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https://www.wikihow.com/Size-Rings | How to Size Rings | To size rings, cut a long, thin strip out of a piece of printer paper or cardstock that's about the same width as the ring band you want. Next, wrap the paper snugly around the widest part of your finger and use a pen or pencil to draw 2 lines where the paper overlaps. Then, flatten out the paper and measure the distance between the 2 lines with a ruler. Finally, convert the measurement to a ring size by checking an online sizing chart. | Find a printable ring sizer and make sure your printer settings are correct. Search online for a printable ring sizer, which will have circles of various sizes across the page. To print the page, select “print” and open the settings in the print dialogue box. Make sure the print scaling option is set to “none.” If you're having trouble getting the page to print, press “control” and “P” at the same time to bring up the print dialogue box. Measure the test bars to ensure accuracy. Once you've printed the paper, take a ruler and measure the test bars. To proceed with the process, the ruler must read the exact measurement specified on the page, since ring measurements are very precise. If the test bar is not the right length, try checking your print settings and print the page again. For example, most printable sizers use a general scale of 2 inches (5.1 cm), which roughly converts to a size 6 for USA and U.K. sizing. Choose a ring that you already own that fits well on your finger. Try on a few rings that you already have, and find one that fits well on the finger for which you're buying the ring. It should be snug, but not too tight, and you should be able to put it on and remove it easily. Try moving your arm around with the ring on to make sure it isn't too loose. If you don't have a ring that fits well, try a different method for measuring your ring size. Place the ring that you have over the circles to match the inside edge. Shift the ring around until you find a circle the matches the inside of the ring exactly. This measurement refers to the diameter of the ring, and can translate to different sizes depending on which brand you're purchasing the ring from. If your ring is in between 2 sizes, it's best to opt for the larger size to avoid a ring that's too tight to remove. Cut a long, thin strip out of a piece of paper. Use a piece of printer paper or cardstock for this, since they won't tear easily. Carefully cut the paper to make a strip that is as long as possible. Make sure the strip is about the same width as the band of the ring that you want or slightly larger. It's important to use sturdy paper, since other materials, like ribbon and string, can stretch and give you an inaccurate measurement. Wrap the paper around the widest part of your finger. Look at your finger to see where the widest part is, and wrap the paper once around that area. If your knuckle is the widest section of your finger, measure there so you can ensure that the ring will fit over it. Make sure the paper is snug, but don't pull so tightly that it tears. If the paper does tear, simply cut a new strip and start over. Mark where the piece of paper overlaps on your finger. Using a pen or pencil, draw a line on each part of the paper where it overlaps on your finger. You should have 2 lines that mark the circumference of your finger on the piece of paper. Flatten out the paper and measure the distance between the 2 lines. Unwrap the paper from your finger and flatten it as much as possible. Then, use a ruler to measure the length between the 2 lines that you marked on the paper. Depending on where you live and the company that you're purchasing from, you may need to measure in inches or millimeters. Consult a sizing chart to convert the measurement to a ring size. Look at a sizing chart online to see what size your measurement translate to. If possible, use the size chart that's specific to the company that you're purchasing from, since there can be slight variations in sizing between countries. If the site doesn't have a size chart, use a standard size chart to find your size. Keep in mind that rings can usually be resized to about 2 sizes smaller or larger if needed. | Find a printable ring sizer and make sure your printer settings are correct. Measure the test bars to ensure accuracy. Choose a ring that you already own that fits well on your finger. Place the ring that you have over the circles to match the inside edge. Cut a long, thin strip out of a piece of paper. Wrap the paper around the widest part of your finger. Mark where the piece of paper overlaps on your finger. Flatten out the paper and measure the distance between the 2 lines. Consult a sizing chart to convert the measurement to a ring size. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Lower-Diastolic-Blood-Pressure | How to Lower Diastolic Blood Pressure | To lower your diastolic blood pressure, which is the amount of pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats, eat a diet mainly of healthy whole foods, like whole grains, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. Since excess sodium can cause your heart to work harder, limit your use of table salt to less than 1 teaspoon a day, and eat foods that are high in potassium, like oranges, avocados, and tomatoes, to balance out the effects of sodium in your diet. In addition to your diet, aim to exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the week to strengthen your heart muscles and improve blood flow. It's also important to manage your stress by enjoying relaxing activities or practicing gratitude since long-term stressors can lead to major heart problems. | Eat a diet comprised of healthy whole foods. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, low-fat dairy products, and foods high in potassium naturally help improve heart health and lower diastolic blood pressure. Start consuming more whole foods, and cut back on foods that are processed and high in sugar and fat. On a daily basis, try to get 6 to 8 servings of whole grains (1 slice of bread is one serving), 4 to 5 servings of vegetables (½ cup cooked veggies is one serving), and 4 to 5 servings of fruits (½ cup fruit juice is one serving). You should also aim for 2 to 3 servings of dairy (1 cup fat-free milk is one serving), 6 servings or fewer of lean meat/poultry/fish (3 oz. of cooked meat is one serving), and 4 to 5 servings of nuts/seeds/legumes per day (2 tbsp peanut butter is one serving) per day. Limit your consumption of sweets to 5 servings or fewer per week. Foods rich in potassium can help balance out the effect of sodium, so consider eating more potassium-rich fruits and vegetables in particular, including oranges, avocados, beans, greens, potatoes, and tomatoes. Reduce your sodium intake. Excess sodium consumption causes water retention and forces your heart and arteries to work harder to pump blood throughout your body. Consume no more than 1,500 mg of sodium per day. Use sea salt instead of table salt, which often contains man-made additives that can worsen your health. Keep in mind that one teaspoon of table salt contains 2,300 mg of sodium on average. The average person consumes about 3,400 mg of sodium daily--more than twice the recommended amount. Excess sodium can cause your body to retain water, which increases the amount of work your heart and blood vessels must do. As a result, excess sodium increases your diastolic blood pressure just as it increases your systolic blood pressure. Check food labels and recipes, and stick with foods that contain 140 mg or less of sodium per serving. Limit salt, MSG, baking soda, baking powder, disodium phosphate, and any compound with "sodium" or "Na" in it. Rely on other herbs, spices, and naturally flavorful ingredients to enhance the taste of food instead of reaching for the salt. Consume less alcohol. Studies show that moderate alcohol consumption can improve heart health, but consuming more than one or two alcoholic beverages per day increases blood pressure and has adverse health effects. Lower your alcohol intake, and consult with your healthcare provider for recommendations on alcohol consumption. Note that "one drink" equals 12 oz of beer, 5 oz of wine, or 1.5 oz of 80-proof liquor. Reduce caffeine intake. Caffeine is linked to higher diastolic blood pressure levels, which occurs when caffeine blocks the hormone responsible for keeping arteries widened. Reduce your current caffeine intake, and switch from drinking coffee, energy drinks, and sodas to natural white, green, and black teas when you need an energy boost. Technically, caffeine may or may not have a significant effect on your blood pressure. If you don't drink it often, caffeine can cause a dramatic spike in overall blood pressure, but it generally has a less significant effect if you've been consuming it regularly for an extended period of time. Check your blood pressure within 30 minutes of drinking a caffeinated beverage; if either diastolic or systolic blood pressure increases by 5 to 10 mmHg, that's too much, and you should look at cutting back. If you decide to reduce your caffeine, take several days to do so and lower your average consumption to about 200 mg daily--roughly two 12 oz (355 ml) cups of coffee. Avoid consuming red meats. Regular consumption of red meats increases diastolic blood pressure and your risk for developing heart disease. This is due to the high fat content in meat, which raises cholesterol and increases your blood pressure. Stop eating red meats such as beef and steak, and switch to eating healthier meats such as chicken, turkey, and fish. Increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids can improve heart health and are effective at lowering blood pressure and reducing your risk for heart disease. Examples of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids are walnuts, salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines, and tilapia. Ideally, you should get 2 to 3 servings of healthy fat daily. While omega-3 fatty acids are a good choice, just about any monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fat can help your diastolic blood pressure. This includes many plant-based oils, including olive oil, canola oil, peanut oil, safflower oil, and sesame oil. Avoid foods containing saturated fats and trans fats, since these have a negative effect on your blood pressure. This includes fried and heavily processed foods. Exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the week. Exercise helps strengthen your heart muscles, improves blood flow, and allows your heart to pump more easily with less effort. Find a physical activity you don't mind doing and add that activity to your daily routine. Start walking, running, cycling, dancing, or swimming, or work with your healthcare provider on developing an exercise routine that works best for you. Keep in mind that the type of exercise you do will impact how much you'll need. In general, try to perform 75 minutes of vigorous exercise or 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week, but check with your doctor first to determine what your heart can handle. If you have existing heart problems, for instance, vigorous exercise may put too much additional strain on your heart; your doctor may advise moderate exercise until your overall health improves. Lose excess weight. Individuals with thick waistlines and a high body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher often have high diastolic blood pressure readings since their hearts have to work harder at pumping blood throughout their entire bodies. Focus on losing weight by exercising regularly and eating healthier foods, and consult with your healthcare provider about other effective weight-loss treatments. If you're notably overweight, losing as few as 10 pounds (4.5 kg) can dramatically improve your blood pressure numbers. Also note that carrying extra weight around your waistline can have an especially strong impact on your blood pressure. As a general rule, aim to have a waist measurement less than 40 inches (102 cm) as a male or 35 inches (89 cm) as a female. Stop smoking cigarettes. Nicotine in cigarettes narrows your arteries, hardens artery walls, and increases your risk for blood clots, heart disease, and stroke. Stop smoking as soon as possible to lower your diastolic blood pressure, and consult with your healthcare provider about effective smoking cessation methods if you experience difficulty with quitting. Reduce and manage stress. When under stress, your body releases chemicals and hormones that temporarily narrow your blood vessels and cause your heart to beat faster. Long-term stress increases your risk for major heart problems such as stroke, heart attack, and heart disease. Identify your stressors, and eliminate them from your life to lower diastolic blood pressure. While there are many ways to reduce stress , some ideas you can start putting into practice right away include identifying and avoiding your stress triggers, taking 20 minutes daily to enjoy a relaxing activity you enjoy, and practicing gratitude. Check your cholesterol regularly. Regardless of your weight or size, it's important to check your cholesterol on a regular basis. High cholesterol can increase your blood pressure, so get screened each time you visit the doctor, especially if you're over 40. Understand your blood pressure numbers. The top number of your blood pressure reading is your systolic blood pressure (pressure when your heart beats). The bottom number is your diastolic blood pressure (pressure in between beats). As such, practices aimed at lowering your systolic blood pressure will usually lower your diastolic blood pressure, as well. Track your diastolic blood pressure regularly. This allows you to determine whether your diet and lifestyle habits are effective at lowering blood pressure, and can be done using a blood pressure cuff at home, at the pharmacy, or at your doctor's office. High diastolic blood pressure readings come in at 90 mmHg or higher, while those at risk for high blood pressure have diastolic blood pressure readings between 80 and 89 mmHg. The normal diastolic blood pressure range is between 70 and 80 mmHg, though it may be lower if you are young or if you exercise very often. If you've been diagnosed with high blood pressure--either overall high blood pressure or high diastolic blood pressure only--start by checking your blood pressure twice a day for a week (once in the morning and once in the evening). Afterward, switch to two or three times a week. Once your blood pressure is under control, you can ease back to once or twice a month. Keep in mind that it is possible to have a diastolic blood pressure that is too low. If you have an abnormally low diastolic blood pressure, it means that your heart is no longer pumping enough blood to reach all your vital organs. This may be due to strenuous exercise, but also to more serious conditions, such as anorexia nervosa. As a result, you may inadvertently increase your stroke and heart attack risk. Consult your doctor. Even if you manage to track and lower your diastolic blood pressure at home, it's still a good idea to consult with your doctor or other healthcare provider about your heart health. Together, you and your doctor can work out a treatment plan that can improve and maintain your health with regards to blood pressure concerns. Your doctor will be able to guide you on ways to manage your overall heart health while lowering your diastolic blood pressure, and can also advise you on how to lower your diastolic blood pressure to a healthy level without reducing it too far. Talking to your doctor about your blood pressure is always recommended, but it's especially important if you have a chronic illness/condition or if you're taking any medication. Take prescription medications for blood pressure. Visit your healthcare provider to receive prescriptions for drugs that can help manage and lower your blood pressure. Combining prescription drugs with healthy lifestyle changes has been proven effective at helping you lower diastolic blood pressure. The exact medication your doctor prescribes may vary, typically based on other health concerns you may have. Thiazide diuretics are the most commonly prescribed drug for relatively healthy people. If you have other heart problems or a family history of heart trouble, your doctor may prescribe a beta-blocker or calcium-channel blocker. If you have diabetes, heart problems, or kidney disease, your doctor may consider an ACE inhibitor or Angiotensin II receptor blocker. Note that you generally won't need medication if you only have elevated diastolic blood pressure without also having elevated systolic blood pressure. Diet and lifestyle changes are usually enough to address the problem, but it's still a good idea to consult your doctor, especially when diet and lifestyle changes have yet to fix things. Follow your treatment plan as recommended by your healthcare provider. This helps prevent or delay complications associated with high blood pressure, and lowers your risk for related health problems. For example, if your doctor recommends exercising several times per week to lower blood pressure, make physical activity a priority so you can become healthier. On a similar note, if your doctor prescribes medication and that medication has negative side effects, ask your doctor about reducing the dose or switching, but do not stop taking your medication without consulting your doctor first. Follow-up with your doctor every few months after going on blood pressure medication. There may be a point at which you can stop taking the medication and manage your blood pressure through other means. | Eat a diet comprised of healthy whole foods. Reduce your sodium intake. Consume less alcohol. Reduce caffeine intake. Avoid consuming red meats. Increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids. Exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the week. Lose excess weight. Stop smoking cigarettes. Reduce and manage stress. Check your cholesterol regularly. Understand your blood pressure numbers. Track your diastolic blood pressure regularly. Consult your doctor. Take prescription medications for blood pressure. Follow your treatment plan as recommended by your healthcare provider. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Scratch-a-Dog%27s-Belly | How to Scratch a Dog's Belly | Some dogs love nothing more than a good belly scratch, but it's important that you look for signs it's comfortable before you proceed. Watch for the dog presenting its stomach, wagging its tail, and rolling playfully. If the dog shows these signs, gently rub and scratch its belly until it moves away. If the dog shows nervous or submissive behaviors like growling or a hunched back, it's best to respect its wishes and leave it alone. | Look for signs that your dog wants a belly rub. Most dogs want their stomachs scratched or rubbed and it's generally fine to do so. However, some dogs are not comfortable with this and you will have to look for the signs that your dog is happy to have its belly rubbed before doing so. A dog will lie down, presenting its stomach and wagging its tail to show it's comfortable with you. Your dog should look relaxed and will lay down without tension in its body. A dog looking for a belly scratch may roll around playfully on its back. Presenting its stomach can be a sign of trust from your dog. Look for signs of submissive or nervous behavior. Some dogs will present their stomach out of fear or submission. These dogs do not actually want their stomachs rubbed and you should avoid doing so. Look for some of the following signs of submission and fear in your dog and avoid rubbing its stomach if they are present. Dogs who are afraid will often tuck its tail in between its legs. Nervous dogs will take on a hunched and tense posture. Fearful dogs will likely not move much after they present its stomach. Submissive and fearful dogs may growl at you if you approach them. Don't force a belly rub. If your dog appears uncomfortable or you are unsure about your dog's level of comfort you should avoid scratching its stomach. Forcing an uncomfortable dog to allow you to scratch its stomach can cause unneeded stress for the dog and can even result in it biting you. Never try to flip your dog on its back to rub its stomach. Always allow your dog to present its stomach on its own. Forcing a belly rub can make your dog mistrust you. Wait for your dog to present its stomach. Before you can scratch your dog's stomach you will need to wait for it to show its stomach to you. While you could try to make it roll over, forcing the belly rub is not a good idea. Play with your dog and calmly wait for it to show you its stomach for scratching. Always wait for your dog to show its stomach. You dog will naturally roll over and present its stomach if it wants a belly rub. A dog who wants a belly rub will appear loose and relaxed in regards to its body language. Rub or scratch the dog's stomach. After your dog has presented its stomach and you feel that it is comfortable and relaxed, you can begin to rub its belly. As you rub the dog's stomach keep an eye on its behavior, looking for signs of enjoyment or discomfort. It's normal for some areas of the stomach to cause your dog to kick when you scratch them. Always scratch or rub gently as the stomach is a sensitive area on a dog. Feel free to rub your dog's stomach however you'd like. Try rubbing in circles, short scratches, or longer motions up and down the whole length of your dog's stomach. Stop when you are done or your dog becomes uncomfortable. After you have scratched your dog's stomach for a while you may decide it's time to stop. Your dog may try to get more belly rubs out of you and it's fine to continue if you want. However, if your dog tries to get up or move away from you it is time to stop. If you stop rubbing and your dog moves away from you, it's time to stop scratching its stomach. Feel free to stop scratching your dog's stomach any time you wish. Scratch or rub other areas on your dog. Although dogs love a good belly rub, they also enjoy receiving attention on other areas of their bodies. Try petting, patting, rubbing, or scratching some other places on your dog to see what they might enjoy. As always, work slowly, touch gently, and make sure your dog is truly enjoying it. Your dog might enjoy a rub or scratch under or around its ears. Most dogs will like a good neck rub or scratch. A dog might enjoy it when you scratch its chest. Try scratching under your dog's chin. A dog might like it when you scratch the area of its back just above where its tail starts. | Look for signs that your dog wants a belly rub. Look for signs of submissive or nervous behavior. Don't force a belly rub. Wait for your dog to present its stomach. Rub or scratch the dog's stomach. Stop when you are done or your dog becomes uncomfortable. Scratch or rub other areas on your dog. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-a-So-Called-Friend-from-Putting-You-Down | How to Stop a So Called Friend from Putting You Down | If you want to stop a so called friend from putting you down, be honest and let them know when they say something insulting. You can tell them on the spot, or schedule a time to talk in private so you don't embarrass them. Gently explain how you feel without blaming them. For example, you can say, “I know you like to joke, but some things recently have hurt me.” If they still put you down after you've talked about the problem, immediately call attention to what they're doing and tell them to stop. You may also consider breaking off the friendship if they continue to hurt you. | State your honest feelings. Sometimes your friend might not realize that what they said was hurtful or inappropriate. Perhaps they thought you would take it as a joke, or maybe they did not think before they spoke. Don't be afraid to tell them how you feel in a direct but gentle manner. Your friend might realize that certain topics or jokes are off-limits with you. You can try saying something like “I'm really hurt by what you just said” or “When you say things like that, I feel as though I am worthless.” Try not to respond with sarcasm. Your friend might mistake it as acceptance of what they are doing. For example, if your friend makes a comment on your weight, instead of a dry “thanks,” try saying, “I don't find that really funny.” Dismiss the insult. Sometimes bullies will upset you just to see your reaction afterwards. If you learn how to brush off insults, you will not be giving your friend any satisfaction from the put down, and they may stop when they realize that they have no power over you. One way to do this is to simply ignore the insult and assert your positive qualities. Swallow your anger and make a statement that both calls attention to the inappropriateness of the statement while signaling that you don't care what they think. For example, if your friend puts down your appearance, say, “I don't care what you think. I think I look beautiful.” Laugh. When someone puts you down, they may be trying to assert dominance over you by reducing your confidence. Humor can turn the situation around by giving you control over the insult. If you cannot come up with a witty comeback, try just laughing in response. If your friend really meant to hurt you, you will be proving to them that you are too strong for such silly tactics. If the insult really hurts you, tell your friend that you do not find it funny. Don't make a joke at your friend's expense, or it will continue the cycle of insults. Instead, use self-deprecating humor. By being able to make fun of yourself, you demonstrate that you don't care what others think and that you are comfortable in your own skin. This can help discourage others from making fun of you! Remain calm. Anger is a natural response to insults, but it can worsen the situation. If you respond to your friend with anger, they will try to accuse you of overreacting, and they will use your anger against you later on. Instead, remain calm and try to display indifference to your friend. When speaking to them, use a flat tone of voice. If you are very angry, express it through your words. A good calm dismissal is to just say “I'm sorry to hear you think that.” You can also state your feelings by saying, “I don't want to be angry with you, but when I hear you say such things about me, it upsets me.” Schedule a time when you two can be alone. It is best to have a serious talk with your friend in private. You do not want to embarrass them in front of your other friends, or else you will look like the bully. Suggest a time when you both are available and ask your friend if they want to hang out. Introduce the topic carefully. Start by asking them if you can talk about something serious. Bring up the topic in a cautious manner. You should not blame them or accuse them of wrongdoing; rather, tell them that certain things have been causing you stress and anxiety recently. A good way of starting the conversation can be, “Hey, can we chat about something? I want to have an honest talk with you. You're a good friend to me, but recently some things have been happening that have really hurt me. I want to make sure that we can come to an understanding together so that we can remain friends.” Use “I” statements to deflect blame. Beginning your sentences with “I” instead of “you” make your statements sound less accusatory. You do not want to blame your friend because they might respond negatively, and they may even blame you in return. Instead you want to foster an atmosphere of acceptance and communication. Your statements should start with statements like “I think” or “I feel.” For example, you can say, “When I hear that I am overweight or chubby, I feel as though I am ugly and worthless.” Or you can try saying, “I know that sometimes you like to joke around, but I feel sad when I am told that I am dumb.” Ask your friend why they do what they do. Invite your friend to be completely honest. Inform them that you will not judge them before asking them why they put you down so often. If they react negatively, emphasize that you want to know their side of the story and that you are not angry at them. You can say things like, “why do you always comment on how much I eat?” or “why is it so funny that I like to read comic books?” You may even ask them how they might feel in your situation: “How would you feel if someone kept making fun of how you do your hair?” Allow your friend to respond. Your friend might be confused, surprised, sad, or angry about the conversation. Give them plenty of time to think through their answer and respond. If they say something you disagree with, wait until they have finished speaking before you defend yourself. Do not interrupt them or it will escalate the tension in the room. Set firm boundaries. At the end of your conversation, you should both set boundaries for your relationship. Both of you should come up with ideas of what is and is not acceptable within the terms of your relationship. For example, you may not want your friend to tease you about a crush while your friend might be uncomfortable with how you talk about their family. At the same time, you both might be fine with jokes about each other's habits or hobbies. If you both agree to these boundaries, your friendship will actually become stronger than it was before. Respond immediately. Don't let a grudge fester inside of you. Immediately call attention to their tactics. Let them know that you are not happy with what they are doing. Make eye contact and use a firm, clear voice. By being assertive, you will establish that you are serious about what you are talking about. Tell them to stop, don’t ask. Asking is a very indirect, polite way of calling attention to their habits. If you have tried talking through the problem and failed, give your friend a firm, direct “Stop.” This may jar them and express just how upset you are with the situation. Call attention to previous times when you pointed out their bad behavior to reinforce how their pattern of bullying has persisted. Try saying, "Hey. I asked you to stop pulling pranks on me. I talked to you last time, and then we talked privately, and you said you understood. Now I'm telling you: I'm not going to put up with it any more. Stop it." Remain strong even if they appear upset. Some people may respond with anger or crying in an attempt to guilt you for calling them out on their rude behavior. You should remain strong and calm in the face of such emotional manipulation. You can apologize for upsetting them, but you should not back down. #* You can say, “I'm sorry that this is upsetting for you, but when you put me down, I feel the same way that you are feeling now.” Seek help from a trusted authority. If the friendship turns verbally abusive, you may need to seek outside help. Because the abuse is coming from a trusted friend, it can be difficult to find support groups that will boost your confidence and provide advice. If you are still in school, approach your parents or a teacher for help mediating the situation. If you are in college, try going to your university's counselling services for assistance. In the workplace, ask your boss or HR to intervene. Outside of the workplace, you can find friends, significant others, or counsellors who can help you navigate the difficult situation. Venting to another person can help give you perspective, and it will also help you process your emotions so that you can confront your bullying friend without crying or yelling. Try not to consult a friend who is also friends with your frenemy. They may try to defend your bully or they may tell your bully what you said in an innocent attempt to patch your relationship. Try to find someone who is distant from the situation. They can provide a clear-headed and objective perspective on the matter. Reduce contact. If a friendship is hurting your self-esteem, causing anxiety, or inducing feelings of self-doubt, it may be time to end the friendship. The easiest way to do so is to slowly reduce contact with the other person. Stop scheduling time to hang out together outside of school and work. Don't text them unless you absolutely need to. By slowly cutting off contact, you give yourself time to find other friends while avoiding a potentially nasty confrontation. Tell them you want to stop being friends. Sometimes you might have to tell your friend face to face that you want to stop hanging out together. This can be very difficult, and it will probably occur after you have tried talking to them several times about your issues. If they ask you why, try to explain without blaming or accusing them. You can try saying, “Look, we have had some good times, but I think I need my own space.” If they ask why, deflect the blame towards yourself. “I don't think we have a similar sense of humor. Sometimes what you find funny is what I find hurtful. I don't think you're a bad person, but I don't think we make good friends.” If you don't want to tell them outright, you can give an excuse for not seeing them. For instance: “I need to spend more time on my work and less time on socializing” or “I've been neglecting my health, and I need to focus more on taking care of myself.” Ignore angry texts or emails. If your ex-friend tries to contact you in anger, ignore the messages. Don't respond with equal anger. They may say things that you find are wrong or disturbing, but they may be trying to provoke you so that you appear to be the bad guy. Swallow your anger and ignore the messages. Distract yourself with another activity, and if their attempts at contact worsen, block their phone number and social media accounts. Enforce your boundaries. If your ex-friend repeatedly ignored your boundaries in the past, they will probably not start respecting them after you cut them off, even if they promise to improve. It may be easy to let them back into your life. It is fine to acknowledge that you had good times together while still recognizing that it was a toxic relationship. Let them know that you are firm in your decision, and don't be swayed into being friends with them. Keep your social group. If you and your ex-friend had many mutual friends, it can be hard to cut off contact, but you should not lose all of your friends because of one person. That said, your mutual friends may feel compelled to take a side. If your ex-friend tries to cause drama, stay strong. Do not spread rumors or speak poorly of your old friend. Tell your friends that you and your ex-friend had a falling out and that you still respect them even though you have gone your separate ways. Try telling your friends, "All I'm going to say is that we had a fight. I think they are still a good person, but we need our space." If your friends push you for details, resist the urge to badmouth your old friend. Good friends will see that you are being a bigger person and will respect you for it. Make new friends. You may encounter your old friend in social settings, at school, or during work. The transition will be easier if you are able to make new friends outside of your usual social group. Join a club, start a hobby, or take an evening class. You will meet new people who are not associated with your toxic ex-friend. | State your honest feelings. Dismiss the insult. Laugh. Remain calm. Schedule a time when you two can be alone. Introduce the topic carefully. Use “I” statements to deflect blame. Ask your friend why they do what they do. Allow your friend to respond. Set firm boundaries. Respond immediately. Tell them to stop, don’t ask. Remain strong even if they appear upset. Seek help from a trusted authority. Reduce contact. Tell them you want to stop being friends. Ignore angry texts or emails. Enforce your boundaries. Keep your social group. Make new friends. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Manage-Postpartum-Shedding-in-Dogs | How to Manage Postpartum Shedding in Dogs | To manage postpartum shedding in dogs, start by immediately changing the bedding after the mother gives birth. Continue replacing the bedding with fresh materials at least once per day. It's also important to sponge bathe the mother 1-2 times each day to keep her clean, and brush her fur at least once a day to control shedding. Feed her high quality dog food and give her twice the amount she normally eats, since she needs the calories to recover. Continue monitoring, sponging, and brushing your dog daily for 2-6 weeks until she regains her strength and stops shedding. | Change the bedding after the birth. After the dog has given birth to the litter, she will shed part of the uterine lining, which is called lochia. Right after the birth, you should immediately change the bedding. During the birth, she will have shed not just lochia, but also other fetal tissue. As soon as the birthing is done, switch the blankets, newspaper, and other materials in the whelping box. To change the bedding, you can try to get the help of another person. You or the other person can hold the dog while the other changes the bedding. If you don't have help, move the mother and puppies to one side of the whelping box, then lift up the empty side and immediately place the new bedding. Once that is down, move the mother and puppies to the clean side and do the same for the other side. Doing this helps reduce the risk of the mother dog and the puppies getting an infection. Switch the bedding often while the dog sheds. After the birth, the mother dog will continue to shed lochia. To keep the whelping box clean, make sure to change the bedding often until she stops shedding. Depending on how much she is shedding, you may need to do this multiple times a day or once a day. She may not shed a lot of lochia, but it can still leave a mess on the bed or lead to infection for the dog and the litter. Keep an eye on the bedding as you check on the puppies. If you notice a mess on the bedding, change it. Wipe down the dog. As your dog sheds lochia, you should give her a sponge bath. Do this immediately after she has given birth to remove any of the fetal fluids and blood. Then, wipe her down once or twice each day, depending on how much she is shedding. When sponging off your dog, you should use warm water and wipe the area gently. Check your dog every day. You should do this while the dog is still shedding the lochia. Make sure the shedding decreases as the days pass, that it changes in color from greenish to red and then brown, and note the consistency. You should do this for at least two weeks. However, some dogs will shed small amounts for up to six weeks. Recognize what is normal shedding. After your dog gives birth, she will shed part of the uterine lining as it cleans itself. The shedding occurs in vaginal discharge called lochia. After the birth, the discharge is generally greenish or blackish for around two days, and then it becomes reddish and brownish. The discharge the dog sheds should not have an odor. Take your dog to the vet if there are any complications. If the lochia that your dog sheds changes, there may be a problem. If the discharge is thick, grey or pale in color, or starts to have an odor, there is something wrong. You should take your dog to the vet or have the vet visit your home immediately. If you notice any blood in the discharge, not just a normal reddish color, contact the vet. This is a symptom of an infection of the uterus or an infected retained placenta. Tell your vet, "My dog's discharge isn't normal. It has an odor, it is very thick, it's black, or it's full of blood. I think she needs to be checked out." Brush your dog’s hair. The hair loss the occurs after pregnancy happens because new hairs are pushing out old hairs. Hormonal changes and stress may also lead to postpartum hair loss. To help the dog shed the hair in a contained way, brush her hair every day. This can help prevent hair from getting all over your home. Feed your dog the proper nutrition. After the dog gives birth, make sure that she starts eating after around 12 hours. You can feed her twice what she normally eats because she needs more calories to recover from the birth. Choose a high quality dog food with quality protein and fats. You may want to give your dog puppy food. Puppy food can provide her the nutrients she needs for recovering after the birth and while lactating. Talk to your vet about the proper diet for your dog. They should advise you on what to feed your nursing dog, but if she's shedding, they can suggest some food that may help. Use a lint roller. If the hair is staying in the whelping box or getting on the furniture, you can use a lint roller to collect hair. This is an easy and quick way to gather the hair and remove it from surfaces. Talk to your vet about the hair loss. Hair loss is normal after a dog gives birth. However, hair loss may also be a symptom of a separate condition. To be safe, tell your vet about the hair loss during one of the postpartum visits. They can check to make sure everything is okay with your dog. Tell your vet, "My dog is shedding a lot of fur. I'm worried something is wrong. I think she should be checked out just to make sure she is healthy." | Change the bedding after the birth. Switch the bedding often while the dog sheds. Wipe down the dog. Check your dog every day. Recognize what is normal shedding. Take your dog to the vet if there are any complications. Brush your dog’s hair. Feed your dog the proper nutrition. Use a lint roller. Talk to your vet about the hair loss. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Pick-Up-Girls-While-Walking-Down-the-Street | How to Pick Up Girls While Walking Down the Street | To pick up girls while walking down the street, always be prepared! Before going out, dress neatly and have a few funny stories lined up. Head out during lunchtime or mid-morning, when people aren't rushing to work or classes, and choose a spot with a lot of foot traffic. If a girl catches your attention, try to make eye contact and smile as you pass her. Catch up with her if she keeps walking, approaching her from the side so you don't startle her. When you're ready to talk to her, try something like “Excuse me, but I saw you walk by a minute ago, and I just wanted to say hi.” If she's interested in talking, make a comment about your surroundings, like “Something smells really good, doesn't it?” Chat for a few minutes, then ask for her number. However, if she doesn't make eye contact or respond to you, excuse yourself so you don't appear overly aggressive or creepy. | Always be prepared to meet a new girl. If you are looking to pick to girls, it helps to be mentally and physically prepared to do so. Before you go out, have a few funny anecdotes lined up, should the opportunity to talk to a girl arise. Continually scan your environment for suitable candidates; you never know when a hottie is going to wander by. Pay attention to your surroundings so that when an opportunity arises for small talk, you can quickly think up an icebreaker comment about something nearby. Dress neatly, in a fashion that reflects your personality. If you are a slacker dressed in a business suit, the disconnect between your personality and your clothing is going to come across very quickly in conversation and confuse the girl, or make her uncomfortable. Dress in a way that advertises the kind of person you are, but do choose the nicest clothes of your preferred type that you have available. At very least, make sure that your clothing and hair are clean and presentable. If you've got a few extra bucks to spend, invest in a new pair of shoes. Figure out where the girls are. If you want to pick up girls, you need to go to where they are. Choose a place with a lot of foot traffic to hang out, such as a street with many restaurants, the sidewalk outside of a popular coffee shop, or the arcade in front of a big bookstore. Also, plan your search for a time of day when the girls who walk by are likely to have a bit of time to spare. People who are rushing to get to work or or an early class are unlikely to be in the mood to stop and chat. Aim for the lunch hour, or mid-morning, when many people go out for a coffee break. Look like you have a purpose, besides picking up girls. Most women will be put off by a man (or woman) slouching on a street corner, calling out to various girls as they walk by. No one enjoys being harassed in the street! Your advance will seem far less threatening and contrived if it appears you are busy or out running errands. Even though you may actually just be walking around aimlessly looking for girls, it's best to have some kind of destination in mind, in case an opportunity for conversation or an invitation arises (“I was just on my way to the Farmer's market, would you care to join me?”) You can also try “getting lost” in the vicinity of a known destination, so you can ask a girl for directions. (“I was just looking for the Apple store, but seem to be turned around. Can you help me out?”) Try to make eye contact as you pass by. If a girl who catches your attention, try to quickly make eye contact and smile as you walk past her. Don't stare for too long, and then look away for a few seconds to give her a chance to look you over, if she is also interested. Glance back and try to see if she noticed you. If you glance back and catch her looking at you, smile and give a quick wave. If she smiles or waves back, walk right up to her. Then proceed straight to the third part : Starting the Conversation. If you do not see her looking back, that does not necessarily mean she is not interested. She may not have seen you, or you may have missed her glance. You're going to have to keep at it to find out. If you do catch her looking back, and she quickly turns away from you and walks on, that's a signal that she knows you were trying to connect with her, and is brushing you off. Let this one go. Turn back and approach the girl from the side. You can either walk quickly to catch up to her, or follow her until she reaches a crosswalk and has to stop. Walk a few blocks if you have to, in order to approach her in a calm and natural fashion. Do not tap her on the back or startle her from behind. This can come across as threatening. It would also be inappropriate and frightening to the woman if you were to run after her, or approach her all sweaty and out of breath. As Han Solo once advised, “fly casual.” Do not stalk the girl. There is a huge difference between following a person for a few blocks in order to catch up and introduce yourself, and stalking someone. Do not follow the girl for more than two or three blocks, and pay close attention to her signals. If she does not make it easy for you to catch up to her, she is most likely not interested. If the girl seems to be speeding up, making it hard for you to catch up, she is aware of your approach, and trying to shake you off. If she gets out her phone to make a call, this is another strategy for shaking off an unwanted advance. Take it as a hint to back off and leave her alone. Do not try to follow her until she is done with her call, or the next call she makes could be to the police. Don't follow a person into an office building or other place of business. If she casually wanders into a coffee shop or store, you may try approaching her there, but bear in mind that there is a good chance she is alarmed by your approach, and looking for witnesses and/or assistance in getting rid of you. When you catch up to the girl, first excuse yourself to get her attention. You might startle her if you begin talking without warning, so it's good to open with something along the lines of “Excuse me, but I saw you walk by a few minutes ago, and just wanted to say 'hi'... “ and go from there. Try breaking the ice with a casual comment about your surroundings. If you don't feel comfortable starting with “excuse me,” try making a brief comment about something in the surrounding area. If you are standing in front of a restaurant, you might say “Something smells good, doesn't it?” If a bus just drove off leaving a person behind at the stop, you might remark “TriMet, right?” and give her a knowing glance. Pay her a specific compliment. Better yet, try for a compliment that invites some kind of explanation or response. Is she wearing an interesting hat? Say “Cool hat, where did you get it?.” Does she have a unique hair color? Try: “Your hair is amazing, what would you call that shade?” Is she sporting the t-shirt of your favorite band? Tell her that it's one of your favorites and ask her if she saw their show at the last (awesome) venue. Crass compliments about butts and sexiness will offend many women, so it's best to avoid them. Focus on nonverbal communication. 55 % of human communication is visual, and another 38% is vocal, so your body language and how you speak are both far more important than anything you actually have to say. Smile and maintain eye contact. Stand confidently, with your chest out and shoulders back. Begin with your body turned slightly away from her, then turn your body towards her when you she says something engaging or amusing to show your increased interest. Try to keep the pitch of your voice low, and resist the temptation to speak too quickly. Keep the conversation going, but only if it seems welcome. Try to stay in the conversation for two full minutes, even if you fear the conversation is boring. Talk about the weather, or current events. Ask her if she did anything fun over the weekend, or if she's seen the newest Marvel flick. It doesn't matter what you say, so long as you keep her talking. The longer the conversation goes on, the better your chances are of making a connection. You should probably aim to keep talking for a good five to ten minutes before asking for her number. Pay attention to the conversational clues she gives you. If she switches topics, do it too. If a girl is interested in you, she is going to help you out and do her part to keep the conversation rolling. If you are doing all the work, it's probably not going well, and you should prepare to walk away gracefully. Ask for her number. If your initial conversation has gone well, go ahead and take the next step. You aren't going to get to know everything about each other right there in the middle of the street. Ask her for her number, and let her know that you'll be calling or texting her soon. Then tell her how happy you are to have met her, and let her get on with her day. If you have some free time, you could invite her to walk with you for a bit, or sit down for a cup of coffee, but the anticipation of having to wait to get to know you more can often work to your advantage, so don't prolong it too long. Know when you’re beat, or when your advance is unwelcome. Oftentimes, the girl that you approach simply won't be interested in you. In some cases, especially if your approach was awkward or inadvertently threatening, she may be frightened, irritated by, or even angry at your advance. Be mindful of the signals she gives off, and always be respectful. If the woman fails to respond, does not return your smile, or looks away when you attempt eye contact, she is probably not interested and is trying to be polite about it. Take the hint and move on! If she turns away, or walks off, do not try to follow her, just let her go and don't take it personally. If she says something rude to you, don't retaliate. Remember that YOU are the one who tried to intrude on her life uninvited, not the other way around. If you feel like you have to say something, say “I'm sorry to have bothered you,” or “Have a great day!” and leave it at that. Be aware of the line between a friendly pick-up attempt and sexual harassment, and do not cross it. Sexual harassment laws vary by region, but in most places, making unwanted sexual advances towards another person is a criminal offense. Keep your interactions with the girls you try to pick up respectful and polite. Don't say anything to a girl you just met that you wouldn't tell in front of your grandmother or a priest ! Back away at the first sign of disinterest. | Always be prepared to meet a new girl. Dress neatly, in a fashion that reflects your personality. Figure out where the girls are. Look like you have a purpose, besides picking up girls. Try to make eye contact as you pass by. Glance back and try to see if she noticed you. Turn back and approach the girl from the side. Do not stalk the girl. When you catch up to the girl, first excuse yourself to get her attention. Try breaking the ice with a casual comment about your surroundings. Pay her a specific compliment. Focus on nonverbal communication. Keep the conversation going, but only if it seems welcome. Ask for her number. Know when you’re beat, or when your advance is unwelcome. Be aware of the line between a friendly pick-up attempt and sexual harassment, and do not cross it. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Fanfiction | How to Write a Fanfiction | When you write fanfiction, try to keep the characters the same as they were in the original work so the story makes sense. Aside from that, the plot is completely up to you, and you can choose how close you want your story to be to the original. You can even cross multiple universes by bringing in characters from 2 different works, like from your favorite movie and your favorite book. If you're struggling for ideas, try imagining a fun “what-if” scenario, like what if your main character had their memory erased. | Choose source material to work from. Fanfiction is always based on an existing work of art. You are essentially making a story that expands or otherwise alters existing fiction. The mediums you might choose from are endless. Fanfics have been written about books, movies, television shows, video games, and just about anything else with a narrative base and a fandom to admire it. You should pick a fictional universe you already feel closely to. Common choices for fanfic are Star Wars , Harry Potter , and a number of anime and manga franchises. The choice of universe you choose to base your own work on will have the largest impact on your story and the way it turns out. Certain universes also favour certain approaches in fanfic. It's important to note however that your choices as a fanfic writer are limitless. You can do anything you want to the source material, even if that means transforming it into something else entirely. Read up on the fictional universe. Most fanfiction tends to be based on a science-fiction or fantasy-themed universe, like Harry Potter or Star Trek. These are great to base fanfics off of because they offer huge universes with an endless amount of storytelling potential. Look online and read up everything you can about the given universe. Even if you're planning on breaking free of the established canon (what the author/director/etc has already established) with your fanfic, it helps a lot to know the rules before you break them. Read some fanfiction. The best ideas you'll get for your work will be inspired by the source material itself. With that said, it still helps to see what other fans have done with the same ideas. Using a website like Fanfiction.net, Archive of Our Own, and Wattpad, or you can take a look through some fanfiction that matches your on source material. Read some stories people have written. Most importantly, get a grasp of the ways in which people use and adapt the source. In looking for fanfiction to read, you may get the looming impression that a lot of fanfiction lacks for quality. Being part of the fanfic community means acknowledging that not everyone is at the same level of skill. Most fanfiction is amateurish, and a lot of it frankly isn't worth reading. It takes patience to find the great stuff. Determine your scope. Because fanfiction is so diverse and open-ended, it helps to make some rules up for yourself before you go into writing it. Is your story going to be big or small? While some fanfictions can become as long as books, the majority tend to be fairly short. However, there is a lot of debate amongst the community as to how long a perfect fanfic would be. Certain lengths and styles fit topics better than others. In the end, your length will be decided in the actual writing process, but it's a good idea to keep a prospective scope in mind before you put the pieces together. The shortest fanfics are called "drabbles". These are usually between 50-100 words long. It is surprisingly challenging to tell a story in such a small space, so it may be a good place to start if you want to test your skills without the time investment. So-called "fluff" pieces are short and light-hearted. They tend to be less than 1000 words and deal with a mundane aspect of a character's life. More involved fiction can be hundreds of thousands of words long. These tend to be the fanfics that people give most attention to, assuming they're fuelled by a plot that justifies the length. Fanfics don't need to be conventionally narrative or prose either. You can write your fanfic as poetry, or write up a tableau of a character's mental state during a given scene. Imagine "what-if" scenarios for your source material. All fanfic is based on speculation. Whether you decide to write a sequel to the work or an alternative history, everything is based on that first "what if" question. What if a certain character died (or didn't die) at a certain point in the story? What do you think happens after the credits roll in a movie? Another common question discussed in fanfiction is "What if this character and this character were a couple?" This is called shipping and is a common, if not overused, source for fanfiction material. Ask yourself these questions in the early stages of planning a fanfic. Explore the source material more if you are having a hard time finding a creative starting point. Failing that, look into more fanfic. It can be inspiring to see where other people have gone with it. Some writers even write themselves into a fanfic, where they interact with the characters themselves. A character meant as a stand-in for the writer is known as an "OC"or an original character. Consider writing a crossover fanfic. Crossover fanfiction refers to a genre of fanfic that combines characters from different fictional universes together. Like chemistry, the possibilities become virtually endless when you decide to mix two different things together. There tends to be a lot of very bad crossover fanfiction around, in large part due to the fact that it takes far more tact to harness multiple universes at once. However, they offer a lot of amazing opportunities to a prospective writer. An example for one crossover might be putting the characters from Star Wars in the Star Trek or Mass Effect universes. It is recommended you try your hand at a crossover fanfic if you're torn between writing about two or more different universes for your next fanfic. Decide how true to the original you want to be. Because fanfictions are incredibly diverse, it's a good idea to figure out where you will stand relative to the rest of it. Some fanfiction will run amok with the source material to the point where it has no resemblance to the original. Others will try to create a true-to-form expansion of the original. Generally speaking, no matter where you go with it, the strongest fanfics at least retain the spirit of the source original. It's a good idea to consider the concept of "canonicity". Put simply, canon states whether something 'is or isn't' in a fictional universe. Portraying Star Wars' Han Solo as a swashbuckling rogue may be true to canon for example, but writing that he is a fan of the 90's sitcom Friends would certainly not be canon. Write from an outline. A proper outline can mean all the difference when it comes to writing a fanfic. While you may brush an outline as too "work like" for something that's ultimately supposed to be fun, knowing where you want to go with your writing can help minimize writer's block and make a more fluid product in the end. Many pieces of fiction use a similar dramatic arc. It may be broken down as such: The beginning. A beginning should set up the setting reasonably well, as well as establish the motivations and stakes of your central characters. Opening conflict. Something will often happens that sets a hero on his quest. This often (but not always) is the doing of the antagonist. The rest of the story will involve the protagonist trying to set things right again. The story's middle. The middle of a story may be seen as the meat of a character's quest. This is where the story's world is fleshed out, character relationships are kindled and strengthened, and the stakes are gradually raised. The low point. Before the story's resolution, there is usually a point where the character is at his most dire moment, where everything seems lost. You can probably think of many films that match this trope. The resolution. A climax wherein the protagonist triumphs. It usually comes shortly after the hero's lowest point, and takes the momentum to the very end. There is occasionally a denouement (falling action) afterwards where it shows the aftermath of the final conflict. Sharpen up the plot. With an outline now in place, you'll have a visual reference with which to see how well your plot actually works. Before you sit down to writing, it's a good idea to browse over the material you already have and see if you can trim (or expand) anything. Originality tends to come through in the editing process, where you can cut out the things that don't match your own vision. Keep in mind that a plot is arguably the most important thing casual fiction has going for it. Even if your writing skills themselves aren't the sharpest, you can still get a reader's attention if you're telling a great story. Begin your action early on. Assume from the start that whoever's reading your fanfic is going to have as much of a knowledge of the source material as you do. Giving them information or description at the start is not going to pull a reader in. Instead, you need to give action that's going to get them interested in reading more. In the case of fanfiction, description is helpful, but there's a tendency to overdo it. Keep your descriptive writing compact and effective. Refer to the source material. If you ever run into writer's block or find your progress slowing down, it does a lot to return to your source material and enjoy it again. While you should be referring to the original if you're trying to stay true to canon, you should still be looking to your source material in the case of major revisions. Good fanfic is fuelled by a love of the source every bit as much as natural creative talent, so making a habit of returning to enjoy the original work is a healthy habit to start. At different stages of your own writing process, you can get a better grasp of how your work matches (or snubs!) the tone of the original by returning to it. Given the thought you'll have been putting into writing your own fanfic, it's quite likely you'll have a more discerning eye for the source material. Stay true to your characters. While settings and story can be changed with more liberty, readers are not going to like it if you are changing the characters themselves. A character is much more than a visual appearance, and while your creative instinct should have the final word in all cases, you may as well have been writing a different name where theirs should go if you're making them do something they wouldn't do from the start. Keep in mind that this is different from consciously trying to rework your characters. One example where radical character changes work is in the case of 'mirror universe' fics. Generally inspired by the Star Trek alternate universe episode, you could write a fanfiction that takes place in a mirror universe, where characters are an evil twin version of their official selves. Adding a beard or goatee to your characters to signify their evilness can be fun, but isn't necessary. Write every day. The creative juices only really get flowing if you're putting yourself into the same project every day. Writing is a sure case of this, as you need to be thinking about what you're writing on a regular basis. Pick a time to write each day, and do your best to match it. It could be during your lunch hour or after work. Making a consistent habit of writing will ensure your story builds up quickly. Before you know it, you'll have a considerable piece of work to call your own. Many writers find listening to music that fits the tone you're going for is a good idea. For instance, if you're writing a Star Wars fanfic, listening to a John Williams score might put you in the right mindset for it. Most fanfics are less than 1000 words long, but it is recommended you try to go for something longer. Longer stories give more opportunity to explore characters, themes and settings. Edit your work. Editing is a necessary part of any kind of writing. If you want your fanfic to be taken seriously, rest assured you'll have to go through this process as well. Read over what you have and see what you can do to improve it. Remove parts of the work that don't matter, and add what you can if you think something needs clarifying. Showing your work to a friend early on can help. You can get his feedback before you invest the time in editing it. It is possible he'll be able to tell you specifically which things could use polishing. Write consistently. Writing fanfic is going to be a learning experience. It's quite likely you'll gain skill over the course of writing it. However, it's important from a reader's standpoint that the work feel relatively consistent, whether in terms of tone or general writing quality. If you think your work has changed considerably over the course of your fanfic, taking some extra time to edit the earlier parts up to par can make all the difference. Post your story on a Fanfiction outlet. Fanfiction has an extensive and devoted fanbase. There are a range of communities you can post your material on. Arguably the best-known and recommended of these is FanFiction.net. The website has an exhaustive list of different categories, genres and crossovers your work may fit into. Make an account and find the matching category for your work's source material. Quotev, Archive of Our Own, and Wattpad are alternatives if you're looking to publish your story in additional places. It is recommended to publish your story on multiple sites if you can, as this will maximize your story's exposure. There are certain websites that specialize in fanfiction from a particular source. If you're looking to read or write fanfic from the Harry Potter universe for example, there is at least one website specifically dedicated to it. Send your work to publishers. As a general rule, fanfiction should not be written with the intent of having it published commercially. Copyright protects unlicensed individuals from taking advantage of a creative property. However, publishers are beginning to warm up to the idea of publishing works of fanfiction. Although your choice of publisher will be limited to the one with the appropriate creative license, getting it accepted by them may actually stand the chance of turning your work into series canon, provided it doesn't conflict with established canon. For fanfiction writers with commercial aspirations, you can remove any trademarked names and ideas in your story and replace them with original content. Some bestselling 'original' fiction, like E.L James' Fifty Shades of Grey and Lois McMaster Bujold's Vorkosigan Saga , began as works of fanfiction. If the book you're writing fanfiction for is common domain, it may be published without any name changes as long as your work is only based on the original works that are common domain. Link up with other fanfic writers. If you're starting to get serious about your creation you can do no better than to talk to other fanfiction aficionados. Sites like FanFiction are perfect for it. Not only will they be able to give you helpful tips and advice on how to improve your craft, they'll also probably help promote your work if they like it enough. As a general rule, if you offer feedback to someone's work, the chances are high you will receive feedback in return. It should go without saying that you'll receive the most helpful feedback from writers that are fans of the same source material you are using. | Choose source material to work from. Read up on the fictional universe. Read some fanfiction. Determine your scope. Imagine "what-if" scenarios for your source material. Consider writing a crossover fanfic. Decide how true to the original you want to be. Write from an outline. Sharpen up the plot. Begin your action early on. Refer to the source material. Stay true to your characters. Write every day. Edit your work. Write consistently. Post your story on a Fanfiction outlet. Send your work to publishers. Link up with other fanfic writers. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Install-Ceiling-Tiles | How to Install Ceiling Tiles | If your ceiling is in good shape, you can install tiles by applying adhesive to them and pressing them against the ceiling, starting in the center of the room and working outward. Alternatively, you can install a drop ceiling by first attaching thin, 1-inch by 3-inch strips of wood at right angles to the room's joists. Then, staple tiles to the wood strips along the edge of the room before you work your way across the whole ceiling. With either method, make sure to measure and cut your tiles to fit around any ceiling fixtures. | Clean the ceiling. If the ceiling isn't very dirty, simply use a broom covered with a tee-shirt to dust away any dirt. If your ceiling is dirty or greasy, use a sponge to scrub one small section at a time using an all-purpose cleaner. It's important to let the ceiling dry thoroughly before applying your tiles. A clean surface will make your tiles stick more effectively. You may have trouble attaching them if the ceiling is dirty or has peeling paint. If your ceiling is very greasy, wash it using a mixture of 1 cup ammonia and half a gallon of water. Measure the square footage of the room. To do this, use measuring tape and record how long the ceiling is. Then measure how wide the ceiling is. Multiply these two numbers to get your square footage. For example, if your ceiling is 12' long and 15' wide, then the square footage is 180. Determine how many tiles you need. You'll need to figure the square footage of each tile. Again, multiply the length times the width to get the tile's measurement. Then divide the square footage of the ceiling by the square footage of one tile. This will tell you how many tiles you'll need. For example, if your tile is 24" long and 24" wide (2' by 2'), then the square footage for the tile is 4 (2 multiplied by 2). If the square footage for your room is 180, divide it by 4. You'll need at least 45 tiles. Always buy 15 percent more tiles than you think you'll need. That way, if you need to cut tiles or make a mistake, you'll have plenty to complete the job. Remove any fixtures or vents. Unscrew any light fixtures, fans, or air vent covers. This will allow you to easily measure tiles and install them without damaging fixtures. You'll probably want to use a flat-head or Phillips screwdriver to remove fixtures. This is also a good time to give fixtures and vents a quick clean. Use chalk lines to find the center of the room. Measure halfway across each wall in opposite directions, using the length and width measurements you made for the ceiling. Have someone hold the chalk line or reel while you walk to the opposite end of the room. Snap the chalk against the ceiling. Rotate 90 degrees and do the same for the two opposite walls. For example, if your room was 12' long and 15' wide, you should measure 6' across the length of the room and 7.5' across the width of the room. When completed, you should have 2 straight lines that cross each other in the center of the room. This will be your starting point for laying tiles. Apply cement or adhesive to your tiles. Use a foam brush or putty knife to spread adhesive on the back of your tiles. Spread adhesive to the four corners of the ceiling tile, about 1 inch (2.54 cm) from the edges and to the center of the tile. Check package instructions to determine the correct adhesive or cement for your tile material. Apply whole tiles to ceiling. Place your first tile in the center of the room, where the two chalk lines meet. Press it firmly against the ceiling, making sure it is level and aligned properly. Continue to place the tiles by working out from the center until you reach the other side of the room. Use the chalk lines as a guide. Cut tiles for fixtures. When you reach a fixture hole, measure the size and shape of the hole and locate where it will be on the ceiling tile you're preparing to place. Use those measurements to draw and cut the hole using a straightedge or scissors. Apply glue and place the tile on the ceiling where the fixture will be. Do a dry run and test your cut before adhering it to the ceiling. Simply hold your cut tile up over the hole, making sure the hole is completely visible. This way you'll be able to easily reinstall the fixture. Measure and cut edge tiles. By the time you've almost completed tiling your ceiling, you may notice that you're near the edges and that the tiles will not entirely fit. You'll need to measure the exact size of tile for the edges. Then use a straight edge to cut the tile, apply glue, and press the edge tile against the ceiling. Repeat this around all the edges. Again, do a dry run and test your cut before adhering it to the ceiling. Simply hold your cut tile up on the ceiling against the edge. It should fit snugly, but not be too tight or difficult to apply. Attach molding to the borders, optional. If you choose to add borders to the edges of the ceiling, use a staple or nail gun and secure the molding to the wall. Fill the holes with wood filler and paint the molding. Molding can make your room look more polished or finished. It can also hide edges of tiles that have been cut. Locate one of the joists. A joist is a length of timber or metal that provides structural support. It's easiest to use a stud finder to locate them in the ceiling. Mark the spot with a nail or chalk mark. You might want to start by checking for joists near lighting fixtures since they're often installed along joists. Find the other joists. Measure 16 inches (40.64 cm) from the first joist and check for the presence of the next one. Joists are usually 16 inches to 24 inches (40.64 to 60.96 cm) apart, so you should find it close to those measurements. Mark a chalk line that shows the joists across the entire ceiling. Install the furring strips. Furring strips are thin 1" by 3" strips of wood that you attach at a right angle to your joists so that they are flush against the wall. You simply staple a nail into the strip. Use a level and make sure that the furring strip is level. If not, add a shim underneath to make it level. Make sure that your furring strips are at even intervals and that they fall through the center of your tiles. You may want to hold up tiles for reference as you install the furring strips. Apply the first tile in the corner. Snap a chalk line down the center of the first strip closest to the wall. Align the corner tile with the line and the wall, then staple it to the furring strip, using at least 2 staples along the sides and 1 in each corner. Continue placing edge tiles. Staple the tiles across the ceiling.Once you've stapled the edge tiles, work your way across the ceiling filling in with whole tiles. You may need to use a straight edge to cut a tile to fit around a fixture. When you reach a fixture hole, measure the size and shape of the hole and locate where it will be on the ceiling tile you're preparing to place. Use those measurements to draw and cut the hole. Attach molding to the borders, optional. If you choose to add borders to the edges of the ceiling, use a staple or nail gun and secure the molding to the wall. Fill the holes with wood filler and paint the molding. Molding can make your room look more polished or finished. It can also hide edges of tiles that have been cut. | Clean the ceiling. Measure the square footage of the room. Determine how many tiles you need. Remove any fixtures or vents. Use chalk lines to find the center of the room. Apply cement or adhesive to your tiles. Apply whole tiles to ceiling. Cut tiles for fixtures. Measure and cut edge tiles. Attach molding to the borders, optional. Locate one of the joists. Find the other joists. Install the furring strips. Apply the first tile in the corner. Staple the tiles across the ceiling.Once you've stapled the edge tiles, work your way across the ceiling filling in with whole tiles. Attach molding to the borders, optional. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-an-English-Leather-Saddle | How to Clean an English Leather Saddle | To clean an English leather saddle, first use a dry cloth to remove any loose dirt and dust before wetting it. Next, rub your saddle vigorously in small circular motions with a warm, soapy sponge. Then, rinse your saddle with a clean, damp sponge or towel until all the soap is gone. Now, wipe away an excess water with a dry towel and allow your saddle to dry naturally. Finally, use a soft towel to apply a light layer of leather conditioner or oil over the whole saddle. | Stabilize your saddle. Put your saddle on a sawhorse, saddle rack, or something similar to hold it up while you clean it. This keeps your saddle stable and easy to adjust while you clean. Once your saddle is stable, remove any add-ons such as stirrups. These should be cleaned separately. Dust your saddle. Getting loose dirt off before wetting your saddle makes the rest of the cleaning faster and easier. Use a dry cloth to remove any loose dirt and dust before wetting your saddle. Avoid grinding dirt into the saddle while dusting. Use a gentle hand to swipe over the surface of the saddle. Be sure to use a clean cloth or soft-bristled saddle brush with nothing on it. Prepare a lather. Dip a double-sided kitchen sponge into a bucket of warm water. Gently wring it out and lather it up with saddle soap. Be sure the sponge is damp enough to create your lather, but not dripping wet. Excess water may cause the leather to dry slowly and could lead to warping or distortion. You can also use a loofah glove to apply and lather the saddle soap. Loofah gloves make cleaning stirrups and reins easier. Soap your saddle. Place the soaped sponge on the saddle and rub vigorously in small circular motions. Cover the entire smooth leather surface of the saddle, including the underside and beneath flaps. Avoid suede, specialty leathers, or rough areas of the saddle. Rinse out your sponge and re-lather it with soap any time the sponge starts to dry or becomes too dirty. Rinse the saddle. Use a clean, damp sponge or a damp towel to wipe off any excess soap. Rinse the sponge or towel and repeat until all soap residue is gone. Pay close attention to folds and seams on your saddle. Use a toothbrush or cotton swab to remove soap residue from tight areas. Dry your saddle. Use a dry towel to wipe away any excess water. Then, allow your saddle to dry naturally before conditioning. Keep your saddle out of direct sunlight while it drys, and do not apply any direct heat such as a blow dryer. Let your saddle dry most of the way before conditioning, but try to condition before it is completely dry. You do not want your saddle to feel moist when you condition, but it should still be cool to the touch. Condition the smooth leather. Use a soft towel to apply a light layer of conditioner or oil over the entirety of the saddle. Allow the conditioner to absorb into the saddle for one hour. Use a purpose-made leather conditioning cream or neatsfoot oil to condition the saddle. Avoid products that are petroleum-based, as they could dry out the leather. Re-apply oil or cream to your towel as necessary to ensure even coverage. Uneven coverage may cause discoloration. Condition any rawhide areas. If your saddle has any rawhide elements, condition them separately. Use a conditioning cream meant especially for rawhide. If you are unsure of what conditioner to use on each part of your saddle, it's best to ask someone at your barn or the tack store. Using the wrong conditioner can cause your saddle to dry out or become deteriorated, distorted, or discolored. Remove excess conditioner. Use a soft, dry towel to remove any excess oil or cream. Then, buff your saddle with a smooth cloth to give it a nice finish. Once your saddle has been buffed, it is clean and ready for use. Decide if it is time to clean your saddle. How often you need to clean your saddle will depend on how often you ride, as well as the type of riding you do. Make sure your saddle is getting cleaned regularly, but not so much that it dries out or damages the leather. If you ride daily, you may need to clean your saddle every two to three months. If you ride once a week or less, your saddle may only require cleaning twice a year. If you ride in environments where the saddle is frequently exposed to dirt, mud, salt, or sweat, you will want to clean your saddle whenever it gets noticeably dirty or starts to feel brittle. If you are about to store your saddle for a long stretch, such as a full season, clean and condition it before you store. Check with the manufacturer. Every leather is a little different, and saddles differ from maker to maker. That is why it is a good idea to check with your saddle's manufacturer to see what they recommend for your particular saddle. Check any printed materials that your manufacturer may have provided to look for recommended products, as well as products that might damage the leather. If you are unsure about a product, call the manufacturer directly to ask, “Will this damage your leather saddles?” Gather your supplies. Your saddle should be conditioned soon after it is cleaned. Make sure you have everything you need to fully clean and moisturize your saddle. You will need: A bucket of water Towels Sponges A bristle brush Saddle soap Leather Cleaner Leather conditioner or neatsfoot oil | Stabilize your saddle. Dust your saddle. Prepare a lather. Soap your saddle. Rinse the saddle. Dry your saddle. Condition the smooth leather. Condition any rawhide areas. Remove excess conditioner. Decide if it is time to clean your saddle. Check with the manufacturer. Gather your supplies. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Short-Film | How to Make a Short Film | To make a short film, start by writing a script that's around 7-8 pages long, which will take up about 10 minutes of screen time. Then, draw a storyboard for your film, which is a series of pictures that outline what will happen in each scene. Once you've got a script and storyboard, ask some of your friends if they want to star in your movie and scout for locations to shoot in, like your house, your backyard, or a local park. If you're on a budget, try filming your movie using the camera on your phone and a tripod. | Think of an idea for a short film. Think of a short story that you want to tell in under 10 minutes. Focus on one core idea so that the short story isn't overly complicated. Consider what kind of tone you want for the film and whether it will be a horror, drama, or experimental movie. Think of an interesting event in your own life and use it for inspiration for your script. Consider the scope of the story and whether you can convey the story on the budget that you have. Write a short script. If you are an aspiring screenwriter, you can write your own script. Short films should have a beginning, middle, and end. A ten-minute film will only be about 7-8 pages long. If you don't have a lot of money to work with, you don't want to write a script that includes explosions or expensive digital effects. As you write, think about your potential audience and viewers. You should aim to satisfy them and give them what they need to understand your idea and the story you're telling. Search for scripts online. If you don't want to write your own script, you can search online for scripts that other people have already written. If you plan on shooting your short film to make a profit, make sure to reach out to the screenwriter to get their permission to use it. Some screenwriters will sell you their script for a fee. Draw a storyboard. A storyboard is a series of pictures that outline what will happen in each scene. These pictures don't need to be detailed or artistic, but clear enough so that you get a good idea of what each scene will look like and what will happen in it. Creating a storyboard before you start filming will also help you stay on task during the shoot and will save time from having to think of things on the fly. If you aren't artistic, you can use stick figures to represent the actors and simple shapes to represent the elements in the scene. Scout for locations. Find locations to match the script. Ask small businesses and shops if you can use their locations for a short film. If the film takes place indoors, you may be able to use your own apartment or house. If the shoot is happening outdoors, find a safe and legal place to film. Getting permits to shoot on private or public property can sometimes be very expensive. Get actors for the movie. If you have a budget to hire professional actors, you can put out a casting call for the script and then hold auditions for the movie. If you're just trying to create your own personal short film, asking family and friends to act in the film is an easy and affordable way to get a cast for your movie. Look for actors that can embody the role in the script. Have them read lines to you to see if you think they would be a good fit for the part. Recruit a crew. A crew will help you on the various aspects of shooting a short film like cinematography, production, lighting, editing, and sound. Depending on your budget, you may be able to hire professionals or you may have fill some of the roles yourself. If you don't have a budget, ask friends who are interested in filmmaking if they would be interested in working on the movie for free. Purchase or rent filming equipment. To shoot a short film, you'll need a camera, lights, and something to record audio. Select filming equipment that meets your needs and your budget. If you're on a small budget, you can usually find a digital camera for under $100 or you can even use the camera on your phone. If you have a larger budget, you can opt to get a more expensive DSLR camera, which can cost thousands of dollars. If you want to take steady shots, you should purchase a tripod. If you're shooting during the day, you can try to use sunlight for your lighting source. If shooting inside, you'll need to get light clamps and flood lights. For sound, you can get a more expensive boom mic or you can opt for cheaper external audio recorders or small wireless mics. The external mics on many cameras aren't great for picking up actor's dialogue. Rehearse the scene. Once the actors get onto the set, have them go through a basic reading of the script. Then, have the actors act out the scene. As they go through the scene, tell the actors what you want them to do, how to interact with the environment, and let them know of any modifications that you want to see in their acting. This process is known as "blocking the scene." The read through of the script can be done anywhere, but you should try to do the blocking on set. Dress the actors in their costumes. If the role requires a certain type of clothing or makeup, you'll want to make sure that your actors are in character before you start shooting. After you rehearse the scene, give your actors the clothes or costumes that they need to wear. If the actors have to wear a cultural or religious piece, such as a hijab or yarmulke, be sure to study it. Don't just throw the piece on; be as accurate as possible. If you are on a tight budget, you can have the actors provide outfits from their own wardrobe, but make sure that what they find meets your vision. Film the scenes in the movie. The storyboard that you created earlier will give you a shot list. Work around actor's schedules and take advantage of days when your filming location is free for filming. If you have access to a certain location, try to film as many scenes as you can while you're there. This will save you time and prevent you from having to revisit shoot locations. You don't need to shoot the movie in chronological order. You can shoot whatever scenes are the easiest to do, then order them during post-production. Plan ahead for outdoor scenes, especially if you have specific weather in mind, such as a gloomy, rainy day or a bright, sunny afternoon. Focus on visuals. Because your film is short, the narrative will sometimes matter less than the visuals that you are showing the audience. Choose locations that are visually impressive and make sure that the lighting complements the overall scene. Make sure that the frame is in focus and that there's nothing obstructing or interfering with the shot. Thank your cast and crew once shooting has finished. Once you've filmed all of the scenes in your storyboard, you can send the film to post-production for editing. Thank everyone who worked on the film and let them know that you'll contact them once the film is finished. You can thank everyone as one big group, or you can do it in smaller groups, such as: actors, crew, costume and set designers, etc. If someone is unavailable that day, be sure to thank them personally, either face-to-face or by phone. If you encountered any difficulties, such as unexpected weather changes or taking longer than expected, you could thank them with a pizza party later on. Upload the film to movie editing software. Upload the video files into video editing software. Organize each of the scenes into bins or folders so that you have access to the video files quickly. This will help keep you organized while you work. Once the files are transferred and organized, you can start cutting them up and editing them. Examples of video editing software includes: Avid, Final Cut Pro, and Windows Movie Maker. Choose a program that is easy for you to use and that can perform the exact sort of editing that you need. Do a rough cut of the scenes. Start putting the shots in chronological order. Review them as you go along and check for continuity and flow. During the rough cut, you'll want to make sure that the story makes sense. Make note of any areas that don't flow as you watch the film. You can then reorganize it later. In some cases, you may have to re-shoot a scene. Add audio. Add the audio tracks of the actor's dialogue and match it up with the video. You'll also want to take this time to add any music or sound effects that you want in the movie. Keeping the audio tracks and sound effects separate from the video is important. This will allow you to adjust things like volume without affecting the video. Keep the background music and sounds at a lower volume when people are talking. If they are too loud, you won't hear the actors. Analyze and tighten up the scenes. Once you have a decent cut of the film, review it with the producer and other editors. Take people's feedback and criticism and then go back and re-edit the film. Concentrate on flow and pacing during the second edit. Implement editing techniques like fades to transition scenes. If a scene feels like it's staggering or sluggish, you can tighten up the dialogue by adding cuts in between actor dialogue. Review the film and create a final cut. After you've tightened up the movie, review the movie one last time with the producers, editors, and directors. Get final input on any details that need to be added or altered or issues that may have occurred during editing. Once all of the people producing the film agree on the final product, you can start showing your short film to people. | Think of an idea for a short film. Write a short script. Search for scripts online. Draw a storyboard. Scout for locations. Get actors for the movie. Recruit a crew. Purchase or rent filming equipment. Rehearse the scene. Dress the actors in their costumes. Film the scenes in the movie. Focus on visuals. Thank your cast and crew once shooting has finished. Upload the film to movie editing software. Do a rough cut of the scenes. Add audio. Analyze and tighten up the scenes. Review the film and create a final cut. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Bid-on-Government-Contracts | How to Bid on Government Contracts | To bid on government contracts, start by searching the Federal Business Opportunities website for contracting opportunities. Next, choose small contracts to apply for that you are confident your business can fulfill. Then, create a profile for your business in the System for Award Management database. Finally, draft a one-page compatibility statement that provides an overview of your business and submit any documents required to start the bid. | Search the Federal Business Opportunities website (FBO). Go to https://beta.sam.gov/. Federal agencies use the site to list their contracting opportunities. All federal solicitations worth at least $25,000 are published on this website. Be careful of private websites that charge money to access their listings. Carefully review what is being offered before you sign up. Get on a GSA Schedule. The General Services Administration (GSA) negotiates price and terms with vendors, and then federal agencies can purchase products or services as needed. Some schedules are set aside for small businesses, so you can try to get onto them. Visit the Vendor Toolbox for more information about getting on a GSA Schedule: https://vsc.gsa.gov/RA/toolBox.cfm. Search for subcontracting jobs. Many contractors hire other businesses as subcontractors. By working as a subcontractor, you'll gain experience working on government contracts and building your reputation. Search for subcontracting opportunities at the SUB-Net website: http://web.sba.gov/subnet/search/dsp_search_option.cfm. You can begin searching for subcontracting jobs as soon as you open your business. Work with a bid-matching service. Your local Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) should offer bid-matching. Through their database, PTACs can find federal, state, and local solicitations. Depending on your office, bid matching might be free, or you might need to pay a fee. Find your nearest PTAC at http://www.aptac-us.org/. Assess whether your company is a good fit. You shouldn't rush to apply for all contracts, hoping to land something. Instead, only apply for those contracts which your business can fulfill. If you are awarded a contract and fail, you probably won't get another chance. Ideally, you should start small. The government will assess your past performance on contracts, so make sure you choose something manageable at first. For example, you can bid on projects worth $3,000 or less. Create a System for Award Management (SAM) profile. SAM is the primary database for vendors doing business with the U.S. federal government. You'll need to upload your tax identification number, D-U-N-S number, and other information. Obtain your D-U-N-S number for free at https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/pages/CCRSearch.jsp. Remember to update your profile every 12 months, otherwise it will become inactive. Draft your capability statement. This one-page statement provides an overview of your business, as well as your past performance. You'll include this in your SAM profile. A sample is available at https://www.hhs.gov/grants/contracts/get-ready-to-do-business/sample-capability-statement/index.html. Your capability statement should include the following: Company information, such as name, contact information, and website. A brief narrative of your business history and your products or services. Short biographies of key employees. Any certifications or clearances. Your D-U-N-S number. A list of your business suppliers, dealers, and distributors. A list of three years of past performance. A list of clients. Identify the type of bid solicitation. When the government wants services, they put together a solicitation, called a bid package. You should identify the different types of solicitations so that you can make sure your bid is responsive. Generally, there are four types: Request for Quotation (RFQ). When contracts are worth less than $150,000, the government will typically request information and a quote. Your response is not considered an actual offer. Request for Proposal (RFP). You will be told what the government needs and what information you should include in your proposal. An RFP ultimately ends in a contract. Invitation for Bid (IFB). An IFB is also called a “sealed bid solicitation.” You submit an IFB without much discussion with the government office. Price is usually the most important factor in awarding the contract. Request for Information (RFI). The government might reach out to you directly. In this situation, the RFI is used to determine whether you are interested in a particular contract. Read what you are required to submit. The solicitation should tell you what information to include in your bid and the date for responding. Read the entire solicitation, including any attachments or schedules. The solicitation should contain all of the information that you need. If you have questions, contact the contracting officer for more information. Research past bids. You'll want to submit a competitive bid, so you need some idea of prior winning bids. The website USASpending.gov has a searchable database which will tell you the name of the business earning a contract and the amount of the contract. You can also find bid information at the FBO website. Respond to each requirement in the bid. There is no “one size fits all” bid. Instead, read the solicitation and provide all information requested. If you don't, then your bid will be tossed aside without further consideration. The solicitation should tell you where to submit your bid and the deadline. Follow the instructions so that your bid will be considered. Spend ample time creating reasonable price estimates. Draw on as much information as possible to come up with a pricing strategy that is attractive to the government but that still allows you to cover costs and make a profit. Consider past winning bids, as well as market research on what are market rates. Ask for a debriefing if you are rejected. Don't be surprised if you don't win your first bid. On average, it can take about two years before you win your first contract. Ask the government agency to go over what you did wrong and how you can improve in the future. Only request debriefing if you are really serious about becoming a government contractor. A debriefing session is not the time to get defensive or to challenge the government on why they rejected you. If you think you might get defensive, you should skip the debriefing process altogether. | Search the Federal Business Opportunities website (FBO). Get on a GSA Schedule. Search for subcontracting jobs. Work with a bid-matching service. Assess whether your company is a good fit. Create a System for Award Management (SAM) profile. Draft your capability statement. Identify the type of bid solicitation. Read what you are required to submit. Research past bids. Respond to each requirement in the bid. Spend ample time creating reasonable price estimates. Ask for a debriefing if you are rejected. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Improve-Your-Reflexes | How to Improve Your Reflexes | To improve your reflexes, start by tossing a rubber bouncy ball against a wall and practice catching it as it bounces back in your direction. You can also play a sport that requires quick reaction times, such as ping pong or racquetball, or you can run nature trails where your body has to quickly adjust to uneven terrains. Alternatively, try playing video games to develop faster hand-eye coordination. Additionally, make sure you get at least 7 hours of sleep each night so that your body is well-rested and alert. | Practice catching a rubber bouncy ball or a “reaction ball. ” Reaction balls are 6-sided rubber balls that bounce at unpredictable angles. They may be purchased at most sporting goods stores. Take one of these, or a simple quarter-machine bouncy ball, and toss it against an outdoor wall. Play jacks. For the days when you're feeling more low-key, grab a set of jacks. This classic children's game comes with a small ball and 12 metal pieces. Start by lightly bouncing the ball and picking up as many jacks as possible. As you get better at the game, challenge yourself by bouncing the ball with greater speed. You may also spread the jacks farther apart to increase the game's difficulty. Play dodgeball with a partner. For this exercise, you need a large rubber or foam ball and a friend. Stand in front of a wall, either in a gym or outside in front of a building. Have your partner pitch the ball at you from about 10 feet (3.0 m) away while you practice dodging it. As you get better at dodging the ball, ask your partner to throw it faster and from a closer distance. To make this exercise more difficult, recruit a second pitcher to throw another ball quickly after you have dodged the first one. Ask the pitchers to increase unpredictability by faking throws, throwing from different angles, and so on. Playing dodgeball as a team sport is also a great way to improve your reflexes. Practice fielding balls and kicking those that are pitched to you. Try table tennis. Table tennis, or ping pong, is a great sport to help you improve your reflexes and hand-eye coordination. You can find tables or tabletop setups relatively affordably online or at many sporting goods stores. Alternatively, you can join a local table tennis group or club, which will allow you to face off with different partners and take on greater challenges as you work to improve your reflexes. Pick a sport to practice regularly. Many sports, including hockey, tennis, badminton, racquetball, and lacrosse, are great activities to help you build your reflexes. Look for an athletic activity where you have to manipulate an object, such as a ball, using a tool, such as a racket or stick. These sports generally require quick reactions, and can help you build both reflexes and situational awareness. Run a nature trail. Since it requires no special equipment or exercise partners, running in the woods may be the easiest way to begin improving your reflexes. Simply find the closest nature trail—preferably one with varied terrain, rather than a wide, flat path—and start running. The uneven footing and unpredictable roots and rocks you'll dodge will create a variety of stimuli to which your body will have to quickly react. The more often you hit the trail, the quicker your reflexes will get. Begin by running at a slow speed. As you feel your reflexes improve over time, push yourself to run faster. Nature trails have a generally higher risk of injury, so it's important to start slow. Mix things up by choosing a different trail whenever possible. If you get too used to one particular trail, your brain will remember obstacles, and you won't be improving your reflexes. Run the same trail in the other direction if you don't live close to many nature trails. Try slow sparring to improve your fighting reflexes. If you play combat sports, like boxing or karate, then slow sparring can be a great way to develop the muscle memory you need to perform your moves faster. Start by practicing your moves with a partner in a slow and deliberate way. As they start to become more automatic, you can gradually speed up. Whether you're sparring in slow motion or at full speed, staying relaxed is key. Before you start a sparring match, take some time to meditate or do deep breathing exercises to help you unwind and stay focused. Improve your peripheral vision. Having a quick reaction time is dependent on being keenly aware of what's coming. You can strengthen your ability to perceive obstacles and flying objects by paying more attention to your peripheral vision during everyday activities. Look out a window that has a good view and focus your vision on a distant object. Keep looking at this object while you slowly let yourself become more aware of the objects that surround it on either side. Do this exercise once a day, widening your field of vision a little more each time. Gradually, you'll get in the habit of noticing more objects in your peripheral vision. Check out the video below for martial arts techniques used to improve peripheral vision. Play video games. Playing video games well requires good hand-eye coordination. You must be able to move from thought to action without pause, or you'll quickly lose the game. Studies show that playing video games for a few minutes each day can help improve reflexes. First person shooters and role-playing games often require the most coordination, but any video game will do the trick. Try hypnosis. Some people have found that a hypnosis technique called neuro-linguistic programming helps increase their awareness of a particular object, giving them the sensation that time has slowed down and they have more than enough time to react. Picture a sports movie that shows a quarterback watching a football arc toward him in slow motion. The football is not actually moving more slowly, of course, but according to its practitioners, neuro-linguistic programming can make it seem that way. Practice mindfulness. Cultivate mindfulness through regular meditation or by focusing on the present moment. Clear your head and try to focus all of your attention on what is happening directly around you. Dismiss thoughts of the past or future and instead focus directly on the sights, sounds, and sensations in the current moment. Eat nutritious food. Keeping your body and brain in optimal shape is imperative if you want quick reflexes. Foods high in refined sugars and trans fats can make you feel sluggish. Make sure you are getting enough protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Whole foods like nuts, fish, berries, greens, and garlic increase cognitive function. Make sure to drink plenty of water as well, since dehydration can also lead to lethargy and decreased reflex times. Get plenty of sleep. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), sleep helps you have quicker reflexes and perform on a higher level than you otherwise would. Both your body and brain slow down when you're sleepy, resulting in impaired reflex reactions. Your reflexes will be quickest when you're well-rested after 7 to 9 hours of sleep. A good night's sleep is made up of 4 or 5 sleep cycles, each of which consist of a period of deep sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. This adds up to 7 to 9 hours per night. If you didn't sleep well the night before an important race or game, taking a nap a few hours before the event will help you be more alert when it's time to perform. Consider supplements. Certain nutritional supplements are said to lead to improved reflexes. Ginseng, gingko, vitamin B12, vitamin C, and omega 3 fatty acids have all been cited as dietary supplements that may be worth taking for better cognitive function and reaction times. | Practice catching a rubber bouncy ball or a “reaction ball. Play jacks. Play dodgeball with a partner. Try table tennis. Pick a sport to practice regularly. Run a nature trail. Try slow sparring to improve your fighting reflexes. Improve your peripheral vision. Play video games. Try hypnosis. Practice mindfulness. Eat nutritious food. Get plenty of sleep. Consider supplements. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-Your-Parents-You-Are-Becoming-a-Satanist | How to Tell Your Parents You Are Becoming a Satanist | To tell your parents you're becoming a Satanist, first explain that Satanism is not devil worship, and uses Satan as a metaphor for embracing earthly pleasures and a lack of cosmic meaning. Highlight the positive aspects of Satanism, like its emphasis on personal accountability. You may also want to mention how most Satanists would consider themselves closer to atheists, which they may find more understandable and is less likely to offend religious parents. When you're ready, choose a time and place where you and your parents won't be distracted. | Weigh the risks of telling your parents about Satanism. It may not be the best idea to tell your parents about becoming a Satanist. If you still live at home, and your parents are strict or very religious, it may be a good idea to wait. Try to consider how your parents may react, and whether or not the conversation needs to happen now. Honesty is generally good for most relationships. It can create less tension and promote an open dialogue between you and your parents. If you and your parents have a generally open relationship, it may not be a problem to tell them you're becoming a Satanist. However, in the case of religious differences, being honest may create unnecessary strife. Consider how strict your parents are regarding religion specifically. If you're still living at home, and your parents are very stringent in their beliefs, coming out as a Satanist can create a tense home environment. In some cases, your parents may even kick you out if they find out you're a Satanist. You may want to wait until you've moved out to talk to your parents and practice in private until then. Accept that you'll be anxious. It is very normal to experience feelings of anxiety and apprehension when having any difficult conversation. You will probably go into the conversation with a sense of unease. Instead of pushing such feelings away, allow yourself to experience them. If you accept anxiety ahead of time, you will be better emotionally prepared for the conversation itself. Try to engage in relaxing exercises. Practice deep breathing or do some yoga stretches. Go for a long walk to clear your mind. Reframe how you're thinking about the conversation. Instead of focusing on the potential fall out, try to see things from a more positive perspective. Think of this as you being open with your parents. Consider the benefits of having an open dialogue in your home. Try to look at the conversation as an exciting challenge rather than a burden. Plan what you want to say ahead of time. Telling your parents about becoming a Satanist can be difficult. There are many misconceptions about what Satanism is, and many people assume Satanists worship the devil or engage in witchcraft. In order to help you stay on track during the conversation, plan ahead. Think about what you want to say before beginning the talk. Prepare a few phrases explaining Satanism, as well as the factors that inspired you to convert. You may want to jot your thoughts down and then look through these notes. Try to find the best way to phrase your feelings. Avoid over planning, however. Allow for some flexibility. If you plan a speech too specifically, you risk going into the conversation with stringent expectations of how it will unfold. You need to be prepared to let the conversation happen naturally. Find the right time and place to talk. Where and when you talk can be as important as the conversation itself. You want to find a time where both you and your parents are free. Plan to talk in a space without outside distractions. As difficult conversations occasionally run over, choose a time where both you and your parents are free. Choose an early weekday evening, for example, where neither you nor your parents have plans or obligations. Choose the right place to talk. As the conversation may be heated, a neutral setting may be a good idea. You can go to a quiet coffee shop, for example. Avoid outside distractions. Leave your phone powered off or on silent during the conversation. Consider your family's religious beliefs. Going into the conversation, think about your family's belief system. This can help you gauge and prepare for the potential reaction. If your parents are very Christian or otherwise religious, they may have preconceived notions about Satanism. However, if your parents are generally non-judgmental about their beliefs, the conversation may run smoothly. Do not assume parents who are irreligious, atheist, or agnostic will not be wary of Satanism. Due to the many misconceptions about the belief system, they may have reservations as well. This is why it's a good idea to prepare ahead of time to make sure you know how to explain Satanism effectively. Even if your parents are not angry, some parents may not take Satanism seriously. Nonreligious parents especially may be more inclined to think of Satanism as a trend or fad than a legitimate belief system. With calm conversation, you may eventually get them to better understand your beliefs. It's a good idea to be prepared for laughter or mockery on behalf of your parents. If you see this coming, you'll be able to better handle your emotional reaction when it occurs. Explain the difference between Satanism and devil worship. When your parents hear the word "Satanist," they may immediately assume Satanism is on par with devil worship. Calmly explain to your parents that most Satanists do not believe in supernatural deities, and the concept of Satan is mostly metaphorical. This may ease a lot of your parents' concerns. Explain that Satanists believe fantasies are important to experiencing and making sense of the human condition. Symbolism and metaphor allow people to build meaning. To Satanists, Satan represents embracing worldly pleasures over supernatural deities and abstract beliefs. It also signifies an acceptance that there is little inherent meaning in the universe. It can be helpful to tell your parents many Satanists feel they are essentially atheists in many respects. The meaning of the term atheism is more readily understood, and may be helpful to use when explaining Satanism to your parents. Explain Satanists do not literally attempt to raise the devil, and any connection felt with Satan is an extension of the self. Satan is more of an alter-ego for Satanists than a literal entity that is worshipped. Outline the belief system behind Satanism. Many people are surprised to find Satanists do not, by nature, believe in evil or cruelty. Satanism is more of a call for rationality and personal accountability than a tendency towards negativity. Tell your parents about some of the belief systems behind Satanism to help them see its positive aspects. Explain that satanists believe in personal accountability over adherence to strict religious doctrine. Tell your parents the identification with Satan is metaphorical and marks a rejection of traditional beliefs. Satanists believe in questioning all teachings and taking responsibility for their own decisions. Reassure your parents satanists generally believe in doing good in the world and towards others. However, Satanists believe goodness is a choice. They believe the universe is neither good nor bad, but indifferent. They also reject the idea of a soul or a spiritual side. Satanists identify as completely carnal in nature. Due to the emphasis on independent thought, Satanists believe many different things and choose the path of Satanism for different reasons. Tell your parents about your personal beliefs regarding Satanism, and the reason you're becoming a Satanist. Listen as much as you talk. The conversation may get heated, especially if your parents are opposed to you becoming a Satanist. While it can be frustrated to feel your beliefs are being attacked, try to listen. Make a conscious effort to listen at least as much as you talk during your conversation. Allow your parents to vent their frustrations or concerns. While you may not agree, remember the point is to understand. The more your understand your parents' perspective, the better chance you have of addressing their concerns and explaining your side. Use "I"-statements. "I"-statements are statements phrased in a way that allow you to take accountability for your feelings. Instead of forcing objective judgment on a situation, you're expressing how another person's actions made you feel. Using "I"-statements can be helpful as they reduce feelings of hostility and blame. An "I"-statement has three parts. It begins with "I feel...", after which you immediately state your emotion. From there, you would state the behavior that caused that emotion. Lastly, you explain why you feel the way you do. For example, say you become frustrated during the conversation at one point. You may be tempted to say, "You guys are really judging me and pushing your belief systems on me without listening to my side." This statement comes off as both hostile and judgmental and will likely do very little to help resolve the situation. You can easily rephrase the above sentiment using an "I"-statement. Say something like, "I feel judged when you keep bringing up your own religion without letting me talk because this makes me feel like you're not listening to my side." Respond respectfully to resistance. You will likely get some resistance during the conversation. Your parents may disagree with your beliefs or fail to understand them fully. Try to stay patient and meet resistance respectfully. Reassure your parents you do respect their beliefs. If they raised you in a certain religious background, they may feel rejected by you choosing Satanism. Tell your parents you appreciate them exposing you to their faith, even if you no longer follow it. If you have any reading materials on Satanism, recommend them to your parents. Allow them to explore the belief system on their own time. They may come around eventually. Express what you want from the conversation. You should make it clear, at some point in the conversation, what you hope to gain. Consider what you really want from the conversation, and think of concrete ways to move forward. Tell your parents what you want. Maybe you just want them to respect your wishes. However, you may want active support and investment. You may want your parents to learn about Satanism, and encourage your interests. Be clear about how you want to move forward. You can say something like, "I hope you better understand me from this conversation. Moving forward, I hope you can accept my beliefs and not try to change me." You may have to compromise. Your parents may, for example, agree to avoid trying to change your mind. However, they may be wary to openly support or encourage your beliefs. While this can be disheartening, remember feelings change with time. If you did not get the perfect response this time around, you may get a better response in the future. Establish boundaries. After you've had the talk, you'll need think about what boundaries you want between you and your parents. Think about how and when religion will be a topic for you and your parents. When it comes to religion, should the topic be strictly off the table at family events? Would you rather be able to share your religious experiences with one another openly? Are you okay with your parents asking you questions about your beliefs, as long as they do so in a respectful manner? Set clear boundaries regarding how faith with be discussed and approached between you and your parents. Strive for mutual respect. Mutual respect is very important when it comes to religion and personal belief. It may take awhile to figure out how to navigate your differences. Find concrete ways you and your parents can respect one another. For example, you could agree to attend church on special occasions, like religious holidays, as it's important to your parents to go as a family. In turn, your parents could agree to not push you to attend church each Sunday. Stand by your beliefs. You may face some resistance becoming a Satanist. If the belief system is important to you, do not compromise. You are entitled to have your own beliefs and opinions, regardless of your parents wishes. If your parents try to change your mind, respectfully tell them you've made your decision. Search for common ground. When it comes to navigating religious differences, finding common ground can be very helpful. Have your parents make a list of their religion's belief systems. Make a list of your beliefs as a Satanist. Compare notes. You may be surprised what you find in common. After examining the list, approach your parents and tell them you want to find common ground. You could say something like, "As Catholics, you and dad believe in the Golden Rule. Satanists also believe in that rule. The only difference is, we believe in doing it for ourselves rather than a higher power. However, it's fundamentally the same thing." Your parents may be comforted to find how much Satanism has in common with other religious beliefs. This may help smooth over misconceptions and allow your parents to accept you for who you are. | Weigh the risks of telling your parents about Satanism. Accept that you'll be anxious. Plan what you want to say ahead of time. Find the right time and place to talk. Consider your family's religious beliefs. Explain the difference between Satanism and devil worship. Outline the belief system behind Satanism. Listen as much as you talk. Use "I"-statements. Respond respectfully to resistance. Express what you want from the conversation. Establish boundaries. Strive for mutual respect. Stand by your beliefs. Search for common ground. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Pack-Art-for-Moving | How to Pack Art for Moving | To pack a canvas painting, cover a solid, cushioned surface with a sheet of glassine paper, then set your painting face-down on the glassine. Pull the sheet up over the edges of the painting and tape it to the rear frame. Then, lay down a sheet of bubble wrap, set the painting on top of it, and secure the bubble wrap to the painting with masking tape. To ship, simply slip the painting into a cardboard shipping crate lined with bubble wrap and cover the sides with masking tape. | Find a solid surface. If you're packing a small painting, look for a firm, clean table. If you're packing a large painting, you may need to use the floor. For extra protection, cover the surface with a sheet of thin foam or a blanket. Cover the floor or table with a sheet of glassine. Purchase a roll of glassine paper from a craft or office supply store. Using a tape measure, pull out a sheet of glassine long enough to cover one side of your painting plus its edges and rear frame. Cut the paper off the roll and place it on the table. Your glassine should go on top of any foam or cloth coverings you used. If your painting is larger than the glassine sheet, tape multiple sheets together using artist tape. When you set it on the table, make sure the sticky side of the tape faces down. Set your painting face down and tape the glassine to it. Place your painting face down in the center of the glassine, being careful not to rip the paper. Pull your glassine up over the edges of the painting and tape it to the rear frame with artist tape. To avoid damaging the painting, use as little tape as possible. Glassine will keep dust, grease, and water away from your painting. Cover the surface with bubble wrap. Remove your painting and lay down a sheet of bubble wrap. Make sure the sheet is large enough to cover both sides of the art piece while leaving at least 2 inches (5.1 cm) of bubble wrap on each side. Then, place the painting face-down on top of the bubble wrap. Wrap your painting with bubble wrap. Pull your bubble wrap over the painting until everything is covered. Make sure the wrap is tight, leaving no air pockets between the art piece and protective material. Fold the open ends over the back of the painting, then tape the bubble wrap shut with packing tape. For extra protection, wrap your painting with multiple layers of bubble wrap. Put your painting in a packing crate lined with bubble wrap. Purchase a packing crate from an office supply or craft store. If possible, purchase a thin box that is close to the same size as your painting. Slip your painting inside the crate, then stuff it with bubble wrap until every empty space has been filled. This will prevent your painting from moving around during transit. If you're packing multiple paintings together, separate them with a thin amount of cardboard. Do not stuff your box with loose materials like packing peanuts or flimsy materials like newspaper, as they will not adequately protect your painting. Tape every side of the box shut. With your painting inside, close up your box and cover each seam with masking tape. Then, cover all four sides of your box with masking tape, leaving no spot uncovered. This will reinforce the box and keep your painting from falling out. Cover the frame glass with artist tape. No matter how well you pack it, the glass covering your artwork may break during transit. As a precaution, place 2 strips of wide artist tape over the glass, stretching diagonally from corner to corner to create an X. Then, place 2 more strips over the glass in the shape of a plus sign. If the glass breaks, the tape will keep it from falling into your artwork and scratching or tearing it. Wrap the framed artwork in brown paper. Lay a sheet of brown paper down on a flat, smooth surface, then lay your artwork face down on top of it. Pull the ends of the paper over your item and tape them together with painter tape. Fold in the open ends of the paper, then pull them over the back of the art piece and tape them down. When you're finished, your package should look like a birthday present. Place cardboard corners over your package. Purchase cardboard corner protectors from a shipping or craft supply store. If necessary, fold or build your corners by following the directions printed on them or included separately. Then, slip one cardboard protector over each corner of your package. Make sure to purchase corners that fit the size of frame you're packing. Place a sheet of cardboard over the front of your package. With a tape measure, cut out a piece of cardboard that is that same size as your framed piece. Place it on top of your package over the side protecting the glass. You do not need to secure the cardboard with tape since you will be covering it with bubble wrap. The cardboard provides an extra layer of solid protection for the glass. Wrap your package in bubble wrap. Place your piece of art on a sheet of bubble wrap. Use a sheet large enough to protect the whole package while leaving 2 inches (5.1 cm) of wrap on either end. Pull your bubble wrap tight over the art piece, then pull the ends over the back of the package and secure everything with masking tape. Place your package in a cardboard shipping box. Purchase a general packing box from a craft or shipping supply store. If possible, use a box of similar size to your piece of art. Make sure to fill in any open areas of the box with bubble wrap to keep the piece from moving. Wrap the box in masking tape. Close the box and wrap all four sides with masking tape, leaving no spot uncovered. This will make the sides of the box more durable, better securing your framed artwork. Wrap sculptures in bubble wrap. If you're shipping a sculpture, bust, figurine, or other large free-standing item, cover it with multiple layers of protective bubble wrap. Start by wrapping the top half of the sculpture, then move to the bottom half. Repeat the process until you feel it is protected. When you're finished, secure the bubble wrap with masking tape. The amount of bubble wrap will vary based on the size of the piece and how delicate it is. Wrap small 3D art in plastic. Unlike sculptures, small forms of 3D art may not be durable enough for bubble wrap. Instead, put them inside a small plastic bag to keep dust, dirt, and grime out. Find a packing box that fits your work of art. For small, fragile pieces of art, look for a box that is as close in size to your art as possible. For general 3D art and sculptures that are less than 1 foot (0.30 m) tall and weigh less than 5 pounds (2,300 g), use a general cardboard shipping box. For taller or heavier sculptures, you may need to purchase or build a custom shipping crate made from plywood. Line your box with protective material and place your art inside. Line small and tight-fitting boxes with thin materials like styrofoam. For larger boxes, fill the bottom with shredded paper or newspaper, then use durable materials like bubble wrap or foam to fill any empty gaps. When the box is stuffed, slip your art inside. For extremely fragile art, try cutting a hole in a sheet of styrofoam and sliding your art inside. This will keep it from shifting during transit. Tape the box thoroughly. When you're finished packing, close the box and tape it shut with masking tape. Then, cover all four sides with additional tape, making sure no spot is visible. For heavier art pieces, reinforce the top and bottom with extra tape to ensure the piece doesn't fall out. | Find a solid surface. Cover the floor or table with a sheet of glassine. Set your painting face down and tape the glassine to it. Cover the surface with bubble wrap. Wrap your painting with bubble wrap. Put your painting in a packing crate lined with bubble wrap. Tape every side of the box shut. Cover the frame glass with artist tape. Wrap the framed artwork in brown paper. Place cardboard corners over your package. Place a sheet of cardboard over the front of your package. Wrap your package in bubble wrap. Place your package in a cardboard shipping box. Wrap the box in masking tape. Wrap sculptures in bubble wrap. Wrap small 3D art in plastic. Find a packing box that fits your work of art. Line your box with protective material and place your art inside. Tape the box thoroughly. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-Aggressive-Customers | How to Deal With Aggressive Customers | To deal with aggressive customers, start by staying calm, maintaining eye contact, and listening to the customers' complaints. Additionally, ask questions to best understand the problem and to show the customer that you're truly interested in listening and helping. Next, try to find a solution to the problem by asking the customer what you can do to make them feel better about the situation. Alternatively, if the customer becomes belligerent, respectfully explain that you're going to have to ask them to leave. | Stay calm. The worst thing you can do in this situation is to raise your energy level to theirs, as it might turn a combustible situation into an all-out explosion. However, because you, as an employee, cannot simply walk away from the situation, you must stay engaged with the customer without letting your own temper get out of hand. The most obvious thing to avoid is raising your voice. Don't be sarcastic with the customer. You will convey the message that you do not care, and that will aggravate them. Do your best to maintain a soothing voice and mask any frustration you might feel. Control your own body language. It's easy to read the nonverbal cues of aggression and anger in other people's bodies, but be aware of the messages your own body is sending to the customer. It's not enough to simply keep your voice down — you must soothe the customer's mood with all the communicative devices in your toolbox. Some nonverbal cues to control and avoid include: Pacing Drumming your fingers or tapping your feet Clenching your fists Clenching your jaw Rolling your eyes Furrowing your eyebrows Staring the customer down Crossing your arms or putting your hands on your hips Don’t enter the customer’s physical space. Even when everyone's calm, violating someone's personal space can be interpreted as a show of aggression or lack of care for someone's level of comfort. When people get angry, they need a larger area of personal space, so give aggressive customers wide berth. Otherwise, they may think you're trying to show aggression of your own, or that you're not taking the situation seriously by failing to recognize how agitated they've grown. For your own personal safety, try to stand behind a counter, table, or another barrier to reinforce the physical distance between you and the customer. Listen to the customer’s grievance. Understand that no matter how unreasonable the customer is being in terms of the scale of their anger, there may very well be a kernel of truth to what they're saying. By letting the customer air their grievance, you're letting them vent off some of their frustration and hopefully stopping the situation from getting worse. Furthermore, you're showing them that you, as an employee, care about the customer's experience, gaining you good will. Don't ever interrupt the customer, even if you want to respond to something they've said. Even if they're being unreasonable, allow them to talk themselves out. Use positive nonverbal communication cues to demonstrate that you're actively listening and engaging with the customer. Examples include maintaining eye contact (but not staring), nodding along, and demonstrating concern on the customer's behalf at the appropriate moments with facial expressions. Ask questions to better understand the problem. In order to calm a customer down, you need to understand why they're upset in the first place. If the customer is so worked up that they're ranting instead of providing you with useful information that you could use to assess and resolve the situation, wait until there's a gap in the conversation to ask guided questions that will help you understand what's going on. Again, don't cut the customer off — wait for an opportunity for you to speak. Some questions you might ask include: "Is this the first time you've had this issue at our business? Can you tell me more about your previous frustrations, so I know specifically how to instruct our staff to improve customer experience?" "Tell me exactly what happened today, from the beginning. What was the exact employee behavior that triggered your bad experience?" "Was there a single action that ruined your experience with us, or are you frustrated by the buildup of several small problems? Is there one large thing we need to change, or several small adjustments?" "Which employee or employees are you upset with right now? Is there one person in particular, or does our whole staff need to be addressed about their attitudes and performance?" If another employee is involved, use your discretion to determine whether or not it would calm the customer down to involve that employee in the conversation. Try to find a solution to the problem. Ask the customer what you could do to make them feel better about the situation. If what they ask is reasonable and within your power, give them what they ask for. However, aggressive customers are sometimes irrational in their demands, or ask you to do something you are not authorized to do. Try to strike a compromise. Explain to the customer that you would give them what they want if you were authorized to do so, but that you would be punished yourself if you did that. Instead, offer them whatever you're authorized to give. Call a manager. If the customer would like something that you're not authorized to provide, call a manager or supervisor to see if it can be authorized. Lay out the repercussions for their behavior. If you feel like a situation is getting out of control and either threatening your personal safety or the positive experience of your other customers, tell the angry customer that you will ask them to leave if they don't control their frustration. Everyone loses their temper from time to time, so give them a chance to get a handle on it. Remain respectful and calm; don't raise your voice or point your finger at them. Simply tell them what the next steps will be if their behavior doesn't change. Some things you might say include: "I understand that you're frustrated, but we both need to be calm to resolve this situation." "Your frustration at your bad experience is now making the experience worse for the rest of our customers. We'd like to work with you to fix the situation, but don't you agree that the rest of the people here have a right to a pleasant experience too?" Explain why you’re asking them to leave. Customers often take the slogan “the customer is always right” to heart, not realizing that the customer can very often be wrong. Explain to the customer that their abusive behavior is personally threatening, and that they are ruining the experience for all of their other customers, who have just as much right to good service as they do. "While you have a right to voice your concerns, you do not have a right to be abusive towards our staff." "I am happy to work with you to resolve this situation, but your behavior is making me feel uncomfortable." "As an employee, it's my job to protect my colleagues and patrons, so I have to ask you to leave the building." "If you don't remove yourself from this situation voluntarily, I'll have to call the police to protect my staff and customers." Escort the customer out of the establishment. To reinforce your verbal ejection of the customer, move toward the exit yourself and ask the customer to follow you. Even if the customer does not initially respond to the ejection, lead the way. Do this even if the customer does not take your lead and move toward the exit at first; when they see that the object of their anger is moving away, they will likely follow you toward the exit. The objective is to remove the customer from the premises in order to protect both the safety and the experience of the people in your business. Often, when the customer finds themselves removed from the business, they will move on even if they are still upset. Allow them to move away from the business on their own before you return to work. If they see you immediately go back inside, they might follow you back in. Don’t put your hands on the customer. Unless you feel that the customer has grown physically threatening to you, other employees, other customers, or themselves, avoid touching the customer. Touching someone who is overly agitated could cause them to react very poorly, and potentially violently. However, if the customer becomes physically aggressive either to you, someone else, or to themselves, you are within your rights to try to prevent injury by subduing them. Call security or the police if necessary. If you don't feel safe around the customer or if the situation is disrupting your business and doesn't have an end in sight, call the police or a security service if your business pays for one. Try to limit the customer's impact by getting them outside of your business. Don't try to physically detain the customer, as you don't have any legal right to do so unless they physically attack someone. If the customer puts their hands on someone or breaks property, do your best to get them out of your establishment. If they won't leave, move employees and customers away from the aggressive customer to protect them from physical harm. Stay calm and respectful, but do not try to engage the customer any further. You've done everything you can to resolve the situation, and you should just disengage and wait for the authorities. Keep the phone numbers for security easily accessible for the entire staff instead of keeping them in the back office. When customers get out of hand, employees almost always call the onsite manager to deal with the situation. If the situation truly gets out of hand, there's a good chance the manager is already busy with it, so all employees need to know how to reach out for help. Post the phone numbers somewhere out of the way of customer traffic, but regularly visited by employees — behind a cash register, or in an employee break room, for example. Make sure the number is clearly legible. If you have bad handwriting, print the number out using a computer. Use discretion when asking a drunk customer to leave. If you work in a restaurant or bar that served enough alcohol to a customer to get them to that state, you may be held responsible for that person's actions once they leave your establishment. If the customer seems drunk, offer to call them a cab while they wait outside. If they are with a group, ask a sober friend to drive them home. If they insist on driving themselves, write down a description of the car including the tag number, and call the police immediately with that information. | Stay calm. Control your own body language. Don’t enter the customer’s physical space. Listen to the customer’s grievance. Ask questions to better understand the problem. Try to find a solution to the problem. Lay out the repercussions for their behavior. Explain why you’re asking them to leave. Escort the customer out of the establishment. Don’t put your hands on the customer. Call security or the police if necessary. Use discretion when asking a drunk customer to leave. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Successful-in-Getting-a-Loan-for-an-RV | How to Be Successful in Getting a Loan for an RV | The key to successfully getting an RV loan is having good credit and shopping around for financing. Generally, you'll need a credit score of at least 640, but 700 will get you the best interest rates. You'll also need 20 percent of the RV's total cost for the down payment. If you have bad credit, you might still be able to get a loan if you make a larger down payment or take a higher interest rate. Regardless of your credit score, make sure you shop around and compare quotes from different banks, credit unions, and in-house financing from RV dealers. You may be able to get a lower interest rate if you take an extended loan, but it'll take you longer to pay it off. | Have a good credit score. The number one factor that impacts RV loan approval is credit history. Most lenders will want a credit score of at least 640, but a score of 700 or better is more likely to obtain an approval at the best rate and most favorable terms. If your credit score is below this range, you may have to accept a higher interest rate or less favorable terms. With very low credit, you may not qualify for a loan at all. Know your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). This is your monthly revolving debt, (mortgage, auto and credit card payments) divided by your monthly gross income. Your gross income is your income from all sources before taxes. Lenders will also want to see proof of income, which is usually asked for in the form of your tax returns for the past two years. Most RV and marine lenders look for a maximum debt-to-income ratio of approximately 45 percent or less, however some will go as high as 50 percent or more with excellent credit. Determine the loan value of the RV. Each lender has their own formula for determining the amount they will loan on any particular RV. Most lenders will loan somewhere between wholesale and retail, depending on the previous factors listed above. However, some will loan up to the RV's retail value on refinancing. Research the value of the RV you are buying and look for a good deal. This will help you get a loan because the collateral (the RV) will be worth an amount equal to or greater than the loan value. Again, the better the credit history, the more flexible the lenders are likely to be. Make a down payment. A down payment will not only lower the overall amount of your loan, but will also ensure that you are not upside-down in your loan. Because a new RV may depreciate a full 20 percent in a year, you want to have at least paid off that much of its value in that time. Paying a full 20 percent down payment will help you do that and is standard practice among RV lenders. If you can't afford the 20 percent, there may be special programs that offer lower down payments, especially for those with great credit. However, if you can't spare the 20 percent, odds are you should wait and buy an RV when you can afford the down payment. Extend the duration of your loan. Most RV loans are between 5 and 15 years. However, for larger loans, perhaps over $50,000 or $100,000, they are willing to extend the length of your loan. This will lower your overall interest rate and make payments more affordable. However, keep in mind that you will end up paying more interest overall (over the life of the loan). Get financing before shopping. Before going to the dealer to look for RVs, it's best to already have some preliminary financing in place. This allows you to know how much you can afford to pay. In addition, it will give you a starting place for talking down your dealer's own financing terms. This can allow you to get an even better rate as the RV dealer works to earn your business. Consider dealer financing. Like car dealerships, RV dealers generally offer in-house financing. Their rates are slightly higher other rates you could get from a third-party, but may qualify you for better loan terms or discounts. Work with your dealer to identify and negotiate these terms. RV dealer financing may be more difficult to get than car dealer financing. Find a third-party lender. If you choose not to go with dealer financing, you will be able to seek out other lenders that may offer a lower rate. The exact rate you will get depends on your credit score and other factors, but even a slightly lower interest rate will mean big savings over the life of your loan. There are many options for pursuing a third-party loan, including banks, credit unions, and other independent lenders. Credit unions often offer the best rates. Search for credit unions in your area to see if you qualify for one of these loans. Some of the best rates and terms in the industry are offered by Good Sam Finance Center, Essex Credit, and Alliant Credit Union. Visit the websites for these lenders to determine current interest rates and get a quote. Compare lenders before deciding. Look around and get quotes from a number of different third-party lenders and from your dealer. Compare interest rates, down payments, and other items, like prepayment fees if you plan to repay you loan early. Interest rates and lenders' willingness to accept your credit score will vary widely between lenders, so make sure you check out every available source of financing and choose the best one for you. Remember to talk to your RV dealer about any discounts or special terms you may be eligible for if you take out a dealer loan with them. They may be willing to offer you additional discounts to earn your loan business. However, know that dealer loans are generally more expensive in the long run due to higher interest rates. Even a small different in rates can add up over the life of the loan. With a dealer loan, you're paying for the convenience of a one-stop RV purchase. In general, dealer rates are your best option if you're buying a brand new RV, while third-party options are better if you are buying used. Pay a higher down payment. Paying a larger down payment can help you qualify for a loan you would otherwise not get. Making a down payment of 20 percent or more will show lenders that you have enough money to afford the loan, despite your poor credit. Accept higher interest rates. If you have bad credit, lenders will see lending to you as a risk. This means that they will charge you higher interest rates than a borrower with good credit would get in order to counteract that risk. You may be able to qualify for a loan by accepting these high rates, but keep in mind that the interest be very expensive over the life of the loan and will increase your monthly payments. Lower your debt-to-income ratio. Your DTI, defined as the percentage of your monthly income that goes towards paying off debt, should be lower than 45 percent. For a borrower with low credit, an even lower DTI can help you get a loan. Improve your DTI and your standing with a lender by showing a recent increase in income or a decrease in your debt payments. For example, if you recently paid off a car or your home, you will have a sudden reduction in debt that will give you more buying power and a better chance of getting a loan. Wait and improve your credit before buying. While it may not be what you want to hear, the best thing to do is to make an effort to improve your credit before taking on more debt to buy an RV. You can improve your credit by paying overdue bills, removing errors from your record, and lowering your outstanding debt balances. You can also improve your credit over time by making payments on time and using less of your available credit. Even if you don't improve your credit score dramatically, showing that you made an effort to do so can convince a lender to finance your RV purchase. | Have a good credit score. Know your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Determine the loan value of the RV. Make a down payment. Extend the duration of your loan. Get financing before shopping. Consider dealer financing. Find a third-party lender. Compare lenders before deciding. Pay a higher down payment. Accept higher interest rates. Lower your debt-to-income ratio. Wait and improve your credit before buying. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Press-Pass | How to Get a Press Pass | To get a press pass, start by contacting the event venue and asking who's in charge of granting press passes. Then, once you have their contact information, send them an email from your work email address explaining who you are and what media outlet you work for. You can also include your previous articles or coverage that are relevant to the event. In your email, make sure you convince them that granting you a press pass would be good for their event. | Research the event beforehand. Special events include concerts, sports events, and other ticket holding events. The press pass for these events grants you free entry and sometimes allows you to go backstage to access for further coverage. Usually concerts will have a promoter separate from the venue that is responsible for granting these passes. Research the event and contact the venue for help tracking down who is in charge. Prepare your credentials. In order to get a press pass you're going to need credentials, or records that prove you work for a media outlet. Use previous articles or coverage that relates to the event you're interested in. It will benefit the promoters to see your style of work and your demographic as it pertains to the event in question. One of the best ways to prove your affiliation with a news source is to make contact using a work email address. On your work email address, make sure to include a signature that says your role for the company. For example: "Gerald Straton / Photographer and Editor for L.A. Underground News" An ID produced by either your newspaper or broadcasting outlet may be helpful as well. Make contact with the press office. Try to contact them as early as possible. Let them know who you are and who you work for. Often a press office will go by the name, public affairs office, or public relations. You may need to sell them on why they want access to an event, and how you would provide them with positive coverage. You'll be required to offer information about your publication or blog's followers that will benefit from the coverage. Craft a simple but professional email pitch. You could begin with, “Hello, My name is ________ and I am an avid photojournalist from ________. I am reaching out with an interest in applying for a photo pass for the Switchfoot Fest this coming July.” Be persistent in getting a press pass. Some pre-planned events will issue badges to certified members of the media. In these situations, the issuing authority can be pretty tough on credentials. Keep pushing that you are there to cover the story. Try to convince them it would be a good idea to give you a badge. Whoever issues the badges at the event will have a record of all the names who get access to the event. You should start applying for press passes as soon as possible! Get the badge and keep it. Some photographers keep all the little press badges they get for several reasons. Badges act as trophies for the journalist, and serve as a visual indication that you're an experienced journalist. You may find that you can get preferential access to major events by using an old badge alone. Join a journalist union. You can become a member of a journalist union that protects and helps freelance photographers and writers cover events. Some of the unions require a fee from you and benefit you with paying jobs and less hassle acquiring press passes. The application process is straightforward with most writing unions. They ask that you provide samples and writing proof. Make sure you need a government press pass. You only need a government press pass if you are covering stories dealing with crime scenes, exclusive press conferences, or another type of non emergency event with police barriers. Government issued press passes are typically reserved for officials in the media. These types of press passes vary in access and eligibility from state to state. If you're eligible for a press pass working for your blog in Kansas, things might be different in Chicago. Government press passes expire after an allotted amount of time. Check with your local agency once obtaining one. You can interview members of the government or police without a press pass. File for a government press pass. Do a quick search online to find out if your local city or town issues press passes. Some smaller towns don't have an office responsible for issuing out press passes. The passes are typically associated with your local police department. Only new agencies covering crime investigation or government press conferences need to do this. New York, for example, requires you to submit one or more articles or commentaries that's been published in a 24 month time period. You also need to prove that you've covered six or more in person stories. Most applications can be completed through the police's website. Apply for a pass for freelancers. If you are a freelance news correspondent working for multiple agencies, you can still get a government pass. Write to your contacts at the separate news sources asking for proof of your employment. Some cities require three separate letters of identification. Other city agencies will only hand out government passes to reporters employed by an official news source. Your reference letters should include verification of completed assignments from a media outlet. Every city's police department has different rules for freelance reporters. Get the pass from your news agency. Many cities won't accept applications and will only issue press passes through official news agencies. If you begin working for a news outlet, you should discuss government press passes to your superiors. You might learn that you'll receive one if you are assigned a story requiring one. Your agency will only give these out if they pursue events that require government passes. Understand homemade press identification cards. Many photojournalist and reporters create their own press pass using Photoshop or other photo editing software. For several events, you are issued an official press pass. However, you sometimes need further information. This is why many in the journalism field create a photo ID indicating their role. These IDs do not guarantee you access to the Paul Simon show or an interview with Seth Curry. These are for further establishing your credibility in the field. Get the supplies. The most common way to portray a press ID is with a lanyard ID holder. You can purchase lanyard ID holders from most office supplies stores. You'll also need a high gloss paper to print your graphic onto. It is best to have access to a photo editing software like Photoshop on a decent computer. If you don't have a good photo of yourself, you'll need someone to help you take a high quality photo. Create the ID on the computer. Open Photoshop or another photo editing software on your computer. Create the document to the size of 3-⅛” x 2,” which is the normal size of badges. Decide if you want to create your badge in the landscape or horizontal orientation. Insert your photo to the document and crop the picture so it is a clear image of your face only. Next, you should insert minimal text explaining you are “PRESS” and your affiliating organization. Make the “PRESS" or "MEDIA" in red or black text. You could also include if you're a photographer or a journalist. If your media organization has a logo, insert the logo onto the corner of the ID, or place the faded logo in the background. Keep it simple to make it look as professional as you can. Print off the ID. It is best to print onto thick, high gloss paper. Print off the ID and carefully cut out the badge. Make clean cuts when cutting out the outline of the ID. Print off multiple IDs on the same page, in case you mess one up. Be sure your printer can handle color printing before beginning the process. Assemble your lanyard. Once you have your final cutout of your ID badge, you are ready to finish everything up. Insert the badge into the lanyard holder. You are now ready to hit the streets with your press badge. You could also include some references of your superiors on the back of the card. Things you could include on the back are phone numbers, addresses, and other information someone might request from you. | Research the event beforehand. Prepare your credentials. Make contact with the press office. Be persistent in getting a press pass. Get the badge and keep it. Join a journalist union. Make sure you need a government press pass. File for a government press pass. Apply for a pass for freelancers. Get the pass from your news agency. Understand homemade press identification cards. Get the supplies. Create the ID on the computer. Print off the ID. Assemble your lanyard. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Live-a-Long-Life | How to Live a Long Life | To live a long life, try to get in some exercise on most days of the week, which will keep your body strong and healthy for longer. You should also try to eat a healthy, balanced diet and drink plenty of water every day so your body is operating efficiently. In addition to diet and exercise, you can extend your life expectancy by avoiding things that are bad for you, like smoking, excessive drinking, and drugs. Also, make sure you get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night since sleep plays a big role in your physical and mental health. | Prepare your body for a long life by exercising. Exercise benefits both your physical and mental health. The physical activity strengthens your body, helps you control your weight, and improves your balance and coordination. Simultaneously, your body releases endorphins which will help you relax and feel good. Endorphins can also reduce pain and improve your mood. Try to do both aerobic exercise and strength training. Aerobic exercise gets your heart rate up and improves your endurance. Possible activities include jogging, fast walking, swimming, and many types of sports. Try to do 75 to 150 minutes per week. Strength training, like weight lifting, will improve your bone density and build muscle. Try to do it two times per week. Be proactive about identifying and treating health problems. Preventative care is important for identifying health problems before they become a major concern. It is also important to identify lifestyle factors, familial history, and work exposures that may lead to the development of a disease or dysfunction. If you skip doctor's appointments, you increase the chances of not catching a developing health problem right at the start. This means that it will likely be more complicated and harder to treat. Have a checkup once a year. If your doctor recommends other screenings, do them. If you have a chronic condition, talk to your doctor about how to manage it to either improve it or prevent it from getting worse. Know what health problems may run in your family and get screened regularly. Avoid high risk behavior. Accidents, including during sports or driving, are frequent causes of head trauma and spinal cord injuries. Drive carefully, wear your seat belt, and obey speed limits. Use caution when crossing the street as a pedestrian. Look both ways to see if there are any cars around. Wear appropriate protective and safety gear when playing sports, particularly risky sports like football, horseback riding, rock climbing, bungee jumping, skydiving, skiing, and snowboarding. Avoid toxic substances. It is important to avoid substances that may increase your chances of developing health problems. This includes pollutants, pesticides, chemical fumes, and asbestos. Avoid excessive alcohol intake. If you do drink, daily recommendations are that women should drink no more than one drink per day and men no more than one or two drinks per day. Drinking alcohol in low amounts should be ok for your health as long as you are healthy and don't overdo it. Excessive drinking can make you more likely to get cancers of the digestive tract, heart problems, strokes, high blood pressure, liver disease, and to suffer injuries in accidents. If you do drink, be careful not to mix alcohol with medicines, including over-the-counter medicines, that may interact. Don't drink and drive. Quit smoking and using nicotine products. Even if you've smoked or used other nicotine products for many years, quitting will still improve your health and help you live longer. Smoking greatly increases your risks of: Lung diseases, including cancer Cancer of the esophagus, larynx, throat, mouth, bladder, pancreas, kidney, and cervix Heart attacks Strokes Diabetes Eye disorders like cataracts Respiratory infections Gum disease Avoid street drugs. Street drugs are risky for multiple reasons. Not only may the drug itself harm you - it may also be mixed with other harmful substances. The health risks include: Dehydration Confusion Memory loss Psychosis Seizures Coma Brain damage Death Support your body’s ability to heal by eating enough protein. Your body uses protein to make new cells. This means that it is important for repairing tissue damage in your body. Though meat and animal products are common sources of protein, you can also get all of the proteins you need from plant foods, such as lentils, beans, hemp seeds, quinoa, chia seeds, seeds, and nuts. Proteins are found in meat, milk, fish, eggs, soy, beans, legumes, and nuts. Adults should eat 2 to 3 servings of high protein foods per day. Childrens' needs will vary according to their ages. Keep your vitality by enjoying a diet with diverse fruits and vegetables. Fruits are foods that grow from the flower of plants while vegetables are foods that come from the stems, flower buds leaves, and roots. Both are excellent sources of the vitamins and minerals your body needs to stay healthy throughout a long life. Fruits include berries, beans, corn, peas, cucumber, grains, nuts, olives, peppers, pumpkin, squash, sunflower seeds, and tomatoes. Vegetables include celery, lettuce, spinach, cauliflower, broccoli, beets, carrots, and potatoes. Fruits and vegetables are low in calories and fat, but high in fiber and vitamins. Eating a diet that is high in fruits and vegetables can reduce your risks of developing cancer, heart problems, high blood pressure, strokes, and diabetes. Try to eat 4 servings of fruits and 5 servings of vegetables per day. Eat healthy amounts of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are abundant in nature, such as in fruits and vegetables. Carbohydrates include sugars, starches, and fiber. Your body obtains energy by breaking down these compounds. Simple sugars are digested more quickly than complex sugars. Focus on getting most of your carbohydrates from natural sources like fruits and vegetables and reduce your intake of carbohydrates from items like baked goods and other processed foods. Simple sugars are found in fruits, milk, milk products, vegetables, and processed sweets. Complex carbohydrates are in beans, peas, lentils, peanuts, potatoes, corn, green peas, parsnips, whole-grain breads. About half of your daily calories should come from carbohydrates, with most of it coming from complex carbohydrates as opposed to simple sugars. Eat a controlled amount of fat. Your body needs some fat to help it absorb fat soluble vitamins, control inflammation, assist with muscle repair , clot blood and maintain proper brain function, but too much is not good. Common sources of fats are butter, cheese, whole milk, cream, meats, and vegetable oils. Eating too much fat increases your chances of high cholesterol, heart problems, and strokes. You can reduce your fat consumption by eating lean meats, poultry, fish, and drinking low-fat milk. Many restaurants enhance the flavor of their foods with ingredients that are high in fat such as cream, whole milk, or butter. By cooking your food yourself, you can control the amount of fat in your food. Don't choose fat-free or low fat foods. You need fat.. Contrary to popular beliefs, dietary fat does not make you fat. However, don't eat too much fat as it is unhealthy. Get enough vitamins and minerals through a healthy diet. If you are eating a balanced diet, you are probably getting sufficient vitamins and minerals. These substances are vital for your body to function properly, repair itself and grow. Vitamins and minerals occur naturally in many foods, especially fruits, vegetables, whole grains, meats, and dairy. If you are concerned that you may not be getting enough vitamins and minerals, talk to your doctor about adding some multivitamin and multi-mineral supplements to your diet. The needs of pregnant women and children may differ from the needs of others. Eat a low salt diet. While your body needs some salt too so that you maintain muscle and nerve function and manage your blood volume and pressure and blood volume, too much over a long period of time is unhealthy. The CDC recommends keeping your sodium intake below 2,300 milligrams per day. Too much salt can cause high blood pressure and aggravate heart, liver, or kidney conditions. Most foods contain some salt naturally and many have salt added to enhance the flavor. Adults should consume no more than about a teaspoon of salt per day. If you have a health condition, you may need to eat much less. Avoid fast food. Not only is it high in fat, but it is also usually very high in salt. Cleanse your body by drinking enough water. Drinking enough water will help your body flush out toxins, maintain your bodily functions, and keep your kidneys healthy. Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day to stay hydrated, and drink more if you are sweating, such as from exercising or doing physical labor. The amount you need will be influenced by your body weight, your activity level, and the climate you live in. The best way to stay hydrated is to drink enough water that you don't feel thirsty. If you urinate infrequently or pass dark or cloudy urine, you probably need to drink more. Protect your psychological well-being by maintaining close social relationships. Friends and family will make relaxation fun when things are good and they can provide you with support and distraction when life is hard. Maintain your social network though corresponding by writing, telephone, or in person. Using social media can also help people stay connected. Regular social interaction will help you relax and take your mind off your stress. If you feel isolated, consider locating a support group or counselor to help you. Stay resilient by sleeping enough. By not getting enough sleep you are compounding the psychological stressors in your life with the physical stress of sleep deprivation. When you sleep your body can put more energy into fighting off infections and healing. Try to get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night. Some people may need even more. Stay excited about life through hobbies. This will give you something to look forward to and prevent you from dwelling on the things that are stressing you out. Look for something that is inexpensive which you can do all year long. Possibilities include reading, listening to music, art or photography, crafts, or sports. Avoid competitive activities that will put additional pressures on you. Set aside time for relaxation. Whether this involves simply free time or a formal relaxation technique, do what works for you. Or try several until you find the one you like the best: Visualization of calming images Progressive muscle relaxation in which you concentrate on tensing and then relaxing each muscle group in your body Meditation Yoga Massage Tai chi Music or art therapy Deep breathing Cultivate happiness. Take time to enjoy life and do the things that make your life meaningful to you. Do activities that give you a sense of purpose. Many people enjoy volunteer work in their free time. Nourish your brain with intellectual stimulation. Whether it comes from friends, family, or taking informal courses, or taking up a new craft, learning will keep you enthusiastic about the world around you. Connect with others. For some people it is with family, friends, a religious organization, or the community around them, but whoever the people close to you are, they will help you stay happy and young of heart. | Prepare your body for a long life by exercising. Be proactive about identifying and treating health problems. Avoid high risk behavior. Avoid toxic substances. Avoid excessive alcohol intake. Quit smoking and using nicotine products. Avoid street drugs. Support your body’s ability to heal by eating enough protein. Keep your vitality by enjoying a diet with diverse fruits and vegetables. Eat healthy amounts of carbohydrates. Eat a controlled amount of fat. Get enough vitamins and minerals through a healthy diet. Eat a low salt diet. Cleanse your body by drinking enough water. Protect your psychological well-being by maintaining close social relationships. Stay resilient by sleeping enough. Stay excited about life through hobbies. Set aside time for relaxation. Cultivate happiness. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-Your-Crush-You-Like-Him | How to Tell Your Crush You Like Him | Before you tell your crush that you like him, make it clear that you're interested by flirting and spending a lot of time with him! Then, find a good time to talk to him in private about your feelings. Tell him that you like him, and be honest about why, including a few reasons why you like him, like “I feel really happy around you.” If he feels the same, you can ask him out on a date! | Give him some signs. You should always give your guy the opportunity to realize for himself that you like him so that he can do something about it if he wants to. Be a little flirty and be sure to spend time with him. Try to introduce little touches and other hints. Just don't drag this on too long! Try biting your lip every time he looks at you or smile nervously. Look into his eyes and then turn away slowly. Find a good time. It's important to choose a good time to talk. You don't want him to be distracted, upset about something else, or just downright busy! That will kill your chances before you even get started. Talk to him about setting aside some good time to talk, or try to catch him at a time when you know he won't be busy. Talk to him in private. Talk to him in private. Confessing your crush in front of other people will make him feel pressured and embarrassed, and you don't want that! People that feel cornered can be unwilling to admit how they really feel. Instead, get him on his own so that the two of you can have a real heart-to-heart. Be bold. When confessing your feelings, you have to just get out there and say how you feel. Be confident! Guys will think this is sexy. You also have to be bold because you're going to need to take the initiative in talking about how you feel and whether the two of you could have anything. Say it - it's simple. The most basic way to confess your crush is to just come right out and say it. This can take courage, but generally people will appreciate your honesty and will be flattered by your bravery. This avoids gimmicks and shows how much you really think they're worth. Here are some examples of how to say it: "Hey, Brian. I thought you deserved to know that I have very strong feelings for you. You don't have to return my feelings, but I thought it was only right for you to know." "Michael: you're special. You're kind, smart, and funny and I am so much happier when you're around. I want us to be more than friends. I hope you see, like I do, that we could be something really great." Use his interests. Use his interests in order to confess your feelings. You can use this simply to give yourself an opening (for example, by going rock climbing with him) or you can use it to confess in a unique way (for example, by inviting him over and having the Han Solo/Princess Leia flirt scene queued up on your TV). Use a song. You probably don't remember what mixtapes are, but using songs to confess feelings is still a viable option. Find a song you know he'll love. Ask to borrow a USB drive from him to transfer a file from a school/work computer to your personal computer. Leave the mp3 of the song on the USB, specially named so he'll know: "MIKE - Tessa Wants to Hold Your Hand" or some other reference to the song. Good song options include: "I Want To Hold Your Hand" by the Beatles, Frank Sinatra's "Let's Fall In Love", or Daft Punk's "Digital Love". Make him a present. You can make him a present to confess your feelings. Try to tailor it to your crush, and if you two were already friends try to use it to remind him of the wonderful times you've had together. Paint a small wooden box with both of your initials in a heart, and fill the box with pics of the two of you hanging out, stubs from movies you saw together, or other reminders of fun things you've done together. Put together a relaxation care package, with two movie tickets, two bags of candy, and a message something like, "I know you had a hard time with finals last week. I'd love the chance to wind down with you. If you're not interested, no worries! Take whoever you want...but I'd love the chance to make you laugh until you forget what quadratic polynomials are." Write him a letter. There's nothing more romantic than some old-fashioned letter writing. Write him a letter telling him how you feel and put it in his locker or (if you know his address) mail it to his house. You can also leave it in a place where you know he'll find it, like in his books or his desk. Spritz it with a bit of your perfume to make it extra exciting. Make a video. Make a YouTube video confessing your crush (you probably shouldn't mention him by name). Tell him how you feel and why. Then email or text him a QR code with the link to the video. You can also print out the code and put it in is locker or tape it inside his textbook. Don't pressure him. Don't break right out into the "I love you"s and don't talk about the future you want the two of you to have. You want to avoid speaking in definite terms about the future because this creates a lot of pressure and expectations for him...which is stressful and can scare him away! Instead, speak in terms of what you want to try or what you hope might become real eventually. "I hope we can try being more than friends,", etc. Don't be creepy. Don't be creepy when you tell him how you feel. This means no begging, no bargaining, and try not to touch him or get into his personal space until you know he feels the same way. You also shouldn't cling around him if he needs time to think about what you said. Don't use social media or a phone. If you can, tell him how you feel in person. Using social media or a text can come across as not being very serious or, worse, being a joke. This is not how you want to start things with him. Don't rush into things. You don't want to rush into telling him and if he returns your feelings, don't rush into a serious relationship. If you're going to go through the torture of confessing, you want to be sure that you really like him first, right? This is can be a long process and one that will continue even if you start dating. Just focus on getting to know him for who he really is, by spending time with him and talking about things that are important to you: what you both want for the future, what your beliefs are, and what you like to do for fun. Don't sweat rejection. Don't worry about being rejected. It can feel awful to be rejected, but in a few years you probably won't remember it at all. Remember: it's his loss. You don't want to be with someone that doesn't like you as much as you like them anyway. You deserve better than that! Ask him out, if he returns your feelings. If he does return your feelings, make sure to actually ask him out if he doesn't ask you out! You shouldn't feel bad about making your intentions clear or taking initiative like this: sometimes it's necessary to get what you want out of life! With feelings confessed, asking him out is as simple as coming up with an idea for a date and taking things from there. Just ask! Look for good guys. If you strike out with him or if he's a real jerk about rejecting you, you might want to take a look at the kinds of guys you find yourself interested in. Stop pursuing guys who don't respect you or like you for who you really are. You might find you have better luck if you focus on what's important: nice guys who have their priorities in the right place. | Give him some signs. Find a good time. Talk to him in private. Be bold. Say it - it's simple. Use his interests. Use a song. Make him a present. Write him a letter. Make a video. Don't pressure him. Don't be creepy. Don't use social media or a phone. Don't rush into things. Don't sweat rejection. Ask him out, if he returns your feelings. Look for good guys. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Groom-a-Siberian-Husky | How to Groom a Siberian Husky | Before you groom your Siberian Husky, keep in mind you should never cut its coat since Huskies use their coat to regulate their temperature. You can bathe your Husky, but only do it twice a year to avoid drying its fur and skin out. When you do bathe your Husky, wet its coat with warm water, apply an organic dog shampoo to its fur, and rinse it clean. Next, towel dry your dog before brushing its coat with an undercoat rake to remove any dead fur. Additionally, trim the hairs growing between your dog's pads and clip its toenails. You should wipe your dog's eyes with a moist towel as well. | Buy an undercoat rake. An undercoat rake is a rake with long teeth set widely apart. It is designed to move past the outer guard hairs on your Husky's coat and get down to the loose undercoat hairs. Look for undercoat rakes at your local pet supply store. Get a slicker brush. This is a brush with a slanted head containing fine metal pins set in a rubber cushion. You can purchase a slicker brush from your local pet supply store. The slicker brush will pull dead hairs from your Husky's outer coat and detangle any mats in her undercoat. It also stimulates your dog's skin and removes dander or dead cells from her skin. The cushion will protect your dog's skin from pressure during brushing. Buy a Furminator. A Furminator is a special grooming brush. Though not required, a Furminator brush will make grooming you Husky less time consuming. Only use a Furminator that is meant for longer dog coats, as a short coat Furminator will damage the longer coat of your Husky. Invest in a good vacuum. This is a must for any Husky dog owner. Look for a high quality vacuum like a Dyson, with an animal attachment. Though a good vacuum can be expensive, they should last you for a very long time and will help you rid your home of dog hair. A vacuum will also be essential for cleaning up after a grooming session. Gather your other supplies. In addition to the specialty grooming supplies mentioned above, you will also need basic supplies like: Organic dog shampoo. Lots of towels. A portable hair dryer or a large blower. A small pair of scissors. Nail clippers. Dog treats to reward your Husky after the grooming session. Bathe your Husky no more than twice a year, unless she is very filthy or has fleas. Huskies do not have a very oily coat so they do not have that usual doggy odor. Bathing your Husky too often will cause her fur and skin to dry out and turn dull. Most Huskies will take a “snow bathe” in the winter. They flip over onto their backs and wiggle and roll around in the snow. So Mother Nature helps them stay clean! Use the Furminator brush to loosen and rake out your dog’s undercoat before you bathe her. Only do a few light passes over her coat with this brush. Avoid over grooming with a Furminator brush as it can damage the guard hairs in her coat. It is difficult to brush a Husky's undercoat when its wet. As well, a wet matted undercoat does not dry well and can cause your Husky to get skin rashes or hot spots. So its important to give your pup a light brush before you start the bath. Place your Husky in your bathtub. Lay a screen over your drain to catch the loose hairs from your dog's coat. Otherwise you will end up with a clogged drain. Have lots of towels nearby to wipe up any puddles or splashes. Some owners prefer to take their Husky to a grooming shop to be bathed and blow dried. But it can be expensive to pay for a groomer to wash a large double coated dog like a Husky. You can also opt for a happy medium and take your Husky to a You Wash It shop. The shop supplies big washing sinks and blowers, and you supply the Husky, the shampoo, and the towels. It's less expensive than the groomers and you have access to special equipment to get the job done. Wet your dog’s coat with warm water. Wet her head as well. Be sure to tilt back her head so water does not get in her eyes. Avoid getting water in her ears. Make sure the water isn't too hot that it hurts your dog Apply an organic dog shampoo in circles against her wet coat. Huskies do not require special conditioning shampoos, as their hair is not long enough to get any major tangles. Look for an organic shampoo that will be gentle and soft on your dog's coat. You can also apply an oatmeal conditioner to your Husky's coat if it looks a little dull or ratty. The oatmeal will also soothe any itchy spots or hot spots on your dog's coat. Be sure to also clean the inner surface of your dog's ears, using a cotton ball soaked in mineral oil, to prevent ear mites. Rinse off the shampoo. Make sure you get as much of the soap out of her coat as possible. You may need to rinse her coat several times. Towel off and blow dry your dog. Give your wet Husky a light towel off. Set the blow dryer on cool air and blow dry her coat. Be prepared for lots of flying hair from your Husky's clean coat. If possible, have a vacuum nearby. Brush the dog’s coat with the undercoat rake. Once your dog's coat is completely dry, brush it to remove any dead fur released during the bath. You can also use a slicker brush to brush out your dog's coat. Set up a grooming station. Place a sturdy table that is at least 48 inches long in an open space, like a garage or a driveway. Like more dogs, Huskies tend to fidget when they are groomed, so the extra length of the table keeps them from sliding off. You can also put the Husky on a counter top or workshop table in your garage if you don't have access to a 48 inch long table. Attach a neck loop to a pole on one side of the table. You can tie a stripe of cloth or soft fabric to the pole to make the neck loop. If you can find a neck loop with an adjustable arm (available at most pet stores), this is a better option as you can adjust the neck loop so your Husky can relax her head as you groom her. Never adjust the neck loop so high that your husky is forced to hold his head up. Attach another pole to the opposite end of the table. Then, attach a longer neck loop or a white rope to the pole. This will serve as a hip loop to keep your Husky still as you groom them. If you have someone else who can assist you as you groom and hold your Husky still at the hips, you may not need a hip loop attachment. Place your clean, dry Husky on the table. Loop the neck hold over her head so it sits comfortably around her neck. Then, loop the hip loop over her hips to keep her in place. Trim the hairs on your dog’s toes with the scissors. Then, trim the hairs growing between the pads on the undersides of her feet so her feet appear neat and clean. Clip your dog’s toenails. Knowing where to trim your dog's nails takes some practice and skill. If your dog has clear nails, look for the live quick, which will be pink. Cut the nail no closer than 2 millimeters from the quick or the flesh under your dog's nail. If your dog has dark nails, avoid cutting to the quick by trimming one little sliver of nail at a time, starting with the tip. As you cut slices off your dog's nail, look at the edge of the cut nail. Once you start to see a gray or pink oval, stop trimming. Most dogs dislike getting their toenails trimmed. It helps to prepare your pup by making sure she is comfortable with you touching her paws. A few tasty dog treats will also help keep her calm and still. Wipe your dog’s eyes with a moist towel. This will keep her eyes clean and free of dirty. If your dog has constant eye discharge, bring this to the attention of your vet. If your Husky's eyelashes are interfering with her eyes, your vet can trim them for you. Never clip your Husky’s whiskers. They act as sensory devices for your dog, as they vibrate to warn your dog when she comes into contact with a solid object or surface. Inspect your dog’s coat for fleas. Use a fine tooth metal flea comb to gently part the hairs in her coat. Look for small black or brown dots. Dip the comb in a glass of hot water periodically to drown any fleas that end up on the comb. If you discover a large amount of fleas in your dog's coat, you may need to look at How to Get Rid of Fleas. Blow dry your dog’s coat. Give your Husky a few reassuring pets and then use the hair dryer or the blower on her coat. Use the cool air setting on the blow dryer. Start from her front paw and work your way up and across the coat. Point the blower nozzle or the blow dryer head straight into her coat, so you can see skin in the center. If the hair looks like a smooth flat circle all the way around, with no fuzziness to the hair, you don't need to blow dry your dog's coat anymore as there is no extra hair in her undercoat to remove. If there are any fuzzy or clumpy areas on your dog's coat, you will need to blow them out. Hold the undercoat rake in one hand and the blower in the other hand. Point the blower or hair dryer at the skin and bring the rake to the bottom half of the circle it creates. The visible bit of skin will be the center of the circle. Groom downward, with a light grip. Brush lightly, and don't pull or tug at the hair. Avoid grooming in one spot for too long. Move around your dog's body and work on different spots. With this method, you should be able to groom a full coat in less than an hour. The blower helps you to get directly to the undercoat and brush it well. Once you have finished blowing your dog's hair, you should be able to back comb or back brush her hair smoothly and easily. You should also be able to run your fingers through your dog's coat and not feel any unevenness or lumps. Let your Husky shed her coat naturally. By nature, Siberians are very clean dogs and will clean themselves on a daily basis. They also shed their entire undercoat least once a year, called “blowing the coat.” This process can last up to six weeks from start to finish. Your job, as an owner, is to clean up after your Husky's shedding and brush out her coat to encourage shedding and strong hair re-growth. Though your Husky may appear hot during the summer in her thick coat, never shave or over groom them. Her coat is designed to keep her cool in the summer. Her undercoat insulates her and her top coat provides protection from harmful UV rays, so it should never be cut short. Use a shedding brush once a week on your dog’s coat. These consist of a hoop made of metal attached to a plastic handle. It's a must have tool to upkeep your Husky's coat and make sure it looks its best. With swift, light side to side motions, run the shedding brush over your Husky's coat. It helps to have a second person close by with a vacuum as you groom your Husky with the shedding brush. This will prevent hair from flying all over the place and keep hair off your furniture and your carpet. | Buy an undercoat rake. Get a slicker brush. Buy a Furminator. Invest in a good vacuum. Gather your other supplies. Bathe your Husky no more than twice a year, unless she is very filthy or has fleas. Use the Furminator brush to loosen and rake out your dog’s undercoat before you bathe her. Place your Husky in your bathtub. Wet your dog’s coat with warm water. Apply an organic dog shampoo in circles against her wet coat. Rinse off the shampoo. Towel off and blow dry your dog. Brush the dog’s coat with the undercoat rake. Set up a grooming station. Place your clean, dry Husky on the table. Trim the hairs on your dog’s toes with the scissors. Clip your dog’s toenails. Wipe your dog’s eyes with a moist towel. Never clip your Husky’s whiskers. Inspect your dog’s coat for fleas. Blow dry your dog’s coat. Let your Husky shed her coat naturally. Use a shedding brush once a week on your dog’s coat. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Palm-a-Basketball | How to Palm a Basketball | To palm a basketball, place your thumb on the straight groove that runs around the middle of the ball and position your other four fingers on the groove just above the center groove. Next, grip the ball using the fingertips of your thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers. Keep in mind that your fingertips should be doing all the work and your palm may not actually touch the ball! To help you build finger strength, practice squeezing your fingertips into the ball for a few minutes every day. | Practice finger stretches. Find a table or some other flat surface, and place your hand on it, palm-down. Stretch your fingers out as flat as you can on the table and hold for 30 seconds to one minute before releasing. Do not force your joints. If you can't flatten your hand completely, work up to it. Try this exercise a few times with each hand. Find a flat surface and place your hand on it, palm-down. Take your other hand and slide it under your fingers. Carefully push your fingers up and back towards your wrist. Hold for 20 seconds and release. Repeat this exercise 3 or 4 times. Be careful not to lift your wrist or your palm when doing this stretch. Try claw stretches. Holding your hand out in front of you, bend your fingers until your fingertips touch the base of your finger joint. Your hand should resemble a claw. Hold your hand like this for at least 30 seconds, all the way up to one minute. Release and repeat with the other hand. Stretch your palms. Lay your hand palm-down on a flat surface, and spread your fingers out. Try to stretch your pinky out as far as you can. Brace your thumb against the palm of your other hand. Lift your hand off the table, keeping your fingers pressed onto the flat surface. Press your fingers into the table as you stretch the palm. Hold for 20 seconds, release, and try the stretch with your other hand. Stretch your thumbs. Hold your hand in front of you with the palm up, and stretch your thumb away from your hand. Try to stretch your thumb as far away from your hand as you can. Stretch your thumb in the other direction, and try to touch it to the base of your pinky. Hold this stretch for 30 seconds, up to one minute. Repeat with the other hand. Practice plate pinching. Find two 5 lb plate weights and place them together. Grip the plates with your thumb on one plate and your fingers on the other. Hold the plates together for 20 seconds. As it becomes easier to hold the plates together, increase the weight to continue building strength. Move from two 5 lb weights to two 10 lb weights. For an added challenge, try gripping the plates using just your thumb and your pinky. This exercise is designed to help you focus your pinch grip strength. Practice reverse curls. Curls work the biceps, but can also increase grip strength. Using an overhand grip, hold onto the bar. Keep your hands about shoulder width apart. Keep your back straight and your elbows in. Push your shoulders back and lift the bar to your chest by bending at the elbow. Don't lean back and don't push your elbows out as you lift. Avoid using any momentum to lift the bar. Try to lift slowly and focus on the muscles you're using. Try fingertip push-ups. Place your hands on the ground about shoulder width apart, as if you were going to do a regular push-up. Spread your fingers out and place your fingertips on the ground. Using your fingertips, push your body off the ground. Keep your back straight as you lift your body up. When you lower back down, keep your chest just above the ground. Don't strain your fingers as you practice this exercise. Start slow and work your way up to multiple push-ups. Practice your pull-ups. Find a pull-up bar and grab it with your hands about shoulder-width apart, using an overhand grip. Lift your torso up to the bar, pulling up with your back muscles. To further enhance your grip strength, try pull-ups using two towels. Find two towels and drape them over the pull-up bar. Grip the towels and perform a regular pull-up. Line your fingers up with the grooves of the ball. Place your thumb on the straight groove that runs around the middle of the ball. Place your other four fingers on the groove just above the center groove. You can palm the ball from anywhere, but when you are starting out it may help to line your fingers up with the grooves. Don't worry if you can't stretch your pinky to the groove, just get it as close as possible. Grip the ball using your thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers. When palming a ball, your fingertips do more work than your palm. Grip the ball by pressing your fingertips into the ball. Your palm may not even touch the ball once you are able to properly palm a basketball. Your fingertips should be doing all the work. Practice squeezing the ball. To help you build finger strength, spend time squeezing your fingertips into the ball. Remember to practice squeezing with both hands. Practice a fake pass. Once you can palm a basketball, try to put your new skill to use. Thrust the ball out as if you were going to pass it, but use your fingertips to keep the ball in your hands. Get used to moving the ball around while palming it. This will help your overall ball control and allow you to keep building grip strength. | Practice finger stretches. Try claw stretches. Stretch your palms. Stretch your thumbs. Practice plate pinching. Practice reverse curls. Try fingertip push-ups. Practice your pull-ups. Line your fingers up with the grooves of the ball. Grip the ball using your thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers. Practice squeezing the ball. Practice a fake pass. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Recycle-Cables | How to Recycle Cables | To recycle cables, examine the connector to see if you can reuse the cables with another device. If the cables can't be reused, you can drop them off at an electronics recycling center in your community. Some tech stores, especially large chains, accept discarded cables for recycling. You can also check to see if your community holds e-waste collection events and bring the cables there, or donate them to a local STEM program. | Drop off a collection of cables at an electronics recycling center. These places often have collection boxes on-site where you can go to deposit unwanted electronic components. Your junk hookups will be recycled right there at the facility, and you can rest easy knowing that you've done your part to clean up the planet. For information on recycling centers in your area, run a search for "electronics recycling" and the name of your city. If you live in the U.S., you can also visit Earth911.com or contact the National Center for Electronics Recycling using the form provided on their website. Take your accessories to a tech store for recycling. Big-name chain retailers like Best Buy and Staples provide free recycling services for customers looking to get rid of unused electronics. Look for a bin or kiosk marked “Recycling” upon entering the store and simply dump your accessories there. They'll typically see to the disposal of cords, cables, wires, and even rechargeable batteries. Not all stores offer recycling. You may have to call a few different locations to find one that will take your materials. Take advantage of Apple’s Renew program. Return proprietary parts from Apple devices like iPhones and MacBooks to any Apple Store and let them take care of the rest. You can even apply for a free shipping label online to send in your devices without ever having to set foot in a store. For every device you turn in, you'll be rewarded with an online gift card or credit for in-store purchases. Apple accepts trade-ins on a wide range of devices from any generation, including iPhones, iPads, iPods, Apple Watches, Apple TVS, desktop and notebook computers, and all of their accompanying cables. Any devices that aren't refurbished will be recycled and used to make new products. Attend an e-waste collection event. In many places, particularly big cities, nonprofit businesses and special interest groups have been known to host collection events in an effort to reduce the amount of electronic waste (or “e-waste”) floating around. All you have to do is box up whatever cords and cables you no longer have a use for. The attendants will sort, inventory, and prepare them for processing. Check the community events section of your local newspaper to learn when and where e-waste collection events are happening near you. Generally, any device or accessory containing materials like lead, cadmium, beryllium, or brominated cyclic hydrocarbons that may be harmful to the environment falls into the category of e-waste. Give your unused accessories to a friend or family member. Before you start looking for a place to offload newer accessories, see if someone you know might be able to use them. You could end up saving them the trouble and expense of shopping for a replacement. They'll get the piece they need and you won't have to worry about it cluttering up your nightstand anymore. Components like charging cords and adaptor cables don't tend to change much through subsequent generations, which means they're more likely to be compatible with newer devices. Post about the items you're parting with on social media to reach more eyes. Be sure to include a few photos so interested acquaintances know they're getting the right part. Reuse cables for other devices. Some types of accessories are less device-specific than others. A USB cord is a USB cord, for instance, and can be used on any device with a USB port. Familiarizing yourself with the connectors of your various devices can be a good way to get more use out of a cable if you have one that's missing its mate. HDMI, A/V, and coaxial cables are feature a universal construction that makes them interchangeable between many different types of electronics, from computers to video recording equipment. Even a specially-designed component like Apple's lightning charger cord can be plugged into any iPhone, iPad, or iPod manufactured after 2012. Donate your cords and cables to a local STEM program. Schools and hobby groups, such as the Boy Scouts and audio/video clubs, sometimes use electronic accessories like power cords as part of their technology education curriculum. Run a search for STEM programs being advertised in your town and see what sorts of items they're asking for. Chances are, they'll be pleased with whatever you contribute. Since these programs are mostly concerned with studying technology, they may be willing to accept parts that are considered outdated or obsolete. Sell raw materials for salvage. If you're looking for a way to turn a tangle of cables into quick cash, consider mining them for the materials inside. Conductive metals like pure copper and nickel are highly sought after by scrap metal dealers, who melt them down and sell them to vendors. Copper, in particular, is very valuable—in many markets, it can go for as much as $3 per pound. Contact your local scrapyard or metal recycling center and ask about their criteria for accepting salvage metals. Some dealers are happy to handle the extraction process themselves, while others may expect you to have the raw materials ready before you bring them in. Be aware that copper theft is a felony offense. The only time you should attempt to mine raw copper for sale is when it comes from an electronic component that you purchased legally. | Drop off a collection of cables at an electronics recycling center. Take your accessories to a tech store for recycling. Take advantage of Apple’s Renew program. Attend an e-waste collection event. Give your unused accessories to a friend or family member. Reuse cables for other devices. Donate your cords and cables to a local STEM program. Sell raw materials for salvage. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Paper-Scroll | How to Make a Paper Scroll | Before you make your paper scroll, make whatever paper you're using look old by crumpling it and smoothing it out, then soaking it in tea or coffee. After the paper dries, write your message on it in black ink, or with crayons or colored pencils if you want it to be more colorful. Next, cut chopsticks or craft sticks to the width of your paper, roll the right and left edges of the paper around them so they're covered, and secure them to the paper with glue. When the glue is dry, roll the sides up so they meet in the middle, and tie up your scroll with string or ribbon. | Research different scrolls. Researching different types of scrolls will help you decide how you want your scroll to look. Scrolls were used for centuries in countries like China, Egypt, and Greece. Look at different scrolls online and see if any inspire you! Decide whether you want your scroll to look modern or ancient. If you choose to go for an ancient look, consider ageing your paper. Your scroll doesn't have to look like the ones you see online! You can make a completely unique scroll, or combine features you like from many different scrolls. Select your paper. Pick the paper you want to use for your scroll. You can use colorful construction paper, drawing paper, or plain printer paper. All of these can be aged later by soaking them in tea or coffee. Brown paper bags work if you want your paper to look aged, but don't want to go through the process of staining it yourself. Just cut a rectangle out of the bag. You can tape multiple pieces of paper together to make an extra-long scroll, if you want. Feel free to mix and match different colors, but make sure each piece of paper is the same size. If you're feeling really fancy, try using papyrus like the ancient Egyptians did! Decide what to write. Scrolls were traditionally used as decorations, or to document information and tell stories. Think about what you want to write or draw on your scroll. You can do both if you want! If you want to make an Egyptian inspired scroll, consider including some hieroglyphics, the ancient Egyptian form of writing. You can also draw a treasure map, or write a story about one of your favorite experiences. Get creative! If you want to include typed text on your scroll, print it onto your paper now. You won't be able to do it after you age your paper. Crumple your paper. Crumpling your paper makes it look wrinkled and aged. Spray your paper with a little water and crumple it into a ball. Then, smooth it out again. Crumple it a few more times for a more wrinkled appearance. You can iron your paper very lightly if you want it extra flat. Stop here if you like the way it looks! If you want to stain your paper to make it look even older, keep going. If you are using a brown paper bag, you don't need to stain it. Brew coffee or tea. You can age your paper by soaking it in either coffee or tea. Pick whichever one is most convenient for you, and brew enough to cover the sheet you want to age. If you are younger, ask a parent for help. You can brew coffee in a coffee machine, or use instant coffee. The darker the coffee, the better. To brew a strong cup of tea, soak at least three tea bags in a cup of hot water. Be sure to brew extra if you are aging multiple sheets. Apply the mixture. Place the paper in a large pan, and apply the coffee or tea to using a method of your choice. You can dab it on with a sponge, paint it on with a paint brush, or dip your paper in the mixture until your achieve your desired color. Make sure the coffee or tea is not too hot. Try using your teabag as an applicator. Wipe the wet teabag all over paper, squeezing as you go until you achieve the color you want. The paper will look a little darker when it's dry, so stop applying the coffee or tea when it's a couple shades lighter than you want it. Add grains of instant coffee or flecks of tea to your paper for extra texture. Dry the paper. Hang the paper to dry using clothespins. If it's nice out, hang it outside. You can also lay it flat on a clean surface to dry, but beware of staining. If your paper turns out too light, repeat the staining process until you achieve the shade you want. Weigh the dried paper down with a book or other heavy object if you want it flatter. Distress the edges. You may want to make your paper look even older by distressing the edges. You can burn the edges by lighting a match over a safe, non-flammable surface and waving it back and forth over the edges. Continue until you achieve the desired look, shaking and brushing away burnt edges. Alternatively, you can rip the edges with your fingers. Practice distressing the edges on a few scrap sheets of paper before attempting on your scroll paper. You don't want to tear or burn away too much of the edges! You can also burn the edges using lemon or lime juice and a heat gun. Apply a little juice to the edges of the paper, then heat with the heat gun until you get the desired effect. Write on your scroll. Now, it's time to write or draw on your scroll! A black pen works best, especially for delicate aged paper or paper bags. Feel free to use crayons or colored pencils if you want your scroll to be colorful! Be careful when using paints or heavy markers, especially if you are using a paper bag. These can bleed through more delicate papers. Allow the ink to dry completely before moving on to the next step. After all, you don't want to smear your writing or drawings! Select dowels, if you like. Dowels are the sticks you sometimes see at the end of scrolls that make them easier to roll and unroll. You can purchase craft sticks from your local craft store to make your dowels. Cut them to the width of your paper. You will need two dowels, one for each end. Alternatively, you can use chopsticks. Decorate the ends of your dowels using ribbon or dowel caps, which can be purchased at your local craft store. Secure your decorations with hot glue. Glue or tape the dowels to the ends of your paper. Place one dowel on the right end of your scroll, another on the left. Make sure the side with the writing is facing up. Wrap the edge of the paper inward around each dowel, so that the dowel is covered. Secure the dowel with hot glue or tape. Roll up your scroll. After the glue has dried, roll each side of the scroll around its dowel so that the two sides meet in the middle. If you aren't using dowels, simply roll up your scroll from one end to the other, hot-dog style, making sure the writing is on the inside. Secure your scroll with string or ribbon. Select a piece of string, yarn, or ribbon, and tie it around your scroll. This is optional, but it can add a nice touch while keeping your scroll secure. | Research different scrolls. Select your paper. Decide what to write. Crumple your paper. Brew coffee or tea. Apply the mixture. Dry the paper. Distress the edges. Write on your scroll. Select dowels, if you like. Glue or tape the dowels to the ends of your paper. Roll up your scroll. Secure your scroll with string or ribbon. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Fight-Jaundice-in-a-Newborn | How to Fight Jaundice in a Newborn | To treat simple, uncomplicated jaundice in your newborn, expose them to filtered sunlight either through a polarized window inside or by taking them outside in a covered stroller for 5 minutes twice daily. The filtered sunlight will help your baby's body to remove the excess bilirubin that causes jaundice from their system. Be careful not to expose your infant to direct sunlight, which can be harmful to their skin. You should also increase your baby's daily feedings to help your baby have more bowel movements, which help to remove bilirubin. To treat more severe jaundice, your doctor might recommend light therapy for your baby. For this method, your baby will be placed under special lighting that helps them get rid of the harmful bilirubin more rapidly. If your baby's bilirubin levels are still high, your doctor may order a blood transfusion to replace bilirubin-heavy blood with bilirubin-free blood to reduce the levels quickly. | Recognize the symptoms of jaundice. The main symptoms of jaundice are a yellowish tint of the skin — most notable in the palms and plantar surfaces of the feet — and a yellowing of the whites of the eyes. Most babies with jaundice don't require treatment. You should still be aware of indications that the jaundice is getting worse. A deeper yellowing of the skin is a sign that jaundice may be getting worse. Watch for signs that the yellow tint is spreading to other parts of the baby's body like the abdomen, arms or legs. If your baby is listless, it could be a sign that the jaundice is becoming more severe. If your newborn is not feeding well and unable to gain weight it might mean the jaundice is worsening. High-pitched cries from your baby are a sign that the jaundice is getting worse. Test your baby for jaundice. The baby may not have been diagnosed with jaundice at the hospital. If you suspect jaundice once the baby gets home, try a skin test that's reliable, fast and easy. If you have any concerns, don't hesitate to contact your doctor. If your baby has fair skin, try the following: Press a finger against your baby's skin. This will push the blood out of the skin for a moment. The infant's skin should turn white. If the skin remains yellow, it's jaundiced. Perhaps the best place to notice mild jaundice is by gently pressing the tip of your infant's nose which is has many blood vessels and where jaundice is easily seen Perform this test in a well-lit room so that you can identify skin color changes with ease. If your baby has darker skin, check for yellowness in the whites of the eyes, nails, palms or gums. Contact your doctor if your baby doesn't pass the skin test. Take your baby to the doctor for a diagnosis. Your baby's doctor will measure the level of bilirubin in your baby's blood by puncturing the heel to draw blood. The level of bilirubin detected in the baby's blood will significantly contribute to assessing the level of severity of the jaundice and whether the condition needs treatment. A skin test might also be conducted, using a transcutaneous bilirubinometer to measure the reflection of light shone through the infant's skin. The bilirubinometer is less invasive than drawing blood from the newborn. It's possible that your doctor orders additional blood or urine tests if underlying problems are suspected. To determine that treatment is needed, the doctor will look at how well your baby is feeding to assess how your baby is affected by the jaundice. Other factors like whether the birth was premature, whether bruising occurred at birth, and your baby's age might affect the treatment plan. If your baby has older siblings who have had severe jaundice, this will also factor into the treatment plan. Seek emergency treatment if symptoms are severe. If jaundice is left untreated, bilirubin can enter the baby's brain, causing a condition called acute bilirubin encephalopathy. Prompt treatment is critical before brain damage occurs. There are behavioral and physical symptoms indicating this condition. Note that your infant should be under the care of a doctor long before these symptoms develop. During acute bilirubin encephalopathy, the newborn may: Develop a fever or vomit Arch her back or neck Be listless and difficult to wake Feed poorly Understand the importance of treating jaundice. Most cases of jaundice subside on their own in one to two weeks. There are also times when it's critical that jaundice be treated. Kernicterus, though rare, occurs when bilirubin has caused permanent brain damage. Uncontrolled or involuntary movements are evidence of Kernicterus. Loss of hearing can be an indication of brain damage. A frozen upward gaze can be a sign of brain damage. Treat uncomplicated jaundice with filtered sunlight. By far the best way to treat simple, uncomplicated newborn jaundice is by exposing your infant to filtered sunlight either through a polarized window or shade in your home or by taking him outside in a covered stroller for five minutes twice daily. The infant should not be exposed to direct sunlight, but can benefit from sunlight filtered through a shade or glass specifically treated to allow blue light through while blocking ultraviolet rays. Some pediatricians are reluctant to recommend this due to the harmful effects of sun rays on sensitive infant skin; however, all over the world this is still the preferred treatment as long as parents are mindful of the amount and type of exposure. Increase daily feedings for your baby. Breastmilk is important to your baby because it encourages bowel movements, which help to remove bilirubin from the baby's system. The more your baby feeds, the more milk is produced and the more bilirubin your baby excretes. Your doctor may suggest an increase in feeding. A breastfed baby may be upped from eight to ten feedings per day. Supplementation may also be suggested. The newborn should be kept hydrated to help excrete bilirubin from their body. A formula supplement to breastfeeding may be necessary to keep your newborn hydrated. Excess loss of water can occur through the newborn's skin. Consider working with a lactation professional to ensure the baby is feeding properly. A lactation professional can also help with supplementation. Lower your newborn’s level of bilirubin with phototherapy. Your doctor may order light therapy for you baby either at home or in the hospital. Your baby will be placed under special lighting that emits blue-green light. This changes the shape and structure of the bilirubin molecules so that they can be excreted in urine and stool. The baby will be weighed each day and the levels of bilirubin in your newborn's blood will be checked often. Your baby will wear a diaper and protective eye patches during treatment. The light isn't an ultraviolet light. A protective shield filters out ultraviolet light that may be emitted. Light therapy may be supplemented with the use of a light-emitting mattress or pad. If standard phototherapy doesn't work, the doctor might suggest the baby be placed on a fiber optic blanket; an additional bank of lights might be added. Physiological jaundice (the most common form) almost never requires treatment beyond phototherapy. Replace the baby’s blood with blood from a matching donor. An exchange transfusion may be ordered by your doctor if the bilirubin levels in your baby's blood remain high. Your newborn will receive new blood through a small plastic tube inserted into a blood vessel. The bilirubin-heavy blood will be replaced with bilirubin-free blood reducing levels quickly. Your baby's condition will be closely monitored throughout the transfusion process. An exchange transfusion can take several hours. When the transfusion is completed, your baby's blood will be tested for bilirubin. If the levels haven't dropped enough then the baby will undergo another transfusion. An intravenous transfusion of an immunoglobulin might help to prevent the necessity of a blood transfusion. It introduces a blood protein to the infant that that can reduce levels of antibodies. An intravenous transfusion of an immunoglobulin could decrease jaundice and eliminate the need for an exchange blood transfusion. Test your blood early in your pregnancy. There are certain blood types that conflict between mother and baby. If the mother's blood cells access the baby's by crossing the placenta, the mother can form antibodies which lead to jaundice in the newborn. ABO as well as RH incompatibility can lead to jaundice and can be detected in an early blood test. Blood type incompatibilities can be prevented with an RH-immune globulin administered at twenty-eight weeks in the pregnancy. Anticipate jaundice in your newborn. Feed your baby often, since you can help your newborn to keep bilirubin levels manageable by increasing bowel movements in the baby. Even if your baby hasn't been diagnosed with jaundice, you can anticipate the possibility of an increase in bilirubin levels and reduce those levels. Eight to twelve feedings daily will help in reducing the risk of an onset of significant jaundice. Avoid lifestyles that can lead to preterm labor and birth. High bilirubin levels resulting in jaundice occur in eighty percent of preterm babies. Bilirubin levels were found to be high, almost without exception, in babies born at thirty-five weeks or less increasing the risk of jaundice. Refrain from smoking cigarettes—they increase the chances of preterm birth. Secondhand smoke also increases the likelihood of preterm birth. Drug use contributes to preterm birth. Alcohol consumption can also contribute to the likelihood of preterm birth. | Recognize the symptoms of jaundice. Test your baby for jaundice. Take your baby to the doctor for a diagnosis. Seek emergency treatment if symptoms are severe. Understand the importance of treating jaundice. Treat uncomplicated jaundice with filtered sunlight. Increase daily feedings for your baby. Lower your newborn’s level of bilirubin with phototherapy. Replace the baby’s blood with blood from a matching donor. Test your blood early in your pregnancy. Anticipate jaundice in your newborn. Avoid lifestyles that can lead to preterm labor and birth. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Eat-Healthy-in-College | How to Eat Healthy in College | The easiest way to eat healthy in college is to always grab a few veggies from the salad bar, no matter what else you put on your plate. Try to eat salads 4 times a week. If you can, add lean proteins, like chicken or beans. You should also keep healthy snacks, such as nuts, granola, or cans of soup, in your dorm so you have something nutritious to eat when you feel hungry. However, try to avoid snacking late at night, since you won't burn the extra calories. As an alternative, drink green or black tea, which can help you stay awake to study. For a long-term approach, consider making a meal plan so you know what you're eating each day. | Make smart choices in the cafeteria. The dreaded "Freshman Fifteen" is often related to the unhealthy choices students make in the cafeteria. It may be exciting to have unlimited food and socializing options, but constantly being in an all-you-can-eat setting can get unhealthy quickly. Realize that most students aren't looking out for their health and nutrition so the choices may not be geared towards a healthy lifestyle. Avoid those choices and find the diamonds in the rough! Take a lap around the cafeteria before making your choice(s). Many people overeat in cafeterias or buffets because they can't make a decision about what to eat. It helps to read the menu, scour the different food bars, and choose what's most appealing to you. When in doubt, hit the salad bar. Load up your plate with vegetables and top them with a source of protein like chicken, tuna, or tofu. Stay away from the thick, creamy salad dressings, as these are loaded with extra calories. Consider making your own dressing out of olive oil and vinegar. You can also have a fresh deli sandwich made for you loaded with vegetables. You don't have to stick with one food. Mixing and matching can help you get a well-rounded meal that contains the vegetables, lean proteins, and complex carbohydrates you need. Skip dessert most evenings. Just because it's there doesn't mean you have to eat it. Save dessert for two or three nights a week. When you do eat dessert, choose a healthy option like frozen yogurt with nuts or granola rather than cheesecake or brownies. Store healthy snacks in your dorm room. Keep fruit, nuts, granola, and canned soups in your dorm room for snacks or quick meals. Rather than running to the vending machine during your late night study session, snack on these healthier items. This is a cost-effective and waistline-friendly way to keep yourself full and energized throughout the day! These kinds of foods keep you fuller for longer, and won't make you "crash" the way energy drinks or sweets do. There are plenty of fruits that don't need to be refrigerated, including oranges, bananas, apples, and pears. If possible, get a mini-refrigerator in your dorm room to store perishable items like yogurt, hummus, and carrots. Curb late-night snacking. College students often stay up late to finish assignments or cram for exams, and rely on snacks to stay awake. But the extra calories of late night snacking can really add up if you're not careful. Drink tea. Keep an electric teapot in your dorm room and drink green, black, or herbal teas at night. If you are craving sweets, then add some honey to your tea. Tea can also help you stay awake to study without making you feel jittery the way coffee does. If you're going to snack at night, then choose healthy options like fruits or nuts, which can provide your body with the vitamins and nutrients it needs to perform well. Eat at home when possible. Socializing is a major component of the college experience, and it often centers around food or alcoholic beverages. Not only can cooking your own meals at home help you control your calorie and nutrient intake, but it may also save you money. If you cook at home, it's very easy to plan meals for a few days or a week. Stock your kitchen with healthy choices. The best way to ensure that you eat healthy is to buy healthy foods. Having nutrient-rich options on hand will help reinforce healthy eating habits and help you avoid unhealthy patterns. You may find that keeping healthy foods requires you to food shop more often. If this isn't feasible, consider options such as frozen fruits and vegetables, which are as healthy as fresh food and minimally processed. These can easily be incorporated into any dish such as a stir fry or Greek yogurt. Make sure to stock non-perishable whole grains such as whole wheat pasta, oatmeal, brown rice, so you can make easy, go-to meals in a pinch. Purchase dairy products such as yogurt, milk, or cheese to ensure you get protein and calcium. Buy protein rich foods such as beans, nuts, and fresh meat. Stock healthy oils such as olive, walnut, and sesame instead of butter or margarine. Keep a variety of herbs and spices on hand to jazz up any meal and offer different flavors depending on what foods you crave. Make a meal plan to ensure you’re eating healthy. Write a meal plan to help enforce healthy eating habits and avoid unhealthy behaviors. Consider making a plan that includes healthy eating, exercise, and time to rest and relax alone and with friends. Your plan should include meals that meet all of your nutritional needs to sustain your health and well-being. For example, you need to make sure you're getting enough protein, vitamins, and fiber through foods such as lean meats or nuts, and fruits and vegetables. Aim to eat foods that are either processed minimally or that require little cooking or changing their form. Make sure to allot time for physical activity, such as walking or jogging, for at least thirty minutes a day. You'll also want to make sure to include time for rest and relaxation, such as reading a non-school book. These can help reinforce your healthy eating habits and contribute to your overall well-being. Be aware of places or situations where you are more likely to “sin,” such as “doing lunch” with friends or simply just feeling bored. Actively try and avoid overeating or snacking mindlessly during these situations. You can distract yourself if that's easier. Keep clean snacks such as apples or cut vegetables with you to help avoid derailing your healthy habits. Consider allowing yourself one day to cheat and eat foods that aren't a part of your clean plan. One day of conscious cheating may keep you from bad behaviors on other days. Plan meals as often as possible. Planning your meals in advance can help you to avoid poor and unhealthy eating habits. It can also help ensure that you're getting plenty of nutrients, not gaining weight, and may even save you money. For example, plan your breakfasts to help start off your day on the right foot. Packing a lunch can help you avoid buying unhealthy fast foods. If you have lunch plans, order the healthiest choice on the menu, such as salad that isn't loaded with cheese or heavy dressing. Allow yourself cheat days. No person is perfect and sometimes you crave unhealthy foods. Allow yourself occasional cheat days to enjoy junk food or foods you wouldn't normally eat on your plan. You can do this with your friends for maximum enjoyment. There is increasing evidence that allowing yourself to cheat occasionally and consciously will help you maintain your diet in the long run because you're not denying yourself anything. Never berate yourself or let mistakes or cheat days derail your overall healthy habits. Setbacks are normal. Choose healthy foods at restaurants. Eating out is a big part of college, and it can cause a major setback for many people's otherwise healthy diets because of processed, high fat and calorie dishes. Consciously avoiding certain foods and making good choices at restaurants can help you reinforce your good eating habits. Picking healthy choices when eating out often means being the 'odd-one-out' when dining with friends. That's okay! Don't fall into the peer pressure of eating unhealthy foods or large amounts of alcohol. Avoid unhealthy pitfalls like breadbaskets, fried foods, or dishes in heavy sauces such as fettucine alfredo. Salads or steamed vegetables and steaks are good choices of healthy foods. Avoid buffets, which are often filled with unhealthy and processed food choices and can encourage you to overeat. Have whole fruits for dessert, which are healthy and clean. Cut down on drinking. No matter how healthy you eat, the extra calories in alcohol can sabotage your diet. In addition, staying up partying and drinking may lead to unhealthy late-night snacking. When you do drink, stay away from sugary cocktails or mixed drinks, as they are loaded with calories. Some cocktails exceed 600 calories! Try and stick to wine spritzers or light beers. Keep a scale in your room. Don't wait until you can visibly see the weight on your body to start eating healthier. Make things a little easier for yourself by keeping a scale on hand so that you can check in every once in a while. Always weigh yourself at the same time every day to get the most accurate reading. Keeping track of your weight can also help you determine which eating habits are working for you and which ones aren't. If you lose weight one week, for example, think back on what things you ate and what kinds of exercises you did that week. Try to replicate the routine in the future. You may want to consider taking measurements as well, since muscle weighs more than fat. Plus, there may be confounding factors, like water weight, that influence the number on the scale. Exercise. Aim to exercise most days of the week. Doing cardiovascular exercise can help you lose or maintain weight and stay healthy. Plan your workouts right before or right after classes so that you know your day isn't done until you've completed everything you need to. Aim to walk 10,000 steps a day, which translates to walking about 5 miles (or 8km) per day. Wearing a pedometer can help you make sure you're taking enough steps per day. You can do any type of cardio training to maintain your health. Beyond walking, consider running, swimming, rowing, or biking. In addition to cardiovascular exercise, strength training can help you lose or maintain weight. It builds calorie-burning muscle while promoting your overall health. Get plenty of rest. If you're not getting enough rest, your brain and body won't be able to function at their best. By making sure you sleep, take breaks from studying, you may be able to maintain or lose weight. Recent studies have shows that rest is an important part of maintaining a healthy weight and reducing stress. Aim to sleep 7-8 hours per night. Take off at least one full day a week to give your brain and body a chance to rest and recover from studying. You could do this on your eating “cheat day.” Be aware of proper nutrition. Informing yourself about the basics of proper nutrition can help you understand what your body needs to be healthy and avoid gaining the dreaded “Freshman Fifteen.” It can also help you identify the best healthy foods for an eating plan to keep you on track. Depending on how active you are, men need 2,500 calories per day while women need approximately 2,000. You will get proper nutrition if you incorporate foods from the five food groups every day. The five food groups are: fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Fresh fruits and vegetables are an important part of any healthy diet. They contain many important nutrients for you that can help you stay healthy and maintain your weight. You need 1-1.5 cups of fruit per day. You can get this from eating whole fruits such as raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries, or from drinking 100% fruit juice. Make sure to vary the fruits you choose so that you get a range of nutrients and try to not process them. For example, eating a cup of pure berries is much healthier than eating berries on top of a cake. You need 2.5-3 cups of vegetables per day. You can get this from eating whole vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or peppers, or from drinking 100% vegetable juice. Make sure to vary the vegetables you choose so that you get a range of nutrients. Fruits and vegetables are easily incorporated into a variety of dishes including soups and stews, stir fry, or even something as simple as a cup of Greek yogurt with fresh fruit for a dessert. Consume breads and grains for energy. One of the primary sources of energy for you should be breads and grains. Getting enough breads and grains every day will help you keep up your energy and can also provide additional nutrients such as iron. You need between 5-8 ounces of grains per day, of which ½ should be whole grains. You can get grains and whole grains from foods such as brown rice, whole wheat pasta or bread, oatmeal, or cereal. Choose grains that are as minimally processed as possible. For example, brown rice and whole wheat bread are far healthier than white rice. Choose breads and grains that are fortified with iron, Vitamin B, fiber and protein. Eat protein to help maintain strength and provide energy. Protein is an important nutrient for any person, especially when you're experiencing the pressures of studying. Traditional sources of protein such as meat or alternative sources such as fish or nuts can help you get enough protein. You need 5-6.5 ounces of protein per day. You can get protein from lean meats including beef, pork, or poultry; cooked beans; eggs; peanut butter; or nuts and seeds. You can get protein from a wide variety of non-meat foods including: nuts and nut butters such as almonds or peanut butter, soy products, tofu, quinoa, or legumes like lima beans. Be careful when consuming seafood or fish. Limit your cooked fish intake to 8-12 oz. per week and your canned intake to 6 oz. per week. Avoid tuna steaks, swordfish, mackerel, shark or any other fish with high mercury levels. Ingest dairy for extra protein, strong bones and muscles. Calcium is essential for maintaining your healthy and maybe even your weight. Eating foods such as cheese, yogurt, and even ice cream can help ensure you get the recommend servings of dairy. You need 2-3 cups, or 12 oz., of dairy per day. You can get calcium from a wide range of foods including dairy products like cheese, milk, or yogurt; leafy green vegetables such as spinach; dried beans or peas; and tofu. | Make smart choices in the cafeteria. Store healthy snacks in your dorm room. Curb late-night snacking. Eat at home when possible. Stock your kitchen with healthy choices. Make a meal plan to ensure you’re eating healthy. Plan meals as often as possible. Allow yourself cheat days. Choose healthy foods at restaurants. Cut down on drinking. Keep a scale in your room. Exercise. Get plenty of rest. Be aware of proper nutrition. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Consume breads and grains for energy. Eat protein to help maintain strength and provide energy. Ingest dairy for extra protein, strong bones and muscles. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Sweet-Cravings | How to Stop Sweet Cravings | To stop sweet cravings, eat a healthy sweet, like fruit or dark chocolate, to satisfy your cravings. You can also try chewing some sugar-free gum to distract yourself from the cravings rather than indulge them. Eating smaller, more frequent meals may keep you feeling fuller throughout the day and less likely to have cravings. You may also find you can stop cravings by keeping sweets out of sight or out of your home entirely, since making sweets harder to get can help you eat fewer of them. | Watch for emotional triggers. Sweet cravings are triggered because you are hungry. Often these cravings are emotionally triggered. Think about the last time you started craving sweets. What were you feeling? Maybe bored, stressed, lonely, celebratory, or worried? It is helpful to understand any emotional triggers in order to create the best plan to address those sweet cravings. To find your emotional triggers, track when you crave sweets. Every time you crave or eat a sweet, write down what you are feeling at that time in a journal. Make sure you pinpoint each emotion you are feeling. For example, you crave a sweet right after you get a bad grade on an exam. Your sweet cravings may be the result of sadness or disappointment. Notice stress cravings. Sweet cravings can also be induced by stress. Stress releases a chemical called cortisol, which is the stress hormone. Cortisol is linked with a laundry list of negative impacts on the body from weight gain to lowering the immune system. Stress is part of our fight or flight response. The way that you often deal with stress is to eat sweets since it calms this response. If you are feeling stressed, try to avoid eating sweets. Find another outlet, such as working out or deep breathing. Recognize when you need a burst of energy. When you are tired, you seek a quick and easy energy boost. Sugar provides a temporary boost, but it doesn't last long. Part the side effects of sugar is your energy will actually be lower afterward because it isn't a sustainable energy boost. Sugar is one of the fastest substances your body can turn into fuel or energy. However, the problem remains that it is just a quick and short boost of energy, often leading to a feeling down after the boost is over. Notice hormonal cravings. For women, sweet cravings can be triggered by premenstrual syndrome, due to a decrease in endorphin production. Eating sugar increases the feel-good chemicals in the brain. Another positive side effect of eating sugar includes a release of the chemical in the body that acts as a pain reliever. Any hormonal issues can create cravings since hormones are an integral part of the processing of energy in the body. If you have or think you have a hormonal imbalance or deficiency, seek professional medical care. Eat a real meal. If you are craving something sweet, check to see if you are just hungry. Eating a healthy meal can decrease a sweet craving triggered by low energy. When choosing food for your meal. pick healthy foods that will provide energy, such as protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. Increase protein in your meals, such as fish, chicken, lean red meats, and nuts. Avoid packaged meals that are full of sugar and bad ingredients such as salt. Consume more fiber. Fiber helps you to maintain healthy sugar levels in the body, which will reduce the sugar drop that leads to your cravings. It will also help you feel full for longer amounts of time. Look for foods with larger amounts of fiber, which help fill you up. Pick foods such as whole grains, broccoli, artichokes, whole wheat pasta, raspberries, and various beans. The daily recommendation about of fiber is 35 to 45 grams for women and 40 to 50 for men. Have small meals. When sweet cravings are triggered with lower energy throughout the day, another strategy is to spread out meals throughout the day. This will help you avoid the energy decline that comes from periods of not eating. Some research suggests five to six smaller meals versus three big meals help maintain a full feeling thought-out the day. Try to increase the healthy amount of calories you intake per day when adding more meals, but don't eat five to six normal sized meals. This will increase your caloric intake by a large amount. Read labels. Sugar is hidden in most processed foods. If you cannot read the ingredients or there are a lot of them, it is probably high in sugar. Other common names for types of sugar are agave syrup, brown sugar, corn sweetener, corn syrup, dextrose, fructose, glucose, lactose, maltose, sucrose, high-fructose corn syrup, fruit juice concentrate, honey, invert sugar, malt sugar, molasses, raw sugar, sugar, and syrup. Choose better sweets. Sweets do not have to be complicated, super fancy, or a huge dessert. It might be best to choose a simple sweet that isn't full of processed, unnatural ingredients. Eating simple sweets also means avoiding processed foods which are often higher in sugar. Try other options such as fruits and dark chocolate. Avoid candy, cakes, cookies, and ice cream. Drink more water. One of the easiest ways to cut sweets out and decrease your cravings is to drink more water. This will help you avoid sugary beverages as well as keep you hydrated and healthier. Avoid drinks with high sugar such as sports drinks, soft drinks, and some fruit drinks. If you don't like plain water, try all naturally flavored seltzer water. Skip the artificial sweeteners. Artificial sweeteners are not a solution to avoiding or decreasing sugar cravings. There is also mixed research around the impact of artificial sweeteners and the increased risk of cancer. Artificial sweeteners include saccharin, aspartame, acesulfame potassium, sucralose, cyclamate sodium, and neotame. Find a healthier sweetener such as stevia extract. It has no calories and is naturally derived, which means it comes from the stevia plant instead of from chemicals like artificial sweeteners. Stevia has also demonstrated effectiveness in treating high blood pressure and intestinal discomfort. However, stevia has been known to interact with some medications, such as anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal medications. Ask your doctor if stevia is safe if you take any of these medications. Practice mindful eating. Practice mindfulness while eating. Mindfulness is not a diet but a way to be present while eating, break bad habits and bring awareness to habits around eating. Mindfulness encourages you to know when we are truly full and pay attention to your body's signals that you are full. The benefit of mindfulness eating is decreases over eating meals as well as desserts. To help with mindfulness, try something new. Often we eat the same breakfast, lunch, and dinner on a regular basis. Try to switch it up with new recipes or vegetables and meats you don't normally eat. Pay attention to each bite. This includes looking at your food, enjoying the look, savory each bite, and spending a moment after to enjoy the experience. Turn off the TV and avoid other distractions so you can enjoy each bite. Take a break before dessert. Your brain needs time to register it is full after a meal. It takes time for the brain to retrieve signals from the digestive hormones. It differs from person to person, but it is recommended to wait 20 to 30 minutes before eating dessert. Find an alternative activity. If you find that you are craving sweets, try an alternative activity that alleviates your emotional triggers or helps provide that break between a meal and something sweet. If you are bored and you want to grab that bag of candy just to fill the time, try one of these other activities: Take a walk Try mediation Write in a journal Chew sugar-free gum Limit access. Another strategy for avoiding sweets is to limit access to temptation. This could be removing it completely or putting it out of sight. Research shows that removing items or at least making it harder to access them decreases consumption. It provides more time to think about if you really, really need or want the sweet. You can try: Throwing away all sweets and sugar in your house. Hide sweet items on the top shelf making it harder to reach. Place healthier items in sight, such bowl of fruit on the counter instead of a cookie jar. | Watch for emotional triggers. Notice stress cravings. Recognize when you need a burst of energy. Notice hormonal cravings. Eat a real meal. Consume more fiber. Have small meals. Read labels. Choose better sweets. Drink more water. Skip the artificial sweeteners. Practice mindful eating. Take a break before dessert. Find an alternative activity. Limit access. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-With-Your-Left-Hand-(if-Right-Handed) | How to Write With Your Left Hand (if Right Handed) | To write with your left hand if you're right-handed, practice printing the alphabet in upper and lower case letters with your left hand. When you feel comfortable doing this, try writing some of the most common words in your language, which you can find on Wikipedia, or writing your name. To help your brain retrain, do other tasks with your left hand instead of your right, such as opening doors or eating food. Then, use your left hand for more complex tasks, including tracing shapes or throwing and catching a ball. | Understand the complexities of writing with your left hand. Understand that to control your non-dominant hand, your brain will have to form new neural connections. This is not a fast or easy process, so you will need to be prepared to put in many hours of practice if you plan on becoming ambidextrous. Developing these motor skills will probably give you a whole new appreciation of what babies' lives are like. Start slow. Begin printing the alphabet in both capital and lowercase letters, then move on to sentences. When printing becomes comfortable, you can start practicing your cursive. If your writing is very messy in the beginning, start by tracing large text out of a book or magazine. It may also help to buy children's paper, which has widely spaced lines for large printing and dotted center lines to control the letter proportions. Another good thing to do is to observe the way left-handers write or just ask them for some tips. Practice writing every letter. Write "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog" or "Five boxing wizards jump quickly" over and over to improve left-hand neatness. These sentences are good because they use every single letter in the English alphabet. You should also practice writing the most common words in your language and your name, as this will teach your muscles common letter combinations. Lists of the most common words in each language can be found on Wikipedia. Be prepared for the fact that your left arm and hand muscles will be quite sore after writing practice. This is because you are training certain muscles for the very first time. Draw basic shapes. Drawing basic shapes will help to strengthen your left hand and give you more control over the pen or pencil. Stick people, square houses with rectangular chimneys, round-headed cats with triangular ears…the goal here is to become more dexterous, not to produce a Rembrandt. Try coloring them in as well to make you feel more comfortable with your left hand. Also, try to draw straight lines from left to right using your left hand. It will teach you to push, not pull. Learn mirror script. For left-handers, it is easier to pull the pen to the left than to push it to the right. Therefore, writing backward with your left hand is easier than writing forwards. You can just write backward (from right to left) or you can practice mirror script, where the letters themselves have flipped around. Writing backward is also helpful because you will not smear the ink or tear the page when you write with a pen—however, it will not be that easy for others to read, so try to save it for your diary (just like Leonardo da Vinci!) Use the right kind of pens. Liquid ink pens and especially gel pens are worth trying, as they require less pressure and strength when writing. This makes writing more comfortable and leaves your hand less likely to cramp up at the end of your practice session. Be sure to use quick-drying ink though, or the text may get smudged as your left-hand moves across the page. Be realistic. Don't expect results in just one day. It takes lots of time to get achieve neat, legible writing with your non-dominant hand. Resist the urge to lead with your right side. You may be surprised to discover how deeply ingrained this habit is—both physically and mentally. Breaking it will help your brain cope with attempting more involved tasks down the road. If you open doors with your right hand by default, start opening them with your left. If you usually take the first step on a staircase with your right foot, do it with the left. Keep working at it until leading with your left feels natural and easy. Do simple, everyday tasks with your left hand. Good activities to start with include: Eating your food (especially using a spoon). Blowing your nose. Scrubbing dishes. Brushing your teeth. Dialing phone number and writing SMS on a cell phone. Practice more precise movements. Now that your left hand is comfortable with sloppier movements like scrubbing and brushing, begin refining your hand-eye coordination. Tracing is a great place to start: having a defined edge to work with will help force your eye, which is visually tracing the outline, and your left hand, which is physically tracing it, to work in sync. Trace your right hand onto a piece of paper. Pushing the pencil against 3-D contours will help guide the left hand. Graduate to tracing 2-D images. You can think of this as taking down the gutter guards at the bowling alley. Tie up your right hand. The hardest thing is to remember to use your non-dominant hand consistently during the day, so you need a good way to remind you not to use your dominant hand. The thumb is used in almost every situation you use your dominant hand. Not being able to move it freely is an excellent way to make you aware of all the times you are using it—so try tying your right thumb to your right index finger with a piece of string. You could also try wearing a glove on your right hand or putting your right hand in your pocket or behind your back. Practice throwing a ball. Throwing and catching a ball with your left hand is a fun way to strengthen your left hand while also improving your hand-eye coordination. Simply squeezing the ball firmly in your hand will also help to strengthen the fingers. Play racket games. Playing tennis, squash or badminton while holding the racket in your left hand is a great way to strengthen the hand, which will give you greater control when writing. Lift weights. Use a small 5-pound (or less) weight and lift it with your left hand. You can also try to exercise each finger individually by lifting a very small weight with each finger of your left hand. Use your left hand to operate the controls on your computer. Switch the controls on your mouse if you want, but you can still use your mouse with your left hand with the default controls. Also, try pressing the spacebar with your left hand. It's harder than you think! | Understand the complexities of writing with your left hand. Start slow. Practice writing every letter. Draw basic shapes. Learn mirror script. Use the right kind of pens. Be realistic. Resist the urge to lead with your right side. Do simple, everyday tasks with your left hand. Practice more precise movements. Tie up your right hand. Practice throwing a ball. Play racket games. Lift weights. Use your left hand to operate the controls on your computer. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Respond-to-Interrogatory-Questions | How to Respond to Interrogatory Questions | Responding to interrogatory questions might feel nerve-wracking, but as long as you're truthful, complete, and return them in a timely manner, all should go smoothly. Interrogatories are written questions involving a legal matter. When you get them, look them over immediately since you only have 30 days to respond. If you have an attorney, go through the questions together, briefly discuss your answers, and identify if any are objectionable. For example, contest questions that are vague, ask multiple questions, or assume facts. As you answer the questions, keep narrative ones concise, answer “yes-or-no” questions simply, and complete “list” questions as thoroughly as possible. | Begin working on your responses as soon as you receive the interrogatories. In most courts, you must submit your responses to interrogatories within 30 days from the date they are delivered to you or your attorney. Recall that this time includes meeting with your attorney (if you have one), collecting relevant documents, reviewing and preparing your answers, typing the response, reviewing the responses with your attorney, copying the responses, and delivering them to the other party. It's not a lot of time, so get started right away. Discuss the interrogatories with your attorney, if you have one. If you have an attorney, then most likely he received the interrogatories and has sent them to you with instructions to answer them. He has probably already identified the ones that deserve legal objections, and he will handle that part of it. You should sit with your attorney, read through the questions together, and briefly discuss what your answers will be for each one. Your attorney can guide you to make sure that your answers are consistent and appropriate for your overall case. Review all information before answering questions. Read each question before you answer any of them. Read through all of the information and evidence made available to you, as well. Reviewing related documents will allow you to form answers that are complete and accurate. Make sure that you understand each question before you answer it. If you are uncertain about a particular question, consult with your attorney. Gather any information you may need to help you answer. Before you start writing down answers to the interrogatories, it may help you to pull together any paperwork, contracts, receipts, witness statements, or whatever other information you may have that is relevant to the case. That way, when you get to certain questions that ask for names, dates, or other specific information, you can more easily look it up. You are not required to conduct any special research in order to answer interrogatories, but you are expected to look up some information that you would reasonably have available. For example, suppose you are involved in a car accident case because your brakes didn't work, and the other party asks you, “What was the number of accidents caused by brake failure in the U.S. in the past five years?” You should object, because you cannot be expected to look up this information. On the other hand, suppose you are asked, “How many times have you had your brakes serviced since you purchased the car?” This is a reasonable interrogatory. Even if it means that you may have to estimate or look through car repair receipts, you should answer it. In the end, if you truly don't know, you could estimate or answer that you don't know. Count the number of questions. Look through the interrogatories that you received and simply count to make sure that the opposing party has not exceeded the allowable limit. When you are counting, if a question is presented in multiple parts, you can count it as multiple questions. Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule Number 33, allows 25 questions, “including all discrete subparts.” This means that you can break a multiple part question into its parts and count each part. The Federal Rules will apply if your case is in Federal Court. State rules apply in state courts, and may allow more or fewer than the Federal Rules. In most states, the Rules of Civil Procedure will follow the same numbering structure as the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. If Federal Rule Number 33 covers interrogatories, then in your state court's rules it will probably also be Rule Number 33. For example, a question that says, “Identify each person who was present at the accident scene and describe what each person did immediately following the accident,” is really two questions: (1) Identify each person and (2) Describe what each person did following the accident. Count this interrogatory as two questions. Object when you need to. Interrogatories are a chance for either party to a lawsuit to get information from the other party by asking questions. However, there are some limits to what can be done with interrogatories, and if your opponent goes too far, don't be afraid to raise an objection. If you are working with an attorney, he will probably point out the objections first. But if you have concerns, ask him about it. Dispute questions that are impermissibly compound. Each interrogatory is supposed to ask only one question. If the interrogatory raises multiple questions in one, this may be grounds to object. An example of an impermissibly compound objection would be, "Name each person who was present at the accident, and for each person describe what he or she saw, give that person's address and work experience, and provide a history of the repairs that you have had done on the car." Contest questions that are vague, ambiguous or unintelligible. If possible, interpret each question in a way that can be answered. But if, no matter how you try, you cannot make sense of a question or find a way to give a specific answer, then object. For example, if the question asks, “When did he do it?” without any more specification, you need to object because you cannot be expect to know who “he” is or what “it” is. Challenge questions that assume facts that are not proven. For example, if a question asks, "What did the passenger in your car say when you ran through the red light?" is objectionable if it is not clear that you did run through the light. Object to questions that are not reasonably calculated to lead to the discovery of relevant, admissible evidence. Interrogatories must ask questions that are, at the very least, relevant to the case. Any question that asks for too much detail that goes beyond the scope of the lawsuit is objectionable. For example, if you are in a contract dispute case regarding a specific purchase, and you are given an interrogatory that says, “Please identify your annual income for the past three years and provide copies of tax returns,” this would be objectionable. Your income probably has nothing to do with the contract in question. Ask your attorney about any objections that you consider. If you are represented by an attorney, then he or she, in fact, will be the one who is technically making the objections. Your role is to provide answers to questions. The attorney's role is to make legal objections. Complete “list” questions as thoroughly as possible. “List” questions are those questions that will directly ask you to list specific pieces of related information. You must provide each known piece of information requested. An example of a standard list question might read, "List the names, business addresses, dates of employment, and rates of pay regarding all employers for whom you have worked over the past five years." Leaving information off your list can prevent various witnesses and evidence from being introduced. Moreover, if the information you omit is revealed during the trial, the validity of your testimony could be called into question. When asked for dates, be precise if possible, but do not guess. If you can only remember the month and year, then say so. If you can only remember the year, then say that. However, if you can readily find the answer for a precise date, you should do so. When necessary, go through your records to answer list questions as thoroughly as possible. If you know that there is information you are unable to recall and do not have records for, mention this fact after completing the rest of the list. Answer “yes-or-no” questions simply. Yes-or-no questions are fairly straightforward. The first part of the question will ask a closed-ended question that you'll need to answer with a "yes" or "no." The second part of the question will ask you to provide further detail. For example, a yes-or-no question might ask something like, "Were you receiving treatment for any physical disability or sickness during the time of the complaint? If so, state the nature of the condition, the type of treatment, the date you began treatment, and the physician in charge of your treatment." If your answer is "no," all you need to do is write "no." Do not answer the second part of the question. If your answer is "yes," you will need to answer the second part of the question with information that is both thorough and accurate. Be concise when answering narrative questions. Narrative questions are open-ended and ask you to describe events related to the case. Provide accurate, complete information, but do not answer more than is necessary. If adding some particular details will help your case, then include them. But do not feel compelled to include details that may not help your case. An example of a narrative question could be something like, "Describe in detail the actions you performed leading up to the accident mentioned in the complaint, including the known results of each action." Provide brief answers that address all of the points raised in the question while mentioning little else. Do not include irrelevant details, and make sure that your answers do not shift the blame for an incident to yourself. If you are asked to answer what you could have done to avoid an accident or incident, don't guess or speculate on what actions you may have taken. It is better to write, "There was nothing I could do to prevent it” or even simply “I don't know what else could have been done.” If describing injuries, mention any and all injuries linked to the incident, including those you believe to be minor. Remember that any facts you leave out of your interrogatory answers might not later be admitted in court. Leave open the possibility for future amendments to questions about trial preparation. Some questions may ask about your plan for the trial, such as, “List all expert witnesses you intend to call at trial.” At the time that you are dealing with the interrogatories, you may not have yet identified any expert witnesses. So you will answer, “No expert witnesses are known at this time. I reserve the right to amend this answer if and when any are identified.” Then, if you do find an expert witness that you will use at trial, make sure you send the opposing party a letter that add this name to your answer. In the final preparation stage for trial, there will be a time for each party to provide a full list of witnesses and exhibits that are going to be used at the trial. Your list of witnesses or exhibits at this time should match whatever information you previously provided in responses to interrogatories. If they don't match, your opponent could raise an objection and delay the trial or prevent your witness from testifying. Use the proper heading for your interrogatory responses. Interrogatory responses should be headed with the “caption” of your lawsuit. This will include the name of the court centered at the top of the page, the name of the case (e.g., “Smith, Plaintiff, vs. Jones, Defendant”), and the case number, something like CV-16-12345 (the case number will have been assigned by the court clerk when the case was filed and needs to appear on all documents). Then you will title the paper, “Defendant's Answers to Plaintiff's First Set of Interrogatories” (assuming that you are the defendant and this was the first set). Either party may serve interrogatories on any other party in the case. It is permissible to send more than one set of interrogatories, as long as the total number of questions does not exceed the number allowed by the rules of civil procedure. So, for instance, a party could send the “First Set of Interrogatories” that contains ten initial questions, and then after reviewing the answers to those questions, submit a “Second Set of Interrogatories” with fifteen additional, more specific questions. If you have an attorney representing you, then you probably will not need to worry about this step. You will just provide the answers, and the attorney or his or her staff will make sure that the page is set up correctly. Format your answers properly. As a general rule, you should write your answers on a separate document, not respond directly on the page you received from the other party. This document can be a computer file or a typed, printed response. Legible handwritten replies may also be sent but are not preferred. Generally, for legibility, your responses should be double-spaced and printed on one side of the page only. If possible, without becoming overly burdensome, you should retype each interrogatory and follow the question with your answer. In most courts, repeating the question is not required, but it is helpful and generally expected, to make reviewing the answers easier. Your response will look something like this: INTERROGATORY NO. 1: ANSWER NO. 1: INTERROGATORY NO. 2: ANSWER NO. 2: State any objections in the space where the answer would go. You do not list objections separately. If you have any objections to particular interrogatories, you will present them instead of an answer. If you can answer part of a question but part of it is objectionable, then answer what you can and object to the rest. For example, the following might be what your response would look like if you were involved in a case about a car accident: INTERROGATORY NO. 17: Identify the make and model of the car you were driving at the time of the accident, and provide the number of similar accidents involving that make and model car in the U.S. for the past year. ANSWER NO. 17: I was driving a 2013 Honda Accord. I object to the remainder of the question as it requests information that is overly broad, irrelevant to this case, and calls for additional factual research. ”Verify” your answers by signing the final page. In legal terms, a “verified” answer is one that you have signed at the end. You need to include a statement at the end of your interrogatory answers that says, “I verify under oath that the answers to these interrogatories are true to the best of my ability,” and then sign it. If you are represented by an attorney, and the attorney provided language for any objections, then the attorney will also sign in support of those objections. Some attorneys disagree on whether you need to include the words “under oath” in your statement. As long as your answers really are true, you should probably include the “under oath” language. If your answers are intentionally false (i.e., you are lying), and you sign the statement “under oath,” then you could be charged with the crime of perjury. If you tell the truth, to the best of your ability, you have nothing to worry about. The rule on this may differ from state to state as well. In some states, your answers may need to be signed in front of a notary as well. Make copies. Even if you save the document on your computer, make a copy of your signed interrogatory answers before sending them out. You will need to send a copy to every party in the case. The original must be sent directly to the requesting attorney or self-represented party who sent the interrogatories. In some cases, there may be more than one plaintiff, or more than one defendant. You need to send a copy of your responses to everyone involved in the case. Complete and return the interrogatory answers within 30 days. Under most circumstances and in most states, you must answer and return the responses to interrogatories within 30 days of receiving them. The exact deadline can vary if the judge presiding over the case decides to set a different time limit. In such instances, the new deadline should be clearly stated when the interrogatory is delivered to you. If you have a valid reason for being unable to meet the deadline, speak to your attorney about the possibility of requesting an extension. If you are not represented by an attorney, then call the other party (or his or her attorney) directly and discuss an extension. Most attorneys will be reasonable about discovery, if you act reasonably as well. If you fail to complete and return the interrogatory by the deadline, the court could sanction you or take other legal action against you. If you are just late, then at first, the court may just order you to answer. But if you continue to delay or refuse to answer, the court could order a financial fine against you, could limit your ability to present certain evidence or witnesses, or take some other action that the judge thinks is appropriate. | Begin working on your responses as soon as you receive the interrogatories. Discuss the interrogatories with your attorney, if you have one. Review all information before answering questions. Gather any information you may need to help you answer. Count the number of questions. Object when you need to. Dispute questions that are impermissibly compound. Contest questions that are vague, ambiguous or unintelligible. Challenge questions that assume facts that are not proven. Object to questions that are not reasonably calculated to lead to the discovery of relevant, admissible evidence. Ask your attorney about any objections that you consider. Complete “list” questions as thoroughly as possible. Answer “yes-or-no” questions simply. Be concise when answering narrative questions. Leave open the possibility for future amendments to questions about trial preparation. Use the proper heading for your interrogatory responses. Format your answers properly. State any objections in the space where the answer would go. ”Verify” your answers by signing the final page. Make copies. Complete and return the interrogatory answers within 30 days. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Help-a-Hamster-With-Sticky-Eye | How to Help a Hamster With Sticky Eye | To help a hamster with sticky eye, start by wetting a cotton swab with lukewarm water and gently picking up your hamster. Then, once your hamster has calmed down, hold the end of the cotton swab against its eyes for a few minutes to soften the crust on it. Don't drag the cotton swab or try to pull its eye open or you could hurt your hamster. Finally, after a few minutes, use a cloth to wipe away the crust from your hamster's eyelid. | Check your hamster's eye for foreign objects. One reason your hamster's eye may be watery or closed is that something is stuck in the eye. If this is the case, there won't be any crust present holding the eye closed, so you can gently open your hamster's eye and look. If there is dust or sand in the eye, you can use a Q-tip or similar, dipped in lukewarm water to gently remove the debris. If an object has actually punctured the eye, don't try to remove it or you could cause further damage. Take your hamster to the vet as soon as possible. Examine your hamster for pink eye. Animals, as well as humans, can contract conjunctivitis, commonly known as Pink Eye. The condition is usually not harmful to hamsters, but you should still see the vet to make sure your pet heals properly. Schedule a visit to the vet if your hamster exhibits the following symptoms. A watery eye discharge. This may become more pus-like as time goes on. Sticky eyelids. Swollen eyes. Redness around the edge of the eyelids. See if your hamster's eyeball is protruding from the socket. It is possible for the eyeball to actually protrude from a hamster's head. It can occur from an infection or trauma. This is a serious condition that requires veterinary attention as soon as possible. Don't waste time if you see this condition in your hamster. The faster you get to the vet, the better the chances you can save the eyeball. Hold your hamster gently. You'll want to avoid hurting your hamster while cleaning out the eye. Being too rough while handling him for this procedure can cause injury that will require veterinary attention. Pick him up gently and don't start cleaning until he's settled down. Be sure the hamster is comfortable and has stopped struggling before you start cleaning out his eye. Wet a cotton swab or washcloth with lukewarm water. Either of these objects will work, as long as you use lukewarm water. Make sure the water isn't hot, or you could burn your hamster and cause damage to the eye. Hold the cloth or swab on the eye. You shouldn't abruptly pull the eye open. The crust associated with the sticky eye will be holding the eye shut, and pulling it apart can cause damage. Instead, you have to break down and soften the crust that is keeping the eye shut. You can do this by holding the wet cloth over your hamster's eye for a few minutes. This will help loosen up the eyelid. He may even be able to open his eye on his own after this without any further help. Try two minutes of this before taking any further action. Wipe away any crust from the eyelid. After you've held the cloth over your hamster's eye for a few minutes, the crust should be soft and loose. Now you can gently brush it away from his eyelid without hurting him. If the crust doesn't come away easily, don't force it or you could hurt the hamster. Instead, go back to holding the cloth on the crust and let it loosen further. Open the eye gently. If a few minutes go by and your hamster is still unable to open his eye by himself, you'll have to open it manually. After wiping away the crust, it should be easy to open the eye. Gently pull the lids apart until your hamster is able to open his eye on his own. Remember to stop right away if you have any difficulty doing this. Go back to holding the cloth over the eye and wiping away crust, then try again. Visit the vet if you have any trouble. If you can't get the eye open or suspect that anything else may be wrong, don't hesitate to go to the vet. If there is a problem, catching it early is key for your hamster's health. Wash around you hamster's eyes regularly. If your hamster is prone to sticky eyes, you can prevent the problem with regular washing. Take a wet cloth and gently wipe around the eye to get rid of any fluid buildup. This will prevent crusting and help keep your hamster's eyes from getting stuck together. You should especially do this if your hamster is getting old since older hamsters are more prone to the problem. | Check your hamster's eye for foreign objects. Examine your hamster for pink eye. See if your hamster's eyeball is protruding from the socket. Hold your hamster gently. Wet a cotton swab or washcloth with lukewarm water. Hold the cloth or swab on the eye. Wipe away any crust from the eyelid. Open the eye gently. Visit the vet if you have any trouble. Wash around you hamster's eyes regularly. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Curl-Your-Hair-with-a-Flat-Iron | How to Curl Your Hair with a Flat Iron | To curl your hair with a straightener, first brush your hair to remove any kinks or knots. Then, plug your straightener in and let it heat up. Grab a 1 to 2 inch (2.5 to 5 cm) section of your hair and pull it away from your head. Next, close the straightener's clamps around the section of hair, about 6 inches (15 cm) from the roots. Twist the straightener 180 degrees in the direction that you want to curl your hair. Wrap the end of your hair around the outside of the straightener in the same direction that you turned it. Now, lightly pull the straightener away from your head. Hold the clamps gently together as you run it all the way through the ends of your hair. Finally, repeat this process on every other section of your hair that you want to curl. | Start with clean and dry hair. Make sure to start with completely clean and dry hair. Wet hair won't curl at all and damp hair won't curl as well. Even if you have one of those magical wet-to-dry hair straighteners, it's best if you have dry hair. Dirty hair also won't hold its shape very well, so make sure you've washed it in the past 24 hours. If you're blow-drying your hair first, use mousse. The extra volume will keep your hair from looking too flat as you curl it. Use a thin flat iron. Your straightener should be about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) in width from plate to handle and have rounded edges, otherwise, it won't form smooth curls. A flat, paddle-style iron also won't do curls. It'll be much harder to hold and wrap if you have this kind of straightener and the hair won't want to stay in the right place. Make sure you've got a good quality flat iron. The best work faster, make your hair smoother and do less damage than poor-quality irons. They can have a big impact on things like shine and the consistency of curls. Heat the iron up to the minimum temperature you need for your hair. If your hair is fine and thin, stick to the low end of the dial at below 300 degrees. Normal hair can be ironed at 300 to 380. You can turn it up to 350 to 400 if your hair tends to be thick, coarse, or frizzy. Apply heat protectant. Applying a heat protectant or a thermal spray creates a protective barrier between the hair and the iron so that the hair doesn't "frizzle" and burn. Spray all over your hair – no need to comb, as it should mist on and dry quickly. If you have thick hair, spray it on each section before you tackle it. If you just spray it on the top of all your hair, it won't hit the bottom layers. Also be sure to comb out any tangles in your hair before applying heat. Part your hair into sections. You'll have better luck curling your hair if you section it instead of trying to attack the whole mess at once. In general, the thicker your hair the more sections you'll need to do. Tie up the hair above your ears and put it in a bun on the top of your head. It needs to be out of the way. Start at the bottom of your scalp, close to your ears and neck. Leave down as much hair as you can work with for your first "layer" of curls. A good rule is to work with 1 to 2 inch sections at a time. Pinup the rest. Once that layer is done, you'll unclip your hair and let down another layer. Again, clip up what you can't curl right now. Keep curling in layers. Alternate flicks and curls. Flicks and curls are simply two slightly different ways to curl your hair with a flat iron. Try both to see what you like. Flicks : Start half-way down the length of hair, clamp the iron closed and turn it back on itself in a half turn. You should now have created a U-shape with the hair and the iron. Keeping the iron on that half-turn angle, slowly move it down the hair shaft to the end of the hair. The faster you move the iron, the less pronounced the curl/flick will be. If you like big soft flicks, slow down your iron. Curls : Starting fairly close to the scalp (but not close enough to accidentally burn it), clamp the iron closed and turn it back on itself a half turn (the same as with flicks). Run the iron slowly down the hair shaft to the end. Again, the slower you move the iron, the tighter the curl. The faster you move the iron, the gentler the wave. Make more pronounced curls by turning the straightener a full turn, instead of a half. With flicks and curls, you just rotated the hair straightener a half turn. If you want more ringlet-y, complete curls, rotate the straightener a full turn, turning the hair over onto itself, sort of creating a loop. Find out what your hair tends to do between the half and the whole turn. You may find that half is enough, or that a three-quarters turn is more ideal for you. What's more, certain days may be half-turn days, and other days will feel like full-turn days. It's up to you! Experiment with turning your straightener under and over. When you rotate your flat iron, whether it's a half-rotation or a full-rotation, you're confronted with a decision to make: to turn under and around or over and around. Neither is incorrect, though the curl will reverse with the change in angle. Which looks best on you? Try to be consistent. It's easy to curl one way on one side and then when you switch arms to inadvertently switch directions, too. If you do wind up accidentally doing this, you'll probably be the only one who notices your curls in are different directions. On the other hand, alternating directions can also look great. You just have to be sure to use a consistent pattern throughout. Try flat waves. Once in a while, it feels the high time to bring back 1995. Clamp your flat iron down on your hair and turn it up a half of a turn. Then, clamp it on the next bit of hair and turn it down a half of a turn. This technique will give you flat waves, almost like a finger wave. Repeat this process down the length of your hair. For these flat waves, you're clamping down on every bit of your hair. For curling, you simply curl at the top and slowly drag it down – kind of like curling ribbon on a gift or balloon. Add some hairspray. If your hair doesn't curl easily or doesn't hold a curl, put hairspray on sections immediately before you curl them. If you want your curls to hold their shape just how they immediately fall from the straightener, spritz a tiny bit of hairspray on the hair right before you curl it. Be sure to use a non-aerosol working spray for this. Aerosols will create a sticky mess. Don't use too much hairspray, as well. Then it becomes stiff and crunchy, which is not the look you're aiming for. Grab the section of hair you want to curl. How much hair you include in each curl is up to you, but here are a few points to keep in mind: Smaller sections make smaller, tighter curls, as well as more of them. If you want a look that's closer to ringlets, keep your sections less than two inches wide. Larger sections result in bouncier, looser curls that look a little more natural. Use sections that are wider than two inches for big curls. Mix it up. You don't have to stick completely to one size or another. For instance, you could do larger curls close to your face and the top of your head to create lift and volume, and tighter, more delicate curls underneath for support. Try it a few different ways and see what you like best. Use one of the above techniques. The above methods share the same basic principles: turn your hair straightener over itself, and lightly and slowly drag it down your hair. Clamp lightly keeping the hair on the straightener plates – not so hard it's difficult to move and not so lightly that the hair escapes. The variables you can switch up? Where you start on your hair (towards your scalp or towards the ends), how slowly you move the flat iron, and how much you rotate the flat iron. Experiment with these three variables to find the perfect look for you. You don't have to curl all your hair, either. A few strands that are straighter or just wavy can give you a natural, beach-y look. Finish up. You can leave your hair as-is when you're finished curling, or you can add an additional touch to wrap up the style you want. For looser curls: Gently run your fingers through your hair and tousle it. You'll get a little more volume, and a relaxed, natural look. For more hold: Put a light mist of hairspray all over your curls to keep them sleek and tight throughout the day. If you live in a really humid area, consider using an anti-humidity spray as well. | Start with clean and dry hair. Use a thin flat iron. Apply heat protectant. Part your hair into sections. Alternate flicks and curls. Make more pronounced curls by turning the straightener a full turn, instead of a half. Experiment with turning your straightener under and over. Try flat waves. Add some hairspray. Grab the section of hair you want to curl. Use one of the above techniques. Finish up. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-Tai-Chi | How to Do Tai Chi | If you want to do tai chi, choose a style that fits your goals, such as Yang style for health issues or Chen style for self-defense. Once you have chosen a style, look online or ask your friends and family to help you find a tai chi instructor who is knowledgeable in that style. A good instructor will help show you moves, teach you about the history and philosophy of tai chi, and correct your form during class. | Master the moves by understanding the philosophy and its makers. To understand the nature of Tai Chi Chuan (meaning "Supreme Ultimate Fist") we have to put it into context with the culture from where it has come. This means we have to look closer at the Chinese culture and, in particular, the spiritual tradition of Taoism which is where Tai Chi Chuan finds its roots and sustenance. The art of Tai Chi is said to improve the flow of Chi (Qi), the traditional Chinese concept of a physically intangible energy or life force. In scientific studies, Tai Chi has been proven to improve a host of medical conditions including, but not limited to: muscular pain, headaches, fibromyalgia, cardiovascular problems, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Diabetes and ADHD. Though its low-impact workout is especially helpful to seniors, Tai Chi is for everyone and is deceptively simple in appearance. The thing to keep in mind about Taoism is that it is about an attunement with nature. Not just nature outside of us, but also the nature within us. This principle is called Tzu Jan, or Ziran in pinyin, and it is the principle of being "self-so" or embodying one's "self-nature". So beyond the health benefits and stress relief, Tai Chi Chuan is also a means to tap into one's inner self. Think about more than just doing the move. Tai Chi isn't about putting your arms out in front of you. No. Just no. For every moment, there's purpose, flow and, for some, a fighting application. While you're practising, think about these things. What does this move symbolize? How does such a simple move evoke such energy? Try the single whip move. We're just going to outline a few here (there are tons), but a pretty standard one that is seen in every variety is the single whip. It's where every point along your arms and upper torso is part of a whip -- they could explode with a force of energy at any moment, becoming the end of the whip. Doesn't seem so effortless now! Do the white crane spreads wings move. For this one, your weight should always be on one leg -- but both feet should always be on the ground. You'll be shifting back and forth as you test your balance. So to your arms should be opposite -- one should be moving fast and on different planes and the other should be slow and deliberate (but never flaccid and weak). Practice "pouring. " This can even be something you do waiting in line at the self-check out. You simply stand with your feet on the floor, parallel, shoulder-width apart. Then you pour your weight onto one leg and hold; after a few breaths in and out, you begin slowly pouring your weight onto the other leg and holding. Do this for a few minutes, clearing your mind and becoming aware of your balance. Do arm circles. With your elbows out in front of you and your wrists relaxed, begin your arm circles. Start on the first level making slow circles with your fingers, then your wrists, then your forearms, and then through your shoulder. Try to keep perfect, unmoving balance in your core at all times. Do leg cycling, too! Sit down and work from your toes to your thighs, bending your knees when you need to. Be sure to go both clockwise and counterclockwise. Master the "snake creeps down" move. Again, this move is slightly different in each style of Tai Chi, but the general gist is the same: move from a standing position into a deep (hamstring) lunge as gracefully as possible! Once you're there, test your balance with your arms. Move them around on different planes and at different speeds. Can you hold it? Go from short form to long form. For most beginners, you'll probably want to stick to the short form. That's 13-40 moves long and generally lasts about 5-20 minutes. But once you get that down, you may be craving more. That's where the long form comes in! It's 80 or more moves and can take over an hour. Talk about stress relief! Warm up with proper breathing and centering. As with any martial art, it's not just how quickly and forcefully you can strike a board or knock a guy out. A huge part of it is having a firm grip on your mind. To clear yours, focus your chi, and tap into your potential, you'll need to start with proper breathing (which will, in turn, centre you). Put your feet up to shoulder width apart, no further. Place your hand on your lower abdomen, about 2 inches (5 cm) below your navel. Push in lightly. Breathe in and out through your nose slowly (lips loosely together) from this area of your abdomen. If you can't feel this area moving, push in with your hand a bit more. Concentrate on all parts of your body one at a time. Once breathing like this feels normal, start relaxing every part of your body one at a time. Start with your feet and work your way up to your scalp. Get as tiny as you'd like -- down to your fingernails even. You'll find you were holding tension without even realizing it. Root yourself. One of the concepts of Tai Chi is "rooting." It's fairly self-explanatory: imagine roots growing out from underneath your feet. You are a part of the ground, never losing balance, focus, or your centering. Your limbs sway like branches in the wind, never hesitating for fear or apprehension. You are rooted. Think about your frame. In Tai Chi, there are a few forms your positions can take. Generally, each style favors a specific form. Here's a rundown of the basics: Small frame style. In this style (usually Wu or Hao versions) aren't very expansive. The movements are smaller (big surprise, huh?) and there's less extension in general. The focus is on correct internal energy to form correct movements and transitions. Large frame style. The large frame style (Chen and Yang) involves low and high stances, more dramatic postures, and swinging arms. It emphasizes correct positioning of the body and alignment to channel energy. There is a medium frame style, but it's really just in between the two. If you have questions, ask your teacher! Experiment with different styles. Because all Tai Chi is good, it's more important that you do any rather than worry about which style is right for you. But once you get immersed in the world, you may want to experiment. Here's a brief rundown: The Chen style mixes up the tempo, going very slow and then being explosive. It can be difficult for beginners. The Yang style is the most popular. It has a steady tempo and, as discussed above, uses large frame movements. It's probably what you think of when you think of Tai Chi. In Wu, the movements are almost microscopic. This makes it easy to do, but difficult to master -- there's a lot of focus on powerful flows of energy and inner, pressured movements. The movements are very slow and deliberate. The Hao style isn't very widely spread. You probably won't find a teacher that practices it. Choose a style of Tai Chi that fits your needs and interests. There are hundreds of Tai Chi styles but each of them has a specific focus of its own such as health or martial arts, meaning that you need to make a decision about what you want to get from the Tai Chi experience. The six most popular styles, which originate from family lineages, are the Chen, Yang, Wu, Sun and Wu-Hao and Fa styles. Yang style is the most popular when focusing on health issues, however, Chen style, with its lower stances and focus on martial development, is most popular as a self-defense art. No matter the style, stick with it, and remember that despite visual differences all Tai Chi styles share the same basic underlying philosophy. The many types of Tai Chi styles mean that there are over 100 movements and positions in Tai Chi that you can learn. Many of these carry the names of nature or animals. The continuity between all forms of Tai Chi is a concentration on breathing coordinated with rhythmic movement, and an end goal of achieving inner calm by focusing on the present. Make sure you're physically ready for it. Anyone can do Tai Chi, provided you choose a gentler form of it, if you need to. The reason for this is that Tai Chi emphasizes technique over strength, giving every person a chance to master the art regardless of strength or age. The workout is low-impact and is, therefore, suitable for most people. If you have any doubts, talk to your medical practitioner. Find a knowledgeable teacher who is right for you. It's important to choose an instructor whose teaching style is compatible with your learning style. While there may be helpful study guides, it is simply impossible to learn from a book or video. A DVD cannot correct your form, and everyone needs correction as a beginner. Moreover, the social support gained by attending a class is invaluable. Places to look for a Tai Chi teacher include your local health club, community center, wellness facility, martial arts studio, YMCA, or YWCA. There are many "Tai Chi class finders" online. Factors in choosing a teacher include: If you're a newcomer to Tai Chi, it is completely acceptable to learn from another advanced student. One important factor to consider is if you have any medical conditions which require special attention, such as arthritis or multiple sclerosis. If so, it is essential you choose a teacher who has experience making accommodations for your condition. Picking a teacher who is an hour drive away is the fastest way to getting Tai Chi relegated to your New Year's resolution list year after year. Ensure that you find classes that are close and handy to you. Pay only what you can afford. A fancy studio and a free uniform doesn't mean much if you aren't learning anything. Most traditional classes are held outdoors and are informal when compared to say, your local taekwondo school. There is a credential process that is quickly gaining momentum in Tai Chi. It requires instructors to complete 200 hours of instructor-level instruction, and this path satisfies the Professional Membership level for the National Quigong Association (NQA). Pick a style of instruction. No matter if your teacher of Tai Chi is a soccer mom from the burbs' or an old Chinese man with a white beard, pick a style of instruction that works for you. It doesn't matter how knowledgeable they are, if you can't understand them, you won't get any of their experience to show in your practice. Be sure to pick a teacher who has the same goals you do (in terms of health, self-defense etc.). To understand what you're in for, visit the class yourself before signing up. Teachers who refuse to allow a trial class are hiding something. Anyone who calls themselves, or insists you call them grandmaster or any other equally overblown term, is not worth pursuing. A true Tai Chi teacher will tell you that they are still learning to master Tai Chi, even after many years. Practice. Reading the cool Tai Chi magazines is fun, but the primary way to improve your Tai Chi is to practice. Anecdotes about one Tai Chi master, the famous Chen Fake, say he practiced his styles form 30 plus times a day. While you certainly don't need to go to this extreme, practicing once a day is preferable. Twice a week is about the minimum amount of practice in order to learn most effectively, and feel a tangible benefit. When practicing, focus on what you remember. Don't beat yourself up about not remembering, but rather improve what you can work on. Even if you only remember one posture , standing and holding that posture is good for you. Develop a routine so that it is both easy to remember and you find it a pleasant association between practicing Tai Chi and how you feel about your day in general. What you get from your Tai Chi practice is largely determined by how, and how much your are practicing. To get the most from your training consistency is needed. Set aside some time for yourself every day, fifteen minutes will do. Then, every day, take that time to care for your body and clear your mind with your practice. The reward will be well worth it. You can practice indoors or outdoors, with friends, or solo. Whatever fits in best for you, Tai Chi will work with you. Commit to practicing for 12 weeks minimum. You need at least three months of practicing Tai Chi before you will notice the benefits. At this point, they should be very evident and ongoing but don't give up – give yourself at least this minimum period to see the benefits. And once you reach this mark, continue for longer and bigger benefits, and for greatly increased skill. Keep distractions out of your practice zone. During the Tai session, you are expected to put aside distractions and focus. The deep breathing aspect will help, as will relaxing: Relax. Tensing your body is the best way to prevent getting any benefit from Tai Chi. However, relax does not mean turn into a wet noodle. Retain proper posture without excess tension. Classic Tai Chi literature often describes this as standing "as if one were suspended on a string on the top of the head". Breathe. Part of the secret of Tai Chi's health benefits comes from deep, abdominal breathing. The majority of styles teach "abdominal breathing", in which one breathes in, expanding the abdominal area (not the chest) and exhales by contracting the abs. All inhalation is done through the nose; exhalation through the mouth and the tongue should touch the roof of the mouth, stimulating salivary function. Live in the moment. Develop the Tai Chi mental discipline to live in the moment rather than focusing on anxieties. Practice in stressful situations. Once you are more proficient at Tai Chi, move it into your daily life to reduce stress. Practice the concepts of Tai Chi in highly stressful situations, such as traffic jams, or a high-intensity work meeting, to lessen the tension and restore inner calm and balance. As a form of meditation , Tai Chi is able to help you learn to understand yourself better and thereby deal with others more effectively. Thus, when stressful situations arise, Tai Chi learning will help you to be assertive and respectful of others, as well as staying in the present and dealing with the situation before you with calmness. Tai Chi helps you learn to merge the opposing forces of yin and yang , self and the world to achieve a natural balance for physical and spiritual well-being. This balance is represented by the Tai Chi symbol. Expand your repertoire. Cross-training in other forms and styles, after you've achieved a basic level of mastery in your first form, is often very helpful at improving your general Tai Chi knowledge. The iconic practice of Tai Chi are the "hand" forms; the slow movements performed in a group or solo. But Tai Chi includes a vast array of forms which can improve your health and self-defense abilities. Most teachers only go on to such forms after a demonstrable proficiency in the basic hand form of the style. Learn about weapons forms. Almost all styles, including those which disregard all martial intent, have Tai Chi forms practiced with weapons. These can range from simple staves or swords to esoteric Chinese weapons. Try a faster form. Ironically, and in opposition to the public's general idea of Tai Chi, most traditional family styles (including Yang, Chen,Fa and Wu) have a "fast form." This form is often used as a way of expressing the martial power honed and stored in slow form practice. It is sometimes called "Cannon Fist" (pao chui) in Chen style. Learn about partner work. If forms practice is Tai Chi's solo workout, "pushing hands" (tui shou) is its partner exercise. Though eventually it can lead into free sparring, push hands is essentially an exercise meant to develop the sensitivity and skill of Tai Chi in a cooperative way. Generally, the learning of push hands builds steadily; moving from fixed-stance patterns with a single hand, and ending in a moving step pattern with both hands sometimes varying in height and speed. Read deeply about Tai Chi. Classwork is one thing but learning the meaning, philosophical underpinning, and history of Tai Chi takes time and much of it is best done through reading and learning in your own time. This is an important part of learning Tai Chi because it provides you with the opportunity to get a deeper understanding of how Tai Chi benefits you mentally and physically, and enables you to find new ideas about enriching your Tai Chi experience. Other people's learning about Tai Chi can inform your own and you may want to put some of their ideas into practice to see what works best for you. Feel free to ask your teacher questions about your self-directed learning, such as what to read and questions about what you have read. That way you will expand your understanding a great deal. Read the Tao Te Ching and the I Ching. These books discuss the concept of "chi" and how it can become blocked and when this happens, so does illness. | Master the moves by understanding the philosophy and its makers. Think about more than just doing the move. Try the single whip move. Do the white crane spreads wings move. Practice "pouring. Do arm circles. Master the "snake creeps down" move. Go from short form to long form. Warm up with proper breathing and centering. Concentrate on all parts of your body one at a time. Root yourself. Think about your frame. Experiment with different styles. Choose a style of Tai Chi that fits your needs and interests. Make sure you're physically ready for it. Find a knowledgeable teacher who is right for you. Pick a style of instruction. Practice. Commit to practicing for 12 weeks minimum. Keep distractions out of your practice zone. Practice in stressful situations. Expand your repertoire. Read deeply about Tai Chi. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Quilt | How to Make a Quilt | To make a simple quilt, cut your fabric pieces into squares, adding 1/4 inch to each side for the seams. Lay out your quilt rows and sew them together with a straight stitch on your sewing machine, then sew the rows together to make the full front. To add the back, cut out the fabric squares and lay them on the ground pattern-side down. Place the batting and the quilt front on top, pattern-side up. Sew the layers together from the center outwards, then add a 2.5 inch wide strip of binding around the outside with a 1/2 inch seam. | Choose the cutting tools. To create a level, symmetrical quilt, it is important to start with equally cut pieces of fabric. Not only does having a good cutting tool make the product more professional looking, it also speeds up the process of making a quilt and adds ease for beginners. Regular sewing scissors can be used, but rotary cutters are typically considered the easiest and fastest of the cutting tools. Rotary cutters come in a variety of sizes, but a medium size is the best to start with. If you choose to use regular scissors, be sure that they are well sharpened and will not snag the fabric. Get a cutting mat. Cutting your fabric on a regular tabletop may seem the easiest, but you are likely to score your furniture and you will not be able to get as straight of a line. Get a self-healing cutting mat to cut against to prevent this. These come with a printed ruler on the topside, making lining up your fabric and getting the perfect edges easy. Use a ruler. Not just any ruler, an extra long and wide ruler will work best for quilting. Find a ruler that is 5x24 inches and made of a transparent plastic. This ruler will allow you to sandwich your fabric between your cutting board and the ruler to make perfect cuts every time. If you are working on a small quilt, a 5x12 inch ruler is a fine tool to use too. Gather the assorted sewing basics. These are the things that are useful for any sewing project, including straight pins, safety pins, and a seam ripper. If you don't have them already, they are available at craft and sewing supply stores. You will need many straight and safety pins for sewing a quilt, so stock up on these in particular. Choose the thread. Thread seems universal, but is available in many different materials and colors. Avoid using a cheap thread as it is more likely to break when sewing and give off lint when washed. Higher quality cotton thread is the best option for a quilt. If you want to use your thread for multiple projects, buy a spool of a neutral color like white, tan, or gray. Select the fabric. The most important step in making a quilt is preparing the fabric. With thousands of fabrics available on the market, this task can seem a bit daunting. A basic quilt can most easily be made of 100% cotton fabric, although polyester and polyester/cotton blends are also options. Choose several different fabrics for the front of the quilt, the border, as well as 1-2 primary fabrics for the quilt backing. Consider the colors and scale you are using. How many different colors do you want to incorporate? How many different patterns? Try to get a good mix of large and small patterns as well as colors from the same family. Get creative with your fabric options. Look for vintage tablecloths or sheets at thrift stores rather than relying solely on the fabric options at your local sewing store. Your backing fabric will be larger than both the front of your quilt and the batting, so make sure that you get enough to allow for a bigger size. Get the batting. Batting, also called filling or wadding, is the fluffy material that adds warmth to your quilt. It is sandwiched between the front of your quilt and the backing. Batting comes in several different fibers, including cotton, polyester, cotton blend, bamboo, and fusible. It is sold in different “lofts” or thicknesses; a smaller loft is thinner, while a higher loft is thicker. Polyester batting is more likely to spread out towards the edges of your quilt over time and fusible batting has high chances of puckering. Therefore, beginners should look into the cotton, cotton blend, or bamboo batting options first. If you're making a large quilt, such as a comforter for a bed, using a higher loft may be preferred. Smaller quilts may not require such thick batting, unless you want an extra warm blanket. Use a sewing machine. Although you can hand-stitch a quilt, the process is much more time-intensive and a bit more daunting for beginner quilters. Use a sewing machine for the easiest quilt; any machine that can make a straight line will do fine! Be sure to have plenty of spare needles to keep your machine running smoothly. Get an iron. It will be necessary to press your quilt at several points in the process, so get an iron (preferably with steaming abilities) to use for this. Don't worry about using a fancy or expensive iron - a trip to your local thrift store may be all you need. Consider a pattern. Although you don't need a pattern to make a quilt, it is sometimes helpful to have a basic pattern to work with. Free quilt patterns are available online, or you can purchase a book of patterns from a sewing shop. If you would rather design your own pattern based on your own measurements, a bit of graphing paper and a pencil is all you need. Even if you do not purchase or make a pattern, drawing a rough sketch of your design before starting is highly recommended. The easiest quilt for beginners is a blanket made of rows of quilted squares. Using larger pieces for each square will be easier than many small pieces. Prewash your fabric. Although not everyone chooses to do this, prewashing your fabric will shrink it and rinse out any extra dye - things that might ruin your quilt after finishing if not done earlier. Higher quality fabrics will not lose dye or shrink so much, but it is best to wash your fabric regardless of the quality. This will also remove any dirt or grime that made its way onto the fabric. Press the material. To remove any wrinkles and make cutting easier, press your fabric with an iron. Use the steam setting if you have it available. You needn't iron the batting - only the fabric for the front and the back of the quilt will need it. Make the measurements. If you know how large you want your quilt to be, you need to measure the size of each of the individual pieces to fit. The trickiest part of measuring is remembering the seam allowance; each side of the fabric will be sewn to another side of fabric using a ¼-inch seam allowance. This means that you must add ¼ inch to the sides of each piece. For example, if you want your quilt to be made of 4-inch squares, you will need to measure and cut each square to be 4½ x 4½ inches. The extra ½ inch will be sewn as the seam allowance. The size of your quilt and each piece is rather arbitrary unless you are using a specific pattern. Therefore, make your pieces as large or small as you like based on your skill level. If it helps, you can use a washable fabric pen to mark your measurements on your fabric prior to cutting. Cut the pieces. Focus on the front of the quilt for now; cut out each of the small pieces of fabric that you will be quilting together. Lay each piece on your cutting board and place your clear ruler over the top. Use your rotary blade to run across the fabric along the exact lines on the cutting mat. Follow the old saying of “measure twice, cut once,” to make sure that you don't accidentally make a mistake in cutting. Lay out your quilt. This part of the process is enjoyable - now you get to design your quilt! Lay out all the little pieces you have just cut into the pattern you think you want. It's easiest to do this on the floor where you have plenty of space to work with. Make sure that you have your pattern exactly how you want it, even if you rearrange the whole thing several times. You may find that you want to add additional fabric pieces in a different color or pattern at this point. Simply substitute out some of your pre-cut squares for new ones in different prints. Keep track of the rows of fabric by using post-it notes or chalk to mark each piece. Stack up the rows. It is a little inconvenient to have a giant quilt pattern laid out on your floor, so stack up the pieces in order. Work from left to right across the rows, stacking each piece on top of the one before it. Then, you can mark the top of each row with a post-it note to know what order it should go in. Sew the rows. Begin your quilt by sewing each individual row of pieces together. Work by starting at one end of your row with two of your squares of fabric. Place the two squares with the pattern facing each other. Then, use a straight stitch on your sewing machine to sew a ¼-inch seam. Then, add the next square in the row to the one before it, using the same process. Work across each row so they are all sewn together in long, thin strips. Pin each square to the one it is being sewn to before sewing to help keep them in line. Getting a consistent seam on all your pieces is vital to having your pattern line up in the finished quilt. Make sure that you are sewing at exactly ¼ inch for each piece of fabric. Press the rows. With each of the pieces sewn together, the back will be left with columns of seams that stick up. To make your final quilt lay flat and look more finished, press these seams flat with your iron. Iron each row in the opposite direction; iron all the seams in the first row to the right, in the second row to the left, in the third row to the right, et cetera. Sew the rows together. Use the same process as you did for sewing each small square of fabric together to sew each row of fabric together. Take two adjacent rows and turn them inwards so the patterns are facing each other. Sew along the bottom using a ¼-inch seam. Repeat this process for each additional row, until you have a complete quilt front. If the rows and pieces do not line up, do not worry! Your quilt will still look lovely even with some minor mistakes. Press the quilt front. Flip your quilt front over so the backside is exposed. Use the same technique for ironing each individual row for ironing the entire back of the quilt. Flatten out the seams in opposite directions - the first row left, second row right, third row left, et cetera. Doing a quality job on pressing the fabric will make sewing the whole thing together much easier. Cut the rest of the fabric. With the top of your quilt finished, the batting and backing need to be cut as well. These should be slightly larger than your quilt front, to allow for any scrunching the fabric may do during the sewing process. Measure and cut both the batting and backing to be 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) larger than the front piece of your quilt. Baste the quilt. Basting is the process of layering your quilt and pinning it in place before sewing. There are two options for basting - using safety pins to hold the pieces in place, or using a spray-on basting adhesive. Lay your fabrics in the order they will appear on your quilt - the backing pattern side down, then the batting, then the quilt front pattern side up. Line up all the sides and smooth out any wrinkles. Work out the wrinkles starting from the center and going in an outwards direction. If you use a basting spray, lightly mist each layer before adding the next one on top of it. Smooth out the fabric after the spray has secured the layers in place. If you are pinning your quilt together, use safety pins in the center of each piece. Work from the center outwards as you pin. If you want to be extra cautious, you can use both basting techniques by spraying and pinning your quilt in place. Doing this will make sure that your quilt is extra secure before sewing. Sew the layers together. Start in the center of your quilt and sew outwards to push excess fabric and bunching towards the edges rather than the middle. The easiest way of sewing the layers of the quilt together is to “stitch the ditch,” or sew inside or near the seams you have already created between pieces. You can also choose to sew diagonally across pieces or free hand the seams on your sewing machine. If you want to make sure you are sewing in the right place, use a washable sewing pen to mark the exact locations on your quilt that you want to sew. The more seams you sew through the entire quilt, the better the finished product will be. Adding more seams will prevent the batting from moving around or bunching inside the quilt. You can add a border seam around the edge of your quilt once you have sewn together the entire center of your blanket. Cut the binding. The binding is a border of fabric that goes around the edge of your quilt to protect the seams and add a more finished look. You can choose to cut your binding horizontally/vertically or on the bias, with the latter allowing for more flexibility. Cut your strips (you will have to overlap some most likely) to be 2½ inches wide and long enough to go around the entire perimeter of your quilt. Sew together the strips so you have 4 pieces equal to the lengths of the 4 sides of your quilt. Press the binding. If you had to sew together multiple pieces of fabric to create a single length for the binding, press the seams flat at this point. Then, fold the binding in half lengthwise and iron the fabric. This will leave you with a pressed seam running down the middle of the entire binding. Pin the binding in place. Lay the binding for two opposite sides down on the top of your quilt. Set the binding so the edges line up, and the patterns are face to face (the back of the binding will be facing you). Use plenty of pins to secure the fabric in place like this. Sew the front of the binding. Go along the edge of the quilt and the binding and sew using a ½-inch seam. This should be done on both of the sides of fabric, leaving you with a quilt with two pieces of backwards binding sewn in place. Then, fold the fabric up and away from the center of the quilt, exposing the printed side of the binding. Add the remaining binding. Place the other two strips of binding along the open sides of the quilt. Use the same process as the original two sides, sewing the binding along the edge with a ½-inch seam allowance. Then, fold the fabric outwards and away from the center of the quilt, exposing the pattern. Fold the binding over. Flip your quilt over so the back of it is exposed. The edges of your binding should be sticking up all the way around your quilt. Start on one side by folding the edge of the binding to meet the edge of the quilt. Then, fold the rest of the binding over so that it overlaps with the back of the quilt. You can iron the binding down to help keep in place, and then add plenty of pins to secure it. Do this with all the sides of your quilt. Finish the binding. Sewing the binding on the backside is tricky, because the stitches will show through on the front. Therefore, you have two options to minimize the amount of thread that will be seen: use an invisible thread to sew the binding, or hand stitch it with a whipstitch or a ladder stitch, making sure to avoid going through all three layers of your quilt. Work your way around the edges of the quilt, making sure that your corners are squared off and your seams are even. Finish your quilt. With the addition of the binding, your quilt has been finished! Wash your quilt again if you like to give it a soft, vintage-y feel. Otherwise, your quilt is ready to go. Enjoy! | Choose the cutting tools. Use a ruler. Gather the assorted sewing basics. Choose the thread. Select the fabric. Get the batting. Use a sewing machine. Get an iron. Consider a pattern. Prewash your fabric. Press the material. Make the measurements. Cut the pieces. Lay out your quilt. Stack up the rows. Sew the rows. Press the rows. Sew the rows together. Press the quilt front. Cut the rest of the fabric. Baste the quilt. Sew the layers together. Cut the binding. Press the binding. Pin the binding in place. Sew the front of the binding. Add the remaining binding. Fold the binding over. Finish the binding. Finish your quilt. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Reduce-Gum-Pockets-Naturally | How to Reduce Gum Pockets Naturally | To treat gum pockets naturally, you'll need to practice good oral hygiene and see a dentist regularly. Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled brush twice a day, which will remove food lodged in the pockets. You should also floss once a day to get between your teeth. Do a saltwater rinse 2 to 3 times a day, which will clean out the pockets and help them heal. You can also create an essential oil mouthwash by adding a few drops of oil, like tea tree or lemongrass, to a glass of water. Another way to clean your gums is to swish 1 to 2 tablespoons of coconut milk around your mouth for between 5 and 20 minutes each day. Remember to see a dentist once every 3 months to get a professional cleaning, since there are some areas that you won't manage to clean yourself. | Brush your teeth twice a day. One of the best ways to treat gum pockets is to brush on a regular basis. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush your teeth gently, as hard bristles and rough brushing can cause the gums to recede further. However, brushing both morning and night will help remove all of the food and bacteria that gets lodged in the pockets. If you are really focused on reducing your gum pockets, try brushing after every meal. This will prevent the area that needs to heal from being exposed to more bacteria and food. Opt for using an electric toothbrush. Make sure your electric toothbrush is charged. Once it has power, put a small amount of toothpaste on it, put it in your mouth, and then turn it on. Clean your teeth in quadrants, focusing on one quarter of your mouth at a time. When done, turn off the toothbrush, spit out your toothpaste, rinse out your mouth, and rinse off the brush head. An electric toothbrush will be able to clean down deeper into the pockets than a traditional toothbrush. Since it's better at cleaning below the gum line, it's a good idea to use one if you are trying to help your gums heal. Floss at least once a day. Floss can get in between the teeth and remove food that a toothbrush just can't get. When flossing, use about 18 inches (46 cm) of floss, hold it between your thumb and forefinger in each hand, and insert it between your teeth using a rubbing motion. Once between your teeth, wrap it in a “c” shape against each of the teeth it is between and rub the area gently. It's important not to snap the floss into the space between teeth, as this can injure the gums. Using a gradual rubbing motion instead will prevent the chance of injuring the gums further. Use a water flosser to clean between your teeth and gums. Water flossers are machines that clean by shooting water between the gums and the teeth. To use one, you fill the water reservoir with water, position the head so it's pointed at your teeth, and turn on the machine. Once the water flosser is going, follow the gum line and clean between all of your teeth. They are available at most big box stores, as well as from online retailers. While dental floss can get down a few millimeters into your gum pockets, water flosser machines can get down much further. This helps to clean out all the germs and debris in the pockets that could make them bigger. Do a salt-water rinse 2-3 times a day. Mix 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon of salt into a 8 fluid ounces (240 mL) glass of lukewarm water. Take some into your mouth and swish it around. Do this for 30 seconds and then spit it out. Use this rinse 2 to 3 times a day to clean out your gum pockets and to help them heal. Use an essential oil mouthwash. There are a variety of essential oils that will help with the health of your teeth and gums. Add 2-3 drops of tea tree, lemongrass, clove, or basil essential oil to an 8 fluid ounces (240 mL) cup of warm water. Swish the rinse in your mouth for 30 seconds and then spit it out in your sink. Do this once or twice daily to help your gums. Essential oils can be purchased at natural food stores and from online retailers. Look for products that are labeled "food grade," as you will be putting it in your mouth. Consider using oil pulling. Oil pulling is a process in which you swish a small amount of oil, typically coconut oil, around your mouth to clean it. Put 1 to 2 teaspoons in your mouth and move it around your teeth for 5-20 minutes. After you are done swishing, spit it out and brush your teeth. Repeat this process every time you intend to brush your teeth. If swishing the oil hurts your jaw, do it for just 5-10 minutes. If you like, do this twice a day to get to the full 20 minutes. This technique pulls toxins and bacteria out of the pockets in your gums, allowing them to heal more effectively. While this technique is considered new and under researched in some parts of the world, it has been used for a long time in cultures that rely on ayurvedic medicine. Use xylitol gum, mints, or mouth rinse to improve your dental health. Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol that can limit the progression of gingivitis and may improve your gum health. It's a common ingredient in sugar-free gum and mints. Additionally, you can buy granulated xylitol in the baking aisle of your grocery store. Use your xylitol products 2-3 times per day. Make sure that xylitol is the first ingredient in your gum or mints. You can find a xylitol rinse on the dental care aisle, or make your own by mixing 1/2 tsp (4 g) of granulated xylitol into 8 fluid ounces (240 mL) of warm water. Take supplements that will improve your gum health. There are certain nutrients that can increase your body's ability to heal your gums. These include, but are not limited to, omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and calcium. Talk to your doctor about whether taking these supplements is right for you and what amount you should take. Supplements are typically available at natural health food stores and from online retailers. Quit smoking. Smoking can have a horrible effect on the health of your teeth and gums. In order to reduce your gum pockets, it's important to stop smoking. Even reducing the amount you smoke can have a positive impact, so do what you can. If you have a hard time stopping on your own, talk to your doctor about ways they can help you with your goal of quitting smoking. They may be able to suggest programs you can join and medications that can help you quit. Stop drinking alcohol. Alcoholic drinks can cause or worsen gum disease, so it's best to stop drinking it. Eliminate beer, wine, liquor, and mixed drinks from your diet. Try replacing alcohol with non-alcoholic mocktails. If you're having trouble quitting, talk to your doctor or join a support group. Reduce the number of sugary foods you eat and drink. Sugary foods, such as soda and candy, can hurt your gums and increase the size of your gum pockets. Cut them out of your diet if possible in order to let your gums heal without having to contend with sugar as well. If you can't cut sugar out completely, be sure to brush your teeth after eating or drinking it. However, if you are eating something that is sweet and acidic, such as soda pop, you should actually wait for a few minutes after eating it to brush. If you brush while the acid is still on your teeth, your enamel could be damaged. Eat a healthy diet. Eating a variety of healthy foods can improve your oral health, which can help your body reduce your gum pockets. Have a well balanced diet that will give your teeth and gums the nutrients they need to be healthy. This kind of diet typically includes a lot of leafy green vegetables, legumes, fruits, nuts, and lean fats, such as fish. Eat a lot of anti-inflammatory foods, such as fish. Since gum pockets are caused by inflammation, these foods can help reduce it. Also eat a lot of foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and calcium. This includes dairy products, lean proteins, and fermented foods, like kimchi, sauerkraut, and miso. Drink at least 8 cups (1.9 L) of water daily to hydrate your mouth. Water is essential for good oral health because it helps you avoid dry mouth. Additionally, it keeps your body hydrated, which helps support your overall health. Make sure you drink at least 8 cups (1.9 L) of water daily, but drink more if you're active or feel thirsty. Get a professional dental cleaning every 3 months. If you have gum pockets, your dentist will likely suggest that you come in for a cleaning more often than you would if you didn't have them. Make an appointment with your dentist and have your teeth cleaned so that your gums have an easier time healing. Professional dental cleanings are more effective than at home cleaning because they focus on cleaning below the gum line. Getting a cleaning every 6 months will also help your dentist keep an eye on your gum pockets and assess whether additional treatment is needed. Have scaling and root planing done. If your gum pockets are more than 4mm deep, your dentist may suggest a more in depth cleaning than is typically done. Scaling and root planing cleans the surface of the tooth under the gum line but also smooths out the root surface so that your gums can reattach and the pocket can shrink. Scaling and root planing can be slightly painful, so your dentist may numb your gums with a topical anesthetic or a local anesthetic, depending on how much work needs to be done. Use a dental rinse or medication prescribed by your dentist. In some cases, following your rooting and planing procedure, you will be told to rinse daily with a prescription mouthwash or to take antibiotic medication. Both of these treatments will help eliminate the infection in your gums that has caused the pockets to grow. Like all prescription medications, take the antibiotics or use the mouthwash for as long and as often as directed by your dentist. This will help ensure that the infection is totally eradicated. Have surgery if your gum pockets are threatening the integrity of your teeth. If your gum pockets are larger than 7mm, then it is likely that they are exposing the root of the tooth to bacteria. This can cause the tooth to fail over time, so your dentist may suggest surgery to reduce the size of the pockets. During this type of surgery, an oral surgeon with pull back the gums to access the root area of the tooth. They will then clean the area, planing the surface and removing any bacteria present. Then they will put the gums back, using sutures to hold them in place. This is typically only suggested as a last resort to try and save your teeth, so take the suggestion seriously and have the surgery done if you can. | Brush your teeth twice a day. Opt for using an electric toothbrush. Floss at least once a day. Use a water flosser to clean between your teeth and gums. Do a salt-water rinse 2-3 times a day. Use an essential oil mouthwash. Consider using oil pulling. Use xylitol gum, mints, or mouth rinse to improve your dental health. Take supplements that will improve your gum health. Quit smoking. Stop drinking alcohol. Reduce the number of sugary foods you eat and drink. Eat a healthy diet. Drink at least 8 cups (1.9 L) of water daily to hydrate your mouth. Get a professional dental cleaning every 3 months. Have scaling and root planing done. Use a dental rinse or medication prescribed by your dentist. Have surgery if your gum pockets are threatening the integrity of your teeth. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Visit-a-Catholic-Mass | How to Visit a Catholic Mass | To visit a Catholic mass, make sure you wear nice clothes, like a shirt and trousers or dress, to show respect. If you have young children, bring a few toys for them to play with so they don't disturb the congregation. When you arrive, sit in any empty pew and wait for the service to start. Once mass begins, stand, kneel, and sit back down when you're instructed. After the Lord's prayer, the priest will guide you in the exchange of peace, where you should shake hands with people around you and say, “Peace be with you.” During communion, remain seated if you're not a Catholic and patiently wait for the service to resume. | Dress in formal clothing. Mass is meant to be attended in your “ Sunday best.” Although you won't be turned away for wearing flip-flops and a football jersey, you might seem a little rude. At a minimum, wear a button-down shirt with slacks or a dress. Mass is a holy event, so dress modestly by covering your skin as much as possible. Come a few minutes early. Get to the church at least ten minutes early. You'll feel much more comfortable if you can park and sit where you want. Arriving early gives you a chance to converse with the parishioners. Talking is discouraged once you step inside the main room of the church, although it isn't a problem as long as you do it quietly. Once Mass starts you shouldn't talk at all, so arrive early if you need to say something! Some churches are more strict about how much talking is permitted than others. Take off your hat when entering the church. Taking off your hat is a traditional gesture of respect. Act in the church the same way you would in a school, at work, or other formal venue. Men are always expected to remove their hat. If you're a woman, dress hats are okay, but always remove baseball caps. Avoid bringing food or drinks into the church. If you are with a small child or someone who is sick, you may bring water. Eat before you head to church so you don't need to bring food. Food distracts from worshipping, which is the purpose of Mass. This includes gum. Don't chew gum during Mass! Turn off your phone. Having your phone ring in the middle of a prayer is embarrassing. If you're waiting for an emergency call, put it on vibrate mode. You are allowed to discreetly use your phone to follow along with readings and prayers, but this is rarely necessary. If you have to take an urgent phone call, walk out of the church first. Bring toys for small children. Up to age three, you'll most likely need to bring toys or coloring books for small children so they aren't disruptive. Once you think they're capable of listening and participating in the Mass, you can begin leaving the toys at home. Generally, bringing toys won't seem appropriate for kids older than four, but this is up to you. You can begin teaching young children the importance of Mass by giving them special clothing or toys they can only have on church days. If you have a child that may be disruptive, plan on sitting near the back so you can step outside when needed. Pass by the baptismal font quietly. At the church entrance, you'll notice parishioners dipping their fingers into a container of water. This holy water is a reminder of baptism. Respectfully walk by but stay quiet in case anyone is praying. Anyone is free to use the font, so you can try blessing yourself with the sign of the cross if you want. If you wish to try blessing yourself, the sign of the cross is done by placing your right hand's fingertips to your head, dragging them down your chest, up to your left shoulder, and across your right shoulder. Wait for others to genuflect as they enter the sanctuary. The tabernacle is the box at the front of the sanctuary that contains the Eucharist. You'll see parishioners bending on their right knee or bowing. Genuflecting is a sign of respect, but don't feel awkward about not doing this. Simply walk into the sanctuary and find a seat. To genuflect, lower your right knee to the ground. Lower yourself as far as you can. If you have bad knees, you may bow instead. Sit anywhere in the pews. You are welcome to sit anywhere you like. Consider sitting closer to the front so that you can see what's going on. An end seat is a great choice since you'll be able to let everyone else out during communion. Try to pick a pew with people sitting in the middle so you don't have to worry about letting anyone in. If you're bringing small children, a back pew works best. This allows you to make a quick escape with a noisy child. Look for a board with hymn numbers. The wooden board will be somewhere near the front. The number cards on it indicate the hymn numbers you can locate in the hymnal. Unlike some services in other faiths, Mass is meant to include active participation. Feel free to sing along. The priest or another person sometimes sings during prayers and readings. These won't be in the hymnal. Watch everyone else to see if they sing along and follow their lead. Find the hymnal and missal books in front of you. They'll be on the backs of the pews. The hymnal is the one you use for the numbers on the front board. Turn to the right number and sing along. Missals contain the readings and prayers used throughout the service. Reference the books to follow along as best you can. The full text of the readings will usually be printed in the missal, along with the responses the congregation is supposed to say aloud. Anytime you're confused, follow along by listening instead of focusing on the books. Stand and kneel with the crowd. Mass is an active event, so everyone will move a lot throughout the service. At the beginning, everyone will stand. They'll stand for some prayers and kneel for others. Following along will be difficult at first, but you can keep up by copying what everyone else does. The priest usually won't tell you when to stand or kneel, so you'll have to follow the lead of everyone around you. Greet others during the Exchange of Peace. This happens after the Lord's Prayer (which starts with “Our Father”). The priest usually says, “Let us offer one another a sign of God's peace.” At this point, stand up and shake hands. Accompany each light handshake with the phrase “peace be with you.” In some countries or regions such as Asia, a bow or nod is more acceptable during this event. Handshaking is discouraged when you're sick. You also don't have to participate. In these situations, a polite smile is acceptable. Stay seated during communion. After the priest prepares the table, the congregation takes communion. You are not allowed to receive the Holy Communion unless you are a Catholic. Let the communicants pass, moving out of the aisle if necessary. Then sit down and let everyone back in when they return. In many English-speaking countries, you can join the communion queue and receive a blessing. This is indicated by crossing your arms in an X over your chest with your closed fists touching your shoulders as you reach the priest. Stay until the congregation is dismissed. After communion, there will be a few more prayers before the priest blesses you to leave. At this point, everyone stands and files back out of the sanctuary. Practicing Catholics will genuflect again towards the tabernacle as they leave their seats. Quietly walk out as this happens. Respectfully appreciate the art in the church. After Mass, feel free to look at any of the beautiful statues, paintings, and other artwork inside. These are not icons and Catholics do not pray directly to them. They'll appear a little mysterious when you first notice them, but they do aid Catholics in understanding their faith. Don't disturb anyone you see praying. Some icons have candles before them. You can light a candle as a gesture of prayer. Ask the church members any questions you have. After Mass ends, some church members will stick around to talk to each other. Feel free to greet them and ask them any questions you have. The priest will also be available, or you can visit the rectory later for a private discussion. For example, you can ask, “What do you use holy water for?” or “How do I become a Catholic?” | Dress in formal clothing. Come a few minutes early. Take off your hat when entering the church. Avoid bringing food or drinks into the church. Turn off your phone. Bring toys for small children. Pass by the baptismal font quietly. Wait for others to genuflect as they enter the sanctuary. Sit anywhere in the pews. Look for a board with hymn numbers. Find the hymnal and missal books in front of you. Stand and kneel with the crowd. Greet others during the Exchange of Peace. Stay seated during communion. Stay until the congregation is dismissed. Respectfully appreciate the art in the church. Ask the church members any questions you have. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Overcome-the-Fear-of-Flying | How to Overcome the Fear of Flying | If you're struggling to overcome fear and anxiety about flying, try to remind yourself that other activities we perform on a daily basis, like driving a car, are much more dangerous. You should also keep in mind that turbulence, which causes a flight to feel bumpy, is entirely normal and caused by flying through low pressure into high pressure. When you book a trip, select a direct flight to your destination so you have to spend less time in the air. Before you fly, try visiting the airport so you can get used to being there, which will help you get comfortable with the idea of flying. If you can choose a seat on your flight, pick one over the wing, since passengers who sit there usually experience a smoother flight. During the flight, avoid drinking alcohol to manage your fear, since it can actually make you more anxious. Instead, distract yourself with a snack or gossip magazine. | Know how safe airplanes are. Knowing a statistic may not be able to completely save you when your plane leaves the runway. But when you recognize that flying in an airplane is really safe, you can allow yourself to feel more comfortable on your flight as well as on your way to the airport. The fact of the matter is that flying is really, really safe. By far, it's the safest mode of transportation. When flying in a developed country, your chances of dying in a plane crash are 1 in 30 million. Compare the safety of plane travel with other dangers. There are a multitude of other experiences in life that you likely never think twice about. It turns out that they are more dangerous than flying in an airplane. These dangers aren't meant to make you feel anxious about them. Instead, they're meant to show you how unfounded your worries about flying really are! Learn these statistics, write them down, and repeat them to yourself when you start to worry about what will happen on your next flight. Your chances of being killed in an automobile accident are 1 in 5,000. That means that the most dangerous part of your flight is your drive to the airport. Once you've made the drive to the airport, pat yourself on the back. You've just made it through the most dangerous part of your flight. You have a higher chance of dying of food poisoning than in a plane crash, at 1 in 3 million. You also have a better chance of dying of a snake bite, getting hit by lighting, dying of scalding of hot water or falling off your bed. If you're left-handed, it's riskier to use right-handed equipment than it is to die in a plane crash. You are more likely to die falling while walking onto the airplane itself. Expect movements and sensations during the flight. A large part of being scared is not knowing what will happen next. Why is the plane going so fast? Why do my ears feel funny? Why does the wing look weird? Why are we being asked to keep our seat belts on? When presented with an unusual circumstance, your first instinct is to assume the worst. To minimize this, learn everything you can about flying and how a plane works. The more you know, the less chance there will be for you to worry about. Here are some things you should know: The plane needs to reach a certain speed so that it can take off. That's why you may feel like the plane is going so fast. Once the plane lifts off the ground, you won't notice the aircraft's speed so much because there is no longer friction with the ground. Your ears pop when the plane moves up or down because of a change in air pressure. Certain parts of the wing are supposed to move during the flight. That's perfectly normal. These control surfaces are designed to push air while the craft moves, allowing the craft to be maneuvered. Know what to expect with turbulence. Turbulence occurs when a plane flies through an area of low pressure to high pressure, which will make you feel a "bump" in the ride. Turbulence is just like driving on a rocky road. It can't cause the plane to stall and start falling from the sky. On the rare occasion that turbulence causes injuries, it's usually because passengers weren't wearing seat belts or were hurt by falling overhead luggage. Think of it; you never heard of a pilot being hurt in turbulence. That's because pilots always wear seat belts. Learn more about how a plane works. You can also learn about the inner-workings of a plane to demystify the process that has you so scared. Studies show that 73% of people who are afraid of flying fear mechanical problems that can occur during a flight. So, the more you know about how a plane works, the more at ease you'll feel throughout the process instead of asking yourself questions like "Why is the plane doing that?" or "Is that normal?" Here are some things you need to know. Four forces are at work to get the plane to fly: gravity, drag, lift, and thrust. These forces are balanced to make your flight feel as natural and easy as walking. As one pilot said, "Planes are the happiest in the air." You can read up on the science behind these forces if you want to take your knowledge to the next level. Jet engines are much simpler than the engines you'll find in a car or even in a lawnmower. In the extremely unlikely event that something goes wrong with one of the plane's engines, the plane will function just fine with its remaining engines. Rest easy that the plane door won’t open during flight. You can also curb any fears that a plane door can open during the flight. The doors are designed to open inward first so that the cabin pressure (typically greater than 11 psi ) has to be overcome before the doors can be opened. Once you reach 30,000 feet (9,144.0 m), there will be about 20,000 pounds of pressure holding the door shut, so that would be a tall order. Know that airplanes are maintained regularly. Airplanes go through a ton of repair and upkeep procedures. For every hour that a plane flies in the air, it goes through 11 hours of maintenance. This means that, if your flight is three hours long, the plane has gone through 33 hours of maintenance to make sure everything is working smoothly! Manage your general anxiety. You can go a long way in managing your anxiety about flying by being mindful about managing your anxiety in general. First, recognize your anxiety. How do you start to feel anxious? Do your palms sweat? Do your fingers tingle? By recognizing what signs you feel first, you will be able to start management exercises earlier to control your feelings of anxiety. Let go of what you can’t control. Many people who are scared of flying are scared because they feel that they are not in control. People with this phobia might feel like they will never get into a car accident because they are in control. They are in the driver's seat. This is why they can accept the risk of driving in a car over flying. Someone else is doing the driving, up in the sky, so the lack of control is often one of the scariest things about flying. Many people experience anxiety because of perceived control (or lack thereof) over a stressful situation. Try relaxing exercises to relieve anxiety. Integrate anxiety-reducing exercises into your everyday life. When you practice these exercises when you are not anxious, you will have tools ready to help you when you are anxious. Then you will feel more able to gain control and calm yourself. Try yoga or meditation to reduce anxiety in your life. , It is important to remember that your fear and anxiety can take several months to overcome and gain complete control. Try relaxing your muscles. Start with noticing what muscle group is tight or stiff. Shoulders are a good example. Often when we are nervous or anxious, we move our shoulders up toward our neck and tighten those muscles. Take a deep breath and let your shoulders sink. Feel the muscles relax. Now try this with other muscle groups such as your face or your legs. Use guided imagery. Think of a place that makes you happy or comfortable. Imagine you are in that place. What do you see? Smell? Feel? Focus on each detail about the place you choose. There are several guided imagery tapes that you can purchase or even download to help you practice. Take deep breaths. Place one hand on your abdomen. Take in a deep breath through your nose. Take in all the air you can. You should feel our abdomen rise, not your chest. Exhale through your mouth, counting to 10 slowly. Contract your abdomen to push out all the air. Do this exercise 4-5 times to help you relax. Keep in mind that breathing exercises may not provide adequate relief. Several recent research studies found no measurable benefit. Distract yourself. Think about something else you're excited about, or at least something that will take your mind off of your fears. What will you make for dinner? If you could go anywhere, where would you go? What would you do there? Take a class. There are classes that can help you overcome your fear of flying. You may need to pay for one of these courses, but they do exist. There are two kinds of courses: those you attend in person and those you do at your own pace using videos, written materials and counseling sessions. Classes you attend help you get accustomed to flying by exposure to an airport and a flight with your class leader. The desensitization gained by taking this flight may not last, however, unless you maintain it by flying frequently. You can look into such group therapy classes in your area. Classes done at your own pace leave you in control of the process. And, since you retain the course materials, you can reinforce your learning by going through the materials periodically. Some courses offer weekly group phone counseling sessions at no additional cost. Some classes put you in a flight simulator. This mimics the experience of flying without leaving the ground. Take flying lessons. Face your fear head-on by taking flying lessons. There are countless stories of people who've feared something all their lives only to meet it face-to-face one day. Then they discover that the object of their fear was nothing to be afraid of. One way to conquer a phobia is to immerse yourself in what you know is a safe situation. In this case, you're in the presence of a trained professional. With the guidance of a patient instructor, you might find that flying isn't so scary after all. Though this is an extreme approach, it could be your way to easing your anxiety. Avoid reading too much about plane crashes. If you want to stay calm on the subject, don't obsess over plane crashes that are reported in the news. These stories will not make you feel better. Instead they will only add to your anxiety about an unlikely event occurring. If you are already are struggling with anxiety about flying, avoid the temptation to indulge your fears. The same goes for watching Flight or other movies about plane crashes or scary flights. Pick a direct flight. Though you have limited control once you get into the passenger seat in your plane, there are some things you can do in advance to ease your worries. Choose a direct flight to your destination. This is a no-brainer. The less time in the air, the better. Choose a seat over the wing. The passengers who sit here tend to have the smoothest flights. The area over the wing is more stable and less susceptible to extra movement. Choose an aisle seat or exit row seat. Choose a seat that will make you feel less trapped. Choose an aisle seat or even splurge on an exit row. Choose a larger flight with a larger plane. If there's a way to avoid puddle jumpers or smaller planes. When you look for flights, you'll find information about the aircraft that will be used. If you can select a larger plane, do it. The bigger the plane, the smoother your flight will be. Choose a daytime flight. If you're afraid of flying at night, choose a daytime flight. Sometimes you can feel better because you'll be able to look out the windows and see everything around you. You may feel more anxiety in the dark because you'll feel like you're facing the unknown. Choose a path with the least turbulence. You can even check out an online site called Turbulence Forecast about which parts of the country have the least turbulence. If you have to plan for a connecting flight, see if you can choose paths that are likely to give you less trouble. Visit the airport at another time. Some people recommend you even visit the airport when you don't plan to fly. Just hang out in the terminals and get used to how things are there. This may sound extreme, but it's another way to slowly get comfortable with the flight at hand. Arrive early. Get to the airport early so you have time to experience the terminal, go through security, and find your gate. Being late, or just not having time to mentally prepare for what's ahead, is bound to make you feel more anxious when it's time to take your seat. Get used to the terminal, the people who are arriving and leaving the airport, and the general atmosphere at the airport. The more you get used to it, the better you'll feel when the time comes to board your flight. Get to know your flight attendants and the pilot. When you get on the plane, say hi to the flight attendants or even to the pilot. See them dressed in their uniforms, doing their jobs. Pilots receive special training, just as a doctor does, and they are people you should respect and trust. If you practice having faith in these people, and understand that they have your best interests in mind and are competent, then you'll feel better about the trip. Your pilots will have several hundred hours of experience in the air. They'll need to log 1,500 flight hours just to apply to work at a major airline. Avoid self-medicating with alcohol. Many people start ordering a lifetime supply of wine or Bloody Marys as soon as the flight attendants make a first pass. But this is not a good long-term solution for easing your anxiety about flying. Alcohol can actually make you feel more anxious about having less control. This may especially be the case if you're worried about having to evacuate the plane. Getting too drunk to worry can just make you feel terrible, especially after the effects of the alcohol wear off. If you really need to calm your nerves, try just one glass of wine or a beer. Bring some snacks. Distract yourself with a snack that takes a while to eat, or just with your favorite treat. Treat yourself to a trashy celebrity gossip magazine. You may be too distracted to do your chemistry homework, but you may have enough brainpower to read about the latest scandal in Hollywood. Get on the plane ready for a nap. Some people recommend that you show up to the plane after having woken up early. Then it's more likely that you will be able to catch some shut eye during your flight. What better way to pass the time than to be asleep? Take deep breaths. Slowly inhale through your nose. Then exhale gently, counting to ten until you let all the air out of your lungs. Repeat as many times as necessary. Squeeze your arm rest. If you're feeling anxious, especially during takeoff or landing, squeeze your armrest as hard as you can. At the same time, tense your stomach muscles, and hold this position for 10 seconds. Place a rubber band around your wrist. Snap it when you feel anxious. This little jolt of pain will help bring you back to reality. Bring diversions. If you find as many ways to distract yourself as possible, then you'll be better off when the time to fly comes. Bring magazines or download episodes of your favorite television show you've been meaning to catch up on and watch them on your computer. You might try playing a game on your computer. You can also bring work from the office or school work. Find whatever works for you. Look at your time in the air as a time to do some of the things you've wanted or needed to do, instead of just several hours of unmitigated anxiety. | Know how safe airplanes are. Compare the safety of plane travel with other dangers. Expect movements and sensations during the flight. Know what to expect with turbulence. Learn more about how a plane works. Rest easy that the plane door won’t open during flight. Know that airplanes are maintained regularly. Manage your general anxiety. Let go of what you can’t control. Try relaxing exercises to relieve anxiety. Try relaxing your muscles. Use guided imagery. Take deep breaths. Distract yourself. Take a class. Take flying lessons. Avoid reading too much about plane crashes. Pick a direct flight. Choose a seat over the wing. Choose an aisle seat or exit row seat. Choose a larger flight with a larger plane. Choose a daytime flight. Choose a path with the least turbulence. Visit the airport at another time. Arrive early. Get to know your flight attendants and the pilot. Avoid self-medicating with alcohol. Bring some snacks. Treat yourself to a trashy celebrity gossip magazine. Get on the plane ready for a nap. Take deep breaths. Squeeze your arm rest. Place a rubber band around your wrist. Bring diversions. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Pita-Bread | How to Make Pita Bread | To make pita bread, first prepare the dough by mixing yeast, flour, water, salt, and olive oil and kneading the mixture for several minutes. Then, shape the dough into a ball and cover it in a greased bowl, letting it rise for 2 hours. Next, cut the dough into several equal-sized pieces and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes before rolling them into flat, 1/4 inch thick discs. Finally, cook the discs in a pan with some olive oil for 1-2 minutes on each side. | Combine the yeast, 8 oz (230 g) of flour, and water in a mixing bowl. Pour in 0.25 oz (7.1 g) of dry yeast, 8 fl oz (240 mL) of water, and 8 oz (230 g) of flour. Use a hand or stand mixer set to medium speed to combine the ingredients. Keep mixing until a sponge-like dough forms. If you have a stand mixer, add the ingredients to the stand mixer bowl. If not, use a large mixing bowl so you will be able to beat the ingredients together with a hand mixer Add the olive oil, salt, and remaining flour to the bowl. Measure out the 0.25 oz (7.1 g) of salt and 0.5 fl oz (15 mL) of olive oil and pour these into the bowl. Then, add all of the remaining flour to the bowl as well. Don't worry if the dough seems a little sticky. You can add more flour to get the dough to the right consistency. Knead the dough for about 6 minutes. Use the dough hook on a stand mixer set to medium speed, or knead the dough with your hands by squeezing it. Continue doing this for about 6 minutes. When the dough is ready, it will be soft, pliable, and slightly sticky. If you are kneading the dough by hand, your hands may get tired. Take breaks as needed. Make sure your hands are clean before you start kneading the dough! Sprinkle in 1 to 2 oz (28 to 57 g) of flour if the dough is too sticky. If you notice that the dough is sticking to the sides of the bowl, your hands, or the dough hook, then sprinkle in a little more flour. Only add a small amount of flour or the dough may become too dry. Keep kneading the dough after you add the flour. Knead until the flour is completely mixed into the dough. You may need to repeat this a few times to get the dough to the right consistency. Place the dough ball in a greased bowl and cover it. Spray the bowl with some non-stick cooking spray, or pour a small amount of olive oil into the bowl and use a paper towel to coat the edges with the oil. Then, grease 1 side of the foil or plastic wrap in the same way. Place the dough ball into the bowl and cover it with the greased foil or plastic wrap. Use a clean bowl or wash out the bowl you used to mix and knead the dough. Dry it with a clean, paper towel, and then grease the bowl. Allow the dough to rise for 2 hours. Set the bowl with the covered dough ball in it in a warm place, such as on your kitchen counter. Set a timer for 2 hours and check the dough when the time is up. The dough will double in size over the course of 2 hours. When the dough has doubled in size, it is done rising. You may notice that it reaches this point slightly before or after 2 hours depending on the potency of your yeast. Punch down the dough and place it on a floured surface. Once the dough is finished rising, use your fist to punch it down in the center and along the edges. Then, transfer the dough ball to a floured surface, such as a clean kitchen counter or cutting board with flour sprinkled over it. Make sure the entire surface is covered with a thin layer of flour. This will help to prevent the dough from sticking to the surface. Cut the dough into 8 equal-sized pieces and roll them into balls. Use a butter knife to cut the dough in half. Then cut each of these halves in half again. Then, cut each of the quarters in half. This will leave you with 8 equal-sized pieces of dough. Use your hands to roll these pieces into balls. If needed, sprinkle more flour onto your work surface and over the balls to prevent them from sticking. Let the dough balls rise for 30 minutes. Space out the dough balls on your work surface so they are about 2 in (5.1 cm) apart. Then, grease a piece of foil or plastic wrap as you did before. Place this sheet over your dough balls and set a timer for 30 minutes so the dough balls can rise. If the sheet of foil or plastic you used to cover the large dough ball is still intact, reuse this to cover your dough balls. Flatten the dough balls into 0.25 in (0.64 cm) thick discs. Use a rolling pin to help you flatten each of the dough balls. Measure to check the thickness and the width of the discs. Aim for discs that are about 8 to 9 in (20 to 23 cm) wide. Thin pita discs are more likely to puff up and form a pocket when you cook them, so it is important to get the pita dough to this thickness! Use a rolling pin with interchangeable rings to get the thickness to exactly 0.25 in (0.64 cm). These are available wherever you can purchase specialty baking supplies, such as in the cake baking section at a craft supply store or in the bakeware section of a large department store. Wrap and refrigerate the dough for up to 1 week. You may cook the dough into pita bread right away, or wait for up to 1 week to prepare it. Wrap each of the dough balls with a piece of oiled plastic or foil wrap. Then, place the wrapped balls into a 1 US gal (3.8 L) sized resealable plastic bag. Place the dough balls in the refrigerator. You may want to write the date on the bag to remind yourself of how long you have to use them. Heat 0.5 fl oz (15 mL) of olive oil in a cast iron pan. Non-stick cooking spray also works well for preventing your pita bread from sticking to the pan. Coat the pan well with oil or non-stick cooking spray and turn the heat on medium high. Let the pan heat for a few minutes before putting the first piece of pita dough into the pan. The pan needs to be very hot for the pita to puff up and cook properly. If it is not hot enough, the pita dough will not puff up, which is necessary for the pita to form a pocket in the center. Unpuffed pita bread is still useable, but you will not be able to stuff it. Place 1 of the dough discs into the pan and cook for 30 seconds. Watch the top of the dough disc for small bubbles to form. When you notice these, flip the disc over to the other side. This should only take about 30 seconds. Make sure to use tongs or a spatula to flip the pita! Do not use a fork since this will poke holes in the pita and prevent it from puffing up properly. Flip the disc and cook for 1 to 2 more minutes on the other side. After you notice bubbles forming, flip the pita bread over and cook it on the other side for about 1 to 2 more minutes. Wait until the dough starts to puff up to flip it over again. This may only take 1 minute or it may take the full 2 minutes. After you flip the pita again, the other side of the pita will have brown spots where the bubbles formed. If the pita bread does not inflate, the pan may not be hot enough. Turn up the heat before cooking the next pita Turn the disc over and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. The pita bread is done cooking when it completely inflates, which may take around 1 to 2 minutes. The disc will fill up with air like a balloon. Remember to use tongs or a spatula to flip the pita bread! Remove the cooked pita bread from the heat and place it onto a plate. Press the air out with the back of your spatula or tongs before removing it from the griddle. Then, place the pita bread onto a plate. To keep the pita bread warm while the rest of the pita bread cooks, place a piece of foil or a pan lid over the plate. Repeat to cook the rest of the pita bread. Go through the same cooking process for each piece of pita bread. Since each piece takes about 5 minutes to cook, it will take about 40 minutes to cook all 8 pieces of the pita bread. Speed up the cooking process by using 2 pans to cook 2 pieces of pita bread at once. Eat the pita bread immediately or store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Pita bread tastes best when you eat it fresh. However, you can store your pita bread in an air-tight container or bag for up to 1 week in the refrigerator, or for up to 3 months in the freezer. Stack the pita bread and place wax paper between the pieces of pita bread to keep them from sticking together. Then, place the stack of pita bread into an air-tight plastic or glass container, or in a resealable bag. Place the bag in the refrigerator or freezer. Write the date on the container or bag to ensure that you use the pita bread in time. | Combine the yeast, 8 oz (230 g) of flour, and water in a mixing bowl. Add the olive oil, salt, and remaining flour to the bowl. Knead the dough for about 6 minutes. Sprinkle in 1 to 2 oz (28 to 57 g) of flour if the dough is too sticky. Place the dough ball in a greased bowl and cover it. Allow the dough to rise for 2 hours. Punch down the dough and place it on a floured surface. Cut the dough into 8 equal-sized pieces and roll them into balls. Let the dough balls rise for 30 minutes. Flatten the dough balls into 0.25 in (0.64 cm) thick discs. Wrap and refrigerate the dough for up to 1 week. Heat 0.5 fl oz (15 mL) of olive oil in a cast iron pan. Place 1 of the dough discs into the pan and cook for 30 seconds. Flip the disc and cook for 1 to 2 more minutes on the other side. Turn the disc over and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. Remove the cooked pita bread from the heat and place it onto a plate. Repeat to cook the rest of the pita bread. Eat the pita bread immediately or store it in the refrigerator or freezer. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Type-Without-Looking | How to Type Without Looking | To type without looking, try taking free typing lessons online, which will teach you how to type faster and without looking down at your keyboard. You can also play online typing games and take typing tests to improve your skills. When you're practicing typing, avoid looking down at your keyboard, even if you mess up a little bit, since you need to train yourself to keep your eyes on the screen. | Imagine the location of the key and keep your eyes on the screen. It can be tempting to look down at the keyboard when you're unfamiliar with touch typing. However, since the goal is not to look, do your best to keep your eyes on the screen. Imagine the layout of the keyboard in your mind to find the appropriate key. Take typing lessons online. Many websites offer free typing lessons to help you learn how to touch type. Some even include a digital representation of a keyboard on the screen to help you memorize the key placement without looking down at your own keyboard. Often, lessons are structured so that you master one row of the keyboard at time before moving on to more complex tasks. Play typing games online. Not only are there lessons, there are games that improve your typing skills as well. Many games require you to type the correct string of words to move your character or advance through the game. If you prefer a less structured approach, try typing games instead of lessons. Test your typing skills. Typing tests assess your typing speed and accuracy. Once you've gotten the hang of touch typing, you may want to take a typing test. You'll learn how quickly you can type in words per minute and also discover which keys you need more practice with. Tests can help you track your progress. Put your left hand fingers on the keys F, D, S, and A. This is called the “home position.” Rest your index finger on the “f,” your middle finger on the “d,” your ring finger on the “s,” and your little finger on the “a.” Put your right hand fingers on the keys J, K, L, and ; (semicolon). The “home position” for the right hand dictates that you rest your index finger on the “j,” your middle finger on the “k,” your ring finger on the “l,” and your little finger on the “;” (semicolon). Use your index fingers to strike the keys in the middle of the board. Your left index finger should hit the following keys: “5,” “6,” “r,” “t,” “f,” “g,” “v,” and “b.” Your right index finger should hit the keys “7,” “y,” “u,” “h,” “j,” “n,” and “m.” Hit the next 2 columns of keys with your middle and ring fingers. Use your left middle finger to strike the “4,” “e,” “d,” and “c” keys. Your left ring finger should hit the “3,” “w,” “s,” and “x” keys. Use your right middle finger to strike the “8,” “i,” “k,” and “,” (comma) keys. Your right ring finger should hit the “9,” “o,” “l,” and “.” (period) keys. Strike the punctuation and function keys with your little fingers. The left pinky can be used for the “`” (tilde), “tab,” “caps,” and “shift” keys, while the right pinky can be used for the “←” (backspace), “\” (slash), “enter,” and “shift” keys. Navigational keys can also be struck with your little fingers. Use your thumbs to hit the spacebar. Either one of your thumbs can be used to hit the spacebar, which will help keep the rest of your fingers free to strike their designated keys. Keep your elbows bent at a right angle. Your forearms should be parallel with the desk or typing surface, while your upper arms should be perpendicular to the typing surface. Keep your elbows bent at a right angle to avoid strain on your neck and shoulders. Adjust your typing surface or chair, if necessary. Limit your finger movement. To reduce stress on your hands and fingers, use only as much movement as required to strike a key. For instance, don't use your index finger to strike the “enter” key, as you'd have to move it quite far from the base position. Return your fingers to the base position after hitting a key. Most keyboards have raised lines or dots on the “f” and “j” keys to help you find them with your fingers. After typing a key, slide your fingers around until you feel those markers and return all of your fingers to their starting, or base, positions. Establish a rhythm. It's important to start slow so that you aren't making tons of errors, which can interrupt your rhythm. Try to make your keystrokes at equal intervals to establish a strong rhythm that will lead to faster typing. Keep practicing. It can take a while to develop the muscle memory that you need to successfully type without looking at the keyboard. Spend an hour each day working on your typing skills until you are happy with the results. | Imagine the location of the key and keep your eyes on the screen. Take typing lessons online. Play typing games online. Test your typing skills. Put your left hand fingers on the keys F, D, S, and A. Put your right hand fingers on the keys J, K, L, and ; (semicolon). Use your index fingers to strike the keys in the middle of the board. Hit the next 2 columns of keys with your middle and ring fingers. Strike the punctuation and function keys with your little fingers. Use your thumbs to hit the spacebar. Keep your elbows bent at a right angle. Limit your finger movement. Return your fingers to the base position after hitting a key. Establish a rhythm. Keep practicing. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Ask-for-a-Job-Interview | How to Ask for a Job Interview | The best way to ask for an interview is to send an email to the potential employer expressing interest in the job and requesting a chance to interview. In your message, say that you are very excited about the opportunity to interview for the position. You might write, “I would love to meet with you to discuss how I can be an asset to your company.” Additionally, provide a two week window of time when you're available, but don't specify a particular time because the interviewer may be unavailable then. | Request an informational interview. Before you apply for a specific job, you can ask for an informational interview. During this type of interview, you present questions. It's a research-type interview through which you can learn more about the company. You might contact the HR person and ask for a phone interview. Alternatively, you could connect with someone you know who works at the firm. Use professional social networks like LinkedIn or university alumni networks to find contacts within an organization. When asking these people for an interview, state that you are interested in learning more about the company and their particular role. Do not ask for a reference or job. Make a list of questions beforehand. If possible, research the person's role as well so you do not need to ask basic questions. For example, "What do you do?" shows you have not done your research. Rather, ask "what do you find most challenging in your analyst role?" Use your cover letter. In your cover letter, you can be polite and direct about wanting to ask for an interview. In your last paragraph, mention wanting an interview. Be appreciative rather than demanding. Do not name a particular date, though. You also might mention that you will call the recruiter in one week to enquire further. For example, you might write, "I am very interested in speaking with you as soon as possible. I would be available for an interview during the next two weeks." You also might try saying: "I look forward to learning more about [insert organization's name] needs and how I could contribute to your team. Please contact me at your earliest convenience to set up an interview." Thank the hiring manager for taking the time to review your materials. Close with a statement such as, "I look forward to hearing from you soon." HR workers can receive tens to hundreds of job applications for a single job. Make sure that your letter is tailored to the job at hand and shows your knowledge of the firm and how you can mutually benefit each other. See Write a Cover Letter for additional tips. List your contact information clearly on your cover letter and resume. Include your telephone number, Skype address, times available, and email address. You want to make the HR person's job as easy as possible. Follow up via phone. If you have not heard from a recruiter after seven to ten days, take matters into your own hands. Call the listed recruiter. Ask whether she has seen your materials. If the person has been busy, it is possible she has not had time to review your materials. Be very polite and ask for a potential timeline. If she has reviewed your materials, ask whether you could have an interview. She might not be able to give you an answer yet but at least you will know what your current status is. If there is not a listed recruiter, call the company's main office and ask for a transfer to the HR department. Open the conversation by thanking the hiring manager for taking your call. Ask if he has time for a quick question or two. Acknowledging that the hiring manager's time is valuable will convey respect. You might call and say, "Hello, my name is Martha Owens. I submitted an application for the program manager position last week. I was wondering whether it would be possible to arrange an interview in the coming two weeks." Do not make a follow-up call is if the job posting explicitly states that applicants should not call. You also can follow up via email. Visit the workplace. In many cases, this is not possible. But in some situations, like small, family-run businesses (e.g. ice cream shop, car lot, etc.), you might do well by visiting in person. Introduce yourself, say that you have sent in your materials, and ask whether they would have time to chat. People are busy and especially in smaller businesses, they don't always have time to process materials quickly. Although entering a new setting can be overwhelming, stay calm. Aim to be confident and relaxed and consider saying something like, "Hello, Mr. Smithie. My name is John Collins. I submitted an application to be an ice cream scooper last week. Have you had time to look at it?" Research the company. Peruse its website. See what its mission and structure are. If it's a larger company, read its annual financial report. Also, research industry-specific information. Are their trade journals or professional associations related to what this company does? At this point, you should have submitted your application. Be sure to submit your application and all the necessary materials before asking for an interview. It is also wise to wait at least one week before expecting a response or following up. Research your potential interviewers. What are their backgrounds? What were their career paths? See if you can find their LinkedIn profiles. Look for any similarities between you and them. For example, you might share an alma mater or a major hobby. While these topics might come up, if they are relevant, mention them. Do social media searches anonymously if possible. For example, if you are not logged into LinkedIn, you can perform a public search. Use your research to define your goals. While doing research on the company or its employees, see how their values and projects connect to you. How can you demonstrate that their company fits into your career trajectory? How will this job help you achieve your goals. While it is important to emphasize how you can benefit them, think about how they can benefit you too. | Request an informational interview. Use your cover letter. Follow up via phone. Visit the workplace. Research the company. Research your potential interviewers. Use your research to define your goals. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Escape-Velocity | How to Calculate Escape Velocity | To calculate escape velocity, multiply 2 times G times M, then divide that by r, and take the square root of the result. In this equation, G is Newton's gravitational constant, M is the mass of the planet you're escaping from in kilograms, and r is the radius of the planet in meters. Substitute those values into the equation and solve for v, or escape velocity. | Define escape velocity. Escape velocity is the velocity of an object required to overcome the gravitational pull of the planet that object is on to escape into space. A larger planet has more mass and requires a much greater escape velocity than a smaller planet with less mass. Begin with conservation of energy. Conservation of energy states that the total energy of an isolated system remains unchanged. In the derivation below, we will work with an Earth-rocket system and assume that this system is isolated. In conservation of energy, we equate the initial and final potential and kinetic energies K 1 + U 1 = K 2 + U 2 , {\displaystyle K_{1}+U_{1}=K_{2}+U_{2},} where K {\displaystyle K} is kinetic energy and U {\displaystyle U} is potential energy. Define kinetic and potential energy. Kinetic energy is energy of motion, and is equal to 1 2 m v 2 , {\displaystyle {\frac {1}{2}}mv^{2},} where m {\displaystyle m} is the mass of the rocket and v {\displaystyle v} is its velocity. Potential energy is energy that results from where an object is relative to the bodies in the system. In physics, we typically define the potential energy to be 0 at an infinite distance from Earth. Since the gravitational force is attractive, the potential energy of the rocket will always be negative (and smaller the closer it is to Earth). Potential energy in the Earth-rocket system is thus written as − G M m r , {\displaystyle -{\frac {GMm}{r}},} where G {\displaystyle G} is Newton's gravitational constant, M {\displaystyle M} is the mass of Earth, and r {\displaystyle r} is the distance between the two masses' centers. Substitute these expressions into conservation of energy. When the rocket achieves the minimum velocity required to escape Earth, it will eventually stop at an infinite distance from Earth, so K 2 = 0. {\displaystyle K_{2}=0.} Then, the rocket will not feel Earth's gravitational pull and will never fall back to Earth, so U 2 = 0 {\displaystyle U_{2}=0} as well. 1 2 m v 2 − G M m r = 0 {\displaystyle {\frac {1}{2}}mv^{2}-{\frac {GMm}{r}}=0} Solve for v. 1 2 m v 2 = G M m r v 2 = 2 G M r v = 2 G M r {\displaystyle {\begin{aligned}{\frac {1}{2}}mv^{2}&={\frac {GMm}{r}}\\v^{2}&={\frac {2GM}{r}}\\v&={\sqrt {\frac {2GM}{r}}}\end{aligned}}} v {\displaystyle v} in the above equation is the escape velocity of the rocket - the minimum velocity required to escape the gravitational pull of Earth. Note that the escape velocity is independent of the mass of the rocket m. {\displaystyle m.} The mass is reflected in both the potential energy provided by Earth's gravity as well as the kinetic energy provided by the movement of the rocket. State the equation for escape velocity. v = 2 G M r {\displaystyle v={\sqrt {\frac {2GM}{r}}}} The equation assumes the planet you are on is spherical and has constant density. In the real world, the escape velocity depends on where you are at on the surface because a planet bulges at the equator due to its rotation and has slightly varying density due to its composition. Understand the variables of the equation. G = 6.67 × 10 − 11 N m 2 k g − 2 {\displaystyle G=6.67\times 10^{-11}{\rm {\ N\ m^{2}\ kg^{-2}}}} is Newton's gravitational constant. The value of this constant reflects the fact that gravity is an incredibly weak force. It was determined experimentally by Henry Cavendish in 1798, but has proven to be notoriously difficult to measure precisely. G {\displaystyle G} can be written using only base units as 6.67 × 10 − 11 m 3 k g − 1 s − 2 , {\displaystyle 6.67\times 10^{-11}{\rm {\ m^{3}\ kg^{-1}\ s^{-2}}},} since 1 N = 1 k g m s − 2. {\displaystyle 1{\rm {\ N}}=1{\rm {\ kg\ m\ s^{-2}}}.} Mass M {\displaystyle M} and radius r {\displaystyle r} are dependent upon the planet you wish to escape from. You must convert to SI units. That is, mass is in kilograms (kg) and distance is in meters (m). If you find values that are in different units, such as miles , convert them to SI. Determine the mass and radius of the planet you are on. For Earth, assuming that you are at sea level, r = 6.38 × 10 6 m {\displaystyle r=6.38\times 10^{6}{\rm {\ m}}} and M = 5.98 × 10 24 k g. {\displaystyle M=5.98\times 10^{24}{\rm {\ kg}}.} Search online for a table of masses and radii for other planets or moons. Substitute values into the equation. Now that you have the necessary information, you can start solving the equation. v = 2 ( 6.67 × 10 − 11 m 3 k g − 1 s − 2 ) ( 5.98 × 10 24 k g ) ( 6.38 × 10 6 m ) {\displaystyle v={\sqrt {\frac {2(6.67\times 10^{-11}{\rm {\ m^{3}\ kg^{-1}\ s^{-2}}})(5.98\times 10^{24}{\rm {\ kg}})}{(6.38\times 10^{6}{\rm {\ m}})}}}} Evaluate. Remember to evaluate your units at the same time and cancel them out as needed to obtain a dimensionally consistent solution. v = 2 ( 6.67 ) ( 5.98 ) ( 6.38 ) × 10 7 m 2 s − 2 ≈ 11200 m s − 1 = 11.2 k m s − 1 {\displaystyle {\begin{aligned}v&={\sqrt {{\frac {2(6.67)(5.98)}{(6.38)}}\times 10^{7}{\rm {\ m^{2}\ s^{-2}}}}}\\&\approx 11200{\rm {\ m\ s^{-1}}}\\&=11.2{\rm {\ km\ s^{-1}}}\end{aligned}}} In the last step, we converted the answer from SI units to k m s − 1 {\displaystyle {\rm {\ km\ s^{-1}}}} by multiplying by the conversion factor 1 km 1000 m. {\displaystyle {\frac {\text{1 km}}{\text{1000 m}}}.} | Define escape velocity. Begin with conservation of energy. Define kinetic and potential energy. Substitute these expressions into conservation of energy. Solve for v. State the equation for escape velocity. Understand the variables of the equation. Determine the mass and radius of the planet you are on. Substitute values into the equation. Evaluate. |
https://www.wikihow.health/Stop-Food-Cravings-at-Night | How to Stop Food Cravings at Night | To stop food cravings at night, try eating a healthy snack 1 hour before bed so you're less likely to crave unhealthy food. You can also try drinking a large glass of water or a cup of tea whenever you have late-night food cravings, which can make you feel full. Alternatively, try chewing on a piece of sugar-free gum to help satisfy your cravings. Or, you can brush your teeth when you start to crave food since the minty taste and the feeling of clean teeth will make eating seem less enjoyable. | Eat healthy protein for dinner. Often, food cravings are due to an energy "crash", due to not eating a substantial meal or one high in simple carbohydrates (as discussed more below). Protein gives you long-term energy and can keep you full for a long time. While not all cravings are caused directly by hunger, a full belly can make them easier to resist. Include a healthy protein in your evening meal, such as: Lean poultry or fish Nuts or seeds Peas, lentils or beans. Yogurt Include fiber in your diet. Dietary fiber takes a long time to digest and has few calories by volume. Eating plenty of vegetables and fruit can keep you full for longer without compromising your healthy diet. High-fiber cereals low in sugar are also a good option. Try incorporating two vegetable dishes on your dinner plate instead of just one. Swap a sugary dessert with fresh fruit. Try a parfait with regular yogurt and berries, strawberries and cream, or pineapple slices instead of less nutritious options. Fiber bars are often helpful. While these often have a lot of sugar, they add fiber to the diet, and a good option for a "dessert" that actually has benefits. Some people benefit from fiber supplements. Give it a try — it is not just for your great aunt! Reduce sugar and simple carbohydrates. High-sugar foods cause a sudden rise in your blood sugar, followed by a sudden crash. This crash can leave you feeling tired and hungry, causing food cravings or making them more difficult to resist. Simple carbohydrates found in white rice, white bread, white pasta, and most pizza crusts quickly break down into sugar after they are eaten, and have a similar effect. Replace these with complex carbohydrates, found in whole grain bread or pasta, brown rice, and green vegetables. Remember that sugary foods and beverages are also simple carbohydrates. Having a sugary cola with dinner can actually trigger more cravings later at night! Consider eating small meals throughout the day. If you find yourself hungry between meals, it is difficult to stick to healthy food. Instead of three meals, try six! Reduce the size of your lunch and dinner, and add healthy snack times between meals and after dinner to make up for it. Some people eat as many as six small meals a day, making it difficult for hunger to take hold and lead to bad decisions. In the same way, focus on reducing portion size if you find you can't avoid cravings for something entirely. For instance, if you usually have 2 tablespoons of peanut butter, try just one when the craving hits. Scoop out a half cup of chocolate ice cream if you usually eat a whole bowl. Reducing portion sizes can quench the craving and do less damage to your overall diet. Have a healthy snack before bed. One tip to avoid late-night cravings is to let yourself have a small and healthy snack shortly before you go to bed. This will help keep you satiated through the night, leading to more sleep and fewer setbacks. Try to time the snack right. Eat about 2 hours after your dinner and at least 1 (preferably more) hour before bedtime. Eat something that will keep you full for a while and the includes healthy protein and some carbohydrates. Keep it small -- about 200 calories or less. If you'd like, use this strategy as a way to start. You can then try to eliminate the snack altogether. Recognize the nature of food addiction. Similar to addiction to tobacco or gambling, one can have an unhealthy relationship when it comes to food. Your food cravings may not be as severe as an addiction to cigarettes, but some of the same tactics many people find useful in conquering addictions can be helpful in breaking this pattern. Food cravings can happen because your mind and/or body are used to a pattern that has become unhealthy. If you are used to having a cookie every day after work, your body learns to anticipate that pastry. Use of food may tend to happen when you are not really hungry, but when you are bored, frustrated, or tired. Food becomes a comforter and soother, rather than because you are actually hungry. If you find yourself reaching for potato chips when you feel lonely, this is using food as a comforter. Think of the mental components to your night cravings. However, more typically, night cravings are because a person is in a state of mind that is negative. What are you feeling when you get a night craving? (The section on keeping a journal is very helpful in narrowing this down.) Such as: Bored Tired Lonely Angry Worried Consider the physical components of your food cravings. It is possible to get night cravings purely from physical reasons, and that needs to be addressed. Are you eating an unhealthy diet? Are you staying up very late? (A longer discussion is below) Is your workout timed poorly? While working out is a good idea, if you are doing so close to bedtime and on an empty stomach, this can contribute to cravings. Distract yourself from cravings. Cravings tend to happen when one is at a low energy point in the day, and often when you are not active. But cravings are often surprisingly easy to avoid if you re-focus on something more positive. When you find a craving creeping up, if at all possible stop what you are doing and re-direct yourself to something else. Try: Getting up and taking a 10 minute walk. Call or text a friend. Do a quick chore: hang up laundry, wash the dishes, wipe down the bathroom counters. Just do something different. Just recognizing that you need to go do something different to head off the impulse can help. . Get to sleep earlier The earlier you get to sleep, the less time you will have to get hungry after dinner. Also, if you stay awake until you are exhausted, it can be difficult to make wise decisions. If you are having trouble adjusting to an earlier schedule, try these tips: Purchase a red light bulb, since red light increases the production of sleep hormones. Avoid evening caffeine, cigarettes, or blue light from computer or television screens. Take melatonin pills nightly to help set your bedtime earlier. Keep a cravings journal. When you have a craving, write down what you want to eat, and what caused it. If you're not sure what caused the craving, write down whether you smelled or saw a particular food, what your mood is, and whether you feel stressed or tired. After a few cravings, you might start to notice a pattern. This helps you recognize tempting situations and stay vigilant about preventing them and dealing with them. Rehearse yourself going through triggers. If you know what sets off your cravings, prepare yourself for the trigger in advance. Repeat to yourself what you'll do to avoid giving in, and picture yourself walking past the food without eating it, or going to bed without stopping by the kitchen. Imagining this process in advance can build up your willpower when it comes time to actually turning down the food. Ban your worst culprits. If your junk food is easy to get, it is easy to mindlessly devour it. The best solution is simply not keeping the food in the house. For instance, you might crave ice cream at 10 p.m.--but not actually want it badly enough to make the effort to actually drive to the store. Make your craved food more difficult to obtain. Maybe you cannot remove them from your house entirely. And maybe an outright ban is not the best approach for you. The next best thing is to make the food something that means you have to put some effort and thought into partaking of your midnight snack. Food should only be stored in the kitchen — not bedrooms, on the coffee table, or next to the computer. The combination of sedentary behavior and mindless eating promotes unhealthy behaviors. Make your favorite foods from scratch. It is easy to dig into a bag of snickerdoodle cookies, but baking a homemade batch takes more effort. You will probably want them less often if you bake them. Also, the results are tastier and more satisfying than store-bought treats! Store treats in a hard to reach area. For instance, your ice cream should be kept in the storage freezer in the garage under pounds of frozen peas and other vegetables. Not in the kitchen within easy reach! Try some liquids. When food cravings hit, try drinking some liquids. Drink a large glass of water, caffeine-free tea, or low-fat milk or milk substitute when you have a craving, instead of eating a snack. These relatively low-calorie liquids will fill up your stomach but not fatten you. Drinking a glass of water will also delay you from heading to the pantry and give your mouth an oral fix, instead of potato chips. Some people mistake dehydration or thirst for hunger; water is especially effective in these cases. Hot beverages also help your stomach feel fuller. A cup of herbal tea, for instance, can curb the munchies. It is particularly good for those who eat when nervous or stressed, as it relaxes the stomach. Avoid sugary drinks — and drinks you make sugary. A cup of peppermint tea is a terrific choice for an evening beverage to avoid snacking but it isn't so if it is supercharged with sugar. A tablespoon in your tea (15 calories) is one thing, but an American Southern-style sweet tea is far too sugar-filled to be considered a real alternative to a sugary snack. Keep a glass of water by your bed so you do not need to visit the kitchen at night. Have healthy snacks available. If your food craving is caused by legitimate hunger, keep a small plate in your bedroom with a healthy option. A piece of whole wheat bread, a small apple, four or five unsalted nuts, a few cherry tomatoes, or a small square of dark chocolate are all examples of a small snack you could eat instead of visiting the kitchen. If your cravings are more psychological than physical (which admittedly can be difficult to figure out), try reducing the size of this snack each night over the course of a week or two, until you no longer need it. Chew sugar-free gum. Chewing something gives you an oral fix, a burst of flavor, and very little if any calories. Keep a pack of sugar-free gum, and chew it until the craving passes. Mint flavors tend to signal "all done eating" to the body, due to its association with toothpaste. Sugar free gum also helps clean teeth, a nice side benefit. Use flavored toothpaste or mouthwash. When you are kept up by a late night craving, get out of bed and brush your teeth with a strongly flavored toothpaste, or rinse with mouthwash. The taste may help you deal with the craving, and the "clean teeth" feeling may make you less willing to eat directly afterward. Think of something disgusting. If you're sensitive to unpleasant images or thoughts, disgust yourself too much to eat. This is not the most pleasant way to deal with a craving, but it works for some people. Find a distracting activity. If the craving continues for more than 10 minutes and shows no sign of stopping, distract yourself. Any busy activity can accomplish this, from chores to dog walking to reading a book. Avoid activities that take you to the kitchen or near places you can buy food. | Eat healthy protein for dinner. Include fiber in your diet. Reduce sugar and simple carbohydrates. Consider eating small meals throughout the day. Have a healthy snack before bed. Recognize the nature of food addiction. Think of the mental components to your night cravings. Consider the physical components of your food cravings. Distract yourself from cravings. . Keep a cravings journal. Rehearse yourself going through triggers. Ban your worst culprits. Make your craved food more difficult to obtain. Try some liquids. Have healthy snacks available. Chew sugar-free gum. Use flavored toothpaste or mouthwash. Think of something disgusting. Find a distracting activity. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-an-Army-Sniper | How to Become an Army Sniper | To become an Army sniper, you must be an active soldier in the U.S. Army. You'll also need to enter the infantry and gain experience as an infantryman, which is the starting point for specialty positions. On top of training in the infantry, you'll need to have excellent vision and expert rifle skills. While you're training to become a sniper, avoid getting into any trouble with the law since snipers need to have a clean record. | Be a current soldier. In order to become a sniper, you must be on active duty, or in the Reserve or National Guard. You cannot be on inactive duty (even if you are involved with military activities). Get experience as an infantry soldier. The infantry is the primary combat force of the Army, and is the starting point for a number of specialty positions, including Rangers and Snipers. Before starting Sniper School, you will need to have established a distinguished record as an infantryman. To enter the Infantry, you must have a combat (CO) Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) score of at least 87. Infantry training lasts for 14 weeks, and takes place on the field and in the classroom. Skills to attain as an infantry soldier include weapons usage, the ability to handle stressful situations, ground tactics, and a readiness to accept challenges. Attain sufficient rank. Would-be Army Snipers must be classified as Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) 11B (Infantry soldier), 19D (Calvary Scout) or 18 series (Special Forces) in the rank of E3 through E6. Additional Skill Identifier (ASI) B4 (Sniper) can only be given to those soldiers who have attained MOS 11B. Meet or exceed certain test scores. In addition to the minimum CO score of 87 that is required to enter the Infantry, to become a sniper you must have a score of 100 or higher on the General Technical (GT) portion of the ASVAB before you can apply to become a sniper. Have good vision. The tasks of a sniper, such as target identification and long-distance firing, demand excellent vision. In order to begin Sniper training, your vision must either be 20/20, or correctable to 20/20. You must also be able to accurately distinguish color. Have expert rifle skills. Superior marksmanship is necessary for all snipers, so you must qualify at the “expert” level with the M4 rifle within six months of attending your sniper course. Snipers are often essentially required to shoot targets about the size of a playing card at a distance of 500 meters. Be in excellent physical shape. Snipers may be called on to move through difficult terrain, often alone. Thus, to become a sniper you must have a minimum physical profile of 111221. You must also have a recent (within the last 12 months) medical examination or physical assessment. A 111221 physical profile references the "PULHES factor," with each digit corresponding to a rating of a given area: Physical capacity or stamina, Upper extremities, Lower extremities, Hearing and ears, Eyes, and Psychiatric health. A rating of 111221 indicates a high level of health and ability in each of these areas. To begin Sniper School, you must have passed an Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) with a minimum of 70 points in each area within 30 days prior to the start of the training program. Have a clean record. Performing as an Army Sniper requires the highest level of conduct, control, and confidentiality. For this reason, you should plan on having a clean military and civilian record, with no record of alcohol or substance abuse, if you want to become an Army Sniper. Pass a psychological examination. Being a sniper involves very stressful and dangerous work; you must have good mental health to complete these tasks. A psychological examination must be conducted by an approved psychologist within one year prior to the start date of your sniper training course. Have appropriate security clearance, or be eligible to obtain it. Work as a Sniper is often highly classified, and so you must obtain a Secret or interim Secret security clearance before beginning training. If you do not already have this clearance, you must be eligible and apply for it. The Department of Defense (DOD) issues personal security clearances. In order to receive a Secret clearance, you must be a U.S. citizen or naturalized citizen, have a position that necessitates the clearance (at the DOD's discretion), and undergo a background check. Your security clearance may also need to be periodically renewed. Volunteer to attend Sniper School. The Army sniper training course is neither mandatory nor guaranteed, even if you reach the necessary rank and meet the other entry qualifications. Instead, you must volunteer with a formal request to your Battalion Commander, who then decides whether or not to recommend you for Sniper School. Sign up to attend Sniper School. If you meet the basic qualifications, volunteer, are recommended, and then finally accepted into the Army Sniper program, then you will be asked to register for the training course. The School lasts for seven weeks and takes place at Fort Benning, Georgia. During the course, you will study: Marksmanship Range estimation Target detection Stalks Written instruction Pass the initial exercises. On the first day of sniper training, you will be put into a grouping exercise to test your initial abilities and potential for reconnaissance and marksmanship. If you do not pass this exercise, you will not be permitted to take the course. Complete the course. Each of the seven weeks of Sniper School is devoted to one or more specific aspects of sniper duties. You will study these both in the classroom and in various field exercises. Week 1 is devoted to stalks, range estimation, and target detection. Week 2 is devoted to ballistics as well as marksmanship using the M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System (SASS). This rifle is lighter and shorter than traditional sniper rifles, but can deliver precision fire to targets up to 800 meters. Week 3 is devoted to strategies for gathering data, as well as a written exam on information covered. Week 4 is devoted to making night shoots and the use of the M2010 Enhanced Sniper Rifle (ESR). Week 5 is devoted to strategies for Unknown Distance (UKD) firing, moving targets, and the use of the M9 pistol. Week 6 is devoted to learning alternate firing positions, and the use of the M107 rifle. In addition, there is a final examination in the sixth week of Sniper School. Week 7 is devoted to field training exercises (FTX) to practice sniper techniques, and to final shooting exercises. At the end of the course, there is a graduation ceremony. Soldiers who successfully pass Sniper School will be awarded a diploma. | Be a current soldier. Get experience as an infantry soldier. Attain sufficient rank. Meet or exceed certain test scores. Have good vision. Have expert rifle skills. Be in excellent physical shape. Have a clean record. Pass a psychological examination. Have appropriate security clearance, or be eligible to obtain it. Volunteer to attend Sniper School. Sign up to attend Sniper School. Pass the initial exercises. Complete the course. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cut-Zucchini | How to Cut Zucchini | To cut zucchini, first cut off the ends with a sharp chef's knife. Then make evenly spaced cuts across the zucchini to cut it into coins. For slices, cut the zucchini lengthwise instead. To dice the zucchini, first cut it in half length, then place the halves cut side down on your cutting board and cut each half into 4 t 6 strips. Finally, making evenly spaced cuts across the strips to dice them into small pieces. For julienne zucchini, start by cutting off the ends. Then, cut the zucchini lengthwise into a 1/4 inch (.6 cm) thick planks. Lay one of the planks flat on your cutting board, and make evenly spaced diagonal cuts across it, leaving a 1/4 inch (.6 cm) of space between cuts. Repeat with the rest of the planks. | Rinse the zucchini to remove any dirt. Before beginning to slice your zucchini, simply run it under cool water. Brush it gently with your hands to remove any excess dirt. Chop off the stem and blossom ends with a sharp knife. Cut about ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) from each end of the zucchini with a chef's knife and discard the pieces. Chop off small cylinders of desired thickness. Starting at either end, hold the other end in one hand and cut downwards with a sharp chef's knife. Keep your fingertips curled down, rather than flat on the zucchini, to prevent accidents. The thicker the slices, the longer they will take to cook. Thicker pieces might be best for longer-cooking dishes like stews, while you might go thinner if you're simply sauteeing your zucchini. For a cleaner cut, use a rocking motion with the handle end of the knife, keeping the tip pointing down. Cut the zucchini in half before slicing for a quicker-cooking dish. To make half-circle slices, cut the zucchini in half lengthwise after you've removed the ends. Turn one half horizontally and chop downwards with a knife. Half-slices are great if you want bite-sized chunks, or pieces that will cook faster. Wash the zucchini before you cut. Rinse your zucchini under cold water to get rid of stray dirt. Dry it lightly with a paper towel and look it over to make sure you didn't miss any dirt spots. Cut off the stem and blossom ends. Using a chef's knife, chop off ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) from each end of the zucchini. The ends don't taste or look as good, so you'll cut them off for almost every dish you make. Carefully cut the zucchini into 3-4 vertical strips. Using the same long chef's knife, cut the zucchini lengthwise into a few strips. Hold it with one hand while you cut, keeping your fingertips curled to protect them from the knife. Slice each strip into 3 thinner strips. Place each strip flat on your cutting board. Use the same cutting technique to slice each strip into long, thin slices. When you cut the strips that were on the edge of the zucchini, place the flat side down and the rounded side up for the easiest cut. Turn the zucchini and cut crosswise to make cubes. Hold 3-4 thin strips together with one hand, curling your fingertips against the surface. Turn the strips so that you can cut in a crosswise direction, then chop downwards with your knife. Push the small diced pieces to the side with the flat of your blade and continue until you've chopped the whole zucchini. Depending on how long your knife is, you might be able to cut through 4-6 strips at once. The more zucchini strips you can chop at once, the less time it'll take. Rinse the zucchini and cut off the ends. Run the zucchini under cool water and pat it dry with a paper towel. Use a chef's knife to chop off the stem and blossom ends, about ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) from each tip. Cut the zucchini lengthwise into 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm) thick planks. Slice down through the zucchini with your knife. Slightly curl the fingertips of your stabilizing hand to keep them away from the blade of the knife. You'll have 3-4 strips of zucchini once you're done. Lay one plank flat and cut the top off at an angle. Turn your knife so that the blade is at about a 45-degree angle to the top left corner of your plank. Chop downwards carefully. You should cut off a triangle-shaped piece of zucchini. You can discard this first small piece--it's just meant to set up the julienne cuts. Continue cutting at the same angle, making matchstick-sized pieces. Hold your knife in the same position, keeping the blade parallel to the line of the first cut but about ⁄ 4 inch (0.64 cm) away. Chop downwards to create thin slices that look a bit like small french fries. Repeat on the rest of the zucchini planks. The Julienne cut is great if you want to add a fancy but simple touch to a salad or side dish. Rinse the zucchini and cut off both ends. Wash off the zucchini under cool water, running your hands over it to brush off any left over dirt. Dry it gently with a paper towel, then place it on a cutting board and slice off both ends with a chef's knife. Chop the zucchini in quarters and remove the seeds. Use your chef's knife to cut the zucchini in half horizontally, then cut both of the halves lengthwise as well. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds. The seeds and water in the middle of the zucchini won't grate well, so it's best to remove them beforehand. This is especially important if your zucchini weighs 1 pound (0.45 kg) or more, as the middle of larger zucchinis tends to be quite bitter. Grate one quarter at a time against the large holes on a box grater. Hold the box grater with one hand, tilting the side with larger holes slightly upwards for easier access. Place the zucchini firmly against the side and run it up and down the grater until you get to the end. If you have a food processor, you can use the grating blade to slice up your zucchini as well. Place the grated zucchini in a colander. As you finish grating each quarter of the zucchini, put the grated shreds into a colander set inside a bowl. The colander, which has holes in the bottom, will allow excess moisture to drain out of your zucchini. If you want to save your zucchini juice, set your colander inside a large bowl. You can use the juice as a quick, healthy addition in soups or for cooking rice. Mix in 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of salt and let it sit. Stir the salt around with a spoon to spread it evenly. Let the zucchini drain slowly for 15-20 minutes, then squeeze out any last moisture with your hands. Use 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of salt per 1 pound (0.45 kg) of zucchini. Salt will help draw the water out of the zucchini even faster. Place the grated zucchini onto a paper towel-covered plate. Spread the grated zucchini out evenly so the paper towel can soak up some more of its moisture. Removing the last bits of moisture will help the zucchini from being soggy, while still keeping it fresh for cooking. | Rinse the zucchini to remove any dirt. Chop off the stem and blossom ends with a sharp knife. Chop off small cylinders of desired thickness. Cut the zucchini in half before slicing for a quicker-cooking dish. Wash the zucchini before you cut. Cut off the stem and blossom ends. Carefully cut the zucchini into 3-4 vertical strips. Slice each strip into 3 thinner strips. Turn the zucchini and cut crosswise to make cubes. Rinse the zucchini and cut off the ends. Cut the zucchini lengthwise into 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm) thick planks. Lay one plank flat and cut the top off at an angle. Continue cutting at the same angle, making matchstick-sized pieces. Rinse the zucchini and cut off both ends. Chop the zucchini in quarters and remove the seeds. Grate one quarter at a time against the large holes on a box grater. Place the grated zucchini in a colander. Mix in 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of salt and let it sit. Place the grated zucchini onto a paper towel-covered plate. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Change-the-String-on-a-Lawn-Trimmer | How to Change the String on a Lawn Trimmer | Before you change the string on a lawn trimmer, make sure your trimmer is turned off and that the engine is cool to the touch to avoid any injuries. Check on the manufacturer's website to see what kind of line you need and cut it to the correct length. Then, remove the retaining cap from the trimmer head and locate the start of the trimmer line spool. Start inserting your new line by wrapping it in neat, straight rows to avoid jams. Finally, line up the retainer with the slot on the outside of the head and reattach your retaining cap. | Prepare the line. The length and width of line you need varies based on your trimmer. If you purchase the wrong width of line, the trimmer will not work correctly, so don't waste your money by simply guessing at the hardware store. If you are not sure what size line your trimmer uses, check online—the manufacturer's website often has instructions, and if not the customer service department should be able to help you.The length to which the line should be cut also varies, from around 10' to 25'. If you are not sure, err on the side of too long; you can always cut it shorter later. Make sure your trimmer’s engine is turned off. If it has a gearbox, make sure it is cooled down. This will help prevent accidents. Remove the retaining cap from the trimmer head. This will probably involve either unscrewing it, pressing one or multiple tabs, or a combination of the two. Some models use different mechanisms for removing the spool. These should be designed to be relatively intuitive, but contact your trimmer's manufacturer if you are having trouble figuring it out. Locate the starter hole in the spool. Insert the tip of the trimmer line, and wind in the direction of the arrows. Wrap the line in neat, straight rows, to prevent jams later on. When there are about 5” or 6” of line remaining, snap it into the retainer on the spool to hold it in place. Line up the retainer with the slot on the outside of the head. Replace the spool into the trimmer head. Remove the line from the retainer, and pull it through the slot to make sure it is feeding smoothly. Reattach the retaining cap. Prepare the line. The length and width of line you need varies based on your trimmer. If you purchase the wrong width of line, the trimmer will not work correctly, so don't waste your money by simply guessing at the hardware store. If you are not sure what size line your trimmer uses, check online—the manufacturer's website often has instructions, and if not the customer service department should be able to help you.The length to which the line should be cut also varies, from around 10' to 25'. If you are not sure, err on the side of too long; you can always cut it shorter later. Make sure your trimmer’s engine is turned off. If it has a gearbox, make sure it is cooled down. This will help prevent accidents. Remove the retaining cap from the trimmer head. This will probably involve either unscrewing it, pressing one or multiple tabs, or a combination of the two. Some models use different mechanisms for removing the spool. These should be designed to be relatively intuitive, but contact your trimmer's manufacturer if you are having trouble figuring it out. Locate the starter holes in the spool. Insert the tip of the first length of trimmer line into one starter hole, and wind in the direction of the arrows. Wrap the line in neat, straight rows, to prevent jams later on. When there are about 5” or 6” of line remaining, snap it into the retainer on the spool to hold it in place. Repeat this process with the second line. At this point, the line ends should be at opposite sides of the spool, to match the eyelets on the outside of the trimmer head. Remove the lines from the retainers. Thread them through the eyelets on the outside of the trimmer head. Replace the spool into the trimmer head, and pull the lines through the slot to make sure they are feeding smoothly. Reattach the retaining cap. Prepare the line. The length and width of line you need varies based on your trimmer. If you purchase the wrong width of line, the trimmer will not work correctly, so don't waste your money by simply guessing at the hardware store. If you are not sure what size line your trimmer uses, check online—the manufacturer's website often has instructions, and if not the customer service department should be able to help you.The length to which the lines should be cut also varies, from around 10' to 25'. If you are not sure, err on the side of too long; you can always cut it shorter later. Both lines should be cut to the same length. Make sure your trimmer’s engine is turned off. If it has a gearbox, make sure it is cooled down. This will help prevent accidents. Rotate the cap so the arrows align with the eyelets. You should be able to see light through the head when you look through the eyelets. Thread the end of the trimmer line through one eyelet. It should come through the eyelet on the other side of the trimmer head. Hold the ends together and pull to make both sides even. Twist the head clockwise until 5” or 6” of line are exposed. | Prepare the line. Make sure your trimmer’s engine is turned off. Remove the retaining cap from the trimmer head. Locate the starter hole in the spool. Line up the retainer with the slot on the outside of the head. Prepare the line. Make sure your trimmer’s engine is turned off. Remove the retaining cap from the trimmer head. Locate the starter holes in the spool. Remove the lines from the retainers. Prepare the line. Make sure your trimmer’s engine is turned off. Rotate the cap so the arrows align with the eyelets. Thread the end of the trimmer line through one eyelet. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Reduce-Swelling-After-Rhinoplasty | How to Reduce Swelling After Rhinoplasty | To reduce swelling after a rhinoplasty, apply cold compresses to the area around your nose. You should also keep your head elevated above your heart at all times, even when you're sleeping. Additionally, try walking a little every day to get your blood moving, which can also help decrease swelling. If you haven't had the surgery yet, speak to your doctor about precautions you can take, like reducing your sodium intake and increasing your water to reduce general swelling in the body and to encourage healing after surgery. Your doctor may also have you stop certain medications prior to your procedure. | Follow the directions provided by your surgeon. The surgeon will provide you with specific instructions that begin as early as two weeks before your surgery. Some instructions deal with safe practices to avoid unwanted medical events during and following your surgery. Other instructions help your body prepare for the surgery and the healing process afterwards, including steps to help reduce swelling. Every surgery, every surgeon, and every patient are different. The swelling that occurs will depend on many variables. Pay attention to the instructions provided by your surgeon to reduce swelling. Start making changes two weeks before. Be very clear, well in advance of your surgery, regarding the changes you need to make in your medications. This will involve a coordinated effort with your regular doctor, any specialists you see, and your surgeon. Some medications can cause changes that may lead to problems during surgery and difficulties after the surgery, such as additional and prolonged swelling. Make the changes in your prescription drugs, over-the-counter agents, and herbal supplements, two weeks before your surgery. It takes time for the medications to get out of your system, and for your system to return to its baseline level of functioning. Work with your doctor(s). Provide your surgeon with a complete list of your medications, including herbal supplements and over-the-counter agents, at least 30 days before your scheduled surgery. It takes time for your doctors to communicate with each other and determine the drugs you can stop in advance and the ones you should not stop at all. Never stop or adjust your prescription medications without consulting your doctor. Plan early with your regular doctor or specialist. Many agents require a gradual taper downward to stop the medication. Some prescription medications should not be stopped or dose adjusted at all. Let your surgeon know of the drugs you will need to continue to take routinely, including the day of surgery. Stop over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Your surgeon will know if you can continue some agents, such as acetaminophen. You will need to stop many things but not everything. Your surgeon will let you know what you can continue taking. OTC anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin, will need to be discontinued two weeks before your surgery. This group of medications can lead to additional bleeding which causes more swelling. Plan to stop all herbal supplements. Stop taking your herbal supplements should be stopped two to three weeks before your surgery. It may be best to plan on stopping everything you take that is an herbal product or supplement. Your surgeon will tell you exactly how to proceed. Some herbal products can interfere with anesthesia and others can increase bleeding and swelling after the procedure. Plan on stopping products that contain omega 3's and 6's contained in fish oil supplements, flaxseed, ephedra, Ma Huang, feverfew, goldenseal, garlic, ginseng, ginger, licorice, valerian, and kava. This is not a complete list. Talk to your surgeon about all your herbal supplements. Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet will promote healing and reduce swelling. This means you should start following this step as far in advance as possible and continue it through the entire post-op healing process. Include fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber. Examples of high fiber foods include peas, lentils, artichokes, brussel sprouts, lima beans, and black beans. High fiber foods prevent constipation. Pain medications provided for surgical pain often cause constipation. Straining due to constipation can lead to bleeding at the surgical site and additional swelling. Reduce your sodium intake to help decrease swelling after the surgery. Stay hydrated the week leading up to the surgery. Plenty of water will also help to promote healing and reduce swelling. Stop smoking and avoid alcohol. If you are a smoker, then you will need to stop smoking several weeks before your surgery. The healing process is slowed in people that smoke. Smoking also increases the risk of developing an infection. Avoid ingesting alcoholic drinks. Since alcohol thins the blood, avoid drinking alcohol for at least five days before the surgery. Expect bruising and swelling. Your nose has undergone major surgery so some swelling and bruising is natural. Every person and surgery is different, so the extent of bruising and swelling will vary. Visible swelling lasts for about two weeks. This is the best time to take steps to reduce the swelling since the tissues are healing. It may take years for the swelling inside the nose to completely subside, but in two to three weeks, your casual acquaintances will not be able to tell you had any type of facial surgery. Bruising most often occurs under the eyes, which you can expect in the first week. Apply cold compresses. Beginning as soon as you get home on the day of your surgery, apply cold compresses to the area around your nose. Apply the cold compresses around your eyes, on your eyes, on your forehead and cheeks, and the area around your nose. Avoid placing the ice treatments directly on your nose. This is an important step in reducing swelling. Apply the cold compress as often as possible for the first few days after the surgery. Avoid placing ice directly against your skin. The most swelling occurs on the third day after the surgery. The more cold applications you apply during the first two days will significantly reduce the amount of swelling you see on the third. Do not place ice packs directly on your nose. The ice packs create unwanted pressure if they are placed on top of your nose. Surgeons have preferences about the type of ice pack or cold compress used. Some recommend using bags of frozen veggies, crushed ice in a baggie, or ice packs. Use a cloth or towel to wrap any form of cold application before putting on the area. Continue to apply the cold compresses to help ease discomfort, beyond the initial 48 hour window for swelling reduction. Keep your head elevated. It is important that you keep your head above your heart at all times, including when you are resting and sleeping. Also avoid bending over. This is important in reducing the amount of swelling that develops. It may be difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position since you need to keep your head elevated. Try using three pillows beneath your head at night. Be sure you are sufficiently propped up and will not roll over and off the pillows. Sleep in a recliner for at least two weeks following the surgery. Keeping your head elevated also means no bending over for the first two weeks after surgery. No bending over also includes no heavy lifting. This can cause your swelling to worsen and the strain can increase your blood pressure which can cause the area to start bleeding again. Leave the dressings alone. The tape, splint, and nasal packing will likely feel uncomfortable. These were placed precisely by your surgeon and are there to promote healing and reduce swelling. Even though they may feel uncomfortable, your best way to reduce swelling is to leave them alone. Your surgeon will remove the packing and splint in about one week. He or she may replace the splint to continue to help reduce swelling. Change your dressings exactly as directed. Leave the packing and splint in place to reduce swelling. Your surgeon may have placed an additional bandage at the end of your nose to catch fluids and blood as the wound drains. The drainage helps to reduce swelling. Change the drip bandage exactly as directed. Do not remove it early and do not apply too much pressure when changing the dressing. Walk. You may not feel much like moving around, but getting up and gently moving around can help to reduce swelling. The sooner you can start walking the better. Walking prevents blood clots from forming and reduces swelling. Do not resume your exercise routine until your surgeon gives you permission to do so. Take prescribed medications as directed. Follow your surgeon's instructions for any medications provided to help with pain relief and swelling. Do not take any medication without your surgeon's recommendation. Resume your original prescription medications per directions from your surgeon and your regular doctor or specialist. It is important to gradually increase the dose of some prescription medications to get back to the prescribed dose. Resume your herbal and OTC medications only if your surgeon recommends it. Some agents can still contribute to swelling and/or bleeding. You may need to wait for two to four weeks before resuming based on instructions provided by your surgeon. Make changes in your personal hygiene routines. Instead of showers, take baths for the time that you have bandages. The steam and excessive moisture from the shower water may loosen the bandages or nasal packing and alter the way those tissues heal. Consult with your surgeon to determine when you can resume taking showers. Take care when you wash your face to avoid dislodging any bandages or bumping your nose. Brush your teeth gently. Try to avoid excessive movement of your upper lip as you brush your teeth. Avoid undue force to your nose. Sudden pressure, bumping your nose, or a force to the injured area can cause more swelling and may interfere with the healing process. Do not blow your nose. You will feel extra pressure in your nasal passages, but the force of blowing your nose can cause damage to sutures, tissues, cause more swelling, and prolong the healing process. Avoid sniffing forcibly such as when you feel like you have a runny nose. This action creates pressure that can cause swelling, alter the placement of bandages and nasal packing, and interfere with healing. Try not to sneeze. If you must sneeze, then make an effort to let the pressure exit from your mouth as you would with a cough. Even laughing and smiling excessively can cause the muscles and ligaments that support your nose to change position and put added pressure on your surgical site. Be patient. Minor swelling and slight pressure may still be present for more than one year following the procedure. The visible swelling is gone within a few weeks, but it may take several months or longer for all swelling to completely resolve. Healing varies person to person and on the type of surgery performed. For instance, revision rhinoplasty surgeries often have more prolonged swelling. Most rhinoplasty procedures involve changes that are small: often so small that they are measured in millimeters. It is possible that you do not see the results you anticipated and may consider another rhinoplasty surgery. Some internal tissues take as long as 18 months for the swelling to completely subside. Other parts of your nose may continue to change and adjust for up to one year or more following your recent procedure. For these reasons, most surgeons will not consider a second rhinoplasty for at least one year after the most recent one. Use sunscreen. Always protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun by using an appropriate sunscreen and protective clothing. Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVA rays and has a SPF of 30 or higher. Wear a wide brim hat or visor that shades your face. Avoid applying pressure. Take steps to avoid applying any pressure to your nose for at least four weeks after your surgery. Your surgeon may request a longer period of time depending on the extent of the surgery. Do not wear glasses or sunglasses during this time as they put pressure on your nose. If you must wear glasses then take steps to prevent any pressure from the glasses. One way is to tape the glasses to your forehead. Cheek rests are also available. Pay attention to your clothing. Try to avoid wearing clothing that is pulled on over your head for at least four weeks, or longer if your surgeon recommends. Select shirts or blouses that button up along the front, or wear dresses that you can step into. Avoid sweatshirts and sweaters for the same time frame. Exercise with caution. Continue your exercise regimen by make some adjustments if your routine involves strenuous activity that can put pressure on your nose. Even though you may not think about it, some forms of exercise that involve an up and down motion can cause the tissues in your nose to become damaged or fail to heal as intended. Avoid routines like running or jogging. Definitely avoid any activities or sports that could result in a blow to the face, such as soccer, football, and basketball. Participate in only low impact exercises and avoid high impact regimens like aerobics. Yoga and stretching are good choices, but avoid any positions that require you to bend over or put your head a low angle. This can cause extra pressure to the area and might interfere with healing. Ask your doctor when you can resume your normal exercise routine. Eat a healthy diet. Follow the diet you began several weeks prior to your surgery, or establish a regular diet that includes a good balance of the recommended food groups. Continue to consume foods that are high in fiber such as fruits and vegetables, and maintain a low sodium diet until your doctor recommends otherwise. Do not return to smoking if you were a smoker before your surgery. Also try to avoid second-hand smoke. Second-hand smoke can act as an irritant. | Follow the directions provided by your surgeon. Start making changes two weeks before. Work with your doctor(s). Stop over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Plan to stop all herbal supplements. Eat a healthy diet. Stop smoking and avoid alcohol. Expect bruising and swelling. Apply cold compresses. Keep your head elevated. Leave the dressings alone. Walk. Take prescribed medications as directed. Make changes in your personal hygiene routines. Avoid undue force to your nose. Be patient. Use sunscreen. Avoid applying pressure. Pay attention to your clothing. Exercise with caution. Eat a healthy diet. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dress-Like-a-CEO-(Men) | How to Dress Like a CEO (Men) | The easiest way to dress like a CEO is to suit up! Whether you opt for tailor-made or ready-to-wear suits, make sure the shoulders lie flat and the seams match the length of the bone underneath. You'll also want the sleeves to end at the middle of your hand and let half an inch of the shirt sleeve to show beyond it. As for the trousers, they should make contact with the top of your shoe with one small “break” in the fabric. Once you have a perfectly fitting suit, pair it with a white shirt and a simple tie in a Windsor or double Windsor knot. | Dress for your industry. Choose more creative or conservative attire according to your industry and company culture so as not to be out of place. An investment banker on Wall Street will have a different dress code than a young Silicon Valley startup founder. Always err on the side of more formal attire to appear professional and in control; you can seldom go wrong with a good suit. To assert a CEO level of power and status no matter what the industry, a good general rule is to think about dressing to look slightly older than you are. Dress at the same level or above. Dress for who you're meeting with: Match the level of formality and style that high-level executives or board members are wearing, but dress slightly above what clients or employees might wear. Grasp Business vs Business Casual. When your occasion requires it, “business attire” generally calls for a dark matched suit in a solid or subtly pinstriped color, with a white dress shirt, conservative tie, and leather dress shoes. “Business casual” requires a dress shirt and slacks at minimum, with a jacket like a blazer or sport coat optional. For your best bet in a business casual situation, don a jacket and tie and then remove one or both if the atmosphere appears more casual on arrival. Remember that a CEO can and should dress at or above the level of clients and employees, so it's okay to be slightly more formal than others at a business casual event. Consider foreign customs. If meeting with foreign partners or customers, do some research on business customs in their country and make adjustments to your wardrobe—like covering more skin or choosing something more formal, for example—if it would be more appropriate and make them feel more comfortable. Gauge a social situation. Choose slightly less formal attire for a social event associated with your business. If the event doesn't call for a specific dress code, try a light gray or dark brown suit for daytime events, or simply shed your jacket to stick with your slacks and button-down. You can also opt for more creative “social suits” in lighter colors or vivid patterns if the invitation says “suits and ties for men” (generally acceptable for events like brunches or church outings). Make wearable choices for travel. If you need to make a business trip, keep attire professional but look for fabrics that won't wrinkle as easily or that advertise anti-wrinkling. For instance, choose a wool suit over a linen suit to travel in. Take off your coat so it doesn't wrinkle during travel, and even opt for a sweater or more casual slacks if appropriate. Find a quality maker for proper fit. Opt for a tailor-made or ready-to-wear suit. If you go with ready-to-wear, ensure that the fit is correct and drop it off for alterations to make it as custom as possible. Look for shoulders that lie flat and have the seam match the length of the bone underneath it. Jacket buttons should close without strain and should not make the lapels hang forward or the lower part of the jacket flare out like a skirt. The jacket sleeve length should allow for half an inch of the shirt sleeve to show beyond it. The length of the jacket overall should end at about the middle of your hand with arms relaxed at your sides. Trousers should fall with a small “break” at the top of the shoe, making contact but without more than one wrinkle. The seat of the trousers should fall in a straight line without wrinkles or sags. Pay attention to details. Choose fabric, buttons, lapels, and vents according to weather, functionality, and your preferred style. Wool fabrics can be worn all year round in a medium weight. Opt for cotton or linen suits in hot climates, but note that they don't travel well because they crease and wrinkle easily. Pick a jacket lining that adds a pop of color or pattern, but still complements the shirts that you wear with it. One-button suits are more contemporary and suit a slighter build. Three-buttons suits work well on men of medium or tall build, and should have the first and middle buttons or only the middle button fastened when standing. Choose a notch lapel, which has a triangular notch separating the top and bottom of the lapel; a peak lapel that has edges pointing up toward the shoulders; or a shawl lapel, which is one long curve without breaks or points. A single vent at the rear of the jacket is common, but double vents provide a contemporary European look. Have an array of shirts. Stick with plenty of white and light blue for an always-classic and appropriate look, but also branch out to button-downs in a range of colors to help lend variety to the same suit day to day. Stick with solid or subtly patterned tie colors. Tie your ties in a clean Windsor or double Windsor knot rather than the too-simple four-in-hand knot. Consider a full tux for formal occasions. Choose a full tuxedo complete with cummerbund or vest and bowtie or cravat for a black tie event. Rent your tuxedo for a reasonable price, unless you need to wear one often enough to warrant purchasing your own. Choose quality footwear. Pick a leather Oxford or other quality leather dress shoe in the same tone or darker than your suit. Care for your dress shoes by regularly cleaning and polishing. Socks should either match the color of the shoe or be a shade darker than the suit so they don't stand out when legs are crossed. Match your belt with your shoes. Pair a quality leather belt with matching color shoes and buckle that is not too showy. Ideally, the buckle's metal will match the metal features of your watch or ring. Buy a reversible belt with brown and black sides to easily pair with either shoe color. Buy cufflinks. Wear cufflinks to fasten your shirt sleeves closed and to provide a little extra ornament to your outfit. Choose ones that will complement your suit or match the color of your tie. Add a watch. Invest in a classic leather band watch if you wish, preferably that matches the color of your belt and shoes. You can also add a ring to your ensemble, but any jewelry beyond that is usually too much. Invest in a great briefcase. Choose a brown or black shade of leather to match the color of shoe and belt you most often wear, and polish like you would shoes. | Dress for your industry. Dress at the same level or above. Grasp Business vs Business Casual. Consider foreign customs. Gauge a social situation. Make wearable choices for travel. Find a quality maker for proper fit. Pay attention to details. Have an array of shirts. Stick with solid or subtly patterned tie colors. Consider a full tux for formal occasions. Choose quality footwear. Match your belt with your shoes. Buy cufflinks. Add a watch. Invest in a great briefcase. |
https://www.wikihow.fitness/Fix-Shoulder-Pain-for-Athletes | How to Fix Shoulder Pain for Athletes | You can fix shoulder pain if you're an athlete by resting for a few days to allow your muscles and ligaments to heal. While you recover from your strain, try applying an ice pack to your shoulder for 15 minutes every 2 hours to reduce swelling and ease your pain. You can also reduce swelling by wrapping a bag of ice onto your skin with an ace bandage, which will decrease blood flow to the area. If your pain doesn't improve after a week or two, talk to your doctor to make sure you don't have a more serious injury, like a fracture or torn ligament, which can require additional treatment. | Rest your shoulder injury. Shoulder pain in an athlete is usually caused by overexertion or some kind of awkward fall or positioning. These sorts of mishaps can happen while playing sports (football, hockey, baseball, volleyball and tennis, in particular) or training for them while at the gym. The best advice when you feel significant shoulder pain (not just mild aches that are common from working out) is to take a break from all activity that stresses the involved shoulder. After a few days of rest, you may be surprised at your body's ability to heal the injury. If your shoulder pain is related to lifting weights at the gym, then you may be working out too aggressively or with bad form — consult with a personal trainer. Although resting your shoulder for a few day is a beneficial, completely immobilizing it in a sling is not recommended for minor strain / sprain injuries — it promotes the development of "frozen" shoulder (adhesive capsulitis). At least some gentle shoulder motion is needed to encourage blood flow and stimulate healing. Achy shoulder pain usually indicates a muscle strain, whereas sharp pain with movement is often caused by joint / ligament injuries. Shoulder joint pain is usually worse at night while in bed compared to pain generated mainly from muscle pulls. Certain inflammatory conditions, such as bursitis, may also cause a worsening of shoulder pain at night. If your shoulder pain gets worse at night, see your doctor immediately. Apply ice to acute shoulder pain. If your shoulder pain is acute (new) and involves swelling, then apply a bag of crushed ice (or something cold) to the most tender area in order to reduce inflammation and numb the pain. Cold therapy is best for acute sports injuries that involve inflammation. Apply the crushed ice for about 15 minutes or so every couple of hours until the discomfort in your shoulder subsides. Compressing the ice tightly against your sore shoulder with a Tensor or Ace bandage is even more effective at reducing swelling. Always wrap crushed ice or ice cubes in a thin towel before you apply it to your skin — it prevents potential irritation and frostbite. If you don't have any type of ice, then use a frozen gel pack or bag of veggies from the freezer — frozen peas or corn works great. Apply moist heat to chronic shoulder pain. If your shoulder pain is chronic (long term) and caused from overuse or an old injury, then apply moist heat instead of ice — particularly if the pain feels stiff and achy instead of sharp. Moist heat warms up the soft tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments) and increases blood flow to the area, which can be helpful when recovering from an old sports injury or dealing with "wear and tear" type arthritis (osteoarthritis). Great sources of moist heat include microwavable bags filled with grains (usually wheat or rice), herbs and/or essential oils. Toss the bag in the microwave for a few minutes and then apply it to your chronic shoulder pain for 15 to 20 minutes first thing in the morning and before any type of light exercise. Remember to cover the herbal bag with a towel to help keep the heat from dissipating too quickly. Taking a warm bath also provides moist heat to achy soft tissues. Add some Epsom salt for even better results — the magnesium in the salt relaxes and soothes sore muscles. Avoid applying dry heat from regular heating pads. They can dehydrate muscles and increase the risk of injury. Take some over-the-counter medication. If your shoulder pain isn't impacted greatly by applying ice or moist heat, then try taking some over-the-counter anti-inflammatories or pain killers. Anti-inflammatories are more appropriate for acute shoulder injuries involving significant inflammation, such as moderate-to-severe sprains and strains, bursitis and tendonitis. Common anti-inflammatories include aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Aleve). Pain killers are more appropriate for pain not obviously caused by inflammation, such as nerve irritation and general wear and tear achiness. Pain killers (analgesics) almost always include acetaminophen (Tylenol and Paracetamol) as the main ingredient. Keep in mind that these medications are short-term solutions for shoulder pain and not meant to be taken regularly for more than a couple weeks at a stretch — they can lead to stomach, kidney and liver issues. Another option for shoulder pain, particular if you feel spasms or tightness in the muscles, is taking muscle relaxants (such as cyclobenzaprine), but don't combine them with anti-inflammatories or analgesics. Whatever medications you try, always take them with food and not on an empty stomach. Keep in mind that ibuprofen and aspirin are not recommended for young kids — aspirin, in particular, has been linked to Reye's syndrome. Always follow the instructions and dosage information on the drug's packaging. Attempt some light shoulder stretches. If your shoulder injury is not severe and does not involve sharp, stabbing or shooting pain, then try some light shoulder stretches after a day or so of rest. Stretching is not a good idea for shoulder dislocations or severe strains and sprains, but less serious injuries often respond well to light stretches because it relieves muscle tension, stimulates blood flow and improves flexibility. Hold the shoulder stretches for about 30 seconds and do them at least three times per day until the pain fades away. Mild movement and light stretches reduces the chances of scar tissue, chronic stiffness and loss of mobility from developing in the shoulder. While standing or sitting with a straight back, reach around the front of your body and grab the opposite elbow. Gently pull on the back of the elbow across your chest until you feel a stretch in the corresponding shoulder muscles. Hold for 30 seconds and then repeat three times. Again while standing or sitting erect, reach behind your back towards your shoulder blade and interlock with the opposite hand. Then slowly pull on the hand with the shoulder pain until you feel a good stretch. While sitting in a chair, bring the affected shoulder behind your back, with your palm facing away from your body. Slowly lean back so that your back is resting against the back of the seat and pressing against your hand. Slowly rotate your body to the same side as the stretched shoulder. You should feel a nice gentle stretch. Hold this position for 30 seconds. Rest, and then repeat the stretch four more times. If you feel any increase in pain or discomfort, stop the exercise. Consult with your family doctor. Although your doctor is not likely a shoulder specialist or an athletic therapist accustomed to dealing with sports injuries, they can certainly help you understand the type and severity of your injury. Most shoulder injuries are mild-to-moderate strains and sprains, which usually take one to two weeks to heal. More serious shoulder injuries include a joint dislocation, shoulder separation (sprained acromioclavicular joint), torn rotator cuff muscles, bursitis and bone fractures (of the upper arm, shoulder blade and/or collar bone). These serious injuries can take up to six months to heal (depending on complications), but your doctor can give you a good idea of prognosis and necessary treatment. If warranted, your doctor may take an x-ray, bone scan, MRI or nerve conductance study to diagnosis your shoulder pain / injury. Fractures, torn muscles / ligaments and some dislocations require shoulder surgery — your doctor will refer you to an orthopedic surgeon in these cases. Bursitis (inflamed bursa), tendinitis, shoulder separations and severe sprains can often benefit from a local corticosteroid injection (prednisolone). Corticosteroids quickly reduce inflammation and pain, and improve range of motion. Ask your doctor about the pros and cons of corticosteroid injections. Get a referral to a physiotherapist. For athletes, its not only important to fix the shoulder pain, but also to ensure the joint is stable and strong so it can withstand the demands of their sport. As such, seeing a physiotherapist is an important part of your recovery because they can show you specific stretches and strengthening exercises to rehabilitate your shoulder. Strengthening exercises typically involve weight lifting or pulling on rubber bands under tension. Physical therapy is usually required two to three times per week for four to eight weeks to positively impact significant shoulder injuries. You'll be allowed to return to your sport once your shoulder is pain free and has full strength and mobility. If warranted, a physiotherapist can treat your injured shoulder muscles with therapeutic ultrasound or electronic muscle stimulation, which can make a quick impact on pain. In addition to resistance training, other good strengthening exercises for the shoulder include push-ups, pull-ups, swimming and rowing. Try a shoulder massage. If your shoulder pain is not too severe and you're still able to move the joint without too much difficulty, then getting a deep tissue massage from a qualified therapist is a good strategy. Deep tissue massage alleviates muscle tightness and tension, improves flexibility and flushes out inflammation — all of which contribute to the sensation of pain. Massage is most helpful for mild-to-moderate shoulder muscle strains, but it's not recommended for more serious shoulder joint injuries (mentioned above). Get a diagnosis of your shoulder injury before considering massage therapy. Start with a 30-minute massage session focusing on your injured shoulder, but also including your neck and mid-back between your shoulder blades. One session may "fix" your pain, but a few more sessions may be required. Allow the therapist to go as deep as you can tolerate it, as there are many muscle layers in your shoulder that may need attention. Always drink lots of purified water after a massage or else you risk getting a headache and feeling a little nauseous. Try trigger point treatments. Some shoulder pain can come from muscle knots, also known as trigger points. Trigger points can often cause local pain or pain to other areas of your body. For example, a muscle knot in the middle back can refer pain to the top of the shoulder joint. Trigger point therapy, or myofascial release, can help to relieve this type of muscle pain. Try seeking trigger point treatments from a health professional who is trained in trigger point therapy. Someone who is trained in trigger point therapy can search your shoulder muscles and muscles in other areas, such as your mid back, to find the underlying cause of your pain. Consider acupuncture for your shoulder. Acupuncture is a treatment modality developed many centuries ago in China designed to reduce pain and stimulate healing. Acupuncture involves sticking very thin needles into the skin at specific points (sometimes close to the injury, but often in distant parts of the body) for between 15 to 45 minutes per session. The needles trigger pain-reducing compounds (such as endorphins) to be released into the bloodstream, so pain can disappear quickly with acupuncture. Although the effectiveness of acupuncture is not well studied for shoulder pain specifically, it has proven very helpful for most musculoskeletal injuries. Furthermore, given it's excellent safety record and relatively low expense, it's certainly a good option for athletes trying to fix their shoulder pain. Acupuncture is now practiced by a wide variety of healthcare practitioners, including some physicians, chiropractors, physiotherapists and massage therapists. Whichever professional you decide upon should be NCCAOM certified. One acupuncture treatment may make a significant impact on your shoulder pain, but sometimes it takes a few more session, so be patient for results. | Rest your shoulder injury. Apply ice to acute shoulder pain. Apply moist heat to chronic shoulder pain. Take some over-the-counter medication. Attempt some light shoulder stretches. Consult with your family doctor. Get a referral to a physiotherapist. Try a shoulder massage. Try trigger point treatments. Consider acupuncture for your shoulder. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Dog-Bed | How to Make a Dog Bed | To make a dog bed, start by finding a sturdy cardboard box that fits the size of your dog. Reinforce the box by applying a durable tape along the edges and sides of the box. Next cut a downward pointing U-shaped opening in the box. Finally, pad your box with old clothes, a special blanket, or a pillow. Another method is to use a basket or suitcase for your base. Cut off one side of the suitcase or any basket handles, line your base with throw pillows or leftover padding, and introduce your dog to their new bed! | Collect a suitable cardboard box. This is the most important characteristic as you want a box that can be used as a dog bed that has a high level of sturdiness. You'll also need the box to be large enough to accommodate the size of your dog. If your dog has a tendency to sprawl or move around in its sleep, you may want to choose a box that's on the larger side. If you don't have any suitable boxes at home but still want to make a box bed, you can purchase a box relatively cheaply from a shipping store, the post office, or in some cases, an office supply store. Reinforce your box. Stress and strain will be put on your box by the simple act of your dog getting into and out of its bed. Over time, this can cause your box to break down or become less structurally sound. To prevent this, apply a durable tape along the edges and sides of the box to reinforce it. Duct tape works very well for the purposes of reinforcing your dog bed as it is very durable. However, you can also use packing tape or other kinds of tape, though these may not hold up as well to wear and tear. You might also want to tape the flaps at the bottom of your box where the box folds together. This can help strengthen the shape of the box and hold it's shape. Cut an opening for your dog. Take a pair of scissors or a utility knife and cut a downward pointing U-shaped opening in the box for your dog. For some boxes or dogs, this may only involve you cutting off the top flaps of the box. In other cases, you may have to trim down the sides of the box to make it easier for your dog to enter and exit. You might also want to cut a semi-circular "main entrance" for your dog bed. Take your utility knife and cut a semi-circle in the front of your box. This lowered lip of the box will be easier for your dog to enter, making it the default entrance for your pet. Pad your box for comfort. Although this is not necessary, padding can provide comfort and warmth to your pet. For example, if you're making a bed for an outdoor dog, wood chips can help fight insect infestations while insulating the animal from the cold. Indoor pets may have a special blanket or pillow that they often use that can be put in the box bed for additional comfort. You might also use some leftover padding, yoga mats , rags, old clothing, and more to make your box bed more comfortable for your dog. Choose your base. It's important to have a base to your fabric dog bed, otherwise it won't have clear boundaries and your pet might not understand the fabric bed is its place. Also, a regular base will provide a more comfortable resting place for your pet. Much like sleeping on a lumpy mattress can be uncomfortable for you, so too will it be for your pet. You might choose an old, over-sized cushion for the base of your dog bed. To prolong the life of the cushion, you may want to wrap it in a blanket, towel, curtain, and so on. Pillows can also work well, especially for smaller dogs. Much like cushions, you can extend the life of your pet pillow/fabric bed by covering it in a blanket, towel, curtain, and so on. Sewing together the fabric you are using for your dog bed can also help it maintain shape. You could also sew the cloth inside a larger piece of fabric, like a sheet. Create a makeshift base with a pillowcase, alternatively. If you don't have any cushions or pillows to make the base of your fabric pet bed, you can always stuff a pillowcase with rags, old towels, and unwanted articles of clothing. You might consider making a pet "beanbag" bed. Place a large quantity of unwanted cloth items (towels, rags, shirts, etc.) in the center of an old, unwanted sheet. Tie the edges of the sheet together so it forms a beanbag. To prevent your fabric stuffing from falling out, you may want to stitch closed the opening of your pillowcase or sheet. Add fabric as you see fit. You may want to add several layers of cloth to create an especially soft place for your pet to rest, but in many cases, your base may be enough for your pet. You may want to watch your dog as it gets used to the bed. If you notice the animal seems uncomfortable, you may need to add some more fabric to the bed. Arrange the fabric of the bed regularly. The fabric of your bed can easily get wrinkled or uncomfortably wadded up over the course of a night. Remember, many dogs have dreams of running, which causes their paws to twitch. This can sometimes cause the fabric of the dog bed to bunch up uncomfortably for your pet. You don't need to check your pet bed every day, especially if you've tucked the bed up tightly with a sheet/covering when making it. However, to keep the bed at the max comfort level for you dog, you may want to check it once a week, straightening and smoothing the fabric when necessary. Purchase a basket or suitcase for your dog. Baskets are generally smaller in size, and while this might suit smaller dogs, it's unlikely a medium to large sized dog will be able to fit in a basket. In this case, you might consider using an old, unwanted suitcase instead. Baskets and suitcases both can be found for relatively little cost at garage sales, thrift stores, and secondhand stores. Remember to account for the sleeping style of your pet. If you notice that your dog moves a lot in its sleep, you may want to buy your basket/suitcase a size larger than necessary. This way, your pet has room to move around. Modify the basket or suitcase if necessary. Since most suitcases hinge at the middle and open into two hollow sections, you may want to use a utility knife, shears, or other tools to remove one side of the suitcase to create a single hollow spot for your dog bed. Baskets often have handles, and you may want to remove these to make it easier for your pet to get in and out of the bed. Sometimes, cutting free previously connected parts of your basket/suitcase can leave sharp edges behind. To prevent your pet from getting poked or cut, you may want to file these down. Line your basket or suitcase for comfort. You can use old throw pillows, unwanted bed pillows, leftover padding, blankets, and so on to add to the comfort of this kind of dog bed. Layer your padding, whatever it may be, evenly and completely along the bottom of the suitcase. Padding materials, like throw pillows, can generally be found and bought for cheap at thrift stores and secondhand stores. Add a cover to prolong the life of your padding. Over time, the wear and tear of your dog sleeping in this bed will cause your padding material to break down. You can prolong the life of this padding by covering it in an unwanted sheet or towel and tucking the edges of the covering into the sides of the suitcase or basket. This covering also provides a uniform outside for the bedding. This means that even when your pet jumps in or out of the bed, or even if it has dreams and runs in its sleep, it's less likely to push the padding around and cause it to bunch up. | Collect a suitable cardboard box. Reinforce your box. Cut an opening for your dog. Pad your box for comfort. Choose your base. Create a makeshift base with a pillowcase, alternatively. Add fabric as you see fit. Arrange the fabric of the bed regularly. Purchase a basket or suitcase for your dog. Modify the basket or suitcase if necessary. Line your basket or suitcase for comfort. Add a cover to prolong the life of your padding. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Booty-Pop | How to Booty Pop | Booty popping, or twerking, is fun, sexy, and a great workout for your legs and butt, so give it a try next time you're on the dance floor. Put your hands on your hips and place your feet shoulder-width apart. Turn your toes out slightly and bend your knees, as if you're sitting in a low seat behind you. Use your hands to guide your hips forward 3 times and backward 3 times. If you want to pop with your hands on your knees, get into a lower squat as you push your hips forward and backward. Once you feel comfortable with the basic booty pop, try moving to a steady beat. | Put on comfortable clothing and shoes with traction. While it is definitely possible to booty pop in heels, it may be a good idea as a beginner to wear comfortable shoes with traction or good grip to help you balance. It might also help to practice in front of a mirror so you can watch your hips as they move. Place your hands on your hips. This will help you control which direction your hips are moving. Place your feet shoulder width apart. Turn your toes out to a 45 degree angle. Bend your knees. Pretend you are sitting down in a low seat behind you, in a low squat. Make sure your knees are over your ankles and there is no pain in your knee joints. Keep your hands on your hip bones. Press with your thumbs to move your hips forward. Move your hips forward by pushing your hip bones forward with your thumbs three times. Use your fingers to push your hip bones backward. Now that you've got the forward movement down, push your hip bones so they push backward. Push your hip bones backward with your fingers three times. Put the forward and backward movements together. Push your hips forward three times and then push your hips backward three times. Make sure you remain in a low squat and your toes are turned out. Try to pop with your hands on your knees. Now that you have the basic hip movements down, it's time to try booty popping with no hand support on your hips. Get in your low squat and place your hands on your thighs. Push your hips forward three times and then push your hips backward three times. If you want to emphasize each pop with a “boom!” or “bam!”, go for it. Speed up the booty pops. When you twerk, your hips should be moving to a quick tempo to get a good shake to your hips and really make your booty pop. Get down in your low squat, with your toes turned out and your hands on your thighs. Arch your lower back and stick your booty out so your hips are moving upward. Don't start with your back caved in or your hips tucked underneath you. Pop your hips forward and then pop your hips backward to a quick tempo or count of 1,2,1,2,1,2. Try to booty pop to music. Once you feel comfortable with the basic booty pop, or twerk, put on some music to try out your new moves. While you can twerk to almost any song with a steady beat, it may be best to get in the with electro/dance tracks , as well as hip hop/dance tracks that have beats made for booty popping. Start with a song with a medium fast tempo and then once you feel comfortable twerking to the beat, move on to a track with a faster tempo. It may help to practice by turning to the side view in the mirror so you can watch your hips move backward and forward. Get down in your squat, arch your back, place your hands on your thighs and follow the beat to pop your hips forward and backward, forward, and backward. As you continue practicing the booty pop, remove your hands from your thighs and hold them out in front of you. Try to pop on double time, moving your hips faster to a song with a faster beat. Stand with your legs shoulder width apart. Place your hands on your hips. It may help to stand in front of a mirror to the side you can watch your hips and booty as they move. If you have access to a wall, it may also be helpful to stand in front of the wall for balance. Lean forward 45 degrees. Keep the weight in your toes. Swivel your hips right to left. You can lift your heels to help you move your hips and keep your hands in front of you or against the wall to help you balance as you lean forward and twist your hips. Continue to twist your hips, swiveling them faster and faster. Isolate the bottom half of your body so you are not moving your upper body at all, just your hips, legs, and booty. Shift your weight back and forth on your toes, twisting your hips, until you get a nice shake to your booty. Turn on some good booty shaking music and try out your new dance move. Stand in front of a wall with your feet shoulder width apart. You should be facing away from the wall. Make sure you have enough wall space to put your legs on the wall. Keep in mind this is a more advanced booty pop variation, so be sure to practice the basic booty pop first before trying out this variation. Bend down and place your hands directly in front of you on the floor. Keep your legs slightly bent. Your booty should now be against the wall or a few inches away from the wall. Lean forward and place your weight on your hands. Lift one leg up and crawl it up the wall. Press your leg against the wall and make sure you have a good grip on the wall with your foot. Then, slowly crawl your other leg up the wall. You should now be upside down with both legs against the wall. Keep your legs shoulder width apart on the wall. Press into your palms to help maintain your balance. Come onto your toes. Using the wall for balance, arch your lower back so your hips move forward and up and then hollow out your lower back so your hips move in and down. Continue pushing your hips forward and up and then in and down to get a good upside down booty pop. Speed up the booty pop. Once you feel comfortable twerking upside down, speed up the booty pop and allow gravity to do most of the work for you as you move your hips forward and up and then in and down. Put on your favorite booty popping dance track and twerk away, upside down. Come out of the handstand booty pop slowly and carefully. Once you've had your fill of upside down booty pops and/or your arms start to get tired from booty shaking, lower one leg down to the ground first and then lower the other leg down to the ground. Bend your legs and lift your upper body up slowly so you are back in the standing position. | Put on comfortable clothing and shoes with traction. Place your hands on your hips. Place your feet shoulder width apart. Bend your knees. Keep your hands on your hip bones. Use your fingers to push your hip bones backward. Put the forward and backward movements together. Try to pop with your hands on your knees. Speed up the booty pops. Try to booty pop to music. Stand with your legs shoulder width apart. Lean forward 45 degrees. Swivel your hips right to left. Continue to twist your hips, swiveling them faster and faster. Stand in front of a wall with your feet shoulder width apart. Bend down and place your hands directly in front of you on the floor. Lean forward and place your weight on your hands. Press your leg against the wall and make sure you have a good grip on the wall with your foot. Come onto your toes. Speed up the booty pop. Come out of the handstand booty pop slowly and carefully. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Anemia | How to Prevent Anemia | If you're concerned about getting anemia, talk to your doctor about whether you may be at risk. Educate yourself about common risk factors, such as eating a diet low in iron-rich foods or suffering blood loss due to trauma or a medical condition. If necessary, work with your doctor to manage any underlying conditions that might put you at risk. You can also talk to them about taking iron supplements or eating more foods that contain iron, folate, and vitamins C and B12. | Be aware of your risk. Iron and vitamin deficiency anemia are two of the most common forms of anemia and are caused by either a shortage of iron or Vitamin B12 and folate in your body. Almost any person can get iron or vitamin deficiency anemia, so being aware of your risk can help you prevent it. The following conditions may cause a shortage of iron, vitamin B12, or folate and lead to anemia: Vegans who don't take supplements (iron, folate, and B12 supplements) or people with a poor diet Excessive blood loss from heavy menstrual bleeding, surgery, or other trauma A gastric ulcer Cancer, especially intestinal cancer Polyps or other diseases, such as or Crohn's or celiac disease, of the digestive tract Prolonged use of aspirins or NSAIDS Pregnancy Insufficient iron, vitamin B12, or folate consumption in your diet Identify the symptoms of anemia. The signs of anemia don't show up immediately, or they may be mild. Be aware of these symptoms: Fatigue Weakness Dizziness Headache Numbness or coldness in your hands and feet Low body temperature Pale skin Rapid or irregular heartbeat Shortness of breath Chest pain Irritability Treat underlying conditions. In some cases, you may have a medical condition that requires more than eating well and increasing nutrients. If you have an underlying condition that predisposes you to anemia, get treatment instead of trying to prevent anemia on your own. See your doctor to discuss treatment options, including nutritional therapy. Ingest iron supplements. To ensure that you're getting sufficient iron, consider taking over the counter iron supplements. You can take this as a single supplement or part of a multivitamin, which may lessen your risk for developing anemia. You need anywhere from 8-18 mg of iron per day to keep your iron at normal levels. Consider taking slightly more if you are anemic or concerned about developing it. Women require more (up to 15-18 mg), because of menstruation. Pregnant women need at least 27 mg and lactating women 9-10 mg. You can get iron supplements at most pharmacies and health food stores. Eat a diet rich in iron. Make sure that you get enough iron through nutritious, whole foods. Eating iron-rich foods can help prevent anemia. Meats and shellfish are an excellent source of iron. Red meats, such as lean beef or beef liver and shellfish, such as clams, oysters and shrimp are excellent choices. Beans and legumes, such as lentils and green peas are high in iron. Leafy greens, such as spinach, kale, and collard greens contain high amounts of iron. Consider eating iron-fortified cereals for breakfast or a snack as a way to get more iron in your diet. All of the iron-rich animal products also contain Vitamin B12, which can also help prevent anemia. Increase your Vitamin C and folate intake. The presence of vitamin C and folate can help the body absorb iron more efficiently. Incorporating more foods containing Vitamin C and folate or taking a supplement for these nutrients can help minimize your risk for anemia. Foods such as peppers, kale, broccoli, citrus fruits, strawberries, pineapple, and spinach contain Vitamin C. You can get folate through many of the same foods including citrus fruits and dark, leafy greens. You can consume additional folate through bananas, fortified breads and cereals, and legumes. Consider taking Vitamin C and folate supplements or a multivitamin to help you get enough of these nutrients. Getting them through whole foods is preferable, but in some cases this is not possible. Consume foods containing vitamin B12. Consume whole foods that contain Vitamin B12, which is found naturally in animal and soy products. Making sure you get enough Vitamin B12 may not only help you prevent anemia, but can also help your body absorb iron more efficiently. Consider incorporating some or all of the following foods into your diet: Fish: try salmon, trout, and tuna Shellfish: try clams and oysters Eggs Dairy products: try cheese and yogurt Fortified cereals Soy products: try soy milk, edamame, and tofu Take B12 and folate supplements. If you're having trouble getting enough B12 or folate through food, consider taking pill supplements or getting a shot from the doctor. This may help you get plenty of Vitamin B12 and prevent you from developing anemia. It's very difficult to get enough B12 through supplements alone, so supplements should ideally be taken in conjunction with a diet high in vitamin B12. You need.4 mcg to 2.8 mcg of B12 per day, depending on your age and if you are pregnant or nursing. You can get B12 supplements at most pharmacies and health food stores. Folate, which is a B vitamin, is often combined with B12 in the same supplement. You can also find stand-alone folate or take it as part of a multivitamin. Adults generally need 400 mcg. Pregnant women and lactating women will need more. The dose varies with younger ages. Get a B12 prescription. Your doctor can supplement Vitamin B12 with a gel or injection. You will need a prescription for both, so make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your options. This is a good option if you are struggling to get B12 through food or over the counter supplements or you have a severe vitamin B12 deficiency. Cook using iron pots and pans. There is some evidence that using cast iron cookware can increase your iron intake. Consider investing in a cast iron skillet to help boost the amount of iron you consume in your diet. Small amounts of iron leach into food as it cooks, giving you a healthy, if small, dose of iron that doesn't affect the taste of your meals. This can be a useful trick if you don't like eating red meat. A good cast iron skillet will last the rest of your life, so it's worth the small investment. Check your medications. Certain medications can make people more prone to developing anemia. If you're on medications that may put you at risk, ask your doctor whether there's an alternative medication that will do the job without causing you to become anemic. The following medications may lead to anemia: Cephalosporins Dapsone Levodopa Levofloxacin Methyldopa Nitrofurantoin Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), especially if used frequently Penicillin and its derivatives Phenazopyridine (pyridium) Quinidine Learn that some anemia cannot be treated with diet. Unfortunately, some types of anemia are not preventable or treatable with diet. If you have an underlying medical issue or a blood disease that prevents your body from producing red blood cells, you won't be able to avoid anemia on your own. Seeking medical help to understand and treat the disease is the best way forward. Anemia that is not preventable can be congenital or caused by a number of conditions including: chronic disease, bone marrow disease, sickle cell and aplastic anemia, and thalassemia. Treat anemia by addressing underlying medical issues. Some diseases prevent the body from making the correct number of red blood cells. The most common of these is kidney disease. If you have a disease that makes you prone to anemia, consulting your physician for appropriate treatment is absolutely necessary. If you have anemia from an intestinal condition such as Crohn's or Celiac, you will need to speak to your doctor and develop an effective treatment plan. If you have aplastic anemia or anemia caused by cancer, you may need a bone marrow transplant to help your body produce more red blood cells. If you have hemolytic anemia, you may need to avoid certain medications and take immunosuppressant drugs to boost your red blood cell count. Eating a lot of iron and avoiding situations that may cause injury could also help. Undergo treatment for anemia caused by blood diseases. In some cases, anemia is inherited in the form of a blood disease. Knowing that you or family members have the disease is the important first step to getting proper treatment and managing the condition. The following blood diseases cause anemia: People suffering from sickle cell anemia have red blood cells shaped like sickles, which makes the cells prone to getting stuck in blood vessels and blocking blood flow. Sickle cell anemia can be very serious and very painful if not treated. Thalassemia causes the body to make less hemoglobin than normal, leading to anemia. Aplastic anemia causes the body to stop making enough new blood cells, including red blood cells. This can be caused by outside factors like certain cancer treatments, exposure to toxic chemicals, drugs, infections, and other causes. | Be aware of your risk. Identify the symptoms of anemia. Treat underlying conditions. Ingest iron supplements. Eat a diet rich in iron. Increase your Vitamin C and folate intake. Consume foods containing vitamin B12. Take B12 and folate supplements. Get a B12 prescription. Cook using iron pots and pans. Check your medications. Learn that some anemia cannot be treated with diet. Treat anemia by addressing underlying medical issues. Undergo treatment for anemia caused by blood diseases. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Forgive | How to Forgive | If you want to forgive, remember to be patient with yourself. Forgiveness doesn't always come quickly, and you deserve to take time to work through your feelings until you're ready to forgive. As you're processing your emotions, you can try to change your perspective on the situation to help yourself let go of negative thoughts and emotions. To do this, you can ask yourself things like, “Is this actually worth my time?” and “Are my feelings stopping me from moving forward?”. Since forgiving someone means allowing them to earn back your trust, you should give them a chance to show you they are sincere and deserving of your forgiveness. For example, if they invite you to the movies, you can accept and see if they make an effort by showing up on time and treating you with respect. | Consider why you want to forgive this person. Forgiveness is a decision that should be made thoughtfully, especially if someone did something seriously wrong. Take time to think through your feelings and your reasoning, to better understand the situation. You want to resolve your own feelings of anger, confusion, or hurt. You value your relationship with them, and believe that forgiving them is worth it. They've shown a willingness to change their behavior, and you want to try again. Pay attention to whether they're willing to change their behavior. Have you given them the chance to change, by letting them know their actions hurt you? If so, are they working to adjust their behavior, or are they doing it again without caring how it's affecting you? For example, say that your sister made fun of your nose, and you told her that it hurt your feelings. Pay attention to whether she does it again. Choose to forgive because you want to, not because you have to. Forgiveness should be chosen freely, not reluctantly or under pressure. Forgiveness is a choice that you make for yourself, so don't let other people's ideas of what you "should" do pressure you into doing something that feels premature or just not right. If you aren't ready to forgive someone, you don't have to do it yet. If anyone pressures you, say "I'm not ready to forgive yet." You do not owe forgiveness to anyone else. If you do not want to forgive them, that is your choice. Recognize the difference between forgiveness and foolishness. You may choose to forgive someone once, twice, or three times. But if they are repeatedly and knowingly hurting you, or if they have done something extremely terrible, then you should consider protecting yourself. If someone has shown that they will mistreat you again and again, or that they are willing to do you serious harm, then you need to protect your own well-being. For example, you can forgive an abusive father and choose not to talk to him ever again, because you know he would mistreat you. For example, if your girlfriend yells at you and then apologizes and says she's working on controlling her temper, then you might decide to forgive her and continue dating her. If your girlfriend screams horrible abuse at you, or hits you, then you need to protect yourself and escape the relationship. When in doubt, take your time. Sometimes, it takes a while to untangle all your feelings and figure out what to do. That's okay. Give yourself time and space to process. Write in a journal about it. Talk to a mentor or trusted person about the situation. Express your feelings through artwork. Spend some time focusing on something else, and come back later. Reach out to connect. As life gets busy, it is difficult to stay in touch with friends. When a conflict has occurred to push people apart, that connection becomes even harder to salvage. If you want to forgive someone, then take the first step in the process by reaching out. This act alone will help you to feel more open and optimistic. It is always difficult to take the first step, and sometimes you need to give yourself a push. Simply tell yourself, "Here we go," and pick up the phone and make contact. Ask to be heard. Whether you decide to set up a face-to-face meeting with the person, or communicate via telephone or electronic device, the goal is the same: ask the person for time to express your thoughts and feelings about the conflict. Assure the person that you are open and willing to hear what she has to say as well. This will allow the person to feel more open about the forthcoming discussion. If the person refuses to meet with you, do not despair. There are things you can do to move toward forgiveness regardless of whether the person complies. The act of forgiveness is designed to help you in the end. For example, use writing instead of direct contact to express your feelings and thoughts about the person. Writing in a journal helps to process your feelings and is effective. Journaling can help reduce anxiety and stress, as it is a healthy outlet for confusing or overwhelming emotions. Discuss the issue. Some discussions in life are harder to have than others. When a conflict has occurred and negative feelings have grown, it is difficult to start the conversation. The goal would be to frame the conversation and guide it toward a peaceful resolution to manage the hurt and disappointment you are feeling. First, thank the person for meeting with you. Second, tell the person your goal is to hear each other's side of the story and come to some peaceful resolution so you both can move on. Third, tell your side of the story. Make "I" statements to describe your thoughts and feelings, without making accusations. Fourth, ask the person if there is anything else you can clarify for him before he provides the details of his side of the story. Fifth, ask the person questions that will give you the necessary information to understand his intent, motives, thoughts and feelings. Apologize for your own mistakes. Most every conflict involves a misunderstanding or misconception of what someone did or said. There are things that you must do to loosen the tension in the situation. Taking responsibility for your role is an act that fosters the open communication that you want, and is necessary to reach a resolution. Accept the apology. If you have discussed the situation and the person has extended a sincere apology, then accept it. Even if you have to force yourself to say the words, “I accept your apology,” this is a large step toward creating a sense of forgiveness for yourself. Here are some examples of things you could say: "I accept your apology, and I forgive you." "I appreciate you saying that. Friends?" "Thank you for apologizing. I don't know if I'm ready to forgive you yet, but I will work on it. Please give me some time." Show your willingness to move on. If you must or want to maintain a relationship with this person, then your behaviors must demonstrate that you are serious. Your relationship will improve when you go through the process of forgiveness. This includes not holding grudges and bringing up the past. It also includes your willingness to laugh and be lighthearted around the person. Moving past a conflict is a huge relief. Let that motivate your actions toward being fair-minded and resolved. As time passes and progress is made, you may notice you are still allowing feelings of betrayal to affect the way you treat the person. Perhaps it happens during heated arguments or discussions. You may not have processed your hurt feelings and still have some work to do. This is a normal reaction and can be managed by talking about your feelings with the person involved, or someone else. Practice empathy and compassion. Both empathy and compassion can be learned. As with any new skill, you need to practice. If you are able to treat people the way you would like to be treated, you are more than half-way there. Take the opportunity to practice compassion when out in public. If you see someone struggling getting into the doorway of a store, rush to open it. If you see someone that looks like she is having a bad day, smile and say hello. Your goal is to allow others to feel the impact of your good deeds. Expand your empathy by talking and, most importantly, listening to people outside your social circle. Try to strike up a conversation with a stranger once a week. Go beyond small talk and try to (respectfully) inquire about their lives and experiences. This will broaden your worldview and help you become more understanding of others. Work on understanding the person's behavior. Fear, insecurities and an inability to communicate are the impetus of many hurtful behaviors. Some people don't understand why they act certain ways because they have not explored the deeper inner-workings of their own behavior. Try to see if you can understand where they are coming from. If you don't understand someone's behavior, you may be able to ask them why they acted the way they did. You could also talk to a trusted mentor, or even do a little research on why people act that way. Remember that even if you understand the person's reasons, that doesn't mean they have an excuse for acting badly. Keep in mind that you're not responsible for someone else's feelings or behavior. You can't make them become a better person. Sometimes, you need to be willing to tell yourself "here they go again" or "their attitude is not my problem." Question and adjust your perspective. You have probably been holding strong beliefs about a situation in which you were wronged by someone. Many times a person's perspective is askew and needs to return to a balanced state. It is important to keep things in perspective, especially if yours is causing you harm. Is this important? Will I care about it 6 months or 6 years from now? Is this worth my time? Could I be jumping to conclusions? Could there be circumstances I'm not aware of? Is this issue important to me, or should I just let it go? Are my feelings or behavior holding me back from better things? Try moving from resentment to gratitude. Over time, work on letting go of resentment, and looking for the upsides to the situation. Strong feelings are natural at first, but they can become toxic if you hold onto them forever. If you catch yourself falling into a trap of negativity, work on finding the good parts. This can help you reframe things and feel more positively about your life. Here are some examples: "I'm glad that I've finally finished the semester, so I don't have to deal with that difficult professor again. She is not my problem anymore." "I'm thankful that my dad and my therapist are supporting me while I leave this abusive relationship." "I'm glad that my mom was willing to listen and take me seriously when I said her criticism was damaging our relationship. I hope this will the start of a positive change." "I'm so happy that I have another chance to find love after I left behind a bad relationship." "I'm glad that I get another chance with my boyfriend, and that he's making an effort to change his habits to treat me better. Things can become better than they were." "I don't regret cutting contact with my toxic father. I'm so much happier now that he's not part of my life." Make a list of the benefits of letting go of resentment. Think about how feelings of resentment might be shaping your life now, and how letting go could change things. Here are some things you might consider for the list: I can stop lying awake in bed, playing and replaying imaginary conversations in my head. Instead, I'll just sleep. I can stop feeling like a victim, and start feeling empowered to control my own life. I can say goodbye to a bad chapter of my life, and start focusing on creating a good one. I can focus less on this person's past mistakes, and focus more on rebuilding a stronger relationship. I can remember what happened without feeling helpless, and use the knowledge of what went wrong to help me spot and avoid similar problems in the future. Be patient with yourself. Especially if what happened was serious, then forgiveness might not be instantaneous. This is okay. Keep working on handling your feelings and taking care of yourself. Don't let other people, or any preconceived notions in your head, push you into doing something you aren't ready for. Try saying these to yourself, or to anyone who tries to pry: "I'm working on moving on, but I'm not there yet." "I need time to process." "I need time to work through my feelings. It's okay to take my time." "I'm allowed to feel hurt." "Forgiveness can't be rushed. It needs to happen in its own time." Engage in fun activities. You can learn to let go by rediscovering your playful side. When you play it allows you to be free from the negative thoughts you harbor about a conflict. Play and laughter can help you remain positive and optimistic through difficult situations. Schedule time in your calendar at least once a week to play and have fun. Fly a kite Try messing around with a new art form Play with a pet Hang out with friends Play a board game with loved ones Do something that you always wanted to try when you were younger, but didn't get to Diffuse your anger. Remaining in a state of anger and upset is unhealthy. Processing feelings of anger through physical activity or artistic expression are good alternatives for reducing anger, stress and anxiety. Anger must be released to move you toward feeling forgiveness. Here are some ideas: Exercise: run, hike, lift weights, etc. Express yourself through art Meditate Rip up paper from the recycling bin Throw ice cubes into a bathtub to smash them Draw an angry picture and rip it up Rebuild trust. When we let others into our lives we take a risk. Those same people can betray the trust that you have built together. An essential part of the forgiveness process is allowing someone to earn back your trust. Allow the person to show you they are reliable, truthful, and sincere. Create opportunities for the person to show you. When you give a little, you may receive many positive rewards in return. For example, consider accepting the person's invitation to go to the movies. This allows the person the opportunity to show up on time, treat you with respect and have a good time. Without your willingness to accept the invitation, you would not be witness to their sincere efforts to earn your trust. Consider rebuilding trust in a way directly related to the harm done. For example, if they lied about where they went, have them check in by calling or texting so they can tell you where they are. Remember to acknowledge when someone is making an effort to earn your trust. Consider thanking them for any efforts they make. Appreciate the learning experiences. People and opportunities come into your life to teach you something. Each experience prepares us to be smarter and more in tune with what we want out of life. We learn from the good and the bad. "I learned that it's not always a good idea to give a loan to friends, because it can hurt the relationship." "I learned that not everyone is as careful with things as I am, so I should probably not lend treasured items to people who tend to break things." "I've learned to interview potential roommates, so I can make sure that our lifestyles are a decent match." "I learned to assume ignorance before malice. Sometimes people don't realize they're hurting my feelings." "I learned that I can count on my dad to have my back during a crisis." "I learned that I'm stronger than I thought I was." Find a therapist if you're struggling to cope. If you are having difficulty forgiving someone and it is impacting your life in a negative way, perhaps it is time to seek professional help from a counselor or therapist. Therapies intended to promote forgiveness have been successful in helping people overcome past hurts and achieve peace and resolution. Obtain a referral or suggestion from your physician, health insurance company, or a trusted family member or friend. However, if that is not feasible, contact your local department of mental health about counseling options. If you feel you and your therapist are not a good fit, look for a different therapist. Every therapist is different and finding one with whom you feel comfortable is essential. Try a therapist who practices cognitive behavioral therapy. Your therapist will help examine and dispel the negative thought patterns that you have developed. Consider spiritual counseling. Many people find comfort in seeking help from spiritual leaders who can guide them toward forgiveness. The power of prayer has been successful toward healing and alleviating feelings of guilt and shame, which are motivators for people seeking forgiveness for various reason. Set therapeutic goals for yourself. Commit to changing your behavior. In both psychotherapy and physical therapy, you will benefit from setting goals. Engage in the process by allowing yourself to be open and vulnerable. Don't abandon the process just because it gets difficult. Your hard work will pay off and leave you with a healthy sense of accomplishment. Identify your objectives. For example, would you like to feel more at peace toward a family member who betrayed you? Tell the therapist that this is one of your goals. Reward yourself when you reach your goal. Your motivation will increase if you reward your accomplishments. Adjust your objectives rather than give up. Continue to make new goals as it will keep you engaged in life. Enhance your support system. Surround yourself with people who care about you. This includes family, friends, and co-workers. Branch out and meet new people to expand your circle of support. You have learned so much through the therapeutic process that you feel resourceful and confident. A good support system will help you reduce stress and may even boost your immune system. Exploring your interests may lead to joining groups that allow you to meet new people, and experience new situations. Forgive and accept yourself. Personal struggles can leave you feeling bad about yourself. You may feel guilty for not taking care of yourself in a situation or you unfairly blame yourself for what happened. You can learn to manage feelings of guilt and shame rather than try to eliminate them. If you have chosen to participate in cognitive behavior therapy, it will help you examine your thoughts and develop new more effective ways of thinking about yourself. | Consider why you want to forgive this person. Pay attention to whether they're willing to change their behavior. Choose to forgive because you want to, not because you have to. Recognize the difference between forgiveness and foolishness. When in doubt, take your time. Reach out to connect. Ask to be heard. Discuss the issue. Apologize for your own mistakes. Accept the apology. Show your willingness to move on. Practice empathy and compassion. Work on understanding the person's behavior. Question and adjust your perspective. Try moving from resentment to gratitude. Make a list of the benefits of letting go of resentment. Be patient with yourself. Engage in fun activities. Diffuse your anger. Rebuild trust. Appreciate the learning experiences. Find a therapist if you're struggling to cope. Set therapeutic goals for yourself. Enhance your support system. Forgive and accept yourself. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Wear-Swim-Goggles | How to Wear Swim Goggles | To wear swim goggles, start by placing your hands around the eye cups and pressing the lenses against your eyes. Once they cover your eyes completely, pull the back strap over your head. Alternatively, slide the strap and eye cups over your head at the same time. Next, adjust the strap behind your head until it's at eye level. Then, move the eye cups until they feel tight against your skin to ensure that they create a watertight seal around your eyes. | Grip the goggles by the edges of the eyecups. Hold the goggles so that the inside of the lenses are facing towards you. Place your thumbs at the bottom of the eyecups, then wrap your pointer fingers around the tops of the frames. Your right thumb should be resting on the right cup, with your left thumb on the left cup. Flip the backstrap over to the front side of the goggles to keep it out of the way while you put them on. Alternatively, you can start with the backstrap around your neck and the goggles dangling in front of you. Press the goggles against your eyes. Bring the goggles up to your face, guiding the eyecups over your eyes. Press your fingers gently into the edges of the frames. You should feel a light suction as they form a seal on the skin around your eyes. Only the soft rubber around the inside of the eyecups should come into contact with your face. Make sure the eyecups don't pinch or tug at your skin. If they do, you may need to remove and reposition them until they feel comfortable. Avoid touching the lenses themselves. Doing so could leave behind smudges and obstruct your vision underwater. Guide the backstrap up and over your head. Keeping the goggles pressed to your eyes with one hand, use your other hand to position the strap until it rests against the back of your head at around eye level. When viewed from the side, the strap and the eyepieces should form a straight horizontal line. If the strap doesn't feel comfortable where it is, slide it up rather than down. The lower it is, the more likely your goggles will be to slip while you're swimming. Adjust the backstrap to get a comfortable and secure fit. Pull the loose end of the rubber strap through the buckle slot on the side of the frame to tighten your goggles. If you want to loosen them instead, lift up on the buckle lever and pull the strap out to put a little slack in it. Your goggles should be snug, but not tight. Before you dive in, double-check that the goggles fit securely all the way around your eye sockets and that you can see clearly out of both lenses. Pull the backstrap over your head from the back to remove the goggles. When you're ready to take off your goggles, simply reverse the motion you used to put them on. Reach behind your ears and slide your thumbs underneath the sides of the backstrap, then lift it over your crown until the goggles come free. Don't try to remove your goggles by pulling on the eyecups. If you're not careful, they could snap back and hit you in the face! Select a pair of goggles that fits comfortably around your eyes. When shopping for a new pair of goggles, try on a few different pairs to compare the shapes of the lenses and the feel of the eyecups. The right pair of goggles should conform to your face to the point where they're hardly noticeable. If the eyepieces pinch, pull, or restrict your field of vision, it's best to go with another pair. If you have rounded eye sockets, for example, you'll probably be most comfortable in goggles with smooth, rounded eyepieces. If your eyes are more almond shaped, look for a pair with contoured rubber around the eyecups. Taking the time to pick out goggles that fit properly can mean the difference between swimming freely and being in constant discomfort. Press the eyecups to your face to test out the suction. Put the eyepieces into position around your eyes, then apply gentle pressure to the edges. If the goggles are a good fit, they should stick to your skin for a few seconds before popping off. You don't need to actually slip the backstrap over your head at this point—you're just testing how well the eyecups fit on their own. Goggles that fall off immediately are most likely the wrong shape for your face. If only one of the eyecups stays put, it doesn't necessarily mean that the goggles are a poor fit. Try on a couple of other pairs and note the differences between them before making a decision. Pull on the backstrap to get a feel for how the goggles wear. Once you're satisfied with how the eyepieces fit, finish putting the goggles on the way you normally would. Guide the backstrap over your head so that it's level with the eyecups. With minimal adjusting, it should fit snugly without squeezing. If you start to get a headache or experience cloudy vision after wearing the goggles for a couple of minutes, pass them up and look for a more suitable pair. The rubber backstrap may pull on your hair during your test fitting. This can be uncomfortable, but it doesn't necessarily mean a bad pair of goggles. You shouldn't have the same problem once you're in the pool or wearing a swim cap. Adjust the nose strap by changing the distance between the eyepieces. Some more expensive types of swim goggles feature adjustable nose straps. These can be tightened by unclipping the strap where it meets the eyepiece and reattaching it for a better fit around the bridge of the nose. To loosen the nose strap instead, move the eyepieces further apart. Like the eyepieces, it's important that the nose strap fit comfortably if you're going to be wearing your goggles for an extended period of time. Not all goggles have adjustable nose straps. As long as the pair you're trying on fit properly around the eyes, adjustable straps aren't a necessity. Look for goggles with deep eyepieces if your eyelashes brush the lenses. Brushing eyelashes can be a major distraction when you're trying to concentrate on swimming. To make sure you don't have this problem, try blinking a few times once you've got the goggles on your face. If you feel your lashes scraping the backside of the lenses, consider buying a pair that offers more space. Goggles with roomier eyepieces sit further away from the eyes, giving long eyelashes more freedom to move while blinking. Pick up some Swedish goggles for affordable comfort. Swedish goggles are an older style of water eyewear that are still popular with many swimmers. They feature eye cups molded out of hard plastic, with lenses that offer UV protection for outdoor swimming. Most pairs also have an adjustable nose strap that joins the eyecups together. A 2-pack of Swedish goggles only costs about $15 USD on average, making them a more economical option if you're not set on using top-of-the-line equipment. Swedish goggles have to be assembled prior to their first use. For this reason, they may be a little too complicated for small children. One downside of Swedish goggles is that the hard plastic used in their construction makes them slightly less comfortable for prolonged wear. Shell out for racing goggles for optimum comfort and performance. Racing goggles are made from lightweight, hydrodynamic materials and offer a perfect watertight seal every time. This emphasis on comfort will allow you to focus solely on swimming. As an added bonus, they come in an array shapes and sizes, so you'll always be able to find a pair to fit your face. A good pair of racing goggles can run you up to $50 USD, but keep in mind that when it comes to specialty sports equipment, you get what you pay for. Since they're smaller than ordinary goggles, racing goggles may put more pressure on the eye sockets when used for long swimming sessions. Use tinted lenses to cut down on glare. Goggles with darkened lenses are the swimmer's equivalent of sunglasses. Since they typically offer UV protection and an anti-fog coating, they're useful for blocking out sunlight on bright days. If you tend to most of your swimming outdoors in the morning or afternoon, tinted lenses may be a smart choice. You should be able to buy goggles with tinted lenses anywhere that swimming equipment and accessories are sold. Like sunglasses, darkened goggles aren't meant for indoor use. Wearing them inside may make it harder to see your mark, the lane dividers, or other swimmers. Try out a pair with colored lenses to improve visibility indoors. Colored lenses let in varying amounts of light, which makes them well-suited for a wide range of conditions. Amber and yellow lenses, for example, are effective for making pools appear brighter underwater. Similarly, blue lenses provide optimum clarity for open water swimming. Swim goggle lenses come in a variety of different colors. The color that works best for you will depend largely on the depth, color, and water chemistry of the pool you do most of your swimming in. When swimming in a poorly-lit environment, it's best to stick with ordinary clear lenses to avoid any additional distortion that could interfere with your vision. Order prescription goggles if you have special vision requirements. Visit your eye care specialist to have a pair made to your exact specifications. Prescription goggles use the same corrective lenses as glasses or contacts, which means you can enjoy crystal clear vision underwater and save room in your gear bag. You may also be able to find premade versions in common prescriptions at some swim shops. As a general rule, you shouldn't wear contact lenses in the water due to the risk of bacterial contamination. If you're unable to track down prescription goggles, however, you can put in some disposable contacts and throw them away at the end of your session. | Grip the goggles by the edges of the eyecups. Press the goggles against your eyes. Guide the backstrap up and over your head. Adjust the backstrap to get a comfortable and secure fit. Pull the backstrap over your head from the back to remove the goggles. Select a pair of goggles that fits comfortably around your eyes. Press the eyecups to your face to test out the suction. Pull on the backstrap to get a feel for how the goggles wear. Adjust the nose strap by changing the distance between the eyepieces. Look for goggles with deep eyepieces if your eyelashes brush the lenses. Pick up some Swedish goggles for affordable comfort. Shell out for racing goggles for optimum comfort and performance. Use tinted lenses to cut down on glare. Try out a pair with colored lenses to improve visibility indoors. Order prescription goggles if you have special vision requirements. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Know-if-a-Cat-Is-Stressed | How to Know if a Cat Is Stressed | To know if a cat is stressed, keep an eye out for excessive grooming, scratching, or restlessness, which can all be a sign that your cat is stressed about something. Also, look for changes in your cat's behavior, like isolating itself or acting aggressively towards people or other pets, since that's usually a sign that something is wrong. You should also monitor your cat for digestive issues, like loss of appetite, diarrhea, and constipation, which can be caused by stress. | Watch where they urinate. Cats, as you probably know, are meticulous cleaners. This affinity for cleanliness extends to their waste. They will use a litter box if it is provided, only eliminating waste outside this box or other designated area (like loose sand or earth in the yard) in times of distress. Peeing outside a litter box is a sign that something is wrong rather than an act of rebellion. The cat may be ill or highly stressed, and when you see this behavior, you need to pay attention. Do not attempt to punish a cat who urinates outside its bathroom area. The cat isn't trying to make a mess—it is trying to communicate that it needs help. Punishment will further stress and frighten the cat. There are other reasons a cat may choose to defecate outside the litter box, such as discomforts. Make sure you eliminate these before concluding that your cat is stressed. Keep an eye on bowel movements. Aside from location of urination, you should watch for diarrhea and constipation. Changes in a cat's environment cause stress, and bowel movements are often affected. You can spot cat diarrhea by its soft, watery texture and either light brown or dark brown color. If there is blood in the diarrhea, you actually don't need to worry about it unless there is a very large amount of blood. Take your cat to the vet if it persists in passing diarrhea stools, or can't pass stools at all, for more than a few days. Measure how much they are eating. One response to stress in a cat is a loss of interest in food. Cats often become solitary and avoid things they usually enjoy when stressed, including food and mealtimes. Cats don't go on fasts like humans sometimes do, so avoiding food is a warning that something is wrong. If you leave your cat a bowl of food as you leave the house for the day, keep an eye on how much is left in it when you get home. If someone else feeds the cat, tell them to carefully observe the cat's eating habits each day if you suspect the cat is stressed. Pay attention to excessive grooming. Of course we all know how often cats groom, licking themselves and their kittens most of day. But when you notice that your cat can't seem to do anything else, you should be alarmed. This isn't normal, and is often a sign that something is wrong; it's even a sign of depression. They can potentially lick hair off their bodies. If you notice patches of hair falling off your cat without any other signs of infection, you probably are dealing with excessive grooming. If you determine excessive grooming is the cause of bald spots on your cat, seek out a vet for advice. Be on alert for excessive scratching. Although cats can scratch for many different reasons, including fleas and skin infections, scratching compulsively all day is a sign of stress. Take action if you see excessive scratching by either determining a source of stress or contacting the vet. Fleas can keep cats pawing and scratching incessantly, especially if they are allergic to flea saliva. Make an effort to keep your cat free of fleas before determining its excessive scratching is related to stress. Check for scratches, scabs, or bumps under your cat's fur. If you don't find any of these signs of infection, tithe scratching may indeed be related to stress. Be concerned about decreased sleeping. When cats become stressed, they can reduce the amount of sleep they get. If your cat is showing signs of restlessness, pay attention. Notice when your cat isolates itself. Even though cats aren't known for being the friendliest creatures, often preferring to be by themselves rather than constantly in owners' arms, they should not be constantly trying to get away from people. This can be a sign that they need a reduction in environmental stressors. If your cat consistently ducks out of the room or dodges behind furniture every time someone enters the room, you should try to figure out what's wrong. New cats may hide more than cats who are accustomed to their homes, so don't be alarmed if your new cat hides for a while after moving in. Be concerned about aggression toward other animals. If you have a cat cohabitating with other pets, it should be easy to tell if aggression is a normal behavior or not. If your cat consistently snaps at or picks fights with animals it used to play happily with, the cat very well may be stressed. Your cat may be sick instead of stressed, so identify any stressors that could be triggering this behavior before heading to the vet. Address aggression toward people. You are also probably attuned to how your cat interacts with other humans. If your cat used to be warm toward people, or even passively accepted their presence, and suddenly starts lashing out, you have a problem. Again, if you are mystified by this aggression, take stock of your home environment and identify any stressors. If there aren't any, the cat may be sick. Identify stressors for your cat. There are many reasons why a cat may be living in a state of constant stress, and most of them have to do with changes in its environment. If you think your cat is stressed, look around for ways to Reduce Stress in Cats or help them adjust. Stressors can include changes in routine, a new pet or person in the home (or a pet or person leaving the home), new smells, new noises, new furniture, construction in your home's vicinity, moving, even a new cat in the neighborhood. Set a daily routine and keep it. One way to help eliminate stress if you suspect your cat is suffering is to make sure you are keeping a set schedule, at least for the cat. Changes in routine, or not having a daily routine in the first place, can keep your pet in a constant state of stress even if nothing else is going on. And if there are other stressors, making a schedule can only help. If there is only a temporary change going on, such as vacation, get back into the old routine as quickly as possible. Play with your cat. The principal is true for both cats and humans—physical activity takes away stress. Playing with your cat just 20 to 30 minutes split into two segments (like morning and afternoon) may relax it. Keep playtime as part of any routine so that your cat can get out nervous energy and be distracted from fixating on any changes until they are complete. Give the cat some toys, rotating them on a monthly basis to maintain interest. End by offering the cat a treat, or schedule playtime just before a meal. Take your cat to the vet. For any of the symptoms listed in these steps, you can contact a vet for advice. Some of these symptoms may indicate a problem other than stress, so getting cleared by the vet first may make it easier to clear out stressors. | Watch where they urinate. Keep an eye on bowel movements. Measure how much they are eating. Pay attention to excessive grooming. Be on alert for excessive scratching. Be concerned about decreased sleeping. Notice when your cat isolates itself. Be concerned about aggression toward other animals. Address aggression toward people. Identify stressors for your cat. Set a daily routine and keep it. Play with your cat. Take your cat to the vet. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-a-Turkey-Breast-in-the-Crock-Pot | How to Cook a Turkey Breast in the Crock Pot | Before you cook your turkey breast in the crock pot, fill the crock pot with any vegetables or seasonings you want to use, like onion, thyme, and garlic. Then, put your turkey breast in the crock pot and cover it with a lid. If the turkey breast is 2 pounds, leave it in the crock pot for 5 hours. If it's 4 to 6 pounds, leave it in for 6-7 hours. If it's 8 to 10 pounds, leave it in for 8-9 hours. | Make the seasoning rub. Place dried seasonings in a small bowl and stir them with a little bit of oil until they're combined. The seasoning includes flavorful ingredients (like onion and garlic powders) and paprika, which will give the turkey breast a little color as it bakes. For the seasoning, mix together: 1½ teaspoon (5 g) of garlic powder 1½ teaspoon (4 g) of onion powder 1 teaspoon (2 g) of paprika 2 teaspoons (11 g) of salt 5 grinds of black pepper 1.5 tablespoons (22 mL) of olive oil Dry the turkey and rub it with seasoning. Remove 1 fresh or thawed turkey breast from the package. It should weigh around 4 pounds (1.8 kg) and have the skin on. Pat the turkey breast with paper towels until it is dry. Cover the turkey breast with the seasoning rub. Use your hands or a pastry brush to spread it along the sides and top of the turkey. Most turkey breasts will come with the bones, but you can also cook a boneless turkey breast. Place the garlic, onion, and thyme in the slow cooker. Cut 1 head of garlic in half horizontally and place it cut-side down in the slow cooker. Take 1 unpeeled garlic and cut it in half as well. Set the onion cut-side down in the slow cooker. Add 5 sprigs of fresh thyme or 2 teaspoons (3 g) of dried thyme. There's no need to chop or mince the fresh thyme. Leaving the springs whole will make it easier to remove them once the turkey has cooked. Cook the turkey breast. Lay the seasoned turkey breast directly onto the garlic, onion, and thyme in the bottom of the slow cooker. The garlic and onion should raise the turkey up so that it's not touching the bottom of the slow cooker. Turn the slow cooker on low and cook it for 6 to 7 hours. If your turkey breast weighs more or less than 4 pounds (1.8 kg), use these guidelines: 5 hours on low for a 2 lb (0.91 kg) turkey breast 6 to 7 hours on low for a 4 to 6 lb (1.8 to 2.7 kg) turkey breast 8 to 9 hours on low for an 8 to 10 lb (3.6 to 4.5 kg) turkey breast Let the turkey rest. Test the temperature of the turkey using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast. Once it's reached 165 °F (74 °C), it's safe to eat. Insert a sturdy wooden spoon into the turkey cavity. Hold several paper towels in your other hand and press the paper towels against the end of the turkey while you lift up with the handle of the spoon. Carefully lift the whole turkey out of the crock pot and set it on your carving board. Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes. Allowing the turkey to rest will help the juices redistribute within the turkey breast. This will keep it from drying out. You could also use 2 large meat forks to hold and lift the turkey breast out of the crock pot. Strain the liquid from the crock pot. Set a large measuring jug or cup into your sink. Place a mesh strainer over the measuring jug. Put on oven mitts and hold the crock pot. Pour the liquid from the bottom of the crock pot through the strainer and into the measuring jug. Remove the mesh strainer and discard the vegetables. You should have about 2 cups (470 mL) of liquid that you'll use for the gravy. If you don't have enough liquid, add chicken broth or water to get 2 cups (470 mL). Make gravy while the turkey rests. Melt 4 tablespoons (57 g) of butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Stir in 1/4 cup (31 g) of flour and cook it for 1 minute. Slowly pour in ⁄ 2 cup (120 mL) of your turkey liquid and whisk constantly to prevent lumps. Keep adding more of the liquid as you whisk. The gravy should thicken as it cooks. Taste the gravy and season it with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a thick gravy, cook it longer or use less of the turkey liquid. For a gravy that's easy to pour, you'll probably want to use all 2 cups (470 mL) of turkey liquid. If you have lumps in the gravy, you can use an immersion blender to quickly blend the gravy until it's smooth. Crisp the skin under the broiler. Turn the broiler on to high and ensure that your rack is low enough to allow the turkey to fit in the oven. If you can, try to place the turkey about 12 inches (30 cm) below the broiler. Set the cooked turkey on a sturdy baking sheet or dish and set it on the rack. Broil the turkey for 3 to 5 minutes. The skin should turn crispy and golden brown. Avoid walking away from the broiler while the turkey is crisping. If it browns quickly, you'll need to pull it out of the oven to keep it from burning. Serve the turkey breast with the gravy. As soon as the turkey skin is golden, carefully remove it from under the broiler and carve it. Place the carved pieces on a warmed serving platter and serve it right away. Set the gravy out on the side so guests can serve themselves. If you choose to keep the turkey warm in the oven for a while before serving it, the turkey may become dry or even tough. If you must keep it warm before serving it, wrap it well and broil it just before you do serve it. | Make the seasoning rub. Dry the turkey and rub it with seasoning. Place the garlic, onion, and thyme in the slow cooker. Cook the turkey breast. Let the turkey rest. Strain the liquid from the crock pot. Make gravy while the turkey rests. Crisp the skin under the broiler. Serve the turkey breast with the gravy. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Copyright-a-Song | How to Copyright a Song | To copyright a song in the US online, start by making a copy of your song using a CD, USB drive, MP3, or writing out the sheet music. Next, go to the US government's copyright website, click on the Electronic Copyright Office, and register for a free account. Then, click on “Register a New Claim,” fill out the copyright application, and pay the required fee. Finally, submit your song by uploading an electronic copy or mailing a hard copy. | Make a copy of your song. You could make a CD, USB drive, mini-disc, cassette tape, MP3, LP, record it on video, or write out the sheet music. All of these methods may be used to create a hard copy recording of your song. As soon as it's recorded, it's copyrighted - now you just need to have it registered. Go to the US government's copyright website. Click on the Electronic Copyright Office, where you can make an online copyright filing. Registering online is simple, and it will take about 4.5 months to be processed. This is a much shorter process than registering by mail, which can take up to 15 months. Register a free account. Click on "new user" to open your account. You'll need to give your name, address, country (if not from the USA), phone details, and preferred contact method. Once you have an account opened, you can use this every time you'd like to make a copyright application. The account allows you to monitor your applications and to find various types of information concerning copyright. There is also a tutorial on making a claim provided. Complete your online copyright application. Click on "Register a New Claim" under "Copyright Services," located in the left-hand column of your account. Be prepared to answer questions about yourself, the work you're seeking to copyright and where you'd like the copyright certification to be sent. Pay the $35 fee. You can pay via either credit or debit card, electronic check, or a copyright office deposit account. Upload an electronic copy of your work. Many types of files are accepted, but check the Copyright Office's complete list to ensure that you're not sending in an incompatible file. If you prefer not to send an electronic copy, you can send a hard copy (non-returnable) and it has to be sent in a box, not an envelope. You can make a shipping address slip from the site. Wait for your copyright application to be processed. You can log back into your account to check the status of your claim at any time. Obtain form CO. You can either download it from the US Copyright Office website or call the office at (202) 707-3000 and request that the forms be sent to you. You may also request the form you need by mail at US Library of Congress, Copyright Office, Independence Avenue, S.E., Washington, D.C. 20559. Form SR is the right form to fill out to register a copyright for sound recordings. Form PA, the form for performing arts recordings covers recordings of live performances. Form CO may be used for any type of sound recording or performing arts recording. Since the fee for forms PA and SR is currently $65 and the fee for form CO is $45, consider carefully which meets your needs most. Visit http://www.copyright.gov/forms/ for more information. Fill out the form. Read the instructions carefully and fill it out exactly how it is explained. If you have any questions, contact the Copyright Office. Place required materials into a Package. The Package should include the filled out form, the specified payment, and a non-returnable copy of the song. Send your package to the US Copyright office. Mail it to the following address: Library of Congress, Copyright Office, Independence Avenue, S.E. Washington, D.C. 20559-6000. Wait for the certificate of registration. Have patience because this part of the registration process can take a while. It can take up to 15 months if you've filed by mail, according to the Copyright Office FAQ, and averages around 8 months currently. The good news is that your copyright is effective from the day that your materials are received by the Copyright Office. You'll receive a certificate of registration when it does arrive. Avoid poor man's copyright. There is a long-standing myth in the music industry that the old-fashioned fix of recording a song, placing it in an envelope and mailing it to oneself guaranteed copyright. The post date on the stamp was supposed to serve as proof of the date of origin of the song, provided the envelope remained sealed. However, this method didn't stand up in various court cases and has since been discredited. Moreover, given that your copyright exists on creation, and that an envelope's seal can be carefully unsealed and resealed, this method does seem rather fallible. Be aware of the Berne Convention. If your country is a member of the Berne Convention, copyright in a song comes into existence when you create it. It does become more complicated when there are several creators who have contributed to the song, but there are rules governing these "layers." It's best to seek legal advice in that situation. The U.S. copyright office is the only one among the Berne Convention's member countries offering a method to register content of the song (lyrics, melody, chord, etc.). Unfortunately in all other countries, only the title of the song is recorded. The value of the protection afforded is significantly reduced. However, your possession of a dated original is all the proof of authorship that you need in most countries, assuming there is any dispute. | Make a copy of your song. Go to the US government's copyright website. Register a free account. Complete your online copyright application. Pay the $35 fee. Upload an electronic copy of your work. Wait for your copyright application to be processed. Obtain form CO. Fill out the form. Place required materials into a Package. Send your package to the US Copyright office. Wait for the certificate of registration. Avoid poor man's copyright. Be aware of the Berne Convention. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Almonds | How to Grow Almonds | To grow almonds, plant almond seeds or seedlings somewhere that has hot, arid summers and mild winters. Choose a spot that gets a lot of direct sunlight and thoroughly water your almond tree once a week so it doesn't dry out. Also, fertilize your almond tree in the spring so it grows healthy and strong during the summer. Wait about 5 years for your tree to start producing almonds and then harvest them by shaking your tree until they fall. | Make sure your area has proper almond growing conditions. Almond trees, which are native to the hot and arid climate of the Middle East and South Asia, do best with hot summers and mild winters and do not adapt to other conditions especially well. Almonds do not usually grow at all in colder climates. Unless you have a large, carefully-controlled indoor growing setup, you may have a hard time growing almonds outside of areas with a Mediterranean or Middle Eastern climate profile. If you're in the US, a good way of determining whether your local climate is suitable for growing almonds is to use a USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. These maps rate geographical areas by their minimum temperatures, giving an approximate indication of the types of plants that can survive there. For almonds, you'll want your area to have a rating of at least "6" — higher is better. According to this system, suitable areas in the US include much of central and southern California as well as parts of Arizona, Texas, and inland Florida. Purchase seeds or seedlings. You have two options for starting your almond tree — you can either use seeds (fresh, unprocessed nuts) or seedlings (young trees). Nuts allow you to experience the growing process from the very beginning, but can be more time and effort-intensive. On the other hand, seedlings are more convenient, but can be a little more expensive. If you want to harvest edible almonds, you'll want to be sure to pick seeds or seedlings for a fruit-bearing sweet almond tree. Keep in mind that bitter almonds are inedible and that not all sweet almond trees bear fruit. These varieties are only suitable for shade and decoration. Talk to the staff at your local garden supply store if you're unsure of which almond trees are productive. Choose a sunny location for the tree. Almond trees do well with lots of sun. Before you get started, find a spot in your yard or garden that gets plenty of full, direct sun, free from shade. You will grow the almond tree in a pot prior to planting it in the ground, but it's still important to choose a location ahead of time — the tree will only fit in the pot for so long. You'll also want to make sure your growing spot has well-draining soil. Almond trees don't do well if water is allowed to pool around their roots — this can lead to root rot. Germinate the seeds. If you're growing your almond tree from a seed (which are just almond nuts surrounded by their protective husks), start by germinating the seed in a controlled environment — once it's started, you can plant it in a pot or in the ground. First, gather your seeds in a single large bowl (the more you use, the better — some may not sprout or may succumb to mold). Then, germinate them according to the following steps: Add water and let the seeds soak overnight. The next day, use a nutcracker to crack the almond shells open slightly — the shell should still hold itself together, but you should just be able to see the nut inside. Throw away any seeds that show signs of mold. Fill a few small flowerpots with potting soil. Make sure the pots have holes on the bottom for drainage. Plant the seeds an inch or two under the surface of the soil with the cracks pointing upward. Rest the flowerpot indoors in an area that will receive direct sunlight. Now, just wait for seedlings to sprout. Transplant the sprouts. Once your seedlings have started to grow (or, alternatively, if you bought ready-to-plant seedlings), prepare your decided-upon spot in the ground for planting. Make a small mound an inch or two tall (and slightly wider than it is tall) for each seedling. Push the seedling about an inch into the center of the mound until it's below the surface of the soil. This mound technique helps prevent water from gathering around the roots of the plant as it grows, which can cause serious problems (including root rot). If you're planting germinated seedlings, plant them at the end of winter or in the spring. Alternatively, if you're planting un-germinated seeds, plant them in late fall so that they have a chance to sprout in the spring at the very start of the bloom season. If planting multiple trees, space each tree at least about 20 feet (6.1 m) apart. This gives the trees' roots plenty of space and allows for easy, effective irrigation. Water generously. Immediately after planting, almond trees should be "tanked" (watered heavily) with at least a gallon of water to thoroughly hydrate the soil. After this initial watering, you'll want to maintain a regular watering schedule as the tree grows. Almond trees thrive in hot climates, but they're not desert plants, so watering is vital to keep the growing plant healthy. Water each almond plant at least once a week unless it rains. Established trees can survive on two or three inches of water without rain, but growing plants will usually require more. Alternatively, you may want to use a drip irrigation system. This is an especially convenient choice if you have many trees. Fertilize in the spring. Once the growing season begins, it's appropriate to use a reasonable amount of fertilizer to boost your plant's growth (though this is not required). For young trees, you'll want to use small doses of Nitrogen every few weeks throughout the growing season. For mature trees, on the other hand, you'll want to use about two pounds of urea or 30 pounds of manure (applied once). No matter what kind of fertilizer you're using, be sure to "water it in" after you apply it. Fertilizer can have a harmful "burning" effect on the plant if it's applied without water or an excessive amount is used at once. Harvest nuts in the fall. Fruit-bearing almond trees will start to grow small green fruits during the growing season — these hard, sour fruits aren't a common dish in the Western world, but are semi-popular in the Middle East. In the fall, these fruits will harden, turn brown, and crack open. Once the exposed almond husks have a dry, brown exterior, they're ready for harvesting. See below for more information on harvesting. There are two types of almond tree: trees that grow "sweet" almonds and trees that grow "bitter" almonds. Bitter almonds and their fruit aren't safe for eating. Bitter almonds contain prussic acid, a toxin. Just a handful of raw, unprocessed bitter almonds can potentially be deadly. However, it is possible to process bitter almonds with a special toxin-leaching process, rendering them edible. Prune in early winter. Winter is the perfect time for pruning — the tree's dormant wood makes for safe, easy removal. Note, however, that dead or diseased limbs should be removed immediately at any time of the year. To prune branches, use a pair of garden clippers to make a clean cut near the bottom of the branch. For tougher pruning jobs, use a saw. Pruning a tree encourages healthy, even, visually appealing growth. Smart pruning choices can also make a tree stronger, sturdier, and more resistant to certain diseases. When pruning, try to thin out especially dense areas of foliage and eliminate spots where two branches rub against one another. You'll also want to prune any stray branches that grow higher or further to the side than the others to encourage even growth. Wait 5 years before expecting fruit. Almond trees take some time to start producing nuts. Typically, this "waiting" period lasts about five years. However, depending on the species of tree, it can take as long as 12 years for it to reach full nut-producing capacity. Be patient — a mature, healthy tree can produce over 40 pounds of nuts in a single harvest! Once an almond tree begins bearing fruit, it will do so every year for as long as 50 years, ensuring plenty of almonds for years to come. Be sure the tree is pollinated. It's important to understand that most almond trees don't produce almonds "by default". The fruit of the almond tree (and, thus, the almonds themselves) are usually produced as a response to pollination as a method of sexual reproduction. This means that unless you have a self-pollinating variety of almond tree, you'll need to cross-pollinate your tree with another tree of a different variety to get almonds. The easiest way to do this is usually just to have multiple trees of different varieties. Once you have two to three trees growing near each other, pollinators like bees will bring pollen from one tree to another as part of their natural behavior. You can also pollinate trees manually by taking a flower-bearing branch from another tree and rubbing it against the first tree's flowers, mixing the tree's pollen in the process. However, this is much more time-intensive and may not work as well as natural pollination. Graft a different variety onto the tree as an alternative. Grafting will turn an unproductive tree into a productive one if the existing tree is not self-fertile and you graft on a scion from a different variety. Once the graft "sets", the grafted-on part will still have the ability to produce fruit, even if the rest of the tree doesn't. This is how the vast majority of certain crops, such as oranges, are grown. There are several ways to graft a productive limb onto your tree. The simplest is usually a technique called T-budding that involves making a long, narrow cut on the "host" tree and slipping the new limb into the groove formed. After this, the new limb is secured with string or rubber ties until the host tree accepts it. Note that most grafting is performed in the spring when the material under the bark is moist and green. Keep in mind that grafting will not make an unproductive tree productive if it isn't producing due to poor site selection, lack of nutrients, etc. Harvest the almonds when ripe. Almonds are usually harvested between July and October (in some countries like Saudi Arabia, it starts end of May) once the external fruit has dried and cracked open. Shake the tree and gather the almonds that drop, taking care to throw out any rotten ones you come across. Sometimes, the fruit may fall without the tree being shaken. Unless they begin to rot, these nuts are still edible. After harvesting, it's a good idea to freeze your almond husks for 1-2 weeks to kill any residual pests. Avoid over-watering to prevent root rot. One problem that can affect nearly any tree (including the almond tree) is root rot. This harmful condition is caused mainly by fungi that start to grow on the tree's roots if they're in contact with water for too long. Since root rot can be very tough to treat, the best policy is prevention. Never over-water your tree — any sort of watering that results in standing water around the base of the tree can do much more harm than good. To help prevent over-watering, you may want to increase the drainage capability of your soil. This can be done by mixing in plenty of extra hummus or organic matter to give it added permeability. Note that shallow, heavy, and clay-rich soils have especially bad drainage. If you have a case of root rot on your hands (usually signified by drought-like symptoms, including yellowing, wilting, and dying leaves), dig up the plant's roots and cut away any dark, slimy patches. If problems persist, dispose of the plant to prevent the fungus from spreading throughout your garden. Practice good weed control. Weeds are not a huge concern for old, established almond trees, but they can be a serious threat to young seedlings. Weeds compete fiercely for the same nutrients, water, and sun as young almond trees. If ignored, weeds can even "strangle" a seedling before it has a chance to grow. The best policy for weeds, especially during your plant's first few months, is to start weeding early and often. Try to keep a five or six foot strip along each row of seedlings free of weeds — you can use manual methods (like your hands or garden tools) or herbicides to kill the weeds. You can use a layer of mulch, or landscaping fabric to control weeds. This works well for small, home orchards. Keep the tree free of mummies to fight navel orangeworm. One particularly annoying almond pest is the navel orangeworm. Over the winter, this insect shelters in so-called "mummy" nuts — almonds that aren't harvested and are left on the tree into the late fall and winter. Once the spring rolls around, these grubs become active, resulting in damage to the almond crop. The best way to prevent this is simply to get rid of the mummies. Without any place to shelter over the winter, orangeworms should not appear, as they cannot penetrate healthy fruits later in the year. After the mummies are removed from the tree, be sure to destroy them by mowing. Orangeworms can still shelter in intact mummies on the ground. Use Bacillus thuringiensis spray for peach twig borers. Peach twig borers are just what they sound like — small, grub-like insects that bore into stone fruits like peach and almonds. These insects can cause significant damage to almond crops with their feeding, so if you see these pesky bugs (or chewed-up leaves, which can signal their presence), use a pesticide immediately to protect your crop. Bacillus thuringiensis, a bacterial insecticide, is a great choice for killing borers. Time the spray with the spring hatching season to kill the insects before they have a chance to do significant damage. In addition to the two examples above, a huge variety of additional pests can potentially attack almond trees — so many, in fact, that it's impossible to list them all here. For more information, use a search engine query for "almond pests" or contact your local garden supply store or a local university's botany department. You may also want to learn about integrated pest management. This is a method of controlling pests that combines biological, environmental, and chemical pest management techniques. It is more effective than using one method alone. | Make sure your area has proper almond growing conditions. Purchase seeds or seedlings. Choose a sunny location for the tree. Germinate the seeds. Transplant the sprouts. Water generously. Fertilize in the spring. Harvest nuts in the fall. Prune in early winter. Wait 5 years before expecting fruit. Be sure the tree is pollinated. Graft a different variety onto the tree as an alternative. Harvest the almonds when ripe. Avoid over-watering to prevent root rot. Practice good weed control. Keep the tree free of mummies to fight navel orangeworm. Use Bacillus thuringiensis spray for peach twig borers. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Take-Jeep-Doors-Off | How to Take Jeep Doors Off | To take the doors off your Jeep, start by rolling down the windows and folding in the side mirrors. Then, unhook the black safety straps from the body of the Jeep, and unplug the wiring pigtails if your Jeep has power windows and locks. Next, use a socket wrench to remove the nuts from the bolts that hold the doors in place. When the nuts are out, reach through one of the open windows, grab the door by the inside and outside handles, and lift the door straight up until the bolts are free from their brackets. Finally, repeat the process with the other door. | Fold the side mirrors in. The side mirrors on your Jeep are attached to the door and are designed to be folded in flat. Press the mirror in toward the door and adjust it so the mirror itself rests flat against the door. Folding the mirrors in will prevent them from being damaged when you store the doors. To fold the mirrors, simply press them in toward the door. Roll down the window. You will need to be able to pull the door up and off of the vehicle, and being able to reach through the open window will make that much easier. Storing the door with the window inside the body will also protect it from being broken by accident. Turn the window crank counter-clockwise to lower the window. It is possible to remove the doors if your windows won't go down. Remove the black safety strap on the door. There is a black safety strap connected to each door designed to prevent the door from opening too far. To disconnect the strap, simply unhook it from the body of Jeep. The other end will stay connected to the door itself. The safety strap usually keeps the door from opening up into the body of the Jeep. Unplug the wiring pigtail. If your Jeep came equipped with power windows and door locks, there will be a group of wires bunched in black cloth going from the door to where they connect beneath the dashboard. Press the release on the plastic wire pigtail and pull it backward to disconnect the wiring. If your Jeep does not have power windows or door locks, you can skip this step. Be careful not to break the plastic clip that holds the wiring pigtail in place. Locate the two bolts holding the door on the vehicle. On the outside of the vehicle, there are two bolts that hold each door in place. Close the door without latching it so you can adjust how open you keep the door to best access the nuts holding the bolts in place. The bolts can be found where the door meets the body of the vehicle. The bolts themselves serve as a part of the door hinge. Remove the nuts on the bottom of each bolt. At the bottom of each of the two bolts that hold each door on the vehicle, there are nuts that must be removed in order to take the doors off of your Jeep. Use a 13 millimeter socket and wrench to remove these nuts. Use a six point socket rather than a twelve point socket to minimize how much the nut can move inside the socket. Turn the nuts counter-clockwise to loosen them. Be careful with the paint on the door hardware. The nuts are painted to match the body of the Jeep, so be very careful not to damage the paint as you unscrew them. Damaging the paint will not only stand out, but could lead to rusting. Scraped or scratched off paint can be repaired using automotive touch up paint. Using a six point socket will reduce the chances of damaging the paint on the nuts. Lift the door straight up to disconnect it. With the nuts removed, reach through the open window to gain a good grip on the door handles on both the inside and outside. Pull the door straight up to pull the bolts that are attached to the door out of the brackets that hold them in place. If you can't roll down the window, grip the outside edges of either side of the door to pull it up. Be careful not to pinch your fingers in the gap between the door and the body before removing it. Lay a blanket on the floor. You will need to store the doors someplace safe. For the time being, lay a blanket or soft material on the floor. If you intend to leave the doors off of your Jeep for an extended period of time, you can wrap the blanket around them to serve as extra protection. For the time being, the blanket will protect the door's surfaces from abrasion. Place the door interior side down on the blanket. Set each door down on the blanket with the painted external surface facing up. You may also lean the door up against a vertical surface, but be sure to place the blanket beneath the door's edge to avoid chipping the paint. It is recommended that you hang a blanket over the doors as well if you store them standing up. Be sure to place the doors someplace where they will not be disturbed or knocked over. Repeat the process on the other door. Once you have the first door removed and set aside, repeat the entire process on the other side to remove the remaining door. Store both doors someplace safe and out of the way. Make sure to keep the nuts you remove from the door hardware someplace safe for when you choose to reinstall the doors. Disconnect the battery. Before starting any electrical project, no matter the size, you should always disconnect the battery. Use the appropriate sized wrench to loosen the nut holding the black cable on the negative terminal on the battery. Tuck the cable to the side of the battery to prevent it from coming into contact with the negative terminal. You do not need to disconnect the positive cable. Locate the interior fuse box. The fuse box in the interior of a Jeep Wrangler is located near the emergency brake. Once you find it, remove the cover over the fuse box by pulling it backward toward yourself. If you have trouble finding the fuse box, refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for directions. Set the fuse box cover someplace safe to ensure it doesn't get damaged. Find the fuse labeled “Door Jam Defeat. ” Look on the underside of the fuse box cover for a diagram of the fuses inside the box. If there isn't one there, check inside the Jeep's owner's manual. Once you find the diagram, look for the fuse labeled “Door Jam Defeat.” If you do not have an owner's manual, you can look it up on the automaker's website. Remove the fuse. Use fuse clips or a pair of needle nose pliers to remove the “Door Jam Defeat” fuse from the fuse box. With this fuse removed, the dome light and the door ajar alarm will both stay off when you reconnect the battery. Place the fuse someplace safe to ensure you can put it back in once you reinstall the doors. Reconnect the battery. With the fuse removed, reconnect the black cable to the negative terminal on the battery and use the same wrench to tighten the nut securing it again. Be sure the cable has a solid metal on metal connection before closing the hood. With the battery reconnected, start the Jeep and ensure the door ajar alarm doesn't sound. The dome light should remain off until you return the fuse. | Fold the side mirrors in. Roll down the window. Remove the black safety strap on the door. Unplug the wiring pigtail. Locate the two bolts holding the door on the vehicle. Remove the nuts on the bottom of each bolt. Be careful with the paint on the door hardware. Lift the door straight up to disconnect it. Lay a blanket on the floor. Place the door interior side down on the blanket. Repeat the process on the other door. Disconnect the battery. Locate the interior fuse box. Find the fuse labeled “Door Jam Defeat. Remove the fuse. Reconnect the battery. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Window-Fans-for-Home-Cooling | How to Use Window Fans for Home Cooling | To use window fans for cooling your home, select square box fans that fit snugly inside of your window frame. Then, install at least one fan facing inside that pulls air from outside and blows into the house. Turn on inward-facing fans at night, when it's cooler outside than it is inside. Next, install a fan facing outside to pull warm air from inside of the home. Turn outward-facing fans on during the day to blow warm air out of your living spaces. When it's extremely hot, turn off the fans and close the blinds to keep your home cool. | Choose square box window fans rather than other types. Box window fans have flat sides and blow air in a single direction, which makes them ideal for blowing a steady stream of air into or out of your home. Visit your local hardware store or home-improvement store and look at their box window fan selection. While other types of fans, like circular rotating fans, are great for moving air around inside your home, they're less effective at bringing in air from outside. Select the largest fans that fit inside your home’s windows. A larger fan will move more air than a smaller fan. Look for fans that will take up at least 2/3 of the horizontal width of your window frame. Make sure that the fans also fit within the lower portion of your window when the window pane is fully opened. Square fans aren't too expensive, so plan to pay $15-30 USD per fan. If you need to, measure the dimensions of your windows and take a tape measure with you to the hardware store so you can measure the fans as well. Avoid fans that are too large for the window. If you position them near the window and outside the window frame, they'll fall over. Purchase an even number of fans to maximize airflow. When you install the fans, some will be situated to blow cool air inward and others will blow hot air outwards. It's best to have the same number of fans blowing in each direction. Bear in mind that setting up 2 or 3 smaller, less powerful fans is roughly equivalent to 1 large, powerful fan. If you have an uneven number of windows and can't have equivalent fans blowing inward and outward, it's better to have more blowing inward. This creates a slight positive pressure inside the home, which prevents dust and insects from coming in when the doors are opened. Make sure your windows have screens and aren't near noise sources. This will ensure that your home is suitable for window-fan cooling. Cooling your home with window fans is not recommended for homes without window screens, as insects or animals may enter through the open windows. Noises outside the home will also become louder inside with the window open, although the fan noise may mask some of this. Situate the fans in windows far from sources of bad smells. Take a look at your home's outside surroundings before you decide which windows to situate your fans in. Avoid setting fans to blow inward near garbage cans or parking areas, where fumes and odors may enter the home. Creating air intake near trees or flowering plants will bring pleasant smells into your home. Place inward-blowing fans on the ground story of your home. At night, the air near the ground will be the coolest. Situate 2-3 fans in windows on the bottom floor to blow inward and pull in cool outside air. Also use window fans for daytime cooling on chilly days. In this situation, when you're placing inward-blowing box fans, select windows that are on a shaded side of your home. If you're using fans during the day, set 2-3 fans to blow inward from the coolest side of the home. This will typically be the side in shade or the side facing north. Install fans blowing outward on the top floor of your home. Fans located in windows on the top floor of your home will blow warm air outside. If you have an attic in your home, place the outward-blowing fans in attic windows and leave the attic door open. If you're using fans during the day, position your outward-blowing box fans in windows located on the sunny side of the house. If you live in a single-story home, set up fans to blow inward on the shaded side of your home. Set the fans blowing outward in windows on the opposite side. Leave the doors inside your home open for maximum air flow. Close each window tightly around the fan to hold it in place. Open the window and place your fan in the windowsill. Make sure it's balanced. Then, lower the top panel of the window until it's securely pressing down against the top of the fan. This will prevent the fan from slipping out of place and either falling into your home or down outside of your home. If your windows open sideways rather than vertically, open the window wide enough to accommodate the width of the fan. Then close the window so the fan is held in place between the sliding window pane and the wall. Cover gaps on either side of the fans if they're smaller than the frame. The fans won't be able to effectively cool your home if there are gaps between the sides of the window frame and the edges of your fans. Tape paper over the gaps on the inside of the window beside inward-blowing fans. Or, pull out the plastic extender panels on the sides of the fan to keep air from escaping beside the fans. Blocking the gaps beside fans blowing outward is difficult. Tape up paper or cardboard on the outside of the window, if it's accessible. If you can't access the outside of the window, securely tape the paper or cardboard down on the inside of the window. Turn on window fans at night when it’s cooler outside than inside. If it's warmer outside than inside, your fans will blow hot air around. So, turn the fans on when it's cooler outside in order to bring in cool air and lower the temperature inside your home. This will also reduce your need to use air conditioning during the day, since your home will have cooled off at night. Remove the fans and close the windows when it’s warm outside. Turn off and remove the fans before you close the windows and blinds or drapes on warm days. Shutting the blinds or drapes will reduce solar heating. If you leave the fans on during the heat of the day, they'll blow hot air into the home. Removing fans from windows when not in use might be difficult for the elderly or disabled individuals. In such cases, leave the fans in the windows. Drape a cold, wet towel over inward-blowing fans when it’s hot out. Select a size of towel that matches the size of the fan. So, if the fan is 18 inches (46 cm) across, use a towel with roughly the same width. The wet towel will dramatically increase the fans' cooling performance for about 1 hour. The air propelled by the fan will push past the towel and the cold water will lower the temperature of the air. | Choose square box window fans rather than other types. Select the largest fans that fit inside your home’s windows. Purchase an even number of fans to maximize airflow. Make sure your windows have screens and aren't near noise sources. Situate the fans in windows far from sources of bad smells. Place inward-blowing fans on the ground story of your home. Install fans blowing outward on the top floor of your home. Close each window tightly around the fan to hold it in place. Cover gaps on either side of the fans if they're smaller than the frame. Turn on window fans at night when it’s cooler outside than inside. Remove the fans and close the windows when it’s warm outside. Drape a cold, wet towel over inward-blowing fans when it’s hot out. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Volumize-Your-Hair | How to Volumize Your Hair | To volumize your hair, start by using volumizing shampoo and conditioner to wash your hair. Next, let your hair air dry for 15-20 minutes before applying volumizing mousse from root to tip. Then, flip your head upside down and use a diffuser attachment to roughly dry your hair for 5-10 minutes. Once your hair is semi-dry, switch to using a round, soft-bristled brush to finish blow drying your hair. If you don't have time to wash your hair, you can add volume by spraying dry shampoo at the roots and massaging it in with your fingers. | Use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner. The first, most obvious thing you can do to volumize hair is to use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner. These have a lighter formula than most other shampoos and conditioners, meaning that they won't weigh hair down, causing it to lie flat against the scalp. They will effectively clean and moisturize hair, while also leaving it light and bouncy. There is a volumizing shampoo and conditioner combo available for every budget, from drugstore favorites to fancy salon brands. When shampooing, use enough product to create a lather. Make sure to massage the shampoo into the scalp, as this will help provide volume once the hair is dry. Rinse your hair thoroughly, then shampoo again if necessary. Apply conditioner from the mid-lengths of the hair to the tips, using any leftover product near the roots. Applying too much conditioner to the roots may make it look greasy and flat. While the conditioner is still in your hair, comb out any tangles with a wide-tooth combing, starting at the bottom and working your way up. This will help to prevent breakage, which can make hair look thin. Wash with a clarifying shampoo once a week. Most shampoos and conditioners contain plastic-type substances such as silicon and polymers which stick to the hair shaft and weigh the hair down, making it flat and lifeless. Clarifying shampoos remove these built-up chemicals and other deposits, making your hair lighter and more voluminous. Most people should use a clarifying shampoo once a week, for best results. As well as shampoos, hair care products such as mousses, waxes and sprays contain chemicals which build up in the hair, causing it to lose volume. In addition, things like hard water and chlorine from swimming pools can leave deposits in the hair. People who swim frequently are more likely to have built-up deposits in their hair, so they should use a clarifying shampoo more frequently, perhaps 2 to 3 times a week. If you have colored hair, choose a sulfate-free clarifying shampoo that is safer for colored hair. You can find them at your local beauty supply store, salon, or online. You may also use the product less often, such as twice a month. Apply a volumizing mousse. There are many, many hair volumizing products on the market, some of which are extremely effective. One such product is volumizing mousse, a dollop of which can be worked through wet hair from the roots to the tips to add texture and lift. After applying, you can either allow hair to air dry naturally, scrunching to achieve voluminous waves and curls, or you can blow dry the hair for a sleeker look with added lift. Other recommended volumizing products are root-lifting sprays or creams. These are worked directly into the roots (from the ears up) before blow-drying. Some volumizing products can be very drying on the hair, so be careful not to overuse them. Use a diffuser attachment on your hair dryer. Using a diffuser attachment on your hair dryer is a great option if you're looking for naturally voluminous curls. A diffuser softens the airflow from the hair dryer, so the hair is not blown straight and flat. Diffuser attachments can be purchased online, or at drug stores and hair salons. The best technique for using a diffuser is as follows: Allow hair to dry naturally for 15 to 20 minutes after washing, then apply a volumizing mousse from root to tip, as described above. Turn the hair dryer on, set the air to cool and dry hair upside down, using a scrunching technique. Dry your hair upside down. Whether you're going for a straight or curly look, drying your hair upside down is a surefire way to add volume. Drying upside down allows gravity to lift the roots of your hair away from the scalp and enables you to brush through your hair without flattening it. Using a nozzle attachment on the hair dryer, flip your head upside down and roughly dry your hair for 5 to 10 minutes, using your fingers to separate sections of hair and let air through the roots. This gets rid of the excess moisture. Once hair is semi-dry, switch to using a round, soft-bristled brush to finish drying and add a smooth finish to the hair. If your hair is very thick, you can separate hair into sections before doing this. Use dry shampoo. If you don't have time to wash and blow-dry your hair, a quick and easy way to add some volume is by using dry shampoo, in either spray or powder form. Dry shampoos work by soaking up oil in the hair, leaving it feeling clean and fresh, with an extra boost of volume. All you need to do is spray or shake a generous amount of dry shampoo into the roots and massage it in with your fingers. You may need to use a process of trial and error to find a dry shampoo that works for you, as some products can leave a residue in the hair or can leave hair feeling sticky. Like many other hair products, dry shampoo can be very drying on the hair so avoid over-relying on this handy product. You should not use it daily. Instead, use it between washes to keep your hair clean. Get a haircut. The longer your hair is, the heavier it will be, which explains why long hair often lacks volume. Therefore, one of the fastest ways to add volume is to get a haircut. Some well-placed, expertly cut layers, or even a blunt-ended cut can immediately make hair lighter and fuller -- not to mention healthier looking. Go to a hair stylist who you trust and who listens to exactly what you're asking for. A good, professional haircut will give more life to your hair than any product or styling method. Bring photos of your desired style so that you can show the stylist exactly what you want. For best results, look for photos of people who have a similar face shape and hair texture as yours. Experiment with color. Well-placed highlights and lowlights can give the impression of depth and thickness to your hair, making it appear more voluminous than it actually is. Dark colors will also make your hair look thicker than lighter ones, so consider going a shade or two darker to give the illusion of volume. A professional color job or set of highlights will do much more for your hair than a home dye kit. This is due to the fact that trained hairdressers can mix different shades and tones to find a color that's just right for you, giving your hair an added dimension that just cannot be achieved out of a box. Tease your hair. An extremely effective way of adding volume and preventing flat hair is to tease (or backcomb) your hair. Teasing may seem intimidating at first, but it really is so easy to do and can be used to give some extra oomph to any and every hairstyle. Teasing works best on one or two day old hair, and requires a fine-toothed comb. Special teasing combs can be found at most beauty supply stores. The correct method for teasing hair is as follows: After washing with a volumizing shampoo and using a volumizing mousse or lifting spray, leave your hair for a day or two before teasing. Part your hair as normal, then take a one to two inch section of hair from the crown of your head. Comb through it to remove any tangles. Hold the hair vertically, grasping the ends. Insert the comb into the mid-shaft and comb the hair backwards, towards the scalp. No need to be gentle -- teasing works better when you're a bit rough. Repeat two or three times then move onto the next section of hair, working your way around your head. You can backcomb your whole head, or just do the top sections -- it's up to you. Don't worry if it looks like a bird's nest -- it's supposed to at this point. Next, take the comb and very lightly smooth down the top layer of hair, leaving the under-layers untouched. Spritz with some hair spray to hold and voilà! Volumized hair that's perfect for any hairstyle! Change your parting. If your hair naturally lies flat once it settles in it's normal parting , you can give it an instant lift simply by changing the parting. Go for something different than usual, whether it's straight down the middle, a dramatic side parting, or even a zig-zag one! Use a fine-toothed comb or hair pick to make it look precise, then brush the hair into place before spritzing with a little hairspray to hold. Use hot rollers. Hot rollers are an excellent way to add bounciness and volume to your hair, with a touch of pin-up girl glamour. If you're not looking for tight curls, don't worry -- bigger rollers will add volume and life, but won't give a huge amount of curl to hair. When using, make sure the rollers are heated to the correct temperature before putting them in. Use the hot rollers on day old hair, if possible. Comb out any tangles to create a smooth base. Start with the front sections, rolling the the hair away from the face rather than underneath. Once all of the rollers are in, let them sit in the hair for 10 to 15 minutes or until they have cooled completely. Liberally apply hairspray all over your head before removing the rollers. Once out, use your fingers to shake out the curls. Lightly brush through the hair if you want a softer look. Get a perm. Even though most people associate the word "perm" with crazy, fuzzy 80s hair, perms are actually coming back into fashion and can be a great way to add volume and texture to hair (minus the poodle effect). Modern perms can provide any thing from corkscrew curls to soft beachy waves, depending on your personal preference. They are extremely easy to maintain and can last anywhere from two to six months. Just make sure to have a consultation with your hair stylist first to determine if you have the right hair type and that the two of you are on the same page with regards to how the final result will look. Bring pictures for inspiration. Perms are not a good idea if your hair is heavily colored or highlighted, as the perm will dry out your hair even further, causing it to look frizzy and damaged. Getting layers cut into your hair is a good idea however, as these will prevent the perm from turning your hair pyramid shaped. Make an avocado mask. Avocados contain an abundance of natural oils which can penetrate the hair shaft and leave the hair feeling healthy and nourished. Healthy hair is much less prone to breakage and damage, so a weekly application of this avocado mask will make hair appear thicker and fuller over time. To make: Mash up two small, ripe avocados and mix with half a cup of honey, two tablespoons of olive oil and one egg yolk. Apply this mixture all over the hair from root to shaft, cover with a shower cap and leave in for one or two hours, or until the mask has hardened. Wash out the mask with shampoo (you may need to wash twice), condition the hair, then dry and style as normal. Use an egg as a hair mask. Hair is made almost entirely of protein, so any treatment which contains this nutrient if going to positively benefit the hair. Egg is very high in protein and will leave hair feeling strong and thick. Simply beat two eggs well, then massage the beaten egg into wet hair. Leave the egg in for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse it out with cool water. Finally, shampoo as normal. Don't rinse out the egg with warm or hot water, as it could cause the egg to start cooking on your hair. Alternatively, you can mix one egg with some hair oil, such as argan or coconut oil, and use this as a hair treatment instead. This treatment is good for the hair and can be used two or three time a week, if desired. Try apple cider vinegar and lemon juice. A mixture of apple cider vinegar and lemon juice makes a volumizing tonic which gives limp, flat hair a boost. To make, add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and one teaspoon of lemon to a mug of cold water. Stir to combine. Shampoo and condition hair as normal, then use this tonic as a final rinse. Rinse with flat beer. Flat beer has been used by women as a remedy for flat hair for a long time. The hair absorbs the beer, making the strands thicker and hair more voluminous. The beer also leaves a slight residue on the surface of the hair, giving extra volume. To use, pop open a can and leave it for several hours to go flat. Bring it to the shower and use as a final rinse, after shampooing. The best type of beer to use one that has been brewed traditionally in a hop, as this type of beer contains many nutrients. Use henna. Henna is a natural product which is usually used for color, but can also be used to add thickness and volume to hair. Make a henna gloss by adding warm water to 100g of henna powder. Mix until it forms a paste-like consistency, then set aside for six hours somewhere warm. Combine the henna paste with a cup of your favorite conditioner then spread the mixture through the hair. Cover with a shower cap and leave in for as long as your like. Rinse out with warm water, then shampoo and condition as normal. Try castor oil. Castor oil helps to stimulate hair growth and prevent breakage, therefore promoting healthy, voluminous hair. Heat up some good quality castor oil until warm, then apply to the roots of the hair and gently massage into the scalp with small circular motions, using your fingertips. Shampoo to remove. | Use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner. Wash with a clarifying shampoo once a week. Apply a volumizing mousse. Use a diffuser attachment on your hair dryer. Dry your hair upside down. Use dry shampoo. Get a haircut. Experiment with color. Tease your hair. Change your parting. Use hot rollers. Get a perm. Make an avocado mask. Use an egg as a hair mask. Try apple cider vinegar and lemon juice. Rinse with flat beer. Use henna. Try castor oil. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Gain-Your-Bird%27s-Trust | How to Gain Your Bird's Trust | To gain your bird's trust, spend as much time as you can around it so that it gets comfortable with your presence. During these times, talk to your bird in a quiet, gentle voice so it feels relaxed around you. Additionally, give it a treat, like a piece of fruit or vegetable, as a reward when it comes closer to you or shows good behavior. Once your bird seems comfortable interacting with you through the cage, try taking it out of the cage by encouraging it to step up onto your hand. | Spend time around your bird. Birds are social creatures that need to spend time with you or other birds. However, if your bird is new to you it may not trust you enough to be comfortable around you. By spending as much time as you can with your bird you will help it to relax and feel that it can trust you. Try reading a book or some other calm or quiet activity near your birds cage. Gently and quietly speak to your bird to allow it to get used to your voice. Birds need social interaction to be happy. Learn your bird's body language. Even though some birds can mimic human speech it will communicate through their body language. Learning how your bird communicates with its movements will help you realize when your bird is feeling comfortable and when it's nervous. If your bird is showing signs of being nervous, take a break and try bonding some other time. Birds will hiss and spread their tail feathers if annoyed. It may also back into a corner, sway their body, puff out their feathers or put their crest feather down. Birds may lower their head, tucking it in. This is usually a sign it are comfortable and want you to give it a head scratch. Give your bird treats. Food can be a great reward for good behavior and a way to build trust. If you bird is being brave or showing good behavior, try giving it a treat to make it feel even more comfortable around you. Try to find out which foods your bird likes the most. Offer many treats and see what it enjoy. Birds should eat fruit, vegetables and seeds. Let your bird out of the cage. Once your bird has had some time to become comfortable in your home or in a new environment you can try to let it out of their cage. Letting it out of the cage can help it feel more comfortable in your home and around you, building the amount of trust it feels. Hold some food in your hand near the open cage door. Don't make eye contact as this can make your bird feel nervous. Don't force your bird out of the cage. Let the bird come out on its own. You may want to have your bird's feathers clipped to prevent it from flying into a window or wall. Spending too much time in the cage can make your bird nervous about leaving it. Let the bird sit on your hand. The first step when teaching your bird the step-up command is letting it out of the cage and having it sit on a hand. After it sits on your hand you will be able to use your other hand to start teaching it how to step up. Once your bird steps out of the cage, offer your hand to it as a platform. Move slowly and make sure your bird stays comfortable. Bring your other hand up to the bird. The aim of the step up command is to have your bird step from one hand to the other. To do this you will need to bring your other hand up to the bird, offering a new platform for it to move up to. Keep some of the following tips in mind as you work with your bird: If your bird bites, move your hand in from underneath the bird. Bring your hand up to the area just above where your bird's legs meet its body. Keep your hand flat and level. Reward the bird for stepping up. Whenever your bird steps up successfully you can offer it a reward. Giving your bird a tasty treat will help it understand that stepping up onto your other hand will result in rewards. Always offer a reward when training your bird to step-up in order to get the best results. Try to give your bird their favorite treat as a reward. Many birds love fresh vegetables, fruits, or seeds. Practice often. Without enough training your bird may forget the step-up command or never properly learn it in the first place. Whenever your bird is feeling comfortable you should try working with it, spending time with it, and reinforcing the step-up command to build even more trust. Avoid forcing your bird into doing something. Pet birds have their own will and you will need to have patience and work with it. Never force your bird into doing anything that it seems uncomfortable or upset doing. Forcing your bird will only cause distrust and fear to develop between you. Forcing your bird into doing something can result in you being bitten. Don't hit or yell at your bird. No matter how frustrated you may feel with your bird you can never hit or yell at it. Birds will absolutely not respond to hitting or yelling and doing so will only destroy any sense of trust in your relationship. Always be kind and patient when working with your bird in order to maintain trust. Avoid tricking your bird. In order to maintain trust between you and your pet bird you will need to always be “honest” with it. Tricking it into thinking it is about to do one thing and then having it do another can destroy trust. Always keep your commands consistent and clear when engaging with your bird. Take a break if your bird is upset. Spending time with your pet bird can be a lot of fun for both of you. However, your bird might get tired or cranky for any number of reasons. If your bird starts to display signs of discomfort or annoyance it should return their cage immediately. Give it some time to rest in their cage before resuming any direct interaction again. | Spend time around your bird. Learn your bird's body language. Give your bird treats. Let your bird out of the cage. Let the bird sit on your hand. Bring your other hand up to the bird. Reward the bird for stepping up. Practice often. Avoid forcing your bird into doing something. Don't hit or yell at your bird. Avoid tricking your bird. Take a break if your bird is upset. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-Missing-Your-Significant-Other | How to Deal With Missing Your Significant Other | While it can be difficult to deal with missing your significant other, try spending time with your loved ones, devoting energy to your hobbies, or getting into an exercise routine to help lift your mood. For example, try to think of the separation as a chance to catch up with old friends and family, or spend a little extra time with your best friend. In addition to spending more time with others, devote some quality time to your hobbies or favorite activities. If you're finding it hard to get into your favorite pastimes, get up and go for a run, bike ride, or hike. Exercise will help relieve stress and release endorphins, which are a mood-booster. | Spend more time with your family and friends. Sitting at home alone waiting for your partner to return isn't going to make you feel better about their absence, and will probably drive you crazy. Instead, try to spend this time with friends or loved ones. Think of the separation as a chance to catch up with old friends. Or, spend a little extra time with your BFF and remind your friend how much they also mean to you. Call a friend and arrange a coffee date. Invite a few friends over for dinner and cook together. Plan a weekend visit to your grandma out of town. Avoid withdrawing from people, especially if you feel like you might be depressed. Devote more time to hobbies. Most likely, there is either some activity you have scaled back on to make time for your significant other, or a new activity that you have been wanting to try and haven't made time for yet. Instead of sitting around and feeling lonely, embrace your extra free time to finish that model ship or dress. Start learning a new language through a free phone app like Duolingo. Pick up a book you've been meaning to read and just start reading. Create a beautiful work of art celebrating your relationship. Use whichever artistic or crafty medium you like, or try something new! Design a cross stitch pattern with your initials, a favorite joke or reference, or your significant other's favorite movie character. Paint an abstract representation of how you feel about your significant other using different colors and textures. Make a photo collage of your favorite pictures. Cross stitch is a great hobby for occupying time spent alone since it contains small detail work and usually requires counting. If you are trying this for the first time, choose a simple pattern so you don't get frustrated or overwhelmed. Buy cheap outdoor acrylic paints at a craft store or Walmart and a canvas to create an abstract painting. Choose colors that express your feelings and add things like sand or plaster to create different textures. Use an empty picture frame with or without the glass for making a collage. If there is no glass, glue images to a piece of cardboard and cover it with modge podge or use a spray varnish to protect it from damage. Write a poem, comic, or illustrated story. Create something special describing your relationship to send your significant other or to share when your significant other returns. Use whichever creative writing outlet you enjoy. Put all your energy into making an amazing gift to show your significant other how much they mean to you. Write an original poem on fancy paper with a calligraphy pen. Better yet, make your own handmade paper. Create a children's style book about how you met, complete with illustrations. You don't have to be great at drawing to make a cute book your significant other will love. Make illustrations simple and add meaningful details to each scene. Cultivate new relationships. Join a book or movie critique club. Doing activities like these allow you a chance to make some new friends and get out of the house. These things will also occupy some of your free time with “homework” of reading or watching. Plus, you may end up making a great new friend, possibly even meeting another couple you both can hang out with on date nights. Distract yourself with exercise. When you feel particularly sad and cannot get into your favorite pastime, get up and go for a run, ride your bike along a trail, or go to the gym and do at least 20 minutes of cardio exercises. Not only does exercise help relieve stress and get your mind on something other than what's bothering you, but your body releases endorphins that act like pain-killers and mood-boosters. Just five minutes of intense exercise can instantly boost your mood, but exercising regularly can also help with long-term depression. Consider exercise as natural medicine that your body needs to function properly. Finish any unfinished projects. Use your time apart as a chance to finish some unfinished tasks. These could be things you've started working on and did not finish, or something you have been putting off until you had enough time to finish it. You will stay busy and feel good about yourself for accomplishing those things at last. Recaulk your bathtub , sand down and refinish your grandmother's antique dresser, fix the screen door that swings open in the wind, etc. Finish writing your book of short stories, make those throw pillows you've been saving fabric for, or sign up for pet training classes you've been meaning to start. Paint your bedroom, install shelves in the bathroom, or finish planting a vegetable garden. Accept that spending time apart is healthy. Whether you live together or not, spending time apart is necessary for maintaining your independence within any relationship. If you can't stand to be away from each other for a few days, you are probably too dependent on each other for your own happiness and feelings of self-worth. Remind yourself that you are a valuable person and you don't need someone else to give your life meaning. Try saying something like, "I am a valuable person and having alone time is healthy for me." Being apart gives you a chance to miss your partner, and that reminds you how important they are to you. If you are never apart, you might start taking the little things that you love about each other for granted. Stop worrying about what your significant other is doing. If you find yourself obsessing over what your significant other is doing without you—whether it's something as small as watching an episode of a show you usually watch together, or being unfaithful—you might be masking your own fears of abandonment or getting hurt. Redirect your thoughts to what you can control: how you are spending your time. It's natural to worry sometimes, but being preoccupied with these thoughts is a sign of attachment anxiety. People with this problem expect the worst behavior from their partners or are always waiting for the relationship to end. Call or do a video chat. If you are too far away to see each other in person, scheduling a time to talk on the phone with your significant other can give you something to look forward to. It's also a chance to connect with each other while you are apart, and have a real conversation. Make sure not to call or text too often. Evaluate your relationship, how long you will be apart, and how often you usually talk or see each other. If you know your significant other is busy, send a personal message through email or Facebook instead of texting, or call your significant other's voicemail directly and leave a sweet message. These forms of communication won't interrupt your significant other while at work or a family event, and will be a nice surprise. Try to set up a special time for each other, such as watching a favorite show at the same time while your significant other is away. You'll feel closer knowing your significant other is watching the same thing as you, it will also give you both something to discuss other than how much you're missing each other. Keep your relationship fresh. When you do get to see each other, and even when you are able to talk on the phone or through an internet video call, make sure you aren't always doing/saying the same things. Plan different types of activities for date nights. Talk about new topics you haven't discussed before, or want to use to learn more about each other. If your conversations become stagnant, bring up a news item or interesting topic you've recently heard. Talk about your childhood. What did you want to be when you grew up; what was your favorite fun activity as a kid; what was your favorite Halloween costume ever? Look in local newspapers or on websites for ideas about new activities to try. Ask friends and co-workers who have significant others what they do together for more ideas. Plan a special activity. Include new activities you have never done as a couple or have talked about trying. Or, plan your day together on your own as a surprise and include something your significant other has always wanted to do. Use your imagination! Consider planning a whole day around one theme, like a romantic movie ( When Harry Met Sally ), or a pretend visit to Paris. Get croissants and sit at an outside café for a couple hours, walk across the prettiest bridge near you, and visit your city's art museum. Visit a public garden for a picnic lunch, stop by a plant store on the way home to pick out a few of the flowers you saw earlier, and plant them together when you get home. Stick to a “water” theme and schedule a visit to an aquarium or science museum, find the biggest public fountain in town and bring some change to make wishes together (make sure it is allowed first!), and end the day with a walk along a nearby canal or beach. Plan a scavenger hunt to do together. Write clues that will take you to different places that remind you of each other or surprises you know they would love. Tell your significant other that you love and miss them. The best way to cope with separation and keep your relationship strong is to communicate with each other about your feelings. When you talk, tell your significant other that you miss them. Ask about what your significant other is doing and tell your significant other about your day to feel more connected. Remind your significant other how grateful you are that they are a part of your life. Recognize and accept your negative feelings as normal. When you are really missing your significant other and can't seem distract yourself from thinking about them, don't try to anymore. Sometimes trying to not think about someone just reinforces the fact that you miss the person so much. Instead, ask yourself why you feel sad or angry at that moment. Once you know why you feel a certain way, you can do something about it. When you feel longing, ask yourself: are you bored, did you have a bad day and wish they were there to talk about it, do you miss things they usually do for you? Go see a movie, call a friend to talk, or learn how to cook an exotic cuisine. If you find yourself feeling angry or frustrated, try to figure out exactly what those feelings are about. Do you feel abandoned, forgotten, or insignificant? These are likely extreme responses to being separated that do not reflect your partner's feelings or intentions. Replace negative thoughts with positive ones. When you think, “I miss them so much! I can't stand it anymore,” stop and correct your tendency to think in negative terms. Instead, adjust your thought patterns so that they reflect positive feelings about yourself. Remind yourself that you can stand it, and that being apart doesn't have to be a bad thing. When you find yourself pining over all the time you are missing together, stop yourself and focus on the present moment. Replace “I wish we were together right now,” with something like “it's nice to have the cat (or dog) all to myself today. Usually she goes to my partner first.” Change feeling lonely into feeling connected to someone or something else. Use logic to overcome your negative feelings if you are stuck. Thinking, “I can't be happy when they aren't around,” will certainly make you feel unhappy. Instead, acknowledge you control your own feelings and decide to be happy doing something else right then. Cognitive patterns are established through effort. Each time you perform an activity, or think a loaded thought, your brain is more likely to do it again. Learning to correct negativity by focusing on positive thought takes time and practice. Be patient with yourself and don't make yourself feel worse through self-criticism. Replace longing and sadness with gratitude. It's normal to miss your significant other because you prefer being with them to not being together. Instead of being sad, think about how grateful you are to have such a wonderful partner. Make a list of things you appreciate about them, or blessings your significant other has brought into your life. Think about how you have changed for the better by being together: are you more patient, mature, or friendly? Have you expanded your horizons and overcome any old fears? Are you proud of yourself for learning to think of your loved ones before your own needs? Deciding to focus on what you have instead of what you don't does not mean that you can't allow yourself to miss your significant other. It's ok to miss someone you care about. Try to develop a habit of noticing when you feel lonely and wish your significant other was with you, and deciding to focus instead on feeling grateful for the time you do have together. Start a gratitude journal and keep it with you at all times so you can immediately redirect your feelings when they arise. | Spend more time with your family and friends. Devote more time to hobbies. Create a beautiful work of art celebrating your relationship. Write a poem, comic, or illustrated story. Cultivate new relationships. Distract yourself with exercise. Finish any unfinished projects. Accept that spending time apart is healthy. Stop worrying about what your significant other is doing. Call or do a video chat. Keep your relationship fresh. Plan a special activity. Tell your significant other that you love and miss them. Recognize and accept your negative feelings as normal. Replace negative thoughts with positive ones. Replace longing and sadness with gratitude. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Undo-a-Knot-in-Your-Hair | How to Undo a Knot in Your Hair | To undo a knot in your hair, isolate the knot and clip the rest of your hair back. Spray the knot and the surrounding hair generously with detangler and give it a few minutes to penetrate. Next, finger-comb the knot a few times to release any loose hair. Then, using a wide-tooth comb, comb from the bottom of the knot to the end of your hair. Work your way slowly up the knot until you loosen the hair completely! | Calm yourself and make sure you have time to devote to detangling. Trying to rush through the process will likely worsen the knot and leave you angry and frustrated. Working out a knot can take time and a lot of patience, and you should go into the process as calmly as possible. Take a few deep breaths, put on some enjoyable music, and get to work. If you have a friend, sibling, or parent willing to help, you can speed up the process. And if the knot is somewhere that is difficult to reach, they may be necessary. Remember to take breaks. You may need to stop and rest your arms. If you don't have time to deal with the knot, pull your hair into a bun and wait until you have enough time to dedicate to working it out. Gather your materials. When trying to unknot hair, your tools can make all the difference. You absolutely want to use a detangler, conditioner, or other lubricant (like coconut oil). Don't use a brush, as this can lead to more knotting. Instead, find a sturdy medium- or wide-toothed comb. Set up a chair in front of a mirror--you'll want to be sitting, since it may take a while. There's an abundance of detangling products for curly-haired people. Look for sprays to use after the shower, plus rinses and shampoos that can help when you wash your hair. Look for gentle, no-tears versions for kids or very fine hair. If your hair is dry and damaged, look for a product that moisturizes as it detangles. You can also use a silicone-based de-frizzing gel to work out tangles. Make your own spray by mixing conditioner and water in a clean, empty spray bottle. Decide if you're going to work on the knot before or after showering. Many experts recommend detangling right after you shower, but it depends on how healthy your hair is to begin with. Wet hair is stretchy and elastic, but also extremely fragile, so it will break very easily. However, damp hair can add lubrication, which can assist in loosening the knot. If your hair is very damaged or fragile, begin with dry hair. The spray or conditioner will add lubrication and "slip" to dry hair, which is often sufficient for working out a knot. Some experts recommend detangling right before you shower, so you can easily work shampoo and conditioner through your hair and comb it out afterwards. Divide your hair to isolate the knot. Use plastic hair clamps or clips to separate your hair. Try to clip back all the hair that is not already part of the knot so it doesn't end up in the mess. The knot should be free from the clips with everything else pulled out of the way. If you have a ton of tangles, it will be much easier for you to work in sections. Try dividing your hair into about six sections and work on them one at a time. If you're working through all your hair, make sure you separate the finished sections from those that are still knotted. You may want to braid the finished section so it doesn't tangle again. Spray the section of hair with your detangler. Apply the product and allow it to sit for several minutes so it can soak into your hair. Follow the instructions on the bottle of product, but know it's okay to be generous. The more slip and lubrication, the easier it will be to undo the knot. If you're using oil or gel, rub a little into the knot with your fingertips. Finger-comb your hands through the knot. Begin close to the bottom of your hair and gently slide your fingers through the lock. If you encounter a knot, don't tug, just skip over it and continue combing down to the end of your hair. Slowly move up the length of your hair, gently pulling the strands apart. You'll be surprised how far you can get de-tangling using this method. Feeling the knot with your hands can give you a better idea of what you're working against, like the size and how tightly the strands are knotted. Finger-combing will also help distribute your detangling product through your hair. Comb the very bottom of the knot. You always want to start at the bottom of the knot. Pulling above the knot will only make it tighter. Gently pull the wide-toothed comb from the bottom of the knot to the end of your hair. If you can't get it through without hitting a snag, move even closer to the end of your hair. Be very, very gentle when combing through the knot. If you tug and break your hair, those damaged and broken strands will only create future tangles. If you can't get the comb through the knot, try applying more product. Remember to take breaks if you get tired or frustrated. This process may take quite a while. Work your way up the section of hair, through the knot. When you are able to comb easily through your hair, move up the strand a little and gently pull the comb downwards, applying product as needed. Make sure you are holding your hair firmly with your free hand, near the root. This will make the tugging less painful and can help prevent breakage. If you can't move the comb smoothly through your hair without hitting snags or tearing your hair, move upwards in smaller increments. Remove tiny knots with your fingers if possible. Even when you've successfully removed the knot from your hair, you may find a few tiny knots that are extremely tight. Try loosening these knots by pulling a few strands just above the knot and see if they slide through. If they won't budge, stop and try a different strand of hair. If you have removed some hair from the tiny knot but it still won't undo, use a pair of hair scissors to snip them off just above the top of the knot. Never rip the knot out with a comb. Braid or pineapple your hair before going to sleep. Gently gathering your hair in a braid or pineapple updo will keep you from sleeping directly on top of it, decreasing friction. You can also try a sleeping bonnet, satin or silk pillow case or a hair net to keep your hair tangle-free at night. Use soft hair ties, not rubber bands, to pull your hair back. Remove any bobby pins you may have used to style your hair. Trim your hair regularly. Many women can't stand to give up even a centimeter of their hard-earned hair length, but avoiding haircuts leads to dead, dry hair and split ends that cause tangles. At the very least, you should get your hair trimmed every three months, and tell your stylist you want the dead hair removed. Split ends can travel up the hair shaft, damaging living hair and causing major tangles. As much as you may love every inch of your hair, dry, dead hair really doesn't look very good. Remember that your hair will continue to grow, and it will look healthier and stronger if you get a minor cut every season. Wash your hair like you're in a shampoo commercial. Don't pile your hair on top of your head and scrub like crazy. Picture the way women shampoo their hair in commercials: focus on the scalp, massaging with your fingers, and allow the product to rinse through your hair. Avoid necklaces with fine chains and shirts with collars if you have long hair. Very long hair is prone to tangling, and can easily snag on the fine chain of a delicate necklace or an elaborate collar on your blouse. If you don't want to give up your necklaces, make sure the chain stays under the collar of your shirt, and try not to wear more than one. Check necklaces and collars often to make sure they aren't catching your hair and forming a knot. | Calm yourself and make sure you have time to devote to detangling. Gather your materials. Decide if you're going to work on the knot before or after showering. Divide your hair to isolate the knot. Spray the section of hair with your detangler. Finger-comb your hands through the knot. Comb the very bottom of the knot. Work your way up the section of hair, through the knot. Remove tiny knots with your fingers if possible. Braid or pineapple your hair before going to sleep. Trim your hair regularly. Wash your hair like you're in a shampoo commercial. Avoid necklaces with fine chains and shirts with collars if you have long hair. |
https://www.wikihow.life/Clean-Suede | How to Clean Suede | No matter what you've got on your suede, clean it immediately by rubbing it with a clean towel. Then, for a dry stain try rubbing a white pencil eraser over it. If you've got a water stain, blot it with a dry cloth. Trying to remove a coffee, tea, or juice stain? Put a couple of paper towels over the stain and apply pressure with your hands or by putting a book on top. If you're dealing with oil or grease, try blotting the excess, sprinkling baking soda on it, and letting it sit for 2-3 hours before brushing it away. | Prepare the suede item for cleaning. Before using any techniques or products on the suede, rub the surface of the item with a clean towel. This brings up the nap and prepares the surface for cleaning. Remove dry stains using a pencil eraser. Don't use a pink eraser, as this can transfer pink dye onto your items. Instead, use a colorless a white or brown gum eraser. Avoid using a chemical stain remover. It could create even more damage, especially if it isn't designed for use on suede. Remove water stains by blotting immediately. Use a cloth to blot the liquid. Don't apply too much pressure, as this will force the water deeper into the fabric. Allow the water to dry after blotting. If the dried water stain is a different color from the rest of the item, try spraying the entire item with a light mist of water and allow it to dry. This will help the spot blend in. If your suede shoes got soaked, stuff them with paper or a shoehorn before letting them dry, to prevent the suede from getting misshapen. Remove coffee, juice, and tea stains with a paper towel. Place a paper towel directly over the stain, and a second towel on top of that. Apply pressure to the stain using your hands or by placing books on top of the towel. Remove oil or grease stains with baking soda. Blot excess oil liquid and sprinkle the spot with baking soda. Let it sit for a few hours, then brush it away using a suede brush. Use a leather cleaner made specifically for suede. If none of the techniques you've tried appear to be working, buy special leather cleaner. These can be used to remove oil or grease stains from suede shoes and garments. If possible, use a cleaner made of natural ingredients. Some leather cleaners actually do more harm than good. Consider having your suede professionally cleaned. It may be expensive, but sometimes turning to an expert is the safest and most effective way to take care of suede items. If you have suede clothing, take it to a dry cleaner that works with suede. Ask a dry cleaner if they also handle suede purses and other accessories. If you have suede shoes, take them to a cobbler. Cobblers have the appropriate skills and supplies to tackle the toughest stains. Use a suede brush. Suede brushes usually have a wire-bristled side for brushing off debris and a rubber-bristled side for buffing up the nap of the suede. Gently brush your suede jacket, shoes or accessories, first with the soft side, then with the wire-bristled side. Use the brush to remove dirt and dust that has collected on your suede item. The brush will also remove scuff marks. If your item is muddy, allow the mud to dry before brushing it off. Avoid brushing too hard with the wire-bristled side. Use gentle, short strokes to freshen the nap. A toothbrush or textured cloth may also be used. Use a suede protector spray. Suede protector sprays may be purchased at leather stores or other places that sell suede. They protect the suede from water and other elements that might stain or damage it. Spray the protector all over the suede item, taking care not to soak it in any one area. Allow it to dry according to the instructions on the package. Use the suede protector at least once a year to keep the suede in top condition. Wear suede properly. Avoid wearing suede in conditions that may damage it, such as rainy or snowy weather. Hot, humid weather is also not optimal for suede. Avoid spraying suede with perfume, cologne, hairspray, or other items containing chemicals that might harm the suede. Protect suede from sweat and oils by wearing a layer of clothing between the suede and your skin. Socks, shirts, and scarves are useful for protecting your suede from these types of stains. Store suede properly. Suede items should not be left out in the sun, since it could fade and warp the leather. Store suede items in a cool, dark closet. Wrap items that you don't use often in sheets or pill covers, or store between sheets of white paper. | Prepare the suede item for cleaning. Remove dry stains using a pencil eraser. Remove water stains by blotting immediately. Remove coffee, juice, and tea stains with a paper towel. Remove oil or grease stains with baking soda. Use a leather cleaner made specifically for suede. Consider having your suede professionally cleaned. Use a suede brush. Use a suede protector spray. Wear suede properly. Store suede properly. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Control-Your-Urge-to-Masturbate | How to Control Your Urge to Masturbate | One way to control your urge to masturbate is to immediately do something else when you feel an urge, like going for a walk or playing video games. Take on new hobbies or responsibilities so you have less free time during the day that you'd otherwise use to masturbate. If you feel tempted to masturbate, try exercising instead. Exercise is a healthier way to release energy and endorphins. | Identify your triggers to arousal and avoid them. Triggers to masturbation can be the thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and situations, that result in arousal or the urge to masturbate. Triggers vary in each person, but can include looking at attractive people, body parts, clothing, animals, or inanimate objects. Or, in some people this can include sounds, smells, or other sensory or thought stimulation. If you work to cope with or reduce these triggers, you may be less likely to act on your impulse (by reducing the trigger) to masturbate. Make a list (either mental or on paper/the computer) of all of the things that trigger you to engage in masturbation. This list might include things like: looking at pornography, thinking about sex or fantasizing, looking at sex-related items, increased stress or anxiety, or difficulty sleeping. Limit your exposure to pornographic material. There are some triggers that you can control yourself, such as looking at objects, pictures, or videos that make you feel aroused. Removing these items can drastically decrease your unintentional arousal, leading to a decrease in your impulse to masturbate. Pornographic materials may include: DVDs, magazines, pictures, posters, sculptures, and romance novels. Avoid driving by or entering triggering places such as: strip-clubs, brothels, or streets where prostitutes frequently hang out. Stash sex-objects. Not only will pornographic materials naturally lead to arousal, but any object that reminds you of sexual intercourse or masturbation may lead to arousal and masturbation. Remove or hide sex-objects that are triggering for you. These might include: condoms, lubrication (jelly or lotions), vibrators, dildos, sexy outfits, and anything else that you might have that could lead to thoughts of masturbation. Limit your internet use. Some individuals have difficulty with watching pornography on the internet. This can be very arousing for some and can lead to difficulty abstaining from masturbation. You can put parental controls on your computer or television through your internet/cable service which limits your ability to enter pornographic sites. Discuss this with your internet or cable provider. You don't have to admit your issue to them because many people with children use these services to restrict their children from going to certain sites or television channels. Do something else. Try to be as busy as possible during the day and night. Keep your mind focused on activities that do not stimulate your sexual fantasies. This will vary in each person. Some examples of positive or distracting activities you can try are: playing video games, watching a movie (non-sexual), going for a walk, going window shopping, playing with a pet, reading a book, playing an instrument, creating art (painting, coloring, sculpting), and writing in a journal. Focus on your responsibilities. Our obligations can help us focus on what is necessary (money, food, shelter, education, etc) rather than what is not essential for daily life (masturbation). Having less free-time overall can decrease your desire and actual ability to masturbate because it becomes an impractical part of your day. If you don't have time for it, you might not do it. Make a list of the things you need to complete each day. This list might include things like: complete work or school projects, go shopping, clean bedroom, pay bills, practice the guitar, and exercise. Keep this list handy. When you have the urge to masturbate, look at your list and tell yourself, “I don't have time to masturbate right now. I need to get all of this done today.” Get a job if you are old enough. A job is a good distraction and can help you structure your schedule. Not to mention you'll have money to spend on activities that can distract and entertain you! Change your environment. Sometimes your environment (being home alone, or in your bedroom) can increase your desire to masturbate. Since masturbation in public is most likely inappropriate and illegal, changing your environment may help to reduce your urge to masturbate. If you have the urge to masturbate, take a walk outside or go for a drive. If you are in public it may prevent you from masturbating. Additionally, it can take your mind off of your desire to masturbate. Ask a friend to hang out or spend time with your family. It will likely limit your ability to masturbate if you are in front of other people. Exercise. Exercise may help reduce sexual desires. If you masturbate to reduce stress at times, exercise is a healthy alternative because it releases endorphins in your brain which make you feel happier and less stressed. Try fun aerobic or exercise activities such as: skateboarding, swimming, hiking, biking, bowling, jumping-rope, dancing, aerobics, or yoga. Think about the negative effects. One way to distract yourself is to remind yourself of or visualize the possible negative effects of excessive masturbation such as: impaired sexual function, depression, dissatisfaction in relationships, high blood pressure and swollen and painful prostate. Excessive vibrator use in women may result in side effects such as genital numbness, irritation, or cuts or tears. Identify the personal negative consequences of your habit of masturbating. This list might include things like difficulty completing work or school tasks, and disruption in personal relationships. Set limits. If you really do not want to masturbate, try to focus on avoiding it when it is inappropriate to do so. This includes when you and your spouse/partner have planned intercourse soon, when you are not totally in private, when you need to be productive doing something else, or when you must save sperm for a medical test. Set goals that are specific to your personal needs. Some individuals may want to avoid masturbation altogether for religious or cultural reasons, while others may want to reduce the amount of time they spend masturbating overall. It is easy to lose your sense of time while masturbating. Be sure of how much time you have until your next obligation, such as work, school, etc. If you do not have enough time until your next obligation, consider putting off masturbation until later. Lie down in bed only for sleep. Since your bedroom and bed are likely the most frequented areas for masturbation, it is important to control this environment – especially in regards to sleep and what you choose to do in your bedroom. Do not spend time in bed doing other activities such as reading, watching TV, or using the computer. Stay in a standing or sitting position the remainder of the time (during the day). Keep your bladder as empty as possible. The urge to urinate can be mistaken by the body as the urge for sex/masturbation. Go to the bathroom before you go to sleep at night and immediately when you wake up in the morning. Even if you feel the slightest urge to urinate, relieve yourself as soon as possible. Go to sleep when you are really tired. This way, you will fall asleep quickly after lying down in bed and not spend time in bed trying to fall asleep. Drink a glass of milk before bed if necessary to help induce sleep. Go to bed early and wake up early if you can. Avoid staying up too late in the night; this can lead to boredom and increase the likelihood of masturbation. If you have trouble sleeping at night and use masturbation as means for relaxation, try deep-breathing instead. Simply breathe deeply and slowly in through your nose and out through your mouth until you fall asleep. When you sleep, lay on your side. This may help to reduce your urge at the time because you are less likely to become aroused by rubbing up on something. Besides, most masturbation occurs either in a supine (lying on your back) or prone (lying on your belly) position. Get out of bed immediately in the morning. When you wake up in the morning at the set time, get out of bed as soon as possible and avoid lying in bed awake. Such is a time when masturbation is likely to occur. | Identify your triggers to arousal and avoid them. Limit your exposure to pornographic material. Stash sex-objects. Limit your internet use. Do something else. Focus on your responsibilities. Change your environment. Exercise. Think about the negative effects. Set limits. Lie down in bed only for sleep. Keep your bladder as empty as possible. Go to sleep when you are really tired. When you sleep, lay on your side. Get out of bed immediately in the morning. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Draw-Human-Eyes | How to Draw Human Eyes | To draw human eyes, start by drawing the upper and lower eye with an arc in the middle of each line. Next, draw a circle inside these 2 lines, making sure the circle touches the top and bottom of the arc. Then, draw a small, dark circle inside the circle. Once the inner eye is finished, come back out and shade in some lashes on the top and bottom of the eye. To add detail, use a colored pencil to shade in the big circle and another colored pencil to shade in under the lower arc. | Get your pencil and notebook. Make sure you have a Number 2 pencil and a good notebook. When you are drawing you must remember to draw lightly, just in case you have to erase. Draw the upper eye. When you are drawing the upper part of the eye, you must arc it. Draw the lower eye. Do what you did for step two but make it upside down. Now, we are going to draw the inside of the eye. Draw a circle, lightly, inside what you drew. It doesn't have to be perfect. Just make sure the top of the circle touches the top arc, and the lower part of the circle touches the lower arc. Now draw a circle inside the circle. This mini circle does NOT touch the bigger circle at all. Make sure you make it dark. Now, you must draw the lashes. Drawing the lashes does take some practice. But, all it is, is shading. But this shading you have nothing telling you what to shade. You must decide how long the lashes are, how dark they are...and so on. Now you are getting into detail. What you need for this part are some color pencils and your drawing. Now, for the first step in detail. Pick any color pencil for the eye color. Shade in the big circle, but not the small dark circle. If you want to make it believable do this. Shade in under the lower arc. It makes it seem that the eye has a dark circle. That is the last step. | Get your pencil and notebook. Draw the upper eye. Draw the lower eye. Now, we are going to draw the inside of the eye. Now draw a circle inside the circle. Now, you must draw the lashes. Now you are getting into detail. Now, for the first step in detail. If you want to make it believable do this. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Land-a-Jump-in-Parkour | How to Land a Jump in Parkour | To land in a roll during parkour, bend your legs at a 90-degree angle before you hit the ground. Aim to land on the balls of your feet, so that you can easily roll forward. Keep sinking into your land until you're crouched, with legs tucked up and hands stretched out. As you get close to the ground, put your hands in front of you. On impact, push off the ground with your toes and spring up onto your hands to propel your body into a roll. | Choose your landing target. Before you can land your jump, you'll first need to make the jump. Before you can do that, you'll need to decide where you're jumping. For the sake of practice, it's a good idea to start with level ground. Mark a spot for your landing, or choose an already-marked spot. A basketball court is perfect for this. Stand about 30 inches from your landing spot. Take mental notes of your landing technique. You'll be landing on the balls of your feet and might be tucking to roll, so prepare your body for those movements. Face forward, directed straight at your landing target. Your feet should be parallel, about shoulder-width apart. Align your body (legs over feet, shoulders over legs, standing straight). Bend your legs. This prepares your body for the jump, giving you the spring load you need for momentum. Lean forward, toward your target. It can help to bend your arms, holding them close to your body. This gives you more control as you move through the air. Jump with both legs, up and forward. Point your toes, with your legs together. Land onto the balls of your feet. The ball of your foot is the spot between your toes and your arch. Keep your back straight through your landing. Keep your heel off the ground, so that only the balls of your feet are touching. Keep your legs bent. You don't want to lock your knees, or you'll injure them. Keep a soft bend in your legs so your hamstrings can take the absorption of your landing. Put your arms out for balance. Putting your arms out to the side or in front of you can help with balance. Lower your heels. Once you know you can maintain your balance through the landing, you can set your heels down onto the ground so that you're standing on your entire foot. Stand straight up. You've landed your jump! Keep your hips back. Keep your hips steady instead of rocking them forward. Imagine you're sitting back on an invisible chair as you land. Bend your legs 90 degrees. Your bent legs will continue to absorb the shock of your landing, saving your joints from injury. Come down feet first. You always want the balls of your feet to hit the ground first. Your heels will come down after the balls of your feet land. Put your arms out in front of you, with open palms. Lean forward and touch the ground in front of you with your palms splayed. Your arms will take some of the shock of the landing, and put you in position for your next move. Bend your legs. As you land, keep your legs bent so that they'll bend at a 90-degree angle when you hit the ground. Land with your legs parallel. Be sure to land on the balls of your feet, so that you can easily roll forward. Keep sinking deeper into your land until you're crouched, with your legs tucked up into your chest. Pull your shoulders forward with your hands out. Now that you're close to the ground, put your hands out in front of you. This will pull your shoulders in, preparing your body for the roll. Push off with your toes. With your feet still tucked up behind you, push off the ground with your toes. Spring up and forward, onto your hands in front of you. This will propel you into your parkour roll. Learn how to Do Parkour Safety Rolls. Once you learn this move, you're well on your way to more complex parkour sequences. | Choose your landing target. Take mental notes of your landing technique. Bend your legs. Lean forward, toward your target. Jump with both legs, up and forward. Land onto the balls of your feet. Keep your legs bent. Put your arms out for balance. Lower your heels. Stand straight up. Keep your hips back. Bend your legs 90 degrees. Come down feet first. Put your arms out in front of you, with open palms. Bend your legs. Land with your legs parallel. Pull your shoulders forward with your hands out. Push off with your toes. Learn how to Do Parkour Safety Rolls. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cancel-a-PayPal-Payment | How to Cancel a PayPal Payment | If you need to cancel a PayPal payment, open PayPal in your internet browser and log in. Click the “Activity” button at the top of the window, then find the payment that you want to cancel from the “Pending” list and select it. If the status of the payment is “Completed,” it cannot be refunded, so you'll have to contact the PayPal resolution center. If the status is not “Completed,” select the “Cancel” link and confirm the cancellation of payment. Click “Yes” and your payment will be cancelled. | Go to https://www.paypal.com in a web browser. If you're not automatically logged in, click Log In in the upper-right corner of the window and enter your credentials. Click . This is the Settings icon in the upper-right corner of the window. Click the Payments tab. It's near the top-center of the window. Click Manage pre-approved payments. It's in the center of the window. Click the payment you'd like to cancel. You may need to click on Next Page in the bottom-right corner of the window to find the payment you're looking for if you have multiple recurring payments. Click Cancel. It's next to "Status" under "Billing Details." Click Yes to confirm. This confirms the cancellation of the recurring payment. Go to https://www.paypal.com in a web browser. If you're not automatically logged in, click Log In in the upper-right corner of the window and enter your credentials. Click Activity at the top of the window. Click on the payment you want to cancel. It must be under the "Pending" section of the Activity tab. If the payment you want to cancel is in the “Completed” section of the Activity tab, the payee has already received the payment, and it cannot be canceled or refunded. To get your money back you must request a refund or contact the Resolution Center. Verify that the payment is unclaimed. At the bottom of the transaction dialog box, you'll see a message that "[Username] hasn't accepted yet" next to a Cancel link. Click Cancel. Click Cancel Payment. Click Yes to confirm. Your payment has been canceled. | Go to https://www.paypal.com in a web browser. Click . Click the Payments tab. Click Manage pre-approved payments. Click the payment you'd like to cancel. Click Cancel. Click Yes to confirm. Go to https://www.paypal.com in a web browser. Click Activity at the top of the window. Click on the payment you want to cancel. Verify that the payment is unclaimed. Click Cancel. Click Cancel Payment. Click Yes to confirm. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Yourself-from-Getting-Scared-While-Home-Alone | How to Keep Yourself from Getting Scared While Home Alone | The easiest way to avoid feeling scared when you're home alone is to keep yourself busy. Watch a movie, play a videogame, or call your friend and talk to them on the phone. Catch up on your to-do list or do chores around the house. If you do get scared, inhale slowly, hold your breath, and exhale slowly to calm yourself down. | Distract yourself with fun activities. If you're nervous about being home alone, the best way to stay busy is to find something to do. Instead of seeing being home alone as a burden, see it has a chance to have the full run of the house. Do something that you enjoy without worrying about annoying others. Think about all the entertainment devices you can now use. You can watch whatever you want on TV or play any games you want on the computer. If you usually can't play music too loud, now is your chance to blast the music as loud as you can. Think about any solitary activities you enjoy. Maybe your house is usually a little too noisy for you to, say, read a book. You could take advantage of the peace and quiet of an empty home and get some reading done. Call a friend or family member. If you're feeling nervous, call someone. You will feel less alone if you're able to talk to a family member or friend. Have someone in mind to call in the event you get scared home alone. You may want let someone know ahead of time you may need to call if you get scared. That way, that person will be expecting your call. Try calling someone you haven't talked to in a while. If it's been a few weeks since you've talked to your grandmother, now may be a good time to catch up. If you don't like talking to someone on the phone, you can also talk to someone online. A video chat through a service like Skype can really make you feel less alone. Be productive. If there are any chores you need to get done, focusing your energy there can distract you from being home alone. Think about anything you've been putting off. Instead of focusing on the anxiety of being home alone, channel your energy towards a specific task. If you're behind on any homework assignments or work try getting some work done. A quiet house may help you concentrate better. You could also do some chores. If there are dirty dishes in the sink, washing them may actually be calming. Do some exercise. Exercise can keep your mind occupied. It can also reduce stress. Try to get your heart pumping a little if being home alone makes you nervous. If you have any at home gym equipment, like a treadmill, you could use this. You could also do something like push-ups, sit-ups, or running up and down the stairs. If you feel short of breath, take a break. You don't want to over exert yourself, especially when you're home alone. Acknowledge your mind is playing tricks on you. It's easy to let your thoughts spin out of control when you're anxious. If you, say, hear a strange noise, your mind may jump to the worse case scenario. Remember, your mind tends to play tricks on you when you're anxious. Try to be aware of what you're thinking, and take control of troublesome thoughts. Your brain can make you believe a lot of irrational things when you're anxious. Most of them are not true. When you start to get nervous, think to yourself, "This is just my brain playing a trick on me." Many people get nervous over strange sounds when home alone. When you hear a strange noise, look for a logical explanations instead of assuming there's an intruder in the house. For example, think something like, "I think that is an intruder, but that's my anxiety talking. I know I locked the doors. The cat probably knocked something over upstairs." Question nervous thoughts. You should question any thoughts you have that don't seem rational when you're home alone. When you start to get scared over a particular scenario, stop and ask yourself something like, "Honestly, what is the worst thing that can happen here?" For example, you may get more nervous as it gets dark out. You may think something like, "I'm going to have a heart attack I'm so scared." Stop and question this. Ask yourself something like, "Am I really going to have a heart attack? What is the worst thing that could actually happen?" In reality, you know you won't have a heart attack just from being nervous. Say something to yourself like, "The worst thing that can happen is that I'll feel scared for a few hours. Feeling scared sucks, but it won't actually hurt me." Practice deep breathing. Simply breathing can help release tension and ground you in reality. If you start to get nervous home alone, do some simple deep breathing exercises to calm down and return your mind to the present. Inhale through your nose. Make sure to direct your breath in such a way that your diaphragm rises while your chest remains relatively still. Hold the breath for a count of four. Exhale through your mouth. Try to spend seven seconds exhaling. Repeat deep breathing a few times. You should feel significantly calmer. Visualize a calming scenario. Your imagination can really run wild when you're upset. Instead of letting your imagination scare you, redirect it. Envision a calming scenario when your thoughts start to spiral towards anxiety. When you start to feel nervous, go on a mental vacation. Imagine yourself somewhere relaxing where you can unwind. For example, picture yourself lying on a beach somewhere. Engage with all your senses. What does this scene look like, feel like, taste like? Close your eyes and imagine until you being to feel calm. Let a neighbor know you'll be home alone. You will feel more at ease at home if you let someone know you're alone. This way, you will feel like you have someone to turn to in the event of an emergency. You can let your neighbors know yourself you'll be home alone. Ask them politely if you can let them know if you need anything. You can also have your parents let the neighbors know you'll be home alone. Lock the doors and windows. If you feel secure and safe, you're more likely to feel relaxed at home alone. After you're left alone, go through and make sure all the doors and windows are locked. You will worry less about intruders if you know you're safely locked into your home. Learn the numbers for emergency services. If you feel prepared, you will feel less scared. Make sure you have all the numbers on hand in the event of an emergency. In many areas, you will simply dial 9-1-1. However, in your area you may need to call a local police station or fire station or the emergency services number where you live. Make a plan for emergencies. Having a plan can help you feel safe. While an emergency is unlikely, talk to your parents or other members of your household about a game plan in the event something goes wrong. Know who to call if anyone breaks in and having a hiding spot ready in your home. If it would make you feel better, you can have safety drills with your family in which you practice how to act during an emergency. | Distract yourself with fun activities. Call a friend or family member. Be productive. Do some exercise. Acknowledge your mind is playing tricks on you. Question nervous thoughts. Practice deep breathing. Visualize a calming scenario. Let a neighbor know you'll be home alone. Lock the doors and windows. Learn the numbers for emergency services. Make a plan for emergencies. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-a-Vertical-Sliding-Window | How to Remove a Vertical Sliding Window | You can remove a vertical sliding window by taking off the sash, or the panel that contains the frames, and sliding the window off. Start by removing the sash stops, which are small pieces of wood or metal located at the top corners of the window. Then, tie a knot on the cords of the lower and upper halves of the sash so they're out of the way. Use a flathead screwdriver to pry the removal clips, which look like small metal tabs about 1 inch high, on each side of the window jamb so they're at a 45-degree angle. Lift up the vertical sash until it comes off of its tracks and pull it out of the window. If your window has release buttons on the top of the sash instead of removal clips, squeeze both of the buttons inward and tilt the window towards you. Unscrew the restrictor if there is one and pull the window out of the frame. | Pull out the sash stops from the top corners of the window. The 2 sash stops will be located in the top-left and top-right corner of the window. Each sash stop is a small piece of wood or metal roughly 3 in (7.6 cm) × 2 in (5.1 cm). The sash stops prevent the window from accidentally opening too far during normal use. Not all sliding window models have sash stops. If yours does not, proceed to the next step. Remove the window’s cords and counterweights. If you're removing an older window that opens with cords, you'll need to remove these before taking the sash out of the frame. Once the stops are out of the way, take the cords off of the lower and upper halves of the sash and tie the cords in a knot on one side to keep them out of the way. Older windows that were installed during the 19th century generally do not have removal clips. Identify the removal clips on either side of the window jamb. The removal clips will be located about 1/3 of the way down from the top of the window. Every vertical sliding window with clips will have 2 in these positions: 1 on the left side of the jamb and 1 on the right. The clips themselves will look like small metal tabs about 1 inch (2.5 cm) high. If you're having trouble finding the removal clips, consult the owner's manual that came with your windows when they were first installed. The manual should have a schematic showing the location of the clips. Pry the removal clips up with a flathead screwdriver. Push the head of the screwdriver under the lower lip of a removal clip. Use the screwdriver to lift the clip up until it stands out from the jamb at about a 45° angle. Then, repeat the process on the other removal clip. The order in which you pry up the removal clips doesn't matter. Lift up the vertical sash until it disengages from its tracks. Once the sash stops are out of the way, push the window up as far as it will go in the frame. You should feel a click as the window slides up over the removal tabs and comes off of its tracks. Confirm that the sash is ready for removal by looking just below it in the window frame. You should be able to see the lower end of the spring-loaded balancers in the sash tracks. Pull the window out of the frame. Once you've lifted the vertical sash above the removal clips, you can push the sash to one side of the window frame. Pushing the sash to either the right- or left-hand side will take pressure off of the opposite side, making it easier to remove. Then, pull the sash directly out of the frame. Once the first side is out the second can be removed easily. While it may take some wiggling to pry the sash loose, you shouldn't have to force it out. Since the sash will be loose at this point, be careful not to drop it or damage the wood frame. Disengage the window lock. You'll be unable to lift the window if it's locked shut, so disconnect the locking mechanism. For most vertical sliding windows, the lock is centered on the top of the sliding sash. Slide the vertical sash up in the frame. Lift the sash as high as it will go. If you have trouble reaching the top of the sash when it's fully lifted up, you may need to use a step-ladder for this and the next step. Squeeze both of the release buttons inward. Styles of vertical sliding windows that do not feature removal clips are held in place by a pair of ⁄ 2 in (1.3 cm) buttons on the top of the sashing. Press both of these buttons inward toward the center of the window. Press the 2 release buttons simultaneously to disengage the sliding window from its track on both sides. Tilt the window towards you. While you're still holding the release buttons inward, pull gently on the sash to tilt it inward. The bottom will remain anchored in place at this point. As it tilts, you'll see the metal restrictor extend outwards with the window. Remove the screws holding the restrictor in place. On many types of vertical sashes, the top end of the long metal restrictor will be held in place on a metal bracket on the side of the sash. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the bottom screw from the bracket. Remember that there will be a screw on each side, and both need to be removed. Once both screws are out, the window pane will no longer be held in place. Use a hand to support the sash at this point. If your window does not have metal restrictors, you can skip this step. Hold the sash in a horizontal position. Once the sash is free from the restrictors, gently lower the top of the sash until it's completely horizontal. In this position, the horizontal sash and the vertical frame should form a 90° angle. Tap up on the sides of the sash and remove it from the frame. At this point the sash will only be held in place at its lower right and lower left corners. Use the base of your hand to give each of those corners a firm tap upwards. This will loosen the sash enough that you should be able to lift it free from the frame. When the sash is free, be careful not to drop or damage it. | Pull out the sash stops from the top corners of the window. Remove the window’s cords and counterweights. Identify the removal clips on either side of the window jamb. Pry the removal clips up with a flathead screwdriver. Lift up the vertical sash until it disengages from its tracks. Pull the window out of the frame. Disengage the window lock. Slide the vertical sash up in the frame. Squeeze both of the release buttons inward. Tilt the window towards you. Remove the screws holding the restrictor in place. Hold the sash in a horizontal position. Tap up on the sides of the sash and remove it from the frame. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cancel-a-Planet-Fitness-Membership | How to Cancel a Planet Fitness Membership | To fulfill Planet Fitness' cancellation requirements, write a 1-page document asking the gym to end your membership. So they know the letter is real, include your driver's license number and the last 4 digits of your SSN. If you want to cancel in person, visit your gym and give the paper to a membership representative. Alternatively, you can end your membership by mailing the document to your gym as a certified letter. After cancelling, keep track of your bank account to make sure the charges stop. | Find the contract you signed with Planet Fitness. Although you may have signed up with a "no contract" or "no sign-up fee" promotion, you still signed an agreement that designates how you can cancel and what situations may allow you to waive your cancellation fees. Read your contract. Your contract lays out the exact terms and conditions, and you should be informed. You should also note if you have an annual or monthly contract. Regardless of whether you pay annually or monthly, you likely signed a 1-year contract. Also, check to see when your contract is up. It might be easier to wait a month or two until your contract is up to cancel if you only have a couple of months left on your contract. Cancellation fees can be as much as 5 or 6 months of regular payments. Pay attention to the billing cycle. Usually, for a monthly contract, you must cancel before the 10th of the month, as you are generally billed on the 17th, and the company needs time to process your request. For an annual contract, you must cancel before the 25th of the month prior to when you are billed. In other words, if you usually pay your annual bill in March, you need to cancel on or before February 25. Think of a fitness contract like a leasing contract. Having to give 30 days notice and fees for early cancellation are common with gyms. In fact, if you don't cancel your membership correctly, you may have to pay your contract out in total. Get your gym fees waived. If you can give written proof that you are injured or that you must move out of range of a Planet Fitness, then you may be able to have the fees waived. If you have an injury, ask your doctor's office to write a note confirming that you will be unable to use the gym facilities. Ask him or her to give a specific amount of time that you will be unable to use the gym. If you are moving to a new place, it must be farther than 25 miles (40 km) away from any Planet Fitness location. Planet Fitness aims to transfer memberships whenever possible. Ask your employer to write a relocation letter, and make sure to map out the distance before specifying where you will be moving. That is, establish that you will have no Planet Fitness gyms within 25 miles (40 km) of your new address. You can print off maps with your new location and the closest Planet Fitness locations marked to help your case. If neither of these situations applies to you, you will be required to pay the cancellation fee, though you can plead your case if other situations inhibit your ability to go to the gym. Be sure to have written proof of your situation, as they will not just take your word for it. Write down the information you'll need. You will need your membership identification number. You will also likely need some personal information, such as your address, your social security number, your driver's license number, and your date of birth. Write a one-page document asking to cancel your membership. Make sure it is in accordance with the contract's specifications. Mention in your letter that you want your cancellation fee waived if you're eligible, as well as the reason why. Also note what documentation you are including with the letter. Include all your personal information; you only need to include the last four digits of your social security number and your driver's license number. Sign it. Planet Fitness requires a written cancellation. Include your back-up documentation to request your cancellation fee be waived. Clearly indicate what each piece of documentation is at the top of the page. Check the hours for your location's Membership Services department. Call the department, and request a meeting to cancel your membership. Tell them you want to cancel your membership. Meet with a representative, and give them the written documentation. Ask for the cancellation in writing. Don't forget to request a signature from an employee. You want proof that you cancelled your membership, as you may need it later. Arrange to cancel any future monthly payments. You may need to pay another month, but make sure that payment is cancelled after that. Settle up any cancellation fees so you can be sure your membership is cancelled. Ask for the name and number of an appropriate contact person. If you run into trouble after canceling -- if, for example, you find that you are being charged improper fees -- you may need to contact a particular person to address the issue. Monitor your credit card or bank statements. If monthly or annual charges show up that shouldn't be there, you need to contact the gym. Call Membership Services if any extra charges were taken out. Act immediately to avoid losing money. Visit in person. If the gym is still insisting you pay, show them the cancellation in writing to prove that you have done so. Alternatively, send a certified letter. Because certified letters can be tracked, you can ensure that the gym received the letter. To send a certified letter, buy the postage for certified mail at the post office or online. Certified mail is only applicable to priority or first-class mail. Choose electronic or physical delivery of the signature. Essentially, you are proving that someone at Planet Fitness accepted and signed for the letter. You will get there actual signature back if you choose the physical signature, or you will be emailed a copy of their electronic signature if you choose the other option. Physical may be better for this situation because it looks more official. Gather your letter together. Don't forget to include a letter requesting the cancellation of membership, all of your documentation, your personal information, and your justification for waiving your fees, if applicable. Request that they send a notice of cancellation in writing, as well as provide a follow-up phone call to you to confirm your membership is cancelled. Take the letter to the post office. Give it to an employee. Certified mail has to be given to an employee to receive a return signature. Call the gym if you do not receive notice your membership was cancelled. If you don't receive notification that your membership was cancelled within a week and a half, call and talk to an employee. You may need to visit in person if you cannot get it cancelled through a letter. Check your accounts. Make sure you do not have any monthly or annual charges beyond what you've agreed to pay. If you do, you need to visit Planet Fitness and show them the proof of cancellation. | Find the contract you signed with Planet Fitness. Read your contract. Pay attention to the billing cycle. Get your gym fees waived. Write down the information you'll need. Write a one-page document asking to cancel your membership. Check the hours for your location's Membership Services department. Tell them you want to cancel your membership. Ask for the cancellation in writing. Arrange to cancel any future monthly payments. Ask for the name and number of an appropriate contact person. Monitor your credit card or bank statements. Call Membership Services if any extra charges were taken out. Visit in person. Alternatively, send a certified letter. Gather your letter together. Take the letter to the post office. Call the gym if you do not receive notice your membership was cancelled. Check your accounts. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Weave-Hair | How to Weave Hair | To weave extensions into your hair, start by washing and conditioning your hair, selecting where you want your hair parted, and braiding your hair away from the part. Then, apply a wig cap to your head and use a curved sewing needle and weave thread to sew the cap into your braids around the perimeter of your hairline and part. Next, measure your extension around the perimeter and the part in your hair and cut it to size before sewing it into the wig cap, and repeat until your head until it is covered. | Wash and condition your hair. You should always prepare your hair for cornrows/weave prior to executing the style. Wash your hair as you normally do, and give it a good conditioning treatment as well. Make sure that your hair is totally dry before starting the cornrow process. Gather the necessary supplies. To create the base to sew your weave onto, you have to braid your head in a series of cornrows. To do this, you'll need a wide tooth comb, a fine tooth comb, and a hair pick. You will also need 2 to 3 large hair clips to hold your hair away from your face, and a detangling spray of some sort (3 parts water mixed with 1 part oil in a spray bottle works well). Select your part. When you add your weave, you'll place it in layers around a part in your natural hair. Your part is the exposed area of the scalp, and is typically located down the center of your head or slightly off-center. Choose the location of the part carefully because you will not be able to change it until you take out the weave. Separate out 0.5 in (1.3 cm) sections of hair on either side of it. Pin the rest of your hair back using the clips. Your part only needs to go about halfway back on your head. Braid the perimeter row. The first braid you will complete is a small braid that wraps around the outer edge of your face, head, and to the nape of your neck. The perimeter braid will have 2 starts - on either side of the part - but you will combine the ends of the braids together at the nape of your neck. Take your hair out of the hair clips, and section off a strand of hair 0.25 to 0.5 in (0.64 to 1.27 cm) thick all the way around the outer edge of your head. Starting with the edge-braid from your part, braid as far as you can around the edge of your head. Then, do the same on the other side. You might combine the perimeter braids off to the side rather than directly in the center on the nape of your neck, if your part is off-center. Keep the braid as tight as you can, and as close to your scalp as you're able. Begin braiding your part. To show your part, you will braid two rows of hair on either side of the part, away from each other. Start with one of the 0.5 in (1.3 cm) sections of hair, and separate a small piece about 0.25 in (0.64 cm) thick on one of the ends. Braid this in a French braid towards the back of your head on the one side of the part. Braid this strand about ⅔ of the way down, leaving the ends loose (they will be incorporated into a larger braid later on). Finish braiding your part. Work down both sides of the part, braiding small French braids 0.25 in (0.64 cm) wide. Remember that the braids should run parallel to your part and you should work down your head in horizontal sections. Because you won't be able to French braid each strand all the way, the ends should be loose after you've braided all the hair near the scalp. Each of the strands that are loose will be the start of a row of braids going all the way around your head. Begin the center braids. Each of the braids you began on either side of your part will continue on to form full braids that wrap around your head. This means that from a birds-eye-view of your completed head, there will be concentric circles formed around your part. Follow the pattern of the perimeter braid, by sectioning off thin pieces of hair around the outer edge and working in. Go to the next braid closest to your hairline, and braid on either side of your part towards the back of your head. Continue spraying your hair with the oil/water mixture or your detangler spray to make braiding easier. Your braids should be very tight and may hurt while braiding, but shouldn't be painful when completed. The braids will likely become quite thick about halfway through, because of all the hair you gather. Don't be worried if because of this your braids are uneven. Finish your braids. Work inwards on your braids, away from your part. Each of the small braids you started on either side of your part should serve as the start for each new braid. If you run out of part-braids though, you can create more near the part on the back of your head. Tie off all the ends and tuck them into/under the finished braids so as to hide the tails. Get all of your supplies. For your weave, you'll at need at least two packages of wefts of human hair in a color coordinating your natural hue. You'll also need curved sewing needles, weave thread that matches the hair color, a wig cap, and a pick or fine tooth comb for separating sections of hair. When you finish weaving in a weft of hair, you'll cut the excess with a pair of shears, so have those on hand as well. Prepare your needle and thread. Get your special weave-thread out, and cut a piece that is 2–3 feet (0.6–0.9 m) long. Thread one end of the string through your needle, and pull it so that both ends are even. Then, wrap the ends of the thread around the tip of your finger, and tie them together in a knot. This will form a loop on which your needle is strung. Cut the excess thread off that is left over from tying your knot; try to cut it as close to the knot as you are able, so as to make it as discreet as possible when woven into your hair. Don't cut too much thread to start, as the longer your thread, the more tangles and knots that are likely to be formed. You'll probably run out of thread often, so you'll have to repeat the aforementioned process each time that happens. Put on your wig cap. Pull your wig cap out and stretch it out, sliding it over your head. Cover your entire hairline all the way around; the wig cap should go over your ears, forehead, and the nape of your neck as bit so as to make sure your braids are completely covered. Begin sewing your wig cap to your braids. Start at the beginning of your perimeter braid near the part, and pull the needle under the braid and through the other side, pulling the thread taut against the knot. Then, pull the end of the knot out just a bit and pull the two strings apart to expose the loop. Wrap the needle around one edge of the loop twice, and pull it through the center of the loop to create the base knot. Sew the wig cap to the perimeter braid. Measure about 1-inch down the perimeter braid from the first knot you made, and repeat the process. Hook the needle under the braid, pull it through the other side, and tug to pull the loose thread tight. Before the thread between the two knots has been tightened all the way though, wrap the needle around it twice near where you inserted it, and pull tight. This will give you your second knot. Repeat this same process all the way around the perimeter braid. Each knot should be about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart from each other. Make sure that your knots and thread are pulled tight, so that your cap is firmly attached to your braids. Sew the wig cap around your part. When you've sewn the wig cap around the perimeter braid, you'll complete the 'loop' by sewing around the outside of your part. Starting from your last knot on the perimeter braid, skip up to the next row of braids on your head. Repeat the knot-tying process, and then go up to the next row. By the time you've sewn around the part, you should have a large 'U' shape of knots. Make sure that each knot is at least 1-inch away from the center part. Finish off by tying two knots at the base of your sewing, where you started on the perimeter braid. The finishing knots should be the same as the other knots you've been sewing the whole time. Cut the extra string off as close to the knot as you are able, without cutting the knot. Cut off the excess wig cap. Take your shears and cut up along your part to split the wig cap. You'll be removing all the excess fabric around the edge of your sewing (the part that went over your forehead, ears, nape of your neck, and the covers your part). Once you've cut up your part, cut all the extra fabric off as close to the edge of your thread as possible, without getting close enough to cut the knots. If you accidentally cut the thread or a knot, you'll have to remove what work you've done and start over with a new wig cap. Measure your extension-hair for the perimeter braid. The first extension that you will measure and apply is the piece that goes around the perimeter. Take your extensions out of the package, and open one weft so that all the hair is exposed. Starting at the beginning of your perimeter braid, hold the extension in place, and wrap it around your head. Hold it to the perimeter braid the entire time to make sure it is the right length. When you get to the end of the perimeter braid on the other side, measure a little extra hair, and then trim it to fit. Place this piece of perimeter-extension off to the side, so that you don't misplace it or confuse it for another section of hair. Measure the extension to go around the outside of your part. The second major section of hair you need to measure is the piece that will go around the 'U' shape of your part. Hold the end of the extension over the beginning of the 'U' shaped part near your forehead, and wrap it around where you have already knotted. When you get to the end on the other side (back to your forehead), add a little extra length to your measurement, and then cut the piece of extension. Keep track of this extension, and make sure you don't confuse it with the perimeter extension. Prepare your thread. You're going to be working with a long strip of extension, but you won't be able to use all the necessary thread in a single shot. Cut a piece of your weave thread that is 5–6 feet (1.5–1.8 m) long, and use the same process as you did for your wig cap by threading it through the needle, matching the ends, and tying them together in a knot. Cut off any excess string. Create your base knot through the weft of the extension. Every time you section out a new piece of extension to sew on, you'll have to create a knot to secure it. The extension is made up of two primary parts: the strands of hair, and the weft which holds them together. Stick your needle through the weft at the very beginning of the extension to secure it. To tie your first knot, you'll wrap the needle around, pull it through the weft a second time, wrap the loop that is formed around the needle twice, and pull the needle through. The knotting process involved is the same as you used to sew your wig cap to your cornrows. You should have plenty of excess thread when you're finished tying your not; don't cut this, as you will be using it to weave your extension to your head. Begin sewing the extension to your wig cap. Start at the very beginning of your perimeter braid near your part, and insert the needle through the wig cap, under the perimeter braid, and up through the other side. Pull it tight to bring your extension piece close to your head. Then, make your first knot by wrapping the needle/thread around the weft (not through it) and repeating the same knotting process as you used for sewing your cap. Repeat your knot twice to secure the extension. You'll only double-knot the extension at the very beginning. Continue sewing your perimeter extension. Using the exact same process as you did to sew on the wig cap, work around your head sewing on the extensions that attach to the perimeter braid. Make each knot about 1-inch apart, and hold the extensions taut so that they are securely attached to your head. Do this all the way around your perimeter braid until you've made it to the very end, on the opposite side of your part. Be careful not to tie strands of hair into the knot. Trim off any excess that you might have once you have completed sewing on the perimeter extension. Sew your extension around the outside of your part. To finish off the 'border' of your hair, you'll have to sew your extension piece around the edge of the 'U' shape that your wig cap forms around your part. Start by preparing a new piece of thread and attaching it to the end of the weft. Then use the exact same process as explained above to sew the extension to the braids/wig cap around your part. Trim off any extra that you might have at the end. Begin filling in the rest of your head with the extensions. Starting at the second row of braids (the second to the perimeter braids) you should begin filling in the space on your head with the rest of your extensions. Continue the same process as above, except that when you get to the end of your row (on the opposite side of the perimeter braid), you should use the 'fold over' method to begin an additional row. This means that instead of cutting off the excess extension when you reach the end of a row, you fold it back on itself and begin sewing the new row directly above it. Always sew a knot directly over a fold when you fold over a section, in order to make it lay flat. It is helpful to do this twice, to make sure it is 100% secure. Don't measure and cut your pieces prior to sewing additional rows, because the fold-over method will make it easier to continue working with the same weft for a large portion of your head. Finish filling in your head. Work around your head, using the exact same process of sewing your weave to your cap/braids as you have been. Remember to always double knot over a fold or the beginning of a weft, to properly secure it. When you have finished filling in your head, trim off any excess that might hang over the front. Sew on your closure for your part. If you've done all of your sewing correctly so far, you should be left with about 1-inch of exposed braids all the way around your part. Sewing your weave onto this section is similar to when you originally braided it, as you will be working with small sections away from the part. Measure the exposed braid, and cut off the same amount of your weave. Sew each small section (about 1-inch wide) onto the exposed braid. This means that you will have many small pieces to sew, and each should run somewhat parallel to your forehead. Use the exact same process, making sure to double-knot both the beginning and end of each thread. It might be helpful to have several needles with thread prepared before starting this, because you'll be working with so many small pieces of weave which may be difficult to do with a single long piece of thread. As the layers build, your part should look more and more natural, and the weft of each piece of extension should begin to be covered up. Create your closure for the back of your part. When you've sewn on extensions to all the small braids along your part, you should be left with a space in the back that is still open. To fill this in, you'll have to prepare a special piece of your weave. Measure the space that you have to fill, and cut a piece of your weave that is twice that length. Start with your regular double knot at the end, and then roll the weave in to create a small circle. Create an additional knot by looping around the two layered sections of weft, and pulling it tight. Continue rolling and knotting the extension until you have finished the whole piece. When you tie the last knot, pull the needle through all of the layered wefts to secure them together. Cut the excess string off when you're finished tying it. Adjust your closure piece. Turn your closure piece upside down so that the weft is facing the ground, and the hair is upwards. Begin flattening the hair so that it falls down over the top of the rolled up weft. Because of the roll that you created, the hair should fall evenly around it, hiding the weft and your sewing. It may be helpful to use a flat iron on the hair to get it to cooperate with what you're trying to get it to do. Secure the ends of the hair with a small elastic to making sewing it to your scalp much easier. Sew your closure to your head. Turn your closure piece back over so that the weft is exposed, and insert your needle and thread through it to tie your regular double knot. Bring your closure to your scalp, and place it where you want it to go. Insert your needle through a braid or a piece of weft from another extension nearby on your scalp, and pull it tight to create your regular knot. Continue doing this in a circular movement around your closure piece, until you've gotten back to the beginning. Cut off the excess string, remove the elastic from your hair, and you're done! Adjust the strands of your closure piece to cover up any weft that may be visible. Cut and style your weave. Attaching your weave to your head is now completed, so you have the option of cutting and styling it to your personal preference. Keep in mind that your cut is permanent since your hair isn't going to grow in, so be very careful about cutting your hair. Maintain your weave regularly, but avoid washing it too often as this may loosen up the ties and your wig cap. Point cutting your ends is a great way to reduce bulk and get some texture into the ends of your weave. Hold the scissors perpendicular to the ends of your hair and make some 0.5 in (1.3 cm) cuts into the ends. | Wash and condition your hair. Gather the necessary supplies. Select your part. Braid the perimeter row. Begin braiding your part. Finish braiding your part. Begin the center braids. Finish your braids. Get all of your supplies. Prepare your needle and thread. Put on your wig cap. Begin sewing your wig cap to your braids. Sew the wig cap to the perimeter braid. Sew the wig cap around your part. Cut off the excess wig cap. Measure your extension-hair for the perimeter braid. Measure the extension to go around the outside of your part. Prepare your thread. Create your base knot through the weft of the extension. Begin sewing the extension to your wig cap. Continue sewing your perimeter extension. Sew your extension around the outside of your part. Begin filling in the rest of your head with the extensions. Finish filling in your head. Sew on your closure for your part. Create your closure for the back of your part. Adjust your closure piece. Sew your closure to your head. Cut and style your weave. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Swim-Faster | How to Swim Faster | To swim faster, start by decreasing your drag by maintaining a position that is as horizontal as possible. Additionally, swim taller by extending your recovery arm forward as far as it can go before you begin the down sweep and catch into the water. You'll also want to kick efficiently by not breaking the surface of the water or allowing your legs to drop too low below your body line. One way to keep your body in line is to tighten your core muscles as well as roll from side to side to allow your back and shoulder muscles to do a lot of the work. | Decrease your drag. Swimmers often focus on swimming as fast as possible, not swimming with the least amount of drag. Drag is the resistance your body has against the water. Remember that it takes true skill, not just force, to bring down that drag. There are many ways to decrease your drag, such as improving your balance or swimming taller. Improve your balance. This is a great way to decrease your drag. To stay balanced, maintain a position that is as horizontal as it can possibly be as you move through the water. This will make it so that the least amount of water gets in your path, slowing you down. This is especially important for the freestyle stroke , where you have to keep yourself from lifting your head too much, which disrupts your balance, so you have to kick harder to counterbalance. This is a bit different when it comes to the breaststroke and butterfly stroke, because your body undulates instead of being perfectly balanced during the strokes. Swim taller. Try to make yourself as tall as possible when you're in the water. The taller or longer you are, the better and faster you can swim. For example, to swim taller during the free stroke, you have to enter your recovering arm into the water early, once it passes over your head; you should extend your recovering arm forward as far is it will go before you begin the down sweep and catch. Think about it: if your body is all scrunched up instead of stretched nice and tall, it'll be more difficult to move through the water. Kick efficiently. When you kick, you shouldn't break the surface of the water or move your legs too low below the body line—it all goes back to maintaining balance. If you do this, you'll be off balance, creating more drag. Improve your propulsion. This does not mean you should focus more on strength than skill. Remember that about 10% of your speed comes from your legs, while the rest comes from your arms, so you should focus on pulling hard and making sure your legs don't slow you down, but instead help propel you forward faster. Use your sides. Don't be afraid to roll from side to side a bit more as you use each arm stroke. This will let you make better use of those big back muscles and will also make better use of your shoulder strength. It does take some getting used to in practice, but once you get the hang of it, you'll have a better command of your strength, as well as your speed. Don't forget your core muscles. The core is made up of your back, hip, abdomen (abs), and torso muscles, and it's especially important to use it when you're rolling from side to side. Making use of those muscles will help you swim more cleanly and more quickly, though it may feel a bit awkward to place more emphasis on your core instead of your arms and legs, at first. Try purposefully tensing them up to keep your body straighter, too. Anchor your arms. In order to maximize your speed, you have to align your hand and your forearm and have them face backwards. This makes it easier to move your arm backward for strokes. You might have heard of this technique as the high elbow catch during the freestyle stroke, because you have to keep your elbow above your head to really master this move. Maintain a neutral head position. To swim as fast as possible, aim to have a neutral head position throughout your stroke. Keeping your head positioned this way reduces drag and makes strokes more efficient. If your head isn't centered, you'll be swimming to one side. Incorrect head position may be the reason you feel you are "sinking" because of lowered hips or muscular legs. You should be looking down, not up or forward, to keep your body as horizontal as possible in the freestyle position. To keep your head and eyes down, keep your neck relaxed; this will keep your lower body higher in the water. If you're more of a visual thinker, take this advice from the swimmer, Garret McCaffery: “Imagine you are a whale, there is a blowhole on your neck, and you need that hole accessible at all times so you can breathe or you will die. If your neck is angled you closed the hole and you can't breathe. You need to position your head so your neck is at the right angle.” Spread your fingers when you swim. By spreading your fingers slightly, instead of clamping them together, you create an "invisible web" that can help exert 53% more force! The ideal spacing is 20-40% of the diameter of the finger. Though this will not make as big of a difference as the other steps, together it will help to make you faster Avoid illegal turns. Even when you're not in a race, avoid making illegal turns when you swim, so you don't get into the habit. Just like maintaining a neutral head position, doing what you're going to do on race day in practice will allow you to swim faster. Approach walls quickly. A lot of swimmers think of the walls as a comfy little resting place, even if they're only "resting" there for a fraction of a second. However, if you want to swim faster, then this absolutely cannot be you. Approach the wall quickly, with your head down for at least two strokes in all of the strokes you're swimming except the breaststroke. This will help you get the lead you may need to beat your best race time—and the swimmers in the other lanes. Make sure to kick through your break outs. When you're pushing off the wall, make sure to use a strong kick off it to keep up the speed you've gained. For a breaststroke, doing a full pull out can give you that extra edge. Continue to maintain a tight streamline while you're doing this, and you'll see that you'll soon be swimming faster than ever. Dolphin kick under the water. If you're already using a powerful kick, you can go even faster by dolphin kicking off the wall. Dolphin kicking off the wall can make you go even faster, and having a strong underwater kick can increase your lung capacity. You may want to talk with a coach about this, because some swimmers go faster with long underwater kicks, and some don't, but some good general advice is to stop dolphin kicking and surface once you physically feel yourself slowing down, or if you reach the 15 meter (49.2 ft) or yard marker. Develop a structured routine. If you're part of a team, then the coach will provide a structured routine for you. But it's always good to have your own routine as well, for personal practice. Having a routine that has elements of aerobic exercise, (which means swimming for longer) as well as a moderate endurance workout (which focuses on mid-distance and moderately hard swimming) can help you get faster. Your workout should have several elements but the main part should focus on endurance, speed, and muscular endurance. Here's an example of a structured workout you can try: 10-15% spent on an easy warm up (4 x 100 easy swimming with 20 seconds of rest between each distance) 10-20% spent on drills and kicking (8 x 50s as an alternating drill, with 1 kick with 15 seconds of rest) 40-70% spent on the main set (6 x 200 with 30 seconds of rest or 12 x 100 with 15 seconds of rest) 5-10% spent on cooling down (easy 100s) Join a swim team. Search for swim teams in your area, and find information such as how much it costs to register, what time practice is at, and what equipment you need. If you're not already on a team, being on one can definitely help you swim faster not only because you'll have more motivation to practice every day, but because you'll also get more practice during races and will be working with a coach who can help you master the correct technique. If you do join a team, you have to commit to coming to practice every day. Push yourself at practice. Try to make the send-offs with 5-7 seconds rest. Once you've mastered that, try 10 seconds, 15, and so on. Participate in swim meets. If you are on a swim team, then you'll be participating in swim meets regularly. Don't be nervous; it's not about getting first place, but about beating your best time. Most swimmers swim faster during swim meets than practice, because adrenaline is high and there's more at stake. You can "trick" your body into swimming faster just by attending swim meets. Attend a swim clinic. Swim clinics can teach you better form for your strokes, tips for achieving more, can help you with your dives and turns, and may generally give you an unforgettable experience. You'll be motivated by meeting other people who are as excited about swimming as you are. Some swim clinics even have Olympic athletes as coaches. They may be costly, but many will say that they are worth it. You may even be able to find a clinic or a coach who can film you while you're swimming, providing valuable feedback about how you can improve your technique. It's hard to know where you can improve without having someone else watch you swim. Get more informed about swimming. Watch videos and read books about swimming to get a better sense of what it means to swim faster. There are lots of videos on YouTube on how to improve your strokes. Also, there are lots of books about better stroke technique. Try to get books like that, or books about the success of swimmers like Michael Phelps, Ryan Lochte, and Missy Franklin to get motivated. Though using your body to swim faster is important, it doesn't hurt to engage your mind, too. Hit up the gym. Though practicing swimming itself is very important, you can also improve your speed by building a stronger body. Do some cardio work by running, train with weights, and do sit-ups to improve your core. Having stronger abs and arms can help you move through the water more quickly. Plus, this kind of workout can be a refreshing break from spending so much time in the water. Let other people push you. If your friend is faster than you, and your goal is to be faster than him, think about that all during every practice to encourage you to work harder. Swimming alongside faster swimmers pushes you and helps you get faster, too. Just make sure the person next to you isn't so much faster than you that you get discouraged by the process. Prepare your mind as well as your body. All of that physical work won't mean a thing if you're feeling too nervous or simply unmotivated. Stay focused and motivated throughout practice and get excited to be there on race day. Don't dread the meets, and instead, look at them as an opportunity to try to do your best. Remember that it's not about being the best swimmer on your team or at the meet, but about doing your personal best. This alone should motivate you to swim faster. | Decrease your drag. Improve your balance. Swim taller. Kick efficiently. Improve your propulsion. Use your sides. Don't forget your core muscles. Anchor your arms. Maintain a neutral head position. Spread your fingers when you swim. Avoid illegal turns. Approach walls quickly. Make sure to kick through your break outs. Dolphin kick under the water. Develop a structured routine. Join a swim team. Participate in swim meets. Attend a swim clinic. Get more informed about swimming. Hit up the gym. Let other people push you. Prepare your mind as well as your body. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Insult-Somebody-Creatively | How to Insult Somebody Creatively | Insulting somebody creatively is a great way to get some laughs and put someone in their place when they get cocky. Think about things that are important to the person. For example, if they're always talking about their football team, say something like, “I know, Sam. I get it. I'd be sore too if my team lost 3 games in a row.” Or, if they insult you for being bad at a sport, turn it back on them by saying, “I could improve my game if I wanted to, but you're stuck with your face for life.” You can also prepare some quick-fire comebacks that work in any situation like, “If I agreed with you, we'd both be wrong.” | Think before reacting. If you insult someone without taking a moment to gather your wits, you'll probably just be plain defensive or come across as confused. When you insult them, take a small amount of time to think about it. Not too much or they'll catch on, but a long pause is just fine. If you're short on ideas use a previous insult and modify it. Chances are, they won't catch it. Take a few deep breaths (draw your breath in noisily if it helps) concentrate on what needs to be said and draw on your pre-rehearsed comebacks (see step 2). Create some insults in your free time. Think up appropriate ways to insult the different people who might insult you. If you have a starting point, the rest will come easier. Ignore the person(s). If you don't take their insults seriously, they won't be able to insult you seriously. Don't react. Instead, just smile and laugh it off. It will make the person wonder what they're doing wrong. Don't swear or resort to "Your mom! " or any other variants such as "That's what she said!" You can use "your mom" jokes to make them be quiet when they are coming up with a comeback to stop them, but they're not creative and people have become used to ignoring them. Revert the insult to the one insulting you. If you have a point of pride, and they tried to hit it, realize that it is because of their insecurities. If you then talk about how their insult would apply to them more than you, they are removed of this crucial power and you have pointed out that which is evident––they're projecting their insecurities onto you. Don't get mad. Find their points of pride and insult them on it. If they come up with a comeback, chuckle a bit then say, "It's a bit too late for sarcasm, but thank you." You must remain grounded in your apparent idea that they were complimenting you, they won't believe it, but it will make it harder for them to insult you effectively. Make fun of them. If you do catch a flaw in their argument, point it out and mock them for it. Once again, it is all about removing their power and therefore increasing yours. Interrupt them when they insult you. If you stop them from insulting you, they will get frustrated and try harder. If so, interrupt them and pick apart their insults. Accept that you won. If they are frustrated, you have essentially won. Frustration is the equivalent of an armbar in martial arts, you haven't won yet, but you're about to. This point is critical. You have the choice to either apologize at this point or continue and send them into a swearing or crying wreck. You need to feel when they're frustrated. | Think before reacting. Create some insults in your free time. Ignore the person(s). Don't react. Don't swear or resort to "Your mom! Revert the insult to the one insulting you. Don't get mad. Make fun of them. Interrupt them when they insult you. Accept that you won. |
https://www.wikihow-fun.com/Annoy-Your-Siblings | How to Annoy Your Siblings | One easy way to annoy your sibling is to repeat everything they say in a high-pitched voice. You can also follow them around the house as you're doing it to drive them even more crazy. Play pranks on your sibling, like hiding in their closet and scaring them or turning the WiFi off when they're on the computer. If you really want to annoy them, sneak into their room in the morning and yell in their ear to wake them up — just be prepared to run! | Follow your sibling around wherever they go. If they ask what you're doing, just ignore them or say, “Nothing.” If they leave the house, follow them outside. If they lock themselves in a room, wait outside the door and keep reminding them you're there. Every few minutes, say something like “Hey, I'm still here. I haven't left, don't worry!” If your parents walk in, pretend you're going to your room or grabbing a snack from the kitchen or something. Repeat everything they say in a high-pitched voice. If they catch on and ask what you're doing, just repeat the question back to them. If they get frustrated and say, “You're so annoying, stop it,” say “You're so annoying, stop it” back to them in a high-pitched voice. Also, if they say something like "I'm an idiot!" thinking you will repeat this, change it to "You're an idiot!" It will drive them nuts! Steal food off their plate at dinner when they’re not looking. Wait until they notice some of their food is missing and then pretend you have no idea what they're talking about. If they're not catching on, say “Woah, slow down. Why are you eating so fast?” Make sure you're sneaky so your parents don't catch you! Bother them when they’re around their friends. If they're watching TV with their friends, stand in front of the TV so they can't see and demand attention. If they're hanging out in their room with their friends, bang on the door until they let you in. If they don't, slip notes under the door with random words or drawings on them. Eventually, they might give up and let you join them. If nothing else is working, get out old photo albums and show your sibling's friends embarrassing pictures of your sibling as a baby. Hide your sibling’s phone and then text or call it. Wait until they're distracted watching TV or doing homework and then grab their phone without them noticing. Hide it in a spot that will take them forever to find. Then, call their phone so it starts ringing, and keep calling it over and over again while they run around looking for it. The longer it takes them to find it, the more annoyed they'll be! Try hiding it in a box of food in a cupboard or all the way in the back of a drawer. Hide it somewhere that muffles the sound so it takes them forever to find it. Hide in their room and jump out and scare them. Go underneath their bed or get in their closet when they're not around. Then, when they come in their room and get settled in, pop out and yell something loud like “Gotcha!” If you're hiding under their bed, you can reach out and grab their leg when they walk by to scare them. Turn off the WiFi when they’re using their computer. Find the modem in your house and unplug it. Then, wait for your sibling to start asking questions — when they do, pretend you don't know what they're talking about. Tell them the WiFi is working just fine for you. They'll end up thinking there's something wrong with their computer! Just remember, this will mess up the WiFi for you and everyone else in the house too. After 10 or 15 minutes, fill them in on your prank. Say something like “Oh yeah, I forgot I unplugged the WiFi. Whoops!” Make sure your parents aren't using the WiFi or you could get in trouble! Rearrange their room when they’re not home. Move their furniture around so it's all in different places. Take everything off their shelves and desk and reorganize them in funny ways. You can even take the posters on their walls down and put them back up somewhere else. Try to be as quick as possible so they don't come home and catch you! Remake their bed so the pillows are at the bottom of the bed where their feet usually go. You can also turn any chairs in their room upside down. Wake your sibling up early in the morning with a loud noise. Sneak into their room while they're asleep and get close to their ear. Then, clap your hands together or yell to wake them up. As soon as they wake up, run into your room and jump in your bed. When they confront you about it, just say “I never did that. You must have been dreaming." Bring a metal spoon or pot with you and bang them together if you want to be extra annoying. Blast a song they don’t like really loudly on speakers. Set up the speakers in whatever room they're in so it's extra loud. If they lock themselves in their room, set up the speakers in the hallway outside. Save this for when your parents aren't home so you don't disturb them and get in trouble. If your sibling hates country music, find a country song and play it loudly on repeat. Blasting classical music might be a great way to drive your sibling mad. Shout in their ear when they’re talking on the phone. Sneak up behind them and yell in their ear so they can't hear the person they're talking to. If they walk away, follow them and keep doing it. If you want to distract them even more, poke them while you're doing it — they'll only have one free hand to stop you. Sing a song over and over again in front of them. Don't acknowledge them while you're doing it — just keep singing as you're doing your own thing. Sing a song that's repetitive and monotone so it's even more annoying. Eventually, they'll get super annoyed with you. If you want to be extra annoying, don't even sing the whole song. Just sing one line of the song over and over again, like “Mary had a little lamb, Mary had a little lamb, Mary had a little lamb…” | Follow your sibling around wherever they go. Repeat everything they say in a high-pitched voice. Steal food off their plate at dinner when they’re not looking. Bother them when they’re around their friends. Hide your sibling’s phone and then text or call it. Hide in their room and jump out and scare them. Turn off the WiFi when they’re using their computer. Rearrange their room when they’re not home. Wake your sibling up early in the morning with a loud noise. Blast a song they don’t like really loudly on speakers. Shout in their ear when they’re talking on the phone. Sing a song over and over again in front of them. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Sushi-Roll | How to Make a Sushi Roll | To make a sushi roll, start by preparing 1 cup (190 g) of sushi rice and cutting 2 ounces (57 g) of filling ingredients, such as veggies and fresh fish, into thin slivers. Next, place a sheet of nori on a rolling mat with the shiny side facing down and spread the sushi rice onto the sheet in a thin layer. Then, use your finger to make a shallow depression in the center of the rice and add your filling ingredients. Finally, roll the sushi up from the bottom using your mat as a guide and cut the roll into 1–2 in (2.5–5.1 cm) pieces using a sharp knife with a wet blade. | Cook a batch of sushi rice in your rice cooker. Combine 1 cup (190-285 g) of sushi rice and 1.25 cups (300 mL) of water in your rice cooker. Stir the ingredients until they're thoroughly mixed, then close the lid and hit the start button. It should only take about 15-20 minutes for your rice to finish cooking. If you don't have a rice cooker, you can also boil your sushi rice on the stovetop until all the water has cooked out of it. This method is typically a little slower, and may take 20-25 minutes. Cooking 1 cup (190 g) of rice will give you enough for 1-3 rolls. Heat your vinegar, sugar, and salt together in a small saucepan. Add 2.5 tablespoons (37 mL) of rice vinegar, ½ tablespoon of granulated white sugar, and ½ teaspoon of salt to the saucepan and place it on the stove over low heat. These ingredients will serve as the seasoning mixture for your sushi rice. Warm the mixture for 2-3 minutes, stirring it occasionally to prevent it from scorching. Look for the sugar and salt to dissolve completely before you remove the mixture from the stovetop. Be careful not to use more than the recommended amount of vinegar. Doing so could make your rice soupy and cause it to fall apart when you attempt to roll it. Add your seasoning mixture to the cooked rice and let it cool. Drizzle the vinegar, sugar, and salt over your freshly-cooked rice while it's still warm. Stir the rice thoroughly for 1-2 minutes to ensure that the seasoning mixture is fully incorporated throughout. When you're done, leave your rice out on the countertop to cool at room temperature. The addition of the seasoning mixture will both flavor your rice and give it the perfect sticky texture for rolling. Cut your filling ingredients into small pieces. Slice veggies like cucumber, avocado, and daikon sprouts into thin slivers to make sure they'll fit in your roll comfortably. If you want to incorporate fresh fish, shrimp, eel, or any other type of seafood, you can either cut it into strips or opt for a finer chop, dice, or mince. You'll only need about 2 ounces (57 g) of veggies or fish (or both) to fill your sushi roll. The tuna used for spicy tuna rolls, for example, is typically diced into tiny cubes and combined with spicy mayo or other condiments. Bulky pieces of fish or veggies will make it harder to close your roll. Place a sheet of nori on your rolling mat with the shiny side down. The nori is an essential component of any sushi roll—it serves as both the base and wrapper for your roll. Nori is quite delicate, so handle it gently to avoid accidentally crinkling or tearing it while removing it from its packaging. You can find nori, along with the other ingredients you need to make homemade sushi, at any major supermarket or Asian grocery store. Make sure your mat is positioned so that the bamboo slats are lying horizontal to you. If you don't own a sushi rolling mat, a kitchen towel topped with a sheet of plastic wrap can serve as a useful substitute. Wet your fingers to keep the rice from sticking to them as you work. Hold your hands under a stream of cool water, then shake off the excess moisture. It may also be a good idea to keep a bowl of clean water next to your work area if you're going to be putting together more than one roll. Don't forget to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before you begin, since they'll be coming into direct contact with your food. If you don't wet your hands, you'll quickly find them covered in sticky rice, which can make it next to impossible to roll your sushi successfully. Spread a thin layer of sushi rice onto the sheet of nori. Grab ¾-1 cup (140-190 g) of rice and place it in the center of the sheet. Pat the rice down gently with the flat of your fingers until it's evenly distributed over the surface of the nori. Leave about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of empty space at the top of the nori—this will allow it to close once it's been rolled. Be careful not to spread the rice too thick, as this will make it difficult to roll the sushi, and could even cause the nori to break. After your first few attempts, you'll start to get a sense of how much rice to use. Avoid smashing or handling the rice too roughly, as this may affect the texture of the finished roll and throw off your rice-to-filling ratio. Make a shallow depression near the bottom of the rice with your finger. Press your entire pointer finger into the rice in a straight line widthwise across the bottom third of the nori. The idea is to hollow out a slender area to make sure your ingredients will fit and prevent them from spilling out over the nori once you begin rolling. This step is more or less optional, but it can be helpful if you're working with multiple ingredients or especially small pieces. Add roughly 2 ounces (57 g) of filling ingredients to the rice. Take about ⅓ of a cup of sliced veggies, fish, and other ingredients of choice and arrange them in a line in the depression you made along the lower part of the rice. Again, avoid overfilling your roll, as this could cause it to rupture or make it hard to close. A classic California roll, for example, contains kanikama (imitation crab meat), avocado, and cucumber. Other sushi staples include the Philly roll, which consists of salmon and cream cheese, and the spider roll, which is made with soft-shell crab meat, cucumber, avocado, and spicy mayo. To make uramaki -style rolls with the rice on the outside, simply turn the nori over after spreading on the rice and add your ingredients the same way. Roll the sushi up from the bottom using your mat as a guide. Slide your thumbs under the lower edge of your mat and gently lift it up and forward to fold the bottom of the nori over on itself. Once you've done this, continue pulling the mat forward slowly, applying light pressure to help mold the roll until it closes. Be careful not to roll your mat or towel up in your sushi by mistake! Rewet your fingers as often as needed to keep the rice from sticking to them. Wet a sharp knife with cool water. Just like you wet your fingers before building your roll, it's important to wet your knife before you cut it. Dip the blade of your knife into a container of water, or run it under the tap from tip to handle. A dry blade is more likely to mangle than make a clean cut. The last thing you want is to make a mess of your roll after spending so much time getting it just right! If possible, use a knife designed specifically for cutting sushi, such as a yanagiba , deba , or usuba. These knives boast thin blades with incredibly sharp edges that will slice effortlessly through even the most overstuffed rolls. Assuming you can't get your hands on a special sushi knife, an ordinary paring knife should work just fine, as long as it's recently been sharpened. Cut your roll into 1–2 in (2.5–5.1 cm) pieces. For standard hosomaki rolls, each piece should be about 1 in (2.5 cm) wide. Chumaki rolls can be slightly bigger at around 1.5 inches (3.8 cm), while futomaki (the largest type of hand-rolled sushi) pieces may be up to 2–2.5 inches (5.1–6.4 cm) wide. Wet your knife again before each cut to keep the blade from mashing the roll out of shape. There's no need to get too wrapped up in the particulars of different styles of sushi. Just go with a size that works for you. Serve your roll with other toppings and condiments of your choosing. You might slice your leftover fish into strips and place a strip over each piece, or do the same with a fresh avocado. If you want to get really fancy, you might even drizzle it with a little eel sauce or spicy mayo, pile on diced scallions, or add a dash of bonito flakes for a subtle smokey taste. For the full sushi bar experience, plate your roll with a dollop of wasabi, a few slices of pickled ginger, and a dish of shoyu (soy sauce). If you tried your hand at uramaki, sprinkle a pinch of toasted sesame seeds over the top of the roll to add the finishing touches. | Cook a batch of sushi rice in your rice cooker. Heat your vinegar, sugar, and salt together in a small saucepan. Add your seasoning mixture to the cooked rice and let it cool. Cut your filling ingredients into small pieces. Place a sheet of nori on your rolling mat with the shiny side down. Wet your fingers to keep the rice from sticking to them as you work. Spread a thin layer of sushi rice onto the sheet of nori. Make a shallow depression near the bottom of the rice with your finger. Add roughly 2 ounces (57 g) of filling ingredients to the rice. Roll the sushi up from the bottom using your mat as a guide. Wet a sharp knife with cool water. Cut your roll into 1–2 in (2.5–5.1 cm) pieces. Serve your roll with other toppings and condiments of your choosing. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Noticed | How to Get Noticed | If you want to get noticed by your classmates, coworkers, or your crush, there are some easy ways to put yourself out there. Try starting an interesting hobby or talent, like a sport, martial art, or musical instrument. This will help build your confidence and make you look cool. Join a club in something that interests you, which will also give you opportunities to make new friends. Another great way to get noticed is to start conversations with people you don't know. For example, you can talk to someone in the lunch line about the food, or ask someone in your class for help with a tricky question. Then, keep the conversation going by asking them a bit about themselves. | Focus on specific talents and interests. Pursue and promote particular interests, whether you want to be famous or to make a noticeable college application. Decide what you're good at, figure out concrete ways to apply your talents, and communicate your skills to others clearly. For example, if you love computer science, join relevant clubs, like a coding or robotics club. Don't join 10 activities at school just because you think it'll look good on a college application. If you're applying to a job, ask your references to promote specific skills. Ask them, “Would you relate how I trained new employees? I'd like to highlight that I can master new abilities and communicate information clearly.” Do more than the bare minimum. Always try to exceed your own expectations and those others place on you. People will notice when you go above and beyond at work, school, or in your relationships. For instance, your teachers will notice you more if you participate in class and go to extra help sessions, even if you don't get the highest grades in the class. Put some personality into emails, applications, and other correspondence. Adding a personal touch will help you stand out, especially in written forms of communication. Include a personal detail about yourself, like a memorable story or reference to a face-to-face conversation you had with someone. For example, if you want a college application essay to get noticed, don't write something generic about how you look up to a parent or teacher. Instead, tell an interesting story. Maybe you were on a field trip to the science museum, and you, your biology teacher, and a couple friends got stuck in an elevator. While you were stuck, you had a deep conversation that inspired you to pursue biomedical research. Use flattery with moderation. As long as you don't go overboard, a bit of flattery can get you noticed. Try to offer specific, sincere compliments instead of heaping on piles of fake praise. For instance, suppose your teacher marked up the first draft of your paper with red ink, but their feedback helped you write a fantastic final draft. You could say, "I really appreciate the time you put into critiquing my first draft. Your feedback helped me focus on the topic, and I ended up learning a lot from this project." Follow up after interviews, meeting someone, or making a pitch. Failing to follow up is a sure way to fly under the radar. When you send someone a note or email, mention something specific about yourself or your conversation so they'll remember talking to you. For instance, after a job interview or meeting a company executive, say something like, “Thanks for describing the company's manufacturing process with such detail, and for recommending Jane Doe's eye-opening article on the industry.” Start a conversation with someone new every day. Challenge yourself to talk to at least a couple new people every day. It can be tough to approach new people at school or work, especially if you're naturally shy. Try to relax, remind yourself that everyone gets nervous, and take a step out of your comfort zone. For example, instead of eating lunch alone, look for someone you've never met and say, “Hey there! Is this seat taken?” Later on, they'll probably notice you when you pass them in the hallway and say hello. If you're nervous, remember that everyone has insecurities and gets shy, even if they seem totally confident on the outside. Smile and make eye contact. When you meet someone or have a conversation, smile naturally and look them in the eye. Try not to fake a smile and, if you have to, think of something that cracks you up without fail. When making eye contact, don't stare without blinking, but look at the person directly to show you're paying attention to them. Ask thoughtful questions, but don’t interrogate. Whether you're having lunch with someone new or at a work meeting, try to think of thoughtful questions that show you're engaged in the moment. When the person responds, try to pay attention to them instead of just thinking of something interesting to say. For example, if you're at a new school, ask the person sitting next to you, “What do you do for fun? Are you in any clubs or do you play a sport?” Instead of asking another unrelated question after they respond, say something like, “Oh cool! I've never played hockey, but it's fun to watch. Do lots of people go to games and show school spirit?” Once they respond, try mentioning an activity that you are interested in to build the conversation. Develop your own interests and hobbies. From your music taste to snowboarding, an interest or hobby can make you more noticeable. However, you don't want to just adopt the interests of your crush or a popular person to get them to notice you. Figure out what you enjoy and do it. If you love a music genre, listen to as many tracks and artists as you can and learn about its evolution. Developing an interest or hobby can help you spark conversations and get noticed by like-minded people. If you already have an interesting hobby, you can use it to start conversations as well. Get involved in clubs and activities. Joining a club or sports team is another great way to meet new people and make deeper connections. Since everyone involved already has that activity in common, it can be a little easier to form relationships with your teammates. Running for student government is another great way to get recognized by your peers. If your workplace has a company team, join it or support it. For example, if there's a company softball team but you're not the best athlete, go to the game, cheer for your team, and bring a cooler with refreshments. Don’t pass on invitations to social gatherings. Whether it's a school dance or a company cocktail hour, do your best to attend social events. You have to put yourself out there if you want people to notice you. If you stay home, you could be passing up a good time or networking opportunity. If you're an introvert, try to use it to your advantage at social events. Listen and observe while all the extroverts talk. Then, when the opportunity presents itself, you could say to someone, “I heard you mention Roald Dahl earlier. He's my favorite author!” Whether the person is your crush or an executive at work, they'll notice that you paid attention to them and sparked a meaningful conversation. Make a list of things you like about yourself. Confidence leaves a lasting impression, and it's harder to put yourself out there if you don't like yourself. Make a mental list of your qualities, accomplishments, and other things that make you feel good about yourself. If it helps, write them down and read the list out loud to remind yourself just how special you are. For example, remind yourself that you're a good piano player, great at math, always there for your friends, and a good role model for your younger siblings. Practice good personal hygiene. Being well-groomed can build confidence and self-empowerment, so take great care of your teeth, hair, and general cleanliness. Putting effort into your personal hygiene will show your classmates, colleagues, or crush that you care about both health and appearance. Brush your teeth daily, shower regularly, and wash up thoroughly from head to toe when you bathe. Try to keep your hair and fingernails neat, wear clean clothes, and use deodorant. Maintain good posture. Standing up straight conveys that you're comfortable in your own skin. Keep your chest lifted and shoulders back, hold your head up, and try not to slouch. While you want to maintain good posture, try not to be too rigid. Find a balance between being comfortable and using your posture to project confidence. Work on developing a healthy body image. Remind yourself that there's no ideal body size or shape, and everyone has something about themselves that they would change. You'll feel more at ease about interacting with others and allowing yourself to be noticed. Try to focus on things about your face and body that you love. Compliment yourself regularly and, if it helps, write down a list of positive traits. When you're feeling insecure, read the list and remind yourself that you're a unique, fantastic person. If getting in better shape would help your confidence level, you can try eating healthier and walking, jogging, or other forms of exercise. However, try not to think about yourself negatively. Instead, focus on improving your health and taking great care of yourself. Practice speaking with more confidence. It's easy to go unnoticed if you speak quietly or mumble. When you speak, work on pronouncing words clearly. Try to fill your belly with air and use your breath to support your voice. If you get nervous about talking to people or speaking in front of a group, take a deep breath and relax. Imagine something calming, like a safe location that makes you happy. Remind yourself that you have nothing to be afraid of, and everyone mixes up their words or gets nervous now and then. Dress for success. Develop a sense of style that shows off your personality, empowers you, and makes you comfortable. You don't have to blow your budget (or allowance) on an expensive wardrobe, but wear clothes that fit, compliment your body, and are clean and wrinkle-free. Looking disheveled might get you noticed, but you want people to notice you for positive things. If you want to develop a new style or add to your current look, try browsing Pinterest to get inspiration. Save the images of outfits that are most appealing to you. | Focus on specific talents and interests. Do more than the bare minimum. Put some personality into emails, applications, and other correspondence. Use flattery with moderation. Follow up after interviews, meeting someone, or making a pitch. Start a conversation with someone new every day. Smile and make eye contact. Ask thoughtful questions, but don’t interrogate. Develop your own interests and hobbies. Get involved in clubs and activities. Don’t pass on invitations to social gatherings. Make a list of things you like about yourself. Practice good personal hygiene. Maintain good posture. Work on developing a healthy body image. Practice speaking with more confidence. Dress for success. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Drink-Cognac | How to Drink Cognac | To drink cognac, serve it at room temperature in a tulip glass, balloon glass, or wobble snifter. Before you take a sip, hold the glass in the palm of your hand for several minutes to help warm up the liquor and release its natural flavors. If you're not a fan of straight cognac, you can try making a cocktail with it by adding some amaretto liquor or Cointreau and lemon juice. | Choose an older liquor. Younger, inexpensive cognacs don't have the complexity or flavor of older cognacs. Instead choose a mid-range Very Superior Old Pale (VSOP) cognac or a luxurious Extra Old (XO) cognac. VSOP cognacs are aged for a minimum of 4 years. XO cognacs are aged at least 6 years. Higher end brands can be aged for 20 years or more. Use a tulip glass, balloon glass, or wobble snifter. The right kinds of glassware will help warm the cognac and funnel the rich aromas to the top of the glass. If you don't have a tulip glass, balloon glass, or wobble snifter, use a regular wine glass instead. Tulip glasses are long, bell-like wine glasses. This shape allows the aromas to concentrate on the surface of the cognac. Balloon glasses have a large body and a short stem. These glasses allow you to evenly warm the cognac. Wobble glasses look like stemless balloon glasses. These glasses are hard to set down, forcing you to hold the cognac in your hand and bring it to temperature. Warm the cognac. First, pour about ⁄ 4 fl oz (22 mL) of cognac into your glass. Next, hold the glass in the palm of your hand, allowing your body heat to slowly warm the cognac. This will elevate the flavors and intensify the aromas. Warm the cognac for 8 to 10 minutes before drinking it. Examine the color. Look at the surface of the cognac to identify the colors you see. If necessary, tilt the glass under a light to see if the color changes. The more cognac you examine and drink, the more easily you will be able to identify quality cognac by sight. Light, one-dimensional straw colors indicate a younger cognac. Dark, layered colors with notes of gold and amber indicate an older cognac. The richer color comes from a longer maturation time in a cask. Smell the cognac. Swirl the glass gently to agitate the cognac. Next, lift the glass to your nose and breathe in deeply. Try to identify the different notes you can smell. With practice, you will be able to easily identify a high-quality cognac by smell. Younger cognacs have strong floral or fruity notes with a hint of spice. Older cognacs have many layers of smells. For example, an expensive cognac might have a deep spicy smell with subtle notes of vanilla and nuttiness. Taste the cognac. Take a small sip of cognac and hold it in your mouth. Move it around your mouth and try to identify the different flavors. Once you have thoroughly tasted the cognac, you can swallow it. Continue drinking the cognac one sip at a time, examining the flavors of each mouthful. Less expensive cognacs often have strong fruity flavors such as raisin, apricot, orange or lemon. Mid-range cognacs can have floral rose or clover notes. Expensive cognacs have a variety of flavors, but usually include spiced notes such as nutmeg, cinnamon, or coffee. Choose an inexpensive cognac. If you use an expensive cognac in a mixed drink, the other ingredients will drown out the rich, mellow flavors. However, younger cognacs lack the depth of flavor that older cognacs have. Therefore, they are the perfect choice for mixed drinks. Choose a Very Superior (VS) or Very Superior Old Pale (VSOP) cognac. VS cognacs are aged for 2 years. These cognacs are the least expensive. VSOP cognacs are aged for 4 years. These cognacs are inexpensive and can be mixed or enjoyed straight. Enjoy a French Connection cocktail. This cocktail is known for its bold almond flavors. First, choose a short old-fashioned glass. Next, fill the glass with the drink ingredients and add a few cubes of ice. Use a long spoon to stir the drink briefly before serving it. The drink ingredients are: 1.5 fl oz (44 mL) of cognac 1 fl oz (30 mL) of Amaretto liquor Make a Sidecar. This drink has refreshing citrus notes. First, fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Next, pour the drink ingredients into the tumbler. Cap the shaker and shake it for about 10 seconds. Strain the mixture into a martini glass and serve it with a lemon twist garnish. To create the drink, combine: ⁄ 4 fl oz (22 mL) of Cointreau ⁄ 4 fl oz (22 mL) of lemon juice 1.5 fl oz (44 mL) of cognac Drink a Stinger. Stingers have deeply aromatic herbal flavors. First, muddle 2 mint sprigs in the bottom of a large metal tumbler. Next, fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the drink ingredients. Cap the shaker and shake it for a few seconds. Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice and serve it with a mint leaf garnish. The ingredients include: 1 fl oz (30 mL) of Campari liquor 1 fl oz (30 mL) of cognac ⁄ 4 teaspoon (1.2 mL) of maple syrup Serve cognac with rich foods. The mellow floral notes in cognac pair wonderfully with rich foods, cutting through the richness to bring out bright flavors. When serving cognac, consider pairing it with: Duck confit Pâtés, such as pâté du foie gras Hearty tomato-based pastas Roasted meats Pair cognac with a cheese plate. Cheese plates are excellent as appetizers, snacks, or even a savory “dessert.” There are different cheeses that taste good with different ages of cognac. Arrange the cheese plate with 2 or 3 cheeses, dried and fresh fruit, roasted nuts, crackers, and cured meats. VS cognacs pair well with creamy mellow cheeses such as Roquefort and mascarpone. VSOP cognacs taste wonderful with mature hard cheeses such as cheddar and aged gouda. XO cognacs pair wonderfully with a nutty aged Mimolette cheese and pungent Parmesans. Enjoy a cigar with your cognac. Traditionally, expensive cognacs are enjoyed after dinner with a fine cigar. First, pour the cognac and warm it in your hand. Next, light the cigar. Smoke the cigar between sips of cognac. When choosing a cigar, match the flavors in the cognac. For example, pair a mellow cognac with a mild-flavored cigar. | Choose an older liquor. Use a tulip glass, balloon glass, or wobble snifter. Warm the cognac. Examine the color. Smell the cognac. Taste the cognac. Choose an inexpensive cognac. Enjoy a French Connection cocktail. Make a Sidecar. Drink a Stinger. Serve cognac with rich foods. Pair cognac with a cheese plate. Enjoy a cigar with your cognac. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Vanilla-Cinnamon-Room-Scent | How to Make Vanilla Cinnamon Room Scent | You can make your own vanilla and cinnamon room scent right at home using a few basic ingredients. Start by pouring 1 teaspoon of baking soda into a small spray bottle. Then, add 6 drops each of vanilla oil and cinnamon oil. If you like one scent better than the other, feel free to adjust the ratios. Close the bottle and shake it until you can't see any clumps of baking soda. Finally, fill the rest of the bottle up with water. Give the bottle a good shake before you use it to remix all of the ingredients. | Fill a small saucepan three-fourths of the way with water and bring it to a boil. This room scent only works as long as the stove is on. It's a great option if you'd like to freshen up your house before guests come. The smaller the saucepan, the better. Your fragrance will be more concentrated this way. Add the cinnamon and vanilla extract. If you are using a larger saucepan, you may want to double or even triple the amount of vanilla and cinnamon. For another layer of fragrance, add 6 whole cloves. Allow to boil for one minute, turn down the heat to low and let it simmer. The boiling allows the spices to release their fragrance, while the simmering will keep the mixture hot and fragrant. The mixture will lose its fragrance if it gets cold. Top off the saucepan with more water every 30 minutes. Remember to keep an eye out on the pot. If the water evaporates, your pot will scorch! You do not need to add any additional herbs to the saucepan. Consider putting the fragrance on display. This fragrance is only temporary, but you can still make it look prettier by putting it into another (heated) container. Boil the mixture first, then try one of the following: Pour the mixture into a 2 cup (475 milliliter) mason jar, and keep it (uncovered) on top of a candle warmer. Pour the mixture into the bowl of a fondue pot or a tea pot warmer. Light the candle beneath the bowl, and enjoy the fragrance. Keep the mixture heated in a slow-cooker if you don't wish to use your stove. Keep the lid off and the heat set to low. Use the room scent for as long as you want, then store it in a jar. You can reuse it 2 to 3 more times. After that, the scent will be too weak, and you will have to make a new one. Use a funnel to pour the baking soda into a small spray bottle. If you don't have a funnel, you can make a simple one by rolling up a sheet of paper into a cone. Baking soda has some wonderful deodorizing properties. Use a glass bottle if you can. Essential oils may degrade certain types of plastic. Add the essential oils. You can use equal parts of both vanilla and cinnamon essential oil, or you can use a little bit more/less of one of them. For example, if you really like the scent of vanilla, you could do 7 drops of vanilla essential oil and 5 drops of cinnamon essential oil. You will need 12 drops of oil total. Close the bottle and shake it to mix. This will help distribute the essential oils throughout the baking soda. Keep shaking until you don't see any clumps in the baking soda. Open the bottle and fill it the rest of the way with water. Try to use distilled water or filtered water if you can. Tap water has too many mineral and chemicals, which can affect the spray. Close the bottle, shake it to mix, and spray your room or upholstery with it. The baking soda and oils may separate over time, so you will need to shake the bottle each time before you use it. Pour the water into a diffuser bottle. Try to use distilled water if you can, as tap water has too many chemicals and mineral in it, which can affect the outcome of your diffuser. If you need to, use a funnel to help guide the water into the bottle. If you can't fin a diffuser bottle, any small bottle with a short, narrow neck (such as a perfume bottle) will do. Make sure that the bottle is glass, as essential oils tend to degrade certain types of plastic. Add about 3 tablespoons of vodka. If you can't find any vodka, you can also try witch hazel or rubbing alcohol instead. Add the essential oils. You can use equal parts vanilla and cinnamon essential oil, or you can play around with different proportions. For example, you could do 7 drops of cinnamon essential oil and 5 drops of vanilla essential oil. You need 12 drops of oil total. Close the bottle and shake it to mix. Plug the bottle up with a cork or your finger. If the bottle came with a screw-on cap, use that instead. Shake it briskly to combine the ingredients, then open it back up again. Place some reeds or bamboo skewers into the bottle and let them soak. You may not notice any fragrance right away. There is still one more step you have to do. Right now, you are just soaking the reeds. Reverse the reeds so that the soaked ends are now sticking out of the bottle. Take the reeds out of the bottle, and turn them around. Stick the dry ends back into the bottle, and place the bottle down on a table. Your room will eventually get a soft, vanilla-cinnamon fragrance. Reverse the reeds once a week. | Fill a small saucepan three-fourths of the way with water and bring it to a boil. Add the cinnamon and vanilla extract. Allow to boil for one minute, turn down the heat to low and let it simmer. Top off the saucepan with more water every 30 minutes. Consider putting the fragrance on display. Use the room scent for as long as you want, then store it in a jar. Use a funnel to pour the baking soda into a small spray bottle. Add the essential oils. Close the bottle and shake it to mix. Open the bottle and fill it the rest of the way with water. Close the bottle, shake it to mix, and spray your room or upholstery with it. Pour the water into a diffuser bottle. Add about 3 tablespoons of vodka. Add the essential oils. Close the bottle and shake it to mix. Place some reeds or bamboo skewers into the bottle and let them soak. Reverse the reeds so that the soaked ends are now sticking out of the bottle. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Drink-Alcohol | How to Drink Alcohol | Before you drink alcohol, drink plenty of water to prevent your body from getting dehydrated. You should also eat a good meal before you drink, as drinking alcohol on an empty stomach will cause you to get intoxicated much faster and can be dangerous. Also, check the labels of any medications you take to see if there are any warnings about alcohol. When you're ready to go, make sure that someone in the group will be staying sober to drive the others home, or be prepared with cab fare to prevent any drunk driving. While you're at the bar or party, keep in mind what types of alcohol has sat well with you in the past, and take it slow, especially if you don't have a lot of past experience. | Hydrate accordingly. Alcohol will dehydrate you, so it is important to make sure you have sufficiently compensated for this. Your system will be less upset by the experience of intoxication if you are well hydrated before you have your first alcoholic beverage of the day. You should already be in the habit of drinking enough water per day to stay hydrated. If you are not, it is probably best that you start. To be clear, soda, juice and tea do not count as water. They may have water in them, but there is no substitute for pure H2O when the goal is to hydrate. Drink extra water when you know you will be having a lot of alcohol in the near future. Take physical exertion into account when deciding how much water to drink. If you went to the gym or played sports before you hit the bar, drink a lot of water before you start drinking alcohol. If you plan to drink while you are out dancing, prepare to supplement your boozy drinks with plenty of water. Take note of other substances that cause dehydration, and be careful not to combine them with too much alcohol. The most common are caffeine, sugar and sodium. Definitely skip dessert if you plan to drink a lot of alcoholic drinks. It was recently discovered that drinking up to four cups of coffee per day will not dehydrate you as much as originally speculated. You should still be careful with stuff like energy drinks and caffeinated sodas since they tend to combine sugar and caffeine in unnatural amounts. Also note that sweeteners used in diet soda dehydrate your body more than natural sugar. If you must mix your drink with stuff like Red Bull or Cola, make sure you balance it out with a glass of water in between drinks. Keep in mind that everyone has different reactions to what they put into their bodies. Depending on your weight, height, metabolism and other biological factors, you may need to drink more or less water in order to fend off the symptoms of dehydration. Be aware of your body's reactions to dehydration so that you can maintain control of your condition throughout the night. Early symptoms include headaches, dizziness and nausea. Be ready to put down the bottle and start drinking water as soon as you experience any of these things. Eat a good meal before drinking alcohol. If you drink on an empty stomach, you will reach intoxication much faster and the effects will be more intense. Be careful when drinking while you eat. Some beverages, like wine, go better with food than others. Drinking beer with food might make you feel full faster. It doesn't hurt to leave at least a full hour between eating dinner and starting to drink. With a nice hearty buffer of food in your system, less alcohol will be sent directly to the bloodstream and you will be able to enjoy more adult beverages before things get out of hand. Good foods to eat before a night of drinking are high in protein, fat and carbohydrates. Some examples are burgers, fries, eggs, bread, potatoes, bacon, tacos, etc. Fried foods, while they come with other risk factors involving general health, provide a great foundation for a saucy night on the town. Consuming alcohol to or past the point of intoxication takes a lot out of your body. You can make it a little easier on yourself if you take a general multivitamin regularly. But beware, because multivitamins require a lot of time and water in order to break down properly. If you plan to drink at night, take your vitamins in the morning with a whole lot of water. Be aware that alcohol does not mix with most medication. Studies show that 70% of Americans take prescription meds regularly. If you are one of them, check the information packet you got from the pharmacy to see if there are any alcohol advisory warnings associated with your medicine before drinking. Check the warning labels on all over-the-counter medicines as well. Alcohol will decrease the effectiveness of many antibiotics. It may also cause nausea or other side effects when combined with such medicine. Many antidepressants and anxiety medicines should not, under any circumstances, be mixed with alcohol. It is likely your doctor warned you about this, so you should already know better than to drink while you are on these meds. Pain killers should never be combined with alcohol. Even over the counter doses of acetaminophen and ibuprofen can cause liver damage when mixed with alcohol. If you took a couple of ibuprofen earlier in the day for cramps or a headache, wait 4-6 hours before having a drink. Medicines generally require a lot of water in order to be fully absorbed into your system. Some cause dehydration. Even if your meds are okay to mix with alcohol, be sure you have consumed enough water to compensate for the difference before hitting the bottle. Get plenty of rest. The symptoms of sleep deprivation do not go very well with the effects of alcohol consumption. Sleep deprivation causes many symptoms that are similar to those of alcohol intoxication. You will almost definitely black out faster than you would otherwise. Take this into account before you get started. If you didn't get enough sleep last night, you may start to feel intoxicated after fewer drinks. Take a disco nap just to be safe. You can do this between getting off work and preparing to go out on the town. Avoid drinking alone. On top of being risky, it's not nearly as much fun. When you drink alone, it is easier to overdrink and let things get out of hand. You don't have the fear of embarrassing yourself. There also won't be anyone to notice if you pass out from alcohol poisoning. Be careful when you go out for drinks alone. Decreased inhibitions might make you more likely to seek out the attention of strangers and get into a potentially dangerous situation. Always go out with at least one trusted friend. Secure a designated driver before anyone in your group has a drink. Otherwise, you stand the risk of being stranded, riding home with someone who is drunk, or ending up behind the wheel when you shouldn't be. Set aside some cash for cab fare if nobody wants to remain sober, and remind your friends to do the same. In the event of people drinking at your place, be sure to offer crash space for those who can't drive home. It is your responsibility as host to make sure nobody in your party is allowed to drive drunk. Remember your past experiences. These should be a good indicator of what and how much you can drink without having a bad time. Most people have at least one kind of alcohol that doesn't sit well with them. It is good to know what specific cocktails contain this type of spirit so that you can be more successful in avoiding it. If this is your first time drinking, start slowly with a couple of beers or glasses of wine so that you can get an idea of how alcohol affects you. Be extra careful when you are experimenting with something new. It can take years to become truly aware of how all the different types of alcohol affect you. Avoid mixing too many kinds of alcohol together. Some people react better to different combinations than others, but it is generally less stressful to your system if you decide on one drink and stick to it for the whole night. Tequila is notoriously incompatible with other kinds of alcoholic drinks. Crème liqueur such as Irish Crème can mix well in certain cocktails, but is known to cause a curdling effect that may upset your stomach faster than usual. This should never be consumed in excess. Many people also experience problems when combining beer with liquor. Unfortunately, the best way to know what works and what doesn't in this case is through your own trial and error. Some drinks have many different kinds of alcohol in them. Keep in mind that cocktails like Long Island Iced Teas contain several varieties of spirits and may be more intoxicating than other drinks. Be very careful with these types of cocktails, and limit your consumption accordingly. Cider is stronger than beer on average. Most of them are between 4-5 percent but some are 7-8.5 percent. Be careful if choosing a cider on the stronger side. It will get you drunk much quicker than you realize. Strong ciders are not recommended for beginners. Always know what you are drinking. Any good bartender should be able to tell you exactly what is in the cocktails they serve. It helps to watch your drinks being prepared so that you can be sure you know what to expect. If you are mixing your own drinks, always stick to a recipe and use a shot glass for measuring. Be wary of sugary mixers and syrups. Beginners are especially likely to try to mask the alarming taste of alcohol with sweet mixers as a way to get the stuff down their throats. As discussed before, sugar increases the dehydrating effects of alcohol and is often associated with blackouts and hangover symptoms. Some liquors such as rum, brandy, bourbon, and cordials have a pretty high sugar content on their own. Be especially careful when combining these with sugary mixers. Keep in mind that when you order a drink like whiskey and cola, there is only one shot of whiskey in your glass. The rest of the drink is mostly high fructose corn syrup. By the time you have consumed enough of these to feel tipsy, you have also consumed two or three times more cola than alcohol. Also know that most bars do not serve 100% juice, so any fruit juice that is mixed into your cocktails is going to have extra sweeteners. Popular shots like Sex on the Beach have even less liquor in them than mixed drinks. They are served in shot glasses, but amount to less than a full shot of alcohol since they also contain mixers. Diet mixers may not contain sugar, but some sugar substitutes are known to be more dehydrating than sugar itself. If you want to avoid the dehydrating effects of sugar, the best mixers to use are soda and tonic. Soda is essentially just carbonated water. Tonic contains quinine, which has light pain killing and anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains sugar, but not as much as other carbonated mixers. Some brands of diet tonic do not contain any sweeteners at all, so this is especially good to mix with alcohol. These may not do as much to mask the alcoholic flavor of liquor, but they are less likely to contribute to vomiting, headaches, and other hangover symptoms. Stick to top shelf brands when possible. Cheap liquor has more impurities and often leads to a rougher hangover. You may not be able to afford as many top shelf drinks per night, but they will taste better. This means you can enjoy the flavor without a bunch of mixers. Pace yourself. It may be tempting to guzzle your drink, but then it becomes harder to keep up with how it is affecting you. It is much easier to overdrink when you drink too fast because you are not allowing the effects of the alcohol to set in before you decide whether or not to have another drink. A good starting pace for drinking alcohol is about one drink per hour. Be sure your drinks are measured properly so that you can accurately limit yourself. If you are drinking at a bar, you can rest assured that this is already under control. If you are mixing your own drinks or drinking at a party, always measure the amount of alcohol in each drink by the shot. Listen to your body. After you finish each drink, check yourself for signs of dehydration before getting another one. As discussed before, these are headaches, nausea, and dizziness. Stop drinking alcohol and switch to water as soon as you feel any of these things. Also note the condition of your basic motor skills. If you find yourself stumbling around or struggling to speak clearly, you probably shouldn't have another drink. Listen to your friends. If someone who cares about you suggests you should slow down or stop for the night, they are probably quite right. Know when to stop. There are a number of ways to do this, but it all comes down to awareness and self-control. These things often come with maturity and experience, so this is the hard part for people who are just learning to drink. Set a limit for yourself at the beginning of the night. Three drinks is a good limit for inexperienced drinkers. That should be just enough for you to experience the euphoria and social lubrication of light drunkenness without the throwing up, blacking out or otherwise getting out of hand. If you think you might have trouble limiting yourself, tell a friend or designated driver about your limit before you start drinking and ask them to hold you accountable. Eat something. Avoid sugar in this case. You will thank yourself in the morning. Stop at an all-night diner on the way home and grab some breakfast food. Think absorbent, greasy, and high in carbs. These kinds of foods are bad to eat all the time, but as mentioned before they are really good for moving alcohol through your system without too much of it getting into the blood. At very least, snack on something absorbent like crackers, popcorn or pretzels before going to bed. Drink at least one glass of water before sleeping. If you can, drink more. Also be sure to empty your bladder before sleeping. Take a single 200mg ibuprofen tablet. This can serve as a preemptive strike against hangover. You should only do this AFTER consuming a meal and plenty of water. Drinking large amounts of alcohol may have temporarily damaged the lining of your stomach. Food, water and a couple of hours' time should have improved this condition enough for a standard over-the-counter ibuprofen pill to do more good than harm. Do not take more than one pill, just to be safe. Avoid acetaminophen, as this comes with a higher risk of liver damage. Understand that you will sleep more soundly after drinking. You will sleep more soundly, although the quality of your sleep will be lower. Do what you must to compensate for this. If you have to be up at a certain hour, set your alarm for earlier than usual. It will probably take a while for you to join the world of the living. | Hydrate accordingly. Take note of other substances that cause dehydration, and be careful not to combine them with too much alcohol. Eat a good meal before drinking alcohol. Be aware that alcohol does not mix with most medication. Get plenty of rest. Avoid drinking alone. Secure a designated driver before anyone in your group has a drink. Remember your past experiences. Avoid mixing too many kinds of alcohol together. Be wary of sugary mixers and syrups. Stick to top shelf brands when possible. Pace yourself. Know when to stop. Eat something. Drink at least one glass of water before sleeping. Take a single 200mg ibuprofen tablet. Understand that you will sleep more soundly after drinking. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Fill-Nail-Holes | How to Fill Nail Holes | To fill nail holes, rub a bar of soap over the surface until the holes are filled in. For another quick solution, squeeze white craft glue into the hole. You can also crush an aspirin tablet, mix the powder with toothpaste, and fill the hole with the mixture. Alternatively, try making a paste out of flour, water, and salt. If you want to take a more professional approach, purchase spackling paste, and apply it to the hole with a putty knife. | Apply spackling paste to the holes with a putty knife. Purchase a tub or tube of spackling paste from your local hardware store. Smooth the area with a putty knife before applying a quarter-sized amount of spackling to it. Slowly drag the putty knife over the surface of each nail hole to fill it. Remove any excess paste with a clean putty knife. Remove putty from the putty knife with a damp cloth. Drag the clean tool over the nail holes vertically and horizontally to remove excess putty. Repeat this step until the surface of the wall looks even. Let the putty dry for up to 1 hour. You can also use a second putty knife, ruler, or kitchen knife for this step. Sand the area lightly to ensure an even surface. Once the putty is dry, rub a piece of sandpaper or a sanding block over your spackled nail holes. Sand the area lightly until the surface looks even. Wipe away any sand dust with a clean, damp cloth. For the best results, use a medium grit sandpaper to remove excess spackling paste, then a fine grit sandpaper to smooth the area. Apply paint to the filled spots with a small paintbrush or paper towel. Apply a light covering of wall paint to a small paintbrush or paper towel. Lightly dab the filled nail holes to deposit the paint over them. Avoid applying a heavy coat of paint over the holes, which may leave obvious spots on your wall. Use the same color of wall paint that is covering the rest of the wall. Mix toothpaste and aspirin as an alternative to spackling paste. Use a mortar and pestle or a bowl and sturdy spoon to crush a tablet of aspirin. Squeeze out about.25 inches (0.64 cm) of toothpaste onto the aspirin powder and mix them together into a paste. Apply this thick mixture to small nail holes with a craft stick or other small, flat tool. If the aspirin and toothpaste won't mix evenly, add a drop of water to the mixture. This filler can be used in drywall or plaster walls. Alternatively, make a paste using 1 tablespoon (9 g) of flour, 1 teaspoon (5 g) of salt, and a few drops of water. Rub a bar of soap over the holes to fill them without tools. Rub a dry bar of soap over your nail holes, back and forth. Stop once the holes look filled in. Run a dry cloth or rag over the surface of the holes to wipe excess soap pieces away. Avoid using a wet or damp rag, which can melt or dissolve the soap. Opt for a white soap if you have white walls. You can use this method for either drywall or plaster walls. Squeeze craft glue into nail holes to fill them quickly. Purchase a bottle of white craft glue online or from a craft store. Position the nozzle in front of each nail hole and carefully squeeze in glue until the hole is full. Wait for the glue to dry, then scrape away any excess glue around the outside of the hole. You can also apply craft glue to the nail holes with a cotton swab. Add a sprinkle of baking soda to the glue if you want a filler with a thicker consistency. This quick solution can be used for plaster walls and drywall. Rub a crayon over the nail holes to disguise holes and match your wall color. Select a wax crayon that is relatively similar to your wall color. Insert the tip of the crayon into the hole and twist it back and forth to deposit wax into the hole. When it is filled, wipe the surface with a clean cloth to remove excess pieces of crayon. The crayon does not have to match your wall color exactly as it will look blended to the naked eye. Crayon can be used to fill nail holes in drywall or plaster walls. Purchase a wood putty that matches the finish of your wood. Wood putty comes in a variety of shades to match different types of wood and finishes. Purchase a putty that matches your wood as closely as possible. To make this easy, take a picture of the wood to refer to when you are making your purchase. You can make your own wood putty by using sawdust from the wood and white wood glue. Place painter's tape around the nail hole to protect the surrounding wood. Poke a nail-sized hole in a piece of painter's tape using a screwdriver, utility knife, or another tool. Line up the tape over the nail hole. Gently press down on the tape to adhere it to the wood. Use more than one piece of tape if needed. Apply the wood putty to the nail hole with a putty knife. Put a quarter size amount of wood putty onto the tip of a clean putty knife. Gently scrape the knife across the painter's tape over the nail hole. Apply putty until the hole is filled. Scrape away any putty that is protruding out of the hole as it will expand slightly as it dries. Remove the tape and polish the area with a dry rag. Pull the tape away from the wood very gently to avoid damage. Rub a clean, dry rag over the surface of the filled nail hole to smooth it. Avoid using a damp rag, which could smudge the putty. | Apply spackling paste to the holes with a putty knife. Remove any excess paste with a clean putty knife. Sand the area lightly to ensure an even surface. Apply paint to the filled spots with a small paintbrush or paper towel. Mix toothpaste and aspirin as an alternative to spackling paste. Rub a bar of soap over the holes to fill them without tools. Squeeze craft glue into nail holes to fill them quickly. Rub a crayon over the nail holes to disguise holes and match your wall color. Purchase a wood putty that matches the finish of your wood. Place painter's tape around the nail hole to protect the surrounding wood. Apply the wood putty to the nail hole with a putty knife. Remove the tape and polish the area with a dry rag. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Paring-Knife | How to Use a Paring Knife | A paring knife is a small, versatile knife you can use for a variety of purposes. It's mostly used for peeling fruits and vegetables. All you need to do is wrap 3 or 4 fingers around the handle with the blade facing you. Then, hold the item you want to peel in your other hand and rest the thumb of your knife hand on the item for added control. Push the blade towards you, peeling the item's skin in rings. You can also use a paring knife for slicing small ingredients, cutting the stems from small vegetables, and removing seeds from fruits. | Wrap your fingers around the handle and face the sharp section towards you. The basic paring knife grip uses 3 or 4 fingers on the knife handle and leaves your thumb free to rest on the item you're cutting. Bring your index finger just below the base of the blade and grab the knife at this point. Keep the sharp part of the blade pointed towards you. For added control, some chefs actually touch the blade with their index finger. Doing this without cutting yourself takes a lot of skill, so only try it if you're experienced. Don't squeeze tightly when gripping the knife. Use a firm grip but leave it loose enough so you can maneuver the knife. Grip the knife with your dominant hand for the most control. Press the food you’re peeling against the blade with your other hand. Grab the food with your non-dominant hand and press it against the blade. Keep the blade at a slight angle against the food so when you start cutting, the knife only takes off the skin. Rest the thumb from your knife hand on the food. This keeps the food stable while you cut it. Push the blade towards your body to peel the skin. Plant your thumb firmly onto the food and apply gentle pressure with the blade. Once the blade breaks the skin, it's easy to work forward. Bring the knife towards your body, using your thumb to work it along. Stop and move your thumb back when the blade gets close to it, then cut more. Keep your fingers out of the blade's path. Hold the food by its sides so your fingers aren't in the way. Keep your thumb a safe distance from the blade and move it backwards before cutting more. Spin the food slightly with your non-dominant hand to work it against the blade. Work slowly in the beginning. It takes time to master this technique. Work around the fruit or vegetable in rings. When you get the knife moving, work around the item you're cutting until you reach the spot where you started cutting. Remove that layer of skin and then move to a different spot. Continue working down the fruit or vegetable until you've removed all the skin. If you can't make it all the way around the fruit or vegetable at first, that's okay. Just cut off smaller pieces. Skilled chefs can peel off all the skin without pulling the knife away. This takes a lot of practice, so don't worry if you can't do it right away. Readjust the knife if the blade takes off more than the skin. Keep an eye on the knife and monitor how deep the cuts are. If the meat from the fruit or vegetable starts coming off, then you're cutting too deep. Take the blade off and readjust. Align it just below where the skin hits the meat so you only peel the skin. If you accidentally take off too much meat under the skin, you can cut away the additional meat later on so it doesn't go to waste. This technique also works if you don't want to remove all the skin from something. You might just want a lemon peel, for example. Cut excess pieces off of fruits and vegetables. Even if you're not peeling the skin off something, a small paring knife is great for cleaning off fruits and vegetables. A larger knife wouldn't be able to work into small areas without cutting away too much meat. Cutting away the ribs and seed inside a bell pepper is a great task for a paring knife. Slicing stems off of small vegetables like radishes is another good use. Dice up small ingredients like garlic. A paring knife is perfect for slicing up garlic cloves or other small ingredients. Lay all your ingredients on a cutting board and slice them up with the knife. Watch your fingers when cutting small ingredients. Keep them a safe distance away from the blade and pay close attention to what you're doing. You can also cut long vegetables like celery lengthwise. Lay the vegetable out on a cutting board. Then press just the tip of the blade through it and slice. Remove seeds from fruits. Paring knives are small enough to de-seed even the smallest fruits without destroying the meat. Insert the tip of the blade under a seed. Then pop the seed out by pushing up with the blade. Repeat this for as many seeds as you want to remove. A bird's beak paring knife works best for this task. Use this design for the best results. De-vein shrimp. A shrimp's intestine runs down its back section. Although it is harmless and mostly tasteless, the intestine sometimes ruins the presentation. Take the shrimp out of its shell. Then use the tip of the knife to make a thin slit down its back, exposing the brown intestine. Insert the blade underneath the intestine and work it up gently. Use the blunt side or back of the knife to work up the intestine. The sharp edge will rupture it. You can use this knife to de-vein other shellfish as well. Lobsters and crayfish have veins running down their midsections. Break through the shell and insert the knife to work the vein out. Look for a knife blade between 2.5 in (6.4 cm) and 4 in (10 cm). This is the average size for paring knives and should cover most of your needs in the kitchen. The exact size depends on what you plan on using the knife for. To slice up small vegetables like carrots and radishes, look for a smaller knife around 2.5–3 in (6.4–7.6 cm). For peeling fruits and vegetables, choose a knife closer to 4 in (10 cm). If you'll be doing several different tasks in the kitchen, consider getting 2 knives, a longer and shorter one. If you only want to get 1 knife, choose a 3.5 in (8.9 cm) blade for general purpose use. Get a knife with a stamped plastic handle for a lighter weight. Paring knives come with different construction varieties. A low-cost option is a stamped plastic handle. These are lightweight compared to other types. If you prefer a lighter knife or your hand tires easily, a stamped handle is best for you. Stamped plastic handles are also less durable than other varieties. If you do a lot of cooking or want your knife to last a long time, consider a different model. Try a forged handle for a heavier, more durable option. The other main option for your paring knife is a forged metal handle. This type is much more durable than stamped plastic. It's also heavier, so if you like a knife with more weight, this is a better choice. Knives with forged handles are also more expensive. If you're shopping on a budget, a plastic handle may be best. Choose a bird’s beak knife for more precision cuts. A bird's beak is a type of paring knife with a curved blade. The blade is usually on the shorter side, 3 inches (7.6 cm) max. The curve makes it easier to make small cuts. If you plan on making designs in fruit or cutting very small pieces, consider getting a bird's beak type. A bird's beak doesn't work as well for peeling fruits and vegetables. Choose a straight blade for this task. | Wrap your fingers around the handle and face the sharp section towards you. Press the food you’re peeling against the blade with your other hand. Push the blade towards your body to peel the skin. Work around the fruit or vegetable in rings. Readjust the knife if the blade takes off more than the skin. Cut excess pieces off of fruits and vegetables. Dice up small ingredients like garlic. Remove seeds from fruits. De-vein shrimp. Look for a knife blade between 2.5 in (6.4 cm) and 4 in (10 cm). Get a knife with a stamped plastic handle for a lighter weight. Try a forged handle for a heavier, more durable option. Choose a bird’s beak knife for more precision cuts. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-the-Coolest-Girl-at-a-House-Party | How to Be the Coolest Girl at a House Party | To be the coolest girl at a party, first go in with a smile and a positive attitude, since people usually don't flock to someone who looks miserable. Next, try moving around every 10 to 15 minutes so you can talk to different people and show you're friendly and approachable, especially if you don't know many people there. It's also not a bad idea to have a few good stories that you can change up and tailor to the environment, since this will make you seem more entertaining and interesting. | Ask if the host needs anything. Ask if you can bring anything to the party, and then bring it. If you become consistently known for bringing cool things to parties, people will be excited when they know you're attending. If the party involves food, consider making something delicious that will become your signature dish that people want you to bring every time you attend a party. Stand in the center of the room. Upon your arrival to the party, grab a few friends and make your way to the center of the room. Standing in the center of the room will make it look like you're the center of attention, and it will draw people to you. If you arrive alone and don't know anyone, move towards the center of the room and see if you can start a conversation with anyone, or join any existing conversations. Know how to join a conversation. Joining an ongoing conversation between a group of people at a party can be a bit daunting. There are a few different ways in which you can do this: Walk up to a group, listen in for a minute or two, and then contribute if/when it makes sense to do so. Only contribute if you have something interesting to say. If you know nothing about the topic, you can ask a question instead. Introduce yourself to the group. If you do this while people are talking about something else, make it quick and then return the focus to the conversation they were having: “Hi I'm just wandering around introducing myself to people. I'm Jane. Please go on with the conversation!” Talk to one person in the group first. If you notice someone standing on the sidelines of a large group and not really engaging in conversation, introduce yourself to them and talk to them for a while before turning your attention to the group. Know when you’re welcome. At a party it's important to read people, particularly when you're trying to join conversations. If you try to join a group conversation, it's possible that the group won't be receptive to you. An unreceptive group may politely say hello and then return to their conversation without making space for you. If they do this, just move on to another group or person. Remember that it might not be personal. They could be having a somewhat private conversation that they don't feel comfortable sharing with new people. Another thing that could happen is that the group receives you but doesn't actively include you in the conversation. In this case they'll likely make space for you and look at you and smile now and then. In this case, you need to make an effort to contribute. Dress to stand out from the crowd. If you want people to notice you, dress to get noticed. This could mean showing off your shoulders at a holiday party, where most people are wearing sweaters, or wearing a brightly colored dress in a room full of little black dresses (LBDs). Dress to stand out, but don't dress outside of your comfort zone. Exploring different styles is okay, but most of all it's important to stay true to who you are. Smile, but not too much. At a party you of course want to seem friendly and approachable, but smiling all the time may make you look insincere. Instead, keep a smaller smile on your face and reserve your big smiles for greetings. Smiling big when you say hi to people will make them feel special, like they're the reason you're smiling. Be a bit touchy-feely. Casually touching someone's arm while talking to them can make them feel good, leading them to like you more. Seeing you touch that person may make others want your attention more, too. If you're not a touchy-feely person, you might skip this step. It's important to stay true to who you are. That said, you may want to try it out even if it does feel weird at first, just to see if it's something you're comfortable with. Pay attention to who you touch. Some people do not like being touched by other people. If someone seems uncomfortable when you touch them, don't do it again. Pay attention to your posture. Good standing posture means having a straight back, squared shoulders, your chest out, your stomach in, your feet forward, and your hips and knees in a neutral position. A good posture shows confidence. Just be sure that you're not overdoing it, otherwise you may look overly stiff or snobby, especially if your chin is raised too high, with your nose up in the air. If you're sitting in a chair, if possible, move one of your elbows so that it rests atop the back of the chair. This will cause you to lean back a bit and make you look more confident. A standing version of this is to lean on a counter with one arm. Have open, positive body language. Avoid shielding yourself by crossing your arms or holding your drink in front of you. If you're holding a drink, holding it off to the side will show of your wrists and midsection, making you look open and confident. When you're talking to people, use positive, non-judgemental body language: smile; keep your chin down so that it doesn't look like you're turning your nose up at them; stand at a slight angle (a full frontal posture might feel dominating or insulting to some people); keep your palms up; and elevate your eyebrows while you talk. Avoid negative body language such as slouching, crossing your arms across your chest, furrowing your brow, or tightening your lips. Playing with your hair too much will make you look nervous, and make others nervous, too. Circulate. Don't get stuck in one place for too long. Unless you're deep in conversation, aim to change where you're standing every 10 to 15 minutes. This will open you up to meeting new people and will also give any admirers the opportunity to view you from different angles. Don’t be a flake. Don't leave it to the last minute to confirm unless you have a real reason to do that. Leaving the host hanging for a response is inconsiderate, and if they're planning on food or party favors, it could end up with you missing out. Make people feel at ease. Having a healthy, friendly posture and a small, warm smile on your face are good ways to make people feel at ease. When you seem to be at ease yourself, this will make it easier for people to be comfortable around you. Other things you can do: Encourage people to talk about themselves by asking questions and actively listening. Receive what they say respectfully and without judgement, even if you disagree. Acknowledge any similarities between the two of you, as this will build a common rapport. Just be careful that you're not one-upping them — for example, if you both had the same test at school, agree that it was hard, but don't brag about the A+ you got. If you want to talk to your crush or maybe someone new, make them feel at ease by saying you're just on your way out but you wanted to say hi. If they know you'll be leaving soon, they won't feel nervous about talking to you for too long, and will be more likely to engage in conversation with you. Be consistent. If people know that you are consistently fun and pleasant to be around, they're more likely to approach you at a party. Your close friends are around enough to see all sides of you, but strangers won't know you're having an off day, so it's important to be on at a party. Have you ever stopped going to a restaurant because of the inconsistent quality of their food? When it's good, it's wonderful, but when it's bad, it's bad, and since it's not consistent, it's no longer worth the risk of going there. It's the same with people and personalities. Be an active listener. When people are talking, don't interrupt. As you listen to what they say, nod and make short comments (e.g., “yes” or “go on”) that show you're listening. When they're done, repeat the gist of what they said and ask follow-up questions. When others are speaking, resist the urge to think about what you're going to say next. Try to stay focused on what the person in front of you is saying instead. Ask for thoughts and opinions. A great way to build a bond with someone is to ask for their thoughts and opinions, and then listen non-judgementally to what they have to say. Ask follow-up questions. If someone says something you don't agree with, try not to get insulted or argue right away. Instead, tell them you never thought of it that way, and ask them to explain further. If the person expresses an opinion that offends you, consider whether you need to let them know that. For the most part, if someone is bigoted, it will be difficult to change their mind and probably not worth your time. Just politely excuse yourself and move on. Ask for advice. Appealing to another person's expertise is a way to show your respect for them and to gain their confidence. If you know someone is experienced with something you're interested in, ask them for advice on things. Just make sure that your questions are sincere. You don't want to seem like you're asking just to make conversation. Maybe don't ask a doctor about an illness you have if you meet one at a party. They're not there to work. You can, however, ask them what they do with difficult patients or about how difficult med school might have been, particularly if you want advice on scheduling your own time. Drop the ego. Put your own thoughts and needs aside when you're listening to others. Resist the urge to correct them if you think they're wrong, and definitely don't one-up them with your own story. It will just feel like you're trying to compete with them, and this will look worse on you than it does on them, even if they're wrong. Offer sincere compliments. Maybe you like a dress someone is wearing, or you love their hair cut. Tell them! Just make sure that you're honest about what you compliment them on. Be the best version of yourself. If you're usually awkward in social situations, it may feel like you have to act like someone else in order to have fun at a party. Try not to think of it as acting as someone else; instead, think of it as acting as the best version of yourself. It can feel a bit uncomfortable to practise new skills. You might even feel like you're faking it, but this is where the saying “fake it till you make it” rings true. With time those skills will become second nature, and you'll be happy you took the time to practise them. Be positive. If you're always miserable, chances are, people won't want to talk to you. Try to be positive and friendly, especially when you're talking to people you don't know very well. Avoid complaining too much or gossiping negatively about anyone. Your listeners are more likely to associate the things you're complaining about with you than with who/what you're complaining about. Ask questions. This is related to being a good listener. You can be the center of attention without talking everyone's ears off. Listen to people. Ask questions about what they say. Encouraging people to talk about themselves will make them feel special and they will likely remember the conversation as being an interesting one. If you're stuck for conversation, try asking someone about what sort of hobbies they have or what they've recently been up to. If you know anything about the subject they're talking about, share your experience without interrupting and without trying to one-up the person. If you don't know anything about what they're talking about, ask questions. Have a few good stories. Choose a few stories that you know entertain people, and rehearse them to ensure that you don't bore your audience while you try to remember details or go off on tangents. Some experts recommend having three good stories. Just make sure that you switch them up every now and then so that people don't catch you telling the same ones over and over again. Tailor your stories to the party. The stories you tell at a career-oriented party will likely be different from the ones you tell at a party full of your close friends. Stories about people are recommended. Be concise and straightforward. Whenever you're talking, keep in mind that people have shorter attention spans than ever before. For this reason, try to keep your comments and stories short and to the point. If no one is asking questions about what you're saying, you might be boring them. If you're generally a bit of a rambler, and you realize you're doing it at a party, stop and check in with your audience to make sure they're still following you. If your listener begins to look restless or bored (checking their watch or phone, or looking around the room), stop yourself and apologize for being too chatty, and ask them something about themselves. Be a charismatic speaker. Studies have shown that body language, emotion and voice count for far more than the words you say. For this reason it's important to hone your public speaking skills and body language. When you speak, be passionate. This doesn't mean shouting or speaking loudly. It means, emphasizing your words with gestures and by changing the tone of your voice. Gather interesting life experiences. To be interesting, do interesting things. Follow your passions, take up a hobby, involve yourself with people who excite and inspire you. Have good hygiene. Bathe, wash your hair, brush your teeth, clip and file your nails, and wear deodorant. Unless you struggle with a medical condition, having good hygiene will keep you smelling nice. Some medical conditions can cause people to smell bad even when they have good hygiene. If you think you might suffer from such a condition, see your doctor. You might consider using a whitening toothpaste while brushing your teeth. People with straight, white teeth are often thought to be more attractive than those without. Maintain a healthy diet. When you drink enough water and eat healthy, unprocessed foods, it shows in your appearance. Unless you have underlying health conditions, a healthy diet should keep your skin, hair, and body looking good. Note that there are a range of healthy body types. Having a healthy diet won't necessarily make you thin if you are naturally a bit larger, but it will keep you feeling healthy and energized, and able to do things to keep your body as lean and toned as possible. It may be tempting to stop eating or purge in order to lose weight, but please be kind to yourself and resist doing these things. They are not only extremely dangerous for your body; they are also emotionally stressful. If you think you may have an eating disorder, there are many resources available for you to get help. Look online or consult your doctor to learn more about resources in your area. Style your hair. Find a style for your hair that complements your face and your outfit. If you're wearing casual clothes, keep your hair more casual; if you're going more formal, a more formal hair style will be nice. Ultimately how you style your hair depends on your own tastes. Sporting a new style is a great way to get noticed at a party, especially if it's very different from what you'd normally do with your hair. Do your makeup. It's not necessary to wear makeup to look good, but it can be fun to add a little boost to your natural look. If you want to keep it low-key, try just giving your skin a creamy glow and topping it with some mascara and a nude lip color. If you want to go more dramatic — for example, with a smokey eye or vibrant red lipstick — make sure that you makeup matches your outfit. You probably don't want to look like Morticia Addams in blue jeans and a white T-shirt (although that could be funny). Have smooth, healthy-looking lips. A study has found that women's lips are the most attractive part of their body, particularly when they're painted red. Dress in clothes that complement your body type. Which clothes look best on you will depend on your body type — for example, if you're smaller on top and larger on the bottom (a “pear-shaped body”), wearing tops that accentuate your shoulders will help your body look more balanced. Accessorize. Accessorizing is a great way to add interest to your outfit, particularly if you can't afford to buy new clothes all the time. It can also help you look more polished. As an example, you can spice up a little black dress with colorful earrings and a bracelet, and maybe draw those colors out by wearing shoes that match. | Ask if the host needs anything. Stand in the center of the room. Know how to join a conversation. Know when you’re welcome. Dress to stand out from the crowd. Smile, but not too much. Be a bit touchy-feely. Pay attention to your posture. Have open, positive body language. Circulate. Don’t be a flake. Make people feel at ease. Be consistent. Be an active listener. Ask for thoughts and opinions. Ask for advice. Drop the ego. Offer sincere compliments. Be the best version of yourself. Be positive. Ask questions. Have a few good stories. Be concise and straightforward. Be a charismatic speaker. Gather interesting life experiences. Have good hygiene. Maintain a healthy diet. Style your hair. Do your makeup. Have smooth, healthy-looking lips. Dress in clothes that complement your body type. Accessorize. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Your-Scalp-Stop-Itching | How to Make Your Scalp Stop Itching | An itchy scalp is usually caused by a buildup of dirt, hair products, and dead skin cells, so wash your hair regularly if your scalp tends to get itchy. Massage your scalp as you wash it to dislodge buildup and exfoliate your skin. If regular shampoo isn't working, try using a medicated shampoo with ingredients like salicylic acid or selenium sulfide to eliminate the cause of the itching. To tackle a dry and flaky scalp, use conditioner after you shampoo for extra moisture. You can also reduce itchy fungal buildup by spending a little time out in the sun each day, but be sure to protect your skin with sunblock. If your hair styling products are irritating your scalp, stop using them for a while to see if the problem improves. | Wash your hair regularly. The simplest cause of an itchy scalp is buildup of hair products and dead skin cells. Therefore, if you aren't already doing so, begin by making sure you wash your hair at least every other day. Use the pads of your fingers (the soft fleshy part of your finger tip) and gently massage the shampoo into your scalp. Rinse the shampoo out thoroughly with warm, running water. Make sure the water is not too warm though, as this could dry out your scalp even more. You can also use your fingers to “exfoliate” your scalp. When you are shampooing, reach your fingers all the way through your hair to your scalp and massage the skin. Make sure to do this all over your head, including the back. Don't scratch with your nails though, as this may worsen the irritation. Try a medicated shampoo. There are several shampoos on the market that are specially formulated to help deal with some of the causes of an itchy scalp. These shampoos may include one or more of the following active ingredients: coal tar, pyrithione zinc, salicylic acid, sulfur, selenium sulfide, and/or ketoconazole. Follow the directions on the bottle carefully, and if it tells you to leave it on your scalp for 5 minutes, then be sure and do so. This will give the product time to work. Remember that these shampoos will take time to become effective. Before giving up on a particular shampoo, give it a few weeks to really kick in. If it doesn't work after that, try a shampoo with a different active ingredient, or visit your doctor. Don't use a medicated shampoo every day, though. These shampoos tend to be very strong, so you only need to use them once or twice a week. For your other washings, you can use a gentle every-day shampoo. Use conditioner. If you believe that the source of your itchy scalp happens to be the weather, or that the skin on your head is just a bit dried out, try using a good conditioner. Conditioner is meant to moisturize, so be sure to use it after shampooing. Don't forget to rinse the conditioner from your hair thoroughly. Use your fingers to help make sure the water is able to penetrate all of your hair. Spend time in the sun. It is believed that spending time in the sun helps control the fungus on our skin that is thought to cause itchiness. Therefore, try to go outside and enjoy the outdoors for a half hour to an hour to help deal with any itchiness. Be sure to use sunscreen on your exposed skin when heading outside! Leave the hair products out. Sometimes, hair products or styling treatments can build up in the scalp and cause itchiness. Therefore, you should try leaving out a few hair products to see if it makes a difference. If leaving out one particular product seems to work, then you know what is causing the problem. Try to be systematic about it. Start by skipping one hair product to see if it makes any difference. If it doesn't, then start using it again, and leave out a different one. Go easy on the heat styling, too. Applying heat can dry the skin on the scalp, so try avoiding heat styling products, such as the blow dryer, curling iron, and hair straightener. Reduce your stress levels. Many of the different causes of an itchy scalp are exacerbated by stress. If you can, take steps to reduce your stress levels. Take time out of your day to go for a walk, or to do something you enjoy. If you find yourself in a stressful situation, take a deep breath and remember that you will get through it. Visit your doctor. One of the best ways to deal with your itchy scalp, is to have a doctor figure out the cause of the itching. They will be able to tell you exactly what is causing your itchy scalp, and make recommendations for treatment. Your doctor may prescribe a prescription strength treatment to help soothe your itchy scalp. In some cases, this will save you both time and money. If you are trying to treat your itchy scalp without knowing exactly what is causing it, you may purchase products you don't need. Rinse with apple cider vinegar. One way to help with itchiness is to rinse the scalp with apple cider vinegar, which has anti-inflammatory properties. To do this, you will apply a mix of apple cider vinegar and water to your hair. You can repeat the treatment once or twice a week. Begin by rinsing out your hair and scalp. Let it dry completely. In the meantime, mix equal parts vinegar and water together. If you use 1 cup of apple cider vinegar, then use 1 cup of water. Apply the mixture to cotton balls and then press the cotton ball against your scalp. Massage the solution into the skin. Wrap a towel around your head, and leave the solution on for 15–20 minutes. Then shampoo and rinse thoroughly. Mix tea tree oil into shampoo. Tea tree oil is a natural anti-fungal, so it works great at treating an itchy scalp. However, it is quite potent so it needs to be diluted before applying it to your scalp. Mixing it with baby shampoo works great. Mix 10-20 drops into half a cup of baby shampoo, and shampoo as you normally would. Be sure to give special attention to your scalp, though. Don't scratch with your nails. Instead, massage with your finger tips gently. You can also mix 3 drops of tea tree oil into a tablespoon of vegetable oil and then massage the mixture onto your scalp. Repeat once or twice each week as needed. Try an Aloe Vera leaf. If you have an aloe vera plant, you can simply cut off one of its leaves, and squeeze out the “gel” inside. This is not only an anti-inflammatory, but it is also moisturizing. Apply the gel directly to your scalp, leave it on for 15-20 minutes, then wash out with a gentle shampoo. If you don't have an Aloe Vera plant, you can also use the aloe vera gel you buy in a bottle at the store. Massage coconut oil into your scalp. Coconut oil is also great for moisturizing the scalp, and is widely available in many grocery stores. You can either warm up the oil a bit (until it is liquid), dip your fingers in, and then massage your scalp with it, or you can use it at room temperature and massage the gel into your scalp. Leave the coconut oil on your scalp for at least 30 minutes (or even a few hours), and then wash out your hair with a gentle shampoo. You can repeat this treatment 3 times a week. Consider seborrheic dermatitis. Another common cause of an itchy scalp is known as seborrhea. This can occur in other places on your body as well, but is most common on the scalp. The cause of this condition isn't clear, but it is believed to be caused by a number of factors, such as your genetics, high stress levels, cold, dry weather, and an excess of yeast on the scalp. This is commonly confused with other skin conditions, so it's good to have your doctor take a look at it if you want to be sure of what's causing your itchy scalp. "Cradle cap” is a type of seborrheic dermatitis that is common among babies and infants. It presents as crusty yellow or brown scales on the scalp. To treat cradle cap in infants, wash the scalp daily with warm water and a gentle baby shampoo. If it doesn't clear up, speak to your pediatrician about medicated shampoo before trying one yourself, as this could cause further irritation. For adults with seborrheic dermatitis, treatment includes corticosteroids, topical antifungal agents, and other topical agents with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Look for dandruff. Dandruff is one of the most common causes of itchy skin on the scalp. It is unclear exactly what causes dandruff, but it has been linked to an excess of fungus that is normally present in the skin, known as malassezia. If you have dandruff, you will likely notice small yellow or white flakes on your shoulders, or on your fingers when you scratch your scalp. Understand that dandruff is not necessarily a sign that you are dirty or unhygienic. Dandruff may be triggered by a lot of things, such as the weather outside and different hair styling products. Treatment for dandruff includes antifungal shampoo with or without high potency steroids. Over-the-counter treatments include the use of selenium sulfide 2.5.%, zinc pyrithione 1 and 2%, coal tar, and salicylic acid. Rule out eczema. The term eczema doesn't refer to a specific skin problem, but rather a group of different, but similar skin conditions. It is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease most common in babies and children, but adults can suffer from the condition as well. It typically presents as red patches on the skin that are very itchy. As with several of the others, the causes of eczema are not entirely clear, but it is believed to be an overreaction of the immune system to some type of irritant. Stress and anxiety, bathing without moisturizing afterwards, dry skin, over heating of skin, and exposure to solvents and detergents may exacerbate the condition. Treatment includes topically applied corticosteroids and emollients. Strength of the steroids used should be based upon body location, age, and degree of inflammation. Check for raised scaly patches caused by psoriasis. Psoriasis can occur anywhere on the body, and usually appears as raised, reddish, scaly patches. Doctors aren't sure what the cause of psoriasis is, but it may be related to an immune malfunction, which causes the body to create skin cells too quickly. Psoriasis is not contagious, though it could be a result of genetic influences. Scratching the patches of affected skin on your scalp could cause the hair to fall out. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases can be managed with topical treatment, while more severe cases may require phototherapy and prescription medication. Rule out lice. This is a very contagious condition caused by tiny parasites that find their way into your hair. These tiny parasites live and lay their eggs on the scalp, and feed off of blood. While not typically harmful, they are very easily spread, and can be difficult to get rid of. If you find that you are suffering from lice, it is very important to treat the lice problem right away. It is very important that you get all of the lice (including every single egg) on your scalp, and that you wash all bedding and towels that may have touched your head. To treat lice you will need to use topical agents in addition to combing out the nits on your scalp. Consider other serious diseases. If you are suffering from Parkinson's disease or HIV, you are more likely to suffer from an itchy, dry scalp. However, remember that having a dry, itchy scalp doesn't necessarily imply that you are suffering from something serious. If you are concerned that you may be suffering from a more serious disease because you are suffering more severe symptoms (in addition to an itchy scalp), you should visit your doctor. | Wash your hair regularly. Try a medicated shampoo. Use conditioner. Spend time in the sun. Leave the hair products out. Reduce your stress levels. Visit your doctor. Rinse with apple cider vinegar. Mix tea tree oil into shampoo. Try an Aloe Vera leaf. Massage coconut oil into your scalp. Consider seborrheic dermatitis. Look for dandruff. Rule out eczema. Check for raised scaly patches caused by psoriasis. Rule out lice. Consider other serious diseases. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Even-Out-Skin-Complexion | How to Even Out Skin Complexion | To even out skin complexion, apply a concealer to hide dark or red spots and under-eye circles. Concealer can also give an even color to your skin. When using concealer, always use a concealer brush to blend the edges for a more natural look. Additionally, you can try a spa product such as a face peel to remove the top layer of dull, discolored, or scarred skin. Skin peels typically take 10 minutes to reduce wrinkles, redness, and acne, then you can rinse them off with warm water. | Drink lots of water. Water is responsible for cleansing skin from the inside out and preventing wrinkles. Keeping well hydrated will keep your skin looking plump and fresh as a child's. Try to drink at least 64 ounces of fluid a day, including water. Try to make water your primary drink, substituting it for sugary drinks or alcohol. Avoid sodas and alcohol which can affect skin negatively. The sugar and chemicals in soda and sugary drinks causes acne and oil buildup, while drinking alcohol steals moisture from your skin and gives the appearance of premature aging. Try adding cucumber or lemon slices to your water, as both have proven to have extra skin-boosting benefits and add a refreshing twist to your H2O. Apply sunscreen regularly. Sun damage is one of the top causes of an uneven skin tone, so protect yourself by using a minimum SPF15 on a daily basis. Avoid tanning beds and laying out in the sun for hours whenever possible, as these are incredibly dangerous due to their carcinogenic properties. Although SPF 15 is the minimum level of sun protection, to really save your skin apply at least an SPF 30. Apply sunscreen on a daily basis, even if it is cloudy out. 80% of the sun's radiation penetrates cloud cover, meaning you can still receive sun damage when it's gray and rainy. Use an SPF that has both UVA and UVB protection. UVA are the rays from the sun that cause wrinkles and age spots, while UVB rays are responsible for burning your skin. Keep in mind that many facial moisturizers and foundations contain sunscreen. Check the label to be sure. If your makeup or moisturizer does not contain sunscreen then you can always wear sunscreen under your makeup. Exercise regularly. Working out doesn't just affect your size and weight, but helps to generate new skin cells which keeps your complexion even and young. Heavy workouts aren't required to get healthy looking skin. Instead, focus on just getting your blood pumping for a few minutes every day. If you get dirty during your workout, be sure to wash your face afterwards to keep oil and dirt from getting trapped in your pores and causing your skin to break out. Forego junk food and eat fresh fruits and vegetables instead. Healthy eating in general can help to promote a clear complexion. However, in the beginning you might notice you are breaking out a bit more due to your skin pushing out all the toxins. The chemicals, oils, and sugar in junk food cause your skin to create more oil, which clogs your pores. Instead of completely cutting junk food out of your diet, slowly incorporate more fresh food and less processed food to help your skin. Some foods like blueberries and salmon, which are high in antioxidants, are great for evening out your complexion. Exfoliate your skin. Dead skin cells build up over time on your skin's surface, giving it the appearance of old age or dryness. Slough off those dead skin cells to give your skin a revitalized appearance. Many brands offer a chemical exfoliator or special exfoliating brush that you can purchase at local drug and beautify supply stores for cheap. Make your own exfoliator out of sugar and honey. Rub this on your face in small circles followed by a rinse with warm water to remove the dead skin buildup. If you want a softer exfoliant than sugar, mix oatmeal with honey instead. Another option is to use equal parts baking soda and water. This mask is quite exfoliating, so only use it once every one to two weeks. Most dermatologist offices and spas offer specialized exfoliation treatments. Research to see what these offices in your area offer. Look into the option of buying an electric exfoliator. These work by using a specialized moving brush (similar to an electric toothbrush) to wash you face with twice a day. They can be a bit expensive, running upwards of $100, but work wonders for keeping skin soft and pores clean. Apply a face mask. These help to reduce redness and even out the color and texture of your skin. Buy a specialty face mask at a local beauty supply or drugstore. Many different types of masks are available depending on your desired results; there are ones to reduce redness, aid in age spots, get rid of acne, and smooth your skin. Make a face mask out of a banana and honey for your face. Mix the two together until it forms a paste, and apply it to your face for 10 minutes and rinse with warm water. Use a face peel. Face peels are a type of mask or gel you apply to your face that use healthy acids to dissolve dead skin cells. These remove the top layer of the skin which appears dull or has discoloration or scarring. Use a face peel that has salicylic acid if you have problems with acne or acne scarring. Try a peel that is made with glycolic acid to help your skin if you have problems with wrinkles. Always wash off your peel with warm water when the time limit, typically ten minutes, is up. This way it will keep the peel from over-exfoliating your face. Avoid using a skin peel if you have problems with eczema or rosacea, as these can be worsened by the acids in the peel. Get rid of dark spots with spot-remover. These are products that are used for helping to break-up the unwanted pigmentation that forms from sun damage. Many spot removers work for both sun spots and age spots. If you have both, try this type of dual product. Freckles are a type of sunspot, but a spot remover may not work in lightening these. Try an all natural spot remover of lemon juice. Dab on the juice to your dark spots and allow it to sit for ten minutes, and then rinse. The acid in the juice helps to bleach the spots. Another way to reduce the appearance of dark spots is to use a toner that contains witch hazel. Use moisturizer. In order to even out complexion a good moisturizer is key. There are many variations available which meet your specific skin needs - from dry to oily or wrinkled skin. Find a moisturizer that includes an SPF to expedite your process of applying creams. Tinted moisturizers can work to apply a bit of color in addition to making your skin soft. Make sure to find one in the right skin tone for you though, because the wrong tint can make your skin appear orange or sickly. Use pure Rosehip oil on hyper-pigmentation, burns and scars. It will speed up the healing process, as well as hydrate and moisturize the area. You can also use witch hazel for this. Apply a concealer. Concealer is a liquid or cream that blends with your skin to hide dark or red spots and under-eye circles. It is great for giving an even color to your skin. Concealers come in either your natural skin color (a shade of brown or tan), or in colors such as yellow, green, and lavender. These colored concealers (also known as color correctors) are used to neutralize redness or acne spots in your skin. Always use a concealer brush, which is a small, stiff, round-edged makeup brush, to apply concealer. Using your fingertips can expose your pores to more bacteria, worsening your acne or redness. Don't rub concealer in, but rather dab it on and blend the edges with your brush. You can also use a clean sponge to blend in your concealer. Make sure your concealer isn't too dark, as this will result in rusty orange colored spots on your face instead of sun or age spots. It is better to use a concealer that is too light rather than one that is too dark, as applying foundation over the top will help to darken the concealer. Be sure to sue a color corrector first and then apply concealer over that. Apply foundation. Foundation is the makeup used to cover your whole face to even out your entire skin tone. Foundations come in many variations, including powders, liquids, creams, and aerosol sprays. Although any of these work, powders tend to be the longest lasting and will cover up any natural oils on your skin. Always use a large foundation brush, sometimes called a kabuki brush, to apply your foundation. This is regardless of whether your foundation is a powder or liquid; the brush gives an even application and will help to blend the color. Using your fingers spreads bacteria that can make your skin worse, and will not give as even of an application. Using a beauty blender sponge also helps to ensure that your foundation is even. Dab extra foundation over your spots of concealer to help set it. This can help to match the color and add extra coverage should you desire it. Blend your foundation all the way to your neck in ensure complete coverage of your face. Add color and depth to your face. Now that you've evened the color of your skin tone, it will be left looking single-faceted and color. Add blush to your cheeks to supply your face with a natural looking hue. Apply blush with a round brush starting at the apples of your cheeks moving upwards towards your temples at a 45 degree angle for a more modern blush look. You can use either a powder or cream blush, but find one that matches your skin texture and needs the best. Blushes are available in hues of pink, peach, and violet. For very fair skin, go with a pink shade. Medium and beige skin tones benefit from a peachy hue. For dark rich skin coloring, use a plum or violet blush. Add shadows to your face. Use a bronzer in the hollows under your cheekbones and a highlighter above to mimic the natural shadows that occur with the light. Sweep the bronzer on starting near your hairline towards your nose, avoiding a heavy application. Be sure to blend well. Use a highlighter to add light to the parts of your face that are kissed by the sun. This is typically a light, slightly metallic cream or powder that can be applied with a brush or rolled on. Put the highlighter on your face under your eyebrows, at the corner of your inner eye, and in a “C” shape from the bottom of your cheekbones to the base of your forehead. You can also add some highlighter along the cupid's bow on your upper lip and going down the bridge of your nose. Add a setting powder. Although setting your makeup is optional, setting powders can help your makeup to last longer and keep their natural and even coloring. Get a prescription for skin-clearing medication. Visit your dermatologist and discuss your complexion problems. Based on your specific issues, your dermatologist will be able to prescribe different medications to help even your skin. Some medications may be taken as a pill and help control hormonal imbalances which can lead to poor skin complexion. Medicated creams are available through your dermatologist to apply to your skin. These can deal with problems such as age or sun spots and acne or acne scarring. Be sure to ask your doctor about possible side-effects from medication for your skin. Get a facial. Facials, from either a local spa or your dermatologist, greatly improve skin clarity and complexion over time. See what types of facials are offered in your area. Facials often differ depending on your specific skin problems. Look for facials that target acne, sun damage, skin disorders, or aging depending on your needs. Facials can be expensive, but it is better to pay a bit more for an esthetician you trust than to try to be cheap. They aren't particularly dangerous, but for the best results it is worth a higher price. Get a laser treatment. These help fight age spots and wrinkles, but can only be performed by a dermatologist. Keep in mind that this might be a bit expensive and may not be covered by insurance. A laser treatment works by sending short, strong pulses of light to remove layers of skin. Because of this, it is sometimes also called a laser peel. Avoid getting a laser treatment if you have acne, as this could worsen the condition. Recovery from a laser treatment takes up to two weeks. This is the time in which the skin will regrow and all discoloration or scabbing has disappeared. Get a microdermabrasion session. This is a combination of a peel and exfoliant that helps to remove dead skin and discoloration. These are available from your dermatologist and some spas. Microdermabrasion is essentially “sanding” away skin with a peel and a special brush or tool. Therefore, it works best for dark spots and dull skin. Dermabrasion, similar to microdermabrasion, works primarily to remove scarring. It is only safe for people with fair skin however, as it can worsen scarring in dark skin. Only consider dermabrasion as an option if you struggle with scarring from a skin disease, significant acne, or accidents. | Drink lots of water. Apply sunscreen regularly. Exercise regularly. Forego junk food and eat fresh fruits and vegetables instead. Exfoliate your skin. Apply a face mask. Use a face peel. Get rid of dark spots with spot-remover. Use moisturizer. Use pure Rosehip oil on hyper-pigmentation, burns and scars. Apply a concealer. Apply foundation. Add color and depth to your face. Add shadows to your face. Add a setting powder. Get a prescription for skin-clearing medication. Get a facial. Get a laser treatment. Get a microdermabrasion session. |
https://www.wikihow.life/Whiten-Grout | How to Whiten Grout | To whiten grout, start by spreading a baking soda and water paste on the grout. Then, use a stiff-bristled brush to scrub the paste into the grout before rinsing it off with warm water. If there are mildew stains on the grout, spray them with equal parts water and white vinegar and let the mixture sit for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, scrub the grout with a brush and rinse the vinegar mixture off. For stubborn discoloration, you may need to use hydrogen peroxide or oxygen bleach. | Start with warm water and a nylon brush. Sometimes, a little bit of water and elbow grease is all you need. Simply spray some warm water onto the grout, then scrub it with a stiff-bristled brush using a circular motion. This might be enough to get rid of light surface dirt, and reveal the white grout underneath. For heavier stains, add a few drops of dish soap into the warm water. Try to get a brush made specifically for cleaning grout. If you can't find one, an old toothbrush or a manicure brush will also work. Don't use a wire brush, however, as it can ruin the grout. Use a water-vinegar solution for mildew stains. Fill a spray bottle with 1 part white vinegar, and 1 part warm water. Spray this mixture onto the strained areas, wait 5 minutes, then scrub it off using a stiff-bristled brush. If needed, rinse the area with warm water. Don't use this if your tiles are made out of marble or other natural stones. Vinegar can damage these materials. Use a paste made from baking soda and water on heavier stains. Mix enough water into some baking soda to form a thick paste. Spread this paste onto the affected area. Scrub the area with a stiff-bristled brush, then rinse with warm water. You can also spray the baking soda paste with a mixture of one part water, and one part white vinegar mixture. Once it stops fizzing and foaming, scrub the area using a stiff bristled brush. Use hydrogen peroxide on tough stains. You can spray hydrogen peroxide straight onto the stained area, or you can make a paste using baking soda. Once you have the hydrogen peroxide on the grout, wait a few minutes, then scrub it using a stiff-bristled brush. Rinse the area using water when you are done. Hydrogen peroxide works great on blood stains. Use store-bought "oxygen bleach" cleaners. Look for products that say they will work on grout, or that say "oxygen bleach" on them. Turn on the bathroom fan or open a window, and put on a pair of rubber gloves. Use the product according to the instructions. Most products will need to sit on the grout for 10 to 15 minutes, and then you will need to scrub them using a stiff-bristled brush. When you are done, rinse the cleaner off with warm water. Common brands include: Biokleen Oxygen Bleach Plus, Clorox, OxiClean, and OxiMagic. Steam your grout back to its original white. Begin with the steam pressure set to the lowest setting, and work up to a higher setting if necessary. Use the brush attachment for stubborn stains. Steam cleaning does not use any cleaners at all. Instead, it uses steam and pressure to "blast" dirt and grime away. Use bleach diluted with water in extreme cases. Turn on the bathroom fan or open up a window. Put on a pair of rubber gloves, safety goggles, and some old clothes. Next, fill a spray bottle with 1 part bleach and 10 parts water. Spray the mixture onto the dirty grout and wait 2 minutes. Scrub the area using a stiff-bristled brush, then rinse with water. Use bleach with care if your bathtub is made from porcelain. Bleach can cause porcelain to turn yellow or become pitted. Try a baking soda and bleach paste for extreme cases. Mix 2 parts baking soda and 1 part bleach to make a thick paste. Spread this paste onto the dirty grout and wait 5 to 10 minutes. Scrub the grout using a stiff-bristled brush, then wait another 5 to 10 minutes. Once the time is up, rinse the paste off using water. While mixing bleach with other chemicals is a bad idea, mixing bleach with baking soda is considered safe. Many people find that this actually helps improve the cleaning properties of both the bleach and the baking soda. Buy some white grout paint. You can find white grout paint in a hardware store or a home improvement store. You may also find it labeled as "grout colorant." It usually contains epoxy, and is very durable. Grout paint is not the same thing as grout stain, which is usually translucent and does not come in white. Depending on the color of your grout, white grout paint may look a little dark once it cures. If your tiles are very dark, white grout might look too bright. Consider getting a grout paint that is light grey or an off-white instead. Prepare the tile and grout. Fill in any chipped areas with grout, and let it cure. If you need to seal your tiles, do so now, but take care not to get any sealer on the grout itself. Sealers may prevent the grout paint from sticking. You also want to make sure that the grout is clean, and free of any oil, food, soap, or grime. If you washed the tiles, make sure that they are completely dry before you move on. Get a small paint brush and paint pan. The brush should be small enough to slide down the grout lines. You can even use an old toothbrush. A cheap paint brush from the hardware store also works great for this. You will also need a paint pan, or any other small container to pour the paint into. If you are worried about the paintbrush shedding and getting bristles stuck in your grout, use a foam brush instead. Make sure that it is the same width as the grout line. Consider trimming the paintbrush bristles down a little so that they are stiffer. This will give you more control over the brush. Another option is to get a small wheel paint applicator. This will allow you to apply the paint easily and precisely. Pour some paint into the paint pan. Pour out less paint than you think you might need. You can always pour out more paint later. If you pour out too much paint, it can dry out before you use it all. Brush the paint onto the grout using long, back-and-forth strokes. Dip the brush's tip into the paint pan to pick up a small amount of paint. Carefully run the brush along the grout. Be careful not to get any paint onto the tiles. It is possible to remove it, but the less cleanup you have to do, the better. Grout paint will only stick to grout, and can be easily removed from tile. If you are still concerned about this, mask off the tiles using painter's tape. Wipe off excess grout paint from the tiles using a damp cloth. If the paint has dried on the tile, scrape it off using your fingernail. You can also use a pallet knife or an old spoon to scrape the paint off. Wait until the paint dries before applying a second coat. Depending on the brand, this can take 1 hour or more. Refer to the label for more specific drying times. The paint must be completely dry before you apply a second coat. Let the paint cure, if needed before using the area. Depending on the brand you are using, you might need to let the paint cure first before you can use the tiled area. Some paints only need to dry. It is always a good idea to let the paint dry for longer than it indicates you should. This will help to ensure that it is truly dry. Consider sealing the grout using a grout sealer. This will help your paintwork last longer. It will also help keep the grout clean longer and make it easier to clean later on. | Start with warm water and a nylon brush. Use a water-vinegar solution for mildew stains. Use a paste made from baking soda and water on heavier stains. Use hydrogen peroxide on tough stains. Use store-bought "oxygen bleach" cleaners. Steam your grout back to its original white. Use bleach diluted with water in extreme cases. Try a baking soda and bleach paste for extreme cases. Buy some white grout paint. Prepare the tile and grout. Get a small paint brush and paint pan. Pour some paint into the paint pan. Brush the paint onto the grout using long, back-and-forth strokes. Wipe off excess grout paint from the tiles using a damp cloth. Wait until the paint dries before applying a second coat. Let the paint cure, if needed before using the area. Consider sealing the grout using a grout sealer. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Sew-Stretchy-Fabric | How to Sew Stretchy Fabric | Stretchy fabrics can be difficult to sew, but you can make the process easier by choosing a proper needle and using specific stitches. If your stretchy fabric is loosely-woven and you're afraid of damaging it, opt for a ballpoint needle, which has a rounded tip that will go in between the fibers instead of piercing them. For lightweight, tightly-woven fabrics like Lycra, stretch silk jersey, or lightweight faux suede, pick a stretch needle. Once you have the right needle for your fabric, make sure to baste, or sew a temporary stitch, using your sewing machine's longest length setting. If your machine has a stretch stitch setting, pick that for your project. Otherwise, use a zigzag or straight stitch, as these will give your fabric the room to stretch. | Opt for a ballpoint needle for loosely-woven knits. A ballpoint needle has a rounded tip that will go in between the knit fibers rather than piercing through them. If you are worried about damaging the stretch fabric you are using, then choose a ballpoint needle. Choose a fine (thin) needle for tightly woven knits and a thick needle for loosely woven knits. Ballpoint needles come in sizes 10 US (70 European) through 16 US (100 European). A smaller number indicates a finer needle, while a larger number indicates a thicker needle. Choose a stretch needle for lightweight, tightly-woven knits. If you are working with a lightweight, tightly-woven fabric such as Lycra, stretch silk jersey, or lightweight faux suede, then a stretch needle will provide the best results. This type of needle helps to avoid skipped stitches on more delicate stretchy fabrics. Select a fine (thin) needle for tightly-woven fabrics and a thick needle for loosely-woven fabrics. Stretch needles come in sizes 11 US (75 European) through 14 US (90 European). Use a universal needle if you need a special size. Universal needles come in a wider range of sizes than other types of sewing machine needles. If you need a sewing machine needle that is extra fine (lower number needle size) or a needle that is extra thick (higher number needle size) and it is not available in a specialty needle, then you may have to get a universal needle. Universal needles range in size from US size 8 (European 60) to US size 19 (European 120). Choose a mid-range sized needle, such as a 14 US (90 European), if you are unsure of what size you need for your fabric. Install a double needle for sewing zigzag hems. To get a professional looking finish on hems, you might consider purchasing a double needle to use with the zigzag stitch setting on your machine. This type of needle will create a double zigzag stitch along the hem that is secure and attractive looking. Check your sewing machine's manual to ensure that it can accommodate a double needle and for instructions on how to install a double needle. Baste before sewing a permanent stitch to prevent mistakes. Baste stitching is when you sew a temporary stitch over a seam or hem to avoid making a mistake with the permanent stitch. Select your sewing machine's baste stitch setting or set the straight stitch to the longest length, and then sew the areas of the stretch fabric you want to secure. If they do not look right to you, then you can simply pull the end of the baste stitch thread to remove it from the fabric and try again. Since stretchy fabrics can be difficult to work with, sewing a baste stitch first is recommended, but it is optional. Select the stretch stitch setting on your machine if it has one. The stretch stitch setting will provide the best results since it is meant for use with stretchy fabrics. However, not all machines have this setting. Check to see if your machine does and follow your machine's instructions for how to set it to the stretch stitch. Most modern sewing machines have a stretch stitch setting, but your machine may not have this setting if it is an older model. Keep in mind that the stretch stitch setting creates stitches that are very difficult to remove if you make a mistake, so baste first and sew carefully! Use the zigzag or straight stitch as an alternative to the stretch stitch. The zigzag stitch is a good alternative to the stretch stitch since it allows fabrics to stretch easily while keeping the seams and hems secure. The straight stitch may also work for some stretch fabrics, but you might want to test it on a scrap of your stretchy fabric first to be sure. Check your sewing machine's instruction manual for how to set it to the zigzag or straight stitch setting. Choose an overedge stitch if you are using a serger. When you create 2-thread hems and seams with a serger, the top and bottom threads are secured with loops along the outer edges of the fabric. This type of stitching is known as an overedge stitch and it is a great way to keep your hems and seams stretchy. Some more advanced sewing machines might include an overedge stitch setting, so check your sewing machine's instruction manual if you'd like to try this stitch without a serger. Select a 2.5 to 3 mm stitch length for all stitch types. A longer stitch length is ideal for stretchy fabric because it creates more slack in the stitching. Select 2.5 for less slack, and 3 for more slack. If you have a machine with a digital interface and a stretch stitch setting, then it should automatically adjust the stitch length. If you have a machine with dials that requires you to adjust the stitch length manually, then you will need to do this no matter what type of stitch you use. Insert ballpoint pins to secure the fabric before you sew. To avoid damaging your fabric, use ballpoint pins to secure seams and hems before you sew. Ballpoint pins go in between the knit fibers of stretchy fabric rather than cutting through them with a sharp tip. Make sure to insert pins perpendicular to the hem or seam. This will make it easier to remove the pins before you sew over each section. Place stabilizing fabric under shoulder seams to prevent stretching. If you are using a stretch fabric for a top, then the weight of the fabric may lead to drooping sleeves and stretched out shoulder seams. To avoid this, you can sew a non-stretchy stabilizing fabric into the shoulder seams. Use a 0.75 in (1.9 cm) piece of lightweight, non-stretch fabric, such as silk organza or cotton, cut to the length you need to cover the seam. The stabilizing fabric should be even with the edge of the stretch fabric so that you sew through the stabilizing fabric and stretch fabric at the same time. You can purchase special types of fabric for interfacing, such as fusible tricot. Sew in the least stretchy direction. To reduce your machine's natural pull on stretchy fabric, place the fabric on the machine so you will be sewing in the direction that has the least stretch. Give your fabric a tug from a few different directions to determine which direction is the least stretchy. Keep in mind that some fabrics have the same amount of stretch in all directions, so sewing in the least stretchy direction might not always be possible. Hold the fabric gently to avoid pulling on it as you sew. Since stretchy fabric can extend far beyond its resting length, it is important to avoid pulling at the fabric when you sew it. Hold the fabric so that it is flat, but not stretched out as you sew. Allow the machine's feed dogs (the gears at the bottom of the machine) to move the fabric under the presser foot as you gently guide it along. Put a piece of tissue paper under the fabric if the feed dogs pull on it. If your machine pulls on the fabric or does not move it through efficiently, then you can try placing a piece of tissue paper under the fabric as you sew. Sew the seams and hems through the fabric and tissue paper. Then, tear the tissue paper away from the stitches after you are finished sewing. The tissue paper should come off easily because it has been pierced multiple times with the sewing machine needle. Steam your finished project. Steaming may help to reinvigorate the fabric after you finish sewing it. Use your iron or fabric steamer on the lowest setting to steam the fabric. You can also place a towel or t-shirt over the fabric to help protect it if you are concerned about damaging it with the heat from the steamer. Prewash stretchy fabrics before sewing them. There is some debate about whether or not you should prewash stretchy fabrics, so it is up to you. However, if you want to ensure that your fabric will not shrink or fade after the first time you wash it, do a prewash before you sew. Follow the laundering instructions for the fabric you are using. In some cases, it may be necessary to dry clean the fabric. Spray stretchy fabric with a starch spray to prevent curling edges. If your fabric curls along the edges and this is making it hard for you to sew it, then you might want to spray the edges with a starch spray. This will help to keep them stabilized when you sew and then it will wash out the first time you launder your finished project. Avoid pulling on the fabric when you cut along the edges of a pattern. Whether you choose to insert pins or place paperweights to hold the stretchy fabric in place under your pattern, make sure that you do not pull on it when you cut the fabric. This may affect the fit and look of your finished project. | Opt for a ballpoint needle for loosely-woven knits. Choose a stretch needle for lightweight, tightly-woven knits. Use a universal needle if you need a special size. Install a double needle for sewing zigzag hems. Baste before sewing a permanent stitch to prevent mistakes. Select the stretch stitch setting on your machine if it has one. Use the zigzag or straight stitch as an alternative to the stretch stitch. Choose an overedge stitch if you are using a serger. Select a 2.5 to 3 mm stitch length for all stitch types. Insert ballpoint pins to secure the fabric before you sew. Place stabilizing fabric under shoulder seams to prevent stretching. Sew in the least stretchy direction. Hold the fabric gently to avoid pulling on it as you sew. Put a piece of tissue paper under the fabric if the feed dogs pull on it. Steam your finished project. Prewash stretchy fabrics before sewing them. Spray stretchy fabric with a starch spray to prevent curling edges. Avoid pulling on the fabric when you cut along the edges of a pattern. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Construct-a-Beer-Bong | How to Construct a Beer Bong | If you want to make your own beer bong, cut 2 pieces of clear tubing so that one piece is about 1 foot long and the other is 4 or 5 feet long. Attach the 2 tubes with a plastic valve and clamp it into place. The valve will allow any air to escape when you're pouring the beer. Then, insert a funnel into one end of the shorter tube and clamp it into place as well. When you're ready to use the beer bong, hold the open end of the long tube to your mouth, then have someone pour beer into the funnel! | Wash off all of the parts before you assemble them. Soak all of the pieces in a bucket or sink full of warm water and soap. Use a sponge or brush to scrub the inside and outside of the funnel to remove any dust or dirt that may be on the surface. Clean the hoses, connectors, and valves with a sponge to remove dirt from them clean and rinse them off with water. Dry off all of the parts after you clean them. All of the components need to be sanitized to keep out dust, dirt, bacteria, and other contaminants. Insert a large funnel into a length of 1 inch (2.5 cm) diameter tubing. Use a length of plastic tubing that's at least 3 feet (0.91 m) long so you can fit an entire can of beer into the beer bong. Slide the narrow end of the funnel into the opening of the tube. Push it as far into the tube as you can. You can find plastic tubing and funnels at your local hardware, home improvement, and department stores, or online. Slide a hose clamp onto the tubing over the funnel. A hose clamp looks like a thin metal ring with a screw on the side of it and is used to secure hoses and tubes so they're airtight. Place a hose clamp on the plastic tubing and slide it down so it's on top of the funnel inside of the tube. It's okay if the clamp fits loosely onto the tube. If the clamp is too tight to fit onto the tube, use a flathead screwdriver to open it up so it can slide onto the tube. You can find hose clamps at hardware stores, home improvement stores, and online. Tighten the clamp over the funnel with a flathead screwdriver. Hold the hose clamp flush against the bottom of the funnel connected to the plastic tube. Take a flathead screwdriver and turn the screw on the side of the clamp to tighten it. Continue to tighten it until the tube around the end of the funnel is secure and the funnel cannot slide out. Give the funnel a gentle tug to make sure it's secure in the tube. Screw plastic hose-to-threaded connectors into the ball valve. Take 2 plastic connectors with a ⁄ 4 inch (1.9 cm) diameter and align the threaded side with the opening of the ball valve. Attach a connector to each side of the ball valve by turning them clockwise until they're tight. You won't be able to screw the connector all the way in, so make sure it's tight and securely connected. Slide a hose clamp onto the tube at the opposite end of the funnel. Take another hose clamp and fit it onto the other end of the tubing so it will be in place to clamp over the connector. Leave it on the tubing so you can move it into place when you attach the valve. Let the hose clamp hang loosely on the tubing so you can move it into position after you attach the funnel to the valve. Insert the funnel tubing onto the connector on the ball valve. Slide the end of the funnel tube onto the ball valve by forcing it onto the connector. The tube should fit snugly but it won't be fully secure. Don't screw the connector so tight into the ball valve that it's difficult to remove for cleaning. Tighten the hose clamp over the connector with a screwdriver. Slide the hose clamp down the tube so it's on tip of the connector. Then, take a flathead screwdriver and tighten the screw on the hose clamp until the tube is tight and secure over the connector. Give the ball valve a good tug to make sure it's attached securely. Attach a 4 in (10 cm) long tube to the other connector. Take a smaller length of 1 inch (2.5 cm) diameter tubing and slide it over the open connector on the ball valve. This will serve as a mouthpiece whenever you use the beer bong. Don't clamp the mouthpiece tubing so you can easily remove it to clean it. Use Y valves to connect more tubes to make a multi-person beer bong. Fit a Y valve over the bottom of the funnel and connect 2 tubes to it to form a 2 person beer bong. You can also connect a Y valve to those tubes and connect 4 total tubes to the funnel to form a multi-person beer bong! Use Y valves that will fit 1 inch (2.5 cm) diameter tubes. Connect ball valves to the ends of each tube so you can control the flow of liquid. You can find Y valves at hardware stores, home improvement stores, and online. Wipe off the mouthpiece and make sure the ball valve is shut off. Check the switch on the ball valve and look for the “on” and “off” labels. Make sure the switch is in the “off” position. Use a clean cloth to wipe the inside and outside of the mouthpiece. It's always a good idea to clean off the mouthpiece of a beer bong before you use it, especially if someone else used it before you. If the switch isn't labeled, test the beer bong by pouring a little bit of water into the funnel end. If the water flows through the valve, flip the switch so it's off and pour out the water. Pour a beverage into the funnel slowly. Hold the funnel at a slight angle and slowly pour in the beverage so the foam doesn't build up in the tubing. Continue pouring until the tube is full and the liquid is in the funnel. Try not to overfill the funnel and have the liquid right at the edge or you could spill it. A foamy liquid is sure to make your stomach hurt and could make you nauseated when you consume it. A little bit of foam is normal, wait a few moments until the foam subsides before you drink it. Raise the funnel overhead to allow it to flow. Hold the funnel up over your head when you're ready to use it. Elevating the funnel will allow the liquid to flow right through the tube and valve. A beer bong uses gravity to help the liquid flow. Try to hold the funnel in a fixed position so the liquid doesn't slosh around. Put your mouth on the mouthpiece. Place your lips around the small mouthpiece tubing so it's you create a seal with your mouth. Don't allow space between your lips and the tube or it could cause air to mix with the liquid as it enters your mouth. Mixing air into the liquid could build up pressure in your stomach, which could be painful or make you nauseated. Open the valve on the ball valve to release the beverage. Take a deep breath and open the valve to start the flow of liquid. Relax your throat to allow gravity to force the liquid directly into your stomach. When the beer bong is empty, close the valve and pull the mouthpiece out of your mouth. Consider high-fiving your friends around you to celebrate your victory! | Wash off all of the parts before you assemble them. Insert a large funnel into a length of 1 inch (2.5 cm) diameter tubing. Slide a hose clamp onto the tubing over the funnel. Tighten the clamp over the funnel with a flathead screwdriver. Screw plastic hose-to-threaded connectors into the ball valve. Slide a hose clamp onto the tube at the opposite end of the funnel. Insert the funnel tubing onto the connector on the ball valve. Tighten the hose clamp over the connector with a screwdriver. Attach a 4 in (10 cm) long tube to the other connector. Use Y valves to connect more tubes to make a multi-person beer bong. Wipe off the mouthpiece and make sure the ball valve is shut off. Pour a beverage into the funnel slowly. Raise the funnel overhead to allow it to flow. Put your mouth on the mouthpiece. Open the valve on the ball valve to release the beverage. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Hot-Water-Cornbread | How to Make Hot Water Cornbread | To make hot water cornbread, stir the cornmeal, salt, and sugar together in a mixing bowl. Next, add the shortening and water and stir thoroughly until the shortening melts and the mixture is evenly combined. Then, scoop up heaping tablespoons of the dough and shape it into flattened balls or patties. Finally, fry the patties in hot oil until they're golden brown and let them drain on paper towels before serving them. | Combine the dry ingredients. Place the cornmeal, salt, and sugar in a medium mixing bowl and stir to combine. Note that the sugar is an optional ingredient. Add it if you like mildly sweetened cornbread. Leave it out if you prefer savory cornbread. Add the shortening and water. Toss both ingredients into the cornmeal mixture, stirring until the shortening melts and the mixture seems evenly combined. The resulting dough should be thick enough to loosely hold its form, but it will still be quite sticky and difficult to pick up with your hands. Shape the mixture into patties. Scoop up heaping tablespoons of dough. Use your fingers or a second spoon to form them into flattened balls or patties. You should be able to get roughly 10 to 15 patties out of this dough. Place the formed patties on a plate lined with wax paper. Alternatively, wait until after you heat the oil, then form and drop the patties directly into the skillet. Heat the oil in a large skillet. Pour 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) of vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed skillet. Set the pan on the stove over medium-high heat. Cast iron skillets work best, but any large, heavy-bottomed skillet can be used. Note that bacon fat, canola oil, or peanut oil can also be used instead of standard vegetable oil. Test the temperature of the oil with a cooking thermometer. When the oil reaches 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius), move onto the next step. Fry the patties until golden brown. Gently place each dough patty in the hot oil. Fry the patties for approximately 5 minutes, or until the patties are golden brown on both sides. Only turn the patty once during the cooking process. Wait 2 to 3 minutes, or until the bottom edge of each patty starts to brown. Use a flat, heat-resistant spatula to carefully flip the patties to their uncooked sides. Drain on paper towels. Remove the patties from the hot oil using a slotted spatula and transfer them to a plate covered in paper towels. Try to position the patties in a single layer on this plate. If you stack them on top of one another, the oil may not drain completely. Let the cornbread patties drain for 1 or 2 minutes. Serve hot. Enjoy the cornbread patties while they're still hot. You can eat them plain or add butter, maple syrup, honey, or fruit preserves. Mix the ingredients. Place the cornmeal, salt, and water in a medium mixing bowl. Stir the ingredients together until evenly combined. Consider mixing the cornmeal and salt together before adding the water. Doing so is not strictly necessary but can ensure an even distribution of salt throughout the batter. The resulting dough should be the consistency of thick oatmeal. It should have some form to it, but it will also be too sticky and fluid to touch with your hands. If it doesn't seem thin enough, add more boiling water 1 Tbsp (15 ml) at a time until it does. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet. Pour 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) of vegetable oil into a large cast iron skillet. Set the skillet on your stove over medium-high heat. Other cooking oils, like peanut oil or bacon fat, can also work. Similarly, any large, heavy-bottomed skillet can be used if you don't have one made of cast iron. The temperature of the oil should reach 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) before you add the dough. Test the temperature with a cooking thermometer. Alternatively, sprinkle the surface of the oil with a little water; if the oil immediately sizzles and the water turns to vapor, it's probably ready to use. Drop spoonfuls of dough into the oil. Using a flatware teaspoon, drop spoonfuls of the prepared dough into the hot oil, pressing down gently on the center of each dollop after dropping it in. Tap on the center of the patty with the back of the spoon as soon as the dough hits the oil. Try to flatten it out as much as possible without separating the dough into different pieces. Cook until lightly browned. Fry the patties until both sides have browned, turning once when the edges brown. Since these patties are so thin, they should only take 3 to 4 minutes to cook. Watch them closely to prevent them from burning. The finished patties will be crisp and full of holes/indentation, giving them a "lacy" appearance. Drain on paper towels. Remove the finished patties from the hot oil using a slotted spatula, then transfer them to a large plate lined with paper towels. Drain for several minutes. Keep the cornbread pieces in a single layer, if possible. If you stack them on top of each other, the oil from top layer will drip down and soak into the pieces lying at the bottom. Serve hot. Enjoy the cornbread while it's still hot. You can eat it plain or serve it with salt and butter. Preheat the oven to 475 degrees Fahrenheit (245 degrees Celsius). Meanwhile, prepare a 15-inch by 10-inch (38-cm by 25-cm) jelly roll pan by heavily coating it with vegetable oil. Pour 1/3 cup (80 ml) of vegetable oil into the bottom of the pan. Gently sift the pan from side to side, or use a spatula to spread the oil all the way to the edges. Combine the dry ingredients. Place the cornmeal, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a medium mixing bowl. Stir gently until evenly combined. Add the half-and-half and oil. Pour the half-and-half and remaining 1 Tbsp (15 ml) of vegetable oil into the cornmeal mixture, stirring until just combined. Stir in the water. Slowly pour the boiling water into the cornmeal mixture. Stir the batter together until it reaches the consistency of thick grits or oatmeal. Stir with one hand while pouring with the other. If you aren't able to do so, simply add the water in small amounts, stirring in between each addition. You may need anywhere from 3/4 to 1-1/4 cups (180 to 310 ml) of boiling water depending on the coarseness of the cornmeal used. Stop adding water once the batter reaches the correct consistency. Drop the batter onto your prepared pan. Drop dollops of batter into the prepared jelly roll pan and directly into the oil. Each portion of batter should measure approximately 1/4 cup (60 ml) in volume. This recipe should produce eight cornbread patties, so keep that in mind as you space the dollops of dough. Try to keep at least 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) of space in between the patties. Bake until golden brown. Place the pan in your oven and bake the cornbread patties for 17 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown on both sides. To ensure even browning, cooking the patties on one side for 12 to 15 minutes, then flip them over to the other side and finish cooking an additional 5 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Remove the pan from the oven and lift the cornbread patties out of the oil. Transfer them to a plate lined with clean paper towels. This method doesn't use quite as much oil as stovetop frying requires, so there won't be as much oil to drain. Quickly dab both sides of each patty on the paper towels to remove most of the excess oil sitting on the surface. Serve hot. Enjoy the cornbread patties immediately. You can eat them plain, but you may also wish to serve them with salt, butter, honey, or preserves. | Combine the dry ingredients. Add the shortening and water. Shape the mixture into patties. Heat the oil in a large skillet. Fry the patties until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Serve hot. Mix the ingredients. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet. Drop spoonfuls of dough into the oil. Cook until lightly browned. Drain on paper towels. Serve hot. Preheat the oven to 475 degrees Fahrenheit (245 degrees Celsius). Combine the dry ingredients. Add the half-and-half and oil. Stir in the water. Drop the batter onto your prepared pan. Bake until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Serve hot. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Computer | How to Build a Computer | To build a computer, start by grounding yourself with an antistatic wrist-strap cable to prevent electrostatic discharge. Next, open the case and install the power supply near the top of the case. Then, attach the processor and RAM to the motherboard, hook it up to the power supply, and attach the heat sink. Once the standoffs are installed, place the motherboard in the case, push it up against the backplate, and secure it with screws. Finally, install the hard drive and make sure the power supply is connected to all of the necessary components before connecting the monitor. | Determine your computer's use. Before you buy any components or establish a budget, you'll need to know what you plan on using the computer for. Standard desktop PCs which are used for things like browsing and minor programs (e.g., Microsoft Word and Excel) can use older, less expensive parts, while gaming- or editing-focused computers will need more powerful, up-to-date parts. Establish a budget. It's too easy to start buying attractive parts without sticking to a budget, only to realize that you're out of money and don't have all of the necessary equipment to build your PC. Figure out a soft limit (e.g., $300) and a hard limit (e.g., $400) and try to stay within that range. Common sense should guide your purchasing as well. For example, if the processor for which you budget is $100 but a nicer, newer model is discounted from $200 to $120 at your local tech store, spending the extra $20 is probably a better long-term investment. Know which components you need to buy. No matter how expensive your computer, you will need the following components for your project: Processor — Acts as the "brain" of your computer. Motherboard — Serves as an interface between all of your computer's components and the processor. RAM — Random Access Memory. More RAM will provide more "workspace" to increase your computer's performance. Think about the RAM as a table: more RAM gives you more room for doing things on that table. Less RAM is like having a smaller table! Hard drive — Stores data. You can buy a traditional hard drive, or you can opt for a more expensive solid state drive (SSD) if you want an exceptionally fast drive. Power supply — Powers all of your computer's individual components. The power supply is also the interface between your computer and the wall socket into which you plug your computer. Case — Necessary for storing and cooling your components. Graphics card — Used to render images on your computer. While most processors have a built-in graphics processing unit (GPU), you can buy a dedicated graphics card if you plan on gaming or using your computer for intensive editing. Cooling system — Keeps the inside of your case at a safe temperature. Only necessary for gaming and editing PCs—regular PCs should be fine with a stock cooler. Know where to buy components. In-store locations such as Best Buy will stock computer components, but you can usually find comparable parts for cheaper if you shop online. Common online locations include Amazon, eBay, and NewEgg. Don't write off used parts, especially if the parts are listed as "Like New" or are in new condition. You can often buy such parts at a heavily discounted price for little to no change in function. Research every component you intend to purchase. Read magazines and online consumer review sites for more information. Remember, this is one of the most important steps, because everything will depend on your hardware working correctly. A few relevant articles on wikiHow include How to Build a Cheap Gaming Computer , How to Choose Components for Building a Computer, and How to Build a Powerful Quiet Computer. Look for good reviews for your preferred product, both on the site from which you're considering purchasing it and elsewhere. Stay away from marketing graphs or numbers - there is always some trickery to make the numbers seem better than they are. Some reputable hardware reviewers are Linus Tech Tips, Tom's Hardware or Gamers Nexus. Once you've found a decently reviewed component, look for negative reviews of the component. You may find that the component is great for certain uses, but inappropriate for your own preferences. Find a processor. The processor (or CPU) is the core of your computer's performance. The higher the processor's speed in gigahertz (GHz), the faster it can process data. Many applications use multiple threads at the same time, so more cores can improve performance. The processor will usually entail a large part of your budget. Processors typically come in quad-core, hexa-core or higher. Unless you're building an ultra-high-performance gaming PC, you should stick to <6 cores. Intel and AMD are two of the main processor manufacturers. Typically, AMD offers better value. Get a motherboard which fits your processor. You'll want to select a motherboard which is compatible with your processor, which can be accomplished by checking the socket of the CPU and motherboard. Other aspects to look for in a motherboard include the following: "Onboard Wi-Fi" (ensures that your computer will have wireless capabilities) Bluetooth Multiple RAM slots Support for graphics cards if necessary (PCIe x16 slot) Purchase RAM. RAM is responsible for storing data from running programs, so having enough of it is important. Before buying RAM, be sure to check both your processor and your motherboard for the type of RAM which is supported. There is a limit to how much RAM your computer can use, and that limit is dictated by your processor's capabilities (typically 64GB) and your applications. If a program stores only 1GB data in the RAM, more RAM won't accelerate the task. Typically 8 GB is encouraged, with higher-end gaming machines benefiting from 16GB. Depending on your motherboard, you'll usually buy either DDR3 RAM or DDR4 RAM. The type of RAM that is supported by your motherboard will be noted in the motherboard's documentation. Buy a hard drive. Comparatively speaking, purchasing a hard drive is easy—most hard drives are compatible with virtually all motherboards and processors, though you may need to make sure the hard drive you find will fit in your case. You'll want to buy a SATA hard drive which stores at least 500 gigabytes, and be sure to buy from a reputable manufacturer such as Western Digital, Seagate, or Toshiba. Your average hard drive has a speed of 7200 RPM. Hard drives can also use IDE instead of SATA as their connections, but SATA is newer and thus supported on all modern motherboards. If you want a smaller hard drive with faster data retrieval, you can instead purchase a solid state drive (SSD). These drives are significantly more expensive than most standard computer hard drives. Often they are used as a complementary drive with a larger hard drive. SSDs usually come with a SATA connector, with newer models using NVMe M.2 or SATA M.2. Some motherboards might not support the NVMe or M.2 standard. Purchase a graphics card if necessary. A dedicated graphics card is essential for playing the latest games, but not a major issue for a computer you plan on using for daily tasks. If you watch or edit a lot of HD video or play a lot of games, you'll want a dedicated graphics card. As with any other component, make sure that your graphics card is compatible with your motherboard. However, you are unlikely to get issues. The graphics card should take up 1/3 of a gaming computer budget. Nearly all Intel CPUs have integrated graphics, so you don't need a dedicated card if you're planning to use the computer for office work, web browsing email, and a little bit of online gaming. AMD also manufactures the 2200G and 2400G processors with powerful integrated graphics, capable of some games at lower settings. Graphics cards are also referred to as "video cards" or "GPU". Make sure your power supply can handle the load. The power supply powers all of your components in your computer. Some cases come with a power supply already installed, but others require you to provide your own. The power supply should be powerful enough to charge all of your components; don't worry about it being so powerful that you waste electricity by powering more than you need, as it will only output as many watts as you use and the number on its wattage is only its max capacity. Pick up a case that is both functional and easy on the eyes. The case is what holds your computer components. A few cases come with a power supply included, but if you are making a gaming build then getting a separate power supply is recommended, as the power supplies that come with cases are usually not very high quality. The size of the case will be based on how many drives bays and card slots it has, as well as the size and type of your motherboard. Be sure to select a case which can fit all of your components, including your hard drive. Cases might obstruct air flow causing some higher-end components with larger power draw to overheat. Ground yourself. Use an antistatic wrist-strap cable to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) which can be deadly to computer electronics. Alternatively, touch a large metal body like a radiator to discharge yourself. Open the case. Unscrew the side panel (or slide it toward the back of the case) to do so. Install the power supply. Some cases come with the power supply already installed, while others will require you to purchase the power supply separately and install it yourself. Make sure that the power supply is installed in the correct orientation, and that nothing is blocking the power supply's fan. The power supply will usually go near the top or the bottom rear of the case. You can determine where the power supply is supposed to sit by looking for a missing section on the back of the case. Add components to the motherboard. This is usually easiest to do before you install the motherboard, as the case can limit your ability to wire components: Attach the processor to the motherboard by finding the processor port on the motherboard's surface. An indicator on CPU and motherboard will show you the correct orientation. Attach your RAM to the motherboard by finding the RAM slots and inserting the RAM appropriately (they should only fit one way). Attach your power supply to the motherboard's power connectors. Locate (but do not attach) the motherboard's hard drive SATA port. You'll use this to connect the hard drive to the motherboard later. Apply thermal paste to the processor if necessary. Put a small dot (around the size of a grain of rice or a pea) of thermal paste on the CPU. Adding too much thermal paste will create a mess, such as getting paste into the motherboard socket, which may short circuit components and decrease the motherboard's value if you plan to sell it later. Attach the heat sink. This varies from heat sink to heat sink, so read the instructions for your processor. Most stock coolers attach directly over the processor and clip into the motherboard. Aftermarket heat sinks may have brackets that need to be attached underneath the motherboard. Skip this step if your processor has an installed heat sink. Prepare your case. You may need to knock the plates out of the back of the case in order to fit your components into the correct positions. If your case has separate shelving units to hold your hard drive, install the units using the included screws. You may need to install and wire your case's fans before you can install any components. If so, follow your case's fan installation instructions. Secure the motherboard. Once the standoffs are installed, place the motherboard in the case and push it up against the backplate. All of the back ports should fit into the holes in the I/O backplate. Use the screws provided to secure the motherboard to the standoffs through the shielded screw holes on the motherboard. Plug in the case connectors. These tend to be located together on the motherboard near the front of the case. The order in which these are connected will depend on which is easiest. Make sure that you connect the USB ports, the Power and Reset switches, the LED power and hard drive lights, and the audio cable. Your motherboard's documentation will show you where on your motherboard these connectors attach. There is typically only one way that these connectors can attach to the motherboard. Don't try to force anything to fit. Install your hard drive. This process will vary slightly depending on your case, but should typically go as follows: Remove any front panels on the case (if you're installing an optical drive, you will usually install it near the top of the case). Insert the hard drive into its slot (again, usually near the top of the case). Tighten any screws needed to hold the drive in place. Plug the hard drive's SATA cable into the SATA slot on the motherboard. Connect the power supply to any necessary components. If you haven't already connected the power supply to components which need power, make sure that it is connected to the following locations: Motherboard Graphics card(s) Hard drive(s) Finish your computer assembly. Once you've placed and connected the various internal components for your computer, all that's left to do is ensure that none of the wires interfere with circulation and close up the case. If you bought a cooling system, you'll want to install it before you proceed. Refer to the cooling system's installation instructions in order to do so. Many cases will have a panel which either slides back into place or screws onto the side of the case. Attach your computer to an outlet. Using your power source's power cable, plug your computer into a wall outlet or power strip. You may first have to attach the electrical cable to the power source input on the back of your computer's case. Plug a monitor into your computer. You'll typically use the graphics card output that's near the bottom of the case, though some motherboards may have this port on the right or left side of the case. The output here is usually a DisplayPort or HDMI port. Turn on your computer. Press the computer's Power {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/5\/5d\/Windowspower.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5d\/Windowspower.png\/30px-Windowspower.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":460,"bigWidth":"30","bigHeight":"30","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of a Windows icon.\n<\/p><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Public_domain\">Public Domain<\/a><br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} button on the front or back of the case. If everything's properly connected, your computer should start up. Install Windows or Linux. Windows is compatible with all PCs and will make full use of their various features (e.g., Bluetooth), but you will have to purchase a copy of Windows if you don't have a product key. Linux is free, but may not be able to use all of your computer's hardware. If you don't have an installation USB drive, you'll need to create one on another computer before you can install your operating system. Install your drivers. Once your operating system is installed, you will need to install your drivers. Almost all of the hardware that you purchased should come with discs that contain the driver software needed for the hardware to work. Modern versions of Windows and Linux will install most drivers automatically when connected to the Internet. | Determine your computer's use. Establish a budget. Know which components you need to buy. Know where to buy components. Research every component you intend to purchase. Find a processor. Get a motherboard which fits your processor. Purchase RAM. Buy a hard drive. Purchase a graphics card if necessary. Make sure your power supply can handle the load. Pick up a case that is both functional and easy on the eyes. Ground yourself. Open the case. Install the power supply. Add components to the motherboard. Apply thermal paste to the processor if necessary. Attach the heat sink. Prepare your case. Secure the motherboard. Plug in the case connectors. Install your hard drive. Connect the power supply to any necessary components. Finish your computer assembly. Attach your computer to an outlet. Plug a monitor into your computer. Turn on your computer. Install Windows or Linux. Install your drivers. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Start-Your-Own-NGO-in-India | How to Start Your Own NGO in India | To start your own NGO in India, start by deciding what issues you want your NGO to address and what its mission and vision will be. Once you've done that, you will need to put a promoters' body in place. They will be responsible for all the activities and decisions of the NGO. Then, document a trust deed/Memorandum of Association/Rules & Regulations before registering your NGO. Once your NGO is registered, raise funds for your organization. You can do this through membership fees, sales, subscription charges, donations, private organizations, foreign sources, or grants-in-aid from the Indian government. Lastly, remember that NGOs thrive mainly on the strength of partnerships. Therefore, make sure to build a wide professional network with other NGOs, government agencies, media, and the corporate sector. | Lay down the issues that your NGO wants to address, and identify the mission and vision. Before registering the NGO, you need to have a promoters' body in place, that will be the first governing body on registration, and thereby responsible for all activities and decisions of the NGO, till the new body is constituted as per the laid down rules, as and if applicable. The governing body will be involved in all matters of strategic relevance, including strategic planning, financial management, human resources and networking. Every NGO in India is legally required to document a trust deed/ Memorandum of Association /Rules & Regulations that contain the name and address of the NGO, mission and objectives, details of governanace of the NGO. In India, you may register an NGO under any of the following Acts: As a Public Charitable Trust., a NGO can be registered in certain provinces in India. There is no national level Public Charitable Trust Act. It may be note that Indian Trusts Act 1882 is mean for Private Trusts, which is legally treated like a for-profit entity. Societies Registration Act of 1860: A society can be formed by a group of seven or more people. Its formation is simple (but may take a little longer time to complete the registration process than that of a trust) and less expensive than that of a trust, but it also affords more flexibility in terms of regulations. Companies Act of 2013: An association that is formed for the promotion of art, science, commerce, religion or charity can be registered as a not-for-profit company but its members cannot be paid a dividend. All income and profits, if any, should be utilized for furthering the objectives of the company. Raise funds through internal sources (membership fees, sales, subscription charges, donations, etc. ) or grants-in-aid from the Government, private organizations or foreign sources. Inflow of foreign funds is governed by the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) 2010. All the above three types of organization are eligible to register under section 12A of the Income Tax Act of 1961 and on registration enjoy exemption of tax liability for its income. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/29\/Start-Your-Own-Ngo-in-India-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Start-Your-Own-Ngo-in-India-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/29\/Start-Your-Own-Ngo-in-India-Step-5.jpg\/aid1452985-v4-728px-Start-Your-Own-Ngo-in-India-Step-5.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>"} Besides meeting the above mandatory requirements, you need to build a wide professional network with other NGOs, government agencies, media and the corporate sector. Like most other organizations, an NGO thrives primarily on the strength of partnerships. | Lay down the issues that your NGO wants to address, and identify the mission and vision. Before registering the NGO, you need to have a promoters' body in place, that will be the first governing body on registration, and thereby responsible for all activities and decisions of the NGO, till the new body is constituted as per the laid down rules, as and if applicable. Every NGO in India is legally required to document a trust deed/ Memorandum of Association /Rules & Regulations that contain the name and address of the NGO, mission and objectives, details of governanace of the NGO. In India, you may register an NGO under any of the following Acts: Raise funds through internal sources (membership fees, sales, subscription charges, donations, etc. Besides meeting the above mandatory requirements, you need to build a wide professional network with other NGOs, government agencies, media and the corporate sector. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Crush-a-Pill | How to Crush a Pill | Crushing a pill can make it easier to swallow and help you hide the taste. Keep in mind that crushing certain medications can make them ineffective or even potentially dangerous, so always talk to your doctor or pharmacist first. If your pill is safe to crush, one of the easiest ways to crush it is in a plastic bag. Just place the pill in a clean plastic bag, lay it on a flat surface, and use a heavy object like a hammer to pound the pill until it's a fine powder. You can also use a mortar and pestle to crush a pill. Just place the pill in a mortar, then grind it into a powder with the pestle. If you don't have a mortar and pestle, use a cup and spoon instead. | Consult with your doctor or pharmacist. Before proceeding further, check whether or not medication can be crushed. In some cases, crushing medication is simply not an option — it can cause the medication to work improperly can in fact be quite dangerous in some cases. Extended (sustained)-release medications should never be crushed. Crushing them can interfere with their release mechanism and cause administration of a large dose all at once. Delayed (enteric-coated) medications should not be crushed. These drugs are coated with materials that are designed to protect the drug from stomach acids or to prevent the drug from irritation your stomach. Crushing them can alter this mechanism. Never crush or snort narcotics, such as oxycontin, codeine, or vicodin. Look at the drug's label. You may be able to identify medications that must not be crushed by looking at the drug's label. Spot certain prefixes or suffixes that may indicate the pill should not be crushed. Most common prefixes or suffixes for sustained-release, controlled-release, or controlled-delivery products include: 12-hour, 24-hour, CC, CD, CR, ER, LA, Retard, SA, Slo-, SR, XL, XR, or XT. Prefixes for enteric-coated tablets include EN- and EC-. Ask for alternative formulations. Many medications come in or can be prepared in other formulations such as in liquid or in an injectable formula. If crushing the medication is not an option, ask your doctor or pharmacist if this is the case with your medication. Oral solutions may be commercially available so that you can drink your medications. If unavailable, consult your doctors or pharmacists whether a liquid formulation can be prepared. In some cases, an injectable formulation of the medication may be possible. Consult your doctors or pharmacists. Get the crushing tools. There are multiple ways to crush the pills. None is superior or inferior to others. Purchasing a pill crusher may be the easiest way for this task. A plastic Ziploc/sandwich bag along with a small hammer or a heavy cup. Make sure the plastic bag is dry and clean before use. A small bowl or cup along with a sturdy spoon. A mortar and a pestle. Get some water, if using. You can soak the pill in some water. This may soften the pill, making the pounding/grinding task a little easier. Pick a food or drink to mix the crushed medication with. Make sure the medication can be taken with food or liquid other than water. Some medications interact with food or drink to cause food poisoning and/or other harmful effects. Make sure the tools are dry and clean. You don't want to contaminate your medication. This could potentially have a harmful effect. Use a pill crusher. For this method, follow the manufacturer's instructions. Different types are available from different companies. Find out which one works best for your needs. Use a plastic bag. Place your pill in a clean, dry plastic bag. Close the bag and lay it on a flat, hard surface. Pound the pill once with a hammer or a heavy cup. Shake the bag around. Make sure that larger parts of your pill can be crushed evenly. Pound the pill again. Use less force this time. You may need to repeat this several times, before the pill is completely crushed. Use a small bowl-spoon or mortar-pestle method. Place your pill in a clean, dry cup or mortar. Soak the pill in a small amount of water for five minutes. This is optional but may help soften the pill. Less pounding/grinding may be required too. Pound the pill once with a spoon or a pestle, using great force. Make sure that the pill doesn't jump out of the container. Scrape down the medication that may be stuck on the side. Pound or grind the pill again. Use less force this time. You may need to repeat this several times, before the pill is completely crushed. Clean up the tools. With anything that will be reused, clean them well so that no residual drug will remain and react with medication to be crushed in the future. Again, contamination of the medication could potentially have a harmful effect. Make sure that the medication can be taken with food or liquid other than water. Some medications interact with certain food or drink, altering their effectiveness or even causing food-poisoning or more severe side effects. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist when unsure. Mix the powdered medication with food or drink. If it is safe or appropriate to ingest with food or liquid other than water, mix the crushed pill with food or drink of your choice. It is best to consult with your doctor or pharmacist whether the medication should not be mixed with certain food or drink. Food: Applesauce, pudding, peanut butter, etc. Drinks: milk, chocolate milk, fruit juice, etc. Take one dose-worth of the medication. It is crucial that you take one dose-portion of the medication, no more or no less. Drug dosage is calculated precisely, and you need to stick to it! If you mix powder from one pill (one dose) with an entire container of applesauce, finish eating that entire container of applesauce. If you crush two pills (two doses, one for the morning and the other for the evening) with one container of applesauce, eat half the container in the morning and finish the rest in the evening. | Consult with your doctor or pharmacist. Look at the drug's label. Ask for alternative formulations. Get the crushing tools. Get some water, if using. Pick a food or drink to mix the crushed medication with. Make sure the tools are dry and clean. Use a pill crusher. Use a plastic bag. Use a small bowl-spoon or mortar-pestle method. Clean up the tools. Make sure that the medication can be taken with food or liquid other than water. Mix the powdered medication with food or drink. Take one dose-worth of the medication. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Give-a-Sensual-Massage | How to Give a Sensual Massage | To give your partner a sensual massage, start by rubbing a generous amount of massage or cooking oil in your hands to warm it up. Spread the warmed oil on your partner's back and shoulders and start rubbing their muscles. Use the base of your palm to massage their back in long, slow strokes, pushing with firm and even pressure. Switch to your thumbs for extra pressure if you find a spot with extra tension. Make sure to ask your partner what feels good, and listen to signs that they might be feeling pain or discomfort. | Clean and groom yourself. To make the experience as sensual as possible, both of you should feel comfortable, clean, and fresh. Bathe and groom yourself, paying particular attention to your hands and fingernails. Your fingers should be clean and clipped before you give a sensual massage. If you're giving your partner a massage, consider bathing together to initiate the intimacy. Bathing or showering at the same time can be a great way to get the massage time started. It can also be fun to start with a massage and then, after things get oily, to hop in the tub afterward and clean off some of that oil. Make the massage space comfortable and inviting. Whether you're massaging someone on a professional massage table or on a bed or other surface, it's important to make the person getting the massage as comfortable as possible. Make sure the room is warm enough to be undressed in, if clothes are coming off, and make sure the sheets are clean and fresh. Light some candles and incense to make the room feel special. It's sometimes common to use hot stones, blindfolds, rolling pins, and a variety of other implements in the massage, but sometimes it's also best to keep it as simple as possible. You don't need to prepare an elaborate display of tools to make the massage sensual and enjoyable for your partner. Some gentle music can be a welcome addition to a sensual massage, or a corny and uncomfortable mistake. Ask your partner what they would prefer, and avoid the Barry White cliches. Use an appropriate variety of massage oil. While it's possible to give a halfway decent massage without any oil, your partner will be missing out big time. It's much more comfortable and sensual to use a natural massage oil to give a massage. Commercial massage oils are often scented in a variety of fragrances, which can offer an intense sensual experience for a massage. Some people might prefer unscented oils, but try out a few to see what works best. You don't have to buy oil specifically made for massage. While it may sound weird, cooking oils like olive, coconut, or cocoa butter can make excellent massage oils. Many masseurs prefer using a basic cooking oil on the skin. You can also make your own massage oil by submerging lavender, calendula, rosemary, or other fragrant herbs or essential oils in a natural oil yourself. You can save money by mixing up batches of your own and saving it in jars. Talk with your partner first. The most important part of a sensual massage has nothing to do with where to put your hands. A massage won't be sensual if it doesn't involve trust and emotional intimacy. Both before and during the massage, it's important to talk and listen. When you're massaging, ask questions like, "Is that too firm?" or "Does that feel good?" when you move to a new area of the body. Listen and adjust your massage accordingly. It's also good to avoid turning the massage into an interview. Use your judgment and listen to the sounds your partner makes. Moans of pleasure are good signs, so keep doing what you're doing. Warm the oil with your hands. Take a generous portion of oil into your hands and rub it in to warm it up, then gently spread the oil onto the part of your partner that you're massaging. It's generally typical to start with the back and shoulders. Never pour oil directly onto the back of your partner if it's cold. This can be startling and uncomfortable, and it can make your partner feel tense. Warm the oil up yourself and periodically add more, if the skin starts to dry out, or the oil gets worked in. If you want to heat massage oil, do so only very gently, and always test it on your own skin before applying it directly onto your partner. Use firm and even pressure with the palms of your hands. Massage techniques can vary widely, but there's no big secret to making your partner feel good. Use and firm, but gentle touch, rubbing long strokes along your partners muscles. Use the base of your palm to do the bulk of the pushing, and use other parts of your hand to get at the sensitive spots. Remember that it's important to massage along muscles, not pushing on bones. It doesn't really feel good to push hard onto the point of someone's elbow, but it does feel good to massage the inside of the forearm. Try an experiment if you've never given a massage before, rubbing your own shoulders and seeing where it feels good. Find these same spots on your partner, and remember how firmly you touched your own shoulder. It should translate. Use your thumbs for areas of tension. In general, you want to start the massage by using long, even strokes, then go back to problematic or sore spots to work more with your thumbs. If you find a spot that feels very good to your partner, or that your partner wants you to work harder, switch to your thumbs for extra support and pressure. Always be gentle, rubbing your thumbs in circular motions along the back of your partner's calves, just above the buttocks, and the lower back area. Focus on neglected areas of the body. Everyone knows that it feels good to touch genitals and other erogenous zones. But diving straight to these areas can make for a somewhat crude or hurried massage. Take your time and, as long as your partner is comfortable (communicate!), explore the neglected areas of the body for the most sensual and careful massage you can give. Don't forget about: The wrists The arch of the foot The fingers and palms The back of the neck The ears The back of the knees Use other parts of your body. Forearms, elbows, knuckles, and even your oiled chest and torso can be effective ways of massaging away tension and creating intimate touches with your partner. As long as your partner is ok with full-body contact as part of the massage, take advantage of all your body has to offer to make your partner feel good. It's also sometimes popular to use other objects to help in the massage process. Rolling pins, or even the massage oil bottle itself, can be used to roll across sore muscles and ease tension, when used properly. This can be somewhat less sensual (not to mention cold) than your own hands, though, so keep that in mind and keep it simple. Take your time. A massage isn't a quick prologue to sex. Let the massage linger on for a while, spending your time treating your partner to these sensual touches for their own sake, because they feel good, not because they might lead to more. It's also good to avoid distractions during a sensual massage. A massage is a lot less sensual if you're not watching Sportscenter at the same time. Switch off the TV and devote your attention to your partner's body. Start with the shoulders and the back of the neck. One of the best areas to start is always the shoulders and the neck, working slowly and gently with your thumbs down the side of the spine on the back of the neck. Work down the back of the neck in little circles, paying close attention to your partner's response. The spot where your neck meets your shoulder is another great area to hit, paying particular attention to the point at which the shoulder blade starts. Always work along the bone, not running across it. Work both sides of the spine. As you work your hands down the back, the muscle that runs along both sides of the spine feels excellent to massage slowly. Use your thumbs in small little circles and long strokes, using even pressure. Don't pressure the spine directly, but along both sides. It'll feel great. Massage the back of the legs. Paying close attention to the calves, massaging both big muscles in the back of the leg separately. This can be the difference between a good massage and a great one. Work your thumbs up and along both tendons in the back of the thigh, as well, to work the parts that can get sore. Don't forget the feet. Running a thumb along the arch of the foot can feel amazing. Work each toe individually, using the oil liberally, and use both thumbs in small circles along the ball of the foot. It's good to use firm pressure on the foot, or it can feel somewhat tickly. If you always give your massages from the heat to the toe, vary it up sometimes. Start with the feet and work your way up. Slowly. Do the slow slip-n-slide. Once you've worked your way down your partner's body and added a lot of oil, do some long, full-body strokes with the palms of your hands, going extremely slowly and revising all the spots you've just massaged. This can be a very nice way to end the massage. It can also feel good to use your forearm, or your knuckles, to vary the sensation from the last time those areas were massaged. Ask your partner for guidance. Always defer to what feels good for your partner. If you want to do the front of the body next, or other areas more specifically, talk about it and decide together. Good communication is the most important part of the massage. Giving a massage isn't code for "consenting to sex." Never touch your partner anywhere intimate without discussing it first. | Clean and groom yourself. Make the massage space comfortable and inviting. Use an appropriate variety of massage oil. Talk with your partner first. Warm the oil with your hands. Use firm and even pressure with the palms of your hands. Use your thumbs for areas of tension. Focus on neglected areas of the body. Use other parts of your body. Take your time. Start with the shoulders and the back of the neck. Work both sides of the spine. Massage the back of the legs. Don't forget the feet. Do the slow slip-n-slide. Ask your partner for guidance. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Vanilla-Pudding | How to Make Vanilla Pudding | To make vanilla pudding the easy way, start by heating 2 cups of milk with ¼ cup of sugar and ⅛ teaspoon of salt over medium-low heat. As the mixture heats, stir it occasionally with a whisk, which will keep the milk from coming to a boil. While the milk simmers, stir together ½ cup of milk and 3 tablespoons of cornstarch in a small bowl until there are no lumps. Add the cornstarch mixture to the simmering milk and whisk it until the ingredients are thoroughly combined. At that point, reduce the heat to low and cook for another 2 minutes before removing the pan from the heat. Finish by adding vanilla extract, and chill the pudding in individual serving dishes for 1 to 2 hours before serving. | Heat the milk, sugar, and salt. In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups (500 ml) of milk with the full amount of sugar and salt. Set the pan on the stove over medium-low heat. Nearly any variety of milk should work for this recipe, including whole, low-fat, and non-fat dairy milk. To make a vegan version, consider using soy milk or almond milk. As the milk mixture heats up, you should occasionally stir it together with a whisk. Keep an eye on this saucepan; the milk should eventually bubble, but it should not be brought to a full boil. Combine the cornstarch and remaining milk. Pour the remaining 1/2 cup (125 ml) of milk into a separate small bowl. Sprinkle the cornstarch over it, then whisk well to combine. Continue whisking the mixture until the cornstarch fully dissolves and leaves behind no lumps. If there are lumps in the cornstarch slurry, there will be lumps in your pudding. Add the cornstarch mixture to the simmering milk. Gradually pour the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan of steaming milk, whisking well to fully incorporate it. Note that the sugar and salt should already be fully dissolved before you add the cornstarch slurry. If you can't tell whether or not the grains have dissolved, wait until milk in the saucepan begins to steam and bubble around the edges of the saucepan. Continue cooking. Reduce the heat to low and cooking the pudding, stirring occasionally, for about 2 minutes or until it thickens. Cornstarch requires and adequate amount of heat before it releases its thickening qualities. You need to continue stirring the pudding as it cooks, however, to prevent the cornstarch from forming lumps. When ready, the pudding should be thick enough to coat the back of metal spoon without immediately running off. Stir in the vanilla extract. Remove the saucepan of pudding from the heat. Pour in the vanilla extract, then stir well to mix it in. Strain the pudding. If you suspect that any lumps may have formed while making the pudding, pour it through a strainer and into a medium or large bowl. This step won't always be necessary since it's quite possible to prepare vanilla pudding without cooking any lumps into it. If you feel confident about creating a smooth pudding, or if you don't mind a few lumps, you can pass this step and continue directly to the next. Chill before serving. Pour the pudding into four individual serving dishes. Chill the dishes in a refrigerator for 1 or 2 hours, or until cool. Enjoy. If you prefer room temperature pudding, you can place the saucepan or full bowl of pudding into a larger bowl filled halfway with water and ice, working carefully to avoid introducing excess water into the pudding. Chill it for 30 minutes or so in this ice bath, then serve in individual dishes once the pudding becomes lukewarm. Skin may form over the surface of the pudding as it cools down. To prevent this, consider pressing a sheet of plastic wrap over the surface of the pudding before chilling it in the refrigerator or ice bath. Combine the milk, salt, sugar, and vanilla bean. Combine 2 cups (500 ml) of milk with the full amount of salt, sugar, and vanilla bean seeds in a medium saucepan. Place the saucepan on the stove over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently. To maximize the richness of this pudding, use whole milk. Other varieties of milk will also work, however, including low-fat dairy milk, non-fat dairy milk, almond milk, and soy milk. If you are using an actual vanilla bean for this recipe, split it open and scrape the seeds directly into the mixture during this step. If you are using vanilla extract, though, do not add it now; add it alongside the butter during a later step. Whisk together the cornstarch and remaining milk. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with the remaining 1/2 cup (125 ml) of milk. Continue whisking until the cornstarch dissolves and the slurry seems smooth. If there are any lumps in the cornstarch slurry, those lumps will end up getting into the pudding, too. Add the egg yolks. Place the egg yolks in the cornstarch slurry and lightly beat them into the slurry using the whisk. Use only the separated egg yolks and not the full eggs. If you choose to use liquid egg yolks instead of freshly separated yolks, measure out 2 Tbsp (30 ml) and beat them into the cornstarch slurry as usual. Gradually combine the mixtures. Remove the saucepan from the heat once the milk begins to boil. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan, whisking well and continuously to combine. Since the cornstarch slurry has egg yolk in it, you need to work carefully so that the egg yolk does not over-coagulate and curdle. Adding the egg yolk slowly, thoroughly whisking as you add it, and keeping the entire mixture away from direct heat should help prevent curdling. As you whisk in the cornstarch slurry, the pudding should already start thickening. Cook for an additional minute. Return the saucepan to the stove and reduce the heat to low. Bring it to a gentle simmer and cook the pudding for another minute or two after that point. Stir frequently as the pudding continues cooking to prevent skin or lumps from forming. This step should cook the egg yolks and cornstarch, causing the pudding to thicken up further. When ready, the pudding should be thick enough to coat the back of a metal spoon without running off. Add the butter. Remove the saucepan from the heat again. Add the butter to the pudding, mixing well to incorporate it. If using vanilla extract instead of an actual vanilla bean, add the vanilla extract to the pudding during this step, as well. Strain the pudding. If the pudding seems lumpy, you can push it through a strainer to catch and remove any lumps. Collect the smooth pudding in a medium to large bowl placed beneath the strainer. This step can get messy and it isn't always necessary. If you don't think there are any lumps in your pudding, or if you don't mind biting into a few, consider skipping it. Cover and chill before serving. Cover the pudding with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for about 2 hours, or until it feels cool. Spoon it into individual serving dishes and enjoy. Note that you could also enjoy this pudding warm or at room temperature if desired. It should be thick enough even prior to refrigeration. Finished. | Heat the milk, sugar, and salt. Combine the cornstarch and remaining milk. Add the cornstarch mixture to the simmering milk. Continue cooking. Stir in the vanilla extract. Strain the pudding. Chill before serving. Combine the milk, salt, sugar, and vanilla bean. Whisk together the cornstarch and remaining milk. Add the egg yolks. Gradually combine the mixtures. Cook for an additional minute. Add the butter. Strain the pudding. Cover and chill before serving. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Eat-Like-a-Model | How to Eat Like a Model | To eat like a model, start by getting rid of bad habits, like skipping meals and eating when you're not really hungry. Then focus on making healthy choices, like replacing soda or juice with water. Need a flavor burst? Add lemon or lime to your water! Skip processed foods and eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Choose complex carbohydrates, like brown rice or whole wheat pasta. Finally, be sure to eat enough protein, which will help you feel full and energized. | Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Eating fruits and vegetables will provide your body with the nutrients it needs and, because they are relatively low in calories, you will get to enjoy eating higher volumes of food than you would if you were eating high-fat foods. This will leave you feeling more satisfied. If you have a hard time eating enough fruits and vegetables, try juicing them. Eat complex carbs. Carbohydrates are also important for a healthy diet, but aim for whole grains instead of refined carbohydrates. Brown rice, whole wheat pasta, and oats are all good options. Don't forget protein. Protein is extremely important because it leaves you feeling full and energized for a long time, which will prevent you from overeating. Protein also requires more energy to digest than carbohydrates, which means you are burning more calories. Meat and fish are excellent sources of protein. You can also get protein from eggs, lentils, beans, cheese, yogurt, whole nuts and nut butters. Know the difference between good and bad fats. It's good to consume a moderate amount of polyunsaturated fat, which is found in things like nuts, olive oil, avocados, and fatty fishes. Limit your consumption of saturated fats, which are found in meat and dairy products, by choosing low-fat options. Cut out processed foods. Anything that is made with chemicals or refined ingredients is considered a processed food. This includes everything from white bread to bacon to potato chips. Overly processed foods are bad for you because they are typically high in calories, bad fats, salt, and sugar, but low in fiber, vitamins, and nutrients. This means you will not feel satisfied for very long, so you will continue to consume more and more calories. Processed foods can also be addictive. It might be hard to cut them out at first, but once you get used to eating real food, you'll be glad you did. Watch out for sugary drinks. If you're drinking soda, juice, or sweetened coffee, you are probably consuming extra calories. The body doesn't process these liquid calories the same way it does with solid food, so you will probably feel just as hungry after drinking them. Diet sodas are not helpful for weight loss either. Studies have shown that people who drink diet soda regularly are more likely to gain weight than people who don't. Sip on water. In addition to keeping your body hydrated, drinking water can also help you eat less. Your body can sometimes mistake thirst for hunger, so the next time you think you feel hungry between meals, see if you feel satisfied after a bit of water. Try to drink at least 8 glasses of water each day. If you find plain water too boring, add some fruits (e.g. lemon, lime) or herbs (e.g. mint) to it for added flavor. Don't skip meals. Skipping meals can cause your metabolism to slow down and it can also cause you to overeat because you will be very hungry by the time you do allow yourself to eat. Eating small snacks between meals is helpful for some people. If this helps prevent you from overeating at meals, go for it! For the best results, try a protein-packed snack that is 200 calories or less. Stop eating when you're full. Many people will eat as much food as there happens to be on their plate, without stopping to think if they are still hungry. Start being more mindful by stopping yourself after you've finished half of your food and asking yourself if you are satisfied or still hungry. Don't deprive yourself of more food if you are still hungry, but stop eating if you realize you are not. It might also help to eat a little slower, so your body has a chance to begin digesting and can let you know when it has had enough. Practice what is known as "hara hachi bu," which means eating until you feel about 80% full. Don't eat for emotional reasons. It might be hard to recognize at first, but the next time you reach for a snack between meals, ask yourself if you are feeling angry, lonely, or tired. If you are, think about other things you can do to feel better. Going for a walk or calling your best friend might give you the pick-me-up you need. Don't obsess over food. While it's important to make good decisions, try to take a more relaxed approach to it. You will have much more success in losing weight if healthy eating habits become a regular habit that you don't have to think about. Try thinking more about the healthy foods that you will add into your diet than the bad foods you will eliminate. Also, try to find healthy foods that you genuinely enjoy eating. If you do both of these things, you may not even crave unhealthy foods anymore. Instead of depriving yourself of the foods you love, allow yourself a little indulgence once in awhile. In fact, deprivation can lead to overeating, so it may be healthier to give in to your cravings every so often. This means you can still eat chocolate or bacon, as long as it's in moderation. Don't be caught unprepared. Always bring healthy snacks, like raw fruits and vegetables, nuts, and low-fat yogurt with you when you go out. This will prevent you from giving into temptation if you get hungry and there are no healthy options available where you are. Don't store junk food in your house. It's much easier to avoid eating junk food if you don't have any readily available. When you feel the need to indulge yourself, go to the store and purchase a single serving of your favorite snack. Bringing it home will make it very hard to keep yourself from overindulging. Try counting calories. If you need the structure of a diet to reach your goals, keep track of everything you eat and calculate the number of calories you are consuming by using an online calorie counter. Then compare that number to the number of calories you actually need. You can find this out by using an online Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) calculator. Use this information to cut your calories by a safe amount. A modest reduction in calories, combined with a modest increase in activity, can go a long way in helping you reach your weight loss goals. Never consume less than 1,200 calories per day unless you are instructed to do so by a doctor and you are under medical supervision. To help you keep track of your calories on the go, try downloading a mobile app such as MyFitnessPal. Use healthy last-minute diet tricks. If you need to slim down for a big event, make sure to diet in a healthy way. Ramp up your healthy eating habits by making sure everything you eat is high in nutrients and vitamins. Try to cut out foods that cause inflammation. Common culprits are alcohol, grains, and sugar. Instead, eat lots of green vegetables. This should leave you looking and feeling less bloated in a pinch. Exercise. Aim for 30 to 60 minutes of exercise each day. You can incorporate a combination of structured workouts, like jogging or taking a yoga class, and everyday activities, like walking up the stairs, into your lifestyle. Assess your activity level by wearing a pedometer. This will give you a good idea of how much you are already moving during an ordinary day and how much activity you need to add into your daily routine. A combination of different types of exercise is ideal because it will allow you to focus on different muscle groups. Get plenty of sleep. In order for your body to function at its best, it needs ample time to recharge and regenerate. Aim for 8 hours of sleep every night. If this is impossible, see if you can get an extra 15 to 30 minutes each night. Anything helps! | Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Eat complex carbs. Don't forget protein. Know the difference between good and bad fats. Cut out processed foods. Watch out for sugary drinks. Sip on water. Don't skip meals. Stop eating when you're full. Don't eat for emotional reasons. Don't obsess over food. Don't be caught unprepared. Don't store junk food in your house. Try counting calories. Use healthy last-minute diet tricks. Exercise. Get plenty of sleep. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-Well-on-Math-Contests-Like-the-AMC | How to Do Well on Math Contests Like the AMC | If you want to ace a math contest, try pulling out some old math tests and reviewing them, since most math contests tend to use similar questions or themes each year. Make sure you budget time to work on practice problems before the test! Check out books like "The Art of Problem Solving," which have plenty of example problems you can use. If you're struggling in a specific area, like geometry, be sure to budget more time to that area than anything else. | Decide what your goal is. Someone who wants to get a 150 on the AMC is going to have a different way of training than someone just looking to qualify for the AIME. Know your goal, and you can prepare for it well. Get some old tests. All math contests need a source of questions, and oftentimes the same types of questions appear over and over again. Just this year, the AIME II had a geometry question almost identical to one on an AIME a while back. The AMC returns to the same themes and question types year after year. Enter some contests. The best way to get good at something is to do it, right? So, go ahead and enter some math contests. You would be surprised how many there are out there, and the experience you can gain is invaluable. Remember, different contests teach you different skills-USAMTS is going to teach you how to write proofs, while ARML individual round tests are going to test your speed. Budget time to work on math problems, especially in the areas that you are struggling. Say you take a practice AMC from a few years ago, and you can't get any geometry problem in the last 10 questions or so. Well, it sounds like you need to work on your geometry skills. Beef up on theorems and do some basic problems that apply these theorems. Books like Art of Problem Solving are excellent for this-–they have theorems presented, and then problems that you can try applying them in. Remember, the only way to learn how to solve problems is to solve some. Test yourself. A few weeks before the real test, do a few timed sessions of old tests you have never seen before. Make it as true to the actual test experience as possible. Make an answer sheet and fill in the bubbles just like they will be when you take the test. This might make you realise how long or short the test really will feel like. Don't try to solve a lot of problems right before the big test. Chances are, you will stumble on a couple that you can't get or that really get you interested––and you don't need any extra distractions. Try to get as much sleep as possible. A tired brain does not think as well as a well-rested brain. Make sure you bring everything you need on test day and have it ready well beforehand. Have pencils, and also a ruler, protractor, or compass if you feel you might need it. Plan for every contingency. Bring tissues. When you get into the test, pump yourself up. If you've prepared, you have every right to feel confident. Chances are, 99 percent of the people you are taking the test with (especially the AMC level) haven't prepared as much as you, and that gives you the edge. Once you get the test, stay calm. Fill in the information carefully and completely. Bring a watch and time the test yourself. That way, you won't have to worry about calculating how many minutes you have left with an analog clock on the wall––one less thing to worry about. Make sure you have enough scrap paper. If you want, divide the scrap paper into parts with a box for each question to keep your work organised. You can also make boxes for each question as you go. OK, the test is in front of you and the stage is set. The proctor has finished checking to see that everyone is ready. She looks at the clock and waits for the second hand to get to the top of the minute. A few minutes later and she says - "You may begin." Open the test book, and get started. Here is where the training should kick in. You should start at the beginning, and read the first question. Don't read it so fast you miss details; this is a possibility if it is a speed test. Read slowly and deliberately, and solve the problem on the scrap paper. When you finish, read the problem again, and make sure you did what they wanted. Once you are sure, bubble it in or otherwise, and continue. Depending on the contest, the act of solving the problem could take 30 seconds to an hour. That is the part that should be savored––the actual solving process. Hopefully, you will be able to solve the problems easily at first, and you will find elements of problems that you have done or practiced before. Hopefully also you will discover solutions to problems you have never seen before, and you will wonder in awe at their elegance. After all, that is what math contests are all about. If you come across a question you can't do, give it one more thought. If you still can't solve it, skip it and do it later. In lower level contests, there is usually a trick or an easy way to solve the problems. Remember that 99% of the time, you will use all of the information given to you, so if you haven't used something, think about how you might. Oftentimes, one more look will make you realize that there is a solution after all, and it isn't such a hard problem. There will always (well, almost always) be problems you can't solve. Sometimes, you need to calculate whether to guess or not--be wary. If you have eliminated it down to 2, oftentimes the wrong answer will look much more appealing, especially up around AMC questions #20 and up. Make yourself have a logical basis for all your answers, and you will usually get the right answers. Write clearly. When time is winding down, and you scan back to previous work, you need to be able to read it. Don't let misreading a digit keep you from your goal. If you feel yourself slowing down, or getting tired, or even giving up, ask yourself this - How many more chances will I get? Why not push to the finish? Sometimes kids walk out of the AIME an hour early. Don't do that. If you re-energise yourself, and give yourself another boost of confidence, you can keep going. A mathlete in this sense is not unlike an athlete, with the test before you as an adversary. Don't give that piece of paper a fighting chance. You know there has to be a way to get every question, and this information alone should help you when tackling problems where you don't even know where to start. Don't be afraid of success. Just because you've never qualified for the USAMO doesn't mean this can't be the year. Just because you've never won the school title for the AMC doesn't mean you shouldn't be the kid who does. Someone has to do it every year and you have just as much chance as the kid last year. If you are intimidated by someone who you judge to be better than you, you are just putting another distraction on your shoulders you don't need. Never look over to see if they have already turned the page when you are still on the first question; you don't need to think about that because you only need to worry about what you can do. When it's all over, and you've checked over one last time, it's time to let go. Turn in the sheet and get on with life. Hopefully, you saw some problems that interested you. Worry about your score when you get it––don't waste time worrying about it now. Chances are, your training and focus paid off. Evaluate your performance. Did you make your goal? Was the test unusually hard or easy? Did you still miss a lot of geometry questions? Every test is an opportunity to improve. If you can take it again next year, analyse it and see how you can improve. But don't kill yourself over the stupid mistakes. Making one or more per test is normal, so take this into account when considering your goal. Just look at it and try to find a bright side. | Decide what your goal is. Get some old tests. Enter some contests. Budget time to work on math problems, especially in the areas that you are struggling. Test yourself. Don't try to solve a lot of problems right before the big test. Try to get as much sleep as possible. Make sure you bring everything you need on test day and have it ready well beforehand. When you get into the test, pump yourself up. Once you get the test, stay calm. Bring a watch and time the test yourself. Make sure you have enough scrap paper. OK, the test is in front of you and the stage is set. Open the test book, and get started. If you come across a question you can't do, give it one more thought. There will always (well, almost always) be problems you can't solve. Write clearly. If you feel yourself slowing down, or getting tired, or even giving up, ask yourself this - How many more chances will I get? Don't be afraid of success. When it's all over, and you've checked over one last time, it's time to let go. Evaluate your performance. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Draw-a-Mustache | How to Draw a Mustache | To draw a classic mustache, sketch two adjacent squares, and draw a dot toward the top and bottom of the center line. Slightly to the right of the top left corner, draw a slanted “S”-shaped curve that attaches to the top dot on the center line, and mirror this line in the right box. Then, place your pencil at the starting point of the “S” line, and draw a curve that touches the left side and bottom of the box before it stops at the bottom dot. Mirror this line on the right side, and then fill in the mustache with color. Remember to erase the boxes to complete the drawing! | Draw two adjacent squares. Mark two dots on the middle line. Draw a slanted "S" with the end connected to the upper dot. Connect the "S" to the lower dot using a curved line. Repeat similar steps for the other square to make it look symmetrical. Color the shape black. Erase the unnecessary lines. Make an outline of the face. Mark the areas where you'll put the eyes, nose and lips later using horizontal and vertical lines. Sketch the eyebrows, eyes and nose over the outline. Mark the portion where you will be sketching the lips and mustache using a rectangle. Draw a vertical line cutting the rectangle into two equal sides. Add an inverted "S" on the upper right side and a curved line on the lower right side. Do similar steps on the opposite side to make it look symmetrical. Add details to the face like the hair, ears and clothing. Erase extra lines from the outline for a clean finish and color the drawing. Draw two vertical oblongs. The smaller oblong is at the left end. Draw a reflection of the drawing in step 1 and wherein the bigger oblongs overlap each other. Draw the cross-sections for each shape. Draw the curve lines which connect the small oblongs with the bigger ones. Draw curve lines that connect from the midpoint of the bigger ovals to the upper tip of the small ovals in both sides. Trace with a pen and erase unnecessary sketches. Color to your liking to resemble a mustache! Draw a circle. This will be framework for the head. Draw a straight line from the tip of the circle and extending down and outside it. Draw a rectangle which overlaps about a fourth of the circle and then a trapezoid after that. Draw details for the hair and ears using straight and curve lines. Draw the curve lines for the neck and shoulders. Draw details for the man’s face – eyes, nose, mouth, and brows. Draw the mustache using the curve lines. Trace with a pen and erase unnecessary sketches. Add details of the goatee. Color to your liking to resemble a man with a mustache! | Draw two adjacent squares. Mark two dots on the middle line. Draw a slanted "S" with the end connected to the upper dot. Connect the "S" to the lower dot using a curved line. Repeat similar steps for the other square to make it look symmetrical. Color the shape black. Erase the unnecessary lines. Make an outline of the face. Sketch the eyebrows, eyes and nose over the outline. Mark the portion where you will be sketching the lips and mustache using a rectangle. Draw a vertical line cutting the rectangle into two equal sides. Add details to the face like the hair, ears and clothing. Erase extra lines from the outline for a clean finish and color the drawing. Draw two vertical oblongs. Draw a reflection of the drawing in step 1 and wherein the bigger oblongs overlap each other. Draw the cross-sections for each shape. Draw the curve lines which connect the small oblongs with the bigger ones. Draw curve lines that connect from the midpoint of the bigger ovals to the upper tip of the small ovals in both sides. Trace with a pen and erase unnecessary sketches. Color to your liking to resemble a mustache! Draw a circle. Draw a straight line from the tip of the circle and extending down and outside it. Draw details for the hair and ears using straight and curve lines. Draw the curve lines for the neck and shoulders. Draw details for the man’s face – eyes, nose, mouth, and brows. Draw the mustache using the curve lines. Trace with a pen and erase unnecessary sketches. Color to your liking to resemble a man with a mustache! |
https://www.wikihow.com/Lower-Your-Chances-of-Getting-Cancer | How to Lower Your Chances of Getting Cancer | To lower your chances of getting cancer, exercise regularly, since being obese increases the risk of contracting certain cancers. Additionally, eat lots of fruits and vegetables to maintain a healthy diet. Make sure to stick to a regular sleeping pattern, since irregular sleep may increase the likelihood of contracting breast or prostate cancer. You should also limit your consumption of alcohol and use of tobacco products, which increase your risk of cancer. Restrict your exposure to known carcinogens as well, like pesticides or herbicides, which are linked to cancer if you're in contact with them regularly. | Quit using tobacco products. Smoking is the biggest risk factor for developing lung cancer. The use of tobacco products in general is a risk factor for cancers of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, bladder, cervix, colon, and ovaries. Quitting smoking or quitting using tobacco products can be difficult, but with a good plan, support group, and perseverance, it can be accomplished. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research provides some helpful guidelines to help people quit using tobacco products. Decide to quit and make a plan. Many people find it helpful to write down reasons why they want to quit. Choose a date about one week in the future that you will quit using tobacco. Prepare yourself for quitting, and stick to the date you picked. Begin to taper your tobacco use prior to your quit date. Gather support. Tell your family and friends about your decision to quit using tobacco products. Warn them that you may not be quite yourself for the next few weeks, but let them know you are determined! Keep busy by exercising and participating in activities not associated with using tobacco products. Maintain a healthy weight. Being obese is defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 30, if you are over 20 years old. Obesity puts people at an increased risk of many types of cancer, including cancers of the pancreas, kidney, thyroid, gallbladder. Tips to maintain a healthy weight include: Get regular exercise. Eat healthy foods. Avoid foods that you tend to overeat. Weigh yourself regularly to track your progress. Consult a dietician or nutrition professional for additional advice and help with planning. Avoid exposure to intense sunlight. Sunburns cause lasting damage to the skin. Children who have had at least one blistering sunburn are at twice the risk of developing melanoma (a type of skin cancer) compared to children who never suffered blistering sunburns. Exposure to intense sunlight can be limited by covering up with long sleeves, pants, and hats and by wearing sunscreen. The Skin Cancer Foundation provides guidelines for minimizing exposure. Seek out shady areas and minimize your time in the sun when it is most intense – typically between 10AM and 4PM. Cover yourself with loose-fitting clothing, preferably made from fabric with Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses that block ultraviolet (UV) light. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen that is at least Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 30 when you will be out for an extended period of time. It is best to apply the sunscreen about 30 minutes before heading outside, and then to reapply sunscreen every two hours. Do not use tanning beds. Consume alcohol in moderation. Alcohol is broken down in the body to acetaldehyde, which is a probable carcinogen (cancer-causing agent) that can damage DNA. The use of alcohol together with smoking increases the risk for cancer more than the use of either substance by itself The American Cancer Society suggests that people who do drink alcohol should have no more than two standard drinks per day for men, and one standard drink per day for women. One standard drink is 12 fluid ounces of beer, 5 fluid ounces of wine, or 1.5 fluid ounces of 80-proof liquor. Avoid exposure to known carcinogens. If you work in a laboratory environment, a factory, or even in an office, you likely come into contact with known or probable carcinogens from time to time. Three agencies maintain lists of carcinogens. They are The National Toxicology Program, the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the Environmental Protection Agency. A non-exhaustive list of human carcinogens can be found at The American Cancer Society. Adhere to all workplace rules regarding personal protective equipment such as masks, respirators, gloves, goggles, and gowns. Read the labels of household cleaners, herbicides, and pesticides. Wear appropriate protective equipment and follow all safety guidelines. Avoid risky behaviors such as unprotected sex. Some viruses can be transmitted by sexual contact between individuals. Infection with certain kinds of these viruses can put people at increased risk for cancer. For example, the viruses that cause hepatitis B and hepatitis C increase the risk of liver cancer. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) attacks immune system cells and kills them. A weakened immune system increases the risk of many types of cancer, including a type of skin cancer called Kaposi's sarcoma. Eat a healthy diet. Experts believe that eating a healthy diet could prevent up to 10% of all cancer cases in the United Kingdom. Eating more fruits and vegetables has been linked to reduced risk of cancers of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, lung, and larynx. Eating too much red meat (beef, pork, lamb) and processes meat (salami, bacon, hot dogs) has been linked to increased risk of cancer. People who eat more fiber have reduced risk of bowel cancers. Include chicken and fish in your diet. Replace some of the red or processed meat you eat with chicken or fish one to two times per week. Try replacing some of the meat in meals with beans or tofu. Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Spices that have been shown to have carcinogen-blocking effects include amla, garlic, and turmeric (via the curcumin). Consume turmeric (which contains curcumin) with black pepper to boost the bioavailability. To boost fiber content in your meals, adhere to the five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Include whole grain foods in your meals daily. Diets high in saturated fats may increase breast cancer risk. Avoid saturated fats by reading food labels and choosing alternatives with less saturated fat. Exercise regularly. Studies have shown that women who exercise 30 minutes per day five times per week (or 150 minutes total) have a 15 – 20% reduction in breast cancer risk. Other studies have consistently demonstrated a 30 – 40% reduction in colon cancer risk when individuals increase their physical activity. Physical activity has also been shown to reduce the risk of lung and endometrial cancer. Exercise at a moderate to vigorous intensity for 30 – 60 minutes per day. Examples of moderate intensity exercises include walking briskly, water aerobics, and bicycling at less than 10 miles per hour. Examples of vigorous intensity exercises include jogging, hiking uphill, swimming laps, and jumping rope. Get vaccinated. Infection with certain types of viruses increases the risk for certain kinds of cancer. For example, the virus that causes hepatitis B (HBV) increases the risk for liver cancer. Infection with certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) increases the risk for cervical, anal, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. Vaccines are available that are effective in preventing infection with these viruses. It is important to note that the HPV and HBV vaccines are not the same as a “cancer vaccine.” Cancer vaccines are designed to stimulate the body to attack cancer cells once cancer has developed. Researchers are currently working on cancer vaccines, and many are in clinical trials as of this writing. Ask your healthcare provider which vaccines are suitable for you and your children. Get adequate sleep. There is some evidence that disrupted circadian rhythms increases cancer risk. One study found that women who worked irregular schedules had a 30% higher risk of developing breast cancer than those who worked a more regular schedule. Shift work is also a risk factor for prostate cancer. Inadequate sleep is also a risk factor for obesity, which is itself a risk factor for cancer. Experts suggest trying the following in order to sleep more soundly at night: Create a sleep schedule. Go to bed the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning. Have a sleep routine. Wind down the same way every night. Create a comfortable sleeping atmosphere. For most people, this means cool temperatures, low noise, and a dark room. Avoid certain foods and drinks in the hours before bedtime. Caffeine can keep you up for hours after you consume it. Alcohol may seem to put you to sleep initially, but it can disrupt sleep later in the night. Going to sleep overfull can create discomfort and a need to visit the restroom in the middle of the night. Take power naps during the day, but keep them under 30 minutes. Too much sleep during the day can interfere with your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. Get daily exercise, but avoid exercise too close to bedtime. Learn healthy ways to deal with stress. Worries about finances, relationships, and work can keep you up at night. Get regular check-ups with your healthcare provider. This includes regular dental exams, during which oral cancers may be found. Regular check-ups allow you to ask questions about your cancer risk, get information about cancer screening tests , and to get any symptoms checked out. Catching cancer early or catching pre-cancerous conditions offer the best possibility of successful treatment. A regular physical should also include exams for cancers of the mouth, reproductive system, skin, thyroid, and other organs. Discuss your family history with your healthcare provider. Sometimes, certain kinds of cancers run in families. This can be because of everyday lifestyle choices (smoking), environmental exposures, or because of an abnormal gene that is passed down from generation to generation. If people in your family have had cancer, there is a possibility that you are at increased risk for cancer. Your healthcare provider can advise you about your particular risk and recommend additional tests. Get the recommended cancer screening tests. The American Cancer Society has published guidelines for cancer screening tests which include: Yearly mammograms for women, beginning at age 40 Tests that either detect colon polyps and/or colon cancer, beginning at age 50 for men and women Cervical cancer screening for women, beginning at age 21 Discuss prostate cancer screening with your physician, beginning at age 50 (men only) Listed here are general guidelines. Read the entire American Cancer Society guidelines for the most complete information. Monitor yourself and recognize early warning signs. Men and women can monitor themselves for skin cancer by doing skin checks and paying close attention to odd-looking moles or growths. Other cancers can sometimes present with skin abnormalities as well. Women should perform monthly self-breast exams. Men can perform self-testicular exams. Sudden, unexplained weight gain or weight loss can be a sign of cancer. Consider weighing yourself on a regular basis so you are aware of weight changes. | Quit using tobacco products. Maintain a healthy weight. Avoid exposure to intense sunlight. Consume alcohol in moderation. Avoid exposure to known carcinogens. Avoid risky behaviors such as unprotected sex. Eat a healthy diet. Exercise regularly. Get vaccinated. Get adequate sleep. Get regular check-ups with your healthcare provider. Discuss your family history with your healthcare provider. Get the recommended cancer screening tests. Monitor yourself and recognize early warning signs. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Over-a-Girl-You-Love | How to Get Over a Girl You Love | To get over a girl you love, try reducing the amount of time you spend with her, like by leaving for school a few minutes early so you don't see her or stopping calling her. When you do see her, try to hang out in groups and interact with her as you do with everyone else, which will help you to see her as just another friend. You should also try to fill your free time with other activities, like volunteering at a local organization or taking up a new hobby, since this will give you something else to focus your thoughts on. If you're still struggling to express your feelings, try making art, such as writing a poem or drawing a picture, which can help you cope with strong feelings. Additionally, consider speaking about how you feel to a close friend or relative who can offer you emotional support. | Acknowledge your feelings. It is natural and normal to feel grief before you feel acceptance. Don't shy away from admitting, at least to yourself, that you are going through a difficult time. Understand yourself as best you can and don't reject your emotions out of hand. Instead, just focus on keeping them under control. Increase your distance. Nothing helps soothe the pain of seeing the girl you can't be with better than simply not being around her as much. This doesn't necessarily have to mean ceasing all contact, but it will mean seeing her less, which may sound awful but is actually the best way to start getting on with the rest of your life. If you're currently friends, stop making the first move. Only spend time with her when she calls you; don't call her yourself and ask to spend time together. You'll still see each other occasionally, but in most cases you'll see a sharp decline in the amount of time you spend together – and an increase in your personal free time. Stop doing favors for her. Nothing says “just friends” as clearly as a refusal to go out of your way for one person in particular. Doing favors for someone because you are attracted to them will only lead to your feeling used and misunderstood further down the line. Just as importantly, doing favors for a girl will only have one of two possible effects on her: One, she will assume you are naturally that giving, and begin taking your favors for granted, or two, she will assume you are trying to ingratiate yourself to her in exchange for the possibility of a date, which will make her uncomfortable around you. If you buy her gifts without asking (or just because she said she wanted something), cover her tab in cafes and restaurants, offer your services as a driver, or otherwise treat her differently than you would treat any of your other friends, that is a favor and it is important that you stop. Put potential favors through a simple test. When you find yourself about to do something for the girl you are trying to get over, ask yourself if you would be so willing to do the same thing for a good male friend. If not, you are probably trying to do her an extra favor rather than just be a good friend. Decline requests for favors. If the girl in question is used to you doing favors for her, and asks a favor of you, politely decline and suggest alternatives, such as other people who might be able to help her out instead. Make up a gentle excuse if you must, such as “I'm trying to spend less money” or “I really need to take some time to finish my homework/clean the apartment/call my relatives tonight.” If she truly values your friendship, she won't mind. Alter your schedule. Leaving for school a few minutes earlier than usual can help you avoid bumping into the object of your affection on the sidewalk or in the hallway. Taking unusual routes between classes can also help ensure you will see her less often. If you're seeing her in a workplace environment, consider trading some shifts so that you work fewer shifts alongside her. Change your scene. Very often, an unattainable girl is an integral part of your group of friends. Try spending time with a few friends at a time, rather than the whole group, so you can avoid having to be around her so much. If you have friends outside of your primary circle who you see less often, consider spending more time with them, as well. They'll feel appreciated, and you will be safely occupied away from the girl you've fallen for. Try quitting cold turkey. If the thought of seeing her even occasionally upsets you, you may have to plan to stop spending time with her altogether. Prepare some polite excuses (for example, “I'm studying pretty hard right now” or “I'm exhausted from work today”) so that you can gracefully decline when she asks to see you. Eventually she will contact you less and move on to people who have more time to spend around her. Avoid alone time. If you can't help being around the girl you love (because of a job, for instance), use structure to your advantage. Formal group settings such as the workplace and the classroom are the ideal environment for establishing emotional boundaries with yourself. Simply interact the same way with the girl in question as you do with everyone else. Make it clear to yourself and her that there is no special relationship; that you are simply colleagues doing work side by side. Don't go out of your way to choose her for a partner when partners are required. When you do work together, keep the conversation focused on the task at-hand. Find safety in numbers. Outside of structured environments, there will still be times when you'll have to be near your love. You can keep yourself from getting shaken or upset by choosing to interact with groups of people rather than individuals, thus minimizing the chances that you'll end up alone together at any point. For example, when the two of you are sitting together on a couch at a friend's house, it will be hard not to focus on her. Change that to four people stuffed onto a couch playing a game together, and it becomes much easier to spread your attention around. Treat her the same way you treat your other friends, and the pressure will be off before you know it. The key is to try to see her as just another girl. Have topics ready to discuss. Consider your thoughts on every political, cultural, religious, and scientific topic that you find interesting. Even if your only interest is something simple like video games or movies, explore that interest in your mind. By talking about information and opinions rather than emotions and relationships, you will be able to keep your cool and avoid painful topics, without alienating the girl as a friend. Because you are already enthusiastic about these topics, you will find it easy to talk about them when you have a captive audience – in fact, you may find it difficult to stop talking once you start. Always have an activity on-hand. Obviously, a shared activity can be interpreted as a date by either party, so it is important to avoid planning things like going out for dinner together. Instead, have pastimes in mind for those times when you find yourself alone with the girl you like in your house, or hers, or in a car with nothing to do. Carry a deck of cards, or even suggest taking some time to help each other study. Just keep it pedestrian. The important thing is to avoid situations where mixed signals can enter the equation, such as cuddling together on a couch or stargazing on a country road. Remember, you want to get over her, not make things worse. Always have a backup plan to avoid this kind of “romantic” downtime. Meditate beforehand. Meditation has several benefits, not the least of which is improved clarity of mind. Even a person who is experiencing a tumult of emotion on the inside can stay calm for long enough to have an evening out with a friend if he or she learns to focus ahead of time. At its most basic, meditation is as simple as breathing deeply and being still in a quiet place while focusing on yourself. Tell yourself that you will stay in control and remain focused on getting over your attraction, and carry that focus with you when you go to see her. Make a list. Expressing your feelings on paper can make them seem more manageable, as well as providing an emotional outlet. Start with obvious reasons that the relationship won't work, and put “she doesn't feel the same way about me” at the very top of the list. Follow up with any other reason you can think of, even if it seems flimsy: overlapping schedules, different religious backgrounds, people she likes who you dislike. The goal is to build a strong argument against a relationship by sheer weight of numbers. A dozen so-so reasons can do as much to ameliorate your suffering as one ironclad reason. Add to your list whenever you think of something else that fits on it. If you think of something while you are away from home, simply try to remember it. If it is important enough, you will still have it in mind by the time you get home. Don't write it down anywhere temporary. Keep your list to yourself. Don't show your words to anyone or leave them out where they can be found. Keep them at home in a safe place. If you are lucky enough to have your own bedroom, do your writing there, and hide it in your best hiding spot. Otherwise, find a place in your home where you can be alone for a while and write there instead. Hide your writing wherever you're confident it won't be found. Write by hand rather than on a computer. Computer files get discovered too easily. Never take your writing to school or work with you. If someone finds it, you'll have your privacy violated and only end up feeling worse. Rely on your list. Read over your list whenever you are feeling upset or sad about the girl you have feelings for, as well as any time you find yourself daydreaming about her. Seeing every reason you have ever thought of to move on from your feelings for her will give you the boost of strength you need to keep going. Talk to a safe confidant. Most often, this will be a parent or other close adult relative. One of the most effective ways to cope with grief is to share your feelings with another real person. If you have a figure in your life who you can trust implicitly, ask him or her to listen and help support you. Having a sympathetic ear will take a lot of weight off of your shoulders. Consider counseling. Not everyone can afford the time and money that counseling costs, but if you are one of the lucky ones, it can be a great help to speak to a counselor for a few sessions. Your counselor will provide a safe and confidential way for you to share your thoughts and feelings with another human being, face to face, and provide gentle suggestions to help you manage them outside the counseling room. Get artistic. Art is possibly the most powerful tool mankind has ever devised for expressing thoughts and emotions. It could be prose writing, poetry, essays, sculpture, painting, collage, singing, playing an instrument, composing music, or anything else that combines an act of creation with a need for understanding, whether or not you have any talent for it. Whatever you choose to do, let it be an avenue for you to safely express your feelings and thoughts in a way that creates, rather than destroys. Write out the story of your feelings, from the first time you met the object of your affection to the steps you are taking to try to move on. Write poems, substituting metaphorical stand-ins for real people and emotions. Slash a canvas with a paintbrush and let your frustration guide your hand. Get together with a friend and have a long jam session. If you are not at all creatively inclined, simply write a letter to yourself stating everything you want to say as plainly as possible, and tuck it away with your list when you are finished. Think objectively about the girl. It is easy to be full of bitterness and even hatred towards the girl you loved as you begin to get over her, but such feelings won't do you or anybody else any good. If you find yourself filled with resentment and bile, remind yourself that she still has value as a human being, and that there were good reasons you fell for her. Don't deny her good qualities; just focus on accepting that you won't get to date her. Shift your focus. Now that you have faced your grief head-on and taken steps to give yourself space and time to heal, it is important to fill that space and time with other things. Think back to the amount of time you used to spend agonizing over your former crush. Make a rough guess of how many hours it cost you each week, and resolve to spend those hours doing something else. There will never be a better time to dream big and jump into a new project. Read a book you've been meaning to read, or even plan to write one of your own. Visit a new club or volunteer somewhere every Saturday. By broadening your horizons, you can remind yourself that the world is vast, strange, and beautiful, and it's never worth ignoring it all over one person. Open your eyes. There are pretty, friendly, funny, and smart girls everywhere. Make an effort to notice them all around you. Never forget that, as the saying goes, there are plenty of fish in the sea. Don't look for a new crush yet; just enjoy the diversity of attractive people you hadn't noticed before. Take some time to sit on a park bench with a friend and (quietly!) compare ratings of women who walk by on the street; check out the outfits women wear and be impressed by how many of them carefully coordinate their clothes and accessories. Just keep your mind on the multitude, rather than one girl. Leave the past behind. As time passes and your grief segues to acceptance, you will find yourself reviewing your notes less and less. This is a sure sign that the time has come to finalize the process and move on for good. Store any art you created as a direct result of processing your earlier emotions. Put it away somewhere you won't see it unless you go looking for it. Years from now, you will be glad you kept it; for now, get it out of your sight. Consider taking your list or any other hastily-scrawled missives that you wouldn't count as artistic endeavors and getting rid of them. Burning papers is one option; striking all names with a pen and stuffing them into bottles to be released into the ocean is another. The act of physically sending your thoughts and feelings away from you can be very therapeutic. Look for a date. When you attend social events, try meeting new girls, or girls you haven't gotten to know very well. Go out with friends and meet their friends. If you meet a cute girl, consider asking her out to coffee right on the spot. Even if nine girls say no, the tenth could say yes, and it's a great way to prove to yourself that there is still a lot to look forward to in your romantic life. | Acknowledge your feelings. Increase your distance. Stop doing favors for her. Decline requests for favors. Alter your schedule. Change your scene. Try quitting cold turkey. Avoid alone time. Find safety in numbers. Have topics ready to discuss. Always have an activity on-hand. Meditate beforehand. Make a list. Keep your list to yourself. Rely on your list. Talk to a safe confidant. Consider counseling. Get artistic. Think objectively about the girl. Shift your focus. Open your eyes. Leave the past behind. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Begonias | How to Grow Begonias | If you want to grow begonias, choose a shady spot that gets some dappled light. If you're planting the begonias in a pot, plant them in a mixture of peat moss and soil-free potting mixture. If you want the begonias to grow outside, mix peat moss and organic matter into your soil, then dig a hole big enough to cover the root ball of the plant. Plant the begonias in mid-spring, and water them every few days so the soil stays moist but not wet. | Select a type of begonia to plant. There are two general types of begonias: those grown from seeds, and those grown from tubers/bulbs. The seed-started begonias tend to be a bit smaller and difficult to grow, while bulb begonias are sturdier and larger plants. Both varieties come in many color options including shades of pink, white, purple, yellow, and red. Bulb and seed begonias are annuals, although the bulbs can be saved and replanted in later years. Growing begonias from seeds or bulbs is quite difficult, so it is recommended that you head to your local nursery to pick up a small potted begonia to transplant. In rare opportunities, you may find a type of perennial begonia, but these aren't common. You can choose to start begonias from cuttings as well. Choose a location. Begonias are one of many common flowers that can be grown successfully both indoors and outdoors. They like light or dappled (rather than full) shade, making them the perfect addition to your houseplant collection. If you plant your begonias in a pot, choose a location in your house on an eastern, western, or southern facing window. They can also be placed on a shaded porch, which gets plenty of ambient sunlight. If you're planting them in garden, place them in a shady patch under other larger plants or on the northern side of your garden. Begonias can handle partial sun, but avoid placing them in direct sunlight. Also, red-leaved begonias handle heat better than green-leaved begonias. If the shade is too dense, your begonias won't grow properly. Choose an area with indirect sunlight and partial shade. If you don't have any indoor window space for potted begonias, you'll need to use a fluorescent lamp in order to provide them with a bit of light. Prepare your soil. Rather, don't prepare soil at all, as begonias grow better in soil-free garden mix than then do in typical 'dirt'. Prepare a mixture of ⅔ peat moss and ⅓ soil-free potting mixture (available at gardening supply stores and nurseries). Begonias like acidic, well-draining environments which the peat moss mixture easily provide. If you must use soil outside, incorporate plenty of peat moss and organic matter into the soil to provide the best environment for your begonias. If you use a peat moss mixture, soak the moss in boiling water and allow it to cool prior to planting the begonias. You can use a 20-20-20 liquid fertilizer on your soil/soil mixture for some added nutrients for the begonias. Know when to plant. Begonias are annuals, so they won't grow back each year. Therefore, each year you will have to replant them, typically in mid spring. Begonias don't handle cold temperatures and frost well, so wait until at least one week after the final frost of winter to plant them. If nothing else, plant them in a pot early indoors, and then transplant them outdoors when the weather warms up. Prepare your garden plot/container. If you are planting your begonias outside, dig a hole a few inches deep for seeds and bulbs, or large enough to cover the root ball of a potted plant. Begonias that are going to be placed in raised beds or pots should be given a container only slightly larger than their root ball, or intermixed in a larger container with other potted plants. Begonias don't need much space, so feel free to plant them closely to other plants in your garden, or near the edge of your pot/bed. Plant your begonias. Remove the bulbs, seeds, or transplant and place it in the hole you've dug. Each begonia plant should be placed in its own hole, although these can be put close together. Cover the top of the root ball, bulb, or seeds with a few inches of soil/potting mixture. If you're planting a small begonia plant, break apart the root ball a bit before placing it in the hole. Water the plant. Most plants need a bit of extra watering after first being planted, in order to avoid what is known as 'transplant shock'. Give your begonias a heavy watering, so that the soil is moist but not drenched. The flowers will need to be watered every few days from there on, either manually or with a sprinkler system. Begonias don't tolerate heavy waterings well, so keep the soil moist but not wet. In fact, if it rains heavily in your area, you may have to move your begonias onto a porch or indoors to prevent them from drowning. Be sure to water at the base of the plant, rather than directly on the leaves. Also, don't mist your begonias. Maintain the garden plot. If you planted your begonias in a pot on your porch or indoors, you won't have to deal with weeds much. However, if your plants are in an outdoor garden, check for weeds every few days and pull them out. Add a 20-20-20 liquid fertilizer about once a month, or mix in a bit of compost and peat moss for added nutrients. You can choose to mulch your garden if you would like, as this will trap moisture (meaning less frequent waterings) and prevent new weeds from sprouting. Deadhead the begonias. Over time, you'll notice that the flowers on the begonia plant will begin to brown and die. At this point, you should do a process known as 'deadheading'. This involved cutting or pulling off the dead flower head, so as to promote new growth and divert nutrients to other parts of the plant. At the end of the blooming season, remove all the dead buds and leave the green plant. This way, the nutrients the plant gathers will all be stored in the bulb for the next growing season, rather than going to help the flower buds that are already dead. Protect your plants from pests. Although outdoor plants are always at risk for abuse from nature, indoor plants can become pest-ridden as well. Keep your begonias safe from slugs and snails outdoors by crushing eggshells and placing them around the base of the plant. Indoor plants often become infested with mealy bugs, which can be killed with a bit of regular rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle. Other pests can be done away with a mild insecticide used for gardening. Talk to a local nursery worker to get advice on the best method for your begonias. Pick your begonias. Begonias aren't typically used in floral arrangements because they lack long stems, but you can pick the flowers for decorative uses such as pressings. Pinch or pluck the flower from the top of the greenery, avoiding taking too many leaves/too much of the stem with it. You can pick as many as you like during the growing season, as they should grow back after several days. Protect the plants from the cold. If your plants aren't dead when it begins to freeze outside, you can save them by bringing them indoors. This really only works for potted plants outdoors, though. Place the pots in a window that gets lots of sunlight. For the first 1-2 weeks indoors, the begonias will drop lots of leaves, but this is normal for being transplanted. They should be good as new after acclimating to their new environment. Save the bulbs. At the end of the year when your plants are all preparing for the winter , you can save the bulbs from your begonias to replant the following spring. Wait until the plant has completely browned, and then pull all the major stems/leaves from the bulb. Put the bulb(s) onto a grate or screen in a cool, dry area to dry out for 5-7 days. When they are totally dry, they can be put away for storing. The bulbs should then be placed in a cardboard box full of dry peat moss until they are ready to be replanted in the spring. | Select a type of begonia to plant. Choose a location. Prepare your soil. Know when to plant. Prepare your garden plot/container. Plant your begonias. Water the plant. Maintain the garden plot. Deadhead the begonias. Protect your plants from pests. Pick your begonias. Protect the plants from the cold. Save the bulbs. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Avoid-Loneliness | How to Avoid Loneliness | If you want to shake that lonely feeling, try spending some time on a big, new project. Ask yourself, "What's something I've been dying to do?" Maybe it's writing a book, finishing a painting, or building a piece of furniture. Once you figure out your project, write down concrete daily or weekly goals, and dedicate yourself to accomplishing the goals you set. You could also try bringing back an old hobby of yours, like knitting or cooking, to occupy your time. | Get your emotions in order. Before you can start getting rid of your loneliness, you need to determine what it is exactly that is making you feel lonely. Do you miss a certain person, or a particular place? Do you generally just feel like you don't have many friends, or that the friends you do have aren't close to you? Determining why you're lonely may give you a solution for your problem right away - not everyone can tell where their feelings of loneliness originate. If you're missing a particular person or place that you can't visit, much of your problem-solving will need to be introspective. If you are desirous of more friends or feel isolated, than your solution will more likely be to get out and meet new people. Try journaling if you're not sure why you feel lonely. Be as specific as possible. Don't be embarrassed at the cause(s) of your loneliness. It is a perfectly normal feeling that everyone struggles with at one time or another. Focus on your health. Before you make any other changes, you should look to your own health for indicators of causes for loneliness. Oftentimes lack of sleep, exercise, and healthy foods can leave you feeling lethargic and depressed, leading to loneliness over time. Spend a week making positive changes to your health; aim to get eight hours of sleep every night, try to fit in at least 30 minutes of physical activity, and cut out junk food/incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet. If nothing else, doing these things will give you more energy and reduce stress, which overall impacts your positive outlook and feelings of happiness. Studies have shown that poor sleep and lack of physical activity are correlated to feelings of loneliness. Certain foods - particularly fruits and vegetables - contain hormones that increase happiness. Bring an old hobby back to life. It's easy to become overwhelmed by isolation or a massive 'to-do' list, and not only run out of time in your life for people but also for your favorite activities. It's much more difficult to feel lonely if you're actively enjoying an activity, especially one that you have some skill or practice with. If you've got a hobby that you love or are interested in, set aside some time each day to work on starting it up (again). Whenever you are hit with those pangs of loneliness, make a conscious effort to go spend time on your hobby. Some new hobby ideas might include: Reading regularly Playing a sport Going hiking Taking up knitting or crocheting Learning to cook, or trying new recipes Painting Gardening Start a big project. On a similar tangent to picking up a hobby, working on a large project can be a great way to distract yourself from present feelings of loneliness, and to help give yourself purpose when all you might want to do is curl up in bed. What counts as a 'big' project will vary from person to person; for one individual, it might mean painting the interior of their house. For another, it might mean starting a new degree or set of classes through an online university. Whatever your 'big' project is, set daily or weekly goals so that you have something to focus your hard work on. You won't have time to feel lonely, with all the dedication you'll be pouring into your project. Some big project ideas might include: Learning a new language Writing your own book Building a large piece of furniture Learning a new instrument Building a car or motorcycle from parts Starting a small business Starting (or finishing) a degree Spend more time outside. The great outdoors has been a healing power for millions of people over the years. And while it might sound counter-intuitive to get over your loneliness by going outside alone, your time spent in nature will likely improve your emotional state and banish those feelings of loneliness. Sunshine helps increase endorphins in your system, making you feel happier and less focused on your loneliness. Plus, exploring new places, getting your blood pumping, and seeing your natural local will all change your focus and balance your mental state. Look for good hikes in your area, or simply explore a new park. Try going kayaking or on a bike ride, if you're not interested in just walking around. Make small plans with friends, often. If you feel like you can only hang out with people if it's at a party or out at a nice dinner, you may limit the total amount of time you could be spending with people you enjoy. However, if you go out of your way to plan small 'dates' throughout the week with a variety of friends, you'll fill up your free time with socializing, which will practically remove loneliness from your life altogether. Going out with friends doesn't need to take much time or money. Whether you meet someone new at the coffee shop or you call up an old friend, try some of these easy 'date' ideas: Go for coffee or to a cafe Take a walk through a local park Run errands together (specifically with a close friend/family member) Cook a new recipe together Grab lunch during your break at work Make big plans so that you have events to look forward to. It's easy to feel lonely and overwhelmed when the future seems bleak and devoid of any plans. If you have something to look forward to - whether it be a big event or a meeting with someone you miss - you'll probably feel less lonely and more excited for what's to come. Take time to make a list of possible activities you might want to partake in. Then, spend a few days planning out the event to the fullest extent, so that you are fully prepared and stress-free. If you're able, include other people in the planning process and the final event for extra lonely-punching effect. Consider plans like: Going on a weekend trip to a new place Hosting a big dinner party or bonfire Going to a music festival or other related event Consider getting a pet. If spending time out with friends or away from your home isn't an option for you, you might consider getting a pet to help fight loneliness. Studies have shown that people who have pets are much less likely to experience depression and loneliness than those who do not. Cats and dogs are generally considered the best pets for fighting loneliness, as they are happy to interact with you and enjoy physical contact (for the most part). Pets provide company and a good distraction from any negative feelings that may be bogging you down. Keep in mind that getting a pet is a big responsibility, and does require a large amount of time and care. If a dog or cat won't work for your lifestyle, birds and rodents are common pets that may also help. Avoid staying at home all the time. Sometimes, a change of scenery is all that is needed to freshen up your life and make you feel a bit happier. Not only that, but getting out and about exposes to you new opportunities for friends and hobbies. Keep in mind that just because you go out, doesn't mean you have to go out with people. You can conquer your loneliness even if you go out alone, so long as you are doing something you enjoy. Try going to a new cafe for work or studying, or simply visit your favorite part of the city. Becoming dependent on your bed or couch is a fast track to loneliness. Do your best to get out and try new things, even when all you may want to do is binge watch Netflix. Understand that loneliness and isolation are different. Sometimes, especially if you are a big people-person, it can be easy to mix up 'loneliness' with 'isolation'. Loneliness is the feeling of missing someone or something, or of being left alone. Isolation is simply the act of being by yourself. While loneliness should be remedied, isolation is a normal and natural part of life. Don't feel obligated to fill up every waking moment with activities and time with people. Time by yourself is healthy and necessary, and unless you are truly feeling lonely, is not something you need to try to 'fix'. Don't become dependent on your family and friends. When you feel lonely and you aren't quite sure why, it can be easy to fall back on family and friends as a distraction from your emotions. However, doing this simply masks your true feelings, and won't help you to feel better in the long run. Take time to examine the source(s) of your loneliness, and work to come up with solutions for this outside of constantly relying on a friend to take you out. You'll feel better in the long run, even if it does require a bit more emotional and mental work in the meantime. Avoid addictive coping behaviors. It's not uncommon for someone who feels lonely to end up coping with a possibly addictive behavior - whether it be alcohol, drugs, shopping, food, or something else. When you're feeling sad and really missing someone/something, you need to address your emotions directly. Trying to avoid your feelings or working around them with addictive behavior is not only unhealthy, but it will exacerbate your loneliness problem. Take steps to make healthy life decisions when you're upset, rather than using quick fixes that make things worse down the line. | Get your emotions in order. Focus on your health. Bring an old hobby back to life. Start a big project. Spend more time outside. Make small plans with friends, often. Make big plans so that you have events to look forward to. Consider getting a pet. Avoid staying at home all the time. Understand that loneliness and isolation are different. Don't become dependent on your family and friends. Avoid addictive coping behaviors. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Read-a-Multimeter | How to Read a Multimeter | To read a multimeter on an AC system, you'll need to locate the numbers and symbols on your circuit system. On an AC circuit, for example,V stands for "voltage," while a squiggly line indicates the alternating current. If you want to test a DC circuit, switch the setting on your multimeter to VDC or DCV. Alternatively, if you have an analog multimeter, you'll need to check the numbers that the needle is pointing to beneath the glass screen. You can also refer to your user's guide for specific information about your multimeter settings. | Test AC or DC voltage. In general, V indicates voltage, a squiggly line indicates alternating current (found in household circuits), and a straight or dashed line indicates direct current (found in most batteries). The line can appear next to or over the letter. The power coming from most household circuits is AC. However, some devices may convert the power to DC through a transistor, so check the voltage label before you test an object. The setting for testing voltage in an AC circuit is typically marked V~ , ACV , or VAC. To test voltage on a DC circuit, set the multimeter to V– , V--- , DCV , or VDC. Set the multimeter to measure current. Because current is measured in amperes, it is abbreviated A. Choose direct current or alternating current, whichever the circuit you are testing is made for. Analog multimeters typically do not have the ability to test current. A~ , ACA , and AAC are for alternating current. A– , A--- , DCA , and ADC are for direct current. Find the resistance setting. This is marked by the Greek letter omega: Ω. This is the symbol used to denote ohms, the unit used to measure resistance. On older multimeters, this is sometimes labeled R for resistance instead. Use DC+ and DC-. If your multimeter has this setting, keep it on DC+ when testing a direct current. If you aren't getting a reading and suspect you've got the positive and negative terminals attached to the wrong ends, switch to DC- to correct this without having to adjust the wires. Understand other symbols. If you're not sure why there are multiple settings for voltage, current, or resistance, read the troubleshooting section for information on ranges. Besides these basic settings, most multimeters have a couple additional settings. If more than one of these marks is next to the same setting, it may do both simultaneously, or you may need to refer to the manual. ) ) ) or a similar series of parallel arcs indicates the "continuity test." At this setting, the multimeter will beep if the two probes are electrically connected. A right-pointing arrow with a cross through it marks the "diode test," for testing whether one-way electrical circuits are connected. Hz stands for Hertz, the unit for measuring the frequency of AC circuits. –|(– symbol indicates the capacitance setting. Read the port labels. Most multimeters have three ports or holes. Sometimes, the ports will be labeled with symbols that match the symbols described above. If these symbols are unclear, refer to this guide: The black probe always goes into the port labeled COM for common (also called the ground. (The other end of the black lead always connects to the negative terminal.) When measuring voltage or resistance, the red probe goes into the port with the smallest current label (often mA for milliamps). When measuring current, the red probe goes into the port labeled to withstand the amount of expected current. Typically, the port for low-current circuits has a fuse rated to 200mA while the high-current port is rated to 10A. Find the right scale on an analog multimeter. Analog multimeters have a needle behind a glass window, which moves to indicate the result. Typically, there are three arcs printed behind the needle. These are three different scales, each of which is used for a different purpose: The Ω scale is for reading resistance. This is typically the largest scale, at the top. Unlike the other scales, the 0 (zero) value is on the far right instead of the left. The "DC" scale is for reading DC voltage. The "AC" scale is for reading AC voltage. The "dB" scale is the least used option. See the end of this section for a brief explanation. Make a voltage scale reading based on your range. Look carefully at the voltage scales, either DC or AC. There should be several rows of numbers beneath the scale. Check which range you have selected on the dial (for example, 10V), and look for a corresponding label next to one of these rows. This is the row you should read the result from. Estimate the value between numbers. Voltage scales on an analog multimeter work just like an ordinary ruler. The resistance scale, however, is logarithmic, meaning that the same distance represents a different change in value depending on where you are on the scale. The lines between two numbers still represent even divisions. For example, if there are three lines between "50" and 70," these represent 55, 60, and 65, even if the gaps between them look different sizes. Multiply the resistance reading on an analog multimeter. Look at the range setting that the dial of your multimeter is set to. This should give you a number to multiply the reading by. For example, if the multimeter is set to R x 100 and the needle points to 50 ohms, the actual resistance of the circuit is 100 x 50 = 5,000. Find out more about the dB scale. The "dB" (decibel) scale, typically the lowest, smallest one on an analog meter, requires some additional training to use. It is a logarithmic scale measuring the voltage ratio (also called gain or loss). The standard dBv scale in the US defines 0dbv as 0.775 volts measured over 600 ohms of resistance, but there are competing dBu, dBm, and even dBV (with a capital V) scales. Set the range. Unless you have an auto-ranging multimeter, each of the basic modes (voltage, resistance, and current) has several settings to choose from. This is the range, which you should set before you attach the leads to the circuit. Start out with your best guess for the value which is just above the closest result. For example, if you expect to measure around 12 volts, set the meter to 25V, not 10V, assuming those are the two closest options. If you have no idea what current to expect, set it to the highest range for your first try to avoid damaging the meter. Other modes are less likely to damage the meter, but consider the lowest resistance setting and the 10V setting your default. Adjust to "off the scale" readings. On a digital meter, "OL," "OVER," or "overload" means you need to select a higher range, while a result very close to zero means a lower range will give more accuracy. On an analog meter, a needle that stays still usually means you need to select a lower range. A needle that shoots to the maximum means you need to select a higher range. Disconnect the power before measuring resistance. Turn off the power switch or remove the batteries powering the circuit in order to get an accurate resistance reading. The multimeter sends out a current to measure the resistance, and if additional current is already flowing, this will disrupt the result. Measure current in series. To measure current, you'll need to form one circuit that includes the multimeter "in series" with the other components. For example, disconnect one wire from a battery terminal, then connect one probe to the wire and one to the battery to close the circuit again. Measure voltage in parallel. Voltage is the change in electrical energy across some part of the circuit. The circuit should already be closed with current flowing, then the meter should have the two probes placed at different points on the circuit to connect it "in parallel" with the circuit. This must be done carefully to avoid discrepancy. Calibrate ohms on an analog meter. Analog meters have an additional dial, used to adjust the resistance scale and typically marked with an Ω. Before making a resistance measurement, connect the two probe ends to each other. Turn the dial until the ohm scale reads zero, to calibrate it, then conduct your actual test. | Test AC or DC voltage. Set the multimeter to measure current. Find the resistance setting. Use DC+ and DC-. Understand other symbols. Read the port labels. Find the right scale on an analog multimeter. Make a voltage scale reading based on your range. Estimate the value between numbers. Multiply the resistance reading on an analog multimeter. Find out more about the dB scale. Set the range. Adjust to "off the scale" readings. Disconnect the power before measuring resistance. Measure current in series. Measure voltage in parallel. Calibrate ohms on an analog meter. |
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