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https://www.wikihow.com/Lose-Belly-Fat-in-a-Week | How to Lose Belly Fat in a Week | To reduce belly fat in 1 week, eat lean protein, such as beans, eggs, and nuts, to help you stay full for longer periods of time. Additionally, add fresh fruits and vegetables to every meal since they're high in nutrients but low in calories. You should also aim to do 30 minutes of cardio 5 days a week, such as biking, running, or swimming. In order to lose more belly fat, do strength training exercises 1 to 3 times a week. | Indulge in the right types of fat. Studies have shown that eating the right types of fat, like monounsaturated fats, can help reduce belly or visceral fat by up to 20% over low-fat diets. Monounsaturated fats are a type of fatty acid that has been linked to a decreased risk of heart disease, improved management of diabetes, and improved function of your blood vessels. Although monounsaturated fats are considered healthy, they are still very calorie-dense. Do not add these, in addition, to an unhealthy diet or in addition to unhealthy sources of fat. These should replace those unhealthy sources of fat like trans or saturated fats. Monounsaturated fats are found in a variety of foods including olive oil, olives, nuts, seeds, nut butter, avocado, and canola oil. Ideas to try include: replacing butter or lard with olive oil, grapeseed oil, or avocado oil. Eat lean protein. Lean sources of protein will help you stay satisfied longer throughout the day and help fuel your weight loss. Make sure that you eat a source of lean protein at each meal. Measure out a 3-4 oz (21-28 grams) serving to stay within your calorie limit. Replace all fatty proteins like high-fat cheese, red meat, and sausage with leaner cuts of protein like chicken, turkey, fish, beans/lentils, eggs, low-fat dairy, and nuts. Add in fresh fruits and vegetables at every meal. Make sure at least half of your plate is filled with produce. These low-calorie foods are high in nutrients and can help you lose weight and reduce belly fat. The best way to lose belly fat is through calorie reduction. When you make half your plate a fruit or vegetable, the low-calorie nature of these foods helps lower the overall calorie content of your meals. Measure out 1 cup of vegetables, 2 cups of leafy greens, or 1/2 cup of fruit. Include 1-2 servings at each meal. Choose whole-grain foods. When you're trying to reduce belly fat and get rid of dangerous visceral fat, you'll need to choose 100% whole grain foods when you're eating bread, rice or pasta. 100% whole grains are significantly higher in fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals compared to more refined grains. They are a much more nutritious choice. Refined grains are those that are overly processed and their vital nutrients are removed. Items like white bread, white rice, plain pasta, or crackers should be limited. Include a serving or two of 100% whole grains daily. Measure out 1 oz or 1/2 cup (125 ml or 25-30 grams) of items like quinoa, brown rice, whole-wheat pasta, whole wheat bread or millet. Drink adequate amounts of water. Help keep your body feeling more satisfied and hydrated by drinking adequate amounts of water and other clear fluids each day. It's typically recommended drinking at least 8 glasses of water daily. However, even amounts up to 13 glasses per day have been recommended. Water is essential for hydrating your body. It plays a vital role in regulating your body temperature and blood pressure. In addition, adequate hydration helps manage your appetite. Plus, drinking a glass of water immediately prior to a meal can help you reduce your overall intake and support your weight loss. Cut out sugar and refined white flour. Studies have shown that one of the biggest culprits of visceral fat is sugary beverages, sweets, and foods made from refined white flour. Limit or cut out these foods to help reduce belly fat. Sweetened beverages like sodas, fruit juices, and sports drinks in addition to candy, desserts or pastries can increase visceral fat. In addition, foods made with white flour or are highly processed carbohydrates are also responsible for packing on fat. Look out for crackers, white bread, plain pasta, and white rice. If you crave sugary sweets, try replacing your typical snack or treat with more nutritious food. For example, try low-fat Greek yogurt or fruit. Cut out alcoholic drinks. Many studies have shown that increased alcohol consumption is linked to increased amounts of visceral fat. Limit or cut out alcoholic beverages to help reduce belly fat. In addition, many alcoholic beverages are mixed with sugary, sweetened beverages. The combination of sugar and alcohol together increases your risk for visceral fat. In general, women shouldn't drink more than 1 glass of alcohol daily and men should limit their alcohol to 2 glasses daily. Limit high-fat foods. In addition to choosing sources of healthy fats to include in your diet, you should also try to limit or avoid certain types of fat that can increase belly fat and the chronic conditions associated with it. Avoid all trans-fats. These fats are man-made and can cause hardening of the arteries, increased LDL (the bad cholesterol) and decreased HDL (the good cholesterol). Avoid all products that contain partially hydrogenated or hydrogenated oils. These are found in fried foods, processed foods and processed meats. Eat only moderate amounts of saturated fats. There has been a lot of back and forth research over whether or not saturated fats are unhealthy. Since fats, in general, are higher in calories are you're trying to reduce weight and body fat, limit these types of fats. They are found in animal products like butter, full-fat cheese, red meat, and lard. Make sure to limit fatty cuts of meat, fast foods, fried foods, processed meats as these types of foods are the highest sources of unhealthy fats. Do interval workouts 2-3 days this week. Higher intensity interval workouts have become more popular. They are known to torch calories, but specifically burn higher amounts of body fat compared with traditional cardio. A study conducted by the University of Virginia found that people who had 3 out of 5 cardio sessions per week with intervals burned more belly fat, although they technically burned the same calories during the workout itself. Most gym machines come with interval programs. You can do interval programs on treadmills, stationary bikes, and elliptical machines. You can create your own high-intensity interval program by alternating between short bursts of very high-intensity exercises with longer bouts of more moderate-intensity exercises. For example, you can try alternating between 1-minute sprints and 5 minutes of jogging. Commit at least 30 minutes of cardio 5 days a week. In addition to interval training, studies have shown that it's equally important to do at least 30 minutes of cardio exercises each week to help reduce belly fat. To specifically decrease visceral or belly fat, some health professionals even recommended doing up to 60 minutes daily of aerobic activities to have a more significant effect on visceral fat. Try walking, biking, swimming, hiking, running, working out on an elliptical or rowing machine. Aim to do these activities at a moderate pace. This is usually described as when it is possible, but difficult, to keep up a conversation as you perform the activity. Increase your daily activity levels. Lifestyle activities are a great way to add more exercise to your day. Being more active throughout the day has been shown to have similar benefits to 150 minutes of planned cardio each week. Choose times when you are sedentary, such as watching TV, break time at the office or commuting and insert activity into the mix. Think of times when you can move more or take more steps. For example, do sit-ups, pushups, and planks during commercial breaks. Stretch while you are stuck in traffic and walk around the office during break time. You can also consider buying a pedometer or downloading a step counter app on your smartphone. These will help track how active you are during the day and a good way to see how much you've increased your activity level. Do strength training exercises 1-3 times this week. Weightlifting builds lean muscle mass which can help increase your body's metabolism and ability to burn calories at rest. In addition, resistance training helps increase bone density and reduces your risk for diseases like osteoporosis. Include bodyweight exercises, such as pushups, planks, squats or lunges. These are great toning exercises but also increase your heart rate. Learn to use free weights or weight machines. Start with popular exercises like chest presses, rows, pec flys, overhead presses, front and side arm raises, lunges and squats or the leg press machine, calf raises, and biceps/triceps last. Tricep exercises include the tricep overhead press, tricep pulldowns on a cable pull, and tricep kickbacks. You may want to consider investing in a session with a personal trainer if you have never used weights before. They will be able to show you how to lift weights and provide you with an appropriate weight lifting program. | Indulge in the right types of fat. Eat lean protein. Add in fresh fruits and vegetables at every meal. Choose whole-grain foods. Drink adequate amounts of water. Cut out sugar and refined white flour. Cut out alcoholic drinks. Limit high-fat foods. Do interval workouts 2-3 days this week. Commit at least 30 minutes of cardio 5 days a week. Increase your daily activity levels. Do strength training exercises 1-3 times this week. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Bad-Smell-off-Your-Hands | How to Get a Bad Smell off Your Hands | After you've washed your hands with soap and water, try splashing some mouthwash on them to get rid of the bad smell — mouthwash can kill smelly bacteria. If that doesn't help, try washing your hands with vinegar or rubbing alcohol. For really strong smells, soak your hands in a bowl of 1 part hydrogen peroxide and 3 parts water for several minutes. | Wash your hands with soap and cold water. Always use cold water for this, as hot water can dilate your skin's pores and let the odor-causing oils and dirt penetrate further. Create a nice lather with the soap and scrub your hands together thoroughly before rinsing them with cold water. Splash your hands with antiseptic mouthwash. In addition to neutralizing odor-causing compounds, mouthwash can kill the bacteria on your hands that can cause odor. Scented varieties will also lend a minty smell to your hands that can cover up any remaining odor. Remove the odor from your hands by rubbing a stainless steel item. Simply take any stainless steel item (such as a piece of silverware or a mixing bowl) and rub it all over your hands under cold running water. Continue until the odor is neutralized. Any stainless steel item will work for this method, including the basin of your sink if you have a stainless steel model. You can buy stainless steel bars of soap that are designed specifically for removing odors from your hands. This method is great for removing the smells left from garlic or onions. Rinse your hands in vinegar to suppress the stench. When you rinse your hands with vinegar, you don't need to rub your hands together. Simply splash on some vinegar and let your hands air dry. If you want to reduce the vinegar smell, you can wash your hands with soap and water afterwards. Vinegar is good for removing smells left from fish or onions. Rub your hands together with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer. Pour 1 teaspoon (4.9 ml) into your hands and rub them together until the rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer evaporates and your hands are dry. Since alcohol can be very drying on your hands, it's best to only try this method once and move on to another if the odor still lingers. Squeeze toothpaste onto your hands to tackle the smell. Squeeze a little section of toothpaste — the kind that has baking soda in it is best — onto your hands and rub them together. After you've been rubbing them together for a couple of minutes, wash your hands off with clean water. Rub your hands together with wet salt to create a scrub. Pour a small amount of salt into your hands and rub them together. You may want to moisten the salt with some water to improve its adhesion. When finished, rinse the salt away with water and dry your hands. You can also lather your hands up with dish detergent before sprinkling salt on your hands. Scrub them together to begin eliminating the odor, and rinse your hands with clean water once you're finished. Cover your hands with coffee grounds for great-smelling hands. If you don't mind your hands smelling like coffee, use coffee grounds to eliminate any odors. Cover your hands entirely with coffee grounds and then gently scrub your hands together in a bowl of water. As an alternative, you can also rub whole coffee beans together in your hands until the odor starts to disappear. Make a paste of 1 part baking soda and 3 parts water. Mix together 1 part baking soda with 3 parts water in a bowl to create a paste. Rub the paste all over your hands thoroughly for at least 1 minute. Rinse the mixture off with clean water afterwards. Combine 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 3 parts water. By mixing together hydrogen peroxide and water, you'll create a disinfectant that's safe for your hands. Soak your hands in the mixture for 1-3 minutes, and then rinse your hands off with clean water before drying them. Neutralize the odor on your hands with lemon or lime juice. Lemon juice can be used full-strength, or it can be diluted with a small amount of water to reduce its harsh effect on your skin. Lime juice works as well. Just squeeze the lemon/lime in a bowl of water and soak your hands in it. Putting 1 part lemon or lime juice in a bowl with 1 part water is an effective method for soaking your hands. Add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of vinegar to water for a diluted option. Fill a small bowl with regular water and pour in 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of vinegar. Soak your hands in the mixture for 2-3 minutes. Rinse your hands with clean water after the time has elapsed. | Wash your hands with soap and cold water. Splash your hands with antiseptic mouthwash. Remove the odor from your hands by rubbing a stainless steel item. Rinse your hands in vinegar to suppress the stench. Rub your hands together with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer. Squeeze toothpaste onto your hands to tackle the smell. Rub your hands together with wet salt to create a scrub. Cover your hands with coffee grounds for great-smelling hands. Make a paste of 1 part baking soda and 3 parts water. Combine 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 3 parts water. Neutralize the odor on your hands with lemon or lime juice. Add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of vinegar to water for a diluted option. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-Safe-Cat-Toys | How to Choose Safe Cat Toys | To choose safe toys for your cat, go with big toys that don't have removable parts so they're not a choking hazard. For example, a large stuffed mouse could be a good toy, but make sure it doesn't have any sewn-on buttons or strings. You can always cut off small parts with scissors and then give the toy to your cat if you can't find anything else. Avoid toys that are stuffed with plastic beads, too, since your cat could tear open the toy and choke on them. If you're struggling to find safe toys at the store, give your cat some household items to play with, like empty paper towel rolls, paper bags, and ping-pong balls. | Inspect toys prior to purchase. Toys at department stores and pet stores are occasionally damaged. A toy with a small piece falling off or a pointed edge can be dangerous for a cat. Before adding a toy to your cart, inspect it carefully. Do not purchase a toy that is not in good condition. It's a good idea to alert a store clerk if you find a damaged toy. You do not want other shoppers to pick up a damaged cat toy. Watch out for sharp edges. If you're buying something like a puzzle toy or plastic toy, run your fingers along the edges first. Make sure you do not notice any sharp parts that prick or hurt your fingers. Cats will handle toys heavily via chewing, batting, and kicking. If a toy has a sharp edge, your cat could cut its mouth or skin while playing. Ball toys are a good option as they're unlikely to have sharp edges. Soft catnip mice are also a good option over rigid toys. Do not buy foil toys. Foil is a fun, colorful material that can attract a cat's attention. However, foil is often prickly and can cause damage. In general, avoid toys made out of foil. Instead, look for toys made of soft materials like fabric or felt. Many people give their cats balled up pieces of foil as a toy. Avoid doing so, as foil could cut your cat. Avoid hazardous fillings with plush toys. Check the ingredients list on plush toys. Plush toys are overall a safe option, as they're soft and easy for your cat to carry safely. However, plush toys filled with polystyrene beads, beans, or nutshells should be avoided. Toys stuffed with regular stuffing are usually safe for cats. Choose toys that have non-detachable parts. Examine a cat toy closely to see if it has small parts. Oftentimes, toys will have things like buttons, strings, and feathers attached. A mouse toy, for example, may have button eyes and a string tail a cat could easily detach. This can pose a choking hazard, so opt for toys with non-detachable parts only. Instead of going for toys with sewn on eyes on ears, look for toys with eyes and ears stitched or embroidered on. If you find a toy that's otherwise high quality but has some detachable parts, buy it anyway and use scissors to remove the small parts. A lot of times, small parts are only present for aesthetic reasons and are unlikely to be missed by a cat. Make sure toys are too big to swallow. Avoid buying anything small enough to fit all the way in your cat's mouth. These could be swallowed, posing a choking hazard. This is especially important if you have a kitten, as kittens are more likely to swallow their toys. A toy should be big enough for a cat to hold in its mouth without swallowing. It's best to opt for larger, clunkier toys to reduce choking risks. Usually, things like larger plush mice are big enough for a cat to use safely. Look for electronic toys with secure batteries. Electronic toys can be fun for your cat, but make sure the batteries are secure. The best electronic toys will have the batteries secured tightly with screws. Cats may swallow batteries, especially if they are very small, and this can be fatal. Even if a toy's batteries are secured, do not let your cat play with an electronic toy without your supervision. It is okay to pick up a few electronic toys as these can be perfectly safe for cats as long as you only use them when supervising your cat. Do not let your cat play with small household items. You may be tempted to let your cat play with small household items that they take an interest in. However, many household items are easily swallowed. They can pose a choking hazard and even be deadly when ingested. Do not let your cat play with the following items: Small caps Rubberbands or hair ties Pipe cleaners Paper clips Batteries Buttons and sewing supplies Houseplants and flowers Avoid giving kittens yarns and strings. If you do let your cat play with yarn and string, do so only with your supervision. Yarn and string are easily swallowed and can get stuck inside your cat's intestines, which may necessitate surgical removal. If you get your cat yarn and string, never leave it laying around when you are not present. You should also avoid rubber bands, as cats may swallow them. Keep fishing pole toys out of reach when not in use. Fishing pole toys are interactive toys meant to be used only when a person is present. You can have a lot of fun dragging a fishing pole toy along the floor or dangling it in the air for your cat to catch. However, cats may swallow the string from toys when you're not present. If a fishing pole toy has embellishments like feathers, your cat may swallow these as well. Keep fishing pole toys out of your cat's reach when you are not present. Cats are excellent climbers and tend to get into things, so make sure to pick a very secure location. A cupboard that locks securely, for example, is a good place to keep a fishing pole toy. Throw away broken toys. Cat toys break with time. Broken toys may have sharp or pointed edges that can pose a safety risk. If a toy breaks, throw it away and replace it. Put toys with small parts away when you're not around. Toys with small parts can be safe when used under your supervision. Battery-operated toys, for example, are safe to use when you're playing with your cat. Cats may swallow small parts when not supervised, so make sure to keep these toys in a secure location when you're not around. Buy toys your cat can chase. Cats enjoy toys they can chase, as this reminds them of hunting for prey in the wild. Fishing pole toys, if used with supervision, are a great and safe toy that will keep your cat engaged. Laser pointers are also fun for cats, as they can chase the light across your home. Plush toys can be altered to use for chasing. You can, for example, tie a string around a plush mouse and drag it along the floor for your cat to chase. Just make sure not to leave your cat alone with a string. Get your cat toys they can use alone. As you may leave your cat alone for long hours during the day, make sure they have toys they can use without you. Things like plush mice and small balls can be safe for your cat to use while you're gone. Some stores sell puzzle toys. You put a toy or piece of food inside a contraption your cat must open. These can entertain your cat while you're gone. However, read the label to make sure the toy is safe to use while you're gone. Provide catnip. Catnip is safe for most cats to use. It is not addictive and will not cause health problems. Invest in toys that are laced with catnip or toys that you can store catnip in. Your cat will be enticed by a catnip toy. Keep in mind not all cats react to catnip, so your cat may not be interested in catnip. If you have more than one cat, they may fight over catnip. Do not leave cats who fight over catnip alone with it. Use household items as toys. While some household items pose a hazard, many can be safely given to your cat as a toy. The following items are safe for cats to use as toys: Plastic shower curtains Milk caps or rings Ping-pong balls Empty cardboard tubes from toilet paper or paper towels Paper bags with the handles removed Boxes | Inspect toys prior to purchase. Watch out for sharp edges. Do not buy foil toys. Avoid hazardous fillings with plush toys. Choose toys that have non-detachable parts. Make sure toys are too big to swallow. Look for electronic toys with secure batteries. Do not let your cat play with small household items. Avoid giving kittens yarns and strings. Keep fishing pole toys out of reach when not in use. Throw away broken toys. Put toys with small parts away when you're not around. Buy toys your cat can chase. Get your cat toys they can use alone. Provide catnip. Use household items as toys. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Print-Locket%E2%80%90Sized-Pictures | How to Print Locket‐Sized Pictures | To get your picture the perfect size for a locket, use a ruler to measure the image space in your locket, down to the closest millimeter or fraction of an inch. If your locket's image space is difficult to measure, try estimating the space by subtracting 1 millimeter from the size of the locket. Once you have a target size, resize your image using a computer program like Photoshop, or a website like Web Resizer. In the program, go into the image settings and adjust the size according to the image space you have to work with in your locket. After resizing your picture, select print to use your own printer or use a website like Shutterfly to order prints. | Measure the size of your locket’s image space, if possible. Your locket should have a frame around the area designated for the image. You want to find out the measurements of the image space. If possible, measure this with your ruler to the closest millimeter or fraction of an inch. Use a ruler or tape measure to find the size of your locket. Knowing the measurements will provide you with a reference point to use when resizing your image. Estimate the size of your image space, if difficult to measure. If you are unable to measure your locket's image space, you can estimate it. A general estimate is about 1 millimetre (0.10 cm) or so smaller than the size of your locket. It is better to guess high than aim low, because you can always trim the edges of your image later. Measure the diameter instead of the width if your locket is round. Circular lockets may be trickier to size because they do not have straight edges. Measure across the circle horizontally to find the diameter. You can use this as your approximate width. You can estimate the height based on the top and bottom of the circular shape. It's okay if your measurements aren't exact. Get as close to an even fraction as you can, and estimate to a larger number rather than small. That way you can trim the image to fit, if you have to. Upload your image to a website, computer program, or smartphone app. You can choose free photo editing websites, like resizemypicture.com or Web Resizer. There are many photo editing apps you can download from the app store, as well. Or, try computer programs like Paint, Microsoft Office, or Photoshop. Select the image you would like to use for your locket. Some image editing apps include Photo Editor, Photo Resizer, or Image Size. Some websites like Locketstudio.com do all the work of resizing your image for you. Upload your image, select your locket size and shape, and download your image. Resize the image with the Image Settings. You can adjust the size, either by height and width, scaling percentage, or pixels. If you can resize your image with different heights and widths, enter the approximate size of your locket. Your image will convert to the size you entered. If you have to resize your image by percentage, start by figuring out the percentage you need to reduce the image size, based on current image size. If this calculation is confusing, you can proceed by trial and error. If resizing your image by pixel, first determine your image's pixels before you resize. When you are in your image settings, select the "Pixels" option in image settings, and scale down your picture based on pixel measurement. Save a copy of your resized locket picture to print out. After you have your picture size perfect, save the image so you can print it. Save it as a picture file, such as a JPEG. Use your pigment printer to print your locket picture from home. After you resize your image, select “Print,” and print your image in either color or black and white. Print on matte or glossy paper. This is a helpful way to print because you can print out multiple drafts to test your image size. Print your resized picture using websites like Shutterfly or Snapfish. After you have your picture perfectly sized, you can upload it online, place an order, and deliver your pictures right to your door. Visit stores like CVS, Walgreens, and FedEx to print your image. You can save your image to a USB drive or CD and bring it with you to the store. Some stores offer the option of placing your order online and picking up the images in person, so double-check their website if this would work for you. | Measure the size of your locket’s image space, if possible. Estimate the size of your image space, if difficult to measure. Measure the diameter instead of the width if your locket is round. Upload your image to a website, computer program, or smartphone app. Resize the image with the Image Settings. Save a copy of your resized locket picture to print out. Use your pigment printer to print your locket picture from home. Print your resized picture using websites like Shutterfly or Snapfish. Visit stores like CVS, Walgreens, and FedEx to print your image. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Twist-a-Pretzel | How to Twist a Pretzel | To twist a pretzel, roll the dough into a long, thick strand about 18 inches in length. Next, form the dough into a U-shape before twisting both ends around each other twice. Then, attach the twisted section to the bottom of the U. If you're unsure where to attach the ends, imagine the pretzel is a clock face and try to attach the ends where the numbers 5 and 7 would be. You can also use a little water or milk to make the ends stick. | Hand roll the dough into a long, thick strand. Place the pretzel dough on a floured surface and use the palms of your hands to roll it back and forth against the counter top. Push the dough outwards as you roll until you achieve the desired length. Pretzel dough tends to shrink back on itself after rolling, so a good technique is to roll it partway, then leave it to rest for a few minutes before rolling again. The ideal length is between 18 and 20 inches -- this will give you nice, large pretzel. Form a U-shape with the dough and twist the ends. On the floured surface, form the length of dough into the shape of the letter U. Once you've done that, pick up the two ends and twist them around each other twice (as seen in the image). Attach the twisted section to the bottom of the U. Take the twisted section of pretzel and fold it over until the ends meet the bottom of the U. Imagine the pretzel is a clock and attach the ends to the points where the numbers 5 and 7 would be, by pinching them firmly into the dough. If you're having trouble getting the ends to stick, use a little water or milk to press them into place. You now have a simple, neatly folded pretzel, ready to bake! Roll out the dough. Use the palms of your hands to roll the dough into a long, thick strand, about 18 inches (45.7 cm) long and as thick as a cigar. Pick up one end of the rope in each hand. Lift the pretzel stand off the counter, holding the ends about one foot away from each other. Your left hand should be slightly higher than your right. Use a lasso movement to twist the dough. Use your right hand to gently flick the dough in a lasso movement, so the dough twists around itself. Only allow the dough to twist around itself twice -- you can stop the twisting by laying the dough on the counter top. Attach the ends to the curve of the pretzel. At this point, you should still be holding one end of the pretzel dough in each hand. Fold the twisted part of the pretzel over and attach these ends to the curve of the pretzel, at the points where 5 and 7 would be on a clock. Roll out the dough. Take a piece of pretzel dough and use the palms of your hands to roll it out into a long strand, about 18 inches (45.7 cm) in length. Fold and twist the dough. Fold the length of dough in half, then twist the two pieces around each other before pressing the loose ends together. Fold the twisted dough in half again. Then pass the joined ends through the loop at the top. Press down on the dough to secure the twist. Repeat with the remaining dough. When you're done, you should have between 8 and 12 pretzel twists. These provide thicker, doughier soft pretzel pieces than the classic pretzel shape. Gather your ingredients. To make the perfect soft pretzels at home, you will need the following ingredients: 1 1/2 cups of warm water 1 tablespoon of sugar 2 teaspoons of kosher salt 1 package of active dry yeast 4 1/2 cups (or 22 oz) of all-purpose flour 2 oz of unsalted butter, melted 2/3 cup of baking soda 1 large egg yolk Coarse salt, for sprinkling Combine the water, sugar, kosher salt and yeast. In a large bowl, mix the warm water, sugar and kosher salt. Sprinkle the packet of active dry yeast on top and leave the mixture to sit for 5 to 10 minutes, until it turns foamy. Add the flour and butter. Add the flour and melted butter to the yeast mix and mix til combined. Keep mixing until a smooth dough forms, which pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Leave the dough to rise. Remove the dough from the mixing bowl and grease the bowl with vegetable oil. Return the dough to the bowl and cover with cling wrap. Leave the dough to sit somewhere warm until it doubles in size -- this should take about 50 to 55 minutes. Boil the baking soda and water. Combine the baking soda with 10 cups of water in a saucepan and bring to the boil. Use this time to prepare two baking sheets -- line them with parchment paper and grease lightly with vegetable oil. Twist the pretzels. Divide the dough into eight equal pieces and use one of the methods described in the sections above to twist the pretzels into shape. Dip the pretzels in boiling water. One-by-one, dip the pretzels into the boiling water for 30 seconds at a time. Use a slotted spoon or spatula to remove them from the water and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the pretzels with egg yolk. Mix the large egg yolk with a tablespoon of water, then lightly brush a little egg mixture onto the surface of each pretzel -- this will give them a nice, deep brown color once baked. Sprinkle each pretzel with a little coarse salt. Bake the pretzels. Bake the pretzels in an oven preheated to 450 degrees for 12 to 14 minutes, until they are dark, golden brown in color. Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool slightly before eating. | Hand roll the dough into a long, thick strand. Form a U-shape with the dough and twist the ends. Attach the twisted section to the bottom of the U. Roll out the dough. Pick up one end of the rope in each hand. Use a lasso movement to twist the dough. Attach the ends to the curve of the pretzel. Roll out the dough. Fold and twist the dough. Fold the twisted dough in half again. Repeat with the remaining dough. Gather your ingredients. Combine the water, sugar, kosher salt and yeast. Add the flour and butter. Leave the dough to rise. Boil the baking soda and water. Twist the pretzels. Dip the pretzels in boiling water. Brush the pretzels with egg yolk. Bake the pretzels. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Steam-Broccoli-Without-a-Steamer | How to Steam Broccoli Without a Steamer | To steam broccoli without a steamer, start by cutting it into small pieces and placing it in a microwave-safe bowl with 3 tablespoons of water. Then, cover the bowl with a lid, and microwave for 3 to 4 minutes until the broccoli is tender with a brilliant emerald color. Alternatively, add ¼ cup of water to a skillet and bring it to a boil. Next, add the broccoli, put a lid on the skillet, and cook for 3 minutes on high heat. Then, reduce the heat and let the broccoli simmer for another 3 minutes. | Clean the broccoli and cut it into bite-size pieces. Rinse the broccoli under running water and check the crowns for any hidden insects. Dry the head of broccoli with paper towels, then use a sharp kitchen knife to cut the florets into bite size pieces. Trim the stalks into 0.125 in (3.2 mm) thick discs, then cut the discs in half if they're bigger than bite size. Even if you don't plan to eat the stalks, cut them up so you can place them in the bottom of the bowl. This will keep the tender florets from boiling in the water in the bottom of the bowl. An average head of broccoli is roughly 1 lb (450 g) in weight. Put the broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl and add water. For instance, choose a large glass or ceramic bowl, or a smaller casserole dish. Add 2.5 Tbsp (37.5 ml) of water for 1 lb (450 g) of broccoli. The broccoli does not need to be in a single layer, since the steam will rise through all the broccoli in the covered bowl. Cover the bowl tightly to trap in the steam. If your microwave-safe bowl has a lid, secure it on snugly so that most of the steam cannot escape. If you do not have a lid for your dish, use microwave-safe plastic wrap instead. Alternatively, if you prefer not to use plastic wrap, place a microwave-safe plate over the top of the bowl. Make sure it makes a snug seal over the rim of the bowl. Microwave on high for 2.5 minutes, then check the broccoli every 30 seconds. After 2.5 minutes of cooking, carefully remove the hot bowl from the microwave and very carefully remove the lid or covering. If the broccoli is bright green in color and you can easily pierce it with a fork, it's done. Otherwise, re-cover it and cook it for another 30 seconds. It may take up to 4 minutes in total to steam the broccoli to perfection. Keep checking every 30 seconds after the first 2.5 minutes, since broccoli can go from bright green and perfectly steamed to drab green and overcooked quickly! Always be cautious when uncovering a bowl of steaming veggies. The hot steam will escape quickly, and it could burn you if you are not careful. Open the bowl away from you to avoid exposing yourself to the steam. Season the broccoli as desired and serve it immediately. When the broccoli is steamed just right, add any desired seasonings—for instance, stir in 2 Tbsp (30 g) of butter and sprinkle on a pinch of salt. You can serve the broccoli directly from the microwave bowl, or transfer it to a serving dish. Try stirring in a splash or two of soy sauce to give the finished broccoli an enhanced flavor profile. Wash, dry, and chop up a 1 lb (450 g) head of broccoli. Rinse the broccoli head under the faucet and pat it dry with paper towels. Use a sharp kitchen knife to separate the florets from the stalks, cutting them into bite size pieces. “Bite size” means the florets should be cut into about 1 in (2.5 cm) pieces. Cut the thicker stalks in half crosswise, and chop all the whole and halved stalks into slices that are roughly 0.125 in (3.2 mm) thick. Cut the stalks even if you don't intend to eat them—putting them in the bottom of the saucepan will elevate the delicate florets above the boiling water. Take a quick look through the head of broccoli after washing it to make sure there aren't any bugs hiding out! Add 3 fl oz (89 ml) of water to a medium saucepan. The saucepan should be large enough to hold 2.5–3 US qt (2.4–2.8 L) of liquid. Though you won't be adding nearly that amount of water, this size of saucepan will be plenty large enough for 1 lb (450 g) of chopped broccoli. 3 fl oz (89 ml) also equals 6 Tbsp. Adding more water than this small amount will only cause the broccoli to boil. You need just enough water to create steam. Choose a saucepan with a lid that fits snugly. If necessary, you can use a heat-resistant dinner plate as a lid. Add the broccoli to the saucepan once the water comes to a boil. Place the saucepan over high heat and wait for the water to come to a full boil. Since there's such a small amount of water in the saucepan, this won't be a long wait! Place the thicker, tougher stalk pieces in the saucepan first, then pile the tender florets on top. Be careful not to splash any of the boiling water onto your skin. Cover the saucepan and keep it over high heat for 3 minutes. Don't lift the lid, shake the pan, or anything else. Just wait 3 minutes! It is crucial that you cover the saucepan securely in order to trap the steam inside. A snug-fitting lid that matches the saucepan is your best option. Reduce the heat to low and steam the broccoli for 3 more minutes. Do not remove the lid to check the broccoli—you need to keep the steam trapped inside. This trapped steam will continue to cook the broccoli without overcooking it. Add butter or seasonings, if desired, and serve the broccoli immediately. After 6 minutes total steaming time, carefully lift off the lid. Stir the broccoli, and stir in 2 Tbsp (30 g) of butter if you wish. Consider sprinkling on a pinch or two of salt as well. Remove the lid so that it acts as a shield to deflect the steam away from your face. Otherwise, you may get burned. Once finished, the broccoli should be bright green and tender-crisp. Mushy, drab green broccoli has been cooked too long. You can serve the broccoli from the saucepan, or transfer it to a serving dish. Rinse and cut up a head of broccoli. Run the head of broccoli under clean water, check for any insects hiding in the florets, and dry it with paper towels. Use a sharp kitchen knife to cut the florets into bite size pieces, and slice the stalks into 0.125 in (3.2 mm) discs. If the stalks are especially thick, cut the discs in half. Aim to make the florets roughly similar in size—about 1 in (2.5 cm)—so that they cook evenly. The stalk pieces take longer to cook and should be cut smaller than this. Use an average size head of broccoli, which should weigh about 1 lb (450 g). You can discard the stalks if you like, but they're quite tasty and tender when steamed properly! Pick out a stock pot, lid, and metal colander that suit your needs. You'll need a metal colander that's large enough to hold all the chopped broccoli. At the same time, it needs to be the right size to nestle into the stock pot and rest on its rim so it doesn't touch the bottom of the pot. The lid should fit over the colander and create a fairly tight seal to keep the steam in. If the colander doesn't nestle in just right, it will either touch the bottom of the pot (which will result in some of the broccoli boiling instead of steaming) or will stick up too far above the rim of the pot (which will let the steam escape). If you don't have the right combination of stock pot, lid, and metal colander, you're better off either using an alternate steaming method or buying a steamer basket that fits your stock pot. Add 1–2 in (2.5–5.1 cm) of water to the stock pot. 2 in (5.1 cm) is preferable, but don't add that much if it causes the bottom of the colander to be submerged when you nestle it in the stock pot. Make sure you have at least 1 in (2.5 cm) of water in the pot, however. You need at least 1 in (2.5 cm) of water to build up enough steam to cook the broccoli. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Since there's a small amount of water in the stock pot, it won't take more than a few minutes to come to a boil. Place the cut broccoli in the colander while you wait, if you haven't done so already. Put the colander of broccoli in the stock pot and add the lid. Wait until the water is at a full boil before doing this. Move on to the next step—reducing the heat—as soon as you put the lid on. Make sure the lid is on snugly so the steam can't escape. Reduce the heat to medium-low and check the broccoli after 5 minutes. Tender florets may be done after 5 minutes, but plan for 6-7 minutes in most cases. Put the lid back on if the broccoli isn't bright green and easy to pierce with a fork after 5 minutes, then check again 1 minute later. Repeat once more if necessary. Steamed broccoli can turn drab green, mushy, and unappetizing quickly, so check every minute after the first 5 minutes of steaming. Season your broccoli to taste and serve it right away. Remove the colander from the stock pot and pour the broccoli into a serving dish. If desired, stir in 2 Tbsp (30 g) of butter and a pinch or two of salt. Try adding lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, or toasted almond slivers to your steamed broccoli. Some people even like their steamed broccoli with mayonnaise on the side! | Clean the broccoli and cut it into bite-size pieces. Put the broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl and add water. Cover the bowl tightly to trap in the steam. Microwave on high for 2.5 minutes, then check the broccoli every 30 seconds. Season the broccoli as desired and serve it immediately. Wash, dry, and chop up a 1 lb (450 g) head of broccoli. Add 3 fl oz (89 ml) of water to a medium saucepan. Add the broccoli to the saucepan once the water comes to a boil. Cover the saucepan and keep it over high heat for 3 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and steam the broccoli for 3 more minutes. Add butter or seasonings, if desired, and serve the broccoli immediately. Rinse and cut up a head of broccoli. Pick out a stock pot, lid, and metal colander that suit your needs. Add 1–2 in (2.5–5.1 cm) of water to the stock pot. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Put the colander of broccoli in the stock pot and add the lid. Reduce the heat to medium-low and check the broccoli after 5 minutes. Season your broccoli to taste and serve it right away. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Smudge-Stick | How to Make a Smudge Stick | If you want to make your own smudge stick, gather sage leaves and clip them so they're all about the same length. Remove any brown or spotted leaves, then gather the healthy leaves into bundles. Wrap a piece of string around the base of the leaves and tie a knot to keep it in place. Once it's secure, wind the string tightly up the bundle of leaves all the way to the end, then wrap it back down the bundle to create a crisscross design. Tie another knot at the bottom of the bundle, and hang the smudge stick to dry for several weeks. | Find an ideal place to plant the sage. Before you start your sage plant, you will want to find a place outdoors that will provide optimal growing conditions. Sage grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. A clay pot is ideal to help with drainage for your sage plant especially if you live in a rainy climate. If you have to keep your plant indoors, make sure to keep it next to a sunny window. Plan ahead when you will start your plant. There are two methods to starting your plant: Start from seed. If you decide to grow from seed, plant the seeds 6-10 weeks before the last frost. You can sow the seeds outside in a bed placing them about 18–24 inches (46–61 cm) apart. However, growing sage from seed can be challenging and it can take up to two years for the plant to reach maturity. Many gardeners choose to start plants from cuttings because of this. Start with cuttings. If you tried starting fro seeds, and the plants didn't germinate properly, then try to start a plant with sage cuttings. Cut a stem off a healthy mature sage plant at least 3 inches (7.6 cm) long. Remove the leaves at the bottom, but make sure to keep at least a couple pairs of leaves at the top. Place your sage cutting into soil and water it. Be careful not to give it too much or too little water. Wait for the right time to harvest. It will take approximately 75 days, or two and a half months for the sage to be ready to be harvested. Once it's ready, take the trimmers and cut the stems of the desired leaves at the base of the plant. Be sure not to harvest more than half the plant so it will continue to grow for future harvests. If you are not confident enough to grow your own sage, or if it is too late in the season to start a new plant, you can purchase a sage plant. Wait one day before you start wrapping your sage. Place your trimmings in a paper bag or on top of newspaper overnight. Make sure they are not left in plastic or out in sunlight because this can cause the sage to wilt or it could start to decompose. Clip the sage into relatively same lengths. Remove any spotted or brown leaves. Arrange the leaves into bundles of the same lengths. Grab the string and tie a knot at the base of the stems of the leaves. Hold the bundle in one hand and wind the string up the bundle. Once you reach the top, wind the string down the bundle creating a crisscross design. This helps hold all the leaves in place. Wrap the leaves as tightly as possible. Tie another knot at the bottom of the bundle. Set the bundles inside somewhere where it is dark and dry. You can hang them on a drying line, or lay them flat to dry. If you lay them down flat, it is better to put them on a screen to help airflow. It is also good to flip them over every day or so. Depending on how humid it is, it can take up to a few weeks Ensure the stick is dry. After the smudge sticks have dried, now they are ready to burn. Holding the stick at the base, use a match or lighter to ignite the top end of the smudge stick. Allow the sage to catch fire for a moment, and then carefully blow out the flame. Let the stick smolder and white smoke will start to travel upwards. Hold the sage over an ashtray or bowl to catch any fallen debris. Traditionally a shell is used for this purpose. Use the white smoke from the smudge stick to cleanse rooms, spaces or people. Gently wave the smoke from the smudge stick around the room where you want to clear the energy. The smoke will remove any negative energy left behind and leave a nice fragrance in the room. The same process can be done on a person. Slowly moving the smoldering sage around the person's feet, limbs and head to help cleanse the energy around them. Fully extinguish the flame when you are finished cleansing an area. Press the smudge stick down to stifle the smoke completely. Try to avoid using water to put out the smudge stick because this can damage the stick for future use. Never leave burning sage unattended. | Find an ideal place to plant the sage. Plan ahead when you will start your plant. Wait for the right time to harvest. Wait one day before you start wrapping your sage. Clip the sage into relatively same lengths. Grab the string and tie a knot at the base of the stems of the leaves. Set the bundles inside somewhere where it is dark and dry. Ensure the stick is dry. Use the white smoke from the smudge stick to cleanse rooms, spaces or people. Fully extinguish the flame when you are finished cleansing an area. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Kidney-Beans | How to Grow Kidney Beans | To grow kidney beans, choose a sunny location with soil that has been mixed with compost and manure. After the last frost, plant the seeds 1 to 1.5 inches in the ground with 1 to 2 inches between seeds. Water the seeds only when the soil is dry, and avoid using nitrogen-rich fertilizers around the beans. Around 90-120 days after planting, your beans should have hard, dry pods, which means they're ready to harvest. Pluck the pods off of the stalks and break them apart to release the beans! | Use seeds instead of seedlings. Most kidney bean plants do not survive the transplanting process, so you should plan on directly sowing the seeds instead of getting starter plants. Choose a suitable location. Kidney beans need full sun in order to thrive, so you should plan on growing them in a spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight a day, if not more. If possible, find a spot with soil that is naturally somewhat loose. Loose soil drains water more effectively, and this is crucial if you want to grow a healthy kidney bean plant. If you notice that the water settles or pools in a given area when it rains, you should consider choosing another location. Practice crop rotation from year to year. Do not plant kidney beans in soil where other legumes have grown within the past three years. Amend the soil. The soil needs to be fairly light and loose so that water can drain. If your soil is too heavy, you will need to amend it with enough organic material to even it out. The pH of the soil also needs to be near neutral. Good soil amendments include manure and compost. Either option will help loosen the overall density of the soil while also providing plenty of nutrition for the plant as it starts out. Amend the soil by mixing these extra components in with a trowel or small garden rake a few weeks before you plan to plant. The pH of the soil should be between 6.0 and 7.0. Consider mixing a powdered inoculant into the soil, as well. This is a type of natural, healthy bacterium that makes it easier for beans to absorb nitrogen during the earliest and most crucial stages of growth. , if necessary. Install a trellis While many popular kidney bean varieties are bush beans, there are a few pole bean varieties. Pole beans grow vertically, so you will need to fix a stake or trellis to the growing location if you want these varieties to produce their maximum yield. Wait until after the last frost passes. Kidney beans require adequate warmth and humidity to thrive. Plant them in the spring once you feel fairly certain that the last frost has already passed. The temperature of the soil should be 70 to 80 °F (21 to 27 °C). If at all possible, avoid letting the soil temperature drop below 60 °F (16 °C). Ideally, the air temperature should be 65 to 80 °F (18 to 27 °C) throughout most of the growing season. If a frost does arrive unexpectedly after your kidney bean plants have sprouted, cover the seedlings with a bit of mesh cloth or canvas to help protect them from the freezing temperatures. Plant the seeds deep enough. Kidney bean seeds should be planted 1 to 1-1/2 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm) deep. Many gardeners prefer to space seeds 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) apart initially. After your seedlings reach a height of roughly 3 inches (7.6 cm), thin them out to a more appropriate spacing, removing the weakest seedlings when possible and preserving the strongest. Give the seeds enough space. For most varieties, you will need to sow separate kidney bean seeds 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10 cm) apart from one another. More specifically, pole or vine varieties do well when spaced 4 inches (10.16 cm) apart, while compact bushes may benefit more if spaced up to 8 inches (20.32 cm) apart. The seeds should germinate within 10 to 14 days. Choose a large pot. While container gardens do not provide the most beneficial set of conditions for kidney beans, these plants can grow inside of containers when taken care of properly. For each kidney bean plant, you will need a pot with a diameter of 12 inches (30.5 cm). When choosing to grow kidney beans in containers, you should opt for a bush variety instead of a pole variety. Bush varieties tend to do better in more confined spaces. The main reason that kidney beans are not typically grown in containers is simply that the yield of an average plant is not enough for one person. You will usually need to plant six to ten plants if you want to supply yourself with enough beans for regular use. You should only plant one kidney bean plant per pot, however, so you will need six to ten separate pots if you plan on producing enough for yourself. Add extra gravel to the container. Before you add any soil to the container, you will need to spread a layer of gravel at the bottom to improve drainage. Otherwise, kidney bean plants can quickly become waterlogged inside of pots. Plant the seeds deep enough. As with a standard garden, you need to plant a kidney bean seed 1 to 1-1/2 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm) deep. Sow the seed in the middle of the pot. Water only when the soil dries out. The soil should never be allowed to get too soggy since the roots of the plant are easily damaged when waterlogged. As such, you should only give the plants extra water if your area has experienced a drought. Instead of watering the soil in an effort to keep it continually damp, you should only water it if you check the soil and determine that it has dried out at least a full 1 inch (2.5 cm) down from the surface. You can test it by gently sticking your finger down into the soil and feeling for moisture. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers. Even though nitrogen-based fertilizers will make your kidney bean plants look vibrant and leafy, these fertilizers actually do more harm than good since they encourage the plant to send its energy to its leaves rather than its fruits. Large doses of nitrogen will produce an impressively leafy plant that bears very few edible beans. After the plant gets started, kidney beans actually produce their own nitrogen inside their roots. A fertilizer with high levels of nitrogen will inevitably end up feeding the plant too much nitrogen. If your plants are suffering and in need of more nutrition, use a small amount of organic fertilizer that does not supply a hearty amount of nitrogen. Be careful when removing weeds. The roots of the plant are quite shallow, so when you dig up weeds, you need to do so carefully to avoid accidentally disturbing or damaging the roots of the kidney bean plant. Never chop up the weeds around a kidney bean plant using a hoe or trowel. Instead, you should pull the weeds up by hand. You could also help keep weeds out by spreading a 1- to 2-inch (2.5- to 5-cm) layer of mulch on around the plant after it sprouts. Additionally, mulch provides the extra benefit of maintaining adequate warmth and humidity while preventing pods from rotting once they touch the ground. Watch out for pests and disease. Some garden pests do target kidney beans, and the plant is also vulnerable to a few different diseases. If you run into problems, you may need to apply an appropriate pesticide or fungicide. Beetles, slugs, cutworms, and leafhoppers will go after the leaves of the plant. These can be removed easily if you check your plants regularly and pick them off as you see them. If this is not an option, though, look for a pesticide that specifically targets these insects. Aphids may also attack your plant, but these cannot be picked off by hand. Treat the plant with an appropriate pesticide once you spot aphids since these pests can spread bean mosaic virus. Bean rust is a reddish-brown fungus that can show up in patches on the leaves of a kidney bean plant, and it should be treated with a fungicide as soon as you spot the first signs of it. Powdery mildew may attack your plant, as well. It will look like a fine white powder. You should treat the plants with a fungicide as soon as possible and reduce the amount of watering you do. Humid conditions produce mildew, so make sure that the plants are only watered at the soil level and not on the leaves. If squirrels, deer, or rabbits become pests, you can keep them out with fencing or netting. Collect all the beans at the end of the season. Bush varieties should be harvested once at the end of the growing season. Pole varieties can be harvested several times throughout the season, but the largest harvest will usually be at the end of the season. Depending on the variety you chose, kidney beans should be ready to harvest after 90 to 150 days. Pole varieties produce a harvest on a regular basis for one to two months. Adequately mature bean pods will be dry to the touch, and the beans inside the pods will feel very hard. Check the beans of one pod before you harvest the other pods. You can check to see if the beans are done by carefully biting down on one. If your teeth can dent the bean, then the rest should be allowed to dry for a longer period of time before you harvest and shell them. Pull plants early, if necessary. If dropping temperatures or other unfavorable conditions threaten your harvest, you can pull kidney bean plants early and allow the beans to finish drying the rest of the way afterward. High humidity can also make it difficult to dry the beans on the plant. In this instance, you will need to finish drying them inside, as well. Remove the plants and hang them upside-down by the root for several days or weeks until the pods seem dry and the beans inside are hard. Make sure that most of the foliage has died before you pull the plants. Keep the beans in a warm indoor location with lots of circulating air as you dry them. Break the pods apart. After you have plucked the pods from your plant, you will need to break them open and pull out the beans hidden inside. If you allowed the plants to mature correctly, the beans should already be hard and dry. You can shell a small harvest by hand, but if you have a larger harvest, you may want to shell them in batches. Place the pods in a pillowcase or similar bag. Carefully step on the pods through the pillowcase to crack them open. When done, sift through the pieces to sort out the beans and leave behind the broken pods. Store the beans in a dark spot. Place the harvested kidney beans in a jar and store them in a dry, dark location until ready to use. Dried beans can last up to a year in the right conditions. For best results, store the beans in airtight jars or bags. | Use seeds instead of seedlings. Choose a suitable location. Amend the soil. , if necessary. Wait until after the last frost passes. Plant the seeds deep enough. Give the seeds enough space. Choose a large pot. Add extra gravel to the container. Plant the seeds deep enough. Water only when the soil dries out. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers. Be careful when removing weeds. Watch out for pests and disease. Collect all the beans at the end of the season. Pull plants early, if necessary. Break the pods apart. Store the beans in a dark spot. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Butter-Chicken | How to Make Butter Chicken | To make butter chicken, first whisk 1½ cups (355mL) of Greek yogurt and 2 tbsp (30mL) of lemon juice in a large bowl. Mix in 1½ tbsp (15g) of ground turmeric, 2 tbsp (20g) of garam masala, and 2 tbsp (20g) of ground cumin. Cover and refrigerate the marinade. Then, in a large pan over medium heat, melt ¼ lb (115g) of butter in 4 tsp (20mL) of canola oil until it foams. Add 2 diced yellow onions, stirring until translucent. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic, 3 tbsp (23g) of grated ginger, and 1 tbsp (10g) of cumin seeds. Keep cooking until the onions start to brown. Put in a cinnamon stick, 2 diced tomatoes, and 2 red chiles. Cook for 10 minutes or until the chiles are soft, salting to taste. Then, add 3lb (1½ kg) of chicken thighs with bones and the marinade to the pan. After 5 minutes, add ⅔ cup (160mL) of chicken stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Then lower the heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. Lastly, stir in 1½ cups (355mL) of cream and 1½ teaspoons (5g) of tomato paste. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and remove from heat. Garnish with cilantro leaves and lime. | Season the chicken. Begin by seasoning the chicken with a generous sprinkling of salt and pepper. Heat the oil and begin to fry the chicken. Using a large frying pan, heat the vegetable oil and add the chicken. Fry for 3-4 minutes. Fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes until it turns a golden-brown colour. Remove the chicken. Take the chicken out of the frying pan and put it aside. Melt the butter. Use the same frying pan to melt the butter. Fry the onion with the cinnamon. Now add the onion and cinnamon and fry together in the pan. Add the remaining ingredients. At this point add the crushed garlic, crushed ginger, turmeric, chilli powder, almonds, peeled tomatoes, tomato paste and the natural yoghurt. Stir all of the ingredients together and mix thoroughly. Bring to the boil and cook. Bring the ingredients to a boil and stir for 4-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the chicken. Put the chicken back into the pan and combine with the other ingredients. Add the fresh coriander. To complement the flavors in the dish, add the coriander (or fresh spinach if you prefer) and mix with the sauce. Serve while streaming and eat up! Spoon the chicken and the sauce onto a large serving dish and serve with rice and Naan bread. A perfect curry dish that goes down well with an icy Asian beer. Add the olive oil to the pan. Add pepper and salt to taste. Add the chicken pieces. Gently cook over low heat, allowing the flavors to infuse. Remove and set aside. Add the butter to a separate pan. Add the chopped onion. Cook until browned. Add the tomatoes and garlic. Cook until the garlic softens. Remove from the heat. Blend the butter and tomato mixture. Blend until it forms a puree. Pour the puree over the chicken pieces. Add a little more oil, and the cardamom and cinnamon. Add the fresh cream. Cook over a low to medium heat for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally. Serve hot. Marinate the chicken with all of the spices besides the clarified butter. Cook the chicken in the ghee(butter) until it is done. After the chicken is ready it is now time to make the sauce. Braise the onion in the butter (just for a while not until gold). Add all of the sauce spices (besides fresh cream) and cook it until the water evaporates
Add the fresh cream and cook the sauce for 2 minutes on low. Add the chicken in the sauce and cook it for 5 minutes. Garnish the Butter Chicken with chopped coriander. | Season the chicken. Heat the oil and begin to fry the chicken. Fry for 3-4 minutes. Remove the chicken. Melt the butter. Fry the onion with the cinnamon. Add the remaining ingredients. Bring to the boil and cook. Add the chicken. Add the fresh coriander. Serve while streaming and eat up! Add the olive oil to the pan. Add the chicken pieces. Add the butter to a separate pan. Add the chopped onion. Add the tomatoes and garlic. Cook until the garlic softens. Blend the butter and tomato mixture. Pour the puree over the chicken pieces. Add a little more oil, and the cardamom and cinnamon. Add the fresh cream. Serve hot. Marinate the chicken with all of the spices besides the clarified butter. Cook the chicken in the ghee(butter) until it is done. Braise the onion in the butter (just for a while not until gold). Add all of the sauce spices (besides fresh cream) and cook it until the water evaporates
Add the fresh cream and cook the sauce for 2 minutes on low. Add the chicken in the sauce and cook it for 5 minutes. Garnish the Butter Chicken with chopped coriander. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Shred-Potatoes | How to Shred Potatoes | To shred potatoes with a grater, place your grater over a clean plate or bowl. Next, press the potato into the grater, and slide it from top to bottom. Alternatively, if you have a food processor, insert the grater blade, add your potatoes to the bowl, and use the “pulse” button in short intervals until the potatoes look grated. You can also use a mandoline by inserting the julienne blade, putting the potato into the hand guard, and sliding it down the mandoline. | Peel the potato(es) if desired. You don't have to peel your potatoes before grating them, and some people even prefer the texture skins add. If you prefer skinless, use a peeler or a paring knife to remove the top layer of skin from the potato(es). Grate the potatoes over a clean plate or countertop. Place your grater over a clean plate or countertop. Most graters have two sides, one for making thick shreds and the other for thinner ones. Choose your preferred side, then hold a potato at one end and press it into the grater as you slide it from the top down. Remove potato shreds when shredding large amounts, if necessary. Many graters are designed in an upside-down V shape. As you grate potatoes, the shredded pieces will fall in the middle of this V, which can create blockages. Clear out shreds as necessary to prevent these blockages. Be careful when you get close to the end of the potato. It's easy to skin your knuckles while grating, especially if distracted. Put together your food processor. Different brands may have unique features, but for most models, you'll first need to attach the plastic bowl to the processor's base. After that, put the grater blade onto the middle part (blade shaft) at the center of the bowl. Always make sure your processor is unplugged when assembling, disassembling, or swapping in a new blade/attachment. Add potatoes to the bowl. Depending on the size of your processor bowl, you may need to cut the potatoes in half before adding them. Most processors have a fill line that indicates the maximum amount of ingredients that should be added to the bowl. Shred the potatoes in the processor. Firmly attach the lid on top of the bowl of the food processor. After that, hold down the “pulse” button at short intervals until the potatoes look grated. This shouldn't take long, which is one of the bonuses of using a food processor. Set up your mandoline. Food cut with a mandoline will fall beneath this kitchen tool, so thoroughly clean the surface below it before shredding potatoes. If your mandoline has foldable legs, extend these and then place it on a cutting board or countertop. Sturdiness is also very important when using a mandoline. A wobbly mandoline will make kitchen accidents more likely. Insert the julienne blade. Each model will have its own procedure for swapping in a new blade. This process, if done incorrectly, can be dangerous. Follow your mandoline's directions carefully when inserting the julienne blade. The blades on some mandolines will be directly accessible from the underside, while others may have a hinged part that opens to access the blade. Blades are generally grasped by their base, and then pulled out of or pushed into a slot found underneath the mandoline. Some mandolines may have only one blade. To adjust the cut of these, you'll usually change a plastic attachment on top of the mandoline (sometimes called a runway attachment). Wet the runway. The strings leading down to the blade are referred to as the “runway.” These strings can get gummed up by the stickiness of the starch in potatoes. To make sure the potatoes slide easily down the runway, sprinkle a few drops of water along this part of the mandoline. Insert the potato into the hand guard. Halve the potato(es) with a knife. Put the uncut end of a potato into the hand guard. Place the flat, cut end of the potato at the top of the runway and slide it down the mandoline to shred the potato. Repeat this motion until you've finished shredding all your potatoes. The blades of mandolines are very sharp. They can easily cut off the tips of fingers or shave skin from knuckles. Unless you're a professional, always use a hand guard when using a mandoline. Soak shredded potatoes in water. Once your potatoes are shredded, put them in a mixing bowl filled with water. There should be enough water to completely submerge the shredded potatoes. This will remove some of the starch from the potatoes and maintain good color in the browns. Squeeze out the shredded potatoes. Use your clean hands to fish the potatoes out of the water. Squeeze the shreds lightly to remove water from them without destroying their shape. Pile the shreds in the center of a clean dish towel. Wring the towel to remove any remaining moisture from the potatoes. Cook the potatoes at medium-high heat. But first, set the heat to high and coat the skillet's bottom with butter. When the skillet is coated, turn the heat down to medium-high, and spread the shredded potatoes in the skillet in an even layer. Flip the potatoes to brown them on both sides. Wait until the shredded potatoes are golden brown on the bottom. Lift the potatoes with your spatula periodically to check their progress. When ready, flip the potatoes and cook the other side in the same fashion. Season the hash browns and enjoy. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper onto the hash browns or serve them plain. Hash browns make an excellent side for most breakfast foods, including eggs , pancakes and omelets. | Peel the potato(es) if desired. Grate the potatoes over a clean plate or countertop. Remove potato shreds when shredding large amounts, if necessary. Put together your food processor. Add potatoes to the bowl. Shred the potatoes in the processor. Set up your mandoline. Insert the julienne blade. Wet the runway. Insert the potato into the hand guard. Soak shredded potatoes in water. Squeeze out the shredded potatoes. Cook the potatoes at medium-high heat. Flip the potatoes to brown them on both sides. Season the hash browns and enjoy. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Freeze-Dill | How to Freeze Dill | Freezing fresh dill is a great way to make it last longer. After rinsing the dill in cool water and patting it dry, chop the leaves up into coarse pieces. Sprinkle them onto a baking sheet in a single layer, then put the baking sheet in the oven for 12 hours. Once the dill is frozen, put it in a freezer-safe plastic bag and put it back in the freezer until you're ready to use it. Your frozen dill will stay good for 4-6 months. | Remove the lower stalk of the plant with a knife. Take a close look at your dill weed to find the fronds, branched stems, and lower stalk. Identify the fronds by finding the soft, frilly tips on the edge of the dill plant. You can find the branched stems attached to these fronds, and a lower, thicker stalk toward the bottom of the plant. Use a knife to slice off this stalk portion, as you won't be using it in future recipes. The lower stalk isn't edible, so there's no point in freezing it. Wash the dill off thoroughly with cool water. Hold the trimmed bunch of dill beneath a stream of cool, running water. Rotate the plant so that all of the fronds get evenly soaked. After you turn the water off, let any excess water drip over the sink. Hold the herbs over the sink until they're no longer dripping wet. Dry off the herbs with a paper towel. Lay a dry paper towel onto a flat surface and spread the dill across the sheet. Take an additional paper towel and blot away any additional moisture from the herbs. Continue dabbing at the dill until it's no longer wet to the touch. If the dill is still visibly wet after being washed, the leftover water could end up freezing later on. Chop the dill into coarse pieces. Take a knife and cut the dill into coarser slices. Don't worry about chopping the herb finely; instead, cut the dill into similarly sized pieces that are convenient for cooking. As you cut the dill, start setting the pieces aside. Place the herbs onto a cookie sheet in a single layer. Sprinkle the chopped dill over the surface of the baking sheet. Do your best to keep the dill in a thin, separated layer without much overlap between the different pieces. You won't have to wait as long for the dill pieces to freeze if you avoid stacking them. Don't worry about lining the sheet—you're only using it to contain the dill pieces as they freeze. Set the cookie sheet in the freezer for 12 hours. Place the tray on an empty shelf in the freezer with plenty of open space so the dill pieces can freeze evenly. Before you close the freezer door, check that there are no precarious items in the freezer that could fall onto the tray and slow down the process. Let the herbs stay in the freezer overnight before you check the dill pieces for firmness. If the dill pieces still aren't frozen after 1 night, leave them in for an additional 2-4 hours. Continue checking periodically until they're completely firm to the touch. Households with larger, more powerful freezers might not have to wait as long. Stick the frozen dill in a freezer-safe plastic bag. Remove the cookie sheet from the freezer once the dill pieces are frozen. Scoop the herbs into a freezer-safe plastic bag, making sure to seal it afterwards. Label the bag so you can keep track of the dill's freshness. If you're storing a lot of dill, you might need to use more than 1 plastic storage bag. Use the dill within 6 months. To prevent the herbs from getting freezer burn, aim to use the dill pieces within 4-6 months. Try and keep the herbs in the front of the appliance so you don't forget about it. Freeze dill in oil if you plan to use it in sauces or stews. Create a go-to garnish or bonus ingredient for future meals by adding dill to an ice cube tray and pouring olive oil over it. If you're planning on preparing fresher recipes like salads or dips, opt for fresh dill instead of the frozen variety. Freezing dill (or any kind of herb) in water can make a great decorative ice cube for cocktails. Chop the dill into coarse, evenly-sized pieces. Take a knife and slice the dill into smaller pieces, so the herbs can fit in the ice cube tray wells. Don't cut the herb too finely, unless you'd prefer to be in tiny pieces for future recipes. If you don't feel like chopping the dill, you can keep the herb in larger portions. Fill the ice cube wells with dill and olive oil. Take a small amount of the chopped dill and place it into each of the ice cube wells. Continue adding dill until all of the wells are ⅔-filled. Finally, pour olive oil over the dill to completely saturate the tray with oil. Don't pour too much oil into each well. You want each of the ice cubes to be separate, without any oil overlapping. Cover the ice cube tray in plastic wrap. Take a long sheet of plastic wrap and secure it over the liquid oil. Wrap the plastic tightly around the edges of the tray, so the oil doesn't get onto any other items in the freezer. Feel free to use as many sheets of plastic wrap as you need. Let the oil cubes freeze overnight. Place the filled ice cube tray on an empty surface in your freezer. Make sure that there are no loose or precarious items nearby that could fall and tip the tray over. Wait a full night for the oil and dill to freeze before checking on the ice tray again. If the oil still isn't frozen after 1 night, keep it in the freezer for several more hours. Place the cubes into freezer bags for long-term storage. Remove the frozen oil cubes from the tray individually and set them in the bottom of a freezer bag. Once all of the cubes are removed, label the bag with the current date. Try and use the dill within 1 year for the freshest possible results! Make sure to push out any excess air from the freezer safe bags. This helps to prevent freezer burn. Pick the fronds off of the dill stems. Take a large bunch of dill weed and begin pinching off the fluffy, dangling fronds from the edge of the branch stems. Set these fronds in a bowl as you go. Continue plucking off the fronds until you have 2 cups (20 g) of dill set aside. If you'd prefer, you can also include the branch stems in the sauce. Blend 2 cups (20 g) of dill and 2 tsp (11.4 g) of salt in a food processor. Pour the dill fronds into a food processor, along with a small amount of salt. Turn on the device to a high speed so the dill and salt mixture can turn into a paste. Keep the food processor on for several seconds, or until you see a thicker consistency forming. Add in 1 cup (240 mL) of olive oil to the mixture. Gradually add small amounts of olive oil into the food processor as it's mixing. Use the opening at the top of your device to pour the oil in. If your food processor doesn't have this compartment, pause the appliance to add in the oil. Continue mixing the ingredients together until a moist paste forms. Split the oil into 3-4 parts to add it gradually to the sauce. Wait for the small portion of oil to mix with the dill before adding in any more. If you don't have olive oil on hand, use whichever oil you normally use while cooking. Pour the paste into an ice cube tray. Turn off the food processor and remove the main container. Completely fill each ice cube well with the sauce. If needed, use an additional tray to hold the rest of the mixture. Try not to pour too much paste into the ice cube trays, as you don't want the individual wells to overflow. Ideally, you want separated ice cubes to form in the freezer. Freeze the sauce mixture overnight. Place the ice cube tray(s) on a flat, open surface in your freezer. Make sure that there are no items near the trays that could fall over and slow down the freezing process. Leave the tray(s) in the freezer overnight, and check the following day to see if the sauce is frozen. Place the sauce cubes in double-layered freezer-bags for 4 months. Remove the frozen sauce chunks from the ice cube trays and seal them in a large, freezer-safe plastic bag. Once the bag is filled with sauce cubes, place it inside of a second freezer-safe bag for additional security. Roll down the top of the sealed inner bag, which allows you to seal the second, outer bag. Defrost and use the dill sauce within 4 months. Be sure to squeeze out any excess air from both bags before you store the sauce cubes. Label the bag so you don't forget when you prepared the sauce. | Remove the lower stalk of the plant with a knife. Wash the dill off thoroughly with cool water. Dry off the herbs with a paper towel. Chop the dill into coarse pieces. Place the herbs onto a cookie sheet in a single layer. Set the cookie sheet in the freezer for 12 hours. Stick the frozen dill in a freezer-safe plastic bag. Use the dill within 6 months. Freeze dill in oil if you plan to use it in sauces or stews. Chop the dill into coarse, evenly-sized pieces. Fill the ice cube wells with dill and olive oil. Cover the ice cube tray in plastic wrap. Let the oil cubes freeze overnight. Place the cubes into freezer bags for long-term storage. Pick the fronds off of the dill stems. Blend 2 cups (20 g) of dill and 2 tsp (11.4 g) of salt in a food processor. Add in 1 cup (240 mL) of olive oil to the mixture. Pour the paste into an ice cube tray. Freeze the sauce mixture overnight. Place the sauce cubes in double-layered freezer-bags for 4 months. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Sharpen-Pruning-Shears | How to Sharpen Pruning Shears | With a medium or coarse diamond hand file, you can easily sharpen your pruning shears in a few minutes. Make one smooth stroke with the file from the base of each shear blade to the tip. Always file away from your body to avoid scratching yourself. Do 10 to 20 strokes on each blade until a sharp edge forms. Then, file the backsides with a few more strokes to remove the rough edges. To prevent rust on your sharpened pruning shears, dip a soft cloth in linseed oil and gently wipe the cloth over the blades. | Put on protective gloves. It is important the you protect your hands from the pruning shears while cleaning and sharpening them. The best way to do this is by putting on a pair of heavy duty gardening gloves. Opt for thick leather gloves if possible. Wear goggles. You will also want to make sure your eyes are protected while sharpening pruning shears. The best way to do this is to wear a pair of safety glasses or goggles. Protective eyewear will prevent shards of metal or rust from injuring your eyes while cleaning and sharpening the shears. Seek medical treatment if you injure yourself. Cleaning and sharpening gardening tools can be dangerous. If you accidentally cut yourself while cleaning or sharpening your pruning shears, you should seek medical attention immediately. Scrub the blades with warm soapy water. Before you attempt to sharpen pruning shears, you will need to wash them. Fill a container or sink with warm water and two teaspoons of dish soap. Dip a stiff brush into the soapy water. Scrub each blade with the brush. Rinse the blades. Once you have scrubbed the debris from the shears with warm, soapy water, you will need to make sure the soap is completely removed from the blades. Rinse each blade thoroughly with clean, cool water. Repeat until they are free from soap. Dry the blades. Grab a thick, dry cloth like a towel. Gently wipe the top blade dry with the towel. Then use the towel to wipe the bottom blade dry. Be careful as you dry the blades, making sure you do not cut yourself. Buff off any rust. Once you have washed and dried the shears, examine each blade for rust. It is common for rust to appear on pruning shears, and it is important that you remove it prior to sharpening them. Take a piece of medium-coarse steel wool and carefully buff off the rust. After you buff off the rust, rinse the blades again. After rinsing the blades, dry them with a towel. Secure the pruners in a bench vise. If you have a bench vise, you should use it to secure the pruners. This will make sharpening the blades safer and easier. Open the shears wide and make sure the beveled edge of the cutting blade is facing you. Then secure the pruners in the bench vise. Position the file. You will use a medium or coarse diamond hand file to sharpen the pruning shears. Position the file against the cutting blade. The file should be at the same angle as the bevel. You will maintain this angle as you sharpen the blades. Draw the file along the contour of the blade. Using one smooth stroke, draw the file along the contour of the blade. Use one smooth stroke to move the file from the base to the tip, in the direction away from your body. Use moderate pressure as you file. Make sure you always keep the file at the same angle during the entire stroke. Never file toward yourself. Instead, make sure you file away from your body. File until a sharp edge forms. Continue to file in single, smooth strokes until a sharp edge forms on the blade of your pruning shears. This should take anywhere between 10 and 20 strokes. It will take you several minutes to complete the sharpening. If you have bypass or anvil style pruners, you will only sharpen the beveled cutting blade. For all other types of pruning shears, repeat this step on the opposite blade. File off burrs on the blade’s backside. Once you are done sharpening the blades of your pruning shears, you will want to remove any burrs that accrued on the backside of the blade. Turn the shears over and file the backside with a few strokes to remove the burrs. Finish with linseed oil. Once you have sharpened your pruning shears, you will need to wipe linseed oil over the blades to prevent rust. Dip a soft cloth in the linseed oil and gently wipe the cloth over the blades. Store the blades until next use. | Put on protective gloves. Wear goggles. Seek medical treatment if you injure yourself. Scrub the blades with warm soapy water. Rinse the blades. Dry the blades. Buff off any rust. Secure the pruners in a bench vise. Position the file. Draw the file along the contour of the blade. File until a sharp edge forms. File off burrs on the blade’s backside. Finish with linseed oil. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Apply-Makeup-for-Dark-Skin-(Girls) | How to Apply Makeup for Dark Skin (Girls) | To apply makeup to dark skin, apply a light foundation shade to the lighter parts of your face and a dark foundation shade to the darker parts of your face. Then, blend the shades together where they meet to get a natural, flawless look. For a dramatic eye makeup look, choose bright jewel tones like blue or purple since they'll pop against your dark skin. For a subtle look, try neutral eyeshadows like brown or nude. To highlight your cheekbones and give them more color, apply a neutral blush and then go over it with some bronzer. | Use the right foundation for your skin type. Different types of foundations work with different skin types, so decide whether your skin is more oily or dry before picking a foundation. If your face is always shiny, you breakout easily, and you tend to have larger pores, you probably have oily skin. If your face has rough or red patches, barely visible pores, or flaking skin, you probably have dry skin. If your face has parts that seem oily and other parts that seem dry, you have combination skin. If you have oily skin with larger pores you should use a matte foundation to help dry up your skin's natural oils. Girls with dry skin should moisturize first, and then use a creamy foundation rather than a matte one. This will keep your skin moisturized and looking fresh. If you have combination skin, you should pick a foundation that will give you your desired end effect. Match foundation to your skin’s undertones. Undertones are the base of your skin's color, and they are divided in three different categories: cool, warm, or neutral. Your foundation color should be in the same category as your skin's undertones. You can do some simple tests to figure out what undertones you have. The white vs. cream test: get two articles of clothing, one white and one off-white. Hold them up to your face, look in the mirror, and decide which color complements your skin tone better. Make sure you don't have any makeup on when you do the test. If the white looks better, you have warm undertones. If the off-white looks best, you have cool undertones, and if both look great, then you have neutral undertones. The vein test: Look at the veins on your wrist and try to see if they look green, blue, or blue-green. Green veins means you have warm undertones, blue veins means you have cool undertones, and blue-green veins means you have neutral undertones. The jewelry test: Get some gold jewelry and some silver jewelry to do this test. Try on both sets of jewelry and decide which jewelry flatters you the most. If wearing gold jewelry looks best, you have warm undertones, but if the silver jewelry looks best, you have cool undertones. If both types of jewelry flatter your complexion, you have neutral undertones. Find the perfect color of foundation. Sometimes dark skinned girls have a difficult time finding the right color foundation because many girls are naturally two toned and have a complex color. The best way to find the perfect foundation is to use several different colors together to match your skin. If you need to conceal dark circles under your eyes, opt for a concealer with a deep orange tone. Apply it sparingly, then set it with a light layer of translucent powder. You might find that your skin is lighter towards the center of your face and darker towards the outer edges. Using two different colors on the different parts of your face and then blending them together where they meet will help you get a very natural look with foundation. Start with a clean and moisturized face. You need to wash and dry your face before applying foundation. If your skin is dry, apply moisturizer prior to putting foundation on. If your skin is oily, try using a face priming gel to prep your face for the foundation. Use a foundation brush to apply the foundation. A foundation brush is a larger makeup brush with a rounded edge. Using a brush will apply your foundation consistently and smoothly on your face. Put the foundation only on the tip of the brush to avoid over saturating the brush. Make sure to rinse the brush after every application to keep it clean and sanitary. Shake the bottle of foundation. Before every application you need to shake the foundation bottle well. The colors of liquid foundation can slightly separate and create an uneven tone if not mixed before applying. Apply the foundation starting in the center of your face. Start in the center of your face and blend the foundation out and up. Continue applying until your entire face is covered and evenly blended. If you are using two different colors of foundation on your face, apply the lighter tone first, then apply the darker tone, and then use the brush to blend them together where they meet. Buff your face. Use a buffing brush or sponge to blend the foundation into your skin. Gently brush or sponge your face in a circular motion to blend the foundation and soften the look. Make sure to buff around your jaw line and neck so you don't end up with a foundation line. Be bold with bright colors. Girls with darker skin can wear very bright colors on their eyes and look great. The best bright colors for dark skin are bright jewel tones like blue,emerald, or purple. Bright colors really pop against dark skin and give you a dramatic look. Blend complementing colors. Using two complementing colors on your eye will create a fun, dramatic look. Try pairing gold and purple by applying the purple on your eyelid and layering the gold on top, closer to your eyebrow. Try using neutral colors for a subtle look. Wearing neutral eye shadows in shades of brown or nude can highlight your eyes and still look very natural. Blending several different neutral colors can create a unique look to wear everyday. Stay away from whites or very light neutral colors. These colors can create a dry or ashy look on darker skin. Use metallics to add some fun. Metallic, or shimmering, eye shadows look amazing on dark skin because they are such a contrast to your rich, dark skin color. Eye shadows with shimmer really gleam on darker skin making it a perfect choice for a date night. Eyeshadows in the gold and bronze family really complement the undertones of darker skin very well. However, only use shimmery metallic on your actual eyelid. If you're using eyeshadow in the crease of your eye or directly under your eyebrows, it should be flat or matte. Try using metallic jewel toned eye shadows to give you a dramatic look. Finish the look with eyeliner and mascara. Eye liner can make your eyes look bigger and create a dramatic look. Black and brown eye liners are great for a natural look, and colored eyeliners are fun to use to create a more dramatic look. Use mascara to lengthen and thicken your eye lashes to complete your flawless look. Find a good black mascara to use daily to enhance your lashes. Try using a gel eyeliner if you want to line your eyes with a bright color. It may produce a bolder result than a pencil, while being easier to use and less drying than liquid liner.#*If you need to conceal dark circles under your eyes, opt for a concealer with a deep orange tone. Use bronzer as blush. A great trick for girls with dark skin is to use a bronzer as blush or applied over a neutral blush. Bronzer gives the cheeks a little extra color and highlights the cheek bones. Apply the bronzer right under your cheekbones to create sculpt on your face. Wear bright blush for a pop of color. Bright colors can look great on dark skin if they complement the skin's undertones. Bright pinks and corals are great colors to try out. For a round face, apply the blush on your cheekbones and extend it up to your temples. For a heart shaped face, apply the blush below the apples of your cheeks and pull it to your hairline. For a long face, apply the blush below the apples, but don't extend it all the way to your hairline. Combine blush and bronzer. Using both blush and bronzer can give you a beautiful and elegant look. Apply a matte blush to your cheekbones and then sweep the bronzer over the blush to finish it off. You can also add more bronzer underneath your cheekbones to create a sculpting effect. Wear bright colors. Bright colors look exceptionally well on girls with dark skin. Reds, oranges, and deep purples all are great choices for your lips. To look the best, make sure the color matches your skin's undertones. For yellow undertones, stick to warm colors like oranges or chocolate browns. For pink undertones, use cool colors like purples or colors with a blue tone in them. Find a neutral close to your skin color. If you want to wear neutral colors make sure you find a color that's close to your natural skin tone. Light-colored nudes like white, tan, or pale browns may look less natural. Finish with lip gloss for a luscious look. Applying lip gloss on top of lipstick can be a great way to finish off you look. The lip gloss can help keep your lips moisturized throughout the day or night. You can get a clear lip gloss or a colored gloss to enhance the lipstick. Try using an oil like coconut oil as a natural lip gloss. | Use the right foundation for your skin type. Match foundation to your skin’s undertones. Find the perfect color of foundation. Start with a clean and moisturized face. Use a foundation brush to apply the foundation. Shake the bottle of foundation. Apply the foundation starting in the center of your face. Buff your face. Be bold with bright colors. Blend complementing colors. Try using neutral colors for a subtle look. Use metallics to add some fun. Finish the look with eyeliner and mascara. Use bronzer as blush. Wear bright blush for a pop of color. Combine blush and bronzer. Wear bright colors. Find a neutral close to your skin color. Finish with lip gloss for a luscious look. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-Grief-Counseling | How to Do Grief Counseling | During grief counseling, you'll want to be empathetic and tailor your approach to the patient's needs. Ask open-ended questions to help you understand their thoughts and feelings. For example, you can ask, “What's bothering you the most at the moment?” When you get a sense of how they're feeling, reflect this back to them to show you understand. For instance, say something like, “It seems to me like you're feeling guilty about your relationship with your dad.” It's also important to let them know their reaction is natural and that everyone grieves differently. Try to encourage your patient to use their own skills to cope with their grief. If they're creative, encourage them to use their talent to express their feelings. | Act as a companion. Each person's experience with grief is different. That means that no level of expertise will equip you to tell the person in mourning how they should respond. Your role is to provide company, listen, and validate their feelings. Don't tell, listen. Constantly reinforce that their response is normal and natural. Encourage them to use their own skills to cope with grief. If they are an artist, encourage them to use this ability to express their feelings. Help them understand and recognize their feelings. Help them develop a schedule that allows them to manage their daily tasks while reducing unnecessary outside stressors. Remember that your job is to be there, not to take away the pain. That is impossible. Your job is to support them, not to try to fix them. Validate feelings. It is important to make it clear that you understand the person's feelings. Be sure that they know that such feelings are natural and that people experience grief differently. It might be useful to explain some of the common responses to grief and make it clear that they are natural. Those who experience instrumental grief focus on problem solving and try to control emotional responses. Those who experience intuitive grieving have intense emotional experiences that might include depression and thoughts about mortality. It is common for people to blame themselves, feel anger, hopelessness, anxiety, and withdrawal from the world. Ask open questions. Don't ask leading questions or “yes” and “no” questions. Ask big, broad questions, that encourage them to think about their feelings and explore the subjects that they are interested in. Make it clear that you want to know what they feel, but are not questioning the validity of their feelings. Do not ask “why” questions. These make it sound as if you do not understand or support their feelings. Ask broad questions like “How do you feel?” Ask “What bothers you the most?” Instead of asking “Why do you feel that way?” ask “Could you give me specific examples?” Paraphrase responses. When you are trying to get to the core of their problems, try giving a short summary of what you think they have told you. This will demonstrate that you are listening and might help them get a better grip on what is bothering them the most. If they tell you, “I stay up every night thinking about him. When I go to work I am tired and can't think clearly. I am getting more and more nervous and depressed because I can't function during the day.” Ask, “So your grief is causing sleep problems that disrupt your life?” Reflect ther feelings. When you get a sense for how they feel, verify that you have correctly understood their emotions. This is a way to demonstrate that you are listening and that you have developed an emotional connection. Try, “Sounds like you are very angry about what has happened.” Alternatively, “It sounds like you are having difficulty understanding your emotions.” Refrain from unsupportive behavior. Everything you do should be directed at them. Anything that suggests your focus is elsewhere will be counterproductive. You should avoid forcing your own solutions upon them. Do not watch the clock. Do not take notes. Do not look around the room. Do not try to read too much into their feelings and impose your own idea or their feelings on them. Do not preach or lecture about what they should do. Refrain from giving too much advice or asking too many questions. Do not respond too quickly. Allow moments of silence. Do not change the subject. Do not talk too much about yourself. Look them in the eye. Look them in the eye to show that you are interested in and engaged with what they are saying. Allow your face to demonstrate that you are emotional and supportive. Be dynamic and engaged, possibly nodding in affirmation. Keep your body open and relaxed. Crossed legs and arms may suggest that you are closed off or uninviting. Try to sit straight up, with your limbs open. Your body should appear relaxed and you can gesture with your hands to show emotional support. Also be sure that your body is facing directly toward the grieving person to indicate that you are engaged with them. Sit on the same level as the person you are talking to. Do not take a chair that allows you to tower over them, or them over you. This creates a sense of power imbalance that is not helpful for open conversation. Talk like you care. Talk naturally and allow your voice to show emotion. Try to develop a soothing tone in your voice. Your conversation style should also demonstrate that you are there to listen. Don't interrupt them, jump from topic to topic, or rush them to an answer. It is okay to leave periods of silence. These allow them to think about their feelings and ensure that they do not feel that they have been cut off or is rushed to respond. Get them to plan ahead for important dates. Holidays or important dates in the person's relationship with the person they lost can trigger feelings of loss. Encourage them to plan ahead to commemorate those days. This can help them create a feeling of continuity with the past or create the sense that you are moving on. While it is particularly useful to develop a ritual for special dates, there is no reason why the griever shouldn't plan to celebrate or remember the deceased any other day. Encourage them to commemorate with ritual. There is a plethora of rituals they can use to remember their loved lost one. Which one they pick depends on their relationship with the person and what it was that once brought them together. Some examples include: Preparing a meal that the deceased enjoyed. Watch a movie that the person enjoyed. Go on a walk, possibly where the two of had been in the past, and remember times spent together. Buy flowers on important days. Travel somewhere the deceased wanted to go. Listen to music that reminds the grieving person of the deceased. Look through a photo album. Encourage them to express their grief through art. Ask them to write fiction, personal essays, or poetry that expresses and identifies feelings and blockages. You can encourage artists to paint or draw. Starting a journal can be an important step for dealing with emotions. Ask them to try writing about the life of the person they lost. Alternatively, have them write about how that person has influenced them. Remind them that the deceased lives on through them. Create a memory book. Memory books can help in the grieving process. Compile mementos, photos or stories about the deceased person. This helps one come to terms with the magnitude of the loss and to focus on the realities of one's new life without forgetting the lost loved one. Use the open-chair technique. Place an open chair opposite the grieving person and ask them to imagine the deceased person sitting in that chair. Give the bereaved person the opportunity to speak to the person in the chair and say all the things that they would like to have said to that person. Playing out situations from the past or rehearsing difficult future situations may help bring closure. The use of objects and memorabilia, such as jewelry and other objects which the bereaved person is comfortable with, can be used to facilitate talking and bringing the mourning process to a close. Don't push. Some people will want to clear their heads or process their loss before trying to commemorate their loved one. Many people have difficulty talking about what has happened. It is your job to give the grieving party ideas about how to move on. It is not your job to force them to do something they do not want to do. | Act as a companion. Validate feelings. Ask open questions. Paraphrase responses. Reflect ther feelings. Refrain from unsupportive behavior. Look them in the eye. Keep your body open and relaxed. Talk like you care. Get them to plan ahead for important dates. Encourage them to commemorate with ritual. Encourage them to express their grief through art. Create a memory book. Use the open-chair technique. Don't push. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-an-Indoor-Cat-Active | How to Keep an Indoor Cat Active | To keep an indoor cat active, try to set aside at least 15 minutes a day to play with it. You can throw toys across the room for your cat to play with, get a laser pointer for it to chase, or even just drag a string across the floor. If your cat doesn't seem interested in playing, try sprinkling some catnip on its toys to make it more energetic. Additionally, leave out boxes, cat trees, and other toys at all times so your cat can stay active even when you're not around to play with it. You can also hide treats around the house to give your cat something to do when it's bored. | Schedule playtime. Your cat should be able to have at least ten to fifteen minutes of exercise each day. Playing with your cat will not only ensure that they get the proper exercise but it will help socialize them as well. It is important for you to interact with your cat as indoor cats do not have as many opportunities to socialize with other animals and people. Older cats will be harder to entertain for a long time so consider breaking up the play time throughout the day. For example, you could have five minutes of play before your cat's breakfast in the morning, five minutes of play after work/school, and five minutes of play before bed. Buy some catnip. Catnip is a plant that causes energetic frenzies in some cats. You can buy a potted catnip plant, and sprinkle its leaves inside a ball, cardboard tube, or felted toy to entice your cat. You can also buy spray from the pet store and coat their toys in it. Catnip is safe for cats, but some cats can get aggressive when exposed to it. Cats are usually affected by catnip for ten minute periods. After this point, they may need up to two hours before catnip will have the same effect again. Roll out balls. Balls are great fun for cats. Your cat may bat, chase, and pounce on a ball, giving them plenty of exercise. You can have several small balls for your cat to play with. Different types of balls can keep your cat interested for a long time. Some balls have a small space inside for treats or catnip. Your cat will work extra hard getting the treat out. You can fold small paper balls for your cat. Simply scrunch up a small piece of paper or tissue. You can fasten it with sticky tape if you want. One standard sized tissue is the perfect size for a ball. Avoid making them too big as it won't roll as fast at the end as well. You can spray a ball with a catnip if you want to encourage your cat to play with. Point a laser or flashlight. Cats are attracted to moving points of light. Direct a laser pointer or flashlight against the wall. You can simply wave it around and your cat may chase after it. You may not want to do this in area where you have delicate or breakable items. Never direct the light against anything valuable, such as a TV or a vase. Flashlights may work better in the dark where laser points will be effective in the light. Do not shine a light or laser into your cat's eyes or you could damage their vision. When you are ready to put away the laser, finish the game by pointing the laser at a crumpled up piece of paper or a ball so your cat can pounce on it. Otherwise, your cat might get frustrated or stressed by not having caught the laser. Turn off the laser as your cat pounces on the object. Drag string across the floor. Ribbons, strings, and cords can be slowly dragged across the ground. Your cat will try to pounce on the end, or they may try to engage you in tug of war. If your cat does not seem interested at first, try wiggling the string or gently thumping it against the ground. Your cat may suddenly take notice and try to hunt the string. You can also drag the string behind you as you walk across the room. Always put away any loose string or ribbon after you are done playing. If your cat swallows it, it can cause intestinal blockage. Use a cat wand to play with your cat. A popular cat toy is a wand with a string attached to one end. Dangling at the end of the string might be a mouse toy, some feathers, or another object. Your cat may try to hunt this object. Slowly drag the string across the ground to get your cat to pounce on it or grab it. You can also lift the toy in the air and swing it gently in front of your cat's face (making sure not to hit them). Your cat may try to jump at the toy and wrestle it away. You may also try tickling your cat on the stomach with the wand. If they roll over and expose their belly, gently bounce the dangling toy off their stomach. Rotate toys to keep your cat’s interest. Cats can get bored of toys after a few days. If you want to keep your cat active without constantly buying new toys, you can put some toys away and put other toys out. Once your cat gets bored of these other toys, you can bring the old toys back out. Your cat may think they're brand new. Provide plenty of space for your cat. Cats need space to walk, climb, and explore. Your cat should have access to multiple rooms within your home. They should also have plenty of scratching posts and toys available to them in these rooms. This will give your cat room to exercise while encouraging them to play. Cat condos, perches, and climbing trees can help provide extra space for your kitty in tight quarters. These give your cat multiple platforms at varying heights to jump and climb on. Set up a cat tree or scratching post. Cat trees help satisfy two urges for cats: climbing and scratching. Both of these activities help the cat strengthen their muscles and stay active. A good cat tree will have platforms, hiding holes, and sturdy posts which the cat can scratch. It should be tall enough that your cat can fully stretch while scratching. If your scratching post has several tiers, you should put it in a central location where your cat can watch the daily activity of the household or look outside. This will encourage your cat to climb the cat tree. You should have several smaller scratching posts in most rooms around your home. This will help prevent your cat from scratching furniture while strengthening their muscles. Leave a paper bag or box out. Cats love to hide and climb into things. Cardboard boxes and paper bags, such as the kind given at grocery store, will let your cat hide, jump, and play. You can add some catnip inside and watch your cat chase it around the room. Remove the handles from a paper bag first so your cat does not get stuck in them. Do not use plastic bags. These can suffocate your cat. Build an outdoor enclosure. While your cat may live indoors, they may enjoy sitting outside in a protected environment. An outdoor enclosure allows the cat to play outside in the fresh air and sunlight without risking an escape or injury. Look for one with screen walls and a stable roof. You can buy outdoor enclosures online and occasionally in pet stores. Alternatively, you can build your own. Some websites sell do-it-yourself-kits. If you do not have a yard or room for a full enclosure, you may also consider a window box. Some people add tunnels or perches to their enclosures to encourage their cat to run and jump. Consider adopting another cat. Cats can play with each other, boosting their social interaction skills and providing them an important outlet of exercise. If you only have one cat, you might want to think about whether or not you can take in another one. Think about your lifestyle. Do you have enough room for another cat? Can you afford another cat? You might also want to consider your cat's feelings. Does your cat do well with other animals? Do you think they would appreciate another pet? Young cats may get along better with one another than older cats. Hide food around the house. You can hide your cat's food in small portions around the house. This will encourage your cat to walk around the house hunting for their food. Not only will this give your cat some extra movement, but it can help encourage overweight cats to start a more active routine. Bribe your cat into doing jumps. Jumping is a great exercise for your cat. If your cat does not respond to normal toys, you can use treats to entice them into jumping. They might leap high into the air or on the back of the sofa. Just be sure to reward them with the treat after a few minutes of play. Leash train your cat. Some cats can be trained to walk outside on a leash and harness. While training works better on young cats, you may have success teaching an older cat how to walk outside. Start slow when leash training your cat. Let your cat get used to wearing a harness before you try taking them outside. Your first sessions may only last a few minutes, but your cat may learn after a while. You may find it more successful to train your cat on a leash inside for a few sessions before going outside. If your cat is lying down, shaking, or yowling during the walk, they may be overwhelmed or scared. Return home. You might try again in a few days. You may not need to take your cat on a long walk. Sitting outside with your cat on a leash may be enough to encourage physical activity. They might play with leaves, explore their surroundings, or scratch on a tree. Not all cats can be leash trained. Ask your vet about cat treadmills. If your cat is overweight or obese, they may not be able to jump or walk without putting pressure on their joints. Underwater treadmills allow your cat to exercise without injuring them. If your cat needs extreme weight control, ask your vet if this type of therapy is an option. | Schedule playtime. Buy some catnip. Roll out balls. Point a laser or flashlight. Drag string across the floor. Use a cat wand to play with your cat. Rotate toys to keep your cat’s interest. Provide plenty of space for your cat. Set up a cat tree or scratching post. Leave a paper bag or box out. Build an outdoor enclosure. Consider adopting another cat. Hide food around the house. Bribe your cat into doing jumps. Leash train your cat. Ask your vet about cat treadmills. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-a-Border-Collie | How to Care for a Border Collie | To take care of your border collie, make sure it gets at least 1 hour of exercise every day, since the breed is very high energy. Take it for at least 1 walk a day, and let it run around freely in your fenced-in yard or at the dog park. You should also brush your border collie's long coat once a week to keep it clean and tangle-free. When you're shopping for food for your border collie, look for one that lists meat as the main ingredient, since it will be healthier than dog food that's filled with a lot of grain by-products. Border collies are susceptible to certain medical conditions, like hip dysplasia, so remember to take your furry friend to the vet once a year for a check-up. | Purchase the necessities. There are quite a few basic essentials you'll need to buy for your Border Collie so that it will have everything it needs at your home. You should purchase a leash, collar, dog food, food and water dishes, toys, a crate, and a dog hairbrush. The leash should be an appropriate length for your Border Collie, and comfortable for you and your dog. This means that it should be long enough to allow your energetic Collie some freedom of movement, but short enough to still maintain control over your dog. Avoid retractable leashes as these may encourage your dog to pull. Instead, opt for a long line leash while training your Collie and getting to know their personality better. The collar must have an ID tag with your phone number and/or address on it. The food and water dishes should be stainless steel if possible. Purchase "indestructible" dog toys such as Kong brand toys. Since Collies tend to vigorously chew their toys, this kind will last longer (though most will be destroyed eventually) than stuffed toys or dainty rubber squeaky toys. If you want to crate train your Border Collie, be sure to get a crate that is big enough for your pup. The recommended crate size is typically 36 in (91 cm) x 30 in (76 cm). Groom your Collie. Border Collies have long, beautiful coats that require a bit of maintenance. You'll need to brush them regularly (at least once a week) and give them a bath every 4-8 weeks to help keep their coat clean and healthy. Be sure to purchase grooming tools, especially those appropriate for long-haired dogs. This includes a dog hair brush, hair comb, and nail clippers. Trim their nails once every 4-6 weeks. Ensure your dog gets plenty of exercise. Because of Border Collies' enormous amounts of energy, at least an hour of exercise every day is a requirement. A daily walk is necessary. And it is preferred to let your Collie run around freely if you have a big fenced in yard. You can also burn off energy in more engaging ways such as competing in dog sports like Agility or Flyball, hiking, swimming, or visiting dog parks. Give your Border Collie quality veterinary care. Though it can seem expensive to take your Collie to the vet, it really is in their best interest and it will save you money down the road. Give your puppy vaccinations. These are absolutely necessary for their health; consult your veterinarian for information on required vaccinations and appropriate ages at which to give them. You should also take your Border Collie in for annual veterinarian checkups once they reach adulthood. Some common medical conditions Border Collies suffer from include hip dysplasia and several eye/cornea disorders. Fix (spay or neuter) your dog. This is a relatively simple operation that will help stop or prevent bad behavior, accidental litters, and certain health issues. Purchase a microchip for your dog. A microchip is a very small device that stores your contact information so that if your Collie escapes, the shelter or another vet can scan it and contact you to reunite you with your lost pet. Because of Border Collies' intelligence and agility, the chances of your dog escaping is high enough that a microchip is a useful precaution. Microchips are relatively inexpensive and can be implanted by your veterinarian. Vets usually prefer to implant microchips at the same time as another procedure (like spaying or neutering) to kill two birds with one stone and avoid putting your pet through any additional discomfort. Choose quality food. Avoid cheap or "bargain" foods – these can lead to health issues down the road like obesity, dental problems, or even kidney disease. Good food is a necessity for your dog, especially a high energy dog like a Border Collie. Don't choose cheap food brands with grain by-products (corn, cornmeal, wheat, etc.) as the first listed ingredient. Instead, feed your dog high-quality foods with meat as the main ingredient. Look for foods that contain meat, poultry, or fist as the first listed ingredient. Use the serving sizes outlined on the food package as a guideline for how much to feed your dog. Check your dog's body each week, and slightly adjust the amount of food you provide if you notice them unhealthily gaining or losing weight. Have fun with your Border Collie. It might need an hour and a half of exercise every day, shred your expensive shoes, herd the neighborhood children, or otherwise make a menace of itself, but one thing is for certain: if you're a responsible and educated owner, your Border Collie will be your best friend. Border Collies are typically great around children and other pets, especially if they have been raised around them. They might be a bit hesitant around strangers. Try to train the dog yourself. It is important to start training your dog early so that they understand what you want from them from the beginning. Start with showing them what kind of behavior you want and then reinforcing this behavior with treats and praise. Though you can start teaching simple concepts (e.g., housebreaking, sleeping in crate, not jumping/biting/dominating people) to young puppies using positive reinforcement, training more advanced obedience is only recommended for puppies four months and older. Take your Collie to a professional trainer. For a high energy dog like a Collie, obedience training is essential. Not only will it provide essential stimulation for your BC, it will also make your life with an extremely energetic, mischievous dog somewhat easier. A professional trainer will be able to your dog with obedience training so that it will be easier for you to continue the training at home. Border Collies are intelligent dogs and often respond best to training techniques in which they can think problems out for themselves, such as clicker training. Expand your education. Read books on Border Collies, join an Obedience/Agility group, or talk with experienced BC owners. Do anything to learn more about your beloved pup and what you can do to make their life healthier and happier. Learn about dog nutrition and how important exercise is for your dog's wellbeing. Consult your veterinarian if you have questions about your Border Collie. Consider carefully. Border Collies (also known as BCs) exceed almost every other dog breed in intelligence and energy, and are only good matches for responsible, dedicated, informed, and experienced dog owners. Never buy a Border Collie because of their cute appearance, or because your friend has a really nice one. And always dedicate a large amount of research time before purchasing or adopting a Collie. Border Collies are high energy and require a lot of exercise and room to roam freely. They don't do well in apartments or confined spaces. They really need a large yard or some land to roam around. Choose where to purchase your Border Collie. Responsible breeders are the best source for those who desire a show or competition dog; however, if you are interested simply in a quality pet, consider adopting from a specialized breed rescue. This will allow you to give a home to a dog in need while still getting the breed that you want. You can sometimes buy a Border Collie from a pet store. But this is not really recommended, as you will generally have no idea of the puppy's health, breeding, or history, and will most likely be supporting a puppy mill. You could also consider buying from a "backyard," or casual, breeder. This is also unadvised for the lack of information you will receive about the dog. Consider adopting from a shelter. This is a preferred route for those wishing to help dogs in need. But this is often unadvised due to the lack of information and because shelters are often unable to provide for the Border Collies' special needs, resulting in a badly behaved dog. Adopting from a breed-specific rescue, however, is a reasonable and kind way to acquire your dog. Interact with many dogs before making a choice. Once you have found some Border Collies, go meet them and see if you like any of them. Remember that this is a big decision and you shouldn't make it lightly. Never adopt a dog sight unseen, no matter how cute it may seem in pictures. You need to interact with the dog in person and make sure there is a connection between you two. You also need to make sure the dog seems healthy. Consider bringing your other family members to meet your potential new dog. It is important to gauge how the dog will interact with the whole family. You may also want to bring any existing pets to make sure they will get along. You don't want to accidentally create a situation in which none of your animals can coexist together. | Purchase the necessities. Groom your Collie. Ensure your dog gets plenty of exercise. Give your Border Collie quality veterinary care. Purchase a microchip for your dog. Choose quality food. Have fun with your Border Collie. Try to train the dog yourself. Take your Collie to a professional trainer. Expand your education. Consider carefully. Choose where to purchase your Border Collie. Interact with many dogs before making a choice. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cure-a-Cold-Fast | How to Cure a Cold Fast | While you can't cure a cold with medicine, detecting your cold early can help you give yourself the TLC you need to recover quickly. Look for symptoms like a sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, cough, fatigue, and fever. You can relieve some of those symptoms using over-the-counter medications, such as nasal decongestants and expectorants. While you're recovering, boost your immune system by eating plenty of foods rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, strawberries, and leafy green vegetables. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids as well, since dehydration can delay healing and make you feel worse. You'll also recover faster if you get plenty of rest, so try to sleep as much as you can. | Detect your cold quickly. Symptoms begin almost immediately after you've contracted the virus. Signs of the common cold include runny nose, sore throat, cough, congestion, slight body ache, mild temperature, and mild fatigue. If you want to have a chance of curing your cold fast, you need to act fast. After the first 12 hours of your cold, it will have spread enough to last for days. You must fortify your body's defenses. Take a cough suppressant. Use a cough suppressant only if you have a dry cough. Cough suppressants include dextromethorphan and codeine. However, you may need a prescription for codeine. Side-effects can include drowsiness and constipation. Dextromethorphan is available as a tablet or syrup and can come in combination with an expectorant. If you have a 'chesty' cough and are coughing up any mucus, do not take a cough suppressant, as this could increase the chances of developing a chest infection. Instead, ask the pharmacist for an 'expectorant' cough syrup. Take a decongestant. Nasal decongestants — either liquid or pill form — help shrink blood vessels in the nasal membranes and allow the nasal passages to open up, giving you fast relief. However, you should avoid oral decongestants if you have heart issues or hypertension, and only use decongestants with a doctor's direction if you have diabetes, thyroid problems, glaucoma, or prostate issues. Side effects of decongestants include insomnia (sleeping problems), dizziness, and increased blood pressure. Take an expectorant. An expectorant is a form of over-the-counter medication which clears the sinuses by thinning mucus and loosening phlegm that may have settled in your lungs. This will allow you to breathe easier and leave you more comfortable. Expectorants are available over-the-counter at your local pharmacy. They are usually taken in liquid form, but they can also be found as tablets and powders. Currently, the only over-the-counter expectorant available is guaifenesin. Look for this active ingredient when searching for medications. Mucinex is the most common brand name guaifenesin-containing medicine sold in pharmacies. Be aware that expectorants, like all medications, may have side-effects. Those most commonly associated with this form of medication include nausea, vomiting and drowsiness. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop taking the expectorant immediately. Increase your vitamin C intake. Vitamin C has long been touted for its cold-preventing properties, but did you know it can also help to shorten the duration of a cold? Up your intake by drinking orange juice and eating foods like strawberries, kiwis and leafy green vegetables, which have a high vitamin C content. You can also take a vitamin C supplement, available in tablet form in drug and health food stores. The recommended dosage is 90 mg a day for men and 75 mg a day for women, according to the National Institutes of Health. Go see a doctor. Your body has the capabilities to fight off most colds, but a doctor can provide prescription assistance to relieve symptoms. However, do not ask your doctor for antibiotics for a cold, they will not improve your symptoms or the duration of your cold. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, then you should contact your doctor immediately: Earache/loss of hearing Fever above 103 degrees Fever above 101 that lasts for more than 3 days Shortness of breath/wheezing Bloody mucus General symptoms that last more than 7 to 10 days Sore throat with a fever, but no cough and no runny nose. This may indicate strep throat, which should immediately be treated with antibiotics to prevent heart complications. Cough with a fever, but no runny nose and no sore throat. These symptoms may indicate pneumonia and should also be treated with antibiotics. Blow your nose correctly. It's natural to want to blow your nose when you're feeling stuffed up, but just be careful not to overdo it. While blowing your nose can indeed help to clear the nasal passages of excess mucus, blowing too hard or too frequently can actually have adverse effects. Try using a sinus or saline irrigation container to clear your nasal passages. Any kind of bottle or container with a thin spout can be used with a saline solution to thin and flush mucus from the nasal passages. However, they won't relieve your cold symptoms. Make your own saline solution by mixing half a teaspoon of kosher salt into a cup of water. Fill the container with the saline solution, tilt your head to one side (over a sink), and insert the spout into one nostril and pour. The solution should flow in one nostril before coming out the other. When the water stops dripping, blow your nose gently, then repeat the process on the opposite side Use steam treatments. Steam can be really useful when it comes to clearing your head. The heat of the steam loosens mucus while the moisture from the water helps to relieve dry nasal passages. Use steam in one of the following ways: Give yourself a steam facial by boiling a pot of water. Pour that water into a separate bowl and then place your face over the steaming water. Hold a towel over your head to keep the steam in. Add a couple of drops of a sinus-clearing essential oil (such as tea tree or peppermint) to maximize the sinus-clearing benefits. Take a hot shower. Yes, even if you're feeling under the weather, you shouldn't skip your daily shower as it can actually help to clear a cold faster. Heat the water to a high, yet comfortable temperature and let the bathroom steam up as much as possible to help loosen mucus. The steam won't heal your cold, but it can help you feel better. If the heat leaves you feeling a little weak or dizzy, consider bringing a plastic chair or stool into the shower with you. A hot, steamy bath can work wonders for you when you have a cold - not just in terms of decongestion, but also in terms of relaxation and heat. Again, try to make the water as hot as possible. If you decide to wash your hair (either in the bath or shower) remember to dry your hair thoroughly afterward, as damp hair can cause you to lose body heat, which is not good for a cold. Drink hot fluids. There's nothing more comforting than a hot drink when you're suffering from a nasty cold. But beyond the comfort factor, a hot drink can actually help to clear your nasal passages and soothe a sore throat, making it the perfect cold-busting remedy. Take some time off. One surefire way to make your cold drag on and on - for days or even weeks - is to continue with your normal routine and not give your body time to recuperate. Additionally, a cold is highly contagious, so taking time off can help prevent the spread to others. The best way to get over a cold quickly is just to take a few days off, hold up somewhere warm and cozy, and give your body a break. Aside from that, the common cold is a virus which attacks and weakens the immune system, making you more susceptible to contracting other illnesses or your cold becoming worse. Therefore, staying in your home environment is the safest option, at least until you start to feel well again. Get plenty of rest. Try to remember that your body is doing its best to fight off the cold virus and it needs all the energy it can get in order to win. Over-exerting yourself with housework, exercise, traveling, or other physical activities will just prolong the cold and make you feel worse. Ensuring that you get at least eight hours of sleep a night also makes you less susceptible to catching a cold in the future. Even if you can't sleep, try curling up on the couch with a warm blanket and a hot drink, Use this time as an excuse to binge on multiple re-runs of Friends or read the entire Harry Potter series. When sleeping, try to prop your head up on an extra pillow. It may feel a little strange if you're not used to it, but the raised angle will aid in the draining of your nasal passages. If it really feels uncomfortable, try placing the extra pillow beneath the bottom sheet or under the mattress on your bed, for a less severe angle. Stay warm. What's the opposite of cold? Warmth! (Well, sort of). Even though cold weather or "catching a chill" doesn't actually cause a cold (the cold virus does), staying warm during the recovery process will help. So turn up the thermostat, light a roaring fire and pile on the blankets -- you'll feel much better soon. Despite the benefits of heat, dry heat can actually irritate inflamed nasal passages and sore throats. You can combat this by using a humidifier to add moisture back into the air. This can help to make breathing more comfortable. Just be aware that humidifiers can spread pathogens and molds. Drink lots of fluids. All that nose-blowing and sweating it out under heavy blankets can leave you feeling dehydrated, which can worsen cold symptoms, leading to headaches and dry, irritated throats. Try to drink slightly more than average when you're sick - whether the fluids come in the form of hots teas, soups, water-heavy fruit and veg (watermelon, tomato, cucumber, pineapple), or just plain water. A handy way to check for dehydration is to examine your urine. If it's very pale yellow or almost clear, you're doing okay. But if it's dark yellow, this means that there are higher concentrations of waste in your body that are not being diluted, which is a sign that you should drink more water. Take a pain reliever/fever reducer. If you have aches or a high temperature, your main two choices are acetaminophen (Tylenol) and NSAIDs (non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen). Avoid taking NSAIDs, if you have acid reflux or peptic ulcer disease. If you are already taking a NSAID for other issues, talk to your doctor before taking more. Do not take more than the prescribed amount, as indicated on the bottle. Too much of either medicine can lead to liver toxicity. You don't want to develop a worse condition while trying to fight off another. Gargle salt water to ease your sore throat. Congestion isn't the only nasty symptom you have to contend with during a cold - dry, itchy, or sore throats can be equally bothersome. An easy, natural way to deal with this is to gargle a salt solution. The water hydrates the throat, while the antiseptic properties in the salt help to fight infection. Make the solution by dissolving a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. If the taste is too unpleasant for your liking, add a little baking soda to take the edge off the saltiness. Gargle this solution up to four times a day. Do not swallow. Take elderberry syrup. Elderberries are said to be a great natural immune booster, and are therefore very popular as a natural cold remedy. Elderberry contains flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties and may help prevent damage to the body's cells. However, very few studies have been done in humans, so researchers don't know how effective elder may be. You can use elderberries in a number of ways: Taking a spoonful of elderberry syrup every morning. This syrup can be found in most health food stores, or you can make your own. By adding a couple of drops of elderberry extract (also found in health food stores) to a glass of water or juice. Or by drinking elderberry tea - a hot beverage with elderflowers and peppermint leaves. Eat a spoon of raw honey. Raw honey is an effective natural immune booster, which also contains anti-viral properties and soothes sore throats making it a primary ingredient in many natural cold remedies. You can eat a spoonful of the raw honey by itself or stir it into warm water or tea. Another great cure for a cold is to have a glass of milk mixed with a spoonful of turmeric powder, then chase it down quickly with a spoonful of honey. Try to source raw honey from your local area, as it will help your body to develop a tolerance for allergens native to your region. Eat garlic. Garlic boasts an impressive array of health benefits, thanks to its antimicrobial, antiviral and antibiotic properties. There is some evidence to suggest that raw garlic can help to relieve cold symptoms, shorten a colds duration and boost the immune system, thus preventing future cold. Take natural supplements. There are certain natural supplements which are believed to help with cold symptoms. While they won't necessarily cure the cold or stop it in its tracks, they can help it to go away faster. For example: | Detect your cold quickly. Take a cough suppressant. Take a decongestant. Take an expectorant. Increase your vitamin C intake. Go see a doctor. Blow your nose correctly. Try using a sinus or saline irrigation container to clear your nasal passages. Use steam treatments. Take a hot shower. Drink hot fluids. Take some time off. Get plenty of rest. Stay warm. Drink lots of fluids. Take a pain reliever/fever reducer. Gargle salt water to ease your sore throat. Take elderberry syrup. Eat a spoon of raw honey. Eat garlic. Take natural supplements. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Detect-Fleas | How to Detect Fleas | There are a few common signs to watch out for to detect fleas on your pet. The most common sign is your pet scratching or biting itself more than usual, since fleas can be really itchy. You may also notice red skin and missing patches in its fur if it's been scratching a lot. If you think your pet might have fleas, check its fur for tiny black or brown insects, especially in its armpit and groin areas, where you'll be able to spot them more easily. Use a flea comb to check its fur. You can also use a magnifying glass to identify the fleas. | Watch for signs of itching. Flea bites are irritating to pets, which causes pets to scratch the locations in which they're being bitten by fleas. If you notice your dog or cat scratching or biting at their fur frequently, it is a good sign that they're covered in fleas. It's natural for animals to scratch themselves occasionally under normal circumstances. Animals with fleas, though, will scratch frequently, for long periods of time. Look for reddened skin and patchy hair. If you've noticed an animal scratching constantly, take a look at their skin and hair. The skin of animals infested with fleas is often reddened and raised. Many animals with fleas itch and bite at themselves so forcefully that they pull out small patches of hair. On animals with heavy coats, you'll need to manually part the hairs so you can see down to their skin. If you do part the hairs, be sure to wash your hands immediately afterwards. Inspect the pet for fleas. If your pet has red, raised patches of skin or missing hair clumps, look for the fleas themselves. To do this most effectively, roll your pet over onto their back. Then look in the pet's armpit and groin areas—the pet's coat will be thinner here, giving the fleas less dense fur to hide themselves in. It's best to wear a pair of gloves (e.g. latex gloves) when you inspect your pet and handle their fut. Fleas can transfer from dogs to humans, so take precaution to make sure this doesn't happen. Identify fleas when you see them. Fleas are tiny—ranging from ⁄ 8 inch (0.32 cm) to ⁄ 16 inch (0.16 cm)—which makes them often hard to spot. The body of a flea has 6 legs, and they are typically black or dark brown in color. Flea bodies are shaped approximately like an avocado, and have a scaly appearance. Fleas are tremendous jumpers—they can leap fast and high, and you may spot them jumping from one part of your pet to another. Run a flea comb through your pet’s coat. The close-set teeth of a flea comb are specifically designed to trap fleas. If you spot many small, black or brown dots in the teeth of the comb after running it through your pet's coat, it's a sure sign they're infested with fleas. When combing your pet, make sure to comb deep enough to catch any fleas hiding near the pet's skin. You can purchase a flea comb at your veterinarian's office, at a pet-supply store, or in the pet section of a supermarket. Walk through your house wearing a pair of white cotton socks. Pull the socks as high up on your calves as possible, and spend at least 10 minutes walking around with the socks on. Fleas will leap out on to the socks to catch a ride. After walking through your house, take the socks off and inspect them for fleas. Take an extra lap or two through carpeted areas that flea are likely to inhabit. You can also shuffle your feet across carpets and rugs. This will build up friction, and the warmth will draw the fleas out. Look around your home for “flea dirt. ” Flea dirt is the name commonly used to describe the small, visible droppings of fleas, which look like little bits of dirt. You'll most likely find clusters of flea dirt on the floor of your home, or in rugs and carpets. To confirm that the specks are flea dirt, rub a damp paper towel over them. Flea dirt will leave reddish streaks behind. A clump of flea dirt often resembles a pile of fine-ground black pepper. Search for flea eggs in carpeting. Carpets and rugs are often safe havens for fleas, and places where fleas can lay their eggs in relative safety. In order to inspect carpets for flea eggs, put on a pair of light-colored latex or plastic gloves and run your fingers through the fibers of the rug. Flea eggs are very small and are white and oval-shaped. You may need to use a magnifying glass to look for flea eggs in the carpet and on your hands. Look for flea bites around your ankles and knees. If you often walk around your house barefoot, you may be a frequent victim of flea bites yourself. Fleas seldom bite humans above the knee, but their bites are itchy and cause small red bumps. You can tell flea bites apart from mosquito or spider bites by their differing appearances. Unlike mosquito bites, flea bites cause very little swelling. Unlike spider bites, flea bites only have one small puncture hole, not two. | Watch for signs of itching. Look for reddened skin and patchy hair. Inspect the pet for fleas. Identify fleas when you see them. Run a flea comb through your pet’s coat. Walk through your house wearing a pair of white cotton socks. Look around your home for “flea dirt. Search for flea eggs in carpeting. Look for flea bites around your ankles and knees. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Teach-a-Foal-to-Lead | How to Teach a Foal to Lead | Before teaching your foal to lead, allow it to see, sniff, and bite the halter so it's comfortable with the halter before you put it on. Once your foal has gotten used to the halter, slip it on for a few minutes. Slowly increase the amount of time you leave the halter on your foal each day until it lets you take it on and off with no problems. After your foal is comfortable with the halter, snap a lead rope on and slowly walk it around. As you work on leading your foal, give short tugs to the rope, and use verbal praise when your foal follows easily. Stop the lesson after about 10 minutes to let your foal rest. | Introduce the halter to your foal when he is anywhere from three days old to a week. Make sure that you buy a halter that will fit well. It is a good idea to buy one that can be let out quite a bit as your foal will grow very fast. Your foal should be very friendly and should trust you fully. If not, you should gain his trust before you try to teach him to lead, or he could get scared and loose any trust that he had with you before. Learn the first haltering lessons. They are around five minutes long each. Walk up to your foal and show him the halter. Let him sniff it and bite it and get totally comfortable with it. Then have someone hold the foal gently while you quickly slip the halter on. You want to do this fast, before the foal learns that he can pull away. When the halter is secure, let him loose and let him run around with it on for a few minutes, keeping him in sight. After about five minutes, walk up to him and have your helper hold the foal while you quickly take it off. Do this every day, increasing the time that he has the halter on, until he will let you take it on and off with no problems. Once your foal is very comfortable with you taking the halter on and off without any help, snap a lead rope to the halter and hold it while he walks around. Do not let go and let it drag, because he will step on it and get scared as his head is jerked back. Make sure his first experiences are always good, or he will refrain from it the second time. Follow him around, holding the lead rope in your hands. Do this every day until he doesn't seem to notice it. Then you can move on. Have a helper stand behind the foal as you snap on the lead rope. Stand next to the foal's shoulder, so his front legs and your legs line up. Have your helper give the foal a tap on the rump with their hand, or a small riding crop, and give a small tug on the lead while giving whatever command you want your foal to know means, 'go', such as a kiss, or the simple words, 'walk on'. Do not make one continuous pull, or your foal will immediately resist. Instead, always use short tugs. If your foal does not move forward, give the command again and a short tug. Usually the foal will get the idea. Once the foal is moving, walk around the pen with your helper right behind the foal, to give him a tap if he stops. When pulling his head to the side to turn, do not give one continuous pull; remember, always short tugs, and stop immediately when he obeys. After around ten minutes of leading, stop and take the halter off and praise your foal. Only stop on a good note, not if your foal has just stopped on his own, or if he had just resisted and pulled against you. If he does this, correct him by giving him a tug and the command to keep going. It is best to give your foal two lessons a day, ten minutes long each. Make sure to stop before your foal starts to get bored, so he doesn't act up. Foals are young, and have very short attention spans. A bored foal will resist to whatever you want to teach him, and he might react by nipping, pulling against you, or kicking. Keep lessons at 10 minutes or less to keep this from happening. Many short lessons are way better then one long lesson. After your foal will easily lead without having a helper behind to encourage him, and when he will listen to your commands immediately, you have successfully trained your foal to lead! Remember to have lots of patience, and most of all, enjoy your foal! | Introduce the halter to your foal when he is anywhere from three days old to a week. Make sure that you buy a halter that will fit well. Learn the first haltering lessons. Once your foal is very comfortable with you taking the halter on and off without any help, snap a lead rope to the halter and hold it while he walks around. Have a helper stand behind the foal as you snap on the lead rope. Stand next to the foal's shoulder, so his front legs and your legs line up. Have your helper give the foal a tap on the rump with their hand, or a small riding crop, and give a small tug on the lead while giving whatever command you want your foal to know means, 'go', such as a kiss, or the simple words, 'walk on'. Do not make one continuous pull, or your foal will immediately resist. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Open-Nail-Polish | How to Open Nail Polish | To open a bottle of nail polish, hold the bottle over a protected surface, turn it upside down, and roll it between your hands for about 25 seconds. Next, grip the bottle firmly in one hand and use your other hand to twist off the cap. If the cap is stuck, take a rubber band and wrap it around the cap to provide some extra grip. Then, place your fingers over the rubber band and twist the cap again until it loosens. | Select the nail polish you wish to use. If you plan on working with more than one color, choose one. You will want to have only one bottle open at one time. If you leave a bottle of nail polish sitting open for too long, the polish will begin to dry out and thicken. Find a clean, flat surface for opening over. This is in case the nail polish spills and makes a mess. Do not shake the bottle. It may be tempting, but this will cause tiny bubbles to form in the nail polish. These bubbles will appear once you put the nail polish on, and they may even cause the manicure to chip sooner. If you must shake the bottle in order to mix the pigments, do so, but wait 30 minutes before continuing on with your manicure. This will give the bubbles enough time to rise to the surface of the polish. Turn the bottle upside down and roll it between your hands for about 25 seconds. This will warm up the bottle and remove any clumping of the paint. It will also help mix the pigments together. Place the bottle on the flat surface and hold it. You will be less likely to drop the bottle or spill the nail polish inside. Avoid opening the bottle over your lap or in mid-air. Hold the cap in your other hand and twist it. Try twisting it counter-clockwise first. If it doesn't open, twist it clockwise. If it still doesn't open, then it might be stuck. Click here to find out how to open a stuck nail polish bottle. Gently drag the brush against the rim of the polish as you take the cap off. This will help get rid of any excess nail polish and prevent drips and globs. Keep the bottle to one side where it you don't accidentally bump it or knock it over while you're painting your nails. Wipe the neck of the bottle with nail polish remover when you are done with your manicure. If the neck of the bottle has nail polish on it when you put the cap on, that nail polish will dry and glue the cap to the bottle. When you are done doing your manicure, check the bottle. If you notice any nail polish on the threads, take a tissue or paper towel, and soak it with some nail polish remover. Wipe the neck of the bottle clean, and put the cap on. Try hard not to get any nail polish remove into the bottle. It will cause the particles inside the nail polish to separate and degrade. If you have an unsteady hand, try using nail polish thinner instead; it will not ruin the polish. Avoid using a cotton ball. If any gets suck inside the bottle, you will end up with fuzzy nail polish. Avoid using force to open a stuck bottle. If the cap won't twist off, don't force it open with your hands or pliers. This could cause the cap to snap off the bottle. It would also cause the cap to crack. Don't hit the cap against the counter. Nail polish bottles are made out of glass. Whacking the cap against something might actually cause it to snap off, along with the neck of the bottle. Wrap a rubber band around a cap. A slippery cap can make a bottle of polish difficult to open, even if it isn't stuck. If you find that your fingers keep slipping, take a rubber band and wrap it around the cap. Place your fingers over the rubber band, and twist the cap. The rubber band will provide friction and give you a better grip. Use nail polish thinner to dissolve hardened polish. When a cap gets stuck onto a bottle, it's usually because nail polish got onto the neck and dried. You can dissolve it with nail polish thinner. Simply lay the bottle down on its side. Place five to six drops of nail polish thinner into the crack between the cap and the bottle. Turn the bottle upside down to get the thinner into the cap, then turn the bottle right-side-up. The cap should be easier to twist off now. Avoid using acetone or nail polish remover. If acetone or nail polish remover get into the bottle, you could ruin your nail polish. Use hot water to soften stuck nail polish. Fill a cup or a small bowl with hot water. Hold the nail polish bottle upside down and dip the cap into the water. Wait three to five minutes, then pull the bottle out. The hot water should have softened the hardened polish up. Try opening the bottle now; the cap should twist off easily. Try to get just the cap under the water, and not the entire bottle. | Select the nail polish you wish to use. Find a clean, flat surface for opening over. Do not shake the bottle. Turn the bottle upside down and roll it between your hands for about 25 seconds. Hold the cap in your other hand and twist it. Gently drag the brush against the rim of the polish as you take the cap off. Wipe the neck of the bottle with nail polish remover when you are done with your manicure. Avoid using force to open a stuck bottle. Don't hit the cap against the counter. Wrap a rubber band around a cap. Use nail polish thinner to dissolve hardened polish. Use hot water to soften stuck nail polish. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dress-for-an-8th-Grade-Formal | How to Dress for an 8th Grade Formal | To dress for an 8th grade formal, try wearing a dress that flatters you, such as a floor-length dress if you're tall, or a knee-length dress if you're short. Alternatively, you could wear a nice button-down, slacks, and dress shoes. To make your outfit more interesting, try pairing it with nice sneakers such as Converse. If you don't want to spend money on new clothes, you can check out a thrift store in your area or ask the older siblings of your friends if they have something you can borrow. | Choose a color that looks nice on you. When you're looking for a dress for formal, you want to choose a color that you love and that makes your skin look radiant. If you have warm undertones in your skin, you'll look great in yellow, orange, brown, ivory, and warm-toned reds. Cool undertones in your skin mean that greens, pinks, purples, blues, magenta, and blue reds will flatter you. To figure out if you have warm or cool undertones, check the veins on your wrist. If they appear very blue, you probable have a cool undertone. If they appear slightly green, you have a warm undertone. Above all, wear what makes you feel confident. If you want to wear your favorite color, regardless of skin tone, feel free to do so. Pick your dress length. When you're shopping for formal dresses, you can choose a floor-length full gown style or a shorter dress. Generally, if you are taller, long dresses look best, and if you're shorter, a short dress might look better in proportion. For example, if you are petite, you would look great wearing a shorter dress or a dress with an asymmetrical hemline to make you look taller. Taller girls look great in floor length dresses or dresses that come past the knees. If you're taller, you can also wear a short dress if you want to show off your legs. Find a dress cut that flatters your figure. Often, the hardest part of choosing a dress is deciding what cut you like. Different types of dresses flatter different body types. If you are busty with a large bust, narrow hips, and undefined waist, you want to add dimension to your hips, and bring attention to your face. Choose a dress with tulle or pleats at the hips and a defined waist. If you're slender, you will look best in a dress that is very fitted with a belt or cinching at the waist. If you have an apple-shaped figure (that is, if you carry weight in stomach with slim legs), you'll look great in a dress with an empire waist or embellished top section and a full skirt. If you have an hourglass figure with a small waist and proportionate bust and hips proportion, any dress that accentuates your naturally small waist will make you look great. A pear-shaped figure with a defined waist and hips larger than bust looks great in a strapless dress or open-necked top and a full skirt or an A-line skirt. If you are petite or shorter than 5'3”, a slim fitting, shorter dress will look great on you. Find an affordable dress. For an eighth grade formal, you can wear any type of nice dress. It doesn't have to be a dress made specifically for a prom or formal. Many department stores have wide selections at reasonable prices. Buy a secondhand dress. Buying your dress secondhand is a great way to get something beautiful at a good price. This is an especially good option if your school's formal is styled after a prom, and you want a true gown to wear. Check out thrift stores in your area. You never know what you might find. Ask around to see if anyone has old prom dresses they'd like to sell. You can ask family friends or the older siblings of your friends. Chances are good they'll sell you the dress for much cheaper than if you were to buy it. If it's slightly big, you can have it altered. Dare to be different. Being a girl doesn't mean that you have to wear a dress to your eight grade formal. Wear whatever makes you feel your best. Consider a fitted suit or a cool pair of pants and a formal shirt. Another great alternative to a dress is a skirt and top. Wear comfortable shoes. When you're dressing for formal, you want to wear shoes that complete your outfit and make you look great. If you do decide to wear heels, make sure that you are comfortable walking in them. Remember that at a formal you will be on your feet a lot. Consider alternatives to traditional high heels. Wear nice sandals or pretty flats. If you want to stand out, you can even wear sneakers like Converse or Vans with your dress or formal attire. Check your school’s dress code. Before you buy your outfit for formal, you want to make sure that it complies with any dress codes your school has. Ask a teacher or administrator to find out if there are any regulations on dress length or strap type. Keep your make up natural. If you don't normally wear makeup, it's perfectly fine to go without makeup to an 8th grade formal. But if you do wear makeup and want to do it differently for formal, try a slightly more dramatic make up look than you normally wear. Apply a luminous foundation, and use concealer to hide any red spots or blemishes that you might have. Sweep some blush on your cheekbones, and wear clear lipgloss or a light nude lipstick. Apply black eyeliner to your upper lash line, and use a shimmery neutral eye shadow across your eyelid. Apply several coats of mascara to lift your lashes and make your eyes look large. Wear your hair down. Whether you have short or long hair, wearing your hair down is a pretty style that will allow you to do your hair yourself. Try wearing your hair in loose, beachy waves. You can leave it tousled around your face or pull half of it back. Add accessories. Accessories like headbands or flower crowns can be a great way to achieve formal style with minimal effort. Wear your hair in an updo. Wearing your hair up to your eight grade formal will keep it out of your face while you dance. It's also the ideal way to create an intricate hair style. Wear your hair in a simple bun or French braid , or experiment with combining braids and updos. If you don't want to do your hair yourself, ask a friend or go to have it done at a salon. If you get your hair done, make sure to allow plenty of time before the dance is scheduled to begin. Rent a suit. A classic suit or tux in black paired with a white shirt is a staple for any formal occasion. Renting your formal attire is a great cost-effective option when preparing for your formal. Make sure to try on all the parts of your outfit in advance, so you know they fit. Set up your rental plenty of time in advance. You can even rent dress shoes, if you don't have any. Wear a nice button down and slacks. When planning for formal, don't feel like you have to wear a suit or a tux if you don't want to. A button down shirt and slacks is a great alternative. You can even get a little bit casual and pair black jeans with a button down and bow tie or suspenders. Alternatively, make a classic suit more interesting by wearing nice sneakers like Converse. Match your date. If you plan on attending formal with a date, you should plan your outfits in advance together. Though you should stick to standard neutrals for your main suit, you do want the accents to match your partner's dress or outfit. For example, if your date has a green dress, you might want to wear a green bow tie. If you can get a picture of your date's outfit before you got to pick out yours. That way, you can better match colors. Clean yourself up. You want to make sure that you look your best at the eighth grade formal. Shave off any stubble you have, and use a little hair gel to comb through your hair. Wash your face, and pluck any stray eyebrow hairs. Give yourself a few sprays of cologne, if you have it. | Choose a color that looks nice on you. Pick your dress length. Find a dress cut that flatters your figure. Find an affordable dress. Dare to be different. Wear comfortable shoes. Check your school’s dress code. Keep your make up natural. Wear your hair down. Wear your hair in an updo. Rent a suit. Wear a nice button down and slacks. Match your date. Clean yourself up. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Frost-Off-Car-Windows-Quickly | How to Clean Frost Off Car Windows Quickly | To clean frost off car windows quickly, start by turning on the car and cranking up the heat as high as possible. Then, use a window scraper or a plastic credit card from your wallet to scrape the frost off the windows. If the heat hasn't started melting the frost yet, try spraying windshield wiper fluid and turning the wipers on to help dislodge the ice. Leave the heat on and keep wiping, spraying, and scraping the frost off until it's all gone. | Buy a commercial de-icer or make your own. Specially-formulated de-icing fluid is available at most filling stations, garages and supermarkets; especially if you live in an area with cold winters. However, if you don't have any de-icer on hand or you just want to save money, it's not hard to make your own. Follow the simple instructions below: To make your own de-icer, pour rubbing alcohol into a clean, dry spray bottle. Add a few drops of dish soap. Screw the lid on, then invert several times to mix. Spray your de-icer on the window. Whether you bought de-icer or made your own, you'll use it the same way. Spray your de-icer directly on to the icy parts of your window, then allow it to soak in briefly. You shouldn't need to wait more than a minute or two - the more de-icer you use, the less time you'll have to wait. Scrape as normal. Use a plastic scraper, a gloved hand, or another tool to scrape the ice away. You should find that it comes off of your window much quicker and easier than it normally would, saving you time overall. If needed, re-apply your de-icer to difficult spots as you scrape. In commercial concentrations, rubbing alcohol has a very low freezing point, so it's usually OK to leave your de-icer in the car unless you're expecting temperatures of -20 F (-29 C) or lower. Turn your car's heated window on. This last-resort method is appropriate when you don't have a lukewarm water, de-icing fluid, or any conventional scraping tools at your disposal - for instance, if your car's window froze in the car park whilst you were at work. Because you're going to attempt to remove the ice with a credit card or other improvised tool, it's wise to give yourself as much help as possible. To begin, start your car and turn on your heater/defroster up as high as it goes. Leave this running throughout the process - over time, it will soften and begin to melt the ice, making your job much easier. Find an appropriate credit card. Dig through your wallet to find a credit card or any similar stiff, solid plastic card. Don't use a laminated card - these aren't stiff or sturdy enough to scrape the ice effectively. If possible, try to use a card that isn't important to you, like an old, expired credit card, as this method carries the risk of damage to your card. However, don't keep it for too long, as your card provider would recommend that you destroy your old card as soon as possible for counter-fraud purposes. Start scraping. Hold the long edge of your card at an angle against the window and push firmly. Try to keep the card as straight as possible, not allowing it to bend or flex as you scrape. If you do, you may end up deforming or breaking it. Be persistent! As far as scrapers go, credit cards can require more effort than dedicated scrapers. You may need to push quite hard to get results. If you're worried about breaking your card, you may want to double or triple the strength of your scraper by holding two or three cards stacked as you scrape. Use your wipers and fluid to assist. As you scrape ice away, you'll probably accumulate ice shavings at the edges of the window. Periodically, spray wiper fluid and run the wipers for a few seconds. The wiper fluid can help soften up any remaining ice, while the wipers themselves will help brush the ice shavings out of the way. Between the scraping action of your credit card, your wipers and fluid, and your defroster, your window should be free of ice within a few minutes. Place rice in a mitten or heavy duty zip-lock bag and microwave for 30 seconds to a minute. You may need to make several of these to complete the job. Pass the rice packet back and forth over the inside of the window while seated inside your car. This will warm the glass and the ice will melt. Sodium acetate hand-warmers also can be used in this manner and can stay ready in the car. A quick click activates the heat reaction, then you can recharge the warmers by boiling in water. The advantage of this method over scraping, is because the glass is warmed as you start to drive it will not re-frost. Also you stay warm and dry inside the car while prepping for departure. Be careful and quick. Just like boiling water may crack glass, holding a hot warmer in one place too long may stress the glass. Only allow it to remain in place long enough to start to show melting, as it will continue to melt while moving on to a new area. Windshield wipers and rolling down the side windows can be used to clear moisture. Cover your windows at night. One sure-fire way to ensure you're not delayed by icy windows in the morning is to prevent ice from forming in the first place. To do so, cover your windows with a towel, a folded sheet, or a piece of cardboard at night before dew or ice forms on the window. Try to arrange the cover tight against the window so that dew (and eventually, ice) can't form in any loose spots. One useful trick for your front windshield is to use your car's windshield wipers to hold your cover in place. For your other windows, you may want to use small rocks or other weights to pin your cover down. Remove the window covers in the morning. Pull your towels, sheets, etc. away from the window. They may be damp and/or icy, so, if you plan to use your window covers again at your destination, be sure to lay down a water-tight barrier, like a tarp, before throwing them in your trunk. Spot-scrape any icy spots. Though this method should greatly reduce the amount of ice on your windows, there may be a few small patches remaining. Use a plastic scraper, your hand, or a similar tool to remove these if they obscure your vision. If you're in a hurry, you may want to get in your car and use your windshield wipers in conjunction with the defroster and your wiper fluid. | Buy a commercial de-icer or make your own. Spray your de-icer on the window. Scrape as normal. Turn your car's heated window on. Find an appropriate credit card. Start scraping. Use your wipers and fluid to assist. Place rice in a mitten or heavy duty zip-lock bag and microwave for 30 seconds to a minute. Pass the rice packet back and forth over the inside of the window while seated inside your car. Be careful and quick. Cover your windows at night. Remove the window covers in the morning. Spot-scrape any icy spots. |
https://www.wikihow.health/Lose-10-Pounds-Fast | How to Lose 10 Pounds Fast | If you want to lose 10 pounds fast, split each meal into half protein, like chicken, and half fruits and vegetables to keep yourself full with fewer calories. Also, try to limit carbohydrates because they can slow weight loss. In addition, get into the habit of exercising for at least 75 minutes a week by running, taking exercise classes or boxing a few times a week to burn off extra calories. | Aim to reduce your calories by 500 to 750 calories per day. Start your weight loss plan by cutting out calories from your diet. You can lose anywhere from 1–3 pounds per week by cutting out 500–750 calories each day. With this plan, you should be able to lose about 10 pounds in two weeks. It's not advisable to cut out more than 750 calories daily or eat fewer than 1200 calories daily. It's too difficult to consume enough essential nutrients with a diet that is overly restricted. Restricting calories any more will not speed up weight loss. Remember that weight loss needs to happen gradually and healthfully. You can find a relatively accurate calorie counter online which can guide you on how many calories you currently consume and how many you can cut from your diet. Focus on lean protein, fruits, and vegetables. Making your plate half protein and half fruits and vegetables is a good plan for quick weight loss. These foods are low in calories and high in essential nutrients. In addition, they will keep you feeling satisfied longer compared to carbohydrate based foods. Make sure to include a source of lean protein at each meal. One serving of lean protein is about 3–4 ounces or about the size of a check book. Lean protein options include: poultry, eggs, low-fat dairy, lean beef, pork, seafood, tofu and legumes. Also include either a fruit or vegetable at each meal. Aim for 1–2 servings of fruit daily (1/2 cup or 1 small fruit) and 3–5 servings of vegetables daily (1 cup or 2 cups leafy greens). Sample meals include: baked salmon and broccoli, grilled chicken salad, shrimp and vegetable stir fry, and vegetable and cheese omelet. Eating balanced meals will also help prevent sugar cravings. Limit carbohydrates. Foods that are rich in carbohydrates, especially when whole grain, are a part of a healthy diet. However, limiting these foods has been shown to help support quicker weight loss. While carbohydrates can be included when there is more time allotted for weight loss, it is essential to cut carbohydrates when trying to lose weight fast. Whole grains are grains that are minimally processed and contain all the nutrient-dense parts of the grain (the germ, bran, and endosperm). These types of grains are typically higher in fiber and other essential nutrients. If you choose have grains, try to choose 100% whole grains like: quinoa, oats, 100% whole wheat pasta or brown rice. Refined carbohydrates are generally very processed and low in nutrients (like fiber). Limit the following types of foods: bread, rice, pasta, bagels, crackers, pretzels, chips, muffins, tortillas, or quinoa. You can choose to cut out these foods altogether or allow 1–2 servings daily. You may notice quicker weight loss with fewer servings of these carbohydrate rich foods. If choosing to include grains, choose 100% whole grain options when you can. Whole grains are much higher in fiber and other nutrients compared to refined grains. Include 1–2 high protein snacks. Protein is an essential nutrient that will help support quick weight loss and help reach your 10 pound goal in about two weeks. Depending on your calorie level, you should include 1–2 high protein snacks daily. High protein snacks that will support weight loss include: one individual greek yogurt, one hard boiled egg, 2 oz beef jerky or protein bar, or shake. Snacks should be between 100–200 calories per snack. Higher calorie snacks may slow your weight loss. Cut out liquid calories. Sodas, sugary coffee drinks, fruit juices, sports drinks, and alcoholic beverages usually contain a significant amount of calories. Drinking these daily will slow or inhibit your weight loss. Replace them with sugar-free, clear beverages. Aim for 64 oz or about 2 L of clear, sugar-free beverages daily. This will help keep you hydrated throughout the day. Beverages to sip all day long include: water, sugar-free flavored water, and decaf coffee or tea. Avoid fad diets. It's tempting to give in to trendy fad diets that promise great weight loss in very short amounts of time. However, many times these diets are unhealthy, unsafe, and not sustainable for long periods of time. In addition, you're more likely to gain your weight back. Avoid diets that ban entire groups of foods or encourage you to eat very, very small portions or a diet that is less than 1200 calories daily. Also avoid diets that promote using liquids or "cleanses" as these can cause adverse health effects. Also be wary of diets that encourage the use of supplements or diet pills to help induce quick weight loss. Again, these are most likely not safe and will not cause long-term weight loss. It's better to adjust your diet slowly than make drastic changes overnight. Aim to do at least 75 minutes of intense cardio activity or 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity every week. Cardio exercises will help you burn additional calories to support quicker weight loss. More exercise may help you reach your 10 pound goal within a 2 week time period. Vigorous intensity aerobic exercises are activities that raise your heart rate and breathing pace very high. You shouldn't be able to say more than a few words at one time. Moderate intensity cardio also increases your heart rate and breathing level, however you should be able to say short sentences with ease. Examples of vigorous exercise might include: running, spin classes, high intensity interval training, or boxing. Examples of moderate intensity exercise might include: walking/jogging, dancing, or using the elliptical machine. If you can, spend more time doing aerobic exercises each week. You can help speed up your weight loss with additional activity. Try HIIT training, which consists of intervals of high and low intensity, is a great way to lose weight quickly as it is very good at promoting fat loss. Be careful of high amounts or very high intensity workouts with a low-calorie diet. You need to eat enough to support your exercise. That's why it's important to never go below 1,200 calories daily — especially when you're working out. Learn to use free weights or weight machines. Strength training may not result in a quick 10 pound weight loss, but it may help tone your body. This may be desirable if you're trying to lose weight for a specific event like a wedding or class reunion. Strength training for 30 minutes three times per week will speed up weight loss as it speeds up your metabolism. However, this happens over longer periods of time. Learn proper form with a physical therapist or personal trainer before you work out with weights on your own. Use a mirror as you begin to check your posture and avoid injury. Do bodyweight exercises. Also ask a personal trainer to teach you how to do planks, side planks, mountain climbers, push ups and pull ups. Flow yoga, barre, pilates, and TRX bands are great ways to learn body weight exercises. Plan 1–2 active rest days. It's important to allow your body to rest a few days a week. Constantly exercising without rest can put you at risk for overuse injuries. Active rest days help you recover from previous exercise but also keep you moving (and burning calories). You are not participating in your regular moderate or high intensity exercise, but are not taking the entire day off of activity. Schedule in low-impact or relaxing exercises like yoga or walking. Schedule in about 1–2 active rest days each week. They should follow days of very high intensity exercise or strength training days. Weigh yourself. Record your starting weight. Plan to weigh yourself at least every couple days to keep track of your progress. Studies have shown that people who weigh themselves are more conscious about their weight and their eating habits. If you are opposed to weighing yourself daily, make sure you are weighing in every week to mark your progress. Continue to weigh yourself after you meet your weight goal. This will help you notice any unwanted fluctuations — like a weight gain. Continue with regular exercise. Regular physical activity is not just for weight loss. In fact, exercise has shown to be more important for weight maintenance than weight loss. Continue with a routine that you enjoy. You may not need to workout as much or at a high intensity, but it's important to continue with about 150 minutes of moderate activity each week. Also continue with your strength training. This will help support your weight maintenance long-term. Indulge occasionally. Although you may have met your weight loss goal, that doesn't mean you can ditch the healthy eating plan. To maintain that weight loss you have to continue with a healthy, well-balanced diet. That means indulging in favorite foods, but only doing so occasionally. An indulgence can be anything — a sweet treat, a dinner out or two alcoholic beverages at a happy hour. These should only be occurring every so often — maybe 1–2 times a week. However, you should define what occasionally means for you. If these types of treats are popping up more often, you're more likely to gain some of your weight back. When you do know that you'll be indulging, try to compensate in other areas of your diet or lifestyle. Perhaps you spend more time at the gym or do a harder workout or eat lighter throughout the day. | Aim to reduce your calories by 500 to 750 calories per day. Focus on lean protein, fruits, and vegetables. Limit carbohydrates. Include 1–2 high protein snacks. Cut out liquid calories. Avoid fad diets. Aim to do at least 75 minutes of intense cardio activity or 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity every week. Learn to use free weights or weight machines. Plan 1–2 active rest days. Weigh yourself. Continue with regular exercise. Indulge occasionally. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Foot-Scrub | How to Make a Foot Scrub | To make a basic foot scrub, start by choosing an exfoliant like Epsom salt, sea salt, or sugar. Next, combine 1 cup of the exfoliant with 1/4 cup of moisturizing oil such as coconut, olive, or sweet almond. If you'd like to add color or fragrance to your scrub, stir in the food coloring and essential oils of your choice. Then, mix the ingredients together thoroughly and store your foot scrub in an air-tight container so that it doesn't dry out. | Pour 1 cup (201 g) of sea salt into a bowl. In this scrub, salt is the main ingredient. Grab a bowl that's large enough to hold all your ingredients, then pour in 1 cup (201 g) of sea salt. If there's any lumps, go in with a fork and sift them out before you add your next ingredients. You can also use pink Himalayan salt instead of sea salt for a cute, pink color. Add in 1⁄4 c (59 mL) of olive oil or coconut oil. The carrier oil is an unscented oil that will bind all of your ingredients together. Add in this oil to your sugar, then use a wooden spoon to stir it all together. If you're using coconut oil, melt it in the microwave before you add it to your scrub. As you mix, you'll notice your scrub getting thick and paste-like. Drop in 3 drops of peppermint essential oil. Use the dropper on your bottle of essential oils to carefully add 3 drops of peppermint. Stir the peppermint in evenly with your wooden spoon to spread it throughout the foot scrub. Peppermint essential oil is very strong, which is why you only need a little bit. Never use essential oils without diluting them first, as they can cause skin irritation in concentrated quantities. Use this scrub for a refreshing exfoliant. Spread about 1 tbsp (14 g) of the foot scrub onto your feet and up your legs slightly. Massage it into your skin, then let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing it off with cool water. When you use it, you'll feel a slight cooling sensation from the peppermint that will refresh and rejuvenate your skin. It's great for a pick me up after you've worked out or walked a lot during the day. If you have any open sores on your feet, the peppermint might make them sting. Use caution. Store the foot scrub in an airtight container. If you have any scrub left over, seal it in a glass jar with a lid. You can store the scrub in a cool, dry place, like your kitchen cabinet or pantry. Try to use your scrub as soon as possible so the oil doesn't break down. Depending on which oil you used, the ingredients may start to break down after a few weeks or a few months. Try to use your foot scrub right away so the ingredients stay fresh. Add 2 cups (400 g) of granulated sugar to a bowl. Grab a large bowl and pour in your granulated sugar. If you see any lumps, use a fork or a whisk to smooth them out before you add your next ingredients. Sugar is a great natural exfoliant since it's slightly coarse. For a lemon salt scrub, use sea salt instead of sugar. Mix in 15 US tbsp (220 mL) of almond oil or coconut oil. Your carrier oil will spread throughout your foot scrub and bind all of the ingredients together. Add in your almond oil or liquid coconut oil, then stir your mixture together with a wooden spoon. You can also use olive oil or canola oil from your kitchen. To make your scrub yellow colored to match the theme, add in mustard oil instead. Add in 10 to 20 drops of lemon essential oil. Grab a bottle of lemon essential oil and use the dropper on the lid. Add in 10 to 20 drops of lemon essential oil, then stir the mixture to spread the lemon scent out evenly. Lemon is a refreshing citrus scent that will perk up your skin and soothe it at the same time. Try this scrub to refresh your feet with a citrus zest. Wet your feet and scoop up about 1 tbsp (14 g) of the scrub. Rub it onto your feet and legs, focusing on any dry, cracked parts. Let your feet soak in the scrub for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse it off with cool water. Citrus is a light scent that's mildly refreshing. It's great for starting your day with a refresher or treating yourself after a hike. Keep your foot scrub in an airtight container. For your leftover foot scrub, store it in a glass jar with a lid. Write the date that you made the scrub on the jar, then store it in a cool, dry place. Try to use your scrub as soon as you can for the most benefit. You can also give your foot scrub out as gifts! Decorate the jar with a fun ribbon or a piece of twine to make it special. Spoon about 1/4 cup (32 g) of coffee grounds into a bowl. Take your old coffee grounds from when you made coffee earlier and spoon them into a large bowl. It's okay if they're a little wet, since that will help bind your mixture together. Coffee grounds have caffeine in them, which can actually help to “wake up,” or brighten, your skin. To make this even more exfoliating, add in the same amount of granulated or brown sugar with your coffee grounds. Add in 1⁄2 c (120 mL) of olive oil or coconut oil. Pour in olive oil or liquid coconut oil to your mixture, then use your spoon to combine all of your ingredients. The mixture will start to form a thick paste that's easy to spread with your spoon. Since coffee grounds are already a little sticky, you don't need as much oil. Mix in 1.5 tbsp (22.5 g) of cinnamon. Take a spoonful of cinnamon and pour it into your coffee ground mixture. Use a wooden spoon to mix up the ingredients until they form a thick paste that smells great! Cinnamon is slightly spicy, so it will help to bring blood flow to the area and wake up your skin even more. Use this scrub to wake up your skin. Since coffee has caffeine in it, it can actually bring blood flow to your feet and “wake up,” or refresh, your skin. You can use this any time you feel like your feet need a little pick me up, or you can use it as an exfoliant to get the dead skin off your toes. Coffee grounds also smell delicious, so they'll scent your skin, too! Store the mixture in an airtight container. If you don't want to use your coffee scrub right away, pour it into a glass jar and seal it with a lid. Try to use your foot scrub as soon as you can to get the most benefit out of your ingredients. The sooner you use your scrub, the fresher it will be. Mix 1/2 cup (64 g) of brown sugar with 1⁄4 c (59 mL) of canola oil. In a large bowl, pour your brown sugar and canola oil together. Use a wooden spoon to mix up your ingredients until they form a lumpy paste that's easy to spread. Brown sugar is mildly exfoliating, but it also smells great. Add in 1 tsp (4.9 mL) of vanilla extract. To give your foot scrub a delicious scent, pour in about 1 tsp (4.9 mL) of pure vanilla extract. Then, use a wooden spoon to mix it into your ingredients until they form a thick paste. For a fresher citrus scent, add in 1 tsp (4.9 mL) of lemon juice instead. Use this scrub for a naturally scented exfoliant. Brown sugar is a mild exfoliant, and the natural scent of the vanilla or lemon juice is a great way to scent your skin without using a concentrate. You can try out this foot scrub anytime your feet feel dry or cracked to give them a refresh and start again. Try using this scrub during the holidays when sugar and spices are prevalent. Store the scrub in an airtight container. If you have any left over, put it into an airtight glass jar with a lid. Try to use your scrub as soon as possible so your ingredients stay fresh. Your scrub won't go bad, but the ingredients won't stay fresh for long. | Pour 1 cup (201 g) of sea salt into a bowl. Add in 1⁄4 c (59 mL) of olive oil or coconut oil. Drop in 3 drops of peppermint essential oil. Use this scrub for a refreshing exfoliant. Store the foot scrub in an airtight container. Add 2 cups (400 g) of granulated sugar to a bowl. Mix in 15 US tbsp (220 mL) of almond oil or coconut oil. Add in 10 to 20 drops of lemon essential oil. Try this scrub to refresh your feet with a citrus zest. Keep your foot scrub in an airtight container. Spoon about 1/4 cup (32 g) of coffee grounds into a bowl. Add in 1⁄2 c (120 mL) of olive oil or coconut oil. Mix in 1.5 tbsp (22.5 g) of cinnamon. Use this scrub to wake up your skin. Store the mixture in an airtight container. Mix 1/2 cup (64 g) of brown sugar with 1⁄4 c (59 mL) of canola oil. Add in 1 tsp (4.9 mL) of vanilla extract. Use this scrub for a naturally scented exfoliant. Store the scrub in an airtight container. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Hide-and-Go-Seek | How to Play Hide and Go Seek | If you want to play hide and seek, pick one person to be “It,” or the seeker, and everyone else will hide. When it's your turn to be the seeker, hide your eyes and count at a steady pace to a certain pre-decided number. Common counts include 25, 40, and 50, depending on how far the players have to go to hide. Once you reach that number, yell “Ready or not, here I come!” and try to find as many players as you can. The round ends when all players are found or after a pre-set amount of time. | Select the players. The first thing you need to do to play "Hide and Seek" is to recruit players. At least two players are needed to play the game. Naturally, however, the more players you have, the better. If you have players of different ages, take this into consideration. Younger players can fit more places, but they sometimes choose less-than-brilliant places to hide and don't have the longest of attention spans. Set down rules. If you do not set down rules, you will have people running to places that shouldn't be hidden in -- either antiques end up breaking or private places get intruded upon -- or someone gets stuck in a washing machine. And, people may run outside when everybody's inside. Block off rooms like the attic, parents' bedrooms, any room that holds heirlooms, and bedrooms. Or let people hide in those places, just say things like, "All right, you are allowed to hide in my bedroom, just don't mess up the bed and put everything back in its place." Make sure everyone stays safe. You don't want your friends falling out of trees or climbing onto the roof. Make a rule to only hide in places two people could fit or to hide in a place everyone would/can go. We'll talk about game variations in a bit. But for now, set down the ground rules -- who's hiding, who's seeking, where to hide, how long you get to hide, etc. Find a suitable location. An outdoor location works best, although indoors is fine for rainy days. It will be necessary to set boundaries for hiding or you will have players running off to too many far-off locations. It's not called Run a Mile and Go Seek! If you're playing with your parents around, make sure they know what's going on. They may not want you hiding in the cobwebs of the garage, under the porch, or they may not want to jump in the shower to already find you in it. Try to play in different places every time. If you do it in the same spot (different games, not rounds) then people will remember the good places and search there first. Determine who will be "It. " Working out who is "It" can be done a variety of ways, for instance: the youngest person might be "It" first; or the person whose birthday is next might be "It" first; or use an elimination word game, such as "One Potato, Two Potato" or similar game. Or just pick a number out of a hat, and #1 is "It". If one person is older than the rest, they might make a natural "It." The younger you are, the more frustrated you could get with people who are really good hiders. Older people have longer attention spans and can think outside of the box better than their younger counterparts. Begin the game. Once the person who will be "It" has been chosen, he or she stays at home base, closes his or her eyes and begins counting out loud to a decided number at a steady pace. Or they could say a rhyme or sing a song. Anything that kills some time so everyone else can go hide! Make sure to establish this first and that everybody knows how long they have! Make sure they're not cheating! The person who is "It" needs to have their eyes closed, hands over their eyes, and preferably facing a corner. No peeking! Go hide! All of the players who are not "It" should run off and quietly hide from the player who is counting. The person who is "It" is not allowed to peek at the players hiding from him or her. Make sure you're quiet as you're hiding or "It" can use his or her ears to tell the general direction you went. Once you hit your spot, be silent and still. You don't want to give yourself up once you're hidden!. If you're noisy, even the best hiding spot won't conceal you. Begin the seeking. Once the player who is "It" has finished counting, he or she yells "Ready or not, here I come!" At this point, they must try to find all of the other players who have hidden. Be sure to look with your eyes and listen with your ears, seeker! When you see them, be sure to tag them. If you are hiding and "It" is close to discover you, move deftly. Crawling or slithering are the best options. However, if it is too late, be still and silent. The "It" can actually overlook you and go away. The players who are hiding can move or switch hiding places, if they so choose. It's a good idea to change positions and go hide in a place the seeker has already looked. That's called strategy. If some of the hidden players do not return home before a predetermined period of time or they can't be found, the person who is "It" should give the universal "all clear" signal. Yell, "Olly, olly oxen free!" That way they know it's safe to come back. This is a variation, if you're curious, of "All ye, all ye, outs in free" or perhaps, "Alle, Alle auch sind frei," both roughly translating to "everyone is free." Change the person who is "It. " The player who gets found first becomes "It" in the next round of the game. You could play it that once one person is found it's the next round, or you could play it that everyone has to be found before the next round can begin. You could set time limits on it, too. If the person who is seeking doesn't meet the time limit in 3 tries (for example), switch seekers anyway. Give everyone a chance to hide! Play with a home base. This variation adds an extra challenge to Hide and Go Seek. You have your seeker and your hiders -- but the hiders don't only just hide, they have to get back to home base , too. Without getting tagged! So while the seeker is seeking, they have to come out of hiding, risking their safety. It's like Hide and Go Seek: The Intense Version. The hiders don't have any way of knowing what's going on in the game. Another element to this version can be that all the hiders have to get back to home base before everyone else is tagged. Or they're out! Play with multiple taggers. Instead of those poor lil' hiders that have been found just milling around doing nothing, have them assigned as additional seekers once they've been tagged. All of a sudden it's 4 people looking for one person -- where could they possibly be? Still start with one "It," starting the game the same way -- just have the first ones found team up to help look, too. Or have a couple seekers from the get-go! The first person tagged is still "It" for the next round, they just get to practice their seeking skills this round, speeding up the rest of the game. Play jailbreak. This makes the game even spicier. As players get found, they have to go to "jail." Generally this is a specific room, porch, or just designated area. The object of the game is for the seeker to put everyone in jail. However, those not in jail can free the ones in jail! They just have to get to jail without being tagged. Pressure's on! Once someone is freed from jail, they can either go hide again or sit out the rest of the round, enjoying their freedom. If someone frees a few people in jail but some are still hiding, the same principles apply. Of course, you can add any flavor you like! Play sardines. This is technically hide and seek -- only backwards! You have only one person hiding and everyone trying to find them. But when they do find them, they hide with them in the same place! So by the time the last person finds them, what they're really finding is a pile of smushed people. Kind of like a can of sardines! Oh, and play in the dark! It's much, much more fun that way. When you find someone, ask them "Are you the sardine?" And if they tell you yes, they are, join 'em! Play manhunt. This is like jailbreak, but team style. You have two teams (preferably of 4 or more) and they're each assigned a home base. The teams go hide around the other team's home base and try to make it back to theirs. When everybody makes it back home without being tagged, they win. This is best played in really, really large areas, like parks. And if it's nightfall, even better! Just make sure no one gets lost and you can communicate. People have to know when the game is over! | Select the players. Set down rules. Find a suitable location. Determine who will be "It. Begin the game. Go hide! Begin the seeking. Change the person who is "It. Play with a home base. Play with multiple taggers. Play jailbreak. Play sardines. Play manhunt. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Story-About-a-Hero | How to Write a Story About a Hero | You can write a story about a hero by creating a hero with specific traits and goals that they must accomplish. Start by identifying who your hero is and what they want so their driving motivation is clearly defined. Then, add traits that will make your hero more likable and interesting. For instance, you could make your hero a humble farmer who develops the ability to move things with his mind. Introduce the world your hero lives in so you can set the scene. Include an initial conflict or call to action that your hero is hesitant to respond to. As your hero goes on their journey, they'll have tests and challenges to overcome before they're able to make it back home. | Identify your hero's goal or purpose. Think about who your hero is and what they want. Identify their reason for being, what they value most, and what is missing from their life. Understanding and developing your hero's motivations will be the driving force for your entire story, so it's important to make this as detailed as possible. For example, perhaps your hero has to find a special resource that will allow them to repair a machine that cleans all of the water for their village. Or, perhaps someone the hero loves has been kidnapped and they need to seek out and fight the villain who took this person from them. Develop traits that will make your hero likable. A good hero is not only someone with extraordinary abilities, it is also someone people look up to and would love to have as a friend. Think about what makes your hero likable and how you can incorporate these traits into your story. For example, your hero might be the son of a blacksmith who is skilled at sword fighting, but incredibly humble about their abilities and unwilling to enter competitions. Or, your hero might be a beautiful young princess who prefers blue jeans to ball gowns and who isn't above working alongside her own staff when there's a crisis. Give your hero flaws to make them more realistic. A perfect hero will be less likable and also harder for readers to relate to. It's important to give your hero some flaws as well. Your hero needs to seem human even if they're an immortal, such as a god or goddess. Think about what your hero's weaknesses might be and how you could weave those into your story. For example, your hero might be clumsy, gullible, hot-tempered, or impatient. Identify how your hero will grow from their experiences. Demonstrating your hero's growth is an important part of writing a story about a hero. Think about what changes your hero needs to make to overcome their biggest obstacle or to obtain the object of their quest. Knowing this ahead of time will help you to plan your story out and provide your hero with opportunities to develop the skills they need to be successful. For example, perhaps your hero needs to gain self-confidence and overcome a fear of public speaking. To give them practice, they might have a couple of opportunities where they will have to get the attention of a small crowd or a room full of people. This could be leading up to a scene where they have to speak in front of thousands of people to achieve their objective. Introduce the ordinary world of your hero. Even if the world your hero lives in is far from ordinary to your readers, it is still the ordinary world for your hero. Describe the world that they live in and show them going about their normal day-to-day activities in that world. Explain their roles and responsibilities in the world and what a typical day looks like for your hero. For example, the ordinary world in Toy Story is Andy's bedroom when the toys are alone and come to life. Woody serves as Andy's toy when Andy wants to play with him, and Woody also conducts toy meetings when Andy is not around. Include an initial conflict or call to adventure. This is the first problem that your hero will face. It might not be life-threatening, but it will be a problem for your hero nonetheless. Describe how that problem comes about and show how your hero responds to it. This is a good opportunity to show some of your hero's likable traits and their flaws. The conflict or call to adventure in Toy Story is when Woody is replaced by Buzz Lightyear. Woody feels rejected and his visible hurt feelings add to his likeability, but he is also very jealous of all of the attention Buzz is getting. Woody's jealousy is one of his flaws. Show that the hero is hesitant to go on the adventure. After you describe what adventure or conflict your hero is faced with, show how they refuse or deny it. This may take the form of your hero directly refusing to go on an adventure, or it might be a different kind of denial, such as denying their feelings or denying the truth about something. Your hero might cite practical reasons for refusing the call, but often the hero refuses to go on an adventure out of fear. In Toy Story , Woody refuses the call to adventure by denying that Buzz is Andy's new favorite toy. He also denies his own feelings and that he is jealous of Buzz. Woody's fear of no longer being the favorite is what drives him to deny what is actually happening. Provide a mentor or guide for your hero. When your hero finally starts to accept that they might need to go on the adventure, they will need someone to guide them. Usually, the hero's mentor will be someone with much more experience than they have. However, it might also be a peer who has a different skill set than they do and who they can learn from. In Toy Story , Woody's mentor is Buzz. Even though Buzz is new to Woody's world, he has different abilities than Woody does. Woody learns new things from Buzz while they are in the outside world. Another good example of a hero's guide or mentor in a story is Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars. He teaches Luke the ways of the Jedi so that Luke can go on his adventure. Describe the hero as passing the point of no return. This is also known as “crossing the threshold.” At this point in the story, the hero must go on the adventure to stop something terrible from happening or because they have no choice. Explain what happens to your hero or to someone in your hero's world that forces them to pursue their quest. For example, in Toy Story , Woody is forced to go on his adventure after Buzz falls out the window. Buzz falling out the window and Woody encountering him in the car after that happens is when they are over the threshold. Make your hero encounter tests, allies, and enemies. Your hero needs to undergo tests to grow. Introducing your hero to new allies and enemies will provide them with assistance and resistance as they work towards their ultimate objective. Think about how you can integrate tests, allies, and enemies into your hero's journey to move the story forward and make it more interesting. For example, in Toy Story , Woody and Buzz are tested when they have to work together to find Andy in the arcade. In the arcade, they also meet some new friends, such as the aliens in the claw machine. They also face off with an enemy: Sid, the kid next door who tortures toys. Show the hero approaching the special world or heart of the story. As the story progresses, your hero will get closer and closer to their objective. Describe how your hero glimpses the objective and what still stands in their way. These obstacles might be external, such as an enemy or difficult task, or they might be internal, such as overcoming their pride and asking for help. For example, in Toy Story , Woody and Buzz end up in Sid's bedroom and Woody can see his home from where they are. However, the other toys are still leery of him and he cannot return home until he lets go of his jealousy and works with Buzz to get back. Provide the hero with their biggest challenge yet. At this point in the story, the hero must face the biggest challenge of their journey. This might involve defeating a powerful enemy or obtaining a special item. Describe what your hero must do to overcome this challenge. This is a great opportunity to show how your hero has grown through their adventures. For example, your hero might demonstrate a skill that their mentor tried to teach them, but they struggled to master until this moment. In the example of Toy Story , Woody's greatest challenge is teaming up with Buzz and the other toys in Sid's room to stop Sid from hurting any more toys. They come up with a plan together and work as a team to scare off Sid. Allow the hero to obtain the object of their quest. After your hero has overcome their biggest challenge, they can obtain the item or other object of their quest. This might be a physical item, such as a key or magic sword, or something symbolic, such as earning the respect of an important figure in their life or gaining a meaningful title. For example, in Toy Story , Woody and Buzz escape from Sid's home and Woody has overcome his jealousy of Buzz. They've developed a meaningful friendship as a result of their adventures. Steer your hero back towards their home, but with a final test. Although your hero has overcome the major obstacle in their story, you may also include one last test for your hero to endure. This test can help to emphasize the hero's growth over the course of your story and provide closure on something that the hero has been struggling to achieve in the background of the story. For example, in Toy Story , Woody's final test is when he has to trust in Buzz and accept his help to get back to Andy. Buzz uses his special skills to get them to the car, and Woody shows that he is no longer jealous of Buzz. He is amazed by him and gladly accepts his help. Demonstrate how your hero has changed after their experiences. Your hero may undergo a symbolic or actual death as a result of their ordeal, and then they must also undergo a resurrection. This is when you show how your hero has changed as a result of where they have been and what they have done. For example, Woody compliments Buzz rather than poking fun at him showing that he has grown from the beginning of the story when he was jealous of Buzz and picking fights with him. In some stories, such as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows , the hero actually dies temporarily. Harry Potter dies, has a vision or visits a place between life and death, and then he is resurrected with new strength to defeat Lord Voldemort. Bring your hero back home with their quest completed. After your hero has completed the final task, describe the new normal of the hero's world. This might look much like the beginning of the story, but with a small, yet noticeable improvement that the hero's successful adventure has created. For example, in Toy Story , the new normal is much like the beginning of the story. However, instead of Woody running the toy meeting on his own, he is co-running it with Buzz. This shows that their friendship is still intact and that there is peace and harmony in Andy's room. | Identify your hero's goal or purpose. Develop traits that will make your hero likable. Give your hero flaws to make them more realistic. Identify how your hero will grow from their experiences. Introduce the ordinary world of your hero. Include an initial conflict or call to adventure. Show that the hero is hesitant to go on the adventure. Provide a mentor or guide for your hero. Describe the hero as passing the point of no return. Make your hero encounter tests, allies, and enemies. Show the hero approaching the special world or heart of the story. Provide the hero with their biggest challenge yet. Allow the hero to obtain the object of their quest. Steer your hero back towards their home, but with a final test. Demonstrate how your hero has changed after their experiences. Bring your hero back home with their quest completed. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Know-if-Your-Horse-Is-Sick | How to Know if Your Horse Is Sick | If you think your horse is sick, first take its vitals, like its pulse and temperature, and examine its eyes, ears, and mouth for any discharge, which is a sign that something's not right. Then look for common symptoms of sickness, like a dull coat, dark urine, or excessive sweating. Pay attention to how your horse is acting, too. Notice if it's acting overly restless, which could mean your horse has colic, or if it's eating different amounts than usual, which could be due to ulcers. | Check your horse's basic diagnostics. This means your horse's pulse/heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature. Pulse - The normal heart rate for a horse is 25-42 beats per minute. To check the horse's heart rate, place your palm on the horse's chest just behind the left elbow and feel for the bump-bump-bump of the heart beat. Count how many beats there are in a minute; this is the heart rate. It can also be useful to routinely calculate your horse's resting heart rate. Knowing what your horse's regular or normal rate is will make it easier for you identify abnormalities in the heart rate. Note that a consistently racing heart rate when the horse is resting (i.e., one that is higher than the usual upper limit of 42 beats/minute) can be a sign of heart disease or infection. If you discover your horse has a racing heart even when she's resting, get her checked out by a vet. Respiratory rate - The normal respiratory rate for horses is 10-24 breaths per minute. To check your horse's respiratory rate, stand back and watch her chest movements. One in-out movement of the chest counts as one breath. Count how many times this happens in one minute. It's best to do this check when your horse is resting so that this will be an indication of her normal respiratory rate. Make sure to wait to check her respiratory rate until at least half an hour after exercise. A raised respiratory rate during resting can be indicative of many different problems, including infection, allergy, fluid in the lungs, heart disease, and possibly cancer. All of these require veterinary attention. Temperature - The normal equine temperature is 98-101 Fahrenheit or 37.2 - 38.3 Celsius. A temperature above 38.3 Celsius is considered raised. You should monitor your horse's temperature if it reaches 38.3 degrees. If the temperature is between 38.3-38.8, then take your horse's temperature every couple of hours until the fever breaks. If the temperature rises above 38.8, call your vet. Such a high temperature is a sign of infection or severe inflammation. Examine your horse's eyes, nose, and mouth. Look for any unusual and sticky discharge, such as yellow or green pus. This may be an indication that your horse is sick. If you see any blood, contact the vet immediately. When checking the eyes, look to see if the eyes appear sunken in or the eye area appears hollowed out a bit. This could be a sign of Horner's syndrome, a disease relating to the nervous system that is common in many animals. Check also to see if the eyelids look droopy or if the horse's third eyelid (usually in the corner of each eye) is protruding upwards and moving over the eye; these are often symptoms of an infection or additional symptoms of Horner's syndrome. In addition, if the eyes can't fully open, you should consult a vet. Examine your horse's coat and skin. A dull coat is a sign that the horse is either in poor condition, suffering from a lack of nutrition or not grooming herself properly. If this is the only symptom, it is likely not an emergency, but you would do well to mention it to the vet the next time you see him. However, if this is one of several symptoms that you notice, call the vet directly. You can also test the elasticity of your horse's skin to check whether she or he is dehydrated. Gently lift the skin covering your horse's shoulders. When you let go, the skin should instantly pop back down; if you can watch the skin fall back droopily, then the horse is dehydrated. Horses can become dehydrated if they're not drinking enough, or are losing more fluid than they're taking in. Another way to check for dehydration is to examine your horse's mouth and feel how moist the membranes lining the lips and gums are. They should feel moist and slippery; if they feel dry and tacky, this means that the horse is dehydrated. If the horse is dehydrated, make sure she has access to water and call the veterinarian. Evaluate your horse's bowel movements. Constipation or diarrhea are both signs that something is not right with your horse. You may see your horse straining to pass feces but nothing comes out (constipation); alternatively, she may pass feces that are more liquid than usual (diarrhea). In both cases, you should consult your vet. If you notice any blood in your horse's stool, then the problem is urgent. Check your horse's urine. Concentrated urine can appear a dark color, but so does urine that contains blood or the breakdown products of blood. If the urine consistently appears unusually dark, you should consult your vet. If you suspect that dehydration is the cause of overly concentrated, dark-looking urine, remember that you can check the elasticity of your horse's skin to determine whether dehydration is at work. Where possible, collect a urine sample for your veterinarian to analyze. Check the color of your horse's gums. Most horses' gums are pink or lightly pigmented, just like human gums. If you lift your horse's lip and the gums appear very pale, abnormally dark or muddy looking, or bright red, then contact the vet immediately. Check to see whether your horse is sweating more than usual. A horse should not sweat profusely when she is resting, unless it's extremely hot outside. Sweating is often a sign that the horse is running a fever, is fearful, or is in pain. Note that horses lose electrolytes, such as sodium and chloride, in their sweat. This means that they become dehydrated from sweating profusely. It is therefore important to call the veterinarian if the horse is sweating heavily and yet refusing food and water. Assess whether your horse is standing oddly. If your horse looks like she is standing in an awkward manner, this is an indication that the horse is experiencing pain somewhere in her body. For example, if she stands rocked backwards, with her back legs placed beneath her belly and her front legs stuck out in front, this is usually a sign that she wants to take her weight off the front end because of sore feet. Sore feet can be a symptom of laminitis. In addition, if your horse stretches herself out when standing (i.e., her front feet are very far out and her hind feet are too far behind), this may be an attempt to relieve abdominal cramps or gut discomfort. If ever you suspect gut pain, contact your vet for guidance. Watch your horse move around. Check to see if your horse is moving stiffly or with an altered gait, or way of walking. If she is moving with stiffness or tension, she may be in pain or suffering from inflamed muscles or joints. You'll want to observe this over some time. After all, your horse may just be stiff after vigorous exercise and just needs a gentle walk to regain her full range of movement. If, however, after some gentle walking, your horse becomes stiffer still and is reluctant to move, then call a veterinarian. Consider whether your horse has exhibited dullness. Dullness means that the horse does not respond in her usual manner, such as greeting you with a whinny, or banging the stable door for feed. Dullness is often accompanied by a change in body language. She may start, for example, holding her head low and her ears may fail to twitch and not respond to surrounding sounds. Determine whether your horse exhibits signs of restlessness. Does she pace more than she usually does or exhibit a hard time settling down? A horse that is restless and doesn't relax in her stable in the usual way should be monitored closely. If the horse starts to throw herself to the ground, or lies downs and rises repeatedly, or kicks at her own belly, you should call the vet. These can all be signs of colic and should not be dismissed. Assess whether your horse is eating as usual. Horses are grazers, which means they eat little but eat very often. Research indicates that not eating even for 6 hours may predispose a horse to stomach ulcers, which highlights just how important regular eating patterns are to their well-being. If you notice your horse refusing food or water, or that her regular feed schedule is off, contact your vet. Watch your horse eat and check to see whether she is dropping a lot of feed while she eats. A horse's diet is high in fibre and necessitates a lot of chewing and grinding prior to swallowing. The large molar teeth towards the back of a horse's mouth are the equine equivalent of mill-stones. If your horse has a toothache, or the teeth have worn down unevenly and there is a sharp cusp digging into the cheek or tongue, then the horse will drop food out of her mouth. Sometimes this food is partially chewed and rolled up into balls, which then drop out of the mouth. This is known as quidding. Extremely messy eating and quidding are symptoms of dental discomfort and should be taken as signs to call the vet. The same goes for a horse that chews but can't swallow. These horses often appear hungry, chew their food, but then lower their heads, at which point the food usually falls out of their mouths. This can be caused by discomfort at the back of the throat, such as an ulcer or thorn between the teeth, the lodging of food in the esophagus (also known as choking), or infections like botulism. | Check your horse's basic diagnostics. Examine your horse's eyes, nose, and mouth. Examine your horse's coat and skin. Evaluate your horse's bowel movements. Check your horse's urine. Check the color of your horse's gums. Check to see whether your horse is sweating more than usual. Assess whether your horse is standing oddly. Watch your horse move around. Consider whether your horse has exhibited dullness. Determine whether your horse exhibits signs of restlessness. Assess whether your horse is eating as usual. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Apple-Pie-in-an-Apple | How to Make Apple Pie in an Apple | To make apple pie in an apple, start by cutting the top off an apple and carving out the core and seeds without piercing the bottom. Then, use a spoon to scoop out the inside of the apple until you have a small bowl, saving the pulp for the filling. Next, take the stem and skin off the top of the apple and dice it up before adding it to a bowl with the pulp. Once you've done that, stir sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon into the bowl and spoon the filling into the apple. Finally, cover the top of the apple with some pie crust and bake it for 30-40 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. | Preheat the oven to 350ºF/180ºC. Wash the apples well under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels. Set on a cutting board. Cut a lid into each apple and remove the tops. With a small sharp knife, carve out the core and seeds (without piercing the bottoms of the apples). Using a small spoon, carefully scrape out the insides of the apple until an apple cup is formed. Save the pulp in a small bowl for the filling. Rub a tiny bit of lemon juice on the insides of each apple to prevent them from turning brown. Dice and peel the lids very finely. Toss out the stems. Put the peeled and diced lid bits into the pulp bowl. Mix the sugar, flour and ground cinnamon into the apple pulp until well blended. Spoon the filling back into each apple. Fill about 3/4 of the way to prevent spillage of filling while baking. Using a cookie cutter (or knife), cut out apple lid sized circles in the dough, 1 per apple. You can also cut out shapes like leaves, flowers, stars or animals and layer each piece onto the apple to form a crust. Gently lay the crust circles over the apple tops and pinch the edges together much like you would a regular pie to seal the edges. Poke four little holes in the top to allow steam to come through. Bake on a baking sheet for 30-40 minutes or until slightly tender and crust is golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes. Serve warm sprinkled with powdered sugar or cinnamon on the tops. Enjoy! Finished. | Preheat the oven to 350ºF/180ºC. Wash the apples well under cold water. Cut a lid into each apple and remove the tops. Using a small spoon, carefully scrape out the insides of the apple until an apple cup is formed. Dice and peel the lids very finely. Mix the sugar, flour and ground cinnamon into the apple pulp until well blended. Spoon the filling back into each apple. Using a cookie cutter (or knife), cut out apple lid sized circles in the dough, 1 per apple. Gently lay the crust circles over the apple tops and pinch the edges together much like you would a regular pie to seal the edges. Bake on a baking sheet for 30-40 minutes or until slightly tender and crust is golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes. Serve warm sprinkled with powdered sugar or cinnamon on the tops. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Draw-an-Apple | How to Draw an Apple | To draw an apple, start by drawing a circle and then an oval that overlaps the top of the circle. Then, inside of the oval, draw 2 parallel curved lines with a small circle at the end to make the stem. After you draw the stem, erase the part of the oval that extends outside of the circle. Finally, color and shade your apple using red and yellow for the skin and brown for the stem. | Sketch a circle that's as wide as you want the apple to be. Press lightly with your pencil as you draw so you can go back later and erase unnecessary lines. The circle doesn't need to be perfectly symmetrical, but make it as big as you'd like your cartoon to be. To give your apple a distinct look, you could draw a circle that's shaped more like a tilted oval. Draw a w-shaped line that connects to the bottom of the circle. Since apples aren't perfectly round, sketch a slightly pointed base for it to sit on. Place your pencil on 1 side of the circle where the line begins curving down. Then, bring your pencil down and up near the center of the circle's bottom. Curve the line back down before bringing it up to meet the side of the apple's circle. You can make the w-shaped line as curved or pointed as you like. Remember that cartoons can exaggerate such features. Make an m-shaped line along the top of the circle. To give the apple its classic indent at the top, draw an m-shaped line that overlaps slightly in the center. Make the middle point of the m-shape as deep or shallow as you like. You'll place the stem in the middle of this m-shape. Draw over the apple to make the outline bold. Once you have the basic outline, take a darker pencil and sketch over the outline so the apple really stands out. Ensure that you don't draw over the unnecessary guidelines. Erase the unnecessary guidelines using a small eraser. Make 2 parallel lines extend from the top of the apple for a stem. Put your pencil in the middle of the m-shape you made for the apple's top. Draw a small line that curves up and to the right or left. Then, make another parallel line that's almost directly next to the first line. Sketch a tiny oval at the end of these lines to connect them and complete the stem. If you don't want the cartoon apple to have a stem, you can skip this step. Sketch a pointed oval coming off of the stem to make a leaf. If you'd like your apple to have a little leaf, draw a horizontal oval that extends from the stem. Make both ends pointed so the oval looks like a leaf. To add a little more detail, draw a straight line through the middle of the leaf. You can place the leave near the top, middle, or base of the stem. Add 2 circles for eyes and a smile if you want to draw a face. To give your cartoon apple a cute expression, draw 2 circles near the middle of the apple. Make the circles as large as you want the eyes to be and add as much detail as you like. Then, draw a curved line underneath them to make the apple's smile. For example, make large eyes with small circles in the centers for pupils or draw small solid-black eyes for simple eyes. Sketch a circle that's as large as you'd like the apple to be. Keep in mind that your circle doesn't need to be perfect since most apples have a unique, irregular shape. Press lightly so you can easily erase guidelines later. Draw a horizontal oval that overlaps the bottom quarter of the circle. Sketch a horizontal oval that's about two-thirds as long as the circle's width. Draw it so it overlaps the bottom quarter of the circle. Create an m-shape at the top and an upward indent at the bottom. Press firmly and draw a line that curves in an m-shape across the top of the circle. Keep pressing firmly as you draw down the sides of the circle to connect to the bottom of the oval. Draw across the bottom of the oval and make a slight indent up in the middle. Make the indent come up about a quarter of the way up the oval or less. If you make the indent too pronounced, your apple will look more tooth-shaped. Sketch 2 narrow parallel lines to make a short stem. Draw a short horizontal line near the top of the apple and make the ends curve up like a smile. Then, draw a short vertical line that's the same size as the indent line, but make it curve away to the right or left. Sketch another parallel line with barely any space in between them. Draw a short line at the top to connect the parallel lines of the stem. You can make your stem as short or long as you like. Draw an oval-shaped leaf attached to the stem. Sketch an oval that's slightly longer than the stem and position it near the top, middle, or base of the stem. Make the ends of the oval pointed and draw a straight line through the center of the oval to give the leaf a realistic look. If you don't want your apple to have a leaf, skip this step. Erase unnecessary guidelines from the middle of the apple. Use the eraser on the back of your pencil so you can erase just the visible guidelines and not your apple outline. Carefully erase the guidelines in the center of the apple as well as the visible ones at the top and bottom of the apple. Ensure that you're using a clean eraser or you may accidentally smear the graphite. Use cross-hatching and shading to make your apple appear 3-dimensional. Shade across the entire apple in 1 direction. Imagine where the light is hitting the apple and add more shading to parts of the apple that are hidden in shadow, such as near the bottom. To make the apple look realistic, cross-hatch by shading in these darker areas in the opposite direction. For example, if the light is hitting the top left portion of the apple, add lots of shading to the bottom right side of the apple and leaf as well as the indent at the top of the apple. Erase areas near the top of the apple that you'd like to highlight. Take a rubber eraser or use the clean eraser on the end of your pencil and gently erase a circular space near the top of the apple on 1 side. Imagine where the light's hitting the apple so you know exactly where to erase. Go back and use your finger or a blending stump to smudge the edges of the highlighted space so they realistically blur into the rest of the apple. | Sketch a circle that's as wide as you want the apple to be. Draw a w-shaped line that connects to the bottom of the circle. Make an m-shaped line along the top of the circle. Draw over the apple to make the outline bold. Make 2 parallel lines extend from the top of the apple for a stem. Sketch a pointed oval coming off of the stem to make a leaf. Add 2 circles for eyes and a smile if you want to draw a face. Sketch a circle that's as large as you'd like the apple to be. Draw a horizontal oval that overlaps the bottom quarter of the circle. Create an m-shape at the top and an upward indent at the bottom. Sketch 2 narrow parallel lines to make a short stem. Draw an oval-shaped leaf attached to the stem. Erase unnecessary guidelines from the middle of the apple. Use cross-hatching and shading to make your apple appear 3-dimensional. Erase areas near the top of the apple that you'd like to highlight. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-an-Article-for-Your-School-Newspaper | How to Write an Article for Your School Newspaper | To write an article for your school newspaper, start with a lead paragraph that explains the who, what, where, when, and why of what you're writing about. Then, for the second and third paragraphs, include any additional facts and details that your readers should know. You can also include quotes from witnesses or school officials in this part of your article. Finally, conclude your article with the least important or relevant information. | Audition to join the school newspaper team. If you aren't already on your school's newspaper staff, chances are you'll need to try out, or audition, to join the team. Most often, you'll need to submit several sample articles to prove that you have adequate writing and research skills. Check with the newspaper's staff supervisor to see what the process looks like for your school's newspaper. Check to see if there are deadlines for turning in mock articles, what the editor is looking for in a new staff member, and if there are any meetings you can attend to get more information. Check with the editor to get an assignment. Once you're on the newspaper team, always check in with your editor to get specific assignments. If you have an idea for an article you'd like to write, pitch it to them and see if it's something you can get approval to work on. If you've been on staff for a while, you may have the freedom to choose your own article topics. But until you know your position, it's always a good idea to ask for assignments. Write a feature story to explore an in-depth issue or event. Feature stories are generally 1000 words or more, and they focus on school policies, changes in the administration, national legislation that will affect the lives of students, and other big situations. When you write a feature story, focus on facts and research and include more background information than you would in other articles. Feature stories are the largest articles in a newspaper, and they often go beyond simple facts to the reasons behind something, like why an event happened and what it means for students moving forward. An example of a feature story would be an article about a new scholarship being offered in your state. How it works, who is eligible, and facts about the work that went into making the scholarship program a reality would make a compelling story. Work on a news story to share information about events or policies. A news story is generally a little shorter than a feature story, coming in at 750 to 1000 words. Write about information that students will find interesting or helpful, and focus on the facts of the story and offering multiple points of view about the situation. A news story should veer away from any personal feelings or opinions. News articles are generally more straight-forward than feature stories or opinion articles. They convey relevant information in an unbiased way. Submit an editorial if you'd like to write about general opinion. Editorials are also called “opinion pieces,” and they don't include a byline, meaning that your name won't be signed to the article. These pieces won't be written in the singular first-person point of view, they're about 500 words long, and they provide commentary on topical, relevant issues. For example, you could write an editorial about school rules, events or groups on campus, sports, programs, or teaching methods. Choose to write a column to share your opinion and sign your name. Use the singular first-person when writing a column, and share your personal opinions about various topics. For example, you could write an advice column or a mental health column. Columns run anywhere from 250 to 750 words. If you want to be a regular columnist for your school newspaper, present a plan to your editor for a series of articles that you'd like to work on. For example, you could propose a 4-week series about starting a club or practicing self-care. Share an educational article to teach others about a specific topic. How-to articles or other educational articles are fact- and action-oriented, and they can span many different topics. Make sure to write about topics that are interesting to students and school life to keep your articles engaging. For example, you could write an article called “Top 10 Tips to Manage Stress,” “How to Develop Good Study Habits,” or “How to Get in Shape before Tryouts.” Publish reviews to share an objective opinion with readers. Review things like books, movies, classes, music, and TV shows. Include a brief description of the thing you're reviewing, and then write about a few objective positives and negatives to help others decide if they'd like to spend money or time on the presented subject. For example, if you review a new movie that came out, you could write about who would most enjoy the film. Perhaps it would be great for someone who likes action movies but not as enjoyable for someone who prefers comedies. Check the submission guidelines before writing your article. You need to know the minimum and maximum word requirements, deadlines for turning in a draft and a final copy, and any other specifics about style, layout, and production. Some papers require a minimum number of sources for an article, or you may have to submit your piece to a fact-checker before it's approved for editing. Talk to your editor, production manager, or faculty advisor for more information. Ask simple questions to gather the basic information for your article. Once you know what you're going to write about, start asking questions. Who, what, where, when, why, and how, are great basic questions to help you get the information you'll need to write a compelling article. Take notes on the answers to each of these questions, and let them lead you to other areas of inquiry. Who? Find out who was involved, whether that would be students, administrators, or other people in your community. What? Write down exactly what it is that you are writing about. Is it an event, a person, or an idea? Be as specific as possible. Where? Identify where the event took place. Is this a subject that is particular to your school or community, or is it a national subject? When? Make note of important dates and times. Why? Determine the reasons behind the subject. Was there a catalyst? How? Connect the rest of your information together to determine how an event or subject came together. Interview good sources or witnesses to get quotes. Identify the people you need to talk to, and then contact them to set up interviews. Prepare questions ahead of time and bring a notebook or recorder with you so you can take notes. Try to hold the interview in a quiet location, like a coffee shop or empty classroom, so that it's easier for both you and your subject to concentrate. When contacting a person for an interview, let them know who you are and what topic you're writing about, and give them an estimate of how much of their time you'll need. When you finish an interview, take 10 minutes to write down additional notes right away. They'll be fresh in your mind and you'll be less likely to forget important details. Talk with other students and teachers to get their opinions on the topic. If you're writing about a subject that affects your peers, get their input. Many articles include quotes from other people, so don't be afraid to take polls or get statements from others. Ask if you have someone's permission to use their name and words in your article, and write down their quote verbatim. You can use anonymous sources, but quotes are more compelling when they can be traced back to a specific individual. Fact-check all the information you gather. Even if a reliable source tells you something, you still need to fact-check it if you can. Opinions, of course, can't be fact-checked. But if someone tells you names, dates, or details that can be verified through another source, take the time to do so. Fact-checking makes you a more trustworthy writer and ensures that you're taking the time to communicate as truthfully as you can about any particular subject. Keep track of all your research and sources. Whether you use a notebook, files, or a computer to take notes, develop a consistent system for writing articles. Write down who said what, where you found a fact, and what dates things occurred on, even your interviews. This will help later if you need to back up a claim you made or if you need to verify information in your article. Some reporters dictate notes to themselves or write out daily logs about their interviews and research. Figure out what works for you and your lifestyle, and then stick to it. Use the inverted pyramid style to captivate readers. Include the most important details at the beginning of your article and let them take up the most space. Each subsequent paragraph can include general information and background notes, but put the most compelling information about the “who, what, where, when, why, and how” of the story first. A lot of times, readers will decide if they want to continue reading an article based off of the first sentence or two. Come up with a catchy headline to hook people into reading your article. The headline, or “hed,” needs to be catchy while communicating the essence of the article with just a few words. Keep the headline short, direct, and active. Match the tone of the headline to the tone of the article. Sometimes you'll come up with a great headline before you even write the article, but most often you won't know exactly what you're presenting until after you've written it. Try waiting until after you've written your article to come up with the headline, and then make sure it fits in with the given topic. Answer all the pertinent questions within the first 2 paragraphs. Keep each paragraph to 3 or 4 sentences maximum. Present the information and give the details about the subject at hand. Save background information and quotes for the following paragraphs. People who want to know more about the topic will continue reading past those first 2 paragraphs, but people who just wanted the basic information will get their answers without having to search through the entire article. Write with clear, descriptive language and an engaging tone. Avoid flowery language or redundant sentences. Be specific and concise, and communicate why the subject matters. Use the active voice and an informational tone. For example, instead of saying, “Principal Miller comes from rainy Washington state and had been teaching before becoming a principal for 15 years,” you could say something like, “Principal Miller previously lived in Washington, and she has over 15 years of experience in the educational system." Include quotations that support the content of the article. When you can, use a quote to communicate an opinion (unless you're writing a column) or a directive. For example, if the flu is spreading around school, get a quote from the school nurse about preventative measures students can take to stay healthy. Quotes should give your article authority and back up the facts you're presenting. Always ask for permission to quote someone when you're interviewing them. Proofread and edit your article before submitting it to your editor. Check that your sources are cited correctly and proofread for grammatical and spelling errors. Read your article out loud to listen for awkward sentences or poorly constructed paragraphs. You could even have a friend or peer review your article to see if there are any details you forgot to include. Being able to proofread your own work is an essential part of being a successful member of the newspaper staff, and the more you work at it, the better you'll get. | Audition to join the school newspaper team. Check with the editor to get an assignment. Write a feature story to explore an in-depth issue or event. Work on a news story to share information about events or policies. Submit an editorial if you'd like to write about general opinion. Choose to write a column to share your opinion and sign your name. Share an educational article to teach others about a specific topic. Publish reviews to share an objective opinion with readers. Check the submission guidelines before writing your article. Ask simple questions to gather the basic information for your article. Interview good sources or witnesses to get quotes. Talk with other students and teachers to get their opinions on the topic. Fact-check all the information you gather. Keep track of all your research and sources. Use the inverted pyramid style to captivate readers. Come up with a catchy headline to hook people into reading your article. Answer all the pertinent questions within the first 2 paragraphs. Write with clear, descriptive language and an engaging tone. Include quotations that support the content of the article. Proofread and edit your article before submitting it to your editor. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Mashed-Cauliflower | How to Make Mashed Cauliflower | To make mashed cauliflower, start by bringing a pot of water to a boil on the stovetop. Then, cook cauliflower florets in the boiling water for 10 minutes, or until they're tender. Next, drain the cauliflower in a colander, and let it stand for 3 minutes. Finally, use a potato masher to mash the cauliflower until it's the consistency of mashed potatoes. | Place the cauliflower in a microwave-safe bowl. Add 1/4 cup (60 ml) of water to the bowl and cover the dish with microwave-safe plastic wrap. Instead of using a microwave-safe bowl, you could also use a microwave-safe glass casserole dish that already has a lid. Do not use plastic wrap if you are using a lid. Avoid lids that create an air-proof seal. If the lid to your dish creates a tight seal, leave the lid slightly askew on the top of the container to allow the contents of the dish room to vent. Microwave for 3 to 5 minutes. Cook the cauliflower on full power in the microwave until it becomes tender. Once ready, the cauliflower should be tender enough to easily pierce with a fork. If it is still tough after 5 minutes in the microwave, you can continue microwaving it up to 5 minutes longer, going at intervals of 1 to 2 minutes each. Let stand. Before you mash the cauliflower, let it cool down for about 5 minutes, or until it feels cool enough to touch. Drain any excess water from the dish before proceeding. The cauliflower needs to be fairly dry. Transfer the cauliflower to a food processor along with the other ingredients. Add the chicken broth, sour cream, salt, and pepper. If the cauliflower is too large to fit into the food processor, cut it into chunks using a kitchen knife. You could use a blender if you do not have a food processor. Note that the cauliflower will need “steam” room, though, so if you use a blender, cover the top of the blender with a heavy, clean kitchen towel. Pulse until smooth. Blend the ingredients together until you get the texture you desire. Scrape the sides with a spatula, as needed, to ensure even blending. For creamier mashed cauliflower, blend the ingredients together at a high speed for a few minutes. For chunkier mashed cauliflower, pulse the ingredients together at a medium speed for only a minute or so. Serve warm. Mashed cauliflower is best enjoyed while still warm. Top with butter, additional pepper, or chives, as desired. Boil a large saucepan of water. Fill a large saucepan or stockpot roughly halfway with water and heat it over high heat. Once it reaches a boil, add a dash of salt to the water. Adding salt to the water allows the salt the flavor the cauliflower as it cooks. You could add it before the water reaches a boil, but doing so will cause the water to take a little more time to reach its boiling point. Add the cauliflower and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Place the florets in the boiling water and cook, uncovered, until tender. The cauliflower should be tender enough to pierce with a fork. Drain the cauliflower. After draining the cauliflower, return it to the still-hot pot and let stand for 2 to 3 minutes. Drain the cauliflower by pouring the contents of the pot through a colander. Remove the pot from the heat while letting the cauliflower stand. Cover the pot as the cauliflower stands. Heat the olive oil in a skillet. Add the olive oil to a small skillet and heat it over medium heat for roughly 60 seconds. The oil should be glossy and hot, but not hot enough to sizzle. Add and cook the garlic. Place the garlic in the hot oil and cook for roughly 2 minutes, or until it becomes soft and fragrant. Stir the garlic frequently using a spatula as it cooks. Remove the garlic from the skillet once ready. Combine the garlic, cheeses, salt, and pepper with the cauliflower. Add cooked garlic, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to the stockpot along with the cauliflower. If your stockpot is large enough, you do not need to transfer the cauliflower to another bowl. It can be mashed directly inside the pot. Mash the cauliflower with a potato masher. Use this utensil to smash the soft cauliflower until it reaches a chunky consistency reminiscent of mashed potatoes. Make sure that the other ingredients are worked into the cauliflower as you mash it. Use firm pressure and press the potato masher straight down into the contents of the pot. Serve warm. Mashed cauliflower is best enjoyed while still warm. Top with butter, additional pepper, or chives, as desired. Boil water in a large saucepan. Fill a large saucepan or stockpot about 1/2 to 2/3 full with water. Heat the water on high until it reaches a boil. Add a dash of salt to the water, if desired. Adding salt to the water will draw out more flavor from the cauliflower. You could add it before the water reaches a boil, but doing so will cause the water to take a little more time to reach its boiling point. As a result, you may find it more beneficial to add it after the water has already begun boiling. Add the cauliflower and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Cook the cauliflower, uncovered, until it becomes tender. The cauliflower must be tender enough to pierce with a fork. Drain the water. Once the cauliflower is adequately cooked, pour the contents of the stockpot or saucepan through a colander to separate the water from the vegetable. Throw the drained cauliflower back into the still-hot saucepan. Let it sit, removed from the heat of the stove, with the lid on for 2 to 3 minutes. Combine and heat the garlic, coconut oil, coconut milk, salt, and pepper. Place the ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl and heat, uncovered, for about 1 minute on full power. If you are concerned about food splatters, lightly cover the top of the bowl with a paper towel before you microwave the coconut milk mixture. Doing so will prevent most splatters without interfering with the heating process. Note that you could also heat these ingredients in a small saucepan on the stove for the same amount of time. Puree the cauliflower in a food processor. Meanwhile, transfer the cooked cauliflower to a food processor and puree on medium to high speed until whipped and smooth. As you process the cauliflower, you may need to scrap down the sides of the food processor with a spatula periodically to ensure even blending. You could use a blender instead of a food processor, if necessary. Add the coconut milk solution and pulse. Once the cauliflower reaches your desired consistency, add the warm coconut milk mixture to the mashed cauliflower and pulse for 10 seconds. The coconut milk mixture will make the cauliflower creamier, but it must be evenly blended into the cauliflower. Serve warm. Mashed cauliflower is best enjoyed while still warm. Top with butter, additional pepper, or chives, as desired. | Place the cauliflower in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 3 to 5 minutes. Let stand. Transfer the cauliflower to a food processor along with the other ingredients. Pulse until smooth. Serve warm. Boil a large saucepan of water. Add the cauliflower and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the cauliflower. Heat the olive oil in a skillet. Add and cook the garlic. Combine the garlic, cheeses, salt, and pepper with the cauliflower. Mash the cauliflower with a potato masher. Serve warm. Boil water in a large saucepan. Add the cauliflower and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the water. Combine and heat the garlic, coconut oil, coconut milk, salt, and pepper. Puree the cauliflower in a food processor. Add the coconut milk solution and pulse. Serve warm. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grass-Feed-a-Horse | How to Grass Feed a Horse | To grass feed a horse, you'll need to let it graze as much as possible each day. If your horse isn't used to eating wild grass, introduce it to grazing gradually to avoid digestive issues. For example, start with 1 hour of grazing a day and gradually increase the time over the next 10 days. When your horse is grazing, keep an eye on the grass in the pasture. Once it's down to 3 or 4 inches in length, move the horse to another pasture and let the grass regrow to about 6 to 8 inches. You may need to move your horse every 1-2 weeks. During times when lots of fresh new grass is growing, limit your horse's grazing time to 1 hour a day and supplement its diet with baled hay to prevent digestive problems. | Choose and fence off your pastures. Before getting started on grazing your horses, you need to do a couple things to prepare, like choosing pastures and fencing your pastures. Multiple fenced pastures are often necessary because of the lifecycle of the grasses in your pastures and the demands your horses will put on the pasture ecosystem. Consider: Having at least 2 (or many more) pastures, a spring/summer pasture and a fall/winter pasture. Making sure your pastures have proper drainage and don't have large holes or other dangers that could harm your horses. Walking your fence line a couple times a year to make sure the fence is maintained and will keep your horses in. Creating shelters like a “lean to” so your horses will have cover from the elements. Test your soil to make sure it can support grazing grasses. In order to make sure your pasture is producing enough grass of the right type for your horses to graze on, you'll have to test your soil. Testing your soil will help you figure out whether and what type of fertilizer you need. After you know the pH and general composition of your soil, you'll have a better idea of where to go from there. Contact your local agricultural extension service for help on testing. Agricultural extension services are often funded by the Federal government and associated with public universities in the United States. They provide resources to the community to promote sound agricultural practices. Test in 10-acre (0.04 square kilometer) sections. Make sure to test again every couple of years. Manage the pH of your soil. The pH of your soil is one of the most important things that contributes to healthy grass growth and decomposition of waste material. As a result, you'll want to establish a healthy pH when establishing your pasture, and manage it in the following years. Acidic soil will undermine your fertilizer. Generally, a pH of 6 to 7 is very good for most types of grasses. If you need to raise your pH, add lime. Lime will raise your pH for a few years. Contact your extension agent for specifics. Fertilize your soil. If you've tested your soil, and you understand its pH level and composition, you'll be more equipped to fertilize your soil in order to produce the type(s) of grass that is best for your climate and geology. Perhaps one of the most important things to consider is whether you want to use organic or inorganic fertilizer. Inorganic fertilizer is fertilizer that has probably been processed to promote plant growth. It makes nutrients available faster, has a specific nutrient composition formulated for grass growth, and is more concentrated than organic. Organic fertilizer is derived from natural sources and is often unprocessed. It releases nutrients more slowly than inorganic, and it is hard to determine the exact concentration and amount of nutrients in it. You'll also probably need more of it. Organic fertilizer, like manure, is often cheaper than inorganic fertilizer. The type of fertilizer you use might depend on your climate, geology, and other factors. Contact your local extension agent for more information. Pick your grass. After you've tested and fertilized your soil, you'll need to determine if you want to plant a specific type of grass in your pasture. The type of grass you pick will be dependent on a number of factors, so consider: Your soil acidity. Your climate. Drainage and amount of water. The number of animals grazing in the pasture. The season. Different grasses grow better in different seasons. Depending on your location, you might be dependent on several grasses. Ensure you have enough space for all of your horses. Constant grazing in a pasture is very demanding on the grasses and the soils. As a result, you don't want to overgraze a pasture. You could undermine the ability of that pasture to produce the grass you need. Always make sure you have enough space for all of your animals. As a rule of thumb, you should have at least one acre (4,047 square meters) of pasture per horse. Let your horse graze as often as possible. The first step in making sure your horse is eating enough grass is to let it graze as often as possible. Horses spend about 70% of their time in a pasture grazing, so the more time spent in a pasture, the more grazing your horse will be able to do. Introduce your horses slowly to the pasture in the springtime if they’ve been stalled in the winter. The method of introducing your horses to a new pasture depends on your specific circumstances. Generally, if your horses have been in a pasture all winter, then you can just move them into the new spring pasture without any issues. If your horses have been stalled or have not been eating wild grass during the winter, you need to slowly introduce them to the pasture. Start with about an hour of grazing time the first day. Increase grazing time over the next 10 days. Alternatively, you can use grazing muzzles to limit how much of the nutrient-rich grass your horses eat. Monitor your horses, as horses that have been stalled or have not been eating pasture grass during the winter could have an adverse reaction if they are suddenly introduced to an endless supply of pasture grass. Manage your pasture and watch the grass quality. Many extension services note that the regrowth or recovery time for grasses ranges from 10 to 60 days. This depends on a lot of factors, such as season, temperature, water levels, and the soil. Because of this, the more pastures you have, the better and healthier your grass will be. Wait until your grass is 6 to 8 inches (15.2 to 20.3 cm) high before reintroducing animals. Rest your pasture when the grass is down to 3 or 4 inches (7.6 or 10.2 cm). If possible, consider dividing up your pastures so that you can move your horses to a new pasture every 1-2 weeks. If you don't have enough land, divide your pasture up as much as possible to make sure your grasses have an adequate amount of time to regenerate before you reintroduce your horses. Regrowth time depends on location, grass, and soil quality, so contact your local extension office for more information. Watch for flushes of new grass throughout the year. Fresh, lush grass lacks adequate fiber and can cause diarrhea in horses from gut imbalances. The higher sugar levels in new grass can also lead to behavioral problems or laminitis. At times such times where there is rapid new grass growth, consider limiting your horses' grazing to an hour a day. Wait until the grass has matured a little and you have phased your horses into a new pasture before unleashing them permanently. Such imbalances due to flushes of new grass are typical during the spring. Make sure your horses are getting plenty of fiber, in the form of baled hay, to counteract any potential problems. Consider letting multiple species graze in your pasture. Some experts recommend letting other animals graze with your horses. Sheep and goats, especially, will eat weeds and other plants that your horses won't. This typically increases the ability of your pasture to produce higher quality grasses since they will no longer be competing with weeds for nutrients and space. Monitor your grass constantly. Watching the quality of your grass and your pastures is an ongoing job. It is never a good idea to assume that the grass your horse has access to is supplying all your horse's needs. You should walk your pasture every week to see how the grass is and to figure out if you need to move your horses to another pasture or provide them with extra forage or protein supplements. Make sure your horse has plenty of protein. In pastures where the grass quality is relatively poor, your horse might be consuming an insufficient amount of protein. Protein is extremely important for growth and muscle repair. It is even more important for working horses. If your pasture has poor quality grass, consider protein supplements for your horse, such as: Canola meal. Soybean meal. Other bean meals. Growing horses need 12% to 18% protein in their diet. Mature horses need 8% to 12% protein in their diet. Provide alternative forage during down times for grass if necessary. In some regions, grass will decline in quality or cease to grow during certain times of the year. As a result, you'll need to provide alternative forage, such as bales of alfalfa mixed with other grasses. There are a number of times you should consider added bales of forage to your pastures for your horses: During winter months where grasses don't grow or decline in quality. In summer months in regions where excessive rainfall makes fields unsuitable for grass growth. In times of excessive heat or drought when grass quality will decline. Spread out your forage at various locations throughout the pasture. Provide treats and supplements that add nutritional diversity. Even though your horses will primarily depend on grass for their food, you should offer them treats and other supplements. Treats will make your horses happy and help you form a bond with them. Supplements will make sure that their nutritional needs are completely met. Consider: Carrots. Horses love this traditional treat. Apples. Apples are another popular treat that horses enjoy. A variety of supplements. Contact your vet for suggestions about what supplements your horses might need based on your climate and the type of grass in your pastures. | Choose and fence off your pastures. Test your soil to make sure it can support grazing grasses. Manage the pH of your soil. Fertilize your soil. Pick your grass. Ensure you have enough space for all of your horses. Let your horse graze as often as possible. Introduce your horses slowly to the pasture in the springtime if they’ve been stalled in the winter. Manage your pasture and watch the grass quality. Watch for flushes of new grass throughout the year. Consider letting multiple species graze in your pasture. Monitor your grass constantly. Make sure your horse has plenty of protein. Provide alternative forage during down times for grass if necessary. Provide treats and supplements that add nutritional diversity. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-an-Espresso-Machine | How to Clean an Espresso Machine | To clean an espresso machine after using it, scrub your portafilter and basket clean with a nylon brush or pad. Then, use a brush to clean the gasket, and wash the screen and underside of the group. To keep your stream wand sanitized, purge it before and after every use, which will prevent clogs. Alternatively, if you need to descale your machine of mineral deposits, fill the reservoir with fresh water. Then, add descaling solution, and run it through the steam wand, group, and machine. | Scrub the portafilter and basket. Remove the basket from the portafilter. Use a nylon brush or a scrubby pad to dislodge grounds from the portafilter and basket. Rinse the basket and portafilter with hot water and dry the items with a clean towel. The portafilter is the handled, portable filter that is inserted into the group (the gasket that releases hot water to make the espresso). The basket, or portafilter basket, is a metal filter screen that is placed within the portafilter. Clean the gasket. Insert a nylon brush into the group to clean the gasket. Move the brush around the edges to dislodge material from the gasket. Run water through the group to rinse away any remaining material. The gasket, or group gasket, is a rubber-O ring with grooves. The gasket provides the seal between the group and the portafilter. Wash the screen and underside of the group. Look at the underside of the group and locate a screw. Loosen the screw with a short screwdriver to remove the screen from the group. Use a nylon brush or scrubby pad to remove debris from each side of the screen. Debris can build up in the area behind the screen. While the screen is out, scrub the interior of the group. Screw the screen back in place. The screen, or group screen, covers the filter chamber. It prevents grounds and oils from clogging the head. Backwash the machine. Insert a blind disk, a basket without holes, into the portafilter. Lock the portafilter into the group. Turn on the group and allow it to run for approximately twelve seconds. Remove the portafilter, empty the water, and repeat the process one more time. Before you backwash your machine, read the user's manual to determine if this cleaning process is recommended by the manufacturer. Sanitize the steam arm. When left uncleaned, milk-proteins will build up on your steam arm. Overtime, the residue will affect the taste of your drinks and clog your machines. To prevent this from occurring, purge your steam wand before and after use. Place a clean, damp rag over the steam wand's nozzle. Turn on the steam wand for one to two seconds to flush out water and milk proteins. Once you've steamed your milk, wipe down the steam arm with a clean, damp rag. Place the rag over the nozzle and turn the wand on for one to two seconds. Wipe down the machine. Making espresso can be a messy process. After you're done pulling shots and frothing milk, run a clean, damp rag over the entire machine. If you use a cleaner, make sure it is safe to use on your machine. Make the cleaning solution. Once a week, you should chemically clean your espresso machine with a specially formulated cleaner. Dissolve espresso machine cleaner into a container of fresh water. When you prepare the solution, always follow the instructions listed on the cleaning product. Disassemble the machine for cleaning. You can use the cleaning solution to chemically sanitize your machine's portafilter, basket, steam wand, and screen. Remove portafilter from the machine. Take the basket out off the portafilter. Detach the steam wand from the machine. Remove the screen from the group with a small screwdriver. Soak the items in the solution. In the evening, insert the items into the cleaning solution. Allow the pieces to soak overnight. Do not be alarmed if your cleaning solution changes color. This indicates that the chemicals have dissolved espresso residue Scrub and rinse the items. Remove the items from the solution. If the cleaning solution did not dissolve all of the espresso residue, scrub the portafilter, basket, steam wand, and/or screen with a scrubbing pad. Rinse the espresso machine parts under warm water. Double-check the steam wand to make sure all of the milk-protein is removed. Consult the product's instructions to determine how to dispose of the cleaning solution. Prepare the descaling solution. Over time, mineral deposits from your water build up in your machine. To remove these deposits, clean, or descale, your espresso machine every three to four months with a commercial descaling solution. To prepare the solution: Fill your machine's reservoir with fresh water. Add the descaling solution to the water and let it dissolve. Always read and follow the instructions listed on the descaling cleaner. Run the solution through the steam wand. Place a container under the steam wand to catch the solution. Turn on the steam wand. Allow approximately one cup of solution to run through the steam wand. Turn off the steam wand. The descaling solution contains citric acid. If not collected, the citric acid will tarnish the espresso machine's metal exterior. Turn off your espresso machine. Let the machine rest for twenty minutes. During this time, the descaling solution will start to work. In order for the descaling solution to work effectively, you must let it sit in the machine for twenty minutes. Run the solution through the steam wand and group. Turn on your machine. Place a container under the steam wand. Flush approximately ¼ cup solution through the steam wand. Turn off the steam wand and set the container directly under the portafilter. Turn on the group and run approximately ¼ cup solution through the portafilter. If you have a super-automatic espresso machine, run ½ cup of solution through the steam wand. Do not run any solution through the group. Turn off the machine. Allow the machine to sit for another twenty minutes. As it sits, the solution will continue to break down the mineral deposits. Run the rest of the solution through the machine. After twenty minutes, turn on the machine. Place the container under the steam wand. Flush half of the remaining solution through the steam wand. Move the container under the portafilter. Turn on the group and drain the rest of the solution from the machine. If you have a super-automatic machine, run all of the solution through the steam wand. Flush the machine with fresh water. Fill the reservoir with fresh, clean water. Run the clean water through the steam wand and portafilter. Run a second reservoir of fresh water through the machine if desired. Place a container under the steam wand and portafilter to collect the water. If your espresso machine is super-automatic, flush all of the fresh water through the steam wand. | Scrub the portafilter and basket. Clean the gasket. Wash the screen and underside of the group. Backwash the machine. Sanitize the steam arm. Wipe down the machine. Make the cleaning solution. Disassemble the machine for cleaning. Soak the items in the solution. Scrub and rinse the items. Prepare the descaling solution. Run the solution through the steam wand. Turn off your espresso machine. Run the solution through the steam wand and group. Turn off the machine. Run the rest of the solution through the machine. Flush the machine with fresh water. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Your-Cat%27s-Nose | How to Check Your Cat's Nose | To check your cat's nose, look around the area for signs of a nosebleed such as bruising or swelling, since this can be a sign of injury or illness. If you notice any flaking or chapped skin on your cat's nose that lasts for more than a few days, you should consult your vet. Similarly, if your cat's nose is unusually wet, or if the temperature suddenly changes, keep an eye on it so you can take it to the vet if the symptoms persist. Additionally, look for any mucus coming from your cat's nose. If it's dark in color, this may be a sign of infection since mucus should be clear. | Examine your cat monthly. In addition to a yearly veterinarian visit, you should give your cat a home health check at least once a month. Doing this regularly will ease your cat's anxiety about it over time and make the process easier. This full exam, including its nose, should also cover: Ears Eyes Mouth, teeth, and gums Body Skin and coat Claws Chin Take your pet's temperature. If you notice nasal discharge and accompanying symptoms, take your cat's temperature. For the most accurate reading, purchase a rectal thermometer at a pet store or online. Normally, your cat's temperature should be between 100.5–102.5 °F (38.1–39.2 °C). If you get a reading of 104 °F (40 °C) or more (indicating a fever), contact your vet immediately. Clean your cat’s nose. After examining your cat's nose, wipe it clean using water and a cloth or cotton ball. Gently brace your cat's face and wipe its nose as quickly as possible. Follow up by giving your cat a treat to help teach it that this can be a good experience. Check for signs of nosebleeds. Short of actually seeing your cat having a nosebleed, there may be evidence present on your cat's nose that they are experiencing them. Look for swelling around the area, pus coming out of your cat's nostrils, or bruising on the nose. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately as nosebleeds can be a sign of injury or serious illnesses such as: Cancer Anemia Kidney failure Blood clotting disorders Bacterial infection Dental abscess Check for flaking skin. Chapped or flaking skin could be a sign of a dermatological problem in your cat. If you observe this symptom for more than a few days, contact your veterinarian. Dry skin on your cat's nose can also be attributed to: Time spent near a heater or other heat source Poor air circulation Sun exposure Dried saliva from licking its nose Assess the temperature and wetness of your cat's nose. A cat's nose can vary in temperature and wetness, which generally are not a cause for concern. Most cats have moist, cool noses, but dryness does not usually indicate a serious issue unless accompanied by a fever. Sudden wetness, however, could be a sign of an upper respiratory infection. Do this often so that you know what is a normal condition for your cat's nose. If your cat's nose in unusually wet, observe it for a day or two and look for other URI symptoms (e.g. red or watery eyes). Bring your cat to the vet if the runny nose persists. Look for discharge. It is not unusual for cats to have runny noses, but the discharge should be clear. Check for thick, bubbling, or dark discharge (yellow, green, or black), which could be the sign if an infection. If you notice this dark mucus, contact your veterinarian immediately for an exam. Watch for other symptoms of medical issues. If your cat's nose is expelling mucus, look for other symptoms that might provide an explanation. Observe your cat and note any sneezing, panting, or difficulty breathing. These symptoms could be indicative of a respiratory infection or other illness. Use calming herbs. There are several herbs that are calming to cats and may help to keep your pet relaxed while you examine its nose. Valerian, for example, causes an active, “high” state usually followed by a sleepy feeling for cats and is safe for them to chew and eat in plant form. Give your cat valerian about a half hour before examining it to allow it to go through the initial period of excitement and settle into a relaxed mode. Catnip, known for eliciting a hyper effect, also induces a relaxed state. Give it to your cat to play with (a pinch in a fillable toy, or in a paper bag crushed into a tight ball) 15 minutes before examining its nose to make it more amenable. Apply pressure to its torso. Applying gentle, constant pressure to your cat's torso is a proven way to alleviate anxiety. While examining your cat, have a family member or friend hold your cat firmly, securing its body and putting light pressure on it. For added security, wrap your cat in a blanket and hold it that way. Another option is a ''pressure shirt”, a snug garment with adjustable straps designed to apply light, even pressure to the torso to keep your cat calm while it wears it. The “Thunder shirt”, for instance, is available online for approximately $40. Try a pheromone spray. Ask your vet about pheromone sprays as a way to relax your cat. These sprays contain a synthetic version of a smell that cats use to bond with each other and loved ones by rubbing up against them. For instance, Feliway, a synthetic copy of cats' facial pheromones, is available through many veterinarians. | Examine your cat monthly. Take your pet's temperature. Clean your cat’s nose. Check for signs of nosebleeds. Check for flaking skin. Assess the temperature and wetness of your cat's nose. Look for discharge. Watch for other symptoms of medical issues. Use calming herbs. Apply pressure to its torso. Try a pheromone spray. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Report-Illegal-Immigrants | How to Report Illegal Immigrants | If you're aware of an illegal immigrant in your area, report them to your local police force as soon as possible. In the United States, you can also contact the Immigration and Customs Enforcement on 1-866-347-2423, who are responsible for detaining illegal immigrants. If you see any evidence of crime, such as drug trafficking or prostitution, call the police immediately to prevent further crime or damage to your community. Alternatively, if you notice someone crossing the border illegally, contact the Customs and Border Protection on 1-800-232-25378. | Never make snap judgments based on appearance. In many countries, certain ethnic groups are stereotyped as being comprised mostly of illegal immigrants. While illegal immigrant populations do often have observable demographic trends, it's bigoted to assume people are illegal immigrants based simply on their race, culture, or appearance. Before you report someone as an illegal immigrant, you need real proof. If you don't have it, you're potentially wasting the resources of your country's law enforcement agencies or, even worse, making life miserable for an innocent person and his or her family. Below are things you should not take into account when considering whether to report someone: The person's race. Ask yourself: "Would I honestly report someone who looks like me, or only someone who looks different?" If you would not, you're doing this for racist reasons. The person's ability to speak your country's official language. Legal immigrants sometimes struggle with a new language for years. The person's job (or lack thereof). A manual labor job doesn't mean a foreign-born person is an illegal. A high-level job doesn't mean someone isn't! Look for definitive proof. Accusations that someone's an illegal immigrant that aren't supported by some sort of evidence are baseless. For a much better chance of being taken seriously by law enforcement agencies (and, more importantly, a better chance that you're correct in your accusation), gather evidence. Remember, when trying to find proof that someone's an illegal immigrant, don't do anything illegal yourself - vigilante justice is illegal almost everywhere. Don't tap someone's phone or snoop through their mail. Instead, try to get evidence like the following: Evidence that this person is being paid "under the table." If you see your boss paying someone in cash at the end of the work day, you're right to be suspicious. Lack of official documentation. If you're an employer and one of your employees is unable to provide a valid social security number or other necessary documents, you may be dealing with an illegal immigrant. Remember that it's a crime to hire illegal immigrants. A background check raises suspicion. If the results of a normal, legal background check show that someone is not a legal citizen, you're justified in contacting the authorities. Consider hiring a certified private investigator or, if you live in the United States, running a free "E-verify" check via the Department of Homeland Security's website. Jokes or brags by a person about his or her illegal status. If, without spying or eavesdropping, you hear someone admit to being an illegal immigrant, take it seriously. Use available public records. Government information that's freely available to the public can help inform your choice to report someone as an illegal immigrant. Particularly useful are court summons, which are available on the public record. Local immigration courts will have information about summons for immigration-related offenses. If someone has failed to appear at an immigration court summons, they may be an illegal immigrant. Provide as much information on this person as possible to the court, including this person's full name, place of employment, and current residence. Keep in mind that illegal immigrants may use aliases and false information about their whereabouts. Report criminal illegal immigrants directly to the local police. Most illegal immigrants are hardworking and moral, if technically law-breaking. Some, however, take advantage of their "off the grid" status to engage in serious crime. Still others are taken advantage of, forced into drug trafficking or prostitution. If you see any evidence of crime, call the police immediately. When reporting the crime, you may state that you believe this person is also in the country illegally and mention any evidence you have to that effect. If you come across evidence of serious crime, don't delay reporting it in hopes of gathering more evidence of illegal immigration. It's more important to immediately stop crimes that hurt people and damage communities than to waste time in hopes of getting more illegal immigrants deported. Contact Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In the United States, ICE is responsible for detaining illegal immigrants. Report names and locations of illegal aliens to this agency. Via the agency's website, you can find information for contacting the central agency as well as local field offices in your area. ICE also operates a confidential tip hotline for the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. It is available toll-free at 1-866-DHS-2ICE (347-2423). For people in other countries, the ICE hotline number is 1-802-872-6199. Contact the Border Patrol. In the U.S., Customs and Border Protection is an agency in charge of securing the nation's borders. On the CPB website, you can find information for contacting one of the CPB's many regional Sector Offices as an alternative reporting method. Like ICE, CPB operates an anonymous tip line. The number for this hotline is 1-800-BE-ALERT (232-25378.) Understand why illegal immigration is a problem. Reporting an illegal immigrant doesn't mean you can't sympathize with the plight of illegal immigrants worldwide. Most illegal immigrants are simply looking for greener pastures because the opportunities in their own country are grim. Others are fleeing war or persecution. In a perfect world, there simply wouldn't be any reason for people to uproot their families and enter another country illegally. Unfortunately, illegal immigration can disadvantage the host country's citizens. It also disregards the laws and needs of the host country. To uphold the legitimacy of the law, countries have to make efforts to stop illegal immigration while promoting legal alternatives. Recommend legal alternatives to living in the country illegally. If you've got a guilty conscience about reporting an illegal immigrant to the authorities, know that, depending on the country and the circumstances, there are some legal workarounds for illegal immigrants. In the United States, illegal immigrants have three legal means of recourse: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Hardship Waivers, and special allowances for victims of qualifying crimes. Each method allows an illegal immigrant to legally attempt to avoid or delay prosecution or even gain a visa. DACA is for undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children. It allows an illegal immigrant to apply for employment authorization and halts any ongoing deportation proceedings. However, it can be revoked at any time. The immigrant must meet certain criteria: he or she must be under 31, must have came to the US before he or she was 16, must have been educated in the country, and must have lived in the country continuously since June 2007 if an immigrant meets these (and several other) qualifications, he or she may be eligible for deferment under DACA. Hardship waivers are granted to spouses or children of lawful US citizens in situations where deportation would cause "extreme hardship." The exact definition of "extreme hardship" is somewhat nebulous - examples are if the immigrant would be targeted for violence in his or her home country or if his or her deportation would result in financial ruin for the lawful citizen. Victims of certain types of crimes are allowed special visas, especially if they assist law enforcement in the investigation of the crime. Victims of crimes like human trafficking, abduction, exploitation, and forced prostitution (as well as other crimes) are eligible for U or T nonimmigrant visas. Participate in the political debate. Immigration law is a controversial, hot-button topic in the United States and many other countries. A variety of proposed reforms and fixes exist - some seek to tighten border security, while others seek to make the path to legal citizenship easier. To contribute to long-term, wide-reaching changes in illegal immigration, get involved in your nation's immigration debate. Participate in marches and protests. Contact the politicians who represent you. Volunteer to work (or raise money for) political campaigns that support your stance on immigration reform. Most countries welcome immigrants that enter the country legally. Many countries, however, have quotas that take into consideration the number of immigrants, their country of origin, and the timing of their entrance so as not to tax the resources of the host country. One proposed reform in the United States is to greatly increase these quotas to reduce the amount of time potential immigrants have to wait for legal resident status (which can take years). Illegal immigrants can (and do) also contribute to a country through their work and consumption, as well as by paying some taxes. Another proposed fix would be to allow illegal immigrants to make these contributions (and more) legally by lightening the restrictions on work visas, "green cards," etc. Other reforms focus on making it harder for illegal immigrants to work in their host countries. These reforms include tighter border security as well as harsher punishments for illegal immigrants and their employers. Be sure to vote. Long-term, wide-reaching solutions to illegal immigration will most likely not be through the efforts of individuals. Rather, they will be through sound, fair, well-enforced laws enacted by representatives elected by millions of citizens. Support efforts to fix immigration law by voting. Study local and national politicians' stances on immigration issues. Vote for the ones whose views match yours. If none do, make your voice heard - start a grassroots campaign or run for office yourself! | Never Look for definitive proof. Use available public records. Report criminal illegal immigrants directly to the local police. Contact Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Contact the Border Patrol. Understand why illegal immigration is a problem. Recommend legal alternatives to living in the country illegally. Participate in the political debate. Be sure to vote. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tune-a-Ukulele | How to Tune a Ukulele | To tune a ukulele, hold your instrument with the fret board pointing up. The lower left of the 4 pegs tunes the G string, the peg above tunes the C string, the upper right peg tunes the E string, and the peg below tunes the A string. To find the correct pitch for tuning, use a reference instrument, such as a piano, or an electric tuner. Tighten the strings to raise the pitch, and loosen the strings to lower the pitch. | Memorize the string pitches. The most common ukuleles, the soprano and tenor ukuleles, have their 4 strings tuned GCEA: the G below middle C (low G), middle C, E, and A. Each string is tensed or loosened with a tuning knob at the top of the fretboard. Locate the tuning pegs. To refer to the strings on your ukulele correctly, hold it with the fret board pointing up. The lower left of the 4 tuning pegs tunes the G string, the peg above it tunes the C string, the upper right peg tunes the E string, and the peg below it tunes the A string. The pegs are what you will turn in order to change the pitch of the strings. Which direction you turn them can often vary between instruments, so experiment. Directionality is usually the same for the pegs on a single side of the instrument. Tighten the strings to raise the pitch. Loosen the strings to lower the pitch. Absolutely do not tighten the strings too much. This can break your instrument, and the strings may snap off. Find the string locations. The strings are numbered from the furthest away to the closest to you, assuming you play the ukulele right-handed. The first string is the A string, the second the E string, the third the C string, and the fourth the G string. Find the frets. Frets are numbered from the tuning knobs to the sounding board, with the fret nearest the knobs labeled the first fret. Pressing a string against a fret when you pluck it raises the pitch of the string. Choose a reference instrument to tune your ukulele to. The easiest way to tune your ukulele is to tune its strings to match the pitch of another musical instrument. You have several options: a piano, an online tuner, an electronic tuner, or a pipe tuner. You can tune just a single string this way (and tune the rest based on that string) or you can tune all the strings using a tuning instrument. Tune using a piano or keyboard. You press the keys and strum the corresponding strings, adjusting the knobs until the ukulele string pitch matches that of the key. Tune using a pitch pipe. You can use either a round chromatic pitch pipe or a pitch pipe made especially for the ukulele, which resembles a small pan pipe. Blow into the pipe or opening corresponding to the ukulele string, strum the string, and then adjust the knob until the string's pitch matches that of the pipe. Tune using a tuning fork. If you have a tuning fork for each string, you can strike each fork and adjust the string until its pitch matches that of the fork. If you have only 1 fork, use it to tune 1 of the strings and then tune the other strings against that one. Tune using an electronic tuner. Electronic tuners come in 2 types. One type of tuner plays a tone you have to match; the other analyzes the pitch of the string and tells whether the string is sharp (pitched too high) or flat (pitched too low). This is probably the most helpful tuning method for beginners, who have a hard time telling the difference between pitches. Tune the G string. Tune the G string (the closest string to you) until it is in tune. Play A. Place your finger on the second fret (second open space from the top) on the tuned G string. This note should be an A, and the same pitch as the string furthest from you. Tune the A string. Tune the A string according to the note you found on your G string. Play G on the E string. Place your finger on the third fret on the E string. This should be a G note and match your G string. If they don't match, your E string is probably out of tune. Tune the E string. Tune the E string until it matches the G string. Play E on the C string. Place your finger on the fourth fret on the C string. This should be E. Tune the C string. Tune the C string until it is matched to the E string. | Memorize the string pitches. Locate the tuning pegs. Find the string locations. Find the frets. Choose a reference instrument to tune your ukulele to. Tune using a piano or keyboard. Tune using a pitch pipe. Tune using a tuning fork. Tune using an electronic tuner. Tune the G string. Play A. Tune the A string. Play G on the E string. Tune the E string. Play E on the C string. Tune the C string. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Crying | How to Stop Crying | To stop crying immediately, try blinking a few times, which can help spread tears out and reabsorb them, or pinch the bridge of your noise to block the tear ducts. If you can, smile or even laugh, which can counteract your negative feelings. Then, find a distraction like music or a funny video to help postpone tears until you can deal with your feelings. Once you have time to yourself, allow yourself to cry, then spend some time trying to find the source of the negative emotions that brought you to tears in the first place so you can address the issue and work to prevent future sadness. | Try blinking, or not blinking at all. For some people, blinking quickly and repeatedly can spread tears out and help them reabsorb into the tear duct, preventing initial tears from pooling. Conversely, for some people, not blinking and opening the eyes as wide as is comfortable actually discourages tears from forming by tensing the muscles in and around the eye area. Only practice will tell you which group you fall into. Pinch your nose. Because your tear ducts stem from the side of your nose to an opening in the eyelid, pinching the bridge of your nose and the sides while clamping your eyes closed can block the tear ducts. (This works best if used before tears begin to flow.) Smile. Studies have shown that smiling has a positive impact on emotional health. It also positively impact the way others view you. What's more, the act of smiling counteracts the symptoms of crying, making it easier for you to prevent tears. Cool off. One way to dial back intense, unpleasant emotions is to take a moment to splash cold water on your face. Not only does it relax you, but it can boost your energy and make you more attentive. You can also drip cold water on your wrists and dab it behind you ears. Major arteries run through these areas just below the skin surface and cooling them can have a calming effect on the whole body. Have some tea. Research has shown that green tea contains L-Theanine, which can promote relaxation and decrease tension while also increasing awareness and focus. So the next time you find yourself overwhelmed, with tears welling up, treat yourself to a cup of green tea. Black tea also contains L-Theanine, but not as much. Laugh. Laughter is an easy, inexpensive form of therapy that can improve your overall health and decrease feelings that lead to crying or depression. Find something that makes you laugh and give yourself some much needed relief. Try progressive relaxation. Crying occurs often as a product of prolonged tension.This process allows your body to relax tense muscles and calm your thinking. It is also a cognitive activity because it teaches you to recognize how your body feels when you are upset and tense versus when you are relaxed and calm. Starting at your toes, begin tensing the muscle groups of your body one at a time for 30 second intervals, working your way slowly upward to the head. This activity also has the added benefit of relieving insomnia and restless sleep. Take control. Research suggests that feelings of helplessness and passivity are often at the root of episodes of crying. To prevent crying, shift your body from passive to active. This can be something as simple as getting up and walking around the room, or opening and closing your hands with a slight squeeze to engage your muscles and remind your body that your actions are voluntary and you are in control.. Use pain as a distraction. (If you find yourself causing bruising or other physical harm, it is recommended that you discontinue this method and attempt to use one or more of the other tactics.) Physical pain distracts your senses from the root of your emotional pain, making you less likely to cry. You can pinch yourself (such as between your thumb and pointer finger, or on the back of your upper arm), bite your tongue, or pull your leg hairs from inside your pants pocket. Postpone crying. As part of taking control of your emotional responses, when you feel you are about to cry, tell yourself that you can't cry now, but you will allow yourself to cry later. Take a deep breath and focus on de-escalating the emotions that are causing you to tear up. While this may be difficult at first, cognitively recognizing your emotions and conditioning your body to respond in appropriate ways at appropriate times is a long-term solution to crying at inconvenient times. Note that it is never a good idea to put off crying all together, as suppression can create lasting emotional damage and exacerbate the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Always remember to create opportunities to express your emotions. Meditate. Meditation is an ages old way to reduce stress, combat depression, and relieve anxiety. It doesn't take finding a yogi to benefit from meditation, either. Simply find a quiet spot, close your eyes and focus on your breathing, taking long, deep breaths and exhaling in a slow, measured fashion. You'll notice your negative feelings melting away almost immediately. Find positive distractions. Find something other than negative emotions to focus on. Think about something that makes you happy or makes you laugh. Watch funny animal videos on the internet. You can also try to focus on something you are looking forward to. If you are a problem-solver, work math equations or take on a small project. If these don't seem to work, mentally imagine a calming, restful place. Let your mind focus on the details of that place that bring you happiness. This will coerce your brain to feel an emotion other than sadness, anger, or fear. Listen to music. Music has varied benefits when it comes to managing stress. Soothing music can calm us down, while listening to music with empathetic lyrics can empower and reassure us. Choose what is right for you and banish tears with a well-crafted playlist. Be aware. Focus on your present self, the way food tastes, how the breeze feels on your skin, the way the fabric of your clothing feels when you move. When you focus on the present and really pay attention to your senses, it can relieve mental stress and help you see that the problem you are facing isn't quite so imposing. Be grateful. We often cry because we feel overwhelmed by what we see as wrong with our life or because of problems that we face. Take a deep breath and consider that the problem you are facing is less severe, relative to other problems you could be facing or have faced in the past. Remind yourself of the good things you have to be thankful for. Keep a journal to remind yourself of your blessings and to help you through particularly trying times. Identify the source. Does the urge to cry accompany certain emotions, events, individuals, or types of stress? Is the source something that you can minimize contact or interaction with? If the answer is "yes," develop ways of avoiding or restricting contact with the source. This could be as simple of avoiding lengthy conversation with a coworker who hurts your feelings or avoiding sad or violent films. If the answer is no, consider reaching out to a therapist for coping strategies. This is particularly appropriate for when conflict with close family or loved ones is identified as the source of negative emotions that lead to crying. Acknowledge emotions as they occur. Although distractions are useful when crying occurs at inopportune times, take the time when you are in a safe, private place to experience your emotions authentically. Be introspective, analyzing your feelings, the sources, and possible resolutions. Ignoring your emotions or trying to repress them constantly is counterproductive to healing and improvement. In fact, ongoing problems can linger in your subconscious and actually increase episodes of crying. Take stock of the good things. Develop the habit of self-policing your negative thoughts and remind yourself of good things about yourself. Try to maintain a 1:1 ratio of positive to negative thoughts whenever possible. This will not only make you happier in general, it will help prevent unpredictable emotions by training your brain to know that, in spite of problems, you are a worthwhile individual. Journal to understand the source of your tears. If you are having difficulty controlling your tears or you're not even sure why you're crying, journaling can help you get to the root. Journaling can have a positive impact on your health, can help you see the positive benefits of a stressful event, and help clarify your thoughts and feelings. Writing about anger or sadness can decrease the intensity of these emotions, which may help curb your crying. You will also get to know yourself better, becoming more confident and aware of situations or people that are toxic and should be removed from your life. Try journaling for 20 minutes a day every day. Practice "free writing," in which you don't worry about spelling, punctuation, or any other "shoulds." Write quickly so you can't censor yourself. You'll be surprised by what you learn and how much better you will feel. Journaling allows you to freely express your emotions without judgement or inhibitions. If you have experienced a traumatic event, journaling can help you process your emotions and can actually make you feel more in control. Write about the facts of the event and the emotions you experienced to get the most out of your journaling. Get help. If nothing seems to help curb episodes of crying and negative emotion and it's having an impact or your relationships or employment, take the first step toward a solution by contacting a licensed therapist. Often the problem can be solved with behavioral therapies; however, if there is an medical reason for these problems, a therapist can ensure you receive proper medication. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, seek help from a counselor or mental health professional. Symptoms of depression include: persistent sad or "empty" feeling; feelings of hopelessness, guilt, and/or worthlessness; thoughts of suicide; decreased energy; difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much and appetite and/or weight changes. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, get help immediately. Try calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1 (800) 273-8255, or visit IASP to find a helpline in your country. Or call someone you trust to talk about how you are feeling. Know when you're grieving. Grief is a natural response to loss; it could be the death of a beloved family member, the loss of a relationship, losing a job, loss of health, or any other loss. Grieving in personal – there is no "right" way to grieve, nor is there a prescribed time table for grieving. It may take weeks or years, and there will be many highs and lows. Seek support from friends and family. Sharing your loss is one of the most important factors in healing from loss. A support group or grief counselor may also be helpful. Eventually the emotions connected to grieving should become less intense. If you experience no improvement or your symptoms only seem to get worse over time, your grief may have developed into major depression or complicated grief. Contact a therapist or grief counselor to help you move toward acceptance. Know why infants cry. Remember that crying is one of the only forms of communication that an infant can access, and it is a consistent indicator of need. Put yourself in the mindset of the child and consider what could be causing discomfort. Some common reasons that babies cry are: Hunger: Most newborns require feeding every two to three hours around the clock. The need to suckle: Infants have a natural instinct to latch and suckle as this is how they derive nourishment. Loneliness. Babies require social interaction to develop into happy, healthy children and will often cry when they want affection. Tiredness. Newborn infants need frequent naps, sometimes sleeping as much as 16 hours of the day. Discomfort: Think about the context of the crying episode and what your child's experience may be in order to anticipate normal needs and desires. Over-stimulation: Too much noise, movement or visual stimulation can overwhelm infants, causing them to cry. Illness. Often the first sign of illness, allergy, or injury is that the infant cries and does not respond to soothing. Ask the child questions. Unlike the guessing game we play with infants, children have access to more sophisticated forms of communication and we can ask, "What is wrong?" This doesn't necessarily mean that they are capable of communicating like adults, though, so it's important to ask simple questions and read between the lines when a child seems unable to describe a problem in detail. Notice if the child is injured. Younger children can have difficulty answering questions when upset, so it is important for parents and caregivers to pay attention to the context and physical condition of the child when they are crying. Offer distractions. If the child is hurt or unhappy, it can help to distract them from the pain until it subsides. Try to refocus their attention on something they like. Determine if and where injury may have occurred, but ask about every part of her body except for where they are actually hurt. This requires them to think about those body parts rather than the one which hurts, creating a distraction. Reassure the child. Children often cry in response to discipline or after negative interactions with an adult or a peer. When this occurs, determine whether action is warranted to mediate the situation (e.g. put fighting children in time-out) but always remind the child they are safe and loved, in spite of conflict. Time out. All children will behave badly from time to time. However, if the child uses crying, anger, or shouting in an attempt to receive what they want, it is important to prevent the association between bad behavior and satisfaction. If your toddler or child is throwing a tantrum, remove the child to a quiet room and let them remain there until the tantrum passes, returning them to a social environment when the anger has passed. If the upset child is old enough to walk and follow commands, ask the child to go to their room, reminding them that they are allowed to return, tell you what they want, and why they are upset once they calm down. This also teaches the child productive coping strategies for anger and disappointment while still ensuring the child feels loved and respected. Ask if assistance is needed. Unlike infants and children, adults are capable of making independent assessments of their condition and whether assistance is needed. Before stepping in and attempting to help, always ask if you can offer assistance. If the person is in emotional pain, they may need space and time to process emotions before including another person in the coping process. Sometimes, just the offer of assistance is enough to help a person cope with distress. If the situation is not serious and the person welcomes a distraction, tell a joke or funny story. Comment on something funny/strange that you read online. If the person is a stranger or distant acquaintance, ask them non-intrusive questions about their likes and preferences. Identify the cause of pain. Is the pain physical? Emotional? Has the person had a shock or been victimized in some way? Ask questions but also be observant of the situation and surroundings for clues. If the person is crying and appears to have been injured or in need of medical assistance, call the emergency services immediately. Remain close by until help arrives. If the location is unsafe, move the person to a safer location nearby if possible. Give appropriate physical contact. In the case of a friend or loved one, it may be helpful to offer a hug or hold hands. Even an arm around the shoulders can be a source of support and comfort. Different situations permit different degrees of physical contact, however; if you are unsure whether the person will take comfort from this kind of assistance, always ask. Focus on the positive. Without necessarily changing the subject, attempt to focus on positive aspects of what is causing emotional distress. In the case of the loss of a loved one, for example, mention good times that were shared with the person and things about them that were loved. If possible, reminisce over funny memories that may elicit a smile or possible laugh. Being able to laugh can exponentially reduce the urge to cry and improves overall mood. Let them cry. Crying is a natural response to intense emotional distress and, while there are occasions where it is in opportune or inappropriate, provided no one else is being hurt, letting someone cry could ultimately be safest, most supportive option. | Try blinking, or not blinking at all. Pinch your nose. Smile. Cool off. Have some tea. Laugh. Try progressive relaxation. Take control. Use pain as a distraction. Postpone crying. Meditate. Find positive distractions. Listen to music. Be aware. Be grateful. Identify the source. Acknowledge emotions as they occur. Take stock of the good things. Journal to understand the source of your tears. Get help. Know when you're grieving. Know why infants cry. Ask the child questions. Notice if the child is injured. Offer distractions. Reassure the child. Time out. Ask if assistance is needed. Identify the cause of pain. Give appropriate physical contact. Focus on the positive. Let them cry. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-President-(Card-Game) | How to Play President (Card Game) | To play president, deal a pack of 52 cards to between 4 and 7 players, then ask the person with the 3 of clubs to put it in the middle, because it always starts the first round. Next, the player to the left must lay a card with a higher rank, meaning anything from a 4 to an ace. Any player can use a 2 to clear the deck before laying another card of their choice to start the game again. Continue playing until everyone finishes their hand and rank the first person to finish as the president, second as vice-president, and last as bum. | Gather 4 to 7 players. You cannot play Presidents with fewer than 4 people. If you want to include more than 7, however, you will need to shuffle a second deck of cards into the pile. Deal a standard 52 card deck one at a time. Go around the circle until all of the cards have been dealt. Some players may have one more card than other players, which is fine. Ask the person with the 3 of clubs to place the card down in the middle. This card always starts the first round. Other than this one card, no one else should reveal which cards are in their hand. Put down cards of a higher “rank” clockwise around the circle. The rank of a card is the number. The lowest rank is a 3 and the highest rank is an ace. Cards with a 2 do not have a rank. For example, after the first person puts down the 3 of clubs, the player to their left must put down a 4 or higher. If the second player puts down a 4, the third player must put down a 5 or higher. They cannot put down a 3. Put a 2 down on the pile to clear the deck. Take away all of the cards in the pile and put them aside until the next round. The person who put the 2 down can now choose any card and play it. The person after them now has to outrank this new card. A 2 card cannot be the last card that you play in your hand. If you only have a 2 card left and you play it, you automatically lose the game, becoming the “scumbag” or “a-hole.” Outrank a set of cards with the same number of higher ranked cards. You can put down 2 or more cards of the same rank on the pile. In this case, the next person has to match this with the same number of cards but of a higher rank. So if you put down a pair of 5's, the next person must put down a pair of 6's or higher. They cannot put down 1 king (even though it outranks a 6) or a pair of 4's (because although they have a matching pair, 4 is a lower rank). If all 4 cards of a number are put down, the pile is cleared. So if 4 aces are put down, you clear the pile and the last person to play sets down a new card. Pass if you cannot put cards down. If you cannot outrank the top card on the pile, say pass. People may keep passing until someone puts a card down. If the entire circle of players says pass, clear the pile. The last person to play a card can now put down any card of their choice. Keep playing until everyone has run out of cards. There are 3 ranks in this game based on who lost their cards first and last. Once you have run out of cards, you stop playing until other players have also lost their cards. The first person to lose all of their cards is the president. They get 2 points. The second person to lose all of their cards is the vice-president. They get 1 point. The last person to have any cards is known as the a-hole, scumbag, or bum. They get no points, but they must trade cards with the president next round. If you decide to only play one round, the president is the winner. Traditionally, however, several rounds are played until someone gets 11 points and wins. Get the president and the a-hole to trade cards after dealing the deck. The a-hole must give the president their highest-ranking card. The president, meanwhile, can give the a-hole any card from their hand that they choose. Usually, the president will give the a-hole a low-ranking card. None of the other players should see which cards they traded. Start with the president this round. For all rounds after the first round, the president will play the first card. They can play any card that they choose. Play the game until everyone loses their cards. Whoever lost their cards first this round is now the president, followed by the vice-president. Award them points. The person who still has cards at the end is now the new a-hole. The president gets 2 points. The vice-president gets 1 point. No one else gets points. It is a good idea to have someone writing down the point tally as you play the rounds. Repeat until someone gets 11 points. Keep playing new rounds until someone manages to get 11 points. If you want to make the game longer or shorter, you can change this number at the beginning of the game. Create new positions for extra players. In normal games of Presidents, there are only 3 positions: president, vice-president, and a-hole. The other players have no special title or rules. You can create new positions for these players if you would like. Treasurer and secretary are usually the third and fourth person to lose all of their cards. These positions are useful if you will allow the president to make up new rules as the game goes on. Vice-a-hole is the second-to-last player to lose their cards. At the beginning of a new round, the vice-a-hole gives the president 1 card while the a-hole gives the president 2. Allow the president to make up new rules if they win 3 or more rounds. If one person keeps winning, you might let them make up a new rule for the rest of the game. This can be anything that the president wants. For example: If you are playing with extra positions, you might make up special rules for them, since normally there are none. For example, you might say that the treasurer and secretary can trade cards at the beginning of every round. If you're playing this as a drinking game, you might make a rule like “Everyone must drink when the 8 of clubs is played” or “whoever puts down a matching set must drink.” Use a matching pair to beat any ranking of card. In some variations of the game, if you put down 2 cards of the same rank, you automatically beat any single card currently on the pile. So a pair of 3's would beat a single queen. The next player would still have to put down 2 cards of a higher rank. In this variation, a larger set will always beat a lower rank. So if you play a pair of 6's, the next person can beat you with a trio of 4's. The person after them can beat that with a complete set of 3's. Allow people to match cards. Another popular variation is to allow people to put down cards that match the rank of the card on top. For example, if a 5 is the top card on the pile, you are allow to put down another 5 instead of a 6 or higher. Skip the next player when you match rank. So if you match a 5 with another 5, the person to your left loses their turn. Make Presidents a drinking game. The rules are largely the same, only every person needs a drink. The president can ask someone to take a sip at any time. The vice-president can ask anyone except the president to drink. You should drink when you pass or are skipped. Everyone should drink when a 2 is played. In some variations of the game, when the president says “board meeting,” everyone finishes their drinks. Traditionally, the a-hole must refill people's drinks. | Gather 4 to 7 players. Deal a standard 52 card deck one at a time. Ask the person with the 3 of clubs to place the card down in the middle. Put down cards of a higher “rank” clockwise around the circle. Put a 2 down on the pile to clear the deck. Outrank a set of cards with the same number of higher ranked cards. Pass if you cannot put cards down. Keep playing until everyone has run out of cards. Get the president and the a-hole to trade cards after dealing the deck. Start with the president this round. Play the game until everyone loses their cards. Repeat until someone gets 11 points. Create new positions for extra players. Allow the president to make up new rules if they win 3 or more rounds. Use a matching pair to beat any ranking of card. Allow people to match cards. Make Presidents a drinking game. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Join-the-Knights-of-Columbus | How to Join the Knights of Columbus | The Knights of Columbus is a fraternity for Catholic men wanting to improve their community and support their church. To join the organization, you'll need to be at least 18 years old, Catholic, and willing to volunteer a good amount of your free time for charitable causes. The easiest way to join is to contact a current member and tell them you'd like to join. If you don't know any members, go to the Knights of Columbus website and use the “Find a council” feature to get in touch with your local chapter. You'll need to fill out an application form. Then, members of the organization will have to vote you in. | Determine if you qualify. In good conscience, make sure that you can answer the following questions in the affirmative. Am I a Catholic gentleman who is in union with the Holy See and who practices the precepts of the Catholic Church? Am I 18 years of age or older? Am I willing to give my time? Your commitment can be as little as twenty-four hours in a year, or as many hours as you are able to dedicate to charitable work. Contact a member of the Order and inquire about joining. If you don't know a member, contact your parish Priest or check the phone book for a local council. If you still are having trouble finding a member, visit the Knights of Columbus web site and use the "Find a Council" feature. Fill out the form. A member of the order will give you an application form that you will need to complete. The form will ask for your address, your parish information, your interest in the organization, and your annuity commitment. The form is then submitted to the members of the local council for a vote. Ask how you can prepare for the ceremony. If the council votes in favor of your admission, you will then be scheduled for the next First Degree ceremony. Ask the Knight that you have been in contact with if you should make any specific preparations. Respect the Order’s secrets. The Knights of Columbus, like most fraternal organizations, keep the content of their ceremonies secret. You have to become a member in order to learn the specific practices of the organization. As a member, you will be asked to keep the ceremonies of the order secret. Approach the process patiently. There are four degrees of membership and it takes up to a year to progress through them all. The ceremony for each level focuses on one of the core values and you must progress through them in order. You are considered a full member of the Knights of Columbus once you have attained the Third Degree. An initiate becomes a First Degree Knight of Columbus through the exemplification ceremony. Subsequent degree ceremonies, each focused on one of the four principle virtues, are held throughout the year. Members who have been in the Knights for one year (six months with special approval) and have attained Third Degree membership are eligible to join the Fourth Degree. The Fourth Degree color guard are the members of the Knights of Columbus you see with the regalia (cape, chapeaux, and sword). Participation in the Honor Guard is voluntary, and not an automatic part of becoming a Fourth Degree Knight. Fourth Degree members are encouraged to participate in this highly visible arm of the Order. Understand the governing structure. The order is organized into councils, districts, and jurisdictions that are collectively governed by a supreme council. Each member belongs to their local council, which is typically connected to a specific parish. The districts and jurisdictions connect these local groups and aid in regional planning. The Supreme Council provides leadership and administrative support.. Know the purpose of the Order. The Knights of Columbus were founded in 1882, by Father Michael J. McGivney, to offer mutual aid and assistance to members and their families. The Order specifically served recent Catholic immigrants. Today, the order promotes social and intellectual fellowship through educational, charitable, and social welfare works. Familiarize yourself with the principle values. The Knights of Columbus promote charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism as their four principle values. Collectively, these values are meant to strengthen community ties. Recognize the global impact of the Order. The organization has a significant charitable impact. It reports donating over $185,000,000 and generating over 75 million hours of volunteer service in 2017. The Knights of Columbus has grown from an initial community in New Haven, Connecticut into an international organization with 1.9 million members throughout North America, Central America, the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia. | Determine if you qualify. Contact a member of the Order and inquire about joining. Fill out the form. Ask how you can prepare for the ceremony. Respect the Order’s secrets. Approach the process patiently. Understand the governing structure. Know the purpose of the Order. Familiarize yourself with the principle values. Recognize the global impact of the Order. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dab | How to Dab | To dab, bend your left arm at the elbow so your hand is close to your chin while simultaneously holding your right arm straight out to the side and slightly upwards. At the same time, tuck your chin into your elbow, as if you're sneezing. Make sure to keep your hands flat as you dab! Then, switch sides and do the same thing. This dance move has actually been around since the 1990s, when it started showing up in Japanese anime and manga like Dragon Ball Z. The dab surged in popularity across the U.S. starting around 2015, spread first by hop hop artists such as Migos, after which it was adopted as a signature celebration by Carolina Panthers quarterback and NFL MVP Cam Newton in late 2015. Since then soccer players, cricket players, musical artists and even some politicians have used to dab to celebrate their successes and show up their opponents. | Lift your arms out to your sides. Raise up both of your arms so they are going straight out from your shoulders. Then, bend one arm in towards your body, as if you are preparing to sneeze into your hand. Keep the other arm straight. Tuck your head down. Next tuck your forehead down towards the arm that is bent and touch your forehead to your elbow area as if you are sneezing into your sleeve or dabbing sweat off of your brow. Keep the other arm straight. Straighten out your arm after you dab your forehead on it. Bang your head into your elbow. After you bring your head in towards your elbow, you can do a quick head bang motion (or two) before you straighten out your arm and switch sides. Just quickly jolt your head forward towards your elbow. Head banging is generally considered safe, but keep in mind that is can cause injuries if you do it too hard. You can always skip the head bang motion if you have concerns. Switch sides. You can repeat the dab multiple times on one side or switch sides. If you switch sides, then repeat the same dab movement on the other side with your other arm. For example, if you started by dabbing on your left side, then switch over to your right side. Keep switching back and forth along with the music. Move around. You can do the dab movement with your upper body and move your lower body however you like. You can hop around, walk around, or wiggle your hips. You can also do other moves in between dabs, such as waving your fists in the air or moving your arms from side to side in front of you. Add your own flair and just try to have fun! Squat down. Hitting the Quan requires lots of movement in your lower body, so squat down a bit to give your legs and hips more room to move. Bend your knees so that you are squatting down a little bit. Keep in mind that you do not have to get really low to the ground to do this dance move. A slight bend in your knees is all you need. Swing your arms. Next, let your arms go a little limp at your sides and then use your shoulders to move your right arm in front of you and your left arm behind you. Then, switch your arms so that your left arm is in front of you and your right arm is behind you. Keep rotating your arms back and forth like this. You can hold your arms up higher or down low. You can also bend your arms slightly at the elbows or keep them out straight. Move your hips. Next, start to move your hips back and forth in a slow rolling movement. Keep rolling your hips forward and backwards. Try to move your body like a worm. You can also move your abs if you are flexible enough to do so. Some people use a thrusting movement when they hit the quan. Do whatever feels natural to you. Move around. Take baby steps forwards and backwards or move side to side as you continue to wave your arms back and forth and move your hips. You can also do little hops or just stay in one place if you prefer. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. The Shmoney is a really simple dance and it is great for slower songs. You can do it standing in one place, by yourself, or with a partner. You will need to start by standing with your feet shoulder width apart and bending your knees slightly. You don't need to get super low to the ground for this dance, but you can if you like. It is up to you. Start twisting your hips. To generate movement for the shmoney dance, you will need to start rotating and twisting your hips back and forth. Allow your knees to move along with your hips. Move to the music and just relax. Try moving one side twice and then move the other side once to add a little variation. Or, come up with your own pattern to follow. Move your arms in time with your hips. You can raise your arms over your head or just raise them slightly above your chest. Move your arms however you like as you do the Shmoney. Try swaying your arms back and forth over your head or twist them back and forth in front of you. | Lift your arms out to your sides. Tuck your head down. Bang your head into your elbow. Switch sides. Move around. Squat down. Swing your arms. Move your hips. Move around. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Start twisting your hips. Move your arms in time with your hips. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-More-Efficient-at-Work | How to Be More Efficient at Work | To be more efficient at work, keep your workspace clean, organized, and stocked with supplies. Try to start each day by organizing a "to do" list that you can refer to throughout the day to keep yourself on task. Breaking up major projects into smaller, more manageable tasks can help you meet your deadlines without feeling overwhelmed, and if you're easily distracted, be sure to put away your cell phone and keep socializing to a minimum! | Keep a clean, orderly work space. Achieving efficiency at work can sometimes be as simple as clearing the clutter from your work area. A disorderly work area is a work area that can hinder your productivity. If you're constantly struggling to find specific tools or documents in a mountain of clutter, serious work time is being wasted. Only keep items that you use daily out and about - everything else should be squirreled away where it's out of the way but also quickly. If you work in an office, arrange your office space and desk so that you can quickly and easily find whatever you need to work. If you don't work in an office, the same principles still apply. For instance, if you work in a bike repair shop keep your tools clean and organized so that you'll be able to find them instantly when you need them. Almost every work area benefits from being kept clean. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b0\/Lose-Belly-Fat-Fast-%28Women%29-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Lose-Belly-Fat-Fast-%28Women%29-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b0\/Lose-Belly-Fat-Fast-%28Women%29-Step-11.jpg\/aid1068185-v4-728px-Lose-Belly-Fat-Fast-%28Women%29-Step-11.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>"} Office workers and other people who handle large numbers of documents should create a filing system that is logical and organized. Keep documents that you use frequently close at hand. Stash other documents according to alphabetical (or some other logical) order. Keep your workplace well-stocked. Make sure that you have the supplies and tools needed to do your job. In an office, this means you should have things such as hole-punches, staple removers, calculators, etc. at the ready. Outside of an office setting, the tools are different, but the fundamental principles are the same - have the things you need to work effectively before you have to start working. Scientists working with complex graphing applications and mechanics working with socket wrenches will both benefit from having their tools prepped and ready beforehand. This also means to make sure you have a good supply of whatever consumable supplies your job requires - staplers need staples, carpenters need nails, teachers need chalk, etc. Ensure your tools are well-maintained. One essential broken tool can bottleneck the rest of your work flow if you can't proceed without it! Save time in the long run by spending a few moments periodically to clean and maintain your tools. Keep a consolidated schedule. If you've been flying by the seat of your pants so far, making any sort of effort to plan out your day will probably increase your working efficiency. To keep a truly effective schedule though, limit yourself to one comprehensive planner (optionally supplemented with one calendar in your office or cubicle for long-term objectives.) Don't needlessly complicate your work by keeping more than one schedule or by scrawling out a huge collection of notes that you'll inevitably lose. You want to be able to look in one specific place to see what you need to do. Organize each day by creating a "to do" list. Begin with the highest priorities of the day so that they are most likely to get done. Put less important tasks at the end the list. Start at the top of the list at the beginning of your work day. If you do not complete the list by the end of the day, tackle the uncompleted items the next day. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cd\/Be-More-Efficient-at-Work-Step-03Bullet01.jpg\/v4-460px-Be-More-Efficient-at-Work-Step-03Bullet01.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cd\/Be-More-Efficient-at-Work-Step-03Bullet01.jpg\/aid1068185-v4-728px-Be-More-Efficient-at-Work-Step-03Bullet01.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>"} Set a time frame and deadline for your most important projects, and be realistic about the length of time they will take. You don't want to set yourself up to fail - it's better to ask for more time at the start of a project, rather than right before it's due. Eliminate your personal distractions. Different work places have different distractions - some jobs may come with a particularly talkative coworker who just won't leave you alone. Others might be oppressively silent, causing you to get distracted by even the quietest noises. Do what you must to make sure you can stay focused on your work. If your job allows you to safely listen to music, take an MP3 player to work with you. You might even consider posting notes at your work station notifying coworkers not to distract you. It might seem rude, but it's not - it's a reasonable and effective method to get people to leave you alone while you're working. Remember, you can socialize to your heart's content during breaks and meals. One very common distraction is spending time on recreational internet sites. One study showed that about two thirds of workers waste at least a little time on websites not related to their work every day. Luckily, most browsers allow you to download free productivity aids that allow you to block problem websites. Search your browser's extension store for "website blocker" or "productivity aid." You're likely to get at least a few free, effective results. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d8\/Be-More-Efficient-at-Work-Step-04Bullet01.jpg\/v4-460px-Be-More-Efficient-at-Work-Step-04Bullet01.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d8\/Be-More-Efficient-at-Work-Step-04Bullet01.jpg\/aid1068185-v4-728px-Be-More-Efficient-at-Work-Step-04Bullet01.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>"} Other good ways to avoid distraction are by screening your calls (to avoid needless telephone conversations) and minimizing drop-in meetings. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a4\/Be-More-Efficient-at-Work-Step-04Bullet02.jpg\/v4-460px-Be-More-Efficient-at-Work-Step-04Bullet02.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a4\/Be-More-Efficient-at-Work-Step-04Bullet02.jpg\/aid1068185-v4-728px-Be-More-Efficient-at-Work-Step-04Bullet02.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>"} Use breaks to handle personal business. Oddly, breaks can increase, rather than hinder your workplace efficiency. First, breaks offer you much-needed rest. Without this rest, you may become fatigued, working more slowly or with less proficiency. Second, breaks give you a chance to deal with your distractions. Use your breaks to do everything that might otherwise take you away from your work. Do you find yourself daydreaming about a relative you've been meaning to call when you should be working? Call them on your break, eliminating your distraction! Break your responsibilities into manageable pieces. Big projects can be intimidating - if they're big enough, it's easy to put them off, wasting time on less-important work until you're forced to tackle the entire project right up against the deadline. As an efficient worker, you should do important work first, even when that means doing a small part of a large task. It doesn't feel as rewarding to do a small part of a big task as it does to complete an entire small task, but it's a smart use of your time. In the long run, you'll finish your most important tasks faster if you work on them a little bit every day. For example, if you've got to make a big presentation in one month's time, set a goal of creating an outline today. It's not terribly time-consuming, so it won't distract you from your other work, but it's an important first step that makes the rest of the process quicker and easier to complete. Lighten your work load by delegating work. Unless you're at the very bottom of the workplace totem pole, you may have the opportunity to split up particularly repetitive tasks among one or more of your subordinates to save yourself time. Don't give your underlings projects that only you know how to complete satisfactorily. Instead, give them the time-consuming, monotonous tasks that keep you from using your talents on more important work. If you delegate work, remember to follow up with your assistant and give him/her a deadline. Always be gracious with your subordinates when they help you - if they feel like you appreciate them, they'll work hard for you on future projects. If you're an intern, an entry-level employee, or someone else who's low-ranking in your company, you can still try to divide particularly monotonous work with employees who are at the same level as you (with their permission as well as the permission of your supervisor, of course). If you use a coworker's help, be ready to return the favor![[Image:Be More Efficient at Work Step 07Bullet01.jpg center If you've got a great relationship with your boss, you can even see if he can delegate some of the work to others for you![[Image:Be More Efficient at Work Step 07Bullet02.jpg|center Keep meetings lean. There's a reason everyone hates meetings - according to a 2012 survey, almost half of all respondents consider meetings to be the biggest source of wasted time at work - bigger, even, than time spent on personal and recreational websites. Meetings can be vital for discussing goals and establishing a forward vision. Left unchecked, however, meetings all too often become bloated affairs, eating up hours (or in extreme cases, even days ) of your time without anything important being decided. Here's a few tips to make your meetings as effective as possible: Establish an agenda before every meeting so that the time set aside is used to its full potential. Include time frames in which certain topics of discussion should be addressed. Stick to your agenda as much as you can - if other topics arise, recommend they be discussed later via a one-on-one office discussion. Invite the smallest number of people as possible. Keeping your meetings to the bare minimum in terms of attendees reduces the chance that the conversation will veer off-topic. It also keeps everyone who doesn't need to be there at their desks, working, which is overall more productive. Keep slide presentations to a minimum. There is ample debate about whether slide presentations (PowerPoint, etc.) help or hinder the efficiency of a meeting. This much is clear: If you use slides in your presentation, keep them as concise and informative as possible. Use slides to display pictures and data that can't be conveyed through your speech, not the entire content of your presentation. And don't mess around with animations or transitions, either, as it wastes time. Finally, as an overarching principle, know what you want to decide before you start the meeting and make that decision as quickly as possible. Nip office drama in the bud. Workplaces can, unfortunately, be terribly stressful places. If tempers flare, address any ill will immediately and directly. This may mean you, the person you're fighting with, or both of you need to make sincere apologies. Do this sooner rather than later. If you let a few fights fester into a grudge, your efficiency will suffer in the long run as you waste time working around this person and avoiding him/her in the workplace. More importantly, you'll be miserable - don't let workplace drama ruin your efficiency and your mood! Don't be afraid to involve a mediator. Businesses know that drama and hurt feelings can hinder work flow, so many employ people whose specific duties include resolving workplace disputes. Contact your workplace's human resources personnel if you feel frustrated, sad, or scared because of someone else in the workplace. When all is said and done, you don't have to be friends with a colleague you've argued with - you just have to be able to work with him or her. Be polite and tactful in the workplace, even with people you hate. Be well rested. Being tired has never improved the quality of anyone's work. Tiredness can slow your output, dull your performance, and, if you're prone to sleeping spells, seriously embarrass you in important meetings. On top of this, severely insufficient sleep has been correlated with a variety of health problems. Don't fall asleep at your desk or miss work because you've gotten sick - get 7-8 hours of sleep a night to be at your best. At best, workplace fatigue can be a minor distraction. At worst, it can be a serious safety concern. If you have a job where peoples' safety is at stake (for instance, if you're an air traffic controller or you drive a semi truck), it's imperative that you keep a good sleep schedule. Get exercise. Science has shown that a good exercise regimen improves your workplace mood and productivity. This is especially true for sedentary office jobs. If you spend most of your time at work sitting in front of a computer, make special effort to spend a little time every day exercising - not only will it make it easier to sit still at work, but it will make you feel happier, sharper, and more motivated. If you're starting an exercise routine for the first time, try a moderate workout combining with some. Keep an elevated mood. If you're trying to improve your working efficiency, you may be tempted to pursue your work with dogged seriousness. Often, this isn't a good idea - you may increase your efficiency in the short term, but if you never allow yourself any pleasure at work, it's easy to burn yourself out, leading to fatigue, stress, and a lack of motivation. Try to keep high spirits - if you feel good at work, you'll be more likely to stay motivated and ambitious. Do small things to improve your mood that won't hinder your productivity - listen to music through headphones, take stretch breaks, or take your laptop to the break room for some peace and quiet. Make the most of your meal breaks - relish the chance to enjoy good food and tell jokes with your workplace friends. Use coffee with caution. Coffee can be a fantastic pick-me-up on days when you're feeling especially drained, but if you use it every day, you'll become dependent on it and it will cease to give you any benefits. Motivate yourself. It's easier to work efficiently if you have a good reason to work. If you're occasionally having difficulty getting yourself going, think about the reasons that led you to your job in the first place - your life's goals, your dreams, and your vision for yourself. Try to think of your work as a means to an end - the "end" being your ideal vision for your life. If you enjoy your job, try thinking about how your work makes you feel - do you feel fulfilled and accomplished after you've done it? Think about the good things your work allows you to have. Perhaps you owe your house or your car to the money you've earned through your job, or maybe your job allows you to send your children to school. Also think of your job's "benefits" - medical and/or dental insurance for your family, for instance. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a1\/Be-More-Efficient-at-Work-Step-13Bullet01.jpg\/v4-460px-Be-More-Efficient-at-Work-Step-13Bullet01.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a1\/Be-More-Efficient-at-Work-Step-13Bullet01.jpg\/aid1068185-v4-728px-Be-More-Efficient-at-Work-Step-13Bullet01.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>"} Think about the consequences if you don't work. What things will you have to give up if you lose your source of income? In what ways will it affect your family or other people close to you? Reward yourself. If you've successfully increased your work efficiency, celebrate - you deserve it. It's not easy to lose bad habits and cultivate good ones, so reward yourself for your hard work. Buy yourself a drink after work on Friday, meet with some friends for a night out, or just lay in bed with a book - whatever makes you happy after a long work week, do it. Rewarding yourself increases your feeling of accomplishment, which is an important part of keeping your motivation up. Your reward doesn't have to be big or grandiose, and it shouldn't be something that's financially irresponsible. Modest, moderate rewards are best. Save the new Rolex for a special occasion. | Keep a clean, orderly work space. Keep your workplace well-stocked. Keep a consolidated schedule. Eliminate your personal distractions. Use breaks to handle personal business. Break your responsibilities into manageable pieces. Lighten your work load by delegating work. Keep meetings lean. Nip office drama in the bud. Be well rested. Get exercise. Keep an elevated mood. Motivate yourself. Reward yourself. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Indifferent | How to Be Indifferent | Being indifferent is all about responding dispassionately to what goes on around you and not getting emotionally involved. To appear indifferent, keep your facial expressions to a minimum, since you don't want to indicate you have any strong feelings. Stick to a relaxed posture with your arms open and relaxed to show that you're calm while being open to interaction with others. Speak calmly and avoid responding emotionally to anything that is said. When you talk about a disagreement, try to analyze both sides as if you're an external observer, which will show you're not caught up in it. | Get away from your self. Yep, that's two separate words. There are several "you"s that exist simultaneously. Sort of like Freud's id, ego, and superego. There's the "you" that behaves, for starters. Then, there's a "you" that monitors that behavior (your highly evolved one, you). And then there's actually a part of you that can step outside and look at things from another perspective entirely -- it's this last one you need to get at to become indifferent. If that's a little confusing, let's put it this way: There's the you that just does and is. It's like the baby within you -- this is the first "you." You eat, you breathe, you do human things. You don't really question it. It's the you just reading right now. Then there's the "you" that is monitoring all this behavior, thinking, making sure it's socially acceptable, making sure you survive, etc. Ever thought to yourself, "My God, why did I eat 5 slices of pizza?!" That's the second you. This third "you" is a bit more elusive. It can look at your behavior and thoughts and come to highly-evolved, self-aware conclusions. This is the "you" we'll be targeting. This you doesn't really feel things or need things -- it just observes. It's indifferent. Think of life like a movie. In order to target this third you, you need to think of life like a movie. That is, you need to be a little less invested in what's going on. Emotions don't really have a place -- or if they do, they only skim the surface and don't have any real repercussions. What kind of movie are you in right now? Who's in control? What's probably going to happen? If you get this thinking down, you'll start seeing patterns and thinking outside of the box -- less selfishly, more big picture. For example, right now you're sitting at home, eating a bowl of cereal, surfing wikiHow. What's your character feeling and why? How might that change in the coming days? Watching an emotion, seeing that it's there, is a lot different than feeling it. Know that it's no big deal. Whatever it is. Seriously. It is no big deal. In the grand scheme of things, few things are. Maybe the eventual collapse of the universe? That seems pretty huge. But that zit in the middle of your forehead? That comment Trang made that may or may not have been malicious? Nope and nope. Why should these tiny things get any reaction or emotion of out you? When nothing is a big deal, it's hard to be phased. However, it's hard to get happy too. Know that this is a give and take. In a recent study, those who believed that they had no purpose in life but didn't really care, are middle-of-the-road when it comes to happiness. So while you won't care that your stupid scum of a boyfriend dumped you, you also won't feel super ecstatic when you get that job promotion...because it's all no biggie. Open your mind. Being indifferent is about leaving our assumptions, our beliefs, our pride, our emotions and our vulnerabilities at the door. In order to do so, our minds have to be entirely open. Is some lunatic raving about how your sexual orientation/gender/denomination/race is all going to hell? Hmm. Interesting. Wonder why he thinks that? Any reaction on your part should be merely intrigued -- never offended, angry, or defensive. Staying rational and logical is a huge hurdle for many of us. When someone personally says something that attacks our belief system, we naturally want to speak up and put that person in their place. Can't do that! You have to keep an open mind and get unattached to your opinions on the matter. So this person thinks something different from you -- good for them! Think of the process behind the content. Whenever you're interacting with others, think of them as their characters. Think of their background and why it is they're saying what they're saying and doing what they're doing. And when it comes to their words, what do they actually mean? In other words, think of the process behind the content. When someone says, "Hey, ohmigosh, I really have something I want to tell you -- but I totally shouldn't," they're actually saying, "Please give me attention. I have some gossip and it would give me immense satisfaction if you begged for it." The process (what they actually mean to say) is still going on behind the content (what actually came out of their mouths). Seeing behaviors for the process makes it a lot easier to address what's actually going on (and to remove yourself from the situation at hand). Keep your facial expressions to a minimum. Being indifferent is all appearing as if you don't care one way or another. To keep up that impression, it's important not to give away your feelings on your face. If your words are, "Oh, that's slightly interesting," you won't look indifferent with raised eyebrows, eyes aghast, and mouth hanging open. It's not about reacting negatively or positively or even not reacting. You're still present; you're still an alive human being. It's just about hearing or seeing something and taking it in calmly and definitely not taking it personally. Sort of like every reaction you have when your little sister's friend starts talking about her potato chip addiction. Mild curiosity at best. Don't let your body give you away. So you've got the facial expressions down -- now it's time to make sure your body matches what your face is saying. Turns out most of body language is just that -- the body. Even if your words and your face scream "I couldn't care less" but your body makes it clear you're uncomfortable, you're no longer indifferent. You should have a relaxed, open position at all times. Like you're watching a decent movie. You're still engaged, but you're comfortable and stress-free. And if you're trying to convince your crush you're indifferent, hanging on them is not the way to mask your body language! Stay open and receptive. Too much of indifference can easily be mistaken for aloofness, being cold, or being just plain negative. That's not what indifference is about! You're still open, welcoming, and receptive -- it's just that you don't care whether people come to you to be welcomed or not. You'll do your thing regardless -- in fact, if no one were in the room, you'd be behaving the same way. Because you're an observer, you have no reason to close yourself off. Even if your significant other is yelling at you, keep your arms uncrossed and your legs unfolded. This is just a display of their need to control and you'll address it when you can get a word in edgewise calmly. You're still hearing what they have to say, you're just hearing all the levels to it and putting it through an objective analysis. Don't enjoy it too much. Some of us want to be indifferent to achieve some sort of self-satisfaction. We want to get back at an ex, prove to our boss/parents/siblings just how much we don't care, etc. If this is your case, don't enjoy it too much! That will give it away that your indifference is a facade , a show. You're no longer indifferent; you've become a phony. Be calm. Since everything is no big deal and you're analyzing the process from afar anyway, why in the world would you be anything but calm? You have nothing to lose in 99% of life's situations when it boils down to it, so why waste your energy? Lots of people get stressed out during life's situations -- whether it's meeting a deadline, a fight with a boyfriend or girlfriend, or drama between friends. It's because they care about the outcome -- something you don't do. So the next time you find yourself in a stressful situation, think nothing of it. It'll pass soon enough anyway. Be stoic. In addition to staying calm, it's important to be stoic (showing little emotion). You're not only stress-free since '93, but you're also never angry, sad, or overly happy. The situations around you don't phase you much, so you don't have much reason to feel intense emotion. Whether it's "You killed my fish!" or "I'm dumping you" or "Justin Bieber totally called me last night," your reaction should be as if someone said, "I bought a new lamp today." That's nice and all. Maybe you want to know what color it is, maybe you don't. You'll ask if you feel like it. Be objective. The world is full of opinions. Everybody has 'em. And most people display them quite readily. You, on the other hand, aren't most people. You see both sides of the coin and analyze situations for what they are -- not seen through a cloud of emotion. That means seeing your side of the coin, too. Sometimes it's hard to see the forest through the trees, but with practice being aware of your own behavior is possible. So when you're fighting with a friend, see what's driving her, but also see what's driving you. Address the process. When you're dealing with people, you don't necessarily have to respond to their words. You need to respond to what they're actually saying. Ignore the content and rely on the process. It'll help you be objective and removed from the emotions swirling around you. Instead, you'll be thinking about people's predispositions, tendencies, and complexes -- pretty neutral territory. Let's say Julia brought Pete, her husband, a list of things to do. Pete doesn't do it and Julia gets upset. Pete starts thinking Julia is a big nag and Julia thinks Pete doesn't care about her and is lazy. Instead, Pete should be thinking about how that list is really Julia needing her life to be organized and her asking for his help to do this -- Julia needs to realize her own translation of Pete's behavior and that is has nothing to do with her -- it's just that Pete operates on a different wavelength. When they see themselves for how they're acting, they remove themselves from the situation and can solve it. Give the common courtesy you give to strangers to all. If you're truly indifferent, you don't prefer one person over another. Again, it's like you're alone in the room. If there's a specific someone you want to convince of your indifference, treat them like you would a stranger. You'd definitely be civil, you'd definitely respond if they talked to you and you'd make chit chat, but when they walk away that's all it was. And that's totally fine. This works on enemies, too. Even if you hate the person, indifference is more powerful. They'll be expecting you to react -- when you don't, they won't know what to do. So be civil to them and kill 'em with indifferent kindness. | Get away from your self. Think of life like a movie. Know that it's no big deal. Open your mind. Think of the process behind the content. Keep your facial expressions to a minimum. Don't let your body give you away. Stay open and receptive. Don't enjoy it too much. Be calm. Be stoic. Be objective. Address the process. Give the common courtesy you give to strangers to all. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Laminate-Wood-Floors-Without-Streaking | How to Clean Laminate Wood Floors Without Streaking | To clean laminate wood floors without streaking, start by mixing equal parts white vinegar and distilled water to make a streak-free cleaning solution. You can also use warm distilled water mixed with 1 teaspoon of baby shampoo, or black tea mixed with distilled water in a spray bottle. Next, apply the cleaner to the floor so it's damp but not soaking wet, and mop the floor using smooth, even movements. Finally, dry the floor right away so you don't leave streaks. | Create a vinegar solution. Mix together a 50-50 white vinegar and distilled water mixture inside a spray bottle. Shake the bottle a bit before using. If you dislike the smell of vinegar, add in a few drops of an essential oil, such as lemon. This solution can be stored for a number of weeks without losing its cleaning power. It is possible to use apple cider vinegar in the solution, but this does not have the same sanitizing effect as distilled white vinegar. Natural cleaners have a tendency to leave less residue and create fewer streaks than their commercial counterparts. Although, be aware that premixed cleaning solutions for laminate are available at most home stores. Mix together a tea-based cleaner. Boil 1 cup (240 ml) of black tea using a single tea bag and 1 cup (240 ml) of water. Wait until the tea cools down and then pour it into a spray bottle for application. Shake the mixture a bit before spraying and use it immediately. Do not store this solution. Use baby shampoo. Fill your spray bottle up with warm or room temperature distilled water. Add in 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of baby shampoo. Shake the bottle until it fills up with bubbles. Spray this solution lightly onto the surface of your floor. Baby shampoo is gentle and safe for most surfaces, including laminate. Remove stains with a baking soda paste. Before you do a general cleaning, make sure to address any specific stains or their residue can cause streaking across your finished floor. For a food-based stain, spoon a paste made from baking soda and distilled water over the affected area. Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a cloth dampened with water. Remove tough stains with rubbing alcohol. Applying a bit of rubbing alcohol directly to a stain, using a cotton ball, can also help to remove it. But, don't let the alcohol sit for too long or it can cause your protective coating to peel up, which can give the appearance of dullness and streaking. Try using an acetone-based nail polish remover as an alternative to rubbing alcohol. Mix everything with distilled water. Using tap water is the easier option, but it can add deposits on top of your floor. This, in turn, can make your floor appear dirty or dull. Instead, go with warm or room temperature distilled water in all of your floor cleaning solutions. Using distilled water also makes it possible to store your solution up to a few weeks. Complete a spot test. Before you starting the cleaning process, go to a side corner of the room. Apply a bit of your cleaning solution to this space and observe what happens. Look to see if the floor appears dull or otherwise impacted by the solution. If not, proceed as planned. If so, consider using an alternate solution or calling in professional cleaners. Vacuum to remove loose dirt and debris. Select the bare floor setting on your vacuum, making sure that the bender bar underneath does not sit directly on the floor's surface. Follow the grain of your floor and do a few vacuuming passes over the room. Use your vacuum attachment for any corners or crevices. Vacuuming beforehand helps to minimize the movement of dirt and grime on your floor, which can cause streaking. Position yourself facing one wall. Stand with your spray bottle or microfiber mop against one of the walls with your back facing the rest of the room. This means that you will spray in front of you when walking backwards. This will keep you from stepping on top of the fresh cleaning solution and leaving footprints or other marks. Apply the cleaner. Spray a bit of the cleaning solution onto one of your microfiber mop pads. Or, hold your spray bottle above the floor and lightly mist the surface. Either way, keep an eye on your floor and make sure that it is damp, not soaking wet. Excessive liquid on your floor may cause streaking and warping. Mop the floor using smooth, even movements. After you've applied the cleaning solution, run your mop over the wet areas, making straight strokes. Keep the amount of pressure that you use even and controlled, or you could end up causing streaking by scrubbing some areas too much and others not enough. Every few minutes, stop and look over the floor to make sure that you are not missing any wet spaces. Dry it right away. As soon as you finish applying the cleaning solution, go back to where you began and begin the drying process. Walk backward and use a microfiber cloth or mop pad to pick up the moisture from the floor. Moving this way means that you will minimize your footprints, but make sure to buff them out as you go, leaving a pristine surface behind. Use fresh pads, as needed. If you choose to use a microfiber mop, make sure to use a clean pad for the drying stage. Otherwise, you will just apply another layer of dirt onto the clean surface. To keep your pads clean, place them in your washer on a “delicate” cycle or run them under some warm water. Avoid using a laundry sheet when drying your cleaning cloths or pads, as the chemicals from the sheet can lead to streaking when you use the pads or clothes again. Wipe up any spills immediately. If you see a spill on your floor, the most important thing is to get the liquid up quickly. Grab a towel or washcloth and place it on top of the sitting liquid. Replace as needed until the area is no longer damp. Do a final wipe down of the area with a damp cloth. Stick to a cleaning schedule. It is possible to clean your floors too much, which can damage the protective coating. It is also possible to clean your floor not often enough, which can lead to the accumulation of dirt and streaking when you do try to clean. Try to mop down your floors every other week or so. Vacuum more frequently to remove any surface debris. Create a “no shoes” rule. Start by wearing socks in your own home and asking that guests take off their shoes when entering as well. This will lessen the amount of deep grime present on your floors and it will make it easier to clean them without creating streaks or spots. Call in a professional. Locate a floor cleaning professional in your area and then go online to read any reviews that are available. Pay particular attention to the comments regarding the quality of the finished work. If you are concerned about streaking, tell the cleaner about your concerns when you make the appointment. | Create a vinegar solution. Mix together a tea-based cleaner. Use baby shampoo. Remove stains with a baking soda paste. Remove tough stains with rubbing alcohol. Mix everything with distilled water. Complete a spot test. Vacuum to remove loose dirt and debris. Position yourself facing one wall. Apply the cleaner. Mop the floor using smooth, even movements. Dry it right away. Use fresh pads, as needed. Wipe up any spills immediately. Stick to a cleaning schedule. Create a “no shoes” rule. Call in a professional. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stain-Pine | How to Stain Pine | To stain pine wood, you'll need to seal it before brushing on the stain to prevent the wood from soaking up more pigment in some areas than others. In order to prep your wood, sand it with a low-grit sandpaper to remove any inconsistencies. Next, use a higher grit sandpaper to smooth the surface, then scrub the wood with a soft sponge to restore the grain and remove any loose dust. Once your wood is clean, brush on 2 coats of wood conditioner to seal it. After the wood dries for 2 to 3 hours, spread the stain evenly across its surface. Let it dry for 24 hours, then apply more coats if you like. | Sand the wood with a low-grit sandpaper to remove inconsistencies. Start with a coarse square (around 100-grit) and go over the pine using a wide, looping circular motion. This first pass is to wear down the small contours, ridges, and knotholes characteristic of softwoods and leave you with a more even surface to work with. A sanding block will allow you to apply more consistent pressure than a handheld sheet of sandpaper. Sanding helps open up the pores in natural wood surfaces, which will allow the stain to set in better. Use a higher grit sandpaper to smooth the surface. After taking off the rough outer layer, switch to a finer grain (150 to 200-grit) and sand the pine a second time. An additional sanding will ensure that the wood is properly blended and prepared for staining. If you're working with raw pine boards, don't forget to go over the cut ends, as well. Scrub the wood with a soft sponge to raise the grain. Wet the sponge, then give it a squeeze to wring out the excess water. Run the damp sponge over the outer surface of the pine from end to end with heavy, sweeping strokes in one direction. This will not only restore the grain, but also pick up loose dust and debris. Wood grain becomes compressed after sanding. A little bit of moisture cause the surface fibers to swell, returning them to their natural position. Brush on two coats of wood conditioner. Spread the sealant over every exposed area of the piece, including the ends, if you're staining boards. The first coat will soak into the pine instantly. Following the second coat, you should be able to notice the sealant just beginning to pool on the grain. If you're staining a larger piece, touch up the sections you conditioned first periodically to keep them wet as you work. Pre-sealing your pine essentially evens out the empty space inside the grain, allowing the stain to stand out boldly on top without simply absorbing too deep into the wood. Wipe off the excess conditioner. Use a clean cloth to remove as much of the watery sealant as you can. There should be no wet spots or standing moisture visible when you're finished. Be sure to thoroughly wipe down every part of the pine that you treated. Too much sealant will fill the pores in the wood, preventing the stain from setting in at all. Leave the wood to dry for 2-3 hours. Find a cool, clean place with low humidity to stash it as it dries. Once the sealant has set up inside the pores, you'll be able to stain successfully without worrying about saturating the pine and creating a blotchy mess. Blot the stain onto the surface of the wood. Soak up a small amount of stain with a scrap cloth or chisel-tipped brush and transfer it to the piece. Begin spreading the stain across the surface of the wood in eccentric circles or back and forth using smooth strokes. Be conservative. If you want a darker tone, you can get it by layering on additional coats little by little. A sponge brush can be useful for working stain into corners, recessed nooks, and other hard to reach spaces. Work the stain into the wood. Continue brushing or rubbing the stain in all directions until it has spread to the edges of the surface. Look for the finish to have a faint, consistent coloration; if it's too dark or light in one area, it probably means the stain hasn't been spread well enough. Don't forget the stain the end grain of boards, blocks, and other forms of raw pine. Wipe off the excess stain. After giving it a minute or two to soak in, take a separate, clean cloth and run it along the surface of the pine to collect any standing finish. What's left behind will have already been absorbed and begun altering the color of the wood. Thanks to the preliminary sealing, you shouldn't run into any unsightly defects in the appearance of the pine, such as blotching or grain reversal. It's important to remove any stain that hasn't already seeped into the pine. Allow the stain to dry. Wait until the first coat has dried to the touch before applying subsequent coats. Otherwise, each layer will just be competing with the others, resulting in a muddy finish that's less than attractive. Set the piece on a tarp or sheet of newspaper while it dries to prevent the finish from rubbing off on anything nearby. It may take up to 24 hours for the stain to dry to the point where it's no longer tacky. Follow up with additional coats as needed. Brush on a second or even third coat of stain until you achieve the desired depth. Keep in mind that the shade you see when you first wipe off the stain will be very close to how the wood will look once it dries. If you've used more than three coats and the piece still hasn't reached the shade you want, consider switching to a darker stain. Try not to overdo it. There's no way to take back color once it's been applied. Test the wood to make sure the stain is dry. A good way to tell whether the pine is ready for reapplication is by dabbing it with the pad of your finger or the corner of a paper towel. If any color comes off, the stain still too wet. Never apply sealant while the stain is still wet. This is a good way to ruin all your hard work. Wipe down the stained surface. If you're satisfied that the stain is sufficiently dry, give the piece a quick once over with a microfiber cloth. This will clear it of dust and debris and prevent them from becoming sealed onto the wood. Use a light touch to avoid removing or smudging the stain. Brush 1-2 layers of clear coat onto the pine. To protect your upgraded piece, make sure you cover every part of the wood that you stained. A good clear coat will lock in the rich finish and safeguard the wood from moisture and general wear and tear. If you choose to use more than one coat, let the first dry to the touch before proceeding with the second. Any lacquer, varnish, or polyurethane sealant formulated for use on natural woods will do the trick. Be careful not to apply the clear coat too heavily. Doing so may cause it to run. Let the clear coat dry completely. Allow up to 24 hours for the finish to solidify. Avoid handling the piece in the meantime. Alternatively, you can let the piece sit overnight to be on the safe side. When it's all said and done, you'll marvel at how elegant even an inexpensive material like pine can look when finished the right way! Water-based sealants tend to dry faster than other products, which can be a plus if you're eager to put the new piece to use right away. | Sand the wood with a low-grit sandpaper to remove inconsistencies. Use a higher grit sandpaper to smooth the surface. Scrub the wood with a soft sponge to raise the grain. Brush on two coats of wood conditioner. Wipe off the excess conditioner. Leave the wood to dry for 2-3 hours. Blot the stain onto the surface of the wood. Work the stain into the wood. Wipe off the excess stain. Allow the stain to dry. Follow up with additional coats as needed. Test the wood to make sure the stain is dry. Wipe down the stained surface. Brush 1-2 layers of clear coat onto the pine. Let the clear coat dry completely. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Boutonniere | How to Make a Boutonniere | To make a boutonniere, start by choosing a large flower with a sturdy stem for the middle of your boutonniere, like a rose, carnation, or tulip. Then, remove any deformed or damaged petals and snip the stem 1 inch below the bud. Next, stick a piece of floral wire through the base of the flower and fold it in half downward to make a fake stem, wrapping it in floral tape to cover it. Finally, group leafy filler plants around the base of the large flower, like holly or plumosa, and secure them with floral tape. | Choose a large flower for the middle of your boutonniere. You can pick any flower that you want for your boutonniere. Make sure the flower has a sturdy stem so your boutonniere doesn't wilt. Pick a flower that's the same color or a complementary color of your clothes. For example, if you were wearing a purple tie, choose a purple or yellow flower for your boutonniere. Use artificial flowers if you don't have access to fresh ones. Remove any deformed petals around the outside of the flower. Pull out the 2-3 outer petals around the flower so it looks completely fresh. If there are any other damaged petals, take them out until you're happy with the flower's appearance. If you notice that you have to remove a lot of the petals, try to use a different flower. Your boutonniere will look less full when you take out too many petals. Snip the stem 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the bud. Use a pair of garden snips to cut the stem off of the flower. Measure about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the base of the flower and make your cut at a 45-degree angle. Dispose of the stem once it's removed. Trim some of the leaves off of the stem before you throw it away if you want to use them as decoration in your boutonniere later on. Stick an 8 in (20 cm) piece of floral wire through the base of the flower. Push one end of the wire right underneath the flower's base. Make sure your wire is in the middle of the stem so your boutonniere stays balanced. Feed the wire through the other side of the stem until you have 4 inches (10 cm) on each side. If you're using silk or other artificial flowers, heat the end of the wire with a candle or utility lighter. The hot wire will melt through the plastic to the other side. If you can't find floral wire, any 22-24 gauge wire will work fine. Fold the wire in half to create a fake stem. Point each side of the wire down and away from the flower. The wire makes a stem that you can bend and manipulate more easily. Make sure the wire is completely straight. Wrap the wire tightly in floral tape. Place your tape just above where you put the wire through the stem. Hold the tape in one hand and use your other hand to slowly spin the flower. Pull the floral tape tight, and press it against the wire stem so it adheres. Continue wrapping tape around the wire until you reach the bottom. Floral tape can be purchased at your local arts and crafts store. Group leafy filler plants around the base of the flower and tape them in place. Choose leaves that are flat, but not too large that they overwhelm your flower. Arrange the greenery around your flower so their stems extend down past the wire. When you have an arrangement that you like, wrap another layer of florist's tape around the stems the same way as your wire. Tie ribbons around the stem to add more color to your boutonniere. Wrap the ribbon around your boutonniere the same way you wrapped the tape. Tuck each end of the ribbon into the wrap to hold it in place. If you want a more decorative look, leave one end of the ribbon hanging down and cut a small triangle out of the end to form a dovetail. Trim the wire down to 2–3 in (5.1–7.6 cm). Use a strong pair of scissors to cut the boutonniere to a smaller size so it fits on your lapel easier. This also helps remove any long stems from your filler plant to make your boutonniere look cleaner. Curl the end of your boutonniere backward if you want to secure a ribbon even more. | Choose a large flower for the middle of your boutonniere. Remove any deformed petals around the outside of the flower. Snip the stem 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the bud. Stick an 8 in (20 cm) piece of floral wire through the base of the flower. Fold the wire in half to create a fake stem. Wrap the wire tightly in floral tape. Group leafy filler plants around the base of the flower and tape them in place. Tie ribbons around the stem to add more color to your boutonniere. Trim the wire down to 2–3 in (5.1–7.6 cm). |
https://www.wikihow.life/Use-Vinegar-for-Household-Cleaning | How to Use Vinegar for Household Cleaning | To use vinegar for household cleaning, begin by mixing equal parts vinegar and water to make a versatile, all-purpose disinfectant. Then, put the mixture in a spray bottle and use it to wipe down counters, clean mirrors, or sanitize doorknobs. Next, dilute the mixture even more and use it to mop floors or clean tile. You can also mix vinegar with baking soda to make a paste that cleans tough dirt or baked-on grime. | Make an all-purpose disinfectant. To make a versatile disinfectant with vinegar, simply mix equal parts white vinegar and water and store the mixture in a spray bottle. You can use this mixture to clean: Telephones, doorknobs, and other surfaces: spray on and wipe off Mirrors and glass: spray on and wipe dry with a rubber squeegee blade Freezer and refrigerator: soak a cloth with the solution and wipe the surface to clean and remove odors Microwave: fill a small bowl with the solution and microwave on high for two minutes, then wipe down the inside of the microwave Make an all-purpose cleaner. This all-purpose cleaner recipe is more diluted than the disinfectant, but it's still great for many cleaning jobs around the house. Just spray the cleaner on and wipe down things like counters, walls, toys, tables, blinds, and other surfaces. To make the cleaner, combine: 3 cups (705 ml) of water 1 cup (235 ml) of vinegar 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of lemon juice 10 drops lemon essential oil Use vinegar to make a floor cleaner. A basic floor cleaner is more diluted than all-purpose cleaners and disinfectants. Make this cleaner as necessary when it's time to clean the floors. This solution can also be used on counters, tiles, and for other minor cleaning needs around the house. In a large bucket, combine ½ cup (118 ml) of vinegar and ½ gallon (1.9 L) of warm water. Soak a mop or sponge in the solution, wring out the excess, and wipe the floor. Allow the floor to air dry. Create a mattress cleaner. Mattresses are difficult to clean because they can't go in the washing machine, can't be taken to the dry cleaner, and are too large and unwieldy to wash in the normal ways. But you can make an odor-killing disinfectant with vinegar: In a spray bottle, combine 1 cup (235 ml) of vinegar, ¼ cup (59 ml) of rubbing alcohol, and 10 drops of tea tree oil. Remove the sheets from the mattress and spray the solution over the entire mattress. Let the mattress air dry throughout the day. Polish metal with your own cleaning paste. Polishing tarnished metals with cleaner is a smelly job that requires care because commercial metal cleaners are strong chemical solutions. You can make your own polish for copper, pewter, and brass instead. To make and use this paste: Combine 1 teaspoon (6 g) of salt, ½ cup (118 ml) of vinegar, and enough flour to make a paste Apply the paste to the tarnished metal with an old toothbrush or jewelry brush Leave the paste on the metal for about 15 minutes Rinse under warm water Buff the metal with a dry microfiber cloth Make an all-purpose stain remover. A vinegar-based stain remover can be used to remove stains and tough dirt from carpets, clothes, upholstery, drapes, and even dishware. Simply spray the cleaner on the affected surface, let it soak for two minutes, and then blot the area with a cloth. To make a stain remover for fabrics, combine 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of vinegar, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of liquid laundry soap, and 1 cup (235 ml) of warm water in a spray bottle. To make a stain remover for hard surfaces, combine 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of vinegar, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of liquid dish soap, and 1 cup (235 ml) of warm water in a spray bottle. Clean around the house with a cleaning paste. Vinegar and baking soda cleaning pastes are great for carpets, tough dirt, baked on grime, stovetop grease, getting crayon off walls, pet accidents, and other hard-to-clean messes. Just stir together 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of vinegar and ¼ cup (55 g) of baking soda until they foam and become a paste. To use this cleaner, apply a small amount to the affected area. Rub in the paste with an old toothbrush or non-abrasive scrubber. Blot the area with a damp sponge to remove dirt and excess cleaner. For carpets, vacuum when dry. Clean showers, sinks, and tubs. Showers, tubs, and sinks are prone to mineral deposits, mold, mildew, soap scum, and other household cleaning nightmares. But you can use these two simple ingredients, baking soda and vinegar, to keep these surfaces sparkling and clean. To do this: Saturate a cloth or sponge with pure vinegar Sprinkle liberal amounts of baking soda on the sponge Scrub showers, shower doors, bathroom and kitchen sinks, and tubs with the sponge Re-soak the sponge and add more baking soda as necessary Rinse with clean water Unclog your drains. Clogged and slow-running drains are never fun to deal with, and commercial drain cleaners are dangerous and corrosive. Instead, try baking soda and vinegar to unblock your drains next time you're facing a clog. All you have to do is: Fill the affected drain with 1 cup (220 g) of baking soda Pour in 1 cup (235 ml) of vinegar Let the mixture bubble and foam for 30 minutes Pour a kettleful of boiling water down the drain to flush it out Dissolve mineral deposits and clogs. The acid in vinegar makes it perfect for dissolving the mineral deposits and other clogs that can block up shower heads, coffee makers, and even filters. To use vinegar in this way: Showerheads: Fill a plastic bag with vinegar. Wrap the bag around the showerhead and use an elastic to hold it in place, so the showerhead is soaking in vinegar. Let it soak overnight. In the morning, remove the bag and rinse the showerhead with water. Coffee maker: Fill the coffee maker's water reservoir with vinegar and run the machine through a brew cycle. Dump out the vinegar. Run the machine again with just plain water to rinse it out. Humidifier filters: Remove the filter from the humidifier. Fill a large shallow pan with vinegar and submerge the filter. Let the filter soak for one to two hours, or until the deposits and clogs dissolve or come loose. Remove stickers. Sticker residue can seem nearly impossible to remove from certain surfaces, especially if the sticker was there for a long time. To remove a sticker with vinegar, peel off as much of the sticker as you can with your fingers. Then, apply vinegar to the area with a paint brush or sponge. Let the vinegar soak for 10 minutes, and then scrape the residue with a plastic scraper. Boost your dish and laundry detergent. You can increase the cleaning and washing power of your dishwasher and washing machine by adding vinegar to their regular cycles. Not only will you have cleaner dishes and clothes, but you'll also get the stain-removing and deodorizing benefits of vinegar. For the dishwasher, add 2 cups (470 ml) of vinegar to the bottom of the dishwasher before starting the cycle. For the washing machine, add 1 cup (235 ml) of vinegar directly into the drum during the rinse cycle to help break down stains and soften clothes. Clean your cutting board. Cutting boards can harbor bacteria and organisms that can make you and your family sick. To kill these and keep your cutting boards clean and disinfected, dampen a cloth with vinegar and wipe the cutting board after each use. Allow to air dry before using again. Prevent mildew. Mold and mildew can form easily in the bathroom and other areas that are often damp. To prevent mildew from growing on your shower, sink, and tub walls, wipe them down with a squeegee after each use and then spray the walls with plain vinegar. To prevent mildew on the shower curtain, shake off excess water after a shower and then spray the curtain with vinegar. Disinfect the toilet. The toilet is another place in your house where dangerous bacteria can linger, so vinegar can come in handy here too. To clean and disinfect the toilet, pour 1 cup (235 ml) of straight vinegar into the toilet bowl and let it sit overnight. Scrub the bowl in the morning and flush to rinse it out. You can also spray straight vinegar on the toilet seat and around the outside of the bowl. Let it sit for about 30 minutes, and then wipe the surface with a damp cloth or rag. Clean the litter box. Litter boxes can stink and can harbor bacteria, so it's important to keep them clean. Every time you change the litter, dump the old litter, rinse the pan, and fill the bottom with ½ inch (1.3 cm) of vinegar. Let the vinegar sit for about 15 minutes. Rinse out the pan with clean water. Let the litter pan air dry before filling it with fresh litter. | Make an all-purpose disinfectant. Make an all-purpose cleaner. Use vinegar to make a floor cleaner. Create a mattress cleaner. Polish metal with your own cleaning paste. Make an all-purpose stain remover. Clean around the house with a cleaning paste. Clean showers, sinks, and tubs. Unclog your drains. Dissolve mineral deposits and clogs. Remove stickers. Boost your dish and laundry detergent. Clean your cutting board. Prevent mildew. Disinfect the toilet. Clean the litter box. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Follow-Gandhian-Principles-Without-Feeling-Restricted | How to Follow Gandhian Principles Without Feeling Restricted | Gandhi's principles of truth and peace are known across the world and if you want to live a calm and moral life, you can follow them too. Be as honest as you can with yourself and with other people. This will help you build stronger relationships and live more harmoniously. Avoid violence and aggression at all costs. This was one of Gandhi's most popular principles and it will help you to deescalate any conflicts in your life. You should also avoid buying things you don't need, which can damage the planet and make you unhappier in the long term. Another one of Gandhi's principles was limiting your meat consumption as much as possible to save animals and live a cleaner lifestyle. | Learn about Gandhi's principles. There are 6 principles that Mahatma Gandhi followed: Truth: learning from your own mistakes and conducting experiments on yourself. Nonviolence: nonviolent resistance connected in a way to religion. Vegetarianism: carved in the Hindu and Jain traditions in India. Brahmacharya: spiritual and practical purity. Simplicity: giving up unnecessary spending. Faith: belief in a higher power and that all religions are real and are equal. Learn about the differing circumstances under which you and Gandhi lived. These will help you alter the principles so you can live by them without feeling restricted. He lived in India from 1869 to 1948, mainly adhering to these principles in the '30s and '40s. We live in a society that is more technologically advanced, is more materialistic, and doesn't fight for the same reasons (we have more opportunities to do what we want to do) Apply the principle of Truth. Fight your own inner demons, fear, and insecurities. Everyone is unique in this world and therefore, one should not compare with others. Be honest with yourself about who you are and what you want. If you think there is something to fix, then fix it. Practice nonviolence. Control your temper and also your thoughts. What we think, we become and therefore if you always are thinking of hurting someone or feeling extremely angry at someone, those are the vibes you'll be giving to others. The best way to be nonviolent is to think positively and believe that whatever happens is for a good reason. Nonviolence and forgiveness are the higher calling of virtue. Resist eating meat. Not everyone can resist meat, but you can control your consumption. For health reasons, avoiding eating a lot of red meat is a good idea. Avoid premarital sex. Many of us want to get married and have children or be intimate with someone. Therefore, practicing brahmacharya might not be possible. However, you ought not think of the opposite sex as an object. You could also wait to be intimate with someone till after marriage. Gandhi's life is known to not be a good example of sexual purity, as he used his position to sexually exploit young women. This fact, along with his views about racial purity, help us to view Gandhi as a flawed man. However, we cannot let the imperfections of men and women deter us from pursuing high ideals and sound principles. Principles stand on their own merit, regardless of any individual's life or level of moral uprightness. Avoid consuming more than you need. Life in western countries tends to be quite fast. Do you need the latest fashion clothing or can you wear the clothes you already have? Do you need 50-100 pairs of shoes? Do you need the latest gadgets? Do you need a brand new BMW? Simplicity doesn't mean foregoing all your desires, but not buying something right away or something you don't really need. Simplicity also means being happy with what you are given and have. Have faith. You don't have to believe in God, but it is good to believe that everyone has equal inherent value - you are no less or more than someone else. It is about knowing your values, ethics, and morals. Faith is not following others blindly - especially when someone else is doing something that your heart says is not right. | Learn about Gandhi's principles. Learn about the differing circumstances under which you and Gandhi lived. Apply the principle of Truth. Practice nonviolence. Resist eating meat. Avoid premarital sex. Avoid consuming more than you need. Have faith. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-a-Blanket | How to Wash a Blanket | Before you wash a blanket, look at the care instructions on the label for information about washing and drying it. You can usually just wash blankets in the washing machine on a gentle cycle using cool water. Add in 1/4 cup of a mild detergent and let your washing machine do the rest. If your blanket is delicate, you can hand wash it by filling a tub with cool water and adding it a bit of detergent. Then, swish the fabric around and rub off any stains with your fingers. After it is clean, simply rinse and wring dry. | Fill a tub with cool water and add detergent. Find a tub or basin large enough for your blanket to fit in and fill it up with cool water. Mix in mild detergent and let it spread through the water. You'll essentially be doing the same thing as a washing machine on a gentle setting, only manually, which gives you greater control over how the blanket is treated and helps ensure that every part gets clean. Don't fill the tub up too much or it may overflow when you put the blanket in. Swish the blanket through the water. Using soft, kneading strokes, drag the blanket back and forth in the soapy water. It's best to take hold of one section of the blanket for a few passes, then smooth it out and wash a new section. Do this until the blanket has been cleaned thoroughly. Press out excess water. Take the blanket out of the tub and let the saturated water run out. Fold the blanket in half two or three times and then use both hands to apply pressure to the blanket, squeezing out excess water. Pressing the blanket is a safer alternative to wringing it out, which can stretch the fabric out of shape. Wash again using plain water. Give the blanket another quick wash in some plain cool water. This will rinse away any detergent that might have soaked into the blanket. Swish the blanket through the water, touching each section individually. Make sure there are no traces of soap remaining on the blanket. Drain and refill the tub with fresh water until it remains clear after rinsing. You may need to do this several times. Make sure you hand wash delicate fabrics like wool, silk and linens. These fabrics are woven from natural fibers and may be irreparably damaged if treated with harsh washing methods. Make sure the blanket will fit in the washing machine. Depending on the size of the blanket you're washing, you may have trouble getting it to fit into a washing machine. Front-loading washers and top-loaders without agitators will produce optimal results, as the drum is spacious and allows plenty of room for the blanket to move. If your blanket is too big to fit in a standard washing machine or is made of an especially delicate material, wash it by hand instead. Take the blanket outsides and give it a good shake to remove any loose dirt or dust before washing. Laundromat washing machines are typically bigger than commercial washers and might be the best option if you're washing a blanket that is particularly large or thick. Perform a quick color test. If the blanket has never been washed before, it might be a good idea to quickly test to see if the dye used to color the blanket will run in the washer. Soak a colored portion of the blanket in cool water for a few minutes, then dab the blanket with a piece of plain white fabric or paper towel to see if the color bleeds. Wash the blanket by hand if there's a substantial amount of color on the test cloth. Avoid washing a new or brightly colored blanket with other clothes. Select a gentle cycle and use cool water. When machine washing blankets, always use cool water and choose the gentlest wash cycle. Washing machines are rough on clothes: that's partially how they manage to get things so clean. The downside of this is that all the spinning, beating and agitating can stretch your blanket out of shape and cause it to come out looking worse than before. Similarly, hot water can shrink threads and cause dye to run. Be aware of this and protect your blanket from damage. Add a mild detergent. Pour a small amount of mild detergent into the washer after it fills but before you put in the blanket. This way, the detergent will diffuse evenly throughout the water, creating a gentle washing solution and keeping you from having to pour the detergent directly onto the blanket. Most laundry soaps are astringent and can cause wear and fading to textiles in high concentration, so pick a detergent approved for delicates and go easy on it. A little goes a long way: a quarter cap full of detergent is plenty. Load the washing machine evenly. Place the blanket into the washing machine, making sure that the weight and bulk of it is evenly distributed around the inside of the drum. Otherwise, not all surfaces of the blanket will get cleaned equally, and the motion generated during the wash cycle can throw the washer off balance. If the washer you're using has a center agitator, coil the blanket loosely around the agitator as you lower it in. Wash the blanket. Let the blanket go through the process of washing. If the blanket is of a heavy-duty or synthetic material, it's alright to let it finish a full wash cycle. However, you can also take the blanket out and drain the washing machine after 3-5 minutes; for delicate and natural fabrics like wool or down, there's no need for the blanket to undergo a complete wash, rinse and spin cycle. The longer the blanket is in the washing machine, the higher the chance it will come out warped, stretched or damaged. The spin cycle in particular may be too forceful for certain fabrics. Fabrics that are washing machine safe include cottons, which are preshrunk, and synthetic materials like polyester and nylon, which don't stretch out or shrink. Set the dryer to a low heat setting. When using a clothes dryer to dry your blanket, keep the heat setting between low and medium. Higher heats might shrink the blanket, or cause synthetic materials like polyester to scorch. If you're drying a down or wool blanket, set the dryer to tumble. Because it uses no heat, tumble drying takes longer and should only be used if you're worried about damaging a natural fabric. Once again, cotton and synthetics are resilient fabrics, which make them totally dryer-approved (just watch out for high heat on synthetics, as they're prone to burning after a while). Load the blanket into the dryer. Once again, make sure the blanket is distributed evenly in the dryer. Let the blanket lie loosely in the barrel, and try not to bunch it up. Clear out the dryer's lint trap before you begin drying. Fluffy items like bedding tend to shed a lot of lint, which can become a fire hazard as it accumulates. Allow the blanket time to dry. If your blanket is of heavy construction or has been washed and dried many times, it should be okay to let it go through a full drying cycle at low heat. Dry delicate or loosely-woven blankets in short bursts and keep an eye on the blanket's material as it dries. Set the dryer's timer for the desired time, or else monitor the blanket throughout the drying process. Tumble drying a delicate blanket might take hours. Reset the dryer at the end of a tumble cycle and repeat until the blanket is no longer damp. Overdrying can cause shrinkage or damage. Choose the appropriate time for the blanket you're drying and give it a feel from time to time when machine drying for longer periods. Remove and hang the blanket. Take the blanket out of the dryer while it is still slightly damp. In most cases, it's preferable to allow blankets to finish air drying—this will help instill a fresh fluffiness in the blanket as the remaining moisture dissipates and spare you the grief of dealing with shrinking, scorching, stretching and static. Smooth the blanket out by hand, then either hang it from a clothesline or drape it over something broad and flat. Let the blanket hang until it's completely dry. A drying rack or ironing board can be useful for draping a drying blanket if space for a clothesline is unavailable to you. Turn the blanket over periodically to expose both sides to direct air flow. Press out any remaining water. If you decide to air dry your blanket after washing it, be sure that you've first removed as much moisture from the blanket as you can. This will save you a lot of drying time. Remember to press the blanket, don't wring or bunch. Hang the blanket. Using a clothesline or ironing board, straighten and suspend the blanket to let it begin drying. Hang drying works best when it's done outside due to the movement of the air, but if you don't have a place to dry clothes outside you can also turn on a fan or simply let the blanket hang overnight. Smooth out all wrinkles and folds before hanging the blanket, or else the blanket will crease and dry unevenly. Make sure the blanket is completely stretched out when hang drying. Greater surface area means faster, more thorough drying. Wool, silks, linens and any blankets with loose weave-work, like crochet, should always be hung and allowed to air dry. This is the gentlest way to treat easily damaged fabrics and will help protect them for many more washings and drying. Roll the blanket up between dry towels. Alternately, sandwich the wet blanket between two clean, dry towels and roll or fold them up together. The towels will wick moisture out of the blanket from both sides, helping it dry faster. Place a heavy object like a book on top of the roll to apply pressure to the damp blanket and increase contact between the blanket and towels. One advantage of the towel method is that there should be no need to smooth the blanket once it's dry since it's already been rolled taut or neatly folded. Using an object heavier than a textbook to press water out of a blanket that is drying between towels may misshape the blanket or cause wrinkles once it's fully dry. Lay the blanket out. If you're pressed for space or don't want to use the towel method, find a clear, flat space to lay the blanket out. Place a couple dry towels underneath the blanket to absorb excess moisture as it dries, and flip the blanket over as needed to allow exposure to air on both sides. This will take considerably longer than any other drying method, but requires minimal effort. You may need to run an iron over the blanket after it has dried completely in order to eliminate wrinkles. This method will also be useful for blankets made from delicate fabrics like wool which easily stretch out and lose their shape when subjected to rigorous washing and drying. Use a low heat when ironing and only go over trouble spots in the blanket lightly once or twice. | Fill a tub with cool water and add detergent. Swish the blanket through the water. Press out excess water. Wash again using plain water. Make sure the blanket will fit in the washing machine. Perform a quick color test. Select a gentle cycle and use cool water. Add a mild detergent. Load the washing machine evenly. Wash the blanket. Set the dryer to a low heat setting. Load the blanket into the dryer. Allow the blanket time to dry. Remove and hang the blanket. Press out any remaining water. Hang the blanket. Roll the blanket up between dry towels. Lay the blanket out. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-a-Thicker-Beard | How to Grow a Thicker Beard | To grow a thicker beard, take a daily biotin supplement, which contains vitamins that will encourage beard growth. You should also eat a lot of protein-rich foods, like fish and lean meat, since protein is one of the building blocks of hair. Try to get in regular exercise, which will help your body produce more testosterone so you grow more hair. Also, get 7-8 hours of sleep every night since sleep can affect your hair growth. | Avoid the urge to shape your beard too soon. You should avoid going near your newly-grown beard with a scissors or beard trimmers until it's been growing for a minimum of four weeks. Individual hairs grow at a different rate, so some sections of your facial hair may take longer to grow than others. Have patience and wait to see how much you can grow before shaping and trimming. The more hair you have, the easier it is to work with. Choose a beard style. Once you have allowed nature to run wild and have been growing your beard for 4 to 6 weeks, you can start thinking about what style of beard you wish to adopt. You could leave it as it is - wild, rugged and undeniably masculine. Or you could go for something a little more polished, like a goatee and mustache combo or a refined chin strip or soul patch. Then you have the less common, but nonetheless manly, muttonchops and chin curtains. The choice is yours. Trim your beard. Once you have decided on a style, you can undertake the delicate process of trimming your beard. If this is your first time, you may want to consider going to a barber to have it done professionally, though finding a barber with any significant experience in handling beards is becoming harder and harder nowadays. If trimming your beard yourself, use a good trimmer to define your neckline, before shaping the rest of the beard. It is usually best to leave the cheek line natural, to avoid a weirdly shaped beard. Shampoo and condition regularly. Your beard will need some regular love and attention to keep it in tip-top condition. Try shampooing it daily (or almost daily) with a gentle shampoo to keep the hair clean and remove any lost pieces of food (it will happen), and use a little conditioner from time to time to help strengthen the hair and keep it looking full and thick. Use a protective oil. If you're exposing your beard to any harsh elements or chemicals - for example, while skiing or swimming in a chlorine-filled pool - you should apply a light layer of oil, such as jojoba or grape seed oil, which will protect your beard by locking in moisture and preventing the loss of natural oils. If all else fails, wait a couple of years. If your beard doesn't work out as well as you expected and you decide to let it go, don't lose hope. You can try again in a few years, as the development of facial hair continues to increase over time. This is why you usually see the fullest beards on older men. Eat well. Taking care of your body by eating well can favorably influence beard growth. As hair is mainly made up of protein, your beard will benefit from protein-rich foods, such as oily fish, lean beef and chicken. You should also try to increase your intake of healthy, saturated fats, such as those from nuts, fish and eggs. These will promote increased levels of testosterone, which is essential for thick, healthy beards. Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and kale, are also a good addition to your diet, as they will help your body to metabolize estrogen (the female hormone), leaving a higher level o testosterone in your system. You should avoid high-sugar junk foods, as these provide no nutritional content and will contribute to weak, brittle hair. Take a vitamin supplement. Vitamin supplements can be a great way to optimize hair health and stimulate beard growth. Perhaps the best supplement for maximizing hair growth is biotin, a dietary supplement found in pharmacies and health food stores. Dermatologists recommend taking 2.5 mg of biotin every day, for best results. Other vitamin supplements which have been said to improve beard growth include vitamin B1, B6 and B12, along with beta-carotene, flax seed oil and nettle oil. There is also a multivitamin called VitaBeard which is specifically designed to promote healthy facial hair, allowing beards to grow faster and stronger. It also helps to minimize itching, as it regulates skin's oil production. VitaBeard is available to buy online at beardvitamin.com. Exercise. Regular, moderate to intense exercise can contribute to a thick, healthy beard as it helps to stimulate testosterone production and improves circulation. Good circulation is important as it carries the required vitamins and nutrients to the skin and hair through the bloodstream. Try to combine both cardiovascular and muscle-building exercises in your workout routine, for best results. Get plenty of rest and relaxation. Sleep is important as it allows cells to repair and regenerate - which is essential for healthy hair growth. Your overall health and well-being depends on getting enough sleep, so you should try your best to get 7-8 hours of good quality sleep each night. You should also try to minimize your stress levels as much as possible, as high stress levels have been linked with hair loss. Stay hydrated. Your beard is not like a plant - drinking more water is not going to make it grow faster. However, keeping yourself hydrated is essential for optimum body function, which will improve your overall health. Water flushes out toxins from the body and keeps skin hydrated from within - and neither of these things can hurt your chances of a healthy beard. Choose a bearded role model. Growing a beard is a commitment. It will take time and dedication. There may be days when you feel like giving in and picking up the razor again. For times like these, you may find it helpful to keep an image of a bearded role model in mind. Think of a man with a gloriously full, thick beard who's image will provide you with inspiration and motivation when you need it most. Get a picture of this man and hang it in your bathroom. He'll provide you with the strength you need to persevere and achieve the manly beard you've always dreamed of. Some good examples of fabulously full-bearded men include: musicians like John Lennon and Jim Morrison, philosophers like Karl Marx and Sigmund Freud, former American presidents Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant and mythical Gods such as Zeus and Poseidon. Ignore the myth that shaving your beard will make it grow back thicker. You've probably heard the advice that shaving your beard will cause it to grow back twice as thick as before, but there is no real truth to this theory. After shaving your beard, your hair will experience a slight initial growth spurt, but will quickly return to a growth rate that's even slower than it was before, therefore rendering the growth benefits of shaving negligible. In addition, your beard may appear to be thicker when it starts growing again, but this is only because the hair nearest the root is darker and coarser than the ends. Once the length of the hairs increase, you will no longer notice a difference. As a result, your best bet is just to leave your facial hair be. Lock your razor into a drawer and let nature take its course. Grow for 4-6 weeks. It will typically take between 4 to 6 weeks for you to grow your facial hair into a proper beard. It will be hardest in the beginning, when your facial hair may be patchy and uneven and you'll have to deal with smirks and snarky comments from friends and family who don't understand your quest for bearded glory. For this reason, it may be best to start growing your beard while on vacation or a break from work. This will give you a running start at growing your beard, away from the critical eyes of others. Learn to deal with the itchiness. The major hurdle where most aspiring beard-owners fall is dealing with itchiness. Itchy, irritated skin can be a major problem while your beard is growing in, but don't let it get the best of you - fight back! Wash your face daily with a mild cleanser to keep skin clean. Use a soothing moisturizer to hydrate dry, flaky skin and reduce redness. If the itching is really getting on your nerves, get your hands on a 1% hydrocortisone cream which should significantly relieve the need to scratch. Remember that the itchiness is temporary - it will go away as soon as your beard reaches a certain length - so be strong! Wash your beard with anti-dandruff shampoo. Washing your beard a couple of times a week with an anti-dandruff shampoo can also help to relieve itchiness and get rid of any dry flaking skin, which can make your beard unsightly. If you like, you can also use a small amount of conditioner to keep your new beard feeling soft and healthy. Realize that the rate of growth and thickness of your beard will depend largely on genetics. Unfortunately, there is no magical serum that will allow you to grow a wonderfully thick, full beard. The type of beard you will be able to grow will depend largely on genetics (thanks Dad!) and the natural levels of testosterone that your body produces. As a result, you will need to work with the facial hair you've been given, doing whatever you can to maximize its health and encourage growth. | Avoid the urge to shape your beard too soon. Choose a beard style. Trim your beard. Shampoo and condition regularly. Use a protective oil. If all else fails, wait a couple of years. Eat well. Take a vitamin supplement. Exercise. Get plenty of rest and relaxation. Stay hydrated. Choose a bearded role model. Ignore the myth that shaving your beard will make it grow back thicker. Grow for 4-6 weeks. Learn to deal with the itchiness. Wash your beard with anti-dandruff shampoo. Realize that the rate of growth and thickness of your beard will depend largely on genetics. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Know-Which-Fish-to-Put-Together-in-a-Tank | How to Know Which Fish to Put Together in a Tank | To know which fish to put together in a tank, decide if you want to keep freshwater or saltwater fish. Next, narrow your search by choosing types of fish that thrive at the same water temperature. It's also important that the fish fall into the same pH range, have similar eating patterns, and are similar in size for the best results. Then, be sure there's plenty of extra room and create hiding spots inside the tank to provide some “alone” space for the fish. | Allow for plenty of space. It is important that you avoid overstocking your tank. The general rule is that you should have room for one gallon of water for each inch of fish in your tank. So, a ten-gallon tank can safely accommodate ten one-inch-long fish. This is a very important rule to keep in mind if you are looking to care for schools of fish. Overstocking your tank can lead to a build-up of toxic waste products. It will also necessitate additional cleanings. Some larger species, such as full-grown goldfish, will require additional tank space. Fish that move around a great deal may also need extra room. Go with either cold water or warm water fish. You need to choose fish that all thrive at right around the same temperature. You can accommodate only a few degrees' difference in preferred temperatures or your fish will suffer. A tropical fish generally cannot live comfortably alongside a cold water fish. Your tank equipment needs will also differ greatly as some fish require heaters and lights and others do not. For example, a white cloud minnow is a type of cold water fish that requires consistent temperatures between 72-82 degrees Fahrenheit (22-28 degrees Celsius) in order to thrive. Discus, on the other hand, need a warmer tank that stays in the low to mid 80s Fahrenheit (high 20s Celsius). If your tank is the wrong temperature, your fish may become more susceptible to disease. They may also move more slowly and refuse to eat. Choose fish with similar pH level requirements. Make sure that the fish that you buy fall into the same range on the pH spectrum. Many fish that you buy directly from the store are acclimated to a neutral pH, but will do even better in a pH customized to them. For example, a tropical African cichlid does best in alkaline water. Most freshwater fish prefer a pH somewhere between 6.5 and 7.5. Don't forget to take into account the pH needs of any live plants that you will add into your tank as well. For example, many fresh water plants require a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, a fairly wide range that can overlap with the needs of a number of fish. Go with either freshwater or saltwater fish. The tank filtration needs between these two fish groups are generally different, with tropical fish requiring less in the way of filtration and cleaning. The temperature and pH requirements between them are also dissimilar, which really can't be worked around, even by a skilled aquarist. For example, a goldfish would not live well alongside a cichlid. The goldfish requires colder temperatures and freshwater. In contrast, the cichlid thrives in warmer temperatures and needs hard or brackish water conditions. Provide plenty of hiding spots. Even if you are pretty sure that the fish will get along, it is a good idea to create an interesting tank environment that can provide some “alone” space for an individual fish. Some fish are generally social and friendly, but also need to get away every now and then. This will also minimize any stress associated with overcrowding. For example, gouramis are fish that love to hide. They establish a dominance system and, during these contests, the weaker fish will often hide from the stronger one. Select colorful, active fish for an eye-catching tank. Some fishes, like the goldfish, will provide a great deal of color and activity. Other fish, such as the shark fish, are less colorful but demonstrate very interesting schooling behaviors. Some fish are bottom-feeders and prefer to hide-out during the daytime, such as the kuhli loach, making them almost impossible to spot. Take your experience level into account. Make sure to consider how comfortable you are caring for fish. If this is your first tank, you may want to go with a relatively simply combination of just one or two low-maintenance types of fish. Single-species tanks are especially good for fish that prefer to swim in schools. Oscars are dominant, large fish that don't generally tolerate other species tank mates well. They will try to eat smaller fish especially. Puffer fishes are good options for experienced aquarists, but they also prefer to be around their own species. Platies and GloFish, for example, are great beginner fish that enjoy living in community tanks. Choose fish with similar eating patterns. Some fish will eat anything and everything in sight, including other fish. Some fish are more picky eaters that will refuse to eat if bullied by others. Some fish require a certain number of pellets, whereas others just need a pinch of flakes. Get to know what the nutritional requirements are for your fish. Make sure to consider the algae needs of your fish as well. Some fish, like plecos, are friendly algae eaters unless that food is not available. Then, they can turn more aggressive. Stock your tank with similar size fish. General wisdom suggests that big fish will usually bully and eat little fish. Try to pair fish together that can grow alongside one another to a similar size at maturity. Angelfish, for example, are known to stalk and kill smaller fish in their tanks. A medium size fish or a schooling fish can sometimes withstand the pressures from larger fish. Choose fish with similar paces of movement. You don't want to look into your tank and see fast-moving fish chasing fish that move a bit more slowly. Learn about how much movement a certain fish species prefers. Try not to pair an overly athletic fish with aggressive tendencies with a fish that is smaller, slower, and more docile. Get a school of fish. Some fish just do better when living and playing in groups. Tropical fish, unlike their freshwater counterparts, seem to particularly prefer living in schools. Try to establish a school of at least five fish, but be aware that you may need to boost your numbers even more. Tiger barbs, for example, are known to develop a temper unless they are placed with an extremely large school of 20 to 50 fish. Buy fish that are not predatory based on sex. Try to find out if the fish that you are interested in do best with those of the same sex or the opposite. This especially important information to consider with regard to spawning behaviors. For example, a male Betta fish really needs to be the only male in residence in a tank. Whereas, a female Betta does fine with other females. Look out for signs of fish stress. Fish will show that they are not doing well through their behaviors and physical appearance. They may start to look overly pale, losing their usual markings. They may start to show signs of injury, such as damaged fins. They may also refuse to eat or leave a hide-out space. Stressed fish are also more likely to become ill. For example, Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (also known as white spot disease, ich, or ick) is a potentially fatal infection that is caused by a parasite present in most freshwater aquariums. Stressed fish have a harder time defending themselves from the parasite, which attaches to the fish and feeds on its skin. The first symptom of this condition is usually white spots on the fish's body, followed by irritation, respiratory distress, and then death. Pay particular attention during fish spawning periods. When your fish begin to spawn, this is a time of high stress for all of their tank mates. Fish will pair up and can injure themselves in the mating process. Fish will also be left out from pairings and can behave aggressively as a result. It is often a good idea to move mating pairs into another tank. Also, be aware of what will happen to the offspring created. Livebearers may create babies that other fish in the tank will try to eat, if adequate hiding spaces are not provided. Recognize the unique challenges presented by “bully” species. Fish keepers have labeled certain species “aggressive” or “semi-aggressive” because those types have a tendency to exhibit bullying behaviors in community tanks. If you choose to buy a known “bully” species, such as a red-tailed shark or cichlid, you'll need to keep an extra close eye on your tank. You may also need to remove the bully fish and place it in an alternative tank. So, have an extra tank and materials on-hand. | Allow for plenty of space. Go with either cold water or warm water fish. Choose fish with similar pH level requirements. Go with either freshwater or saltwater fish. Provide plenty of hiding spots. Select colorful, active fish for an eye-catching tank. Take your experience level into account. Choose fish with similar eating patterns. Stock your tank with similar size fish. Choose fish with similar paces of movement. Get a school of fish. Buy fish that are not predatory based on sex. Look out for signs of fish stress. Pay particular attention during fish spawning periods. Recognize the unique challenges presented by “bully” species. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Long-Nails | How to Get Long Nails | To get long nails, always file your nails in one direction, since filing in a back and forth motion can create tiny tears that lead to breakage. You can also apply a strengthening topcoat to your nails for an added layer of protection. To encourage more growth, try applying a growth gel or taking an over-the-counter biotin supplement. Don't forget to remove your nail polish with an acetone-free polish remover and moisturize your nails regularly to keep them healthy! | File in one direction. Filing your nails in a back and forth motion can create tiny tears in the nail and this may lead to breakage. To prevent this from happening, make sure that you file your nails in one direction only. Apply gentle pressure to your nail with the file. Then, move the file in one direction. After you reach the end of the file, take the file away from your nail and return it to the starting point. Leave your cuticles alone. Cutting your cuticles can introduce bacteria into your nail beds. These bacteria can cause an infection in your nails. This may irritate your nails and even lead to nail loss. Instead of cutting your cuticles, try pushing them back with an orange tipped cuticle stick. Apply some cuticle oil to soften them first and then use the tip of the orange tipped cuticle stick to gently push back your cuticles. Soaking your cuticles in a little warm water will also help to soften them and keep them healthy. Use tools instead of your nails. Part of the reason why nails break is because people use them to do things that they are not suited for, such as opening cans of soda. To prevent breakage, avoid using your nails as tools. Use the right tool for the job instead. For example, if you are trying to open a package, don't use your nails to peel off the tape. Get a pair of scissors and use them to cut open the package instead. It is also a good idea to wear vinyl or latex gloves whenever you wash dishes, clean, or do other things that might expose your nails to water and chemicals. Let your nails breathe. In some cases, the best way to rehab your nails is to let them breathe for a while. Try going without any nail polish or other products on your nails for a few weeks (or months, depending on how damaged your nails are). This will give your nails a chance to repair themselves. While you are letting your nails breathe, you can buff and file your nails to keep them looking neat and clean. Try rubbing a drop of olive oil into each of your nails for a natural shine. Go for rounded edges instead of square tips. Rounded edges are less likely to break than square edges, so try to maintain a rounded edge while you are growing out your nails. To create rounded edges, file your nails with a curving motion, as if you are tracing a half-circle around the tip of your nail. Keep filing in this manner until you have rounded out the tips of your nails. Wear a strengthening topcoat. Applying a clear topcoat can help to strengthen and protect your nails while you are growing them. Try applying a layer or two of topcoat to your nails a few times per week while you are growing them. Some topcoats are specifically meant to help strengthen and harden your nails. If your nails are brittle or bend easily, then try using some nail hardening topcoat. Try growth gels. If your nails never seem to grow, then you might benefit from a nail growth gel. These gels protect and nourish your nails, which will encourage more nail growth. Make sure that you read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for the product you purchase. Apply lotion often. Keeping your hands and nails moisturized may also help to encourage growth. Try keeping a bottle of hand lotion with you at all times and apply it a few times throughout the day. For example, you could keep a bottle of hand lotion in your purse, on your desk, or next to your bed. Remove polish with a conditioning acetone-free polish remover. The acetone in some nail polish removers is a harsh chemical that can weaken your nails. If you have noticed that your nails are weak and brittle, then try switching to an acetone-free nail polish remover for a while. Check the label to see if the nail polish remover is acetone-free. Try biotin supplements. Biotin supplements may help you to grow your nails longer. The supplement may help to strengthen your nails and encourage growth. Try purchasing a bottle of biotin supplements or look for a multivitamin that contains biotin. Make sure that you follow the manufacturer's instructions for use and do not exceed the recommended daily dosage. Add garlic to your topcoat. Some people claim that adding a couple of cloves of minced garlic to a clear topcoat can help to stimulate nail growth. There is no proof that this works, but it might be worth a try. Mince a couple of cloves of garlic and mix them in with some clear topcoat. Then, apply the garlic infused nail polish to your nails. Wear nude nail polish. Nude nail polish will not actually make your nails grow longer, but it may make them look like they are longer. Choose a nude polish that is a close match to the color of your skin. Then, apply the polish to your nails. The nude polish may make your nails seem longer because of the color. Having skin-toned nails will cause your nails to blend in with your skin and your skin may be mistaken for part of your nails. Try press on nails or tips. Growing your nails long can take while, which can be frustrating if you want long nails now. You can get the look of long nails without the wait by applying some press on nails or nail tips. These products are available in most stores and they are easy to apply. For a longer lasting long nail look, you may also consider getting acrylic nails done at a nail salon. | File in one direction. Leave your cuticles alone. Use tools instead of your nails. Let your nails breathe. Go for rounded edges instead of square tips. Wear a strengthening topcoat. Try growth gels. Apply lotion often. Remove polish with a conditioning acetone-free polish remover. Try biotin supplements. Add garlic to your topcoat. Wear nude nail polish. Try press on nails or tips. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-an-Origami-Dragon | How to Make an Origami Dragon | To make an origami dragon, start by creasing a square piece of paper diagonally and folding the side corners in so they meet at the center line. Repeat this fold with the top corner, then crease the paper along the other diagonal, pinching the corners to the center to make a flattened diamond shape. Next, fold the bottom corners up to the center and bring the left side up to create the head of the dragon. Finally, fold down the middle flaps to create wings and pull them to the side to open up the dragon's body. | Try this dragon if you are an intermediate-level origami folder. You should know how to fold the origami bird base and origami flapping bird before trying this method. If not, go onto Method 2 for making a beginner level dragon. Start with a square piece of origami paper. A good size is 7 centimeter (2.8 in) x 7 centimeter (2.8 in) paper but other sizes will work. If you are a beginner it is best to start with bigger paper (20cm by 20cm) because it is easier to work with. If you only have a regular letter size piece of paper, make it square by folding the left corner diagonally down to the right side. Then take the upper right corner and fold it down to the left, connecting to the left corner where the first fold was made. There will be a bottom rectangle left over; fold this backwards and crease it well. Unfold the whole paper and cut (or tear if you creased it really well) off the rectangle. You will now have a square piece of paper. Fold paper diagonally, horizontally and vertically to create asterisk-like creases. You should do each of these individually, unfolding before the next fold. Be careful and exact with your folds, making sure the creases are deep and the corners are sharp. Squash fold the paper into a square base. Fold the top corner of the paper down to the bottom, bringing the right and left corners to the bottom at the same time. Bring the right and left corners to the bottom by folding the paper in between the bottom and top layers, or squash folding it. It should now look like a square diamond. If you are using colored paper, the colored side should be on the outside at this point. Start with the colored side down when making the square base to do this. Turn it into a bird base. Fold the top layers of both sides to the center and then fold the top triangle down. Unfold these three folds. Do a petal fold by lifting the top layer from the bottom corner all the way up, folding in the sides at the same time along the crease to create a diamond. Turn the paper over and do the same thing on the opposite side: fold along the sides to the center and the top triangle down, unfold these folds, lift up the top layer all the way to the top and fold in along the sides to create a diamond. This is the bird base. While completing the bird base and bringing the bottom corner to the top corner the paper will look a bit like an open flower. Pull up the flap of paper on both sides and then squish the layer so it overlaps. This makes the head and tail. It will now look very pointy, with a point on the left that will be the head, a point in the middle that will become the wings and a point on the right that will become the tail. To make the head, lift the left side flap slightly and pull the top corner of the paper down in between the back and top layers. Bring it so that it is angled slightly down (so the head will eventually be pointing diagonally up) and crease the fold. To make the tail, lift the right side flap slightly and pull the top right corner down in between the back and top layers. Crease it where it is horizontal when you look at it so that it will extend straight out. Turn the diamond around so the head is facing upward. Rotate the paper 180 degrees. You want the unfolded point of the diamond pointing to the top so that you can add detail and continue with your folding. Now the head will point up on the left side. Add details to the head. You can add a jaw and horn and/or thin the neck to add detail to the head and make it more dragon-like. To add a jaw, fold the tip of the head down to the lower corner on that side and unfold. Hold the neck with one hand and push the head against the neck with your other hand. The neck should fold inwards so that the head folds slightly over the neck, creating a jaw. To add a horn, fold the tip of the head down to the bottom point of the jaw and unfold. Open the head by separating the top layer from the bottom layer so you can fold this small piece backwards. This will create a horn on the top of the dragonhead. To thin the neck, fold in both sides. Take small parts of the bottom edges of the neck and fold them in between the layers. Do this in about three different pieces to trim the fat on the neck and make it slimmer. Add details to the tail. Fold to make it look thinner and/or spikier. It's up to you. Be creative! To put spikes in the tail, open the layers of the tail and fold back the tip upwards wherever you wish your spike to be. Then fold most of the rest of the tail back out, leaving a small crimp in the tail. You can do this near the tip or in the middle of both. You can do a few crimps as well. Reclose the tail. To thin the tail, open the layers and fold the bottom edges inwards. This can again be done in multiple locations to create a thin, whippy-looking tail. Add details to the wings. Starting with the left wing (with head facing to the left), fold the top layer of the top corner down to the bottom corner between the head and tail and unfold. Open the left flap of the wing and then fold down the entire wing and tuck inside the loose flap, closing down over the wing. Then fold the loose flap to the left and open the wing by bringing the bottom corner to the top again. Fold the right and left corners to the inside and unfold. Push in the right side (should be colored) of the wing so that it pops in. Re-crease the left side by bringing the left corner to the colored side. Keep a thumb over the right side while you do so to prevent it from popping out again. Repeat with the right wing. Open the wings by pulling on the chest and tail. Pull gently on the chest and tail of the dragon to make the wings pump as if it is flying. Try this dragon if you are a beginning origami folder. This simple dragon is perfect for those who are learning how to fold origami. You will learn how to make a kite-fold and an inside reverse-fold by completing this dragon. Start with a square piece of origami paper. A good size is 7 centimeter (2.8 in) x 7 centimeter (2.8 in) paper but other sizes will work. If you're a beginner, consider to start with bigger paper (20cm by 20cm) because it is easier to work with. If you only have a regular letter size piece of paper, make it square by folding the upper left corner diagonally down to meet the right side. Then take the upper right corner and fold it down to the left, connecting to the left corner where the first fold was made. There will be a bottom rectangle left over; fold this backwards and crease it well. Unfold the whole paper and cut (or tear if you creased it really well) off the rectangle. You should now have a square piece of paper. Turn the paper so that the crease runs vertically. Fold the paper in half along the crease, then unfold. Fold the side corners so that they meet at the center line, then crease. This is called the kite-fold. Unfold, and then repeat the kite fold from the top corner. Fold the right and left corners again into the center diagonal line, starting from the top corner this time. Keep these sides folded for now. Turn the paper over and bring the new side corners again to the center from the bottom corner. Bring the edges created by the kite-fold into the center diagonal line in a valley-fold. Then again bring the outside corners of the top layer into the center diagonal line from the bottom corner. There will now be what looks like pleats on each side of the diamond. Open the paper and repeat these folds from the top corner. Again make the first kite-fold again with the original side up and turn the paper over. Bring the side corners again to the center diagonal line from the top corner. Then again bring the free edge corners to the center diagonal line from the top corner and unfold. Fold along the other diagonal. Fold along the opposite diagonal that does not already have a crease along it, forming a triangle, and unfold. Pinch the corners together into a pleated diamond. Pinch the two corners at which you have just made the diagonal by pushing the edges up towards you. Then bring your hands together, folding along the kite-folds you made earlier. The first kite-fold crease should go down on each side, the second up and the third down. The corners that you are pinching should be sticking up. It will look like a diamond with two pieces sticking up in the middle on each side. Push the two flaps down towards the top corner. Push the two flaps that are sticking up down along to the top corner. It will now look like an arrowhead, or like a kite with a point sticking out the top of it. Rotate the origami so that it is horizontal and turn it over. Rotate the origami dragon so that the corners point right and left. The flaps that you just pushed down should be facing towards the right. Then turn the origami dragon upside down, keeping it pointing in the same direction. Fold the bottom corner to the top corner along the center diagonal. Bring the bottom corner to the top corner along the centerline to fold the diamond in half lengthwise. It will now look like a wide and short triangle. Bring the left corner up in between the two layers. Apply the inside reverse fold to bring the left corner up between the two edges. You will have to slightly spread apart the top and bottom layers to pull the left corner up inside the two layers. It should now have a piece sticking up on the left side of the paper while the middle and right side of the triangle are horizontal. Make the head using another inside reverse-fold on the left side. Bring the corner down in between the two layers of the neck to create the head. The head should be a bit less that half the length of the neck. It will now look like a head with a pointy beak on the end. Bring the left corner down to the right along a diagonal and then back right along a diagonal to create the mouth. Bring the left corner down to the right about halfway down the length of the head. This should be along a horizontal line so the corner point directly to the right. Then bring the corner from the right diagonally downward to the left to create the lower jaw. There will now be a short piece hanging down, creating the look of a jaw. Fold the wings down. Fold the flap in the middle of the dragon down from the right top corner to the bottom edge. Do the same in reverse on the opposite side to create the wings. It will look like a swimming animal now because it will look like it has flippers. Open the wings to the sides. Open the wings to make the dragon look like it is flying and the dragon is finished. | Try this dragon if you are an intermediate-level origami folder. Start with a square piece of origami paper. Fold paper diagonally, horizontally and vertically to create asterisk-like creases. Squash fold the paper into a square base. Turn it into a bird base. Pull up the flap of paper on both sides and then squish the layer so it overlaps. Turn the diamond around so the head is facing upward. Add details to the head. Add details to the tail. Add details to the wings. Open the wings by pulling on the chest and tail. Try this dragon if you are a beginning origami folder. Start with a square piece of origami paper. Turn the paper so that the crease runs vertically. Unfold, and then repeat the kite fold from the top corner. Turn the paper over and bring the new side corners again to the center from the bottom corner. Open the paper and repeat these folds from the top corner. Fold along the other diagonal. Pinch the corners together into a pleated diamond. Push the two flaps down towards the top corner. Rotate the origami so that it is horizontal and turn it over. Fold the bottom corner to the top corner along the center diagonal. Bring the left corner up in between the two layers. Make the head using another inside reverse-fold on the left side. Bring the left corner down to the right along a diagonal and then back right along a diagonal to create the mouth. Fold the wings down. Open the wings to the sides. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Come-Up-with-a-Movie-Idea | How to Come Up with a Movie Idea | If you want to come up with your own movie idea, you'll need to spend some time brainstorming. If you need inspiration, look up news events that interest you. Then, ask yourself "What if I was there" or "What if this event turned out differently?" You can also think of an invention you wish existed and develop a plot around it. Another way to come up with ideas is to toy with different “What if” scenarios, like "What if The Beatles had never had a hit song" or "What if Big Foot really existed and wandered into New York City." You can also use your favorite movie as a guideline and tweak the plot or meld it together with another favorite film. | Understand the essential parts of a movie idea. Most people get stuck because they want to come up with the entire movie at once, instead of starting with the necessities and building from there. Many movies are made up of simply mixing and matching three things --setting, character, and conflict -- until you get a new movie. Sometimes, if one of them is unique enough, this is all you need to start writing ( Cabin in the Woods starts on a government-run horror movie factory, which is a unique enough idea to kick off the plot). No matter what type of movie you want to make, you'll be well on your way if you just come up the following: The Setting: Where does your movie take place in time and space. Do you envision a space epic or a medieval earth? Or is it simply in a small town somewhere? The Protagonist(s): Who is the main character? You don't need traits yet, just a vague outline of a person. Are they a space pilot? Are they a stable boy? A dental hygienist? The Conflict: What does your character want? Do they want to be a hero? Do they want to fall in love? Do they hate their job/boss? Make your movie idea out of these three simple elements. All movies, from the odd independents to the biggest blockbusters, are just a matching of these three concepts. Don't worry about the intricacies, subtlety, or finer points yet -- these come from writing the idea. You need a strong base idea to build upon. Space Epic + Pilot + Desire to be a Hero = Star Wars. Medieval + Stable Boy + Hero/Love = A Knight's Tale. Small Town + Dental Hygienist + Hate Job = Horrible Bosses. Juvenile Detention + Idealist Councilors + Kid Who Don't Want Counseling = Short Term 12. Set aside time to brainstorm. Ideas rarely, if ever, appear out of thin air. The reason why some people seem to come up with great movie ideas is because they take time to do it. This is as simple as grabbing a pen and paper, removing distractions, and taking some time to think. If you need help, give yourself some prompts. Most importantly, write everything down -- on the subway, at home, at work. These will be the building blocks of bigger ideas. "What if..." are the two most important words for brainstorming. Jurassic Park, for example, is the result of "What if people brought dinosaurs back to life?" "What would happen if two of my favorite movies collided?" Look up a news event that interests you. What would happen if you were there? Write about your interests -- any of them. Clerks was built out of nerdy passions and rooftop hockey, Superbad comes from a love of classic teen-party movies, Lincoln was written by people passionate about history. Nothing is off limits. Find inspiration in real life. In any major newspaper right now there are likely 5 stories that could be turned into good movies. Real life is often stranger than fiction, and you'll find that news stories are a great launching point for new stories. How did the person who just won the World Hotdog Eating Contest become a professional eater? Why is the local country club shutting down? What was it like for the cop in the police blotter to respond to a call about "missing bacon?" Use these things as jumping off points -- the starts of plots or ideas that your imagination can then take off with. Decide on a genre. Genre is the type of movie, and while many movies can be said to have multiple genres, most films fit closely in one or the other. Genres include Comedy, Romance, Sci-Fi, Action, Horror, Drama, or Documentary, but there are also many combinations, like Rom-Com, Dramedy, Action Horror, etc. The beauty of genre is that it helps you develop a movie plot -- giving you focus for brainstorming. For example: Do you love horror films? Then your movie idea must involve coming up with a good villain. Once you have the monster or bad guy, you have your movie idea. Do you love Rom-Coms? Then you need a girl and a guy who don't seem like they should fall in love (Republican and Democrat, one is married, one's an alien, etc). Do you love Sci-Fi? Think of an invention you wish existed, from time-travel, space ships, or teleportation to a device that builds new planets. Your story will be the repercussions of that invention. Tweak existing movies into something original. You will never come up with a completely original idea. Though that sounds harsh, it is actually incredibly liberating. No movie ever made didn't draw influence and ideas from movies and art before it, and yours will be no exception. How can you twist or change something you enjoy into something new? Ideas include: Austin Powers is simply a comedic twist on spy movies, particularly James Bond, that had dominated the theaters. The plot is the same, it just happens to have jokes instead of action scenes. O Brother Where Art Thou is a retelling, nearly scene for seen, of Homer's The Iliad, but it is set in the bluegrass soaked world of the rural South. Avatar is strikingly similar to Dances With Wolves, but by setting it in space James Cameron was able to get a brand new take on things. Warm Bodies has all the trappings of a Rom-Com, but one of the main characters is a zombie. This quick "mash-up" of movie types helped it stand out immensely. Come up with your log line to cement the idea. Log lines are quick, one sentence summaries of your script. Good log lines tell you three things: the hook (what makes the movie different), the conflict, and the characters/settings. To learn how to write good log lines, check out some famous examples. Back to the Future: A young man is transported to the past where he must reunite his parents before he and his future are gone forever. Jaws: A police chief with a phobia for open water battles a gigantic shark, in spite of a greedy town council who demands that the beach stay open. Ratatouille: A Parisian rat secretly teams up with an untalented chef to prove that anyone can cook, despite what the critics, and pest-control, might think. Give your idea a film structure. There are a lot of structures out there, ranging from the basic 3-Act movie to the common "hero's journey." But they can all be distilled into 5 basic parts that are found in 99% of all movies, from action and drama to rom-coms and children's films. Take your idea and come up with these 5 crucial points and you will have a movie that stands a chance of getting made. The Set-Up: Give the characters, the setting, and the world. This is the first 10% or less of your movie, and it introduces us to the movie. It should not be longer than 10 pages. In Star Wars, George Lucas introduces the premise of space warfare, the conflict ("Help me Obi-Wan, you're my only hope"), and many central characters (Luke, Leia, Darth Vader, R2-D2, and C3-P0). The Change of Plans/Opportunity/Conflict: Something happens that sets your conflict in motion on page 9-10 -- Erin Brockovich gets a job, the school of Superbad throws a party, Neo is introduced to The Matrix, etc. The next 10-20 pages show your characters dealing with this change. In Star Wars, this is when Luke turns down Obi-Wan, but sees that his family has been killed. He agrees to go on the quest to save Leia. The Point of No Return: Up until this point, the characters are working hard to make their goals a reality. But, at the halfway point of the movie, something happens to make it impossible to turn back. A Bond villain attacks again, the Gladiator arrives in Rome, Thelma and Louise rob their first store, etc. In Star Wars, they are trapped at the Death-Star halfway into the movie. They cannot make it to Alderaan as planned, and must fight their way out. The Major Set-Back: Since the point of no return, the stakes have gotten higher. To the characters and audience, all hope seems lost. This is when the girl and guy break-up in every romantic comedy ever made when Ron Burgundy gets fired in Anchorman, and when John McClane is beaten and bloody in Die Hard. This comes at the 75% mark. In Star Wars, Obi-Wan has died and the Death Star is in motion. The only chance to win is a last-ditch effort to blow up the Death Star. The Climax: The characters make one last, all-out push to reach their goals, culminating in their biggest challenge of all. This is the run through the airport moment, the final holes in Caddyshack, or the final showdown between hero and villain. Once resolved, the last 10% of the script ties up loose ends and shows the aftermath of the climax. In Star Wars, Luke makes his heroic final run on the Death Star, blowing it up despite all odds being against him. Develop your characters. You want your characters to feel real, as if they are driving the story and not some writer on the other side of the world. Remember that good characters are the heart of a movie -- they are who the audience feels for, loves, and hates, and even great movie idea will fail with bad characters. This is easier said than done, but there a couple of tips that will make your characters fit into your movie idea seamlessly: Make sure your characters are round. This means that they have multiple facets, not just an "angry man," or "strong heroine." Round characters have strengths and weaknesses, which make them relatable to the audience. Give your characters a desire and a fear. Even if there is only one of each, a good character wants something but is unable to get it. Their ability or inability to get over their fear (of being poor, of being alone, of space aliens, of spiders, etc.) is what drives their conflict. Make sure your characters have agency. A good character is not moved around because your script needs them to go somewhere. A good character makes choices, and the plot follows. Sometimes this is one choice that drives everything else (Llewellyn, No Country for Old Men, Luke Skywalker joining Obi-Wan in Star Wars), sometimes there are a series of good/bad choices at every turn (every character in American Hustle ). Personalize your idea by tweaking expectations. It may feel limiting to have such a rigid structure on your script, but it actually makes it easier to surprise the audience. How can you take 5-point structure and recognizable characters and make them your own? How can you make this movie original? The best way to do this -- break some rules: What happens if, instead of succeeding in the climax, the characters fail? What happens to your "round" character if they refuse to change? What happens if protagonist isn't really the main character, such as in Ferris Beuller's Day Off, where Ferris's friend Cameron is the real character showing growth? What happens if you change the setting up? A rom-com set in NYC is nothing new, but what about one set in rural Thailand? At a bowling alley? In a nursing home? Keep coming up with ideas. The most important thing to realize when coming up with ideas is that they come with practice. Your first 10, 20, or even 50 ideas may not be so good, but wading through the bad ideas will help you recognize the good. No one comes up with perfectly formed ideas every time, and you will not be the exception. Keep a notebook you fill up with ideas as you come up with them Try brainstorming with a friend to bounce ideas off each other twice as fast. Work through this process with each idea -- fleshing out a movie idea into the crucial parts is how you'll know if it is an idea worth pursuing. | Understand the essential parts of a movie idea. Make your movie idea out of these three simple elements. Set aside time to brainstorm. Find inspiration in real life. Decide on a genre. Tweak existing movies into something original. Come up with your log line to cement the idea. Give your idea a film structure. Develop your characters. Personalize your idea by tweaking expectations. What happens if you change the setting up? Keep coming up with ideas. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Dogs-Warm-in-the-Winter | How to Keep Dogs Warm in the Winter | It's important to keep dogs warm in the winter to help keep them healthy and safe. Avoid trimming or shaving your dog's coat before the weather turns cold, and keep the dog's fur well-groomed, since matted fur won't protect the dog from the cold. During cold weather, bathe the dog indoors and make sure it's completely dry before you let it go outside, and limit your walks to just a few minutes whenever possible. Give the dog a nice, warm place to sleep, such as a dog bed lined with blankets or towels to help protect it from the cold. | Groom your dog well. Avoid trimming, shaving or cutting your dog's hair because a dog's full weight coat is his source of warmth during winter. It is important to maintain a good grooming regime, combing out knots and brushing the coat thoroughly, through winter too, as matted hair is less efficient at keeping out the snow and cold rain, and does not insulate the dog as well. Consistent grooming can alleviate dander problems in dogs living through dry winters, should this be a problem for your dog. Bathe your dog indoors. Make sure your dog is completely dried before letting him or her outside. Give fewer baths during cold snaps, or consider skipping baths altogether. Remember, in cold weather it takes the dog longer to dry off. This will help you to keep them away from severe cold problems. If important, give shorter baths with warm water and dry your dog as quickly as possible. Never bathe a dog in cold water, as this will chill him or her, and the low atmospheric temperature will give him or her little chance to warm up. Keep the hair around paw pads well trimmed. This will help prevent ice and snow balling up between footpads. After walks outside, check paw pads for cracks, cuts, and any foreign debris. Where practical, keep his or her pads in good condition by applying a little vaseline or E45 to condition them, but beware of sticky paw prints over the house though! If your dog won't wear dog booties, be sure to clean off the salt and snow removal chemicals after every walk; the chemicals can be toxic and the salt will become an irritant. Avoid overfeeding your dog. It is important for your dog to eat regularly and well during colder months, in order to keep up energy and warmth. However, an indoor dog does not need increased food amounts over the winter. Doing so can risk creating an overweight dog. More food for a dog is only justifiable for dogs living outdoors all of the time and for dogs who are especially active during the winter months. Talk to your vet about your dog's particular energy needs. Be sure that your dog has constant access to clean, unfrozen water, indoors and outdoors. Heated bowls can be purchased for use outside. Guard against canine winter illnesses. As with humans, dogs can fall ill during the colder months, especially when cold or as a result of winter conditions. Respiratory infections in damp climates, frostbite, and consumption of toxic substances are some of the principal concerns. Keep your dog dry and warm. This will help to guard against respiratory infections, such as kennel cough (the human equivalent of a cold). If your dog gets a respiratory infection, seek veterinary attention immediately. Be aware that if you have several dogs all sharing the same air space, such as in a communal kennel, then illnesses are more likely to spread. Frostbite can be a problem for some dogs, especially hairless varieties. Check the ear tips and tail tips in particular. If they look and feel cold, appear white, red or gray, and/or are dry and hard, then frostbite may have occurred. If you suspect frostbite, wrap your dog's extremities in blankets or towels to warm them gradually and see the vet immediately. Keep winter-time toxic items away from dogs. Anti-freeze tastes unusually sweet to dogs and they will lick it if they can access it. It only takes four teaspoons worth to kill a dog under 10 pounds. If your dog does ingest antifreeze, see a vet immediately, as treatment needs to be given within hours to save your dog's life. Another toxic problem during winter is rat bait, used in greater amounts due to everyone living in close proximity over winter. Keep all toxic items well out of the reach of dogs and other pets and clean up any spills immediately. Pay attention to your dog's existing ailments. Your dog's arthritis and osteoarthritis can be exacerbated by cold weather. Talk to your vet about medication, treatment options, and ways to keep your arthritic dog fit and warm through winter. Take shorter walks when the weather is severely cold. Don't try to take your dog on the same length walks as during warmer weather. A shorter walk can still accomplish enough exercise and relief breaks without causing your dog (and you) to become too cold. Even if you are indoors, keep exercising. Play indoor games with your dog, such as fetch , tug-of-war, hiding toys, and if it's possible to let them run around inside, then do so. Run them up and down the stairs for agility practice. Keep in mind that if your dog has some joint or hip problems they may not be able to run, so just let them walk up and down the stairs. Be aware that sheet ice is slippery for dogs as well as people. Slipping on ice can lead to strains and sprains, so never encourage your dog to play on ice, especially games such as fetch or frisbee. Keep dogs away from icy ponds or bodies of water. The ice may look firm, but if the dog falls through he could drown. Unfortunately, people trying to rescue their dogs also drown, so sad as it is never be tempted to try to rescue your dog. Keep your dog on a leash when walking in winter. If something happens, such as a snowstorm, the sudden appearance of an ice plow, or if your dog rushes out onto an ice lake and falls in, you won't be able to help or retrieve your bolting or falling dog. Make sure you take a charged up cellphone with you in case you or your dog has a problem, so that you can call for help. Understand your breed's particular susceptibility to the cold. Some dog breeds are more prone to the cold than others, while some breeds are adapted extremely well to the cold. Dogs that do not do well in the cold should not be outdoor dogs. However, even dogs that do well in the cold need warmth and shelter to thrive as outdoor dogs. Dogs that are great in the cold include Alaskan Malamutes, Siberian Huskies and Chow Chows. Dogs that find it harder include Dobermans , toy dogs, low hair or hairless dogs, and Greyhounds. Any shaven or excessively clipped dog will fall into this category as well because the thick winter coat is a dog's insulation. Provide appropriate shelter. It is optimal if your dog can remain indoors throughout winter, going outside for exercising and answering nature's call only. This will ensure that your dog doesn't get cold while you're out or asleep. Young puppies should not be left outside as they don't have the ability of older dogs to keep themselves warm outside. If you have an outside dog (such as a sled dog ), ensure that it has access to a shelter and bedding inside the shelter. Fresh straw provides a suitable layer of insulation against the cold of the ground for an outside shelter. Be sure to change it regularly though. An outdoor dog shelter should have a sloped roof, insulation and heating, especially for very cold climate locations. For rainy winters, ensure that the entrance way is protected so that rain cannot get into the shelter. Make sure the shelter is adequately insulated. In an outdoor kennel situation, consider creating a false floor that is lifted 4 - 6 inches off the ground. Place insulating material such as straw or bubble wrap in this gap, to prevent cold radiating up from the ground. You can also use this gap by placing a hot water bottle beneath it to give under floor heating on a particularly cold day. On top of the false floor, ensure the dog has plenty of warm bedding. Whilst blankets are good, make sure the dog has deep straw on top of the platform. Provide a minimum of 6 inches of compacted straw, but consider banking it up around the walls, and providing extra loose straw so that the dog can circle around and create a nest to snuggle down into. This will help keep the heat in around the dog's limbs and also reduce drafts. Remember, if it's not warm enough for you to spend the night in, then the kennel isn't warm enough for your dog. Make sure the shelter protects from the wind. The wind chill factor significantly magnifies the intensity of the cold. Always make sure outside dogs are completely protected from the wind. If they are kenneled, perhaps add porch onto the entrance so that wind into the kennel is reduced, Work out which way the prevailing wind tends to blow, and then face the entrance in the opposite direction. This also gives you the opportunity to put insulation around the kennel, especially on the side the prevailing wind strikes, in order to reduce heat loss. To get an idea of the wind chill factor you can look online for relevant meteorological websites sites. Bring all outdoor dogs inside if the cold spell becomes exceptionally cold and long; even a barn is warmer than an outdoor dog shelter. Remember the more layers of insulation you add, the cozier the kennel will be. Consider covering the kennel with an old duvet and then throwing a tarpaulin over that, to help beef up the protection. Check the kennel daily to make sure it is dry and there are no leaks in the rough. Wet and cold are far more dangerous than dry cold. Also check the bedding is warm and dry. A dog lying on soiled bedding will quickly develop sores and infected patches of skin. Ensure that the bedding is warm and well placed. Bedding is an important part of keeping a dog warm through winter. If your dog sleeps on the ground or somewhere with drafts, place the bed up off the floor. You can do this by putting the dog bed on a low platform, raised a few inches off the ground. The object is to stop heat loss by transmission with the ground. You can easily improvise a platform with a sheet of hardboard resting on some books or a bricks. A custom-made bed with cushioned insert, blankets, and old clothing make good, warm bedding. Provide heating on cold nights. This is especially important for old and arthritic dogs. Consider using a heated dog bed or a hot water bottle. Once the dog realizes how nice and snuggly a heated bed feels, most accept it and even look forward to being tucked in at night. Older dogs in particular, stiffen up in the colder weather. Keeping heat in around their joints can greatly aid their comfort. Again, simple things can help, such as placing a thick blanket over the dog once they have settled down for the night. If your dog is well past the chewing stage in his life, then look for bags of cherry stones which you can microwave and are designed to keep human joints warm. Following the manufacturer's instructions, heat the bag up in the microwave and lay it over the stiffest or most swollen of the dog's joint, then cover him with a blanket, which will give him extra comfort. There are a variety of pet electric blankets or heat mats available, and another type of mat to investigate is a whelping blanket. These are designed to keep young puppies warm and provide a gentle background level of heat which is safe to be lain on for long periods of time. When choosing a heat mat, always carefully read the instructions to see if the pet can lie directly on it without the risk of thermal burns. Some mats designed for veterinary use are not safe to be laid on directly and require that they are covered with a blanket to avoid burns. Clean and change bedding regularly. This will reduce fleas, germs, and mess. This is especially important over the winter, when insects look for any warm places they can find. Use booties to protect your dog's paws when walking on snow and salt. Salt serves as an irritant on dog paws and snow is very cold. Booties will keep the paws warm and free from salt irritation. However, unless you've trained your dog to accept booties from puppyhood, this can be a bit of battle with some dogs who won't tolerate wearing them. If your dog is having difficulty wearing booties, use positive reinforcement training. Put a bootie on one foot, feed a treat, then remove it. Repeat daily and gradually increase the amount of booties until the dog is used to having them put on. Use canine clothing options for particular dogs and situations. Canine clothing can help to keep your dog warm through winter. It is especially good for small or toy dogs, dogs without long hair (for example, whippets and greyhounds ), and old or sick dogs. One of the key signs that your dog may need some clothing is if a dog is shivering, just like a human. Dog jackets, snuggies, and sweaters can be purchased or made (knit, sew, crochet, or quilt) for any sized dog. For wetter winters, you might like to attach a rainproof layer over the top but make sure that it is breathable. Make sure any dog clothing is dry before use. If the dog goes outside in a wet coat, the wind will cause the water to evaporate and drag the dog's body heat with it, thus making it cold. It is a good idea to have several items of clothing so that you can have some in the wash, some drying, and some ready for wear. Where possible, remove the clothing when your dog is inside, unless the temperature in the house is very low. If a dog wears clothing all the time it won't feel the benefit when it goes outside. | Groom your dog well. Bathe your dog indoors. Keep the hair around paw pads well trimmed. Avoid overfeeding your dog. Guard against canine winter illnesses. Keep your dog dry and warm. Frostbite can be a problem for some dogs, especially hairless varieties. Keep winter-time toxic items away from dogs. Pay attention to your dog's existing ailments. Take shorter walks when the weather is severely cold. Be aware that sheet ice is slippery for dogs as well as people. Keep your dog on a leash when walking in winter. Understand your breed's particular susceptibility to the cold. Provide appropriate shelter. Make sure the shelter is adequately insulated. Make sure the shelter protects from the wind. Bring all outdoor dogs inside if the cold spell becomes exceptionally cold and long; even a barn is warmer than an outdoor dog shelter. Check the kennel daily to make sure it is dry and there are no leaks in the rough. Ensure that the bedding is warm and well placed. Provide heating on cold nights. Clean and change bedding regularly. Use booties to protect your dog's paws when walking on snow and salt. Use canine clothing options for particular dogs and situations. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Castrate-a-Horse | How to Castrate a Horse | If you have a male horse that you don't plan to breed, you may choose to take it to the vet to have it castrated. After the castration, keep your horse's area as quiet as possible for at least 24 hours so he can rest in his stall. Once he's rested for about a day, lead the horse around on a walk to encourage proper healing of the area. Also, carefully follow your vet's instructions on how to care for the surgical wound. | Get your horse assessed by a veterinarian. Your vet will need to assess your horse before the procedure and talk to you about the options for castration surgery. Some horses will be able to be castrated under sedation while at home in his stall, while others will need to be castrated under full anesthesia in a clinical setting. If the horse is healthy with two scrotal testicles, then the veterinarian may opt to to sedate the horse and operate using local anesthesia. This may be done in the field or at the clinic. If the horse has a problem, then the operation must be done under full anesthesia and in a clinical setting. For example, if the horse has an undescended testicle, then the surgeon may need to perform abdominal surgery to find the missing testicle. The veterinarian will also need to decide if it will be better to perform the surgery with horse standing up or lying down. A horse must be at least 14.2 hand high to qualify for a standing surgery. Sedate the horse. The veterinarian will administer a cocktail of sedative drugs intravenously and then wait until the drugs have taken full effect. This should take about 20 minutes. Clean the scrotal area. Next, the veterinarian will clean the scrotal area and belly with lots of water and a surgical scrub. This step is necessary to remove as much debris and bacteria as possible from the horse's body and help prevent an infection. Inject the anesthetic into the testicles. Wearing sterile gloves, the surgeon will inject a local anesthetic into each testicle. The typical amount is 15 - 20 ml of mepivacaine. Then, the needle will be taken out slowly through the tissue while still injecting the local anesthetic. The anesthetic will numb the testicles and surrounding structures. It should take about five minutes to take full effect. Make the incision. Once the testicles are numb the surgeon makes an incision with a sterile scalpel blade through the skin of the scrotum. The incision will need to be just large enough for the testicles to fit through. Pop out the testicles. The surgeons then applies pressure between the testicle and body in order to pop out the testicle. After the testicle is partway out of the scrotum, the surgeon will use his fingers to pull the testicle out the rest of the way. The surgeon then has the choice whether to apply emasculators. The emasculator is an instrument that crushes and severs the spermatic cord. If the surgeon applies emasculators, then they will either apply them across the whole structure or make an incision through the tough fibrous tunic that covers the testicle. Seal the blood vessels. The veterinarian will leave the emasculator in place for one minute for young colts and at least two minutes for mature stallions. Leaving the emasculator in place for this amount of time will crush and seal the blood vessels. Next, the veterinarian will cut the cords that are on the side of the emasculator that is furthest away from the body. After the cords have been cut, the device will be slowly released. Check for signs of hemorrhage. Last of all the veterinarian will inspect the stump of blood vessels for hemorrhage and apply ligatures to any bleeding vessels if necessary. If the surgeon finds that there is no hemorrhage, then the stump is will be released and allowed to retract back into the scrotum. Repeat the procedure on the other side. After the first testicle has been removed, this procedure will need to be repeated on the other side for the other testicle. Leave the incisions open. The incision are often not sutured but left open to heal by secondary intention. This allows any seepage of fluid to drain away under gravity, rather than building up beneath the skin and causing swelling. However, this is at the surgeon's discretion. For mature stallions, the surgeon may close each layer of tissue with sutures. This can help to reduce the risk of postoperative bleeding in an active animal or to allow a rapid return to work. Encourage your horse to rest. Following castration, it is important for your horse to rest in his stall for about 24 hours. Try to keep his area as quiet as possible and check on the horse now and then. Walk your horse after 24 hours have passed. After your horse has had 24 hours of rest, then he should get some light exercise. Lead him around on a walk if he does not seem to want to walk on his own. This will help to encourage proper healing and drainage of fluid from the horse's scrotum. Keep his scrotal area clean. Check your horse's scrotal area to make sure that is clean and does not look infected. Follow your veterinarian's instructions for how to care for the surgical wound as well. You may be advised to keep the area clean with cold water hosing. To clean your horse's scrotal area, use a hose set on a low stream to remove any debris (hay, dirt, etc.) from the horse's scrotal region. Allow the water to run over the scrotal region until it looks clean. Watch for signs of infection. Check your horse's scrotal region a couple times per day until the wound has healed. When you check, look for any signs of infection such as redness, swelling, and/or pus. Restrict your horse to light exercise for the first 7-10 days after surgery. Light exercise is advised for 7 - 10 days after surgery. After this time has passed, your horse can return to normal work. Make sure that you check with your veterinarian to be sure. Castrate your horse in his first year of life. The majority of male horses are castrated as yearlings, or in the first year of life. This prevents the development of unwanted aggressive behavior and makes the animal easier to manage. Horses that are castrated in the first year of life tend to be taller when they are fully grown because testosterone is what stops their growth. Another advantage of castration at a young age is that the testicles are smaller and the blood supply to them is not as heavy as in a mature animal. This means that there is a lower risk of complications such as heavy bleeding after surgery. Be aware that delaying castration may cause behavioral issues. By delaying castration until two years of age, the horse may have a heavier more masculine appearance, which some people may prefer. But by delaying castration, there is also a risk that the horse will become aggressive or difficult to handle. These behavioral issues may even become established and continue after a horse has been castrated. An uncastrated horse may also cause trouble by challenging other male horses or pestering the mares. Consider the health risks involved in waiting to castrate. The risk of health complications rises with the age of the horse due to the larger blood vessels. For horses over three years of age, many veterinarians will advise full anesthesia under clinical conditions. This may be necessary so that the veterinarian will be equipped to deal with any unforeseen surgical complications. Remember that castration must be performed by a veterinarian. Do not attempt to castrate a horse on your own. Castration is a veterinary surgical procedure that must be performed by a qualified veterinarian. A lay person (one who is not a veterinarian) may face legal charges for castrating a horse. In addition to legal charges, a lay person could cause unnecessary pain and suffering to the horse. A lay person will also not be equipped to deal with any postoperative complications that may arise. | Get your horse assessed by a veterinarian. Sedate the horse. Clean the scrotal area. Inject the anesthetic into the testicles. Make the incision. Pop out the testicles. Seal the blood vessels. Check for signs of hemorrhage. Repeat the procedure on the other side. Leave the incisions open. Encourage your horse to rest. Walk your horse after 24 hours have passed. Keep his scrotal area clean. Restrict your horse to light exercise for the first 7-10 days after surgery. Castrate your horse in his first year of life. Be aware that delaying castration may cause behavioral issues. Consider the health risks involved in waiting to castrate. Remember that castration must be performed by a veterinarian. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stay-Entertained-on-a-Treadmill | How to Stay Entertained on a Treadmill | To stay entertained on a treadmill, try alternating between different speeds and inclines to keep your exercise varied. You can also go to the gym with a friend and chat to take your mind off your workout. Alternatively, you can listen to music while you exercise to motivate yourself to keep going. Songs with fast tempos are particularly useful for maintaining stamina. If you want to engage your brain more, try listening to podcasts or audiobooks on subjects you're interested in. | Do interval training. Spend 1-5 minutes doing hard, fast, or steep running on the treadmill followed by 1-5 minutes of slower, less steep, or easier jogging or walking. Continue to alternate between the 2 types for your entire workout. This will allow you to get a more effective cardio workout in less time. Try running a fartlek on the treadmill. A fartlek is a style of running which mixes hard, intense running with easier, relaxing periods of jogging. Use the treadmill controls to increase the incline and difficulty periodically. You can incorporate the visual environment into the fartlek: increase the difficulty when you see someone wearing red, and decrease when you see someone wearing blue. For example, if you're watching TV, adjust the treadmill setting to be very difficult every commercial break, and then ease things up again during the program. Or switch this up: make it easy during the commercials and tough during the show. Gradually increase the difficulty with a “boil the frog” run. This workout gradually increases in difficulty as time passes. Begin your run at a comfortable rate. Then, every 10 minutes, make the run a little harder. Press the “Increase speed” button once or twice, and bump up the incline by 1 percent. After 30 minutes, you'll be running at top speed. Then, gradually slow back down to a comfortable jog. Since you'll start out on an easy setting, the run won't be as immediately unpleasant as if you'd started on a difficult setting. Go to the gym with a friend. Motivating yourself to go to the gym—and work out once you're there—can be challenging. Running on the treadmill with a friend will help motivate you to work out in the first place, and will give you something to do while running. The two of you can chat or listen to the same songs. If you and your friend both feel a little bored at the gym, you could try to race one another, or keep track of who has run more miles overall. Set daily exercise goals. Setting and working toward a daily goal can keep you entertained and focused throughout your workout. Set goals that determine the length of your workout, the distance you run or walk, or the amount of calories you burn. For example, if you ran 2 miles (3.2 km) yesterday, set a goal to run 2 miles (3.2 km) today. Listen to high-BPM music during your workout. In addition to keeping you entertained, music can motivate you to push yourself harder during your workout routine. Select a variety of rock or dance songs for your playlist that fall between 120 and 140 beats per minute (BPM). Songs with fast tempos that fall within this BPM range will help maintain your energy and motivation during your workout. Play music on your stereo if you work out at home, or listen to music using your portable or digital music player and headphones at the local gym. Songs with a BPM between 120 and 140 include: “Starships” by Nicki Minaj, “Best Day of my Life” by American Authors, “Raise Your Glass” by Pink, and “Eye of the Tiger” by Voyager. Check out a list of the top 100 running songs at https://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=the_top_100_running_songs_of_all_time. Switch up your exercise playlist weekly. No matter how fun and upbeat your standard exercise and treadmill songs are, you'll get tired of them eventually. Keep yourself motivated—and stave off boredom—by adding a few new songs to your treadmill playlist every week. You can make your own playlists, or look on a streaming site like Spotify or Pandora. These sites have popular exercise playlists that update frequently. Or, ask some friends for their treadmill playlists. For example, try upbeat songs like: “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen, “Lose Yourself” by Eminem, “Beautiful Day” by U2, or “Dog Days are Over” by Florence and the Machine. Cue certain songs to change the pace of your run. Designate certain songs or artists on your music playlist that require you to run or walk faster when they are played. Try putting 3 fast, upbeat songs in a row, and following these up with a slower rock song. Run at a fast rate during the pop songs, and slow down to a medium jog for the rock. This will keep you from getting bored, and ensure that you run at a variety of speeds. Or, if you keep your playlist on shuffle, increase your treadmill speed whenever songs by a specific artist are played. For example, start out with “Get Lucky” by Daft Punk (116 BMP), and follow it with “Can't Hold Us” by Macklemore and “Fight for Your Right” by the Beastie Boys (146 and 135 BPM, respectively). Then slow things down a little with “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor (109 BPM). Listen to an interesting podcast series. If you spend many hours per week on the treadmill, at some point you may want to listen to something a little more intellectually engaging than top-40 radio. Try out a few different types of podcasts to see which holds your attention while you're running and working out. Podcasts exist on nearly every topic imaginable. Check the iTunes store, or look to find podcasts that stream online. Try audiobooks if reading while running is a challenge. Some people love to read while jogging on a treadmill, while others find it too difficult to keep their place and focus on the page. Audiobooks are a great alternative, especially if you're running for longer stretches of time. You can stop at a cliffhanger in an engrossing novel, and you'll be eager to pick up where you left off during your next treadmill session! Download audiobook files to your phone or tablet, or use a portable CD player. Watch a sitcom for short, fast runs. If you're planning a fast-paced run, you'll need to find a show that keeps your attention. Sitcoms are useful to watch since their plots are brief and self-contained, and you don't have to watch each episode in sequential order. Watching a sitcom or short, light drama is a great way to keep your mind distracted so you can jog for a few miles on the treadmill. For a fast-paced run, try a sitcom with 30-minute episodes like Friends , How I Met Your Mother , or Modern Family. Select a dramatic TV show for longer, slower runs. For a long-distance workout, look for an engrossing drama or other hour-long show. The length of the episodes will force you to run for 45 minutes to an hour, and the show's plot will take your mind off of the difficulty of the workout. Try attention-grabbing dramas like Game of Thrones , The Crown , or Grey's Anatomy. Make a fun game out of watching other people at your gym. If you're tired of electronic media, try people-watching instead. Play variations of counting games during every workout. For example, count the number of people wearing a certain brand of athletic shoes throughout your workout. Or, count the number of people wearing a specific shirt color. Keep track and try to beat your record the next time you're at the gym. | Do interval training. Try running a fartlek on the treadmill. Gradually increase the difficulty with a “boil the frog” run. Go to the gym with a friend. Set daily exercise goals. Listen to high-BPM music during your workout. Switch up your exercise playlist weekly. Cue certain songs to change the pace of your run. Listen to an interesting podcast series. Try audiobooks if reading while running is a challenge. Watch a sitcom for short, fast runs. Select a dramatic TV show for longer, slower runs. Make a fun game out of watching other people at your gym. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Your-Baby%27s-Room-Warm | How to Keep Your Baby's Room Warm | To keep your baby's room warm, open the curtains on sunny days to let in some natural light and heat. If you live somewhere cold, you may want to install insulating curtains, which can help prevent heat from escaping. Also, check that your windows are fully sealed and fill any gaps you find with weather stripping, caulk, or another sealant. If your baby's room still seems too cold, consider bumping up your thermostat to 70-72 degrees, which is ideal for babies. You could also add a space heater to your baby's room, as long as your baby can't get near it and it's at least 3 feet away from anything that could burn. | Let the sun in. If it is a nice sunny day, especially one where the sun shines into the room, leave the curtains open for some natural light and heat. The natural light will be good for your baby, and cost you less money than running various heating appliances. If there are tree branches in front of your windows, you can consider trimming the branches to let more light into the room. Just make sure the trees are on your property, and you aren't cutting down someone else's branches. Increase your thermostat slightly. The temperature in your baby's room should be warm enough for a lightly clothed adult, around 70 to 72 degrees. This will probably be a little bit higher than you have it around the rest of your house, which is okay. Having a thermostat in the baby's room is a good option because it will help to regulate the temperature in the room, and prevent it from getting too warm. Heat up the room with a space heater. If you need some heat quickly, say the room is really cold, you can consider using a space heater. If you do use a space heater in the room, make sure it is at least 3 feet away from anything that could burn, and that you turn it off when you leave the room or the baby is sleeping. Make sure that your baby doesn't get near the heater, as it can burn skin very easily. Install insulating curtains. Thermal, or insulating, curtains are another good way to keep warm air in your baby's room. Attach the curtains as close as you can the windows, and let them fall onto the windowsill, or even the floor. Make sure you close them at night to prevent heat from escaping through the window. Seal the windows. Leaky windows will let heat escape and cold air in, making your baby's room colder than it needs to be. Plus, you'll be spending extra money on heating as you try to keep the temperature up. Attach weather stripping, caulk, or other sealants to your windows to keep warm air in the room, and drafts out. If possible, you should also replace old, drafty windows with new, sealed ones. Close the door. Once you have some way of heating the room, you can help trap the heat in the room by closing the door. This will keep the baby's room particularly warm, especially nice if you like it a little cooler in the rest of the house. You'll also save a little money if you are using a space heater or something similar, as it won't need to work as hard to heat the enclosed area. Clothe your baby's whole body. When you put your baby down to sleep, make sure he or she is fully covered. One-piece sleeper pajamas with feet and a skullcap should be enough to keep your baby warm while sleeping. If you want an extra layer, include a onesie or undershirt under the pajamas. Layer your baby's clothing. Several thin layers of clothing should help keep your baby warm, and if your baby starts to overheat, they are easier to remove. A good rule of thumb is to give your baby one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear at the same temperature. Use a blanket in the crib. Another way to keep your baby warm in the crib is to include a blanket while he or she is sleeping. For all of these sheets and blankets, remember that they should be tight against the crib and your baby. Loose blankets are dangerous to a sleeping baby. Therefore, you should just have one blanket for your baby's crib. Use a fitted flannel sheet for the crib, especially during the winter. Flannel is a nice, thick material that holds heat well. When using a blanket, make sure you can tuck it into the mattress so that is doesn't come loose, and doesn't make the mattress uneven. Make sure it comes no higher than your baby's armpits. Warm the bed before putting your baby in it. If the room is still warming, your baby's bed may be a bit cool before you put him or her into it. If that's the case, you can use a hot water bottle, heating pad, or microwaveable bag. Let it sit on the bed for a few minutes to get everything warm. Just remember to remove it before you put your baby down. Check your baby for signs of overheating. Once you have gotten the room to a nice temperature, you'll still need to keep an eye on your baby to make sure he or she stays comfortable while in the room. Don't be afraid to touch your baby's chest, back, and abdomen to track the temperature. Keep an eye out for the signs of overheating, and if you notice them, remove clothing, turn off heaters, and find other ways to cool down the room. An overheated baby will be damp or moist from sweat, particularly his or her hair, back, and chest. The baby may also have red ears, a rapid pulse, and maybe even a fever. Use a firm mattress with thin, tight sheets. A loose sheet or blanket can be a choking hazard. If you do use one, make sure it is tightly tucked under the mattress, and reaches up to the baby's chest. Always be careful about keeping things away from the baby's head. A good mattress in a playpen is also going to be thin, which is safer for the baby. Your baby's face can get stuck in the extra padding. Softer mattresses can be pressed away from the edges of the crib, which creates gaps with the side of the crib that the baby can get stuck in. Place baby on his back. Whenever the baby is sleeping, he needs to be on his back to allow clear breathing. This position drastically reduces the chances of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Research is limited on why this is the case, but it is believed that an infant sleeping on his stomach will get less oxygen because he is “rebreathing” the air from around the nose. Keep extra items out of the bed. This means extra pillows, blankets, and toys, especially if the child is 4 months and younger. On the soft mattress, these items can roll around and cover or hurt the baby. If you have toys that attach to the side of the crib, make sure they are secure, and don't have any dangling or protruding parts. The child can use these to climb out of the crib, or detach small parts that he might choke on. If your baby is sleeping in another carrier, like a car seat, do not put the carrier into the crib. On an uneven surface like a mattress, the carrier can flip over and hurt your baby. If your baby needs to have his head lifted while sleeping, talk to your doctor or pediatrician about the best ways to accomplish that. If you need to raise the mattress, make sure there are no gaps around the perimeter, and the that angle is low so the baby can't roll off the mattress. Keep any cords away from the crib. Cords are dangerous, as children can tug, pull, and climb on them. The cords can also wrap around their necks and strangle them. Keep the baby's crib or bed away from corded window coverings, as well as electrical wires for things such as lamps, baby monitors, and night lights. Get cordless equipment whenever possible. If you can't get items without cords, make sure the crib is at least 3 feet away from any cords. | Let the sun in. Increase your thermostat slightly. Heat up the room with a space heater. Install insulating curtains. Seal the windows. Close the door. Clothe your baby's whole body. Layer your baby's clothing. Use a blanket in the crib. Warm the bed before putting your baby in it. Check your baby for signs of overheating. Use a firm mattress with thin, tight sheets. Place baby on his back. Keep extra items out of the bed. Keep any cords away from the crib. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Eliminate-Stress | How to Eliminate Stress | No matter where you are, one great way to eliminate stress is to practice deep breathing so you can release tension immediately. To begin, stop what you're doing, shake your body to release muscle tension and make yourself comfortable. Notice whether you have shallow and fast breaths, which happen when you're stressed. To change your breathing pattern from shallow to deep, place one hand on your chest and the other on your stomach, then breathe so as to make your stomach rise. Breathe slowly, taking in air from your nose and exhaling slowly through your mouth. Repeat this deep breathing 6 times a minute to calm yourself. For relaxation techniques you can do at work, try progressive muscle relaxation or guided visual imagery, or yoga or meditation classes after work. | Notice signs that you are stressed. For some people stress is easy to identify — they feel worried, anxious, and exasperated. For others it may be more subtle, or they may try to suppress their feelings until stress is expressed physically in the form of fatigue, muscle aches, tightness, pain, headaches, and sometimes even GI problems. Irritability and overreacting to small annoyances are other subtle signs of stress. Try to identify how you experience stress. Once you have identified your personal symptoms of stress and what it feels like to you, it can help you identify triggers. So if you notice that every Sunday night you experience significant stomach pain, GI issues, or nausea, then possibly Monday morning work or school is a significant stressor. Identify triggers for stress. An important step in reducing day-to-day stress is identifying its causes. Throughout your typical day, take note of what things cause you the most stress. You may even want to keep a journal in which you jot down stressful events. You may find certain things only cause a minor amount of stress. Getting out the door on time, for example, may be a little stressful, but not a major cause for concern. Other things may cause you a lot of stress. Maybe morning traffic really stresses you out. Maybe you dislike engaging with a negative colleague at work. Take note of any moments when your stress level spikes and you notice those symptoms of stress in your body or mood. Consider how much you can control these triggers. There is a lot of stress you simply cannot control. You can't, for example, choose your co-workers or control morning traffic; however, there are some stressors you may be able to avoid. For example, maybe you frequently go to bed stressed. Think about what you do before bed. Maybe you watch the news and get anxious and upset over what's going on in the world. You could listen to the news on your radio in the morning and watch something pleasant at night. If you really dislike something like grocery shopping, try going when you know the store won't be crowded. You can even order groceries online. If someone at work stresses you out, you can lessen contact. Try avoiding the break room when you know that co-worker is present. Keep conversations short and professional in order to avoid getting sucked into small talk. You might even be able to eliminate the stress of traffic by seeing if you can go into work earlier to miss the rush or if there are other options like taking the train. Pause and think of the big picture. In the moments when you feel stressed out, perspective is important. When faced with day-to-day stressors, take a moment to consider the bigger picture. Remember, stress is temporary. The factors causing stress will pass. If you're worried about a report for work, think to yourself, "By the end of the week, it'll be done. I won't have to worry about it anymore." Accept that you're feeling anxious over something. If you try to repress stress, that can actually make it worse. While accepting your anxiety, keep reminding yourself emotions are fleeting. You can repeat some kind of mantra like, "This too shall pass," to help combat your stress. Practice positive self talk. Throughout the day, try to say and think nice things about yourself. If you have a positive attitude overall, you will be less prone to feeling stress. Never say anything to yourself you would not say to another person. For example, you may find yourself thinking things like, "You're so stupid and that's why you screwed up," or, "No one is going to like you, so why bother going out?" Replace these phrases with more pleasant ones. Think things like, "I will get through this. I am competent," and, "You're going to have fun tonight because you're pleasant to be around." Learn to say "No. " One of the biggest causes of stress is overcommitment. This is often caused by social relationships. You may feel like you have to say, "Yes" to everything. If the PTA board needs someone to help organize a meeting, you'll say, "Yes." If a friend needs you to watch her cat for the weekend, you'll say "Yes." Identify when you should say, "No." Know what your limits are. If you have too much on your plate a certain week, it's okay to turn down extra commitments. Just because you reasonably could do something doesn't mean you have to, especially if it's going to cause excess stress. For example, you have a busy work week and some social commitments on the weekend. Your friend, who is a 30 mile drive from you, wants you to check in on her cat while she's away. Technically, you could do this, but it would cause a lot of stress. You do not have to commit. You are never obligated to do someone a favor, especially if it's at the expense of your emotional wellbeing. Say something like, "I'm sorry. I can't this week. I have too much on my plate. Good luck finding someone else." Make time for friends. Socialization is important for stress management. Your life should not revolve around work or school. Carve out some time each week to spend with close, valued friends. Choose people who do not stress you out. If you've had a long week at work, do you really want to spend Friday night with a friend who's always dramatic? Instead, select people who energize you rather than drain you. You can talk about your stress to others. This can help you vent and get it out of your system. The people who care about you will be happy to listen. If you need to talk about your week, have dinner with a few good friends on a Friday night. Set boundaries with certain people. Some people are difficult. Whether it's a friend, family member, or co-worker, there may be someone in your life who simply causes you a lot of stress. Set firm boundaries with this person to reduce your overall stress load. Do not feel guilty about setting certain boundaries with someone. You should never put your emotional wellbeing behind someone else's need for contact. If you feel drained in someone's presence, that person may be taking advantage of you. Be direct and assertive without being hostile. You can let someone know which behaviors cross a line. For example, your friend Mary sends a lot of negative texts each day and does not seem to respond to any kind of feedback or advice. It's okay to text something like, "Mary, I care about you as a person, but I don't have the energy to deal with these texts all day. I am sorry you're going through this, but I think you need more support than I am able to give right now." Care about others, but do not worry. Oftentimes, empathetic people are prone to stress. If you care about the people in your life, you may worry about them as well. Try to remember that care and worry are two different things. It's okay to care about someone, but do not let that care slip into the realm of excessive worrying. If you care about your friends and family members, there are things you can do. You can visit your elderly grandmother. You can call your brother if he's had a rough work week. You can send your cousin a care package if she lost her job. These are examples of caring. Worrying is different from caring. You can worry all day, at work or school, about a friend or family member; however, you are not accomplishing anything by worrying. Nothing is getting done. Care for the people in your life but try not to obsess over their problems, especially during times when your mind should be elsewhere. Focus on the breath. Simply focusing on your breathing is a classic relaxation technique. One major benefit is you can do this anywhere. If you're stressed at work, for example, take a moment to breathe slowly and methodically. Before you begin breathing, try to interrupt your thoughts, get comfortable, and release tension from your muscles. First, focus on your breath. Be aware of your current breathing rhythm. Shift from fast and shallow breathing to slow abdominal breathing. Place your hand on your chest and the other over your navel. Breathe in a way that the hand on your navel rises. You want to breathe slow enough that you take six deep breaths in a minute. Try progressive muscle relaxation. This technique involves tensing and releasing various muscles in the body. It can be done to unwind after work or school. It can also be done before bed to help prep you for sleep. Moving from your head to your feet, tense muscle groups for about five seconds and then release. Notice the difference you feel when your muscles are no longer tense. For example, tense your shoulders, count for five seconds, and then release. Spend about ten seconds paying attention to the new feeling in your shoulders before moving on to your arms. Continue the exercise until you've tensed and released the muscles in your body from head to toe. Laugh every day. Trying to laugh even just a few times a day can have great effects on stress. Watching funny cat videos on the train to work or finding your five-year-old's endless "why" questions amusing rather than annoying seem small, but it begins to set up a mindset in which you try to find the joy or irony in even they tough things in life. Laughter raises and then lowers your stress response, leaving you feeling more relaxed. It also releases endorphins, which are "feel good" hormones. Look into guided imagery. Guided imagery involves imagining a peaceful scene utilizing all your senses. You can try simple visualization. For example, when you feel stressed, take a mental vacation to a pleasant place. You can also find many recordings that can guide you through relaxing imagery. Audio programs are available online. You can download some and put them on a portable electronic device. When you feel yourself getting tense, listen to the guided imagery program. Really commit to using all your senses. Imagine how a given scene feels, sounds, smells, tastes, and looks. Take yoga, meditation, or tai chi classes. A local community center may offer these types of classes. Yoga, meditation, and tai chi can help you better regulate stress by channeling your energy to the present moment. If you can't find a class in your price range, try to see if you can find routines online. A site like YouTube, for example, can provide many options for yoga routines. Exercise. Simply moving around throughout the day can help reduce your stress level. If you don't exercise regularly, begin an exercise program. This can help you better manage your emotions and may eliminate some stress in your life. Pick an activity you enjoy, as you'll be more likely to stick to it. For example, if you enjoy long and aimless walks, try to walk a few miles a day after work. Ease into any new routine. You will have to start small, especially if you haven't exercised regularly in awhile. It's a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning any exercise program, especially if you have a chronic heart condition. Improve your sleep. Poor sleep can worsen existing stress. Make a commitment to getting a solid block of sleep each night. You may find yourself feeling less stressed throughout the day. Stick to a sleep schedule. This will help your body's natural circadian rhythm. You'll feel tired at bedtime and energized in the morning. Even on weekends, try to wake up and fall asleep at the same time each day. Choose a relaxing bedtime ritual that you engage in away from bright lights. For example, read a book or do a crossword puzzle. Bright lights from electronic screens can make it difficult to sleep, so put these away when you start getting ready for bed. Make sure your bedroom is sleep friendly. Block out any unwanted noise and keep the temperature between 60 and 67°F (15.6 and 19.4°C). You may have to get a fan or air conditioner. Make time to relax. If you're very busy especially, you may not actually make time for yourself to relax. Many people see fun and relaxation as self-indulgent. For your emotional wellbeing, however, relaxing should be a priority. You probably have more time than you think you do. Find a chore or obligation you could cut down on. For example, maybe you don't need to do the dishes immediately after dinner. Let them sit in the sink overnight, and take that time to do something you enjoy. You can read a book, watch a movie, go for a walk, or call a friend. Do anything that helps you unwind. It's important to incorporate fun and levity into your day-to-day life. Spending time in nature can also help reduce stress. Do self-care activities that you find relaxing, like cleaning, cooking a meal, taking a nap, or listening to a podcast. Change your diet. If you're not eating healthy, this can affect your mood. Try to cut out things like sugar and processed food and replace them with whole wheats, lean meats, fruits, and vegetables. Try to eat three meals a day. Never skip breakfast, as this can set the tone for a stressful day. If you're in a rush, at least grab a banana or a cup of yogurt on your way out the door. Eliminate things like tobacco, caffeine, and alcohol. These can all raise your stress level. | Notice signs that you are stressed. Identify triggers for stress. Consider how much you can control these triggers. Pause and think of the big picture. Practice positive self talk. Learn to say "No. Make time for friends. Set boundaries with certain people. Care about others, but do not worry. Focus on the breath. Try progressive muscle relaxation. Laugh every day. Look into guided imagery. Take yoga, meditation, or tai chi classes. Exercise. Improve your sleep. Make time to relax. Change your diet. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-School | How to Start a School | If you want to start your own school, visit your state's website for their Department of Education and familiarize yourself with any laws and regulations that will apply to you. Write out a curriculum including class length, school hours, assessment criteria, and other organizational details, then present the curriculum to your state's school board and have it approved. After that, form a corporation and secure funding for your school, lease or construct the school building, and hire your staff before the start of the new school year! | Start by researching laws in your state. Laws vary from state to state and can have a significant impact on what requirements you will need to complete to open your school. These can usually be found on the educational department's website. In general, opening a preschool or daycare is much more difficult than opening a school for children ages 6 and up. Develop a compelling educational vision. A compelling vision is essential to guide you through the startup phase and beyond. Your vision will drive decisions and actions in the short-and long-term. Envision your school. Consider the following questions: What are your values? Who do you want to serve? What kind of education does this community need? What will your school provide that other schools cannot? What kind of social, intellectual and emotional experience do you want to give your students? Where do you want your school to be in 5 years, 25 years and 100 years? What type of school do you want to start? For-profit or non-profit? Non-profits are extremely difficult to establish but have long-term benefits. If you want to start on a smaller scale, you could consider beginning with a few afterschool classes, a part-time homeschool coop or a playgroup. Write out a curriculum. When writing a curriculum, you need to consider both the practical organizational matters of day-to-day operations, as well as the scope and sequence of learning you hope your school to achieve. A well-written curriculum should address the following categories of information: Day-to-Day Operations How long are classes? How many classes in a day? When will the day start and end? How will lunches be organized? How will teachers be scheduled? Learning Assessment What do your students need? What is the objective of the students' learning? What criteria will be used to assess learning? How will students be tested? What constitutes graduation from the school? Write a teaching statement. Articulate the pedagogy you'd like your prospective teachers to use, understand, and develop in their classrooms. Will your school be test-heavy? Writing-based? Discussion-centered? Describe the ways in which teachers will be held accountable for their students' learning and the ways in which they may run their classroom. For a teaching statement, try to word things in such a way as to attract the best and brightest young teachers and the most enthusiastic to make your school as good as possible. May teacher select their own texts, or select from approved books? Consider ways in which you can make your school an attractive alternative for creative teachers. Get your curriculum approved. To get state-certified, and to let your school be eligible for state money, you need to get your curriculum approved by the School Board in your state, which will probably involve an audit of your curriculum, and your incorporation documents. The process is somewhat time-consuming, but not difficult if you've planned and followed the appropriate steps. Contact the Department of Education in your state to learn exactly what it is you need to do to schedule an audit, and how you can go about preparing for it. Consider using a pre-existing curriculum such as Montessori or Waldorf. If you're interested in forming a school with a pre-set ideology or pedagogy, contact the legislating body for the organization you'd like to join and get help and additional guidance to get your school to the proper code, according to the organization. Prepare a business plan. There are many business plan models you can work with ranging from a one page "lean canvas" to 100 pages of complex questions. You will have to figure out which kind works best for you! Your business plan will describe your goals for the school, the reasons they are attainable, and how you plan to achieve them financially. A business plan will be necessary to begin raising funds and fulfilling the incorporation steps necessary to start a school. Consider conducting a feasibility study to determine whether or not opening a school will be a viable option. Early in the startup process, it is essential to take a hard look at your vision and determine how best to proceed. You'll need to determine how many students you're likely to enroll, budget costs, operating costs, upkeep of the grounds, and all other facets of the school's operation to determine if it will be likely to succeed. You may also want to interview people in your community about whether there is a need for this type of school Gather a board of directors. You won't be able to do this by yourself, so one of the first steps in starting your school needs to be appointing like-minded administrators to make up a board of directors who will jointly make all financial and operational decisions, hire faculty, and oversee the school. While an increasing number of micro-schools are run by a single teacher, in general, no school is run by a single "leader." While it's important to establish good leadership as a group, a school is more of a corporation and less of a dictatorship. To find a good board of directors, consider enlisting local members of the education community who may be dissatisfied with their local options and be interested in a more forward-thinking school, like yours. File for incorporation in your state. Your board of directors needs to carefully fill out the articles of incorporation with the state in which you'll be based and register as an educational non-profit. Often, there's a corporate filing office or business bureau with which you can fill out the papers. Usually, there is a fee of several hundred dollars associated with the forms. Register as a non-profit. By filing as a non-profit, you'll be able to receive grants, donations, and other types of funding that wouldn't normally be available to a for-profit organization. To obtain non-profit status, the organization must be organized and operated exclusively for religious, educational, scientific, or other charitable purposes and fulfill the following requirements: Net earnings may not inure to the benefit of any private individual or shareholder. No substantial part of its activity may be attempting to influence legislation and may not intervene in political campaigns. The organization's purposes and activities may not be illegal or violate fundamental public policy. Obtain an EIN and file for tax-exempt status. Visit the IRS website or a local office to apply for an Employee Identification Number (EIN). This acts as your corporate SSN, basically. It distinguishes you as a non-profit educational corporation with the IRS, including tax-exempt status. To register your EIN, fill out the IRS form found here. The tax-exempt status can be somewhat time-consuming, and you may want to consult a lawyer to go over the paperwork with you and ensure that you're interpreting and filling it out correctly. To file for tax-exempt status, fill out IRS form 1023, found here. You can either choose to operate your school on earned income or secure funding for your school. Depending on how you've set up your business model, you may be collecting tuition, working on grants and other state-based funding for non-profits, or by engaging in other types of fundraising campaigns. Whatever the case, you're going to need to start raising as much money as possible to give your grand design the big opening and first-year that it deserves. Apply for grants appropriate to your school and use the money toward implementing your vision. Develop your facilities. Whether you're leasing existing space or building a new campus, the acquisition and development of facilities is a significant undertaking. Begin the search for a sufficient location to house your students, or plan for the renovation and construction of new buildings. Start early. The leasing, renovation and construction processes tend to take longer than anticipated. Also, if possible, design your physical space to facilitate your school's mission. Hire excellent administration. If your school leaders are not among the founding group of the board of directions, conduct a search to find a strong leader with experience in the field and a vision that matches your own. First-rate leadership is essential for all schools and critical for new schools. Hire excellent teachers. Your faculty will determine the quality of your school. Nothing else comes close. Your teachers will be the single most important factor in the quality of your school's education. That quality will determine your school's success. Attract and retain first-rate teachers who are passionate about education and compassionate with students. Market your school. Send out announcements to your local parent groups. Ask your friends to spread the word. If you already have parents excited about your school, you can ask them to host open houses and invite your friends. While it may be tempting to take anyone who wants to enroll in your school, it's very important that prospective parents are fully on board with your vision or it could cause serious problems later. If you have a large school to fill, you could consider designing a high-impact branding, marketing and public relations plan and be prepared to carry it out with gusto or you could choose to list your school on a marketplace to take care of much of the marketing work. Create a buzz about your new school. There are many creative and cost-effective ways to market your school. Good marketing is not necessarily expensive. The important thing is to know your market and what you need to do to be successful in attracting the number and kind of students you want to enroll. Recruit and enroll students. Ask parents to sign a contract and put down a down payment. Many great organizations exist that can take the hassle out of processing tuition payments for you. Find excitable and willing students to welcome to your school. When you've got all the legal mess out of the way, you can start sharing your vision with enthusiastic parents, teachers, and students to facilitate an exchange of learning. Start holding open-houses and enrolling students in your school to make your dream a reality. | Start by researching laws in your state. Develop a compelling educational vision. Write out a curriculum. Write a teaching statement. Get your curriculum approved. Consider using a pre-existing curriculum such as Montessori or Waldorf. Prepare a business plan. Gather a board of directors. File for incorporation in your state. Register as a non-profit. Obtain an EIN and file for tax-exempt status. You can either choose to operate your school on earned income or secure funding for your school. Develop your facilities. Hire excellent administration. Hire excellent teachers. Market your school. Recruit and enroll students. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Freeze-Meat | How to Freeze Meat | To freeze meat, remove it from its original packaging and cut it into individual portions, removing any bones as you go. Next, place the meat in the center of a large piece of freezer paper and wrap each piece tightly, tucking the ends around each package so air can't get in. Then, label the wrapped meat with the date and its contents in permanent marker and put it in the coldest part of your freezer, which it usually at the very back. | Store your meat in the refrigerator until it is ready to prepare for freezing. You should store fresh, raw meats in your refrigerator for no more than 2-3 days before freezing them. Your refrigerator's temperature should be kept at 40 degrees F or below at all times to ensure peak freshness and safety of all foods. Be ready to prepare the meat quickly so it will stay cold until you freeze it. Remove the meat from its store packaging and place it on a cutting board. The packaging from the grocery store is not resistant to vapor or moisture, so just discard it. Freezing the meat in the store packaging may cause it develop freezer burn more quickly. Cut the meat into individual portions. Use a sharp knife to cut the meat. Remove any unnecessary bones, as they take up freezer space. When cutting poultry, keep the deboned meat separate from the meat with bones. If you are freezing ground hamburger, you can divide it into 1 pound increments, or form it into quarter pound patties. Do not rinse the meat before freezing. It isn't necessary, and can cause crystallization on the meat when it freezes. If you want to rinse the meat, do it right before cooking. Place the meat in the center of a large piece of freezer paper or plastic wrap. If you are using freezer paper, make sure that the paper side is touching the counter and the meat is resting on the waxed side. Freezer paper is similar to wax paper. It has a plastic or wax coating on one side, which helps keep meat juices from leaking out. Meat markets and grocery stores use this paper to wrap raw meats in. If you can't find freezer paper, regular wax paper, parchment paper, or even plastic wrap will do. Pad any bones with small pieces of paper towel so they won’t pierce the wrapping. If any bones pierce the wrap, air will get into the packaging and compromise the quality of the meat. Wrap small pieces of paper towel around the bones, then continue to wrap as instructed. Wrap each piece of meat tightly. Bring the top and bottom of the freezer paper or plastic wrap together over the meat, then fold the freezer paper down towards the meat, making small folds, each ⁄ 2 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm). Tuck the ends of the freezer paper or plastic wrap around the package. Smooth to remove as much air as possible. If wrapping in freezer, wax, or parchment paper, use freezer tape to seal the paper securely around the meat. Wrap the meat again, this time in aluminum foil or a zippered plastic bag. This step is optional, but double-wrapping will help keep air away from the meat and cut down on the risk of freezer burn. If storing the meat in a plastic bag, make sure to push all air out of the bag before closing. In the plastic bag, place each individual patty or piece of meat between two pieces of freezer paper to help keep them separate when they're frozen. This will make them easier to quickly grab from the freezer, and it will also speed the thawing process. Prepare a whole bird for freezing by tucking in its wings, tying its legs and removing the inner organs. Then you can place it into a large plastic freezer bag, or wrap it tightly in freezer paper and tape it closed to seal. Store the giblets, heart, and liver separately in a large plastic zip-top bag for freezing. If you're storing the chicken right in a plastic bag, be sure to force all of the air in the bag to escape before zipping it closed. Label the wrapped meat with the date and its contents in permanent marker. The date lets you know how long each piece of meat has been frozen, and the contents let you know what cut of meat you're grabbing from the freezer without opening the package. Permanent marker works on freezer paper, plastic bags, parchment paper, wax paper, and aluminum foil. Place the wrapped meat in a freezer set at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. This is the ideal temperature for keeping meats safely frozen. The refrigerator freezer will work just fine. Avoid freezing large quantities of meat together, as it will slow down freezing process. Place the meat in the coldest area of freezer. Separate the pieces or bags to allow the meat to freeze faster. Once the meat is completely frozen, you can rearrange the layout of the freezer. If the meat doesn't freeze quickly enough, ice crystals can form in the meat. These crystals contribute to freezer burn and to the loss of juices while the meat is thawing out. Avoid opening and closing freezer repeatedly. Your freezer should maintain a temperature of 0 degrees or lower at almost all times in order to keep the meat at its best. If you're only freezing your meat for a short amount of time (a couple of weeks), it's okay if the freezer's temperature fluctuates a little from the door opening and closing. Just be sure to eat the meat quickly. Store your meat and poultry at a constant temperature of 0 degrees Fahrenheit to maintain their quality. Freezing will keep foods safe almost indefinitely, however the length of time the food is frozen can have an effect on its quality. If you want to freeze your meat long-term (over a month), but your refrigerator freezer can't maintain at least 0 degrees, you may want to consider buying a small, separate freezer for long-term cold storage. Well-wrapped meats can be frozen for 6 months to a year. Frozen meats can be stored for up to 3 months with almost no breach in quality, but after 3 months, there is a higher chance of developing freezer burn. This is especially true if they are kept in a freezer that doesn't maintain 0 degrees F. Chicken that is wrapped well can be frozen for up to 9 months. Scrutinize your meat to see if you can detect freezer burn. Look for browning on the meat, smell it for a sharp frozen smell, and look for any ice crystals. Store cured meats for 1-2 months only. The extra salt in cured meats causes the meat to turn rancid more rapidly, so they must be eaten more quickly. This is true for meats like ham and bacon. Refreeze your refrigerated raw meat safely. If you thaw your meat out and decide not to use it all, you can safely refreeze the raw meat, as long as it has thawed inside of the refrigerator. Keep in mind that the quality might not be as good after refreezing the meat, as thawing causes loss of moisture. Refreeze any cooked meats within 3 to 4 days. Never refreeze anything left outside of the refrigerator for more than 2 hours. | Store your meat in the refrigerator until it is ready to prepare for freezing. Remove the meat from its store packaging and place it on a cutting board. Cut the meat into individual portions. Place the meat in the center of a large piece of freezer paper or plastic wrap. Pad any bones with small pieces of paper towel so they won’t pierce the wrapping. Wrap each piece of meat tightly. Tuck the ends of the freezer paper or plastic wrap around the package. Wrap the meat again, this time in aluminum foil or a zippered plastic bag. Prepare a whole bird for freezing by tucking in its wings, tying its legs and removing the inner organs. Label the wrapped meat with the date and its contents in permanent marker. Place the wrapped meat in a freezer set at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Place the meat in the coldest area of freezer. Avoid opening and closing freezer repeatedly. Store your meat and poultry at a constant temperature of 0 degrees Fahrenheit to maintain their quality. Scrutinize your meat to see if you can detect freezer burn. Store cured meats for 1-2 months only. Refreeze your refrigerated raw meat safely. Refreeze any cooked meats within 3 to 4 days. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Read-the-Qur%27an | How to Read the Qur'an | You can better understand the Qur'an by using some pre-reading strategies and actively engaging with the text. Scan sections by looking at any headings the text includes. This is a good way to anticipate what themes and topics will be addressed before you begin reading a specific section. Once you start reading, stop when you feel your focus dropping off, whether that's after 5 minutes or 30 minutes. As you read, keep notes on concepts you want to return to or have questions about. Then, connect these concepts to other ideas in the text. If something is unclear, find someone who may be able to help you, like a friend, an online forum member, or a religious consultant, and ask questions. | Get a copy of the Qur'an in your language for ease of reading. The Qur'an has been translated into more than 110 languages, so there's a good chance that it's available in your native tongue. Select a version of the Qur'an in the language that you feel most comfortable reading. For example, if your native language is French, read the Qur'an in French. If your native language is Chinese, read the Qur'an in Chinese. Access an online version if you want to search for specific topics. The Qur'an is widely available in print, but you can also access an online or ebook version that allows you to search it. This may be helpful if you want to target certain topics or if you just want the option of being able to search the Qur'an. As an added benefit, accessing an online or ebook version of the Qur'an will mean that you can read it wherever you have internet access, which could be more convenient than carrying a paper copy of the book around everywhere you go. Listen to the Qur’an on audiobook or with an online recording. Depending on your learning style, you might find it easier to follow along with an audiobook version of the Qur'an. There are audiobook versions of the Qur'an available online and some e-readers will also narrate an ebook version of the Qur'an for you. An added benefit of listening to the Qur'an is that you can read at times when you normally couldn't, such as during your commute to work or school, while exercising, or while you're doing household chores. Download a Qur’an app for reminders and thematic readings. An app can help you to keep up with your daily Qur'an readings by sending you reminders and breaking your daily readings up into small, manageable sections. Try QforQuaran or a similar Qur'an reading app to make it a daily habit. Some Qur'an reading apps also have plans that you can use to read sections of the Qur'an according to a theme, such as marriage, charity, or friendship. Use a companion book to guide you through the text. If you want something to add context to your readings of the Qur'an, look into companion books. These are usually written by scholars who have done extensive research on the Qur'an and who can help you to understand difficult sections and concepts in the Qur'an. Check your local library or the community library at a local mosque to find a companion reader to guide you. Join a Qur'an study group at a local mosque. If there's a mosque in your area, consider checking to see if they offer any classes on reading the Qur'an or a weekly study group that you could join. This can help to make reading the Qur'an easier by providing you with a space to ask questions and a community of other people who are also reading the Qur'an. Try calling a local mosque to find out if they have any study groups you could join. Scan sections by looking at any headings the text includes. Scanning chapters is a good way to prime your brain before you begin reading a section of the Qur'an. Read any headings in each section before you get started. Identify what the themes or topics are for the section you are about to read. For example, if the section heading indicates that it's about God creating Earth, then the upcoming section probably tells the Qur'an's version of the creation story. Break the text into small, manageable chunks. The longer you read, the less you may comprehend, so try not to read for more than 30 minutes at a time. Identify how much you can read in this time frame and keep all of your readings to about this length. You can read for shorter spans as well, such as 5, 10, or 15 minutes at a time. See what works best for you and limit your reading sessions accordingly. Take notes as you read to identify concepts you want to return to. Keep a notepad handy while you read the Qur'an so that you can write down any interesting quotes, concepts, or questions you encounter along the way. Write down the page number and verse as well. This will make it easier for you to come back to sections that you want to explore in more depth. You can take notes on anything that strikes your interest while you read the Qur'an. Don't censor or limit yourself. Taking notes will help you to retain more of what you read. Connect the concepts you encounter with other ideas and texts. If you're familiar with other religious texts, connecting the stories and ideas you encounter in the Qur'an may help you to understand them better. Focus on making connections throughout the text to help make the information more approachable and memorable. For example, if you have read the Bible before, then you might draw parallels between stories in the Qur'an and stories in the Bible. Ask questions about what you read if something is unclear. If you encounter anything that you cannot figure out, find someone who might be able to help you understand it. There are several ways you could get answers to your questions while reading the Qur'an. For example, you could: Talk with a friend or family member who is knowledgeable about the Qur'an. Visit a local mosque and talk with an imam. Search the internet for information related to your question. Go to an online forum or website and ask your question. Treat the Qu'ran as a holy book and approach readings with respect. In Muslim culture, there are specific rules of etiquette when it comes to reading the Qu'ran, often referred to as tajweed rules. These rules mostly revolve around cleanliness, respect, and preferences about recitation. You don't have to follow these rules to read the Qu'ran, but you may want to consider them as part of your study to better understand the Islamic faith. If you attend religious services at a mosque or intend to explore the Muslim faith on a deeper level, it is helpful to be aware of and practice tajweed rules. Wash your hands, brush your teeth, and dress in nice clothing. Always attend to your hygiene before reading your Qur'an. Imagine you are getting ready for a job interview or to meet a very important person. Get yourself ready to start your day. If you cough up phlegm at any point during your reading, make sure to pause and rinse your mouth out with water. Sit up straight when you read the Qur’an. Don't slouch or lean back. Try sitting in a hard-backed chair or at a desk so you will be less inclined to lean back. Don't sit in a chair that reclines or read your Qur'an in bed. You may hold your Qur'an on your lap or on a surface in front of you, but never place it on the floor. Also, make sure that you are facing in the direction of prayer before you read. Pause occasionally to consider what you have just read. Whenever you encounter a passage that tells a story about people or that promises Allah's blessing, pause and consider it. Reflect on the meaning of the story or passage before you move on. Never rush your readings of the Qur'an. If you do not have time to read at a leisurely pace, choose another time to read. Close the Qur’an when you are finished reading it. Never leave your Qur'an open after you have finished reading it. Place a book mark or make a note about where you left off, and then close your Qur'an and put it in its place, such as on a bookshelf or table. Never stack other books on top of the Qur'an. This symbolizes that they are above the Qur'an. | Get a copy of the Qur'an in your language for ease of reading. Access an online version if you want to search for specific topics. Listen to the Qur’an on audiobook or with an online recording. Download a Qur’an app for reminders and thematic readings. Use a companion book to guide you through the text. Join a Qur'an study group at a local mosque. Scan sections by looking at any headings the text includes. Break the text into small, manageable chunks. Take notes as you read to identify concepts you want to return to. Connect the concepts you encounter with other ideas and texts. Ask questions about what you read if something is unclear. Treat the Qu'ran as a holy book and approach readings with respect. Wash your hands, brush your teeth, and dress in nice clothing. Sit up straight when you read the Qur’an. Pause occasionally to consider what you have just read. Close the Qur’an when you are finished reading it. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Photograph-Fireworks | How to Photograph Fireworks | To photograph fireworks, find a high spot in an open area and turn your camera to manual. For best results, use a wide lens, place your camera on a tripod, and set your camera to a slow shutter speed of between 2.5 and 4 seconds. Then, set the ISO to 100 and the aperture to around f/5.6-f/8 so you can capture the fireworks without letting in too much light. To take the photo, focus on an object that is far away but close to the fireworks. Finally, if you want your photos to stand out, try to include a landmark in the frame. | Look for a high spot in an open area. Try to position yourself on a spot that is high up, such as a ledge in a field or a high slope by a main road. Check that you can see the spot where the fireworks are supposed to be in the sky from your vantage point and that you are at a 45-degree angle from the ground when you look up. Keep in mind if you want to include people in some of your shots, you may pick a high spot that you can move down from easily so you can be closer to crowds. Check that the spot is upwind from the fireworks so you get a clear shot. Shooting downwind from the fireworks can cause smoke to get into your images as the fireworks go off. Prevent this by making sure your shooting location is upwind from where the fireworks are set to go off. To determine the wind conditions, check the weather beforehand. Note if it is going to be a windy night and plan accordingly. Pick a spot that has a view of the skyline or a landmark for a unique shot. You may want to include a beautiful city skyline or a historic landmark in the area where the fireworks are set to go off. Find a shooting location that allows you to see the skyline clearly below the fireworks. Or go for a spot where a landmark or building appears in one side of the frame or in the foreground. You can always shift your shooting location slightly while the fireworks are going off to get different objects in the foreground, as well as no objects at all in the shot. Try to find a spot where you can move around and play with different compositions. Switch your camera to manual mode. You do not need an expensive camera with a lot of different settings to photograph fireworks well. In fact, you can use a film camera or a digital camera to get a great image as long as it can be switched to manual mode. Make sure the focus mode reverts to manual when you switch to manual mode, as this will allow you to focus the camera as needed during the fireworks show. If you are shooting with the camera on your smartphone, download an app that allows you to have a slower shutter speed on the camera, such as Slow Shutter Cam. Some digital cameras will have a “Fireworks Mode” on the settings dial or in the menu options on the camera. Use this mode, if available, as this allows the camera to adjust the settings for you so you do not need to do it yourself. Turn off the flash to limit distractions around you. Switch the flash off, as it is not strong enough to illuminate the foreground in the dark. It can also distract you when you are taking pictures and bother others around you. Use a wide or telephoto zoom lens to capture the fireworks. Look for a telephoto zoom lens that is 70-200mm or 70-300mm, as this will allow you to capture the fireworks in full from a distance. You can also use a wide lens that is 24-70mm or 24-120mm if you are shooting a bit closer to the fireworks. It may be good to have both lenses on hand so you can switch between them to suit your vantage point. Start with a slow shutter speed of 2.5-4 seconds. Using a slow shutter speed will allow the camera shutter to stay open long enough to capture the long light trails of the fireworks. Avoid going lower than 2.5 seconds, as a shutter speed that is too low can cause the fireworks to appear blown out or overexposed. You may need to play around with the shutter speed as you photograph the fireworks, shifting between 2.5-4 seconds. Try a few different speeds once you set up your camera to vary the types of images you get. Set the camera to a low ISO level and a narrow aperture field. Start with an ISO that is at 100, as this will allow you to use a low shutter speed. You can usually leave the ISO at 100 as you shoot. The aperture, or how wide the lens opens, should be around f/5.6-f/8. This will keep the aperture just narrow enough to capture the fireworks without letting in too much light. You can try playing around with the aperture field as you photograph the fireworks, bumping up to f/11-f/16 depending on how bright your images appear. Arrive early for the fireworks to reserve your shooting spot. If you know the fireworks show is going to be popular, you may aim to get to the location 30 minutes-1 hour early so you can set up your camera gear and be ready for the show. If you are not sure about the details of the location, you may visit it a day early to stake out a good location for shooting the fireworks. Put the camera on a tripod to get a steady image. Always use a tripod when you are shooting fireworks, as this will ensure you get a clear, high-quality image. Set up the camera, or your smartphone, on a tripod in the shooting location. Make sure the shutter speed, ISO, and aperture have already been set, as you do not want to have to touch the camera too much once you start shooting. Look for a tripod that fits your camera model at your local camera store or online. Get a remote shutter release to avoid touching the camera. The remote shutter release attaches to your camera and is controlled by a small remote you hold in your hand. This feature is ideal when you are shooting fireworks, as touching your camera while shooting can cause the images to appear blurry or unclear. You can buy a remote shutter release at your local camera store or online. Focus the camera on a distant object near where the fireworks are going off. Look into the lense and adjust the focus manually so it is on an object that is fairly far away, just beside or in front of where the fireworks are going to explode. This will then ensure the fireworks appear in focus when they enter the frame. You can also try zooming out or in and focusing on the fireworks to get a different perspective. Your wide or telephoto zoom lense should make doing this fairly easy. Frame the fireworks with people, objects, or a landscape. Use your surroundings to make the photographs more interesting and unique. Try placing a landmark in one corner of the frame and focusing on it as the fireworks go off. You can also focus on the skyline just below the fireworks to get a nice landscape in the foreground. Including people watching the fireworks can also make the photographs more interesting. Try shooting at a lower angle to capture people in the foreground or background of the image. Reduce the shutter speed if the fireworks appear blurry or unclear. If you notice your images are coming out blurry or unclear, it may be because your shutter speed is not slow enough. Bump it down 1-2 speeds so the lense stays open longer and you can capture the full effect of the fireworks. You may need to also play around with the aperture setting when you reduce the shutter speed to find the right balance. Use “bulb mode” to experiment with exposure. To do this, press the shutter down as the fireworks are launching. Continue to hold the shutter for several seconds until the burst fades and then slowly let it go. This allows you to create a long exposure that will capture the fireworks as it explodes. Use a remote shutter release to do “bulb mode” as this will prevent you from touching the camera and causing it to shift or move, which can ruin the photograph. | Look for a high spot in an open area. Check that the spot is upwind from the fireworks so you get a clear shot. Pick a spot that has a view of the skyline or a landmark for a unique shot. Switch your camera to manual mode. Turn off the flash to limit distractions around you. Use a wide or telephoto zoom lens to capture the fireworks. Start with a slow shutter speed of 2.5-4 seconds. Set the camera to a low ISO level and a narrow aperture field. Arrive early for the fireworks to reserve your shooting spot. Put the camera on a tripod to get a steady image. Get a remote shutter release to avoid touching the camera. Focus the camera on a distant object near where the fireworks are going off. Frame the fireworks with people, objects, or a landscape. Reduce the shutter speed if the fireworks appear blurry or unclear. Use “bulb mode” to experiment with exposure. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Calm-a-Nervous-Stomach | How to Calm a Nervous Stomach | To calm a nervous stomach, first try taking a deep breath in through your nose and breathing out through your mouth to help you relax. You can also eat something with mint or ginger in it, like candies or lozenges, since they tend to settle digestion. Certain scents, such as lavender and lemon, will soothe your nerves and therefore, your upset stomach. Finally, if you get a nervous stomach often, try to avoid caffeine since it will make it worse, and keep some Tums handy. | Assess your nerves. In order to know how to best calm your nervous stomach, it is a good idea to evaluate your symptoms. This will help you understand what kind of nervous stomach you have and focus on finding the best ways to calm yourself down. The most common nervous stomach symptoms include: Feeling a knot in the pit of your stomach. A fluttering, butterfly feeling. A rolling, churning feeling. Feeling nauseous, queasy, or bloated. A tight, warm feeling in your stomach. Rehearse beforehand. Sometimes you can relieve some nerves by simply feeling more confident in a given situation. Whether you are giving a presentation, going on a first date, or interviewing for a job, practicing beforehand can you feel less anxious. Try to imagine the situation you are nervous about and see yourself successfully and confidently meeting your goals. Do some research so that you feel knowledgeable about the topic, and be sure to go over any talking points you have. Just don't plan everything super specifically as this will give you even more to worry about. Talk positively to yourself. Before an activity that gives you a nervous stomach, many people also experience racing thoughts. These thoughts are usually negative and only cause even more anxiety and cramping. Stopping these thoughts completely with techniques like meditation can take a lot of time to master. A quick, effective fix for racing, negative thoughts is to turn them into positive affirmations. For example, try repeating to yourself: “I am enough and I can handle this." “I am the best candidate for this job. I am qualified and professional.” “I want to succeed, and I am going to succeed.” Don’t rush. Feeling rushed will only make you feel more panicked and anxious. If you give yourself enough time to gather your materials and get to a place early, this can help you feel on top of things and in control. This extra time will also give you longer to calm down and use the restroom, which will help your nervous stomach. Just keep in mind that if you get to a place more than 15 minutes early, you should plan on waiting outside the venue because arriving too early can be an inconvenience. Avoid caffeine. Caffeine is a type of stimulant and will amplify the effects of adrenaline in a stressful situation, as it activates your sympathetic nerve system and can induce a "fight-or-flight" response. Certain sources of caffeine, like coffee and energy drinks, are also known to cause stomach irritation. Cutting back on caffeine before any stressful situation will not only put less stress on your nervous stomach, it will also help to eliminate any nervous adrenaline jitters. Try drinking an ice-cold glass of water instead; ice water will help you feel refreshed, wake you up, and keep you hydrated. Learn some breathing techniques. Focusing on your breathing and taking deep, relaxing breaths is one of the easiest ways to calm a nervous stomach. Most people, when they are nervous, have a tendency to take shallow, rapid breaths that speed up your heart rate even more, pumping more adrenaline to your body and fueling your anxiety. Learning to calm your breathing will help you breathe more efficiently, reduce the effects of adrenaline, and calm your nervous stomach. Try breathing in through your nose, then exhaling through your mouth. Use aromatherapy to help you relax. Aromatherapy uses essential oils, which are derived from various herbs, fruits, bark, and flowers, to positively affect your mood. Lavender and lemon are two of the most popular oils used for relaxation and stress relief. You can either keep these scented oils in burners throughout your house, or you can also purchase aromatherapy massage oils with lavender or lemon for personal use. You can either take light sniffs of the oil or apply the oil to pulse points on your body, like the wrists. Eat foods that calm the stomach. To help offset a nervous stomach, there are specific foods that contain enzymes and other properties that can relax the digestive tract. If you are really nauseous and don't feel like eating at all, seek these ingredients out in the form of a mint or lozenge so you can just let it melt in your mouth: Honey is soothing and helps coat the stomach lining. Mint and peppermint, which contain properties that relax smooth muscles like the stomach. Ginger and candied ginger, which contain pyrochemicals that help fight nausea. 1 teaspoon of baking soda dissolved into 1 cup of hot water. The sodium in baking soda draws out digestive juices into the stomach, which then aids food's passage through the small intestine. Papaya, which contains protein digestive enzymes that have anti-inflammatory properties. Try to relax your body one part at a time. This is also known as progressive muscle relaxation. When you are feeling tense and your stomach is in a knot, try standing still with your eyes closed. Assess where you feel the most tension in your body, and focus on letting this tension go. Take deep breaths as you relax your arms, your legs, your back, your neck, your torso, and your stomach. Focusing on your body instead of your thoughts can help calm you down. Doing this technique repeatedly can also trick the body into releasing this tension throughout the body, including the stomach. Treat your symptoms with medicine. While you never want to take medicine if you can avoid it, sometimes a nervous stomach can be so extreme or persistent that it becomes necessary. If the non-medicinal techniques aren't working for you, there are some medications that can help calm the stomach. Common over-the-counter examples include: Tums Pepto-Bismol Rolaids Alka-Seltzer Emetrol Mylanta Similac | Assess your nerves. Rehearse beforehand. Talk positively to yourself. Don’t rush. Avoid caffeine. Learn some breathing techniques. Use aromatherapy to help you relax. Eat foods that calm the stomach. Try to relax your body one part at a time. Treat your symptoms with medicine. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Recognize-Thrush-Symptoms-(Oropharyngeal-Candidiasis) | How to Recognize Thrush Symptoms (Oropharyngeal Candidiasis) | To recognize thrush symptoms, look for white lesions on the mouth, which may appear similar to cottage cheese. Additionally, pay attention to signs of dryness around the mouth, including redness, cracking, and bleeding. You may also notice strange tastes, like a salty, metallic, or acidic taste. If the thrush spreads to your throat, you may have difficulty swallowing food and drink. As soon as you notice any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor, who can confirm the diagnosis and recommend a treatment plan. | Look for white lesions in the mouth. These lesions (a catch-all term for damaged or abnormal tissue) are plaque-like because they are raised and can be in various sizes or come together to cover larger areas. The lesions are typically white and look like cottage cheese, though they might also be red and raw-looking. They might be located on your tongue, gums, tonsils, inner cheeks, or on the roof of your mouth. They will probably be quite swollen and might bleed if rubbed or scraped. Lesions are the primary indicator that you have oral thrush. Aside from lesions, there are often no other symptoms. Look for dryness around the mouth. If the corners of your mouth are red, irritated, or cracked and bleeding, you might have oral thrush. You might also feel as if you have a cotton ball inside your mouth. This phenomenon is known as angular cheilitis. Stay alert for unusual oral sensations. Individuals with oral thrush might develop a salty, bitter, metallic, or acidic taste in their mouths. Alternately, you might feel as though your mouth is being burned by scalding water. You might also lose your sense of taste entirely if you have oral thrush. Look for difficulty swallowing. If oral thrush has spread to the throat or esophagus you might have a hard time swallowing. Food might get stuck in your throat, causing you to choke. You might also have a sore throat and a raspy voice. Stay alert if you experience pain during breastfeeding. If you are a breastfeeding mother and your child has oral thrush, your child might spread candida to your breasts. If your breasts are red, sensitive, itchy, or cracked, you and your child might have candida. You might also notice the skin of the areola is shiny or flaky. Finally, a high level of pain concentrated on the nipples could indicate thrush. If your child is unusually fussy or whiny, or has trouble feeding, it might have oral thrush. Check for oral thrush in babies by looking for lesions in the mouth. Oral thrush is quite common in babies. If your baby has thrush, you can continue breast feeding. You can also apply the same medication that pediatrician prescribes for your baby onto your nipples until the lesions are cleared. Identify individuals who are at a higher risk of developing oral thrush. Certain groups, due to their weakened immune systems, are more susceptible to developing thrush. Stay on the lookout for signs of thrush if you belong to one of these groups, or know someone who belongs to these groups, including: Babies The elderly Individuals with HIV, AIDS, or other immune system deficiencies Rinse your mouth after taking asthma medication. If you take corticosteroids -- for instance, through an asthma inhaler -- you are at greater risk for oral thrush than the mainstream population. You can reduce this risk by swishing clean water in your mouth for about five seconds after taking your medication, then spitting it out. Maintain excellent dental hygiene. Brush at least twice each day with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush. Do not hold your brush in such a way that the bristles are directly perpendicular to the surface of the teeth. Instead, angle the bristles slightly toward the gums. Rinse your toothbrush after use and keep it in an upright position somewhere clean. Toothbrush containers are useful for ensuring your toothbrush dries and stays clean. Visit your dentist regularly. You should see your dentist at least twice each year. Make careful dietary choices. Certain foods might lead to an increase in your likelihood to develop a candida infection. Avoid sugary foods and foods with a high content of yeast. Beer, soda, candy, baked goods, and bread should be avoided. Additionally, keep your blood sugar within normal levels. If you have diabetes, take extra care to regulate your blood-sugar levels by consuming no more added sugar than is recommended. Blood sugar levels above the norm can lead to an increase in candida. Keep your dentures clean. Dentures make you a likely candidate for oral thrush. About one in four individuals with complete dentures encounter oral thrush at some point. If you have dentures, ensure you keep them clean using denture cleaning solvent each night. Disinfect the denture before inserting it in your mouth by dipping it in boric acid (a powerful antibacterial agent) or a 10% bleach solution mixed with water. Rinse the denture with water after using either of these disinfection methods. Treat vaginal yeast infections. If you are pregnant, you could pass oral thrush onto your child if you suffer from vaginal yeast infections. See a doctor If you have symptoms of a yeast infection. Your doctor will give you a prescription for the infection. Symptoms of a yeast infection include: An itchy sensation in or around the vagina Vaginal discharge that is thick, white, or clumpy Redness or irritation near the labia Pain during urination or intercourse Prepare to see the doctor. Make a list of your symptoms. Write down anything about your health that may seem strange or abnormal. Make another list of all medications, vitamins, and supplements you take. Finally, write a list of questions you have for the doctor. For example, you might want to know: What is the best treatment for this illness? Are treatments generally successful? Are there any side effects of treatment? See a doctor. The first step in fighting oral thrush is to see a doctor. The doctor will probably be able to identify thrush with a simple visual examination of your throat, but he or she may need to scrape throat tissue with a cotton swab and examine the tissue under a microscope. Other examinations might include: A blood test, in which your blood is drawn and then analyzed for related conditions like abnormally high blood sugar. An endoscopic exam. If you have extensive disease or if it is difficult to treat, then you might be referred to an ENT doctor who can do a limited scope of your mouth and throat or to a gastroenterologist who would do a scope of your esophagus and stomach. Get an antifungal medication. Medication prescribed by a qualified medical doctor is the standard treatment. Your doctor might prescribe pills, a medicated mouthwash solution, or antifungal lozenges. Take your medication exactly as prescribed. If you do not treat your oral thrush properly, the condition could develop into invasive candidiasis, a fungal infection that occurs when the fungus enters the blood. Once it becomes blood-borne, the infection will spread throughout the body. Contact your doctor if your oral thrush is not responding to treatment. You may need to get a fungal culture to find out more about the specific nature of the candida fungus you're infected with. | Look for white lesions in the mouth. Look for dryness around the mouth. Stay alert for unusual oral sensations. Look for difficulty swallowing. Stay alert if you experience pain during breastfeeding. Identify individuals who are at a higher risk of developing oral thrush. Rinse your mouth after taking asthma medication. Maintain excellent dental hygiene. Make careful dietary choices. Keep your dentures clean. Treat vaginal yeast infections. Prepare to see the doctor. See a doctor. Get an antifungal medication. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Plant-a-Seed-in-a-Pot | How to Plant a Seed in a Pot | Planting a seed in a pot is a great way to start both indoor and outdoor plants. To get started, you'll need a seed starting tray or a large pot with drainage holes. Fill your starting tray or pot with a soil designed for starting seeds, dampen the soil, and plant your seeds in it. Follow the instructions on your seed packet for how deep and far apart your seeds should be. After you plant your seeds, keep them somewhere warm where they'll receive plenty of sunlight. Water the soil whenever it starts to dry and turn the tray or pot 90 degrees every day to help your seeds grow. | Get your containers and soil. Whether you are starting seeds so that you can transplant them into your garden or into larger containers later, you will want to start them in seed starting trays or a large pot, These are large and deep enough so that the seeds will have room to grow, and are compartmentalized to avoid overcrowding. You will also want to select a soil made especially for growing seeds. Make sure your seed starting trays or pots have holes for proper drainage. If you choose to plant in a pot rather than starting in trays, a six inch (15 cm) pot should be good enough to start. Look for a soil that is made especially for starting seeds, or make your own by combining 1 part each of peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite. Select your seeds. Starting plants, especially herbs and vegetables, from seeds is not always easy, so it's important to select seeds that have a good chance of being successful. Herbs and vegetables such as lettuce are good choices to start in pots. Remember to check your hardiness zone to make sure you are growing a plant that will survive in your area if you plan to keep it outdoors or transplant it later on. Look at your local nursery or farmer's market for seeds that have been carefully screened and selected for quality. Get your pots ready for planting. Rinse out your pots or seed trays to remove any dust and particulates, and moisten your soil. The soil should be damp but not wet. Then, fill your pot up to half an inch (1.25 cm) from the top with your soil mixture. It is also sometimes recommended that a thin layer of sand be added to the bottom of the pot before soil to promote better drainage. Read your seed packet. Your seed packet will typically let you know how deep to plant your seeds, and how far apart each seed should be. Consult your seed packet, or otherwise talk to the seed provider, to get specific instructions regarding how deep and how far apart seeds need to be planted. Your seed packet will also tell you the best time of year to start sowing your seeds, if you plan on keeping the pots outdoors. Place seeds in the soil. Once you are fully prepared to start planting, place your seeds in the pot as indicated on the seed packets. Gently press in the seeds, or lightly cover them with a seed-starting mixture or mulch. You can use toothpicks to tweezers to help you distribute and press in larger seeds. Moisten the seeds. Use a mister or a small watering can to moisten the seeds after planting. The top layer of seed starter or mulch should be damp, but not wet. Be sure to add small amounts of water at a time, as adding too much could displace or wash away the seeds. Ensure proper light and temperature. Most seeds will need a consistent temperature of between 65° and 75° Fahrenheit (18° to 24° C) and regular exposure to sunlight to properly germinate. Keep your seeds in a climate controlled environment and a sunny area where your seeds will get a full day's worth of exposure. If you live in an area where sunlight or temperature is variable, you may also consider purchasing a sun lamp or heating mats to help encourage your seeds to grow. Some seed starting trays come with a cover to create a warm, moist environment for the seeds. Keep this on until the seeds sprout from the soil. If you don't have a cover, you can slip a plastic bag over the pot to keep moisture in until the seeds sprout. Keep the seeds out of direct sunlight while the cover is on, or they will overheat. Water seeds as needed. Water the seeds as the soil starts to dry. It should always be moist, but never wet or muddy. Do not water the seeds if the soil is already moist to the touch, as overwatering your plant can be just as harmful as underwatering. Turn the seeds. After the seeds have sprouted, give your pot a quarter turn each day. This will prevent your seeds from overreaching toward the light, which can cause weaker stems. Feed your seeds. Once your seeds start to sprout leaves, you will need to ensure they get proper nutrients. Use a half-strength liquid fertilizer on a weekly or every-other-week basis to keep them growing strong. You can increase the strength of the mixture gradually as the plants grow bigger. Transplant your seedling when necessary. If you started your seedlings in trays, you will eventually need to transplant them to a pot or outdoors. Likewise, as potted plants grow you may need to move them into larger pots. Monitor your plant to make sure it has plenty of room to grow in the pot. If it is outgrowing its space, transplant it into a larger container. | Get your containers and soil. Select your seeds. Get your pots ready for planting. Read your seed packet. Place seeds in the soil. Moisten the seeds. Ensure proper light and temperature. Water seeds as needed. Turn the seeds. Feed your seeds. Transplant your seedling when necessary. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Argue-With-Parents-Successfully | How to Argue With Parents Successfully | Arguing with your parents can be frustrating, but with the right approach and timing, you can have a mature discussion about whatever's bothering you. Wait until your parents are in a good mood and have time to talk. Plan your arguments ahead of the talk and express them clearly and calmly. Once you've explained your position, listen to what your parents have to say without interrupting to show that you're mature and willing to compromise. When they've finished speaking, try to acknowledge their points before you make another point of your own. For example, say something like, "I understand what you're saying. " Try to stay calm, even if they're being unfair, so the discussion doesn't escalate and get emotional. | Pick your battles. You shouldn't argue with your parents every time you disagree with them, if only because this strategy will make it harder for you to win when the argument is about something that is really important to you. Weigh the benefits versus the costs. If the topic of the argument is significant to you, it might be worth the effort and the possible consequences of engaging in an argument with your parents. However, if there are minimal worthwhile results, it might be best to let this one go. For example, if your mom hates it when you play your music loudly, the only real benefit of having an argument about this is that you might get to play your music at a louder volume, and maybe only for a short period of time. It will also be perpetuating a behavior that your mom doesn't like and will lead to more arguments in the future. But if your parents have a problem with your significant other and they don't like you spending time with him/her, this might be an instance in which planning an argument is worth it because there are more possible benefits on the line for you. Keep the argument private. Causing a scene in public will only embarrass your parents and make them less likely to hear what you have to say. Make sure that your argument takes place at home or in a private space so that they are comfortable having the conversation with you. If you start an argument with your parents in public, they will view it as a very immature thing to do and it will not be a good way to begin the argument. Some people get embarrassed when they think others know their business or are listening to them talk. This is not a good way get your parents to hear you out. Give your parents the courtesy of conducting your argument in private. Choose a moment when your parents are in a good mood. They will probably not listen to you if they are upset. People are more likely to hear what you say to them and really consider your opinions when they are in a good mood. If you start an argument with your parents when they are already upset, they will probably brush you off or respond even more negatively. Give yourself the best possible chance by starting your argument when your parents will be receptive to what you have to say. You might even try putting them in a good mood by doing things you know will make them happy – like cleaning your room, doing your homework, or spending time with them. Of course, don't immediately bring up the argument after trying to get your parents in a good mood. That will be too obvious and they will think you only did the nice things for selfish reasons to get something that you want. Put yourself in your parents’ shoes. Before you begin an argument, make sure that you have fully considered the entire situation. Try to think about it from your parents' point of view so that you can predict what they will say in the argument. That way, you can prepare your side of the argument, but you can also think objectively about your position. This can also help you see if you are being unreasonable. Try thinking about how you would feel if someone was treating you the way you are treating your parents. There are always two sides to every story and a good arguer knows that they need to consider both sides. Think about the things you want to say. For example, if you are having an argument with your parents about extending your curfew, you might want to discuss the following things: Include all of the reasons why you've proven you're responsible enough to handle it (not missing curfew in the past months, completing your homework on time, doing your chores, etc.) Give counter reasons to eliminate their existing concerns – like if you know they are worried you will get in trouble because you are out later, you might mention that they already know most of your friends and their parents, so they don't have anything to worry about. Bring up why extending your curfew would actually be a good thing – like it will make you happy so you'll be more enjoyable to be around, it will help you develop your friendships more fully, and it will help you learn to handle more adult responsibility. Write down your points. If you're going to engage in an argument with your parents, you need to be fully prepared. Spend some time thinking about what you want to say and write them down. You can bring the notes with you to the discussion with your parents, or you can just study them before you start so that you won't forget any of your major points. Having a planned, organized argument already in your mind will help you navigate the conversation with your parents and might also impress your parents by showing them that you take this matter seriously. Remain calm during the argument. Whatever you do, don't get hysterical during an argument with your parents. This is immature and will not make them see your side of the argument any more clearly. Show your parents that you are capable of a mature discussion by remaining calm even if things don't go your way. Wait for your parents to finish saying what they want to say. You know how if someone hits you and you hit them back, it counts as self-defense for the second guy? Well, the same idea applies to getting in arguments with parents. Never talk first. Just calmly stand by while they rant at you. In some cases it may feel like whatever you may do will cause your parents to become even more angry. That can be particularly difficult to deal with since you literally have no way of reacting without triggering a bad response. If that is the case, then possibly the best thing you can do is just stand silently, look at them, and do nothing until they calm down a bit. Acknowledge your parents’ views. Start the argument by saying, “You are right.” This shows your parents that you understand their point of view and that you aren't trying to dissuade them from their feelings or beliefs. This will help your parents see that you respect their opinions, but that you simply want them to consider some additional aspects of the situation. For the extending your curfew example, try saying something like this: “I know that you think it will be easy for me to make poor decisions if I am allowed to stay out later at night.” Ask your parents questions. Give your parents an opportunity to voice their opinion, but then ask them questions about their stance. If you do this, it will show them that you are really listening to what they are saying and that you are invested in resolving the issue. However, it might also show you some flaws in their logic which you may be able to use to your advantage. Try something like, "What would you like to know?" or, "Could you be a little more specific?" By narrowing down the topic, you've limited the number of things your parents can go after. Explain your point of view. After they've told you what they expect to have answered, simply provide them with your explanation. Be sure to speak slowly and in a controlled manner, as this helps to decrease tension. For the example about extending your curfew, try calmly saying something like this: “I would like to extend my curfew because it is important to me to have more time with my friends. Most of my friends are allowed to stay out later and you know them and their families so you should feel at least a little comfortable with this. I would like to have some more adult responsibility in my life.” Stick with your story. After you've told them your version of the story – whether it's true or not – be sure not to alter it or change your answers to any questions they might ask you about it. Being consistent is the key to believability. So make sure you stick to your story throughout the entire argument. If your parents think you only want to extend your curfew because all of your friends are all out drinking at night, tell them your version of the story and don't falter. Don't keep denying. If they think you're lying, so be it. There's not much you can do to change this fact. But you don't have to keep going in the same circle where they accuse you and you deny it over and over. Once you have told them your story, tell them that your story won't change no matter what questions they ask you or how many times they ask you. Just say something like, "That's what I'm telling you. Take it or leave it." This narrows down their options and allows you to take control of the situation. Tell your parents where you stand. If they insist that you're lying, be sure to point out that whether or not they believe you is a choice only they can make, and that you can't decide for them – after all, you wouldn't be in this situation if that was the case, would you? It might also be useful to reinforce the "take it or leave it" part mentioned earlier. Tell your parents something like this: “I can't help it if you don't believe me. But I am here trying to have a conversation with you about it, which I think shows a lot of maturity. Whether you choose to believe me or not is up to you." Avoid behaviors that displease your parents. If you keep having arguments with your parents about the same things, try to avoid doing the things that cause these arguments. We can't always get everything we want all the time, so sometimes it's necessary to make sacrifices to please the people we love (or the people we live with). Remember to pick your battles. If the problem is not that big of a deal to you, then just change what you're doing to make your parents happy. It will be better for you in the long run. Eventually you will be out from under your parents' roof and able to make whatever choices you want to make. But until that time, it will probably be beneficial to you to at least try to avoid doing things that make them upset. Show your parents how responsible you are. Let your parents see all the responsible things that you do on a daily basis. The more confident they are in your behavior, the less likely they will be to nag you about other things. Let your parents know when you have finished your homework or when you have completed your chores. Bring home good grades to show them. Send them a text when your plans change so they won't worry about you. The point here is visibility. It does you little good if you are behaving well but your parents never see the things you do. But make sure you don't seem like you are bragging about yourself all the time. That might be off-putting. Just simply let them know when you have done something they would be proud of. Don’t give your parents the silent treatment. Giving someone the cold shoulder will not help resolve conflict. It is a childish tactic used to manipulate people and your parents will not appreciate it. It is always better to discuss your problems calmly. The silent treatment will just make your parents feel disconnected from you and they may start to resent you. It is better to discuss things with them instead. Giving your parents the cold shoulder will also make them think that you are acting like an immature child. This will not help you win arguments in the future. Be willing to compromise. One of the most important things you can do to avoid arguments is to show your parents that you are willing to compromise. If you refuse to compromise, it will show your parents that you are more immature and that you really only care about getting your way. When your parents suggest a compromise, accept it – even if you have to give up a little of what you want. You can also try suggesting compromises to your parents. For example, if your mom wants you to finish all of your chores before you go out with your friends, offer to do half of them before and promise to finish the other half the following day. This way, you both get some of what you want. | Pick your battles. Keep the argument private. Choose a moment when your parents are in a good mood. Put yourself in your parents’ shoes. Think about the things you want to say. Write down your points. Remain calm during the argument. Wait for your parents to finish saying what they want to say. Acknowledge your parents’ views. Ask your parents questions. Explain your point of view. Stick with your story. Don't keep denying. Tell your parents where you stand. Avoid behaviors that displease your parents. Show your parents how responsible you are. Don’t give your parents the silent treatment. Be willing to compromise. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Psychic-Medium | How to Become a Psychic Medium | If you'd like to become a psychic medium, work on developing your psychic abilities, like seeing auras or hearing messages from spirits. You should also be highly sensitive and empathetic in order to facilitate communication between a grieving person and their loved one. To heighten your awareness of psychic energies, practice a quiet activity, like meditation, every day to keep yourself open for psychic communications. Additionally, try writing down whatever comes to your mind the moment it arrives, since they may be communications from the “other side.” | Know what it means to be a psychic medium. Psychic mediums perceive spirits in other dimensions using one or more of the following abilities: Clairvoyance. Clairvoyant mediums can see spirits, auras, objects and places that are not perceptible to others. People who have passed away may appear to them in visions, or they may be able to vividly sense a place to which they have never been. Psychic mediums see these visions with their third eye, located between the two physical eyes. Everyone has a third eye, but the average person's is closed or too weak to use. Clairaudience. Clairaudient mediums can hear messages from the "other side," either physically or psychically. They can communicate with spirits that are thousands of miles away, or in another dimension altogether. Clairsentience. Clairsentient mediums experience psychic communication through pure knowing. They get surges of knowledge given from the spirits, that they then interpret. Determine your level of psychic ability. Everyone has some level of psychic abilities, which help us intuit other people's feelings and connect with our spiritual side. Consider the following questions to help you determine your level of psychic ability: Are you a natural psychic medium? Some people begin seeing visions, hearing messages, or strongly feeling the presence of spirits from a very young age. They don't necessarily know what they are experiencing until they get older. The natural psychic mediumship is exceedingly rare. Are you clairvoyant, clairaudient, or clairsentient? Perhaps you feel on the cusp of developing abilities in one of these areas. You're sensitive and receptive to feelings, emotions, and communications from others, and you've had experiences that you consider to be paranormal. Are you interested in becoming a psychic medium, but have never had a paranormal experience? It's possible to work on particular skills and open up the possibility of flexing your psychic muscles. With some practice, you may be able to open and strengthen your third eye. Conduct research on psychic medium ship. One of the best ways to figure out whether you have the capacity to become a psychic medium is to read accounts written by other mediums. Decide whether you recognize yourself in their stories and experiences. Learn as much as you can about the history and practice of psychic medium ship. Read books by psychic mediums, and watch shows that feature them, to get a sense of the paths psychic mediums have taken. Talk to a psychic medium about his or her experiences. Psychic fairs are good places to meet mediums. Beware people purporting to be psychic mediums who may not be the real deal. Heighten your awareness. The psychic medium ship is about being open to communication from the "other side." Try the following methods for raising your awareness and opening your third eye: Pay attention to your intuition. Don't dismiss your dreams. Acknowledge the odd feelings and urges you feel. Recognize the various energies that affect you throughout the day. Spend quiet time by yourself every morning. After you wake in the morning, before starting your day, spend time allowing thoughts and emotions to wash over you. Don't control what comes; welcome and absorb it. Open your mind to the possibility of receiving communications from energies generated outside yourself. Try free writing. Write what comes to your mind the moment it arrives. Don't judge the words, and avoid editing them. Read back over what you wrote a few hours later. The messages you receive from other beings won't always be clear, but writing them down may help you find patterns. Try actively communicating with spirits. A good way to start is by finding a medium ship circle, a group of mediums who gather to receive messages from the other side. This will give you an introduction to the setting that should be arranged for effective communication. Once you're comfortable with the process, try it on your own, or invite other mediums to join you. Set up a room in a quiet part of your house. Dim or turn off the lights. A few candles may help create a spiritual setting. Say a prayer or chant to ready the space for communication and call on spirits to join the circle. Recognize the presence of the spirit or spirits that join you. Allow yourself to receive images, words, feelings, smells - whatever the spirits wish to communicate. Ask the spirit to identify itself. When you receive an answer, confirm it out loud. Continue communicating with the spirit by asking questions and receiving answers. Know that at this early stage you will not be able to control the effect the communication has on you. You may feel frightened, or you may experience pain. As you develop your skills as a medium, you'll be better able to control the way you communicate with the other side. Consider taking a workshop or course in the psychic medium ship. Bookstores and spiritual centers in your area may offer educational resources. Do online research and attend psychic fairs and conferences to find out more about workshops, classes and even certifications for new psychic mediums. Offer to work with someone to facilitate communication with his or her loved one. If you have a friend or family member who is distressed about unfinished business with someone who has passed away, offer to use your abilities to help him or her. During the séance or trance period, note that as a medium you should not ask too many questions of the person you are helping. A good medium never asks the client to tell them the name of the deceased or any details; otherwise, it is not a valid reading. It is up to you to validate the deceased loved one's name, occupation in life, birth date, physical description, how they passed, and so on. Remember that doing a psychic reading is a big responsibility. It can be a very emotional process for all parties involved. Consider starting a business as a psychic medium. It is possible to have a very successful career as a psychic medium once you're confident in your abilities. Build a website to advertise your services. Set up a room in your house or rent a space to be used for the purpose of holding sessions with clients. Be sure to incorporate your small business according to the laws where you live. Talk to other mediums about the business models that have worked for them, including how much they charge for each reading. Participate in psychic fairs and conferences. Print business cards and pass them out at psychic fairs and conferences, or sign up to set up your own table. | Know what it means to be a psychic medium. Determine your level of psychic ability. Conduct research on psychic medium ship. Heighten your awareness. Try actively communicating with spirits. Consider taking a workshop or course in the psychic medium ship. Offer to work with someone to facilitate communication with his or her loved one. Consider starting a business as a psychic medium. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Business-Broker | How to Become a Business Broker | If you want to become a business broker, get some experience in the business field and work with people who own and run businesses. Look into training programs, which will teach you the necessary skills for the job, like recasting financial statements for discretionary cash flow and selecting the most appropriate advertising venues for marketing a business. Then, apply to join a business brokerage firm and get licensed to work in your state if necessary. To advance in the field, get your brokerage certification after 5 years of working as a broker. | Understand what a business broker does. A business broker is essentially a deal maker between the buyers and sellers of businesses. They generally represent the seller of a business, but can also represent buyers, both parties, or act as neutral intermediaries. Their goal is to make the selling process as easy and rewarding as possible for their client. Specifically, they handle every aspect of the sale, including: Finding business owners trying to sell. Estimating the fair market value of the business. Creating a sale listing and advertise the sale. Identifying and investigate potential buyers. Negotiating a purchase deal. Making sure that the buyer acquires proper funding. Other duties are required to close a sale. Know what the job will require. Business brokers are required to have the skills of accountants, financial analysts, salesmen, and intermediaries, in addition to a specific business brokerage skill set. They have to identify and, in many cases, cold call business owners that they think might be wanting to sell. As a new business broker, you will need to build up relationships and handle many rejections before even making your first deal. There will be long hours and many repetitive tasks to handle before you make any progress. However, for those with the entrepreneurial spirit, being a business broker can be a rewarding career. Look into the job market and compensation. Business broker compensation varies between brokers and depends on the type of deals that they make. Commissions earned on sales are usually 8 to 12 percent of the sale price, but may be more or less depending on the size of the business being sold. Business brokers can expect to make over $100,000 per year from completing even a small number of average-sized deals. However, larger sales bring in larger commissions. For example, a 10 percent commission on a $2 million sale could net you $200,000 on its own (before expenses). The market for business brokers depends on the state of the economy and how many business brokers already exist in the area. The total number of brokers operating in the country ranges from only 2,500 to 5,000. This leaves ample opportunity for new brokers to enter the market. Currently, there are about 1,850 businesses for every business brokerage. Be willing to budget your finances. While the income potential from business brokerage is significant, there is always the chance that market factors or simple bad luck can reduce your income for periods of time. Part of becoming a business broker, or holding any type of commission-based job, is accepting that you will have to save most of your money just in case you don't get paid for a while. That is, when you start making good money, don't immediately go out and spend it all on a new house, car, or other expensive items. Cultivate a business background. A business background is essential to success as a business broker, as the job requires understanding every aspect of another business well enough to sell or buy that business on behalf of a client. Your experience will also help convince a client that you know what you're doing. Perhaps the most useful experience would be owning or operating a small business yourself. This can help you understand the small business mindset and give you insight into how they function. Those with corporate backgrounds, however, may have a greater understanding of larger businesses that can be useful in making larger deals. You don't need direct experience to become a business broker, particularly if you join a brokerage that provides training. However, you will still need a deep understanding of business operations and concepts to be successful. Work on personal attributes that are predictive of success as a business broker. To be successful, you will likely need a sales aptitude, an ability to be diplomatic in difficult situations, and a stick-to-it determination to work hard and independently on your own schedule without becoming lazy. You should develop a knack for cultivating relationships with potential buyers or sellers and quickly developing a deep understanding of their business and industry. This includes seeking out every possible lead to ensure that you don't miss any potential buyers. You will also need strong negotiation skills and the ability to keep the buyer or seller on track and confident in the deal. Investigate training options. There are several business broker training alternatives available for individuals who want to enter the profession. Try searching online for “Business Broker Training.” For example, the American Business Brokers Association offers two-day training programs across the country for aspiring brokers. If you choose a third-party option, make sure to look for reviews from previous students so that you know the training program is reputable. You should look for training programs that offer post-classroom support, preferably at no cost. Learn the requisite skills. Regardless of their background, most individuals will need some training specific to business brokerage. There are many skills that need to be learned through training, experience in other lines of work, or direct business brokerage experience. Just a few of these are: How to recast financial statements for discretionary cash flow? How to use the most appropriate business appraisal methodology? How to build a marketing package for each type of business? How to maintain strict confidentiality while marketing nationally? How to select the most appropriate advertising venues for marketing a business? How to conduct the initial buyer / seller meeting without raising animosity? What are the do's and don'ts of successful negotiations on price and terms? How to get the transaction to the closing table? Closing the transaction with proper documentation and follow up? Apply to join an existing brokerage firm. In order to gain experience as a business broker, your best option is to apply to join an existing business brokerage firm. Taking a reduced commission is worth the amount of mentorship and training you will receive from working with experience brokers. It will also be easier to find leads if you are working for an established firm. Just make sure that the brokerage is willing to actually train you, rather than just handing you a list of contacts and expecting you to make a sale. Join another type of office. Many business brokers work together with those in other fields, joining their offices to handle business deals that may come through. For example, many brokers work with real estate agents, accountants, or bookkeepers and can handle any potential business sales that the others hear about when dealing with local businesses. Working in this type of environment can gain you easy referrals and also give the you the experience necessary to get your broker license. Get licensed in your state. In 17 states, business brokers need to be licensed as real estate brokers. You will also need a real estate sales license if you are dealing with the sale of any real estate as part of your business brokering (in all states). Getting the sales license is simply a matter of going through required classes and passing the license examination. From here, you can gain more experience and then repeat the process to move up to a broker's license. The exact requirements for each level and the relevant coursework vary by state, so check with your state's department of real estate to see the current requirements. You will also likely be required to pass a background check before obtaining either license. Become a certified broker. Experienced and educated business brokers can increase their reputability by earning certifications in the field. Specifically, the American Business Brokers Association (ABBA) can bestow the Accredited Business Intermediary (ABI) designation to qualified brokers. Similarly, the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA) offers the Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) designation. Acquiring either of these require applying to the relevant organization and paying a fee. California and Texas also have state-specific organizations that offer credential to their members. Start your own practice. Your other option for becoming a business broker is to start your own shop. If you're going to work as a sole practitioner, this can be very cost-effective, as you can work out of your home and avoid unnecessary expenses. However, working from home and working alone can make it difficult to get focused. In addition, you miss out on the mentorship and training available from existing brokerage firms. Remember that you will need some operating capital to keep the lights on until you start closing deals. Build up your relationships. Odds are, you won't have much success when you first start out. Most of your cold calls will lead nowhere, your few leads may not materialize as actual deals, and it may seem like you're invisible to sellers. You'll be spending money on advertising, transportation, and paying your own way without earning a paycheck. However, in time you will begin to see deals come through if you work long and hard enough. All it takes is building up relationships and referrals to get the green light on a deal. Make sure you understand from the start that it may take up to six months before you actually see any brokering work. Give each deal your all. When you do finally get a brokering deal, focus all of your efforts on understanding every aspect of that business. Meet the employees, learn to use their equipment, dig deep into their books, and work to know their market and competitors better than they do. Make your client confident in your ability to successfully represent their business by showing a true concern and understanding for what they do. If you work hard enough, your efforts with return you a good sale price for the business, which in turn nets you a higher commission. Respect your clients. Clients may have any number of issues with their businesses, from poor bookkeeping to disorganized operations. However, it is not your job to judge what they are doing wrong, but to prepare their business to be sold. To do so, you'll have to be respectful and courteous as you work to understand their business and organize their bookkeeping, for example, in such a way that potential buyers might better understand it. Work towards becoming specialized. As in all lines work, specializing is a proven method for reputation building and earning referrals. Business brokers who specialize in a certain industry can create a reputation as an industry expert, and will turn into a "go to" for certain types of deals. Your specialty can be something like retail, restaurants, or technology businesses. This specialty can arise either from your previous experience or as a result of your completing a number of deals in this industry. If you are drawn to a particular segment of the industry or specialization, consider getting more training or education in it. This will make you more qualified to offer specialized services in that area. | Understand what a business broker does. Know what the job will require. Look into the job market and compensation. Be willing to budget your finances. Cultivate a business background. Work on personal attributes that are predictive of success as a business broker. Investigate training options. Learn the requisite skills. Apply to join an existing brokerage firm. Join another type of office. Get licensed in your state. Become a certified broker. Start your own practice. Build up your relationships. Give each deal your all. Respect your clients. Work towards becoming specialized. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Change-Your-License-Plate | How to Change Your License Plate | Changing your license plate is a relatively easy and straightforward process. If your plate was lost, stolen, or damaged, contact your local vehicle licensing office, like a DMV, as soon as possible. Bring a copy of your vehicle registration and your driver's license to prove you own the car. You should be given a form to fill out and you may have to pay a fee to get your replacement plate. Keep in mind that if you had a personalized plate that was lost or stolen, you might not be able to replace the exact plate. This will be up to the discretion of your vehicle licensing office. | Contact your DMV. If you want a specialty plate that supports a particular cause, or if you want a personalized plate number, your DMV will have information on how to request those plates. You may have to visit an office in person, or the information you need may be available online. Check the website of your DMV to learn more about the exact process and the types of plates available. Verify that your registration and address is up to date. Typically, you won't be able to get a personalized or specialty plate unless the car is registered in your name and the registration isn't expired. Your address will also need to be up to date. In many places, you can't get new plates at the same time you're renewing your registration. Check the date when your registration is up for renewal. If it's coming up for renewal within a month or two, you may want to renew your registration first, then order your new tags. Given that it can take weeks or months to get a personalized tag, your registration may expire before your new tags are ready. Choose the plate and configuration you want. Each location has different types of specialty plates available, many of which can be customized with your personal combination of letters and numbers. Each vehicle licensing office has basic rules you must follow when choosing a personalized configuration. Generally, you can't have a configuration that is suggestive or vulgar, or that uses any trademarked or proprietary names. Typically you can check online to see if the configuration you want is available. You may also be able to do this in person at a vehicle licensing office. Submit your completed application and fees. The application form requires you to provide identification information about yourself, including your name and address. You also must provide information about your vehicle. You may be asked to submit proof of registration. Some specialty plates also are only available to individuals who meet specific criteria, so you may have to provide documentation to prove that you're eligible to have that plate. For example, you may have to provide proof that you are a veteran or member of the military to get a military-themed specialty plate. The fees for specialty and personalized plates vary greatly among vehicle licensing offices, but you generally must pay an additional fee beyond what you would normally pay for a regular plate. Receive confirmation of your new plate and configuration. If you ordered your specialty plates in person by visiting the vehicle licensing office, you'll typically receive confirmation of your order immediately. If you ordered your new plates online or through the mail, you may have to wait for confirmation. The vehicle licensing office typically will send you a form that states the new configuration you ordered. Check over the form carefully to make sure everything is correct. Check the mail for your new plates. After you've ordered personalized plates, it may be weeks or even months before those plates are made and sent to you. In the meantime, you typically must keep your old plates on your vehicle. Contact your vehicle licensing office to find out the procedure for disposing of old plates. Some offices require you to surrender your old plates immediately, while others will allow you to keep them even though they're no longer valid. Contact the office or department in charge of vehicle licensing. If your license plates are lost or stolen, call your local vehicle licensing office as soon as possible to report the theft and find out what you need to do to continue legally driving your car. If you had personalized plates that were lost or stolen, you may not be able to get new plates with the same configuration. For example, in the state of California you can only get duplicate plates with the same configuration if you still have one of the plates – not if you've lost both of them. Verify your address with the office or department in charge of vehicle licensing. In many cases, you must verify your address with the vehicle licensing office before you can begin the process of replacing a plate that was lost or stolen. You typically can verify your address online or over the phone, although you may want to go to the nearest vehicle licensing office and do this in person. If you go to the office in person, bring along something with your name and address on it, such as a utility bill, so you'll have proof of residency. Gather documents to prove your ownership. When your plates are lost or stolen, you must be able to prove that you are the registered owner of the vehicle before you can get replacement plates. If you have a copy of your vehicle registration, that and your driver's license typically are enough to prove ownership. You can also use the car's title, a loan agreement, or a bill of sale. Some offices also require proof that the plates were lost of stolen. You can do this with a police report or signed and notarized affidavit. Visit your nearest DMV. While you may be able to replace your plates online or over the phone, in some cases an in-person visit is necessary. If you have to go to the DMV, call ahead and see if you can make an appointment to save wait time. If you don't have any special requests for the replacement plate, but just want a new standard-issue plate, you're probably better off making a visit in person. You should be able to pick up your new plate immediately, so you won't have a car without plates. Submit your completed application. Your vehicle licensing office will likely have a specific form you must complete if you want to replace plates that were lost or stolen. You'll have to provide identifying information about yourself and your vehicle. You typically must pay a fee to replace your plates. The fee may be more if you're requesting the replacement of a specialty plate, or if you want your replacement plate to have the same configuration as the plate that was lost or stolen. Pick up your new plates. For a standard replacement, you typically can pick up your new plates as soon as you submit your application and pay the fee. If you had a custom order for a specific configuration, you may have to wait for your plate to be mailed to you. If you have to wait for plates and need to drive your car in the meantime, find out if you can get a temporary tag to put on your car while you wait. This tag will identify your car and keep you from getting pulled over or cited for not having the appropriate plates. Contact your vehicle licensing office. If you have a personalized plate that was lost or damaged, the procedure to replace it may be different than if you had a standard-issue plate. Call the vehicle licensing office nearest you or check their website. Find out if it's possible to replace your lost or damaged plates with new plates that have the same personalized configuration. With a damaged plate this typically isn't a problem as long as you surrender what's left of the old plate. Provide evidence of ownership. In most cases, only the registered owner of the vehicle can apply for replacement plates. You must provide registration and identification information so the vehicle licensing office can verify that you are the registered owner of the vehicle. Make sure the registration shows the personalized configuration you chose, especially if you want your replacement plate to be identical. Return remaining or damaged plates to the vehicle licensing office. In most cases, a personalized plate can't be replaced until the vehicle licensing office has the old plate. If you were required to have two plates on your vehicle and one was lost or damaged, you may have to return both of them. If a plate is damaged, someone at the vehicle licensing office will be able to tell you whether you're required to replace it. Generally, you'll be required to replace it if the numbers or validation stickers are no longer legible. Submit your completed application and fees. Your vehicle licensing office typically will have a different form for you to fill out if you are requesting that your replacement plate have the same configuration as your previous personalized plate. You'll have to pay a general fee just to have your plate replaced. Typically you'll also pay an additional fee on top of that if you want your new plate to have the same configuration as the old one. Receive your replacement plates. Since personalized plates have to be made separately, expect to wait several weeks for your replacement plates to be mailed to you. In the meantime, you may be given a temporary tag to put on your vehicle. Gather the appropriate tools. Look at the screws that are holding your old plate in place. Get a Phillips or flat-head screwdriver that is the right size to unscrew those bolts. You may need to try a couple before you find the right size. Remove the old plate. Fit the screwdriver into the head of the screw, holding it parallel to the ground, and turn it counterclockwise to unscrew the bolts. Set the screws aside where you can easily reach them and won't lose them. Line up your new plate. Take your new plate and hold it up to your bumper. Move it around until the holes on the plate line up with the holes on your bumper where your license plate is supposed to be screwed in. If you had a frame on your plate that you want to use, line it up on top of the plate in the same way. Replace the screws. Take each of the screws and pop them through the holes. Turn them clockwise with your fingers until they're far enough through to hold the plate in place. Then take your screwdriver and tighten them the rest of the way. The back of the screw should be flush with your plate (or frame). Don't screw them too tight – you could warp the plate or damage your bumper. Repeat on the other bumper. If you live in a state that requires plates on the front and back bumpers of your car, you'll have to repeat the same process again if you want to change both plates. Dispose of your old plates properly. Call your local vehicle licensing office or check their website to find out what you're supposed to do with your old plates. In some places you can keep them or throw them away. In others, you're expected to return them to the vehicle licensing office. If you throw your old plates away, make sure you break them so no one can take them and use them. | Contact your DMV. Verify that your registration and address is up to date. Choose the plate and configuration you want. Submit your completed application and fees. Receive confirmation of your new plate and configuration. Check the mail for your new plates. Contact the office or department in charge of vehicle licensing. Verify your address with the office or department in charge of vehicle licensing. Gather documents to prove your ownership. Visit your nearest DMV. Submit your completed application. Pick up your new plates. Contact your vehicle licensing office. Provide evidence of ownership. Return remaining or damaged plates to the vehicle licensing office. Submit your completed application and fees. Receive your replacement plates. Gather the appropriate tools. Remove the old plate. Line up your new plate. Replace the screws. Repeat on the other bumper. Dispose of your old plates properly. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Literary-Commentary | How to Write a Literary Commentary | To write a literary commentary, begin by closely reading the text at least twice while paying attention to the content and structure. While commentaries do not need a thesis statement, you should identify the title, author, and genre in your introduction. In your body paragraphs, discuss the text's subject, themes, and audience while pointing out any literary devices, like metaphors or symbols, that you notice. Use quotes to illustrate your points and conclude with a summary of your thoughts on the text. | Read the passage several times. Start by reading the passage once out loud to yourself and once in your head. Take the time to read each word and each sentence slowly. This will help you get in the mindset of analyzing the text and ensure you understand each detail of the text. Make sure you have a hard copy of the passage so you can mark it up as you read it. Jot down any initial thoughts or questions you may have about the text as you read it several times. Highlight keywords in the text. Take a pen, pencil, or highlighter and mark any words that feel important in the text. Look for words that are bolded or italicized in the text, as this likely means they are important for the author and key to understanding the text. You may also highlight words that you do not understand or have questions about. You can then discuss these terms in your literary commentary. You should also look for words that are repeated in the text, as this means they are likely important. Notice if the same word is used in a different context in the passage and highlight each mention of the word. Create an outline. Literary commentaries follow a very simple outline and unlike an essay, do not require a thesis statement. Instead, you should analyze the structure, content, and form of the provided text in detail. The outline should look like: Introduction section: Identify the text Body section: Discuss the main features of the text Conclusion section: Summarize your thoughts on the text Identify the title, author, and genre in the introduction. Begin the literary commentary by noting the basic details of the text. State the title, author, date of publication, and genre of the text. This should appear in your introduction section. You can also mention at what point in a larger work the passage occurs, if relevant. For example, you may note, “Published in 1966, Seamus Heaney's 'Blackberry-Picking' is a poem that appears in his poetry collection, Death of a Naturalist.” If the text is from a larger work, do not write about the overall plot of the larger work. You should also not include details from the author's biography or the historical period when the text was written, unless it feels relevant to the passage. Discuss the text’s subject, themes, and audience. In the body paragraphs, think about what the text is about. Who or what is the text focusing on? What are the main ideas in the text? What is the overall purpose of the text? Who is the text written for? For example, in Seamus Heaney's poem, "Blackberry-Picking,” the subject is two people picking a large quantity of blackberries. The themes of the poem could be nature, hunger, and decay or rot. The poem begins with a dedication to “Philip Hobsbaum,” which means he could be the intended audience of the poem, the “you” addressed in the poem. Look at the genre, form, and structure of the text. The genre of the text is tied to its form, or how it appears on the page. Is the text a poem, a piece of prose, or an essay? Does the text fit in a specific genre, such as fiction, nonfiction, poetry, travel writing, or memoir? The genre and form of the text will also help you determine the structure of the text. For example, Seamus Heaney's "Blackberry-Picking” takes the form of a poem and fits in the genre of poetry. It uses a familiar poetic structure, such as short lines of text and is broken into two stanzas. Analyze the voice in the text. Ask yourself, who is speaking in the text? Identify the speaker or narrator in the text. Then, think about how the voice of the text is reflected in the word choice, the language, and the diction in the text. For example, in Seamus Heaney's "Blackberry-Picking,” the speaker uses the first person voice. The speaker then addresses a “you” in the text, indicating there are two characters in the poem. Study the tone and mood. The tone of the text is how the author expresses their attitude in the writing. The tone may shift or change throughout the text, such as moving from a light-hearted tone to a serious tone or from a friendly tone to a sinister tone. It is usually expressed through the diction, the point of view, and the word choice in the text. The tone also reflects the mood of the text. The mood is the atmosphere of the text, or how the text makes you feel as you experience it. For example, in Seamus Heaney's "Blackberry-Picking,” the tone in the first stanza is nostalgic and light. The tone then shifts in the second stanza to be more serious and dark. Identify the literary devices in the text. Literary devices like metaphor, simile, imagery, and alliteration are often used in writing to deepen the meaning of the text. If you notice any literary devices in the text, discuss them in the literary commentary. Name the literary devices and use them to discuss key ideas or themes in the passage. For example, if you are discussing Seamus Heaney's "Blackberry-Picking,” you may look at a simile like “You ate that first one and its flesh was sweet/Like thickened wine: summer's blood was in it.” Or you may discuss imagery like “a rat-grey fungus” or “fruit fermented.” You can find a complete list of literary devices in literature online. Include quotes from the text. Support your discussion of the text by quoting lines or sentences in the passage. Use quotation marks to note when you are quoting the text directly. Only include quotes that will support your discussion of the text. For example, if you are discussing themes of decay in Seamus Heaney's "Blackberry-Picking,” you may quote a line like “I always felt like crying./It wasn't fair/That all the lovely canfuls smelt of rot.” Wrap up the commentary with a summary of your thoughts. End the literary commentary with a brief conclusion that reinforces your main points about the text. Discuss the relevance of the passage within the larger work. Restate your main ideas about the text but do not add new information or new thoughts in the conclusion. For example, you may end your literary commentary on Seamus Heaney's "Blackberry-Picking” by noting how the poem fits into the poetry collection and reflects common themes in Heaney's work. Read the commentary aloud to yourself. Once you have completed a draft of the literary commentary, read it back to yourself aloud. Listen for any sentences that sound awkward or long winded. Revise any confusing or convoluted phrases. Make sure each sentence is clear and easy to understand. You can also read the commentary aloud to someone else to get their feedback. Ask a peer, a friend, or a family member to listen to you read the commentary and then ask for their feedback. Confirm the commentary follows a clear outline. To do this, you can try making a reverse outline using the commentary as a guide. Make sure the commentary has a clear introduction section, body paragraphs, and a conclusion section. Confirm it follows your original outline. You can go through the commentary and write down “introduction” or “discussion of text” next to the relevant paragraphs in the commentary. Doing this will ensure you cover all the necessary information in the commentary. Review the commentary for spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Try reading the commentary backwards, focusing on each word to ensure it is spelled correctly. Circle the punctuation marks in the commentary and ensure you use them correctly, such as a period at the end of every sentence or a comma between words, when needed. If you are using a computer to write the literary commentary, you can use the spellcheck option in the computer program. However, you should not rely on spellcheck only to go through your work. Make sure you also do a close review of the commentary for any errors before you hand it in. | Read the passage several times. Highlight keywords in the text. Create an outline. Identify the title, author, and genre in the introduction. Discuss the text’s subject, themes, and audience. Look at the genre, form, and structure of the text. Analyze the voice in the text. Study the tone and mood. Identify the literary devices in the text. Include quotes from the text. Wrap up the commentary with a summary of your thoughts. Read the commentary aloud to yourself. Confirm the commentary follows a clear outline. Review the commentary for spelling, grammar, and punctuation. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Draw-a-Police-Car | How to Draw a Police Car | To draw a police car, start by sketching an outline of the car's body and wheels. Then, add the headlights and grills at the front, as well as the windshield and windows. Next, draw the doors on the side of the car's body, and draw the outline of the siren at the top of the vehicle. Finally, add the smaller details, like the rims on the wheels, the mirrors, and the door handles. | Draw two lines. Draw a curved rectangle for the bumper. Draw two ovals for the wheels of the police car. Draw two parallel curved lines for the hood. Draw a series of connected curved lines for the middle and back part of the car. Draw a three curved polygons for the headlights and grills. Draw trapezoids with curves edges for the windshield and windows. Draw angled polygons for the doors. Draw a series of polygons for the siren door handle and side mirrors. Based on the outline, draw the main sections of the police car. Add details to the headlights, wheels, and siren. Also add minor parts of the car such as wiper, side skirts, and gas inlet. Erase the unnecessary outlines. Color your police car. Draw the bonnet of the car. The front is very curved and the windscreen is less than 45 degrees. Finish the shape of the car using almost a mirror image except the boot (or trunk) of the car is much shorter than the bonnet. Draw circle for wheels. Remember that wheels are much further apart than most people expect. The back wheel is underneath where the rear windscreen joins the boot/trunk. The front wheel is underneath the bonnet. Add detail the the wheels. Draw a line going behind the wheels to complete the outline of the car. Add a slightly skewed rounded square for a side mirror. Draw two vertical lines to separate the two windows. Draw a curve from the top of the two line (drawn in the previous step) that: Curves with the shape of the roof of the car Then continue round until it reaches the bottom of the car/the wheel. Draw a line across the bottom of the windows. Draw the lights. The front and rear lights. Tiny circle lights on the car doors. The flashing siren on the roof. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/Draw-a-Police-Car-Step-23.jpg\/v4-460px-Draw-a-Police-Car-Step-23.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/Draw-a-Police-Car-Step-23.jpg\/aid566792-v4-728px-Draw-a-Police-Car-Step-23.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Draw a division between the doors and the handles (which are joined together). These police cars often have (hopefully) the word POLICE written on the side in capital letters. Color in the car in the classic black and white design. Draw the outline of the car using the image for guidance. Although the shape is more squarish than some cars, the corners are still very rounded. Add the wheels. Car wheels are much further apart than most people expect One is almost right at the back the other is underneath where the windshield meets the bonnet. More than just circles, don't forget the tires and the metal part of the wheels. Add a rim to the bottom of the car. Draw a trapezium in the top half of the car where the windows will be. Divide the windows into 3 parts. Note that one of these "dividers" is diagonal while the other is fairly vertical. Add the back light of the car. This is drawn as a slight bulge on the rear of the car. Also a tiny triangle on the roof of the car. Add details such as the side mirrors (an elongated and rounded triangle), the front light and door handles (two! ). Start coloring in. The wheels are a dark grey and the main body is a dirty white. Typical English police car design consists of alternate white and blue squares on the side. Color the rear light in red. Add the flashing light on top of the car in blue. | Draw two lines. Draw a curved rectangle for the bumper. Draw two ovals for the wheels of the police car. Draw two parallel curved lines for the hood. Draw a series of connected curved lines for the middle and back part of the car. Draw a three curved polygons for the headlights and grills. Draw trapezoids with curves edges for the windshield and windows. Draw angled polygons for the doors. Draw a series of polygons for the siren door handle and side mirrors. Based on the outline, draw the main sections of the police car. Add details to the headlights, wheels, and siren. Erase the unnecessary outlines. Color your police car. Draw the bonnet of the car. Finish the shape of the car using almost a mirror image except the boot (or trunk) of the car is much shorter than the bonnet. Draw circle for wheels. Add detail the the wheels. Draw a line going behind the wheels to complete the outline of the car. Add a slightly skewed rounded square for a side mirror. Draw two vertical lines to separate the two windows. Draw a curve from the top of the two line (drawn in the previous step) that: Draw a line across the bottom of the windows. Draw the lights. Draw a division between the doors and the handles (which are joined together). Color in the car in the classic black and white design. Draw the outline of the car using the image for guidance. Add the wheels. Add a rim to the bottom of the car. Draw a trapezium in the top half of the car where the windows will be. Divide the windows into 3 parts. Add the back light of the car. Add details such as the side mirrors (an elongated and rounded triangle), the front light and door handles (two! Start coloring in. Add the flashing light on top of the car in blue. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Someone-to-Like-You | How to Get Someone to Like You | To get someone to like you, start by smiling when you see them. This will make you seem more likeable and attractive. In conversations, use open-ended questions to get them talking about their hobbies and interests. People love talking about themselves, and this can help you discover common interests that you might share. While they talk, listen attentively by making eye contact, leaning forward a bit, nodding and understanding. If you can, give them a compliment or make them laugh. As you interact more, let your quirks show. Share silly things about you, like that you dip your fries in barbecue sauce or love to finger paint, since that can bring you closer to each other. Prioritize spending time with the person and don't be afraid to do a favor for them, like watching their pets for the weekend. Asking for a favor can help you two bond as well. Make me sure to practice healthy personal hygiene by showering, brushing your teeth, applying deodorant and wearing clean clothes. Lastly, remember that you are a good person. Don't change your personality or beliefs for somebody because the right person will appreciate you for you. | Practice good personal hygiene. Before you meet with the person, take care of basic grooming: shower, comb your hair, brush/floss your teeth, apply deodorant, and put on fresh clothing. You might also chew mint gum and lightly spritz on perfume or cologne. When you look and smell your best, you feel great. As a result, you come off as more confident and likeable to others. Smile when you see them. A real smile conveys interest and excitement about the other person, so show your pearly whites when you greet them. Smiling when you see the person also makes you appear more attractive and likeable. Display good posture and open body language. How you hold your body can make you appear more confident and encourage others to approach you. Sit up straight, pull your shoulders back, and lift your chin. Uncross your arms and legs, make eye contact, and turn to face the person. You might also power pose to seem more confident by placing your hands on your hips or folding your arms behind your head to form an inverted triangle. Whatever pose you choose, make sure it's relaxed, not forced. Forced body language looks awkward and makes people think that you're trying to put on a show. You may want to practice open, confident body language when you're alone. Remember their name and something about them. Remembering and using someone's name makes them feel special, so use it regularly in conversation. You can also show you like them (and ultimately make them like you) by following up on some tidbit of information you know about them. For example, you might say, “Hey, Noah! How did that math test go?” if the last time you spoke they mentioned having to study. Resist the urge to cyber stalk them to learn their interests. If you start talking to them about an interest they haven't told you about, the situation could get awkward. They may also draw the conclusion that you have an unhealthy interest in them. Respect others' boundaries and personal space. You want to increase the odds of someone liking you by avoiding any awkwardness or discomfort. Recognize their personal space by standing at least an arm's length away when talking. Also, don't pry into their personal business or bring up sensitive topics. Once you're sure the person likes you, you can move closer during conversation. Also, they may eventually feel more comfortable disclosing personal topics once they know you better. Respecting boundaries also applies to social media. Don't flood the person's social media profiles or push your virtual relationship further than is appropriate for your level of in-person relationship. The person could see your advances as out of place and inappropriate. Get them talking about their hobbies and interests. If you can spot some common interests that the two of you share, that's a great place to steer the conversation. If not, ask some open-ended questions to learn more about what the person likes. For example, you might ask, “What brings you to this conference?” or “What sort of music do you like?” Open-ended questions require more expansive answers that keep the conversation going. Make a thoughtful gesture. Do something for the person without them asking. However, make sure that you aren't acting inappropriately. Choose something that would commonly be done by a friend or acquaintance, whichever is appropriate for your relationship. For example, if they miss a class, ask them if they want a copy of your notes. If they're ill, bring them chicken noodle soup. Be an attentive listener. People enjoy talking about themselves, so let them. Orient to face them and listen to their entire message without interrupting. Once they pause, paraphrase what they said back to them to be sure you're clear on what they're sharing. This lets them know that you're truly listening and provides the chance for them to clear up any misunderstandings so that you fully get their message. Listen with your whole body. Make eye contact with the other person, lean forward a bit, nod in agreement or understanding. Keep in mind that if you spend the whole time talking about yourself, you won't get to know the person better, and they may not think you're interested in them. Let them do most of the talking. Pay them a compliment. Compliments make people feel special, but it also endears them to you. Comment on their appearance, a particular skill they have, or an insight they make during conversation. Try not to focus on only one area, like appearance. Say, “Cool shirt! I'm a Harry Potter fan, too" or “Wow, that's a really neat idea!” Make them laugh. People like people of good cheer, so make a witty remark or tell a joke. Laughing together helps strengthen your bond. As a result, the person will look at you more favorably. Dance a little jig to show you're happy, gently tease them, or send them a funny meme. Making them laugh will certainly make them like you even more than they already do! Ask them for help or advice. Naturally, people are attracted to people who are able to accept guidance and are willing to learn. Plus, if someone gives you advice or helps you in some way, they'll feel bonded to you since you typically help people you care about. You might say, “Hey, I remember you said you're good with computers. My laptop keeps freezing up. Can you take a look at it for me, please?” Do a favor. The same logic that ensures someone will like you if you ask them for help works in reverse. Help the person in some small way and they will like you even more. If you know the person always forgets their pencil when they come to class, have one ready for them. If they desperately need someone to watch their pet over the weekend, offer to do it. Prioritize spending time with them. Typically, people want to spend time with people who act like they want to spend time with them, so show the person that you enjoy their company. When you depart, tell them how much fun you had and how much you're looking forward to hanging out again. This also means being there when you say you will. If you say you'll hang out on Thursday, don't flake on them to hang with someone else. Let your quirks show. You may think it's a good idea to act totally cool in front of this person. In reality, they've got quirks and they'll feel much more comfortable around you if you don't hide yours. Sing a tad off-key without being embarrassed, confess that you still watch your favorite childhood cartoons, or admit that you dip your fries in barbecue sauce. Sharing the little silly things that define you will bring you closer to the other person. Also, a minor disclosure deepens your relationship, since you probably haven't told everyone this information. Communicate honestly, but with tact. Most people like others who are able to give it to them straight. Lying or fudging the truth may make you seem untrustworthy, so aim to be truthful. You should still exercise tact, though. For instance, if the person asks if you like their favorite movie, say “Hmm, it's not really my thing, but I did like the main character's personality. I can see why you like him—he's hilarious!” Don't say, “No, I hate that movie!” Stand behind your values and beliefs. One thing that's distinctive about you is the principles and convictions that you hold dear. Those things are at the core of who you are, so it's important to stay true to yourself, even at the risk of someone not liking you. Sticking to your beliefs takes courage. It's not easy to be the one who stands up to a bully or refuses to go along with a harmful or dangerous prank. Being true to yourself might make you unpopular with some people but could also attract those with whom you share common values. Respect yourself. Having healthy self-respect means you like yourself no matter what. When you're communicating with others, avoid comparing yourself to others or belittling yourself in any way. Remind yourself of your strengths by listing them out to yourself. You might say, “I'm a great listener” or “I can make people laugh.” Respecting yourself also means not doing anything that goes against your personal beliefs or values. Self-respect is key to earning respect from others. It's difficult for people to treat you with real regard if you don't treat yourself well. | Practice good personal hygiene. Smile when you see them. Display good posture and open body language. Remember their name and something about them. Respect others' boundaries and personal space. Get them talking about their hobbies and interests. Make a thoughtful gesture. Be an attentive listener. Pay them a compliment. Make them laugh. Ask them for help or advice. Do a favor. Prioritize spending time with them. Let your quirks show. Communicate honestly, but with tact. Stand behind your values and beliefs. Respect yourself. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Fall-Asleep-(for-Kids) | How to Fall Asleep (for Kids) | If you're a kid who's trying to fall asleep, start by using fans or an air conditioner in your room, since most people sleep better in cooler temperatures. Then, try to go to bed at the same time every day, which helps your body learn when it's time to go to sleep. You should also get at least 1 hour of exercise during the day, so you're tired at night. Additionally, avoid sugar and caffeine in the evening, which can make it hard for you to fall asleep quickly. | Place comforting items within view of your sleep space. Comfort items like teddy bears aren't just for little kids—some adults rely on them too! Whether it's a favorite stuffed animal in bed or your favorite posters or drawings on the wall nearby, choose a few key items that will help ease your mind as you drift to sleep. A hanging mobile with butterflies, action figures, or whatever you like might also help. Once again, these aren't just for babies! Try not to overload with comfort items, though. If your bed is packed with stuffed animals, it might become a less comfortable sleeping space. Use a dim night light if you’re scared of the dark. A dark room is best for sleeping, but a little bit of light is OK if it helps to calm you. Place the night light in a spot where it won't shine in your face and won't create any potentially scary shadows on the wall or ceiling. If you have a major fear of the dark, it may help to keep a small flashlight (that isn't too bright) nearby. That way you can quickly check your surroundings if needed. Try a white noise machine if random sounds bother you. If creaky floors, street traffic, thunderstorms, or chirping crickets keep you awake, a white noise machine might help quite a bit. You can try using calming ocean waves, raindrops, or other soothing sounds to drown out the noises that prevent you from dozing off. White noise machines provide a continuous background sound that can block out other noises without being distracting themselves. Alternatively, you could try using the continuous hum of a fan, a room humidifier, or an air purifier. Skip scary shows and stories if nightmares are a problem. It's best to avoid any screen time for an hour or more before bedtime, but especially avoid scary shows, videos, or games. This kind of content may make you have more frequent and more frightening nightmares. The same goes for books—skip the ghost stories and curl up with reading material that is familiar and calming. Talk to a grown-up and draw pictures if you have nightmares. If you wake up from a nightmare and can remember at least some of the details, tell a parent or other trusted adult about it—either the next morning, or, if necessary, during the night. Talking about what you've dreamed can help you to realize that it wasn't real and isn't something to fear. It can also help to sketch a picture of your nightmare. It might become less scary when you see it drawn out, and you can even rip up the paper afterward if that helps! Discuss worries that keep you awake with a trusted adult. If stress about schoolwork, the big game coming up, talking to that girl you like, or your parents' arguments keeps you up at night, talk to someone about it. You can talk with a parent or grandparent, teacher, school counselor, or another adult you know and trust. Just telling someone about what is worrying you can be a big relief and might help you sleep better. If stress is a major problem for you, talk to your parent(s) about seeing a licensed counselor or child psychologist. Make your bed an inviting place to sleep. Add a soft pillow or two, a comfy blanket, and maybe a single stuffed animal to keep things uncluttered. You want it to feel as though you could just “melt away” into sleep as soon as your head hits the pillow! Also try to use your bed only for sleeping, instead of as your spot for homework, checking your phone, building Legos, etc. This will help you associate your bed with only one thing—sleeping. Keep pets, TVs, and other distractions out of your room. It might provide some initial comfort to have a favorite dog or cat cuddle up with you in bed, but pets tend to move around a lot and become distractions. A stuffed animal that never needs to get up to use the bathroom is a better choice! It's also best to keep distractions like TVs, computers, and cell phones out of your room, especially at bedtime. If you have to do your schoolwork on a tablet or laptop in your room, for instance, move the item to another room when it's bedtime. If you need an alarm to wake up, use a standard alarm clock so you can keep your cell phone out of the area. It's also best to keep the alarm clock out of reach, so you have to get out of bed to shut it off. Make sure the room is mostly dark and comfortably cool. Use blackout shades or curtains to keep the room as dark as possible—use just a small nightlight if needed. Also, use fans, air conditioners, heaters, or just heavier or lighter blankets to reach your ideal sleeping temperature. Most people tend to sleep better in a slightly cooler room with blankets for warmth, but you might have different sleep preferences. Manage the best you can if you share a bedroom. If you share your sleeping quarters with a sibling, you may find that your notions of ideal sleeping conditions are very different. If they like it cooler than you, add a blanket to your sleeping spot. If they like it warmer, point the fan toward you. If they need a nightlight, ask your parents to plug it in away from your sleeping spot. If you can convince them to work on establishing a consistent, relaxing bedtime routine along with you, you'll both sleep better! Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. You'll sleep better and wake up more refreshed if you set up a consistent sleep schedule for every day—weekdays, weekends, even summer vacation! If you stay up late and sleep late on weekends, for instance, your body has more trouble figuring out when it's “sleep” time and “awake” time. In the best case scenario, you'll be able to convince everyone in your family to adopt their own consistent, year-round sleep schedules. Otherwise, see if everyone can agree to slowly adjust their schedules (for instance, from the school year to summer vacation) over several days or a couple of weeks. That way, the entire household routine isn't changed dramatically overnight. Move your bedtime back until you can wake up on time without help. If you sleep on a consistent schedule—say, 9:00 pm to 7:00 am—and are getting enough sleep for your body's needs, you should rarely if ever need an alarm clock. If you struggle to get up at the right time, it nearly always means you're not getting enough sleep. Move your bedtime back by 15-minute increments every 3 nights until you start waking up on your own at the right time. Then use this as your consistent sleep schedule. Don’t drink any caffeine within 5 hours of bedtime. Even small amounts of caffeine can affect people—especially kids—for hours after drinking it. Try to keep your caffeine intake to a minimum anyway, but especially avoid things like energy drinks and soda after mid-afternoon. If you need caffeine to help you wake up or stay awake, you aren't getting enough sleep. Avoid eating sugar before bed. Sugar will make you more energetic and make it harder for you to fall asleep. Instead of having a sugary nighttime snack, try having lightly seasoned popcorn or nuts. Exercise for at least 60 minutes each day, but not after dinner. Exercise is great for your health, but working out too late in the day can give you a burst of energy and alertness that will keep you awake at bedtime. Instead, aim to fit in your hour or more of daily exercise anytime before dinner. The goal is to do moderate exercise, which means you're breathing heavier but can still carry on a conversation. Gym class, recess, and play time after school can all count towards your 60 minutes. Exercising earlier in the day will help to tire you out for bedtime! Stop looking at electronics screens at least an hour before bedtime. The “blue light” emitted by electronic devices with screens affects your body's internal sleep mechanisms and can keep you awake at night. Turn off the TV and put away your phone and tablet well before you start your bedtime routine. Reading an old-fashioned paper book is a far better choice for bedtime! Take a soothing bath or do other relaxing activities. Develop a consistent routine that signals to your mind and body that it's time to calm down, slow down, and prepare to sleep. A warm bath, maybe with some calming bubbles added, could serve as the first signal that your bedtime routine has begun. You might also try deep breathing exercises, meditation, prayer, or simply having a calming chat with a loved one. Read happy stories and write in a journal to clear your mind. Reading something that's calming and pleasing can help push your worries away for bedtime. Sometimes, though, it's even better to write in order to clear your mind. Pull out a journal and pencil and jot down what you accomplished today and what you look forward to doing tomorrow. It's great to be able to focus on happy things in your journal, but it's also OK to write about your concerns or fears. Taking the time to put them down on paper can help to get them out of your head. Just try to end your writing session on a positive note. Play relaxing music or count backward in your head. Put on a CD of your favorite soothing songs or sounds if that's what helps you drift off to sleep. Or, try one of the time-honored tricks like counting sheep or counting backward from 100—believe it or not, they really can work! Focusing on something simple and inconsequential—like “...62, 61, 60, 59…”—will help clear your mind of distractions and might make falling asleep happen much quicker. | Place comforting items within view of your sleep space. Use a dim night light if you’re scared of the dark. Try a white noise machine if random sounds bother you. Skip scary shows and stories if nightmares are a problem. Talk to a grown-up and draw pictures if you have nightmares. Discuss worries that keep you awake with a trusted adult. Make your bed an inviting place to sleep. Keep pets, TVs, and other distractions out of your room. Make sure the room is mostly dark and comfortably cool. Manage the best you can if you share a bedroom. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Move your bedtime back until you can wake up on time without help. Don’t drink any caffeine within 5 hours of bedtime. Avoid eating sugar before bed. Exercise for at least 60 minutes each day, but not after dinner. Stop looking at electronics screens at least an hour before bedtime. Take a soothing bath or do other relaxing activities. Read happy stories and write in a journal to clear your mind. Play relaxing music or count backward in your head. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Bake-Chicken-Wings | How to Bake Chicken Wings | To bake crispy chicken wings in the oven, start by washing the wings in cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels. Toss the wings in a seasoning blend made with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, pepper, and cayenne pepper, then arrange the wings in a single layer on a wire rack. Sit the rack on a foil-lined baking sheet, then place the rack in the center of an oven which has been preheated to 375 °F. Cook the wings for 50-60 minutes or until their internal temperature reaches 165 °F. | Remove the tips from 5 pounds (2.3 kg) of wings and separate the drumettes. Place the wings on a cutting board and cut off the tips of the wings if they're still attached. Then, cut between the remaining joint in order to make a drumette and flat piece. Repeat this for all of the wings. Save the tips for chicken stock or discard them. If your wings are already cut, skip this step. Preheat the oven to 400 °F (204 °C) and place wire racks on 2 baking sheets. Get out 2 rimmed baking sheets and put wire racks on them. The racks keep the wings from getting stuck to the baking sheets and they help the wings brown on all sides. Toss the wings with vegetable oil, salt, and pepper. Pour 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of vegetable oil over the wings and sprinkle 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) (16.5 g) of kosher salt with ½ teaspoon (1 g) of freshly ground black pepper over them. Use your hands or tongs to mix the wings until they're coated with the seasoning. Feel free to add your choice of spices or seasonings to the wings. For example, add 1 teaspoon (2 g) of curry powder or blackening seasoning. Spread the wings in a single layer on the wire racks. Arrange all of the wings on the 2 wire racks so they're in a single layer. It's fine if the sides of the wings are touching each other as long as they aren't stacked on each other. Bake the wings for 45 to 50 minutes. Put both of the baking sheets into the preheated oven and cook the wings until they're cooked throughout. Since the wings are on racks, the skin on both sides should become crispy and browned. There's no need to turn the wings as they bake since they're raised up off of the baking sheets. Serve the baked chicken wings your choice of sauces. If you'd like to toss the wings with sauce, such as buffalo sauce , place the wings in a bowl and pour the sauce over. Stir until they're coated and serve the wings with celery sticks. You could also serve the baked chicken wings plain with any of these sauces on the side: Ginger soy sauce Honey mustard sauce Ranch dipping sauce Move the top oven rack and turn the broiler to "high. " Adjust the oven rack so it's 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 cm) below the broiler. Then, turn the broiler to "high." If your broiler doesn't have a "high" or "low" option, just turn the broiler on. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Get out a rimmed baking sheet and tear off a piece of aluminum foil. Lay the foil in the sheet and set it aside while you prepare the chicken. The foil prevents the wings from sticking to the sheet and makes clean up easier. Cut the tips off of 2 to 3 pounds (0.91 to 1.36 kg) of chicken wings. If you bought wings that weren't trimmed, take a sharp knife and carefully cut off the tip from each wing. Place the wings into a large mixing bowl. You can discard the tips or save them to make chicken stock. Toss the wings in the marinade and let them sit for 30 minutes. To make a flavorful marinade, pour 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of sake over the chicken. Add 1/4 teaspoon (1 g) of salt and 1 grated clove of garlic. Then, toss the mixture until the wings are coated and let them sit for 30 minutes. Skip this step if you don't want to marinate the wings or use a marinade of your choice. Arrange the wings on the foil-lined sheet. Ensure that the wings are in a single layer so they broil evenly. Try to leave at least ⁄ 4 inch (0.64 cm) of space between each piece. Discard the marinade that's left in the bowl. Broil the wings for 10 minutes. Place the sheet of wings on the top rack so they're 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 cm) below the broiler element. Broil the wings until they're browned on the top. Flip the wings and cook them for 10 more minutes. Use tongs to flip the wings over after they've broiled for 10 minutes. Then, broil them for 10 more minutes so the wings are browned on both sides and the meat doesn't appear pink. Serve the broiled wings with dipping sauce. Wear oven mitts to remove the baking sheet from the oven and transfer the wings to a serving platter. Set out a variety of sauces, such as barbecue sauce or soy-ginger sauce, for dipping or toss the wings with sauce to coat them. Refrigerate leftover wings in an airtight container for up to 4 days. | Remove the tips from 5 pounds (2.3 kg) of wings and separate the drumettes. Preheat the oven to 400 °F (204 °C) and place wire racks on 2 baking sheets. Toss the wings with vegetable oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the wings in a single layer on the wire racks. Bake the wings for 45 to 50 minutes. Serve the baked chicken wings your choice of sauces. Move the top oven rack and turn the broiler to "high. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Cut the tips off of 2 to 3 pounds (0.91 to 1.36 kg) of chicken wings. Toss the wings in the marinade and let them sit for 30 minutes. Arrange the wings on the foil-lined sheet. Broil the wings for 10 minutes. Flip the wings and cook them for 10 more minutes. Serve the broiled wings with dipping sauce. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Frappe | How to Make a Frappe | If you want to make a frappe, brew your coffee before adding sweeteners of your choice, like honey or sugar. Next, chill your coffee by pouring it into an ice tray and putting the tray in the freezer for 2 hours, or pouring the coffee into a large skillet for 20 minutes. When you're ready to make the frappe, combine the coffee and milk in a blender. If you used the skillet method to cool your coffee, add ice cubes as well. Finish by pouring the frappe into a tall glass and topping off your drink with some whipped cream. | Prepare your coffee. To make your frappé, you will need about 1 1/2 cups of coffee. As a general guideline, use 4 tbsp. coffee per 6 ounces of water or 1 1/2 cups cold-brewed coffee concentrate. You can use fresh or instant coffee. Here are some things to consider: "Filter" coffee refers to coffee beans that have been roasted and ground to be used in coffee making machines. This is fresh coffee and may have a variety of qualities not found in instant coffee, like sweeter or more distinct flavors. "Instant" coffee refers to a coffee that has already been made and is dried (usually by freezing) into a dehydrated state. Instant coffee is recommended as a back-up to the fresh stuff. Use stronger coffee to give your frappé a stronger coffee flavor. Cold brew your coffee overnight (optional). Cold brewing your coffee is a process that requires about 12 hours. To make cold brewed coffee: Add 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee beans to a large bowl and pour in 4 cups of cold water. Stir until combined and cover in the refrigerator for 12 hours. Take the bowl out of the refrigerator and place a strainer or coffee filter over another bowl. Slowly pour your coffee over the strainer and let the liquid filter through the strainer. Discard the grounds and remove the strainer. Cold brewed coffee can be very strong. Dilute at a 1:3 or 1:2 coffee/water ratio. Refrigerate for up to 1 week. Cold brew your coffee over ice (optional). This method is called Japanese-style iced coffee and can be made much quicker than the previous method. To brew Japanese-style cold brewed coffee: Use a kitchen scale to measure 8 ounces of ice. Measure about 1.8 grams of freshly roasted coffee for every ounce of iced coffee you'd like. Grind coffee beans until medium coarse. For about 16 ounces of iced coffee, use about 30 grams of coffee. One level tablespoon is roughly 5 grams. Put your ice in a large glass and place a secure a coffee filter over the top. Brew your coffee hot and pour it over the filter into the cup of ice. Not all of the ice might melt, but by the end you should have a cold cup of coffee. Add your sweetener to your coffee. Adding your sugar to your coffee while it's still hot will help it dissolve faster. Pour in two tbsp. of sugar, honey, stevia, or whatever sweetener you prefer. If you have brewed your coffee in a coffee maker, you can pour your sweetener right into the coffee pot and stir it in. Chill your coffee. If starting with hot freshly brewed coffee, the fastest method will still take you about 20 minutes. To chill your coffee, try: In an ice tray. Pour your coffee into an ice tray and put it into the freezer until frozen. This method takes a few hours, but will create a stronger tasting drink because you won't need to add any additional ice. In a skillet. Once you have brewed your coffee, pour it into a wide, shallow skillet and let it sit. This method spreads your hot liquid over a large surface area, allowing it to cool more quickly than it would in a coffee pot.This method can cool your coffee significantly after about 20 mins. You can also place your skillet in the freezer for about 20 minutes to chill it completely. You can also chill your skillet ahead of time to quicken the process. Make your frappé. Add your chilled coffee to a blender and pour in 1/2 cup of milk. You can use regular milk, soy, almond milk, or any other milk you prefer. Add the ice (optional). If you have chilled your coffee in an ice tray, you won't need to add any ice. Start by adding about 1 1/2 cups of ice. Remember, the more ice you add, the more your coffee will become diluted, resulting in a less flavorful frappé. Blend until smooth. Put the lid on and blend your mixture until smooth, adding more ice if you desire a thicker consistency. Assemble your frappé. Pour your frappé mixture into a tall glass. You can chill your glass in the freezer for a few minutes beforehand if you prefer. Top it off with a dash of whipped cream and enjoy with a straw! Make it pumpkin flavored. If you are looking for a delicious frappé with all the tastes of fall, add just a few additional ingredients and make a pumpkin pie frappé. Here's what you'll need: ½ tsp. vanilla extract ¼ tsp. pumpkin spice, ground ½ cup unsweetened coconut milk from a carton, not canned 2 tbsp. whipped cream 1 dash cinnamon, ground Include the vanilla extract, pumpkin spice, and coconut milk in your initial mixture and top your frappé off with a dash of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Make a blended hazelnut frappé. If you love the sweet toasted flavor of hazelnut, you're going to go crazy for these few extra ingredient additions. Just add 1/4 cup of hazelnut syrup and 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract to your initial mixture. Top it off with a dash of whipped cream and cinnamon if you'd like! Go crazy with chocolate. Try a double chocolate chip frappé by adding chocolate chips, chocolate syrup, and vanilla extract. Add 1/3 cup chocolate chips to your original mixture. You can try milk chocolate, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate chips for fun variations. Pour in 3 tbs. chocolate syrup and 1/8 tbs. vanilla extract and blend until smooth. Drizzle some chocolate syrup along the inside of your glass and pour your frappé into it. Top with whipped cream drizzled in more chocolate syrup. Make it vanilla. Start with vanilla bean flavored coffee beans or grounds. Add 1 or 2 scoops of vanilla bean ice cream to your mixture and blend until smooth. Add a dash of whipped cream drizzled with caramel syrup for a delicious foamy topping. Add a couple drops of vanilla extract for a stronger vanilla flavor. Top it off with a dash of whipped cream. Make a traditional Greek Frappe. Simply add three tablespoons of instant coffee, 1-4 tbs. sugar (to taste), a small amount of water, and milk (if desired) to a shaker and shake it up. Pour it into a tall glass with ice and enjoy with a straw. Get creative. Add a scoop of your favorite ice cream to the blender for a thicker milkshake frappé. Try a scoop of mint chocolate chip ice cream for a refreshing mint chocolate frappé. Break up your favorite candy bar and add small pieces to the blender for an added crunch or add about 1/4 cup of shredded coconut. The possibilities are almost endless. Mix and match your favorite sweet flavors to create the perfect frappé. | Prepare your coffee. Cold brew your coffee overnight (optional). Cold brew your coffee over ice (optional). Add your sweetener to your coffee. Chill your coffee. Make your frappé. Add the ice (optional). Blend until smooth. Assemble your frappé. Make it pumpkin flavored. Make a blended hazelnut frappé. Go crazy with chocolate. Make it vanilla. Make a traditional Greek Frappe. Get creative. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Reduce-Oil-from-Your-Face-Naturally | How to Reduce Oil from Your Face Naturally | If you want to reduce the oil from your face naturally to avoid acne and blemishes, you'll want to start by keeping your face clean. Wash your face every morning and evening as well as after sweating to keep your skin oil-free. When cleaning your skin, use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser with no alcohol, which can irritate your skin and lead to more oil production. When you're done washing, use a hypoallergenic moisturizer to prevent your skin from drying out. In addition to cleansing your skin, you can use some natural remedies, like spot-treating oily spots with witch hazel to dry them out. You can also make a facemask with honey to reduce the oil on your face. | Use gentle, fragrance-free face cleansers with no alcohol. Perfumes and alcohol will irritate your skin, which could stimulate further oil production. Make sure than any cleansers you use don't contain these ingredients to avoid irritating your skin. Look for a product labeled “noncomedogenic,” meaning it won't clog your pores or stimulate oil production. Products labeled “hypoallergenic” should contain few additives and are less likely to cause irritation. Face washes that foam up are best because the suds lift dirt out of your pores. Apply a hypoallergenic moisturizer after you’re done washing. While it might seem counterproductive, keeping your skin moisturized is also important for controlling oil production. Find a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizer and apply a thin layer to your face right after you wash it. This prevents your skin from drying out and irritating. Look for a moisturizer with at least an SPF-30 rating. This protects your skin from the sun's rays when you go outside. If you need any recommendations for good products to use, ask your dermatologist. Wash your face every morning, evening, and after sweating. Repeat your washing and moisturizing routine daily. Wash your face at least twice a day, in the morning and the evening before going to bed. If you're active, then also wash your face after working out or sweating a lot. This keeps your skin oil-free throughout the day. Remember to rinse your face thoroughly so there's no soap scum left over. Also pat your face dry with a towel, don't rub it. This can irritate your skin. Wash your face as soon as possible after exercising. Letting sweat stay on your skin could clog your pores and cause acne breakouts. Soak up excess oil with blotting papers. If your skin is especially oily or you're on the run a lot, you can use blotting papers from a pharmacy or beauty shop. Take one sheet at a time and blot around your face to soak up any remaining oil. This is a quick fix to get rid of oil throughout the day. Don't rub your face with the paper. This could spread oil and bacteria around. Just blot on the oily spots. Remember that blotting papers aren't a replacement for washing your face. They're only a temporary fix until you can get home and wash properly. Avoid oil-based makeup and lotions. As the name suggests, oil-based products increase the amount of oil on your skin, which can clog pores and trap dirt. Instead, look for water-based products. These are lighter and won't clog your pores as easily. Even if you use water-based makeup, make sure you always wash it off at the end of the day. Sleeping in your makeup can cause acne breakouts. Apply witch hazel to dry out oily spots. Witch hazel is a natural astringent that's used in many acne products. Use it as a spot treatment for oily spots on your body. Pour some onto a cotton ball and swab any trouble spots to reduce oil and inflammation. Witch hazel can sometimes irritate sensitive skin, so stop using it if it causes any redness or burning. It could also cause excessive dryness if you use too much. If the witch hazel makes your skin too dry, try diluting it with water. Pour a bit into a cup, and then add the same amount of water for a weaker solution. Moisturize your face with a colloidal oatmeal mask. Oatmeal helps fight inflammation and dryness, and also soaks up excess oil on your skin. Get some colloidal oatmeal from a pharmacy or health store. Mix 1/2 cup (64 g) with 1 cup (240 ml) of warm water until it makes a paste. Then, rub the mixture onto your face. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then wash it off with warm water. You could add other ingredients like honey to the mask as well. This will help it stick together and moisturize your face better. Some products come with their own instructions for making an oatmeal mask. Follow the directions on any product that you use. Colloidal oatmeal is ground very fine. If you can't find any, you can make your own by grinding up oats in a food processor. Make a facemask with honey to reduce oil. Honey also acts as a natural moisturizer that can improve your skin's health and regulate oil production. It's also safe to apply directly onto your skin. Pour some honey into a bowl and rub it onto your face, or where you want to remove oil from. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water. Look for natural honey without any added chemicals or preservatives. Other chemicals could irritate your skin. It might be easier to do this right before you take a shower so you can wash the mask off easier. If you have longer hair, you should tie it back to avoid getting it stuck in the honey. You can also mix honey with your oatmeal mask for a comprehensive skin treatment. Cut out foods that raise your blood sugar levels. While not strictly a skin-care treatment, changing your diet can affect your skin's appearance. Foods with a high glycemic index, meaning they spike your blood sugar, are associated with increased acne breakouts and oily skin. Cut out these foods to help reduce the oils on your skin. Some foods with a high glycemic index are white breads, rice, pastas, breakfast cereals, potatoes, pumpkin, and melon. Most desserts and sugary goods have a high glycemic index as well. Talk to a dermatologist if you’re worried your skin is too oily. It's normal and healthy for you to have some oil on your skin. However, everyone's oil production is different, and your skin may get very oily. If you feel like your skin has excess oil, consult a dermatologist. They can examine your skin and help you figure out what's causing your excess oil. After you know what's causing your excess oil production, you can make changes to your skin care routine or diet to improve your skin. Your dermatologist will help you create a treatment plan to control your skin's oil production. See a dermatologist if you have acne or blackheads. You may be able to treat your acne or blackheads using over-the-counter treatments. However, if your oily skin is causing a lot of acne or blackheads, it's best to visit your dermatologist. They can help you clear your skin without risking scarring. Your dermatologist can help you treat your acne both topically and using oral medications. They'll also target the root cause so that you'll experience fewer breakouts in the future. Ask your dermatologist about other treatment options if nothing works. If you've been trying everything to reduce your face oil but nothing seems to help, a dermatologist can offer you other treatments. Talk to them to learn about which options might work best for you. For instance, your dermatologist may be able to prescribe the following: Retinoids Spironolactone Hormonal contraceptives Botox Photodynamic therapy Laser treatments | Use gentle, fragrance-free face cleansers with no alcohol. Apply a hypoallergenic moisturizer after you’re done washing. Wash your face every morning, evening, and after sweating. Soak up excess oil with blotting papers. Avoid oil-based makeup and lotions. Apply witch hazel to dry out oily spots. Moisturize your face with a colloidal oatmeal mask. Make a facemask with honey to reduce oil. Cut out foods that raise your blood sugar levels. Talk to a dermatologist if you’re worried your skin is too oily. See a dermatologist if you have acne or blackheads. Ask your dermatologist about other treatment options if nothing works. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Know-when-You-Love-A-Guy | How to Know when You Love A Guy | Knowing if you love a guy can be hard, but by paying attention to how he fits into your life, you'll be able to figure it out. Think about how you feel when you're around him. Someone you love will make you feel happy and super comfortable. You might even find yourself naturally smiling when you're around him. On the other hand, if you still feel nervous or insecure, it might be too early in the relationship. You should also consider if you see a future with him. If you really love him, you might be thinking of eventually moving in together or getting a pet together. You probably talk about him a lot with your friends too, even if you don't realize it, so ask your friends what they think. | See how often you think about him. When you love someone, the other things in your life become a little less important in your mind. If you love a guy, you may find yourself thinking about him often — even when you don't really want to. If he's the first thing on your mind when you wake up, and the last thing you think of before you go to sleep, this is a sign that you have serious feelings about him. However, infatuation (puppy love) can have the same effect. Since just thinking about someone often isn't enough to say whether you love that person, use the other steps below to help make your decision. Judge how badly you want to be around him. The person you love shouldn't be someone you're shy around. Love means that you're extra-comfortable around this guy — you like hanging out with him because he makes you feel like you can be yourself. On the other hand, if this guy still makes you feel nervous, antsy, or insecure, your relationship may not have made it to "love" territory yet. If you still get the butterflies around this guy, don't worry. You can eventually love him — you just need to spend more time together and grow more confident around each other. See whether you find yourself thinking about shared memories. People who love each other tend to enjoy thinking about the rich, rewarding time they've already spent together. If you sit down and think of the things you've done together, do you find yourself feeling warm, happy, or nostalgic emotions? If so, you may have a good foundation for love. If you don't feel an attachment to your memories together, you may not be there yet. If you don't have any memories together, you probably haven't spent enough time with this guy for love to develop. Do you think realistically about your future together? It's natural to have some fantasies of the future when you have a crush — running off together to a tropical retreat, exploring the world, etc. However, when you love someone, your fantasies tend to be a little more realistic. You may find yourself thinking things like, "I wonder if we can live together when we finish school?", "I wonder whether we could get a dog together," and so on. If so, this can be a sign that you are excited for a realistic future with your partner, which is evidence for love. See whether you naturally smile when you're with him. The person you love should make you happy most of the time when you're together. If he can cheer you up no matter how angry you are, this is an even better sign. If you find yourself smiling whenever he is around, this is best of all. Your smile should be open and genuine, not forced. A friend can help you see whether you smile around him or not. Tell your friend to watch your face when you're hanging out him in a group, then give yourself a few minutes to forget you told your friend to do this. If your friend notices your face light up whenever he talks to you, you may be feeling something for this guy. Listen to how often you talk about him. Loving someone usually means they will naturally work their way into your conversations simply because you're thinking about them so much. If you find yourself gushing about the latest developments with this guy even when the conversation has nothing to do with him, you definitely have an attachment to him. You can ask your friends to help you here — ask them whether they notice you talking about him a lot. For obvious reasons, this isn't a good choice if you tend to get shy when talking about romance. In this case, you may avoid talking about your relationship even if you do love him, so use the other recommendations in this article. Check how often you look at his social media. Today, the internet gives people who are in love plenty of opportunities to check on each other. If you are constantly checking this guy's Facebook, Twitter, AIM, Instagram, etc. to get the latest updates or catch a new dreamy selfie, you have at least a serious crush. Even things as simple as checking to see if your guy will be online to talk to every night can be signs of attachment. Of course, this on its own isn't a sign of love. Looking at someone's profile pics every night may simply mean you think he's good-looking, so use this tip along with the others in the article to get a complete picture of how you feel about him. Check how you act around him in groups. The way you carry yourself around your guy when you're hanging out with other people can help tell you whether you love him or not. If you find yourself focusing on everything he says or snapping to attention whenever he opens his mouth, you may have serious feelings for him. If you find yourself more interested in what he has to say than what anyone else does, this is an even better sign. Being in love with a guy means valuing him for what comes out of his mouth instead of just the way he looks when he's talking. See if you prioritize him over other male friends and crushes. As noted at the top of this article, when you're in love with someone, everything else seems a little less important. If you find that you want to spend time with this guy even when you have lots of other male friends, he's definitely important to you. You may even have multiple crushes and prioritize this guy over the rest (it's OK to find multiple people charming or attractive — just date one at a time). This doesn't mean that the more time you spend with someone, the more you love that person. Even if you love this guy, however, you shouldn't spend all your time with him. People who love each other let their partners spend time with friends and family members. | See how often you think about him. Judge how badly you want to be around him. See whether you find yourself thinking about shared memories. Do you think realistically about your future together? See whether you naturally smile when you're with him. Listen to how often you talk about him. Check how often you look at his social media. Check how you act around him in groups. See if you prioritize him over other male friends and crushes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Avoid-Gagging-While-Brushing-Your-Tongue | How to Avoid Gagging While Brushing Your Tongue | To avoid gagging while brushing your tongue, start by cleaning the tip and working in small circular motions back toward the throat. Try to stop short of the area that triggers the gag reflex so you can relax your jaw and throat. Additionally, push your tongue down into the lower part of your mouth and exhale through your mouth while brushing to keep your throat muscles relaxed. Alternatively, use a tongue scraper, which may feel less invasive than a toothbrush. You can also try dragging a piece of dental floss down across your tongue. | Learn how to brush your tongue. The gag reflex is just that: a reflex. It is triggered when you touch an area too far back in your mouth (including the tonsils, back of the tongue, or uvula). In order to avoid triggering the gag reflex, you have to avoid touching these areas. Brush and floss your teeth first, and then gently brush your tongue using a soft-bristled brush moistened with water. You can use your regular toothbrush, or you can purchase a special "tongue brush" which has shorter bristles meant to better clean the crevices of the tongue. Begin brushing the tongue toward the tip, working in small circular motions. Gradually work your way back toward the back of the throat, rinsing the brush periodically. Stop short of the area that triggers the gag reflex. If you gag, you've gone too far. Alter your tongue brushing technique. If these basic tips aren't working for you, there are slight alterations you can try that might help. Hold your toothbrush perpendicular to your tongue, brushing from the side. Putting your toothbrush in the long way will make it easier to "slip" into the overly sensitive danger zone, and makes your toothbrush less likely to crowd the back of the throat and induce a gag. Push the tongue down hard into the lower part of the mouth behind the teeth as you brush it. As soon as the tongue starts to wobble, stop, give it a few moments to retrieve your strength and try again. Exhale through your mouth while brushing your tongue. At the same time, relax your tongue and throat muscles as much as possible. Keep practicing until it becomes a normal habit. Try a psychological trick. Your gag reflex is your body's way of protecting you from choking or swallowing things you shouldn't, but you can try to outsmart your body by distracting your mind from what is going on in your mouth as you brush your tongue. Distract yourself with pain. Clench the fingers of one of your hands into a fist, gently digging your nails into your palm. Don't hurt yourself badly, just enough to distract yourself from the gag reflex. Distract yourself with thoughts. Before you begin brushing your teeth, find a riddle or difficult math problem to solve. While you begin to gently brush your tongue, starting in the front, mentally focus on the riddle or problem and try to solve it as you work your way back to the back of your tongue. Don't go too far back, and you might find that the mental distraction helped to alleviate the gag reflex. Try a tongue scraper. Tongue scrapers or cleaners can be purchased at the pharmacy or big box stores like Target or Walmart. They may feel less invasive than a larger, wider-surfaced toothbrush. A tongue scraper is a small tool made of plastic or metal that gently removes debris and plaque from the tongue. To use a tongue scraper, place its edge toward the back of your tongue and gently pull forward. Repeat as needed to cover the surface of the tongue, rinsing between scrapes. To reduce the gagging reflex, simply do not place the tongue scraper as far back into your mouth as you use it. Find the farther point you can place it without gagging, and start there. Try flossing your tongue. If the tongue scraper method does not work, you can use dental floss to clean the surface of the tongue. Take a normal length of dental floss and drag it down across your tongue. This works well for individuals with a particularly high gag reflex, but it does not remove as much debris from the tongue as other methods. As with the tongue scraper, to reduce the gag reflex you will need to find the farthest distance back on the tongue that you can place the floss without gagging. Try using a washcloth. If a tongue scraper or floss still triggers your gag reflex, a simple wet washcloth might be all you need. Use a soft, clean washcloth and moisten it with warm water. You can add a bit of toothpaste if you like, but it isn't necessary, especially if the taste of the toothpaste contributes to your gag reflex. Wrap the cloth around one finger and gently rub the surface of the tongue to remove plaque and debris. Go as far back on the tongue as you can without gagging, rinsing the cloth periodically. Use mouthwash. People with very strong gag reflexes or sensitive tongues may not find a tongue cleaning method that works for them, but the use of a good mouthwash can eliminate most of the problematic bacteria and leave the mouth healthy and clean. Look for an antimicrobial mouthwash containing fluoride and alcohol. Be sure to rinse the teeth for 30 seconds then spit the mouthwash out completely. Do not drink water or rinse the teeth for at least 30 minutes after using mouthwash. Brands like Listerine Total Care are effective at reducing bacteria in the mouth and leaving the breath fresh. Ask your dentist about a prescription for an oral rinse of chlorhexidine gluconate. Using this twice a day may eliminate the need for tongue brushing and help you battle gingivitis. Prevent bacteria build-up. The tongue's unique texture and large surface area makes it host to millions of bacteria, which can travel to the teeth and gums and cause cavities and gingivitis. The teeth gather plenty of bacteria themselves, but unlike the teeth, the tongue is not a smooth surface. It follows that even more bacteria accumulate in the taste-buds and small pits on the tongue. Just rinsing the mouth with water is insufficient to remove the bacteria on the tongue, primarily because the bacteria gather in what is called a "biofilm"-- a sticky, gooey, living layer of bacteria. It must be disrupted by rubbing or scraping to fully remove it. Removing bacteria from the tongue is always important, but it's especially crucial if you need to heal cracks that developed on your tongue. Food occasionally gets stuck on your tongue. Scraping or brushing your tongue removes this food and keeps your mouth clean. Prevent bad breath. The bacteria that live on the tongue cause a chemical reaction that produces volatile sulfur compounds, which results in bad breath. Tongue brushing can also remove traces of odorous foods like garlic and onions, which can also improve your breath. Many people with bad breath are not aware that they have it. It's a good idea to practice good oral hygiene, including regularly cleaning the tongue, in order to reduce the chance that you are one of them. Prevent discoloration. Certain foods and health conditions can cause a colored or filmy appearance on the surface of the tongue. Brushing the tongue can eliminate this problem. Foods containing dyes like cupcakes, lollipops, or popsicles can temporarily dye the surface of the tongue. Brushing the tongue can reduce the coloration of the tongue, making it less noticeable to others. Some illnesses like oral thrush or syphilis can cause a buildup of bacteria or fungi on the tongue that cause a filmy, white appearance. In some cases, the white film cannot be brushed off. Be sure that you see your doctor if you suspect that your filmy tongue is caused by an illness. Certain medications like antibiotics or Pepto-Bismol as well as certain illnesses can also cause a startling discoloration of the tongue called "black hairy tongue," which is caused by an overgrowth of yeast in the mouth. The condition is not serious and the discoloration can be brushed off with a toothbrush or washcloth, although it might be a good idea to see your doctor to determine the cause. | Learn how to brush your tongue. Alter your tongue brushing technique. Try a psychological trick. Try a tongue scraper. Try flossing your tongue. Try using a washcloth. Use mouthwash. Prevent bacteria build-up. Prevent bad breath. Prevent discoloration. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Restore-Glycogen | How to Restore Glycogen | To restore glycogen after you work out, eat foods that contain simple carbohydrates, like fruits and vegetables. Try to eat them as soon as possible after working out, since your body restores glycogen the fastest during the 2-hour window right after you exercise. After that, aim to eat around 50 grams of carbs every 2 hours to continue replenishing your glycogen levels. If you eat carbs at that rate, it should take about 20 hours for all of the glycogen you lost to be restored. | Understand the glucose-glycogen cycle. The carbohydrates in your diet are broken down to create glucose. Dietary carbohydrates provide the basic components needed to keep glucose in your blood so you have enough energy for your daily routines. When your body senses that you have extra glucose, it converts the glucose to glycogen by a process called glycogenesis. The glycogen is stored in muscle and liver tissue. As your blood glucose levels begin to run low, your body converts the glycogen back to glucose by a process called glycolysis. Exercise can deplete the glucose in your blood more quickly, causing your body to pull on the reserved glycogen. Know what happens during anaerobic and aerobic exercise. Anaerobic exercise involves short bursts of activity, such as weightlifting and muscle development and training. Aerobic exercise involves longer episodes of sustained activity that cause your heart and lungs to work harder. During anaerobic exercise, your body uses the glycogen stored in the muscle tissue. This causes you to reach a point of muscle exhaustion when you do several sets of repetitive muscle training exercises. Aerobic exercise utilizes the glycogen stored in your liver. Prolonged aerobic exercise, like marathon running, causes you to reach a point where those stores are depleted. When that happens, you may not have enough glucose in your blood to properly fuel your brain. This can result in symptoms consistent with hypoglycemia, including fatigue, poor coordination, feeling dizzy, and problems with concentration. Consume simple carbohydrates immediately following an intense workout. Your body has a two hour window immediately following exercise during which it more effectively restores your glycogen. Simple carbohydrates include foods and beverages that are easily broken down by your body, such as fruits, milk, chocolate milk, and vegetables. Foods prepared with refined sugars are also sources of simple carbohydrates, such as cakes and candies, however these sources lack nutritional value. Research suggests that consuming 50 grams of carbohydrates every two hours increases the rate of restoring the depleted glycogen stores. This method increased the rate of replacement from an average of 2% per hour, to 5% per hour. Expect at least 20 hours to restore the glycogen. Consuming 50 grams of carbohydrates every two hours will take from 20 to 28 hours to completely restore the amount of glycogen depleted. This factor is considered by athletes and their trainers in the days immediately prior to an endurance event. Prepare for an endurance event. Athletes work to develop higher levels of endurance in order to compete in events like marathons, triathlons, cross country skiing, and distance swimming events. They also learn to manipulate their own glycogen stores to compete more effectively. Hydration for an endurance event begins about 48 hours before the big day. Keep a container filled with water on you constantly for the days leading up to your endurance event. Drink as much as you can during those two days. Begin your high-carbohydrate eating two days before the event. Try to select high-carbohydrate foods that also have nutritional value. Examples include whole grains, brown rice, sweet potatoes, and whole grain pasta. Include fruits, vegetables, and lean protein in your meals. Avoid alcohol and processed foods. Consider carbohydrate loading. Carbo loading methods are used by athletes that participate in endurance events, or events that last longer than 90 minutes. Carbo loading involves timing and selection of foods high in carbohydrate content to help expand the glycogen stores beyond their average levels. Completely depleting the glycogen stores prior to the event, then loading with carbohydrates, works to expand the glycogen storage capacity even further. This allows the athlete to push harder and further, and hopefully improve his performance during the event. The most traditional method for carbohydrate loading starts about a week before the event. Change your regular diet to include about 55% of your total calories as carbohydrates, with protein and fat added in as the remainder. This depletes your carbohydrate stores. Three days prior to the event, adjust your carbohydrate intake to reach 70% of your daily calories. Decrease your intake of fat, and reduce your level of training. Carbo loading methods are not reported to be helpful for events that are less than 90 minutes. Eat a meal rich in carbohydrates just before an endurance event. By doing so, the body will work to quickly change the carbohydrates into usable energy, providing even greater energy benefit. Drink sports drinks. Drinking sports beverages during an athletic event can help by providing a continued source of carbohydrates to your system, plus the added caffeine, available in some products, helps to improve endurance. Sports drinks contain sodium and potassium to maintain your electrolyte balance. Recommendations for sports beverages consumed during long periods of exercise include products that have from 4% to 8% carbohydrate content, 20 to 30 mEq/L of sodium, and 2 to 5 mEq/L of potassium. Consider the function of insulin and glucagon. Insulin and glucagon are hormones made by the pancreas. Insulin works to move glucose into the cells of the body for energy, remove excess glucose from the blood stream, and convert the excess glucose to glycogen. Glycogen is stored in muscle and liver tissue for later use, when more glucose is needed in the blood. Know what glucagon does. When the blood level of glucose drops, the body signals the pancreas to release glucagon. Glucagon changes the stored glycogen back into usable glucose. The glucose pulled from the glycogen stores is needed to provide the energy we need to function each day. Be familiar with changes caused by diabetes. In people that have diabetes, the pancreas does not function normally, therefore hormones like insulin and glucagon are not adequately produced or released in the body. Inadequate levels of insulin and glucagon means that the glucose in the blood is not properly pulled into the cells of tissues to be used as energy, the excess glucose in the blood is not adequately removed to be stored as glycogen, and what is stored as glycogen cannot be pulled back into the blood when it is needed for energy. The ability to utilize glucose in the blood, store it as glycogen, and then access it again, is impaired. Therefore, diabetics are at greater risk of developing hypoglycemia. Recognize the symptoms of hypoglycemia. While anyone can experience hypoglycemia, patients that suffer with diabetes are more susceptible to episodes of abnormally low levels of glucose in the blood, otherwise known as hypoglycemia. Common symptoms of hypoglycemia include the following: Feeling hungry Feeling shaky or nervous Feeling dizzy or light-headed Sweating Sleepiness Confusion and difficulty speaking Feelings of anxiety Feeling weak Know the risks. A severe and untreated hypoglycemic episode can lead to seizures, coma, and even death. Use insulin or other medications for diabetes. Since the pancreas does not function normally, oral and injectable medications can help. Medications work to provide the balance needed to help the body properly perform both glycogenesis and glycolysis. While the available medications are saving lives every day, they are not perfect. Patients with diabetes are at risk of developing hypoglycemic events, even by simple changes in their daily routine. In some cases, the hypoglycemic events can be severe and even life-threatening. Stick to your eating and exercise regimens. Even the smallest change can cause unwanted results. Talk to your doctor before making any changes in your food choices and exercise routine. If you are diabetic, altering the foods you eat, the amount of foods and beverages you consume, and changes in your level of activity, can result in complications. For example, exercising, which is an important part of diabetic health, can create problems. During exercise, more energy, or glucose, is needed, so your body will try to pull from your glycogen stores. Impaired glucagon functioning causes less than adequate amounts of glycogen to be pulled from the stores in muscle and liver tissue. This can mean a delayed, and possibly severe, episode of hypoglycemia. Even several hours after exercise, the body will continue to work to restore the glycogen used during exercise. The body will pull the glucose from the blood supply, triggering a hypoglycemic event. Treat an episode of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia comes on fairly quickly in someone that is diabetic. Any signs of dizziness, fatigue, confusion, difficulty comprehending a statement, and having trouble responding, are warning signs. The initial steps to treating a mild hypoglycemic episode involve consuming glucose or simple carbohydrates. Help the diabetic person to consume 15 to 20 grams of glucose, as gel or tablets, or as simple carbohydrates. Some food items that can be used include raisins, orange juice, sodas with sugar, honey, and jellybeans. As the blood sugar returns to normal, and enough glucose is getting to the brain, the person will become more alert. Continue to provide foods and beverages until the person recovers. If there is ever any question about what to do, call 911. Prepare a kit. People with diabetes may want to have a small kit prepared that contains glucose gel or tablets, possibly injectable glucagon, plus simple directions for someone else to follow. The diabetic person may quickly become disoriented, confused, and unable to treat themselves. Have glucagon available. If you are diabetic, talk to your doctor about having injectable glucagon available to help manage any severe episodes of hypoglycemia. The glucagon injection works like natural glucagon, and helps to restore the balance of glucose in your blood. Consider educating friends and family. A diabetic person having a severe hypoglycemic episode will not be able to administer the injection. Friends and family members, educated about hypoglycemia, will know how and when to proceed with an injection of glucagon. Invite your family or friends to an appointment with your doctor. The risk of not treating a severe episode of hypoglycemia goes beyond any risk associated with the injection. Your doctor can help to reassure your caregivers of the importance of treating a hypoglycemic episode. Your doctor is your best resource and guide. He or she can help you decide if your condition warrants having a glucagon injection available to treat potentially serious hypoglycemic events. Glucagon injections require a prescription. Be cautious with low carbohydrate diets. Talk to your doctor to be sure this type of weight loss plan is safe for you. Understand the risks. To safely pursue a highly restricted carbohydrate diet, which usually involves consuming less than 20 grams per day of carbohydrates, you must factor in your level of activity. The initial period of a low carbohydrate diet significantly restricts the amount of carbohydrates a person is to consume. This helps your body to tap into stored glycogen as an aid in losing weight. Limit the time you restrict your carbohydrate intake. Ask your doctor about safe time limits specific to your body type, level of activity, age, and existing medical conditions. Limiting the highly restricted carbohydrate intake for 10 to 14 days allows your body to access the energy it needs while exercising, using blood glucose and stored glycogen. Resuming a higher carbohydrate intake at that time helps your body to restore the glycogen used. Consider your exercise intensity. Your body pulls the energy it needs from the glucose in your blood, then pulls from glycogen reserves stored in your muscle and liver. Frequent and intense exercise depletes those stores. The carbohydrates in your diet restore your glycogen. By extending the highly restricted part of the low carbohydrate diet beyond 2 weeks, you are preventing your body from accessing the natural substances, meaning carbohydrates, needed to restore your glycogen. Know what to expect. The most common result is feeling tired or weak, and having episodes of hypoglycemia. You have depleted most of your glycogen stores and you are not putting very much back into your bloodstream. This results in less than enough energy to function normally and problems pursuing intense exercise. Resume a higher carbohydrate content in your diet. After the initial 10 to 14 days of the low carbohydrate diet, move to a phase that allows for more carbs to be consumed, which allows your body to restore the glycogen. Exercise moderately. If you are trying to lose weight, incorporating routine exercise is a great step to take. Participate in moderate aerobic activity that lasts for more than 20 minutes. This helps you to lose weight, use enough energy to tap into your reserves, but avoid depleting your glycogen stores. | Understand the glucose-glycogen cycle. Know what happens during anaerobic and aerobic exercise. Consume simple carbohydrates immediately following an intense workout. Expect at least 20 hours to restore the glycogen. Prepare for an endurance event. Consider carbohydrate loading. Eat a meal rich in carbohydrates just before an endurance event. Drink sports drinks. Consider the function of insulin and glucagon. Know what glucagon does. Be familiar with changes caused by diabetes. Recognize the symptoms of hypoglycemia. Know the risks. Use insulin or other medications for diabetes. Stick to your eating and exercise regimens. Treat an episode of hypoglycemia. Prepare a kit. Consider educating friends and family. Be cautious with low carbohydrate diets. Limit the time you restrict your carbohydrate intake. Consider your exercise intensity. Know what to expect. Resume a higher carbohydrate content in your diet. Exercise moderately. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Crush-Peanuts | How to Crush Peanuts | To crush peanuts, start by unshelling them and putting them in a sealable plastic bag. Then, place the bag on a cutting board and beat the peanuts with a rolling pin until they're all in an even, single layer. Next, roll the rolling pin over the bag of peanuts, applying firm pressure so they get crushed up. Finally, dump the peanuts out of the bag and press down on them with the rolling pin until they're fully crushed. | Shell some peanuts and put them in a freezer for several hours. Make sure they're cold so they have an easier time getting crushed in the food processor. Pour 1 cup (.2 liters) of the cold peanuts into a food processor. Crush one cup of peanuts at a time to avoid unevenly-sized pieces. Put the lid on the food processor and hold down the pulse button. Only hold down the pulse button for a few seconds; the goal is to crush the nuts in short bursts, not all at once. After a few seconds of pulsing, release the pulse button and let the peanuts rest for 2 - 3 seconds. Alternate between pulsing and resting until the peanuts are crushed. Pulse the peanuts for longer for more finely crushed pieces. Avoid over processing the peanuts or they will release their natural oils and become too oily. Empty the crushed peanuts into a dish and repeat with more peanuts. Continue crushing 1 cup (.2 liters) of peanuts at a time until you've crushed your desired amount. Fill a small plastic bag with 1 cup (.2 liters) of unshelled peanuts. Make sure the bag isn't overflowing with peanuts or they might fall out as you're crushing them. Twist or zip the bag closed. Place the bag on a cutting board and gently beat it with a rolling pin. Hold the rolling pin like a hammer and continue to beat the bag until the peanuts inside have flattened into one single layer. Use both hands to roll the rolling pin over the bag of peanuts. Press down on the rolling pin as you roll it across the bag to help crush up the nuts. Dump the peanuts out of the bag and onto the cutting board. Use your hand to spread the peanuts out in a single, concentrated layer at the center of the board. Use the rolling pin to press down on the peanuts and crush them. Carry the rolling pin across the layer of peanuts, stopping and pressing down on each row until you feel the peanuts crush underneath. Lift and press the rolling pin, don't roll it. Continue doing this until you're satisfied with how crushed the peanuts are. | Shell some peanuts and put them in a freezer for several hours. Pour 1 cup (.2 liters) of the cold peanuts into a food processor. Put the lid on the food processor and hold down the pulse button. Alternate between pulsing and resting until the peanuts are crushed. Empty the crushed peanuts into a dish and repeat with more peanuts. Fill a small plastic bag with 1 cup (.2 liters) of unshelled peanuts. Place the bag on a cutting board and gently beat it with a rolling pin. Use both hands to roll the rolling pin over the bag of peanuts. Dump the peanuts out of the bag and onto the cutting board. Use the rolling pin to press down on the peanuts and crush them. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Bean-Bag | How to Make a Bean Bag | To make a bean bag chair, start by cutting out two large circles of fabric that are about the same diameter as you'd like your finished chair to be. Next, place the circles of fabric on top of each other, with the right sides facing each other. Then, sew around the edges of the fabric twice, so that there is a 1/2 inch seam as well as a 3/4 inch seam, leaving a hole that's big enough to fit your hand in. Finally, turn the fabric right side out through the hole and fill it with beans or polyester pellets before sewing up the hole by hand. | Pick out your materials. You will need a large amount of fabric, at least 25 X 25 inches, in order to make multiple beanbags. The fabric is usually a cotton polyester blend and can be found either prepackaged or on the bar at your local arts and crafts store. You can buy material that serves as both the front and back of the bean bag, or purchase different fabrics for the front and back. You will also need: Sewing machine Sewing thread which matches your design Ruler Pencil Scissors and/or rotary blade Dried beans, corn, or peas found in bags at your local grocery store Cut your fabric to the appropriate size. For each bean bag you will need two pieces of fabric, each 5 X 5 inches. It is best to measure the distance with a ruler, making marks with your pencil. Then cut both squares out with a pair of scissors or a rotary blade. If you use a rotary blade, make sure you are cutting on a safe surface like a cutting board. Iron your fabric (optional). If you wish to iron the fabric so that it is not wrinkled, place a tea towel overtop each piece of fabric. Plug in your iron, wait for it to heat up, and press gently against the tea towel. Do not let the iron sit on the towel too long. Keep it moving. Make sure you are ironing on a safe surface such as an ironing board. Keep the iron away from children. Arrange your fabric. Take one of your pieces of fabric and lay it face up (design up). Then take your other piece of fabric and lay it face down, overtop of the other piece. Make sure the edges are flush with one another. You should not be able to see any of the front design of your fabric. Stitch your fabric together. First, take a few sewing pins and stick them through the two pieces of fabric. This will hold them together as you are sewing them. Next, place one of the edges underneath the sewing needle of your sewing machine. You will want to sew a 1/2 inch inseam around the edges of your pieces of fabric. As you are sewing around the edge, hold the pieces of fabric tightly together with your hands. However, make sure to keep your fingers away from the needle. When you get to the corners you can either reposition your fabric 90 degrees and begin stitching again, or make a diagonal stitch before you begin stitching the next side. Stitch all the way around until you are about 3 inches away from where you started. Stop there, as you will use this "pocket" in later steps. Invert your fabric and fill it up. Take your thumb and pointer finger and place them inside the opening you left. Grab the farthest inside edge and pull the fabric through the hole. After you have gotten most of the fabric out of the hole, you can go back in with your fingers to poke the corners so that they are sharp and crisp. Slowly pour in either dried beans, corn, or peas. You can tilt the bag, grab some with your hands, or pour them through the funnel. You do not want to pack them tight. The beanbags are meant to be grabbed and handled, so it still needs to be slightly loose. Try to leave at least a 1/2 inch of fabric empty on the inside. Stitch the pocket together. Take the two loose edges of fabric and place them back underneath your sewing needle. Stitch a 1/2 inch inseam onto the opened pocket. You now have a completed beanbag. Repeat the previous steps until you have the correct amount of beanbags you need. Determine the diameter of your chair. This is totally up to you as to how wide you want your chair to be. Some people like beanbag chairs which are about the size of a normal chair. Others like the chair to be almost oversized, so that they can rest their arms on the excess fabric. The average width of an average beanbag chair is around 32 inches wide. 42 inches wide will get you a large beanbag chair, while 56-70 inches will produce an extra large beanbag chair. You may want to visit stores which sell beanbag chairs to measure each size of beanbag chair and see how they feel. Because this project is relatively easy, you can afford to make a mistake, and restart with a different size. Pick out a fabric. The best thing to buy is a cotton-polyester blended fabric in your local arts and crafts store. Beanbag chairs that are available in stores are usually made with specially designed, elastic fabric which is not easily available. You can of course choose from any design they have available, such as solid colors, polka dots, stripes, animal prints, etc. Determine the size of your piece of fabric. All you have to do is add 4 inches to the total width of your chair. For example, let's assume that your diameter length will be 60 inches long. Add 4 inches to this length and you get 64 inches. Therefore, you will need to purchase either two separate pieces of fabric, each 64X64 inches, or one continuous piece of fabric that is 64X128 inches. You need two pieces of fabric to form the top and bottom of your chair. Don't worry if you buy one continuous piece of fabric. All you have to do is cut it in half using scissors when you get it home so that you have two even squares. If the fabric is available directly off the bar, you can get it cut exactly the size you need. If however it is only available prepackaged, make sure you buy a piece of fabric that is larger than what you will need. Cut out circles on your fabric. If you have bought one large piece of fabric, now is the time to cut the piece in half so that you have two equal squares. You will then flip both pieces of fabric over on a safe, flat surface so that the design is facing down. Draw a circle on each piece of fabric. Both circles should have the same diameter. The diameter of your circles should be the desired width of your chair (as decided on earlier). If you need help drawing circles, please visit: How to Draw a Circle. Once you have made a circle on each piece of fabric, cut them out with a pair of scissors. Sew together your two circles. Place one circle face up on a flat surface. Place the other circle directly on top of the other circle, face down. Make sure to get the circles as closely matched up as possible. Take out your sewing machine. Place the edge of the two circles underneath the threaded needle. You will first make a 1/2 inch inseam around to stitch your circles together. Leave a hole at the end so that you can get your hand in between the circles. You will then go back in the opposite direction, this time sewing a 3/4 inch inseam. Once more, do not sew over the hole you will need to put your hand through. After you have stitched your circles together, remove them safely from the sewing machine. Take a pair of scissors and trim off the excess fabric, about 1/4 inch close to the 1/2 inch inseam. Finish off your beanbag chair. First, put your hand through the hole you did not stitch. Reach all the way through and grab the seam on the other side. Pull the fabric through the hole flipping it inside-out (design should now be on the outside). Poke your hand back through the hole to push against the seams, and make sure the fabric is poked all the way out. Fill your beanbag chair with whatever you like. You can use standard stuffing material. You can use real beans. Polyester pellets are also a very popular item to use. All of these can be found at your local arts and crafts store. Finally, sew the hole by hand. You will need a small, sharp needle and some embroidery floss which matches your other thread. For more information about how to stitch, visit: How to Sew | Pick out your materials. Cut your fabric to the appropriate size. Iron your fabric (optional). Arrange your fabric. Stitch your fabric together. Invert your fabric and fill it up. Stitch the pocket together. Determine the diameter of your chair. Pick out a fabric. Determine the size of your piece of fabric. Cut out circles on your fabric. Sew together your two circles. Finish off your beanbag chair. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-College-Professor | How to Become a College Professor | If you want to become a college professor, go to college and earn a bachelor's degree in the field you hope to teach. Spend extra time studying for the courses in your major, since those grades will affect your acceptance to graduate school. After graduation, apply to a graduate program that offers the opportunity to gain teaching experience, then complete your program as well as your dissertation. Once you have a master's degree, apply to positions with colleges that offer programs in your field until you find one that's the right fit for you. | Succeed in high school. If you know in high school that you would like to become a college professor, then get the highest grades possible so you can gain admission into an excellent undergraduate institution. Reputable graduate programs often accept applicants from similarly reputable colleges and universities. Set a clear study schedule for yourself and plan out your assignments weeks in advance. If you plan ahead now, you will establish the necessary time management skills you will need in college. Divide your time into manageable chunks. Don't plan for large chunks of time (like 4 or 5 hours) because it might be harder to maintain that level of attention and commitment. Instead, create manageable 1-2 hours blocks of time to study and complete projects. Study for your standardized tests. Your SAT and ACT scores are a key part of your application package. You can find study tips and practice tests at the College Board's web site. You should study for a few months before the test -- don't cram for it the night before. You can also check out test prep books at you local library, take prep courses offered by companies like Pearson and Kaplan or look into studying with a private tutor. Research undergraduate programs with successful graduates. Many college departments will list how many students gain acceptance to graduate school on their web site. You can also ask an admissions officer how many students go onto Ph.D. programs from their university's department. Consider the size and scope of your university. Small liberal arts colleges are great for getting a personalized attention, but they tend not to have the resources for archival research provided by larger universities. Similarly, with a larger university, you will need to work extra hard to become known to your professors since many of them will teach very large survey courses or they will only teach upper level courses and graduate courses. Attend department events and stop by your professor's office hours to express your interest in the material and discuss specific projects. This will help your professors get to know you when they have hundreds of other students. If you are planning to attend a large university, you should also look into joining an honors college within the university as this will give you a smaller cohort and more individual attention. Perform well in college. Your performance in your undergraduate program will be the major factor that your graduate committee will consider when they admit you. Make sure you manage your course load so you can balance your responsibilities. Anything more than four reading intensive courses each semester will be difficult to manage. Don't overload courses. You will need to strengthen your reading skills in college as most graduate programs require you to analyze an intensive amount of reading material. But don't feel pressure to cram extra courses into each semester. Talk to your advisor about the recommended amount of courses to take for your graduate school aspirations. Maintain a high GPA. You should have a generally high GPA, but in the courses of your major, most graduate programs will expect you to earn grades of an A+, A or A-. If you have consistently earned C's, Ds or failed courses in your major, then graduate school might not be for you.. Work or volunteer as a tutor. This could be in a position in your school's writing center or you could tutor students at a local high school. In most graduate programs, you will be expected to do some form of teaching and tutoring while you are an undergrad will indicate your interest in this role. Work or volunteer in a professor's laboratory. Many professors need and welcome undergraduates into their labs to do some of the basic tasks of research. The professor will likely write you a letter of recommendation and give you valuable advice for applying to graduate schools. Take an internship. An internship will give you valuable professional experience and will allow you to learn outside the space of a classroom. It will also help you to build a professional network outside of academia. Talk to your university's career center for tips on finding a rewarding internship. Build up other skills. While being a strong reader and writer are essential skills for most graduate programs, you should consider developing other skills that can translate inside and outside of academia. Consider taking a web development class and an introductory data analysis or statistics course. These courses will give you vital technological and quantitative skills that will translate into a variety of professions, not just graduate school. Take a graduate level course. In your senior year, consider enrolling in a graduate level course if your school offers a Master's or Ph.D. program. This will give you a sense of the level of work required by a more advanced degree. If your advisor is offering a graduate level course, ask them if you think you should enroll in it. This will let them know that you are interested in graduate study. Think about why you want to go to graduate school. In order to become a college professor, most departments require you to have a Ph.D. Before you begin the application process (which is very time consuming), you should think deeply about why you want to attend, especially when the promise of job security after you graduate with a Ph.D. is very unlikely. Are you afraid to go on the job market after graduating with your B.A.? Do you not know of anything else to do? These are not good reasons to go to graduate school. Even if you have a genuine passion for your discipline and want to study if further, consider if you would be willing to do this after ten years of very hard work with little pay and no job security. Research different programs. Particularly, research how many of their graduates have been placed in tenure-track jobs in the past ten years. If the department doesn't supply this information on their web site, this is a red flag. You should aim to apply for 10-15 programs. Aim high when you apply; only 50% of all Ivy League Ph.Ds go on to earn tenure-track jobs and the percentage decreases at lower tier programs. Going to a very prestigious school will help your chances of getting a tenure-track job. Find potential advisors. In graduate school, you will work much more closely with your advisor than in undergrad. You should look for faculty members who have the title of Associate Professor or just Professor. This means they have tenure and they have a stable future at the university. If a faculty member has a title of Assistant Professor or Visiting Assistant Professor, then this means they are only tenure-track or on a limited term appointment. Do not pick them as an advisor as their future at the university is uncertain. As most Ph.D. programs last between 5-7 years, you will need someone who will be at the university for a long time to support you and approve your dissertation. Take the time to read that professor's research. Don't just peruse their interests as they are listed on the faculty web site -- read articles and books by them to see what kinds of contributions they have made to their field. Consider the funding options. Don't go into significant debt for a Ph.D. Unlike a J.D. or an M.D. degree, the Ph.D. generally does not offer very lucrative careers that can pay down large amounts of debt (the average salary of a tenure-track Assistant Professor is $53,000; the average salary of adjunct professors is $25,000-$27,000, although it can be much lower). Your Ph.D. program should at least cover tuition and should also provide some sort of living stipend. , If you already have significant debt from your undergraduate degree, you should consider if it is worth it to take on additional debt for another degree or if it might be worth to spend a few years paying down your debt. Many programs offer funding through Teaching Assistantships or Instructor positions. Beware of programs that want you to begin teaching in your first year of coursework or programs that want you to teach more than one course a semester. A heavy teaching load will make it difficult for you to finish your research. Look for grants on the U.S. Department of Education's web site or for grants offered for graduate students by your professional organization (such as American Psychological Association). Make an application timeline. After you have decided which 10-15 programs you want to apply to, make a timeline including all the relevant information for each application. When is the due date for each application? Do they all require the same materials or do some require different components (such as a portfolio)? You should start the application process a few months before each due date. Talk to your advisors and let them know you are thinking of applying to graduate school. Ask them if they will be able to write letters of recommendation for you. You should make a formal request for a letter of recommendation at least a month before the application is due. At the beginning of the fall semester of your senior year (or in August if you have graduated), contact your university's career for any guidance on applying to graduate school. They will have lots of guidance and can help you network with alumnae who have gone on to graduate school. Study for the GRE (or Graduate Records Examination). Most Ph.D. programs require the GRE; they often also require a GRE subject test in your area. As with the SAT, you should give yourself time to study and practice taking this test. Do not cram in the night or week before the test. Look for prep test courses and study guides offered by your university's career center. You can also study with guide books, takes practice tests offered through Educational Testing Service, or look into using a tutor to help you prepare. In most major cities, the GRE is offered year round when taken on the computer. The fee for taking the test is $195 and can be paid on-line with most major credit or debit cards at Educational Testing Service's web site. Prepare your personal statement. Your cover letter should clearly state your professional interests in the program and which field of study you would like to pursue. Most graduate programs require some form of specialization (i.e. if you study history, you will have to choose a geographical and historical specialization, like early American history before the Civil War). Clearly state which faculty members you want to work with in your cover letter. Explain how their research interests align with yours. Discuss which experiences in your background make you prepared to study this field. Avoid making any cliche statements, such as sentences that start with the phrase "I always knew I wanted to teach this subject" or "Ever since I was a child, I loved reading." Instead, focus on what research questions you are interested in exploring in the program. Obsessively proofread your cover letter. If you include any typos or grammatical errors, this will indicate to the committee that you are either a weak writer or a lazy one. Don't let you entire application be thrown out over something that is easily fixable. Learn more at our Guide to Writing a Personal Statement for Grad School Submit a stellar writing sample. Your writing sample should be flawless and meet the page requirements as stipulated in the application. Do not include a shorter or longer sample; this is a quick way to get your application dismissed. Make sure the writing sample is a reflection of your research interests. If you want to study ancient Egyptian art but your writing sample is on the Impressionist movement in the late 19th century, then this will not give the committee a clear idea of your research strengths. Work with your college's writing center to get feedback on your writing sample. Does it make sense to someone who doesn't know very much about the subject of your research? Is it clearly written? As with your personal statement, make sure your writing sample is grammatically pristine and contains no typos. Be polite. After you have submitted your application, be patient when waiting to hear back. Most graduate school applications are due in late fall/early winter but you may not hear back until the middle of the spring semester. Do not harass the department administrative assistant for updates on the status of your application. This is a quick way to get rejected. The school will let you know if your application has been accepted or rejected. Visit the campus. Some programs require their applicants to interview before they admit them. You should participate in this interview if only to get a more in-depth sense of the program and how it supports its graduate students. Many other programs will offer visiting weekends for students who have been accepted. Once you have narrowed your choices down to 3-4 options, try to visit at the schools you are most interested in. Meet with the faculty members you want to study with on your visit. Are they interested in working with you? Do they have no clue who you are? Do they seem to be the most popular advisor in the department, perhaps working with too many graduate students? If you answer yes to the latter two questions, that might be a sign this department wouldn't be the best fit for you. Ask questions from current students in your program who work with the faculty members you want to work with. Does the faculty member support his or her advisees? Will she provide feedback on your research in a timely manner? Does she encourage students to attend conferences or meet colleagues she knows at other institutions? Does she help students to get published in reputable journals? Consider other factors about the institution. Is the university in a very small college town or is it in a bustling, expensive city? Is this a place that you would be happy to live in for 5-7 years? How will you be able to afford to live in this place on a graduate student stipend? If you can, try to stay with a current graduate student when you visit. That way, you will get a sense of what kind of housing grad students can afford. Can they live on their own in a nice neighborhood or do they have to have multiple roommates? Is it easy to find an apartment in the city or is the rental market really competitive? Ace your coursework. For the first couple years in your program, you will likely be required to take a range of courses. Try to focus on taking classes with the faculty members you want to advise your dissertation. Taking a class with a faculty member will give them a sense of your strengths and interests. Read strategically. You will have an overwhelming amount of reading to complete in graduate school -- perhaps multiple books each week. As you read, take in-depth notes and highlight the most important sections or moments from each text. You can also generally get a reading list from your professor or find the book list on the course schedule in the summer or winter break before the class starts. Completing some of this reading ahead of time will give you a lighter load for when you are mired in work during the semester. In your first and second years, you should attend as many department events as you can -- talks from current faculty and visiting scholars, graduate student presentations, department parties, etc. This will show your investment in your professional setting. Join the academic conversation. In your first and second years, you should spend time familiarizing yourself with your academic field. Spend a couple hours each week reading the major academic journals in your field (if you don't know what these are, ask your advisor or a faculty member in that field). This will give you a sense of the broader conversations happening in your discipline. Join your professional organization. You should join early in your career in graduate school and maintain your membership. Most organizations offer reduced membership fees for graduate students. If you are studying English or a romance language, this will be the MLA (Modern Language Association), or the American Psychological Association if you are in a psychology department. In your third or fourth years of the program, you should plan to attend the major conference hosted by this institution. Make publishing a priority. Most tenure-track jobs (even at less research focused institutions) now require applicants to have published at least one article. Scientific disciplines often expect an even more extensive publication record since most papers contain multiple authors. Join a writing group in your department (or start one if it does not already exist) that will give you deadlines for turning a paper you wrote for your course work or qualifying exams into a piece of criticism. Remember that the process for publishing can take a long time. Some journals might take months before they let you know if they have accepted, rejected or requested that you revise and resubmit your article. After that, it could take even longer before it appears in print. If you want to have a publication by the fourth year in your program, then start to prepare it in your second year. Ask your advisor for guidance on which journal you should send your article to. Some journals do not publish graduate students as a rule whereas others are more welcoming toward junior scholarship. Gain teaching experience. Teaching experience will prepare you for the daily responsibilities of a college professor. Many Ph.D. programs have teaching opportunities built into their programs, where you will often teach freshmen or sophomore level courses or leading a lab for a large section of an introductory course. If these opportunities are not built into your program, then you may need to apply for teaching opportunities. Talk to your advisor about the best way to secure a teaching appointment. Look into taking a Teaching Assistant position. In these positions, you generally assist a professor with things like grading, taking attendance, and helping students during group work in class. But make sure that you have the opportunity to contribute some of your knowledge to the course; just working as a grader might not give you enough professional experience to be a teacher. Save lesson plans, syllabi, student evaluations and lecture notes for your teaching portfolio. These will be necessary documents for when you apply for a tenure track job. Consider interdisciplinary certificate programs. Many graduate schools will offer certificate programs for graduate students in other departments that supplement your core interests as a scholar. Popular options often include programs in Women and Gender Studies, American Studies, Writing and Rhetoric, Non-Profit Management, Digital Humanities, On-line Teaching and Learning, Instructional Design, etc. Completing a certificate in one of these programs could make you a more competitive candidate for jobs inside and outside academia than applicants who just have a degree in one field. Design a compelling dissertation. The most complicated component of the Ph.D. program is writing and defending a dissertation, which is a book-length research project. Most departments will require that you submit a proposal at the beginning of the writing process for your topic. When you finish writing it, you will have to defend your work in front of a committee of faculty members who have read it. Set up a clear, easy-to-follow writing schedule with frequent deadlines. Some programs will give you a year of funding to write you dissertation; you should have at least a couple chapters completed before you embark on this. Break down your time into manageable chunks. Give yourself one or two hour blocks of time with achievable goals, like adding an extra three pages to your introduction or analyzing in an extra scholarly source. Maintain clear communication with your advisor. As you are writing, don't fall off of your advisor's radar. They should approve each chapter as you go. Plan to check in with them every 2-3 weeks during the writing process so they get a sense of your progress. Schedule your defense far in advance. Once you have completed your dissertation, Most Ph.D. programs require you have somewhere between 4-6 faculty members to conduct a defense of your work. They will ask you critical questions about the strength of your arguments and also offer other perspectives on your work. Coordinating the schedules of multiple academics can be tricky. In many departments, the administrative assistant will coordinate the schedules of your readers, establish a date and time, and book a room for you, but you should contact him early in the semester you plan to defend to do this. To prepare for your defense, re-read important moments in your dissertation (introduction, conclusion and the thesis statements of each chapter) so you can quickly and eloquently respond with the key points of your argument. Take a deep breath and remember that no one knows your work better than you. You have spent years with this material and you have every ability to defend it successfully. Go on the job market. Most tenure track jobs are posted in the fall semester of the academic year before they are meant to begin. They will generally have the title of Assistant Professor. Job postings for tenure track jobs are often listed on the web site of your major professional organization (like the Modern Language Association or Computer Research Association) or other places like HigherEdJobs, the Chronicle of Higher Education, and H-Net. Most academic candidates go on the market in the last year of their program when they are still ABD (all but dissertation). You should plan to have defended your dissertation and earned your degree by the time the tenure track job begins in the fall of the next academic year. You will generally need many of the same documents that you used to get into graduate school: a cover letter (personal statement), a C.V. listing your academic accomplishments such as publications or teaching awards, a writing sample, letters of recommendation from your advisors, etc. You also will be frequently required to present a teaching portfolio consisting of things like student evaluations, lesson plans, a statement of your teaching philosophy, etc. Survive the job interview. Interviews for tenure track jobs are notoriously rigorous. First, you may have to pass preliminary interviews conducted at the conference hosted by your major professional organization. You may also have a phone or Skype interview, which will be less expensive to attend than traveling to the professional conference. You will generally be asked questions about your research, what contributions do you make to the field, how did you become interested in your topic, etc. You will also be asked questions about teaching -- such as how you structure a lesson plan or how you manage a large survey class. You should have tangible examples to provide when you get these questions. After you pass the preliminary round of interviews, you will be asked to come on a campus interview. The campus interview generally lasts 2-3 days. You will travel to campus and may be required to do some of the following things: give an extended talk (25-50 minutes) on your research interests, lead a class to demonstrate your teaching interests, and conduct multiple smaller interviews with members of the job search committee or other faculty members. Always express interest in the research of other faculty members while you are on your visit. You want to make it clear that you are a helpful, congenial potential colleague. You also will be required to meet with the Chair of your department, the Dean of your college and possibly other administrative figures. These interviews generally take place in the spring semester before the fall semester when they plan to hire you. Prepare for tenure review. Once you have been hired, most institutions expect to assess faculty members for tenure within seven years of starting as an Assistant Professor. However, they will often require pre-tenure review within the first two years of appointment and then again in the fourth of fifth years. Departments have different requirements for tenure review. Once tenure is awarded, the professor has a secure future at the university (barring any major financial crisis) and the professor can enjoy a lifelong career teaching students in the subject of their expertise. For the humanities, you often have to publish at least one book with a reputable academic press and/or multiple articles in well-respected journals. For the sciences, you have to receive funding from an institution like the National Institutes of Health or the National Science Foundation to start a lab and procure the equipment need to conduct your experiments. Writing and winning grants for this has become increasingly difficult, especially with major financial cuts to these institutions. Learn the culture of your department. As you are preparing to apply for tenure, consider where you should focus your energies. Does the department value research or teaching more? If it values research, resist the urge to spend extra time mentoring students or planning events for students in the department. Put that time into conducting research. Similarly, if the department mostly values commitment to students (as frequently is the case as liberal arts colleges and community colleges), then put more of your focus on advising and supporting students. Consider serving as the advisor to a student group in your department. Always talk to your chair or dean about the expectations for tenure at your university. Most schools want to improve their national profile, which means that the will value research. From your first year forward, work as hard as you can to meet those expectations. Maintain the appropriate records. For your tenure review, you will often be required to produce an extensive file of documents cataloguing your successes in the department. These often include: Student evaluations and evidence of your teaching record (lesson plans, syllabi, etc.) Copies of all of your publications or any technical documents/creative projects Letters from scholars at other institutions which assess the value of your research A log of your service to your institution, any additional certifications you have earned After you have compiled your dossier, the tenured members of your department will vote on whether or not to recommend you for tenure, Your file will also be sent out to other faculty members from other departments for review. The final decision will be made by the President, Provost or Chancellor at your university. Go on the job market. With the increasing scarcity of tenure-track jobs, more Ph.D. holders are taking limited term or contingent faculty positions. Non-tenure track professors currently make up more than 70% of all teaching positions in the American university. Some of these titles include: Post-doctoral research fellow Visiting Assistant Professor Lecturer (often with different levels such as Lecturer I or II or Senior Lecturer) Adjunct The first two categories of jobs can sometimes be found posted during the fall alongside tenure track jobs, but they are also regularly posted during the spring and throughout the academic year. Lecturer and Adjunct positions are often interviewed closer to the start of the upcoming school year in which they are needed. Interview for a NTT job. The interview process for these jobs can be very similar to a tenure track job; you may have to go on a campus visit and give a presentation, but the focus will probably be more on your teaching abilities than your research. Beware of post-doc positions that have heavy teaching loads (such as a 4-4). A post-doc is meant to help you turn your dissertation into a book manuscript to publish. If the position requires you to have a heavy teaching load, you might not be able to accomplish this. Understand the perils of adjuncting. With the rising costs of tuition and the growth of administrative salaries, many schools have turned to adjuncting to cover the bulk of their teaching needs. Adjuncts are Ph.D. holders who are often kept on a part-time basis so they do not receive benefits or health insurance from the university. They are not paid a salary but rather, on a per-course fee which averages $2700.00. Currently, adjuncts make up more than 50% of the current college faculty workforce and they earn on average $25,000-$27,000 a year. Because institutions are hesitant to grant adjuncts course loads that would make them full-time employees, many adjuncts are forced to teach at multiple schools in any given semester. They might have long commutes to get to many different campuses. Departments are also likely to cut courses at the last minute, leaving adjuncts to scramble to find other ways to supplement a meager salary. Working as an adjunct provides very little job security. Consider other career options. You might decide that working long hours for little pay, no health insurance, and no stability is not for you. In this case, you should spend part of your graduate career preparing for a life off the tenure track or even out of academia altogether. Build up a portfolio of non-academic writing. You can volunteer to edit medical or technical documents, write grants for a non-profit in your area, or freelance for a local magazine or newspaper. But you should have a body of writing that translates outside of academia. Prepare to revise your job search materials. While a C.V. is supposed to be multiple pages in length, a resume should be no longer than one. A cover letter should be just one page also. You must learn how to communicate your transferrable skills. If you lead a lab, you have project management skills. If you wrote and structured your dissertation, then you have excellent organizational prowess. Think of alternative career paths. Many Ph.D.s go on to have successful careers in industry, non-profits, teaching at private high schools, researching in governmental jobs, or by starting their own businesses. Talk to the Career Center at your graduate institution about finding ways of transitioning out of academia. The web site VersatilePhD also provides tips from Ph.D.s who have found career paths beyond the tenure track. | Succeed in high school. Research undergraduate programs with successful graduates. Perform well in college. Take an internship. Build up other skills. Take a graduate level course. Think about why you want to go to graduate school. Research different programs. Find potential advisors. Consider the funding options. Make an application timeline. Study for the GRE (or Graduate Records Examination). Prepare your personal statement. Submit a stellar writing sample. Be polite. Visit the campus. Ace your coursework. Join the academic conversation. Make publishing a priority. Gain teaching experience. Consider interdisciplinary certificate programs. Design a compelling dissertation. Schedule your defense far in advance. Go on the job market. Survive the job interview. Prepare for tenure review. Learn the culture of your department. Maintain the appropriate records. Go on the job market. Interview for a NTT job. Understand the perils of adjuncting. Consider other career options. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Crawfish-Trap | How to Make a Crawfish Trap | To make a crawfish trap, start by cutting two soda bottles horizontally, one in half and the other a few inches closer to the top. Then, remove the lid from the shorter bottle and fit the short bottle into the longer one. Next, drill 5 holes on the bottom edge of the bottles and secure zip ties through the holes so they stay together. Once the bottles are attached to each other, tie fishing weights near the top and bottom of the trap so that it will sink. Finally, bait the trap with a piece of fish or meat so that crawfish will crawl in to get it, then not be able to climb back out. | Find two two-liter soda bottles. The brand does not matter, but they should be clean and intact. Rinse the bottles out with a sink or hose before using. Remove any paper labels that might come off into the water when wet. If you don't rinse the bottles or remove the sticker, you risk contaminating the stream or pond where you're trapping the crawfish. Cut the first bottle in half. Use scissors or a sharp knife to cut the bottle open around its circumference. Make the cut about half an inch above the halfway point. Make sure that the edge is even and smooth all the way around the bottle. Cut the second bottle. Make the incision a few inches higher up from the corresponding point where you cut the first bottle. The bottles will need to fit into one another, so make sure that the edges are clean. Put the bottles together. Build a funnel-like ramp for the crawfish to crawl into the bottle. First, unscrew the lid of the smaller bottle top. Fit the lid and "top" of this smaller bottle into the open end of the larger bottle piece. This way, you'll have a wide opening for the crawfish to crawl into the "bottom", but it will be difficult for the creature to find its way back out. Drill five holes along the bottom of the contraption. You will use these holes to tie the inner and outer bottle together into a crawfish trap. Make sure that the bottles stay together. The holes should line up through the inner and outer bottle. Use a power drill, an awl, or any other safe perforation tool. Drill the holes very carefully. Make sure that the bottles don't slip while you're drilling, or else the holes will not line up. Be very cautious if you use a knife or awl. It can be difficult to make a clean hole straight through a two-liter bottle, let alone through two. The surface is slick, and a knife can easily slip. If possible, use a drill. Drill five more holes above the first five. Each new hole should be about a centimeter directly above one of the original holes. You will thread a string or zip tie through the top and bottom holes in order to tie to the bottles together. Alternately, you can use only the first set of holes. In this case, you will simply thread the zip ties through this first set, then fasten them on the outside of the bottle rim. Zip-tie the holes. From the outside of the trap, run a zip tie through one of the lower holes. Then, thread it out through the adjacent top hole. Tighten the zip tie so that it holds the trap together. Repeat until you have fastened five zip ties all the way around the bottle. There should be no gaps between the bottles, and the rig should not be loose. Trim the zip ties. Use a pair of scissors to snip the extra length off of each of the zip ties. This step is not essential, but it will make your trap tighter and cleaner. You may find that mud, weeds, and other gunk get stuck on loose zip tie ends. Attach a weight to the bottom of the bottle. Crawfish tend to spend their time along the bottom of shallow rivers and brooks. The added weight will make the trap sink to the bottom so that crawfish are more likely to wander inside. Poke a small hole through the very bottom of the trap, then tie on a lead fishing weight with a small zip tie. You may need to experiment with the weight to make sure that the trap sinks all the way to the bottom – but 1-5 pounds should do the trick. Attach a weight to the top part of the bottle. Use the same weight size that you used on the bottom, or something slightly lighter. This will keep the trap balanced at the bottom of the stream. If only the bottom is weighted, the opening of the trap may get stuck in the mud. Bait the trap. Unscrew the top cap, and drop the bait into the chamber. When you've set the bait, screw the top cap back on so that the crawfish cannot escape. Use fish to mimic the natural diet of the crawfish. Many Swedish fishermen use sunfish, shiners, and herring; Cajun fishermen traditionally use gizzard shad and pogies; West Coast fishermen often use salmon heads and other oily fish. If possible, use fish caught in the same body of water where you're trying to catch the crawfish. If you don't have access to any fish, you can use raw meat: a piece of uncooked bacon, chicken, or hot dog can do the trick. Do not expect this bait to be as effective as fish. Tie a thin rope or sturdy string to the trap. You can tie a string underneath the lid, or you can attach it to one of the zip ties. Consider drilling two more small holes, then threading the rope through these holes. This rope should keep the trap from floating off downstream. You will use it to adjust and harvest the trap. Set the trap. First, tie the rope to a tree, a post, or another sturdy object to hold the trap in place. Finally, toss the trap a few feet out into the water, and make sure that it sinks. Check the rope to make sure that it's sturdy. Leave the trap in the stream overnight: crawfish tend to be most active in the dark, so you will be more likely to catch one overnight than during the day. In theory, the crawfish smell food and climb through the lid. When they want to get out, they can't figure out how to climb back through the hole to freedom. If you only wait a few hours or overnight, the crawfish should survive on the bait until you check the trap. If you wait much longer than a day or two, the crawfish might starve to death by the time that you come around. Be aware that the crawfish may not be able to breathe. Check the trap. When you return the next day, pull the trap out of the water by hauling on the rope. If it feels heavier than it should, it may be full of crawfish, or it may have sunk into the mud of the riverbed. Pull the trap out of the water and examine your catch! To empty the trap, simply unscrew the top cap of the bottle, then pour the crawfish into a bucket or net. | Find two two-liter soda bottles. Cut the first bottle in half. Cut the second bottle. Put the bottles together. Drill five holes along the bottom of the contraption. Drill five more holes above the first five. Zip-tie the holes. Trim the zip ties. Attach a weight to the bottom of the bottle. Attach a weight to the top part of the bottle. Bait the trap. Tie a thin rope or sturdy string to the trap. Set the trap. Check the trap. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Pimples-with-Baking-Soda | How to Get Rid of Pimples with Baking Soda | To get rid of pimples on your face with baking soda, mix 1 part baking soda with 1 part water and use it as a spot treatment on the pimples. You can also make a baking soda mask by mixing 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 2 tablespoons of water and then applying it to your face for 15-30 minutes. To get rid of body pimples, soak in a bath filled with warm water and 1/2 cup of baking soda. | Use baking soda as a spot treatment for pimples on your face. To make a spot treatment out of baking soda, mix 1 part baking soda with 1 part water in a small cup or bowl. Then, apply a thin layer of the baking soda paste to any pimples on your face that you want to get rid of. You can leave the baking soda spot treatment on your pimples for 15-30 minutes a time, less if you have sensitive skin. If this helps, you can extend how long you keep it on for. When you're done with the spot treatment, remove it by washing your face or wiping the baking soda off with a warm washcloth. If you notice any irritation or if your acne starts to get worse, stop using baking soda as a spot treatment. Try using baking soda as an exfoliating face wash 2-3 times a week. Gentle exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells that can clog your pores and cause breakouts. To make an exfoliating face wash with baking soda, add 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of baking soda to the face wash you usually use. If you don't have a face wash to use, mix the baking soda with 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of raw honey instead. When you're washing your face, gently scrub the face wash into your skin using small circular motions. Be careful not to scrub the face wash into the sensitive skin around your eyes. Apply a baking soda mask to your face once a week. A weekly baking soda mask can also help get rid of pimples on your face. To make the mask, mix 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of baking soda with 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of water in a bowl. Then, spread the baking soda mask onto your face, being careful not to get it in your eyes. Leave the mask on for 15-30 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. If you have sensitive skin, start with 5-10 minutes. If the mask is too thick to spread onto your face or so thin that it's dripping, adjust how much baking soda and water you're using. Take a baking soda bath to clear up body acne. A baking soda bath is an easy way to treat pimples on your body with baking soda. To prepare the bath, fill your bathtub with warm water and then add ⁄ 2 cup (120 mL) of baking soda. Soak in the bath for 15-30 minutes. If your skin is sensitive, use more water to dilute the baking soda. Only soak for 5-10 minutes at a time. While you're soaking in the bath, use a loofah or sponge to rub the baking soda bath water into your skin. Try using baking soda as an exfoliating body scrub. Exfoliating your body can help prevent clogged pores and breakouts. To make a baking soda body scrub, mix 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water in a small container. Then, gently rub the mixture into your skin and rinse it off in the shower. You can also mix baking soda in with your regular body wash. Make a clarifying shampoo with baking soda to prevent neck and back acne. Clarifying shampoos help remove dirt and product build-up from hair that can cause breakouts on your neck and back. To make a clarifying shampoo with baking soda, add ⁄ 2 teaspoon (2.5 mL) of baking soda to a bottle of shampoo. Then, wash your hair like you normally would. Remember to rinse your hair thoroughly so the baking soda shampoo doesn't dry out your scalp. Use your baking soda clarifying shampoo once a month. Make a baking soda, honey, and lemon juice paste for stubborn pimples. To make the paste, mix ⁄ 2 teaspoon (2.5 mL) of baking soda, ⁄ 2 teaspoon (2.5 mL) of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of honey in a small bowl. Then, apply the paste to any irritated pimples you want to get rid of. Lemon juice can help decrease dark spots on the skin caused by pimples. The baking soda and lemon juice will help the pimples dry out, while the honey will reduce inflammation so the pimples are less red and swollen. Mix baking soda, avocado oil, and lavender oil to make a hydrating scrub. To make the scrub, combine 2 tablespoons (30 mL) each of baking soda and avocado oil in a small bowl. Then, add a few drops of lavender oil and thoroughly stir the mixture. To use the hydrating face scrub, gently massage it into your clean face for 5 minutes before rinsing it off. Use the scrub once a week to help prevent pimples from forming on your face. Use essential oils and baking soda to make a fragrant body scrub. Essential oils like lavender oil, spearmint oil, and lime oil can give your body scrub a nice, soothing smell. Just mix 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water and then add a few drops of your favorite essential oils. To use the body scrub, rub it into your skin with your hands or a loofah and then rinse it off in the shower. | Use baking soda as a spot treatment for pimples on your face. Try using baking soda as an exfoliating face wash 2-3 times a week. Apply a baking soda mask to your face once a week. Take a baking soda bath to clear up body acne. Try using baking soda as an exfoliating body scrub. Make a clarifying shampoo with baking soda to prevent neck and back acne. Make a baking soda, honey, and lemon juice paste for stubborn pimples. Mix baking soda, avocado oil, and lavender oil to make a hydrating scrub. Use essential oils and baking soda to make a fragrant body scrub. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prune-Verbena | How to Prune Verbena | To prune your verbena, wait until early spring when there are new green shoots along the base of the plant. Then, use hedge trimmers to cut the old stems down to 2 inches above the ground, which will let new shoots grow fuller. If you're unsure which ones are older, look for stems that are long, woody, and hard. You should also remove any dead growth near the ground, like brown stems that are drooping or dragging, since these can inhibit growth. Additionally, pull out any seedlings you see to prevent too many plants growing in the same area. | Wait until you start seeing new growth in the spring. This will usually occur after the last frost. You may notice new green shoots along the base of the plant or leaves growing on the stalks. This is a sign that you should cut back. Trim old stems down to 2 inches (5.1 cm) above the ground. Older stems are often long, woody, and hard. Use hedge trimmers to these down in favor of newer greener growth, which will usually only be a few inches high. This will let new shoots grow fuller while preventing old shoots from overtaking the plant. You only need 2 inches (5.1 cm) of the stems to remain. The plant will grow back quickly at this point if you cut it back close to the ground. If you see any new shoots coming out of the old stems near the ground, cut just above these. Make sure to wear protective clothing, like gloves, when trimming in the garden. Remove any dead growth near the ground. Look for stems or growth that have turned brown or are drooping or dragging on the ground. Cut off the dead growth at the ground. Toss these clippings into a compost pile or throw them away. If you see any mold or discolored patches on the leaves, cut these off, as they may be signs of disease. Pull out any seedlings. This will keep the plant from propagating. Verbena spreads its seeds very easily, and before you know it, your garden may be overrun. Around the base of your plant, look for cross-shaped seedlings. Pull these up from the ground if you don't want them to grow. Start after the first bloom in summer. This usually occurs in the middle of the season. Verbena plants often have brilliant first blooms, but if you don't trim these, the plant may not produce more flowers over the summer. Don't be afraid to trim the plant while the first blooms are still in place. By pruning it back early, you will get blooms throughout the summer and autumn. Trim the entire plant by one-quarter of its height. Use gardening shears or hedge trimmers. Cut back from the top of the plant, not the bottom. Within 15-20 days, you will have new blooms and growth to replace the old growth. This usually only needs to be done once after the first bloom. Make sure to wear protective clothing, like gloves and long sleeves, before trimming the plant. Continue to lightly prune the tips of the plant throughout summer. Verbena can grow very quickly, so you may need to trim it back to control growth throughout the season. To do this, cut about 2 inches (5.1 cm) off the ends of the plants where you want to control growth. You can do this about 2-3 times over the season or as needed. This is called tipping the plant. It can help the plant branch out, which will give you a fuller, bushier verbena plant instead of a sprawling or patchy plant. Remove any leaves that have powdery mildew. Verbena plants are generally hardy against disease, but if you've had a wet summer, you may need to remove any growth with powdery mildew. Look for white, dusty patches on the leaves. If you see any, pinch the leaves off or prune off the branch. Make sure to disinfect your shears both before and after pruning diseased plants with rubbing alcohol. You may need to apply a fungicide or neem oil to your verbena to get rid of the powdery mildew entirely. Aim to deadhead the plants about 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Consult an almanac or a weather service to see when the last frost usually occurs in your area. If you're unsure about the dates, plan to deadhead early in the autumn. Deadheading is the process of removing dead flowers, growth, or seed heads. This will help your plant grow new flowers next year. Cut dead or drooping flowers off at the base. As the flowers begin to droop, fade, or die, cut them off at the base of the flower. You can also twist the stem and pinch the flowers or seed heads off. Throw them in a compost pile or in the trash. Remove seed heads unless you want the verbena to propagate naturally. Seed heads are the top of the flower that contains the seeds after the petals have died or fallen off. Removing the seed heads keeps your verbena from spreading its seeds. If you want verbena to spread across your garden, don't remove the seed heads. If you allow the verbena to propagate naturally, you won't be able to control the spread of verbena, but the new seedlings may be hardier and more drought resistant than verbena grown from clippings. Some people prefer to leave seed heads in winter because it helps liven up the winter garden. If you prefer this look, remove any seedlings when you cut back the plant in spring. Avoid heavy pruning in autumn to help the plant survive in winter. While deadheading is useful in autumn, avoid doing any heavier trimming than that. This will help the verbena survive the winter. Save any additional pruning for early spring of the next year. Add mulch around the plant to protect it during winter. Once you have finished deadheading, add a layer of mulch around the base of the plant. You can use a mulch that contains wood shavings, leaf mold, or compost. This will help protect the verbena in the winter. | Wait until you start seeing new growth in the spring. Trim old stems down to 2 inches (5.1 cm) above the ground. Remove any dead growth near the ground. Pull out any seedlings. Start after the first bloom in summer. Trim the entire plant by one-quarter of its height. Continue to lightly prune the tips of the plant throughout summer. Remove any leaves that have powdery mildew. Aim to deadhead the plants about 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Cut dead or drooping flowers off at the base. Remove seed heads unless you want the verbena to propagate naturally. Avoid heavy pruning in autumn to help the plant survive in winter. Add mulch around the plant to protect it during winter. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Rekindle-Your-Sex-Life | How to Rekindle Your Sex Life | If your sex life has started to get boring, you can rekindle it by talking to your partner about your feelings. Set aside some time to discuss your sex life and what might have led to the spark fading. Consider factors like emotional distance, health, or increased responsibilities outside of the relationship, such as work. Once you have an idea of what the problem is, spend more time with each other and focus on connecting emotionally and being intimate. For example, set aside one night a week as a date night or write love letters to each other and read them before bed. When you're together, make plenty of eye contact so you'll feel more connected. Once you're ready to spice things up in bed, try surprising your partner when they come home from work by wearing new lingerie. | Talk to your partner. Communication is essential for a healthy sex life. When you want to get that spark back in your life, the easiest first step is to talk to your partner more often. It may help in the beginning to have an open and honest conversation together about your sex life. Try and determine what might have led to the spark fading. Once you understand some of the causes you can begin to find solutions for them. Consider factors like the following. A preoccupation with other responsibilities or life events. Emotional rifts in your relationship. Health crises A natural decline due to age. Set aside time to talk. It can be easy to get into bad habits or routines such as watching TV during dinner, or looking through your phone before you go to sleep. Change up your routine and instead use this time to talk about your relationship or your sex life. Schedule or set aside time to talk. Focus on connecting with each other and being present in the moment. Also while you're talking make sure you talk about each others sexual preferences so you know how to spice up the bedroom experience. This is vital if you want your sex to get better. Make evening meals a chance to discuss what you want for your future. Try turning off the TV and lighting some candles instead. Choose one night a week to designate as date night with your partner. Write love letters to each other and read them before bed. Increase intimacy. Intimacy means more than just having sex. You can increase intimacy through conversation, sharing experiences, and developing trust. Increasing your intimacy helps show your partner that you love them and want to rekindle your spark. It will also help you be present in your relationship and you sex life as well. Take the time to focus on each other in ways you maybe have not been able to in a while. Try the following. Face each other and make eye contact when you are talking or while silent. Be silly and share laughter together. Ask each other deeper questions about hopes, dreams, and memories. For example, "What is your most treasured memory?" or "What are your dreams for your life?" Talk about sex. As your relationship progresses what you find attractive may change. You and your partner may be operating under the turn-ons and turn-offs from earlier in your relationship. You also may not have discussed them in a long time. Take the time now to have a romantic conversation about what lights the spark and what puts it out. Talking about it before hand will also set the stage for being more open, talkative, and maybe even directive during sex. If you want to try something new, talk to your partner about it now. Talk about the best sex you've had together. Recall what you liked about it. Tell your partner. Talk about any fantasies you have or something you've always wanted to try. Talk about turn-ons and turn-offs. Try starting the conversation with, "We haven't talked about this in a while, and I'm curious. What turns you on? Is there anything that's a big turn off?" If you are nervous, try taking turns listing your turn-ons and turn-offs with your partner. If you are struggling to determine what turns you on now, try and reconnect with some turn-ons from earlier in your relationship and see if they still work. If you or your partner are still not sure, have a night where you both focus on just one partner and find out what your turn-ons are. Touch more often. Rekindling the spark in your sex life involves adding a bit of excitement back into your relationship. With the stress, responsibilities, and comfort in your relationship, maybe you and your partner don't touch as much throughout the day. Don't wait until you are behind closed doors or until you have the desire to have sex to touch one another. Touching more often can increase intimacy and shows your partner that you desire them. Hug each other for longer than usual. Hold hands. Give your partner a neck massage. Playfully brush against them or whisper in their ear. Try sexting. Being spontaneous will often involve adding new things suddenly to add excitement. Try sexting, which involves sending a sexy picture of yourself or a suggestive comment to your partner via cell phone. Keep your partner excited about what is to come and discover new sides of each other. Sexting can be new, exciting, and can open sexual communication between you and your partner. Take a trip. It is common to wait for special occasions or for family vacations to take trips with your partner. That's not a bad thing, but it also does not give you and your partner the feeling of excitement or of running away together. Plan a small trip for a few days for the two of you, just because. This will allow both of you to relax, unwind, and get more time to be with each other. Go to a nearby romantic cabin for a weekend. Take a short road trip without hotel reservations. Plan a quick getaway to the closest beach or island. Have spontaneous sex. To add a little fire to your sex life, try stealing your partner away from what they are doing for spontaneous sex where ever you can. Depending on where you are this might include having sex in the kitchen, in the car, or if you get a chance to in an elevator. You can also try having sex at a time that you normally would not, such as the afternoon. The spontaneity will help spice things up and the risk of being “caught” will add to the excitement. This can also increase the urge to have sex in both you and your partner. Dress differently. One quick and easy way to stir things up is to change the way you dress. This can include items you wear during the day to work or out to social activities, as well as what you wear in the bedroom or to sleep at night. Wear clothes that energize you and that you feel attractive in. Also choose clothes that you know your partner likes. Buy new lingerie that makes you feel attractive and pampered. Surprise your partner by being skimpily dressed or naked when they return from work or get out the shower. If you are used to wearing more baggy clothes, try something a little more form-fitting so your partner can enjoy getting to see your shape. Create a romantic atmosphere. In the beginning of your relationship, you may have tried setting the stage for romance. Get back to that excited feeling you had while dating and create a romantic atmosphere for you and your partner. Putting in the effort will show your partner you are committed to increasing the intimacy and reconnecting. Try the following to add a little more romance into your time together. Have soft, warm, and low light by dimming lamps or using candles. Play slow, romantic, or sexy music to set the mood. Stimulate the sense with scented candles, perfume, or room scents. Do activities together. Changing up your routine and doing things together allows you to step out of your comfort zone, adds excitement, and increases intimacy in your relationship. Try something altogether new, or take a normal task that you would typically do alone and complete it together. Shower together and apply soap or shampoo for each other. If you are feeling bold, have sex in the shower together. Exercise together. Exercise is beneficial not only to your health, but will also increase blood flow and flexibility in both you and your partner. Get competitive with an activity like tennis, rock climbing, or even with games at an arcade. Try phone sex. If you or your partner travel frequently or are often spending time apart, trying some of the other suggestions may be difficult. Instead try and explore any connections you have available, such as phone sex. Phone sex can be challenging, but it can also increase your communication and connection with your partner. It can additionally provide you with the opportunity to talk about fantasies or things you might be nervous about trying in person. Try the following. Start by talking to your partner over the phone about routine activities, while he/she is at work or away from home. Do this in small bits through the course of the day. Occasionally, add in some hints about how you are dressed at the moment or what thought just crossed your mind about your partner. Have longer conversations about fantasies that you have with your partner. Read erotica out loud together. Add food. Another suggestion to being spontaneous and trying something new can be to add food into your sex life. It sounds messy, but using food can be very arousing for you and your partner. Consider foods that are aphrodisiacs, or foods that cause an arousing physiological response, such as dark chocolate. Think of new and interesting ways to incorporate food into your time with your partner. Bring their favorite dessert and feed it to them. Try strawberries, cream, and champagne for a pampered luxurious vibe. Purchase and use edible body paint. Role play. Try to make sex a different experience every time you have it by trying role play. Role play is simply, the act of taking on a role, pretending to be other people, or pretending to be somewhere you are not. Role play gives you the opportunity to bring excitement into your relationship, try things you haven't before, and a freedom to get a little wild if you want. Pretend to be a masseuse and client. Act like you do not know each other and are meeting for the first time for your client's massage appointment. Try being a magician's assistant. It might involve blindfolds, handcuffs, or scarves. Discover power play. Start with little playful fights while in bed, ending in you overpowering your partner or vice versa. If you are comfortable, try giving one partner total control. Agree on sessions where, during an agreed upon amount of time, you or your partner gets to be "spoiled," or ask for whatever they want, within both of your comfort zones. | Talk to your partner. Set aside time to talk. Increase intimacy. Talk about sex. Touch more often. Try sexting. Take a trip. Have spontaneous sex. Dress differently. Create a romantic atmosphere. Do activities together. Try phone sex. Add food. Role play. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Semicolon | How to Use a Semicolon | The most common way to use a semicolon is to link two complete sentences rather than separating them by a period, whether they are simple sentences, contain internal punctuation, or are connected with a transitional phrase or conjunctive adverb such as “however,” “besides,” “finally,” or “in addition.” You can also use a semicolon to separate items in a complex list when the individual items contain punctuation. | Write one complete sentence. A complete sentence must contain a subject and a verb and be a complete thought. The subject is the person, place, or thing that the sentence is about, and the verb is the action that is being performed in the sentence. Ex: "Wanda couldn't fall asleep last night." Write another closely related sentence. This sentence must be strongly related to the first sentence for the semicolon to work. Ex: "She had too much on her mind." Connect the sentences with a semicolon. Remember to make the first letter of the second sentence lowercase. Ex: "Wanda couldn't fall asleep last night; she had too much on her mind." Write a sentence that contains a complicated list. Each item in the sentence should contain commas, and each item should also be separated by commas. Ex: "I have a sister in Columbus, Ohio, another sister in Palm Springs, Florida, and a third sister in Oakland, California." Use the semicolon as a "super-comma" to separate the items of the list. This will make it easier to distinguish between the items in the list. Ex: "I have a sister in Columbus, Ohio; another sister in Palm Springs, Florida; and a third sister in Oakland, California." Write one sentence with internal punctuation. This sentence can use a colon, dash, or a comma. Sentences with internal punctuation tend to be longer. Using semicolons to separate sentences with internal commas is the most common method. Ex: "My cousin, Martha Mary Louise, is the most talented and original cook I have ever met." Write another closely related sentence with internal punctuation. Ex: "She is very resourceful and can make almost any old food taste delicious, but she does specialize in the following items: cod, fruitcake, and squash." Connect the sentences with a semicolon. Ex: "My cousin, Martha Mary Louise, is the most talented and original cook I have ever met; she is very resourceful and can make almost any old food taste delicious, but she does specialize in the following items: cod, fruitcake, and squash." Note that you can also use a semicolon to connect one sentence with internal punctuation and one simple sentence. Ex: "My cousin, Martha Mary Louise, is the most talented and original cook I have ever met; I love her cooking." Write a sentence. You can keep it simple. Ex: "I ate an entire apple pie last night." Write another closely related sentence using a transitional phrase or a conjunctive adverb. Conjunctive adverbs are words that show a relationship between the two sentences, such as cause and effect, contrast, or comparison. Some examples include: however, besides, finally, and hence. Transitional phrases are used to move from one sentence to the next in a logical and smooth way. Some examples include in other words, moreover, and in addition. Ex: " As a result,' I felt sick when I woke up." Connect the two with a semicolon. Ex: "I ate an entire apple pie last night; as a result, I felt sick when I woke up." Do not use a semicolon instead of a comma. Commas can be used to connect two simple sentences and a coordinating conjunction ( but, and, nor, or so , for example), while a semicolon cannot. Example of correct usage: "I love my cat, but he drives me crazy." Example of incorrect usage: "I love my cat; but he drives me crazy." Do not use a comma instead of a semi-colon. A comma can never be used to separate two independent clauses (complete sentences). This is called a comma splice and should be avoided at all times. Example of correct usage: "My kitty is cute; he loves to cuddle." Example of incorrect usage: "My kitty is cute, he loves to cuddle." | Write one complete sentence. Write another closely related sentence. Connect the sentences with a semicolon. Write a sentence that contains a complicated list. Use the semicolon as a "super-comma" to separate the items of the list. Write one sentence with internal punctuation. Write another closely related sentence with internal punctuation. Connect the sentences with a semicolon. Note that you can also use a semicolon to connect one sentence with internal punctuation and one simple sentence. Write a sentence. Write another closely related sentence using a transitional phrase or a conjunctive adverb. Connect the two with a semicolon. Do not use a semicolon instead of a comma. Do not use a comma instead of a semi-colon. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-the-Elderly | How to Care for the Elderly | To care for the elderly, start by talking to your loved one about what they think their needs are, so that they do not feel helpless or discouraged. Then, help them keep physically active by encouraging them to walk or bike for 30 minutes a day. To maintain their mental health, urge them to maintain friendships or seek out volunteer opportunities. If they are facing a big change, like moving out of their house, try to keep things stable for them by bringing their pet or personal possessions to their new home. | Work with your relative to assess their needs. Before you can provide care for an elderly person, you need to figure out what kind of care would benefit them the most. Depending on their overall health and how well they can manage day-to-day tasks, they may need anything from occasional help to constant support. Talk to them, spend time observing them, and work with their healthcare providers to determine their needs. Consider whether your loved one has difficulty managing basic activities, such as feeding themselves, moving around their home, getting dressed, or taking care of their hygiene. If so, they may need home support from you or a professional caregiver. If they are still able to do most of their basic daily activities without help, you may only need to provide occasional support. For example, you might offer to come over once a week to help with errands or household chores. Keep them involved in their care decisions as much as possible. If your loved one feels that other people are making all their choices for them, they may be more resistant to receiving help. To help them feel more independent and in control of their situation, include them in all conversations and decisions about their care. Communicate openly and honestly with them and ask them for their input and opinions about any options you are considering. For example, you might say, “It seems like you're having some trouble keeping up with the housework these days, Dad. Do you think it would help if I came over every couple of days to help out?” Listen actively to anything they have to say about their needs or their feelings about the care options you are considering. If they have any objections, hear them out completely without being dismissive or minimizing their concerns. Install safety features in the home. Whether your loved one is still living independently, is staying with you, or has live-in support, you can help them by making their home environment safer and more accessible. Get advice from a doctor, an elder care specialist, or a physical or occupational therapist about the kinds of modifications that would benefit your loved one the most. For example, they may need: Grab bars or railings installed in bathrooms, hallways, and other living areas Shower seats or elevated toilet seats Ramps or stair climbers Non-slip surfaces on stairs, on floors, and in showers Improved lighting in dim areas of the home Anti-scalding devices in showers and sinks Help your loved one stay active. The CDC recommends that older adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week. To help keep your loved one healthy and happy, encourage them to incorporate manageable levels of physical activity into their daily lives. Talk to their doctor or a physical therapist about what types and amount of physical activity they can do safely. For example, if your loved one has osteoarthritis, they may need to stick to gentle, joint-friendly activities such as swimming, stationary cycling, or light yoga. Those who are unable to exercise independently can still benefit from being active. Passive Range of Motion (ROM) exercises can help elderly people maintain joint mobility, for example. These exercises involve moving the person's limbs for them to help limber up their joints. Ask a doctor or physical therapist to show you how to do these exercises correctly. Look for enjoyable activities that you can do together, like going on nature walks or working in the garden. Stay involved in their medical care. Most older adults deal with a variety of age-related illnesses and health conditions. To ensure that your loved one gets the best possible care, talk to them and their health care team to familiarize yourself with the specific issues they are dealing with. Keep an eye out for any new or worsening symptoms and make sure they seek medical attention if you notice any changes in their condition. Familiarize yourself with any medications they take so that you can be aware of possible interactions or side effects. If they have trouble remembering to take their medications, look for ways to help them stay organized, such as using a pill sorter or calling regularly to remind them. Watch for common warning signs of a possible health problem, such as forgetfulness or confusion, falling or lack of coordination, weight loss or changes in appetite, or changes in mood or behavior. Emotional problems are also common in older adults. Look out for signs of depression or anxiety, such as irritability, sadness, lack of energy, or loss of interest in things they used to enjoy. Encourage them to socialize. Older adults who spend time with friends stay physically, emotionally, and mentally healthier than those who don't. Urge your loved one to socialize as much as possible, even if it's just chatting on the phone with a friend. If they don't have much of a social network, you might suggest taking classes or participating in other activities where they can meet people, such as dances or book club meetings. Many older people benefit from spending time with their grandchildren. If you're caring for an elderly parent and you have kids, try asking them to babysit or do other fun activities with the children, like playing board games or reading books. Offer to help with chores and errands. As people age, it can become more difficult for them to manage day-to-day tasks like cooking, cleaning, and grocery shopping. Talk to your loved one about what you can do to help them meet these needs. For example, you might sit down with them once a week to write up a grocery list, then go to the store and get what they need. If they have a hard time driving , offer to give them rides to medical appointments, the store, or other places they need to go regularly. Talk to them about their finances. There are a lot of expenses and financial difficulties associated with aging, from dealing with medical bills to covering the costs of safety upgrades in the home. If your elderly relative is retired, they may need additional financial support to cover their expenses. Talk to them about what financial resources they have (such as pensions or retirement savings) and develop a plan to help them out if necessary. For example, if they want to continue living at home but can't afford their current rent or mortgage, you might discuss helping them find a smaller apartment or condo that fits within their budget. They may also qualify for government assistance programs to help them cover costs such as heating bills or prescription medications. Ask the hospital staff questions about their care. Having an elderly loved one in the hospital can be scary and overwhelming. You'll feel calmer and be in a better position to help them if you understand their condition and what their treatment options are. Prepare a list of questions to ask their medical care team, such as: “How long will they need to be hospitalized?” “What are the treatment options for their condition?” “What are the risks and benefits of this treatment?” “What are you doing to manage their pain and discomfort?” “What's the recovery period going to be like?” Talk to your loved one about their treatment wishes. It's important to keep your elderly loved one involved in any major decisions about their treatment as much as possible. Discuss the possible treatment options with them if their condition allows it. If not, try to follow their wishes to the best of your ability. For example, if you know that they want to avoid surgery, ask their doctor about less invasive treatment options. Try to have a discussion with your loved one about their wishes while they're well so that you know what to do in case they have to be hospitalized. Advocate for them if their needs aren’t being met. Your elderly loved one may have a hard time speaking up for themselves if they're very ill or have communication challenges. If you don't think they're getting the care they need, don't be afraid to speak up for them. Be assertive about asking questions or letting their care team know if they need help. For example, you may need to: Make sure they are receiving their medications in a timely manner. Follow up on the results of medical tests. Talk to different members of their care team to make sure everyone is on the same page about their treatment plan. Ask for clarification if you or your loved one don't understand any aspect of their treatment. Bring them any supplies they need. To help your loved one stay comfortable while they're in the hospital, pack a bag with anything they might need from home. Make sure to include items such as: Warm, comfortable clothing, such as a few loose-fitting sweaters and soft sweatpants Non-skid socks or slippers Personal care items and toiletries, such as their hairbrush, comb, toothbrush, glasses case, or dentures A soft, comfortable pillow A list of their medications Entertainment items, like some favorite books, magazines, or DVDs A few homey items, such as a framed photograph, a vase of flowers, or their favorite bathrobe Visit them frequently. To prevent your loved one from feeling alone and to make sure they're getting the care they need, stop by as often as you can. Try to be around during times when you know they might feel lonely or distressed, such as during mealtimes or when they have to have tests or medical procedures done. Encourage other family members and friends to visit as well. Not only will this help your loved one feel supported and cared for, but it will also take some of the pressure off of you. Take care of any important paperwork. There's always some red tape involved in a hospital stay. If possible, find out if your loved one has a health care directive (such as a living will, health care proxy, or power of attorney) and find the relevant documents. You may also need to sign consent forms or other hospital paperwork if your loved one can't do so themselves. Keep track of any critical documents you receive related to your loved one's hospital stay, such as bills, care and discharge instructions, and explanation of benefits statements. Make a hospital discharge plan. Before your loved one leaves the hospital, have a conversation with their care team about what kind of care they will need going forward. Make sure that you have information such as: Dosage and timing instructions for any medications they need to take Any special home care techniques you may need to know, such as changing wound dressings, caring for feeding tubes or catheters, or moving your loved one safely from one location to another in the home Numbers to call in case you have questions or concerns about their condition after discharge Information about what to expect during the recovery period Ask their doctor to recommend a home healthcare provider. If you determine that your loved one needs in-home medical care, their doctor may be able to recommend a reputable provider. They may also be able to prescribe specific in-home services (such as physical therapy or nursing), which can make it easier to get insurance coverage for this type of care. You can also contact your loved one's insurance company or your local health and human services office to find out about providers in your area and how to cover associated expenses. If your relative needs help with daily activities but doesn't need around-the-clock medical care, look into hiring an in-home care provider who can help them with things like housecleaning, cooking, dressing, and bathing. This can be a great help if you don't have the time or resources to assist your loved one throughout the day. Research nursing homes if home care isn’t an option. Sometimes it isn't practical or affordable for an elderly person to live in their own or a relative's home. If you don't think your loved one can live independently and you're unable to provide the home care they need, look into nursing homes or other residential care options in your area. People with a lot of medical issues can benefit from staying in a nursing home, which has nurses and doctors on staff. Alternatively, if your loved one needs help with daily activities but doesn't need daily nursing care, an assisted living facility may be a good option. If you live in the U.S., you can use LeadingAge's member directory to find reputable elder care facilities and services in your area. When choosing a facility, talk to the staff as well as the residents if possible to get a sense of what services they provide and whether the facility will meet your loved one's needs. Search for financial assistance programs in your area. If you're having trouble covering the costs of care for your loved one, you may be able to get help. Depending on their needs, you may be able to get funding to cover expenses such as medical bills, housing expenses, utilities, tuition for continuing education, or food costs. Do a search online for benefits available in your area. If you live in the U.S., visit https://www.benefitscheckup.org to find benefits that your loved one may qualify for. You may also be eligible for tax benefits if you are caring for an elderly relative. Look for programs that provide meals and other services to the elderly. In addition to financial help, there are a variety of programs and services that can help meet other needs for seniors. For example, your community may offer resources such as free meals delivered to your loved one's home, assistance with home repairs or home safety renovations, or free or affordable legal assistance for seniors. Your local government website may have information about resources and services available to elders in your area. Do a search using terms like “resources for seniors near me.” Find a support group if you need emotional support and advice. Caring for an elderly relative can be challenging. If you need additional support or advice from other people who are in a similar situation, a support group can be very helpful. Do a search for caregiver support groups near you, or use a database like one of the following: The AARP's Community Resource Finder: https://www.communityresourcefinder.org The Eldercare Locator: https://eldercare.acl.gov Hire a geriatric care manager to help you make good decisions. A geriatric care manager is someone who specializes in evaluating the needs of elderly people. If you're not sure what kind of help or resources your loved one might benefit from, a geriatric care manager can help. Check with your local government's agency on aging to find out about geriatric care management services in your area. The Aging Life Care Association is an organization for professional geriatric care managers. They can help you connect with someone who can advise you on care options for your loved one. Use their member database to find professionals in your area. Be prepared for resistance from your loved one. Many elderly people want to remain independent for as long as possible, and they may resent your efforts to try to care for them or connect them with eldercare resources. If this happens, try to be patient and empathetic. Take time to discuss your concerns with your loved one in a respectful and open-minded way, and do your best to take their preferences into account. Sit down with them when you are both calm and relaxed to have an open and honest conversation about their needs. If necessary, bring in other family members to talk to them as well. If you have support from the rest of your family, it may be easier to convince your relative that they need the extra help. It may also help to get input from their doctor. Once you come up with a care strategy, try suggesting a trial run. Your loved one may be more willing to accept your care if they understand that the arrangement isn't set in stone and can be changed if it isn't working for them. Ask their doctor for advice if they have communication challenges. Many older people have a difficult time communicating, either because of cognitive changes or due to physical health problems, such as hearing impairments. If you have a hard time communicating with your loved one, ask their doctor to recommend resources that can help. For example, if they have difficulty hearing you, talk to their doctor about whether hearing aids might help. You could also look into sign language training programs for you and your loved one if they have profound hearing loss. If your loved one has difficulty speaking, ask their doctor to recommend a speech-language pathologist who can work with them on developing new communication skills. Doctors and other healthcare specialists who are experienced in working with elderly patients may have special training in dealing with communication issues. Reach out to family and friends for support. Caring for an elderly relative alone can be overwhelming. If you need help, don't hesitate to lean on your support network. Talk to family and friends about how they can help. For example, you might ask one of your siblings if they can take turns helping out with grocery shopping or household chores. Sometimes it can also be helpful to have someone to vent to. Even if a friend or relative can't offer practical support, they might be able to lend a sympathetic ear when you need it. When asking for help, keep that person's specific skills and resources in mind. For example, if your aunt loves to cook, you could ask her to help prepare meals from your grandmother occasionally. Practice self-care to prevent caregiver burnout. You won't be able to care for your loved one if you aren't taking proper care of yourself. Make sure you take time to eat good meals, care for your own health, and do things that you enjoy, such as working on hobbies or spending time with friends. If you're having trouble finding the time to care for yourself, ask a relative or friend to step in for a while so you can get a break. For example, you might ask your brother to stay with your mom for the evening so you can go out with friends. If you need a longer break, you may be able to find respite care services in your area. If you can't afford to pay for respite care, do a search for community-based volunteer groups near you. | Work with your relative to assess their needs. Keep them involved in their care decisions as much as possible. Install safety features in the home. Help your loved one stay active. Stay involved in their medical care. Encourage them to socialize. Offer to help with chores and errands. Talk to them about their finances. Ask the hospital staff questions about their care. Talk to your loved one about their treatment wishes. Advocate for them if their needs aren’t being met. Bring them any supplies they need. Visit them frequently. Take care of any important paperwork. Make a hospital discharge plan. Ask their doctor to recommend a home healthcare provider. Research nursing homes if home care isn’t an option. Search for financial assistance programs in your area. Look for programs that provide meals and other services to the elderly. Find a support group if you need emotional support and advice. Hire a geriatric care manager to help you make good decisions. Be prepared for resistance from your loved one. Ask their doctor for advice if they have communication challenges. Reach out to family and friends for support. Practice self-care to prevent caregiver burnout. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Give-Your-Face-a-Creamy-Glow-(Makeup) | How to Give Your Face a Creamy Glow (Makeup) | To give your face a creamy glow, you'll need primer, foundation that matches your skin tone, highlighter, and a bronzer. Before you apply any makeup, wash and moisturize your face to protect your skin. Once your moisturizer has soaked in, apply a thin layer of primer to help your makeup last longer and even out your skin tone. If you have any spots or blemishes, cover them with a little concealer. Then, blend your foundation into your face with a brush or sponge. After that, apply your highlighter to the bridge of your nose, your cheekbones, the corners of your eyes, and in the dip of your upper lip, which helps give your skin a glowing look. Finally, apply a bronzing powder to your whole face to help set your makeup and give you a little extra shine. | Know your skin. Exactly what you'll need to achieve a healthy glow will depend on the quality of your skin: If your skin is already quite clear, you may prefer to use a BB cream or tinted moisturizer, which are lighter than a foundation. If you have heavy acne, you may want to opt for a dual concealer that contains both green and skin-tone hues, as green can help neutralize the red of your pimples; in addition, you'll definitely want to use foundation. Pay attention to what you look like when you’re flushed. Knowing the natural colors of your skin when it's flushed (i.e. red/pink) will help you choose which blushes and lip colors to use for a natural glow. To find out what you look like when you're flushed, jump up and down or run around for a few minutes until you feel a bit out of breath; your cheeks and lips should look darker than normal. This is the color you want to aim for in your blush and lipstick. Purchase a primer. A good primer will minimize fine lines and pores, and leave your skin feeling velvety smooth. It will also help your makeup stay put. There are different types of primer, so choose one that matches your skin type -- for example, for oilier skin, you'll want to use a gel primer. You can purchase a good primer at most stores that carry makeup. Aim for a store that carries a lot of makeup; that way you can experiment with different options to see which primer works best for you. Purchase a concealer. If you already have clear skin, you needn't use a concealer. If you have any dark spots, under-eye circles, or pimples, a concealer can help you cover them up. Choose a concealer that matches your skin as closely as possible. It may take some experimentation on your own skin to find the concealer that's right for you. Buy a good foundation. The ideal shade of foundation for you will be one that disappears into your skin. If you have young, healthy-looking skin, you can either skip the foundation all together, or try a tinted moisturizer or BB cream. Tinted moisturizers and BB creams are much lighter than foundations. These provide sheer coverage, giving you a more natural look. Look for foundation, BB creams, and/or tinted moisturizers with an SPF included. Buy a highlighting product. Highlighters come in liquids, creams, and powders, and are great for adding a little glow to your skin. Some makeup artists recommend avoiding highlighters with silvery or champagne tones, as these can make your skin look frosty — instead, seek golden tones. If your skin is mature, avoid using powders as they will sink into and highlight any fine lines or enlarged pores. Liquid highlighters are a safer choice. Get a bronzer. Choose a translucent bronzer that will give your skin a bit of a glow without looking unnatural. Avoid bronzers that are too sparkly or too matte. To choose the right shade for you, hold the bronzer up to your face as you look in a mirror. The bronzer should only be one or two shades darker than your skin tone. Sun-kissed is the look you're going for. Buy some brushes (optional). It's possible to apply makeup with your fingers and any applicators that come with your makeup; however, proper makeup brushes can help you achieve more professional-looking results. Most drugstores and beauty supply shops will carry a variety of brushes and basic sets. These will vary greatly in price. A good-quality brush will have strong bristles that do not fall out. It will also have a strong ferrule, which connects the bristles to the brush handle. Key brushes for glowing skin: concealer, foundation, powder, blush, bronzer, and shadow. Start with a freshly washed and moisturized face. After washing your face with a gentle cleanser and patting it dry, apply a moisturizer. The moisturizer will create a smooth base that will help your makeup stay on. Ensure that the moisturizer has had time to sink into your skin so that you're not applying makeup over a wet base. Prime your skin (optional). Once your moisturizer dries, apply a very light layer of primer to your face. With your fingers, add a few dabs of primer to the centre of your face (nose, forehead, chin) and then work your way out. Be sure to allow the primer to dry for a few minutes before applying any makeup on top of it. Apply a concealer to your problem areas (optional). Use a small brush to apply concealer over any dark circles or spots on your face. Dab the concealer with your ring finger to help blend it into your skin. If your skin is free of blemishes such as pimples or dark circles, you can skip this step. Apply foundation on to your skin. Foundation will help even out your skin's tone and texture. Using a makeup sponge, dab some foundation on your nose and chin, then blend it outward. Some makeup artists suggest using only four dots of foundation and then blending them outwards with your hands or a brush. In this method, you would apply 1 dot in the centre of each: your forehead, your cheeks, and your chin. For a more natural look, apply foundation everywhere but your forehead and cheeks. If your skin is already quite clear, you can use a BB cream or tinted moisturizer instead of a foundation. Apply a dusting of matte, translucent powder (optional). A matte powder will help set your foundation, giving you a good base for additional makeup. It will also help give your skin a velvety texture. Apply a highlighting liquid, cream, or powder. A highlighter is key in giving your skin a glowy look. Apply it to the bridge of your nose, your cheekbones, the corners of your eyes, and in the dip of your upper lip. You can also apply a bit of highlighter to the skin just below your eyebrows, and to the center of your chin. You can apply the highlighter using a foundation brush, or by dabbing it on to your skin with your ring finger. Apply a sheer bronzing powder. Once you're done applying everything else, finish it off with a sheer powder. This will help set your makeup and give you a little extra glow. Use a big brush to apply the powder, and go very very light on it. Apply it to your T-zone and outward. Some makeup artists recommend using a pale yellow translucent powder so as to avoid looking pasty. Apply blush. To give your skin a natural flushed look, you can apply blush on top of the translucent powder. Apply the blush to the apples of your cheeks, drawing the brush upwards towards your hairline. Two-blush method: Starting at the apples of your cheeks, pull the brush upward toward your hairline, then down slightly. Then, just on the apples of your cheeks, apply a lighter shade of the same color. Apply a creamy, neutral eyeshadow. Pinks, golds, and plums are great shades for highlighting your eyes and keeping them looking fairly natural. For a natural look, ensure that your eyeshadow doesn't cake or clump in the lines of your eyes. Creamy eyeshadows may be a better choice than powdery ones. You can also dab some highlighter on your eyelids to give them an extra glow. Apply eyeliner. You can keep it pretty natural or very dramatic depending on which eyeliner you choose, and how you apply it. Natural: Apply a light, feathery line of eyeliner in a neutral shade (brown, soft black) to your lash line. You can smudge it afterward to make it look less intense. Dramatic eyes and a glowing face with neutral lips are a classic look. Draw a classic cat's eye with black liquid liner, or do a gold smokey eye lined with a smudged black liner. Apply mascara to your eyelashes. Use a non-clumping formula in brown or black to keep your makeup looking natural. You may want to curl your eyelashes using an eyelash curler beforehand. If your eyelashes are already dark and you only want to help define them more, you can also use a clear mascara. Apply a balm or lipstick to your lips. Well-moisturized, soft lips will complement your dewy, glowing skin nicely. You may want to use only a lip balm. If you want to wear lipstick, stay within the natural shades of your skin (particularly when flushed) for a natural look. If you do decide to wear a more dramatic color (for example, reds or rich berry tones), go easy on the eye makeup, otherwise you may look overly made up. Wash your face each morning and night. Use a gentle cleanser that's tailored to your skin type — for example, sensitive, combination, oily. If you don't have acne, you can also exfoliate your face twice a week to help remove dead skin cells and brighten your skin. Avoid exfoliating your skin if you have acne, as the exfoliating beads can cause acne to spread. Apply a facial toner to your skin (optional). A toner will help balance your skin's pH and remove anything the cleanser missed. Many dermatologists recommend applying a toner to your face after washing it. Avoid toners that contain alcohol, as these can dry out and irritate your skin. Apply a moisturizer to your face after washing. Use a moisturizer designed for your skin type: dry skin will require a richer moisturizer than oily skin, which benefits from light creams or gels. Seek a moisturizer that contains an SPF, which is important for protecting your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays. Wear sunscreen. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, regardless of whether it's sunny or cloudy. Aim for an SPF 30, and reapply every 2 to 3 hours that you're outdoors. Tailor your products to the season. You might use an oil-free moisturizer in the hotter months when your skin is more likely to be oily, but in the winter, you may need something richer to combat indoor heating and cold weather, which can dry your skin. Avoid using too many products. Using too many products on your skin can cause irritation. According to some dermatologists, the only products you need for beautiful skin are a simple cleanser, sunscreen, and moisturizer. For mature skin (with fine lines and enlarged pores), add a retinoid or retinol to your skin care regimen. Drink enough water. When you're dehydrated, your skin can appear dull and fine lines may look deeper. To calculate how much water you need each day, divide your body weight (in pounds) in half, and drink that amount in ounces. If you exercise or live somewhere hot (i.e. if you sweat a lot), you will need to drink more than half of your body's weight in ounces. A 150-pound woman would drink between 75 and 150 ounces of water each day, depending on her level of activity. Eat healthily. Aim for a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and unprocessed foods. Keep your sugar intake low. Get enough sleep. Getting enough sleep on a regular basis keeps the skin healthy by optimizing the secretion of human growth hormone (HGH). HGH promotes cell renewal and collagen production, which will help the skin look its best. Adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night; teenagers need 8.5 to 9.5 hours of sleep per night. | Know your skin. Pay attention to what you look like when you’re flushed. Purchase a primer. Purchase a concealer. Buy a good foundation. Buy a highlighting product. Get a bronzer. Buy some brushes (optional). Start with a freshly washed and moisturized face. Prime your skin (optional). Apply a concealer to your problem areas (optional). Apply foundation on to your skin. Apply a dusting of matte, translucent powder (optional). Apply a highlighting liquid, cream, or powder. Apply a sheer bronzing powder. Apply blush. Apply a creamy, neutral eyeshadow. Apply eyeliner. Apply mascara to your eyelashes. Apply a balm or lipstick to your lips. Wash your face each morning and night. Apply a facial toner to your skin (optional). Apply a moisturizer to your face after washing. Wear sunscreen. Tailor your products to the season. Avoid using too many products. Drink enough water. Eat healthily. Get enough sleep. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Spiral-Curls | How to Get Spiral Curls | Spiral curls will give your hair a unique, elegant look for any occasion, and you can achieve them with a curling iron, flat iron, or just your fingers. Start by working some curling product into your damp hair, drying it, then parting it down the middle. To use a curling iron, just wrap 2-inch sections of your hair around the iron and hold them for 10 seconds each. With a flat-iron, grip your hair about ¾ of the way up each strand and twist the iron slowly away from your face as you drag the iron down to the bottom. If you don't have either of those, just curl your strands of hair around your fingers, secure them with bobby pins, and leave them for 3 or 4 hours. Finally, apply a little pomade or hair wax to help your curls hold. | Wash and condition your hair. If you have naturally curly or wavy hair, apply a leave-in conditioner. If you have straight hair, skip the conditioner and use a detangling spray. Comb out your hair and apply a product. If your hair is naturally curly, use a curl-defining gel. If you have naturally wavy hair, try mousse. For straight hair, go for curl-enhancing gel. Divide your hair into two sections along your part. You can use a center or side part, whichever you prefer for styling. Tie off the section you won't be working on first into a loose ponytail. Dry your hair. You can let your hair air-dry or dry it with a diffuser, lifting your hair at the roots to encourage volume. Separate a 2-inch piece of hair from the back of the loose section. Start from the back of your head and grasp a small section from the lowest layers. Wrap the hair around a heated curling iron or wand. Start from the root of your hair and the tip of the curling iron. Wind the hair around the iron, gradually wrapping down to the base of the iron (where the handle is). Note that your hair is not clamped into the curling iron or wand, but rather twisted around the barrel. Hold the curler with the strand in place for at least ten seconds. Avoid holding it for too long - you don't want to fry your hair! You may need to experiment with how long to hold your hair around the iron, as this varies depending on hair type. Start by holding for 10 seconds, and gradually increase that by a few seconds at a time until you get a curl that holds. Repeat the curling process for the remainder of the section. Work from back to front, starting with the lower layers and finishing with the upper. Untie the other section and repeat the curling process with it. Move the section you've already curled to the front of your shoulder to keep it out of the way. Work your fingers gently through your curls. Let your curls cool completely. Then, separate the curls as much as you like. If the curls are tighter than you wanted, keep in mind that within a few hours they'll relax a bit. Apply a little pomade or styling wax. Take just a little bit of product, rub it between your palms to soften, and work gently into your hair with your fingertips. This helps define the curls and keeps them soft. Using styling wax instead of hair spray avoids the crunch and frizz that can come from sprays. However, if you prefer hair spray, spritz your curls with a light- or medium-hold spray. Wash and dry your hair. You can let it air-dry or use a blow drier. Your hair should be completely dry before you begin curling. Avoid adding products at this point. Flat irons are most effective on hair that is clean and smooth. Part your hair and comb out any tangles. Make the part where you want it in the finished style. Grasp a small section of hair. It can be 1- to 2-inches wide. Start from the front of your head or in the back, whichever is easiest for you. Open a heated flat iron and place it about 3/4 of the way up the strand. If you want your curls to start higher, place the iron closer to the roots. You should be holding the flat iron vertically, with the tip pointing upwards. Your flat iron needs to be thin (think 1-2 inches) with a rounded barrel. The heat from the iron heats up the barrel just enough to curl your hair. Close the flat iron and twist away from your face. Make just one twist. Slowly draw the iron downwards to the ends. Hold the twist you made in the previous step and gradually pass the rest of your hair through it. You may need to experiment with how slowly you go here. Holding the flat iron longer at the top ensures a full curl, rather than just curls at the ends. The longer you hold, the more curl you'll get. Don't open the iron at any point here: it should remain clamped shut. Repeat Steps 3–6 with the rest of your hair. Work in small sections. Run a pick or your fingers through your hair. Let your hair cool completely so that it is not warm to the touch. Then, loosen the curls if you like, or keep them tighter. Add a bit of pomade or wax to finish. Add volume and definition by warming a small amount of product in your palms and working it through your curls with your fingertips. Start with damp or dry hair. If you've just washed your hair, you can towel it down and let it air dry for about 30 minutes or rough dry to remove most of the moisture using a blow dryer so that you start with damp hair. Be aware that the pinned curls need to dry completely before you release them. Comb out your hair and divide it into four equal sections. The sections should be divided along two axes - a center part and a line crossing from ear to ear over the crown of your head. In other words, you'll have two front sections starting at the crown and passing down along the side of your head, and two back sections, one left and one right. If it's easier for you, put each of the sections in a loose ponytail, leaving the one you'll be working on loose. If you have shorter bangs that you don't want to curl, do not include them in the sections. Apply a small amount of curling gel to the first section. Starting with a front section, smooth a bit of product from the roots to the ends. The gel will help your hair hold the curl. Lift the section of hair and start twisting it from the root. Lifting this way helps maximize volume and curl. Twist the hair away from your face. For the right sections, work clockwise; for the left, counterclockwise. Continue to twist the section around itself, winding it in a coil around the root. Twist the entire piece of hair, all the way to the ends, and tuck the end in when finished. Secure the coil with a few bobby pins. Use as many as you need to ensure the hair stays in place. When you finish, you'll have four coiled buns on the top of your head. Allow the curls to set for a few hours. A full air dry can take 3–4 hours to completely set, so the longer you allow your coils to set, the better hold you will have. You can sleep in the buns if you wish. Make sure the hair is completely dry before unwinding it. You can speed up the process if you want by using a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer on the coils. Unwind the coils. Use your fingers to gently separate the tight coils into looser curls. Finish with a little more gel. Scrunch a small amount of product into the ends of your curls for definition and hold. | Wash and condition your hair. Comb out your hair and apply a product. Divide your hair into two sections along your part. Dry your hair. Separate a 2-inch piece of hair from the back of the loose section. Wrap the hair around a heated curling iron or wand. Hold the curler with the strand in place for at least ten seconds. Repeat the curling process for the remainder of the section. Untie the other section and repeat the curling process with it. Work your fingers gently through your curls. Apply a little pomade or styling wax. Wash and dry your hair. Part your hair and comb out any tangles. Grasp a small section of hair. Open a heated flat iron and place it about 3/4 of the way up the strand. Close the flat iron and twist away from your face. Slowly draw the iron downwards to the ends. Repeat Steps 3–6 with the rest of your hair. Run a pick or your fingers through your hair. Add a bit of pomade or wax to finish. Start with damp or dry hair. Comb out your hair and divide it into four equal sections. Apply a small amount of curling gel to the first section. Lift the section of hair and start twisting it from the root. Continue to twist the section around itself, winding it in a coil around the root. Secure the coil with a few bobby pins. Allow the curls to set for a few hours. Unwind the coils. Finish with a little more gel. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Flexible-(for-Children) | How to Be Flexible (for Children) | If you want to be strong and flexible, there are a few simple stretches you'll need to practice regularly. For static stretches, try a straddle position, where you sit with your bottom on the ground, stretch your legs long and open, and walk your hands down as far as you can to stretch your hips and thighs. You can also close your legs into a pike position and reach your arms towards your toes. Alternatively, use dynamic stretches, which are repeated movements, to strengthen your flexibility. For instance, do jumping jacks, arm circles, skipping, and squats. | Do a straddle stretch. Sit on your bottom on the ground. Stretch your legs long and open them up as wide as they will go. Point your feet and place your hands on the ground in front of you to balance yourself. You should feel this stretch in your hips and your inner thighs. Stay in this stretch for fifteen seconds. Try to open your legs wider each time you do this stretch. The goal is to eventually be able to do a split. Practice a pike stretch. Sit on your bottom with your legs extended in front of you and your arms lifted straight overhead. Fold at your waist and reach your arms towards your toes. Stay in this stretch for fifteen seconds. You may not be able to reach your toes right away. Keep trying and as you get more flexible, you'll get closer and closer to touching them. Try a lunge stretch. Stand with your left leg in front of you and your right leg behind you. Bend your left leg at a 90-degree angle, and rest your right leg on the ground to support yourself. Rest your hands on your left leg and use them to push your left leg even deeper into the stretch. Stay in your left lunge for 15 seconds. After 15 seconds, switch and do the same thing on your right side. Do cross-body arm stretches. Stand with your feet apart (they should be slightly wider than your shoulders). Reach your right arm across your body, and use your left arm to support it and lock it into place. Pull your arm tight until you feel a stretch in your shoulder. Hold your arm stretch for ten seconds, before alternating and doing the same stretch on the left side. Stretch your arms behind your back. Standing straight, cross your right arm behind your back. Reach back with your left hand and grab your right hand. Use the left hand to stretch the right arm. Hold the stretch for about 15 seconds. Repeat. This time, use your right hand to grab and pull your left hand. As you do this, try stretching your neck. Bend your head towards the same side as the arm that is grabbing and pulling. If you are grabbing with your left hand, tip your head to the left side. Do side bends. Stand with your feet apart (they should be slightly wider than your hips) and your arms outstretched. Lean over to your right side until your right arm hangs down towards the ground and your left arm reaches straight up over your head. Pull your left arm taut until you feel a stretch in your left shoulder and the left side of your body. Hold this stretch for ten seconds on the right side, before switching sides and reaching with your right hand. As you bend to the side, dangle your left arm towards the ground and stretch the right arm straight up. Try the Superman. Lie on the ground on your stomach with your arms stretched out in front of you (your body should be in one straight line). Lift your arms and feet off the ground; your arms should be in line with your ears and your feet should be lifted a little higher than your hips. Stay in this stretch for fifteen seconds. As you get more flexible, try to lift your feet a little higher. Start with jumping jacks. Stand straight up with your feet together and your arms by your sides. Jump to separate your feet, while simultaneously lifting your arms overhead. Then jump your feet back together, while simultaneously returning your arms to your sides. Do fifteen jumping jacks in a row to get your blood pumping. As you get older and stronger, you may want to increase the number of jumping jacks you do. Do arm circles. Stand with your legs slightly wider than your hips. Lift your arms overhead, then make a circle with your arms going towards your hips, then up over your head. Keep your arms straight at all times. Do ten arm circles going forward, then reverse and do ten backward arm circles. Try skipping. Stand on your right foot, with your left foot in the air. Hop on the right foot, then step down on your left foot. Speed this motion up until you are able to skip. Once you are confident skipping, skip back and forth for a minute at a time. As you get stronger and more flexible, increase the length of time that you spend skipping each day. Practice squats. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and facing forward. Keeping the weight in your heels, slowly bend your knees and lower your body towards the ground as though you were about to sit down in a chair. Pause at the ground, then slowly rise back up to your previous position and do the motion again. Hold your arms out in front of you for balance. Make sure that your knees do not go over your toes. If you can see the top of your shoes, you're doing this move right. If not, your knees are too far forward. Try quad pulls. Bend your left knee and pull your left leg behind your body, using your left hand to support it. Reach your right arm toward the ceiling, as far as it will go. After your arm is lifted, raise up onto your right toes and balance there. When you've got a good stretch on your left side, switch and do the same thing on your right side. Alternate back and forth. Do ten rounds on each side. Try downward-facing dog. From a standing position, fold your body over at the waist and allow your hands to touch the floor. Walk your hands forward until your body resembles that of an upside-down letter V. Your hands should be shoulder-width apart. Your fingers should be spread wide. Keep your feet hips-width distance apart. Try to touch your heels to the floor. Stand in tree pose. Stand straight up with your feet together. Lift your right foot and tuck it into the space right above your left knee, with your right knee facing out. Put your palms together in front of your heart. Stand in this position for ten seconds, then switch sides. When your feet are together, your big toes should be touching, and your heels should be slightly apart. Make sure your weight is evenly balanced. Don't let your foot rest on your knee, it can damage your joints. Experiment with bow pose. Lie on your stomach with your arms running beside your body – make sure to keep your palms face up. Bend your knees and grab your ankles with your hands. When you breathe in, try to lift your knees and thighs even further away from the floor. Stay here for five seconds. Take a break, then try this pose two more times. | Do a straddle stretch. Practice a pike stretch. Try a lunge stretch. Do cross-body arm stretches. Stretch your arms behind your back. Do side bends. Try the Superman. Start with jumping jacks. Do arm circles. Try skipping. Practice squats. Try quad pulls. Try downward-facing dog. Stand in tree pose. Experiment with bow pose. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Search-Property-Titles-on-the-Internet | How to Search Property Titles on the Internet | To search for a property title on the internet, start by visiting the county recorder's website for the county where the property is located. Then, click on the property title search button on their website. Using this search function, you can input different information you have on the property you want to find, such as the names of previous owners, the address, or the parcel identification number. Once you find the property title you're searching for, you can look through the document to gather any information you may need. | Know when you need to conduct a title search. Title questions will always come up in two common situations. If you are in one of the following situations, you should read this article to learn more about conducting an online title search. First, you will need to analyze title when you are purchasing property from someone else (for instance buying a home). Second, you will need to analyze title when you are using your own property as collateral (for instance when you are obtaining a mortgage). Apart from the two most common scenarios, you might simply want to conduct a title search for your own informational purposes. Understand what types of documents you can find. When you conduct a title search, you will have the ability to look for, and find, a variety of different documents. With that said, a "title" will not be one of the documents you find. A property title is a comprehensive term referring to the legal rights an individual has to the property in question. Having title to a piece of property means you have ownership rights over that property and you can choose to do what you want with it. Therefore, a title is not a tangible item; it is only a legal term conveying your rights to something. You are, however, likely to encounter some or all of the following documents when you conduct an online title search: Deeds. A deed is the legal written document that transfers title from one person to another. Deeds are probably the most common document found in title searches and they are valuable for tracing back ownership of a particular property. Liens. A lien is a property interest document used by creditors to let everyone know you owe them money. A lien is an important document in a title search because a lien clouds your title. In order to sell or mortgage a piece of property, you must have a clean title, meaning one that is not encumbered by a lien. Therefore, knowing if you have any liens on a piece of property can be important information to know. Mortgages. A mortgage is a debt instrument used by banks and individuals in order to buy a piece of property without paying for the whole thing up front. A mortgage is a type of lien, and is therefore an important document to look for during title searches. Know what kinds of information you are looking for. When you conduct an online title search, you are usually trying to answer two very important questions. First, you usually conduct a title search to understand who holds valid title to a piece of property. This information can be valuable whether you are trying to purchase a home or use a home as collateral on a loan. You should not buy a house until you know the person you are buying it from is legally able to sell it. Also, a bank will not loan you money for a mortgage until they know you are the rightful owner of the home. Second, You want to look at the public land records to see if there are any encumbrances on the land. An encumbrance is a "right or interest that exists in someone other than the owner of an estate and that restricts or impairs the transfer of the estate or lowers its value. Examples of encumbrances include liens, easements, covenants, mortgages, or unpaid taxes. This information is also valuable when you are trying to purchase a home or use a home as collateral on a loan. You should not buy a home until you know that title is free from encumbrances. Also, a bank will be interested in what encumbrances your title has before they offer to loan you money for a mortgage. Find the property's address. The first step in gathering information is to find and write down the property's address. A property's address is probably the most common way to identify a piece of property and it can be incredibly useful when you are conducting a title search. To find a property's address, you can take a trip to the property in question and look at the address on the home. If you are not able to conveniently get to the property, you can use Google Earth or you can conduct a Google Search. You can also ask people familiar with the property if they may have the address on hand. Locate the name of the person who owns or has owned the property. If you are purchasing a piece of property from someone else, this step should be easy. However, if you are planning on conducting a title search for informational purposes and you do not have access to names, you will have to search for those names. To do this, try using this public records online search engine. Here, you can search for public records, which may include the names of people owning a particular piece of property, by clicking on your state and your county. If you are going to be searching for deeds during your title search, it will also help if you know whether the person whose name you have is a grantor (person transferring an interest in property) or grantee (person accepting a property transfer). Find a range of dates to narrow your search. In order to narrow your search and get the best results possible, think about the documents you want to search for and when those documents were probably recorded. The process of recording a property document involves filing that document with the county recorder's office. If you know when a particular document was recorded, it will help you find that document quicker when you conduct your online title search. Understand parcel identification numbers. A parcel identification number, also known as an assessor's identification number, map number, block number, or lot number, is one of the most valuable pieces of property identification you can have. This number is designated by the county where the property is located and used on all documents that are recorded about that specific piece of property. Each specific piece of property in every county is given a unique identifying number. If you can find this number for the property in question, you will have a much easier time conducting a successful title search. Visit the county assessor's website. The first step in finding a parcel identification number is to track down the county where the property is located. Once you know this, you will visit that county's assessor's website. To find a county assessor's website, you will simply visit this public records website. Once there, you will click on the state where your property is located. You will then be given a list of counties in that state. Simply click on the county where your property is located and a screen like this will appear. That screen will list all of the county's websites that contain public records. Because you are looking for a parcel identification number, you will need to click on the link for your county's assessor's office. Navigate to the property search function. Once you are at the county assessor's website, you will have to find its property search function. Each county's website will be different. For example, in Los Angeles County, California, the assessor's database can be found here. In Greenville County, South Carolina, the assessor's property search function can be found here. Type in an address. After you access the county assessor's property search function, you will type in the property address in question. There will usually be a specific box for you to type the address in. For example, the Los Angeles County search function, found here , allows you to search by address. In Greensville County, you can search by address or name. Find your property. Once you type in an address and click search, a list of properties will appear. If you typed in a specific address, hopefully only the property in question will come up. Once you find the property you are looking for, click on it. Look for your parcel identification number in the property description. When you find the property in question and pull up that property's information, one of the first things that will appear will be the property's identification number. Write this identification number down and keep it handy. Visit the county recorder's website. After you have gathered all of the important information about the property you will be conducting a title search for, you will visit the county recorder's website for the county where the property is located. To find your county recorder's website, click on this public records website. Once there, you will click on the state where your property is located. A list of counties in that state will pop up and you will need to click on the county where your property is located. The next screen will look something like this. Click on the county recorder's website. Navigate your way to a property title search. Now that you are at the county recorder's website, you will need to find out how to conduct a title search. Every county's website is going to be different so you will have look around to find it. If you cannot find what you are looking for, call the county recorder's office and ask for help. In Linn County, Iowa, for example, you can start your title search by simply clicking on this link. In Ventura County, California, you can visit the recorder's website here and you can access the search function by clicking on the "Grantor/Grantee Search" button on the right side of the screen. If you click on that button, you will find yourself here , where you will be able to start your title search. Use the information you have gathered to complete a search. Depending on your county's search parameters, you will use some or all of the information you have gathered to look for documents that have affected title to the piece of property in question. For example, in Linn County, Iowa, you can search by name, document type, date, address, or parcel number. In Ventura County, California, you can only search by name and date. Analyze your findings. Once you find a particular document, you can look through it to gather the information you need. Keep searching for documents until you are satisfied with the information you have. | Know when you need to conduct a title search. Understand what types of documents you can find. Know what kinds of information you are looking for. Find the property's address. Locate the name of the person who owns or has owned the property. Find a range of dates to narrow your search. Understand parcel identification numbers. Visit the county assessor's website. Navigate to the property search function. Type in an address. Find your property. Look for your parcel identification number in the property description. Visit the county recorder's website. Navigate your way to a property title search. Use the information you have gathered to complete a search. Analyze your findings. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Lighten-Skin-on-Hands-and-Feet | How to Lighten Skin on Hands and Feet | To lighten the skin on your hands and feet, clean your skin daily with a mild soap, since clogged pores will make your skin look darker, and follow up with a moisturizer. You can also try applying a thin layer of plain yogurt to your hands and feet before bed and leaving it on for 5-10 minutes. Then, rinse with warm water and repeat a couple times a week. Additionally, make sure to wear sunscreen the following morning since the lactic acid in the yogurt can make your skin sun-sensitive. | Apply foods containing lactic acid. Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid, which is a group of acids naturally occurring in certain foods. These acids remove the top layer of dead skin, and are often used in commercial skin care treatments to alleviate dry, scaly, or darkened skin. Only use lactic acid products at night, as it can make your skin even more susceptible to UV damage. Apply a thin layer of plain yogurt to your hands and feet before bed. Leave the yogurt on for five to 10 minutes, and rinse with warm water. Repeat a couple times per week. Remember that even if you do this, you will still need to wear SPF 15 or higher sunscreen during the day to prevent sun damage. Apply citrus foods high in vitamin C. The citric acid present in citrus foods will act as an exfoliants and help lighten dark marks, while the vitamin C will tone your skin and help with hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is a patch of darker skin caused by excess melanin. Never apply citrus foods to your face, and use them with caution elsewhere, as the acid can disrupt your skin's natural pH level, and make you more susceptible to UV. Don't use citrus foods on your skin more than once a week. Apply freshly squeezed lemon or orange juice to the skin on your hands and feet with a cotton ball before bed. Leave it on for about 30 minutes, then rinse off with warm water. Dry orange peels in your oven and grind to a powder. Mix with plain yogurt and apply it to your skin before bed. Rinse off after 15 to 20 minutes. Mash one-quarter cup of fresh papaya flesh into a pulp, and apply it to your skin. Try this method in the bathtub, as the papaya can be runny. Rinse after 20 minutes. Apple cider vinegar can also be used as a topical application that is a natural anti-fungal and can help to lighten skin. Dilute the vinegar with equal parts water, then apply it to your hands and feet and let it dry. Make skin masks with spices, flour, or clay powders. Turmeric, gram (chickpea) flour, and Multani mitti (also known as Fuller's earth) have long been used to lighten skin. These ingredients can all be mixed with water or other liquids to create pastes that are easily applied to the skin. Mix one tablespoon of Multani mitti or gram flour with enough rose water to make a thick paste. Apply it to your hands and feet. Allow to dry, and then rinse with warm water. Repeat two to three times weekly. Mix one teaspoon of turmeric with enough cucumber juice or plain yogurt to make a runny paste. Yogurt will produce a thicker mixture. Apply it to your skin and let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing off. Repeat every two or three days. Apply soy or starch topically. Soy-based foods like tofu and starchy foods like potatoes and rice can have a skin lightening effect. Tofu can be mashed into a paste and applied to the skin, and a potato can be sliced and rubbed directly onto the hands and feet. Rinse tofu puree or potato juice off skin after 10 to 20 minutes. With rice, you can use a flour paste or rice water: Mix one tablespoon or rice flour with enough water to make a paste and apply it to the skin. Let sit for 10 to 20 minutes and rinse. To use rice water, rinse one to two cups of rice with water before cooking. Strain the rice and reserve the water. Soak hands and feet in rice water for 10 minutes, then rinse. Purchase a commercial skin lightening cream. There are many creams and lotions on the market that are designed to lighten the skin, and these can be found in most beauty, drug, or cosmetics stores. Many of these products work by reducing the amount of melanin in the skin, which is what gives skin its pigment. However, there are risks associated with these products, and you should talk to your doctor before using them. Avoid products that lighten skin with mercury. Many skin lightening products contain hydroquinone, and long-term use of this ingredient has been linked to cancer, so you may want to avoid any products that contain it. Clean your skin daily. Clogged pores and dirt can make your skin look darker. Keeping your skin clean will prevent pimples and help it look fresh and clean. You don't need any fancy or expensive cleansers to keep your skin clean; mild soap and water will do the trick! Moisturize daily. You can either use your favorite store-bought moisturizer or a simple homemade one, but be sure to moisturize your skin after washing. Simple homemade moisturizers include: Coconut or almond oil Cocoa or shea butter Aloe vera Exfoliate your skin. One of the best ways to keep your skin healthy and help reduce darkness is by exfoliating, which is the process of removing dead cells from the surface of the skin. Avoid exfoliating more than once or twice a week. You can make a natural exfoliant for your hands and feet by mixing olive or coconut oil with: Coffee grinds Oats Sugar Massage your hands regularly. Use your favorite lotion, aloe vera, or honey and massage your hands and feet. This will moisturize your skin and improve circulation, both of which will keep your skin healthier and brighter. If you use honey, make sure to rinse it off after the massage, as it will leave a sticky residue. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. The best defense against darkened skin is preventing it in the first place, and a proper diet is one of the best ways to do this. Eating the right foods will keep your whole body healthy, and a healthy body means healthy skin. Eat the rainbow. To get the most vitamins and minerals possible from your diet, eat fresh fruits and vegetables of all colors. Consume foods that are high in vitamin C, which will help keep your skin more toned and elastic. Drink enough water. Water is important for a healthy body and skin, but too much can also be dangerous. The best rule of thumb with water consumption is to listen to your body: if you're thirsty, drink water. Don't shy away from healthy fats like avocado. Not only do our bodies need fat to survive, but our skin also needs it to be healthy and vibrant. Choose fresh, homemade meals over processed foods or take-out. Protect your skin from the sun. One of the biggest contributors to darkened skin is exposure to UVA and UVB, because the skin produces more melanin to protect itself, and more melanin means darker skin. The best way to protect yourself from the sun is to avoid it, but if that's not an option, make sure you: Wear sun-protective clothing, including gloves when driving. Use sunscreen or sunblock, especially on your hands and feet. Choose makeups and lip protection that have an SPF rating. Take care of your hands and feet. Darkened skin can also be caused by things like dirt, exposure to the elements, and infections, so keeping the skin on your hands and feet clean and protected is essential to healthy skin, and will help prevent skin darkening and damage. Avoid coming into contact with harsh chemicals if possible, as these can damage your skin. Be cautious and selective about manicures and pedicures, as improperly sterilized equipment can cause fungal infections. | Apply foods containing lactic acid. Apply citrus foods high in vitamin C. Make skin masks with spices, flour, or clay powders. Apply soy or starch topically. Purchase a commercial skin lightening cream. Clean your skin daily. Moisturize daily. Exfoliate your skin. Massage your hands regularly. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Protect your skin from the sun. Take care of your hands and feet. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Hot-Girl-Like-You | How to Make a Hot Girl Like You | Making a hot girl like you is the same as making any girl like you. Just be confident in how you present yourself, subtly flirt with her, and talk to her about things she's interested in. Try to wear clothes that you feel comfortable in and that reflect your personality so she'll be attracted to who you really are. You can also wear a little cologne to make you smell attractive and to boost your confidence. When you see her on her own, start a conversation about something you have in common. Then, ask her about her interests to get to know her. While you talk, make sure you maintain eye contact and smile lots to show you like her. If you notice something you like about her, give her a compliment to make her feel special! | Buy new clothes. Wearing the right clothes will make you appeal to your object of affection. Don't change your personal style too much. Massive changes in fashion will seem put on. You do, however, want to "dress to impress" more often than not. You'll want to keep color and cut in mind when you're getting dressed. Pick colors that show off the aspects your personality that you want her to see. It's no secret that red is the color of love and passion. Throwing on a red article of clothing could be the perfect way to catch her attention. The cut of your clothing is also crucial. You definitely don't want your clothes to be overly baggy, as that won't show off your form. Wearing clothes that are too tight, however, may bunch up awkwardly on your body. Dress pants should be straight fit and not too tight. Jeans look better when on the slim side. Style your hair. You always want to keep your hair in control. No strand should be out of place. Use the proper styling product to nail that "freshly-cut" look. Remember that each hairstyle requires a different style of product. For shorter styles, try a pomade or wax. While pomade will keep your hair nicely in place, a wax will add a bit of additional shine and control. If you want to go for a more disheveled look, try using a mud or fiber. This will give you the illusion of a ragged appearance without your hair actually being unobtainable. Creams work well in longer hair, making your potentially ragged appearance more conservative. While pomades, waxes, muds, and fibers should be used in dry hair, a cream must be applied in wet hair. It's very easy to apply these styling products. Take a small amount of product, rub it in your hands, and comb it through your hair. Style to fit your preference. Practice good hygiene. You always want to keep clean, but when you're impressing a girl, cleanliness is crucial. Good personal hygiene shouldn't be much of a chore, but you want to make sure that you have all your bases covered. You'll smell better while preventing yourself from getting sick. Take regular baths and showers. Some people don't need to shower every day. This is fine, but you should always use deodorant. Bad body odor is a huge turn-off, so don't make that mistake. Girls don't like a guy who can't clean himself. Brush and floss at least twice a day. It'd be ideal to take care of your dental health after every meal, especially if you're about to talk to a girl. This is often tough, however, so don't sweat it. You definitely want to brush at the beginning and end of each day. Wear cologne. Finding the right cologne can transform you. It will make you feel more confident and greatly enhance your viability to women. Cologne definitely has to be applied in moderation. You don't want to drown yourself in any musk. People should only be able to smell you within your "scent circle," which refers to the space within an arm's length from your body. That way, your smell isn't being picked up from a distance. An aggressive scent can be very unsettling. Apply all colognes from a six-inch distance from your body. You don't want the fragrance to form a puddle on your skin. Above all, remember that cologne cannot replace proper hygiene. It's an additional touch that should be used sparingly and under the right circumstances. If you're avoiding showers and masking your bad scent with cologne, you'll never impress a girl. Learn self-love. The best way to impress those around you begins from within. You must gain confidence with others by learning to love yourself. When you're practicing self-love, you'll be more social and more willing to share yourself with people. Not practicing self-love will lead to a more solitary, reclusive existence. When you have compassion for yourself, you'll always keep your best interests at heart. Being supportive to yourself is crucial in romantic endeavors. If things don't work out in your attempts to get a girl, you won't be crushed by defeat. It's key, when feeling down, to take action. Keep note of your goals and aspects of yourself that you're working to improve When you've figured out your goals, make small substeps to these goals and accomplish them. Working on a smaller scale will help your dreams seems more attainable. Even if you fail in the process, you'll likely become stronger. Accepting failure is key to strong self-love. Work out. It's been proven that regular exercise will make you look healthier. It will also improve your confidence. Know that self-confidence can be learned, so your attempts to better yourself will not be wasted. If you haven't spent much time working out, it may be difficult to start. Incorporate trips to the gym into your weekly schedule. If you force it into your routine, it will be much easier to get yourself there. Like all habits, you need repetition before it becomes natural. Even if you can't lift much when you first start exercising, don't get discouraged. While looking good will help you attract a girl, you can start by working on your confidence. If you feel accomplished after a long day at the gym, you'll notice your self-worth improving. Brainstorm conversation starters. You'll be more likely to succeed if you enter a conversation boldly. If you're feeling nervous about starting off your conversation with a girl, it's good to think about some potential openings. These should still feel natural coming from your voice. Starting with a broad question helps. These open-ended conversation starters open up many different avenues for a conversation to follow. Ask her about herself in a creative way, rather than the obvious, "Where are you from?" It's good to not only ask her about herself, but also let her speak about something she's passionate about. Ask about a project that she's been working on, or what she does for her job. Ask about a highlight of her day or week. Speaking positively about the past ensures that you get the conversation started in a successful way. Thinking about potential conversation topics is useful in gaining confidence, but don't fall back on these prompts when speaking to her. You need to listen and remain receptive to changes in the conversation. Talk to her. Before you ask her out, you'll have to start a conversation. Approach her with a positive, confident energy. It's good to start by making brief eye contact. After you've made this connection, flash her a quick smile. Once you've made this initial connection, think about your body language. Make sure that you are open and receptive to her, rather than hunched over and closed off. Your openness will prove your interest in. Make sure that you're listening well. Empathic listening doesn't imply that you agree completely with the other person. It does, however, imply that you try to fully understand a person emotionally, behaviorally, physically, and intellectually. Learn about her interests. You want to get to know her quickly. When you're trying to ask a girl out, you have to be more active than you would starting a friendship. Think less about yourself and more about her. Lead off with a thought-provoking question. These intriguing questions will get her to open up. The more weird, specific facts that you know about her, the better. You'll have more topics to discuss. Compliment her. Without being cheesy, throw some nice compliments her way. A good compliment must be honest and genuine. Studies show that a personality-centric compliment works much better than a compliment relating to looks or skills. If you think she has a great sense of humor, tell her. She might be very caring, and your acknowledgement of this attribute will certainly endear you to her. While compliments work well, don't be desperate with them. If you keep throwing out praise, your positive words will lose their impact. Tell her earnest compliments without being overbearing. Whatever you do, don't be too intimate with compliments during your first conversation. This has the chance to backfire and make you look creepy. Flirt smoothly. Learning how to flirt is crucial in impressing a potential romantic partner. When you flirt, you're suggesting the potential for romance between you and the other party. The flirting game must have suspense and ambiguities built into it. You want to keep her guessing without leading her astray. Flirting should be playful, however, so don't overthink it. Keep your eyes out for flirtatious non-verbal cues. Women are more likely to begin the initial flirtation, but they often wait for men to make the official "first move." If she's teasing you with a look, you don't want to miss it. Some non-verbal flirtations might include giggling, smiling, or laughing and nodding. If she's responding positively to you and you recognize these cues, she's probably flirting. Make your move. If you're hitting it off, then you'll want to ask her out. While chatting and flirting will give you a chance to get to know her, you want to establish your interest by setting a time to see her in the future. Think of some activities for your date. Movies and dinner can work, but they aren't always the most creative options. If you've gauged her interests by asking her about herself, then ask her to do something that fits what she likes. If you've acquired her number, don't get in a trap of texting. Texting can be great in setting up a date, but you need to meet in person. This will prove that she's worth your time. | Buy new clothes. Style your hair. Practice good hygiene. Wear cologne. Learn self-love. Work out. Brainstorm conversation starters. Talk to her. Learn about her interests. Compliment her. Flirt smoothly. Make your move. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Sunny-Side-up-Eggs | How to Make Sunny Side up Eggs | To make sunny side up eggs, start by heating about 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over low heat. Then, break a couple eggs into the pan, keeping the yolks intact and whites separated. Next, cover the pan and cook the eggs for 2-3 minutes or until the whites are firm and cooked on the top. Finally, use a spatula to transfer the eggs to a plate before serving. | Heat 1 tbsp (14.2 g) of butter on low in a cast iron or non-stick skillet. Choose a skillet large enough to fit 2 cracked eggs so that they won't touch in the pan. Place the skillet on the burner with the butter in the pan, and turn on the burner to heat the butter. If your pan isn't non-stick, such as a carbon steel pan, you may need to spray it lightly with a non-stick spray before adding the butter. Tilt the pan to distribute the melted butter over the bottom. The butter helps to fry the bottom of the eggs quickly and maintain their shape. Make sure the butter is covering almost as much of the surface of the bottom of the pan as possible. If you don't have butter, you can use lard, olive oil, or bacon fat to make your eggs, because each will spread to coat the bottom of the pan. Break 1 egg gently into the pan, keeping the yolk intact. Once the butter is simmering, hold the egg about ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) over the frying pan as you break it, and let it gently drop into the bottom of the hot pan. The egg whites will begin to cook immediately. If you have trouble cracking eggs, crack each one into a bowl, check for shell fragments, and then carefully pour the egg into the pan. Crack another egg into the pan so that the whites don't touch. Repeat the process for cracking the egg into the pan. If the whites begin to touch, place one of the flat edges of your spatula in between them to keep them separated. Alternatively, you can let the whites touch and separate them after they're cooked by slicing through the whites with a spatula or knife. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 2-3 minutes. Covering the pan can accelerate the cooking process and make sure the whites are firm while the yolk remains runny. After 2 minutes, open the lid and check the whites to make sure they're cooked on the top. If not, recover the pan, and let them cook for another 30-60 seconds. You can check the doneness of the egg by shaking the pan gently to see if the yolk jiggles while the whites stay firm. Transfer the eggs to a plate and season with salt and pepper. Carefully hold the pan at a 45-degree angle next to the plate, and watch as they slide off of the pan. For more control, slide a spatula under each egg, and lift it onto the plate. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste and enjoy! You can serve sunny side up eggs with grits, over a piece of toast, or as part of a big breakfast with meat, potatoes, and fruit. Preheat an oven to 350 °F (177 °C). Use the control panel on your oven to set the heat to the correct level, and begin preparing the food while the oven heats up. This should take about 10-15 minutes, depending on your oven. Heat an oven-proof skillet lined with 1 tsp (13.7 g) of olive oil over medium heat. Check the bottom of your skillet for a label that says “oven safe.” If it is, pour 1 teaspoon (13.7 g) of olive oil into the pan, and tilt the pan to cover the bottom with oil. Then, leave the pan on the burner until the oil begins to simmer. In general, most cast iron skillets are oven safe, but many non-stick and carbon steel skillets are not. Crack 2 eggs into the skillet so that the whites aren't touching. Carefully break the eggs into the skillet on separate sides of the pan. If the whites touch, hold the flat edge of your spatula in between them to keep them apart until you put the pan in the oven. After both eggs are in the pan, remove it from the heat. Try to crack the eggs into the pan as quickly as possible while keeping the yolks intact. Transfer the skillet into the oven and bake the eggs for 4 minutes. Lift the pan from the burner and gently slide it onto the center rack of the oven. Leave the pan in the oven until the whites are set, which you can check by gently shaking the pan. If the yolk jiggles and the whites stay in place, the eggs are ready! With some ovens, this can take 3 and a half minutes, so keep the light on in your oven and watch the whites of each egg to see when they are fully cooked. If the yolk begins to turn white at any point, remove the eggs from the oven immediately to prevent them from cooking further. Remove the eggs from the oven and slide them onto a plate to season them. Use an oven mitt to pull the pan out of the oven, and tilt it at a 45-degree angle to slide the eggs off of the pan and onto a plate. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste and enjoy! It's best to serve the eggs immediately to keep them from getting cold. | Heat 1 tbsp (14.2 g) of butter on low in a cast iron or non-stick skillet. Tilt the pan to distribute the melted butter over the bottom. Break 1 egg gently into the pan, keeping the yolk intact. Crack another egg into the pan so that the whites don't touch. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 2-3 minutes. Transfer the eggs to a plate and season with salt and pepper. Preheat an oven to 350 °F (177 °C). Heat an oven-proof skillet lined with 1 tsp (13.7 g) of olive oil over medium heat. Crack 2 eggs into the skillet so that the whites aren't touching. Transfer the skillet into the oven and bake the eggs for 4 minutes. Remove the eggs from the oven and slide them onto a plate to season them. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Wolverine-Claws | How to Make Wolverine Claws | To make Wolverine claws, start by measuring the length of your hand and the width of your largest finger. Then, draw and cut out a blade shape on a piece of paper that's one and a half times as long as your hand and twice the width of your finger. Next, trace the template onto a piece of cardboard 5 times, cut out the claws, and glue them to another piece of cardboard. After that, cut out the claws again so they're twice as thick now. Finally, attach the claws to 2 dowels, and coat them with silver paint. | Take measurements. Measure the length of the hand when opened, from wrist to fingertip. Measure the side width of the largest finger, as well. Since hand size can vary by age, gender, and genetics, you should take measurements based on the hand of the intended wearer to ensure the best possible fit. Write down the length of the hand when opened flat. The length of each claw blade should be one and a half times longer. For example, if the hand is 7 inches (18 cm) long, the claw blade should be 10.5 inches (27 cm) long. Write down the side width of the largest finger. The width of each claw blade at its base will need to match this width with an additional 1 inch (2.5 cm). For example, if the side width of the largest finger is 1 inch (2.5 cm), the base of the claw needs to be 2 inches (5 cm). Sketch the curved blade onto plain paper. The claw template should look have a triangular shape, but each long side of the triangle should be slightly curved. The base should remain straight. Use your calculated measurements for the length of the claw and the width of the base. Both curves should open in the same direction and should share the same general arc. The convex edge will be the top of the claw, and the concave edge will be the bottom. Remove a notch from the base. Cut a curved indentation out of the top edge of the base. The length of this indentation should match the side width of the largest finger. The depth of this indentation should match half the side width of the largest finger. Note that you should have 1 inch (2.5 cm) of undisturbed base at the bottom of the claw. You can round off the edges, if desired, but it should otherwise remain intact. Cut out the template. Use scissors to carefully cut around the perimeter of the entire template. Test and adjust. Slide the template in between two fingers and examine the way it looks. Make any necessary adjustments to improve the fit. The curve at the base of the claw should sit comfortably between your fingers. The length of the claw should seem balanced with the length of your hand. Trace the template onto cardboard. Place the claw template at the bottom edge of the sturdy, white collage board. Use a ballpoint pen to trace around the entire perimeter of the claw, copying the shape onto the board. Trace five more copies of the template onto the bottom half of the board. Make sure that you only use half of the board, however, since you'll need the other half later. Collage board is ideal since its sturdy enough to last and has one smooth side. If you don't have collage board, you could try using another type of sturdy cardboard or dense craft foam. Card stock can also work in a pinch; the resulting claws will be quite flimsy, but they'll also be child-safe. Cut out the claws. Using a utility knife, cut around the outline of all size cardboard claws. Place the board over a cutting mat while you work. If you don't use a cutting mat, the knife can scrape the work surface beneath the board. Glue each claw onto additional cardboard. Apply craft glue to one side of the first claw. Position it over the bottom edge of the remaining cardboard, then press firmly to stick it into place. Repeat with the remaining five claws. Space them relatively close together so that all six fit onto the remaining piece of board. If you use collage board or another coated board, stick the two rough sides together, leaving the smooth sides pointing out. Let everything dry. Wait for the glue to dry on all six claws. The two layers should be firmly stuck together before you continue to the next step. Cut out the claws again. Use the utility knife to cut around the perimeter of each claw once more, sticking closely to the original edge of the top layer. When finished, you should have six double-sided claws. Even if the claws feel dry, it's a good idea to place them under a heavy book or similar object for another 30 to 60 minutes. Doing so should allow the material to finish drying completely flat. Cut down the dowel. Cut two lengths of 5/8 inch (1.5 cm) wooden dowel. Each piece should be approximately 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) shorter than the width of the intended wearer's palm. Use a saw to cut the wooden dowels down to size. If the edges seem rough or splintered, sand them down before continuing. If you don't have access to a saw, you could use the utility knife to cut four pieces of wooden chopstick or wooden skewer. The length of each piece should still be 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) less than the length of the palm. Cut one hole through each claw base. Using the utility knife, cut one hole through the center of each notched base. This hole should be round and about 5/8 inch (1.5 cm) in diameter. Position this hole in the exact center of each notched base. If you're using four chopsticks instead of two dowels, cut two holes through the base of the claw, each matching the diameter of the chopsticks. After cutting out this hole in the first claw, line it up with the remaining claws and trace the position and dimensions of the hole using ballpoint pen. Cutting along this marked pattern will make it easier to keep the hole even for all six claws. Insert one dowel through three claws. Slide one wooden dowel through the holes in three cardboard claws. Arrange the claws so that they can rest in between the wearer's fingers. If using chopsticks, slide one chopstick through one matching set of holes in three claws. Slide another chopstick through the other set of holes in the same three claws. The amount of dowel space in between each claw should match the bottom width of each finger. Ideally, the wearer should try on the claw set, and the adjustments can be made from there. Grab the dowel with one hand. Position the claws so that one lands between the index and middle fingers, another lands between the middle and ring fingers, and another lands between the ring and pinky fingers. Repeat. Repeat the previous step with the second dowel and the remaining three claws. Glue everything down. Once everything is accurately positioned, apply hot glue around the wooden bar where it connects to each claw. Apply generous amounts of glue to make the claw set sturdy. Let the glue completely cool and dry before continuing. Paint both claw sets gray, if necessary. If you used white board, spray paint both sets with matte gray paint. Cover all sides of both sets. This step won't be necessary if you used gray collage board. Let the first coat of paint dry. If it doesn't seem opaque enough, add another one or two coats, letting the paint dry in between each coat. Spray silver finish over both claw sets. Once the gray paint dries, apply several coats of metallic silver spray paint over all sides of both claw sets. As before, you should let the paint dry in between coats. Examine the appearance of the claws after each coat and stop once the claws look the way you want them to look. Let everything dry. After the claws feel dry to the touch, set them aside in a dry location for another 12 to 24 hours. The exact amount of time doesn't matter much as long as the paint is 100 percent dry before you handle the claws further. Consult the label instructions on the paint to determine the appropriate amount of time. Try out the finished claws. Your Wolverine claws should now be complete. Grab a set in each hand and get ready to show them off. | Take measurements. Sketch the curved blade onto plain paper. Remove a notch from the base. Cut out the template. Test and adjust. Trace the template onto cardboard. Cut out the claws. Glue each claw onto additional cardboard. Let everything dry. Cut out the claws again. Cut down the dowel. Cut one hole through each claw base. Insert one dowel through three claws. Repeat. Glue everything down. Paint both claw sets gray, if necessary. Spray silver finish over both claw sets. Let everything dry. Try out the finished claws. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Check-an-Electric-Motor | How to Check an Electric Motor | To check an electric motor to see why it failed, look at the outside for signs of debris that has been sucked into the motor windings, as well as broken mounting holes or feet, and darkened paint that could indicate excessive heat. Turn the rotors and push and pull the shaft to test the bearings; if the rotors move smoothly and there is little to no movement in the shaft, the bearings are probably fine. If the problem seems to be electrical, use an ohmmeter to check resistance value. | Check the outside of the motor. If the motor has any of the following issues on the outside, they may be problems that can shorten the life of the motor because of previous overloading, wrong application, or both. Look for: Broken mounting holes or feet Darkened paint in the middle of the motor (indicating excessive heat) Evidence of dirt and other foreign matter having been pulled into the motor windings through openings in the housing Check the nameplate on the motor. The nameplate is a metal or other durable tag or label that is riveted or otherwise affixed to the outside of motor housing called the '"stator" or "frame". Important information about the motor is on the label; without it, it will be difficult to determine its suitability to a task. Typical information found on most motors include (but not limited to): Manufacturer's Name — the name of the company the made the motor Model and Serial Number — information that identifies your particular motor RPM — the number of revolutions the rotor makes in one minute Horsepower — how much work it can perform Wiring diagram — how to connect for different voltages, speeds and direction of rotation Voltage — voltage and phase requirements Current — amperage requirements Frame Style — physical dimensions and mounting pattern Type — describes if frame is open, drip proof, total enclosed fan cooled, etc. Begin to check the bearings of the motor. Many electric motor failures are caused by bearing failures. The bearings allow the shaft or rotor assembly to turn freely and smoothly in the frame. Bearings are located at both ends of the motor which are sometimes called "bell housings" or "end bells". There are several types of bearings used. Two popular types are brass sleeve bearings and steel ball bearings. Many have fittings for lubrication while others are permanently lubricated or "maintenance free". Perform a check of the bearings. To perform a cursory check of the bearings, place the motor on a solid surface and place one hand on the top of the motor, spin the shaft/rotor with the other hand. Closely watch, feel, and listen for any indication of rubbing, scraping, or unevenness of the spinning rotor. The rotor should spin quietly, freely and evenly. Next, push and pull the shaft in and out of the frame. A small amount of movement in and out (most household fractional horsepower types should be less than 1/8" or so) is permitted, but the closer to "none" the better. A motor that has bearing-related issues when run will be loud, overheat the bearings, and potentially fail catastrophically. Check the windings for short circuiting to the frame. Most household appliance motors with a shorted winding will not run and will probably open the fuse or trip the circuit breaker instantly (600 volt systems are "ungrounded," so a 600 volt motor with a shorted winding may run and not trip a fuse or circuit breaker). Use an ohmmeter to check resistance value. With an ohmmeter set to the Resistance or Ohms test setting, place test probes into the appropriate jacks, usually the "Common" and "Ohms" jacks. (Check the meter's operation manual if necessary) Choose the highest scale (R X 1000 or similar) and zero the meter by touching both probes against each other. Adjust the needle to 0 if possible. Locate a ground screw (often a green, hex head type) or any metal part of the frame (scrape away paint if needed to make good contact with metal) and press a test probe to this spot and the other test probe to each of the motor leads, one at a time. Ideally, the meter should barely move off the highest resistance indication. Make sure your hands are not touching the metal probe tips, as doing so will cause the reading to be inaccurate. It may move a fair amount, but the meter should always indicate a resistance value in the millions of ohms (or "megohms"). Occasionally, values as low as several hundred thousand ohms (500,000 or so), *may* be acceptable, but a higher number is more desirable. Many digital meters do not offer the ability to zero, so skip the "zeroing" information above if yours is a digital meter. Check that the windings are not open or blown. Many simple "across the line" single-phase and 3-phase motors (used in household appliances and industry respectively) can be checked simply by changing the range of the ohm meter to the lowest offered (R X 1), zeroing the meter again, and measuring the resistance between the leads of the motor. In this case, consult the wiring diagram of the motor to be sure that the meter is measuring across each winding. Expect to see a very low value of resistance in ohms. Low, single digit resistance values are expected. Make sure your hands are not touching the metal probe tips, as doing so will cause the reading to be inaccurate. Values greater than this indicate a potential problem and values significantly greater than this indicate the winding has failed opened. A motor with high resistance will not run - or not run with speed control (as is the case when a 3-phase motor winding opens while running). Check the start or run capacitor used for starting or running some motors, if equipped. Most capacitors are protected from damage by a metal cover on the exterior of the motor. The cover must be removed to access the capacitor for inspection and testing. A visual inspection might indicate oil leaking from the container, bulges in the container, or any holes in the container, burnt smell or smoke residue — all potential problems. Electrically checking a capacitor can be done with the ohm meter. Placing the test probes on the capacitor terminals, the resistance should start low, and gradually increase as the small voltage supplied by the meter's battery gradually charges the capacitor. If it stays shorted or does not rise, there is probably an issue with the capacitor and may need to be replaced. The capacitor will have to be allowed 10 or more minutes to discharge before attempting this test again. Check the rear bell housing of the motor. Some motors have centrifugal switches used to switch the start / run capacitor (or other windings) "in" and "out" of the circuit at a specific RPM. Check the switch contacts are not welded closed or are contaminated with dirt and grease that could prevent a good connection. Use a screwdriver to see if the switch mechanism and any spring can be operated freely. Check the fan. A "TEFC" type motor is a "Totally Enclosed, Fan Cooled" type. The fan blades are behind metal guard on the back of the motor. Make sure it is securely fastened to the frame and is not clogged with dirt and other debris. The openings in the rear metal guard need to have full and free air movement; otherwise, the motor will overheat and eventually fail. Choose the right motor for the conditions in which it will be run. Check that drip-proof motors are exposed to directed water spray or moisture, and that open motors aren't exposed to any water or moisture at all. Drip-proof motors can be installed in damp or wet locations, so long as they are installed in such a way that water (and other liquids) can not enter due to gravity and must not be subjected to a stream of water (or other liquids) directed at or in it. Open motors are, as the name implies, completely open. The ends of the motor have rather large openings and the windings in the stator windings are plainly visible. These motors should not have these openings blocked or restricted and should not be installed in wet, dirty or dusty areas. TEFC motors on the other hand, can be used in all the previously mentioned areas but must not be submerged unless designed specifically for the purpose. | Check the outside of the motor. Check the nameplate on the motor. Begin to check the bearings of the motor. Perform a check of the bearings. Next, push and pull the shaft in and out of the frame. Check the windings for short circuiting to the frame. Use an ohmmeter to check resistance value. Check that the windings are not open or blown. Check the start or run capacitor used for starting or running some motors, if equipped. Check the rear bell housing of the motor. Check the fan. Choose the right motor for the conditions in which it will be run. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stay-Away-from-Friends-Who-Are-Bad-Influences | How to Stay Away from Friends Who Are Bad Influences | Bad friends are those who make you feel uncomfortable, pressure you into doing things you don't want to do, and disregard your feelings and opinions. If you want to avoid friends who are bad influences, start by setting some clear boundaries, for example, spending less time with them or being honest about how they make you feel. If your friend continues to be a bad influence, avoid them as much as possible. Instead focus on yourself and the positive relationships you have with other friends and family. | Notice who feels like a bad friend. Notice who makes you uncomfortable, pressures you to do things you or parents don't agree with, or teases you when you don't want to do the things they want to do. These types of friends are bad influences, because they don't respect your opinions and values. Instead, they try to pressure you and make you feel guilty if you don't agree with them. Look out for friends who: Boss you around Use drugs Are disrespectful or mean to others Are destructive of property or violent Try to manipulate you Make you feel bad about your eating habits or body Belittle your ideas or opinions Realize the effects this friend has on you. You've probably been noticing for awhile that this friend has a bad influence on you, but maybe you've been trying to give them more chances. You probably even defend them to your parents or other friends who object to the way they treat you. Take some time to think about the effect these friends have on you. Ask yourself if you feel: Used Drained Stressed out Unsupported Trapped Guilty for things you've done with the friend Ask for help. If you are having trouble saying “no” to or walking away from a friend who's a bad influence, ask for help from a more trusted friend, your parents, or the school counselor. These people can help support you and make you feel better for the next time you face that friend. Other people can help give you a more objective opinion about if the friendship is a good one or worth saving. Depending on what your friend has been doing, your parents may want to talk to their parents. They may also want you to spend less time with those friends or spend time with them in safer ways, like at home. Talk to your friend. Confronting someone who has upset you or is a bad influence can be hard, but you'll have to take responsibility and try, otherwise they'll just keep treating you the same way. By talking to them, you're showing you care about yourself and them. Keep in mind that they may become angry or not understand. Try to focus on your friend's behavior you disagree with, rather than criticizing them. You can say, “I know you're a good person and I know you've been having a hard time since your parents divorced. But I don't want to be around your smoking and drinking at school. I feel unsafe when you do that and I'm worried about you.” Set boundaries with your friend. To protect yourself if you still want to be around the friend, you'll need to set some boundaries so that they know they can't treat you that way anymore. You'll have to be direct and clear about what you need from them and what is not okay with you. Limit the time you spend with that friend Express your feelings and needs honestly Leave situations where your friend offends you or puts you in danger Don't force them to change, that's up to them End the friendship. If your friend continues to drain you, stress you out, or otherwise remain a bad influence on you, end the relationship. You cannot force them to change, but you also have to respect yourself and listen to your needs. Let your friend know that you're ending the friendship not because of who they are as a person, but because of their actions and how they've made you feel. You can say, “I really care about you, but our friendship isn't working for me. It doesn't seem our interests are the same and I don't feel good about myself in this friendship.” Stay away. Once you've ended the friendship, it may be difficult to completely avoid friends who are a bad influence, particularly if you're in the same classes, live close to each other, or have mutual friends. It will be awkward for awhile, particularly if there are hurt feelings involved, but it's important to be firm in your decision in taking time apart. To help you stay away you can: Defriend or unfollow them on social media Avoid talking about them with your mutual friends Avoid answering any texts or phone calls from them Avoid sitting next to them in class or at other events Overcome hurt caused by the bad friendship. Even if you were ready for the friendship to end, breaking up with a friend can take a toll on you. Take time to move on and overcome the hurt caused by your bad friendship. Allow yourself to process any feelings you have about the friendship ending, either on your own, with a parent or loved one, with a good friend, or with a counselor. Cry and let yourself be sad Write a goodbye letter, but keep it for yourself Determine what you want in a friend. Ask yourself what qualities most troubled you about the bad friendship, and how you can keep that from happening again. Good friendships are well balanced. Each friend gets their needs met fairly equally, and you'll feel safe, supported, and appreciated in a good friendship. You'll want friends who are there for you in good times and in bad. Look for people who: Build you up Genuinely care about how you are Don't focus only on themselves Try to make new friends. Once you know the types of people you want to be friends with and the types you're trying to stay away from, put yourself out there. Look for people who have similar interests as you and ask to spend time with them. You can also try new activities to meet new, different kinds of people. It might be uncomfortable or scary at first, just like asking someone out on a date. You can say, “Hi, I noticed your t-shirt. Do you like that band, too? I heard they're coming out with a new album this weekend. Do you want to go check it out at the record store with me sometime?” Spend time with yourself and your family. If you're having trouble making new friends, or just aren't ready, focus on yourself. Make time for yourself by exploring new hobbies, focusing on school, and doing extracurricular activities that you like. Spend time with your family doing things you enjoy. Remember that friends are an important part of life, but they're not the only part! Take some time away from friends to build back up your sense of self-esteem and self-confidence. Take a step back. Before you're tempted to talk to your child about their bad influence friend, think about what's making you react to their friend in that way. You might be putting all the blame on your child's friend, when in fact there's something going on with your child that's pushing them toward that friend. Understand that it's normal during adolescence for your child to try to fit in and imitate their peers, so it might not be only about peer pressure or negative influence from the friend. Avoid always criticizing. Even if you don't like your child's friends or the way they treat your child, it's important to avoid only giving negative feedback about their friends. This will only push your child further toward those friends and push them away from you. They'll get angry and defensive and will be less likely to come to you about that friend in the future. Seek out positives. You can ask, “What do you like about your friend?” or “What do you get from this friendship?” Let them know they have choices. You can say, “You don't have to spend time with those friends. You don't have to be treated this way.” Be clear about inappropriate behavior. When your child's friend does something you're not happy about, like talking back to you or stealing something from your home, be clear and direct with your child about the behavior you don't like. Don't judge the friend's personality or character. Be clear about what limits you'll have for your child and that friend from now on. You can say, “I'm sure your friend is a good person, and I don't know everything they're going through, but I don't like that your friend stole beer from our refrigerator. I don't want you to think it's okay to do that, here or at someone else's home. He isn't allowed to come back over until he apologizes to me.” Set limits and structure. Sometimes you won't be able to keep your child or teen away from friends who are bad influences just by talking to them. Instead, you can keep your child busy with structured activities during the week. Control more of their schedule by setting limits on who they spend time with, when, where, and for how long. If you have a child 12 or under, you can plan visits to relatives, schedule doctors' appointments, or schedule time with other friends instead of allowing them time with bad influences. When they do spend time with the bad friend, make sure it's at your house or that you're nearby and can listen in on interactions. If you have a teenager, you can limit the nights they're allowed to go out and make sure you know what their plans are when they do go out. Let them know their activities with friends have to be approved by you first, and enforce consequences if you find out they did something other than what they first told you. Be patient. Friendships come and go during adolescence. Once your kids reach high school, their brains and identities are developing even more. They'll start to feel more secure in who they are and what they believe, and they won't be as easily swayed by friends and peer pressure. Be patient with this process and trust that as long as you support their independence while providing them with some structure and limits, they'll make good choices in friends. | Notice who feels like a bad friend. Realize the effects this friend has on you. Ask for help. Talk to your friend. Set boundaries with your friend. End the friendship. Stay away. Overcome hurt caused by the bad friendship. Determine what you want in a friend. Try to make new friends. Spend time with yourself and your family. Take a step back. Avoid always criticizing. Be clear about inappropriate behavior. Set limits and structure. Be patient. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Ninja-Costume | How to Make a Ninja Costume | To make a ninja costume, start by wearing a black turtleneck and black pants, like leggings or cargo pants. Then, add a black kimono or satin bathrobe over the top and put on some black gloves. Next, loop a black scarf around your torso several times before tying it in the back so that it looks like a wide belt. If you want a mask, put your head about halfway through the collar of a black long-sleeved t-shirt and pull the back of the shirt over your forehead so only your eyes show. Finally, tie the sleeves behind your head to keep the mask in place. | Tuck a black turtleneck into a pair of black cargo pants. Slip into a long-sleeved black turtleneck shirt. Pull on a pair of straight-fit cargo pants that are slightly loose. If you don't have a black turtleneck, a white one will work. Make sure you change the other main costume details to white, as well. If you don't have black cargo pants, try black tights, skinny jeans or leggings. Tie a short piece of black ribbon over the pants at each ankle. All cargo pants are straight-fit, but ninja pants taper at the ankles. To get the same effect, use black ribbon to tie the pants off just above the ankles. Tie the knots securely. Obtain a black kimono or short black robe. A real kimono might be expensive, but the perfect substitute is a short black satin (or thin cotton) robe. These can be found at any department store. Make sure it comes with a belt! If you can't find a completely black satin robe, look for one that has detailing in bright, rich colors like red, blue, green and white. Minimal floral detail in those colors would work, for example. You could also just get the darkest solid color they have (red and white ninjas aren't uncommon). Put the robe on over your turtleneck and cargo pants. Slip it on like you would a regular robe, then arrange it until you feel comfortable. Fasten the belt firmly at the waist by tying it in a knot. Slip on a pair of black gloves. Any material will do – leather, wool, knit – as long as they're black. Tuck the wrist part of each glove into the sleeves of your black turtleneck. Wrap a black scarf around your upper torso. Once you get it around your upper torso (bottom half of your ribcage down to about your belly button), the front will look like a very wide belt. Take the ends of the scarf and tie them together tightly behind you. Use safety pins to secure the scarf in place. For a cleaner look, tuck the ends underneath the main part of the belt so they don't hang down. Tuck your pants into black ankle-high boots. Slip on a pair of black boots. Before you tie them, tuck the ends of your pants down into them. Then tie them like you normally would, securing the pants in place. Put on a long-sleeved t-shirt and stop above the ears and nose. In other words, pop your head about halfway through the collar. The top of the tee (the collar) should be resting on the arch of your nose and ears. Pull the back of the shirt over your forehead. Adjust it so it's a bit above your eyebrows. It doesn't have to feel tight just yet, just get it situated in place. Take the sleeves and tie them behind your head. Tuck the material under itself so that it just covers your forehead. It's okay to leave the sleeves dangling in the back. You can either leave them free or tuck them into the turtleneck. Create pant guards with red or black t-shirts. Pant guards are tied around both calves and around both thighs, right above the knees. You'll need four shirts. You could also use scarves instead of t-shirts, if you have those on hand. Red and black are ideal, but white would work, too. Place one shirt across your upper thigh above the knee. The collar should be pointing toward your navel at an angle. Tuck in the seam of the collar to get rid of the awkward lines. Tuck any loose material so that the band is 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) wide. Your thigh is not in the t-shirt. The t-shirt is simply draped over it. Take the sleeves and wrap the shirt around your upper leg. Tie off the sleeves in the back of your leg. Fold the knots under. Tuck any loose material so that the band is 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) wide. Then, tie off the bottom ends of the shirt behind your leg. Make sure you tuck loose ends or knots. Do this to both legs. Take another shirt and do the same to your lower legs. Wrap a t-shirt around the middle of one of your calves. Tie the sleeves in the back, just like you did with the thigh guards. Fold the knots under the fabric. Do the same thing for your other calf. Make some ninja weapons to complete the look. You could make throwing stars or a ninja sword out of cardboard, or buy plastic ones from a costume shop and carry those. If you have nun-chucks, carry those with you. If nothing else, ninjas used long wooden staffs as weapons, so you could try using the long handle of a broom or find a tree branch outside that resembles a staff. Make a weapon. Take a piece of cardboard, and cut it to the shape of the weapon. Use duct tape, to create a sliver shine. On the end, take black tape, or cloth for the handle. | Tuck a black turtleneck into a pair of black cargo pants. Tie a short piece of black ribbon over the pants at each ankle. Obtain a black kimono or short black robe. Put the robe on over your turtleneck and cargo pants. Slip on a pair of black gloves. Wrap a black scarf around your upper torso. Tuck your pants into black ankle-high boots. Put on a long-sleeved t-shirt and stop above the ears and nose. Pull the back of the shirt over your forehead. Take the sleeves and tie them behind your head. Create pant guards with red or black t-shirts. Place one shirt across your upper thigh above the knee. Take the sleeves and wrap the shirt around your upper leg. Take another shirt and do the same to your lower legs. Make some ninja weapons to complete the look. Make a weapon. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Download-Roblox | How to Download Roblox | Android: Open the Play Store, search for Roblox, and then tap INSTALL. iOS: Open the App Store, search for Roblox, tap GET. PC/Mac: Go to Roblox.com, sign in, click the PLAY button on a game, and then follow the on-screen instructions. | Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad. It'll be on the home screen. You may have to open a folder to find it. Tap the Search icon. It's the magnifying glass icon at the bottom-right corner. Type roblox into the search bar and press Search. The search bar is at the top of the screen. A list of matching search results will appear. Tap GET next to "Roblox. " It should be at or near the top of the list. Look for the black icon with a titled silver square inside. If you've downloaded the app to this iPhone or iPad in the past, you'll see a small blue cloud with an arrow instead of GET. Tap that instead. Confirm your identity. Depending on your settings, you'll usually have to enter a PIN or use Touch ID to start the download. Follow the on-screen instructions to download the app to your phone or tablet. When the app is finished downloading, its icon will appear on one of your home screens. Look for the icon with two game characters and the word "ROBLOX" in white letters. Open the Play Store on your phone or tablet. You'll find this app in your app drawer. Type roblox into the search bar and press ↵ Enter. The search bar is at the top of the screen. A list of matching search results will appear. Tap INSTALL next to "Roblox. " It's at the top of the list. This will download and install the app to your Android. Once the install is complete, the ROBLOX icon will be placed on your home screen or in the app drawer. Look for the icon with two game characters and the word "ROBLOX" in white letters. Go to https://www.roblox.com in a web browser. As long as you're using macOS 10.7 or later on an Intel chipset, you can play Roblox on your Mac. Create a new account. If you're new to ROBLOX, complete the form under the "Sign up and start having fun" header, then click Sign Up to start playing. If you've played Roblox before, enter your username and password into the fields at the top-right corner of the page, and then click the green Log In button. Go to any ROBLOX game. It doesn't matter which ones, as you'll just be using it to download Roblox. This displays details about the game. Click the green Play button. Now you'll see a pop-up prompting you to install the application. If you're asked if you want to allow the page to open the app, click Allow. Click the green Download and Install ROBLOX button. It's on the pop-up window. This downloads the ROBLOX installer to your default downloads folder. Open your Downloads folder. You can do this in most browsers by clicking the downward-pointing arrow near the top-right corner of the window. If you prefer, open Finder and then double-click the Downloads folder. Double-click Roblox.dmg. This opens the installer window. Double-click the orange ROBLOX icon. It's at the center of the window (right above the text "Double click to install"). A warning message will appear, asking if you are sure you want to install the app. Click Open on the warning pop-up. The window will close and you'll return to the ROBLOX installer window. Drag the orange ROBLOX icon to your desktop or the Dock. You can put the app wherever you wish. As soon as you drag the icon, the installation will begin. A progress bar will appear showing you how long the installation to go until it's complete. Once the installation is finished, you'll see a "ROBLOX is successfully installed!" window. Click OK to close the window. ROBLOX is now installed. Click the new ROBLOX icon. It's the orange square or diamond on your desktop or Dock (wherever you put it). This opens a shortcut to the ROBLOX website, where you'll find a full list of games you can play. You can now browse to any game, click the green Play button, and play ROBLOX on your Mac. Open the Microsoft Store . You'll find this app in your Start menu. Click Search. It's near the top-right corner of the Microsoft Store window. Type roblox and press ↵ Enter. A list of search results will appear. Click ROBLOX. It's the silver square with a darker square inside. It should be the first result in the list. Click the blue Get button. It's under the word "Free+" near the middle of the page. This installs ROBLOX on your PC. It'll also add a menu item for ROBLOX to your Start menu. Open ROBLOX. You'll find the app in your Start menu. Sign in or create an account. If you've played ROBLOX before, you can use the same account you used on that computer, phone, or tablet. Otherwise, follow the on-screen instructions to sign in. | Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad. Tap the Search icon. Type roblox into the search bar and press Search. Tap GET next to "Roblox. Confirm your identity. Open the Play Store on your phone or tablet. Type roblox into the search bar and press ↵ Enter. Tap INSTALL next to "Roblox. Go to https://www.roblox.com in a web browser. Create a new account. Go to any ROBLOX game. Click the green Play button. Click the green Download and Install ROBLOX button. Open your Downloads folder. Double-click Roblox.dmg. Double-click the orange ROBLOX icon. Click Open on the warning pop-up. Drag the orange ROBLOX icon to your desktop or the Dock. Click OK to close the window. Click the new ROBLOX icon. Open the Microsoft Store . Click Search. Type roblox and press ↵ Enter. Click ROBLOX. Click the blue Get button. Open ROBLOX. Sign in or create an account. |
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