that some soreness is normal at the injection site. You may also be able to get the vaccine in the form of a nasal spray. Unlike the shot, this actually delivers a weakened version of the virus to your body, so you must have a strong and healthy immune system to use the nasal spray. If you are going through chemotherapy or are immunocompromised (from an organ transplant or a disease like HIV), you are ineligible for the spray. In addition, if you are regularly around someone who is immunocompromised, you should not use the spray. Report any side effects such as fever, soreness or body aches to your doctor, especially if they are persistent. Obtain a copy of the Vaccine Information Statement. Anyone who gets a flu shot must receive a copy of this statement, which explains the type of vaccine you received as well as how it keeps you safe and eliminates flu epidemics. Recognize that there is no cold vaccine. Unlike influenza, there is no vaccine for the common cold. The best way to prevent it is by adopting good hygiene habits and taking care of your overall health. Maintain a healthy diet , exercise regularly, wash your hands and so on. Avoid contact with sick individuals. Try and avoid close and/ or prolonged contact with anyone you know has a cold or who exhibits signs of a cold. This may keep any bacteria or virus from invading your system and getting you sick. Try and kindly excuse yourself from situations with sick persons. For example, if a friend or colleague is speaking with you or wants to go out, simply say something like, “I'm so sorry, I need to excuse myself because I have a prior commitment.” If the sick person lives with you, try and not share the same space as long as the person is sick. Use your own items. Make sure to not share items with anyone who is sick. This can minimize the risk of bacteria or virus invading your system. Consider using disposable utensils such as cups and forks while someone in your home is sick. Label items to minimize the risk of contamination. Wash any utensils about which you are unsure using hot water or, preferably, a dishwasher. Try alternative medicines. Some people believe in the benefits of alternative medicine to prevent and relieve colds and the flu. Although there is no definitive scientific evidence that vitamin C, Echinacea, or zinc can prevent or relieve a cold or the flu, you may find these remedies work for you. Despite popular myths to the contrary, there isn't much evidence that taking Vitamin C can prevent a cold or nip one in the bud. Taking Echinacea at the first sign of a cold may decrease the severity and duration of your symptoms. Studies on Zinc have shown that it can reduce symptoms of a cold if taken within a day of symptoms starting. Avoid intranasal zinc, which may permanently damage your sense of smell. Keep your body hydrated. Drink enough fluids to replace any you through a fever or producing mucus. Keeping yourself hydrated can help you feel better and minimize the risk of getting more sick. Women need at least nine cups of liquid daily to keep their bodies hydrated, while men need at least 13. Have water, juice, broth, or non-caffeinated sodas or teas. Stay away from caffeinated drinks including coffee and tea because they can dehydrate you and exacerbate symptoms. Sip chicken soup. Studies now show that the longtime home remedy of chicken soup can help keep a cold at bay and relieve symptoms. Sipping chicken soup may help you nip a cold in the bud or help minimize your symptoms of a cold and flu. Even the steam from the hot soup can help alleviate symptoms. Eat chicken soup to help relieve the congestion that accompanies cold and the flu. Chicken soup can prevent dehydration. Be aware that chicken soup acts as an anti-inflammatory to your system. It also temporarily increases movement of mucus through the nose, which in turn limits the amount of time the virus is in the lining of your nose. Avoid alcohol and cigarettes. Alcohol and tobacco products may make a cold or the flu worse. Eliminating or limiting these products may reduce the duration of your symptoms and help prevent complications. Soothe your throat with saltwater. Gargling with a simple saline solution may help a sore throat. Although the benefits are temporary, you can use this remedy as often as you need it to combat inflammation. Dissolve 1/2 a teaspoon of salt in an 8 oz. glass of warm water to make the saline solution. Swish a mouthful of saltwater for 30 seconds at least twice a day. This can also help relieve any inflammation in your throat related to the cold or flu. Use lozenges or sprays. Mild analgesics can relieve a sore throat. Products such as lozenges and sprays containing eucalyptus or camphor can also relieve any cold- or flu-related congestion. Use throat lozenges or apply sprays every two to three hours. Avoid chewing or swallowing throat lozenges because they can numb your throat and cause swallowing difficulties. Take pain medication. You may have body aches with a cold or the flu. Take an over the counter medication to help relieve any pain, which may also help you relax and more quickly recover from a cold or the flu. Take acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium to relieve body aches. Get enough rest. Making sure that you allow your body to rest can relieve your symptoms and help you more quickly recover from a cold or the flu. Stay home from work or school, especially if you have a fever. Getting enough rest also minimizes the risk of you infecting family members, friends, or colleagues. Get at least 8 hours of sleep per night and take naps, which can help your immune system fight any developing cold or flu viruses. Sleep in a bedroom that is comfortable, warm, and slightly humid (use a humidifier) to help relieve congestion and coughing. | Wash your hands. Cover your nose and mouth. Steer clear of crowds. Sanitize shared spaces. Clean the places you use the most often. Maintain good oral health. Get vaccinated. Recognize that there is no cold vaccine. Avoid contact with sick individuals. Use your own items. Try alternative medicines. Keep your body hydrated. Sip chicken soup. Avoid alcohol and cigarettes. Soothe your throat with saltwater. Use lozenges or sprays. Take pain medication. Get enough rest. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Loan-with-No-Credit | How to Get a Loan with No Credit | To get a loan without credit, try applying through a credit union, since they usually have more generous lending terms than banks. Alternatively, apply for a peer to peer loan through an online platform, where you'll need to explain what the loan is for and how much you need. You could also try asking your employer if they have a relationship with a financial institution you can borrow from. However, be aware that your wages may be garnished if you fail to pay back the loan at any point. | Ask a direct relative to co-sign. The most traditional way to get a loan without having your own credit score is to piggyback on the good credit history of someone else. A co-signer agrees to take responsibility for your loan debt if you should falter. A direct relative, like a father, mother, brother, or sister, will usually be your best option. You could go to extended family or close friends if you have no other alternatives, but since these relationships are often not quite as strong as those made with direct relatives, they may take more of a beating if you encounter difficulties in repaying your loan. Make sure that the co-signer understands the risk. Your loan will reflect on their credit report, so if things go bad, their credit score will take a dip. The co-signer is also responsible for your debt, so if you fail to pay, it falls to him or her to pay it off in your place. Choosing a co-signer with a high credit score will improve your chances of securing a loan better than if you were to choose a co-signer with mediocre credit. A lender wants to make sure that the loan will be repaid. If your co-signer has a good credit history, that lender will feel more confident about whether or not its money will be returned. Get a personal loan from family or friends. If you have a relative or close friend who is financially capable, you might be able to get a direct personal loan from that person, especially if he or she has some idea of how responsible you can be with your money. Treat this personal loan as a serious business transaction to avoid straining the relationship later on. Traditional advice suggests that you never borrow money from family or friends. This situation could quickly get ugly, especially if the exchange of money is poorly documented, and one or both sides could end up feeling cheated. It should be used as a last resort and you must be extremely careful to avoid wrecking your relationship. Create a written agreement defining the terms of the loan. Your document needs to include the interest rate, how much money is being borrowed, how much needs to be paid off monthly, when the loan needs to be paid off in full, any collateral you offer for the loan, and any consequences you will face if you fail to repay the money. Check out legal help websites like LegalZoom ( https://www.legalzoom.com/legalforms/ ) and Rocket Lawyer ( http://www.rocketlawyer.com/legal-documents-forms.rl ) for promissory note forms. Find out if your employer has a relationship with a financial institution. Some companies establish business relationships with financial institutions. To go through one of these institutions, you will essentially need to put your salary on the line as collateral. This is a more common practice among larger companies than small businesses, so keep that in mind if you work for a small company with limited resources. The financial institution the company has a relationship with could be a bank or credit union, or an entirely different lending institution altogether. These relationships will work one of two ways. In the first, most common method, you will set up the terms of the loan with the financial institution and monthly payments will be deducted directly from your paycheck. With the second method, you will set up the terms of the loan with the financial institution and make monthly payments as you would if you had secured the loan without going through your employer. If you fail to make your payments, however, your wages will be garnished and the money will be taken from them, plus additional interest. Try applying to a credit union. You may still need to prove some level of financial responsibility if you apply for a loan through a credit union, but in general, credit unions are more accepting than more formal lending institutions like banks. Credit unions are owned, in essence, by their members. These members must have something in common, like an industry, religion, employer, or a geographic location. These institutions are nonprofit organizations, so the earnings are passed along to their members in some form (usually lower fees or improved services). You can locate a credit union in your area by searching through your phone book or by doing an Internet search. There are even websites set up to help you with this search, including: The National Credit Union Administration's Credit Union Locator ( http://www.ncua.gov/NCUAMapping/Pages/NCUAGOVMapping.aspx ) My Credit Union's Credit Union Locator ( http://www.mycreditunion.gov/pages/mcu-map.aspx ) A Smarter Choice's Credit Union Locator ( http://www.asmarterchoice.org/ ) If possible, compare loans and terms of service from multiple credit unions to determine which has the lowest interest rates and best payment conditions. Get a peer to peer loan. There are various programs in existence that allow you to obtain a personal loan directly from another individual instead of from an institution. You might find it difficult to secure a peer to peer loan if without first proving that you can be responsible with your money, though, so you should still be prepared to plead your case. This is strictly done via an online platform. The process is streamlined, but you need to make sure that you go through a reliable peer to peer lending website or service to avoid getting cheated. With most peer to peer services, borrowers sign up and post a loan listing. This listing describes the sort of loan they are looking for, including the reason for the loan and the amount of money needed. From that point, investors can view the borrower's listing and determine whether or not it meets their criteria. The lenders can screen applicants and check your credit, and if you do not have credit, that information will be noted on your listing. This method allows you to explain more of your circumstances, though, and an individual investor may be more willing to take a chance on you than a large institution will. A few noteworthy peer to peer lending websites include: Prosper ( http://www.prosper.com/ ) Lending Club ( https://www.lendingclub.com/ ) GreenNote ( https://www.greennote.com ) Contact creditors from alternative credit tradelines. If you have successfully managed to pay off leases and utilities for several months to a year, you have some record of financial responsibility, even though you do not have official credit or a credit score. If you can contact these creditors to ask for official verification of your financial record with them, you will be that much closer to proving your financial responsibility to a potential lender. For major loans, like mortgage loans or car loans, try to make sure that you have at least one rent or lease payment to show. As a general rule, try to have at least four alternative credit tradelines Ask each creditor or institution for a letter on official letterhead indicating your name and account number. Ask them to state that your account has been "paid as agreed for the last 12 months." You can also provide copies of your latest utility bills to show that your accounts and responsibilities are currently paid in full. Have an impressive down payment. A hefty down payment improves your chances of securing a loan, with or without credit. If for no other reason, it means that the amount of money you need to be approved for is lower, thereby improving your chances that an institution will be willing to take a risk on you. A good down payment will also suggest to potential lenders that you have the means to pay off a loan as well as the ability to save and put money toward a purchase. You should try to have a full 20 percent down payment. Gather documents that prove you have the means to make payments. Statements from your employer and bank statements can indicate to a potential lender that you have the financial means to make consistent payments and pay off your loan. Provide copies of your financial documents, including documents that reflect your savings, income, and monthly debts. Most lenders will want to see that your monthly debts will not be any higher than 36 percent of your gross monthly income. Ask your current employer for a letter on company letterhead stating your position, how long you have worked for the company, and your current salary. Lenders are more likely to be encouraged if you have worked at the same company for two years or longer since it indicates some sort of financial stability. Create your credit history now. As you go through the process of trying to secure a loan, you can start building a little credit history through official means. It may be deemed insufficient by some lenders, but if you can back up a baby credit history with other records proving your financial responsibility, it may carry more weight. Establish a checking or savings account. Bank statements can be used to show lenders that you are responsible with your money and have not overdrawn your account. Apply for a credit card. Gas cards and department store cards are usually the easiest to get, followed by credit cards offered by a bank and connected to an account. You can also get a secured credit card, but you will need to make a deposit on the credit account to get one. The card issuer must report to a credit bureau if you want to use the card to build a credit history. | Ask a direct relative to co-sign. Get a personal loan from family or friends. Find out if your employer has a relationship with a financial institution. Try applying to a credit union. Get a peer to peer loan. Contact creditors from alternative credit tradelines. Have an impressive down payment. Gather documents that prove you have the means to make payments. Create your credit history now. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Your-Cat-to-Stand-Up | How to Get Your Cat to Stand Up | To get your cat to stand up, start by getting its attention with a treat by holding it under your cat's nose. Then, pull the treat up so your cat is looking at you. When you have your cat's attention, lift the treat up above its head and say the command “Stand.” Once it stands up to reach the treat, praise and reward it with the treat. If it doesn't respond to the treat, try using a dangling toy, such as a mouse on a string, instead. After 5 or 10 minutes, end the training session, since your cat won't be able to focus for much longer. You should also try to reward your cat with a treat when it stands up naturally, which will help it associate standing on its hind legs with positive experiences. Continue the training sessions each day until your cat responds right away. | Try clicker training. Many cats respond to clicker training. This is a form of training where you use a clicker, a small store-bought device that makes a clicking sound when a button is pressed, which you can purchase at a local pet store. You teach your cat to associate the clicker with praise and rewards. When training your cat to perform a certain behavior, you would use the clicker as a way of telling your cat he's performing well. To help establish a positive connection with the clicking sound, start with treats. Choose a type of treat or food your cat likes. Then, break up that treat into small portions. Spend a few minutes each day clicking your clicker and immediately following the sound up with a treat. With time, your cat will learn the clicker is used as a reward. When he hears the click, he will know good things are coming. You can use the sound of the clicker to reinforce positive behavior during training. Use treats as a reward. You can also used treats on their own as a reward. Many cats are willing to work for food as a prize. Before you begin training, however, take some time to figure out what kind of treats your cat likes. Cats have different tastes and your cat is unlikely to work for food he dislikes. You can experiment with a variety of store bought treats. If your cat favors a certain flavor of cat food, like tuna or salmon, he may respond well to a treat of that flavor. You can also offer some human food to your cat as a reward, like small bits of deli turkey. However, avoid using dairy as a reward. Contrary to popular belief, dairy is not good for cats. It can cause indigestion and other stomach problems. See if your cat responds to praise. Cats have different temperaments. While many cats tend to be more independent, some cats are more people-friendly and may work to win praise. See how your cat responds to petting and verbal praise. If your cat seems to enjoy being petted and talked to, that may be enough of a reward during the training process. Get your cat's attention. If you want to begin training your cat to stand, you'll first need to get your cat to pay attention to you. Use a treat to get your cat to focus. Then, you can begin training your cat to stand. Hold a treat in front of your cat's nose. This will allow him to smell the treat, grabbing his attention. When your cat begins to sniff the treat, pull it up. Your cat will end up looking at you, giving you his attention. Encourage standing. Find ways to encourage your cat to stand. Then, say a command, like "Stand up," and reward the behavior. You can keep pulling the treat up higher. If you need to, place the treat near the cat's nose again to get him more interested. He may follow the treat as you pull it away a second time. As soon as he stands up, say a command like, "Stand!" and give him the treat as a reward. You can also use toys. Dangly toys, string toys, or toy mice can be held above your cat's head. As soon as he stands up to reach the toy, say the command and offer the reward. Reward the behavior when it occurs naturally. You want your cat to understand that you want him to stand up on cue. Pay attention to your cat during day-to-day activities. Cats may occasionally stand up on their hind legs if they're curious about something or trying to get your attention. Try to reward this behavior as it naturally occurs to help establish a connection between the desired behavior, a command, and a reward. If you see your cat standing up, say a command. You can say something like, "Stand up!" or "Beg." Then, reward the behavior using your chosen method. Be stricter about rewards over time. At first, you can reward your cat for simply engaging in behaviors that are close to the desired behavior. For example, if your cat raises a paw, reward him. As time goes on, withhold treats until your cat completes the command. Do not give your cat a treat, praise, or press the clicker until he's standing with both paws in the air. This will help establish how you want your cat to behave and teach him to stand up on cue. Do not punish a cat. Cats do not respond well to punishment. When punished, most cats get aggravated and simply disengage. Punishing a cat during training will end up alienating your cat. If a cat is scolded consistently over time, this can cause stress which can lead to litter box issues, compulsive grooming, and health problems. If your cat is not behaving, simply do not offer a reward. Avoid yelling at your cat, placing him in a cage, or any other form of punishment. Never hit or physically harm a cat as punishment. This causes your cat a lot of stress and lead to a bad relationship between you and your cat. Watch for negative body language. You want to make sure you end training sessions on a high note. If training becomes stressful, your cat may refuse to behave. Watch for body language that indicates stress, fear, or aggression. If your cat seems upset, cut the training session short and try again the next day. If a cat's ears are held back slightly, he may be feeling scared or aggressive. Watch his eyes as well. Slightly dilated pupils tend to indicate fear while fully dilated pupils can indicate aggression. A cat's tail can also be an indicator of mood. If the fur on the tail is standing up, your cat is likely angry or frightened. If your cat holds his tail low or tucks it between his legs, he's likely scared. A tail that's thrashing back and forth indicates anger and potential aggression. Be careful teaching this trick to cats with joint problems. If your cat has existing joint problems, avoid teaching this trick, as standing up can put stress on your cat's joints. If you have a very overweight cat, put him/her on a diet and exercise them until they are fit enough. | Try clicker training. Use treats as a reward. See if your cat responds to praise. Get your cat's attention. Encourage standing. Reward the behavior when it occurs naturally. Be stricter about rewards over time. Do not punish a cat. Watch for negative body language. Be careful teaching this trick to cats with joint problems. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Screw-Extractor | How to Use a Screw Extractor | To use a screw extractor, first align a center punch over your screw and hammer the punch to make an indentation to guide your drill bit. Then, attach a drill bit that's slightly smaller than your screw to your drill. Next, put the drill bit in the indentation you made and drill ⅛ to ¼ of an inch into the screw head. When you've drilled a hole big enough for your screw extractor, put the spiral end of your extractor in the hole and twist it counterclockwise until it won't go any farther. Finally, continue twisting it with a wrench until your screw pops loose. | Put on safety gear. Using a screw extractor involves drilling into metal. The last thing you want is a flying shard of metal in your eye. Wear safety goggles made with polycarbonate lenses. Align a center punch over the screw. A center punch is a metal cylinder that looks like a pen. You can find them at any hardware store. With one hand, hold the metal tip against the center of the screw head. Indent the screw by hammering in the punch. Pick up a hammer in your free hand and use it to tap the top of the punch. Strike it very lightly. If you did it right, you'll see a small divot in the screw. This guides your drill bit into the center of the screw. If the screw is in a tight space, use a small metal drill bit and a right angle drill. Be careful that the bit doesn't slip while you're drilling. Apply a drop of thread cutting oil to the screw. Thread cutting oil is sold in big jugs at hardware stores, but you only need a drop. Tip the bottle over to splash a little bit onto the screw head. Cutting oil lubricates the metal, which means less time spent drilling and less wear and tear for your drill bit. If you don't have this oil, you can try a drop of motor oil, WD-40, or another lubricant. Household oils will help but offer less protection to the drill bit. Add a drop of penetrating oil to rusty screws. Penetrating oil is needed for rusted screws or ones attached to metal surfaces. It loosens the screw, making it easier to remove. Add a drop of it onto the screw head on top of the thread cutting oil. If you don't have penetrating oil, acetone may work too. Select a drill bit slightly smaller than the screw. Hold the drill bits up to the screw or fastener you need to remove. The right one will be slightly less wide than the screw head. When you find the right one, attach it to your drill. You can buy individual drill bits from hardware stores at a small cost or buy a whole set with varying sizes. Line the drill bit up with the center of the screw. Place the drill bit in the divot you created earlier. Move slowly as you begin to drill. Too much force will damage the screw. Focus on holding the drill bit steady so it drills straight down into the screw head. Drill a hole for the extractor. You will need to drill somewhere between ⁄ 8 inch (3.2 mm) and ⁄ 4 inch (6.4 mm) into the screw head. The depth depends on the screw extractor you have. Hold up the extractor to compare it to the hole you drilled. If the extractor doesn't fit, keep drilling to widen the hole. Make sure the drill bit only drills inside the screw or else you could damage the threads. Insert the extractor into the drilled hole. The spiral end of the extractor goes into the hole. You can tap it with a hammer to make sure it's in there, but don't force it. The loose end should have a tap handle, which looks like a T, for you to hold onto. Twist the extractor counterclockwise until you can't turn it anymore. Twist the extractor with a wrench or drill. Grip the top of the extractor with a wrench. Continue to twist it counterclockwise until the screw pops free. Many extractors are designed to work with drills. Attach the free end of the extractor to the drill and turn on the drill to turn the screw counterclockwise. It'll come out without much resistance. When using the extractor with a drill, make sure the drill is set to rotate in reverse! If the screw is stuck, rigorously twist the extractor in both directions to break it loose. Heat the screw if it is stuck. If you have a propane or butane torch, lightly heat the screw for a minute or two. This can only be done if you're working with non-flammable materials such as metal. Try the screw extractor again. The heat expands the metal, making it easier to pull out. Pull the screw out with pliers. Regular pliers may work, but clamping pliers keep a better grip on the screw. Twist the screw and try to pull it out. Heat also helps here in making the screw easier to pull out. You might also be able to drill further into the screw to weaken or break it. Be careful to avoid damaging the material around the screw. Screw-extracting pliers can be purchased at your local hardware store and are meant for removing screws. | Put on safety gear. Align a center punch over the screw. Indent the screw by hammering in the punch. Apply a drop of thread cutting oil to the screw. Add a drop of penetrating oil to rusty screws. Select a drill bit slightly smaller than the screw. Line the drill bit up with the center of the screw. Drill a hole for the extractor. Insert the extractor into the drilled hole. Twist the extractor with a wrench or drill. Heat the screw if it is stuck. Pull the screw out with pliers. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Talk-to-God | How to Talk to God | There's no wrong way to talk to God, but an easy way to start is by talking as if a physical person was standing in front of you. Tell God about your daily troubles, your thoughts, your hopes, and your dreams. Ever been stunned by a beautiful day? Thank God for the gift of nature and say how you plan to enjoy the blessing. You can also talk to God when you're experiencing hardships. For example, if you have a difficult relationship with a family member, you can say “I hate that my mom and I don't get along. Help me to be patient and understanding to her.” While you likely won't get an audible response from your conversation, pay attention to possible feedback through an inspiration or situation. You may, for example, receive a response while listening to a sermon that directly relates to what you spoke with God about. | Determine how you see God. You'll need to determine who God is to you in order to confidently talk to God. Who is, and how do you define, God? Do you know God as a fatherly or motherly figure, a teacher, a distant -- or a close friend, sticking closer than a sister or brother? Or, is God an abstract spiritual guide? Is your connection to God rooted in a personal, spiritual relationship you have with God? Or, do you follow the form and order of your religion to understand who God is to you? Whichever is true for you will dictate how you view and talk to God. And, however you see God determines how you will approach God to talk to Him as you see Him. Establish a relationship with a caring God. It's easier to talk to someone when you persist to establish a speaking relationship with a person that really cares. So, your telling God your burdens and joys helps bond your relationship with God. Figuring out that God wants to hear from you and to share all your joys, pains and thoughts with you is the first step to establishing that relationship. And you can build on it by reading about how much God cares in spiritual literature or religious texts, such as the Bible, Quran or Torah. Talk to God as you would a close, loving but all-powerful friend. Talking to God as a tremendous friend is different from just praying to God as a need or duty. As with a friend, you expect back-and-forth communication by noticing how God answers, helps or teaches you. While prayer may be more of a one-way transaction, talking implies a conversation. You can talk to God out loud or inside your mind, whichever feels most effective to you. It may be best to find a quiet or private space you can occupy in order to concentrate while you're talking. If you can't, it's okay to talk silently to God while you're standing in the checkout line at the grocery store, sitting in a waiting room, or while you're at work or school, etc. Have a talk with God. Talk to God similarly as you would, if a physical person were standing in front of you. You can talk to God about your daily troubles, your thoughts at the moment, your hopes and dreams, and even tell Him (and tell yourself) the things for which you're thankful. You can tell God about casual or hard topics just as you would with a concerned friend. Let's say for example you were having an ongoing argument with a friend. You could say, “God, I'm not sure what else to say to Charlie. We've been arguing for almost two weeks now and we still can't come to an agreement. I don't want to think we can't get through this, but I don't know what more to do or say.” Ever been amazed by a crazy, beautiful day? Talk to God about His gifts to you. “Wow, God! It's so beautiful outside. I'd love to spend the day reading in the park.” Maybe you have a difficult relationship with a family member: “I hate that my mom and I don't get along. She just doesn't understand me, and she refuses to listen when I try to tell her how I really feel. I pray that she would try to see things from my point of view sometimes. And, help me to be patient, listen and understanding to her.” Watch for and pay attention to possible feedback. You may not get an audible response like you would, if a friend were physically standing in front of you. But you can receive a response from God in the written word of God or from the sermon of a minister. Anticipate it to also come in the form of an intuition, an inspiration, a scripture, a situation or an event that directly or indirectly relates to what you've been talking about to God. Tell God that you know that He has His own reasons for His seemingly hands-off response and His timeline -- and so trust Him in that. You may not find what you want when you want it, but He does everything for His reason. Try to keep following God's path in good faith in the loving concepts of God and expressing God's goodwill. But, realize that whatever happens may be a result of a "third person(s)" involved in their self-centered, personal actions/inaction, or their doing the opposite of some of your ideas and needs. God does not necessarily contravene or interfere with the behavior of disagreeable parties -- Why? They, having free will as you do, might not follow love, good morals, the purposes of God, nor stop their misconduct that can involve you. Events could, thus, depend regrettably on their dangerous/uncaring intersections with your hopeful and peaceful path. Even in dire events one can talk to God, in the darkest day or when you pass through the valley of death. You need not fear, but may cry out to Him while trusting God, come what may. Write to God as a form of communication. Maybe you feel uncomfortable talking out loud to God, find it difficult to concentrate when talking to God in your mind, or maybe neither of the two work for you at all. If that's the case, try writing to God. This form of communicating will still enable you to express your thoughts for a connection and create your side of a conversation with God. Purchase or find a blank writing notebook and pen. Choose something that will feel comfortable to write in every day. A spiral notebook or journal would be an ideal choice since it will easily lay flat on a desk. Select your preferred writing tool. You'll want to write to God by hand instead of typing on a computer. Computers have endless distractions, and for some the act of typing requires more conscious effort than scribbling in a notebook. Find a quiet and private space to write. Even though you won't be speaking aloud, it's still best to find a quiet spot for maximum concentration. Write for a specific amount of time. Before you get started set a timer for a length of time that feels comfortable to write for. You may set it for five, ten or twenty minutes. Keep your pen or pencil moving until the timer goes off. Write fast and freely. Try not to be self-conscious about what you write. Don't worry about grammar and punctuation, or about what you're actually writing. In writing to God, you want your words to come from the heart. In order to do that you'll need to relax enough that you can write freely about whatever comes to mind. Write to God as if you’re writing a letter to a friend, or as if you’re writing in a private journal. If you're not sure what to write about, consider writing about a current concern that you can't stop thinking about. Write about what's happening in your day to day life. Write down any questions you want God to answer for you. Or write about your goals or what you're thankful for. Use the examples below for inspiration. “Dear God, I have no idea what I'm doing in my life right now. I can't seem to make good choices or meet the right people. I feel like I'm drowning in drama. When will this end? When will things change for me?” “I can't even contain my excitement right now, God. Today I met a woman who works at my dream job. Our meeting was completely serendipitous. I mean what are the chances of meeting just the right person randomly on a busy street? If I didn't accidentally bump her shoulder and if she didn't happen to drop her purse, I never would have gotten a glimpse of her business card. You've truly answered my prayers.” Set aside time to pray to God. Prayer can be considered a more formal way to talk to God because it is primarily rooted in religion. However, you can choose to pray in whatever way feels comfortable to you. While you can pray at any time and in any place, it helps to set aside specific times of the day to pray. Choose a time when you are unlikely to be disturbed and you'll be able to center yourself and pray effectively. Common times for prayer include: before meals or bed, after waking, during stressful times or periods of need, and during solo activities like exercising or a commute. Find a quiet room or space to pray. Ideally, praying to God should occur in a place where you'll be able to tune out distractions during the few minutes it takes to pray. If you can't find a quiet place to pray, don't worry. You can pray on busy city buses, in the middle of crowded restaurants, and anywhere you can center yourself. You can pray while you're driving down the highway, as long as you stay focused on the road while you pray. Prepare for prayer. As you get ready to pray, some people like to take a few minutes to prepare the space and the self for communicating with God. The way that you choose to prepare for prayer will largely be up to your own personal preferences and/or religious traditions. Some common practices might include: reading a few applicable verses of a religious text, lighting candles or incense, performing a cleansing ritual, taking communion, meditating quietly, chanting, or singing. Decide what you want to pray about. This can be done beforehand, if there is a pressing matter happening in your life. Or it can be determined as you pray. You could use prayer as a means to have a casual conversation with God about daily happenings or current events. Here's an example, “God, today is my first day of class. I'm really nervous, but also excited. I pray that everything goes well today.” You could use prayer as a way to confess or get something off your chest, or you could pray for a request or a need. “God, I feel horrible that I gossiped about a coworker. I'm afraid she's found out, and I don't know what to do to fix it. Please forgive me. Also, please give me the strength to ask her for forgiveness.” Let's say you've just interviewed for a job. You could say, “Thank you, God, for a great interview. Please let the interviewer see how perfect I am for this position, and decide to hire me.” Pray in a way that feels natural to you. There's no one right way to pray. Prayer should be unique to the individual believer who is praying. While praying in a church or worship center is often quite stylized and ritualized, when you're praying alone, you don't have to follow any particular rules, other than opening yourself up to God and speaking from the heart. Some people like to bow their heads in prayer and close their eyes, while other religions will practice full prostrations or kneeling. Whatever seems most respectful and effective for you and your personal relationship with God is fine. You can pray with your eyes open and your head high just as it's fine to pray kneeling and silent. It's common to recite some traditional prayers out loud, but it's also very common to pray silently to yourself. Pray with others. It can be a powerful experience to pray with a group of like-minded individuals. This can be an excellent way to hear how others relate to God, and learn new traditions and rituals that you can integrate into your own prayer practice. If you don't currently have a group to pray with, try to find one. You can find a group in a local worship center or church you attend. You can do a search online for people who share your beliefs to see if there are meetups happening in your area. If you can't find what you're looking for, consider starting your own prayer group. In some religions, prayer groups practice sending group prayers to friends and loved ones in need. Prayer lists are often created regularly to pray for the sick and needy members of a community. | Determine how you see God. Establish a relationship with a caring God. Talk to God as you would a close, loving but all-powerful friend. Have a talk with God. Watch for and pay attention to possible feedback. Tell God that you know that He has His own reasons for His seemingly hands-off response and His timeline -- and so trust Him in that. Try to keep following God's path in good faith in the loving concepts of God and expressing God's goodwill. Write to God as a form of communication. Purchase or find a blank writing notebook and pen. Find a quiet and private space to write. Write for a specific amount of time. Write fast and freely. Write to God as if you’re writing a letter to a friend, or as if you’re writing in a private journal. Set aside time to pray to God. Find a quiet room or space to pray. Prepare for prayer. Decide what you want to pray about. Pray in a way that feels natural to you. Pray with others. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Over-Easy-Eggs | How to Cook Over Easy Eggs | To cook an over easy egg, start by heating oil or butter in a small pan over medium heat. Once the oil or butter is hot, crak the egg into the pan. Let it cook for a few minutes, or until the bottom solidifies and turns fully white. Then, use a spatula to gently flip the egg over, being careful not to break the yolk. After 10 seconds, flip the egg over again so that the yolk doesn't overcook.Transfer the egg to a plate and serve. | Heat a small amount of fat in a non-stick pan. Set the stove to medium or medium-low. Drop a little of your preferred fat into the pan (use no less than one tablespoon to keep the pan slick). You're ready to proceed when you hear a quiet sizzling. There are many different types of fat you can use here. Just a few include: Butter or margarine Canola or olive oil Bacon grease (convenient if you just cooked bacon for your breakfast in the same pan) Crack the eggs into a separate container (optional). Grab a bowl, cup or ramekin big enough to hold your eggs. Break the flat side of each egg on the rim of the container and let the contents drain into it. To save time, do this while waiting for your pan to heat up. Don't crack the eggs directly into the hot pan. If you do this, it's easier to break the yolks or cook your eggs unevenly. You also have less control over where they will lie in the pan. Add the eggs to the pan. Pour your eggs from the container into the hot pan. Immediately lift the handle so that the eggs slide to the far side of the pan. Wait about 10 to 15 seconds so the bottoms of the eggs have a chance to set together, then slowly lower the handle so the pan sits level on the stove. Jiggle the pan slightly to keep the eggs from sticking or carefully move them with a spatula. Setting the eggs together at the far side of the pan keeps the whites together in a single thick "clump" rather than having them run all over the pan. This keeps the eggs from cooking unevenly. Wait for the bottoms of the eggs to solidify. Now, let the eggs cook without disturbing them for a minute or two. You want the bottoms of the whites to be fully set (but not hard) before you proceed. Depending on your pan and the level of heat you're using, this will take anywhere from about 45 seconds to two minutes. Keep your eyes on the edges of the whites — they are thinner than the center, so they will solidify first. When you notice that the edges are solid, you can proceed even if the whites in the middle are still a little liquid. Flip the eggs. When the edges and bottom are solid but the white around the yolk is still clear, slip a spatula under the eggs. Lift them away from the pan and turn them over with a single quick twisting motion of the wrist. Set them down as gently as possible so you don't break the yolks. It is OK if you accidentally "fold" one of the edges under the center. This doesn't affect the finished product much. If you're bold, you can also flip the eggs with the pan itself. To do this, push the pan away from you and jerk the far edge up sharply. Bring the pan up to meet the egg as it turns. This is tricky , so use a spatula if you're not an experienced chef. Flip the eggs again. The second side of the egg should not cook for very long. Count to 10, then slide the spatula under the eggs and re-flip them. The "top" side of the egg should now just be barely set. Cooking this side of the egg for only 10 seconds is crucial. You want the tops of the eggs to solidify just enough to contain the yolks while keeping them runny. Serve. Congratulations! Your over easy eggs are done. Transfer out of the pan to a plate and serve with toast, bacon, hash browns, or other breakfast favorites. Cook the underside of the eggs as normal. This method allows you to get over easy eggs without having to flip them, making it perfect if you've had problems with flipping in the past. The first few steps are exactly the same as in the traditional method. See below: Heat cooking fat (butter, grease, etc.) in a pan over medium or medium-low heat. Crack the eggs into a separate container before transferring them to the hot pan. Tilt the pan to gather the eggs at one end. Once they set, lower the pan flat and let them cook for about one to two minutes. Add water and cover. Pour a tablespoon of water per egg into the edge of the pan. Cover it with a good-fitting lid. The water will turn into steam and cook the top side of the egg. This will give you the characteristic film over the yolk that over easy eggs are known for without any flipping. If you're cooking on a flat griddle instead of a pan, pour the water right next to the egg, then set a raised lid over both the egg and the water. The lid will hold the steam next to the egg. Steam over low heat for a minute or two. Steaming doesn't cook the top sides of the eggs as quickly as contact with the pan, so you'll need to allow a little extra cooking time. The eggs are cooked to over easy when they're covered with a thin white film but the yolks are still liquid. Be sure to reduce the heat to low hear to prevent the bottoms of the eggs from over-cooking from the heat of the pan. If, after a minute or two, the eggs don't seem cooked, try turning off the heat and letting the residual heat warm them a little longer. Serve and enjoy. You don't need to flip the eggs a second time with this method. Simply remove the lid (carefully, as to avoid steam burns) and transfer the eggs to a plate. Season the eggs with salt and pepper. Over easy eggs have a rich, almost creamy flavor on their own, but this doesn't mean they need to be eaten plain. Salt and pepper are extremely common condiments for eggs, complementing the natural egg-y flavor perfectly. Don't serve eggs without a pair of shakers at the table. Some chefs like to season their eggs with salt and/or pepper in the pan. If you want to do this, sprinkle the seasonings on while the bottom sides of the eggs are cooking (before flipping them for the first time). Eat the eggs over toast. Toast — white or wheat — goes great with eggs. Its crispness perfectly compliments the naturally soft texture of eggs. Best of all, when you're eating over easy eggs, you can use the toast to soak up the runny yolk. Alternatively, make an egg sandwich with your other favorite breakfast ingredients. Substitute crisp fried hash browns for toast whenever desired. Use hot sauce. Eggs have a natural mild flavor, which makes them great candidates for spicy condiments. Hot sauces (e.g., Tabasco, etc.) drizzled over a serving of eggs can transform them from a run-of-the-mill dish into something with a little more pizzazz. Just be sure not to use too much. Try unconventional herbs and spices. If you're willing to get a little adventurous, you can try seasoning your eggs with ingredients that you won't typically see at your neighborhood diner. The following herbs and spices each give their own unique taste to egg dishes. Try adding a small amount to your eggs at first — if you like the taste, feel free to add more! Dill Cayenne pepper (use a light dusting) Basil Sundried tomatoes Sturgeon or whitefish Caviar | Heat a small amount of fat in a non-stick pan. Crack the eggs into a separate container (optional). Add the eggs to the pan. Wait for the bottoms of the eggs to solidify. Flip the eggs. Flip the eggs again. Serve. Cook the underside of the eggs as normal. Add water and cover. Steam over low heat for a minute or two. Serve and enjoy. Season the eggs with salt and pepper. Eat the eggs over toast. Use hot sauce. Try unconventional herbs and spices. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Shake-Your-Booty | How to Shake Your Booty | If you want to shake your booty, start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, as this will give you the balance you need to not fall over. When you're ready, squat down low while still feeling stable. Make sure to keep your back completely straight while squatting. In the squatting position, rotate your hips forward and back to get a sense of what a booty shake feels like. To add some style to your shake, put your hands on your knees while still keeping your back straight. Finally, stop rotating your hips forward and only rotate them backward, increasing speed as you get more comfortable. | Get in the right posture. Start off with your legs a little wider than shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent and relaxed. Keep your shoulders back and arch your back slightly so that your butt is sticking out. Don't stick your butt out purposely, it will happen naturally when you arch your back Tuck your butt underneath your pelvis. Your lower back should now be in a straight line. In other words, your lower back should be at about 90 degrees -- not bent forward or backward. Your shoulders, however, should come forward slightly, and your knees should still be bent. Pop your butt back out. As you do this, roll your pelvis back. Arch your lower back and push your chest forward and your shoulders back. This should help you pop your butt out. Practice rolling your hips back if necessary. Repeat this movement. Start with your hips vertical at 90 degrees. Then, arch your back and roll your hips back. Start off slowly to get the technique down and then gradually increase your speed. Try to do the booty pop as fast as you can without compromising your form. Pump your arms. Beyoncé's signature booty pop includes simultaneous pumping of the arms. To nail this move, start off holding your arms up at your chest with your elbows bent at about 45 degrees with the inside of your wrists facing toward you. Your hands should be in loose fists. When you pop your butt out, pull your arms apart slightly and push your chest forward. When you tuck your butt back under, bring your arms back toward each other and your shoulders forward. Continue this simultaneous movement. Add the jump (optional). Beyonce occasionally jumps into her booty popping move. To do this, stand in your normal stance with your feet shoulder width apart. Then, simply hop forward slightly and immediately start shaking your butt in the manner described. Reserve this move after you've mastered all the other steps. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. This gives you a good base so you don't topple over as you booty shake. Plant your feet and distribute your body weight evenly across the front and back of your feet. Make sure that you have a wide enough stance. The wider your stance, the more stable you'll be as you dance. Squat down. Your back should remain straight, upright and vertical. You shouldn't be leaning too forwards or too far backwards. As you bend your knees and squat down low, but make sure you feel stable. You shouldn't feel like you're about to fall over. This is a central position for this style of booty shake. Rotate your hips forward and rotate back. The actual movement of body shaking only calls for moving your hips back. However, it's good to know what it feels like when you're moving your hips in both directions, so that you can feel if you're doing it correctly. Practice moving the hips forward and then moving it back. Keep your torso straight as you do this. Moving the hips back is what creates the booty shake movement. This is an isolated movement. So, you're only rotating your pelvis back. If you're not used to doing this movement, you'll have to practice moving your hips back because this movement is pivotal to this form of booty shaking. Essentially, moving your hips back is the booty shake. Put your hands on your knees. This is more or less for style. However, you also can do it to help stabilize yourself as you start to move. Don't lean forward when you do this because your back should remain straight. Rotate your hips backward. Start in the central position, then move your hips back. Do this slowly at first until you have the hang of it. You may shift your weight to your heels as you do this. Then, move your butt out faster. Now, you should be booty shaking. Practice a lot until you get the hang of it. Stand with your legs shoulder width apart. Since you're shifting your body weight , this gives you a strong base so that you don't topple over. Your feet should be about the same distance apart as your shoulders, and they should be parallel to each other. Point your toes forward. Sway from side to side. Swing your hips from left to right. Repeat this motion until you have a good feel for the movement. This is just so you understand the basic movement that you'll be doing. This is a preparatory step for learning the booty shake. Twist from side to side. Increase your range of motion as you sway side-to-side and twist back-and-forth. Twist your hips forward and backward. As you are twisting, release your butt cheeks. Do not squeeze them together. Twist quickly, and you should feel your butt cheeks smack against each other or jiggle. This is an isolated movement, so only your pelvis should be moving. Do not bend your back. Lessen the twisting range of motion. Instead of twisting as much as you were before in the previous step, lessen it so that you are still twisting but about half as much. However, continue to twist at the same fast rate as before that made your butt jiggle. It shouldn't look like you're twisting even though you are. Your knees should be just about locked as you do this. Bend over. With your feet still at about shoulder width apart, bend over at about a 90 degree angle. Then, continue to twist with the same limited range of motion as before. Continue to shake or twist quickly and repeat for as long as you want. Don't let your arms dangle. You don't want them looking like silly string as you shake. Bend them at about a 90 degree angle. | Get in the right posture. Tuck your butt underneath your pelvis. Pop your butt back out. Repeat this movement. Pump your arms. Add the jump (optional). Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Squat down. Rotate your hips forward and rotate back. Put your hands on your knees. Rotate your hips backward. Stand with your legs shoulder width apart. Sway from side to side. Twist from side to side. Lessen the twisting range of motion. Bend over. |
https://www.wikihow-fun.com/Roleplay-a-Warrior-Cat-Online | How to Roleplay a Warrior Cat Online | Before you begin role-playing with your Warrior Cat, you may want to read the Warrior Cat series so you have a sense of what the cats are like. Then you can create a Warrior Cat profile, which should include your cat's name, gender, age, appearance, and clan. Once your cat is created, you can start having fun role-playing, but make sure your cat doesn't stray too far from the series. | Many role plays construct their characters differently, but your Warrior Cat's profile should include the following: Name Age Gender Appearance Personality Clan When constructing your cat's profile, refrain from using one of the names from the Warrior Cats series. The fun grows when you create your own name! This rule also applies to your cat's personality and appearance. Avoid building your cat off one of the original Warrior Cats and from other people's characters. Be creative and original! Avoid Mary Sues. A Mary Sue is a character that is completely perfect. They are super strong, nice, smart, skilled, and beautiful. They never lose or get angry, and they usually have bad pasts. To avoid Mary Sues, think about your cat. If it is small, they can be fast and smart, but they will most likely be weak. Make your characters a little dumb, or maybe a little mean. But remember that every cat has to have some flaws. Don't spotlight. This means to make your character the center of attention. Try to include yourself, but don't make your character annoyingly involved. Try making more than one character, and have them take turns being involved in important events. Give others a chance to shine! Avoid power playing other people's characters; in other words, don't control them! People dislike it, and it removes all the fun and freedom from the roleplay. Only powerplay someone else's character(s) if they ask you to. Read the Warrior Cats series to get a basic understanding of how their world works. If you go into a roleplay and have no idea what you're doing, chances are that people will grow annoyed. Your cat should act according to how the Warrior Cats normally act in the books. Perhaps you can be a little imaginative and tweak it a little, but don't go as far as to adding portals or non-existent monsters that cannot be found in the original Warrior Cats books. | Many role plays construct their characters differently, but your Warrior Cat's profile should include the following: When constructing your cat's profile, refrain from using one of the names from the Warrior Cats series. Avoid Mary Sues. Don't spotlight. Avoid power playing other people's characters; in other words, don't control them! Read the Warrior Cats series to get a basic understanding of how their world works. Your cat should act according to how the Warrior Cats normally act in the books. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Read-Comics | How to Read Comics | Getting into reading comics can feel overwhelming, from figuring out how to read the panels to knowing how to enter a long-running series, but once you know how and where to start it's actually quite easy. When you're reading an American comic, start with the panel at the top, leftmost area and read from left to right until you get to the bottom of the page. If panels are stacked on top of each other, they're usually showing connected actions, so read the top panel first, then the one just under it. When you're figuring out what comic you want to read, start by thinking about what kinds of stories interest you. You can also decide to follow a certain writer or pick a story that features a character who is like you. Once you pick a series, check out different reading lists online, which will recommend where to start with a series. | Read Western (American) comic pages page from left to right, top to bottom. Start with the panel on the top, leftmost area of the page. Read each dialogue bubble from left to right, starting with the leftmost panel and moving your eyes to any dialogue featured on the bottom or right of the panel. Move to the next panel as you reach the right side of the first panel. Most comic pages have two or three panels on the top row of the page. Repeat the way you've read the first panel on all subsequent panels. Read panels that are stacked on top of each other together. The panels are arranged in this way because they are meant to show two connected actions or pieces of dialogue. These panels will usually arranged differently from the other panels on the page, and will always interact with one another. They may slant to show dynamic action, or share a speech bubble or two. Start with whichever panel is on top, then read the panel just under it. Read manga (Japanese comics) from right to left. Japanese books are read in reverse order from American books. They are still read top to bottom, but progress from the right to the left and from back to front. Read both the panels and the dialogue from right to left, and the entire book from the back to the front. Pay attention to dialogue bubble shapes. Differently shaped dialogue bubbles indicate different forms of dialogue. Speech bubbles are circular, with a tail pointing to whichever character is speaking. This means a character is talking aloud. Jagged bubbles and/or enlarged, bold text can indicate that a character is shouting. Thought bubbles look like puffy clouds, and have a trail of dots pointing toward the character's head. This means the character is thinking to themselves. Narration panels are square or rectangular blocks. This means the “narrator” is talking, telling you what is going on in a scene and revealing information the characters do not know. Figure out what kinds of stories interest you. There are all kinds of comic stories besides the usual superhero narrative, so you can approach picking out a comic like you would any other book. If you like romantic stories, there are comics under that genre. If action is more your thing, there are tons of comics that fulfill that want. Pick a genre and start exploring what comics fit the bill. Pick the work of a specific writer. There are just as many comic book writers out there as there are comic book stories. You've probably heard about several popular writers as you've researched different comics. If the story arcs or subject matter they've written interest you, check out the rest of their library. Select a story that features a character you like. Some of the most famous characters, such as Spiderman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and Ms. Marvel, come from comic books. Start off with a character that interests you and explore the different stories they've starred in. Pick a comic to read based on whichever part of a character's story interests you the most. Start with the comics that inspired your favorite movies. Many popular comics have been converted into popular movies, such as Scott Pilgrim vs. the World and the Avengers series. If you love these movies, there's a good chance you'll love the comics they're sourced from. Checking out these comics first can be a good launching point into getting into other comics. Research the stories you’re interested in. Once you've figured out what you'd like to read, you may want to investigate the timeline of their stories. Many comics have been in print for decades, meaning there's more story than you can expect to get through right away. Read up on what's happened up to modern issues of the comic you're interested in, and use any events that catch your attention as a launching point of where to start reading. You can start researching comics and their characters by checking out online databases and encyclopedias devoted to specific publishers, series, or characters. Some great places to begin researching include https://www.comics.org/ , http://dc.wikia.com/wiki/DC_Comics_Database , and http://marvel.wikia.com/wiki/Marvel_Database. You can also obtain comic reference books from a library or bookstore. Several authors have written about the histories of comic publishers, series, and characters. Check out different reading lists. If you're interested in a certain character or publishing company but still can't figure out where to start, you can always turn to reading lists. You can find most reading lists online; they're typically written by hardcore fans and aficionados. Most reading lists will recommend where to start with a series based on major events in that character's storyline. To find reading lists online, run a Google search for “DC reading list,” “Marvel reading list,” or “Spiderman reading list.” You can substitute the first word of the search term with whatever publisher or character you want to read. Learn the terminology for comics. There are many different terms for the way comics are printed. Knowing what they mean will make it easier to know what you're looking for. “Graphic novels” and “trade paperbacks” are multiple issues of one comic gathered into one book. They separate the storyline into larger chunks for you to read all at once. An “omnibus” is like a graphic novel or trade graphic book, except it bundles an entire storyline into one large book. These are great finds, but are generally much more expensive. Save this kind of purchase for stories you really like! “Issues” are small chapters of a storyline. They are usually released once every month. This is the most common way comics are published. Browse comic shops regularly to buy physical comic books. Comic shops are constantly adding new books to their inventory, and will have plenty of books to peruse while you decide what to read. Physical comics have the advantage of always being readable, even when your Internet is down. They also make it easier to display and show off your collection as it grows. Make sure you have adequate shelving or other storage space (boxes and/or bins) before you start collecting physical comics. Purchase digital comics for a convenient way to store your collection. Digital comics are easier to store, since they can all be found in one place. They are ideal if you don't have a lot of space to keep physical comics, or just want to keep your collection organized as easily as possible. Consider buying digital copies of comics to read, then buying print editions of your favorite stories to give the creators extra support. You don't have to choose one or the other. Plenty of comic fans have both digital and print copies of their favorite comics. Several printed comics also give digital copies of the same issues to buyers at no extra charge. Decide how you’ll store your comics. Comics are collectible items. While you buy them to read them, you want to preserve them so you can keep reading them years down the road. Keep them on shelves like you would normal books, but tuck them into special sleeves to keep them from yellowing. They will be made from plastic, and can be opened and closed with tape. Some comics come with special collector's boxes, which are great for protection and will look amazing on your shelves! You won't have this problem with digital comics, naturally—though you may want to back them up on separate cloud storage (like Dropbox or Google Drive), just in case something happens to your device or current cloud service. Obtain a few comic books for free. The comic book world loves to indulge fans with free issues! Take advantage of these giveaways to start reading your first comic and build your new collection. Google to learn when the next Free Comic Book Day will be at a comic shop near you and plan to take a trip there to find a comic you'll love. Comixology is an online comic store with a large selection of free comic issues to choose from. Visit https://www.comixology.com/free-comics to browse around. Borrow your comics from the library or a friend. Many libraries feature full sections stocked just with comics for you to read for free. Alternatively, if you have a friend who reads comics, ask if you can read from their collection. Start with whatever story you want. Don't worry about having to read comics in a specific order; it's not necessary. You won't miss too much by starting off at a place in a storyline that interests you. If need be, you can brush up on parts you aren't sure about through Google or Wikipedia. Pick one story or series to start reading. The world of comics is big and wide. You don't want to overwhelm yourself just as you're starting out! Read just one series that really catches your eye first. Once you finish with it (or hit the final issue until the next is published), you can start on another series or storyline. Branch out into new stories. Take it slowly at first. If you like one story, look around for other comics featuring the same character, written by the same author, or released by the same publisher. Over time, you may find yourself enjoying stories you never considered reading before! | Read Western (American) comic pages page from left to right, top to bottom. Move to the next panel as you reach the right side of the first panel. Read panels that are stacked on top of each other together. Read manga (Japanese comics) from right to left. Pay attention to dialogue bubble shapes. Figure out what kinds of stories interest you. Pick the work of a specific writer. Select a story that features a character you like. Start with the comics that inspired your favorite movies. Research the stories you’re interested in. Check out different reading lists. Learn the terminology for comics. Browse comic shops regularly to buy physical comic books. Purchase digital comics for a convenient way to store your collection. Decide how you’ll store your comics. Obtain a few comic books for free. Start with whatever story you want. Pick one story or series to start reading. Branch out into new stories. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Ninja-Mask | How to Make a Ninja Mask | To make a ninja mask, start by turning a black or dark-colored t-shirt inside out and slipping it over your head so that the shirt's neckline rests above your eyebrows and on the bridge of your nose. Then, fold the top and bottom collars to hide the seams and tag before you pull the sleeves behind your head and tie them tightly. Finally, spread the rest of the t-shirt over your shoulders to complete your ninja look. Alternatively, wrap 1 piece of dark cloth around your mouth and nose, and another piece around the top of your head to make your mask. | Take a black or dark colored T-shirt and turn it inside out. Your t-shirt may get stretched out in the mask-making process but you should be able to wear it again. Slip the t-shirt over your head but do not pull it past your shoulders. Your arms should not go into the t-shirt. Slide your t-shirt neckline down so that the neckline rests above your eyebrows and on the bridge of your nose. Fold both the top and bottom collar in so that the seams are not showing. This will give your mask a more streamlined look. Folding the collar also covers the shirt tag. Take the sleeves and tie them behind your head. Tie them tightly so that the knot does not come loose later. Spread the rest of the t-shirt over your shoulders. If you are planning on wearing a full ninja costume, tuck the rest of the t-shirt into the shirt of your ninja costume. Cut your cloth or have a fabric store employee cut it for you. You will need two pieces: both pieces should be 6-inches by 3-feet. Alternatively, you can purchase one piece of cloth. This type of ninja mask is less realistic but much simpler to make. Simply lay the piece of cloth on a flat surface and cut an oval out of where you would like your eyes to be. Once cut, place the cloth against your face so that your eyes and upper nose are the only parts of your face showing, and tie the ends of the cloth behind your head. Wrap the first piece (Piece A) around your mouth and lower half of your nose. Hold both ends of the piece and place it on your mouth before drawing both ends to the back of your head (as if you were putting a bandana on). Cris-cross them and then wrap them along the back of your head and around your neck (make sure this is not too tight!). Tie the two ends into a knot at the back of your head. Take piece B and place it on top of your head. Holding both ends, wrap the ends under your chin, and then pull the ends back towards the back of your head. Tie them at the back of your head. Pick out a large t-shirt (preferably in black or dark blue) and turn it inside out. Your t-shirt should be one that you are alright with not wearing again. This will be the material that you make your mask out of. Get a friend to trace your head silhouette. Lay your head as flat as possible against a piece of large paper and have your friend trace the shape of your head with a pen or pencil. You do not need to trace the details of your head, just the general round shape of your head and your neck. If you do not have someone to help you trace your head with, measure the length of your head from the top of your head to your collar bones. Also measure the back of your head to the tip of your nose. Using a pen or a pencil, draw a profile of your head facing the right. It should look like a large, thick 'P'. Cut the paper silhouette out and place it on the t-shirt. Using a pencil or fabric pen, trace the silhouette onto the t-shirt. You should place the silhouette against a sewn side of the t-shirt (like under the armpit of one of the shirt arms). Cut the t-shirt around the silhouette. Make sure that you are cutting both the front and the back of the t-shirt. Sew the sides together once you have cut the mask out of the t-shirt. Make sure you do not sew the straight bottom part of the mask as that is where your neck will come out of. Hold the newly sewed mask up to your face and mark where your eye hole should go. Cut a triangle of the fabric out so that both of your eyes and a small portion of the top of your nose will be visible when you put the mask on. The triangle cut should be made at the front of the 'P' shape. Turn the mask inside out if you do not want your stitching to show. | Take a black or dark colored T-shirt and turn it inside out. Slip the t-shirt over your head but do not pull it past your shoulders. Fold both the top and bottom collar in so that the seams are not showing. Take the sleeves and tie them behind your head. Spread the rest of the t-shirt over your shoulders. Cut your cloth or have a fabric store employee cut it for you. Wrap the first piece (Piece A) around your mouth and lower half of your nose. Take piece B and place it on top of your head. Pick out a large t-shirt (preferably in black or dark blue) and turn it inside out. Get a friend to trace your head silhouette. Cut the paper silhouette out and place it on the t-shirt. Cut the t-shirt around the silhouette. Sew the sides together once you have cut the mask out of the t-shirt. Hold the newly sewed mask up to your face and mark where your eye hole should go. Turn the mask inside out if you do not want your stitching to show. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Bird-of-Paradise | How to Grow Bird of Paradise | To grow bird of paradise, start by buying a plant cutting from a gardening store and filling a large clay pot with rich potting soil. If you can't find a cutting, you can also grow bird of paradise from seeds, but keep in mind that this takes much longer. Then, plant the cutting and position your pot in a location either inside or outside that gets 5 hours of sun per day. You'll need to keep the soil moist by watering your bird of paradise at least once a week. During the growing season, you should also fertilize the plant every 2 weeks. | Purchase bird of paradise seeds or an adult plant. Bird of paradise seeds take up to a year to germinate, and young plants may not flower for seven years. It's much easier to buy a bird of paradise plant or cutting rather than to start the plant from seed, but if you have patience it can be done. Look for bird of paradise seeds or plants in your local garden nursery. If you live in an area where the climate is conducive to growing bird of paradise outside, you may be able to find seeds and cuttings in more than one variety. If you live in a place with cold winters, where bird of paradise won't survive outside, you're more likely to find a mature bird of paradise that has already been potted as a houseplant. If you prefer to plant seeds, get fresh seeds, soak them in water for three days (changing the water daily), and plant them while they're still fresh. Decide whether to grow it inside or outside. Bird of paradise requires a steady temperature between 50-72 degrees Fahrenheit (10-20 degrees Celsius). If the temperature dips below freezing or gets very hot where you live, bird of paradise will die if planted in the garden. Luckily, it grows very well in a pot indoors, so you can enjoy bird of paradise no matter where you live. Prepare your planting bed or a large pot. Bird of paradise grows best in rich, moist soil that has been amended with plenty of compost so that it drains well. Good drainage is key to the health of bird of paradise. The plant will die if its roots stay wet and waterlogged. If you're planting bird of paradise outdoors, till the soil in your planting bed to a depth of 12 inches (30.5 cm). Work in 4 inches (10.2 cm) of rich compost or other organic material in order to enrich the soil and promote good drainage. If you're planting bird of paradise in a pot, fill up a large clay pot (equipped with drainage holes) with rich, loamy potting soil. You can mix in a tablespoon of bone meal to make the soil even richer. Make sure it has adequate sunlight. Bird of paradise requires full sun, so look for a spot that gets at least five hours of sunlight per day. It can survive in partial shade, but it flourishes in sun. If you're growing bird of paradise inside, it's important to keep it in the brightest room in your house. When the temperature outside is right, you also have the choice to place the plant in a sunny spot outdoors; just make sure to bring it in when the air gets too hot or cold. Leave room for the plant to grow. Depending on the variety you have and the level of care you give it, bird of paradise can grow to be 5 ft (1.5 m ) tall. It's a large plant that takes up quite a bit of space, so space your plants about 6 ft (1.8 m) apart if you're planting outdoors. Keep the soil evenly moist. Inadequate watering is the most common cause of death for bird of paradise. It's very important to keep the soil evenly moist, but not drenched. Water the plant deeply one or two times a week, giving the soil time to dry out a little in between waterings. Aim to water the plant about an inch of water per week. From November through February, water just once a week. The soil should be kept a little drier in the fall and winter months. You can also mist the plant in order to keep the humidity up. If you're watering a bird of paradise in a container, water until it begins to come through the bottom of the pot. Be sure place a drainage dish under the container and discard excess water. Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season. This helps keep bird of paradise healthy and happy during the spring and summer. Use a 10-10-10 fertilizer around the base of the plant every two weeks from March through September. Trim old flower stalks. The bird of paradise doesn't require much pruning. You need only cut off old flower stalks at the base of the plant to keep your bird of paradise healthy. Do this in the springtime for best results. Watch for aphids and other pests. If you're growing bird of paradise outside, make sure aphids and other pests don't cause damage. If you see aphids on the stalk or leaves of your bird of paradise, pick them off and put them in a pail of soapy water. You can also rinse them off with a strong burst from the hose, and repeat as necessary. Using pesticides on the plant may harm it, so it's better to take care of pests by physically removing them or rinsing them off. Bring potted bird of paradise inside for the winter. If you live in a place where the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) in the winter, you'll need to bring your potted plant inside. Make sure to do so before the first frost of the season, or your bird of paradise may suffer. Remove the plant from the pot. A mature bird of paradise plant can be divided into two or even three parts, so you'll have a few extra plants to keep or give to your friends. Carefully remove the plant from the pot, making sure not to damage the roots. You may need to use a spatula or another tool to help you remove the root ball. Carefully separate the plant where it naturally divides. You'll see smaller shoots coming off of the main stem or trunk. Follow them down to the attached roots and carefully untangle the roots so you can separate the plant into two or three parts. A bit of root damage will be inevitable, but try to cause as little as possible. You may need to use a knife to help you complete the separation. Cut off roots that get bent or damaged once the plants are separate. A clean cut is better than a tear. Dust the roots with a rooting hormone. This step is not completely necessary, but it can help to increase the chance that the new cuttings will survive and grow into healthy plants. You can find rooting hormone at any garden center. Follow the directions on the product's package to lightly dust the ends of the roots with rooting hormone. Re-pot the sections in rich potting soil. Remember to choose a rich, well-draining potting soil, and fill each pot to within a few inches of the rim. Plant each cutting in the center of a separate pot. Wait two to three days before watering. This gives the cut roots time to form a light protective seal, which will keep them from getting waterlogged when you water. After two or three days, care for the plants as instructed above. | Purchase bird of paradise seeds or an adult plant. Decide whether to grow it inside or outside. Prepare your planting bed or a large pot. Make sure it has adequate sunlight. Leave room for the plant to grow. Keep the soil evenly moist. Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season. Trim old flower stalks. Watch for aphids and other pests. Bring potted bird of paradise inside for the winter. Remove the plant from the pot. Carefully separate the plant where it naturally divides. Dust the roots with a rooting hormone. Re-pot the sections in rich potting soil. Wait two to three days before watering. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Sketchbook | How to Make a Sketchbook | To make a sketchbook, start by making 3-4 piles of 6 sheets of paper for your signatures, which are little booklets. Then, fold them in half lengthwise, punch holes along the fold, and sew them together. Once the signatures are bound, use one to trace out 2 rectangles on a piece of cardboard, one for the front cover and one for the back. Then, cut them out and glue paper onto them in a design of your choice. Finally, cut out the book's spine from paper, glue it to the cover, and glue the signatures inside. | Gather your materials. Collect all the materials you will need to construct and design your sketchbook: 20-30 sheets of drawing paper – Size A4 works well or even 9”x12” or 11”x14”. Patterned paper – This paper is for decorating the outside cover of your sketchbook. Depending on how you want to decorate you can use 3 different patterns for the cover of the sketchbook, the spine, and the interior of the sketchbook covers (endpaper). Cardboard – To make the covers of the sketchbook. Consider using thick paperboard rather than corrugated cardboard; it' rather feeble. Glue – White school glue works just fine for painting the materials. Needle and thread – Using a thicker needle is advised, as well as thicker thread, such as string, yarn, or hemp. Ruler An awl or pushpin Pencil Small paintbrush or sponge brush Create your sketchbook signatures. Create 3-4 piles of paper with six sheets of paper in each pile. Fold each pile of paper lengthwise, in half, so that you make a little booklet with multiple pages. One little booklet is a “signature” of your sketchbook. The signatures make up the pages of your sketchbook, and make binding your sketchbook a lot easier. Depending on how big you want your sketchbook to be, you can adjust the number of signatures you use. However, the more signatures you use, the harder it'll be to bind your sketchbook and the bulkier your sketchbook will be. Mark your signatures for binding. Stack the signatures on top of one another, and line up the top, bottom, and folded edges. Use a pencil to draw four, evenly spaced vertical lines across the spines of the signatures. It is very important that the marked lines are all even on the signatures. This will ensure that the sketchbook pages line up uniformly once bound. The lines nearest the top and bottom of the signatures should be at least an inch away from the edges. Poke your binding holes. Unfold each signature so it lies flat, with the outer spine facing up. Use either an awl or a pushpin tack to push a hole through the lined markings on each signature spine. Be sure to keep the pages of each signature aligned so your binding holes are all evenly placed. Once the sharp object is pushed through all sheets of paper, consider wriggling the poking object around a bit, to gently widen the holes. This will make it easier to fit the thread through. Cut your binding string. Gauge how much binding string you need to use by measuring the length of the signature spines. Then take that measurement from the top end of the spine to the bottom, and multiply it by how many signatures your sketchbook will have. For example, if the spine is 10” long, and the sketchbook will have 4 signatures, cut your binding string at least 40” long. Always err on the side of caution. Cut more string than you need (about 45” of string), rather than cutting too little string, and running out as you thread. Thread the needle. Feed the string through the eye of the needle, and tie the ends of the string together, so it is double threaded. Your knot should leave about an inch of extra string from the end of the knot. Let the needle fall to the middle of the string. Sew the first signature. Take one signature and thread the needle through the bottom hole, going from the outside of the signature, through to the inside of the signature. Pull the thread all the way through, so the knot of the string is up against the spine of the signature. From the inside of the signature, thread the needle through the second hole, moving out. Pull the string taut. Then, thread the needle through the third hole, moving from the outside of the signature, back in. Finally, thread the needle through the last top hole, moving from the inside of the signature, out. To know if the binding looks correct, the string between the two middle holes should run along the outside of the spine. Sew the second signature. Stack the second signature on top of the first, having both spines line up evenly. Since the needle ending at the top of the spine for the first signature, you will start threading the second signature at the top hole. Thread the string through the second signature's top hole, moving outward, in. Finish threading the needle through the second signature's binding holes in the same fashion as you threaded the first signature, swapping directions. The needle should finish at the bottom of the second signature, going from the inside, outward. Attach the two signatures together. With the needle and thread coming from the bottom of the second signature, loop the needle around the knotted end of the first signature. Pull the needle around, over the knotted string to make a loop, and feed the needle through the hole to make a new knot. This newly formed knot will secure the second signature to the first signature. Be sure to loop the thread of the threaded needle in the space between the knot and the first signature. If the securing knot is made on the free end of the knotted string, the signatures will not be secured to one another, and the securing knot will slip off the end of the string. Bind the rest of the signatures. Sew the rest of the signatures in the same manner you used for the previous signatures. If you are only using three signatures, when you finish threading the third signature, there won't be a knot to tie the third signature onto. In this case, make a knot with the needle and thread around the string holding the first and second signature together. If you are using an even number of signatures, you will finish threading on the bottom, and be able to make a securing, final knot around the original signature knot. Once you have sewn all of your signatures, make your final securing knot and cut off the rest of the string. Again, be sure to leave a small amount of space on the string you cut. Trim the pages. The edges of the signature pages may be a bit uneven once they are all stitched together. If they are, and you want them evened out, use a ruler to measure 1/8” from the edge, mark the straight edge, and then cut off 1/8” from the pages' edges. Consider measuring the width of the signature pages after you trim them, so you know the exact dimensions of your pages. Measure out the front and back covers. The covers for the sketchbook are going to be the same width as your signature pages but will be ¼” taller on the top edge. To find the measurements of the covers, trace your bound signatures (folded) onto the board you're using to make your covers. Fully trace the signature pages twice, one tracing to make the front cover, and one to make the back cover. Once you have two tracings of the signature pages, measure ¼” above the top edge of the signature pages tracing. Make two marks; one mark ¼” above the spine side, and one mark ¼” above the free edge side. Connect the ¼ inch markings horizontally, so you have a straight line ¼” taller on the top edge of the original signature pages tracing. When the tracings are finished and expanded by ¼” at the top, use scissors to cut out the two cardboard covers. Cut out the sketchbook spine. The spine of the sketchbook will be the same height as the covers, but the width will depend on the height of the bound signature pages. Use a ruler to find the height of the bound signature pages, and use that measurement as the width of the sketchbook spine. Once you have your measurements, cut the spine out of the cardboard. Cut out the cover paper. Trace your cover cardboard onto the paper you want to use for your cover paper. Once you have two complete tracings, use a ruler to measure 1½” from the top edge of the two tracings. Make two marks on each tracing; one mark 1½” above the spine side, and one mark 1½” above the free edge side. The finished products should be two pieces of cover paper that are equal in width to the sketchbook covers, and 1½” taller than the cover boards. Measure the cover paper. Use a ruler to measure and draw a ¾” line from three edges of the cover paper. The cover board for the sketchbook should fit within the ¾” lines. The only side of the cover paper that shouldn't be measured is the side that will be on the spine of the sketchbook. Cut the cover paper. With the two intersecting lines that measure the top and vertical ¾” measurements on the cover paper, draw a 45-degree angle line just above the intersecting lines. Then, cut along the 45-degree line. Fold the cover paper over to the inside face of the cover board to see if the cover paper fits correctly. The amount of left space between the intersecting lines and the 45-degree angled line should be very little, about 1/32”. Trace out the spine cover. Place the cut out sketchbook spine on the paper with which you've chosen to decorate it. Trace the spine on the paper, and then trace vertical lines extending 1½” out from both sides of the spine, and ¾” horizontal lines from the top and bottom of the spine. The end result should look like a big rectangle, with a centered skinny rectangle that's the same size as the spine of your sketchbook. Cut the endpaper. Cut the two endpaper sheets to be equivalent in height to your signature pages, but twice the widthwise. Then fold the two sheets in half. Be sure that the patterned side of the endpaper is facing inward when folded in half. Glue the cover papers. Lay the cover papers on a flat surface. Use the glue and a paintbrush or paint sponge to coat the cover papers with a thin layer of glue. Completely cover the inside sections of the papers with glue, where the hard cardboard pieces will be. Place the cardboard pieces onto the papers, and press out any air bubbles that form once the cardboard pieces are on the paper. Coat the cover papers edges (that are sticking out) with glue, and fold them in to the insides of the covers. To help the covers dry smooth and evenly, lay heavy books on top to keep the covers from curling or bending as they dry. If the glue is really thick, you can thin it out a little bit by mixing it with some water in a small dish. Glue the spine. Lay the spine paper on a flat surface, and cover the middle section (where the spine will go) with a layer of glue. Place the spine inside the drawn-out parameters. Attach the covers to the spine paper. Once the spine has had some time to dry, apply a thin layer of glue to one side of the spine paper, next to the spine. Place one cover on the spine paper, leaving about 1/8” to ¼” of space between the spine and the sketchbook cover. Do the same thing on the other side of the spine, attaching the other cover to the spine paper. When both covers are glued to the spine paper, add a small amount of glue to the top and bottom edges of the spine paper, and fold them in to the inside of the sketchbook. Add some heavy books to the glued pieces of the sketchbook so they can dry uniformly. Remember, the outside covers of the sketchbook should be facing down on your flat surface. Be sure to press the spine paper into the spaces between the spine and the covers. Glue the endpapers to the sketchbook covers. Cover the back of one of the sheets of endpaper with a thin layer of glue. Make sure the entire back surface is covered. Then place the endpaper on the inside of one of the covers. Align the edge of the paper to be at the edge of the spine-side cover. Glue the other endpaper to the inside of the other cover, aligning the edge of the endpaper near the spine-side of the cover. There should be a small amount of space between the edges of the endpapers, and the open edges of the sketchbook. Glue the endpapers to the sketchbook signatures. On one of the endpapers, coat approximately ½” of the spine-side edge of the endpaper with glue. Fold the cover over (essentially closing the sketchbook), to align the glued portion of the endpaper with the last page of signature paper. Then flip the book over and glue the other edge of the endpaper to the nearest page of signature paper. Once all the gluing is finished, lay a few heavy books on top of the sketchbook so everything can dry without warping or curling. | Gather your materials. Create your sketchbook signatures. Mark your signatures for binding. Poke your binding holes. Cut your binding string. Thread the needle. Sew the first signature. Sew the second signature. Attach the two signatures together. Bind the rest of the signatures. Trim the pages. Measure out the front and back covers. Cut out the sketchbook spine. Cut out the cover paper. Measure the cover paper. Cut the cover paper. Trace out the spine cover. Cut the endpaper. Glue the cover papers. Glue the spine. Attach the covers to the spine paper. Glue the endpapers to the sketchbook covers. Glue the endpapers to the sketchbook signatures. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Commas | How to Use Commas | To use commas correctly, use them to separate clauses that are not crucial to the meaning of the sentence. For example, in the sentence “Drivers who exceed the speed limit are reckless," there are no commas because the clause “who exceed the speed limit” is essential to the meaning of the sentence. Alternatively, you would need to use commas in the sentence “George Washington, our first president, served two terms,” since “our first president" is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. | Do not use a comma just because your sentence is long. This is a common mistake; sometimes, people will see a long sentence and put in commas to “break it up” even if the sentence is grammatical without them. The length of your sentence has nothing to do with whether or not it needs commas. If necessary, separate long sentences into two or more smaller sentences. Avoid using commas to signify pauses. Some writers believe that a pause or breath indicates where a comma should be placed. However, because people read and speak differently, this method is unreliable and often results in mistakes. This technique may be acceptable to signal pauses when writing dialogue in fiction. Do not always use a comma with a person’s name. This is another common comma error, but don't be fooled: you only need to use a comma with the person's name if the phrase serves as a non-restrictive modifier. For example, this is a common but incorrect comma usage: “Abraham Lincoln , was the 16th President of the United States.” Abraham Lincoln is the subject of that sentence and is an essential element. An example of correct comma usage with a name would look like this: “Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, was a lawyer before he became president.” In this case, the 16th president of the United States is a non-restrictive clause (meaning the sentence makes sense if it's removed) and is set off with commas on both sides. Understand that commas are complex but manageable. Another very common comma myth is that commas are a kind of grammatical magic that is impossible to accurately predict or learn. While the logic governing comma usage can seem complicated, most of the time, it's actually easy to learn where they go if you know a few rules. Understand what a relative clause is. A relative clause is a word, clause, or phrase that modifies some element of the main clause. Relative clauses are introduced by relative pronouns. Common relative pronouns include who/whom , whoever/whomever , whose , that, and which. In general, they come in two types: non-restrictive and restrictive. Understand how non-restrictive modifiers work. Non-restrictive modifiers are relative clauses or phrases that add information to a sentence but aren't essential to the meaning of the sentence. If you removed a non-restrictive modifier from the sentence, it would still make sense (and the main subject of the sentence would still be in place). They are also sometimes called “interrupters.” Here is an example of a non-restrictive modifier in a sentence: “George Washington, our first president , served two terms.” While the information in the non-restrictive modifier is helpful, the main clause makes sense if it's removed: “George Washington served two terms.” Here is another example of a non-restrictive modifier: “Fatima, who has been studying hard , will probably do well on today's exam.” The presence of who (a relative pronoun) in a clause is often a sign that it's non-restrictive and should be set off by commas. Use commas with non-restrictive modifiers. In almost all cases, non-restrictive clauses or phrases will be set off on both sides by commas. This indicates to the reader that they're additional information, but not necessarily essential. If you can remove the clause without damaging the sense of your sentence, it is almost certainly a non-restrictive modifier. Make sure to set off the entire modifier with commas, using one at each end. A common comma error is to set off the beginning of the modifier with a comma, but not the end. In almost all cases, relative clauses or phrases beginning with which will be non-restrictive modifiers and should be set off with commas: “The car accident, which occurred at 3 PM , didn't damage my car too badly.” Use commas to offset expressions that interrupt the sentence. Sometimes, prepositional phrases and other phrases interrupt the main sentence, serving as non-restrictive modifiers. If these interruptions are separate from the main subject and verb, separate the interruption phrase with commas to signal to the reader that this information is inessential. For example, here is an example of a prepositional phrase acting as an interrupter: “It is, in my opinion, an excellent book.” This phrase isn't crucial to the meaning, and can be taken out without damage to the sentence. Here is another example: “This road, on the other hand , is well-paved and easy to drive.” Direct address also falls into this category. For example, here is a sentence interrupted by a direct address to another person: “That's why I'm appointing you, Thomas , leader of the group.” Understand how restrictive modifiers work. Restrictive modifiers are relative clauses or phrases that are crucial to the meaning of your sentence. They cannot be removed without damaging the sense of your sentence. Here is an example of a restrictive modifier in a sentence: “Drivers who exceed the speed limit are reckless.” This clause is essential to the meaning of the sentence and cannot be removed. Here is another example of a restrictive modifier: “The song named “Roar" is popular; the song named “Latte Love" that I made up yesterday is not.'' While these modifiers do offer additional information, they cannot be removed without obliterating the sentence's meaning: “The song [??] is popular; the song [??] that I made up yesterday is not.” Avoid using commas with restrictive modifiers. Because they are essential to the meaning of your sentence, setting off these clauses or phrases with commas will interfere with the clarity of your sentence. In almost all cases, a clause beginning with the relative pronoun that will be restrictive and should not be set off with commas: “The car accident that I had yesterday will really raise my insurance bill.” Use FANBOYS to help you remember the coordinating conjunctions. Coordinating conjunctions serve as connections within a sentence. The coordinating conjunctions in English are For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So. Use commas before coordinating conjunctions that link independent clauses. An independent clause is part of a sentence that has its own subject and verb. It can stand on its own as a sentence. You should always use a comma when a FANBOYS conjunction connects two independent clauses. Here is an example of a FANBOYS conjunction connecting two independent clauses: “I checked out three books from the library, but now I find it impossible to read them all.” If you removed the conjunction, each clause would stand as its own sentence. This conjunction does not connect two independent clauses: “Bai discovered he had everything he needed but a pencil.” The last part of the sentence cannot stand on its own. Pay attention to the grammar of the sentence. The presence of a conjunction does not necessarily require a comma. Only independent clauses need to have the comma between them. For example, if your sentence joins only two words with a conjunction, do not use a comma: “Give me all the bacon and eggs you have.” If your sentence uses “for” as a preposition to join a dependent clause, do not use a comma: “I'm saving money for a Hawaiian vacation.” If your sentence uses “so” to emphasize another word, do not use a comma: “The teacher was so tired of grading bad essays.” If your sentence uses “so” in the phrase “so that,” do not use a comma: “Elena knew that she should eat her breakfast so that she would not be hungry later.” Use a comma after most introductory adverbs. Adverbs often end with the suffix -ly and modify verbs or adjectives. Adverbs are sometimes used at the beginning of sentences to explain how something happened or felt, especially in informal writing. Common examples include generally, usually, and fortunately. For example, here is a sentence that begins with an introductory adverb: “ Unsurprisingly , the one day I forgot my umbrella was the day it rained.” Adverbs such as when and while usually introduce a restrictive modifier and should usually not be set off by commas. Commas should be used to offset introductory adverbs that modify the entire sentence, not ones that modify a single element of the sentence (such as the verb). Use a comma after introductory words. One-word introductory elements include words such as no, yes, and well , and are separated by a comma from the main clause when they begin a sentence. Here is an example of an introductory word beginning a sentence: “ No , I cannot come over this morning.” Here is an example of well as an introductory word: “ Well , I'd love a second piece of cake, but I'm on a diet.” Why can also be used as an introductory word, but be careful: it should only be set off by a comma when it is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. The comma in the sentence “ Why , that's amazing!” is correct. However, you would not use a comma in this sentence: “Why couldn't you come over this morning?” Use a comma after an introductory transition. Introductory transitions help guide the reader from one sentence to another, and they should be set off from the sentence by a comma. Common introductory transitions include However , Furthermore , Nevertheless , and Meanwhile. Introductory transitions may also take the form of phrases, such as In addition and Despite this ___. Set them apart with commas too. Use a comma after an introductory phrase more than 3 words. These phrases add information to a sentence, but do not have a subject and verb that are separate from the subject and verb in the main clause of the sentence. If the introduction is less than 3 words, a comma is considered optional. Common introductory phrases include participial phrases (phrases that function as adjectives to describe something in the main clause), prepositional phrases, and infinitive phrases (beginning with infinitive verbs [ to eat, to listen , etc.]). For example, this is a participial phrase: “ Grasping the sword with both hands , Lancelot swung with all his might.” Grasping the sword with both hands modifies Lancelot, the subject of the main sentence. This is an example of a prepositional phrase: “ Throughout the evening , she enjoyed many pleasant conversations at the party.” Here is an example of an infinitive phrase beginning a sentence: “ To win the election , the senatorial candidate has spent more money than anyone else.” Don't mistake gerunds (verbal nouns with -ing endings) for an introductory participial phrase. For example, you would not use a comma in this sentence: “ Writing with perfect grammar is difficult but achievable.” The gerund phrase Writing with perfect grammar is the subject of the sentence. Use a comma to separate an absolute phrase. An absolute phrase, also called a nominative absolute, modifies the entire sentence. While they usually come before the rest of the sentence, they may also come after the main clause. An absolute phrase usually has its own subject and is generally formed with a "noun" and a "participle" (an "-ing" or "-ed" word). Here is an example of an absolute phrase beginning a sentence: “ Her homework completed , Sujata left to meet her friends.” Here is an example of an absolute phrase concluding a sentence: “The couple hurried home, the cold nipping at their faces. ” This phrase modifies the entire main clause before it. Use a comma to separate an adverb clause. Adverbial clauses begin with subordinating conjunctions , which connect the clause to the main sentence. Adverbial clauses are always dependent because of these conjunctions, and they cannot stand on their own. They may be placed at the beginning of the sentence or elsewhere. Common subordinating conjunctions include because, although, whereas, unless and since. For example, here is an adverb clause that begins a sentence: “ Because your input at the group meetings is always creative and insightful , I'm putting you in charge of the project.” Here is an adverb clause later in a sentence: “Joe decided not to ride on the roller coaster, even though he enjoyed it , because he had just eaten a huge chili dog.” Use commas to separate things in a list or series. If you have a series of three or more items, use commas to separate each item. For example, here is a list separated by commas: “At the store I will buy apples , oranges , pears , and bananas.” Do not place commas before or after the list or series. This comma usage is incorrect, as shown in this example: “At the store I will buy , apples, oranges, pears, and bananas , to make fruit salad tonight.” Do not use commas when all the items in a series are linked by and , or , or nor. For example, here is a list of items linked by and : “Kyle and Spike and Brenda and Willow all went to the concert.” If all of the items in your series are phrases instead of single words, or if the items in your list contain commas, it is acceptable to use semicolons to separate the items instead of commas: “You have a choice of two breakfasts: granola, orange juice, and coffee, which is fairly cheap; or bacon, sausage, and eggs, which is more expensive.” Understand the “Oxford Comma. ” The Oxford comma (also known as the Harvard comma) is a comma placed before the final item in a list or series. It is the topic of some debate, with some people advocating against it and others insisting that it always be used. The goal of the Oxford comma is clarity, so use it when the last two items in your series should be clearly separated. For example, consider this sentence: “I would like to dedicate this book to my parents, my professor and John F. Kennedy. ” With this punctuation, it looks as though your parents are your professor and John F. Kennedy. Using the Oxford comma will prevent this confusion: “I would like to dedicate this book to my parents, my professor, and John F. Kennedy. ” Using an Oxford comma will never be grammatically incorrect, so if you're unsure whether you need it, use it anyway. Use commas between two or more adjectives of equal weight that independently modify a noun. Here's how to know whether the adjectives are functioning independently: If you could insert the word "and" between the adjectives without changing the meaning of the sentence (or producing gibberish), they are functioning independently and a comma should separate them. For example, here is a sentence with a series of adjectives that is punctuated correctly: People who purposefully misuse grammar are brutish, irresponsible, mean-spirited troglodytes who mangle our beautiful, versatile language. Some word pairs act as a single word ( disc jockey , young man ). Commas are not necessary with these. Do not use a comma if the adjectives are joined by a conjunction! Do not use a comma if the adjectives are of unequal weight; for example, if one of the adjectives is a color or number and the other is a quality, you would not use a comma. For example, "I have a big red wagon" would not take commas, while "I have a rusty, well-loved wagon" would. Use a comma to separate dates and addresses. Each of the elements in a date (weekday, month and day, and year) should be separated by a comma. Also use a comma to separate the elements in an address, or when referring to a city and state or country. For example, you would use a comma in this sentence: “I love to visit Tokyo , Japan.” Here is an example of correct comma usage for a date: “This WikiHow was written on Monday, May 14th, 2007, in Maryland.” When only the month and year appear, do NOT use a comma: “I wrote this article sometime in May 2007.” Here is an example of correct comma usage for an address: “Her new address is 1234 Main Street, Anytown, Maryland, 12345.” When the elements of the address are joined by a preposition, no commas are needed: “It is on Highway 10 near Pensacola in Florida.” Use a comma at the salutation and close of a letter. The salutation is the greeting at the beginning of a letter, such as "Dear John." The closing greeting should also be set off with a comma: "Sincerely yours, Hakim." When writing business letters, it is customary to use a colon rather than a comma: "To Whom It May Concern: [body of letter]" | Do not use a comma just because your sentence is long. Avoid using commas to signify pauses. Do not always use a comma with a person’s name. Understand that commas are complex but manageable. Understand what a relative clause is. Understand how non-restrictive modifiers work. Use commas with non-restrictive modifiers. Use commas to offset expressions that interrupt the sentence. Understand how restrictive modifiers work. Avoid using commas with restrictive modifiers. Use FANBOYS to help you remember the coordinating conjunctions. Use commas before coordinating conjunctions that link independent clauses. Pay attention to the grammar of the sentence. Use a comma after most introductory adverbs. Use a comma after introductory words. Use a comma after an introductory transition. Use a comma after an introductory phrase more than 3 words. Use a comma to separate an absolute phrase. Use a comma to separate an adverb clause. Use commas to separate things in a list or series. Understand the “Oxford Comma. Use commas between two or more adjectives of equal weight that independently modify a noun. Use a comma to separate dates and addresses. Use a comma at the salutation and close of a letter. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Learn-When-to-Separate-Hamsters | How to Learn When to Separate Hamsters | To learn when to separate hamsters, start by watching for signs of weaning, which usually begin around 10 days after birth. When the mother begins discouraging the pups from nursing, you'll know that the hamsters are almost ready to be separated! While the pups are being weaned, provide solid food for them that has been soaked in water and make sure it's easily accessible to even the smallest pups. At 4 weeks old, the pups should be fully weaned and are ready to be separated. Small or unhealthy pups may need to stay with the mother for a little longer, but be sure to separate them from her by 10 weeks at the absolute latest. | Know when a new litter is born. Hopefully, you've already noticed that your hamster is pregnant. She will usually develop a pear shape, and she hasn't been moving around very much. Or, she may seem aggressive and restless—moving around quite a bit. Hamster pregnancies last 16-22 days, depending on the species. Check the cage each day and mark on your calendar the day that the baby hamsters appear. Keep the mother in a safe, quiet environment. Make sure she has plenty of nesting material, such as aspen shavings. This helps the mother feel safe, and lowers the possibility that she will abandon or eat her young. Leave new mothers undisturbed for 7 days. Make sure the mother has plenty of food and water that is easily accessible. Watch for weaning. Pups will try to nurse for several weeks, but the mother will start to discourage them after 10 days to 2 weeks. Weaning is a sign that the hamsters are almost ready to be separated. Provide adequate food for weaned babies. When the pups are being weaned, provide some solid food that has been soaked in water. This can be pellets or other commercial hamster food. Make sure the food and water are accessible to even the smallest pups. Remove pups at 4 weeks. By now, the pups should all be eating solid food. You can remove them from the mother's company safely. If some of the pups are particularly small or unhealthy, they may need to stay with the mother for an extra week. Hamsters should be separated from the mother by 10 weeks at the latest. Separate hamsters into pairs, or alone. Syrian (or Golden) hamsters cannot be housed in pairs. They must be kept alone or they will become territorial and fight. Create a comfortable home for both hamsters. It's important that they have enough personal space. Two hamsters will need double the space of one hamster. Having two connected cages can cause territorial issues. Make it impossible for one hamster to trap the other. Boxes or houses must have at least two exits. Tubes should not be too long and should not contain blind corners. Look for signs of a positive relationship. Signs of a good relationship are sleeping, eating, and playing together. You can also look to see if the hamsters are grooming each other. Hamsters are very active at night, so it's possible you may not see them play together during the day. Look for signs of injury or bullying. If any squabbling and fighting occurs, If a hamster is bleeding or appears weak or wounded, you need to separate the hamsters immediately. Enlarge their living space. Sometimes hamsters fight because they do not have enough space. If your hamsters are not getting along, you can try giving them more space before separating them. Make sure there is plenty of healthy bedding now that the space is larger. Giving them a larger space may not solve the problem. Keep an eye out to make sure that the hamsters aren't hurting each other in the new space. Separate the hamsters if the relationship has not improved. You need to remove one of the hamsters before things get dangerous. When the hamsters are relaxed, reach into the cage and remove one of the hamsters. The separated hamster will need a new home with plenty of bedding and things to play with. The hamsters can be kept near each other, but make sure they cannot physically reach each other. Keep hamsters separated from now on. Sometimes people try to reintroduce hamsters after separating them. Do not do this. There is a high likelihood that the hamsters will recognize each other as threats rather than old friends. You may choose to introduce new hamsters to the cages, depending on the species of hamster. Know the species of your hamster. If you don't know what species your hamster is, check with your local pet store or with a veterinarian. Some species of hamster must always be housed alone. Syrian hamsters must be housed alone. Never place hamsters of different species together. Know the sex of your hamster. Telling the sex of a hamster is usually rather easy. Males have very noticeable testicles underneath their tails. When pairing hamsters, always choose two hamsters of the same sex, unless you're an experienced breeder. Female pairings are more likely to work. Male pairings more often lead to conflict. Try housing your hamster alone. You can place your hamster in a cage by themselves and see if they seem active and happy. Hamsters housed alone should get plenty of playtime with you. Look for signs of positive companionship and of competition. Separate hamsters if necessary. If the hamsters fight continuously and do not exhibit positive ways of relating, you may need to house them alone once more. | Know when a new litter is born. Keep the mother in a safe, quiet environment. Watch for weaning. Provide adequate food for weaned babies. Remove pups at 4 weeks. Separate hamsters into pairs, or alone. Create a comfortable home for both hamsters. Look for signs of a positive relationship. Look for signs of injury or bullying. Enlarge their living space. Separate the hamsters if the relationship has not improved. Keep hamsters separated from now on. Know the species of your hamster. Know the sex of your hamster. Try housing your hamster alone. Separate hamsters if necessary. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Leatherette | How to Clean Leatherette | To clean spills on leatherette, wipe them up immediately with a damp cotton or wool cloth. For stains, first use a little mild soap and warm water to wipe the entire leatherette surface. Then “rinse” it by going over it again with a little warm water before drying it completely with a cloth. If you're just trying to keep your leatherette day-to-day clean, you can use the soft brush attachment on your vacuum to go over the surface. For your smaller leatherette items, dust them with a dry cloth or wipe them with a damp one. | Vacuum loose debris from the surface. Use a soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner and vacuum the entire surface. Pay particular attention to seams and hard to reach areas. Dust, dirt, and crumbs can collect in these crevices and scratch the material if they are not removed. Dust leatherette surfaces. If you are cleaning a leatherette wallet, shoes, or purse it may be difficult to vacuum it to remove dust or crumbs. Instead, you can dust the surface using a dry cloth. Wipe the entire leatherette surface so that there is no dust or dirt remaining. Wipe with a damp cloth regularly. It is a good idea to routinely clean leatherette using a damp cloth. This will help remove any spills that may have occurred and can help to keep the surface clean after general use. Wipe up spills immediately. If you spill on a leatherette surface, the best thing to do is wipe up the spill immediately using a damp cotton or wool cloth. This will help to prevent the development of stains. For example, if your child spills juice on your leatherette car interior, you can dip a cotton cloth in water, wring out the water so the cloth is damp, and then wipe down the surface with the cloth. Once the spill has been wiped up, dry the leatherette using a clean dry cloth. Combine mild soap with warm water. In some cases you may not be able to remove a stain by simply wiping the leatherette with warm water. In these cases you will need to use a soap and water mixture. In a small bowl, combine warm water with a tablespoon of mild dish soap or hand soap. Wipe down the surface with a cloth. Then, dip a soft cloth into the water and soap mixture and wring it out so that the cloth is damp, but not dripping wet. Using the damp cloth, wipe the entire leatherette surface with soapy water. Rinse the surface with warm water. After you have wiped the entire surface with soapy water, take a new cloth and dip it in a bowl of plain water. Wring out the towel so that it is damp, but not dripping wet. Once the cloth is wet, wipe the entire leatherette surface. This will help to rinse away any soap that remains on the leatherette. Dry with a cloth. Once the leatherette has been rinsed, use a clean dry cloth to dry the surface. Rub the cloth over the entire surface until it is completely dry. Dip a cotton swab into the soap. Use a cotton swab to clean hard-to-reach areas. For example, some couches may have buttons or grooves that are difficult to clean with a regular cloth. Dip a cotton swab into the soap and water solution or directly into the soap. Clean around buttons, zippers, and seams. Use the cotton swab to clean around buttons, zippers, and seams. Cotton swabs have small ends that can reach into tiny crevices. As a result, this is a great way to access those hard to reach places. Avoid cleaning with water directly along a seam. You don't want the water to get under the fabric because it could damage the material. Dry with a cloth. Once you have fully cleaned the leatherette, dry it using a clean dry cloth. Rub the cloth in a circular motion around the entire surface. | Vacuum loose debris from the surface. Dust leatherette surfaces. Wipe with a damp cloth regularly. Wipe up spills immediately. Combine mild soap with warm water. Wipe down the surface with a cloth. Rinse the surface with warm water. Dry with a cloth. Dip a cotton swab into the soap. Clean around buttons, zippers, and seams. Dry with a cloth. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-a-Soccer-Position | How to Choose a Soccer Position | Choosing the best soccer position for you will depend on what skills you have. For example, if you're fast, you might be a great striker. Alternatively, if you have great reflexes, you should consider trying the goalie position. If you want to frustrate the other team, a midfield defender might be the choice for you. No matter what position you choose, spend time practicing every position, since great players often play a little of everything. | Understand that your position will depend on your coach's style of play. The formation your coach prefers can also influence your position. Formation refers to your team's lineup and is represented by a series of numbers starting from the defenders. So, the phrase "4-4-2" means your team has 4 defenders, 4 midfielders, and 2 forwards. A 3-5-2 would have 3 defenders, 5 midfielders, and 2 forwards. Your team's formation is easiest to see right at kick-off. Where everyone starts will dictate their roles and responsibilities. Jump in as a defender if you're strong, smart, and composed. Great defenders may not get the glory, but they win games. A good defender reads the game and the offense to cut out threats before they get near goal. They are confident and physical, muscling off attackers to win the ball either in the air or on the ground. If you love frustrating the other team, leaving them empty-handed, be a defender. Natural defenders may be: Tall and strong, holding their own against big forwards. Smart and confident, knowing when to step and make a tackle and when to wait. Good at crosses and clearances from both feet. Effective communicators with teammates and other defenders. Tireless, hunting down attackers throughout the entire game. Play in the midfield if you're a good passer who can run for days. Midfielders are the all-around players who must do a bit of everything—tackle, pass, shoot, hold the ball, etc. Their most important job is to keep the team together, organizing the attack and distributing the ball from the backs up to the forwards. In general, midfielders: Run up and down the field for long periods. Pass accurately at both long and short distances. Remain composed and calm with the ball. Play effectively with both left and right feet as dribblers, shooters, and passers. Understand both defense and offensive strategies and tactics. Become a forward if you're big, fast, and love to score. Forwards, sometimes known as strikers, have one job: score. To do so, they tend to be big and/or fast players. They must be excellent in the air and have a high top speed to beat defenders to the ball. Good strikers are great shooters, both from the ground and out of the air, and they have an aggressive mentality that aims to score at any opportunity. Strikers prioritize: One-on-one moves and tricks to beat defenders. Bursts of speed and power to win the ball and shoot. Quick, accurate shots from anywhere near the box. Strong aerial play to win crosses and clearances. Try out goalie if you have excellent reflexes and hand-eye coordination. Good goalkeepers are like cats, pouncing on the ball the second after it leaves an attacker's foot. Goalies need to be able to read the entire field and communicate well with their teammates. They must also be smart, confident players, knowing when to come out and snag a cross and when to stay in goal and wait for a shot. If you're good with your hands and quick off your feet, consider being a keeper. Remember that being a keeper isn't just about your hands—it is about rapid, split-second jumps and leaps to block shots. Learn to play many areas of the field to find your perfect position. While the advice above is a good start, you won't know your best position until you've played all of them. Furthermore, the best players in the world can play a little bit of everything and understand the entire field, not just one spot. While body type and style are key, the most important part of choosing a position is feeling comfortable and effective. Until you are 11-12, there is no need to pick one position, just play everywhere. In practice or pick-up games with friends, try to move around a lot. What feels comfortable? What do you enjoy playing? Lionel Messi, based on body type, should not be a striker—he is much too small. But his incredible quickness, foot-skills, and intelligence helped him become one of the world's best scorers. Play center back if you're big, strong, and smart. Center backs control the defense and much of the game. You must want the responsibility of directing players to help defend, keep the offside line accurate when necessary, and win every cross or shot put into the box that the goalie doesn't call for. Center defenders are all-around players, but they must be big enough to challenge for every header and muscle attackers off the ball. Center backs must have a high soccer intelligence, knowing when to step up and attack. They also need to know when to speed up or slow down play. When they get the ball, center backs must be able to locate and distribute to the midfield. While speed is important, it is more important to be able to read and win tackles. Play outside back if you have a good top speed and like to join the attack occasionally. Outside backs need to be able to run down and tackle some of the field's fastest players and tend to have the speed and physicality to do so. Furthermore, outside backs will often sprint up the field during openings and counterattacks, creating an "overload" where there are more offensive players than defensive. Most outside defense is one-on-one, meaning smart tackling is a must. Outside backs tend to be good crossers, hitting long balls up and into the box when on offense. While all positions should work on both feet, outside backs can often get away with a much stronger single foot. Work with your coach and other defenders to nail down specific positions and responsibilities. Within these 3 positions, there is a lot of variability. This is why communication is so crucial. For example, with two center backs, are you both going to float around the middle, or is one person responsible for the left side and one for the right? Your position is much more than where you start on the field, it is how you must move around it depending on the type of offense you're playing: If an outside back attacks, should a center backslide over to fill the empty space or will a midfielder drop back? Who covers people on corners and set pieces. Is there a taller or more effective aerial player who might mark up on crosses even if they aren't a center back? Note that your coach will explain all this in detail so you know exactly what to do. Work in the central midfield if you want to dictate both offensive and defensive strategies. Central midfielders are some of the quickest thinking players on the field. They are always in the action, trying to win the ball back in the midfield and starting the offensive maneuvers. If a team can't control the center of the field they rarely win—and this is your primary responsibility. You should be able to control and accurately pass the ball in 1-2 touches every time. Center-mid is likely the most tiring position on the field. Endurance is key. Tight, controlled foot-skills are a must. Play defensive midfield if you're calm, composed, and effective under any kind of pressure. Defensive midfielders sit back a bit on offense, not because they don't attack, but because they can see the entire field. Furthermore, they come back and plug up any holes or unmarked attackers on defense, making them all-over players with a lot of responsibility. On offense you'll often be tasked with getting backward passes and changing the field, hitting a ball over the top, or slowing down the attack to reorganize. On defense you need to clog up the center of the field to make attacks difficult. You want to win the ball back from their midfielders and get counter-attacks started quickly. Play offensive midfield if you like quick combinations and long-range shots. Sitting between the strikers and the center midfield (or, often, a single defensive midfielder), offensive midfielders play lots of 1-2 touch passes with their teammates to break down defenses and get shots off. They also shoot and put the ball over the top a lot from outside the box, which generally pulls the defense forward to make more room for your strikers. Offensive midfield is a hybrid position that is highly dependent on your coach's system. Some coaches like them to hold in the center of the field, making the "last pass" to a striker, while others want you to play as another forward who also gets back on defense. Play outside midfield, or "wing," if you can run for days and days at a high speed. Outside midfielders need speed and the stamina to keep it up. As a winger your job is to get to the end line and hit a cross into the strikers, or cut in near the box and fire off shots from the outside. However, it is also your job to mark the opposing outside mid, meaning you'll be running end to end all match. Being able to position yourself correctly in order to get a cross off from the sideline into the center of the field is an essential skill. Wingers tend to have decent tricks and one-on-one moves as well, helping beat their one defender and get a cross or shot off. You must have good, tight foot skills to keep the ball near the lines. You'll run straight at the defenders, challenging them quickly for long balls or passes with very little room for error. Become a center striker if you're big, strong, and can finish from anywhere. The center striker, on most teams, is the top goal scorer. They must be aggressive towards goal, with a wicked shot as well as the ability to put any sort of pass or cross on goal no matter the body part. They use their strength to hold off defenders and keep the ball, either to turn and shoot or to wait for support to arrive. Forward players should be strong and accurate with both feet. Center strikers must be confident with their back to goal, even if there is a defender on them. Moves, tricks, and quick bursts of speed are all important weapons to blow by defenders. You must not only shoot well but quickly. You should be able to fire off a shot with only a little bit of free space. Play outside striker if you've got talented moves and lots of speed. Outside striker systems often don't have outside midfielders, meaning the outside striker has space to beat one defender and attack the goal. They are good crossers and good in the air, getting lots of balls from the striker on the other side of the field and sending others over. They tend to have good endurance, too, as they defensively cover the field back to half-field or further. Speed and quickness, as well as controlled foot skills at high speed, are highly recommended. Work with your partner in a paired system to stagger two strikers. A frequent striker combination is to have two center forwards up together. But forwards are never effective when they're taking up the same space—they work best when they are staggered with one above the other. The striker near goal holds the ball up, facing half-field, to draw defenders in. This creates space for the lower striker to get the ball facing goal, taking more shots. When staggered, the top striker is usually the bigger one. They win the ball out of the air, hold it, then play off to the lower striker. The lower striker is usually quicker, turning and facing goal with quick passes and moves and using the high striker as support. Both strikers are in constant rotation as the attack builds and teammates move into the attacking third. | Understand that your position will depend on your coach's style of play. Jump in as a defender if you're strong, smart, and composed. Play in the midfield if you're a good passer who can run for days. Become a forward if you're big, fast, and love to score. Try out goalie if you have excellent reflexes and hand-eye coordination. Learn to play many areas of the field to find your perfect position. Play center back if you're big, strong, and smart. Play outside back if you have a good top speed and like to join the attack occasionally. Work with your coach and other defenders to nail down specific positions and responsibilities. Work in the central midfield if you want to dictate both offensive and defensive strategies. Play defensive midfield if you're calm, composed, and effective under any kind of pressure. Play offensive midfield if you like quick combinations and long-range shots. Play outside midfield, or "wing," if you can run for days and days at a high speed. Become a center striker if you're big, strong, and can finish from anywhere. Play outside striker if you've got talented moves and lots of speed. Work with your partner in a paired system to stagger two strikers. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Coronavirus-Proof-Your-Home | How to Coronavirus Proof Your Home | By keeping high-touch surfaces clean and following best practices when you run errands or have things delivered, you can help coronavirus proof your home. Wash and disinfect surfaces in your home daily, like doorknobs, light switches, tables, counters, remote controls, railings, toilet seats, sinks, and trash can lids. Wash your laundry on the warmest possible setting with detergent, and disinfect your hamper between uses so your clean clothes don't come into contact with the virus. When you go shopping for food or other essentials, remember to wear a mask and stay at least 6 feet away from others. Disinfect your phone, credit card, and keys when you get home. You should also change out of the clothes you were wearing and shower if someone in your home is high-risk. If you have anything delivered, ask the delivery person to leave it outside your door. Remember to wash your hands after picking up mail or delivered items. | Put on disposable gloves before cleaning and disinfecting. Wearing gloves can protect your skin from harsh cleansers and disinfectants. Use disposable gloves made from a waterproof material, such as rubber, vinyl, nitrile, or latex. When you're done cleaning and disinfecting, throw the gloves away immediately in a lined garbage can. If you don't have disposable gloves, wash your reusable gloves in soap and water or wipe them with a disinfectant wipe between uses. Use the gloves only when cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that might have been exposed to the coronavirus so that you don't potentially contaminate other areas in your home. Some types of gloves, such as natural rubber, can be damaged by alcohol. Try to stick to using butyl or nitrile gloves if you're going to disinfect surfaces (or the gloves themselves) with an alcohol-based disinfectant. Wash dirty, high-touch surfaces with soap and water daily. Before you disinfect any surface, clean away any obvious dirt, grime, or grease with soap or detergent and clean water. If you notice any loose debris, such as crumbs or grit, sweep or vacuum it up before using soap and water. Wash surfaces that people regularly come into contact with, such as: Doorknobs Light switches Kitchen tables and counters Remote controls Railings Desks and chairs Toilet seats Sinks and taps Trash can lids Apply an EPA-approved disinfectant to clean surfaces. After cleaning a surface, spray or wipe it down with a disinfectant to sanitize it. Use diluted bleach or any of the disinfectant products on this list compiled by the EPA: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2-covid-19. Some popular EPA-approved disinfectants include Lysol Disinfecting Wipes, Lysol All Purpose Cleaner, Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, Clorox Multipurpose Cleaner + Bleach, and Purell Professional Surface Disinfectant Wipes. Check the label on the product to make sure you know how to use it correctly. Clean electronic items like phones, tablets, and computers with an alcohol-based sanitizer (at least 70% alcohol) and dry them off when you're done. To make a basic bleach solution for disinfecting household surfaces, mix 5 tablespoons (74 mL) of household bleach with 1 gallon (3.8 L) of water. Wipe the area you want to disinfect with enough bleach solution that it will stay visibly wet for at least 1 minute, then let it air dry. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners, since this could create highly toxic chlorine fumes. Always work with bleach in a well-ventilated area. Wait 10 minutes before wiping or rinsing disinfectants away. Many household disinfectants need at least 10 minutes to work properly, though some only need 2-5 minutes. Consult the label on your disinfectant of choice to find out how long it needs to stay on the surface or check the EPA guidelines. Make sure the surface is visibly wet for the required amount of time before you rinse it or wipe it up! You can allow some types of disinfectants, such as isopropyl alcohol or diluted bleach, to air dry. Check the instructions to find out whether it's necessary to wipe or rinse your chosen disinfectant away. Throw away any disposable cleaning materials immediately. When you're done cleaning and disinfecting your home, toss any wipes, paper towels, disposable gloves, sponges, or other disposable cleaning items in a lined trash can. If you used any reusable items, like mops or cleaning cloths, disinfect them before using them again. Wash your hands with soap and water after throwing any cleaning items away. If possible, use no-touch trash cans (such as cans with pedal-operated lids) to dispose of these items. If you plan to reuse any cleaning supplies, only use them to disinfect items that may be contaminated with the COVID virus already. For instance, if someone in your home is sick, you might have a dedicated mop or cleaning rag that you use only for disinfecting their bathroom. Place dirty clothes and linens in a lined hamper. It's not clear how long the coronavirus can last on clothing and other fabric surfaces. Just to be safe, put your dirty clothes, towels, and linens in a hamper with a disposable or washable liner to keep them contained until you can wash them, especially if they may have been exposed to the virus. If you're handling a sick person's clothing, wear disposable gloves if possible. Throw away the gloves and wash your hands with soap and water (particularly if you didn't wear gloves) when you're done. Avoid shaking your laundry so you don’t distribute the virus. When you're handling clothing that may have come into contact with the coronavirus, move it carefully so you don't stir up dust and loose fibers. This could distribute any virus on the items into the air, where you or other people in your home or laundry room could breathe it in. Wash your laundry on the warmest possible setting. Check the tags on your clothes and set your washing machine to the highest possible heat setting that is safe for your garments. Add detergent and launder your clothes and linens as your normally would. If someone in your home is sick, it's okay to wash their clothes, bedsheets, and towels with everyone else's. While their items are still dirty, handle them with gloves on and wash your hands afterward. Research shows that viruses in the coronavirus family are sensitive to humidity and high temperatures. Warm water also helps soaps and detergents wash away germs and viruses more effectively. Dry your clothes thoroughly after washing them. Once your clothes are washed, put them in the dryer on the highest temperature setting that won't damage your items. If your laundry is still damp, restart the dryer to give your clothes enough time to finish drying completely. Place any items that you can't dry in the dryer on a clothesline or drying rack and allow them to air dry completely before using them again. Disinfect your hamper between uses. When your hamper or laundry basket is empty, wipe or spray it down with an EPA-approved disinfectant. Throw away or launder the liner, if you use one. Don't put clean clothes back in a hamper that's been in contact with dirty laundry! Disinfect your hamper and change the liner while your clothes are in the washer or dryer. Designate one person to run most errands. To limit possible exposures to the virus, try not to send multiple people in your home out on shopping trips and other necessary errands. If possible, choose one person to do most of these tasks. Try to select someone who's at relatively low risk of getting seriously ill from the virus, such as a healthy person under the age of 65. If there's nobody in your home who's at low risk of getting sick, try to have items delivered to your home as much as possible, or ask a friend or family member to drop off items for you. Practice good hygiene and social distancing while you’re out. If you take basic steps to protect yourself while you're out and about, you'll reduce the chances of bringing the virus back home. Keep yourself healthy by: Staying at least 6 feet (1.8 m) away from other people while you're in public places. Wiping down the handles of carts or baskets with disinfecting wipes when you go to the store. Most stores provide stations with disinfectant wipes for your hands, carts, and baskets near the store entrance. Washing your hands frequently with soap and water or hand sanitizer during and after errands. Keeping your hands away from your face as much as possible. Paying with a card instead of cash if possible to minimize contact with store employees. Going to the store at times when it's less likely to be busy (such as early in the morning or late at night). Wear a mask when you're in public. The CDC recommends that everyone wear a cloth face-covering around other people. This is especially important when you go to a grocery store or other area where it can be tough to stay 6 feet (1.8 m) away from other people. Don't put a mask on a child younger than 2, as it may make it more difficult for them to breathe. Similarly, if you have trouble breathing or can't remove the mask yourself, don't wear one. Don't worry about disinfecting your groceries when you get home. Although you may have heard that you should disinfect your food packaging, the CDC doesn't recommend it. There's no evidence that suggests that the virus spreads this way. If you have fresh produce, rinse it off with cool water. The FDA doesn't recommend using detergent or produce wash. Disinfect your counters after putting your groceries away. Wash your hands and disinfect your phone, credit card, and keys. If you took your phone out while you were out, there's a possibility that it came into contact with the coronavirus. Wash your hands, then turn off your phone and wipe it down with a microfiber cloth and some hand sanitizer or soap and water. Wipe down your car and house keys with a disinfectant wipe, such as isopropyl alcohol wipes (at least 60% alcohol) or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes. Disinfect your credit card, too. Never spray any disinfectant directly on your phone or submerge it in water or other liquids. If you wipe it down with soap and water, the cloth you use should be damp but not dripping wet. Avoid using tissues or paper towels on your phone, since they could scratch up the screen. Change your clothes if someone if your home is high-risk. You don't have to shower and change your clothes after running errands. However, if you have kids that are likely to touch your clothes or put their face on them, you might want to change. If someone in your household is high-risk, then showering and changing is a good precaution to take. Take off your shoes as soon as you come in and leave them by the door. You can also disinfect them by wiping down the outer surface with disinfecting wipes or spraying them with a little Lysol. Pay and leave tips online or over the phone if possible. Having food and groceries delivered to your home is relatively safe, but it's still important to minimize contact with people from outside your home as much as possible. If you order items for delivery, pay and tip electronically if those options are available. That way, you won't have to exchange any money with your delivery person directly. If you pay with cash, wash your hands afterward. It's possible that the coronavirus could survive on money and spread between people that way. Ask delivery people to leave items outside your door. Many grocery delivery services give you the option to specify that deliveries can be left on your doorstep or in some other specific area outside your home. If you have this option, take advantage of it so that you don't have to interact directly with your delivery person. If possible, stay at least 6 feet (1.8 m) away from delivery people if you must interact. For example, you might ask them to set their clipboard on your doorstep and then step away for a moment while you sign for your delivery. Wash your hands after picking up mail or delivered items. After you take mail out of your mailbox, pick up packages left outside your home, or receive a delivery, wash your hands with soap and water. This will help protect you from any coronavirus particles that might be lingering on the packaging. If soap and water aren't readily available, you can also clean your hands with sanitizing wipes or an alcohol-based gel hand sanitizer. You don't need to dispose of or disinfect food packaging, as there's no evidence that the virus spreads this way. If it makes you feel better, though, you can wipe down delivered items and let them air-dry. | Put on disposable gloves before cleaning and disinfecting. Wash dirty, high-touch surfaces with soap and water daily. Apply an EPA-approved disinfectant to clean surfaces. Wait 10 minutes before wiping or rinsing disinfectants away. Throw away any disposable cleaning materials immediately. Place dirty clothes and linens in a lined hamper. Avoid shaking your laundry so you don’t distribute the virus. Wash your laundry on the warmest possible setting. Dry your clothes thoroughly after washing them. Disinfect your hamper between uses. Designate one person to run most errands. Practice good hygiene and social distancing while you’re out. Wear a mask when you're in public. Don't worry about disinfecting your groceries when you get home. Wash your hands and disinfect your phone, credit card, and keys. Change your clothes if someone if your home is high-risk. Pay and leave tips online or over the phone if possible. Ask delivery people to leave items outside your door. Wash your hands after picking up mail or delivered items. |
https://www.wikihow.health/Stop-Insomnia | How to Stop Insomnia | To stop insomnia, try to exercise for at least 1 hour every day, even if it's just going for a walk, since daily exercise can help you sleep more soundly. Also, avoid eating and drinking caffeine or alcohol before bed since it can interfere with your quality of sleep. You should also try to adopt a consistent sleep schedule since going to bed and waking up at the same times every day helps your body get a better night's rest. | Follow a sleep schedule. Going to bed at the same time each night and waking up at the same time each morning can help you get more restful sleep. Having a sleep schedule allows your body's internal clock to regulate itself, which can help you fall asleep and stay asleep with less effort. Choose a bedtime that is realistic for your lifestyle. If you know you function best early in the morning, try getting up early and going to bed early. Try to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Life gets hectic and this can be difficult, but you'll see positive benefits for your overall health. Avoid sleeping in, even on weekends. While it's tempting to grab some extra zzz's on Sunday mornings, you're actually doing yourself harm. Instead of trying to sleep later, choose a relaxing activity for weekend mornings. Have brunch with friends or go for a leisurely walk. Try not to fall asleep on the couch. Many people are prone to dozing after dinner. This can disrupt your sleep schedule and keep you from falling asleep later. If you need a pick-me-up after your nighttime meal, do something mildly active, such as doing the dishes or phoning a friend. Create a peaceful sleep environment. Where you sleep has a big impact on how well you sleep. It's important to create an atmosphere that is conducive to restful sleep. This means you want the temperature and the sounds that are right for you. Research shows that a cool bedroom is most conducive to sleep. Try to make sure that your room is a comfortable 65 degrees. Your mattress, pillows, and bedding all affect your ability to fall asleep. Find a mattress that offers plenty of support. Your pillow should also support your head and neck. Sheets and blankets should not be scratchy. They should feel smooth and cool against your skin. Turn off the electronics. Watching television as you fall asleep can keep your mind racing. You should also avoid taking your laptop to bed or looking at your phone while you try to fall asleep. The light from the screen can cause you to stay awake. Find the right noises. White noise can be soothing and help stop insomnia. Try sleeping with a fan on or consider investing in a sound machine. Relax. Many people who suffer from insomnia are also suffering from some type of anxiety. Maybe you are worried about money or you have a big project coming up at work. Try quieting your mind before heading to bed. It's difficult, but if you stop worrying, you can sleep better. Try making a list. Write down all of the things you need to do tomorrow. Then set the list aside. Your brain will feel more settled that you have acknowledged your tasks and will be more likely to stop racing. Try not to stress if you are wide awake when you should be sleeping. Instead of staring at the clock and worrying about lack of sleep, give yourself permission to get up. Do something relaxing, such as a few yoga poses. You could also read for a little bit. You'll be more likely to become sleepy if you stop worrying about it. Exercise regularly. Regular physical activity may help you sleep better. Research shows that moderate exercise each day will help you feel less stress. When you are less anxious, you will sleep more soundly. Try to be active for at least 60 minutes each day, with about 30 minutes of moderate exertion. You could do a low impact activity such as swimming or walking. Don't exercise within a few hours of your ideal bedtime. Your adrenaline will be flowing and you'll have a harder time falling asleep. Watch your diet. There is a clear connection between eating healthy and quality sleep. To stop insomnia, try to eat a balanced diet that is low in saturated fats and added sugars. You should also aim to stop eating a few hours before you go to bed. Avoid caffeine for seven hours before bed. This includes coffee, sodas, and chocolate. Stop drinking alcohol three hours before bedtime. A glass of wine after dinner might help you relax, but it's effects will interfere with the quality of your sleep. Talk to your doctor. A lot of people think that having trouble sleeping is a common problem that cannot be fixed. While it is common, insomnia is also a cause for concern. Speak to your doctor if you find yourself regularly having trouble sleeping. She can help you figure out if there is something in your medical history that is causing your sleep problems. Take notes with you. Write down important information about when you sleep, for how long, and the time it typically takes you to fall asleep. Your doctor can use this information to help determine the cause of your insomnia. Consider medication. Depending on why you are having trouble sleeping, your doctor may recommend a prescription sleeping pill. This is not the best treatment, as it is treating a symptom rather than the problem. However, sleeping aids can offer a lot of relief and provide you with some much needed rest. Sleeping pills can be prescribed to help you fall asleep, stay asleep, or both. Your doctor may recommend trying pills for a short amount of time and seeing if the problem has resolved itself. Short acting benzodiazepines can also help if you have a problem falling asleep, and long acting benzodiazepines will help if you have a problem staying asleep. If your symptoms persist for more than six months after therapy and medication, then you need to be evaluated for a sleeping disorder. Make sure to discuss possible side effects with your doctor. Participate in a sleep study. If your doctor is unsure what is causing your insomnia, she may recommend that you participate in a sleep study. In most studies, doctors use a polysomnogram (PSG) to help understand your sleep patterns. Typically, you will stay overnight at a sleep center for this type of study. The PSG will monitor your brain waves, heart rate, eye movements, and other vital signs. Make sure that your insurance covers a sleep study. They can be very expensive if you have to pay out of pocket. A sleep study can help determine why you have trouble sleeping. Your doctor will then be able to recommend the most effective treatment. Usually, doctors prescribe Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and medication for sleeping problems. A sleep study is only ordered if the condition does not respond to conventional therapy and medication. Learn the causes. Insomnia is defined as having your sleep disrupted three to four times a week over a period of three months. There are many reasons that people suffer from insomnia. If you can figure out the cause, you'll likely be able to find the best solution for you. Mental health issues are often the cause of insomnia. If you suffer from anxiety or depression, then that could be the reason you are having trouble sleeping. Ask your doctor to recommend a treatment plan. Other causes of insomnia are medical problems, psychiatric illnesses, substance abuse, and sleeping disorders. Certain medications can also cause lack of sleep. Drugs that are used to treat everything from the common cold to asthma can disrupt your sleep patterns. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if one of your medications could be keeping you up. Know the effects. Insomnia isn't something that you should just learn to deal with. It is a serious problem that can have negative effects on your physical and mental health. It's important to understand the overall impact that insomnia can have on your life. Chronic insomnia can have an adverse effect on your ability to think. If you're consistently tired, you'll have a harder time staying mentally sharp and making good decisions. Insomnia can also cause health problems such as stroke, heart disease and diabetes. Lack of sleep can less your sex drive. Try new methods. The most important thing you can do when trying to stop insomnia is not to give up. If one method doesn't help you to fall asleep, try another one. Make changes to your lifestyle and environment. Ask for medical help when you feel you need it. When you stop insomnia, you'll notice a positive impact on your physical and mental health. | Follow a sleep schedule. Create a peaceful sleep environment. Relax. Exercise regularly. Watch your diet. Talk to your doctor. Consider medication. Participate in a sleep study. Learn the causes. Know the effects. Try new methods. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Always-Be-Happy | How to Always Be Happy | If you want to be happy always, avoid comparing yourself to other people and learn to love what makes you unique. Write down a list of things that you love yourself, and read the list whenever your self-esteem is low, and forgive yourself when you make mistakes. In addition, you will be happier if you surround yourself with happy, optimistic, and cheerful people, and avoid people who are always unhappy themselves. | Learn to love yourself. Learning to love yourself is important for happiness because it means that you have accepted yourself for who you truly are. This satisfaction can help increase your contentment and confidence. Write down a list of things that you love about yourself. These could be physical attributes, skills, personality traits, or relationships. Read over this list when your self-esteem is low. Stand in front of a mirror and express your love for yourself. For example, you can say, “I love who I am, and nothing can change that.” In difficult moments, treat yourself as you would your best friend. Whatever you would say to your friend, tell yourself. Tell yourself that you can overcome anything. People often become what they believe themselves to be. If you believe you cannot do something, it makes you incapable of doing it. Instead, remind yourself that you can handle anything. If you're faced with a problem or obstacle, instead of giving up, tell yourself, “I can do this” and treat it as an opportunity to learn something new. Don't be afraid of failure. If you make a mistake, pick yourself back up and try again. Remember that each failure is simply a new learning opportunity. Avoid comparing yourself to other people. Everyone lives life differently, so it is useless to compare yourself to other people. Remind yourself of your own successes, talents, and opportunities. Base your happiness on what you have achieved, not on what others have done. Social media can cause people to compare themselves to others. If this is a problem for you, consider deleting your social media accounts or reducing how much time you spend on social media. Forgive yourself when you make mistakes. When you do something wrong, treat yourself the way you would treat a friend in the situation. Don't dwell on the mistake, but make a commitment to do better in the future. Establish balance in your work, relationships, and hobbies. Balance is important in all aspects of your life. Give yourself enough time to devote to your work, social life, family activities, personal interests, exercise, and relaxation time. If you struggle with creating a work-life balance, try making a daily schedule. Block off time for relaxation and social activities, and don't let work run into that time. Try implementing daily self-care practices in your routine. Give yourself a bubble bath, go for a run, or paint a picture. Do something that helps you relax. Practice positive thinking. Whenever you find yourself thinking something negative like “I can't do this” or “what an awful day,” stop yourself. Change your thought to something positive, such as “I can do this if I put my mind to it” or “ This day is only going to get better.” To help remind yourself to think positively, stick motivational messages on your phone, computer, mirror, or wallet. These might say something like “you're awesome” or “you can achieve your dreams.” Give compliments to yourself. Praise yourself for your efforts and your achievement, even for small successes. Remind yourself how strong, talented, or hard-working you are. For example, you can tell yourself, "You did so well getting everything done today! Great job!" It can help to write compliments things down, either in a journal or on the computer. Give yourself rewards when you've accomplished something big. Take yourself out to dinner, buy yourself something special, or do something fun with loved ones. Smile when you feel down. Just the act of smiling can make you feel better. When you're stressed, anxious, or upset, try smiling. A real smile, when you crinkle your eyes, will boost your mood and relieve tension. Surround yourself with positive people. Your social groups play a big role in how you feel. If you're surrounded by negative or cynical people, their behavior may rub off on you. Instead, seek out positive relationships with happy, optimistic, and cheerful people. If you're struggling with your relationships, try to meet new people. Volunteer at a local charity, join a club or society, or take a class to learn a new skill. If certain people complain on social media too much, consider unfriending them or blocking their posts from your view. Express gratitude for the good things and people in your life. Every day, identify a few things that you are thankful for. Think of your relationships, opportunities, favorite memories, and other wonderful things that have happened in your life. Write these thoughts down in a journal every day. If you're feeling negative or upset, read over your gratitude journal to cheer yourself up. Make sure to tell the people you love how much you appreciate them. This will make both of you feel happier. Write your life as a positive story. Every day, write what happened to you in a journal, but frame it as a happy story. Focus on the good things. When writing about your struggles, emphasize what you learned or how you grew from the experience. Remember that everyone has struggles in life. These struggles can't prevent you from achieving happiness. You can also try to focus on 1 positive thing that stands out to you, no matter how small it may seem. Adjust your expectations as you go along. Your life will change as you grow older. Instead of sticking to the same expectations, goals, and dreams, feel free to make changes as you go along. Adjusting your expectations can help you stay realistic and avoid disappointment. You may need to lower your expectations in some cases. Expecting too much of yourself or others can lead to disappointment and frustration. For example, what you expect out of a partner might change as you get older. You may even want to cut down your list of requirements to help you find someone who will make you happy. Build strong relationships with your family, friends, and loved ones. Relationships are a key component of long-term happiness. You don't need a ton of friends to be happy. Instead, devote time to building strong relationships with people who are close to you. Plan outings each week with friends or family. You can go on a picnic, see a movie together, or hang out at home. For those who live far away, make sure to call regularly on the phone, talk over video chat, or send letters. Remember important dates, like birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings. Give a nice card or a present for these events. Tell your family and friends how you love and appreciate them often. Get between 7-9 hours of sleep every night. If you don't get enough sleep, you may find yourself feeling more moody, pessimistic, or stressed. A good sleep schedule will ensure that you can feel your best every day. Avoid using bright screens and electronics 1 hour before going to bed. These screens can make it harder for you to fall asleep. Make sure your bedroom is an inviting place to sleep. Close the curtains at night. Use a white noise machine or ear plugs to block out any noise. Increase your activity levels. Exercise and movement are great mood boosters. Incorporate more activity into your daily life to keep yourself feeling cheerful and happy. Some easy ways to include more activity include: Taking a walk after dinner. Going to the gym 2-3 times a week. Taking the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator. Playing with children or pets. Going on a hike or kayaking on the weekend. Meditate when you feel anxious, stressed, or overwhelmed. Meditation helps calm your brain and restore you to a sense of peace. Daily meditation can help you cope with difficult or stressful situations. Go somewhere quiet and peaceful. Close your eyes and focus on your breath. Don't think about anything else. If your mind wanders during this time, gently redirect it back to your breathing. Start by doing 5 minute meditation sessions. As you get better, work your way up to 10 or 15 minute sessions. There are many videos and apps that offer guided meditation. These include Headspace, Calm, and Insight Timer. | Learn to love yourself. Tell yourself that you can overcome anything. Avoid comparing yourself to other people. Forgive yourself when you make mistakes. Establish balance in your work, relationships, and hobbies. Practice positive thinking. Give compliments to yourself. Smile when you feel down. Surround yourself with positive people. Express gratitude for the good things and people in your life. Write your life as a positive story. Adjust your expectations as you go along. Build strong relationships with your family, friends, and loved ones. Get between 7-9 hours of sleep every night. Increase your activity levels. Meditate when you feel anxious, stressed, or overwhelmed. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Fairy-House | How to Make a Fairy House | To make a fairy house, start by decorating a piece of cardboard or scrap wood with pebbles, moss, or grass to use as a base for your house. Next, stack twigs like Lincoln logs to make walls for the house, using wood glue to keep them together. You'll also want to leave a hole for the door. Once you've added a roof of sticks or bark, decorate the house with moss, bits of clay, or little scraps of fabric. If you want furniture for your fairy house, shape some out of clay or make some out of more twigs to match the walls of the house. | Imagine your fairy house. Fairy houses can be short and fat, taller and skinny, simple and cottage-y, ornate and castle-y, rounded and soft, angular and dramatic, and so on. decide which style you like before you start planning your design. Sketch your fairy house onto a piece of paper. Think about where windows, doors, pathways, and chimneys might go. Remember, it needs to be physically possible for you to construct the fairy house, so don't get carried away! Decide what to build the house out of. You can use a milk carton, a birdhouse, cardboard, wood, or twigs to make the house structure. You can even transform a dollhouse into a fairy house. Remember that you will be decorating it at the end; even if you don't like the way the structure of the house looks, you can cover this up later on. Gather materials from the woods or your garden. Find leaves, mosses, branches, pebbles, acorns, dried grasses, and other natural items to decorate the house. If you plan to glue the house together, make sure the materials are dry; glue won't stick to anything wet. Build a base for the house (optional). If you want to keep your fairy house indoors, it might be nice to make a base to set the house on. Take an old piece of cardboard or scrap wood and decorate it to look like an outdoor setting. Add moss to look like grass, twigs to look like miniature trees, and pebbles to look like boulders. You might even want to build the fairy house in a container garden. Put the fairy house together. Glue cardboard, wood, and other materials together using a hot glue gun or perhaps wood glue. It may be too costly or time-consuming to make your whole house out of clay, but oven-bake clay is great for turrets or windows and comes in many useful colors. You can add towers by using paper towel tubes, toothpaste boxes, or whatever else you can think of. Ex: Stack twigs like Lincoln logs. Lay two twigs down parallel to each other, then lay two different twigs on top of the first two so that they cross them. (They should look like a square with overlapping corners.) Keep stacking them this way until the walls are as high as you want them to be and then add a roof. If building an outdoor house, make the walls and roof of the fairy house and then cover the whole thing with dirt or mud to make a rounded hobbit-house. Press flat stones into the sides to create walls and add moss to the top to make a thatched roof. Leave a hole where you want the door to be and add a hollow stick, reed, or piece of bamboos to make a chimney. Press a few pebbles into the dirt leading up to the doorway to make a path of stepping-stones. Create an inside world for the fairies. Cover the floors with sands, leaves, or moss to create soft padding. Make a hammock from the fronds of a fern or a piece of stocking and add scraps of fabric for curtains. Turn an upside-down teacup or saucer into a table and use acorn caps as bowls. You can even add “wallpaper” made of dried leaves, leathers, or hand-made paper. If you want to add furniture, you can either use doll furniture or make your own: To make a table, for example, gather some dry twigs, both skinny and thick, from your backyard. Cut four pieces and glue them together to form a rectangular frame that's the size you want the tabletop to be. When this has dried, lay twigs across the top and glue them to the frame. When the top has dried, cut four pieces to the same length and glue them underneath to form the table legs. Clay furniture is much easier to make but does not look as rustic. There are no real directions: just carefully mold some air-dry or oven-bake clay into furniture. For more ideas, see How to Make Your Own Dollhouse Furniture. Decorate the house with your findings. Once you have made your structure, you can decorate it with doors, vines, etc. Rustic and natural features will seem more realistic. Birch tree bark has a beautiful look and you can use both sides. Don't forget to include landscaping! Finished. | Imagine your fairy house. Sketch your fairy house onto a piece of paper. Decide what to build the house out of. Gather materials from the woods or your garden. Build a base for the house (optional). Put the fairy house together. Create an inside world for the fairies. Decorate the house with your findings. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Boyfriend-(for-Guys) | How to Get a Boyfriend (for Guys) | If you are a guy and want to get a boyfriend, start looking for a man who is open to a same-sex relationship by using dating sites and social media, or by asking your friends to introduce you to someone. Once you meet a guy you like, strike up a conversation with him. Before you ask him out, break the ice by talking about something you're both interested in or by asking him about his day. When you're ready, say something like, "I would love a chance to get to know you better. Are you available for coffee on Saturday?" After you've gone on a few successful dates, you can take things to the next step by talking to him about becoming your boyfriend. | Decide what you want in a relationship. Before beginning the process of dating, think about what kind of relationship you want and what kind of person you want to date. Most relationships are best when you start out as friends because it gives you an opportunity to figure out if you are compatible and if the person has the characteristics that you desire in a mate. Determine if you truly want a boyfriend. While some people do not like being single, sometimes you have to think about everything that you have going on in your life and decide whether or not you even need to be in a relationship. If you need to focus on school, work, or family matters, the answer may be no, for the time being. There is nothing wrong with being single. Find a man who is open to a same-sex relationship. If you are part of the LGBTQ community, you may have a circle of friends that you hang out with, and there is a chance, perhaps just a small chance, that you may already know someone that you want to date in that circle. If this is not the case, you can find a potential boyfriend while going to school, work, and even while traveling. The opportunities are endless. If you meet someone and you know that he has a same-sex preference and you also know that he is public about his sexual preference, then you can be cautiously public about expressing your interest in getting to know him. If you meet someone and you are not sure about his sexual preference, hold off on publically expressing any feelings that you may have towards him because this could create an uncomfortable situation for both of you. There are LGBTQ clubs and organizations that provide a wealth of programs in communities around the world. There are also awareness centers and resources focused on assisting and celebrating the LGBTQ community. Ask your acquaintances to introduce you to someone. Many long-term relationships, and even some marriages, have started with an introduction by a friend or co-worker. Do not be afraid to ask the people from these groups to introduce you to someone. Often, those you spend the most time with know you best and can serve as great matchmakers. Use social media to meet new people. You can use social media to get connected and meet new people. While you do not want to be aggressive when sending non-private messages, social media platforms, such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, can be used to expand your network of acquaintances. The more people you meet, the greater likelihood you have of finding a boyfriend. Use online dating websites to meet new people. There are online dating websites that offer a same-sex option, such as OurTime, Match, and Zoosk. As with anywhere else in life, you have to be cautious when meeting people that you do not know. This rule applies if you meet someone at a grocery store or at a nightclub. It applies across the board. Opt for dating apps that are more geared toward relationships rather than ones used for hookups. Determine if you are ready for a date. Once you identify a potential future boyfriend, in order to find out if the two of you are compatible, it is a good idea to spend time in casual settings, such as hanging out with friends in a neutral location or playing video games together. Identify a place for a brief meeting. A great place for a brief first one-on-one meeting is at a coffee shop where you can have coffee or tea and lots of conversation. You can also go to a movie, but you will not have as much time for conversation since a movie theatre requires silence. When you meet someone at a coffee shop, you do not have a big time or financial commitment, and it can be over quickly if you find that there is no chemistry or interest. Even when the occasion is casual, be sure to look your best when you are getting to know someone. While you definitely want to be yourself, you want to be the best version of yourself. Figure out how you will invite him. With the popularity of smartphones, many people communicate by text, but the problem with texting is that you cannot read a person's tone through a text message. While you can certainly invite someone out on a casual date through texting or email, it is best to have a conversation in person or by phone so that you can hear his voice and so that he can hear your voice. Think about what you will say during the invitation. No doubt about it, asking someone out, no matter how casual, can be intimidating. A great way to handle this is to simply say the following: “I would love an opportunity to get to know you better, are you available for coffee on Saturday.” When asking for a date, be sure to break the ice first by asking about how his day is going or by having a conversation about another topic of interest. If you are asking someone on a date and you have never had a conversation with him before, you should still use an icebreaker or small talk, such as: “Do you know any great restaurants in the area?” When he answers, you can then say: “If I go to that restaurant, would you like to join me?” Avoid using pick up lines because people can tell when you are not being sincere and that will usually reduce the chances of the person accepting your invitation. Prepare what you will say if he turns down your request. Nobody likes rejection and sometimes it can be difficult to handle. You must decide in advance that you will not take it personally if he says no to your invitation. You can also prepare a response so that you are not speechless if it happens. If your invitation is not accepted, your response might be as follows: “I understand. If you change your mind or if your schedule opens up, feel free to give me a call.” Get to know each other on a deeper level. Once you have completed the steps above, you have been on a few dates, and you feel like things are going well, it is a good idea to be honest about your feelings. While it may take time to fall in love, you may quickly have strong enough feelings to start dating more seriously, which of course could lead to being boyfriends. It may be a little scary, but it could be worth it because being in a great relationship can contribute to a happier and more fulfilling life. Share your true feelings. Once you have gotten past the initial stages of getting to know each other, be honest about your feelings. If your feelings are growing deeper, it is perfectly fine to share that information. Listen to how he feels. A relationship is a two-way street and it is important to truly listen to him too, instead of just talking about how you feel. Participate in active listening, which is the process of listening to him so that you truly hear what he is saying as opposed to listening in order to simply respond in your favor. If you share your feelings and he does not feel the same way, do not get upset or worry about it. When someone does not reciprocate your feelings, it does not mean that you are a bad person or that you are not good enough, it just means that you were not compatible. Notice any red flags. Not all relationship are healthy relationships. It is important to pay attention to any red flags that you may see during the infancy stages of your relationship. Issues such as uncontrollable anger or abusive communication are things that you want to pay attention to because they are not part of a healthy relationship. Introduce him to your close friends and family if you feel comfortable doing so. Sometimes they will notice potential problems that you cannot see. Communicate any concerns. If you like him but you have minor concerns, it is perfectly fine to have a conversation with him about your concerns so that they can be resolved before you move forward with the relationship. Decide if you are ready for the next step. Generally speaking, having a successful relationship requires confidence in yourself and believing that you deserve to be loved. If you love yourself, you are more prepared to be in a relationship. If you shared your feelings and they were well received, after a bit of time has passed (the amount of time varies for each couple) you may begin to feel like you want to have an official relationship. You cannot just assume that both of you are on the same page. You have to ask him whether or not he wants to be your official boyfriend. Assess whether or not he is good for you. Sometimes when you take a step back and really think about the person and your interactions, you can tell whether or not there is a future for the relationship. In some instances, it is best not to move forward with the relationship, but instead just decide to be friends. Discuss your expectations. If you decide to move forward with the relationship, you should be clear about your expectations and what you need from a boyfriend in order for the relationship to be successful. Plan to have fun together. You can have a long-term, committed, and loving relationship if that is what you truly desire. As with all relationships, it will take time, mutual respect, and ongoing effort. If you both agree to be boyfriends, start having fun together and enjoying each other's company. It is important to clarify what type of relationship you want to have. Simply saying that you are boyfriends may not be enough. You should talk about whether or not your relationship is monogamous and whether or not you both see a future together. If you have not already, now is a good time to make sure that he is not in another relationship, especially if you decide to be exclusive. | Decide what you want in a relationship. Determine if you truly want a boyfriend. Find a man who is open to a same-sex relationship. Ask your acquaintances to introduce you to someone. Use social media to meet new people. Use online dating websites to meet new people. Determine if you are ready for a date. Identify a place for a brief meeting. Figure out how you will invite him. Think about what you will say during the invitation. Prepare what you will say if he turns down your request. Get to know each other on a deeper level. Share your true feelings. Listen to how he feels. Notice any red flags. Communicate any concerns. Decide if you are ready for the next step. Assess whether or not he is good for you. Discuss your expectations. Plan to have fun together. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Read-a-Gas-Meter | How to Read a Gas Meter | To read an analog gas meter, start by looking at the dial on the far left and recording the number that the needle is pointing to. If the needle is between two numbers, choose the smaller number, even if the needle is closer to the larger number. Then, record the numbers on the rest of the dials the same way, working from left to right. Finally, write the numerals down without spaces between them to get your final meter reading. | Recognize that each dial represents a number in a 4- to 5- digit reading. Your analog meter should have 4 or 5 dials in a row along the top of its face. Together, they produce a 4- or 5- digit reading. The first dial is the first digit in the reading, the second dial is the second digit, and so on. Most analog gas meters have 4 dials, but yours may have 5. The number of dials depends on the type of meter used by your gas company, as well as when it was manufactured. When a smaller dial makes a revolution, the next-higher dial goes up 1 point. Keep in mind that dials rotate in the opposite direction of the 1 next to them. For example, the first and third dials might turn counter clockwise, while the second and fourth dials turn clockwise. Read the dials left to right. Each dial represents 1 digit in the number. The first dial is the thousands digit, the second dial is the hundreds, the third dial is the tens, and the fourth dial is the ones. If there is a fifth dial, then your reading will go up into the tens of thousands. Look at the needle of each dial to take your reading. Always choose the smaller of the 2 numbers when the needle is between numbers. The needle will slowly move to the next number as the dial below it makes its revolution. This means the dial still represents the smaller number until the needle reaches the next highest digit. For example, if the needle is pointing between 4 and 5, you'd write down 4. This is true even if the needle is closer to the 5. If the needle is pointing between 0 and 9, you'd choose 9 even though it's a higher number, since it comes before 0 on the dial. Write the numbers side by side, not leaving a gap between them. Each dial gives you 1 digit in a single number, so there's no need to separate them. Think of it as 1 reading, not 4 or 5 separate readings. For example, let's say the first dial reads 5, the second dial reads 2, the third dial reads 7, and the fourth dial reads 4. Your reading would be 5274. Read a needle hovering over a number by checking the dial to its right. When a dial is completing or beginning a revolution, the dial to its left will be hovering over a number. For example, you might see a needle pointing at the number 3. However, you shouldn't use the number the needle is pointing at until the dial to its right has fully completed its revolution. Check that the dial to the right has passed 0, which means the revolution is complete. If the dial to its right has passed 0, then use the number the needle is hovering over. If it has not passed 0, then still use the smaller number. For example, the needle on a dial may hover over the number 3. Check that the dial to the right to see if it's passed 0. If it did, use the 3. If not, use 2. Ask your gas company how they measure the last dial, when comparing. In some cases, the gas company may read the last dial differently, since it's the smallest digit in the reading. They may always round this digit up to the next highest number, or they may use the number the needle is closest to. If you want to estimate your bill or compare readings, it's important to know how they take this reading. You can call and talk to customer service, or you can check their website. If you're comfortable waiting until you get your next bill, you can compare your reading to their reading to see if it's the same or not. Ignore any extra dials on the meter. Some meters have extra dials that the gas company uses for things like checking for accuracy. However, these dials have nothing to do with your actual reading, so you can disregard them. The only dials that matter are the main dials, which are all the same size and neatly lined up. The extra dials, if they are present, will be smaller or larger than the ones used for taking a reading. Make sure the meter is for your gas usage. Gas meters are more likely to be analog than electric meters. Before you take your reading, verify that the meter is attached to your gas line, not near your powerline. It's helpful to locate both meters before you take a reading. Determine if the reading is in imperial or metrical units. If you live in the United States, your meter will likely be in imperial units, such as cubic feet. If you live in an area that uses the metric system, however, you'll likely see metric units, such as cubic meters. If you have an imperial meter, your display panel should have ft next to it to represent cubic feet. It will likely also have a panel with 4 digits, and possibly 2 decimal points. If you have a metrical meter, you should see m for cubic meters. The meter will likely have 5 digits, as well as 3 decimal points. Look for the digital screen that displays the reading. Digital meters are super easy to use because they give you an exact reading. All you have to do is look at the screen! The reading should be a 4- or 5-digit number, but you may see a few 0s in front of it. Just disregard the 0s. The number that appears on the screen represents your usage. There's no need to do anything else. Write the number down from left to right, ignoring any zeros at the front. This is your current gas usage. You'll need to compare it to past readings in order to determine how much gas you've used in a specific period. You can also compare this reading to the reading taken by the gas company, which will appear on your bill. For example, 3785 and 0003785 would both be written as 3785. Ignore the decimal points and extra numbers. If your meter does have decimal points, you don't need to include these in your reading. Similarly, you don't need to pay attention to any other numbers, such as red control numbers. Just focus on the reading given on your screen. For example, 3785.28 would be 3785. Check your gas meter at the same time each month. This is the only way to take useful readings. Your gas company will take 1 reading a month, usually around the same time. To estimate your usage, you need to do the same thing. Look at your gas bill to see what day the gas company usually checks your meter, though it can vary month-to-month. Checking it on the same day will give you the most accurate reading. For example, you might check your meter every month on the 1st. Track your gas meter reading for at least 2 monthly cycles. You can't do much with a single reading, as it won't let you calculate your usage. This is because the gas company doesn't reset the meter each month. To calculate usage, you'd need to know your reading from last month. If you have a copy of your bill, you get your previous month's reading from it. Also, you can compare your reading to the gas company's reading. Subtract last month’s reading from this month’s to get your usage. When in doubt, subtract the biggest number from the smallest number. Use a calculator or subtract it by hand. This will tell you how much gas you used this month! Compare this number to your bill to verify the gas company is only charging you for the gas you used. Remember, it can vary slightly depending on when you took the measurement. | Recognize that each dial represents a number in a 4- to 5- digit reading. Read the dials left to right. Look at the needle of each dial to take your reading. Write the numbers side by side, not leaving a gap between them. Read a needle hovering over a number by checking the dial to its right. Ask your gas company how they measure the last dial, when comparing. Ignore any extra dials on the meter. Make sure the meter is for your gas usage. Determine if the reading is in imperial or metrical units. Look for the digital screen that displays the reading. Write the number down from left to right, ignoring any zeros at the front. Ignore the decimal points and extra numbers. Check your gas meter at the same time each month. Track your gas meter reading for at least 2 monthly cycles. Subtract last month’s reading from this month’s to get your usage. |
https://www.wikihow.legal/Become-a-Divorce-Lawyer | How to Become a Divorce Lawyer | To become a divorce lawyer, start by earning a four-year undergraduate degree from an accredited college. While you don't have to study a particular undergraduate major, coursework in history, political science, or literature will give you the analytical skills needed to study law. At least 6 months before you hope to start law school, take the Law School Aptitude Test, which is typically a necessary part of the application process. Once you're accepted to a law school, focus your coursework on divorce law during your second year of studies. | Pursue a college degree. When you go to law school, you are earning a graduate degree. In order to apply and attend law school, you must first earn a four-year undergraduate degree from an accredited college. Family law is governed by state law and procedures. To get the best preparation for a career as a divorce lawyer, you should strongly consider getting your undergraduate degree and a law degree in the state where you want to practice. Many colleges also have a law school. The law school may have streamlined or preferential application procedures if you receive your degree from the affiliated undergraduate institution. Choose your undergraduate field of study. The American Bar Association does not endorse any particular coursework for entry into law school. A broad-based liberal arts degree with coursework in history, psychology, art, literature, and political science will give you the analytical skills needed to succeed in law school. Do not feel pressured into a defined "pre-law" or criminal justice track. Your undergraduate grade point average (GPA) is one of the critical factors in law school acceptance. Choose a major that you will excel in and that will give you the base you need to thrive in the grueling law school environment. If you want to attend the law school associated with your college, meet with an admissions officer as soon as you can, no later than your junior year. The two schools may have streamlined procedures to assist you in matriculating from undergraduate to graduate school. Take the Law School Aptitude Test (LSAT). Law schools usually start first-year, better known as 1L, classes in the fall semester or quarter. In order to start at that time, you need to take the LSAT no later than December of the previous year. Consider taking it even earlier, in June before your senior year. This either gets the test out of the way or gives you the opportunity to retake the test in December. Knowing your LSAT score helps you narrow down your selection of potential law schools. The registration deadline for the December tests is in early October. The deadline for the June test is in early May. The basic fee for the LSAT is $175 to take the test and $30 for each law school you want the test results submitted to. If you are low income, you may be able to qualify for a fee waiver. You will be required to submit tax forms and other documentation to prove your indigency. You must apply for a waiver at least six weeks before the LSAT registration deadline. Some law schools will waive admission application fees, usually $20 to $50, if you are granted an LSAT fee waiver. The LSAT does not test legal concepts. Instead, it tests basic skills that have been shown to be valuable in successfully completing law school. The sections include reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logic. The LSAT testing authority has free online study materials. You can also use commercial study guides or take commercial prep courses, both online and in person. Apply to law school. There are 200+ law schools in the United States that are accredited by the American Bar Association. Attending any one of these schools will qualify you to take the bar exam in the state where you want to practice. Alabama, California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, West Virginia, and Tennessee allow graduates of law schools that are ABA non-accredited to take the state bar exam. The schools are approved by state standards, but do not meet the ABA standards. The disadvantage of these schools is that you will likely only be able to practice in that state and that may limit your future employment opportunities. The advantage may be lower cost and more flexible class schedules. Complete your first year of law school. Regardless of your career goals, the first year of law school is scripted for you. You will take a prescribed set of classes with your section. Those classes will include, at minimum, constitutional law, contracts, property, torts, civil procedure, legal research, and criminal law. These classes are the backbone of your legal education. Your first-year grades also determine if you will be invited to join the law review. Focus your interests in your second year of law school. In your second and third years of law school, you will be able to take elective courses. As a budding divorce lawyer, you will have the option to take classes in family law, women and the law, and children's law. As many family lawyers are solo practitioners, you should also consider taking a course on law office management. Depending on your school, as a 2L you should be eligible to start working in the law school clinics. If your school doesn't have one on family law, participate in any program that gives you heavy client contact such as elder law. Good people skills and ability to interview clients is critical to success as a family lawyer. If your school offers courses in mediation, or even better, a certificate in mediation or Alternate Dispute Resolution, strongly consider enrolling. As more and more courts are referring contested divorces to mediation, this is a good qualification to have. It can boost your private practice or make you more attractive to a law firm. Seek out an internship. The summer after your second year is prime time for a summer internship with a local law firm. Start applying during the academic year and attend any job fairs sponsored by your school. Don't limit yourself to law firms, apply to solo practitioners and public-interest agencies that work with families and children. With hard work and luck, an internship might turn into a part-time job during your third year or a job offer after graduation. Register for the bar exam. As early as your first year and no later than the beginning of your third year, you will register to take the bar exam in the state where you want to practice. If you are taking the exam in the state where you are attending law school, follow the local procedures. Otherwise, each state has its own deadline. Some deadlines are as early as January of your final year, most are in February or March for the June exam. All states have a generous limit of how many times you can take the bar exam, but you have to pay the fee each time. Only register if you are on track to successfully complete your final semester and graduate on time. Exam fees vary from discounted student rates of less than $100 to a high of over $1,000. Check your state requirements and plan for the exam fees early. If you have a job offer, ask your prospective employer if they provide any assistance. Application to the bar is a complex procedure including a background check, fingerprints, and extensive references. Take the bar exam. The exam is offered twice per year, in February and June. Typically, you take the exam closest to your graduation date. Depending on your state, the bar exam is a grueling two to three-day event including a combination of multiple choice and essay examinations. The Multi-State Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) is a half-day test taken separately for the bar. Typically, you can take the MPRE in the state where you attend law school and it will transfer to other jurisdictions. The Multi-State Bar Exam is a set of standardized multiple choice questions on your core subjects of contracts, torts, property, constitutional law, and civil procedure. It is given as part of the overall bar exam and must be taken in the state where you want to practice. All states have an essay examination. Some states use the Multi-State Essay Examination (MEE), and some jurisdictions draft their own. The final section, used in the majority of states if the Multi-State Performance Test (MPT). This is a test for the practical application of legal theory. You are given a fact pattern and must draw up a strategy for litigating the case. Receive your bar exam results. Approximately 12 weeks after the bar exam, the results will be released. You can elect to receive them through the online account you set up as part of your bar registration or by mail. They are also usually posted at the law school. Take the new attorney oath. After the bar exam results are posted, there will be a formal swearing in ceremony. However, typically, you can be sworn in by any Judge or other official who can administer an oath. Take part in informational interviews. During informational interviews, you will have an opportunity to have a conversation with someone in the divorce law field who will hopefully be able to give you information and advice. To conduct an effective informational interview: Find people to interview. Call, email, or send letters to people in the family law field that interest you. When you do so, tell them a bit about yourself and why you are contacting them. Also, prepare a number of open-ended questions to ask the person as well. When you talk to them, ask them about a convenient time to meet them in-person or to have a conversation over the phone. Conduct the informational interview. When it is time to conduct the informational interview, dress professionally and be prepared. Tell the person about yourself and why you are conducting the interview. Ask them questions regarding their career path and how you might be able to get started. Show genuine interest and take notes if you need to. Follow-up. Once the interview is complete, follow-up and thank the person for their time. Also, follow-up with any contacts given to you during the informational interview. Apply to open positions. As a new attorney, some of the most reliable places to find legal jobs is on the internet. The best job website are often a part of bar associations. For this reason, become a member of your local county, city, and state bar association. Also, become a member of the American Bar Association. All of these associations often have job postings on their websites. Once you find a job you are interested in, follow the job posting directions in order to apply. Generally, you will be required to submit a resume, cover letter, and salary requirements. Work out an arrangement to rent office space. Talk to divorce attorneys in your geographical location and discuss the possibility of renting office space from them. As a part of these discussions, be willing to take the attorney's overflow caseload, be able to make court appearances for them, and pay them a referral fee for cases you get paid for. These types of arrangements are common and can often be mutually beneficial. While you get a place to work and some initial cases, the other attorney gets to save time by passing on unwanted cases. Join family law legal associations. Similar to joining bar associations, search out local family law or divorce law associations and join them. Often, your local bar chapter will have a family law and/or divorce law section. After joining, become a regular at their events and network with the other attorneys that attend. Explore family law niches. Another way to break into the divorce law market is to specialize. When you specialize, you become an expert in one particular area of divorce law and you know it so well, people hire you for your services. For example, some divorce lawyers only represent the female or the male in divorce proceedings. Also, consider specializing in gay marriage divorces considering the recent changes in marriage law. | Pursue a college degree. Choose your undergraduate field of study. Take the Law School Aptitude Test (LSAT). Apply to law school. Complete your first year of law school. Focus your interests in your second year of law school. Seek out an internship. Register for the bar exam. Take the bar exam. Receive your bar exam results. Take the new attorney oath. Take part in informational interviews. Apply to open positions. Work out an arrangement to rent office space. Join family law legal associations. Explore family law niches. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Sharks-and-Minnows | How to Play Sharks and Minnows | If you want to play Sharks and Minnows, first pick someone to be the Shark and have everyone else be Minnows. Once everyone has their positions, have the Shark stand in the center of the pool while all the Minnows form a line at one end of the pool. Then, if you're a Minnow, try to reach the other end of the pool without the Shark tagging you. If you get caught, you become a Shark, and then you have to try to tag the other Minnows to get them out too. Keep playing the game from one end of the pool to the other until there is just one Minnow left, and they become the winner! | Pick a Shark. Choose a player to be the Shark. This player is now “it” and stands in the center of the pool (the “ocean”). When playing with a lot of people in a large area, you can play with more than one Shark. 10 Minnows to 1 Shark is a good ratio. If many people want to be the Shark you can decide by flipping a coin, or playing rock, paper, scissors. Have many Minnows. Everyone who isn't a Shark is a Minnow. Minnows form a line at one end of the pool deck, facing the Shark. There should be at least twice as many Minnows as Sharks. Start the game. To start, the Shark yells, "fishy, fishy, cross my ocean", or some variation of that. When the Minnows hear this call, they jump into the pool and start to make their way to the opposite end. The Shark must remain in place above water until the next call. Experienced swimmers can challenge themselves by requiring players to dive , cannonball , or can-opener into the pool. Avoid the Shark. Once everyone is in the water the Shark yells, "Sharks and Minnows!" or "Shark attack!" at any time to start “tagging” players. When the Shark yells this, the Minnows' goal is to reach the other end of the pool without being tagged by the Shark. If the Shark tags a Minnow, that Minnow becomes a Shark and joins the Shark's team. They now begin tagging Minnows to turn them into Sharks. When the Minnows have made it to the other side of the pool without being tagged, they wait. The Shark calls “fishy, fishy...” again and they try to return to the other side of the pool. The original Shark calls, "Shark Attack" and the process repeats. Play until there is a winner. The last remaining Minnow is the winner. This player becomes the Shark in the next round. It becomes harder as more and more Minnows become Sharks. The game lasts until there is only one Minnow left. If you started out with more than one Shark, the last two Minnows become the next Sharks. Start with a new Shark. Begin the next game with the winner from the last round, the new Shark. They now stand in the center of the pool and the Minnows line up on the pool deck facing the Shark. Let the game begin. Make new tagging rules. Once you've become an expert at the game you can add your own rules to enhance it. Make it a rule that the Shark can only tag Minnows who have their head above water. It's fun to challenge yourself but never put your life in danger. Be cautious and make sure swimmers can make it from one side of the pool to the other in one breath. Have more than one Shark. Add more Sharks so the Minnows have to swim faster and be more creative to get to the other side without being tagged. Choose different animals. Instead of Sharks and Minnows, you can use Cat and Mouse, Cheetah and Gazelle, or Fox and Rabbit. Play on dry land. If you don't have access to a pool, or if the pool is too crowded to play, move to a field or gym. This version is played year-round and can usually accommodate more players. Make sure to swap your swim trunks for sneakers. Cones, tape, or basketball court lines are used to mark the boundaries. These will be the spots where players will start and end. If you want to minimize contact, you can have players tuck a towel into their shorts, to act as a “tail.” Instead of tagging players, the Shark will pull their tail. Make your Shark blind. Have the Shark close their eyes or turn their back until they hear a Minnow swimming. They must tag players by following their sounds. In this version, Minnows can exit the pool and try to walk to the other end of the pool without being seen or heard. If the Shark does hear them then the Shark will yell, "fish out of water" and the Minnow must start over. Add obstacles. Place pool floats around the pool. If a player bumps into one, send them back to the beginning or make them sit through a time out. Transform extra Sharks into seaweed. In this version, instead of becoming Sharks when tagged, players become seaweed. They must stay still and can only reach as far as arm's length to tag other Minnows who then become seaweed as well. If a seaweed touches a Shark, it turns back into a Minnow and can continue swimming to the end of the pool. | Pick a Shark. Have many Minnows. Start the game. Avoid the Shark. Play until there is a winner. Start with a new Shark. Make new tagging rules. Have more than one Shark. Choose different animals. Play on dry land. Make your Shark blind. Add obstacles. Transform extra Sharks into seaweed. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Transfer-Photos-Onto-Canvas | How to Transfer Photos Onto Canvas | To transfer your favorite photo onto canvas, all you need is fine tissue paper, a printer, a clothes iron, a canvas, and sealer glue. First, you'll need to trim the tissue paper to the size of your canvas and straighten out any creases with your clothes iron. Use the high setting without any steam. Then, print your image onto the tissue paper. You'll need to use a canvas that's A4 or smaller so your tissue paper will fit in your printer. Once you've printed out your image, apply a thin coat of sealer glue to your canvas and press the image down so it lines up with the canvas. If there are any creases in the tissue paper, work them out with a foam brush or your fingers. | Gather your supplies. For this project, which gives you a beautifully rustic transfer onto canvas, you need four basic materials. See the "Things You'll Need" section. Nothing fancy — let's get started! Print out your image on a laser printer. Laser printers work best for photo transfer onto canvas; ink jet printers will not get the job done, unfortunately. How do you tell which kind of printer you have? If your toner is large, it's most likely a laser printer; if it's small and compact, it's most likely an ink-jet. The size of your image and the size of the canvas don't need to be exact, although they look best when the two match perfectly. If you photograph is slightly smaller than the canvas — e.g. less than an inch (3 cm) — the final product will still look professional. Get ready for the image to be reversed. If you think reversal will look strange, or you're partial to the current arrangement on the photo, reverse the image before you print it out. Use a thick coat of gel medium to cover the front of your canvas completely. No need to spend a whole lot of time on this step, but do make sure that there are no gaps in coverage, or the photo ultimately won't transfer. Line the image up with the canvas — ink-side down — and press down to flatten. Instead of trying to line up the whole image perfectly in one fell swoop, line up one edge first so that two corners of the canvas and two corners of the photo match perfectly. Once that side is put onto the gelled canvas, flatten the rest of the photo onto the remaining canvas in a sweeping motion. Allow canvas to dry overnight. Place in a cool place devoid of excessive moisture while the gel medium dries. Starting on one side of the canvas, lightly wet the surface with water from a spray bottle. Using your hand, scrape away the wet paper to reveal the reversed image underneath. Continue spraying and lightly scraping until you've revealed as much of the image as desired. Don't scrape too hard or you'll scrape away the underlying image. Expect for it to be messy. Don't be afraid to leave a small amount of distress or paper on the canvas. This is what gives the image its rustic or vintage look, and it pairs especially well with black and white or sepia tone images. Apply a final coat of gel medium to the canvas once you've stripped it of paper. Allow the canvas to dry again overnight before hanging, gifting, or using. Gather your materials. This special way to preserve color images requires only the following supplies: fine tissue paper; an iron or other flattering material like a stack of books; a canvas; and sealer glue, such as Modge Podge. Trim the tissue paper so that it's the same size as the canvas you'll be using. Place the tissue paper onto a table or other hard surface and lay the framed canvas upside down onto it; the front of the canvas and the tissue paper should be touching. With a pencil, trace around all four sides of the canvas, and then cut around the four corners of the tissue paper. Straighten out any kinks or creases in the tissue paper with a clothes iron. Use the high setting without any steam. Manually place the tissue paper into your printer tray and print out your desired image. This may take a few tries, but the end result will be worth it. Adjust your printer settings so that the printed image is only as big as the tissue paper. For this reason, it's best to use a standard size when selecting a canvas to use. An 8 1/2 x 11 canvas, for example, would be extremely easy to work with, while a nonstandard-sized canvas would be more difficult to get a match for. Apply a thin coat of Modge Podge to the canvas, making sure to get even coverage. Use a brush to get good coverage with your adhesive. Working quickly, center the tissue paper picture over the canvas before pressing it down onto the adhesive. Get one corner centered perfectly before placing the whole image down onto the canvas. With a clean foam brush, smooth out any creases in the tissue paper. Work from the inside and brush outward for best results. If necessary, trim any remaining tissue paper from the sides of the canvas for a clean look. Cover with another layer of clear adhesive before letting dry (optional). Use the same coat of Modge Podge, if desired, or pick another type of (matte, etc.) finish to seal your newly-minted canvas photo. | Gather your supplies. Print out your image on a laser printer. Use a thick coat of gel medium to cover the front of your canvas completely. Line the image up with the canvas — ink-side down — and press down to flatten. Allow canvas to dry overnight. Starting on one side of the canvas, lightly wet the surface with water from a spray bottle. Apply a final coat of gel medium to the canvas once you've stripped it of paper. Gather your materials. Trim the tissue paper so that it's the same size as the canvas you'll be using. Straighten out any kinks or creases in the tissue paper with a clothes iron. Manually place the tissue paper into your printer tray and print out your desired image. Apply a thin coat of Modge Podge to the canvas, making sure to get even coverage. Working quickly, center the tissue paper picture over the canvas before pressing it down onto the adhesive. With a clean foam brush, smooth out any creases in the tissue paper. If necessary, trim any remaining tissue paper from the sides of the canvas for a clean look. Cover with another layer of clear adhesive before letting dry (optional). |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Concrete-Countertops | How to Clean Concrete Countertops | To clean concrete countertops, dip a soft cloth or sponge in a mix of mild dishwashing liquid and warm water and wipe down the countertop. For tough stain removal, soak a cotton ball in a cleaning solution of your choice and place it on the stain for 5-10 minutes or until you see the stain lift. If you don't have cleaning solution, create a paste paste of flour, hydrogen peroxide, and water to spread on the stain. Let the solution set for several minutes before wiping it off with a damp cloth. | Consult your manufacturer’s guide or contractor. If you installed your countertops yourself, then keep a photo of the concrete mix and surface coating so that you can consult it for reference. If you had a contractor install everything, then they more than likely gave you instructions post-installation. If not, go ahead and call them prior to your first cleaning with any immediate questions. Be aware that cleaning your countertops with solutions or methods outside of the approved ones may result in your warranty being voided. Use pH wipes. These are wipes that are sold in hardware, and sometimes grocery stores. They come pre-moistened and are designed to be gentle on natural stone surfaces. One benefit of these wipes is that they are so gentle that you can use them to wipe down your countertops on an everyday basis without sustaining any damage. They may also be sold under the label “pH-neutral wipes” or just “stone countertop wipes.” Scrub with a dish soap solution. In a bowl or bucket, mix 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of mild dishwashing liquid into warm water. You can then dip a soft cloth or sponge into this mixture and use it to wipe down your countertops. Wring it out so that the cloth or sponge is damp, not soaking wet, before wiping. This is a mild method that can work for both sealed and unsealed types of concrete countertops. This is a great way to clean prior to putting on a new coat of sealant. Be very careful using heavily textured scrubbing pads as they may leave scratches and marks behind. Polish in small circles. As you wipe down or polish your countertop, keep your movements smooth and even. Rub in a circular motion, applying firm but not overly hard pressure. As you remove stains, rewet your cloth or sponge and continue scrubbing gently. Do a final water rinse. When you've finished with a general wipe down and you've removed all set-in stains, then get a fresh cloth. Dip this cloth in water and rub down the countertop once more. You are trying to remove any sediment or residue left behind by the cleaner. Let it air dry. After your water wash-down, let the countertops dry naturally. If you want to speed the process along, you can wipe them down with a microfiber cloth, just be careful not to leave dust or fibers behind. You'll want the countertop dry before you try to apply wax or sealer. Spot treat with cotton balls. On a regular basis, and before you do a general cleaning, glance over your countertops looking for stand-out stains and discoloration. Soak a cotton ball in the cleaning solution of your choice and place the ball on top of the stain. You can place a glass on top to weigh it down against the stain. Remove in 5-10 minutes and check the status of the stain. Repeat as necessary. Oil stains, in particular, can be tough to remove and may respond better to a paste or cleaning poultice. Use laundry cleaners. Get out a bottle of laundry stain remover and gently spray it directly onto any spots or problem areas. Let the remover soak in for a few minutes. Then, wipe down with damp cloth. Or, you could follow up by sprinkling a bit of laundry detergent on top of the lingering stain. Gently scrub this mixture into the countertop until you see the stain lifting. Apply a hydrogen peroxide paste. Get a medium bowl or bucket and mix together one cup (240 mL) of flour, one to two tablespoons (15-30 mL) of hydrogen peroxide, and enough tablespoons of water to form a thick paste. Get a rag, scoop up some paste, and place it onto the countertop. Concentrate on lumping it over stains, in particular. Wipe off the paste with a wet cloth while gentle rubbing the surface. For particularly stubborn stains, you can cover that area with plastic wrap and let it sit for a few hours before removing it. The paste should have a peanut butter like consistency. Get them sealed in advance. Some people prefer to leave their concrete countertops natural and without sealant. This is fine, but it makes the surface more susceptible to scratching and staining. If you'd like to avoid this, you can purchase a concrete sealing kit at your local hardware store or ask your contractor to add it on. This will make your countertops last longer. Make sure to follow all of the application directions carefully and only use a food-grade sealer. Remove all stains ASAP. Prevention is the best way to minimize deep cleaning. If you see a stain developing, tackle it immediately by applying a targeted dose of cleaning solution to that area. You can also just keep a few towels nearby and make a habit of wiping down your countertop every time after cooking. Be aware that you can also scratch concrete by cutting on top of it. Make sure to use a cutting board. Deal with acid damage and etching. This is a bit different from a stain. Etching occurs when acidic substances, such as lemon juice, actually eat through a part of your sealer and reach the concrete underneath. To prevent this from happening, you may need to polish out the spot with a low grit diamond wiping pad and then reapply sealer as directed on the package. Etching often appears in the form of white spots. Wax regularly. On a monthly basis, and after a deep cleaning, apply a coating of wax to your countertops. You can buy concrete-safe wax at the hardware store. This wax will help your counter to resist spotting and staining. It will also leave it with a nice shiny surface. | Consult your manufacturer’s guide or contractor. Use pH wipes. Scrub with a dish soap solution. Polish in small circles. Do a final water rinse. Let it air dry. Spot treat with cotton balls. Use laundry cleaners. Apply a hydrogen peroxide paste. Get them sealed in advance. Remove all stains ASAP. Deal with acid damage and etching. Wax regularly. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Know-when-You%27re-Ready-for-a-Bra | How to Know when You're Ready for a Bra | To know when you're ready for a bra, note if you feel breast buds poking through your shirt, if your nipples are getting darker or bigger, or if your feel some tenderness or soreness around your breasts. If you feel ready to pick your first bra, try a training bra or a sports bra as a comfortable choice. When your breasts get bigger, you'll want more support, so look for a bra with soft cups that fit your body well. After getting your first bra, only wear it during the day since it can be uncomfortable and unnecessary to wear a bra at night. | Look for breast buds poking through your shirt. If you see these small breast buds, it's time to get a first bra. Breast buds are small bumps that appear under each nipple. However, if a girl is feeling self conscious about her breasts, it might be time to get a bra - regardless of physical development. You should feel some tenderness or soreness when breasts begin to bud. This is normal, and nothing to be concerned about. It just means you are starting to develop. Next, the nipples and areola (circle of skin around them) will get darker and bigger. Then the breasts will start to grow more, at first perhaps having a pointy shape. Understand the average age that girls develop. The average age for a girl to start wearing a bra is age 11. Some girls need one by age 8, though, and some girls don't need one until they are 14. Every girl is different! Sometimes girls who aren't really that developed ask to wear a bra because their friend is wearing one. They could start out by trying a training bra You could also start out by wearing a tank top under your shirts. Either way, you should not stress out about whether you are developing like other girls. Everyone moves at their own pace, and that's OK. Recognize the signs of puberty. Developing breast buds is just one of the many changes a girl will see in her body as she starts to enter puberty. She might start to grow pubic hair. In some girls, pubic hair actually develops before breast buds appear. Puberty can cause a girl to gain some weight, especially in the belly area. The belly might look more rounded. This is a natural sign that a girl is starting to mature physically. The girl also might start menstruating, although her periods might be very infrequent at first. All of these things are normal signs of puberty. Try a training bra for your very first bra. Girls can wear a training bra/crop top type bra when the nipples start to protrude. These bras are a lot more comfortable, and they almost look like crop tops, so you might feel less embarrassed because they won't be as obvious. You want to find a very comfortable bra for your first one. There's no reason for a young girl to have a fancy or lacy bra. Training bras are usually simple, stretchy cotton bras without cups. A sports bra is another good idea for gym class or if you are in any team sport. Because sports bras are designed to be flatter in the cup area, and are very comfortable, they can be good choices for your first bra, even if you don't play sports. Choose a bra with a soft cup if you've developed further. If you have grown breast tissue beyond the buds, and if you measure an A cup or more, it's time for a soft cup bra. Measure yourself or ask your mother to measure you every four weeks so you can figure out when you need a soft cup bra. These don't push up or otherwise change the shape of the breasts, so they are appropriate for young girls and are also comfortable. Underwire bras are also not a wise choice for a first bra; they provide more support for girls with very large breasts, and since you're just starting to develop, that's probably not needed. You can choose a bra that's similar to your skin tone so that it doesn't show through your shirt, if you want. Buying bras in different colors can help you match them to the shirt, so they don't show through (for example, you wouldn't want to wear a black bra with a white shirt unless you have darker skin). Learn about the ins and outs of using a bra. A girl may need to learn things older women take for granted. For example, a girl might need to know that you don't need to wear a bra at night. Some bras have padding, but others don't, and the padding is not necessary when a girl is just starting to develop. You can use a wash bag to protect the bra from damage during a washing cycle. You can find first bra lines in many department stores and in many lingerie lines. This can be a good choice for a girl's first bra. Ask your mom or another adult about puberty. For many girls, getting her first bra is a complicated experience. You might worry that you will be teased by boys or other girls if you are developing faster – or slower. Understand that these sensitive feelings are normal. Who knows? Your mother might bring it up to you first. Ask your mother or another adult for a book that explains puberty. Explain to her what is going on with your body.Be open about your feelings. Sometimes boys tease girls about bras. If this has happened to you, don't worry - it's common. But do tell an adult. Realize that women are beautiful no matter the size of their breasts. Girls might be worried if their breasts are small or teased if they are big. Realize that women come in all shapes and sizes. Don't worry if you feel embarrassed. Understand if you feel embarrassed that this is normal at your age. If you are the parent of a girl, don't discuss the topic with others – friends, siblings – in front of her. Understand how bra size is determined. You want to make sure that you pick the right bra size so that you are comfortable and properly supported. In the US, bra size is broken down into two pieces: Chest size and cup size. The chest size is an even number, such as 32, 34, 36 and so on. The cup sizes are in letters, like A, B, or C. In other countries, like the UK cup sizes can be different (AA, A, B, C, D, DD, etc.) A saleswoman at a department store will measure you for a bra, or you can do it at home or ask your mother or older sister for help. Use a tape measure. To determine chest size, run the tape measure under the breasts and around the back. Hold it firm, but not too tight. The measurement will be in inches. Add 5 inches to that number. This is your chest size. For cup size, loop the tape measure firmly around your body at the fullest part of your breasts. Subtract your chest measurement from that figure. The remaining number should be between 1 inch and 4 inches. This is how you determine cup size. Less than 1 inch is a AA bra cup size. 1 inch is an A, 2 inches a B, 3 inches a C and 4 inches a D. If you end up with an odd number, round up to the next even number. This is especially important with young girls because they are growing so fast that if you round down they won't fit in the bra long if at all. Girls are usually ready for a bra when they have an A cup. Learn how to actually wear a bra. Don't be embarrassed if you need to tell your mother you have no idea how to wear a bra. Many girls need to be shown how to do this, and it's OK to ask. To put on a bra, put your arms through the bra straps and lean forward so the breasts fall into the cups. Fasten the back in the middle hook (training and sports bras don't have anything to fasten, which also make them good choices for a very first bra.) Adjust the straps if necessary and refasten the back of it on a different clip to change the size. You could ask your mother to take you to a department store and get you measured and fitted for your first bra. Some mothers try to make it a fun mother-and-daughter day. | Look for breast buds poking through your shirt. Understand the average age that girls develop. Recognize the signs of puberty. Try a training bra for your very first bra. Choose a bra with a soft cup if you've developed further. Learn about the ins and outs of using a bra. Ask your mom or another adult about puberty. Understand how bra size is determined. Learn how to actually wear a bra. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dye-Your-Hair-Brown-After-It-Has-Been-Dyed-Black | How to Dye Your Hair Brown After It Has Been Dyed Black | To dye your hair brown after it has been dyed black, first you'll need to remove the black dye from your hair. To remove the black dye, start by applying a clarifying shampoo to your hair and then covering it with a shower cap or plastic bag. Then, heat your hair through the cap using a blowdryer and let it sit for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, rinse out your hair and condition it thoroughly. Repeat this process until all of the black dye has faded from your hair so you're ready to dye it brown! | Buy the right products. There are two types of shampoos that will help take color off of your hair. Clarifying shampoo is rich in color-stripping ingredients and dandruff shampoo also helps strip color from your hair. These shampoos will help break down the color on your hair and get your hair back to its original color. You can also buy conditioner that is not safe for color treated hair. This will help keep your hair from getting damaged but also help pull more color from your hair. Make sure you get shampoo that is not safe for color treated hair, such as Suave Daily Clarifying Shampoo. The point it to strip the color, so you don't want it to protect the color on your hair. Lather your hair. Sit in your bathroom with a towel around your neck. Wet your hair with water as warm as you can stand to open up your hair cuticles. Massage in the shampoo to your hair, lathering it from your scalp to the ends. Make sure you get shampoo onto all of your hair so the color will come out evenly. As you lather and spread the shampoo, remove the excess foam. The foam should take on the color of the black hair dye. Make sure you don't get it in your eyes. Make sure you scrub your hair well in this step. You want to get your hair as saturated with the shampoo as possible. Heat your hair. Now that your hair is saturated with the shampoo, cover it with a shower cap or plastic bag. Take a hair dryer and heat your hair evenly. Make sure you don't melt the material of the cap as you heat your hair. Once you've covered your whole head, let the shampoo sit on your hair for 15-20 minutes. If you have access to a heated dryer, then you can sit under that instead. If your hair is long enough, you may need to clip up sections so it all fits into the shower cap. Rinse and repeat. Once the 20 minutes are up, rinse your hair thoroughly. Taking a little bit more shampoo, lather you hair and rinse it twice more. This is to remove any of the excess color molecules from your hair that were loosened during the shampooing and heating process. There is no need to heat and wait between these lathers. Condition and heat your hair. Cover your hair with conditioner from root to tip. Take the hair dryer and heat your whole head again. Leave the conditioner on your hair for 25-30 minutes. Then rinse it completely with cool water to seal the cuticle layer and help lock in the moisture. Make sure you don't skip this step. These shampoos strip the oils from your hair and leave them brittle and dry. Conditioning right away will help repair any damage that happened during the process. Repeat. After the first treatment, your hair should be visibly lighter and not have as much black in it. You may even see some of the color that your hair naturally was before you died it. It is unlikely that all the black hair dye was removed during the first run, so you should repeat the process. Once you get it the color that is light enough, dye it with the brown dye of your choice. Try to give your hair a break of a day or so between treatments. This method will not lighten naturally dark hair. The shampoos only remove added color on your hair. Choose the color removing products. There are a few different color removing products out there. There are some that are for lightening and some for color removal. Choose the one that you like the most or that you think will fit your particular needs. Some color removers use peroxide, such as L'Oreal Color Zap, while others are made with bleach like products in them, such as Effasol. You could also try a color removal kit from a brand like Pravana. Keep in mind that color removers will not turn your hair back to your natural hair color. Once you are done using them, your hair will most likely be an orange or yellow blond color. Apply the color remover. The color removers come with two different products, a powder and an activator. For removing black, you need to mix the two products together. Once they are fully mixed, apply the mixture to your hair. Make sure you saturate all of your hair. Put your hair under a shower cap and wait for 15-60 minutes. If you have thick or long hair, you may need more than one box of product. Since it had peroxide in it, it will have an unpleasant smell. Make sure your bathroom is ventilated and that you aren't wearing any clothes that you mind getting messed up. You should always mix the shampoos in accordance to the directions on the box. Rinse and condition your hair. Once you've waited, rinse the product fully from your hair. Once all of the product is out, use a deep conditioning treatment on it to alleviate any damage the peroxide did to your hair. Rinse out the conditioner and let it dry. The color should be light enough now that you can color it with the brown dye of your choice. If the color doesn't lift after one use, you may have to repeat the steps. Some color removers are safe enough to use up to three times in one day. Just be sure to refer to the instructions that are provided with the kit to make sure that you can use it more than once. Make sure you use this product with care. The chemicals aren't as strong as bleach, but they can have a negative effect on your hair. If you already have brittle or dry hair, make sure you condition before you try this treatment. Getting the ingredients. For this method, you need to get vitamin C in the form of a pill, capsule, or powder. You also need to get a bottle of your favorite shampoo, a comb, a towel, and a shower cap. If you have capsule pills, you should pop them open to get the vitamin C powder out of them. If you have the pill, you need to grind them into a powder. You can do this by hand or with a grinder or blender. Mix the paste. You need to mix the vitamin C with your shampoo. Measure 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of the vitamin C in a non metal bowl. Add 2 tablespoons (29.6 ml) of your shampoo. Mix them together, forming a paste. If the paste is too thin, add in more vitamin C until you get a thicker paste. If you have long or thick hair, you may need to double or triple the recipe. You will need enough to completely saturate your hair with the mixture. Lather your hair. Sit in the bathroom with a towel around your neck. Wet your hair thoroughly with warm water and wring out the excess. Take the paste and start lathering your hair from root to tip. Use the comb to help the paste get to all the parts of your hair. Once you are sure that you have covered all of your hair, put your hair into a shower cap. Let it sit for an hour. If your hair is long, clip it up before you put on the shower cap so your hair will stay up. Rinse, condition, and repeat. After the hour has past, rinse your hair completely to remove all the lather from your hair. Let it dry. Once it is completely dry, condition your hair with a deep conditioning treatment to help put back some of the moisture that was removed during the process. If you still have some black left, redo this process a few days later. Once you get all the black removed, you can dye it the brown shade of your choosing. Make sure you give your hair some time to recuperate before you try it again. The acid in the vitamin C makes your hair susceptible to damage, so waiting will allow your hair time to regain its natural oils before you start again. Visit a salon. If you don't like the idea of messing with your hair at home, you can always consult a professional colorist at a salon. Colorists know much more about hair care and maintenance than you do and will know how to treat any damage that might result from the dying treatment. A salon expert will be able to determine your hair type, any potential problems your hair might face, and a hair treatment that will give you the color you want with minimal damage. This option can get quite pricey, so be aware of the costs involved. They will have to remove the color from your hair and then dye it, so you will have to pay for both processes. Try a beauty school. If you are looking for salon-like treatment on a budget, look for a beauty school in your area. They offer color treatments at a fraction of the cost of a normal salon and typically do a great job with your hair. They are training, however, so be aware of what they are doing to your hair so you can make sure they are sticking to what you want done. Because they are students, be prepared to be used as a model. Clear your day because the process will probably take a few hours. Wait. If none of these methods work or are appealing to you, you can always wait until the black color has faded enough from your hair to dye it brown. This process may take a long time, but it is effective. You can always wash your hair with shampoo not intended for color treated hair to help the dye fade faster. Once it is faded enough, you can color it to the color of brown you want. Depending on if you've used a demi-permanent or a semi-permanent color, the time frame can extend from a few weeks to a couple months. | Buy the right products. Lather your hair. Heat your hair. Rinse and repeat. Condition and heat your hair. Repeat. Choose the color removing products. Apply the color remover. Rinse and condition your hair. Getting the ingredients. Mix the paste. Lather your hair. Rinse, condition, and repeat. Visit a salon. Try a beauty school. Wait. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Guy-Feel-Manly | How to Make a Guy Feel Manly | Making a guy feel manly is all about embracing his talents and showing him how grateful you are. If you could use help with something around the house, like fixing something or carrying a heavy object, ask him to do it for you. Chances are he'll appreciate the opportunity to show off his skills. You can also ask him advice about things he knows well, like maintaining a car. After he helps you out, show your appreciation by saying something like, “I don't know what I'd do without you.” Men often take pride in being protective of their loved ones, so let him know that he makes you feel safe. Remember to compliment him on his appearance and his talents to make him feel special. | Ask him to help you with a task. Your guy will enjoy feeling needed and capable of taking care of you. Choose a task that you know he can accomplish, then tell him you need his help. When he completes the task, thank him for being there to save the day and compliment his skills. You might ask, “Can you help me change this lightbulb?” When he changes it, say, “You're a lifesaver! What would I do without you?” Snuggle up next to him while watching a scary movie. Even though your guy knows that the threat isn't real, he'll still feel like he's keeping you safe when you cower against him. Pick a movie that you know will send chills up your spine, then hold onto your guy for protection. Wrap your arms around him and bury your head in his chest. This will trigger his protective instincts. Tell him he makes you feel safe. Your guy needs an occasional reminder that you value him and feel like he takes care of you. Give him a hug and compliment his prowess as your big, strong protector. Additionally, remind him that he's your protector by listing the ways he helps you. You might say, “I love when we're out together because I feel so safe,” or “I'm so happy I have you with me because I feel protected.” Request his advice on a problem you’re having. A good partner wants to be there for you when you need help with something, so turn to your guy when you need advice. Tell him what's causing your issues and ask for his advice. Even if you don't take his suggestions, thank him for being there for you in your time of need. You might say, “I'm can't figure out the best route for tomorrow. Will you help me map out my options?” Thank him by saying something like, “You always give such great advice! Thanks!” Do something special for him so he knows you value him. Your guy wants to feel like he's a priority to you, so make him feel valued. Cook his favorite meal, surprise him with a special date, or buy him a small gift. This will show him that you're thinking of him. For instance, you might surprise him when he comes home from work with a candle-lit meal and romantic music. Alternatively, you might buy him something he's been eyeing. Describe what you love about his body. Everyone has doubts about their body at times, so reassure your guy that he still lights your fire. Tell him he looks great and turns you on. Additionally, point out his most manly physical features and compliment them. Say something like, “I'm so turned on by your big muscles,” “Your sexy thighs are so distracting,” or “Have I told you how sexy your beard is?” Tell him he satisfies you in the bedroom if you’re sexually active. Pleasuring a their partner makes many guys feel truly manly. Show him that you're enjoying your intimate moments by moaning and responding to his touch. Additionally, assure him afterwards that you enjoyed it. You might say, “That was amazing,” or “You're so good at that.” Brag about him to your friends and family. Telling others about his accomplishments and contributions reinforces that you value him. It also boosts his ego by giving him a good reputation. Share with those closest to you when he does something nice for you. Additionally, make a habit of complimenting him in front of others. Say things like, “Scott did an amazing job painting the kitchen,” or “I'm so lucky Miguel has such strong muscles.” Respect how he defines his manhood. Fortunately, gender stereotypes are becoming a thing of the past, so your guy is free to choose how he wants to express his manhood. Let him decide what behaviors and physical attributes he thinks are “manly,” and appreciate him for who he is. For instance, some guys might feel like a beard makes them look more manly, but others may prefer a clean-shaven look. Similarly, it's okay if your guy wants to take good care of his skin or prefers ballroom dancing over sports. Listen to his perspective when you have a disagreement. While you might feel like you're always right, chances are your guy feels the same way about himself. Don't worry about winning arguments or getting your way. Instead, communicate with your guy so you both have a chance to speak your mind. Then, find a compromise that works for both of you. To show him you're listening, paraphrase what he said back to him. You might say, “It sounds like you're worried about the budget,” or “I hear you saying that you need more time to relax.” Speak to him with respect – and expect the same from him. Both you and your guy should use kind language when talking to each other. Don't call each other names, hurl insults, or yell at each other, even if you're having a disagreement. Instead, stay calm and keep your language civil. If you're having trouble being calm, take a break to give yourself time to let off steam. Say, “I need to step out for a few minutes. Let's continue this discussion when we've both calmed down.” Choose activities that you both enjoy when planning dates. You and your guy likely have different interests. You might be tempted to pressure him into doing things that you like, which is totally normal. However, stick to activities that both of you like as often as possible. This will make him feel respected and helps you both have fun together. For instance, let's say you enjoy romcoms (romantic comedies) and he hates them. When picking a movie, choose a genre you both enjoy, like a summer blockbuster. Spend time with friends and family so he feels like he’s chasing you. It's common for people to enjoy the chase when they're dating. If you're too available, it can make your guy feel like he's lost the thrill of the hunt. Keep yourself busy by enjoying your time with others. This will give your guy more pleasure when he finally gets time alone with you. For instance, you might make plans with your best friend on Friday so that your Saturday date night is more exciting. Nurture your mutual independence so he doesn’t feel restricted. Both you and your guy need space to enjoy your own hobbies and be your own person. Encourage your guy to pursue his interests, and use that time to follow your own goals. This will help your guy feel like a manly man, while you'll also feel fulfilled and happy. For example, you and your guy might agree to spend 1 weeknight each week and 1 Saturday a month pursuing your personal goals. If you have kids, decide how you'll cover childcare. For instance, you might alternate which nights you have time to yourself. | Ask him to help you with a task. Snuggle up next to him while watching a scary movie. Tell him he makes you feel safe. Request his advice on a problem you’re having. Do something special for him so he knows you value him. Describe what you love about his body. Tell him he satisfies you in the bedroom if you’re sexually active. Brag about him to your friends and family. Respect how he defines his manhood. Listen to his perspective when you have a disagreement. Speak to him with respect – and expect the same from him. Choose activities that you both enjoy when planning dates. Spend time with friends and family so he feels like he’s chasing you. Nurture your mutual independence so he doesn’t feel restricted. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Change-a-Nose-Piercing | How to Change a Nose Piercing | To change a nose piercing, wait until the piercing has fully healed and remove the bead or fastener holding it in. Next, carefully slide the piercing out and use a Q-tip to clean both sides of your nose with a gentle antibacterial solution. Then, wipe the new piece of jewelry with alcohol to disinfect it and let the alcohol dry. Finally, slide the pointed end of your new jewelry through the piercing hole and fasten it in place with its bead or clamp. | Wait for your piercing to heal fully before changing it. For most new piercings, you'll want to wait until the opening has plenty of time to heal before removing your jewelry. Changing your jewelry too early can be painful and potentially lead to irritation and infection. On top of this, it's likely to extend the healing time of your piercing even longer. While every piercing is different, most new nose piercings will need at least a month to heal to the point that you can safely remove the jewelry. However, longer waiting periods (up to two months or longer) are usually preferable. As a general rule, if your piercing is painful to remove, it may need more time to heal. Note that, if your piercing becomes infected, your doctor may direct you to remove your piercing early. See our article on infected piercings for more information. Wash your hands or put on sterile gloves. Clean hands are crucial when removing your piercings. Human hands can potentially carry millions of bacteria, especially if they've just come into contact with a bacteria-rich object like a doorknob or a piece of uncooked food. To protect your piercing, which is vulnerable to infection even if it's well-healed, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap or sanitizer and water. Another good option is to put on a fresh pair of sterile latex gloves (unless you have a latex allergy, in which case, you should steer clear.) Gloves can have the added benefit of making it easier to grasp the slippery ends of jewelry pieces that rest inside your nose. Remove the bead or fastener. You're now ready to begin! To start, you'll want to remove or undo the mechanism holding your piercing in. Depending on the type of piercing you have, the exact mechanism can differ. Most should be fairly self-explanatory, but here are some general guidelines for a few common types of nose jewelry: Seamless hoops: This is a metal hoop or ring with a break in the middle. To prep the hoop for removal, just bend the two ends of the ring in opposite directions to widen the opening. Captive bead hoops: Similar to seamless hoops (see above), but with a bead in the middle to cover the break in the ring. Prep for removal by pulling the ends of the hoop in opposite directions — the bead should eventually fall off the ring.These can be notoriously difficult for first-timers to remove, so if you're struggling, consider getting a professional's help. L-shaped studs: Basic "stud" design with a 90-degree bend in the skinny portion so that the jewelry resembles an "L" shape. To prep for removal, grab onto the decorative portion on the outside of the nose and gently push down until you see the curve of the L come through the outside of your piercing. Note that you may feel a slight pinch as the bend in the stud comes through the piercing hole. Nose Screws: Similar to ordinary studs but with a corkscrew shaped stick portion. These require a little twisting to insert and remove. To prep for removal, gently push outward on the end of the piercing inside your nose. It should begin to slide out. Gently twist it as you push it through your nose, following its curve. Depending on your jewelry, it make take two or three full twists to come through. It may also help to use KY jelly or another gentle lubricant when you do this to keep the stud from getting stuck. Bones or Fishtails: Miniature "sticks" or "poles" with beads or other stoppers at both ends. The central pole may be straight or curved. While some bone may have removable stoppers, the majority do not, which means that these can be some of the most difficult pieces of jewelry to remove. To prep for removal, press a finger or thumb against the end of the jewelry on the inside of your nose and push so that the jewelry sticks out slightly on the outside. Carefully slide the piercing out. Once you've gotten your piercing ready for removal, taking it out is usually a cinch. Gently pull the jewelry out of the piercing hole at a slow, steady pace. If your jewelry has curves in it, go slowly and be ready to change the angle you pull at to accommodate its curves. For some piercings, you may find that it's helpful to have one finger inside the nose to guide the internal portion of the jewelry out. Don't be shy about this — it may look like you're picking your nose, but if you do it in a private place, it can save you from unnecessary discomfort. For nose bones without removable stoppers, pulling the jewelry through will require more force than with the other types of nose jewelry. Try to remove it in one firm but gentle motion. Be prepared for an uncomfortable pinch as the nub on the inside end of the bone comes through the piercing. Don't be alarmed if you bleed a little bit after it comes out, especially if this is your first time, but be sure to clean it thoroughly if this happens (more details on cleaning below.) Clean your nose with an antibacterial solution. Once you have your jewelry out, put it in a safe place so that you don't lose any of its smaller pieces. Next, use a cotton swab or Q-tip to gently clean both sides of your piercing with a gentle antibacterial solution. This kills bacteria around the piercing site and reduces the risk of infection. In terms of cleaning solutions you may want to use, you have several options. Below is just a short list of examples — see the section below for more information. Saline (salt and water) solution Rubbing alcohol Bactine Antibacterial ointment (i.e., neosporin, etc.) Use a saline solution to clean your jewelry. After you've removed your jewelry, you have two cleaning tasks: to clean the jewelry you just removed, and to clean the new piece of jewelry before you insert it. For convenience's sake, you can use the same cleaning method for both! Your first choice in terms of cleaning options is to use a simple saline solution. The benefit of this option is that it's very cheap and easy to prepare at home — however, it does take some time to prepare. To make a saline solution, heat two cups of water in a small pot. When it starts to boil, add 1/2 teaspoon (not tablespoon) and stir until it dissolves. Continue to boil for five minutes to kill any microorganisms in the water. To sterilize your jewelry, pour your saline solution into two separate clean containers, then drop your old jewelry into one container and your new jewelry into the other. Let both pieces soak for five to ten minutes. Rub your jewelry with alcohol. Another good option for cleaning your jewelry is to use rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol, which is usually available for cheap at local hardware stores. To clean your jewelry with rubbing alcohol, simply pour a little into a small, clean container and use a cotton swab or Q-tip to thoroughly paint both your old jewelry and the new jewelry you intend to insert. Give your new jewelry a chance to dry on a clean paper towel before inserting it into your piercing. Rubbing alcohol can sting if it's introduced directly into a piercing (though it shouldn't cause serious harm.) Use Bactine or another liquid antiseptic. Liquid antiseptic solutions (like Bactine or other brands with benzalkonium chloride as an active ingredient) are great for cleaning nose jewelry. Not only do they kill harmful bacteria on contact, but they're also easy to apply — just dampen a clean rag or Q-tip with the solution and rub it onto the jewelry, then set it out to dry before inserting it again. Another great thing about Bactine and similar products is that they can help relieve the pain that can accompany changing your jewelry for the first time, so don't be afraid to gently apply a little to the piercing itself. Consider applying an antibiotic ointment. If you have any antibiotic ointment in your bathroom cupboard, you may want to use it in addition to of one of the cleaning solutions above. To do so, simply rub a small amount onto both pieces of jewelry, taking special care to coat the portion that will sit inside the piercing. Suitable ointments include those that contain polymyxin B sulfate or bacitracin as their active ingredient. Note that the use of ointments for piercings is somewhat controversial — while they're good for killing bacteria, there is some evidence that using ointments this way can actually slow the healthy healing process of the piercing. Note also that some people are allergic to common antibiotic ointments. If you experience pain and swelling upon inserting your new jewelry after cleaning it with ointment, remove it and stop using the ointment. Contact a doctor if problems persist. Gently slide the pointed end of your new jewelry through the piercing. When your new piece of jewelry has been sterilized, inserting it into the piercing is usually quite easy. Simply remove any fasteners or beads and gently slide the jewelry's thin portion into the piercing. If your piercing is in your septum (the "middle" section of the nose), you'll need to insert the jewelry into the hole through one nostril. If, however, the piercing is in the side of one of your nostrils, you should insert it from the outside of the nose. As a reminder, be sure to wash your hands or put on gloves before handling your (sterile) new jewelry or touching your piercing. Feel for the metal on the other side of the piercing. To help aid the jewelry through your piercing, try inserting one finger onto the other side of the opening as you push the jewelry in. This can help you get the angle of insertion just right — when you feel the jewelry poke your finger, you'll know you've "cleared" the hole. Follow the curves of the jewelry as you feed it through the opening. Continue feeding the jewelry through your piercing, using both hands to guide and adjust it as needed. If your piercing has any curves in it, gently twist or turn the piece of jewelry as you push it in to accommodate the curves and avoid any unnecessary pain. Fasten the jewelry in with its bead, clamp, etc. When your jewelry has been inserted completely, the only task that remains is to seal or fasten it in so that it won't fall out. Depending on the type of jewelry you're using, the exact way to do this will differ — just like with the removal process above. Below are rough instructions for several common types of nose jewelry: Seamless hoops: Simply bend the two ends of the ring so that they line up inside your nose and the ring sits securely in your piercing. Captive bead hoops: Bend both ends of the ring so that they meet inside the fastener bead. As noted above, these pieces can be quite difficult for beginners, so consider enlisting the help of a professional if you're having trouble. L-shaped Studs: Stick the narrow end of the jewelry through your piercing. The decorative end of the stud should be above the piercing if you want the end of the "L" to point up into your nostril and vice versa if you want the end to hang below. Push it through until you reach the bend, then carefully work the angle of the stud through your piercing (pull it down if you started with it above the piercing and push it up if you started with it below the piercing.) Nose Screws: Put the tip of the stud through your piercing. Put your thumb or finger against the hole on the inside of your nose for guidance. Gently push the screw through, twisting clockwise until you feel the tip poke through the inside of your nose. If necessary, keep twisting until the piercing is flat against the outside of your nose Bones or Fishtails: As noted above, while these types of jewelry are comfortable to wear long term, they can be some of the least comfortable to put in and take out. To insert a bone or fishtail, start by placing the nub of the jewelry against the outside of your piercing. Using your thumb or finger inside your nose for support, firmly push the bar through until you feel it come through the other side. Don't be alarmed if you feel an uncomfortable pinch as you are doing this. Clean your nose once again. Once your new jewelry is seated comfortably in your nose, congratulations — you've just successfully changed your piercing! At this point, finish up by giving your nose one more thorough cleaning with an antiseptic to discourage infection. Apply a mixture of warm water and soap, an antibacterial sanitizer, or any of the cleaning solutions described in the section above to the area around both sides of your new piercing. See a professional if you experience serious pain or bleeding. Inserting your new piece of jewelry may be somewhat awkward or uncomfortable, but it should not be outright painful or cause significant bleeding. If you experience either of these symptoms or your piercing becomes red, inflamed, and/or irritated, this may be a sign that your piercing has not had adequate time to heal or that your piercing is infected. In either case, visit a reputable piercing professional to determine the problem. See a doctor if your symptoms don't seem to get better over time. | Wait for your piercing to heal fully before changing it. Wash your hands or put on sterile gloves. Remove the bead or fastener. Carefully slide the piercing out. Clean your nose with an antibacterial solution. Use a saline solution to clean your jewelry. Rub your jewelry with alcohol. Use Bactine or another liquid antiseptic. Consider applying an antibiotic ointment. Gently slide the pointed end of your new jewelry through the piercing. Feel for the metal on the other side of the piercing. Follow the curves of the jewelry as you feed it through the opening. Fasten the jewelry in with its bead, clamp, etc. Clean your nose once again. See a professional if you experience serious pain or bleeding. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-an-Ornate-Horned-Frog | How to Care for an Ornate Horned Frog | Before caring for an Ornate Horned Frog, you should set up a comfortable habitat using a 10-gallon glass aquarium and a suitable substrate like organic soil. Your frog will need a shallow water bowl and a heat source such as a 15 watt heat lamp above the aquarium. As your frog grows, feed it insects like crickets and earthworms. Around once a month, you should empty the aquarium and wash the surfaces with hot water to keep it clean. | Buy from a reputable pet store. If you can, visit a couple of different pet stores before you decide on a frog. Stores have different quality standards of care, so some stores will have healthier frogs than others. Buy the healthiest, most robust specimen you can find – it will be easier to care for, and is likely to live longer. Only buy a frog if its tank is clean, with no feces floating in the water. Poor sanitary conditions lead to sick frogs. Look for a healthy, clear skin. Skin that appears clouded may be a sign of illness. A milky or cloudy looking skin might simply be a sign of recent shedding, as these frogs shed and eat their skin periodically. But to be on the safe side, start with a clear-skinned frog. Ornate Horned Frogs are usually medium to dark green or yellow in color, with patches of red and black. Cranwell's Horned Frogs – a specialized variety bred in captivity – can also be brown, beige, orange, yellow, and even albino. Choose a lively, animated specimen. Approach the frogs, and pass your hand near them in front or on top of the tank. A healthy frog will react by rapidly moving the sac under its mouth, and may make a “mooing” sound. If you don't get a reaction, the frog is probably unhealthy. Look for frogs that seem alert and have clear, bright eyes. Wear gloves when you handle your frog. A frog's skin is a delicate membrane that acts as a secondary breathing organ. The oils on human skin can be harmful or even toxic to a frog's skin. Pet frogs are for looking at – they don't want human love or affection. Frogs don't like to be held, and will sometimes make loud distress calls to let you know they are upset. Ornate Horned Frogs will try to eat anything that comes near their mouth, and they will bite your finger. Always buy captive bred (CB) frogs. Wild caught (WC) frogs are unsuited to captivity, and suffer from stress. Therefore, it is considered cruel to keep them. Wild caught frogs often carry parasites or diseases, which will infect your other frogs. Wild caught frogs are often old, so you won't have as much time to enjoy your frog. Keep only one frog in the tank. Most frogs are cannibalistic; large frogs often eat smaller frogs. It's dangerous to put more than one Ornate Horned Frog in the same tank. One is very likely to eat the other, especially if they are different sizes. Never mix different types of frogs in one tank, as each species of frog has its own particular care needs. Buy a 10-gallon glass aquarium. Ornate Horned Frogs are native to tropical and mountain rain forests, so they need an aquatic/terrestrial habitat. Glass aquariums are easy to clean and you can watch your frogs through the glass. These frogs aren't jumpers, so you don't strictly need a screened lid on top. However, a lid is still a good idea because it helps keep the tank warm. Provide a deep substrate for your frog to burrow in. Your frog feeds by “ambushing” its food, meaning it will hide in the deep substrate until prey comes near, then jump out and attack. Be sure the substrate is slightly moist at all times, never soggy or completely dry. Good substrate materials include coconut husk fiber ( Bed-a-beast , Eco-earth , Forest Bed , or similar products.) Soil is a good option because it stays moist and allows your frog to dig. It looks natural, as well. Be sure to purchase safe soil that does not contain pesticides, vermiculite, perlite, or any other harmful chemicals. Cypress mulch, sphagnum moss, and leaf litter are not generally recommended, because your frog can choke on a piece of bark or moss. If you use these items, you'll need to feed using tweezers or tongs. Never use sand, gravel, or fir bark as substrate. Provide a water bowl. Add a large, shallow bowl to the tank, which should be filled with water at all times. Always use de-chlorinated water – tap water will harm your frog. Glazed ceramic trays that come with flowerpots make excellent water dishes. Most frogs defecate into their water dish, so be sure to replace the water at least daily. Place little stacks of rocks next to the bowl and in the water, so your young frog can climb in and out. Add foliage for decoration. Horned Frogs don't need foliage to hide, because they burrow into the deep substrate on the bottom of the tank. But you can add artificial or real plants, if you want to make the tank look nice. Real plants can be difficult to grow indoors, and will need to be thoroughly washed and disinfected before you add them to the terrarium. Artificial plants are easier to keep clean, and you can buy a wide variety of these online or at a pet store. Air plants are living plants that do not require soil or water, apart from an occasional misting. Keep them away from harsh sunlight and heat lamps, or they will dry out. Add a heat source. Position a low-intensity (15 watts) heat lamp over the terrarium, above the highest point in your frog's habitat. Be sure there is a screen lid to the tank between your frog and the heating bulb. Don't use under-tank heaters or heated rocks in your Ornate Horned Frog tank. Moderate tank temperature. Horned frogs will thrive in a fairly large range of temperatures, and do not require careful humidity adjustments like most amphibians. Their tank should be between 75°F (24°C) and 84°F (29°C) during the day, and a few degrees cooler at night. Hang store-bought temperature strips on the side of the tank to measure environmental conditions. Feed your growing frog insects and worms. Juvenile Horned Frogs will enjoy small earthworms, crickets and wax worms. They need to eat live prey, so this may not be the pet for you if you are squeamish. Feed juveniles 2-6 food items, at least 2-3 times per week. Feed your adult frog larger prey items. Adult horned frogs can handle larger foods such as night crawlers, roaches, superworms, silkworms, earthworms, locusts, crickets, mealworms, feeder fish, slugs and snails. Adults can be feed once per week, or even once every two weeks, if you provide large quantities of food items. During aestivation periods, adult Horned Frogs will go as long as four months without food, if fed heavily beforehand. You can feed pre-killed pinky or larger mice to your frog occasionally, but they should not be a regular part of your frog's diet. Do not feed your frog live mice or other vertebrates. Supplement their diet. In addition to a well-rounded diet, rub calcium and vitamin D3 supplement powder onto their food. You can purchase amphibian vitamin supplements online or at your local pet store. Juvenile Horned Frogs should get supplement powder at least 2-3 times per week. Adult frogs should get vitamin-dusted meals at least once per week. Watch your fingers. Ornate Horned Frogs are not picky eaters, and they will bite anything you put near their mouth including your finger. Although they don't have teeth to speak of, they have strong jaws and their bite can be very painful. If your frog bites you, resist the urge to jerk away. You may accidentally fling your frog across the room and injure him. If your frog does not let go within a few seconds, try running cold water over him until he releases his grip. Clean your finger with antiseptic and apply a bandage. Keep the tank clean. Once a month, remove your frog from its tank and place it in a small holding tank. Thoroughly wash all surfaces with hot water. Wash the items in the tank with hot water as well, and let everything cool before you put it back. Use gloves when moving your frog to a holding tank. The natural oils in your skin are very harmful to frogs. Never use chemicals to clean. When cleaning the frog's enclosure, never use chemicals. Even trace amounts of chemicals can burn or kill your frog. | Buy from a reputable pet store. Look for a healthy, clear skin. Choose a lively, animated specimen. Wear gloves when you handle your frog. Always buy captive bred (CB) frogs. Keep only one frog in the tank. Buy a 10-gallon glass aquarium. Provide a deep substrate for your frog to burrow in. Provide a water bowl. Add foliage for decoration. Add a heat source. Moderate tank temperature. Feed your growing frog insects and worms. Feed your adult frog larger prey items. Supplement their diet. Watch your fingers. Keep the tank clean. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Live-Life-Your-Way | How to Live Life Your Way | In order to live your life your way, determine the personal and professional goals that are most important to you. Don't worry if those aren't the same goals that someone else would choose for you; just focus on what will make you happy. Each night before you go to bed, repeat your goals to yourself, and plan the steps you have to take to achieve them. For instance, if you really want to be a painter, your first goals might be to buy a sketch pad and sign up for an art class. | Determine your main goal in life. It can be hard to know what you really want, but once you determine it, you can take steps to work towards it. Brainstorm ideas about what makes you really happy. Divide those ideas into professional and personal goals based on how serious you want to be about them. For instance, maybe you decide that both cooking and painting make you truly happy. Your ultimate professional goal may be to make a living as a painter, while you develop your cooking skills just for fun. Dare to make a choice that's not easy or "sensible. " It's easy to choose the sensible decision. You're going with the grain, and that's okay sometimes. However, if you want to live life you're own way, you're likely going to need to step out of that box. What you want may not look sensible or responsible, and that will make it hard to work towards. You should still go for it if it's what you really want! Working on being a full-time painter, for instance, looks irresponsible to a lot of people. Don't let the haters get you down! If it's what's important to you, you can put in the hours to make it work for you. Repeat your goal each night before bed. It's easy to say a goal once, and then slip back into your normal routine. But to make a goal happen, you have to commit to it and solidify it in your brain. One way to do that is to use it as a sort of mantra each night before you go to sleep. For example, you could say, "I want to become a painter and support myself through painting." Say it outloud! Hearing it makes a difference. Take your goal step by step. If you set a massive goal, it's going to be difficult to achieve. Your brain will think the challenge is too big, and you'll be fighting yourself to achieve it. However, if you break it into small chunks, you'll find that smaller steps are much easier to take. If you're goal is to learn painting, for example, start by breaking it down into small chunks like: buy or borrow supplies, check out books from the library to learn from, read books, watch online videos, practice 2 new techniques each week, and sign up for a painting class. You can even make small commitments each day, such as committing to spend 15 minutes painting each day. Cut out distractions. If you're like a lot of people, you don't make changes in your life because you think you don't have time. However, if you take a hard look at your life, you may find you're spending your time on trivial things, like television, movies, social media, and games. Try going a week without giving in to these distractions. Work on ways you can move towards your goal, such as taking classes, practicing your craft, or setting up a business plan. Discipline yourself to follow through. When you set out small goals, you still need to follow through with them. It's easy to cop out if you're too tired or you just run out of time. Once in a while, that's okay, but if you let it happen too often, not doing what you're supposed to becomes the habit. Write what you need to do each day on your calendar. Make sure you set aside time for it. You may need to get up earlier, for instance, so you can avoid getting distracted. Accept responsibility for your actions so you can move forward. You may be in the habit of blaming other people for where you are in life. Your circumstances certainly have affected where you are, but you ended up where you are because of the choices you made. You have to be willing to accept that responsibility, empowering you to change what your future will be. You can't change your life if you don't think you have control over it. Every time you think, "If only this had happened instead," try to rethink it. You could say, "Yes, that happened, but I made a choice, too. It's my choice that got me here." Free yourself from others' expectations. That's easier said than done, right? Your parents, your family, and your friends all have come to expect certain things from you. That doesn't mean you have to live up to those expectations if they don't fit with what you want. Take a hard look at your life, and figure out if you are where you are just because you followed what others wanted. You're allowed to make changes that contradict those expectations, if that will get you where you want to be. Maybe you went to college because your parents expected it, but you're not happy in the job you ended up in. You can get a different job, even if it's not one your parents approve of. Your parents may or may not come around, but you'll be happier. Change the way you think about your responsibilities. You can't, of course, leave all your responsibilities behind. If you have kids, obviously you need to take care of them. However, you can approach your responsibilities differently. For instance, you don't have to be the "typical" perfect parent to be a good parent. Your kids don't need perfectly manicured lunches to be happy. Your love and attention is far more important. Of course, they still need to eat, but most kids will be just as happy and full with a simple sandwich, a piece of fruit, and store-bought yogurt as they are with homemade layered pasta salad, perfectly cut star-shaped fruit, and homemade yogurt. Sometimes, you may need to take the simple route to free up your time. Follow what you love. Whether you're choosing where your life will go or making a decision about dinner, let your passion be your guide. Passion makes life more exciting, and if you try to follow it each day of your life, you will be living life in your own way. Think about when you're feeling your happiest. When does time seem to pass without you noticing? What do you throw yourself into? Those are your passions! Don't be afraid to follow even your biggest passions. If you've always had a passion for Scotland, try to find a way to move there! It won't be easy, and even if you decide it's not for you, at least you tried it out. You won't feel like you missed out on a chance. Stop trying to fit in and find your worth inside yourself. Often, if you have low self-esteem, your sense of value is determined by what others think of you. If you're always trying to be the "cool kid" (even as an adult), you're letting others decide what you'll be by trying to fit in. You're letting them determine your value--as long as you're "cool enough," you'll feel worthy. But when you slip up, your self-esteem slips, too. Instead, validate yourself and try not to look to external validation all the time. If someone makes a comment about you that upsets you, reframe it. For instance, if they say, "You'd be prettier if you cut your hair," you can think or even say, "It doesn't matter what you think. I like my hair this way, and that's all that matters." On the other hand, if you're always looking for external validation, ask yourself why. Is there a fear below that desire? Do you feel like you're not good enough? No one else can make you feel like you're good enough. You have to find it within yourself. Keep telling yourself this over and over: you are worthy; you are good enough; and you do deserve love, comfort, and attention from others. Pay attention to how you think about yourself and your life. If you have low self-confidence, you likely talk negatively about yourself in your head. The first step in combating those thoughts is to realize you're having them. When you hear yourself say something like, "You're lazy," or "You're never going to get this," take a step back and be aware of what you're saying to yourself. Re-label your negative thoughts by looking at the positive. If you tell yourself something enough times, you may start to believe it. To help combat that, work on identifying those thoughts and turning them into positive or neutral statements. For instance, if you think, "I hate that I've gained 10 pounds," try, "I may have put on weight, but I'm thankful my body gets me through the day." Learn from your mistakes instead of berating yourself for them. Sometimes, you're going to make mistakes. You're human! However, kicking yourself while you're down isn't going to help. Instead, figure out what went wrong so you can make a better decision in the future. For example, maybe you made a mistake at work that cost the company some money. Figure out why you made the mistake, and take steps to correct it in the future. Maybe the mistake was you missed a number in a spreadsheet. Make sure to go over it more carefully next time. Avoid comparing yourself to others. An easy way to defeat yourself on the way to achieving your goals is to make a comparison with someone else. Someone is always going to be better than you or farther along than you. It's not a competition. If you work hard, you can get where you want, too. Often, when you compare yourself to others, you'll come out feeling as the loser. Keep in mind, though, that people always try to present their best selves. They may be struggling just as much as you. Social media feeds into this self-depracating comparison loop, because people have a tendency to post only the positive things. Your strengths are you're own. Someone may be better at something, but you've have areas where you shine, too. | Determine your main goal in life. Dare to make a choice that's not easy or "sensible. Repeat your goal each night before bed. Take your goal step by step. Cut out distractions. Discipline yourself to follow through. Accept responsibility for your actions so you can move forward. Free yourself from others' expectations. Change the way you think about your responsibilities. Follow what you love. Stop trying to fit in and find your worth inside yourself. Pay attention to how you think about yourself and your life. Re-label your negative thoughts by looking at the positive. Learn from your mistakes instead of berating yourself for them. Avoid comparing yourself to others. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Rake-Leaves | How to Rake Leaves | Before you start raking, set out a tarp or large bag to collect all of the leaves. Then, as you rake, pull the rake towards your body as you walk backwards towards the tarp. When the tarp is full, transport them to one main pile. Before you put the leaves into bags, stomp on the piles to reduce them down. Also, make sure you avoid filling the bags too full for easy carrying. | Use a quality rake. Many people have an old rake in the tool shed, but an older rake may not be as efficient as a new one. To make raking more efficient, invest in a quality rake. Look for a rake that has an ergonomic handle and that is lightweight. This will help to reduce the strain on your back. Choosing a rake that has a wide end will also help to ensure that you can rake up as many leaves a possible with every sweep. Position your body properly. Proper body positioning is also essential to successful raking. Some things to keep in mind when you rake include: Your hand positions. When you hold the rake, grasp it with both hands and change your hand positions now and then as you rake. Your knees. Keep your knees slightly bent. Try not to bend too far forward at the waist. Your movement. It is helpful to move backwards as you rake. Try to rake the leaves towards you as you walk backwards. Transport your leaves with a tarp. You can also save time and energy by raking your leaves onto a tarp, sheet, or canvas cloth. Before you begin raking, lay out a tarp or other large piece of material on the ground. Then, begin raking the leaves onto the tarp. Rake one area of your yard until the tarp is full, then drag the tarp to your main pile. If you prefer, you can also rake your leaves directly into bags. Then, you can transport the bags to a mulch pile or other disposal area. Stomp on your pile. As you rake leaves onto the tarp or into bags, make sure that you stomp them down now and then. This will help to ensure that you have plenty of room for all of your leaves. To stomp on your leaves, simply step on them or put one foot into the leaf bag to stomp them down. If you are using bags, just try to avoid filling the bags too full. You should still be able to pick the bags up easily. Wait for all the leaves to fall. It is a good idea to wait until all of the leaves have fallen to begin raking. Raking too soon in the season may be a wasted effort. If there are more leaves on the trees, then more leaves will fall. Watch the trees to determine when they are mostly or completely bare. Then, start your raking. If you have extra time on your hands, then you can also rake up the leaves as they begin to fall instead of waiting for all of them to fall. This will make your job easier when the last of the leaves fall, but it will also require raking a little at a time. Mow early fall leaves into your lawn. In early fall, there might not be enough leaves on the ground to justify raking your whole lawn. However, if you have some early fall leaves that are bothering you, then you can mow them into your lawn. This will help to give your lawn extra nutrients and save you some time. Choose a calm day to rake. Windy conditions will make raking more difficult. If possible, wait for a calm day to do your raking. However, if you have to rake on a windy day, then try to rake the leaves with the wind and not against it. For example, you could place your pile on the side of the yard that the wind is blowing towards. Then, rake all of your leaves in that direction. Ensure that the leaves are dry. Check the leaves for dampness before you begin raking. If the leaves are wet, then they will be harder to rake. They will also weigh down the bags or other containers that you put them in, which will make it harder for you to move them. To make your job a little easier, wait until the leaves are dry to start raking them. Watch the weather and check the leaves before you get started. Wear gloves. Holding the handle of the rake can cause blisters on your hands. Your hands may also get dirty from picking up leaves from your pile and placing them into bags. To protect your hands, make sure that you wear a pair of heavy duty canvas or leather work gloves. You can find these gloves at any home improvement store. Put on some closed toed shoes. Rakes can hurt if you drag them across your foot. There may also be insects and other small creatures hiding in your yard. To protect yourself from injury and bites, make sure that you are wearing a pair of closed toed shoes. Work boots are a good choice for doing yard work. Use a mask if you have allergies. If you will be mulching your leaves or if you have allergies, then you may want to wear a mask over your face. This will help to protect you from breathing in the dust and allergens released as you rake and mulch your leaves. You can find a mask at a home improvement store. Wear long sleeves and pants. Wearing long sleeves and pants is also a good idea when you are doing yard work. Even if the weather is not cold yet, there may be insects, snakes, and other small creatures lurking in your yard. Wearing long pants and long sleeves will help to protect you from bites. A pair of jeans and a long sleeve shirt is a good choice for raking leaves. You can wear a jacket and a hat too if the weather is cold. | Use a quality rake. Position your body properly. Transport your leaves with a tarp. Stomp on your pile. Wait for all the leaves to fall. Mow early fall leaves into your lawn. Choose a calm day to rake. Ensure that the leaves are dry. Wear gloves. Put on some closed toed shoes. Use a mask if you have allergies. Wear long sleeves and pants. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Blue-a-Gun-Barrel | How to Blue a Gun Barrel | Black oxidizing, or bluing, is a way to create a thin protective shell around steel and is often used on gun barrels. One way to blue your gun barrel is to hot blue it. This entails dipping the gun parts in a clean solution bath and then dipping them in a bluing solution for up to a half an hour. Another method is to rust blue your gun. For this, you'll need to coat your gunmetal parts with a mixture of hydrochloric and nitric acid before scrubbing away the red oxide rust. Your last option is to cold blue your gun by gently heating the gunmetal and applying a bluing solution. You can then season the finish with gun oil once you have the level of bluing you want. | Polish the gun barrel and other parts to be blued. This is to remove any surface rust and other red oxides that would flake off during the process, as well as any pits or scratches that may exist. You can use either 000 steel wool or 600 to 1200-grit sandpaper to polish the metal. Ready the parts to be dipped in the cleaning and bluing solutions. The chemicals that are used in the bluing process proper are caustic chemicals. Depending on which chemical you use to clean the gun metal prior to bluing it, it may be caustic as well. In addition to wearing rubber gloves when working with these chemicals, it's helpful to rig up the parts before dipping so they can be easily removed from the bluing bath. Cut a length of soft wire longer than the gun barrel so that it is long enough to protrude from either end. After threading the wire through the barrel, bend both ends into hooks that can be grasped without touching the barrel and be suspended on hooks or a length of cord or wire outside of the chemical baths. Smaller parts can be held in a stainless steel basket. Dip the gun parts in a cleaning solution bath. Parts should be immersed in the bath for 10 to 15 minutes and scrubbed while being immersed to remove any oil, dirt, or grease that could get in the way of the bluing process. You can use any of the following chemical cleaners, provided you read and follow all directions for its use, handling, and disposal: One chemical cleaner that was reportedly discontinued contained sodium metasilicate, found in a number of commercial floor strippers. A cleaner that can be used in its place is sodium triphosphate, a component of a number of commercial detergents. Some bluing product manufacturers recommend using naphtha, followed by washing the metal in a mild dishwashing detergent. Some hobbyist 'bluers' use a special cleaning oil, followed by acetone (nail polish remover) to clean the metal, while others use denatured alcohol. (One such cleaning oil, a mixture of mineral and vegetable oils, alcohol, alkaline salts, and benzyl acetate, is sold commercially under the name “Ballistol.”) Rinse off the cleaning solution in cold water. Rinsing should take no more than 2 to 3 minutes. If you've used dishwashing detergent to remove the cleaning chemical, you may instead need to use hot water to rinse. Dip the gun parts in the bluing solution. The bluing solution used in hot bluing is a caustic salt mixture of potassium nitrate and sodium hydroxide known as “Traditional Caustic Black.” This solution must be heated to a temperature of from 275 to 311 degrees F (135 to 155 degrees C), depending on the makeup of the bluing solution. Before heating the bluing solution, stir it thoroughly to break up any clumps of bluing salt that may occur on the surface or at the bottom of the tank holding the solution. When dipping gun barrels in bluing solution, dip them at an angle to allow any air bubbles that may form to escape. Be sure to immerse the barrel completely. Swirl the metal basket containing smaller gun parts around in the solution to ensure the parts are completely coated with the bluing solution. Leave the gun parts in the bluing solution from 15 to 30 minutes. Check to see when the metal has reached the desired shade of bluing and remove it from the solution at that time. Stainless steel gun parts are immersed in a different chemical solution, this one made of a mixture of nitrates and chromates. It is heated to temperatures similar to the nitrate-hydroxide mixture. Rinse off the bluing solution in cold water. Swirl the parts through the cold water to help wash away the bluing salts. Immerse the gun parts in boiling water. This will boil off any remaining bluing solution residue. Simple parts need to be immersed for 5 to 10 minutes, while complex or ornate parts may need to be immersed for up to 30 minutes. If the gun has any soldered parts, you can apply a chemical to these parts that will color the soldering to match the rest of the metal. Use a cotton swab for this. Immerse the treated parts in a bath of water-displacing oil. This will protect the finish from rust, sweat, and body oil. Leave the parts in the oil bath for 45 to 60 minutes, until they have cooled. Polish the parts to be blued. Again, steel wool or 600 to 1200-grit sandpaper will work to remove any loose rust, scarring, or pitting from the gun metal. If you plan to remove the gun's finish from the factory before bluing, some recommend using a phosphoric acid-based automotive rust remover to do so. Others use white vinegar, which contains acetic acid, for this purpose. Clean away any dirt, oil, or grease that remains chemically. The 19th-century gunsmiths who used this process likely did not have access to the chemicals used to clean gun metal for hot bluing, but the chemical cleaning improves the effectiveness of the bluing. You can use any of the chemicals described in the cleaning step for hot bluing and then rinse the cleaner off in the manner described in the rinsing step. Coat the gun metal parts with a mixture of hydrochloric and nitric acid. The acid solution actually encourages the metal to rust, but to do so uniformly. Instead of coating the parts with the acid solution, you can instead place an opened container of the acid solution with the gun parts in a cabinet and seal it for a period of 12 hours. The acid evaporates from its container and condenses around the gun metal. This method is called fume bluing. Another variation is to coat the gun metal parts with the rust bluing solution and then put them into a fume cabinet (or, in this case, a damp cabinet) for the same 12 hours. Often, a first layer is applied as a primer before coating the parts a second time and then placing them in the damp cabinet. Immerse the gun metal parts in boiling distilled water. This stops the rusting process by removing the acid solution. Scrub away the red oxide rust that has formed, leaving the black oxide finish underneath. The surface rust is normally removed with a carding brush or wheel, which features very soft and thin wire bristles. Repeat the acid treatment, boiling, and scrubbing until you have achieved the desired level of bluing. In some cases, the metal may develop as deep a coloring as it can, making further bluing treatments unnecessary and ineffective. Coat the gun parts with oil. The oil inhibits the formation of rust and protects the metal finish from dirt, sweat, body oil, and wear. Once you've applied the oil, let the parts stand overnight before assembling. Polish and clean the gun metal. You can polish the metal with steel wool or sandpaper as you would with either of the other bluing processes, but how you choose to clean the metal depends on whether you plan to blue the entire gun or touch up existing bluing. If you plan to blue the entire gun, you may want to immerse the metal in a cleaning solution as described for the hot bluing process. If you plan to just touch up existing bluing, you can apply cleaning oil to the places where you want to remove the old bluing and prepare the metal for cold bluing. (The cleaning oil will dissolve existing bluing if applied excessively.) Use acetone on cotton balls to remove the cleaning oil. You may have some scarring from this process that will require sanding or polishing out. Heat the metal gently. Although this process is called cold bluing, gently heating the gun metal before applying the bluing can help it absorb the bluing better and create a better finish. Heat the metal by leaving it out in the sun for several hours, with a heat gun or blow dryer, or in a conventional oven set to its lowest setting. Apply the bluing solution. Slowly apply the solution to the area to be blued as evenly as possible, using a clean applicator. Apply the solution in a single pass to cover small areas, or in sections no larger than 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) when covering large areas, then smooth it out using steel wool. This will prevent the bluing from appearing mottled. For applying the bluing to large areas, old all-cotton T-shirts or new toothbrushes are recommended. For smaller areas, use a cotton ball, cotton swab, or flat toothpick no larger than the area to be covered. You can soak small parts like screws or hard to cover areas in the bluing solution. If you don't have enough bluing solution to soak a recessed area, put it in a clean spray bottle and spray it liberally on the part over a glass pan or plastic tray. After the part is completely covered, you can pour the overspray back into the bottle and reuse it. Apply the solution several more times until you have the level of bluing you want. Apply each layer with a fresh applicator, and use a fresh piece of steel wool to smooth out each new layer. The more layers you apply the darker the bluing will be; however, each new layer is progressively less effective than the layer before it. Seven layers should be enough, in most cases, to achieve a dark blue-black finish. If you have spots that won't darken, start the process over by sanding the spots with 320 to 400-grit sandpaper before applying the solution again. Try to sand no more than the stubborn spots themselves. Season the finish with gun oil once you have the level of bluing you want. Apply a layer of gun oil every few hours, using a cotton ball to remove the previous layer before applying a new layer. (In essence, you're washing off the bluing solution with the gun oil instead of with water.) Do not use the cleaning oil for this process, as it will take off the bluing you worked so hard to put on. | Polish the gun barrel and other parts to be blued. Ready the parts to be dipped in the cleaning and bluing solutions. Dip the gun parts in a cleaning solution bath. Rinse off the cleaning solution in cold water. Dip the gun parts in the bluing solution. Rinse off the bluing solution in cold water. Immerse the gun parts in boiling water. Immerse the treated parts in a bath of water-displacing oil. Polish the parts to be blued. Clean away any dirt, oil, or grease that remains chemically. Coat the gun metal parts with a mixture of hydrochloric and nitric acid. Immerse the gun metal parts in boiling distilled water. Scrub away the red oxide rust that has formed, leaving the black oxide finish underneath. Repeat the acid treatment, boiling, and scrubbing until you have achieved the desired level of bluing. Coat the gun parts with oil. Polish and clean the gun metal. Heat the metal gently. Apply the bluing solution. Apply the solution several more times until you have the level of bluing you want. Season the finish with gun oil once you have the level of bluing you want. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Caladiums | How to Grow Caladiums | To grow caladiums, plant the tubers in a moist, shady location at least 6 to 8 inches apart in well-draining soil. Next, water the plants frequently so that the soil stays moist but not soggy. To keep them blooming, fertilize your caladiums once per month during the growing season with a 5-10-10 fertilizer. Finally, dig up the tubers in the fall, before the first frost, and store them with dry peat moss in a dark, cool place for the winter. You can replant the tubers in the spring after the final frost! | Check your growing zone. In the USA, Caladiums can grow in USDA hardiness zones three to ten. The tubers begin growing at 70 °F (21 °C), and caladiums will die if the temperature falls any lower. If you live in a place with plenty of heat and humidity through the summer, you'll be able to grow caladiums outdoors. Otherwise, you can grow caladiums as a gorgeous indoor plant. Buy caladium tubers or potted plants. You can order caladium tubers (often called bulbs) online or buy them from your local nursery. The larger the tubers, the larger your plants will be. To make planting even easier, purchase sprouted caladiums in small pots. That way you need only transfer the plants from the pot to the ground (or simply keep them in pots indoors) to enjoy their beauty. Caladiums come in many different colors and varieties. Fancy-leaf caladiums have large, heart-shaped leaves. Strap-leaf caladiums are shorter plants with bunches of leaves. Dwarf caladiums have small, heart-shaped leaves. Choose a planting spot. Most caladium varieties do best in shady, moist spots. Plan to plant caladiums in a dark area that could use some bright foliage - under trees, along the house, or in another shady place. Caladiums grow well with ferns, mosses and impatiens. If you're keeping your caladiums indoors, plan to put them in a place out of direct sunlight. Choose a room that stays warm and humid but isn't completely flooded with sun. Choose a spot that doesn't get strong winds. The leaves can be damaged easily. Prepare the soil for planting. Caladiums need rich, well-drained soil. Till the soil to a depth of at least 6 inches (15.2 cm) and work in compost or chopped leaves to enrich it. If you're planting caladiums in pots, a standard rich potting soil will do. Make sure the soil drains well by digging a hole and filling it with water. If the water stands, the soil doesn't drain well enough; you'll need to mix it with organic matter to loosen it up. If the water soaks in, the soil is well-draining. Plant the caladiums. Plant the tubers 1 ⁄ 2 inches (3.8 cm) deep with pointed sides up. Space the holes 8 to 14 inches (20.3 to 35.6 cm) apart, with wider spacing for larger tubers. If you have small potted caladiums, dig holes twice as large as the root balls, set the plants into the holes, and pack the soil firmly around the stems. If you are planting several tubers together in a large pot, space tubers 6 to 8 inches (15.2 to 20.3 cm) apart. Keep caladiums well watered. Make sure the soil is kept moist, but not soggy. The tubers will rot in soggy soil. To help keep the right level of soil moisture, mulch around the plants after you have planted them. Fertilize caladiums periodically. Use potash and phosphorus as well as a 5-10-10 fertilizer monthly to ensure optimum growth. Overwinter your caladiums. If you live in a region where the temperature drops below 70 degrees in the winter, dig up the caladium tubers. Replant them when the soil is warm again. If your caladium is in a container, simply bring it inside for the winter. Caladiums do well as house plants. Be sure they get some sunlight during the day. Fertilize every few weeks with a liquid fertilizer. When your plant begins to die back, but before the first frost, dig up the tuber and discard the wilted leaves. Let the tubers dry out for a few days and then store them with dry peat moss in a box or paper bag in a dark cool place for the winter. Throw out any soft or empty feeling tubers. Plant when the soil is warm and ready for your caladiums to grow well. | Check your growing zone. Buy caladium tubers or potted plants. Choose a planting spot. Prepare the soil for planting. Plant the caladiums. Keep caladiums well watered. Fertilize caladiums periodically. Overwinter your caladiums. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Adjust-a-Compound-Bow | How to Adjust a Compound Bow | If adjusted properly, your compound bow will give you greater accuracy and comfort when taking your shot. You can easily change the draw weight of your bow by loosening or tightening the limb bolts with an Allen wrench. On most bows, you'll find these near the centre where the arms attach to the riser. You'll want a draw weight that you can pull and hold for a few seconds without too much strain. On the other hand, having a bow that's too easy to draw will sacrifice velocity and precision. You should be able to pull the string back with one fluid movement. | Locate the limb bolts. Look for the limb bolts near the center of your compound bow. The limb bolts lie in large circular knobs that attach the bow's arms to the riser. These bolts must be manipulated to tweak the draw weight, or the amount of tension that is placed on the bow string as it is pulled. The riser is the central part of the bow that connects to the limbs and other mechanical components. Loosen the limb locking screws. Certain compound bow models use a second set of bolts or screws to hold the limb bolts in place once they're in the right position. These can usually be found on either side of the limb bolts. They can sometimes be undone with the same Allen wrench you'll use to adjust the limb bolts, or they may require a separate screwdriver. Loosen the locking screws to allow the limb bolts to be adjusted. Tighten or loosen the limb bolts to the desired weight. Insert the short arm of an Allen wrench (most commonly a 3/16 size, usually included with the bow) into the bolt and make sure it is properly slotted. Then, turn the wrench either clockwise to tighten the bolt or counterclockwise to loosen it. Adjust the tension of each arm of the bow to the preferred weight. Do this for both limb bolts, turning each bolt the same amount. Tighten or loosen the limb bolts one full rotation at a time. This will help you keep track of the level of tension in each of the limbs. On most compound bows, one rotation of the limb bolt translates to roughly a pound and a half of weight. Remember to adjust the tension equally on both limbs. Test the bow’s pull. Secure the limb locking screws if your bow has them. Hold the bow as you ordinarily would and pull back the bowstring to test the draw weight. If you're satisfied with how it feels, you're done. If not, continue tinkering with the draw weight until you get it how you want it. You should be able to draw the bow in one smooth, controlled motion. Settle on a draw weight that matches your upper body strength. The draw weight of the bow should be determined by your level of upper body strength. If the draw feels too heavy, or it becomes difficult to continue drawing the bow after multiple shots, the tension may be too high. An excessively heavy draw weight can wear you out and throw off your shot. Light draw weights are more manageable, but sacrifice force and velocity when propelling the arrow. A heavier draw weight doesn't always equal a better shot. The force and trajectory can depend just as much on the type of arrow you're using. Take your draw length into account. Draw length refers to the distance it takes to pull the bowstring all the way back. The longer the draw length, the more tension that is placed on the bow and the heavier the weight of the bowstring. Make sure your bow is properly calibrated to suit your body type and measurements. If need be, take the bow to a specialist to have it modified. The draw length of the bow should correspond directly to your arm span. Altering the bow's draw length is more complicated, and may have to be done by a professional. Consider how you’ll be using the bow. Are you taking your bow hunting, using it for a sport competition or just practicing recreationally? Hunters may favor a heavier pull to ensure that their arrows have penetrating power. Competition archers, on the other hand, should aim to use a weight that lets them shoot over and over again without causing fatigue. Competition archers shoot more frequently and might get tired using a heavier draw weight. Bows with different specifications and mechanical advantages are made for different kinds of sportsmen. Choose a weight that’s comfortable. Above all, the draw weight you decide on should feel natural in your hands. Don't let your ego tempt you into using too heavy a bow or specifications that don't fit your individual style. Adjust your bow until it is balanced enough to draw, hold and release without difficulty. Always go with what feels best. It may take a little time to figure out, but in the end your bow will be better calibrated to your unique proportions, and you'll be more accurate as a result. Use an average draw weight for reference. If you're just getting started and aren't sure what draw weight would be best for you, take a look at some average draw weights as they're categorized by age and sex. Children generally start with a weight of around 20-30lbs; women weighing less than 170lbs and older boys fall around 30-40lbs; women weighing over about 170lbs, older boys, and men weighing 150lbs or less might use a weight anywhere between 45-65 lbs; men between 150-200lbs use an average of 60-70lbs; men over 200lbs might use up to a 100 pound draw weight. Try out different bow sizes and draw weights to see which you handle best. These are just average figures, and don't reflect the abilities of an individual archer. Draw and hold the bow for several seconds. Draw back the bowstring just short of full extension and hold it for about ten seconds. If you begin straining or fail to keep the bow drawn, decrease the tension a little by loosening the limb bolts one rotation at a time. You should be able to hold the bowstring taut in the position just before the wall for a few moments without a struggle. The point at which the bowstring can't be pulled back any further is known as the “wall.” The wall of a draw is calculated to help you find the perfect amount of tension to take a shot. Drawing and holding is a practical exercise, as you'll be holding the draw to aim when shooting for real. Draw the bow with your feet off the ground. Some archers use this method to test how comfortable they are with their bow's draw weight. Sit in a chair and raise the bow in front of you as if you were sighting a target. Now, pick your feet up off the ground and hold them up as you pull back the bowstring. Observe how easy or difficult this feels. Keeping your feet off the floor reduces your stability and shows you more clearly how much you're relying on the muscles of your shoulders and back to draw. This test slightly overestimates the role of the upper body in drawing, holding and shooting, giving you more control when your feet are on the ground. Identify where the draw feels heaviest. As you pull back the bowstring, make a note of at what point you encounter the most resistance. The bow will normally have the highest amount of tension right before you reach the wall. If it starts getting hard in the middle of the draw or sooner, the limb bolts may need to be loosed just slightly. Similarly, if the draw feels too fast or easy, tightening the limb bolts will result in a more forceful release. Your draw should be one fluid movement, and the bowstring should not slow down at any point during the pull. | Locate the limb bolts. Loosen the limb locking screws. Tighten or loosen the limb bolts to the desired weight. Test the bow’s pull. Settle on a draw weight that matches your upper body strength. Take your draw length into account. Consider how you’ll be using the bow. Choose a weight that’s comfortable. Use an average draw weight for reference. Draw and hold the bow for several seconds. Draw the bow with your feet off the ground. Identify where the draw feels heaviest. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-a-Bacterial-Infection | How to Treat a Bacterial Infection | To treat a bacterial infection, it's important that you visit your doctor so they can diagnose you and prescribe you the right kind of antibiotics. Once your doctor has determined what kind of bacterial infection you have, they'll choose the appropriate antibiotics and give you dosage instructions. Make sure you follow the instructions and take the full course of your antibiotics, even if you start to feel better before the course is over. | Note your symptoms. The following are symptoms of potential bacterial infections that may require treatment by a physician. Fever, especially with a severe head or neck ache or chest pain Trouble breathing or pain in the chest A cough that lasts longer than a week Rash or swelling that won't go down Increasing pain in the urinary tract (which may be pain with urination, in the lower back, or in the lower abdomen) Pain, swelling, warmth, pus drainage or red streaks extending from a wound. Schedule an appointment with your doctor. The only sure way to determine what types of bacterial infection you have is to visit a doctor. If you think you have an infection, call your doctor and schedule an appointment right away. Your doctor may perform a blood test, urine culture, or swab of the infected area to determine what type of infection you have. Remember that bacterial infections can only be diagnosed by a doctor. If you think that you have an infection, note the symptoms and go to the doctor for treatment as soon as possible. Ask your doctor about different types of antibiotics. Asking your doctor about the different types of antibiotics that are available will make it easier for you to understand what your doctor is prescribing. Broad-spectrum antibiotics fight a wide variety of bacteria. Broad-spectrum antibiotics treat gram positive and negative bacteria, so your doctor may prescribe one of these types of antibiotics if he or she is unsure about what bacteria you have. Amoxicillin, Augmentin,Cephalosporins(4th and 5th Generation),Tetracycline Aminoglycosides and Fluoroquinolones (Ciprofloxacin) are examples of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Medium-spectrum antibiotics target a group of bacteria. Penicillin and bacitracin are popular medium-spectrum antibiotics. Narrow-spectrum antibiotics are made to treat one specific kind of bacteria. Polymyxins fall into this small category of antibiotics. Treatment is much easier and more effective when your doctor knows what kind of bacterial infection you have. Follow your doctor’s instructions for how to treat your infection. Your doctor will select the type of antibiotic that works best against the specific bacteria that has caused your infection. Keep in mind that there are many different kinds of antibiotics and only a doctor can prescribe an antibiotic to you. Make sure that you know exactly how much of the antibiotic you are supposed to take, and when you are supposed to take it. Some antibiotics need to be taken with food, some need to be taken at night, etc. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand the dosage instructions. Take the full course of antibiotics that your doctor prescribes. If you do not take the full course, your infection may get worse. You may also become antibiotic resistant, which can make it hard to treat other infections. Even if you feel better, you need to take all of the antibiotics to kill the disease causing bacteria that is left in your body. If you stop treatment too soon, you may never fully get rid of the infection. Prevent a skin infection by properly cleaning and bandaging a wound right away. Proper first aid treatment is essential to helping prevent a bacterial infection, but you should not attempt to treat a severe flesh wound by yourself. If the wound is deep, wide, or bleeding a lot, you should seek medical help immediately. Wash your hands before treating a wound. If you treat a wound with dirty hands, you will increase the chances of a bacterial infection. Wash your hands with warm water and antibacterial soap for 20 seconds and dry them well. Wear clean vinyl or latex gloves if they are available. Avoid latex gloves if you have a latex allergy. Keep pressure on the wound until it stops bleeding. If the bleeding is severe, seek medical attention immediately. Do not attempt to treat a severe wound by yourself. Go to an emergency room or call 911. Clean the wound with warm running water. Hold the wound under a gentle stream of running water to clean it. Do not use soap on the wound unless it appears visibly dirty. If it does seem dirty, clean around the wound gently with a mild soap. Also, do not use hydrogen peroxide to clean a wound. Hydrogen peroxide can interfere with healing. If you notice any debris in the wound, you can try to remove it with tweezers that have been sterilized with alcohol. If you do not feel comfortable doing that, you can go to a doctor for treatment. Apply ointment. An antibiotic ointment, such as Neosporin, can help a wound heal faster and can help keep infection at bay. Gently apply the ointment to the wounded area after cleaning. Bandage the wound. If the wound is a small scrape, leave it open to the air. If the wound is deeper, cover it with a sterile gauze. A nonstick bandage held in place with medical tape is the best option for larger wounds, though large band-aids may also work. Be sure that you do not put the adhesive area of a bandage over a wound, as it may re-open the wound when you remove it. Change the gauze once a day if it is dirty. A good time to change the gauze is when you take a shower. Watch for signs of infection. If the wound is red, swollen, draining pus, streaking red away from the wound, or just looking worse, call your doctor. Keep your hands clean. Before you handle food, you should always wash your hands with antibacterial soap and water for 20 seconds. Dry your hands well with a clean, dry towel. If you handle raw meat, wash your hands after handling the meat to avoid cross contamination of other foods or surfaces. Wash your food well. Wash raw fruits and vegetables before you eat them. Even organic foods need to be washed.Use an antibacterial cleaner on surfaces that come into contact with raw food to kill potentially hazardous bacteria. Use a different cutting board for each type of food. Use different cutting boards for fruits and veggies and raw meats to avoid cross-contamination. Cook your food well. Follow the directions when you prepare raw foods to make sure that you cook them properly. Use a meat thermometer to make sure that you cook meat to the right temperature. Wash your hands. Thorough and frequent hand washing (particularly after touching your face, mouth, or nose if you're sick, after touching another person who is sick, or after changing a baby's diaper) can cut down dramatically on the number of germs that you are exposing yourself to. Wash your hands using soap and warm (or hot) water for at least 20 seconds. Be sure to clean between your fingers and under your fingernails. Then rinse your hands well with clean water. Cover coughs and sneezes. Help others stay well when you are sick by covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. This will help keep your germs reigned in, not allowing them to fly across the room. Wash your hands after coughing or sneezing into your hands before touching another person or common surfaces such as door knobs or light switches. You can also cover your mouth or nose with the crook of your arm (the inside of your elbow). This can help limit the spread of germs without causing you to need to wash your hands every 2 minutes while you are sick. Stay home when you are sick. You can limit the spread of germs by staying away from others while you are ill. If you can, take time off of work (or telecommute for the day); your coworkers will likely appreciate your considerateness. Keep your children home when they are sick. Day care centers and schools are often teeming with infectious germs. It's common for infections to bounce around from child to child, causing miserable kids and stressed-out parents. Avoid this by keeping your child home when she is sick. She will likely get better faster with your care, and you are helping prevent others from becoming sick as well. Stay current on vaccines. Be sure that you and your children have received all of the recommended vaccines for your age and geographic area. Vaccines help prevent infections and diseases before they happen, which is preferable to treating them after they have occurred. Understand staph infections. Staphylococci , more commonly referred to as “staph,” are gram-positive cocci in clusters. The “gram” in gram-positive refers to the gram stain pattern of the bacteria when viewed under the microscope. The “cocci” indicates the shape when viewed under a microscope. This types of bacteria usually invades the body through a cut or wound. Staph aureus is the most common type of staph infection. Staph aureus may cause pneumonia, food poisoning, skin infections, blood poisoning, or toxic shock syndrome. MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ) is a staph infection that is hard to treat. MRSA does not respond to some antibiotics and it is thought that the strain developed in response to antibiotics. Therefore, many doctors will not prescribe antibiotics unless it is absolutely necessary. Learn about strep infections. Streptococci , more commonly referred to as "strep," are gram-positive cocci in chains and a common type of bacteria. Streptococci cause strep throat, pneumonia, cellulitis, impetigo, scarlet fever, rheumatic fever, acute glomerulonephritis, meningitis, otitis media, sinusitis, and many more infections. Know about Escherichia coli. Escherichia coli, or E. coli , is a gram-negative rod, that is found in the waste material of animals and humans. There is a large, diverse group of E.Coli bacteria. Some strains are harmful, but most strains are not. E.Coli can cause diarrhea, gastrointestinal infections, urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, and other infections. Understand Salmonella infections. Salmonella is a gram-negative rod that can disrupt the digestive tract. Salmonella can cause severe illness and it usually requires a lengthy antibiotic treatment. Raw or undercooked poultry, meat and eggs can contain salmonella. Understand Haemophilus influenzae infections. Haemophilus influenzae are gram-negative rods. Haemophilus influenzae is transmitted by air so it is highly contagious. It can cause epiglottis, meningitis, otitis media, and pneumonia. This bacteria can cause a severe infection that may lead to a lifelong disability. It can even be fatal. Haemophilus influenzae is not covered by the common “flu shot,” which targets viral influenza, but most children are vaccinated against Haemophilus influenzae early in childhood (it is called the “Hib” vaccine). | Note your symptoms. Schedule an appointment with your doctor. Ask your doctor about different types of antibiotics. Follow your doctor’s instructions for how to treat your infection. Take the full course of antibiotics that your doctor prescribes. Prevent a skin infection by properly cleaning and bandaging a wound right away. Wash your hands before treating a wound. Keep pressure on the wound until it stops bleeding. Clean the wound with warm running water. Apply ointment. Bandage the wound. Watch for signs of infection. Keep your hands clean. Wash your food well. Cook your food well. Wash your hands. Cover coughs and sneezes. Stay home when you are sick. Keep your children home when they are sick. Stay current on vaccines. Understand staph infections. Learn about strep infections. Know about Escherichia coli. Understand Salmonella infections. Understand Haemophilus influenzae infections. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-if-You-Genuinely-Like-Someone | How to Tell if You Genuinely Like Someone | To tell if you really like someone, pay attention to whether you feel happy and comfortable when you're around them and whether you're excited to talk to them when you're apart. If your feelings are real, you'll probably want to talk to them first when something big happens in your life, or you might be reminded of them by little things throughout your day. Then, ask yourself whether you're afraid of being lonely—if so, your feelings might not be totally genuine. For more clarity, talk to a close friend or family member about how you feel. | Determine if you leave a date with them feeling happy. One of the best ways to figure out if you like a certain guy or girl is to spend time with them alone. If the conversation flows naturally, they make you laugh, and you leave the date feeling satisfied and happy, it's a pretty clear sign that you like them. If you don't feel comfortable with them or they seem distant during your date, it might be a sign that there isn't a connection between the two of you. Don't feel bad if you want to end things after a bad date. In the long run, you're saving time and effort for the both of you. Figure out if you feel excited when they call or text you. If you jump on your phone when they text you and never let their calls go to voicemail, it's a good sign that you're really into them. No matter how busy your day is, you should want to send them a message just to let them know you're thinking of them! If they text you and you often don't have any desire to respond or have nothing to say, you might just see them as a friend. Recognize when you see things that remind you of them. If you constantly see things that make you think of them, it's a good sign that you actually like them. Pay attention to how many times throughout the day you tell them about something you think they'd like, and how many times you tell your friends and family a funny story or fact about them. If you don't really think of them throughout the day, you might just be spending time with them when you're feeling lonely. Spend time with other people to see if you miss them. Going out with your friends or bonding with your family will surround you with people who you like and have a good time with. If you find yourself wishing that they were there, or wanting to text them to give them an update on the day, it's a good sign that you actually like them. If you don't really think about them when you're with other people, ask yourself why. You might've just been too busy to think about them, or you might just be interested in them because you don't want to be alone. Try to be honest with yourself about your feelings. Notice if you contact them first when you get good or bad news. Having someone who will celebrate the good things and help you figure out the bad things is an important part of a relationship. If something major happens in your life, pay attention to who you call or text first. If it's them, you probably trust and respect them a lot. It's okay to make exceptions for people like your parents or best friend, who you might reach out to first. However, they should probably be one of the first people who you contact when something happens in your life. Figure out if your values, interests, and desires align. Many people have “deal breakers,” which are signs that they absolutely cannot date someone, like different views on marriage, personal interests, and much more. Asking your date about their morals, hobbies, and future plans will likely reveal if you're a compatible match, and bring up any potential problems. For example, you might ask them, “What do you value most in friendship?” or, “What's something that's too serious to be joked about?” If you're comfortable being more forward, you can ask, “What do you look for in a relationship?” or, “What's your idea of the perfect partner?” Remember that little things can be important. You can ask them “What do you like to do on the weekends?” or, “Would you rather go camping in the mountains or take a trip to the beach?” to see if your general interests align. Touch their arm or hand to gauge your physical attraction. It's difficult to be in a relationship with someone if you aren't physically attracted to someone. Touching them gently on the arm or hand will let you know if they're comfortable around you, and will show you how it feels to be close to them. If you don't have any urge to touch them at all, you might be better suited as friends. If you touch them and they seem uncomfortable, it's a good sign that they aren't ready for a relationship. Listen to your gut feelings and intuition when it comes to physical attraction. If you don't have the urge to touch them or be close to them, it's a good sign that you don't really like them. Think about whether you are attracted to their personality and value their opinion. There are many physically attractive people in the world, but it's unique to find someone whose opinion is important to you, beyond physical compatibility. If their kindness or intelligence is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about them, that's a great sign that you like them for who they are. It's okay to find someone physically attractive as long as you're also interested in their personality and mind. If the only thing you can think about is their body, you might just be having feelings of lust, which will fade after a while. Discuss your feelings with someone who you trust. Set aside time with a close and trustworthy friend or family member to talk about what's going on. Sometimes, an outsider is able to give you more clarity on the situation because they aren't involved. Tell them all about how you feel when you're around the other person, and ask what they think. It's best to pick a friend who doesn't know the other person, to avoid any drama or secret-keeping that might arise. Try to avoid getting upset with your friend if they tell you something unpleasant that you might not want to hear. Ask yourself if you’re afraid of being alone. Many people have a hard time coming to terms with the idea of being alone, even for short periods of time. If you don't like spending time alone and are looking for someone to provide company, your feelings might not be genuine. If you've just moved to a new city and have no friends, you're probably just looking for companionship. If you want to combat this, you can learn how to enjoy being alone. Sometimes, this is the best way to figure out if you like someone because it gives you an idea of how you feel without them there. Learn how to tell when you’re feeling jealous. In many cases, jealousy is a surefire indicator of whether or not you're interested in someone. Experiencing jealousy can be uncomfortable and upsetting. If you get sad or angry when they hang out with someone else who they might be interested in romantically, it might be a good sign that you really like them. While jealousy can sometimes be healthy, it can quickly become a way to control your partner. Try not to get too upset about the person you like being around other people because they're probably thinking of you! If you have had problems with jealousy in the past or you feel like your anger is out of control, consider learning how to control your jealousy before getting into a relationship. | Determine if you leave a date with them feeling happy. Figure out if you feel excited when they call or text you. Recognize when you see things that remind you of them. Spend time with other people to see if you miss them. Notice if you contact them first when you get good or bad news. Figure out if your values, interests, and desires align. Touch their arm or hand to gauge your physical attraction. Think about whether you are attracted to their personality and value their opinion. Discuss your feelings with someone who you trust. Ask yourself if you’re afraid of being alone. Learn how to tell when you’re feeling jealous. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Wine-Stains | How to Remove Wine Stains | If you need to remove wine stains from clothing or carpet, blot the stain with paper towels as soon as you notice the spill. Try to act quickly, since the stain will be harder to remove once it's set in. Once you've blotted away as much of the wine as you can, cover the area with table salt, baking soda, or talcum powder to help lift the remaining wine out of the fabric. Let it sit for 2 minutes, then vacuum or rinse the area to see if the stain is gone. If not, you'll have to deep-treat the stain. | Blot the stain. As soon as you notice the red wine stain, blot it using paper towels. Try to soak up as much of the red wine as possible. Take care not to scrub the stain or you will actually make it harder to remove. Apply a dry material that will lift the stain. Once you've blotted away as much of the red wine as you can, sprinkle a lot of dry material that will pull the stain up and out of your material. Sprinkle enough to completely cover the stain. You can use: Table salt Baking soda Sodium percarbonate (a granulated form of hydrogen peroxide found in laundry boosters) Dry soap powder Talcum powder (such as baby powder) Clay kitty litter Let the dry material sit for 2 minutes. Avoid rubbing the dry material into the stain. Instead, let it just sit on top of the stain for a couple of minutes so the stain begins to lift. This blotting and drying method works well for carpet. Unlike fabrics, you won't be able to toss the carpet in the washing machine. Vacuum up the dry material and check the stain. Use a vacuum to suck up all of the dry material that you spread on the stain. Don't use any vacuum attachments that might rub the material deeper. Look at the space to see if the stain is gone. If it isn't, you'll need to deep treat the stain. If you responded quickly and the stain wasn't deep, the dry material might easily lift the stain. Pour boiling water through the material. If you're treating a stain on a piece of fabric or clothing, stretch the fabric over a large bowl. Position the stain in the center and wrap a rubber band around the outside of the bowl to hold the fabric in place. Bring a kettle of water to a boil and slowly pour the hot water through the stain and into the bowl. The hot water can loosen the stain and force it out of the fabric. If you're cleaning a fabric stain on a couch, you'll need to remove the cover or cushion to get to the stain. Apply a brightening dish soap solution. Get out a small bowl and pour in 1/4 cup (60 ml) of gentle dishwashing liquid. Stir in 1/4 cup (60 ml) of hydrogen peroxide until it's combined. Apply the solution to the stain and let it just soak in for 20 minutes. Once the stain looks like it's lifting, wash the material in the washing machine. Only use the brightening dish soap solution on light fabrics since it can lighten dark fabrics. Apply vinegar and liquid laundry detergent. Another way to lift stubborn stains is to coat the stain with white vinegar. Take a few spoonfuls of liquid laundry detergent and rub the soap in. This should loosen the stain. Wash the fabric in hot water to completely remove the stain. Spray and blot up a club soda and white vinegar mixture. If you don't have very many materials to make a deep cleaning solution, just spray club soda mixed with equal parts of white vinegar over the stain. Use paper towels or an old towel to blot up the mixture. You can repeat spraying and blotting until you see the stain lifting. Pour boiling water over the stain. If you're removing the stain from fabric or clothing (not carpet), spread it tightly across a large bowl. Secure the fabric to the bowl with a rubber band and pour lots of boiling water right over the stain and into the bowl. The hot water should loosen the stain. If the stain was light, the water may be enough. If the stain is still there, it should be loosened and easier to treat now. Mix together a cleaning solution. Pour 2 cups (475 ml) of warm water into a spray bottle. Add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of hydrogen peroxide or distilled white vinegar to the bottle along with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of dishwashing liquid. Put the lid on the spray bottle and shake the bottle until the ingredients are combined. Spray the solution on the dried stain. Spray the mixture until the stain is completely covered. The area should be damp to the touch. Blot and check the stain. Use paper towels or an old cloth towel to blot the stained area. The towels will absorb the cleaning solution. Look at the area to see if the stain has lifted. Repeat the spraying and blotting as needed. If the stain is still visible, spray it with the cleaning solution again. Blot the area with dry towels and check it again. Continue spraying and blotting until the stain is gone. Blot the area with cold water. Once the stain isn't visible anymore, take a spray bottle with cold water and spray it over the area. Blot the area with a clean, dry towel or paper towels. Let the area dry. The water will rinse away any of the cleaning solution that's still in the fibers of the material. | Blot the stain. Apply a dry material that will lift the stain. Let the dry material sit for 2 minutes. Vacuum up the dry material and check the stain. Pour boiling water through the material. Apply a brightening dish soap solution. Apply vinegar and liquid laundry detergent. Spray and blot up a club soda and white vinegar mixture. Pour boiling water over the stain. Mix together a cleaning solution. Spray the solution on the dried stain. Blot and check the stain. Repeat the spraying and blotting as needed. Blot the area with cold water. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Act-in-a-Play | How to Act in a Play | To act in a play, start by reading through the entire play to get a feel for the story and your character's role. Next, learn everything you can about your character, including their age, upbringing, social status, likes and dislikes, and political or religious viewpoints. Then, spend time memorizing your lines every day and work on your character's tone of voice and body language. Finally, be sure to attend every rehearsal and incorporate any advice the director gives you into your performance! | Read the entire script. Even if you only have one line or are only in one scene, you should still read the entire script. To help you determine how to best approach your own role, study the genre, plot, conflicts, and character developments. If you have questions, talk to the writer or director and get more information about the script. Get into character. Familiarize yourself with your character's role in the play and pay attention to everything you are told about the character, including their age, upbringing, social status, likes and dislikes, and political or religious viewpoints. Think about what motivates your character to say and do what they do, what they are afraid of, and what they are hoping for. Make up the information you are not given to fully round out the character. For instance, think about what their childhood was like, which relationships are most important in their life, how they've handled adversity or disappointment, and so on. Connect with your character emotionally. Even if you don't like the character's behavior, you'll need to connect with them to play the role as well as possible. Work to understand where the character is at in their life and what crossroads they are facing. Think about what they want and why. Then, find similar emotional experiences in your own life that you can use to play the character believably. For example, you may find it hard to relate to the death of your character's spouse if you aren't a widow. However, think about another loss you've experienced, like the death of a grandparent, to help you connect with the character's emotions. Speak like your character. If your character has an accent, take the time to learn how to emulate it properly. Watch movies, TV shows, or video clips of people speaking with the accent you need to learn. Also, adjust the tone and speaking speed of your voice to make your character come alive. For instance, if playing the CEO of a major company, you may want to speak quickly and forcefully to show that the character is both busy and important. Conversely, if playing a young child, you may want to speak in a sing-song voice to show the character's innocence and imagination. Use body language to show personality. It's not enough to simply say the lines in a certain tone of voice. You must also use your body to demonstrate your character's personality. Think about the way your character would move (e.g., a young person may move quickly and have lots of energy, while an older character has slower, more halted motions). Make your motions slightly larger than you normally would so they can be seen from anywhere in the audience. For instance, make eye contact if your character is assertive, or avert your gaze if they are shy. If your character is anxious, for example, show that by playing with the hem of your shirt or biting your lip. Alternatively, if your character is elated, smile brightly and act energized. Connect with your castmates. It's important to develop a good relationship with other people in the play, especially if your character is close with their character. Spend time together outside of rehearsal—see another show, go out to eat, visit an art gallery or a museum, or go on a nature walk or hike. If you feel comfortable around them it will be apparent to the audience and make your on-stage relationships more believable. Attend every rehearsal. Your first rehearsal may actually be a table read, where everyone attends and reads through the entire play. You should have read the play and have a basic understanding of your character and their lines at this point. There will be many rehearsals before your first performance and you should attend each one, even if you aren't in the scenes being rehearsed. Use the time to watch the play so that you have a strong understanding of what happens and why, or practice your lines until it's your turn on stage. Practice stage blocking. During technical rehearsals, you'll focus on stage blocking, or how and when characters move around the stage and utilize the space. Sometimes, markers in the form of masking tape will be placed on the floor to help characters find their spots. Remember to think about how the character you are playing would walk and move in real life. Practice your entrances and exits from the stage as well. For example, if the character you are playing is clumsy, bump into a table or other piece of furniture, or pretend to trip while moving across the stage. Memorize your lines. It's critical that you know all of your lines before the play is performed. Highlight your lines and practice them every day outside of rehearsals. Read the lines out loud so you can experiment with tone and delivery. Ask a friend or family member to help you practice tricky scenes. To memorize lines more effectively, it helps to visualize what's happening when you say them. Imagine what the stage and other actors will look like as you practice your lines. Take the director’s notes seriously. Refrain from arguing with the director or ignoring their advice. The director has taken the time to make notes on your performance to ensure that the play is the best it can be. Ask questions or get clarification if you don't understand something they tell you. Take their advice to heart and do your best to incorporate it into your role. Show up on time and be prepared. The last thing your castmates and director need is someone who is late and/or not ready for the performance. Get to the stage early to iron out any last-minute wrinkles and to give yourself time to warm up. If you need to bring anything, do so, and follow any directives given from the wardrobe or makeup department (e.g., wear a strapless bra or refrain from cutting your hair before the show). Calm yourself before the show. Nerves can sometimes get the best of even the most seasoned actors. Before the play begins, take some time to participate in calming activities. Practice deep breathing , meditate for a few minutes, or write in your journal. Be present in the moment. Don't think about the audience or about previous or future performances. Let go of everything that has happened in rehearsal and focus only on the performance. Allow yourself to get caught up in the play as though the events were actually taking place in real time. Become your character and do your best to experience emotions as they would. Project your voice and enunciate your words. It's crucial that everyone in the audience can hear and understand you. Take deep breaths from your belly so that you have enough air to deliver your lines loudly and clearly. Make sure to clearly speak each syllable of each word you say so that there is no confusion. Don't forget to vary your speaking speed and tone based on the lines you are saying. Deal with mistakes in character. If something goes wrong, don't just ignore the problem. Think about how your character would face that challenge, and act accordingly. For instance, if the knife you need to cut a rope is missing from the set, don't just pretend to cut the rope. Say something like, “My knife is gone!” and look around for another prop from the set to use in its place, like a fire poker. Alternatively, if you drop and break something that your character is supposed to give as a gift, show the audience that you are upset about the accident. Say something like, “I can't believe I broke that 400-year-old vase. What am I going to give Grandma for her birthday, now?” Have fun! All your hard work and the time you've put into the play is finally paying off. Enjoy yourself as you watch the magic of the play unfold. Compliment your castmates and crew after the performance and congratulate yourselves on a job well done. | Read the entire script. Get into character. Connect with your character emotionally. Speak like your character. Use body language to show personality. Connect with your castmates. Attend every rehearsal. Practice stage blocking. Memorize your lines. Take the director’s notes seriously. Show up on time and be prepared. Calm yourself before the show. Be present in the moment. Project your voice and enunciate your words. Deal with mistakes in character. Have fun! |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Money-Writing-Online | How to Make Money Writing Online | To make money writing online, look for work on websites that advertise freelance writing jobs, like Craigslist, Freelance Writing Gigs, and Journalism Jobs. Try to find a job writing for a how-to website or ghostwriting for a blog. You can also make money submitting articles to travel websites or by reviewing products and entertainment online. If you're social media savvy, see if you can find a job managing a company's social media presence. You might also be able to find work writing press releases and advertising materials for a big company. | Tailor your writing for each site. There are general rules to follow, but you should always defer to the expectations of each site you're writing for, aka the target audience. An academic audience has different expectations than sports fans. Cater to the site's audience to increase the chances of being published. Make your writing brief. Writing on the internet is intended for a mass audience, and long pieces are generally not desired. Websites want articles ranging from a few hundred words to 1,000 words max. If you are a long-winded writer, break this habit. Write concisely. Spectacular introductions. Journalists say you need a good lead. The general public has a short attention span, so you need to grab people from the very beginning if you want them to continue reading. Regardless of the topic you're writing, hook the reader with a spectacular first sentence. Keep readers wanting to continue reading the entire article. Break writing up with bullet and number points. Large blocks of text cause readers to lose interest. Break text up with bullet points or subheadings. This is appealing to the reader's eye and keeps your audience interested. Start a blog. The best way to expose your writing to others is by starting a blog. This will demonstrate your writing skills and proves you are capable of producing content that websites and companies desire. Make sure your blog covers the topic that you would like to write about professionally. For example, if you want to be a movie reviewer, you wouldn't start a blog about cooking. You need to show potential clients that you have expertise in a given field. Proofread your blog carefully. Your blog shouldn't be sloppy. Remember, you are presenting your writing to the world. Make sure it is neat, clear and, especially, grammatically correct or else you could hurt your chances of getting work. Your blog could also be a way to make money. If you have a lot of followers, companies may approach you to advertise on your blog. This is another motivation to make your blog as good as possible. Having an active social media presence. Like writing a blog, having an active social media presence is a way of promoting yourself. Have accounts on all major social media sites, including LinkedIn. Make sure you have links to all of your writing on these sites, so potential clients can see examples of your work. Join websites that advertise freelance writing jobs. Most freelance jobs are advertised on the internet. Keep an eye on these websites for leads and potential jobs. Craigslist, Freelance Writing Gigs, and Journalism Jobs offer free access to job postings. Some sites charge a subscription fee to view job postings. While this may be a turnoff for those who can't afford fees, the payoff on this investment may be high if it leads to lucrative work. Write for a how-to site. There are numerous websites that specialize in how-to articles. They usually want experts in a particular field who can edit existing articles and publish new ones. If you are an expert in a particular field, consider applying to one of these sites for the opportunity to earn money writing about something you know. You may not need any particular expertise to write for a how-to site. It may require you to develop research skills and become an authority on certain topics quickly. With good research skills, you can produce articles on several different topics. Submit articles to a travel site. Several websites are dedicated to publishing articles about traveling in exotic and domestic locations. If you love to travel and want to share good stories and experiences, check if travel sites will pay you to write articles. The Expeditioner, for example, accepts submissions and will pay approximately $30 per article. Submit reviews. Some websites pay for reviews of movies, plays, music and products. Earn money online by becoming a reviewer for these sites. Start at a website like Sponsored Reviews or Review Me to gain experience in this field. Ghostwrite for bloggers. Independent and corporate bloggers who can't keep up with the demand of writing regular posts are willing to pay good money for a ghostwriter. These jobs come on a case by case basis, or they can turn into a regular job if the blogger likes your work. Keep an eye out on job sites for postings about this kind of work. You can also apply directly to a ghostwriting firm. Ghostwriters do not get credit for their work. This could potentially hurt you if ghostwriting is all you do, because you won't build a portfolio. Ideally, ghostwriting should be in addition to other writing work. Manage a company's social media presence. Social media is an important part of advertising and marketing. Many business owners, however, have trouble grasping how to use social media and are happy to hire a specialist to handle it for them. By managing the Facebook, Twitter and Instagram of a company, you can have a steady job and paycheck, something online writers rarely get. Write for a company blog. Companies need to maintain internet blogs, as well. Like social media, blogging is a difficult medium to use properly and companies usually hire professional writers and marketing experts to run their blogs. If you're an expert blogger, this may be a great opportunity for you. Create press releases and advertising material. While large companies have entire advertising departments, smaller companies may only have one or two writers. Because of this, small companies often outsource advertising work to freelancers. Try applying to smaller companies or to a freelancing firm to break into this niche. | Tailor your writing for each site. Start a blog. Having an active social media presence. Join websites that advertise freelance writing jobs. Write for a how-to site. Submit articles to a travel site. Submit reviews. Ghostwrite for bloggers. Manage a company's social media presence. Write for a company blog. Create press releases and advertising material. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-the-Bottom-of-an-Oven | How to Clean the Bottom of an Oven | Grease and grime can quickly build up in the bottom of an oven, but you can get rid of the gunk with an industrial oven cleaner. Before you start, remove the oven racks and wipe away any loose crumbs in the oven with a sponge or paper towel. If the oven has a self-cleaning cycle, run that to burn up any remaining food particles, then wipe the bottom of the oven again. Oven cleaner can damage your eyes and skin, so put on goggles and heavy rubber gloves. Spray on the oven cleaner, taking care to avoid the heating elements, and let it sit for 30 minutes before you wipe it away with a damp cloth. | Clear out the oven before you clean it. Take out all of the oven racks so you can reach and clean the bottom more easily. Remove any other items like a pizza stone, baking stone, or any trays that may have been left in there. Clean the oven racks before you put them back into the oven after you clean the bottom. This can also be a good time to clean any baking stones or pizza stones you typically keep in the oven, particularly if there are stubborn stains on the stone that weren't removed when you performed regular cleaning after use. Remove large food particles from the bottom of the oven. Use an old sponge, paper towels, or a cloth to scrub off large bits of food and grease that may have collected on the bottom of your oven. Lots of built up grease and food can prevent a cleaning solution from being effective. A cleaning solution will be more effective when it's applied directly to the surface of the bottom of the oven, rather than a large chunk of food. Use your oven’s self-cleaning cycle. If your oven has a self-cleaning cycle, allow it to run until it's finished. Self-cleaning cycles will bake the grease and food particles and make them dry and crispy so they're easier to remove. Depending on your oven, self-cleaning cycles can take up to 3 hours. Wipe the bottom of your oven with a damp rag or paper towel. After your oven has finished its self-cleaning cycle, there will be a layer of ash on the bottom of the oven. Use a damp cloth or paper towel to remove all of the ash from the inside of your oven before you add any cleaning solutions or it could cake together. Put on rubber cleaning gloves and safety glasses. Chemical oven cleaners can be really caustic and can burn your skin and eyes. Wear safety glasses and a pair of sturdy rubber cleaning gloves to create a heavy-duty barrier between your skin and the oven cleaner. Don't use disposable gloves as they may not be enough to prevent the cleaner from getting onto your skin. Lay down newspapers or paper towels on the floor in front of the oven. When you apply the oven cleaner to the bottom of your oven, some of it may spill or run out of the oven. Use newspapers or paper towels to soak up any excess cleaner. Spray the cleaner onto the bottom of the oven using a sweeping motion. Hold the spray can of cleaner about 8–10 inches (20–25 cm) from the surface of the bottom of the oven and apply the cleaner using back and forth sweeping motions. Let the cleaner sit for at least 30 minutes. Check the can to see the specific waiting time, but most oven cleaners need to sit for 30 minutes before you wipe it clean. Don't disturb the oven while the cleaner is working. Keep the oven closed so the fumes are contained. Wipe the bottom of the oven clean with a damp cloth. After the oven cleaner has been allowed to sit for 30 minutes, open the oven and use a damp cloth to wipe the bottom clean. If there are any sticky patches of residue, you can use a scrub brush or sponge to scrub it. Get into the corners and crevices to remove all of the dirt and the cleaner. Use baking soda and vinegar to clean without toxic chemicals. Mix ⁄ 2 cup (120 mL) of baking soda with 3 tablespoons (44 mL) of water in a bowl, and mix it to form a thick paste. Spread the paste on the bottom of your oven and let it sit for 12 hours, or overnight. Then wipe the bottom of your oven with a damp cloth. Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar, spray the inside of the oven, and wipe away the foamy mixture. The white vinegar will react with the baking soda and make a foamy cleaning mixture. You don't need to let the foam sit in the oven. Wipe the oven clean right after you spray the vinegar. If you're in a hurry, apply the baking soda paste, let it sit for 15 minutes, and then spray it with vinegar and wipe it away. Bake lemons in your oven to clean the bottom. Preheat your oven to 250 °F (121 °C) and fill an oven-safe bowl about ⅓ of the way full with clean water. Slice 2 lemons in half and squeeze the juice into the water and then drop the lemons into the bowl of water. Place the bowl on a center rack and let it bake for 1 hour, then use a damp cloth to wipe the bottom of your oven. Let the oven cool down enough to where it's still warm, but you can reach into it to wipe the bottom. Use a wet scouring pumice or microfiber sponge to scrub difficult stains. Spread salt onto the bottom of the oven to clean it. Preheat your oven to 150 °F (66 °C) and sprinkle regular table salt all over the bottom of the oven. Put on oven mitts to protect your hands and use a damp sponge or rag to scrub the bottom of the oven while the oven is still warm. The salt acts as an abrasive and will make the grime easy to wipe away. | Clear out the oven before you clean it. Remove large food particles from the bottom of the oven. Use your oven’s self-cleaning cycle. Wipe the bottom of your oven with a damp rag or paper towel. Put on rubber cleaning gloves and safety glasses. Lay down newspapers or paper towels on the floor in front of the oven. Spray the cleaner onto the bottom of the oven using a sweeping motion. Let the cleaner sit for at least 30 minutes. Wipe the bottom of the oven clean with a damp cloth. Use baking soda and vinegar to clean without toxic chemicals. Bake lemons in your oven to clean the bottom. Spread salt onto the bottom of the oven to clean it. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Blend-With-Prismacolor-Pencils | How to Blend With Prismacolor Pencils | To blend with Prismacolor pencils, try layering darker colors over lighter colors with gentle pressure to add dimension. You can also lightly use white pencil over darker colors to blend and lighten hues. Another easy blending technique is to pass a blender pencil, which you can get at art supply stores, back and forth over the area until the desired level of blending is reached. | Layer your colors to create a blending effect. By layering one color on top of another, you can lighten or darken it to accomplish the hue you have in mind. This should be done lightly and with as few strokes as possible. You can always add more of your layer color, but once added, it'll be difficult, if not impossible, to remove. You can lighten dark colors with a layer of a lighter color, like white, over top. This can also help with softening colors, like the one found in skin tones. Utilize a blender pencil. This tool looks like a clear colored pencil and it is intended specifically for blending colored pencils. It is sometimes referred to as a colorless blender. Rub this tool firmly upon the colors you are trying to blend and pass it back and forth until the desired level of blending is reached. By spreading a thick layer-color over a base-color with your blender pencil, you can create a glaze effect over top the base. This will also impart a blended effect to your artwork. Spread colored pencil with a bristle brush. With a moderately stiff bristle brush, you can drag colors you've already applied to the page around it. Thin coverage will give your colors a lighter tone; thick concentration will intensify the color. Colors spread together will blend. You may have to experiment with this and get some experience before you become fully comfortable with the technique. You should choose your brush with regard to the paper you have used. Thicker paper may allow you to use stiffer brushes for easier blending. Thinner paper might require a soft bristle brush and gentle blending over time. You should also be able to use a tortillion to push colors around the page to create either increased or decreased brightness. Smudge colors to imitate blending. Though paper and tortillions won't be effective for blending, a cloth can be used to smudge colors together to attain this look. You may want to start by smudging a small, inconspicuous area with a tiny piece of cloth to see how the colors blend before attempting to blend the main parts of your art. Some cloth might blend differently than others or create a unique effect in your drawing. Testing your cloth beforehand can prevent unintended effects when blending. Add your colored pencil to the image. You're going to be breaking down the lead of your Prismacolors to blend the colors together, so you'll first need all your color on the page. Start with your base and add strokes of other color. These accent colors will blend with the base once the solvent is added. Sometimes after drawing with Prismacolors you might notice a waxy buildup on the colored areas. If this makes your blending more difficult, you can wipe away the waxy film with a soft, dry cloth. Choose your solvent for blending. In most cases, mineral spirits should be sufficient for your blending efforts, though there are specific brands intended for this purpose, like Gamblin Gamsol Odorless and Weber Terpinoid natural. Pour a small amount of this solvent in a small, resealable glass container. These kind of solvents can break down certain common plastics over time. Due to this effect, you should avoid using a plastic container for your solvent. You won't need much solvent for blending. A little bit goes a long way, so a small container will likely serve your purposes best. A resealable container is especially helpful when you are drawing often with Prismacolors. This way you can reuse your solvent easily. Brush on your solvent to blend the Prismacolors. Using too much solvent can cause your colors to become runny. It may take some time and practice before you get the knack for adding the right amount of solvent. Generally, you should: Dip an inexpensive synthetic brush into your solvent. Remove the brush, then blot excess solvent from it with a paper towel. Brush your solvent lightly onto the area you are blending with your brush. Continue blending, little by little, until you achieve the desired effect. Allow your blended Prismacolors time to dry. Eventually, the solvent will evaporate and your blended Prismacolor lead will return to its original consistency. Keep your artwork level to prevent colors from accidentally running. Depending on how much solvent you needed to use while blending, your solvent blended art may be dry in less than an hour. In some cases, this may take up to a day to completely dry. Cover unused areas on the page. Over the course of your blending, it's easy to accidentally spread color to an area you hadn't intended. To prevent this, you might cover the areas you don't want blending with removable tape. For large areas, to save on tape you might decide to use a piece of scrap paper held in place by a few small pieces of tape. Use a pencil extender to get your money's worth. Prismacolor pencils can be very expensive, so it's a good idea to get the most out of every pencil you purchase. A pencil extender will allow you to hold the end nub of a used pencil more easily so you can use every last bit. Remove wax buildup. Wax is a component used in manufacturing your colored pencils. Over time it can rise to the surface of your drawing to create buildup on the image. This can be removed without harming your artwork by wiping it away firmly with a clean, dry cloth or moderately stiff bristle brush. You'll often find that wax buildup occurs in areas you have heavily applied your colored pencil to a specific area. Keep an eye on these areas for buildup. Remove marks made with your Prismacolors. Prismacolor pencils leave behind marks that can be difficult to erase, though you may have some success with a normal eraser. However, it's likely you'll have the best success with an electric eraser. You can also lift unwanted marks by applying and peeling free adhesive putty, like the kind used to hang posters and artwork. Even with an electric eraser, it's likely some remnant of the Prismacolor will remain. Avoid erasing too much to try and completely erase the mark. Doing so could result in a ripped page. Treat your Prismacolor pencils gently. The colored cores of your Prismacolors are relatively fragile and can break from dropping or rough handling. These breaks can result in inconsistent drawing or wasted lead, so you may want to keep your pencils in a box or case to keep them protected. | Layer your colors to create a blending effect. Utilize a blender pencil. Spread colored pencil with a bristle brush. Smudge colors to imitate blending. Add your colored pencil to the image. Choose your solvent for blending. Brush on your solvent to blend the Prismacolors. Allow your blended Prismacolors time to dry. Cover unused areas on the page. Use a pencil extender to get your money's worth. Remove wax buildup. Remove marks made with your Prismacolors. Treat your Prismacolor pencils gently. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-a-Pineapple | How to Grow a Pineapple | To grow a pineapple, start by cutting the leafy crown off the top of a fresh pineapple. Then, pull off a few of the lower leaves to expose the stem. Hang the crown upside down for about a week so it dries and hardens. After a week, stick a few toothpicks in the stem of the crown and use them to suspend it over a large glass of water so the stem is submerged but the leaves are not. Place the crown in a sunny window, wait a couple weeks for the roots to sprout, then plant the crown in a pot with soil! | Pick out a fresh pineapple. Look for one with firm, green leaves that have not turned yellow or brown. The skin on the fruit should be golden brown and firm to the touch. Smell the pineapple to see if it's ripe: it should emit sweet, heady smell indicating that you've chosen it at just the right time to start a new pineapple plant. Make sure the pineapple isn't underripe. It needs to be ripe in order to produce another pineapple. Check to make sure the pineapple isn't too ripe by tugging a little at the leaves. If they come right off, the pineapple is too ripe to plant. Be gentle. Make sure the pineapple doesn't have scale insects around the base of the leaves. They look like small grayish black spots. Twist the leaves off the top of the pineapple. Grasp the body of the pineapple with one hand and use the other to grab the leaves at the base and twist them off. This method ensures that the base of the leaves will stay intact. It will be attached to a minimum amount of fruit, which you don't need in order for the plant to grow. If you're having trouble twisting off the top, you can slice off the top of the pineapple. Slice off the excess fruit around the root. Make sure the base, the very tip of the area where the leaves join together, stays intact. New roots will be sprouting from this, and without it the plant won't grow. Strip off some of the lower leaves to expose the stem. This helps the stem sprout roots once it is planted. Strip until a few inches of the stem are exposed. Cut away any remaining fruit without damaging the stem. Turn it upside down and let it dry for a week. The scars where you made a cut and removed the leaves will harden, which is necessary before you take the next step. At this point, you can plant the crown into the soil, if you would like. While some people prefer to soak the pineapple crown first, it is not necessary. Fill a large glass with water. The mouth of the glass should be large enough to fit the pineapple crown inside, but small enough so that you can prop it up to keep it from getting completely submerged. Stick a few toothpicks into the pineapple crown. Place them across from each other near the top of the stem. Push them in just far enough so that they'll stay in place. These toothpicks are used to suspend the pineapple crown in the glass of water. Put the crown in the water. The toothpicks should rest on the rim of the glass. The stem should be submerged in the water, and the leaves should stick out the top. Place the glass in a sunny window and wait for the roots to sprout. It should take several days or up to a few weeks for white roots to poke out and begin to grow. Keep the plant away from extreme temperatures. Don't let it get too hot or too cold. Change out the water every few days to prevent the growth of mold. Prepare a pot of soil for the crown. Fill a 6-inch pot with light garden soil that has a 30% blend of organic matter. This has the right blend of nutrients for the pineapple plant. Plant the pineapple crown in the pot. Plant the crown when the roots are a few inches long. Wait until they've gotten long enough to take root in soil. If you plant the crown too early it won't do well. As you plant it, make sure that the base of any remaining leaves are just above soil level. Press the soil firmly around the base of the crown without getting any soil on the leaves. Keep the plant moist and warm. It needs a sunny, warm and humid environment where the night temperatures won't drop below 65ºF (18ºC). If conditions are dry, mist the plant regularly. You can keep the pot outside if you live in a warm climate. If you have cool winters take it indoors during the winter season and keep it in a sunny window. It's important for the plant to get a lot of sun all year round. To help the rooting process, you can slip a plastic bag over the top of the pot. This will create a mini-greenhouse effect. Give the plant food and water. Water the soil lightly once a week. Fertilize the plant with half-strength fertilizer twice a month during the summer. Look for flowers. It can take several years, but eventually a red cone should appear from the center of the leaves, followed by blue flowers and eventually a fruit. It takes about six months for the fruit to fully develop. The pineapple will grow from the flower, above ground, in the center of the plant. | Pick out a fresh pineapple. Twist the leaves off the top of the pineapple. Strip off some of the lower leaves to expose the stem. Turn it upside down and let it dry for a week. Fill a large glass with water. Stick a few toothpicks into the pineapple crown. Put the crown in the water. Place the glass in a sunny window and wait for the roots to sprout. Prepare a pot of soil for the crown. Plant the pineapple crown in the pot. Keep the plant moist and warm. Give the plant food and water. Look for flowers. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Secretive-About-Your-Whereabouts-To-Your-Parents | How to Be Secretive About Your Whereabouts To Your Parents | If you want to hide your wherabouts from your parents, you'll need to come up with a believable cover story and be careful whenever they call you. Make sure they can't easily figure out your lie. For example, don't say you're staying at a friend's house if your parents have their parents' number, in case they call to check up. If your parents can track you on an app like Find my Friends, disable your location settings before you leave. You should also avoid answering your parents' calls when you're in a different place to what you told them, especially if it's noisy. You don't want them to hear a party going on in the background if you're supposed to be studying with your friend! If you have any family on social media, ask your friends not to tag you in photos or posts from the event, in case your parents find out. | Tell as much truth as you can. You will feel better and there is less of a chance of getting caught if you share part of the truth. For example, if you say that you're going to eat with one of your friends, actually do it. Then, since you're already out, you can do the other secretive activity on the way to or from the restaurant. To avoid getting caught, try to make sure that your secret destination isn't more than 15 or so minutes away from where you're supposed to be. It would be very stressful to get stranded somewhere hours away and then have to explain to your parents why you were there. Turn off the location services on your cell phone. If you and your parents have an app like Find my Friends, your parents will be able to see where you are. Be sure that, if you and your parents have this app, you disable your location settings before going on a secret mission. Don’t answer the phone if there is background noise. If you are in a place with noise that will give away your whereabouts, let your parents' call go to voicemail. Then, immediately text them and explain why you couldn't answer. That way, they won't worry because they are hearing from you, and you won't have to lie directly about where you are. In your text, you could say something like, “Sorry I couldn't answer! Jessie was telling me an important story, and I didn't want to cut her off. I love you! I'll call back soon!” This will give you time to relocate to a quieter area to call them back, or to head home. If your parents know this trick or get suspicious when you don't answer calls, try to duck into a bathroom or quiet hallway to answer the call. Avoid saying you’re inside if you are outside or driving. If you call your parents to tell them you are, for example, back at your friend's house getting ready for bed, make sure that you are inside when you call them. If you are standing on a street or driving in a car, the background noise could give you away. You don't have to be at the friend's house who you claim to be with, but just be sure you are inside somewhere quiet. If you must call them from a car while saying you are safe at a house, be sure to roll up the windows, turn off the music, and pull over if possible. That will reduce the possibility that they will hear a car honking or the sound of the moving car. Keep items in your car to freshen up. Having extra clothes, a toothbrush, a hairbrush, and perhaps some makeup in your car will allow you to freshen up and look presentable before seeing your parents again. For example, if you want to go dancing in an outfit that your parents wouldn't approve of, keep a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt in your car to change into. You can stuff the “inappropriate” clothes into your purse or backpack before you go back into your house. Be careful about social media. Even if you do everything right, one thoughtless Facebook post from a friend could blow your cover. Ask your friends not to tag you in any photos or “check-ins,” and be sure not to post anything about your whereabouts that you don't want your family to know. Even if they aren't friends with you, other family members or family friends may see the posts and inform your parents. If you want to be able to post about things you do without your family knowing, consider making a private friends list with family members only. Then, when you post, you can choose to hide the post from those in that group. Do your research in advance. Depending on how elaborate your lie is, you may need to do some research to make sure you don't get caught. The best option is always to keep the lie simple, such as “we're going to the mall” or “I'm staying late after school to catch up with Nicholas!” No matter what your story is, be sure that it will hold up even if your parents do research. For example, make sure that the mall is open when you say you'll be there, and don't say you're staying at a friend's house if your parents have that friend's parents' phone number. Prove to your parents that you are a safe driver. Let them ride in the car with you and show that you are a responsible driver. Doing this may help your parents to be less strict and to worry less when you are out. If you don't drive, then this step won't apply to you. If you are having a friend pick you up, have them pick you up at school or at the end of your block instead of at your house. Show your parents that you can make good choices. While some parents are going to be strict no matter what, sometimes a parent just wants to know that you have a good head on your shoulders. You can build trust with your parents by coming home at your curfew, completing chores on time, getting good grades, and introducing your parents to your friends. Another way to build trust is by talking with your parents about select personal issues, like a boy or girl that you like or a struggle you're having with a friend. This can promote closeness and may make your parent give you a bit more freedom. If you know your parents won't like your friend, then introducing them could backfire. Use your judgment to decide if introducing a friend to your parents would help you build trust. Call your parents often. Specifically, call your parents to check in when you arrive at a place that they can know about. This will ease their fears and help build trust. Tell them you'll also call them when you're on your way home. Try to avoid calling them when you are at the place where you're not supposed to be. That way, you won't be explicitly lying, and you reduce the chance of them hearing a background noise that doesn't match where they think you are. Give your parents an estimated time frame of how long you'll be gone. When you tell them, be prepared to explain why what you're doing will take a long time. For example, you could say, “Mike and I are getting dinner. It might be a few hours because he is going through some difficult stuff that he wants to talk about. Is it okay if I get home at ______? I'll call you when I'm on my way home.” | Tell as much truth as you can. Turn off the location services on your cell phone. Don’t answer the phone if there is background noise. Avoid saying you’re inside if you are outside or driving. Keep items in your car to freshen up. Be careful about social media. Do your research in advance. Prove to your parents that you are a safe driver. Show your parents that you can make good choices. Call your parents often. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Kandi-Cuff | How to Make a Kandi Cuff | A kandi cuff is a beaded bracelet that's popular at raves, and you can easily make your own one right at home. To make your cuff, you'll need elastic string, pony beads, and scissors. Start by wrapping the string around your wrist to measure it, then cut your string to about 5 times its length. Tie a knot in one end, thread 25-30 beads onto it, then tie the ends together. To make the 2nd row, string one bead on the long end of the string and slide the string through the bead directly next to the one you're working with. Repeat the process for the rest of your cuff until you've finished the 2nd row. You can also add a 3rd row if you want an even bulkier bracelet. When you've finished, tie the strings together and show off your new kandi cuff! | Select the right materials. For a basic cuff, you will need several feet of an elastic string, a selection of pony beads, and a pair of scissors. Although pony beads are classic for making a traditional kandi cuff, you can use any type of beads as long as the hole is large enough to fit your string through twice. Measure and cut your string. Depending on how large your wrist is and how wide you want your cuff to be, you will have to use varying amounts of string. Wrap the string around your wrist to get a general measurement, and then multiply this length 5-6 times over. Cut the string at this length; if you run out of string during the beading process, you can always cut and tie on a bit more. Bead your first row. Tie a knot at the end of your string (leaving a small tail), and begin sliding on beads. Using about 25-30 beads is standard, but you'll just want enough so that the cuff will be big enough to slide on and off your wrist without being too loose. Tie off the first row. Pull the string and beads taut so that they are all lined up tight against the knot at the end of the string. Tie the short knotted end with the long loose end in a secure knot. Cut off the excess string from the short end, but leave the long end of the string intact.. Bead the second row. The second row is a bit slower-going than the first, because the process involves adding a single bead and then weaving the string through the previous row. To bead the second row, string one bead on the long end of the string, and then slide the string through the bead directly under and next to the bead you're working with. Add another bead, and slide the string through the bead next/under it on the first row. Continue this process all the way around, until you reach your starting point.Add one bead to the string, then thread the string over the first bead and through the second bead of the first row. This is how you weave the rows together. Because you're skipping beads in the first row in order to weave the second row, your cuff will appear zig-zag with only two rows completed. Add a third row of beads. Use the same process for adding the second row of beads to add the third row of beads. This time, you don't need to tie the string off in a knot but can continue the process by adding beads to fill in the spaces. Slide a bead onto the string where there is a gap, and then attach it to the cuff by putting the string through the corresponding bead in the first row. Work your way all the way around the bracelet until you've created two full rows of beads, and tie off the string. Add additional rows. Although you can technically have a complete cuff with only two rows of beads, many people prefer to add multiple rows in addition to the first two. Use the aforementioned method of weaving on beads to create an uneven row, and then adding another row to fill in the spaces. Finish your bracelet. When you feel that your kandi cuff has been perfected, tie off the string and try it on for size! If at any point in the bracelet-making process you run out of string, you can cut an additional length and tie it to the ends, trimming off any excess to create a smooth transition. Get your materials ready. An X-cuff is aptly named for the series of 'X' shapes that appear in the completed cuff. Because of its width, though, it requires a bit more string and beads than a regular cuff. It is also particularly attractive if you use an assortment of colors for your beads. Regardless, grab a spool of elastic string, pony beads of your choice, and a pair of scissors. Bead your first row. Wrap your string around your wrist to estimate the length for the cuff, and then tie a knot on the end to secure it (leaving a tail). Add on beads in a color pattern of your choice, pulling them taut to the knot on the end. When you've beaded an entire row long enough to wrap around your wrist, tie the two ends together and pull the long end of the tail through the bead next to the knot. Bead the second row. To bead the second row, you'll be adding a series of beads to the string and then sliding the string through the first row of beads to weave them together. Slide 3 beads onto the long string, and then pull the string through the adjacent bead in the first row. Add another 3 beads, and tuck the string through the next bead in the first row. Continue this process until you've worked all the way around the bracelet, and then pull the string tight to secure it. Add the third row. The third row of beading is the same as the second, except that you will weave the string through the center bead (the middle bead in each set of 3 beads) from the second row. Slide the string through the row of beads in the second row until it comes out of the first 'center' bead. Then, add three beads, and tuck the end through the next 'center' bead in the second row. Continue this process all the way around until you've completed the third row, and pull the string tight. Add the fourth row. Repeat the process for the third row. Pull the string through the nearest 'center' bead in the third row, and then add a set of three beads. Pull the tail end through the next 'center' bead, and then add another three beads. Continue this process all the way around the bracelet until you've completed the fourth row Work your way back to the beginning. With four rows of beads completed, you've probably noticed that the cuff is a bit uneven looking - the first row is straight across, but the fourth row is wavy. This is because you've only completed one half of the bracelet, and need to go back to the beginning to complete the mirror half on the other side of the bracelet. Carefully weave your string through your bracelet until you reach the starting point of your first row (where the knot is tied). If you run out of string during this step, you can add more and trim the ends short so that the knot doesn't stand out. Complete the mirrored half of the bracelet. Working away from the center on the opposite side of the bracelet, repeat the aforementioned steps for rows 1-4 of beads. You should end up with a total of 7 rows of beads, forming two large rows of stacking 'X' shapes. Finish your bracelet. When you've completed the two halves of the bracelet, you're ready to tie it off! Knot the end of the string multiple times so that the beads cannot slide off of it. Then, trim the excess off both this string and the other tail end (still somewhere in the center). With that, you're done! | Select the right materials. Measure and cut your string. Bead your first row. Tie off the first row. Bead the second row. Add a third row of beads. Add additional rows. Finish your bracelet. Get your materials ready. Bead your first row. Bead the second row. Add the third row. Add the fourth row. Work your way back to the beginning. Complete the mirrored half of the bracelet. Finish your bracelet. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Stainless-Steel-Appliances | How to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances | To clean marks and fingerprints off of a stainless steel appliance, look for the grain, or the direction of the surface texture. Dip a sponge or a microfiber cloth in soapy water and wring out any excess liquid, then run the cloth over the appliance in small sections, always wiping in the direction of the grain. As you finish each section, go back over the soapy area with a clean cloth soaked in hot water to rinse away any suds. Make sure you get all of the soapy residue off of the steel. Finally, dry the area with a clean, dry microfiber cloth before moving on to the next section. | Check the grain of your stainless steel. Like wood, stainless steel has a grain, or a surface texture that runs in a particular direction. For appliances with a horizontal grain, wipe in straight motions from one side of the steel face to the other. For appliances with a vertical grain, wipe the steel face in long, fluid motions from top to bottom. Avoid rubbing your cloth back and forth or up and down. Try to start all your wipes from one side and move straight across or down to the other. So, for example, if you start a wipe on the left side of an appliance, wipe all the way to the right, then bring your cloth back to the left to start your next wipe. This helps decrease streaks as you wipe. Dilute 4-5 drops of dish soap in 1 US quart (950 ml) of warm water. Mix the dish soap until it's fully incorporated into the water. The water should be foamy or bubbly on top, and you shouldn't see any streak or chunks of the dish soap left suspended in the water. Use a mild dish detergent to clean stainless steel. Abrasive detergents may scratch or damage your steel. Wipe down the steel using soapy water and a microfiber cloth. Dip a clean, nonabrasive cloth into your soapy water just enough to moisten it. Wring out any excess liquid, then wipe down your steel with the soapy cloth, working in the direction of the grain. Work in sections for the washing, rinsing, and drying process. You don't want the soap to dry before you rinse it, as this can leave residue and streaks. Rinse the steel with a clean cloth soaked in hot water. After soaping a section of your appliance, rinse the detergent away using a new, clean, nonabrasive cloth soaked in hot water. Go over the section as many times as you need in order to remove all the soapy residue from the steel. It may help to put a towel or something absorbent under the appliance to catch any excess water that spills during the rinsing process. Wring out the cloth in between sections to remove any soapy water that may have accumulated as you rinsed. Dry the steel with a clean, nonabrasive cloth. Once you're done rinsing down your section of stainless steel, immediately dry it with another clean microfiber cloth to avoid streaks. You may need a couple cloths to properly dry larger appliances like refrigerators. Avoid letting the appliance air-dry, as this could lead to spots and streaks. Mist your appliance with white vinegar. Fill a spray bottle at least ¼ of the way full with white vinegar. Then, spray down the stainless steel surfaces of your appliance with a thin mist of the vinegar. Mist the appliance enough that you cover the full surface, but not so much that the vinegar starts to condense into droplets and roll down the front of your appliance. Wipe down the steel with a cotton microfiber cloth. You want to use a clean, nonabrasive cloth to wipe down stainless steel. Microfiber cloths work best, but any nonabrasive cloth will do. Wipe down your appliance in the direction of the grain until you've removed all the vinegar mist. Wiping down your appliance with vinegar helps cut through dirt and grime and get rid of streaks and marks before you polish it with oil. Polish the steel with mineral oil and a clean cloth. Add a few small drops of mineral oil or olive oil to another clean, nonabrasive cloth. Gently wipe the oiled cloth over the surface of the steel, going with the grain. Wipe in sections, adding more oil to the cloth as necessary. You don't want any oily residue on the surface of your appliance. There should be just enough oil to give it a polished look. If you have too much oil on your steel, use a clean, unoiled cloth to wipe away the residue. This may take a few passes. Only add a little bit of oil to your cloth at a time. It's always easier to go back and add more than it is to take away excess oil. Spray on a spray cleaner for a deep clean. You can find purpose-made stainless steel cleaners at most home improvement stores, groceries stores, and major online retailers. For most of these products, you simply spray it on your appliance, allow it to soak for 1-2 minutes, then wipe it away with a clean, nonabrasive cloth. Specific directions for each cleaner will vary from product to product. Read the directions for use on the product packaging before you apply it to your stainless steel appliances. Use stainless steel wipes for quick cleanings. Like spray cleaners, you can find wipes made specifically for stainless steel in most stores that sell cleaning products. These wipes usually let you wipe down the surface of your appliance in a single step, without having to rinse, dry, or polish. Wipes may not be as effective as sprays or detergents for removing grease and oils from fingerprints. They are great for quick cleans in between deep cleans to keep your appliance looking fresh, but they often don't substitute for a deep clean. Invest in a scratch-removal kit for surface scratches. If you have small scratches on the surface of your steel, your best option is to get a scratch removal kit made especially for stainless steel. These kits will help you buff out small scratches, but they won't take care of large or deep scratches. Read the directions for the kit fully and completely before using it on your appliances. Directions may vary from kit to kit. | Check the grain of your stainless steel. Dilute 4-5 drops of dish soap in 1 US quart (950 ml) of warm water. Wipe down the steel using soapy water and a microfiber cloth. Rinse the steel with a clean cloth soaked in hot water. Dry the steel with a clean, nonabrasive cloth. Mist your appliance with white vinegar. Wipe down the steel with a cotton microfiber cloth. Polish the steel with mineral oil and a clean cloth. Spray on a spray cleaner for a deep clean. Use stainless steel wipes for quick cleanings. Invest in a scratch-removal kit for surface scratches. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-a-Tennis-Tiebreaker | How to Play a Tennis Tiebreaker | To play a tennis tiebreaker, start by having the person who was set to serve at the end of the last game serve first in the tiebreaker. After the first player serves 1 point, have each player serve 2 points at a time. Additionally, have each player perform the first of their 2 serves from the left side of the hash after the first serve. Then, move to the right side of the hash for your second serve, and switch sides after every 6 points to keep things fair. The first person to score 7 points wins! | Decide who goes first. The person who was set to serve at the end of the last game will serve first in the tiebreaker. In tennis, the server switches at the end of every game. If you were the receiver in the game before the tiebreaker, then you will serve first. Just like in a normal tennis game, the first service will be from the deuce (right) side of the of the hash. Unlike a regular tennis game, the first server in a tiebreaker will only serve one point. In normal tennis games, only one person serves throughout the game. Alternate servers. After the first player serves one point, the second server will serve two points. For the rest of the tiebreaker, each server will serve two points at a time. Remember that you will change servers after every serve where the total score is odd. If the score is four to three, then you would change servers because the total number of points is seven, an odd number. If the score is four to two, then the server would have one more serve because the total number of points is six, an even number. Serve from the advantage (left) side of the hash first. After the first serve in the tiebreaker, each player will perform the first of their two serves from the left side of the hash. In normal tennis games, you always serve first from the right side of the hash so it may feel a bit awkward to switch it up in the tiebreaker. An easy way to remember this is that every even point will be served from the advantage side of the court. For example, if the score is four to three and you are serving the eighth point in the game, then you will serve it from the left side of the court. Hit your second serve from the deuce side of the court. After you serve from the left side of the hash, you will move to the right side of the hash to perform your second serve. The exception to this rule is of course that the very first point in the tiebreaker is also served from the deuce side of the court. Every time you serve an odd point, you will serve it from the right side of the court. For example, if the score is three to three and you are serving the seventh point in the game, then you will serve it from the right side of the court. Keep your side at the beginning of the tiebreaker. In tennis, players only switch sides at the end of odd numbered games in a set. The tiebreaker is technically the thirteenth game in a set so both players will remain on the same side of the court they were on for the twelfth game. In normal tennis games you would switch sides after the first game, the third game, the fifth game and after any other odd numbered games. Change sides after every six points. In normal tennis games, players keep their side for the entirety of the game. In tiebreakers however, players will alternate sides after every point where the total score is a multiple of six. Switching sides during the tiebreaker keeps everything fair. One side of the court may be at a disadvantage, especially if you're playing outside. If the score is five to one, then the total score of the game is six and the players would have to alternate sides. Some examples of disadvantage you may have on a particular side of a court include: the glare from the sun, the wind blowing in your face and the blinding lights at the venue. Switch sides in the middle of your service set. Because players change sides of the court at the end of an even number of points (six) and servers alternate after odd numbered points, whoever was serving before the side switch will serve their second serve after the side switch. In normal tennis games, the side switch occurs at the beginning of a new game so there is always a new server. Trade sides after the tiebreaker. If there is another set after the tiebreaker, the players will start the first game of the new set on the opposite ends of the court from where they ended up in the tiebreaker. If the score of the tiebreaker is seven to two, the players will switch sides for the next game even though there has only been three serves since the last side change. Most professional organizations worldwide don't allow tiebreakers to be played in the final set of a match so there will always be a new set after a tiebreaker. The U.S. Tennis Association is one of the only worldwide tennis organizations that does allow tiebreakers to be played in the final set of a match. Be the first to score seven points. You only have to score four points in order to win a normal tennis game. In a tiebreaker however, you have to score seven points to achieve victory. The way points are counted in a tiebreaker is also different from the way they are counted in a normal tennis game. In a normal tennis game points are counted as: love (zero), 15 (one), 30 (two) and 40 (three). In a tiebreaker points are simply counted as: one, two, three, four and so on. Win by two. Just like a normal game of tennis, you must attain a two point advantage over your opponent to win the tiebreaker. The game will continue as long as it takes for one player gain a two point lead over the other. If the score is seven to six, the player with six points has one more chance to even the score up. Be aggressive. Tiebreakers are mental and can be high-stress situations. You may be tempted to play it safe, but you'll likely be more successful going into attack mode. Keep the intensity of your serves and be unpredictable. Try to get off to an early lead by getting in your opponent's head. For example: If both you and your opponent are right handed, then it would be safer to serve the ball down the middle of the court so they'd have to return it using their backhand. However, they might be caught off guard if you serve towards their stronger forehand. Tiebreakers are often decided by mental errors. Force your opponent to make mistakes by making it impossible for them to know where you'll hit the ball next. Get in shape. If you and your opponent are evenly matched, then a tiebreaker can last for a long time. The game can go back and forth a number of times before one player finally earns a two point advantage. Make sure to do plenty of cardio to build your endurance. The last thing you want to do is run out of steam in the middle of a close match. Basic cardio exercises like jogging will help you build your general stamina but tennis is a sport that requires quick bursts of energy. Be sure to do drills that help your body build endurance specifically for tennis. Do mirror drills. One partner runs up court, down court and shuffles side to side while calling out where they're moving. A partner on the other end of the court does their best to mirror the first partners motions. If the first partner says “left” then he'd shuffle to the left of the court and the other partner would shuffle to his right. Switch partners after sixty seconds and do this drill at least five times. Do side to side drills. A feeder hits one ball to the left side of the court, one to the middle, one to the right and then back again. A runner tries to chase down and return each ball. Each player should be runner for about five minutes. The feeder should have quite a few extra balls so the drill can run smoothly. | Decide who goes first. Alternate servers. Serve from the advantage (left) side of the hash first. Hit your second serve from the deuce side of the court. Keep your side at the beginning of the tiebreaker. Change sides after every six points. Switch sides in the middle of your service set. Trade sides after the tiebreaker. Be the first to score seven points. Win by two. Be aggressive. Get in shape. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Maintain-a-Healthy-Diet-at-School-(Teens) | How to Maintain a Healthy Diet at School (Teens) | To maintain a healthy diet at school, try to create a meal schedule for yourself so that you get three nutritious meals each day. You can start your day off right by eating a breakfast rich in whole grains, like oatmeal or multigrain toast, before you head off to school. If your school cafeteria lacks healthy lunch options, pack your own lunch the night before and bring it to school with you. Don't forget to also pack a full water bottle and a few healthy snacks, like fruit or granola bars, to keep your energy up during the day! | Eat breakfast every day before school. Go for yogurt with fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries and granola, or a bowl of wholegrain breakfast cereal that is low in sugar with low-fat milk. Starting the morning off with a meal also signals the metabolism to rev-up, creating a calorie-burning, fat-burning environment for the rest of the day. Remember that what you eat at breakfast will impact your cravings for the rest of the day. Choose proteins, whole grains and healthy fats. You can also have eggs and multigrain toast or a breakfast smoothie with a frozen banana, berries, water or coconut milk, and honey. Pack a full water bottle. Sugary soft drinks and sodas will only lead to a temporary sugar high and a poor diet. Substitute sodas and fruit juices with a water bottle full of filtered water. Add a slice of lemon, lime, cucumber, or orange for all natural flavor. Put the full water bottle in your school bag so you have it ready when you're thirsty at school. Put healthy snacks in your school bag. Wrap an apple and a banana in a paper bag and put it in your backpack in the morning, or put a few sugar free granola bars in your bag. This way, when you're hungry between periods you have healthy snacks rather than processed snacks from the vending machine. Focus on foods that do not need to be kept cool. Sometimes a cold pack can be used, but to eliminate the chance of food-borne illness, choose foods that are shelf-stable and can easily be carried around throughout the day. You can also prepare healthy snacks the night before by cutting up fresh fruit and packing it in tupperware, or putting trail mix in ziploc bags. Stash them by the front door so you can grab them in the morning or pack them in your school bag. Create a meal schedule. Spend some time planning out your meals with a parent or guardian to ensure you have three meals a day, every day. Focus on lunch meals that are easy to transport, pack well, and are filling, but still healthy. Get a dry erase board or use a word processing program to make a grid for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. Then, write the days of the week that you go to school, usually Monday-Friday. Work with a parent to come up with basic meals for a quick breakfast, a healthy and easy to carry lunch, and a filling dinner. You can also use an app on your phone like ZipList, Evernote, and Pepper Plate to create a meal schedule and a shopping list for the grocery store. Pack your lunch the night before. Making your lunch the night before should be part of your routine, and shouldn't take longer than 30 minutes. If a parent usually packs your lunch, get involved and help him organize the meal and put it in containers or resealable bags. Use leftover food from dinner or from a big batch of prepared food in a different ways, such as leftover BBQ chicken in a wrap or leftover vegetables on whole wheat pasta. Go for healthy options if you leave campus for lunch. Choose restaurants with quick and healthy options. Avoid most fast food restaurants or choose the healthier item if you find yourself at one. Choose salads, wraps, or deli sandwiches. If your friends have a soft spot for fast food, look for the healthier food choices on the menu, like the vegetarian option or a sandwich with a side of salad instead of french fries. Don’t skip a meal. Skipping meals signals the metabolism to slow down and burn fewer calories. This is not ideal during a long day of sitting in a classroom. The ideal situation would be to signal the body to ramp up the metabolism and keep it high with healthy, timely snacks throughout the day. Ask your parents if you can help with the cooking. Get involved in preparing food and working with your parents in the kitchen. Learn how to cut vegetables properly and how to treat raw food. Ask you parents questions about cooking and preparing food so you can practice your cooking skills. As you help prepare meals, think about healthier ways to make certain dishes. For example, baking or steaming fish instead of frying it, or replacing red meat with other protein options like baked tofu. Helping to cook meals will also allow you to control the portion size on the plates. Limiting your portion sizes to no more than a handful of each dish or type of food will ensure you do not overeat. Look for fruit and vegetable options. As of 2012, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued new standards for school lunches, which increased the amount of fruits and vegetables served, emphasized whole grain foods, allowed only low fat and nonfat milk, and reduced saturated fats and sodium. By law, your school should offer a daily serving of fruits and vegetables, fresh or in a fruit or veggie cup without added sugar. If your school offers fruit juices as a beverage, they must be 100% juice, with no added sugar. They may also offer dried fruit options. There should be vegetables available in the form of dark leafy greens like broccoli, or spinach, red or orange veggies like carrots or sweet potatoes, and beans or peas like kidney beans or lentils. If starchy foods like corn or white potatoes are served, there should be no added salt. Beans and peas may also be offered as meat alternatives for vegetarian eaters. Remember that most quick options are laden with salt, sugar and fat. It is possible to find healthy options in schools, but the best option is always packing a balanced lunch. According to a report by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, the five worst meals you can eat at school are: Beef and cheese nachos, which contain 24 grams of fat and almost 1,500 milligrams of sodium Meatloaf and potatoes, which contain 72 calories and 78 milligrams of cholesterol Cheeseburgers, which have more saturated fat than a child should consume in an entire meal Cheese sandwiches such as grilled cheese sandwiches and cheese quesadillas, which contain more than 7 grams of saturated fat and almost 1,000 milligrams of sodium Pepperoni pizza, which contains more than 6 grams of saturated fat; pepperoni is a processed meat that increases the risk of cancer Load up on grains. Schools in the U.S. are required to serve whole grain options for lunch every school day. These include rice, quinoa, and/or couscous. Look for these healthier grain options in place of carb-heavy foods like bread or pasta. Schools are also required to offer meat alternative foods, like tofu or soy yogurt, which can be a good way to get protein without loading up on red meat. Look for healthier drink options. There should be 100% fruit juice available at your school during lunch time, as well as milk options like fat-free or low-fat, with no added sugars or flavors. Your school should offer at least two types of milk, as well as fruit juices. Try to avoid sugary drinks like soda or fruit juices with added sugar from the vending machines at school. Limit your portions. Portion control is an important way to maintain a healthy diet at school and to ensure you are getting all the nutrients and energy you need for the day. Divide your plate into four sections, with dairy (in the form of fat-free or low-fat milk) on the side. Your plate should be balanced with four types of food: fruits, vegetables, grains, and protein like meat, beans, or tofu. You should have about one cup of grains like rice or pasta, and one cup of vegetables and fruits. Clench your fist and place it over your plate. These portions should be no bigger than your clenched fist. The meat or protein portion should be about as big as your palm. Added fats like butter, mayo, or salad dressing should be the size of the top of your thumb. None of your food should overlap or be piled high. There should be a small amount of space between each of the four food groups. | Eat breakfast every day before school. Pack a full water bottle. Put healthy snacks in your school bag. Create a meal schedule. Pack your lunch the night before. Go for healthy options if you leave campus for lunch. Don’t skip a meal. Ask your parents if you can help with the cooking. Look for fruit and vegetable options. Remember that most quick options are laden with salt, sugar and fat. Load up on grains. Look for healthier drink options. Limit your portions. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Comfort-Your-Dog | How to Comfort Your Dog | If your dog is scared of loud noises, act as normal as possible and don't offer extra attention. Play calming, classical music and provide a safe area, such as a crate or a den filled with blankets and toys. If your dog is sick, allow grass eating to calm its stomach. Offer water to combat dehydration, and see a vet if your dog has trouble breathing or is vomiting for more than 24 hours. | Act nonchalant and relaxed around your dog. While you may feel compelled to comfort your dog with snuggling, treats, and petting, this can actually reinforce the fearful behavior. Instead, do your best to behave normally, treating your dog as you always would, and pretend not to notice her fear. This may be difficult and seem cruel, but petting and feeding your dog treats when she is afraid is in fact rewarding the behavior you are trying to stop. Close blinds or windows. If your dog cannot see (or hear) outside, it may help him to forget about what's happening. Close any windows, curtains, or blinds to help comfort your dog. Take him to an area of the house where he's less likely to be disturbed. Play calming music. The sound of music may help to drown out distressing sounds. What's more, studies have shown that classical music can have a very calming effect on dogs in stressful situations. Begin with something classical, like Mozart. Experiment with different types of music to see what your dog enjoys. Provide a safe area. If your dog has a crate, allow her to lie in it during the storm. If no crate is available, create a cozy den with blankets and dog items. Place some laundry that smells like you in the safe area to add a soothing effect. If using a crate, it may help to drape a blanket over it. Leave the door to the crate open so she doesn't feel trapped. Don't close your dog in a room. Allow her to have some space without feeling trapped. Dress your dog in a "thundershirt. " A thundershirt is a snug garment designed to target calming pressure points. This has a similar effect to swaddling a baby, and can be very calming to your dog when he's distressed. Place the garment on your dog. Use the velcro straps to tighten. This can also be used to calm him in the car. Distract your dog. Engage in fun activities that your dog likes. This will keep her mind off the storm and help her to cope. Toss a ball. Wrestle with chew toys. Try playing toys that dispense food or treats. Use anti-anxiety medication. If your dog's anxiety is severe, schedule an appointment with his vet to talk about it. Ask about prescription anti-anxiety medication options. You may try the dog versions of Xanax, Klonopin, or Diazepam. Most commonly, these are used for separation anxiety, but can also be used for severe noise-induced distress. Follow the instructions your veterinarian provides. Give your dog space. When you bring a new dog home, it is important to let her explore her surroundings. Let her wander inside, or in a fenced-in backyard for some time alone. If she has a crate or other bed, allow her to explore it privately. This will help her feel comfortable in her new home. Provide structure for your dog. Dogs are inherently pack animals. When you bring a new dog into your home, you are inviting him into your pack. Allow him to assimilate by establishing a structure. This will make his transition a comfortable one. Feed your dog at the same time(s) each day. Walk him at roughly the same time too. Be consistent with how you discipline him. Give your dog her own things. It will provide a great source of comfort to a new pet for her to have her own things. The most essential items are food and water bowls, toys, and places to rest. Food and water bowls should not slide around on the ground. Toys should be safe for dogs. Places to rest can be anywhere for your dog to take a break and be alone, like a crate, dog bed, or just a quiet room with some of her toys. Introduce him to everyone in the house. It is important for your pet to meet everyone that he will be living with. You don't want to overwhelm him, so it is best to do these introductions one at a time. Allow him to smell each person and get used to them. Try placing one piece of dirty laundry from each member of the household near the dog's crate or where he sleeps. Give your dog lots of attention and love. Just like humans, dogs like to feel loved. Studies have shown that pets that receive daily affection have longer life expectancies than those who do not. But petting and playing are not the only ways to show affection to your dog. Include your dog in daily activities. Allow her to help out with chores by training her to hand you things that you need. Praise your dog when her behavior meets your expectations of her. Find out what is wrong. Take note of your dog's symptoms, and exactly when they began. Try to be as specific as possible. Once you can determine the problem, you can begin to comfort him. Things to look for include: loss of appetite, lethargy, and vomiting. Use an online “symptom checker” for dogs to help determine possible causes. Call and speak to your vet. Relay the symptoms over the phone and determine the best course of action. Let her eat grass. If your dog is eating grass, she may have an upset tummy. Eating grass can tickle her throat and tummy and may induce vomiting. This can be very comforting for dog's with gas or upset tummies. Keep him hydrated. Especially if your dog has diarrhea, dehydration can be a serious concern. Comfort your dog by offering him plenty of water. Try offering him water straight from a hose or faucet, or water with ice cubes. This might spice things up for him and help him to get more water down. You can obtain an electrolyte powder for animals from any farm store. Mix this with water for additional prevention or treatment of dehydration. You can check to see if your dog is dehydrated by lifting up his lip and examining his gums. If healthy, his gums should be covered with a shiny film. If your dog is very dehydrated, get him to the vet right away. Dehydration can lead to organ damage or even death. Feed her rice. If your dog as an upset tummy, feeding rice to your dog can give her some comfort. Boil one cup of white rice in one quart of water, until mushy. Drain some of the water, and feed this rice water to your dog. This is both soothing to the tummy and hydrating. Feed her some of the mushy, drained rice. You can mash it with a fork for a softer consistency. You can also mix with other food that she likes. Give him over-the-counter (OTC) medicine. Just like in humans, OTC medicines like bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) can soothe diarrhea or stomach symptoms. Give 1 teaspoon per 5 pounds, or 1 tablespoon per 15 pounds. Do this every two hours. Ask your vet before giving your dog medicine, especially if they're already on medication. Pepto-Bismol should never be given to dogs with bleeding disorders. OTC medications should never be used on dogs who are pregnant or nursing. Never give Pepto-Bismo to cats! Take her to the vet. It is not abnormal for a dog to have an upset tummy or other illness once in awhile. However, if your pet is seriously ill, she may need to be seen by a professional. Contact your vet in the event of: Vomiting or diarrhea persisting more than 24 hours Seizure Difficulty breathing Moaning with pain Trouble urinating | Act nonchalant and relaxed around your dog. Close blinds or windows. Play calming music. Provide a safe area. Dress your dog in a "thundershirt. Distract your dog. Use anti-anxiety medication. Give your dog space. Provide structure for your dog. Give your dog her own things. Introduce him to everyone in the house. Give your dog lots of attention and love. Find out what is wrong. Let her eat grass. Keep him hydrated. Feed her rice. Give him over-the-counter (OTC) medicine. Take her to the vet. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Better-Tasting-Instant-Coffee | How to Make Better Tasting Instant Coffee | To make better tasting instant coffee, start by buying coffee that has been freeze-dried, such as Starbucks VIA, which gives it a truer coffee flavor. To prepare the coffee, use fresh, filtered water, because bad-tasting water will result in bad-tasting coffee. To get a smoother flavor, mix the coffee powder with a small amount of cold water to form a paste before adding the hot water. Finally, add cream and sugar to disguise any bitterness. | Buy quality instant coffee. Almost no instant coffee brands can compete with ground, but some are pretty decent. Try to find packaging labeled "freeze-dried," which tends to produce a truer coffee flavor than "spray drying." If the label doesn't specify, check the consistency: granules are more likely to be freeze-dried than powder is, though this is not a guarantee. Finally, more expensive brands tend to taste better. If you're not sure where to start, try Medaglia d'Oro or Starbucks VIA Colombia. These tend to convert more coffee snobs than most brands. Instant espresso powder is a different product, meant for baking instead of drinking. Heat a kettle of water. Don't use water that's been sitting in your kettle, which can pick up off-flavors or become "flat" from repeated boiling. If you live in a hard water area or your tap water just tastes bad, put it through a water filter first. If you don't have a kettle, microwave a mug of water before adding the coffee. Microwaved water can "explode" if overheated. Prevent this by putting a wooden popsicle stick or teaspoon of sugar in the cup. Measure the instant coffee into a mug. Follow the package instructions the first time you try a brand. If it's too strong or too watery for your tastes, you can adjust the ratio of coffee and water later. Most importantly, use the same spoon and the same mug each time. If you switch to a different size each time, you can't pinpoint a ratio you enjoy. If there's no recommendation on the package, try 1 slightly rounded teaspoon (5mL) per 8 oz (240mL). Stir in a little cold water (optional). Add just enough cold water to wet all the coffee, stirring it into a paste. This preparation gives your coffee a smoother flavor, although it won't always have a major effect. Pour in the hot water. Instant coffee has already been extracted in water before drying, so the flavor is already set. This means the temperature of the water is much less important than for normal coffee. Instant coffee drinkers disagree over whether boiling water can affect the taste. If you're concerned, just let the kettle cool down for a couple of minutes first. Stir in the sugar and milk (optional). Even if you prefer black coffee, most instant blends could use the flavor help. Stir in as much or as little as you like, making sure all the sugar dissolves. If your instant coffee has a particularly bad taste, the cream will hide it better than milk. Taste and adjust. The most effective way to improve your cup is to keep experimenting and to keep track of what you tried. Try an extra teaspoon (5mL) of coffee next time if the brew was too watery, or add another pinch of sugar if it tastes too bitter. Instant coffee will never be gourmet, but your choices can make it enjoyable. Use the same spoon and same mug each time so you have a benchmark for the coffee to water ratio. Store the leftovers in an airtight container. Humidity will spoil the flavor of your instant coffee. Keep it out by sealing the container tightly. If you live in a humid climate, transfer the leftovers to smaller containers as you use them up. This will minimize the amount of air that contacts the coffee. In extra-humid tropics, the refrigerator might be drier than your cupboards. Replace the water with milk. Some say that the coffee itself is a lost cause. If the techniques above don't help, try replacing all the water with hot milk. Heat the milk over the stovetop until it begins to bubble around the edges. Pour it onto the coffee powder instead of water. Keep an eye on the milk and stir occasionally. Unattended milk can overflow rapidly. Froth milk into a cappuccino. Your "instant cappuccino" won't impress an Italian, but a little froth can go a long way. If you don't have a handheld frother, froth the milk and instant coffee by whisking or shaking it in a jar. To froth up the mixture with a spoon, add the instant coffee and sugar to a cup, then stir in enough water to make a paste. Beat this with a spoon until foamy, then stir in the hot milk. Add flavors. Strong, usually sweet flavors are another way to hide poor tastes. Here are a few suggestions: Replace the milk and sugar with flavored creamers, or homemade flavored milk. Add flavorings such as vanilla extract, cocoa powder, or ground cinnamon, stirred in thoroughly. Careful — it's easy to overdo these if making a single cup. Replace the sugar with the flavored syrup of your choice. You can even buy liquid coffee essence or extract to add a bigger punch of coffee flavor. Keep in mind that commercial syrups often include high fructose corn syrup. Add coconut oil or butter to your coffee. Not everyone loves this trend, but you might change your mind when you're slogging through a jar of bad instant. After making your instant coffee, toss it in the blender with 1 tsp (5mL) coconut oil or butter and blend until frothy. | Buy quality instant coffee. Heat a kettle of water. Measure the instant coffee into a mug. Stir in a little cold water (optional). Pour in the hot water. Stir in the sugar and milk (optional). Taste and adjust. Store the leftovers in an airtight container. Replace the water with milk. Froth milk into a cappuccino. Add flavors. Add coconut oil or butter to your coffee. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Paint-a-Sunflower | How to Paint a Sunflower | To paint a sunflower, start by sketching the sunflower on a sheet of paper. Once you're happy with your sketch, transfer it onto a canvas using artist's transfer paper and trace the drawing with a pencil. Next, paint the background, and fill in the petals and the center of the flower with light yellow and brown paint. Then, use darker shades of yellow and brown to add dimension, and paint the stems and leaves using various shades of green. | Find the right paint shades. Before you start painting your sunflowers, you have to be sure that you have the paint colors on hand. You'll obviously want yellow paint for the flowers' petals, but it helps to have several different shades available so you can shade them to add dimension. For the center of the flower, you'll need a couple of shades of brown paint. You should also have at least one shade of green for the stem and leaves. You can use whatever type of paint you prefer for painting; both oil and acrylics work well for painting on a canvas. Don't forget the background of your painting. If you're painting the sunflowers in an outdoor setting, you'll need blue to fill in the sky or green to represent grass and other plants. For an indoor setting, you'll want a background shade for the wall. It's a good idea to keep white and black paint on hand. That way, you can lighten and darken up the yellow, brown, and green paints that you have to create additional shades for the painting. Choose brushes that are the right size. Finding the right sized brushes for your painting will depend on the size of the canvas that you're using. With a standard size canvas, though, you can usually do the job with a ¼” brush for larger areas and a ⅛” brush for detail work. If you're planning a large background for your sunflower painting, you may also want to have a wide, flat brush on hand. It will allow you to fill in the background shades more quickly than a ¼” brush. Find a photo of sunflowers for inspiration. While you probably have a pretty good idea of what a sunflower looks like, it always help to have a point of reference while you're painting. Look for a photo of sunflowers online that appeals to you, and print a copy so you can refer to it while you're working. If you are unsure of any of the flower's details, you can consult the photo. If you have access to actual sunflowers, you can use a real flower as your guide. If there is a painting of sunflowers that you admire, such as van Gogh's “Sunflowers,” you can use a photo of it to help inspire you. One of the challenges in making art is learning to draw things as you see them, rather than as you think they are. Pay close attention to the details in the sunflower so you can try to recreate them in your drawing. Start with a circle or the letter “C. ” To start your sunflower drawing, you should begin with the center of the first flower. If you want to paint the flower from the front, make a circle, using dotted lines rather than a solid line. For a sideways flower, create a thin letter “C” so the flower's center has more of an oval shape. When you're trying to decide how large to make your circle or “C,” take the size of the canvas into consideration, as well as many flowers you want in your finished painting. If you're painting a single sunflower, you should probably make the center fairly large. If you're creating a sideways sunflower, make sure to leave the oval open to create the “C” shape. You'll use that open area to add petals. Add the petals. Once you have the first sunflower's center drawn, you can start to add the petals. The easiest way to create the right shape is to make triangles that have all of the sides slightly curved. Keep in mind that all of the petals don't have to look identical, though. You'll get a much more realistic looking sunflower if they're all slightly different. Line the entire center with petals. Make sure to vary the length of the petals and to create some that overlap. For the best looking sunflower, create at least two layers of petals. You can have the tips of the back row just peeking out over the first layer. If you're creating a sunflower that faces forward, the petals will fairly large. On a sideways facing sunflower, the petals near the open area of the “C” will be smaller than the others that line the center. Draw the stem. Once you've finished drawing in all of the petals, you can add the stem. Depending on whether you want to paint a sunflower that's growing outside or that is cut inside a vase, you may want to create a stem that's slightly curved near where it attaches to the bloom or one that is entirely straight. Have the stem go all the way to the bottom of the sketch. Let the size of the sunflower's size help guide the thickness of the stem. Larger blooms require a thicker stem to support them. Mix in some leaves. To give your sunflower a more realistic appearance, it helps to add some leaves to its stem. You can place them wherever you like on the stem, but start with a curved line to create the top edge of the leaf. For the bottom edge, though, make the line slightly ridged so it resembles a real leaf. Depending on the size of your sunflower, it may be enough to add one leaf to the stem. However, if the stem is very long, you may want to add multiple leaves, placing them on both sides. Add more flowers. When you're happy with the sunflower that you've drawn, you can decide whether you want to paint additional flowers. You can use the same techniques to draw them as you did for the original flower, though you'll need to vary the size and the direction that they're facing. Adding some in the foreground and others in the background can help give the finished painting more dimension. Keep in mind that background flowers will be smaller than the original flower, while those in the foreground should appear larger. You don't have to add complete flowers. You can just sketch in top, bottom, or side of a sunflower to help fill out the painting. Transfer your sketch to the canvas. Once you've finished your sketch of the sunflower(s), you need to transfer it to the canvas before you begin painting. The best way to transfer the sketch is with artist's transfer paper, which is coated with graphite that transfers to the canvas when you trace over it. Take a piece of transfer paper that the same size as your drawing, and tape it to the canvas, with the graphite side face down. Place the drawing on top of the transfer paper, and trace it onto the canvas with a pencil. It's best to use artist's archival tape to attach the transfer paper and drawing to the canvas because it is easy to remove and doesn't leave any residue behind. Make sure that you position your transfer paper and drawing on the canvas in the exact spot that you want to paint your sunflowers. A mechanical pencil usually works best for tracing the drawing because you don't have to worry about the point getting dull. Paint the background first. After you transfer the drawing to the canvas as a guide for your painting, start by painting the background behind the flowers first. You can use the larger brush to fill in most of it, but take care around the flowers and other items that you might have included in the drawing, such as a vase. Around those areas, you may want to switch to a smaller brush. If you're using multiple colors of paint to get the right shade for the background, you can usually mix them directly on the canvas. However, if you're making a drastic change, such as taking a color extremely dark or extremely light, you may want to mix the paint on a palette first so you can be sure to get the right color. Fill in the petals and center with a base color. With your smallest brush, start filling in the petals around your sunflower(s). In most cases, it's best to start with your brightest yellow shade for this step. Next, use a similarly sized brush to fill in the center of the sunflower with a brown shade. Just as with the yellow, it's best to start with a lighter brown or tan color. If you don't have a yellow or brown shade in acrylic paint that is light or bright enough to use as a base color, thinning a darker color with water can help lighten it. With oil or acrylic paint, you can mix in some white to lighten the yellow and brown shades. Shade the petals and centers. To give your painting dimension, you'll want to incorporate other shades of yellow on the petals. Shade some areas with mid-tone and dark yellows so the petals don't look as flat. Do the same with the sunflower's center by working in mid-tone dark shades of brown. To decide where to use the darker shades, consider where the light would hit the flowers and where shadows might fall. You can also use a small amount of white on the petals to act as a highlight. Create subtle blending by placing two very similar shades right next to each other. For example, if you want the center of the petal to be a little darker, you might place the lightest yellow on the outside, then brush a slightly darker yellow next to that. Continue doing that all the way to the center of the petal. Depending on the look that you're going for, you may also want to incorporate subtle touches of red and orange paint in the petals' shading. Finish the stem and leaves. The final step for your sunflower painting is to fill in the stems and leaves. You usually want at least two shades of green: a brighter green and a darker forest green shade. Use your smaller brush to fill in the stems and leaves to keep your strokes more precise. | Find the right paint shades. Choose brushes that are the right size. Find a photo of sunflowers for inspiration. Start with a circle or the letter “C. Add the petals. Draw the stem. Mix in some leaves. Add more flowers. Transfer your sketch to the canvas. Paint the background first. Fill in the petals and center with a base color. Shade the petals and centers. Finish the stem and leaves. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Yurt | How to Build a Yurt | To build a yurt, start by building a circular platform for the foundation. Next, stretch some lattice wall around the perimeter of the platform, leaving a gap for a door frame. Then, install some rafters to give the yurt stability. Finally, install the roof insulation, liner, and cover to complete the yurt. | Decide on a spot for your yurt to protect it from the elements. To prevent any weather damages, be mindful of where you set up your yurt. The best spot will be protected from wind, receive sun in the morning, get shade in the afternoon, and be free of any overhead objects. This way, your structure will stay safe and secure. Overhead items include dead tree limbs, for example. Use a circular platform that is the same diameter of your yurt. The particular size of your platform depends on the overall diameter of your structure. These instructions are for a yurt with a 12 ft (3.7 m) diameter, so review your particular instructions before you start and adjust the process as necessary. If your platform is not the same size and shape, your yurt may not be completely weatherproof. You want the side cover fabric to extend below the interior floor level for a draft-free, watertight seal. Hire a professional to help you build your platform. The platform is the hardest and most complex part of building a yurt. If you are not familiar with carpentry work, hire a professional contractor to make your base. This is the easiest way to ensure you build your yurt safely and correctly. If you'd like to try building the platform yourself, review the instructions from your specific yurt manufacturer. Many companies offer preliminary instructions on building your base yourself. These instructions will vary based on your particular yurt kit. Place the footings in a circular shape according to your framing plan. Use 10 or so concrete footings to make the base of your platform. The overall placement will depend on your particular framing plan, but in general the footings should be 2–4 ft (0.61–1.22 m) apart in a 12 ft (3.7 m) circular shape. Use precast concrete footings. Cut the beams to the correct length and fasten them to the footings. Use a table saw to cut your wooden beams based on your floor plan. Then, place the beams across the footings, and use a level to ensure each beam is straight. Finally, fasten the beams to the footings using the attached holders on the wooden beams. For assistance with this process, ask your professional carpenter. Your specific beam placement will depend on your instructions. Secure your flooring onto the wooden beams with your drill. You can use 1.125 in (2.86 cm) thick plywood to create your flooring. Lay the boards over top of your beams so they are flat and parallel, and secure them on each side using a drill and a screw. Insert a screw through the plywood and the beam every 6–12 in (15–30 cm). The size and width of your flooring depends on your particular instructions. Cut the flooring into a circle to match your yurt’s diameter. Using a hand saw, go around the edges and cut off any piece of plywood that hangs over your beams. This maintains the overall circular shape of your yurt. Make your cuts so the flooring and beams are flush. It's okay if the sides aren't completely even. Try your best to cut the wood as straight as possible. Apply waterproof caulking around the outside edge to seal out moisture. This seals the flooring and the drip edge. The drip edge is the outer edge of the yurt, and it is important to seal the edge and the flooring so no moisture gets inside. To do this, run a thin, even line of caulking around the perimeter of the flooring. This way, your wood is secured together and rain or condensation will not seep into your yurt. Secure a strip of plywood around the perimeter to finish the drip edge. Cut ⁄ 8 ft (0.11 m) exterior plywood into strips, based on your desired width. Hold the strips around the perimeter of the drip edge, and use a drill and large wood screws to fasten the strips of wood. Add 1 screw to each end of the strip. When you do this, you want 1 ft (0.30 m) of plywood to extend above the floor level. Use a table saw to cut your strips to your desired size. Unwrap your lattice wall and grab a helper to get started. The lattice wall often comes in a cylindrical package about 2 ft (0.61 m) in diameter and 8 ft (2.4 m) long (for a 12–16 ft (3.7–4.9 m) yurt). Remove the lattice wall, and have a helper assist you in moving it to the back of the circular platform. Stretch the wall around the perimeter of your platform. Start by undoing the straps around the lattice wall. Ensure the outside is facing the outward direction and the inside of the wall is facing toward your platform. Then, stretch out the lattice around the perimeter, just inside the drip edge. As you do this, keep the lattice wall stable by holding it securely. The outside of the lattice has holes in the middle of the rivets, while the inside has no holes. Keep your fingers out of the way, or they can get pinched as you unfold the lattice. This creates the circular shape of your structure. Leave a 4 ft (1.2 m) gap to install your door frame. You want enough space to position your door frame at your opening, though you can place your door wherever you'd like. To install the door, remove the wingnuts and washers from inside the door frame, and slip the end of the plate with the oval hole onto the clamp bolts. Then, replace the washers and wingnuts and twist them into place. Ensure that the key side of the door faces outward. Consult your instructions if you have any trouble installing the door. It should be easy and straightforward. There may be a notch in the door threshold behind the door frame. Make sure the door threshold is outside of the drip edge. Check the perimeter of your yurt to ensure the wall height is consistent. Use a tape measure to check the height of your structure every 2–3 ft (0.61–0.91 m). Make adjustments to the lattice wall as needed by repositioning the wall. Your finished height depends on your overall yurt size. Secure the lattice wall to the door with the included hardware. Once your lattice wall is properly placed, you can attach it to the door. Remove the cap nuts, washers, and bolts located along the bottom of the lattice about every 6th crotch. Then, attach the lattice wall anchoring straps using the included screws. Hold the anchor into place, and line a screw up with the hole. Then, use your drill to secure the screw in place. The crotch of the lattice refers to where 2 pieces of wood intersect. These brackets are made so the screws go through the drip edge and the flooring material. The anchors and screws come in your yurt kit. Secure the belly bands to the door frames. Once the door frame and lattice walls are attached, make any final adjustments if you need to. Then, lay the belly band along the top of the lattice wall. Tie 1 end of the belly band to the hook in the top door frame, then feed the band through each crotch of the lattice. As you go, remove the slack in the line. Finally, tie the belly band to the opposite door frame hook when you reach the other side. Belly bands are nylon or other stretchy, strong straps. They are usually 50 ft (15 m) long. Alternatively, your kit may come with tension cables instead of belly bands. These often hook onto the door instead of tying to it. After everything is securely fastened, make adjustments as needed to improve the shape of the yurt. Put on a hard hat before you start installing the rafters. Treat the interior of the yurt as a hard-hat zone until the rafters are installed, as the rafters can fall on your head. Once the rafters are installed, you can take off your hard hat. While raising the center ring and installing the rafters is an exciting part of the assembly, it should be executed with care. Children or observers not involved with assembly should stay outside of the yurt. Lay down the center ring and mark 3-4 evenly-spaced holes for the rafters. To easily install the center ring, keep the bolt heads down and the nutted ends up. Then, use a marker to make a spot for 3-4 evenly-spaced holes around the circle. The distance between each spot will depend on the size of your center ring. Then, mark each spot where the “set up “ rafters will rest on the cable, based on your instructions. If you need help with this step, take a look at your rafter spacing diagram. Your marks are where you insert the “set up” rafters to raise the center ring. Attach 3 of the rafters to the center ring. Align your rafter at 1 of the spots you made on the center ring. Use your hands to lift up the ring, and insert the pin of the rafter into the ring to attach it. Then, repeat the procedure for your second rafter. To attach the third rafter, raise the ring off of the ground. When you lift up the center ring, let the first 2 rafters support 1 side. Then, insert the pin of the third rafter into the marked hole. Lift the center ring into position using the third rafter. Maintain pressure on the first 2 rafters, and place the notched end of the rafter on the cable. There is a metal pin on the side of the rafter that easily slides into the center ring. When attaching your rafters, be sure to follow the marked holes and cable spaces. It is helpful to have a friend stand close with another rafter to push the ring up. Until you have a few rafters in place, it may be a bit tricky. Slide the remaining rafters into the top of the yurt. To insert the rafter, put the end with the pin in completely, move the other end to the cable, push the lattice wall slightly outward with your shoulder, and hook the rafter to the cable. Install the rafters over your doors as your final step, since these rafters help hold the belly band or tension cables in place. Keep your rafter pattern symmetrical to balance the weight and placement. It is also helpful to keep 2 lattice wall crotches in between each rafter. Once you angle the rafter correctly, the rafter easily slides into place. Do not force the rafter into the ring. Alternatively, stand outside the structure, put the rafter over the lattice walls, and push the end into one of the slots along the roof ring. When you have 4-6 rafters secure, the person holding the center support can let go and get out of the way. The number of rafters you need depends on your particular instructions. Install a screw into the pre-drilled hole just below the belly band. To prevent the rafters from lifting up, use your drill to add the included screws to the underside of the rafter. To find the pre-drilled hole, look on the bottom of the rafter near the tension cable or belly band. Do not use different or longer screws. The screw provided is the correct size for the pre-drilled hole. Secure the rafters to the door frame using header brackets. Each rafter has a slight notch to hold the tension cable or belly band in place against the door. Go inside the yurt, and place the header bracket onto the rafter on top of the door. Rest the flat side on top of the door header. Then, slide it forward so it is flush with the tension cable. Secure the brackets to the rafters using the included screws and your power drill. Before you fasten the header bracket to the door header, make sure the door is straight. Install the safety cable to the rafters to hold them in the ring. To do this, remove the cable clamps from the safety cable, and thread the cable through the pre-drilled holes in the rafters. When you reach the starting point, bring the end of the cable through the loop on the opposite end, and pull it tightly. Reposition the cable clamps and tighten them so they are secure. You can then cut off any extra cable using a cable cutter. Install your roof insulation and liner facing if included in your kit. Not all yurts require insulation or lining, but they conserve heat and protect your yurt from the elements. Install your insulation on a day that is not very windy, and do this once the rafters are all in place. Use a step ladder to reach the top middle of your yurt, and spread the liner over the rafters. Have a friend pull the hemmed end around the rafter ends. Then, place the insulation on top of the liner. You can secure the upper area while your friend secures the perimeter. To secure the lining and insulation, use a staple gun to add a staple every 4–8 in (10–20 cm). Once the insulation seam is aligned properly, use the foil tape to secure the seam. If you'd like, trim the insulation around the door frame so it does not get in the way. Take out the cover and place a step ladder in the middle of your yurt. Remove the cover from the bag and get rid of the binding straps. The cover of your yurt is often in a bag made of the same material. Untie the straps around the cover. Then, place your step ladder inside your yurt so you can unroll the cover. Unroll the covering toward the door frame. To do this, bring the top of the covering through the center ring opening. Once the covering is through the opening, you can let the covering unroll until it reaches your door. Unfold your covering 2-3 times to begin wrapping the perimeter. As you stand on the step ladder, have a friend work around the perimeter. Once the covering is unrolled, unfold it 2-3 times to cover a bit in each direction. As you do this, look for the cut-out opening for the door in the top cover valance. The cut-out has many oval grommets, rather than round grommets. Ensure the cut-out is centered over the door so you can easily install the rest of the covering. Unfold half of the covering and secure it using connectors. Work with your friend to unfold the rest of the covering across the top and perimeter of the yurt. Once the covering is halfway unfolded and covers half of your rafters, install a 2-5 twist-lock connectors or S-clips to secure the top cover at the door. Securing the cover near the door keeps the door detail aligned. Pull the top layer of the cover over the center ring and down the other side. Then, tie a cord to a few of the grommets on the top cover. Use the cord to help pull the rest of the fabric over the center ring and around the perimeter. Finally, pull the outside edge around so it is snug around the ends of the rafters. It is imperative that the top cover is centered on the center ring and pulled down evenly. If not, your covering will be crooked. You do not need to fasten the cover to the center ring. Mark the oval grommet locations around the door to secure them. Once the covering is in place, inspect the door frame to make sure everything fits properly. Then, use a marker to indicate the oval grommet locations. Drill ⁄ 64 ft (0.033 m) pilot holes with the provided bits, and then fasten the twist-lock connectors. If you don't drill pilot holes, you may break the twist-lock shank. If you overtighten the twist-lock connectors, you can also break the shank. Once your roof is in place, consult your instructions regarding any specific finishing touches. | Decide on a spot for your yurt to protect it from the elements. Use a circular platform that is the same diameter of your yurt. Hire a professional to help you build your platform. Place the footings in a circular shape according to your framing plan. Cut the beams to the correct length and fasten them to the footings. Secure your flooring onto the wooden beams with your drill. Cut the flooring into a circle to match your yurt’s diameter. Apply waterproof caulking around the outside edge to seal out moisture. Secure a strip of plywood around the perimeter to finish the drip edge. Unwrap your lattice wall and grab a helper to get started. Stretch the wall around the perimeter of your platform. Leave a 4 ft (1.2 m) gap to install your door frame. Check the perimeter of your yurt to ensure the wall height is consistent. Secure the lattice wall to the door with the included hardware. Secure the belly bands to the door frames. Put on a hard hat before you start installing the rafters. Lay down the center ring and mark 3-4 evenly-spaced holes for the rafters. Attach 3 of the rafters to the center ring. Slide the remaining rafters into the top of the yurt. Install a screw into the pre-drilled hole just below the belly band. Secure the rafters to the door frame using header brackets. Install the safety cable to the rafters to hold them in the ring. Install your roof insulation and liner facing if included in your kit. Take out the cover and place a step ladder in the middle of your yurt. Unroll the covering toward the door frame. Unfold your covering 2-3 times to begin wrapping the perimeter. Unfold half of the covering and secure it using connectors. Pull the top layer of the cover over the center ring and down the other side. Mark the oval grommet locations around the door to secure them. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Microsuede-Couch | How to Clean a Microsuede Couch | Before you clean your microsuede couch, read the care instructions. On the label, the letters W or W/S indicate that you can use water for cleaning, S means that you should only use solvent cleaners, and X means you should not use either. Once you know what you can use, vacuum your sofa and use either mild dish soap and water or an upholstery cleaner to remove stains. If you are unsure what to use, call a professional. | Determine if you can use water on your couch. Microsuede couches come in two different types of fabric. To determine this, look on the tag or label on your couch. The label is generally found under the couch. You may also remove the cushions and check if it's along the seat area. The tag should have either an W, S, W/S, or X. If your couch is W or W/S, you can use water on it. If you don't see a tag, don't use water to clean your couch, as you may accidentally ruin your furniture. Water can easily damage microsuede. The most common code you'll see is S, which means you can only use solvent-based cleaners. W/S means you can use water or solvent-based cleaners, and X means you can't use either and have to vacuum the couch. Test a small area. Before you clean large areas on your couch, always test a small area first. This ensures that the fabric won't react badly to your cleaning method and the method won't leave a worse stain than before. Test an area somewhere you can't see, like the back or around the bottom. Call a professional. If your efforts to clean your couch have been unsuccessful, you may want to call someone who can do a professional upholstery cleaning. A professional will be able to treat a more stubborn stain. Vacuum loose debris from your couch. If your couch has dirt, crumbs, or other debris, you need to vacuum it. Use the soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner. This is also important before you clean it with any cleaners to remove any loose dirt before you start scrubbing. Vacuum your couch once a week to keep it clean. Before you vacuum it, remove all of the cushions so you can really get it clean. This will help you maintain your couch's overall cleanliness. Don't use the power attachments. This can damage the fabric. Make a cleaning solution with dish soap and water. To clean any stains, use water and a mild detergent, like dish detergent. Make sure that whatever soap you use does not have any bleach in it. To make the solution, drop a few drops of detergent in a bowl of water. Wipe the dirty areas gently. Dip a rag in the soap and water mixture, then wring out the excess water so the rag is just damp. Next, use your rag to rub the stain on the couch. Make sure to blot the stain or rub it gently, being careful not to damage the fabric. Rinse the rag often of the dirt that you pull from the couch. You may also place the mixture in a spray bottle and spray it on the couch so you don't saturate it. Make sure that you do not soak the couch. If you get too much water into the couch, it can be very difficult to dry due to the way the microfiber fabric is made. Make sure you are only using a damp rag. Even if the stain is stubborn, don't pour more water onto the couch. Dry with a hairdryer. If your couch has gotten too wet during the cleaning process, you need to dry it. To do this, use a hairdryer on the coolest setting possible. Don't use the high heat setting because it could damage the fabric. Put removable covers in the washing machine. If your fabric is washer and dryer safe, you may be able to remove the covers and wash them. Wash them on the gentle cycle. Use a gentle cleanser, like Woolite. Dry the covers on the no heat setting. Try baking soda. Baking soda may help get stains out of your couch. Combine baking soda and water to make a thick paste. Spread the paste over the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping the paste away. The stain should be better. Brush and lightly rinse the fabric. After you clean the fabric on your microsuede couch, you may find that it is hard and stiff. To get it back to its original softness, blot the area with warm water to remove any soap or baking soda that remains on the fabric. Then, use a brush to gently brush the area. This will help remove any leftover cleaner and make the fabric soft again. You can use a nailbrush or a toothbrush. Vacuum the loose debris. If your couch fabric is labeled as X, that means you can only vacuum it. Use a soft brush to loosen any dirt, stains, or debris. Then, with the soft brush attachment, vacuum the couch. Make sure not to use the power attachment because it can damage the fabric. If your S couch has dirt on it, you need to vacuum it first. Use a solvent-based cleaner. If your couch has an S or W/S, you can use a solvent-based cleaner. You can try a commercial solvent upholstery cleaner, which usually comes in a foam. If your couch has an S, only use solvent-based cleaners and do not use water. Use rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol, or clear drinking alcohol like vodka, can be used to clean a microsuede couch. Put the alcohol into a spray bottle and spray it on the stains on your couch. Blot or gently rub the stains with a cloth. Use a dry detergent. If you cannot use water on your couch, try using a dry detergent on the stains. Sprinkle some of the product onto the area. Leave it on as long as directed. Use a soft-bristle brush to work the dry detergent over the stain. After you have cleaned the section, vacuum up the dry detergent before working on the next section. | Determine if you can use water on your couch. Test a small area. Call a professional. Vacuum loose debris from your couch. Make a cleaning solution with dish soap and water. Wipe the dirty areas gently. Dry with a hairdryer. Put removable covers in the washing machine. Try baking soda. Brush and lightly rinse the fabric. Vacuum the loose debris. Use a solvent-based cleaner. Use rubbing alcohol. Use a dry detergent. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Avoid-Negative-People | How to Avoid Negative People | To avoid a negative person in public, try pretending to be engaged with your phone and avoiding eye contact to give the impression that you're preoccupied. If you have to be around them in a work or social environment, try to hang out in groups so you don't get caught alone with them. Additionally, don't engage with the negative person on social media, and block them if they continue to harass you. You should also bear in mind that you don't owe them an explanation for keeping your distance, so try not to feel guilty about protecting yourself. | Walk away. If you see the person coming, turn around and walk in the other direction. Cross the street, or duck into a shop. If you're lucky, the person you're avoiding won't have seen your maneuver. If you notice them, keep turning your gaze as if you didn't see anything that caught your eye. That way, if they approach you, you can say that you didn't see them. If you know their routine, consider avoiding the places where they tend to hang out, or go at a time when the person is unlikely to be there. Stay busy. To avoid someone, make sure you're never available for conversation. Keep your phone handy, so you can pretend to be completely engaged in it if the person you're trying to avoid shows up unexpectedly. Making eye contact invites communication, so if you accidentally encounter the negative person, try to avoid looking them in the eye. Instead, pretend to be busy looking elsewhere. If you know anyone else in the vicinity, get involved in a conversation. When the negative person sees you engaged in a conversation with another person, she's unlikely to interrupt with her negative remarks. If they approach you, try saying "Oh, hi! I was just going to ____. Where are you headed?" After they say where they're going, say "Well, I won't keep you. See you later!" Surround yourself with people who lift you up. While nobody is positive 100% of the time, look for people who typically help you feel good about yourself and the world around you. Choose to focus on these people. Limit your responses to negative topics to neutral ones, such as, "I see," or "Okay." When someone gives a positive response, react with enthusiasm. When negative subjects arise, it's okay to change the subject. Hang out in groups. If you can, make sure that there are other people around when you're with the negative person. More people will help disperse her negative energy, and help you keep perspective. If the group energy is mostly positive, then you'll be less effected by the negative energy coming from the person you're trying to avoid. The negative person may behave differently in a group setting. Refuse to get involved in an argument. Arguments only strengthen the social ties between yourself and the negative person. If you're trying to avoid the person, you should let them know that you're done with the conversation, and simply walk away. If they say something rude or offensive, respond with an "Okay then" or "Huh. Anyway..." with a subject change. Don't debate your decision to avoid the person. This isn't a choice that needs to be made together. Don't defend yourself from attack. Arguing gives them a foothold into your life. Instead, shrug it off and act indifferent. If they persist, say something like "If you call me names again, I'm leaving." Block the person on social media. If you're serious about avoiding the negative person in your life, don't engage with them on social media. Allowing someone to post on your Facebook wall, or take over a conversational thread, only furthers their hold on your life. Be prepared for the person to react negatively to being cut from your social media feed. You may need to block the person from contacting you by email as well. If the person doesn't respect your boundaries, and continues to try to contact you after repeated blocks and lack of response on your part, you may need to seek additional help. Remember that you don't owe them an explanation. Deciding what your boundaries are, who you are going to spend time with, and who you choose to avoid, are all personal decisions that each individual has the right to make for herself. You don't have to explain your decision to anyone unless you feel like it. If you want to explain it, consider a brief note or in-person notice. It's best to keep it short. A longer explanation can quickly become a debate about whether or not you're right, when all you really need to do is tell them calmly that you've decided to end the friendship. Consider hearing them out and being there for them. Reflect on a time when you were struggling with something difficult and how that made you feel. This person may be going through a rough time and simply be in need of someone to listen to them. Try showing some empathy and validating their feelings before rushing to judgment. For example, perhaps the person just got out of a long-term relationship and is feeling hopeless about their prospects for finding a loving partner. They might really appreciate you saying something like, “I have noticed you have been having a hard time lately. Do you want to talk about it?” Understand the reason for the person's negativity. Recognizing why they're being so negative can help you deal with them better. Usually negativity comes from one of 3 basic fears: the fear of being disrespected, the fear of not being loved, and the fear that something bad is going to happen. See if you can provide reassurance about the fear that the person is dealing with. Try addressing the area of concern rather than the specific complaint. For example, if your negative friend is complaining about the way her boss treats her, she might be concerned about her financial security (if she loses her job) and her pride or self-esteem (if she's being treated negatively). Rather than engage in complaints about her boss, focus on the economic upturn in your local economy, or that her job has a lot of room for growth. Keep it light. Some people find it hard to talk about certain topics without quickly becoming negative. If you're trying to avoid negative people, stay away from those topics that are likely to deteriorate into complaints and self-pity. If a topic like this comes up, quickly steer the conversation into lighter ground. Try talking about the latest movie you've seen, happy news, or your hobbies might help your friend be more positive. Have compassion for yourself through this process. If you don't allow yourself to become derailed by self-judgment, you'll be more able to successfully navigate your friendship. Find common ground. If you realize that your friend is just offering their perspective, or not being intentionally manipulative, it may be easier for you to find the common ground in what they've said. Often, resistance and disagreement encourages negative spirals of conversation that can be avoided simply by identifying with something the person has said. For example, if your husband says, "Shut up, I'm not finished," you can choose to respond by saying, "I'm sorry, please go on." This response connects with his perspective (that you interrupted) and deflates the negative spiral. On the other hand, if your husband says, "Shut up, I'm not finished," and you say, "I didn't interrupt, and you're a jerk," you'll only escalate the negative tension. Seek the help of a mediator or therapist. A specialist can help you analyze your dynamic and find ways to change it and/or limit contact respectfully. They can help you figure out more effective ways to respond to this person. Sometimes the key is recognizing that it's okay not to agree about everything. People can have different perspectives and still get along, as long as those perspectives are both reasonable and based in somewhat similar values. In romantic relationships, around 60% of problems may be insurmountable. The issue isn't the fact of the problem in the relationship, but the way in which the couple chooses to handle it. Control your response to the negative person. Journaling, meditation, and yoga have all been shown to be effective tools in handling ongoing relationships with negative people. Using mindfulness exercises to bring your attention to your own response, rather than reacting to the actions of the negative person, have been shown to be successful in clinical research conducted by psychologists. Other beneficial practices included concentration meditation and training designed to promote empathy. This research suggests that regardless of the actions of another person, it's possible to manage your own response and minimize the negative impact another person has upon your life. Notice that someone is a negative person. The first step in avoiding negative people is to recognize when they're in your life. If you're consistently drained, depressed or exhausted after spending an hour with someone in your life, think about why this may be. Do you look forward to seeing the person? Or are you spending time with them for other reasons, such as feeling sorry for the person or wanting to help them with difficult parts of their life? Do I dread spending time with them? Do I help them because I feel sorry for them? If I was just meeting them for the first time, would I want to be friends? Do they see themselves as a victim? Do they tend to get "stuck" on negative topics and exaggerate how bad things are? Do they seem to have an external locus of control, meaning that they feel powerless about their life and circumstances? Think about the way the person acts towards you. Don't worry about why they act this way (e.g. divorce, bad childhood, etc.) or try to make excuses. Focus on their behavior towards you now. Thinking about how the person treats you can help you consider whether you want to keep them in your life. Does the person boss you around a lot? Do they make time for your point of view, or do they steamroll over you? Do they take you seriously if you say that their behavior is upsetting you or others? Have they ever called you names? Do they blame you for not doing or knowing things that you were never told about? Identify what you enjoy about the person. Taking a quiz or going through a checklist of positive qualities might help you identify what you like about someone in your life. It's important to discern what you enjoy about someone's company, because if you don't know what you get out of the relationship, chances are you'll find yourself repeating this process with another negative person. Here are a few examples of things you might like about toxic people: You enjoy helping others, so you feel good when you swoop in to "fix" everything. You sometimes feel overwhelmed by life, so despite this person's controlling nature, you like having them come help you. You don't act on many of your desires, so watching them do whatever they feel like regardless of consequences is intriguing. Find other ways to get what you need. If you've identified some traits in your friend that you enjoy, try to think of ways to get that positive experience in other, healthier, ways. For example, if you like helping people, spend time volunteering with a charitable organizations. If you liked spending time with the person because they shared your interests, find a group of friends who share similar interests. Try a "meetup" group or other special interest group, which will be full of potential new friends who share your interest. Find the positive qualities in your own life that don't include the negative person. Limit the amount of time you spend with the person. Find other ways to fill your time, so that you're often too busy to spend time with the negative person. Develop other friendships that encourage your positive feelings and make sure to be kind to yourself as well. Set aside some time each day for self-care activities, such as taking a walk, engaging in a favorite hobby, or getting a manicure. Creating distance from another person often involves giving yourself internal permission, realizing that it's okay to take care of yourself by avoiding the negative person. Trust that this is a process, and you won't be able to shed yourself of a negative person overnight. This is particularly true if the negative person is someone you've known for a long time, a relative or spouse. Be gentle with yourself as you disengage from the negative person. | Walk away. Stay busy. Surround yourself with people who lift you up. Hang out in groups. Refuse to get involved in an argument. Block the person on social media. Remember that you don't owe them an explanation. Consider hearing them out and being there for them. Understand the reason for the person's negativity. Keep it light. Find common ground. Seek the help of a mediator or therapist. Control your response to the negative person. Notice that someone is a negative person. Think about the way the person acts towards you. Identify what you enjoy about the person. Find other ways to get what you need. Limit the amount of time you spend with the person. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prove-Perjury | How to Prove Perjury | Perjury is the act of deliberately telling a lie or misrepresentation under oath. To prove perjury, you'll need hard evidence to prove that what they said was untrue and also evidence that the lie was deliberate. Incorrectly remembering facts and details doesn't count as perjury unless you can prove the person's intent to lie. For example, someone could argue that they made a mistake, but if you present a copy of an email where they talk about their intention to lie, you should be able to prosecute them. If someone lied in court, you can get the transcripts of the proceedings from the clerk's office to prove what they said. You'll then need to report the perjury to your state's district attorney's office. | Verify the statement was made under oath. If the person who made the statement was testifying in court, or before a grand jury, the statement was made under oath. Anything written on a government document is also under oath if the person signed the document. Generally, government forms you have to fill out will contain a statement at the bottom that your signature is verification that the information you provided is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge. False statements on a form with that statement could lead to perjury charges. Someone doesn't commit perjury if they make their statement at any other time. For example, if someone is arrested and is talking to a police officer, they are not under oath. They can still get in trouble for lying to law enforcement, but that's a different crime. Find evidence that the statement was false. Only false statements run the risk of perjury charges. Look for a statement of fact, and keep in mind that people's perceptions of a situation can differ. False statements can be objectively proven true or false. For example, if a government form asks for your monthly income, that is a fact. If you say you make $2,000 a month when you actually make $3,500 a month, that would be a false statement. Check stubs or bank statements could be used to prove that this statement is false. Distinguish between false and inconsistent statements. Just because someone makes conflicting statements about something, they're not necessarily guilty of perjury. Sometimes your perception or recollection of an event will change over time. For example, a witness to a fight may say that Joe punched Craig first. Later at trial, the same witness may testify that Craig punched Joe first. Their inconsistency makes them a less reliable witness, but it doesn't necessarily mean they were lying in either instance. Examine the witness's knowledge and intent. Merely making a false statement does not rise to the level of perjury. The person must have known the statement was false when they made it. They also must have made the false statement intentionally, because they wanted to deceive or mislead a government official, or a judge or jury. This can be the most difficult part of a perjury case to prove, and it's the reason there are so few convictions. Look for specific evidence that the person had to have known the statement was false. If the person would benefit from lying, you may be able to infer that they intended to mislead so they could reap those benefits. For example, suppose someone is filling out an application for food stamps. They know that they don't qualify on their own, but would if they had children. They provide information for their sister's children, claiming them as their own. As a result, they get food stamps. They clearly knew those weren't their children, and that they would get the benefit for lying about them. Look at the circumstances surrounding the statement. In most cases, you won't be able to find direct evidence of someone's knowledge and intent. Rather, you'll have to build your case based on circumstantial evidence. For example, a husband may lie about his income on court documents during a divorce. He claims he made a mistake and forgot about some income he received for odd jobs. But if you found texts he made to a friend where he said "I'm not going to include this money I made for odd jobs, because that was after she left," that could be evidence of intent. Quantify the importance of the statement. You may have an open-and-shut case that the person lied under oath with knowledge and intent. However, you still can't get a perjury conviction unless the false statement directly impacted the outcome or decision. To prove perjury, you need to find out to what extent the final decision relied on the false statement. For example, in court for a trial regarding an auto accident, a witness may say the car was red when it in fact was blue. The witness knew the car was red and intentionally lied because he believes red cars are unfairly discriminated against. However, the color of the car had nothing to do with the outcome of the case, so he couldn't be convicted of perjury. Gather the evidence and documentation you have. Before you go to report the perjury you've witnessed, organize the information you have about the false statement and any circumstances related to it. Your claim typically will be taken more seriously if you have significant evidence. If the statement was made in court, go to the clerk's office and ask for a transcript of the proceedings. If you have an attorney, they can help you with this. It may take a few weeks for the transcript to be compiled and printed, especially if the trial just ended. For written documents, get copies of any reports or other documents that prove the statement false. For example, if someone lied about their income on a government form, you might pull together check stubs or bank statements. If you don't have access to documents or other evidence, make a list of that evidence and what you believe it will show. You may have to explain why you can't access it or why you believe it will show the person is lying. Identify the correct law enforcement agency. In most cases, if you want to report perjury you can start with your state's district attorney's office. Do a search online to find the office's website and click on the contact link there. You may be able to fill out a form online or talk to someone over the phone. However, if you have documents and other physical evidence, you probably want to go talk to someone in person. Present your evidence to a prosecuting attorney. The district attorney's office will evaluate your initial report and may assign it to a prosecuting attorney for further investigation. They will likely call you in to discuss the case with them and hand over any evidence you may have. When you're talking to the prosecuting attorney, stick to the facts. Try to avoid any assumptions or other statements you can't prove. Provide a sworn statement to the prosecuting attorney. In many cases, if the prosecuting attorney decides to go forward with prosecution for perjury, they will need a sworn statement from you. Typically this will be a written statement, although it may be a videotaped interview in which you answer questions the prosecuting attorney asks. The prosecuting attorney can use this sworn statement to get warrants and subpoena documents or other evidence necessary to prosecute the person for perjury. Contact the prosecuting attorney. If you haven't heard anything from the prosecuting attorney within a couple of weeks of your initial meeting, call them to follow up on your perjury report. You should also contact them anytime you find out new information or possible evidence that could assist in proving the perjury. If the prosecuting attorney has decided to take the case to trial, they may want to meet with you again to go over your testimony and what you know about the case. Prosecuting attorneys have a lot of discretion regarding whether to file charges in many matters. Perjury charges are seldom filed because of the difficulty in getting a conviction, so don't be discouraged if the prosecutor tells you they've decided not to go forward with it. Go to court for the hearing. In most cases, people charged with perjury will make a plea deal with the prosecution and there will never be a trial. However, in some cases you may end up having to go to court for a criminal trial. If the prosecutor intends to call you as a witness, you will receive a subpoena requiring your attendance at the trial. Even if you don't have a subpoena, you can still go to the hearing if you want to observe. Call the prosecuting attorney's office to find out when it's scheduled. Testify to the court. If you have evidence or other information concerning the perjury, the prosecuting attorney may call on you to testify in court. They will ask you questions under oath to establish on the record what you know about the false statements that were made. Generally, you want to keep your answers as brief and factual as possible. Answer the prosecutor's questions directly, and avoid adding information or going off on a tangent about something unrelated. Speak clearly and confidently, making sure your voice is loud enough for all in the court room to hear – especially if there isn't a microphone at the witness stand. Answer questions from the judge and opposing counsel. After the prosecuting attorney finishes asking you questions, the attorney for the person charged with perjury will have the opportunity to ask you questions as well. The judge also may ask you questions to clarify statements you made. The defense attorney may come across as aggressive, or have an accusatory tone. Try not to let them intimidate you. Keep your answers to questions on cross-examination as brief and direct as possible. Don't provide additional information. For example, if the attorney asks you a yes/no question, answer yes or no only. | Verify the statement was made under oath. Find evidence that the statement was false. Distinguish between false and inconsistent statements. Examine the witness's knowledge and intent. Look at the circumstances surrounding the statement. Quantify the importance of the statement. Gather the evidence and documentation you have. Identify the correct law enforcement agency. Present your evidence to a prosecuting attorney. Provide a sworn statement to the prosecuting attorney. Contact the prosecuting attorney. Go to court for the hearing. Testify to the court. Answer questions from the judge and opposing counsel. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Spray-Paint-Off-Skin | How to Get Spray Paint Off Skin | One way to get spray paint off your skin is by cleansing it with oils. Get some olive oil or vegetable oil from your kitchen, and hold your hands over the sink. Pour a generous amount of oil over your palms, and rubs your hands together for about 15 seconds. Then, turn on the water and continue rubbing your hands under the water. If the paint isn't coming off easily, add a squirt of hand soap and continue rubbing. Alternatively, you can use a purification essential oil or cooking spray if you don't have vegetable or olive oil on hand. | Rub olive oil or vegetable oil onto your skin. Hold your hands over a sink and pour a generous amount of olive or vegetable oil into your palms. Rub your hands together thoroughly and focus on working away at the paint. Turn on the water with your elbow and continue rubbing your hands underneath the running water. If the paint isn't coming off, squirt some hand soap into your palm and continue rubbing. To avoid making a mess, it may be best to do this in the shower if the spray paint is anywhere other than your hands and/or arms. Use purification essential oil instead of vegetable oil. Get a purification essential oil, which is a blend of multiple oils typically used to eliminate odor. Drop a few drops of the oil blend directly onto your skin where the spray paint is. Massage the oil into the painted skin, and you should notice the paint starting to thin. Continue rubbing until the paint is gone. Be careful not to touch your eyes when your hands have essential oils on them, as this may cause stinging and irritation. Try spraying cooking spray on your skin as an alternative. Get a generic cooking spray and spray it all over the painted area of your skin. Rub the affected area and the paint should come right off. Rinse your hands in the sink to get the oil and any remaining paint off. Lather with dish soap. After thoroughly rubbing oil into your skin, squirt some grease-cutting liquid dish soap, such as Dawn, into your hands. As you lather, focus on rubbing the soap on any skin that still has paint on it. If you were using a water-based paint, soap and water is probably all you'll need to get the paint off of your skin. Rinse the soap off of your skin. Once your skin is covered in suds, turn on the sink and place your hands under. Rub your hands together while you rinse the soap off completely. Then pat your skin dry with a hand towel. If you've gotten spray paint somewhere other than your hands or arms, rinse the soap off in the shower. Repeat the process if any paint remains. Take a close look at your skin after you're done rinsing. If you still see traces of spray paint on your skin, reapply the oil and then wash your skin with dish soap again. Mix coconut oil, baking soda, and lemon oil together. Measure out ½ cup (118.3 mL) of baking soda and ½ cup (118.3 mL) of coconut oil and put them in a bowl. Add in 6 drops of lemon essential oil and mix everything together with a spoon until it has a smooth, paste-like consistency. Rub and scrub the mixture onto your skin underneath running water. Turn on the sink or shower and scoop out some of the mixture. Place your hands underneath the water and start rubbing at the painted areas of skin. If you have spray paint on your fingernails, scrub the paint off with a new toothbrush. Wash off the mixture. Rinse off as much of the mixture as you can, and then wash the skin with a hand or body soap to get it off entirely. After rinsing the soap off, pat your skin dry with a hand towel. This should leave your skin paint-free and soft. | Rub olive oil or vegetable oil onto your skin. Use purification essential oil instead of vegetable oil. Try spraying cooking spray on your skin as an alternative. Lather with dish soap. Rinse the soap off of your skin. Repeat the process if any paint remains. Mix coconut oil, baking soda, and lemon oil together. Rub and scrub the mixture onto your skin underneath running water. Wash off the mixture. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Haynet | How to Make a Haynet | To make a hay net, start by cutting 10 pieces of paracord that are about 8 feet long each. Then, hold all of the cords together, fold them in half, and tie a knot with the entire bunch. Next, grab 2 of the paracord ends and tie them into a small knot below the big knot, and repeat with the rest of the ends so you have 10 small knots in total. Finally, go down the length of each paracord and make a knot every 5 centimeters, alternating paracords so you end up with a net. | Cut out 10 lengths of paracord. Using bulk paracord, cut out 10 2.5 m (8.2 ft) long lengths of ⁄ 4 in (0.64 cm) paracord. It's best to use alternating colors of paracord to more easily differentiate the lengths later on. You can find paracord at most hobby stores, at hardware sports stores, or online. Paracord is recommended for its stretchiness, but you can use any type of nylon cord instead. It's important not to use an organic material, such as hemp or rope, as the horse may chew through it and loosen the hay. Fold the paracord in half and align the ends together. Hold all of the paracord lengths together and fold them over your hand, so that both sides are equal. An easy way to do this is to align the ends on both sides, as this ensures that there is an equal amount of cord on either side of the fold. Aligning the ends together is essential to making your later knots as equally spaced and properly separated as possible. It can be troublesome if you realize one cord is shorter than the others while knotting, as you will have to untie and re-align the bunch all over again. Form a knot with the whole bunch where you folded it in half. Take the ends of the cords and tie a knot with the entire bunch at once. This tells you where the top of the haynet will be and the knot can be hung from a hook or a fence to make the tying process easier later on. To tie a knot with the whole bunch, wrap the middle of the folded cord around your hand, creating a loop, then remove your hand and push the one end of cords through the hole created by your arm. Pull the ends through and you should end up with a tight knot directly in the middle of the bunch. Tie 10 knots a little bit below the top knot with two pieces of cord each. Use two pieces of paracord at a time to create 10 separate knots about 5 cm (2.0 in) below the top knot. You should end up with a ring of knots all equally spaced from the top knot. If you used alternating colors of paracord, simply combine adjacent cords of different colors to end up with a ring of knots. Continue making knots every 5 cm (2.0 in) while alternating threads. Go down the entire length of the paracords and create knots all the way down every 5 cm (2.0 in). Instead of using the same two pieces of paracord every time, use the one next to it on the other side to create triangle-shaped holes. After tying cord all the way down, you should end up with what look like diamond-shaped holes. If you tie the same two lengths of cord together all the way down, you will not end up with a net, and instead will have an array of unconnected cords with knots in it. You should end up with about 12 or 13 rows of knots with a little bit of rope dangling below the last knot, usually more than 5 cm (2.0 in) Make a final knot directly below the last row of knots. Use the same two cords that you used for the previous knot, and tie a final knot ⁄ 4 in (1.9 cm) below the last knot on each cord. This will create a ring of 10 small loops at the end of the haynet. Don't cut away any rope until you have finished the last knots for every loop. Cut off the remaining cord and burn the knots to prevent fraying. Cut away any remaining paracord from where it attaches to the last ring of knots and set it to the side. Then, using a lighter or torch on its lowest setting, burn the knots where you cut away the remaining rope to solidify the knot and prevent fraying. Stop burning the knots when you see the plastic of the cord melting or when it starts to char or catch light. Keep some water nearby to quickly put out a fire if the knots catch alight. Thread a cord through the loops at the end of the haynet. Take a.9–1.2 m (3.0–3.9 ft) long piece of paracord and thread it through each loop all the way around the haynet, but don't tie it. Instead, leave the rope to hang down and align the ends, so you have an equal amount of rope coming out of the first and last loops.. The loops at the bottom are created by the small gap between the last two knots on the same ropes. Tie the end of the cord into a knot, so it can be hung. Tie the very end of the dangling cord into a knot to leave about ⁄ 3 metre (1.1 ft) of space between the knot and the haynet. This will allow the haynet to expand with its contents while also allowing it to be tied around a fence pole or hung from a height. Flip the haynet upside down and load hay into the open hole. Turn the haynet so that the open hole is facing upwards. Then, open the hole and load as much hay as can fit into the haynet. It should stretch as you continue to add hay, allowing for multiple pounds of food to be kept at once. Haynets are popular because they keep other animals from getting into the horse's food. Rats, mites, and other creatures will easily get into a trough, whereas a haynet can be hung from something and dangle in the air. Hang the haynet from a fence or pole and let your horse munch away. Hang the filled haynet from a high fence or pole to keep it off the ground and let your horse investigate it and eat from it. You can hang it from the stable wall if there is something to tie it to in the roof, which allows your horse to have some food while it is in its stall. You may find that the rope to hang the haynet from is too long, in which case, simply wrap the rope around the pole or fence a few times to raise the haynet and provide a stronger hold. | Cut out 10 lengths of paracord. Fold the paracord in half and align the ends together. Form a knot with the whole bunch where you folded it in half. Tie 10 knots a little bit below the top knot with two pieces of cord each. Continue making knots every 5 cm (2.0 in) while alternating threads. Make a final knot directly below the last row of knots. Cut off the remaining cord and burn the knots to prevent fraying. Thread a cord through the loops at the end of the haynet. Tie the end of the cord into a knot, so it can be hung. Flip the haynet upside down and load hay into the open hole. Hang the haynet from a fence or pole and let your horse munch away. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Hang-a-Skateboard-on-a-Wall | How to Hang a Skateboard on a Wall | If you've already removed your trucks, hang your skateboard deck on the wall by cutting a 1 foot piece of fishing line. With the underside of the deck facing you, feed the fishing line through 1 of the screw holes closest to the end of the deck and back through the 1 next to it. Give the fishing line some slack and tie a granny knot in it. Hammer a nail into the wall where you want the top of your deck to go until the nail head is almost flush with the wall. Then, hang the fishing line behind the nail head. | Remove your skateboard's trucks. Turn your skateboard on its side. Use a pair of pliers to hold 1 of the bolts on 1 of your trucks in place. Insert the tip of a screwdriver into the corresponding screw on the top side of the board. Twist the screwdriver until the screw is completely out. Repeat this 3 more times to remove 1 truck, and then remove the other truck using the same method. Feed a piece of fishing line through the holes in your deck. Locate the 2 screw holes closest to 1 end of the skateboard deck. Then, cut off 1 foot (0.30 m) or so of fishing line with a pair of scissors. Hold the deck with the underside facing you and feed 1 end of the fishing line through 1 hole. Then, feed it back towards you through the other hole. The screw holes in your deck are there because they previously allowed screws to hold the deck and trucks together. Tie a knot with the ends of the fishing line. Fishing line can be slippery, so make sure to tie a knot that will hold, such as a granny knot. Don't tie it too close to the holes in the deck, but instead provide a little slack between the knot and the deck to make hanging it easier. Hammer a nail into the wall and hook the fishing line on it. Hold a nail against a point on your wall where you'd like the top of the deck to be located. Then, use a hammer to carefully hammer the nail into the wall. Stop once the head of the nail is almost, but not quite, flush against the wall. Hang the fishing line on the nail between the nail head and the wall. If you're hanging multiple skateboard decks, you may want to use measuring tape and a pencil to find out where on the wall the boards should be hung in order to be evenly spaced out. Hang the fishing line from wall hooks to avoid making holes. Instead of hammering a nail into the wall after you've tied a knot in the fishing line, use a pencil to draw a horizontal line on the wall that's level with the floor where you'd like your skateboard to be hung. Press a command hook, or something similar, onto the center of the line. Then, hang your fishing line on the hook. If you can't make holes in your walls, this may be a great alternative. Drill a hole in the wall and insert a wall anchor. Use a drill to drill a hole in the wall where you'd like your deck to be hung. Then, insert a plastic wall anchor into the hole to ensure that it effectively holds the weight of the deck. Secure your deck display to the wall with a screw. Your deck display should come with a screw. Hold the display against the wall and line up the hole at the center with the hole you drilled in the wall. Use a drill or screwdriver to screw the screw into the wall through the hole in the display. Twist the bolts towards the wall and slide your board onto the display. Once the display is secured to the wall, twist the 2 bolts that came with the display on each of the posts sticking out from the display. Then, align the 2 screw holes nearest to the end of your deck with the posts and slide it on. Twist the T nuts onto the display. Twist the 2 T nuts that came with the display onto either post until they're snug against the deck. This should securely hold the deck in place and keep any part of it from touching the wall. Cut a 25 in (64 cm) piece of thick rope. Get a strong, durable rope that won't break over time under the weight of your skateboard. Opt for a rope that's at least ⁄ 4 inch (0.64 cm) in diameter for best results. Use a ruler or measuring tape to measure about 25 inches (64 cm) and use a sharp knife to cut the rope at this point. Tie a knot on each end of the rope and burn them. Tie a simple knot each end of your piece of rope and pull the ends tight. Carefully hold a lighter just under 1 end for a couple of seconds to burn it, and then repeat this process of the other end. This should help to keep the ends of the rope from fraying. Mark where you want to hang the skateboard on your wall. Use a pencil and a ruler to mark 2 horizontal lines on your wall. These lines should be equal in height but about 14 inches (36 cm) apart. Push screws through the knots and screw them into the wall. Push a screw through the center of 1 of the knots and screw it into 1 of your marked spots with a screwdriver. Repeat this on the other side. Then, you can hang up your board vertically on the rope by 1 of its trucks. | Remove your skateboard's trucks. Feed a piece of fishing line through the holes in your deck. Tie a knot with the ends of the fishing line. Hammer a nail into the wall and hook the fishing line on it. Hang the fishing line from wall hooks to avoid making holes. Drill a hole in the wall and insert a wall anchor. Secure your deck display to the wall with a screw. Twist the bolts towards the wall and slide your board onto the display. Twist the T nuts onto the display. Cut a 25 in (64 cm) piece of thick rope. Tie a knot on each end of the rope and burn them. Mark where you want to hang the skateboard on your wall. Push screws through the knots and screw them into the wall. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Know-if-Lories-and-Lorikeets-Are-Right-for-You | How to Know if Lories and Lorikeets Are Right for You | To know if lories and lorikeets are right for you, consider whether you're able to spend time talking to and playing with your bird or whether you're ready to adopt two birds since lories and lorikeets are social animals. Additionally, you should take into consideration how much a lory or lorikeet will cost, factoring in the price of a cage, food, toys, vet checkups, and cleaning supplies. Also, make sure you're prepared to clean its cage every day to prevent bacteria from spreading. If you need more help deciding, reach out to people who own lories or lorikeets through social media or your local bird society and ask about their experience. | Expect to give your bird lots of attention. Lories and lorikeets are social birds who are happiest among other members of their species. Be prepared to devote lots of time talking to and playing with your bird. If you have a demanding schedule that requires you to be away from home a lot, you should consider adopting at least two birds to prevent them from getting lonely. In captivity, lories and lorikeets can live between 10 and 20 years. This is quite a responsibility if your long-term plans include relocation, marriage, starting a family, or other changes that could be stressful for a companion animal. Prepare to clean every day. You can't train a bird to use a litter box. They poop where they please, whether they're in their cage or not. Bird droppings can carry dangerous bacteria and viruses that can be inhaled. Expect to clean inside and around the cage every day with non-toxic disinfectants like animal safe dish soaps. You'll also have to clean the water bowl, food bowl, toys, perch, etc. Expect to replace their water several times a day. Lorikeets like to use their water for bathing, as well as drinking. They can get food, feathers, and even poop into their water. Check their bowl every few hours. When you see stuff floating in the water, clean the bowl and replace it with fresh water. Familiarize yourself with the diets of lories and lorikeets. Unlike other psittacine species, lories and lorikeets thrive on flowers, pollen, and nectar. Make sure their diet is at least 75 to 80 percent nectar. Substitutes from your local pet store require regular mixing to prevent spoilage. You can also feed lories and lorikeets fruits and veggies like pitted apple cherries, dark leafy greens, and boiled potatoes. You also need to learn about foods that you must avoid. Avocados and chocolate, for instance, are toxic to exotic bird species. Pale greens, like celery and iceberg lettuce, lack the nutrient density that lories and lorikeets require. Figure out how you'll recreate their natural habitat. Lories and lorikeets live in trees and are used to flying between branches. Look into creating perches that will give them (literally) a bird's eye view of the room. Prepare to give them places to hide as they do in the wild. Lories and lorikeets also need UVA and UVB light to produce their own Vitamin D. If you can't give your bird at least four hours of unfiltered sunlight each day, be prepared to buy a full-spectrum UV lamp from your local pet store. Read up on common diseases in lories and lorikeets. Familiarize yourself with prevention, treatment, and cures. Visit your local library or read veterinary journals for information. Talk to your local veterinarian for a first-hand point of view and for a better idea of which diseases are common in your area. For example, diseases like Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD) have no cure and can be devastating for lories, lorikeets, and their parents. Consider whether you're prepared to deal with this possibility. Talk to people with experience. Find parents of lories and lorikeets through friends and/or social media. They'll be able to relate their experiences. Make sure you learn the downsides, as well as the benefits. If you have a local bird society, you should also talk to its members for some insight. Foster a lory or lorikeet, if possible. Fostering will allow you to determine whether or not bird parenting is for you. Search for an exotic bird rescue in your area. Complete the necessary paperwork and agree to a background check, if necessary. Talk to the staff about how you'll need to prepare your home. Finally, honor any obligations you sign off on, such as returning the bird within a certain period of time if you choose not to adopt them. Lories and lorikeets are friendly birds. They like people and love to socialize, but it also means you need to have time to spend with them. Caring for a foster will help give you an idea of this commitment. Figure out your initial costs. Expect to pay at least $200-$300 USD for the adoption fee for each bird. Add the cost for their cage (at least $200) and UV lamp. Consider buying a mister for daily showers. You'll also need to buy one bowl for water, one for nectar, and one for fresh fruits and veggies. Estimate recurring costs. Figure out your monthly costs like food and toys. Add the fees you'll have to pay an avian veterinarian for regular checkups and emergency visits. Finally, don't forget the cost of supplies for daily cleanings. Create a budget. Jot down the total income your household generates each month. Then, deduct your current expenses and amount of money you save or invest. The difference is the amount of money you'll be able to dedicate to your lory or lorikeet. Recognize the difference between lories and lorikeets. Lories are large birds with short, blunted tails. They're usually red with yellow, green, and purple patches. On the other hand, lorikeets are small with long, pointed tails. Their feathers are mostly green with patches of yellow and red. Read information on lories and lorikeets. Check your local library for books and/or magazines written by veterinarians and other credible experts. Search Google Scholar, ResearchGate, or scholarly databases for articles from scholarly journals. Read information online from government websites based in Australia and the South Pacific, where lories and lorikeets live in the wild. Visit your local zoo or exotic bird rescue. Many zoos house exotic birds. If yours houses lories and lorikeets, spend some time observing them. Volunteer at an exotic bird rescue to get hands-on experience. Talk to employees with advanced knowledge of lory and lorikeet behavior and needs. | Expect to give your bird lots of attention. Prepare to clean every day. Expect to replace their water several times a day. Familiarize yourself with the diets of lories and lorikeets. Figure out how you'll recreate their natural habitat. Read up on common diseases in lories and lorikeets. Talk to people with experience. Foster a lory or lorikeet, if possible. Figure out your initial costs. Estimate recurring costs. Create a budget. Recognize the difference between lories and lorikeets. Read information on lories and lorikeets. Visit your local zoo or exotic bird rescue. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Peanut-Butter-Milkshake | How to Make a Peanut Butter Milkshake | To make a peanut butter milkshake, start by combining 2 cups of vanilla ice cream, ¼ cup of milk, and 2 tablespoons of peanut butter in a blender. Then, close the blender and blend until everything is smooth and evenly mixed together. Alternatively, use chocolate ice cream, 1 cup of milk, ⅓ cup of peanut butter, and 5 to 7 ice cubes to make a chocolate peanut butter milkshake. Combine all the ingredients in a blender, then blend until everything is smooth without any streaks or swirls. | Measure out 2 cups (288 grams) of vanilla ice cream into a blender. If you don't like vanilla ice cream, you can use chocolate instead. This will create the base for your milkshake. Pour in ¼ cup (60 milliliters) of milk. You can use any type of milk: non-fat, 2%, or whole milk. If you'd like a thinner milkshake, you can use up to ½ cup (120 milliliters) of milk. Top it off with 2 tablespoons (30 grams) of peanut butter. Try to use the smooth, creamy kind and not the chunky kind. It will be easier to blend and give you a smoother milkshake in the end. Close the blender and blend until everything is smooth and evenly mixed together. There should be no streaks or swirls of unmixed ingredients. If the blender isn't blending smoothly enough, pause it, and use a rubber spatula to push any unmixed milkshake down the sides. Pour the milkshake into one or two tall glasses and serve it immediately. If you'd like, you can garnish it with a generous swirl of whipped cream and drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce on top. Measure out 2 cups (288 grams) of chocolate ice cream and add it into a blender. You can use plain chocolate ice cream, or you can use a fancier kind with chocolate or caramel swirled into it. This will create the base of your milkshake. Pour in 1 cup (240 milliliters) of milk. You can use any type of milk you want: non-fat, 2%, or whole. For a thicker milkshake, use ½ (120 milliliters) of milk instead. Add ⅓ cup (85 grams) of peanut butter. Try to use the smooth, creamy kind and not the chunky kind. It will be much easier to blend and give you a smoother drink in the end. Top it off with 5 to 7 ice cubes. This will make your milkshake nice and thick. If you'd like a thinner milkshake, use only 3 to 4 ice cubes instead. Consider using ice cubes made from frozen milk instead of frozen water; this way, you won't have to worry about your milkshake getting too watered down. Close the blender, and blend until smooth. Keep blending until all the ice has broken up and all of the ingredients have been mixed together. There should be no lumps, clumps, streaks or swirls. If your blender is not blending evenly, pause it, and use a rubber spatula to scrape down any unmixed milkshake back down towards the bottom. Pour the milkshake into two tall glasses and serve it immediately. For a fancier touch, you can garnish each milkshake with a swirl of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings. Add 2 cups (288 grams) of vanilla ice cream into a blender. This will create the base for your milkshake. You can also use chocolate ice cream instead for a different twist. For an extra special treat, try chocolate ice cream that has chocolate sauce or caramel swirled into it. Pour in ½ cup (120 milliliters) of milk. You can use any type of milk you like: non-fat, 2%, or whole. For a thinner milkshake, use up to 1 cup (240 milliliters) of milk. You will be adding a frozen banana to the milkshake, which will thicken it up considerably. Add ⅓ cup (85 grams) of smooth peanut butter and ¼ cup (60 milliliters) of chocolate sauce. If you are using vanilla ice cream, you can also try some honey or caramel instead. For the peanut butter, make sure that you are using the smooth, creamy kind and not the chunky kind. It will be easier to blend and give you a smoother treat in the end. Top it off with a frozen, sliced banana. This will not only give your milkshake an extra burst of flavor, but it will also replace the ice and give the milkshake some extra thickness. Close the blender ,and blend until everything is smooth and evenly combined. Keep blending until the banana has completely broken up. There should be no lumps, clumps, streaks, or swirls. If the milkshake is not blending well enough, pause the blender, and use a rubber spatula to scrape any unblended milkshake down the sides of the canister and towards the bottom. Pour the milkshake into two tall glass and serve it immediately. For an extra special touch, garnish it with a swirl of whipped cream on top and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Place a thin banana slice on the rim and pop in a straw. Put a peeled, sliced, and frozen banana into a blender. This will not only give your milkshake some extra flavor, but it will also replace the ice cream using in traditional milkshakes. Add 2 tablespoons (30 grams) natural peanut butter. Try to use the salted kind to help cut down on the sweetness of the milkshake. If you don't mind the extra sweetness, then you can use the regular, unsalted peanut butter. Also, try to use the smooth and creamy kind of peanut butter; it will be easier to blend and give you a smoother milkshake in the end. Top it off with 1 tablespoon (5 grams) cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder. You can typically find it in the baking section of a grocery store. Because this is pure cacao/cocoa, it does not have any milk or dairy added to it. Avoid using any chocolate milk mix; that does have dairy in it. Finish off with 3 to 4 ice cubes, and blend until smooth. Don't add in the milk just yet; you will be doing that last. Keep blending the milkshake until the banana and ice have all broken up, and all of the ingredients are evenly mixed together. You may have to pause the blender, and use a rubber spatula to push any unmixed milkshake towards the bottom. Blend in the milk, ½ cup (120 milliliters) at a time. The more milk you add, the thinner your milkshake will be. Plan on using 1 to 1 ½ cups (240 to 360 milliliters) of milk. Unsweetened almond milk is recommended, but you can use any other type of non-dairy milk, such as cashew or soy. You can even use a flavored almond milk, such as vanilla. Pour the milkshake into one or two tall glasses and serve it immediately. For a special touch, pop a thin banana slice onto the rim, and garnish the top with a sprinkle of cocoa powder. | Measure out 2 cups (288 grams) of vanilla ice cream into a blender. Pour in ¼ cup (60 milliliters) of milk. Top it off with 2 tablespoons (30 grams) of peanut butter. Close the blender and blend until everything is smooth and evenly mixed together. Pour the milkshake into one or two tall glasses and serve it immediately. Measure out 2 cups (288 grams) of chocolate ice cream and add it into a blender. Pour in 1 cup (240 milliliters) of milk. Add ⅓ cup (85 grams) of peanut butter. Top it off with 5 to 7 ice cubes. Close the blender, and blend until smooth. Pour the milkshake into two tall glasses and serve it immediately. Add 2 cups (288 grams) of vanilla ice cream into a blender. Pour in ½ cup (120 milliliters) of milk. Add ⅓ cup (85 grams) of smooth peanut butter and ¼ cup (60 milliliters) of chocolate sauce. Top it off with a frozen, sliced banana. Close the blender ,and blend until everything is smooth and evenly combined. Pour the milkshake into two tall glass and serve it immediately. Put a peeled, sliced, and frozen banana into a blender. Add 2 tablespoons (30 grams) natural peanut butter. Top it off with 1 tablespoon (5 grams) cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder. Finish off with 3 to 4 ice cubes, and blend until smooth. Blend in the milk, ½ cup (120 milliliters) at a time. Pour the milkshake into one or two tall glasses and serve it immediately. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Good-Person-That-People-Look-up-To | How to Be a Good Person That People Look up To | If you want to be a good person that people look up to, try to be genuine and friendly towards others. Try to live your life in a way that respects the things that are important to you. For example, if you think protecting the environment is important, you might try recycling or conserving water. Do activities that make you feel good, like a sport or volunteering at a non-profit, since people typically look up to someone who's passionate about what they do. When you talk to other people, be open about how you feel or what you think, since people usually value honesty. You should also aim to be generous to your friends to show them you're a good person. For example, bring a snack to share if you're invited to a party, or offer to buy a round of drinks if you're out in a group. | Identify good personal qualities. What makes a "good" person? Different people have different ideas and perspectives about what makes someone good, but there are a few traits that most will agree are desirable traits to have. Develop your own list of qualities you want to work on to become someone others look up to. You may determine that "good" means having integrity, being reliable, and being honest. Some see goodness in humility, generosity and kindness. The ability to empathise with others and be nonjudgmental is another way to be good. Be wary of seeking others' approval. There is nothing wrong with striving to be a good person. However, it's not a good idea to change yourself just to be popular. You can't be everything to everyone. Strive to be good for the sake of being good, not to impress others. After all, life is to express yourself, not to impress others. If your mission to change yourself is motivated by other people's opinion of you, it will be easy to get off track. You may find yourself catering to others' expectations instead of doing the right thing. That said, it's fine to want to set a good example for others, especially children. If you are a parent, the values you exhibit will leave an impression on your kids. Be genuine. Being genuine means saying what you really think and backing up your words with actions. People admire those who are genuine because they don't try to pretend they are someone else, and you can trust they mean what they say. To work on being more genuine, see if you're living by your values. For example, if you value protecting the environment, does your lifestyle reflect that? Doing things like recycling, carpooling, conserving water, and so on are ways to be true to your belief that it's important to protect the environment. Accept your whole self. Everyone has areas they know they are strong in and areas they know that don't come as easily. Everyone must deal with mistakes and not seeing a payoff for their efforts on the first try. People don't have to be perfect to be good. Genuine people are comfortable with the fact that they still have their challenges and strengths. They are also comfortable with having to try multiple times until they succeed. Do not judge those around you. Genuine people tend to not compare others to themselves or to outside standards. Truly genuine people accept others for who they are. Try to avoid judging friends, family members, and co-workers. Work on your self esteem. Acknowledge the good things about yourself and celebrate your successes. Being comfortable with yourself is vital to becoming a good, admired person. People tend to look up to those with reasonable self confidence and it's easier to think of others when you're not preoccupied with your own perceived inadequacies. If you feel you have low self esteem, pursue activities that make you feel good about yourself. For example, if you're good at listening to others, you could volunteer at a nursing home and spend time talking with people there. You can feel positive about doing good work that fits with your skillset. Talk to yourself in a positive way. When you're faced with a challenge, tell yourself, "I can do this." When you do something well, congratulate yourself. It can be very difficult to improve self-esteem, especially if you have any preexisting mental health conditions that affect your perception of yourself. If this is the case, consider seeing a therapist or counselor to talk through these issues. You can find a therapist by asking your general practitioner for a referral or looking online through your insurance company to see what practices and independent counselors accept your insurance. If you're a student, you may be eligible for free or discount coverage through your college or university. Restrain negative impulses. It's okay to have negative feelings from time to time. However, it's important to learn how to deal with these negative feelings in a constructive way, otherwise your behavior will be negatively influenced. You can do this by practicing emotional regulation, which is a way of processing your emotions to deal with them in a healthy way. Emotion regulation is a step-by-step process. First, acknowledge that you are feeling anger or another negative emotion. Notice how it feels and give it a name. Think about what's causing the emotion. Take a moment to evaluate how you feel about having the emotion, and how you want to deal with it. Finally, choose an appropriate action to take. Taking the time to process your emotion in this way will give you the chance to use the emotion in a healthy way instead of having an impulsive reaction. For example, let's say your daughter comes home after her curfew. Instead of angrily yelling at her, take the time to process your anger and decide on a course of deliberate action, such as scheduling a time to talk it over the next day. Sometimes past trauma and abuse create emotional patterns that can impede the process of emotional regulation. You may find yourself having emotional outbursts that affect the people around you. Try distraction to help calm down, then work on productive inner dialogue, such as, “It's okay, I'm just having a bad day. It happens from time to time. I'll have a better day tomorrow.” It may also help to explain to the people around you, “I had a bad day, and I feel stressed and a bit upset. I'm going to go calm down for a little while first, then we can talk when I feel better.” Forgiveness is important to being a good person. Forgiving others and yourself for past mistakes can untether you from feelings of resentment, distrust, and anger that could be affecting your behavior in the present. If you have difficulty forgiving, and a tendency to hold grudges, talk to a therapist about how to let go of past resentments. Yoga, which preaches living in the moment in a spiritual sense, can also be helpful for learning to forgive. Work on behaviors that could potentially be harmful to others. Take stock of the person you are in the present moment and be honest. Is there anything in your life that's affecting your relationships with others? How can you go about fixing that? Get your mental health in check. It's hard to be good to others when you struggle to take care of yourself. If you're suffering from depression, anxiety, or any other psychiatric issues seek help from a trained psychiatric professional. Being stable mentally can help you be a better person to those around you. Confront any existing addictions. Addictions can be both physical (smoking, drinking, narcotics) or emotional (video games, internet). Whatever form they take, it can be very difficult to foster meaningful relationships and gain admiration and respect when you're struggling with an addiction. There are a variety of self assessment tests online to evaluate whether you show symptoms of addiction. If so, you should seek out help from a therapist. There are also support groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, that have centers in communities nationwide that can work to help you cope with addiction. Keep your stress levels in check. If you're a high stress person, you may affect those around you without even realizing it. If you're very worried about your own issues and problems, you may inadvertently neglect or dismiss the needs of others. Meditation, therapy, regular exercise, and talking to a therapist or counselor can all help you manage your stress levels. Be charismatic. In order to get people to look up to you, charisma is important. Work on honing your speaking, listening, and story-telling skill to become a more interesting , charismatic, likable person. To be a good listener , practice active listening. Instead of thinking about what your response will be, really listen and be present when someone is talking. Encourage them by nodding and asking questions. Try to stay informed about the world around you. People tend to be impressed by people who are in-the-know and well informed. Read newspapers, magazines, and online journals. Keep track of current events. You do not necessarily need to have strong political views yourself but having some sense of the current conversation is important to come off as charismatic. Use your body language to convey confidence. Maintain eye contact with others. Stand up straight. Nod and respond to what others are saying to convey interest and understanding. In conversation, ask about others. People are drawn to people who are genuinely interested in those around them. Practice good story telling. People tend to admire people capable of telling good stories, so try and be able to entertain others with amusing personal anecdotes. It can help to listen to radio programs, like "The Moth" or "This American Life," to get a sense of good storytelling. Be honest and assertive. In other words, tell people how you really feel instead of sugarcoating it and hiding your true thoughts. This is a way to build people's trust in you. Being direct and honest with those around you will make you a better, more admired person. Practice being honest with others about your actions, even when you made a mistake. For example, if you miss a deadline at work do not blame lack of sleep, stress, or other factors. Simply step up and say, "I wasn't paying attention and I screwed up. I will work harder next time." Being honest even when it could hurt someone's feelings isn't always easy, but there's a way to do it without causing pain. Frame your feedback in a constructive way. For example, if someone asks for your opinion on a new shirt you don't think is attractive, you could say, "That's not my favorite shirt on you. How about I show you the shirt I love you in the most?" However, do not offer unsolicited advice. This usually comes off as preachy and people are not generally receptive. Especially when dealing with sensitive issues, like someone's weight, job, or relationship status, it's best to hold your options to yourself unless you're specifically asked. Give to others. Being generous with friends and family members is a great way to be admired and to be a better person. Small, kind gestures go a long way. If you're invited to a party, bring something to share. A snack or a drink will show the host you appreciated the invitation. Even if you know food will already be served, it couldn't hurt to bring a dish. When going out with friends, offer to buy a round of drinks or be the designated driver. If a friend is having a hard day, making them a small gift, like a homemade card or a baked good, can help. Giving does not always have to be in the form of physical gifts. You can give people your time. For example, take an hour visit a friend in hospital or stop by a family member's house if they're going through a rough break up. Sometimes, just the presence of another person's positive energy is helpful. Give back to your community. Finally, being a good person should stretch out beyond the confines of your immediate friend circle. Find ways to give back to your community. Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community. Try to find a cause you're passionate about and can contribute to. For example, if you're an avid reader, volunteer to read to children or the elderly at a hospital, nursing home, or daycare. If you love animals, see if they need volunteers at your local shelter. Donating money can also help, but you can take it up a notch by fundraising. Offer to make phone calls to past donors on behalf of an organization you care about. Participate in fundraising activities like charity dinners, auctions, marathons, and other events. You can also offer to help on a small scale. Pay attention to the neighborhood your live in. If you have elderly neighbors, offer to rake their leaves or shovel their driveway in the winter. If you have neighbors with young children, offer occasional free babysitting. If someone on your block loses a family member, stop by with homemade casseroles and pastas to help take some pressure off them during the grieving process. | Identify good personal qualities. Be wary of seeking others' approval. Be genuine. Work on your self esteem. Restrain negative impulses. Work on behaviors that could potentially be harmful to others. Be charismatic. Be honest and assertive. Give to others. Give back to your community. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Find-a-Nanny | How to Find a Nanny | To find a nanny, start by making a list of qualities your ideal nanny will have, such as having a driving license and experience looking after multiple children at once, so you can narrow your search. Once you have an idea of what you're looking for, search profiles of nannies on websites that run background checks, like Sittercity, Care, and Nannylane. Alternatively, you can register with a nanny agency, which will usually be easier but cost more. When you find a nanny you like, invite her for an interview to find out more about her strengths and weaknesses. Ask her “What if” questions so you can understand what she'd do in challenging situations. For example, ask, "What would you do if my child fell off the swing and cut their head?" If you're happy with the nanny, ask her to complete a paid trial to test how she interacts with your children. | Determine how many hours per week you will require a nanny. Write down what hours you will need the nanny each day and then tally up the total number of hours. Consider if you will require the nanny to work extra hours during the school holidays. When you interview the nanny, give them a copy of the required hours so that they can determine if the times will work for them. Think about whether you will require your nanny to accompany your family on holidays or work trips. Think about what the nanny will be responsible for. Decide if the nanny will have any tasks other than looking after the children. For example, you could ask them to be responsible for putting the washing into the dryer, preparing dinner, driving children to activities, cleaning the children's rooms, or helping with homework. Write a list of the essential tasks the nanny will need to complete each week. If the nanny is required to complete extra tasks, it is common practice to increase their pay. Write a list of what your ideal nanny would be like. Include preferences such as a particular age or gender, special skills, has a full license, similar interests to your family, non-smoker, etc. The clearer idea you have of what you want in a nanny: the quicker and easier it will be to identify the best candidates for the job. When you are searching for your nanny, keep your list on-hand so that you can remember the key requirements that you have identified. Consider breaking your list up into non-negotiable traits and a wish list. Don't stress too much about qualifications. The majority of nannies don't have any formal qualifications. The most important factor is that they are a good fit for your family. If you are using a nanny placement agency to help you find a nanny, give them a copy of your list to help them identify a great candidate for you. Consider if you have any rules for the nanny. This is a good way to make sure that potential candidates understand your expectations right from the beginning. For example, you may expect that the nanny doesn't speed with the children in the car, doesn't let the children watch television, or doesn't feed the children sugar. Consider writing these rules in the employment contract so that they are clear for both parties. Decide what you’re willing to pay the nanny. Consider how many hours each work they'll be working, whether they will need to work nights or weekends, how many children they will be looking after, the nannies experience and qualifications, and the cost of living in your area. The average weekly salary of a full-time nanny is $705 after paying nanny tax. Ask other families in your area what they pay their nannies to get an idea of the local rates. Nanny salaries tend to be significantly higher in cities and urban areas compared to rural areas and small towns. If the nanny will need to use their own car to drive the children around, decide how much they will be reimbursed per kilometre (or mile). It is generally accepted that nannies should be reimbursed for more than their fuel costs to take into account the other costs of running a vehicle. Don't stress too much about qualifications. The majority of nannies don't have any formal qualifications. The most important factor is that they are a good fit for your family. Ask your friends and family to recommend a good nanny. Let your circle of friends know that you're on the lookout for a nanny. This is a great first option as it allows you to get first-hand recommendations from people that you trust. This gives you the chance to ask questions about potential candidates and receive honest answers. Consider asking a trusted friend or family member if they would like to be your nanny. This can be a good option as your children will likely already know the person. Look at the profiles on a nanny website to find vetted candidates. These websites allow you to learn about the nannies experience, salary expectations, and availability before you meet them. Choose a website that background checks the candidates to avoid wasting time on unsuitable nannies. Most reputable websites will have fees to view their screened candidates. This averages about US$35 a month. Popular sites that screen all candidates include https://www.sittercity.com/ , https://www.care.com/ , and https://www.nannylane.com/. Register with a nanny agency if you want to find a nanny quickly. This option is the most time efficient as the agency will interview you to find out your needs and then find a candidate that is a good match. Agencies check the references of all their candidates so you can rest assured that the nanny is known to be safe. Nanny placement agencies are a more expensive option. Most agency fees will be about 10-15% of the nannies annual income. Search online for a nanny placement agency in your area. Come prepared to your interview with the hours that you will require from a nanny and a description of your family. This will make the process much quicker and avoid you being paired with an unsuitable nanny. Advertise the position in the classifieds or online as a last resort. This route is cheap but can be very time-consuming if you end up with a large number of applicants. Be specific in your advertisement about what type of nanny you are looking for and what the pay rate will be. Ask candidates to email you their CV and references to avoid wasting time interviewing lots of unsuitable candidates. Send your advertisement to the classifieds department of your local newspaper or post it online. Craigslist and Facebook are popular online sites to advertise for nannies. Check the candidates' references. It might feel annoying and time-consuming, but it is much better than finding out in a few weeks that the nanny isn't good with children. Call all the references and ask about their experience with the candidate and if they would wholeheartedly recommend them. Ask the potential nannies for 2-3 references in case you are unable to contact one of them. If you have used a nanny placement agency, there is no need to check the candidate's references as they will do this for you. If you don't want to call the candidates references, ask for written references instead. Ask “what if” questions during the interview. When you interview the potential nanny, ask them what they would do in different scenarios. This helps you to determine if the candidate is a quick thinker and allows you to see what sort of approach they would take in an emergency situation. Brainstorm a list of difficult situations and then ask the candidate how they would respond if they were in that situation. For example, ask what they would do if a child fell off the swing and cut their head, or what sort of activities they would do with the children on a rainy day. Interview at least 2 nannies so that you compare their answers to your questions. Ask your favourite nanny to complete a trial. If the proceedings have gone well thus far, ask the preferred nanny to complete a paid trial period so that you can observe them looking after the children. This will also give your children the chance to interact with the nanny and give their opinion. Most agencies recommend at least a 2-day trial before making a decision, as children often take a while to warm up to new people. Try to schedule the trial on days that follow your regular routine, as this will give the nanny a chance to get an idea of what the job will entail. Schedule a date that works for both parties. If you can't decide on a nanny, ask 2 potential nannies to have a trial on separate days. Sign a contract if the trial goes well. If you're pleased with the nanny, make it official with a contract. This safeguards both parties and allows you to clarify issues such as pay, holiday leave, dress code, family rules, and grounds for termination. Give the nanny a copy of the signed copy so that they can reference the terms of the contract. Ask a lawyer or nanny agency to draw up a contract for you, or search online for a caregiving contract and edit it to your specifications. | Determine how many hours per week you will require a nanny. Think about what the nanny will be responsible for. Write a list of what your ideal nanny would be like. Consider if you have any rules for the nanny. Decide what you’re willing to pay the nanny. Ask your friends and family to recommend a good nanny. Look at the profiles on a nanny website to find vetted candidates. Register with a nanny agency if you want to find a nanny quickly. Advertise the position in the classifieds or online as a last resort. Check the candidates' references. Ask “what if” questions during the interview. Ask your favourite nanny to complete a trial. Sign a contract if the trial goes well. |
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