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https://www.wikihow.pet/Get-a-Thorn-out-of-a-Dogs-Paw

How to Get a Thorn out of a Dogs Paw

To get a thorn out of your dog's paw, start by sterilizing some tweezers with rubbing alcohol or boiling water. Then, wash your dog's paw with soap and warm water, and use the tweezers to carefully pull the thorn out. If the thorn is hard to see, use a flashlight, and check in between its toes. Grasp the thorn with your tweezers and pull it out. If your dog's paw is still bleeding, wrap it with non-stick gauze bandage and adhesive tape. To keep your furry friend calm, pet it, talk to it in a calm voice, and give it a treat.

Pet your dog and speak in a soothing tone. Your dog will probably be in pain and won't realize that you're trying to help. Your first actions should be calming the dog down so you can inspect the wound and take necessary action. Pet the dog in his favorite spot for a few minutes to get him relaxed. When he calms down, you can continue with removing the thorn. Give your dog a treat. If necessary, you can give your dog a treat while you inspect the wound. This will distract him and allow you to take the necessary first aid steps while the dog is preoccupied. You'll want a treat that will keep your dog busy for a while, so some are better than others. Milk bones. Most dogs can eat a milk bone in just a few bites, even if the bone is large. These probably won't work well in this situation. Rawhide bones. This is a more long-lasting option, since these bones take longer to chew. Rawhide can be hazardous to your dog if the bone breaks into small pieces, but this shouldn't be an issue in this situation. You'll be done working on the paw before your dog can chew it this much. A toy filled with peanut butter. Many dog toys are hollowed out so you can put a treat or peanut butter inside. Putting peanut butter inside one of these toys will keep your dog occupied for quite a while, because he'll want to lick it all out. Get someone to hold the dog. Inspecting the wound and pulling out the thorn will be painful and your dog will probably try to pull away. It is a big help if there is someone around to hold the dog in place while you work. There are several techniques for safely restraining a dog. The particular position you hold your dog in will depend on where exactly the wound is. Remember that the most important part of restraining the dog is controlling his mouth. Even if your dog is friendly and has never bitten anyone before, any animal can turn aggressive when it is in pain and scared. He may bite as a reflex when you touch the wound. Make sure the holder keeps his hand over the dog's mouth to prevent this. When restraining the dog, only use light pressure when he isn't struggling. If he starts to struggle, apply more pressure, then let off when he stops. This will gradually show him that if he doesn't struggle, you'll press down with less force. Muzzle your dog if necessary. Sometimes animals respond very badly to being restrained, especially if they're in pain. This could be dangerous for you and everyone around, because a panicked dog can deliver a nasty bite. If your dog is snapping or acting very aggressive, muzzle him for your own safety. If you don't have a muzzle handy, you can use gauze wrap for a makeshift muzzle. Avoid moving on if your dog is out of control. If your dog is in a lot of pain, he might respond violently. If you can't control him, don't try to keep restraining him. You could injure both yourself and your dog. Instead leave him alone and see if he'll calm down on his own. In the meantime, call your vet and see what he suggests. Locate the thorn. You'll probably know which paw the thorn is in because your dog wasn't putting it down, but you have to find its exact location. Once the dog is safely restrained, inspect the paw. Use a flashlight if you need to. Also remember to look in between the toes if you're having trouble finding the thorn. Foreign objects could be hiding here. Wash the area with disinfectant soap and warm water. You want to avoid an infection in your dog's paw. An infection will delay the healing process and could require a few visits to the vet. When you've located the thorn, carefully wash around it with soap and warm water. This will help fight infection, and the warm water may soften the skin and make pulling the thorn out easier. Sterilize a pair of tweezers. Before pulling out the thorn, you have to make sure the tweezers you're using are clean. Wipe them down with alcohol to kill any microbes and help prevent an infection. Pull out the thorn. Grasp the thorn firmly with the tweezers, as close to the dog's skin as possible. Then quickly pull the thorn out. While pulling quickly will cause pain, it will ensure that the process ends fast and your dog can start recovering. Wash the area again. You should also wash the area after pulling out the thorn to further fight infection. You can use soap and water again, or a disinfectant like betadine. Wrap the wound if it's still bleeding. Oftentimes small puncture wounds will stop bleeding fast and won't require wrapping. If the wound is a little larger and bleeds, however, use gauze to wrap up the paw. Start by drying the wound. If you do wrap the paw, a moist environment is favorable for bacterial growth. Place a sterile, non-stick gauze pad over the wound. Use non-stick gauze bandage to wrap up the paw. Start from the toes and work up to the bottom of the dog's ankle joint. Wrap adhesive tape over the bandage. Continue this up about an inch past where the gauze bandage ends to ensure that the dressing stays on your dog's paw. Visit the vet if necessary. If you have any trouble getting the thorn out, wrapping the wound, stopping the bleeding, or suspect something may be wrong at all, call your vet. Schedule an appointment so he can inspect the wound and take care of any issues there may be. Watch for signs of infection. Monitor your dog carefully for at least a week after you remove the thorn. Take him to the vet if you see any of the following symptoms. Redness or swelling around the wound area. Discharge of pus from the wound. Hot feeling on or around the wound. If the dog exhibits increased pain, like suddenly limping or refusing to put the paw down. Keep your dog's nails trimmed. It is common for a dog's nails to get caught on something and get cut or pulled out. This injury is painful and can cause an infection. Avoid it by keeping your dog's nails trimmed to a good length. Read Trim a Dog's Nails for instructions on caring for your dog's nails. Your vet can also do this during checkups, so ask the next time you visit. Inspect your dog's paws regularly. The pads on your dog's feet go through a lot of wear and tear, and are very susceptible to injury. Look for any cuts, cracks, or tears in the pads. Even small injuries can get worse, so talk to your vet if you find any and have them looked at to prevent further injury. Get protective footwear for your dog. There are several brands of footwear designed to protect your dog's feet. If you live in an area with rough terrain or your dog has experienced injuries before, it might be a good idea to look into these. You can ask your vet for a recommendation, or ask the staff at your local pet store. Clean your yard. While you may not be able to avoid sharp objects when taking your dog for a walk, you can make sure that your own property is free of danger. Search your lawn and yard for sharp objects like glass, nails, screws, or anything else that could injure your dog. This can help avoid serious injuries for your dog.

Pet your dog and speak in a soothing tone. Give your dog a treat. Get someone to hold the dog. Muzzle your dog if necessary. Avoid moving on if your dog is out of control. Locate the thorn. Wash the area with disinfectant soap and warm water. Sterilize a pair of tweezers. Pull out the thorn. Wash the area again. Wrap the wound if it's still bleeding. Visit the vet if necessary. Watch for signs of infection. Keep your dog's nails trimmed. Inspect your dog's paws regularly. Get protective footwear for your dog. Clean your yard.

https://www.wikihow.com/Handle-a-Violent-Girlfriend-or-Wife

How to Handle a Violent Girlfriend or Wife

Being abused by your girlfriend or wife is never OK, and it's important that you protect yourself and get the support that you need. Whenever your partner becomes violent, go somewhere safe, like a friend's house or a police station. Talk to a friend or family member you trust so you don't have to deal with this alone. You can also join a support program or find a therapist. Although it may be difficult, you should leave your violent partner as soon as possible, since they're not likely to change. If you have children, consult with a lawyer or police officer on how to protect them and keep custody.

Establish safety first. If your spouse acts violently towards you or anyone else in the home, the first thing you need to do is get yourself (and any other innocents) to a safe place. This may be a locked room somewhere else in home, a neighbor's house, or to the police station. If she comes at you, try to shield yourself from harm as much as possible without retaliating as this can cause you to be considered a perpetrator, too. If you have children in the home, alert them to head to your "safety zone" whenever shouting or other signs of violent behavior takes place. If you believe you are in danger, call the emergency services immediately. Confide in someone you trust. The first step in getting out is often just letting others know you are in an abusive relationship and you need support and help. Beyond telling someone you trust, it can be helpful to ask them to assist in helping you find a way to leave. You generally need to gather resources, copies of documents and other items as you prepare to leave. A trusted friend can store these items for you. Gather any items you may need to leave like your own cell phone, a separate bank account and legal ID so you are not forced to stay in the home. Leave the relationship or home if you can. Research your options as far as filing for separation, custody and other legal matters so you can coordinate as needed. If there are children in the home, make a plan for all of you to leave safely, if possible. This plan needs to take into account local laws about custody and what needs to occur so you can take the kids with you if that is what you want. Because abuse often follows the same cycle, you may be able to time leaving during a time where your partner thinks everything is “normal” and perhaps less likely to think something is going to happen. If you have to leave during the active abuse, beware this is the time you are most likely to be faced with possible false charges of you being the abuser, or even of getting hurt. Document any offenses. You need to protect yourself from retaliation in the form of false charges of abuse from your partner; keeping records of everything will help in this case. If you keep a journal or other documentation, make sure you give a copy of it to a friend for safe keeping and out of the home. You might document the abuse by photographing injuries you or others sustain, having others write down testimony to what they witness, or keeping a journal with dates, times, and details of what happened. In order for this to be considered documentation of abuse, you must refrain from expressing opinions or making judgments. Stick to the facts. Refrain from getting revenge. This may actually be exactly what she is trying to push you to do. In some abusive relationships, a female abuser may attempt to push her male partner to the point of reacting violently or seeking revenge. Depending on local laws, this kind of action could end up with you being in jail. Documenting and not reacting to abuse is much safer for you in the long run, no matter how tempting retaliation may be. Reach out to a domestic violence support program. Men are far less likely to report abuse because they are isolated into thinking they are alone. Seeking help and support can show you just how common it may be. Look up shelters, assistance programs, and other forms of support in your area. Consider making a safety plan for when you leave. An action plan helps you prepare for all probabilities when you finally decide to leave the home. This plan would not only include what your actions need to be but also letting those close to you know what is going on as well. Your family, for example, should know if you are leaving with the kids and what to do if your partner calls looking for you. Many support programs have resources that can help prepare and support a safety plan. This includes setting up secure mailing addresses so the abuser does not know where you have gone and other formal ways to protect yourself. Understand violence against men statistics, if you are a man. Men are abused in about 10% of homes but often this abuse goes unreported. Men who are abused come from a variety of backgrounds, sexual orientations and living situations. Female abusers are far more likely to use control or emotional abuse against male partners than the reverse. Consult with a family lawyer if you have children. It is wrong to assume the woman always gets the kids—if you want your kids with you, fight for them. In most states, you can file for an emergency order that would allow you to take the kids with you if you can provide proof that this is a better solution than staying with their mom. There's a myth that the mother will automatically get custody. In fact, when fathers ask for custody, they often get it. (This includes situations in which there was no abuse.) Don't give up. You have a good chance. In general you have the right in most states to leave the home, but if you are married there may be legal things you need to do to set up the legal separation and custody. Without taking legal steps, you may not have the right to simply leave with the kids. You want to be informed about the legal issues you face to avoid further threats or manipulation by your partner. Learn how your area handles these cases. If you have sought out local support, many times these groups will have information about local law enforcement and laws. It is in your best interest to work with the legal system. They can assist with things like serving divorce papers or even a restraining order if you require one. Taking steps to quietly line up service right after you leave the home can help to avoid a bigger issue in front of children. Consider how your partner talks to you. Abuse from a partner can come in several forms beyond the physical abuse many people often think of when hearing the term domestic abuse. Your partner's verbal interactions with you would be considered abusive if she: Calls you names, insults you or belittles you Blames any outburst on you and says you deserve to be treated this way Intimidates you into not seeing family or friends by yelling or making threats Turns the blame on you whenever you try to bring up a problem (For example, you try to tell her that she's hurt your feelings, and somehow you end up being the one apologizing) Belittles you by accusing you of being gay or unable to perform sexually in front of others to hurt you Engages in behaviors that attempt to isolate you and keep what happens at home a secret Notice gaslighting. In gaslighting, your partner manipulates you to try to get you to doubt your own sanity, and rely on her for knowing what is and isn't real. She may accuse you of making things up or overreacting, and try to make you believe that you can't tell fact from fiction. Saying "I never said/did that" or "that never happened" Moving things around, and denying that anything has changed Telling you to stop overreacting when you mention a problem Calling you crazy or a liar (She may also say this about you to other people, to try to make them not listen to you) Question whether your girlfriend or wife is threatening you. Threatening behaviors can be very subtle or in-your-face obvious. The threat may be physical, emotionally-based or tied to sex. Examples of behaviors that would be considered threatening would include: Telling you if you try to leave she will call the police to have you arrested for domestic violence or some other sort of crime you did not commit. Using your fear of losing contact with your kids to keep you in the home by telling you that you will never see your kids again if you act in a way she does not like. Not allowing you to have contact with your family or friends unless you agree to her demands or cover up arguments you have had. Threatening to harm herself or someone else if you leave/disobey her. Think about whether your partner often tries to control you. Controlling another adult can be another form of abuse. Examples of behaviors that would be considered controlling would include: Limiting your access to the phone or other communication with the outside world to the point that everything goes through your partner. This may also include tracking and monitoring your cell phone bill and demanding free access to email accounts as well. Becoming jealous and over-reacting about even meaningless contact with other women in public or incidental contact with co-workers. This outrage can be used as a way for her to justify hurting you physically or emotionally. You feeling like you are always walking on egg shells because she may explode at any time Manipulating you into staying in a bad relationship by threatening to harm or kill herself Taking control of the household funds to the extent that you are not able to buy things for yourself without her approval or you are forced to give her access to all the money you make working (without your consent) Think about whether your partner has ever struck you physically. Whether or not you are bigger than her does not matter, if she has hit you then that can be considered abuse. Many men feel like they have to just take being hit by a female partner without reacting because a man should never hit a woman. This can be used as a part of the manipulation. Depending on local laws, a woman hitting a man may be treated differently than the opposite happening. This can be used as a threat to keep the secret. For example, she may tell you if you call the police, it is the man who is always arrested. Striking does not always mean hitting. It is also physical abuse if your partner pushes, kicks, trips, or otherwise physically hurts you. It includes using an object as a weapon, such as throwing a glass at you, or hitting you with a belt. If your partner misses on purpose, intending to scare you into submission, this is still abuse. Know that abuse can be carried out sexually, too. Statistically women are more likely than men to use sex as a way to control their partner's behaviors. Unfortunately, this is also a kind of abuse. Your partner might withhold sex (as a punishment) or threaten false accusations of sexual misconduct as well. Sex may also be a form of abuse if she uses it as a way to humiliate or emasculate you. This would include touching you in a way that is unwanted, hurting you during sex or forcing you to do something you do not want to do. You should be able to freely say "no" (or a safe word) without worrying how she'll react, and have her respect it, without her getting upset with you for saying no. Consider if your interactions form a recurring cycle. You do not have to be in a relationship that is always bad to be in an abusive relationship. It is common to have very low times during the abuse followed by times where she is very apologetic and willing to do anything to “win” you back. Many times the best times are in front of family so they may not understand when you start talking about leaving. Consider keeping track of the good and bad interactions so you can establish patterns. Sometimes, in the moment, it is hard to see that you are repeating the same cycle and that the positive behaviors will soon give way to abuse. This cycle of abuse usually follows this pattern: abuse, guilt, excuses, “normal” behavior, fantasy and then build up to the abuse starting again.. Knowing the pattern can also help you predict the abuse and start to recognize it as abusive behavior.

Establish safety first. Confide in someone you trust. Leave the relationship or home if you can. Document any offenses. Refrain from getting revenge. Reach out to a domestic violence support program. Consider making a safety plan for when you leave. Understand violence against men statistics, if you are a man. Consult with a family lawyer if you have children. Learn how your area handles these cases. Consider how your partner talks to you. Notice gaslighting. Question whether your girlfriend or wife is threatening you. Think about whether your partner often tries to control you. Think about whether your partner has ever struck you physically. Know that abuse can be carried out sexually, too. Consider if your interactions form a recurring cycle.

https://www.wikihow.com/Install-Chain-Link-Fence

How to Install Chain Link Fence

To install a chain link fence, start by establishing your property lines and placing your post holes 4 inches inside those lines. Next, measure the total length of the fence and mark where each terminal post will go. You'll want to dig your terminal posts first, and then install your line posts. Once all of the posts are in the ground, slide tension bands on them to secure the chain link mesh to the posts. Then, slide a tension bar through the mesh roll, bolt the bar to a terminal post, and unspool the mesh.

Obtain any necessary permits. Your local government may have building and zoning regulations that regulate fence setbacks, type, and height. If you install a fence without a permit, they may tear down the structure. Establish where your property lines are located. This information can be obtained from city records, a realtor's line plot map, or by hiring a surveyor. Find out where your utility lines are. Have your utility companies mark the location of your utility lines. You don't want to accidentally hit them while digging post holes. You can call 811 from anywhere in the US. Your local utility companies will then send an employee to mark your utility lines for free. Review any neighborhood covenants for regulations on fencing. Some neighborhood associations have their own rules regarding height and style, additional to the rules enforced by your town. Locate the property lines that border your neighbor's. For your post holes, measure approximately 4 inches (10.2 cm) inside those lines. This prevents the concrete footings from encroaching onto your neighbor's property. Clear the working space along the entire length of the property line to make it easier to move a wheelbarrow, as well as for rolling out the fence for installation. Measure the total length of your planned fence. This determines how many feet of chain-link mesh and the amount of hardware you'll need. Consult your local retailer for post spacing guidelines to determine the number of posts you'll need. Find each terminal post location. Mark the exact spot with a stake or spray paint. A terminal post refers to any end, corner or gate posts. Spray paint works best as stakes will create a possible tripping hazard and can cause injury. Dig all the terminal post holes first. Post holes should be dug 3 times the width and one-third the length of the post, with an extra 4 inches (10.2 cm) for gravel. Slope the sides so that the hole is wider at the bottom than at the top. Fill the post holes with 4 inches (10.2 cm) of gravel. Tamp down the gravel to provide a compact foundation for the posts and concrete. Stand a terminal post in the center of its hole. Mark the side of the post at ground level using a marker or chalk. The height above the line should equal the height of the fence mesh, plus 2 inches (5.1 cm). Plumb the post. Plumbing a post helps keep your fence looking straight. Using a carpenter's level or plumb line to check the balance, position the post until its plumb. Secure the post in position. Using clamps and pieces of 1" x 4" x 4' to 6' long lumber angled on two sides, brace the post in its plumb position by using wooden stakes driven into ground and screws. Double check all measurements, post spacing, and height one last time before securing it to the bracing material because you do not want it to be even slightly out of alignment when the concrete hardens. Fill the hole with concrete. Pour or shovel concrete around the post. Smooth the surface with a trowel or small piece of wood, sloping away from the post to direct water elsewhere. Repeat until all your terminal posts are installed. Allow time for the concrete to set, according to manufacturer's recommendations. Allow at least 24 hours at minimum before putting tension on posts. Run a string line between the terminal posts. The string should be taut, low to the ground, and positioned on the outside face of the terminal posts. Mark the location of each line post. Using a post spacing chart, measure and mark the exact spot with a stake or spray paint. Dig the line post holes. Line post holes should be 6 inches (15.2 cm) wide and 18 inches (45.7 cm) to 24 inches (61.0 cm) deep, with sloping sides. Right before installing line posts, you can run a second, very tight line from terminal posts to set the height of line posts, but always re-check all measurements before final bracing. Fill the line post holes with 4 inches (10.2 cm) of gravel. Pat down the gravel to provide a compact foundation for the posts and concrete. Position a line post in the center of its hole. Use a marker or chalk to mark the side of the post at ground level. The height above the line should equal the height of the fence mesh, plus 2 inches (5.1 cm). Make sure your post is plumb. Go around the post with your carpenter's level or plumb line, checking to see if the post is balanced. Continue moving the post until it's plumb. Secure the post in the plumb position. Add clamps and long pieces of lumber that are angled on two sides to hold the post in its plumb position. Use wooden stakes in the ground as well as screws to brace the post. Before securing the post, double check that it's straight. Pour in the concrete. Smooth over the surface of the concrete with a trowel or small piece of wood. Create a slope in your concrete so that water will slide down away from your fence post. Continue until all of your line posts are installed. Allow time for the concrete to set, according to manufacturer's recommendations. Allow at least 24 hours at minimum before putting tension on posts. Slide tension bands onto each post. Tension bands secure the chain-link mesh to the posts. Use one less tension band than the height of the fence, in feet. For example, if the fence is 4-feet high, use 3 tension bands per post. For a 6-foot fence, use 5 bands, and so on. The long, flat surface of the tension band should face toward the outside of the fence. Add the appropriate caps to posts. Terminal posts get end caps. Line posts get looped caps (for the top rail.) Tighten all the nuts and bolts, but not too tight. Leave some slack for adjustments. Feed the top rails through the loop caps. Cut off excess length with a pipe cutter or hacksaw. If the rails are too short, create longer runs by using rails with male-female coupling ends. Insert the rail ends into the terminal rail caps. You may need to adjust the height of the rail caps to allow for the height of the chain link mesh, plus a 2 inch (5.1 cm) clearance at the bottom. Tighten nuts and bolts. After checking your top rails and caps for proper fit and alignment, tighten all the hardware. Add your dirt. Fill the line post holes with dirt, packing the dirt firmly around the holes. Slide a tension bar vertically through the starting end of the mesh roll. This will stiffen the mesh so that you can attach it to the fence posts and rails. Bolt the tension bar to one of the terminal posts' tension bands. The mesh should overlap the rail by 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) and be 2 inches (5.1 cm) off the ground. You'll need someone to help you stand the mesh up to the end post and a socket wrench to turn the bolt. Begin unrolling the mesh. Stand it up against the fence frame, taking out the slack as you go. Loosely attach the mesh to the top rail. Use fence ties to hold it in place. Separate enough length from the roll to span the opening between the terminal posts. Splice sections together as needed. Using a single strand of wire removed from one end of the mesh, join two sections by corkscrewing the loose strand through the end links. A second strand may have to be removed to provide the correct line-up of "diamonds." Remove excess mesh. Using pliers, untwist the top and bottom loops on one strand of wire where you want to separate the mesh. Work the freed strand out of the links until the two sections separate. Pull the mesh taut with a fence puller. The stretching is necessary so the fence doesn't sag. Thread the fence puller's bar into an unattached section of mesh, a short distance from the far end post. Attach the fence puller's yoke to the pull bar and connect the other end of the puller to the far end post. Stretch the mesh with the fence puller until the mesh loops move less than a quarter-inch when squeezed by hand. If the mesh gets pulled out of shape during the tightening process, pull on it to reshape it. Add a second tension bar. Run a second tension bar through the end of the mesh near the fence puller. This will permit attaching the stretched mesh to the far end post's tension bands.Thread the fence puller's bar into an unattached section of mesh, a short distance from the far end post. Complete your fence with a tension bar. Terminate the mesh with a tension bar on the far end post's tension bands. Remove any new excess produced by stretching. Tie the mesh to the rails with aluminum wire. Space your ties 24 inches (61.0 cm) apart along the top rail and 12 inches (30.5 cm) apart on each line post. Add tension wire (optional). Thread tension wire through the bottom mesh loops. Tighten the tension wire around the end posts. Draw the wire tight and wrap it around itself next to the posts. Adding tension wire prevents animals from pushing in under the fence.

Obtain any necessary permits. Establish where your property lines are located. Find out where your utility lines are. Review any neighborhood covenants for regulations on fencing. Locate the property lines that border your neighbor's. Measure the total length of your planned fence. Find each terminal post location. Dig all the terminal post holes first. Fill the post holes with 4 inches (10.2 cm) of gravel. Stand a terminal post in the center of its hole. Plumb the post. Secure the post in position. Fill the hole with concrete. Repeat until all your terminal posts are installed. Run a string line between the terminal posts. Mark the location of each line post. Dig the line post holes. Fill the line post holes with 4 inches (10.2 cm) of gravel. Position a line post in the center of its hole. Make sure your post is plumb. Secure the post in the plumb position. Pour in the concrete. Continue until all of your line posts are installed. Slide tension bands onto each post. Add the appropriate caps to posts. Tighten all the nuts and bolts, but not too tight. Feed the top rails through the loop caps. Insert the rail ends into the terminal rail caps. Tighten nuts and bolts. Add your dirt. Slide a tension bar vertically through the starting end of the mesh roll. Bolt the tension bar to one of the terminal posts' tension bands. Begin unrolling the mesh. Loosely attach the mesh to the top rail. Splice sections together as needed. Remove excess mesh. Pull the mesh taut with a fence puller. Add a second tension bar. Complete your fence with a tension bar. Tie the mesh to the rails with aluminum wire. Add tension wire (optional).

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Out-of-Jury-Duty

How to Get Out of Jury Duty

To get out of jury duty, request a change of date online or on the jury form you received in the mail. You'll likely need to provide an explanation, so come up with a good excuse, like you're really sick or you're going to be out of town on the scheduled date. When you choose a new date, choose a day in December if you can since trials are usually delayed or moved then.

Prove economic hardship. In many U.S. states you can prove that serving on a jury would cause a serious financial burden on you. Use this excuse only if you honestly believe that you would not be able to get by if you had to miss work for one or more days. When you first report for jury duty bring with you proof of employment and/or wages, a full financial statement, and the previous year's tax return. If you can persuade the judge that you cannot afford to miss work, you'll have lost only one day of your time. Exemptions based on financial need are extremely rare, even if you're facing serious challenges. Don't count on the court's taking financial need into consideration. Don't lie about your financial situation. Lying to a court is called perjury. It's a felony. You could also be charged with obstruction of justice. Request a change of date. Almost all federal, state, and local jury-selection processes are computerized. If your name appears on the list, they send an automated notice of jury duty to your registered address. When you receive it, mark on the jury form that you need special accommodations and cannot make the requested attendance date. Include an explanation. For example, you might say that you are quite sick, going out of town, studying for the bar, or planning on joining the military. Any acceptable excuse will likely set your next jury summons back at least a year. If you have young children, consider using them as an excuse. You would have to convince the court that you cannot arrange for day-care or a babysitter. Request a date in December. If you can get a change of date, ask for December, when there's a far greater chance that trials will be delayed or moved. You may never actually get called in, but you're still fulfilling your civic duty. Try asking them to move the date up, not back. This means you would serve your jury duty sooner than originally scheduled. The lawyers have likely already made the jury lists for closer dates, and there's a chance they won't be able to seat you. So when your date is moved they have to put you at the end of the list. You may not get called to serve on a jury at all. Use your student status as an excuse. Many states excuse full-time students from jury duty. Even if you live in a state that doesn't excuse students (e.g., California), you still have options. Request that your jury duty be rescheduled for your next break (winter, spring, summer). The call center can authorize this even if you have gone beyond the one-year postponement limit. They will say that it will be your final postponement. In most cases, missed student work can be made up, but not missed lessons and lectures. Some states will even exempt students enrolled in online classes. Consider using a risky loophole if you're in California. California trials often last ten or 20 days. Use this to your advantage. Lawyers assess potential jurors for each specific trial. During the process the judge will ask if anyone has any significant reason not to serve on a trial. Most excuses will not be accepted. Some, however, such as medical situations, will get you dismissed. If you have a medical procedure scheduled in the next two weeks, let the judge know. You may be excused to reschedule jury duty. Under some state law you will be considered to have fulfilled your duty. When you return to reschedule your jury service, they will hand you a piece of paper certifying that you have completed it. Be completely truthful. If they catch you lying about your circumstances, you could face a possible 20 days in jail. Explain that you can't maintain objectivity. There are specific things you can say during jury questioning to try to get rejected in a criminal case. Keep in mind that it is illegal to make such claims if you don't really believe them. For each of these excuses, you will be asked if you could just set your beliefs aside. Even if you feel you could do so, attorneys in the trial may not want you on the jury. If the concept of proof beyond a reasonable doubt seems a bit fuzzy, that may work in your favor. How much doubt is reasonable? Are you supposed to be 99% certain? 99.99%? You might decide that you could never vote to convict someone of a crime unless there were no doubt whatsoever about their guilt. If you tell this to the court, the prosecuting attorney may want to dismiss you. Perhaps you believe that the great majority of people arrested for crimes are guilty. After all, the prosecutor wouldn't file charges unless he was very sure, right? So at this stage of the process, the defendant is probably guilty. Even so, you can say, you'll just pretend the defendant is innocent until the trial is over. If you tell that to the court, the defense attorney may want to dismiss you. Another line of reasoning: police officers are better witnesses than the average person. They've trained to be more observant than most people. They have a lot of experience with crime and giving testimony. In addition, they must have a high moral standard if they were hired as police officers. The defense team won't like this. Consider this: defendants often don't testify on their own behalf. How can a person judge a case without hearing from the accused. If he/she can't even look the jury in the eye and declare their innocence, that looks pretty guilty. Perhaps you're not a confrontational person. If you're in the minority, maybe you cave in to the majority pretty easily. Characterizing yourself this way could lead an attorney to dismiss you. Consider this line of reasoning if it applies to you: "I was the victim of a crime. They never caught the guy. I'm angry about that. The system doesn't work." The defense may not like hearing this. My friend/family member is a police officer/prosecutor/defense attorney. We talk about a lot of his cases. That guy sure is opinionated. One side or the other may not like hearing this. "The defendant is about the same age as my son. My son has been in a little trouble himself." The prosecution may not like this. Act stubborn. A conviction in a criminal case requires a very high standard. The prosecution must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. Go into jury duty acting like you think you know everything before even hearing the case. The more stubborn you can appear, the better. Play up your intelligence. A more respectable alternative to the above "play stupid" tactic is to "play smart." Many attorneys want jurors they can persuade one way or the other. Showing education, intelligence, and logical reasoning may make you less desirable in their eyes. Many jurisdictions bar lawyers, judges, and police officers from jury duty. They consider these people too informed on the subject to be effective jurors. Similarly, doctors are almost always excused from malpractice cases, bankers from embezzlement cases, etc. It is not, however, unheard-of for a sitting judge to be seated as a juror. Mention the right of a jury to "veto. " If you're selected to be on a jury, the judge will ask you to swear to find a verdict based solely on the facts presented in court. Refuse to swear this on the grounds that the jury has a right to find a verdict as it sees fit. This right is called "jury nullification." In short, it allows a jury to return a verdict of "innocent" when the accused is clearly guilty. The jury can do this if it disagrees with the law itself. Although the Supreme Court has affirmed this right, prosecutors and judges usually hate it. Any prosecutor will almost certainly reject you for the jury if you suggest there's a chance you would use your right to veto. Ask the judge if he/she would have convicted Harriet Tubman for violating the federal Fugitive Slave Laws. Was her role in the Underground Railroad for escaped slaves punishable? Would the judge have convicted Rosa Parks for violating the segregation laws in Montgomery, Alabama? Was her refusal to move to the back of the bus when the bus driver told her to give up her seat to a white passenger punishable? The judge might say that he/she would have instructed juries to convict these women because "the law is the law." You should have a response prepared for that: "Blind obedience wasn't accepted as a defense during the War Crimes Tribunal at Nuremberg. Many Nazis claimed that they were just "following orders." Read about cases that demonstrate the power of jury nullification. Recommended cases include State of Georgia v. Brailsford, 3 U.S. 1, 4 (1794); U.S. v. Moylan, 417 F.2d 1002 (4th Cir.1969); United States v. Dougherty, 473 F.2d 1113; United States v. Wilson, 629 F.2d 439, 443 (6th Cir.1980); US v. Krzyske, 836 F. 2d 1013 - Court of Appeals, 6th Circuit 1988; and U.S. v. Thomas No. 95-1337 (2nd Cir. 5-20-97). Question the legitimacy of grand jury proceedings if summonsed to one. Mention the old saying that “a good prosecutor could get a grand jury to indict a ham sandwich.” Point out you disapprove of grand juries because they are basically a rubber stamp for the prosecutor. Voice support for the Commission to Reform the Federal Grand Jury's position to reform the process. Try the George Carlin technique as a last-ditch effort. His advice for getting out of jury duty was to tell the judge that you would make a great juror, because you can spot guilty people just by looking at them.

Prove economic hardship. Request a change of date. Request a date in December. Try asking them to move the date up, not back. Use your student status as an excuse. Consider using a risky loophole if you're in California. Explain that you can't maintain objectivity. Act stubborn. Play up your intelligence. Mention the right of a jury to "veto. Question the legitimacy of grand jury proceedings if summonsed to one. Try the George Carlin technique as a last-ditch effort.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-an-Origami-Photo-Frame

How to Make an Origami Photo Frame

Origami photo frames are fun and simple to make, requiring only a rectangle piece of paper and a little patience. Start by folding the piece of paper in half twice to begin the major folds. Then unfold the piece of paper and fold the top, bottom, and side edges in 0.75 inches towards the center. Finally, turn the piece of paper over and fold each corner towards the middle point. Now that the photo frame is complete, insert the photo into the frame by tucking it into each folded corner.

Get a square piece of lightweight paper in your desired colour. Lightweight paper works best for origami, as it is easy to fold. This helps to create sharp folds which make the end product look professional and tidy. Choose a colour that will compliment your photo. Black and white photos look great in brightly coloured frames and coloured photos tend to look good in paler coloured frames. A 6 in (15 cm) square of paper makes a frame that is about 3 inches (7.6 cm) wide and high. Similarly, an 8 in (20 cm) square of paper makes a frame that is about 4 inches (10 cm) high and wide. Origami paper works best for this activity, as it has 1 coloured side and 1 blank (or different coloured) side. This helps to create a frame with different colours in it. However, regular paper will also work. Fold your piece of paper in half twice. Fold the paper in half horizontally and then fold it in half vertically. Press down on the folds to make them nice and crisp. These folds will leave you with a square that is ¼ of the size of your original piece of paper. If you find it easier, use a popsicle stick to make the edges look sharp. Unfold the paper and lay it back on the table. This will reveal 2 perpendicular lines. The point where the 2 lines cross over is the middle point of your square. If the paper is bending up, simply smooth down the creases so that it sits flat on the table. Fold the top and bottom edges 0.75 in (1.9 cm) toward the middle. This creates a rectangle shape. Try to make each fold even, as this helps the finished frame to have a perfect square shape. If you are using a square of paper that is wider than 8 in (20 cm), make 1.25 in (3.2 cm) folds. Fold the 2 side edges 0.75 in (1.9 cm) toward the vertical middle line. This will make a square shape. If it doesn't look like a square, adjust the folds until each side looks a similar length. Try to make the folds as crisp as possible in order to get a tidy and professional finished result. Once again, If you are using a square of paper that is wider than 8 in (20 cm), make each fold a length of 1.25 in (3.2 cm). Turn the paper over and pull each corner to the middle point. Take the tip of a corner to the intersecting lines in the middle of the paper and then press the paper down to create a fold. Repeat this technique for each of the corners. This will leave you with a smaller square shape. Try to place the tip of each corner on the very middle point of the paper, as this helps to make the photo frame look even. Turn your paper back over to reveal your finished photo frame. When you turn over your origami square, you will see small triangle pockets over each corner. Tuck a square photo under the pockets to keep it in place. These triangle pockets also give the inside of your frame a pretty diagonal shape. These frames make great gifts, wall decorations, and fridge decorations.

Get a square piece of lightweight paper in your desired colour. Fold your piece of paper in half twice. Unfold the paper and lay it back on the table. Fold the top and bottom edges 0.75 in (1.9 cm) toward the middle. Fold the 2 side edges 0.75 in (1.9 cm) toward the vertical middle line. Turn the paper over and pull each corner to the middle point. Turn your paper back over to reveal your finished photo frame.

https://www.wikihow.com/Determine-Your-Fat-Burning-Zone

How to Determine Your Fat Burning Zone

A quick and easy way to determine your fat-burning zone is by subtracting your age from 220 if you're male, or subtracting your age from 226 if you're female. This will give you your maximum heart rate (MHR). Your fat-burning zone will be between 60% and 70% of your MHR, so multiply your MHR by.6 or.7 to calculate your fat-burning zone. For example, a 40 year old male's MHR is 180. Multiply 180 by.6 and.7 to determine his fat-burning zone, which would be between 108 and 126 beats per minute.

Calculate your fat-burning zone with a formula. There's a relatively simple formula to help you determine where your fat-burning zone falls. It's not 100% accurate, but will give you a relatively reliable range to aim for. First, find your maximum heart rate (MHR). To do this, subtract your age from 220 if you're male; subtract your age from 226 if you're female. Your fat-burning zone is between 60% and 70% of your MHR (Your MHR multiplied by.6 or.7). For example, a 40 year old man's MHR would be 180, and his fat-burning zone would be between 108 and 126 beats per minute. Purchase or use a heart rate monitor. There are a variety of heart rate monitors available— watches or wristbands, chest straps, and even built into handle bars of some cardio machines. Heart rate monitors can help you accurately see where your heart rate is and based on your age, height, and weight can also determine your fat-burning zone. By using a heart rate monitor, you're going to get a more accurate idea of where your fat-burning zone is. This is because the heart rate monitor will calculate your heart rate as you exercise and will then use your actual heart rate information to calculate your fat-burning zone. Many people that use a heart rate monitor for the first time realize that they may not have been working out as hard as they thought. Pay close attention and challenge yourself- safely. Although many cardio machines—like a treadmill or elliptical—offer a built-in heart rate monitor, they are not always 100% accurate. Heart rate monitors that use a chest strap are slightly more accurate than wristbands or watches. They are generally also slightly more expensive. Take a VO2 Max test. A VO2 max test (volume per time, oxygen, and maximum) test will accurately record your body's ability to transport and use oxygen during exercise. This test requires the participant to walk on a treadmill or use a bike and breathe into a face mask that measures oxygen and carbon dioxide levels as your heart rate increases. This information can then be used to determine at what heart rate level you are burning the most fat and calories in your fat-burning zone. The VO2 Max test is considered one of the most accurate and reliable testing methods for cardiovascular fitness. You can take a VO2 max test at a gym, some labs, and private doctors offices. Use the talk test. This is the least technical of all the ways to determine your fat-burning zone. The talk test requires to you talk during exercise and based on how winded you are, you can determine if you need to increase or decrease the intensity of your workout. For example, if you are too winded to talk then you need to decrease the intensity of your workout. If you can talk easily, then you're not working out hard enough. You should be able to say one short sentence without a problem. Include a variety of cardio exercises. Choosing a combination of moderate- and high- intensity cardio exercises will typically yield the best results. This will be especially true if your goal is weight loss. Include activities that are moderate-intensity and fall into your fat-burning zone about half of the time. Activities may include: slower jogging, biking or swimming. However, this will be different for everyone. Also choose some cardio activities that fall into a high-intensity range. Although this falls out of your fat-burning zone, you burn more calories overall and increase your body's cardiovascular fitness levels. In general, you burn more calories at the zone above your fat-burning zone (the aerobic/cardio zone) which is generally at a higher intensity. However, total calories burned also depends on the duration of a workout and it may be easier to do a longer work out in the fat-burning zone as it's at a lower intensity. Also, aim to reach 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio activity each week at a minimum. Include strength training exercises. Incorporating strength or resistance training into your weekly exercise schedule is important. It helps build and tone muscle in addition to increasing your metabolism. Weight training is critical for fat loss. It is crucial to keep and gain muscle while losing fat mass. Include strength training at least two days a week for a minimum of 20 minutes. Strength training activities include: weight lifting, isometric exercises (like push-ups or pull-ups) and Pilates. Meet with a personal trainer or coach. If you're interested in your fat-burning zone and how you can best utilize that information, meeting with a personal trainer or coach may be a good option. They can help you find your fat-burning zone and help design an appropriate workout that utilizes that information. Talk to your trainer or coach about your goals. Is it weight loss? Increasing your muscle mass? This will help them tailor their program to meet your needs. Also ask how you can utilize your fat-burning zone to your best advantage.

Calculate your fat-burning zone with a formula. Purchase or use a heart rate monitor. Take a VO2 Max test. Use the talk test. Include a variety of cardio exercises. Include strength training exercises. Meet with a personal trainer or coach.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-an-Elizabethan-Ruff

How to Make an Elizabethan Ruff

To make an Elizabethan ruff out of wired ribbon, start by measuring your neck to determine how long your ruff should be. Next, fold the ends of the wired ribbon by an inch to make a neat edge, and mark out 1 inch sections along the ribbon with a pencil. Then, fold each section over the pencil to create rounded pleats. After folding all your pleats, sew a 1 inch wide satin ribbon to the top of the pleats to create a smooth surface where the ruff will sit against your neck. Finally sew narrow ribbon or cord to each end of the ruff so you can tie it around your neck.

Measure the wearer's neck. Take the measuring tape and drape it around the wearer's neck. Get a comfortable measurement, not too loose or too tight. Keep in mind the ruff is going to fit right over the wearer's shirt collar. Cut the 1” satin ribbon based on the wearer's neck length, plus two inches. It's important to buy ribbon based on how high you want the ruff to be. This example will create a 2-3 inch ruff. You can also use an online calculator to determine just how much ribbon you are going to need for the ruff. Fold each end of the cut ribbon by an inch. Crease the ribbon so you have a neat edge. Pleat the wired ribbon at 1 inch intervals. Do this on a gridded mat to ensure the pleats are spaced evenly. Or, use a ruler to mark out 1 inch sections on the ribbon with a pencil. As you work, try not to crease the wire too much. You want to bend it, but not break it. Make the pleats 1.5 inches if you are working with 1.5 inch ribbon instead of 1 inch ribbon. Do not cut the wired ribbon off the spool. Always work from the length on the spool. This way, you won't accidentally make the wired ribbon too short. Use a pencil or dowel to create nice, even round pleats. The wired edge of the ribbon will hold the pleats in place. Go back with a pencil if they get a little out of shape while you are working on them. Be sure the fold the cut end of the wired ribbon under so the wire doesn't poke out. You want a nice folded under edge. It should appear neat and clean. Sew the 1” wide ribbon on top of the pleats. Thread the needle and start at one end of the wired ribbon. Hold the pleats in place if the wire is springy. Be patient and work carefully so you don't crush any of the pleats as you sew the ribbon. Sew down one side of the ribbon and then go back and sew down the other side. Make sure your stitches go around the wire on the edge of the ribbon. You can also try working in stages. Pleat the wired ribbon and then sew on a few inches of ribbon. Then, pleat more of the wired ribbon, and sew on a few inches more of ribbon. Don't worry if the wire pops out. Just sew the wire and ribbon pleat as best you can. The wired edge will be hidden in the ruff and won't be visible. But if the wire pops out on the outer edge of the ruff, it is going to look unpolished and sloppy. This is why it is important to get the sewn-in kind of wired ribbon. Fold the last bit of wired ribbon under, as you did at the beginning of the process. At the end of the measured ribbon, fold the wired ribbon under so you have a nice, neat end. Sew 12 to 18 inches of narrow ribbon or cord to each end of the ruff. This will help the wearer tie on the ruff and secure it. Elizabethans wore their ruffs tied in the back. Women sometimes wore their ruffs open in the front, particularly if they were wearing an open partlet with a low cut bodice. Maintain the ruff. The wearer will likely sweat when wearing the ruff band. So keep it looking clean and nice by washing it after use. Hand wash it in the sink with a little warm water and mild soap. Let it air dry on a towel. Store the ruff in a sturdy flat box, also known as “band boxes”. This will keep the ruff clean and shaped. If the ruff gets crushed, it can easily be reformed into an accordion shape with a dowel or pencil. Measure the wearer's neck. Take the measuring tape and drape it around the wearer's neck. Get a comfortable measurement, not too loose or too tight. Keep in mind the ruff is going to fit right over the wearer's shirt collar. Determine how much linen you will need to buy. Look for evenweave handkerchief-weight linen. Go to your local fabric store and ask for samples of linen. For the best looking ruff, try to buy the most tightly-woven fabric available. Fabrics of this quality range from $12-$80 per yard, so buy linen based on your budget. Be wary of Chinese linen, woven from a very short staple fiber and prone to wrinkling. Irish, German, and Italian linens are all good options. Pre shrink the linen. Wash it in hot water. Let it dry and then press it with an iron. Use a needle to pull the thread from the linen. You're looking for the true grain of the linen. You don't want to cut strips from the length-wise grain, as these strips won't spring up from the neckband of the ruff properly. Draw the thread and then cut along this line. Continue to pull the thread with the needle to get it started. Cut strips of linen that are 3” wide. A 3” wide strip produces an average 1570s ruff with a finished depth of around 2 ½”. Place two pieces of linen together. Hold them so the edges meet. Thread the needle. The, use a whip stitch to attach them. Try to catch the smallest amount of thread possible at the edge of each piece of linen. If you do the stitch properly, the stitch should be barely visible from the exposed side of the linen pieces. There should be a slight ridge on the back side of the linen pieces. Continue to attach pieces of linen together with whip stitches. Use the sewing machine to finish the raw edges of the linen. This will stop them from unraveling. Try to use the least amount of thread possible as you do not want to add bulk to the ruff. Avoid using a zigzag stitch to finish the edges. The ruff will look less authentic. Gather the linen pieces to form pleats. Use a gathering stitch to form the pleats of the ruff. Run the first line of gathering stitches about ⅛” from the unhemmed edge. Run another line of gathering threads about ¼” away from the first line of stitches. Create two to four lines of gathering stitches total. Keep the fabric flat as you make the stitches. Leave a 10” to 12” tail on either end of the linen. Construct the neckband. Always make the neckband a bit bigger than necessary as the ruff can be bulky. You don't want the neckband to be too tight, but it should fit snuggly. It may help to gather up the ruff and loop it around your neck. Then, use a measuring tape to measure the length. Don't be surprised if the measurement is larger than you thought, as the bulk of the ruff can add up to 2” to your neck measurement. For a 15” x 2” neckband, start with a rectangle that is 16” x 8”. Fold the rectangle in half, lengthwise, and press it with an iron. Unfold the fabric and then fold the two long edges toward the center crease line. Press this fold with an iron. The fabric strip should now be 4” wide. Unfold the strip and then fold it under ½” on the short ends, towards the inside. Press the folds. Refold the two long edges down toward the center fold line and then bring the two long folded over edges together. The neckband should now be 15” x 2”. Press the neckband well. You can use some starch to hold the creases, if desired. Attach the ruff to the neckband. Use your needle and thread. Divide the ruff into workable units. For a 15” neckband, for example, mark three 5” sections on the neckband. Gather the ruff to 15” and adjust the pleats so they are even. You can hit the finished, gathered ruff with a shot of steam from an iron to keep the pleats in place. This will make the ruff easier to attach to the neckband. Whipstitch the neckband to the pleated ruff. Work from the center of the neckband to the short ends. Make sure the end of the ruff stops just shy of folded under the short end of the neckband. Once you have completed all the stitching, tie a square knot to the gathering threads. Clip them to about 1” and tuck the tails back into the neckband. Finish the short ends by whip stitching them as close to the edge as you can. Add the ties to the ruff. Sew 12 to 18 inches of narrow ribbon or cord to each end of the ruff. This will help the wearer tie on the ruff and secure it. Take care of the linen ruff. Be warned that the ruff will likely collapse when it gets wet. So wash linen ruffs in hot water. Then, dry the ruff by rolling it in a dry towel. Linen absorbs a lot of water, so you may need to use a large towel. Don't wring out wet linen. Instead, hang dry the ruff. Starch the ruff to keep it pleated and springy. There are two methods of starching: Cold starch: dissolve raw starch in water and apply it to the fabric. The starch is then “cooked” (turns into a gel) when the linen ruff is ironed. This produces a nice stiff finish, but requires skill so you don't scorch the fabric or end up with cloth stuck to the iron. Using boiled starch: Mix two tablespoons of starch (corn, wheat, or rice) in 1 cup of water. Either microwave the starch on high or heat it on the stove. Stir it until it becomes thick and transparent. Regardless of the method, starch should always be applied to damp, not dry, linen, so it can penetrate the fibers. Work the starch into all of the folds. Then, gently shake out the excess starch. But make sure there is a rather thick coating on the ruff. Let the ruff dry. Open up the pleats as the ruff is drying so they don't stick together.

Measure the wearer's neck. Fold each end of the cut ribbon by an inch. Pleat the wired ribbon at 1 inch intervals. Use a pencil or dowel to create nice, even round pleats. Sew the 1” wide ribbon on top of the pleats. Don't worry if the wire pops out. Fold the last bit of wired ribbon under, as you did at the beginning of the process. Sew 12 to 18 inches of narrow ribbon or cord to each end of the ruff. Maintain the ruff. Measure the wearer's neck. Pre shrink the linen. Use a needle to pull the thread from the linen. Cut strips of linen that are 3” wide. Place two pieces of linen together. Use the sewing machine to finish the raw edges of the linen. Gather the linen pieces to form pleats. Construct the neckband. Attach the ruff to the neckband. Add the ties to the ruff. Take care of the linen ruff. Starch the ruff to keep it pleated and springy.

https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Gourds

How to Grow Gourds

To grow gourds, start your seeds indoors in seed trays 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. Then, water the seedlings daily until the last frost of winter, and transplant them into the ground outside so there are a few feet between them. Right after you plant your gourds, water them thoroughly, and add a layer of mulch to help the soil retain moisture. After 180 days, your gourds should be ready to harvest.

Choose a variety of gourd. Gourds come in dozens of species, each with its own unique shape, color, and size. Gourds come in three general types: ornamental gourds (cucurbita), utilitarian gourds (lagenaria), and vegetable sponge gourds (luffa). Also consider including a few different kinds of edible gourds. Ornamental gourds are brightly colored and oddly shaped, typically used as decoration. The have orange and yellow flowers. Utilitarian gourds are green while growing, and then dry a brown shade. These gourds are most often used for tools and utensils because of their tough shell. Vegetable sponge gourds have a shell that can be peeled off, revealing a center that can be used as a sponge. These have yellow flowers while growing. While not all gourds are edible, many are. You can eat Butternut Squash, Cushaw, Festival Squash, Golden Acorn, and more. Some other edible gourds include: balsam apple, chinese okra, Hercules war club, and young luffa. Determine when to plant. Gourds will grow in most climate zones, but they grow the best in hot weather. If you're in a location that receives freezing temperatures throughout most of the winter, you will have to start your gourds as seeds indoors prior to sowing them outside. Gourds take about 180 days total from planting till they produce ripe fruit, as a result of their extra long germination process. Keep in mind that if you're in a cold area, you'll need to start your seeds 6-8 weeks before the last frost of the season. Gourds grow best in temperatures between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Starting gourds indoors simply involves planting the seeds in individual containers, setting up a few grow lights, and watering on a daily basis. Decide whether or not to use a trellis. Trellises are wood or wire constructs built to hold plants off the ground, and in the case of gourds, are used primarily to encourage unique shapes. You do not need a trellis to grow your gourds, as they will grow fine on the ground. However, gourds that grow on the ground will have a flat side where they lay, while gourds that grow on trellises will maintain their rounded shapes. If you decide to use a trellis, set it up prior to planting your gourds, and then stake the plants to it over time. Large, heavy varieties (like bottle gourds) will require a combination wood and heavy wire trellis in order to support them without falling over. Small gourd varieties can be grown using a large tomato cage as the trellis. Luffa (vegetable sponge gourds) almost always need to be trellised. Using trellises can help prevent your gourds from getting diseases. Select a planting location. Gourds should be planted outdoors in full sunlight, with plenty of space to sprawl. Although they can be grown in pots, this will significantly limit their size and overall production. If you're planting your gourds without a trellis, choose a space with plenty of square footage for growth. Otherwise, stake your trellis out in a wide area with plenty of sunlight and little shade. Plant your seeds a least 8-10 feet apart in order to properly prevent diseases from forming and spreading. Prepare the soil. It isn't too tricky to get soil under the proper conditions for gourds, which makes them easy to grow in most locations. The soil needs to be well-drained and warm. They like plenty of moisture with a bit more clay than sand (meaning they may not thrive in sandy soil). Test the pH of your garden plot to see if it is somewhere between 5.8 and 6.4, which is the best range for gourds. If your pH is too high, incorporate peat moss to increase the acidity. If the air is warm but the ground is still cold, the gourd plants won't grow well. Scarify the seeds. Gourds are infamous for their tough outer seed shell, which is partly responsible for their extra long germination period. To prevent your seeds/gourds from rotting because they took too long to germinate, you can scarify them to speed the process. Use an emery board (paper nail file) or a smooth sandpaper to scratch up the outer surface of the seeds. This shouldn't take too long; the rough paper should just roughen the coating of both sides of the seed. Soak the seeds. After the seeds have been scarified, place them in a bowl of lukewarm water and allow them to soak. This should be done for a total of 24 hours, in order to help speed up the germination process. Let the seeds dry. After soaking for 24 hours, remove the seeds from the water and lay them out to dry on a piece of wax paper. Giving them time to completely dry out will prevent them from rotting before even sprouting. Start your seeds. It's a good idea to give your seeds a head start (even if you're in a warmer area) by planting them in starter sets indoors. Fill small seed trays with your prepared soil, and place a single seed in each slot. Give daily watering until you're ready to transplant the sprouts outdoors, typically after the last frost of the winter. Make sure the seeds get plenty of light to keep them from getting too leggy (excessively long and straggly stemmed) later on. Dig rows and create hills. In the location you've selected for your garden plot, use a small trowel or shovel to prepare your rows and hills, or small mounds of earth, for the gourd seedlings. If you're planting many gourds at once, make sure to follow the seed packet spacing directions strictly. Gourds typically need to be planted several feet away from each other in order to thrive. Keep your rows near your trellis if you're using one. Plant the gourds. Place each small seedling or seed into its own individual hill; don't group several in the same space. Cover up the seeds with ½ inch of dirt, and cover seedlings to the base of the new growth. Care for your newly planted gourds. At planting, water the gourd seeds heavily so as to reduce the risk of transplant shock. Gourds like plenty of moisture, so make sure the soil is damp by adding water on a daily basis if necessary. Remove weeds as they sprout, as these will steal valuable nutrients and growing space from the gourds. If you're using a trellis, as the gourds grow in size you can use a bit of string to secure them to the posts and give them plenty of room for growth. Add a layer of mulch to the garden plot to lock in moisture and block out new weeds. Consider incorporating an equal-part fertilizer (like a 10-10-10 mixture) to the soil every few months. Give your gourds extra water when the weather is particularly dry or hot, to maintain a high level of moisture in the soil Consider training ornamental gourds. If you're growing ornamental gourds, it is common for growers to train them into interesting shapes and structures. There are two general ways to train the shape of a gourd: bending over time, and by giving it a mold. You can slowly bend parts of a gourd as it grows, if you want a winding snake-like gourd in the end. You can also create a mold for your gourd by placing the small fruit inside a breakable vessel of some sort (like a vase). When the gourd has grown, it will fill the container and match its shape; you simply have to break the mold to remove it when done. Leave the gourds to cure on the vine. When your gourds have reached their full size, the vine they're growing on will start to die off on its own. At this point your gourds are ready for harvesting, but you'll make the job a lot easier on yourself if you leave them to cure on the vine. Give them several weeks to a month for the curing process to occur; as you check in on them, you'll notice them getting lighter and lighter. Unless you notice animals and bugs eating the gourds, there's no fear of rotting or going bad. If you're harvesting edible gourds, they'll need to be removed from the vine when they're still young. If you have to cut the gourds early, wait till the vine at the top of the gourd has turned completely brown and dry. Turn the gourds occasionally and move them around to keep them from touching. Remove the gourds. The curing time varies from gourd to gourd depending on its size (and therefore water content). Check the gourds on a weekly basis to tell if they're ready. Feel the skin and check the firmness of the gourds; if they are at all soft or squishy, they are rotten and should be thrown out. When the skin feels hard and slightly waxy to the touch, they are likely ready to be cut. Shake the gourd as the final test to see if they are fully cured; if they are ready, they'll sound like a rattle with the seeds banging around on the inside. Use a pair of scissors or shears to cut the gourds from the vine. Treat the shell of the gourd. Although it is not required, you can treat the shell of the gourd to change its appearance and to help it last longer. Wash the gourd with a bit of dish detergent and warm water to kill off any bacteria. You can then use a bit of sandpaper or steel wool to shine the outside of the gourd, and add a layer of wax or shellac to finish off the shine. You can decorate gourds by painting the outsides as well. Consider saving the seeds. Your gourd will last for many years with the seeds inside, but if you would like to save the seeds for the next year's planting, you may do so. Cut the gourd open to remove the seeds from the inside. Follow the same process of propagating the seeds (as aforementioned) to help speed up their growth. You can keep the shell of the old gourd, and you'll have the seeds to create plenty of new gourds as well.

Choose a variety of gourd. Determine when to plant. Decide whether or not to use a trellis. Select a planting location. Prepare the soil. Scarify the seeds. Soak the seeds. Let the seeds dry. Start your seeds. Dig rows and create hills. Plant the gourds. Care for your newly planted gourds. Consider training ornamental gourds. Leave the gourds to cure on the vine. Remove the gourds. Treat the shell of the gourd. Consider saving the seeds.

https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Cyanobacteria-(Blue-Green-Algae)-in-an-Aquarium

How to Treat Cyanobacteria (Blue Green Algae) in an Aquarium

To remove cyanobacteria, or blue green algae, from your aquarium, replace the old water in the aquarium with clean saltwater. You should also use a gravel vacuum to remove organic debris from the bottom of the tank, which can be a breeding ground for the bacteria. Scrape off any excess algae that you see around the tank, since leftover algae can easily grow back. Because cyanobacteria blooms are usually caused by dirty filters, make sure you clean your filter thoroughly. You should also consider using a protein skimmer to automatically pull out organic waste from the water on a regular basis.

Perform a partial water exchange. If your tank is harboring cyanobacteria, the first step is to replace the nutrient-rich water in your aquarium with clean saltwater. You can do this by performing a partial water exchange. Aim to remove and replace about 10% to 20% of the tank's water. In a 10 gallon tank, that means about one or two gallons, which should be sufficient to ensure healthy water. Remove as much organic material and detritus from the tank's substrate as possible. Using a vacuum tube can be helpful here at removing debris from the gravel or sand at the bottom of the tank. Make sure you also scrape away any cyanobacteria that's clinging to the underwater surfaces inside your tank. Remove settled organic debris from the tank's substrate. Even if you've performed a partial water change, the tank may still be a breeding ground for cyanobacteria. Adding clean water isn't always enough, because the nutrients that cyanobacteria feed off of are often lurking elsewhere in the aquarium, especially amid the gravel or sand at the bottom of your tank. If you can afford it, an under-gravel filter might be a great way to constantly remove excess debris from the gravel or sand. A gravel vacuum can be useful for sucking out debris that settles in the gravel. You can also use a siphon to clean out the substrate of your aquarium. You can find siphons at many pet stores or by searching online. Introducing orange-spotted sleepers and pistol shrimp to your aquarium can be helpful if you use sand as a substrate instead of gravel. These creatures tend to sift through the bottom of the aquarium and stir up the cyanobacteria, allowing your tank's filters to catch and extract it all out of the water. Scrape off excess cyanobacteria clinging to your tank. If your tank is experiencing cyanobacteria growth, it's important to take care of the water in your tank. However, cyanobacteria that's already clinging to the tank can end up growing and blooming more, even if you're treating the water. Part of any cyanobacteria eradication should involve scraping away the algae that is clinging to your tank's walls and other internal surfaces. You can purchase a specialized scraper, like a Mag-Float, Algae Magnet Cleaner, or Kent Pro scraper. These scrapers are available at many pet stores. If you cannot find one at your local pet store you can purchase one through an online retailer. You can also try using the edge of an old credit card in a pinch, as this can help manually remove caked-on cyanobacteria the same way a scraper would. Clean your filter. A dirty filter is often the culprit behind cyanobacteria blooms in an aquarium. If you're experiencing cyanobacteria, make sure you clean the filter as part of your eradication efforts. The media inside mechanical filters will need to be cleaned whenever they become dirty, and once the residue no longer washes off the filter it will need to be replaced. If your tank has a dirty filter, the organic waste trapped inside could be releasing ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, and phosphate into your tank's water. Try using a protein skimmer in your tank. One of the biggest causes of cyanobacteria is the presence of organic debris (like left over food, fish waste, etc.) in the water column. Protein skimmers may be more effective than a regular filter at removing these materials from the tank's water. Protein skimmers pull out organic waste and will not allow that waste (or its chemical byproducts) to be released back into the tank's water, which may be a problem with other mechanical filters. Large external skimmers are the most effective at removing organic waste, but they must be properly adjusted to your tank. If they are not adjusted, they may leak a substantial amount of water onto the floor of your home. You can buy a protein skimmer at many pet stores or through online retailers. Limit how much you feed your fish. Excess food is one of the most common sources of elevated phosphate in your aquarium. As that phosphate permeates the water, it creates an ideal environment for cyanobacteria to bloom, which can make a mess out of your tank. It's important to watch how long it takes your fish to consume the food you give them. If a few minutes have passed and there's still excess food that's not being eaten, that food will settle in the substrate of your aquarium. Try feeding your fish one larger meal each day, or offer smaller portions if you want to continue feeding your fish multiple times each day. Add aquatic plants to your aquarium. Because plants compete with cyanobacteria for resources like light and nutrients in the water, they can help reduce or prevent algal blooms in an aquarium. As these plants take in nutrients like phosphorous and carbon dioxide, they produce oxygen, ensuring a cleaner, healthier environment. Sea grass and mangrove plants make excellent aquarium additions. Certain macro algae species can also be good at oxygenating marine aquariums. These algae are healthy and helpful additions to an aquarium, and can help displace cyanobacteria. Some good macro algae species to try planting include caulerpa sertularioides, caulerpa asmeadia, and caulerpa mexicana. Limit overhead light exposure to your aquarium. While light is necessary for most aquatic plants to survive, too much light exposure inside an aquarium can create an environment that allows cyanobacteria blooms. This usually only becomes a problem with prolonged and close-range light exposure, and certain precautions can be taken to ensure a healthy tank. Tanks should not be exposed to lights for more than 6 to 10 hours each day for ornamental aquarium setups, or 10 to 14 hours each day for planted aquariums. Try keeping lights on a timer if you're having trouble regulating the light cycle. Make sure you change your light bulbs at least once every year. As lightbulbs age they lose their spectrum and intensity, which may promote cyanobacteria blooms. Check your tap water. If your aquarium seems to keep spawning new cyanobacteria blooms no matter how much you clean the tank and limit food, it could be a problem with your tap water. It's generally a good idea to test your tap water to see if it may be contributing to the problem or causing it directly. You can test your water at home by buying a water quality test kit. These can easily be found online and may be available in your local pet store. Phosphate is commonly added to municipal water supplies to help prevent pipe corrosion. It can also show up in well water if it leaches through the ground from yard fertilizers. Elevated levels of phosphates in your tap water can promote algal blooms in your aquarium. If your water is the problem, you can purchase a reverse osmosis water filter or other tap water filtration system. These are available at many home improvement stores or online. Improve the movement of water in your tank. It's important to control the movement of water through your tank to ensure a healthy environment. Water flow will help keep the tank more oxygenated, but water that flows too fast can also have some negative consequences. If water does not flow quickly enough, it can become stagnant and less oxygenated. When water flows too quickly, it can sweep away food into the tank's filtration system before fish have had a chance to finish eating it. Once inside the filter, this food will decompose and release additional phosphorous. A powerhead or wave-making device can help improve water quality by increasing the rate of movement within your tank. Talk to an aquarium service expert about determining the proper flow rate for the size and type of aquarium you are managing. You can find experts online or by searching in your local phone book. Perform weekly partial-water exchanges. Performing regular partial-water exchanges helps ensure a healthy environment. It's not so shocking to fish as having an entirely new tank full of water, but it's enough to keep the levels of nitrates and phosphorous down and remove dissolved organic material by displacing old water with cleaner, more-oxygenated water. Remember to only add salinated water to your marine aquarium. Aquarium salt can be purchased at most pet stores or through online retailers and mixed into your water at home. Pour the new seawater into your tank very slowly. A rush of incoming water can frighten fish and could disturb the ecosystem. Test your tank's pH. Part of keeping an cyanobacteria-free aquarium should involve regulating your tank's pH on a regular basis. A slightly basic environment (meaning a slightly higher pH) can help prevent cyanobacteria from growing rapidly/aggressively once it has shown up in your tank. Most marine tanks should have a pH somewhere between 8.1 and 8.4. You can adjust the pH with buffers or kalkwasser as needed. You can buy a water pH testing kit at most pet stores that sell aquarium supplies. You can also purchase them through most online retailers. Check the pH every time you perform a partial water exchange and adjust the water's pH accordingly. Clean your filter regularly. If you do a partial water change but don't clean your filter, the clean water will just be running through a dirty filter. This will reintroduce a lot of the nutrients and organic debris that you've worked so hard to remove from the tank. You should clean your filter every time you do a partial water change. Some tank owners rinse the filter's media in a bucket of wastewater that's been removed from the tank so that the healthy bacteria on the media is not lost. Other tank owners may prefer running the filter's media under a faucet to blast away debris and detritus, though this may damage the bacterial colonies. Whichever method you choose, proceed with caution so that the bacterial colonies are protected, but make sure you remove all of the organic detritus/debris (or as much as possible).

Perform a partial water exchange. Remove settled organic debris from the tank's substrate. Scrape off excess cyanobacteria clinging to your tank. Clean your filter. Try using a protein skimmer in your tank. Limit how much you feed your fish. Add aquatic plants to your aquarium. Limit overhead light exposure to your aquarium. Check your tap water. Improve the movement of water in your tank. Perform weekly partial-water exchanges. Test your tank's pH. Clean your filter regularly.

https://www.wikihow.health/Treat-Arrhythmia

How to Treat Arrhythmia

If you've noticed signs of arrhythmia, like fluttering in your chest, racing or slow heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or sweating, seek medical attention immediately. A doctor will examine your heart to figure out what's causing your arrhythmia, and they may recommend prescription medication to help with the symptoms. You can also talk to your doctor about cardioversion, which is a procedure that can revert your heartbeat back to normal with electric shock or medicine. Additionally, ask your doctor about catheter ablation, which involves using a catheter and electrical energy to destroy the tissue in the heart that's causing arrhythmia. There are also devices that can be implanted under the skin to help regulate your heartbeat, like a pacemaker.

Eat a healthy diet. A heart-healthy diet includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and lean protein (such as chicken, fish and beans). Avoid fatty foods, including saturated fats, trans-fats, and cholesterol. Include plenty of potassium in your diet. Foods rich in potassium include bananas, apricots, oranges, sweet potatoes, beets, squash and avocado. Green, leafy vegetables such as kale, collard greens, spinach and parsley are part of a heart-healthy diet, because they are rich in Vitamin K. Limit your salt intake, as this can increase your blood pressure. Exercise regularly. Most people with arrhythmia can safely include exercise as a regular part of their healthy lifestyle. Check with your medical provider to establish the kind of exercise that's safe for you. Most exercise carries far more benefits than possible risks. If exercise is new to you, develop an exercise plan that starts with gentle activity and gradually builds into more challenging exercise. Avoid extreme endurance athletic sports. This is the only type of exercise in which arrhythmia may have negative consequences. Quit smoking. The stimulants found in nicotine can trigger arrhythmia. The toxins in cigarettes will cause oxidative stress in the blood vessels, which leads to more damage. Other elements found in cigarette smoke, such as carbon monoxide, may also increase cardiac arrhythmia. For help quitting smoking, consult with your medical provider or public health clinic. Other tobacco products, such as snuff, chew or dip, also raise risks of arrhythmia. Maintain a healthy weight. Carrying excess weight is a risk factor in arrhythmia because it makes the heart work harder. Being overweight also increases the chances of high blood pressure and high cholesterol, factors in arrhythmia. A healthy weight for most people can be determined by BMI, or Body Mass Indicator. This is a figure determined by a person's weight in relation to his height. Gradual weight loss is healthier for the heart than sudden weight loss. If you are attempting to lose weight, try to maintain no more than a 3-5% weight loss at a given time. Keep blood pressure under control. All lifestyle suggestions for arrhythmia will also help with high blood pressure, including quitting smoking, including exercise, and eating a heart-healthy diet. In addition, you can lower your blood pressure by avoiding stress. Chronic stress is a contributing factor in high blood pressure. Consider the circumstances that result in your stress. Work, family, finances or illness can all contribute to stress levels. Make changes in your lifestyle if you can to minimize or eliminate these areas of stress. Relaxation strategies such as yoga, meditation, mindfulness practices and gratitude practices are all part of a heart-healthy way of life. Learn to take your blood pressure at home, or make regular trips to your public health clinic to have it taken. Support groups for high blood pressure may be helpful. Talk to your medical care provider about the existence of these groups in your area. Limit your consumption of alcohol. Drinking a lot over a long time, or even a single occasion of binge drinking, can result in arrhythmia. Alcohol disrupts the nervous system that guides the heart in regular beating, and can temporarily cause the heart to beat too rapidly or irregularly. Two types of alcohol induced arrhythmias are atrial fibrillation, and ventricular tachycardia. Some studies suggest that moderate amounts of alcohol may protect against some cardiovascular conditions. This amount is one standard drink for women, and two for men, where a standard drink is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of hard liquor. Chronic drinking actually changes the course of the nervous system that drives the heart's pumping, resulting in cardiac arrhythmia. Cut down on stimulants and caffeine. Stimulants, including caffeine, affect the heart rate. It used to be thought that people with heart conditions should avoid caffeine entirely, but this is no longer the case. Moderate caffeine intake (300-400 mg. per day, or 1-2 cups of coffee) is now thought to be okay. Drugs such as cocaine or methamphetamine can result in arrhythmia or sudden death due to ventricular fibrillation. Be aware of caffeine found in chocolate, tea, "natural energy" drinks, and sodas. Stimulants are often hidden in cough and cold medications and herbal or nutritional supplements. Read the label before taking, and ask your doctor or pharmacist what medication would be best for you. Treat sleep apnea. Sleep apnea, or sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a condition in which one's sleeping breath is interrupted. In central sleep apnea, breathing is interrupted by an involuntary pause in breathing. In obstructive sleep apnea, the passage of air is blocked due to collapse of soft tissues around the upper airway. Sleep apnea is strongly associated with cardiac conditions such as arrhythmia. Obstructive sleep apnea is more common. It's associated with obesity, another factor in arrhythmia. If you believe you're at risk for sleep apnea, consider taking a sleep study. The study will chart your breath rate throughout the night, and prescribe appropriate treatment. Sleep apnea is a common problem, with one in five adults experiencing at least a mild form of the condition. Know the warning signs for arrhythmia. Heart disease is the most common cause of arrhythmia, but other things can cause it, too. If you have any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately: Fluttering in your chest Racing heartbeat Slow heartbeat Chest pain Shortness of breath Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting Sweating Know what to expect in your initial assessment. Your doctor might use a variety of methods to examine your heart. Here are some potential ways that you could be tested for arrhythmia: Electrocardiogram, where your doctor will attach electrodes to your chest and limbs to measure the electrical activity of your heart Holter monitor, which you wear to measure heart activity during the day An Event Recorder, which is worn continuously for up to 30 days. The person wearing it can indicate when they have symptoms. When the analysis is over, doctors will evaluate if the symptoms coincide with any irregular heart rate or pattern. Echocardiogram, where sound waves are used to look at your heart and its movement A loop recorder that's implanted under your skin and will find irregular heart rhythms Stress test, where your heart is monitored while you exercise Tilt table test, where your heart is monitored while you're tilted from a lying to a standing position Electro-physiological testing and mapping, where electrodes spread throughout your heart measure electricity Take antiarrhythmic drugs. Antiarrhythmic medications can be given intravenously in an emergency situation, or taken orally over a longer period of time as a preventative measure. These medications may help to suppress the abnormal firing of pacemaker tissue, or they minimize the transmission of electrical impulses. Your medical professional can help you decide which antiarrhythmic medications are right for you. The side effects of antiarrhythmic medications can be hard to manage. Ironically, one of the possible side effects of this medication is the increase of arrhythmia, the very condition the medication was intended to address. Be fully informed of the risks and benefits of recommended medications. Take them only as directed. Examples of antiarrhythmic medication include: Tambocor (flecainide), Procanbid (procainamide), Cordarone (amiodarone), Betapace (sotalol). Try blood-thinning medication. Blood thinners are often prescribed for people with arrhythmia in order to slow blood clotting and decrease the risk of strokes. Because certain types of arrhythmia are associated with the development of clots (which can lead to strokes), many doctors prescribe blood thinners if the patient also has other risk factors. If you have atrial fibrillation, one type of arrhythmia, you're more likely to form blood clots in the left atrium of the heart. Taking blood thinners reduces the risk of this occurring. Blood thinners will almost always be prescribed prior to administering cardioversion treatment, in order to minimize the risk of blood clots. Examples of blood thinners include Warfarin (Coumadin), dabigatran, heparin, and aspirin. Consider cardioversion. Cardioversion is a procedure, done either through electric shock or medicine, that reverts the heartbeat back to its regular rate. It may be performed as an emergency measure, or it may be scheduled as an elective procedure. For most people, cardioversion is an effective intervention. Cardioversion is different from defibrillation in that it uses more powerful electric shocks to jolt the heart into a more standard rhythmic pulse. If cardioversion is not successful, you'll probably be advised to consider getting a pacemaker. Talk to your doctor about catheter ablation. Catheter ablation is a medical procedure in which a small catheter is inserted into an accessible blood vessel and guided into your heart. Energy, either electrical or radio frequency energy, is then sent through the catheter's wires to destroy the tissue that's causing arrhythmia. The success rate for catheter ablation is roughly 90%. This procedure is generally performed when medication options have not been helpful. A cardiology specialist, called an electro-physiologist, will map out the electrical current and communication pattern of your heart and then determine if this is an option. Catheter ablation is most often used to treat arrhythmia that involves rapid heartbeat. Implant a pacemaker. A pacemaker can only be used for certain types of arrhythmia. When the heart rate is too slow, a pacemaker can either help it stay regular or control it completely at a safe rate. Arrhythmia is a condition that results in the body's natural pacemaker no longer functioning properly, so an implanted pacemaker mimics the body's own electrical impulses in controlling the rate of heart beats. Pacemakers can be temporary, used in an emergency situation, or a permanent treatment for chronic arrhythmia. A pacemaker is implanted just below the collar bone. It runs off battery power, each battery lasting between 5-10 years. MRI tests and strong security systems such as are often found in airports or courthouses can affect a pacemaker. Make sure you let professionals know if you have a pacemaker in these situations. Try an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). An ICD is a battery-powered device inserted under the skin that keeps track of your heart rate. The ICD is then connected through thin wires to the heart. It then monitors heart rate as well as sending an electric shock to the heart to prompt regular heart rate. Newer model ICD also perform the function of pacemakers. ICDs are largely recommended as preventative measures for those at high risk of serious complications or death resulting from cardiac arrhythmia. Consider surgical procedures. The Maze procedure is a treatment developed for atrial fibrillation, a form of arrhythmia. In this procedure, the surgeon creates scar tissue within the heart in order to disrupt the path of abnormal electrical impulses. When these impulses are interrupted, the heart beat is restored to its usual rate. Coronary bypass surgery may be recommended if coronary heart disease is the source of your arrhythmia. Surgery for arrhythmia may be recommended if surgery for another health condition is occurring. . Check Your Pulse If you suspect you might have arrhythmia, or if you've been diagnosed and simply want to be aware of the way it affects you, learn to monitor your pulse. There are a wide variety of heart monitors and apps available for purchase, but it's easy to do on your own as well. Place your second and third fingers of your right hand on your left wrist. Feel for the heart pulse. Alternatively, with the same fingers, press the soft tissue of the side of your neck beneath the jaw. You should be able to feel your heart beat through the blood vessels found there. Move your fingers around, pressing gently but firmly, until you find the pulse. There's no need to count your heart beats. You're checking for heart rhythm, not heart rate. Stethoscopes are inexpensive tools that help keep track of your heart rhythm. You can find these for sale at drug stores or many other retail outlets. Manage your risk factors. Lifestyle factors such as high stress or frequent, angry outbursts contribute significantly to the development of arrhythmia. Low potassium levels and low calcium intake are also associated with arrhythmia. To treat your arrhythmia, consider what preventative measures you can take to care for yourself. Regular physical activity can significantly lower stress levels and help with mood regulation. Find healthy outlets for your intense feelings, and practice self-care routines. Aging increases the risk of developing arrhythmia. Take it one day at a time. Because arrhythmia is invisible, it may be difficult to feel that others understand what you're going through. There are support groups for arrhythmia and other chronic health conditions that may be helpful to you in living with arrhythmia. Follow your doctor's recommendations, and know that treatment is a long term course. Try to manage your stress and anxiety, both of which can lead to your body's natural "fight or flight" response and an increased heart rate. Use deep, relaxing breathing to slow the heart rate, manage stress, and quell anxiety. More information about arrhythmia is still being researched. Continue to learn about the condition as more research studies are done. Keep in touch with your doctor, and ask questions about symptoms that may arise. If you have questions regarding your treatment, ask your medical provider right away.

Eat a healthy diet. Exercise regularly. Quit smoking. Maintain a healthy weight. Keep blood pressure under control. Limit your consumption of alcohol. Cut down on stimulants and caffeine. Treat sleep apnea. Know the warning signs for arrhythmia. Know what to expect in your initial assessment. Take antiarrhythmic drugs. Try blood-thinning medication. Consider cardioversion. Talk to your doctor about catheter ablation. Implant a pacemaker. Try an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Consider surgical procedures. . Manage your risk factors. Take it one day at a time.

https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Box-Fan

How to Clean a Box Fan

To clean a box fan, start by unplugging the fan so it doesn't turn on when you're cleaning it. Then, unscrew and remove the outer covers of the fan, and soak them in a tub or sink filled with water. Next, while the covers are soaking, wipe down the blades of the fan with a vinegar and water mixture, and use a vacuum hose attachment to clean out the motor vents. You can also use a q-tip soaked in soapy water to clean hard-to-reach spots. Finally, dry all of the components before reassembling the box fan.

Unplug the box fan. Wipe down the power cord with a damp cloth. Make sure to dry it. Set the fan itself on a waist level work area, like a bench or a kitchen table. Remove the outer covers of the fan. Unscrew the screw securing both grilles to the metal box frame and remove them. Place the screws in a plastic baggie for later to ensure the screws don't get lost. Clean the outer covers of the fan. Use your bathtub as a method to clean the covers. Plug the drain to your tub and add enough water to soak them in. When the dust and dirt comes off easily with a rinse, the covers are finished soaking. An alternative method is dousing the covers down with some vinegar. If you have a hose outside, use that to hose off your covers. The dirt will come right off. It's slightly harder to clean the covers by hand, but it can be done that way as well. Spray the covers with equal parts water and vinegar, and then wipe the dirt away with a towel. Spray and wipe down the blades to clean them. You can either use the towel you already dampened with vinegar and water, or apply vinegar and water to a dry towel. Be careful to avoid spraying directly onto the blades. Instead, apply it to the cloth and then wipe the blades with the dampened cloth. Apply pulling pressure to the blade set and remove it if needed. Use a vacuum with the hose attachment to vacuum out the motor vents. You can also use mild dish soap mixed with water and use a q-tip to help you clean out hard to reach areas. Take care not to get any water or cleaning agents in the motor, however, since this can cause damage. Gently wipe down all plastic parts, like the outside of the fan, its carrying handle, and its knobs, with a damp cloth. Reassemble the box fan. Be sure that all the parts are thoroughly dry before reassembling. Apply pushing pressure to the blade set and knock it back on gently with a hammer. Secure both plastic grilles and use the screws you removed earlier to screw it back into place. Put on the plastic speed control dial knob. Buy an air filter for your fan. You can help prevent a buildup of dust and grime on your fan by attaching an air filter to it. Look for a filter that is designed to fit the size and shape of your box fan online or in a home supply store. Make sure to attach the filter to the rear part of your fan, where the air is drawn in. If you like, you can also construct your own DIY filter and attach it to the front of your fan, allowing it to do double-duty as an air purifier. For example, if you have a 20 in (51 cm) box fan, purchase a 20 in (51 cm) by 20 in (51 cm) MERV 11 furnace filter and attach it to the front of your fan with some heavy-duty tape. Clean fan blades of accumulated dirt regularly. Accrued dirt on fan blades cause bearings to become worn out, which creates a lot of noise from the fan. Every 2 weeks, you should vacuum the fan with the crevice-cleaning hose attachment. Wipe down the blades with a damp sponge twice a summer. In addition to causing damage to the fan, dust and dirt built up on the blades can blow into your home, reducing the air quality inside. Inspect the box fan to make sure that there are no loose external parts. Box fans do an amazing job keeping the house cool, but oftentimes they also cause a lot of noise. Look for looseness in the fan's housing and fan guards. Wedge a piece of cardboard between the edges of the blade guards if they are not firmly attached to the fan and their looseness is causing a rattle. Add a drop of silicone sealant to secure the decorative cap to the front guard of the fan if it is too noisy. Disassemble the box fan to see if there are any loose internal fasteners if the problem persists. Inspect blades to make sure there aren't any cracks, and replace them as necessary. Screw the spinner further into place and tighten it if it seems too loose. This will tighten the fan hub to the shaft and simultaneously secure the spinner into place. Quiet any rattling the box fan might make. If you notice that the box fan makes noise on level or smooth surfaces instead of on cushioned surfaces, it might be an issue with its base. Pads might be missing, so inspect the base of the fan and replace its pads as needed. Give your fan a deep cleaning. During the spring and summer months, your home might need the extra coolness a box fan provides. At the change of the season, maintain the fan and prepare it properly by cleaning it before you store it. Disassemble it, soak it, wipe it down, and reassemble it. Prevent dust from settling on your fan by putting it in storage. Cover the box fan for the fall and/or winter season to keep it clean, pristine, and ready for use when the weather warms up again. Use a brown bag or trash bag to store the box fan. Cut a shape that fits perfectly over the sides of the box fan covers to shield it from dust and dirt. Tape the bag into place over the fan or tie around it with a thin cord. Now put it away until spring.

Unplug the box fan. Remove the outer covers of the fan. Clean the outer covers of the fan. Spray and wipe down the blades to clean them. Reassemble the box fan. Buy an air filter for your fan. Clean fan blades of accumulated dirt regularly. Inspect the box fan to make sure that there are no loose external parts. Disassemble the box fan to see if there are any loose internal fasteners if the problem persists. Quiet any rattling the box fan might make. Give your fan a deep cleaning. Prevent dust from settling on your fan by putting it in storage. Use a brown bag or trash bag to store the box fan.

https://www.wikihow.com/Improve-Leadership-Quality

How to Improve Leadership Quality

One way to improve your leadership quality is to build effective dialogue by encouraging others to ask questions and offer suggestions when trying to solve a problem. During discussions, highlight areas of agreement amongst the team before dealing with arguments. That way, people are more likely to speak up, which will improve communication between your team members. Another way to increase the effectiveness of your words is to have positive body language by standing tall and keeping eye contact. For example, don't ask someone to do something while looking down at the floor, as they might not take you seriously. As you work on your leadership skills, write down what you think you can improve on and regularly return to this list to make sure you're sticking to your goals.

Ask yourself what kind of leader you are. If you want to develop your leadership skills, it's important that you honestly analyse your strengths and weaknesses. Doing this will enable you to identify the areas you need to improve, and make you more aware of how you act and behave. Start by asking yourself “what kind of leader am I?” Perhaps you are someone who leads by example, and doesn't get too involved in other people's work. Or maybe you are a leader who helps to solve problems, and takes a more active and interventionist role. Being a good team player and helping other people get along and work together more effectively is another way of being a leader. You can even use online leadership quizzes to evaluate your leadership skills. Consider how others might see you. Once you have begun to get a clearer picture of how you act as a leader, it will be helpful to consider how other people think of you as a leader. This could be your colleagues at work, or friends at school or college. You can do this by paying closer attention to team interactions, such as how often colleagues approach you for advice, and how comfortable they are doing so. You can also ask a trusted friend or colleague for her perception of your leadership qualities. You can ask a more senior colleague, who is familiar with you and your work, for some feedback and guidance on management and leadership. Analyse your leadership qualities. After asking the initial questions about how you lead and how others perceive you, you can try to analyse you leadership qualities in greater detail. You will then decide which factors to work on. Write down the following questions and try to answer them as honestly and fully as you can: Do I make an effort to be aware of the thoughts and feelings of colleagues? Do I help others perform to their best and reach their potential? Do I accept responsibility? Do I keep an open mind and try new ideas and new ways of doing things? Can I communicate effectively with others? Am I a good problem solver? Do I encourage and accept other opinions and perspectives? Identify areas to improve. These questions will help highlight which leadership qualities you are strong in, and which you need to improve. Using your answers to the questions, divide your leadership qualities into three parts. Firstly, note those qualities you feel you are very strong on. Secondly, identify which areas need some improvement. Thirdly, determine which areas you are weak on, and need considerable attention. For example, if you are aware of the thoughts and feelings of colleagues, and you accept other people's opinions, your openness and engagement with colleague is likely to be strong. If you don't help others perform to their best, and you don't communicate as effectively as you would like, these skills will need some work. These leadership qualities can be broken down into the more general areas of communication, inspiring and setting an example for others, openness, and teamwork and cooperation. Enable effective dialogue. Communication is perhaps the most important leadership quality, and one that runs through all of the other important qualities. One of the keys to good communication is enabling positive and sometimes robust dialogue on problems and solutions. There are different styles of leadership, but someone who consistently shuts down debates and stifles discussions is unlikely to command the support of others for too long. Ask and encourage open questions, rather than constrictive ones. Highlight areas of agreement first, and deal with the disagreements second. Don't be overbearing, and facilitate an open environment where people are free to talk without fear. Have positive body language. Positive body language can help you come across as dynamic, open and cooperative. It can also help you to make a strong impression when you are talking, and increase the power and effectiveness of your words. One good rule is to have body language that is consistent with what you are saying. Don't, for example, ask someone to do something while looking down at the floor. Instead make eye contact and be open and engaging. To have positive and affirmative body language while talking, try to maintain eye contact, stand tall and straight, and relax your face. Your body language may be interpreted as how you are really feeling, so try to have body language that reflects the qualities and approach of a good leader. Be an active listener. To be a good communicator, you need to be a good listener. If you make the effort to listen to somebody, she will see that and come to think of you as someone she can talk to. This is an important leadership quality to develop. Body language is important, so try to maintain eye contact with the person you are talking to. To be an active listener: Don't judge people. Pay complete attention to the person you are talking to. Try to understand others, before you try make yourself understood. Don't interrupt unnecessarily. Use initiative. One aspect of good leadership is being quick and decisive to act to solve a problem. If you see something needs to be done and are confident that you know the best way to do it, use your initiative. A strong leader can be someone who is prepared to take the lead in situations without necessarily being asked to. Using your initiative demonstrates a positive and “can do” attitude. Make sure you are confident in your actions, however. Act calmly and assuredly, and don't ty to rush to a solution when the problem requires consultation. Another aspect of good leadership is knowing when to take advice, and understanding when a problem needs a deeper understanding before it can be addressed. Take responsibility. To set a strong example as a leader it's essential that you take responsibility for your individual tasks and priorities as well as your team as a whole. Having clear priorities and clearly assigned roles will make it easier for people to identify and own their responsibilities. Support your team members to complete their tasks and try to forge a cooperative rather than a competitive environment and culture. Taking responsibility can also involve removing responsibilities from those who have demonstrated that they are unable to manage the tasks assigned. Keep improving your skills. One way to demonstrate good leadership skills is to always be alert to new possibilities to learn and develop your capabilities. Showing a continuous desire to improve yourself and your work can be a motivating factor for those around you. It demonstrates your commitment to excellence and your lack of complacency. Organise and write down a clear set of standards for yourself personally, and then try to always stick to them. Try to monitor your work, and identify the areas which you can improve on. You can use these personal standards to draw up a personal development plan. Provide a vision. A good leader is someone who can provide a clear and compelling vision for the short term and longer term future. The ability to plan ahead, think strategically, and develop priorities are all hallmarks of strong leaders. In order to do this, you will need to develop a broader perspective so that you can see beyond the immediate deadlines. Seeing the bigger picture can help you envisage problems before they arrive. This kind of approach can also lead to innovation and structural changes that have long term benefits. Motivate others. For teamwork you need motivated colleagues. One of the best ways for a leader to motivate her colleagues is pay attention to them and make it clear that you are there to provide support and help when required. Try to keep people focussed on the goals that are the highest priorities in order to provide a clear route forward. You shouldn't be the last person to find out if someone has concerns or is struggling. Be active and communicative to identify problems and deal with them. This may involve tweaking your team or the distribution of work. For example, if someone is losing interest as the work is not challenging her, think of ways you can get her to engage with her tasks. You could explain how this work, although a bit boring, is essential to the overall project. Say something like “I know this is a bit monotonous, but without this the whole thing falls apart. I assigned it to you because you have great attention to detail.” Commend good work. An important part of motivating others is commending good work. Look for opportunities to praise people for a job well done, and demonstrate that you appreciate what they are doing. Taking an active interest in the work of your colleagues is a key feature of a good leader who is able to motivate her team. With more junior members of staff, always be on the lookout for career development opportunities. A positive and cooperative working culture where people's hard work is respected and appreciated will result in a more motivated group. Cooperate instead of competing. If you are trying to be a strong leader, it can be tempting to try to prompt better work by creating a competitive environment amongst your colleagues. In fact, developing a more cooperative work culture often leads to more effective working and better relationships. Any battles that arise in a competitive culture cost valuable time and resources to deal with. You are better off creating common goals that you can achieve together. Creating a cooperative environment will encourage collaboration and help avoid silo working. Be visible and approachable. If you are leading a team on a project, it's important that you are available to your colleagues. Remember that a good leader is someone who not only gets the task done, but is also concerned with helping her colleagues develop and achieve their potential. Be open to mentoring more junior colleagues, and be sure to make time for one-to-one training when required. You can make yourself visible and available in a number of ways. For example, you might schedule in a short period each day where you are free to listen to any concerns. You could do this formally, or just set aside half an hour in which you can go around the team and check how everybody is getting on. If someone asks you something and you don't have time to deal with it right away, don't dismiss it outright. Schedule a time later when you are free to talk.

Ask yourself what kind of leader you are. Consider how others might see you. Analyse your leadership qualities. Identify areas to improve. Enable effective dialogue. Have positive body language. Be an active listener. Use initiative. Take responsibility. Keep improving your skills. Provide a vision. Motivate others. Commend good work. Cooperate instead of competing. Be visible and approachable.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Caramelized-Apples

How to Make Caramelized Apples

To make caramelized apples, use crisp apple varieties like Braeburn, Fuji, or Gala for best results. Select 4 apples, then skin and slice them into quarters, disposing of the cores. Next, melt 4 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the slices to the skillet. Saute the slices for about 5 minutes, flipping them repeatedly until both sides are browned. Then, stir in 4 tbsp of white sugar and let the sugar melt before removing the apples from the skillet.

Use crisp apples. Make sure you select an apple that is strong enough to maintain shape as it caramelizes. Use varieties such as Braeburn, Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, or Pink Lady. Avoid softer varieties, which may break apart during the cooking process and leave you with caramelized mush instead of apple slices. Skin and slice your apples. First, remove the skins. Then quarter your apples. Cut the core free from whichever quarter it clings to. Then slice the quarters into slices roughly a half-inch thick (1.2 cm.) If desired, cut the slices into cubes with half-inch sides. If you prefer even thinner slices, aim for a quarter-inch thickness. This should still be thick enough to handle without breaking them. Prevent oxidization. Make sure your apples brown from cooking and not from exposing their flesh to the open air. If you expect a delay between slicing them and cooking them, prepare a bath of cold lemon water for the slices to soak in for 5 to 10 minutes. To make 8 ounces of lemon water, mix ½ cup lemon juice with 3 tablespoons of boiled water and then make up the difference with cold water. Pat your apples dry. If you soaked your slices in a lemon-water bath, or if they appear to be excessively juicy, use a paper towel to softly soak up the moisture by gently patting them. Expect the addition of water to the hot, bubbling butter in your skillet to possibly cause the heated liquid to pop into the air. Reduce the risk of scalding yourself by minimizing the amount of added moisture the best you can. Thicken your caramelized apples. If you prefer your apples with a thicker syrup, use cornstarch to beef it up. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of water until the starch dissolves. Stir this into your caramelized apples and then reduce the heat to low. Allow your apples to continue cooking over lower heat while the syrup thickens. Melt your butter. Place 4 tablespoons in large skillet. Set the heat to medium-high. Liquify the butter until it bubbles. Saute apple slices. Place each on its side in the skillet once the butter begins to bubble. Flip them repeatedly to cook each side a uniform brown. Do so for 5 minutes. Add sugar. After 5 minutes of sauteing, add 4 tablespoons of sugar. Stir it into the butter and juices. Remove the apples from the skillet once the sugar melts. Add whipping cream. Make a creamier sauce for your apples. Use whipping cream as a thickener. Heat 4 tablespoons of butter in your large skillet over medium heat until it liquifies. Stir in 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons of sugar until it melts. Place your apple slices in the skillet and cook for approximately 10 minutes, or until they brown and tenderize. Stir in 6 tablespoons plus 3 teaspoons of whipping cream. Lower the heat to simmer and wait for the cream to thicken after a couple minutes. Remove the slices from the skillet and enjoy. Use apple cider, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Give your apples some extra autumn flavor. Note that you can use an equal amount of sugar in place of maple syrup if need be, as well as an equal amount of apple juice to replace cider. Line your large skillet with 2 tablespoons of canola oil and set the heat to medium. Once the oil heats up, place your apple slices inside and saute for 2 to 3 minutes until they begin to soften. Pour in 3 tablespoons of maple syrup and a ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and stir them in for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Add 1 cup of apple cider and continue to stir as the liquid comes to a boil and then reduces to a syrup. Add a touch of honey. Use honey plus lemon juice to liven your syrup up. Heat 4 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet, using low-medium heat. Add 6 tablespoons of sugar as the butter melts and stir together until the sugar melts, too. Once the mixture begins to bubble, set the apple slices in the skillet and stir in 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Raise the heat to meat and saute the apples for about 10 minutes, stirring and flipping continually to brown their sides evenly. After 10 minutes, stir in 6 tablespoons of honey and saute for 5 more minutes, until the liquid reduces to a syrup. Keep it healthy. Substitute coconut oil for butter and honey for sugar for a healthier sweet snack. Heat 4 tablespoons of coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add your apple slices and saute until they become tender and brown. Combine 4 teaspoons with 4 teaspoons of water in a measuring cup. Pour the mixture over the apple and stir them together. Continue to saute until the liquid reduces to the point of evaporating. Make a PB & A sandwich. Spread your favorite peanut butter over your favorite bread. Then simply replace the jelly with your caramelized apples! Caramelize 1 apple to make 2 sandwiches. Top your oatmeal. Combine ½ cup of rolled oats with ½ cup of water, ½ of milk, and ⅛ teaspoon of salt in a saucepan. Turn the heat to medium until the mixture begins to boil. Lower the heat to simmer. Give the oatmeal another 7 minutes on the stove before transferring to a bowl. Top it with 1 apple's worth of caramelized slices and enjoy. Serve them with pancakes. Caramelize 1 apple's worth of slices to top four pancakes. Use a recipe with maple syrup to complement those pancakes. For extra apple flavor, add chunks of apple plus applesauce to your pancake batter! To make your batter from scratch: Mix your dry ingredients in a large bowl: 1 ½ cups flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ¼ cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. In a second bowl, combine your wet ingredients: 1 ½ cups milk, 2 tablespoons melted butter, 2 tablespoons applesauce, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat one egg into the wet ingredients, then pour them into the dry ingredients, whisking until the batter become thoroughly smooth and wet. Chop 1 apple into chunks and stir them into the batter. Use them as a topping for your ice cream. Add them to your ice cream while they are still warm. If you are a diehard “cherry on top,” fan, add ½ cup of dried cherries to your 4 apples when you caramelize them. For an even creamier topping, be sure to use a recipe with whipping cream to caramelize them.

Use crisp apples. Skin and slice your apples. Prevent oxidization. Pat your apples dry. Thicken your caramelized apples. Melt your butter. Saute apple slices. Add sugar. Add whipping cream. Use apple cider, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Add a touch of honey. Keep it healthy. Make a PB & A sandwich. Top your oatmeal. Serve them with pancakes. Use them as a topping for your ice cream.

https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Kidney-Stones

How to Prevent Kidney Stones

To prevent kidney stones, drink lots of water every day as well as a 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, which will raise your citrate levels so kidney stones are less likely to form. You should also limit your daily sodium intake to 2,300 mg and eat less meat. Try to eat foods that are high in fiber, like beans and rice, which contain a compound that helps prevent kidney stones. Also, limit how much alcohol you drink and opt for light-colored beers and wines instead of dark drinks.

Ask close relatives if they have had kidney stones. You are at greater risk for developing stones if family members have experienced kidney stones. Studies show that kidney stones appear to be more common in people with Asian and Caucasian backgrounds than for Native Americans, Africans, or African Americans. Watch your weight. Research suggests that people with a high body mass index and larger waist sizes are at greater risk for the development of kidney stones. Body weight, not diet or fluid intake, appears to be the greatest risk factor for kidney stones. Eat a healthy diet and get plenty of exercise to reduce your weight and your risk. Consider your age and gender. Men between 30 and 50 years old and postmenopausal women are the most likely to get kidney stones. Think about other medical conditions you may have. Certain surgical procedures and medical conditions increase your risk of kidney stones. These include: Gastric bypass or other intestinal surgery Urinary tract infections Inflammatory bowel disease and Crohn's disease Chronic diarrhea Renal tubular acidosis Hyperparathyroidism Insulin resistance Know the different kinds of kidney stones. There are four different kinds of kidney stones. The first step in being able to prevent kidney stones is knowing what causes them. Different kidney stones are caused by different lifestyle factors and diet decisions. Calcium stones. Calcium stones come in two forms: calcium oxalate stones and calcium phosphate stones. Calcium oxalate stones are the most common form of kidney stone. Calcium stones are often caused by high sodium intake. Uric acid stones. Uric acid stones form when urine is very acidic, and are often because the patient has a diet high in animal protein (meat, fish, shellfish). Struvite stones. These are usually caused by kidney infections. Staying free of infection can usually stop struvite stones. Cystine stones. These are formed when cystine leaks into the kidneys, resulting in stones. Cystine stones are caused by a genetic disorder. Drink plenty of water. You may have heard the “eight glasses a day” rule, but research suggests that you may actually need more than that. The Institute of Medicine recommends that men drink about 13 cups (three liters) of fluids per day. Women should drink about nine cups (2.2 liters) of fluids per day. If you're sick or you exercise a lot, you'll need to drink more. Water is the best choice. Drinking a half-cup of fresh-squeezed lemon juice daily raises the citrate levels in your urine, which can help reduce your risk of developing calcium kidney stones. Experts no longer recommend orange juice, as it raises oxalate levels. Be cautious with grapefruit juice, apple juice, and cranberry juice. Several studies have linked grapefruit juice to an increased risk of kidney stones, although not all studies agree. Apple and cranberry juice both contain oxalates, which are linked to the development of kidney stones. Cranberry juice may increase your risk for calcium oxalate and uric acid stones. However, it may help prevent the less-common types of stones, such as struvite and brushite stones, and it's good for overall kidney function. Talk with your doctor about whether consuming these juices is a good idea for you. Limit your intake of sodium. Consuming too much salt can cause kidney stones by increasing the calcium content of your urine. Read nutritional labels carefully and avoid processed foods, which tend to be high in sodium. Use the following sodium guidelines: Consume no more than 2,300 mg of sodium daily if you are a healthy young adult. According to the US Department of Agriculture, most Americans eat far more than that recommended allowance, 3,400 mg. Restrict your sodium to 1,500 mg per day if you are at least middle-aged or you have certain conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Look for “lower sodium” or “no salt added” labels on canned foods. Canned vegetables and soups often have high levels of salt. Luncheon meat, hot dogs, and frozen prepared meals often have extremely high levels of sodium, so check labels before you buy. Minimize your intake of animal protein. A diet high in animal protein, especially red meats, increases your risk of developing kidney stones, especially uric acid stones. Limiting your animal protein intake to 6 ounces or less per day helps reduce your risk of forming all types of kidney stones. Red meats, organ meats, and shellfish are high in a substance called purine, which increases your body's production of uric acid and can cause kidney stones. Eggs and fish also contain purines, although at a lower level. Substitute some of your animal protein with other rich sources of protein, such as nuts and legumes. Increase your citric acid consumption. Citric acid from fruits acts as a protective factor by coating existing kidney stones, making it difficult for them to increase in size. Your doctor may prescribe medications such as calcium citrate or potassium citrate; these are not dietary sources and work differently. Lemons and limes are the best source of citric acid. Drinking lemonade or limeade (especially low-sugar varieties) and squeezing lemon or lime juice on foods are excellent ways of increasing your citric acid intake. Increasing your fruit and vegetable intake will help boost your citric acid consumption. Some sodas, such as 7UP and Sprite, contain high levels of citric acid. While you should avoid high-sugar beverages, the occasional clear soda may be a good way to increase your citric acid intake. Eat a “low-oxalate” diet. If you have a history of kidney stones made from calcium oxalate, the most common type of kidney stone, avoiding foods that are high in oxalate can help prevent future kidney stones. If you do eat foods that contain oxalates, eat them at the same time as foods that contain calcium. The calcium and oxalate will bind to each other, making them less likely to cause trouble for your kidneys. Limit oxalate to 40-50mg daily. Foods that are high in oxalate (10mg+ per serving) include nuts, most berries, wheat, figs, grapes, tangerines, beans, beets, carrots, celery, eggplant, kale, leeks, olives, okra, peppers, potatoes, spinach, sweet potato, and zucchini. Beverages that contain high levels of oxalate (more than 10mg per serving) include dark beer, black tea, chocolate-based beverages, soy beverages, and instant coffee. Don't over consume vitamin C. Your body may turn high doses — such as those from supplements — into oxalate. Use calcium supplements with caution. The calcium you eat from foods doesn't affect your risk of developing kidney stones. In fact, diets that are too low in calcium may cause kidney stones to develop for some people. However, calcium supplements may increase the risk of developing kidney stones, so don't take them unless your doctor has recommended them. Children between four and eight years old should get 1,000 mg of calcium daily. Children nine to 18 years old should get 1,300 mg of calcium daily. Adults 19 and older should get at least 1,000 mg of calcium daily. Women over 50 and men over 70 should increase their intake to 1,200 mg of calcium a day. Eat a high-fiber diet. Studies suggest that fiber-rich foods may help prevent kidney stones. Many high-fiber foods contain phytate, a compound that helps prevent calcium from crystallizing. Beans and rice bran are good sources of phytate. While wheat and soybeans also contain phytates, they are also high in oxalate, so it's recommended that you avoid them unless recommended by your doctor. Watch your alcohol intake. Alcohol increases the level of uric acid in the bloodstream, which can contribute to kidney stones. If you do drink alcohol, choose light-colored beers or wine. These beverages don't appear to increase your risk of kidney stones. Dark beers contain oxalate, which can increase kidney stones.

Ask close relatives if they have had kidney stones. Watch your weight. Consider your age and gender. Think about other medical conditions you may have. Know the different kinds of kidney stones. Drink plenty of water. Limit your intake of sodium. Minimize your intake of animal protein. Increase your citric acid consumption. Eat a “low-oxalate” diet. Use calcium supplements with caution. Eat a high-fiber diet. Watch your alcohol intake.

https://www.wikihow.com/Draw-a-Coyote

How to Draw a Coyote

To draw a coyote, start by drawing a circle with a diagonally-pointing “U” shape on it for the head. Then, add a another circle and a larger oval below for the coyote's neck and body. Next, sketch in legs and feet. You can also add zigzag lines to outline the head, ears, and body to give the coyote a furry appearance. Finally, add details, such as the eyes, tail, and mouth, and color in your drawing.

Draw a slightly slanted vertical oval for the head. Draw a longer horizontal oval below (yet intersecting) the first one. As a guide for the ears, draw two medium sized ovals on top of the first oval. Make it slimmer and slightly slanting as well. Draw a small oval below to serve as the neck, followed by a bigger oval for the torso. Add circles for his shoulders and joints; ovals for his arms. Draw pairs of stretched ovals to form his legs and feet. Using these guide shapes, trace the outline of Coyote's head. Continue tracing Coyote's outline. don't forget to add a fluffy tail at his backside. Add more details. Erase unnecessary lines. Color the drawing as desired. Draw a circle for the head. Draw another sphere below and behind the first circle to serve as its neck. Draw a U-shaped curve on the first circle, with its bottom pointing diagonally to the right. This will serve as the coyote's nose. Remove unnecessary lines. Draw a larger oval below and behind the second oval. This will serve as its body. Below the large oval, draw stretched ovals for its legs. The front pairs straight and the back pairs with joints. Add circles below for the feet. Using the guide lines as reference, draw the outline and ears of the coyote's head (To make a furry impression, use zigzag lines). Below the largest oval near the farthest leg, trace a slightly wavy line to as a guide for the tail. In-between the ears, draw three vertical lines going down towards the nose. Draw a horizontal line intersecting these three lines to serve as guides where to place the eyes. Using the above guide lines, draw details of its eyes, nose, mouth, etc. Add inside details of the coyote's ears. Begin tracing the front of the coyote's body and legs. Continue tracing the rest of the coyote's body, legs and tail. Erase unnecessary lines. Add further "furry" details by using small line dashes. Color the drawing as desired.

Draw a slightly slanted vertical oval for the head. Draw a longer horizontal oval below (yet intersecting) the first one. As a guide for the ears, draw two medium sized ovals on top of the first oval. Draw a small oval below to serve as the neck, followed by a bigger oval for the torso. Add circles for his shoulders and joints; ovals for his arms. Draw pairs of stretched ovals to form his legs and feet. Using these guide shapes, trace the outline of Coyote's head. Continue tracing Coyote's outline. Add more details. Erase unnecessary lines. Color the drawing as desired. Draw a circle for the head. Draw another sphere below and behind the first circle to serve as its neck. Draw a U-shaped curve on the first circle, with its bottom pointing diagonally to the right. Remove unnecessary lines. Draw a larger oval below and behind the second oval. Below the large oval, draw stretched ovals for its legs. Using the guide lines as reference, draw the outline and ears of the coyote's head (To make a furry impression, use zigzag lines). In-between the ears, draw three vertical lines going down towards the nose. Using the above guide lines, draw details of its eyes, nose, mouth, etc. Add inside details of the coyote's ears. Begin tracing the front of the coyote's body and legs. Continue tracing the rest of the coyote's body, legs and tail. Erase unnecessary lines. Add further "furry" details by using small line dashes. Color the drawing as desired.

https://www.wikihow.com/Diagnose-Osteochondrosis-Dissecans-in-Rottweilers

How to Diagnose Osteochondrosis Dissecans in Rottweilers

To diagnose osteochondrosis dissecans in your Rottweiler, check if it has a persistent limp or if it's taking shorter strides with one leg to avoid putting weight there as these are common symptoms. You can also feel your dog's legs to see if any feel swollen or less muscular than the others since a difference in muscle mass can be another sign of the disease. If you observe any of these symptoms, bring your Rottweiler to the vet so they can check its joints and take X-rays. They may need to also perform a CT scan or endoscope exam to get a clear diagnosis. If your dog has the condition, your vet will give you some treatment recommendations, such as feeding it a healthy, restricted diet or giving it supplements.

Check if your dog appears to have a persistent limp. One of the key signs of OCD is a persistent limp or lameness in your dog. This is a common symptom in young dogs who have OCD, who may have difficulty putting some or any weight on one leg. The severity of the limp depends on how much damage develops on your dog's joint lining. Your dog may have a mild limp, where he leans to one side and puts less weight on one leg. Or, he may have a severe limp, where he puts little to no weight on one leg. He may start with a mild limp and over weeks or months, his condition will get worse until he can no longer put any weight on his leg. Watch your dog walk to see if he is taking shorter strides on one leg. If your dog has OCD, he may take shorter strides with the affected leg. This is due to putting less weight on one leg. You can also look at your dog when he stands still. He may place weight on his healthy leg and put little to no weight on his affected leg. Look at your dog’s legs for any differences in muscle mass or any swelling. Your dog's affected leg will likely have less muscle mass than his healthy leg, as he is not working it as hard due to pain or discomfort. The affected leg will likely be less muscular and may also appear swollen. You can use your hands to touch your dog's legs. Note if one of his legs feels very warm to the touch, swollen, and less muscular than his other legs. These could all be signs that his leg has OCD. Allow the vet to do a physical exam of your Rottweiler. First, the vet will do a physical exam of your Rottweiler to confirm the affected leg and locate where the joint is painful for your dog. Your vet may manipulate your dog's joints in isolation to check that your dog's hock, or ankle, is the sore area, not his hip, knee, or toes. This will allow her to better confirm your dog has OCD in his hock. Let the vet take an X-ray of your dog’s affected leg. The vet may then sedate or anesthetize your Rottweiler so she can take X-rays of your dog's hock and any other areas that may be sore. Usually, two views are taken of your dog's hock in the X-rays. One view is taken from front to back (anterior-posterior) and one view is taken side to side (lateral). Doing two views in the x-rays will help the vet rule out other conditions such as a fracture, an infection, and cancer. However, X-rays are not a foolproof way to detect OCD in your dog's hock. In the early stages of the condition, the only clear evidence of OCD is a flap of cartilage on your dog's hock or a chip off the cartilage. It may be difficult to spot these small issues on an X-ray. Get a CT scan done. If the X-rays are inconclusive, the vet may recommend more advanced forms of imaging, such as a CT scan. The CT scan will provide a more detailed image of the structure of your dog's bone and cartilage. It can also better detect hairline fractures and cartilage damage. Let the vet do an endoscope exam. The vet may also try to get a better read on your dog's joint by using an endoscope. An endoscope is a small camera that can be fitted into your dog's joint. The vet can then get a real-time view of the surface of the joint and make a clear diagnosis. This procedure also allows the vet to remove any troublesome cartilage chips floating in your dog's joint or trim back a flap in your dog's joint. Thus, the vet has the ability to actually treat the problem during the diagnosis. After the surgery, your dog should rest for two to four weeks and avoid doing anything active. Too much activity post surgery can cause a pocket of fluid to build up at the incision site. The vet should prescribe pain medication for your dog and suggest a post-surgery diet so he does not gain too much weight after the surgery. Most Rottweilers recovery from the surgery within eight to twelve weeks and can function normally. Discuss treatment options with the vet. Even if the vet treats the problem during the endoscope, she may recommend further treatment to prevent your Rottweiler from developing secondary arthritis later in life. This could include keep your Rottweiler slim through a healthy, restricted diet and giving your dog joint supplements like chondroitin and glucosamine. The vet may also suggest surgery to remove any damage cartilage in your dog's joint. This can prevent his OCD from getting worse. Ask your dog's breeder if his parents had OCD. Rottweilers as a breed have a predisposition to developing OCD in their hock joints. You should discuss the health of your dog's parents with the breeder before you buy him as a puppy. Often, a puppy will inherit genes from his parents, and parents with poor cartilage health can pass that on to their offspring. Dogs diagnosed with OCD should not be used to bred, as they will likely pass on the condition to their offspring. However, there is no genetic screening test available yet for OCD in Rottweilers. If you considering buying a Rottweiler from a breeder, you should set up an in person meeting with the breeder and the Rottweiler. You should watch how the Rottweiler walks and note any limping or unevenness in his gait, as these can be symptoms of OCD. Feed your dog large breed growth food. Another risk factor is a Rottweiler puppy who grows too quickly. Fast growth forces your dog's bones to grow too quickly and can put stress on your dog's joints. Dogs that will weigh more than 25kg as adults, such as Rottweiler puppies, should be feed large breed growth food. This type of food contains a sufficient amount of calcium for a larger dog, which will not force his bones to grow too fast. Regular growth food can provide too much calcium, which may then force your dog's bones to grow too rapidly. Make sure your dog maintains a healthy weight and does not do any intense exercise. Excess weight or too much weight can lead to health issues in your dog and put stress on your dog's joints. This can then lead to the development of OCD in your dog's joint, especially if he is genetically predisposed to the condition. Though larger dogs like Rottweilers should get enough exercise every day, you should avoid doing intense exercise or excessive exercise with your Rottweiler. Too much exercise can put strain on your dog's joints and force him to do awkward movements that can cause damage to the joint lining your dog's joints. This could then increase his risk of developing OCD.

Check if your dog appears to have a persistent limp. Watch your dog walk to see if he is taking shorter strides on one leg. Look at your dog’s legs for any differences in muscle mass or any swelling. Allow the vet to do a physical exam of your Rottweiler. Let the vet take an X-ray of your dog’s affected leg. Get a CT scan done. Let the vet do an endoscope exam. Discuss treatment options with the vet. Ask your dog's breeder if his parents had OCD. Feed your dog large breed growth food. Make sure your dog maintains a healthy weight and does not do any intense exercise.

https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Corroded-Aluminum

How to Clean Corroded Aluminum

To clean corroded aluminum from cookware, mix water with vinegar or lemon juice, place the solution in the pots, and allow them to simmer on the stove for 15 minutes before rinsing them clean. Alternatively, to clean aluminum oxide from larger surfaces, cut a lemon in half and place salt on the inside of it. Next, rub the surface down with the inside of the lemon so that the salt and acid can remove the aluminum oxide. For hard to remove oxidation, apply aluminum etching cleaner to stainless steel wool and rub as gently as possible to remove corrosion.

Clean off dust and grime with a soft bristle brush. Before removing corrosion, you need to clean off any dust or grime on top of it. Use a nonabrasive cleaner, like regular dishwashing soap. Boil off caked on food. To get out burnt food on the bottom of your pots without damaging them, fill the pot with a couple inches of water. Put it on heat and allow it to reach a boil and leave it there for about 10 minutes. Afterward, remove it from the heat and use a wooden spatula to pull up the food, which should have been loosened up. Repeat this until the pot is clean. Refrain from using steel wool or Brillo Pads to pick up caked on food, because they can scratch up the pot and make it harder to clean in the future. Boil vinegar or lemon juice in the pot. To remove oxidation, mix water and either vinegar or lemon juice in a pot. Turn on the heat and allow the mixture to cook for fifteen minutes after it hits a hard boil. Throw small aluminum cookware in the pot so that they can be treated as well. Repeat as necessary. The mixture should be about two tablespoons of water or vinegar for every quart of water. Rinse and dry the pot well. Run warm water over the cookware to carefully remove any residue of the lemon juice or vinegar. Then wipe it down with a rag to dry it off. Clean the surface with a soft bristle brush. Clean off dirt with a soft bristle brush. Try to remove all dust and large particles with the brush. Wipe it down with dishwashing detergent and a sponge. Apply water and dishwashing detergent to a sponge. Use moderate pressure when wiping down the surface. Sometimes, this will be sufficient to remove oxidation. Scrub with a lemon. If detergent did not remove the oxidation, try a lemon. Cut the lemon in half and place salt on the inside. Then rub the surface down with the inside of the lemon, so that the salt and acid of the lemon can remove aluminum oxide. Rub gently because the salt is abrasive. Alternatively, you can apply lemon juice and salt to a rag and use the rag to gently rub the aluminum. Use aluminum etching cleaner for hard to remove oxidation. For hard to remove oxidation, apply aluminum etching cleaner to stainless steel wool, grade 0000 to 000. Put on gloves and rub problem spots with the cleaner. Rub as gently as possible to remove corrosion. Rinse the aluminum off with a clean sponge. Do not allow detergent, lemon, or other cleaners to dry on the surface. Use another wet sponge, without detergent, to wipe it down, removing the soap. Watch for cracks in the paint. Paint prevents the formation of aluminum oxide, which can be unattractive, but prevents poultice corrosion. When the paint begins to crack on aluminum surfaces often exposed to water, poultice corrosion forms, eating away at the aluminum. Poultice corrosion will appear as either a white powder or a white goo. Remove paint chips. Where the paint has begun to crack, scrape off paint from that area. You can use a putty knife to get under the paint and lift it up. For larger areas, use 220-grit sandpaper to sand off the paint. Create a gradual transition along the edges between the painted area and the bare metal. Use general purpose adhesive remover to de-wax the surface. Apply the adhesive remover to a rag. Use the rag to wipe down the area where you have scraped off the paint. Apply an epoxy paint. Find an epoxy paint that closely matches the paint on the surrounding area. Use a brush to apply a couple of coats of paint, so that there is a thick layer. There is no need to apply primer to a small spot before painting it. Apply sealant around hardware. Movable hardware like fasteners and spreaders often rip up surrounding paint when they move. Thus, new paint jobs around the area usually won't last long. Instead, apply a low-adhesion polyurethane or polysulfide sealant around the hardware base. Seal up the entire circumference of the hardware base, so that no paint can seep down to the aluminium.

Clean off dust and grime with a soft bristle brush. Boil off caked on food. Boil vinegar or lemon juice in the pot. Rinse and dry the pot well. Clean the surface with a soft bristle brush. Wipe it down with dishwashing detergent and a sponge. Scrub with a lemon. Use aluminum etching cleaner for hard to remove oxidation. Rinse the aluminum off with a clean sponge. Watch for cracks in the paint. Remove paint chips. Use general purpose adhesive remover to de-wax the surface. Apply an epoxy paint. Apply sealant around hardware.

https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Vapor-Pressure

How to Calculate Vapor Pressure

To calculate vapor pressure, use the Clausius-Clapeyron equation, which includes the variables for the enthalpy of the liquid, the real gas constant, the starting and final temperatures, and the starting and final vapor pressures. Plug all of the known variables and constants into the equation, and isolate the unknown variable, which will be the pressure. Solve the equation for the pressure by following the order of operations. Be sure to label your final answer in atmospheres!

Write the Clausius-Clapeyron equation. The formula used for calculating vapor pressure given a change in the vapor pressure over time is known as the Clausius-Clapeyron equation (named for physicists Rudolf Clausius and Benoît Paul Émile Clapeyron). This is the formula you'll use to solve the most common sorts of vapor pressure problems you'll find in physics and chemistry classes. The formula looks like this: ln(P1/P2) = (ΔH vap /R)((1/T2) - (1/T1)). In this formula, the variables refer to: ΔH vap : The enthalpy of vaporization of the liquid. This can usually be found in a table at the back of chemistry textbooks. R: The real gas constant, or 8.314 J/(K × Mol). T1: The temperature at which the vapor pressure is known (or the starting temperature.) T2: The temperature at which the vapor pressure is to be found (or the final temperature.) P1 and P2: The vapor pressures at the temperatures T1 and T2, respectively. Plug in the variables you know. The Clausius-Clapeyron equation looks tricky because it has so many different variables, but it's actually not very difficult when you have the right information. The most basic vapor pressure problems will give you two temperature values and a pressure value or two pressure values and a temperature value — once you have these, solving is a piece of cake. For example, let's say that we're told that we have a container full of liquid at 295 K whose vapor pressure is 1 atmosphere (atm). Our question is: What is the vapor pressure at 393 K? We have two temperature values and a pressure, so we can solve for the other pressure value with the Clausius-Clapeyron equation. Plugging in our variables, we get ln(1/P2) = (ΔH vap /R)((1/393) - (1/295)). Note that, for Clausius-Clapeyron equations, you must always use Kelvin temperature values. You can use any pressure values as long as they are the same for both P1 and P2. Plug in your constants. The Clausius-Clapeyron equation contains two constants: R and ΔH vap. R is always equal to 8.314 J/(K × Mol). ΔH vap (the enthalpy of vaporization), however, depends on the substance whose vapor pressure you are examining. As noted above, you can usually find the ΔH vap values for a huge variety of substances in the back of chemistry or physics textbooks, or else online. In our example, let's say that our liquid is pure liquid water. If we look in a table of ΔH vap values, we can find that the ΔH vap is roughly 40.65 kJ/mol. Since our H value uses joules, rather than kilojoules, we can convert this to 40,650 J/mol. Plugging our constants in to our equation, we get ln(1/P2) = (40,650/8.314)((1/393) - (1/295)). Solve the equation. Once you have all of your variables in the equation plugged in except for the one you are solving for, proceed to solve the equation according to the rules of ordinary algebra. The only difficult part of solving our equation ( ln(1/P2) = (40,650/8.314)((1/393) - (1/295)) ) is dealing with the natural log (ln). To cancel out a natural log, simply use both sides of the equation as the exponent for the mathematical constant e. In other words, ln(x) = 2 → e = e → x = e. Now, let's solve our equation: ln(1/P2) = (40,650/8.314)((1/393) - (1/295)) ln(1/P2) = (4,889.34)(-0.00084) (1/P2) = e 1/P2 = 0.0165 P2 = 0.0165 = 60.76 atm. This makes sense — in a sealed container, increasing the temperature by almost 100 degrees (to almost 20 degrees over the boiling point of water) will create lots of vapor, increasing the pressure greatly Write Raoult's Law. In real life, it's rare to work with a single pure liquid — usually, we deal with liquids that are mixtures of several different component substances. Some of the most common of these mixtures are created by dissolving a small amount of a certain chemical called a solute in a large amount of a chemical called a solvent to create a solution. In these cases, it's useful to know an equation called Raoult's Law (named for physicist François-Marie Raoult), which looks like this: P solution =P solvent X solvent. In this formula, the variables refer to; P solution : The vapor pressure of the entire solution (all of the component parts combined) P solvent : The vapor pressure of the solvent X solvent : The mole fraction of the solvent. Don't worry if you don't know terms like "mole fraction" — we'll explain these in the next few steps. Identify the solvent and solute in your solution. Before you calculate the vapor pressure of a mixed liquid, you need to identify the substances with which you are working. As a reminder, a solution is formed when a solute is dissolved in a solvent — the chemical that dissolves is always the solute and the chemical that does the dissolving is always the solvent. Let's work through a simple example in this section to illustrate the concepts we're discussing. For our example, let's say that we want to find the vapor pressure of simple syrup. Traditionally, simple syrup is one part sugar dissolved in one part water, so we'll say that sugar is our solute and water is our solvent. Note that the chemical formula for sucrose (table sugar) is C 12 H 22 O 11. This will be important soon. Find the temperature of the solution. As we saw in the Clausius-Clapeyron section above, a liquid's temperature will affect its vapor pressure. In general, the higher the temperature, the greater the vapor pressure — as the temperature increases, more of the liquid will evaporate and form vapor, increasing the pressure in the container. In our example, let's say that the simple syrup's current temperature is 298 K ( about 25 C). Find the solvent's vapor pressure. Chemical reference materials usually have vapor pressure values for many common substances and compounds, but these pressure values are usually only for when the substance is at 25 C/298 K or at its boiling point. If your solution is at one of these temperatures, you can use the reference value, but if not, you'll need to find the vapor pressure at its current temperature. The Clausius-Clapeyron can help here — use the reference vapor pressure and 298 K (25 C) for P1 and T1 respectively. In our example, our mixture is at 25 C, so we can use our easy reference tables. We find that water at 25 C has a vapor pressure of 23.8 mm HG Find the mole fraction of your solvent. The last thing we need to do before we can solve is to find the mole fraction of our solvent. Finding mole fractions is easy: just convert your components to moles, then find what percentage of the total number of moles in the substance each component occupies. In other words, each component's mole fraction equals (moles of component)/(total number of moles in the substance.) Let's say that our recipe for simple syrup uses 1 liter (L) of water and 1 liter of sucrose (sugar.) In this case, we'll need to find the number of moles in each. To do this, we'll find the mass of each, then use the substance's molar masses to convert to moles. Mass (1 L of water): 1,000 grams (g) Mass (1 L of raw sugar): Approx. 1,056.7 g Moles (water): 1,000 grams × 1 mol/18.015 g = 55.51 moles Moles (sucrose): 1,056.7 grams × 1 mol/342.2965 g = 3.08 moles (note that you can find sucrose's molar mass from its chemical formula, C 12 H 22 O 11.) Total moles: 55.51 + 3.08 = 58.59 moles Mole fraction of water: 55.51/58.59 = 0.947 Solve. Finally, we have everything we need to solve our Raoult's Law equation. This part is surprisingly easy: just plug your values in for the variables in the simplified Raoult's Law equation at the beginning of this section ( P solution = P solvent X solvent ). Substituting our values, we get: P solution = (23.8 mm Hg)(0.947) P solution = 22.54 mm Hg. This makes sense — in mole terms, there's only a little sugar dissolved in a lot of water (even though in real-world terms the two ingredients have the same volume), so the vapor pressure will only decrease slightly. Be aware of Standard Temperature and Pressure conditions. Scientists frequently use a set of temperature and pressure values as a sort of convenient "default". These values are called Standard Temperature and Pressure (or STP for short). Vapor pressure problems frequently make reference to STP conditions, so it's handy to have these values memorized. STP values are defined as: Temperature: 273.15 K / 0 C / 32 F Pressure: 760 mm Hg / 1 atm / 101.325 kilopascals Rearrange the Clausius-Clapeyron equation to find other variables. In our example in Section 1, we saw that the Clausius-Clapeyron equation is very useful for finding the vapor pressures of pure substances. However, not every question will ask you to find P1 or P2 — many will ask you to find a temperature value or even sometimes an ΔH vap value. Luckily, in these cases, getting the right answer is simply a matter of rearranging the equation so that the variable you're solving for is alone on one side of the equals sign. For instance, let's say that we have an unknown liquid with a vapor pressure of 25 torr at 273 K and 150 torr at 325 K and we want to find this liquid's enthalpy of vaporization (ΔH vap ). We could solve like this: ln(P1/P2) = (ΔH vap /R)((1/T2) - (1/T1)) (ln(P1/P2))/((1/T2) - (1/T1)) = (ΔH vap /R) R × (ln(P1/P2))/((1/T2) - (1/T1)) = ΔH vap Now, we plug in our values: 8.314 J/(K × Mol) × (-1.79)/(-0.00059) = ΔH vap 8.314 J/(K × Mol) × 3,033.90 = ΔH vap = 25,223.83 J/mol Account for the vapor pressure of the solute when it produces vapor. In our Raoult's Law example above, our solute, sugar, doesn't produce any vapor on its own at normal temperatures (think — when was the last time you saw a bowl of sugar evaporate on your counter top?) However, when your solute does evaporate, this will affect your vapor pressure. We account for this by using a modified version of the Raoult's Law equation: P solution = Σ(P component X component ) The sigma (Σ) symbol means that we just need to add up all of the different components' vapor pressures to find our answers. For example, let's say that we have a solution made from two chemicals: benzene and toluene. The total volume of the solution is 120 milliliters (mL); 60 mL of benzene and 60 of toluene. The temperature of the solution is 25 C and the vapor pressures of each of these chemicals at 25 C is 95.1 mm Hg for benzene 28.4 mm Hg for toluene. Given these values, find the vapor pressure of the solution. We can do this as follows, using standard density, molar mass, and vapor pressure values for our two chemicals: Mass (benzene): 60 mL =.060 L &times 876.50 kg/1,000 L = 0.053 kg = 53 g Mass (toluene):.060 L &times 866.90 kg/1,000 L = 0.052 kg = 52 g Moles (benzene): 53 g × 1 mol/78.11 g = 0.679 mol Moles (toluene): 52 g × 1 mol/92.14 g = 0.564 mol Total moles: 0.679 + 0.564 = 1.243 Mole fraction (benzene): 0.679/1.243 = 0.546 Mole fraction (toluene): 0.564/1.243 = 0.454 Solve: P solution = P benzene X benzene + P toluene X toluene P solution = (95.1 mm Hg)(0.546) + (28.4 mm Hg)(0.454) P solution = 51.92 mm Hg + 12.89 mm Hg = 64.81 mm Hg

Write the Clausius-Clapeyron equation. Plug in the variables you know. Plug in your constants. Solve the equation. Write Raoult's Law. Identify the solvent and solute in your solution. Find the temperature of the solution. Find the solvent's vapor pressure. Find the mole fraction of your solvent. Solve. Be aware of Standard Temperature and Pressure conditions. Rearrange the Clausius-Clapeyron equation to find other variables. Account for the vapor pressure of the solute when it produces vapor.

https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Smoke-Off-of-a-Ceiling

How to Clean Smoke Off of a Ceiling

Smoke stains are unsightly and can damage paint and drywall, but luckily cleaning these stains isn't too difficult. Before beginning, you'll want to gather your supplies, including a drop cloth, protective eyewear, a vacuum, a stepladder, a sponge, and a degreaser. After you vacuum the dust off the wall and ceiling, you can remove any lingering dust with a dry towel or sponge. Then, you'll want to spray the area with a grease cleaner and wipe down the damaged area with a clean cloth or sponge until the stains are gone.

Create a source of ventilation. When dealing with caustic cleaning materials, you make sure you have good airflow in the room. You can accomplish this in many ways, but the most basic way to create ventilation is to open a window and turn on a fan. If the room in question does not have a window, be sure to leave the door open and have a fan on its highest setting. Place a drop cloth beneath the cleaning area. Soot and smoke stains can fall off of the ceiling and floor, so laying down a dropcloth will minimize cleanup. This is particularly true of walls and ceilings containing smoke damage and soot, as soot will crumble and peel away. A dropcloth can also be used to catch dust and any stray droplets of cleaning solution that might damage the floor. A sturdy canvas drop cloth is usually best. Don durable cleaning gloves. Some of the cleaning materials are caustic and should not come into direct contact with your skin. Select a pair of thick cleaning gloves, avoiding thin latex medical gloves, as these can easily puncture and may actually melt or burn with certain cleaning solutions. Most markets have cleaning gloves thick enough to get the job done. You can also check the cleaning section of your local hardware store. Wear protective face gear. Because debris can fall from the ceiling, you should have your eyes covered by protective glasses. Depending on the amount of ventilation the room has, you can choose between a simple mask for your mouth and nose, or a heavy-duty air filter for your mouth and nose. You may also want to wear a hat of some kind to prevent items from falling into your hair and eyebrows, but it is not a safety concern. Grab a stepladder. Use a sturdy stepladder to reach tall walls and ceilings, avoiding flimsy step stools or ladders intended for outdoor use. This will help you maintain steady balance, which will be key in scrubbing everything away. Vacuum the area. Before you begin cleaning, vacuum the wall and ceiling you intend to clean. Dust can attach itself to soot and the greasy byproduct of some smoke staining. Vacuuming the dust away will cut down on your cleaning time and the amount of rags and cleaning solution you'll need. Vacuuming is especially important for popcorn ceilings and other uneven textures, as water and a rag will not be likely to get into all of the crevices. Wipe away dust with a dry towel or sponge. After you've vacuumed, remove any lingering dust with a dry towel or a sponge. There are sponges created specifically for removing soot and smoke staining. These can be found at most hardware stores. Spray the area with a grease cleaner. If the area is extremely small, you can use a degreasing dish soap to begin cleaning. On a larger area, you'll need more strength. A solution such as TSP (trisodium phosphate) can cut through grease, soot, and staining quickly, making clean-up a breeze. TSP should never touch your bare skin, so be sure to wear gloves. Also be sure to use a cleaning rag or sponge you do not mind ruining, as TSP can cause bleaching and may wear down material. For a gentler alternative, use 1 cup (240 mL) of ammonia diluted in a bucket of hot water. Wipe down the damaged area with a clean cloth or sponge. Once you've sprayed the area, begin wiping away the solution and soot with firm strokes. If there is a lot of soot, you may need to use several rags or sponges, and may want to stay close to running water to rinse away dirt and debris. Continue cleaning with a degreaser until the soot is gone. A single pass with a degreasing agent may not do the trick, especially on large, heavily-stained areas. Continue passing over the area with a degreaser until all remnants of the staining and soot have been removed. If the area has sustained heavy damage, you may need to increase the cleaning agent in your solution. To do so, increase in small increments. Scrape off any beading that has occurred. Cigarette smoke stains can cause yellow beading on ceilings and walls. Once the beading has hardened, it must be scraped off before the area can be cleaned properly. You can use a butter knife or a putty knife to scrape away these beads. If the beading is severe, scraping it away may cause some of the drywall to come away, as well. If this is the case, you may need to patch the ceilings before you continue. Mix water with either vinegar or a TSP solution. Once the beading has been removed, stir your vinegar or TSP solution, making enough to cover the area several times. For a small area, like a bathroom, a 1-gallon (3.8-liter) bucket should be enough. Follow the instructions listed on the cleaning agent's container to get the optimum results. Apply vinegar or TSP liberally to the ceiling. Dip your rag or sponge into the solution and gently wring out any excess. This will keep the solution from dripping onto your face. With your hands gloved, apply the cleaning solution to the area with beading. Dip and re-wring your cloth or sponge when one side has become completely soiled. Dry each section as you go. After you've finished each section, dry it with a clean towel or washcloth. This will help you get a better idea of whether or not you need to go back over each spot. When the solution is wet, the beading may appear to have been removed, but may reappear after the ceiling has dried. If possible, use a microfiber cloth to prevent pilling or snagging on textured ceilings.

Create a source of ventilation. Place a drop cloth beneath the cleaning area. Don durable cleaning gloves. Wear protective face gear. Grab a stepladder. Vacuum the area. Wipe away dust with a dry towel or sponge. Spray the area with a grease cleaner. Wipe down the damaged area with a clean cloth or sponge. Continue cleaning with a degreaser until the soot is gone. Scrape off any beading that has occurred. Mix water with either vinegar or a TSP solution. Apply vinegar or TSP liberally to the ceiling. Dry each section as you go.

https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Hermit-Crab-Tank

How to Clean a Hermit Crab Tank

Before you clean your hermit crab tank, remove the crabs and place them in a separate container with high walls. Take out any decorations, shells, toys, and hiding boxes, then scoop out the substrate. Wipe down the tank with a 3% bleach solution, then rinse out the tank thoroughly with clean water. Once the tank is clean, rinse off the toys and decorations with dechlorinated water, and boil the crabs' food and water dishes to sanitize them.

Remove the hermit crabs from the tank. You want remove your crabs first, so they don't get in the way while you're cleaning. Place the crabs in a container with high walls so they cannot escape. Something like a large Tupperware container could work. Be careful when picking up your crabs so you won't get pinched. Pick your crabs up using your thumb and index finger and grasping them underneath the armpits. Remove all decorations. Before you clean out the cage, you need to remove any decorations or toys. This includes things like hiding boxes and shells. Remove these items and set them aside. You will be cleaning them later. Scoop out the substrate. The substrate is the sand at the bottom of the cage. It should be replaced completely about three times a year. Twice a week, you should scoop out any feces or other debris from the substrate. You can use a cat litter scooper to scoop out any shedded exoskeletons, feces, or scattered food from the cage. Some hermit crabs have a tendency to spill their water. You may have to scoop out wet sand near the water bowl. Scrub the tank with a 3% bleach solution. You can buy a bleach solution at a local pet store or department store. Add some solution to a wet cloth or paper towel. Gently wipe down the sides of the tank using the solution. Rinse the tank with clean water. You need to rinse the tank thoroughly for the safety of your hermit crab. Wipe down the sides of the tank with a cloth or paper towel saturated in clean water. Keep wiping down the tank until the smell of bleach is completely gone. Clean any toys. Clean off any toys your hermit crab uses, as well as any hiding boxes you provide in the tank. Make sure to use dechlorinated water to wipe down toys, as chlorine can be harmful to hermit crabs. If the toys are very dirty, wipe them down with a 3% bleach solution as well. Boil the dishes. You should also wipe away any dirt or grime from a hermit crab's dishes. Make sure to use dechlorinated water here as well. Then, place them in a pot of boiling water for a few minutes. This will remove any bacteria from the dishes. Make sure the water you use is dechlorinated. Set the dishes aside to cool and dry. Wait until they're cool to the touch before returning them to the tank. Rinse everything off. You want to make sure you rinse anything you've cleaned thoroughly. Once again, use dechlorinated water. If you used bleach solution on the toys, make sure to rinse them until they no longer smell like bleach. Dry the tank. Use a clean rag or paper towel. Run it along the sides of the tank until they're completely dry. You should not re-add anything to the tank until you have it completely dry. Dry off any supplies and return them to the tank. Food and water bowls should also be dried off before returning them to the tank. Use a clean rag or paper towel to gently rub toys and supplies until they are completely dry. Then, return the supplies to the tank. Add clean substrate. You will want to replace the substrate that was scooped out. Pour a fresh layer of substrate over the old substrate. If it's been a few months since you last changed the substrate, make sure to change it completely instead of just adding a fresh layer. Return your crabs to the tank. You can now safely return your crabs to the tank. Remember to grip them underneath the armpits using your thumb and index finger. This will prevent the crabs from biting or pinching.

Remove the hermit crabs from the tank. Remove all decorations. Scoop out the substrate. Scrub the tank with a 3% bleach solution. Rinse the tank with clean water. Clean any toys. Boil the dishes. Rinse everything off. Dry the tank. Dry off any supplies and return them to the tank. Add clean substrate. Return your crabs to the tank.

https://www.wikihow.com/Determine-the-Side-Effects-of-an-MMR-Vaccination

How to Determine the Side Effects of an MMR Vaccination

If you or your child has recently gotten an MMR vaccination and experiences difficulty breathing, wheezing, or swelling of the lips or tongue, contact emergency services immediately. While serious side effects are rare, there are some mild side effects you should monitor for, like fever, mild rash, swollen glands, or loss of appetite. If you or your child experience any of these side effects, they should go away on their own within a few days. However, if your child experiences seizures after receiving the vaccination, take them to see a doctor as soon as possible so they can determine if it was the vaccine that caused the seizure or something else.

Expect some redness or swelling around the injection site. When receiving a shot, most people experience some immediate redness and swelling around the injection site. This is a common occurrence and should go away with in a day or two. Place a clean cold cloth on the injection site for 5 to 10 minutes if it is flushed, sore, or swollen. Avoid rubbing or touching the point of injection. This will only lead to more soreness and inflammation. Be aware that children and babies may be irritable or appear unwell. Because the vaccine may make your child feel ill, it is likely that they will be more fussy or lethargic. This may be result of a mild fever or other discomfort. In most instances the fever will go away after one or two days, but it can last longer. Comfort your baby with cuddling or take them for walk in fresh air in order to help them feel better. If your baby seems very uncomfortable, try a dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). Your doctor should provide proper dosing information for these medicines. Check for a fever. One in six people who receive an MMR vaccine will experience fevers. These fevers can occur at different times after receiving the vaccine because each begins working at different intervals. Typically, fevers become less common two weeks after receiving the injection. Treat the fever with pain and fever relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil), and keep hydrated, but remember that you should never give aspirin to children under 16. The measles vaccine begins working after six to ten days and may cause a fever at that time. After two to three weeks the mumps vaccine may cause a mild fever. The rubella vaccine may cause a slightly raised temperature around 12 to 14 days. Look for a mild rash. One in twenty people who receive an MMR vaccine will experience a mild rash. This is because the vaccine contains weakened forms of measles and rubella, so symptoms might briefly occur while the person's body learns to fight it off. There is not treatment for the rash and it should go away after one or two days. If the rash appears immediately or within four to eight hours, visit your doctor right away because this may a sign of an allergic reaction. If the rash persists for more than a few days consult your doctor. Your child may be experiencing another skin condition. The measles vaccine may cause a rash to appear after six to ten days. The rubella vaccine may cause a brief rash around 12 to 14 days. Keep any eye out for swollen glands in the cheeks or neck. One in seventy-five people who receive an MMR shot will experience some swelling of the glands in the cheeks and neck. This is a mild form of the mumps and is a common side-effect of the vaccine. Children and infants may have some difficulty eating or nursing due to tenderness from the swelling. These symptoms can appear two to four weeks after the injection and generally only last for a few days. Recognize a general loss of appetite. Because a raised temperature can cause nausea, a decreased appetite is a common symptom of the MMR vaccine. Nausea is typically the result of the measles vaccine and can last for two to three days. A loss of appetite may also be the result of sore or swollen glands in the face and neck. It is important to drink some extra fluids during this time, and watch for signs of dehydration, which may include decreased or concentrated urine, fatigue, or feeling weak or dizzy. Report any seizures. Due to high fever, infants sometimes experience convulsions or febrile seizures. During a seizure, the child's body may stiffen, they might lose consciousness and their arms and legs will twitch. These typically occur in children between the ages of six months to three years. Younger babies are less likely to experience this side effect, so get your child vaccinated on schedule to reduce the risk. Take your child to the doctor after they have a seizure to ensure that it is the vaccine causing the seizure, and not another disease. Febrile seizures are extremely rare, only occurring in one in every 1,000 to 3,000 doses of the vaccine. While febrile seizures are scary to watch, they aren't usually dangerous or long-lasting. Call 911 if the seizure lasts more than five minutes or if the baby seems very ill. Children who receive the combined MMR vaccine are twice as likely to have febrile seizures as those who get the separate shots. Look for bruise-like spots. In very rare causes a child may develop a small rash of bruise-like spots known as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). The spots may also look like tiny bright-red dots, which are called petechiae. This is a side-effect of the rubella vaccine and develops in one in every 24,000 to 30,000 doses. There is a greater risk of developing ITP from a measles or rubella infection than from receiving a vaccine. The rash typically gets better on its own, but you should still consult your physician as soon as possible. Recognize pain and stiffness in the joints. The rubella vaccination can cause temporary arthritis in adults. One in four adult women who receive the MMR vaccine will experience joint discomfort following. This side-effect mostly impacts teenage and adult women. Take a common pain reliever to treat symptoms. These symptoms generally begin one to three weeks after receiving the injection and can last for about two days. These symptoms are rarely long term. Report allergic reactions. Less than one in 1 million people may experience anaphylactic shock as a result of an allergic reaction to the MMR vaccine. Those experiencing anaphylactic shock will likely have a rash, body swelling, nausea and vomiting, and difficulty breathing. If you or your child experience any of these symptoms after receiving the vaccination see your doctor immediately. Call 911 in the United States (or emergency services in your country) if the person if having difficulty breathing, wheezing, or swelling of the lips or tongue. While the reaction can be alarming, you can expect a full recovery if you get help right away. Medical staff who give vaccines are trained to handle anaphylaxis. Be aware that brain swelling is an extremely rare side-effect. Measles inclusion body encephalitis is a severe swelling of the brain that is the result of infection by the measles virus. It is a rare disorder that usually develops within a year of being exposed to the wild measles infection. There have only been three reported cases of this complication happening to people with the MMR vaccine, and only one of those identified the MMR vaccine as the cause. Nausea, severe headaches, and blurred vision are symptoms of brain swelling. Visit your doctor immediately if you believe that you are experiencing encephalitis. Understand that the MMR vaccine does not cause autism. Because the signs of autism are usually noticed at the same time that children are recommended to take the MMR vaccine, many people attribute the onset of autism to the vaccination. However, safety experts agree that the MMR vaccine does not cause non-autistic children to become autistic. Many independent researchers have found that the MMR vaccine does not cause autism. Autism is inborn, with researchers identifying signs as early as the 2nd trimester of pregnancy. You cannot control whether your child is or is not autistic. Causes of autism aren't yet clear, but genetics play a large role, and prenatal factors may also be involved. The source of the MMR vaccine controversy stemmed from Andrew Wakefield, a man with a history of unethical behavior who was paid large amounts of money by lawyers to claim that vaccines caused autism. Wakefield's evidence of the vaccine causing autism was falsified, and his medical license was revoked.

Expect some redness or swelling around the injection site. Be aware that children and babies may be irritable or appear unwell. Check for a fever. Look for a mild rash. Keep any eye out for swollen glands in the cheeks or neck. Recognize a general loss of appetite. Report any seizures. Look for bruise-like spots. Recognize pain and stiffness in the joints. Report allergic reactions. Be aware that brain swelling is an extremely rare side-effect. Understand that the MMR vaccine does not cause autism.

https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Tarp-Shelter

How to Build a Tarp Shelter

Building a tarp shelter when you're out in the open is a great way to keep you cool and dry. To make an A-frame shelter, look for flat ground with 2 trees as far apart as your tarp's length. Make sure there are no loose branches in the trees above since they could fall on your shelter. Tie a cord between the trees as high as you want your tarp to be. Make sure the sides of your tarp will face away from the wind. Then, fold your tarp over the cord so both sides are equal in length. Finally, attach a string to each corner of the tarp and stake the strings into the ground.

Find a flat area. The best areas for building a tarp shelter are places that have flat ground. This can make creating the shelter a bit easier and will allow you a more comfortable place to sleep in. Take some time to find a nice, flat area before building your tarp shelter. Look above for dead branches. Once you've found a nice place on the ground for your shelter, you will want to look above it. Dead branches can pose a serious hazard to campers if they are knocked down by wind. Always avoid placing your shelter under any branches that look old, dead, or dangerous to avoid having one fall on you. Look for trees you can use. Many tarp shelter designs require you to place a sturdy cord or rope between two trees. This cord will act as the ridge-line for your tarp shelter. It's a good idea to look for a flat spot that has two trees for you to place this cord between. If you can't find two trees, you could try placing two anchor branches in the ground instead. These trees should be roughly as far apart as your tarp is long. Consider the weather. Although it may be sunny and dry when you set your tarp shelter up, the weather may change during your camping trip. It's important to consider what the weather might do in the near future, allowing you to stay comfortable and avoid any damage to your tarp shelter. Figure out which way the winds are blowing. Any “wall” of your tarp shelter should face away from the wind. Avoid putting your shelter in any areas that are low or seem like they could flood during rain storms. Create the ridge-line. The ridge-line will support the top section of your tarp shelter. This line is created by stringing a length of cord between two trees. This gives your tarp an elevated point of support and will form the shape of the a-frame tarp shelter. Place the ridge-line using these steps: Tie one section of the rope to a tree. Place it as high up the tree trunk as you would like the roof of your tarp shelter to be. Bring the other end over to the adjacent tree and tie it at the same level. Make sure the cord is as tight as it can be to ensure a strong ridge-line. Lay the tarp over the rope. Once your ridge-line has been created, you can lay the tarp over top of it. For an a-frame tarp shelter, place the tarp over the ridge-line in the center of the tarp. This will leave equal halves of the tarp hanging down from the ridge-line. Make sure the tarp is equally hanging from both sides of the ridge-line to avoid problems. Anchor the tarp to the ground. After you've placed the tarp over the ridge-line, you can fasten it to the ground. Take one of the bottom sections of tarp and pull it outwards, away from the center of the tent. Once you've gotten it to a place that you like, secure it to the ground by taking these steps: Place a tent stake into the ground, near to the point the tarps corner while it is stretched out. Tie a length of cord between the tent stake and the corner of the tarp. Make sure this cord is tight and holds the tarp securely to the ground. Do the same thing for each of the other three corners of your a-frame tarp shelter. Find a good spot for the cord. The lean-to tarp shelter makes use of a ridge-line. This ridge-line is created by tying a length of rope tightly between two trees or other points of support. This will create a point that you can secure your tarp to and finish your shelter. Find two trees that are as far apart as your tarp is long. Tie one end of the rope around the trunk of a tree. Tie it at the height that you want the top of your shelter to be at. Tie the other end of the rope at the same level on the opposite tree. It's very important that the ridge-line is as tight as it can be. Fix one edge of the tarp to the cord. The lean-to tarp shelter requires you to fix one edge of your tarp to your ridge-line. You can attach the tarp to the ridge-line using cord or rope and many tarps will come with grommets or loops built in. Make sure you attach the tarp to the ridge-line tightly to build a strong tarp shelter. Your tarp may have holes pre-made along its edge. If so, you can thread the ridge-line through these for an easy way to join them together. Many tarps will have loops along the corners or edges that can be used to tie them to your ridge-line. Anchor the tarp to the ground. Once the top edge has been tied to the ridge-line, you can secure the bottom edge of the lean-to tarp shelter. Pull the bottom edge away from the center until it is at an angle that you want. Place anchoring stakes in the ground at the corners of the tarp and tie the tarp to them. This will hold the bottom portion of your shelter securely in place. Most people recommend using a 45 degree angle for their lean-to. Try adjusting the angle to raise or lower the height of the shelter's "ceiling".

Find a flat area. Look above for dead branches. Look for trees you can use. Consider the weather. Create the ridge-line. Lay the tarp over the rope. Anchor the tarp to the ground. Find a good spot for the cord. Fix one edge of the tarp to the cord. Anchor the tarp to the ground.

https://www.wikihow.com/Beatbox

How to Beatbox

To beatbox, practice making basic beatboxing sounds with your lips closed so just a little bit of air is coming out. Work on breathing in through your mouth or nose in between sounds so you don't get lightheaded. Once you've got the basic sounds and breathing down, practice on a microphone by holding it in between your ring and middle finger and close to your mouth while you beatbox. As you get better, add in advanced beatboxing techniques like scratching, jazz brushes, and click rolls.

Understand that there are many sounds to master. To get started, you should master the three basic sounds of beatboxing: the classic kick drum {b}, the hi-hat {t}, and the classic snare drum {p} or {pf}. Practice combining the sounds into an 8-beat rhythm like this: { b t pf t / b t pf t } or { b t pf t / b b pf t }. Make sure to get the timing right. Start off slowly and build up speed later. Practice the classic kick drum {b}. The simplest way to make the classic kick drum is to say the letter "b." To make it sound louder and punchier, you need to do what is called a lip oscillation. This is where you let air vibrate through your lips - a bit like "blowing a raspberry." Once you can do this, you make a very short lip oscillation. Make the b sound as if you are saying b from the word bogus. This time, with your lips closed, let the pressure build up. You need to control the release of you lips just enough to let them vibrate for a short amount of time. Next, try to duplicate the hi-hat {t}. Make a simple "ts" sound but have your teeth closed or lightly closed. Move the tip of your tongue forward behind your front teeth for a thin hat sound and to the traditional t position for a heavy hat sound. Breathe out for longer to create the open hat sound. Try successive or advanced hi-hats. You can also do successive hi-hats by making a "tktktktk" sound, using the mid-back of your tongue to make the "k" sound. You can make an open hi-hat sound by drawing out the breath in the "ts" hi-hat, so it's more like "tssss" for a more realistic open door sound. Another way of producing a realistic high-hat sound is to make a "ts" sound with your teeth clenched. Try to tackle the classic snare drum {p}. The simplest way of making a classic snare sound is to say the letter 'p.' However, making a 'p' sound is too quiet. To make it louder you can do several things: the first is to make a lip oscillation. This is where you push the air out of your lips making them vibrate. The second is where you breathe out at the same time making a [ ph ] sound. To make the 'p' sound more interesting and more snare-like, most beatboxers add a second fricative (continuous) sound to the initial 'p' sound: pf ps psh bk. The variation {pf} is similar to the bass drum, only you use the very front of your lips instead of the side, and you tighten them more. Pull your lips in a bit so that your lips are sort of hidden, as if you had no teeth. Build up a little air pressure behind the hidden lips. Swing your lips out (not literally swing) and just before they return to their normal position (un-hidden), release the air with a 'p' sound. Immediately after you release the air and get the 'p' sound out, tighten your bottom lip up against your bottom teeth to make a "fff" sound. Practice until you are ready for intermediate techniques. After mastering the three basic beatbox sounds, it's time to move onto these intermediate techniques. These might be a little more difficult, but practice makes perfect. Develop a good bass drum sound. This is done by pressing your lips together and building up pressure with your tongue and jaw, pushing your tongue forward from the back of your mouth and closing your opened jaw at the same time. Let your lips part toward the side for just a moment so the air can escape, and it should make a bass drum sound. You want to add pressure with your lungs, but not so much that you have an airy sound afterward. If you're not making enough bass sound, you need to relax your lips a bit. If your sound isn't making a bass drum sound at all, you need to tighten your lips, or make sure that you're doing it off to the side of your lips. Another way to approach it is to say "puh." Then, take off the "uh" so that all you hear is the initial attack on the word, so that it comes out like a little puff. Try your hardest to not let any of the "uh" sound come out, and also try to not have any breathy sound or air noise with it. Once you feel comfortable with that, you can slightly tighten your lips and force a larger amount of air through your lips to make a bigger sounding kick drum. Explore other ways to make a snare sound. Bring your tongue to the back of your mouth and build up pressure with your tongue or lungs. Use your tongue if you're looking for speed, or use your lungs if you want to breathe in at the same time as you make the sound. Try saying "pff," making the "f's" stop just a millisecond or so after the "p." Lifting the corners of your mouth and holding your lips really tight when making the initial "p" will help it sound more realistic. You can also use the same technique to change the apparent pitch of the snare. Add a drum-machine snare sound to the mix. First say "ish." Then, try saying "ish" without adding the "sh" at the end, again going only for the initial attack. Make it very staccato (short), and you should get a sort of grunt in the back of your throat. Push a little bit when you say it, so that it has a big, accented attack. Once you're comfortable with that, add the "sh" on the end and you'll get a synth-like snare sound. You can also work on moving the grunt so that it feels like it's coming from the top of your throat, for a higher drum sound, or so that it feels more like it's coming out of the lower part of your throat, for a lower drum sound. Add a spit snare. The spit snare is mostly used in trap beats since it's a very crisp and quick snare. You can also hum at the same time as this sound, allowing a to add some musicality to your arsenal. However, this sound is quite frustrating to learn so be patient. There are three variations of the spit snare: top lip, middle lip, and bottom lip. They don't vary much in sound and they're done in almost the same way, but some find it easier to do others. Try and find which one suits you the most. To do the top lot bottom ip snare requires you to fill your the top or bottom lip with air (depending on which one you chose). Next, slowly push the air out. Once you're able to do that, quickly force the air out, that is the spit snare. Don't forget about the crash cymbal. This is one of the easier sounds to make. Whisper (don't say) the syllable "chish." Then, do it again, but this time clench your teeth and take the vowel out, going from "ch" straight to "sh" without little or no transition, and you'll have a basic crash cymbal. Make room for the reversed cymbal. Place the tip of your tongue so that it touches the place where your top teeth meet your palate. Keeping your lips about a half-inch apart, breathe in forcefully through your mouth. Notice how the air blows past your teeth and tongue and makes a sort of small rushing sound. Then, breathe in forcefully again, and this time close your lips as your breathing in; they should sort of feel like they're popping closed, without making a popping sound. Don't forget to breathe! You would be surprised at the number of human beatboxers who pass out because they forget that their lungs need oxygen. You may want to start by incorporating your breath into the beat. Eventually you will gain a great deal of lung capacity throughout your practice. An intermediate technique is to breathe in during a tongue snare, since it requires the least amount of lung capacity. An expert will have slowly practiced breathing whilst beatboxing each sound independently (see previous step), thus separating their breathing from the beat, allowing several kinds of bass sounds, snare sounds, and even some hi-hat sounds to continue without pause. As an alternative to breathing exercises, there are many sounds that can be done breathing inwards such as variations on the snare and handclap sounds. Develop your inward sounds technique. One thing that puzzles people is how beatboxers can beatbox for a long time without actually taking a breath. Well, the answer is to make a sound and breathe in at the same time! We call these inward sounds. What is more, as you'll discover, some of the best sounds are made like this. There are many ways of making inward sounds. Nearly every sound that can be made outward can be made inward - although it may take some practice to get it right. Hold the mic properly. Microphone technique is very important for performing or if you just want to enhance the sound made by your mouth. And there are different ways of holding the microphone. While you can just hold the mic as you would while singing, some beatboxers find that putting the mic between your ring and middle fingers and then gripping it with your first two fingers on top of the bulb and your thumb at the bottom results in a cleaner, more crisp sound. Try not to breathe into the mic while you beatbox. Many beatboxers deliver a poor performances because they hold the microphone incorrectly and thus they fail to maximize the power and clarity of the sounds they produce. Continue to practice until you are ready for advanced skills. Once you've acquired basic and intermediate skills, it's time to learn some advanced techniques. Don't worry if you have trouble picking them up right away. With practice, you'll be able to do all of them eventually. Develop a sweeping bass drum sound (this is also known as a lip oscillation) (X). This should be used in place of a bass drum. It takes about 1/2-1 beat to perform. To do a sweeping bass drum, start out like you're about to do a bass drum. Then let your lips loose so they flap when you push air past them, making sure to focus the vibration on on the front area of the lip. Then touch the tip of your tongue to the inside gum of your bottom teeth and push it forward to perform the technique. Different sounds and pitches can be created by saying letter while breathing out like 's' and 'sh'. Work on a techno bass technique (U). This is done by making an "oof" sound, as if you've just been hit in the stomach. Do it while keeping your mouth closed. You should be able to feel it in your chest. Add a techno snare to the mix (G). This is done the same way as the Techno Bass, but position your mouth as if you were going to make a "shh" sound. You'll still get the bass sound underneath. Don't forget about basic scratching. This is done by reversing the airflow of any of the previous techniques. A commonly misunderstood technique, scratching involves different tongue and lip movements depending on the instrument you are trying to "scratch" with. To understand better, record yourself laying down a beat. Then using a music program, like Windows Sound Recorder, listen to it in reverse. Learning to emulate those reversed sounds literally doubles your known techniques. Also, try making the sound, and then its reverse immediately afterward (Ex: A bass sound followed by its reverse in quick succession make the standard "scratch" noise). Crab scratch: Put your thumb up. Open your hand up and put your fingers 90 degrees to the left. Make your lips tight. Put your hand on your lips with your lips out them right near the crack of your thumb. Suck in air. It should make a warp sound like a DJ. Work on jazz brushes. Lightly blow out through your mouth while trying to sustain the letter "f." By blowing slightly harder on the beats 2 and 4, you'll have the accents. Add a rimshot. Whisper the word "kaw," then say it again without letting any of the "aw" through. Push on the "k" a little harder and you'll get a rimshot. Use tongue bass. Tongue bass is a very versatile, but easy technique to learn. One way to learn using this is to roll your 'rs'. Once you learn to roll your 'rs' you add more pressure to create the sound. Another way to learn this is to place your tongue just above the hard part above your teeth, and breath; there are many variations to this technique, such as teeth bass, which is a type of tongue bass where you place your tongue directly on your teeth. Add a click roll (kkkk). This is a very difficult technique to perform at first, but once you know how, you can use it any time. To start, position your tongue so that the right (or left, depending on preference) side is resting right above where your top teeth meet your gum. Then pull the back of your tongue toward the back of your throat to do a click roll. Practice humming the baseline and beatboxing at the same time. This technique isn't as difficult as singing, but when you're just starting off, it is easy to get lost. To start, you must first realize that there are two ways to hum: one is from the throat (say "ahh") and the other is through the nose ("mmmmmm"), which is considerably harder to get used to but immeasurably more versatile. The key to humming and beatboxing at the same time is to start with a baseline or melody in mind. Listen to rap hooks, whether they be hummed or not (For example, listen to Parliament Funkadelic's "Flashlight" and practice humming the melody, then try beatboxing over top of it; James Brown is also great for melodies). Scour your music collection for baselines and melodies to hum, then try to put some of your beats or someone else's beats over top of it. It is necessary to learn how to hum a melody or baseline for several reasons, especially if you plan to learn to start singing. This is the area of beatboxing that takes some originality! If you've tried to beatbox and hum at the same time, you must have realized that you've lost of some of your proficiency with certain beat techniques (the Techno Bass and Techno Snare are severely limited, as well as the click roll becomes, if not totally unusable, very hard to hear). Learning what works takes time and practice. If you ever find yourself in a beatbox battle, don't forget that while your endurance and speed are important, using new and interesting melodies and baselines will always win the crowd. You'll need to practice inward humming too. This is an advanced technique which is not widely used in the realm of beatboxing. There are several resources available on how to sing/hum inward. For the purposes of beatboxing, when you need to breathe really bad, it may be a good idea to hum inward. You can always continue humming the same melody, but the pitch (note) will change drastically. With practice, you can correct this pitch change to some extent, but many beatboxing experts who use inward humming decide to change the melody when switching from outward humming to inward humming. Adding trumpet sounds is a great way to mix it up. Hum falsetto (that's high pitched - like Mickey Mouse). Now, lift the back of your tongue to make the sound thinner and sharper. Add a loose, lip oscillation (classic kick drum) to the front of each note. Then close your eyes, let rip and pretend you are Louis Armstrong! Practice singing and beatboxing at the same time. The key is to line up consonant sounds with the bass and vowel sounds with the snare. Don't bother adding a hi-hat, as even the best beatboxers have trouble in that respect. Another advanced variation is to create a warped dubstep sweep. This is known as throat bass. Start by pretending to clear phlegm from your throat or growling like an animal. The resulting sound will be scratchy, so adjust the back of your mouth until you get a steady pitch. After you've achieved this, to make the sweeping sounds, shift the shape of your mouth and that will change the timbre while maintaining the pitch. You can change the pitch by changing the vibration in different areas of your throat. Two variations of this are the vocal bassline and vibration bass. The vocal bassline is using throat bass and using your own voice at the own time. Once you find the harmony between the two sounds it can add a useful layer to sing and beatbox at the same time. Caution: doing this for an extended amount of time can cause temporary inflation. Remember to drink lots of water. Sing and beatbox. Singing and beatboxing at the same time may seem like an impossible task (especially at first). But it's actually quite easy. Below is a working sample that will help you get started. You can use this basic technique and later adapt it to any song. (b)if your (pff)mother (b)(b)on(b)(pff)ly knew(b)knew(pff) ("If Your Mother Only Knew" by Rahzel). Listen to songs. Listen to the song you want to beatbox to a few times to find out where the beat goes. In the example above, the beats are marked out. Sing the tune a few times with words. This will help you get comfortable with the song. try to fit the beats with the lyrics. Most songs will have the beat in front of the words. In this case: "If" - Since the word "if" in our example starts with a vowel, it is easy to fit in the bass just before it, as though you were saying "bif." Note however, that the "b" must be low and if necessary, separate the beats from the words a little when you first start. "Mother" - The word "mother" starts with a consonant. In this case, you could drop the "m" and substitute it with the "pff" since they sound quite close when said together quickly. Or, you could stagger the word just a little so that the beat comes first, and the lyric slightly delayed. If you choose the first, you will end up singing "pffother." Notice that your top teeth contact your lower lip, which is what creates the m-like sound. If you can manipulate this, it will sound a lot better. "On" - For the double beat on "on," you can hum the pitch while doing "b-b-on," then come in straight away with "b pff-ly knew," all the while humming the pitch. For the "on," you might find that the sound breaks if you do the second bass beat. To remedy this, hum through your nose. This can be done simply by pushing the back of your tongue up to close off against your soft upper palate. This hum now comes out through your nose, and is not interrupted by what you do with your mouth. "Knew" - The word "knew" echoes and fades off. Adapt this skill. These steps can be adapted for any song with a beat. Keep practicing, with different songs and soon you will be able to ad-lib more easily.

Understand that there are many sounds to master. Practice the classic kick drum {b}. Next, try to duplicate the hi-hat {t}. Try successive or advanced hi-hats. Try to tackle the classic snare drum {p}. Practice until you are ready for intermediate techniques. Develop a good bass drum sound. Explore other ways to make a snare sound. Add a drum-machine snare sound to the mix. Add a spit snare. Don't forget about the crash cymbal. Make room for the reversed cymbal. Don't forget to breathe! Develop your inward sounds technique. Hold the mic properly. Continue to practice until you are ready for advanced skills. Develop a sweeping bass drum sound (this is also known as a lip oscillation) (X). Work on a techno bass technique (U). Add a techno snare to the mix (G). Don't forget about basic scratching. Work on jazz brushes. Add a rimshot. Use tongue bass. Add a click roll (kkkk). Practice humming the baseline and beatboxing at the same time. You'll need to practice inward humming too. Adding trumpet sounds is a great way to mix it up. Practice singing and beatboxing at the same time. Another advanced variation is to create a warped dubstep sweep. Sing and beatbox. Listen to songs. Sing the tune a few times with words. try to fit the beats with the lyrics. Adapt this skill.

https://www.wikihow.com/Defrost-Bananas

How to Defrost Bananas

There are a few ways to defrost your bananas, depending on how much time you have. The easiest way is to put your bananas in a bowl and leave them out for around 2 hours. The bowl will catch the liquid that drips off them as they thaw. If you need your bananas in a hurry, place them in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave them on a low heat setting for a few minutes. Alternatively, place them in a sealable bag or a plastic container, submerge them in a bowl of cool water, and leave them for about 10 minutes. You'll probably need to use a knife to cut down the banana skins instead of opening them like normal, since the skin will be soaked.

Put the bananas in a bowl to catch the leaking liquid. Find a nice big bowl that holds all your bananas, then put them in it. Try to spread the bananas out as best you can so they aren't bunched up together. As the bananas begin to thaw, they will inevitably leak some liquid, which is why putting them in the bowl is really useful. If you don't have a bowl around, feel free to put the bananas inside a plastic bag. If you froze the bananas in a bag in the first place, you can just use this bag. If you're concerned about flies or other bugs, cover the bowl with foil or plastic wrap. Leave the bananas to sit for 2 hours. Try to time it so that you are ready to use them right as they become fully thawed out. Put the bowl somewhere where it receives a lot of light if you want to make it go a little faster. Letting the bananas sit for 2 hours is just a rough estimate, this may take more time or less time depending on the climate you are in. Take the banana peels off with a paring knife. Flip the bananas upside down so the brown tip is facing upward, and insert your knife at the top. Then, slowly shave down the side of the banana being careful to not take too much flesh of the banana. Shave the peel down and away from you so your hands aren't in danger. Try to use a paring knife for this process as paring knives are really good for peeling and shaping. However, if you don't have one, a regular chef's knife will do just fine. Place the bananas in a plastic bag. If you don't have a plastic bag, try to find another container you can use, such as a plastic bowl or something similar. A paper bag won't work as it will fall apart in the water. The reason for putting the bananas in a bag is so that the water you put the bananas in to defrost doesn't affect the flavor/texture of the bananas. This is particularly important if you peeled the bananas before you froze them. The peels can either be on or off for this process, but it's simpler just to leave them on. Submerge the bag of bananas in a bowl full of cool water. Make sure the water is cool enough that you can put your hands in it comfortably. Take this chance to spread the bananas out so they all have as much exposure to the water as possible. The water acts like a heater here and gently increases the temperature of the bananas to help them defrost. Make sure you fully submerge the bananas in the water. Leave the bananas for about 10 minutes. Feel free to change the water after 5 minutes or so if you want to speed up the process a little bit. Make sure to check how firm the bananas feel before you take them out. Do this by picking one up and squeezing it gently. If it still feels frozen, put it back to continue thawing. Microwave the bananas on low for 3-4 minutes as an alternative. This is an option if you want to thaw your bananas as fast as possible. If you don't have a bag, you can put the bananas in a plastic or ceramic bowl, or some other kind of container. Make sure you don't put any metal in the microwave. The power level of microwaves does vary, so stop the microwave after a few minutes to check how defrosted the bananas are. Make sure that the microwave is definitely set to low, as food items can very easily start to cook in microwaves. The last thing you want is a partially cooked banana!

Put the bananas in a bowl to catch the leaking liquid. Leave the bananas to sit for 2 hours. Take the banana peels off with a paring knife. Place the bananas in a plastic bag. Submerge the bag of bananas in a bowl full of cool water. Leave the bananas for about 10 minutes. Microwave the bananas on low for 3-4 minutes as an alternative.

https://www.wikihow.com/Feel-Relaxed

How to Feel Relaxed

If you want to feel more relaxed, find a quiet place to sit and meditate for at least five minutes. Close your eyes and think about a place that makes you happy like your favorite beach or childhood home. Keep this visual in mind while you breathe in slowly for four seconds and then release the breath for another four seconds. Now that your mind is at ease, focus on relaxing each body part one-by-one starting with your toes and working your way up to your head.

Snack to destress. When it comes to food, they can work for or against your body and your mind. It turns out that certain foods cue our brains to give off certain hormones and put us in our happy places. Here's a few you can try: Mango. This tropical fruit is full of linalool, which has been found to lower cortisol levels (that little bugger of a hormone that makes us feel stressed). Dark chocolate. Just a little over an ounce can reportedly calm the nerves and even start to stabilize metabolism levels. Gum. Chewing gum (the act of repeated chewing, actually) can help fight anxiety and stress, combating pretty much any negative mood. Complex carbs, like whole-grain breads and whole oatmeal. It turns out all carbs prompt the brain to produce serotonin (no wonder humans love them so much). Serotonin is one of those happy-making chemicals in your brain that make you feel good. Just stick to brown, complex ones for your health. Something crunchy. Studies have reported that stressed individuals often crave crunchy foods, and that's likely linked back to chewing (that fights anxiety, as listed above). To calm the craving and the stress, nosh on some nuts, celery, or pretzels. Put on your favorite song. If it's relaxing, of course. Studies show that listening to calming music that you like can help lower your blood pressure, heart rate, and reduce perceived levels of anxiety. And it doesn't necessarily have to be calming per se, you just have to find it calming. So if it's death metal that calms you, rock away. It doesn't hurt to dance it out, either. Not only is dance a great way to get in your cardio workout, but there's science to back up the fact that it can lower anxiety, too. So hop on your bed and start getting jiggy for the sake of your body and your mind. Read a good book or write in your journal. Though journaling might not be your thing, you may want to reconsider: recent research says that writing down your worries gets rid of them and helps you feel more confident, which can improve outcomes, like test scores. You may not feel relaxed going into it, but afterward, you could feel a lot better. If that doesn't sound rewarding and relaxing to you, try just hankering down with a good book. If it's full of jokes, even better. If you're looking for something a little more constructive, try a word or crossword puzzle to get your mind away from the stress and into the problem-solving zone. Try aromatherapy. It's been around for centuries because it works: the soothing scents of aromatherapy travel up our olfactory system and into our brain, taking over where stress and anxiety once set up camp. Just a whiff of one of these smells can bring a relaxing feeling over your entire body. Rose, bergamot, lavender, orange, lemon, and sandalwood are all great options. But whatever scent makes you feel good is good, too. Grab a cup of tea. Did you know that chamomile, passionflower, and green teas all have stress-fighting effects? Yep. They've been found to reduce anger and even fight depression. So next time you reach for that latte, switch it up with a cup of tea instead. There's more science to back up honey as being an anxiety-fighter and a mood-uplifter, too. If you're not a fan of these teas plain, try them with a teaspoon of honey for a total win-win. Meditate. Did you know that just five minutes of meditation can start to relieve the symptoms of stress and depression? Just five minutes. So why not give it a try? All you have to do is find a quiet, peaceful place and start focusing on your breath. We all want easy, right? This is it. More and more doctors are starting to recommend meditation for everyone to combat stress, anxiety, depression, and even chronic pain. We all have one of those. And you don't have to get cross-legged on a mountaintop either. Outside or inside, sprawled out or not, just focus and you've got it. Monitor your breathing. Maybe full-fledged meditation isn't up your alley, but how about some simple breath monitoring? It's been shown to even be able to lower blood pressure, fight stress, and lead to feelings of calm and relaxation. Here's how to get started: "Equal breathing" is where you breathe slowly in and out at an even rate. Start with four counts breathing in slowly, and four counts out slowly. Once you get used to this, throughout the days work up to five, six, seven, and eight counts of slow, equal inhalation and exhalation. Another common method is deep breathing with your diaphragm. Place a hand on your stomach and breathe in through your nose slowly, lifting your stomach and not your chest. Aim for six to ten slow, deep breaths for per minute for 10 minutes a day. Visualize your happy place. Sometimes all we need to is to mentally step away from our surroundings. A good way to destress from the moment, calm our nerves, and center our focus is to use visualization. Just close your eyes, and picture a place that makes you happy. Use all your senses, too. What does the air feel like? Do you smell anything? Or get creative with "creative visualization." This is where you picture an event that makes you happy. Perhaps your favorite movie star knocks on your door and asks you to marry him or her. You immediately say yes and embrace in a long, loving hug. Now where do you want the honeymoon to be? Create your space. The brain tends to associate places with feelings. It's why you're encouraged not to bring work into the bedroom, for example. But this can also work positively: if you can get your brain to associate a place with relaxation, that can be your space, or your zen zone. When you need to relax, come to this place and your brain may automatically decompress. It doesn't matter if it's a chair in a corner and some lit incense or a room full of golden and burgundy pillows. If it works for you and your brain, that's all that matters. Get into nature. Just how relaxing can a cubicle or your messy room really be? Humans have come up with some great things, but nothing we have created can rival the feeling we get when we're in nature. If life is stressing you out, get outside. Talk a walk, play with your dog, or just lie in the grass and soak it in (when's the last time you did that?). There's something about the natural world that can produce a sense of awed calm, leaving us breathing a little easier. It's a good idea to make being in nature a part of your daily routine (you need that vitamin D, anyway). Exercise outside if you can, go for a short walk, or do some yard work to get outside and get your mind clear. Orient and ground yourself. If you're feeling really stressed, odds are you're not thinking about the physical moment. To get out of your head and into a more tangible reality, start by orienting and grounding yourself. Here are the details: To orient yourself, realize your surroundings. Where are you? What time is it? What's the weather like? If this were a novel, how would the author describe the setting? This gets you out of your head and into the world around you, which is free from stress and worry. Once you're oriented, ground yourself. This means getting in tune with your senses. How does the shirt feel on your back? Are your feet touching the floor? Do you hear or smell anything? This helps you realize how much is going on that you're not even thinking about at any moment and centers your brain on other sets of stimuli. Get a massage (or give yourself one). You probably don't have your own personal masseuse on call (don't worry; most of us don't), so why not take a second to give yourself a hand massage. Why? They can lower a racing heart and provide almost instant feelings of relaxation. We use our hands all the time and barely realize how much work we're putting the muscles through (especially for those of us at computers). A little bit of muscle relaxation can lead to mind relaxation, too. If you have the money and the time, a full-body massage from a professional can be just the ticket you need to find your inner zen zone and maintain a sense of calm. The focus on your body and muscles takes your mind out of your worry and into your body, helping you forget whatever it is you were once stressing. Try progressive relaxation. Another way to take control of your breathing and muscles and to get to relaxing your mind is through progressive body relaxation. To do this, start by laying down. Breathe comfortably, letting the moment brew. Move your focus to your toes and relax them completely. Once they're relaxed, move the focus to your ankles. Slowly but surely work your way up your entire body until every body part, no matter how small, has had its due. When you finally reach the tip of your nose, you'll be in such a relaxed state you won't want to get up. You could also try progressive relaxation through breathing. This is where you start focusing on breathing slowly and evenly. Then, on the exhale, let go of a portion of your tension. Inhale regularly focusing on just your breathing, and let go of another portion of your tension on the next exhale. With each exhale, more and more of your tension will be released, and you'll feel more and more relaxed. Try acupressure. It's pretty hard to give ourselves a really great massage, especially when it's hard to reach certain places, like the shoulders or back. Instead, try acupressure, a sort of touch-massage that releases tension. Every body has certain pressure points, and cluing into them balances our fluids and stabilizes our energies, leading to feelings of relaxation. To give this a try, simply try squeezing the pad of skin between your pointer finger and thumb. Hold it there for 5 seconds and release. Do you feel the tension melt off of you as you release the pressure? Do some yoga or stretching. Both yoga and stretching have been shown to reduce anxiety and reduce stress levels, making relaxing much easier to do. Why? When you're doing either of these activities, you're focusing on your body, your balance, and your breathing, all three of which can take you away from the material world we're all so worried about and into a world of calm. The legs-up-the-wall pose is one of the yoga poses that has been found to be particularly effective. It's fairly self-explanatory, too. With your butt against a wall, bolstered up by a few blankets, lift your legs up directly above you. Hold that pose for 5 minutes and come back down.

Snack to destress. Put on your favorite song. Read a good book or write in your journal. Try aromatherapy. Grab a cup of tea. Meditate. Monitor your breathing. Visualize your happy place. Create your space. Get into nature. Orient and ground yourself. Get a massage (or give yourself one). Try progressive relaxation. Try acupressure. Do some yoga or stretching.

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How to Harvest Sunflower Seeds

To harvest sunflower seeds, let the flower dry on or off the stem until the back of the head turns brown. Then, set the sunflower head on a flat, clean surface and grab a bowl to hold the seeds. To remove the seeds, simply rub your hand over the seeded area and pull them off the plant. Move the seeds to a colander and rinse them under cold, running water to remove dirt and bacteria. Before roasting and eating them, place your seeds on a towel and let them dry for a few hours.

Wait until the sunflower begins to wilt. Sunflowers are ready to harvest once the heads become brown. If you have a particularly wet season however, they can go mouldy [if this is the case you will need to cut off the head once the back of it is yellowing and allow the drying process to continue in a greenhouse or shed]. You should prepare them for the drying process once the back of the head begins to turn yellow to yellow-brown. In order to harvest the seeds, the sunflower head must be completely dry. Otherwise, the flower will not surrender the seeds. A sunflower will reach this state naturally after a few days of beginning to wilt. It is easier to dry sunflowers on the stem if you have dry, sunny weather. If you live in a moist climate, you may want to consider drying them off the stem, instead. At least half of the yellow petals should have dropped before you start preparing the sunflower for harvest. The head of the flower should also begin to droop. It may look dead, but if it still has its seeds, then the sunflower is drying out in a healthy manner. Examine the seeds. Even if they are still stuck on the flower head, they should begin to plump up. The seeds should also be hard and may have their trademark black-and-white striped shell, or purely black, depending on the type of sunflower. Tie a paper bag over the head. Cover the head of the flower with a paper bag, tying the bag on loosely with twine or yarn to prevent it from being knocked off. You could also use cheesecloth or similarly breathable fabric, but you should never use a plastic bag. Plastic will restrict the air flow, causing moisture to build up on the seeds. If too much moisture builds up, the seeds may turn rotted or moldy. Tying a bag over the head prevents birds, squirrels, and most other wildlife from sneaking in and "harvesting" your sunflower seeds before you do. It also prevents the seeds from dropping to the ground and being lost. Change the bag as needed. If the bag gets wet or torn, carefully remove it and replace it with a fresh, intact paper bag. You may be able to prevent the bag from getting wet during a rainstorm by temporarily placing a plastic bag over it. Do not tie the plastic bag onto the flower head, though, and remove it as soon as the rain lets up to prevent mold from setting in. Change the paper bag as soon as it gets wet. A wet paper bag is more likely to be torn, and mold may even develop on the seeds if they sit in a wet bag for an extended period of time. Collect any seeds that may have dropped off into the old bag when changing it out. Examine the seeds for signs of possible damage, and if they are in good shape, store them in airtight containers until you are ready to harvest the remaining seeds. Cut off the heads. Once the back of the flower heads turn brown, cut them off and prepare to harvest the seeds. Leave roughly 1 ft (30.5 cm) of stem attached to the flower head. Make sure that the paper bag is still securely tied onto the flower head. If it slips off as you remove and transport the sunflower head, you may lose a significant number of seeds. Prepare yellowed sunflowers for drying. Sunflowers are ready to be dried once the back of the head begins to turn a deep yellow to yellow-brown. The sunflower head must be dried before you collect the seeds. Sunflower seeds are easy to remove when dry, but nearly impossible to remove when still moist. Most of the yellow petals should have dropped off by this point, and the head may begin to droop or wilt. The seeds should feel hard when tapped and should also have a black-and-white striped appearance, or perhaps all black, depending on the type of sunflower. Cover the head with a paper bag. Secure a brown paper bag over the head of the sunflower using twine, yarn, or string. Do not use a plastic bag. Plastic will not allow the flower head to "breathe," so moisture may build up inside the bag in excess. If this happens, the seeds could rot or develop mold, making them unfit for consumption. If you do not have brown paper bags, you could use a cheesecloth or other similarly breathable fabric. By drying the sunflower off the stem, you do not need to worry about animals eating the seeds before you can get to them. You still need to place the bag over the sunflower head for the sake of collecting loose seeds, though. Cut off the head. Remove the head of the sunflower using a sharp knife or shears. Leave roughly 1 ft (30.5 cm) of stem attached to the head. Work carefully so that you do not knock the paper bag from the head as you remove it. Hang the head upside-down. Let the sunflower head continue drying in a warm location. Hang the sunflower by tying a piece of twine, yarn, or string to the base of the head and attaching the other end of the twine to a hook, rod, or hanger. The sunflower should dry stem-side up and head-side down. Dry the sunflower in a warm, dry location indoors. The area should have good ventilation to prevent moisture from building up. You should also hang the sunflower head high above the ground or floor to prevent rodents from nibbling at them. Check the sunflower head periodically. Carefully open the bag on a daily basis. Empty the contents of the bag to collect any seeds that fall off early. Store these seeds in an airtight container until the remainder are ready to harvest. Remove the bag after the head finishes drying. The sunflower seeds are ready to harvest once the back of the head turns dark brown and very dry. The drying process takes an average of one to four days, but it may take a little longer depending on how early you harvest the flower head and the conditions in which the flower dries. Do not remove the bag until you are prepared to harvest the seeds. Otherwise, you may drop and lose many of the seeds. Place the sunflower on a flat, clean surface. Move the sunflower head to a table, counter, or other work surface before removing the paper bag. Empty the contents of the bag. If there are seeds inside the bag, transfer them to a bowl or storage container. Rub your hand across the seeded area of the sunflower. To remove the seeds, simply brush them with your hands or a stiff vegetable brush. If harvesting seeds from more than one sunflower, you can remove the seeds by gently rubbing two flower heads together. Continue rubbing the flower heads until all the seeds are dislodged. Rinse the seeds. Transfer the collected seeds to a colander and rinse them thoroughly with cold, running water. Allow the seeds to drain completely before removing them from the colander. Rinsing the seeds removes most of the dirt and bacteria that may have gathered on the seeds while they were outdoors. Dry the seeds. Spread the seeds out on a thick towel in a single layer and let them dry for several hours. You could also dry the seeds on multiple layers of paper towel instead of a single thick towel. Either way, they should be flat and in a single layer so that each seed can dry completely. As you spread the seeds out, you should remove any debris or other foreign matter you notice. You should also remove any damaged seeds. Make sure that the seeds are completely dry before proceeding to the next step. Salt and roast the seeds, if desired. If you plan to consume the seeds soon, you can salt and roast them now. Soak the seeds overnight in a solution made from 2 quarts (2 liters) of water and 1/4 to 1/2 cup (60 to 125 ml) salt. Alternatively, you could also boil the seeds in this salt water solution for two hours instead of soaking them overnight. Drain the seeds on dry, absorbent paper towel. Spread the seeds out in a single layer on a shallow baking sheet. Roast for 30 to 40 minutes, or until golden brown, at an oven temperature of 300 degrees Fahrenheit (149 degrees Celsius). Stir the seeds occasionally as they roast. Let cool completely. Store the seeds in an airtight container. Transfer the seeds, roasted or unroasted, to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator or freezer. Roasted seeds are best stored in the refrigerator and may be kept for several weeks. Unroasted seeds can be kept for several months inside the refrigerator or freezer and last longest inside the freezer.

Wait until the sunflower begins to wilt. Tie a paper bag over the head. Change the bag as needed. Cut off the heads. Prepare yellowed sunflowers for drying. Cover the head with a paper bag. Cut off the head. Hang the head upside-down. Check the sunflower head periodically. Remove the bag after the head finishes drying. Place the sunflower on a flat, clean surface. Rub your hand across the seeded area of the sunflower. Rinse the seeds. Dry the seeds. Salt and roast the seeds, if desired. Store the seeds in an airtight container.

https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-a-Dwarf-Gourami

How to Care for a Dwarf Gourami

To care for a dwarf gourami, keep it in a tank that holds at least 10 gallons of water per fish. Use a heater to keep the tank between 72° and 82° F, and test the pH of the water once a week to ensure it stays between 6 and 8.8. Gouramis are shy fish and they need places to hide, so include plenty of decorations, like aquatic plants, rocks, driftwood, or artificial decorations. Also, try to keep the tank somewhere away from loud noises, which may startle your fish.

Fill a tank with at least 10 gallons (38 L) of water per gourami. Pour the water into an empty, clean aquarium or fish tank. Measure out the right amount based on the number of dwarf gouramis you have. Use natural, spring water or tap water that's been treated so there's no chlorine or chemicals in it. To treat tap water, run it through a dechlorinator. Use a heater to keep the water between 72 and 82 °F (22 and 28 °C). Place a submersible heater, which you can buy from a pet store or online retailer, inside the tank. Set it to a temperature no lower than 72 °F (22 °C) and no higher than 82 °F (28 °C) as dwarf gouramis need warm water to survive. Put an aquarium thermometer in the tank to monitor the water temperature. If the tank is sitting somewhere in the sun or in a warm room, you may not need the heater. Maintain a water pH level between 6 and 8.8. Because gouramis need soft, slightly acidic water, monitor the pH level so that it doesn't go below 6 or above about 8.8. Test the pH level at least once a month using pH test strips or a digital tester to make sure it's the right acidity. If the pH is too high, you can lower it by adding natural items, like driftwood, or by installing a reverse osmosis filter. If the pH is too low, you can raise it by adding seashells or dissolving baking soda into the water. Add decorations in the tank so the gourami has places to hide. If you leave the tank too open, your gourami will become shy and skittish. Include a lot of aquatic plants and things like fake logs or large rocks for the fish to duck into or under. Choose tall plants that grow to the top of the tank, like Amazon sword plants, java ferns, or hornwort. Never use items that you find outside, like branches or rocks, because they can contain harmful bacteria. Place floating plants on top of the water to create shade in the tank. Use plants like java moss or duckweed to provide cover for your gourami, which does best in darker environments. Add as many plants that float on the surface as you'd like. Leave at least a small area of the water uncovered so the fish can surface occasionally. Keep the tank in a quiet area since gouramis are sensitive to noise. Set the aquarium in a spot that's out of the way where your fish won't hear any loud or startling sounds. Good options include a bedroom, basement, or living space that isn't used often. If your fish is exposed to noises like shouting, alarms, or tapping, it can get scared and try to “escape.” This is dangerous because the fish will likely hit the wall of the tank and could injure itself. Change out about 25% of the water in the tank once every 2 weeks. To keep the water fresh, replace about 1/4 of it on a bi-weekly basis. Scoop it out with a cup or bucket, then pour clean water in. Be careful not to scoop up the gourami while you're replacing the water. Don't use soap when you're cleaning the tank or you could poison the fish. Keep male gouramis separate from each other. Because male gouramis can be very territorial, do not put 2 together in the same tank. However, you can put 2 females in 1 tank as they are much more peaceful. To determine if your gourami is a male, look at the coloring of its body. Males are orange-red with greenish blue bands, while females are dark blue with yellow stripes. Choose other tank mates carefully to keep your fish safe. If you plan on pairing your gourami with other fish, avoid aggressive species like betta fish or guppies. Opt for fish that are known to be calm and friendly, like tetras, catfish, or rainbow fish. If you aren't sure if a certain species will get along with your gourami, call your local pet shop to talk to an expert. Monitor your fish's behavior when you first introduce a new tank mate. If you notice they're acting withdrawn or if they appear stressed and skittish, remove the other fish. Feed the gourami tropical flake food 1 to 2 times per day. Choose a high quality flake food that lists fresh seafood as the primary ingredient instead of fish meal. Give your gourami a pinch each time you feed it, up to 2 times a day. You can also use vegetable pellets or pellet fish food instead of flake food. If you notice your fish hasn't eaten all of the food from the day's first feeding, don't feed it a second time. Only feed it 2 times a day if it eats all of its food. Supplement the gourami's diet with live food 2 to 3 times a week. To give your fish a boost of nutrition, feed it live food, like brine shrimp, bloodworms, or live worms, along with its flake food. This will also keep its color more vibrant and shiny. Give the gourami about 1 teaspoon (6 g) of the live food up to 3 times a week. Make sure you cut up the food into the smallest pieces possible so it's easy for the fish to digest them. Take your fish to the vet if you notice any concerning symptoms. Keep an eye on your fish so that you'll be able to spot any problems as soon as they occur. Look for things like spots on its body, a loss of color, fraying fins, or skittish swimming. If you see any of these symptoms, take your dwarf gourami to the vet. Call your vet even if you aren't sure if a symptom is something to be concerned about. It's better to be safe than sorry!

Fill a tank with at least 10 gallons (38 L) of water per gourami. Use a heater to keep the water between 72 and 82 °F (22 and 28 °C). Maintain a water pH level between 6 and 8.8. Add decorations in the tank so the gourami has places to hide. Place floating plants on top of the water to create shade in the tank. Keep the tank in a quiet area since gouramis are sensitive to noise. Change out about 25% of the water in the tank once every 2 weeks. Keep male gouramis separate from each other. Choose other tank mates carefully to keep your fish safe. Feed the gourami tropical flake food 1 to 2 times per day. Supplement the gourami's diet with live food 2 to 3 times a week. Take your fish to the vet if you notice any concerning symptoms.

https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Herbs-Outdoors

How to Grow Herbs Outdoors

To grow herbs outdoors, select a site with well-draining soil and the right amount of sun exposure for the specific herb. Sow seeds 1/8 of an inch deep, or transplant herbs into holes that are twice as wide and the same depth as the existing container. Water the herbs immediately after planting, then again each time the soil looks or feels dry.

Decide if you want annuals or perennials. Annual plants only bloom for 1 season and include herbs such as anise, dill, coriander, basil, and chervil. Perennial plants come back each season, such as herbs like mint, tarragon, fennel, and chives. You can choose to plant annuals, perennials, or both. Just be sure you know which plants will die off at the end of the season. Choose plants without discoloration or holes. Using existing plants can provide you with hardier specimens that you can harvest sooner. If you choose to use existing plants, be sure to inspect them thoroughly before purchasing. Avoid choosing any plants with signs of pests or diseases, such as those that are brown or wilting, have holes or spots on them, or otherwise look unhealthy. Pick seeds free of rot or mold. Planting herbs from seeds may allow you to grow a wider variety of herbs than choosing starter plants. If you choose to plant seeds, obtain them from a reputable company. Research different providers and read customer reviews to help you make your choice. Make sure the seeds are not discolored, misshapen, or show signs of rot, mold or other issues before planting them. Some herbs don't transplant well and should be grown from seed, including fennel, cumin, anise, chervil, dill, borage, caraway, parsley, and cilantro/coriander. Select sites with good drainage. It's important that the area in which you plant herbs has good drainage so they don't become waterlogged. Inspect your soil after heavy rainfall or watering. If puddles or patches of water remain on top of the soil after several hours, your soil is not well-draining. To amend your existing soil, you can dig up the top 12 inches (30 cm) of soil in the area you will plant the herbs. Mix 25% sand, compost, or peat into the soil, then use the mixture to fill in the area. If you're planting your herbs in containers and placing them outdoors, select a soil with good drainage, such as one that contains vermiculite or sand. Place the herbs in locations that receive the recommended amount of sunlight. Different herbs require different levels of sun exposure. Refer to the seed package or the label on the plant to find out the requirements, and situate the plants where they will get the recommended amount of exposure. For instance, sage requires full sun, but chervil requires full shade. Space the plants or seeds as per the package instructions. Some herbs may grow rapidly and need lots of space, while others are smaller and slimmer and can be planted closer together. Read the seed packet or plant label to find out how much space each herb needs. If you're using containers, choose ones that are larger than 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter so the herbs don't become too cramped. Wait to plant until the risk of frost has passed. Herbs are tender plants that won't do well if sown in cold temperatures. Therefore, you should plant herbs outdoors in the spring once the temperatures, and the soil, have begun to warm up. To find the average frost dates for your area, check your local weather app. Place existing plants in holes that are twice as wide as their container. If you purchased herb plants, rather than seeds, you'll need to dig holes for each plant. Make sure the holes have the same depth as the container and are twice as wide. Use your hands to carefully remove the plant from the container and gently break up the roots. Place the plant in the soil, with only the root ball below the surface, and lightly pack the soil around the plant. Sow seeds 1⁄8 inch (0.32 cm) deep. Use your finger or the eraser end of a pencil to make shallow indentations in the soil. Place 1 seed in each space, then lightly cover it with soil. Take care not to bury the seeds too deep, or they won't germinate. Water the herbs immediately after planting. Once your seeds or plants are in the garden or containers, lightly water them to compact the soil. If you transplanted the herbs, be sure to water down to the root zone to help the plant become established in the soil. Label each herb. Since many herbs look similar, it's a good idea to place labels in the garden or containers. You can put the seed packet in a plastic bag and staple it to a wooden stake, which can then be placed in front of the herbs. You could also use the plant label that came with the plants and stick it into the soil near the herbs. Or, you could even make your own labels, such as by painting the herb names on rocks and placing them near each herb. No matter which type of label you choose, make sure it is waterproof! Water the herbs when the soil feels or looks dry. Herbs should be watered based on the soil conditions, rather than after a set number of days. Every few days, inspect the soil where the herbs are planted. If it looks dry, or the top few inches feel dry, lightly water the soil but not the foliage. Do your best not to overwater the plants, as herbs only require moist, not soggy, soil. Water the herbs in the morning or evening, rather than in the heat of the day. Apply balanced fertilizer 1-2 times per growing season. Herbs don't require much fertilizer, especially if they're planted in rich soil. You can use a natural, balanced fertilizer once or twice each growing season, but be warned that too much fertilizer can alter the flavor of the herbs. Simply sprinkle slow-release granules of fertilizer onto the soil around the herbs. Use only half as much as the package directs. Herbs in containers require more fertilization than those grown directly in a garden. Aim to fertilize herbs in pots twice per growing season. Add a layer of mulch that is 2–4 inches (5.1–10.2 cm) deep. To preserve moisture, protect the herbs from cold temperatures, and keep weeds from growing near them, you can add mulch. Choose an organic mulch like leaves, pine needles, straw, wood chips, or cocoa bean shells, and layer it up to 4 inches (10 cm) deep around the base of the plant. Take care not to get mulch on the crown of the plant. Trim the tops or leaves of the herb to increase growth. Throughout the growing season, you can increase your yield with a little pruning. Use sharp shears to cut away small portions of the top of the plant or the leaves. Avoid pruning more than ⅓ of the plant, which could damage it and decrease its growth. Use natural pesticides or fungicides, if necessary. Herbs don't generally suffer from diseases or pest infestations. However, if you do notice problems, like spider mites or powdery mildew, use natural products to treat the herbs. Visit your local garden center and ask for a recommendation on a pesticide or fungicide to clear up your specific problem. Harvest the herbs at their peak. You'll know the herbs are at their peak when the flowers begin to form. Pick the herbs early in the day to keep the sun from baking the essential oils inside the plant. Pick less than ⅓ of the plant. To harvest your herbs, simply snip off the stems you want to use. Avoid harvesting more than ⅓ of the plant, though, or you risk decreasing the yield as well as the plant's health. Clean and strip the stems. Rinse the herbs under cool water to remove dirt or dust, then pat them dry with a soft towel or paper towel. Some herbs, like oregano, thyme, and rosemary, have woody stems that you don't want to eat. In these cases, strip the leaves from the stems by gently pulling them off the base with your fingers. Store the herbs in the fridge for up to 7 days. For best results, use fresh herbs within 7 days of harvesting them. In the meantime, you can store them in the crisper, or a low shelf, in your fridge.

Decide if you want annuals or perennials. Choose plants without discoloration or holes. Pick seeds free of rot or mold. Select sites with good drainage. Place the herbs in locations that receive the recommended amount of sunlight. Space the plants or seeds as per the package instructions. Wait to plant until the risk of frost has passed. Place existing plants in holes that are twice as wide as their container. Sow seeds 1⁄8 inch (0.32 cm) deep. Water the herbs immediately after planting. Label each herb. Water the herbs when the soil feels or looks dry. Apply balanced fertilizer 1-2 times per growing season. Add a layer of mulch that is 2–4 inches (5.1–10.2 cm) deep. Trim the tops or leaves of the herb to increase growth. Use natural pesticides or fungicides, if necessary. Harvest the herbs at their peak. Pick less than ⅓ of the plant. Clean and strip the stems. Store the herbs in the fridge for up to 7 days.

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How to Play Footsie

To play footsie, make sure you're playing with someone you've successfully flirted with in the past so you don't make someone feel uncomfortable. Also, you'll want to be sitting at a table with a long tablecloth or covered bottom so other people can't see you. When you're ready, gently tap or push your partner's foot and then wait for them to respond with their foot. If they look surprised or confused, it could mean they're not interested. If they seem receptive, take turns massaging each other's feet, ankles, and legs under the table with your feet.

Pick a partner. It should be someone you've already flirted with (and who has flirted back). If you try to play footsie with someone who is not interested in you, they may avoid playing along or tell you to stop. The person should be sitting close to you. It is ideal if the person is sitting across from you. Try to get an idea of how the person is feeling about you and feeling in general before initiating contact. If the person is smiling at you and acting flirtatiously, then it is probably okay to initiate contact with this person. If the person is not responsive to you in conversation, then it is not the best idea to play footsie with them. Be discreet. Footsie is no fun if everyone knows what you're doing. It is best if you are at a table that has a long tablecloth. Make sure you can reach the other person's feet without tripping over the toes of unwanted spectators. Then, quietly slip one of your shoes off (using your other foot to slide the shoe off if necessary). It's easier to play footsie if you're wearing shoes that can be easily slipped off, like ballerina flats or loafers. Shoes that tie, like boots or sneakers, will be more difficult to discreetly remove. Initiate contact. Tap or push the other person's foot lightly and playfully, then pull away. Do it just once and see the reaction. Stop if they pull their feet quickly out of reach. If they look around and says "Who just pushed my foot?" in an annoyed or upset tone, then apologize for the mistake and do not continue. In the best case scenario, though, they will be receptive. In that case, you should tap them more slowly and linger a bit. Then, pull away and wait for him or her to come after your foot. If they don't notice/looks confused, make a subtle "above the table" contact. Give a little wink, or give a cute, playful, or gentle smile. Try not to make the smile apologetic, though. They'll think it was an accident. Massage their foot with your foot. Intertwine your foot with your partner's foot. You can intertwine your toes if neither party is wearing socks. Use the ball of your foot to massage the sole of their foot. Then, move your foot from the foot to massage their ankle. Run your foot around their calf and ankle. Footsie should be a gentle and playful way of flirting. Try lightly running run foot up to the other person's calf and knee, then move back down toward their feet. Massage their ankle with the sole of your foot, or lock ankles (twist your ankle around theirs). Make eye contact and smile. At this point, the person should be aware of what you're doing and at least partially returning the actions. Move up their legs. If things are going well, begin to move your foot up from their ankles/calves to their thigh. Use your foot to massage their inner thighs. This is a more intimate step than playing footsie with their feet, so make sure that the other person does not seem uncomfortable. Move your foot back down to their ankles and feet after a moment. The person make jerk away or change facial expressions suddenly if they feel uncomfortable with having their thighs touched. Make sure your feet are clean. It is important that your feet are clean when you begin to play footsie. A foul odor or grime can quickly ruin the mood. Make sure that you have showered not too long before playing footsie. If you are concerned about your feet, keep your socks on. If you are unsure that your feet are clean enough, excuse yourself to the bathroom to check. You can quickly clean them in the bathroom if necessary. It is helpful to keep a small bottle of lotion with you. Wear clean socks. If you don't play footsie with bare feet, make sure that your socks are clean. They should a fresh, clean pair of recently washed socks that you have put on that day. It is best if the socks are neat and without holes or sagging. Feeling an old sock riddles with holes rub against your leg can quickly ruin the mood. Your partner should also have clean feet or be wearing clean socks. Be cautious around other people. Make sure that there is no chance that another, unintended person is feeling your footsie play. If you have to stop playing footsie suddenly, wink or smile at the other person to let them know it's not their fault. If you're in a large group, make sure you have your feet back in your shoes and socks in time to get up with everyone else when it's time to go. It is best to avoid playing footsie if you and your partner are sitting very close with other people.

Pick a partner. Be discreet. Initiate contact. Massage their foot with your foot. Run your foot around their calf and ankle. Move up their legs. Make sure your feet are clean. Wear clean socks. Be cautious around other people.

https://www.wikihow.com/Shoot-a-Deer

How to Shoot a Deer

Whether you're an experienced hunter or a total novice, you can learn how to find and shoot deer safely and accurately. Before hunting deer, visit the Department of National Resources website to learn about deer hunting season, permits, and areas where you can hunt. When you go hunting, always wear blaze orange so you stand out in case there are other hunters around. After you spot a deer, wait until it orients itself toward you, then aim at its head, neck, shoulder, or behind its front leg and shoot. Before you approach the deer, wait a few minutes so it doesn't get scared and try to run off if it's still alive. Then, track the blood trail until you find the deer. Watch to see if it's breathing or moving before approaching it. If the deer is still alive, take a more accurate shot through it's brain or chest to put it down quickly.

Get a hunting permit and the right equipment for the job. Visit the Department of National Resources website to learn more about the season for hunting deer in your area, as well as information about how to obtain a permit for the season, and areas in which you may hunt. Hunting deer without a permit and the proper equipment, or hunting deer out of season is always illegal. Generally, a seasonal permit for deer costs between $40-$100. For safety purposes, it's important to wear blaze orange to help distinguish yourself from the foliage, for other hunters who might be in the area. Contrary to popular belief, deer can't see well enough to make camouflage particularly effective, though it is helpful in making your movements less visible, which are what alerts deer to your presence. Many different rifles are used for hunting deer, a.243 up to a 30-.06 or 30-30 caliber will do perfectly well for any deer you're likely to encounter. Hunting with shotguns is somewhat less common, though deer slugs are available for hunting deer. Bow hunting is also extremely common for hunting deer. In most areas, 45 pounds draw weight is the legal limit, which means you'll have a typical target distance from 20-60 yards. Pick a densely wooded area safe for hunting. Talk to local hunters and visit the website of the local Department of Wildlife or Department of Natural Resources to learn about public areas permissible for hunting. State and National park lands are sometimes made available at particular times for hunting deer. It's also common to hunt on private property with the permission of the local landowners. If you know someone with good rural deer-hunting property, get in touch and ask if you can come out next season. Never assume an area is safe for hunting if you're not sure. Never trespass on private land without the permission of the landowners. Mask your scent. While your smell may seem insignificant in the woods, scent control is a big concern when you're hunting deer. Ideally, you want to avoid using scented soaps, deodorant, and being around any strong perfume-like smells for 24-48 hours prior to a hunt. It's common to avoid showering for a day or two before going hunting. Keep jackets and clothing in Rubbermaid containers with spruce bows to make you smell like the woods. No drinking alcohol or eating fatty foods the night before hunting, so you're not exuding strong smells that will alert deer to your presence. Some hunters will layer baking soda in between layers of hunting clothing to try to mask their scent further. Look for signs of deer. When you head out hunting, it's usually common to wander for a while and look for an ideal deer spot and set up camp to wait. You want to find evidence of a heavily travelled trail, preferably one that leads to an open area or meadow, depending on the weapons lethal distance. Keep an eye out for deer-friendly food sources, like apples or corn, as well as available water sources where deer are likely to congregate. Ideally, a field about 60 yds in diameter would be perfect for hunting deer. If you have a longer range rifle with an accurate, sighted-in scope, a larger meadow (300 yds long or so) would be desirable. One of the most obvious signs of the presence of deer is antler rub on trees, which is done by bucks to mark territory and share scent. Find a camouflaged position. When you've found an ideal spot for hunting, set up camp and get to work making the deer come to you. There are lots of different ideas about how to camouflage yourself. Tree stands and blinds can be used in areas where game is likely to pass, but the thrill of tracking and sneaking up on a deer effectively is prized among certain hunters, who prefer to find cover in the wild. The choice is up to you. Make the deer come to you. Deer calls, estrus spray, urine, and rattling antlers are all common ways of attracting deer to your position, especially early in the season. Go with a partner or two. Solo hunting can be dangerous and difficult, and it's always recommended that you go hunting with at least one other person. Packing out a whole deer by yourself is a challenge for even the strongest hunters, and the whole job is made easier and more fun with other experienced hunters to help the process along. Always let someone else know where you're going hunting, and when you're likely to return for safety purposes, especially if you'll be out of cellphone range. Don't bring dogs when hunting deer. Although they're good to have around when hunting fowl and other birds, dogs are too loud and will only serve to scare off deer. Practice your shooting positions beforehand. There are a variety of positions from which it is possible to make an accurate shot, and a good hunter needs to be comfortable in all of them. Practice getting into position in a safe place with an unloaded gun, well before you go out hunting. Prone position is the most stable, but it is the most difficult and impractical position to get into in the field, while standing is the simplest, fastest, and unfortunately most unstable. Crouching or sitting positions are the most comfortable and stable positions for shooting deer accurately, if done properly. You can crouch quickly, supporting your elbow with your knee or thigh, making your aim more true and stable. In the sitting position, you'll sit cross-legged, perpendicular to your target, with the knee of your non-shooting hand pointing toward the target. Be patient. Hunting deer is usually an all-day activity, not something to do when you're rushed or impatient. Find a good spot to sit in wait when you go out hunting, and give it some time. Deer are more likely to come around an area that's been silent and still for quite a while, so be extremely quiet as you do so. Some hunters like to give a spot a couple hours then move around some, while others like to roam more or less constantly. It's your choice how you want to hunt, but most successful hunters do some combination of setting up to wait and trying out different areas. The waiting is part of the thrill and the drama of the hunt. If it wasn't challenging, nobody would bother. Wait until the deer is broadside. If you've spotted a deer, don't start pulling the trigger just yet. Use binoculars to look for signs of deer coming into the area and wait until one orients itself to your position in a way that offers you a clean shot. This is the most critical moment of the hunt, and the last thing you want to rush. Depending on the laws in your area and the type of permit you've acquired, take a minute to verify that the deer you're seeing is legal. Often, only bucks displaying a certain amount of antler growth (usually six points) are legal to harvest, though this varies from region to region. If the first deer you see isn't legal, don't shoo it off. Wait. Deer often travel in pairs or herds and there are likely to be more deer coming soon. Take aim. As you wait for the deer to orient itself to you, pull your rifle into position and obtain a good sight picture, aligning your eye with the sight of the rifle. While it's most common to aim just behind the shoulder of the deer, there are a variety of philosophies regarding where, specifically, you should aim on a deer, so the pros and cons of each spot follow: Behind the front leg , 5-7 in. up from the chest is probably the most popular spot to aim. This shot will penetrate the heart and lungs, though deer don't always go down immediately with this shot, and will sometimes recover, meaning that you often have to do some tracking. The head , through the brain, offers an instant kill, and there is very little meat lost to a head shot. Typically, you'll aim just behind the eye to make this shot, a fairly advanced and difficult shot to make, with the potential for missing completely. It also renders the deer impossible to taxidermy for a trophy, if you're interested in saving the antlers or the whole head. The neck, through the spine , is another popular and lethal spot, hit by aiming just behind the jawline of a deer showing you its broadside. This shot will often paralyze a deer, requiring a second shot or throat slit to finish the job, making it slightly less desirable. Remember the BRASS rule of shooting. Once you've taken aim, you need to breathe, relax, and ensure that you make the most accurate shot possible. Switch the safety off your rifle and get ready to shoot. The most accurate and controlled moment to squeeze the trigger is the moment immediately following an exhale, so don't hold the rifle in place for too long, or you'll start to sway. Do it swiftly, carefully, and efficiently. BRASS is an acronym that will help you remember the procedure: B reathe R elax A im S top breathing S queeze the trigger Never fire at anything you can't see. Make sure you are 100% certain that what you're shooting at is a deer. Many hunting accidents happen because people don't get a clear picture of whatever it is they're going to shoot at. It's too late by the time you pull the trigger. It's also important to be aware of your surroundings, so you know what's behind the deer as well. You don't want to be shooting towards another person, a private residence, a public road, or other places you wouldn't shoot. Wait a few minutes. Wherever you've shot the deer, it will often take off, bounding away. It's important to wait a few minutes and not immediately charge after the deer, which can give the deer and adrenaline jolt, making the tracking job much more difficult. If you made a good shot, it won't get far and will lay down to die quickly, so waiting a few minutes won't make a bit of difference. Take care to remember the general spot you made the hit and the general direction that the deer took off. Mark the spot on your GPS if necessary. Find the blood at the original spot. Head to the spot the deer stood when you shot it and examine the ground for signs of blood, then pick up the trail. You can also check out the quality of the blood for signs of how accurate your shot was. If you see thin blood, or bile on the ground, you missed your shot and you'll likely have to track the deer quickly to make a more humane kill. A gut-shot deer will take a long time to die, so you've got a responsibility to find it and speed up the process. Follow the blood through the foliage. Deer move quickly, even when wounded, and it's possible for them to cover quite a bit of ground after being shot mortally. You may have to off-road it a bit, but if you've made an accurate shot, you shouldn't have to follow for more than a few hundred yards at most. It's important to examine the ground and foliage up off the ground for blood and follow the deer's trail. Some hunters like to use a bit of hydrogen peroxide to spray around foliage if the blood proves difficult to spot at any point. It should foam up and make the blood much more visible. Make sure the deer is dead. When you come up on the deer you've tracked, examine it closely from afar before you approach. Watch to see whether or not it is breathing, or moving. If you hit the deer in the chest, foamy blood is a good sign. That means you've probably penetrated the lungs, and the deer should die very quickly, if it's not dead already. If the deer is still alive and doesn't seem close to death, approach it carefully, maintaining a safe distance, before taking a more accurate shot through the brain or chest and putting it down. Be extremely careful when approaching a wounded deer. Some hunters like to use a knife to slit the deer's throat and let it bleed out, though an angry, wounded deer with a big rack of antlers can be extremely dangerous. Field dress the deer properly. As soon as the deer is dead, you should get to work field-dressing the carcass for safe consumption and breaking it down to a manageable size for packing out, or heading back to camp. Depending on where you are and how far out you are from where you're going, there are a variety of ways to approach the task. A good-quality and well-sharpened hunting knife is an invaluable tool when you're out hunting. You don't want to have just made a kill and find out you're without tools. If you're close to home or camp, or have access to an ATV or other vehicle, you might bring the whole deer back and hoist it before skinning and gutting the deer. If you've got a long hike on foot, remove the entrails and pull the major organs from the rib cage, being careful not to puncture the stomach or intestines. There will be several membranes attaching the organs to the spine, which you'll also need to cut. Generally, most hunters will then "break" the hind quarters and the fore, to make the carcass more easy for packing out, then butcher it later.

Get a hunting permit and the right equipment for the job. Pick a densely wooded area safe for hunting. Mask your scent. Look for signs of deer. Find a camouflaged position. Go with a partner or two. Practice your shooting positions beforehand. Be patient. Wait until the deer is broadside. Take aim. Remember the BRASS rule of shooting. Never fire at anything you can't see. Wait a few minutes. Find the blood at the original spot. Follow the blood through the foliage. Make sure the deer is dead. Field dress the deer properly.

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How to Keep Your Body Fit With Food

To keep your body fit with food, monitor your portion size so that the majority of your food is coming from the bottom of the food pyramid. Prioritize fresh foods such as fruits, whole grains, and fish and only eat red meat and white rice in moderation. You can also try adding super foods like broccoli, sweet potatoes and nuts to your diet. Control your hunger and supplement your diet with high-fiber foods like high-fiber cereals or beans.

Follow the guidelines of the USDA’s MyPlate. The U.S. government and other public health agencies have developed a variety of food "pyramids" and "plates" over the past several decades. These tools are graphical representations of the various food groups you should eat — and how much of each group you should consume. The quantity of foods you eat from each category in the healthy balance of the plate will vary upon your size, exercise level, and dietary preferences, but a majority of your caloric intake should come from these categories: Vegetables and fruits. Aim to fill half your plate with these foods at each meal. Healthy proteins, such as fish, poultry, eggs, nuts, beans, seeds, and/or tofu. Carbohydrates in the form of whole grains such as oatmeal, whole wheat bread, and brown rice. Healthy fats and oils. Healthy choices include unsaturated fats such as olive and vegetable oils, and avocados. Note that fats and oils are calorie-rich, so small quantities add up quickly. Read labels carefully. Water, tea, and coffee with little or no added sugar. You should limit your dairy intake to 1 to 2 cups of low-fat milk per day and drink no more than 1 cup of juice per day. Consume "super foods" that deliver exceptional nutritional benefits. If your aim is fitness as well as general good health, consider eating foods that deliver extra energy, antioxidants, calcium, or heart-healthy fats and proteins. Dried fruits, sweet potatoes, and bananas deliver complex carbohydrates that will help you efficiently store and use energy. Each of these foods contains valuable potassium in addition to a host of other nutrients. Broccoli and other green vegetables, tomatoes, blueberries, and cocoa all contain antioxidants that remove cell-damaging free radicals from your blood. Milk and green vegetables provide calcium to ensure healthy bones. Warm milk consumed near bedtime has the added benefit of boosting the serotonin and melatonin that help you sleep. Salmon and nuts deliver healthy fats and proteins. Consider adding Brazil nuts in particular to your diet, as they contain high levels of selenium, a mineral that helps bolster your immune system. Pay attention to portion size. Read food packaging carefully to determine portion size and the number of servings in a given package. Split value packs into portion-sized containers, and consider sharing large restaurant meals. Learn how to identify proper portions using hand-size references; guidelines are readily available online. One serving of carrots, for example, is equivalent to one cup, or approximately the size of an adult fist; a serving of dry cereal is also one cup, or one adult fist, in size. Understand the benefits of a diet high in dietary fiber. Foods rich in dietary fiber help you control your hunger and lose weight in a number of ways. High fiber foods have a higher "chew factor." Put simply, they take longer to eat, increasing your sense of satisfaction. Foods that are high in fiber take longer to exit your digestive tract. This means you feel fuller longer. Foods containing soluble fiber such as oatmeal and beans help to stabilize your blood sugar over the course of the day. This means you don't feel as hungry. Fiber also helps to lower cholesterol in some individuals and bulk stool for better digestive health. Choose high fiber foods. Dietary fiber is found in a wide variety of foods, so adding this important element to your diet may be easier than you imagine. Try high-fiber cereals, beans, vegetables, nuts and seeds, and fruits. Proceed gradually when converting to a high-fiber diet. While your body functions best on a high fiber diet, if you haven't previously been eating much fiber it will need time to adjust. Start by introducing one high fiber element and then continue to improve your diet incrementally. You may replace your low-in-fiber corn flakes with a raisin bran cereal, for example, and then wait a few days before introducing salad with your lunch. Prioritize whole foods. Choosing unprocessed foods allows you to control your diet by eliminating "hidden" ingredients and excess salt. It's possible that weight gain may be coming not from the quantity of food you are eating, but the amount of sugar, salt, and other ingredients that are added to your meal. Whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and fish also tend to reside near the healthy "base" of the food pyramid. Consider starting a garden. Studies indicate that children who participate in school-based gardening programs are twice as likely to try new foods as those who did not participate in these programs. Nurturing your own vegetables from seeds or seedlings will inspire you toward healthy eating. Growing your own vegetables also saves money, allowing you to keep your body fit without breaking your budget. Cook from scratch. Much like consuming whole foods, cooking from scratch improves your control over your diet. Not only are you likely to save money by preparing your own meals, but you can eliminate additives, extra sugar and salt, and other processed ingredients. Develop your cooking skills gradually. You may become overwhelmed if you try to take on too much, too quickly. Start with easy recipes to increase your confidence. Give yourself permission to learn over time and you'll find cooking is more likely to become an enduring habit. Prepare for a workout by eating a snack. Eating a snack that consists of a complex carbohydrate and a protein source is a great way to prepare for a workout. For example, you could have a cup of plain Greek yogurt with an apple. Consume your snack 1 to 2 hours before working out. Proper hydration before a workout is also important. Plan to drink two to three cups of water, two to three hours before you exercise. Eat foods that boost your energy and endurance. You may be familiar with various carbohydrate blends of glucose and fructose (sports drinks, gels, etc.) that are commonly used during long workouts. You might, however, want to consider a natural option that combines glucose and fructose with additional vitamins and antioxidants: honey! The darker the honey, the more antioxidants it contains. Continue to hydrate during your workout. Drink 3/4 to 1 1/2 cups of water every 15 – 20 minutes , and consider an electrolyte drink if you have been exercising longer than 60 minutes. Replenish your energy after a long workout. This is your big opportunity to combine a treat with food that will keep your body fit: chocolate milk is an excellent post-workout recovery drink. The carbohydrates it contains will help replenish your energy stores. Try a banana with peanut butter if you aren't fond of milk. Drink tart cherry juice after exercise to help ease muscle inflammation. Avoid drinking juice before or during exercise, however, as it can cause stomach cramps. Consume protein after exercising to help your muscles recover and grow. Good sources of protein include fish, poultry, meat, nuts, beans, seeds, lentils, soy, and milk products. Note that while advertisements for protein supplements often advertise that they provide amino acids the body cannot make, you can obtain the same important nutrients by consuming a variety of protein-rich foods. Remember that consuming "fitness" foods is no substitute for physical exercise. One prominent study suggests that "fitness branding" encourages consumers to eat more of a given food and exercise less. This can undermine your efforts to keep your body fit. That "fitness" bar has just as many calories as any other food of its size and nutritional content! Read labels carefully. Energy bars and other "fitness" products often contain significant amounts of added sugar and are usually heavily processed and filled with artificial ingredients. If you do opt to purchase an energy bar, look for bars with about 5 grams (0.2 oz) of protein, some carbohydrates and very little fat. Pay attention to the caloric content of your sports drinks and only drink sports drinks if you have been exercising for 60 minutes or longer. If you're exercising to lose weight, opt for water or "light" versions.

Follow the guidelines of the USDA’s MyPlate. Consume "super foods" that deliver exceptional nutritional benefits. Pay attention to portion size. Understand the benefits of a diet high in dietary fiber. Choose high fiber foods. Proceed gradually when converting to a high-fiber diet. Prioritize whole foods. Consider starting a garden. Cook from scratch. Prepare for a workout by eating a snack. Eat foods that boost your energy and endurance. Replenish your energy after a long workout. Consume protein after exercising to help your muscles recover and grow. Remember that consuming "fitness" foods is no substitute for physical exercise.

https://www.wikihow.com/Buy-an-Abandoned-House

How to Buy an Abandoned House

If you don't mind the work, buying an abandoned house and repairing it can be a good way to turn a profit. Once you've found an abandoned house you like, you'll need to find out who owns it and buy it from them. Try asking the neighbors and talking to the local county executive to find out who owns the house and if it's for sale. If it's foreclosed, talk to the bank that owns it about repossessing it. You should also have the house inspected by a professional to find out the cost of repairs. Keep in mind that if the wiring, plumbing, or structure is s damaged, the repairs could end up costing more than the house itself.

Decide what your plan is for the house. Your intentions for the property will influence how much you spend, as well as the kinds of repairs you'll make. For instance, if you plan on living in the home, you'll have to plan on making all the necessary repairs to make it livable. This will require a lot of money, so you'll have to keep the buying price low. If you intend to just sit on the house for a few years without making any repairs and try to sell it later, you can afford to pay a little more. Whatever your intentions are, make sure you have them figured out before you go on with purchasing the house. Review your finances. While you may be able to get an abandoned house much cheaper than market price, it could still be an expense of tens of thousands of dollars, not to mention repair costs. Make sure you are in a financial position to be purchasing a house, or you could take a serious financial hit if the home is out of your price range. You should at least have enough cash for a down payment, otherwise you may be getting in over your head. Considering partnering up with someone else if you don't have enough of your own cash to spend right away. Then you can divide the profits after you sell or rent the house. Educate yourself on typical costs for home repairs. If you buy an abandoned property, it will almost certainly need some repairs. This could end up costing more than the house itself, so it's essential to include an estimate of repair costs into your financial plan. Here is the typical cost of some common home repairs. Bear in mind that all jobs are different, and this is only meant as a general guideline. New concrete: over $10,000. Abandoned homes often have cracked driveways or sidewalks. Concrete jobs are very expensive, and some estimates can go as high as $30,000 for extensive concrete laying. Roof repairs: $5,000-$12,000. Abandoned homes often have old, crumbling roofs. This will need to be repairs to prevent internal damage and potential collapses. Install new plumbing pipes: $100-$3,000. Plumbing jobs are difficult to estimate. A few leaky pipes won't cost much, while installing a new water main will cost thousands. Rewire the house: $1,000-$2,000. An abandoned house could have electrical problems and need wiring replaced to prevent fires. New paint: a few hundred to $2,000. Depending on the size of the house, a new paint job could cost a few thousand dollars. Replace flooring: $1,000-$5,000. The cost here will depend on whether or not the floor just needs finishing, or needs complete replacement. Assemble a group to help you out. While you could try to buy and fix up an abandoned house alone, it would make your life much easier if you had a few key people helping you out. Try to locate these people before starting the purchasing process so everything is all set by the time you buy the house. A lawyer. There may be legal wrangling involved in buying an abandoned home, so you'll want a lawyer versed in real estate law to advise you on decisions. A handyman. As you saw, home repairs are very expensive. If you have a friend or family member that knows a lot about repair work, you can save yourself some money by having him or her perform as many repairs as possible so you don't have to call in an expert. An accountant. Buying and fixing a home is a big financial investment. It would help to have an accountant around to manage your finances and advise you on taxes, etc. Plan to move quickly. If your intention is to resell the house, you'll maximize your profit by moving quickly once you buy it. If you hold onto the house for too long, taxes and other maintenance costs will add up. Over time, even if you sell the house, you won't make a profit if these supplementary costs have added up. Buy the house, make any necessary repairs, then plan to put it on the market. Search for houses that look abandoned. Sometimes finding an abandoned property is as easy as driving around your neighborhood. If you come across a house that looks dilapidated, with overgrown grass, mail overflowing from the mailbox, and no obvious signs of life, this house could be abandoned. If you come across one of these, you'll still have to go through several steps to find out if the house is indeed abandoned. Visit the county executive's office. Usually the county government has records on property ownership. You may be able to locate homes that have been abandoned by visiting this office. Inquire about whether they have a list of abandoned properties. This should be a matter of public record, so it will only be a matter of finding the right person to talk to. There may not be information about abandoned houses specifically, but the county office will have records of delinquent taxes. This can tip you off to properties that may have been abandoned, and you can further investigate these addresses if you find they are very behind on taxes. Inquire about property auctions. Counties sometimes sell homes if the owners have neglected to pay property taxes. Search your county's website or ask at the executive's office if there are any auctions coming up. In this case, you don't have to go through the trouble of locating properties yourself. Check with realty sites and realtors. Sometimes homeowners facing foreclosure or financial troubles try to sell their homes quickly before resorting to abandonment. These will probably appear on realty sites with phrases like "must sell" and are often very cheap. Start by looking on realty sites to find these indications of a home under foreclosure. You could also consult with a realtor directly. Even if their firm isn't responsible for an abandoned house, realtors usually pay attention to the local real estate market. It's likely they'll know of abandoned houses in the area that you could investigate. Ask banks if they have a list of homes under foreclosure. Sometimes homeowners facing foreclosure choose to abandon the house abruptly. The foreclosure process can be a long one, so an abandoned house may be in some sort of legal limbo while the bank tries to repossess it. Consult banks in the area to see if they have repossessed any homes, or have started foreclosure proceedings. This will help you find houses that will soon be or already are on the market for below the market price. Contact local community improvement organizations. Since abandoned homes are bad for property values and can lead to crime, concerned citizens often try to prevent this from happening. They sometimes form organizations that will try to buy or sell abandoned homes to keep the area appealing. If you live in an area that has been losing population and abandoned homes are a problem, there may be a local group that keeps track of abandoned homes. Do an internet search to see if there are any local groups who can help you, and contact them. Educate yourself on local property laws. Different cities, towns, and counties might have different laws regulating property ownership. Do some investigating and find out what those laws are. This will help you find out if a property is legally abandoned. Each state has a real estate board regulated by the Secretary of State. You can find state real estate laws on these websites. Your county executive office will have information on property laws in your specific locality. It would also be helpful to consult a realtor in your area, since they will be familiar with local laws. Inquire with neighbors. If you do come across a house that looks abandoned, you should first ask the neighbors around the house. Specifically, ask if they know the owner, if anyone lives there, when they left, how long they've been gone, and if they know if the occupants are coming back. Neighbors can confirm that a house's occupants haven't been seen for some time, and you can then move on to more official means of discovering if the house is abandoned. Check the property's ownership status. After talking with neighbors, you'll have to find out who officially owns the property, if anyone. This way, you'll be able to see the legal status of the house and plan how you will proceed next. In some areas you can find real estate and property ownership records online. Try a service like qPublic.net and Propertyowner to see if you can locate the property owner without leaving your home. Visit your local county executive office. Inquire here about who can help you locate the owner of a property. This will usually be the tax assessment office, since they are responsible for collecting all the property taxes. This investigation will show you who the last known owner of the house is. Track down the last known owner. Even if a home has been abandoned, someone may still legally own it. Get as much information as you can from the county office and try to contact the owner. If you're successful, ask the owner if he is willing to sell the property. You can then begin negotiating with him to buy the house. Contact the bank if you can't find the owner. If the owner has disappeared and you can't find him, contact the bank that granted the mortgage. You may find out that the house is currently in foreclosure. In this case, the bank is repossessing the home. You can then inquire about purchasing the house when the process is complete. See if your local government has condemned the home. Most abandoned homes have either already been foreclosed on or are in the process, meaning the bank is who you'll need to contact. It is possible, however, that the local government has condemned the building. In this case, the government may be selling the house off for tax money. If you find that this is the case, return to the county executive's office and see if the house is up for sale. Have the home inspected. If the home has been abandoned or foreclosed, there is a good chance it will require repairs if you buy it. Have an engineer go through the house and check the wiring, plumbing, and foundation. If these need repairs, get a quote on how much they will require to fix. You want to know exactly what you're getting into before you make a buy. If you're not careful, the house that you thought would be a great investment could turn out to be a costly liability. Make an offer to the owner of the home. Depending on where your investigations have led, you could be dealing with the original owner, the bank, or the government. Approach whichever of these entities actually owns the home with an offer. Be sure to factor in the cost of repairs into your offer. You don't want to end up paying too much for the property when you know it needs several thousands of dollars of repair. After some negotiations, you'll hopefully come to a price that satisfies both parties. If you're new to negotiating, read Negotiate for some good tips. Get a mortgage. Once you've gone through the investigative work, the process of buying an abandoned home is very similar to buying any other home. You'll need to approach a bank and get a mortgage to finance the house. Read Get a Mortgage for everything you'll need to know while going through this process.

Decide what your plan is for the house. Review your finances. Educate yourself on typical costs for home repairs. Assemble a group to help you out. Plan to move quickly. Search for houses that look abandoned. Visit the county executive's office. Inquire about property auctions. Check with realty sites and realtors. Ask banks if they have a list of homes under foreclosure. Contact local community improvement organizations. Educate yourself on local property laws. Inquire with neighbors. Check the property's ownership status. Track down the last known owner. Contact the bank if you can't find the owner. See if your local government has condemned the home. Have the home inspected. Make an offer to the owner of the home. Get a mortgage.

https://www.wikihow.com/Install-Landscape-Edging

How to Install Landscape Edging

To install landscape edging with brick, dig a trench where you want the edges to go and pack the bottom of the trench with scrap lumber so that it's flat. Next, insert a stake at each end of the trench and string a level mason's line between them. Then, using the mason's line as a guide, put the bricks into the trench and fill in the space around each brick with soil, rocks, or mulch. Finally, water around the edging to set the components in place.

Mark the area with spray paint. Use an old garden hose to mark the perimeter of the area you want to edge. Once it's laid out in the shape and size you want, spray paint the ground around the outside edge of the perimeter. Dig a trench with a spear-headed shovel. Use the shovel to start digging a trench along the spray painted line. Make sure the trench is 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) wide and 3–4 inches (7.6–10.2 cm) deep so that the edging can be properly installed and secured. Fill the bottom of the trench with about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of sand and pack it down so that it's smooth and level. Loosen the soil as you dig to make the ground ready for landscaping. Place long strips of edging into the trench and stake them. If you're using plastic edging in the form of long, flexible strips, take a segment and place it into the trench horizontally. Then, hammer 3–4 inches (7.6–10.2 cm) stakes into the ground every 5 feet (1.5 m) along the inside of the edging at a 45-degree angle, so that the bottom of the stakes hold the edging in an upright position. Edging should be at least 5 inches (12.7 cm) wide for the best aesthetic appearance. Aim to have.5 inches (1.3 cm)of the edging visible above the ground. Backfill the area around the edging. Use soil, mulch, or rocks to fill the trench in the rest of the way on both sides of the edging. This will help the edging stay upright and in place. Water the soil on all sides of your edging to help cement the edging into place. Place short pieces of edging in the trench and interlock them. If your edging is made up of interlocking panels, place a piece inside the trench vertically. Get another piece of edging and connect one end to the previous piece. Continue adding pieces in, connecting them, and backfilling as you go until the whole trench is filled. Lay out a bed and dig a trench around the edges. Lay out the borders of the garden or planter that you want to create. Dig out the inside and fill it with soil, or whatever medium you wish to use. Use a spade to dig a trench for the edging to go into. Then, pack down the trench bottom with scrap lumber so that it's flat. Insert 2 stakes and string a level mason’s line. Hammer stakes that are about 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) long into the ground at either end of the trench. Tie or hook mason's line to the top of one stake and walk it to the other stake. Hold the twine taut and tie or hook it to the other stake. Put a brick in the trench and hang a line level from the twine to make sure it's level. Set each brick with a mallet and backfill as you go. Use the mason's line as reference while you place the bricks in one at a time. For each one, pound the top with a mallet and fill in the space left in the trench around the brick with soil, rocks, or mulch. Continue this until the entire trench is filled in with bricks. Water around all the your edging to help bring the components together. Cut a brick with a brick chisel if necessary. If the perimeter of your bed is a little too long or short, you may need to cut a brick to complete the edging. Measure the length of the space that still needs to be filled with the edging and mark the length on a brick. Position a brick chisel on top of the mark and strike down forcefully to break the brick. Use this piece to fill in the last bit of the trench. Test the soil’s softness. Use a small gardening shovel to dig up some of the dirt where you're planning on installing the edging. If it feels soft in your hands, then you may be able to simply push the edging into the ground. If not, you may need to dig a trench for it. Insert steel or aluminum edging 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) into the ground. If the soil is relatively soft, use a block of wood to pound your steel or aluminum edging into the ground. If the soil is hard, use a shovel to dig a slim trench where you want your edging to go. Each time you place a new piece into the trench, overlap the previous piece by about 1 foot (0.30 m) so that the edging appears connected. If you want to create a garden or planter with a straight-edged perimeter, opt for edging that's made of steel, as it's very strong. If you're hoping to create a curvy perimeter, go for treated aluminum edging. Hammer metal stakes into the ground on either side of the edging. Secure the edging by hammering 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) stakes into the ground on the inside and outside of the edging every 2–3 feet (0.61–0.91 m). This should keep the edging strong and stable. To make installation easier, get metal edging that comes with anchors or slots for staking. Water all around your edging once it is in place.

Mark the area with spray paint. Dig a trench with a spear-headed shovel. Place long strips of edging into the trench and stake them. Backfill the area around the edging. Place short pieces of edging in the trench and interlock them. Lay out a bed and dig a trench around the edges. Insert 2 stakes and string a level mason’s line. Set each brick with a mallet and backfill as you go. Cut a brick with a brick chisel if necessary. Test the soil’s softness. Insert steel or aluminum edging 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) into the ground. Hammer metal stakes into the ground on either side of the edging.

https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Potatoes

How to Clean Potatoes

To clean potatoes, first rinse them off under cool water. Then, rub the surface of each potato with your fingers to remove any stubborn dirt or debris. You can also scrub the potatoes with a clean scrub brush if they're particularly dirty. Just scrub using circular motions, focusing on any dirty areas. Rinse the potatoes off a second time when you're done scrubbing them. Finally, pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel.

Start with clean hands. Be sure to wash your hands first using an antibacterial soap, and to rinse them well. You don't want to transfer any bacteria to your clean potatoes. Wash the potatoes just before you plan to cook and eat them. Do not wash the potatoes before storing them, as this could lead to early rot and spoilage. Rinse the potato with cool water. All potatoes should be washed, including organic ones, and ones you plan on peeling. Organic potatoes may be free of chemicals and pesticides, but they will still be covered with dirt and bacteria. You also want to wash potatoes that you plan on peeling. If you don't wash them first, you might end up dragging some of the bacteria or dirt onto the flesh when you go to peel them. Dampen the vegetable scrubber. Try to avoid using the same scrubber you use for your dishes. It may contain some soap residue, which might get onto the potato. If you don't have a vegetable scrubbing brush, find a clean sponge with a scratchy, scrubby side, and use that instead. Scrub the potato using a circular motion. Focus on any dirty areas as well as the eyes, where most of the dirt collects. Do not use any soaps, detergents, or produce cleaners. You may not end up getting all of the residue off. Also, research has proven that a simple scrubbing is pretty effective. If you notice any sprouts, pull them off. Don't leave them on the potato. Rinse the scrubber and potato. Overtime, the scrubber may start to turn off-color. If this happens, simply rinse both the scrubber and the potato under water. Repeat the scrubbing and rinsing until your potato is lighter than it was before. If you have a white dish scrubber, you can wait until it stops getting off-color. If you don't, wait until the potato is a few shades lighter. It may have splotches of different colors. That's fine. Pat the potato dry with a paper towel, then move onto the next one. This can help remove any leftover dirt and bacteria. Plan to wash your potatoes before you are ready to cook and eat them. Do not wash them any sooner, and certainly not before storing them. If you wash the potatoes before storing them, they may never fully dry, and start to rot. Find a clean, exfoliating bath glove. You can find them in make up shops and in the beauty section of a department store. They are usually made of a coarse, scrubby material. Make sure that the glove is new. Use it only for washing potatoes. Do not use it again to exfoliate your body. Wash your hands with soap and water, then put the glove on. You will be using the glove to scrub the dirt away. Soak both the potato and glove under cool, running water. If you are concerned about wasting water, turn the faucet off. Do not use any soap, dish detergent, or produce cleaner. If you use these, you may not get all of the residue off the potato. Gently massage the potato. Roll and turn and tumble the potato in your hand. The glove's scrubby material will act like a vegetable scrubber, and buff the dirty away. Rinse the glove and the potato under cool, running water. The potato should be a little lighter in color than before. If you need to, repeat the scrubbing and rinsing process. Pat the potato dry with a paper towel, then move onto the next one. Drying the potato off may also help wipe off any extra dirt and bacteria. Wash the glove when you are done. If it is very dirty, add some soap, but make sure that you rinse it out completely.

Start with clean hands. Rinse the potato with cool water. Dampen the vegetable scrubber. Scrub the potato using a circular motion. Rinse the scrubber and potato. Repeat the scrubbing and rinsing until your potato is lighter than it was before. Pat the potato dry with a paper towel, then move onto the next one. Plan to wash your potatoes before you are ready to cook and eat them. Find a clean, exfoliating bath glove. Wash your hands with soap and water, then put the glove on. Soak both the potato and glove under cool, running water. Gently massage the potato. Rinse the glove and the potato under cool, running water. Pat the potato dry with a paper towel, then move onto the next one. Wash the glove when you are done.

https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-with-Toddlers-Who-Touch-Themselves

How to Deal with Toddlers Who Touch Themselves

It's not uncommon for toddlers to touch themselves downstairs, but if they're doing it around other people, there are ways you can teach them to stop. When you notice your toddler touching themselves, stay calm and try to redirect their attention to something else, like their favorite toy. This will be much more effective than telling them off or punishing them, since this can confuse and upset them. Calmly explain that it's okay to touch themselves when they're in private, but not around other people or in public. If they're touching themselves a lot and they don't seem interested in much else, they might be doing it to help them deal with stress. In this case, help them find other ways to express their feelings, like taking deep breaths and talking about how they feel.

Remain calm. Children may delight in outrageous acts in order to get a rise. For example, your child might jump out of their room fully naked and feel proud of themselves. If your child tends to be an exhibitionist, don't give a reaction, as this takes the fun out of it. Respond calmly without giving them a rise. For example, say, “Who took your clothes from you?” or, “I didn't realize it was naked day.” Redirect their attention. Especially if your child touches themselves absent-mindedly, redirect their attention. This can be helpful when your child is in public and you don't want to talk about their touching or turn it into a discussion. One of the best things to do it to put something in their hands to touch instead. This gives them an activity and keeps them focused on something else. Say, “Will you hold this for me?” or, “Let's play with this instead.” Don’t use physical force. Never slap your child's hand when they are touching themselves. This can send a negative message about their body, sexuality, and their normal curiosity. Do not use force of any kind, and instead, use your words. It might take time for your child to remember not to touch themselves, so be patient. Say, “Hands out of your pants,” or, “It's not an appropriate time to do that.” Avoid shaming them. Let your child know that you understand that it feels good when they touch themselves. Avoid shaming them or acting very embarrassed yourself. You want your child to have a healthy relationship with their body and their own sexuality. Be gentle in how you talk about it and how you ask your child to stop. Avoid saying things that might embarrass them or make them see their curiosity as wrong or bad. For example, say, “I know it feels good to touch yourself, but this is not an appropriate time.” Normalize their curiosity. Let your child know that it's normal to be curious about their body and want to explore it. When they find something that feels good, it's normal to want to do it again. Remember that toddlers are curious and experimental. Allowing your toddler to experiment with age-appropriate behaviors will make them more likely to develop healthy attitudes toward sexuality and their body. Discourage public touching. Let your child know that it's not okay to show their private parts to other people, especially in public. Make it clear that touching and exploring behaviors are acceptable only at home. If they tend to show their private parts or touch themselves while out of the house, set a clear boundary. For example, say, “That's something that's okay at home, but it's not okay with other people around.” Teach them to do it in private. Without showing judgment or disapproval, gently encourage your child to explore their body in private. This is a good time to discuss what privacy is and why it's important. Keep discussion of privacy ongoing and age-appropriate. If your child asks why they need to do it in private, say that it's similar to using the restroom. Answer their questions. Toddlers are becoming aware of their bodies and their gender identity. They will likely ask you questions about their bodies, other people's bodies, and perhaps even be curious to talk about masturbation. They might be curious about gender identity and differences between boys and girls. If they raise questions, answer them in an age-appropriate way. Be calm and straightforward and try not to be embarrassed as you answer. You may not want to have the sex talk quite yet, but feel free to talk about what they're curious about. For example, say, “Yes, it feels good when you touch your private parts. They were made to feel good.” Explain to your child that they own their body and must take care of it. Avoid using nicknames for private parts—teach them to use the correct words, like “penis” and “vagina.” Remind them not to touch others. While it's normal to explore their own body, teach your child not to touch other children or adults, especially near their private parts. This can also help them learn about privacy and how to respect other people. If you see your child touching another child inappropriately, gently redirect them and say, “Please don't touch Riley like that.” Tell your toddler that no one should touch them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable, either. Help them cope in other ways. If your child constantly masturbates and doesn't seem to be comforted by anything else, consider whether they are stressed, anxious, lonely, or bored. If masturbation appears to be a stress relief method, help your child find other ways of dealing with their emotions. For example, practice labeling their emotions and talking about their feelings. If your child is anxious, take some deep breaths together to help calm down. If they see masturbation as a stress-relief, let them know that it's okay to touch themselves but that there are other ways of dealing with their feelings. Spot signs of abuse. Children may act out their experiences when they don't have the words to say what's going on. If they suddenly start playing out experiences or situations that are strongly sexual beyond exploring their body parts, take note of the signs they're exhibiting. Some toddlers may become extra clingy or refuse to separate from their caretaker. Others may regress developmentally and revert to stages they passed long ago. Look out for aggressive play with their toys, other children, or the caretaker. If you suspect your child is being abused, take it seriously. Remove them from any suspected perpetrators and seek help from the authorities. Get professional help if necessary. If your child is touching themselves inappropriately and does not seem to want to or be able to stop, it might be time to bring it up to their pediatrician or perhaps even a therapist. Especially if your toddler is very interested in other sexual activities or touching other children, it's important to consult with a professional and seek their advice. A professional may be able to help you talk to your child about their behavior or how to approach the action in a positive way. They can also help you assess if abuse is occurring and help you seek intervention and support.

Remain calm. Redirect their attention. Don’t use physical force. Avoid shaming them. Normalize their curiosity. Discourage public touching. Teach them to do it in private. Answer their questions. Remind them not to touch others. Help them cope in other ways. Spot signs of abuse. Get professional help if necessary.

https://www.wikihow.com/Create-a-Paper-Bag-Book-Cover

How to Create a Paper Bag Book Cover

To create a paper bag book cover, start by cutting a paper bag along one of the side seams and trimming off the flaps that form the bottom of the bag. Next, unfold the bag so it lays flat and fold the top and bottom edges of the paper in so it's as tall as the book. Then, place the book on the paper, fold the overlapping paper around the front cover, and slide the cover into the slot that was made when you folded the paper. Finally, repeat the folding and sliding process on the other side with the back cover.

Choose a paper bag to cover your book with. It will need to be at least double the width of your book, so that it can cover both the front and back. It also needs to be 3 in (7.6 cm) taller than the height of your book in order to fit properly. Cut open your brown paper shopping bag along one seam. Choose either side, rather than the bottom. Be sure you don't cut both sides, only one. Remove the handles if it has any. Cut off the flaps formed by the bottom of the bag. Don't cut more than 1 to 2 in (2 to 5 cm). You want one large sheet of paper. Place the book in the center of the paper. Make sure the paper is large enough to cover the book in its entirety. Check that the paper will wrap around the book, covering the front and back. Wrap the paper up across the bottom of the book. Make a crease along the bottom cover. You can use double-sided tape to secure the fold, if you wish. This will help secure the cover. Place the book on top of the bottom fold so the edges are even. Wrap the paper up across the top of the book. Make a crease along the top cover. Again, feel free to use tape to hold the fold in place. Then, remove the book from the paper. Measure the folds. They should be at least 1.6 in (4 cm) in length. Fold the paper up at the bottom crease and down at the top crease. You should have a strip of paper big enough to cover the book from top to bottom. Try not to create new folds on top of preexisting folds in the paper. This will cause your book cover to tear more easily. Place the book back in the center of the paper. Wrap the paper across the front of the book from left to right and adjust the book position until the two ends of the paper are even. Fold the overlap around the front cover of the book. Make a crease. Then insert the front cover of the book into the slot created by the paper folded over at the top and the bottom. Slide the paper over the book until you hit the crease. Fold the overlap around the back cover of the book. Make a crease. Then insert the back cover of the book into the slot created by the paper folded over at the top and the bottom. Slide the paper over the book until you hit the crease. Stop if the cover fits snugly. If it seems a little loose or the top and bottom folds are not lying flat, you can use small pieces of tape to pull the front and the inside flap together a little more securely. Do not tape the paper cover to the actual cover of the book; the paper cover will move a little when the book opens, and you could damage the book cover. Decorate your book cover, if you like. Remove the book and add stickers, drawings, or designs to the paper. You can add a name tag, or use fancy fonts or scripts to write the title of the book. You can make designs out of paper and attach them with rubber cement or double-sided tape. When you are finished, put the cover back on the book.

Choose a paper bag to cover your book with. Cut open your brown paper shopping bag along one seam. Cut off the flaps formed by the bottom of the bag. Place the book in the center of the paper. Wrap the paper up across the bottom of the book. Place the book on top of the bottom fold so the edges are even. Fold the paper up at the bottom crease and down at the top crease. Place the book back in the center of the paper. Fold the overlap around the front cover of the book. Fold the overlap around the back cover of the book. Stop if the cover fits snugly. Decorate your book cover, if you like.

https://www.wikihow.com/Blanch-Broccoli

How to Blanch Broccoli

To blanch broccoli, first cut the broccoli into florets if it's not already. Then, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Fill a large bowl with ice cubes and cold water while you wait for the pot of water to heat up. Next, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water and let them cook for 2-3 minutes. You'll know the florets are done when they're barely tender and bright green. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the florets from the pot to the bowl of ice water. The ice water will stop the cooking process so the florets stay crunchy. When they've cooled completed, drain the broccoli florets in a colander and dry them with a paper towel.

Prep your broccoli. Wash and cut the broccoli down to the desired size. Try to make all of your florets the same size to ensure they will all cook at the same rate. Boil your water. Fill a large heavy pot 2/3 of the way full with water. Cover the pot and place it on the stove over high heat. Once the water has begun to boil add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water. Adding salt to boiling water not only adds some seasoning to the water, but it also increases the boiling point of the water. This in turn assists in cooking your food more efficiently! Prepare your ice water bath. While you are waiting for your pot of water to boil, fill a large bowl with cold water and a few ice cubes. Set it aside. Cook your broccoli. Once your pot of water begins to boil, carefully place the cut broccoli into the boiling water. Begin counting blanching time once the water returns to a boil. For florets that are approximately 1½" across, cook for about 3 minutes. Adjust cooking time accordingly for different sized florets. The broccoli should be bright green and firm (though slightly softened) when you remove it. Cool your broccoli down. Either remove the broccoli with a slotted spoon or small sieve or drain the broccoli in a colander. Immediately place the broccoli in the ice bath to stop the cooking process. Remove the cooled florets from the cold water after 30 seconds and strain them again in the colander. Serve. As with other vegetables, blanching your broccoli can be the primary cooking method or it can be the first step before sauteing or stir-frying. Secondary cooking methods (such as sauteing) primarily add flavor to vegetables and don't usually cook the vegetables as thoroughly as needed. Blanching is a great way to pre-cook vegetables to be added to sauté and stir-fry's. Clean and prepare your broccoli. Cut the broccoli down into consistently-sized florets for uniform cooking. Prep for steaming. Fill a large pot with 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) of water and bring to a boil. Place your vegetables in a stem basket that sits above the water line. Cover the pot and prepare an ice water bath, as above. Try to arrange the florets in a single layer to ensure the steam reaches all parts of the broccoli evenly. Time your steam cooking. When steam begin to escape, begin counting your blanching time. Steam blanching broccoli takes approximately 5 minutes. About half-way through the cooking time, remove the lid and make sure the broccoli is not clumping together and that it is all cooking evenly. Stop the cooking process. Once your broccoli has been blanched, remove the steam basket from the pot and immediately place the broccoli into the ice water bath. Complete the blanching. After the broccoli has cooled in the ice water, drain the broccoli in a colander and allow the florets to dry before eating or packing for freezing.

Prep your broccoli. Boil your water. Prepare your ice water bath. Cook your broccoli. Cool your broccoli down. Serve. Clean and prepare your broccoli. Prep for steaming. Time your steam cooking. Stop the cooking process. Complete the blanching.

https://www.wikihow.com/Cancel-a-Credit-Card

How to Cancel a Credit Card

Before canceling a credit card, pay off your existing balance and cash out or use all of the rewards you've earned using it. If you can't pay it off, you can transfer the balance to another card you plan to keep using. To cancel the card, call the credit card company and provide the customer service agent with info like your account number, which can be found on your bill. Tell them you want to cancel your card, and be sure to write down their name or ID number at the end of the call in case there are problems later.

Pay it off first. Before you cancel your credit card, it's a good idea to make sure that you pay off the existing balance and stop using the card. If you can't afford to pay it off, you can transfer the balance to another card that you do not plan on canceling. When you call to cancel your card, confirm that there is no balance on it. In addition to paying off your balance, you should also make sure that you cash out all of your rewards. If you forget to do this, they will likely be lost forever. Call the customer service department. In order to cancel your card, you will need to contact the issuer's customer service department. The number can usually be found on the back of your card, on your bill, and online. Once you are connected to a customer service agent, let them know that you would like to close your account. Have your credit card and a bill in front of you when you call. This will ensure that you will have all of the information you will need. The representative may ask you why you want to close the account. You can give any reason you like, including that you do not use the card. It is your right to close the account for any reason at all. If possible, get the representative's name or ID number and write it down, just in case you have problems later. Consider the counter-offer. When you call to cancel your card, the issuer may offer you something, such as a lower interest rate or more rewards points, to keep you as a customer. It may or may not be worth it to consider this offer, depending on why you want to cancel the card in the first place. It's a good idea to think about what it would take to change your mind about canceling before you call. This will make it easier for you to stand your ground if the offer isn't good enough. If the offer is good, you may want to consider canceling a different credit card instead. If you're on the fence about closing the card, you can try calling the customer service department and bargaining with them for better terms. For example, you might say, "I plan on canceling this card unless you can lower my interest rate to 15%." Confirm the cancellation in writing. If you end up canceling your card over the phone, it's always a good idea to send the company a letter as well. This will help ensure that the account is really canceled, even if the customer service agent you spoke to makes a mistake. The letter must include your name, address, and credit card account number. Include the date that you canceled the card and the name of the representative you spoke to in your letter, and request that the company send you a written confirmation letter indicating that the card has been canceled. You may want to include proof of your final payment, such as a copy of a check. Send the letter by certified mail with a return receipt. Pick the right time to cancel. Since canceling a credit card can influence your credit score, it's important to be strategic about when you do it. Avoid closing any accounts if you are in the process applying for new credit. If you are planning to buy a house or a new car, wait until after the loan is finalized to cancel your card. Consider off-setting the cancellation. In order to avoid hurting your credit score by canceling a card, you may want to off-set it by increasing your credit limit in another way. This will keep your credit utilization rate constant. You can do this by opening a new card or requesting a balance increase on an existing card. If you have good credit and low balances on your cards, this is less important. Closing a credit card should only have a small impact on your credit score. Choose the right cards to cancel. If you want to cancel a credit card simply because you have too many of them, it's important to think carefully about which one you should cancel. Canceling the wrong card could end up costing you more money or damaging your credit score unnecessarily. Cards that charge annual fees or have very high interest rates are usually the best options (unless these cards come with benefits that outweigh the high costs). Canceling the credit card that you have had for the longest is usually a bad idea because continuous credit looks good on your credit report. Look at your credit report after canceling. After you cancel your credit card, it's a good idea to request a copy of your credit report and look at it carefully to confirm that it reflects the fact that you have canceled the card. It should not say that the account was closed by the issuer, as this will look bad to other creditors. If your credit report is inaccurate, you will need to contact the credit card company's customer service department again and ask them to correct the way in which they reported the closure of the account to the credit reporting agency. Be sure to check your report again to make sure they fixed the problem.

Pay it off first. Call the customer service department. Consider the counter-offer. Confirm the cancellation in writing. Pick the right time to cancel. Consider off-setting the cancellation. Choose the right cards to cancel. Look at your credit report after canceling.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Frito-Pie

How to Make Frito Pie

To make Frito pie, start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Next, spread ⅔ of a large bag of Fritos on the bottom of a baking dish. Then, cover the chips with canned or homemade chili and add diced tomatoes, if desired. Bake for 15 minutes, then top with sour cream, diced onion, the rest of the Fritos, and grated cheese. For a fresher taste, sprinkle the sour cream layer with shredded lettuce.

Preheat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C). Now's a good time to dice the onions, while you wait. Spread most of the Fritos in a baking dish. Use ⅔ of the Fritos, or enough to cover the whole pan. Save the rest for the topping. Cover with chili. You can use any kind of canned chili, or make your own using the recipe below. Optionally, add diced tomatoes, canned or fresh. Bake for 15 minutes. Once your oven is preheated, put the casserole dish in the oven. Leave it for about fifteen minutes, until the chili is hot. For an even easier recipe, add all the ingredients on top of the chili and bake in one sitting. Top with other ingredients. Spread a layer of sour cream over the chili with a spoon. Top with the diced onion, the rest of the Fritos, and the grated cheese. The Fritos on top will stay much crunchier than the Fritos at the bottom of the pan. Optionally, sprinkle the sour cream layer with shredded lettuce for a fresher taste. Bake for another five minutes. Return to the oven and bake a few minutes longer, until the cheese is melted. Serve hot. Heat chili on the stove. Pour the can of chili into a pan over medium heat. Cover and let warm, stirring occasionally. You can make homemade chili instead, or use the recipe below. For more flavor, add diced tomatoes and/or canned beans if the canned chili does not include them. Most Texan chili skips both of these ingredients. Slit open the side of each Frito bag. A "walking taco" is a Frito pie served in the Frito bag instead of a bowl. Each person gets one Frito bag. Cut each bag open along the side instead of the top to make a larger opening. Spoon chili and cheese into each bag. Spoon the chili directly into the Frito bag, then top with melted cheese. You can leave this as is to keep the chips crunchy, or stir it together for a delicious mess. Diced onions and sour cream are optional toppings. If you want room for more chili, crush some of the chips first by squeezing the bag. Cut and toast the dried chili peppers. Slice open the peppers and remove the seeds, stem, and white inner flesh. Heat a dry skillet and toast the peppers for about 30 seconds on each side, until dark spots begin to appear. You can skip this step and use chili powder instead, but whole dried chili peppers give a much better flavor. Do not touch your eyes until you've washed your hands thoroughly. Wear gloves if you have sensitive skin. If you like extra-spicy, chili, set aside some of the seeds and add them once the chili is cooking. Soak the peppers in hot water. Submerge in 1 cup (240 mL) of hot water, not boiling water, for 5–10 minutes. Puree the peppers and water in a blender and set them aside for now. If you think you'll use them again, you can make a large batch in advance. For maximum flavor, soak for 30 minutes and simmer in oil, covered, for another 20 minutes. Brown ground chuck in a large frying pan. Add the beef to a hot frying pan and cook until brown. Stir occasionally and break it into even-sized pieces with a wooden spoon. For best results, brown in small batches, so most of the beef can touch the pan surface. This will take a few minutes per batch. Use a nonstick pan, or nonstick cooking spray. Cook the onions until translucent. Add the diced onions to the hot pan and cook until translucent, about five minutes. Combine chili ingredients in a large saucepan. Combine chili pepper puree, beef, and onions in a large pot. The larger and heavier the pot, the better the meat texture will be. Add the chicken or beef stock, beer, cumin, a grind of pepper, and several pinches of salt. If food has stuck to the frying pan, deglaze it with some of the stock and add it to the chili. Red ale or stout is a good choice. Replace with more stock for a nonalcoholic version; otherwise, about 25% of the alcohol will remain. Simmer until the meat is tender. Bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered until the meat is tender and the chili is thick, 45–60 minutes. Stir occasionally. For extra flavor, instead cover with a slightly ajar lid and cook for up to 3 hours. Mix in corn flour paste (optional). This makes a thicker, less greasy chili. Add the corn flour to a bowl and spoon in some of the chili broth. Stir until it forms a paste, then pour it into the chili. Stir until thoroughly combined. Adjust spices and serve. Taste the chili. Add more salt, pepper, or cumin if desired. Let it sit off the heat to absorb more flavor and cool enough to eat. Serve with Fritos and grated cheese. Squeeze a lime over it for extra flavor. For sweet chili, stir in 1 tbsp (15 mL) brown sugar and 1 tbsp (15 mL) white vinegar, then let simmer another ten minutes. Finished.

Preheat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C). Spread most of the Fritos in a baking dish. Cover with chili. Bake for 15 minutes. Top with other ingredients. Bake for another five minutes. Heat chili on the stove. Slit open the side of each Frito bag. Spoon chili and cheese into each bag. Cut and toast the dried chili peppers. Soak the peppers in hot water. Brown ground chuck in a large frying pan. Cook the onions until translucent. Combine chili ingredients in a large saucepan. Simmer until the meat is tender. Mix in corn flour paste (optional). Adjust spices and serve. Finished.

https://www.wikihow.com/Pay-Federal-Taxes

How to Pay Federal Taxes

To pay federal taxes, pay with your return, if you can, by sending a check or money order if you are mailing in your return. If you are filing online, have the money withdrawn from your bank account. If you can't pay your taxes right away, apply for an installment plan on the IRS website. Make sure to review the terms and conditions before you agree to do this. If you are ineligible to apply for the installment plan online, fill out form 9465 or call the IRS if you have questions.

Have the money withdrawn from your bank account electronically. If you have a checking or savings account, electronic funds withdrawal (EFW) is the quickest and easiest way to pay your federal taxes. When you pay with an EFW, you don't have to worry about any processing fees, either from the IRS or from your bank. When the payment is processed, you'll see "IRS USA Tax Payment" or "IRS USA Tax Pymt" on your account statement. It may take 2 or 3 days for the money to be withdrawn from your account, depending on the time of day you submit your payment, and whether it's before a weekend or bank holiday. Send a check or money order if you're mailing your return. If you're sending in a paper return through the US mail and owe money to the IRS, you can make your payment using a personal check, cashier's check, or money order. Make sure your check or money order includes your full legal name and address, phone number, and Social Security number. If you filed a joint return, use the name and Social Security number that was listed first. Include the tax year and form on the memo line. For example: "2017 1040EZ." Pay with credit or debit card through a tax preparation service. If you use an online or in-person tax preparation service, such as TurboTax or H&R Block, they may allow you to pay your tax bill (along with any tax preparation fees) using your credit or debit card. Fees typically apply to credit or debit card payments, since they're usually made using a third-party payment service. This option typically is only available if you e-file your return rather than filing a paper application. Find a participating retail store for cash payments. If you don't have a bank account or prefer to pay in cash, you can use the PayNearMe service at a participating 7-Eleven store, located in 34 states across the country. You must pay a fee of $3.99 each time you use this service. You can only pay up to $1,000 a day. It may take up to 2 business days for your payment to post, so make sure you pay before your payment is due. Evaluate individual payment agreement qualifications. Whether you're eligible to set up a payment agreement generally depends on your individual tax situation. Generally, you can choose a short- or long-term payment plan. A short-term plan is available if you owe less than $100,000 in taxes. A short-term plan requires you to make payments and pay off your tax bill within 120 days or less. If you owe less than $50,000 in taxes, you may be eligible for a long-term plan, which will give you more than 120 days to pay what you owe. There is no set-up fee for short-term agreements. For a long-term agreement, you may have to pay as much as $149 in set-up fees. Apply online for an installment agreement. By visiting https://www.irs.gov/payments/online-payment-agreement-application , you can apply online immediately to pay your tax bill in installments. After answering a few questions, the system will determine whether you're eligible to complete this process online. Once the agreement is complete, simply make installment payment as agreed using the IRS's Direct Pay system at https://directpay.irs.gov/directpay/payment?execution=e1s1. Fill out Form 9465 if you are ineligible to apply online. Depending on your unique circumstances, you may not be eligible to apply for an installment agreement online. You can still open an installment agreement with Form 9465, "Installment Agreement Request." You can download this form from the IRS website. You may also need Form 433-F, "Collection Information Statement." Call 1-800-829-1040 if you have any questions or want to request an installment agreement over the phone. File an offer in compromise if you can't pay your bill. With an offer in compromise, you can settle your tax debt if paying your taxes is impossible or would result in financial hardship. The IRS looks at your set of circumstances individually. You can use the offer in compromise pre-qualifier to find out if you're eligible to file an offer in compromise. This tool is available at https://irs.treasury.gov/oic_pre_qualifier/. Read through the instructions carefully and submit your offer on the offer in compromise forms. Include an application fee of $186 plus an initial payment. If you're requesting to make a lump-sum payment, your initial payment must be at least 20 percent of the total. Enroll with the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS). Go to the EFTPS website at https://www.eftps.gov and click on "enroll." Follow the prompts and enter your Social Security number or employer identification number (EIN). You can use the EFTPS system if you're an individual. However, it may be easier for you to use the IRS's Direct Pay website. If you're filing estimated taxes for a business, however, you must use the EFTPS system. Enroll as a business if your business has a separate EIN that you use to file taxes on behalf of the business. If you're self-employed or a sole proprietor and are personally responsible for your business taxes, enroll as an individual. Receive your PIN in the mail. Once you request enrollment, the IRS will verify your identity with its records and send you a unique PIN to the address you provided. It should arrive within 5 to 7 business days of the date you requested enrollment in the service. If you don't receive your PIN after a week, call 1-800-555-4477. You can give the agent your Social Security number or EIN, and they will provide you with your PIN. When you get your PIN, keep it in a safe place. Once you've completed your enrollment and entered your banking information, you won't be able to call and get your PIN if you lose it. Complete your enrollment on the EFTPS website. After you receive your PIN, you'll be able to go back to the EFTPS website and log in. Once you're enrolled, you can set up your account and create your profile using the same personal information you use when you file your taxes. You'll have to enter the account and routing number of the checking or savings account you want to use for your EFTPS payments. Calculate your tax payments. The EFTPS is only a payment system. It does not have any information on how much tax you owe, and doesn't have any resources to help you calculate your payments. To calculate your estimated tax payments, you can use IRS Form 1040-ES. You can download the form from the IRS website. Calculate your quarterly payments based on the taxes you estimate you'll owe for the year. If you have bookkeeping software for your business, such as QuickBooks, it may calculate your estimated tax payments for you, as well as send you an alert when your quarterly tax payment is due. Schedule your payments. To use the EFTPS system to make tax payments, you must have them withdrawn from a checking or savings account.

Have the money withdrawn from your bank account electronically. Send a check or money order if you're mailing your return. Pay with credit or debit card through a tax preparation service. Find a participating retail store for cash payments. Evaluate individual payment agreement qualifications. Apply online for an installment agreement. Fill out Form 9465 if you are ineligible to apply online. File an offer in compromise if you can't pay your bill. Enroll with the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS). Receive your PIN in the mail. Complete your enrollment on the EFTPS website. Calculate your tax payments. Schedule your payments.

https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-Potatoes

How to Choose Potatoes

Choosing perfect potatoes depends on how you plan to use them. If you're frying or roasting potatoes, look for a starchy variety like Russet or Idaho potatoes. Waxy potatoes, like fingerlings and Yukon Gold, are best for boiling and steaming. Waxy potatoes are also good in potato salads, stews, and casseroles because they hold their shape when they are cooked. If you want to cook a whole potato, choose a new potato, which has a thinner skin that doesn't need to be peeled.

Squeeze potatoes for firmness. The best potatoes are ones that are firm and that don't give when you squeeze them. Getting soft is one of the first indications that a potato is going bad, so avoid potatoes that feel squishy or soft when you squeeze them. Although soft potatoes are safe to eat if you already have one at home, avoid buying them from the store unless you plan to cook them immediately. Check for cuts and blemishes. Cuts and blemishes can lead to decay, and they can also provide a place where bacteria or mold can get into the potato. When choosing potatoes, turn them over and inspect all sides for gouges, dents, cuts, and other open spots in the skin. Potatoes with minor surface blemishes are safe to eat, as long as you cut away the affected area. You'll get more potato for your money if you buy potatoes that are clean, smooth, and unblemished. Smell potatoes before buying them. Because potatoes are grown in the ground, it's normal and natural for them to smell faintly of soil. Before adding a potato to your cart, put it up to your nose and inhale. Although potatoes should smell faintly of soil, the skin should be relatively clean and free of dirt. Buy sprouting potatoes only if you're going to eat them immediately. Potatoes that are growing eyes have started to sprout. While these are still safe to eat, they should be eaten right away. Don't buy sprouting potatoes unless you're going to cook them within a day or two. Before cooking, dig out any eyes that are growing from the potato with a spoon or cut them off with a knife. Don’t buy wrinkled potatoes. Wrinkles in a potato can be a sign of many things, including mishandling (which also leads to bruises), moisture loss, and the potatoes being stored in too warm a temperature. Instead, look for potatoes that are smooth and plump. Avoid potatoes with green skin. Potatoes grow underground, so if they're exposed to the sun, it means they're vulnerable to predators. To protect themselves, potatoes produce a chemical called solanine, which makes the potato taste bitter and unappealing. When eaten in large quantities, solanine can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, diarrhea, and hallucinations. Potatoes with a shallow layer of green buildup are safe to eat, as long as you cut away the affected portions. You'll get more for your money if you avoid green potatoes. Don’t buy potatoes with darks spots or bruises. Dark spots and bruises should be cut away before a potato is eaten, so it's best to buy potatoes that don't have any such flaws. Turn the potato over in your hand and look for black spots, dark areas, and bruises that would have to be cut away. Bruising is typically a sign of rough handling, but dark spots can also be a sign of blight or fungal infection. Pick starchy potatoes for dry or oil-based cooking. Potatoes that are high in starch absorb lots of liquid, so they tend to fall apart in soups, stews, and when boiled. But they're great for dry cooking methods like baking and roasting, and oil-based cooking methods like frying. Starchy potatoes can also be mashed, and they pair well with butter, gravy, sour cream, and other sauces. Starchy potatoes include: Russets Sweet potatoes Idaho Go with waxy potatoes for steaming and boiling. Waxy potatoes contain low amounts of starch. They don't absorb liquid the way starchy potatoes do, so they don't fall apart when boiled, steamed, or cooked in soups and stews. These are also great potatoes for potato salad, chowders, and casseroles, because they hold their shape when cooked. A few waxy, low-starch potato varieties are: Fingerlings Yukon Gold (low to medium starch level) Carola LaRette Austrian Crescent Opt for an all-purpose potato when you don’t know what you need. All-purpose potatoes contain medium amounts of starch, so they'll absorb water when cooked but also hold their shape better than high-starch varieties. These potatoes can be steamed, boiled, baked, fried, and cooked in soups and stews, but they're ideal for gratin and roasting. Medium-starch all-purpose potatoes include: Goldilocks Kennebec Onaway Elba Red potatoes Purple potatoes All Blue Use new potatoes when you want to cook a whole potato. New potatoes are potatoes that are harvested before they fully mature. They have a tender and thin skin, so they don't need to be peeled before they're cooked. Because these potatoes are smaller and have a thinner skin, they're ideal for boiling or steaming whole. Once cooked, whole new potatoes are often tossed with butter, oil, and seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic, and herbs. The term new potato can refer to any kind of potato, because “new” refers to the age and maturity of the potato, not the variety. Choose russets for oil-based cooking methods. When you eat French fries, most of the time they'll be made with russet potatoes. This variety of potato works great with oil-based cooking methods like frying and sautéing. Other dishes where russets are ideal are: Hash browns Latkes Potato wedges Transfer potatoes to a paper bag for storage. Potatoes will last for several months when stored properly. The best way to store potatoes is in an open paper bag, or a paper bag with several holes punched into it. This allows the air to circulate and prevents moisture from building up inside the bag. Plastic bags are not recommended for storing potatoes, because they trap moisture and can lead to premature rotting. Store them in a dark place. Potatoes that are exposed to the sun will begin to produce solanine, so it's integral to keep potatoes in a dark location away from sunlight. Countertop storage is not recommended. Good places to keep potatoes include: Root cellars Pantries Cupboards Closets Cabinets Pick a slightly cool location for storage. The ideal temperature for storing potatoes is between 45 and 50 F (7 and 10 C). This is why root and cold cellars are best for potatoes, but dark pantries and cupboards will also work. Do not store potatoes in the refrigerator, because the excessive cold will cause the starch to convert to sugar, changing the flavor of the potato. Potatoes that are stored at room temperature will only last for one to two weeks, as opposed to two to three months. Store them in a dry, ventilated location. Moisture can cause potatoes to spoil quickly, so you need to find a dry location where they can be kept. A dry location that's also cool, dark, and well-ventilated will prevent sprouting and early spoilage. For houses with wet basements, a cupboard or pantry will be more suitable for potatoes.

Squeeze potatoes for firmness. Check for cuts and blemishes. Smell potatoes before buying them. Buy sprouting potatoes only if you're going to eat them immediately. Don’t buy wrinkled potatoes. Avoid potatoes with green skin. Don’t buy potatoes with darks spots or bruises. Pick starchy potatoes for dry or oil-based cooking. Go with waxy potatoes for steaming and boiling. Opt for an all-purpose potato when you don’t know what you need. Use new potatoes when you want to cook a whole potato. Choose russets for oil-based cooking methods. Transfer potatoes to a paper bag for storage. Store them in a dark place. Pick a slightly cool location for storage. Store them in a dry, ventilated location.

https://www.wikihow.com/Style-a-Moustache

How to Style a Moustache

To style a moustache, make sure to shampoo it at least twice a week to keep it clean and smelling fresh. Then, rub in a few drops of beard oil and brush your moustache with a fine-toothed comb to make it look neat. In order to shape your moustache, wait until it's fully dry before shaving or trimming it, since wet hair tends to hang longer than dry hair. Afterwards, use moustache wax and a blow dryer to help set the hairs in place.

Try a classic handlebar moustache. Let your moustache grow out until the ends reach around your upper lip. Dab some moustache wax to the upper end of your moustache and, using a comb, spread it down throughout the whole moustache. Part the moustache in half and, using your fingers, twist each end up. Most people suggest that a proper handlebar moustache takes at least 6 weeks of growth. As it grows, you may want to trim a few hairs around your lip, but avoid too much trimming. If you want to curl the ends, twist them around a pen or pencil for a tighter loop. Do a Chevron moustache for a simple look. Let your moustache grow out until it brushes your upper lip. Trim any longer hairs until the end of the moustache hangs at the top corners of your mouth. Whenever your moustache grows below your upper lip, trim it to keep the ends away from your mouth. Actor Tom Selleck is the best-known person to sport a Chevron moustache. If your moustache hair is coarse, a Chevron moustache can make it look neater. If there are any extra hairs above the mustache, trim or shave them off to give yourself a cleaner look. Style a cowboy moustache for its masculine charm. The cowboy moustache is a longer version of the Chevron moustache. The charm of this style comes with its scruffiness—grow out a Chevron moustache, then let the moustache keep growing over your upper lip until it just touches your bottom lip. Tidy the moustache with some trimming scissors as it grows over your bottom lip to avoid an overly-unkempt style. One popular wearer of the cowboy moustache is Ron Swanson from Parks and Recreation. Grow a walrus moustache if you don't have sensitive lips. Walrus moustaches are like a combination of the handlebar and cowboy moustache. Let your moustache grow down past your bottom lip on the sides. Trim the center of the mustache up around your lower lip. This should create a horseshoe shape. Part your moustache in half, then apply wax to the moustache to keep it in place. The walrus moustache takes at least 3 months for most people to grow. Teddy Roosevelt and Friedrich Nietzsche were well-known wearers of the walrus moustache. Choose a pyramidal style if you want a thick-yet-trimmed 'stache. As the name would apply, pyramidal moustaches are narrow on top and wide on the bottom. Grow your moustache out to just above your upper lip, then use a trimmer to make your moustache horizontally thinner on the top and slope the sides down to a wide bottom. Continue trimming your moustache as it grows past your upper lip to keep the shape tidy. Try a pencil-thin moustache if you don't mind higher maintenance. Pencil-thin moustaches are easier to grow out and can be achieved after around a month for most people. Its styling regimen, however, is a little more involved than some styles. Keep the moustache trimmed above your upper lip and part it in half. Trim carefully to keep the bottom line of the moustache even, as crooked moustaches do not look as well-kept. The ideal thickness of a pencil-thin moustache, as its name suggests, is about the same thickness as a pencil. Vintage film stars Clark Gable and Errol Flynn both sported a pencil-thin moustache. Do a horseshoe moustache if you can grow a full beard. Horseshoe moustaches are shaped like an upside-down "U" over your mouth and chin. To style a horseshoe moustache, grow a full beard and shave the cheeks and chin area below the bottom lip. Finish off the look by shaving your jawline and using moustache wax to keep the horseshoe in place. Horseshoe moustaches pair well with soul patches. American wrestler Hulk Hogan's facial hair is a popular example the horseshoe moustache. Try the Fu Manchu style if you want a fun, bold moustache. Begin your Fu Manchu moustache by growing the whiskers on your upper lip. Continue growing them down each side of your mouth, shaving all hair past the corners of the mouth to keep the mustache thin. Part the moustache in half and apply wax to point both ends down. In essence, the Fu Manchu moustache is a thinner, more trim version of the handlebar moustache. Style a Dali moustache for an eccentric look. The Dali moustache is an artistic, somewhat comical take on the handlebar moustache. Grow your moustache until it reaches your upper lip, then continue growing the ends until they reach your chin. Part the moustache in half and, applying wax liberally to the moustache, twist both ends up and across your cheekbones. Dali moustaches look best on oblong or oval-shaped faces. Pair your moustache with mutton chops if you grow thick sideburns. When a moustache is connected to a thick pair of sideburns, the style is called "friendly muttonchops." Grow a full beard, then shave all of the hair directly below your mouth. Keep the corners connecting your moustache and sideburns thin with a pair of trimmers. Shampoo your moustache at least twice a week. Wash your moustache regularly to avoid getting food caught in the whiskers. Shampoo the moustache at least twice weekly to prevent unpleasant odors, and condition the moustache as desired to keep it soft. Try not to scrub your moustache as you wash it. If you scrub too hard, you may rip out some hair follicles. Regular hair shampoo works for shampooing your moustache. Blow dry your moustache to make it easier to style. Blowdrying can help you shape and manage your moustache. For even better results, apply a wax and blow hot air on it to help style it. Once your moustache looks good, switch to cold air to seal the wax in place. Moisturize the skin underneath your moustache weekly. The skin under your moustache can get dry and prone to dandruff if it's not taken care of. Apply a face moisturizer to your fingers and rub it through your moustache. Rinse your moustache with water and pat it dry with a towel to keep your skin soft. Use facial hair oil on your moustache daily. Beard or moustache oil will keep your 'stache shiny and your skin soft underneath. Rub a few drops of facial hair oil in your hands and work it into your moustache. If you have any residual oil left on your fingers, rub it into your cheeks and the rest of your face. How much oil you apply will depend on the thickness and size of your facial hair. Refer to the oil instructions for details. You can also buy a beard balm, which uses oils to keep your moustache soft. Use a fine-toothed comb to brush your moustache. A moustache comb with many short and thin bristles will keep your moustache well-shaped. If you cannot find a specialty moustache comb, choose a fine-toothed one to achieve a clean and maintained style. Cut your moustache when it is dry. Wet facial hair is heavier and tends to hang longer than it normally would. You may end up cutting too much if you wash your moustache before you cut it. Dry your moustache off before trimming or shaving your moustache. Visit a barber or stylist to try more advanced moustache styles. If you want to try a difficult moustache style or have a hard time keeping it up, most barbers can shape or style a moustache for you. Ask your barber about any maintenance tips so you can start styling it from home.

Try a classic handlebar moustache. Do a Chevron moustache for a simple look. Style a cowboy moustache for its masculine charm. Grow a walrus moustache if you don't have sensitive lips. Choose a pyramidal style if you want a thick-yet-trimmed 'stache. Try a pencil-thin moustache if you don't mind higher maintenance. Do a horseshoe moustache if you can grow a full beard. Try the Fu Manchu style if you want a fun, bold moustache. Style a Dali moustache for an eccentric look. Pair your moustache with mutton chops if you grow thick sideburns. Shampoo your moustache at least twice a week. Blow dry your moustache to make it easier to style. Moisturize the skin underneath your moustache weekly. Use facial hair oil on your moustache daily. Use a fine-toothed comb to brush your moustache. Cut your moustache when it is dry. Visit a barber or stylist to try more advanced moustache styles.

https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Flea-Bites

How to Treat Flea Bites

To treat flea bites, wash them with warm, soapy water and apply an ice pack to reduce the swelling. You can also wash flea bites with green or black tea, or put used green or black tea bags directly on the bites. Have an aloe vera plant? Just break apart a leaf and rub the gel on your bites for some relief. If you have bites all over your body, you can also try taking an oatmeal bath, which may help soothe inflammation from the bites.

Wash the area of the flea bite with warm soapy water. Apply an antiseptic, such as rubbing alcohol or witch hazel on a cotton ball, to the bite. Then apply an ice pack to reduce the swelling. If you don't have an icepack, just wrap some ice in an elastic bandage or place it in a plastic bag. You can also use a bag of frozen vegetables. Put the ice on for 10 minutes, then remove it for 10 minutes. Repeat this cycle twice over the course of an hour.. Make sure that the water is not too hot as this can actually aggravate the inflamed areas on your skin. Try calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream. Either of these ointments, which you can get at your local drugstore, may ease the itching of your flea bite. Hydrocortisone is a mild steroid cream, while calamine lotion uses ferric oxide to treat mild itchiness. Both are available over-the-counter (OTC) and are safe to use in quantities directed by the manufacturer. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about antihistamines for severe itching. Sometimes, flea bites itch so severely that you need to take an oral antihistamine. Your doctor or pharmacist can provide suggestions for OTC or prescription solutions. Some antihistamines that you might consider include: Diphenhydramine and other oral antihistamines. Diphenhydramine is OTC and provides quick relief for most itching, but often makes users drowsy. Look for the non-drowsy version. Tripelennamin hydrochloride is another OTC drug, and similar to Diphenhydramine. Tripelennamin hydrochloride is taken orally. Hydroxyzine is prescription only. If your itching becomes severe and you need relief that OTC antihistamines can't give you, ask your doctor about Hydroxyzine, which works by reducing the natural histamines in the body. Topical antihistamines. Keep the area clean and apply either hydrocortisone or calamine lotion to ease itching and decrease irritation of the fleabite. Avoid scratching in and around the affected area. It can damage the skin and allow infection to occur. Use an over the counter itch relief product like Calamine lotion or one containing hydrocortisone to relieve the itching instead. Apply some aloe vera gel to your bites. You can either break apart an aloe vera leaf and rub the gel onto your bites or use a commercially bottled aloe vera gel. Wash the bites with tea. You can wash with green or black tea, comfrey tea or a tea made from fresh or dried lavender flowers. Alternatively, you can place used tea bags directly onto the bites. Crush the leaves of healing plants and rub them on the bites. Try crushed basil or calendula flowers. You can also try just a drop or 2 of basil oil. Take a tepid oatmeal bath. You can make an oatmeal bath on your own, or you can buy the oatmeal bath at your local grocery or drugstore. Tepid water is important. Hot water has a tendency to dry your skin out. Try echinacea. Make or buy a tincture of echinacea and put just a few drops onto the bite. You can also make a skin wash from fresh echinacea flowers and warm water. Use coconut pulp. Mash the coconut up, and then put the pieces in the blender, shell and all. After you blast it, you should have a nice pulp, and this is what you are going to use to treat your flea bites. Rub the paste onto the affected areas, and wrap in a towel for about an hour, and then just wash it off. You should do this about three times and you should notice the swelling of the bites reducing in that time. Then just do it again before you go to bed and you should be almost all clear in the morning. If not, just repeat the process. Eat a lot of garlic. For some reason, fleas don't relish the taste of garlic. So prepare a your favorite Italian dish, or make Moules Marinieres, and sop up all that garlicky goodness with some garlic bread. Don't give any garlic to your dogs, however, as garlic is toxic to them. Make a citrus spray. Fleas dislike citrus smells. Slice a lemon into thin pieces, add it to some water and heat to a boiling point. Let it sit overnight and, in the morning, spray it onto areas where you suspect fleas hang out (the ankles and the arms especially). This should help prevent future flea bites and make you smell nice in the bargain! Use essential oils to dissuade fleas from biting you. Several essential oils help ward off fleas because of their strong smell. Use this to your advantage. Create tinctures or mix the essential oil directly onto your skin for relief from fleas. Use eucalyptus oil on problem areas. Eucalyptus oil is another offensive smell for fleas. Take a little bit of eucalyptus oil, mix it into a spray bottle with some water, and spray onto ankles and arms. Use lavender oil on problem areas. Lavender oil, like eucalyptus oil, is offensive to fleas. Apply as you might eucalyptus oil. Use cedarwood oil on problem areas. Alternately, sprinkle a few cedar chips in your pillow, at the base of your bed, etc. to discourage the fleas from living in the area. Check out some other ways to fight fleas. Solve flea problems naturally. Click here for an article on how to get rid of fleas naturally. Eradicate fleas in different ways. Click here for an article on how to generally fight fleas. Make a flea trap. Click here for ideas on how to make a flea trap.

Wash the area of the flea bite with warm soapy water. Try calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about antihistamines for severe itching. Avoid scratching in and around the affected area. Apply some aloe vera gel to your bites. Wash the bites with tea. Crush the leaves of healing plants and rub them on the bites. Take a tepid oatmeal bath. Try echinacea. Use coconut pulp. Eat a lot of garlic. Make a citrus spray. Use essential oils to dissuade fleas from biting you. Check out some other ways to fight fleas.

https://www.wikihow.com/Dress-when-You-Are-Fat

How to Dress when You Are Fat

You can dress great if you're fat by choosing flattering, well-fitting clothes. For example, avoid oversized garments and tent dress that only make you look bigger. Instead, wear nice-fitting boot cut jeans or pencil skirts, which both make your hips and thighs look more proportionate. When it comes to dresses, try wearing A-line or Empire style dresses which accentuate your curves while camouflaging your tummy and thighs. If you want to wear a suit, stick to simple patterns since they flatter the shape of your body. Additionally, situate your belt at waist level, and not below your belly, since this will just make your stomach more pronounced.

Know what designs work best. Avoid horizontal stripes and excessive patterns. These will draw unwanted attention to your body that you may be trying to avoid. Solid colors are a safer choice if you want to appear slimmer. The tried and true rule is that black is generally very slimming and flattering. Sticking with darker colors are a safe bet because brighter/lighter colors draw attention to your body and are less effective at camouflaging certain trouble areas. If you do choose a pattern, think vertical. Any vertical stripes or patterns that flow vertically will follow the length of your body and elongate it rather than cutting it off like horizontal patterns would. Wear a bra that is the right size. Statistics show that many women wear the incorrect bra size on a daily basis. Go to a store and get professionally fitted for a bra. The store clerk will make sure you figure out the exact right size for you. If your bra is too small, it can make you look top-heavy; if your bra is too big, it will make you look frumpy. A well-fitting bra can also have a minimizing effect for women who feel they are too top-heavy. Invest in some shapewear. Wearing shapewear garments under your clothing will help slim your figure, smooth out lines, and give you better posture. All of these are good things that will help your clothes look more flattering. Choose the right accessories. A wide belt (not a skinny belt) will help hide your tummy if that is a problem area for you. Sparkly earrings or exciting headbands can draw attention away from your body and direct people to look elsewhere. Pick flattering shoes. In general, shoes that stop at your ankle or have ankle straps will make your legs look shorter and cut off the smooth lines of your body. Instead, go with some tall boots or ballet flats. And of course, heels make everyone's legs look great. Avoid big fabrics and tent dresses. It is a common practice to think that wearing oversized clothing hides your figure. In reality, though, it only accentuates the features you are trying to hide. Wearing clothes that are too big just draws attention to the fact that you are trying to hide behind your clothes and makes your silhouette less distinct. This will make you look bigger in the long run. Choose pants that fit. It is easy to think that wearing pants that are too big are more flattering than pants that are too small (we all want to avoid the dreaded muffin top!). But the fact of the matter is that both options are equally unflattering. Pants that are too big hide your shape and make you seem bulky. Get a pair of nice fitting jeans – or if you can't find one, have a tailor create a pair just for you from some you already own. A perfectly fitting pair of pants will go a long way. Additionally, aim for boot-cut pants. This style is slightly wider at the bottom and will make your hips and thighs look more proportionate. Select a skirt. Pencil skirts are great for curvier girls because they go with the natural curvature of your body. They hug you in all the right places and help your hips/thighs look more balanced, much like boot-cut jeans. Wear an A-line or Empire style dress. These styles will accentuate your curves, while still camouflaging your tummy, thighs, or butt. The flowy lower half of the dress is much more flattering than a fitted type that will show every bulge or imperfection. A universally flattering style for most body types is the wrap dress. Emphasize your waist. No matter what size you are, it is better to show your figure than to not. Choose clothes that emphasize your waist. Even larger ladies have hourglass figures and it is important to show them off. This means wearing clothes that fit properly and accentuate your features, rather than trying to simply hide them or cover them up. Use colors and patterns to your advantage to draw attention to your waistline with vertical stripes or an interesting belt. Get the right fit. Larger men tend to think that hiding underneath baggy clothing will camouflage their size; however, this is not true. Fitted clothes are simply more flattering (and more comfortable!) than clothes that are too big. Baggy clothing looks sloppy and unappealing. Similarly, clothes that are too small will only highlight your extra weight. Wearing clothes that fit right is important. Avoid thick clothing. The heavier the material, the more it adds to the bulk of your body. Thick sweaters and shirts can make you look bigger than you actually are. Plus they can contribute to more sweating, which is a common problem for larger men. Steer clear of the casual. Most casual clothing is less attractive on larger men. Baggy clothes and thin t-shirts won't do any favors for a heavy man. The fact is that fitted trousers with a blazer will look better on a larger man than jeans and a t-shirt will. Try dressing up your everyday wardrobe a bit to find things that are more flattering and make you feel more comfortable. Keep it simple. Clothing that has too much going on pattern-wise will only accentuate your body and draw more attention to your frame. Try sticking with solid prints or minimally patterned items. This will help flatter the shape of your body, rather than bringing the eye directly to it. Maintain normal body proportions. Make clothing decisions that keep your body proportions intact. For example, if you have a larger belly, don't wear your pants underneath your gut. This will make your paunch more noticeable and pronounced. Instead, wear your pants at the normal level around the naval. This will mask your extra belly fat somewhat and maintain the normal proportions for your body. If you have trouble keeping your pants up wearing them at this level, try suspenders instead of a belt. They are stylish and will fix this problem for you!

Know what designs work best. Wear a bra that is the right size. Invest in some shapewear. Choose the right accessories. Pick flattering shoes. Avoid big fabrics and tent dresses. Choose pants that fit. Select a skirt. Wear an A-line or Empire style dress. Emphasize your waist. Get the right fit. Avoid thick clothing. Steer clear of the casual. Keep it simple. Maintain normal body proportions.

https://www.wikihow.com/Maintain-Ash-Brown-Hair

How to Maintain Ash Brown Hair

To maintain your ash brown hair, only wash it once or twice a week to avoid washing out more of your dye than you need to. If it starts to feel greasy between washes, apply a bit of dry shampoo. If you have light ash brown hair, use a purple toning shampoo, which will correct any yellow tones. If you have medium or dark ash brown hair, use a blue toning shampoo to correct brassy orange or red tones. You should also shower with lukewarm water and let your hair air dry whenever possible, since the heat exposure can cause your hair color to fade. Another way to protect your hair from heat is to limit your use of straighteners or curlers. Consider saving them for special occasions!

Limit washing your hair to once or twice each week. Every time you wash your hair, a little bit of hair dye comes out in the wash. This means that the more often you wash your hair, the faster the color will fade. In order to preserve your hair color, you should only wash your hair once or twice per week. If your hair starts to feel greasy, use some dry shampoo to absorb the excess oils from your hair. Condition your hair every time you wash it. Dry, damaged hair loses color much faster than hydrated hair. Always follow up shampoo with a high quality conditioner to keep your hair moisturized and soft. Condition your hair at least 1-2 times per week. Apply a deep conditioner once per week to add shine to damaged locks. Use products made for color-treated hair. Using the wrong product is a leading factor behind fading hair dye. Because regular shampoos and conditioners contain ingredients that may cause hair dye to fade, you should use shampoos and conditioners made for color-treated hair instead. Avoid clarifying shampoos, as they tend to wash out hair dye, and anything that contains sulfates, as they can also remove hair dye. Look for natural or organic products. They are less likely to discolor your hair. Wash and rinse your hair with cool water. Hot water can fade your hair color quickly. Use the coolest water you can stand to wash and rinse your hair. You can switch the water back to warm to finish your shower! Limit your use of heat styling tools. When possible, allow your hair to air dry, and use no-heat styling methods. When you do use heat styling tools, lower the heat setting on them. To prevent damage and color loss, never go beyond 400 °F (204 °C). Never straighten or curl your hair while it is wet. Let it dry completely first. If you must blow dry or heat style your hair, apply a good heat protectant first. Cover your hair when you step outside into the sunlight. Sunlight is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to fading hair color. If you want to make your color last longer, you must cover your hair before you leave the building. A hat, scarf, or hood are all great options for this, but you can also use a UV protection spray. Sunlight can damage your hair, so if you cover it up, you may find your hair growing softer and healthier! Avoid getting your hair wet in the pool. Chlorine can not only cause hair dye to fade, but it can also cause it to change color! If you are going swimming, pull your hair up into a bun so that it doesn't get wet. If you plan on going under the water, wear a swim cap! Salt water may also cause hair color to fade. When going out to the beach, be sure to cover and protect your hair as well! Try a purple toning shampoo if you have light ash brown hair. Like ash blonde hair, light ash brown hair often turns a brassy yellow color after a few weeks. Because of how light it is, a simple wash with purple shampoo may rejuvenate your color and cancel out the yellow tones. Each brand of purple shampoo is a little different, so follow the instructions on the bottle. Most need to sit on your hair for 2-10 minutes to be effective. Since purple and yellow are complementary colors, the purple tones in the shampoo can help neutralize the yellow brassiness in your hair. Try a blue toning shampoo for medium or dark ash brown hair. Blue shampoo cancels out the brassy orange-red tones that occur in darker ash brown shades. You can use blue shampoo 1-2 times weekly to control the brassiness in your medium or dark brown hair. There are lots of formulas out there, including blue shampoos made for dark ash shades with highlights. Formulas that work well with highlights are also great for ombres and balayage styles. Blue and purple shampoos can be purchased at beauty supply stores, at salons, and online. Use a toner, gloss, or glaze to rejuvenate your cool tones. Toner, gloss, and glaze are different words for the same procedure. Toners and glosses deposit a translucent ashy color on your hair that brings cool tones back to life and restores shine to dull, dry locks. The results aren't permanent and only last for a few weeks. You can buy glosses and glazes at beauty supply stores, some drug stores, at salons, and online. Be sure to buy a toner shade that matches your hair. Purple toner works best on light shades, while blue toner works better on medium to dark shades. Wash and brush your hair, then dry it with a towel. Unless your bottle of toner says otherwise, you should apply it to damp hair. Get your hair wet, then comb out any knots or tangles. Pat your hair with a towel to remove any excess moisture. You don't need to step into the shower and wash your hair with shampoo. Simply dampening it in the sink or with a spray bottle will be enough. Protect your skin, clothing, and work surface. Toner acts like dye, so it can stain. Put on a shirt you won't mind ruining, or drape an old towel around your shoulders. Apply some petroleum jelly around your ears, nape, and hairline. Cover your counter with newspaper, then pull on a pair of plastic dyeing gloves. Mix 1 part toner with 2 parts 20 volume developer. How much you use does not matter, as long as you use the right proportions. The key is to use twice as much developer as toner. For example, 1 bottle of toner may be enough for medium-length hair, but if you have longer hair, you'll need 2 bottles. Stir the 2 products together in a non-metal bowl with a plastic spoon until the color is consistent. Some toners may have different instructions. In this case, follow the instructions on your toner. You can use a tinted toner. If you do this, choose an ash brown shade. Apply the mixture to your hair with a tinting brush. Focus on the areas that need toning. For example, if you just need to tone the ends of your hair, apply it to just the ends. If it's the roots, then apply it to the roots. Start at the top of your hair and work your way down. Use the handle of your brush to create horizontal parts and lift your hair out of the way to reveal the lower layers. Work the mixture into the rest of your hair. Even though you focused on the areas that need toning, you should still blend the mixture into the rest of your hair. The toner that's already in your hair is already processing, so you need to cover the rest of your hair to blend things out. Use your fingers to comb the mixture through your hair. Do the lighter areas last. Pull your hair into a bun and wait for the recommended processing time. How long this takes depends on the toner that you are using, so read the instructions. In most cases, this will only take about 10 to 15 minutes. Don't worry about being too fancy with the bun. Simply pull your hair up into a ponytail, twist it into a bun, and secure it with a plastic clip. Rinse the toner out, then follow up with conditioner. Toner acts similar to dye, so you don't want to use any shampoo. If you use shampoo, you risk washing the toner out. Simply rinse your hair with cool water, then apply conditioner. Let the conditioner sit in your hair for about 2 to 3 minutes, then rinse it out with cool water.

Limit washing your hair to once or twice each week. Condition your hair every time you wash it. Use products made for color-treated hair. Wash and rinse your hair with cool water. Limit your use of heat styling tools. Cover your hair when you step outside into the sunlight. Avoid getting your hair wet in the pool. Try a purple toning shampoo if you have light ash brown hair. Try a blue toning shampoo for medium or dark ash brown hair. Use a toner, gloss, or glaze to rejuvenate your cool tones. Wash and brush your hair, then dry it with a towel. Protect your skin, clothing, and work surface. Mix 1 part toner with 2 parts 20 volume developer. Apply the mixture to your hair with a tinting brush. Work the mixture into the rest of your hair. Pull your hair into a bun and wait for the recommended processing time. Rinse the toner out, then follow up with conditioner.

https://www.wikihow.com/Talk-to-a-Vodafone-Customer-Care-Executive

How to Talk to a Vodafone Customer Care Executive

If you want to talk to a Vodafone customer care executive, visit a Vodafone store and talk to a sales representative. Alternatively, try emailing them, calling their customer care phone number, or using the "Chat to us online" feature on their website. Before you begin the conversation, gather your most recent Vodafone bill, the bill in question, and any receipts or relevant documents. When you get a hold of Vodafone, make sure to be polite and respectful, so they are as helpful as possible rather than desperate to end the conversation. Also, write down the name and ID of the agent you spoke to in case you need to call them back or speak to a manager.

Call customer service to speak with a representative over the phone. If you live in India, call +91 982 009 8200 or dial 199 from your mobile phone. Go through the automated prompts until you reach the option indicating you would like to speak to an agent. If you don't live in India, visit the Vodafone website for your area and click “Contact Us” to find the right number to call based on your location. If you live in the UK, call 03333 040 191 or dial 191 from your mobile phone. If you live in New Zealand, call 0800 800 021 or dial 777 from your mobile phone. If you live in Qatar, call 800 7111 or dial 111 from your mobile phone. If you live abroad, call +44 7836 191 191. Send an email to a representative if you prefer. If your issue isn't urgent, you can email Vodafone customer service and wait to hear back from a representative. Be sure to include all the pertinent details in your message, like your name, mobile phone number, account number, and a clear description of the issue you are having. Send the email to [email protected]. Use the chat service to speak with a representative online. The Vodafone website has a chat feature that allows you to contact customer care representatives online through their website. Simply visit the support page at https://www.vodafone.co.uk/contact-us/ and click “Chat to us online.” You will need to fill out a short form with your name, mobile number, and a brief description of your problem before they connect you to an agent. Visit a Vodafone store to speak to a representative in person. To find the closest Vodafone store to you, go to https://www.vodafone.co.uk/contact-us/ and click “Find a store.” Stop by the store during business hours and ask to speak to a customer care representative. Sometimes visiting a store in person is the best way to handle a problem or dispute. It's easier for customer care agents to refrain from being personally invested in your problem if they don't have to interact with you face-to-face. Gather the necessary documents before you begin the conversation. In order to get your issue resolved, you may need to provide some documentation or proof of what has occurred. Before you make the call or visit the store, find your most recent Vodafone bill, the bill in question, and any receipts or other relevant documents you may have. The more prepared you are for the conversation, the more likely that your issue will be resolved. You are also more likely to get resolution if you have more documentation to back up your query, whether it is a complaint or a question. Be polite and respectful. People will be more willing (happy, even) to help you if are nice and attempt to connect with them as people. Treat the Vodafone agent with respect and kindness, just as you would treat a friend or other person in your life. Remember that the customer care agent is not directly responsible for your problem. It is their responsibility to help you resolve the issue, and you are more likely to get this done if they feel that you are being respectful and polite. If you direct your anger at the Vodafone agent, it will probably make them want to end the conversation as quickly as possible. This means that you might not get the same level of service that you otherwise could have if you had made the experience more pleasant. Document your conversation. Remember to write down all the details you can while you are conversing with Vodafone customer care. This will help you if you have to call back again, or if you need to speak to a manager. Write down the date and time of the call, the agent's name and ID number (if available), as well as any pertinent details relating to the call. Explain what happened. Once you have the Vodafone customer care representative on the line, recount the details of the problem in a clear, concise manner. Give an account of the facts, but only those that are directly relevant to the problem. A short, 30 second summary of the issue is all that is needed to begin with. You can go more in-depth later when prompted by questions from the agent. Try to leave out emotions when discussing the issue. Focus on the facts and work towards a resolution. Answer questions concisely. In order to help the Vodafone agent do their job, you should try to answer their questions quickly and concisely. Provide specific information and leave out any emotional comments or unnecessary stories or anecdotes. Don't speak over or interrupt the Vodafone agent. This will only slow the process down and make the agent frustrated. Let them ask their questions, and then answer them with the relevant details. Ask for a supervisor if you need more assistance. If the person you've initially contacted doesn't seem to have the authority, knowledge, or desire to resolve your issue, feel free to ask to speak to a supervisor. Supervisors have more authority to make decisions and resolve situations, especially when dealing with unhappy customers. Remain calm and polite when asking for a supervisor. Try saying something like, “I appreciate the help that you've provided me so far. But I think I need to speak to a supervisor to resolve this issue to my satisfaction.”

Call customer service to speak with a representative over the phone. Send an email to a representative if you prefer. Use the chat service to speak with a representative online. Visit a Vodafone store to speak to a representative in person. Gather the necessary documents before you begin the conversation. Be polite and respectful. Document your conversation. Explain what happened. Answer questions concisely. Ask for a supervisor if you need more assistance.

https://www.wikihow.com/Do-Something-New

How to Do Something New

If you're feeling a little stuck in life and want to do something new, start by brainstorming things you've always wanted to do, learn, or see. There are no wrong answers here, so don't hesitate to put whatever comes to mind. Once you have your list, choose whichever item makes you the most excited. Even if it seems too big to accomplish at first, you can do it with a little bit of planning! When you've picked an idea, start thinking about how you can overcome any possible obstacles in your way. For example, if you want to take a trip but don't have the funds yet, make a budget to see how much you need to save each month to reach your goal. Then, put your plan into action.

Write down things you’ve always wanted to do. The first step in doing something new is to come up with some fresh ideas. Start by generating a list of things you've always wanted to do. Remember that there are no wrong answers when you're brainstorming! Aim for at least five items on your list. Perhaps you've always wanted to skydive, bungee jump, or go white water rafting. Maybe you've always wanted to write a book, perform at an open mic, or grow your own garden. Maybe you've always wanted to work as a barista, make a short film, or try a vegan diet. Make of list things you want to learn. Another way to generate some new ideas is to make a list of things you'd like to learn. Learning new things is a great way to meet people, have fun, and feel a sense of fulfillment. Aim to come up with at least five things you'd like to learn. Perhaps you'd like to learn a new language, such as Spanish, Italian, or Chinese. Perhaps you'd like to learn a new creative skill, such as photography, pottery, or landscape painting. Perhaps you'd like to learn how to cook, do yoga, or write poetry. Create a list of places you want to see. Finally, you can add to this ongoing list of new things by listing places (or things) that you've always wanted to see. Traveling to a new place (even someplace that is just around the corner) can open your eyes to new possibilities. Maybe you have always wanted to visit the Louvre in Paris and see the Mona Lisa. Maybe you have always wanted to climb a mountain in the Alps. Maybe there is a restaurant in your city that you've always wanted to try. Choose something from these lists. You don't need to think too hard about it. Simply select the item from these lists that jumps out at you, makes your heart race, and gets you a little excited. This is the first new thing you should do. Even if it is seems big and far away, with a little planning, you can do it. Don't get caught up in choosing something. Just pick an idea that excites you! Conduct research. In order for you to overcome obstacles and formulate a plan, you will need some more info about what you plan to do. If you hope to take a trip , for example, you will need to know the price of travel and lodging, as well as other considerations (like obtaining a passport). This information can be obtained by conducting internet research or visiting your local library. Determine the obstacles in your way. If this is something you've always wanted to do, list all the reasons why you never tried this activity before now. If this is something new that you've just thought of, simply list all the things that stand in your way. A prime obstacle might be money. Another important obstacle might be time. You may not feel like you have time to do the new things you'd like to. Other obstacles could really by anything. For instance, perhaps you would need someone to watch you dog, or perhaps you have a fear of flying that would get in the way. Break each obstacle down into smaller parts. Take some time to examine each reason, and isolate obstacles into individual parts. (This should help reduce feelings of being overwhelmed.) Begin thinking of ways to overcome each problem, one by one. For example, if the problem is financial, begin by determining how much money you would need to complete your goal. Figure out how much you would need to save each week or each month in order to have enough money within a certain amount of time (like six months or one year). Then determine how you can save that money. Could you give up some of your luxuries? Could you find some extra work? If the problem is time, you can create a similar budget. How much time would you need to complete this goal? Let's say you would need to work on this goal 1 hour per day, for six months. Is there anywhere you can spare an hour? Maybe there is something you could give up (an hour of sleep, an hour of TV, and hour of social media). Then you also may need a bigger chunk of time to actually do the thing. This may require getting time off of work, or obtaining childcare. If you are beginning six months ahead of time, hopefully you can talk to your boss, and/or find a friend or relative to help out. If the problem is fear, you can begin facing it little by little. If you are afraid of heights, for example, you can begin by doing some high-elevation hiking, riding a ski-lift, or even taking a glass elevator to a high floor. Begin testing your limits with a new "height obstacle" each week, until you feel ready to tackle your big goal. Formulate a plan. Now that you have your obstacles broken down into smaller parts, you can figure out how to overcome them one by one. Figure out everything you need to do in order to accomplish your goal. Place these steps in a sequential order, and set them to a timeline. You may want to purchase a calendar and write down deadlines for yourself to finish each step. Get support. Anytime you make a lifestyle change, or make the decision to try something new, it is important to get support from those around you. Be sure to surround yourself with family and friends who support what you're trying to do and encourage you. This may even mean reaching out and making new friends. Look for a club in your area, or even an interest group online for people who are seeking a similar goal. Having someone to talk to is likely to help you achieve what you want to do. Take the first step. Making a plan is one thing, but you still may struggle with taking that first step. Set a date for yourself to begin (no more than one week in the future). Each day, leading up to your “begin” date, look in the mirror and say, “I'm ready for something new.” Maintain your focus. If you have a lot of obstacles to overcome, you are going to need to maintain your focus over a long period of time, without losing motivation. Post images or words of encouragement where you can see them that remind you why this goal is important. Set reminders on your phone to accomplish each step on time. And feel good about yourself each time you take a new step. Practice positive self-talk. During this journey, you may experience set-backs, lose motivation, or feel discouraged. This is a natural part of seeking a goal. But you can combat negative feelings, keep your spirits high, and keep progressing by practicing positive self-talk. In other words, speak to yourself (and about yourself) in a kind way. Rather than saying, "I feel stupid for trying something new," say "I am facing a difficult challenge, but I'm still pushing." Rather than saying, "I'm scared," try saying, "I am excited," or "I am exhilarated." Look in the mirror and say nice things to yourself each day, such as "I am proud of you for trying something new." Celebrate milestones. Your journey toward achieving something new can potentially be a long one and/or a difficult one. That is part of what will make it all worthwhile. But in the meantime, make sure that you celebrate some milestones along the way. Have you secured the time off of work that you need? Amazing! Have you managed to save your first $100? Congrats! Take time to rejoice in your achievements as you go so you stay positive and motivated. Embrace the journey. From the moment you chose to seek out something new, you have been on a journey toward fulfillment. Finally completing your new goal is not your only reward. Instead, the journey itself is what will bring you satisfaction. Stop and enjoy it along the way. Don't focus so much on everything you still need to do, instead, pause and give thanks for how far you have already come. Begin again. When you have completed every step, and finally taken that trip, learned to paint, or jumped out of a plane, the only thing left to do is to start the process all over again! You are now a person who seeks out new experiences. Kudos to you!

Write down things you’ve always wanted to do. Make of list things you want to learn. Create a list of places you want to see. Choose something from these lists. Conduct research. Determine the obstacles in your way. Break each obstacle down into smaller parts. Formulate a plan. Get support. Take the first step. Maintain your focus. Practice positive self-talk. Celebrate milestones. Embrace the journey. Begin again.

https://www.wikihow.com/Clear-Under-the-Skin-Pimples

How to Clear Under the Skin Pimples

If you have pimples deep under your skin, take measures to protect the area from further irritation. To prevent infection and oily buildup, gently wash the area twice a day with warm water and an oil-free cleanser. If your hair is long enough to touch the affected areas, clip it up or tie it back. Additionally, it's important not to touch or squeeze the pimples, since this could cause infection or scarring. To protect your skin from sun damage while the pimples heal, wear an oil-free sunscreen. You can also prevent further clogs and irritation by sticking to oil-free cosmetics.

Wash the area. This will remove extra oil and dead skin that could further irritate the pimple and contribute to the growth of bacteria. The pimple will probably be sore, so use a soft washcloth to wipe gently with warm water. Wash at least twice a day. Do not scrub hard. The hair follicle is already stretched from the infection and you don't want it to rupture. If you use soap, use a mild, oil-free, water-based product. Oily soaps may leave a film that can contribute to clogging your pores. If the pimples are in an area where your hair can reach them, use hair clips, a ponytail, or braid to keep your hair off your face. Your hair can transfer oils to your skin and make them worse. If you cannot keep your hair away from the area, wash it so that it will have less oil to transfer to your skin. Do not touch or squeeze pimples under your skin. Because it is not open to the air, it is somewhat protected. If you touch or squeeze it, you will cause the skin above it to burst open. This will cause an open wound which is more vulnerable to infection and scarring. Don’t irritate the pimple with lots of sunlight. Sunshine can trigger outbreaks in some people. If you are more likely to get pimples when you are in the sun, protect the area with a non-oily sunscreen or moisturizer with sunscreen in it. In addition, sunlight can cause sunburns, aging of the skin, and increases your risk of skin cancer. This is especially important when the sunlight is strongest. This includes near the equator, at the beach where it also reflects off the water, and during the summer months. Even when it is cloudy, UV rays still penetrate the clouds, so you still need to protect your skin. If you are worried the sunscreen will aggravate your pimples, wear a hat instead, but remember your neck and parts of your face may be exposed. Go without makeup or use only oil-free cosmetics. Makeup can also mix with the oil on your skin to clog pores. The safest route is to not put makeup on the pimples. But if that is not an option, look for products that say noncomedogenic on the label. That means that they won't form a plug in your pores. You'll want to choose water- or mineral-based makeup. Oily, waxy foundations are more likely to seal the bacteria and dirt into the pimple. Then as the bacteria multiply, the pressure will grow in the pimple and it is more likely to pop out as a whitehead or blackhead. Do not sleep with your makeup on. Cleanse your skin before bed so it will have a chance to rest and breathe. This will prevent bacteria from building up. Prevent workout clothing from rubbing against the area when you exercise. This is important because the skin is stretched and swollen. Rough contact may tear the skin and sweaty clothing rubs the oils from your skin into your pores, potentially making the infection worse. Wear loose clothing which is made from natural cloth that will breath better. This will prevent the wet sweat from being held against your skin. An alternative is to wear clothes made of materials that wick the moisture away from your skin, helping it to evaporate faster. The tags on the clothing will tell you whether they are moisture-wicking material. Take a bath or shower after exercise. This will remove excess oil and dead skin cells. Apply nonprescription medications. These products will facilitate peeling, dry oils, and reduce the amount of bacteria on your skin. Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions and do not apply them more often than recommended. Consult a doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or treating a child. Products with the following ingredients are generally effective: Benzoyl peroxide (usually the mot effective OTC treatment) Salicylic acid Sulfur Resorcinol Experiment with alternative medicines and supplements. Talk to your doctor before using these medications, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or treating a child. Though they are over-the-counter, they may interact with other medications you may be taking. In addition, the dosages are not tightly regulated the way they are for other medications and not all have been thoroughly studied. Zinc lotions Lotions with 2% green tea extract 50% aloe vera gel Brewer's yeast, strain CBS 5926. This is an oral medication. Grind aspirin to make a home remedy. The active ingredient in aspirin is salicylic acid, similar to many acne medications. Pulverize an aspirin pill and add a drop or two of water. Rub the solution into your pimple. Wash off any extra that isn't absorbed. Apply ice to the pimple. The cold will reduce the swelling and make it less likely to rupture the skin. It will also make smaller, less red, and less obvious. You can use an ice pack or package of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel. Apply the ice for five minutes and then give your skin a chance to warm up. You should see improvement. Use tea tree oil to reduce the bacteria on your skin. This will be beneficial in helping it heal if it does break the skin. Tea tree oil must be diluted before it can be applied to your skin. For acne, dilute it in water so that the mixture contains 5% tea tree oil and 95% water. Wash the area with a clean wash cloth, being careful not to get in your eyes, nose, or mouth. After 15–20 minutes, rinse it off. Tea tree oil is not good for people who have sensitive skin. It can cause contact dermatitis and rosacea. Try an acidic home remedy. Similar to the tea tree oil, it will kill bacteria in case the pimple breaks through the skin. It will keep your skin dry to prevent the buildup of natural oils. There are several options and you can pick based on what you have available in the house: lemon juice, lime juice, or apple cider vinegar. Make a 1:3 dilution and wash the area with it. Do not get it in your nose or eyes. If you get it in your eyes it will hurt — flush your eyes with water immediately. Do not exfoliate. Exfoliating or using harsh substances on your skin may make your acne look and feel worse. The following are not recommended: Exfoliants Astringents Alcohol-based substances that will dry your skin Help your skin fight the infection with a cucumber mask. Your skin will absorb potassium and vitamins A, C, and E. The healthier your skin is, the better it will fight the infection in the pore. Peel and mash up a half a cucumber. You can leave the seeds in. Dab the liquid onto the pimples and give it at least 15 minutes to be absorbed into your skin. Then wash the area with clean water. It may be sticky so avoid getting dirty or dusty while you have the mask on. Manage stress. Stress causes physiological and hormonal changes in your body, including increased sweating. Managing stress may help prevent pimples that are under your skin from becoming full-blown outbreaks with whitehead and blackheads. Try exercising several times a week. When you exercise your body releases endorphins, which are your natural painkillers. They help reduce anxiety, improve your mood, and help you relax. The Mayo Clinic recommends at least 75 minutes of exercise per week. This can be walking, biking, hiking, playing sports, or doing physically active chores like raking leaves or shoveling snow. Try relaxation techniques. Different methods work for different people; however, popular methods include: meditation , yoga , tai chi, visualizing calming images, progressively relaxing different muscle groups in your body, or listening to soothing music. Get enough sleep. The amount needed varies from person to person, but most people need about 8 hours each night. Teenagers may need several hours more. Avoid foods that may trigger pimples. What brings on pimples will vary from person to person, but common problem foods are dairy products, sugar, and carbohydrate-rich foods. Contrary to widely held beliefs, research does not support there being a link between fatty foods and pimples. To be safe, you may want to avoid chocolate. The evidence is unclear, but most chocolate products also contain a lot of sugar, which may trigger pimples. Go to a doctor if home care doesn’t help. Prescription medications are stronger and should produce results. It may take one to two months before you really see a difference. Options include: Topical retinoids (Avita, Retin-A, Differin, and others) to reduce the formation of plugs in your pores or antibiotics to prevent skin infections. If your acne is very severe, your doctor may recommend isotretinoin ( Accutane ). Follow your doctor's recommendations and the manufactuer's instructions when using them. Oral antibiotics to kill bacteria, reduce inflammation, and facilitate healing. Oral contraceptives (Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Estrostep, Yaz) which contain estrogen and progestin may be prescribed for women and girls. This is usually reserved for severe, treatment-resistant acne. Your doctor may also recommend other treatments such as injections into the pimple, extractions, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or light or laser treatments to help treat and prevent pimples.

Wash the area. Do not touch or squeeze pimples under your skin. Don’t irritate the pimple with lots of sunlight. Go without makeup or use only oil-free cosmetics. Prevent workout clothing from rubbing against the area when you exercise. Apply nonprescription medications. Experiment with alternative medicines and supplements. Grind aspirin to make a home remedy. Apply ice to the pimple. Use tea tree oil to reduce the bacteria on your skin. Try an acidic home remedy. Do not exfoliate. Help your skin fight the infection with a cucumber mask. Manage stress. Avoid foods that may trigger pimples. Go to a doctor if home care doesn’t help.

https://www.wikihow.com/Analyze-an-Advertisement

How to Analyze an Advertisement

Advertisements are all around you, and once you know what to look for, you can analyze them to see how they work. Every ad is designed for a specific target audience, like children, young professionals, or women. An ad for children might use bright colors and big text, while an ad for young adults might feature twenty-something models. The goal of an ad is to grab its target audience's attention and make them feel or want something. Some ads might use flashy visual effects to draw people in, while others will rely on happy or sad music to play on people's emotions. If an ad has a famous person in it, the company that made the ad is probably trying to influence that celebrity's fan base to buy their products. The main thing to consider when looking at any ad is how all of the different elements are being used to sell you something.

Ascertain who the target audience of the commercial is. Use the context of the commercial (e.g., what channel it's played on) to figure out who the advertisers are trying to persuade. This will help you determine what sorts of beliefs or emotions the commercial is meant to appeal to. For example, if the commercial appears on a TV channel that mainly shows children's programming, then you can deduce that the advertisers are trying to appeal to children or maybe the parents of young children. If you see a commercial in a movie theater, you may be able to determine its target audience based on the nature of the movie. For example, commercials that appear before R-rated movies are probably intended for adult audiences. Examine how the commercial tries to get your attention. Advertisers want their commercials to be eye-catching as well as persuasive. Look for ways that commercials try to reel you in, such as flashy visuals or special effects. How a commercial seeks to grab your attention can also say a lot about its target audience. For example, a commercial that uses explosive special effects may be aimed at teenagers and young adults. Advertisers don't just want their commercial to grab your attention; they also want you to remember it. Consider how their attention-grabbing techniques are meant to stick in your mind and influence your view of a product over the long term. Determine what sort of mood the advertisement seeks to create. The ultimate goal of any commercial is to shape the way you feel about a product or service. Examine the mood of the commercial and how that mood works to shape your feelings towards the commercial's product. For example, a commercial might prominently feature upbeat music, smiling faces, and sunny weather to create a generally happy feeling that you then direct towards the product the commercial is advertising. Advertisers will usually try to make commercials that put their product in a positive light. Determining how they go about doing this will also reveal what unspoken beliefs or values the commercial is attempting to appeal to. Listen to the soundtrack and ask how it affects your reaction. Commercials may use music to subtly influence your emotional reaction to the product being advertised or use a jingle to make the commercial more memorable. For instance, may accompany depictions of a generic product with sad music to make you feel that products other than the one being advertised are not as good. Ask yourself if your feeling towards the commercial would change if it used a particular genre of music versus another, then think about why different music styles elicit different responses from you. Consider how the actors chosen to star in the commercial influence you. Advertisers make very deliberate choices when it comes to hiring actors to star in commercials. Examine the age, race, and gender of the actor(s) to determine what sort of response the advertisers are hoping to get from their audience. For example, if a commercial pairs a particular beer brand with women in bikinis, the advertisers may be trying to appeal to teenage and adult men through sex appeal. Think about why an actor or actors of a certain race or gender were selected, and ask yourself if the perception of the product would change if different actors were used in the commercial. This may indicate certain biases or subconscious motives at work in the ad. Analyze the language used in the ad. Nearly all commercials feature talking, either from actors starring in the commercial or through a voice-over. Examine the specific words that are featured in the commercial to see how they are being used to appeal to the audience's emotions. If you're analyzing one or more commercials for a marketing class, you may find that certain words are used more frequently than others. For example, words like “tasty” and “sensational” are commonly used in ads because they tend to make products seem more desirable. Pay particular attention to words that aren't used to directly describe the product, and think about why those words have been included in the commercial. If words aren't overtly being used to inform the audience, they're being used to covertly influence viewers. Determine who the target audience is for the advertisement. Use the context of the ad (e.g., what type of magazine it's in) to figure out who the advertisers are trying to persuade. This will help you determine what sorts of beliefs or emotions the ad is meant to appeal to. For example, an ad that appears in Cosmopolitan magazine is probably meant to appeal to women, while an ad featured in the newspaper is probably aimed at a wider general audience. Think about how a person from a particular demographic might respond to an ad targeted at a different demographic, and why they might have a different reaction. This will help you to determine some of the hidden social meanings that the ad is incorporating. Examine what action or activity is taking place in the ad. This may be thought of as the advertisement's “plot” (e.g., a happy family going on a cruise). Consider what sort of significance the ad's plot has and how it makes you think about the product differently. For example, if an ad for a watch features a man wearing it while on a cruise with his family, you may come to associate the watch with the excitement of going on a cruise and the positive feelings of having a family. Note that the ad's plot may not seem relevant to the product itself. This is an example of an advertisement intentionally manipulating their audience's feelings. Consider what words are used in the text of the ad. Like with commercials, the words used in print advertisements are meant to either inform about the product or manipulate the audience's reaction to it. Ask yourself why the particular words in the advertisement were chosen. Think as well about how the language in the ad describes the benefits of buying the product. For example, does the ad say the product will make you happier, cooler, or sexier? The typeface used is also an intentional design choice. Ask yourself how you might react to the ad if the words were printed in a different typeface and why that might be. Analyze the images used in the ad. Images are just as important as text in print media advertisements. Take note of what images are used in the ad to depict the product or to complement its depiction. For example, ask yourself what sort of images of people or objects are included in the advertisement and how these images influence your reaction to the product. Consider whether your reaction would change if different people or objects were used. If you're analyzing the ad from an artistic perspective, you should also note which colors are used and where in the ad those colors are placed. You may find there are certain colors that are matched with particular emotional responses. The ad may feature images that reflect a certain lifestyle (e.g., a two-story home in a wealthy neighborhood) and use these images to associate the product with particular values and beliefs in your mind. Think about the background and what sort of reaction it’s meant to elicit. Backgrounds are a particularly subtle aspect of how advertisements influence people's emotions. Pay attention to what sort of background is used in the advertisement and how it might be influencing your reaction to the product. For example, a background of a sunny beach and palm tree might be trying to elicit feelings of calm and relaxation, while a busy city street might bring to mind feelings of activity or people in motion. Take note of how everything in the ad is spatially situated. Print advertisements are limited to a certain amount of space, so the way that advertisers use that space is significant. Think about where words and images in the ad are situated and what reaction that spatial organization is meant to cause. For example, an advertisement that seeks to leave its audience excited and energized about its product might feature a large amount of overlapping words and images and leave very little blank space in the ad. An ad with lots of empty space might want to make people think of feelings like “quiet” or “understated.”

Ascertain who the target audience of the commercial is. Examine how the commercial tries to get your attention. Determine what sort of mood the advertisement seeks to create. Listen to the soundtrack and ask how it affects your reaction. Consider how the actors chosen to star in the commercial influence you. Analyze the language used in the ad. Determine who the target audience is for the advertisement. Examine what action or activity is taking place in the ad. Consider what words are used in the text of the ad. Analyze the images used in the ad. Think about the background and what sort of reaction it’s meant to elicit. Take note of how everything in the ad is spatially situated.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Your-Own-Lint-Roller

How to Make Your Own Lint Roller

To make your own lint roller you'll need a tube, sticky tape, and scissors. First, wind 5-6 inches of tape around the tube so it's well stuck, then wrap the tape back the opposite way to create the sticky, lint-removing side. You may need to hold the tape in place with a finger while you reverse directions. When you've wrapped as much tape around the tube as you want, your new lint roller is ready to use on your fabrics. As the exterior layers become covered in lint, just peel them off to expose fresh layers beneath.

Obtain the necessary materials. You will need: A cylindrical object. A cardboard tube may be the best option, but a thick wooden dowel would work as well. The circumference should be several inches in length; if the cylinder is too small it will not work as a roller. Tape. Nearly any type of tape will do. Masking tape is probably closest to the sticky paper used on most lint rollers. Wide rolls of tape are the easiest to use, but any can be made to work. Scissors (if the tape does not come with a cutting tool). Pull some of the tape from the dispenser roll. Just pull 5–6 inches (12.7–15.2 cm) of tape loose at once. Do not cut it yet. Clasp the tape onto the roller. Use a portion of the sticky side of the tape to attach it to the cylinder. After it is secure, gently wrap the tape around the cylinder in the opposite direction (glue side out). You may need to hold the tape in place with your finger for the first few moments after you change directions. Leave the ends of the cylinder exposed. You can hold onto it at these ends. If you are using narrow strips of tape, start by attaching the tape near one end of the cylinder, and then with each wrap move the tape further down toward the other end. After you approach the end of the side opposite to the one you started on, you can reverse the process. It will work best if you make sure there is a slight overlap as you wrap the tape around in order to stick the tape to itself. Wrap as much tape as you want around the cylinder. You may find it most efficient to wrap an entire roll of tape at one time, enabling you to use the roller for quite some time before you will have to repeat this process again. Use your new lint roller. Run the roller over the fabrics that need cleaning. As the exterior layers of tape become covered in lint, you can peel them off and expose the fresh layers below. Hold the fingers of your of your hands tight together. You will substitute your hand for the roller. Wrap your hand in adhesive tape. Keep the sticky side facing out. You will probably only want to wrap it around your hand between 1 1/2 to 2 times. You need just enough so that the tape makes solid contact with itself. This is obviously a method of convenience (how long would you really want a tape roll on your hand anyhow?), so there is no need to use too much at a time. Do not wrap the tape too tightly (you will see why in a moment). Run your hand over the lint-covered clothes. The tape should stick to the fabric and roll around your hand as it goes (and this is why you shouldn't wrap it too tight). Discard of the tape when it becomes covered in lint. You can repeat the process as many times as needed, and do so on very short notice.

Obtain the necessary materials. Pull some of the tape from the dispenser roll. Clasp the tape onto the roller. Wrap as much tape as you want around the cylinder. Use your new lint roller. Hold the fingers of your of your hands tight together. Wrap your hand in adhesive tape. Run your hand over the lint-covered clothes. Discard of the tape when it becomes covered in lint.

https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Your-Bank-Balance

How to Check Your Bank Balance

To check your bank balance online, go to your bank's website and log in with your username and password. Once you're logged into your account, click on “Account Summary" to review your electronic statement, which includes your current balance and recent transactions. When you're done, make sure to logout as an added security measure. Alternatively, check your balance by inserting your debit card into an ATM and follow the prompts, like inputting your PIN, to access your account. Then, scroll through the menus until you find the option "Check Balance” to view your information.

Go to your bank’s website on your computer or phone. To find the website, type the name of your bank into your Internet browser's search bar. Then, click on the link to the website to open up the page. Make sure the URL starts with https so you know the connection is secure. Create an account using your account information if you don't have one. Click on the link that says “create an account” or “register.” Then, fill in all of the boxes to create an account. You'll likely need to enter your account number, routing or sorting number, name, date of birth, and email address. Additionally, you'll create a user name and password. If you don't see a link to create an account, select “log in” and look for “create an account” below the log in boxes. If you already have an online banking account, skip this step and log in to your existing account. Some banks may require you to call or visit a bank branch to begin online banking. Log in to online banking with your username and password. Type your username and password into the correct boxes on the screen to log in. Then, answer the security questions if they're required. Make sure that the “remember me” option isn't checked if you're using a public computer. It's common for banking websites to ask you security questions if you're logging in for the first time or using an unknown computer. Click on your account summary to see your balance. Look for a tab that says something like “account summary” or “checking account.” Click on this link to see your account balance and recent transactions. Quickly read over the listed transactions to make sure nothing is missing. Log out of your account when you’re finished. Typically, bank websites will automatically log you out after a certain amount of time, which is usually 30 minutes. However, it's best to manually log yourself out so that no one can access your banking information. Click the “log out” button to end your online banking session. Find an ATM in-person or using your phone. You can usually check your balance at any ATM, even if it's not owned by your bank. Look for an ATM at local bank branches, grocery stores, gas stations, and some retail locations. At the bank, there should be an outside ATM that's available 24 hours a day and an inside ATM that's available during business hours. At other locations, they're typically located in either the front or the back of the store. Many banks have a drive-up ATM that you can use without getting out of your car. It's best to use ATMs that are indoors because they're less likely to be tampered with by thieves. However, it's usually safe to use outdoor ATMs, so don't worry if that's your only option. Insert your debit card into the ATM. Check the diagram on the machine to find out which side the card's strip needs to be on. Then, slide your card into the machine's card slot. Leave the card in during the transaction or pull it out, depending on how the machine works. Type in your personal identification number (PIN) code. This is the 4-digit number you received or set up when you got your debit card. Type it in using the keypad, then select enter. If someone is waiting to use the ATM after you, cover the keypad so they can't see what you enter. Select the option to view your bank balance. Most machines will display all of your banking options. Choose the one that says “balance.” Then, select the type of receipt you want. It may display your balance on the screen. However, some machines only show your balance on your receipt. Take the receipt that shows your account balance. You can typically get a paper receipt or e-receipt. This will show you your current balance. If the machine displays your balance on the screen, you might choose not to get a receipt. Log out of the machine. Some machines log you out automatically, but others let you select another option. To make sure your account information stays safe, push the button to log out or to complete your transaction. Make sure you also take your card back if you haven't already. If the machine holds your card while you complete your transaction, it will slowly eject from the card slot once you complete your transaction. Go into a branch of your bank. Find the bank branch closest to you by searching online. Then, visit the branch so you can talk to a bank teller. If you open your phone's map app, it'll easily find the branch closest to your current location. Tell the bank teller that you need to check your balance. You may need to wait in line to talk to a teller. When it's your turn, go to the window and ask for your bank balance. Typically, the bank tellers will be at a big desk in the center of the bank's interior. If you can't find it, ask an employee for help. Provide your account number or debit card and a photo ID. The bank teller will ask for your account identification information. Provide your account number or debit card so they can look up your account. Then, give them your photo ID card to prove you're the account holder. You can typically use any government-issued ID card. The teller will likely ask to see it to protect your account from someone posing as you. Get a receipt from the teller, which will show your balance. The teller may print out a receipt for you, but they might just write out your balance. Take the receipt with you when you leave. The receipt may have your account information on it, so don't just leave it at the bank.

Go to your bank’s website on your computer or phone. Create an account using your account information if you don't have one. Log in to online banking with your username and password. Click on your account summary to see your balance. Log out of your account when you’re finished. Find an ATM in-person or using your phone. Insert your debit card into the ATM. Type in your personal identification number (PIN) code. Select the option to view your bank balance. Take the receipt that shows your account balance. Log out of the machine. Go into a branch of your bank. Tell the bank teller that you need to check your balance. Provide your account number or debit card and a photo ID. Get a receipt from the teller, which will show your balance.

https://www.wikihow.com/Give-a-Puppy-As-a-Christmas-Gift

How to Give a Puppy As a Christmas Gift

Before you give someone a puppy for Christmas, make sure they want a puppy and will be able to take care of it. You might want to ask them what breeds they like best and how much space they have so you know whether they'd prefer a big or small dog. Once you've talked to them, start looking for puppies in early December so you have plenty of time to find the perfect one before Christmas. If you live with the person you're giving the puppy to, you'll also need to find a place for the puppy to stay until Christmas, like with a friend, neighbor, or relative. Then, on Christmas day, sneak the puppy into a room in the recipient's house, and put on some music to cover up any noise it makes. When it's time to exchange gifts, quickly take the puppy outside to go to the bathroom so it doesn't have an accident, and then place it in a large cardboard box with breathing holes poked in it. Finally, put a bow on the box before giving it to the recipient!

Talk to the recipient. The last thing you want to do is put a puppy in a home that isn't ready to take care of it. A puppy will need to be housebroken, trained and exercised. If you plan to buy a puppy for a child, be sure to speak to their parents. If you don't want to spoil the surprise, drop some hints about dogs or talk to someone close to the recipient. Find the best fit. Assess the recipient's lifestyle and home situation to determine what kind of dog you would like. Ask them some key questions: How active of a dog do you want? Are you okay with grooming it regularly? Do you have enough space for a big dog or would a small dog work best? Consider adopting. Adopting a dog can be one of the best things you'll ever do. Animal shelters can be great sources of both mixed-breed and pure-breed dogs. Search for animal shelters in your area and go take a look. If you are looking for a specific breed, call ahead. Find a reputable source. Pet stores often get their animals from puppy mills. Puppy mills treat their animals poorly and take advantage of their dogs. Don't support them! A great place to start, is to ask your vet for recommendations. Look for a breeder that: Allows you to visit and observe where they keep the dogs. These spacious should be spacious and clean. Breeds only a few types of dogs and is knowledgeable about those breeds. Provides you with a written contract and health guarantee for your puppy. Consider giving an IOU or gift certificate. If you are not 100% sure that the recipient wants to a puppy, think about giving a gift certificate or IOU. Admittedly, this is not as exciting as giving an actual puppy on Christmas morning, but it could save both the puppy and the recipient from a lot of hassle! Some breeders and animal shelters offer gift certificates. Alternatively, you can make a handmade IUO. You can include a stuffed animal puppy with your gift certificate or IOU. Buy/adopt the puppy prior to Christmas. Begin looking at dogs in early December. You will not want to wait until Christmas Eve, as this will make you rushed and stressed. If you give yourself plenty of time to look, you will be sure to find the perfect puppy. Some breeders will allow you to purchase the puppy ahead of time and pick it up on Christmas Eve. Find a place for the dog until Christmas. If you live with the recipient, you'll need to find a place for the puppy to stay prior to Christmas. Speak to close neighbors or relatives who could take on this task. Make sure the place is suitable for a puppy, and that the caregiver understands what to do. Work out a schedule for when you can drop by and help with walking, feeding, or cleaning up. Purchase supplies. The puppy will need food, bowls, chew toys, a place to sleep, a collar and leash, and some puppy pads for the floor. You will need these items to take care of the puppy yourself, but it's also a great idea to include this with your gift. Make sure the home is a suitable place for a puppy. Whether the puppy will end up living with you or someplace else, make sure this place is safe for a puppy. Move any cords that the puppy could chew on. Get rid of any poisonous plants that could make the puppy ill. Take the puppy to the vet. Before you give a dog as a gift, it is crucial to make sure he or she has a clean bill of health. You don't want to give a sick puppy! Many animal shelters can perform this service at the time of adoption and even spay or neuter the pet. Doing this will help offset some of the costs of having a puppy and make it a better present. Invest in puppy training. It is also a good idea to invest in some puppy training for the recipient and his or her new pet. This can make for a smoother transition and solidify a happy, lifelong relationship between owner and dog. Many training academies offer special Christmastime workshops! Look for these in your area. Bring the puppy to home of the recipient. Conceal the puppy in a room with a good door, as far away as possible from where the recipient will be. A laundry room, basement, or garage can be a good option. Check on the puppy often. Play Christmas music to conceal dog sounds. Let the puppy use the bathroom. Before wrapping up the puppy, take him or her outside! You will want to big reveal to be graceful and clean. Ensure this by letting the puppy take care of business. Put the puppy in a box. You are going to need a cardboard box much larger than the puppy. Wait as long as you can before sealing up the box. Poke holes in the box. Avoid using wrapping paper, as this can be a suffocation hazard. Instead, opt for a simple ribbon or bow. Bring out the box when you are ready to give the gift! Put a bow or ribbon on the dog. If your puppy is larger, or if you simply do not want to deal with a box, you can tie a ribbon or bow onto the puppy's collar. Wait until the last minute to do it. Avoid tying anything around his neck. Simply leave the ribbon-clad puppy in front of the Christmas tree, but beware of him chewing other gifts. Wrap up the dog accessories. A third option is to wrap up a box full of dog items (food dishes, toys, etc.). When the recipient opens this box, allow the puppy to run out and great his new friend!

Talk to the recipient. Find the best fit. Consider adopting. Find a reputable source. Consider giving an IOU or gift certificate. Buy/adopt the puppy prior to Christmas. Find a place for the dog until Christmas. Purchase supplies. Make sure the home is a suitable place for a puppy. Take the puppy to the vet. Invest in puppy training. Bring the puppy to home of the recipient. Let the puppy use the bathroom. Put the puppy in a box. Put a bow or ribbon on the dog. Wrap up the dog accessories.

https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Hypothyroidism-in-Golden-Retrievers

How to Treat Hypothyroidism in Golden Retrievers

Take your Golden Retriever to the vet for an evaluation if you notice symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as mental slowness, weight gain, or a dull coat. If your vet diagnoses your dog with hypothyroidism, you will need to give it a thyroid hormone replacement medication, usually in the form of a tablet. Make sure to give your dog its medication exactly as directed, and return to the vet for regular checkups to monitor your dog's condition. In addition to giving your dog its medication, you can keep your pet healthy by making sure it eats an appropriate diet and gets plenty of exercise. To ensure you're giving your dog the best care, consult with your vet about any diet or lifestyle changes.

Get a veterinary diagnosis. A diagnosis is made by testing the levels of thyroid hormone and thyroid-stimulating hormone in your dog's blood. Basically, the vet is testing to see if the thyroid, and the chemicals that tell the thyroid to go to work, are functioning correctly. Low levels of thyroid hormone in itself are unreliable for identifying hypothyroidism. The thyroid may be suppressed temporarily because of ill health caused by something else. Unless absolutely essential, it is not a good idea to start thyroid hormone supplements based solely on the levels of thyroid hormone. Comparing the level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) to the amount of thyroid hormone in the blood stream is a much more reliable test. If the body needs more thyroid hormone, then levels of TSH should be raised to stimulate the thyroid to make more hormone. However, if there is a lot of TSH and the thyroid levels remain low, then there is probably a problem producing the thyroid hormone. Give your dog thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism is relatively simple to correct, as the golden retriever merely needs to be given extra thyroid hormone in tablet form. Most thyroid tablets are given twice a day, so that a steady level remains in the blood stream. The tablets contain thyroxine (levothyroxine), of which Soloxine is the brand name product. There are however generic varieties available, which have the advantage of being cheaper, whilst there is a slight question mark that they are not as effective as Soloxine because they are not so well absorbed by the body. Keep monitoring your dog's thyroid levels. There is some monitoring needed, requiring repeat blood samples, to measure thyroid levels over time. This is to check the levels have risen but are not too high. The blood test should be taken 4 - 6 hours after a pill is administered, and once stable, six-monthly checks are advised. Giving too much thyroid hormone can potentially over stimulate the metabolism and cause a racing heart, high blood pressure, and damage to the liver and kidneys. Signs of overdose of thyroid include increased thirst and appetite, and restlessness. If you suspect your dog is on the wrong dose, contact your vet immediately. Continue treatment. Once started, the treatment is given for life. The thyroid does not recover from hypothyroidism, so your dog will need to take thyroid pills for the rest of its life. It is recommended that dogs diagnosed with hypothyroidism should not be bred from, because of the likely genetic link. Get your dog back to a healthy weight. Optimize your golden's diet in order to reverse the weight gain that usually occurs with hypothyroidism. Discuss the best diet for your dog with your veterinarian, as the vet should understand the dietary requirements that will allow your golden to heal and to lose excess weight. In addition to dietary changes, begin an exercise routine. The is a key component of any weight loss plan. Your dog may still be exhausted and lethargic from its illness, so ramp up its exercise routine gradually. Care for ongoing symptoms. Once your dog is medicated, some of the symptoms, such as sluggishness, should go away quickly. Keep an eye on your dog and make sure it is progressively getting better. From the start of therapy, it will take around 4 - 6 weeks for the blood levels to stabilize and the signs of hypothyroidism to reverse. Of the symptoms of hypothyroidism, the coat change take the longest to resolve. Pay attention to signs of mental slowness. Since thyroid hormone governs cellular metabolism, a lack of thyroid leads to a general slowly of the body and it's functions. For example, mental dullness is a common sign, and affects around 70% of those with hypothyroidism. Notice weight gain. Dogs with hypothyroidism tend to gain weight, as their metabolism is affected by a lack of thyroid hormone. This weight gain will be out of proportion to the amount of food they consume. Assess your dog's coat. Golden retrievers with hypothyroidism with have coats that are often poor quality and dull. They also tend to molt heavily. Hair loss usually occurs on the body but does not occur on the head or legs. This hair loss is not usually accompanied by redness or itching. Some dogs develop a "rat's tail" where the hair on the tail falls out, leaving a bald tail. Look for other physical changes. Some dogs are described a having a tragic facial expression, as their features seem to thicken and become heavier looking. These dogs feel the cold, and are often found next to a heater. They are often also depressed and hesitant to interact. They are also reluctant to exercise, and may be anemic. They may also have a slow heart rate. Be more aware if your dog has risk factors. For example, medium-sized to large dogs are more likely to suffer hypothyroidism that small or toy breeds. The golden retriever is predisposed, along with the Doberman, miniature Schnauzer, cocker spaniel, Irish setter, Dachshund, and Airedale terrier. Dogs with parents who had hypothyroidism are more likely to get the disease. If this is the case for your dog, just be aware of the potential problem and keep an eye out for signs it is developing.

Get a veterinary diagnosis. Give your dog thyroid hormone. Keep monitoring your dog's thyroid levels. Continue treatment. Get your dog back to a healthy weight. Care for ongoing symptoms. Pay attention to signs of mental slowness. Notice weight gain. Assess your dog's coat. Look for other physical changes. Be more aware if your dog has risk factors.

https://www.wikihow.com/Exercise-a-Senior-Dog-on-a-Water-Treadmill

How to Exercise a Senior Dog on a Water Treadmill

If you have a senior dog that's starting to have trouble exercising because of weakened joints or arthritis, ask your veterinarian if it could benefit from using a water treadmill. While this treatment is inadvisable in some cases, like if your dog has a respiratory or cardiac disease, it can be a good way for older dogs to get resistance-based exercise without straining their joints. To find a water treadmill, contact nearby hydrotherapy and veterinary clinics to see if they have one your dog could use for 30 minutes each week. Once you find a place, maximize your dog's comfort by filling the tank until the water reaches just below your dog's shoulder, and by making sure the water temperature is between 80 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Ask your veterinarian about exercising your dog on a water treadmill. If your senior dog is suffering from arthritis or is not getting enough exercise due to mobility issues, you should talk with your veterinarian about possible treatments. Ask your veterinarian if exercising your dog on a water treadmill would be beneficial for him. Although exercising your dog on a water treadmill can be good for some senior dogs, there are certain conditions that make this type of therapy inadvisable. For instance, if your dog also suffers from respiratory or cardiac disease, exercising your dog on a water treadmill may not be recommended. If your dog has arthritis, then using a water treadmill may not be recommended because of the increased resistance, which can be stressful on your dog's joints. Similarly, your dog should not use a water treadmill if they have skin sutures or cuts. Locate a veterinary clinic that has a water treadmill. Many veterinary clinics are now offering water-based rehabilitation; however, it is still a relatively modern form of treatment. If your veterinary clinic does not have a water treadmill, ask your veterinarian to refer you to an appropriate clinic in the area. Ask what training the clinicians have received. Check your pet insurance. If you have pet insurance, then this may cover some of the cost of water treadmill use for your dog. If your dog is using a water treadmill for exercise purposes, or as a result of arthritis, they may need to continue the therapy once a week for the rest of their life. Call the pet insurance company to find out if this cost is covered. It is also possible that your pet insurance will not cover the cost of your dog using a water treadmill, so you may need to pay for this therapy yourself. Ask at your veterinarian's office about the costs. Ensure the facilities are clean. It is a good idea to visit the facilities prior to allowing your dog to begin using the water treadmill. Make sure that the clinic is clean and that the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. A little bit of dog hair in the pool will not harm your dog, but it is good to know that the entire facility is clean. Bacteria and infections could spread between dogs if proper precautions are not taken. The water should be treated with chlorine each time the water is changed. For water treadmills this happens regularly. Ask the clinician how often they change the water and what chemicals they use to clean. Set the water temperature. Make sure that the water temperature is relatively warm, between 80 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit (27-38 degrees Celsius). This warm water temperature will help to increase mobility and flexibility in aging dogs. It also helps to increase blood flow. If the water is too warm it can cause your dog to overheat. Let your dog get used to the water and equipment. When you are first introducing your dog to using a water treadmill, you should start slowly. Your dog may be nervous around water and the equipment. Typically, the pet therapist will enter the tank with dog and stay with them throughout the first therapy session to make sure they are comfortable. If your dog is nervous around water, you should have them get used to walking on the treadmill first before filling up the tank with water. Most facilities will only add an inch or so of water to start, and then will gradually add more water as your dog gets used to the sensation. Most dogs will eventually become accustomed to the equipment and will enjoy the exercise. Dogs do not need to be able to swim because they will be able to touch the bottom at all times. The clinician and/or veterinarian will evaluate your dog prior to treatment to make sure that exercise on a water treadmill is a suitable activity for your dog. Adjust the water level as therapy progresses. Exercise on a water treadmill is an excellent option for senior dogs because of the added buoyancy that water provides. As your dog progresses through the treatment and muscle strengthening occurs, the pet therapist can decrease the amount of water to begin putting more pressure on the dog. As dogs age, they may develop sore muscles, stiff joints, arthritis or hip dysplasia. If you dog has one of these conditions, then using a water treadmill may not be ideal. He may do better with an exercise like swimming instead. Initially, the pool will be filled with water to just below the dog's shoulder height. Water will need to be adjusted specifically for each dog that uses the treadmill. You can do this by draining and adding water to the tank. Adjust the water treadmill speed to the size of the dog. The speed of the treadmill can also be adjusted to meet the needs of your dog. For instance, smaller dogs, with short legs, will generally walk at a slower speed than taller dogs. The clinician can also increase the speed throughout the exercise session in order to increase the water resistance and give your dog a better workout. Your dog should use the water treadmill once a week for 30 minutes at a time. Completely dry the dog afterwards. Once your senior dog has completed an exercise session on a water treadmill, make sure that you thoroughly dry your dog. Older dogs will become colder more quickly than younger dogs. As a result, you should dry off the dog immediately once they get out of the water. Use a towel to dry the dog. This will help to remove some of the water. You can also use a blow drier to completely dry the dog once you get home.

Ask your veterinarian about exercising your dog on a water treadmill. Locate a veterinary clinic that has a water treadmill. Check your pet insurance. Ensure the facilities are clean. Set the water temperature. Let your dog get used to the water and equipment. Adjust the water level as therapy progresses. Adjust the water treadmill speed to the size of the dog. Completely dry the dog afterwards.

https://www.wikihow.com/Come-up-With-a-Cool-Nickname

How to Come up With a Cool Nickname

To come up with a cool nickname for yourself or others, try thinking of cute or creative ways to say the real name. For example, if you have a longer name, like Alexander, try shortening it to Alex or Al. You can also go by your initials, depending on your first and middle name. For instance, you could shorten Alex John to A.J. You can even use your last name as your first name, like going by “Smith.” When coming up for a nickname for a friend, try something like "Prof" or "Doc" if they're really brainy, or "Chef" if they love to cook.

Shorten your name. The most basic and common type of nickname is a shortened version of someone's real name. For example, Alexander is shortened to Alex or Al, Katherine to Kate or Katie, Richard to Rick or Dick, and so on. Create a cool nickname using your initials. Take and combine the first letter of your first and last names, or first letter of your first and middle names. Going by your initials can help differentiate you from others if you have a common name, or make a difficult or long name easier to pronounce. This works well if your middle or last name begins with “J”, “D”, or “T” – for example Daniel Joseph can be shortened to “D.J.”, Andrew Johnson to “A.J.”, Jonathon Jameson to “J.J.”, or James Taylor to “J.T.”. Describe a unique physical attribute or personality trait. Think of a good feature about yourself or a friend and use that as inspiration for a nickname. For example, the 16th president Abraham Lincoln is often called “Honest Abe” for his integrity. Be careful not to offend anyone and focus on positive, not negative attributes. If someone is really smart, call them “Prof” or “Doc”, or a creative person could be called “Muse” or “Da Vinci”. In China, many American and British celebrities have nicknames based on their appearance or reputation. For example, Katy Perry is known as “Fruit Sister” for her colorful costumes, Benedict Cumberbatch is “Curly Blessing” for his curly hair, and Adam Levine is “Flirty Adam”. Call someone by their last name. This works well in sports or at work, especially if you have a common first name. Also, most athletes go by their last name, since it's on the back of their jerseys. You can also abbreviate or shorten your last name. Make sure the name is short and easy to remember. You can abbreviate someone's first or last name to 3 syllables or less. You want something that is catchy and easy to say. Test out the name before using it in public. If you are trying to come up with a cool nickname for a friend, try it out on them first when no one else is around. See how they respond – you want a nickname to be flattering, not offensive. Stop calling the person by that name if they find in annoying. Inappropriate nicknames include those that reference bad habits, negatively portray someone's physical appearance or weight, or are sexually explicit. Use a retro or vintage nickname. Make something old new again by reviving a nickname that used to be popular, but has since fallen out of use. For example, “Slick”, “Skippy”, or “Biff” for boys and “Dottie”, or “Kittie” for girls were popular in the 1940s and 1950s. During the Victorian Era, examples of popular nicknames for girls include “Josie”, “Millie”, and “Maisie”, and for boys “Fritz”, “Augie”, and “Zeb”. Look for inspiration from old TV shows or movies. For example, character nicknames on the “The Little Rascals”(1922-1944) include Alfalfa, Junior, Froggy, Pineapple, and Buckwheat. The popular musical and movie “Grease” (1978) includes members of the “Pink Ladies” (Rizzo, Frenchy, and Marty) and the “T-Birds” (Doody and Kenickie). Create a nickname based on your hometown or interests. Find inspiration from where you're from or what you do. For example, people from Indiana are often called “Hoosiers” and “Yinzer” is a nickname for people from Pittsburgh, PA. If you like to cook, you can go by “Chef”, “Mustang” if you like cars (you can use any type of car, this is just an example), or “Owl” if they like to read (or really like owls). Use sports references. Think of a nickname associated with your favorite player. If you play a sport, think of cool nicknames for everyone on the team based on their strengths. See if any of the names stick. Create a unique nickname from your own name. You can also think of a unique or uncommon way of creating a nickname from someone's name, such as “Resa” from Theresa, “Elle” from Michelle, or “Ober” from Robert. Also, consider pronouncing someone's name backwards, such as calling Katie “Eitak” or Brian “Nairb”. Finally, you can call someone by their middle name. Famous celebrities, such as Katy Perry, Demi Moore, and Reese Witherspoon go by their middle name or mother's maiden name. Create a stage name. If you are, or want to become a musician, it is important to have a memorable nickname. Having a stage name is important if you want to protect your identity, or your name is difficult to pronounce. Unlike other types of nicknames, a stage name is your specific brand. A good stage name is short, easy to pronounce, and represents who your are. Find inspiration from famous stage names. Look up your favorite musician and see how they chose their stage name. Use a pet name. Pet names are a way to show your affection. Popular pet names for women include: gorgeous, beautiful, honey, angel, and princess. The top pet names for men include: babe, baby, honey, bear, and boo. Use a childhood nickname. While nicknames from your childhood can be embarrassing, especially ones your parents gave you, they can be cute and endearing if you have a boyfriend or girlfriend. Ask your significant other's parents if they had a nickname when they were little. Use it the next time you see your boyfriend or girlfriend and see how they react. Create a secret nickname. Create a nickname that you and your significant other use when you're alone. You can use a standard nickname such as “Boo”, “Honey”, or “Babe”, or come up with your own. Create a name based on what do you find most attractive in your significant other. For example, if your boyfriend is a good kisser, call him “Sweet Lips”, or if your girlfriend is pretty and kind, call her “Angel”. Combine your names. Many celebrity couples are known to their fans by their nicknames, such as “Brangelina” (Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt), “Kimye” (Kim Kardashian and Kanye West), or the original “Bennifer” (Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck). Experiment writing down different combinations of your first and last names. Start using it when you are around friends so it sticks.

Shorten your name. Create a cool nickname using your initials. Describe a unique physical attribute or personality trait. Call someone by their last name. Make sure the name is short and easy to remember. Test out the name before using it in public. Use a retro or vintage nickname. Create a nickname based on your hometown or interests. Create a unique nickname from your own name. Create a stage name. Use a pet name. Use a childhood nickname. Create a secret nickname. Combine your names.

https://www.wikihow.com/MC-a-Wedding

How to MC a Wedding

To MC a wedding, start by obtaining an official schedule, since one of your main duties is to keep the reception running smoothly and on time. If you've never used a microphone before, consider practicing a few announcements before the reception begins. Each reception varies, but you'll probably need to announce the newly weds at the beginning of the reception, introduce speakers, and announce events like garter tosses and bouquet tosses.

Be familiar with the schedule of the event. While it's not your party, you're the one in charge of making it a success. As the MC, it's your job to keep the event moving forward in a timely manner, keeping to the schedule and helping as best you can. Because of this, you need to be involved in the planning process, not so much to make decisions, but to make sure that you're aware of the order of events and the time frame in which the events need to occur. The night belongs to the bride and groom, but it's your job to help it happen without any problems. The bride, groom, and other members of the wedding party will typically have something called a "run sheet" which will be a detailed itinerary of the various events. Get your schedule ahead of time and keep it on you during the day. Be the militant one. Make announcements. The MC of the wedding is basically the host and communications person of the event. When is it time for tables to approach the buffet line? In what order should they approach the table? Where should presents be placed? When and where will the garter toss commence? These are things you're going to have to know and announce as the MC of the wedding. Distinguish between things you'll need to announce into the microphone and things that might be ok to say to everyone as they come in the door, or by going around table-to-table and talking to everyone. If you label the presents table, for instance, you won't need to make a big to-do of announcing it every five minutes when people come in. Communicate with the event staff. To make sure no one from the bridal party or their immediate family has to spend a bunch of time wrangling the catering staff, that's generally going to be the responsibility of the MC. Introduce yourself to the cooks, the servers, the DJ, and anyone else who's going to be directly involved with the evening. Hear them out and accommodate their needs, as well. Expect the unexpected. What happens if the catering group is understaffed? What happens if Uncle Phil's keg of wedding beer runs dry? What if the PA goes on the fritz just as everyone's ready to start dancing? Bus tables! Beer run! iPod dock! The party goes on. Come up with a few contingency plans for last-minute fixes and try to keep a positive outlook to make the event as stress-free as possible for the happy couple. Be willing to run last-minute errands and do extra housekeeping tasks on the night of the reception. If the groom forgot his groomsmen's presents back at the house, don't make him drive and go get it. Volunteer for the little things and you can make a big difference. Don't be afraid to delegate tasks. If there's a mess to be cleaned up, enlist some lazy cousins and challenge them to a can-crushing contest. Don't be pushy, but don't try to take it on all yourself either. Chill out. It can be somewhat stressful coordinating everything, making announcements, and making sure everyone gets from place to place. Still, try to remember: It's a party! Have fun, relax, and let people have a good time. try to let people know what's supposed to happen, but if the groomsmen are boisterously toasting the groom in the corner when its five minutes past cake-cutting time, try to get into the swing of things and let loose a bit. Make things as simple as possible. A wedding MC can make the night smooth sailing, or can tax everyone's fun by being too in-your-face about the little rules. try to keep an eye on the big picture and focus on making things simpler, rather than more complicated. Get there early, help out, and stay late. The reception will be work for you. Save some time for fun, but you need to get there early enough to make any last minute preparations with the staff, get everything ready and in place, and prepare yourself for the job to be done. There'll likely be seventy things that need to happen just before the party starts, so you probably can't get there too early. If the ceremony itself takes place elsewhere, try to sit close to the back so you can jet out as soon as its over and head over to the reception hall. Practice using the microphone before the reception. Standing in front of everyone and moving your lips so no sound comes out, or jarring everyone with a sudden peal of feedback is kind of a bummer for everyone. Don't make the first time you get up in front of the big crowd the first time you've spoken into the house mic. Practice holding it at the correct distance so you'll be loud enough for everyone to hear and you won't have to go through an awkward sound-check with all the family and friends present. Announce necessary information at the beginning of the reception. Your biggest job will happen right as the reception starts. Everyone will arrive and need to be directed to their table, place their presents, and any other preliminary things that need to happen. It's customary for the MC to introduce themselves, go over the course of events for the evening, just before the bridal party enters, then introduce the bridal party. Typically, the biggest announcement you'll have to make is when the bridal party enters. You'll need to introduce them, "The new Mr. and Mrs. _____!" When the bride is seated, let everyone know they can sit down and visit for a while. Introduce the speakers. Typically, everyone will eat dinner and you won't have anything to do for a while but eat with them. Most of the time, speeches will happen after dessert, at which time you'll grab the mic again and introduce anyone who's prepared a speech for the evening. Don't give preliminary speeches for each speech. You don't need to tell long-winded jokes about each person (again, you're not the entertainment). Simple is good: "Next up, let's all welcome the maid-of-honor!" try to wait until the dinner phase of the reception has wound down enough to get ready for the speeches. If there's a set time limit, try to stick to it as close as possible, but don't rush people who're still waiting to be served so you can jump to the speeches. Let things move in a calm and orderly fashion. Organize any other events the couple has planned. Different weddings will plan different events, like garter tosses, bouquet tosses, and other ceremonies particular to the couple's wishes. In general, it's probably better to draw people's attention to these types of things more informally and let the couple themselves handle the microphone if there's any reason to. Again, simple is good. Walk around to the tables and let everyone know briefly and politely: "Hey everybody! Hope you're all having a good time! I think they're about to do the garter toss on the dance floor in about five minutes if you want to make your way over there." Let sincerity trump humor. When you're on the mic, try to remember the most important part of being a wedding MC: You're not the entertainment. It's not your job to be funny, it's not your job to tell stories, it's not your job to do anything but make sure everyone knows what's coming up next in the evening, and what they need to do. You'll have an opportunity to talk for a while, usually at the very beginning of the reception, before the bride and groom enter, which is when you can introduce yourself and set the tone of the evening. The room will probably be buzzing and unsettled, anyway, so don't think about launching into that crude story about your spring break trip to Cancun with the groom. Get organized. Even though you've got a naturally witty, charming, and hilarious personality--that's why the lucky couple picked you to MC, no doubt--don't try to rely upon your talents and skills, hoping you'll be able to improvise your way through the night. After a busy and stressful day of the wedding, it's likely your mind will come up blank. Write down what you're going to say, and keep your script handy on a mobile device or a notepad. Write it like you'll want to read it, word-for-word, so you won't have to fill in the gaps at the last minute. Don't surprise the bride and groom. Make sure they know what's coming, both in terms of what will be said, who will say it, and when. The night of the wedding isn't the time to shake things up and decide at the last minute that you're going to launch into the best man's speech while the groom's father is outside talking to grandma. Make sure everyone's ready, everyone's on-point with the plan, and stick to it. Even if the speech-givers want to surprise the party with their speeches, try to find out what's in them and let the bride and groom know. It can be somewhat embarrassing to have to listen to a crude attempt at jokes from someone at a wedding, so it's good to do a little screening. It's not your job to tell them not to give the speech as written, just let the couple know so they'll be prepared and won't be (overly) embarrassed on their night. Get some feedback from a friend. When you've prepared your remarks, try reading them out loud several times to become more familiar with them and make sure it's brief (certainly no more than a minute or two) and articulate. Ask for feedback and make changes.

Be familiar with the schedule of the event. Make announcements. Communicate with the event staff. Expect the unexpected. Chill out. Get there early, help out, and stay late. Practice using the microphone before the reception. Announce necessary information at the beginning of the reception. Introduce the speakers. Organize any other events the couple has planned. Let sincerity trump humor. Get organized. Don't surprise the bride and groom. Get some feedback from a friend.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Bee-out-of-the-House

How to Get a Bee out of the House

To get a bee out of your house, turn off the lights inside and open your door or a few windows. If it is dark outside, turn on your porch light because bees will be attracted to the light and will likely go outside. If that doesn't work, get a bowl and piece of paper to trap the bee. When the bee lands on a flat surface, slowly bring the container toward the bee until you can trap the bee. Once the bee is inside, slide a piece of paper under the bowl so the bee will be trapped inside. Then, take the bee outside and release it.

Obtain a cup or bowl. A clear bowl or cup is preferable, though not necessary. A plastic cup or bowl is also preferable, since its lower mass will reduce the risk of damaging your wall or window during the trapping process. You can use any regular cup or bowl you might have around your house. While a bowl allows for a wider margin of error when trapping the bee, the cup is easier to keep covered and move out once the bee has been trapped. Wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants. Long-sleeved shirts and pants provide maximum coverage over your body, making it less likely for you to be stung. Do not wear shorts or T-shirts when trapping a bee in a container. Trap the bee within your cup or bowl. When the bee has landed on a flat, smooth surface, slow bring the container of your choice toward the bee with one hand. When you're within six to twelve inches of the bee, rapidly bring the container over the bee, trapping it within. Do not attempt to trap a bee which is on the carpet. The chances it will escape are too great. Choose a cover for your container. You can use a wide variety of materials to cover the container which you have trapped the bee beneath. When trapping bees with a bowl, you could use a folded newspaper, a full sheet of thick paper, or a manila envelope. When trapping bees within a cup, you could use a notecard or magazine. Think about the radius of your cup or bowl's open end and choose a cover which corresponds appropriately. Whatever you choose, it should be relatively thin. Place the cover between the bee and the surface it landed on. After choosing your cover, slip it slowly between the lip of the bowl or glass you trapped the bee under and the wall or hard surface on which the bee was sitting. Starting at one edge of the container, ease it up by about one or two millimeters. Slip your magazine or notecard beneath the container and continue to push it across the surface the bee was sitting on. The bee will likely be surprised and fly about after having the container placed over it; this will make the process of easing the cover over your container that much easier. Take the bee outside. With the cover safely over the container you've captured the bee in, move to an open door. Take the bee about ten paces from your home and remove the paper holding the bee in the cup or bowl you've trapped it in. Place the mouth of the cup or bowl on the ground, then slide the cover off. Ensure that it flies or crawls out and run quickly back to your home, closing the door firmly behind you before the bee can find its way back in. Don't take the bee too far away. Its hive is likely nearby and without access to it, it will surely die. Open the windows of your house. If your windows have screens of storm windows on them, open them as well. If you have to remove the screens, place them somewhere close by the window so they do not get misplaced or mismatched to a different window later. Raise the curtains or blinds so the bee can exit. If the sun has set and you have a light directly outside the window, you can turn it on and turn off the lights of the room the bee is in. When the bee leaves to hover by the light outside, close the window behind it. Open the doors of your home. If you have an additional screen door which has a spring-loaded latch on it which causes it to close automatically, use the small locking latch near the hinge of the spring mechanism to hold your door open. If you have a security door, you can leave it closed, assuming there is no screen on it. If there is a screen on it, open it as well. If you have sliding glass doors, remove any curtains concealing them so the bee can see the world outside. When you notice it bump up against the door, carefully open it to let the bee out. Wait several minutes for the bee to leave. With the doors and windows open, the bee will seek a way to return to its hive and explore nearby flowers. While waiting for the bee to make its exit, keep and eye on your doors and windows to ensure birds and other wildlife do not enter. Close your windows and doors as soon as the bee leaves. Mix some water and sugar. Bees are attracted to sweet flavors like the nectar they obtain from flowers. By mixing up some sugar water, you can approximate a nectar-like flavor. Mix about one teaspoon of sugar with three teaspoons of water. You can mix the water and sugar in a blender or mix it by hand in a small cup. You should not need more than a cup of this mixture. Your bee might like filtered water more than tap water. Try a different quality of water if your bee is not attracted to the first sugar/water mix you concoct. Place a half cup of the sweet mixture in a jar. You can use any size jar, but make sure it has a lid. Your jar can be of glass or plastic, but the lid must be plastic. Old peanut butter, jam, or pasta sauce jars make good choices. Seal the jar by placing the lid on it. Punch a hole in the lid of the jar. The hole should be about the size of the diameter of your pinky finger. It is important to keep the hole small to ensure the bee can crawl in but not out of the jar. Take the jar out of your house when the bee enters. Wait for the bee to enter the jar. When the bee enters the jar, it might drown in the sweet mixture. If it drowns, remove the jar from the house, take the lid off, and dump the bee and the sweet mixture into an open, grassy area at least ten paces from your house. Return to your home and wash the container. Set the live bee free. If the bee is alive within the jar, take it from your home and cover the hole on the lid with your thumb or a piece of duct tape. Walk at least ten paces from your home and unscrew the lid. Unscrew the lid, but hold it partially over the opening of the jar. Carefully dump the sugar water out, ensuring the bee doesn't get coated with the water. When you've dumped most of the water out, turn the jar away from you and open the lid completely. When the bee flies out, run back to your home and close the door behind you.

Obtain a cup or bowl. Wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants. Trap the bee within your cup or bowl. Choose a cover for your container. Place the cover between the bee and the surface it landed on. Take the bee outside. Open the windows of your house. Open the doors of your home. Wait several minutes for the bee to leave. Mix some water and sugar. Place a half cup of the sweet mixture in a jar. Punch a hole in the lid of the jar. Take the jar out of your house when the bee enters. Set the live bee free.

https://www.wikihow.com/Become-Best-Friends-on-Snapchat

How to Become Best Friends on Snapchat

*Exchange snaps and messages more frequently with one friend than with others.

Understand how the Best Friends list works. In order to become best friends on Snapchat, you must communicate with them more than you communicate with most of your other friends. Your friend also must communicate with you in the same manner if they want you on their Best Friends list. You can have up to six best friends. Open Snapchat . Tap the Snapchat app icon, which resembles a white ghost on a yellow background. The Snapchat camera will open if you're logged in. If you aren't logged in, tap LOG IN , enter your username (or email address, or phone number) and password, and tap LOG IN. Tap your profile icon. It's in the top-left corner of the screen. This will open your profile page. Tap Add Friends. This option is in the middle of the page. If you're physically near your friend and they have Snapchat open, you can instead have them scan your snapcode that appears at the top of your profile page. Tap the search bar. It's at the very top of the screen. Your phone's keyboard will pop up. Type in your friend's username. This will search the Snapchat database for them. You should see your friend's username appear in the middle of the page. Tap ＋ Add. It's next to your friend's username. This will add them to your Snapchat friends list. Ask them to add you back. Once your friend adds you to their friends list, you can proceed with snapping them to your heart's content. Return to the Camera page. If you haven't already done so, tap the "Back" button in the top-left corner of the screen to go back to your profile page, then tap X to close your profile page. Take a snap. Point the camera at something that you want to send, then tap the circular "Capture" button. If you want to take a video snap, tap and hold the "Capture" button until you're done recording, then release the button. Tap the "Send" icon. It's a blue-and-white arrow in the bottom-right corner of the screen. Doing so takes you to the friends list. You can add effects to your snap before sending it if you like. Select your friend. Tap your friend's name to select them as the recipient of your snap. Avoid sending snaps to other people for now, since your primary goal is to get your friend onto your Best Friends list. Tap the "Send" icon. It's the blue-and-white arrow in the bottom-right corner of the screen. This will send your snap to your friend. In order for the snap to be counted toward the Best Friends list score, your friend must open your snap. Send the user several more photo or video snaps. Sending photo and video snaps to a friend more frequently than to any of your other friends will quickly put the friend on your Best Friends list. The more snaps you send that friend, the sooner the person will end up on your Best Friends list. Make sure that the person sends snaps to you as well. While they may end up on your Best Friends list because of all the snaps that you send to them, they must also snap you more than anyone else in their friends list for it to be mutual. Open the Friends page. Swipe from left to right across the Camera page to do so. You should see a list of recently snapped friends here. Open a chat with your friend. Find your friend's name, then swipe from left to right across their name. This will open their chat page. Enter a message. Type in the message that you want to send to your friend. You can also add images from your phone's camera roll to the message by tapping the card-shaped "Photos" icon below the text box and then selecting photos. Tap Send. Doing so will send your message to your friend, at which point they can open it from their Snapchat app. On some Android phones, you'll tap ✓ instead. Have frequent conversations with your friend. The more chats that are sent between the two of you, the quicker you'll end up on each other's Best Friends list.

Understand how the Best Friends list works. Open Snapchat . Tap your profile icon. Tap Add Friends. Tap the search bar. Type in your friend's username. Tap ＋ Add. Ask them to add you back. Return to the Camera page. Take a snap. Tap the "Send" icon. Select your friend. Tap the "Send" icon. Send the user several more photo or video snaps. Make sure that the person sends snaps to you as well. Open the Friends page. Open a chat with your friend. Enter a message. Tap Send. Have frequent conversations with your friend.

https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Motorcycle

How to Start a Motorcycle

If you haven't used your motorcycle in several hours, open the choke lever on the handlebar before starting it. Then, turn your ignition on, squeeze and hold your clutch lever down, and press the start button. Shortly after the engine starts, close the choke and open the throttle. If your bike is fuel-injected, simply pull the clutch in, and press and hold the start button whether you're starting hot or cold. Use a bit of throttle when you press start if your motorcycle doesn't start up first time around.

Determine whether you have a carburetor-based or fuel-injected motorcycle. Many motorcycles, especially older or less expensive models, do not have modern fuel injection systems. If you aren't sure, you can tell by looking for a choke control. It is normally located on the left handlebar, above the horn. Carbureted motorcycles have a choke, but fuel-injected bikes do not. Sit on your motorcycle seat when starting it. This will put you in full control of anything that happens once it's started. If you are starting the motorcycle unmounted for some reason, make sure that you shift your bike into neutral (located between 1st and 2nd gear) before you fire the engine. You don't want the bike to take off without you! Make sure that the motorcycle is in working condition. You should have plenty of gas and a well-charged battery. It is important to keep the motorcycle properly serviced, particularly in damp or cold conditions. Fit new spark plugs, or, if not worn, clean and gap the old ones. Check the ignition timing, and adjust if necessary; if fitted, have the ignition points replaced. A carburetor service and clean is also a great idea. Replace the spark plug leads if they look old, worn, or frayed. Use only manufacturer-recommended spark plugs and plug leads – look for the reference in your motorcycle's handbook. Check the oil level. Before starting any engine, make sure it is lubricated by checking the oil level. If there is no oil, or the oil level is too low, do not start the engine. Otherwise it will heat up, then will break down. Check the battery. Put in the key and turn the key clockwise until the lights turn on. If the lights does not turn on, that usually means the battery is dead and you need to recharge it or install a new one. Look for the "choke" lever or cut-off switch. For cold starting, there is usually a choke lever or "cut-off switch" on the handlebar. On some bikes, there may be a choke lever mounted on the carburetor. Operating this will provide the necessary rich fuel mixture when the motorcycle is "cold" – when it hasn't been used for more than a few hours. The dirtier the carburetor, or the colder the engine is, the more the choke will need to be engaged. You don't need to use the choke lever when starting a motorcycle "hot." If the motorcycle has been running and the engine is already hot, you won't need as much power to get it going. Just use a small amount of throttle and the engine should fire. Many bikes have a cut-off switch on the kickstand, so make sure that the kickstand is up as well. Having the bike in neutral will disable the kickstand shutoff. Open the choke lever. Make sure that the cut-off switch is "on." You will need to leave the handlebar throttle twist-grip closed while operating the starter motor or kick-start lever. Otherwise, the engine will flood, making starting difficult or impossible. Remember – the choke lever is usually not necessary if the bike has already been running in the past few hours. Turn your ignition to the "on" position. Your dash lights should "light up" when it's in this position. Also if your bike is in neutral as suggested, then you should notice a green light indicating that you are in neutral. Start the engine. Squeeze and hold your clutch lever down (located on the left) and push the start button (located on the right). You should hear the blissful sound of your motorcycle cranking up. Close the choke and open the throttle. Shortly after the engine fires, close the choke lever progressively and open the throttle slightly as the engine warms. As you ride, you may still need some choke for a short distance – but close the choke lever as soon as possible to achieve smooth running. Do not over-rev the motorcycle when it is warming up. Put the motorcycle into neutral. You can almost always find this between first and second gear. Don't worry about the choke lever. For electronically fuel-injected motorcycles, the engine management system will automatically look after fueling needs whether the engine is hot or cold. There is no choke lever on these motorcycles. Use a small amount of throttle when starting either hot or cold. Pull the clutch in toward the handlebar. It's usually on the the left-hand side. Many riders choose to also pull in the front brake (on the right handlebar) at the same time. Press and hold in the start button. This is usually located on the right handlebar, near the bottom of where the hand will naturally rest. Try using the throttle. If the motorcycle does not catch and start, try using the throttle while pressing the start button. Make sure to keep the clutch held all of the way in while doing this.

Determine whether you have a carburetor-based or fuel-injected motorcycle. Sit on your motorcycle seat when starting it. Make sure that the motorcycle is in working condition. Check the oil level. Check the battery. Look for the "choke" lever or cut-off switch. Open the choke lever. Turn your ignition to the "on" position. Start the engine. Close the choke and open the throttle. Put the motorcycle into neutral. Don't worry about the choke lever. Pull the clutch in toward the handlebar. Press and hold in the start button. Try using the throttle.

https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Horror-Story

How to Start a Horror Story

Before you start writing your horror story, read the beginnings of other well-known horror stories, like “The Tell-Tale Heart” or “1984,” to get a sense for how to start with a jolt. Then, come up with your own first line that grabs the reader's attention and raises questions about what's to come. Try to start your story in the middle of a scene where characters are doing something, since action is engaging. Additionally, set up the main conflict and introduce scary or unsettling details, like details about an accident or a murder, to build tension from the start.

Describe something that scares or revolts you. Think about your greatest fear or fears. This could be the fear of losing a friend, a fear of heights, a fear of clowns, or even a fear of velcro. You can then tap into this fear and explore it as an idea for your story. Use your fear as material for a story about something scary or revolting. Consider how you would react as a character if you were forced to confront these fears. Another option is to ask family, friends, and partners what scares or revolts them the most. You can then use their fears as an idea for your story. Turn an ordinary situation into something horrifying. You can also take a normal, common situation like going for a stroll in the park, preparing a meal, or visiting a friend and add a terrifying element to the situation. Use your imagination to add a horrifying spin to a normal, everyday activity or scene. For example, maybe you come across a severed ear during your morning stroll in the park or perhaps a vegetable you are cutting up for dinner turns into a finger or a tentacle. Get creative and consider how you can skew or twist around a situation that seems commonplace. Trap your characters in a terrifying setting. You can also limit or trap your main character in a setting that is terrifying and scary. Restricting your character's movements will allow you to build tension and terror in the story using setting. Consider a confined space that scares you or frightens you. Ask yourself where you would dread or fear being trapped in the most. Maybe you trap your character in a confined space like a coffin, a cold dank cellar, an abandoned police station, an island or an abandoned city. Trapping your characters in a scary setting will introduce fear into the story right away and create immediate tension and suspense. Create distinct main characters. You can also start your horror story by focusing on character development. You should strive to create a main character or several main characters that are distinct and detailed. You may create a character study for each character so you can get a sense of how they live, how they think, and how they might react in a conflict. Even if every detail in your sketch doesn't show up in your story, they can still impact how you write the character and how your readers perceive your character. A well-rounded character will be noticeable and memorable for your readers. Start your sketch by asking yourself about things like: The character's age and occupation The character's marital status or relationship status The character's view the world (cynical, skeptical, anxious, happy-go-lucky, satisfied, settled) Any specific or unique physical details, such as a physical trait like a certain hairstyle, a scar, or a certain style of dress The character's speech, dialect, or language spoken around others Give your main character an extreme emotion. Horror hinges on the reader's reaction to the material. You can create extreme emotion in the reader by giving your character an extreme emotion that they then have to struggle with over the course of the story. Emotions like shock, paranoia, and dread are all strong emotions that can motivate a character to take action or have intense internal thoughts. Making your character experience an intense shock, like the death of a loved one or the loss of a job, can also create a conflict for your character. This can then lead the character to make decisions they would not make if they were not in shock or dealing with the aftershock of a major event. You can also give your main character a dose of paranoia, or a sense that something is not quite right. This will make the character suspicious and view things from a skewed perspective. This is also an easy way to help set up your protagonist's relationship with other characters. Paranoia is also great at unnerving your reader and making them also doubt their understanding of the events happening in the story. Another option is to give your main character a sense of dread or a feeling that something bad is going to happen. Dread can help to build tension in the story and keep the reader on edge. Create a plot outline. Once you have a clear story idea, you should create a plot outline so you have a general sense of where your characters are heading in the story. Coming up with the structure in advance like this will make your story stronger in the long run. The plot outline can act as a map or guide for your story, though you may end up deviating from the outline if inspiration strikes as you write the horror story. You may use a plot diagram to create the outline. The plot diagram will have six distinct sections, forming the shape of a triangle, with the climax at the top of the triangle. The six sections are: the set up, the inciting incident, the rising action, the climax, the falling action, and the resolution. You can also use the snowflake method to create the outline. You will do this by creating a one sentence summary of the plot, followed by a one paragraph summary of the plot, and then a spreadsheet of scenes. Create an informative, engaging first line. The first line of your story should raise questions in the reader's mind but also ground the reader in the story. A good opening line will tell the reader what the story is about, have a distinct voice or point of view, and a hint of characterization. For example, you may decide to write a story about your fear of velcro, set in a dystopian world. You may have the following opening line: “Sara tried to sit still while the men tightened the velcro straps around her wrists, squeezing her eyes shut to block out the terrifying sound.” This opening line introduces the main character, Sara, and places her in a scene where she is experiencing fear and discomfort. It also raises questions in the reader's mind, such as who are “the men” and why is Sara being strapped down? These questions will keep your reader engaged and willing to keep turning the page. Start in scene. Try to start your story in scene, where your character or characters are moving, interacting, or doing something. Starting in a scene with action will engage your reader right away and hook them in so they are encouraged to keep reading. It will also help to ground the reader in the story and help them to feel carried along by the story. Try to place your main character in a scene where they are in distress or unsettled in some way. This will introduce the horror element of the story right away. For example, you may open your story with a scene where your main character is being strapped into a device. You may then describe how it feels for your character to be in the device and her thought process of trying to escape the device while her captors try to keep her strapped down. Introduce terrifying or unsettling details right away. You are writing a horror story after all, so do not be afraid to introduce terrifying or unsettling details within the first paragraph of the story. By the end of the first paragraph, your reader should know the setting and the conflict. Your reader should also have a good sense of terror or fear by the end of the first page of the story, as you want to evoke strong emotions from your reader. For example, you may try to include gory details like blood, guts, mucus, brain matter, or saliva in the first paragraph of your story. Try to use the gory details sparingly and a little at a time so the story does not feel cliche or familiar. That way, when you do include some gore, it's more impactful for your reader. Include a main conflict. Your horror story should also include a main conflict, where your main character is spurred into action in some way. The main conflict of your horror story should appear within the first several paragraphs or the first one to two pages of your story. Having a conflict in your story as soon as possible will keep your reader engaged and help to build tension in your story. For example, you may have a main character who is trying to get rid of a ghost in her home. This could be the main conflict that you introduce in the story right away. The rest of the story could then be about her attempt to get rid of the ghost in her house without getting hurt or harming anyone in her family. Another common overarching conflict is the theme of survival, wherein your character must face a terrifying situation that threatens their life if they cannot escape it. If you decide to withhold the conflict from the reader until later in the story, you should have a good reason for doing this. Withholding information should only be done intentionally and for the benefit of the story, as your reader may get confused or lost without this information. Use the active voice. You should also try to always use the active voice in your opening section and throughout your story, rather than the passive voice. The passive voice can end up making your sentences sound bland or dry. You want to create sentences that are engaging and dynamic to your reader, with a lot of action and forward momentum. For example, rather than start your story with the line: “The straps are cold on Sara's skin as the men strap her into the chair," which is passive and confusing, you may start with: “Sara feels the straps, cold and metal, on her skin as the men hold her down in the chair.” The second sentence uses the active voice and places the subject of the sentence,“Sara," next to the verb in the sentence, “feels.” Using the active voice does not mean you are limited to only using first person, present for your point of view. You can still use the active voice in the past tense, using third person or second person. Read example beginnings. You can get a better sense of start your horror story with a bang by reading example beginnings from popular, well known horror stories. Use these openings as a model or guide for your own story. Examples include: The beginning of “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allen Poe: “True! --nervous --very, very dreadfully nervous I had been and am; but why will you say that I am mad?” The opening lines tell the reader right away that the narrator is unsettled, very nervous, and possibly mad. It is a great opening that puts the reader on edge right away and prepares them for an unsettling story. The beginning of “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” by Joyce Carol Oates: “Her name was Connie. She was fifteen and she had a quick, nervous giggling habit of craning her neck to glance into mirrors or checking other people's faces to make sure her own was all right.” The beginning lines are deceptively simple but they introduce the main character, provide her young age and gender, and characterize the main character as possibly vain and naive. These lines prepare the reader for a story about the main character that is flawed and possibly susceptible to outside influence. The beginning of 1984 by George Orwell: “It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.” This beginning line is well known and admired for its ability to cram all the craft elements of the story in one sentence. The reader is grounded in setting and set up with an unsettling image, a day that is bright and cold. The clocks striking thirteen also feel like a bad omen and sign of misfortune to come. Read the opening lines out loud. Once you have written the opening of your horror story, you should read them out loud to hear how they sound on the page. Note if the opening lines feel unsettling or disturbing. Check if the opening lines contain plot, characterization, setting, and voice. You may also read the opening lines out loud to a trusted friend or peer to get a second opinion. Ask your listener if they find the story creepy, disturbing, or horrifying. Be willing to take constructive criticism and feedback about the opening, as getting a second viewpoint on the beginning can make it stronger. Revise the beginning once you have reached the end. Often, cracking the beginning lines can make it easier to then write the rest of the story. Once you have created a satisfying ending to your horror story, you should go back and revise the beginning. This will ensure your beginning still fits with where your story ended up. You should consider if the beginning section flows well with the rest of the story. You should also adjust the beginning to reflect any changes to your character or your setting that you made later on in the story. You want your beginning to feel like a natural start to the rest of the story. Edit the beginning for clarity, voice, and style. You should also read over the beginning section to ensure it is not confusing in anyway and that it is easy to follow for the reader. There is nothing worse than an opening section that does not make sense to a reader, as they may get so frustrated they stop reading any further. Make sure the character voice in the beginning section matches the character voice in the rest of the story. You want a consistent character voice throughout your story so it feels cohesive.

Describe something that scares or revolts you. Turn an ordinary situation into something horrifying. Trap your characters in a terrifying setting. Create distinct main characters. Give your main character an extreme emotion. Create a plot outline. Create an informative, engaging first line. Start in scene. Introduce terrifying or unsettling details right away. Include a main conflict. Use the active voice. Read example beginnings. Read the opening lines out loud. Revise the beginning once you have reached the end. Edit the beginning for clarity, voice, and style.

https://www.wikihow.com/Diagnose-a-Cooling-System-Problem

How to Diagnose a Cooling System Problem

To diagnose a cooling system problem, start by checking the radiator cap for damage, rust, or grime that could be preventing the radiator from releasing excess pressure. Radiator caps are cheap, so replace it if you think it could be the problem. Next, check the water pump for damage to the belt, for leaks, or for a stuck or damaged pulley. You should also check your coolant hoses for kinks or cracks which could lead to leaks.

Keep an eye on the temperature gauge. The first sign that there is an issue with the cooling system in your vehicle will often come from the temperature gauge. If your vehicle has been running consistently warmer or has recently begun having issues with overheating, there is likely an issue with the cooling system. The temperature gauge in your vehicle should have an acceptable operating range. Even if your vehicle is not overheating but has been running at the higher end of the operating range, there may be an issue. If your vehicle is running with the temperature gauge in the red, it is overheating. Pull over and shut off the vehicle. Issues with the cooling system can also cause the engine to run cold. In that case, the temperature gauge will remain in the blue. Look for the check engine light. Another early indicator of a problem with your cooling system may be the check engine light on your dashboard. Your check engine light comes on when one of the sensors in your car sends a message to the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) telling it there is an issue. If something isn't performing properly, the check engine light is how the ECU notifies you. The error codes that prompt the check engine light to come on are the same codes that are read by an OBDII scanner. Many vehicles have dash board lights that will notify you of low coolant levels or extreme engine temperatures as well. Identify puddles of coolant below the car. Leaks are a common issue in coolant systems. If you spot a puddle beneath your vehicle, there's a chance that it may be the result of a coolant leak. Touch the puddle with a finger, then smear it onto a blank white sheet of paper. Oil is often brown or black, water from the air conditioner will be clear, and coolant will likely be green, pink or orange. A leak in your coolant system can cause it to fail to maintain proper temperature in the engine. Check the coolant levels in your vehicle. If you suspect that your vehicle has a coolant leak, pop the hood when the engine is cool and look at your coolant reservoir. The reservoir will have lines indicating the minimum and maximum coolant capacity for your vehicle. Take note of the level the coolant reaches on the reservoir, then check again in a few days. If it has gone down, the coolant is either leaking or being burned.. Lack of adequate amount of coolant is solely responsible for the malfunctions in the cooling system of a car. So, the quantity of the coolant used in the cooling system needs to be measured regularly and if necessary the coolant should be replaced. Besides, deposition of debris also has negative impacts on the efficiency of the cooling system. So, the cooling system needs to be flushed after certain time interval as recommended by technician. Appearance of abnormal signs which shows that the cooling system of the car has some sort of abnormalities should not be ignored. The reason behind the appearance of such signs needs to be identified and repaired in time to enhance the efficiency of the cooling system. Make sure to check each time when the engine is the same temperature. If you aren't sure where your coolant reservoir is, consult your vehicle's owner's manual. Allow the engine to cool. Your engine bay gets extremely hot while the engine is running, so poking around the engine bay before it has a chance to cool can result in serious burns. Allow the engine to cool for a few hours before opening the hood and looking for evidence of a coolant leak. If the hood still feels warm, the engine inside is likely very hot. If your vehicle has been overheating, it will take even longer for it to cool enough to be safe to touch. Put on the appropriate safety gear. Before starting any automotive project, you should put on the appropriate safety gear. Because you'll be dealing with coolant that may be leaking, eye protection should be considered mandatory for this project. Gloves are optional, but may protect your hands from scratches or bumps as you work. Always wear eye protection when dealing with coolant leaks, as they may drip or spray under pressure. Glasses or goggles are both acceptable forms of eye protection for this project. Check the radiator cap for damage. Another common point of failure in coolant systems is the radiator cap. When functioning properly, the radiator cap can release excess pressure that builds up in your coolant system, but over time it can become worn out or stuck. If the radiator cap looks rusty, is corroded or caked in grime, it may be the cause of your coolant issues. Replace your radiator cap simply by unscrewing it and screwing in a replacement. Radiator caps are inexpensive and can usually be purchased at your local auto parts store. Never remove the radiator cap from an engine that is still warm. It could spray hot coolant and burn you. Visually inspect the water pump if you can. The water pump in your vehicle pumps the water and coolant mixture through the engine and into the radiator where air flow helps to dissipate the heat. Look for signs that your water pump is leaking or has failed if it is visible in your engine bay. The water pump is belt driven, so inspect the belt for damage that indicates that the water pump pulley has stopped moving and has been rubbing against the belt. Without a properly functioning water pump, your engine will not be able to dissipate the heat it produces as it runs, causing the vehicle to overheat. If the belt powering the water pump is damaged, it will have to be replaced after you put in a new water pump. If you are unsure of where to locate the water pump in your vehicle, refer to its service manual or the website for the auto maker. Assess damage to your coolant hoses. Look at the hoses traveling from the radiator and to the engine, then follow them along for as far as you can. If any of the hoses are kinked, that will cause the coolant system to fail to function properly. Cracks may also indicate a leak, but even if it isn't leaking yet, a cracked coolant hose should be replaced before it begins to leak. Keep an eye out for damage to the hoses or signs of rubbing from the serpentine or accessory belts. If one of the belts has been rubbing on a coolant line, they will both likely need to be replaced. Make sure to install the new ones with enough clearance to avoid rubbing the belt on the hose. Leaks in your coolant can result in puddles beneath your vehicle and overheating. Replace radiator hoses that are leaking or are otherwise damaged. Determine how long it’s been since the coolant has been flushed. If there is no sign of a coolant leak and your vehicle is failing to properly manage temperature, it may be a result of your coolant going bad. Most auto makers recommend flushing your coolant every thirty to sixty thousand miles, so if it's been longer than that for your vehicle, it may be the culprit. Drain and flush your coolant by opening the petcock on the bottom of the radiator and draining it into a container, then filling the coolant system with water and running the engine for a few minutes again. Repeat this process a few times to clean all of the old coolant out, then refill it with a 50/50 mixture of water and coolant. Most coolant comes pre-mixed, but you can purchase only coolant and mix it with water yourself. Coolant can be purchased at auto parts, gas stations and large retail stores everywhere. Look for signs of a bad head gasket. If you notice coolant leaking from the engine beneath the exhaust manifold and white smoke coming from your exhaust, your vehicle's head gasket is probably blown. A blown head gasket will result in coolant leaks, engine overheating, a severe loss of power and the previously mentioned exhaust coloring. A blown head gasket requires taking the cylinder head off of the engine to repair, so it may be best left to professionals. If you believe the head gasket in your vehicle has blown, stop driving it immediately. Determine if your thermostat is functioning properly. Your vehicle's thermostat determines the functioning temperature of your engine. If the thermostat fails in the open position, the coolant will flow continuously through the radiator and the engine will run cold. If it breaks closed, the coolant will not be able to reach the radiator, resulting in overheating. Look for signs of leaking or oxidization around your thermostat to determine if it is causing the issue. If the thermostat is rusted, it will probably not be able to function properly. A leak coming from the area around the thermostat would cause it to fail to function. Use an OBDII scanner to assess engine error codes. If the check engine light has come on in your car, plugging an OBDII scanner can help you identify exactly what's gone wrong. Plug the OBDII scanner wire in the port beneath the dashboard on the driver's side, turn the key to “accessories” and turn on the scanner. Depending on the scanner, it will provide you with an error code to look up or the English description of the error that occurred. Many auto parts stores will use their OBDII scanners to check the codes in your car for free. If your scanner only provides the error codes, check the auto maker's website to find out the description of the error. Look for coolant leaks. If your coolant system is leaking, it will not be able to properly cool the engine may even result in overheating. When visually inspecting the coolant system, be sure to look for signs of spraying or leaking coolant coming from the radiator as well as the hoses and pump. Follow any coolant you see in your engine bay up to its highest point to identify the source of the leak. You may want to spray the engine with a hose to remove all the old coolant, then start the engine again to identify where new coolant leaks out. If the leak is in your radiator, it will either need to be repaired or replaced by a professional. Use a pressure tester to locate hard to find leaks. Another tool you may opt to purchase to identify issues with your coolant system is a pressure tester. Remove the radiator cap from your engine and attach the pressure tester in its place. Turn on the heater in your vehicle without starting the engine to allow the coolant system to develop pressure. Watch the gauge on the pressure tester for sudden drops in pressure. A drop in pressure indicates a leak. Then listen in your coolant system for the sound of air escaping to locate the leak. Pressure testers can be purchased at your local auto parts store. Your coolant system will need to be drained to properly utilize a pressure tester.

Keep an eye on the temperature gauge. Look for the check engine light. Identify puddles of coolant below the car. Check the coolant levels in your vehicle. Allow the engine to cool. Put on the appropriate safety gear. Check the radiator cap for damage. Visually inspect the water pump if you can. Assess damage to your coolant hoses. Determine how long it’s been since the coolant has been flushed. Look for signs of a bad head gasket. Determine if your thermostat is functioning properly. Use an OBDII scanner to assess engine error codes. Look for coolant leaks. Use a pressure tester to locate hard to find leaks.

https://www.wikihow.com/Help-a-Depressed-Boyfriend

How to Help a Depressed Boyfriend

While it can be challenging to help your boyfriend through depression, the first step is to have an honest conversation with him. If he seems unaware of his depression, try talking about it by saying something like “I have been concerned about you over the past few weeks. I've noticed some differences in your behavior.” If your boyfriend opens up to you, listen and affirm his feelings so he doesn't feel guilty or awkward. As your boyfriend works on his depression, encourage him to seek professional help. While supporting your boyfriend may feel like your primary concern, make sure to take care of yourself too by finding a support group or seeking out friends and family to confide in.

Recognize his symptoms. The ways men experience depression are slightly different than women. If you notice most or all of the following symptoms, your boyfriend may be suffering from depression. Being tired most of the time Losing interest in things once enjoyed Getting irritable or angry quickly Having trouble concentrating Feeling anxious Overeating, or not eating at all Experiencing aches, pains or digestive problems Having difficulty sleeping, or sleeping too much Being unable to meet responsibilities at school, work or home Having thoughts of suicide Share your concerns. Maybe your boyfriend doesn't seem to be aware of his mood lately, but after weeks of observing him, you're confident he's struggling with depression. Go to him in a non-confrontational way and ask to talk. Some ways to start a conversation may include: "I have been feeling concerned about you over the past few weeks" or "I've noticed some differences in your behavior lately, and I want to talk to you." If there is tension between you and your boyfriend, refrain from bringing up the notion of his depression. This could come off as accusatory and cause him to shut down. Use “I” statements to avoid blame. It is natural for men with depression to be argumentative or angry. He may demonstrate these characteristics no matter what you do. However, if you approach him in a loving, nonjudgmental manner, he may be willing to listen. It can be easy to come off as blaming or judging your boyfriend if you are not careful with your language. A statement like “You have been really mean and irritable lately” might cause him to become defensive. Use an “I” statement - that focuses on your own emotions - instead, such as “I am worried that you may be depressed because you haven't been sleeping at all. Plus, you're avoiding your friends. I would like us to talk about ways we can get you feeling better.” Listen to him and affirm his feelings. If your boyfriend decides to open up to you about what he is experiencing, know that this takes courage. Strive to help him open up by letting him know that he is safe to share his feelings with you. If he talks to you, listen attentively, making sure to nod or respond reassuringly. Afterwards, summarize what he said and repeat it back to him to show you were listening. For example, you might say “It sounds like you have been feeling really agitated and can't get yourself out of this state. Thank you for sharing that with me. I am sorry that you have to go through this, but I will do whatever I can to help you.” Ask safety-related questions. If your boyfriend is struggling with depression, he may have thoughts of hurting himself. Even if he does not have thoughts of suicide, your boyfriend could be engaging in risky behaviors, such as driving recklessly or using drugs or excessive amounts of alcohol to self-medicate. Be straightforward in your concern about your boyfriend's safety and wellbeing. You might ask the following questions: Are you having thoughts of hurting yourself? Have you ever tried to commit suicide in the past? What plan do you have for ending your life? What means do you have to hurt yourself? Get your suicidal boyfriend emergency assistance. If your boyfriend's responses indicate a clear desire to end his life (along with a detailed plan and means to carry it out), you need to get him help right away. If you are in the US, call the 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK. You might also call 911 or a local emergency services number if you believe your boyfriend is an immediate threat to himself. Have someone remove any items that could potentially be used as a weapon. And make sure someone stays with him at all times. Express your readiness to support him. A depressed person may feel incapable of asking for help, no matter how badly he requires it. Extend a helping hand to your boyfriend by asking what how you can support him, how you can help him relieve stress, and whether you can run errands or take him somewhere. Keep in mind that he may not have any idea what you can do to help. With that being said, asking something like "How can I be there for you right now?" could allow him to tell you what support should look like for him. Help him seek treatment for depression. Once your boyfriend has accepted the notion that he is, indeed, depressed, you will want to encourage him to get treatment. Depression is a treatable illness quite similar to many medical conditions. With proper professional assistance your boyfriend can enjoy improvements in his mood and functioning. Offer to help him search for a psychologist or psychiatrist, and, if he likes, accompany him to his doctor's appointments. Suggest a physical activity to do together. In addition to medication or psychotherapy, physical exercise can be very effective at improving the mental health states of people with depression. Staying active provides mood-enhancing chemicals called endorphins that can make your boyfriend feel better about himself. It can also provide a positive distraction from some of the negative thoughts and feelings he has that contribute to his mood. Consider a shared activity that you and your boyfriend can do together that will provide health-promoting benefits to the both of you. Suggestions might include new fitness class in the gym, a home workout program, running in the park, or participating in group sports. Ensure he is eating healthy foods. Researchers believe there's a connection between diet and depression. This doesn't mean that your boyfriend's late-night junk food habit caused him to feel so low, but, it does imply that maintaining this unhealthy habit could keep him stuck in a negative mood state. Help your boyfriend stock his fridge with heart and brain healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, fish, and limited amounts of meats and dairy which have been associated with lower rates for depression. Help him discover ways to manage stress. You can help your boyfriend minimize the stress in his everyday life by introducing him to healthy stress coping skills. Firstly, ask him to write down all the things in his life that are causing him stress or anxiety. Then, work together to brainstorm ways you can reduce or eliminate these stressors. Next, create a list of go-to strategies he can incorporate into his daily life to relax and keep stress at bay. Possible activities that may help him to manage stress include deep breathing , going for walks in nature, listening to music, meditating, writing in a journal, or watching funny movies or videos. Recommend he keep a mood journal. Creating a mood chart can help your boyfriend get in touch with his feelings, and become more aware of how he feels from day to day. People with depression can track their sleeping and eating habits to look for patterns that lead to negative mood states. Your boyfriend can also write down his thought patterns and feelings each day to spot fluctuations in his mood. Help him connect with others. Both men and women who are dealing with depression tend to withdraw socially. Unfortunately, maintaining social connections can actually help depressed persons reduce feelings of isolation and fight depression. Come up with activities that you and your boyfriend can do with others so that he can forge new bonds. Or, talk to his existing friends and encourage them to get together. Steer clear of enabling your boyfriend. Yes, your boyfriend will have to recover in his own time and in his own way. However, you may worry that you are enabling him to continue the cycle of depression. If you are doing so much for your boyfriend that it removes any potential for him to gather the strength to do for himself, then you might need to back off. Try being supportive instead of enabling. Gently push your boyfriend to be physical active, join in on social activities, or get some fresh air, without demonstrating “tough love” or neglecting him. Your boyfriend wants you to show empathy and love , but he does not need for you to take all the responsibility of healing away from him. Don't take your boyfriend's depression personally. Remember that depression is a complex illness, and you can't control the way your boyfriend feels. It's natural to feel helpless or pain when you see him hurting. Still, you should not take what he's going through as a sign that you are lacking something, or that you aren't a great girlfriend. Strive to stick to your regular routine as much as possible, making sure that you are fulfilling your own responsibilities at work, school, or home. Also, set clear limits of what you can and cannot do for him. You may feel guilty, but, know that you are not responsible for making him feel better. Trying to do too much might jeopardize your own health and well-being. Acknowledge that you can’t “fix” him, but you can support him. No matter how much you may love and care for your boyfriend, you alone cannot help him. Believing that you can “fix” him will only set you up for failure, and may even irritate your boyfriend if you are treating him like some sort of project. Aim to just be there, and offer your assistance and support wherever needed. Your boyfriend will have to overcome depression in his own time. Find a support system. Your boyfriend's depression is such a huge battle to fight that it may seem like he hardly has any energy to put into the relationship. Supporting him during this time may cause you to put your own emotions aside. This is hard for the both of you, and you need to seek support as well. Join a support group, maintain regular social activities with supportive friends, or talk to a counselor if you need to. Practice daily self-care. It can be easy to spend so much time caring your boyfriend that you forget to care for yourself. Try not to neglect participating in activities that are enjoyable to you such as reading, spending time with friends, or taking a hot bath. And, don't feel guilty for taking time out for yourself. Remember, you won't be of any help to him, if you are neglecting yourself. Understand healthy relationship boundaries. Although you want to help your romantic partner as much as possible, sometimes depression may make it impossible to maintain the relationship. If your partner cannot relate to you in a healthy manner, the relationship just may not be feasible. This does not mean a depressed person cannot have a fulfilling relationship--many people dealing with depression do. However, depression can cause deep problems in a relationship. Remember: A boyfriend/girlfriend relationship is is not a marriage. As a girlfriend or boyfriend, you have a right to break it off if it is not working for you. You are not a bad person if you discontinue a relationship with a person who is not able at this point to offer much to you and especially not if it is not supporting you. It is important for you to know what you want out of a romantic relationship, and consider if you are getting what you need. It is not selfish to put yourself and your needs first. Especially as an independent adult, no one is patrolling your needs. You have to care for yourself before you care for others. Sometimes depression can make a person unable to maintain a romantic relationship. That is not a reflection on you, as the significant other, nor does it mean you are somehow deficient. Just loving someone does not mean you can necessarily overcome what can be a significant mental illness. Depression is not an excuse for abuse, manipulation, or other poor treatment. Depressed people are more prone to behaviors that are negative. However, if your significant other is not in control, that does not absolve him or her of responsibility. In fact, you may have to remove yourself from the situation to protect yourself. It is not your responsibility to manage his reaction to a break-up. A real fear after a break-up with a depressed boyfriend is that he will do something dramatic, including suicide. But you cannot control his actions. If you do have concerns that your ex may harm himself or others, get help. Do not allow yourself to be trapped in a relationship you fear to leave.

Recognize his symptoms. Share your concerns. Use “I” statements to avoid blame. Listen to him and affirm his feelings. Ask safety-related questions. Get your suicidal boyfriend emergency assistance. Express your readiness to support him. Help him seek treatment for depression. Suggest a physical activity to do together. Ensure he is eating healthy foods. Help him discover ways to manage stress. Recommend he keep a mood journal. Help him connect with others. Steer clear of enabling your boyfriend. Don't take your boyfriend's depression personally. Acknowledge that you can’t “fix” him, but you can support him. Find a support system. Practice daily self-care. Understand healthy relationship boundaries.

https://www.wikihow.com/Groom-a-Long-Fleece-Coated-Labradoodle

How to Groom a Long Fleece Coated Labradoodle

To groom a long fleece coated Labradoodle, brush its coat with a fine wire brush once a week to remove mats and tangles. Pay special attention to its chest, neck, armpits, and behind, since these are areas where mats commonly form. Then, trim the hair on its ears and paws with clippers to prevent infection or a build-up of debris. Additionally, brush your labradoodle's teeth 2 to 3 times a week to prevent dental problems, and wipe their ears weekly to prevent ear infections.

Set your Labradoodle on the floor or a grooming table. In order to have access to each part of their coat, you'll need to put your Labradoodle in a secure area either on the floor or on a grooming table. If they are unable to stay still during the grooming process, enlist the help of another person to hold them still while you're working. Fleece coats are much easier to take care of than a wool coat, especially when the fleece coat is wavy rather than curled. Remove their collar and any other accessories before you begin. Part the coat into sections. For brushing, you'll want to work in sections starting at the head and moving down the body. Part the hair at the skin and work on one individual section at a time. It is better to work in small sections at first, especially if you are not accustomed to grooming at home. Brush one section at a time with a slicker brush. Slicker brushes have fine wire bristles that will help to remove mats and tangles from your Labradoodle's thick fleece coat. As you're brushing, you want to make sure that you are brushing the hair all the way down to the skin. Many people only brush the surface of the coat and leave mats to form close to the skin. If you are unable to brush out any small or large mats, you will need to shave the hair right to the skin. A professional groomer may be able to get the mat out without cutting the hair, so it can be worth going in for a consultation. Focus on areas that are easily matted. While mats can occur anywhere on your dog's coat, they tend to occur on the chest, neck, armpits, and behind and under the ears. Spend a little extra time brushing these sections with the slicker brush to ensure that no mats have formed. Brush their coat once a week. For general maintenance, you'll need to brush their coats once a week to prevent matting and tangles. Each time you brush their coats, look out for any skin irritation. If you see any redness, flakiness, scabbing or unusual skin texture you may need to consult your veterinarian. By brushing frequently, your dog will become accustomed to the process and you'll be able to identify any skin problems early on. Deal with mats, if present. Mats occur when the hair close to the skin becomes extremely knotted and tangled. The best way to deal with mats, if they aren't too large or too tightly knotted, is to try to untangle them using your fingers. After you've broken apart some of the larger knots, use a comb to try to untangle the smaller knots. If you're able to, try to hold the fur closest to the skin so there is less pulling, which can be painful for your dog. Large mats may need to be shaved. Regular brushing is the best way to prevent mats from forming. Avoid using scissors, as you may accidentally injure your dog. Cut ear hair. Use a small pair of clippers to trim the hairs at the entrance to your dog's ears. Like other flap eared dogs, Labradoodles are more prone to ear infections. Their ears hang down and trap moisture and bacteria in their ear canals. By shaving the ear hair and keeping it trimmed short, you can help improve circulation. You want the hair that falls on the outside of their ears to be symmetrical lengths, usually about 1”, or 2.5 centimeter (1 in). Trim exterior ear hair as desired. Trim the hair on their paws. The hair between their paw pads should be clipped short with a clipper. This helps to prevent debris getting stuck between the paws. You will also want to trim the hair that falls around the paws, in the ankle area, so the hair doesn't trip up your dog. You want the hair to be short enough that it doesn't impede their steps. Most dogs are sensitive with someone handling their paws, so start handling your dog's feet when they are young so they become used to it. Avoid using scissors. You are likely to cut your pet by accident, and paws tend to bleed a lot. Trim the fur around their face. The hair around your dog's eyes should be trimmed short so the hair does not fall into their eyes and restrict vision. The hair that grows up from the bridge of their noses should be kept short as well. The hair on their muzzle should be about 1”, or 2.5 cm, in length and hang evenly. Shave the entire coat as needed. Many groomers recommend fully shaving the entire coat twice a year down to an inch or shorter. This includes the neck, body and legs of the dog. Many owners choose to do this in the warmer months to help keep their dogs cool. You do not have to shave the coat if you prefer a longer coat year round; it comes down to owner preference. If you do not shave the entire coat, you should plan on trimming the fur monthly. Bathe them every month. Labradoodles have very little odor so they don't need to be bathed any more than once a month, unless they've rolled in something smelly or muddy. Too frequent bathing will strip the skin of its natural oils, leaving it prone to skin irritations, and damages the coat. Some owners find that they can bathe their Labradoodle every other month, as long as there is no noticeable odor. Put your Labradoodle in a tub with a non-slip mat. Fill the tub a few inches with warm, but not hot, water. Wet your dog using a plastic cup filled with water, a spray nozzle, or your hands. Try to wet the entire coat, but avoid getting water inside their ears. Use a gentle shampoo and massage it into the fur. Use a dog-specific shampoo, as these are formulated with a pH that is best for dogs. Some shampoos with fragrances can irritate the skin, so avoid these unless you already know that they do not bother your dog's skin. Put a small amount of shampoo into the palms of your hands and begin to work the shampoo into a lather on the body of the dog. Massage the shampoo into the dog's coat, making sure you spend extra time around their paws and rear end since these become dirty easily. After fully washing the body, move on to the head and face. Be extra careful with the shampoo around your dog's eyes. While most puppy shampoos are tearless, you still want to avoid getting shampoo directly in your dog's eyes. Rinse out the shampoo. Using a plastic cup filled with water, a spray nozzle, or your hands, rinse out the shampoo with more warm water. Start with the head and face, and then move on to the body. Make sure you rinse off all of the shampoo. Dried shampoo that hasn't been rinsed out can be itchy and cause skin irritation later on. Dry them off. After the bath, you can dry your Labradoodle off by patting their coat with a cotton towel. Try not to rub in circular motions if your dog has a longer coat, since this may tangle the fur. They do not need to be dried using a blow dryer, though this will give the coat a full and fluffy appearance if that's what you prefer. As long as it's warm out, or they're inside, you can leave them somewhat damp and let the coat air dry. Examine their teeth and mouth. By the age of 3, more than 80% of dogs show signs of gum disease. Oral hygiene is important for your dog, and many teeth and gum problems can be prevented through basic dental care. You should get into a routine of checking your dog's gums and teeth. Check their gums for any redness, bleeding, inflammation, and any signs they are receding. Check their teeth for any browning, as well as any chips or breakage. Labradoodles with dental problems may avoid playing with chew toys or eating hard food. They may also drool more, paw at their mouth, or have very bad breath. Take your dog to their veterinarian if you notice any signs of gum or tooth damage. Brush their teeth. Brushing your dog's teeth regularly is the best way to prevent later dental problems, like tooth decay and periodontal diseases. Use toothpaste that is specially designed for dogs and a soft toothbrush. Put a small amount of toothpaste on a wet toothbrush and use one hand to hold their mouth open while you brush each tooth. Ideally, you'll brush their teeth every day. Your goal should be to brush them at least two to three times a week to help prevent periodontal diseases. Trim their nails. For larger and medium sized Labradoodles, it's easiest to use a pair of scissor nail clippers. These look more like scissors and can cut through thicker nails. Only trim a very small section of the nail at a time to avoid hitting the quick, which is a vein that runs through your dog's nail and provides blood flow to the area. Most dogs will need their nails trimmed about every two weeks. It is harder to see the quick if your Labradoodle has black nails. Start by making a very small cut to the nail to make sure that you haven't hit the quick. Have styptic powder and some cotton balls handy to stop the bleeding in the event that the quick has been nicked. You won't need to trim your Labradoodle's nails as frequently if you exercise them on pavement and concrete. The rough surface will naturally file your dog's nails and keep them shorter. Wipe their ears. Like most flap eared dogs, Labradoodles are prone to ear infections. You should check their ears weekly for signs of infection, such as discharge, and wipe them down. If you suspect your dog may have an ear infection, take it to the vet right away. Otherwise, use a cotton ball soaked in a gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner for dogs to wipe their inner ears and the opening of the ear canal. Check their ears for any sign of infection, like redness, odor, or discharge.

Set your Labradoodle on the floor or a grooming table. Part the coat into sections. Brush one section at a time with a slicker brush. Focus on areas that are easily matted. Brush their coat once a week. Deal with mats, if present. Cut ear hair. Trim the hair on their paws. Trim the fur around their face. Shave the entire coat as needed. Bathe them every month. Put your Labradoodle in a tub with a non-slip mat. Use a gentle shampoo and massage it into the fur. Rinse out the shampoo. Dry them off. Examine their teeth and mouth. Brush their teeth. Trim their nails. Wipe their ears.

https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Kind-to-Animals

How to Be Kind to Animals

To be kind to animals, always respect their personal space by allowing them to approach you when they're ready. Additionally, try to avoid chasing or grabbing them, since that can be quite scary to an animal. When a domesticated animal approaches you, pet or stroke it gently so that it feels comfortable with you. However, if you encounter a wild animal, only admire it from afar so you don't disturb it in its natural habitat.

Make a lifelong commitment. No matter how old your pet is, make sure you are ready to take care of it for the rest of its life—or yours. Animals have feelings and bond with their “pet parents” and not taking this commitment seriously can harm your animal. Avoid getting your pet at a pet store or other type of animal factory such as a “puppy mill” by relying on reputable breeders or humane societies. Ask yourself some of the following questions before adopting a pet to make sure it's the right decision for you: Why do I want a pet? Do I have enough time and money to care for my pet? How well would an animal fit in my home? Am I allowed to have pets in my rental property? Who will care for my pet if I am away, ill, or pass away? Promote your animal’s health. A healthy pet is a happy pet. Taking care of your pet or animal's health with regular vet visits and watching for signs of illness can promote their health, well-being, and demonstrate your kindness towards them. Make sure your animals receive yearly vaccinations against rabies and other diseases. Schedule vaccinations as a part of your pet's annual visit to the vet. Groom your animals as necessary for their species. For example, brush your horses, dogs, and cats regularly. Watch for fleas and other pests like ear mites and treat them accordingly. Give animals a comfy personal space. Just like people, pets and other domesticated animals like horses enjoy sleeping, having alone time, playing, and cleanliness. Making your pet a personal space that is comfortable and clean shows your kindness and can help create a strong bond between the two of you. Prepare a cozy sleeping space with items like a pet bed, box with a blanket, or a nice pile of clean hay. Put a personal item in the space to remind her of your scent. Create other spaces where your animals can eat, play, and go to the bathroom. Keep eating and bathroom spaces as far apart as possible because many animals won't eat near where they defecate. Allow smaller animals like cats and dogs to live inside with you. Make sure smaller pets and domesticated animals that stay outside have proper shelter. For example, any animal needs a roof to protect it from rain, snow, or other bad weather. This is especially important for smaller animals because they are not able to regulate their body temperatures in extreme hot or cold. Keep your pets' and animals' spaces as clean as possible. For example, if you have turtles or fish, clean the tank once a week. Likewise, clean a kitty litter box every day. Feed your animals regularly. Part of an animal's health is getting daily food and water. Mealtimes also show your kindness and help establish a bond you're your animal. Give your animals food at the same times every day to establish a routine. Ask your vet or conduct online research to figure out how often you should feed your pet for optimal health. Feed your animals food that is appropriate for their species. For example, give cats and dogs a mixture of moist and dry foods and pigs vegetables and fruits. You can ask your vet or local pet store or conduct online research to figure out what brands and types of food are best for your best. Aim to get the highest quality food you can afford to promote your pet's health. Make sure pets and other animals always have bowl of fresh and clean water in addition to their food. Change the water at least once daily and more often if your pet drinks it or something like food falls in the bowl. Avoid giving your pet or domesticated animal table scraps or other human foods like chocolate because these can harm their health and even be fatal. Talk to your vet about what types of foods to absolutely keep away from your pets. Reward your pet with treats when they are being good. Be careful not to feed your animals too many treats, which are often filled with sugar and can contribute to unhealthy weight gain. Interact at the right times. Just like people, animals often enjoy having some space to themselves. Allow your pet or animal to sleep in peace, which can build trust and shows kindness. Avoid moving or playing with your animal when she is sleeping, eating or drinking, and cleaning herself. Doing so may scare, stress, or annoy animals, which could result in an unpleasant reaction. Avoid chasing pets because this can scare them. Although you might be tempted to show your animal love by following her and picking her up or interacting with her, this often goes against animal behavior. Allow pets and other animals approach you whenever they want. Position yourself at your animal's height to appear less threatening. This can relax them and ensure they are comfortable getting your attention. Show your love. Always show your animal how much you love her by being gentle and affectionate. This helps build trust and can make her more likely to approach and seek out quality time with you. Pet or stroke and pick up your animals gently. Avoid squeezing your animal or pull her tail while you pet or stroke her. Reciprocate any affection your animal shows you. This helps form a bond of trust and love between you and your animal. Part of this includes talking to your pet and referring to her by name. Play with your animal. Most pets and animals are naturally energetic and require play to stay happy and healthy. Give them toys, take them for walks, and do any other type of activity your animal enjoys. Be patient with your animal if she makes a mistake. Don't yell, hit, or do anything else retaliatory towards her. Pets learn best from positive responses and may learn to fear you if you yell at or hit them. Report suspected animal abuse. Unfortunately, not every person is kind to animals. If you suspect that someone is abusing an animal, report it to authorities immediately. This is one way to show your kindness to animals. Some signs of abuse you might see are: animals that are chained in yards without proper food, water, or shelter hitting or kicking animals, or even screaming at them. Avoid forcing any animal. Chasing after or forcing an animal to approach you if it barks, whinnies, or hisses at you can cause you harm and traumatize the animal. The same goes for attempts to claw, kick, or bite you. Remove yourself from the situation to let the animal calm down. Consider putting yourself at the level of the animal to help calm it. Kneel down to smaller animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits, or turtles. Avoid putting your face directly in front of an animal's face, which may stress it and cause you harm. Keep in mind that animals respond to you the way you treat them. Approach animals slowly. Animals are much more sensitive to behaviors and smells than humans. No matter what type of animal—horses, cats, dogs, turtles, or birds—approach them slowly and quietly to avoid scaring them or causing them undue stress. Avoid approaching an animal from its blind spots, which can startle it. This may traumatize the animal or could wind up in an injury for you. Let dogs, cats, and other animals sniff you before you handle it. Extend your hand and let the animal smell you. It will decide if you can approach it more closely from here. Consider washing your hands if you are touching multiple animals as some pets may not like the smell of another species. Give the animal a few seconds or minutes to approach you. Some animals may be naturally timid and need a little while to get used to your presence. Approaching them before an animal shows it wants your attention can cause it stress. Pick up your animal calmly. If your pet approaches you for attention or you want give her some love by picking her up, move calmly and slowly towards her. If her body seems relaxed, pick her up using correct methods to support her body and prevent harm. Place your hands under the animal's legs or on the legs and belly. This provides a stable base so she feels safe. You can also gently move your arms underneath your animal if she is larger. Remember to stay calm and be patient so that you don't startle your animal. If the animal shows any signs of not wanting to be picked up, allow it to go free and try again another time. Use proper methods for larger animals. For example, if you need to pick up a horse, cow, or a pig, make sure you have the proper equipment such as a crane that supports the legs, head, and belly. Stand up slowly once you have a good handle of your pet. This can minimize the risk of startling the animal and traumatizing it. Avoid picking up an animal by its head, individual legs, or tail. No exceptions, otherwise you can seriously harm and traumatize the animal. Hold your animal stably. Once you've calmly picked up your animal, make sure to assure her and help her relax by keeping a stable hold on her. This can ensure that both of you have a relaxing and enjoying bonding experience. Keep your animal in a balanced position so that she feels safe. Avoid flipping animals, which can not only traumatize, but also harm them. Consider sitting down with your pet to help both of you relax. This may allow the animal to snuggle into you and further establish your bond of trust. Make sure you talk to your pet and stroke her while you are holding her. Remember that wild animals are just that—wild. Anyone who spends time in or near nature likely enjoys seeing the critters that inhabit unpopulated areas. Although animals like raccoons, foxes, and alligators are cute and may appear cuddly, they live in the wild and exhibit behaviors of animals that aren't domesticated such as killing prey or things they perceive as threats. Be aware that many species of animals, such as alligators, cannot be tamed and you shouldn't make an attempt to tame them or their offspring. Be aware that it is often against the law to keep wild animals without a special permit. Enjoy wildlife from afar. Disturbing wildlife is one way to get hurt—or hurt the animal. Observe and enjoy wildlife from afar to show your kindness to it and avoid startling the animal. Avoid chasing, touching, or picking up wild animals. Remain quiet and still when watching wildlife. Use binoculars and cameras to get close to wildlife with your eyes. Keep your pets away from wild animals to prevent disease transmission or any unpleasant interactions. Stay away from habitats or wild animal areas at mating times or when they are protecting their young. Avoid feeding wild animals. Although it may seem harmless, feeding wildlife can have serious consequences such as altering natural behaviors, exposing them to predators, and damaging their health. Don't give wild animals any of your food or leave food out for them. Keep any food, including pet food, you have outside securely stored in containers with lids. Place trash in secured bins or sealed bags. If you are camping, hiking, or taking a nature walk, look for areas designated for trash. Never throw garbage on the ground or leave it sitting in your yard or elsewhere. Be aware that the salt from sweat on shoes or boots and scented toiletries can also attract wild animals. Never use food to bait a wild animal to come closer to you. Allow animals to thrive in your area. At your home, set the conditions so that animals can safely thrive without bothering you. Planting a garden to invite birds or small creatures and avoiding pesticides can show wild animals kindness while continuing to respect their boundaries. Use organic lawn and garden treatments. Not only can this protect wildlife, but also your pets. Take care when driving. Human development is increasingly encroaching on the habitats of wild animals. Housing area and roads interrupt the natural area of animals such as deer and foxes. Taking care when driving through areas populated by wild animals can show them kindness and consideration. Avoid swerving to not hit an animal on major roads. This can lead to major accidents and even human fatalities. Do your best to not hit the animal. Never go out of your way to hit an animal with your car. It's cruel and could get you in legal trouble if someone sees you. Respect wild meat. The meat of wild animals like deer is in no question, nutritious and beneficial for human consumption. If you wish to take advantage of this as a natural alternative to the horrors of factory farming, make sure you can be a responsible and respectful hunter. Strive to become proficient enough with a gun or bow so that the animal will drop to the ground as quickly and as painlessly as possible. Then be sure to preserve and take all of the animal's meat which will help to sustain you. Report injured animals to authorities. If you accidentally hit an animal or see an injured or sick animal in the wild, let proper authorities know. They can find the best solution to aiding the animal. Contact park rangers if you are in a natural park. Call your local wildlife rehabilitator, conservation commission, or police department if you are not in a park. Your local humane society will also have information about who you can contact. Support animal conservation efforts. Animals are threatened and endangered all over the world, possibly including your local area. Making donations to animal charities or even volunteering at a local animal rescue facility can go a long way keeping animals safe and healthy. Consider making an annual donation to conservation groups such as the World Wildlife Foundation. Groups like this can use the money to protect threatened and endangered species around the world. However, if you want to help animals in your local area, make a donation to a local nature reserve or park. Offer your time to a local part or animal facility. This can help them save administrative funds and divert them to important efforts such as vaccinations or rebuilding natural habitats.

Make a lifelong commitment. Promote your animal’s health. Give animals a comfy personal space. Feed your animals regularly. Interact at the right times. Show your love. Report suspected animal abuse. Avoid forcing any animal. Approach animals slowly. Pick up your animal calmly. Hold your animal stably. Remember that wild animals are just that—wild. Enjoy wildlife from afar. Avoid feeding wild animals. Allow animals to thrive in your area. Take care when driving. Respect wild meat. Report injured animals to authorities. Support animal conservation efforts.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Cat-Toys-out-of-Common-Household-Items

How to Make Cat Toys out of Common Household Items

There are endless ways to make cat toys out of common household items. To make a jingle ball, for instance, find an empty pill bottle, remove the label, and wash the container thoroughly. When you're finished, place 1 or 2 small bells, beans, or beads into the bottle and seal it shut. If you think the cat might be able to get the bottle open, tape it shut with duct tape. When you're ready to play with your cat, roll the bottle across the floor. The sound will replicate a small prey item, which should encourage the cat to chase the bottle.

Cut a piece of cardboard into a rectangular shape. As an alternative, you can simply use an empty cardboard tube from a roll of toilet paper. Fold the cardboard over and poke the end of the string through it. Thread the string so that you will be able to dangle the cardboard securely from the end. The toy should begin to look like a pendulum that you will swing in front of your cat. Draw the cardboard up the string a bit and fold over the bottom. This will keep the cardboard sitting on the string and hold the toy together while you move it around. Hold the end of the string and wave the cardboard near your cat. The goal is to make the toy agile and maneuverable so that when you move it, it will look as much as possible like a living thing. This allows your pet to feel like it is catching prey. Find an empty pill bottle. If there is still a label on the medicine container, wash/peel it off. Open the pill bottle and place one or two small jingle bells inside. Alternatively, you can use beads, dehydrated beans, or uncooked popping corn, which will rattle instead of jingle. This type of toy is designed to replicate the scampering movement of small prey. The rattling or jingling contents will draw your cat's attention to the toy whenever you throw it, and your cat's predator instincts should make it want to chase the toy. Make sure the toy is sealed shut. If you think the cat may be able to open the bottle, despite the safety cap, tape it shut with duct tape. Find a small stuffed animal. It's best if the stuffed animal looks like something your cat would want to chase, like a mouse. Stuffed toys made with materials that feel similar to wool, fur, or fleece will be most attractive to your cat. You will also need glue and a straw. Cut a small hole in the bottom of the stuffed animal. Make the hole just big enough for the end of the straw to fit through. If stuffing is leaking out, remove enough of it so that your cat will not try to pull out or eat the stuffing. You want to make the toy as safe as possible for your cat to play with and reduce the risk of choking. Squirt a small dab of glue onto one end of the straw. Stick the straw inside the stuffed animal and secure it in place. It is recommended that you not use tape for this step, as it is less secure and the tape or stuffing inside could become a choking hazard for your cat. For this reason it is also recommended that you remove the eyes, if they are plastic pieces fixed to the cloth. Your cat won't think it looks any less like a mouse without the beady eyes, and it won't try to chew or swallow them if they're removed from the beginning. Hold the end of the straw and wave it around in front of your cat. Allow your cat to pounce on it, or nibble on it. However, do not leave your cat unattended with this toy, as your cat could hurt itself. Wear an old sock for a few hours. Wear it just long enough for your odor to rub off. Take a large pinch of catnip in your hand. Put the sock over your hand, with your fingers holding the catnip dangling down inside the bottom of the sock. Drop the catnip in the toe. Then twist the end of the sock. It doesn't have to be perfectly secure, just enough to allow you to re-wrap the sock with multiple layers. Grip the toe of the sock with the catnip inside and pull the sock off. You should now have a new "layer" to add to the toy. Repeat this, adding a bit more catnip for every layer. You won't need too much. Not all cats like catnip, but cats that do like catnip tend to be quite sensitive to it. One theory on why catnip excites cats is that it acts on the hypothalamus, triggering a predatory reaction. Some research suggests certain molecules in catnip act as an opioid on cats, triggering the pleasure center in cats' brains. Not all cats are affected by catnip. Only about 30-70% of all cats will react to catnip. Tie a knot in the end of the sock. You may want to make this knot somewhat loose, so that your cat will be able to access the catnip. "Working" for food allows cats to indulge in the natural predatory instincts that all cats are born with. Give the toy to your cat. Some cats are immune to catnip, but those that aren't immune will find the toy irresistible. Even if your cat does not like catnip, it will certainly enjoy playing with the toy. Your cat will be able to smell you on the sock, and it may come to associate your smell with the excitement and joy of playing with catnip, making this a great toy for newly adopted cats. Poke a hole through a ball and feed a string through. Make sure the string is tight. Attach the end of the string to a stick. Make sure you give yourself enough string length to fully utilize this toy. Wiggle the end of the string around the room. Like the jingle ball toy, this toy is designed to allow your cat to feel like a hunter. The string allows you to move the toy more fluidly, in order to reproduce the shaky, rapid movement of a mouse. Fix the pole to a board for solo-play. This will allow your cat to play with the fishing toy even when you're not around. Find a long stick. The longer the stick is, the better: you want to allow your cat to scratch and lunge at the toy without scratching your hand or arm. Do not poke your cat with the stick. This could cause serious injury to your pet. For this reason, you may want to attach something soft and blunt to the end of the stick, like cotton balls or a cut-open ping pong ball. Attach a small cluster of feathers to the stick. These can either be attached directly to the end of the stick, or to the soft cotton or ping pong ball cap affixed to the stick. Cats tend to like feathered toys because they resemble birds, a natural prey animal for cats. Glue is the strongest adhesive, but if your cat chews off any excess glue it could cause serious illness. For this reason, you may want to tape the feather to the stick. Wiggle the toy around. You can pull the feather stick across the floor, dangle it in the air, or see what your cat will come up with on its own. Darken the room. Turn off the lights and close the windows if it is light outside. Don't worry; cats have excellent night vision! Grab a flashlight or laser pointer. It doesn't have to be anything fancy; any light source in a dark room should engage your cat. Turn on the flashlight and move it around the room. Cats have excellent night vision, and seeing a point of light in the dark will trigger your cat's predatory instincts. Be careful with where you point the light. Your cat may only be paying attention to the light, and not the environmental surroundings around the room. Find a pretty long flexible belt or thick string, about 3 feet (0.9 m) long or more. Also find an old stuffed animal. It is best to use a toy that you do not have any emotional attachment to, as your cat may shred and tear the toy apart. Tie the stuffed animal to the string or flexible belt. Thread through a hole or simply tie around the toy. Ribbon can also be used. Play with the toy. This toy is similar to the puppet and fishing toys in terms of design, and you can use the string or ribbon to manipulate the toy in a way that mimics real-life animal movements. This kind of play is exciting and enriching for cats. There are a few options here: Drag or wave in front of your cat (this works best with kittens). Let her figure out what it is, then play away. You can use this toy to teach a kitten how to get up a ladder, which leads to a bed, shelf, or designated cat space. Having a space designated just for your cat to "escape" from the rest of the house can be just as beneficial as play. Walk around the house dragging the toy. This is useful if your cat wants to go outside but you want to keep her in. It's also good for making her tired. Tie this toy to door handles for when you're away from home. Get a sock, some yarn, catnip, scissors, and a sewing needle and thread. If you do not have yarn, you may use thread in its place. Cut the heel off the sock. Now the base of the sock should resemble a bag. This will be the rat's body. Fill the sock piece with catnip. This step is optional, as your cat will probably want to chase a rodent-shaped toy with or without the incentive of catnip. Insert one end of the yarn or thread into the sock's hole. Sew it closed. You can decide how tightly you want to sew the body shut. Some cats may want to open the toy up to access the catnip more directly; other cats may be content playing with the toy as it is. Make the ears. Do this by cutting two circles out of the scraps from the heel of the sock. Sew the ears on near the front of the toy. The toy should begin to take shape at this point. Twist the leg part of the sock to form a tail. You can sew the "tail" in place, but if you're using catnip you'll want to refresh the filling from time to time. It may be easier to bind the tail shut with a stretchy fabric length or ribbon. Give the toy to your cat. As with other predator/prey cat toys, this should spark your cat's natural instinct to hunt. Gather materials. You'll need fluffy yarn, a sock, scissors, catnip, a needle and thread, and some feathers. Cut off the toe from the sock. You can discard the toe, as it will not be needed in constructing this toy. Fill the sock with catnip and sew it shut. Again, this step is optional, as your cat will want to play with anything that resembles its natural prey. Wrap the sock with yarn. Tie the yarn to one end of the sock and wrap it completely, so you no longer see the sock. Tie down the other end of the yarn. Sew on some feathers. Choose a few places to add feathers. Slip them under a loop of yarn and use the needle and thread to sew them in place. This will also keep the yarn from unraveling. Wave it in front of your cat. Your cat will love this toy, as it combines feathers with a stuffed animal. Find an old, unwanted stuffed animal. Again, it's always best to use stuffed animals that you do not have any sentimental attachment to, as your cat will want to tear and shred the toy. Cut a little hole. If you know your cat likes catnip, insert a small amount into the stuffed animal. Sew the hole up neatly. Tie a string or ribbon around the toy if you want to drag it around for your cat. This step is optional. Your cat may prefer playing with the toy alone, or it may enjoy engaging with you while you maneuver the toy around the room. Again, it will take time and patience to learn what your cat likes best. Give your cat the new toy. If you added a string, swing it back and forth in front of the cat, as this will make it clear that it is supposed to "hunt" the toy.

Cut a piece of cardboard into a rectangular shape. Fold the cardboard over and poke the end of the string through it. Draw the cardboard up the string a bit and fold over the bottom. Hold the end of the string and wave the cardboard near your cat. Find an empty pill bottle. Open the pill bottle and place one or two small jingle bells inside. Make sure the toy is sealed shut. Find a small stuffed animal. Cut a small hole in the bottom of the stuffed animal. If stuffing is leaking out, remove enough of it so that your cat will not try to pull out or eat the stuffing. Squirt a small dab of glue onto one end of the straw. Hold the end of the straw and wave it around in front of your cat. Wear an old sock for a few hours. Take a large pinch of catnip in your hand. Drop the catnip in the toe. Grip the toe of the sock with the catnip inside and pull the sock off. Repeat this, adding a bit more catnip for every layer. Tie a knot in the end of the sock. Give the toy to your cat. Poke a hole through a ball and feed a string through. Attach the end of the string to a stick. Wiggle the end of the string around the room. Fix the pole to a board for solo-play. Find a long stick. Attach a small cluster of feathers to the stick. Wiggle the toy around. Darken the room. Grab a flashlight or laser pointer. Turn on the flashlight and move it around the room. Find a pretty long flexible belt or thick string, about 3 feet (0.9 m) long or more. Tie the stuffed animal to the string or flexible belt. Play with the toy. Get a sock, some yarn, catnip, scissors, and a sewing needle and thread. Cut the heel off the sock. Fill the sock piece with catnip. Insert one end of the yarn or thread into the sock's hole. Make the ears. Sew the ears on near the front of the toy. Twist the leg part of the sock to form a tail. Give the toy to your cat. Gather materials. Cut off the toe from the sock. Fill the sock with catnip and sew it shut. Wrap the sock with yarn. Sew on some feathers. Wave it in front of your cat. Find an old, unwanted stuffed animal. Cut a little hole. Tie a string or ribbon around the toy if you want to drag it around for your cat. Give your cat the new toy.

https://www.wikihow.com/Gain-Weight-Naturally

How to Gain Weight Naturally

To gain weight naturally, start by increasing your portion sizes for each meal or eating extra meals throughout the day to boost your calorie intake. You can also do this by adding calorie-dense foods, like full-fat cheese, raisins, or peanut butter to your meals. Another easy way to gain a lot of calories is through liquids like smoothies, fruit juice, and liquid yoghurt. If you want to build muscle mass, eat lots of protein, like chicken, pork, eggs, and beans. Between meals, snack on healthy foods like dried fruits and nuts. If you're worried about not being able to gain weight, visit your doctor for advice.

Eat protein to gain muscle. If your goal is to put on muscle mass, then you need to be eating protein-rich foods on a regular basis. It's especially good to eat protein after a workout. Lean meats (such as chicken, lean pork, and fish), eggs, beans, and lentils are all great sources of protein, as well as yogurt and nuts and healthy oils Even something as simple as chocolate milk is a good way to get in your protein, although be mindful that most chocolate milks contain a lot of sugar, which isn't good for you in large quantities. Also try to eat protein right before going to bed. Drink some milk or eat some yogurt to fuel you through the night. This may also help you recover if you work out frequently. Stir in protein powder to your yogurt, oatmeal, and other foods to add a protein and calorie boost. Add calorie-dense foods to your meals. Try adding full-fat cheese to the top of your meals. Stir some peanut butter and honey into your oatmeal. These foods are high in calories and can help you increase your overall caloric intake. Another calorie-dense food is dried fruit, such as dried apricots, figs, or raisins. Eat complex carbohydrates, such as brown rice, bulgur, barley, whole grains, and quinoa. Avoid simple carbs like white flour, sugar and white rice. Use milk powder to increase the calories in your recipes. Instant milk powder is a simple way to beef up dishes, from casseroles to soup. Simply stir in the powder while you're cooking. Wait for it to dissolve before you serve the dish. Milk powder can make your dish creamier, though a tablespoon or 2 won't make much difference. Eat healthy oils and fats. Healthy oils, such as olive oil, avocado, and nuts (which have healthy fats in them), are rich in nutrients as well as high in calories. Adding a dash of oil to a salad or topping your meal with some sliced avocado is an easy way to increase calories. For instance, if you're enjoying some mashed potatoes, stir in some olive oil to make them creamier. For a quick mid-afternoon snack, a handful of almonds or peanuts is a good option. Seeds such as sunflower and pumpkin seeds have a high level of calories and also contain "good" fats that raise your good cholesterol levels. Use coconut oil sparingly. Although it does boost your "good" cholesterol levels, it is 90% saturated fat and too much of it could cause health issues. Other oils, such as olive oil and soybean oil, provide more health benefits. Include treats in your diet more often. Though you want to keep your foods nutritionally dense, it's fine to include treats every now and then to help increase your calories. Have a brownie after dinner if you're craving chocolate. Just don't make sugar the bulk of your food. You might consider having 1 treat daily. Eat comfort foods while you're sick. If you just don't feel like eating while you're sick, one of the best tricks is to pick foods that are comfort foods for you. That way, at least you are still getting enough calories to sustain yourself. It's important to try to incorporate fruits and vegetables as much as possible, but when nothing sounds good, pick something you normally enjoy. Bland foods such as mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese can be good choices, since they're packed with calories but unlikely to upset your stomach when you're sick. Focus on nutrition after recovering from an illness. If you've been sick, you may have been eating only what sounds good. It's fine while you're sick, but now that you're getting better, you need to make sure you are getting all the vitamins and minerals you need. Make sure to eat balanced meals with protein, whole grains, vegetables, and fruit. Fish is a great protein that is high in nutrients. Don't forget bright-colored vegetables, leafy greens, and also include dairy in your diet, as well. Eat solid meals. Every day, make sure you get in at least three meals. Introduce larger portions at your meals to help increase your calories. You may have a tendency to skip breakfast, only eating 2 main meals, but making sure you actually eat three meals can help you gain weight. If you can't eat huge meals because it upsets your stomach, eat smaller meals throughout the day. Don't skip meals. Eat regularly. Eating often throughout your day can provide you a steady flow of calories. Try to eat at least every 4 hours, whether it is one of your meals or a small snack. If you're not up to a meal, have a snack that includes protein and three different types of food. If you prefer, you can create 4-6 smaller meals throughout the day, rather than adding snacks between larger meals. For instance, try a piece of whole grain bread with banana and peanut butter or some celery with hummus and feta cheese. Keep calorie-dense snacks on hand. Prepare snacks ahead of time that are easy to grab and eat. If you have them on hand, you're more likely to eat when you should. For instance, you can mix dried fruit, chocolate chips (dark is best), rolled oats, and a nut butter. Make them into golf-ball size portions, and store them wrapped individually in parchment paper or wax paper. For quick snacks, keep trail mixes on hand, as the mix of nuts and dried fruit is calorie-dense. Try drinking your calories. Sometimes, eating all day long can fill you up, and you don't get enough calories to gain weight. However, if you get some of your calories in liquid form, you won't feel as full. You want to skip sodas, which don't offer much nutrition. Instead, drink smoothies, liquid yogurt, and even fruit juice, all of which have calories and nutrients. Don't drink before eating. Drinking water or any beverage before eating can fill you up. You want to leave room for the calories you need to consume. Instead of drinking water before you eat, try drinking a calorie-rich drink while eating, such as fruit juice or a smoothie. Skip empty calories. While chips and cookies look like an easy way to put on weight, you want to put on weight healthily. Eating these empty calories isn't healthy. Keep your foods rich in nutrients, such as vegetables, fruits, and meat, as you increase your calories. Avoid foods such as sodas and overly sugary foods. One reason you want to skip these calories is they won't help you build muscle or bone, which help support your added weight. Exercise and lift weights. Lifting and weight training help your body gain muscle weight, which is the best kind of weight for your body to put on. Start off slowly if you aren't used to doing this kind of training. Increase weight and decrease reps as you go along In addition, exercise increases your appetite, making you want to eat more. A simple exercise to start with is bicep curls. Hold a weight in each hand. Your arms should be bent at the elbows so the weights are out in front of you. Lift the arms together to your shoulders, then slowly bring them back down. Repeat 6 to 8 times. Rest, and do it again. You can also try exercises such as swimming, biking, or doing push-ups. Visit your doctor to find out why you’re losing weight or can’t gain. It's possible that you just have a high metabolism, so don't worry. However, some medical conditions can cause you to lose weight or struggle to gain weight. Fortunately, your doctor can help you figure out what's behind your low body weight so you can safely gain. For instance, the following conditions may cause weight loss: Type 1 or type 2 diabetes Hyperactive thyroid, which is an overactive thyroid Celiac disease Anorexia nervosa Bulimia Stress Depression Certain medical treatments, like chemotherapy Check with your doctor if you’re pregnant. Although it's healthy to gain weight during pregnancy, how much you need to gain will vary. Your doctor will help you understand how much weight you should gain during each trimester, as well as how much you need to gain overall. Then, they'll give you advice on how to meet your weight goals. If you're underweight when you conceive, you'll typically need to gain 28 to 40 lb (13 to 18 kg) during pregnancy. If you're at a healthy weight for your height, you'll usually gain 25 to 35 lb (11 to 16 kg). If you're overweight, you may need to gain 15 to 25 lb (6.8 to 11.3 kg). If you're considered obese, you might expect to gain 11 to 20 lb (5.0 to 9.1 kg). Work with your doctor to set a weight goal and create a healthy plan. It may be hard to determine if you need to gain weight, as well as how much. Your doctor can help you understand the best target weight for your body so you can set a goal for gaining weight. Then, they'll help you identify a healthy dietary and exercise plan to meet your needs. Don't start a new diet or exercise plan without discussing it with your doctor. They can help you understand what's safe for you to try. Exercise is important for your health, so you shouldn't stop exercising to gain weight. Your doctor will help you figure out how to get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week without halting your weight gain. Talk to your doctor about treatment options for an underlying condition. Dealing with a condition that affects your weight can be really frustrating, but there is hope. Your doctor can treat conditions like diabetes, hyperthyroidism, celiac disease, anorexia nervosa, and bulimia. Ask them which treatments may be right for you so that you can start gaining weight healthily. For instance, you may take insulin or medication to stimulate your body's use of insulin if you have diabetes. If you have hyperthyroidism, your doctor may prescribe medication to shrink your thyroid. In rare cases, they might recommend a simple surgical procedure to remove part of your thyroid. If you have celiac disease, your doctor will help you eliminate gluten from your diet. They may also recommend supplements to boost your nutrients or a medication to help reduce inflammation in your digestive system. If you have anorexia nervosa, bulimia, high stress, or depression, you may be able to work with a therapist to overcome your illness. Eat soft foods and follow your doctor’s advice to gain weight during chemo. Dealing with cancer is difficult, especially since you're likely low on energy. While chemotherapy can help you fight cancer, it may also make you struggle to eat or keep food down. You may be able to eat more if you stick to soft foods, like soup or mashed potatoes. Puree solid foods like cooked veggies so they're easier to keep down. Try adding milk and cheese to your meals to increase the nutrients while keeping the texture soft. Your doctor may be able to give you additional tips. Everyone is different, so what works for someone else may not work for you. Try not to give up because there's likely something that will work for you.

Eat protein to gain muscle. Add calorie-dense foods to your meals. Use milk powder to increase the calories in your recipes. Eat healthy oils and fats. Include treats in your diet more often. Eat comfort foods while you're sick. Focus on nutrition after recovering from an illness. Eat solid meals. Eat regularly. Keep calorie-dense snacks on hand. Try drinking your calories. Don't drink before eating. Skip empty calories. Exercise and lift weights. Visit your doctor to find out why you’re losing weight or can’t gain. Check with your doctor if you’re pregnant. Work with your doctor to set a weight goal and create a healthy plan. Talk to your doctor about treatment options for an underlying condition. Eat soft foods and follow your doctor’s advice to gain weight during chemo.

https://www.wikihow.com/Measure-Fundal-Height

How to Measure Fundal Height

To measure your fundal height, start by going to the bathroom to empty your bladder, since a full bladder can cause the measurement to be off by several centimeters. Then, take off your clothes and lay on your back on a hard surface, like the floor. Next, relax your stomach muscles and massage the area above and below your belly button to find a subtle ridge, which marks the top of your uterus, or fundus. Finally, measure the distance from the top of your pubic bone to your fundus to get your fundal height.

Make an appointment with your doctor or healthcare practitioner. Though measuring your fundal height doesn't take long, it does typically require an office visit. Being at the doctor's office also gives you the added benefit of being able to immediately discuss the results of your fundal height test with your doctor, should anything out of the ordinary be found. Empty your bladder before measuring. Depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy, your doctor may ask you to empty your bladder. The reason for this is that starting at around the 17-week mark, a full bladder can cause the fundal height measurement to off by a matter of centimeters. Change into a hospital gown. Fundal height measurements are fairly precise - a discrepancy of only a centimeter or two can make the difference between a "normal" measurement and an "abnormal one". Clothes, belts, and so on can cause small differences in your fundal height, so they are typically removed before measuring. Changing into a hospital gown minimizes the possibility of an inaccurate result and additionally offers your doctor the ability to easily access all areas needed for a good fundal height measurement. Lay on the examination table. Your doctor will ask you to lay in a semi-recumbent position (this is simply laying on your back with your head slightly elevated). The semi-recumbent position makes it easy for the doctor to feel for your uterus by palpating the skin near your belly button. Lay still and breathe normally as the doctor palpates your uterus. Before the actual measurement takes place, your doctor or his nurse or midwife will palpate your pregnant uterus to determine the baby's size, the baby's positioning and the baby's presentation. The doctor, nurse, and/or midwife will also check the volume of amniotic fluid and also attempt to identify the uterine fundus - the point on your stomach where the "top" of the uterus can be felt. Allow the doctor to measure your fundal height. After the palpation, the doctor will hold a metric-based measurement tape at the top of the uterus (or fundus) and stretch it along the top of your pregnant uterus, measuring along the longitudinal axis. This means that the doctor will measure from the highest point of your uterus to the top of your symphysis pubis (the area located below your belly button where your pubic bone begins). The doctor will record your fundal height measurement in centimeters and enter it on your chart. As a very general rule, a woman's fundal height should be within 1 to 3 centimeters of the baby's gestational age in weeks. For example, for a woman who's been pregnant for 20 weeks, a fundal height of about 17-23 cm is expected. Get dressed and discuss your results with your doctor. After giving you a chance to dress, your doctor will come back and talk to you. At this point, if your fundal height measurement was abnormal, you'll probably discuss the possibility of additional tests. If your fundal height measurement is abnormal, schedule a follow-up. If your measurements do not fall within the normal parameters for your projected due date, this is not always a reason to worry. However, your doctor will probably want you to follow up with a sonogram in order to find out why your measurement was outside of the normal range of values. This can be for a variety of reasons - some completely harmless, others that are cause for concern (but by no means catastrophic). Below are many of the causes for an abnormal fundal height: Being especially tall and thin or short and heavy Having a full bladder Having twins, triplets, etc. Abnormally slow or rapid fetal growth Too little or too much amniotic fluid Uterine fibroids Having a child that has settled into breech or another unusual uterine position Empty your bladder and remove your clothing. It's not difficult at all to measure your fundal height on your own. To begin, empty your bladder and shed your clothing as you would in preparation for a fundal height measurement at the doctor's office. If you'd like, you may choose to put on a loose gown or similar garment (like an over-sized tee shirt) to simulate a hospital gown. Because most laypeople aren't medically trained in the procedure of measuring fundal heights and because, as noted above, an abnormal fundal height can have a wide variety of causes, it's important to remember not to make any medical decisions based on the results of a self-performed fundal height test. If you obtain an abnormal result, follow up with a trained doctor, nurse, or midwife for confirmation. Grab a measuring tape. Soft, flexible sewing-style measuring tools work best, as they can conform to the curve of your stomach for a more accurate measurement. However, in a pinch, a ruler or even your fingers can work as a measuring tool. Typically, fundal heights are measured in centimeters, but if all you have are tools that measure in inches, use the conversion factor 1 inch = 2.54 cm. Lay on your back. Hard surfaces (like the floor) work best - soft surfaces (like some mattresses) can allow your posture to "sink" into the surface somewhat. If desired, feel free to place a pillow under your head. Find your pubic bone. The symphysis pubis (pubic bone) is a small, ridge-like bone on the front of the body just above the pubic area. Feel for the top of the pubic bone just below the bottom of your stomach - usually, this is near the top of where your pubic hair naturally extends. The pubic bone is often covered by a layer of subcutaneous fat which can make it somewhat tricky to find - you may need to press gently into your skin with your fingers to feel it. Find your fundus. Next, find your fundus (the "top" of your uterus) by feeling near your belly button. Relax your stomach muscles as you gently massage the area above and below your belly button. Feel for a vague "ridge" beneath the skin - this is your fundus. Generally, before the 20th week of pregnancy, the fundus will be below the belly button, while after the 20th week, it will be above it. Measure from your pubic bone to your fundus. When you've found both your pubic bone and your fundus, it's time to measure. Hold the "0" end of your tape measure against the top of your pubic bone and carefully stretch it across your pubis, up and over the curve of your stomach, and to your fundus. Record this measurement (in cm). Generally, fundal heights should be within 1-4 cm of the baby's gestational age in weeks. For example, a 20 week-old pregnancy should have a fundal height of about 16-24 cm. If you don't have measuring tape or a ruler handy, use the old, traditional method of using your fingers. The width of one finger in the fundal height is roughly equivalent to one week of gestation time. Thus, for a 15 week-old pregnancy, you should expect roughly 15 finger-widths of fundal height. If your fundal height appears abnormal, contact your doctor. As noted above, there are many, many reasons why a woman's fundal height may not be within the expected 1-4 cm range of the baby's gestational age in weeks. Some of these reasons are harmless, while others are causes for mild concern. If you seem to be obtaining fundal height measurements that are outside of your expected range, contact a doctor for a definitive fundal height measurement and, if necessary, follow-up tests.

Make an appointment with your doctor or healthcare practitioner. Empty your bladder before measuring. Change into a hospital gown. Lay on the examination table. Lay still and breathe normally as the doctor palpates your uterus. Allow the doctor to measure your fundal height. Get dressed and discuss your results with your doctor. If your fundal height measurement is abnormal, schedule a follow-up. Empty your bladder and remove your clothing. Grab a measuring tape. Lay on your back. Find your pubic bone. Find your fundus. Measure from your pubic bone to your fundus. If your fundal height appears abnormal, contact your doctor.

https://www.wikihow.pet/Teach-a-Dog-to-Beg

How to Teach a Dog to Beg

If you want to teach a dog to beg, start by commanding it to sit. Once the dog is seated, pause for a few moments, then hold a treat just above your dog's nose. When the dog sits up on its haunches and lifts its front paws in the air, say the word “Beg” and give it the treat. If the dog stands or jumps up in order to get the treat, do not give it the treat and command it to sit again. You may need to lift your dog's front paws to help it understand what you want it to do.

Command your dog to sit. The beg or sit pretty trick should always start from a normal sitting position. To begin training, command your dog to sit. Don't reward him for this part of the process, unless you're also training him to sit. Once he's seated, pause for a few moments. Please refer to Part 2: Training Your Dog to Sit if you need help training your dog to follow the sit command. Hold a treat just above your dog’s nose. While your dog is in a seated position, hold his treat just above his nose. He should have to look up to see your hand and the treat. Say the “beg” command. Once your dog is looking up at the treat in your hand, say the word “beg” (or whatever other verbal command you'd like to use for this trick). If your dog stands up, or jumps up, in order to get to the treat, do not reward him. Simply ask him to go back into a sit. Most dogs, because they're already seated, will naturally raise their front paws off the ground in order to move their bodies closer to the treat. This is the behaviour you're looking for. Reward your dog when he’s able to balance on his haunches. The beg or sit pretty trick requires that your dog has his front paws in the air in front of him, while he sits balances on his back feet and legs (i.e. haunches). When your dog is in this position, reward him with his treat and lots of praise. Wait to reward your dog until he's balanced. If he's off balanced, or not staying upwards, he might not associate the treat with the right behaviour. Help your dog understand, if needed. If your dog isn't naturally going into the right position, or he's having trouble balancing, you can help him. For balancing, you can stand behind him and help support his back until he gets his balance. If he isn't putting his paws in the air, you can help him by lifting his paws off the ground to show him what you want. Practice, practice, practice. Continue practicing the trick over and over again. After your dog has connected the word “beg” with the beg position, stop rewarding him with treats for performing the trick and just give him praise and affection. The point of this is to have your dog only do the command when you say the word “beg” (or whatever other word you've used). Your dog shouldn't learn to only do the trick if you're holding a treat in front of him. Show off your dog’s tricks. As a dog owner, there's probably nothing more satisfying than teaching your dog a trick and have him successfully perform it in front of other people. Your dog will also love this because he'll get lots of extra praise and attention from multiple people when he does a good job. Bring your dog and some treats to a place where your dog can concentrate. Training your dog to sit is one of the easiest commands to teach, and it's an extremely useful command to have in your dog's repertoire. Start by standing in front of your dog and holding a treat near his nose. Move your hand to lift the treat higher. Once your dog is aware of the treat in your hand, move your hand upwards so your dog follows it with his head. Your hand (and the treat) shouldn't be too high above your dog's head because the point of this exercise is to have your dog move his head upwards while moving his bum downwards (to a sit position). Give the sit command. Once your dog's bum is on the ground, and he's in a sit position, say the word “sit” verbally. Give your dog the treat after your give the command, and shower him with lots of praise for doing a good job. The point of this exercise is to attach the word “sit” with the behaviour of sitting by rewarding your dog. Repeat the steps. Even if your dog is able to perform a sit after one try, the purpose of training is to make it second nature by practicing it over and over. Repeat the training steps several more times, and reward your dog only when he's successful. Keep each training session to around 15 minutes so your dog doesn't lose focus. Use the command without the treat. Once your dog has mastered sitting because he hears the command and sees the treat, stop using the treat. This step is important because you want your dog to sit down when you say the command “sit.” You can still reward your dog with praise when he's done a good job. Practice the command as part of your dog’s everyday routine. Start using the command on a regular basis. Before you feed your dog, ask him to sit. While you're putting his leash on, ask him to sit. When he's out for a walk, ask him to sit when you stop. And so on. Training doesn't stop when your dog has mastered a command. Training has to continue in order to reinforce the command as part of your dog's behaviour. Avoid taking shortcuts once your dog has mastered a command, or you may undo all the training you worked so hard on. For example, don't cave and give a treat if your dog doesn't follow a command. Don't allow your dog to continue whatever he was doing without following a command you've given. Make sure your dog already knows the sit command. Training your dog to beg or sit pretty will be a lot easier if he already knows the sit command. The beg or sit pretty trick always starts in a sit position, so if your dog doesn't already know this command, start by training him to sit. Determine the reward that works best for your dog. Any successful training exercise needs an incentive. The incentive has to be something your dog really wants to have, and will pay attention to even if there are distractions around. Normally dog treats work well for an incentive, but not all dogs are enamoured with treats! Some dogs don't need treats as incentive, but simply food. Use a portion of his daily kibble as his rewards during training. If your dog really likes attention, you may not need to use food or treats at all, you might simply be able to train him using praise. Keep each training session under 15 minutes. Training in general requires focus and repetition, both on the part of the dog and from you. In order to ensure your dog (or you) doesn't lose focus while training, keep each session to around 15 minutes. While you can have more than one training session a day, spread them out. For example, perform one training session in the morning and another in the evening. End on a high note. While in a training session, keep the experience fun and positive for your dog. Don't scold or yell or get upset. Training any animal is best accomplished using only positive reinforcement (e.g. rewards), not punishment. If you or your dog is getting frustrated or upset, stop the training session and try again later. Decide if you want to use a clicker. This trick can easily be trained with and without a clicker. However, if your dog has already been trained with a clicker, it might help to use it here. If your dog has already associates a clicker sound with a treat, and knowing that he needs to perform a specific behaviour to get that treat, he might catch on faster to this trick if you use a clicker.

Command your dog to sit. Hold a treat just above your dog’s nose. Say the “beg” command. Reward your dog when he’s able to balance on his haunches. Help your dog understand, if needed. Practice, practice, practice. Show off your dog’s tricks. Bring your dog and some treats to a place where your dog can concentrate. Move your hand to lift the treat higher. Give the sit command. Repeat the steps. Use the command without the treat. Practice the command as part of your dog’s everyday routine. Make sure your dog already knows the sit command. Determine the reward that works best for your dog. Keep each training session under 15 minutes. End on a high note. Decide if you want to use a clicker.

https://www.wikihow.com/Exorcise-Your-House-or-Dwelling

How to Exorcise Your House or Dwelling

Before attempting to exorcise your house or dwelling, make sure these "other-worldly" noises aren't being caused by natural phenomena, like squeaky floorboards or a rattling window frame. If you can't find a natural source, however, try lighting a sage smudge stick and waving it in a clockwise motion through your house. Alternatively, you can also spread kosher salt around your home to ward off any demonic presences. No matter what you do, try your best to ignore the spirits, since spirits often feed off of inhabitant's fear and attention.

Keep an eye out for typically paranormal behavior in your house. There are a lot of different signs and ideas behind spirits, and determining if your home possesses one is often the hardest thing to do, as the signs can be confusing and conflicting. What is important to remember is that very, very few houses are every possessed, and even fewer are visited by "evil" spirits, contrary to what Hollywood seems to think. Look out for: Moving or disappearing and reappearing possessions, especially similar objects or the same object. Electronics turning on and off on their own. Unknown footsteps, doors/windows opening and closing, strange noises or voices. A feeling like you are not alone ever, often combined with chills and sudden fear or panic. Specific or recurring nightmares, especially those that seem to direct you to do something. Extremely hot or cold spaces in the house, often confined to small areas. Rule out the obvious causes of "other-worldly" noises and issues first. This is the only way to keep your peace of mind if things get a little strange. Be scientific here, systematically examining or exploring where unknown noises or lights show up. No matter what you believe, a large dose of skepticism is healthy here. The need for exorcisms is rare -- and there are almost always common explanations for most "unexplainable" phenomenon. Houses, no matter how old, all "settle" over time. The pieces shift and groan, boards move, and pipes whistle and bang. Older houses do this constantly, and this is the source of most noises. Strange odors and smells commonly come from leaks or trapped moisture somewhere, especially after rains or floods. Open windows, cleaning, and plain bad communication are the cause of most missing objects, not spirits. Take an honest appraisal of your own health and stress levels. No one wants to be told "it is all in their head," but that's why you simply must be honest with yourself when determining if it is a spirit or not. If you're already stressed out, not sleeping well, having trouble eating, or feeling generally under the weather, you are more likely to see and feel things out of the ordinary. Don't let the worry of a spirit ruin your mental and physical health -- keep taking care of yourself and spend some time relaxing. If the spirits fade away, they were likely the result of an overworked, overtired brain and body. Ignore the alleged spirits as much as possible, not even giving them a passing thought. What happens if you push the spirit out of your mind, since we frequently only see "signs" of ghosts and demons when we're looking for them? Remind yourself how rare these spirits really are and that anything you're worried about is likely a common occurrence or noise. Try to let the idea of a spirit ease off your mind. If things still happen or occur more rapidly, you might have an issue to investigate. More often than not, however, the "spirits" will disappear as soon as you stop thinking about them. If there are spirits, they generally need and feed off of your attention, looking to make themselves known. Ignoring them generally keeps them in check if they are actually present. Have a religious leader, medium, or psychic examine the house if you are still unsure. If you are under a lot of emotional and psychological stress because of a perceived spirit, open up to your spiritual leaders and ask their opinion and advice. You may want to consider inviting a psychic/medium to your home to "have a look" and determine if you need extra help. Oftentimes all the house needs is a quick energy clearing with a smudging stick or some incense. Protect yourself by wearing religious or spiritual talismans close to you. From the Star of David to the West African gris-gris, almost all cultures have items and clothing used to protect the wearer from spiritual attacks. Make sure you choose something you actually have faith in. There is not much use wearing something if you don't believe in it at all, as it is stripped of any use or power. Keeping several of these items in the house can also help ward off spirits, such as crosses above the door or shrines to benevolent gods and spirits. Firmly ask the spirit to leave, avoiding anger or fear. This is the most common practice, and should be repeated frequently, especially during a cleansing or exorcism. The reason to avoid fear or anger is two-fold: it both keeps your calm (and thus effective) and prevents the spirit, if it is there, from deciding you're a threat to its safety. Try out the Latin rites, as well: "Ecce crucis signum, fugiant phantasmata cuncta."(translates as: “behold the emblem of the Cross; let all specters flee”). Let the spirit know that you mean it no harm, but that the physical world "is not their place anymore." Assure them that the spirit world awaits them and they will be safer there. Remember, spiritual possession is not necessarily "evil." Most spirits are simply lost, confused, or still clinging to life, and will leave when asked. Light a sage smudge stick, carrying around the house and waving in a clockwise motion. These sticks have been used for centuries by shamans and religious leaders and are one of the few tools used by many different faiths. There is even some scientific evidence that smudge sticks promote mental well-being and feelings of calm and pleasure, and the practice is widely used to both protect and fight spirits. When smudging a house, crack open a window and take your time -- let the smoke calm you and the room, slowly directing it to fill the room. Smudge sticks are simply long bundles of sage leaves and stems tied together into a rod of sorts, then lit on the end. You can also crush the dried sage in a small bowl and light this instead, carrying it around to smudge the house. Some cultures use ceder in place of sage, but both can be used, as well. Let the smoke fill the room, especially any rooms where paranormal activity is felt. Spread a little holy water around the house. You can get holy water at most Catholic churches, though it helps if you are a practicing member of the faith. Sprinkle it in the corners of rooms, at door and window frames, and any areas where you experience the most physical paranormal activity. You can still get holy water at many churches. Call ahead to make sure they bless water there. Call upon the prayers of your faith or use common religious prayers against spirits. There are as many different prayers to ward off evil as there are faiths, so you should choose the one that speaks most deeply to you. Don't underestimate this connection -- if a prayer feels useful and powerful, use it. Some common prayers include: The Lord's Prayer Archangel Michael's Prayer of Protection The Serenity Prayer Personal mantras asking the spirits to leave Leave out Kosher salt or raw rice, two substances thought to drive away spirits and malicious energies. If you do, you need to leave a window or door open, as the spirit needs a way to flee the room. If performing prayers or continuing to ask the spirit to leave, repeat these rituals as you spread the salt or rice. Remember that your conviction when doing this is important -- if you are fearful or half-hearted, you will not see any results. Talk to leaders in your faith or spiritual practice, or seek out spiritual mediums or psychics who perform exorcisms. The most important quality of an exorcist, in any practice, is someone who makes your feel comfortable and safe. When you have a good feeling about someone, that bond and confidence will make it much easier to solve your issues. This trust is essential. The Church of England, some Catholic groups, spirit or faith healers, and mediums are all good places to start asking questions. Talk to 2-3 groups, if possible, but know that the sorts of groups willing to perform exorcisms are rare. Understand that only a few faiths, sects, and groups will perform exorcisms or spiritual cleansings. As a spiritual, religious, and/or psychic phenomenon, you'll need the advice and guidance of a spiritual, religious, and/or psychic leader if you are still unable to remove the spirits. The problem is that not all faiths and practices believe in spiritual possession, or have systems in place to handle them. While you should work within your own belief system when possible, know that you may face stiff rejection from more conservative leaders. Most groups will want to come do a quick investigation of the house before undergoing any sort of exorcism. This is a good way to calm your fears if you're unsure if there is a spirit or not. Use the county records, local papers, and neighbors to determine any cause for possession. This could be easy to see if you uncover a murder that took place in your living room, but the causes for spiritual possession can be much more nuanced as well, from long-forgotten tragedies to deaths that gripped a soul before they were quite ready to go. Like all adversaries, you and your professional will be better prepared to fight if you know what exactly you're up against. Knowing the cause of a possession can also help you determine what sort of professional to call, as you could be dealing with religious or secular spirits, depending on your beliefs. Determine as much as you can about the spirits behavior to aid the professional. Note anything you can of value, and keep a small log of all the paranormal behavior you experience to help accurately fight off the psychic intrusion. This doesn't only include the physical details -- oftentimes you can sense or feel out a personality through their actions as well. Do they feel malevolent or mischievous? Do you feel in danger or just bothered? What rooms or objects does the spirit gravitate towards? Are there places they ignore? What brought out the spirits presence? When was it first noticed? Remember that your mental fortitude is the key link in any exorcism. At the end of the day, the power of most spirits depends on the power that you give them. Fear, especially lingering, constant worry and dread, feeds right into their hand, giving them far more presence and power over you than someone who rightly ignores their cries for attention. You are just as important in this equation as the spirit is, any professional you call. Keep sharp and calm and your problems will soon resolve themselves.

Keep an eye out for typically paranormal behavior in your house. Rule out the obvious causes of "other-worldly" noises and issues first. Take an honest appraisal of your own health and stress levels. Ignore the alleged spirits as much as possible, not even giving them a passing thought. Have a religious leader, medium, or psychic examine the house if you are still unsure. Protect yourself by wearing religious or spiritual talismans close to you. Firmly ask the spirit to leave, avoiding anger or fear. Light a sage smudge stick, carrying around the house and waving in a clockwise motion. Spread a little holy water around the house. Call upon the prayers of your faith or use common religious prayers against spirits. Leave out Kosher salt or raw rice, two substances thought to drive away spirits and malicious energies. Talk to leaders in your faith or spiritual practice, or seek out spiritual mediums or psychics who perform exorcisms. Understand that only a few faiths, sects, and groups will perform exorcisms or spiritual cleansings. Use the county records, local papers, and neighbors to determine any cause for possession. Determine as much as you can about the spirits behavior to aid the professional. Remember that your mental fortitude is the key link in any exorcism.

https://www.wikihow.com/Change-Your-Attitude

How to Change Your Attitude

To change your attitude, start by taking action to be kind to others on a regular basis. Just small things filling up the laundromat dryer with quarters for the next person or writing a quick note to cheer up a friend will increase your own positivity. Another key to having a positive mindset is practicing gratitude. Cultivate the discipline of gratitude by keeping a journal where you write down something from each day that you are grateful for. Extend that gratitude to others by sending thank you cards to the people who have helped you, whether it be for something that happened recently years ago.

Get rid of negativity in your life. If there are people, activities, or situations in your life that continually feel stressful, you may need to let them go. A change in attitude depends on living a new kind of life. This might mean quitting drinking, using drugs, overeating, or smoking. Whatever the negative parts of your life may be, you'll need to let them go if you're going to develop a better attitude. Consider joining a support group for people who are similarly motivated to change their lives for the better. In making these changes, chances are you'll notice some patterns of positivity in your life. No one's life is all bad, and by letting go of the parts of your life that no longer serve you, you'll become more aware of the habits you want to strengthen. Make sure your relationship is healthy. If you're in an intimate relationship with another person, this will affect your attitude. A healthy relationship should be positive, and result in feeling better about yourself. If you feel pressured to do things you don't want to, are afraid of the consequences of disagreeing with your mate, or if there is yelling or physical violence during arguments, your relationship may not be healthy. This will negatively affect your attitude. Some disagreement is natural in healthy relationships. Most relationships have some combination of healthy and unhealthy characteristics. Talk to a counselor together with your partner if you find yourself unable to change the unhealthy patterns on your own. If you are in a relationship that is violent, or emotionally or physically abusive, seek help with a local domestic violence agency. You can find these agencies in the United States by calling 211. Look for the positive. There's always something in any situation that is worth praising. For example, if it's raining out, you could either complain that you're getting wet, or you could observe that the plants will likely benefit from a good soak. Someone with a negative attitude can easily find the downside of any circumstance, but to develop a positive attitude you should force yourself to notice the good. Share your positive observations with others, and keep negative remarks to yourself. Make sure to look for the positive in yourself as well. Remember that everything is an opportunity to learn new skills, especially the things that feel most difficult at first. If nothing else, you can be grateful for the chance to learn new things in a bad situation. Never stay in a situation simply because it's bad. You may be tempted to pretend that unhealthy behavior — a racist boss, an abusive partner, an emotionally manipulative friend — is providing a good opportunity for you to learn patience and tolerance. While this may be true, staying may not be the healthiest choice. One of the most positive things to learn from a bad situation is that you can leave. Be kind to others. One of the quickest ways to feel better yourself is to be kind to other people. Whether this involves letting someone else have the right of way in traffic or writing a note to cheer up a friend, taking an action to help someone else will increase your positivity. For best results, find ways to do kind things for others in a way that is completely anonymous. For example, fill up all the coin slots in a laundromat with quarters when no one is looking. Don't just think of how you would want to be treated; imagine the way another person might want to be treated. For someone who's very shy, perhaps writing him a note to congratulate him on his presentation might be kinder than giving him a loud compliment and hug in front of others. Write a daily gratitude list. Every day has something to be grateful for, but some days gratitude is harder to find than others. To develop the discipline of finding gratitude on even your hardest days, practice writing a daily list. Some research suggests that writing gratitude lists by hand is a valuable part of this process. The physical act of writing by hand slows down your attention in a meaningful way. If you really can't think of anything to be grateful about, pretend to feel grateful. Remember, you're still learning to change your attitude. Consider gratitude as, "Hey, it could be worse." Send thank you cards. Learning to say "thank you" is an essential element of changing your attitude, and living in positivity. Whether you're expressing gratitude for something done recently, or something that happened years ago, write it down and share it with the person. Perhaps you want to let your 5th grade teacher know that her encouragement for your writing led to your blogging, or to thank your best friend for always sticking by you. If you want to write the note, but not send it, that's fine. The purpose of writing thank you notes is mostly to practice articulating appreciation. It might not be possible to find people from your past, or the person might be deceased. Research shows that people who spend at least 15 minutes per week writing gratitude letters, over 8 weeks, show a demonstrable increase in positivity. Practice meditation or prayer. Practicing meditation or prayer deliberately places the mind in the present moment, which is vital for cultivating a positive attitude. Find regular times throughout your day to engage in meditation or prayer. These don't have to last long; setting aside three to five minutes will result in a difference in your attitude. If you practice a religion, you might turn to prayers found in this religion. If you don't consider yourself a religious person, practices of meditation might be more valuable. Even though it may not feel like it, practicing meditation and prayer is a kind of exercise. The more you practice, the better you will become. You may not notice the difference at first, but over time you will be able to maintain a calm, peaceful attitude no matter what's going on around you. Start a gratitude jar. Keep a jar in a central location in your home, and every day write down one thing that you're grateful for that day. Watch as the jar fills with good things. If you ever need a "pick-me-up," reach into the jar and read a few examples out loud. For another kind of gratitude jar, try adding some change or a dollar to the jar every day when you write in your gratitude journal. When the jar is full, use the money to find creative ways to "pay it forward:" buying gift cards for unsuspecting people who might need the help, or buying flowers for someone who rarely receives recognition. If you're a crafty person, decorate your gratitude jar with ribbon, paint, or stickers. Stop complaining. Instead, spend more time recognizing good aspects of your life. Consciously pay more attention to the positive things that you notice, allowing good things to become good experiences. Notice when you're tempted to complain, and try to find something positive to turn your attention to. Complaining focuses your attention on what you'd rather have different without actually requiring you to do anything different. It keeps you in a position of powerlessness. Take ownership of your thoughts and actions. If you believe that you are powerless to make any effective changes in your circumstances or relationships, you may find it difficult to change your attitude towards your life. Instead, try to recognize your own part in making each situation or relationship the way it is. If you can find your own part, you can work towards either accepting it or changing it. Knowing more about why you've made the choices you've made may help you to avoid making bad choices in the future. Remember that while most negative circumstances are the result of a conscious choice made on your part, sometimes bad things happen despite careful planning. No one is immune from being in the wrong place at the wrong time. If you can't find another way to think about a bad situation, ask someone for help. Talk to a counselor, a therapist, a trusted friend or another person. You don't have to face this alone. Wake up earlier. Waking up one hour earlier each morning allows you time to focus on yourself, your goals, and your intention to change your attitude. You might spend this time in meditation, or reading a favorite book. Having the time set aside to plan and reflect upon your day is an important tool in changing your attitude. If it's easier for you to take an additional hour at the end of the day, you can try this. Most, but not all, people find it more productive to take time in the early morning hours. Don't allow yourself to waste the morning time in negative mind traps, like reading depressing news or scrolling through social media. Spend time with positive people. If there are people in your life who leave you feeling drained, unproductive, and depressed, you may need to spend less time with them if you're trying to develop a new attitude. Avoid depressing news stories and take time to read uplifting journalism. Put yourself on a "positivity" diet, and minimize the amount of negativity you take in per day. This doesn't mean to abandon a friend who may be having a hard time, but if your friend's life is always full of drama and hardship, you may need to take a break. If being around negative people is unavoidable (for instance, if it's your boss or supervisor) you may be able to put their negativity to use. Try to understand where it's coming from, and counter it with positivity. Notice what makes you happy. That sounds easy, but it may not be something that you're used to paying attention to. Try making a list of things that you do every day (or, most days), then make a second list of things that make you happy. Compare your lists, and see what changes you can make to include more happiness. Think about what adjustments you can make to your daily routine to include more things that bring you happiness. Pause several times per day to take your happiness level. If you're feeling happy, think about the circumstances that have contributed to this feeling. Try to respond, not react. When you're in a stressful situation, think about it, use reason to find a solution, and do what makes sense. When you react, you skip the reasoning stage and respond automatically. This only serves to cause more problems and frustration. When you're in a new, stressful situation, pause and take a deep breath before doing or saying anything. If you can, take the time to think something out before giving an answer. Say, "I need to think about it." Don't dwell on the past or the future. If you're trying to develop a new attitude, keep your attention on the present moment. When you find yourself worrying about the future, or revisiting difficult moments of the past, gently return your attention to the present moment. You might use a particular word or phrase to return your attention to the present, such as "now" or "present" or "return." Don't berate yourself for losing focus. Remember, kindness is essential to developing a positive attitude. Focus on one thing at a time. Research shows that trying to spread your attention too broadly results in increased stress and lower levels of concentration. Developing a greater amount of control over your attention will positively affect your feeling of well-being and positivity. Try not to keep multiple tabs up on your internet browser, and turn off your phone when you're watching television. If you are washing dishes, turn off the news. Doing one thing at a time, and doing it well, will increase your positive attitude. If you have to multitask, set aside specific times for it. When the time is up, return to your single-task outlook. When you're having a conversation with a friend, turn off your phone. Slow down your attention to be more fully present in every activity.

Get rid of negativity in your life. Make sure your relationship is healthy. Look for the positive. Be kind to others. Write a daily gratitude list. Send thank you cards. Practice meditation or prayer. Start a gratitude jar. Stop complaining. Take ownership of your thoughts and actions. Wake up earlier. Spend time with positive people. Notice what makes you happy. Try to respond, not react. Don't dwell on the past or the future. Focus on one thing at a time.

https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Unwanted-Phone-Calls

How to Stop Unwanted Phone Calls

To stop unwanted phone calls, download a call-blocking app on your cell phone, which will prevent unknown numbers from contacting you. If you're using a landline, you can set up an inbound call blocker so that callers have to punch in a code to reach you. Since telemarketers won't have your code, they won't be able to call you. You can also contact your phone company and ask them to block certain numbers that keep calling you.

Get on the Do Not Call Registry. This registry, which is for United States residents, lists telephone numbers and the owners of those numbers that refuse to receive unsolicited calls by telemarketers. Register your telephone number by calling (888) 382-1222 or online at www.donotcall.gov. This list was set up by the Federal Trade Commission in 2003 and can reduce the amount of unwanted telemarketing calls by approximately 80 percent. Some types of organizations are not under obligation to pay attention to the Do Not Call Registry. They include: Calls from organizations with which you have established a business relationship Calls from organizations you've previously given written permission to call you Calls that are not commercial or do not include unsolicited advertisements Calls from tax-exempt non-profit organizations Call your phone company and request to speak with the "annoyance department. " This specialized department can place a trap on your line that inhibits specific callers from contacting you. Put your phone number on specific company do-not-call lists. If you're routinely getting calls from the same annoying companies, you can tell the telemarketers to remove your name and number from their calling list. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires that your number be removed from the requested company lists for 5 years. Use a search engine to find out who's calling. If you're not sure of the source of a certain number that pops up, do a search to find out. Entering an unknown number in a search engine may give you some hints about its owner. Many online report services also allow you to report and share your experience with other users. Install a call-blocking app on your cell phone. Even though telemarketers are supposed to reveal their phone numbers, many don't Blocking unknown calls is a good way to screen out the callers you don't want to hear from. If you're using an iPhone or Android, there are apps that automatically block calls from hidden numbers. Blacklist call is the fastest and most intuitive app for Androids to automatically block SPAM calls from annoying telemarketers. Call Control is the most popular app for Androids to block telemarketers. Call Bliss is the most popular app for iPhones to block calls from unknown numbers. Change your phone settings. Androids and iPhones both have settings that allow you to only get calls from the people you want. The drawback is that if an organization or person you actually want to hear from has an unknown number, you won't get the call. If you get an inordinate number of unknown calls from spammers every day, this might be a good option. You can set your Android to Privacy Mode so you only get calls from people you preapprove from your contacts list. Use Do Not Disturb on your iPhone. You can silence calls from everyone except for those selected from your contacts list. Get call trapping. Call trapping services are paid services that force the caller to show the number from which they're calling. TrapCall is the most popular service, and works with iPhone and Android (but not landlines). Subscribe to custom calling services for your landline. Your phone company provides a range of call blocking and screening services. These types of services come with a monthly fee. Call your phone company to see what options are available to you. Services such as Call Screen, Priority Ringing and Call Return are ordinarily available in most states. Call Screen can be set up to block calls from specific numbers by sending that caller to a pre-recorded message telling them that you will not take their call. Priority ringing allows you to set up special ring tones for individual numbers so you know without looking at your phone if you want to answer it. Call Return allows you to call the last person who called you even if their number came up as "private" or "unavailable." Buy an inbound call blocker for your landline. Inbound call blockers require the caller to punch in a code to reach you. This will stop calls from all callers who do not possess your personal code. While this might make it a hassle for friends, family and acquaintances to reach you, it might be worth it if you're being constantly harassed by solicitors.

Get on the Do Not Call Registry. Call your phone company and request to speak with the "annoyance department. Put your phone number on specific company do-not-call lists. Use a search engine to find out who's calling. Install a call-blocking app on your cell phone. Change your phone settings. Get call trapping. Subscribe to custom calling services for your landline. Buy an inbound call blocker for your landline.

https://www.wikihow.com/Add-Swing-to-a-Cricket-Ball

How to Add Swing to a Cricket Ball

If you want to add inswing to a cricket ball, hold the ball so the seam is between your index and middle fingers and so the shiny side of the ball faces the batsman. Then, angle the seam 20 degrees towards the batsman and swing as usual. Try to throw the ball between 30 and 70 miles per hour and it will swing toward the off side.

Use a new ball. Cricket balls swing best before they experience any wear and tear. It should have a prominent seam, and one side that is very shiny. Hold the ball along the seam. Grip it with your middle and index fingers on either side of the seam, with the ball resting on your thumb and third finger. The shiny side should be facing in the direction of the batsman. Release the ball with the seam pointing in the direction of the swing. A ball that swings from the leg side toward the off side is an inswing, and a ball that swings from the off side toward the leg side is an outswing. To bowl an inswing, release the ball with the seam pointed at about a 20 degree angle towards fine leg. The last point of contact with the ball should be your middle finger. To bowl an outswing, release the ball with the seam pointed at about a 20 degree angle towards the slip fielders. The last point of contact with the ball should be your index finger. A conventional swing will work best between 30 and 70 mph. Use a ball 40 or more overs old. A new ball will swing naturally in a conventional direction, but at about this age, wear on ball changes its aerodynamics. It begins to swing in opposite direction of seam, towards the shine. Keep the ball in good shape. Reverse swinging works best when the smooth side of the ball is very smooth, the rough side is very rough, and the seam is prominent. Continually polish the smooth side of the ball during play. Keep in mind, however, that scratching the rough side constitutes tampering, and is illegal. Hold the ball along the seam. Grip it with your middle and index fingers on either side of the seam, with the ball resting on your thumb and third finger. The rough side should face the direction of the swing. Bowl as you would a conventional swing, but with the sides of the ball reversed. This means the shiny side will now be facing away from the batsman. The difference between a conventional swing and a reverse swing is that in the former, the ball swings in the direction of the seam, while in the latter it swings in the opposite direction. To bowl an inswing, release the ball with the seam pointed at about a 20 degree angle towards the slip fielders. The last point of contact with the ball should be your middle finger. To bowl an outswing, release the ball with the seam pointed at about a 20 degree angle towards fine leg. The last point of contact with the ball should be your index finger. Bowl hard. The faster you are able to bowl, the more effectively you will be able to achieve a reverse swing. The speed necessary also depends on the state of the ball; the rougher the rough side of the ball is, the less speed you will need. Use a ball with a prominent seam. As with conventional and reverse swings, one side should be distinctly shiny, and the other side distinctly rough. Keep the ball as dry as possible. Hold the ball along the seam. Grip it with your middle and index fingers on either side of the seam, with the ball resting on your thumb and third finger. Bowl with the seam pointing straight down the pitch. The direction of the swing will be determined by the speed at which you throw. At a low speed (under 70mph), the ball will swing toward the rough side. At a high speed (over 70mph), the ball will swing toward the smooth side. Note that the exact speed that determines the direction of the swing will vary based on the amount of wear on the ball.

Use a new ball. Hold the ball along the seam. Release the ball with the seam pointing in the direction of the swing. Use a ball 40 or more overs old. Keep the ball in good shape. Hold the ball along the seam. Bowl as you would a conventional swing, but with the sides of the ball reversed. Use a ball with a prominent seam. Hold the ball along the seam. Bowl with the seam pointing straight down the pitch.

https://www.wikihow.pet/Care-for-a-Newly-Declawed-Cat

How to Care for a Newly Declawed Cat

Your cat will be in a bit of pain after it's been declawed, but you can help make it as comfortable as possible at home. Follow your vet's instructions for giving your cat pain medication. You'll need to keep your cat indoors from now on, since it won't be able to defend itself easily from other animals without its claws. Keep its paws clean by wiping them with a warm, damp, soft cloth every day. To encourage your cat to use its litter tray, swap its litter for clumping litter, which will be softer on its paws and hurt it less. If you notice any discharge or abscesses around its paws, take it back to the vet, since it may have an infection.

Just like it is in people, managing post-operative pain is important to your cat's recovery from declawing surgery. Declawing is a painful surgery for your cat, since it involves removing the claws and part of the bones from each of her front paws. Careful management of her pain will help her recover faster and avoid problems down the line. To keep your cat comfy, your veterinarian will prescribe at least several days' worth of pain medication. These medications will either be a skin patch, a pill, or a liquid. Cats can be very good at hiding pain, so continue giving the medication as directed even if she seems okay. Cats are notoriously resistant to taking medicine. You know the pain meds will help your cat feel better, but she doesn't. If you're not careful, you can get scratched or bitten while trying to give your cat a pain pill—and end up not getting your cat the medicine she needs. Below are few ideas for making the process as smooth and easy as possible, and if you still have trouble giving your cat medication, talk to your vet. Silly as it sounds, wrapping your cat up in a towel like a burrito will lessen your chances of getting bitten or scratched. Try putting the pill in a pill pocket, which is a tasty treat with a hole in the middle where the pill would go. This way you won't get bitten and your cat enjoys the pill. If your cat rejects pill pockets, you can try a pill popper, which you can get at most pet stores. If you're giving your cat liquid medication, position the tip of the syringe just past the front teeth and aim the syringe towards the back of the mouth. Then, slowly dispense the medication in small increments, close your cat's mouth, and gently blow on its nose to encourage it to swallow. Your cat will have tender feet, and may be disoriented or drowsy from the pain meds. Find her a quiet place away from pets and children where she can recover in peace for about 7-10 days. Make this small space comfy by giving your cat food and water bowls, a litter box, nice bedding, and fun toys. If putting your cat in a confined room is not possible, another good option is a large dog crate. Try to keep your cat is a space where she is unlikely to climb or jump, which can injure her paws. If your cat jumps and you later notice bleeding, apply gentle pressure to the wound with paper towels or facial tissues for about 10 to 15 minutes. Taking care of your cat’s paws after surgery will prevent them from getting infected. Infection can occur if foreign objects, like dirt or litter get into the wounds from the surgery. Newly declawed cats are especially susceptible to paw infections. However, unless your veterinarian sent your cat home with an antibiotic ointment, you don't have to worry about applying anything to the wounds. Gently wiping your cat's paws with a warm, soft cloth should be enough to take care of your cat's incisions. Keep a close eye on your cat's wounds to make sure that they are healing properly and not getting infected. A little bleeding is normal after surgery, but if the bleeding is excessive and does not stop (e.g., the wound opened and applying pressure hasn't stopped the bleeding), call your veterinarian. If you notice discharge from the wound, this likely indicates infection and you should take your cat to the veterinarian for treatment for this too. One of the biggest challenges for many cats after declawing surgery is using the litter box, since they're used to using their front paws to scoop litter over waste. Doing this after surgery is often painful, especially if the litter is coarse or has rough edges, like some clay and crystal litters. If you usually use a coarse litter, try using clumping litter—its softness and fine texture should feel better on your cat's sensitive feet. The litter should also be dust-free, because litter dust can enter the wound and cause irritation and infection. Urinating and defecating outside the litter box is a common problem for newly declawed cats, and using the right litter during recovery can help avoid this problem. Give your cat a few days or more with the new litter before the surgery if possible. Otherwise, she may not want to use it. Cats are creatures of habit! Don't worry about using this new type of litter forever if there's a certain brand you prefer to use for your cat. You only need to use the different litter as long as it takes your cat to recover from surgery, which is usually around 10 to 14 days. Walking long distances on newly-declawed paws is tough on your cat. You can make things easier on her by making sure the litter box isn't far from where she's resting. If you need to, buy a second litter box so your cat is never far from a litter box. Since newly declawed cats tend to be a little unbalanced when they begin walking again, try offering a larger litter box while your cat is recovering. Before the surgery, scooping out the litter box once a day was probably sufficient. However, for newly declawed cats, veterinarians recommend that you scoop soiled litter several times a day. This is because your cat may be more sensitive to feeling damp spots on its paws, and may not want to use a litter box that feels dirty. After scooping out the litter, rearrange the litter in the box so one-third to one-half of the bottom of the box is exposed. Not having to step on litter directly may be more comfortable for your cat after the surgery, and is a small thing you can do to make your cat's life easier. If your cat is in a lot of pain, walking will probably be the last thing you feel like making it do. However, getting your cat to walk soon after surgery is important for recovery and allows you to observe its gait. If your cat is not walking around a day or so after surgery or is unable to walk normally, call your veterinarian. Check to see if your cat is walking with a limp, since residual bone chips are an indication of a poorly performed surgery and can lead to chronic limping. Calluses behind your cat's toe pads could also cause it to walk differently, since it will be painful for your cat to bear weight on its front feet. It is not unusual for cats to become more withdrawn or sometimes even aggressive after surgery. After all, they're in a lot of pain and they don't understand why! Be gentle, loving, and soothing when you are around your cat, and don't push her to let you hold her if she's not ready. Expect that it will take some time for her to return to her usual ways, so be patient. You should also be aware that declawing sometimes leads to long-term behavioral changes: Your cat may try to bite you more, since it can no longer use its claws for protection. Your cat also may not want to play as much anymore, since it can no longer use its claws to grasp its toys. Male cats in particular may spray more often to compensate for not being able to use claws to mark their territory. Talk to your veterinarian if behavioral changes become a big problem for you and your cat. During the immediate period following the surgery, you'll definitely want to keep your cat inside. Once she's recovered, it's still a good idea to keep your cat indoors, or only allow her outside in safe spaces. Once a cat is declawed, you should avoid letting them roam free outside, even if they used to enjoy exploring and playing outside on their own. Without claws, your cat will not be able to easily defend itself or climb, and could get into unexpected trouble with cats or other animals.

Just like it is in people, managing post-operative pain is important to your cat's recovery from declawing surgery. Cats are notoriously resistant to taking medicine. Your cat will have tender feet, and may be disoriented or drowsy from the pain meds. Taking care of your cat’s paws after surgery will prevent them from getting infected. Keep a close eye on your cat's wounds to make sure that they are healing properly and not getting infected. One of the biggest challenges for many cats after declawing surgery is using the litter box, since they're used to using their front paws to scoop litter over waste. Walking long distances on newly-declawed paws is tough on your cat. Before the surgery, scooping out the litter box once a day was probably sufficient. If your cat is in a lot of pain, walking will probably be the last thing you feel like making it do. It is not unusual for cats to become more withdrawn or sometimes even aggressive after surgery. During the immediate period following the surgery, you'll definitely want to keep your cat inside.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Grooming-Comfortable-for-Older-Dogs

How to Make Grooming Comfortable for Older Dogs

To make grooming comfortable for older dogs, set up a no-skid rubber mat so it doesn't slip and use a soft, rubber brush, which is more comfortable on an older dog's skin. As you're grooming the dog, look for signs of distress, such as pulling away or making noises, and take a break if this happens. You should aim to groom an older dog multiple times a week if possible, so each session can be short and pain-free.

Create a no-skid surface. Older dogs are more prone to slipping and falling, especially if they have mobility problems like arthritis. For your older dog's comfort, a no skid surface is important. A rubber surface, like a bathmat, is good to prevent your dog from slipping. You can also allow your dog to lie down. Lying down on a no skid surface can be more comfortable for an older dog. Opt for softer brushes. In general, the softer the brushes the better. Softer bristled brushes are more comfortable for an older dog's skin. A dog's skin loses elasticity with age, so a harsher brush can really bother an older dog. A rubber brush will work well for short-hair dogs. These are gentler on sore joints, but they still remove shedding hair. Make sure your brushes and combs are in good condition. You do not want to brush an old dog with a damaged brush. A bent or damaged tooth can scratch your dog's skin. As older dog's skin is more easily breakable, it's important to limit your use of damaged brushes. Prepare the bath if you're bathing your dog. A bath can be very slippery for an older dog. Make sure there is a rubber bath mat on the floor of the tub if you're bathing your dog. Make sure you use lukewarm water so it's not too hot or cold for your dog. You should also opt for a gentler shampoo as an older dog's skin is sensitive. Opt for multiple, short grooming sessions. It can be uncomfortable for an older dog to stand or sit still for grooming. Rather than grooming your dog all in one session, go for multiple short grooming sessions over the course of a few days. You can, for example, brush the dog one day and trim any unwanted or matted fur the next. Massage your dog during grooming sessions. Older dogs will benefit from a massage before or after grooming. This can make the experience more pleasant and decrease any discomfort your dogs feels from sitting or standing for long grooming sessions. A massage can also help reduce dry skin and a dry coat. Talk to your vet about how to properly massage your dog, especially if your dog has a condition like arthritis. Change what you're doing if your dog shows signs of distress. Pay attention to how your dog reacts as you groom or bathe it. If your dog makes any noises or moves away form you, it is probably uncomfortable. You should change what you're doing to make your dog more comfortable. You may, for example, need to brush your dog more gently or slow down how fast you're rubbing in the shampoo. If your dog becomes snappy or short-tempered during or after grooming, your dog may be suffering from arthritis, sore joints, or another condition. Take your dog to the vet to get checked out. The vet may prescribe medication to make grooming less painful. Trim around sanitary areas. As dogs get older, they have difficulty keeping sanitary areas clean. You may notice fecal matter stuck near a dog's anus. If you notice this, it's a good idea to trim these areas. Less fur will lead to less accidents. You're more likely to encounter this problem on dogs with longer coats. If your dog frequently has fecal matter stuck near its anus, you should talk to a groomer about getting your dog's coat cut shorter. Groom your dog more often. As dogs get older, they're more prone to skin problems. They also have difficulty cleaning their fur on their own. Therefore, you will need to groom your dog more often. Groom your dog multiple times a week instead of just once a week or once every couple of weeks. Remember to go for shorter sessions for your dog's comfort. Check for lumps and bumps. As dogs get older, they're more likely to develop health problems. When you're grooming your dog, look for any unusual lumps or bumps. Any new growths should be evaluated by a vet. The sooner you address such issues, the better. Examine your dog's eyes and ears. You may need to do some additional grooming of your dog's eyes and ears. You should remove any unusual gunk or debris stuck in the eyes and ears. If you notice any discharge from your dog's eyes, wipe the corners of the eyes down with a gauze pad soaked in warm water. Do not get soap near your dog's eyes. If you notice any discharge or unusual odor coming from your dog's ears, talk to your vet about how to safely clean your dog's ears. Wipe its ears clean with a cotton swab soaked with an alcohol-based cleaning solution. Watch for signs of rotting teeth and gum disease. You should also check your dog's mouth. Dogs may need professional teeth cleaning when they get older. Look for redness, swelling gums, or a very bad odor. You should consult a vet if your dog's teeth appear rotted.

Create a no-skid surface. Opt for softer brushes. Make sure your brushes and combs are in good condition. Prepare the bath if you're bathing your dog. Opt for multiple, short grooming sessions. Massage your dog during grooming sessions. Change what you're doing if your dog shows signs of distress. Trim around sanitary areas. Groom your dog more often. Check for lumps and bumps. Examine your dog's eyes and ears. Watch for signs of rotting teeth and gum disease.

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How to Be a Nude Art Model

While being comfortable in your body is key to being a nude art model, you'll also need to know how to find work and how to prepare for your job. To find work, contact your local art school or college to see if they're hiring art models. You can also look at online classified ads for work opportunities. Once you're hired, discuss the details in advance, like how long the session will go for, how many breaks you'll have, how long each pose will need to be held for, and how much money you'll make. To prepare for your modeling job, pack a bag that includes a robe for bathroom breaks, a towel or blanket to sit on, slippers or sandals to slip into, water, and snacks.

Meet the requirements for being a nude model. Being a nude model doesn't require you to look like you're ready for the runway or to meet some unrealistic standard of beauty. Nude models help artists learn to draw the human body and understand its nuances and structure. Artists don't necessarily look for models who fit a stereotype and are open to models of all sizes, shapes, and ethnicities. People with unique body types and asymmetrical bodies are actually sought after. An important requirement for being a nude model is being comfortable with your body. Before you model nude, you should be comfortable enough to pose nude without blushing, covering yourself up, or trying to only show off the most flattering parts of your body. Prepare a resume. Not every artist or art teacher will ask for a resume, but you should be prepared with one anyway. You can still fill your resume even if you haven't been a nude model before. Providing a resume will give the artist or art teacher an idea of who you are. This is important for getting to know you as modeling for an art class is an intimate setting for both the artist and model that requires trust. Include any previous modeling experience, performances, art schooling, acting, dance, yoga, or other activity you have done which would benefit an artist model. Find work as a nude art model. If you're committed to being a nude art model, then you need to start looking for work. Contact your local art school or college to see if they are hiring art models. You can start with the art department, but ask if there is someone in particular assigned to hire models for all classes. Sometimes each instructor hires his or her own models. If you want to pose for a photographer, also look on any one of a number of websites that link models to photographers. Free online classified advertising websites also often post ads for nude models. You should first find work modeling for a class and only consider doing some private modeling once you have a better understanding of the nude art modeling world and know that you're working with a legitimate artist. Discuss the details in advance. When you are hired, it is best to iron out payment, time commitment, and schedule. Typical nude art modeling sessions run about three hours, including a number of breaks and a variety of poses held for 5, 10, or 20 minutes. Discuss average length and number of poses, the types of poses, and the amount of breaks you'll be given. Discuss payment or hourly sitting rates, which can vary greatly but generally are between $15 and $25 for drawing -- though fees for a photographer will generally be higher. Prepare your poses. Nude art models are typically expected to strike four basic poses during their sessions. These are standing, seated, reclining, and semi-reclining or prone. The standing pose requires you to stand in a variety of ways with your arms, legs, hands, and feet engaged in various ways. You might have props to hold or have to hold a particular facial expression. The reclining pose will typically require you to lie down on your back on a sofa or couch in a comfortable position. The semi-reclining pose will require you to lie down on your stomach while lifting your chest, as you would do to read a magazine at the beach. These are the four basic poses, but there is a variety of movements and gestures that you can make when you hold them. It is important to note that when in a standing pose, not to let your knees lockout (doing so may cause you to pass out). Be expressive. Draw on any personal experience to think of poses that are interesting or inspiring. Any physical activity may be a source of good poses. A good model must be able to be expressive from the bottoms of their feet to the tips of their fingers. Art is dynamic and your poses should be as well! Many models are inspired by the poses depicted in classical works of art. Yoga poses are often used because they engage the muscles in interesting and dynamic ways. Be prepared to hold each pose for a specified amount of time. Different kinds of poses can be held for short or long periods. It is best to be prepared to hold still for a long time. The time required for a pose can be described by any of the following three terms: gestures, short poses, and long poses. Gestures are poses lasting less than three minutes. Short poses last three to twenty minutes, and long poses which are held in multiple 20 minute intervals with a short break in between. The latter is generally the norm for painting and sculpture; drawing classes will require a number of shorter poses. Any class may begin with a few gestures as a "warm-up". If you're in the middle of a long pose and need to move, someone will use tape to mark the position of your body. Just ask, "Can someone please tape me?" Put together a "modeling bag. " You should come prepared to your modeling session so you don't need to trouble the artist by asking for anything and maintain your professionalism. The most important thing you need to bring is a robe so you can wear it between poses or to use the bathroom. You should also bring a towel or blanket to sit on for hygienic reasons. Bring slippers or sandals to slip in and out of quickly on breaks. You might also want to have water or snacks with you. Always bring a date book and pen (or your phone) for booking future sessions. Prepare your body. You will want to be clean and look natural. Before you leave for your session, shower and apply lotion to soothe dry skin, which could cause you discomfort while posing. Wear minimal jewelry unless otherwise requested. You shouldn't put in a ton of hairspray or wear make up unless requested. You should look as natural as possible. Remove your clothing. Once you meet the artist and get comfortable, it'll be time to remove your clothes. A private changing room will likely be provided or there may be a folding screen that you can change behind. Use the privacy to get centered and ready for a nude art modeling session. Remove your clothes and put on your robe and slippers. Step up to the modeling area. Step up onto the model's area holding only your timer to mark the time passed in each of the posing sessions. Remove your robe and slippers. Your artist will designate an area for you to place these items during your session. If sitting or lying down, it is best to do so on a towel or sheet. The artist may provide one for you, or you can bring one of your own. If you do not have a towel, it is hygienic and highly recommended that you place your robe beneath your bottom for sitting poses. Some artists even enjoy drawing the additional "drapery." Follow the artist's directions. Keep your body and eyes very still. Listening to your artist is key for a successful session. It is useful to fix your gaze on one spot; do not make eye contact with any artist unless specifically directed. Relax into the pose, but not so much that you move from your original position. You may be asked to time your own poses or the artist may tell you when you're finished. If you're not sure about what the artist means, don't be afraid to ask for clarification. This is far better than striking the wrong pose. If you're told to hold a pose that is too challenging, it's better to speak up than to try to hold it. The artist would rather have you hold a pose that you can maintain for the duration instead of having to start over. Get dressed. When you are finished with your session, put on your robe and return to your private changing area and put on your clothes. Make sure you don't leave anything in the studio. You should wear comfortable clothes. It is a good idea to have a bag for your dirty robe or towel so you can wash these after your session. Be prepared when you say goodbye to the artist. You will want to discuss any further sessions at this time. Have your date book and pen handy when you come out of the change room in case the artist would like to work with you again. It's also a good idea to prepare a business card to hand to the artist. Ask for feedback from the artist. Once you've worked with the artist a few times, you can even ask for a letter of recommendation that you can use to help you find future work. Follow up with your artist. You want to show initiative and enthusiasm if you want to be hired again. Call or email to confirm a time and date for your next session. If you don't book another session right away, contact the artist in a few weeks after your session to see if they need any more models. Ask your artist for other contacts if you have developed a good working relationship.

Meet the requirements for being a nude model. Prepare a resume. Find work as a nude art model. Discuss the details in advance. Prepare your poses. Be expressive. Be prepared to hold each pose for a specified amount of time. Put together a "modeling bag. Prepare your body. Remove your clothing. Remove your robe and slippers. Follow the artist's directions. Get dressed. Be prepared when you say goodbye to the artist. Follow up with your artist.

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How to Prevent HIV Infection

To prevent an HIV infection, make sure you always use protection during sex, and protect any toys you may use by using condoms and cleaning them regularly, especially if your partner uses them as well! Additionally, HIV is transmitted through bodily fluids, so never share needles and avoid contact with other people's blood. Finally, while abstinence is technically the only risk-free option, staying mutually monogamous with your partner helps reduce both of your risks for exposure.

Know which fluids contain HIV. Someone infected with HIV cannot spread it by sneezing or shaking hands, like an ordinary cold. For an uninfected person to get HIV, he needs to come into contact with one of the following: Blood Semen and pre-seminal fluid (cum and pre-cum) Rectal fluids (fluids found in the anus) Vaginal fluids Breast milk Saliva (contains a minuscule amount of the virus but salivary enzymes denature it) Protect areas vulnerable to HIV infection. The safest way to avoid HIV is to avoid all contact with the above fluids. However, the following areas of your body are much more likely to pick up an infection if exposed to infected fluids: Rectum Vagina Penis Mouth Cuts and wounds, especially if bleeding Test yourself and sexual partners for HIV. Many people are infected with HIV without realizing that they have the virus. Having a saliva or blood test done at a clinic or doctor's office is the most accurate way to get tested, but there are also at-home tests you can take as well. Get tested every time you have sexual contact with a new partner. A "negative" result means you do not have the virus, while a "positive" result means you are infected with HIV. Many areas have HIV/AIDS clinics that provide free tests. You can usually get a result within the hour, but this is not 100% reliable. For accurate results, ask for the test to be sent to a lab, or get tested a second time by a different staff member. Even if you test HIV-negative, you may still have a recent infection. Practice precautions as though you had HIV for 3-6 months, then return for a second test. Different tests have different "window periods". Practice safe interactions. The following activities have no significant risk of contracting HIV: Hugging, shaking hands, or touching an HIV-positive person. Sharing a bathroom or toilet with an HIV-positive person. Kissing an HIV-positive person — unless he or she has cuts or sores in the mouth. Unless there is visible blood, the risk is extremely small. Someone who does not have HIV can never "create" it and transmit it through sex or other means. However, it is not possible to know that someone is HIV-negative with 100% certainty. Talk about past partners and HIV tests to help establish a risk reduction plan for you and your partner. Have sex with fewer, trusted partners. The fewer people you have sex with, the lower the chance that one of them has HIV. The lowest risk comes in a "closed" relationship where the people involved only have sex with each other. Even then, get tested and follow safe sex practices. There is always the chance that someone is unfaithful. Choose low-risk types of sex. These activities carry almost no risk of transmitting HIV, even if one person involved has the virus: Erotic massage Masturbation or hand jobs (hand-to-penis), without sharing bodily fluids Using sex toys on your partner, without sharing them. For added safety, put a new condom on the toy for each use, and wash thoroughly afterward. Finger-vagina or finger-anus contact. There is a chance of transmission if the finger has a cut or scrape. Increase safety with medical gloves and water-based lubricant. Practice safer oral sex. There is significant risk of infection if you perform oral sex on an HIV-positive person's penis. It is rare, but not impossible, to get HIV from someone using their mouth on your penis or vagina, or from performing oral sex on a vagina. Take these precautions to minimize this risk, and avoid other diseases: If a penis is involved, put a condom over it. Latex condoms are the most effective, followed by polyurethane. Do not use sheepskin condoms. Use flavored condoms if you need to improve the taste. If a vagina or anus is involved, hold a dental dam over it. If you don't have one, cut open a non-lubricated condom or use a natural rubber latex sheet. Don't allow someone to ejaculate into your mouth. Consider avoiding oral sex during menstruation. Avoid flossing or tooth-brushing before or after oral sex, as this may cause bleeding. Protect yourself during vaginal sex. Inserting a penis into a vagina causes a high risk of HIV transmission for both people involved, especially for the woman. Reduce this risk by using a condom or a latex female condom — but not both. Always use water-based lubricant to reduce the risk of the condom breaking. The outer ring of the female condom must remain around the penis and outside the vagina at all times. Other forms of contraception do not protect against HIV. Pulling out before ejaculation does not protect against HIV. It is possible but not certain that people who have undergone male-to-female reassignment surgery can contract HIV more easily. Be very cautious when practicing anal sex. Rectal tissue is highly sensitive to tearing and damage during intercourse. This makes the risk of transmission high for the person inserting a penis, and extremely high for the person receiving the penis. Consider other forms of sexual activity as described above. If you do perform anal sex, use latex condoms and plenty of water-based lubricant. Female condoms are probably effective during anal sex, but this has not been thoroughly studied. Some organizations recommend removing the inner ring, while others do not. Store and use a condom correctly. Review how to put on and take off a condom or female condom. Importantly, remember to pinch the tip before putting on a male condom, and grip the base closed when you remove it. Before you have sex, make sure the condom was treated properly: Never use oil-based lubricant with latex or polyisoprene condoms, which can break the condom. Use the condom before its expiration date. Store the condom at room temperature, and not in your wallet or other place where it may get damaged. Use a condom that fits snugly, but easily. Do not stretch the condom to examine it for tears. Avoid increased risk practices. No matter which type of sex you engage in, some practices make the risk of transmission higher. Be aware of these factors: Rough sex increases the odds of the condom tearing. Avoid spermicides that contain N-9 (nonoxynol-9). This can irritate the vagina and increase the chance of the condom tearing. Do not douche the vagina or rectum before sex. This can irritate the area or remove bacteria that help fight infection. If you need to clean the area, clean gently with a soapy finger and water instead. Avoid alcohol and drugs before sex. Substances that affect your mental state increase the odds of making a bad decision, such as having unprotected sex. Have sex only when sober, or make plans in advance to protect yourself. Use clean needles and equipment. Before injecting any substance, make sure the needle you are using has been stored in a clean container, and has never been used by anyone else. Never share cotton balls, containers of water, or any other drug-related equipment with another injecting drug user. Sterile needles are available at pharmacies, or at free needle exchange programs in some areas. In most places, you do not have to explain why you are buying or exchanging the needle. Avoid untrustworthy body work. Avoid receiving body piercings or tattoos performed by anyone but licensed professionals in a well-maintained professional environment. All needles use should be brand new, and you should watch the artist open the sealed package at the start of your appointment. The use of contaminated instruments could result in the transmission of HIV. Bleach your needles as a last resort. There is no way to completely disinfect a needle by yourself. There will always be a chance that a used needle transmits HIV. Use this only if you are going to inject anyway, and do not expect it to protect yourself completely: Fill the syringe with clean tap or bottled water. Shake or tap the syringe to stir it. Wait 30 seconds, then eject and throw away all water. Repeat several times, then additional times until no blood is visible. Fill the syringe with full-strength household bleach. Shake or tap it, and wait 30 seconds. Squirt it out and throw it away. Rinse the syringe with water. Quit using addictive drugs. Addiction makes drug users more likely to take risks. The only certain way to eliminate the risk of HIV transmission from injected drugs is to stop injecting. Attend a drug addiction meeting in your area for help and more information. Use caution when handling contaminated objects. Whether you are a drug user or health worker, be very careful around used syringes. In a hospital, assume that all fluids are infectious. Assume that any sharp or broken equipment may be contaminated with infected fluids. Wear gloves, a face mask, and long sleeves. Pick up contaminated objects using tweezer or other tools, and dispose of them in a clear container or biohazard bag. Disinfect all skin, hands, and surfaces the object or infected blood came into contact with. Consider Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for long-term protection. This once-a-day pill can greatly reduce the risk of HIV infection, but only if used as prescribed. PrEP is recommended for people who do not have HIV, but are exposed to HIV-positive sexual partners or objects regularly. Visit a doctor every 3 months when taking PrEP, to check your HIV status and monitor for renal (kidney) problems. There are no known effects of PrEP on a fetus, but there have not been many studies. Talk to your doctor if you are on PrEP and become pregnant. PrEP is only able to prevent you from contracting HIV and not other STDs. Even while taking PrEP, it is important to continue using protection while having sex. Use Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) immediately after exposure. If you think you've been exposed to HIV, talk to a medical worker at an HIV clinic or hospital immediately. If you start taking PEP drugs as soon as possible, and no later than 72 hours after exposure, there is a chance that you will fight off the HIV infection. You must take the drug (or more typically two or three drugs) daily for 28 days, or as directed by the health worker. Because this is not a guaranteed method of protection, you should still be tested for HIV after the drugs are done, and a second time 3 months later. Until you test negative, tell your sexual partners that you may have HIV. If you are exposed frequently, take PrEP as a constant daily pill instead, as described above. Understand treatment as prevention. HIV-positive people who take antiretroviral drugs can have significant success managing their infection levels. Some of these people consider this ongoing treatment an important tool to help prevent spreading the infection to their HIV-negative partners. Researchers and workers in the HIV prevention community are divided on how effective this message is. Some studies show that people who use "treatment as prevention" (TasP) are more likely to skip other forms of protection, such as condoms. While treatment can certainly reduce the risk of transmitting the infection, it is not a guarantee. Each person involved should receive regular testing to measure the risk involved. Understand undetectable viral loads. Someone infected with HIV should receive regular testing to determine the "viral load," or concentration of HIV in the bodily fluids. With constant treatment, HIV positive people can have "undetectable viral loads." It's important to understand that someone with an undetectable viral load still has HIV, and may still be able to transmit HIV to a sexual partner. While some studies show very promising results about low (or potentially nonexistent) transmission rates, more studies are needed for accurate risk assessment. Some people with undetectable viral loads in their blood may have much greater viral loads in their semen or other bodily fluids. Get tested regularly. All of the suggestions listed here are risk mitigation techniques. There is no such thing as completely safe sex or safe drug use. Things can go wrong. Accidents happen. Whether or not you use protection while having sex, you should get tested for HIV every 3 to 6 months. If you engage in any behaviors that increase your risk of contracting HIV, such as unprotected sex or sharing needles with someone, seek the advice of a medical professional as soon as you can in order to determine the best course of action.

Know which fluids contain HIV. Protect areas vulnerable to HIV infection. Test yourself and sexual partners for HIV. Practice safe interactions. Have sex with fewer, trusted partners. Choose low-risk types of sex. Practice safer oral sex. Protect yourself during vaginal sex. Be very cautious when practicing anal sex. Store and use a condom correctly. Avoid increased risk practices. Avoid alcohol and drugs before sex. Use clean needles and equipment. Avoid untrustworthy body work. Bleach your needles as a last resort. Quit using addictive drugs. Use caution when handling contaminated objects. Consider Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for long-term protection. Use Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) immediately after exposure. Understand treatment as prevention. Understand undetectable viral loads. Get tested regularly.

https://www.wikihow.com/Do-a-Butterfly-Kick

How to Do a Butterfly Kick

To do a butterfly kick, lunge in the direction you want to kick and point the arm corresponding to your bent leg backwards, stretching your other arm in front of you. Then, pivot your heels 90 degrees as you swing your arms for momentum and bend forward. Shift your weight onto your back leg and use it to pivot 180 degrees as you use your front leg to kick out behind you. Finally, jump with your back leg and use your front leg to stick the landing.

Face the direction you want your kick to land. The butterfly kick is a rotating movement, so during the kick your head will be facing the opposite direction from your legs. Work out which direction you want your kick to land and then begin by facing that direction. Also work out if you want to travel from left to right, or right to left. In the explanation that follows, we will be traveling from right to left. Begin in bow stance. This stance, which is sometimes called forward or front stance, is the correct starting position for your kick. Place your legs slightly wider than hip width apart. Place both feet at 45 degrees angles, as if at 2 o'clock on a clock face. Get into a lunging position. Your back leg should be straight, and your front leg bent at a 90-degree angle. Turn your hips in the direction of your front leg. Extend your arms out. Placing your arms in the right starting position will allow you to build momentum for your rotation. While in bow stance, stretch the arm that corresponds to your straight leg in front of you with the shoulder by your ear. The arm that corresponds to your bent leg should be pointed behind you, with your upper arm close to the side of your torso. Your hands should be flat with the fingers stretching away from your body in both directions. Pivot your feet. Footwork is important to execute the butterfly kick, here's how to get the footwork right. Starting from the bow position, pivot both feet 90 degrees. Do this by staying on the balls of your feet and lifting your heels off the ground. Shift your weight to the leg that was previously straight in the bow position. If you are traveling from right to left, you will therefore pivot your feet so that the toes point 45 degrees to the left. Bend the left leg and transfer most of your weight to it. Swing your arms for momentum. During the rotating movement, whip your arms as if drawing semi-circles in the air. For example, the arm that was initially up by your ear in the starting position (in this case, the right arm), should end up stretched out behind you with the hand pointing down to the ground. Similarly, you should swing the arm that was initially stretched out behind you (in this case, the left arm) upwards. It should come to rest by your left ear. These arm movements give you vital momentum to take off with your kick. The direction is less important than maintaining good extension away from your body with the arms. Bend your body forward. As you are pivoting your feet and bending the left leg, bend your body forward, hinging at the hips so that your chest is parallel to the floor. Make sure to keep your back straight as you bend forward. Maintaining a straight back gives the butterfly kick its distinctive look. Pivot 180 degrees on your left (standing) leg. As you began to pivot, you have transferred your weight to your left leg, which was initially the straight leg in bow stance. Keep pivoting until you execute a full 180-degree turn. At this point your head will be facing the back wall or the opposite direction that you were facing when you began your jump. Lift your right leg up and extend it out behind you. As you are pivoting with the left foot, kick your right leg out behind you. Jump off your standing leg and kick it out behind you. When you are mid-kick, all parts of the body are off the floor and your limbs are extended out from your body in a dynamic motion. Land on your right leg. Your left leg will come down after the right. Bend the landing leg and straighten the left leg and you will find you are in the same bow stance that you started in. Point your toes. As you are kicking, point the toes of both feet and extend your legs as much as possible. This will make your kick more aesthetically pleasing. Keep your head up. When you are rotating make sure that your chest stays parallel to the floor and that your head looks up. Fix your gaze on something ahead of you, this technique is called spotting. Imagine that you are locking eyes with your opponent. Practice. This is a relatively simple move, but it requires practice to build strength and accuracy. The more you practice the better, dedicate a few minutes per day and you will begin to notice improvement. Get a qualified person to spot you when you are just beginning. They can help by holding your arm and pulling you through as you rotate. Practice with a wall bar to support your weight, to help you build up to the full kick.

Face the direction you want your kick to land. Begin in bow stance. Extend your arms out. Pivot your feet. Swing your arms for momentum. Bend your body forward. Pivot 180 degrees on your left (standing) leg. Lift your right leg up and extend it out behind you. Jump off your standing leg and kick it out behind you. Land on your right leg. Point your toes. Keep your head up. Practice.

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How to Do a Smokey Eye for Brown Eyes

To do a smoky eye for brown eyes, start by applying a neutral, skin-colored eye shadow over your lid. Then, put on a mid tone shade, like purple, grey, or green. Next, fill your upper eyelid crease with black cream eye shadow to create definition. Afterwards, blend the eye shadows by making small circular movements over your lid with a blending brush. Finally, apply black eyeliner to the upper lash line and the outer third of the lower lash line.

Wash and dry your face. Before you apply your smoky eye makeup, you want your canvas to be perfect. Use either a cleansing cream or a mild soap. Keep the water lukewarm. Hot water can dry out and irritate your skin, while cold water doesn't cleanse as effectively. At the end of the day, always remember to remove your makeup. Leaving makeup on overnight can clog your pores, causing acne. Apply moisturizer and makeup primer. Make sure you have a perfect canvas before you begin putting on your makeup. Massage a dollop of moisturizer into your skin using your fingertips. Properly moisturized skin will help your makeup to adhere and stay looking great for longer. After you've moisturized, massage in a pea-sized amount of makeup primer to your cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin. Brush on a layer of eye primer to your upper eyelids. General makeup primer can also work, but specialty eye primers are more gentle and have better results. Curl your eyelashes. Clamp a curling tool to the base of your lashes. Hold it there for five seconds. Curling your eyelashes makes eyes look more open and will especially enhance smoky makeup. You may also choose to do this step after adding eyeliner. Just make sure to curl before applying mascara to prevent clumping and breakage. Apply a neutral eyeshadow all over your lid. Use your fingertip to apply a pin-sized amount makeup primer over each your eyelid. Then use a soft brush to sweep a neutral, skin-toned color of eyeshadow to set the primer. This will give you an even base for your smoky eyeshadow. You can also apply some loose powder below the lid to catch any “fall out” from your smoky shadow application. Brush it off for a clean finish after you've applied your eyeshadow. Build up your eyeshadow in light layers. It's a lot easier to add more color than to take it away. Apply a mid-tone shade all over your eyelid. Pick an eyeshadow tone that complements brown eyes, such as purple, navy, gray, or green. This eyeshadow should be a little lighter than the black eyeshadow you will apply in the next step. Brush it on starting at your crease and stopping about halfway down your eyelid. Purple is great for bringing out brown eyes. If you don't want the look to be too bold, though, you can pair it with golden brown tones for a classier look. Yellow and orange tones can create a unique smoky look that makes brown eyes pop. Create definition with your darkest shade of eyeshadow. Use an eyeshadow brush to fill your upper eyelid crease with a black eyeshadow. Go over the area from your lash line to the crease of your eye in a modified V shape. When loading your brush with powder, don't forget to tap it over the container first. Removing excess eyeshadow will prevent "fallout" on your cheeks. Use other dark colors besides black if you'd like. Navy blue, royal purple, and charcoal gray work well. Just make sure whatever you pick for the base is the darkest eyeshadow color you plan on using. Cream eye shadows work best for this step. You can also use an eyeliner pencil for the base instead. Outline your lid with the pencil and smudge it across your entire eyelid with a brush or smudging tool. Blend your eyeshadows. Use a blending brush. These brushes have thinner bristles in comparison to eyeshadow brushes, and are designed to create an airbrushed effect. Using your wrist, make a small circular "buffing" motion with your brush. Blend the two eyeshadows together at the lighter color's lower edge. This will make the transition between the already close colors completely seamless. Start from the edge furthest from your nose and work your way horizontally across your entire lid. Blend the eyeshadow at your crease. With a fresh brush, make these same buffing motions at your eye's crease. Stop about halfway between your crease and your eyebrow. Highlight your brow bone. Pick a third very light eyeshadow to use as a highlight. This can be either a shimmery metallic or a nude. Sweep some of this eyeshadow into a small line along the outer lower edge of your eyebrow. You can also dab some shimmery shadow onto the inner corners of your eyes for a brightening effect.. A splash of gold eyeshadow will especially make brown eyes pop. Applying a dot of shimmery shadow onto the center of the eyelid, sometimes called harlequining the eye, can make your eyes look bigger and give your makeup more dimension. Apply eyeliner to both lash lines. Pick an eyeliner that is either black or a similar color to your first eyeshadow. A pencil liner will work best, as liquid liner is difficult to smudge. Draw the eyeliner across your upper lash line, starting on the outer edge and thinning the line towards your nose. Apply eyeliner to the outer third of your lower lash line. Connect the upper and lower lines at the outer corner of your eye. Use a smudging tool to blend your eyeliner. Finish your eyes with mascara. Apply 2-3 coats of black mascara to your upper lashes. For a more dramatic look, add a coat of mascara to the outer half of your lower lashes as well. If you find your lashes clumping, separate them with a lash comb. Wear your usual non-eye makeup. The rest of makeup should be finished after you put on your eyeshadow, because some of the pigmented eyeshadow will likely fall on your cheeks when you do your eye makeup. After you finish your eyeshadow, brush away any fallout with a soft brush. Then, apply your foundation. Follow up with concealer, sealing both with a dusting of pressed powder. Apply blush and bronzer after. If you prefer not using all of these products, feel free to skip one or more. Wait until after you've finished your eye makeup before you put on any lip color. Perfect your eyebrows. Because your eyebrows will be framing your smoky eyes, you want to make sure that they're flawless. Bold, dark eyebrows pair well with smoky brown eyes. Keep up with eyebrow shaping to get a dramatic arch, but try not to over-tweeze. If your natural eyebrows are a little thin or light, consider filling in or drawing on your eyebrows. You may use eyebrow pencil or other makeup of your choice. Consider setting your eyebrows with tinted brow gel. Check your finished look. Once you've added the mascara, your eye makeup should be complete. Check for eyeshadow fallout on your cheeks. Do your best to brush off any stray eyeshadow powder you may find. If it leaves behind a stain, touch up the area with a little more foundation or concealer. Add lip color to complete your look.

Wash and dry your face. Apply moisturizer and makeup primer. Curl your eyelashes. Apply a neutral eyeshadow all over your lid. Apply a mid-tone shade all over your eyelid. Create definition with your darkest shade of eyeshadow. Blend your eyeshadows. Highlight your brow bone. Apply eyeliner to both lash lines. Finish your eyes with mascara. Wear your usual non-eye makeup. Perfect your eyebrows. Check your finished look.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Abs-(for-Girls)

How to Get Abs (for Girls)

To get tight, strong abs if you're a girl, start by doing ab targeting exercises such as sit ups, crunches, and leg lifts. Make sure that your exercise routine includes cardio, like swimming or running, to help burn stomach fat. If you can, work out every day, or aim to exercise every other day, for the best results. Additionally, reduce your caloric intake and eat lean proteins, vegetables, whole grain carbs, and limited healthy fats like avocados and nuts.

Start with sit ups and/or crunches. To do a basic sit up, lie on the floor with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Cross your hands across your chest and smoothly lift your upper body, from your shoulder blades to your lower back, off of the ground. Sit all the way up, pausing for a moment at the top of your motion. Then, smoothly lower your body back down and repeat. Don't strain or use jerky movements and don't lift with your neck. The stress should be on your ab muscles, not your neck. Keep your back straight - never hunch while doing sit ups. To do a crunch, which is easier than a sit up, just lift your shoulder blades off the ground - not your whole upper body. Sit ups and crunches work your central abdominal muscles. Your ab muscles, as a whole, run from the pelvis to just below the chest. The transverse muscles are rather large, but the rectus abdominus muscles are fairly thin. For the rectus abdominis to appear beneath the skin, you will need to both build your core and reduce fat around your waistline. For well-rounded, sculpted abs, it's important to hit every part of your abdominal region. Another good core workout is the plank exercise. This exercise, which is a good core workout on its own, is highly versatile - by adding different poses and/or movements to the basic plank, you can work a wide range of muscles. When you're doing crunches, exhale slowly for 5 seconds on your way up, then inhale slowly for 5 seconds on your way down. Doing slow, controlled crunches like this is more effective than doing faster crunches. Do leg lifts. Lay on the floor with your legs straight and pulled together. Keeping your legs straight, slowly and smoothly lift your legs to a vertical position so that they're pointing at the ceiling. Gently lower your legs to the floor and repeat. Don't separate your legs or bend your knees as you do this exercise, unless you find it too difficult - in this case, modify the exercise so that you're bringing your knees to your chest, rather than pointing your feet towards the ceiling. For an extra challenge, try holding a medicine ball or a small weight between your legs as you do this exercise! Leg lifts work your lower abs. Though they're especially hard to work and "define," well-toned lower abs can take your six pack to an eight pack! The core muscles play an important role in hip and spine stabilization, which, if not maintained, can lead to back injury. Other lower ab exercises like reverse crunches and hanging leg lifts also target the hard-to-hit zones just above your hips, contributing to a toned upper pelvic area. Do bicycle crunches. Lay on your back in the basic sit up position with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Tuck your palms behind your head, keeping your elbows bent. Raise your right knee up towards your chest. As you raise your knee, gently lift and twist your upper body, touching your left elbow to your right knee. Ease your upper body back down and lower your right knee as you simultaneously raise your left knee, touching it to your right elbow. Repeat this motion, alternating knees and elbows. Bicycle crunches work your obliques, which are a must for any thorough ab workout. Not only are these muscles on the side of your torso important in terms of abdominal strength and core stabilization, they also look amazing when they're cut and defined. Firm oblique muscles will make your sides appear tight and trim, giving a slimming effect. Your obliques will likely be the first visible muscles appearing after doing ab work for a while. These will appear as thin lines from the lower ribs down to your hip bones. Oblique sit ups and side planks, are also great exercises for your obliques. Within minutes, you'll feel that satisfying burn in your sides! Hit your legs, glutes, and back with lunges. One great exercise which hits your legs and glutes while simultaneously using your hips, back, and abs as secondary muscle groups is the lunge. To do a lunge, begin by standing straight upright with your feet hip-width apart. Take a big step forward with your right leg. Bend your right leg and lower your body down towards the floor, keeping your back straight, until your right knee is bent at 90 degrees. Push yourself back up to a standing position, keeping your weight on your right foot. Repeat this motion with your left leg. Do this exercise slowly and smoothly - straining or jerking can hurt your knees or back. Though you're probably mostly interested in working your abs to get a tight stomach, a good, varied workout is essential for good posture, balance, spine stabilization, and overall health. Don't neglect any muscle group between your chest and your knees - you may regret it! There are a huge variety of exercises for your supporting core muscles. You can try yoga poses like the the warrior pose, cobra pose, or camel pose. Supermans and pointing dog exercises can also help. A strong, solid core is an absolute must when going for sculpted abs. Don't believe common ab workout misconceptions. Because tight abs are so widely desired, ab workouts naturally attract urban legends and other unsubstantiated claims. Don't believe everything you hear when it comes to building sexy abs - if a certain piece of information sounds too good, it probably is. You can't spot-burn stomach fat. This is a widely-circulated myth. It doesn't matter how intensely you work out one specific body part - exercise doesn't remove fat from that specific body part. Rather, fat is lost gradually from the entire body. To lose belly fat so that your abs will show, you'll need to lose fat all over. You shouldn't only do ab exercises. Doing countless crunches will give you stronger ab muscles, but you may not see the results in the form of tight, sculpted abs. Often, for someone to get abs, she must also diet and make other lifestyle changes (see below) for the abs to become clearly defined. Set aside time in your schedule for exercise. As with any exercise routine, the best way to see improvements in your ab muscles is to be persistent. Exercise routines are most successful when they're repeated consistently over a long period of time. If you're ready to work for the toned stomach you deserve and you haven't already established an exercise routine, try to set aside about an hour each day to exercise. Practice a healthy mix of strength and cardio exercise - a good policy for beginners is to do strength-building and cardio exercises on alternating days. Even if you just want a tight stomach and you're not interested in exercising the rest of your body, your exercise routine should be varied and balanced. Not only will a well-balanced routine improve your overall look and physicality - it will also be better for your abs. Core muscles are used for support in virtually all strength exercises, so the greater variety of exercises you do, the better your abs and core! Don't do ab exercises every day since your muscles need time to rest and recover. Instead, do ab exercises every 3 days. Pinpoint fat-burning opportunities. Unfortunately, exercise isn't always enough to get amazing abs. You may get strong ab muscles from an intense ab and core workout, but if your new muscles are covered up by belly fat, you won't get the visual results you're going for. To burn fat, it may be necessary to make certain lifestyle changes so that you run a calorie deficit - that is, you use more calories than you take in. To begin, try to change your current daily routine so that you use more calories throughout the day. If, for instance, you drive to school or work, try biking or running instead. If you spend most of your free time watching TV, try signing up for a local amateur sports team or simply going for a jog. Over the long-term, these minor changes can help you cut down on lingering body fat, making your abs much more defined. Cut down on calories. One sure-fire way to lose weight is simply to eat less. There is debate about how often and how much you should eat for optimal weight loss - the most important thing to remember for weight loss is simply to take in fewer calories from food than you use throughout the day. Calculate your basal metabolic rate , then count the calories from the food you eat throughout the day. A healthy weight loss goal is to lose about one or two pounds a week. One pound of fat is 3500 calories. To lose a pound a week, you need to cut 500 calories per day from your diet. Make sure that any diet you plan to participate in is realistic, sensible, and safe. You need to eat at least 1200 calories a day. Don't starve yourself or neglect your nutrition, or you may seriously endanger your health. Change the types of food you eat. When it comes to dieting, it's not all about how much you eat - it's also about what you eat. Try to cut as many processed foods as you can out of your diet - as a general rule, if you can't immediately tell what plant or animal a food was made from, it probably counts as "processed." Also try to cut out high-fat and high-sugar dishes. Instead, supplement your diet with vegetables (especially high-nutrient vegetables like kale and spinach) whole-grain carbs, lean protein (yogurt, chicken breast, eggs, and certain fish, for instance), and limited amounts of healthy fats (like olive oil, avocado, and nuts.) Drink as much water as you can! It's refreshing, zero-calorie, and it's been found to promote weight loss. Do cardio. Cardio (or "aerobic") exercise is a great way to burn fat. Intense cardio workouts, like running, swimming, and cycling, burn lots of calories. If you're looking to burn fat, consider devoting time each week to cardio exercise. It's a great way to widen the gap between the number of calories you eat and the number of calories you use every day. However, beware - if you increase the amount of food you eat in response to a new cardio routine, you may not burn fat. As with most forms of exercise, pursue a new cardio routine with moderation. Don't go overboard - if you devote all your time to cardio and none of your time to strength-building exercise, eating healthy, and resting, you may exhaust yourself and be left with disappointing results. Lie on your back. For comfort, use a foam exercise mat or a carpeted section of floor. Place your heels on a low table at an angle of at least 90 degrees. Cross your hands over your chest. You may have seen people wrap their fingers behind their head while doing crunches - if you do this, you may accidentally stress your neck muscles. By wrapping your hands across your chest, you spare yourself the possibility of neck pain. Tense your abs and curl your upper body starting with your head. Use your ab muscles to smoothly lift your upper body (keeping your neck relaxed) until you have gone as far as you can without lifting your lower back off the ground. Never use jerky movements - these can hurt your back. Exhale slowly for 5 seconds as you do this. Hold this "crunched" position for a several seconds. Begin to lower your upper body back down smoothly and slowly. Inhale slowly for 5 seconds as you lower yourself back down. Repeat. Each time you reach the top of your crunch, hold this position for a second or two, then let yourself down slowly and repeat. If, at any point, you experience pain in your lower back, stop. Repeat this exercise 20 times. After 20 repetitions, rest briefly (less than 1 minute), then do another set of 20. Do 2-4 sets, or go until you "feel the burn" - a light soreness in your abs that signifies the muscles in your stomach have been worked out.

Start with sit ups and/or crunches. Do leg lifts. Do bicycle crunches. Hit your legs, glutes, and back with lunges. Don't believe common ab workout misconceptions. Set aside time in your schedule for exercise. Pinpoint fat-burning opportunities. Cut down on calories. Change the types of food you eat. Do cardio. Lie on your back. Cross your hands over your chest. Tense your abs and curl your upper body starting with your head. Hold this "crunched" position for a several seconds. Repeat. Repeat this exercise 20 times.

https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-Geopathic-Stress

How to Deal With Geopathic Stress

Although it lacks scientific evidence, geopathic stress is the idea that the earth's electromagnetic energy can have a negative effect on your wellbeing. To protect yourself from geopathic stress, try placing metal rods around your house, which may help to block or neutralize any negative energy. You can also use crystals, which supposedly shield you from the earth's toxic energy. Place them in your house or keep one with you in a piece of jewelry. If you feel geopathic stress in a particular spot in your home, rearrange your furniture so you spend less time directly above the spot. Alternatively, place cork tiles underneath the furniture like your bed or sofa, which some people believe can block geopathic energy.

Think about what kind of geopathic stress is affecting you. Start with specific questions about the type of stress you are under. Is there a stream flowing under your home? Or are there earth lines crossing to create an overpowering disturbance in your dining room? Try to be specific, as it may affect what solution you take. You may be dealing with not one but several sources of energy at once. The distortion caused by an underground stream, for example, might well cross and amplify the force of a geological fault or vortex. Keep in mind, too, that energy patterns can be cyclical rather than constant. If your own energy and health fluctuate during the year, it may point to the disturbance – for example, a seasonal underground stream under your home. Use a dowsing wand. Dowsing is thought to be a way to discover subterranean water, minerals, or other objects. The idea is to take a device like a wand, pendulum, or V-shaped rod and hold it in front of you. The wand points to the ground when you are standing over water or your desired object. While dowsing has no scientific basis, some people feel strongly that the attraction of the wand to the ground is a result of electromagnetic energy. Try dowsing yourself or bringing in a practitioner to help you discover the sources of your energy disturbance. In order to dowse, you'll need a wand or V-shaped rod. Even a simple stick works. Start by holding the wand level in front of you. Then, begin to slowly walk around the area in which you suspect there is a disturbance. The wand will be attracted to the ground when you pass over such an area. You can also use a pendulum to dowse, or two separate wands that cross when you have located water or an object. Use a compass. Some people feel that compasses are also effective at locating electromagnetic disturbances. To use one, hold it in your hand and turn until the needle is pointing due north. Then, move the compass over the suspected disturbance point. The needle will alert you of any energy distortions by wavering back and forth. Since it is hard to hold a compass steady, this method is best for small areas like a bed, chair, or sofa. Watch the behavior of pets or other animals. The nineteenth century German geomancer Baron Gustav von Pohl made a startling discovery: cats, dogs, insects, and other animals are naturally attracted to areas of earth resonance. One of the simplest indicators of a geopathic stress zone is to be found in the behavior of animals. Look for signs around you. Cats, for example, will sleep over such spots. If outdoors, look for bee, wasp, or ant nests over the spot. Excessive amounts of slugs, snails, other insects, or parasites is also a good sign of disturbance. Moles, too, burrow along geopathic stress lines. Rearrange your living space. You may be unknowingly exposing yourself to geopathic stress. There may be a disturbance underneath your bed, your dining room table, your bathtub, or your your favorite chair. If you have identified a potential trouble spot, rearrange your furniture to avoid spending too much time over or near the point. It may be that the disturbance covers a large area. If you can't re-position your bed or other furniture away from the stress lines, you will have to consider other options, like tools to neutralize the disturbance or to enhance your own energy field. Use Feng Shui to enhance your rearranging. The traditional Chinese art of Feng Shui studies the interaction of humans with their environment. Taken further, Feng Shui can allow you to influence these interacting energies to improve your life. Find out more about its principles and apply them to your living space. While the idea has no basis in science, some people think that Feng Shui can specifically address geopathic stress. This is because they see the Earth's resonance as the unifying force between Heaven's chi (virtual) and Earth's chi (actual). The Schumann Resonance, they think, allows feng shui remedies to work better. Set up metal rods. A popular and simple method is to place metal rods at strategic points in your home or anywhere you suspect a geopathic disturbance in order to block or neutralize the distorted flow of energy. These points should be verified by dowsing. To make the method work, you'll also have to know the flow of the earth lines. The rods can be copper, brass, or steel. Some people also feel that they can use other objects to redirect the flow of the Earth's energy, and resolve disturbances. Called “earth acupuncture,” this method involves placing things like leaves, crystals, flowers, or shells at strategic points. Create a cork barrier. Some people think that oak trees mysteriously developed a natural resistance to geopathic stress. In particular, the bark of the cork oak is believed to be effective as a barrier. Try placing cork tiles under your affected bed, for example, to absorb the geopathic chaos. You should be able to do this on your own. Be aware that a cork barrier is not a permanent solution. You have only made a barrier. The basic energy disturbance is still there and will have to be resolved. Invest in a new-age crystal. Buy a new crystal to shield yourself. Some people feel strongly about the healing and protective qualities of crystals, which they say protect you from geopathic stresses but also, through energy resonances in your own body and negative ions, can stimulate your immune system and change toxic energies into beneficial ones. Quartz or shungite crystals work great. Amethyst, zeolite, and tourmaline are great at generating negative ions from moisture in the air. Make sure to wear your crystal at all times. Get rid of other sources of electromagnetic pollution. The world is filled with sources of electromagnetic pollution that can magnify geopathic stress. High tension power lines, satellite towers, electric poles, or circuit breakers all send out high and low frequency energy that may increase geopathic stress, as can everyday items like microwaves, cell phones, and wireless routers. Minimize your exposure to such devices. For instance, get rid of unneeded appliances. If you can't, keep them unplugged when not in use.

Think about what kind of geopathic stress is affecting you. Use a dowsing wand. Use a compass. Watch the behavior of pets or other animals. Rearrange your living space. Use Feng Shui to enhance your rearranging. Set up metal rods. Create a cork barrier. Invest in a new-age crystal. Get rid of other sources of electromagnetic pollution.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-an-Origami-Yoda

How to Make an Origami Yoda

To make an origami Yoda, start by making a double pleat at the top and bottom of a green, rectangular piece of paper. Then, fold down the top corners, unfold them, and tuck them into the folds you made. Next, flip the paper over, and fold both sides in and down from the top corners. Finally, fold the ears out so they're peeking out from the sides, and fold the top of the paper down toward the bottom to make the head.

Start with a 7x5 inch piece of origami paper. Lay the paper down so that the 7 inch (17.8 cm) side is vertical and the 5 inch (12.7 cm) side is horizontal. If the paper is two colors, start with the robe color facing up. You can use any color paper that want, but remember that Yoda is green. If you would like a green Yoda, use green origami paper. Begin making measurements. Measure 4.25 inches (10.8 cm) up from the bottom of the paper. Mark the spot with a pencil. Then fold and crease the paper where you have the pencil mark. Fold the bottom part of the paper up. Make another pencil mark. About an inch from the top of the bottom part that you just folded up, make another pencil mark. Then, fold the top of the paper back along that line. You should have two folds about an inch apart with one fold coming from the top and one fold coming from the bottom. Flip the paper over. You will now be looking at the unfolded side of the paper. Make a small mark at the top of this side right in the middle. Now make another fold along that line to create a zig-zag pattern in the paper. Then, flip the paper back over to the original side. Make a double pleat. This double pleat will become Yoda's eyes. To make it, draw a small line about.25 inches (0.6 cm) down from the top of the fold. Make another small mark at the bottom of the first fold you made. Make another fold along that line to create a pleat in the paper. Then, flip the paper over again and do it once more. A pleat is made by making two folds close together. Repeat the measurements at the bottom of the paper. You'll want to repeat steps three and four, but at the bottom instead of the top of the paper. You don't have to do the step to make the eyes again Begin the pleat about 1 inch (2.5 cm) up from the bottom Fold down the top two corners. Then, unfold them and use the tuck them into the folds that you have made previously. These folds will be directly below the corners that you just folded down, so it should be easy to figure out. These will become the ears. Flip the paper. Fold both sides in and down from the top right and left corners until they meet in the middle. Make your ears. The next step is to fold the ears out. Find the corners that you tucked inside those pleats you made earlier. Unfold them so that they're sticking out. Make your head. Now you need to fold down the head. Fold down the top of the paper so that the double crease you made earlier is on top of the creases you made after your third and fourth pencil marks. Gently pull at the pleats. If you want, you can sculpt Yoda's expression by pulling at the eye and mouth pleats. You can even make Yoda's ears pointier and more wrinkled by pulling at them and crinkling the paper. Start with the robe side up. Fold the top of the paper down about an inch (in other words, fold it so that one inch of the green side is showing at the top of the brown side). It's best to use origami paper that is green on one side and brown on the other. You can get this at any craft store. However, you can continue the process using any colored paper - the Yoda just might not be colored correctly. It will still have the right shape. Fold both the top corners down. You want to fold them so that their edges line up with the edge of the green line. Make a crease, then unfold them. Tuck in the corners. Using the creases you made in previously as guidelines, tuck the corners in between the two sides of the paper. This will create two flaps, which will later become the ears. Turn the paper over to the green side. Then, fold the bottom up one inch so that there is an inch of brown showing at the bottom of the green. Fold the flap back down. You're undoing the step where you folded the bottom up one inch. Fold it back down. The goal is to make a new crease that is different from that fold. Do not use the same crease you created the first time you folded the bottom up one inch. Create a new crease as close to the first crease as possible. This will create a zigzag shape. Turn the paper back over. Fold the paper up so that the bottom edge almost touches the top edge. Crease well. Make a new crease. Fold the paper down just above the crease left over from step 5 when you made the zigzag crease. Turn the paper back over. Fold the left corner down and into the middle. Repeat with the right side. Fold out the ears. Find the triangle flaps of paper in the center. Fold them so that they stick out. Turn the paper back over and then you're done! Feel free to draw on a face or round out his head if you wish.

Start with a 7x5 inch piece of origami paper. Begin making measurements. Make another pencil mark. Flip the paper over. Make a double pleat. Repeat the measurements at the bottom of the paper. Fold down the top two corners. Flip the paper. Make your ears. Make your head. Gently pull at the pleats. Start with the robe side up. Fold both the top corners down. Tuck in the corners. Turn the paper over to the green side. Fold the flap back down. Turn the paper back over. Make a new crease. Turn the paper back over. Fold out the ears.

https://www.wikihow.com/Contact-WhatsApp-Customer-Service

How to Contact WhatsApp Customer Service

To contact WhatsApp customer service on your phone, open the app and go to Settings. Once you're on the Settings page, click “help” and then “contact us.” Alternatively, you can contact WhatsApp through the web by going to their site and selecting “Get in Touch.” This will take you to their support page, and under WhatsApp Messenger Support, click “contact us.” When you're presented with a menu of different device options, choose the one you're using to get the correct contact email address. For example, the address for iPhone customer service is [email protected]. Send an email with your message to that address and remember to include your full phone number, including your international code, so they can assist with your issue.

Select “Get in Touch” to go to the support page. You will be directed to the helpdesk page where there are various categories listed as, “WhatsApp Messenger Support,” “WhatsApp Business Support,” “WhatsApp Enterprise Solutions,” “Privacy Policy Questions,” “General Business Questions,” and WhatsApp's corporate address. Select “contact us” under WhatsApp Messenger Support. This will direct you to a page that explains how to contact WhatsApp on your phone. To contact them through the mobile app, open the app, go to settings > help > contact us. If your app is experiencing performance issues, you may not be able to contact them this way, and you have to use a computer if possible. Your question may already be answered in their FAQ section, so they recommend you visit that page first. Write to an email address specific to the device you’re using. The options are listed in multiple choice form listing Android, iPhone, Windows Phone, Web or Desktop and Other as the platforms that you're using WhatsApp on. Android: [email protected] iPhone: [email protected] Windows Phone: [email protected] Web or Desktop: [email protected] Other: [email protected] Copy and paste the email address into an email form to contact them. When you email them, they will respond within a few minutes. You'll receive a response that acknowledges your message was received. In your email, include your phone number in full international format with the country code and then your question. If you're unsure of what your country code is, you can find it using WhatsApp's search tool. Email WhatsApp Business support for issues with WhatsApp Business. If you're a small business owner having trouble with WhatsApp Business, email their support to tell them what's not working, when you experience the issue, whether the issue can be reproduced and if you're getting any errors. Provide a screenshot and your phone number in full international format. If your email doesn't include enough information, WhatsApp Business Support will respond telling you to include the above information in your inquiry. Email chat logs to WhatsApp business support. If you're able to open WhatsApp, you will need to send your logs to their support team to diagnose issues you're having with sending messages. Open WhatsApp, then tap Menu button > Settings > Help > Contact us. Enter a description of the issue into the description field. Tap Next > This does not answer my question. Write a letter to WhatsApp’s headquarters if technology fails you. If your phone and computer no longer work, and you've lost access to the internet, writing a letter is the last resort. WhatsApp's corporate address is: WhatsApp Inc.1601 Willow Road,Menlo Park, California 94025 Clearly state your concerns in your letter. Like writing an email, you should include your phone number in international format with the country code and the specific issues you're experiencing with your WhatsApp account. Say what’s not working and what error messages you receive. WhatsApp support will want to know when you're experiencing the issue and if it can be reproduced. For example, you can write, “Why does my screen in WhatsApp video call keep freezing? It's been happening every time I make a video call. How can I fix this?” and then leave your phone number in international format. Another example of an inquiry could be, “My phone keeps telling me I have WhatsApp messages when I don't. It started about a week ago telling me there was one. This is happening every day now. How do I fix this?” Let them know you're looking for messenger support for your specific model of phone or for the desktop app. Don't ask a question that's answered in the FAQ section. Customer support prioritizes reports of issues and will not answer a question that is answered by the FAQ.

Select “Get in Touch” to go to the support page. Select “contact us” under WhatsApp Messenger Support. Write to an email address specific to the device you’re using. Copy and paste the email address into an email form to contact them. Email WhatsApp Business support for issues with WhatsApp Business. Email chat logs to WhatsApp business support. Write a letter to WhatsApp’s headquarters if technology fails you. Clearly state your concerns in your letter. Say what’s not working and what error messages you receive.

https://www.wikihow.tech/Delete-History-on-Android-Device

How to Delete History on Android Device

Chrome: 1. Open Chrome. 2. Tap the menu. 3. Tap History. 4. Tap Clear browsing data. 5. Select All time. 6. Check "Browsing history." 7. Tap Clear data. Samsung Internet: 1. Tap the menu. 2. Tap Settings. 3. Tap Privacy. 4. Tap Delete personal data. 5. Select "Browsing history." 6. Tap DELETE.

Open the Internet browser. If you are using Android 4.0 or earlier, your browser is simply named "Internet". You will need to clear the browsing history through the app's settings. Tap the Menu button. Either press your device's Menu button or tap the browser's menu button in the upper-right corner. Tap Settings. This will open a new window with your browser's settings. Tap Privacy. You may need to scroll down to find this option. Tap it to open your privacy management options. Tap "Clear History". This will delete all of the stored locations that you have visited. If you want to remove cookies as well, tap the "Clear all cookie data" button. Open the Chrome browser. Like the stock browser, Chrome browsing history needs to be deleted from within the browser itself. Tap the Menu button. This is located in the upper-right corner of the browser and looks like three boxes stacked vertically. Tap Settings. This will take you to a new screen with your Google Chrome settings. Tap Privacy. This is located in the Advanced section of the Settings page. Tap "Clear Browsing Data". This button is located at the bottom of the menu if you're on a phone, or the top-right corner of the screen if you're on a tablet. Check the "Clear browsing history" box. This will delete all of your browsing history for Chrome. Tap the Clear button to continue. Open the Firefox browser. Like the stock browser, Firefox browsing history needs to be deleted from within the browser itself. Tap the Menu button. This is located in the upper-right corner of the browser and looks like three boxes stacked vertically. Tap Settings. This will take you to a new screen with your Firefox settings. Tap Privacy. This will open a new screen with your privacy management options. Tap "Clear private data". This will open a checklist of all the different types of items that can be deleted. Ensure that "Browsing & download history" is checked. You can also use this to clear a variety of data types. Tap "Clear data" once you have made your selections. Use Incognito, or private browsing, mode. Most browsers besides the stock "Internet" browser can run a private window or tab. This is referred to as Incognito mode in Google Chrome, and Private Browsing in Firefox. Any browsing done in a private window will not be logged by the browser. To open incognito mode in Google Chrome, tap the Menu button and then tap "New incognito tab". The incognito tab will be a darker color than a regular browsing tab. To start private browsing in Firefox, tap the Menu button and then tap "New Private Tab". A new private tab will open, with the mask logo signifying that you are in private mode. Install an app locker. If you find yourself loaning your phone out to friends and family often, install an app locker program. This will let you restrict access to only the apps you allow when guests are using the phone. Popular choices include AppLock, App Lock, Smart App Lock, Locker Master, and many more. Delete your history regularly. You never want to be caught off-guard when it comes to your browsing history, so ensure that you are wiping it regularly. This will help prevent any personal information being lost if your phone is misplaced or stolen. Backup any data you want to save. If you're selling or giving away your phone, you'll want to wipe it before doing so. This will prevent any personal information from falling into the wrong hands. Wiping your phone will delete all of the data on it, so make sure your contacts, media, and any other important data are backed up to another location. Encrypt your Android phone. Much like computers, a wiped Android hard drive is not actually completely erased, only set to be overwritten. This means that someone with enough time and the right software may be able to retrieve your data. To avoid this potential security risk, encrypt your phone before erasing everything. This will prevent anyone from being able to access your data, even if it recovered with data recovery software. Charge your phone completely. The encryption process takes awhile, and you will need to have a full battery and your phone will need to be connected to a power source. Open the Android Settings menu by tapping the Settings app on your Home screen or App Drawer. Tap the Security section. Scroll down and select "Encrypt phone". Create a PIN that you will use to access your encrypted phone. Wait for the encryption process to complete. This can take over an hour, and interrupting the process can corrupt your phone. Reset the phone. Return to the Settings menu and select the "Backup & reset" option. Tap the "Factory data reset" option. You will be asked to confirm, and then asked to enter your encryption PIN. Afterwards, the phone will begin the reset process, which may take a few minutes. Once the phone has finished resetting, all of the data will be erased and the phone will act like it was turned on for the first time. It is now safe to sell or give away.

Open the Internet browser. Tap the Menu button. Tap Settings. Tap Privacy. Tap "Clear History". Open the Chrome browser. Tap the Menu button. Tap Settings. Tap Privacy. Tap "Clear Browsing Data". Check the "Clear browsing history" box. Open the Firefox browser. Tap the Menu button. Tap Settings. Tap Privacy. Tap "Clear private data". Use Incognito, or private browsing, mode. Install an app locker. Delete your history regularly. Backup any data you want to save. Encrypt your Android phone. Reset the phone.

https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Ear-Hair

How to Remove Ear Hair

To remove ear hair, try using an ear hair trimmer with a rotary blade and skin guard to carefully trim the hair in your ears. Alternatively, you can visit a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon that offers laser hair removal and have them get rid of your ear hair using a laser. If you decide on laser hair removal, plan to go back for up to 6 sessions before all the hair is gone. No matter what, avoid using depilatory creams, tweezers, or scissors when removing your ear hair, since they can easily injure your ear and cause an infection.

Clean your ears with a saltwater solution. Before trimming your ear hair, make sure to clean wax or other debris out of your ears. Mix a saltwater solution using a ratio of one teaspoon of salt per ½ cup (4 oz.) of water. Dip a clean Q-tip into the saltwater and gently clean the immediate ear area (exterior to the ear canal) and the crevices at the top of the outer ear. Purchase an ear hair trimmer. To avoid cheap, ineffective trimmers as well as needlessly overpriced ones, opt for a mid-range model of ear hair trimmer (approximately $30-$50). Look for a model with a rotary blade system and skin guard, which will prevent the blades from cutting your ears while you trim. If you are a frequent traveler, opt for a more lightweight trimmer that comes with a handy travel case. Most models of ear hair trimmers are battery-operated, so consider investing in rechargeable alkaline batteries and a charger. Set up in a well-lit area. Choose a room with bright lighting (e.g. the bathroom) to trim your ear hair in. If possible, use a magnified mirror to see the ear hair that you want to trim as clearly as possible. While your fine ear hair might be invisible to you from some angles, it may be visible to people around you! Gently trim your ear hair. Make sure your ear hair trimmer fits comfortably into your ear canal and make sure that you don't have to apply any force to insert it. Turn the trimmer on and gently move it over your ear hair to remove it. Stop and check your progress every minute or two to decide if you like the results. Research clinics that offer laser hair removal. Laser hair removal uses a laser beam to target and destroys dark hair follicles, leaving your skin nearly hairless. Look online for popular laser hair removal services in your area and look for reviews of the clinics offering them. Call to ask about possible treatments for removing your ear hair, and get pricing information so you can comparison-shop between clinics. Ask clinics what financing options they offer (e.g. monthly payments). Make sure that the laser hair removal is done by an experienced doctor with a relevant specialty, like dermatology or cosmetic surgery. Set aside time for treatments. Because laser hair removal works in sequence with your hair growth cycle, a specific schedule of treatments will have to be established for effective hair removal. Make time for 4-6 sessions, held about a month apart, which is the standard procedure for most patients. Note that given the small area that ear hair covers, ear hair removal sessions should last only a short time. Protect your skin. To protect your skin and ensure the results of your laser treatments, avoid the sun for approximately 6 weeks before your first appointment. Getting a lot of sun can greatly increase the risk of skin lightening during treatment. Keep your ears protected by wearing a wide brimmed hat outdoors before and during your hair removal sessions, or by applying sunscreen with a high SPF to your ears. Opt against using scissors. Unless you are left with no other options, avoid using scissors to cut ear hair. Ear canals are very sensitive and the blades of a pair of scissors can easily damage them irreversibly. If you do use scissors, choose small, precise scissors and trim your ear hair slowly in a well-lit area. Don’t use tweezers. Avoid tweezing ear hair, which may cause damage to your sensitive ear canals. Tweezing can cause inflammation or lesions, which could lead to an infection. This method of hair removal is also very painful and time-consuming, so you should avoid it as a regular grooming ritual. Never use hair removal creams. While depilatory creams may seem like an easy way to remove hair from your ears, this method of hair removal should be avoided. The strong chemicals in hair removal creams can cause permanent damage to sensitive areas like the ears, eyes, and nose. Even milder depilatory creams (e.g. for underarms, upper lip, and bikini line) should not be used near the ears.

Clean your ears with a saltwater solution. Purchase an ear hair trimmer. Set up in a well-lit area. Gently trim your ear hair. Research clinics that offer laser hair removal. Set aside time for treatments. Protect your skin. Opt against using scissors. Don’t use tweezers. Never use hair removal creams.

https://www.wikihow.com/Look-Fresh

How to Look Fresh

To look fresh, make sure to get around 8 hours of sleep each night so you can wake up looking and feeling refreshed. Additionally, try to shower in the morning so you can start your day as clean and fresh as possible. Along with good hygiene, always wear clean clothes that fit you well, since playing up your natural features is a big part of looking fresh. You should also work on looking fresh from the inside out by eating a diet full of healthy, natural foods like fruits and vegetables.

Get enough sleep. Sleep is arguably the most important part of looking fresh. After all, when people are thinking about freshness, the first thing they think of is probably someone who is at the start of their day following a long and fruitful rest. People who sleep at least 8 hours per night actually feel more attractive, and they tend to look it too. Prolonged sleep deprivation comes with a laundry list of negative traits, not least of which includes dark eye circles and a bloodshot complexion. If you find yourself having trouble getting to sleep at a normal time, try making a point of going to sleep at the same time each night. It may be tough to adjust to at first, but your body will eventually fall into the habit of tiring out at that time. Oversleeping isn't usually as big of a risk for people, but it is something you'll want to be mindful of. If you oversleep, you'll feel just as groggy as you would without sleep, but you'll have also lost precious morning hours while you're at it. Wash your hair regularly. Freshness has a large part to do with the way your hair looks. Greasy hair doesn't make for a good look on anybody. Though rinsing your hair in the shower each morning is recommended and feels good, you may not need to use shampoo as often as you think. Everyone's hair has its own set of needs, so rather than sticking to a single strict guideline, it's best to listen to your body's indicators and do what seems best. The amount you shampoo your hair should depend in part on your lifestyle choices, most specifically how physically active you are. The more physically active, the more often you should clean your hair. Overwashing with shampoos is a bad idea as well. Although no one will ever hold a value on hygiene against you, you can inadvertently remove healthy natural oils out of your hair (and skin!) by overdoing it on the hair cleaners. Eat well. Eating well is something everyone knows they should do, so it is lamentable that few follow through with it. Nonetheless, it should be made a priority if you want a fresher look. A healthy diet is manifest in virtually every part of your body, from the hair to the skin and everything internal. Although each person's diet should be custom-tailored to match the needs of their body, there are probably some things you eat regularly you know you could do without. Cutting out 'empty calories' (like soda) and replacing them with healthy alternatives will transform your appearance by itself in as little time as a month. Eating well has a considerable effect on your mood as well as your appearance. Being in a chipper spirit will make others perceive you as fresher than they normally would otherwise. Get regular cardio exercise. Cardio exercise involve exercises like swimming and running that strain the lungs and heart. The benefits for these exercises are numerous. Not only will your lungs and heart get significantly stronger, your skin will look tighter and you're bound to lose pounds if weight is a current issue for you. Don't worry if you lack motivation in the beginning. Once you get going, the subtly-addictive properties of the endorphins will keep you coming back for more once you've made a habit out of it. Wear white eyeliner on your waterline. This will help open up your eyes and make them look fresher. You can even apply some black eyeliner to your lower lashes to make them look larger. For a more subtle or natural look, try nude eyeliner instead. Apply skin moisturizer to restore the vibrance to your skin. It's especially important if you're not getting enough sleep regularly, as your body depends on full sleep to naturally rehydrate. Make moisturizing part of your daily hygiene ritual and you should see rewards in the way your skin looks before too long. Be sure to use an eye moisturizer under your eye. A regular moisturizer may contain ingredients that can lead to irritations. Get a manicure and pedicure. Everyone deserves to pamper themselves every once in a while. If your hands and feet are looking weary, taking them for a gentle, thorough treatment will improve the look in a potentially big way. Although it can be a bit costly if you're going on a regular basis, the way it changes the way you look can affect change in your self-confidence and the way you perceive yourself. If your budget is a concern, give yourself manicures at home! You may not get the perfect look, but you'll save a lot of money in the long run. Curl your lashes. When you're feeling tired, the first thing that suffers are your eyes. With that in mind, looking fresh with makeup has a lot to do with making your eyes look more alert. As lashes frame the eyes, curling them upwards can open them up wide. Use an eyelash curler and hold it up for five seconds. You can achieve a similar effect with curling mascara or false lashes. You should only curl your upper lashes. The lower lashes are too short to curl effectively. Use some eyeshadow. A light eyeshadow can open up your eye in a similar fashion to curling lashes. While eyeshadow is less versatile for given events and situations than an easy eyeliner or mascara, it's still something you might want to look into if you're wanting to get the freshest look. For a natural look, choose nude shades that are a few shades lighter and a few shades darker than your skin tone. Put on some highlighter or lighting powder. Choose a shimmery highlighter or lightening powder that's a few shades lighter than your skin tone. Use a powder brush to apply it to the areas of your face that receive the most sunlight: the nose bridge, forehead, chin, and cheekbones. This is typically a part of the contouring routine, but if you leave off the shadow, you'll get a simple, fresh-faced look. A light dusting across your face will let light pick up on your face more effectively, which in turn will have a freshening effect on the way you look. Launder your clothes regularly. Even if you've had the best sleep of your life and a long shower to boot, you won't look fresh if your clothes are a big mess. Giving things a 'sniff test' doesn't always cut it. Instead, you've got to put different regulations on different pieces of clothing. For example, in the case of jeans and most pants, you can wear them over the course of several days before they begin to lose their stretchiness. Tops should be laundered much more frequently however, as natural body odour is most concentrated from the torso upwards. If you're prone to sweat or body odour, washing your bedsheets as often as once per week is a good idea. Pillows and comforters can be done a few times a year. Observe fashion trends. At the end of the day, you should carve out a unique and personal look for yourself. That doesn't mean, however, that you shouldn't at least have some appreciation for the sorts of fashion styles that come and go over time. This is especially true if a fresh look is important to you. Staying up to date can make you look contemporary and hip, and it's relatively easy to stay up to date. Subscribe to some hot fashion magazines, or take a trip to the mall to see what styles are getting showcased. If you're really daring, you can work these current trends into an existing style you've designed for yourself. Then, as time goes by, you can continue reinventing your personal style with the new looks these trends provide. Dress to suit your body type. Form-fitting clothes will make you look your freshest. Wearing something that's too baggy (or awkwardly tight) won't make it look like a lot of thought went into your outfit. Your best bet is to do some research into the kind of clothing types that best fit certain body types. It should go without saying that one natural body type is no better or worse than any other. Rather, it's the way you work with it that counts. At the same time, don't let yourself get tied down by your body type. Your fashion sense should be liberated if anything, and if you think you can pull off a certain outfit in spite of what the guidelines say, you absolutely should. Act perky. If you've got your chin up and your head invested in whatever you're involved with currently, people are bound to perceive you far differently than if you're looking glum and hate the world. Of course, it's never enough simply to want to be in a good mood. Knowing how to bring out the best side of yourself is crucial. Be mindful of the way you're feeling, and don't be afraid to laugh. If you're in a good mood, you'll have a positive impact on the way others feel when they're around you. Laughter is the easiest way to improve your mood. If no one's around to make you laugh, read a comic or watch a comedy. Seeing the lighter side of life can have a transformative impact on the way you feel for the rest of the week. Eating dark chocolate has been proven to alleviate the stress hormones in your body. A few pieces should be enough to evoke a noticeable effect.

Get enough sleep. Wash your hair regularly. Eat well. Get regular cardio exercise. Wear white eyeliner on your waterline. Apply skin moisturizer to restore the vibrance to your skin. Get a manicure and pedicure. Curl your lashes. Use some eyeshadow. Put on some highlighter or lighting powder. Launder your clothes regularly. Observe fashion trends. Dress to suit your body type. Act perky.

https://www.wikihow.com/Let-Someone-Know-You-Like-Them

How to Let Someone Know You Like Them

Telling someone that you like them can seem scary, but the easiest way to start is to show them a lot of attention and focus only on that person when you're around them. Make eye contact, smile a lot when they're around, and find excuses to make brief, casual touches like on the arm or knee to show that you're interested. Then, go out of your way to give them special treatment, like giving them their favorite candy bar if they're having a rough day.

Remember things. If you want to show that you are interested in someone, you need to show that person that you are interested in the things he or she says. Even minor details, like the name of a pet or a childhood phobia, should be recalled and dropped into conversation from time to time. If you have a hard time dropping details like this into conversation naturally, remember habits and demonstrate your recollection by appealing to these habits. For instance, if your crush orders the same drink without fail, order it for him or her before your crush shows up. You should also remember the obvious things: birthdays, things you spoke about in your last conversation, and so on. Focus. When you are with the apple of your eye, focus solely on that person and that person alone. Do not text other people or look around for other friends. Make sure that your full attention is on your crush. Work your way into the other person's life. Find excuses to meet your crush's friends or close relatives. These are the people he or she loves. If you want to be among their ranks, you will need to demonstrate an interest in them, first. Another important way to work your way into that person's life is to open up as many channels of communication as possible. Get a phone number and call or text occasionally. You should never become a pest about it, but the occasional “good morning,” “good night,” or “what are you up to?” text will let that special someone know that he or she is on your mind. Likewise, you should also casually invite this person into your own life. Introduce him or her to your friends. If your family is doing something fun that your crush might enjoy, consider extending an invitation. Give special treatment. You can be as kind as possible to this person, but it still won't be enough to convey your interest if you are naturally the same way to everyone else. You do not need to be nasty to other people, but you should definitely treat this person with more care and attention than you give to others. More importantly, make it obvious to him or her that this is the case. For instance, if you notice that your crush's plate or glass is empty, offer to fill it. Go out of your way to perform other random acts of kindness for the person you favor. Give your crush a greeting card or a favorite candy bar if you know that he or she is having a rough day. Make time for this person. No matter how busy you are, if you want to let your crush know that you are interested, you need to make it a point to hang out from time to time. Similarly, you should purposefully seek them out when you are at a group event, like a party. Make sure to convey your desire to spend time with this person even when in the midst of a crowd of others. Text or email back as soon as you get this person's messages, even if you do not do that with other people. Contact him or her "just because. " If you stumble across something that makes you think of the other person, send an email or text to tell them about it. By showing that you think of your crush even when he or she is not around, you are demonstrating just how often that person is on your mind. Similarly, if you go a few days without seeing this person, send a quick “I miss you” message. Wait for days or events when you might usually see them, though—like a party they were invited to and couldn't attend. Make eye contact. It might sound trite to say that eyes are windows to the soul, but in a lot of ways, that seems to be true. Locking eyes for three seconds can speak volumes, especially if you conclude by slowly dragging your eyes away. Eye contact has even greater impact if you get caught staring at person you are interested in. Make sure that when you get caught, however, you quickly look away. In doing so, you let him or her know that you were just caught in the act and not merely staring into space. One thing to avoid doing, of course, is staring the other person down. Eye contact conveys a certain level of intimacy and flirtatiousness when done right. When overdone, though, you can quickly intimidate someone and ruin your chances for good. Smile. When you greet the object of your affection, smile. Smile while talking to him or her. Smile when you part ways. There is something warm and friendly about a smile, and wielding one whenever your crush is around will help convey just how happy you are about the interaction you have. Another great thing about a smile is that it really demonstrates the excitement you feel whenever you find yourself around this person. A smile that flashes your pearly whites and makes your eyes sparkle will leave very little room for doubt in the other person's mind. Look your best. You do not need to dress up every time you see him or her, but as a general rule, put in a minimum amount of effort to look good. Showing that you care about how you look in front of this person will hint at the fact that you have a reason to care about such things. On a similar note, if your crush specifically said that a particular piece of jewelry or garment looked nice on you, wear it frequently. In doing so, you can show that you really value how that person views you. Touch your crush. Find excuses to make brief, subtle touches. A casual touch on the arm or knee while you talk can work wonders. Even these seemingly innocent forms of touch convey a sense of intimacy, and by initiating them, you are telling the other person that you want to be close. Every time you touch this person, you should use a very gentle, light touch. A hearty pat on the back can be a friendly sign, but it does not do much to convey romantic interest. If possible, move in for a hug when you greet or say goodbye, as well. This form of physical contact is often reserved for people who are close, so it could help bridge the gap between you both. If you do hug when you say goodbye, make sure that your hug lingers. Do not let go immediately; instead, let your hands linger before hesitantly sliding them away. This move will show that you are reluctant to say your farewells. Touch yourself. More precisely, touch areas of the body that seem innocent while also hinting at intimacy. Touch your face or hair, or slowly stroke your own arm a bit. Use your tongue to moisten your lips every now and then. By touching yourself in ways like these, you can hint to the other person that you really wish they were touching you, instead. You need to make sure that you do not seem too suggestive or creepy when you do this, though. Act like your self-touching is subconscious and casual, rather than making it obvious that it is entirely for his or her benefit. One of the worst things you can do is to have your hands all over yourself while staring the other person down with a hungry look in your eyes. Ask questions. Another great way to demonstrate how interested in you are in someone is to demonstrate an active interest in learning more about that person. Ask anything you can think of as long as you avoid questions that might make him or her uncomfortable. Ask your crush how his or her day was. Ask about family, friends, dreams, interests—there are a wide range of topics when you really stop to think about it. If a certain topic makes him or her obviously uncomfortable, drop it. It may have been an innocent question at first, and most people will forgive you for accidentally stumbling onto one of their landmines. If you persistently drag that topic up afterward, though, you can make yourself into a nuisance and a bully quickly. Tease. This can be a bit tricky since there is a fine line between teasing gently and teasing mercilessly, but if you pull it off, it can have a lot of impact. Playfully tease your crush about unimportant things, like being late or having bed hair. Never tease about points of insecurity, though. Drop hints. You may not want to tell this person how you feel in direct terms, but you should drop some pretty obvious hints from time to time to let him or her know that you really do like being around them. Tell him or her flat out that you enjoyed the time you spent together. Try something simple like, "I had a great time talking with you tonight. We should do it again soon." This might seem fairly blunt, but unless you spit it out, the other party might find ways of doubting your reactions. Leave no room for such doubts. Master the art of casual compliments. Let the object of your affections know how stunning they look today or sigh in amazement when they solve a difficult problem. Show how much they impress you. Get an inside joke. This can be difficult, of course, since inside jokes are usually things that happen naturally. Once you have something that counts, though, bring it up frequently. Doing so shows just how much you value that bit of connection between the two of you. Say the other person's name. There is something intrinsically appealing about hearing your own name being called, and the other person is likely to appreciate it if you make an effort to say his or her name several times during your conversations. You should also consider coming up with a nickname. Nicknames express a special sort of connection between two people, especially if you use a nickname that no one else uses with that person. Once you settle on a nickname, make sure to actually use it. Ask for his or her opinion. Make a habit of turning to this person for advice or helpful opinions whenever you have a choice to make. By asking for advice, you can demonstrate that you are interested in what this person thinks. Ask for advice on everything from movie recommendations to solving disputes you have at work or with other friends. You should balance both serious and lighthearted matters.

Remember things. Focus. Work your way into the other person's life. Give special treatment. Make time for this person. Contact him or her "just because. Make eye contact. Smile. Look your best. Touch your crush. Touch yourself. Ask questions. Tease. Drop hints. Get an inside joke. Say the other person's name. Ask for his or her opinion.

https://www.wikihow.com/Take-Rose-Cuttings

How to Take Rose Cuttings

To take rose cuttings, look for healthy, strong stems that are at least 8 inches (20 cm) long and from this current season's growth. Using garden shears, clip the stems at a 45-degree angle just above the first set of leaves. Then, clip the buds off and remove the remaining leaves from each stem. Next, prepare a raised bed that's roughly 6 inches (15 cm) tall in a sunny part of your garden. If you don't have access to a raised bed, you can also plant your cuttings in a pot that's at least 6 inches deep. Fill the bed or pot with a mixture of sand and horticultural grit, then use a spade or trowel to dig a narrow trench or hole that's roughly 6 inches (15 cm) deep. Pour a thin layer of sharp sand into the bottom of the trench and place the cuttings vertically inside so that 2/3 of each cutting is hidden in the soil. To help your cuttings take root, you can dip the end of the cuttings into a rooting hormone before planting them. Leave at least 6 inches (15 cm) between each cutting to give them plenty of room to grow. Finally, fill in and tamper down the soil around the cuttings and water the soil bed thoroughly. Water the cuttings every day or so to keep the soil moist until the cuttings take root and bud, which can take up to 1 year.

Cut the stem above the first set of leaves at a 45 degree angle. Once you've selected healthy rose stems, you'll want to cut them so that they're 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) long. Use pruning shears or a sharp knife to cut right above the first set of leaves at a 45 degree angle. Try to take your rose cuttings in the morning so that they're hydrated. Clean your tools well with rubbing alcohol before you use them. Take your cutting from a younger part of the plant so it will have a better chance of taking root. Roses have compound leaves, meaning smaller leaflets will grow from the stem of the main leaf. Make sure you're cutting above the where the actual leaf attaches to the branch, not above a leaflet. If you can, try to leave 2 nodes above ground for leaves to sprout out of, as well as 2 nodes that will be below ground, where roots can grow. Put the rose cuttings directly into water. It's very important for the rose cuttings to stay hydrated so that they don't dry out before you plant them. Immediately after you take the rose cuttings, put them in a cup of room temperature water until you're ready to transfer them. Ideally, you'll be ready to put them into the soil right after you cut the stems. Remove all of the leaves except the ones at the top. Since you cut the rose stem right above a set of leaves, those top leaves are the only ones you'll want to keep. The rest of the leaves on the stem should be removed using the pruning shears or sharp scissors. Dip the end of the rose cuttings into a rooting hormone. While this is optional, most people who take rose cuttings use some type of rooting hormone powder to help the cuttings take root. Make sure the base of the rose cutting is damp before dipping it into the powder. Gently tap off any excess powder. Wash your tools with rubbing alcohol again when you're done. Pick a sunny spot to plant your rose cuttings. Where you place your cuttings is especially important if you're planning on growing them outdoors. Choose a spot that's sunny but that's not in direct sunlight — you don't want them to dry out. Putting the rose cuttings in a pot or container is alright as well, just make sure the container is deep and wide enough for your rose cuttings to grow. If you have a sunny spot near a drain pipe or other water source, this is a great choice for ensuring the soil is always moist. The container you're using should be at least 6 inches (15 cm) deep. Prepare the soil bed or container for the rose cuttings. For rose cuttings, you want your soil to be made of a mixture of sand and horticultural grit (or perlite). The soil mixture should be able to drain, and be sure to cultivate it 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) deep beforehand. Cultivating the soil requires using a gardening tool, such as a mini spading fork or shovel, to break up the soil so that it's loose. You can purchase sand and horticultural grit from your local home improvement store, or online. A bag of horticultural grit costs $5-$15, while a bag of sand will typically cost less but entirely depends on the size. Choose a strong, healthy rose stem. When you go to take your rose cuttings, you want to look for stems that are long, strong, and healthy, meaning no withered or brown stems. It's best to take softwood cuttings in the late spring or early summer so that they take root faster, so choose stems that are young and flexible. Plant the rose cuttings at any point throughout the year. Some people like to plant them during the cool months, while others wait until the early summer. Rose cuttings should be able to grow during any season. However, keep in mind that they'll need to be constantly watered, so if you plant them during the summer or live in a hot climate, they're going to dry out faster. For this reason, the rainy season might be your best option. Create holes with a stick or pencil for the cuttings. Use a stick or pencil to make a hole in the soil for each of your rose cuttings that is 3–4 inches (7.6–10.2 cm) deep. You'll want to make sure the holes are wide enough that they won't wipe off the rooting hormone powder when you push the stems into the soil. Place the cuttings into the soil. Gently push the cutting down several inches into the soil, or half the length of the cutting. Once the cutting is in place, pat down the soil around the stem. For planting multiple cuttings, place them in rows 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) apart. Keep the rose cuttings moist. The most important thing for successful rose cuttings is that they remain moist. Water them frequently, several times a day if the weather is warm, and this will help the roots flourish. To ensure that the moisture remains in the soil, you can place a plastic bag around the cutting once you've watered it. This creates a mini greenhouse for the roses. Monitor the rose cuttings to ensure they’re hydrated and taking root. Keep an eye on the cuttings to make sure they're never dried out, as well as to make sure the cuttings are taking root. You can test to see if the roots are growing by gently tugging on the cuttings. You should be able to feel a slight resistance after a week or 2, meaning the roots are growing well.

Cut the stem above the first set of leaves at a 45 degree angle. Put the rose cuttings directly into water. Remove all of the leaves except the ones at the top. Dip the end of the rose cuttings into a rooting hormone. Pick a sunny spot to plant your rose cuttings. Prepare the soil bed or container for the rose cuttings. Choose a strong, healthy rose stem. Plant the rose cuttings at any point throughout the year. Create holes with a stick or pencil for the cuttings. Place the cuttings into the soil. Keep the rose cuttings moist. Monitor the rose cuttings to ensure they’re hydrated and taking root.

https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-a-Black-Swallowtail-Caterpillar

How to Care for a Black Swallowtail Caterpillar

To care for a black swallowtail caterpillar, keep it in a large jar or plastic container, and place a vertical branch inside so the caterpillar has something to make a chrysalis off of. You should also feed the caterpillar fresh plants, like dill, fennel, parsley, and rue, as long as the plants haven't been treated with pesticides. Also, clean out any droppings at the bottom of the container at least once a day. Once the caterpillar makes a chrysalis and emerges as a butterfly, take it outdoors so it can fly away.

Keep host plants such as dill and parsley in your garden. Black swallowtail butterflies lay their eggs on the leaves of dill, fennel, parsley, and rue. These plants can easily be found at your local garden center or nursery. The plants provide food for the caterpillars once they hatch from their eggs. Different host plants may grow better in different areas. If your host plants don't seem to be growing well, ask around at your local nursery or farmer's market to find out which plants grow the best where you live. Plant nectar plants such as red clover to attract butterflies. Butterflies get their food from the nectar of flowers. Flowering plants that are favorites of the black swallowtail, such as milkweed, flox, red clover, and thistle, will attract these butterflies to your garden. Placing your nectar plants close to your host plants will encourage the butterflies to lay their eggs there. Locate black swallowtail eggs on the leaves of host plants. Black swallowtail eggs are tiny yellow or golden orbs. The butterflies lay their eggs on the tops of the leaves, so they should be relatively easy to spot. Female black swallowtail butterflies lay between 200 and 400 eggs, at the rate of 30 to 50 a day. So don't expect to only see a few – you'll likely see dozens. Check your plants frequently for pests. Ladybugs, wasps, and spiders will eat butterfly eggs if they find them before you do. Keep in mind that spraying your plants with pesticides will likely harm the butterflies as well. Snap off the part of the plant with eggs on it. When you've found eggs, don't try to remove them from the plant. Instead, gently snip off the plant along with the eggs and carry it inside. You'll typically find multiple eggs on a single leaf or branch. Go ahead and transfer all of the eggs together – especially since some of them likely won't hatch. You also have the option of waiting until the eggs have hatched and adopting a caterpillar instead. This may eliminate some of the guesswork of whether or not the eggs will hatch. Find a large jar that will hold the piece of the plant with eggs on it. Your caterpillar isn't picky when it comes to the container you place it in. Any jar or plastic bin will work fine – just make sure you use something you can see through so you can watch the caterpillar hatch from its egg and go through its 5 stages of growth. At this stage, you can close the lid or seal the container. This will help keep the eggs from being disturbed by outside elements. The egg stage lasts between 4 and 10 days. The eggs will turn dark gray or black before they hatch. Provide fresh air once the eggs hatch. When the eggs hatch, you'll see tiny black creatures on the leaves instead of eggs. At this point, remove the lid from the container and cover it with mesh or a paper towel to allow fresh air to get in. Don't worry about the size of the mesh – your caterpillars won't escape. They're far more interested in eating the food that's available for them. Don't expect all the eggs to hatch. Only about 1 out of every 100 black swallowtail eggs makes it through all the life stages to become a butterfly. House your caterpillars in a large jar or plastic container. If you're keeping the caterpillars inside, you have many different options to house and protect them as they grow. Make sure you choose one that allows you to watch the caterpillar as it goes through its life stages. A large jar or plastic container is fine for a single caterpillar – just make sure it has enough height that you can keep a vertical branch for the caterpillar to hang its chrysalis when it gets to that stage. If you have multiple caterpillars, you can also use an aquarium or even a reptile cage. Feed your caterpillar fresh host plant cuttings daily. Black Swallowtail caterpillars eat a lot. Make sure there are plenty of cuttings in the caterpillar enclosure. Generally, you want to use the same plant where you originally found the caterpillar's eggs. You can experiment with other plants as well. Black Swallowtail caterpillars eat dill, fennel, parsley, and rue. Especially in the later stages of development, caterpillars typically become less picky about what they eat. Some caterpillars may eat plants that you bought in a grocery store, but this generally isn't a good idea. The plants may have been treated with pesticides that could harm your caterpillar, and you wouldn't have any way of knowing until it was too late. Black swallowtails remain caterpillars for 3 to 4 weeks. If your caterpillar stops eating after 3 or 4 weeks, that's typically a sign that it's about to make a chrysalis. Include a branch for the caterpillar's chrysalis. When your caterpillar reaches its final stage of growth, it will make a chrysalis off of a branch. The chrysalis will hang from the branch in the open air, attached by silk threads the caterpillar creates. It doesn't have to be a particularly large branch – however, it does need to be sturdy enough to support the caterpillar. If your caterpillar can walk from one end of the branch to the other, it should be fine. Clean the caterpillar droppings at least once a day. Since caterpillars eat a lot, they also generate a lot of waste. If you don't clean your caterpillar's enclosure at least once a day, you'll start to have a pretty stinky mess. You can try placing the caterpillar in a jar or vase, then gently turning the jar or vase upside down on a sheet of newspaper. The droppings will fall on the newspaper and can be easily disposed of. Then all you have to do is replace the newspaper. Make sure your caterpillar is clinging to a leaf or branch when you turn it over. Your caterpillar will outgrow its skin and molt 5 times. They typically eat the molted skin, but you may also need to clean remnants from the bottom of the caterpillar's enclosure. Watch for signs that the caterpillar is ready to form a chrysalis. When your black swallowtail caterpillar is ready to form a chrysalis, it will stop eating. You'll see it curl its head under its body, so it looks like an upside-down "J." If you look closely, you'll also see a silk button and belt forming. These threads are used to secure the chrysalis to the branch while the caterpillar completes its transformation into a butterfly. Once the caterpillar is attached to the branch, it will hang there for about 24 hours before shedding its skin to reveal the chrysalis. Clear space in the enclosure for the butterfly to emerge. After your caterpillar forms a chrysalis, it will hang for 1 to 2 weeks. The butterfly needs to be able to hang from the branch with its wings down. Remove any branches or cuttings crowding the area around the chrysalis, so the butterfly will have room to hang and stretch its wings without injury. Since the caterpillar in its chrysalis isn't going to eat anything, you can also remove extraneous cuttings or other materials from the enclosure. Don't handle or attempt to move the chrysalis – you could kill the creature inside. Wait for the butterfly to emerge from the chrysalis. Within a couple of weeks, the chrysalis will turn dark, then become clear as the black swallowtail butterfly emerges. It may take a few minutes or even a few hours for the butterfly's wings to harden. When they start to gently flutter, your butterfly is ready to fly. A black swallowtail butterfly typically emerges from its chrysalis in the early morning hours, just after sunrise. Carry the butterfly outside on a stick or potted plant. Some black swallowtail butterflies will fly straight out of an open jar or vase, but others need a little more prodding to take wing. You can gently take out the stick the butterfly is resting on and carry it outside. If you take the whole enclosure outside, simply set it down in a sunny spot and wait for the butterfly to take to the air. Don't shake or tap on the enclosure – you'll disturb the butterfly and could injure it. You can also see if your butterfly will come to rest on your hand, but be careful not to touch its wings. They are fragile and you could injure the butterfly without even realizing it.

Keep host plants such as dill and parsley in your garden. Plant nectar plants such as red clover to attract butterflies. Locate black swallowtail eggs on the leaves of host plants. Snap off the part of the plant with eggs on it. Find a large jar that will hold the piece of the plant with eggs on it. Provide fresh air once the eggs hatch. House your caterpillars in a large jar or plastic container. Feed your caterpillar fresh host plant cuttings daily. Include a branch for the caterpillar's chrysalis. Clean the caterpillar droppings at least once a day. Watch for signs that the caterpillar is ready to form a chrysalis. Clear space in the enclosure for the butterfly to emerge. Wait for the butterfly to emerge from the chrysalis. Carry the butterfly outside on a stick or potted plant.

https://www.wikihow.com/Increase-Progesterone-Naturally

How to Increase Progesterone: Can Natural Remedies Help?

Having low progesterone can cause abnormal periods and fertility issues, but you can naturally increase this hormone with your diet and lifestyle choices. Eat foods rich in magnesium, like spinach, beans, and pumpkin seeds. You'll also want to eat foods high in vitamins B6 and C, like walnuts, bananas, kale, and kiwi. In addition to changing your diet, aim to reduce chronic stress, since stress can lower your progesterone. Try to exercise for a half an hour a day, 5 days out of the week, to release feel-good hormones that naturally lower your stress levels. Another way to lower stress is to try yoga or meditation or to simply make more time to enjoy your favorite hobbies.

Follow a balanced diet to regulate your hormone production. In general, a balanced diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is best for regulating your body's hormones and increasing fertility. Design a healthy diet to support your body's hormone production. Also try to reduce your intake of fatty, processed, or fried foods. These could inhibit your body's hormone production and your fertility. Eat foods high in magnesium. Your adrenal glands produce progesterone, and magnesium helps keep them healthy. Include 310-420 mg of magnesium in your diet each day to support your adrenals. Magnesium is in many different foods. Good sources include leafy green vegetables, nuts, legumes, seeds, and whole grain bread. Increase your intake of folic acid. Studies show that vitamin B9 (folic acid) could boost your progesterone levels and support fertility. The recommended serving for folic acid is 200 mcg each day, so make sure you get this from your diet or supplements. Good sources for all B vitamins are leafy green vegetables, organ meats, beef, lentils, dairy, beans, and fortified foods. Drink plenty of water each day to stay hydrated. Fluids are important for regulating your body's hormone production and flushing out toxins. There's no single answer on how much water you need each day, but 8 glasses is a good goal. This is usually enough to prevent dehydration and support your body's hormone production. You might need more water if you exercise or it's hot outside. If you feel thirsty or your urine is dark yellow, then drink more water. Exercise daily to regulate your body’s hormone production. Moderate exercise is important for supporting your overall health, including your body's hormone production. Try to get 30 minutes of exercise each day to maintain your progesterone levels. The official definition for moderate exercise is activity that increases your heart rate by 50%. If your normal resting heart rate is 70 beats per minute, then moderate exercise should bring it to 105. If you want to boost your fertility, then moderate exercise is also an important part of that. Excessive exercise could actually lower your progesterone levels, so make sure you only get a moderate amount of exercise for the best results. Maintain a healthy bodyweight. Being overweight could reduce your fertility and interfere with your body's progesterone levels. If you're overweight, then speak with your doctor to find out the ideal weight to support your fertility. Then design a diet and exercise program to reach and maintain that weight. Avoid extreme or crash diets. These aren't healthy and could interfere with your body's hormone production. Being overweight could also interfere with a man's fertility, so your male partner may need to lose weight as well if you're trying to get pregnant. Reduce stress to keep your hormones balanced. Besides having many other negative health impacts, stress interferes with your adrenal glands and could prevent them from producing enough progesterone. Do your best to keep your stress levels down so your adrenal glands work properly. Relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing are great ways to reduce stress. Try spending 10-20 minutes doing one of these activities each day. Doing things you enjoy also reduces stress. Try to make time for your hobbies or anything else you enjoy every day. Sleep 7-8 hours each night. Regular sleep is an important way to control your stress levels. Do your best to sleep for 7-8 hours each night so you wake up well-rested. This is also important for maintaining your fertility levels. If you have trouble sleeping, try to wind down for an hour before bed. Listen to soft music, read, or take a bath to relax yourself. Low progesterone levels could cause insomnia, so taking other steps to boost your progesterone could help you sleep better as well. Reduce stress and anxiety with calming herbs. Since stress can interfere with progesterone production, so it's important to keep your stress and anxiety under control. Some herbs could help. Particularly, chamomile, valerian, lemongrass, and passionflower are associated with decreased stress and anxiety. You can take one of these in supplement form, but ask your doctor first to make sure it's safe. You could also take these herbs as teas. Try having 3-5 cups per day to see if they help reduce your stress. Take multivitamin supplements if you have nutrient deficiencies. Most people get enough vitamin B, zinc, and magnesium from their regular diet. However, if you have any deficiencies, it could affect your progesterone levels and cause infertility. Visit your doctor for a blood test and if you're deficient in any nutrients, then you can start taking a vitamin supplement to replace them. The type of supplement you take depends on which nutrients you're short in. Ask your doctor for a recommendation. Try chasteberry to boost progesterone production. There's some evidence that this herb could boost progesterone production. It's generally safe to try, so you can see if this works for you. A standard dose is 4 mg per day, but follow the instructions on the type that you use. Chasteberry comes as a capsule or liquid. The dosing depends on how concentrated the mixture is, so take it according to the product directions. If you're already on any kind of hormone therapy, then don't use chasteberry. Take oral progesterone supplements. These supplements are part of hormone replacement therapy and could bring your progesterone levels back up. They come in pills or oil form, so you can use the type that you find easier to swallow. They usually require a prescription, so ask your doctor for approval and follow all their directions to take these supplements correctly. Instructions vary depending on the supplement type, but usually you only need one dose per day. Common dosages range from 50 to 400 mg daily. You may also need to take the progesterone on alternating days. Check with your doctor if you have any questions. Try progesterone suppositories to strengthen your uterus. These suppositories, used vaginally, will deliver hormones to your uterus and could prevent miscarriages. Ask your doctor if this option is right for you. If they agree, then follow the doctor's directions for using the suppository correctly. A common dosage is 400 mg once a day, but follow your doctor's instructions. You'll probably need a prescription for this product, so speak to your doctor or pharmacist to get it. Suppositories are not designed to take by mouth. Apply progesterone cream to slow the aging process. Some creams use progesterone as a skin treatment. Research shows that these creams can reduce wrinkles and signs of aging, so they may help improve your skin's appearance. You can apply the cream anywhere you have wrinkles, which is usually your face, and see if it makes your skin more elastic. Progesterone cream isn't effective for increasing the progesterone in your bloodstream. You probably don't need a prescription for these creams, but ask your doctor before using them.

Follow a balanced diet to regulate your hormone production. Eat foods high in magnesium. Increase your intake of folic acid. Drink plenty of water each day to stay hydrated. Exercise daily to regulate your body’s hormone production. Maintain a healthy bodyweight. Reduce stress to keep your hormones balanced. Sleep 7-8 hours each night. Reduce stress and anxiety with calming herbs. Take multivitamin supplements if you have nutrient deficiencies. Try chasteberry to boost progesterone production. Take oral progesterone supplements. Try progesterone suppositories to strengthen your uterus. Apply progesterone cream to slow the aging process.

https://www.wikihow.com/Freeze-Fresh-Squash

How to Freeze Fresh Squash

Before you freeze raw winter squash, use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin from the squash. Next, cut the squash into 1-inch cubes and spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet so that none of the pieces are touching. Place the tray in the freezer for 2-3 hours, then remove the tray and transfer the pieces of squash to a freezer-safe container or a plastic bag, leaving about a 1/2 inch of headspace before you seal the container. Finally, label the squash with the date and place the container in the freezer for 10-12 months!

Peel the squash using a vegetable peeler or knife. Set the squash on a cutting board and cut the rounded ends off of each side. Then, holding the squash in one hand, use a vegetable peeler in your dominant hand to peel strips of squash off away from you. If you're using a knife, hold the squash upright on your cutting board and slice downwards, removing the squash's skin. Once you've finished one section with the vegetable peeler, rotate the squash in your non-dominant hand to peel another side. With a knife, slice just beneath the skin on one side of the squash. Then, slice all the way down the length of the squash until this strip is completely removed. Continue slicing off other strips of skin in this manner until you make it all the way around the squash. Cut the squash into 1 inch (2.5 cm) cubes. Use a serrated kitchen knife to cut the squash into evenly-sized pieces. You can technically cut the pieces into any size, but 1 inch (2.5 cm) cubes are good for freezer bags if you don't have a specific size in mind. Use a cutting board whenever chopping vegetables. Freeze the squash on a baking sheet for 2 hours. Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. Spread the pieces of squash onto the baking sheet in a single layer, without overlapping. Place this baking sheet in the freezer and allow the squash to freeze solid for around 2 hours. Freezing the pieces this way makes it less likely that the squash will stick together in long-term frozen storage. Transfer the squash to a freezer-safe container. Take the individually frozen pieces of squash and place them into a freezer-safe plastic container or plastic bag. Leave ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) of empty space on the top before sealing the container. Tupperware and plastic bags both make good storage solutions. If using a plastic bag, push as much air out of the bag as possible before sealing it. Freeze the uncooked squash for up to 12 months. Place the containers of squash in the freezer and store them there until you are ready to use the vegetable in a dish. Label the bag or container so you know when you put it in the freezer for storage. Defrost the squash or add it directly to certain soups and chilis. When you're ready to use the squash, you can add the chunks directly to warm stews or you can thaw them for use in other recipes. To thaw the frozen squash, move the bag of squash from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight, or set it out on the counter for 3-4 hours. You can also roast butternut squash directly from the freezer without thawing it. Preheat the oven to 400 °F (204 °C). You will be using the oven to roast the squash before freezing them. Set the oven to Bake and turn it up to 400 °F (204 °C). If you prefer, it is also possible to cook the squash in the microwave, in which case you do not need to worry about preheating the oven. Cut the squash in half using a sharp, serrated knife. Set the squash on a cutting board, and hold it steady with one hand. Using the knife, cut the squash into halves lengthwise. Set the squash halves down on the cutting board, with the flesh-side facing up. For bigger squash like butternut squash, move slowly and carefully with the knife. Squash roll, and you don't want the knife to slip. If the squash is smaller, like an acorn squash, it will be easier to hold it steady. Scoop out the stringy insides of the squash. Using a spoon or your hands, scoop away and discard any pulp or seeds on the inside of the squash. If you have a melon baller, this is a great tool to easily scoop and discard seeds. A serrated grapefruit spoon will also help get the job done. Compost or trash the inner bits of the squash. Spoons don't cut as well through the strings of a squash as a melon baller, due to their dull edges. Place the squash, flesh-side up, on a baking sheet. If you want to add some flavor, season the squash with salt and pepper. You can also add about 1 tbsp (15 mL) of butter or honey and 1 tbsp (14.3 g) of brown sugar to the squash at this point. If you plan to roast the squash straight out of the freezer, adding butter and brown sugar at this stage is a good idea. Otherwise, the squash will preserve better without additives, and you can just bake it as it is. Bake the squash for 25 minutes or until it is tender. Place the baking sheet in the previously preheated oven (400 °F (204 °C)) and let them bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, take the baking tray out, and use a fork to check if the flesh is soft (you should be able to pierce the flesh with the fork). To microwave the squash, place the squash pieces on a piece of microwave-safe plastic wrap on top of a microwavable plate. Cook them for 15 minutes on high, checking the squash at every 5 minute interval. Continue cooking until the flesh is soft enough to scoop it out of the skin with a spoon. Scoop out the flesh of the squash with a spoon. Once the squash has cooled down sufficiently, use a metal spoon to dig out the softened insides of the squash away from its skin. Transfer the fleshy parts into a separate bowl and discard the hollowed out skin once you're done. You can also use a serrated spoon for a bit of extra help digging out the flesh. Puree the cooked squash. A puree of winter squash will hold up well in the freezer for many months. Use a blender or a food processor to puree the winter squash until all of the lumps are gone. Cooking will have softened the squash to make this step rather easy. Alternatively, you can mash the squash with a mashing tool or even a run of the mill metal fork to achieve a similar effect. Portion and freeze small amounts of the pureed squash. Wait for the squash to cool, then portion out ⁄ 2 cup (120 mL) balls of the puree, placing them on a parchment-covered baking sheet or in an ice cube tray or muffin tin. Pop the tray or tin in the freezer and let the pureed squash freeze for at least four hours, or until frozen solid. Pureed squash will freeze best if it's frozen in small portions, but if you're in a rush, you can skip this step and transfer the puree to long-term storage immediately. Transfer the pureed squash to the freezer for up to 3 months. Once the smaller portions are frozen solid, spoon them into freezer-safe plastic containers or plastic bags. Place the containers of squash in your freezer and save until they're ready to use. If you're using plastic bags, remove as much air as possible from the bags before you seal them. Defrost the puree for baking or cooking. Place the puree in the refrigerator overnight to thaw it, or set it out on the counter for 3-4 hours to defrost it. You can then microwave the puree or heat it on the stovetop to add it to warm dishes. You can also add it directly to soups and chilis. Winter squash puree is a great candidate for adding to sauces, soups, dips, lasagnas, enchiladas, and baked breads or muffins. Cut the squash into rounds 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm) thick. Use a sharp, heavy kitchen knife to slice off both ends of the squash, then slice your summer squash into the thin rounds. Move lengthwise down the squash, slicing every ⁄ 4 inch (0.64 cm). If you are freezing zucchini to make zucchini bread in the future, you should grate it instead. Use a box grater to grate the zucchini into a bowl. There is no need to peel the squash first in this method, as you are going to blanch it. Boil 1 gallon (3.8 L) of water per 1 pound (16 oz) of summer squash. Use a large stockpot over high heat. Place a wire basket or metal steamer into the stockpot. The wire basket should dip down into the water so that the squash will be completely immersed in the boiling water. You are not steaming the squash in this method. Instead, you are using the wire basket as a way to easily fish the squash out of the water when ready. Put the squash into a wire basket and blanch them for 3 to 4 minutes. Place no more than 1 lb (450 g) of squash in the boiling water at a time. Cook for roughly 3 minutes. After the pieces of squash are done, remove the squash from the stockpot using the wire basket. You can poke the squash with a fork after 3 minutes to check for tenderness. If the squash feel tender, they are ready. If you are working with grated zucchini, blanch the grated pieces in small batches for 1 to 2 minutes each, until they feel tender. Dunk the squash in cold water or a bowl of ice for another 3 minutes. If you're using a bowl of ice, make sure you have about 1 pound (16 oz) of ice to 1 pound (16 oz) of vegetables. If you're using liquid water, run cold tap water continuously over the squash or change it frequently so it stays cold. Ideally, the water should be 60 °F (16 °C) or below. Dunking the squash in ice water after you have blanched it will stop the cooking process, thereby preventing the enzymes from breaking down any further. As a result, you are left with squash that retains its color, flavor, and most of its texture. Drain the squash to remove any excess water. Pour the ice bucket filled with squash through a colander (or any kind of strainer) to remove excess water from the squash. This will prepare the squash for freezing. Pat the pieces dry with a paper towel after draining. You can sandwich the squash between two paper towels for about 10 minutes to make sure they have dried completely. Freeze the blanched squash in a plastic bag for up to 6 months. Fill freezer-safe plastic containers or plastic bags with the squash. If using plastic bags, you can try to push as much air as possible out of the bag before sealing. Place the containers of squash in the freezer. Keep them there until you are ready to use them. Blanched summer squash will usually stay good in a freezer for up to 6 months. Defrost the squash and use it for cooking or baking. Place the summer squash in the fridge overnight to thaw it out, or place it on the counter for 3-4 hours to defrost it. Then, use your frozen summer squash in pasta sauces, soups, casseroles, or as a side dish. Grated zucchini will work very well in risotto, soup, muffin batter, or cake batter. As a totally stand alone dish, grated squash can be sautéed in brown butter with garlic and sage.

Peel the squash using a vegetable peeler or knife. Cut the squash into 1 inch (2.5 cm) cubes. Freeze the squash on a baking sheet for 2 hours. Transfer the squash to a freezer-safe container. Freeze the uncooked squash for up to 12 months. Defrost the squash or add it directly to certain soups and chilis. Preheat the oven to 400 °F (204 °C). Cut the squash in half using a sharp, serrated knife. Scoop out the stringy insides of the squash. Place the squash, flesh-side up, on a baking sheet. Bake the squash for 25 minutes or until it is tender. Scoop out the flesh of the squash with a spoon. Puree the cooked squash. Portion and freeze small amounts of the pureed squash. Transfer the pureed squash to the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost the puree for baking or cooking. Cut the squash into rounds 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm) thick. Boil 1 gallon (3.8 L) of water per 1 pound (16 oz) of summer squash. Put the squash into a wire basket and blanch them for 3 to 4 minutes. Dunk the squash in cold water or a bowl of ice for another 3 minutes. Drain the squash to remove any excess water. Freeze the blanched squash in a plastic bag for up to 6 months. Defrost the squash and use it for cooking or baking.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Bechamel-Sauce

How to Make Bechamel Sauce

To make bechamel sauce, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat, and mix the butter with 4.5 tablespoons of flour to create a roux. Cook the roux for 5 minutes, stirring constantly with a spatula or wooden spoon until the mixture thickens. Then, gradually add 3 cups of warm milk to the roux, whisking and stirring as you slowly pour the liquid into the pot. Add a pinch of nutmeg to season the bechamel sauce, and serve immediately or incorporate into another dish.

Measure the ingredients. The ratio of milk to flour to butter is very important in Bechamel sauce since the texture and flavor of the sauce relies on only these three ingredients. Be sure to use exact measurements: 2 tablespoons butter, 4 1/2 tablespoons flour, and 3 cups milk. If you prefer a thicker sauce, scale back the milk by 1/2 cup. For a more liquid sauce, add 1/2 cup milk. Using full-fat milk will result in a thicker sauce than using low fat or skim milk. Warm the milk. Pour the milk into a small saucepan. Set it on a burner and turn the heat to medium-low. Warm the milk thoroughly, but do not let it boil. Remove the milk from heat when it is warm and cover. If you prefer, you can heat the milk in the microwave. Use a low setting and heat the milk for 1 minute. Check to see if it is heated; if not, place it back in the microwave and heat it for another minute. If the milk comes to a boil, it's best to start over with new milk, since this can affect the flavor. Melt the butter. Place the butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Heat the butter until it is completely melted, but do not let it brown. Add the flour. Place all of the flour at once into the pan with the butter. It will clump up at first. Stir it with a wooden spoon to remove the clumps and create a smooth mixture. Cook the roux. Continue cooking the roux over medium heat, stirring constantly, for about 5 minutes. As you cook, the roux will begin to darken. It's ready when it reaches a golden hue; this is called "blond" roux. Don't let the roux get brown, as this will affect the flavor and color of the bechamel sauce. If necessary, turn the heat down to low so that the roux doesn't cook too quickly. Add one tablespoon of milk. Mix it in quickly to moisten the roux. Be sure to distribute it well throughout the roux; the mixture should now be slightly wet, but not runny. Whisk in the remaining milk. Slowly pour the remaining milk into the pan with one hand while whisking with the other hand. Continue pouring and whisking until the milk is gone, then keep stirring for a few more minutes. Season the bechamel sauce with the nutmeg. The thick, creamy, white sauce that remains may be seasoned with salt and pepper. Pour it over steamed vegetables or rice and serve immediately, or use it as the base for another dish. Make macaroni and cheese. After making the bechamel sauce, add a few cups of cheddar cheese, whisking until it is melted. Pour the cheese over cooked macaroni noodles, then transfer to a baking dish. Top with more shredded cheese and bake in the oven until the top is bubbly and brown. Make potato gratin. Pour the bechamel sauce over thinly sliced potatoes and diced green onions in a baking dish. Top with grated Parmesan cheese. Bake in the oven until the potatoes are crispy and the sauce and cheese are bubbling. Make a cheese soufflé. Mix the bechamel sauce with beaten eggs, cheese and spices. Pour into a soufflé dish and bake until the top browns and puffs.

Measure the ingredients. Warm the milk. Melt the butter. Add the flour. Cook the roux. Add one tablespoon of milk. Whisk in the remaining milk. Season the bechamel sauce with the nutmeg. Make macaroni and cheese. Make potato gratin. Make a cheese soufflé.

https://www.wikihow.com/Administer-an-Enema

How to Administer an Enema

To administer an enema, start by emptying your bladder to lessen the discomfort. If you're using an enema bag, make sure to clean it in hot, soapy water before filling it with the solution recommended by your doctor. Once the bag is full, measure and mark 4 inches on the enema tube so you know when to stop inserting it in your rectum, then coat the end of it with a lubricating jelly to make insertion more comfortable. When you're ready, lay on your left side with your knees pulled up to your chest. Insert the tube into your rectum and allow the fluid to enter your body. After you're done, remain in this position for a few minutes before going to the bathroom.

Prepare for the enema. No matter the goal of the enema, the way in which it is administered is the same. However, if the goal is retention, then enemas are best done after a normal bowel movement and at least a few hours after eating. Don't eat right before doing an enema. For constipation, the enema is given to help evacuate the bowel. Empty your bladder before an enema to reduce the discomfort associated with adding fluid to the bowel. Obtain an enema bag or a Fleets enema bottle from a pharmacy. The first uses fluid prepared at home while the second is a self-contained unit. Place a waterproof pad under the area where you will lie down in case you inadvertently release the fluid before reaching the bathroom. Fill a clean enema bag, if using. Fill an enema bag with the solution recommended by your doctor. Make sure that the clamp is on to contain the fluid. Once the bag is full, hold the bag, hose end down, and open the clamp momentarily to allow the fluid to purge any air from the hose, and then close the clamp. This will help you to avoid introducing air into the colon, which can cause cramps. In general, you use smaller amounts of fluid for retention enemas so the rectum is not overwhelmed with the amount of fluid and the individual can retain it without discomfort. Your doctor will instruct you on how full the bag should be. Never share an enema bag, even if it has been cleaned. Prepare the enema tube. Measure and mark 4 in (10 cm) on the enema tube so you are assured the tube is not inserted more than 4 in (10 cm) into your rectum. Lubricate the end of the tube with a lubricant product, like KY jelly, to make insertion more comfortable. Hang the bag 12 to 18 in (30 to 46 cm) above the rectum. The administration of fluid in a bag uses gravity. Your best bet is to hang it on a hook or stand near where you are going to administer it. You could also have someone hold the bag for you if you don't have anywhere to hang it. Lie down on your left side with your knees pulled up to your chest. This changes the position of the lower colon so it is able to receive more fluid from the rectum. Anatomical positioning of the lower colon and gravity will help the fluid to go higher in the colon. Turn your head to one side, and place your left arm under your head. Insert the lubricated enema tube into your rectum. Separate the buttocks and identify the anus, or the outside of the rectum, where the tube will be inserted. Slowly insert the end of the enema tube, or the lubricated end of a Fleet's enema bottle, into the rectum approximately 3.5 in (8.9 cm). While inserting the tube into the anus, bear down and push the anus out as if for a bowel movement. Never force the tube in! If you can't get it in, do not continue trying. Call your physician to discuss what to do next. Allow the fluid to enter your rectum. If using an enema bag, release the clamp and allow the fluid to fill inside. If using a Fleet's enema bottle, apply gentle pressure to the bottle. Gently roll the bottle from the bottom to the top so there is no backflow into the bottle. Wait for all the fluid to enter the rectum. Breathe through your mouth if you feel cramps. Close the clamp temporarily, until cramping eases, then resume the flow. Watch the bag until it is empty and remove the nozzle. If using the Fleet's enema bottle, keep the bottle rolled and gently remove the tube. Go to the bathroom and evacuate. If suffering from constipation, try to keep in the lying down position for at least 5 minutes and up to 1 hour before going to the bathroom and expelling the fluid. If the enema was administered for retention and absorption, you may want to stay on your left side for 10 minutes, roll to your back for 10 minutes and then your right side for 10 minutes to help the fluid move through the large colon. Watch for side effects. As with any medical treatment, there is the possibility that you may experience some side effects after administering an enema. During the procedure, you may experience a feeling of fullness and some discomfort. Cramps and gas may also persist for a few hours after the enema. Tell your doctor promptly if these symptoms continue any longer than a few hours after the enema has been administered. Using enemas too frequently can result in dehydration and an electrolyte imbalance. Although your body can absorb liquid from the rectum, it can also lose electrolytes from the blood if the fluid in the rectum is hypotonic (or has less electrolytes than in the blood) or can irritate the colon to expel more waste material than intended. Dehydration can have serious side effects for both the heart and kidneys. Decreased urination, dry mouth, increased thirst, lack of tears, dizziness, lightheadedness, or pale and wrinkled skin can all be symptoms of dehydration. An allergic reaction to any of the medications commonly used in enemas is rare. However, if you experience an allergic reaction, which involves symptoms such as a rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing, call your physician immediately. Understand the purposes of enemas. For the most part, people use enemas in order to treat constipation. When unable to fully evacuate the bowels, an enema can stimulate the colon to contract and force stool out of the body. The enema can also soften the stool that is there, making it easier to expel. But constipation is only one reason why an enema might be administered nor should it be considered a consistent form of relief from constipation. Long-term usage of enemas to relieve constipation can cause serious damage to your bowels and your ability to have a natural bowel movement. Gerson therapy also makes use of enemas. Gerson therapy is a therapeutic approach to cleansing the body of toxins which does not rest on solid scientific research. The basis of the approach involves treating cancer based on diet and nutritional intake, including the use of coffee enemas, which are an essential part of the regimen. Retention enemas are another form of enemas that have long been used to administer medications (including antibiotics and anti-seizure medications) and fluids to the body when oral administration was not possible. The rectum is a cavity in the body which is fully able to absorb nutrients and fluids. Medications have been given through suppositories but fluids are more readily absorbed into the body than medications via oil-based suppositories. In cases where IV administration is not possible, retention enemas can be helpful in the treatment of dehydration triggered by vomiting. Cleansing enemas are used to help the body rid the lower intestines of waste or to administer specific herbs which are expected to be absorbed into the body. Cleansing enemas can be either large- or small-volume enemas which are designed to irritate the colon to produce peristalsis and encourage evacuation of the rectum and large intestines. Always consult your doctor before performing any kind of enema. Consider the different solutions used in enemas. Enemas can be made at home or purchased in the store. The fluid used can be medicated or just water. What is used will depend upon the goal of treatment. Consult with your doctor as to what is the best option for you. Here are some different types of enema solutions: Tap water enemas should always use small volumes because the fluid is hypotonic, meaning it will pull electrolytes out of your blood and into the enema, which you then expel. This increases the risk of an electrolyte imbalance. A soap-suds enema can be used but only when pure castile soap is used. Other, harsher soaps can be dangerous to instill in an enema. Oil retention enemas are given to help soften the stool in the rectum, making it easier to pass. Adults may use an enema up to 150 ml and children up to 75 ml. The enema should be retained for 30 to 60 minutes, giving the oil time to penetrate and coat the stool. Powdered milk and molasses is a comfortable enema to use and one of the best treatments for severe constipation. Ask your doctor if this might be helpful for you and to get specific instructions on how to do it. Coffee enemas are used to detoxify and cleanse the bowel. Coffee, when administered rectally, stimulates bile production to help eliminate toxins and improve liver activity. Use coffee that has been boiled for 10 minutes and then cooled to room temperature or grounds that have been soaked overnight. In both cases the water should be strained before the fluid is used. Try to use organically grown coffee to reduce your exposure to pesticides. Note that coffee enemas do not deliver the caffeine you receive when drinking the beverage orally. Know the contraindications. It's important that you be aware of the contraindications of using an enema, which are conditions or factors that would make the treatment unsuitable for or harmful to you. In general, enemas are not harmful. However, there are some individuals who should not use enemas, particularly medicated enemas. Do not use medicated enemas if you have severe kidney disease, congestive heart failure, obstruction in your stomach or intestines, paralytic ileus, megacolon or active inflammatory bowel disease. If you are dehydrated, you should also not use an enema. Women who are pregnant or nursing must talk with their doctor before taking any medication to determine if the medicine is safe for the baby.

Prepare for the enema. Fill a clean enema bag, if using. Prepare the enema tube. Hang the bag 12 to 18 in (30 to 46 cm) above the rectum. Lie down on your left side with your knees pulled up to your chest. Insert the lubricated enema tube into your rectum. Allow the fluid to enter your rectum. Wait for all the fluid to enter the rectum. Go to the bathroom and evacuate. Watch for side effects. Understand the purposes of enemas. Consider the different solutions used in enemas. Know the contraindications.

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How to Answer the Question “Who Are You”

To answer the question "Who are you," start by thinking about the things you enjoyed as a kid and why you liked them. For example, you might have enjoyed drawing because you liked being creative. As a result of this, you could say you're an artistic person. Alternatively, think about what your biggest accomplishments, such as getting your dream job or a degree, say about you as a person. Additionally, consider what things matter to you most in life, like friends or your career, to get an idea of what your values are.

Try online personality tests. While not all personality tests are created equal, some personality tests can tell you more about who you are. For instance, the Myers-Briggs is a common test that will divide you among two options in four categories. You can also try the Big Five personality test. Use your results. Once you get your results, it will help you understand more about how you make decisions and who you are as person. It will also help you understand how you interact with other people and why you may respond in certain ways to specific situations. For instance, if you're an introvert, knowing that will help you understand why you may feel drained after parties and how you can take steps to manage your energy Consider your biggest accomplishments. Write down the three things you consider your biggest accomplishments. What do these times have in common? In turn, consider what believe to be your biggest failures. What do those have in common? Identify what you've learned. That is, given your accomplishments and failures, consider how you acted to get there or how you would act differently now. If one of your biggest accomplishments was getting a degree, that means you consider hard work and dedication important. If one of your biggest failures was getting drunk and cheating on a girlfriend, that means you believe you have had problems with overindulging and not keeping promises and want to do those things differently. Look at people you admire. Consider the people you admire most. What do you admire about them? What qualities do they have that you wish you did? What values do they have? Those values are likely ones you wish you had, too. Ask yourself what's most important to you. To figure out your values, you need to consider what's most important in your life. Maybe it's your family, or maybe it's your friendships. One way to figure out what you value is to ask yourself some questions. For instance, what would you carry out of your house if it were on fire (besides your family and pets)? What would you do to change the world, if you could? What makes you passionate? The recurring themes that you find help make up your values. Incorporate what you've learned into value statements. For instance, you may have realized that hard work is important to you. That means it's one of your values. You have also noticed that moderation and fidelity are also important to you and part of your values. Use your values to guide your decisions. It's easy to have values in a vacuum. However, what defines you as a person is how you put those values in action. People are said to have integrity when they follow through on their values, so if you want to be a person of integrity, you must follow through on what you believe. Let your values define you. Who you are personality-wise and what values you have define your actions. That is, say you value your family over anyone else. That means that you will chose your family over, say, your job or other obligations. However, if you value your work, you may choose not to have a family at all, which is also a valid choice. What you do becomes who you are. Once you realize how your values have defined you as a person, you can put that into words. For instance, if you value your family above all else, maybe you consider yourself a "family person," while if you value you work, you might say "I'm passionate about my work." Think about what you loved as a kid. For instance, if you loved to color, maybe you have a latent passion for design. If you were into building toys, such as building bricks or building logs, maybe your passion is more along the lines of architecture or construction. Don't just think about what you loved. You should also consider why you loved it. For instance, you may figure out that you loved building blocks because you loved the neat rows and colors, meaning you actually loved the organization of it. Consider what you would do if income wasn't a problem. That is, if you suddenly inherited enough money that you didn't need to worry about rent or food, how would you spend your time? Think beyond sitting on the couch and watching television. Would you dive into a hobby? Volunteer? Visit the library or museum? What you would do points to what you're most passionate about. Pay attention to when you lose yourself. You know those moments when you lose all track of time because you are so absorbed in what you're doing? Those moments are the ones you need to pay attention to because you are obviously loving what you are doing. Consider what you don't like. Learning what you don't like is just as important as learning what you do love. For one thing, it can show what you need to avoid when you're seeking out your passions and when you're seeking out a job. Start with the activities you dread. What do you dread about them? Why do you dread them? Once you answer these questions, you'll start to notice themes across the activities, such as maybe you don't like organizing or maybe you're not really a people person. Create a space for things that inspire you. Whether you use a journal, a poster, or board, make a space to put up the things that inspire you. Try putting up quotes, pictures, and ideas. Once you've started filling in your board, you'll start to notice themes, identifying some of your passions. Use anything you can get your hands on for your board, from the internet and junk mail to old magazines. Make curiosity a part of your day. When you find you are curious about something, take the time to do some research. You may find you are passionate about a subject just by following through on an idea. Use the internet or the library to start following your curiosity. Answer "yes. " When life invites you to do something new, follow it along for awhile. For instance, when you get an opportunity to try something new at your job, agree to it. When your friend invites you to a new experience, go along with it. You never know what you'll come to love. Explore your options. One way to explore is to try different things. Go to the library, and read books about topics that interest you. Try joining different community clubs or taking classes through your parks and recreation department. However, you don't even need to leave home to explore different passions. Try doodling one afternoon or playing around in your garden. Leave yourself open to possibility. Let your passions give you expression. Your passions are where you can show who you are to the world. They also define who you are as a person because what you're passionate about drives your life. That's why it's so important to have them. If you're passionate about art, you can express yourself through it, either by creating it yourself or supporting people who do. Think about the areas you've done well in. Where have you done well in the past? For instance, think about the classes you've gotten good grades in. Also, think about what you do naturally for friends and family, what they turn to you to do because you're good at it. Make notes about what you're good at doing. Your skills are a part of your identity, as many people will come to identify you with what you do. Consider what skills you've developed in jobs. Certain types of jobs teach you certain skills, whether you think you're learning them or not. For instance, when you work at the counter of a fast-food restaurant, you learn to deal with drama quickly and efficiently. Fast food jobs and retail jobs can also teach you people skills. Similarly, people will also associate what you do for a living with who you are. You spend a good portion of your life at your job, so it becomes a part of who you are. Try online skill tests. Many websites, especially job search websites and freelance websites, offer you the chance to take skills tests. These tests will help you judge how adept you are in particular areas, usually ones related to the job market. Ask friends, family, and colleagues. Your peers are able to assess how good you are at certain skills, and as you put yourself out there in the world, you can ask for reviews of those skills. Your bosses, too, should also be able to tell you how well you do in certain areas. You can also ask your friends and family if they think you are particularly good at any skills. Define yourself by your skills. As you grow further into adulthood, your skills will define you in a professional sense. When you're looking for a job, you are essentially a list of skills and experience. That's how you're represented to the world. Though it may not be all of who you are, it is a part of what makes you who you are.

Try online personality tests. Consider your biggest accomplishments. Identify what you've learned. Look at people you admire. Ask yourself what's most important to you. Incorporate what you've learned into value statements. Use your values to guide your decisions. Let your values define you. Think about what you loved as a kid. Consider what you would do if income wasn't a problem. Pay attention to when you lose yourself. Consider what you don't like. Create a space for things that inspire you. Make curiosity a part of your day. Answer "yes. Explore your options. Let your passions give you expression. Think about the areas you've done well in. Consider what skills you've developed in jobs. Try online skill tests. Ask friends, family, and colleagues. Define yourself by your skills.

https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Your-Hair-Out-Quickly

How to Grow Your Hair Out Quickly

To grow your hair out quickly, try massaging your scalp for 3-5 minutes once a day, which will promote blood flow and stimulate hair growth. Also, make sure you're eating a healthy, balanced diet that consists of a wide range of fruits and vegetables since vitamins and minerals will make your hair stronger and easier to grow out. You can also try taking a biotin supplement or eating biotin-rich foods like almonds, eggs, and avocado, which can also speed up hair growth.

Use sulfate-free hair care products to protect your hair. Stick to hair care products that are made from natural ingredients, which will keep your hair feeling nourished and moisturized. Sulfate tends to make hair more frizzy and dry, which makes it more prone to breakage in the long-run. Using sulfate-free hair products is particularly important if you dye or use chemical treatments on your hair. Avoid getting chemical treatments like keratin treatment. Although keratin is essential for strong hair, the ingredients and high temperatures involved in chemical treatments tend to do far more damage than good. Chemical treatments tend to thin your hair, making it more susceptible to breakage and loss. Shampoos and conditioners that contain keratin are fine to use, as it's mainly the process of chemical treatments which is damaging. Wash your hair with lukewarm water to prevent breakage. After you have finished washing your hair with lukewarm water, rinse it out with cold water to close your hair follicles. This reduces your chances of frizz and hair loss. Washing your hair with cold or lukewarm water means that it will be healthier, and therefore it's able to grow out more quickly. Avoid washing your hair with hot or scorching water, and this will strip your hair of moisture, making it more susceptible to falling out. You only need to rinse your hair with cold water for a few seconds. Use a thin microfiber towel to dry your hair. Wrap your hair up in a microfiber towel in the same way that you would with a thick cotton towel. A microfiber towel will dry your hair without damaging fragile hairs in the same way that a thick cotton towel would. Air-drying your hair can also help immensely to keep it healthy. Use a microfiber towel to dry your hair to about 60%, and then let the rest dry naturally. Use a silk or satin pillowcase rather than cotton. Change your pillowcase for something softer, such as silk or satin. Cotton pillowcases create friction with your hair, which makes it more prone to damage and less likely to grow out. Using a silk or satin pillowcase also means that you will wake up with fewer tangles. Avoid using heating tools on your hair to encourage faster growth. Hair straighteners and curling irons can damage and break your hair due to striping away the moisture. Let your hair dry naturally, and avoid styling it with heating tools. Your hair will be able to grow out faster when it's healthy and not damaged. Wash your hair with shampoo 2-3 times per week. Shampoo cleans your hair and strips it of the natural oils from your scalp, which are there to keep your hair soft and healthy. It's only necessary to fully wash your hair a few times a week, as this avoids drying your hair out through removing the natural oils. If you want to feel refreshed on the days in between hair washes, simply rinsing your hair with water will do. Condition your hair every time your shampoo it. Once you have rinsed out the shampoo, massage conditioner through your hair. Leave it in for 3-5 minutes before thoroughly rinsing it out. Read the label on your conditioner to check how long you should leave your specific product in for. Conditioner replaces the proteins and lipids in your hair that are removed through styling your hair with heat and coloring. This helps to keep your hair healthy and strong. Conditioner also makes your hair less prone to breakage. Use a deep conditioner once per week to keep your hair moisturized. Heat up your deep conditioner to 35 °C (95 °F) in the microwave before applying it to your hair. Pay particular attention to the ends of your hair, as this is where the hair is the oldest and most damaged. Leave the deep conditioner in for 15-30 minutes before washing it out. Using deep conditioner once per week is a good place to begin. If it makes your hair feel weak or limp, try using the deep conditioner once every 2-3 weeks. Alternatively, if your hair still feels dry, try using the deep conditioner twice per week, or even swap your regular conditioner for it. Brush your hair daily with a natural boar bristle brush. Start brushing your hair from the tips to remove the knots, and slowly work your way up. Don't brush your hair vigorously. Regular brushing helps to stimulate blood flow to your scalp. This means that your strands of hair will be stronger and healthier. Brushing your hair also helps to distribute the natural oils from your scalp and down to the tips. This keeps your hair moisturized and protected, meaning that it will be able to grow longer. Get your hair trimmed every 10-12 weeks to avoid split ends. Trimming your hair regularly can sound counterintuitive, however this will help your hair to stay healthy and strong, which means that it will grow longer in the long-run. Ask your hairdresser to remove around 0.125 in (0.32 cm) at each trim. Waiting longer in between hair trims may mean that split ends form, which could result in your hair breaking higher up than where it would be trimmed anyway. Massage your scalp for 3-5 minutes with your fingertips, once per day. Place 2 fingertips on your scalp, and move them around in a circular motion. Cover the whole of your scalp, pressing firmly but gently. Scalp massage promotes blood flow to your hair follicles, which can help to stimulate hair growth. Eat foods that are protein and biotin rich to possibly help your hair grow. These include chicken, fish, eggs, and soy products just to name a few. Taking a biotin supplement is also a good way to ensure that you reach the recommended intake of 30 micrograms. Biotin, also known as Vitamin B7 or Vitamin H helps your body to metabolize fats, carbohydrates, and amino acids. These are the building blocks of protein, which may assist your hair follicles in growing hair faster. Eating a diet that is rich in biotin and protein may also help your nails to be stronger and your eyelashes to grow. Consume plenty of vitamins and minerals in your diet. Eat a wide range of fruit and vegetables to help your hair, skin, and nails become healthy and strong. Take a daily multivitamin if you are concerned that you aren't getting enough of each vitamin and mineral. Spinach is a great vegetable to potentially help your hair grow out faster. Spinach is high in protein and vitamins A and C, and each of these helps to moisturize your scalp. Not having enough of these vitamins can make your hair brittle and damaged, which won't help it to grow quickly. Broccoli is another great vegetable which may help your hair to stay healthy and strong. Broccoli is rich in A, C, and essential B vitamins, which aids your hair in staying moisturized, as well as growing thick and healthy. If you decide to take a daily multivitamin, make sure that it contains vitamins A, C, and E, to reduce your risk of hair damage and loss. Drink 2–3 L (68–101  fl oz) of water daily to keep your hair hydrated. Start drinking more water each day by adding an extra glass, and slowly increasing your intake. Staying hydrated means that your hair may become more moisturized and healthy, which may help it to grow longer over a shorter amount of time. Plain water doesn't have to be your only source. Herbal tea is also a good option, and many fruits and vegetables have a high water content.

Use sulfate-free hair care products to protect your hair. Avoid getting chemical treatments like keratin treatment. Wash your hair with lukewarm water to prevent breakage. Use a thin microfiber towel to dry your hair. Use a silk or satin pillowcase rather than cotton. Avoid using heating tools on your hair to encourage faster growth. Wash your hair with shampoo 2-3 times per week. Condition your hair every time your shampoo it. Use a deep conditioner once per week to keep your hair moisturized. Brush your hair daily with a natural boar bristle brush. Get your hair trimmed every 10-12 weeks to avoid split ends. Massage your scalp for 3-5 minutes with your fingertips, once per day. Eat foods that are protein and biotin rich to possibly help your hair grow. Consume plenty of vitamins and minerals in your diet. Drink 2–3 L (68–101  fl oz) of water daily to keep your hair hydrated.

https://www.wikihow.com/Escape-from-Killer-Bees

How to Escape from Killer Bees

The best way to escape from killer bees is to run in a straight line as fast you can until the bees stop chasing you. As you run, cover your head with something, like your shirt, jacket, or hands, to prevent the bees from targeting your face and head area. If you can, run to a shelter as soon as possible, like a building or your car. Once you're inside, close the door and turn off any lights, since bees are attracted to light sources.

Run until the killer bees stop chasing you. The best way to get away from killer bees is to run as fast as you possibly can away from the swarm. Run in a straight line as quickly as you can, away from the swarming killer bees. Continue to run for at least 100 yards (300 ft) or until the bees stop chasing you. Cover your head and face. Use a blanket, sheet, or your shirt to cover your head and face. Position the sheet or blanket so that you can still see under it. If you don't have anything to cover your head and face with, use your hands to cover your face, making sure not to cover your eyes so that you can still see. African honey bees will target your face and head area and the most severe injuries are usually sustained in those areas. Seek shelter as soon as possible. Try to find a place that has a door that you can close. Good shelter includes your house, your car, or a public restroom. Only a small amount of bees will be able to follow you into a closed space. Even if a few killer bees do get through, it should stop the assault of the entire swarm. Turn off the lights once you're inside. Once you get inside, bees will become attracted to the light from the windows. Turn off the lights so that your windows are the only light source in the area. From there, you can open the windows and let the bees out. Make sure that the swarm is no longer near your house when you open the window. Use a credit card to remove the stingers. If you do end up getting stung, remove the bee stingers as soon as possible to prevent the spread of venom through your system. To remove the stingers quickly, simply scrape the surface of your skin with a credit card or another hard edge. This should remove the stingers without embedding them deeper into your skin. Don’t kill or swat killer bees. The more that you agitate and swat at killer bees, the more fiercely they will swarm and attack you. When trying to escape killer bees, just try to outrun them, don't try to kill them. Don’t jump into a body of water. While bees won't be able to sting you in the water, they will just swarm around the area where you went under and wait for you to resurface. Hiding in the water is not a viable strategy for killer bees. Seek medical attention if you have an adverse reaction to the stings. Some people may have an allergy to the stinger venom. If someone exhibits hives, excessive swelling, dizziness, fainting, or trouble breathing, go to the ER immediately. An allergic reaction could be life threatening. Wear light colored clothing. Killer bees have evolved to recognize the dark coloring in their most common enemies like bears and badgers. For this reason, light colored clothing won't be as threatening to them. The color red appears black to killer bees, so avoid wearing that color as well. Don’t approach or disturb a beehive. Killer bees will swarm and attack when they feel threatened. Take note of the beehive so you can have professionals remove it, but never approach it. Pay attention to killer bees bumping into you. If you start to notice that killer bees are gathering around you or a couple of killer bees aggressively bump into you, this is a sign that they are going to start stinging you. If you notice this behavior, run away and seek shelter as soon as possible. If wearing black sweater or jacket, take off and flail around. It works.

Run until the killer bees stop chasing you. Cover your head and face. Seek shelter as soon as possible. Turn off the lights once you're inside. Use a credit card to remove the stingers. Don’t kill or swat killer bees. Don’t jump into a body of water. Seek medical attention if you have an adverse reaction to the stings. Wear light colored clothing. Don’t approach or disturb a beehive. Pay attention to killer bees bumping into you. If wearing black sweater or jacket, take off and flail around.

https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Home-Studio-for-Computer-Based-Music-Recording

How to Build a Home Studio for Computer Based Music Recording

The best way to build a recording studio in your home is to install a computer, audio interface, microphone and sound output in the most soundproof room in your house. Connect your instruments and mics through a mixer to the sound card for the best sound quality. Download software to help you edit your music and start creating!

Write a plan of what you want to do. Do you want to build a recording studio? Is it a singing booth? Is it an engineering booth? Is it for computer-based music production? Knowing what you want before you start can help you decide which equipment you will need. Doing extensive research will help at this stage. Try to find a specialist at PC World, or your local Apple shop, take notes and then find more information on the Internet. Acquire the appropriate equipment. This will include such items as amplifiers, microphones, mixers, electric instruments, cables for connecting it all together. A modern computer built or purchased within the past three years should be sufficient. If possible, acquire a working high-quality soundcard, such as an M-Audio Fast Track Pro or Digidesign Mbox 2 Mini. Creative Labs does have a Pro Music line called EMU. A 1212M PCI system is ideal if you were going to go that route. Monitor speakers are helpful if you are looking to stick with this for more than a hobby. The M-Audio Studiophile BX8a's, KRK RP-8 Rokit work well, and if you've got money to burn, the Mackie HR824 Studio Monitors. If you're into hip-hop, techno, or dance music, a set of turntables will be needed to record your sets or scratches on the fly. You can also use DJ software such as Traktor or Serato and a USB DJ controller to try out your mixes. A midi keyboard will be useful if you want to use midi software (which you can use to write bass lines, piano parts, and drum beats). Nothing fancy is needed, but each person will have their own preference. There are many advantages to having a midi keyboard because it will give you the tactile feel of a real instrument, which can greatly aid creativity. Buy or download music-editing software for your PC. Pro Tools, Cubase, Reason, and FL Studio are popular brands for Windows while Logic is popular with Macs. Macs include a built in music-editing program called GarageBand. Garageband is great for beginners but it will be a good idea to upgrade to more advanced music production software such as Logic or Pro Tools to make more professional quality music. Connect everything up. This is where most of the genius (and perspiration!) comes in. In general, keep it as simple as possible. For best playback quality run from the sound card into a mixer or amplifier and then to your monitor speakers. For best recording quality, run instruments/mics into a mixer(make sure you are getting a perfect signal) then run from the mixer into the sound card. Learn how to record a sound from an input line and how to arrange pre-recorded sounds. Also learn how to turn an arrangement into a.wav or.mp3 file. (After all, eventually we want to make a CD with all this awesome music!) Select a room in your house. Sound-proof it if possible. If not, try to use special carpet or insulation that can at least reduce external noise. Start writing simple tracks. Start off with a drumbeat. Add a bass line or piano or vocal track. Start mixing. Explore! It's all about experimentation. At the beginning, you don't have to write a masterpiece - just focus on having fun! If you have trouble with any of the above, pick up a Mixing / Studio Book. It will help you understand the underlying concepts needed to keep you going for a lifetime. Once you've learned the basics, start breaking it down. Lay a bunch of tracks together. Experiment with processed effects. Experiment with plugins, loops, new hardware and anything else you can get your hands onto. Obtain a suitable computer, preferably a Mac. It must be installed in the room you want to create music. Get an audio interface, mic and sound output. For a few hundred dollars or pounds, you can pick up the Focusrite Scarlett Studio, with a 2i2 interface, CM25 mic and HP60 headphones. Plug it in. The Scarlett Studio comes with all the cables included. Start your Digital Audio Workstation program. PCs are best with Cubase, Macs with GarageBand or Logic Pro X. Get a MIDI keyboard . Plug it in. You have a basic studio. Enjoy!

Write a plan of what you want to do. Acquire the appropriate equipment. Buy or download music-editing software for your PC. Connect everything up. Learn how to record a sound from an input line and how to arrange pre-recorded sounds. Select a room in your house. Start writing simple tracks. If you have trouble with any of the above, pick up a Mixing / Studio Book. Once you've learned the basics, start breaking it down. Obtain a suitable computer, preferably a Mac. Get an audio interface, mic and sound output. Plug it in. Start your Digital Audio Workstation program. Get a MIDI keyboard . You have a basic studio.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Job-when-You-Are-Blind-or-Visually-Impaired

How to Get a Job when You Are Blind or Visually Impaired

To get a job when you are blind or visually impaired, try enlisting the help of an employment agency or disability organization who can provide services and advice to help you in your search. If you can, ask these organizations about getting a speech dictation program or a larger monitor to make your job search easier. Before a job interview, focus on any skills and talents such as number-crunching or computer technology that you can emphasize to a potential employer. Then, during your interview, focus on what you can offer and are capable of without the use of your eyes.

Determine the jobs available for the visually impaired. There are more options for the visually impaired in the job market than ever before. Visually intense jobs are not suited for the blind, but the vast majority of work in a modern society can be customized to suit someone in your position. There are lists online of work that is suited for the blind. You may be surprised at the variety of work that's available to you in spite of your disability. Eyesight is only one of the five senses. Consider a profession that values one of the other senses more. Telemarketing, for example, is a sound-based profession and doesn't require sight. A massage therapist, on the other hand, relies primarily on touch. You should cross-reference typical jobs for the blind with the work you would personally be interested in doing. Contact an employment agency. Employment agencies are perfect tools for anyone who is experiencing difficulty finding work, regardless whether they're disabled or not. However, due to the unique issues the visually-impaired face in the job market, these agencies often offer services specifically catered to these cases. Outlets like Career Connect are sometimes in contact with disability organizations to enable the blind to find work. Enlist the help of a disability organization. Because visual impairment can prove such a problem with everyday living, there are organizations in place with the specific intent of helping people who are in this position. Reaching out to a blindness organization can give you a major boost in your work search. These people know exactly the kind of difficulties you're going through, and have a personal interest in helping you succeed. Consider self-employment. Although there have never been so many options for a visually-impaired person in the workplace, there's always the option of becoming self-employed. Being your own boss, you'll be able to allow yourself as many concessions as you need in order to get the job done. Self-employment requires having a great skill or talent and having the vision necessary to monetize it. Due to how stressful self-employment it usually is, it's not a recommended course of action for most people. In the United States, the Business Enterprise Program is available for visually-impaired people who wish to start their own businesses. Vendor stands for packaged foods and prepared foods are potential ideas for the visually-impaired. Stress your capability in an interview. Although a prospective employer should know about your disability, you shouldn't base your interview around the fact that you're blind. Instead, focus on all the things you do have to offer. Emphasize the fact that you are capable even without the use of your eyes. If you're able to master casual everyday things without the use of your eyes, your able-bodied employer will potentially be all the more impressed with you. Focus on your strengths. Everyone has special skills and talents, no matter what sort of disabilities they may have. The same rings true for the visually impaired. Take some time to think about what you have to offer to other people. Are you a skilled talker? Are you good with money and number-crunching? Do you have a tender artistic side? Just about any skill you have can be effectively monetized and employable in some way. Emphasize skill in technological fields. Studies have shown that the best prospects for the blind in the current workforce lie with technological vocations. Because technology like computers and phones can be customized to suit the circumstances of the blind, it's easier for the blind to succeed in these cases as opposed to a job that's largely physical in nature. Take night classes in computer technology or something of a tech-based nature and see if you like it. You may find you have a talent you didn't previously know about. Make use of assistive technology. Assistive technology is available for most sorts of work in a modern society. Any kind of desk job should have utilities, like direct speech word processing, to help make things easier for you. Although you may have a disability, there are lots of tools available for most kinds of work that will help pull up the slack. Writing jobs can be conceivably done by using a speech dictation program. Larger-than-average monitors and braille display can be added onto someone's workstation if they have difficulties with vision. Enlist in a school program. There is a chance you'll need to attend school to learn skills before you're ready to work. Whether it's going to a post-secondary school for a degree, or learning basic life skills in relation to your disability, getting some help in skill building looks good on anyone in search of employment. Most post-secondary institutions will offer special services to the disabled. You should look into them and advantage of whatever benefits you can. Work on your self-esteem. Many studies have found that a blind person's biggest obstacle in finding work lies in his self-esteem. Many visually-impaired individuals automatically assume there is no place for them in the workplace due to their affliction. Fortunately, this is absolutely not the case. Before you even start sending out resumes, it's a good idea to nurture a positive attitude. Stamp out negative thoughts, and replace them with something positive. For example, if you find yourself thinking something like "I'll never find a job. No one will ever hire me because I'm blind," replace the thought with something constructive: "I may be blind, sure, but it doesn't stop me from being a worthwhile and valuable human being." Understand that the limits are never as bad as they look. In many ways, living in today's society comes with the expectation that you have full use of your eyes. If this isn't the case with you, it can be easy to feel hopeless about one's situation. However, the vast majority of modern professions are available for the visually-impaired to pursue. Look up success stories for the blind. You should never let yourself get down. Being visually impaired may be tough in many situations, but if you take a moment to look, you'll find hundreds of success stories of people who have gone on to do great things in spite of their disability. Many of these success stories end up using their disability as a motivator to excel in other ways. Never let a disability keep you from doing what you are capable of. Learn about anti-discrimination legislation. People with visual impairment are sometimes stigmatized in the workplace. However, anti-discrimination laws have made it so that it's never been easier to find work as a blind person. Mid-size and larger corporations are often offered incentives to hire the legally blind and visually impaired. Although you'll still need to have the other skills in order to be hired, you should never see your disability as an obstacle with the vast majority of jobs. In the United States, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 was enacted to help ensure equal opportunities for people with disabilities. Depending on the country you're currently residing in, there should be similar laws passed to make it easier for you to find work.

Determine the jobs available for the visually impaired. Contact an employment agency. Enlist the help of a disability organization. Consider self-employment. Stress your capability in an interview. Focus on your strengths. Emphasize skill in technological fields. Make use of assistive technology. Enlist in a school program. Work on your self-esteem. Understand that the limits are never as bad as they look. Look up success stories for the blind. Learn about anti-discrimination legislation.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Microscope

How to Make a Microscope

To make a microscope, start by getting a 1 inch long PVC tube, and another tube that's just small enough to slide along the inside walls of the larger tube. Then, super glue a lens at the end of each tube and slide the smaller tube into the larger one. Next, create the eyepiece by drilling a hole in the bottom of a film canister and pushing the smaller end of the tube into the canister. After that, use PVC pipe to make a vertical stand about 0.5 inches tall, and attach it to a square piece of plywood. Finally, position your microscope tube in the vertical stand.

Find two tubes with different diameters. Look for tubes made of sturdy materials, such as PVC. This will ensure that your microscope will hold up over time. The small tube should be just small enough to slide along the inside walls of the large tube. Make each tube approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) long. Line the tubes with black paper. The functioning of a microscope will be diminished if light enters through the side of the tube. To improve the microscope's ability to function, line the sides of the tube with black paper. This will help absorb any excess light. If you use a thick, opaque material such as PVC, the black paper is not necessary. Fasten a lens to each tube. Super glue a lens on the end of each tube. The diameter of the lens should match the diameter of the tube. Use a moderate amount of glue and make sure not to get it on the inside of the lens. Allow the glue to dry before proceeding. Use lenses with short focal lengths. For example, you could reuse the lenses from disposable 35mm cameras to make a microscope. Or you, could order lenses online. Slide the small tube inside the large tube. Place the open end of the small tube inside the large tube. You now have a lens at both ends and the ability to move them closer to each other. This allows you to view objects and focus on them using your microscope. Focusing this type of microscope is done by simply sliding the lenses close together or further apart until a clear image is obtained. Cover each end with a rubber disc. Cover the edges of each lens by gluing on a rubber disc. Be sure that the discs do not cover the center of either lens. This creates a buffer between the lens and other objects. It also makes the microscope more aesthetically pleasing. Make a hole in a film canister. An eyepiece is not necessary to see objects, but it helps to keep your eye off of the viewing lens. It can also make viewing more comfortable. Use a drill or sharp object (e.g. scissors) to make a hole in the bottom of a film canister. The hole should be in the center of the canister and large enough to slide the smallest tube through. Push the lens tube through the hole. Line the smallest tube up with the hole in the canister. Push the tube so that the top (side with the lens) inch is inside the film canister. If the tube will not fit, make the hole larger until it does. Secure the eyepiece. Use glue or liquid cement to keep the eyepiece in place. This will allow you to look through the eyepiece without it moving. Give the glue time to dry. Start with a solid base. Use a square of plywood or plastic to set your base. Use a saw to cut the square to have 4 in (10 cm) sides. You want the base to be approximately 0.75 inches (1.9 cm) thick. Create a vertical stand. You can use a wooden cylinder to create a vertical stand. PVC pipe is another option. Cut the vertical stand to be 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) tall. Glue the vertical stand to the base plate. Secure the microscope tube to the vertical stand. The microscope tube should rest just above the base plate. This will allow you to place samples under the microscope lens. The tube can be secured to the vertical stand with glue or zip ties. Test your microscope. Gather a sample and view them under your microscope. You can start by looking at a drop of water, or a piece of hair. You can slide the eyepiece up and down to adjust the focus of the microscope.

Find two tubes with different diameters. Line the tubes with black paper. Fasten a lens to each tube. Slide the small tube inside the large tube. Cover each end with a rubber disc. Make a hole in a film canister. Push the lens tube through the hole. Secure the eyepiece. Start with a solid base. Create a vertical stand. Secure the microscope tube to the vertical stand. Test your microscope.

https://www.wikihow.com/Improve-Your-Stride

How to Improve Your Stride

Improving your stride will help you run faster and prevent injuries. When you run, keep your back straight, your shoulders rolled back, and your arms relaxed, which will help you keep proper form. Always stretch before you run to increase your range of motion and the length of your strides. As you run, focus on driving your knees high up to your chest, which will help you lengthen each step. Another good way to lengthen your stride is to practice bounding drills. Start with a slow job, and with each step increase the length of your stride by just a little bit. To help yourself improve, have someone film you running. Then, review the footage and see what changes you need to make to your running form.

Count your steps per minute. Time yourself running for 60 seconds. As you run, count how many times your feet strike the ground. Calculating how many steps you take per minute will give you an idea of what your cadence currently is and how much you need to improve. Most runners have a cadence of 150-170 steps per minute, while elite runners will often have a cadence of over 180. A stride is two steps—one by each foot. Divide your steps per minute by two to find your stride per minute. Most running analyses use steps per minute, but you may find strides per minute more convenient for your training. Film yourself running. You only need a few minutes of film. Find a track or a treadmill where you can run at your optimal speed. It is best to ask a friend or a coach to hold the camera for you. You can also try using a tripod, although it may not catch the full length of your run. Review the film of your running. You may need to watch the footage several times. Upload the video onto a computer or TV so that you can see your form in large detail. When reviewing the footage, pay special attention to your knee, head, and shoulder placement. You may compare your running form to professional and elite runners. You will need to correct any mistakes in form or style before you can start to improve your stride. Ask yourself: How high do you drive your knees? What is your posture like? How fast are you running? Watch your foot strike. Do you land on your forefoot, midfoot, or heel? While there is some debate on what is the best foot strike, it is generally agreed that you should avoid landing on your heel. You may need to reform your foot strike to a more consistent style. A forefoot strike will cause the least amount of shock on your body. You land on the balls of your feet before rotating back on your midfoot or heel. Your foot will rotate forward again to propel your next stride. A midfoot strike spreads the impact throughout your foot. It will look like you are landing flat on your feet or that you are landing on both the ball and heel of your feet. A good midfoot strike will land on the outside of the foot. A heel strike can cause stress and injury. Your foot will land on the heel and rock forward to propel your body on the ball of your foot. Examine your form. If you do not have not a good form, you may not be reaching your full running potential. Each time you watch your video, look at a different part of your body, and see if you need to correct any mistakes. Your head should be looking straight ahead, not down at your feet or at the track. Your shoulders should be down and relaxed, not tight and scrunched up by your neck. Your arms should be relaxed, and they should be moving backwards and forwards, not sideways. Keep your arms positioned between your chest and lower waist. Your back should be straight. You should be leaning slightly forward, centered over your hips. You should not be leaning back. Determine your running style. Different styles of running will require different techniques. Training is a highly individual process, and what works for some may not work for others. Understand what your needs are so that you can improve your stride using the techniques best for you. Sprinters will want to increase their stride length. High knee lifts and hip exercises will be most beneficial. Mid-distance runners may want to improve both stride length and rate. They will need to focus on glute, hamstring, hip, and core exercises. Endurance runners may want a shorter stride length and a faster stride rate. They will want to work on core, glutes, and hamstrings. If you've had an injury, you may want to avoid widening your stride length, focusing instead on proper form and stride speed. Improve your posture. Even when you are not running, you should try to keep good posture. This will naturally improve your form when running. When you stand, keep your back straight and your shoulders rolled back. Try to work standing up if you can to naturally strengthen your back muscles. Stretch before running. Dynamic stretching exercises are a good warm-up for running. These increase your range of motion and help prepare your muscles for exercise. Dynamic stretches include: Shoulder circles: slowly move your shoulders forward in a circular motion. Do ten times before rolling them backwards in a similar motion. Side bends: Stand straight with your legs apart. With a straight arm, reach down the side of your legs before coming back to the center. Repeat with the other side of your body. Hip circles: Put your hands on your hips. Make a circle with your hips, keeping your legs and torso still. Leg swings: Balance your weight on your left side of your body. Swing your right leg back and forth rapidly. (You can balance your left hand on a wall if necessary). Do 6-10 times before switching to your other foot. Leg bouncing: Brace your hands against the wall. Quickly bounce on the on the balls of your feet. Your heels should be lifting from the ground. Strengthen your arms. Your arms are an underutilized force that will balance and push you forward. Strength training may be able to increase your overall energy, running economy, and endurance. Try to have two training sessions a week. Some exercises you can try are: Bench press: Lie on a bench with two dumbbells extended above your shoulders. Lower one dumbbell to shoulder height, and slowly lift it back up until your arm is straight. Lower the other dumbbell in the same manner. Bicep curls: Hold a dumbbell in both hands. Stand straight with your elbows near your torso and your palms facing forward. Curl one arm up slowly. Wait a second before lowering it back down. Repeat with the other arm. Dumbbell squat to press: Hold a dumbbell in both hands at shoulder height. Slowly lower into a squat. Rise back up, stretching the dumbbells above your head. Your arms should be straight above your head. Lower the weights back to shoulder height before repeating. Train your core. Core exercises will increase your energy and provide essential stability to your running. These exercises will often not just give your abs strength, but they can also strengthen your hips, glutes, and legs, which are essential components for a good stride. Some good core exercises are: Plank: Lie down on your stomach. Lift your body until it is resting on your forearms and toes. Your body should form a straight line from your shoulders to your toes. Try to hold the pose for at least 20 seconds. Bridging: Lie back on the ground. Your knees should be bent about hip's width apart. Relax your arms on the floor. Squeeze your glutes. Lift your hips and pelvis off the ground. Your body should form a straight slope from your knees to your neck. Hold for 10 seconds before lowering. Lunge with a medicine ball: Hold the medicine ball with both hands straight in front of your body. Lunge forward, bending the front leg and keeping the back leg straight. Move the medicine ball from right to left across your body before bringing it back to center. Keep your knees high. As you run, focus on driving your knees high up into your chest. Try to keep a steady pace at first so that you can focus on how high your knees can go. There are several exercises you can do to improve knee height. Knee hugs: Stand straight with your legs slightly apart and your arms at your side. Beginning with your right leg, raise one knee as high as it will go. Grab the knee with your hands, and squeeze it towards your body. Release and slowly lower it towards the ground. Repeat with the other leg. Marching Drill: March at a walking pace around your usual running route. As you step up, drive your knees up as high as you can. The more exaggerated the movements, the better. Start slowly but build up speed over several sessions. Skip: Once you have mastered marching, try skipping around an exercise track. Skipping is more intensive than marching, and it will help you lengthen your stride at a faster pace. Focus on pushing yourself off, and use your arms to help drive you forward. Extend your hips. The hips are an important area to strengthen if you want a longer stride. While core exercises can help you open and stretch your hips, there are certain exercises you can do that will specifically target your hips. Deep lunges: Bend one leg in front of you while keeping the other leg stretched out straight behind you. Lower your body as far as it will go. As you rise, bring the back leg forward into a new lunge. Hip flexor stretch: Kneel on your right knee with your left knee bent 90 degrees in front of you. Slide your left foot forward a few inches before stretching your hips forward so that your left knee is straight over your left foot. Hold for 30 seconds before switching to the other leg. Train with bounding drills. Start with a slow jog. With each step, increase the length of your stride just a little bit. Soon, you should be leaping between each stride. Focus on propelling yourself off your feet and extending the back of your stride. High skips are another type of bounding drill. Push off or jump from one leg while driving the other leg up towards your knees. It will look like an exaggerated skipping or jumping motion. As you move forward, alternate between your legs. Avoid overstriding. While it can be good to increase your stride length, you do not want to extend your stride too far. This can cause injury. Your foot should be landing beneath your body, not in front of your body. If your stride is too long, you may land on a straight leg extended in front of your body, or you may feel a harder impact on the foot. When you lengthen your stride, you should be focusing on lifting the knees and extending the back leg of the stride, not the front. Practice visualization. Some runners find that visualization techniques can help them mentally focus for better stride rates. Try imagining that you are running on hot coals or on spikes. This will cause you to soften your steps and increase your turnover rate. Speed up your cadence. Identify what your personal stride rate goal is. For example, if you are starting in the 160 steps per minute range, you might want to work your way up to 170. As you train continue to count your steps per minute. Try counting aloud to give yourself a beat to run to. Measure yourself several times to see what your average rate is. See if you can increase it by a few steps a day. It may take several training sessions to work your rate to a consistently higher level. Exercise your hamstrings and glutes. Your hamstrings and glutes are important to develop if you want to increase your speed. Many exercises target both the hamstrings and the glutes. That said, hamstring injuries are common amongst runners. Make sure that you are practicing safe, proper techniques. Certain exercises can strengthen your hamstring while preventing injury Leg curl: You can find a leg-curl machine at your local gym. Adjust the machine for your height and weight preferences. Lie flat on your bench against the bench and your legs beneath the weight pad. Curl your lower legs up, keeping your upper legs flat against the bench. Lower and repeat. Superman exercise: Lie on your stomach. Extend your arms straight in front of you. Raise your arms, legs, and chest off the ground, and squeeze your glutes. Hold for two seconds before lowering. Repeat at least ten repetitions. Glute-ham raise: Have a partner hold your ankles. Kneel with your torso straight. Lower yourself towards the ground by extending your knees. Hold your hands out to catch the floor, and gently propel yourself back up. You may need to practice before you are able to reach the floor.

Count your steps per minute. Film yourself running. Review the film of your running. Watch your foot strike. Examine your form. Determine your running style. Improve your posture. Stretch before running. Strengthen your arms. Train your core. Keep your knees high. Extend your hips. Train with bounding drills. Avoid overstriding. Practice visualization. Speed up your cadence. Exercise your hamstrings and glutes.

https://www.wikihow.com/Unclog-a-Kitchen-Sink

How to Unclog a Kitchen Sink

To unclog your kitchen sink, try using boiling water. Just bring a pot of water to a boil, then carefully pour it down the drain of your kitchen sink. The heat from the water should help break up the clog. If that doesn't work, try using baking soda and white vinegar. First, pour 1 cup (180 g) of baking soda down the drain. Then, pour in 1 cup (235 mL) of white vinegar. Let the baking soda and white vinegar fizz for 15 minutes, then run hot water to flush out the clog. You can also use a flat-bottomed plunger to plunge the sink drain. Place the suction cup at the end of the plunger over the drain so there's a tight seal, then pump the plunger up and down until the clog gets sucked away and your sink drains properly. If you don't have a flat-bottomed plunger, you can also try using a wire coat hanger to unclog your kitchen sink. Start by unraveling the coat hanger and bending the end into a hook shape. Insert the hooked end of the hanger into the drain as far as you can, and wiggle it up and down while twisting it to help break up the clog. If nothing is working, you may need to use a drain snake to reach further down into the drain. If your sink has a garbage disposal, try turning it on to see if that breaks up the clog. If all else fails, it might be time to call a plumber.

Fill the sink partially full of hot water. Fill the sink until it is about 1/4 to 1/2 of the way full. Position the plunger over the drain. If you have a double sink, then stuff a washcloth into the unclogged drain to ensure that the plunger's pressure is focused on the clog. Work the plunger up and down quickly. Pull the plunger off of the drain opening and see if the water starts to drain. Continue using the plunger until the clog is dislodged. It may take a little while to dislodge the clog. If this does not work, then try a different method. Put on a pair of rubber gloves. Use a bowl or a cup to bail standing water out of the sink. Pour the water into a bucket. Push 1 cup of baking soda down the sink drain. Use a spatula to force the baking soda into the opening, if necessary. Pour 1 cup of vinegar into the drain opening. Put the stopper into the sink so that the vinegar is forced toward the clog. Wait 5 minutes to allow the solution to work on the clog. Run warm water into the sink to see if the clog disappears. Pour 4 cups of boiling water down the drain if the warm water fails to work. If the sink is still clogged, then apply the baking soda and vinegar solution again. Open the cabinet beneath your sink. Place a bucket underneath the pipes to catch any water that may drain out. Detach the trap. The trap is the curved pipe that dips below the horizontal and vertical pipes. Try to unscrew PVC pipes by hand. If you can't unscrew the pipes by hand, then use a pipe wrench or channel locks to loosen the connections. Empty water from the trap into the bucket. Check the trap for clogs and clean the trap if needed. If you find the clog in the trap, reattach the trap. Turn on the hot water and see if the sink drains. If the sink is still clogged, then follow the next steps to use the cable auger. Remove the horizontal pipe that connects the trap to the stub pipe in the wall. Push the end of the cable auger into the stub pipe until the auger meets resistance. Pull out about 18" (46 cm) of cable from the stub pipe. Tighten the lock screw. Crank the handle in a clockwise direction. Push forward as you do this to guide the auger deeper into the pipe. If the cable catches on something, then turn the handle counterclockwise and pull the auger back. If the auger meets resistance again, continue pulling the cable out and cranking the handle clockwise until the cable catches on the clog. Retract the cable from the stub pipe. Reattach the horizontal pipe and the trap. Do not tighten the plastic parts too much or they may crack. Turn on the hot water to see if the sink drains. If the water runs slowly, then fill up the sink part of the way and use a plunger to dislodge the remains of the clog.

Fill the sink partially full of hot water. Position the plunger over the drain. Work the plunger up and down quickly. Continue using the plunger until the clog is dislodged. Put on a pair of rubber gloves. Push 1 cup of baking soda down the sink drain. Pour 1 cup of vinegar into the drain opening. Wait 5 minutes to allow the solution to work on the clog. Pour 4 cups of boiling water down the drain if the warm water fails to work. Open the cabinet beneath your sink. Detach the trap. Empty water from the trap into the bucket. Remove the horizontal pipe that connects the trap to the stub pipe in the wall. Pull out about 18" (46 cm) of cable from the stub pipe. Crank the handle in a clockwise direction. Retract the cable from the stub pipe. Turn on the hot water to see if the sink drains.